Review: The Officer and the Secret by Jeanette Murray

Publish Date:  July 2, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p. 345}
Series: Semper Fi #3
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Publisher
Veronica Gibson, Dwayne Robertson

After a rougher than expected deployment, Captain Dwayne Robertson craves the sense of normalcy that his friends can bring him. But when he returns home, there's an unexpected, but pleasant, twist in the mix—Veronica Gibson. As he struggles to adjust to daily life again, Dwayne craves Veronica and the peace she brings him. But Veronica isn't without faults. Dwayne hates lies, and Veronica's entire past is a well-guarded mystery. When the completely unexpected happens, they both realize it's time to lay their cards on the table and hope they're ready for love.

Dwayne returns from his latest deployment suffering from PTSD. At first it appears that no one but Veronica notices his behavior. But as the story progresses he admits he's suffering and seeks help.

The story of Veronica and Dwayne naturally picks up because the "romance" started in the previous book in the series via Skype. Veronica I liked more so in this installment than the previous ones. They had a nice, sweet romance to start, nothing fireworks hot, but nice all the same. Until Dwayne became a jerk.

Sure, he'd been duped in the past, but I thought he knew Veronica a bit better then girl who'd previously duped him. His behavior toward Veronica turned me off to him. Of course they made up in the end and was able to move on together, but I as the reader was unable to get past it and lost all interest in Dwayne.

Review: The Officer Breaks the Rules by Jeanette Murray

Publish Date: January 8, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p. 336}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Semper Fi #2
Source: Publisher
Madison O'Shay, Jeremy Phillips

Captain Jeremy Phillips believes in doing his duty...both as a son and as a friend. This means that he should obey the "friend code" and stay away from his best friend's little sister. Too bad Madison O'Shay doesn't believe in his code and is ready to break all of the rules As a Navy nurse, Madison is finally stationed next to the man she's been dreaming about for years. And she's ready to launch a full-scale attack to show this thoughtful, handsome Marine that they belong together.
 

Jeremy and Madison continued to dance around each other from the previous book in the series. Jeremy's reasons for not wanting to give into the temptation of being with Madison were a bit weak. I spent most of my time wanting him to man up and start living his life for himself.

Madison was one of those characters that was likeable but didn't stand out that much. Her BFF Matthew on the other hand stole the show. He and Skye's cousin Veronica were the two characters that left me wanting to know more about them.

Jeremy and Madison did bring a lot to the table when they did manage to get together. When Madison's brother and Jeremy's BFF, Tim learned of their relationship that's when the fun really began.

Another good addition to the series, that has me looking forward to Veronica and Dwayne's story.

Review: The Officer Says "I Do" by Jeanette Murray

The Officer Says "I Do"
Jeanette Murray
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publish Date: July 1, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.338}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Contemporary
Skye McDermott, Timothy O'Shay
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Captain Timothy O'Shay is on pre-deployment leave in Las Vegas when he meets Skye McDermott. For once, Tim lets loose and the two hook up. But in the morning, Tim wakes up to discover he's married to a woman who's the polar opposite of what he always envisioned in a wife.

But Skye is sure that this is fate, and that they are destined to be together. Can she convince him to stay with her before he's deployed?

After one too many drinks on a trip to Vegas, Tim discovers he's married. Not your typical start to happily ever after, but the author makes it work.

I enjoyed the dynamic between Skye and Tim. She was truly what he needed in his vanilla life. With Skye's unconventional upbringing and Tim's by the book ways, it's bound to make for some interesting reading. I had my doubts about Skye at first because I thought she might be too far out there, but she wasn't at all.

Both characters were great with and without the other. Skye really won me over with her interaction with Tim's best friend Jeremy. All the characters in this novel are very real and believable. The struggle Skye went through to try to be the good little wife for her officer in and of itself is enough to keep you engrossed to see how it would all turn out.

The subplot with Jeremy and Tim's sister Madison was an extra bonus. Although at times I didn't really care for his behavior or attitude toward Madison. Even with that issue, I'm so looking forward to reading their story. Plus, I'm intrigued by Skye's cousin Veronica. I want to see what the deal is with her.