Force of Nature (Troubleshooters, Book 11)

by Suzanne Brockmann

Book Overview

Hard-driving suspense and intense passion are the hallmarks of bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann's pulse-pounding thrillers. In her tales of daring, danger, courage, and desire, men and women of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345480171
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 512 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 1.1" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

WELL DONE!!

I truly wish I had a bigger vocabulary to describe Suzanne Brockmann's latest effort. I'm afraid "well done" will have to do...mediocre as my description sounds, the book was anything but. It has the trade-mark humor and details which have and will continue to carry Ms. Brockmann into a long and happy career. She never fails to add those quirky little tid-bits which keep the reader entertained while fully describing a situation, personality or individual. As far as the Robin and Jules romance. OK, I'm admittedly hyper-sensitive about how this type of subject matter is handled, because I find myself turning into an over-protective mama-bear. Yet true to Ms. Brockmann's enduring class and style, this is handled masterfully! There's not too much sexual detail that might turn off some readers, but enough heart-warmth to engage anyone. It's so well done, I'm incredibly proud to call this book a "keeper." Do I think she's using this book as a platform to express her political and homosexual views? No. I saw it as an amazing author, telling an amazing story that would allow any of us to think on our own. I love books that make you think for yourself, or offer different ways to see "normal" things. I feel sorry for those who thought this book was a platform. You missed the STORY folks. You missed the passion, the romance and you missed the amazing cameos of all our favorite characters. You also missed the fact that this author is adamant about her support to our servicemen and women, dying for our right to either write up a good review or a bad one on this (or any other) web-site. Good for you, Suz! Rock on! One more thing about Ric and Annie. WOWZA. Young love, reunited. Their romance is not only heart-warming, but signature-Suz funny. I love when Ric confronts Annie with the impression that she's gay - - only to understand it was Annie's brother's way of keeping Rick away from his baby sister. Love it. Love the ending! (No spoilers) but WOW. Could not put it down and now I want MORE! Force of Nature is a perfect example of why Suzanne Brockmann will be writing books for a very long time---which will be flying off the shelves for even longer. I repeat: Rock on, Ms. Brockmann!! More, please!

A Winner with Emotions and Suspense

This was my first book by Suzanne Brockmann and I was so impressed with it that I'll have to pick up some of her previous novels. Her writing style just seem effortless in describing scenes, i.e the attachment of Jules and Robin, and giving substance to the plot, which for me are key elements in mysteries. When I was finished the first chapter I was hooked. The story moved along at a fast pace and I found it extremely interesting and easy to follow. I read page after page and until the wee hours of the morning. Thank goodness it was a Saturday and I didn't have to go to work. There are excellent reviews posted that detail the story so I won't add another, except that this Force of Nature is full of suspense and a worthy mystery that I would highly recommend.

Hooray for Jules

What a fabulous read! This is my favorite of Ms. Brockmanns' novels so far, and it is the definition of a page-turner: fast-paced, sexy, romantic, and unpredictable. The plot is intricate and features four wonderful protagonists, three from past novels and one new one. I really got a kick out of Annie, a heroine who not only enjoys action and adventure but outshoots her hero, Ric, who is also refreshing as a somewhat abashed sentimentalist who finds that he's not cut out for police work. After rooting for Jules through several previous novels, the culmination of his romantic yearnings was as satisfying as Sam and Alyssa's in Gone Too Far, and far superior to Max and Gina's in Breaking Point (both are previous novels in the series). Jules' character is a bit more subdued than previously, showing some maturation and character growth, but I missed his outrageous former self just a little. Robin, his troubled love interest, who has engaged in any number of unsavory activities and hurt Jules repeatedly in the past, still emerges as a thoroughly lovable hero who deserves to be loved. Neat trick. Unlike at least one previous reader, I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Brockmann's willingness to deal with real-life subjects such as gay romance and the Iraq war. It's what makes her a writer who keeps you on the edge of your seat--she writes from the gut. No writer who skates around super-charged subjects is giving us her best. In a reality-based plot, including historical novels, characters that constantly ignore the elephant in the corner are both implausible and vapid. This traditional reader from a VERY traditional background got teary-eyed over Jules' and Robin's very compelling romance. And can't wait for more. Write on, Suzanne!

One Of My Favorites, So Far!

The FBI has had an agent working undercover in the home of crime boss Gordon Burns, for over two months, working on getting information on possible terrorist activity. When that agent misses her check in Jules Cassidy assumes the worse and works on trying to find out what happened to the agent, while wrapping up the case against the Mr. Burns. When Annie hires in at her brother's long time friend's PI office, she is under the assumption she is going to be working on cases, not answering phones. Ric doesn't want Annie doing anything remotely dangerous, but when a simple missing person case comes up, he takes Annie along. When it turns out the missing person links them to Gordon Burns, Ric and Annie eventually get in contact with Jules and the FBI. (For you long time Troubleshooter fans, you may remember Ric as the police officer that befriends Gina when her hotel room is broken into.) Entering into the mix is Robin Chadwick, Jules' long time 'infatuation'. His star is on the rise and he has caught the attention of the movie lover, Gordon Burns; making this crime fighting threesome into a foursome. Like any of the stories in the Troubleshooters series, there was no shortage of action and adventure. However, the highlight of this story for me was the characters, the relationships and how they all worked together. Ric and Annie were a hilarious and fun duo, I laughed and laughed. Jules and Robin have had two years to stew and think about their feelings for one another; finally they are 'forced' to confront each other, to be honest. I can't think of a single thing I disliked about this story or would change; even the book's dedication was touching. A bonus to the story is that we are treated to glimpses/updates into some of the other Troubleshooter's lives and introduced to a character that I hope shows up in a future book. Ms. Brockmann wrote a story that managed to be hilarious, emotional, action packed, heart warming, suspenseful and impossible to put down. It's one of those rare books that after you finish reading it, you are tempted to turn back to page one and start the journey all over again!

It's a KEEPER!! More Jules & Robin, PLEASE!!

This book has a special place on my "keeper" shelves. It seems my last few "keeper" books have been by Suzanne Brockmann. I can't get enough. Brockmann's books are usually two stories in one, and Force of Nature is no different. I shouldn't say two stories, because there is only one story, but two couples. The first story or couple is about Ric Alvarado and Annie Dugan. Fans of the series will remember Ric Alvarado from Gone Too Far. He was the cop that Gina (Max's Gina from Breaking Point) went out with once. Well after some serious issues with the police department, Ric is now a former cop and current private investigator. He's hired his best friend's little sister (Annie) to be his receptionist. Problem is, Annie wants to be his partner, and has little interest in being tied to a desk filing papers. And Ric finds himself working overtime to keep her safe. The FBI gets involved when they both find themselves working for a major crime boss. And Ric discovers that keeping Annie safe is the least of his problems. Now he has to keep himself from falling in love! The second story involves Jules Cassidy and Robin Chadwick. Jules is the lead FBI agent charged with bringing down the crime boss and keeping both Ric and Annie safe. Robin is in town promoting his new movie. And the crime boss just happens to be a big movie fan. Not only does Jules finds himself keeping Anne & Ric safe, but Robin as well. And when you're seriously attracted to the person you're charged to keep safe, this can make it even more difficult. Fans of the series will remember Robin Chadwick from Hot Target, the ladies man who was denying his true self. And if you've read any of Brockmann's books from the Seal Team 16 or the Troubleshooter's series, then you'll remember Jules Cassidy. Jules, the openly gay, all the way hot, seriously tough FBI guy. Yes, the second love story involves two gay men. My only complaint: I wish it was LONGER!! SERIOUSLY!! No, I'm not gay. I'm actually a southern born, raised in the "Bible Belt," good Christian girl. But hey, love is love. And Suzanne handles it VERY tastefully!! Man, Jules and Robin's story was worth the hardcover price alone!! It was beautiful, touching and oh so sweet. Okay, truthfully, I cried while reading it. And for you squeamish folks, Brockmann handled the love scenes perfectly. I don't think I've ever read love scenes so touching, but I do believe she was a bit too conservative. Come on Suzanne, true Jules fans (which I am one!) could have handled a few PG-13 Rated scenes. Unfortunately, she kept it strictly PG......okay G. My mother wouldn't have blushed reading those scenes! And all I have to say is......Oh my............The story was GREAT!! I so hope that this is not the last story involving these two. They made the book and my weekend. If this is your first Suzanne Brockmann story, please, please, please go out and get Hot Target first. It gives you the backdrop for the