Ok I couldn’t stay away. I tried to start another book but there was something about the thick prose of another author that made me long for more quick thrilling reads by Laura Griffin! So I decided to pick this one up. I really wanted something more with a military/terrorist plot similar to some of the books in Griffin’s other series. All of Griffin’s books are so incredibly diverse in content. Some feature a serial killer, others organized crime, while some have a military/terrorist angle. So it’s kind of a mixed bag which makes things really exciting and keeps the series feeling fresh.
Considering the last book I read by her had more of an organized crime angle, I found myself longing for something with the military/terrorist plot so I decided to grab this book before the few remaining others that I have to read. I wasn’t aware that this was more of a novella than a full length novel. To be fair though, there are two parts to this particular story so two novellas. Each book clocks in at around 150 pages (I am currently reading the second installment to this story) but I am unsure if the other two books (this series has 4 total books) in the series are part of these first two or if they read by themselves.
I don’t usually read novellas because I always walk away feeling like there could have been so much more explored or developed. About the only time I read novella is when they are in between two larger proper books. But that said, I was open to the fact that Griffin is clearly a beloved author of mine and even though the Alpha Crew series is different than what I would normally read, I was open to it because I know she is an outstanding writer!
Summary
Dive into Part One of this heart-pounding romantic suspense story, which continues in Edge of Surrender: Alpha Crew Part Two!
When Emma Wright’s government plane goes down over the Philippine jungle, she’s forced to survive alone until an ultra-elite SEAL team goes in after her. As the leader of Alpha Crew, Ryan Owen is no stranger to challenges, but he’s never tackled anything quite like this sexy, smart, and resourceful woman. The mission is to get Emma home safely, but danger is everywhere, and Ryan’s unexpected desire for Emma could be a deadly distraction.
Back home in California, Ryan’s mission is over—but Emma’s has just begun. She knows her plane crash was no accident, and she’s determined to uncover the truth about what happened—even if her quest for answers puts her at risk. Torn between duty and desire, Ryan searches for a way win Emma’s heart while protecting her from an invisible enemy who wants her dead.
The thrilling conclusion to this Alpha Crew romance is just weeks away! (summary from Goodreads)
Review
To be completely honest, I still left this one feeling like it could have been so much more. I am already halfway through the second half of this novella installment and while I am enjoying the book/s, I feel like there could be so much more in the way of character development. This one started out with a solid mystery—plane crash. I loved how it started and the promise of something more sinister lurking behind the guise of an accident. I also loved the possibility of a romance between survivor, Emma, and her rescuer, Ryan. But I thought the romance happened too quick. I would have liked to have seen more development between the two characters before they jumped right into bed with each other. Now that said their chemistry was hot and I loved that this book had a bit more in the way of actual romance/heat, but I needed more in the way of emotional development for each character.
The plot line is intriguing with the plane crash. The plot really has a lot of room to be a complex and complicated as well as intriguing story, but with a novella I think it was stunted. Novellas are usually under 200 pages and that really doesn’t leave a lot of room for growth in the plot or characters. I realize this is more like a serialized installment series but either way it really limited the potential of the story. This story has good bones but it’s not as developed and flushed out as a full length novel and I wondered what purpose this series serves? I would actually love to read this two installment series as a full length novel with more room to grow and develop the characters and story.
But did I hate it? NO. This one had a lot more in the way of traditional romance—read sex. I thought Emma and Ryan had a lot of chemistry that played out really well in the first book. I liked how they met and how they both felt an instant attraction to one another. I also liked that this book really took it’s time with the sex scene since some of the other books it’s fairly basic. This was a bit more graphic—-not porn level but more than some of Griffin’s other books. So if you are looking for a good romantic suspense with more sex that’s quick to read this is it. But if you want more of an actual novel with more character and story development I would stick with a full length novel. I should be done with the other book in this series in a couple of days so I will be sure to fill you guys in on my thoughts for that one as well.
Book Info and Rating
Kindle Edition, 128 pages
Published March 7th 2016 by Pocket Star
ASIN B010MH19K0
Review copy provided by, personal collection. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 3 stars
Genre: Romantic suspense
The Lit Bitch 