MtSnow reviews EM Lynley’s ‘One Marine, Hero’ published by Dreamspinner Press, released August 17th, 2015; 280 pgs
Why MtSnow read ‘One Marine, Hero’
-I wanted to read this story as soon as I saw the title included ‘Marine’, as a former Marine, because I’m always curious how authors portray us. Another reason I wanted to read this was due to enjoying EM Lynley’s other stories. She always throws in sound interesting facts and plot lines that I find quite enjoyable.
BLURB:
He’s a hero to everyone but himself.
Marine helicopter pilot Captain Jake Woodley struggles after receiving the Medal of Honor for a mission where he didn’t bring every man back alive. Being called a hero and having his photo plastered across the news makes him hate himself more. He despises his cushy job flying with the Marine One squadron, carrying the president and other officials, when he’d rather risk something, even death. He gets his wish when he’s ordered to fly a series of classified trips.
Matt “Beau” Beaumont has been relegated to covering the fashion beat after getting downsized from a hard-news position. But an unexpected invitation to a White House dinner might be the boost his career needs. Offering a hot marine an after-dinner blowjob wasn’t on Beau’s agenda, but when Jake takes him up on the proposition, some phenomenal casual sex soon blossoms into a relationship both of them crave.
When Beau’s extracurricular research uncovers defense department funding anomalies, he soon discovers the trouble goes higher than he imagined. Just as events start to make sense, the investigation puts Beau and Jake in deadly danger. It takes a daring play by Jake—risking everything he loves—to uncover the truth.
The Review:
I had the pleasure of reading this without a cover, so I already had in mind what my Hero and his love interest would look like, and for me it was nothing like the final cover that was revealed, but that’s okay, as I get to keep my vision in my memory 🙂
This story had quite a different approach than most typical military plot lines in that the MCs were not what would be considered in the middle of military warfare, even though there were some allusions to black ops that the Marine MC had to take part in.
With a much more political vent, there was quite a bit on the preparations and qualifications a Marine Corps pilot required for consideration as one of the privileged few to fly the President of the United States in Marine One, the presidential helicopter that takes him to Camp David and other manifested locations as needed.
I enjoyed the twists and turns and humanity that was portrayed with these characters, even though some of the actions and lack of questioning some of the shady orders frustrated me. I could very much tell the author had done quite a bit of research, and it showed in the level of detail that unfolded throughout. I especially appreciated the glimpse into flight training using virtual reality-type simulators. Very interesting. And the mystery ending surprised me, which was good, even if it made me sad.
As for the romantic element, it was plausible, but I was more empathetic for the non-military MC than the officer. I also felt more frustration at the actions of the fellow officers, and through most of the story, I personally did not feel much chemistry between the MCs.
Overall an enjoyable read with a story about a slightly effeminate public relations/fashion reporter that had a history of being capable of writing hard news falling for a very machismo Marine helicopter pilot that didn’t know from one day to the next where his career was heading. It was definitely more escapism than plausible with much of the unprofessionalism portrayed by the military personnel, but I was able to let it go to just enjoy the story.
Recommended for military m/m fans, and those that enjoy EM Lynley’s other stories.
8 of 10 pots of gold
Where to purchase this book:
Dreamspinner Press – Amazon – All Romance – Barnes & Noble
About this Author:
EM Lynley writes gay erotic romance. She loves books where the hero gets the guy and the loving is 11 on a scale of 10. Her Precious Gems series is best described as “Indiana Jones meets Romancing the Stone”—only gayer. The Delectable series is Gay Romance with Taste.
A Rainbow Award winner and EPPIE finalist, EM has worked in high finance, high tech, and in the wine industry, though she’d rather be writing hot, romantic man-on-man action. She spent 10 years as an economist and financial analyst, including a year as a White House Staff Economist, but only because all the intern positions were filled. Tired of boring herself and others with dry business reports and articles, her creative muse is back and naughtier than ever. She has lived and worked in London, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., but the San Francisco Bay Area is home for now.
She is the author of Sex, Lies & Wedding Bells, the Precious Gems series from Dreamspinner Press, and the Rewriting History series starring a sexy jewel thief, among others. Her books are available in print and e-book from Amazon & other book distributors.
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