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laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Forged in Fire
4 Stars
Synopsis
Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters, a Navy SEALs commander, and Beth Winters have never met but they have something in common - both witness a brutal terror attack on a commercial airliner before it happens. When Beth decides to act on her prophetic dream, she meets Zane in person and together with his SEAL team, they work to thwart the hijacking and uncover the secret cartel behind the event.
Review
The plot is exciting and progresses at a thrilling pace with a gritty 24-like feel to it. It should be noted that there are numerous violent scenes and a couple of disturbing moments including one rape scene.
The writing is good and the research well done, especially with regard to the SEALs. Nevertheless, some of the abbreviations need further explanation for those readers who are less familiar with this branch of the US military (HQ1, BUD/S). In addition, there are some unusual transitions between scenes, i.e., a scene ends with one POV and the next begins with a short recap of the previous moments from a different character's POV. While this does not really distract from the flow of the story it is noticeable and unnecessary. Moreover, the ending is VERY abrupt with no resolution to any of the major plot points. Despite this cliffhanger, it looks like there are exciting things to come and it is a good thing the next book will be published as the end of this year.
The PNR elements are implausible and the story would be better as straight romantic suspense as the psychic bond plot device detracts from rather than enhances the romance. It is as if the hero would not have given the heroine the time of day without it. That said, the main couple is engaging and have sizzling chemistry. The hero is honorable, tough and sensitive and did I mention HOT, and the heroine is strong-willed with a good head on her shoulders.
The secondary characters are fleshed out well with a really nasty villain and several sexy Navy SEALS who will apparently be getting their own books - yay! On a side note, there is one important character who was less than appealing to me.
Overall, an excellent debut by an Indie and self-published author. I will definitely be on the look out for the next installment.
4 Stars
Synopsis
Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters, a Navy SEALs commander, and Beth Winters have never met but they have something in common - both witness a brutal terror attack on a commercial airliner before it happens. When Beth decides to act on her prophetic dream, she meets Zane in person and together with his SEAL team, they work to thwart the hijacking and uncover the secret cartel behind the event.
Review
The plot is exciting and progresses at a thrilling pace with a gritty 24-like feel to it. It should be noted that there are numerous violent scenes and a couple of disturbing moments including one rape scene.
The writing is good and the research well done, especially with regard to the SEALs. Nevertheless, some of the abbreviations need further explanation for those readers who are less familiar with this branch of the US military (HQ1, BUD/S). In addition, there are some unusual transitions between scenes, i.e., a scene ends with one POV and the next begins with a short recap of the previous moments from a different character's POV. While this does not really distract from the flow of the story it is noticeable and unnecessary. Moreover, the ending is VERY abrupt with no resolution to any of the major plot points. Despite this cliffhanger, it looks like there are exciting things to come and it is a good thing the next book will be published as the end of this year.
The PNR elements are implausible and the story would be better as straight romantic suspense as the psychic bond plot device detracts from rather than enhances the romance. It is as if the hero would not have given the heroine the time of day without it. That said, the main couple is engaging and have sizzling chemistry. The hero is honorable, tough and sensitive and did I mention HOT, and the heroine is strong-willed with a good head on her shoulders.
The secondary characters are fleshed out well with a really nasty villain and several sexy Navy SEALS who will apparently be getting their own books - yay! On a side note, there is one important character who was less than appealing to me
Spoiler
Mac's misogynistic attitude and his weird attraction for a rape victim is very sleazy and off-puttingOverall, an excellent debut by an Indie and self-published author. I will definitely be on the look out for the next installment.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
3.0
Listened for Review/Read for Fun (Brilliance/Kindle)
Overall Rating: 3.50
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 3.25
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Forged in Fire was one heck of an adrenaline fueled topsy-turvy ride!
Story Thoughts: Forged in Fire was an adrenaline rush that had me on my toes. I really liked the mixing in of "fringe" abilities and non-stop action. Trish managed to pull you in with glimpses of how things could go and then slam you in another direction when something was thwarted. This didn't always work in our heroes favor and I appreciated the not knowing how it was going to turn out. I will admit the story rating would have been higher but the story was kind of left open-ended. The ending just felt a little to abrupt to me!
Character Thoughts: Forged in Fire is another case of "I was more interested in the characters coming up than the main couple". Beth just didn't "WOW" me. She was just too "anti" soul-mates for my taste. While I did appreciate her love of the Romance Novel, I just couldn't warm up to her. On the other hand, I really loved Zane. He was Alpha to the core. I kept thinking I missed books about his brothers but evidently I didn't. I think his whole family would be a fascinating read if they are anything like him. Overall, it was the side characters that really got my attention. I can't wait to read their stories.
Audio Thoughts:
Angela "freaking" Dawe y'all! Seriously if you haven't listened to her read The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley, you are missing out. She is one of my favorite narrators and doesn't let me down in pacing, emotions, and cadence. She seriously probably made me like Beth more than I would have otherwise! A good narrator can do that!
Final Thoughts: I can't wait for the next book even if I can't quite figure out when it is coming out!
Overall Rating: 3.50
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 3.25
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Forged in Fire was one heck of an adrenaline fueled topsy-turvy ride!
Story Thoughts: Forged in Fire was an adrenaline rush that had me on my toes. I really liked the mixing in of "fringe" abilities and non-stop action. Trish managed to pull you in with glimpses of how things could go and then slam you in another direction when something was thwarted. This didn't always work in our heroes favor and I appreciated the not knowing how it was going to turn out. I will admit the story rating would have been higher but the story was kind of left open-ended. The ending just felt a little to abrupt to me!
Character Thoughts: Forged in Fire is another case of "I was more interested in the characters coming up than the main couple". Beth just didn't "WOW" me. She was just too "anti" soul-mates for my taste. While I did appreciate her love of the Romance Novel, I just couldn't warm up to her. On the other hand, I really loved Zane. He was Alpha to the core. I kept thinking I missed books about his brothers but evidently I didn't. I think his whole family would be a fascinating read if they are anything like him. Overall, it was the side characters that really got my attention. I can't wait to read their stories.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated by Angela Dawe /Length 11 hrs and 24 mins
Angela "freaking" Dawe y'all! Seriously if you haven't listened to her read The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley, you are missing out. She is one of my favorite narrators and doesn't let me down in pacing, emotions, and cadence. She seriously probably made me like Beth more than I would have otherwise! A good narrator can do that!
Final Thoughts: I can't wait for the next book even if I can't quite figure out when it is coming out!
mrose21's review against another edition
2.0
This book promised me hot and sexy males and hot women. I just felt it was a bit meh.
Been struggling to read this for four days and even listening to it and it was just boring.
Been struggling to read this for four days and even listening to it and it was just boring.
tacuazin's review against another edition
2.0
I can't stand that you-are-mine crap. I just can't.
There are people out there who loooooove the Black Dagger Brotherhood. They may enjoy this book too. Since I am not one of them, I soon decided to do better things with my time than reading this.
There are people out there who loooooove the Black Dagger Brotherhood. They may enjoy this book too. Since I am not one of them, I soon decided to do better things with my time than reading this.
ria_mhrj's review against another edition
3.0
Psychic Navy SEALs.
Let me say that again: psychic Navy SEALs. What a deliciously bonkers concept. And it was relatively well pulled off...
There's no escaping the fact that this book is silly but boy did it make for compulsive reading. The central pair are quite bland but I enjoyed their interactions and the journey to HEA was peppered with terrorists so that certainly helped with interest levels. However the supporting cast were fantastic and I reeeeally want to read the next book. I also loved that a big plot thread remains unresolved, not what I was expecting.
Let me say that again: psychic Navy SEALs. What a deliciously bonkers concept. And it was relatively well pulled off...
There's no escaping the fact that this book is silly but boy did it make for compulsive reading. The central pair are quite bland but I enjoyed their interactions and the journey to HEA was peppered with terrorists so that certainly helped with interest levels. However the supporting cast were fantastic and I reeeeally want to read the next book. I also loved that a big plot thread remains unresolved, not what I was expecting.
jayceeash's review against another edition
5.0
Because of all the military/SEALS stuff in the beginning of this book, it took a little while to get into it, but once I got through the first 50-75 pages, it was so great! This is not the kind of book I would normally read, but am so glad that I gave it a try. The author did a wonderful job of connecting you through all characters so you could truly feel like you were one of them. This book had action, suspense, and romance. You will not want to put it down!
myendlessshelf's review against another edition
5.0
So much better than I expected
Let me start by saying that when I started this book, I was just looking for a good military suspense novel and I was a bit sceptical about the whole psychic thing but I shouldn't have been. The author did a fantastic job and made me a believer.
The suspense in this book is riveting and keeps you gripped throughout. If you're looking for a fun, easy going romance this book isn't for you.
It has a sexy as hell alpha male and a strong female lead with great supporting characters. There is a lot of passion but the story itself is fantastic, but dark. The writing is brilliant and the Author does a fantastic job of drawing you in and keeping you there.
I can't wait to read the next one. Hopefully the story will continue as there are some loose ends and questions that need answering.
Overall though highly recommended!
Let me start by saying that when I started this book, I was just looking for a good military suspense novel and I was a bit sceptical about the whole psychic thing but I shouldn't have been. The author did a fantastic job and made me a believer.
The suspense in this book is riveting and keeps you gripped throughout. If you're looking for a fun, easy going romance this book isn't for you.
It has a sexy as hell alpha male and a strong female lead with great supporting characters. There is a lot of passion but the story itself is fantastic, but dark. The writing is brilliant and the Author does a fantastic job of drawing you in and keeping you there.
I can't wait to read the next one. Hopefully the story will continue as there are some loose ends and questions that need answering.
Overall though highly recommended!
stephsromancebooktalk's review against another edition
4.0
First part of an incomplete series.
This specific video review: https://youtu.be/b3D5yZob6As
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieuncensored
This specific video review: https://youtu.be/b3D5yZob6As
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieuncensored
jmeyers888's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this book. The author did a really good job of portraying a unique and entertaining story, which didn't contain an excessive amount of sexual content. I don't mind sexual content whatsoever, but I did enjoy that this story focused more on a plot rather than just constant erotic sex.