Search - The Unsung Hero (Troubleshooters, Bk 1)

Brockmann's Tall, Dark, and Dangerous books were great within the constraints of series romance. But The Unsung Hero is a full-length novel which develops the Navy Seal Team concept much further. Successfully interweaves storylines from present-day and World War II. Highly romantic while full of action. First in the series.

Tom Paoletti is a Navy SEAL who's been injured and goes to his hometown to rest and recuperate. Dr. Kelly Ashton is his childhood friend who happens to live next door. What happens when Tom spies a thought-dead terrorist in the airport and then in his hometown? That's one of the plots of this novel. There is also a great story involving Kelly's dad and Tom's uncle set during WWII. This book (written pre 9/11) can be a tough read at times because now terrorism has hit home. But still--it had me riveted throughout and when I got to the last part I couldn't put it down. The WWII story is also a great sub-plot about what it means to be a hero and sacrifice. The conclusion of this novel is one that made me think hard about some truths--something that is pretty impressive for a romance novel.

Good characterizations, a well developed story line, but a very intense read. Too much tragedy for my taste.

This whole series is awesome. It's my second time reading it!

I've only read the Tall, Dark series from Brockmann before this book. With the Tall, Dark series I wasn't able to make a decision about Brockmann's writing. There were stories from the series I absolutely hated and then there were ones I loved. So I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book.

I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with this one and can't wait to keep reading the series. I know the back cover claims the story is about Tom and Kelly but there was so much more. There was the story about Charles and Joe during World War II. There was the story about Tom's niece, Mallory and David. They were interesting and one didn't necessarily out-shine the other. I was really into all three story line. There was also enough danger to keep you on your feet.

Some of Kelly's indecision was annoying but Brockmann kept it at a minimal so that by the time Kelly reaches her epiphany, I wasn't about to kill her. All her characters were well developed and intriguing. I find it interesting that Brockmann made a point of making Tom to be not so physically perfect. I wonder why.

Really worth the read. I'm so glad I decided to give one of Brockmann's novel a try.

I caught this series further down the list and was thrilled to go back and read about the beginning. There isn't much missed by not reading them in order, but for me it is more enjoyable to meet the players as they are developed. The stamina and endurance of the Navy Seal training helped me through a double knee replacement surgery!