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Troubleshooters #16.6
Free Fall
What should be an easy HAHO training jump for SEAL Team Sixteen goes wrong, forcing Navy SEAL Izzy Zanella to do what he does best: Improvise. At thirty thousand feet. (About 12,000 words or 50 pages)
Suzanne Brockmann, bestselling author of the pulse-pounding Troubleshooters series, has been hailed by USA Today as a “superstar of romantic suspense.” In this original short story, available exclusively as an eBook, Brockmann returns with some of her most beloved characters from the Troubleshooters world: Izzy Zanella and his friends in U.S. Navy SEAL Team Sixteen.
Suzanne Brockmann, bestselling author of the pulse-pounding Troubleshooters series, has been hailed by USA Today as a “superstar of romantic suspense.” In this original short story, available exclusively as an eBook, Brockmann returns with some of her most beloved characters from the Troubleshooters world: Izzy Zanella and his friends in U.S. Navy SEAL Team Sixteen.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
79 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Brockmann
250 books3,560 followersAfter childhood plans to become the captain of a starship didn’t pan out, Suzanne Brockmann took her fascination with military history, her respect for the men and women who serve, her reverence for diversity, and her love of storytelling, and explored brave new worlds as a bestselling romance author.
Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.
In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.
Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.
In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
June 26, 2023
2023 Update
I listened to the story this time and my original comments still hold true except it’s even better on audio. Lawlor and Ewbank portray beloved characters in a way that made them more vivid.
2017 Review
While this is a very short story, it resonates with strong, relevant messages.
Members of SEAL Team Sixteen conduct a training jump that goes horrifically wrong at 30,000 feet. Izzy Zanelli, Tony Vlachic, Danny Gillman and Tony Lopez are all participating. Meanwhile, Eden and Dan's 16-year old brother Ben gets into some trouble at school, requiring Adam Wyndham to visit the school and help resolve the issue.
The action related to the jump-gone-wrong was pretty exciting and breathtaking (pun intended). It's classic Izzy at his craziest and finest. I also enjoyed seeing an update involving Ben and getting insight as to how he's doing now that he's been rescued from his abysmal home situation. Lastly, we're also given a glimpse of the additional family support within the SEAL community, this time between the spouses/significant others of the Team. I loved what they created amongst themselves.
In a few pages, Brockmann reinforced the meaning of community, brotherhood and family. And, even with the strides in tolerance of the LGBTQ community, there's still work to be done. Loved it.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
I listened to the story this time and my original comments still hold true except it’s even better on audio. Lawlor and Ewbank portray beloved characters in a way that made them more vivid.
2017 Review
While this is a very short story, it resonates with strong, relevant messages.
Members of SEAL Team Sixteen conduct a training jump that goes horrifically wrong at 30,000 feet. Izzy Zanelli, Tony Vlachic, Danny Gillman and Tony Lopez are all participating. Meanwhile, Eden and Dan's 16-year old brother Ben gets into some trouble at school, requiring Adam Wyndham to visit the school and help resolve the issue.
The action related to the jump-gone-wrong was pretty exciting and breathtaking (pun intended). It's classic Izzy at his craziest and finest. I also enjoyed seeing an update involving Ben and getting insight as to how he's doing now that he's been rescued from his abysmal home situation. Lastly, we're also given a glimpse of the additional family support within the SEAL community, this time between the spouses/significant others of the Team. I loved what they created amongst themselves.
In a few pages, Brockmann reinforced the meaning of community, brotherhood and family. And, even with the strides in tolerance of the LGBTQ community, there's still work to be done. Loved it.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
June 3, 2023
3 Stars for Free Fall (audiobook) by Suzanne Brockman read by Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank.
Things go wrong during a training jump for this group of Navy Seals. This forces Izzy Zanella to risk his life to save his friend.
Things go wrong during a training jump for this group of Navy Seals. This forces Izzy Zanella to risk his life to save his friend.
June 9, 2023
06/08/2023 - I LOVE IZZY!!!! Izzy saves Tony's life. Ben is really growing into the man he should be. He defends a weaker boy and stands up to a bully. It really takes a village to raise kids, just not the village Hillary Clinton thinks of.
02/17/1917 - I listened to the Audio version and the narration was split with Patrick Lawler doing the boys and Melanie Eubank doing the girls. It was fantastic! For a short story there is a whole lot packed in.
HAHO jump goes wrong and Izzy must put his life in danger to save his teammate, Tony.
Ben Gillman gets in a fight with a (possible homophobic) bully at school and remembers the self-defense tactics taught to him by the SEALs.
SEAL Tony's actor fiancé (Adam) looses a role he really wanted and offers advice to Ben.
A very pregnant Jen and Eden are at a baby shower in Napa and Eden calls Adam to deal with Ben.
02/17/1917 - I listened to the Audio version and the narration was split with Patrick Lawler doing the boys and Melanie Eubank doing the girls. It was fantastic! For a short story there is a whole lot packed in.
HAHO jump goes wrong and Izzy must put his life in danger to save his teammate, Tony.
Ben Gillman gets in a fight with a (possible homophobic) bully at school and remembers the self-defense tactics taught to him by the SEALs.
SEAL Tony's actor fiancé (Adam) looses a role he really wanted and offers advice to Ben.
A very pregnant Jen and Eden are at a baby shower in Napa and Eden calls Adam to deal with Ben.
December 23, 2014
Any story ( no matter how short--and this story is very short, unfortunately) featuring Izzy Zanella heroics (during a dangerous HAHO jump) is 5 stars for me.
The jump...
Izzy...
Subplots include young Ben Gillman taking on a bully at school; a very pregnant Jen and Eden at a shower in San Fran; and Tony's actor fiancé (Adam) offering advice to Ben.
But the best part of this very short story is Izzy--what a guy!
The jump...
Izzy...
Subplots include young Ben Gillman taking on a bully at school; a very pregnant Jen and Eden at a shower in San Fran; and Tony's actor fiancé (Adam) offering advice to Ben.
But the best part of this very short story is Izzy--what a guy!
June 15, 2023
The guys of U.S. Navy SEAL Team Sixteen are training by doing high altitude jumps. These jumps out of a plane begin at 30,000 feet and it takes them a long time to actually get their feet back to earth. While jumping, something goes wrong and one of the team members is in danger. Izzy Zanella jumps into action to help save his teammate.
This story was way too short but very entertaining. My rating: 4 Stars.
2023 Re-read: I'm re-reading the series with a Goodreads group. This time around I'm listening to the audiobooks. This story pulls you in from the very beginning. It's great to be back with Izzy and the others in Seal Team Sixteen.
This story was way too short but very entertaining. My rating: 4 Stars.
2023 Re-read: I'm re-reading the series with a Goodreads group. This time around I'm listening to the audiobooks. This story pulls you in from the very beginning. It's great to be back with Izzy and the others in Seal Team Sixteen.
March 20, 2015
Troubleshooters was a series that demolished reading boundaries for me. I have never been the type of reader that enjoys contemporary suspense novels. When anyone recommended them to me I politely nod but I usually forget about the books pretty quickly. So, I’m ashamed to admit that when my friend and co-blogger Regina began pushing this series on me I was secretly reluctant. It wasn’t until one of our mutual friends asked me if I wanted to Buddy read it with her that I finally gave it a shot.
To make a long story short, I loved them. I loved them so much. They are the very best contemporary suspense novels that I’ve ever read.
Of the entire series, Izzy Zanella was the shining star. Izzy Zanella is one of the best fictional heroes that I’ve ever read in any series. Top 5, no questions asked. The best part is that he’s one of Suzanne Brockmann’s favorite heroes too, she’s said so. That means a good majority of her short stories feature, or at least highlight, Izzy.
This book was no exception. It was Izzy heavy and awesome. He’s just spectacular. In addition to all the Izzy, we also got a sweet story that included Ben and Adam. I’ll tell you, it really made me want a book about Ben. I hope that she writes that story sometime down the line. Free Fall was only about 50 pages, but every one of those pages was seriously amazing. Every one of those pages was worthy of 5 stars.
After finishing this book all I want is to pick up the first Troubleshooters book, The Unsung Hero, and reread them all over again.
See this and other great reviews at Badass Book Reviews!
To make a long story short, I loved them. I loved them so much. They are the very best contemporary suspense novels that I’ve ever read.
Of the entire series, Izzy Zanella was the shining star. Izzy Zanella is one of the best fictional heroes that I’ve ever read in any series. Top 5, no questions asked. The best part is that he’s one of Suzanne Brockmann’s favorite heroes too, she’s said so. That means a good majority of her short stories feature, or at least highlight, Izzy.
This book was no exception. It was Izzy heavy and awesome. He’s just spectacular. In addition to all the Izzy, we also got a sweet story that included Ben and Adam. I’ll tell you, it really made me want a book about Ben. I hope that she writes that story sometime down the line. Free Fall was only about 50 pages, but every one of those pages was seriously amazing. Every one of those pages was worthy of 5 stars.
After finishing this book all I want is to pick up the first Troubleshooters book, The Unsung Hero, and reread them all over again.
See this and other great reviews at Badass Book Reviews!
June 4, 2017
This one is way too short, but oh so good. Always happy to be in Izzy's world even when he's in a bad situation. No one sports the hero/superman cape like he does!! The sense of family and having each other's back shines through in this one. Also enjoyed getting a little more of Ben's story. Great little novella - A Must Read.
January 4, 2015
Suzanne Brockmann has written some of the best action/romance I've read over the years. I've always liked her characters immensely. I still do. Here in Free Fall, a short story featuring Izzy and Eden, Tony and Adam, Jay Lopez, and also Ben Gillman, Danny's teenage brother, who has it happens, is also gay.
The SEALS team is on a HAHO (High altitude parachute drop), and things go a little haywire. On the other hand, young Ben's gotten into fight at school defending some younger kids again bullies. Ben is such a cutie.
Once again, I think it's great that Brockmann is such a champion for the male gays, and she's very tasteful about it, but when all that is said, I prefer her earlier work, when the gay factor wasn't all that prominent. I miss the first Troubleshooters. The fans know who those are.
The SEALS team is on a HAHO (High altitude parachute drop), and things go a little haywire. On the other hand, young Ben's gotten into fight at school defending some younger kids again bullies. Ben is such a cutie.
Once again, I think it's great that Brockmann is such a champion for the male gays, and she's very tasteful about it, but when all that is said, I prefer her earlier work, when the gay factor wasn't all that prominent. I miss the first Troubleshooters. The fans know who those are.
December 26, 2014
This was a lovely little Christmas present I gave myself. You have to love Izzy!! I never get tired of his reactions to situations. I am happy, happy, happy to have my Troubleshooters back!
November 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this novella (#16.6) in Suzanne Brockmann's "Troubleshooter" series!
March 29, 2015
As usual...excellent!
June 3, 2023
2.5 stars, rounded to 3
I'm glad I got this from the library - I'd have hated to have paid for it. It is a nice story. I have much preferred that this was part of a bigger story. The SEALs are training and this time it's a HAHO jump (high altitude high opening). Of course, there is a malfunction and Izzy takes the lead in figuring out how to get everyone (including himself) down safely. There's a side story about Ben (Eden's younger brother) that seems only inserted so the author has a gay storyline - it really seems to add nothing to the main story. There's no romance and very little suspense. I'm only reading this as part of a group read of the series and am looking forward to returning to the novels. The short stories have been disappointing.
I'm glad I got this from the library - I'd have hated to have paid for it. It is a nice story. I have much preferred that this was part of a bigger story. The SEALs are training and this time it's a HAHO jump (high altitude high opening). Of course, there is a malfunction and Izzy takes the lead in figuring out how to get everyone (including himself) down safely. There's a side story about Ben (Eden's younger brother) that seems only inserted so the author has a gay storyline - it really seems to add nothing to the main story. There's no romance and very little suspense. I'm only reading this as part of a group read of the series and am looking forward to returning to the novels. The short stories have been disappointing.
July 15, 2017
This was a fun, multi POV short story. The full length books have so much plot, it was nice just to spend time with the characters. And I'm looking forward to seeing where Ben's story goes.
December 30, 2014
I really love this series and thought it was done, so I was super excited to see this one come out, even if it was only a short story. It does focus on the couples that were in the later books, but that's ok with me as there were some great ones there.
I liked the 2 different aspects to this story, the part with the SEAL's and then the part with their loved ones. I have to say what happened with the SEAL's was crazy and had me holding my breath. For those that know this series it should come to no surprise that Izzy was at the center of the crazy. Izzy really had to make a tough choice, but as things worked out in the end, it was the right one to make.
The stuff with Ben sort of made me laugh. I loved that as the drama ramped up he heard the voices of the others, sometimes advising him against, sometimes giving him advice on what to do better. I loved how Ben stood up for himself in a very sneaky way at the end!
Looks like there will be another short coming out in a few months, I can't wait!
I liked the 2 different aspects to this story, the part with the SEAL's and then the part with their loved ones. I have to say what happened with the SEAL's was crazy and had me holding my breath. For those that know this series it should come to no surprise that Izzy was at the center of the crazy. Izzy really had to make a tough choice, but as things worked out in the end, it was the right one to make.
The stuff with Ben sort of made me laugh. I loved that as the drama ramped up he heard the voices of the others, sometimes advising him against, sometimes giving him advice on what to do better. I loved how Ben stood up for himself in a very sneaky way at the end!
Looks like there will be another short coming out in a few months, I can't wait!
December 23, 2014
Baaasically after having read WHEN TONY MET ADAM and then BREAKING THE RULES what I told my best friend was that all I wanted was for Adam (by way of Tony) to get to be included as part of the ever-extending Gillman/Zanella clan. SO BASICALLY THIS MADE ME THE HAPPIEST. It is extremely short and extremely light on plot, but honestly all I want is to roll around in the family aspects. (And domesticity and people just having shenanigans and playing off each other is something Brockmann does extremely well -- that shows up a lot in the later Jules and Robin stuff.) Oh and ALSO interesting things are happening with my criminally underused fave Jay, which makes me very pleased indeed.
Honestly this is probably only a 3- or 4-star affair in most ways. There's not a lot of There there. But the fact of the matter is it makes me so gleeful just to see these characters living their regular daily lives that I'm giving it five, and will probably read it a dozen times. I'm so easy.
Honestly this is probably only a 3- or 4-star affair in most ways. There's not a lot of There there. But the fact of the matter is it makes me so gleeful just to see these characters living their regular daily lives that I'm giving it five, and will probably read it a dozen times. I'm so easy.
October 23, 2021
10/2021 - Audio, updated review below
3/2017 - This is a fun & action packed short story that was originally included as a bonus in Brockmann’s YA book, “Night Sky”
It’s also kind of the first half of a storyline that continues in Home Fire Inferno (they’ve since been bundled into a single paperback or ebook, they remain only as individual audios).
While the ebook, esp bundle is a good deal, the price point for an under 90min audio is disappointing.
That said - it’s a fun story. A great way to catch up on the Gillman/Zanella clan, Tony & Adam, and a little on a few others. Combined with Home Fire Inferno it’s a solid entry into the Troubleshooters series.
Patrick Lawlor & Melanie Ewbank are great. I do wish Ewbank’s Izzy sounded less like her voice for Sam in previous books, but it was still enjoyable.
Note: Ready to Roll is further continuation of these storylines and I’d consider them a trilogy of sorts. Though Ready to Roll is book-length at 6 hours.
3/2017 - This is a fun & action packed short story that was originally included as a bonus in Brockmann’s YA book, “Night Sky”
It’s also kind of the first half of a storyline that continues in Home Fire Inferno (they’ve since been bundled into a single paperback or ebook, they remain only as individual audios).
While the ebook, esp bundle is a good deal, the price point for an under 90min audio is disappointing.
That said - it’s a fun story. A great way to catch up on the Gillman/Zanella clan, Tony & Adam, and a little on a few others. Combined with Home Fire Inferno it’s a solid entry into the Troubleshooters series.
Patrick Lawlor & Melanie Ewbank are great. I do wish Ewbank’s Izzy sounded less like her voice for Sam in previous books, but it was still enjoyable.
Note: Ready to Roll is further continuation of these storylines and I’d consider them a trilogy of sorts. Though Ready to Roll is book-length at 6 hours.
December 23, 2014
It's a short story but I didn't feel cheated. Even though Izzy always takes the spotlight whenever he's in a scene, Adam, Tony's fiance stars in this story as well. I loved Adam's anti-hero, still a bit rough around the edges quality. Eden also is as spunky as ever. Suzanne always writes fulfilling short stories and this one is no different. It will be a reread for me!
January 29, 2015
Excellent, as usual, from Suze and Team Sixteen. And as usual, too, Izzy never fail to make me rolling in the floor, laughing my ass off. But, alas, the story is way too short, and couldn't satisfy ma addiction to this series :D Can't wait for Suze's anthology. Is Jay 'left behind' because of the busted knee? Argh...I'd definitely going crazy if that anthology not gonna release soon :D
January 21, 2017
I listened to the audio from my library. The narration was AWESOME!! The story was really good too. If you haven't read the Troubleshooter series this short won't make any sense. But its a must read for series fans. I was so happy to visit with these characters again, and to hear that Adam and Tony are engaged, just so awwww. Really nice to see Adam mature and be happy. I love this series!!!
January 30, 2015
A wonderful short story centering around Izzy, Adam and Ben as focused characters in the story. To add to the fun, the story involves Eden, Tony, and Jay. Izzy is Izzy and that means this is funny and really enjoyable. I just wish we could have another full length novel.
December 23, 2014
This was adorable, even if none of my favorite characters were in it. It was nice to see Adam in a story where he's a functioning adult. And I would be happy to read a zillion more stories about Ben.
December 26, 2014
Great short story! And now I'm back in the Troubleshooter universe :)
July 26, 2016
Great novella from my favourite romantic suspense series.
Izzy..what a hero. Sigh!
Izzy..what a hero. Sigh!
September 26, 2023
Las últimas entregas de los Troubleshooters suelen ser como esta: relatos cortos con sus personajes favoritos. Brockmann se resiste a dejarlos ir. Esta es una de las tres Izzy Novellas, o sea, cuentecillos protagonizados por quien tiene toda la pinta de ser uno de los personajes favoritos de Brockmann, Izzy Zanella. A mí me parece algo botarate, pero bueno. Esto es breve, no sé si llega a cien páginas y, ya lo dije en mi blog, más que nada son «instantáneas de un día normal»
En un arriesgado salto HAHO, a Izzy le toca ponerse en plan heroico para salvar a un compañero mientras bajan en caída libre. Ni él ni otro familiar puede recoger a Ben en el instituto cuando se mete en problemas. Nadie... salvo Adam, el actor ex de Jules y pareja ahora del SEAL Vlachic.
Relato que se deja leer bien y resulta entretenido. Ahora, no creo que interese a nadie que no sea fan de la serie.
En un arriesgado salto HAHO, a Izzy le toca ponerse en plan heroico para salvar a un compañero mientras bajan en caída libre. Ni él ni otro familiar puede recoger a Ben en el instituto cuando se mete en problemas. Nadie... salvo Adam, el actor ex de Jules y pareja ahora del SEAL Vlachic.
Relato que se deja leer bien y resulta entretenido. Ahora, no creo que interese a nadie que no sea fan de la serie.
October 30, 2019
Free Fall by Suzanne Brockmann
A team of SEAL's are in high jump with oxygen and one finds things goes wrong. Izzy leaves his descent to help Tony-just barely breathing.
One chute is gone and he relies on his reserve one. Like all the math involved in the jump, never released it was that precise.
While women are up in Napa at a baby shower their son gets in trouble at school and a brother is called to go rescue him. He is hding that he probably has broken ribs and maybe other problems.
So realistic and up to date as they are discussing gay men in the military and they are not shunned anymore.
Lots of action, I feel as if I am there falling from the sky, the details are so descriptive. Love the horsing around they do but they are also as serious when they need to be.
Such comradely. Love names they have for each other. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
A team of SEAL's are in high jump with oxygen and one finds things goes wrong. Izzy leaves his descent to help Tony-just barely breathing.
One chute is gone and he relies on his reserve one. Like all the math involved in the jump, never released it was that precise.
While women are up in Napa at a baby shower their son gets in trouble at school and a brother is called to go rescue him. He is hding that he probably has broken ribs and maybe other problems.
So realistic and up to date as they are discussing gay men in the military and they are not shunned anymore.
Lots of action, I feel as if I am there falling from the sky, the details are so descriptive. Love the horsing around they do but they are also as serious when they need to be.
Such comradely. Love names they have for each other. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
February 19, 2018
I can’t believe it’s been over 6 yrs since my last visit with Seal Team 6. This short story was like coming home. I’d forgotten how much I loved this series. It may be time for a re-listen now that the earlier books have been re-recorded by Patrick Lawlor, who is
the voice
of the series to me and one of the reasons I fell in love with it in the first place. Although I do prefer Renee Raudman’s narration to Melanie Ewbanks ( just not a fan of her voice), the story was still wonderful and left me wanting more!!
October 19, 2017
Too short to really get into but the novella packs a lot into it!
A training parachute jump goes horrifically wrong and one member of the SEALS group has to make life or death decisions.
Meanwhile, in high school, the youngest member of the family, Ben, gets into trouble defending victims of bullying.
A training parachute jump goes horrifically wrong and one member of the SEALS group has to make life or death decisions.
Meanwhile, in high school, the youngest member of the family, Ben, gets into trouble defending victims of bullying.
July 29, 2017
Brockmann rocks!!
The continuing stories of the SEAL team are excellent, as always! Her name on the book is an automatic purchase for me, and she never disappoints! Love visiting with these characters and recommend any of her books!!
The continuing stories of the SEAL team are excellent, as always! Her name on the book is an automatic purchase for me, and she never disappoints! Love visiting with these characters and recommend any of her books!!
February 27, 2019
Love these books!
Enjoy reading and rereading Brockmann's stories. Her characters make me laugh and cry. They are super awesome. Brockmann is one of very few authors that I am willing to buy in hardcover.
Enjoy reading and rereading Brockmann's stories. Her characters make me laugh and cry. They are super awesome. Brockmann is one of very few authors that I am willing to buy in hardcover.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews