Do or Die

December 23, 2013
Bestseller Brockmann's Reluctant Heroes series opener delivers everything that romantic suspense fans will expect. The first case that lawyer Phoebe Kruger tries for her prestigious new firm isn't going the way she thought it would. Her client, Ian Dunn, doesn't want to leave jail, despite being offered his freedom in exchange for doing one small thing for the federal government. His reasons may have to do with a tangled mess of life-changing secrets involving international criminal sociopaths, mobsters, family, and friends. Phoebe and Ian must work on both sides of the law to save two kidnapped children before their time runs out, while ensuring that Ian's family is safe from the demons of his past. The lengthy story starts slowly but moves powerfully once it gets in gear, and the cast of sensitive alpha men and strong, imperfect women is well developed. Interpersonal tension gets far more focus than action, creating a refreshingly light feel. Agent: Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Agency.

Starred review from December 15, 2013
Attorney Phoebe Kruger is tasked with negotiating client Ian Dunn's prison release, against his will, so he can rescue two kidnapped children, not realizing that doing so will set events in motion that will threaten dozens of lives--and a few hearts. Considering his reputation as a former Navy SEAL and a suspected international jewel thief, Phoebe finds it a little odd that Ian is in jail for getting drunk and losing control of his car. But when an accident incapacitates Ian's usual attorney, Phoebe is sent in his place. As a recent hire at the respected firm that represents Ian, she isn't surprised when he's hesitant to work with her. She is shocked, however, that he's unwilling to accept a sweetheart deal designed by the government to get him out of jail scot-free in exchange for rescuing two kidnapped kids without causing an international incident. What neither Phoebe nor Martell--the attorney working on behalf of the government--knows is that Ian has his own agenda for being in prison, and if he leaves, for whatever reason, it will threaten the people closest to him. So once they spring him, Ian takes Phoebe hostage, then must rescue his brother and his family from the mob, assemble a team, connect with the FBI, work out a rescue plan with limited resources, deal with the devil in the form of an international assassin and work through long-standing family issues while navigating a sizzling-yet-unwelcome attraction to his new, unasked-for attorney. As outlandish as the plot sounds on paper, Brockmann effortlessly and expertly tosses hundreds of details into the air and juggles them with brilliance. The first in her Reluctant Heroes series, the novel will captivate readers with its intense, action-filled plot, alpha-and-a-half hero, and his smart, perfect-for-him heroine, as well as secondary characters who contribute pathos and humor. Enthralling and breathtaking.

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Starred review from January 1, 2014
In the first book in a new series, best-selling Brockmann (Born to Darkness, 2012) introduces former Navy SEAL Ian Dunn, who is in jail for a crime he did not commit, but to which he pleaded guilty to protect his younger brother and his family, unbeknownst to them. Ian is offered his freedom if he will snatch two children from the Kazbekistani consulate in Miami. They are the offspring of an American nuclear physicist and her estranged and vicious Kazbekistani husband. Ian refuses because he fears that his release will trigger an attack by the Dellarosa mob, but he's sent on the mission anyway. Sure enough, he has to fend off the mob and bear his brother's undeserved scorn. In the midst of a wild plot and an even more convoluted family scenario, Ian falls for Phoebe Kruger, the lawyer almost accidentally representing him. Brockmann leaves the reader breathless, and longing for sequels. The sex is great, the action nonstop; and the dialogue between Ian and Phoebe is some of RITA Awardwinning Brockmann's best. Her fans will cheer, as will all military-romance fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)

September 15, 2013

In this launch of the new series "Reluctant Heroes" from two-time RITA award winner Brockmann, Navy SEAL Ian Dunn is asked to rescue two children held in a South American embassy--with the help of warm, witty lawyer Phoebe Kruger.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2014

Ex-Navy SEAL and convicted jewel thief Ian Dunn went to prison in order to keep his family safe from the mob. When a shadowy government agency offers him his freedom in exchange for his help in rescuing a pair of kidnapped children and won't take no for an answer, he does the only thing he can--he kidnaps attorney Phoebe Kruger and sets out to protect his family (and stay alive himself) in the fallout that is sure to come. Between avoiding the mob, finding the kids, and dealing with his growing feelings for Phoebe, Ian has his hands full. VERDICT Hard-hitting, fast-paced, and superbly plotted, this nonstop thriller will leave fans breathless and is a flawless start to Brockmann's new series. Brockmann (Headed for Trouble) divides her time among Siesta Key, FL, New York, and Boston. [See Prepub Alert, 9/15/13.]

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.