*** 5 STARS *** OVER THE EDGE by Suzanne Brockman

 

 

 

"Suzanne Brockmann has taken romantic suspense by storm with her action-packed thrillers. Now she has written the most gripping novel of her career-an unforgettable story of an explosive hostage situation in which two people are caught between the call of duty and the lure of destiny.
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Her passion is flying. As one of the best helicopter pilots in the naval reserves, Lieutenant Teri Howe is strong, dedicated, and highly skilled-until a past mistake surfaces, jeopardizing everything she's worked for. 

Rock steady Senior Chief Stan Wolchonok has made a career of tackling difficult challenges. So it's no surprise when he comes to Teri's aid, knowing that his personal code of honor-and perhaps his heart-will be at risk. But when a jet carrying an American senator's daughter is hijacked, Stan's unflinching determination and Teri's steadfast courage are put to the ultimate test. The rescue mission will be daring and dangerous. But somewhere between peril and resolution, the line between friends and lovers begins to blur, pushing both their lives "over the edge." . . .

 

 I love Over the Edge!!  It is a great addition to the Troubleshooter series.  (I know I’m late to this series, just the same, I’m loving these characters’ past and present.) Suzanne Brockman does an excellent job at creating well-loved characters who quickly drop into my heart.   

Teri Howe is a wonderful heroine.  She has issues in her personal life to resolve.  However, in the helicopter she is boss.  Stan Wolchonok is the fixer.  He is often called in to get his men out of tight situations on the home front and leads the team through dangerous situations on foreign soil.  His men say he can fix anything. He has different issues from Teri’s.

Senior Chief Stan Wolchonok is caught off guard by Teri at the start of the story.  He has admired her flying skills for some time.  According to Stan she is the best helicopter pilot he knows.  What he didn’t expect was for Teri to show up at his house asking for help with a personal matter.  Chief, as he is called by everyone, is not prepared for the pull on his heart.  He dreams about Teri romantically, but he is concerned about the age difference, and the ethics of a relationship with her.

The SEAL Team 16’s mission is to free the passengers on a highjacked plane that set down in Kazbekistan and take down the terrorists.  Government policy is to never negotiate with terrorists. However, one of the passengers is a senator’s daughter, which gives the terrorists another bargaining tool.  The mission is all too plausible and nerve racking adding to the anxiety for the reader, and the reason I couldn’t put down my Kindle.    

As with the previous books in the series, we get an older character’s perspective of their time serving in World War II.  The history of the time comes to life through the memories.  It is a beautiful tribute to the unsung heroes both military and civilian.  Brockman’s interest and research of the period is evident in the retelling of events. 

In Over the Edge I found a marvelous romance with a fantastic SEAL adventure. I love that the characters have adult romances with adult problems.  These men and women love their jobs and don’t want to do anything that will jeopardize their careers.  The romance moves slowly, but the action is fast moving making the story the perfect pace. 

In addition to Teri and Stan, the continuing build of Sam and Alyssa connection picks up speed.  I’m not sure I’m on board with their relationship by the end of the book, but it is an interesting twist.  I’m looking forward to seeing how Brockman resolves their problems. 

 I’m looking forward to whatever is next.

 

5 STARS