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Lucky Thirteen #1
Killing Honor
Navy SEAL Brody Battles' last mission ended with him shot twice. He's made enemies he'd like to forget ever existed all over the world. He's more than ready to go home to the family he left behind, but when he returns, he faces sleepless nights, a possible security breach and the fear that his family has moved on without him. Marrying her childhood sweetheart sounds like a fairy tale dream come true, but not for Devyn. Thanks to his job, her husband has been off on a secret mission for so long, he's never even seen his daughters in person. But now he's back, and the fairy tale life is in sight, but Devyn's not sure the man that returned is the same man who left. Stitching their broken family back together proves difficult when nightmares and secrets build a wall between them. And while they're adjusting to being a family again, an enemy waits in the shadows, salivating for the sweet taste of revenge. Reading order of this * Killing Honor, #1 * Wounded Courage, #2 * Dying Commitment, #3* SEALed Until Christmas, #4* Once Upon a SEAL, #5 Other books by New York Times and USA Today bestseller S.M. * No Strings Attached
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2014
60 people are currently reading
1051 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Butler
23 books268 followersS.M. Butler is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of romantic suspense and military romance who has a penchant for Dr. Pepper, ice hockey, and fully admits her addiction to creative journaling and art supplies. She lives in Texas under a not-so-secret identity with two teenaged monsters, writing books, and planning the next step in her evil plans for world domination into the twilight hours of the night because that’s when it’s quiet in the house. She loves to hear from readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 13, 2014
This had an interesting twist.. Probably why I was excited for it! Here we have a Navy SEAL that is every bit of an alpha as the next. He's been away from home for two years. But he left behind his young wife, who was his childhood sweetheart, and his daughters. He returns with scars, obviously, physical and mental. He tries to re-incorporate his life with his wife Devyn again. But Devyn is also having problems reconnecting with Brady. WHICH oh my god was an issue of its own. I swear.. Devyn was all over the place. I mean they both were. But I just couldn't give a single care for Devyn.. She was sweet and obviously having a tough time being away from her husband and raising their daughters on her own, as you would. But she would be thinking one thing like 'I would do anything to keep my husband', but then running from him in the next thought, or hiding in another room. And she did that all the time! I'm pretty emphatic and I was fairly understanding in her behavior in the beginning. But when she continued to be so distant to not only her husband, but to her kids, to the reader! I let it go and just continued to read face value.
As for the supporting characters go.. I always enjoy a good group of hot military men who joke around with each other and have a bromance bond. I was thrown in the left field towards the end when something happened that sets up the next book. Obviously, I'm not going to say what. But I really wasn't expecting that.
I mainly enjoyed Brady because he was really trying even with all the shit going on around him. And his interaction with kids was adorable. I'm a sucker for stories with kids fyi...
And look at that cover! Hot as hell! Another plus. My only strong suggestion would be to throw in an epilogue and I would have been a little over content. But as of now, it is what it is.
*copy provided by NetGalley*
As for the supporting characters go.. I always enjoy a good group of hot military men who joke around with each other and have a bromance bond. I was thrown in the left field towards the end when something happened that sets up the next book. Obviously, I'm not going to say what. But I really wasn't expecting that.
I mainly enjoyed Brady because he was really trying even with all the shit going on around him. And his interaction with kids was adorable. I'm a sucker for stories with kids fyi...
And look at that cover! Hot as hell! Another plus. My only strong suggestion would be to throw in an epilogue and I would have been a little over content. But as of now, it is what it is.
*copy provided by NetGalley*
August 7, 2018
The Delight
The obvious love between Devyn and Brody is a fairytale, but their story is probably closer to real world than I wanted to read. Coming home to a family he hasn't seen in two years, and then having his family threatened, just made me feel blah about it all. I ended up not really liking this story in the end.
I got this one free off of Amazon not knowing that is was a new adult romance. Not my genre of choice. Then when it started the first person narrative, I wanted to cringe, especially as it switched between the hero and heroine. Throw in a married couple separated for a long time with twin girls, it just left me behind in the dust.
Devyn is a strong woman, but she fell in love early, married and became pregnant all young. Her husband Brody, is a Navy Seal. When the twin girls are two weeks old, he leaves on a long term mission with no contact to his family or friends. Now recovered from a mission that went bad and good, he comes home, but feels like a stranger in his own house. He can't talk to his wife about the mission, nor can he understand her life or the fact that his kids don't even know him.
For her part, Devyn has stayed true and loyal to her husband. Raising her girls is her life and it is pretty hectic. Having Brody home is both a dream and a nightmare. There is still love there, but a distance two years created. Now a threat has entered their lives.
And all I kept thinking was this wasn't really a romance. It was about two people who love each other dealing with traumatic circumstances. They are both too young to have the maturity often needed in this situation and they just felt flat to me as characters. You could see through the suspense. It was kind of corny and over the top, without convincing me of anything.
While I wanted to be pulled into a new series, I am taking a step back and keeping my wallet closed on this one unfortunately.
February 7, 2014
I like how open Brody is about his feelings for his girl, "might as well have been married since I was thirteen. She's owned my soul since the first moment I saw her." I really did love how much he loved her I can't stress that enough, "bye, sweetness." I waited until she hung up, knowing I had a huge goofy-a** grin on my face. Nope. Nothing had changed for me. I still loved her like the goddamn teenage boy I'd been when I met her for the first time." Devyn after two years of not seeing her man, she reacts the same way she always did, "he wore low hanging sweatpants, little droplets of water sliding down from his face down his neck to his bare chest, following a trail I wanted to follow with my tongue." I love how he tells Devyn what he really missed about her, "his hands slid over my hips down to my a**, squeezing the flesh in his hands. "I love this a**. And the way it flares from your waist." His hands followed his words. "And the way your body curves all the way up to your boobs." His hands cupped my breasts, his thumbs brushing over my nipples. "And I love that you're not wearing a bra. It's hot." I liked this book it had adventure, romance and sex, all of my favorite things.
March 2, 2014
A very realistic story, where Brody comes home after a two year deployment with his SEALs, and tries to go back to family life again.
His twin daughters where only two weeks when he left, now they´re two year olds with their own will, and his childhood sweetheart Davyn is also having trouble adjusting to not being on her own.
At the same time the SEALs assignment is about to come back and bite their asses.
Great, realistic story, you really get the feeling of how hard it is to return to civil life, even if (or especially if) it´s just for a weekend, and what started as a quiet read, with home life, took a turn for action in the end. Can´t wait to read more from this series, I want to know what happened to Addison, among others =)
His twin daughters where only two weeks when he left, now they´re two year olds with their own will, and his childhood sweetheart Davyn is also having trouble adjusting to not being on her own.
At the same time the SEALs assignment is about to come back and bite their asses.
Great, realistic story, you really get the feeling of how hard it is to return to civil life, even if (or especially if) it´s just for a weekend, and what started as a quiet read, with home life, took a turn for action in the end. Can´t wait to read more from this series, I want to know what happened to Addison, among others =)
July 19, 2016
I'm a military romance thriller freak and I LOVED this book!!! This was my first S.M. Butler book and I can honestly say it won't be my last.
I'm not going to give you the whole plot because you can read that on online or on the back of the cover.
Brody and Devlyn met when she was 13 and he was 14, married at 17/18 and had twins right away than Brody was sent on deployment which lasted 2 years. This is a story about being a seal, having to keep secrets from the one you love with all your heart while also faced with nightmares, and an ongoing op.
I fell in love with all the characters even the secondary ones. All of the characters are strong and I could feel their chemistry and friendship. I love it when I'm not faced with a lot of frustration from the characters. I also loved how SM Butler made us (or at least me) feel what Brody and Devlyn were experiencing. Its damn hard to be away from your spouse, children, family for that long and there's going to be a transition which is bound to be very hard and SM Butler didn't bring Brody home and make everything all right...everything wasn't all right, but Brody and Devlyn fought to make things all right.
I read this book in a couple hours because it grabbed my attention from the first page. If you love military romance with awesome characters, with lots of action, some angst, a few twists and turns, and no cliffhanger than you must read this book, but I must point out that there are no HOT sex scenes as this is more about the homecoming and deep love. I can't wait for the next 2 books in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. I have found another author to add to my favorites.
I'm not going to give you the whole plot because you can read that on online or on the back of the cover.
Brody and Devlyn met when she was 13 and he was 14, married at 17/18 and had twins right away than Brody was sent on deployment which lasted 2 years. This is a story about being a seal, having to keep secrets from the one you love with all your heart while also faced with nightmares, and an ongoing op.
I fell in love with all the characters even the secondary ones. All of the characters are strong and I could feel their chemistry and friendship. I love it when I'm not faced with a lot of frustration from the characters. I also loved how SM Butler made us (or at least me) feel what Brody and Devlyn were experiencing. Its damn hard to be away from your spouse, children, family for that long and there's going to be a transition which is bound to be very hard and SM Butler didn't bring Brody home and make everything all right...everything wasn't all right, but Brody and Devlyn fought to make things all right.
I read this book in a couple hours because it grabbed my attention from the first page. If you love military romance with awesome characters, with lots of action, some angst, a few twists and turns, and no cliffhanger than you must read this book, but I must point out that there are no HOT sex scenes as this is more about the homecoming and deep love. I can't wait for the next 2 books in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. I have found another author to add to my favorites.
February 13, 2014
I enjoyed this read. It was realistic to me, especially me being a military wife of a grunt. When they come home it's an experience full of all kinds of different emotions balled into one, for both the military member and the spouse. I think the author did a decent job explaining it. It's nerve wrecking, scary, exciting, exhausting, and passionate. I know from my experience I had constant doubt. Will he still love me? Will he still find me attractive? Is he the same person? Then there are the worries to adjusting back into everyday life coming back from deployment. It's hard. Flashbacks, crowds, and every family member in the world bombarding you stretching you for time isn't a joke. Simple things as going to the zoo or sleeping with your spouse is a job, where it used to be normal. Readjusting is hard on both. I've read military romances, and I am one to pick it apart and go in with really high expectations. Sure there were some grammatical mistakes in this read, but I think the author did a great job explaining both points of view. I enjoyed their story. I was interested the whole time, and I read the book in one day. I look forward to the next books in the series. I rated it a four star rating because I didn't find a memorable quote that stuck with me, but this is a good read. I'd suggest it. Special thanks to Netgalley.com for allowing me to read this for an honest review.
Check out my other reviews on my blog:
thelatenightlamp.blogspot.com
Check out my other reviews on my blog:
thelatenightlamp.blogspot.com
July 12, 2014
*Copy received in exchange for an honest review*
Another OK book... maybe it's me, but lately I'm unable to find a really good book, at least for me.
This book has an interesting premise with a little suspense. I found really appealing the fact that we don't get to see Brody and Devyn falling in love, but reuniting after a two year's mission, when they are already married and with baby twins. This is something quite different in NA and their relationship was quite well done, until Devyn becomes a too whiny: there's something that she doesn't feel right with Brody but she doesn't know what.. This was quite grating on my nerves: which is she? The 23 yo mother of twins raised all on her own or the whiny girl unable to undertand where the problem is?
I smelled the evil friend a mile away, her behavior was quite strange and made it clear what was going on.
But the major issues where towards the final of the book: I found it quite unbelievable, and also a little too rushed, the end in particular.
Another OK book... maybe it's me, but lately I'm unable to find a really good book, at least for me.
This book has an interesting premise with a little suspense. I found really appealing the fact that we don't get to see Brody and Devyn falling in love, but reuniting after a two year's mission, when they are already married and with baby twins. This is something quite different in NA and their relationship was quite well done, until Devyn becomes a too whiny: there's something that she doesn't feel right with Brody but she doesn't know what.. This was quite grating on my nerves: which is she? The 23 yo mother of twins raised all on her own or the whiny girl unable to undertand where the problem is?
I smelled the evil friend a mile away, her behavior was quite strange and made it clear what was going on.
But the major issues where towards the final of the book: I found it quite unbelievable, and also a little too rushed, the end in particular.
July 15, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked how the two main characters, Devyn and Brody, were childhood sweethearts, who married young, and then were separated for two years while he’s away on a mission. I also liked how the author gave us a glimpse of what Brody’s life is being a SEAL. And what it must have been like for him to try to get reacclimated to being home again, so they could be a family, even though the danger is closer than they realize. And what it was like for Dev to be a young newlywed and mother to twin girls, that she has been taking care of on her own since Brody’s deployment two years prior. I did feel that you could tell what the plot twist was going to be before it happened. It also seemed that the conflict got resolved in a rather short time frame. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to find out what is happening with the other members of SEAL Team 13.
The author has a second and third book in this series I can’t wait to read.
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked how the two main characters, Devyn and Brody, were childhood sweethearts, who married young, and then were separated for two years while he’s away on a mission. I also liked how the author gave us a glimpse of what Brody’s life is being a SEAL. And what it must have been like for him to try to get reacclimated to being home again, so they could be a family, even though the danger is closer than they realize. And what it was like for Dev to be a young newlywed and mother to twin girls, that she has been taking care of on her own since Brody’s deployment two years prior. I did feel that you could tell what the plot twist was going to be before it happened. It also seemed that the conflict got resolved in a rather short time frame. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to find out what is happening with the other members of SEAL Team 13.
The author has a second and third book in this series I can’t wait to read.
July 20, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this book. There were some twists in the story and the story carried on nicely without any hiccups along the way.
I loved how the author was able to capture the true feelings of a loving conflict between a military couple. Being both in the military and being the spouse of a military man, it is nice to see an author truly capture the conflicts of love and emotions after your spouse is deployed.
I was surprised at the development of Addison towards the end of the story and from reading the previews of Murphy's story in the next book in the series, I am interested to find out more on Addison and what the heck she was doing with all of this mess (sorry, no spoilers from me).
Devyn and Brody's story is a good read, for sure.
I enjoyed reading this book. There were some twists in the story and the story carried on nicely without any hiccups along the way.
I loved how the author was able to capture the true feelings of a loving conflict between a military couple. Being both in the military and being the spouse of a military man, it is nice to see an author truly capture the conflicts of love and emotions after your spouse is deployed.
I was surprised at the development of Addison towards the end of the story and from reading the previews of Murphy's story in the next book in the series, I am interested to find out more on Addison and what the heck she was doing with all of this mess (sorry, no spoilers from me).
Devyn and Brody's story is a good read, for sure.
August 21, 2014
Loved this book. The author did such a great job writing about the struggle that Brody and Devyn were dealing with. I went through all the emotions with them. I loved both characters. Devyn's strength really came through in the last 30% of the book, I was happy she made it through. I can't wait to read about the rest of the team.
Received copy from NetGalley for honest review.
Received copy from NetGalley for honest review.
December 1, 2020
Brody is a black ops SEAL just finishing a two-year undercover stint.
Devyn, his wife, and mother of their twin two-year-old daughters, has had no direct contact with him in that time.
He's home at last but fears that he may have brought danger with him - he can't sleep, has nightmares, but can't tell Devyn anything.
It's driving a wedge between them and neither of them can think of a solution.
That story is what I found best in the book - unfortunately it is not really explored.
The second strand involves a global terrorist family which has infiltrated Brody's team.
It's solid action as the story unfolds.
However, overall, the two strands don't quite come together and, as a result, 'Killing Honor' is not as good as it could have been.
Devyn, his wife, and mother of their twin two-year-old daughters, has had no direct contact with him in that time.
He's home at last but fears that he may have brought danger with him - he can't sleep, has nightmares, but can't tell Devyn anything.
It's driving a wedge between them and neither of them can think of a solution.
That story is what I found best in the book - unfortunately it is not really explored.
The second strand involves a global terrorist family which has infiltrated Brody's team.
It's solid action as the story unfolds.
However, overall, the two strands don't quite come together and, as a result, 'Killing Honor' is not as good as it could have been.
February 4, 2017
This book never quite gets to the point of satisfying. It seems like a very superficial overview rather than a fully flushed out story.
May 2, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
As a huge fan of men in uniform and the New Adult genre, I was really looking forward to this book. It sounded so good in the blurb and even though I haven't ever read anything by S.M. Butler, I figured this one had all the promise of being one I would love. While there were quite a few things that I did love, there were also things that I thought didn't work for me. Killing Honor is the first book in the Lucky Thirteen series, and I will be interested to see what happens in the future books. I did like all the characters, and I thought that this book was very real and believable. I just was hoping for a bit more, and felt like it was missing a bit more to the story than where it ended.
Brody has been deployed as a SEAL for two years and is part of SEAL team thirteen. They are on a rescue mission when his face mask gets pulled off and his face is revealed. With his identity now known to the enemy, he becomes worried for the safety of his wife and twin daughters. When his deployment is up he heads home to his family. He is married to his childhood sweetheart Devyn, and although they have known each other for years they have only been married for the last three. He left when his daughters were only two weeks old and had only been married for about a year. Returning home, Brody is worried about being a father after having missed so much. His return home is a huge adjustment for everyone and Devyn and Brody both struggle with how to pick up after two years of separation. When his enemy suddenly finds them, Brody must fight for more than just his relationship with his family. Can Brody keep them safe while eliminating the threat to their lives as well as figure out how to live life with his family again?
I really liked Brody. He was so refreshing as a hero because he had no problems admitting his feelings and I loved how sweet he was when talking or thinking about Devyn. I also loved that he was so committed to Devyn and his daughters. He was a proud papa and wasn't afraid to take a bit of teasing from the guys because of how he would always talk about them. It was clear how much he cared about them even though he was far away. I felt so bad for him after missing out on so much by being gone. I cannot even imagine coming home to a family that doesn't really know you and trying to find your place. Devyn was so strong and I really loved her character. She really struggled with Brody coming home and dealing with all the feelings that were brought on because of it. I loved that she was a good mom and her priority was them and helping Brody. She tried so hard to get him to open up to her and let him know that she was there for him no matter what. I really admired that she was able to handle so much at such a young age. I thought that Brody and Devyn were really sweet and I liked that they had been together for so long. Both were committed and faithful with no thoughts of anyone else, and I really loved that there was no one else for either of them. I did feel like their relationship wasn't really explored in this book though. I would have liked to have seen more of the two of them together.
Even though I really liked Devyn and Brody as well as the secondary characters, I felt like this book was more about the adjustment of Brody coming home and the danger of his job than anything else. The majority of this book is about how Brody and Devyn have changed and about figuring out where they go in the future. They are on shaky ground when the danger really appears and then just as the threat is neutralized, the book is essentially over. I would have liked to have seen things a bit more resolved as far as their relationship went. There is very little conclusion to their issues at the end of the story, and I just felt like things could have been fleshed out a bit more. I also felt like the beginning of this book was really slow. As I was starting this book, I honestly had a tough time getting into the story and I thought about stopping. I am glad that I didn't though and it was an enjoyable story once it picked up a bit. I am interested to see where this series goes from here, but I will admit that this is one of those that was enjoyable but just okay. I had been hoping for a bit more, and it just felt like it was missing something. If you are a fan of military heroes and New Adult books, this might be one you would enjoy.
**ARC provided by NetGalley**
As a huge fan of men in uniform and the New Adult genre, I was really looking forward to this book. It sounded so good in the blurb and even though I haven't ever read anything by S.M. Butler, I figured this one had all the promise of being one I would love. While there were quite a few things that I did love, there were also things that I thought didn't work for me. Killing Honor is the first book in the Lucky Thirteen series, and I will be interested to see what happens in the future books. I did like all the characters, and I thought that this book was very real and believable. I just was hoping for a bit more, and felt like it was missing a bit more to the story than where it ended.
Brody has been deployed as a SEAL for two years and is part of SEAL team thirteen. They are on a rescue mission when his face mask gets pulled off and his face is revealed. With his identity now known to the enemy, he becomes worried for the safety of his wife and twin daughters. When his deployment is up he heads home to his family. He is married to his childhood sweetheart Devyn, and although they have known each other for years they have only been married for the last three. He left when his daughters were only two weeks old and had only been married for about a year. Returning home, Brody is worried about being a father after having missed so much. His return home is a huge adjustment for everyone and Devyn and Brody both struggle with how to pick up after two years of separation. When his enemy suddenly finds them, Brody must fight for more than just his relationship with his family. Can Brody keep them safe while eliminating the threat to their lives as well as figure out how to live life with his family again?
I really liked Brody. He was so refreshing as a hero because he had no problems admitting his feelings and I loved how sweet he was when talking or thinking about Devyn. I also loved that he was so committed to Devyn and his daughters. He was a proud papa and wasn't afraid to take a bit of teasing from the guys because of how he would always talk about them. It was clear how much he cared about them even though he was far away. I felt so bad for him after missing out on so much by being gone. I cannot even imagine coming home to a family that doesn't really know you and trying to find your place. Devyn was so strong and I really loved her character. She really struggled with Brody coming home and dealing with all the feelings that were brought on because of it. I loved that she was a good mom and her priority was them and helping Brody. She tried so hard to get him to open up to her and let him know that she was there for him no matter what. I really admired that she was able to handle so much at such a young age. I thought that Brody and Devyn were really sweet and I liked that they had been together for so long. Both were committed and faithful with no thoughts of anyone else, and I really loved that there was no one else for either of them. I did feel like their relationship wasn't really explored in this book though. I would have liked to have seen more of the two of them together.
Even though I really liked Devyn and Brody as well as the secondary characters, I felt like this book was more about the adjustment of Brody coming home and the danger of his job than anything else. The majority of this book is about how Brody and Devyn have changed and about figuring out where they go in the future. They are on shaky ground when the danger really appears and then just as the threat is neutralized, the book is essentially over. I would have liked to have seen things a bit more resolved as far as their relationship went. There is very little conclusion to their issues at the end of the story, and I just felt like things could have been fleshed out a bit more. I also felt like the beginning of this book was really slow. As I was starting this book, I honestly had a tough time getting into the story and I thought about stopping. I am glad that I didn't though and it was an enjoyable story once it picked up a bit. I am interested to see where this series goes from here, but I will admit that this is one of those that was enjoyable but just okay. I had been hoping for a bit more, and it just felt like it was missing something. If you are a fan of military heroes and New Adult books, this might be one you would enjoy.
**ARC provided by NetGalley**
May 16, 2014
A husband that will do anything to protect his family but has no choice but to lie to his wife. What is it going to be like when seeing she sees her husband after two years will he be the same or will they no longer have that spark that love as before he left?
Wow, I could not believe that I have waited this long to read this story about the life of a wife of a SEAL. I love military stories and even more when it has to do with what goes on with the family left behind to live life without their partner in life. They have to continue living and when the military spouse comes home it’s interesting how they try to get to know each other again. This is especially the case in Brody and Devyn because they were not married to long before he was deployed but the saddest part was that he was gone for two years and he didn’t see his twin girls grow up. I love how Ms. Butler does this story in both of their point of views. I love to know what was going on in each of their heads. So let’s give you a little insight on what this story is about.
Brody and Devyn meet when they were teenagers and from the moment that Devyn forced Brody to be her boyfriend they were together. They married young and he went into the military. He was one of the few that were selected to be in Lucky Thirteen. He never thought that he was going to be away from his family for two years shortly after his twin girls were born, Jackie and Riley. The only memory that he had was of him holding them at 2 weeks old and after that since Devyn could not know where he was they had signals in Facebook to tell her that he was alive. She would post videos of his little girls growing up. After a bad mission where he was shot and the enemies saw something they shouldn’t have it was time to go home. He knew there was a possibility that his family would be in danger.
Devyn didn’t know how to act with her husband and the worst part was that she wanted all the attention to her and her girls; she did not want to share. He was different there was something in his eyes that seemed lost. She knew that he could not speak about the mission or where he was and she understood that but at times he was so distant. There were times that he would snap or he would look at her as if he didn’t know her, he didn’t know how to act around her. Devyn knew something needed to change she wanted her husband back the man that she fell in love with. The man with saw her with love, want that had the biggest brightest smile.
Killing Honor was an exceptional read that gave me great insight on what happens when military people come back home to their families. I know that not every military family goes through this but at least I got a glimpse of what could happen. The characters were well developed and I loved the descriptive writing. The chemistry between Brody and Devyn could be felt in Ms. Butler’s writing. The emotions of these characters were also felt, the pain, the fear, the frustration but importantly the love. I was happy that one of his SEAL brother’s was able to get to him and make him understand that him and Devyn needed to talk that was the only way things were going to get better between them. I loved how he was able to get his little girls attention and how he would make them laugh. I love when the stories seem so real and they captivate me and this is what this story did. I could not believe that I read this book in one sitting and I didn’t want for it to end.
I totally recommend this book to readers. Ms. Butler’s writing style is excellent, it’s easy to follow, it’s clear and focused. I love how real their relationship felt. This story had some twists and turns that I never expected. I can’t wait to read the next 2 books in this series.
Wow, I could not believe that I have waited this long to read this story about the life of a wife of a SEAL. I love military stories and even more when it has to do with what goes on with the family left behind to live life without their partner in life. They have to continue living and when the military spouse comes home it’s interesting how they try to get to know each other again. This is especially the case in Brody and Devyn because they were not married to long before he was deployed but the saddest part was that he was gone for two years and he didn’t see his twin girls grow up. I love how Ms. Butler does this story in both of their point of views. I love to know what was going on in each of their heads. So let’s give you a little insight on what this story is about.
Brody and Devyn meet when they were teenagers and from the moment that Devyn forced Brody to be her boyfriend they were together. They married young and he went into the military. He was one of the few that were selected to be in Lucky Thirteen. He never thought that he was going to be away from his family for two years shortly after his twin girls were born, Jackie and Riley. The only memory that he had was of him holding them at 2 weeks old and after that since Devyn could not know where he was they had signals in Facebook to tell her that he was alive. She would post videos of his little girls growing up. After a bad mission where he was shot and the enemies saw something they shouldn’t have it was time to go home. He knew there was a possibility that his family would be in danger.
Devyn didn’t know how to act with her husband and the worst part was that she wanted all the attention to her and her girls; she did not want to share. He was different there was something in his eyes that seemed lost. She knew that he could not speak about the mission or where he was and she understood that but at times he was so distant. There were times that he would snap or he would look at her as if he didn’t know her, he didn’t know how to act around her. Devyn knew something needed to change she wanted her husband back the man that she fell in love with. The man with saw her with love, want that had the biggest brightest smile.
Killing Honor was an exceptional read that gave me great insight on what happens when military people come back home to their families. I know that not every military family goes through this but at least I got a glimpse of what could happen. The characters were well developed and I loved the descriptive writing. The chemistry between Brody and Devyn could be felt in Ms. Butler’s writing. The emotions of these characters were also felt, the pain, the fear, the frustration but importantly the love. I was happy that one of his SEAL brother’s was able to get to him and make him understand that him and Devyn needed to talk that was the only way things were going to get better between them. I loved how he was able to get his little girls attention and how he would make them laugh. I love when the stories seem so real and they captivate me and this is what this story did. I could not believe that I read this book in one sitting and I didn’t want for it to end.
I totally recommend this book to readers. Ms. Butler’s writing style is excellent, it’s easy to follow, it’s clear and focused. I love how real their relationship felt. This story had some twists and turns that I never expected. I can’t wait to read the next 2 books in this series.
April 16, 2014
My star rating for 'KILLING HONOR' is: 4 out of 5 stars! :)
My ‘Blogging Reader’s Review’ after reading ‘KILLING HONOR’ by Author S.M. Butler (via: Booksmoviesfandoms.wordpress.com):
‘Killing Honor’ is the first novel of the ‘Lucky Thirteen Series’ by S.M. Butler. I was provided with an ARC copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review of this contemporary romance novel. It offers not only the romance but a great blend of action and suspense as well. The story is offered up from two main-character P.O.V.’s(point of views). The main characters of this story are Navy SEAL Brody Battles and his wife, Devyn.
Brody Battles is a Navy SEAL who is a part of SEAL Team Thirteen, which goes on secret missions that not even his family knows much about. He married his childhood sweetheart just about a year before heading out on a secret mission, leaving her behind to raise their young twin daughters. His job is secretive for safety reasons, his missions are dangerous but his team is deadly and determined to always get their top secret missions completed.
Devyn Battles has loved Brody since she was a young girl and has never wanted anyone else. When her husband left for a mission, their twin daughters were just a couple of weeks old, leaving her to raise their daughters alone till his return. She knows what her husband does is important but she really has no idea of what he goes through on a mission. She’s managed to keep everything taken care of at home and has grown up a lot, since she last saw her husband Brody.
Upon Brody’s return back home, after being gone on a mission that lasted two years, things have changed. Brody must re-adapt into the life of being father and husband again after living as a member of SEAL Team Thirteen for the last couple of years. There will always be an adjustment period for someone who lives a life like he does and who has been gone so long. Brody and Devyn still love each other but can they reconnect after being apart so long? Can they revive that close bond again or is their relationship headed for heartbreak?
Those may not be the only problems that emerge once Brody returns because there may be some unsettled business with the enemies that SEAL Team Thirteen has made while on their last mission. And those enemies may be closer than they think and dead set on revenge. I definitely recommend this captivating story because you get a great blend of romance, a look into the dynamics that a military family goes through at times with a homecoming, and you get plenty of suspenseful-action. ‘Killing Honor’ is a story about realizing what matters most and doing what you need to do in order to protect it at all costs. Check it out!
My Blogging Reader's Star Score for 'KILLING HONOR' is: 4 out of 5 stars! :)
Visit my Blog and see Memorable quotes and photos of how I imagined Rebecca, Ryan and Jordan while reading KILLING HONOR. Here:
Click Here to Visit the Blog: Books,Movies,Fandoms
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My ‘Blogging Reader’s Review’ after reading ‘KILLING HONOR’ by Author S.M. Butler (via: Booksmoviesfandoms.wordpress.com):
‘Killing Honor’ is the first novel of the ‘Lucky Thirteen Series’ by S.M. Butler. I was provided with an ARC copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review of this contemporary romance novel. It offers not only the romance but a great blend of action and suspense as well. The story is offered up from two main-character P.O.V.’s(point of views). The main characters of this story are Navy SEAL Brody Battles and his wife, Devyn.
Brody Battles is a Navy SEAL who is a part of SEAL Team Thirteen, which goes on secret missions that not even his family knows much about. He married his childhood sweetheart just about a year before heading out on a secret mission, leaving her behind to raise their young twin daughters. His job is secretive for safety reasons, his missions are dangerous but his team is deadly and determined to always get their top secret missions completed.
Devyn Battles has loved Brody since she was a young girl and has never wanted anyone else. When her husband left for a mission, their twin daughters were just a couple of weeks old, leaving her to raise their daughters alone till his return. She knows what her husband does is important but she really has no idea of what he goes through on a mission. She’s managed to keep everything taken care of at home and has grown up a lot, since she last saw her husband Brody.
Upon Brody’s return back home, after being gone on a mission that lasted two years, things have changed. Brody must re-adapt into the life of being father and husband again after living as a member of SEAL Team Thirteen for the last couple of years. There will always be an adjustment period for someone who lives a life like he does and who has been gone so long. Brody and Devyn still love each other but can they reconnect after being apart so long? Can they revive that close bond again or is their relationship headed for heartbreak?
Those may not be the only problems that emerge once Brody returns because there may be some unsettled business with the enemies that SEAL Team Thirteen has made while on their last mission. And those enemies may be closer than they think and dead set on revenge. I definitely recommend this captivating story because you get a great blend of romance, a look into the dynamics that a military family goes through at times with a homecoming, and you get plenty of suspenseful-action. ‘Killing Honor’ is a story about realizing what matters most and doing what you need to do in order to protect it at all costs. Check it out!
My Blogging Reader's Star Score for 'KILLING HONOR' is: 4 out of 5 stars! :)
Visit my Blog and see Memorable quotes and photos of how I imagined Rebecca, Ryan and Jordan while reading KILLING HONOR. Here:
Click Here to Visit the Blog: Books,Movies,Fandoms
Check us out on Twitter & Follow Here
January 6, 2015
I liked it, in the sense that I like Addison and would love to read her story because she seems to have some pretty badass secrets. She's too tough to be ordinary, I'm working on some theories.
I must also say that discerning who infiltrated their security was way too easy, and made me lose my interest -- -- that is bad because you should want to read through the whole book and not have figured it all out within the first 100 pages.
Devyn on the other hand is not the type of female lead I want to read about. Yes, there is nothing wrong with being a housewife but a housewife with no other aspiration other than being a housewife is not my idea of a good read.
I originally thought her shunning the Navy SEALs wives club was a show of strength twisted as it may sound, but even not integrating yourself with them, you are still one of them and I would hate to be the one who is picked as a target because I'm so impressionable. I mean, ya you were stupid but who are you going to trust now? That sucks.
My two issues with Devyn.
- You married a military man, a SEAL for crying out loud, you know his job is going to be dangerous, and for some reason once you experience up close and personal (not saying shock and fear and everything else is warranted) but you can't seriously expect him to give up his job right? Give up being a military man, and yes I could understand a wife asking a husband to do that because, hey danger came a knocking on my door because of what you do, but that wasn't the impression I got from Devyn it was a more, I want you home by my side all the time because I'm scared to be without you.
WAIT! this goes into issue 2
- I mentioned earlier Devyn as a housewife and lack of aspiration, right, well this is proof: "A stupid cow of a housewife who has no discernible skill set for the real world." That's not even the worst part, the worst part is this: "Nothing she was saying was wrong. I had always been a housewife. I'd always been scared to lose Brody, not just because I loved him, but also because I had not future without him." See what I mean? Devyn just does not scream, strong independent woman to me. And I like reading about strong independent yet vulnerable women.
So although it was good, it wasn't great. I'd probably only read Addison's story and stop there unless someone else pops up in that story that piques me interest.
I must also say that discerning who infiltrated their security was way too easy, and made me lose my interest -- -- that is bad because you should want to read through the whole book and not have figured it all out within the first 100 pages.
Devyn on the other hand is not the type of female lead I want to read about. Yes, there is nothing wrong with being a housewife but a housewife with no other aspiration other than being a housewife is not my idea of a good read.
I originally thought her shunning the Navy SEALs wives club was a show of strength twisted as it may sound, but even not integrating yourself with them, you are still one of them and I would hate to be the one who is picked as a target because I'm so impressionable. I mean, ya you were stupid but who are you going to trust now? That sucks.
My two issues with Devyn.
- You married a military man, a SEAL for crying out loud, you know his job is going to be dangerous, and for some reason once you experience up close and personal (not saying shock and fear and everything else is warranted) but you can't seriously expect him to give up his job right? Give up being a military man, and yes I could understand a wife asking a husband to do that because, hey danger came a knocking on my door because of what you do, but that wasn't the impression I got from Devyn it was a more, I want you home by my side all the time because I'm scared to be without you.
WAIT! this goes into issue 2
- I mentioned earlier Devyn as a housewife and lack of aspiration, right, well this is proof: "A stupid cow of a housewife who has no discernible skill set for the real world." That's not even the worst part, the worst part is this: "Nothing she was saying was wrong. I had always been a housewife. I'd always been scared to lose Brody, not just because I loved him, but also because I had not future without him." See what I mean? Devyn just does not scream, strong independent woman to me. And I like reading about strong independent yet vulnerable women.
So although it was good, it wasn't great. I'd probably only read Addison's story and stop there unless someone else pops up in that story that piques me interest.
March 4, 2014
*I received an ARC of this book free from NetGalley on behalf of Soaring Phoenix Press in exchange for an honest review*
Brody Battles is part of a Navy SEAL team known as Lucky Thirteen. Brody’s last mission has consisted of him being away on a mission that has lasted two years and has brought on a lot of enemies for the SEAL team. Brody has been away from his wife for two years and has not seen his twin girls Jackie and Riley since they were two weeks old.
When the SEAL team arrives back home Brody is reunited with his wife Devyn.
Devyn Battles is Brody’s childhood sweetheart. Devyn has always supported her husband’s job and knows that he must keep secrets. That’s part of being a Navy SEAL wife.
Brody returns home to realize that life did continue while he was gone. Devyn has grown up a lot since he last seen her and his twin girls are now two years old and walking and talking.
Brody is faced with sleepless nights, nightmares and dealing with learning who Devyn is all over again. Brody also has to learn how to become a father to his twins.
Devyn has a friend that has helped her with the girls for the past year. Jane has become a support system for Devyn while Brody was gone on his mission.
When Brody learns of a security breach he finds it difficult to keep his family safe when the one person that has helped his wife for the past year becomes the enemy to the SEAL team.
With Devyn and Brody learning to become a family again and Jane realizing her cover is blown the revenge for her husband’s death is on Brody’s hands and Jane will stop at nothing to seek her family’s revenge on the SEAL team.
I have recently realized that my favorite books to read always have something to do with the military. This book is very interesting, I was hooked from the first chapter. The author really touches on the real life issues that families have to go through when a soldier returns home.
.I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good military romance and a bad-ass SEAL team that would do anything to protect each other.
Yes, this is a series! I will definitely be waiting for the release of the next book in the Lucky Thirteen series Wounded Courage.
My Favorite Moment: “Bye Sweetness.” I waited until she hung up, knowing I had a huge goofy-ass grin on my face. Nope. Nothing had changed for me. I still loved her like the goddamn teenage boy I'd been when I met her for the first time. My hope was that she also felt the same.
My Favorite Sincere Moment: “Jackie’s never called me Dada before.” His eyes watered, the sharp amber color of his eyes darkening. In that instant, all the bad things that had happened vanished because this big, burly SEAL was damn near tears because a toddler called him Dada. It made everything worthwhile.
Brody Battles is part of a Navy SEAL team known as Lucky Thirteen. Brody’s last mission has consisted of him being away on a mission that has lasted two years and has brought on a lot of enemies for the SEAL team. Brody has been away from his wife for two years and has not seen his twin girls Jackie and Riley since they were two weeks old.
When the SEAL team arrives back home Brody is reunited with his wife Devyn.
Devyn Battles is Brody’s childhood sweetheart. Devyn has always supported her husband’s job and knows that he must keep secrets. That’s part of being a Navy SEAL wife.
Brody returns home to realize that life did continue while he was gone. Devyn has grown up a lot since he last seen her and his twin girls are now two years old and walking and talking.
Brody is faced with sleepless nights, nightmares and dealing with learning who Devyn is all over again. Brody also has to learn how to become a father to his twins.
Devyn has a friend that has helped her with the girls for the past year. Jane has become a support system for Devyn while Brody was gone on his mission.
When Brody learns of a security breach he finds it difficult to keep his family safe when the one person that has helped his wife for the past year becomes the enemy to the SEAL team.
With Devyn and Brody learning to become a family again and Jane realizing her cover is blown the revenge for her husband’s death is on Brody’s hands and Jane will stop at nothing to seek her family’s revenge on the SEAL team.
I have recently realized that my favorite books to read always have something to do with the military. This book is very interesting, I was hooked from the first chapter. The author really touches on the real life issues that families have to go through when a soldier returns home.
.I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good military romance and a bad-ass SEAL team that would do anything to protect each other.
Yes, this is a series! I will definitely be waiting for the release of the next book in the Lucky Thirteen series Wounded Courage.
My Favorite Moment: “Bye Sweetness.” I waited until she hung up, knowing I had a huge goofy-ass grin on my face. Nope. Nothing had changed for me. I still loved her like the goddamn teenage boy I'd been when I met her for the first time. My hope was that she also felt the same.
My Favorite Sincere Moment: “Jackie’s never called me Dada before.” His eyes watered, the sharp amber color of his eyes darkening. In that instant, all the bad things that had happened vanished because this big, burly SEAL was damn near tears because a toddler called him Dada. It made everything worthwhile.
July 31, 2014
Copy Provided by Author for Honest Review
3.5 Rekindled Stars
When I saw this military romance I was all over it. The story was good and kept me interested and the pace was swift but I felt something was missing. There’s minor suspense but since it’s told in both Brody and Devyn’s POV the suspense element is very low. Not to mention the story had me confused from the start…
The story opens with Brody on a mission. It’s referred a number of times that he has only six months left until he can see his family again. But when he finally gets home everyone talks about his two year absence… It just wasn’t clear if he was already deployed for a year and a half. Odd but I can take that. What I found odd was how much this book made me hate that Brody was in the military. Maybe it was because the danger aspect of his job was always present. Or it could have been that he left his wife with two week old twins and hasn’t been home in two years…
After having his face ‘seen’ on a mission all Brody can think of his family. He is deathly afraid of his identity being compromised and his enemies finding his family. Since he is part of a secret group telling anyone even his wife is out of the question. Unfortunately for Brody the one thing he thought he missed the most is also the hardest to get back: his wife. Two years of separation allowed both Devyn and Brody to grow up without the other. Brody is a hardened military man and Devyn has found herself in the role of stay at home mom. What once was a young love now has to be rekindled.
Overall this was a quick and easy read. I do wish there was more mystery or suspense since it’s fairly easy to assume what would happen. Each character mentioned in the story plays a role and as you read along it’s easy to guess their place. As for a military romance this was very sweet focusing on the rekindling of the long separated Devyn and Brody. I could have done without the hatred for Brody’s job, but with him having kids he doesn’t even know and a job that threatens their very existence it was hard to stay on the bandwagon but I implore you to read with your eyes open and develop your own opinions. Enjoyed the read and look forward to more in the series.
3.5 Rekindled Stars
When I saw this military romance I was all over it. The story was good and kept me interested and the pace was swift but I felt something was missing. There’s minor suspense but since it’s told in both Brody and Devyn’s POV the suspense element is very low. Not to mention the story had me confused from the start…
The story opens with Brody on a mission. It’s referred a number of times that he has only six months left until he can see his family again. But when he finally gets home everyone talks about his two year absence… It just wasn’t clear if he was already deployed for a year and a half. Odd but I can take that. What I found odd was how much this book made me hate that Brody was in the military. Maybe it was because the danger aspect of his job was always present. Or it could have been that he left his wife with two week old twins and hasn’t been home in two years…
After having his face ‘seen’ on a mission all Brody can think of his family. He is deathly afraid of his identity being compromised and his enemies finding his family. Since he is part of a secret group telling anyone even his wife is out of the question. Unfortunately for Brody the one thing he thought he missed the most is also the hardest to get back: his wife. Two years of separation allowed both Devyn and Brody to grow up without the other. Brody is a hardened military man and Devyn has found herself in the role of stay at home mom. What once was a young love now has to be rekindled.
Overall this was a quick and easy read. I do wish there was more mystery or suspense since it’s fairly easy to assume what would happen. Each character mentioned in the story plays a role and as you read along it’s easy to guess their place. As for a military romance this was very sweet focusing on the rekindling of the long separated Devyn and Brody. I could have done without the hatred for Brody’s job, but with him having kids he doesn’t even know and a job that threatens their very existence it was hard to stay on the bandwagon but I implore you to read with your eyes open and develop your own opinions. Enjoyed the read and look forward to more in the series.
February 15, 2014
Brody Battles is a Navy SEAL, he’s been away from his family on a secret mission for two years, unable to tell Devyn anything about it, when he returns home after being injured everything is different. Neither Brody or Devyn are the people they were 2years ago. They must learn to adjust and trust each other.
I enjoyed the story behind it, even knowing it was a book full of secrets between the characters I wanted to read it as it’s military. I’m a pad brat (Army), have been since I was young so I read them whenever I get the chance. I can’t stand secrets, especially between a married couple, there’s nothing he shouldn’t be able to tell her. I understand he needs permission from the captain but he shouldn’t have kept her in the dark. At least then she would have been prepared for what comes later. What a Plank!!
Devyn for the past two years whilst her husband was away has been looking after their twins. The little ones were only 2weeks old when he left. She’s had it tough, it can’t be easy raising two monsters on your own, I struggle with one somedays. Some of the thoughts passing through her head disgusted me though. How self-centred can one woman be?
Brody was a pain in the ass, one minute he was laughing and joking the next in complete shutdown, I felt like he gave me whiplash. Going on missions is a rough deal and took a lot out of him but he needed to handle it better around Devyn and the girls. Maybe I’m being too strict, I’m like 99.9% sure I’d have nightmares about shit too if I were in his position but he should have just told Devyn, therefore I didn’t like him, at all, for many many reasons! No relationship can be built on secrets, it’ll just crumble and fall.
Overall there was a few good parts I enjoyed. When Devyn finally grew a backbone, when Jane got what she deserved, the ending was good, maybe now he can share more with her. And she should take some bloody martial arts classes just in case they get any more surprises, get you butt in gear please Brody!
**A copy was provided for review purposes**
You can find my original review at: http://morphybooksblog.wordpress.com/...
I enjoyed the story behind it, even knowing it was a book full of secrets between the characters I wanted to read it as it’s military. I’m a pad brat (Army), have been since I was young so I read them whenever I get the chance. I can’t stand secrets, especially between a married couple, there’s nothing he shouldn’t be able to tell her. I understand he needs permission from the captain but he shouldn’t have kept her in the dark. At least then she would have been prepared for what comes later. What a Plank!!
Devyn for the past two years whilst her husband was away has been looking after their twins. The little ones were only 2weeks old when he left. She’s had it tough, it can’t be easy raising two monsters on your own, I struggle with one somedays. Some of the thoughts passing through her head disgusted me though. How self-centred can one woman be?
Brody was a pain in the ass, one minute he was laughing and joking the next in complete shutdown, I felt like he gave me whiplash. Going on missions is a rough deal and took a lot out of him but he needed to handle it better around Devyn and the girls. Maybe I’m being too strict, I’m like 99.9% sure I’d have nightmares about shit too if I were in his position but he should have just told Devyn, therefore I didn’t like him, at all, for many many reasons! No relationship can be built on secrets, it’ll just crumble and fall.
Overall there was a few good parts I enjoyed. When Devyn finally grew a backbone, when Jane got what she deserved, the ending was good, maybe now he can share more with her. And she should take some bloody martial arts classes just in case they get any more surprises, get you butt in gear please Brody!
**A copy was provided for review purposes**
You can find my original review at: http://morphybooksblog.wordpress.com/...
April 11, 2014
Title: Killing Honor
Series: Lucky Thirteen
Author: S.M. Butler
Genre: New Adult/ Romance
Blurb: Only she ignites the passion within him…Navy SEAL Brody Battles’ last mission ended with him shot twice. He’s made enemies he’d like to forget ever existed all over the world. He’s more than ready to go home to the family he left behind, but when he returns, he faces sleepless nights, a possible security breach and the fear that his family has moved on without him.
Only he fills the void left in her heart…Marrying her childhood sweetheart sounds like a fairy tale dream come true, but not for Devyn. Thanks to his job, her husband has been off on a secret mission for so long, he’s never even seen his daughters in person. But now he’s back, and the fairy tale life is in sight, but Devyn’s not sure the man that returned is the same man who left.
…and only death will quench their enemy’s thirst for revenge. Stitching their broken family back together proves difficult when nightmares and secrets build a wall between them. And while they’re adjusting to being a family again, an enemy waits in the shadows, salivating for the sweet taste of revenge.
Thoughts: This one looked and sounded like one of those sexy, military romantic suspense novels that I usually enjoy immensely. This one, however, got off to a slow start and just seem to drag a little too slowly for my tastes. The book was supposed to be about really connecting these two characters back together again, so I expected them to have their issues and struggle with some distance between them - but for me, it was really hard to connect to either of them. Half the time, their actions were inconsistent with their thoughts and vice versa. I wanted to really feel the desire from these characters to really be together, but it just didn't happen. I liked the author's writing style, but it was just to slow and not emotional enough - especially with a topic where I should have really 'felt' their emotions rolling off the pages. Just didn't hit the mark for me.
Rate: C
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: Lucky Thirteen
Author: S.M. Butler
Genre: New Adult/ Romance
Blurb: Only she ignites the passion within him…Navy SEAL Brody Battles’ last mission ended with him shot twice. He’s made enemies he’d like to forget ever existed all over the world. He’s more than ready to go home to the family he left behind, but when he returns, he faces sleepless nights, a possible security breach and the fear that his family has moved on without him.
Only he fills the void left in her heart…Marrying her childhood sweetheart sounds like a fairy tale dream come true, but not for Devyn. Thanks to his job, her husband has been off on a secret mission for so long, he’s never even seen his daughters in person. But now he’s back, and the fairy tale life is in sight, but Devyn’s not sure the man that returned is the same man who left.
…and only death will quench their enemy’s thirst for revenge. Stitching their broken family back together proves difficult when nightmares and secrets build a wall between them. And while they’re adjusting to being a family again, an enemy waits in the shadows, salivating for the sweet taste of revenge.
Thoughts: This one looked and sounded like one of those sexy, military romantic suspense novels that I usually enjoy immensely. This one, however, got off to a slow start and just seem to drag a little too slowly for my tastes. The book was supposed to be about really connecting these two characters back together again, so I expected them to have their issues and struggle with some distance between them - but for me, it was really hard to connect to either of them. Half the time, their actions were inconsistent with their thoughts and vice versa. I wanted to really feel the desire from these characters to really be together, but it just didn't happen. I liked the author's writing style, but it was just to slow and not emotional enough - especially with a topic where I should have really 'felt' their emotions rolling off the pages. Just didn't hit the mark for me.
Rate: C
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
September 5, 2014
I received a copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
First of all, I would say that there are as many opinions as people giving them and I strongly dislike leaving a negative review, but I do give my honest opinion and hope to not hurt anyone's feelings. I liked the writing, the style is clean, well built and pleasant, but I disliked the main characters, especially Devyn, finding the secondary characters, Murphy and Hardy definitely likable.
I find the story interesting as a lesson for young people of what not to do: do not marry at age 17 if you are not prepared to grow up very quickly and to really understand and support your lifetime friend and sweetheart and most of all, don't get in a rash to have children if you can't manage them, mostly alone, knowing your husband will be rarely home, being active duty, professional soldier in an elite corp. Sadly, Devyn does all the above, then keeps saying how much she's waiting for Brody to come home and when he finally comes (tough to believe SEAL corp deploys for missions lasting 2 years as by definition their purpose is strike fast and hard) she is unhappy that he keeps work related secrets and does all she can to avoid him and in one word, doesn't get it and doesn't support him at all. On the other hand, Brody, keeps lamenting about the danger in which he placed his family and that he needs to stay home and protect them, but did he not know the dangers related to such a high profile job before starting, or even more before competing for a position in special unit 13? If we take a look at the villains, they are not credible- Marie who is extremely careful to not leave any trace keeps promising to leave Devyn alive after kidnapping her, Renee seems the crazy killer without any good reason and the other brother seems more interested in pretty women than in the business at hand.
Even though one can easily guess what happens next, the story is nicely told and it ends leaving the reader curious about what happened to Addison.
I would say it's a easy read for those loving military adventures without much complexity.
First of all, I would say that there are as many opinions as people giving them and I strongly dislike leaving a negative review, but I do give my honest opinion and hope to not hurt anyone's feelings. I liked the writing, the style is clean, well built and pleasant, but I disliked the main characters, especially Devyn, finding the secondary characters, Murphy and Hardy definitely likable.
I find the story interesting as a lesson for young people of what not to do: do not marry at age 17 if you are not prepared to grow up very quickly and to really understand and support your lifetime friend and sweetheart and most of all, don't get in a rash to have children if you can't manage them, mostly alone, knowing your husband will be rarely home, being active duty, professional soldier in an elite corp. Sadly, Devyn does all the above, then keeps saying how much she's waiting for Brody to come home and when he finally comes (tough to believe SEAL corp deploys for missions lasting 2 years as by definition their purpose is strike fast and hard) she is unhappy that he keeps work related secrets and does all she can to avoid him and in one word, doesn't get it and doesn't support him at all. On the other hand, Brody, keeps lamenting about the danger in which he placed his family and that he needs to stay home and protect them, but did he not know the dangers related to such a high profile job before starting, or even more before competing for a position in special unit 13? If we take a look at the villains, they are not credible- Marie who is extremely careful to not leave any trace keeps promising to leave Devyn alive after kidnapping her, Renee seems the crazy killer without any good reason and the other brother seems more interested in pretty women than in the business at hand.
Even though one can easily guess what happens next, the story is nicely told and it ends leaving the reader curious about what happened to Addison.
I would say it's a easy read for those loving military adventures without much complexity.
July 27, 2014
Find this Review at Taryn Lee's Book Blog
A gifted copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
This book was a very fast paced read for me. The style felt different because our Hero/heroine know each other and are already married but they don't truly know each other. Not how you would know your spouse on a day to day basis. This HEA standalone has hot SEALs, loving wives, cute kids, and a whole lot of action!
Brody is finally happy to be coming home to his wife and twin daughters. It's been two years since he's seen any of them due to his job as a SEAL. Now he's ready to make his dreams a reality: being there for his wife and his two lovely girls, who he only knew for two weeks before being deployed. Devyn always dreamed of the day her hubby would come home. Lots of sleepless nights from their two girls, but also for his safety. Now that the day is finally here, all she feels are the nerves of how her soldier will act. How he'll be. Who he will be. It's time for these two to create the life they've built for each other.
Overall, this was a fantastic book! I just fell in love with Brody and Devyn. When you read this book, it's like reading the ever after part of what happens when the childhood sweethearts get together and make babies. I gave this book a rating of 5 STARS out of 5 STARS for the amazing suspense, the superb writing, and the wonderful storyline I'm looking forward to continuing with the next books!
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Read by Taryn Lee on July 20, 2014
Reviewed by Taryn Lee on July 26, 2014
Taryn Lee's Book Blog on Facebook
A gifted copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
This book was a very fast paced read for me. The style felt different because our Hero/heroine know each other and are already married but they don't truly know each other. Not how you would know your spouse on a day to day basis. This HEA standalone has hot SEALs, loving wives, cute kids, and a whole lot of action!
Brody is finally happy to be coming home to his wife and twin daughters. It's been two years since he's seen any of them due to his job as a SEAL. Now he's ready to make his dreams a reality: being there for his wife and his two lovely girls, who he only knew for two weeks before being deployed. Devyn always dreamed of the day her hubby would come home. Lots of sleepless nights from their two girls, but also for his safety. Now that the day is finally here, all she feels are the nerves of how her soldier will act. How he'll be. Who he will be. It's time for these two to create the life they've built for each other.
Overall, this was a fantastic book! I just fell in love with Brody and Devyn. When you read this book, it's like reading the ever after part of what happens when the childhood sweethearts get together and make babies. I gave this book a rating of 5 STARS out of 5 STARS for the amazing suspense, the superb writing, and the wonderful storyline I'm looking forward to continuing with the next books!
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Read by Taryn Lee on July 20, 2014
Reviewed by Taryn Lee on July 26, 2014
Taryn Lee's Book Blog on Facebook
July 14, 2014
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
*****
Dev and Brody's story was sweet...childhood sweethearts who married young and are soon separated when Brody goes on a lengthy mission as a Navy SEAL. Seriously, you had me at Navy SEAL!
I enjoyed the fact that the author did not glaze over the fact that war is hell and so is, at times, returning to your family after a long deployment. I wanted to slap Dev when Brody was trying so hard to be part of the family again and she came off as distant and selfish. I do understand, however, 2 years is a long time and she was dealing with her own issues with his return.
I struggled with some of the less than realistic moments in the book - like when Brody called to tell her she was in danger and gave her very specific details about who/what that danger was. If his mission is so secretive he can't discuss it, SPECIAL OPS, how can he reveal such details to her and why would he, it only put her in more danger. I also knew who the villain was immediately, the clues were not all that subtle. However, there is a surprise twist...
The book was adorable and Brody was all kinds of wonderful but I felt the story could have been so much more. Or, maybe I should say I liked them enough to want more, because I do and I did. I wanted to see more moments of growth between Dev and Brody in their relationship, as well as more glimpses of their life together before he was deployed.
The book, for me, is missing an epilogue or, at least, a better, more defined ending. Looking forward to more books in the series, and glimpses of this couple in those books...and for the twist to be fleshed out.
*****
Dev and Brody's story was sweet...childhood sweethearts who married young and are soon separated when Brody goes on a lengthy mission as a Navy SEAL. Seriously, you had me at Navy SEAL!
I enjoyed the fact that the author did not glaze over the fact that war is hell and so is, at times, returning to your family after a long deployment. I wanted to slap Dev when Brody was trying so hard to be part of the family again and she came off as distant and selfish. I do understand, however, 2 years is a long time and she was dealing with her own issues with his return.
I struggled with some of the less than realistic moments in the book - like when Brody called to tell her she was in danger and gave her very specific details about who/what that danger was. If his mission is so secretive he can't discuss it, SPECIAL OPS, how can he reveal such details to her and why would he, it only put her in more danger. I also knew who the villain was immediately, the clues were not all that subtle. However, there is a surprise twist...
The book was adorable and Brody was all kinds of wonderful but I felt the story could have been so much more. Or, maybe I should say I liked them enough to want more, because I do and I did. I wanted to see more moments of growth between Dev and Brody in their relationship, as well as more glimpses of their life together before he was deployed.
The book, for me, is missing an epilogue or, at least, a better, more defined ending. Looking forward to more books in the series, and glimpses of this couple in those books...and for the twist to be fleshed out.
August 27, 2014
Reading between the lines, Loved it.
Navy SEAL Brody Battles is on a mission with his team know as Lucky Thirteen. They are sent to rescue an NSA agent. The mission goes wrong. Now him and his team are trying to get her out alive.
When Brody returns home after 2 years to his wife and two twin year old daughters, his wife Devyn is nervous. Why should she? Geez this is her husband the father of her children.
Things are not the same. He's not the same. He knows it, she knows it. The girls are adjusting but at first not so sure. It's sweet when they start to know he's not going anywhere. Brings tears to my eyes.
Why are Brody and Devyn holding back? Then it becomes clear. The worst part is when Brody realizes his family is in danger all because of him. He can't tell her what's going on. It's part of the job. It's tearing him up.
The day he goes back to base for a meeting with his team it will blow your mind what happens next. Brody and his team find out some data which has been brought to there attention in order to track down these terrorists. He can't believe his eyes. It just can't be but he's 100% positive about it.
The excitement in this book is amazing. The sweet moments were beautiful., and will make you laugh. Some will just tear you up. I loved this book.
Highly recommend this book. This is my first book by S.M Butler and it won't be my last. There are two more books in this series know as
Lucky Thirteen:
Wounded Courage #2
Dying Commitment #3
Navy SEAL Brody Battles is on a mission with his team know as Lucky Thirteen. They are sent to rescue an NSA agent. The mission goes wrong. Now him and his team are trying to get her out alive.
When Brody returns home after 2 years to his wife and two twin year old daughters, his wife Devyn is nervous. Why should she? Geez this is her husband the father of her children.
Things are not the same. He's not the same. He knows it, she knows it. The girls are adjusting but at first not so sure. It's sweet when they start to know he's not going anywhere. Brings tears to my eyes.
Why are Brody and Devyn holding back? Then it becomes clear. The worst part is when Brody realizes his family is in danger all because of him. He can't tell her what's going on. It's part of the job. It's tearing him up.
The day he goes back to base for a meeting with his team it will blow your mind what happens next. Brody and his team find out some data which has been brought to there attention in order to track down these terrorists. He can't believe his eyes. It just can't be but he's 100% positive about it.
The excitement in this book is amazing. The sweet moments were beautiful., and will make you laugh. Some will just tear you up. I loved this book.
Highly recommend this book. This is my first book by S.M Butler and it won't be my last. There are two more books in this series know as
Lucky Thirteen:
Wounded Courage #2
Dying Commitment #3
November 21, 2015
3.5 Stars
This was pretty good. Yeah it was a bit farfetched what with whole two year mission and all, but the author does put a note that she added that long stretch for the sake of the story. It did lend a sort of vulnerability to both characters.
Brody, obviously dealing with some sort of PTSD and also dealing with adjusting to basically a 'new' life with two children that he doesn't even know, but still loves very much. As well as trying to keep his sanity while withholding so much pertinent information from the wife he still adores with all his heart.
Devyn, your typical military wife, except she's super young, so super naive, but so loyal to Brody. She's a great mother to their children but at the same time finds it is difficult to deal with everything by herself. So while she understands her husband is out there basically saving the world, she wants him at him helping her with nap and storytime...and there lies your double edged sword with all military marriages..
There were some grammatical errors but nothing so dramatic as to take away from the enjoyment of the story. Overall it was an interesting storyline, though a bit predictable, on the Jane/Marie front, but other than that not a bad read at all.
This was pretty good. Yeah it was a bit farfetched what with whole two year mission and all, but the author does put a note that she added that long stretch for the sake of the story. It did lend a sort of vulnerability to both characters.
Brody, obviously dealing with some sort of PTSD and also dealing with adjusting to basically a 'new' life with two children that he doesn't even know, but still loves very much. As well as trying to keep his sanity while withholding so much pertinent information from the wife he still adores with all his heart.
Devyn, your typical military wife, except she's super young, so super naive, but so loyal to Brody. She's a great mother to their children but at the same time finds it is difficult to deal with everything by herself. So while she understands her husband is out there basically saving the world, she wants him at him helping her with nap and storytime...and there lies your double edged sword with all military marriages..
There were some grammatical errors but nothing so dramatic as to take away from the enjoyment of the story. Overall it was an interesting storyline, though a bit predictable, on the Jane/Marie front, but other than that not a bad read at all.
June 17, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by S.M. Buttler. I purchased this book as part of the Seals of Summer Military Romance Superbundle. Though I'm not quite done with the entire compilation, I have read this story in particular and decided to post a review.
Killing Honor is an action packed story where Brody, a Navy SEAL hero, comes home to his loving wife, Devyn, and their twin daughters. When his identity is compromised on his last mission though, will he be able to keep the ones he loves safe?
Much of what Brody and his team does is highly classified and much as he'd like to, he can't share that part of his life with Devynn. In a world where information is a dangerous thing to have, he can't and won't risk her and their family. The effect is a distancing between them that neither wants. Coming home isn't always easy, but even less so for a SEAL.
The author did a wonderful job of portraying the struggles of both the hero and heroine as Brody tries to reintegrate with his family and home life, making this a great emotional read. I'm already looking forward to reading Wounded Courage, book two in the Lucky Thirteen series.
Killing Honor is an action packed story where Brody, a Navy SEAL hero, comes home to his loving wife, Devyn, and their twin daughters. When his identity is compromised on his last mission though, will he be able to keep the ones he loves safe?
Much of what Brody and his team does is highly classified and much as he'd like to, he can't share that part of his life with Devynn. In a world where information is a dangerous thing to have, he can't and won't risk her and their family. The effect is a distancing between them that neither wants. Coming home isn't always easy, but even less so for a SEAL.
The author did a wonderful job of portraying the struggles of both the hero and heroine as Brody tries to reintegrate with his family and home life, making this a great emotional read. I'm already looking forward to reading Wounded Courage, book two in the Lucky Thirteen series.
January 17, 2015
This is the first I've read this author and let me tell you...I'm hooked! This book was AMAZING! Brody, the Navy SEAL, is a real soldier and SM Butler made him REAL. He had struggles, challenges, and wants to be the father/husband but is still bound to being a SEAL and protecting those he knows in danger.
Devyn, his wife/mother of his twin girls, is so strong, but still tries to deal with all the ins and outs of being a Navy SEAL wife. SM Butler shows all sides of Devyn's heartache, independence, and how she wants everything to be back to the way it was. There were times I wanted to HUG my Kindle (yes, I know that's strange) but I know her struggles and I know her pain!
Then went Brody's world collides with his homelife (WOW! It was a page turner from that point on) it's epic how it all goes down and what happens (No, spoilers here!)
The only thing that I wished was in there more was their back story. There are HINTS of it, but I wish SM Butler would have done a flashback or something like that, BUT OVERALL that takes a backseat to their lives now.
I'm going to add this author to my FAVE list and check out the rest of her books
Devyn, his wife/mother of his twin girls, is so strong, but still tries to deal with all the ins and outs of being a Navy SEAL wife. SM Butler shows all sides of Devyn's heartache, independence, and how she wants everything to be back to the way it was. There were times I wanted to HUG my Kindle (yes, I know that's strange) but I know her struggles and I know her pain!
Then went Brody's world collides with his homelife (WOW! It was a page turner from that point on) it's epic how it all goes down and what happens (No, spoilers here!)
The only thing that I wished was in there more was their back story. There are HINTS of it, but I wish SM Butler would have done a flashback or something like that, BUT OVERALL that takes a backseat to their lives now.
I'm going to add this author to my FAVE list and check out the rest of her books
May 19, 2014
This wasn't the typical romance. Usually in these romances with Military men, you get that small brief moment of readjustment to civilian life but the relationship with their lady is always intact and almost seamless. He may not know what to do with the rest of his life, but he always knows what to do with his wife. But this story didn't have that. In this novel, the relationship was strained, awkward, and I imagine a lot closer to what actually goes on when a SEAL or any Spec Ops guy comes home from a long deployment. Battles didn't know how to relate to his daughters, he didn't know how to relate to his wife, and not being able to tell her about his work was killing him a lot. Devyn was also a bit more real, admitting that she loved her husband but that she had no idea how to deal with or relate to the battle weary part of him that came home. Of course, things worked out at the end but I was happy to see the struggle. I mostly read romance for the fantasy of it all, but sometimes I like for there to be some true-to-life elements. I appreciated this novel very much.
June 11, 2014
In this story Brody battles, is a Navy Seal who is married to his childhood sweetheart Devyn. She gives birth to twin girls two weeks before he is deployed on a mission that ends up being almost two years. They have very little contact and before he comes home he is shot twice in the fire fight. He also becomes concerned about his identity, because his cover over his face was ripped off during the fight. This all leads to his problems of not feeling part of when he gets back home because he is worried but he cannot talk to his wife about what happened and what is going on now. Plus they are working out trying to be a family again with him being home and the girls getting used to him being there. A good story with a lot of marital issues of someone coming home and changing the dynamic of the house hold from what was going on before and the issues that each one feels or guilt about the situation and not talking about it. There is just enough action in this story to not to take away from the story of the couple. I got this book from net galley.
December 7, 2014
It's been a while since I picked up a military romance to read. Probably at least 4 months. When I saw the synopsis on this book I knew it had to go in my TBR.
Brody is a member of SEAL team Lucky Thirteen, being a SEAL requires him to be away from home a lot and for him to keep a lot of secrets from his wife, Devyn. He's missed out on so much of his young twins lives. And Devyn is not quite sure that the same man that's arrived home is the same man she's loved for most of her life.
While the couple and their children try to settle back in to being a family unit for the first time, an unseen force is on the prowl for revenge. Can Brody protect the people he loves the most and still be a member of Lucky Thirteen?
This book was wrought with suspense, secrets, tension and romance. I love a book that keeps me guessing and this book definitely kept me on my toes. This is a great addition to any military romance lover's bookshelf. This series has an extremely promising start. Looking forward to Wounded Courage.
~ Erin, 5 stars
Brody is a member of SEAL team Lucky Thirteen, being a SEAL requires him to be away from home a lot and for him to keep a lot of secrets from his wife, Devyn. He's missed out on so much of his young twins lives. And Devyn is not quite sure that the same man that's arrived home is the same man she's loved for most of her life.
While the couple and their children try to settle back in to being a family unit for the first time, an unseen force is on the prowl for revenge. Can Brody protect the people he loves the most and still be a member of Lucky Thirteen?
This book was wrought with suspense, secrets, tension and romance. I love a book that keeps me guessing and this book definitely kept me on my toes. This is a great addition to any military romance lover's bookshelf. This series has an extremely promising start. Looking forward to Wounded Courage.
~ Erin, 5 stars
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