The Unsung Hero (Troubleshooters, #1) in 2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2

Jan 27, 2011 Jonetta rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: group-read, audiobook, nc-br-digital-library, 2022-library-love-challenge, 3500-2022, 2022-audiobook-challenge

2022 Update
I first read this book in 2010 and this time reread it by listening to the audio version. What a difference that makes as I enjoyed the narrator’s performance! He was a great storyteller. It was remarkable how many details I’d forgotten but not the essence of the story. I actually liked it more the second time around, possibly because of the narrator but also as I had a higher appreciation for the historical story involving Charles & Joe. The ending touched me more deeply as well. I’m ...more

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Jan 18, 2016 Robin rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2016, contemporary-romance, kindle, 2022

On a 30-day medical leave after suffering a head wound in the line of duty, Navy SEAL Lt. Tom Paoletti believes he recognizes The Merchant, a presumed dead international terrorist, at the airport. His superiors question his story, wondering if he is suffering from paranoia due to his head injury. As Tom tries to relax while visiting his great uncle Joe, he sees Kelly Ashton, a childhood friend he hasn't seen in years. As Kelly and Tom get reacquainted, they realize the chemistry that drew them t ...more

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Jul 26, 2013 Sandra Hoover rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-suspense

Rereading Jan. 2022 for a group series read. This time I'm going with audio.

I had forgotten Brockmann's expertise in weaving several stories together into one explosive book. The dual timeline of Joe and Charle's heartbreaking story and the woman they both loved a lifetime. Tom and Kelley reunited as adults with the same sparks flaring. David and Marion and the magic of first love. And let's don't forget a terrorist threat that no one seems to believe is happening except an injured Tom. Mix it a ...more

9 likes · Like · see review

Jul 07, 2012 Anita rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio, romantic-supense, kindle-libby-city

For my second time around, I was going to listen to the audio. I did for parts of the book, but I'm a reader at heart and I have to say this book is just as good the second time around. Except for some pop culture references, this book could have been published today. Its central plot could very well take place right now. The subplot of the two WWII veterans told in flashback was powerful and gripping and oh so sad. The second chance love story of Kelly and Tom is timeless and just as compelling ...more

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Dec 21, 2011 Wendy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: feb-12, jan-15

Loved it just as much the 2nd time around and can hardly wait to carry on with the series!

4 likes · Like · see review

Nov 18, 2014 Karen ♐ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspense, read-library-ebook, read-library-audio-book

This is the first book I have read by this author. This story has different stories being brought together by the end of the book. I loved it. All the characters are so vivid, I felt as if I were there with them. Tom is a Navy Seal lieutenant recovering from an injury who comes back to his home town. There is the story of his uncle and his best friend during WWII and, of course, second chance romance for Tom and a romance for his niece. I could not put this book down. I will definitely be readin ...more

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Feb 11, 2011 Lauren rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: friends-to-lovers, romantic-suspense, second-chances, physician, world-war-ii, photography, navy-seals, dual-timeline

The Unsung Hero
4 Stars

On a mission to rescue an ambassador's wife, Lt.Commander Tom Paoletti receives a life-threatening head injury and is forced to take recuperation leave. While at home, he is reunited with an old flame, and also spots someone he believes to be an international terrorist. Is he right? And if so, who or what is the target?

This first installment in the Troubleshooters series involves an ensemble cast of characters and a complex plot of multiple storylines. While some of the thr ...more

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May 19, 2012 Samantha rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2012-s-challenge, romantic-suspense

There was a lot going on in the book but I really enjoyed it. I really didn't care for Kelly but I still managed to overlook my minor gripes with her. It was the side story with Mallory and David that kept me interested. I can't believe it has taken me so long to get into this series. I look forward to picking up the other books. ...more

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Jan 30, 2015 Charlene rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romantic-suspense, favorites, audio

Still just as powerful the second time around!

5 ★

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Aug 12, 2021 Sharon Kallenberger Marzola rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mystery, series, favorites, romantic-suspense, military-exmilitary, good-romance, friends-to-lovers, second-chance, love-hero, love-heroine

Update: I read this book again with m GR book group. This story, the romances, its multiple plots, and dual timelines are just as good if not better the second time around. This time I listened to the audio book, which is well done also. A must read/listen.

******

The Unsung Hero opens with SEAL Team 16 rescuing a diplomat’s wife. She isn’t very cooperative with her rescuers to say the least. When the rescue is leaked; the SEALS quickly put a backup plan in play that also goes awry, and Tom Paole Update: I read this book again with m GR book group. This story, the romances, its multiple plots, and dual timelines are just as good if not better the second time around. This time I listened to the audio book, which is well done also. A must read/listen.

******

The Unsung Hero opens with SEAL Team 16 rescuing a diplomat’s wife. She isn’t very cooperative with her rescuers to say the least. When the rescue is leaked; the SEALS quickly put a backup plan in play that also goes awry, and Tom Paoletti receives a head injury. After his hospital stay, he is put on a mandated 30-day vacation.

Tom is fighting this forced vacation because it will break up his team. His attitude ruffles feathers with his superiors, which causes them to poo-poo his sighting of the terrorist known as The Merchant. The brass is convinced Tom is hallucinating, a side effect of his injury. Upset, Tom head to Baldin’s Bridge to visit his Uncle Joe. Still planning how he can cut this leave short and get back on duty when another sighting makes him rethink his plan.

Uncle Joe lives and works on the estate of Charles Ashton, a friend since WW II. These men have secrets they won’t discuss. Also visiting is Kelly Ashton, Charles’ daughter. Kelly was in love with Tom in high school. They were friends, but Tom couldn’t act on any feelings because of Kelly’s age. After school they took different paths, Tom joined the military, and Kelly went to medical school. They haven’t seen each other since.

What I love—everything!

Tom reconnects with Kelly in a believable way. It is a slow, but not too slow, reacquainting then deciding if this is going to be a short-term hook-up or more. Kelly hasn’t had the best luck with relationships, and Tom is married to his job. Kelly has the added stress of trying to resolve past hurts with her father who is dying of cancer. Who wouldn’t take it slow under those conditions?

Also woven into this story is Tom’s niece, Mallory, and her relationship with David. Mallory is the town’s “bad” girl. She meets up with David, a nerd, who wants to draw her as the heroine in his graphic novel. The two start a friendship that turns into more. It is a well-done YA relationship that didn’t make me gag once.

Last, but not least is Charles and Joe telling their story of meeting when Charles was injured in France, and Joe was working with the French Resistance. They are both still love the woman of their wartime love triangle. Their story is told in flashbacks that fit nicely with the current events of the book. If you know anyone who served in World War II, you know that they don’t talk about their service and their many heroics. The flashbacks are a reminder of the horror of that war.

Suzanne Brockman fits a lot into 400 pages which all comes together nicely by the end. It's not easy to construct past and present in a meaningful way but Ms. Brockmann does it seamlessly. The current day heroics of this unusual group is captivating. The loyalty of Tom’s team regardless of his mental state makes me feel good. The three generational look at life and romance, and a good dose of suspense keeps me turning the page. It is all well-done.

For the life of me I don’t know why I waited so long to start reading The Troubleshooters series, but I will continue with the next book in record time. ...more

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Aug 23, 2011 Connie rated it it was amazing

First in the troubleshooter series. This one told the story of Tom Paoletti and Kelly. It had parts about the World War too. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of the series.

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Apr 15, 2014 Kai rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2014, romance-suspense

I loved this story it was great, one of things I liked was that it had different storylines about different relationships. From Charles and Joes friendship, to the attraction between Kelly and Tom. Loving how the different storys were told from different points. I was hooked from the beginning, loving each one of the characters. It was a great story that had me laughing out loud and having a few tears at the end. Definitely a book I would recommend. xx

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Jan 08, 2016 Kris (My Novelesque Life) rated it really liked it

First rating 3 stars
2016 - 4 stars.

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Jul 11, 2014 Logan rated it liked it

Shelves: borrowed-library, borrowed-ebook, mystery, romance, 2015-books-read

This really dragged through the middle and I almost didn't finish it. I wasn't sure where thins we're going with David and Mallory at first - he gave off too creepy of a vibe - but they ended up being my favorite couple. The ending got me to cry, so it salvaged this from 2 stars to 3. It looks like the series focuses on different couples, so I may give it another shot. ...more

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