Escapeproof by Jo ChamblissMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Compelling characters, detailed suspense and a non-formulaic resolution
Jo Chambliss does a great job with the Waterproof: Navy SEALs series. Escapeproof is book 7 in the series.
Previous reviews of the series can be found here (summary of first 4 books) and here (Soundproof book 5) and here (Fadeproof book 6)
The action and 'mission' parts of these books are detailed and compelling and show both the vulnerability and strength of her characters. The suspense is then paired with hot romances. The series has a little bit of everything. Sometimes the romance is part of the broader mission. Sometimes the romance and suspense are separate from the Navy SEALs' work. Some are insta-lust, and some, like Escapeproof, have a more emotional start.
Judge, a quieter member of the team and currently questioning his future, both in the team and what he wants from life, have a meet-cute moment with the new neighbour. Of course, we already know Iyla by now, although some more information is still to be revealed. We know some of Iyla's backstory, so I was chomping at the bit for the two neighbours to connect. That this was handled as a friendship first was great, but the way Judge put Iyla's feelings and comfort above his own just melted my heart.
The danger surrounding Iyla heats up, and Judge is not always around to protect her. Both he and Iyla struggle with this. I liked that the protagonist was clever, manipulative and not easily dissuaded by a show of force or logic. The possible resolution of this issue was not clear and straightforward, given the twisting of facts and events. This element brought much-needed depth to a book that may otherwise have just been another save-the-girl-from-the-stalker trope.
The side characters are great, and Leo, whose book we will have next, broke both Iyla and my heart.
*I received a copy of Escapeproof from Net Galley and Author Collective 20 in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.
The action and 'mission' parts of these books are detailed and compelling and show both the vulnerability and strength of her characters. The suspense is then paired with hot romances. The series has a little bit of everything. Sometimes the romance is part of the broader mission. Sometimes the romance and suspense are separate from the Navy SEALs' work. Some are insta-lust, and some, like Escapeproof, have a more emotional start.
Judge, a quieter member of the team and currently questioning his future, both in the team and what he wants from life, have a meet-cute moment with the new neighbour. Of course, we already know Iyla by now, although some more information is still to be revealed. We know some of Iyla's backstory, so I was chomping at the bit for the two neighbours to connect. That this was handled as a friendship first was great, but the way Judge put Iyla's feelings and comfort above his own just melted my heart.
The danger surrounding Iyla heats up, and Judge is not always around to protect her. Both he and Iyla struggle with this. I liked that the protagonist was clever, manipulative and not easily dissuaded by a show of force or logic. The possible resolution of this issue was not clear and straightforward, given the twisting of facts and events. This element brought much-needed depth to a book that may otherwise have just been another save-the-girl-from-the-stalker trope.
The side characters are great, and Leo, whose book we will have next, broke both Iyla and my heart.
*I received a copy of Escapeproof from Net Galley and Author Collective 20 in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.
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