What do you think?
Rate this book
The Adventures of Buck and Mindy #1
Bang for the Buck
***This book was previously published in Amazon Kindle Worlds***
Grady “Buck” McCormick blows shit up for a living as the explosives and demolitions expert on his SEAL team. He grew up on a thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, but he joined the Navy to escape the pain of watching his mom die a long, slow death of cancer. Since then he’s lived with the guilt and dedicated his life to protecting others, carefully guarding his heart along the way.
Melinda Emerson loves chemistry but isn't so crazy about people. A pharmaceutical chemist with social anxiety, she’ll happily climb through a jungle canopy in search of medicinal plants, but put her in the middle of a party and she passes out. As the only child of older parents, she struggled watching her father fall victim to Alzheimer’s, and is determined to find a cure. Instead, she discovers a cognitive enhancer that has everyone from the CIA to the Russian mafia after her and her new invention.
When Melinda's social anxiety spikes at a friend’s barbecue, she lands in Buck’s arms. After their one-night stand, Melinda makes a desperate call to Buck for help when her lab is attacked by Russian terrorists intent on kidnapping her and stealing her drug research. He blasts in guns-a-blazing, but under his watch, the relentless Russians manage to kidnap both of them, holding them hostage onboard a container ship steaming toward the motherland. Now Buck must protect Melinda, her research, and his heart as he embarks on the mission of his life.
Grady “Buck” McCormick blows shit up for a living as the explosives and demolitions expert on his SEAL team. He grew up on a thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, but he joined the Navy to escape the pain of watching his mom die a long, slow death of cancer. Since then he’s lived with the guilt and dedicated his life to protecting others, carefully guarding his heart along the way.
Melinda Emerson loves chemistry but isn't so crazy about people. A pharmaceutical chemist with social anxiety, she’ll happily climb through a jungle canopy in search of medicinal plants, but put her in the middle of a party and she passes out. As the only child of older parents, she struggled watching her father fall victim to Alzheimer’s, and is determined to find a cure. Instead, she discovers a cognitive enhancer that has everyone from the CIA to the Russian mafia after her and her new invention.
When Melinda's social anxiety spikes at a friend’s barbecue, she lands in Buck’s arms. After their one-night stand, Melinda makes a desperate call to Buck for help when her lab is attacked by Russian terrorists intent on kidnapping her and stealing her drug research. He blasts in guns-a-blazing, but under his watch, the relentless Russians manage to kidnap both of them, holding them hostage onboard a container ship steaming toward the motherland. Now Buck must protect Melinda, her research, and his heart as he embarks on the mission of his life.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2018
128 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Madigan
32 books228 followersMargaret grew up in the gray and rainy Willamette Valley of Oregon, but a twist of fate sent her and her family to the frozen tundra of North Dakota where she fell in love with the rugged landscape and bracing weather. Sustained by cupcakes, coffee, and cats, Margaret brings you sexy heroes, sassy heroines, and lots of heart-pounding action.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 16, 2017
Hot stuff
I loved this story, lots of action, suspenseful romance. Terrific strong characters with a seals brotherhood that look out for each other.
I loved this story, lots of action, suspenseful romance. Terrific strong characters with a seals brotherhood that look out for each other.
December 4, 2016
4 Stars
Operation Alpha Bang for the Buck is a great addition to the Special Forces Kindle Worlds. This was a good story of suspense, action, humor and sexy time between the sheets. Madigan kept it interesting from beginning to end. This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. If you haven't read anything from Special Forces Kindle Worlds. I suggest you give Operation Alpha Bang for the Buck a try you will not be disappointed.
Operation Alpha Bang for the Buck is a great addition to the Special Forces Kindle Worlds. This was a good story of suspense, action, humor and sexy time between the sheets. Madigan kept it interesting from beginning to end. This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. If you haven't read anything from Special Forces Kindle Worlds. I suggest you give Operation Alpha Bang for the Buck a try you will not be disappointed.
November 23, 2016
Great book
What a great story. Definitely kept you glued to the edge of your seat. Lots of adventure and love in this book.
What a great story. Definitely kept you glued to the edge of your seat. Lots of adventure and love in this book.
December 2, 2016
Mindy
Mindy is a social awkward chemist who works with Caroline. Buck is a southern born Seal with his own baggage. They come together but the road is rocky. Another fun book.
Mindy is a social awkward chemist who works with Caroline. Buck is a southern born Seal with his own baggage. They come together but the road is rocky. Another fun book.
July 2, 2019
DNFed at 8% sorry. It's well written from a writing standpoint. It's a pleasure to see both a woman in a STEM career and also experiencing social anxiety without beating herself over it like it's a character flaw. She knows she has it, takes it in stride, and gets on with life. Plus, she seems like a woman who owns her pleasure. So that's great.
But, even this early it reminded me of the reasons why I largely stay away from m/f these days. There's a hero dealing with the pain of a dead mother, and I'm f-ing tired of adult's dead mothers in general (only rarely do nice women in romance genre make it to 45 without dying) as well as dead women being used to give male characters gravitas. Honestly, stop it.
Plus, not one but three women knee-jerk complain when a man calls them "ma'am". Women who insist on being called "girls" and "miss" instead of "women" and "ma'am" need to examine their own ageism and internalized misogyny. If you can't be proud of being a grown ass adult woman, then I have no use for you.
Lastly, I winced when the hero touches the heroine on the small of her back, which is an intimate place you don't touch people on in the regular way of things, when they are basically strangers and she's not invited that intimacy. If she didn't secretly think he was cute, that would have been invasive and icky. Which means it's invasive and icky because he can't read her mind.
So, yeah, I DNFed. Life too short to brace myself for sexism in a romance.
But, even this early it reminded me of the reasons why I largely stay away from m/f these days. There's a hero dealing with the pain of a dead mother, and I'm f-ing tired of adult's dead mothers in general (only rarely do nice women in romance genre make it to 45 without dying) as well as dead women being used to give male characters gravitas. Honestly, stop it.
Plus, not one but three women knee-jerk complain when a man calls them "ma'am". Women who insist on being called "girls" and "miss" instead of "women" and "ma'am" need to examine their own ageism and internalized misogyny. If you can't be proud of being a grown ass adult woman, then I have no use for you.
Lastly, I winced when the hero touches the heroine on the small of her back, which is an intimate place you don't touch people on in the regular way of things, when they are basically strangers and she's not invited that intimacy. If she didn't secretly think he was cute, that would have been invasive and icky. Which means it's invasive and icky because he can't read her mind.
So, yeah, I DNFed. Life too short to brace myself for sexism in a romance.
June 20, 2020
Buck and mindy
Great quick read with drama and chemistry. Mindy is an awkward scientist that doesn't like social settings but still goes with her friend Kayla to wolf and Caroline's for a barbeque. Buck and his teammate Chill are stationed in Virginia but came to California for some SEAL training and meet Wolf. Buck notices Melinda(mindy). Someone one decides to take Melinda hostage and Buck storms into rescue her, but the danger comes back and takes both of them. Now they have to put wit them plus cope with feeling from their past to see if they can be together.
Great quick read with drama and chemistry. Mindy is an awkward scientist that doesn't like social settings but still goes with her friend Kayla to wolf and Caroline's for a barbeque. Buck and his teammate Chill are stationed in Virginia but came to California for some SEAL training and meet Wolf. Buck notices Melinda(mindy). Someone one decides to take Melinda hostage and Buck storms into rescue her, but the danger comes back and takes both of them. Now they have to put wit them plus cope with feeling from their past to see if they can be together.
September 18, 2017
When the Russians want your serum that you've created most folks would run not Mindy she takes them on at the risk of being injured. Buck is visiting Wolf's SEAL team after a joint mission and when he sees Mindy she a petrified. So he steps up to help her during her anxiety attack.
Between being kidnapped and placed in the hold of a ship, then being beaten by the goons, will Buck and Mindy find their happy ever after or will you get go their separate ways.
Between being kidnapped and placed in the hold of a ship, then being beaten by the goons, will Buck and Mindy find their happy ever after or will you get go their separate ways.
July 12, 2021
Quick and fun
This is a short and fun read. It has action and romance with some international intrigue. Wolf and Caroline and a few others make an appearance, but the main focus is Mindy snd Buck. Mindy is a strong and optimistic woman who gives as good as she gets. The main action parts are out of her wheelhouse but she and Buck find a way to win and their relationship has some interesting turns as well.
This is a short and fun read. It has action and romance with some international intrigue. Wolf and Caroline and a few others make an appearance, but the main focus is Mindy snd Buck. Mindy is a strong and optimistic woman who gives as good as she gets. The main action parts are out of her wheelhouse but she and Buck find a way to win and their relationship has some interesting turns as well.
August 11, 2019
Buck meets Mindy at a BBQ at Wolf and Caroline's. She passed out and he caught her. After spending a great night together, she ends up texting him when the lab is attacked. They get free but are taken hostage later. Can he get them free? Will they be able to work something out to be able to stay together?
May 15, 2021
Best Romance!
I have to say that this was a happy accident that I found this series. Definitely good luck for me. If you love hot sweet sexy romance with high action and deep emotional baggage then this series is for you. You will not be disappointed. I’m going to buy the next book in the series!
I have to say that this was a happy accident that I found this series. Definitely good luck for me. If you love hot sweet sexy romance with high action and deep emotional baggage then this series is for you. You will not be disappointed. I’m going to buy the next book in the series!
January 17, 2018
A Lot of Bang for Your Buck
Love the tie in with Susan Stoker's series and with Jayla"'s story. The story was so realistic, I was getting seasick while Melinda and Buck were on the ship.
Love the tie in with Susan Stoker's series and with Jayla"'s story. The story was so realistic, I was getting seasick while Melinda and Buck were on the ship.
May 6, 2018
Seal Power
Little out there. But I love a happy ending. Going to look for Jayla and the next one in the series.
Little out there. But I love a happy ending. Going to look for Jayla and the next one in the series.
July 5, 2019
A must read
This book was absolutely fantastic and the storyline flowed from the beginning until the end of the book and the characters were absolutely awesome.
This book was absolutely fantastic and the storyline flowed from the beginning until the end of the book and the characters were absolutely awesome.
October 18, 2019
fun quick read.
April 23, 2020
Chandra 's Review
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing romantic mysterious and loving! I would definitely recommend this book to read!🙌🙌😊😊
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing romantic mysterious and loving! I would definitely recommend this book to read!🙌🙌😊😊
June 14, 2020
So good
Quick easy read with suspense that keeps you on the edge along with hot hot steamy scenes. I totally recommend this book.
Quick easy read with suspense that keeps you on the edge along with hot hot steamy scenes. I totally recommend this book.
January 15, 2021
Such High Hopes
I had such high hopes for this book. To me there was no build up, and I just couldn't get invested in the couple.
I had such high hopes for this book. To me there was no build up, and I just couldn't get invested in the couple.
July 24, 2021
Review of Bang for the Buck
I really enjoyed this book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a wonderful writer.
I really enjoyed this book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a wonderful writer.
October 31, 2024
Great adventure, the goodies won.
November 28, 2016
Great read
October 15, 2020
Are you propositioning me?
I love Buck and Melinda (Mindy), they have a great mix of hilarious, steamy, scary, sexy, heartbreaking, frustrating and cute 'ahhh!' moments. They have that elusive thing that makes them 'click' and the rest of the world fades away.
I really liked that Melinda is clever enough to follow instructions when in danger, but doesn't hesitate to confront Buck and call him out when he is wrong. Can Buck be objective enough to listen to Mindy's advice...or is he just too stubborn? Will he walk away and lose everything...again?
I read this on Kindle Unlimited, and there is more in the series...yay!
I love Buck and Melinda (Mindy), they have a great mix of hilarious, steamy, scary, sexy, heartbreaking, frustrating and cute 'ahhh!' moments. They have that elusive thing that makes them 'click' and the rest of the world fades away.
I really liked that Melinda is clever enough to follow instructions when in danger, but doesn't hesitate to confront Buck and call him out when he is wrong. Can Buck be objective enough to listen to Mindy's advice...or is he just too stubborn? Will he walk away and lose everything...again?
I read this on Kindle Unlimited, and there is more in the series...yay!
December 14, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Chemistry means Buck+Mindy, December 13, 2016
This review is from: Special Forces: Operation Alpha: Bang for the Buck (Kindle Worlds Novella) (SWAK Series Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
Another Caroline Matthew show, water is a chemistry formula, so when you put a doctor and a Seal together, you have the perfect mess...ehm love..I loved that story not a plane but a ship.. Nerds doctors, I love this type, I was one of them for long time than Navy happened and my sweet soul changed in Satanic.... So I love Mindy for her temper and mind people thinks that a Nerd is a wussy, Mindy has demonstrated the truth...Thanks I can't wait to read the Fox and the Hound ...
This review is from: Special Forces: Operation Alpha: Bang for the Buck (Kindle Worlds Novella) (SWAK Series Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
Another Caroline Matthew show, water is a chemistry formula, so when you put a doctor and a Seal together, you have the perfect mess...ehm love..I loved that story not a plane but a ship.. Nerds doctors, I love this type, I was one of them for long time than Navy happened and my sweet soul changed in Satanic.... So I love Mindy for her temper and mind people thinks that a Nerd is a wussy, Mindy has demonstrated the truth...Thanks I can't wait to read the Fox and the Hound ...
December 7, 2023
This is one of those book series that matches up with Susan Stoker books. The characters in this book are so amazing. I was laughing in the first chapter from then on there was so many funny scenes through out the book. I love the relationship between Buck and Melinda. It makes me want to read more about them. I also loved how their relationship has ups and downs through out the book. Also how their relationship evolved throughout the book. I highly recommend checking out this well written story. I can't wait to read book two in the series.
December 28, 2016
Bang is right!
I really enjoyed reading Bang for the Buck. Melinda and Grady (Buck) may not be your typical couple but that made me laugh, smile and even cry a bit. My first time reading one of Margaret Madigan's books and I will definitely be checking out more of her books.
I really enjoyed reading Bang for the Buck. Melinda and Grady (Buck) may not be your typical couple but that made me laugh, smile and even cry a bit. My first time reading one of Margaret Madigan's books and I will definitely be checking out more of her books.
January 3, 2017
Excellent book. Author I haven't read before. Characters were interesting and complex enough to keep me going. Plot was developed in a way to uncover new levels as it progressed. Want to read more from this author. Good combination of action and romance.
May 7, 2018
Good story!
I really enjoyed this well written quick read. It was a good fit into this Kindle World. I really enjoyed the characters so when I saw that there were two additional stories featuring this couple I was thrilled!
I really enjoyed this well written quick read. It was a good fit into this Kindle World. I really enjoyed the characters so when I saw that there were two additional stories featuring this couple I was thrilled!
April 2, 2017
Great
I just finished reading this book and it was great. I love Susan Stoker's Kindle World and this book fit in great.
I just finished reading this book and it was great. I love Susan Stoker's Kindle World and this book fit in great.
April 5, 2017
Bang for the Buck 5 stars!!!
Buck and Mindy are equally matched and s great couple. They say loves comes when you least expect it. These two are not even looking for a hook up let alone a relationship or love. Luckily it came along right when the needed it most and in the end it saved them both. Storyline and character development are great and you will enjoy this book.
Buck and Mindy are equally matched and s great couple. They say loves comes when you least expect it. These two are not even looking for a hook up let alone a relationship or love. Luckily it came along right when the needed it most and in the end it saved them both. Storyline and character development are great and you will enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews