Whiskey Tribute

Trident Security #5.5

by Samantha A. Cole

Curt Bannerman never thought he’d have to follow through with a promise to ensure his best friend’s wife and children were taken care of, in the event of Eric’s death, after the two men retired from the Navy SEALs. But an assassin made the promise a reality. Eighteen months later, he’s still keeping an eye on the family, however, somewhere along the line his feelings for the pretty widow have changed.



Dana Prichard had been both a mother and a father for her children during her husband’s multiple deployments, but once Eric retired, she thought those days were over. Now she has to do it with no chance of him ever coming home again. While his SEAL teammates have been there for her since Eric’s death, one of them stands above all the rest. The man who is slowly invading her dreams.



They started as friends, but now, both want more. Can they move past the feelings that they are betraying a dead man by wanting each other? Or is Eric always going to stand between them?

Genres: Romance, Novella, Military Fiction, BDSM, Friends To Lovers, Audiobook, Suspense

113 pages, ebook

First published May 1, 2016

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author and Award-Winning Author Samantha Cole is a retired policewoman and former paramedic. Using her life experiences and training, she strives to find the perfect mix of suspense and romance for her readers to enjoy.

Awards:
Wannabe in Wyoming (co-authored by J.B. Havens) won the bronze medal in the 2021 Readers’ Favorite Awards in the General Romance category.

Scattered Moments in Time won the gold medal in the 2020 Readers’ Favorite Awards in the Fiction Anthology category.

The Road to Solace won the silver medal in the 2017 Readers' Favorite Awards in the Contemporary Romance category.


Samantha has over thirty-five books published throughout several different series as well as a few standalone novels. A full list can be found on her website - www.samanthacoleauthor.com.


Newsletter—https://samanthacoleauthor.com/newsle...
BookBub—www.bookbub.com/authors/samantha-a-cole

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whiskey Tribute (Trident Security 5.5)
Samantha Cole
5 stars

This is a fantastic novella. Why .. well because its with the men and their families we love so much but also because it focuses on something “true.” … Taking care of your own, never leaving a family of a fallen alone.

Curt Bannerman promised his best friend Eric Prichard that he would take care of his wife and his 4 children if anything ever happened to him. The two survived countless missions and numerous close calls just to have Eric murdered by a man wanting revenge. Its been a year and a half since Eric was killed. Curt trying his best to stay away from Dana and the kids but the rotations that need covered he takes them, anything she needs he has her back … its not okay. He didn’t promise Eric he would make her his … he was only supposed to take care of Dana and the kids.

Dana Prichard is caught between feeling she is betraying her husband with the blips of thoughts she has for her husbands best friend. She quickly banishes them to the back of her mind feeling lost but always wanting to push forward but its time for Dana to move on and find herself again. Curt was never to be an option. He lives in Daytona and has a successful business but yet he drops everything when she needs him or the kids need him. Is it friendship and the promise to her husband that keeps him coming back or is it more?

This was a quick and beautiful read. Its different from our other Trident books but its just as amazing. Whiskey Tribute holds true to its title. The men bound together by a brotherhood like no other and the meaning of that bond runs deep in this release. I loved the story line of course but the most telling part of the book is the flashback and tribute to Eric at his ceremony. I have looked into the blood shot eyes of men who lost one of their own and it’s the most heartbreaking glimpse into their tormented memories of the fallen.

Samantha writes us amazing stories and once again we have been given a gift. If you read the “disclaimer” for lack of a better word on the front pages of her books she posts her respect for the members of the United States Military and varied members of law enforcement. I cannot think of any better way for her to shed light on these heroic men and women. If you notice, although her stories are fiction, Samantha always seems to put a deeper message into her books. No, Im not crazy. It’s a message of what it means to serve your county, protect your county and honor your family. Line up the shot glasses and fill them with Jameson because “The Tribute” is a must read.

Standing ovation Samantha. Thank you for the ARC --- Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets. Forever a fan.

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again a nice novella, but for me it didn't add much to the overall storyline. I enjoyed reading it, but I could have gone without it as well.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

In lots of ways this is a sad story, but in many others it is inspiring. It shows life goes on after loss, that there is still love to be found. Dana is lucky in so many ways, yes her husband the love of her life was murdered. But all his teammates stepped up for her and the kids, they have helped with jobs around the property, supported her and been role models for each of the children. Curt was Eric's best friend, he loved Dana almost as much as Eric but never expected to get a chance for it to be more than friendship between them. He was content to carry on as they were. Time and healing for Dana has helped her see she is ready now to move on. There is no BDSM in this story, no violence or people getting snatched, its a gentle story of picking up the pieces, coming to terms with what has happened and finding love from friendship. Although it's a novella there is still plenty packed into it and well worth reading, it ties up some events from earlier in the series that connect with our Trident Team, completing this side of the story. I loved it and feel it was a book that needed to be written even though it isn't a direct team member, the events that happened were tied to them and they are involved in this part as well. A great addition to the rest of the series.

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say I have been so waiting for Curt's book especially after reading Marco's book. I love that this one started with the conversation with Marco just like Marco's book did only this time it was from Curt's POV instead of Marco's. Curt and Dana are such an awesome couple and the battle they both have with themselves is so real. If you have read the rest of the series then you know that Dana was married to Eric aka Wabbit, but he was killed and Curt aka Elmer, was not only Eric's best friend but they served together as with all the other Trident men. They take care of their own and they consider Dana and her kids their family. I absolutely LOVE how Curt interacts with the kids and I love his name that the little girl, Amanda, gives him...Uncle Curtsy. I mean really how can you not smile when you read that?!?! And the ending of this book was absolutely perfect!!! Another amazing Trident Security book!! Can't wait to see who's book is up next! A 5 star read!!

Review by Tabitha

[The Shed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what do I say? On a plus side I was on painkillers thanks to a dental abcess so I didn't get the headache I get from holding my breath through this book! But again did not disappoint, brilliant, heart stopping with the Oooooooo bits thrown in.

Hate doing reviews on these great books cause I don't want to give the story away, I could give you all the spoilers that prove how brilliant this series is....but if you've not read this series....what you doing? Get on with it! Oh my.............
L O V E I T 5 stars doesn't give it the credit it needs. Next book please

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. This was a sweet story of a second chance at love. We learned of what happened to Dana's husband Eric in the first book Leather and Lace. I loved how thgthge book begins with the conversation between Marco and Curt in Waiting in the Shadows. Here we see how looking out for a fallen comrades family can lead to love and I loved the realistic reaction of Dana's eldest son Ryan and the birthday party for Connor Taylor and Justin's friend. Beautifully written story full of heart and love. Recommended read.

[Helen McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tribute of love

Another well written life story, what a truly wonderful talent this author has to be able to bring such feeling to the story.

[Melenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Thelma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love every single book of the Trident Security series .. each one is always full of surprises and amazing chemistry between the characters.. this one, Whiskey Tribute was not the exception .. i really love Curt and Dana .. Curt was always very caring and protective with Dana and her children... both characters were nice to read.. what i love about the story is that both of the characters took their time to embrace their feelings, with a few tissues on the way of coarse but worth every single tear to see Curt and Dana finally embracing their love.. i like that, a lot of the characters from the other Trident Security Team are recurrent like the other books on the series.. so we get to laugh and cry when they remember Eric.. (i just imagine the amount of sexiness and testosterone in that reunion) but the best laugh of the story was the uncle Curtsy nickname Amanda gave Curt lol.. what can i say, this series is getting better and better... the plot is getting more twisted and more crazy and more amazing!!! i can't wait for more.

[Alicia Harrietha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story from the Trident Series by Samantha A Cole has stolen my heart. Whiskey Tribute is a heart warming story of a former Seal Curt who honours a promise to his fallen best friend by taking care of his family now that he cannot. Curt takes this promise whole heartedly and does all that he can to help care for and protect Dana and her four kids. After nearly two years Curt has fallen in love with Dana and reading this sweet with very hot steamy sex scenes story of their love makes my heart just melt. I may have even cried in the end.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dana Prichard's husband was murdered his best friend, Curt Bannerman, and his fellow Navy Seal brothers promised to care for her and her children. Curt starts having feelings for Dana but feels guilty and is worried Dana doesn't feel the same. Can Curt get past these feelings of guilt? Buy this novella and find out!

[Janet Faes · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sad! In a far earlier book, Eric, Dana’s husband and Curt’s SEAL partner is killed. This story is behind the scenes of a number of books after this.

A SEAL party for a 10 year old. A missing kid. Guilt of ‘cheating’ on Eric. Flashback to the day he died and the funeral. And hot (non-BDSM) sex.

[Shan ~A~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curt Bannerman & Dana Prichard

For a story that was short in length, it do a good job of telling a story. It didn't feel rushed, and it was full of heart.

The only problem I had was the romance wasn't as developed as I liked, but the story did a nice job of paying respect to Eric and his Dana and Curt's love of him and eventually each other.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Cole has out done herself with this novella! I give it 5 huge Jameson shots!

Curt " Elmer" Bannerman aka " Uncle Crutsy" according to little Amanda was not just Eric " Wabbit" Bannermans navy seal partner but best freinds, brothers at heart so when he promised Eric he would watch after his family if anything ever happened to him , he meant it! However after surviving too many missions and deployments to keep track of, when they retired he never thought he would find himself doing just that ! " Wabbit " , did not die in a Foreign country on a mission, he lost his life when he was murdered on a country road while out for his afternoon run.
The seals of team four have now spent the last eighteen months taking turns and going to Dana Pritchard's home every other week to do the things Eric would have done, fix the roof. Paint a room and be there to teach someone how to through a ball, go to bea backup for Dana ; and Curt
Makes sure he is their for Dana and the kids as often as possible , he is the first to fill in when someone else can not make the trip and his seal buddies including Marco from the Trident team have taken notice, they see how he is around Dana! Leave it to a Trident team member to push a buddy into owning up to his feelings.
So what's the problem, how do you come out ad admit to yourself, your buddies and especially your best freinds wife, well dead best freinds wife that you have a thing for her Enough of a thing that you can see yourself married to her. Never mind risk messing up the relationship that you already have. Turns out that Dana has been having some of the same feelings, looking forward to Curts return, missing him and wanting more ,but to allow herself to fall for Eric's best freind feels like a betrayal ! Turns out it takes Eric's mother to get Dana to take a chance!
This novella, had me smiling, had me anxious and then had me crying, it was sweet vanilla romance that showed the level of ultimate dedication these brother seals have for each other and the level of honor they exhibit! Do not miss out on this novella , because you may just be missing out on the best in the Trident series yet!
Arc graciously provided by author for honest review!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whiskey Tribute is a novella in the Trident Security series. Like the other novellas in this series, the main character is not one of the sexy six-pack ex-Navy SEALS but the sexy six-packers are not missing from the novella. The author writes so well that you do not feel like it was a novella with all that happens. As with all the books in this series, they can be read as stand-alone's, but I highly recommend you reading them in order to be full impact of the relationships.
Curt “Elmer” Bannerman and Dana Prichard were introduced in an earlier book. The knowledge of how the death of Eric Prichard affected this group of people was so interesting. Curt was not only Eric’s best friend, they served together as Navy SEALS. Curt promised Eric that if anything happened to him, he would look out for his wife, Dana, and their children. What a shock that an assassin from a former book that the Trident Security Company had to track down was going to make Curt keep his promise. Curt and and the support of the Eric's Navy SEAL’s teammates helped keep Eric's family safe. Dana has known Curt for as long as she had known her husband, but a couple of years after her husband’s death Curt is slowly invading her dreams, but can she really let those dreams become a reality? What would people think of her moving on with her husband’s best friend? Are they betraying Eric?
As with the other books, the author ties events from prior storylines. The lives of the characters is clearly unfolded. For someone not being a fan of third person, this author has me enjoying her writing and I have no trouble reading it. I enjoyed how she had the guys helping the kids and making the one boy's birthday extra special. This book doesn’t have the suspense factor as the prior books, but it shows how moving on after a death is not easy. Going back to the early days was great. Tying earlier books and bringing them full circle to the present is one of this author's many talents. This series is so enjoyable to read even when you cry . There were times when I was tearing up. I loved the whiskey tribute and the meaning behind it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series by this talented author.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are occasions when side characters have a story. A story so important that it MUST have a book by itself. Whiskey Tribute is that story.

From the very first book in this series, the Trident men take care of their own. When the death of a team mate leaves a widow with small children, the guys take turns stepping up with chores & companionship. As time goes by, hearts start to heal. While Eric is gone, he isn't forgotten. Curt must face the feelings he has for his best briemds wife. Dana has to come to terms with her new life.

Whiskey Tribute is full of growing, healing and moving forward as life knocks you back. It touches on sensitive subjects that unfortunatly happen to too many people.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whiskey Tribute is a fabulous, heartwarming novella from Samantha A Cole. It is part of the Trident Security series, but unlike the other books it is completely vanilla. I rarely read books that don't have even a small amount of kink in them (yes I admit it I have a dirty, dirty mind), but there was no way I was turning this book down as I am a huge fan of this author. I soon forgot about the lack of whips and chains as the author sucked me into the story right from the first page. It is a delightfully sweet story, but it has it's sexy side too. This book deals with loss, grief and rebuilding your life - and at times I had tears running down my face. It's definitely not all tears though, there are plenty of laugh out loud moments too provided by the witty banter and camaraderie between the former SEALS.

Way back at the beginning of the series Eric Prichard was murdered by a lunatic with a grudge against the SEAL team members. The stars of this book are Eric's widow Dana and his best friend Curt. Since Eric's death they have grown close as Curt has helped Dana with her children and he's stepped in to help with chores that Eric would normally do. Eighteen months after his death, Curt and Dana both want more than friendship, but can they move past the guilt that they are both feeling?

I loved both main characters, as well as Dana and Eric's adorable children. It was great to see some of the other characters from the series again too. This is an amazing novella that I wholeheartedly recommend, so Whiskey Tribute receives five big stars!


I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.

[Lori Amey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love happily ever after stories.

I am in love with the Trident series so much and with all the couples this author has brought to life. Once again, I have a new couple to love. Curt and Dana's story is so sweet and loving, you can't help but to route for them to end up together. I'm glad they get the chance at happily ever after, hope to hear about them in future books. If you haven't read this series, you don't know what your missing. Can't wait to read what comes next.

[Tina Todd shobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Marco's book I really wanted to hear more about Curt and see if he ever acted upon his feeling's for Dana.

Curt was Eric's best friend. Eric was married to Dana. As with true brother in arms Curt promised Eric he'd look after his family for him if anything happened to him.

Curt and the rest of the Trident team do just that, they take care of their own. by taking turns making trips to take care of Eric's family after he loses his life to an assassin.

Marco 'calls' Curt on his feelings for Dana and basically gives him the 'get off the pot' speech. I just love the Trident men and their ability to 'call' each other on their crap. Again, just proves what a close knit, great group of guys they are.

While reading Curt and Dana story I felt all kinds of emotions right along with Dana and Curt. Dana's feelings of loss, to moving on and Curt's feeling's of the loss of his best friend and then his guilt for having feelings for his best friend's wife. Their struggle is so real. I was in tears many times.

Any book that involves kids is great in my eyes. I think everyone going into a relationship that involves children should take lessons from Curt. He is amazing.

What I found interesting in this book was the fact that there wasn't the BDSM aspect as with the rest of Trident Series. Not that the sex wasn't sizzling hot, because it was. I liked this aspect. It shows as with any close 'family' everyone respects and is comfortable with each other and how they lead their lives.

This book was very well written. Absolutely love this series!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW... Not only was this a brilliant story, but also one hell of an emotional one... (I went through a hell of alot of tissues!)
Now... I'm going to try and review without giving spoilers, which will be difficult due to content of book, but i'll give it a try!!!
Dana has was married to Eric, a former SEAL, team 4. In Ms Cole's previous book we know that Eric was killed and that the members of Trident Security are helping with whatever they can in the wake of the heartache, supporting Dana and her 4 children.
Curt and Eric were like brothers and served in team 4 together. Curt has been friends with Dana from the first day Eric and her began their life together!
Right... That's the basis of this book and i'm not going to say anymore, other than... PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!!!
The story is emotional to say the least and follows through on how Dana and Curt's relationship slowly changes from friendship to love... It's a beautiful story and is written with such passion that it brings the reader into the story, i actually felt like i was a character in the book with them!!! It's a lovely 10/10 one sitting read, but remember... Keep tissues at hand because i promise, you will need them!!!... PERFECT!!!

[Melisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

I'm a huge fan of the Trident Security men, their alpha male ways and their BDSM lifestyle however Curt isn't a Dom nor is he into the BDSM lifestyle. What Curt is into is Dana, the widow of his best friend Eric, who was killed by assassin over a year prior. Curt lusts after Dana but continues to tell himself that he can't hit on the widow of his best friend. Curt and Dana share a passionate kiss one night and now they must decide if they are willing to pursue a romantic relationship and risk the friendship they have cultivated over the years.

Although, this book doesn't have the usual BDSM flair that I have come to enjoy in this series, it was a hit nonetheless. This book isn't your typical romance with a happily ever after ending. It takes you on an emotional journey that will have you laughing, crying and yes ultimately falling in love. As a novella, this book packs a mighty punch, with a heartfelt storyline leaving you happy but wondering what is next for the men of Trident Security and their fellow SEALs.

[Literary Epic · Rating 5 out of 5]

And she does it again!!! What a novella…

You get to see a little bit of Curt in book 4 and I loved how this stared off with the conversation he had with Marco. I was so intrigued that I couldn’t put the book down.

This is a little different than the other books in the series, not so much BDSM focused but still steamy as hell!!

The blurb says it all, so I don’t want to spoil anything about the heartbreakingly beautiful book. What I will tell you is that you will need a box of tissues; I got choked up a few times.

This book was beautifully written. Not that I expect anything less from Samantha! Curt and Dana, own my heart and soul. I loved them from start to finish, as individuals, as a friend, and as a couple. You can fill their anguish from not only still coping with the loss of their best friend/husband but also the struggle they both face with regards to their feelings and the kids were just adorable.

Read this series, I honestly cannot recommend them enough!! Fantastic books…

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curt "Elmer" Bannerman is a former Navy Seal and was best friends with Eric Prichard who was killed by an assassin trying to take out members of his former Navy Team. He has always had feelings for Eric's widow, Dana, but is afraid to act on anything with Eric's memory still present.

Dana is doing her best to raise her four kids and has help from Eric's former team members but feels like she may no longer need their help. When her and Curt share a kiss she must decide if she wants to live in the past or move onto the future.

This novella was great in that it deals with the agony of moving on and at the same time not trying to overstep any boundaries. Although Curt and Dana both knew they were attracted to other, neither wanted to do anything to jeopardize the memory of Eric.

I thought the scene between Curt, Ryan and Dana was so well done from a child's perspective in how they may feel about everything!

I also really loved what the team did for Justin's best friend Connor - so awesome and made me love the team so much more!!

Such an amazing series!!

Reviewed for KFA

[Page Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story of two people trying to honor their past and move forward into their future. Curt made a promise to his late friend, Eric, to look after his wife, Dana and their children. He never dreamed how hard that promise would be to keep when his feelings turned from friendship to much more. Dana was ready to move on with her life. She strives to be the mom that her children deserve but there has to be more. Curt is that more. These two have been dancing around their feelings for each other. Afraid of what will happen if it all goes south. Will these two ever have the courage to make the move or stay just friends? This was another extraordinary addition to this series that continues to get better and better. Curt and Dana’s romance was simple and straightforward with little drama or angst. There was once again the sense of family that these security men and their women share with one another and keeps you caught up in their lives.

[Jennifer Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book by the Author for an honest review.

Whiskey Tribute: A Trident Security Series Novella - Book 5.5 is a fantastic addition to THE TRIDENT SECURITY SERIES. The characters and story line are well-developed. I love these characters and books. Curt has fallen in love with Dana, but he is afraid to lose her friendship. He promised his friend Eric that he would take care of Dana and the kids if anything happened to him. Curt and the rest of Trident security are always there helping Dana with anything she needs. Dana is starting to feel something for Curt and it is just not friendship. Is she ready to move on with Curt? Samantha A. Cole is a writer to watch out for. She is destined for great things. If you have not read any of the Trident Securities books, I urge you to do so. You will not be disappointed. I give Whiskey Tribute 5/5 stars.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving on is hard to do. Especially when the ghost of a loved one is standing there. Especially when that ghost would approve and want the people involved to be happy. To move on without him. Samantha A Cole has done it again with this novella. In a short time frame she brings these two people to life making them real and complex and imperfect. For those that follow the Trident Series, this book is set apart from the series and shows how the teams take care of family. There isn't as much suspense in this one but that allows for a comfortable slower paced read all about falling in love. And yes moving on and finding happiness again. This is one series I will hate to see end. I have fallen in love with the entire crew.

[Kirsty Adams - Kindle Freak Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripped from the start, this novella is a fabulous addition to the Trident Security series. After the tragic murder of her husband, Eric, Dana and her adorable children are finally finding their feet with the help of Eric's ex SEAL team mates.

Eric's best friend, Curt, has proved invaluable to Dana and her family, providing both physical and emotional support, and the attraction between the two characters turns into something that cannot be ignored.

More vanilla than the previous books in the series, it has the right tone needed to tell the story of Dana and Curt's relationship. Samantha's writing is superb and her plots are always well thought out. Another great read and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.

[2kasmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curt and Dana have become best friends since her husband was killed almost two years ago. Dana had been married to his best friend, Eric. Curt has longed for someone like her for himself for a long time.

Dana had no idea that while she was dreaming of Curt, that he was dreaming of her. She is worried it is too soon, and what would other people think? Sometimes you just know when you know.

This is a nice story about 2 people who belong together. There is some amazingly hot encounters and some fun kids. Nice addition to the series. Cannot wait to see what is next!


***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review.

[Maria Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whiskey Tribute is a Trident Security story about Curt Bannerman, a fellow SEAL of the Trident Security guys. The SEALS take care of their own and Dana Prichard has been left a widow when her husband Eric was killed. The guys from the team have been looking out for her and the kids including Curt. Curt and Dana had been friends. Eric and Curt were close and he promised to take care his family if something happened. After spending time with them, he finds himself wanting them for himself. He is torn between feelings of betrayal of his friend and desire for Dana. Does Dana, feel the same? Great Read.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story, but had only planned on reading a couple of chapters before going to sleep. However I found myself so drawn in, I just couldn't put it down.

I especially loved how the relationship between the children and Curt evolved, as him and Dana fall in love and how supportive Eric's family, and the rest of SEAL team 4 were towards it, not to mention the story itself which was sweet, heartwarming, emotional but at times fun too and I would totally recommend this book to any fan of the series.