The Marine: Steamy Military Romance

by Juliette N. Banks

Aidan Black left the Marine Corp to skip the red tape, but it’s a pair of red heels that catches his eyes… until she disappears without a trace.

I had one job. One god damn job.

Not entirely true. Almost my entire team of former military, now private security, crew were working the biggest celebrity wedding of the year alongside me when it happened. I ignored my instincts because I was trying to be a gentleman. Okay fine, I wasn’t.

But now she’s gone.

I’m a US f*cking Marine. How could a woman I could barely keep my eyes off disappear?

Without a trace.

Riley Sutton just became my number one job. And the person who took her, my number one target.

THE MARINE is a steamy private security romance with spice and tons of suspense and action. If you love former military and special ops alphas who fall for sassy heroines, then you’ll love the Black Hawke Security series. Each book can be read as a standalone and has a happy ever after.

Genres: Military Fiction, Romance, Military Romance, Contemporary Romance

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2024

About the author

Juliette N. Banks is a romance author who has taken the genre by storm with her steamy contemporary (mafia and billionaire) and paranormal romances.

If you're looking for sexy books with alpha heroes you'll fall in love with, then grab one of Juliette's free books and adopt a new book boyfriend today!

Juliette has a vast background in consumer marketing and was previously published with Random House. She lives in New Zealand with Tilly, her Maine Coon kitty, and travels frequently.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 3 was okay predictably cheesy

[Kim Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time a new book comes out from Juliette, I’m always quick to read it. In fact, she may be the only author whose books come out that I read pretty close, if not on release date. This is how invested she has me with her books. I was so excited when this one got released this week. Compared to the other Black Hawk Security books, this one went in a different direction and had a different take on a second chance romance. Normally I avoid this trope but because I’m invested in these men and have loved all of the books so far, I wanted to read this one. A good portion of the book focused on the beginning of Aiden and Briar’s relationship and it also painted the picture of how Briar’s home life is and shows a very bleak picture of abuse. If anyone has been abused before, use caution when reading this book as it may have triggers. For me, it was hard to relate to this because I haven’t been abused in my life but I could read it with emotions of pain for Briar, sadness and anger. I may have a different take on this book though because I couldn’t understand where she was coming from. Throughout this book I was annoyed that she kept blowing off Aiden and was so sure they couldn’t be together but it seemed like her judgement was clouded by what her mother said more than enduring the abuse from her father and his nasty comments to her. A lot of the things that he said, as well as her ex-husband was disturbing. There were a few chapters in his point of view that just gave me chills and I had this sinking feeling when I read it. I was uncomfortable and stunned with the pure evil that was emanating in his mind. A part of me wishes that wasn’t included in this book, but Juliette likes to include one off’s like that which seep into your mind and make you think about it. It opens the door to just what kind of sick people are out there. It makes Briar’s situation really real and serious. Aside from heavy themes and sinister thoughts in this book, the chemistry and spice between Briar and Aiden help dispel the heaviness and disturbing material included in it. It was a good balance between what makes a healthy relationship compared to a toxic one that leaves Briar in a pattern and loop because this is all she knows and this is all she deals with. Her thoughts about her mother block out any romantic thoughts she may have or fantasies about a perfect relationship and a man. She is torn between her loyalty to her mother with the love she feels towards Aiden. This book does a really great job in showing Briar’s feelings with both situations. Though it was a long journey and was frustrating being in her head, the book kept you hooked, on your toes and aware of all situations. The love, heat and emotion felt between Briar and Aiden was eternal and this book was definitely a ride.

[Neena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance romance

Aidan Black (age 33) was a US Marine. He started Black Hawke Security with Josh. Now he heads up the government contracts. He is a good-looking man. Built, powerful, successful, and handsome.
Briar Sutton (age 28) is famous actress Savannah’s PA.

There is an enemies to lovers vibe that is blurred with spice and then a happy ever after.
Briar and her Mom were frustrating at times. I mean I can get behind the psychology of abuse and not knowing how to escape but Briar’s Mom excusing the father’s behavior and actually missing him even 10 years later was a bit much. And then not even opening her eyes as her daughter was also abused is frustrating. Then a young Briar finds herself in an abusive relationship but once she escaped she should have been stronger. I mean filing a police report is not always going to work but at least she’s starting a process with the law. I didn’t really like her even in the end with her runaway stint.

[Terri Dye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished The Marine and I am so mad!! Furious, actually, that I made myself wait to finish another book before starting this one, because it was flipping amazing!! Aidan is dream material. Big, tattooed, protective and passionate plus he only has eyes for the one that got away. Briar is the lucky girl who once had his heart. Watching to see if they can navigate serious, realistic obstacles to find their happiness was a ride I would take over and over again. I highly recommend diving into this series. They can be read as a standalone but the world is built beautifully if you experience them all.

[Heather Brown- maddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a for sure sleep stealer. Once I started I did not want to put it down. Nothing more amazing and sexy then a man who loves with very fiber of his being and will do everything in his power to win over the heroine . Aidan and Briar’s love story will give you all of the feels!! They go through so much together – soooo many emotions from both characters it will for sure pull on your heart strings. Loved every moment of this story. Wish I could read it over for the first time again.

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aidan And Briar
If you like strong, protective, possessive ex-military men this series is just what you want to read. At least, I do! There is always a HEA, but not guaranteed without any problems. In this story it is the FMC, Briar, who is the victim of lifelong abuse, first by her father, later by her husband. The way JNB describes the problems a victim has to leave a situation like this and even the psychological abuse by her mother is well portrayed. For me the unexpected kink side of the MMC, Aidan, was a bit too much. Therefore ‘just’ 4*. Enjoyed it.

[Carol Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

HELP!

Think I need some security!!

I just love this series by Juliette and the Marine was a very good addition!

Without giving too much away, Aidan, part owner of Black Hawke Security, and Briar, personal assistant to Savannah have a history that didn’t end well.
They meet again after 10 years and sparks are still sizzling, but will it work out second time around? It seems everything is against them!

Well written with great sizzle! Juliette you’ve done it yet again! I just loved it!

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just had to binge, non stop read. Ten years later Briar is back in Aidan's life and he wants her back, but there's a lot of obstacles. Except for the death of her father, the big elephant in the room, she's still married to an abusive Kael. Emotional trauma has to be overcome, but Aidan persists. The truth about Kael is uncovered by BHS team. As always hot 🔥 and spicy 🌶️ Loved the book start to finish

[Kayley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay I’m sorry they stopped dating/talking for 10 years because of SOMETHING THAT WAS LITERALLY NEVER PROVEN?? He obviously didn’t kill your dad? And your mom is an absolute psychopath?? Also he actually had a plan that would have gone off without a hitch (for once in these books) and you had to go run away??? Absolute insanity. Regardless of all that I obviously ate this up and read it in 5 hours.

[JessicaA Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

on kindle. i loved this book. aidan has become one of my top bookbf. he was super hot, demanding, sexy and everything in between. i love all of ms juliette’s books. have every one of them on my kindle and some paperbacks. i highly recommend this book and her entire collection. she never disappoints. you will not regret it.

[Michelle Alleyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aidan and Briar’s story takes you on an emotional journey filled with both challenges and triumph. My heart wept for young Briar and what she went through, but made glad when she finally found the courage to begin her healing. Aidan is a Hot Alpha Male, Protector, and so Heroic! I was swooning the whole time 🤗 Yessss please ❤️ I want more from this series…. Can’t wait for Marshall’s story 😊

[Doroteja · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very good written book, with a lot of romance, spice and drama. 4 stars it's just because of my preference. It was a lot to take in. I realy couldn't get in the head of Briar. It was a lot to take in and understand. Some realy hard stuff and decisions I didn't know how to react. But it was a good book.

[Pam Bammann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just okay. It has a good plot, & I liked the MCs, plus enjoyed the cameos by characters from the previous books. However, it feels unpolished, like it’s a rough draft, not a finished book. Even the spicy scenes felt a little rushed & not well thought out. Could use better editing & organization.

[Vana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series so much. I love the writing. The characters. The storyline. All of it.
Aidan is freaking adorable. Briar is just, oh that poor sweet woman.
I love them together.

Second chance, ex military romance. There’s not a lot of spice, just a few scenes.

The storyline kept me engaged. I read this in one day.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super hot marine and beautiful first love lost. The book deals with very heavy topics. Read the trigger warnings closely. Lots of angst. Still a few laughs but fewer than the first two books. I’m glad I read it to get to know Aiden and Briar and to keep up with the series. But it got harder to read as it went on. Thank God for happy endings.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

 The Marine is such a wonderful and complex story it had me laughing, crying, fanning myself. Aiden and Briar are such a great couple that you will fall in love with. The bathroom scene will have you clinching your thighs together. The spice level is SO hot. This is a 5 star book, and a must read.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spent every free moment I had to read this book as fast as I could .  It pulled me in, did not let me go and now that i'm done with it,  wanna go back!! 
Aidan and Briar's story was emotionally  deep and amazing. And full of  so much love!
I think you're going to love them as much as I did.

[Dawn Louise Fredriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always worth reading

Juliette always writes steamy alpha men, always with character and charm and I always enjoy reading anything this lady writes! In fact I’ve read every book and I always preorder the next one!
I always devour in one go! X

[Jenn Mecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my GOD! The Marine had all the feels for me! Briar and Adian’s story was so beautiful, was rooting for them from the start. This series has not disappointed yet! Can’t wait to read the next books of these seriously hot and alpha military men!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette did not disappoint with this one either.
At first it was a little hard to get into, once you start reading it you will understand why.
I definitely recommend this series.
I just pre-ordered THE SOLDIER, can't wait.

[JOAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been loving this series and Aiden's story didn't disappoint. The banter between the members of the security team just gets better as we learn more about these characters. The steamy scenes with Briar were hot! I'm looking forward to reading Marshall's story next.

[Kim MacLeod · Rating 2 out of 5]

good although I would have liked a little bit more suspense between the husband and the male protagonist. it feel like it went a little too fast for my liking. also the female protagonist was a little bit hard to like.

[lori fehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoying the series

Love these hunks in uniform. Marine, Seal …
Loyalty runs deep. Protective, romantic and caring. HEA. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

[╰⊱♥⊱╮ღ꧁Kathy,Ahmazing Book Faerie꧂ღ╭⊱♥≺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another ok read. Thank goodness it wasn't another stalker!
Who is Adian?

[Nevena Bosnjak · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Diksha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was unique compared to the others in the series. I loved the plot and also enjoyed the sneak peeks of other characters from past books.

[Rona Nimmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has strong men , sassy women ,steamy activities isecret pasts and suspense that have you engrossed from beginning to end . An enjoyable easy read.

[brook byrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh. Briar is annoying af.

[SizzlingSpoilers BookReviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 🌶️