Friday, May 12, 2006

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.

6 comments:

  1. This is one of my favorite Brockmann books. I love the scenes between Sam and Alyssa, and the one where she comes to him in the hotel is one of my all-time favorite love scenes. It's amazing.

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  2. I agree Alyssa, that scene was powerful. As was the second time Teri and Stan make love--slowly. Very good stuff.

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  3. This is my favorite book of all time. For Max and Gina and Sam and Alyssa. When I read this book I couldn't believe a book could be this good. I had read this series in order I loved Unsung Hero, wasn't too thrilled with Defiant Hero, then Out of Control was okay. I was about to give up then I decided to give the series one more try. I am glad I did.

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  4. *GASP* You read out of order????? That's sacrilege!!!! LOL Kidding. Glad you found a book you could enjoy. I've gotta find my way back into this series. It's been a long while since I read her stuff.

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  5. Anne, I have the entire series - I will bring it to Ohio for you if ytou want :)

    I looooove Suz's books! This was definitely a great one. The whole setup for Max and Gina, furthering Sam and Alyssa's story, and just plain showing that a hero doesn't have to be "classically" hot to be "hot" :) I loved Stan!

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  6. Oh gosh, this is one of my most favorite series, EVER! I was so glad when I read OTE because it was soooo good, and seriously? No one can pull off the Karaoke thing the way Stan did...with ease. I really loved Stan and Teri's story and I really loved the secondary stories as well, most especially Sam and Alyssa, I'm a S&A nut and have been Sam crazy since before his book came out.

    I just hecka love the way Suz writes her story, she's so the bomb.

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Have you read it? What do you think?

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