The Unsung Hero (Troubleshooters Book 1)

3.5-4 starsThis was a pretty good story. I liked the characters and how things turned out although some of the story was more sad than I'd have preferred. This is the first story I've read by this author and based off this I'll probably read more of her work in the future.Kelly is a pediatrician and a nice woman. She was married at one point but it didn't work out and she's now divorced. Kelly is the daughter of a man that gave her little love and she's always wanted a way to connect to him. It doesn't help things that her father is dying and her time is running out. She has a practice in Boston but spends most of her time in her hometown (around an hour away from Boston) to take care of her father as he's dying.Tom is a Navy SEAL and a good guy. He grew up a bit of a troublemaker but straightened out and became a responsible man once he joined the Navy. He hasn't had much in the way of relationships in the past. He ends up home on leave due to an injury and only intends to stay for a few days but circumstances cause him to change his plans.There's actually 3 romances told about in this book. The main one is between Tom and Kelly. They both grew up together and were strongly attracted to each other. There was some kissing when she was 16 but Tom knew she was too young and left to join the Navy. Unfortunately he left abruptly and without telling Kelly why or anything else so when he left he also broke her heart. They both still have a thing for each other but with the years of separation and the way things were left between them when they were younger, neither has hopes of actually having something real between them.Another romance is a past love-triangle between Joe (Tom's uncle), Charles (Kelly's dad) and a French woman named Cybele. The love triangle took place in the middle of WW2. Joe was in love with Cybele (a member of the resistance) but she didn't love him. Cybele fell in love with Charles and Charles returned the feelings but he was married (to a woman he didn't really love) and didn't want to cheat on his wife. The story slowly unfolds throughout the book and it's interesting and sheds light on both Joe and Charles but for me it seemed to add sadness to the story because no one came out of the love-triangle with a happy ending.The third romance is between Mal (Tom's niece) and a guy named David. David is actually kind of a geek. He draws graphic novels and is really talented. He approaches Mal to model for him for his graphic novel. She doesn't believe him at first but ends up agreeing. They don't hit it off immediately but as she spends time with David, Mal realizes he's really a great guy. They spend more time together and fall for each other...it's rather sweet and I liked the addition to the story.The story begins with Tom coming home for medical leave. He got a head injury that has him dizzy and having some issues. His uncle Joe (who he stays with when he's home) is the grounds keeper for Charles and lives on the property so Tom finds out pretty quickly about Charles' health issues and Kelly being home to take care of him. The attraction between them is still strong but Tom has no plans for anything serious because he's only in town temporarily and doesn't do the "love thing". Kelly is still gone on Tom but quickly realizes if she lets her feelings free when he obviously isn't interested in something serious she could get hurt again. She locks away her feelings and decides to pursue a strictly sexual relationship with Tom. Tom realizes his attraction to Kelly is still strong and he wants her but doesn't think she'd be interested. Tom decides to stick around town because Joe might need him with his best friend of 60+ years dying. Soon he finds another reason to stick around because he sees a terrorist that should be dead in a local hardware store. Due to a WW2 ceremony happening in a couple weeks there's reason to believe there's a target but when he tries to tell his superiors about the threat they think he's just lost it due to his head injury and end up hindering him more than helping him.Tom isn't sure if his seeing the terrorist is delusions or not but he's unwilling to just stand by and let it happen if it's actually real. He calls in some of his friends from the Navy and also gets offers of help from Joe and Charles (and eventually Kelly). They start trying to find the terrorist and figure out what's going to happen. in the mean time, Tom and Kelly finally end up in bed and things get hot and heavy between them. Tom realizes that he has feelings for Kelly but doesn't tell her as much so when she makes mention of their relationship being sexual he freaks. Instead of telling her that he has feelings and wants to try for something more substantial, Tom acts like a jerk and makes Kelly pay for his hurt even if she doesn't understand why. There's a back and forth between them that lasts through most of the book. They can't stand to stay away from each other so they keep ending up back in bed together but they can't seem to work the feelings aspect out. Eventually Kelly has to be the strong one and with some good advice from her father (who finally gives her some love and actually talks to her) she gathers her courage and tells Tom (in front of his whole team at that) that she doesn't just want sex from him and that she loves him. I was happy with the way things turned out relationship wise but it was rather frustrating along the way. In the end, Tom and his team (which by this time also included Mal and David) are able to stop the terrorist plot and save the town (and prove that Tom wasn't nuts). The ending is a bit sad but overall was really good with Kelly and Tom planning how they're going to arrange things so they can stay together for their HEA.This was an enjoyable story. I liked the all the characters but to be honest, Tom disappointed me a bit. To me, it seemed like he acted a bit like a spoiled little boy not getting his way when he got pissy with Kelly about the type of relationship she thought they had. It wasn't too bad but I thought he could have been more mature about things. I liked the way things ended for Charles in the story, it was a fitting end. Overall it was a pretty good story. I may try more in the series later. I'd recommend this book. :)* note - I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a really good job on this.

I love this series of books by Ms. Brockmann. The characters she brings to life are profound enough to stick with you throughout the series. I anxiously await the latest installment in this awesome saga of hero's--Navy SEAls, FBI Agents, and private anti-terrorism operatives.Tom Paoletti is a tough, yet vulnerable hero. Handsome and moral and very human. He has a lot of issues to deal with and is incredibly worthy of `hero' status.His heroine, Kelly Ashton, is bold and sexy and perfect for him. Kelly and Tom remain solid characters throughout the stories of the other players Ms. Brockmann introduces. Tom is the foundation of the following tales.The plot is solid. The suspense builds with every scene to a satisfying ending. And the love scenes are hot. Really pretty hot. This whole book takes place in a week's time and will keep you riveted. And, there is more than one unsung hero is this tale.However, one of the best things Ms. Brockmann does, is tell numerous stories simultaneously. Each story includes conflict, tension, and a lot of human emotion.In THE UNSUNG HERO, Joe Paoletti and Charles Ashton's story, and friendship, span sixty years. Through them, you travel back to a war-torn France in WWII and get a glimpse of the hardships people went through, the sacrifices they made. There are two perspectives offered and two love stories.David Sullivan and Tom's niece, Mallory Paoletti, create another story--this one sweet and new because they're both so young.So, in this tale, you've got three generations of stories being told. Although any of them could stand on their own, together they make a truly spectacular story.Three other characters are introduced, Jazz Jacquette, Tom's XO, Ensign bad boy Sam Starrett, and sharpshooter, Alyssa Locke. These characters are well thought out and enjoyable in this and later books.I thought there were a couple of mistakes, or weak spots. The first deals with `a raft-load of luggage', that is overlooked by the best of the best American warriors and anti-terrorism experts. I picked up on it immediately and figured the good guys would have, too. The second is when the tango is finally found and one of the best of the best calls him by his latest, bogus name--immediately telling the bad guy that he's been identified. Despite these minor weaknesses, this is one hell of a good read.There are some earlier books by Ms. Brockmann with characters involved in this series. FRISCO'S KID, PRINCE JOE, THE ADMIRAL'S WIFE, if I remember correctly. These were Harlequin books early in this splendid writer's career.If you've never read Ms. Brockmann before you're missing a lot of entertainment and should start reading her today.Shelley Dawn, author of  Sweet, Sweet Jessie  and  Dark Nights , Dark Nights

Read this book in two days after reading a recommendation from someone in a Kristen Ashley’s Facebook group. I love a good romantic suspense and this has it all. Great secondary characters too! It took a little to get used to everyone’s POV as it just sort of changes but don’t let that put you off. This is good read.

I love this series from Suzanne Brockmann.While each of the troubleshooters books can be read as individual self-contained stories they do run together to give the later books a general background and history. Having read several of the later books I decided it was time to start over at the beginning, partly in order to get the timeline sorted out but mostly because I loved the others so much I wanted to read everyone's story.I love the way Ms Brockmann writes because, unlike some authors, she doesn't feel the need to conceal vital plot information in order to prevent the reader from working out the intentions of the bad guys. By giving the reader the pertinent information at the same time as the characters get it she draws you in to the plot and you become one of the team rather than just an observer.The characters are well written with enough background history to make them believable and allow the reader to become invested in their lives. You get to share their hopes and fears. their laughter and their tears.I realise that that last statement sounds a little corny but this book really did move me to both laugh out loud and blink back tears. I recommend it as a thoroughly good read!

Very good I thought. The story circulates primarily around the protagonists, Kelly and Tom, but also offers you side characters and their stories which, at the time seem annoying and a little irritating, but also have their own relevance as discovered later.An easy read too, and I particularly enjoyed Tom. For once, it's the male alpha hero who wants the relationship and the female who needs convincing. I found their yes/no relationship very believable which is an added bonus.Would make a fab summer's read.Rated five stars as I have bought the sequel

The first Suzanne Brockmann I have read. Loved that there were 3 love stories involved throughout. Great story, characters you could relate to. Will be downloading the next one!

Rereading this book again for at least the 4tb time. I love this series and all books by this author.