Brockmann's terrific romantic suspense story is built on several storylines and multiple narratives. Narrators Renee Raudman and Patrick G. Lawlor capture each character's idiosyncratic voice, weaving their various perspectives together expertly and giving Hot Pursuit a very satisfying richness and texture. Their performances have a perfectly in-tune quality that make the his-and-hers perspectives of the romances work beautifully, and build the overarching suspense plot to an edge-of-your-seat ending.
Brockmann also earns big points for focusing two of the romantic storylines around married couples. Alyssa & Sam and Jules & Patrick put deliciously modern spins on the sassy, sexy Nick & Nora Charles marriage-just-makes-it-all-better attitude (minus the 1940s Hollywood censor's absurdly incongruous twin beds).
But it's the sizzling hot tension of the developing relationship between drop-dead gorgeous Navy Seal Dan Gillman and self-described Plain Jane Jennilyn LeMay, that drives the last two thirds of this story. Lawlor's terrific portrayal of Dan's in-spite-of-himself transition from world-class player to vulnerable man falling in love is wonderfully satisfying. And Raudman builds a breathtaking sexiness into Jennilyn's slow letting go of caution as she gives in to her reckless attraction to Dan.
Both Raudman and Lawlor tackle the challenges of the multiple voices with confidence, skill, and energy. Brockmann has filled her story with diverse, well-developed characters, and the narrator's voices bring their individuality and passion to life. Not surprising that this series has attracted a devoted following, a slew of awards and a seemingly permanent place on the New York Times best seller list. Nancy Carter
Alyssa takes on the extremely public assignment of providing personal protection for Savannah von Hopf, an old friend who is running for office. While high-profile, the bodyguard job seems simple and easy enough - except Alyssa is juggling her stressful leadership position with a new baby and a husband who is her subordinate.
When Alyssa receives several disturbing messages from "the Dentist," a serial killer she has relentlessly pursued for years, Alyssa must take action to protect those closest to her. No one is safe, even after the FBI - including Sam and Alyssa's good friend Jules Cassidy - gets involved. But Alyssa knows that as the Dentist's true target she must use herself as bait to catch the devious killer - before he strikes again.
©2009 Suzanne Brockman; (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.
"A thriller within Suz's line"
First of all, if you are new to the Troubleshooters series, I recommend starting from the begining. The stories are linked, and sometimes there is something slight in a previous book that makes things in a later book better. I started by book 13 (Into the fire) and then went all the way back to number 1 (The unsung hero) and went through the whole series...in 1 month!
This book is one of the best so far. It has more thriller into it than others and it keeps you guessing until the end. Also having Sam and Alyssa back and hear about their relationship evolving into something so solid is really heartwarming.
The series is amazing. Some people don't like the multiple stories, it may take a bit to get used to it, but I have come to love it. The action is amazing in most of the books (I have to agree with others on the lack of action plot in #12 - All through the night), but having followed Jules' story throughout all the other books, it was OK. I liked #11 (Force of Nature) better since it actually developed Jules' and Robin's story.
These are romance books with explicit scenes mingled with combat action. If you don't like either, this is not your kind of book. If you like both, you are in luck! Best books I have ever read, I can't enough. And I can't wait to hear more about Izzy and Eden, which Suz has promised for next book!
"Love the series, the narration is unbeatable"
Great mix of characters; it's always fun to hear from Sam and Alyssa, Jules and Robin, and maybe my favorite Izzy. All the books are a wonderful mix of suspense, action and romance. Hope she's busy working on the next one.
"Very pleased she is writing more"
I am very pleased that she is writing more books. I hope she releases the rest of the series real soon. It is hard to follow the story with holes missing. I love her Trouble shooters books.
"Hot Pursuit"
I love the way the author brings back people to play major roles in new stories. Jules/Robin and Alyssa/Sam have strong personalities and I understand why the author can't leave them out of the action. This has great plot, high action and lots of twists. I enjoyed this one alot!
"good book, not crazy about the reader"
I love Suzanne Brockmann's work and, as usual, this was an excellent, action packed book. The characters are folks I've already met and I was fully satisfied by the story. Having said that, I really really really didn't like the male reader. His personal accent was distracting to me and there was no distinction between characters. It just didn't work for me and took away from my enjoyment of the book. I wish I'd read this one instead of listening to it. The female reader was good and I much preferred the sections she read. I really didn't understand the point of two readers. Oh well. Again, a really good book, but not a great audio version in my opinion.
"Confusing"
I have been listening to this for 3 hours and have no idea what the point even is. Male narrator just yells his way through his parts. I don't like listening to him. Too many side steps in story making it very difficult to follow.
"Loved it!!!"
I like them both the audio just give me the option to listen to it while I work.
Yes, I can't wait for the next book.
I have listened to all the books they have done together for Suzanne Brockman.
I have really enjoyed reading/listening to this whole series.
"not what I expected to much vile language and sex"
Not so much course language and sex.
Mostly the story line.
The use of such vile language and sex scenes. Seem like when ever the story slowed they threw in some sexual exploit.
Tone those aspect of the book way down
disappointment in the whole purchase
can I get a refund of my credit?
"Hot mystery!"
This is a great mystery ,well written and read. I will be looking for more books from Suzanne Brockmann!
"Gay men being married"
I would have enjoyed the book more without the gay couples and marriage.
Probably not
No, they brought the characters to life