May TBR Challenge: Over The Edge

Title: Over The Edge
Author: Suzanne Brockmann
Year Published: 2001

Blurb:

Her passion is flying. As one of the best helicopter pilots in the naval reserves, Lieutenant Teri Howe is strong, dedicated, and highly skilled–until a past mistake surfaces, jeopardizing everything she’s worked for.

Rock steady Senior Chief Stan Wolchonok has made a career of tackling difficult challenges. So it’s no surprise when he comes to Teri’s aid, knowing that his personal code of honor–and perhaps his heart–will be at risk. But when a jet carrying an American senator’s daughter is hijacked, Stan’s unflinching determination and Teri’s steadfast courage are put to the ultimate test. The rescue mission will be daring and dangerous. But somewhere between peril and resolution, the line between friends and lovers begins to blur, pushing both their lives over the edge. . . .

Why did you get this book? I inadvertantly started Brockmann’s SEAL Team Sixteen series out of order—reading Sam and Alyssa’s story first. I worked through the remaining books in this series as I could get my hands on them—again, not in order. Over The Edge was the last book I picked up and it has been languishing in my TBR stack. Despite loving these characters, I just felt that I knew all there was to know about them already. I didn’t anticipate any surprises, just an easy, comforting visit with them again when I got around to this book.

Do you like the cover? It’s nice, yes.

Did you enjoy the book? I loved the book. I had forgotten how quickly and completely Brockmann captivates with tight action, rapier wit and emotional tension. The time we spend in these characters’ thoughts is as enjoyable and engaging as their dialogue; as riveting as their actions. High praise from someone prone to skimming entire sections of internal thought. I’ve read damn few authors capable of lending animation, humor and edge to a character by simply letting us into his head. Brockmann can. She also nails every opportunity to deepen characterization through action and dialogue.

I didn’t get the easy, comfortable return to this cast of characters I expected. The pace of the action, the secondary and assorted underlying plots, and the realization that THIS is the book where Gina is attacked all served to wind me up. Brockmann doesn’t shy away from unpopular politics or violence. She does however, carry off both with integrity, IMO. As with the other books in this series, I couldn’t stop reading and didn’t want it to end.

As for the “new” characters—Stan and Teri—I enjoyed getting to know them. The romance reader in me particularly enjoyed the way Brockmann wielded Stan’s steadiness, man-to-get-things-done persona—turning it into unadulterated sex appeal from the very first scenes in the book. This guy turned me on.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? No and yes—the minute Into The Storm hits shelves in December.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing it on. I don’t keep books. Generally.

Anything else? Just a small gripe about the blurb. Teri's past mistake? Never materializes in the story. The blurb is misleading.