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Troubleshooters #16.8
Ready to Roll
Suzanne Brockmann returns to the action-packed world of her bestselling Troubleshooters series with a new novella featuring U.S. Navy SEAL Izzy Zanella, his extended family, and his kickass teammates in SEAL Team Sixteen.
The only easy day is yesterday. BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training is known for being the toughest, meanest, most physically punishing program in the entire U.S. Navy, and a new crop of tadpoles have arrived in Coronado eager to prove their worth—to make it through Hell Week, and become U.S. Navy SEALs.
Although Izzy prefers assignments out in the “real world,” he’s glad to be an instructor for the current BUD/S class, because it allows him to spend time at home with his wife, Eden, and her lively and lovable extended family.
Eden’s sixteen-year-old brother, Ben, is dealing with a new crush and a homophobic bully in his high school, but it soon appears that things are not as they seem.
Meanwhile, Eden’s other brother (and Izzy’s SEAL teammate and former frenemy) Danny Gillman and his wife Jenn have just had a baby who has colic and cries constantly.
As Ben deals with the type of too-serious high school drama that could involve a body count, and Danny and Jenn juggle a new baby, lack of sleep, and postpartum blues, Izzy is intrigued by “Boat Squad John,” a misfit team of young SEAL candidates all named John, including the intriguing young Seagull, his swim buddy Timebomb, and Seagull’s nemesis Hans.
Does Seagull have what it takes keep Boat Squad John still standing when the dust of BUD/S Hell Week settles or will they ring out?
Set in Coronado during BUD/S training Hell Week, in Ready to Roll Brockmann introduces the SEAL officer and instructor nicknamed Grunge—Lt. Peter Greene—as she delivers what she does best: a story celebrating the U.S. Navy SEALs—and the women (and sometimes men) who wholeheartedly love and support them. (About 56,000 words or 225 pages)
Note: Ready to Roll is the third installment in a trio of stories featuring Izzy Zanella that starts in Free Fall and continues in Home Fire Inferno (Burn Baby Burn) originally published in Way of the Warrior, a charity anthology of military romance stories with proceeds benefiting military veterans.
The only easy day is yesterday. BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training is known for being the toughest, meanest, most physically punishing program in the entire U.S. Navy, and a new crop of tadpoles have arrived in Coronado eager to prove their worth—to make it through Hell Week, and become U.S. Navy SEALs.
Although Izzy prefers assignments out in the “real world,” he’s glad to be an instructor for the current BUD/S class, because it allows him to spend time at home with his wife, Eden, and her lively and lovable extended family.
Eden’s sixteen-year-old brother, Ben, is dealing with a new crush and a homophobic bully in his high school, but it soon appears that things are not as they seem.
Meanwhile, Eden’s other brother (and Izzy’s SEAL teammate and former frenemy) Danny Gillman and his wife Jenn have just had a baby who has colic and cries constantly.
As Ben deals with the type of too-serious high school drama that could involve a body count, and Danny and Jenn juggle a new baby, lack of sleep, and postpartum blues, Izzy is intrigued by “Boat Squad John,” a misfit team of young SEAL candidates all named John, including the intriguing young Seagull, his swim buddy Timebomb, and Seagull’s nemesis Hans.
Does Seagull have what it takes keep Boat Squad John still standing when the dust of BUD/S Hell Week settles or will they ring out?
Set in Coronado during BUD/S training Hell Week, in Ready to Roll Brockmann introduces the SEAL officer and instructor nicknamed Grunge—Lt. Peter Greene—as she delivers what she does best: a story celebrating the U.S. Navy SEALs—and the women (and sometimes men) who wholeheartedly love and support them. (About 56,000 words or 225 pages)
Note: Ready to Roll is the third installment in a trio of stories featuring Izzy Zanella that starts in Free Fall and continues in Home Fire Inferno (Burn Baby Burn) originally published in Way of the Warrior, a charity anthology of military romance stories with proceeds benefiting military veterans.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2016
About the author
Suzanne Brockmann
225 books3,523 followersAfter childhood plans to become the captain of a starship didn’t pan out, Suzanne Brockmann took her fascination with military history, her respect for the men and women who serve, her reverence for diversity, and her love of storytelling, and explored brave new worlds as a bestselling romance author.
Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.
In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.
Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.
In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 20, 2023
2023 Update
Everything in my original review stands…every word. This time, I listened to the story and it was just more fun and dramatic. Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank bring these characters to life (as if they need that). If you can do it on audio…
2017 Review
Some of the members of SEAL Team Sixteen (Izzy, Jenks, Tony, Lopez) are participating in the Phase I BUD/S training of new candidates, led by Lt. Peter (Grunge) Green. It's as awful as we've heard but a phenomenon starts to form with one of the teams that catches everyone but Izzy by surprise. Meanwhile, there's new drama with 16-year old Ben Gillman and his nemesis Wade O'Keefe with Ben's crush Ryan Spencer in the middle of it all. And, Jenn and Danny are now sleep-deprived parents of their colicky newborn son, Colin (so aptly named).
This was a really good story, cleverly presented with alternating points of view, transitioning between the BUD/S training and Ben's issues with Wade and Ryan, followed by Jenn and Danny's trials. Brockmann is a master at creating unique voices for her characters so you're never confused. And, the pace and timing are just about flawless, all expertly wrapped inside some very strong, relevant themes.
I loved getting a deeper perspective about Izzy who, despite his clowning, has some serious skills when it comes to reading people. And, we get a chance to get to know the SEAL side of Grunge before his story unfolds in the next book. Ben continues to amaze me with his insightfulness and loyalty. We get an education about domestic abuse seen through the lens of young adults.
It's been awhile since I've visited the Troubleshooters world and it was absolutely fabulous being back here. Brockmann is so skilled at characterization that these people seem so real, even in novella length. I just got immersed and lost in the wonderful storytelling and fell for this little gem.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Everything in my original review stands…every word. This time, I listened to the story and it was just more fun and dramatic. Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank bring these characters to life (as if they need that). If you can do it on audio…
2017 Review
Some of the members of SEAL Team Sixteen (Izzy, Jenks, Tony, Lopez) are participating in the Phase I BUD/S training of new candidates, led by Lt. Peter (Grunge) Green. It's as awful as we've heard but a phenomenon starts to form with one of the teams that catches everyone but Izzy by surprise. Meanwhile, there's new drama with 16-year old Ben Gillman and his nemesis Wade O'Keefe with Ben's crush Ryan Spencer in the middle of it all. And, Jenn and Danny are now sleep-deprived parents of their colicky newborn son, Colin (so aptly named).
This was a really good story, cleverly presented with alternating points of view, transitioning between the BUD/S training and Ben's issues with Wade and Ryan, followed by Jenn and Danny's trials. Brockmann is a master at creating unique voices for her characters so you're never confused. And, the pace and timing are just about flawless, all expertly wrapped inside some very strong, relevant themes.
I loved getting a deeper perspective about Izzy who, despite his clowning, has some serious skills when it comes to reading people. And, we get a chance to get to know the SEAL side of Grunge before his story unfolds in the next book. Ben continues to amaze me with his insightfulness and loyalty. We get an education about domestic abuse seen through the lens of young adults.
It's been awhile since I've visited the Troubleshooters world and it was absolutely fabulous being back here. Brockmann is so skilled at characterization that these people seem so real, even in novella length. I just got immersed and lost in the wonderful storytelling and fell for this little gem.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
August 13, 2022
It's been nearly seven years since I read a Troubleshooters book. I saw this short novella on the library table and thought I'd pay the guys a long overdue visit. FBI guy, Jules Cassidy and his partner, former Hollywood star, Robin Chadwick, were always my favorites of the gang, which shouldn't surprise anyone at all...but they must be busy figuring out married life since they didn't show up, but it was still a welcome mix of low steam romance, suspense, and humor...so it was a warm, familiar visit. The guys all have growing families...some have family members that have grown into young men and women ready to start families of their own...and some of the old timers are beginning to take live easier and think about letting the younger guys take over. But not just yet. It's Hell week and Izzy has the U.S. Navy's future to put through their paces. Some will make it, and some will "ring out." Readers are privy to the thoughts of several of the new guys as well as several old favorites. As in other books in the series, there are multiple plot lines ongoing...something that I have always loved. We get an update on past favorite couples and see several good set-ups for another book. One of the plot lines in this story features Ben Gillman, Danny & Eden’s 16-year-old brother as he experiences “first love" and learns how to handle both a homophobic bully and a big disappointment. I enjoyed Ben’s story and the character development he showed. Also, the role Izzy plays in this one lets us visit inside his head. That's always an adventure. The little book is 178 pages that allows several past favorites to slide in to take part in a visit that was way too short. Whoever said, "You can't go home again". obviously never knew these guys of the "Troubleshooter" series.
July 4, 2023
As a new set of recruits try to make it through Hell Week, we get several different stories told from many points-of-view. U.S. Navy SEAL Izzy Zanella is an instructor this week. As he watches man after man drop out after the grueling exercises, he becomes interested in Boat Squad John, a team whose members all share the name "John". Meanwhile, Dan and Jenn Gillman are first time parents with a baby who cries constantly; and Ben Gillman has a new crush who is already involved with another guy.
I really liked this novella. It reads very quickly and introduces us to Peter Greene, AKA: Grunge. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
2023 Re-read: I am re-reading this series with a Goodreads group. I enjoyed reading this book once again. My rating is still 4.5 Stars.
I really liked this novella. It reads very quickly and introduces us to Peter Greene, AKA: Grunge. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
2023 Re-read: I am re-reading this series with a Goodreads group. I enjoyed reading this book once again. My rating is still 4.5 Stars.
August 16, 2023
Great novella. Suzanne Brockmann can sure pact a lot into this short format. We get to catch up with several favorites and get to know some newbies. I certainly look forward to seeing Peter Green in the next full length novel. I also hope that we see John "Seagull" Livingston at some future date too.
The only easy day is yesterday is the motto for BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training it can also be the motto for new parents Dan and Jenn when their new bundle of joy< Colin, has colic.
Izzy is on assignment as a BUDS instructor and is liking putting the tadpoles through their paces and being able to be home with his wife, Eden. He is the first instructor to take note of John "Seagull" Livingston as the kid pulls some moves to make an exercise easier for his swim buddy. In fact, he becomes the de facto leader of "Boat Squad John" and practically pulls everyone else through Hell Week, refusing to give up on any of his boat mates.
Eden and Dan's sixteen-year-old brother, Ben, is still dealing with a bully in his high school, but it soon appears that things are not as they seem as Ben gets to know Wade.
We are introduced to SEAL officer and instructor nicknamed Grunge—Lt. Peter Greene—who is as tough as they get and yet has a soft side too. I look forward to reading his story in the next book.
The only easy day is yesterday is the motto for BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training it can also be the motto for new parents Dan and Jenn when their new bundle of joy< Colin, has colic.
Izzy is on assignment as a BUDS instructor and is liking putting the tadpoles through their paces and being able to be home with his wife, Eden. He is the first instructor to take note of John "Seagull" Livingston as the kid pulls some moves to make an exercise easier for his swim buddy. In fact, he becomes the de facto leader of "Boat Squad John" and practically pulls everyone else through Hell Week, refusing to give up on any of his boat mates.
Eden and Dan's sixteen-year-old brother, Ben, is still dealing with a bully in his high school, but it soon appears that things are not as they seem as Ben gets to know Wade.
We are introduced to SEAL officer and instructor nicknamed Grunge—Lt. Peter Greene—who is as tough as they get and yet has a soft side too. I look forward to reading his story in the next book.
November 5, 2016
Perfect!
Just like all of Suzanne's SEAL books, this one was amazingly adorable, funny, serious, dangerous....
Romantic Suspense, YA m/m, military diary. Very interesting!
Just perfect.
Can't wait to read the next book about LT Pete ☺ With lots of Izzy in it too ☺☺☺
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
November 22, 2016
Izzy!!! Do I have to say more? Do I have to say it louder? IZZZZZY!!!!!
Yep, it's all about Izzy, and partially about the Gillmans, and a very large portion Ben. Surprisingly, another big part is Seagull! Yup, I said Seagull. Does that perk your interest? If so, read this... actually don't, read this!
For my full review, visit Birdie Bookworm.
Yep, it's all about Izzy, and partially about the Gillmans, and a very large portion Ben. Surprisingly, another big part is Seagull! Yup, I said Seagull. Does that perk your interest? If so, read this... actually don't, read this!
For my full review, visit Birdie Bookworm.
July 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this novella in Suzanne Brockmann's "Troubleshooter" series!
November 29, 2016
Why I read it: This was a gift because I was too cheap to buy it myself (it’s expensive for a novella – really, $6 – $8 at Kobo – is just TOO MUCH).
What worked for me (and what didn’t): I’ve been a fan of Suzanne Brockmann’s novels and in particular her Troubleshooters series for years. They tend to hold up well for me on re-reads. I didn’t even get super cross about the whole Decker, Sophia, Dave and Tracy thing. So I say this in love. Please for the love of all that is good in a book, do not write stage directions in first person narratives. This is not Twitter.
Read the rest: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2016/1...
What worked for me (and what didn’t): I’ve been a fan of Suzanne Brockmann’s novels and in particular her Troubleshooters series for years. They tend to hold up well for me on re-reads. I didn’t even get super cross about the whole Decker, Sophia, Dave and Tracy thing. So I say this in love. Please for the love of all that is good in a book, do not write stage directions in first person narratives. This is not Twitter.
Read the rest: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2016/1...
July 23, 2017
Glad I read this (long) novella prior to the latest release. It has me excited for Lt Greene's story. And Izzy and his gang never fail to amuse.
October 25, 2021
10/2021 - Relisten.
In true Brockmann style - what she calls a “novella” other others call full length books. But then again, her full length novels are probably twice as long. Anyway - at just over 6 hours this is a fun mix of YA (Ben Gillman gets some major page time), catching up on more personal life of the Zanella/Gillman clan PLUS detailed experiences of up & coming going through BUD/s, specifically Hell Week.
It’s a solid mix of low steam romance, suspense, thriller and humor.
It’s also an introduction to Grunge (Pete) in a nice set up for his book, Some Kind Of Hero.
I’d hoped that Brockmann might someday do a Troubleshooters spin-off featuring all the men of Boat Squad John… but so far (2021) it hasn’t happened.
As always, a treat to listen to Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank. They do a great job with the many, many POVs in this one - plus keeping characters from previous books consistent. It’s so easy to binge these.
In true Brockmann style - what she calls a “novella” other others call full length books. But then again, her full length novels are probably twice as long. Anyway - at just over 6 hours this is a fun mix of YA (Ben Gillman gets some major page time), catching up on more personal life of the Zanella/Gillman clan PLUS detailed experiences of up & coming going through BUD/s, specifically Hell Week.
It’s a solid mix of low steam romance, suspense, thriller and humor.
It’s also an introduction to Grunge (Pete) in a nice set up for his book, Some Kind Of Hero.
I’d hoped that Brockmann might someday do a Troubleshooters spin-off featuring all the men of Boat Squad John… but so far (2021) it hasn’t happened.
As always, a treat to listen to Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank. They do a great job with the many, many POVs in this one - plus keeping characters from previous books consistent. It’s so easy to binge these.
February 15, 2017
I liked that we got to visit with characters I have come to love, but I felt the 2 very different story lines were a bit disjointed. I liked both of them, but the switching back and forth was a bit jarring at time.
I'll start with Ben's part. I loved that he didn't let hate stop him from helping, loved it when he realized he was in over his head and called out to his extended family for help. I was glad that they were able to succeed.
The parts with the SEAL wanna-be's in hell week didn't make sense to me at all, until the end and the choice the one team made. I loved that they made that choice, loved that they were willing to experience things again, but loved even more that they didn't have to.
I'll start with Ben's part. I loved that he didn't let hate stop him from helping, loved it when he realized he was in over his head and called out to his extended family for help. I was glad that they were able to succeed.
The parts with the SEAL wanna-be's in hell week didn't make sense to me at all, until the end and the choice the one team made. I loved that they made that choice, loved that they were willing to experience things again, but loved even more that they didn't have to.
April 19, 2019
A nice mix of plots including the men going through or observing BUDs training, Ben Gillman finding himself in the middle of a high school/home life drama (which echoes his own past), and newbie parents dealing with a colic baby. A definite reread /listen.
June 17, 2017
I really love Izzy; he had to grow on me when he was first introduced, but I so love his character. I’m glad I’m not alone in that, heh.
One of the things I like most is the family dynamics between Izzy, Danny, Eden, Gen, and Ben. I really enjoy seeing them work together as a big family to solve issues. Sometimes they don’t always use the conventional way … but it is something good when it happens.
One of the other things that I like is that she writes about highly arguable issues in a way that don’t make you feel like you are being preached at or whacked over the head with while she stands on a soapbox defending her stance on the matter. I don’t agree with everything she thinks, just a lot of it, but I do enjoy her talent as a writer and I’m a big girl so I can accept that someone is not going to agree with me 100% about everything.
The only gripe I have is that her novellas are so expensive and my library hardly ever, I mean they got just one of them has them. The only reason I was able to grab this one was because it had a big sale, I guess in preparation for next month’s release. I really hope my library is able to get it because it seems like I’ve been waiting for forever for a Brockmann book to come out. I know she has had issues with writer’s block, but I can still get excited about it and I am.
One of the things I like most is the family dynamics between Izzy, Danny, Eden, Gen, and Ben. I really enjoy seeing them work together as a big family to solve issues. Sometimes they don’t always use the conventional way … but it is something good when it happens.
One of the other things that I like is that she writes about highly arguable issues in a way that don’t make you feel like you are being preached at or whacked over the head with while she stands on a soapbox defending her stance on the matter. I don’t agree with everything she thinks, just a lot of it, but I do enjoy her talent as a writer and I’m a big girl so I can accept that someone is not going to agree with me 100% about everything.
The only gripe I have is that her novellas are so expensive and my library hardly ever, I mean they got just one of them has them. The only reason I was able to grab this one was because it had a big sale, I guess in preparation for next month’s release. I really hope my library is able to get it because it seems like I’ve been waiting for forever for a Brockmann book to come out. I know she has had issues with writer’s block, but I can still get excited about it and I am.
February 1, 2018
Ever since Unsung Hero (in 2000 - that's 17 years ago) I have loved the Troubleshooters series so much and I thought there was nothing better than those ex-SEALS and their adventures. In my opinion, most of those books were superb (note: not all). Unfortunately, with the author changing her agenda over the last years, and, although I sincerely applaud her for advocating the gay cause, I think the Troubleshooters books have suffered for it. Naturally, there's still a bit of recognition of what was before, but still, it's nothing compared to the early days. Or maybe it's me. I've grown older and evolved, expecting more. Don't get me wrong, I am all for the gay cause, but I'm nostalgic for all the earlier books with those magnificent characters, and yes, sometimes too complicated plots.
It's not that I disliked this book, I didn't. I moderately enjoyed the BUD/S training and the John Squad (ah that Seagull!), and I enjoyed Ben's high school drama, but I was left with a unfinished feeling, nonetheless.
It's not that I disliked this book, I didn't. I moderately enjoyed the BUD/S training and the John Squad (ah that Seagull!), and I enjoyed Ben's high school drama, but I was left with a unfinished feeling, nonetheless.
February 22, 2018
If you're not already a fan of the series and haven't read the other novels and novellas this may not be for you. I, however, am and thus very much enjoyed this. We get Danny and Jenn's new baby problems, Ben's continuing school problems with Wade, and a whole new boat squad of baby SEALS!
Tiny Quibble: The boat squad plotline didn't have much relevance to the Ben/Wade story and could easily have been separated out. But hey, two stories for the price of one for readers!
Tiny Quibble: The boat squad plotline didn't have much relevance to the Ben/Wade story and could easily have been separated out. But hey, two stories for the price of one for readers!
October 9, 2016
As always great dialogue exciting characters and NavySEAL drama!!! I just love this series. I can't imagine they don't exist. I mean what's not to love about them? It's like bullseye every time with Suzanne Brockmann. Damn she's good.
A bunch of new recruits trying out for Navy SEALS.
Team boat John she calls them. I mean who writes a book with like 4 characters have the same name!? SB does. That's right and I love it. It was so funny all the nicknames and of course Izzy. The guy is just perfection. The things that come out of his mouth and his ability to foresee things made this one so good. Basically the story is about these guys try to make the team and how they go about doing it against all odds. I'm talking major major setbacks like broken ribs passing out and the ever annoying Jon that acts like he's carrying the team when at the end they carried him. All the while Izzy and a semi new lieutenant "Grunge" are watching. Grunge is OMG! His story is next and I read an excerpt it looks great. I'm very very perked up on him. He looks like a surfer wears flip flops and gives all the tadpoles a very hard time. So funny. I can just picture these guys on the beach in Coronado in real life. It's amazing what they can endure. So basically we meet a bunch of gorgeous new men and fall in love with them. EASY!
One minor comment about this book. Prob the only thing I didn't like so much is the characters are basically talking to the reader sometimes. That throws me off and I wish it wasn't done but still a great novella.
A bunch of new recruits trying out for Navy SEALS.
Team boat John she calls them. I mean who writes a book with like 4 characters have the same name!? SB does. That's right and I love it. It was so funny all the nicknames and of course Izzy. The guy is just perfection. The things that come out of his mouth and his ability to foresee things made this one so good. Basically the story is about these guys try to make the team and how they go about doing it against all odds. I'm talking major major setbacks like broken ribs passing out and the ever annoying Jon that acts like he's carrying the team when at the end they carried him. All the while Izzy and a semi new lieutenant "Grunge" are watching. Grunge is OMG! His story is next and I read an excerpt it looks great. I'm very very perked up on him. He looks like a surfer wears flip flops and gives all the tadpoles a very hard time. So funny. I can just picture these guys on the beach in Coronado in real life. It's amazing what they can endure. So basically we meet a bunch of gorgeous new men and fall in love with them. EASY!
One minor comment about this book. Prob the only thing I didn't like so much is the characters are basically talking to the reader sometimes. That throws me off and I wish it wasn't done but still a great novella.
November 26, 2016
I enjoyed re-visiting the Troubleshooters world and many of these characters. I do enjoy the Gillman/Zanella clan. I enjoyed reading about Hell Week in BUD\S training. But it was a bit jumpy and all over the place. The broken "4th wall" in places where the characters are speaking to us is a bit weird (we got some of this in the Troubleshooter anthology with the characters are interviewed)
October 6, 2016
Always fun to get to visit with the Troubleshooters gang. Not a great one for introducing someone to the series, but a fun novella for those of us who have been following the team for years.
February 5, 2017
I love the Troubleshooters series, but didn't like her switching from narrative to interview style. There was no reason for it, and it seemed unnecessarily contrived.
July 14, 2023
2.5 stars, rounded to 3
So, if you've read this far in the series, and heaven knows you're going to majorly confused if you haven't, then you probably realize that there are going to be multiple storylines, including random gay one. However this was a hot mess.
✗ There were 3 (mostly) unrelated stories: BUD/S training & Hell week - appears to be an introduction to new characters for a new (?) series as well as providing a vehicle for Izzy; a gay triangle involving Ben (Eden and Dan's little brother) and his friends, Wade and Ryan, with a side trip into another story involving domestic abuse (Wade's brother and SIL); and throw in another story involving Dan and Jenni's new baby who has a massive case of colic. The best of these stories was the first one - I liked the Hell week story. I knew a lot of training involved, but it was interesting. I wonder if the characters were there (or already have) a spin-off series - especially the John Squad. The gay storyline seems to be required reading. It's not that I'm offended by gays (I'm not), it's not that I don't read gay stories (I do), but Brockmann grinds this axe until it's a nub. If it had a purpose in the story, it would be different. Ditto the entire side trip into Colic Land - I think the purpose here was to have a few characters make an appearance to appease their fans.
✗ The interviews (?) interspersed in the story are annoying as hell. And what's with the stage directions?? "(Leans in) What’s the grinder? (laughs) The grinder is part of the BUD/S training area in Coronado." Yeah, it's bizarre and annoying unless it's a play.
✗ There was absolutely no romance in this (unless you count the moony teenage gay love triangle which had no point in the novella and also had almost no romance, with the possible exception of the sappy love song.) I usually want *a little* romance with the suspense.
I have mostly enjoyed this series but the last few novellas / short stories have been mostly duds. I am reading this as a group read and it is due to wrap up next month. I can only hope for a good ending to the series as the last few have left me disappointed.
So, if you've read this far in the series, and heaven knows you're going to majorly confused if you haven't, then you probably realize that there are going to be multiple storylines, including random gay one. However this was a hot mess.
✗ There were 3 (mostly) unrelated stories: BUD/S training & Hell week - appears to be an introduction to new characters for a new (?) series as well as providing a vehicle for Izzy; a gay triangle involving Ben (Eden and Dan's little brother) and his friends, Wade and Ryan, with a side trip into another story involving domestic abuse (Wade's brother and SIL); and throw in another story involving Dan and Jenni's new baby who has a massive case of colic. The best of these stories was the first one - I liked the Hell week story. I knew a lot of training involved, but it was interesting. I wonder if the characters were there (or already have) a spin-off series - especially the John Squad. The gay storyline seems to be required reading. It's not that I'm offended by gays (I'm not), it's not that I don't read gay stories (I do), but Brockmann grinds this axe until it's a nub. If it had a purpose in the story, it would be different. Ditto the entire side trip into Colic Land - I think the purpose here was to have a few characters make an appearance to appease their fans.
✗ The interviews (?) interspersed in the story are annoying as hell. And what's with the stage directions?? "(Leans in) What’s the grinder? (laughs) The grinder is part of the BUD/S training area in Coronado." Yeah, it's bizarre and annoying unless it's a play.
✗ There was absolutely no romance in this (unless you count the moony teenage gay love triangle which had no point in the novella and also had almost no romance, with the possible exception of the sappy love song.) I usually want *a little* romance with the suspense.
I have mostly enjoyed this series but the last few novellas / short stories have been mostly duds. I am reading this as a group read and it is due to wrap up next month. I can only hope for a good ending to the series as the last few have left me disappointed.
January 2, 2018
It's been awhile since I visited with the Troubleshooters. I enjoyed it, particularly Izzy, who never fails to make me laugh.
Also, I listened to this on audiobook, and I absolutely adore listening to Patrick Lawlor. As soon as he begins it's like getting together with an old friend again... or maybe a whole group of them because he's so associated in my head with Izzy and Jules and Gillman and all the other wonderful characters of this series. I may have even giggled.
This particular work is really two main stories and one ancillary story. The main stories focus on Hell Week for SEAL candidates and a variety of domestic violence issues including a physically abused wife and younger brother, as well as the difficulties facing gay high school students. Some of the latter was a little heavy handed (for 2016), but the characters are compelling and there is a nice authenticity to it since they are allowed to make mistakes while they navigate this tricky time in their lives. The ancillary story is on the challenges of being a new parent and the importance of a support group.
When I really think about it, the entire novella's theme was loyalty. For all story lines, the SEAL candidates, the gay teens, the abused wife, and the new parents, loyalty and devotion to one another saw them all through their struggles. Pretty cool since on the surface you wouldn't think a common thread would tie these stories together.
Also, I listened to this on audiobook, and I absolutely adore listening to Patrick Lawlor. As soon as he begins it's like getting together with an old friend again... or maybe a whole group of them because he's so associated in my head with Izzy and Jules and Gillman and all the other wonderful characters of this series. I may have even giggled.
This particular work is really two main stories and one ancillary story. The main stories focus on Hell Week for SEAL candidates and a variety of domestic violence issues including a physically abused wife and younger brother, as well as the difficulties facing gay high school students. Some of the latter was a little heavy handed (for 2016), but the characters are compelling and there is a nice authenticity to it since they are allowed to make mistakes while they navigate this tricky time in their lives. The ancillary story is on the challenges of being a new parent and the importance of a support group.
When I really think about it, the entire novella's theme was loyalty. For all story lines, the SEAL candidates, the gay teens, the abused wife, and the new parents, loyalty and devotion to one another saw them all through their struggles. Pretty cool since on the surface you wouldn't think a common thread would tie these stories together.
August 12, 2017
First, I have to remember to never, ever, ever listen to a Troubleshooters book on tape/audio ever again. The readers of this novella were atrocious. I didn't realize you could be that bad and still have a job as an actor. It was the worst audio book I have ever listened to. The story sounded utterly ridiculous in their plodding, awkward, stilted hands. And while I can appreciate that the book would have been a quite a bit better if I read it in paper format, I think it still would have been one of my least favorite stories. While the Izzy/Hell Week story line was somewhat interesting, it was really far-fetched. And the Ben/Wade story line was completely ridiculous. Let's let a 15 year old boy deal with a bully who beats him up and his homophobic, homicidal, wife abusing brother while the adults just stand around and walk in and out of the situation at will. We won't worry about him risking his life, performing acts of vandalism, or getting in the middle of situations that are way out of his league. As long as his blood sugar is okay, what could possibly go wrong? Ugh... I hated this story with a passion and couldn't wait for it to be over. I'm truly hopeful that this was an aberration and not a sign that Brockmann has run out of story lines and the Seals have run their course.
August 12, 2018
I'll be honest, I'm not a SEAL fan (gasp!) That's not to say I don't love reading about them when their stories are written by Suzanne Brockmann, but I don't read everything SEAL-related I can lay my hands on, as some readers do.
That said, I loved reading about the SEALs' BUD/S training, and Hell Week in particular in READY TO ROLL. Not to mention "legendary Boat Squad John" was awesome, and brought tears to my eyes toward the end of this novella (no spoilers, so I won't say what caused them!)
I've become more accustomed to first person narrative, and while it's not my fave, it worked in this case since the story was told from so many different perspectives.
I had already read SOME KIND OF HERO, so it was particularly satisfying to read what came before that novel, especially the parts from Lt. Peter "Grunge" Greene's perspective.
My only complaint is that...alas...it ended all too quickly (I knew it would going in, since it's a novella, but...sigh...I hated to see it end). Kudos to Ms. Brockmann for another fabulously entertaining read!
That said, I loved reading about the SEALs' BUD/S training, and Hell Week in particular in READY TO ROLL. Not to mention "legendary Boat Squad John" was awesome, and brought tears to my eyes toward the end of this novella (no spoilers, so I won't say what caused them!)
I've become more accustomed to first person narrative, and while it's not my fave, it worked in this case since the story was told from so many different perspectives.
I had already read SOME KIND OF HERO, so it was particularly satisfying to read what came before that novel, especially the parts from Lt. Peter "Grunge" Greene's perspective.
My only complaint is that...alas...it ended all too quickly (I knew it would going in, since it's a novella, but...sigh...I hated to see it end). Kudos to Ms. Brockmann for another fabulously entertaining read!
September 29, 2023
De las tres Izzy Novellas, esta es la que más me gustó, como dije en mi blog. Me resultó muy interesante que te describieran la Semana del Infierno, la fase más dura del entrenamiento para hacerte Navy SEAL. Izzy será uno de los instructores. Te lo ponen en plan más serio y responsable, con una capacidad de percepción de la psicología de los candidatos a SEAL que sorprende un poco. No estoy segura de que sea muy coherente con cómo te han presentado a este personaje hasta la fecha. Me pareció una especie de «lavado de personalidad» y casi de cerebro, de lo cambiado que lo veo.
Además: un cuñado (Ben) acaba implicado en el rescate a una mujer maltratada y el otro (Dan) padece –y también su mujer, Jenn– lo que son los cólicos del lactante.
Esta novela corta creo que es de las pocas que puedes disfrutar aunque no conozcas a los personajes. Un poco carilla (casi 5 €) para la extensión (unas doscientas páginas).
Además: un cuñado (Ben) acaba implicado en el rescate a una mujer maltratada y el otro (Dan) padece –y también su mujer, Jenn– lo que son los cólicos del lactante.
Esta novela corta creo que es de las pocas que puedes disfrutar aunque no conozcas a los personajes. Un poco carilla (casi 5 €) para la extensión (unas doscientas páginas).
August 30, 2020
I loved Boat Squad John, and I really enjoyed their storylines. Had this book just been them, it'd be 5 stars for me. I really hope we get more of them, and Seagull in particular, in the future. Greene's introduction here was meh, and I'm honestly not that invested in reading his story. There are other characters Brockmann has introduced that are more captivating. The drama with Ben/Wade/Ryan was unnecessary, and honestly seemed overdone. I understand that Wade's life was in danger by living with his brother, but him being willing to die so his sister in law can escape was just too much. That part of the story was not fun to read, and I wanted to skip it, but since I was listening to this as an audiobook, I couldn't. That brings it down to a 4. I also don't like that that storyline is still hanging open. Is Wade supposed to stay in the closet? Is Cody going to come back and beat him because he's mad about Angel? It doesn't feel well-thought out, which was irritating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'books-mine-asap'
March 7, 2017Izzy Zanella
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Book synopsis: Suzanne Brockmann returns to the action-packed world of her bestselling Troubleshooters series with a new novella featuring U.S. Navy SEAL Izzy Zanella, his extended family, and his kickass teammates in SEAL Team Sixteen.
The only easy day is yesterday. BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training is known for being the toughest, meanest, most physically punishing program in the entire U.S. Navy, and a new crop of tadpoles have arrived in Coronado eager to prove their worth—to make it through Hell Week, and become U.S. Navy SEALs.
Although Izzy prefers assignments out in the “real world,” he’s glad to be an instructor for the current BUD/S class, because it allows him to spend time at home with his wife, Eden, and her lively and lovable extended family.
Eden’s sixteen-year-old brother, Ben, is dealing with a new crush and a homophobic bully in his high school, but it soon appears that things are not as they seem.
Meanwhile, Eden’s other brother (and Izzy’s SEAL teammate and former frenemy) Danny Gillman and his wife Jenn have just had a baby who has colic and cries constantly.
As Ben deals with the type of too-serious high school drama that could involve a body count, and Danny and Jenn juggle a new baby, lack of sleep, and postpartum blues, Izzy is intrigued by “Boat Squad John,” a misfit team of young SEAL candidates all named John, including the intriguing young Seagull, his swim buddy Timebomb, and Seagull’s nemesis Hans.
Does Seagull have what it takes keep Boat Squad John still standing when the dust of BUD/S Hell Week settles or will they ring out?
Set in Coronado during BUD/S training Hell Week, in Ready to Roll Brockmann introduces the SEAL officer and instructor nicknamed Grunge—Lt. Peter Greene—as she delivers what she does best: a story celebrating the U.S. Navy SEALs—and the women (and sometimes men) who wholeheartedly love and support them. (About 56,000 words or 225 pages)
Note: Ready to Roll is the third installment in a trio of stories featuring Izzy Zanella that starts in Free Fall and continues in Home Fire Inferno (Burn Baby Burn) originally published in Way of the Warrior, a charity anthology of military romance stories with proceeds benefiting military veterans.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book synopsis: Suzanne Brockmann returns to the action-packed world of her bestselling Troubleshooters series with a new novella featuring U.S. Navy SEAL Izzy Zanella, his extended family, and his kickass teammates in SEAL Team Sixteen.
The only easy day is yesterday. BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training is known for being the toughest, meanest, most physically punishing program in the entire U.S. Navy, and a new crop of tadpoles have arrived in Coronado eager to prove their worth—to make it through Hell Week, and become U.S. Navy SEALs.
Although Izzy prefers assignments out in the “real world,” he’s glad to be an instructor for the current BUD/S class, because it allows him to spend time at home with his wife, Eden, and her lively and lovable extended family.
Eden’s sixteen-year-old brother, Ben, is dealing with a new crush and a homophobic bully in his high school, but it soon appears that things are not as they seem.
Meanwhile, Eden’s other brother (and Izzy’s SEAL teammate and former frenemy) Danny Gillman and his wife Jenn have just had a baby who has colic and cries constantly.
As Ben deals with the type of too-serious high school drama that could involve a body count, and Danny and Jenn juggle a new baby, lack of sleep, and postpartum blues, Izzy is intrigued by “Boat Squad John,” a misfit team of young SEAL candidates all named John, including the intriguing young Seagull, his swim buddy Timebomb, and Seagull’s nemesis Hans.
Does Seagull have what it takes keep Boat Squad John still standing when the dust of BUD/S Hell Week settles or will they ring out?
Set in Coronado during BUD/S training Hell Week, in Ready to Roll Brockmann introduces the SEAL officer and instructor nicknamed Grunge—Lt. Peter Greene—as she delivers what she does best: a story celebrating the U.S. Navy SEALs—and the women (and sometimes men) who wholeheartedly love and support them. (About 56,000 words or 225 pages)
Note: Ready to Roll is the third installment in a trio of stories featuring Izzy Zanella that starts in Free Fall and continues in Home Fire Inferno (Burn Baby Burn) originally published in Way of the Warrior, a charity anthology of military romance stories with proceeds benefiting military veterans.
March 14, 2018
I've enjoyed this series from the beginning and any book that has Izzy as the primary character is a must read for me. I listened to the audio version and the absolutely awful reading of this book really ruined for me. If I could have gotten my hands on the book through the library I might have liked it a little more but I still think I would have skipped through a lot of the SEAL week parts. The guy reading the book was as far from what Izzy sounds like in my head as someone could be and he really ruined it. It was a very long 6 hours of listening to this book. I did enjoy the story with Ben, Wade and Ryan and the very short appearance from Sam (another favorite). I hope this novella was just a little blip in the series.
July 1, 2017
Way too much hopping around from viewpoint to viewpoint
If I had to guess, we had over 20 POV. It was exhausting. And annoying
I hated the format, in addition to the way-too-many POV's.
The whole (smiles) or (laughs), like we're reading an interviewers notes, kept pulling me out of the story
The story kept jumping around too, with what aren't really flashbacks, because it's mostly contemporaneous, but still felt like flashbacks
While I liked the story, the way in which it was written highly diminishes my enjoyment of the book.
2-1/2 to 3 stars.
If I had to guess, we had over 20 POV. It was exhausting. And annoying
I hated the format, in addition to the way-too-many POV's.
The whole (smiles) or (laughs), like we're reading an interviewers notes, kept pulling me out of the story
The story kept jumping around too, with what aren't really flashbacks, because it's mostly contemporaneous, but still felt like flashbacks
While I liked the story, the way in which it was written highly diminishes my enjoyment of the book.
2-1/2 to 3 stars.
July 15, 2019
What a twist
Suzanne Brockmann had couple of interesting twist to this book. I like her books. I've actually read all the originals when they first came out. It will be great to do both parts of the series again. Wade and Angela had my sympathy for what they were going through. Having to be someone you're not is so tiresome and can be lonely. Being abused whether physically or mentally drains your will to fight yourself and your rights as a human being. I glad when she left Cody. And Wade admitted who he was and what he needed and wanted.
Suzanne Brockmann had couple of interesting twist to this book. I like her books. I've actually read all the originals when they first came out. It will be great to do both parts of the series again. Wade and Angela had my sympathy for what they were going through. Having to be someone you're not is so tiresome and can be lonely. Being abused whether physically or mentally drains your will to fight yourself and your rights as a human being. I glad when she left Cody. And Wade admitted who he was and what he needed and wanted.
August 18, 2017
Loved the SEAL training and seeing Izzy and Co. again. I'm looking forward to reading more about "Grunge" Peter Green, which is a good thing, since I just started listening to his book, the next in the series.
I read many m/m romance novels, so when I say Ben's story was way over-the-top and way too "high school" it's not because I dislike a gay storyline. Hopefully, if the author's writer's block is behind her, her next tale will be a little less crazed.
I read many m/m romance novels, so when I say Ben's story was way over-the-top and way too "high school" it's not because I dislike a gay storyline. Hopefully, if the author's writer's block is behind her, her next tale will be a little less crazed.
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