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Red Team #2
Shattered Valor
Every step leads her deeper into danger...
Eden Miller has her life arranged exactly as she wants it--until a reunion with her high school BFFs places her in the middle of a turf war with a ruthless prison gang, their terrorist allies, and the hunters tracking them. Her every move draws her deeper into the danger surrounding Ty Bladen and his team of terror fighters, but his seductive charm and engaging smile make her believe his promises of protection.
A secret is a dangerous thing...
When the terrorists Ty Bladen is tracking infiltrate his remote ranch in Wyoming, he learns the past he buried cannot be so easily escaped. Though he's recovering from a bullet wound he received in Afghanistan and is hunted by an unseen enemy, he knows he can't leave Eden alone to face the danger swirling around her, danger he and his team have brought to her--even if the has to risk letting her near his frozen heart. But when she learns his terrible secret, will she stay or will she run?
Eden Miller has her life arranged exactly as she wants it--until a reunion with her high school BFFs places her in the middle of a turf war with a ruthless prison gang, their terrorist allies, and the hunters tracking them. Her every move draws her deeper into the danger surrounding Ty Bladen and his team of terror fighters, but his seductive charm and engaging smile make her believe his promises of protection.
A secret is a dangerous thing...
When the terrorists Ty Bladen is tracking infiltrate his remote ranch in Wyoming, he learns the past he buried cannot be so easily escaped. Though he's recovering from a bullet wound he received in Afghanistan and is hunted by an unseen enemy, he knows he can't leave Eden alone to face the danger swirling around her, danger he and his team have brought to her--even if the has to risk letting her near his frozen heart. But when she learns his terrible secret, will she stay or will she run?
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2012
79 people are currently reading
917 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Levine
38 books527 followers"Elaine Levine is a wonderfully fresh and original voice in western romance.
RACHEL AND THE HIRED GUN is full of fast-paced action and powerful emotions. I loved it!"
-- Joan Johnston, New York Times bestselling author of A STRANGER'S GAME
"A pair of appealing, well-matched protagonists (with a bit of a history), a slimy villain, well-drawn secondary characters, and plenty of action make this rough-and-ready Western one that fans are sure to enjoy."
--Library Journal on AUDREY AND THE MAVERICK
"A beautiful romance…keeps the reader hooked from the first page to the last.” -New York Times Bestselling Author Catherine Anderson about LEAH AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER
Though this is the third book of a romance trilogy, the story stands quite well on its own. Elaine Levine gives us a multi-level story about trust and being able to overcome personal fears to achieve a goal. Set in the post-Civil War era, Leah and the Bounty Hunter gives us a window into the rough-and-tumble lives of our settler-forefathers and what they did to succeed against lawlessness and the incredible challenges to settle the old West. An enjoyable read, recommended. --Monica E. Spence, Historical Novels Review on LEAH AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER
* * *
ABOUT ELAINE:
Elaine Levine is an agoraphobic who lives in her son’s basement and runs doggie daycare for his pack of hounds. Her mind, however, is irrepressible, and she fills the endless moments of endless days crafting romance fiction from dystopian headlines she reads online. Be warned—her stories are addictive and dangerously appealing to those with similarly twisted minds and hopeful hearts.
RACHEL AND THE HIRED GUN is full of fast-paced action and powerful emotions. I loved it!"
-- Joan Johnston, New York Times bestselling author of A STRANGER'S GAME
"A pair of appealing, well-matched protagonists (with a bit of a history), a slimy villain, well-drawn secondary characters, and plenty of action make this rough-and-ready Western one that fans are sure to enjoy."
--Library Journal on AUDREY AND THE MAVERICK
"A beautiful romance…keeps the reader hooked from the first page to the last.” -New York Times Bestselling Author Catherine Anderson about LEAH AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER
Though this is the third book of a romance trilogy, the story stands quite well on its own. Elaine Levine gives us a multi-level story about trust and being able to overcome personal fears to achieve a goal. Set in the post-Civil War era, Leah and the Bounty Hunter gives us a window into the rough-and-tumble lives of our settler-forefathers and what they did to succeed against lawlessness and the incredible challenges to settle the old West. An enjoyable read, recommended. --Monica E. Spence, Historical Novels Review on LEAH AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER
* * *
ABOUT ELAINE:
Elaine Levine is an agoraphobic who lives in her son’s basement and runs doggie daycare for his pack of hounds. Her mind, however, is irrepressible, and she fills the endless moments of endless days crafting romance fiction from dystopian headlines she reads online. Be warned—her stories are addictive and dangerously appealing to those with similarly twisted minds and hopeful hearts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
June 8, 2013
Opening Line: “Ty Baden’s fingers and palms were sticky with rattlesnake blood.”
So I’ll give it up for Elaine Levine, she sure knows how to write an amazing tortured hero. Once again I was left in bits by the heartbreaking back story of our romantic lead. I don’t know what my deal is, but the more damaged the hero the harder I tend to fall. So yeah, I fell pretty hard here. With this 2nd book from The Red Team series we get Ty Baden’s long awaited story, and because Levine left him (and us) hanging at the end of the last book (with Ty presumed dead at the bottom of a cavernous snake filled pit) I was more than a little excited. She doesn’t disappoint either; filling the action packed story with suspense, heartache, smoking hot love scenes, a bit of a BDB vibe (yeah that’s right) and several hunky, wise-cracking, ex-counter terror operatives. It’s a great ride.
I should mention how much I adored the first book The Edge of Courage and I say this because I’m not sure how well this would work as a standalone as events here pick up directly after. Besides you really wouldn’t want to miss Rocco and Mandy’s story. Rocco *sigh top 5 tortured hero*
So, Ty is stuck in a rattlesnake infested pit. Now why do I hear Indiana Jones’ voice as I write that ”snakes, why’d it have to be snakes?” Anyways, our boy Ty is an ex-operative so saving himself is all in a day’s work. He then makes his way to a nearby house where he meets up with one of the hotties from the bar in town he met in the last book. Of course sparks fly and when it turns out that she’s in danger from the bad guys of the WKB Ty makes Eden his personal mission.
Our heroine is the perfect match for Ty; no nonsense, tough and supportive which is exactly what Ty needs after what he’s been through. Eden also just happens to train service dogs so after a second attempt is made on her life Ty moves her and “Tank” in with the boys at his childhood house (of horrors) now serving as Red Team headquarters. Tank proves more than capable of searching out munitions and explosives and against her better judgement Eden becomes a member of Red Team.
Ty hadn’t been home in years for a reason, but with his father recently deceased and the team needing a new headquarters in the area while they take down the WKB he’s soon stuck right back where his nightmares began. Throughout the course of this story Ty’s past is slowly revealed and I have to say I was actually left a little stunned at the horrific abuse he suffered at the hands of his own father amongst others.
I won’t go too much into the plot but there are a couple of things I did want to mention I really enjoyed the camaraderie and just plain hilarity of the Team as a group, there is one scene in particular where Eden goes shopping with fellow team member Val. Val is trying to make Ty realize his feelings for Eden so he takes her to Victoria’s Secret and leaves a line open on the phone. As Eden tries on naughty knickers Ty listens in, cursing and realizing he’s jealous. The love scenes are angst filled and super-hot; watching Ty confront his ghosts and give himself to Eden was at times breathtaking. He really is just the perfect hero, tender when it counts, in desperate need of emotional rescue yet still all down, dirty and alpha when need be.
With so many delicious Red Team members left to have their stories told, this is a series I see myself continuing with to the end. Cheers.
Thanks Elaine
**A copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
So I’ll give it up for Elaine Levine, she sure knows how to write an amazing tortured hero. Once again I was left in bits by the heartbreaking back story of our romantic lead. I don’t know what my deal is, but the more damaged the hero the harder I tend to fall. So yeah, I fell pretty hard here. With this 2nd book from The Red Team series we get Ty Baden’s long awaited story, and because Levine left him (and us) hanging at the end of the last book (with Ty presumed dead at the bottom of a cavernous snake filled pit) I was more than a little excited. She doesn’t disappoint either; filling the action packed story with suspense, heartache, smoking hot love scenes, a bit of a BDB vibe (yeah that’s right) and several hunky, wise-cracking, ex-counter terror operatives. It’s a great ride.
I should mention how much I adored the first book The Edge of Courage and I say this because I’m not sure how well this would work as a standalone as events here pick up directly after. Besides you really wouldn’t want to miss Rocco and Mandy’s story. Rocco *sigh top 5 tortured hero*
So, Ty is stuck in a rattlesnake infested pit. Now why do I hear Indiana Jones’ voice as I write that ”snakes, why’d it have to be snakes?” Anyways, our boy Ty is an ex-operative so saving himself is all in a day’s work. He then makes his way to a nearby house where he meets up with one of the hotties from the bar in town he met in the last book. Of course sparks fly and when it turns out that she’s in danger from the bad guys of the WKB Ty makes Eden his personal mission.
Our heroine is the perfect match for Ty; no nonsense, tough and supportive which is exactly what Ty needs after what he’s been through. Eden also just happens to train service dogs so after a second attempt is made on her life Ty moves her and “Tank” in with the boys at his childhood house (of horrors) now serving as Red Team headquarters. Tank proves more than capable of searching out munitions and explosives and against her better judgement Eden becomes a member of Red Team.
Ty hadn’t been home in years for a reason, but with his father recently deceased and the team needing a new headquarters in the area while they take down the WKB he’s soon stuck right back where his nightmares began. Throughout the course of this story Ty’s past is slowly revealed and I have to say I was actually left a little stunned at the horrific abuse he suffered at the hands of his own father amongst others.
I won’t go too much into the plot but there are a couple of things I did want to mention I really enjoyed the camaraderie and just plain hilarity of the Team as a group, there is one scene in particular where Eden goes shopping with fellow team member Val. Val is trying to make Ty realize his feelings for Eden so he takes her to Victoria’s Secret and leaves a line open on the phone. As Eden tries on naughty knickers Ty listens in, cursing and realizing he’s jealous. The love scenes are angst filled and super-hot; watching Ty confront his ghosts and give himself to Eden was at times breathtaking. He really is just the perfect hero, tender when it counts, in desperate need of emotional rescue yet still all down, dirty and alpha when need be.
With so many delicious Red Team members left to have their stories told, this is a series I see myself continuing with to the end. Cheers.
Thanks Elaine
**A copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 9, 2012
So, the second book in the Red Team series and I should mention straight off that this novel doesn’t stand alone. You will need to read the first book, The Edge of Courage, to understand what is happening here. If you haven’t, I can recommend it. It’s a great suspense novel and sets up the action and introduces you to a whole host of mouth-watering alpha heroes!
The battle against the Afghan druglord Amir Hadad wages on and only moves on a little further in this one. Despite the suspense premise, these books are very much character driven and each one tells the story of one of the team finding their forever girl. Perfect romantic suspense, really.
This time, it’s the turn of Ty who we left stranded and left for dead in a viper pit at the end of the last book. Lucky for us, he’s well trained and resilient enough to get himself out of his predicament and stumbles to the nearest house and bumps into Eden who we’d met briefly in the last book. She’s in trouble and he helps her and her friends out but she and her sniffer dog Tank have become embroiled in the intrigue that surrounds The Red Team and Ty finds he will do anything to protect her.
Ty is a man best by emotional trauma from his past and the fact that his entire team and it’s entourage is camped out in his Father’s old house (the site of his horrific abuse) is not helping and it will require all of Eden’s fierce loyalty and tenderness to finally allow him to exorcise those demons and move on with her.
Ty is a great hero, he’s very alpha, growly and protective (just the way I like ‘em) and Eden is a steadfast and sweet heroine. They go well together and it was lovely to see Ty’s growing attachment to her that he couldn’t resist however hard he tried.
I love the whole setup of the Red Team and really enjoy the brotherly camaraderie between them all and there is a whole host of potential book boyfriends here. I am hoping that the next book will tell the story of high-school sweethearts Kit and Ivy and I’m also looking forward to Fiona and Kelan’s story. It's good to catch up with Mandy and Rocco after the dramas of their story in the first book and, after reading this one, they’re still my favourite couple to date of the series. I’m most looking forward to Val finding a woman - he’s got quite the cheeky swagger and tempts me the most out of all of them.
Despite being set very much in the present, I got a strange old-fashioned vibe from reading this. There’s something about the townsfolk objecting to their presence with felt olde worlde to me – I could imagine them all descending on Ty’s Ranch with blazing torches and pitchforks ready to drive them out of town. Also Ty tells Eden a story about the time he was on military duty near a castle in Germany and that absolutely felt like an old 1930’s black and white Hollywood horror movie. I half expected Bela Lugosi or Boris Karloff to overact their way onto the page!
While Ty and Eden’s story was sweet, I didn’t actually feel the same chemistry or connection I did with Mandy and Rocco but that’s not enough to stop me from continuing with the series. I definitely will and I’m very much looking forward to the next book.
3.5 stars romantic suspense
Red Team Series Reading Order
1 The Edge of Courage
2 Shattered Valor
3.Honor Unraveled - release date tbc
ARC courtesy of Elaine Levine
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
The battle against the Afghan druglord Amir Hadad wages on and only moves on a little further in this one. Despite the suspense premise, these books are very much character driven and each one tells the story of one of the team finding their forever girl. Perfect romantic suspense, really.
This time, it’s the turn of Ty who we left stranded and left for dead in a viper pit at the end of the last book. Lucky for us, he’s well trained and resilient enough to get himself out of his predicament and stumbles to the nearest house and bumps into Eden who we’d met briefly in the last book. She’s in trouble and he helps her and her friends out but she and her sniffer dog Tank have become embroiled in the intrigue that surrounds The Red Team and Ty finds he will do anything to protect her.
Ty is a man best by emotional trauma from his past and the fact that his entire team and it’s entourage is camped out in his Father’s old house (the site of his horrific abuse) is not helping and it will require all of Eden’s fierce loyalty and tenderness to finally allow him to exorcise those demons and move on with her.
Ty is a great hero, he’s very alpha, growly and protective (just the way I like ‘em) and Eden is a steadfast and sweet heroine. They go well together and it was lovely to see Ty’s growing attachment to her that he couldn’t resist however hard he tried.
I love the whole setup of the Red Team and really enjoy the brotherly camaraderie between them all and there is a whole host of potential book boyfriends here. I am hoping that the next book will tell the story of high-school sweethearts Kit and Ivy and I’m also looking forward to Fiona and Kelan’s story. It's good to catch up with Mandy and Rocco after the dramas of their story in the first book and, after reading this one, they’re still my favourite couple to date of the series. I’m most looking forward to Val finding a woman - he’s got quite the cheeky swagger and tempts me the most out of all of them.
Despite being set very much in the present, I got a strange old-fashioned vibe from reading this. There’s something about the townsfolk objecting to their presence with felt olde worlde to me – I could imagine them all descending on Ty’s Ranch with blazing torches and pitchforks ready to drive them out of town. Also Ty tells Eden a story about the time he was on military duty near a castle in Germany and that absolutely felt like an old 1930’s black and white Hollywood horror movie. I half expected Bela Lugosi or Boris Karloff to overact their way onto the page!
While Ty and Eden’s story was sweet, I didn’t actually feel the same chemistry or connection I did with Mandy and Rocco but that’s not enough to stop me from continuing with the series. I definitely will and I’m very much looking forward to the next book.
3.5 stars romantic suspense
Red Team Series Reading Order
1 The Edge of Courage
2 Shattered Valor
3.Honor Unraveled - release date tbc
ARC courtesy of Elaine Levine
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
August 3, 2015
DNF at 45% for many reasons.
The book is not a stand alone. It starts in media res and it's very, very confusing. Oh, you can get the backstory, you are not dumb after all, but that's it.
The thin plot is unbelievable, the villain both stupid and over the top, the romance cold. The heroine is a wet fish whose wishes get trumped, but hey it's the bad guys' fault, not ours (even if we were the one to put you in danger...)
She gets kidnapped by the "good guys", and the morning after every thing is all right.
Either their love story happened in book one or the romance was the "love at first sight" variety. If they had chemistry I couldn't feel it. But above all the book was boringly written.
I thank the author and the publisher for the free book, but it's not the one for me.
Update: I forgot to mention the constant, if subtle, shaming . She is not good enough, woman enough, she's not good in sex. Why, she's a tomboy, that's why. I wanted to rip something every time there was a hint of shaming.
The book is not a stand alone. It starts in media res and it's very, very confusing. Oh, you can get the backstory, you are not dumb after all, but that's it.
The thin plot is unbelievable, the villain both stupid and over the top, the romance cold. The heroine is a wet fish whose wishes get trumped, but hey it's the bad guys' fault, not ours (even if we were the one to put you in danger...)
She gets kidnapped by the "good guys", and the morning after every thing is all right.
Either their love story happened in book one or the romance was the "love at first sight" variety. If they had chemistry I couldn't feel it. But above all the book was boringly written.
I thank the author and the publisher for the free book, but it's not the one for me.
Update: I forgot to mention the constant, if subtle, shaming . She is not good enough, woman enough, she's not good in sex. Why, she's a tomboy, that's why. I wanted to rip something every time there was a hint of shaming.
January 5, 2020
So the suspense in this series is really good. But so far the romance suffers. I was just not feeling it with Ty and Eden. I liked them. But she had no trouble pushing away and he is really messed up from his horrific past! Happy to continue the series!
October 17, 2015
Ten questions on Shattered Valor by Elaine Levine
Question#1: which best describes Ty in Shattered Valor; honorable, brave, kind, polite or troubled?
Answer: all of the above, but you forgot to say he's a keeper.
Question#2: which best describes Eden in Shattered Valor; thoughtless, insincere, dumb, shallow or slutty?
Answer: all of the above, again. Are the questions going to get tougher?
Question#3: I'll try. Why did so many reviews of this book say the relationship of Ty and Eden lacked chemistry, had no romance, or didn't work?
Answer: see questions 1 and 2 above. A good, but troubled man, and a shallow woman who treats him badly with no visible remorse. Hmm, I think the reviews were accurate, he is someone we like and have sympathy for, she is just weak and clueless. It's a shame, because in book one of this series, Rocco and Mandy's story, the author crafted a like able heroine that you want to see happy. Everywhere Mandy was strong, Eden was weak.
Question#4: why did the author paint such a detailed picture of the abuse Ty suffered as a child, and make him someone with trust and communication issues, then punish him for his inability to totally communicate? The scene with Val taking Eden shopping at Victoria's Secret and getting waxes together was hurtful and humiliating for Ty.
Answer: excellent question, one I couldn't answer. So I went directly to the author and posed the question to her. Her reply. . . The scene with Val and Eden shopping was not about Ty. It was to give Eden a chance to grow and learn about herself (let her inner slut loose?). The author also said that she did not write Ty's story. . .(say what!). Ty wrote his own story. She and Ty talked back and forth a lot about his background and he told her what to write. He also told her that if she didn't write it the way he said, he would quit talking to her. Hey folks, don't shoot the messenger, I'm only telling you what she said.
Question#5: that's interesting. So how does the author justify taking the royalty checks for the sale of the books if she didn't write it?
Answer: I have it on a very small amount of authority that the book sellers send the royalty to the author 50% in U.S. Currency and 50% in Monopoly money. Ty is supposed to get the Monopoly money.
Question #6: what about poor Val? When he was in the dressing room watching Eden try on sexy underwear, he ended up buying her a lot of stuff. And don't forget, when they went and got intimate waxes together, he not only watched her being waxed, he paid. Those things aren't cheap. Gosh, I hope Val remembered to tell Eden to get her back door waxed too. Eww, I just had a visual of Eden bent face down over a table getting a wax back there while Val is standing there watching. Really, eww.
Answer: remember that Val called into the compound when he and Eden were shopping at Victoria Secret and left the phone line open the whole time, right up to the waxing. Well, rumor has it that Greer not only recorded the entire phone call, he made a copy and sent it to Guiness Book of Records. It is about to be announced the Val has set the record for being the recipient of the longest lap dance ever. Don't worry about Val, Eden paid him back and then some. By the way, thanks for sharing that visual. Now every time I think of Eden, I'll see that sight.
Question#7: speaking of Eden, how does she rate as a heroine in a romance novel?
Answer: congratulations are in order. Eden has made the final three! The winner is yet to be announced, but she has an excellent chance to win as the worst heroine ever. If you want a sample of how weak Eden is, all you have to do is listen to her tell Mandy and Fee about undressing in front of Val. Her justification. . . "He wouldn't take no for an answer". I'm not sure what book some reviewers read when they described Eden, but no one out there can look up to her after she uses that line.
Question#8: why are there good reviews on this book?
Answer: another great question. If you look at the reviews, many come from the authors inner circle. You know, the people who get the early copy of the book(arc) in exchange for a good review. They say the reviews are honest, but really what is happening is "give me a good review, or no more early copies for you". Look for independent reviews, people who just started reading this author, or obviously don't have a bias. They will be more accurate. I looked at the latest 10 reviews of this book on Goodreads, none of which were ARC, and the average rating was 3.1. Seems closer.
Question#9: what's wrong with the book?
Answer: the relationship. You can quibble with the overused premise of the alpha men protecting women and bringing them into their compound. J R Ward and Maya Banks have done it before, along with others, and did it better. You can look at the over the top bad guys who are nowhere near believable (way too many different stereotyped bad guys banding together), but the real problem is that Ty and Eden don't work. He is a good, but troubled man who we want to root for. Yes, he's not perfect, but the right woman will get him there. She is a shallow, vapid girl who is transparent like a ghost. You can see through her to the other side, and there's nothing there. The reader needs to want the two leads together, and in Eden current state that's not what we're rooting for. Elaine should have talked more to Eden, and told her she needs to gain some humility. Two more pages in the book would have repaired her character. If it's so critical for her to go shopping with Val to find herself(or her slut as the case may be), then give her the chance when they got back from the day shopping to be aware that her actions hurt a good man, and let her apologize. She didn't have to slit her wrists, just acknowledge his pain.
Question#10: who do you recommend this book for?
Answer: if you like a woman who is so unaware of her actions, and is only looking for what makes her happy, even at the expense of a good man, well here you are. You will especially like the get out of jail free pass that Eden was given for her insensitive, and slightly cruel actions. This book was crap.
Question#1: which best describes Ty in Shattered Valor; honorable, brave, kind, polite or troubled?
Answer: all of the above, but you forgot to say he's a keeper.
Question#2: which best describes Eden in Shattered Valor; thoughtless, insincere, dumb, shallow or slutty?
Answer: all of the above, again. Are the questions going to get tougher?
Question#3: I'll try. Why did so many reviews of this book say the relationship of Ty and Eden lacked chemistry, had no romance, or didn't work?
Answer: see questions 1 and 2 above. A good, but troubled man, and a shallow woman who treats him badly with no visible remorse. Hmm, I think the reviews were accurate, he is someone we like and have sympathy for, she is just weak and clueless. It's a shame, because in book one of this series, Rocco and Mandy's story, the author crafted a like able heroine that you want to see happy. Everywhere Mandy was strong, Eden was weak.
Question#4: why did the author paint such a detailed picture of the abuse Ty suffered as a child, and make him someone with trust and communication issues, then punish him for his inability to totally communicate? The scene with Val taking Eden shopping at Victoria's Secret and getting waxes together was hurtful and humiliating for Ty.
Answer: excellent question, one I couldn't answer. So I went directly to the author and posed the question to her. Her reply. . . The scene with Val and Eden shopping was not about Ty. It was to give Eden a chance to grow and learn about herself (let her inner slut loose?). The author also said that she did not write Ty's story. . .(say what!). Ty wrote his own story. She and Ty talked back and forth a lot about his background and he told her what to write. He also told her that if she didn't write it the way he said, he would quit talking to her. Hey folks, don't shoot the messenger, I'm only telling you what she said.
Question#5: that's interesting. So how does the author justify taking the royalty checks for the sale of the books if she didn't write it?
Answer: I have it on a very small amount of authority that the book sellers send the royalty to the author 50% in U.S. Currency and 50% in Monopoly money. Ty is supposed to get the Monopoly money.
Question #6: what about poor Val? When he was in the dressing room watching Eden try on sexy underwear, he ended up buying her a lot of stuff. And don't forget, when they went and got intimate waxes together, he not only watched her being waxed, he paid. Those things aren't cheap. Gosh, I hope Val remembered to tell Eden to get her back door waxed too. Eww, I just had a visual of Eden bent face down over a table getting a wax back there while Val is standing there watching. Really, eww.
Answer: remember that Val called into the compound when he and Eden were shopping at Victoria Secret and left the phone line open the whole time, right up to the waxing. Well, rumor has it that Greer not only recorded the entire phone call, he made a copy and sent it to Guiness Book of Records. It is about to be announced the Val has set the record for being the recipient of the longest lap dance ever. Don't worry about Val, Eden paid him back and then some. By the way, thanks for sharing that visual. Now every time I think of Eden, I'll see that sight.
Question#7: speaking of Eden, how does she rate as a heroine in a romance novel?
Answer: congratulations are in order. Eden has made the final three! The winner is yet to be announced, but she has an excellent chance to win as the worst heroine ever. If you want a sample of how weak Eden is, all you have to do is listen to her tell Mandy and Fee about undressing in front of Val. Her justification. . . "He wouldn't take no for an answer". I'm not sure what book some reviewers read when they described Eden, but no one out there can look up to her after she uses that line.
Question#8: why are there good reviews on this book?
Answer: another great question. If you look at the reviews, many come from the authors inner circle. You know, the people who get the early copy of the book(arc) in exchange for a good review. They say the reviews are honest, but really what is happening is "give me a good review, or no more early copies for you". Look for independent reviews, people who just started reading this author, or obviously don't have a bias. They will be more accurate. I looked at the latest 10 reviews of this book on Goodreads, none of which were ARC, and the average rating was 3.1. Seems closer.
Question#9: what's wrong with the book?
Answer: the relationship. You can quibble with the overused premise of the alpha men protecting women and bringing them into their compound. J R Ward and Maya Banks have done it before, along with others, and did it better. You can look at the over the top bad guys who are nowhere near believable (way too many different stereotyped bad guys banding together), but the real problem is that Ty and Eden don't work. He is a good, but troubled man who we want to root for. Yes, he's not perfect, but the right woman will get him there. She is a shallow, vapid girl who is transparent like a ghost. You can see through her to the other side, and there's nothing there. The reader needs to want the two leads together, and in Eden current state that's not what we're rooting for. Elaine should have talked more to Eden, and told her she needs to gain some humility. Two more pages in the book would have repaired her character. If it's so critical for her to go shopping with Val to find herself(or her slut as the case may be), then give her the chance when they got back from the day shopping to be aware that her actions hurt a good man, and let her apologize. She didn't have to slit her wrists, just acknowledge his pain.
Question#10: who do you recommend this book for?
Answer: if you like a woman who is so unaware of her actions, and is only looking for what makes her happy, even at the expense of a good man, well here you are. You will especially like the get out of jail free pass that Eden was given for her insensitive, and slightly cruel actions. This book was crap.
August 23, 2013
4.5 Stars, Excellent!!! Had a hard time remembering all the details and the who's who from bk 1, it's been too long and too many other bks in between but after about first quarter of the bk my memory banks kicked in and I was totally engrossed in the story. Often hard for a 2nd bk in a series to measure up to bk 1. Not so here since I believe this bk is even better than the first one.
Our Hero Ty “Blade” Bladen’s heart breaking memories of the abuse he endured as a child are intertwined with the villain from bk 1 who is still at large and who’s now involved with a deadly gang. Eden, Ty’s love interest, is a dog trainer, one that trains dogs for assistance with the health challenged as well as for drug/weapons detection. She and her dog come in very handy with the intense situation that’s going on in this small Wyoming town. Eden, of course, is the one who gets Ty through and saves him from his hellish past. Their relationship seemed a bit rushed once Ty overcome's his biggest issues but other than that, I had no fault with this bk.
Loved this story and the characters, there’s nothing better than a good specials ops romance, IMO. These guys are members of The Red Team who are a stealth extension of homeland security, or that's their cover story anyway. Best to read this series from the beginning as this story and the characters are constantly evolving. Not all serious gloom here, there are a couple of very funny scenes not to be missed: 1) When good looking Val (a member of this very alpha Red Team) takes Ty’s girl Eden on a shopping trip and 2) The "lay down your weapons" scene with the Red Team and the local small town deputy after a shoot out with some of the bad guys. I had to re-read these 2 scenes a few times for the grin value, especially after all the drama. Just a fun tension breaker.
Seems to me bk 3 is due out sometime in the spring (hopefully). Each bk ends with a hook for the next bk. Bk 3 will center around Red Team member Kit and his estranged girl friend Ivy and their daughter while no doubt the dark side bides their time waiting to stir things up. I’ll be looking forward to it all.
Our Hero Ty “Blade” Bladen’s heart breaking memories of the abuse he endured as a child are intertwined with the villain from bk 1 who is still at large and who’s now involved with a deadly gang. Eden, Ty’s love interest, is a dog trainer, one that trains dogs for assistance with the health challenged as well as for drug/weapons detection. She and her dog come in very handy with the intense situation that’s going on in this small Wyoming town. Eden, of course, is the one who gets Ty through and saves him from his hellish past. Their relationship seemed a bit rushed once Ty overcome's his biggest issues but other than that, I had no fault with this bk.
Loved this story and the characters, there’s nothing better than a good specials ops romance, IMO. These guys are members of The Red Team who are a stealth extension of homeland security, or that's their cover story anyway. Best to read this series from the beginning as this story and the characters are constantly evolving. Not all serious gloom here, there are a couple of very funny scenes not to be missed: 1) When good looking Val (a member of this very alpha Red Team) takes Ty’s girl Eden on a shopping trip and 2) The "lay down your weapons" scene with the Red Team and the local small town deputy after a shoot out with some of the bad guys. I had to re-read these 2 scenes a few times for the grin value, especially after all the drama. Just a fun tension breaker.
Seems to me bk 3 is due out sometime in the spring (hopefully). Each bk ends with a hook for the next bk. Bk 3 will center around Red Team member Kit and his estranged girl friend Ivy and their daughter while no doubt the dark side bides their time waiting to stir things up. I’ll be looking forward to it all.
January 19, 2016
This wasn't the worse book I have read, but it wasn't as good as it could have been either. The romance wasn't very strong, but the love scenes were pretty good. At times the prose seemed choppy and we would get from one scene to another and I wouldn't know how we got there. Ty went through a lot and I really felt heartsick at what he endured. The scene with Valintino was bizarre and frankly creepy to me. I didn't understand how looking at Eddie while she was fitted for bras and panties and being present while she got a Brazilian wax (and she be present while Valentino got his wax as well) was going to help her relationship with Ty and have Ty listen to the entire conversation...nope didn't understand that at all. I could understood it, if it was a joke and it didn't really happen...ha ha Ty we fooled you or something to make you jealous, but that wasn't it. Yes Typ paid Val back with a black eye, but that happened off page and we never knew what was really said between them. Also the mystery between Almir and the biker club doesn't quite make sense to me and Almir's comments were so cryptic sometimes that I didn't have a clue what he was referring to. Also Ty's "dad" and the other guy didn't pay for their sins near enough for me. Some dangly parts needed to be removed with a rusty ax or something to make me happy. But I guess that wouldn't play too well in a romance...bummer. Although this book didn't work for me as well as the first, I am looking forward to Kit and Ivy's romance. Also the next Men of Defiance, where I feel that EL truly shines.
May 29, 2017
I love you the red team men. All are swoon worthy. But have them interact with women and children and it's almost too much. Wonderful story.
March 10, 2016
I'll come right out and say it. I love Elaine Levine's Red Team series. I love all the characters, I love her writing and I love reading it. On top of that, I love listening to them on audiobook because I have a near fanatical obsession of Eric G Dove's voice when he narrates. I can pretty much listen to him read the back of a cereal box and be a big gooey mess.
Shattered Valor is simply stunning and Ms Levine does not disappoint. I loved all the recurring characters of the Red Team, and the girls, Mandy and Fi. I loved seeing so much more of their lives and how they continued to interact as a group, growing, loving and trusting. We see more of Rocco and Mandy's relationship from The Edge of Courage and I'm glad of it. I want to continue to know how Rocco is doing because he has a special place in my heart. We see more of Kelan and Fi, how their relationship is developing and I loved every moment of that.
For those of you expecting a story focusing only on the couple, this is not it. This brings you a story of a group of men who call each other family and face danger together. The story is about the war they are fighting to make the world a better place and in the middle of it, each couple gets their time and happy ending. In this story, we see Ty and Eden find their way into each other's hearts.
My heart bleeds for Ty. He had a terrible, terrible childhood. No child should ever have to endure what he went through and when he was reliving it, my heart broke over and over again. An anger rose up in me against the people who put him so much, who had to little compassion, and who in the guise of being caretakers abused their power over a young child. It is a kind of evil is all its own. We go through this story with Ty watching him battle his demons and find love, and it's wonderful when he triumphs. Elaine Levine has a way of writing some terribly horrific things and she puts her heroes through the wringer. She destroys them only to build them back up into the strong, powerful, wonderful men they are today who are worthy of the love of the women they have chosen, and she does exactly that with Ty.
It took me a little while to warm up to Eden. She started off so skittish and so suspicious. She said "no" so many times that I wanted to shake her and tell her to trust a little - have a little faith! Then she turns around and she starts to trust, and when she does, she does it with a loyalty and fierceness that is admirable. She's brave, determined and she fights for those she loves. My breath caught in that moment when she stands up and fights for Ty ... for them as a couple.
Holding his face in her hands, she met his eyes. “There is no place that you can go, in life or in your mind, that I won’t come find you, Ty.” He smiled. “Fierce little thing, aren’t you?” She met his look. “You don’t know the half of it. Nobody screws with me or mine.”
There's a moment in the story which is fabulous. It's when Ty and Eden talk about their relationship. It's probably one of the best pieces of dialogue I've read when it comes to communicating about a relationship. It's adult, it's mature and most of all, it's honest and real. They talk about their fears and doubts, and they face those head on. They discuss solutions to problems, alternatives and compromises, and they deal with it as a couple. It's wonderful to behold.
This story is another winner from Ms Levine for me. I don't know whether I've enjoyed it even more because of Eric G Dove's narration but I'm certain that enhances the reading experience. I'm waiting with baited breath for the next book to come out in audio because much as I can't wait to read Kit's story, I want to listen to it narrated too. I'm way behind on the books but I'm being patient for the audiobooks. It's definitely worth it. If I get impatient and jump to reading it, you'll know.
Shattered Valor is simply stunning and Ms Levine does not disappoint. I loved all the recurring characters of the Red Team, and the girls, Mandy and Fi. I loved seeing so much more of their lives and how they continued to interact as a group, growing, loving and trusting. We see more of Rocco and Mandy's relationship from The Edge of Courage and I'm glad of it. I want to continue to know how Rocco is doing because he has a special place in my heart. We see more of Kelan and Fi, how their relationship is developing and I loved every moment of that.
For those of you expecting a story focusing only on the couple, this is not it. This brings you a story of a group of men who call each other family and face danger together. The story is about the war they are fighting to make the world a better place and in the middle of it, each couple gets their time and happy ending. In this story, we see Ty and Eden find their way into each other's hearts.
My heart bleeds for Ty. He had a terrible, terrible childhood. No child should ever have to endure what he went through and when he was reliving it, my heart broke over and over again. An anger rose up in me against the people who put him so much, who had to little compassion, and who in the guise of being caretakers abused their power over a young child. It is a kind of evil is all its own. We go through this story with Ty watching him battle his demons and find love, and it's wonderful when he triumphs. Elaine Levine has a way of writing some terribly horrific things and she puts her heroes through the wringer. She destroys them only to build them back up into the strong, powerful, wonderful men they are today who are worthy of the love of the women they have chosen, and she does exactly that with Ty.
It took me a little while to warm up to Eden. She started off so skittish and so suspicious. She said "no" so many times that I wanted to shake her and tell her to trust a little - have a little faith! Then she turns around and she starts to trust, and when she does, she does it with a loyalty and fierceness that is admirable. She's brave, determined and she fights for those she loves. My breath caught in that moment when she stands up and fights for Ty ... for them as a couple.
Holding his face in her hands, she met his eyes. “There is no place that you can go, in life or in your mind, that I won’t come find you, Ty.” He smiled. “Fierce little thing, aren’t you?” She met his look. “You don’t know the half of it. Nobody screws with me or mine.”
There's a moment in the story which is fabulous. It's when Ty and Eden talk about their relationship. It's probably one of the best pieces of dialogue I've read when it comes to communicating about a relationship. It's adult, it's mature and most of all, it's honest and real. They talk about their fears and doubts, and they face those head on. They discuss solutions to problems, alternatives and compromises, and they deal with it as a couple. It's wonderful to behold.
This story is another winner from Ms Levine for me. I don't know whether I've enjoyed it even more because of Eric G Dove's narration but I'm certain that enhances the reading experience. I'm waiting with baited breath for the next book to come out in audio because much as I can't wait to read Kit's story, I want to listen to it narrated too. I'm way behind on the books but I'm being patient for the audiobooks. It's definitely worth it. If I get impatient and jump to reading it, you'll know.
June 9, 2015
I read book 1 in the series as a freebie, so I bought Shattered Valor with my fingers crossed. I worked through the first third of the book hoping for the relationship between Ty and Eden to build on paper. Then for no reason, and no plot benefit, the author creates the useless and unpleasant event when Val takes Eden to Victoria Secret, goes in the changing room with her and watches her take off her clothes and model underwear for his viewing pleasure. Then to top that off they go and get waxed together. He watches her, she watches him. I have no clue what on earth prompted this author to write this scene, but if there is a woman out there that is with a man, and freely goes to Victoria Secret with one of his friends(?), strips and waxes with him, I don't want to meet her. They get back to the lodge, and is she sorry? Only when she hears that the open phone line during her stripping and waxing was heard and recorded. Any remorse? Nope. Apology to Ty? Nope. Kinda think this lady is no one I could ever care about. How about Ty? Pissed off? Not so much. I thought he was Alpha. I didn't finish the book, since the two people, who from the beginning we're going to end up together we're both unlikeable. Especially Eden. Too stupid to care.
It's obvious what audience this book would appeal to. Females with a maturity of 18 to 20(not age, but maturity). This author will supply them a female lead who is supposedly right where she wants to be, at least according to the blurb. But really, is a dog trainer, just getting by, miserable credit(she tells of that more than once), no apparent close friends currently, and not able to make smart decisions. Fortunately for her, this author is a big time enabler. Even though she hurts and humiliates Ty by stripping for Val, at no point ever does anyone in this book so much as mention in passing that stripping for a friend of your guy might be wrong. Nope, this author gives her a free pass. Teaches all her 18 year old audience to just go ahead, nobody will say anything bad to you. If you like weak female leads, who apparently are too stupid to know when they hurt someone who cares about them, this book is for you.
It's obvious what audience this book would appeal to. Females with a maturity of 18 to 20(not age, but maturity). This author will supply them a female lead who is supposedly right where she wants to be, at least according to the blurb. But really, is a dog trainer, just getting by, miserable credit(she tells of that more than once), no apparent close friends currently, and not able to make smart decisions. Fortunately for her, this author is a big time enabler. Even though she hurts and humiliates Ty by stripping for Val, at no point ever does anyone in this book so much as mention in passing that stripping for a friend of your guy might be wrong. Nope, this author gives her a free pass. Teaches all her 18 year old audience to just go ahead, nobody will say anything bad to you. If you like weak female leads, who apparently are too stupid to know when they hurt someone who cares about them, this book is for you.
September 2, 2016
Hmmm...
I like some aspects of this series (I've read two books so obviously I can comment on all of them!. Miss Levine appears to portray the feelings of damaged individuals very well. In the first book it was Rocco's PTSD (and kudos for referring to it in the second book rather than the Hollywood-esque scenario where everyone is miraculously cured overnight). In this book it is the uncovering of how Ty's father treated him as a child. These are harrowing insights into horrible experiences and she writes them well.
But, her heroines seem to degenerate from feisty, independent women to dependent little women. I also find the men's insistence that the women can't leave the compound to be borderline cult-like behaviour. I get the danger, I understand the risks, but there is a lot of metaphorical head patting of little women and patronising behaviour.
Similarly, Ty and Eden enter into negotiations (weird I agree) to have a relationship in which Eden categorically states that Ty is not the boss of her, doesn't get to order her about (apart from for security reasons) and they take it in turns in the bedroom. Ty then proceeds to totally ignore every single stipulation and constantly orders her around. I also found his "techniques" a bit unrealistic for a man who had only ever slept with prostitutes before.
And, sorry it's all coming back to me, Val going shopping to Victoria's Secret with Eden and watching her try on underwear? And having intimate waxes together? This isn't her boyfriend, this is one of his special forces buddies! No woman would do that, and certainly not a tomboy-like woman like Eden. And then she becomes all girly and wears clothes that Val has picked out? It's like the effing Stepford Wives!
Can I overlook the alpholes for the plot? Not sure.
I like some aspects of this series (I've read two books so obviously I can comment on all of them!. Miss Levine appears to portray the feelings of damaged individuals very well. In the first book it was Rocco's PTSD (and kudos for referring to it in the second book rather than the Hollywood-esque scenario where everyone is miraculously cured overnight). In this book it is the uncovering of how Ty's father treated him as a child. These are harrowing insights into horrible experiences and she writes them well.
But, her heroines seem to degenerate from feisty, independent women to dependent little women. I also find the men's insistence that the women can't leave the compound to be borderline cult-like behaviour. I get the danger, I understand the risks, but there is a lot of metaphorical head patting of little women and patronising behaviour.
Similarly, Ty and Eden enter into negotiations (weird I agree) to have a relationship in which Eden categorically states that Ty is not the boss of her, doesn't get to order her about (apart from for security reasons) and they take it in turns in the bedroom. Ty then proceeds to totally ignore every single stipulation and constantly orders her around. I also found his "techniques" a bit unrealistic for a man who had only ever slept with prostitutes before.
And, sorry it's all coming back to me, Val going shopping to Victoria's Secret with Eden and watching her try on underwear? And having intimate waxes together? This isn't her boyfriend, this is one of his special forces buddies! No woman would do that, and certainly not a tomboy-like woman like Eden. And then she becomes all girly and wears clothes that Val has picked out? It's like the effing Stepford Wives!
Can I overlook the alpholes for the plot? Not sure.
December 12, 2012
Definitely want to read the first book in the series as this one picks up right where the first left off. Felt a little clumsy in the beginning and to be honest I don't know if I really felt the chemistry between the two main characters Ty and Eden. Part of the story line involving Ty and past abuse is very dark, never felt sensationalized however, so be prepared for that.
Towards the end, the story really picked up. I was more invested in the overall arc of the continuing storyline of the team against the enemy Amir and the baddies of WKB than the relationship storyline of Ty and Eden. Looking forward to reading the next book as I'm a bit of a fangirl of Kit (Mandy from book one brother)and the continuing storyline of these bad ass men against Amir/WKB.
I have to mention to that at times I got the weird feeling/vibe of the author trying to make this group of men too much like the human equivalent of the vamp-men from the Black Dagger Brotherhood (a lot of "you feel me", must protect the small vulnerable women, and other little things).
Also not a fan of the incredible amount of times the author has her male leads refer to the Grown Adult women as "girls". Just seemed like to much to me and honestly at times demeaning and disrespectful to them. I get what she is going for- uber alphas wanting to protect their "claimed" mates but I personally didn't like the vibe.
Still would recommend as the overall suspense story arc is interesting and there seem to be many male leads in the wings waiting to get their story.
Towards the end, the story really picked up. I was more invested in the overall arc of the continuing storyline of the team against the enemy Amir and the baddies of WKB than the relationship storyline of Ty and Eden. Looking forward to reading the next book as I'm a bit of a fangirl of Kit (Mandy from book one brother)and the continuing storyline of these bad ass men against Amir/WKB.
I have to mention to that at times I got the weird feeling/vibe of the author trying to make this group of men too much like the human equivalent of the vamp-men from the Black Dagger Brotherhood (a lot of "you feel me", must protect the small vulnerable women, and other little things).
Also not a fan of the incredible amount of times the author has her male leads refer to the Grown Adult women as "girls". Just seemed like to much to me and honestly at times demeaning and disrespectful to them. I get what she is going for- uber alphas wanting to protect their "claimed" mates but I personally didn't like the vibe.
Still would recommend as the overall suspense story arc is interesting and there seem to be many male leads in the wings waiting to get their story.
November 20, 2015
I would have liked the story a lot more if it weren't for the completely enraging scene in the middle. Ty and Eden are the protagonists. Val is a brother-in-arms to Ty. Val talks Eden into going shopping with him for a gift for Ty. While there, he manipulates and bulldozes Eden into letting him help her try on underwear at Victoria's Secret, all the while he knows Ty and the other soldiers are listening in on a wire. So he knows what he is doing is actively hurting Ty.
This is the most creepy thing I have ever read done by a supposed friend. Why didn't Eden just tell him "I am not dating you and you do not get to see me in my underwear, let alone help try it on. Fuck off and die". I lost all respect for either of these characters in that moment.
The author seemed to find the scene amusing because she had the other soldiers teasing Ty about it. It was such a complete betrayal, I would have forgiven Ty for shooting him on sight, and refusing to work with the other guys after that. Clearly he can't trust them to have his back. And now every time he sees Eden in the underwear, he knows Val has seen her in them first, and it really upsets him. How do you get past that?
This scene made me so upset I cried. hours later I was still so upset I had trouble sleeping. It ruined an otherwise decent story.
This is the most creepy thing I have ever read done by a supposed friend. Why didn't Eden just tell him "I am not dating you and you do not get to see me in my underwear, let alone help try it on. Fuck off and die". I lost all respect for either of these characters in that moment.
The author seemed to find the scene amusing because she had the other soldiers teasing Ty about it. It was such a complete betrayal, I would have forgiven Ty for shooting him on sight, and refusing to work with the other guys after that. Clearly he can't trust them to have his back. And now every time he sees Eden in the underwear, he knows Val has seen her in them first, and it really upsets him. How do you get past that?
This scene made me so upset I cried. hours later I was still so upset I had trouble sleeping. It ruined an otherwise decent story.
August 15, 2014
Two-haiku review:
He suffered abuse
Returns home, place he was pimped
Tries to protect her
Must read in order
Well developed characters
Much too easy end
He suffered abuse
Returns home, place he was pimped
Tries to protect her
Must read in order
Well developed characters
Much too easy end
February 27, 2018
Ty Blayden is a tortured hero. He returns with his team to his childhood home where he was abused as a child by his father and can't enter the house even though his team must set up operations there. This book was even more intriguing than the first, packed with emotional turmoil and suspense. Characters are more developed in this book and Ty meets Eden, a dog trainer who trains dogs for weapons/drug searching as well as therapy dogs. Even though Levine gives a synopsis of the first book at the beginning of the second, this book would not do well as a stand alone. Loved the story and the characters, a few comedic moments thrown in--makes for a great spec ops romance series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2014
I am going to admit I played the stalker roll with Elaine. I couldn’t wait to read Ty’s book especially because of the ending of the first in the book in this series. Elaine left us hanging on a ledge. Literally! So I did what any fan obsessed reader does, hound Goodreads, Twitter, and the author’s site for any information on the book I can find. I finally saw that Elaine was planning on releasing the book towards the end of November and couldn’t wait to read it. Forward to a few weeks later, I was driving when Elaine emailed me to see if I wanted to review Ty’s book. I was doing a very awkward happy dance in the driver’s seat that got me more than one wth are you doing look. Lol. When I got home, I immediately stopped reading my current read to start this book. Well, I couldn’t have been more pleased!
The first book in the series, The Edge of Courage, was such a great book, I knew the second was going to be just as good or even better. Well Elaine blew me away with the amount of emotional depth that was written into Ty’s book. We are left at the end of the first book knowing a little about Ty and his precarious relationship with his father but not a lot. Then something happens to Ty and we are left wondering what his fate will be for the second book o_O Thankfully, everything turns out well and he makes it out a little banged up but intact nonetheless. He manages to meet up with one of the women he met at a bar in town that plays host to a bunch of unfriendlies, and quickly discovers that her friends are hurt and need to be taken to the hospital. After making contact with his team, he helps get them to the hospital where he meets up with his team. Everyone is relieved he made it out of his situation alive and kicking. The mood quickly switches to a more focused determination to find out what happened and who exactly Eden is. Ty’s team quickly figures out there is something going on between Ty and Eden (aka Eddie) and they also she might be of some use to them and their issue with a terrorist they are trying to stop. Ty just has to convince her to help, even if at the same time he wants her out of harm’s way.
I really liked Eden’s spunk and tenacity. She really reminded me of myself in her no nonsense personality and her speak before you think tendencies. She knows that what the intimidating men are asking her to do will put her and her trained search dog, Tank, in immediate danger but after a couple incidences that would have left her hurt if Ty wasn’t there, she decides to help. What she didn’t bargain for was her intense attraction to the damaged Ty. Of course for a bit she thinks he is just playing her but realizes that is not the case. She also takes it upon herself to try to help Ty through his issues with his house since it seems to have a stranglehold on his life. I couldn’t have picked a better match for Ty.
I kind of touched briefly on the emotional aspect of this story. You know how a lot of authors write something into the story that is believable but it’s not one of those situations that tear your heart out? Well Elaine definitely has the emotionally ripping your heart out down pat. We find out exactly what went down in Ty’s childhood with his father. I am usually not an emotional person (even at 7 months pregnant as I am now) but I was actually crying when I found out what happened. And then there was a part where Ty knew he had to show his team what happened, oh man! I wanted to lunge into the book and hold Ty tight while rocking him and try to take away those awful memories! Words really can’t even describe the horror I felt for him. So if you are ready for some action and to shed some tears, I say read it. Of course if you haven’t read the first book, you would need to read it first so you know exactly is going on up to this point. It is not a very good standalone book. But you won’t regret reading the first one either. It is beyond awesome also!!!
The first book in the series, The Edge of Courage, was such a great book, I knew the second was going to be just as good or even better. Well Elaine blew me away with the amount of emotional depth that was written into Ty’s book. We are left at the end of the first book knowing a little about Ty and his precarious relationship with his father but not a lot. Then something happens to Ty and we are left wondering what his fate will be for the second book o_O Thankfully, everything turns out well and he makes it out a little banged up but intact nonetheless. He manages to meet up with one of the women he met at a bar in town that plays host to a bunch of unfriendlies, and quickly discovers that her friends are hurt and need to be taken to the hospital. After making contact with his team, he helps get them to the hospital where he meets up with his team. Everyone is relieved he made it out of his situation alive and kicking. The mood quickly switches to a more focused determination to find out what happened and who exactly Eden is. Ty’s team quickly figures out there is something going on between Ty and Eden (aka Eddie) and they also she might be of some use to them and their issue with a terrorist they are trying to stop. Ty just has to convince her to help, even if at the same time he wants her out of harm’s way.
I really liked Eden’s spunk and tenacity. She really reminded me of myself in her no nonsense personality and her speak before you think tendencies. She knows that what the intimidating men are asking her to do will put her and her trained search dog, Tank, in immediate danger but after a couple incidences that would have left her hurt if Ty wasn’t there, she decides to help. What she didn’t bargain for was her intense attraction to the damaged Ty. Of course for a bit she thinks he is just playing her but realizes that is not the case. She also takes it upon herself to try to help Ty through his issues with his house since it seems to have a stranglehold on his life. I couldn’t have picked a better match for Ty.
I kind of touched briefly on the emotional aspect of this story. You know how a lot of authors write something into the story that is believable but it’s not one of those situations that tear your heart out? Well Elaine definitely has the emotionally ripping your heart out down pat. We find out exactly what went down in Ty’s childhood with his father. I am usually not an emotional person (even at 7 months pregnant as I am now) but I was actually crying when I found out what happened. And then there was a part where Ty knew he had to show his team what happened, oh man! I wanted to lunge into the book and hold Ty tight while rocking him and try to take away those awful memories! Words really can’t even describe the horror I felt for him. So if you are ready for some action and to shed some tears, I say read it. Of course if you haven’t read the first book, you would need to read it first so you know exactly is going on up to this point. It is not a very good standalone book. But you won’t regret reading the first one either. It is beyond awesome also!!!
in-collection-already
June 23, 20186/23/18 currently free in this boxset
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IKW40N8?...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IKW40N8?...
January 10, 2014
It has been a bit since I read the first book and what I remembered was Rocco and his struggles, so when this one opened I was a bit confused. I had to go back, read the blurb of book #1, my review, then a bunch of others, and then the person I was reading this book filled me in too. I have to say that is maybe why I felt like the start to this one was slow.
But when all is said and done, what I really liked about this book is how the team is building a family while fighting the bad guys. I liked that when bad things start happening, they all are there for the others, from getting an axe to kill a desk, to protecting the women and kids, to making sure a cat isn't hurt, and to letting certain people know that they have the capacity to hurt someone else, while not spilling that person's secrets before they were ready.
I hated learning about Ty's past, hated it because I knew it was going to be bad, and it was. I wished that I could not know, wished that Ty would have the capacity to not remember, but loved that as each bad thing was revealed his new family was right there with him.
I also really liked how the guys folded the girls into things, gave them training, physical and weapons and while the training was going on, they didn't go lightly on them.
I sort of feel like the ending was anti-climatic and have a feeling that this series is doing to end up reading like one big book, instead of a bunch of books with independent, yet connected stories.
This book was so series, so it was good that one of the best books scenes ever gave some much needed comedy relief when Val took Eden shopping, then called the guys and left the phone line open while they uncovered Vicky's secrets and got matching waxes.
But when all is said and done, what I really liked about this book is how the team is building a family while fighting the bad guys. I liked that when bad things start happening, they all are there for the others, from getting an axe to kill a desk, to protecting the women and kids, to making sure a cat isn't hurt, and to letting certain people know that they have the capacity to hurt someone else, while not spilling that person's secrets before they were ready.
I hated learning about Ty's past, hated it because I knew it was going to be bad, and it was. I wished that I could not know, wished that Ty would have the capacity to not remember, but loved that as each bad thing was revealed his new family was right there with him.
I also really liked how the guys folded the girls into things, gave them training, physical and weapons and while the training was going on, they didn't go lightly on them.
I sort of feel like the ending was anti-climatic and have a feeling that this series is doing to end up reading like one big book, instead of a bunch of books with independent, yet connected stories.
This book was so series, so it was good that one of the best books scenes ever gave some much needed comedy relief when Val took Eden shopping, then called the guys and left the phone line open while they uncovered Vicky's secrets and got matching waxes.
July 24, 2014
I read the first book in this series ¬The Edge of Courage' and couldn't put it down. I needed to know more and bought this book straight after and devoured it. I didn't think the author could improve on the first book as there was so much going on in it, and the characters were ones that stayed with me long after I'd turned the last page. But Ty, or Blade as his team mates call him made my heart break. If this book does nothing else it will make you FEEL!!!!! I thought that Rocco had been to hell and back and did well to put his life back together, but Ty has been to hell, dug himself a pit and buried himself there. I wanted to curse at the pages and the people that had hurt him, I wanted to hug Kit for being the amazing friend that he is, I wanted to kiss Eden for finding the man beneath the pain and the hurt and loving him. I feel drained, it was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster, and I'm not getting off yet, I'm off the buy the next installment because the author has left me compelled to not leave this series until I know how it truly ends, until I know that they catch the bad guys and put an end to them, and until I know they are all safe, not just physically but emotionally and mentally too. Way to go Elaine Levine, you're one hell of an author. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2016
Second in the Red Team series. The series really needs to be read in order. The books are very well written and for me just what I was looking for. A great romance with a plot to carry it through. The book was long enough to keep me interested as I am so tired of the short stories hiding out as full length novels that I have been reading lately. The hero has issues that he must work through to be able to reach his HEA. This makes him believable and makes you root for him to come to terms with his past. The heroine has trust issues of her own to overcome and you just root for them. The secondary characters and over all plot of the Red Team series make me want to read the next book in the series without overwhelming the current story between Eden and Ty. In my opinion it is a must read in this genre!
June 3, 2014
I absolutely love this series. Eden Miller has her life arranged exactly as she wants it--until a reunion with her high school girlfriends places her in the middle of a turf war with a ruthless prison gang, their terrorist allies, and the hunters tracking them. Her every move draws her deeper into the danger surrounding Ty Bladen and his team of terror fighters, but his seductive charm and engaging smile make her believe his promises of protection..... What a fantastic story of love. These guys love like they fight. With all their heart.....
December 18, 2012
Great book!
This book begins right where book one ended, so if you haven't read book one you must before starting this book.
Elaine writes her characters in a way that draws you in so that you just can't wait to read more! She has a nice balance of action, humor & romance.
I'm looking forward to book 3, hopefully we don't have too long of a wait!
This book begins right where book one ended, so if you haven't read book one you must before starting this book.
Elaine writes her characters in a way that draws you in so that you just can't wait to read more! She has a nice balance of action, humor & romance.
I'm looking forward to book 3, hopefully we don't have too long of a wait!
November 20, 2014
So not a good idea to read this on the bus because I was crying when I read about Tys past. Not a good look in a public place. This book was worth it though it was hot and expanded on book 1 I have bought the next one already can't wait to start it.
November 8, 2018
This book moves away from my preferred paranormal setting. No monsters here but I really like the element of danger in this series. Not sure why but I never left a review of book 1 and despite really enjoying it, it took a while for me to pick up the series.
Book 2 follows immediately after the closing of book 1, the team have assembled fully to deal with the terrorist threat on home soil although they still have very few clues as to what is really happening. In book 1 they just scratched the surface of what they will discover.
This is definitely a series you need to read in order because the breadcrumbs of side plots lead you into the next book and without the build up you won't be lost exactly but the significance of some events will not register.
In book 1 Ty and a few of the guys are involved in a bar fight where they rescue some girls from the bad guys - they separate until in book 2 Ty manages to crawl out of a near death experience. Ty finds himself alone and without any way to contact his team he walks to the nearest home and who does he find - Eden, one of the girls from the fight.
It turns out the bad guys didn't leave them alone and attacked her two friends, leaving them badly beaten in Eden's care - Ty helps her get them to the hospital and then has to try and figure out why these girls have caught the attention of the terrorists and how he can keep them all safe. Ty is drawn to Eden and eventually they get together but this brings out a whole host of demons for Ty about his abusive childhood. With Eden and his team Ty works on uncovering hidden truths about both his childhood and the real reason the terrorists have come to Wolf Creek Bend (with a name like wolf creek bend it does sound like it should be a shifter romance but I promise it is not).
I like the suspenseful elements of the Red Team fighting on home soil and the complication of also trying to balance friends, family and new romances.
July 9, 2018
Broken, shattered, ripped and locked away...
When we first meet Ty “Blade” Bladen in The Edge Of Courage, he appears to be in control despite a healing gunshot wound to the leg but he slowly begins to shatter when bad memories start to stir because of the house next to Mandy’s ranch—his house.
Dog handler and overall insensitive Eden “Eddie” Miller crosses paths with Ty at the only restaurant/bar in Wolf Creek Bend and predictably, the chase begins, with Ty pinning over Eden and Eden rebuking him at every turn. Her rebukes only last so long before a sex scene between the two of them, reminiscent of a scene from The Edge of Courage, follows. The semantics of the scene are so similar showing the author’s lack of imagination or effort.
Eventually Ty’s facade completely shatters revealing just how damaged he is, and who inflicted the damage—his wealthy father. This story takes an unexpected turn and goes to the dark side with little light at the end of the tunnel. Besides the subject matter, what is also disturbing is how selfish and insensitive Eden is with Ty making it hard for me to understand his attraction. I could have lived without Val and Eden’s mall/spa trip scene—inane and unnecessary.
Nevertheless, after going through their paces, they are able to make it work.
I like that the story resumes where the last ended but the action is bordering on ridiculousness and Ty and Eden’s chemistry is lacking. There are many editing issues, a lot of forehead kissing and some near carbon copy scenes and dialogue from book one. 50/50 recommendation.
When we first meet Ty “Blade” Bladen in The Edge Of Courage, he appears to be in control despite a healing gunshot wound to the leg but he slowly begins to shatter when bad memories start to stir because of the house next to Mandy’s ranch—his house.
Dog handler and overall insensitive Eden “Eddie” Miller crosses paths with Ty at the only restaurant/bar in Wolf Creek Bend and predictably, the chase begins, with Ty pinning over Eden and Eden rebuking him at every turn. Her rebukes only last so long before a sex scene between the two of them, reminiscent of a scene from The Edge of Courage, follows. The semantics of the scene are so similar showing the author’s lack of imagination or effort.
Eventually Ty’s facade completely shatters revealing just how damaged he is, and who inflicted the damage—his wealthy father. This story takes an unexpected turn and goes to the dark side with little light at the end of the tunnel. Besides the subject matter, what is also disturbing is how selfish and insensitive Eden is with Ty making it hard for me to understand his attraction. I could have lived without Val and Eden’s mall/spa trip scene—inane and unnecessary.
Nevertheless, after going through their paces, they are able to make it work.
I like that the story resumes where the last ended but the action is bordering on ridiculousness and Ty and Eden’s chemistry is lacking. There are many editing issues, a lot of forehead kissing and some near carbon copy scenes and dialogue from book one. 50/50 recommendation.
March 15, 2022
I enjoy the Red Team series. I listened to the audiobook. Since Eric G. Dove is one of my favorite narrators, I was very happy with the narration.
Ty and Eden's story was interesting. I didn't pick up on much chemistry or connection between them until it was closer to the end of the book. There was the physical attraction, but it didn't seem like it went deeper until Ty's secret came out.
This book can, but shouldn't be read as a standalone. If you choose to start with book 2, there will be some confusion. Also, this book has some triggers. It got pretty intense several times. Ty's past was difficult at a very basic level, but could be described more as horrendous.
I liked the Red Team's brotherhood. They each have their own baggage to contend with while trying to be supportive and take care of their jobs. Ty and Kit's past was awful, but I was glad they had one another.
I waa VERY surprised that the Red Team didn't seem to be more prepared for the attacks they endured. For some reason, I thought they would have anticipated some of the things that happened. It seemed to me they were caught off guard too often. How did all those men get into Blades house?
The story kept me fully engaged although there were some points where it was difficult to get through, but I would give it 3.5 stars. I just can't except that with all of the Red Team's experience that they would have overlooked some of the common sense things.
Ty and Eden's story was interesting. I didn't pick up on much chemistry or connection between them until it was closer to the end of the book. There was the physical attraction, but it didn't seem like it went deeper until Ty's secret came out.
This book can, but shouldn't be read as a standalone. If you choose to start with book 2, there will be some confusion. Also, this book has some triggers. It got pretty intense several times. Ty's past was difficult at a very basic level, but could be described more as horrendous.
I liked the Red Team's brotherhood. They each have their own baggage to contend with while trying to be supportive and take care of their jobs. Ty and Kit's past was awful, but I was glad they had one another.
I waa VERY surprised that the Red Team didn't seem to be more prepared for the attacks they endured. For some reason, I thought they would have anticipated some of the things that happened. It seemed to me they were caught off guard too often. How did all those men get into Blades house?
The story kept me fully engaged although there were some points where it was difficult to get through, but I would give it 3.5 stars. I just can't except that with all of the Red Team's experience that they would have overlooked some of the common sense things.
November 7, 2020
***Contains spoilers ***I was really looking forward to Ty and Eden's story - Ty was down a snake pit when we left him at the end of the first book and the baddies were still at large. In this book Eden gets to know Ty better and we begin to learn about his demons, which are incredibly dark and horrible. I could accept that, for we know some people have horrendous things happen to them in life. However there were other elements of this book that were just stretching credibility and comfort - the main one being the character of Val who is starting to feel a little "creepy" with his over-familiaity with the female characters. The scene where he takes Eden on a lingerie shopping spree and then goes full monty with her as they get their bodies waxed was just icky! What was Eden thinking and how could Ty accept that as ok? It was weird and spoilt the whole book for me. I liked Eden a lot less for that - does she lack spine? Maybe - we never really get to know her properly and she comes across as quite wishy washy. I am of two minds now as to whether to continue with the series at all.
January 4, 2023
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When these guys fall – they fall!
At first, watching this book progress, I wasn’t sure how I felt. Like, they just know. It’s such an odd thing. I wish we loved like that in real life (and maybe some people do – good on them).
The beginning of the book we see Ty rescuing himself from the unfortunate events of the last book.
And just running into Eden 🙂
Ty overcomes some serious things. And it’s great the way the author shows how his team supports him through these events. True friends are rare and Ms. Levine does a great job of showing the friendships and bonds each one of her characters have.
Again, loved the story development.
Steam Level:
3 out of 5
One thing I loved:
Quote: “…love isn’t a mood that comes and goes. It’s a truth. It’s something that exists or it doesn’t.
One thing I disliked:
As with the previous book – there’s nothing not to love about this series.
Rating:
5 out of 5
When these guys fall – they fall!
At first, watching this book progress, I wasn’t sure how I felt. Like, they just know. It’s such an odd thing. I wish we loved like that in real life (and maybe some people do – good on them).
The beginning of the book we see Ty rescuing himself from the unfortunate events of the last book.
And just running into Eden 🙂
Ty overcomes some serious things. And it’s great the way the author shows how his team supports him through these events. True friends are rare and Ms. Levine does a great job of showing the friendships and bonds each one of her characters have.
Again, loved the story development.
Steam Level:
3 out of 5
One thing I loved:
Quote: “…love isn’t a mood that comes and goes. It’s a truth. It’s something that exists or it doesn’t.
One thing I disliked:
As with the previous book – there’s nothing not to love about this series.
Rating:
5 out of 5
April 25, 2019
The scene in the middle just ruined it for me. So utterly creepy and incredibly humiliating for the H. And the heroine had no problem with the whole scene being wired?
(The hero's buddy takes the h underwear shopping and they get waxed together, he sees her naked and sees all the underwear, while the H and the rest of the team listens on a wire. What?)
Apart from that, clunky and the whole enemy thing is cartoonish. It's not a stand alone at all, although if you read through, you start to understand. I honestly don't understand how the rating for this is so high.
(The hero's buddy takes the h underwear shopping and they get waxed together, he sees her naked and sees all the underwear, while the H and the rest of the team listens on a wire. What?)
Apart from that, clunky and the whole enemy thing is cartoonish. It's not a stand alone at all, although if you read through, you start to understand. I honestly don't understand how the rating for this is so high.
October 26, 2019
WOW...I am so sad that I waited so long to read this series, but on the flip side, I have been able to binge read the whole series in a week. This was a tough book to get through for me. If you have sexual triggers, this isn't the book for you. Ty brought out so many emotions in me, at one point, I had a momma bear moment and just wanted to scoop him up and give him a hug. Needless to say, this is fast becoming one of my favorite series.
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