A SEAL Always Wins

November 11, 2019
Castillo’s second Texas Navy SEALs novel (after A Seal Never Quits) delivers a passionate but predictable adventure. The Bent Horseshoe Ranch serves as the cover for an international security operation run by the Navy SEALS. To keep up appearances, Enrique “Phantom” Ramirez needs to enter the ranch’s horses in local shows; to do that, he’ll have to win back Elena Garcia, the talented trainer he fired when the SEALs took over the ranch, to get the horses ready. Elena is eager to return to the Bent Horseshoe and enticed by the sexy, mysterious Phantom. Phantom is equally enamored with Elena, but knows he can’t risk revealing the truth about his identity. When the human traffickers the SEALs have been working to stop target Elena, Phantom must use all his training to save both the mission and the woman he loves. Castillo’s premise remains strong, but the instant love between the romantic leads is unbelievable and underdeveloped, and the plot offers few surprises. This by-the-numbers sequel fails to live up to expectations set by the series debut.

January 1, 2020

If Enrique "Phantom" Ramirez wants to build a successful quarter horse program at Bent Horseshoe Ranch, he's going to need trainer Elena Garcia. Elena is thrilled to have the horses of Bent Horseshoe back in her rotation and happily surprised when Phantom takes a hands-on approach to learning all the ins and outs of the show circuit. As they work together, their attraction grows, and when they are forced to share a bed, it turns physical. Phantom isn't here to develop a relationship with Elena, though, but to pursue leads into the criminal organization developing along the border. And when he uncovers a potential human trafficking organization at one of the shows, his secrets are not only a problem for his relationship with Elena but a risk that endangers her. Elena is no shrinking violet, however, and she's determined to puzzle out Phantom's mystery and help bring down the ring. VERDICT Castillo's sultry suspense keeps the pages turning as the broader mystery expands in this satisfying second series entry (after A SEAL Never Quits).--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash

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