Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

What is it about a SEAL and why do we love to love them (and all their friends)? Could it be "the secrecy, the code of honor, the understanding that the moral code of the military protagonist is unshakeable and completely dependable . . . housed within a toned, fit, hot, and definitely lethal body" (BHB, 111)? Mmm. I'm thinking, yes.

Our BHB authors tell us Suzanne Brockmann "took the Navy SEAL and the military hero and dipped him in awesome with a sidecar of Hottie McHot-Hot" and vote any of her novels the "Modern Major General of Military Romance" (BHB, 111).

Looks like we're in for some excitement with The Unsung Hero, the first in her Troubleshooters series!

Average rating on goodreads: 4.08

Description on goodreads:
"With her dynamic novels in the Tall, Dark and Dangerous series, bestselling author Suzane Brockmann has proven herself a master storyteller. Her rare gift for blending intense adventure with sensuous romance has captivated readers, who especially relish her vivid portrayals of the dashing men of the U.S. Navy SEALS. Now, in "The Unsung Hero," Brockmann has created her most unforgettable book yet--a poignant story of a love that will reveal hidden truths and bring two solitary people together...against all odds.

After a near-fatal head injury, navy SEAL lieutenant Tom Paoletti catches a terrifying glimpse of an international terrorist in his New England hometown. When he calls for help, the navy dismisses the danger as injury-induced imaginings. In a desperate, last-ditch effort to prevent disaster, Tom creates his own makeshift counterterrorist team, assembling his most loyal officers, two elderly war veterans, a couple of misfit teenagers, and Dr. Kelly Ashton-the sweet "girl next door" who has grown into a remarkable woman. The town's infamous bad boy, Tom has always longed for Kelly. Now he has one final chance for happiness, one last chance to win her heart, and one desperate chance to save the day..."

dipped him in awesome with a sidecar of Hottie McHot-Hot

LOL. That's fantastic! I'm definitely reading this one!!!

It was a great start to a really good series. I'm done with all the books now though, so i can say that the last few certainly didn't top this one.

My library doesn't have this one also. Definitely not doing well this month. And this did sound good.

Sandra wrote: "My library doesn't have this one also. Definitely not doing well this month. And this did sound good."

Same here, Sandra - and my used-book store closed its doors, so am looking for another in reasonable driving distance.

I was so blown away by this book. The modern story is good, but the flashback WWII story made me cry. Totally not what I was expecting from a military romance.

BJ Rose wrote: "Sandra wrote: "My library doesn't have this one also. Definitely not doing well this month. And this did sound good."

Same here, Sandra - and my used-book store closed its doors, so am looking for..."

Have you guys tried the http://www.paperbackswap.com/index.php or perhaps the swap in this site?

Sorry Rossy, I'm in Australia - can't really use either.

Sandra wrote: "Sorry Rossy, I'm in Australia - can't really use either."

Aw, that sux!

Yup! ;)

i think i might have a copy that i could be able to loan someone - i'd have to dig it out of a box...have


have you tried Amazon? they ship to australia and if there are a few of you, you could order a couple of copies to cut down on shipping cost!

Sorry Deanna, overseas shipping is $12.49 on each and every book through Amazon plus cost of book.

I could get it through Book Depository UK for probably about $9, but trying to only buy books I know I'm going to like, hence trying to get them at the Library.

Don't worry there's always next month, and it's not like I'm going to run out of books to read *grins*.

really...wow...my mom doesn't pay that much in australia...but then the post office has like tripled their costs for international stuff in the last year or so

Becky wrote: "I was so blown away by this book. The modern story is good, but the flashback WWII story made me cry. Totally not what I was expecting from a military romance."

I agree. The flashbacks were my favourite part!
With those, the niece's story, and the original military story, there's a lot going on in this book but it flows really well and all the stories are good. It's not my usual read, so I likely won't continue the series, but I really enjoyed this one.

I finally read this March selection! *slow and steady and all that! I agree with those who said that the WWII flashbacks were the best part - very poignant! And I really liked Mallory & David. The 2nd time David appeared in the story, I just knew he was going to be important in Tom's search for the Merchant - little did I realize the role Mallory would play.

I love the series, and agree that this is definitely one of the best she has written. Did anyone find it great that Tom was going bald? I thought that it made him real and maybe a little insecure about himself. I loved that he was so dedicated to his uncle and sister and niece. What are your thoughts

The Troubleshooters is one of my favorite series reads. I wouldn't say that The Unsung Hero is my favorite, but it was a really great start to the series.

Wendy wrote: "I love the series, and agree that this is definitely one of the best she has written. Did anyone find it great that Tom was going bald? I thought that it made him real and maybe a little insecure a..."

I loved that too. Sometimes it's nice to have characters in a romance that are at least in the realm of possibility so I can relate to them better and feel the emotions a little more. I've been reading a lot of paranormal lately and usually read historical romance so the men, even the scarred ones, are built like gods (definitely no balding), fall in love instantly and if they have a flaw, they quickly fix it after meeting the heroine. It'd be nice but I can't see it happening outside of a book or a movie.

AmandaG wrote: "The Troubleshooters is one of my favorite series reads. I wouldn't say that The Unsung Hero is my favorite, but it was a really great start to the series."

Perhaps I should try the next in the series if they get better. I could use another break from my usual romance genres.