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She thought he was neurotic. He thought she was psychotic. The Navy thought they were the perfect pair.

Shelby Ryder is a loose cannon. A Kansas farm girl, she became a Navy SEAL to avenge her parents, who were killed on vacation when a Russian sub torpedoed their catamaran. Earl Bernstein, from Chicago, became a SEAL to get away from his over-protective parents. Earl’s the sensitive type. He writes poetry and worries about his teeth enamel eroding.

The Navy thought by pairing them together they would balance each other out. They were wrong.

After brushes with the law and staying just this side of sanity, Shelby and Earl are on the verge of being de-SEALed. Now they’ve been given one last chance to redeem themselves.

It’s a simple enough mission: they’re tasked with finding a United States senator who disappeared in Cuba while playing golf. But then one day the president tweets that the Russians are responsible, and things get perilous in a hurry. Soon it becomes clear—if Shelby and Earl don’t get the senator back, the situation will escalate into a nuclear war. So into the steamy Cuban jungles filled with snakes, spies and a German tuba band, the pair ventures, breaking every rule of civilized behavior known to man as they desperately try to find the senator before the missiles fly or Earl runs out of anti-cavity rinse.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2018

273 people are currently reading
31 people want to read

About the author

Gregg Bell

24 books144 followers
THE PERFECT PROSECUTOR (Book 2 in the Ike Thompson Legal Thriller Series and the sequel to THE PERFECT LAWYER) is released!

Successfully defending an alleged baby killer restored Ike Thompson’s reputation as “the perfect lawyer.” But it also destroyed his practice. Now, a seemingly random attack on a powerful CEO hints at a truth so horrifying, it could cost him everything.

The story was buried on the back pages of a fringe news website: a mentally ill woman randomly attacked the CEO of one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies outside its Chicago headquarters. At first, Ike dismisses it as just another disturbed person roaming the streets, but further investigation reveals that the woman was not mentally ill, the incident not an attack, and that it was not at all random.

As Ike delves deeper, he uncovers evidence of a monstrous scandal that has caused untold thousands to needlessly die agonizing deaths. Exposing the outrage will take him from a search for truth to something much darker than he'd ever imagined—a fight for survival against powerful forces willing to sacrifice anyone to keep their secrets buried.

Get a free legal thriller ebook short story "The Perfect Client" by signing up to Gregg's newsletter: https://bit.ly/ThePerfectClient

Gregg's other books:

THE PERFECT LAWYER (Book 1 in the Ike Thompson Legal Thriller Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPDLLZ92

THE FIND, a thriller, is on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DH4KRAE

MAN OF GOD, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DH4SSY6

BLOODY SUNRISE, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07215WLG5

I LOVE YOU I KILL YOU, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076DS4ZFF

SAVING BABY, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTK3KQS

ONE SLIP, a literary thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TD9CQ27

THE TEST, a romance, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U3XKZ86

A WOMAN UNHINGED, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H7YR7P6

JAMIE'S GAMBLE, a thriller/romance, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DH4KP9C

OOPS-A-NAVY, a humorous thriller, is the first book in the Navy SEAL Misadventure Series. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F24WDW9

DUPES-A-NAVY, the hilarious follow-up to OOPS-A-NAVY, the second book in the Navy SEAL Misadventure Series. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JKHQMVZ

YIPPEE KI YAY-A-NAVY #3 in the zany Navy SEAL Misadventure trilogy. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZPF9QYR

BETRAYED HEROES, a thriller, is on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JWV4VCL

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Gregg Bell spent his formative years playing 16" softball, hanging out, and trying not to get into too much trouble until college when he absconded for the University of Florida. There, he took creative writing classes and spent his free time bodysurfing at St. Augustine's gorgeous beach. After his sojourn in the sun, he was drawn back north and attended the University of Notre Dame. Through jobs ranging from laying asphalt to working in corporate America, the one constant in his life was writing. It still is. A lifelong Midwesterner, he lives in suburban Chicago and, like everyone else who lives there, complains about it being too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.

Visit Gregg's website https://greggbell.net/

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5 stars
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35 (27%)
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28 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Melody.
220 reviews4 followers
July 7, 2018
A very funny book about Shelby and earl.
As different as can be.
They are navy seals and are on a mission to find the senator.
So much goes wrong. Earl gets hit with a poison dart and Shelby gets almost squeezed to nothingness by a boa constrictor.
They get high on magic mushrooms and think they are animals and Elvis and senator next to them.

I laughed so much through this book.
It is wonderfully written and I love the characters.
I highly recommend this book to read i couldnt put it down.

I  received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.


Profile Image for Icy_Space_Cobwebs .
5,645 reviews329 followers
June 28, 2018
Review: OOPS-A-NAVY by Gregg Bell

Honestly: how did these two ever enter the Navy SEALS in the first place? (Laughing) Let alone survive "Hell Week"? Earl and Shelby are--not a pair, oh no--assigned partners, sent first to Hawaii to "calm down," then, at the Admiral' s discretion, to Guantanamo to track down a "missing" golfer Senator! (For some reason, I kept remembering the visiting Congressman killed at Jonestown.)

Now let me tell you WHY Shelby and Earl don't form the ideal covert partnership. There is nothing covert about Shelby: she is an on-fire loose cannon in the SEALs for one reason: to revenge the deaths of her parents, killed on their catamaran by a Russian torpedo! (So the Admiral sends her to CUBA?!) Earl is a Chicago poet, scion of wealth, mellow. Earl is also recovering from Shelby' s shooting him with a speargun in Hawaii. Tracking through swamp and jungle is so not helpful. (And probably not poetic).
Earl and Shelby bring whole new definitions to the term "feckless." Can anything ever go right?
124 reviews
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June 28, 2018
I started this, my first book by Gregg Bell, thinking it was a typical action-thriller about Navy SEALs storming a target beach in little rubber boats from miles offshore; having done their dirty deed they would swim out and be picked up by a stealthy fast boat at 10 to 20 knots. WAS I mistaken! This book is the antithesis of the brave and regimented work of our great SEAL teams. But of course it was meant to be. This spoofs the idea that whatever dangerous or comic situation SEALs are thrust into they can persevere. Overcoming attacks of savage animals, savage humans, sneaky humans or aircraft carriers. If you are ready to laugh at the keystone kops like antics of Shelby, Earl and even Bull this is the book for you. Where's my Banana Daiquiri, I don't think I can handle another Gregg Bell story without some fortification. I received an ARC copy in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for DENICE.
1,381 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2018
THE INCOMPETENT SEEM TO STAY THAT WAY

One of the most humorous books I’ve ever read. Got a stomach cramp from laughing at the two Stooges (my name for Shelby and Earl). Love the book to no end.
911 reviews15 followers
June 28, 2018
First I have to say I’m a fan of Gregg Bell. I enjoy his thrillers and I enjoy humorous books.
I received an advanced copy of this book so I was able to enjoy it twice. The stars of this crazy, zany book are two total misfits. Polar opposites. How they got to be Seals makes you scratch your head. Their thoughts, or rather Gregg’s, are so outrageous you just have to laugh. These two characters get into the most unbelievable situations. But you can see in your minds eye where they are.
Gregg is a wacky great story teller.
If you want a different kind of humor pick up this book. You will smile and get a lot of laughs from these total misfits.
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
June 29, 2018
If you like comedy (farce) this is the book for you. This reminds me of Laurel and Hardy episodes. So enjoy.

The escapades that they get up to make me, a veteran, shake my head. Love to hear what my fellows vets think, especially the Seals. Anyone say SNAFU?

I had the chance to read this as a beta and ARC. So this is my honest and freely given review.
1 review
July 29, 2018
Possibly the worst book I have ever read.

A lame attempt at humor not based on any military or geographic knowledge. Seriously I coudn't finish it. Reading the owners manual for a lawn mower would be funnier.
Profile Image for Madam.
224 reviews12 followers
August 11, 2018
Shelby and Earl are, to put it nicely, two of the stupidest Navy SEALs to ever emerge from training. Both are such idiots that Navy brass pair them on a top-secret mission to Cuba to find a missing Senator, whose safe return is the only guarantee nuclear war won’t obliterate the planet. What a sensible decision.

As they search for the missing senator, who’s rumored to be playing golf on the island, Shelby and Earl encounter gullible cannibals, brother/sister weapon tycoons, and a cult headed by a hunky New Age spiritualist, while drinking far too many banana margaritas and magic mushroom smoothies. They’re rescued from their foibles just in the nick of time by legendary Rear Admiral Bertha “Bull” Gompers, who prides herself on being the toughest 85-year-old SEAL in the business, but creates as much havoc as she prevents. It’s debatable whether the trio will save the world or trigger universal immolation.

Oops-A-Navy is a wacky slant on the tough, resourceful SEAL stereotype — it would probably be statistically impossible to pair three more incompetent individuals — and elicits laughs on every page. It’s a fun, quick read for anyone who’s tired of macho legends or just needs a good giggle. Gregg Bell has delivered the novel we need in these dark and confusing times.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,872 reviews71 followers
October 5, 2018
Oops-a-Navy - a review by Rosemary Kenny

In the same laugh-out-loud vein as Rise of the Animal Feminists, Gregg Bell's excellent comedic novel Oops-a-Navy will tickle your funny bone with its spoofing of military/spy thrillers.
Opposites attract they say, but SEALs Earl Bernstein and Shelby Rider repel each other,rather than balancing out each other's neuroses and insecurities.
When sent on a seek and repatriate mission to Cuba on the track of a missing Senator, the unlikely duo almost start world war 3 with their antics and have to plough into the deadly Cuban jungle, with its perils both human and animal at every turn! Will they ever find the Senator and make it back to civilisation in one piece?
Oops-a-Navy could easily be a written version of the 60s radio show The Navy Lark mixed in with a script from a Bruce Willis film and as such will appeal to all ages.
Why not read this hilarious comedy-thriller and have yourself a laugh-fest you'll really enjoy - then tell all your friends!
Profile Image for Leslie  Bakke.
115 reviews
October 3, 2018
Greg Bell is one of the funniest authors that I have ever read. In Oops-A-Navy, two recently graduated Navy Seals are given an assignment that is their "Last Chance". If they don't succeed, then they are out!! Seals are supposed to be the best of the best of any branch of the U.S. Military. These Seals are bumbling idiots who seem hell-bent on serving their country with honor but just can't seem to get it together. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the 1960's television show "McHale's Navy" or who enjoys a good satirical book. I gave it four stars because I didn't like that Mr. Bell took one of America's elite military units and made fun of them. I did receive an ARC of Oops-A-Navy (Navy SEAL Misadventure Book 1). I thought that it was so funny that I purchased a copy for my husband..
1,534 reviews
June 20, 2019
From the tongue in cheek title to the discovery of a senator imprisoned by the president, this tale of two Navy Seals and their top secret mission to Cuba will have you laughing so hard your cheeks will ache. Earl Bernstein and Shelby Ryder are Navy Seals who are facing de-Sealment if their mission to locate Senator Canfield fails. They are the government's last hope since even Dennis Rodman returned empty handed! Their mission is fraught with danger from poisoned and drugged blow darts to the mosquitoes that might be carrying the Zika virus. Gregg Bell has a gift for telling a witty and fun story that will keep you engaged well after you've turned the last page.
Profile Image for Pete.
895 reviews7 followers
June 28, 2018
This is a very silly, very funny and quite clever spoof on the classic special forces thriller. I loved the idea of a seal who seems more concerned with his dental hygiene than the success of their mission, and another who considers that her partner having a broken arm was a minor inconvenience, There are also great parodies of other classic characters, including the C.O. the doctor.
Totally irreverent, this is most definitely not a book to be taken seriously under any circumstances
I received an ARC of the book but this honest review is voluntarily written.
Profile Image for Sheri.
2,111 reviews
July 13, 2018
Oops-A-Navy (Navy Seal Misadventure #1) by Gregg Bell

Shelby and Earl are as opposite as can be. She a bit of a wild country girl , he a self-absorbed City boy. They each join the military for their own reason and make an unlikely pair. Close to being thrown out of the military they are paired up on their do-or-die mission, the save a Senator. The Senator goes missing in Cuba, it is now up to Shelby and Earl to find him or end their military careers.

The story moves at a fast pace, with plenty of laugh out loud moments, drama, action and danger. I really liked Shelby and Earl...despite their differences they did make a good pair. The plot is original, characters likable, an overall fun book to read. I highly recommendOops-A-Navy to all. A definite five-star delight!
152 reviews
November 27, 2020
Appropriate Heading

I wasn't sure what l was getting when l started this book but well and truly before l got to the end of the first chapter l was laughing out loud and getting strange looks from those around me, and didn't care, l Had to read more...so Thanks Gregg Bell for your amazing writing skills and be assured l need to catch the rest of the series and more.
Highly Recommend this series to anyone and everyone who Wants / Needs a damned good laugh, which is most people l know...lol
Profile Image for Cynthia.
17 reviews6 followers
July 12, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Gregg Bell, but it won't be my last. Can you imagine two bumbling characters who are Navy Seals? Grab this book for a “laugh out loud” experience. This story will take you back to the “70's”, keep you in stitches, and throw in some “what can go wrong, will go wrong”. Pull up you chair, grab your book and delve into the humor of Gregg Bell.

Received ARC for an honest review.
15 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2018
Very confusing

This was just messy from the beginning. I never quit books in the middle but this really tested my limits. At some points I was absolutely certain I had to have skipped pages - things just leapt from one place to the next in an effort to pack hijinks into every possible space. I really did not enjoy reading this.
967 reviews8 followers
October 23, 2018
I thought this book was very funny. 2 bumbling Navy seals are given a last chance to redeem themselves by rescuing a senator who was kidnapped! This book reminded me of McHales Navy back in the day. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
54 reviews
December 28, 2018
Not Humorous for Me

The nonsensical story brings a few smiles but not laughs. I stopped reading after about 40% completion. Maybe it was because of my senior age. I am disappointed.
Profile Image for Tony.
90 reviews
March 4, 2020
Only managed to read ~22% -- an amusing read, for sure, but not what I was expecting in a SEAL book. Good for a relaxing, mellow, distracting, even enjoyable read, but not if you're looking for anything approaching realism on the military side.
Profile Image for Janet.
1,984 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2018
Yes it is an Oops. It is a little funny. Not bad. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
Profile Image for Joyce A. Wendeln.
132 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2018
Come Bull Or Jungle Smoothie

This is McHale's Navy playing NCIS. Gibbs would cringe and Ducky would be hard pressed to come up with a story that this reminded him of.
6,028 reviews45 followers
October 2, 2018
hilarious super spies.

they put the tee-hee-hee in TEAM.

anchorsaway! enjoy this fun and fabulous adventure spoof!
250 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2018
A little neurotic, a little crazy, a lot funny!

What happens when you join together two new nutty SEALS that are sent on a special mission? Chaos, adventure, misdirection and a crazy trail to follow. Read for a light-hearted, funny mystery.
Profile Image for Patsy Stone.
2 reviews
June 12, 2019
Can't even finish, painful to read...

Maybe it's camp and I'm missing the joke but I'm not giving this "book" any more of my time. Want my money back and I only paid 0.99 cents!
12 reviews
November 1, 2019
I couldn’t start it never mind finish it. Poor attempt at humour.
605 reviews5 followers
November 17, 2019
Readable but not really my type of book.. Amusing but a little silly for my taste.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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