SEAL Camp: (Tall, Dark and Dangerous Book 12)

I have always enjoyed Suzanne Brockmann's work, but I was disappointed in this outing. She gets a star for getting the gang back together - that was definitely fun! But three things bother me:1. $7.99 for 190 pages? C'mon. (And that's the Kindle price...I'm still burned up over that)2. I felt the characters were puppets serving a greater message and every scene was consciously contrived to forward that message. They didn't feel real to me at all, unlike her prior work. If she wants to write a message book, do a better job, make me care. Flesh out the characters more...take the time to make me care. Don't smack me in the face with it every 5 minutes. The heroine got very boring, and now that I think about it, so did the hero. Meah.3. It felt rushed, this is more novella.I'm actually surprised at all the high stars...I think maybe it's because it's like seeing your Aunt Gladys who used to play cards with you when you were a kid...she can't play cards anymore, but you're happy to see her because of all the good times in the past.

I am so tired of author's pushing their political agenda in their books. Brockmann, even has the nerve to tell you how you should vote. This was such a disappointment.I don't get much time to curl up with a book anymore, so when I do, it's a real treat. I couldn't wait to go on vacation and have some time to myself, in a chair, by the water, and a good book. The story was phoned in, so not a surprise the author is self publishing. The story was okay, a real summer beach read, but when an author inserts their political views into the book, I'm done.I don't care what your views are, it doesn't matter. I bought the book to escape for a few hours, and have some fun, it's fiction. If and author thinks I am so mindless, that they need to tell me how I should think and vote, I'm done.I have left other activist writers for the same reason, and will continue to do so, whether I agree with you, or not. If you stick your politics in your books, I'm moving on.

Suzanne Brockmann used to be a favorite 'go-to' author for me. I had read all her Seal Team Ten and Troubleshooters books, but felt that her stories had 'staled out' by the end of the latter series. Sadly, she had also become very militant and so PC and preachy incorporating plot lines with evil people just out to hate on gay men. So I moved on to other authors and passed on reading her recent books.When I saw 'SEAL Camp' and realized it was a new addition to her early STT series I was intrigued enough to take a chance.I did enjoy catching up with the team and their spouses!I rated this book 3 stars for two reasons. First, I felt Ashley was way too passive and, as a woman who preaches equality and strength, I would think Ms Brockmann would dislike this trait in a woman. Readers are supposed to see Ashley's growth, her learning to overcome both physical and emotional obstacles while attending SEAL camp, but I did not really feel this character ever had any backbone. Second, I was turned off by Jim's incessant crying. Strong men, even Navy SEALs are allowed to cry, but once he realized his feelings for Ashley he was more like a leaky faucet! And the mention of his reading so many books on women's issues and intersectional feminism--just too over-the-top!The author's gay rights and liberal agenda were still front and center and, even though I also support most of this agenda, I tire of being hit over the head with it in all of her books.Not much new to see here from Suzanne Brockmann. If you love everything she writes and don't mind your fiction heavily laced with social and political issues, then buy this book.

I enjoyed the story. Some friends have said it was very political but I found it more of a "cultural awareness" thing with Jim suffering from foot-in-mouth-itis. There has to be something to resolve otherwise there's no story, right? So the story is basically boy meets girl, boy put foot in mouth a few times and finally really offends girl, boy grovels to get back into girl's good graces. If you are familiar with Suz's books you know that it is filled with diversity and advocacy for social justice. For me, this adds life and realism to the story - if this is not your cup of tea then this book is not for you. If you enjoy her books, this one is classic Suz and you'll enjoy it. I am now going to re-read the stories leading up to this one before I enter the T.A.R.D.I.S. and read this one again. Why? Because Suz's books make me smile and in this crazy world, that is golden.Post series re-read edit:I find the people complaining about Ashley's attitude (like as if it is something new to SB books) quite surprising. Ashley has a lot in common with her friend Colleen (Taylor's Temptation) and that book was written almost 20 years ago. People who have read the previous TDD books should know what they are like. And insta-love kinda permeates the series too. These guys make life and death decisions on a regular basis, IMO, insta-love is sooo them. As for politics - come on, isn't the US of A famous for freedom of speech? If an Aussie like me is not put off when I have absolutely no stake in your elections, I reckon American readers can cut her some slack for her personal opinions.

I agree with the other 2 and 3 star reviewers. The constant political and social messages in this story were very distracting. I didn't feel like I was getting a view into Ashley and Jim's personalities and thoughts. I felt I was getting Suzanne's personality and thoughts. I stopped blindly buying Suzanne's books a couple of years ago, but slipped up this time because this book was positioned as a back to the Seals we know and love story. Going forward, I will only buy after reading the reviews and a sample.

It has been many years since I last read any books in this series but it was great to see the characters again and very comfortable.The main hero and heroine were believable and, worryingly, so were the not so nice characters.As usual after reading a Suzanne Brockmann book I feel the need to reread the entire back catalogue of her work (shame I'd have to take a sabbatical from work to have the time to do that) but this is certainly one to add to the reread list.

Loved the book lots of old friends from TDD I read and kept them all. This book was really good, I didn't realize their was more after the first twelve. Now I will get them too.Thanks

This book felt slightly lower stakes than some of the rest of the series (in that there was only one real “life-or-death” incident). However the plot was engaging and the characters well developed. It was great to return to these characters after such a long break between instalments.

I've been waiting for this book since Night Watch and it was well worth the wait. I couldn't put it down. It was so nice revisiting old characters and being introduced to new ones. The story was fantastic and I like what Ms Brockmann did with the timeline. I can't wait for Thomas and Tasha's book.

Such a wonderful addition to the series - love how it’s incredibly romantic but also updated to reflect how relationships work (or should work) today. Great being able to go back and see how Team Ten are doing and finally see Thomas King again!!!!!