Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Echo Platoon #2

Hard Landing

Rate this book
Navy SEAL Champions Corrupt Commander's Estranged Wife in Hard Landing a Military Romantic Suspense by Marliss Melton Navy SEAL Brant "Bronco" Adams adores women but never lets himself get too close to any one of them--until he meets sweet, classy Rebecca McDougal.Rebecca is the wife of Mad Max, Brant's commanding officer and safely off-limits--until she confesses that she’s desperate to escape her nightmare of a marriage and that Max isn’t the upstanding commander they all think.Emboldened to protect her, Brant skids head-long into Mad Max's plot to do him in. Suddenly, the former playboy will assume any risk to give him and Rebecca hope for a future of their own.PUBLISHER'S Marliss Melton brings her unique personal experience to each story, putting the reader in the center of the action. This story contains colorful language used by real SEALs and sexual situations that typify passionate, strong men and women. Readers who enjoy Hot Seal Romance, women's adventure stories, military romance as well as fans of Gena Showalter, Meli Raine, Teresa Reasor, Dana Marton and Leslie North will enjoy this romantic military suspense series."I laugh, cry a little and always end the book with a sigh of satisfaction and a tear that it is over." ~Melissa T., Verified Reviewer"Marliss Melton's books are always a great read! She grabs you from the first paragraph to the last!" ~Jan, Verified Reviewer THE ECHO PLATOON SERIES, in orderDanger CloseHard LandingFriendly FireHot TargetInsider ThreatTHE TASKFORCE SERIES, in order The ProtectorThe GuardianThe Enforcer

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2015

166 people are currently reading
291 people want to read

About the author

Marliss Melton

54 books531 followers
Marliss Melton is the author of over twenty romantic suspense, medieval, and inspirational stories. She relies on her experience as a military spouse and on her many contacts in the Spec Ops and Intelligence communities to pen realistic and heartfelt stories about America's elite warriors and fearless agency heroes. Daughter of a U.S. foreign officer, Melton grew up in various countries overseas. She has taught English, Spanish, ESL, and Linguistics at the College of William and Mary, her alma mater., and to this day she lives in Williamsburg, Virginia. Marliss also writes inspirational romantic suspense as Rebecca Hartt. Be sure to “friend” Marliss on Facebook! Visit www.marlissmelton.com or https://RebeccaHartt.com for more information.

Series:
* SEAL Team 12

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
156 (39%)
4 stars
140 (35%)
3 stars
72 (18%)
2 stars
23 (5%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Pilar S.C..
Author 10 books272 followers
August 11, 2020
No tenía grandes expectativas con esta novela, pero me he comido mis propios prejuicios (y me lo merezco. Qué gran verdad eso de "no puedes juzgar a un libro por su portada"). Tanto es así que estoy empezando a leer la novela que le precede (desconocía que era una saga, así era mi interés).

A ver, ¿por dónde empiezo?

Decir, aunque no debería, que Rebecca me ha cautivado por completo. Con sus monstruos acechándola en su propia casa, se describe como una mujer de armas tomar (¡y menuda mujer!). Decidida, segura de sí misma, valiente, pero dulce, romántica y sensible al mismo tiempo. Es las dos caras de una persona representada en una sola persona. Sublime la pluma de Melton con ella. Es como si la hubiese dibujado a antojo, y encima de manera excepcional. Estoy cautivadísima, de verdad.

En cuanto a Bronco (Brant Adams) me lo llevo a casa (ojalá pudiera). Su perfil es una prueba más de que no se puede juzgar a las personas (ni los libros) por la primera impresión. De Bronco hay mucho donde rascar, y Becca sabe "pillarle el punto". De carácter fuerte y decidido, se muestra como un hombre con los pantalones bien puestos (y los huevos, porque hay que tenerlos bien grandes para hacer lo que hace).

En fin, que no quiero desvelar mucho de la novela. LA RECOMIENDO. No digo más.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pamela(AllHoney).
2,688 reviews376 followers
January 17, 2018
The second book in The Echo Platoon series by Marliss Melton. Navy SEAL Brant Adams, or Bronco as his teammates call him, respects that Rebecca McDougal is married to his commanding officer but he can't help be attracted. When Rebecca informs him that things are a little odd with his CO, he can't help but check things out. When Rebecca is threatened he steps up.

Okay, I know that a lot of people don't like the married woman thing. I'm iffy about it myself. But this is not a loving marriage and the name "Mad Max" suits the Commander.

So, I did like it. Not my favorite of Ms. Melton but not my least fave either. I like this series!
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books399 followers
September 24, 2015
***Audio Book***

I have come to really enjoy this author's books. I love her attention to authenticism, her engaging characters, and a plot that grabs me from the beginning. I confess that this story was one I hesitated over because of the situation of the romantic pair, but my hesitation was over-ridden by interest in other aspects of the story. And in the end, I can say that I'm glad I gave it a go.

This is the second full-length book in the Echo Platoon series. The story works just fine as a standalone. Each story is self-contained with brief mentions in this one of the pair from the last book. I suspect that will be true of all the books as each SEAL gets his story.

Brant 'Bronco' Adams is the easy and happy go lucky member of his team. He loves his job and has a zest for life as a former bronc rider now turned SEAL. After seeing the way his mom hurt when his dad 'loved her and left her', he swore that he would never do that to any woman. He never wants to have a relationship and make some woman fall in love with him only to disappoint her. He's doing pretty good at keeping things light and easy until his friendship with the commander's wife starts to take a turn toward attraction. Getting involved with her is career suicide let alone wrong on a few levels. However, caution goes by the way when Becca shares something suspicious about his commander and hints that things aren't that good at home. Brant will help her sort through this dangerous new revelation and try to keep his hands to himself.

Becca married 'Mad' Max McDougall with stars in her eyes not realizing the controlling, cold man he really is. It is when she finds herself attracted to the fun-loving and kind Bronco that she realizes what a big mistake she made. Her disillusionment becomes the least of her worries when she accidentally comes across something on Max's laptop that leads her to the suspicion that something is really wrong. In desperation, she turns to Bronco and what he uncovers starts a dangerous clandestine mission to get the proof they need that will both protect her and free her from the entanglement she has gotten herself into. Meanwhile, they both fight the attraction between them. Bronco doesn't do long-term and Becca knows that the strong feelings she is developing are going to get her burned, but maybe not before Max's secrets get her or Bronco killed.

This story sets up the romance and suspense elements quickly and then develops them. There is a goodly amount of tension in fact, it felt more thriller at times. Bronco, Becca, and Max share the majority of the narration. Having Max's perspective didn't lessen the tension, but changed it because the reader is left wondering if he'll figure out that he's under investigation or if panic and do something drastic. There is the tension of Bronco and Becca trying to be so discreet and whether they'll get caught out. Things built to an exciting climax that left me breathless until the denouement.

Now, I mentioned that the romance was a touchy concern for me. I don't like it when a relationship begins while one or both characters are in an existing relationship with someone else. Naturally, this one was not a cut and dry issue. Becca's marriage was untenable by the time the attraction with Bronco was acknowledged. The author allowed them to slip up with a few kisses, but nothing more happened until Becca was separated from Max. I was uncomfortable, but still able to enjoy their story mostly because the relationship took its time and carefully built on short, solid moments together.

Bronco was a great hero. He's attractive in looks and personality while also being protective and caring. It was sad that a guy who was fierce-some and brave in the face of everything else was scared that he would become his dad and hurt the woman he loved. Becca is a gentle soul with simple needs. She, too, was affected by her dad's desertion and didn't realize she married Max to fulfill that hole only to discover what real love and being with the one you loved and who loves you looks like. I enjoyed watching them help heal each other, work together to sort out Max's dangerous mess, and tentatively forma a relationship.

The author writes good villains. She writes both the utterly black-hearted types and the conflicted villains. Tony was the first type, but Max was a complex character that fascinated me more the the hero and heroine did at times.

On a side note, I appreciate that the SEAL team actually goes out on a mission and that there is interaction between the members. The team helps Bronco figure out what is going on and has his back. Bronco's best friend is the zen-like, bookish Jeremiah 'Bullfrog' and Sam is there to give him advice.

As to the narrator, Armen Taylor, was new to me, but I would definitely enjoy books he narrates. He did well with the range of mostly male and some female characters. His pacing was good and his storytelling didn't distract, but kept me engaged in the story.

In summary, I was hesitant, but glad I took the plunge. I enjoy what the author brings to military romantic suspense and look forward to each new installment in this series. I love the strong SEAL heroes, exciting action plots, and passion-filled romance particularly because each story offers up something a little different and not cookie cutter in action or romance. Lovers of military romantic suspense should give these a look-see.

My thanks to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Chanel.
1,833 reviews
July 8, 2020
3.75 Stars. As typical with a book starring a Navy Seal, there is a woman needing protection. What makes this book different from the hundred others with this plot, is the Seal is protecting the “damsel in distress” from another Seal, whom happens to the lady’s husband, and his Commanding Officer.
Rebecca and Bronco have always gotten along and find each other easy to talk with, and even though Bronco is attractive to sweet, sexy Rebecca, she was off limits. When Rebecca shares her fears and suspicions about her husband, they become closer. Once she files for a legal separation, their relationship deepens, and so does the drama and intrigue around them. The ending is action-packed with the good guy winning.
2,966 reviews10 followers
April 4, 2019
Spice

Well nothing like finding who you married isn't who who you thought. Then finding the the right one. Only to go through hell to get there. Ahh drama.Gotta love it.
Profile Image for Tammy.
7 reviews
June 15, 2015
I'm usually a big fan of Marliss Melton but I think she just went through the motions on this book. The premise was good but that's about the only good thing about it. There wasn't much (hmmm, any?) depth to the characters. Mad Max repeated the same thoughts over and over again. Melton could have really upped the "crazy factor" with him to make the story more interesting but she didn't. We know that he is obsessed with his wife and is very controlling but it's because we are repeatedly told that instead of being there when it happens. There's absolutely no action--just lots and lots of thoughts. He's worried that all of his secrets are coming out and he constantly wonders if Bronco knows the secrets. We hear that about a million times. As for Bronco, he's a player and we know why he has his name and that he's got a great body but that's about it. Again, this is repeated over and over. Rebecca does not act like an abused wife (verbally abused in this case). She's not cowering or fearful even on the rare occasion when Mad Max actually goes off on her. There just wasn't enough there to make me like her or hate her and that really applies to all of the characters. The pages and pages of medical scenes were filled with so many glaring errors that could have easily been fixed if she had taken the time to have an ER or critical care nurse to read them. I know that sounds very nit picky but over the top medical stuff drives me crazy. If I take the time to read a book then I hope it's as accurate as it can be in portraying real life situations and Melton obviously didn't do her research on this one (the op to Cuba is another good example).

Bottom line... would I recommend this book? No. There are much better books out there. This one disappointed me on so many different fronts and I think a 2 star rating is being generous.

Profile Image for April.
1,850 reviews72 followers
April 20, 2015
Simply WOW! An amazing addition to the "Echo Platoon" series. "Hard Landing" is Book 2 in the amazing "Echo Platoon" series, but can be read as a stand alone, although, I would suggest reading Book 1 "Danger Close".

Fast paced, action packed, thrills and chills tale of passion, danger, suspense, mystery and romance.
I love the way the H/H find their HEA, through all the trails and tribulations and dangerous encounters. All is not what has it seems!

Ms. Melton, just keeps getting better and better, which I don't know how, she is a excellent storyteller, now. Like a fine wine, Ms. Melton's stories gets better with age! A story in which, pulls the reader into the pages of her stories and holds them in awe. Her characters will capture any reader's attention and holds them here. The storyline is more than fantastic, it is intriguing, interesting, and realistic. Well written with vivid descriptions and the knowledge of Military precision and excellence. From the first page to the last page, Ms. Melton, writes with passion, and enthusiasm. A must loved story and author! Any fans of Military Suspense, Romance, Romantic Suspense, and fans of an awesome read, will enjoy "Hard Landing". Another hit for this author! An absolute delight to read and a series, I have thoroughly enjoy reading. I look forward to my next encounter with the THE ECHO PLATOON SERIES and their team! Well done! A keeper and a must read!

*Received for an honest review from the author*
**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction and More dot com**

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
October 8, 2019
Reviewed by Julie
Book provided by the author

This novel mixes both traditional and military suspense, and features Navy Seal Brant Adams, a love 'em and leave 'em playboy and the wife of Brant's CO, Rebecca McDougal, a woman in danger from her abusive husband and the types of people he has exposed her to. They seem like an unlikely match, but Brant is drawn to Rebecca like no other woman before her. When she confides in Brant about some odd financial dealings her husband has been hiding from her , Brant agrees to help her find out what is going on. What happens next will change the course of their lives forevermore.

I love SEALS! Sometimes I don't even read the blurb if I see SEAL in the book title. I just buy it. That's how obsessed I am with these hot, sexy, super disciplined, well trained guys who put their lives on the line going on dangerous missions.  I am also a big fan of the more traditional romantic suspense novels, so a combination of the two styles would be right up my alley. No?

Well, sadly, this book has a few problems. Some are my own personal issues, so I'll get my old fuddy duddy views out of the way first. Adultery under any circumstances is a sensitive issue for me. Yes, Max was abusive, dangerous, and puts Rebecca in the cross hairs, but two wrongs don't make a right. So, I had some problems with that set up, but again that's just me.

However, the issues continued as several times I felt the plot went overboard and became highly implausible.

I also had some issues with Rebecca's character. She wasn't the “too stupid to live” type of female protagonist, but she was too dependent on men to save her, making her character lean to much in the 'damsel in distress category' which is often off putting to some modern readers. Max's “protection” was a way to control her, but Brant's constantly saying he would protect her, which was meant as a romantic gesture, became a little redundant and made Rebecca's character too docile and bland.

One other thing bothered me a little about this book- which was, at times the story felt a little dated. I kept thinking this book reminded me of romantic suspense written in the 1990's, only with a few references to cell phones and Facebook pages thrown in here and there to give it a more up to date feel. However, this is not a reissue to my knowledge.

Having said all that, Brant's back story explains why he has kept women at arm's length and refused to entertain the notion of a relationship. But, he genuinely likes Rebecca, enjoys her company, and respects her, which makes a casual affair distasteful to him, although he struggles with these new feelings and fights it for a while. But in the end, he folds nicely, allowing love to work it's special magic on him. Brant's character growth was the highlight of the story and made the time invested in the book worthwhile.

Although this book wasn't one MY favorites, it might be something those who enjoy romantic suspense and military heroes might want to look into, despite some of my misgivings. This author is a seasoned writer and I have enjoyed her novels in the past and I am sure I will again in the future.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,593 reviews28 followers
October 3, 2021
Hard Landing (Echo Platoon, #2), my third read from author Marliss Melton. Enjoyable, tightly woven & well-written romantic suspense, the best book in the series that I've read so far. I'd received a free Audible copy of Take Cover (Echo Platoon #4.5) and read it & enjoyed it greatly and decided to read the series. “I received a free Audible copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review." Armen Taylor's narration adds to the enjoyment of the book. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll be reading more from this author and in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,514 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2018
Brant really likes Rebecca, but she married to his commanding officer, Mad Max, so she’s off limits.

Rebecca is miserable, with Max being controlling and verbally hurtful. She also happens upon a secret bank account he has.

This is the start of unravelling the crimes Max is involved in, as well as the people he’s working for, and as they find each puzzle piece, Brant and Becca become closer, but are in more danger.

Not as good as the first book, but an interesting read. Still like the people, didn’t enjoy this plot. Hope the next ones are better.

KU
Profile Image for Mrs W Woodruff.
286 reviews5 followers
August 31, 2025
This is the 2nd book in the Echo Platoon Series. I enjoyed the 1st book but this was even better.

Brant was the SEAL’s playboy always with a different girl, but the only person who could change him was Rebecca, but she was married to his superior. When Rebecca stumbled upon an entry on her husband computer that seemed to be a bit shady she contacted Brant about what to do. It was here their adventure began. Brant wanted to keep her safe even if it meant his own life.
900 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2019
A good read

I love my SEALs. I had a hard time with the infidelity. With that said, it is full of action and suspense. It grabs you from the very beginning. Max is not the charming SEAL Rebecca thought he was. Bronco is everything Rebecca thought a SEAL should be. When trouble comes her way, will Bronco be able to save her and himself?
Profile Image for Yohana Tellez.
1,052 reviews102 followers
November 17, 2020
Gracias al grupo Romance editorial por cederme el ejemplar, me gustó mucho este libro por la trama Bronco quiere proteger a Rebecca que es la esposa de su oficial al mando, ve que ella es infeliz en su matrimonio y no puede quedarse indiferente, es una bonita historia, dónde esta lleno de acción, emociones y mucha pasión. Un libro totalmente recomendado.

Brújula de libros.
183 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2023
Echo Platoon Series Book 2

This was an outstanding story. The weaving in and out of all the characters and surprises thrown in that changed the expected outcomes made the story unique. Still handsome and valiant SEALs and one in particular who loves someone unavailable keeps your attention.
37 reviews
August 16, 2019
Mixed feelings

I love a good military romance, and this is one. However... though there was an abusive marriage, I’m not a fan of infidelity and never feel like that leads to a HEA. If you’re like me, skip this book.
130 reviews
May 18, 2021
Enjoyed

Have enjoyed this 2nd book in this series by Marliss Melton, plenty of action and a good story. Will continue to follow this series
Profile Image for Linda.
107 reviews
April 24, 2015
I'll admit I nearly didn't get this book. I have problems when the hero or heroine is still married to another person. Infidelity is a hot button topic for me (blame my childhood for that), so I did struggle with that aspect of the book.

Saying that though, I'm glad I got it. I liked Bronco and Becca. And while I wish they had gotten together under different circumstances, I can see why and how it happened. The secondary characters were as usual, strong and interesting. I'd love to know more about Rusty thats for sure.

The plot itself was interesting, and we know who the bad guys are from an early stage. At what point does a previously honourable man give up his honor? When does 'having it all' beat out 'being it all'? Where do you draw the line between justified killings and murder? Is it ok to take out a 'bad guy' for money, but not a 'good guy'? These are all questions that occurred to me as I was reading this book.

Reading the teaser at the end has me hanging out for 'Bullfrogs' book.

All in all, this was a solid read that I enjoyed (Next To Die is still my favourite. It's going to take something truly awesome to knock it off its number one spot). It kept me engaged and 'turning the pages' on the kindle to see how it would all work out in the end.
578 reviews32 followers
September 16, 2015
Max McDougal is commander of the Echo Platoon of Navy Seals. Max likes power, control and money but to get all that he has had to put aside his honor.

Rebecca is in a loveless, controlling marriage to Max. When Her life becomes threatened by associates of Max's, his secrets start to come out. In order to have a legal way out of her marriage and to bring her husband to justice for his crimes she agrees to put herself in danger.

Bronco Adams is a seal under Max McDougal's command so he has met Rebecca over the years. Bronco knows he is very attracted to Rebecca but they can never be more than friends with her married to his commander. When he finds out she has put herself in danger to bring down his corrupt commander he will do everything he can to protect her. But will it be enough?

The story is well paced with enough twist and turns to keep you reading. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone.

I listen to the audiobook featuring the Narrator Armen Taylor. He gives a smooth reading of the story making it easy to listen to.
20 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2017
No. Just no. No, No, No.

This book is a giant juxtaposition. Plenty of procedural issues. I could be here forever on this one if I expand on the things I liked/disliked in this one. Mainly disliked. More like completely turned off.
The author knows enough about military/law enforcement/medical world to bluff her way through but either doesn't understand the complexities, or just couldn't navigate them, well enough to pull off this particular story.
Profile Image for Amber.
30 reviews
October 21, 2015
I discovered Marliss Melton several years ago and haven't been disappointed since. Her books would appeal to both men and women, although they are considered romance at my local bookstore. There's always a great love story surrounded by military suspense.

"Hard Landing" is part of her "Echo Platoon" series. It was a quick read; perfect for a weekend getaway or airplane book. It moved along quickly and had me anxious for more. Her characters are quite believable and, for the most part, likable (no one likes those pesky bad guys). I'm looking forward to reading her next book in the series.

I believe Marliss Melton would appeal to readers who enjoy Suzanne Brockmann, Cindy Gerard, Deborah Mann and Joann Ross.

I was given an audiobook of this title by the author in exchange for my honest review.

Profile Image for Loy.
1,517 reviews
September 18, 2015
I enjoyed this second book in the Echo series. I have read the authors Navy seals series and really enjoyed it. So I was happy to get this one. Mad Max the commander is married to Rebecca who he controls.. she wants to get out of the marriage but has no resources. Bronco really likes his commanders wife. When she finds out what Max is doing - which is wrong and illegal -- she works with the authorities to stop him. Bronco is there to protect Rebecca. We know who the bad guys are in the beginning so it is a story of trying to catch Max and his buddies.

this was a good story. It did seem to be close to another book in the Navy Seals series but it was just the first part. Worth a read -- thought to be honest I listened to it.
37 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2015
For Strong Heroic Characters, Marliss is My Gal!

I've been reading Marliss Melton with her very first novels. I've always loved her character development. Strong men of courage and honor and the women they fight for. Brant and Rebecca are two people with similar issues with their fathers as children that have formed adult decisions that led them in misguided directions but ultimately to each other.....they just needed to stay alive to get there! Can't go wrong reading Marliss Melton.
2,343 reviews
September 30, 2016
Interesting take on military romance

I enjoyed the plot of this book as the heroine is in an unhappy marriage and in love with an officer in her husband's chain of command. Trouble comes from the husband's outside activities and how the new relationship would be viewed. Realistic in many aspects.
26 reviews
May 9, 2015
Great story line

I loved this story. There weren't any boring parts at all. I look forward to the next in this series. Melton description s of the characters really brings them to life.
Profile Image for Linda Kidd.
37 reviews
May 19, 2015
Second book

Great second book in series. Recommend to read first book before this one. Great author. Knowledgeable about the Navy Seals.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.