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Trapped with Him #3
Trapped with the Covert Ops Soldier
This book was previously published under the title Playing Doctor. It has been extensively revised and lengthened. Dr. Abigail Westward is home after military duty in Asia and the Middle East. She's taken up an unusual tossing lit dynamite sticks into the waters of Lost Lake, Montana. Spencer "Smitty" Smith, a fellow soldier and friend may be the only man who might be able to find out why Abby has taken up her new explosive pastime. Smitty loves Abby, has from damn near the moment he met her. He's stayed at arm's length because getting involved with anyone while on a combat mission is just plain stupid. But combat is over and he's waited long enough. Smitty's been hired by the town of Bandit Creek to ride herd on her, and Abby is resistant to the idea until someone attempts to shoot her in the middle of town. Now she and Smitty have to figure out who wants to kill her and why before he'll go. He must go. He's her only weakness and the one man who knows her terrible secret. She's a doctor who's guilty of murder.
190 pages, Paperback
Published October 19, 2021
31 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Julie Rowe
37 books2,164 followersJulie Rowe’s first career as a medical lab technologist in Canada took her to the North West Territories and northern Alberta, where she still resides. She loves to include medical details in her romance novels, but admits she’ll never be able to write about all her medical experiences because, “No one would believe them!” A double Golden Heart finalist 2006, Julie’s writing has appeared in several magazines such as Today’s Parent, Reader’s Digest (Canada), and Canadian Living. She currently facilitates communication workshops for her local city college. Julie enjoys hearing from her readers. You can reach her at www.julieroweauthor.com or on Twitter @julieroweauthor .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 21, 2021
This was such a page turner for me and it's now on my re-read list :) I love strong fmc and a H that sticks around, despite her having some...difficulties. Dynamite may not be your choice for emotional balance but it was a fun dimension to her personality. Add in extreme danger with that fab chemistry and you get a reading ride that has you totally engrossed, whilst sitting on the edge of your seat ;) Good fun!
October 14, 2025
Trapped with the Covert Ops Soldier is filled with action and edgy passion. There's such a pull between Smitty and Abby as they try to figure out who's shooting at Abby and wants her dead.
I'm always taken back when I read a character with PTSD because it really hits me hard. The suffering they go through after the fact. It's something that stays with them and haunts them even as they try to resume what some would call a normal life. It's real though stuff. Kudos to authors who tackle the topic and show is care and respect. This is not a topic to be trifled with and Ms Rowe handles it well.
I had a hard time connecting with Abby. I didn't dislike her but it was hard to like her because she was so stubborn and refusing any kindness and help being so caught up in her own head and emotions with the PTSD she carried around from a horrific event during her time in the military. I think it would have been better if she would acknowledge the problem and seek help but she stubbornly refuses any help. Even with Smitty's repeated urging, she is reluctant to open up, thinking that talking about it won't help and not doing anything to help herself heal. It was hard to read about how she struggled while she kept refusing help from people around her, especially Smitty. She was so stubborn. And because of her issues, she was blinded to the care and attention Smitty was giving her and misunderstanding his intentions. Poor Smitty, though he was not entirely without fault.
I liked Smitty. He was strong and protective, and his attention towards Abby was unwavering. He tried everything he could to help her and he put her first when it came to protecting her. Only Abby didn't want protection and that frustrated me. Frustrated the heck out of Smitty too. That said, Smitty could have communicated a lot better. He's more the strong, silent, action type of guy, and I think it would have helped Abby if he talked to her more about how he felt about her and why he insisted on sticking around.
All that said, Smitty and Abby made a good, strong couple. They were both strong, stubborn individuals in their own way and they needed each other. But even when they were together, there was nothing soft about them.
This story kept me going. Ms Rowe never holds back when it comes to the action and the danger. There's always something going on that will keep the blood pumping and you guessing what's going to happen next. I enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns in this story. I certainly did not expect the bad guy and his ultimate goals and definitely not the fact that he was so deranged that he would do anything to achieve them.
I'm enjoying this series by Ms Rowe. Looking forward to what's coming next.
I'm always taken back when I read a character with PTSD because it really hits me hard. The suffering they go through after the fact. It's something that stays with them and haunts them even as they try to resume what some would call a normal life. It's real though stuff. Kudos to authors who tackle the topic and show is care and respect. This is not a topic to be trifled with and Ms Rowe handles it well.
I had a hard time connecting with Abby. I didn't dislike her but it was hard to like her because she was so stubborn and refusing any kindness and help being so caught up in her own head and emotions with the PTSD she carried around from a horrific event during her time in the military. I think it would have been better if she would acknowledge the problem and seek help but she stubbornly refuses any help. Even with Smitty's repeated urging, she is reluctant to open up, thinking that talking about it won't help and not doing anything to help herself heal. It was hard to read about how she struggled while she kept refusing help from people around her, especially Smitty. She was so stubborn. And because of her issues, she was blinded to the care and attention Smitty was giving her and misunderstanding his intentions. Poor Smitty, though he was not entirely without fault.
I liked Smitty. He was strong and protective, and his attention towards Abby was unwavering. He tried everything he could to help her and he put her first when it came to protecting her. Only Abby didn't want protection and that frustrated me. Frustrated the heck out of Smitty too. That said, Smitty could have communicated a lot better. He's more the strong, silent, action type of guy, and I think it would have helped Abby if he talked to her more about how he felt about her and why he insisted on sticking around.
All that said, Smitty and Abby made a good, strong couple. They were both strong, stubborn individuals in their own way and they needed each other. But even when they were together, there was nothing soft about them.
This story kept me going. Ms Rowe never holds back when it comes to the action and the danger. There's always something going on that will keep the blood pumping and you guessing what's going to happen next. I enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns in this story. I certainly did not expect the bad guy and his ultimate goals and definitely not the fact that he was so deranged that he would do anything to achieve them.
I'm enjoying this series by Ms Rowe. Looking forward to what's coming next.
October 14, 2021
This story hit all my favorites in a story! The hero is a guardian protector, the heroine is a strong independent self sufficient intelligent woman, and you have an unknown bad guy they have to track down. I loved every minute reading this thrilling book!
Dr. Abigail Westward is back from Afghanistan with a severe case of survivors guilt and PTSD. She's a small town doctor who was in an elite medic unit protected by covert ops soldiers keeping them alive. Her caravan was ambushed, everyone but her and her bodyguard Smitty died in the attack. She had to pick up a gun to defend herself and felt as if she violated her Hippocratic Oath. Her nightmares torment her. During that time she and her guard, Spencer Smith got very close. Once stateside he had to report to base while she went home. Smitty comes back into town when her family and the sheriff start to worry she's a loose cannon. She doing strange things coping with the stress. Every morning she rows out to the middle of the lake and throws old dynamite into the lake.
Smitty has been in love with Abi for a long time. He's tied to the military but he'll pursue her when they make peace with being stateside. When he gets called by her town to come protect her from herself he convinces his CO to give him leave. Once there he quickly finds something in the town is fishy. Pretty soon they realize someone is trying to kill her and don't know why. He's determined to keep her safe. Things heat up when she takes matters into her own hands to trap her attacker.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dr. Abigail Westward is back from Afghanistan with a severe case of survivors guilt and PTSD. She's a small town doctor who was in an elite medic unit protected by covert ops soldiers keeping them alive. Her caravan was ambushed, everyone but her and her bodyguard Smitty died in the attack. She had to pick up a gun to defend herself and felt as if she violated her Hippocratic Oath. Her nightmares torment her. During that time she and her guard, Spencer Smith got very close. Once stateside he had to report to base while she went home. Smitty comes back into town when her family and the sheriff start to worry she's a loose cannon. She doing strange things coping with the stress. Every morning she rows out to the middle of the lake and throws old dynamite into the lake.
Smitty has been in love with Abi for a long time. He's tied to the military but he'll pursue her when they make peace with being stateside. When he gets called by her town to come protect her from herself he convinces his CO to give him leave. Once there he quickly finds something in the town is fishy. Pretty soon they realize someone is trying to kill her and don't know why. He's determined to keep her safe. Things heat up when she takes matters into her own hands to trap her attacker.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 16, 2021
This is book three in The Trapped With Him Series and it is Abigail and Smitty's story and it is definitely a must read. Abby was flying home after the attack in Syria that killed everyone except Abby and her friend Smitty and Abby had so many scars inside and out that she didn't want anyone to ever see and along with her nightmares of that day she didn't want to talk about. Smitty was in Abby's town to watch over her as since she had returned from Syria she was doing some strange and unusual things so he was there to not only protect her but also be there for her as she meant everything to him as he was in love with her so he wanted to help her heal from the trauma of what they went through. Danger is just around the corner waiting to strike as someone thinks that Abby has the answers and will do anything even kill to get them and it will be down to Smitty to keep Abby safe and find the person responsible for it all especially as he wants to be with her and for them to have a future together. Will they get there happy ending or will Abby push Smitty away so that she can deal with her demons that constantly seem to be following her around. I absolutely loved this book and it was a real page turner and full of action along with great chemistry and a engaging storyline and I can't wait to read more books in this series as they are so well written and definitely worth reading.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a copy of this book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a copy of this book.
January 24, 2022
All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
Abby is a doctor just returning from a warzone. She’s been through a lot so life isn’t business as usual, but she’s found a way to relax: throwing sticks of dynamite into the lake near her home. When Smitty shows up to curtail her fun, she’s not thrilled to have a babysitter but she’s glad it’s him, even if the kiss they shared left her head spinning.
Life was scary and unpredictable in a war zone but now she’s facing a threat at home with no idea who would want to hurt her or why. Smitty’s special ops background makes him more than capable of protecting her but Abby’s stubborn and determined to protect herself.
I loved the suspense and the explanation of the mystery because it wasn’t at all what I had suspected. Abby’s tough and doesn’t want to be taken care of by anyone, but Smitty’s determined to protect her at any cost. This is short, sweet and fun with a good balance of tension and occasional humor. This author is new to me but I can’t wait to read more. I really enjoyed the characters and the way their story unfolded.
February 7, 2022
Intriguing, suspenseful romance with lots of passion and steam
Dr. Abigail Westward came home from Syria with PTSD, where she was a doctor in the field tending to injured soldiers. After one brutal attack she has had a difficult time resolving her actions with her oath as a doctor. Her actual bodyguard, Spencer “Smitty” Smith and she were the only survivors. Smitty is a covert ops soldier who promises to get back in touch once they get back home. Three months later her small town is concerned about her and about her actions. They call in Smitty to assist. She was hurt that he didn’t get in touch like he promised. Is there more than friendship and camaraderie going on here? He’s there to save her and them, if that’s possible.
Loved this book. Beyond the romance there is a mystery and intrigue revolving around the Doc. Why? Who wants her out of the picture? Abby and Smitty’s banter is fun. Their conversations about Syria will touch you from the perspective of soldiers coming home where nobody knows the things they’ve seen. This book becomes a page-turner as we get into the book. The race is on to save Abby and Smitty. They needed Jack Daniel! Their love scenes are not explicit, more passionate. Now I want to know about the other books in this series.
If you like passion, intrigue with a mystery, try this book. Quite enjoyable. I read it in one day...couldn’t put it down! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through StoryOrigin.
Dr. Abigail Westward came home from Syria with PTSD, where she was a doctor in the field tending to injured soldiers. After one brutal attack she has had a difficult time resolving her actions with her oath as a doctor. Her actual bodyguard, Spencer “Smitty” Smith and she were the only survivors. Smitty is a covert ops soldier who promises to get back in touch once they get back home. Three months later her small town is concerned about her and about her actions. They call in Smitty to assist. She was hurt that he didn’t get in touch like he promised. Is there more than friendship and camaraderie going on here? He’s there to save her and them, if that’s possible.
Loved this book. Beyond the romance there is a mystery and intrigue revolving around the Doc. Why? Who wants her out of the picture? Abby and Smitty’s banter is fun. Their conversations about Syria will touch you from the perspective of soldiers coming home where nobody knows the things they’ve seen. This book becomes a page-turner as we get into the book. The race is on to save Abby and Smitty. They needed Jack Daniel! Their love scenes are not explicit, more passionate. Now I want to know about the other books in this series.
If you like passion, intrigue with a mystery, try this book. Quite enjoyable. I read it in one day...couldn’t put it down! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through StoryOrigin.
November 18, 2021
I love this book! It has action, intrigue, danger, romance, two lovable and strong characters, steamy love scenes and an evil, greedy villain.
The main characters, Dr. Abigail “Abby” Westward and Smitty are both in the military. Abby worked at the Combat Support Hospital in Syria. Smitty was part of the team that guarded Abby and her team. His job was to keep them all safe.
Sadly, Abby and Smitty were the only two members of their unit to survive the explosion of an IED. They were both unharmed, but they had to fight their way out of the area. As a result, Abby leaves the military and returns to her private practice. However, Smitty chooses to return to the military.
Unfortunately, someone is trying to kill Abby. The sheriff asks Smitty to come to Bandit Creek to serve as Abby’s bodyguard. What Abby does not realize is that Smitty has loved her since the day he met her. Therefore, he readily agrees.
As usual, Ms. Dale’s plot is complex and unpredictable. Also, her characters are independent, courageous and strong.
There are many twists and turns in this book that will keep the reader on the edge of their seats!
The main characters, Dr. Abigail “Abby” Westward and Smitty are both in the military. Abby worked at the Combat Support Hospital in Syria. Smitty was part of the team that guarded Abby and her team. His job was to keep them all safe.
Sadly, Abby and Smitty were the only two members of their unit to survive the explosion of an IED. They were both unharmed, but they had to fight their way out of the area. As a result, Abby leaves the military and returns to her private practice. However, Smitty chooses to return to the military.
Unfortunately, someone is trying to kill Abby. The sheriff asks Smitty to come to Bandit Creek to serve as Abby’s bodyguard. What Abby does not realize is that Smitty has loved her since the day he met her. Therefore, he readily agrees.
As usual, Ms. Dale’s plot is complex and unpredictable. Also, her characters are independent, courageous and strong.
There are many twists and turns in this book that will keep the reader on the edge of their seats!
April 1, 2022
Great characters facing danger.
Awesome story. Abby returns home from war with ptsd and Smitty, her protector and best friend. They’ve been through war together and now they are back. Abby settles back into life at home and Smitty disappears until he shows back up after being hired to keep her out of trouble. She’s been throwing dynamite (lit) into the lake and the town doesn’t like it. While Abby is happy to see Smitty she isn’t thrilled that he’s back as her protector. That’s until someone takes a shot at her on Main Street. Fast paced action, a sniper, a lost gold mine and a madman all converge. All Abby wants is to stop having nightmares. All Smitty wants is Abby. I loved Abby. She was a kick butt heroine. Smitty was just what she needed. All man, all protector, all for Abby. He’s been in love with her ever since he met her. Now he just has to stop someone from killing her, stop her from risking her life, save her from a madman and help her deal with her demons. And Abby isn’t waiting to be saved. She’s got her man and it’s time for him to man up.
Awesome story. Abby returns home from war with ptsd and Smitty, her protector and best friend. They’ve been through war together and now they are back. Abby settles back into life at home and Smitty disappears until he shows back up after being hired to keep her out of trouble. She’s been throwing dynamite (lit) into the lake and the town doesn’t like it. While Abby is happy to see Smitty she isn’t thrilled that he’s back as her protector. That’s until someone takes a shot at her on Main Street. Fast paced action, a sniper, a lost gold mine and a madman all converge. All Abby wants is to stop having nightmares. All Smitty wants is Abby. I loved Abby. She was a kick butt heroine. Smitty was just what she needed. All man, all protector, all for Abby. He’s been in love with her ever since he met her. Now he just has to stop someone from killing her, stop her from risking her life, save her from a madman and help her deal with her demons. And Abby isn’t waiting to be saved. She’s got her man and it’s time for him to man up.
February 3, 2022
Abby and Smitty have danced around their attraction to each other until they get back to Montana and they share an unforgettable kiss. But then he disappears for three months. And when he comes to Bandit Creek it is because he was hired to protect her. And when an attempt is made on her life, they have to figure out who is after her - is it an enemy from her military service or someone locally with an ax to grind?
Sometimes it takes another person calling out our behavior to fully realize how out of control we may be and that is the case for Abby. She doesn't seem to fully realize how self-destructive her behavior is until Smitty brings up her PTSD and the need to talk to someone. While there is no doubt they are attracted to each other, it felt like they didn't talk much until the very end about a relationship.
Sometimes it takes another person calling out our behavior to fully realize how out of control we may be and that is the case for Abby. She doesn't seem to fully realize how self-destructive her behavior is until Smitty brings up her PTSD and the need to talk to someone. While there is no doubt they are attracted to each other, it felt like they didn't talk much until the very end about a relationship.
October 13, 2021
My favorite type of book is action, adventure, humor and suspense. This book has all of that. Abby and Smitty meet while deployed in Syria. She's a doctor and he is assigned to protect her. They live through a vicious attack before coming back to their hometowns. Abby lives in a small town and is having trouble getting back to normal life and has lots of sass and attitude. Smitty goes to see her and they end up working together to try and figure out who might be after her. The action moves along at a good pace and the characters are well developed. These military heroes are some of my favorites. I enjoyed this story a lot.
March 3, 2022
My first book by this author and I absolutely loved it. Both Abby and Smitty served together in Syria. Abby as a doctor and Smitty as protection for the medical team. They were the sole survivors of a horrific incident while serving. The characters were well written and their emotions and inner turmoils were well described and believable. A fast paced action packed book with moments of humour, courage and sacrifice. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2021
I enjoy the Trapped with Him series and book 3 doesn’t disappoint. Abby and Smitty survived something tragic and when they get home things change between them. Time passes and Abby isn’t dealing with the trauma very well. Smitty comes back into her life but she wants things to be different between them. Lots of things transpire and he is exactly what she needs. They get their happily ever after.
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
December 14, 2021
Abby, a country doctor from Montana, and Smitty a military veteran work together to try to find out who's shooting at Abby.
Sparks fly from the beginning all the way to the end. Lots of action, all the emotions you can think of, suspense, and a big surprise.
This author is new to me and I will be reading her from now on. She is an awesome writer.
I got a advance copy and this review is given voluntarily and is mine own opinion.
Sparks fly from the beginning all the way to the end. Lots of action, all the emotions you can think of, suspense, and a big surprise.
This author is new to me and I will be reading her from now on. She is an awesome writer.
I got a advance copy and this review is given voluntarily and is mine own opinion.
December 30, 2021
This story had a extremely unique plot. Which could have been super exciting and action packed but it just wasn’t. Neither the plot line nor the characters were well developed which made it hard to really get into the story and feel like you were apart of it. With some details to add much needed depth I think this could easily be a 5 star.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2022
Interesting storyline with wonderful characters. Dr. Abigail Westward worked at the Combat Support Hospital in Syria. She suffers from PTSD from the event that took all of her team members but her and Smitty. This has danger, insecurities, discovery and so much more. The chemistry between Smitty and Abby is sizzling hot and I loved when Smitty met her family at the ranch.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2023
Having read book 2 in this series, I was disappointed with book 3. There were multiple F-bombs in both books but the use of the deity names as curses or exclamations was more prevalent in book 3.
I was pleased that book 2 had the medical information on target, but book 3 had several typo-type mistakes.
Generally good stories that would have been able to stand on their own merit without such crude language. Book 3 did point out the difficulty many veterans have when coming home.
I was pleased that book 2 had the medical information on target, but book 3 had several typo-type mistakes.
Generally good stories that would have been able to stand on their own merit without such crude language. Book 3 did point out the difficulty many veterans have when coming home.
October 20, 2021
Dr Abby and Smitty are back from a war zone. Abby was working on a team member that was badly wounded and an enemy shot him dead. She grabbed his rifle and killed the attackers. She has a problem with doing harm, but had to do it. She returns home and gets shot at, then held captive in a mine. A romantic suspense that kept me reading.
December 4, 2021
This book was fantastic! You wanted to cry, laugh or get angry throughout the book. When Abby came home from over seas she had a lot going on with the military ptsd and didn't know how to get better and when Smitty showed up she was throwing dynamite in the lake. Over the days and weeks things happen and the only person she felt safe with was Smitty.
December 16, 2021
Romance, mystery, smiles. This has it all while also showing what soldiers dealing with PTSD go through. And the soldier in this story is a woman so that makes it even better. Well written and edited, this one will stay on my kindle for a re-read in the future. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 23, 2022
This story deals with PTSD and a doctors oath . Abby is a medical doctor who has been overseas for three years and is going home. But the things she has seen and done have got her in knots. Smithy has been with her through it all. There's also a mystery of who's trying to kill her. Wonderful emotional.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2022
CW: flashback to IED explosion in Syria, gun violence, death
I liked both Smitty and Abby. I enjoyed watching Abby figure out things. I liked that Smitty continued to push Abby to see someone about her PTSD. This was a quick, enjoyable story. The mystery was not as well done as I expect from the author.
I liked both Smitty and Abby. I enjoyed watching Abby figure out things. I liked that Smitty continued to push Abby to see someone about her PTSD. This was a quick, enjoyable story. The mystery was not as well done as I expect from the author.
December 1, 2021
Dr Abigail is back from Military duty and seems to have developed a strange pastime. Smitty has always loved her and feels now is the time. When someone tries to kill her , he definitely gets involved. Possible romance and fast moving story.
May 31, 2023
Interesting story. PTSD disables Abby who seeks help in an unorthodox way. A bit difficult to understand her and her motivations. Feeling guilty for defending herself in battle while being a doctor. Not a topic I can understand. Smitty’s behavior is a bit different and hard to understand.
October 17, 2021
Another great read by Julie Rowe. Plenty of suspense, intrigue and of course romance. Looking forward to the next two books.
May 3, 2022
What a great story. Full of love danger and snark. When Abbey was first shot at I didn't know who was more surprised her or me. Look forward to reading more of Julie's books
March 3, 2023
Good Book
Good story
Fascinating characters
Vivid insight into PTSD
Good Read
Good story
Fascinating characters
Vivid insight into PTSD
Good Read
May 12, 2023
a great story
A different story, great characters and story line. Needs help in editing, but overall a great read. For .99 worth the money.
A different story, great characters and story line. Needs help in editing, but overall a great read. For .99 worth the money.
May 19, 2023
3.5 stars
May 23, 2023
Entertaining
Slightly oddball story around the old town of Lost Lake and it's gold mine. Intertwined is Abby's recent tour of duty through Syria that ended in tragedy.
Slightly oddball story around the old town of Lost Lake and it's gold mine. Intertwined is Abby's recent tour of duty through Syria that ended in tragedy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews