Alicia’s review of Into the Storm by Suzanne Brockmann
Romantic Suspense published hardcover by Ballantine 15 Aug 06 & mass market 31 July 07

I got so behind reading Brockmann’s books. I wasn’t crazy about Breaking Point so I put off reading Into the Storm way too long. This book felt just like old times.

Jenk is just a nice guy, well, and a SEAL. He almost gets killed and decides he wants to move ahead with the wife/family thing before it’s too late. So, he looks at the situation and chooses the person he wants to marry an starts working toward the goal.

When his SEAL team is set to train against the Troubleshooters and Lindsey Fontaine walks into the meeting room, the two have instant chemistry. The problem is, oops, she’s not the one he’s decided to woo and marry. The target bride is the inept receptionist Lindsey’s been struggling with recently because Jenk got her hired. No matter that said prospective bride still thinks of Jenkins as her friend’s almost invisible little brother.

Lindsey and Jenkins are really good together. I liked the way they interacted. Brockmann built heat, as usual, very well without being explicit. Mark Jenkins’ personality stayed true in his patience with Lindsey’s personal baggage. Lindsey is tough without being hard. She also has a great sense of humor.

As familiar couples get their HEAs I’m looking to see which new characters are going to be getting books. We get a little more of Sophia and Decker and Dave. Jules is mentioned but not seen. We get a lot of Izzy Zanella. I’m wondering if we’ll see the victim, Beth, again.

The suspense was great. If you don’t want to read about a serial killer, don’t read this book because the suspense side of the book is strong. I enjoyed it. It’s well done and quite creepy. He’s not so easy to just take out. The storm is almost another character. Everything the rescuers do is pitted against this huge, fierce entity which almost defeats them all by itself.

Grade: B+

Blurb:

     In a remote, frozen corner of New Hampshire, a Navy SEAL team and the elite security experts of Troubleshooters, Incorporated are going head-to-head as fierce but friendly rivals in a raid-and-rescue training exercise. Despite the frigid winter temperatures, tension smolders between veteran SEAL Petty Officer Mark “Jenk” Jenkins and former cop turned Troubleshooter Lindsey Fontaine after an impulsive night goes awry. And then, suddenly, Tracy Shapiro, the Troubleshooters’ new receptionist, vanishes while playing the role of hostage during a mock rescue operation.

     Teaming up with the FBI to launch a manhunt in the treacherous wilderness, Jenk and Lindsey must put aside their feelings as a record snowstorm approaches, dramatically reducing any hope of finding Tracy alive. The trail is colder than the biting New England climate until a lucky break leads to a horrifying discovery-a brutally murdered young woman wearing the jacket Tracy wore when she disappeared. Suddenly there is a chilling certainty that Tracy has fallen prey to a serial killer-one who knows the backwoods terrain and who doesn’t play by the rules of engagement.

     In a race against time, a raging blizzard, and a cunning opponent, Jenk and Lindsey are put to the ultimate test. Rising everything, they must finally come together in a desperate attempt to save Tracy-and each other.

     Read an excerpt.