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Rachel Hatch #5.5
The Gauntlet
To return to her former team
Hatch must face the ultimate test
Designed to challenge the soldier elite
But it's her second time around
And this time it's personal
The first assessment used by Task Force Banshee when selecting its members. Hatch was the first woman to pass it. That was years ago. Now, just after completing the rigors of the Special Forces Q Course for a second time, she must face The Gauntlet. The course is uniquely different for each candidate, designed to specifically test the individual strengths and weaknesses. Hatch's former team commander, Chris Bennett, has designed the series of obstacles specially for her.
Join Rachel Hatch as she sets out to prove herself. With the odds stacked against her, Hatch will either rise to the occasion or fail. In The Gauntlet, there are no second chances.
Hatch must face the ultimate test
Designed to challenge the soldier elite
But it's her second time around
And this time it's personal
The first assessment used by Task Force Banshee when selecting its members. Hatch was the first woman to pass it. That was years ago. Now, just after completing the rigors of the Special Forces Q Course for a second time, she must face The Gauntlet. The course is uniquely different for each candidate, designed to specifically test the individual strengths and weaknesses. Hatch's former team commander, Chris Bennett, has designed the series of obstacles specially for her.
Join Rachel Hatch as she sets out to prove herself. With the odds stacked against her, Hatch will either rise to the occasion or fail. In The Gauntlet, there are no second chances.
35 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2020
About the author
L.T. Ryan
176 books1,512 followersL.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 24, 2021
A quick read on another series I am happy to say I am up to date.
Good when it's a short story!
The short story tells a lot, it takes a step back in the Rachel Hatch stories.
It explains a lot, why no longer a soldier...
Well paced and well explained.
Four stars
Good when it's a short story!
The short story tells a lot, it takes a step back in the Rachel Hatch stories.
It explains a lot, why no longer a soldier...
Well paced and well explained.
Four stars
November 18, 2020
Rachel Faces 'The Gauntlet'...For The Second Time!
A quick look into what Rachel Hatch went through trying to prove herself to her old unit. Determined to do anything she did something no one Ever does Twice....The training course of only the best...The Gauntlet...
Rachel shows she still has it....But some things are not meant to be....
Merged review:
A quick look into what Rachel Hatch went through trying to prove herself to her old unit...Determined to do Anything, she did something No one ever does twice!!! The training course of Only the Best...The Gauntlet...
Rachel shows she still has it...But some things are not meant to be...
A quick look into what Rachel Hatch went through trying to prove herself to her old unit. Determined to do anything she did something no one Ever does Twice....The training course of only the best...The Gauntlet...
Rachel shows she still has it....But some things are not meant to be....
Merged review:
A quick look into what Rachel Hatch went through trying to prove herself to her old unit...Determined to do Anything, she did something No one ever does twice!!! The training course of Only the Best...The Gauntlet...
Rachel shows she still has it...But some things are not meant to be...
August 8, 2021
35 pages
A very quick book about female military soldier having to pass a field test for the second time because of a decision she made that haunts her.
Writing is excellent ad story is clever.
A very quick book about female military soldier having to pass a field test for the second time because of a decision she made that haunts her.
Writing is excellent ad story is clever.
May 22, 2022
This is the third of three short stories that explain what happened to Rachel Hatch in Afghanistan and particularly how she came to separate herself from her beloved Banshee unit. Here are the order and publishing dates:
#0.5 Fractured, published 11/24/2019
#1.5 Proving Ground, published 07/24/2020
#5.5 The Gauntlet. published 11/24/2020
I believe the numbers are the order in which they are meant to be read, interspersed among the books in the Rachel Hatch series.
In this final entry of the short story trilogy, Rachel runs The Gauntlet, the final test of stamina, intelligence, and will power. It is as worrying as the previous two books and offers the finishing explanation for Rachel’s voluntary expulsion from her 12-year career in the Army. I found myself angered at the circumstances, even as I understood the pain experienced by both Rachel and Bennett.
I am not sure why these three stories were produced one by one, except for the publication dates. If the stories were written just ahead of the publication dates, then it makes sense. I would have liked to see a little anthology of these three stories offered, rather than have three 20-some page short stories to read individually. They read as if they were written back-to-back. If they were not and a year actually does separate them, then I’m impressed with how smoothly the stories integrate.
I did find one small error:
“Isolation from sensory input, people tend to let their imagination run wild.” I think that should be “Isolated from sensory input, people tend to let their imaginations run wild.” By changing the dependent clause to “Isolated from sensory input,” it is better supported by the following independent clause. Also, since we’re talking about multiple people, unless they share one imagination among themselves, that word should be in plural form. [IMHO]
I rated this short story 5 stars because it is an excellent read. I have wondered about Rachel Hatch’s past and why on earth the Army would not have tried hard to keep her, especially with her unique skill level and ability to keep getting better. While I now understand, it’s still puzzling…but then again, it is the Army.
#0.5 Fractured, published 11/24/2019
#1.5 Proving Ground, published 07/24/2020
#5.5 The Gauntlet. published 11/24/2020
I believe the numbers are the order in which they are meant to be read, interspersed among the books in the Rachel Hatch series.
In this final entry of the short story trilogy, Rachel runs The Gauntlet, the final test of stamina, intelligence, and will power. It is as worrying as the previous two books and offers the finishing explanation for Rachel’s voluntary expulsion from her 12-year career in the Army. I found myself angered at the circumstances, even as I understood the pain experienced by both Rachel and Bennett.
I am not sure why these three stories were produced one by one, except for the publication dates. If the stories were written just ahead of the publication dates, then it makes sense. I would have liked to see a little anthology of these three stories offered, rather than have three 20-some page short stories to read individually. They read as if they were written back-to-back. If they were not and a year actually does separate them, then I’m impressed with how smoothly the stories integrate.
I did find one small error:
“Isolation from sensory input, people tend to let their imagination run wild.” I think that should be “Isolated from sensory input, people tend to let their imaginations run wild.” By changing the dependent clause to “Isolated from sensory input,” it is better supported by the following independent clause. Also, since we’re talking about multiple people, unless they share one imagination among themselves, that word should be in plural form. [IMHO]
I rated this short story 5 stars because it is an excellent read. I have wondered about Rachel Hatch’s past and why on earth the Army would not have tried hard to keep her, especially with her unique skill level and ability to keep getting better. While I now understand, it’s still puzzling…but then again, it is the Army.
January 16, 2024
Hey, booklovers, I'm back with another exciting update on Rachel's journey!
If you thought her first run through the deadly obstacle course was intense, wait until you see what she faces next. After barely escaping with her life and waking up in a hospital bed, she gets a visit from Chris Bennett, team leader. He drops a bombshell on her: she has to do the Gauntlet again! Can you believe it? How cruel is that? How will she handle this new challenge? Will she survive this time? But she has no choice, she has to prove to the Army and to herself that she is worthy. Don't miss this action-packed, suspenseful short read that follows Rachel as she runs 'The Gauntlet' again!
• ASIN: B08NKBZ3TF
• Publisher: Liquid Mind Media
• Publication Date: 11/15/2020
• File Size: 4900 KB
• Print Length: 27 pages
• Genre: 45-Minute Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Reads, 45-Minute Literature & Fiction Short Reads, Military Thrillers
If you thought her first run through the deadly obstacle course was intense, wait until you see what she faces next. After barely escaping with her life and waking up in a hospital bed, she gets a visit from Chris Bennett, team leader. He drops a bombshell on her: she has to do the Gauntlet again! Can you believe it? How cruel is that? How will she handle this new challenge? Will she survive this time? But she has no choice, she has to prove to the Army and to herself that she is worthy. Don't miss this action-packed, suspenseful short read that follows Rachel as she runs 'The Gauntlet' again!
• ASIN: B08NKBZ3TF
• Publisher: Liquid Mind Media
• Publication Date: 11/15/2020
• File Size: 4900 KB
• Print Length: 27 pages
• Genre: 45-Minute Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Reads, 45-Minute Literature & Fiction Short Reads, Military Thrillers
January 24, 2021
Another Great Vignette of the Rachel Hatch Saga!
These complementary short-story supplements to the larger series works add focused details that add depth and expand the series storyline with additional subplots not included in the books. I like this approach because the other series books then avoid the distractions from these details that would only complicate each book's story and plotline.
This story emphasizes how Rachel Hatch can hold her head high by what she knows she accomplished in the gauntlet she completed. As such, the series book installments are better understood given their only brief recountings of the events and results of what these short-story segments explain more completely.
Nice addition to the series collection!
These complementary short-story supplements to the larger series works add focused details that add depth and expand the series storyline with additional subplots not included in the books. I like this approach because the other series books then avoid the distractions from these details that would only complicate each book's story and plotline.
This story emphasizes how Rachel Hatch can hold her head high by what she knows she accomplished in the gauntlet she completed. As such, the series book installments are better understood given their only brief recountings of the events and results of what these short-story segments explain more completely.
Nice addition to the series collection!
September 12, 2023
A must read!
I'm not sure yet what the firdt full lenbook will read as but these short stories are worth reading first. This short will give me an understanding of Hatch's mindset in the first novel. I think I "get her" before even reading DRIFT. It's the old tried and true story of how mikitary men will do their best to bring down a female soilder, and when he can't best her, he just pull rank or act like a child. That's the case here. As in most cases, her punishment did not fit the circimstance. I hope she has the opportunity in another story to put Bennet in his place. Hard!
BASED on these stories and how they end, Drift is a great metaphor for what I can only assume is how Hatchnfeels at this point. Drifting...
I'm not sure yet what the firdt full lenbook will read as but these short stories are worth reading first. This short will give me an understanding of Hatch's mindset in the first novel. I think I "get her" before even reading DRIFT. It's the old tried and true story of how mikitary men will do their best to bring down a female soilder, and when he can't best her, he just pull rank or act like a child. That's the case here. As in most cases, her punishment did not fit the circimstance. I hope she has the opportunity in another story to put Bennet in his place. Hard!
BASED on these stories and how they end, Drift is a great metaphor for what I can only assume is how Hatchnfeels at this point. Drifting...
November 27, 2020
The Gauntlet. L.T. Ryan. Brian Shea
Hatch was the first women to pass the Gauntlet. A pass fail obstacle for Special Forces operators. During one of her combat missions she was severely wounded and her teammate and best friend was killed by enemy fire. Her commander blamed her for his death. She hesitated before killing the enemy soldier. After recovering from her injuries she has been given permission to take the gauntlet course again. She passes but her former commander again accuses her of hesitation. The video proves him wrong but he doesn't care. Hatch has to accept his decision, for now. Another excellent read in this series! Enjoyed immensely!!
Hatch was the first women to pass the Gauntlet. A pass fail obstacle for Special Forces operators. During one of her combat missions she was severely wounded and her teammate and best friend was killed by enemy fire. Her commander blamed her for his death. She hesitated before killing the enemy soldier. After recovering from her injuries she has been given permission to take the gauntlet course again. She passes but her former commander again accuses her of hesitation. The video proves him wrong but he doesn't care. Hatch has to accept his decision, for now. Another excellent read in this series! Enjoyed immensely!!
February 6, 2022
Goodreads lists this book as Rachel Hatch 5.5 but a more accurate number would be 0.7 coming after Fractured at 0.5 and Proving Ground at 0.6. This short story starts directly from Proving Ground and probably could have been combined to form a longer short story or a very short novella. A short novella has a name but for the life on me I can't remember what it is. Oh the joys of getting old. Anyway for someone who started reading this series with Drift these short stories give you the back story to Rachel Hatch. We still don't know what she was doing before her mother called her home when her sister was killed but it's a start.
December 12, 2020
Disgusting how many authors resort to writing half a story.
I hate these authors who sucker you into reading something that stops in the middle of the story. Read this book for free on Kindle Unlimited, otherwise I would be furious at having spent good money on it. Why do this? Get your main character into a tight situation and instead of finishing the story you just stop??? I feel angry and cheated.
I hate these authors who sucker you into reading something that stops in the middle of the story. Read this book for free on Kindle Unlimited, otherwise I would be furious at having spent good money on it. Why do this? Get your main character into a tight situation and instead of finishing the story you just stop??? I feel angry and cheated.
May 12, 2021
Boo to Chris!
Rachel has the stamina and guts to try the course again and her former team captain cannot give her a fair shake. Kept waiting for someone to challenge. Bittersweet ending cause I have read all the novels in this series before this one. Waiting on next new one; I’m hooked and a major fan. Just reading about Hatch is empowering. She’s the bad ass you wish you could be!
Rachel has the stamina and guts to try the course again and her former team captain cannot give her a fair shake. Kept waiting for someone to challenge. Bittersweet ending cause I have read all the novels in this series before this one. Waiting on next new one; I’m hooked and a major fan. Just reading about Hatch is empowering. She’s the bad ass you wish you could be!
November 3, 2022
Entertaining action listening 🎶🔰
Another will written military action adventure thriller short story by L. T. Ryan and Brian Shea (Rachel Hatch). About Rachel Hatch attempting to qualify again after being injured in action. Rachel competes the course but not fast enough. I would recommend this novella to readers looking for a quick action packed read. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to Alexa read books 📚. 2022 😄👒⌚😯
Another will written military action adventure thriller short story by L. T. Ryan and Brian Shea (Rachel Hatch). About Rachel Hatch attempting to qualify again after being injured in action. Rachel competes the course but not fast enough. I would recommend this novella to readers looking for a quick action packed read. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to Alexa read books 📚. 2022 😄👒⌚😯
December 5, 2020
Only three stars....
Only three stars adjusted review awarded... Four stars given for story line and execution there of. Only two stars given due to over priced readers book cost. Hence, three stars averaged award. Stars awarded could have been four if a more reasonable (lower) buyer cost. In relation to the very low amount of pages versus cost. This book is way over priced.
Only three stars adjusted review awarded... Four stars given for story line and execution there of. Only two stars given due to over priced readers book cost. Hence, three stars averaged award. Stars awarded could have been four if a more reasonable (lower) buyer cost. In relation to the very low amount of pages versus cost. This book is way over priced.
February 16, 2022
Wow, exciting!
This short novel was amazing. Really adds to the character of Hatch as she is forced to go beyond her limits to achieve her aim. A really inspiring look at the human will and power of endurance.
This short novel was amazing. Really adds to the character of Hatch as she is forced to go beyond her limits to achieve her aim. A really inspiring look at the human will and power of endurance.
May 7, 2024
Clarification. Makes things more understandable.
Very good insight into some of the "how" and the "why" Hatch became the person she's become. Underestimate her... it's at your peril.
Very good insight into some of the "how" and the "why" Hatch became the person she's become. Underestimate her... it's at your peril.
April 26, 2025
Engaging and ,e lightening
This episode of Hatches endeavors does no disappoint. Once again , she is at her best trying to outwit and overcome the obstacles in her way. Leaves you waiting for more.
This episode of Hatches endeavors does no disappoint. Once again , she is at her best trying to outwit and overcome the obstacles in her way. Leaves you waiting for more.
November 20, 2025
The gauntlet
Excellent as always. I like this book because it explained so much about Rachel Hatch and the baggage she carries from the war. Also, the pressure she puts on herself because of it great read.
Excellent as always. I like this book because it explained so much about Rachel Hatch and the baggage she carries from the war. Also, the pressure she puts on herself because of it great read.
November 25, 2020
Good Thriller
Good storyline but much too short, even for a short story. It's probably enough of a "teaser" to get me to give it another shot.
Good storyline but much too short, even for a short story. It's probably enough of a "teaser" to get me to give it another shot.
November 27, 2020
Short but interesting enough to start reading next book!
November 29, 2020
Great read!
I live the Rachel Hatch books but this was a total let down the way it ends. Looking forward to more of Rachel Hatch!
I live the Rachel Hatch books but this was a total let down the way it ends. Looking forward to more of Rachel Hatch!
November 30, 2020
This book fits chronologically between Proving Ground and Downburst. Great character, plot and pacing.
December 9, 2020
Super short stort.
If you havent read any of these Hatch books before these short stories are certain to make you read them.
If you havent read any of these Hatch books before these short stories are certain to make you read them.
January 4, 2021
Good explnation
Having read the first two booms with Rachel this filled in many of the dangling participle. Nicely accomplished. Looking forward to more.
Having read the first two booms with Rachel this filled in many of the dangling participle. Nicely accomplished. Looking forward to more.
January 8, 2021
Good back story
I really like that I got an opportunity to finally understand some of Hatch`s background. It helps with the ongoing storyline .
I really like that I got an opportunity to finally understand some of Hatch`s background. It helps with the ongoing storyline .
January 16, 2021
Short story
Should be stated it's a short story.
I was disappointed that it ended with what we already know having read the prior books.
Should be stated it's a short story.
I was disappointed that it ended with what we already know having read the prior books.
February 26, 2021
A great series. Rachel is awesome.
The last part of Rachel's battle to prove herself, again.
The last part of Rachel's battle to prove herself, again.
March 15, 2021
Great background good fast read
March 23, 2021
The Gauntlet
Not my favorite short story. I can't imagine the Army allowing her ex team leader being the one to make the decision on if she passed or failed the gauntlet.
Not my favorite short story. I can't imagine the Army allowing her ex team leader being the one to make the decision on if she passed or failed the gauntlet.
June 13, 2021
Another amazing story
Rachel Hatch never disappoints- nice to know some background history on her - Bennett better watch out - she is one to never forget
Rachel Hatch never disappoints- nice to know some background history on her - Bennett better watch out - she is one to never forget
October 11, 2021
Very Interesting
This book was exciting all the way through. I am glad it is at least a series. These short stories are great.
This book was exciting all the way through. I am glad it is at least a series. These short stories are great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews