Stevie‘s review of Jayhawk Down (Gulf Coast Rescue, Book 2) by Sharon Calvin
Contemporary Romantic Suspense published by Carina Press 03 Aug 15
I find it hard to resist the promise of a romantic suspense or action-adventure blurb in which the heroine is portrayed as at least as daring as the hero. Since such blurbs are few and far between, I eagerly snapped up this second book in a series, in spite of not having read its predecessor. In this case, the heroine’s actions and character certainly live up to the blurb’s promise.
Caitlyn is a helicopter pilot for the Coast Guard, having been taught to fly by her beloved uncle, who was later killed in service during the Iraq War. She’s justifiably proud of her talent, and sees the doctors she meets in the course of her work as the only men whose egos are up to the challenge of dating her. Especially since she won’t risk the heartbreak of falling for military guys, due to the impact her uncle’s death had on her growing up.
In contrast to Caitlyn, who grew up in a large though not-very-well-off family, Dr. Stillman Gray turned his back on the privileges of his wealthy family as well as their successful cosmetic surgery practice to train as first a military pilot and then as an emergency medicine doctor. He’s already planning to volunteer with the Coast Guard service, when he meets Caitlyn and her crew, but the incentive of getting to know the pilot better certainly adds to his resolve.
The two don’t get off to a perfect start, since, although Caitlyn is flattered by Stillman’s interest in her piloting skills, a series of small misunderstandings – mostly perpetuated by his ex-wife – keep them from properly connecting until a flight for Caitlyn’s team, on which Stillman is along as an observer, is hijacked by some not particularly competent terrorists.
I was actually prepared to overlook the general inadequacies of the terrorist leader – he’s motivated more by jealousy of his brother than any real political leanings – because it gives us a great pair of plotlines. While Caitlyn, Stillman, and the rest of the helicopter crew are being held prisoner, a secondary plot is building, involving both the Federal Agents tasking with finding them and another great heroine who gets mixed up in the story due to a faulty mobile phone signal.
I like this book for its take-control heroines, even if the guys try a little too hard to leave them out of their plans at times. I also appreciate the fact that while various characters’ ex-partners act as impediments to an easily achieved happy ever after, this shown as only one aspect of their personalities. I definitely plan to look out for more books in the series and by this author generally.
Grade: B
Summary:
What appears to be a normal rescue mission goes horribly wrong…
Caitlyn Stone has always wanted to be a helicopter pilot. Hard work and determination got her there, and now she’s living the adrenaline-rushing good life, piloting Jayhawk helicopters for the US Coast Guard. Helping people is her life’s work, and the risk is not only worth it, it’s thrilling. But she never expected this kind of danger.
When ER doctor and Army Reserve Black Hawk pilot Stillman Gray sees Caitlyn expertly land a Jayhawk during a raging storm, he has nothing but respect for the beautiful Coastie. But he’s not the only one who’s noticed her. A terrorist is looking to hijack a helicopter, and he’s decided Caitlyn is the perfect target.
Caitlyn’s past has taught her that the only thing a man in uniform can guarantee is disappointment. But when what appears to be a normal rescue mission goes horribly wrong, she’ll need to push aside memories of heartbreak and trust her military man enough to let him save her.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
