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Red, White and Built #1
Locked, Loaded and SEALed
A navy SEAL sniper turned bodyguard, he'll protect his target...at any cost...
The SEAL's secret assignment had been to protect a certain important doctor. But when the man is murdered, Austin Foley's mission changes. The navy sniper must now protect the doctor's protege, the irresistible Sophia Grant, at any cost. For Sophia has information that could endanger the entire country. There's only one Sophia has no idea what those secrets are.
With lethal terrorists on their heels, Austin and Sophia must embark on a covert operation. But it will mean placing Sophia even more in harm's way--a sacrifice not even the steel-hearted SEAL may be able to make.
Red, White and Built
The SEAL's secret assignment had been to protect a certain important doctor. But when the man is murdered, Austin Foley's mission changes. The navy sniper must now protect the doctor's protege, the irresistible Sophia Grant, at any cost. For Sophia has information that could endanger the entire country. There's only one Sophia has no idea what those secrets are.
With lethal terrorists on their heels, Austin and Sophia must embark on a covert operation. But it will mean placing Sophia even more in harm's way--a sacrifice not even the steel-hearted SEAL may be able to make.
Red, White and Built
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2017
38 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Carol Ericson
332 books117 followersBest-selling, award-winning romance author, Carol Ericson, has written more than 65 books, mostly romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue. Also indie pubbed, Carol is working on a spicy popstar romcom series about five members of a boyband. A California girl and graduate of UCLA, Carol lives near the beach with her husband and their giant dog. For more information about Carol’s books, please visit her website at www.authorcarolericson.com and follow her on Instagram @author.carol.ericson
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 22, 2018
Sophia Grant is shocked by the murder of her mentor, Dr Hamid Fazal, and even more shocked when she later gets into her car to discover Navy SEAL Austin Foley in wait for her, to tell her she's in danger! That's the first nonsensical element in a story that never made much sense to me. Why break into her car to warn her? I can think of 56 other ways you could give somebody the heads up! Anyway, the people behind Fazal's death seem intent on capturing Sophia, so Austin must protect her. Of course, while evading capture, they start to get an itch below the navel for each other.
It was a fast-paced story and easy to read. I enjoyed it. That's about as much as I can say. Ericson seems to have a bizarre fascination with what her characters eat. We learn as much about Sophia and Austin's eating habits as we do about them!
The book's major let-down was that the story just didn't seem to hold up from beginning to end. There are unanswered questions. The enemy threatening the hero and heroine is too faceless to generate the required suspense. Also, it ends very abruptly. It leaves story strands dangling for the follow-up books in the mini-series, but not in a way that annoyed me, as I felt that Sophia and Grant's story was resolved. (Take note Elle James and Jenna Kernan).
But I will outline why I felt the story didn't make much sense:
Okay, going over all of that has made me want to knock this down to a 2! But while I shouldn't reward sloppy and lazy writing, my attention was sufficiently diverted for me not to notice all the glaring errors and omissions until after I was finished! So, that's something.
It was a fast-paced story and easy to read. I enjoyed it. That's about as much as I can say. Ericson seems to have a bizarre fascination with what her characters eat. We learn as much about Sophia and Austin's eating habits as we do about them!
The book's major let-down was that the story just didn't seem to hold up from beginning to end. There are unanswered questions. The enemy threatening the hero and heroine is too faceless to generate the required suspense. Also, it ends very abruptly. It leaves story strands dangling for the follow-up books in the mini-series, but not in a way that annoyed me, as I felt that Sophia and Grant's story was resolved. (Take note Elle James and Jenna Kernan).
But I will outline why I felt the story didn't make much sense:
Okay, going over all of that has made me want to knock this down to a 2! But while I shouldn't reward sloppy and lazy writing, my attention was sufficiently diverted for me not to notice all the glaring errors and omissions until after I was finished! So, that's something.
February 10, 2017
‘Locked, Loaded and SEAled’ is a terribly cheesy title—even for a Harlequin’s category book—as it made me think of Christmas come early with guns involved. Which is really the furthest from what anyone can guess what the story would be about without reading the summary. Yet I’m still a mixed bag after finishing the book, mostly because because the parts that stretched my ability to suspend disbelief: a SEAL operating on home soil, finally taking a shot at a perp, yet not really getting intro trouble for it, to begin with. The leeway that Austin Foley had for a ’normal’ SEAL, his sudden insertion into the accidental role of bodyguard and even his dealings with the CIA/spec ops (we aren’t exactly told how it worked) made his involvement a little too convenient, and I simply felt the connections seemed tenuous and threads that were seemingly unrelated never quite clicked into place as they were supposed to.
Still, it was an easy read, with characters that were sort of sympathetic and likeable, though it dangerously skirted the instant love part after a few days of meeting and non-stop investigation. Austin did thankfully shape out to be more like a regular guy than the Marvel superhero (as spec ops characters are typically portrayed) but Sophia however, felt like a loose cannon or a wild card at times, her behaviour making it impossible to guess how she’d react to any given situation. So while Austin was easier to take in, there were times I was left scratching my head when Sophia said or did something I didn’t expect.
In short, there were bits that I liked and bits that still had me frowning in scepticism. But because it ended with some kind of huge leap in logic and in Austin/Sophia’s relationship, I finished the book wondering if I’d really missed something after all.
*ARC by netgalley
(still grateful, mind)
Still, it was an easy read, with characters that were sort of sympathetic and likeable, though it dangerously skirted the instant love part after a few days of meeting and non-stop investigation. Austin did thankfully shape out to be more like a regular guy than the Marvel superhero (as spec ops characters are typically portrayed) but Sophia however, felt like a loose cannon or a wild card at times, her behaviour making it impossible to guess how she’d react to any given situation. So while Austin was easier to take in, there were times I was left scratching my head when Sophia said or did something I didn’t expect.
In short, there were bits that I liked and bits that still had me frowning in scepticism. But because it ended with some kind of huge leap in logic and in Austin/Sophia’s relationship, I finished the book wondering if I’d really missed something after all.
*ARC by netgalley
(still grateful, mind)
March 29, 2017
The intense cover makes promises that the story delivers, and delivers well. I was mesmerized by the escalating tension and danger, the constant deadly attacks making it real and gruesome, someone really was after Sophia Grant, was willing to go to the extreme measures to find out what she knew, and for unknown reasons. The fact that even the characters themselves were not sure what the information was, that they were supposed to have, that had made them the target, gave desperate, fear-filled intensity to the tale, and kept me on my toes.
Sophia Grant had had a horrific childhood. As the little bits of facts of her past are revealed, I was craving more information about her. She had made a remarkable job to survive and make something of herself, despite the circumstances. I admired her, her guts and the bravery she demonstrates in the story.
Austin Foley had grown up in a big, loving family in Wyoming, and had the good old-fashioned family values, he had true gentleman manners and was willing to protect Sophia from any attack in any way he could. His kindness and gentleness with Sophia won me over. The attraction between them was intriguing, the passion they had for each other was fervent yet it was the tenderness and caring that made the feelings take root and bloom.
I enjoyed the story immensely, the fierceness of it, the uncertainty, the courage of the characters, and what they were willing to do and sacrifice to catch the terrorists. I wish there would have been a bit more about the characters themselves, even though the epilogue did open up a little bit more insights to them.
Delicate, poignant romance blossoming in the middle of a savage, violent, and fatal action-filled tale.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Sophia Grant had had a horrific childhood. As the little bits of facts of her past are revealed, I was craving more information about her. She had made a remarkable job to survive and make something of herself, despite the circumstances. I admired her, her guts and the bravery she demonstrates in the story.
Austin Foley had grown up in a big, loving family in Wyoming, and had the good old-fashioned family values, he had true gentleman manners and was willing to protect Sophia from any attack in any way he could. His kindness and gentleness with Sophia won me over. The attraction between them was intriguing, the passion they had for each other was fervent yet it was the tenderness and caring that made the feelings take root and bloom.
I enjoyed the story immensely, the fierceness of it, the uncertainty, the courage of the characters, and what they were willing to do and sacrifice to catch the terrorists. I wish there would have been a bit more about the characters themselves, even though the epilogue did open up a little bit more insights to them.
Delicate, poignant romance blossoming in the middle of a savage, violent, and fatal action-filled tale.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
March 22, 2017
This was a riveting thrill ride from start to finish. The book begins with Sophia finding her friend and mentor, a Pakistani-born doctor, dead in his ransacked office. Austin Foley is a Navy SEAL sniper who helped get the doctor out of Pakistan and away from the terrorists who wanted him dead; his guilt over failing to save the man a second time drives him to protect Sophia and together the two of them team up to find out just what was worth killing for.
In the process (because this IS a Harlequin) they fall for each other, of course. It's a very believable, action-packed romance and I have no hesitation in giving it five stars. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
In the process (because this IS a Harlequin) they fall for each other, of course. It's a very believable, action-packed romance and I have no hesitation in giving it five stars. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
March 25, 2017
I realized the second I started this book I was going to have to put reality out of my mind and enjoy the ride Carol Ericson. The story has action, romance, some great funny lines and a feisty female who readers will get behind.but remember to suspend disbelief.
The characters were very sympathetic and likable not to mention for once the male Seal wasn't a superhero just a regular guy doing the job he was called to do.
Very easy, fast enjoy read.
Thank you Netgalley for the Advance Copy
The characters were very sympathetic and likable not to mention for once the male Seal wasn't a superhero just a regular guy doing the job he was called to do.
Very easy, fast enjoy read.
Thank you Netgalley for the Advance Copy
January 15, 2020
After finding the Dr dead in his office. Sophia is in for a wild ride for her life. Austin to the rescue. Terrorist have reason to believe Sophia has information that could expose the plans. So much drama in such a short time leaves you reading on.
May 15, 2017
Good start to the new series, with plenty of action and romance. Sophia is the assistant to a doctor in Boston when she discovers him dead in his office and the office ransacked. Devastated by the loss of a man she thought of as a father, she is more than willing to help Austin find out who did it. Austin is a navy SEAL who had been sent to protect Dr. Fazal, but arrived too late. Instead he discovers Sophia, who may have information that the killers want, so he steps in to protect her. Unfortunately, Sophia has no idea what they are looking for, which puts she and Austin in the position of trying to figure it out and stay alive at the same time.
I liked Sophia. She is feisty and independent. Growing up in the foster system, daughter of substance abusers, she has learned to depend on herself. She's wary of trusting people, but her instincts tell her she can trust Austin. She's also able to think fast and adapt to what happens around her, which comes in handy during the story.
Austin was terrific. He and his team had helped get Fazal out of Pakistan when he was targeted by terrorists. He's not happy that he was too late to save him, and the failure bothers him. Realizing that Sophia is in danger gives him a chance to redeem himself in his eyes. Austin grew up in a large and loving family and demonstrates the gentlemanly manners he was raised with. I loved seeing how kind he was to Sophia and the respect with which he treated her.
I liked seeing the relationship grow between them. There's definitely attraction between them, but there is also genuine liking and respect. It was really sweet to see the way that Austin worried about Sophia, and took care of her. He also wants to be careful not to let his growing feelings distract him from keeping her safe. I liked that Sophia had good insights into Austin and understood his feelings about not saving Fazal. She's also quite sure that once the danger is over, Austin will be gone and she won't see him again. But when the shooting is all over, they realize that they belong together.
The suspense of the story was really good. From the moment Sophia discovers Fazal's body the amount of danger steadily increases. There is the question of what is the information they think she has? Does it have something to do with Fazal's secretive patient? Austin is pretty sure Fazal was targeted because of his connection to Austin and his SEAL team, but who is behind it? I enjoyed seeing Sophia become just as involved in the hunt as Austin is, in spite of his attempts to keep her safe. I was pretty sure I knew where the hidden information was, and turned out to be right. I was a bit more surprised by the identity of one of the bad guys, though it made sense once I knew. The final confrontation was intense, and I really liked Sophia's calm under fire reactions. I have a feeling that the pursuit of the main antagonist is going to be a theme throughout the series and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out.
I liked Sophia. She is feisty and independent. Growing up in the foster system, daughter of substance abusers, she has learned to depend on herself. She's wary of trusting people, but her instincts tell her she can trust Austin. She's also able to think fast and adapt to what happens around her, which comes in handy during the story.
Austin was terrific. He and his team had helped get Fazal out of Pakistan when he was targeted by terrorists. He's not happy that he was too late to save him, and the failure bothers him. Realizing that Sophia is in danger gives him a chance to redeem himself in his eyes. Austin grew up in a large and loving family and demonstrates the gentlemanly manners he was raised with. I loved seeing how kind he was to Sophia and the respect with which he treated her.
I liked seeing the relationship grow between them. There's definitely attraction between them, but there is also genuine liking and respect. It was really sweet to see the way that Austin worried about Sophia, and took care of her. He also wants to be careful not to let his growing feelings distract him from keeping her safe. I liked that Sophia had good insights into Austin and understood his feelings about not saving Fazal. She's also quite sure that once the danger is over, Austin will be gone and she won't see him again. But when the shooting is all over, they realize that they belong together.
The suspense of the story was really good. From the moment Sophia discovers Fazal's body the amount of danger steadily increases. There is the question of what is the information they think she has? Does it have something to do with Fazal's secretive patient? Austin is pretty sure Fazal was targeted because of his connection to Austin and his SEAL team, but who is behind it? I enjoyed seeing Sophia become just as involved in the hunt as Austin is, in spite of his attempts to keep her safe. I was pretty sure I knew where the hidden information was, and turned out to be right. I was a bit more surprised by the identity of one of the bad guys, though it made sense once I knew. The final confrontation was intense, and I really liked Sophia's calm under fire reactions. I have a feeling that the pursuit of the main antagonist is going to be a theme throughout the series and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out.
March 12, 2017
I have always enjoyed Carol Ericson’s books and was happy to receive this one for an honest review. The book was written well; however, it took me nearly three weeks to finish (and I did start it over when I was halfway through thinking maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for a SEAL book). I found the story interesting and Sophia Grant is the type of heroine I enjoy in books. She came from a broken background with no stability. And Austin Foley is the type of hero I love – strong and looking to protect the innocent. And the prologue seemed to promise a great story.
I found Sophia and Austin to be very two dimensional – not enough personality in either to make me really get invested in their safety or their romance. I wanted to like both of them, but they just didn’t spark any interest in me. And I thought they did really stupid things for people who were targets of terrorists. Austin would let Sophia leave their hotel room in order to get stuff from the vending machines, they went out for dinners, and they roamed around seeming oblivious to their surroundings. It just didn’t make sense to me.
A lot of weapon facts were included in the story. I have very limited knowledge of sniper rifles, so it could have been made up for all I know. I do know that I didn’t particularly need any of that information. There were peripheral deaths that didn’t seem to affect Sophia much. This could be a result of her upbringing, not sure; but I think she could have cared a bit more about her friends dying.
I’ve read other reviews on this book and others seem equally on the fence about it as I am. I DO look forward to the next installment of the Red, White and Built line because I know Carol Ericson will deliver better than this book.
All in all, it’s an okay story that could have been better. It was not up to Carol Ericson’s usual standard and that’s why I only gave it three stars. Really wanted to go three and a half.
I found Sophia and Austin to be very two dimensional – not enough personality in either to make me really get invested in their safety or their romance. I wanted to like both of them, but they just didn’t spark any interest in me. And I thought they did really stupid things for people who were targets of terrorists. Austin would let Sophia leave their hotel room in order to get stuff from the vending machines, they went out for dinners, and they roamed around seeming oblivious to their surroundings. It just didn’t make sense to me.
A lot of weapon facts were included in the story. I have very limited knowledge of sniper rifles, so it could have been made up for all I know. I do know that I didn’t particularly need any of that information. There were peripheral deaths that didn’t seem to affect Sophia much. This could be a result of her upbringing, not sure; but I think she could have cared a bit more about her friends dying.
I’ve read other reviews on this book and others seem equally on the fence about it as I am. I DO look forward to the next installment of the Red, White and Built line because I know Carol Ericson will deliver better than this book.
All in all, it’s an okay story that could have been better. It was not up to Carol Ericson’s usual standard and that’s why I only gave it three stars. Really wanted to go three and a half.
March 17, 2017
Sophia, a physical therapist in training, returns to the office to find Dr. Fazal, Hamid, dead and the office obviously searched. Though the police immediately suspect suicide, Sophia knows Hamid would never do that. He was like a father to her and definitely thought of her as a daughter.
"He wouldn't have left her like that--not like everyone else had." - Sophia
Austin, a SEAL, has a history with Hamid as his team had protected him before when he'd helped the US military locate a terrorist in his country. After Hamid placed a call to someone in intelligence with the concern that he was being watched, Austin was sent to protect him. Unfortunately, he arrived shortly after Sophia discovered Hamid's body.
Sophia, finally have the privacy to break down, is surprised, not to mention scared, upon seeing a man in her back seat. When he claims to be military and Hamid's friend, she agrees to hear him out.
After sharing his history with Hamid, Austin gets her agreement to inform him if anything else happens as he believes she may be in danger due to her relationship with Hamid. Shortly after that, Austin prevents a shooter from getting to Sophia and decides he's staying with her as long as his superiors will allow.
Though the signs are slight, Sophia can tell someone was in her home and the next day Austin moves her to his hotel room. Of course, being in such close proximity makes their attraction to one another harder to deny, as does learning it's mutual.
But Sophia, having only bad experiences with relationships in her life, believes Austin will leave the minute he gets new orders and she'll be left alone...yet again.
As Austin and Sophia work to uncover the killer's identity, as well as Hamid's mystery patient, they draw closer, which only strengthens the feelings growing between them.
“Don’t leave me. God, don’t ever leave me again.” - Austin
Who killed Hamid and why? Why are they after Sophia? What do they think she has or knows? Can Austin keep her safe? Is Austin connected due to his history with Hamid? Or is there another reason Austin hasn't yet discovered? What happens when the killer is caught? Will Austin have to leave Sophia for a new mission? Or will they stay together and fight for the love they've found?
One-click now and follow along as two people discover a love that can break through and defenses and overcome any obstacles.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
"He wouldn't have left her like that--not like everyone else had." - Sophia
Austin, a SEAL, has a history with Hamid as his team had protected him before when he'd helped the US military locate a terrorist in his country. After Hamid placed a call to someone in intelligence with the concern that he was being watched, Austin was sent to protect him. Unfortunately, he arrived shortly after Sophia discovered Hamid's body.
Sophia, finally have the privacy to break down, is surprised, not to mention scared, upon seeing a man in her back seat. When he claims to be military and Hamid's friend, she agrees to hear him out.
After sharing his history with Hamid, Austin gets her agreement to inform him if anything else happens as he believes she may be in danger due to her relationship with Hamid. Shortly after that, Austin prevents a shooter from getting to Sophia and decides he's staying with her as long as his superiors will allow.
Though the signs are slight, Sophia can tell someone was in her home and the next day Austin moves her to his hotel room. Of course, being in such close proximity makes their attraction to one another harder to deny, as does learning it's mutual.
But Sophia, having only bad experiences with relationships in her life, believes Austin will leave the minute he gets new orders and she'll be left alone...yet again.
As Austin and Sophia work to uncover the killer's identity, as well as Hamid's mystery patient, they draw closer, which only strengthens the feelings growing between them.
“Don’t leave me. God, don’t ever leave me again.” - Austin
Who killed Hamid and why? Why are they after Sophia? What do they think she has or knows? Can Austin keep her safe? Is Austin connected due to his history with Hamid? Or is there another reason Austin hasn't yet discovered? What happens when the killer is caught? Will Austin have to leave Sophia for a new mission? Or will they stay together and fight for the love they've found?
One-click now and follow along as two people discover a love that can break through and defenses and overcome any obstacles.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
November 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Sophia is the assistant to a doctor. She left work for the day. When she gets inside her car, she realized she had picked up some of his files. She gets back out of her car, and goes back up to the office. When she gets there, she found someone had broken into the office, and made a huge mess as they were looking for something. When she goes into the doctor’s office, she found her boss, and dear friend dead. The police were called, and they thought it was a suicide. She knew her friend would have never killed himself. It didn’t make since. After talking to police, she got back into her car ready to leave. That is when she found a guy in her backseat. He was an undercover Navy seal. She and Austin work together to find out who is behind the murder. Another person from the office was also murdered. Austin becomes Sophie’s personal body guard. This book has action, suspense, and romance. Austin may be Sophie’s body guard, but Sophie is a strong heroine who has taking care of herself most of life. No matter what is thrown her way, she deals with it. I loved that about her. This may be a case for Austin, but it becomes so much more. The two fell for each other really hard. Excellent book.
March 27, 2017
A really great start to a new series about a group of a Navy SEALs who are after a terrorist who has moved his plotting to places all over the world. In this first book SEAL Austin Foley is charged with protecting a doctor that his group help relocate. Unfortunately he is late to help the doctor but is needed to help protect the doctors protege who is now being hunted by the terrorists. Lots of excitement and suspense as we see how Austin and Sophia try and figure out and foil the plot.
July 28, 2017
For me, the only reason I've given it 3 stars is because I liked the dialogue between the two main characters. The story line itself did nothing for me. I wasn't interested at all in what they had to do or meet, and the only reason they seem to come out of it alive is through a lot of luck, especially since everyone involved seems to have died.
I didn't find the 'crime-novel' aspect of this novel very believable. But it's worth a read, purely for the relationship between Austin and Sophia.
I didn't find the 'crime-novel' aspect of this novel very believable. But it's worth a read, purely for the relationship between Austin and Sophia.
March 22, 2019
Enjoyed the story was surprised how Sophie met Austin following the death of the doctor.
Also how they became involved as lovers during all of the chaos involved in Sophie life with trying to killer her. Can't wait to read the second book in the series.
Also how they became involved as lovers during all of the chaos involved in Sophie life with trying to killer her. Can't wait to read the second book in the series.
October 22, 2018
This is a good book an series i am enjoying them
February 26, 2017
“Red, White and Built”, an exciting new romantic suspense series from author Carol Ericson, begins with “Locked, Loaded and SEALed”. Navy SEAL sniper Austin Foley is sent back to the US to protect Dr. Hamid Fazal, a former informant in the war on terrorism. However, Austin arrives too late to keep Dr. Fazal from being murdered, and now the doctor’s young assistant, Sophia Grant, seems to be the next target. Sophia is bright, beautiful, and street-smart—her young life as the child of substance abusers led to her growing up years being spent in various foster homes. Austin, the oldest of six children, grew up on a ranch in Wyoming. He’s cowboy-tough, cool, calm, and collected—but his attraction to Sophia is red-hot, and he can’t let his feelings get in the way of keeping her safe and completing his mission. Sophia knows her big, strong, handsome, green-eyed protector can’t stay around forever, but that doesn’t stop her from wishing he could be a permanent part of her life. As the two of them work together to solve the mystery of the doctor’s murder, they realize that it’s not just their lives at stake—it’s their hearts as well. A great beginning to a much-anticipated romantic suspense series from the talented Carol Ericson.
Book Copy Gratis Author
Book Copy Gratis Author
February 24, 2017
While it might seem unorthodox to have a Navy SEAL operating on American soil, the author crafts her story to explain the "why"....... a foreign doctor who came to America years ago to escape terrorism suddenly turns up dead just before a Navy SEAL was going to protect him and now Austin Foley needs to protect that doctor's protege', Sophia, because it appears that she is next on the terrorists' list! On the run in Boston, Austin and Sophia seem to be one step ahead of the people trying to kill Sophia but who are these people and what do they want? Obviously the doctor had some information they wanted but Sophia has no idea what that was! I love all the cloak and dagger stuff! There are twists and turns and it's fun trying to decide what will happen next.
This series will focus on the members of Austin's sniper unit so I can't wait to meet the others. We don't know who the others are, which is unusual for a series. What a fun way to hook the reader! Austin and Sophia are a fun couple. Sophia is an interesting woman, with a somewhat sad past so I enjoyed watching Austin breaking down her barriers. I really enjoyed the ending too! I hope they will be in other books!
This series will focus on the members of Austin's sniper unit so I can't wait to meet the others. We don't know who the others are, which is unusual for a series. What a fun way to hook the reader! Austin and Sophia are a fun couple. Sophia is an interesting woman, with a somewhat sad past so I enjoyed watching Austin breaking down her barriers. I really enjoyed the ending too! I hope they will be in other books!
February 10, 2017
A great start to a new series. I recommend it.
August 29, 2024
This is the 1st book I read by Carol Ericson. The beginning of this story had my attention but as I read on it lost it. This story didn't have enough action for me.
March 26, 2017
4 1/2 STARS!
Exciting from the first page and filled with lots of mystery and a touch of romance to grab our attention. The characters are a pleasure to get to know. The ending seemed really abrupt, but we did get a small look into what happened afterwards with an epilogue. Looking forward to more to come in this new series!
Navy SEAL Austin Foley was sent on special assignment to protect a doctor who had put himself in danger previously to help the good guys, but before he can make it there, the doctor winds up dead and his protege Sophia Grant is in danger!
Sophia has no idea what the killers think she may have. She didn't know anything about her mentor's secret mission and can't give them secrets she doesn't have! As bodies start piling up, they race against danger to try to figure out what information got the doctor killed and how they can stop the terrorists. Along the way, Sophia and Austin grow close and can't imagine walking away from each other when this whole mess is over ... will they get the chance to see what the future holds or will the bad guys find them first?
Exciting from the first page and filled with lots of mystery and a touch of romance to grab our attention. The characters are a pleasure to get to know. The ending seemed really abrupt, but we did get a small look into what happened afterwards with an epilogue. Looking forward to more to come in this new series!
Navy SEAL Austin Foley was sent on special assignment to protect a doctor who had put himself in danger previously to help the good guys, but before he can make it there, the doctor winds up dead and his protege Sophia Grant is in danger!
Sophia has no idea what the killers think she may have. She didn't know anything about her mentor's secret mission and can't give them secrets she doesn't have! As bodies start piling up, they race against danger to try to figure out what information got the doctor killed and how they can stop the terrorists. Along the way, Sophia and Austin grow close and can't imagine walking away from each other when this whole mess is over ... will they get the chance to see what the future holds or will the bad guys find them first?
March 27, 2017
After a tough childhood Sophia is at a better point of her life working along side a doctor who believed she was capable of more. Unfortunately after coming back to the office on night she finds the office ransacked and the doctor dead on the floor. There is more to his death and there are people who believe that Sophia knows more then she lets on. Austin who was supposed to watch over the doc is now looking after Sophia until the person who is after her caught.
You know what after reading that you know its gonna be a good action packed, mystery thriller and it really was. This book was fast paced with small moments of rest before the characters had to go off running or hiding from who was after all the while trying to figure out what was the doctor into before his death. I loved that there was so much going on that I had a hard time putting down the book. I loved that Sophia was a strong character and although she went through plenty of bumps in the road while growing up she met someone who genuinely believe in her worth and she did well for herself. I loved the romance between the two and the story was unique, fun, and interesting.
You know what after reading that you know its gonna be a good action packed, mystery thriller and it really was. This book was fast paced with small moments of rest before the characters had to go off running or hiding from who was after all the while trying to figure out what was the doctor into before his death. I loved that there was so much going on that I had a hard time putting down the book. I loved that Sophia was a strong character and although she went through plenty of bumps in the road while growing up she met someone who genuinely believe in her worth and she did well for herself. I loved the romance between the two and the story was unique, fun, and interesting.
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April 19, 2017received 4 1/2 stars @ harlequin.com (as of 4/19/17). To view reviews, go HERE> http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.ht...
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April 2, 2017
April 9, 2017
The book was written well and the cover is eye catching; however, it just didn’t pack the punch I was expecting from one of Carol’s books. The action begins as Sophia finds her mentor dead and his office ransacked.
In the time they spend together they develop a relationship. I liked that Sophia took the initiative in the physical relationship. I am a fan of military suspense books, but this one was missing that chemistry that draws you in to love the characters and anticipate their relationship taking it to the next level.
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
In the time they spend together they develop a relationship. I liked that Sophia took the initiative in the physical relationship. I am a fan of military suspense books, but this one was missing that chemistry that draws you in to love the characters and anticipate their relationship taking it to the next level.
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
April 9, 2017
Sophia Grant works with Dr. Hamid Fazel; a man who helped US forces in Pakistan identify terrorists. Now Dr. Fazel has been murdered and the people who did it thinks she has information on a terrorist known only as Vlad.
Dr. Fazel lead Austin Foley's unit to the terrorist camps he knew of and then Austin and his unit helped get Dr. Fazel out of the country. When the government picked up chatter that Dr. Fazel might be in danger, Austin's higher ups loaned him out to "Ariel." Who sent him on a mission to protect Dr. Fazel, only Austin arrived too late to save him. Austin arrived just in time to save Sophia whom Dr. Fazel loved like a daughter.
Now Austin and Sophia must dodge hitmen, terrorists, her Spark date and try to figure out what the mysterious Peter Patel told Dr. Fazel.
Dr. Fazel lead Austin Foley's unit to the terrorist camps he knew of and then Austin and his unit helped get Dr. Fazel out of the country. When the government picked up chatter that Dr. Fazel might be in danger, Austin's higher ups loaned him out to "Ariel." Who sent him on a mission to protect Dr. Fazel, only Austin arrived too late to save him. Austin arrived just in time to save Sophia whom Dr. Fazel loved like a daughter.
Now Austin and Sophia must dodge hitmen, terrorists, her Spark date and try to figure out what the mysterious Peter Patel told Dr. Fazel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2017
Locked, Loaded and SEALed starts out with a bang and keeps building. Sophia and Austin have great chemistry and this roller coaster plot kept me on the edge of my seat. This is the start to the Red White and Built series and I look forward to the next books.
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