Review: Blastproof: a Military Romance Thriller

Blastproof: a Military Romance Thriller by Jo Chambliss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Heroes have self-doubt too

This is book 4 in the Waterproof: Navy seals series by Jo Chambliss but can be read as a standalone.

Everly is the shy author being forced into the public eye that picks up a stalker in the process. Nix is a team guy, going through a period of doubt after a close call in his last op. Oh, and falling in lust with the life size poster of the hot author coming to town for a book signing. Sound too familiar and boring as just another read of an alpha hero saving the day?

Yes and no. Jo made the story feel new. Nix and Ev have instant attraction - even more so when he gets to know the person behind the persona. I totally loved that the relationship between Nix and Ev was easy and deepened quickly. The tension in the book came not from relationship insecurities but the ongoing stalker mystery - and here the author excelled in giving us a real twister.

The secondary characters were not as involved as in previous books - but even here we get to see strong men admitting their mistakes which makes the story more real. I did appreciate the action in the book, but the fact that Nix had to deal with feelings of inadequacy in a similar vein as Ev made him very endearing to me. And the their sizzling relationship with a good understanding and acceptance of the other is a new relationship goal for me.

I received a free copy of the book through Netgalley but this is a voluntary and honest review.

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Review: Foolproof

Foolproof by Jo Chambliss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Surprise pregnancy, lust and love

Foolproof is scheduled for publication on 28 June 2022.

I love the Waterproof series for Jo Chambliss. Foolproof is book 8 in the series. This book can be read as a standalone, although some of the characters from previous books do feature here.

As I have mentioned in reviews for previous books, the author does not stick to one trope for her books in the series. As a result, books differ, and not all would be to everyone's taste.

I loved the story of Leo and Mira. Leo struggles to adapt to his new looks after a work incident left him with new facial scars at the start of the book. He and Mira connect at the right time for Mira to significantly influence how he views himself and the reactions of others. But Mira hides her own scars carefully - easy as they are emotional scars.

The middle of the book was a bit of a dead zone for me, leaving me disengaged. However, the latter part of the story is full of fast-moving action and heartbreak—a well done emotive read. I rooted for Leo and Mira's HEA. I did wish her father some additional comeuppance, though.

A word of warning, there is a section in the book that could be triggering for those with scars from a miscarriage.

The review for Book 7, Escapeproof can be found here, the summary review for the first 4 books, here, and books 5 and 6, Soundproof and Fadeproof also have reviews.

Review: Escapeproof

Escapeproof by Jo Chambliss
My 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.

Review: Soundproof: a Military Romance Thriller

Soundproof: a Military Romance Thriller by Jo Chambliss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Never assume that loud is strong and quiet is weak" Unknown.

Soundproof is the fifth book in the Waterproof: Navy Seals series by Jo Chambliss. Read my review of the rest of the previous books here. All books are standalone in the interconnected series with one couple per book, no cliffhangers and guaranteed HEA. It would also seem that the covers for the series have been updated. I preferred the previous covers, although I understand the appeal of colour and a more prominent male cover model for romance books.

This book follows the story of Tyler "Hawk" Morgan and Cailyn Ridley as a couple. Hawk's childhood made him a quiet adult, and Riley's kidnapping ordeal gave her a new quietness. Yet, both these characters show strong determination and a sense of justice. This determination and sense of justice propel Hawk not to give up the search for the kidnapped women. It is also determination and grit that keeps Riley alive in the worst circumstances. At the same time, her sense of justice motivates her to give as much information on her kidnappers as possible - even while this puts her in danger.

In all this, both Riley and Hawk find their safe space with each other, finding comfort in the quiet of the other. This all sounds very philosophical - but in essence, this book is an action-packed, steamy romance well worth the read.

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 Review of Jo Chambliss' Waterproof: Navy Seals Series

In preparation for the release of Soundproof the first week in September, I thought I would do a quick round-up of the reviews for the books in Waterproof: Navy Seals. This should give you plenty of time to catch up on your reading if you have not started the series yet. All books are standalone in an interconnected series with one couple per book, no cliffhangers and guaranteed HEA. It would also seem that the covers have been updated. Personally, I preferred the previous covers, although I understand the appeal of the naked chests for romance books...

Shatterproof

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

He fell for the little girl first.

Chris is on leave when he needs to lay his motorcycle down to avoid hitting a little girl in the middle of the road, in the middle of the night. This is a powerful opening for the story that unfolds. In this book, little Ariel is a definite part of the characters, and I loved her. In addition, the story has strong mystery and suspense elements.

While the relationship between Willa and Chris came easy, the mystery/suspense kept the story moving forward. Although, I have to admit, although this book was well written and I totally enjoyed the story, the last bit of suspense seemed a bit superfluous after the already HEA. But perhaps other readers will find it difficult to leave the world of Chris and Willa, and the added bit would soothe any book hangover.

Flameproof

⭐⭐⭐

A second chance romance

Yes, this is a military romance, but this is less about saving the damsel in distress and more about an emotional reconnection. It does mean that this book has slightly less action and suspense than one would normally associate with the genre. However, there is still just enough to keep those of us that are action addicts going. The focus in this book is on the emotional growth and healing the main characters need to find.

Gunner and Rory make a great couple. But, unfortunately, the back story does take some space in the book - space I would have liked to spend with them in the present, learning to navigate their new relationship. But through the back story, I was emotionally invested in their HEA.

Crashproof

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Emotional

If this book did not have a HEA, I would have totally called the author on the emotional ride she took me on. Survivors guilt, a douche canoe of a boss, danger and a push and pull all form part of this military romance. Knowing you have people who root for you and will be there for you while you make difficult decisions is great, especially if you are a strong female character like Atlas. This is a great read that adds action and a hot alpha male to an already great mix. Loved the depth of both Bowie and Atlas' characters.

 

Blastproof

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Heroes have self-doubt too.

 Everly is the shy author being forced into the public eye that picks up a stalker in the process. Nix is a team guy, going through a period of doubt after a close call in his last op.  Oh, and falling in lust with the life-size poster of the hot author coming to town for a book signing. Sound too familiar and boring as just another read of an alpha hero saving the day?

Yes and no. Jo made the story feel new. Nix and Ev have instant attraction - even more so when he gets to know the person behind the persona. I totally loved that the relationship between Nix and Ev was easy and deepened quickly. The tension in the book came not from relationship insecurities but the ongoing stalker mystery - and here, the author excelled in giving us a real twister.

The secondary characters were not as involved as in previous books - but even here, we get to see strong men admitting their mistakes which makes the story more real. I did appreciate the action in the book, but the fact that Nix had to deal with feelings of inadequacy in a similar vein as Ev made him very endearing to me. And their sizzling relationship with a good understanding and acceptance of the other is a new relationship goal for me.

Review: Crashproof

Crashproof by Jo Chambliss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emotional

If this book did not have an HEA, I would have totally called the author on the emotional ride she took me on. Survivors guilt, a douche canoe of a boss, danger and a push and pull all form part of this military romance. Knowing you have people that root for you, that will be there for you while you make the difficult decisions are great - especially if you are a strong female character like Atlas. This is a great read that adds action and a hot alpha male to an already great mix. Loved the depth of both Bowie and Atlas' characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Get your copy now!

Review: Fadeproof: a Military Action Romance

Fadeproof: a Military Action Romance by Jo Chambliss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This 6th book in the Waterproof: Navy Seals Series packs a good emotional punch. It is possible to read as a standalone as the author provides sufficient backstory, but you will enjoy this more if you have been following the series.

This book takes a slightly different angle from others in the series as Dallas, an investigative reporter, is seen as the 'enemy' at first. Distrust vies with the very real chemistry between Dallas and Ink. The character of Dallas is strong, but her vulnerability and loneliness shine through. Her strong sense of morals means that she does not shy away from admitting mistakes and trying to correct them. The same openness is not seen from the team and Ink.

I had some difficulty with the team jumping to conclusions at the beginning of the book. It shows them as human and not always objective in their views and actions. This brings a much-needed sense of realism to this book. The book is action-packed and fast-paced. And the HEA is not as easily achieved emotionally as in other books due to Ink's choices and views.

Find my reviews for the other books in the series here. 

I received an ARC from Netgalley and this is my honest review.