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Troubleshooters #4
Out of Control
Savannah von Hopf has no choice. To save her uncle's life, she goes in search of Ken "WildCard" Karmody, a guy she barely knew in college who is now a military operative. She must convince him to help her deliver a cache of ransom money into the hands of terrorists halfway around the world. What she doesn't expect is to end up in WildCard's arms before she can even ask for his help.
WildCard has always had a soft spot for beautiful women. But when he discovers Savannah's hidden agenda, he is determined to end the affair. But Savannah is bound for Indonesia with or without his protection, and he can't just walk away. When her plan goes horribly wrong, they are trapped in the forsaken jungle of a hostile country, stalked by a lethal enemy. As time is running out, they scramble to escape, risking their lives to stop a nightmare from spinning even further out of control. . . .
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 26, 2002
282 people are currently reading
2564 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Brockmann
250 books3,553 followersAfter childhood plans to become the captain of a starship didn’t pan out, Suzanne Brockmann took her fascination with military history, her respect for the men and women who serve, her reverence for diversity, and her love of storytelling, and explored brave new worlds as a bestselling romance author.
Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.
In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.
Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.
In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
April 21, 2022
When Savannah von Hopf receives a ransom demand from the Indonesians who abducted her uncle, the first person she thought of for help was Navy SEAL Kenny (WildCard) Carmody. The last time she saw him was in college but he’s always been the crush she never got over. Their first encounter in San Diego was combustible and, unfortunately she failed to explain her connection to his ex-girlfriend who broke his heart. By the time she comes clean, they’re on the way to Indonesia, everything is tense and they walk into a disaster. Meanwhile, Rose von Hopf, Savannah’s grandmother who is a renowned World War II spy for the US, is meeting with the FBI because their sources have reported her son missing.
I read this story over ten years ago and am rereading via audio this time as part of a group read. Sometimes when you revisit a favorite story from long ago it loses some of its original shine but not this time. It was even more enjoyable the second time around, made so by the change in format.
There are multiple subplots in play that are expertly seamed together to provide one exceptional story. In addition to WildCard and Savannah, Rose’s history is recounted through several of the characters reading her book at various stages. Her experience as a double agent is fascinating, providing much needed relief from the suspense in Indonesia. Two new characters are introduced, a missionary named Molly Anderson and a mysterious expatriate named Dave Jones, an obviously false identity, both living in the Indonesian village where WildCard and Savannah show up. We also get more of Alyssa and Sam, more heartache than heart song, though.
I enjoyed everything about this story, even the sad moments and the childish ones between WildCard and Savannah as they attempt to rebuild trust and recapture the magic of the first encounter. There’s lots of excitement, drama, intrigue and romance (beware the steam!). I chose the newer audio version with the dual narrators as the older one was problematic. Lawlor and Ewbank make a great team and they delivered an outstanding performance, so much so that I’m abandoning the library versions and investing in the new ones going forward. My original 5-star rating still stands as strongly as it did the first time around.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
I read this story over ten years ago and am rereading via audio this time as part of a group read. Sometimes when you revisit a favorite story from long ago it loses some of its original shine but not this time. It was even more enjoyable the second time around, made so by the change in format.
There are multiple subplots in play that are expertly seamed together to provide one exceptional story. In addition to WildCard and Savannah, Rose’s history is recounted through several of the characters reading her book at various stages. Her experience as a double agent is fascinating, providing much needed relief from the suspense in Indonesia. Two new characters are introduced, a missionary named Molly Anderson and a mysterious expatriate named Dave Jones, an obviously false identity, both living in the Indonesian village where WildCard and Savannah show up. We also get more of Alyssa and Sam, more heartache than heart song, though.
I enjoyed everything about this story, even the sad moments and the childish ones between WildCard and Savannah as they attempt to rebuild trust and recapture the magic of the first encounter. There’s lots of excitement, drama, intrigue and romance (beware the steam!). I chose the newer audio version with the dual narrators as the older one was problematic. Lawlor and Ewbank make a great team and they delivered an outstanding performance, so much so that I’m abandoning the library versions and investing in the new ones going forward. My original 5-star rating still stands as strongly as it did the first time around.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
June 9, 2009
5+ stars – Romantic Suspense
I really enjoyed this one...very entertaining. I loved the Survivor-esque plot with Navy SEAL Ken “WildCard” Kamody and Miss Prim and Proper Pollyanna Savannah von Hopf roughing it in the jungles of Indonesia, while escaping and evading terrorists and the local warlord. I have to say, Savannah handled traversing rough terrain in bare feet, sleeping in the mud, and eating slugs much better than I would and without complaints. Ken initially thinks she’s a spoiled, uptight, and straight-laced rich girl, but he soon gains tremendous respect for her no-fuss attitude, determination, inner strength, and will to survive that would rival any SEAL.
I loved Ken “WildCard”...he’s zany, funny, romantic, sweet even when he’s being a grade-A jerk, and he’s always putting his foot in his mouth by saying the first thing that comes to mind. Pretty much everything he thinks and says is laugh-out-loud hysterical. Savannah’s a nice, spunky, feisty heroine and really throws Kenny for a loop. They are both a tad insecure and a little bit goofy and make a super cute, syrupy sweet couple...I couldn’t get enough of them!
The WWII subplot in this one has a strong tie to the main story, but once again I felt that the flashback scenes were a distraction, and I mostly skipped over them. I just wish there was more of the main action and characters instead, but at least this time the WWII flashback scenes were printed in a different size and font, making skimming through them easy.
Another highpoint to Out of Control is the steamy romance between missionary Molly and mysterious smuggler Mr. Jones, aka Dave Jones/Grady Morant. He’s a sexy gamma/anti-hero worthy of an Anne Stuart ‘Ice’ book, and Molly’s bluntness with him was priceless. Their explosive chemistry and spicy banter was one of my favorite aspects of the book. Things weren’t totally wrapped up for them, so I really hope to see more of them in a future book.
We get a little bit more drama in the Sam and Alyssa saga and see Sam’s internal misery over his loveless marriage and Alyssa trying to move on. The scene where Jules and Alyssa go to Sam’s house and she mistakenly thinks Sam’s wife Mary Lou is pregnant again because she hasn’t lost her baby weight was both sad and funny. The scene where Alyssa lied to Sam about her feelings over their short relationship in an attempt to discourage his lingering feelings for her was absolutely heartbreaking. I sooo hope that Brockmann gives Sam and Alyssa a whopping HEA because boy do they ever deserve it! I can’t wait to read their story in book six to find out.
Out of Control is a sexy, action-packed romantic suspense read with great characters and hot romance...big 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this one...very entertaining. I loved the Survivor-esque plot with Navy SEAL Ken “WildCard” Kamody and Miss Prim and Proper Pollyanna Savannah von Hopf roughing it in the jungles of Indonesia, while escaping and evading terrorists and the local warlord. I have to say, Savannah handled traversing rough terrain in bare feet, sleeping in the mud, and eating slugs much better than I would and without complaints. Ken initially thinks she’s a spoiled, uptight, and straight-laced rich girl, but he soon gains tremendous respect for her no-fuss attitude, determination, inner strength, and will to survive that would rival any SEAL.
I loved Ken “WildCard”...he’s zany, funny, romantic, sweet even when he’s being a grade-A jerk, and he’s always putting his foot in his mouth by saying the first thing that comes to mind. Pretty much everything he thinks and says is laugh-out-loud hysterical. Savannah’s a nice, spunky, feisty heroine and really throws Kenny for a loop. They are both a tad insecure and a little bit goofy and make a super cute, syrupy sweet couple...I couldn’t get enough of them!
The WWII subplot in this one has a strong tie to the main story, but once again I felt that the flashback scenes were a distraction, and I mostly skipped over them. I just wish there was more of the main action and characters instead, but at least this time the WWII flashback scenes were printed in a different size and font, making skimming through them easy.
Another highpoint to Out of Control is the steamy romance between missionary Molly and mysterious smuggler Mr. Jones, aka Dave Jones/Grady Morant. He’s a sexy gamma/anti-hero worthy of an Anne Stuart ‘Ice’ book, and Molly’s bluntness with him was priceless. Their explosive chemistry and spicy banter was one of my favorite aspects of the book. Things weren’t totally wrapped up for them, so I really hope to see more of them in a future book.
We get a little bit more drama in the Sam and Alyssa saga and see Sam’s internal misery over his loveless marriage and Alyssa trying to move on. The scene where Jules and Alyssa go to Sam’s house and she mistakenly thinks Sam’s wife Mary Lou is pregnant again because she hasn’t lost her baby weight was both sad and funny. The scene where Alyssa lied to Sam about her feelings over their short relationship in an attempt to discourage his lingering feelings for her was absolutely heartbreaking. I sooo hope that Brockmann gives Sam and Alyssa a whopping HEA because boy do they ever deserve it! I can’t wait to read their story in book six to find out.
Out of Control is a sexy, action-packed romantic suspense read with great characters and hot romance...big 5 stars.
July 24, 2016
I wasn't expecting to enjoy Out of Control as much as I did. Really!
When I consider a series, I am one of those readers that needs to start with the first story. Rarely -and I actually have a tag for this- do I reveal a book is fine as a standalone. That said, Ms. Brockmann used multiple characters from previous narratives with The Troubleshooters. When I began, and having not read the first three books, I considered (I didn't actually do it) looking for a notebook to write down who was involved with whom. There were a lot of characters and three individual romances that were swimming among the pages.
One of the love stories was a thread that took place during WWII and stitched all of the existing scenarios together. For those of you that abhor continual exchanges referring to previous alliances, look elsewhere.
In case you were wondering, this was Ken 'Wildcard' Karmody's turn for romantic closure. If you have ever fried bacon in a cast iron skillet and got up close and personal, you will relate to 'Kenny's' relationship with 'Van'. You know what I mean; think about it. You hear the sizzling. You consider screaming for a brief moment when grease pops onto your hand. You smell, wonders of wonders, a delicious aroma. It was a balm. A message. You finally arrived home. Or I should say, Ken did.
Then there was Molly: the older woman with a past. And 'Jones', the loner. Theirs was a lesson in opposites-attract. A couple that found one another in the oppressive and muggy heat of the Indonesian jungle. A missionary and a smuggler. And talk about some steam!
The third romance was the thread that took place during WWII. It was the story of Savannah 'Van' von Hopf's grandparents. It concerned itself with spies, a war and insta-love. Soulmates. And a sweet forever. *Sigh.*
There was plenty of action. Some of the occurrences were page-turners. Without it, I don't think I would have enjoyed this book half as much. And once I finished the first quarter, I was hooked.
For lack of a better word, it was busy. But I had a handle on things. I loved the snarky banter. The chemistry. I guessed at what twosomes would earn their HEAs and which others would find happiness in future books. Thank you, Luli, for recommending Out of Control to me; I thoroughly enjoyed it!
When I consider a series, I am one of those readers that needs to start with the first story. Rarely -and I actually have a tag for this- do I reveal a book is fine as a standalone. That said, Ms. Brockmann used multiple characters from previous narratives with The Troubleshooters. When I began, and having not read the first three books, I considered (I didn't actually do it) looking for a notebook to write down who was involved with whom. There were a lot of characters and three individual romances that were swimming among the pages.
One of the love stories was a thread that took place during WWII and stitched all of the existing scenarios together. For those of you that abhor continual exchanges referring to previous alliances, look elsewhere.
In case you were wondering, this was Ken 'Wildcard' Karmody's turn for romantic closure. If you have ever fried bacon in a cast iron skillet and got up close and personal, you will relate to 'Kenny's' relationship with 'Van'. You know what I mean; think about it. You hear the sizzling. You consider screaming for a brief moment when grease pops onto your hand. You smell, wonders of wonders, a delicious aroma. It was a balm. A message. You finally arrived home. Or I should say, Ken did.
Then there was Molly: the older woman with a past. And 'Jones', the loner. Theirs was a lesson in opposites-attract. A couple that found one another in the oppressive and muggy heat of the Indonesian jungle. A missionary and a smuggler. And talk about some steam!
The third romance was the thread that took place during WWII. It was the story of Savannah 'Van' von Hopf's grandparents. It concerned itself with spies, a war and insta-love. Soulmates. And a sweet forever. *Sigh.*
There was plenty of action. Some of the occurrences were page-turners. Without it, I don't think I would have enjoyed this book half as much. And once I finished the first quarter, I was hooked.
For lack of a better word, it was busy. But I had a handle on things. I loved the snarky banter. The chemistry. I guessed at what twosomes would earn their HEAs and which others would find happiness in future books. Thank you, Luli, for recommending Out of Control to me; I thoroughly enjoyed it!
January 18, 2020
2.75 stars, rounded up
I swear y'all, I think I need a "too horny to survive" shelf just for this series. These are the horniest, lustiest, orgasmiest characters ever. I have no idea how they function, or even walk across the room without squirting all over the place. One chick comes before the dude's even inside her! But just for him, of course. Because she barely knew him in college but has been dreaming of this moment ever since because her life is just that empty, I guess. Coming before you even get started sounds like a mood killer to me, or a giant ego boost if you happen to be That Guy.
But anyway, this book isn't actually about epic orgasms; the blurb says so. No, it's about some dude who goes missing in Indonesia and the niece and feisty elderly mom who blow up the jungle looking for him. ... Nah! I'm kidding. That would have been an infinitely more fun book to read. But it is about a gullible niece who tries to save him, and his mom, who is this super impressive legendary figure but it just sort of there for the obligatory WWII stuff.
This did have some good moments, when the characters managed to get out of each other's pants for more than two pages in a row, but I can't say I was rooting for any of the couples, at least not for a good chunk of the book. Couples that start out with pure lust just automatically start with a huge handicap for me to get over, because I need to know the characters and how they get along outside the bedroom first, before I can even begin to care about anything that might happen in the bedroom, and Brockmann clearly prefers lust first. I found myself actually missing Patrick Lawlor's campy delivery in some parts, because at least he made this stuff fun, but the dual narration was such a trial for me that the audios are a no-go.
Karmody/Savannah - Karmody's kind of a lovable doofus who loves way too quickly, and Savannah is a socialite who knows how to get down and dirty. No! Not that way! ... Okay, yes, that way but not just that way. I actually rather liked this couple by the end but
Molly/Jones - Blarg. I liked Molly. I never warmed up to Jones, especially after They did get to talk and get to know each other, but what we got to know didn't really change my opinion on the dude.
Alyssa/Starett- Why Alyssa's so hung up on an asshole who treated her like crap the whole time she was drunk-boinking him, I have no idea. Girl has no self-respect. I really can't stand her at this point, which is a shame because she started out so awesome.
Rose/Hank - If I bought a memoir about the first double-agent in WWII - an 18-year old girl, no less - and got a swoony romance instead of espionage and intrigue, I'd one-star that crap so fast. Once again, I started skipping all the WWII flashbacks because they just weren't holding my interest. Then the various characters started talking about it because of course they were all reading it, so I didn't know when it was time to start skipping again, which was just annoying.
At this point, I'm skipping ahead for the Jules stuff, since he does apparently graduate from the token gay sidekick role at some point and actually becomes important later. Whether his romance is handled any better or not, well, I'm not holding my breath.
I swear y'all, I think I need a "too horny to survive" shelf just for this series. These are the horniest, lustiest, orgasmiest characters ever. I have no idea how they function, or even walk across the room without squirting all over the place. One chick comes before the dude's even inside her! But just for him, of course. Because she barely knew him in college but has been dreaming of this moment ever since because her life is just that empty, I guess. Coming before you even get started sounds like a mood killer to me, or a giant ego boost if you happen to be That Guy.
But anyway, this book isn't actually about epic orgasms; the blurb says so. No, it's about some dude who goes missing in Indonesia and the niece and feisty elderly mom who blow up the jungle looking for him. ... Nah! I'm kidding. That would have been an infinitely more fun book to read. But it is about a gullible niece who tries to save him, and his mom, who is this super impressive legendary figure but it just sort of there for the obligatory WWII stuff.
This did have some good moments, when the characters managed to get out of each other's pants for more than two pages in a row, but I can't say I was rooting for any of the couples, at least not for a good chunk of the book. Couples that start out with pure lust just automatically start with a huge handicap for me to get over, because I need to know the characters and how they get along outside the bedroom first, before I can even begin to care about anything that might happen in the bedroom, and Brockmann clearly prefers lust first. I found myself actually missing Patrick Lawlor's campy delivery in some parts, because at least he made this stuff fun, but the dual narration was such a trial for me that the audios are a no-go.
Karmody/Savannah - Karmody's kind of a lovable doofus who loves way too quickly, and Savannah is a socialite who knows how to get down and dirty. No! Not that way! ... Okay, yes, that way but not just that way. I actually rather liked this couple by the end but
Molly/Jones - Blarg. I liked Molly. I never warmed up to Jones, especially after They did get to talk and get to know each other, but what we got to know didn't really change my opinion on the dude.
Alyssa/Starett- Why Alyssa's so hung up on an asshole who treated her like crap the whole time she was drunk-boinking him, I have no idea. Girl has no self-respect. I really can't stand her at this point, which is a shame because she started out so awesome.
Rose/Hank - If I bought a memoir about the first double-agent in WWII - an 18-year old girl, no less - and got a swoony romance instead of espionage and intrigue, I'd one-star that crap so fast. Once again, I started skipping all the WWII flashbacks because they just weren't holding my interest. Then the various characters started talking about it because of course they were all reading it, so I didn't know when it was time to start skipping again, which was just annoying.
At this point, I'm skipping ahead for the Jules stuff, since he does apparently graduate from the token gay sidekick role at some point and actually becomes important later. Whether his romance is handled any better or not, well, I'm not holding my breath.
March 19, 2011
I spent the entire month of February in Cozumel on the beach reading the rest of the Troubleshooter series and it’s a good thing my Kindle’s whispernet worked or I would have had a stroke!!!......This series is so damn addictive….you can’t read just one, and you definitely must read them in order. I liked some of the books much better than others….but this one is Fantastic!!!...There is so much going on.......
1)The main story of the rich prim/proper girl (Savannah) meets bad boy Navy Seal Ken Karmody aka Wild Card working together to rescue her uncle that takes them on an exciting adventure into the jungle and foreign countries…they are an unlikely match yet they are perfect together
2)An introduction to a blossoming hot romance between Molly (older woman/missionary in the jungle) and Grady (younger man/pirate) that leaves us begging for a conclusion
3)Plus a WW2 story (book/autobiography) by Savannah’s grandmother describing how she endured those horrendous times and ended up with her true love
4)And last but not least, we have the continuing friction between Sam/Alyssa and their unrequited love for each other…..It broke my heart when Alyssa told Jules (after reading the autobiography) that she…..’Wanted her own happily ever after’.
As a (primarily) historical romance reader…I would recommend to those that want to broaden their reading spectrum to dip their toe into this series….I don’t think you will be disappointed. The romance between the H/h is so strong and takes center stage, while the suspense wraps around them and adds to excitement of their situation.
1)The main story of the rich prim/proper girl (Savannah) meets bad boy Navy Seal Ken Karmody aka Wild Card working together to rescue her uncle that takes them on an exciting adventure into the jungle and foreign countries…they are an unlikely match yet they are perfect together
2)An introduction to a blossoming hot romance between Molly (older woman/missionary in the jungle) and Grady (younger man/pirate) that leaves us begging for a conclusion
3)Plus a WW2 story (book/autobiography) by Savannah’s grandmother describing how she endured those horrendous times and ended up with her true love
4)And last but not least, we have the continuing friction between Sam/Alyssa and their unrequited love for each other…..It broke my heart when Alyssa told Jules (after reading the autobiography) that she…..’Wanted her own happily ever after’.
As a (primarily) historical romance reader…I would recommend to those that want to broaden their reading spectrum to dip their toe into this series….I don’t think you will be disappointed. The romance between the H/h is so strong and takes center stage, while the suspense wraps around them and adds to excitement of their situation.
July 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this one. This series is quite addictive, and this particular one is a non-stop ride!
It had a bit of everything - romance, drama, suspense, some hot sexy moments, a beautiful back story about a WWII double agent and her romance with a much older Austrian prince and suspected Nazi, hot navy SEALS (as usual LOL!), a side story about a man living in hiding on a remote Indonesian island and his intense affair with an older woman (a missionary), drug lords, mercenaries, a kidnapping and ransom, escaping in the jungle, blowing things up, hints about the ongoing thread of Alyssa and her doomed romance with navy SEAL Sam (their story will finally be told in book 6 :)
Whew! All that, and yet somehow Brockmann ties all of the threads together and it works. The MCs, Ken and Van, are just beautiful together. And on the last page you are left with a tear in your eye. Quite moving.
It had a bit of everything - romance, drama, suspense, some hot sexy moments, a beautiful back story about a WWII double agent and her romance with a much older Austrian prince and suspected Nazi, hot navy SEALS (as usual LOL!), a side story about a man living in hiding on a remote Indonesian island and his intense affair with an older woman (a missionary), drug lords, mercenaries, a kidnapping and ransom, escaping in the jungle, blowing things up, hints about the ongoing thread of Alyssa and her doomed romance with navy SEAL Sam (their story will finally be told in book 6 :)
Whew! All that, and yet somehow Brockmann ties all of the threads together and it works. The MCs, Ken and Van, are just beautiful together. And on the last page you are left with a tear in your eye. Quite moving.
March 22, 2019
I am almost giddy with excitement for the stories to come. I am getting closer and closer to the really good stuff and I can hardly stand it. :)
This installment was better than I expected. Yes, I've read it before, but it was a while ago. I forgot that Molly and Jones meet here and whoa! Their story is explosive and it only just begun. Then Alyssa and Sam, Jules, Max...sigh. Squee!!! Such a great series as a whole with some super big standout characters. One thins about listening to the audio, it certainly makes it harder to skip around to the "good" parts and I was more or less forced to "read" the whole book. And I am glad I did because it was a lovely story about Rose and her Prince, Wildcard and Savannah, and seeing Alyssa and Sam be practically strangers.
I highly recommend this series and the audio. The narration was really good.
4 stars.
This installment was better than I expected. Yes, I've read it before, but it was a while ago. I forgot that Molly and Jones meet here and whoa! Their story is explosive and it only just begun. Then Alyssa and Sam, Jules, Max...sigh. Squee!!! Such a great series as a whole with some super big standout characters. One thins about listening to the audio, it certainly makes it harder to skip around to the "good" parts and I was more or less forced to "read" the whole book. And I am glad I did because it was a lovely story about Rose and her Prince, Wildcard and Savannah, and seeing Alyssa and Sam be practically strangers.
I highly recommend this series and the audio. The narration was really good.
4 stars.
April 17, 2022
When Savannah von Hopf receives a call from her uncle saying he is in trouble and needs $250,000, she has no choice but to approach Ken "Wildcard" Karmody for help. He is a Navy SEAL and can surely keep her safe from the terrorists in Indonesia. But the meeting doesn't go as planned. Savannah and Ken end up in bed where the last thing on her mind is telling him about her uncle. The next day when Ken finds out, he is furious that she lied to him. But he refuses to let Savannah go to Jakarta on her own. Soon they are met by gun wielding drug runners who want the ransom money she is carrying. Running through the jungle with various rebels on their heels, Ken and Savannah must find a way to escape this nightmare.
This is the fourth book in Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series. After I read each book, I declare that it is the best in the series. This book is no different. It has great characters, a lively WWII back story, and non-stop action. Ken and Savannah are both great characters. Once again we have more of Sam and Alyssa's ongoing story arc. We were also introduced to new characters in the series, Molly and Jones. Their story kept me glued to the page. I highly recommend this book (and the whole series). My rating: 5 Stars.
2022 Re-read: We are doing a group read of this series on Goodreads. I am loving this book just as much the second time around. Suzanne Brockmann knows how to weave together several storylines that keep us invested in the book. This is till a 5-Star book for me.
This is the fourth book in Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series. After I read each book, I declare that it is the best in the series. This book is no different. It has great characters, a lively WWII back story, and non-stop action. Ken and Savannah are both great characters. Once again we have more of Sam and Alyssa's ongoing story arc. We were also introduced to new characters in the series, Molly and Jones. Their story kept me glued to the page. I highly recommend this book (and the whole series). My rating: 5 Stars.
2022 Re-read: We are doing a group read of this series on Goodreads. I am loving this book just as much the second time around. Suzanne Brockmann knows how to weave together several storylines that keep us invested in the book. This is till a 5-Star book for me.
June 7, 2012
Buddy read with Wendy F.
The Troubleshooter Series just keeps getting better and better as they progress. I'm hooked. Call me a fan of Brockmann from this moment forward.
“A flying bookstore.” Molly smiled at him. “Be still my heart.”
In Out of Control we are again given not one, not two but three love stories.
Savannah and Ken: Their love affair is like a fire, it's hot and started fast. Ken puts his foot in his mouth for most of the book but he finally comes to his senses and see's what's right in front of him. A beautiful, strong and loyal women.
Molly and Jones:This was such a beautiful story. Molly is older, she's had a life and made some mistakes but her life is on track. It's like she's completely open to meeting the right person and in walks Jones. He's a mysterious man, he's dangerous, he's sexy and about to walk away with Molly's heart. You cannot stop rooting for them.
She was overweight by America’s foolish standards, but not by Jones’s. To him, she was perfection. Soft and smooth and completely, lushly, provocatively female. She was Mother Nature, Mother Earth—with beautiful, full breasts peaked with generous dark nipples and womanly hips that could cradle and comfort and take a man to heaven without him fearing he’d snap her in two.
Rose and Hank: In classic Brockmann style she includes a heart wrenching WWII love story. It's weaved in between the other love stories in the form of an autobiography that Rose wrote about her time as a double agent. It's a beautiful story of love, devotion and how the heart can endure.
Alyssa and Sam: The madness continues. To say i'm anticipating this book is the understatement of the year. These two are going to burn down a house - they're just that hot.
Up close he was big. All wide shoulders and long legs and broad chest. He smelled like sunblock and heat, and as she breathed him in, Alyssa felt a flash of panic. What was she doing? This was crazy. She was crazy to get within ten feet of this man
The Troubleshooter Series just keeps getting better and better as they progress. I'm hooked. Call me a fan of Brockmann from this moment forward.
“A flying bookstore.” Molly smiled at him. “Be still my heart.”
In Out of Control we are again given not one, not two but three love stories.
Savannah and Ken: Their love affair is like a fire, it's hot and started fast. Ken puts his foot in his mouth for most of the book but he finally comes to his senses and see's what's right in front of him. A beautiful, strong and loyal women.
Molly and Jones:This was such a beautiful story. Molly is older, she's had a life and made some mistakes but her life is on track. It's like she's completely open to meeting the right person and in walks Jones. He's a mysterious man, he's dangerous, he's sexy and about to walk away with Molly's heart. You cannot stop rooting for them.
She was overweight by America’s foolish standards, but not by Jones’s. To him, she was perfection. Soft and smooth and completely, lushly, provocatively female. She was Mother Nature, Mother Earth—with beautiful, full breasts peaked with generous dark nipples and womanly hips that could cradle and comfort and take a man to heaven without him fearing he’d snap her in two.
Rose and Hank: In classic Brockmann style she includes a heart wrenching WWII love story. It's weaved in between the other love stories in the form of an autobiography that Rose wrote about her time as a double agent. It's a beautiful story of love, devotion and how the heart can endure.
Alyssa and Sam: The madness continues. To say i'm anticipating this book is the understatement of the year. These two are going to burn down a house - they're just that hot.
Up close he was big. All wide shoulders and long legs and broad chest. He smelled like sunblock and heat, and as she breathed him in, Alyssa felt a flash of panic. What was she doing? This was crazy. She was crazy to get within ten feet of this man
May 12, 2010
I wasn't going to read this book for a few weeks as I didn't want to overdose too much on the same author....however I just couldn't resist reading Wildcard's story! And now the bad thing is, is that I can't decide who I like more Wildcard or Stan (although I would have to go with Stan just on a height basis)
The heroine in the story is Savannah Van Hopf who knows Kenny "Wildcard" Karmody from Yale and has had a crush on him ever since. She needs his help as her Uncle Alex has been kidnapped and she wants him to go with her to deliver the ransom. However that isnt quite what happens, they end up having a night together before her telling him who she is and why she is there and needless to say Kenny feels used. However he still accompanies her and the real trouble starts from there.
What I really liked about Kenny was how sweet and open to love he was, with most books the hero beleives he doesn't want to be in love or doesn't need it; however, Wildcard wants someone to love and love him back but has been burnt in the past and despite being a "jerk" as Savannah would say, he also has a very big heart. I also liked Savannah as well, I thought she was sweet and tough, the kind of person I would want to be friends with; she didn't do too many stupid things either and when she did you understood why.
This book also had the WWII thread going through it and I really liked how she did it in this book, with the various characters all reading the same biography of a female double agent (Savannahs Grandmother)during the war. There was also a secondary love story between Molly and Jones, a missinairy worker and a smuggler with a shady path, that begins in this book and I hope continues in future books as it didn't seem to resolve by the end of this one.
Finally, the Sam and Alyssa saga continues and I really just want to read the their book. However I also feel sorry for Mary Lou although she didn't come across as the nicest person I feel kind of sorry for her and I hope she gets a HEA as well.
Anyways on to Mike Muldoon next!
The heroine in the story is Savannah Van Hopf who knows Kenny "Wildcard" Karmody from Yale and has had a crush on him ever since. She needs his help as her Uncle Alex has been kidnapped and she wants him to go with her to deliver the ransom. However that isnt quite what happens, they end up having a night together before her telling him who she is and why she is there and needless to say Kenny feels used. However he still accompanies her and the real trouble starts from there.
What I really liked about Kenny was how sweet and open to love he was, with most books the hero beleives he doesn't want to be in love or doesn't need it; however, Wildcard wants someone to love and love him back but has been burnt in the past and despite being a "jerk" as Savannah would say, he also has a very big heart. I also liked Savannah as well, I thought she was sweet and tough, the kind of person I would want to be friends with; she didn't do too many stupid things either and when she did you understood why.
This book also had the WWII thread going through it and I really liked how she did it in this book, with the various characters all reading the same biography of a female double agent (Savannahs Grandmother)during the war. There was also a secondary love story between Molly and Jones, a missinairy worker and a smuggler with a shady path, that begins in this book and I hope continues in future books as it didn't seem to resolve by the end of this one.
Finally, the Sam and Alyssa saga continues and I really just want to read the their book. However I also feel sorry for Mary Lou although she didn't come across as the nicest person I feel kind of sorry for her and I hope she gets a HEA as well.
Anyways on to Mike Muldoon next!
April 25, 2022
04/23/2022 Reread - Everything about this book is just as fantastic the second time around! Ken and Savanah in the hide is just one of the most memorable sex scenes in Romantic Suspense. I listened to it this time around and the Lawlor & Ewbank team narration was 5-Star.
04/14/2013 - I love Suzanne Brockman. I am reading the Troubleshooters books in order and that is the way they should be read. It is so wonderful to get to know the different characters and care what happens to them. Sam and Alyssa have had me hooked from the first book and I have cried for them for the last 3 books. My heart just breaks for them, and it is only knowing that they will get a HEA that keeps me from total despair.
In "Out of Control" Savannah von Hopf goes to Ken "Wildcard" Karmody for help when her uncle is kidnapped and she decides to deliver the ransom. She knows Ken from his days as Adele's boyfriend and has had a crush on him for 10 years. She is not too smart in her approach and Ken takes everything the wrong way. He goes with her anyway and nothing goes right. They end up in a real life survivor episode in the jungle of Indonesia.
Savannah's grandmother, Rose, is the WWII story of a double agent and her prince. We also get to know the story of Molly and Jones. We don't know how that one ends, but this older woman, younger man romance is very hot and Jones has a lot of secrets, but he trusts Molly.
04/14/2013 - I love Suzanne Brockman. I am reading the Troubleshooters books in order and that is the way they should be read. It is so wonderful to get to know the different characters and care what happens to them. Sam and Alyssa have had me hooked from the first book and I have cried for them for the last 3 books. My heart just breaks for them, and it is only knowing that they will get a HEA that keeps me from total despair.
In "Out of Control" Savannah von Hopf goes to Ken "Wildcard" Karmody for help when her uncle is kidnapped and she decides to deliver the ransom. She knows Ken from his days as Adele's boyfriend and has had a crush on him for 10 years. She is not too smart in her approach and Ken takes everything the wrong way. He goes with her anyway and nothing goes right. They end up in a real life survivor episode in the jungle of Indonesia.
Savannah's grandmother, Rose, is the WWII story of a double agent and her prince. We also get to know the story of Molly and Jones. We don't know how that one ends, but this older woman, younger man romance is very hot and Jones has a lot of secrets, but he trusts Molly.
November 27, 2015
Five big fat stars all the way. Two great heros paired up with two absolutely wonderful heroines, three great love stories, lots of action and laughter and tears all the way. Just wow. I can't wait to go onto the next one. Thank God I'm years behind this author and I've all the Troubleshooter books all good to go.
February 21, 2011
5+ Stars Romantic Suspense
Book 4 in the Troubleshooter series stars Navy SEAL Ken Karmody, who gets nicknamed as “Wild Card” because of his ability to think out of the box and come out winning however difficult a problem might be. Ken had certainly not led a charming childhood with an emotionally and physically abusive father, which had in the end toughened him up and made Ken determined to do what he wanted in life. Ken is a genius when it comes to computers and whatnot and beneath his tough SEAL facade lies a heart that yearns to love and claim a woman as his forever. His ex-girlfriend Adele had certainly done a number on him with a continuous on and off relationship with Ken which had gone on for around 10 years until Ken had finally seen the light and refused to bend to her every whim which had pretty much ended things on the relationship front.
Savannah Van Hopf couldn’t be any more different from Ken even if she tried. A rich heiress who works as an appellate attorney, Savannah is the granddaughter of the famous Rose Van Hopf who worked as a double agent for the US and the Nazi during World War II. Savannah had always had a huge crush on Ken even though he hadn’t noticed her much, and it is through Adele that Savannah finds out Ken’s address and travels to San Diego to find him and ask his assistance in locating her uncle Alex who had disappeared in Indonesia without a trace.
From the moment Ken comes across the beautiful and utterly feminine Savannah, he is smitten something fierce and before Savannah can muster up the courage to bring up why she is actually in the neighborhood, these two light up the sheets with intense passion and red hot desire that practically leaps out of the very pages. To say that both fall completely in lust and a little bit in love with one another during that night would not be a lie. However with the morning, the truth comes out completely walloping Ken with intense feelings of betrayal which makes him pissed off at Savannah to no end. However, even with all the intense feelings of dislike churning within him for a woman who still has the ability to make him go a little bit weak at the knees, Ken is not willing to let Savannah travel all the way to Indonesia alone to find her uncle.
It is in Indonesia that the real adventure begins when Ken and Savannah are kidnapped by Russian goons at gun point right from the airport itself. Barely managing to escape them, Savannah and Ken are forced to survive in the jungle that grows densely throughout the Parwati island of Indonesia. To survive and outmaneuver everyone who is after them, Savannah and Ken are forced to endure each other’s company which in turn makes each of them discover why they had fallen for each other so hard in such a short span of time.
This book was so frigging good that I believe I have dug myself into a hole from which I won’t be able to escape anytime soon. Since I haven’t read books 1 – 3 in the Troubleshooter series and jumped straight into book 4, I was a bit overwhelmed to say the least when characters kept leaping right into the pages from left and right. However, a couple of chapters in, I was totally captivated by the ease with which Ms. Brockmann makes each and every character count, how she makes them come alive and how effectively she makes each and every one of their stories matter.
Head onto http://bit.ly/fACxFa to read the full review with quotes from the book!
Book 4 in the Troubleshooter series stars Navy SEAL Ken Karmody, who gets nicknamed as “Wild Card” because of his ability to think out of the box and come out winning however difficult a problem might be. Ken had certainly not led a charming childhood with an emotionally and physically abusive father, which had in the end toughened him up and made Ken determined to do what he wanted in life. Ken is a genius when it comes to computers and whatnot and beneath his tough SEAL facade lies a heart that yearns to love and claim a woman as his forever. His ex-girlfriend Adele had certainly done a number on him with a continuous on and off relationship with Ken which had gone on for around 10 years until Ken had finally seen the light and refused to bend to her every whim which had pretty much ended things on the relationship front.
Savannah Van Hopf couldn’t be any more different from Ken even if she tried. A rich heiress who works as an appellate attorney, Savannah is the granddaughter of the famous Rose Van Hopf who worked as a double agent for the US and the Nazi during World War II. Savannah had always had a huge crush on Ken even though he hadn’t noticed her much, and it is through Adele that Savannah finds out Ken’s address and travels to San Diego to find him and ask his assistance in locating her uncle Alex who had disappeared in Indonesia without a trace.
From the moment Ken comes across the beautiful and utterly feminine Savannah, he is smitten something fierce and before Savannah can muster up the courage to bring up why she is actually in the neighborhood, these two light up the sheets with intense passion and red hot desire that practically leaps out of the very pages. To say that both fall completely in lust and a little bit in love with one another during that night would not be a lie. However with the morning, the truth comes out completely walloping Ken with intense feelings of betrayal which makes him pissed off at Savannah to no end. However, even with all the intense feelings of dislike churning within him for a woman who still has the ability to make him go a little bit weak at the knees, Ken is not willing to let Savannah travel all the way to Indonesia alone to find her uncle.
It is in Indonesia that the real adventure begins when Ken and Savannah are kidnapped by Russian goons at gun point right from the airport itself. Barely managing to escape them, Savannah and Ken are forced to survive in the jungle that grows densely throughout the Parwati island of Indonesia. To survive and outmaneuver everyone who is after them, Savannah and Ken are forced to endure each other’s company which in turn makes each of them discover why they had fallen for each other so hard in such a short span of time.
This book was so frigging good that I believe I have dug myself into a hole from which I won’t be able to escape anytime soon. Since I haven’t read books 1 – 3 in the Troubleshooter series and jumped straight into book 4, I was a bit overwhelmed to say the least when characters kept leaping right into the pages from left and right. However, a couple of chapters in, I was totally captivated by the ease with which Ms. Brockmann makes each and every character count, how she makes them come alive and how effectively she makes each and every one of their stories matter.
Head onto http://bit.ly/fACxFa to read the full review with quotes from the book!
February 10, 2010
In this book Brockmann advances her skills considerably. Ken and Savannah are good characters, the WWII subplot is again an interesting one and even the 2 mini plots of Molly/Jones and Alyssa/Sam are good. All stories are intertwined nicely and the fact that someone from each of the pairings is reading the same book was clever.
One thing that did aggravate me from time to time was again the female lead thinking she could handle a situation better than a navy seal. Savannah ignores things Ken says and talks to the terrorists in French and other stuff, but she isn't as annoying as Meg from The Defiant Hero. Overall, Van and Ken seemed like a good fit together.
What is up with Kelly Ashton still refusing to marry Tom Paoletti??
Brockmann is steadily pairing/marrying off each member of the seal team which will lead to introductions of new characters and moving away from the Navy and WWII scenarios eventually. I enjoyed the Rose/Hank WWII story and will miss these settings for stories but I know that things have to change to not get stale.
I am looking forward to the rest of the books but I'm wondering about Muldoon as the next leading man. There are other guys on Seal Team 16, Muldoon's new to the squad and young. I'm guessing someone needed a book before Sam and Alyssa could wrap their story up. I am really looking forward to Gone Too Far.
One thing that did aggravate me from time to time was again the female lead thinking she could handle a situation better than a navy seal. Savannah ignores things Ken says and talks to the terrorists in French and other stuff, but she isn't as annoying as Meg from The Defiant Hero. Overall, Van and Ken seemed like a good fit together.
What is up with Kelly Ashton still refusing to marry Tom Paoletti??
Brockmann is steadily pairing/marrying off each member of the seal team which will lead to introductions of new characters and moving away from the Navy and WWII scenarios eventually. I enjoyed the Rose/Hank WWII story and will miss these settings for stories but I know that things have to change to not get stale.
I am looking forward to the rest of the books but I'm wondering about Muldoon as the next leading man. There are other guys on Seal Team 16, Muldoon's new to the squad and young. I'm guessing someone needed a book before Sam and Alyssa could wrap their story up. I am really looking forward to Gone Too Far.
November 11, 2020
This author may not be for me. This is the second book I've read in this series. I don't like the writing style of returning to the past and present and the different storylines. I prefer to concentrate on just one or two couples. I have more of this series in my tbr but I think I'll take a break from it for now.
April 6, 2022
Out of Control
3.5 Stars
Once again Brockmann has skillfully interwoven a number of different plotlines into the narrative. This time the focus is on Chief Ken Karmody, who finds himself accompanying Savannah Von Hopf to Indonesia to deliver a ransom for her kidnapped uncle. One secondary romance centers on Molly Anderson, a missionary in a small village, and the enigmatic Jones, a former member of the special forces turned local smuggler, while the other is a WWII storyline recounting the romance between Savannah's grandparents.
In a reversal of fortune, it is actually the WWII storyline that is the most enjoyable. Rose and Hank have excellent chemistry and the nature of their relationship is captivating.
Ken and Savannah have potential, unfortunately, their childish and immature actions make them more irritating than engaging. Moreover, they both exhibit several TSTL moments, which is especially grating for Ken as he is supposedly a well-trained and skilled Navy SEAL.
Similarly, Molly and Jones's relationship is not as satisfying mainly due to the fact that it feels forced and Brockmann has once again focused unnecessarily on the age gap between them.
In addition to these three romances, there are also updates on Alyssa and Sam whose heartbreaking separation is weighing on them both. If I did not already know that they are destined for one another I would have become more invested in the hints of a romance between Alyssa and the sexy FBI negotiator, Max Bhagat. But alas, he is suffering heartache of his own ...
Despite my issues with this installment, the suspense narrative is well-written and exciting and I am eager to read more about these characters.
3.5 Stars
Once again Brockmann has skillfully interwoven a number of different plotlines into the narrative. This time the focus is on Chief Ken Karmody, who finds himself accompanying Savannah Von Hopf to Indonesia to deliver a ransom for her kidnapped uncle. One secondary romance centers on Molly Anderson, a missionary in a small village, and the enigmatic Jones, a former member of the special forces turned local smuggler, while the other is a WWII storyline recounting the romance between Savannah's grandparents.
In a reversal of fortune, it is actually the WWII storyline that is the most enjoyable. Rose and Hank have excellent chemistry and the nature of their relationship is captivating.
Ken and Savannah have potential, unfortunately, their childish and immature actions make them more irritating than engaging. Moreover, they both exhibit several TSTL moments, which is especially grating for Ken as he is supposedly a well-trained and skilled Navy SEAL.
Similarly, Molly and Jones's relationship is not as satisfying mainly due to the fact that it feels forced and Brockmann has once again focused unnecessarily on the age gap between them.
In addition to these three romances, there are also updates on Alyssa and Sam whose heartbreaking separation is weighing on them both. If I did not already know that they are destined for one another I would have become more invested in the hints of a romance between Alyssa and the sexy FBI negotiator, Max Bhagat. But alas, he is suffering heartache of his own ...
Despite my issues with this installment, the suspense narrative is well-written and exciting and I am eager to read more about these characters.
July 7, 2015
Three fantastic storylines contribute to one awesome read!
Each book in this series just gets better and better.
Each book in this series just gets better and better.
January 25, 2018
Fabulous! Great characters, wonderful back story (WWII). I just loved Kenny "WildCard" and Savannah. Enjoying the hell out of this series. So far, all of them are "I can't put this down" books. Onto the next one! ;)
April 5, 2013
4.5-5 stars (And 5 stars is really, really hard for me to give!)
What can I say? This one was FAB! Loved that there was more of a light-heartedness feel to the book most of the way through. Sure, the situation in the jungle for Ken/Savannah, Alex, Molly/Jones isn't "light-hearted", but there was something other than intense gloom and doom at all times.
I'll have to come back at another time and really review this book... not feeling well today.
I want MORE of Rose's and Hank's story! I always love the WWII flashback stories as much or more than the present-day stuff, but this one was, amazing! And even better that Rose wrote a book that she was narrating for an audio book and that virtually everyone involved with the book is reading at one point or another. Great way to move that story along. I really want to know more about Rose and Hank after the war. All we know from Savannah is that her grandpa is dead....
Wonder what happens with Jones next?
I had a theory that perhaps George was closer to Alex than we thought. But Rose put an end to that at the end of the book.
The Max-Alyssa stuff is... fascinating, and yet, it hurts my heart. Max, because he really is hung on Gina, and Alyssa, because of all the Sam stuff. Sam and his wife? Wow - don't get me started! My dad was a marine, and he often said to me that even when using protection it was drilled into him that you don't sleep with someone you can't see yourself married to. I only wish Sam had taken that to heart. (Good thing to live by, too.) If I didn't already know that Sam and Alyssa have another shot in book 6 (or after), I'd probably be ready to kill someone over all of this. What great angst!
It'll be hard to top this one for me, but I'm hoping that Ms. B does it!
What can I say? This one was FAB! Loved that there was more of a light-heartedness feel to the book most of the way through. Sure, the situation in the jungle for Ken/Savannah, Alex, Molly/Jones isn't "light-hearted", but there was something other than intense gloom and doom at all times.
I'll have to come back at another time and really review this book... not feeling well today.
I want MORE of Rose's and Hank's story! I always love the WWII flashback stories as much or more than the present-day stuff, but this one was, amazing! And even better that Rose wrote a book that she was narrating for an audio book and that virtually everyone involved with the book is reading at one point or another. Great way to move that story along. I really want to know more about Rose and Hank after the war. All we know from Savannah is that her grandpa is dead....
Wonder what happens with Jones next?
I had a theory that perhaps George was closer to Alex than we thought. But Rose put an end to that at the end of the book.
The Max-Alyssa stuff is... fascinating, and yet, it hurts my heart. Max, because he really is hung on Gina, and Alyssa, because of all the Sam stuff. Sam and his wife? Wow - don't get me started! My dad was a marine, and he often said to me that even when using protection it was drilled into him that you don't sleep with someone you can't see yourself married to. I only wish Sam had taken that to heart. (Good thing to live by, too.) If I didn't already know that Sam and Alyssa have another shot in book 6 (or after), I'd probably be ready to kill someone over all of this. What great angst!
It'll be hard to top this one for me, but I'm hoping that Ms. B does it!
February 1, 2022
This is book 4 in Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooters series. While these are best read in order and often events build from things in other book, I feel like this one stands alone really well. Ken was a background character in Defiant Hero (book 2) and Over the Edge (book 3) but Savannah isn't introduced until this book, so you could definitely start here.
This is one of my favorites of the series - and that's saying something because most of my all time favorite books come from this series. I just adore Ken & Van. They are the quintessential "opposites attract" story. He's a wild, outside of the box thinker, and generally kind of laid back while she's a button up, all things in order, attorney. Brockmann also gives us two other couples - historically (WWII), the story of Van's grandparents (Rose and Hank) as well as Molly & Jones.
This includes all the things I love about Brockmann's storytelling: romance, action, suspense, dynamic characters, and lots of laughs. At 17 hours and with so many storylines & events - it's like getting a small series in one book. It not a protracted 17 hours though. She is amazing at balancing these so that I can't help but to listen without stopping any more than I can help it.
Narration:
If you're checking your library, note that there are two audio versions of this produced. The original, narrated by Norma Lana is wonderful. However, Brockmann/Blackstone went back and had books 1-6 recorded in dual narration by Patrick Lawlor & Melanie Ewbank. I could not be more in love with this team. Paired with Brockmann's writing they are magnificent. I adore their voices, accents, and emotions. If at all possible, grab the dual narration version.
This is one of my favorites of the series - and that's saying something because most of my all time favorite books come from this series. I just adore Ken & Van. They are the quintessential "opposites attract" story. He's a wild, outside of the box thinker, and generally kind of laid back while she's a button up, all things in order, attorney. Brockmann also gives us two other couples - historically (WWII), the story of Van's grandparents (Rose and Hank) as well as Molly & Jones.
This includes all the things I love about Brockmann's storytelling: romance, action, suspense, dynamic characters, and lots of laughs. At 17 hours and with so many storylines & events - it's like getting a small series in one book. It not a protracted 17 hours though. She is amazing at balancing these so that I can't help but to listen without stopping any more than I can help it.
Narration:
If you're checking your library, note that there are two audio versions of this produced. The original, narrated by Norma Lana is wonderful. However, Brockmann/Blackstone went back and had books 1-6 recorded in dual narration by Patrick Lawlor & Melanie Ewbank. I could not be more in love with this team. Paired with Brockmann's writing they are magnificent. I adore their voices, accents, and emotions. If at all possible, grab the dual narration version.
February 4, 2009
While reading previous installments of this series (which I love), we heard about Wildcard from time to time. Up til now, he was known as somewhat of a technogeek whom was always cracking jokes. We also found him at the beginning of "Over the Edge" in a barfight as he hears that his ex-girlfriends places a restraining order on him. (you find out more about that in the story.)
Wildcard heads to Indonesia with Savannah, to drop off ransom money for her uncle as he doesn't want her to head into dangerous area without help. Wildcard had met her and previously thought their relationship was just out of chance, but he's upset when he learns she sought him out specically for this trip. Lots of action and tension in the jungle on this one and we find the Savannah is a pretty tough woman in her own right.
There is also the story of Molly and Jones. Molly working for a church/charity and Jones whom is hiding from a secret past. They start something with the intent of it being just a physical thing, but it blooms into something more. This storyline was fabulous and I am sure we will see them in later installments. (just not in books 5 and 6).
I found Wildcard to a great character. Super sense of humor, extremely intelligent, very sweet, and really loyal.
Wildcard heads to Indonesia with Savannah, to drop off ransom money for her uncle as he doesn't want her to head into dangerous area without help. Wildcard had met her and previously thought their relationship was just out of chance, but he's upset when he learns she sought him out specically for this trip. Lots of action and tension in the jungle on this one and we find the Savannah is a pretty tough woman in her own right.
There is also the story of Molly and Jones. Molly working for a church/charity and Jones whom is hiding from a secret past. They start something with the intent of it being just a physical thing, but it blooms into something more. This storyline was fabulous and I am sure we will see them in later installments. (just not in books 5 and 6).
I found Wildcard to a great character. Super sense of humor, extremely intelligent, very sweet, and really loyal.
June 16, 2008
I think this one might be my favorite so far. Or at least, the characters were some of my favorite so far. As always, there was a WWII related storyline going at the same time, and I really liked how this one was done. It was kinda funny that all of the characters in the book were reading the same thing. It was a lot better than the Alzheimer lady of the previous book just slipping back into the past. One thing I thought was interesting was the fact that Wildcard who is basically a big giant geek (and even has trouble picking up women, which is adorable) is stuck in the jungle a bazillion miles away from any type of cool gadget. Oh, and it was kinda sad seeing Max hit on Alyssa and Sam being so miserable in his marriage. If Max and Alyssa get involved I'll scream. I reeeeally don't want them together for any length of time
April 2, 2016
4.5 Stars...Best one of the series so far! What an awesome read! One thing's for sure - you get your money's worth with each book as there are at least 3 to 4 story-lines playing out. Loved Ken/Savannah, Molly/Jones, & Rose/Hank...heart broken for Alyssa/Sam. I really liked the tools the author used to tie it all together - like the different couples reading excerpts from Rose's book. As always, I love the backstory. Great job! A Must Read!
December 6, 2008
Wonderful! Probably the best in the series. A must read for suspense romance fans.
April 8, 2016
Love this series!!!!!
Loved it again!!!!
Loved it again!!!!
April 18, 2022
Navy SEAL Ken 'Wildcard' Karmody agrees to help Savannah deliver a ransom for her uncle in Jakarta.
I'm really enjoying my re-read of this series. Ken is an uber-geek: computer smart, fan of Star Wars, can't keep himself from blurting out things that really should be reined in while also a Navy SEAL. He meets his match in Savannah who seems like a prissy little rich girl but turns out to be just as tough as he is. There's also a nice romance opener between Molly (a missionary in her forties) and 'Jones' (a 30's smuggler). The WWII romance bits were better this time with Savannah's grandmother's memories of being a double agent seeming to blend more seamlessly into the story. And poor Sam and Alyssa - thank goodness they eventually get their HEA.
I'm really enjoying my re-read of this series. Ken is an uber-geek: computer smart, fan of Star Wars, can't keep himself from blurting out things that really should be reined in while also a Navy SEAL. He meets his match in Savannah who seems like a prissy little rich girl but turns out to be just as tough as he is. There's also a nice romance opener between Molly (a missionary in her forties) and 'Jones' (a 30's smuggler). The WWII romance bits were better this time with Savannah's grandmother's memories of being a double agent seeming to blend more seamlessly into the story. And poor Sam and Alyssa - thank goodness they eventually get their HEA.
May 8, 2020
Savannah von Hopf has to deliver a quarter of a million dollars to her kidnapped uncle in Indonesia. She decides to look up Ken “Wildcard” Karmody, US Navy SEAL, whom she met years ago when his ex-girlfriend lived in her dormitory, and see if he will come with her. We've met Ken in earlier stories and he's been portrayed as the off-the-wall, think-outside-the-box guy without a filter who's part of SEAL Team 6. Romance ensues, but of course it's never straightfoward.
There are two other stories interwoven with the main story of Savannah and Wildcard. One is the story of Savannah’s grandmother, Rose, who was a double agent during World War Two. Rose has written a book about her experiences, which reveals her life as a secret agent. The other plotline takes place in the jungles of Indonesia, where a missionary named Molly is having a love affair with the mysterious Jones, a man with no past and a name that, if spoken aloud, carries a death sentence.
The story is filled with terrific action, some serious jungle survival, and just enough of the continuing character development of the FBI and Seal teams round out the strengths of this romantic suspense novel. I have enjoyed the first four and plan to read more in the Troubleshooters series.
There are two other stories interwoven with the main story of Savannah and Wildcard. One is the story of Savannah’s grandmother, Rose, who was a double agent during World War Two. Rose has written a book about her experiences, which reveals her life as a secret agent. The other plotline takes place in the jungles of Indonesia, where a missionary named Molly is having a love affair with the mysterious Jones, a man with no past and a name that, if spoken aloud, carries a death sentence.
The story is filled with terrific action, some serious jungle survival, and just enough of the continuing character development of the FBI and Seal teams round out the strengths of this romantic suspense novel. I have enjoyed the first four and plan to read more in the Troubleshooters series.
February 12, 2019
Lots of overlapping storylines but wound up liking it
The way Brockmann structures stories threw me off at first. This book actually have very little of the main couple, especially at first. And since they're fighting early on, I worried it wouldn't be a satisfying romance for me. However, they move closer to center stage as the book professes, which helped. I also just got used to her style and invested in the secondary characters. Since I had tried the first book in this series some time ago and it felt a little slow, I am relieved to have enjoyed this one. I will now go back to that first book and read the whole thing.
The way Brockmann structures stories threw me off at first. This book actually have very little of the main couple, especially at first. And since they're fighting early on, I worried it wouldn't be a satisfying romance for me. However, they move closer to center stage as the book professes, which helped. I also just got used to her style and invested in the secondary characters. Since I had tried the first book in this series some time ago and it felt a little slow, I am relieved to have enjoyed this one. I will now go back to that first book and read the whole thing.
October 22, 2022
This book was quite slow paced and took me a while to finish. I liked Ken’s character most of the time. I didn’t really like Savannah. She was too dependent and I like my heroines badass. Kind of like Molly. Molly was really cool! Although my early twenties self wish she was much younger hehe. I enjoyed Alyssa’s scenes here too! I skipped over Rose’s ‘novel’ scenes, which sucked because the WWII time jump is part of why I love this series. But the ‘novel’ scene was written in a tiny font I had to strain to read so I just gave up on them.
I’ll be taking a break from this series after binging so much of it. Maybe I’ll come back later!
I’ll be taking a break from this series after binging so much of it. Maybe I’ll come back later!
August 5, 2024
Тази книга много ми напомняше за филма “Романс за камъка” от 1984 с Майкъл Дъглас.
Имаше джунгла, наркокартели, отвличания, приключения… Имаше всичко, от което имах нужда в този момент. Едно голямо екшън приключение.
Историята е за Кенет (WildCard) Кармоди, командир в американската армия и богатата наследница Савана, чиито съдби са преплетени една в друга като паяжини. След някои непредвидени и за двама им обстоятелства, двамата се озовават в Джакарта, Индонезия с мисия да спасят чичото на Савана.
Имаше много екшън, много любов, много драма, интересни и забавни диалози.
Определено беше нещо различно и глътка свеж въздух сред всички останали книги от този жанр.
5⭐️
Имаше джунгла, наркокартели, отвличания, приключения… Имаше всичко, от което имах нужда в този момент. Едно голямо екшън приключение.
Историята е за Кенет (WildCard) Кармоди, командир в американската армия и богатата наследница Савана, чиито съдби са преплетени една в друга като паяжини. След някои непредвидени и за двама им обстоятелства, двамата се озовават в Джакарта, Индонезия с мисия да спасят чичото на Савана.
Имаше много екшън, много любов, много драма, интересни и забавни диалози.
Определено беше нещо различно и глътка свеж въздух сред всички останали книги от този жанр.
5⭐️
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