Author Spotlight Review: Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann

Casee‘s review of Over the Edge (Troubleshooters, Book 3) by Suzanne Brockmann.

For Lieutenant Teri Howe, one of the best helicopter pilots in the naval reserves, nothing stands in the way of her passion for flying – until a past mistake surfaces, jeopardizing everything she’s worked for. Senior Chief Stan Wolchonok has made a career of tackling difficult challenges so it’s no surprise when he comes to Teri’s aid, knowing that his personal code of honor – and perhaps his heart – will be at risk. When a jet carrying an American senator’s daughter is hijacked, Stan’s unflinching determination and Teri’s steadfast courage are put to the ultimate test. The rescue mission will be daring and dangerous. Yet somewhere between peril and resolution, the line between friends and lovers begins to blur, pushing both their lives over the edge…

Over the Edge is that Suzanne Brockmann book for me. You know, the one that I have five used copies of and two new autographed copies? That’s seven of the same book. I’m not ashamed. I get to loan them out, even to the spine benders (you know who you are). I think I’ve met Suzanne Brockmann three times. I heard her speak once. She’s amazeballs. I heart her. I don’t heart her heroines though. More like I hate dislike her heroines.

I disgress. Over the Edge tells Teri Howe and Senior Chief Stanley Wolchonok’s story. If you start the series with book three (like I did) you will see right away that Stan kicks major ass. He goes into a bar and kicks ass all while having the flu. Considering that I’ve read this entire series, I should be well versed in the hierarchy of the Navy. I’m not. I know that enlisted is different than being an officer. That’s about all I know aside from the fact that Commander is a higher title than Lieutenant. What makes me mention this is that as Team Sixteen’s Senior Chief, Stan commands uber respect. He gets things done. Everyone listens to what he says even the men that [I would guess] outrank him. That’s why he’s able to kick ass while having the flu.

It’s no secret Stan is fugly. Or he thinks he is. That got a little old after awhile. Men. One day, Stan helped Lt. Teri Howe out of a potential violate situation when an officer came onto her sexually. Terri is enlisted which could cause all sorts of problems. Teri and Stan know each other, but not very well. Stan offers Teri his help and Teri accepts shortly thereafter.

So you have a fugly Senior Chief that kicks ass whilst having the flu and a young helo pilot that has formed a rather unhealthy attachment to him. For someone that is so kick ass, Stan is stoopid. He decides that he can help Teri by sending her OUTCONUS never imagining that his “help” would land her alongside Team Sixteen in Kazbekistan of all places. Stan is horrified but decides that it’s the perfect time to play matchmaker.

Teri has been attracted to Stan from the moment she saw him. What Stan sees as unattractive, Terri sees as quiet strength. Teri has her work cut out for her if she wants Stan to look at her as a woman and not a project. Just like he does for Team Sixteen, Stan does everything he can to “fix” what’s wrong with Teri. I have to admit, that got way old. Stan decided that Mike Muldoon (so perfect looking he should be gay) would be the perfect person to get Teri back in the saddle so to speak. Matching making during a hostage negotiation in Kasbekistan? Really? That beats the old “sex in an alley while running away from bad guys”. Like I said earlier, I’m not a big fan of SB’s heroines (read: They suck) but Teri was so-so. I didn’t really start liking her (I use that term loosely) until she stood up for herself and told Stan to get bent.

Over the Edge is also where the Sam and Alyssa saga continues and the Max and Gina saga begins. It was a turning point in the series for me. There was not another book in the Troubleshooter/Team Sixteen series that I loved as much as this one.

I made a note of this quote b/c it made me laugh out loud. It’s Alyssa’s thoughts when Jules is walking towards her. So Jules.

He, on the other hand, looked adorable with his perfect hair and his perfect face and his trim little body clad in impeccable army wear—a very clean T-shirt and neatly creased camouflage pants. He looked like GI Joe’s gay little brother.

4.5 out of 5.

This book is available from Ballantine. You can buy it here or here in e-format.

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