What do you think?
Rate this book
Troubleshooters #14
Dark of Night
Taking on the world’s deadliest criminals is what the elite security force Troubleshooters Incorporated does best. But now they face a new and powerful threat from their most lethal enemy yet–a shadowy government outfit known only as The Agency.
For years, operative James Nash has performed ultra-covert “Black Ops” missions for The Agency, but when he decide to walk away from their dirty work, his corrupt bosses aren’t about to let him go. After Nash is nearly assassinated, Troubleshooters team leader Lawrence Decker launches a skillful deception to neutralize the threat and protect his friend. With the FBI’s help, Decker fakes Nash’s death, then brings him to a safe house with his fiancée, Tess Bailey, to recover from his injuries and strategize their next move.
Only a handful of people know that Nash is still alive–and fellow Troubleshooters Dave Malkoff, Sophia Ghaffari, and receptionist Tracy Shapiro aren’t among them. Believing that Nash is dead and that Decker has begun a romantic relationship with Tess, Sophia settles for second best and begins a love affair with Dave, who has adored her for years. But Tracy puts two and two together, discovering the truth about Nash–much to Decker’s dismay.
As passions flare, Decker struggles to keep his scheme afloat, and to keep Nash alive. But when he finds himself targeted for death, the game turns even more perilous, and Sophia, Tracy, and Dave are swept into the deadly play. Under fire and racing to unmask their relentless adversary, the Troubleshooters know that the closer they get, the greater the risks. But sacrifices and consequences come with the territory. Forced to choose between love and loyalty, they are no longer just solving a crime–they’re fighting for survival.
For years, operative James Nash has performed ultra-covert “Black Ops” missions for The Agency, but when he decide to walk away from their dirty work, his corrupt bosses aren’t about to let him go. After Nash is nearly assassinated, Troubleshooters team leader Lawrence Decker launches a skillful deception to neutralize the threat and protect his friend. With the FBI’s help, Decker fakes Nash’s death, then brings him to a safe house with his fiancée, Tess Bailey, to recover from his injuries and strategize their next move.
Only a handful of people know that Nash is still alive–and fellow Troubleshooters Dave Malkoff, Sophia Ghaffari, and receptionist Tracy Shapiro aren’t among them. Believing that Nash is dead and that Decker has begun a romantic relationship with Tess, Sophia settles for second best and begins a love affair with Dave, who has adored her for years. But Tracy puts two and two together, discovering the truth about Nash–much to Decker’s dismay.
As passions flare, Decker struggles to keep his scheme afloat, and to keep Nash alive. But when he finds himself targeted for death, the game turns even more perilous, and Sophia, Tracy, and Dave are swept into the deadly play. Under fire and racing to unmask their relentless adversary, the Troubleshooters know that the closer they get, the greater the risks. But sacrifices and consequences come with the territory. Forced to choose between love and loyalty, they are no longer just solving a crime–they’re fighting for survival.
418 pages, Hardcover
First published January 27, 2009
227 people are currently reading
1668 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Brockmann
253 books3,573 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
February 28, 2023
the setup…
James Nash walked away from his former role as an operative for The Agency where he performed deeply covert black ops missions and began working for Troubleshooters. He’s also engaged to fellow Troubleshooters operative Tess Bailey who met him when they both worked for The Agency. But when it became clear that his former bosses wouldn’t allow him to just leave, it was also equally as clear they wanted him dead. His best friend and Troubleshooters Team Leader Lawrence Decker concocted a scheme to fake his death while he and the FBI conducted a secret investigation to figure out who was managing the corrupt mission. Only Tess, FBI Agent Jules Cassidy and Decker know the truth, keeping him in a safe house while he recovered from the last assassination attempt. Meanwhile, their friends and coworkers move on in ignorance, believing Decker is “consoling” the grieving widow, leaving Sophia Ghaffari to abandon any hope of a relationship with him and embracing one with her dear friend Dave Malkoff who’s loved her seemingly forever. However, receptionist Tracy Shapiro starts to add things up and stumbles upon the truth, just as things start getting dangerous for all those close to Nash.
the heart of the story…
I first read this story over ten years ago and recall it wasn’t one of my favorites. However, this second time around was a completely different experience, partly because I listened to it but mostly because I better appreciated the intricacies of the plot and how the characters matured. The biggest surprise was Tracy Shapiro, considered to be rather superficial and lightweight up to this point but underneath all of the lovely veneer was a keen brain and lots of natural insight. The plot against Nash was incredibly complicated and the threats against those close to him were downright scary and hard to discern. It was nonstop action but somehow the developing relationships were well done and nothing was sacrificed. Part of me was sad to let go of the possibility of a Sophia/Decker relationship but I came to love what she found with the understated Dave, who had many more layers than I (or anyone else!) had believed.
the narration…
I’m loving Raudman’s performance and she shines in this one. She and Lawlor seem to tag team seamlessly in their storytelling, which is outstanding. The switch to audio for this second read made such a difference in my level of enjoyment.
the bottom line…
Everything about this story felt like a surprise, lacking predictability so much that I felt off balance the entire time. The plotting was intricate and the romances equally as exciting as the action. This story is best served up on audio as the narrators ratchet things up even more. This felt fresh and new, like my first time reading so obviously I missed a lot the first time around. No one is more surprised than me that I loved everything about it.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
James Nash walked away from his former role as an operative for The Agency where he performed deeply covert black ops missions and began working for Troubleshooters. He’s also engaged to fellow Troubleshooters operative Tess Bailey who met him when they both worked for The Agency. But when it became clear that his former bosses wouldn’t allow him to just leave, it was also equally as clear they wanted him dead. His best friend and Troubleshooters Team Leader Lawrence Decker concocted a scheme to fake his death while he and the FBI conducted a secret investigation to figure out who was managing the corrupt mission. Only Tess, FBI Agent Jules Cassidy and Decker know the truth, keeping him in a safe house while he recovered from the last assassination attempt. Meanwhile, their friends and coworkers move on in ignorance, believing Decker is “consoling” the grieving widow, leaving Sophia Ghaffari to abandon any hope of a relationship with him and embracing one with her dear friend Dave Malkoff who’s loved her seemingly forever. However, receptionist Tracy Shapiro starts to add things up and stumbles upon the truth, just as things start getting dangerous for all those close to Nash.
the heart of the story…
I first read this story over ten years ago and recall it wasn’t one of my favorites. However, this second time around was a completely different experience, partly because I listened to it but mostly because I better appreciated the intricacies of the plot and how the characters matured. The biggest surprise was Tracy Shapiro, considered to be rather superficial and lightweight up to this point but underneath all of the lovely veneer was a keen brain and lots of natural insight. The plot against Nash was incredibly complicated and the threats against those close to him were downright scary and hard to discern. It was nonstop action but somehow the developing relationships were well done and nothing was sacrificed. Part of me was sad to let go of the possibility of a Sophia/Decker relationship but I came to love what she found with the understated Dave, who had many more layers than I (or anyone else!) had believed.
the narration…
I’m loving Raudman’s performance and she shines in this one. She and Lawlor seem to tag team seamlessly in their storytelling, which is outstanding. The switch to audio for this second read made such a difference in my level of enjoyment.
the bottom line…
Everything about this story felt like a surprise, lacking predictability so much that I felt off balance the entire time. The plotting was intricate and the romances equally as exciting as the action. This story is best served up on audio as the narrators ratchet things up even more. This felt fresh and new, like my first time reading so obviously I missed a lot the first time around. No one is more surprised than me that I loved everything about it.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
February 19, 2023
Troubleshooter Operative James Nash is dead...or that is what his best friend, Lawrence Decker, wants everyone to believe. Deck has stashed Jimmy in a safe house where he is recovering from his injuries. Only FBI Agent Jules Cassidy and Nash's fiancee, Tess Bailey, know the truth. That is until Troubleshooters receptionist Tracey Shapiro figures it out. Not knowing who exactly wants Nash dead, but fearing for Tracy's life since she knows the truth, Decker takes Tracy with him to stay at the safe house. But when Troubleshooter Dave Malkoff is attacked by someone wanting to know Nash's whereabouts, they know that whoever wants Nash dead will stop at nothing to succeed.
This book is an excellent addition to the series. Not only do we get lots of suspense, but several relationships change in this book. Sophia has loved Decker for years, but when she sees that Decker is comforting Tess Bailey, she finally gives up on him and decides to turn to her best friend, Dave Malkoff. Dave has loved Sophia since the day he met her. He knows he is her second choice and will do anything to be the man she deserves. Meanwhile, much to Decker's dismay, he finds out Tracy Shapiro is more than a receptionist that has trouble answering the phones. I loved the growth and changes in these characters. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. My rating: 5 Stars.
2023 Re-read: This is strange. I really didn't recall anything about this book except that Decker and Tracy hooked up. I had to actually reassure myself that I had read this book previously. Yep, I even wrote a review when I read it. It seems I liked the book then and I like it now. My favorite part of the book was Decker and Tracy. She sure has changed since she was introduced to this series. And I'm glad that Dave got the girl of his dreams. My only quibble with this story was that it felt wordy. There was a lot of explaining going on in this book when they figured out who wanted Nash dead.
This time around I'm listening to the audiobooks. This one was narrated by Patrick Lawlor and Renee Raudman. This is only the second book that Renee has performed in this series. I'm not sold on her voice. I like the previous female narrator better. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This book is an excellent addition to the series. Not only do we get lots of suspense, but several relationships change in this book. Sophia has loved Decker for years, but when she sees that Decker is comforting Tess Bailey, she finally gives up on him and decides to turn to her best friend, Dave Malkoff. Dave has loved Sophia since the day he met her. He knows he is her second choice and will do anything to be the man she deserves. Meanwhile, much to Decker's dismay, he finds out Tracy Shapiro is more than a receptionist that has trouble answering the phones. I loved the growth and changes in these characters. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. My rating: 5 Stars.
2023 Re-read: This is strange. I really didn't recall anything about this book except that Decker and Tracy hooked up. I had to actually reassure myself that I had read this book previously. Yep, I even wrote a review when I read it. It seems I liked the book then and I like it now. My favorite part of the book was Decker and Tracy. She sure has changed since she was introduced to this series. And I'm glad that Dave got the girl of his dreams. My only quibble with this story was that it felt wordy. There was a lot of explaining going on in this book when they figured out who wanted Nash dead.
This time around I'm listening to the audiobooks. This one was narrated by Patrick Lawlor and Renee Raudman. This is only the second book that Renee has performed in this series. I'm not sold on her voice. I like the previous female narrator better. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
January 31, 2009
This book started out so-so for me, with a few exceptions (the sweet heat between Dave and Sophia). There was lots of angst and worry over who/why somebody tried to kill Troubleshooter and former Angency Operative Jim Nash, and why the other Troubleshooters were now being targeted. Was it somebody from the Agency from where Nash used to work in black-ops "deleting" people? Why was Dave being targeted too? Could it be someone from Dave's past, and totally unrelated to Nash? Are they somehow connected? So there was lots of talk of who/why, and it tended to bog down the story a bit. But then, about half way through the book, the story started to take off, and wow, what a ride it was to the conclusion! Something miraculous happened too--it was the complete 180 (from previous books) of the character of Tracy Shapiro.
************Possible Spoilers*******************
Fans of the series will remember Tracy, the flighty, bubbleheaded (yet beautiful) receptionist who works at Troubleshooters headquarters. Well apparently, Tracy's got a brain, and suddenly transformed into an insightful, mature and likeable person, who just "knew" that Jim Nash couldn't be dead. And that knowledge put her on a collision course with one Lawrence Decker, the stubborn, taciturn, loner and Troubleshooter extraordinaire. Since Tracy's one of the few people besides him who knows that Nash (although nearly mortally wounded) is still alive and at a 'safe' house (the others being Jules Cassidy, Robin, and Sam and Alyssa) he now must take her to that 'safe house' since her knowledge may get her killed. Well, this new and improved Tracy (who's always been attracted to Decker, and vice-versa, it seems) gets inside Decker's head like no one else. She's argumentative, funny, and gets Decker to reveal things that he has no intention of revealing. Tracy gets this closed-down, guilt magnet to actually 'feel' something for the first time in a long time, and let me tell you the transformation of Decker was a beautiful thing to witness. When Decker opens up about his past and all the baggage he's carrying, the reader will realize why a relationship with the brave, beautiful Sophia (who we all thought would be perfect for him) would never work. He needs somebody totally different--someone like Tracy. This woman really understands him. The sparks fly and the sexual tension between Decker and Tracy reaches a boiling point, and this was the reason I kept turning the pages--they sizzled like no couple since the early days of Sam and Alyssa! And the payoff (coming way late in the book though) was worth the anticipation--those two were smokin' hot! And their 'shower scene'? Let's just say "Deck, we hardly knew you!"
I also enjoyed the relationship between best friends Sophia and Dave--they were perfect for each other. Dave was just what Sophia needed, even though Sophia began the relationship with different intentions (trying to keep her heart from being hurt again) she ended up loving Dave more than she thought was possible. I was glad to see that--Dave was a good guy who deserved all the happiness he could get. And I do believe that they found their HEA. I fully bought their relationship and the relationship between Deck and Tracy--well done, S.B.!
I was also happy to see the return appearances of some previous characters, including Nash and Tess, who seemed to iron out all their problems and were well on the way to their own HEA. Of course FBI agent Jules Cassidy returns (when doesn't he?) as well as 'husband' Robin, and Sam and Alyssa all have important roles. We even see Kenny "Wildcard" Karmody again (in an important elevator scene with Dave and Sophia), the return of Jay Lopez, Tom Paoletti, Lindsey, and even Ric and Annie, Cosmo, Jones, Stan, and SEAL Commander Koehl are all mentioned.
This book had action, romance, and quite a bit of humor (Sam giving Nash advice about how to win Tess over by impressing her with his baby-wrangling skills was a favorite), (Tracy naming her little green 'friend' George, after George Clooney) and built and built to a very satisfying, exciting conclusion. There was a small curveball thrown in at the end that had me fearing for Deck's and Tracy's relationship, but not to worry, those two are headed in the right direction. I don't know if we'll get to revisit these characters again, since everyone seems to have gotten their HEA, but I sure wouldn't mind peeking in on the surprising relationship of Decker and Tracy, which to me, was the best thing about this book. While this was not my favorite Troubleshooters book (hard to top Sam and Alyssa or Max and Gina) it certainly ranks right up there with all the others--4 1/2 stars!
************Possible Spoilers*******************
Fans of the series will remember Tracy, the flighty, bubbleheaded (yet beautiful) receptionist who works at Troubleshooters headquarters. Well apparently, Tracy's got a brain, and suddenly transformed into an insightful, mature and likeable person, who just "knew" that Jim Nash couldn't be dead. And that knowledge put her on a collision course with one Lawrence Decker, the stubborn, taciturn, loner and Troubleshooter extraordinaire. Since Tracy's one of the few people besides him who knows that Nash (although nearly mortally wounded) is still alive and at a 'safe' house (the others being Jules Cassidy, Robin, and Sam and Alyssa) he now must take her to that 'safe house' since her knowledge may get her killed. Well, this new and improved Tracy (who's always been attracted to Decker, and vice-versa, it seems) gets inside Decker's head like no one else. She's argumentative, funny, and gets Decker to reveal things that he has no intention of revealing. Tracy gets this closed-down, guilt magnet to actually 'feel' something for the first time in a long time, and let me tell you the transformation of Decker was a beautiful thing to witness. When Decker opens up about his past and all the baggage he's carrying, the reader will realize why a relationship with the brave, beautiful Sophia (who we all thought would be perfect for him) would never work. He needs somebody totally different--someone like Tracy. This woman really understands him. The sparks fly and the sexual tension between Decker and Tracy reaches a boiling point, and this was the reason I kept turning the pages--they sizzled like no couple since the early days of Sam and Alyssa! And the payoff (coming way late in the book though) was worth the anticipation--those two were smokin' hot! And their 'shower scene'? Let's just say "Deck, we hardly knew you!"
I also enjoyed the relationship between best friends Sophia and Dave--they were perfect for each other. Dave was just what Sophia needed, even though Sophia began the relationship with different intentions (trying to keep her heart from being hurt again) she ended up loving Dave more than she thought was possible. I was glad to see that--Dave was a good guy who deserved all the happiness he could get. And I do believe that they found their HEA. I fully bought their relationship and the relationship between Deck and Tracy--well done, S.B.!
I was also happy to see the return appearances of some previous characters, including Nash and Tess, who seemed to iron out all their problems and were well on the way to their own HEA. Of course FBI agent Jules Cassidy returns (when doesn't he?) as well as 'husband' Robin, and Sam and Alyssa all have important roles. We even see Kenny "Wildcard" Karmody again (in an important elevator scene with Dave and Sophia), the return of Jay Lopez, Tom Paoletti, Lindsey, and even Ric and Annie, Cosmo, Jones, Stan, and SEAL Commander Koehl are all mentioned.
This book had action, romance, and quite a bit of humor (Sam giving Nash advice about how to win Tess over by impressing her with his baby-wrangling skills was a favorite), (Tracy naming her little green 'friend' George, after George Clooney) and built and built to a very satisfying, exciting conclusion. There was a small curveball thrown in at the end that had me fearing for Deck's and Tracy's relationship, but not to worry, those two are headed in the right direction. I don't know if we'll get to revisit these characters again, since everyone seems to have gotten their HEA, but I sure wouldn't mind peeking in on the surprising relationship of Decker and Tracy, which to me, was the best thing about this book. While this was not my favorite Troubleshooters book (hard to top Sam and Alyssa or Max and Gina) it certainly ranks right up there with all the others--4 1/2 stars!
February 1, 2009
I debated for quite a while about what to say regarding why I didn't like this book. And I pretty much came to the conclusion that it really didn't matter what I said. As I've seen elsewhere on the 'net when it comes to "discussions" about this book, anyone who dares to not like it is most often accused of being narrow-minded and throwing a temper tantrum because the pairings didn't end up the way the reader wanted them too. Which is NOT why I didn't like this book. It IS a factor, but not the deciding one. But I know that no matter what I say, or how I say it, it won't matter. Dislike of this book is equated strictly with anger over who didn't end up together romantically.
So what's the point of going through my reasons when they won't matter in the end? I'm just going to go with: I didn't like this book and the only reason I kept reading was to see what happened with Tess and Nash (and to get me Sam fix).
The End.
So what's the point of going through my reasons when they won't matter in the end? I'm just going to go with: I didn't like this book and the only reason I kept reading was to see what happened with Tess and Nash (and to get me Sam fix).
The End.
April 18, 2009
Fantastic! First book, in I don't know how long, that I stayed up ALL night to finish it. Got to bed about 4am.
The last couple of SB's books have been a little flat for me. Too much detail I guess when I am just looking for meat in my stories. However, THIS book completely restores my faith in this author. I left this book alone for some time because of all the Dave/Decker hype. I wanted to like (or not) the book on its own merits not because of the "OMG she ends up with HIM" element. Unlike others I have not really had a preference one way or another about this whole storyline. I mean I trusted the author to bring this whole scenario to a satisfactory conclusion. AND SHE DID!!!
As I said, I read this in one complete sitting. Resented even having to get up to take the dog out for her nightly pee! From the very first sentence I was hooked. AND it wasn't to see who Sophia would end up with, but I wanted to see one of my favourite characters, Dave, come into his own. Very nice indeedy. In fact I enjoyed each of the multiple threads in this storyline. This time around SB brought her game superbly to being able to satisfactorily juggle many balls in the air so to speak. I usually have a favourite thread and sometimes get impatient to get back to it, but in this case each and every thread had me hooked.
I thought SB absolutely nailed completely how Tracey should deal with Decker and how Decker's angst should get resolved. I also liked the fact that fairly early on I was certain of who would end up with who - I liked that, there were no real anxious moments for me. Even though Dave showed his 007 side, amongst his ALWAYS, ALWAYS sensitive side - he never came across as anything but yummy. No wussiness in sight.
Strong characters (loved esp. Tracey, Dave and Jimmy). Superb plotting - the rhythm of the book kept me completely engrossed even when I was starting to see double!. Great tension between all 3 featured couples. Sex was hot (although only 2 couples got to have sex!) though sporadic. Only (very) slight negative was Decker's ummmm fetish? (don't know what else to call it). I thought maybe is fear of only getting off on violent sex may have been played up a bit more. But this in didn't in absolutely any way detract from my complete and utter enjoyment of this book. IMO, the best of the series.
Highly recommended
The last couple of SB's books have been a little flat for me. Too much detail I guess when I am just looking for meat in my stories. However, THIS book completely restores my faith in this author. I left this book alone for some time because of all the Dave/Decker hype. I wanted to like (or not) the book on its own merits not because of the "OMG she ends up with HIM" element. Unlike others I have not really had a preference one way or another about this whole storyline. I mean I trusted the author to bring this whole scenario to a satisfactory conclusion. AND SHE DID!!!
As I said, I read this in one complete sitting. Resented even having to get up to take the dog out for her nightly pee! From the very first sentence I was hooked. AND it wasn't to see who Sophia would end up with, but I wanted to see one of my favourite characters, Dave, come into his own. Very nice indeedy. In fact I enjoyed each of the multiple threads in this storyline. This time around SB brought her game superbly to being able to satisfactorily juggle many balls in the air so to speak. I usually have a favourite thread and sometimes get impatient to get back to it, but in this case each and every thread had me hooked.
I thought SB absolutely nailed completely how Tracey should deal with Decker and how Decker's angst should get resolved. I also liked the fact that fairly early on I was certain of who would end up with who - I liked that, there were no real anxious moments for me. Even though Dave showed his 007 side, amongst his ALWAYS, ALWAYS sensitive side - he never came across as anything but yummy. No wussiness in sight.
Strong characters (loved esp. Tracey, Dave and Jimmy). Superb plotting - the rhythm of the book kept me completely engrossed even when I was starting to see double!. Great tension between all 3 featured couples. Sex was hot (although only 2 couples got to have sex!) though sporadic. Only (very) slight negative was Decker's ummmm fetish? (don't know what else to call it). I thought maybe is fear of only getting off on violent sex may have been played up a bit more. But this in didn't in absolutely any way detract from my complete and utter enjoyment of this book. IMO, the best of the series.
Highly recommended
February 13, 2023
March 2023 reread for group buddy read. Enjoying it on audio this time through.
I'd give it 5 Stars all over again! I love Deck and Tracy's story. Unbelievably good! Also love Dave and Sophie's story. Highly recommended!
Enjoyed this one immensely! Cover-to-cover action, suspense, & romance. Hearts and lives are on the line. All the gang's here, but when the dust settles who will be left standing? Another hypnotic read in this addictive series! A Page Burner Must Read!
I'd give it 5 Stars all over again! I love Deck and Tracy's story. Unbelievably good! Also love Dave and Sophie's story. Highly recommended!
Enjoyed this one immensely! Cover-to-cover action, suspense, & romance. Hearts and lives are on the line. All the gang's here, but when the dust settles who will be left standing? Another hypnotic read in this addictive series! A Page Burner Must Read!
February 27, 2023
Reread 02/27/2023- This second time around I found the plot tedious in spots with more than a little angst thrown in. It just didn't grab me this time the way it did the first time I read it. I did realize a few things I had missed the first time around. Decker really was a prude and was really ashamed of what happened between him and Sophia because of what it reveled about him. Dave isn't Mr. Meek and Mild, he really is James Bond.
01/01/2014 - I am getting close to the end of the Troubleshooter series and I am really sad about that. These later books always have a lot of "catch-up" on the established characters and is seems that just about every character is an established character. For some reason, in this series, that doesn't bother me as much as it does in other series that I have read. Another thing is that the character development and growth since the series started is wonderful. These people almost seem real and I will truly miss them after book #16 is done.
Someone has tried several times, in the past books, to kill Jimmy Nash. Decker and Jules decided to fake his death to protect him and find out who is behind this. Whoever it is has the vast intel of the Agency to tap into, so this op is strictly off the books. I really hated the end of the prologue that had Dave in serious trouble. Waiting for the outcome through the entire book was a nightmare.
Tracy/Decker: Talking about character development, Tracy went from TSTL to ace operative and opened a whole new world to buttoned down, repressed, Larry Decker. Tracy was doing a whole lot more than making bad coffee and filing her nails behind the reception desk at Troubleshooters. Inc. She has some very intuitive insights to the psyches of her fellow employees and figures out that, among other things, Jimmy Nash is not really dead. She shares that with Decker and finds herself basically kidnapped so she doesn't happen to spill the beans, as everyone knows bubble headed Tracy would most certainly do. Tracy and Decker spend a lot of time in close confines and he begins to see that she is really a smart, compassionate, gutsy woman with quite a few dead on insights about him. Their path to an HEA was just wonderful. The shower scene, right up there with the hottest thing I have ever read.
Sophia/Dave/Decker: Dave loves Sophia and it is clear that she really does love him too. Decker was a fantasy for Sophia, a nice place to hide from the world and all males in it. Dave was the only man to chip away at the wall she had built around herself. Someone attacks Dave and eventually kidnaps him. Sophia realizes that Dave is a lot more that the easy going guy at the office and she really does love him.
01/01/2014 - I am getting close to the end of the Troubleshooter series and I am really sad about that. These later books always have a lot of "catch-up" on the established characters and is seems that just about every character is an established character. For some reason, in this series, that doesn't bother me as much as it does in other series that I have read. Another thing is that the character development and growth since the series started is wonderful. These people almost seem real and I will truly miss them after book #16 is done.
Someone has tried several times, in the past books, to kill Jimmy Nash. Decker and Jules decided to fake his death to protect him and find out who is behind this. Whoever it is has the vast intel of the Agency to tap into, so this op is strictly off the books. I really hated the end of the prologue that had Dave in serious trouble. Waiting for the outcome through the entire book was a nightmare.
Tracy/Decker: Talking about character development, Tracy went from TSTL to ace operative and opened a whole new world to buttoned down, repressed, Larry Decker. Tracy was doing a whole lot more than making bad coffee and filing her nails behind the reception desk at Troubleshooters. Inc. She has some very intuitive insights to the psyches of her fellow employees and figures out that, among other things, Jimmy Nash is not really dead. She shares that with Decker and finds herself basically kidnapped so she doesn't happen to spill the beans, as everyone knows bubble headed Tracy would most certainly do. Tracy and Decker spend a lot of time in close confines and he begins to see that she is really a smart, compassionate, gutsy woman with quite a few dead on insights about him. Their path to an HEA was just wonderful. The shower scene, right up there with the hottest thing I have ever read.
Sophia/Dave/Decker: Dave loves Sophia and it is clear that she really does love him too. Decker was a fantasy for Sophia, a nice place to hide from the world and all males in it. Dave was the only man to chip away at the wall she had built around herself. Someone attacks Dave and eventually kidnaps him. Sophia realizes that Dave is a lot more that the easy going guy at the office and she really does love him.
January 29, 2009
Wow, where to begin?!! This was a hot, intense and thrilling addition to the series. Dark of Night is easily one of my favorites in the series, right along with Over the Edge and Gone Too Far.
I intentionally did not read any of the spoilers prior to reading this book (which was extremely difficult to do!), so I had no idea who the main characters were going to end up with. I wanted to read this book as it was intended to be read, and I am very glad I did. It made for such a thrilling and surprise filled read! Without giving any spoilers, I will say that fans of this series will love it. Fans who dropped out should strongly consider dropping back in. And for those who have yet to read the series, know that this book should be read in order. Specifically, the books Flashpoint and Into the Fire are `must reads' to fully understand and appreciate this one. This book focuses on Nash, Dave and Decker, the continuing saga that followed them when they left `The Agency', and of course the women who (will or already do) love them.
All of the storylines were great, and unlike other books they were all very much connected to one another. For some storylines there is closure, and for others it's just the beginning. What I especially love about this book is that it took things in a direction I didn't see coming, especially for Decker. Brockmann brought her A-game when writing his storyline. (Go girl!! Keep those kinds of storylines coming please!) In short, Decker got a girl who can match his desires and who sees him for who he really is. I would never have seen him with someone like her, but they are perfect together. I can't wait to read more about their story in future books.
I intentionally did not read any of the spoilers prior to reading this book (which was extremely difficult to do!), so I had no idea who the main characters were going to end up with. I wanted to read this book as it was intended to be read, and I am very glad I did. It made for such a thrilling and surprise filled read! Without giving any spoilers, I will say that fans of this series will love it. Fans who dropped out should strongly consider dropping back in. And for those who have yet to read the series, know that this book should be read in order. Specifically, the books Flashpoint and Into the Fire are `must reads' to fully understand and appreciate this one. This book focuses on Nash, Dave and Decker, the continuing saga that followed them when they left `The Agency', and of course the women who (will or already do) love them.
All of the storylines were great, and unlike other books they were all very much connected to one another. For some storylines there is closure, and for others it's just the beginning. What I especially love about this book is that it took things in a direction I didn't see coming, especially for Decker. Brockmann brought her A-game when writing his storyline. (Go girl!! Keep those kinds of storylines coming please!) In short, Decker got a girl who can match his desires and who sees him for who he really is. I would never have seen him with someone like her, but they are perfect together. I can't wait to read more about their story in future books.
August 17, 2020
This one was a gripping one. Great revisits with characters from other books, plus some characters ending up with unexpected pairings. It all worked well. This is definitely a series best read in order, for maximum enjoyment.
February 15, 2009
Suzanne Brockmann is very much an auto read for me. I especially love her SEAL 16 series and Sam and Alyssa rank as one of my three favorite romance novel couples of all time.
But since the introduction of Decker, Tess, Sophia etc. all in Flashpoint, I haven't had the connection with this second group that I had with the SEAL 16 group (Tom, Kelly, Jules, Stan, Teri, Nils, Max, Gina, Kenny etc.). I actually think Flashpoint was my least favorite of all the books.
But I've plugged along because I like Brockmann and I like the earlier characters who still make appearances in the series.
And now here we are with Dark of Night where there is finally closure in the weird love triangle that has been playing out so moodily in the background of the last several books. DAve loves Sophia but Sophia loves Decker and Decker....well who knows what is going on with Decker?
As it turns out there are about three major plots happening in this book that tie up all the lose strings from earlier in the series.
First this is the Jimmy Nash and Tess storyline. While these two found their happily ever after about 4 books ago, since that time Jimmy has been doing mysterious and dangerous things and it has been apparent that someone has been trying to kill him. In the book just preceding this one, Into The Fire, Jules faked Jimmy's death to get those people off of his back. But the Big Bad people who are after Jimmy know that death can be faked and in their zeal to make sure Jimmy is really dead, they go after the people closest to him.
Second is the love story of Dave and Sophia. So Dave gets the girl of his dream amidst fears that he is second best.
And third is the love story of Decker and...get this...Tracy. Yes, Tracy. The ditzy, office receptionist who has -- up until this book -- been portrayed as a bit of a bimbo. Not a bad or sleazy bimbo, but a bimbo nonetheless.
I actually liked all of these stories separately. My favorite was actually the Jimmy Nash storyline. It was fun to read about how menacing Jimmy's nemesis was and how far he'd (they'd) go to make sure he was sniffed out. And it was a super double bonus to have Sam, Alyssa and Jules involved in this storyline.
The Dave Sophia storyline was almost an after thought. The best part was Dave's inner dialogue that told of how utterly happy he was to get the girl of his dreams. I have always found the character of Sophia to be remote and hard to get to know. This book doesn't change that.
The Decker/Tracy storyline gets a ton of ink. If I had to classify one of the stories as the alpha story this would be it with the Jimmy Nash storyline as the vehicle to get Tess/Decker together. I like the idea of ditzy Tracy and brooding Decker together. I just hated the execution. I felt that Brockmann tried too hard to make Tracy somehow worthy of Decker. Every scene was a laundry list of Tracy's wonderful qualities and we were constantly being told how smart she was. Seriously. Tracy is Smart. We were told over and over again. She figured out a solution in a room full of ex-SEALS, CIA and FBI who were stumped. Cuz she's smart, see? And she alone figured out Nash was alive when only Jules and Decker were in on the fake death scenario. Cuz she's smart! And she alone figured out Decker sometimes needed to relinquish control. Because not only is she smart, but she can read people too. I don't mind that Tracy wasn't a mental giant. It was kinda nice having a human present in a world of killer demi-gods.
I don't care that Brockmann felt that she has to try to reassure us that Tracy wasn't quite the ditz she's painted her before. I just didn't need it anvilled on my head like it was. And actually, she didn't need to overdo it on the Tracy-Is-Smart stuff. She had already established that Tracy wasn't an airhead back in Into The Storm when she showed Tracy to be cool under pressure when she was kidnapped. That was done in an organic way that felt more natural and it had already gone a long way to painting Tracy in a different light.
I am glad that the whole Sophia/Dave/Deck thing is over with. I hope this book marks another turning point in this series and we can go forward and see what other adventures the Troubleshooters get into.
But since the introduction of Decker, Tess, Sophia etc. all in Flashpoint, I haven't had the connection with this second group that I had with the SEAL 16 group (Tom, Kelly, Jules, Stan, Teri, Nils, Max, Gina, Kenny etc.). I actually think Flashpoint was my least favorite of all the books.
But I've plugged along because I like Brockmann and I like the earlier characters who still make appearances in the series.
And now here we are with Dark of Night where there is finally closure in the weird love triangle that has been playing out so moodily in the background of the last several books. DAve loves Sophia but Sophia loves Decker and Decker....well who knows what is going on with Decker?
As it turns out there are about three major plots happening in this book that tie up all the lose strings from earlier in the series.
First this is the Jimmy Nash and Tess storyline. While these two found their happily ever after about 4 books ago, since that time Jimmy has been doing mysterious and dangerous things and it has been apparent that someone has been trying to kill him. In the book just preceding this one, Into The Fire, Jules faked Jimmy's death to get those people off of his back. But the Big Bad people who are after Jimmy know that death can be faked and in their zeal to make sure Jimmy is really dead, they go after the people closest to him.
Second is the love story of Dave and Sophia. So Dave gets the girl of his dream amidst fears that he is second best.
And third is the love story of Decker and...get this...Tracy. Yes, Tracy. The ditzy, office receptionist who has -- up until this book -- been portrayed as a bit of a bimbo. Not a bad or sleazy bimbo, but a bimbo nonetheless.
I actually liked all of these stories separately. My favorite was actually the Jimmy Nash storyline. It was fun to read about how menacing Jimmy's nemesis was and how far he'd (they'd) go to make sure he was sniffed out. And it was a super double bonus to have Sam, Alyssa and Jules involved in this storyline.
The Dave Sophia storyline was almost an after thought. The best part was Dave's inner dialogue that told of how utterly happy he was to get the girl of his dreams. I have always found the character of Sophia to be remote and hard to get to know. This book doesn't change that.
The Decker/Tracy storyline gets a ton of ink. If I had to classify one of the stories as the alpha story this would be it with the Jimmy Nash storyline as the vehicle to get Tess/Decker together. I like the idea of ditzy Tracy and brooding Decker together. I just hated the execution. I felt that Brockmann tried too hard to make Tracy somehow worthy of Decker. Every scene was a laundry list of Tracy's wonderful qualities and we were constantly being told how smart she was. Seriously. Tracy is Smart. We were told over and over again. She figured out a solution in a room full of ex-SEALS, CIA and FBI who were stumped. Cuz she's smart, see? And she alone figured out Nash was alive when only Jules and Decker were in on the fake death scenario. Cuz she's smart! And she alone figured out Decker sometimes needed to relinquish control. Because not only is she smart, but she can read people too. I don't mind that Tracy wasn't a mental giant. It was kinda nice having a human present in a world of killer demi-gods.
I don't care that Brockmann felt that she has to try to reassure us that Tracy wasn't quite the ditz she's painted her before. I just didn't need it anvilled on my head like it was. And actually, she didn't need to overdo it on the Tracy-Is-Smart stuff. She had already established that Tracy wasn't an airhead back in Into The Storm when she showed Tracy to be cool under pressure when she was kidnapped. That was done in an organic way that felt more natural and it had already gone a long way to painting Tracy in a different light.
I am glad that the whole Sophia/Dave/Deck thing is over with. I hope this book marks another turning point in this series and we can go forward and see what other adventures the Troubleshooters get into.
March 10, 2023
Dark of Night
5 Stars
Following the attempt on Jimmy Nash's life, only a select group of people know that he is still alive, and Troubleshooters team leader Lawrence Decker plans to keep it that way in order to expose those who want Jimmy dead. But Deck's best-laid plans are for naught when Troubleshooter receptionist, Tracy Shapiro, follows the clues and discovers the truth. Now Deck and Tracy must evade the rogue agents willing to do anything to find Jimmy, even torture and kill his closest allies.
***Spoilers ahead***
Once again, Brockmann focuses on three different couples - Sophia and Dave, Tracy and Deck, and Nash and Tess.
The ongoing angst fest of Sophia and Decker's non-existent relationship is finally resolved as circumstances force her to confront the truth of her feelings for Deck and realize that the man she really loves has been right there all along.
Tracy and Deck are a surprisingly perfect match for one another. Tracy is much more than the seemingly shallow, selfish, and stupid receptionist from the beginning of Into the Storm. She is, in fact, intelligent, resilient, and compassionate. Not only is she the only one to deduce that Jimmy is alive, but she also sees the vulnerable and lonely person behind Deck's façade. She is fearless, doesn't allow Deck to wallow in his self-imposed misery, calls him on his bullshit, and treats him as a man, not a legend. He is, therefore, able to let down his guard, be himself and let her in. It is really adorable!
Lastly, Tess and Nash overcome the issues that have threatened their HEA. The revelations are difficult, but together they can handle all obstacles.
The mystery surrounding those responsible for the attacks on Jimmy, Dave and Deck is gripping from the start (although the prologue did have me waiting for the other shoe to drop), and there are some excellent action-packed scenes. It is particularly gratifying that the villain is ultimately brought down by the woman he underestimated.
Overall, the closure to several ongoing relationships and the gripping suspense plot make this one of the best installments in the series. Kudos to Brockmann for keeping us engaged with her characters from one book to the next.
5 Stars
Following the attempt on Jimmy Nash's life, only a select group of people know that he is still alive, and Troubleshooters team leader Lawrence Decker plans to keep it that way in order to expose those who want Jimmy dead. But Deck's best-laid plans are for naught when Troubleshooter receptionist, Tracy Shapiro, follows the clues and discovers the truth. Now Deck and Tracy must evade the rogue agents willing to do anything to find Jimmy, even torture and kill his closest allies.
***Spoilers ahead***
Once again, Brockmann focuses on three different couples - Sophia and Dave, Tracy and Deck, and Nash and Tess.
The ongoing angst fest of Sophia and Decker's non-existent relationship is finally resolved as circumstances force her to confront the truth of her feelings for Deck and realize that the man she really loves has been right there all along.
Tracy and Deck are a surprisingly perfect match for one another. Tracy is much more than the seemingly shallow, selfish, and stupid receptionist from the beginning of Into the Storm. She is, in fact, intelligent, resilient, and compassionate. Not only is she the only one to deduce that Jimmy is alive, but she also sees the vulnerable and lonely person behind Deck's façade. She is fearless, doesn't allow Deck to wallow in his self-imposed misery, calls him on his bullshit, and treats him as a man, not a legend. He is, therefore, able to let down his guard, be himself and let her in. It is really adorable!
Lastly, Tess and Nash overcome the issues that have threatened their HEA. The revelations are difficult, but together they can handle all obstacles.
The mystery surrounding those responsible for the attacks on Jimmy, Dave and Deck is gripping from the start (although the prologue did have me waiting for the other shoe to drop), and there are some excellent action-packed scenes. It is particularly gratifying that the villain is ultimately brought down by the woman he underestimated.
Overall, the closure to several ongoing relationships and the gripping suspense plot make this one of the best installments in the series. Kudos to Brockmann for keeping us engaged with her characters from one book to the next.
July 25, 2022
I think that Mrs. Brockmann has done a great job with this book. I have to say that I was so touched, when Nash told Decker that Dave was the only other friend he had besides Decker. That was touching, because in Flashpoint, Nash didn't care for Dave. He didn't want to work with him. To him, Dave was a freak. And, I am sure prior to their friendship, Nash looked at Dave as being a weakling. Nash was worried how Dave would feel, if he found out that he wasn't dead. Throughout the book, he keep worrying about Dave. That's deep!
I was happy to see my favorite couple. Sam and Alyssa and their baby. I just knew that they would have a boy. I was thinking that the baby probably have been named Sam, since Roger didn't change his name to Sam. He's just called Sam. But Ashton (Ash) is a good name. Ash loves his parents. He had gotten all happy, when he heard his mother's voice over the intercome. How cute! Speaking of cute, Sam time with Ash was cute too. Him teaching Nash how to change a diaper was sweet. I know that babies can swim, but after read where Sam said that he was taking Ash for a swim, I was like. I wouldn't let my six month old baby be in a pool. But, I know that Alyssa trusts Sam dearly. (I love Sam!)
Okay, moving down to my second favorite couple.Dave and Sophia. I knew that they would get a HEA. I know that a lot of people don't feel that Dave was the right man for Sophia; that Decker was. But, Decker was never in love with Sophia. I didn't see where Decker was in love with Sophia in Flashpoint, Into The Storm, Into The Fire or even Dark of Night. Suzanne has given me clues that Sophia was going to wind up with Dave. I will not list all of them, but the main clue came from Flashpoint, when Sophia tells Tess that Dave is cute and that he would be her second husband, no make that her third husband.
The love between Sophia and Dave in this story was real and pure. Yes, Dave had doubts. Should Dave have question Sophia's feelings for him? Yes. He wasn't sure if she truly cared for him. He knew that at one point, Sophia was in love with Decker, but in reality, she wasn't in love with Decker. She was in love with "the hero" - even in this book, Suzanne lets it be known that Sophia was in love with "the hero" and not Decker, the man. No, she doesn't say it word for word, but it's there. Hint: Pg 392 Decker talking to Sophia, about Tracy: "She sees me for who I am," Decker interrupted. "And she treats me like a man. Like an equal. Not some hero or... I don't know what. She's not afraid of me. She says what she sthinks, she never pulls her punches... I like the way she needs me. I really do. It's clean...honest."
Sophia wasn't in love with Decker. She was infatuated with Decker. But, Sophia was in love - she was in love with Dave. That's the reason why Sophia hung up the phone on Dave in Into The Fire, when he told her that he was in love with her. She told him in the bar on the line of, "I couldn't...."
In Into The Fire. Sophia has gotten jealous over Paulette. No woman would compare herself to another woman, if a man is just a friend to her and she didn't have feelings for him. Sophia is the one that kissed Dave first. She wanted him to make love to her. Was she trying to block out her feelings for Decker? No, because there was no feelings. She was trying to admit to herself that Dave was the man she was in love with. In the book towards the end, we see that she realized that Dave was the man she was in love with all this time.
They truly make a cute couple. Next time, we read about them. They will be married and living with Dave. His house is bigger. I hope they have a little boy. DJ short for Dave Junior would be cute. But, Dave was thinking about a girl, so maybe they would have a girl. Daddy's little girl. How cute. And the name Marianne. I know someone with that name and her name is not pronounced Mary Ann, although, so people call her that.
Dave and Sophia's part will surely be a reread.
Oh, and I have to say that I'm glad that Dave is the geek. The nerd. He's a very good one too. I honestly believe that Wildcard meant it, when he told Dave that he could breeze through BUD/S. Dave needed that encouragement. He also needed to realize that heroes comes in all status. Wildcard, may be a Navy Seal, but he's also a fellow geek. One that is not only smart, but is trained to kill. So, Dave, may be the geek, but there is no doubt that Dave can't handle himself. He doesn't need to be a Navy Seal to TA (Take Action!)
I was happy to see my favorite couple. Sam and Alyssa and their baby. I just knew that they would have a boy. I was thinking that the baby probably have been named Sam, since Roger didn't change his name to Sam. He's just called Sam. But Ashton (Ash) is a good name. Ash loves his parents. He had gotten all happy, when he heard his mother's voice over the intercome. How cute! Speaking of cute, Sam time with Ash was cute too. Him teaching Nash how to change a diaper was sweet. I know that babies can swim, but after read where Sam said that he was taking Ash for a swim, I was like. I wouldn't let my six month old baby be in a pool. But, I know that Alyssa trusts Sam dearly. (I love Sam!)
Okay, moving down to my second favorite couple.Dave and Sophia. I knew that they would get a HEA. I know that a lot of people don't feel that Dave was the right man for Sophia; that Decker was. But, Decker was never in love with Sophia. I didn't see where Decker was in love with Sophia in Flashpoint, Into The Storm, Into The Fire or even Dark of Night. Suzanne has given me clues that Sophia was going to wind up with Dave. I will not list all of them, but the main clue came from Flashpoint, when Sophia tells Tess that Dave is cute and that he would be her second husband, no make that her third husband.
The love between Sophia and Dave in this story was real and pure. Yes, Dave had doubts. Should Dave have question Sophia's feelings for him? Yes. He wasn't sure if she truly cared for him. He knew that at one point, Sophia was in love with Decker, but in reality, she wasn't in love with Decker. She was in love with "the hero" - even in this book, Suzanne lets it be known that Sophia was in love with "the hero" and not Decker, the man. No, she doesn't say it word for word, but it's there. Hint: Pg 392 Decker talking to Sophia, about Tracy: "She sees me for who I am," Decker interrupted. "And she treats me like a man. Like an equal. Not some hero or... I don't know what. She's not afraid of me. She says what she sthinks, she never pulls her punches... I like the way she needs me. I really do. It's clean...honest."
Sophia wasn't in love with Decker. She was infatuated with Decker. But, Sophia was in love - she was in love with Dave. That's the reason why Sophia hung up the phone on Dave in Into The Fire, when he told her that he was in love with her. She told him in the bar on the line of, "I couldn't...."
In Into The Fire. Sophia has gotten jealous over Paulette. No woman would compare herself to another woman, if a man is just a friend to her and she didn't have feelings for him. Sophia is the one that kissed Dave first. She wanted him to make love to her. Was she trying to block out her feelings for Decker? No, because there was no feelings. She was trying to admit to herself that Dave was the man she was in love with. In the book towards the end, we see that she realized that Dave was the man she was in love with all this time.
They truly make a cute couple. Next time, we read about them. They will be married and living with Dave. His house is bigger. I hope they have a little boy. DJ short for Dave Junior would be cute. But, Dave was thinking about a girl, so maybe they would have a girl. Daddy's little girl. How cute. And the name Marianne. I know someone with that name and her name is not pronounced Mary Ann, although, so people call her that.
Dave and Sophia's part will surely be a reread.
Oh, and I have to say that I'm glad that Dave is the geek. The nerd. He's a very good one too. I honestly believe that Wildcard meant it, when he told Dave that he could breeze through BUD/S. Dave needed that encouragement. He also needed to realize that heroes comes in all status. Wildcard, may be a Navy Seal, but he's also a fellow geek. One that is not only smart, but is trained to kill. So, Dave, may be the geek, but there is no doubt that Dave can't handle himself. He doesn't need to be a Navy Seal to TA (Take Action!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2009
Game on! This is the book I wished "Into the Fire" had been. There were some spots of ITF that were brilliant, but it was very inconsistent. Dark of Night, on the other hand, is spectacular. I'm not going to write too much here, because almost anything I write would be a spoiler at this point. But, I will say that I had guessed about Decker, and I was so glad I was right. I couldn't be more pleased at that storyline. I had originally wanted the "her" part of that couple to end up with someone else, but Brockmann made the case very well. Completely believeable.
More importantly, the Jimmy Nash storyline is tied up. I don't think I've been shy about saying that Nash is one of my favorite characters in all of pop lit, so any book with him is a win.
Sophia. I began to like her a little more in this book. I won't say she won me over completely, because she didn't. But, I'm glad all of that is over.
I could read this book again right now. Yes, it is that entertaining. If you're not reading Brockmann's Troubleshooters series I really need to know why.
More importantly, the Jimmy Nash storyline is tied up. I don't think I've been shy about saying that Nash is one of my favorite characters in all of pop lit, so any book with him is a win.
Sophia. I began to like her a little more in this book. I won't say she won me over completely, because she didn't. But, I'm glad all of that is over.
I could read this book again right now. Yes, it is that entertaining. If you're not reading Brockmann's Troubleshooters series I really need to know why.
February 4, 2009
SPOILERS---SPOILERS---SERIES WIDE SPOILERS
This could be subtitled" "He's just not that into you--the Decker Chronicles." The stoic, deeply personal Decker with the iron-clad moral compass and well-hidden heart of gold we met in Flashpoint has give way to a big gooey pile of insecurities. We started to see his unraveling in Into the Storm, and by Into the Fire, he was a certifiable mess. After Flashpoint, I really wanted him and Sophia to get "their" book. Into the Storm made me root for Dave, and I wanted Decker to get his act together fast before I defected to Team Dave. Into the Fire put me squarely on Team Dave.
After seeing Decker's relationship with the good doctor in ITF, I was convinced that he needed a bit more . . . forceful of a woman. Preferably one with the ability to shrink his lead blimp of a brain into something a bit more manageable. And, ITF did something else for me--Even as Decker became a bit more of a mess, he also became more human, and I stopped blaming him solely for his failure to get together with Sophia already. Sophia could have laid it on the line and forced him to face his conflicts with him. She could have done more than just pine for him. After all, this is a woman with indomitable spirit and will to survive. Maybe she just wasn't that into him either.
So I was prepared for Sophia & Dave, and Decker and the Good Doctor. I could tell which way the wind was blowing when neither Suz's promo or the jacket copy even hinted at the doctor, but I was still hopeful for a surprise (And really, I thought up until the prologue that the surprise was going to be Deck and Sophia). Tracy totally threw me for a loop. I could see her as a consolation prize for Dave (they had a funny chemistry), a hex on Gillman, or perhaps someone new. But Decker? Decker needed someone more grounded. More solid.
I rebelled against the Tracy/Decker pairing all the way up until the shower scene. Then it all became crystal clear to me. Decker needed to get his kink on. Of course. This was why he and Sophia couldn't work. This was total OMG moment for me. This is why I love Suz so very much. Few authors are willing to challenge the Alpha Hero mold at all, let alone give the hero a bit of a . . . complex. But, Decker's kink made total sense to me given his personality--he's so tightly buttoned and in-control 98% of the time that for him to totally relax, he needs someone else to be in control. To not have to think. At all. And he wouldn't have had that in a relationship with Sophia. He would have been way to much in his own head. And with the doctor, he would have been way too much in HER head. But, Tracy is so transparent (dare I say Fluffy) that he could just get his kink on with her.
By the end, I was really sad that we didn't have more scenes with them--Dave and Sophia's hotness took up far more ink. I think Decker really needed someone who would push and push and push him--someone with no sense of boundaries b/c his own boundaries are so cemented in place that he requires a bulldozer of a woman. Sophia just wasn't going to be that woman, even she was dangled in front of him for far too long. If I have one quibble it's that I would have liked to have seen a little more tension with Tracy in ITS and and ITF--this would have made the Sophia-less HEA easier to deal with for readers. However, I get the feeling that the muse didn't declare the winner in the war for Decker until ITF. I'd really like to see a Tracy/Decker subplot in a future book as I think they still have many unresolved issues. Decker's quibbling with his libdo over which woman he really wants has me wondering if he really is that into Tracy or if he's just so relieved to finally have an outlet for the kink.
Nash finally manned up and became worthy of Tess in this book---well almost. I'm still not a Nash fan, but I was happy to see them ride off into the sunset. Ditto Dave & Sophia. The only tension there was the plot and when Sophia would move him out of the second best column. But did she have to (almost) kill Kenny? Really? Why not Gillman who dearly needs a life threatening injury? Also, I didn't like the way the Doc was dangled before Lopez. I can deal with Decker and Tracy. I can make my peace with Nash and Tess. But, please, please, please, for the love of all that is Troubleshooters, don't hand Lopez on a silver plate to the cougar. Maybe she could be a HEA for Lew Kohl? I'm not saying I have a hate for her (I still think she and Decker would have worked on several levels), but I just do not feel the her and Lopez vibe that some readers are picking up on.
I'm really eager to see Hot Pursuit this summer, but I'm really, really hoping that it has a HEA couple other than just being the Sam and Alyssa show. I was kind of over them in this book. Which is really sad for me to have to admit as I totally love them, but really, they can ride off into their babymoon anytime now.
This could be subtitled" "He's just not that into you--the Decker Chronicles." The stoic, deeply personal Decker with the iron-clad moral compass and well-hidden heart of gold we met in Flashpoint has give way to a big gooey pile of insecurities. We started to see his unraveling in Into the Storm, and by Into the Fire, he was a certifiable mess. After Flashpoint, I really wanted him and Sophia to get "their" book. Into the Storm made me root for Dave, and I wanted Decker to get his act together fast before I defected to Team Dave. Into the Fire put me squarely on Team Dave.
After seeing Decker's relationship with the good doctor in ITF, I was convinced that he needed a bit more . . . forceful of a woman. Preferably one with the ability to shrink his lead blimp of a brain into something a bit more manageable. And, ITF did something else for me--Even as Decker became a bit more of a mess, he also became more human, and I stopped blaming him solely for his failure to get together with Sophia already. Sophia could have laid it on the line and forced him to face his conflicts with him. She could have done more than just pine for him. After all, this is a woman with indomitable spirit and will to survive. Maybe she just wasn't that into him either.
So I was prepared for Sophia & Dave, and Decker and the Good Doctor. I could tell which way the wind was blowing when neither Suz's promo or the jacket copy even hinted at the doctor, but I was still hopeful for a surprise (And really, I thought up until the prologue that the surprise was going to be Deck and Sophia). Tracy totally threw me for a loop. I could see her as a consolation prize for Dave (they had a funny chemistry), a hex on Gillman, or perhaps someone new. But Decker? Decker needed someone more grounded. More solid.
I rebelled against the Tracy/Decker pairing all the way up until the shower scene. Then it all became crystal clear to me. Decker needed to get his kink on. Of course. This was why he and Sophia couldn't work. This was total OMG moment for me. This is why I love Suz so very much. Few authors are willing to challenge the Alpha Hero mold at all, let alone give the hero a bit of a . . . complex. But, Decker's kink made total sense to me given his personality--he's so tightly buttoned and in-control 98% of the time that for him to totally relax, he needs someone else to be in control. To not have to think. At all. And he wouldn't have had that in a relationship with Sophia. He would have been way to much in his own head. And with the doctor, he would have been way too much in HER head. But, Tracy is so transparent (dare I say Fluffy) that he could just get his kink on with her.
By the end, I was really sad that we didn't have more scenes with them--Dave and Sophia's hotness took up far more ink. I think Decker really needed someone who would push and push and push him--someone with no sense of boundaries b/c his own boundaries are so cemented in place that he requires a bulldozer of a woman. Sophia just wasn't going to be that woman, even she was dangled in front of him for far too long. If I have one quibble it's that I would have liked to have seen a little more tension with Tracy in ITS and and ITF--this would have made the Sophia-less HEA easier to deal with for readers. However, I get the feeling that the muse didn't declare the winner in the war for Decker until ITF. I'd really like to see a Tracy/Decker subplot in a future book as I think they still have many unresolved issues. Decker's quibbling with his libdo over which woman he really wants has me wondering if he really is that into Tracy or if he's just so relieved to finally have an outlet for the kink.
Nash finally manned up and became worthy of Tess in this book---well almost. I'm still not a Nash fan, but I was happy to see them ride off into the sunset. Ditto Dave & Sophia. The only tension there was the plot and when Sophia would move him out of the second best column. But did she have to (almost) kill Kenny? Really? Why not Gillman who dearly needs a life threatening injury? Also, I didn't like the way the Doc was dangled before Lopez. I can deal with Decker and Tracy. I can make my peace with Nash and Tess. But, please, please, please, for the love of all that is Troubleshooters, don't hand Lopez on a silver plate to the cougar. Maybe she could be a HEA for Lew Kohl? I'm not saying I have a hate for her (I still think she and Decker would have worked on several levels), but I just do not feel the her and Lopez vibe that some readers are picking up on.
I'm really eager to see Hot Pursuit this summer, but I'm really, really hoping that it has a HEA couple other than just being the Sam and Alyssa show. I was kind of over them in this book. Which is really sad for me to have to admit as I totally love them, but really, they can ride off into their babymoon anytime now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2017
Just gets better and better
Absolutely awesome read. Intense with a lot of LOL Moments...have to say that I did not see it coming with Decker. Would seem like an odd pair but then not so much as it continued through the book. Absolutely love this series
Absolutely awesome read. Intense with a lot of LOL Moments...have to say that I did not see it coming with Decker. Would seem like an odd pair but then not so much as it continued through the book. Absolutely love this series
January 26, 2012
5 SOLID STARS!!!
WHat a wonderful story! And I bow to SB because, Tracy Shapiro? I so love her!!!!! And Deck? He gained so many stars that he's almost an hero for me.
Even if it's Dave the real hero of this story, that begins whit Jimmy Nash's death and keeps going up and up until the suspence and the action are at the top.
In the end, Dave is ready to sacrifice his life for his Sophia but she gave him some reason to live and he really decided to live!!! I love everything in this book, the team work, every character including the aforementioned Tracy who has become a great kind of heroine!
Really really good!
WHat a wonderful story! And I bow to SB because, Tracy Shapiro? I so love her!!!!! And Deck? He gained so many stars that he's almost an hero for me.
Even if it's Dave the real hero of this story, that begins whit Jimmy Nash's death and keeps going up and up until the suspence and the action are at the top.
In the end, Dave is ready to sacrifice his life for his Sophia but she gave him some reason to live and he really decided to live!!! I love everything in this book, the team work, every character including the aforementioned Tracy who has become a great kind of heroine!
Really really good!
August 19, 2015
This is going to be quick! I LOVED the relationship stuff in this book, even though Brockmann certainly shook things up and I didn't know what the heck was going on at first. By the end, it worked out to my liking. The plot with the Agency lost me. I started to skim in the last half because it wasn't holding my attention. My question now is: Where the heck is Izzy? I need the rest of his story.
January 20, 2023
A pesar de que esta es una de las novelas más apreciadas de la serie, a mí la 14.ª entrega de los Troubleshooters me aburrió. Brockmann engorda el libro con diversas tramas argumentales que no me parecieron bien enlazadas.
Se forman dos parejas. 1) Sophia y Dave, cuando la primera asume que Decker nunca será para ella. Un friends to lovers bastante soso, sobre todo por David, un blandito.
2) Decker y Tracy, que no resulta tan tontita como parecía. Cuando ella quiere intimar, él se resiste cual virgen victoriana. Es tan cansino que, aunque sexualmente acaba siendo algo raruno, ni siquiera es un masoquista excitante.
Luego está Nash... y Tess y un montón de gente más en un piso franco (más bien un casoplón) que acaba siendo como el camarote de los hermanos Marx. Incluso hay un bebé, lo que da lugar a escenas más bien... ñoñitas, para mi (dis)gusto.
Y sí, hay suspense por ahí, pero no me pidáis que lo explique, porque no me interesó demasiado. Aquí no encontré esa cualidad de Suzanne Brockmann de agarrarte por el cogote y tenerte con la mirada clavada a la página hasta que lo terminas.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
Se forman dos parejas. 1) Sophia y Dave, cuando la primera asume que Decker nunca será para ella. Un friends to lovers bastante soso, sobre todo por David, un blandito.
2) Decker y Tracy, que no resulta tan tontita como parecía. Cuando ella quiere intimar, él se resiste cual virgen victoriana. Es tan cansino que, aunque sexualmente acaba siendo algo raruno, ni siquiera es un masoquista excitante.
Luego está Nash... y Tess y un montón de gente más en un piso franco (más bien un casoplón) que acaba siendo como el camarote de los hermanos Marx. Incluso hay un bebé, lo que da lugar a escenas más bien... ñoñitas, para mi (dis)gusto.
Y sí, hay suspense por ahí, pero no me pidáis que lo explique, porque no me interesó demasiado. Aquí no encontré esa cualidad de Suzanne Brockmann de agarrarte por el cogote y tenerte con la mirada clavada a la página hasta que lo terminas.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
March 12, 2018
I haven't read the other books in this series. When I first picked it up I didn't realize it was part of a series. It was just a book a family member had left and I read it. The story wasn't confusing at all so I don't believe this is the type of series that you have to read in order though I could be wrong. I quickly attached to certain character more than others and was invested in their out comes. Was happy overall with how the book was concluded.
January 30, 2009
It seems that the story that began in Flashpoint (book 7) now finds its conclusion! This one has been long anticipated by many Brockmann fans--me included. Deck and Sophia--they deserve a HEA. Or should I say they each deserve an HEA?
Yes, I spoiled the story by reading the end first and finding out that Deck and Sophia don't end up together--okay, so I found out months before the book was released. I'm glad I did because it prepared me for this book. I actually am okay with them not ending up together. Strangely enough, I ended up liking each one of them less in this book than their partners. Dave and Tracy ended up being the real heroes of this book.
Tracy grew from a whiny, clingy, dumb bimbo into an outspoken, sure-of-herself woman. She pushed the limits. That was something I always liked about her character (think her asking seemingly inappropriate questions throughout Into the Storm) and what I didn't like was her bimbo-like attitude.
Dave was a nerd before--a little soft around the middle and an all-around nice guy. He showed his "James Bond" side this time. Still a nice, sweet guy, but he can hold his own against the SEALs--and they know it. He kicked butt and was sensitive at the same time.
Deck and Sophia...he just got annoying sometimes and she was too wishy-washy (Not sure how to explain that--something just bugged me about her.). A few moments with Deck were redeeming, but I would have liked a little more of his human side and less of his jerk side.
I didn't like the resolution between Deck and Sophia--it didn't change anything. He didn't really say much other than he liked Tracy. ??? Where was the I forgive myself for what happened between us and I am sorry that you thought you loved me and I thought I might care about you, but really it was never right for us and I'm sorry that I idolized you and thought I was in love with you because I really wasn't...I needed security and you gave that to me, but now I realized that it was really Dave who always gave it to me? It just seemed like the same-old, same-old verbiage that has been spun around in the last few books.
The end was okay. I guess I would have liked a little more with Tess and Jimmy--they deserve to really get their HEA and I didn't get that in this book. It was only so-so. Suz let us in a on little of it, but didn't quite finish it with their story.
I think there might have been too many stories going on...I wanted to know more about Tess and Jimmy, Deck and Tracy, and Dave and Sophia. The end just kind of hung...
So, did I like this book? Yes...suspense, good story, moved quickly. Did I love it? No. I would give it a solid 3 3/4 to 4 stars. The last star is for the not-so-perfect conclusion to this dragged on and on story (and I'm not saying that Deck and Sophia not getting together was the not-perfect part). Will I keep reading the series...absolutely! I'm looking forward to Hot Pursuit...hoping Suz will give a little more focus to one couple over 3 (or more) this next time...
Yes, I spoiled the story by reading the end first and finding out that Deck and Sophia don't end up together--okay, so I found out months before the book was released. I'm glad I did because it prepared me for this book. I actually am okay with them not ending up together. Strangely enough, I ended up liking each one of them less in this book than their partners. Dave and Tracy ended up being the real heroes of this book.
Tracy grew from a whiny, clingy, dumb bimbo into an outspoken, sure-of-herself woman. She pushed the limits. That was something I always liked about her character (think her asking seemingly inappropriate questions throughout Into the Storm) and what I didn't like was her bimbo-like attitude.
Dave was a nerd before--a little soft around the middle and an all-around nice guy. He showed his "James Bond" side this time. Still a nice, sweet guy, but he can hold his own against the SEALs--and they know it. He kicked butt and was sensitive at the same time.
Deck and Sophia...he just got annoying sometimes and she was too wishy-washy (Not sure how to explain that--something just bugged me about her.). A few moments with Deck were redeeming, but I would have liked a little more of his human side and less of his jerk side.
I didn't like the resolution between Deck and Sophia--it didn't change anything. He didn't really say much other than he liked Tracy. ??? Where was the I forgive myself for what happened between us and I am sorry that you thought you loved me and I thought I might care about you, but really it was never right for us and I'm sorry that I idolized you and thought I was in love with you because I really wasn't...I needed security and you gave that to me, but now I realized that it was really Dave who always gave it to me? It just seemed like the same-old, same-old verbiage that has been spun around in the last few books.
The end was okay. I guess I would have liked a little more with Tess and Jimmy--they deserve to really get their HEA and I didn't get that in this book. It was only so-so. Suz let us in a on little of it, but didn't quite finish it with their story.
I think there might have been too many stories going on...I wanted to know more about Tess and Jimmy, Deck and Tracy, and Dave and Sophia. The end just kind of hung...
So, did I like this book? Yes...suspense, good story, moved quickly. Did I love it? No. I would give it a solid 3 3/4 to 4 stars. The last star is for the not-so-perfect conclusion to this dragged on and on story (and I'm not saying that Deck and Sophia not getting together was the not-perfect part). Will I keep reading the series...absolutely! I'm looking forward to Hot Pursuit...hoping Suz will give a little more focus to one couple over 3 (or more) this next time...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2010
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Ms. Brockmann's 14th book in her vastly popular Troubleshooter series, Dark of Night. Now I'll be honest, I did not pay attention to all the discussions about this book. I didn't want to read any spoilers, inadvertent or not. Many reviews have been posted and the majority all disclosed spoilers. I hate spoilers. I really do. So, this review will be SPOILER FREE. The only plot summary I will give, will come from the cover blurb on the book.
A very shady government organization known as The Agency has come after James Nash nearly killing. An opportunity arose to fake Nash's death and Lawrence Dekker took it. Only a small handful of people know that Nash is alive and Dave, Sophia and Tracy aren't among the elite. Dave and Sophia in their grief over Nash's death turn to each other for comfort and their relationship moves from that of friends to lovers. Dave is attacked by a man that results in a knife injury. Dave believes that the attack has something to do with his past. Nash knows that it actually has something to do with him and The Agency. Now, people who Nash cares about are in serious danger. The troubleshooters will team up to put an end to the threat.
Dark of Night is classic Brockmann. There is fantastic dialogue, realistic multi-faceted characters, acute attention to detail, and non-stop, intense action. One of the reasons why I love this series so much is how the characters evolve throughout it. Real people are constantly changing and evolving and her characters do too. The characters become so real to me, I wonder that they aren't actual people. She is able to convey this realness in her attention to detail. There were so many scenes that were peppered with little nuances and references and they paint such a vivid picture.
I know a lot of fans of this series were very worried over the Dekker/Dave/Sophia love triangle aspect. All I will say about this is that readers should trust Brockmann. If you have been a fan of the series up until now, then trust her to tell the story the way she believes it should be told. I did and I am very satisfied.
I am sure there are some readers out there who haven't started this series. Just to prove how confident I am that you will be entertained by this book, I recommend just jumping in and starting with this one. You won't be lost at all. Instead, I think you will be so entertained by the story and the characters that you will want to go back and read the other books, so as to find out all you can about them. Because for me, after having read Dark of Night, I now want to go back and read through all the other books again. That's just my two cents, for what it's worth.
A very shady government organization known as The Agency has come after James Nash nearly killing. An opportunity arose to fake Nash's death and Lawrence Dekker took it. Only a small handful of people know that Nash is alive and Dave, Sophia and Tracy aren't among the elite. Dave and Sophia in their grief over Nash's death turn to each other for comfort and their relationship moves from that of friends to lovers. Dave is attacked by a man that results in a knife injury. Dave believes that the attack has something to do with his past. Nash knows that it actually has something to do with him and The Agency. Now, people who Nash cares about are in serious danger. The troubleshooters will team up to put an end to the threat.
Dark of Night is classic Brockmann. There is fantastic dialogue, realistic multi-faceted characters, acute attention to detail, and non-stop, intense action. One of the reasons why I love this series so much is how the characters evolve throughout it. Real people are constantly changing and evolving and her characters do too. The characters become so real to me, I wonder that they aren't actual people. She is able to convey this realness in her attention to detail. There were so many scenes that were peppered with little nuances and references and they paint such a vivid picture.
I know a lot of fans of this series were very worried over the Dekker/Dave/Sophia love triangle aspect. All I will say about this is that readers should trust Brockmann. If you have been a fan of the series up until now, then trust her to tell the story the way she believes it should be told. I did and I am very satisfied.
I am sure there are some readers out there who haven't started this series. Just to prove how confident I am that you will be entertained by this book, I recommend just jumping in and starting with this one. You won't be lost at all. Instead, I think you will be so entertained by the story and the characters that you will want to go back and read the other books, so as to find out all you can about them. Because for me, after having read Dark of Night, I now want to go back and read through all the other books again. That's just my two cents, for what it's worth.
October 20, 2013
In Into the Fire, almost everyone thought Jimmy Nash died protecting Tess, Eden, Sophia and Hannah at Hannah's cabin, but a scheme had been concocted to root out corruption in the Agency. While the team is still unwinding from that op and reeling from the loss of a co-worker, Sophia decides to act on Dave's declaration to her. Decker apparently is consoling Tess and Tracey is so much more than meets the eye. I was surprised by one of the new couples but I liked it. As the investigation around Nash's issues involve more and more team members, the shadowy Agency becomes more diabolical in their methods of remaining hidden and keeping their secrets. The seemingly unconnected threads that plagued the team in this very busy installment were brilliantly interlocking pieces of a massive puzzle.
The convoluted relationships of this incestuous little group are ever evolving and strengthen the series with every installment. I was quite pleased some of my favorite characters were the glue holding this multil-layered story together. Tracey's character seemingly grew by leaps and bounds but in fairness had not been given a chance to shine before. She's definitely one of my new favorite characters. Secondary characters this time out were just as strong as the primaries though their tasks were different they were not window dressing or seat fillers. Especially after the last entry I was glad there weren't a lot of back and forth flashbacks and I was committed in the story from paragraph 2. As usual the series doesn't have to be read in order, it just flows better if it is. I think this might be my favorite installment of the series.
The convoluted relationships of this incestuous little group are ever evolving and strengthen the series with every installment. I was quite pleased some of my favorite characters were the glue holding this multil-layered story together. Tracey's character seemingly grew by leaps and bounds but in fairness had not been given a chance to shine before. She's definitely one of my new favorite characters. Secondary characters this time out were just as strong as the primaries though their tasks were different they were not window dressing or seat fillers. Especially after the last entry I was glad there weren't a lot of back and forth flashbacks and I was committed in the story from paragraph 2. As usual the series doesn't have to be read in order, it just flows better if it is. I think this might be my favorite installment of the series.
February 2, 2009
Read it, loved it, can’t wait for the next one. So, in this one, Decker, who’s been hung up on Sophia, who he met in K-stan (whichever one), discovers that he’s not quite so hung up on her—as does Sophia, who’s been even more in love with him. No, he’s not gay. This other guy, Dave, has been carrying a torch for her forever, and finally, she’s given up on Decker and given Dave his dream come true, (This happened at the end of the previous book, so it is NOT a spoiler--unless you didn't read the previous book, but if you didn't, that's your bad, not mine.) and—Oh yeah, there’s a lot of really thriller-y suspense in this book. It is Tight with suspense. Lots and lots of stuff going on—really bad bad guys who want to kill ... pretty much everybody. And Decker gets stuck with the receptionist, who is a lot smarter than anybody has ever given her credit for—except it turns out he’s not so stuck after all. I liked this a lot. I liked it because love surprises some people, and because other people do the sensible thing and fall in love with the good guy, instead of the “bad guy,” and there’s some really good mayhem and some really good sex, and well, I just really enjoyed it. There.
July 10, 2009
When I found this book I was really excited because I had recently read the story of Deckers partner Nash in Flashpoint. So it fit right in that I should be able to read this one so soon after and find out what happened to Decker and Nash as well.
I really liked this book. I love the way Brockmann writes. She is very creative and includes characters that you learn to love. I fell for Decker in Falshpoint and I loved him more here. He is complicated, but has a real strong sense of right and wrong. He has felt that he could be in love with several women in the past, but when he is forced to spend time with Tracy, the receptionist, he has met his match. Tracy won't put up with his reclusive self and will fight with him and not put him on this pedistal that most everyone else does. She is full of spunk and humer and Deck is definatly intrigued by her. You also find out what happens to Sophia Ghrafarri from Flashpoint. Which is a nice touch. This is a highly intense book with a lot going on. But Brockmann weaves it all together and delivers a winner!
I really liked this book. I love the way Brockmann writes. She is very creative and includes characters that you learn to love. I fell for Decker in Falshpoint and I loved him more here. He is complicated, but has a real strong sense of right and wrong. He has felt that he could be in love with several women in the past, but when he is forced to spend time with Tracy, the receptionist, he has met his match. Tracy won't put up with his reclusive self and will fight with him and not put him on this pedistal that most everyone else does. She is full of spunk and humer and Deck is definatly intrigued by her. You also find out what happens to Sophia Ghrafarri from Flashpoint. Which is a nice touch. This is a highly intense book with a lot going on. But Brockmann weaves it all together and delivers a winner!
July 8, 2014
This book definitely needs to be read following Into the fire, as the story lines are strongly linked. I was surprised by the development in both Tracy and Deck. Though Tracy proving through small things that she's not completely the idiot I was taking her for turned out convincing. And Decker's hidden willingness to also be able to rely on someone else, to let someone else decide and not always be the only one in charge also convinced me.
I really enjoyed how the relationship between Sophia and Dave developed, how Dave turned out to be totally worthy of being a hero in this series, despite his alleged nerdness. Bonus points also go to the solving of longlasting struggles between Tess and James and to their relationship turning much stronger after this book.
I was a bit disappointed by the way the mystery was solved very rapidly in the end, but the suspense all along the book was breathtaking.
I really enjoyed how the relationship between Sophia and Dave developed, how Dave turned out to be totally worthy of being a hero in this series, despite his alleged nerdness. Bonus points also go to the solving of longlasting struggles between Tess and James and to their relationship turning much stronger after this book.
I was a bit disappointed by the way the mystery was solved very rapidly in the end, but the suspense all along the book was breathtaking.
September 15, 2009
Warning: I was in the Decker/Sophia camp so this book was the biggest disappointment ever! SB has always and probably will always be an auto-read (not auto-buy any longer!) for me. I found myself so emotionally involved in these characters I hardly recognized myself. It's a book for goodness sake, I told myself. Well, after 5 years of waiting for the HEA of characters that were, in my opinion, defined long before this book was written, the book just completely destroyed any hope for me liking it! The characters didn't seem "real" anymore and they certainly took on a totally different personality from their "birth".
All in all, I know there are those who will argue and argue and we'll never agree BUT for me, this was the least favorite SB book (and I hesitate to even categorize it as a "favorite"). But as they say, to each his own.
All in all, I know there are those who will argue and argue and we'll never agree BUT for me, this was the least favorite SB book (and I hesitate to even categorize it as a "favorite"). But as they say, to each his own.
September 29, 2022
Reread 27/9/22 -28/9/22 Still one of my favourites. Love decker
Wow wow wow. I was so happy that this was a continuation of the last book which had an ending that surprised the hell out of me but this superseded that and I have to say I didn’t see it coming but I am so happy with the outcome. Continuing the story of Jimmy nash, decker, Sophia and Dave. I thought the only way Sophia and decker could get together was if Dave was dead so I was waiting for it to happen but Suzanne had other plans which I didn’t see coming but loved the outcome. I can’t put this series down! This book is going on my re-read shelf
Wow wow wow. I was so happy that this was a continuation of the last book which had an ending that surprised the hell out of me but this superseded that and I have to say I didn’t see it coming but I am so happy with the outcome. Continuing the story of Jimmy nash, decker, Sophia and Dave. I thought the only way Sophia and decker could get together was if Dave was dead so I was waiting for it to happen but Suzanne had other plans which I didn’t see coming but loved the outcome. I can’t put this series down! This book is going on my re-read shelf
February 22, 2017
Loved it even more the 2nd time!!!
January 2, 2017
A good addition to the series. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 26, 2023
I'm reading this as part of a group read and, at 14 into the series, have some serious time invested in the series. I have really enjoyed the last few as they are more suspense with a little less emphasis on the romance(s)...which is not to say that there is no romantic. On the contrary there's several going on...finally we get at least a partial resolution on the continuing triangle involving Dave, Sophia, and Decker. It's about time. The set-up: Only a few know of the survival of Jimmy Nash following his (faked) demise at the hands of domestic terrorists. Dave and Sophia have finally gotten together, but an attack on Dave in Boston appears to be a message, but the question is who's the message for? Decker is trying to mislead any observers and convince them that he is assisting Tess (who he's carried a bit of a torch for). When Tracy deduces (because she's smarter and more aware of motivations than her surface appearance) that Nash is still alive, Decker and Tracy are thrust together. So we are finally treated to some new romantic combinations. Dave and Sophia's romance is tender and touching, until Dave is called on to become a super-badass. He's a reverse marshmallow - a softie on the outside, but with a steely core. Decker and Tracy had one of the smoking'-est shower scenes I've read in a while. The supporting characters - Jules & Robin; Sam & Lys; Tess & Jimmy - are just right. Intense were needed, tender and even funny in parts. Sam explaining to Jimmy how to leverage baby duty to get Tess' hormones firing and get Jimmy laid is hilarious. But it's Decker and Tracy that are the main focus and it's steamy and contentious and totally sweet...wait...Decker is many things, but sweet? Hell, yes, because as he says, "She sees me for who I am." Isn't that what we all want? Oh, yeah.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews