Do or Die

Reluctant Heroes, Book 1

By: Suzanne Brockmann

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor, Melanie Ewbank

Length: 19 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Suzanne Brockmann's seamless blend of heroic military action and intense passion inspired USA Today to call her "a superstar of romantic suspense" - and for years her award-winning Troubleshooters audiobooks have been must-listens for fans of sizzling stories of action and adventure. Now the New York Times best-selling author shoots to thrill again with Do or Die, an electrifying new audiobooks that is certain to win Brockmann new listeners and delight devotees.

Navy SEAL Ian Dunn went rogue in a big way when he turned his talents to a lawless life of jewel heists and con jobs - or so the world has been led to believe. In reality, the former Special Ops warrior is still fighting for good, leading a small band of freelance covert operatives who take care of high-stakes business in highly unofficial ways. That makes Ian the hands-down choice when the US government must breach a heavily guarded embassy and rescue a pair of children kidnapped by their own father, a sinister foreign national willing to turn his kids into casualties. Shockingly, Ian passes on the mission for reasons he will not - or cannot - reveal.

But saying no is not an option - especially not for Phoebe Kruger, Ian's beautiful and unexpectedly brash new attorney. Determined to see the abducted children set free, Phoebe not only gets Ian on board but insists on riding shotgun on his Mission: Impossible - style operation, whether he likes it or not.

Though Phoebe has a valuable knack for getting out of tight spots, there's no denying the intensely intimate feelings growing between Ian and Phoebe as the team gears up for combat. But these are feelings they both must fight to control as they face an array of cold-blooded adversaries, including a vindictive Mob boss who's got Ian at the top of his hit list and a wealthy psychopath who loves murder as much as he loves money. As they dodge death squads and play lethal games of deception, Ian and Phoebe will do whatever it takes to save the innocent and vanquish the guilty - or die trying.

©2014 Suzanne Brockmann (P)2014 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

" Do or Die will captivate readers with its intense, action-filled plot, alpha-and-a-half hero, and his smart, perfect-for-him heroine, as well as secondary characters who contribute pathos and humor." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"Brockmann leaves the reader breathless.... The sex is great, the action nonstop; and the dialogue between Ian and Phoebe is some of Rita Award–winning Brockmann’s best." ( Booklist)

One of the best Brockmann

What made the experience of listening to Do or Die the most enjoyable?

Phoebe is a great character - glasses-wearing, sheltered, smart, spectacular. I don't even like muscle men & found myself attracted to Ian. The magnetic pull between them was phenomenal.

What other book might you compare Do or Die to and why?

Brockman's Troubleshooters series. Right up there with the best of these.

What about Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank ’s performance did you like?

I love both their voices & think they do a great job every book. I enjoy the alternate voices.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Well, when Ian told Phoebe (2nd incident) to get back in the van & she laughed in his face, that was pretty funny. When Ian told the story of protecting his brother as a child & meeting Susan, that was heart-rending.

Any additional comments?

The only fly in the ointment in this book was Aaron, Ian's whiny brother. If Ian hadn't protected him and taken care of him all his life, Aaron might not be such a spoiled demanding brat. Found him very annoying. He's married & has a child & needs to grow up.

Brockman does it again!!!

Nobody does action, adventure, suspenseful, hot and sexy, heart-felt, witty romance like Suzanne Brockmann.

Patrick Lawlor is awesome!

Brockman always has great stories of adventure and love (in that order) but the narration can make or break a book. Thank you Lawlor for another great reading. Ewbanks is good to but I just love the "I am an SF guy that is telling a story to my buddies" style of reading that Lawlor gives.

Fantastic

I can't seem to put the book down or turnoff the recording of this Author's books. They keep me interested for sure.

A Rollercoaster Ride Combined with Murphy's Law

The heroine is a spitfire and to the shock of Ian & his family, she is fits in with them. This is a book with laughs and drama. All the characters are fully developed. I really enjoyed this first book in the series. I hope book 2 will come out in the near future.

Excellence delivered, as always!

I am a huge fan of Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series, and really enjoyed the characters and unfolding storyline in this offshoot series book. We've got covert operations within covert operations, endangered family members, mob action, long cons, and romance plots and subplots. What's not to like? The narrators did their usual phenomenal job making Suz's on-page action even more visceral, especially the amazing Patrick Lawlor. I would love to see a sequel to this -- clearly some diabolical plot involving the mysterious Agency from the TS books is undermining the work of the FBI, including sabotaging operations under Jules's jurisdiction. The teaser in the beginning with the mention of Jules was something I am looking forward to seeing followed up on in a later book. Anyway, loved it, and keep 'em coming!

☤ A Solid book – Excellent Performance

Former spec ops, Navy S.E.A.L. Ian Dunn is a jewel thief (recovering items that were confiscated by the Nazis and returning them to their original owners or relations), this only lands him in jail. However, after the heist the listener only hears the jewelry referenced as the reason why Dunn is in jail. I would have liked to hear about the reunited but Brockmann decided to take the book/story in another direction.

Phoebe Kruger is sent to represent Dunn in a confusing and complicated scenario that would end with Dunn receiving a get out of jail free card as long as he agrees to save two children who are being smuggled/trafficked.

As per Brockmann's style several dangerous missions ensue. The civilian female lead emasculates the trained military man by suggesting ways in which to get the best outcome. The male lead is a conduit between Kruger and his team, as well as providing gratification throughout the dangerous missions.

There is a complex twist to push a subplot of closeted gay men. That too was complicated and unnecessary to move this story forward. However, one should expect this topic in any future work by Brockmann. It feels like this is a personal crusade/agenda for Brockmann (perhaps because her son is gay.) In my opinion, it does not add to or take away from the overall work.

Narrators: Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank are synonymous with Brockmann's work. I absolutely love Patrick Lawlor, he and Ewbank are talented. Absolute professionals and very believable.

Warnings: some strong language and mature themes.

Credit worthy? I don't think that I will be using any credits on Brockmann. However, if I can pick up one of her books for $6 or less, I will.

4 stars overall
5 stars narration
3.5 stars for story

Loved loved loved it!

The story was great and the narrators brought it to life for me. I could metal see each character that’s how great the narration was. I just might start it all over right now.

i always love Suzanne Brockmann's Navy Seals

The narrators are great, as are the details in the thoughts of the characters. this is my favorite series

Too long!

it was a romance novel combined with thriller that just didn't work either way. The characters were okay, but the plot was predictable.