Rescued by the alpha SEAL Tawny Weber debuts the stunning Aegis Security miniseries Injured in the line of duty, navy SEAL Travis “Hawk” Hawkins retreats to paradise. But R & R takes a turn when he runs smack into a beautiful blonde who just witnessed a murder. Travis offers to help, only to find himself equally taunted and titillated by irresistible Lila Adrian. Can the wounded warrior … wounded warrior protect Lila and take down a deadly crime ring?
more
Another great book by Ms Weber and great start to a new series. You won’t be disappointed
I’ve read several of Tawny Weber’s romantic suspense series over the past few years and thoroughly enjoyed them, so when I discovered she was writing a new series (Aegis Security) for the Harlequin Romantic Suspense imprint, I was happy to receive an advance reader copy to read and review, but I never in a million years thought that I would be quite so disappointed in this novel that I would give it a 1-star review, but since I have to rate them I couldn’t in good conscience mislead you into thinking I even considered this book an okay read. Of the number of Ms. Weber’s books I’ve read and very much enjoyed to date, this one is, by far, the worst.
From the outset this novel was two characters in search of a believable plot and a romance. I did eventually find a rather silly and slim plot but it was so utterly preposterous that if I hadn’t been obligated to read and review this novel, I would not have finished reading it. As for the romance, there really wasn’t one. There was sex and the first 80% of the novel consisted or internal and external dialogue all about how sexy the two main characters each thought the other was.
The heroine, Lila Adrian, runs a fledgling company working as a head-hunter for the rich and famous. Travis Hawking, is a tall, sexy, ripped, and handsome ex-Navy SEAL with a blown-out knee, spending his time in a hammock on Costa Rica and wondering what he’s going to do with the rest of his life now that he’s received a medical discharge from the Navy.
Lila has flown down to the island to recruit a personal chef for her well-to-do clients, the Martins. His name is Chef Rodriguez, who she briefly meets one day after sampling his cooking, and the next time she goes to meet him she witnesses his murder. She runs screaming into the arms of Travis, and when they finally get around to getting the police to check the scene, the body is gone and there’s not a trace of evidence to be found. Of course, the police don’t believe her.
Next, she’s kidnapped but we don’t know by whom and we don’t know why, and, of course, Travis again comes to her rescue, and once again, the police don’t believe her. Since the head she was hunting was now dead, Lila’s remaining on the island and trying to solve these crimes herself made zero sense to this reader. Lila is so fiercely independent that she wants to do everything by herself, with zero training, zero skills, and the only weapon she had at her disposal was the small can of pepper spray in her handbag, which, of course, was stolen, along with her ID and passport. Her father runs a multi-million dollar worldwide corporation, and could have easily replaced her ID, money and passport within a day, but and when he sends a helicopter to pick her up and take her to the their private plane, she refuses to leave. Lila’s brother is also a Navy SEAL, in the same unit as Travis, but does she tell Travis about it–nope. No matter what Travis does or tries to do to keep her safe, she absolutely refuses to follow his instructions and she eventually gets kidnapped a second time. Again, we don’t know why, but we eventually learn by whom, but the reasoning behind her abduction was also ridiculous and the bad guys in this novel were utterly inept. Although their criminal enterprise was using the restaurant to launder money, we never learn for whom, yet another missed step.
To top it all off, most of the action takes place in the last 20% of the book. The first 80% is filled with, “he’s so sexy,” “he’s so hot,” “Wow, what abs!”, “she’s so beautiful”, “I love heer long blonde hair,” I can’t wait to have sex with her”, “Nothing will come of this, so should I have sex with him?” dialogue, ad nauseum. Also laughable was that while Lila was told to pack a small bag as Travis was trying to safely hide her, rather than basic necessities, Lila managed to pack quite a large supply of condoms. Really? When they finally do have sex after all the internal and external dialogue, it was rather pedestrian sex at best, and mostly off-screen. Knowing that Ms. Weber had written some seriously steamy novels for the now defunct Harlequin Blaze line, I certainly expected far more heat and passion out of these two characters than was there.
Back to the plot, or lack thereof. These two characters stake out the bar/restaurant where Lila first met Chef Rodriguez for a full week! Nothing happens, nothing at all, so what was a point–getting themselves noticed? Making Lila a bigger, more convenient target? As for romance, there isn’t any–no words of love, not even so much as a lit candle on the restaurant table. After the bad guys are caught, Lila and Travis part ways without so much as a goodbye or a thank you, and Lila returns home with her father, the cold, businesslike, pompous man she’s avoided for years but now seems to have forgiven for being a bullheaded, demanding and unappreciative boor to her for her entire life. The HEA ending, if you can call it that appears on the last two pages of his novel, tied up nice and neatly with a little bow, and it too was utterly devoid of emotion and totally disappointing.
Finally, I must also state that I disliked both Lila nor Travis, who, as the main characters in this novel weren’t given any sort of depth or any sort of emotional connection. The endless bickering, snarky remarks and eye rolling grew tiresome quickly, as did constant references to Travis as “the Super SEAL,” with a busted knee, no less? Lila went from being utterly self-absorbed, to whiny, to argumentative, to obnoxious in her constant refusals to let Travis, the person with actual military training in rescue missions, help her. As for Travis, all he seemed to want was Lila’s blonde hair and her hot body–at no time were his emotions in play until the penultimate pages, and it was all too little, too late for this reader.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
This book made me a little weary. The intrigue was interesting enough, but not how the heroine threw herself into harms way. The chemistry was chaste at best, I didn’t feel a connection that I could get excited about.
It’s a fast read, so there’s that. It’s just not the usual HEA that I’m accustomed to reading.
A little romance mixed with a touch of suspense
Lila ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time –
Travis is taking a break from reality, a little surf a little sand and did I mention a damsel in distress?
Travis’ military training kicks in and he decides to take control of the situation at the same time Lila’s sense of “Oh no you didn’t” rebels right back making for an explosive story line that keeps the reader entertained
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two lead characters though I would have liked a more detailed closing – it did feel a bit rushed. The story line flowed smoothly keeping me engaged from opening to closing scenes.
Look forward to more from this author
#NavySealToTheRescue #NetGalley
Lila Adrian’s job seemed to fall right into her lap. She’s good at what she does but this time something’s different. Travis “Hawk” Hawkins is frustrated with the detour his life has taken. He has special talents and we get to see his skill here.
We have two people that meet due to some unforeseen circumstances. I loved how Lila seemed to be able to push Travis’ buttons without even trying. He needed someone to poke the beast. They are in a tropical location so it made me wish it were a little warmer in my neck of the woods. But our couple brings the heat so that more than makes up for it. The suspense is what did it for me. It’s what had me turning the pages. Anything else this couple got up to was just icing on the cake.
I was more into seeing what obstacles the author was going to create and how our characters were, or weren’t, going to work together to come through everything in the end. I’m terrible at figuring out who’s the good guy and who’s the bad guy. But with Lila and Travis it was a case of will they or won’t they. And there a few times where I got to chuckle and that’s never a bad thing – this way things don’t get too heavy. We get to see them use their strengths to get things done as well as having to work together to solve a mystery all leading to a sweet ending. The only thing I didn’t get is a hint for the next book in the series.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The story had good ‘bones’ so to speak. I was annoyed with the heroine, who constantly reminded us she has daddy issues. She is a poor little rich girl for sure. And, even after learning that Travis was a Navy SEAL, she continues to call him “a beach bum”. I think she was my biggest struggle with the whole story.
Travis is dealing with his unexpected exit from the Navy after an injury and he is adrift. He doesn’t know what he wants to do and is struggling to find his purpose. Helping Lila sort of falls in his lap and leads him to his possible post Navy career.
I liked the plot for the most part. While predictable overall, it was interesting. I just didn’t care for Lila.
Unexpected danger! With her first book in the brand new Aegis Security series, Tawny Weber transitions to the Harlequin Romantic Suspense line with another of her sexy SEALs. It wasn’t my favorite book by this author, but it was entertaining. The tension was high, the romance steamy and a happy ending guaranteed. Looking forward to more in the series.
When former Navy SEAL Travis Hawkins decides to concentration on a little rest and relaxation after a freak accident leads to him retiring way sooner than intended, he never expects to find himself smack dab in the middle of a murder mystery!
Head hunter Lila Adrian figured this job was going to be easy. A quick jaunt to Costa Rica to schmooze the chef her client’s are wanting to hire and she’ll be home basking in another successful deal. Only things aren’t quite as cut and dry as she expected … she witnesses a murder, struggles to get anyone to believe her and then finds herself running for her life around every turn!
Navy SEAL to the Rescue was a very enjoyable story to read. I always love this author’s books, and I was definitely excited to read another one. Travis and Lila’s story kept me hooked throughout. It’s not one to miss.
MS Weber never disappoints me with her stories and this is her first with the Harlequin Romantic Suspense line and she did well, what a fabulous story, action packed with a beautiful romance between our hero Travis Hawkins ex Seal and Lila Adrian confident heroine who is totally over domineering men, this one will keep any reader turning the pages.
Lila Adrian runs her own company head hunting employees for rich people, she will do anything to get away from her father, but when she lands in Costa Rica her world is going to be upended when she witnesses a murder and the only person she can turn to is the beach bum, who turns out to be an ex SEAL, and being told what to do for Lila will get her back up and in more trouble, while bringing her closer to the sexy Hawk.
Travis Hawk Hawkins is in Costa Rica deciding what he wants to do with his life now that he is out of the SEALs bumming around on the beach thinking isn’t getting him anywhere but when a beautiful blonde needs his help to keep her alive, Hawk starts to see a future for himself with Lila’s help.
This one had me turning the pages I loved the way Lila could push Hawk’s buttons and the pull between them just got stronger the more danger that Lila was in. Fast paced with a moving romance and witty banter that left me smiling, this is sure to leave any romantic suspense lover with a smile and sigh after meeting Hawk and Lila, and the setting was fabulous, thank you MS Weber.
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Navy Seal to the Rescue is book 1 in the Aegis Security series by Tawny Weber and a great start to this new series!!
Navy Seal Travis “Hawk “Hawkins injured in the line of duty is now on a tropical island for some R & R and to figure out what to do with the rest of his life…in the mean time he rescues a beautiful, sexy woman who claims to have witnessed a murder….
Lila Adrian, a headhunter has come to the island to recruit a well know chef but instead she witnesses his murder..on the run from the killers she enlisted the help of Hawk.
What ensues next will keep you on the edge of your seat…drama, suspense, kidnapping, murder, conspiracy and romance!!!
Good start to this new romantic suspense series. The story was engaging and kept me interested in finding out what was going on. Travis and Lila were both a bit quirky yet likable and had some serious chemistry although quite often I felt it was mostly physical. I still enjoyed it very much! And look forward to the next book.
This book kicks off a new series for Tawny Weber and I will say she has me hooked. The action and suspense had me on the edge of my seat. I really liked Hawk. Hawk has lost his way a bit not knowing the direction to go with his life then his little vacation is turned upside. It may be the best thing to happen to him because even though danger is coming a knockin’ he may just find the path to his future. Lila’s life is going to be turned upside down as well. A few surprises and twists in this one. Tawny Weber just keeps getting better with each book she writes.
It’s been a long time since Tawny Weber has had a new book and I’ve been eagerly awaiting a new Navy SEAL to drool over. And, oh baby, Trevor does not disappoint.
Even though he’s been down in the dumps since his early discharge, Trevor jumps right into action when he comes across a damsel in distress. Lila is not looking for a hero-type, someone who is overbearing and bosses her around. However, she desperately needs Trevor’s help after she witnesses a murder.
Intrigue and sexy times abound in this book, so hold on, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
I read an advanced copy of this book
While I’ve always enjoyed Tawny Weber SEAL stories, the Harlequin Romantic Suspense theme (this being the first in a new series) is a different style from say, the Uniformly Hot! series.
There’s a lot going on here. While the chemistry between Travis and Lila grows, there’s also a wonderful story of each trying to find themselves (Travis is a little lost after a career ending injury and Lila is trying to live up to family expectations) which adds depth to the story. In addition. There is the suspense of a mystery to solve. Watching the story unfold, it definitely feels like a Harlequin story, which isn’t a bad thing – just different from other stories from Tawny Weber.
I’m definitely curious about more in this series – looking forward to the next!
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book, however, this is my honest opinion.
This was pretty much the typical Harlequin Romantic Suspense cookie-cutter novel. Travis/Hawk is a Navy SEAL and has been injured to the point it has ended his career. He is not taking it well and has retreated to the beach to either become a beach bum or…well…that is what he is trying to figure out and failing at figuring. Lila is the typical rich girl who has a daddy who wants to run her life but she is rebelling and doing her own thing no matter what daddy thinks. When she witnesses a murder and now in danger she runs straight to Travis. Twists and turns and lust and misunderstanding and more lust, yep, cookie-cutter but it worked just fine and all turns out in the end. All it missed was an epilogue. I like to know they really had a happy ending.
Good read for an afternoon.
I really liked how Lila is stubborn, determined and sometimes dramatic while Hawk is laid back, not willing to process what caused him to be on the beach in a hammock and happy for a distraction in Lila. The way the story unfolds and escalates into a life and death cat and mouse situation was great, as well as how the friends Hawk has got to know around the area step in to help. There is a good mix of suspense, twists, steamy times and a few laughs to keep you hooked.
Navy Seal to the Rescue
This was a wonderful story that had adventure, mystery and hot romance. Travis meet under strange circumstance and he is determined to keep her safe. Lila is very headstrong and sassy and love to refer to Travis as a Super Seal. Travis seems so laid back and just trying to enjoy his waits patiently for the bad guy to surface while keeping Lila safe. Tawny writes the best Navy Seal stories.
A fast-paced steamy military romantic suspense that will steal your heart. This begins a new miniseries that features a hunky wounded warrior and a bombshell blond with some seriously dangerous bad guys. You should read this for an entertaining evening of steamy excitement.
Navy SEAL to the Rescue by Tawny Weber
AEGIS Security #1
What’s a head hunter to do when the man being scouted for the job is killed in front of her and she is in a foreign country? Run for her life, of course. Running from the scene of the crim landed her in the arms of former Navy SEAL Travis “Hawk” Hawkins who questions her veracity but soon is helping her to find out what really happened while keeping her safe from the bad guys. Lila Adrian knows a thing or two about SEALs and usually keeps her distance due to that knowledge but over time she is drawn physically, mentally and emotionally to Hawk just as he is drawn to her. There are a couple of kidnappings, some rescues, some sleuthing and violence and eventually a HFN/HEA for Lila and Hawk with Hawk finding out what a SEAL might be able to do after being medically discharged from the service.
This is an easy quick read that I read as more fantasy than reality Romantic Suspense because I can’t really see a way that Lila would have been allowed to do some of the things she did. Lila was smart in some ways and at other times let her emotions/temper rule and when that happened made some mistakes that saw her in hot water. Hawk was a stand-up protective guy who was there for Lila throughout…once he decided that he would be. They may have gotten off to a rocky start but they did find their way through the rough patches to an ending that sets up the series and left me wanting to read more. This was a great introduction to a new series and typical of a Harlequin romance so if you read HQN and enjoy their books you will enjoy this one, too.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Travis “Hawk” Hawkins finds himself rescuing a damsel in distress. Only real problem? She takes her time in realizing she really is in distress. Bigger problem? The heavy attraction between them that is getting hotter…….
Lila is not sure which is worse. Having family that bosses her around and does not respect her or her ambitions, or meeting a man thousands of miles from home who seems just like them that she is enormously attracted to. Maybe it really is a bit of both. He just keeps turning out to be the good guy.
This was an incredible story right form the get go. I was seriously stuck inside the book and had a hard time putting it down. Each page brings more to the adventure, and even more sexy heat. These characters are a treat to read. I sure hope we visit them again. What a great start to the new Aegis Security series.
***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.