Joanna “Mac” McGregor loves her father, and she’ll do anything to keep him safe after Alzheimer’s starts to steal his mind. That takes money, and Mac uses her only skills—those of soldiering—when she takes up a security contract in Iraq. She doesn’t have time for men, her last vacation fling in Fiji relegated as one perfect moment to hold close during the grim reality of war.
Soldier Louie Lithgow is tired of fighting, the constant danger, and has decided this is his last contract. He wants to retire, sink his savings into a place on the beach, and find the sexy Joanna, his holiday lover.
Mac’s arrival in Iraq causes consternation. They’ve both been economical with the truth, but the attraction sizzling between them flares hot and bright. They embark on a clandestine affair—professional and confident during their high-danger day, passionate with the release of emotional stress during their torrid nights. One thing is clear—they have different goals and the future is both murky and dangerous. If they survive their contracts.
Soldier of Fortune – Shelley Munro
Contemporary Romance
November 18, 2009
Novella Length, ebook
Ellora’s Cave
Book received from Bookstrap Book Marketing
The first thing that comes to mind while reading Soldier of Fortune is that I think there is a great mix of erotic romance with the action plot. I don’t think I would have ever picked up this book on my own, just because the war aspect didn’t interest me. However, their team hits the “battlefield” and the action is suddenly intense – and I do think the action scenes are written quite well. Then you find yourself back at camp where Mac and Louie have crazy, hot sex to ward off their anxiety of what they just went through. For the reader, the action scenes offer foreplay for the impending sex scenes, which makes the romance even sweeter.
We get more background on Mac in this book than Louie, however, you first meet Louie in Summer in the City Sails, so maybe you get more background on him there, I have not read that book yet. I think this book would have been just as good without the side story of Mac’s sick father, however, with that secondary story, Louie’s softer side is able to come out and that plays an important role sealing the relationship with Mac.
The romance was a bit predictable – I mean, there are no open beds so Mac just happens to have to bunk with Louie in his room? At first they decide since they are both attracted to the other and they have a history that it will be just sex. Of course, you know it is eventually headed to a relationship. Mac keeps finding herself in Louie’s arms and then the next moment she is pushing him away fighting off her feelings and Louie just wants her plain and simple. It is a predicament that has played out in many books in the past however, I thought the progression to that point played out pretty well. The story flowed quite well and Mac’s independence and confidence, both in the bedroom and at work really appealed to me.
If you are looking for a quick read with a strong alpha male, steamy love scenes and good action, this is for you.
Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Yeah, I'm not too keen on books with a war time theme, but this sounds as though it's more of a backdrop than the main story? Sounds pretty good.
The actual war – and I should point out that they are more into security…is def a backdrop. But it does play an important role in their relationship.
i love to visit your blog again and again..
Lingerie Access
I always enjoy her books. Can't wait to read this one.
This one sounds pretty good. Is she wearing granny panties on the cover?
Linda – This one was really enjoyable!
Patti – LOL – trust me – in the book she is wearing tiny panties. Funny you mentioned it because Shelley is guest posting here later today to talk about the cover – you should ask her!
Hey- Great review! The book sounds sexy. Does anyone else love the cover as much as I do?
I probably won't buy this or anything, but if I stumble upon it I'm totally reading it. Thanks for reviewing =)
Great review! This is one war-torn book that I want to read!
Rex -this is a really steamy sexy one for sure!!
Kaye – Thanks – I def recommend.
Ok, this has to be said. At a quick glance at the cover and thought she was wearing tighty-whities O_O. Secondly, I was in the mood last night to read a army/military romance so this is perfect. Great review!
A little modesty is never a bad thing – of course she is not wearing a shirt :)
Perhaps, perhaps, I do love Alphas :)
Had to take a closer look at the cover after reading comments, wow those are actually more tighty whities than my really thighty whities
Thanks for the review, Mandi!
LOL about the granny pants. I did think that when I first saw the cover, but I figured the hero didn't seem too worried so I shouldn't worry either. ;-)
Thank you Mandi. I'm interested, but the setting has me a little (gun [LOL]) shy… Was Mac…ummm..relatable? I can so relate to the father requiring care subplot, but I'm about as far from a soldier as I could be *grin*
Hi Mandi,
Thanks for this wonderful review!! Love it that you have the author guest posting as well. Gonna check out the contest now!
Happy thanksgiving, girl!
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