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sjb86's review against another edition
5.0
Book one of Red-Hot Seals series by Trish McCallan.
Beth wakes up after having a nightmare but when she gets out of bed and on her way to work her nightmare becomes reality.
Zane is a physic Seal and has visions of his friends dying.
Beth then meets Zane and try's to get the plane grounded.
I really enjoyed this book but not as much hot and steamy moments between Hh as I was expecting but was a great story and mystery with the high-jackers.
My only complaint is at the end it just finished with a lot not sorted so I did feel disappointed that there was no epilogue to tidy up the end.
Beth wakes up after having a nightmare but when she gets out of bed and on her way to work her nightmare becomes reality.
Zane is a physic Seal and has visions of his friends dying.
Beth then meets Zane and try's to get the plane grounded.
I really enjoyed this book but not as much hot and steamy moments between Hh as I was expecting but was a great story and mystery with the high-jackers.
My only complaint is at the end it just finished with a lot not sorted so I did feel disappointed that there was no epilogue to tidy up the end.
jetenold's review against another edition
4.0
I liked it, but it ended kind of sudden. now patiently waiting for the next one.
jynx66's review against another edition
3.0
Posted At: Riverina Romantics
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 *
Hotness Rating: 3 out of 5 <3
Although this had an interesting promise, I felt the story could have been better. The writing was good, the storyline was good as well, but it seemed like more could have been done to flesh it out. The couple was great together, but there was something missing between them as well, something that would have made their connection so much better than what it was. Overall, though, it was a good story.
Zane was a great hero and one I really felt captured by. From the beginning, it is clear that he is my type of SEAL--dark, brooding, in command, and oh-so-sexy. His ability only adds to his attractiveness. I mean, who wouldn't want to see those muscles tense the way they do. He was alpha without being overly so. He knew what he could and couldn't control and didn't go above and beyond to try and reign in what he couldn't. He was incredibly protective and caring, and did everything to the very best he could. He seemed a little too shy, however, when it came to the aspect of his gift. The polar opposite of his normal personality did not fit with who he was. It was just strange and off-kilter. But otherwise, he was very well-made.
Beth made a good heroine, and I believed her reactions to the situations she was thrown into, but at times she seemed too accepting or too resistant. There was no happy medium, it was just straight up 'yay' or 'nay'. She liked having a humdrum life that was predictable, which I'm glad didn't end up happening cause that would have made a boring story. She was very smart and always wanted to do things the right or practical way. Very quick on her feet, she proved to be an asset to Zane and his team a few times. Although her adamant refusal of what was between her and Zane got really old really fast, then POOF she accepted it like nothing, was just...no. I don't buy it.
Overall this was a good book. I just wished the main couple connected a little better than they did. Good story line. Enjoyable characters--except for one rotton SOB that I personally wanted to shoot in the head…multiple times, because of his twisted view on women--which is part of why I gave it the rating I did. It was well enough written that I may pick up the next to the series. Good start.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 *
Hotness Rating: 3 out of 5 <3
Although this had an interesting promise, I felt the story could have been better. The writing was good, the storyline was good as well, but it seemed like more could have been done to flesh it out. The couple was great together, but there was something missing between them as well, something that would have made their connection so much better than what it was. Overall, though, it was a good story.
Zane was a great hero and one I really felt captured by. From the beginning, it is clear that he is my type of SEAL--dark, brooding, in command, and oh-so-sexy. His ability only adds to his attractiveness. I mean, who wouldn't want to see those muscles tense the way they do. He was alpha without being overly so. He knew what he could and couldn't control and didn't go above and beyond to try and reign in what he couldn't. He was incredibly protective and caring, and did everything to the very best he could. He seemed a little too shy, however, when it came to the aspect of his gift. The polar opposite of his normal personality did not fit with who he was. It was just strange and off-kilter. But otherwise, he was very well-made.
Beth made a good heroine, and I believed her reactions to the situations she was thrown into, but at times she seemed too accepting or too resistant. There was no happy medium, it was just straight up 'yay' or 'nay'. She liked having a humdrum life that was predictable, which I'm glad didn't end up happening cause that would have made a boring story. She was very smart and always wanted to do things the right or practical way. Very quick on her feet, she proved to be an asset to Zane and his team a few times. Although her adamant refusal of what was between her and Zane got really old really fast, then POOF she accepted it like nothing, was just...no. I don't buy it.
Overall this was a good book. I just wished the main couple connected a little better than they did. Good story line. Enjoyable characters--except for one rotton SOB that I personally wanted to shoot in the head…multiple times, because of his twisted view on women--which is part of why I gave it the rating I did. It was well enough written that I may pick up the next to the series. Good start.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Before I write this review, I have to make sure I'm firmly seated on the entire sitting surface of my chair. Why you ask? Because I've been sitting on the edge of my seat since I started this book and have only now recovered enough of my wits to realize I should sit back. This is on hell of a kick ass ride...so, in the words of Samuel L. Jackson, hold onto your butts!
Beth Brown has a dream last night. It was disturbing, terrifying, bizarre and something that she was going to completely write off, until two of the events in her dream came true first this that morning. If those came true, perhaps the massacre of the coach passengers on the PanAtlantic flight to Hawaii will come true as well. When she gets to the gate, she begins recognizing the passengers she saw in her dream. The dead passengers with multiple bullet holes and blood covering them...except now they were very much alive. Beth finds the one man she thinks might be able to help her, as she remembers the men with him calling his Lieutenant or boss, Zane Winters. She builds up the courage to approach him and his two friends, hoping they will believe her enough to help her stop the plane for taking off.
Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters, Lieutenant Cosky and Lieutenant Rawls, members of SEAL Team 7 (ST7), were heading to a colleague's wedding in Hawaii when Zane had one of his freaky premonitions after being touched by Rawls. He sees his buddy dead, riddled with bullet holes. And it's not just Rawls he sees dead. When Cosky touches him, he sees the same thing. Edgy, especially after realizing that both are wearing the same clothes he saw them dead in, Zane tries to figure out how they can get the plane grounded and investigate what might be going on. While scanning the crowd of awaiting passengers in the gate area, Zane locks gazes with a woman who he knows, down to his bones, is his soul mate. Determined not to be derailed while trying to figure out what's happening with the plane, he ignores her. But fate has bigger plans and avoiding her becomes impossible when she approaches them and tells them about her dream.
Beth, Zane, Cosky and Rawls soon find themselves embroiled in a terrorists groups plot to hijack the plane, massacre the coach passenger and ransom off the first class passengers...strikingly similar to a hijacking that happened in Argentina. The only problem is, they aren't sure who's involved and it seems like the terrorist group has infiltrated the FBI, PanAtlantic, the local police and other high ranking areas of the government.
For Zane, it comes down to who to trust and how to make sure Beth is kept safe so he can prove to her, later, that they were meant to be together. For Beth, she needs to save her best friend and godson from their terrorist kidnappers all while trying to keep her distance from the one man that gets beneath her skin.
Phew! Just from that I need to push myself back on my seat. This is a complete edge of your seat page turner. You won't be able to put it down. It was well written with characters that had me running the gamut of emotions, I was spent when you finished reading it.
I loved our SEAL team, loved their OIC Mac (even though he did come off as a complete ass...you just know there is a juicy story there), loved Beth and how for someone who sometime came off as timid she was all in that SEAL team's face when needed. I felt sorry for FBI SA Chastain, Amy, Ginny and Todd to have gotten caught up in something that truly was beyond them. Their situations had you wondering if you wouldn't have done the exact same thing in an effort to protect your family. I hated Russ Branson, hated the crew who secure "the house" (Chino got what he freaking deserved!) and absolutely loathe whoever is leading the terrorist group.
My only disappointment in the book, the abrupt ending. I was flipping pages on my kindle wondering if I was missing pages because it just seemed to stop. Talk about a cliffhanger!!!
This book is worse every cent, (nickel, dime, and quarter too). It's a fast paced, nail biting, adrenaline ride that leaves you wanting so much more!
Beth Brown has a dream last night. It was disturbing, terrifying, bizarre and something that she was going to completely write off, until two of the events in her dream came true first this that morning. If those came true, perhaps the massacre of the coach passengers on the PanAtlantic flight to Hawaii will come true as well. When she gets to the gate, she begins recognizing the passengers she saw in her dream. The dead passengers with multiple bullet holes and blood covering them...except now they were very much alive. Beth finds the one man she thinks might be able to help her, as she remembers the men with him calling his Lieutenant or boss, Zane Winters. She builds up the courage to approach him and his two friends, hoping they will believe her enough to help her stop the plane for taking off.
Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters, Lieutenant Cosky and Lieutenant Rawls, members of SEAL Team 7 (ST7), were heading to a colleague's wedding in Hawaii when Zane had one of his freaky premonitions after being touched by Rawls. He sees his buddy dead, riddled with bullet holes. And it's not just Rawls he sees dead. When Cosky touches him, he sees the same thing. Edgy, especially after realizing that both are wearing the same clothes he saw them dead in, Zane tries to figure out how they can get the plane grounded and investigate what might be going on. While scanning the crowd of awaiting passengers in the gate area, Zane locks gazes with a woman who he knows, down to his bones, is his soul mate. Determined not to be derailed while trying to figure out what's happening with the plane, he ignores her. But fate has bigger plans and avoiding her becomes impossible when she approaches them and tells them about her dream.
Beth, Zane, Cosky and Rawls soon find themselves embroiled in a terrorists groups plot to hijack the plane, massacre the coach passenger and ransom off the first class passengers...strikingly similar to a hijacking that happened in Argentina. The only problem is, they aren't sure who's involved and it seems like the terrorist group has infiltrated the FBI, PanAtlantic, the local police and other high ranking areas of the government.
For Zane, it comes down to who to trust and how to make sure Beth is kept safe so he can prove to her, later, that they were meant to be together. For Beth, she needs to save her best friend and godson from their terrorist kidnappers all while trying to keep her distance from the one man that gets beneath her skin.
Phew! Just from that I need to push myself back on my seat. This is a complete edge of your seat page turner. You won't be able to put it down. It was well written with characters that had me running the gamut of emotions, I was spent when you finished reading it.
I loved our SEAL team, loved their OIC Mac (even though he did come off as a complete ass...you just know there is a juicy story there), loved Beth and how for someone who sometime came off as timid she was all in that SEAL team's face when needed. I felt sorry for FBI SA Chastain, Amy, Ginny and Todd to have gotten caught up in something that truly was beyond them. Their situations had you wondering if you wouldn't have done the exact same thing in an effort to protect your family. I hated Russ Branson, hated the crew who secure "the house" (Chino got what he freaking deserved!) and absolutely loathe whoever is leading the terrorist group.
My only disappointment in the book, the abrupt ending. I was flipping pages on my kindle wondering if I was missing pages because it just seemed to stop. Talk about a cliffhanger!!!
This book is worse every cent, (nickel, dime, and quarter too). It's a fast paced, nail biting, adrenaline ride that leaves you wanting so much more!
j_j_catcrazydragon's review against another edition
3.0
CONTENT WARNING: Abduction, Rape, Murder.
WARNING: Cliff Hanger Ending (so not supposed to be with these types
WARNING: Cliff Hanger Ending (so not supposed to be with these types
humphrn4's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Forged in Fire
4 Stars
Synopsis
Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters, a Navy SEALs commander, and Beth Winters have never met but they have something in common - both witness a brutal terror attack on a commercial airliner before it happens. When Beth decides to act on her prophetic dream, she meets Zane in person and together with his SEAL team, they work to thwart the hijacking and uncover the secret cartel behind the event.
Review
The plot is exciting and progresses at a thrilling pace with a gritty 24-like feel to it. It should be noted that there are numerous violent scenes and a couple of disturbing moments including one rape scene.
The writing is good and the research well done, especially with regard to the SEALs. Nevertheless, some of the abbreviations need further explanation for those readers who are less familiar with this branch of the US military (HQ1, BUD/S). In addition, there are some unusual transitions between scenes, i.e., a scene ends with one POV and the next begins with a short recap of the previous moments from a different character's POV. While this does not really distract from the flow of the story it is noticeable and unnecessary. Moreover, the ending is VERY abrupt with no resolution to any of the major plot points. Despite this cliffhanger, it looks like there are exciting things to come and it is a good thing the next book will be published as the end of this year.
The PNR elements are implausible and the story would be better as straight romantic suspense as the psychic bond plot device detracts from rather than enhances the romance. It is as if the hero would not have given the heroine the time of day without it. That said, the main couple is engaging and have sizzling chemistry. The hero is honorable, tough and sensitive and did I mention HOT, and the heroine is strong-willed with a good head on her shoulders.
The secondary characters are fleshed out well with a really nasty villain and several sexy Navy SEALS who will apparently be getting their own books - yay! On a side note, there is one important character who was less than appealing to me.
Overall, an excellent debut by an Indie and self-published author. I will definitely be on the look out for the next installment.
4 Stars
Synopsis
Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters, a Navy SEALs commander, and Beth Winters have never met but they have something in common - both witness a brutal terror attack on a commercial airliner before it happens. When Beth decides to act on her prophetic dream, she meets Zane in person and together with his SEAL team, they work to thwart the hijacking and uncover the secret cartel behind the event.
Review
The plot is exciting and progresses at a thrilling pace with a gritty 24-like feel to it. It should be noted that there are numerous violent scenes and a couple of disturbing moments including one rape scene.
The writing is good and the research well done, especially with regard to the SEALs. Nevertheless, some of the abbreviations need further explanation for those readers who are less familiar with this branch of the US military (HQ1, BUD/S). In addition, there are some unusual transitions between scenes, i.e., a scene ends with one POV and the next begins with a short recap of the previous moments from a different character's POV. While this does not really distract from the flow of the story it is noticeable and unnecessary. Moreover, the ending is VERY abrupt with no resolution to any of the major plot points. Despite this cliffhanger, it looks like there are exciting things to come and it is a good thing the next book will be published as the end of this year.
The PNR elements are implausible and the story would be better as straight romantic suspense as the psychic bond plot device detracts from rather than enhances the romance. It is as if the hero would not have given the heroine the time of day without it. That said, the main couple is engaging and have sizzling chemistry. The hero is honorable, tough and sensitive and did I mention HOT, and the heroine is strong-willed with a good head on her shoulders.
The secondary characters are fleshed out well with a really nasty villain and several sexy Navy SEALS who will apparently be getting their own books - yay! On a side note, there is one important character who was less than appealing to me
Spoiler
Mac's misogynistic attitude and his weird attraction for a rape victim is very sleazy and off-puttingOverall, an excellent debut by an Indie and self-published author. I will definitely be on the look out for the next installment.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
3.0
Listened for Review/Read for Fun (Brilliance/Kindle)
Overall Rating: 3.50
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 3.25
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Forged in Fire was one heck of an adrenaline fueled topsy-turvy ride!
Story Thoughts: Forged in Fire was an adrenaline rush that had me on my toes. I really liked the mixing in of "fringe" abilities and non-stop action. Trish managed to pull you in with glimpses of how things could go and then slam you in another direction when something was thwarted. This didn't always work in our heroes favor and I appreciated the not knowing how it was going to turn out. I will admit the story rating would have been higher but the story was kind of left open-ended. The ending just felt a little to abrupt to me!
Character Thoughts: Forged in Fire is another case of "I was more interested in the characters coming up than the main couple". Beth just didn't "WOW" me. She was just too "anti" soul-mates for my taste. While I did appreciate her love of the Romance Novel, I just couldn't warm up to her. On the other hand, I really loved Zane. He was Alpha to the core. I kept thinking I missed books about his brothers but evidently I didn't. I think his whole family would be a fascinating read if they are anything like him. Overall, it was the side characters that really got my attention. I can't wait to read their stories.
Audio Thoughts:
Angela "freaking" Dawe y'all! Seriously if you haven't listened to her read The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley, you are missing out. She is one of my favorite narrators and doesn't let me down in pacing, emotions, and cadence. She seriously probably made me like Beth more than I would have otherwise! A good narrator can do that!
Final Thoughts: I can't wait for the next book even if I can't quite figure out when it is coming out!
Overall Rating: 3.50
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 3.25
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Forged in Fire was one heck of an adrenaline fueled topsy-turvy ride!
Story Thoughts: Forged in Fire was an adrenaline rush that had me on my toes. I really liked the mixing in of "fringe" abilities and non-stop action. Trish managed to pull you in with glimpses of how things could go and then slam you in another direction when something was thwarted. This didn't always work in our heroes favor and I appreciated the not knowing how it was going to turn out. I will admit the story rating would have been higher but the story was kind of left open-ended. The ending just felt a little to abrupt to me!
Character Thoughts: Forged in Fire is another case of "I was more interested in the characters coming up than the main couple". Beth just didn't "WOW" me. She was just too "anti" soul-mates for my taste. While I did appreciate her love of the Romance Novel, I just couldn't warm up to her. On the other hand, I really loved Zane. He was Alpha to the core. I kept thinking I missed books about his brothers but evidently I didn't. I think his whole family would be a fascinating read if they are anything like him. Overall, it was the side characters that really got my attention. I can't wait to read their stories.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated by Angela Dawe /Length 11 hrs and 24 mins
Angela "freaking" Dawe y'all! Seriously if you haven't listened to her read The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley, you are missing out. She is one of my favorite narrators and doesn't let me down in pacing, emotions, and cadence. She seriously probably made me like Beth more than I would have otherwise! A good narrator can do that!
Final Thoughts: I can't wait for the next book even if I can't quite figure out when it is coming out!
mrose21's review against another edition
2.0
This book promised me hot and sexy males and hot women. I just felt it was a bit meh.
Been struggling to read this for four days and even listening to it and it was just boring.
Been struggling to read this for four days and even listening to it and it was just boring.