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Alaska Force #3
Sergeant's Christmas Siege
Danger lurks in the wilds of Grizzly Harbor this Christmas but it's love that has Alaska Force in the cross-hairs, from the USA Today bestselling author of Sniper's Pride.
When straight-arrow, by-the-rules Alaskan State Trooper Kate Holiday is sent to investigate a local band of secretive commandos in remote Grizzly Harbor over the holidays, her least favorite time of year, her objective is clear: disband Alaska Force and arrest them. But Kate didn't count on the diabolical temptation of Templeton Cross. The former Army Ranger exudes charm and has absolutely no respect for the rules of law that govern Kate's life - too bad he also makes her mouth water and her knees weak.
Templeton has always been good at keeping his game face on and his emotions hidden, especially in combat. But working with Kate brings back memories of losses he prefers to keep locked up tight. As the pressure mounts - and Christmas draws closer - it’s a given that someone's going to get hurt.
Trouble is, the more time he spends convincing his careful, wary trooper that there’s more to the holidays than her memories, the more he wants to keep her around. Forever.
But forever is the one thing a man like Templeton can't do. Not even at Christmas.
When straight-arrow, by-the-rules Alaskan State Trooper Kate Holiday is sent to investigate a local band of secretive commandos in remote Grizzly Harbor over the holidays, her least favorite time of year, her objective is clear: disband Alaska Force and arrest them. But Kate didn't count on the diabolical temptation of Templeton Cross. The former Army Ranger exudes charm and has absolutely no respect for the rules of law that govern Kate's life - too bad he also makes her mouth water and her knees weak.
Templeton has always been good at keeping his game face on and his emotions hidden, especially in combat. But working with Kate brings back memories of losses he prefers to keep locked up tight. As the pressure mounts - and Christmas draws closer - it’s a given that someone's going to get hurt.
Trouble is, the more time he spends convincing his careful, wary trooper that there’s more to the holidays than her memories, the more he wants to keep her around. Forever.
But forever is the one thing a man like Templeton can't do. Not even at Christmas.
10 pages, Audiobook
Published October 1, 2019
24 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Megan Crane
67 books697 followersUSA Today bestselling, multi-award-nominated, and critically-acclaimed author Megan Crane has written more than 150 books and shows no sign of slowing down. She publishes contemporary romance and paranormal romance as Megan Crane (and briefly M.M. Crane) with an extensive backlist of women’s fiction, rom-coms, chick lit, and young adult novels—among other things. She’s also won a large and loyal fanbase as Caitlin Crews with Harlequin Presents, Harlequin Dare, Harlequin Historical, and contemporary cowboy books. And for Midwestern small town coziness, found families, romance, and some paranormal scariness thrown in, Megan partners with Nicole Helm to publish as Hazel Beck.
Megan has a Masters and Ph.D. in English Literature, has taught creative writing classes in places like UCLA Extension’s prestigious Writers’ Program, and is always available to give workshops (or her opinion). She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her comic book artist husband, though, at any given time, she is likely to either be huddled in a coffee shop somewhere or off traveling the world. Preferably both.
You can find out more than you ever wanted to know about her at www.megancrane.com
Megan has a Masters and Ph.D. in English Literature, has taught creative writing classes in places like UCLA Extension’s prestigious Writers’ Program, and is always available to give workshops (or her opinion). She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her comic book artist husband, though, at any given time, she is likely to either be huddled in a coffee shop somewhere or off traveling the world. Preferably both.
You can find out more than you ever wanted to know about her at www.megancrane.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 21, 2019
Love Templeton. Needed more heat though!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoy reading about strong women, especially those in a police setting. This book was right up my alley.
There’s something about a woman who overcomes so much to be able to stand out in her career. However, what that ultimately can do, especially in this characters case, is harden her heart.
Unfortunately, that hardening stayed through most of the story and we are subject to a continual bantering and arguing with every conversation we read. There was also a lot of internal conversation involved as well, convincing herself that she really liked the guy.
Templeton was the best part of this book. He too had issues, but for the most part, he knew what he wanted and was more accepting of his feelings, even though that to seem to take forever.
Overall, I love the premise and theme of the book. The author created a one of a kind story with plenty of twists to keep me turning the pages. I just need a better buy in to these two making it together. I really felt no spark between them and the story definitely could have used with more heat to melt those frozen hearts.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/sergeants-ch...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoy reading about strong women, especially those in a police setting. This book was right up my alley.
There’s something about a woman who overcomes so much to be able to stand out in her career. However, what that ultimately can do, especially in this characters case, is harden her heart.
Unfortunately, that hardening stayed through most of the story and we are subject to a continual bantering and arguing with every conversation we read. There was also a lot of internal conversation involved as well, convincing herself that she really liked the guy.
Templeton was the best part of this book. He too had issues, but for the most part, he knew what he wanted and was more accepting of his feelings, even though that to seem to take forever.
Overall, I love the premise and theme of the book. The author created a one of a kind story with plenty of twists to keep me turning the pages. I just need a better buy in to these two making it together. I really felt no spark between them and the story definitely could have used with more heat to melt those frozen hearts.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/sergeants-ch...
March 21, 2024
Longtime followers and friends of mine know that I may not be a top romance reader, but I can’t help but include a holiday romance each year. Particularly one heavy on the steamy Christmas love story! This year I read Sergeant’s Christmas Siege which had everything—Christmas, romance, steam, danger, intrigue. It was full of the romance giggles I get when things make me blush. A delightful Christmas romance to make you forget any woes the holidays bring you!
Kate Holiday is one of the top state troopers in Alaska and is waiting ad a café for someone from Alaska Force to meet with her. She has been sent to investigate a group of former commando soldiers in Grizzly Harbor. Kate’s childhood was not easy—she escaped a family that was heavily enmeshed with a cult. As a teenager, Kate was the one who had to turn her family into authorities and break up the cult, leaving Kate alone.
Templeton Cross is assigned to meet Kate at the café that day, and the meeting starts poorly. Templeton wants to explain to Kate that they are hired to help people, but Kate doesn’t believe him. She picks up on his flirtatious banter and insists they return to headquarters. But when Kate’s plane is blown up, everything changes. As Kate learns to rely on Templeton to save her, feelings begin to develop between the two. People from her past surface, and Kate realizes she needs to trust Templeton if she wants to survive.
Templeton is an all time character. Like with any good romance, he is very attractive. But since this is a book and I can’t see him, I have to say what I really found attractive was his personality. How could any of us (let alone Kate) not fall in love with Templeton? This was definitely an action-packed, unique story that kept me interested. I liked that it was heavier on the action plot than the romance, but the romance was well-crafted and enjoyable.
A great addition to my holiday romance collection!
Kate Holiday is one of the top state troopers in Alaska and is waiting ad a café for someone from Alaska Force to meet with her. She has been sent to investigate a group of former commando soldiers in Grizzly Harbor. Kate’s childhood was not easy—she escaped a family that was heavily enmeshed with a cult. As a teenager, Kate was the one who had to turn her family into authorities and break up the cult, leaving Kate alone.
Templeton Cross is assigned to meet Kate at the café that day, and the meeting starts poorly. Templeton wants to explain to Kate that they are hired to help people, but Kate doesn’t believe him. She picks up on his flirtatious banter and insists they return to headquarters. But when Kate’s plane is blown up, everything changes. As Kate learns to rely on Templeton to save her, feelings begin to develop between the two. People from her past surface, and Kate realizes she needs to trust Templeton if she wants to survive.
Templeton is an all time character. Like with any good romance, he is very attractive. But since this is a book and I can’t see him, I have to say what I really found attractive was his personality. How could any of us (let alone Kate) not fall in love with Templeton? This was definitely an action-packed, unique story that kept me interested. I liked that it was heavier on the action plot than the romance, but the romance was well-crafted and enjoyable.
A great addition to my holiday romance collection!
December 11, 2019
Holiday-themed romantic suspense…
Christmas is a time for family, which is why Kate has been hiding from the holiday for years. Given her history it is no wonder she’d rather work than face her memories. A string of ‘accidents’ has brought her to Alaska Force and the men and women who may or may not be the enemy…. Templeton’s warm personality and carefree façade fooled everyone he met, as he hid his intelligence and very serious commitment to his team. To his family…
I loved the sparks between these two as they wittily bantered, sparred and bickered while investigating yet another deadly incident. Kate refused to believe he was one of the good guys and he was going to convince her otherwise. Whether teasing or protecting her, he was the one person she never saw coming….
Life in Alaska was not for the faint of heart and they weren’t the only ones hiding things. Rocked by one shocking discovery after another, Kate was forced to meet her past head on even when it was the last thing she ever wanted to do. Luckily, she had Templeton at her side and her back…
The story was emotional, suspenseful and kept me guessing until the end…. Another great addition to the series! ~Diane, 4.5 stars
Christmas is a time for family, which is why Kate has been hiding from the holiday for years. Given her history it is no wonder she’d rather work than face her memories. A string of ‘accidents’ has brought her to Alaska Force and the men and women who may or may not be the enemy…. Templeton’s warm personality and carefree façade fooled everyone he met, as he hid his intelligence and very serious commitment to his team. To his family…
I loved the sparks between these two as they wittily bantered, sparred and bickered while investigating yet another deadly incident. Kate refused to believe he was one of the good guys and he was going to convince her otherwise. Whether teasing or protecting her, he was the one person she never saw coming….
Life in Alaska was not for the faint of heart and they weren’t the only ones hiding things. Rocked by one shocking discovery after another, Kate was forced to meet her past head on even when it was the last thing she ever wanted to do. Luckily, she had Templeton at her side and her back…
The story was emotional, suspenseful and kept me guessing until the end…. Another great addition to the series! ~Diane, 4.5 stars
March 29, 2020
Megan Crane’s Sergeant’s Christmas Siege is the second Alaska Force romance I’ve read, nabbing this second one after loving the first, Sniper’s Pride. (Let me take a moment to say that I missed out on the actual first in the series, Seal’s Honor. My reading order is not the series order if you’re keen to check them out.) In comparing the two, I would say that Christmas Siege was heavier on suspense than rom and I definitely enjoyed Sniper’s romance more. But Crane sure can write and, therefore, it’s always pleasurable to follow her protagonists’ journey. In this case, with a hero and heroine consistently, relentless verbally sparring, a dearth of tender moments, made for a romance that could’ve used some ramping up. Alaskan state trooper and investigator, Kate Holiday, arrives at Grizzly Harbor, where Alaska Force runs its save-the-vulnerable operations. Kate suspects they’re a paramilitary group with nefarious purposes, only one of which is to upstage conventional law enforcement, such as her own outfit.
To understand Kate’s antipathy towards Alaska Force, her iciness, suspicions, the reader has to understand her childhood. For the first 18 years of her life, Kate was at the cruel whim of her survivalist parents. The reader also has to understand how Kate escaped from them, testified against them, and made law enforcement against groups similar theirs her life’s mission. Kate’s childhood and her adult confrontation of her family make for the brunt of the novel.
When cooled, collected, lethal Kate arrives in Grizzly Harbor, Alaska Force’s commander, Isaac Gentry, sends his biggest, most lethal, and lethally charming “soldier” to meet with her, the Mississippi-drawling sweet-talker, Templeton Cross. It isn’t long, however, before a body left in Kate’s hydro-plane sees Templeton convince her that Alaska Force is neither to be suspected, or feared. They’re being framed and it might just be that her family, even from jail, may have more to do with any danger to her, or their state than Isaac, Templeton, or the rest of Alaska Force’s men and women.
The strength of Crane’s latest Alaska Force novel lies in her evocation of the Alaskan landscape and weather. I particularly loved her descriptions of Templeton and Kate’s airborne journeys, as well as their early-morning runs. The runs were full of verbal sparring. This “banter” could be entertaining at times, but Kate has such a chip on her shoulder and Templeton is such a laid-back, grinning behemoth that I had a hard time warming up to them. There isn’t a moment when Kate doesn’t let up her antagonism. Except in the bed-sport, of which there isn’t much (which was a wise choice on Crane’s part, given her leads) and then, Kate spends a lot of time regretting it. There’s tons of mental lusting, though, if you enjoy that. Templeton drawls and charms; Kate snaps and confronts. The three-year-long HEA comes whiplash fast in some ways and too slow in others, as we’re told about a lengthy long-distance thing. I can’t say I warmed to Sergeant’s Christmas Wish as much as I loved Sniper’s Pride, but I do enjoy the ambiance of the series overall. I’m also super-curious to see what Crane will do with her next hero, the enigmatic Alaska Force leader, Isaac Gentry, and the curmudgeonly Grizzly-Harbor café-and-diner owner, Caradine Scott. I’ll definitely be back for the next installment and hope my romance sweet-tooth is satisfied. Sergeant’s Christmas Siege, with Miss Austen’s help, is “almost pretty,” Northanger Abbey.
Megan Crane’s Sergeant’s Christmas Wish is published by Jove Berkley. It was released in October 2019 and may be found at your preferred vendor, along with the previous two in the series. I received an e-galley from Jove Berkley, via Netgalley.
To understand Kate’s antipathy towards Alaska Force, her iciness, suspicions, the reader has to understand her childhood. For the first 18 years of her life, Kate was at the cruel whim of her survivalist parents. The reader also has to understand how Kate escaped from them, testified against them, and made law enforcement against groups similar theirs her life’s mission. Kate’s childhood and her adult confrontation of her family make for the brunt of the novel.
When cooled, collected, lethal Kate arrives in Grizzly Harbor, Alaska Force’s commander, Isaac Gentry, sends his biggest, most lethal, and lethally charming “soldier” to meet with her, the Mississippi-drawling sweet-talker, Templeton Cross. It isn’t long, however, before a body left in Kate’s hydro-plane sees Templeton convince her that Alaska Force is neither to be suspected, or feared. They’re being framed and it might just be that her family, even from jail, may have more to do with any danger to her, or their state than Isaac, Templeton, or the rest of Alaska Force’s men and women.
The strength of Crane’s latest Alaska Force novel lies in her evocation of the Alaskan landscape and weather. I particularly loved her descriptions of Templeton and Kate’s airborne journeys, as well as their early-morning runs. The runs were full of verbal sparring. This “banter” could be entertaining at times, but Kate has such a chip on her shoulder and Templeton is such a laid-back, grinning behemoth that I had a hard time warming up to them. There isn’t a moment when Kate doesn’t let up her antagonism. Except in the bed-sport, of which there isn’t much (which was a wise choice on Crane’s part, given her leads) and then, Kate spends a lot of time regretting it. There’s tons of mental lusting, though, if you enjoy that. Templeton drawls and charms; Kate snaps and confronts. The three-year-long HEA comes whiplash fast in some ways and too slow in others, as we’re told about a lengthy long-distance thing. I can’t say I warmed to Sergeant’s Christmas Wish as much as I loved Sniper’s Pride, but I do enjoy the ambiance of the series overall. I’m also super-curious to see what Crane will do with her next hero, the enigmatic Alaska Force leader, Isaac Gentry, and the curmudgeonly Grizzly-Harbor café-and-diner owner, Caradine Scott. I’ll definitely be back for the next installment and hope my romance sweet-tooth is satisfied. Sergeant’s Christmas Siege, with Miss Austen’s help, is “almost pretty,” Northanger Abbey.
Megan Crane’s Sergeant’s Christmas Wish is published by Jove Berkley. It was released in October 2019 and may be found at your preferred vendor, along with the previous two in the series. I received an e-galley from Jove Berkley, via Netgalley.
November 3, 2019
She’s a straight-arrow, by-the-rules Alaskan State trooper so Kate Holiday’s objective when it comes to investigating a local band of secretive commandos in remote Grizzly Harbor is clear – disband Alaska Force and arrest them, but she didn’t count on the diabolical temptation of Templeton Cross. He’s always been good at keeping his game face on and his emotions hidden, but working with Kate brings memories of losses, Templeton prefers to keep locked up tight. With pressure mounting and Christmas drawing closer, it’s a given that someone is going to get hurt.
This ‘Alaska Force’ romance is a slow burn romance that requires a lot of hard work as both parties are determined not to give in to their emotions, the electrical chemistry or the heat building up between them, but it seems the more they fight it, the harder they will fall. These strong, vibrant characters captures hearts and provides a delightfully entertaining courtship that makes readers chuckle. Lots of emotions – not matter how much the hero and heroine try to keep them locked down – flow the pages as Templeton and Kate try to uncover who is behind some mysterious incidents that surround the Alaska Force.
The plot is fast paced and full exciting events and snaky commentary that builds thrilling suspense and adrenaline pumping excitement through the story which keeps readers on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. Some ‘What the… twists and turns keeps readers guessing and a hero that spends his time trying to convince his careful, wary trooper that there is more to the holidays makes readers hold on tight to this intense, satisfying and entertaining holiday read.
This ‘Alaska Force’ romance is a slow burn romance that requires a lot of hard work as both parties are determined not to give in to their emotions, the electrical chemistry or the heat building up between them, but it seems the more they fight it, the harder they will fall. These strong, vibrant characters captures hearts and provides a delightfully entertaining courtship that makes readers chuckle. Lots of emotions – not matter how much the hero and heroine try to keep them locked down – flow the pages as Templeton and Kate try to uncover who is behind some mysterious incidents that surround the Alaska Force.
The plot is fast paced and full exciting events and snaky commentary that builds thrilling suspense and adrenaline pumping excitement through the story which keeps readers on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. Some ‘What the… twists and turns keeps readers guessing and a hero that spends his time trying to convince his careful, wary trooper that there is more to the holidays makes readers hold on tight to this intense, satisfying and entertaining holiday read.
August 10, 2020
4 stelle e mezza
Io devo sadomasochista per leggere in un afoso agosto italiano ambientato a dicembre in Alaska... Ma l'ho visto in offerta, la trama mi piaceva e mi serviva per un paio di challenges, quindi mi sono detta "perché no?". Comunque sia, mi è piaciuto e mi è venuta la curiosità di leggere anche gli altri della serie, soprattutto il successivo, visto che ho conosciuto i due protagonisti un po' durante questa storia. E poi non riesco a resistere a ex-militari molto alpha che cercano di fare del bene e che nel frattempo trovano l'amore della loro vita...
Io devo sadomasochista per leggere in un afoso agosto italiano ambientato a dicembre in Alaska... Ma l'ho visto in offerta, la trama mi piaceva e mi serviva per un paio di challenges, quindi mi sono detta "perché no?". Comunque sia, mi è piaciuto e mi è venuta la curiosità di leggere anche gli altri della serie, soprattutto il successivo, visto che ho conosciuto i due protagonisti un po' durante questa storia. E poi non riesco a resistere a ex-militari molto alpha che cercano di fare del bene e che nel frattempo trovano l'amore della loro vita...
dnf
November 24, 2019Sadly this was a DNF for me. I tried really hard to love this book, but I wasn't connecting with the characters. I didn't realize that this would be a "cleaner" romance without profanity or any rough language and that Megan Crane also writes under Caitlin Crews. This romance book just wasn't for me.
**ARC provided by publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**
**ARC provided by publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**
August 22, 2020
have i mentioned how much i hate book covers like this??? anyway this time, SHE was the mean stoic ice princess and he was the "funny" class clown type!!!
December 26, 2020
I almost missed reading Sergeant's Christmas Siege (Alaska Force, #3), because I somehow overlooked it when I received an advance reader copy of book #4, so I backtracked, and, although I enjoyed reading Alaska State Trooper Kate Holiday's and Alaska Force's, Templeton Cross's romance, I didn't love it for several reasons, which is why I am giving it a 3.5-star star rating.
Trooper Kate Holiday grew up in a cult, started by her father but she fled at 15, eventually becoming a state trooper, and has been trying to put an end to these strange cults ever since. She's also become aware of a series of fires and explosions in Grizzly Harbor, the possible involvement of shadow group Alaska Force, and is now there to investigate the odd goings on. It's there that Alaska Force's Templeton Cross has been assigned to keep an eye on her, and the attraction between these two is instantaneous and electric, although Kate is as cold, professional and rigid as they come, which for some reason appeals to Templeton Cross. I can understand her attraction to him, since he's described as looking a lot like sexy actor, Jason Momoa. It's his attraction to Kate that I found mystifying, just as mystifying as I found the attraction between Alaska Force leader, Isaac and cold as ice restaurant owner Carradine in book #4 of this series. As Kate and Templeton begin to work together, the attraction grows, but it seemed such a mismatch of personalities that it took me quite a while to begin liking either of them.
Also, the action is very slow to start in this novel, as Kate first feels it necessary to investigate Alaska Force as the possible villains, which, if you've been following the series, is something you already know. As she is finally convinced they aren't the enemy, a dead body is found in her seaplane, and the real investigation begins. Kate and Templeton first set out to investigate her own family. Her father is serving a long prison sentence thanks to her testimony against him. Her mother also received a 15-year sentence, and has been out for several years, but they've had no contact with Kate. They also investigate the site of the former cult compound, running into more "true-believers," who've recently returned to the area, as well as the cousin Kate wanted to escape with her, but who chose not to go. Although most of this takes place over a 24-hour period, the pace is so slow, and Kate is so reluctant to discuss her childhood in the cult, that it seems to take weeks until their return to Grizzly Harbor, where some new surprises and danger await.
Between the slow pace and the slow-moving on-again/off-again relationship between Kate and Templeton, the action finally picks up during that last quarter of the novel--it becomes fast-paced and exciting, but even though there's an HEA ending for this couple, they still seemed mismatched to me, and the details of their HEA ending certainly caused me to raise my eyebrows quite a bit. To say that this couple is unconventional is putting it mildly.
Finally, although the novel was as well-written as all of the other Megan Crane novels I've read, the slow pacing and personality of the heroine in this novel just didn't grab me, but then neither did the heroine in book #4 of this series. While I loved the setting, the men of Alaska Force and their loyalty to one another, especially the way they backed up both the hero and heroine, which was admirable, I'm finding myself far more drawn to the men of Alaska Force than I am to the women who come into their lives and who they protect and defend. While book #5, Special Ops Seduction, is next up, I can't help but hope for a more likable, easier to identify with heroine.
All in all, this is not a bad read, but in my opinion, it's not one of the author's best efforts.
Trooper Kate Holiday grew up in a cult, started by her father but she fled at 15, eventually becoming a state trooper, and has been trying to put an end to these strange cults ever since. She's also become aware of a series of fires and explosions in Grizzly Harbor, the possible involvement of shadow group Alaska Force, and is now there to investigate the odd goings on. It's there that Alaska Force's Templeton Cross has been assigned to keep an eye on her, and the attraction between these two is instantaneous and electric, although Kate is as cold, professional and rigid as they come, which for some reason appeals to Templeton Cross. I can understand her attraction to him, since he's described as looking a lot like sexy actor, Jason Momoa. It's his attraction to Kate that I found mystifying, just as mystifying as I found the attraction between Alaska Force leader, Isaac and cold as ice restaurant owner Carradine in book #4 of this series. As Kate and Templeton begin to work together, the attraction grows, but it seemed such a mismatch of personalities that it took me quite a while to begin liking either of them.
Also, the action is very slow to start in this novel, as Kate first feels it necessary to investigate Alaska Force as the possible villains, which, if you've been following the series, is something you already know. As she is finally convinced they aren't the enemy, a dead body is found in her seaplane, and the real investigation begins. Kate and Templeton first set out to investigate her own family. Her father is serving a long prison sentence thanks to her testimony against him. Her mother also received a 15-year sentence, and has been out for several years, but they've had no contact with Kate. They also investigate the site of the former cult compound, running into more "true-believers," who've recently returned to the area, as well as the cousin Kate wanted to escape with her, but who chose not to go. Although most of this takes place over a 24-hour period, the pace is so slow, and Kate is so reluctant to discuss her childhood in the cult, that it seems to take weeks until their return to Grizzly Harbor, where some new surprises and danger await.
Between the slow pace and the slow-moving on-again/off-again relationship between Kate and Templeton, the action finally picks up during that last quarter of the novel--it becomes fast-paced and exciting, but even though there's an HEA ending for this couple, they still seemed mismatched to me, and the details of their HEA ending certainly caused me to raise my eyebrows quite a bit. To say that this couple is unconventional is putting it mildly.
Finally, although the novel was as well-written as all of the other Megan Crane novels I've read, the slow pacing and personality of the heroine in this novel just didn't grab me, but then neither did the heroine in book #4 of this series. While I loved the setting, the men of Alaska Force and their loyalty to one another, especially the way they backed up both the hero and heroine, which was admirable, I'm finding myself far more drawn to the men of Alaska Force than I am to the women who come into their lives and who they protect and defend. While book #5, Special Ops Seduction, is next up, I can't help but hope for a more likable, easier to identify with heroine.
All in all, this is not a bad read, but in my opinion, it's not one of the author's best efforts.
October 30, 2019
Sergeant’s Christmas Siege by Megan Crane is the 3rd book in her Alaska Force series. We meet our heroine, Kate Holiday immediately, as she is sitting in a café, waiting for someone from Alaska Force to meet with her. Kate is one of the top Alaskan State Troopers, who has been sent to investigate a local band of former commando soldiers in remote Grizzly Harbor. Kate comes from a rough childhood, having escaped living with a family of cult members. Kate, as a teenager, was the one who turned her family in to authorities, breaking up the cult. She survived to become one the best in her field, but she will be in for a big surprise, especially when she meets one of the Alaska Force members.
Templeton Cross, our hero, is assigned to meet Kate, and they both start off badly. Templeton tries to explain to Kate that they are not a cult, but hired to help people. Off course, she does not believe hm, and she has a hard time dealing with his flirting attitude and insists he take her to their headquarters. When Kate’s plane is blown up, things change, as she now has become the victim. Early on, Kate was very rigid and unwillingly to give Templeton the benefit of the doubt, but when people from her horrid past surface, Kate begins to trust Templeton, not to mention the attraction she is starting to feel.
What follows is an exciting, intense, suspenseful and intriguing story, with a slow burn unlikely romance, but in the end, they did make a great couple. There were a few surprises, as we race to the exciting edge of your seat climax, and the discovery of who was really behind the attempts on Kate’s life.
About half way through, I really began to like the relationship between Templeton and Kate, but there were doubts to the very end if they would end up together. Templeton was a great hero, not only his looks, but his personality was awesome, you just couldn’t help fall in love with him. Alaska Force has a great group of secondary characters, and I really look forward to seeing future stories for them. Sergeant’s Christmas Siege was an action-packed intriguing story line that kept us in suspense throughout. Megan Crane did a very good job writing this wonderful suspenseful story. I suggest to start this series; though each book can be read as a standalone, I recommend to start with the first book.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Templeton Cross, our hero, is assigned to meet Kate, and they both start off badly. Templeton tries to explain to Kate that they are not a cult, but hired to help people. Off course, she does not believe hm, and she has a hard time dealing with his flirting attitude and insists he take her to their headquarters. When Kate’s plane is blown up, things change, as she now has become the victim. Early on, Kate was very rigid and unwillingly to give Templeton the benefit of the doubt, but when people from her horrid past surface, Kate begins to trust Templeton, not to mention the attraction she is starting to feel.
What follows is an exciting, intense, suspenseful and intriguing story, with a slow burn unlikely romance, but in the end, they did make a great couple. There were a few surprises, as we race to the exciting edge of your seat climax, and the discovery of who was really behind the attempts on Kate’s life.
About half way through, I really began to like the relationship between Templeton and Kate, but there were doubts to the very end if they would end up together. Templeton was a great hero, not only his looks, but his personality was awesome, you just couldn’t help fall in love with him. Alaska Force has a great group of secondary characters, and I really look forward to seeing future stories for them. Sergeant’s Christmas Siege was an action-packed intriguing story line that kept us in suspense throughout. Megan Crane did a very good job writing this wonderful suspenseful story. I suggest to start this series; though each book can be read as a standalone, I recommend to start with the first book.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
October 30, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Templeton and Kate’s suspenseful story in Sergeant’s Christmas Siege by Megan Crane, book three in her Alaska Force series. Alaskan State Trooper Kate Holiday has been sent to Grizzly Harbor over the holidays, Kate’s least favorite time of the year, assigned to investigate, disband and arrest Alaska Force. This is after a number of fires have popped up around the state, usually in storage units owned by Alaska Force, and some unexplained boat explosions. Former Army Ranger Templeton knows how to charm while hiding his emotions, especially in combat. From the start, Kate and Templeton rub each other wrong yet their magnetism and attraction is still strong. One could light the winter Alaskan skies with the electricity that arcs between them. Yet, there is so much more to this story than sexual attraction.
Kate is a product of her upbringing, never having interacted with anyone outside her family before fleeing their compound. She is a by-the-book State Trooper who only believes in good and bad, law followers and law breakers, things being black or white. She’s a very strong person, rigid and stand-offish; who others find difficult to warm up to. Templeton is perfect for her. He is able to make her laugh with his dark humor, pull out her vulnerability and hidden qualities while being respectful of her law enforcement abilities. He was also protective of her while not trying to overstep her authority or weaken her power. Kate and Templeton both carry a lot of emotional baggage; much of which is dealt with while dealing with the mystery and danger surrounding them on their journey to find the truth.
Ms. Crane wrote an intense, emotional and exciting romantic suspense that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, suspense, a dysfunctional family, heartfelt, and endearing characters giving Kate and Templeton a chance at love, happiness, and a future neither expected. The suspense element in this story kept me guessing and the vivid descriptions of the Alaskan winter was the perfect background for the events to play out. I highly recommend Sergeant’s Christmas Siege and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the Alaska Force series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Kate is a product of her upbringing, never having interacted with anyone outside her family before fleeing their compound. She is a by-the-book State Trooper who only believes in good and bad, law followers and law breakers, things being black or white. She’s a very strong person, rigid and stand-offish; who others find difficult to warm up to. Templeton is perfect for her. He is able to make her laugh with his dark humor, pull out her vulnerability and hidden qualities while being respectful of her law enforcement abilities. He was also protective of her while not trying to overstep her authority or weaken her power. Kate and Templeton both carry a lot of emotional baggage; much of which is dealt with while dealing with the mystery and danger surrounding them on their journey to find the truth.
Ms. Crane wrote an intense, emotional and exciting romantic suspense that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, suspense, a dysfunctional family, heartfelt, and endearing characters giving Kate and Templeton a chance at love, happiness, and a future neither expected. The suspense element in this story kept me guessing and the vivid descriptions of the Alaskan winter was the perfect background for the events to play out. I highly recommend Sergeant’s Christmas Siege and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the Alaska Force series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 25, 2020
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
In this Alaska Force novel, we see that those bands of brothers we love here in Romancelandia don’t always get away with their off-the-books ops. Even though they’re the good guys, there are consequences to things blowing up.
Kate is an Alaska State Trooper who barely survived growing up in a cult and then escaping at age 12. She’s very by the book, and she is very good at knowing the difference between people who just want to live off the grid, and people who live off the grid to hide from the law. So it’s no surprise she’s sent in to check out the group made up of former military personnel and to figure out why so many things keep exploding around them.
Templeton is sent in to charm the state trooper who is going to be investigating him. His job is to show her that they’re just a bunch of aw shucks ma’am do-gooders. Which to be fair is mostly true. But Kate sees through his relaxed southern charm persona right through to the Special Forces soldier beneath. And Templeton loves that about her.
Kate is prickly, seems uptight, but really she’s controlled. No grey areas, black and white only. Templeton loves her all the more. But he needs to show her that life is full of grey areas, and Alaska Force operates in one.
But in the mean time, all of the events that attracted the troopers’ attention and focused in on Alaska Force, may have been a distraction for something bigger. Something that has very little to do with Alaska Force and everything to do with Kate.
This book had very little about Templeton. It’s all about Kate, which was mostly okay, it worked…until the ending. Each of these books so far has had a major family element, both found and blood. And the family reunion at the end could have used a bit of backstory. So much focused on everything else happening in the story, that there wasn’t enough in my opinion.
That being said, I love this series, and I enjoyed Kate and her prickly self. I also like that even though she loosened up a bit in the end, she never really lost that sense of self that she maintained throughout the book. I think that’s important since it was such a huge part of who she was.
This is a series that I enjoy and look forward to with each release.
***ARC courtesy of Berkley Romance via Netgalley
In this Alaska Force novel, we see that those bands of brothers we love here in Romancelandia don’t always get away with their off-the-books ops. Even though they’re the good guys, there are consequences to things blowing up.
Kate is an Alaska State Trooper who barely survived growing up in a cult and then escaping at age 12. She’s very by the book, and she is very good at knowing the difference between people who just want to live off the grid, and people who live off the grid to hide from the law. So it’s no surprise she’s sent in to check out the group made up of former military personnel and to figure out why so many things keep exploding around them.
Templeton is sent in to charm the state trooper who is going to be investigating him. His job is to show her that they’re just a bunch of aw shucks ma’am do-gooders. Which to be fair is mostly true. But Kate sees through his relaxed southern charm persona right through to the Special Forces soldier beneath. And Templeton loves that about her.
Kate is prickly, seems uptight, but really she’s controlled. No grey areas, black and white only. Templeton loves her all the more. But he needs to show her that life is full of grey areas, and Alaska Force operates in one.
But in the mean time, all of the events that attracted the troopers’ attention and focused in on Alaska Force, may have been a distraction for something bigger. Something that has very little to do with Alaska Force and everything to do with Kate.
This book had very little about Templeton. It’s all about Kate, which was mostly okay, it worked…until the ending. Each of these books so far has had a major family element, both found and blood. And the family reunion at the end could have used a bit of backstory. So much focused on everything else happening in the story, that there wasn’t enough in my opinion.
That being said, I love this series, and I enjoyed Kate and her prickly self. I also like that even though she loosened up a bit in the end, she never really lost that sense of self that she maintained throughout the book. I think that’s important since it was such a huge part of who she was.
This is a series that I enjoy and look forward to with each release.
***ARC courtesy of Berkley Romance via Netgalley
November 15, 2019
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
I came into Sergeant's Christmas Siege looking for the Die Hard of Christmas romances. And it delivers that, almost to a fault. It's mostly suspense, and light on the romance (even by slow burn standards).
That said, Alaska State Trooper Kate Holiday is one of the more interesting romance heroines I've read lately. She's unusual in that she starts and ends the book in basically the same place emotionally: all business. I laughed out loud when she said, "I saved myself. Again." It's refreshing that for once it wasn't the love of a man that showed a woman the light, but she still gets her HEA.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Full Review at DailyWaffle.com
I came into Sergeant's Christmas Siege looking for the Die Hard of Christmas romances. And it delivers that, almost to a fault. It's mostly suspense, and light on the romance (even by slow burn standards).
That said, Alaska State Trooper Kate Holiday is one of the more interesting romance heroines I've read lately. She's unusual in that she starts and ends the book in basically the same place emotionally: all business. I laughed out loud when she said, "I saved myself. Again." It's refreshing that for once it wasn't the love of a man that showed a woman the light, but she still gets her HEA.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Full Review at DailyWaffle.com
October 7, 2019
Former Army Ranger and present Alaska Force Agent Templeton Cross is a charmer. He is more than capable of putting on a really good show. He has been sent to meet with Alaksa State Trooper Kate Holiday who is convinced Alaska Force is just a bunch of rogue criminals. They aren't, of course. Turns out Kate manages to come to the same conclusion. The reason why Kate was sent to investigate Alaska Force was because of a couple of their warehouses exploding and boats in their harbor exploding too. That still needed to be investigated. That means more time Kate and Templeton spend together and the more time they spend together the tougher it is to ignore their attaction to one another.
Sergeant's Christmas Siege by Megan Crane is the third book in her Alaska Force series. This book is well-written, has some interesting action scenes and a fair share of intrigue. This author's writing style is not my favorite but I did enjoy her storyline in this book. I found this to be an interesting romantic suspense. Don't think it is Christmas story though. It takes place at Christmastime but that's about as much Christmas as there is to it.
Sergeant's Christmas Siege by Megan Crane is the third book in her Alaska Force series. This book is well-written, has some interesting action scenes and a fair share of intrigue. This author's writing style is not my favorite but I did enjoy her storyline in this book. I found this to be an interesting romantic suspense. Don't think it is Christmas story though. It takes place at Christmastime but that's about as much Christmas as there is to it.
November 20, 2019
enjoyed the suspense part - loved the hero and warmed up to the heroine quickly - i really felt her struggle.
September 4, 2019
By-the-book Alaskan State Trooper Kate Holiday had spent her childhood living in a cult. As an adult, she’s determined to bring down other such groups. When a series of events has her investigating the Alaska Force team, she’s convinced they are all former military who think they can get around the rules. Templeton Cross is assigned to work with her, to prove that they are being set up. He has a care-free attitude, but he’s determined to work with Kate to find out the truth, and is willing to protect her at any cost.
It took a little bit to warm up to Kate, mainly because when she went in to meet Alaska Force, she already judged them and found them guilty without getting to know them or without really having all the facts. Her initial attitude was a little off-putting, but as the book progresses and her past is revealed, it becomes easier to understand why she is the way she is. Templeton, along with the rest of the Alaska Force team, also help her to relax in her ways a little.
The romance is a slow burn, but the action is fast-paced. It’s never really clear until to the end just who exactly is actually involved, and I enjoyed the journey to get to that revelation.
Fans of romantic suspense are in for a treat with this this book.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley**
It took a little bit to warm up to Kate, mainly because when she went in to meet Alaska Force, she already judged them and found them guilty without getting to know them or without really having all the facts. Her initial attitude was a little off-putting, but as the book progresses and her past is revealed, it becomes easier to understand why she is the way she is. Templeton, along with the rest of the Alaska Force team, also help her to relax in her ways a little.
The romance is a slow burn, but the action is fast-paced. It’s never really clear until to the end just who exactly is actually involved, and I enjoyed the journey to get to that revelation.
Fans of romantic suspense are in for a treat with this this book.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley**
February 3, 2020
https://openbooksociety.com/article/s...
Sergeant’s Christmas Siege
Alaska Force, Book #3
Megan Crane
ISBN13: 9781984805508
http://www.megancrane.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer jerjen
Synopsis:
Danger lurks in the wilds of Grizzly Harbor this Christmas but it’s love that has Alaska Force in the cross-hairs, from the USA Today bestselling author of Sniper’s Pride.
When straight-arrow, by-the-rules Alaskan State Trooper Kate Holiday is sent to investigate a local band of secretive commandos in remote Grizzly Harbor over the holidays, her least favorite time of year, her objective is clear: disband Alaska Force and arrest them. But Kate didn’t count on the diabolical temptation of Templeton Cross. The former Army Ranger exudes charm and has absolutely no respect for the rules of law that govern Kate’s life – too bad he also makes her mouth water and her knees weak.
Templeton has always been good at keeping his game face on and his emotions hidden, especially in combat. But working with Kate brings back memories of losses he prefers to keep locked up tight. As the pressure mounts – and Christmas draws closer – it’s a given that someone’s going to get hurt.
Trouble is, the more time he spends convincing his careful, wary trooper that there’s more to the holidays than her memories, the more he wants to keep her around. Forever.
But forever is the one thing a man like Templeton can’t do. Not even at Christmas. (Goodreads)
Review:
Kate has been sent to Grizzly Harbor to learn all she can about a group of off-the-radar soldiers. She is to go and try to figure out if they have been behind a series of crimes, and if so, bring them in for justice. Templeton is good at keeping secrets and charming his way out of anything. He is loyal to his group and will not let Kate destroy his group. What follows is a head on collision of two people that can not afford to lose.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. Kate and Templeton are intense, serious, take-no-nonsense people. Kate is a by-the-book state trooper and Templeton is more of a take-things-as-they-come person. But people should not let that attitude fool them. Kate has had a very bad upbringing, being raised by a cult. Both have a lot of baggage and things that they would rather not remember. Both of them are damaged and they both feel that they cannot be happy, nor do they deserve to be happy. Slowly they start breaking down walls learn to trust again. I really enjoyed the bickering and banter between the two.
The author is very talented in creating suspense with just the written word. There were a lot of twists and turns that had me changing my mind a few times. There was a lot of action going on within the pages of this book and it was fast paced, which I enjoyed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted women’s contemporary. And if you are looking for an action filled Christmas read, you should like this one.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Sergeant’s Christmas Siege
Alaska Force, Book #3
Megan Crane
ISBN13: 9781984805508
http://www.megancrane.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer jerjen
Synopsis:
Danger lurks in the wilds of Grizzly Harbor this Christmas but it’s love that has Alaska Force in the cross-hairs, from the USA Today bestselling author of Sniper’s Pride.
When straight-arrow, by-the-rules Alaskan State Trooper Kate Holiday is sent to investigate a local band of secretive commandos in remote Grizzly Harbor over the holidays, her least favorite time of year, her objective is clear: disband Alaska Force and arrest them. But Kate didn’t count on the diabolical temptation of Templeton Cross. The former Army Ranger exudes charm and has absolutely no respect for the rules of law that govern Kate’s life – too bad he also makes her mouth water and her knees weak.
Templeton has always been good at keeping his game face on and his emotions hidden, especially in combat. But working with Kate brings back memories of losses he prefers to keep locked up tight. As the pressure mounts – and Christmas draws closer – it’s a given that someone’s going to get hurt.
Trouble is, the more time he spends convincing his careful, wary trooper that there’s more to the holidays than her memories, the more he wants to keep her around. Forever.
But forever is the one thing a man like Templeton can’t do. Not even at Christmas. (Goodreads)
Review:
Kate has been sent to Grizzly Harbor to learn all she can about a group of off-the-radar soldiers. She is to go and try to figure out if they have been behind a series of crimes, and if so, bring them in for justice. Templeton is good at keeping secrets and charming his way out of anything. He is loyal to his group and will not let Kate destroy his group. What follows is a head on collision of two people that can not afford to lose.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. Kate and Templeton are intense, serious, take-no-nonsense people. Kate is a by-the-book state trooper and Templeton is more of a take-things-as-they-come person. But people should not let that attitude fool them. Kate has had a very bad upbringing, being raised by a cult. Both have a lot of baggage and things that they would rather not remember. Both of them are damaged and they both feel that they cannot be happy, nor do they deserve to be happy. Slowly they start breaking down walls learn to trust again. I really enjoyed the bickering and banter between the two.
The author is very talented in creating suspense with just the written word. There were a lot of twists and turns that had me changing my mind a few times. There was a lot of action going on within the pages of this book and it was fast paced, which I enjoyed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted women’s contemporary. And if you are looking for an action filled Christmas read, you should like this one.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
November 11, 2019
Who doesn’t like Alaska in the winter? Most people, probably. But there are a select few who like to live off the grid, and don’t want to be bothered with other people’s business. Megan Crane gives readers a taste of Alaska and a taste for the rugged men of Alaska Force with the third novel in the series, The Sergeant’s Christmas Siege. Full of heart pounding suspense and plenty of intrigue readers will find this one hard to put down.
What I liked:
As with the other books in this series Crane proves that she clearly knows how to write about powerful men who are not willing to accept defeat. The men of Alaska Force are former military men who know a lot about brotherhood and loyalty. Templeton Cross may seem like a smooth talking charmer but he is not a man to be messed with. I loved his rugged exterior and his inner humor. He was a lead character that exuded self confidence and never let that get in the way of his vulnerability. Templeton’s relationship with Alaska Trooper Kate Holiday starts out rocky but gives off some sparks right from the beginning. Crane definitely knows how to write a good leading man.
I loved the Alaska setting and Crane makes her story that much more authentic with her descriptions of the landscape and the people who choose to live in this remote corner of the world. Alaska takes on its own character and nuances in this book and readers will find it captivating even if they don’t want to brave the winter months there.
One of the best parts of this book for me was the non stop action and the mystery that surrounded what was happening. Kate believes Alaska Force to be some kind of fringe survivalist group or maybe even a cult. Her past experience with that kind of lifestyle was nothing less than fascinating. It certainly takes family drama to new lengths and provided a perfect backdrop to the current situation Alaska Force finds themselves in. Crane’s depiction of life after a traumatic childhood was brilliant!
What I didn’t like:
This one was heavy on the suspense and a little light on the romance. There are a couple of hot scenes but it seemed to me that it took a long time getting there. Kate and Templeton are obviously attracted to each but this one was a real slow burn. Kate just couldn’t seem to put down her job long enough to let her heart soften. Predictable because of her past but a little disappointing for such a good man, like Templeton. It was still iffy to me in the end if they would really survive.
When you see the title of the book and the cover you expect a little Christmas cheer. Not so much with this one. Though it was set during the holidays that’s about all you get as far as a Christmas romance.
Bottom Line:
I liked this one a lot for the suspense and intrigue but it lacked a little as far as romance goes. If you are a reader who enjoys a good Christmas read this might not be it, but if it’s a great leading man and plenty of suspense that gets your motor running this one has you covered.
What I liked:
As with the other books in this series Crane proves that she clearly knows how to write about powerful men who are not willing to accept defeat. The men of Alaska Force are former military men who know a lot about brotherhood and loyalty. Templeton Cross may seem like a smooth talking charmer but he is not a man to be messed with. I loved his rugged exterior and his inner humor. He was a lead character that exuded self confidence and never let that get in the way of his vulnerability. Templeton’s relationship with Alaska Trooper Kate Holiday starts out rocky but gives off some sparks right from the beginning. Crane definitely knows how to write a good leading man.
I loved the Alaska setting and Crane makes her story that much more authentic with her descriptions of the landscape and the people who choose to live in this remote corner of the world. Alaska takes on its own character and nuances in this book and readers will find it captivating even if they don’t want to brave the winter months there.
One of the best parts of this book for me was the non stop action and the mystery that surrounded what was happening. Kate believes Alaska Force to be some kind of fringe survivalist group or maybe even a cult. Her past experience with that kind of lifestyle was nothing less than fascinating. It certainly takes family drama to new lengths and provided a perfect backdrop to the current situation Alaska Force finds themselves in. Crane’s depiction of life after a traumatic childhood was brilliant!
What I didn’t like:
This one was heavy on the suspense and a little light on the romance. There are a couple of hot scenes but it seemed to me that it took a long time getting there. Kate and Templeton are obviously attracted to each but this one was a real slow burn. Kate just couldn’t seem to put down her job long enough to let her heart soften. Predictable because of her past but a little disappointing for such a good man, like Templeton. It was still iffy to me in the end if they would really survive.
When you see the title of the book and the cover you expect a little Christmas cheer. Not so much with this one. Though it was set during the holidays that’s about all you get as far as a Christmas romance.
Bottom Line:
I liked this one a lot for the suspense and intrigue but it lacked a little as far as romance goes. If you are a reader who enjoys a good Christmas read this might not be it, but if it’s a great leading man and plenty of suspense that gets your motor running this one has you covered.
October 24, 2019
Sergeant's Christmas Siege is a good holiday romantic suspense that is dangerous and tempting. I liked that Megan Crane created a strong and fierce female lead and an equally dominating counterpart.
I have been on a holiday romance binge for the last couple of weeks and I was so excited to read this one because I was intrigued by the synopsis and the cover! As I was reading it, I really thought the author did a great job with Alaskan State Trooper Kate Holiday. She is fierce, likes to stick to the rules, and her past makes her such a complex character.
Kate is tasked with disbanding the 'Alaska Force' and will stop at nothing to get the job done. She meets former Army Ranger Templeton Cross and her plans begin to change. He is attractive, takes things as they come, and knows what he wants. They don't get along in the beginning probably because of their strong and confident personalities.
They begin to spend more time on the job and contemplate their only professional rule: no dating someone you work with. One night of passion was supposed to lessen their craving for each other, but it only heightened their attraction.
I really wanted to love this book, but it just fell short. I felt like the chemistry and story between Kate and Templeton declined as the book continued. At times, I thought that there was a build-up/anticipation and then by the end it was rushed.
I give Sergeant's Christmas Siege 3 stars. It was mysterious and suspenseful but lacked in the romance department. It had its moments and characters had potential. I really enjoyed the author's description of Alaska and she detailed it really well. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
I have been on a holiday romance binge for the last couple of weeks and I was so excited to read this one because I was intrigued by the synopsis and the cover! As I was reading it, I really thought the author did a great job with Alaskan State Trooper Kate Holiday. She is fierce, likes to stick to the rules, and her past makes her such a complex character.
Kate is tasked with disbanding the 'Alaska Force' and will stop at nothing to get the job done. She meets former Army Ranger Templeton Cross and her plans begin to change. He is attractive, takes things as they come, and knows what he wants. They don't get along in the beginning probably because of their strong and confident personalities.
They begin to spend more time on the job and contemplate their only professional rule: no dating someone you work with. One night of passion was supposed to lessen their craving for each other, but it only heightened their attraction.
I really wanted to love this book, but it just fell short. I felt like the chemistry and story between Kate and Templeton declined as the book continued. At times, I thought that there was a build-up/anticipation and then by the end it was rushed.
I give Sergeant's Christmas Siege 3 stars. It was mysterious and suspenseful but lacked in the romance department. It had its moments and characters had potential. I really enjoyed the author's description of Alaska and she detailed it really well. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
March 24, 2020
This is book #3 in the Alaska Force series. It is the story of Kate Holiday and Templeton Cross.
It is set in the wilds of Grizzly Harbor, Alaska during the Christmas season.
Kate Holiday is an Alaskan State Trooper. She plays by the rules and has no grey areas in her life. She is sent to investigate a local band of secret commandos in this remote part of Alaska over the holiday. Even with her last name being Holiday, it is her least favorite time of the year. Her objective is clear to take down Alaska Force and take them into custody.
Kate had no idea of how charming Templeton Cross is. OR how he would make her feel!
Templeton Cross is a former Army Ranger, and he comes across as having no respect for the rules of law that Kate follows in her life. He has always been good at keeping his emotions hidden, especially in times of combat. He is best at keeping his game face on, but Kate brings up memories of losses he would prefer to keep down inside.
The pressure mounts, Christmas draws near, and Templeton starts to think he wants to keep Kate around forever. And that is not something he can ever do!
I didn't read the first two books in this series, but i don't think it affected the story being read as a stand-a-lone. I really enjoyed Kate and Templeton's stories and how they came to be the people they are. This book was fun to read and an intriguing visit to the great Alaskan wilderness. I will be looking for the first two stories as well as the next one coming out in Summer 2020.
It is set in the wilds of Grizzly Harbor, Alaska during the Christmas season.
Kate Holiday is an Alaskan State Trooper. She plays by the rules and has no grey areas in her life. She is sent to investigate a local band of secret commandos in this remote part of Alaska over the holiday. Even with her last name being Holiday, it is her least favorite time of the year. Her objective is clear to take down Alaska Force and take them into custody.
Kate had no idea of how charming Templeton Cross is. OR how he would make her feel!
Templeton Cross is a former Army Ranger, and he comes across as having no respect for the rules of law that Kate follows in her life. He has always been good at keeping his emotions hidden, especially in times of combat. He is best at keeping his game face on, but Kate brings up memories of losses he would prefer to keep down inside.
The pressure mounts, Christmas draws near, and Templeton starts to think he wants to keep Kate around forever. And that is not something he can ever do!
I didn't read the first two books in this series, but i don't think it affected the story being read as a stand-a-lone. I really enjoyed Kate and Templeton's stories and how they came to be the people they are. This book was fun to read and an intriguing visit to the great Alaskan wilderness. I will be looking for the first two stories as well as the next one coming out in Summer 2020.
July 20, 2020
My Review: After reading the previous two books, I had wanted to continue reading this series. I came to really enjoy the group of characters and wanted to continue seeing them each find their match. I some how completely missed this book releasing and only discovered it once approved for the 4th book on Netgalley, so it was a bit of a scramble to read them both in time for release. I know this one is set around the Christmas season but it really didn't strike me as a Christmas book, there was very little festivities involved (and that could just be a part of the plot as neither of the main characters really celebrated it). I did really love how we got a really strong female character who didn't really need saving, more of a side kick (which Templeton fit perfectly). I did love the way Kate and Templeton worked together and the constant push to be better than the other. With that said, I do love a good hate to love and forced proximity romance, but this one kind of seemed to lack the attraction and tension between the characters. While that part of the story lacked a little something, I did really enjoy the more thriller/suspense side of it. There was definitely a lot of action and a constant tension of what bad thing was going to happen next, which kept the pages turning.
October 24, 2019
4 1/2 STARS!
With book three in her Alaska Force series, Megan Crane brings us SERGEANT'S CHRISTMAS SIEGE pitting a former Army Ranger turned Alaska Force member against an Alaska State Trooper bent on taking them down if they are up to anything illegal. This enemies to lovers story is my favorite of the series and held my attention throughout!
Kate Holiday is a confident, gutsy Trooper for the state of Alaska and takes her job of bringing down corruptness seriously. As we learn her history, we begin to understand just what pushes her to be so cold and calculated.
Templeton Cross uses laughter as a ruse to hold himself aloof from connecting with people. He would die for his brotherhood, but he doesn't have any use for love and connection otherwise.
I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a complex, action packed plot with an underlying romance peaking through to tempt us. I think each book in the series has grown stronger along the way and this one topped them all for me. Enjoyed it!
With book three in her Alaska Force series, Megan Crane brings us SERGEANT'S CHRISTMAS SIEGE pitting a former Army Ranger turned Alaska Force member against an Alaska State Trooper bent on taking them down if they are up to anything illegal. This enemies to lovers story is my favorite of the series and held my attention throughout!
Kate Holiday is a confident, gutsy Trooper for the state of Alaska and takes her job of bringing down corruptness seriously. As we learn her history, we begin to understand just what pushes her to be so cold and calculated.
Templeton Cross uses laughter as a ruse to hold himself aloof from connecting with people. He would die for his brotherhood, but he doesn't have any use for love and connection otherwise.
I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a complex, action packed plot with an underlying romance peaking through to tempt us. I think each book in the series has grown stronger along the way and this one topped them all for me. Enjoyed it!
Want to read
November 5, 2019Review: SERGEANT’S CHRISTMAS SIEGE (An Alaska Force Novel) by Megan Crane https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-biD
Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars
At first, I wasn’t sure if I would like Kate. She came across as a bit of a bitch with too much rambling about how she felt about groups of men in Alaska. But the author gave enough insight into her thoughts, and enough outward glimpses of her vulnerability to Templeton, that I understood his attraction to her. They fit rather well together and managed to break down each other’s relationship barriers in a smooth believable manner.
The story was also one that kept me glued to the pages. It wasn’t an action-packed-shoot-em-up, nor was it just a boring investigation. It was a riveting combination of the two, leading to an exciting climax. I enjoyed this installment and can only hope that Isaac is the next Alaska Force member in the crosshairs.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
Kindle https://amzn.to/2BzN4KO
Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars
At first, I wasn’t sure if I would like Kate. She came across as a bit of a bitch with too much rambling about how she felt about groups of men in Alaska. But the author gave enough insight into her thoughts, and enough outward glimpses of her vulnerability to Templeton, that I understood his attraction to her. They fit rather well together and managed to break down each other’s relationship barriers in a smooth believable manner.
The story was also one that kept me glued to the pages. It wasn’t an action-packed-shoot-em-up, nor was it just a boring investigation. It was a riveting combination of the two, leading to an exciting climax. I enjoyed this installment and can only hope that Isaac is the next Alaska Force member in the crosshairs.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
Kindle https://amzn.to/2BzN4KO
October 30, 2019
This book was so good I have not read any of the other books in the series but can only imagine the adventures that those books offered if it was anything like this one. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and it was a complete page turner. At first I found Templeton's personality completely off setting to the point it was annoying, but they more I read the more he grew on me. If it could described Kate's childhood in one word it would be twisted. OMG its like ripped from the headlines crazy. This book does have two sex scenes in it but no curse words. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book totally worth the read. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
November 1, 2019
Megan Crane’s Sergeant’s Christmas Siege is a suspenseful story of intrigue with a slow-burn romance. Alaska State Trooper Kate Holiday is a straight-narrow, by-the-book individual. Is the Alaska Force a group of rogue criminals who like to blow things up? Her mission is to investigate, but she is unprepared for the diabolical temptation of former Army Ranger Templeton Cross. Templeton finds that being with Kate brings back memories of losses he prefers to forget. The more time they spend together, it becomes increasingly harder to resist the attraction brewing between them. Sergeant's Christmas Siege is the third book in Megan Crane’s Alaska Force series. I received a complimentary ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2020
State Trooper Kate Holliday grew up in in a cult run by her father. At 15 she escaped and turned her whole family in to the authorities. Now she investigates insurgent, off the grid groups for the state police. After several questionable incidents, she's come to Grizzley Cove to investigate Alaska Force. Templeton Cross is tasked with showing Kate who Alaska Force really is.
I really enjoyed the previous Alaska Force novels, but I had a hard time getting into this story. I found Kate completely unlikable. I just couldn't connect with the character and that it difficult to buy into Kate and Tempketon's relationship. I also missed scenes of interaction between the Alaska Force members which were sparse overall. Overall the premise of the story was good, but it felt very forced.
I really enjoyed the previous Alaska Force novels, but I had a hard time getting into this story. I found Kate completely unlikable. I just couldn't connect with the character and that it difficult to buy into Kate and Tempketon's relationship. I also missed scenes of interaction between the Alaska Force members which were sparse overall. Overall the premise of the story was good, but it felt very forced.
December 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this Alaskan set romantic suspense novel! Though books with a cult theme aren't my favorite, there isn't too much time spent dwelling on what Kate went through as a child, and I found the mystery of what was happening in Grizzly Harbour with Alaska Force an interesting one that kept me guessing while events unfolded. Kate and Templeton are both characters who are wary of trusting strangers and the evolution of their romance is a believable one. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the Alaska Force veterans too. It's a solid addition to the series.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
August 13, 2025
DN 10%
Ugh!!! I hate characters who only see the world in black and white. I get why she’s like this in these books, I know we’ll eventually get more of her backstory and see her grow through different circumstances but reading her being such a hardass about “you’re evil because you’re not the law, so you must be doing awful things” was exhausting. Like, get a grip, girl!
And the romance… oh my gosh. This is straight-up insta-lust. In their very first meeting, he was practically hard for her! Like, what?! Stop that. You just met, in a freezing cold place where you can barely even see her curves, and she was already kind of lusting after him too. Yeah… I couldn’t read too much of that.
Ugh!!! I hate characters who only see the world in black and white. I get why she’s like this in these books, I know we’ll eventually get more of her backstory and see her grow through different circumstances but reading her being such a hardass about “you’re evil because you’re not the law, so you must be doing awful things” was exhausting. Like, get a grip, girl!
And the romance… oh my gosh. This is straight-up insta-lust. In their very first meeting, he was practically hard for her! Like, what?! Stop that. You just met, in a freezing cold place where you can barely even see her curves, and she was already kind of lusting after him too. Yeah… I couldn’t read too much of that.
October 30, 2019
Ok, I was not really a fan of Kate. She was too serious and refused to think outside black and white. On the other hand, I absolutely loved Templeton! He was rugged and seriously sexy. The story was really interesting and Kate’s history were fascinating. It took me awhile to get past her personality, but when I did the story was awesome. All the action and adventure that Kate and Templeton get up to kept me thoroughly engrossed. The high impact conclusion was wonderfully written and quite shocking. This book was definitely worth the read.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
November 13, 2019
This book immediately caught my eye, as I have recently completed a cruise to Alaska. I was drawn into the story immediately and found the characters engaging and real. I feel there was just the right mix of romance and suspense, and the histories of the H/h played an integral role in the advancement of the story. I love romantic suspense, and in my opinion, fans of the genre should definitely read this one. I'm happy to see that there are two other books before this one, and they are already on my Kindle! Megan Crane is now on my autobuy list!
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