When Tony Met Adam by Suzanne Brockmann (Troubleshooters #12.5) - January 2017

[Jonetta]

An exclusive short story featuring characters from the Troubleshooters series

Tony Vlachic, a ruggedly handsome Navy SEAL, has kept his sexuality a secret for years under the threat of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” That is, until he meets Adam Wyndham, a charismatic yet troubled film star. Tony knows that by approaching Adam in front of his teammates he’s jeopardizing his military career. And Adam, nursing a broken heart, has no interest in a relationship. Still, neither man can deny their instant attraction.

Tony didn’t become a SEAL by accepting rejection, and his pursuit of Adam leads to one unforgettable night. But the next morning, Tony is ordered to ship out to Afghanistan, and he’s forced to leave Adam with too much left unsaid. As Tony enters a dangerous war zone, Adam, back in Los Angeles, struggles with the demons of his past, while dealing with the very real possibility that Tony could be killed in action. Half a world apart, both men must face their feelings for each other—and decide if what they’ve found is worth risking everything in the name of love.

Character List
(view spoiler)[
Anthony (Tony) Michael Vlachic: Navy SEAL who is gay, operating under the rules of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, on Team 16.
Adam Wyndham: Actor, former lover of Jules and Robin.
Sam Starrett: Former Navy Seal working for Troubleshooters.
Izzy Zanella: Navy SEAL, part of Team 16.
Dan Gillman: Navy SEAL, part of Team 16.
Jay Lopez: Navy SEAL, part of Team 16.
Mark Jenkins: Navy SEAL, part of Team 16.
Chief Karmody: Assigned to Navy SEAL Team 16.
Tracy Shapiro: Troubleshooters receptionist.
Connor: Adam's landlord.
Robin Chadwick: Film star married to Jules. He was once involved with Adam.
Jules Cassidy: FBI agent, married to Robin.
Bill Silverman: Navy SEAL, part of Team 16.
(hide spoiler)]

Discussion Question #1
Discussion Question #2
Discussion Question #3
Discussion Question #4

[Sandra]

Excited to see this novella! Sounds good!

[Jonetta]

I thought so!

[Jonetta]

Who else is reading this with us this month?

[Robin]

This sounds like a good one!

[Sheri]

will definitely be reading this one

[Sandra]

It didn't take me long to read this one! Loved it! So glad I read it.

[Jonetta]

Yay! It doesn't take long.

[Wendy]

I read this today and really enjoyed it as well :)

[Sheri]

I also finished this one today.

[Susan]

almost finished loving it so far

[Jonetta]

Let's start the discussion!

[Jonetta]

Were you aware that Brockmann wrote this story to commemorate the US military's cessation of its Don't Ask/Don't Tell policy?

[Robin]

Jonetta wrote: "Were you aware that Brockmann wrote this story to commemorate the US military's cessation of its Don't Ask/Don't Tell policy?"

I wasn't aware of it when I picked it up. I kind of guessed by the epilogue though.

[Wendy]

Robin wrote: "Jonetta wrote: "Were you aware that Brockmann wrote this story to commemorate the US military's cessation of its Don't Ask/Don't Tell policy?"

I wasn't aware of it when I picked it up. I kind of g..."

I felt the same way.

[Jonetta]

Adam's been our "bad guy" up until now. Do you have a better opinion of him now?

[Jonetta]

Tony overhears a conversation between Gilman, Izzy, Jenks, and Lopez where they're discussing him having outed himself in Boston. Was it helpful in understanding the different points of view about Don't Ask/Don't Tell?

[Sandra]

Jonetta wrote: "Adam's been our "bad guy" up until now. Do you have a better opinion of him now?"

I do! This short story allowed readers into the heart of Adam...his agony, his vulnerabilities, his disappointments, his self-doubt. Prior to this book, I only saw him as a user, a player with no heart or real feelings. This book allowed me to see that Adam used that playboy, love 'em & leave 'em persona to mask his pain, hiding it from the world. I felt better about Adam after reading this book.

[Sandra]

Jonetta wrote: "Tony overhears a conversation between Gilman, Izzy, Jenks, and Lopez where they're discussing him having outed himself in Boston. Was it helpful in understanding the different points of view about ..."

It really was insightful! Brockmann brilliantly used this book to show the world the life of a serviceman during "don't ask, don't tell" and the different view points of people involved.

[Sheri]

I also looked at Adam differently. In the previous books it just showed him being a user. He acted as though he didn't care about anything but himself. It didn't give us any insight about what was really going on with him on the inside. He did a good job at hiding his feelings from everyone. This book really opened that up and allowed us to see the real Adam.

[Jonetta]

Jonetta wrote: "Were you aware that Brockmann wrote this story to commemorate the US military's cessation of its Don't Ask/Don't Tell policy?"

I didn't know until after I'd bought this and read it on Brockmann's website.

[Jonetta]

Jonetta wrote: "Tony overhears a conversation between Gilman, Izzy, Jenks, and Lopez where they're discussing him having outed himself in Boston. Was it helpful in understanding the different points of view about ..."

I loved this exchange as it was honest and open. I also thought Tony handled it well when he interrupted them. Well done.

[Jonetta]

Adam's family's reaction when his mother learned he was gay was extreme. Do you think her behavior was typical or unusual?

[Robin]

Jonetta wrote: "Adam's been our "bad guy" up until now. Do you have a better opinion of him now?"

I definitely have a better opinion of him. We now know what drives him and what was going on in his head. I don't know if we ever had his POV in the previous books.

[Robin]

Jonetta wrote: "Adam's family's reaction when his mother learned he was gay was extreme. Do you think her behavior was typical or unusual?"

Unfortunately there are some parents that do act this way. I'm hoping his mother is the minority.

[Charlene]

I didn't get a chance to read this one, but I'll join you in future discussions. Catching up a little at a time here :)

[Jonetta]

Jonetta wrote: "Adam's been our "bad guy" up until now. Do you have a better opinion of him now?"

I did not think this character could be redeemed. He seemed like the ultimate user. Robin, I don't remember ever getting his point of view.

I think he really liked Robin, as broken as he was emotionally. Tony just seemed like the perfect person for him in this moment.

[Jonetta]

Jonetta wrote: "Adam's family's reaction when his mother learned he was gay was extreme. Do you think her behavior was typical or unusual?"

I have quite a few gay friends who had terrible experiences with their families when they came out. The world changes pretty radically for them in small and large ways. I can't even imagine my relatives giving up on me even if I committed a crime. However, sexual orientation seems to just upend folks.

[Maggie]

Unfortunately I don't think Adam's mothers' response was uncommon.

[Susan]

Jonetta wrote: "Tony overhears a conversation between Gilman, Izzy, Jenks, and Lopez where they're discussing him having outed himself in Boston. Was it helpful in understanding the different points of view about ..."

I felt bad for Tony when he overhears their conversation. He has a very strong personality and confidence in himself to approach them. I don't think the don't ask don't tell helped Tony as they all talk about him behind his back anyway wondering if he is gay. At least the majority of the Seals are more interested in tTony's ability to be a seal and have their backs then who he is sleeping with.