Backlash

Saint Squad #4

by Traci Hunter Abramson

In the five years she's been married to Navy SEAL Kel Bennett, Marilyn has lived with fear as a near-constant companion. But the morning she sees two men in dark suits approaching her doorway with solemn faces, her fear turns to terror. This is what she signed up for when she exchanged wedding vows with that stunning man in military dress a husband who leaves home whenever the phone rings and who might not ever come back. Turns out Marilyn is lucky this Kel is still alive, although gravely injured from the Saint Squad op that thwarted a terrorist attack in the southwestern US. While his wife is relieved to have him stationary in a hospital bed, Kel's necessary lack of openess about his work puts a strain on their already troubled marriage. As the distance between the couple widens, Marilyn turns to the book she's secretly writing to express her unspeakable emotions. Meanwhile, the backlash from the foiled terrorist mission brings Halim Karel to the States in search of Seth, the undercover agent who'd infiltrated his organization and spearheaded the abudction of his boss's niece. As danger mounts and the SEAL team springs into action, Marilyn is shocked by her first glance into the grisly realities of her husband's violence, deception, even killing. And when she becomes a central ploy in Halim's revenge plan, she struggles to find needed trust and confidence in this military man she loves, not just to save their marriage but to save their lives.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Romance, Lds, Suspense, Mystery, Fiction, Adventure

228 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this book as much as the others. I didn't identify well with the main character, Marilyn. Her poor communication with her husband and pity parties bothered me.

I do however like the "Saint Squad" series and I enjoy reading about all the other characters I have come to love.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

I was a little disappointed in this one, it fell a little flat for me. Both in the action and romance department. I was looking forward to reading about a married couple and how Marilyn deals with being married to a Navy Seal. Since I’m married to a military man, I was able to relate a little to what she was going through. Although her experiences are vastly different than mine have been. Maybe because of my own experience it made me like Kel a little less. He came across really selfish and insensitive. I also thought there was too much focus on Marilyn learning to accept Kel’s profession, with little time spent on him trying to see things from her point of view. I just never felt much chemistry between them. They seem like totally different people and even though they have been married for five years they know very little about each other.

I also thought the action was lacking in this one. The overall book had a “middle book” feel to it, where nothing much happens. I’m also not a fan of reading about people being sick or recovering from accidents/surgeries. I guess that plot device doesn’t keep my interest very well. And Marilyn’s “hobby” of writing a manuscript was also a tad boring.

Overall, it ended up being a little boring for me. I have enjoyed this series, but I think this would be an easy one to skip. I didn’t care for Kel or Marilyn all that much and again thought the whole thing fell flat. Just not the book for me, I guess.

Content: Clean. Implied intimacies (fade to black), passionless kissing. Mild violence. The Christian elements were mild.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another audiobook. This time for a trip to the beach and then back. These Saint Squad books are great because both my husband and I enjoy them, anticipate plot changes and we don’t have to concentrate too hard. We haven’t listened to the books in order so it was good to find out Kel’s and Marilyn’s story.

[Nichole Lydiksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was amazing! I loved how kel and Marilyn didn't get along a lot of the time and it showed lots of conflict. It is amazing as it shows the process of them working things out together and with the Lord.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't care for this book as much - I really liked how it ended but didn't like the beginning. But I do understand where the author was going with this and how she brought it around to be a successful resolve in a marital conflict. The weak character needed to be displayed so they could resolve their conflicts and work through them. Kel had his own issues and problems that needed to be resolved as well. It was hard to see the weak character of Marilyn - married to her Navy SEAL husband, Kel, for 5 years and not have a clue as to what SEALs do. I know she can't know details, but to never give a thought to the possibility her husband had killed people before, she didn't grasp anything and was clueless, insecure - she kept secrets from her husband regarding her ability to be a writer, but at the same time her husband kept secrets from her, for her protection. Kel was the leader of the Saint Squad - but he got injured in a mission at the end of the previous book. Marilyn always wanted Kel to leave the Navy and SEAL work but that was his life, his mission, his goal. But a blessing happened at the end that made everyone happy - the book ended on a very wonderful note of many things resolved in their marriage and as individuals. You learn from this book the importance of open communication, support and the ability that you can work through problems and resolve them into successful relationship.

[Amandalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really been enjoying listening to this series...until this book but Marilyn drove me crazy!! I would say this has been my least favorite so far because of her character. Marilyn married a Seal Team member but yet she had no idea what he did for a living?!?! Seriously who did you think you were marrying?!? She was too whiny and insecure for me and for her to have been married 5 years to a Seal Team member and only suddenly realize he kills for a living when he stops a bank heist. Really? 🤔 you didn’t think about what he was doing on his missions. I know that what was supposed to be part of the dynamic was the lack of trust or communication between them but so much of his work career is top secret I had a hard time understanding why she was so shocked he couldn’t talk about his work with her. My dad dealt with classified stuff and their were always aspects about his job I was not privy to however, it didn’t mean he didn’t trust me though so I just couldn’t relate to her.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating 3.5
This book wasn't quite as interesting and slightly less believable than previous books in the series, but still worth reading and enjoyable. I have been surprised that I have enjoyed this series as much as I have as LDS -based books aren't usually my forte. However, the characters seem real and I've become attached to them and the stories are not trite or overworked. I will look forward to #5 in the series.

Summary:
In the five years she's been married to Navy SEAL Kel Bennett, Marilyn has lived with fear as a near-constant companion. But the morning she sees two men in naval uniforms approaching her doorway with solemn faces, her fear turns to terror. This is what she signed up for when she exchanged wedding vows with that stunning man in military dress a husband who leaves home whenever the phone rings and who might not ever come back. Turns out Marilyn is lucky this Kel is still alive, although gravely injured from the Saint Squad op that thwarted a terrorist attack in the southwestern US. While his wife is relieved to have him stationary in a hospital bed, Kel's necessary lack of openness about his work puts a strain on their already troubled marriage. As the distance between the couple widens, Marilyn turns to the book she's secretly writing to express her unspeakable emotions. Meanwhile, the backlash from the foiled terrorist mission brings Halim Karel to the States in search of Seth, the undercover agent who'd infiltrated his organization and spearheaded the abduction of his boss's niece. As danger mounts and the SEAL team springs into action, Marilyn is shocked by her first glance into the grisly realities of her husband's violence, deception, even killing. And when she becomes a central ploy in Halim's revenge plan, she struggles to find needed trust and confidence in this military man she loves-not just to save their marriage but to save their lives.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the series. I love getting to know each squad character through the different books in the series. This one I felt that Marilyn was a little whiny, but the more I thought about it the more I could see myself being whiny in the same situation. Loved the added action and suspense.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
Marilyn drove me nuts. I hate when there isn't communication between a couple. This story also felt a little lackluster.

[Jessica Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been my least favorite in this series. All of the others had you on the edge of your seats with twists and turns you weren’t expecting. This one felt a bit more predictable.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kel is a Navy SEALs commander of a special team and is always away from his wife. He never shares anything about his job with his wife, which drives her crazy. In turn, Marilyn also has a "secret" life. Kel is injured right from the start and he and Marilyn have to learn to work through their differences, all while being targeted by someone from one of Kel's past operations. I really like the way Ms. Abramson writes--very suspenseful with some romance mixed in.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't like as well as the others in the series but it was still good and worth reading. This one had focuses on the Saint Squad leader Kel who has been married for 5 years. It also tells a lot of the story from the wife viewpoint. But she is so introverted and angry at all the secrets Kel has to keep that I didn't really like who chapters. There is some action for the seals to handle but not as much as I had gotten use to.

[Emily F - Seriously Sweet Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked getting to know Marilyn and Kel better in this book! I think Traci Hunter Abramson did a great job tapping into the insecurities of a military wife, especially a SEAL wife who is already sometimes shy and insecure of herself and her talents. There were some references to prayer and temple marriage, including the faith of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This was a sweet and clean romantic suspense, I'd rate it PG for kissing and thematic violence.

[Donna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Saint Squad series. This is the first audiobook I've listened to. The narrator does a great job bringing all the characters to life. This story is different from the first ones because it deals with a couple already married, but struggling. It's still a wonderful love story and, as with Abramson books, plenty of suspense to. <3

ETA: listened to again and loved this story even more.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stayed up late last night with a flashlight in my bed to finish this book! It was good. :)

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time liking Kel's wife. It was a story about marriage miscommunications, not about an awesome mission. I felt like it was lacking action.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Saint Squad.

[Cydnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say again, I have liked this series a lot more than I thought I would. I like the idea of each book highlighting a different member of the team, but including all of them in important roles. That being said, this was my least favorite so far. I gave it two stars for Marilyn, and the extra star for the rest of the team. (Maybe I should assign those in reverse...lol.)

I had a hard time with how whiny & needy Marilyn was throughout the book, and then she does a 180 after seeing the team in action - yet not when she just saw her husband in action. She was way to judgmental if him - in my opinion. How could you be married to a U.S. Navy SEAL for five years, own a computer, and have no idea what he does for a living???? One quick Google search brought up more than enough information.

I understand Kel's hesitation in sharing his work with his wife, especially when she doesn't appear to want to be a part of that world. Having multiple police officers in our family, I know how important it is to be a support to them, whether or not they share.

Looking forward to moving ahead in the series.

[Amy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this one, the SEAL team commander who was injured in the previous story spends a few months recovering in the hospital and then in various temporary locations with his wife. They can’t go home because a drug lord with a grudge has figured out where they live. The husband and wife have poor communication skills and I didn’t see much chemistry between them. The pace of the book was slow with only a couple of pages of action and suspense. The resolution of the action revolves around a phone call with a “hint” that is so far fetched it was an eye-roller. Sure, if they were the kind of couple that finished each other’s sentences maybe, but not believable at all for them. The ending was happy so I bumped it up to 2.5 stars but this part of the series was a bit disappointing for me.
Violence, no sex, mild language.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contemporary romantic suspense at it’s finest

Contemporary military Suspense, sweet romance; series, Saint’s Squad, stand alone read
Kel and Marian’s story, describing Kel’s injury, recovery, and them working out some bumps in their marriage, along with the backdrop of one of the bad guys seeking them out to eek out revenge was compelling, heartfelt, honest, and great character development and introspection.
The team including a young replacement for Kel during his recovery help to fight and defeat this threat to both the squad and Kel and Marian. Beautifully composed, honest, suspenseful, and deeply emotional moments as Kel and Marion learn each others hearts and minds even deeper than they previously had, made for a fantastic read. Add the addition of the ‘team’ moments and it was perfect!

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars really. I rounded up because although this wasn't my favorite book of Abramson's, she still sucked me into the story and held my attention even while I was sick with a nasty cold. I even read this later at night after I should have turned out the light. The story is different from the other Saint Squad books. It shows the other side of the relationships in the life of a Navy SEAL from a very realistic viewpoint. I appreciated the perspective and the positive way she dealt with Kel's marriage. Most of the book focused on the relationship aspect, which was good, just not what I'd expected for a Saint Squad book. The last bit of the book is where the suspense picked up. I'm looking forward to the next book and getting acquainted more with a new character.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my least favorite of the Saint Squad books so far. It was much more chick-lit-y, rather than action and intrigue, although there was a little action. I read this book several years ago, and I think I liked it better then (although I didn't remember much about it). This time, I was mostly just annoyed by Marilyn. I understood some of her insecurities, but some of her reactions made me feel very much like she and Kel were totally mismatched, and I never really came to feel otherwise. I would have liked to see her developed a little more. However, I love the series and am looking forward to the next book.

[Verona · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's Saint Squad series has been fun to read. It's interesting to read about characters who are of my religion and see how they live by their beliefs while serving our great country of America. There were no mysteries in the story in this book of the series. And the main characters came across in a negative light. Although it was good to see them work through the differences in their marriage. It was an entertaining read, but there was not much anticipation. I'll read more of this author's books.

[L.O.V.E.D.A.R.C.Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Such a wonderful story of rekindling love and strengthening trust! Clean romance with kissing and innuendos. This book is about a married couple, making it different than the previous books in the series about single people falling in love. The main characters grow throughout the book and change for the better, starting to consider their spouse more, instead of themselves.

I hope that you take the time to enjoy this wonderful book and the rest of the books in the series.
The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great drama with a Navy Seal theme - so hostage situations and how the Seals work together to solve a situation was intriguing. I'm sure some of what was written in this book is how actual Seal's teams work. They sacrifice a lot to keep us safe from harm and terrorists. Loved how tight the Saints Seal's team was - just a strong brotherhood and each one had everyone else's back. Hard to be a wife married to a Seal. Life would definitely not be dull.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kel and Marilyn are already married. He's the leader of the Saint Squad and can't tell his wife much, even what he can tell her. Marilyn had her own secrets about how she spends her time. Can they make this marriage work? Suspenseful, great storytelling, clean romance, and a peek into what life might be like if one spouse has to keep secrets for national security. How.do you still connect?
Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Marilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really explores the good and bad of being married to a navy seal. Marilyn doesn't always get to be with her husband and often doesn't know when he'll return. It's affecting her marriage and because of that she doesn't feel that she can fully share with him her day to day life and her dreams of the future. Situations force them together and she is able to learn more about what he does and share more of her life with him.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, but not great

I've now read several of Ms Abramson's books and I like them. This one, however, was more difficult to read because I found the main female character so unlikable. She was hypocritical and judgmental. Overall, an okay story. I do still like each and everyone of the members of the Saint Squad.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. As the characters in it were already married, I didn't know how Traci was going to write their story. However, she exceeded my expectations by a long shot! I enjoyed learning how Kel and Marilyn met and the how they were able to find their way back to each other. It was beautifully written. I would definitely recommend!

[Krystle]

This story is a little slower paced than some of the other Saint Squad novels. It dives into the story of Kel Bennet and his wife. I love that they don’t have a perfect marriage. It’s real and full of misunderstanding and love. Marriage is work. Their marriage isn’t a fairytale and we get to experience it with them.