Running Fire

Starred review from March 23, 2015
McKenna’s dazzling eighth Shadow Warriors novel (after Taking Fire) is a rip-roaring contemporary military romance with heart and heat. Chief Warrant Officer Leah Mackenzie escaped her abusive ex-husband—also an officer—and her father, both of whom treated her like property. She’s certain she can survive anything, even a helicopter crash in Taliban territory. SEAL Kell Ballard pulls Leah out of her downed bird and quickly falls in love with the brave Army officer. As the two dart in and out of enemy caves trying to stay alive, their bond grows iron-strong, and their trust in each other is complete. When Leah’s ex-husband tries to take revenge for her “betrayal,” Kell and Leah must figure out how to route around him and get to their happy ending. McKenna elicits tears, laughter, fist-pumping triumph, and most of all, a desire for the next tale in this powerful series. Agent: Ethan Ellenberg, Ethan Ellenberg Agency.

August 1, 2016

With the publication of Danger Close (originally released as Valkyrie) in 2000, McKenna is often considered the founding mother of contemporary military romance. Not that such stories didn't exist before, but her signature combination of alpha males, tough females, special forces operatives, and pulse-pounding action in current hot spots became the template for the genre. McKenna likes to put her women in extreme danger, trusting that her heroes will be strong enough to save the day and bring the most devastated victim back from the brink. The series has eight print and ebooks and two e-only titles. For those who can't get enough of this author, her "Jackson Hole" series (Night Hawk, LJ 2/15/16) focuses on a Wyoming ranch, owned and operated by an ex-SEAL and his K-9 partner, that provides jobs, homes, and happy ever afters for an increasing number of vets.

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