Book Review: SEAL of Honor by Tonya Burrows

Title: SEAL of Honor
Series: HORNET, Book 1
Author: Tonya Burrows
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: review copy provided by publisher
Published: May 2013 by Entangled Select

It’s a good thing Gabe Bristow lives and breathes the Navy SEAL credo, “the only easy day was yesterday,” because today, his life is unrecognizable. When his prestigious career comes to a crashing halt, he’s left with a bum leg and few prospects for employment that don’t include a desk.

That is, until he’s offered the chance to command a private hostage rescue team and free a wealthy American businessman from Colombian paramilitary rebels. It seems like a good deal—until he meets his new team: a drunk Cajun linguist, a boy-genius CIA threat analyst, an FBI negotiator with mob ties, a cowboy medic, and an EOD expert as volatile as the bombs he defuses. Oh, and who could forget the sexy, frustratingly impulsive Audrey Van Amee? She’s determined to help rescue her brother—or drive Gabe crazy. Whichever comes first.

As the death toll rises, Gabe’s team of delinquents must figure out how to work together long enough to save the day. Or, at least, not get themselves killed. Because Gabe’s finally found something worth living for, and God help him if he can’t bring her brother back alive.

Why I Read this Book: I’m a sucker for SEALs (as well as former SEALs). And I really like that cover.

What I Liked: After reading the blurb, the hostage rescue team seemed like a very interesting and eclectic bunch, yet at the same time I was a little worried about their capabilities. I didn’t want to read about a group of incompetent people in way over their heads, especially in something as dangerous and risky as rescuing a hostage from a violent drug cartel and guerillas, but I was worried for no reason. Even though each team member had their own flaws, everyone had something of value to contribute to the team. They weren’t perfect but they made it work.

Audrey was no damsel in distress, that’s for sure. She was able to think coherently (as much as one could) through tense and stressful situations. She didn’t over-react or panic. And when it came to the guys on the team, she was full of sass and didn’t take shit from them.

There were no games between Audrey and Gabriel. I loved it when Audrey spoke her mind, like when she told Gabriel: “Once this is over and my brother’s safe, maybe I’ll walk on the wild side and go against type, just this once. See if I’m missing anything. I’ll have to think about it.” And even though Gabriel lusts after Audrey, he doesn’t want to put his team’s reputation on the line. Being in any kind of relationship with the hostage’s sister would look bad, especially while they’re still looking for him.

As much as I like the leads, Quinn also found a way into my heart. There is so much more to him and I hope he gets a book soon. Even Danny, who had a pretty small role in the book, was an interesting character. Too bad he’s married and already has his HEA. But I would like to read books featuring the other members on the hostage rescue team. Some of the guys come from interesting backgrounds (I’m looking at you, Quinn). 

What I Didn’t Like: Gabriel and Audrey had the insta-love thing going on, which I’m not a fan of.

The person behind the hostage taking wasn’t too big of a mystery. I had a hunch very early on in the book (10% in) that proved to be correct. But it was the reasoning behind it that proved to be interesting and unpredictable.

Memorable Moment:

“Could you shoot a firearm and not hit me if the situation came down to that?”

“I was born and raised in the South, honey, but I’m no southern belle. I shoot what I aim at.” she said in a tone so coated with sugar he was surprised her teeth didn’t rot. Then she flashed a smile as bright as that sinful yellow tank top she wore. “But it’s still up in the air whether I’ll aim at you or not.”

Overall Impression: SEAL of Honor turned out better than I thought it would. It was a fast-paced read with an adventurous plot line set mainly in Costa Rica. I never really knew what to expect to happen next, as far as the hostage story arc was concerned. I was worried a bit about the team lacking in their abilities but they proved to be a great, and interesting, collaboration of guys from different trades.

Brianna’s Rating: