Navy Woman

Navy #4

by Debbie Macomber

Despite the strictly taboo laws of naval fraternizing, navy attorney Catherine Fredrickson and her new boss, Royce Nyland, find themselves strongly attracted. For how long will they be able to resist each other...?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Military Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Naval History, Chick Lit, Adult Fiction

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review is slightly longer than the others, however, there are some key points I want to touch on in the review of this book.

“Navy Woman” is the fourth installment in Debbie Macomber’s “Navy” series. There are two more books after this (“Navy Baby” and “Navy Husband”) both are in the anthology “Navy Families” which I am debating on purchasing. They’re not integral to these books, and seemingly have no connection unlike her more recent offerings (see below). Also, if those two are anything like the previous four (4), I’m better off skipping them.

It should be noted the “Navy” series started back in 1988 – 30+ years ago. I say that because of the attitudes contained within the books, as well as the writing style. Naturally what was okay back in 1988 is not as okay in 2018 (at least for some people). So, remember that as you read these books.

It is worth noting that Macomber’s writing has gotten better with the characters and stories having more depth and the sex scenes are not near as explicit which I can say I appreciate. Romance and sex scenes are a personal choice and no one should feel shamed either way as to what their preference is.

The previous book “Navy Brat” introduced readers to Lieutenant Commander Catherine Frederickson, JAGC (Judge Advocate General Corps). The characters from the first two books (“Navy Wife” and “Navy Blues”) are again completely absent. There is no mention of them whatsoever in these novels unlike her later series where the characters make an emergence with each novel. The “Navy” series seems to be more along the “stand-alone” type than an actual series. Brand (“Navy Brat”) is only mentioned briefly when Catherine receives a piece of mail from him – otherwise, no previous character mentions.

I was especially drawn to – and REALLY wanted to like this novel because of how much I LOVED the CBS Series J.A.G. That was more realistic at least. And, yes this is a novel, but … “still” …

Catherine is reassigned to a base in Washington where her CO (Commanding Officer) is Commander Royce Nylund, a single father. He is by the book, until he meets her. After they meet it’s like all their self-control, training, education, and protocol is thrown to the wind.

It should be noted that Macomber does make it clear that relationships (fraternizing) between subordinates and their CO is “conducting unbecoming” and has severe consequences.

It’s not as the blurb describes as a “taboo law”. Currently this “taboo law” is punishable by a maximum sentence of “dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 2 years” (UCMJ, Article 134 – Fraternization). I don’t know what the punishment was when this book was written, but remember how “serious” the punishment is when you read the book.

However …

That regulation doesn’t stop the two people from falling in love and soon sneaking around to see each other – in clear violation of that “article”. That was one thing Royce didn’t want – however, as much as he tries to stop, he can’t. It doesn’t help that Royce’s 10 year old daughter, desperate for maternal affection, encourages the relationship and doesn’t quite get the idea of how much trouble Royce and Catherine could get into, she just wants them together. This is where both of them needed to step up and be the adults – explain it to Kelly.

That relationship could’ve ruined both Royce and Catherine’s careers and lives. If convicted, it would be a “federal conviction” on their records.

Moving on …

Royce even suggests Catherine try dating another officer in the JAG office, but he gets jealous and she is quite livid at the idea.

Again, I ran into a similar problem as with “Navy Brat” – no compromises. Royce doesn’t want to leave the Navy (he’s a Commander with his career ahead of him). Catherine doesn’t want to leave (Lieutenant Commandeer with her career ahead of her). Still they want what they know they cannot have – a relationship together. There is no room for both of them to get their way, especially with that regulation. Still … they persist.

A trial separation doesn’t work and they are forced to realize they want each other, again not taking the seriousness of the situation in consideration.

Eventually Royce gets his transfer which allows them to be together (as they’re not in the same chain of command). However, Catherine has to remain behind in Washington until she either gets a closer assignment or gives up her commission which wrecks a bit of havoc. Catherine realizes that Royce is serious about not having children unless she gives up her commission.

The ending is predictable and quick – an epiphany makes Catherine realize why she was hanging on to her career with the Navy which she then is happy to walk away from.

The epilogue of course is a “few years later” with the happy couple and their children.

My overwhelming problem with this book, as well as the others in this series – the lack of a compromise, as well as characters who want only what they want without any regard to how selfish they come off – or what’s at stake.

Once they meet it is, sadly, “lust at first sight”. These books make most Navy men out to be lusting individuals. The women aren’t much better. In this installment, Catherine knew it was wrong to “fraternize” with Royce. It wasn’t like she couldn’t be a civilian lawyer, which she ends up being – the choice was easy: stay in the Navy and away from Royce or leave and have a future with him. There was no other option. I’m pretty sure most officers know about the fraternization regulation, and from the on-set these two did.

While I don’t believe women should always give up or in for the relationship, however most of the men in the books were the higher wage earners. They were the ones making the majority of the money and had far better benefits – something everyone (even back then) needed: money for expenses, retirement savings, and medical/dental insurance.

** “Navy Wife” – Lindy wanted Rush to leave the Navy after nearly getting killed in an accident. She did have a good job – she worked with Boeing, but how did her pay/benefits compare to Rush’s?

** “Navy Brat” – Erin wanted Brand to leave the Navy so she could “put down roots”. Erin worked for a community center. I doubt she had the pay/benefits Brand did or the retirement package.

** “Navy Woman” – Catherine (this time she’s Navy) didn’t want to give up her commission to be with Royce. While she was a Lieutenant Commander and had the same “benefits” Royce had, she didn’t make near the money Royce did, and likely didn’t have as many years in as well.

None of those “facts” were ever mentioned or highlighted – most of the decisions were made on the characters “needing” the other (more for the lust/sex factor than actual emotional/companionship need), but not on what it should’ve been –> what is practical – who contributes more financially and who has better benefits.

Yes – it is romance novel – however when looking at what to do to make the relationship work, things need to be discussed. One cannot make a decision based upon feelings – there needs to be some common sense applies as to what is better for everyone.

I can at least say I’ve read the entire series (thus far). Unlike Macomber’s most recent series, I doubt I will be returning to this one.

I would highly recommend the following series:

** Dakota Series
** Heart of Texas/Promise, Texas series
** Cedar Cove Series
** Blossom Street Series
** Rose Harbor Inn Series

These series are the ones that I was introduced to and more comfortable with. They seem to have more depth than the Navy series.

[Monique Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much stubbornness in these military romances. I always want to shake them. I'm a little fed up with no sex until after the weddings too. With a virgin I can get it, sort of, but it's not realistic or romantic. Loved the little girl in this story!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this installment in the Navy series. It was well written, and well, you will just have to read the rest. I have enjoyed all the previous novels in this series, and ready to read the last two.

[Alida Arabelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it could have been better.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early Debbie Macomber story. Quick read and an easy story to escape in.

[Christie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Debbie continues to use her characters from the previous one. Only thing I missed is reading abt is the supporting characters to occasionally return

[Leila · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely predictable - love Debbie Macomber but even the writing seem sophomoric like a Harlequin romance.

[Maggie · Rating 1 out of 5]

A silly excuse for a plot that insults legal professionals everywhere.

JAG atty Catherine spends her time pouting about the weather, how hard she works, and about her lack of a fun personal life until she suddenly decides that she has the hots for her aloof, moody, immediate superior JAG atty Royce. We are told right off that she became a lawyer and only joined the Navy because she was following in parental footsteps, so we know from the start that Catherine is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Playing grab-a-- with a male superior is stupid in any law office. In the Navy it's potentially a crime.

Royce is no better. Rather than simply putting the babe down and walking away, he happily joins her in a hole-in-corner romance which they both fatuously believe they can keep a secret. AS IF. His obligatory motherless moppet is thrown in for additional interest (increases the saccharine content, but no other value).

I'm here to tell you that in real life Catherine would have been eaten alive in her first year after graduation. Royce would probably dodge the bullet: No, it's not fair and any woman lawyer would already know the risks of fishing in the company pond.

I have no idea why Macomber decided to make these two lawyers. Maybe she wanted to capitalize on the popularity of the JAG TV show. We certainly see nothing in the story that gives us any view of military legal practice (such as it is). Heck, we know more about the main characters' experiences and capabilities running on the track than we do about their legal expertise.

To make this travesty complete, Catherine decides she wants to marry and reproduce LIKE RIGHT NOW, quits the Navy, punches out a couple of kids with Royce, turns mommy-tracker, but still scores a job litigating three days a week with a prestige firm. Yeah, like that really happens.

Ms Macomber needs to keep her female main characters in pink collar jobs. She has no idea how to write women characters in the professions.

[Christa Furman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Usually when I pick up a Debbie Macomber novel, I expect a sweet story filled with forgiveness and family.
However this is the second book in a row, which I’ve read of Debbie’s that has been unbelievably disappointing.
Overall, it is shallow. These characters are commanders and lieutenants in the United States Navy, yet in one paragraph they angry at each other (“what were you thinking?” “Are you mad?”) and the next they’re in a car making out. All we see of these characters is their extreme anger & emotional passion. Don’t they actually work in the Navy? These two characters have one secretary, two random men who randomly pop in to flirt with Catherine (& make Royce flaming mad), and always and only write vague “reports”.
Second, the narration is simply ridiculous. Royce tells his ten year old daughter he and Catherine are investigating sexual misconduct?? Which the “investigation” encompasses three pages mostly made up of Catherine & Royce arguing. Then, Catherine and Royce are in the car- she feels his boner, then in the next sentence Royce asks her what Catherine’s mother is like. That’s either sick or .... well that’s sick.
Lastly, they spend the whole book worrying and arguing that the Navy will fire them for their “relationship”. My brother (a chaplain in the Navy) and his family are treated like royalty in the Navy, and they’re very kind to family values.
Needless to say, very disappointing novel. I’m off Debbie Macomber.

[Susan Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

I disliked the entire premise of this book. Two people in the Navy fall in love (although it’s mainly lust IMO initially) against regulations that carry severe repercussions if they are caught. (The punishment seems way over the top but that’s neither here nor there.) My assumption is that it is to stop superior officers from taking advantage of women under their control. However, this was not the case in this relationship.

Daughter, Kelly, was my favourite character in the story. I did not like Catherine or Royce, except for the way they treat Kelly.

Spoilers now:

Early in the story Royce asks Catherine (who he’s known for only a few months, if that) if she would look after Kelly if he goes on assignment for SIX MONTHS. SIX MONTHS. He’s a single father. He barely knows her. Apparently the Navy is more important than his daughter.

At one point, Catherine has a melt down because her mother is marrying a man she’s been with for 10 YEARS. She worried no one will remember her deceased father who SHE DOESN’T EVEN REMEMBER.

After they marry Catherine decides she wants a baby right away, even though they are not even living in the same city and they’ve been together less than a year in total! When she visits at Christmas she tosses out her birth control and gets pregnant against Royce’s wishes. What?

In the end she leaves her Navy job to join Royce. The whole story was just ridiculous.

[Jenn O'Brien · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why do I do this to myself? I know these books are going to be terrible and yet I pick up the paperback anyhow, regretting that I did so about 2 chapters in.

I was at a library used book sale last summer. They had an entire table full of Debbie Macomber's early books that were in fantastic condition. I picked up the entire Navy series and now wish that I had left them on the table.

These characters drive me bonkers. There is no building of chemistry or getting to know each other. Woman works in an office, cannot stand her boss, one afternoon they are running on the exercise track and suddenly cannot keep there hands off each other? WHAT? She runs into him at the mall and suddenly he is contemplating leaving his daughter with this woman if he gets deployed? Again, WHAT?

As much as I like Debbie Macomber, I am going to have to give up on this series and donate the rest of the books to another library used book sale. Let someone else see if they like the series any better.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navy Woman is by Debbie Macomber. It is a delightful tale of how to get married.
Lieutenant Catherine Fredrickson loves her job as an attorney in the Navy. However, she would have preferred to stay in warm Hawaii instead of in Seattle. Her job is made even harder by the apparent dislike from her boss, Lieutenant, Royce Nyland. For some reason he has set her on rotation every Friday since she got here. Then he gives her another duty as supervisor of the athletic program. Now she won’t get any social life! What has she done to him to deserve this.
Royce Nyland is not aware of his reaction to Catherine until she lets him have it after their run. When he looks back, he was picking on her. He realizes it is because she is constantly in his thoughts. This can’t be accepted. It is against regulations for him to have a relationship with any officer under his command.
What are the two of them to

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Navy romance. I bought this at a local store and I voluntarily chose to review this. I've given this a 4.7* rating. Although this is not for the under 18 readers, this does contain children that the story evolves around and a bit of action. Although my hubby was in the army for a while, I didn't know that there were so many rules when both are in the military. And the ending was good as it showed how they worked it out.

[Caren Donohue · Rating 4 out of 5]

After not enjoying the 3rd book I wasn’t sure how I was going into the 4th. Surprisingly I did! This was a story of meeting someone and knowing the odds were not in your favor but how through trials love wins. Enjoyed seeing Catherine blend into Royce’s life and his daughters acceptance ( and at times her nudging) life. Thanks to a rainy gloomy day read in start to finish!

[Searchr.23 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprisingly I loved this cutie. Although I read a lot of such books, they did not differ in their identity, let's say only the main characters are naval people. Catherine Fredrickson was different from many other heroins in this series, that she was the first woman to show her sympathy. Reading scenes like this warms my soul. I started the story with a great expectation that a passionate adventure similar to the books of Sandra Brown awaits me. But I, the end was wrong and the development of the story I did not like so much, as I said the beginning was promising.

[Lis Sigona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of series excellent as always with Debbie Macomber books. Each series is different but located in the same locales. Different characters. Different struggles and complications to win over. Intriguing. Enticing.

[Ilena Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a former enlisted Navy WAVE, I have to say this was a very informative AND interesting read! I didn't know officers in this situation could be subject to court martial if caught! I plan to read other books by the same author in the near future!

[Journeywoman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see that this was early Debbie Macomber. It was light and sweet.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute romance. Easy read with a basic storyline. Overall, relaxing and enjoyable.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoying the series

[Rachel Sides · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not Debbie Macomber's best, but I still enjoyed it. I don't think I would want a Navy life.

[Debbie Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked Catherine and Royces daughter but Royce was a super control freak

[Qui2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. The Navy series isn’t my favorite, but I liked Royce’s character.

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Silhouette Desire and Debbie Macomber is a must read - always!

*Donating my books and updating Goodreads.

[Jacqueline Ford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it.

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

Navy Woman Macomber, Debbie* 1 F Rom. 2008 7/15/2008

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was my favorite so far.

[Sue Perkinson Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Last one for me I believe in this series

[Linda Conant · Rating 1 out of 5]

To much sex. Suprise this writer has stories like this.

[Diann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navy Woman

Very enjoyable read. Have read a couple of other books in this series. I liked that Royce and Catherine worked together. Then fell in love.