Customer Reviews

Force of Nature (Troubleshooters, Book 11)

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

OK. I'm one of the ones who has been waiting and waiting for Jules' story. I'm a suburban hetero mom, and I fully believed that Jules needed his story told. I understand that some people aren't looking for that - I won't force my beliefs on them, just as I don't want them to try to tell me what I should think. Brockmann is well known for "arcing" her story lines over several books, and I had been waiting, not so patiently, for this story to be told.

Dedicated readers will recognize Ric Alvarado as the policeman who briefly met Gina in "Sam & Alyssa's book" - Gone Too Far. It's a few years later, we've heard from Gina & Max, and now it's Ric's turn. Only, of course, in Brockmann's world, nothing is as it seems. This is definitely NOT "Ric & Annie's book" and those readers who follow the series realize that the end of a book where characters are supposedly "main" are not usually the end of their stories - witness Sophie & Decker, for example.

This is really "Jules'" book, and I'm still not sure it's the end of that arc, either. No spoilers, but we don't know what the future will bring.

The SEALS and even the Troubleshooters are mostly entirely absent here - Sam makes only a brief appearance and Alyssa is only virtually around - and I did find that it was somewhat refreshing not to have to keep track of dozens of supporting characters in a book. On the other hand, I did miss them. Partly, I think, this is because I WANT to know how they're doing - they're old friends and I care about them. That's Brockmann's genius.

Unlikely and over the top action, sure - but that's fiction. Enjoy the writing. Ric & Annie aren't the strongest characters I've seen, but they may develop. I would bet money on it.

If you're a Brockmann reader, you're going to get this, and I bet you'll like it. If you're not, well, this isn't the place to start. It's a great book, but you'll feel that you're missing something.

When a typically easy missing persons case drops PI Ric Alvarado and his reluctant girl Friday Annie Dugan into an undercover FBI operation, the duo is recruited by FBI team lead Jules Cassidy to help bring down the evil Burns dynasty. His undercover agent worked in the Burns mansion and disappeared without a trace, and despite the love-hate relationship he and Peggy shared, he's committed to finding her. Both daddy and junior are responsible for a multitude of sins, including smuggling terrorists into the US.

Ric and Annie have known each other for decades and he's been attracted to her, despite a small lie his best friend (her brother) told years earlier. When the two start training to be on the FBI team, Ric discovers that perhaps Annie is cut out for more than answering phones and typing. Much to Jules chagrin, his crush on closeted alcoholic actor Robin Chadwick is thrust to the forefront, as Robin is in town for a film festival that Burns is sponsoring, providing them with the perfect cover to get in. As the group schemes to crumble the Burns empire, Robin's problems with the bottle resurface and draw new attention onto their investigation.

I really liked the story, particularly the chemistry between Ric and Annie, and their bantering. I think this is her strongest romantic duo since Sam and Alyssa, as both sets of characters are pretty equal (and both women are better shots!). But I pity any couple who dare share space with Jules and Robin, as their romance tends to be overshadowed. Just as in "Hot Target," they steal the show, but as nice as it is to have Jules finally have a romance of his own, it's hard to find a redeeming quality about Robin's character, other than his physical beauty. When Jules cleaned up his vomit AGAIN (just like in "Hot Target"), I hoped he'd see the light, send Robin packing and find a more deserving life partner - maybe a new young SEAL... Unfortunately, the terrorist plot took a huge backseat to the romantic entanglements (and a heck of a lot of chatting about feelings), which was a huge miss on Brockmann's part, as well as the absence of the Troubleshooter characters, and the introduction of bit characters whose storylines fizzled out. At times it got a little preachy; overall, it was a vast improvement over her last book, "Into the Storm."

First, let me say I think Brockmann is one of the very best writers of romance out there. Her characters have depth, she understands motivation, and is a really good stylist, given the genre. I just discovered her about two months ago, and I've plowed through the entire Troubleshooters series in record time. Now I'm rereading my favorites. Loved Sam, liked Alyssa (she's less developed as a character, but I love the sharpshooting angle), loved Max and Gina, Stan and Teri, Tom and Kelly. Less thrilled with Joan, from Into the Night--I thought she was pretty unlikable as a character, and the romance with Muldoon wasn't really believable. Too much attitude, not enough heart, I thought. My favorite of all the stories, I think, is Hot Target, because I loved both Jane and Cosmo to pieces and I adore Jules. I think he's humane, smart, and as confused about things as most of us are. I can tell the author has a real soft spot for him, too--not surprising given that hr beloved son is gay. I have no problem with gay characters and romances--love comes in all shapes, sizes and seasons. What I was REALLY disappointed in in this book was the hetero romance. Neither Ric nor Annie seemed real or even interesting to me. Ric's a latin hunk, Annie has a wide caboose. That's all I remember about either of them. Frankly it seems that they are only there to provide hetero "cover" of Brockmann's real interest: Jules and Robin. I suspect the Jules-Robin story was the one she really wanted to tell, and Ric-Annie were just place-holders. They were nowhere near as developed as any of her other characters,and when you take away the SEAL/Troubleshooter context, there wasn't much to interest me about their story at all. BORING. I sincerely hope she banishes them to the hinterlands of the Troubleshooters world. I am much more interested in Sophia-Decker-Dave, or maybe Gilligan or Lopez...anything but these two!
That said, a few words about Jules and Robin and her handling of the gay love affair. I love them both as characters, and I'm looking forward to their nuptials (yeah, I really don't get why people are so wiggy about gay marriage. Committed relationships make for stable societies. Ergo, more of them are good. Get over it). My only objection: why do all the gay characters have to be so gorgeous? This is a real stereotype--surely there are gay men who are average-looking. I mean, there are. I know some. I guess she's trying to hold feminine interest by describing their perfect cheekbones and ripped abs, but really, come on. One of my favorite stories was about Stan and Teri--perfect woman and homely guy who's so much more inside. Can't she do that with gay characters as well? Well, that said, I can't wait to read more about the Troubleshooters and their world. Maybe Ric and Annie can spend the next few books in "an undisclosed location," though!

Because I miss her paperback books, when she wrote real, fleshed-out stories. I've noticed since she went to hardback that it's all action, heroic, unbelievable situations that everyone gets out of somehow, etc, etc., it's so boring. In her older books, like "Out of Control", "Over the Edge", the story was so fleshed out, she got inside the characters head's so well, you almost knew what they MIGHT do next. I felt like I WAS the Senior Chief, seeing Terri and feeling that longing, or WAS Wildcard, messing up my chance with the ladies. I BELIEVED the romance between Molly and Jones. She took the time to set it up, and you cared how it ended, even if you had to wait a few books to GET the ending.

But now, it's so different. I liked Annie a lot, but sorry Ric, I don't believe you loved her either, just because you said it a million times. Jules and Robin were a lot more fleshed out, but I guess I needed to be shown more, told less.

If anyone wants to read really good Brockmann, start with "Over the Edge" and even the two before that, and stop after Gina and Max finally get their HEA. (And their book, too, falls into the "huge action, less story" category. But at least you already knew who they were and how they felt.) Back in the paperback days, you could pick up a big ole' book and know you were in for a good story. Not anymore.

It started out good. The relationship between Annie and Ric was witty and sharp. Jules is a great character. The plot of the threat of a terrorist coming into the country started out good. Somehow about a third of the way into it it got all bogged down from there on out. The focus was way too much on the gay issue of Jules and Robin. It got preachy. Their relationship was not healthy, in my opinion. Not the gay part of it, but Robin's neediness and weakness was a turnoff and I thought Jules deserved a stronger love interest. That he was reduced to giving in to Robin when he knew he was not good for him, diminished his character in my opinion. Even Ric and Annie's relationship got bogged down. They fought all the time, but once they gave in to their attraction, it lost it's oomph. It was just too much of "I'm too scared to be involved, I don't know if I should", etc. in both romances. Notice, how I haven't touched on the whole terrorist plot. That's because it took a backseat for much of the book to the romance melodramas. It was more of a soap opera than any of Brockmann's other trouble shooter or seals books. When the action did kick in towards the end, it got bogged down, too and dragged on. I just wanted it to end. This wasn't really a trouble shooter book. The only appearance of any trouble shooter was Sam briefly. Cosmo was mentioned. Even Max made only brief appearances.

So, I was disappointed. I expected better from one of my favorite authors. Izzy was mentioned in one sentence towards the end, so maybe he'll get a story next. That should be better, hopefully.

What a fabulous read! This is my favorite of Ms. Brockmanns' novels so far, and it is the definition of a page-turner: fast-paced, sexy, romantic, and unpredictable. The plot is intricate and features four wonderful protagonists, three from past novels and one new one. I really got a kick out of Annie, a heroine who not only enjoys action and adventure but outshoots her hero, Ric, who is also refreshing as a somewhat abashed sentimentalist who finds that he's not cut out for police work.

After rooting for Jules through several previous novels, the culmination of his romantic yearnings was as satisfying as Sam and Alyssa's in Gone Too Far, and far superior to Max and Gina's in Breaking Point (both are previous novels in the series). Jules' character is a bit more subdued than previously, showing some maturation and character growth, but I missed his outrageous former self just a little. Robin, his troubled love interest, who has engaged in any number of unsavory activities and hurt Jules repeatedly in the past, still emerges as a thoroughly lovable hero who deserves to be loved. Neat trick.

Unlike at least one previous reader, I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Brockmann's willingness to deal with real-life subjects such as gay romance and the Iraq war. It's what makes her a writer who keeps you on the edge of your seat--she writes from the gut. No writer who skates around super-charged subjects is giving us her best. In a reality-based plot, including historical novels, characters that constantly ignore the elephant in the corner are both implausible and vapid. This traditional reader from a VERY traditional background got teary-eyed over Jules' and Robin's very compelling romance. And can't wait for more. Write on, Suzanne!

The FBI has had an agent working undercover in the home of crime boss Gordon Burns, for over two months, working on getting information on possible terrorist activity. When that agent misses her check in Jules Cassidy assumes the worse and works on trying to find out what happened to the agent, while wrapping up the case against the Mr. Burns.

When Annie hires in at her brother's long time friend's PI office, she is under the assumption she is going to be working on cases, not answering phones. Ric doesn't want Annie doing anything remotely dangerous, but when a simple missing person case comes up, he takes Annie along. When it turns out the missing person links them to Gordon Burns, Ric and Annie eventually get in contact with Jules and the FBI. (For you long time Troubleshooter fans, you may remember Ric as the police officer that befriends Gina when her hotel room is broken into.)

Entering into the mix is Robin Chadwick, Jules' long time 'infatuation'. His star is on the rise and he has caught the attention of the movie lover, Gordon Burns; making this crime fighting threesome into a foursome.

Like any of the stories in the Troubleshooters series, there was no shortage of action and adventure. However, the highlight of this story for me was the characters, the relationships and how they all worked together. Ric and Annie were a hilarious and fun duo, I laughed and laughed. Jules and Robin have had two years to stew and think about their feelings for one another; finally they are 'forced' to confront each other, to be honest.

I can't think of a single thing I disliked about this story or would change; even the book's dedication was touching. A bonus to the story is that we are treated to glimpses/updates into some of the other Troubleshooter's lives and introduced to a character that I hope shows up in a future book. Ms. Brockmann wrote a story that managed to be hilarious, emotional, action packed, heart warming, suspenseful and impossible to put down. It's one of those rare books that after you finish reading it, you are tempted to turn back to page one and start the journey all over again!

I know there is a nice little romance going on between Annie & Ric in all the action packed mayhem , but really who are we kidding here? Anyone who has followed this series knows its all about the beloved FBI agent Jules.

So bottom line I liked it. Heres why:

Ms. Brockmann handled all the plot points with her trademark wit, original voice and romantic charm. She tackled Jules romance with honesty and integrity. There are bad guys, bombs, a movie star and undercover ops thrown in for good measure. It was fast paced, action packed, yet still had all those good romantic elements: emotional connection, chemistry and tension.

Although this novel works just fine as a stand alone,if you have not read any of her preceeding novels, I would suggest you read those first, because there is a lot of backstory with some of the characters. I did miss the SEALs but there are plenty of heroes in this tale, and you will find supporting characters that will pique interst in another story (Martell, hopefully?).

It was a enjoyable read,so go on pick up a copy and read it already, I'm glad I did.

I truly wish I had a bigger vocabulary to describe Suzanne Brockmann's latest effort. I'm afraid "well done" will have to do...mediocre as my description sounds, the book was anything but. It has the trade-mark humor and details which have and will continue to carry Ms. Brockmann into a long and happy career. She never fails to add those quirky little tid-bits which keep the reader entertained while fully describing a situation, personality or individual.

As far as the Robin and Jules romance. OK, I'm admittedly hyper-sensitive about how this type of subject matter is handled, because I find myself turning into an over-protective mama-bear. Yet true to Ms. Brockmann's enduring class and style, this is handled masterfully! There's not too much sexual detail that might turn off some readers, but enough heart-warmth to engage anyone. It's so well done, I'm incredibly proud to call this book a "keeper."

Do I think she's using this book as a platform to express her political and homosexual views? No. I saw it as an amazing author, telling an amazing story that would allow any of us to think on our own. I love books that make you think for yourself, or offer different ways to see "normal" things. I feel sorry for those who thought this book was a platform. You missed the STORY folks. You missed the passion, the romance and you missed the amazing cameos of all our favorite characters. You also missed the fact that this author is adamant about her support to our servicemen and women, dying for our right to either write up a good review or a bad one on this (or any other) web-site. Good for you, Suz! Rock on!

One more thing about Ric and Annie. WOWZA. Young love, reunited. Their romance is not only heart-warming, but signature-Suz funny. I love when Ric confronts Annie with the impression that she's gay - - only to understand it was Annie's brother's way of keeping Rick away from his baby sister. Love it.

Love the ending! (No spoilers) but WOW. Could not put it down and now I want MORE!

Force of Nature is a perfect example of why Suzanne Brockmann will be writing books for a very long time---which will be flying off the shelves for even longer.

I repeat: Rock on, Ms. Brockmann!! More, please!

If most of Ms Brockmann readers are like myself,then they work hard at not being prejudice and think that gays, women, minorities, do have to overcome discrimination in the workplace and society. So, I find it somewhat difficult to read a book, where I feel like I am being educated on intolerances. Having a character tell the President of the United States that he bought a tie at a gay friendly store seem forced and just for affect.

I realize that authors have to construct a story to get from point a to b and set up situations so characters can be introduced, or play a recurring role. But that is all that this story felt like. Ric to me was more or less a throw away character, someone who couldn't distract from Jules and Robin's story. And the set up of having a mob boss/crime lord be a movie buff seemed such a contrived way to get Robin involved.

Ms. Brockmann's suspense plots have never been that believable to me. But I didn't really care because I was reading the books because of the characters. Ms Brockmann has the ability to make us (me) as reader clamor for Sam's, Max's, or Jules story over several books. So I don't understand her reasoning for picking a character out of the air to write his HEA. I don't think that is playing to her strengths. If I had gotten to know either Ric, Annie or Robin better, maybe this review would have been different. As it was the only character that I knew was Jules, and I think that he deserved better.

It is a great complement to Ms Brockmann's writing skill that I rated this book three stars While there is no doubt in my mind that Ms Brockmann has a talent for storytelling and creating characters that the readers care about this isn't a book that I feel compelled to re-read