Jul 28 2008
If You Like Suzanne Brockmann . . . Hosted by Dr. Sarah Frantz
We are starting a new series called “If You Like” which will be hosted by various readers, authors and bloggers of Dear Author. The purpose of the post and the comments is to explore what we like about a particular iconic author and what other authors have books like the iconic author. Dr. Sarah Frantz, Assistant Professor of Literature at Fayetteville State University, and regular contributor to the awesome blog called Teach Me Tonight, is hosting 
this If You Like entry on Suzanne Brockmann. Suzanne Brockmann’s latest release, Into the Fire, is the 13th book in her famed Troubleshooter series.
If you would like to host an “If You Like” post, please email me at Jane at dearauthor.com
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Suzanne Brockmann
Once upon a time, I was browsing in a Waldenbooks and saw a two-for-one deal: Suzanne Brockmann’s The Unsung Hero came free with a re-issue of her one and only time travel, Time Enough for Love. TEFL looked intriguing, so I bought the other book so I could get it. It was intriguing, but TUH, one of the most exquisitely plotted books I’ve ever read, truly rocked my world and I’ve been a rabid Brockmann Fan Grrl ever since.
Brockmann started out in 1993 writing tightly plotted Silhouette Intimate Moments and light, frothy Loveswepts (that are all slowly being reissued). But she really hit her stride in 1996 when she began her “Tall, Dark and Dangerous” SEAL Team Ten books from Silhouette Intimate Moments. In 2000, she created another SEAL team for her mainstream Troubleshooter series (Into the Fire [TS#13] released last week). In a post-9/11 world, her Troubleshooter books are topical, thoughtful, and exceptionally well-written. For a bleeding-heart liberal, she gets the military mindset-’the details of military life might not be 100% perfect, but the mindset, the way we think and the way we feel about our fellow service members and our commitment and loyalty to our country, is spot on. Additionally, her forty-six novels tangle with, stretch, and sometimes break romance genre conventions in innovative and fascinating ways. And finally, she’s just a genuinely nice person and understands the importance of a personal relationship with her readers. (As a bonus, she’s the host of the RITA Awards ceremony at RWA this year, so say Hi! to her for me if you’re going to San Francisco!)
So, without further ado:
Setting (era): Contemporary
Brockmann only writes novels set in the present day (even her one time travel novel only jumps back a few years). And by present day, they’re usually set the date the book comes out, or a little later. There are flashbacks to important points in the characters’ lives, but the action is relentlessly present to the extent that you’re convinced as you read it that you should be able to watch it instead on CNN. In fact, a large part of what she does is put a human face, with characters you care about deeply, on what we do watch on the evening news.
The exception to this, of course, is her World War Two subplots in her Troubleshooter books. There were seven such plots-’in the earlier books in the series-’and they all tell the stories of everyday heroism in WWII (French resistance, Danish Jews, Dunkirk, double agents, the genesis of the SEAL teams and of psychological warfare, the Tuskegee airmen and the Women Airforce Service Pilots [WASPs]) that eventually intertwine with the modern-day plot in intricate, essential ways.
Setting (geographic): USA and various hotbeds of terrorism
Most of Brockmann’s characters are relentlessly American with very few exceptions-’including her villains, as she deals with domestic terrorism as well as foreign-’and despite her focus on terrorism, she manages to set most of her novels on US soil. Two of her Troubleshooter novels are set in the fictional country of Kazbekistan, two are set in Indonesia, and her WWII subplots are obviously set mostly in Europe. More specifically, her Troubleshooter world is now anchored by Troubleshooters Inc., a private security firm founded by the hero of The Unsung Hero after the fifth installment of the series, but she still includes characters who work variously for the FBI, for police departments, for an unnamed “Black Ops” governmental organization, and of course, for SEAL Team 16.
Heroine Type: Competent professionals
Her most recent heroines have been, variously, a pediatrician, a linguist, a helicopter pilot, an appellate attorney, a member of the White House staff, an FBI agent, a computer specialist, a missionary, a movie producer and script-writer, and two former police officers. Sometimes their job is integral to the plot, sometimes its incidental, but they’re never Too Stupid To Live, they’re never incompetent, and they’re never unaware of their own issues. Savannah, in Out of Control, for instance, is a rich heiress whose never been so much as camping and she finds herself in an Indonesian jungle. While she does a few boneheaded things, she never whines, she never complains, and she usually does what her SEAL hero tells her to do, to the extent that her ability to be smart in the face of sheer ignorance is one of the things about her that he falls in love with. While you might violently disagree with their choices, they’re always true to character. Meg, in The Defiant Hero, is the queen of this particular point. Her daughter is kidnapped and she will do anything to save her, including ignoring and outright avoiding the help of her SEAL hero and his FBI buddies. While most people found this behavior 
TSTL, I think it’s perfectly within character and makes sense in the context of the story. Most of all, Brockmann’s heroines get their heroes; there is a true connection between them, usually symbolized by a shared sense of humor. The heroines understand what makes their men tick, and that understanding is what makes them fall in love. Above all, Brockmann’s genius is in writing individuals. You could give me a paragraph of a character thinking or speaking and I’d probably be able to tell you who it was, without any plot clues, just because the voices of her characters are so distinct.
Hero type: Competent, self-aware, Alpha males.
Brockmann’s heroes are all Alpha, all the time-’they’re SEALs and FBI agents and cops, after all-’but they’re also very aware of their feelings, of their reasons for reactions to situations and people. So, while they might fight falling in love, they know what they’re doing and why.
My personal favorite Brockmann hero is not a SEAL. Jed Beaumont from Heart Throb, Brockmann’s only stand-alone mainstream, is a recovering alcoholic, former A-list actor who is trying to get back into the movie business after burning all his bridges. His story, with nary an explosion in sight, is the tale of a man finding his way back to feeling and understanding his own emotions, and it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read.
A game I like to play in all of Brockmann’s books is finding the tears. Because Brockmann’s heroes like to cry. The entire of personality of her most famous character, Sam Starrett, and his love affair with Alyssa is built around his relationship to his own tears, and they’re pretty powerful stuff:
But she was stuck there. Hypnotized by the sight of those eyes filled with tears, by the very idea that this tough, unbreakable man was capable of crying over anything. (Over the Edge 286)
Plot: (action-oriented / character-driven): Both
Brockmann not only writes, but also certainly popularized, if not outright pioneered, the genre of romantic military suspense, so her plots are all about action. Most take place over a week, or even a couple of days-’although if it’s only a couple of days, there are almost always flashbacks to the characters’ previous history. Because although you keep turning the pages because you have to know if the bomb is going to go off and the hero and heroine will save the world, you also turn the pages because you’re genuinely connected to these characters and need to see how they’re going to get their HEA. So although it’s all about the action, you also know that things would have turned out differently if the characters were different people, because they would not have made the same decisions.
Plot (slow/medium/fast): Fast
Even the construction of the plots heightens the suspense, with point of view breaks coming fast and furious (and sometimes confusing) at the denouement of the novel. They’re the type of book that you put down after finally finishing it in one long rush, and realize that it’s 3:30 am and you have to get up in two and a half hours to go to work, and you’re too jazzed by the good guys winning and the HEA to care.
Writing style (simple v. ornate): Simple
Brockmann has very few passages of description, whether long or short. And even the description you do have is told from deep point of view, so it reveals as much about the character whose head you’re in as it does about what they’re describing. Joan describes Mike in Into the Night:
It really was remarkable. The guy was right out of central casting. Hello, Gertrude? Yeah, we need a Navy SEAL hero type over on lot twenty-four this afternoon. Make sure he stands well over six feet tall, is built like a Greek god, has neon blue eyes, golden brown hair, and a face more handsome than Brad Pitt’s, will ya?
“Ma’am.”
And he should definitely be ridiculously young, so as to make me feel as old as possible by actually addressing me as ma’am. (21-22)
Dialogue (lots/little/balanced): Lots
Brockmann’s books are heavily and increasingly dialogue driven. This only works, of course, because her characters are so distinct, but it also supports the suspense plots by keeping the pace fast and furious.
Even when dialogue is not front-and-center, Brockmann writes in (one might even say, again, pioneered and popularized) deep point of view, so even if a character is not actually talking with another character, their internal thoughts read like dialogue anyway.
But her characters actually talk to each other. No Big Mis for Brockmann. Or if there is, it gets worked out and the real problems raise their ugly heads to be dealt with. The hero and heroine MUST talk to each other to, as Brockmann puts it, “deserve” their HEA. They’re constantly talking around and through and to and finally with each other and that’s what makes these books so great:
Sam closed his mouth, biting back everything equally nasty that otherwise might’ve escaped. He was not going to do this again. He was not going to fight with Alyssa until one or both of them lay bleeding on the floor. Not, not, not.
Instead, he had to figure out what to say before he said it. Come on, Starrett. You’ve got a fairly large brain. Use it.
He also had to remember what he knew about this woman. She’d let him get close, and now she was probably pretty fricking scared. (Gone Too Far 354)
Humor (Yes/No-serious/some): Yes
The humor is, as everything with Brockmann’s books, very character-based, which means I am completely unable to find a short example of the humor that doesn’t need a long explanation. However:
“This is Max Bhagat. Connect me to the President.”
“I’m sorry, sir-’”
“Wrong answer.” . . .
“He’s in a meeting with the-’”
“Do you know who I am?
“I’m sorry, I’m new. This is my first day, sir. I’m trying-’”
“Connect me to someone who is not new, right now,” Max said, “or this will be your last day.” On earth.
Someone else picked up. “Peterson.”
“This is Max Bhagat-’”
“I’ll connect you to the President right away, sir.”
If certain characters are on the stage (Ken, Jules, Izzy), you know you’ll get some good one-liners. If certain pairs are on the stage (most of them, TBH), you know that they’ll have great and funny interaction with each other. Because while her books always deal with serious subjects, they deal with them in funny and heart-warming ways that make you think and don’t make you want to slit your wrists when you finish the book.
Emotional Angst (high/medium/low): Medium
The emotional angst is mostly on the reader’s side, to be honest. Brockmann’s innovative story arcs not only introduce future heroes and heroines in books way before their own, but actually start their relationships. Most series books, Nora Roberts most famously, will introduce future main characters in books before their own, and might even hint at their future partner, but very rarely actually start the romantic relationship before their own book. Sam and Alyssa, Brockmann’s first extended arc couple, sleep together in Books #2 and #3 before their own story in Book #6 of the Troubleshooter, Inc. series. Other authors, for example Susan Elizabeth Phillips, will often have two or three couples receive their HEA at the end of a single book. Brockmann, however, once said in an interview: “I have a contract with my readers: ‘Dear Reader: I promise I will give you a happy ending for the two main characters in this book. But I’m going to have subplots that may end unhappily or even in death. In ways you don’t expect, I will create different emotional responses in you.’” She’s a firm believer that the requisite happily-ever-after ending of romances denies readers “a lot of cathartic emotions” that take them out of their “comfort zone,” so her secondary characters almost never receive an HEA until their own book (with one exception). This creates lots of angst for her readers (see the end of her current novel, Into the Fire, which hints at an unexpected pairing for the main characters of her next book), and for the characters left hanging, but not necessarily for the main couples of the novel.
Conflict (externally driven/internally driven/both): Both
Again, Brockmann writes character-driven military suspense, so the characters must deserve their HEA by actually talking with each other, but they are also driven by the exigencies of their suspense plot. They might never have met or talked if it weren’t for the suspense plot. Brockmann does a brilliant job, IMO, of making the internal and external plots depend on each other fully, both of them unresolvable without resolution in the other. She does this better than almost anyone else I’ve read.
Heat level: (kisses/warm/hot/scorching): Hot
She’s not erotica-level scorching, but her sex scenes are nothing to be sneezed at, either.
Except for the closed-door nature of the scenes between gay FBI agent Jules and his partner Robin-’much to the disgust of some readers. She has explained that she felt like she was pushing enough boundaries to give Jules and Robin their HEA and, indeed, their own book, without pushing open the door of their bedroom, but many readers who have adored Jules since he first showed up were very unhappy.
She’s an expert at building sexual tension. Jones brings Molly (a missionary in a remote village in Indonesia) a book:
. . . “It’s a good one, huh?”
“They’re all good,” Molly told him from atop her bed. “If it’s got pages and a spine and I haven’t read it before, it’s fabulous. Even if it’s a how-to guide for building an igloo. But [Robert] Parker-For a new Parker, okay, yes, I’d have sex with you”
“Well, all right,” Jones said. “Let’s get naked.”
She got down off the bed. “I was kidding.”
“So was I.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “No, you weren’t.”
“Okay, I wasn’t,” he agreed.
He didn’t reach for her. He didn’t move closer. He just stood there, still by the door, smiling into her eyes.
“I love it when you smile,” she whispered. “You should do it more often.”
“Make love to me. I’ll smile the whole time, I promise.”
Neither of them was smiling now. Now there was only heat between them. (Out of Control 132-133)
And I think that quote sums up everything I’m trying to say about how freaking great Brockmann’s books are: humor, dialogue, character-driven, fast-paced, sexy, down-right addictive books. Go get one now! If you’re intimidated by the SEAL series (13 and counting), start with Heart Throb. You won’t be disappointed, I promise. If the SEALs intrigue you, start from the beginning: The Unsung Hero is still one of the most perfect books of all time. (As is Heart Throb, for that matter!)
If You Like Suzanne Brockmann, You’ll Like . . .:
Good question. I’ve never really found anyone to compare, but let’s try.
Linda Howard’s mid-career books remind me of Brockmann’s. After the Night, Dream Man, Mr. Perfect, and Open Season have similar dialogue, h/h interaction, tight plotting, and competent characters. I’ve never really liked her CIA/assassin books, but other Brockmann fans think that they compare.
Other military romance authors: Catherine Mann, who writes about the Air Force and is herself the wife of an Air Force pilot; Lindsay McKenna’s website claims that she “created the sub-genre of military adventure/romance” and I’ve often heard her compared with Brockmann.
Authors with similar “Bands of Brothers”: J.R. Ward immediately springs to mind. Although her Black Dagger Brotherhood is a lot more campy and unrealistic than Brockmann’s SEALs, their loyalty to each other and the rabidness of their readers are similar (with complete awareness that I am one of those rabid fans for both of them!). Ward herself claims a great debt to Brockmann-’she’s certainly emulated Brockmann’s expanded story arcs by starting the romances of some of her couples before their own books-’and she is herself a Brockmann Fan Grrl.
Brockmann’s humor and dialogue often reminds me of both Nora Roberts and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, although she’s obviously further from SEP in tone and plotting. Going much further afield, I’m also reminded of Julia Quinn’s historical characters and the way they interact.
For competent heroines, check out Amanda Quick (Jayne Ann Krentz)’s historicals (well, her earlier single word titles-’I haven’t read her recent stuff). For self-aware males, check out Susan Johnson’s American-Indian Braddock-Black historicals (nothing like Cassie Edwards, I promise!).
For Alpha Males-well, where does one start? For the emotionally connected part, I’m going to throw out a shout-out to Joey Hill, especially Natural Law, but very little else about the books are similar, except their quality.
And for fabulously marvelous, character-driven, dialogue-heavy, steaming-but-not-erotica (although definitely open door), funny gay romance, go check out Matthew Haldeman-Time. His book, Off the Record might be a POD, but it’s one of the best romances I’ve ever read, right up there in my personal pantheon with Heart Throb. If you don’t want to risk it, read his short stories-’you won’t be disappointed, I promise.
But really, when you come right down to is, no one compares to Suz Brockmann. I’d love to find someone who does, so who would you recommend?
Send to Kindle
Jul 28, 2008 @ 07:12:51
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Brockmann, and it looks like I’ve been missing out. This sounds like exactly the type of author I enjoy. If you were about to read a first book by her, where would you start?
Jul 28, 2008 @ 07:44:47
I just read my first Brockmann this past week(of course, it was the 5th in the Troubleshooter Series) and was hooked after the first chapter. I loved the characters and the plotting was flawless. I love finding treasures – and this author is a genuine treasure. I look forward to this new series and would host it if more familiar with the author and works. Maybe next time!
Jul 28, 2008 @ 07:55:30
I’m a huge fan of Brockman and am currently making my way through this series. I’m almost to the newest book! :)
Jul 28, 2008 @ 08:10:48
If you love Suzanne B., you might like Amy Fetzer, her books are also military men and they are all linked in her Dragon One series. I love her strong heroines who can stand up to these macho alpha males as they work together to save the world. Naked Truth is my favorite because it was my first intro to her.
Another new author to the arena is Susan K. Butcher, her books are not at Suzanne’s standards yet, but I truly enjoyed her first two books about military brothers in arms and I look forward to what she has coming for us in the future. I think with time she is going to really shine. Keri
Jul 28, 2008 @ 08:19:22
I love Brockmann and am currently reading the new one. So thank you for no spoilers. I am savoring the whole thing.
I do believe Lindsay McKenna did start her military based stories before Suz. Her first one, which I still have, was reprinted in Love and Glory, which is about the 3 Treyhern siblings. The 3rd story, sets up what becomes Morgan’s Mercenaries. The action takes place in Vietnam and then picks up seven years later. These were originally released in the 80′s, so yes, I would say she did the sub-gnere military/romance series first. She is also former military. Now she is up to the next generation with Morgan’s kids. And she is the reason I fell in love with this genre.
And why I adore Suz’s books. I love how she developes the characters and you meet them from story to story (McKenna also does this) and you keep wondering who will get their HEA next, and how, and who will show up in those stories so you can keep tabs on them and what life has brought them so far. Who is doing what, and who. I personally never thought Izzy would grow up enough to get his own story. I should have known better.
Sometimes I consider doing a flow chart, just so I can keep my mind straight.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 08:20:40
Keri- thanks for the heads up on Amy Fetzer. Should I do the Dragon One series first??
Jul 28, 2008 @ 08:43:28
I have never read a Brockmann book, but have one on my TBR pile. After reading so many wonderful things about her writing, I will have to pull it out and start it as soon as I finish my current book. LOL T
Thanks for the recommendation, this weekly post is opening my eyes to authors that I have somehow skipped.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 08:46:04
Yes I would Ev, I would start with the first Dragon One and work your way through the series. She does have some standalones and they are similar in nature. Naked Truth is in mass market PB, but the others are in the oversize trade format, which is kinda of a pain. Keri
Jul 28, 2008 @ 08:52:46
Kathryn, if you just want to try her and see if you like her, without investing heavily in a series, seriously try Heart Throb. Otherwise, I’d really start with The Unsung Hero, the first in the Troubleshooter series. You could probably start with any of them, but it’s best to start at the beginning. Otherwise, most bookstores have some of her reprints in stock, so you could probably just start anywhere. Enjoy! I envy you the opportunity to read her books new!
Jul 28, 2008 @ 08:55:26
a huge Suz fan myself. I met her years ago at a signing. I took off of work early so I could. I love military romances and the only other person that I think has even come close is Vicki Hinz. Sadly, I think Hinz only wrote about of of them. You’re right, the humor in her books just slays me.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 09:21:06
Wow, Sarah, thank you so much for such a long and detailed explanation of why you like her books. I’ve read just one of her books (the title excapes me right now) and I’ve been meaning to go back for more. But I’m pretty anal about reading in order, so I need to get the list and go hunting. This post is the incentive I needed to do it now rather than continue to procrastinate. I’m looking forward to some fun reading. Thanks again!
Jul 28, 2008 @ 09:29:17
I’d like to second Catherine Mann and third Lindsey McKenna. Catherine really gets the Air Force life. My dad is retired Air Force, and Catherine really captures that world and its emotions. There were a couple of them when I thought I was reading about myself. She makes cargo pilots sexy too – and everyone “knows” that fighter pilots are top dog.
Lindsey started her military romances in Silhouette Special Edition, and they were some of my favorites in that line. In addition to the Morgan stuff, she had one great trilogy about 3 female roommates at the Air Force Academy.
In the random category, I think Justine Davis’s science fiction romances are comparable. I also think that Carla Kelly really gets the connection between honor and wounded warriors in her traditional regency about military men. Lois McMaster Bujold also gets that in her settings.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 09:30:00
Thanks, Sarah! I loved your examples. I’ve read all but one or two of the Troubleshooters and they’re so unbelievably good.
Suzanne Brockmann and Linda Howard are two of my favorite authors, maybe the top two. Sandra Brown completes the holy triad, as far as romantic suspense. If you like them, you might try her.
I also think Pamela Clare is one to watch. I read Unlawful Contact a few months ago and it was super hot.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 10:15:12
Love Brockmann. All but one or two have been excellent, which is really saying something when you look at how many books she’s written. Like you, I think some of Linda Howard is similar.
I also enjoy Cindy Gerard. She doesn’t write at the same level as Brockmann, I don’t think, but I’d recommend her to people who like Brockmann as someone less complex but enjoyable.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 10:25:48
For a military setting, there is also Merline Lovelace. She writes categories mostly for Silhouette Intimate Moments (now Suspense)and single titles for Mira. She also wrote some books for Harlequin Historical – usually with settings that are more unusual than the standard Regency/Victoria/Western settings. Ms. Lovelace is a former Air Force colonel (I think).
Jul 28, 2008 @ 10:34:07
Wow – I love this idea of “if you like…” I have been wondering if I would like Brockmann for a while now, and this post has definitely helped me to decide to try her. The description of her writing is great and there were several names I read and like in the “if you like” bit – that helped me to decide, as well. Please keep up this series!
Jul 28, 2008 @ 10:53:04
I started reading Roxanne St. Claire’s Bulletcatcher series after Jane reviewed one of her books. They are somewhat similar: hot, contemporary, story arcs that start in one book and end in another, heroines not TSTL.
I don’t find them as funny as Brockmann’s, but she is hard to beat in that regard. Here’s Izzy imagining Jenkins and Tracy’s internal thoughts as he watches his friend put the moves on her:
One of the reasons I like Brockmann so much is because her characters are diverse: Short (Jenkins), bald (Paoletti), goofy (Izzy), gay (Jules), mixed race (Alyssa, Lindsey, Murphy), older (Max).
But mostly I read her for the wit.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 11:08:27
I just started about two weeks ago on Suzanne Brockmann. Before I finished ‘Flashpoint', I went and searched out more of her books in the series. I can't wait to catch up on the rest of her books and continue to the TDD series. I've never been one for starting on new authors (new=authors I never previously read or not one of my favorites) but I'm glad I took the chance with SB and earlier with Karen Rose.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 11:45:44
Major Suz fangrrl. Found her when Amazon did an “if you like this author then try Suz”, and she blew away the author I was reading at the time and I’ve never been able to read the previous authors work again. Suz is the first author I ever re-read, and often I re-read her books immediately. It’s really hard to read anyone else’s work after reading Suz. Some of the authors I can read after a Suz binge are Jenny Cruisie, Eloisa James, and Robert Crais because they’re really smart books and completely different in setting and character. Jenny is campy good fun, Eloisa historical, and Crais is a mystery author.
For the “if you like” I can second the Cathy Mann, Merline Lovelace, and Roxanne St. Clair recommendations, although I haven’t been thrilled with the more recent Manns (kinda boring – the first half dozen or so Wingmen Warriors were NOT boring :) and I find that I don’t lust for MLs books, so they linger on my TBR but like them once I get started. And RSC isn’t an autobuy, but I’ll read her if the books wind up in my clutches.
Don’t worry about Suz if you’re thinking “but I can’t stand Lindsay McKenna!” because I can’t either and I love Suz. (In fact, I wound up with 8 of her books in a blind swap so if you want them pop over to my blog and leave a comment with contact info.)
I’ve tried to read other suspense authors and I like Vince Flynn pretty well, but when I’m reading him I think, “he’s good, but he’s no Suz Brockmann.” He tends to repeat things a lot (Suz really doesn’t, so it’s a good idea to re-read and find the details you missed when you were racing through the first time) and even though romance drives some of the plot and character decisions it not only happens off screen, but between the books. grr. And in book 3 he introduces a new POV character on page 267 (not that I’m still annoyed) who had appeared in the previous books, but I didn’t know about. But all in all, I find him very readable. (Brad Thor, often listed as similar, bored me to tears.)
I really don’t think there’s anyone who can directly compare to Suz and come away favorably, but these authors are worth a try.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 12:12:08
I agree with CrankyOtter. Vince Flynn is a decent read and while he does repeat himself – in fact, he word-for-word repeated a whole passage from one book into another, which is pure author laziness (and sloppy editing) imo – he’s worth picking up the series. I also can’t stand Lindsay McKenna but love Suz. I also have to agree with the Cindy Gerard recommendation, although when it comes to stories like Ms. Brockmann’s, there really isn’t any one author that I would say comes close to her. I also recommend trying to locate her Seal Team Ten books. Those short reads started me on my Brockmann love affair.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 13:18:29
Well now if we are going to step outside the romantic arena then that opens the door for Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, he is 6’5 and 250 pounds of ex-MP, but travels around the nation correcting wrongs and generally wrecking havoc on the bad guys with nothing more than a toothbrush in his pocket. As far as romance, there isn’t really any. There is sex, but Lee of course never goes into great detail. A few you might like is Killing Floor, Persuader and Without Fail. Those are good ones to start with.
Or you might give Gregg Hurwitz’s Tim and Dray Rackley series a try, there is romance between Tim and Dray, but it isn’t overt and I love their quirky habits with one another. Or The Tower and give the good looking Jade Marlow a try, trust me I wanted to slap his fictional face more than once and then give him a hug. No romance and the one sex scene Jade got an idea about the bad guy and left Jennifer hanging right on the edge in the mud…the b@&^%(#. lol…but it was a super book.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 13:30:34
Wonderful idea for a series of postings – and what a fabulous first entry. It captured perfectly what I love about Brockmann’s books!
I can recommend Marliss Melton as a similar author in terms of writing about yummy SEAL alpha-men. And Roxanne St. Claire’s bullet-catchers (while not military men) are also good.
I look forward to reading about additional recommended authors – it seems a shame that it takes a year for an author to write and publish a book and only two hours for me to devour it ;-)
Jul 28, 2008 @ 13:51:14
If you’re going to mention Lee Child, KeriM, then I’ll mention Robert Crais’ The Watchman. The action is intense and the relationship bittersweet. It was one of my favorite books of last year.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 13:59:45
jenreads – Robert C gets a lot of airtime on Lee’s site, as an author to be read and alot of people seem to really like his writing style and the Watchman comes up quite often as the book to read. Keri
Jul 28, 2008 @ 14:13:49
KeriM, if you’re a Reacher fan you really do need to read Crais. I would recommend reading LA Requiem and then The Watchman. Also, try Crais’ Two-Second Rule. It even has a great romance.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 14:14:29
Disclaimer: I’ve been a Brockmann fan girl from medium way back – about five or six years now. My love for her verges on unholy.
If you like: Marliss Melton writes SEAL books that get the adventure and military mindset right but are severely lacking in the heroine category. Hers are quite wimpy.
And I’m sorry to all you Lindsey McKenna fans but my eyebrows always go up when she’s recommended for the whole military thing. I tried one that ended up being a DNF for me. Not because of plot or characters or anything but because of of basic military oriented mistakes. Things like uniform violations and getting ranks backwards.
I’d mostly agree with you except . . . this most recent release. It felt like the scenes between both couples did a fade to grey, if not exactly black. At least compared to her previous levels.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 14:16:27
Thank you for the great introduction to the author.
As you concluded, no one compares to Suzanne Brockman and though I have only read 3 of her books so far, I am very hopeful I’ve found a new author to follow – someone with a very distintive style. I picked up my first SB book, Forbidden, in a vain attempt to find someone similar to Linda Howard. I wasn’t impressed but there was something there. Then I read Body Guard – that’s when my interest was piqued. In addition to the humour and fast dialogue, your statment below is the reason why I find SB appealing.
In Body Guard, the hero is 5’8″ and cried *gasp!*; the secondary character finds love with a stripper who looks like his ex-wife whom he’s still in loved with. It wasn’t the best book but I after finishing, I thought, “Well, she’s definitely not boring.”
My third book was Heart Throb. ‘nuf said?
I’m looking forward to starting the Trouble Shooter series.
mph
Jul 28, 2008 @ 14:18:12
I’m so so glad you mentioned Matthew Haldeman-Time. I would completely second that recommendation. He cannot write fast enough for me.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 15:24:38
One of the issues I haven’t seen brought up here is the quality of Brockmann’s writing. I’ve read most of what’s been recommended here, both in and out of genre, and the one thing I’d say is that Brockmann’s actual writing is way better than many of the people who write in the same vein. That is, not only does she get her facts right, but her grammar is good, her sentences are complex, she chooses her words carefully…
I like Brockmann’s SEAL books, but there are tons of military romances/romantic suspense novels that I won’t read because despite the fact that they may have interesting plots, they’re just horribly written.
I’ll be the however-many-th person to recommend Crais, though. He’s excellent. And I think Demolition Angel introduced one of the most fabulous heroines ever.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 15:30:59
I mentioned this in another Dear Author thread recently, but I really appreciate that Brockmann starts a couple’s story a book or two before they get their own book; it gives a more realistic timeline for a solid relationship to develop.
Also, I really liked how Brockmann wrote Grady’s/Jones’s reaction to Molly’s backstory; it could have gone in an ugly direction, but it didn’t.
Finally, I haven’t read any of Brockmann’s non-Troubleshooter books, so it looks like I have lots to buy once I’m done with my book diet!
Jul 28, 2008 @ 15:37:31
Alison Kent writes similar action adventure suspense for Kensington Brava with her Smithson Group series. Her heroes are not military but belong to a private firm that makes wrongs right.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 16:47:04
I’m a complete Suzanne Brockmann fangirl too! She may just be my all-time favorite author (especially her TD&D and Troubleshooter books which are my favorites.) I’ve never found anything that QUITE compares to her books but in addition to some of the authors already mentioned, I’ve recently discovered and been enjoying Gennita Low’s books – I think some are SEAL, and others are military.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 17:01:21
I’m going to put Linnea Sinclair in here for a “You Might Like.” Yeah, Linnea writes Science Fiction romance (or romantic suspense/adventure), and she usually writes stand-alones, rather than series books, but her characters are complex, strong (both men and women) and unique. And she writes well too.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 17:55:04
If you are referring to the Warrant Officer mistake, I was actually the one to point that out to her on the blog. I know, cause I was one in my past life. And it was corrected. As for uniform violations, it’s been awhile but I can’t think of any right now.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 17:55:51
I discovered Suz Brockmann by reading an L.A. Times article about countering terrorism. It has been suggested that 9/11 happened due to a failure of imagination, and one idea was to get a bunch of authors and screenwriters together to think up “unimaginable” scenarios (her book “Over the Edge” featured hijackers with knives). I bought that book and “Out of Control”, devoured them both in a weekend, and have been a steady fan ever since. There are subtleties and nuances that are easy to miss the first time you read her books; they always improve on a reread! She hasn’t disappointed me yet!
Jul 28, 2008 @ 18:01:15
Somebody mention Bujold. I love her stuff, but then I am a die hard sci-fi/fantasy girl anyway.
Michael Connelly does a great couple of series’, which will actually collide in his newest one.
WEB Griffin has written numerous books and series, all but one being military. However, they all overlap at some point with characters or storylines. it’s fun to try and see where and when it will happen.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 18:13:46
In the same book, the female Warrant Officer had her long, dark braid going down her back. When she was in a flight suit.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 18:19:11
And, also, if you read the entire series, they took a lot of liberties, because of where they were. Besides, did you ever try and stuff a bunch of hair under one of those totally useless berets? I used to let mine hang down until I had to put a cover on. It was a pain in the butt.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 18:59:15
As a die hard Suz fan, I’m so glad to see people mention other authors for me to try out as well. I can never find enough good books to try out.
I agree with Merline Lovelace as a good recommendation, as well as avoid McKenna. I’ve gotten McKenna from the library, so I didn’t spend any money on them.
Also Bujold all the way.
Jul 28, 2008 @ 19:10:22
I’ve thought Cindy Gerard’s Bodyguard books were fairly similar to Brockmann with a dash of Tara Janzen. The rescue missions in Gerard’s stories make me immediately think of Brockmann.
My favorite Brockmann is Forever Blue, the 2nd in the TTD series, especially the scene where the cop heroine has to pat down the hero for weapons. Both funny and very sexy at the same time. Must re-read.
Suzanne Brockmann’s a Troubleshooter « Books to the Sky
Jul 28, 2008 @ 19:40:58
[...] a new “If you like ____, you’ll like ____” series, and they’re featuring Suzanne Brockmann. The timing is interesting for two reasons: 1) Brockmann has a new book out, 13 in her [...]
Jul 28, 2008 @ 20:02:11
Thank you so much Sarah! I’ve only read The Unsung Hero (at the urging of a friend) but I have the second on my library hold list and after reading your post I’m off to unfreeze it ASAP! The one thing that really stood out for me in The Unsung Hero (apart from all the great points mentioned above :) was that the heroine felt real! Oh, and the French backstory…was I the only one who cried?
orannia
Jul 28, 2008 @ 22:12:44
I recommend Taylor Smith. Mira publishes her work. She does espionage/ mystery/suspense with romantic elements. Her last two books–Slim to None and The Night Cafe–feature Hannah Nicks, a former California sheriff’s officer who now works as a freelance security operative. Smith’s books are more action than romance, but the plots are most topical. The writing is excellent.
Kay
Jul 28, 2008 @ 22:32:15
I 2nd the Cindy Gerard recommendation, especially her The Bodyguards series. My favorite is To The Brink, but I recommend reading it in sequence, starting with To The Edge. Her new series starts in October and I’m very much looking forward to it. :)
Jul 28, 2008 @ 22:35:48
Gail – are you volunteering because I am so taking you up on your offer if you are!
And anyone else (MS Jones for example), if you have a favorite author you’d like to profile, we have this handy dandy template for you!
Jul 29, 2008 @ 06:48:33
Nope, I sure didn’t stuff my hair under my beret. I wrapped/pinned my mid-back length hair in a bun just below the band of my headgear. *g*
Jul 29, 2008 @ 07:43:49
I love Suz Brockmann’s books! I found “The Defiant Hero” first in 2002 and I was hooked, I bought all of the books I could find including her TDD series and a few of her Loveswept ones. I’ve been hooked on the genre ever since. I think Marliss Melton, Cindy Gerard, Tara Janzen, and Roxanne St. Clair, are the closest to Suzanne Brockmann’s style. I especially love Marliss Melton’s books, Don’t Let Go, was amazing… I also really liked Cherry Adair, but I’m not the biggest fan of the paranormal stuff that she has done lately. But Kiss And Tell is one of my favorite books ever.
Jul 29, 2008 @ 09:09:49
ev and Lorelie: short hair is so the way to go. For the berets and for the Kevlar helmets. Short hair and then you don’t have to worry about anything except hat hair. :)
Jul 29, 2008 @ 11:58:13
I fianlly cut my hair before I left- I used to sit on it and now can finger comb it when I get out of the shower. Too many hours on the firing range to make my long hair practical. (I actually used to take my braid and tuck it under my blouse when i was in bdu’s). Drove the Boss nuts. On the other hand being the only woman for years gave me a lot of leeway to getting away with crap. And I did.
Jul 29, 2008 @ 15:41:47
Sarah: I always wanted to cut my hair short. Unfortunately, this conflicted with my desire to not sport a Jew-fro. So long hair it is.
ev: I was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. There’s no leeway there. In fact, I’m pretty sure you can get an Article 15 for even joking about leeway. ;)
Jul 29, 2008 @ 16:03:23
Lorelie, that’s where I am now! Or at least, in Fayetteville. Being in the National Guard, of course, my duty station is in Greensboro, so I have very little to do with Bragg. But you’re right. No leeway whatsoever, especially for women!
Jul 29, 2008 @ 16:22:56
I think what sets Brockmann apart is her mastery of Deep POV. After her, I just can’t stomach any sort of head hopping. Christina Skye also writes SEALs, but the paranormal direction that her series veered off into just doesn’t do it for me. (They’re SEALs, do they really NEED super powers too?). An author with similar complex, multiple POV plots is Susan Wiggs, but the lack of danger/suspense makes them a slightly gentler read. Ditto Anne Tyler–mastery of POV, but no hot sex & no danger. Some of Susan Andersen’s stuff comes close to the energy of Brockmann, but the emotional intensity isn’t quite there. After a Brockmann binge, I usually go historical for a few books to recover–Linda Lael Miller, Sabrina Jeffries, Liz Caryle–POV masters, but also no need to compare them to the high bar set by Brockmann.
Jul 29, 2008 @ 19:30:18
Laughing… so get that!
Thanks for picking another fantastic author to highlight with your new ‘series’! Love Suz’s books! And she is so nice and gracious in person as well. And a huge Buffy fanatic LOL!
Jul 29, 2008 @ 20:37:09
I thought of another one. If you like military romances and are interested in the legal side of the armed forces, you might like Elisabeth Ashtree’s novels. They’re superromances and probably hard to find, but they are really good – especially an officer and a gentleman.
Jul 29, 2008 @ 21:05:28
Hi Sarah,
I love this “If you Like” concept — and great job. Gosh, I’ve been reading Suz since Hero Under Cover — and haven’t missed one yet. Her dialogue is spot on — I’ve been known to laugh out loud, gasp in shock, and or stare in silence, simply from reading her words on the page. Echoing your comment — she is a super cool, genuine and great person. My name is Stephanie — and I’m a Suzaholic.
Thanks again
Stephanie
Jul 29, 2008 @ 22:01:33
Brockmann has 3 pdf booklets (samplers) that have excerpts, short stories, interviews with characters, etc – Reader’s Guide to the Troubleshooters Series (contains excerpt for Into the Storm), Force of Nature (contains ‘Going Deep With Point of View’ from a workshop she gave for writers) and Into the Fire. You can find them at her website. I really recommend these booklets even if you’ve already have all her books (you can’t beat the price, they’re FREE!)
For me, the Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold generates the closest experience to the Trouble Shooters series. To borrow/paraphrase Dr Frantz’s description they are “humorous, dialogue-driven, character-driven, fast-paced, witty, down-right addictive books”. Sometimes described as ‘space opera’, the series follows the adventures of Miles Vorkosigan as he finds his place in the universe. The 11th book, A Civil Campaign (A Comedy of Biology and Manners), is the most romantic of the series and the one in which Miles gets his HEA. (It’s dedicated to ‘Jane, Charlotte, Georgette and Dorothy’, i.e. Austen, Bronte, Heyer and Sayers). At 4’9″, Miles isn’t your typical action hero but he gets the job done.
If you want to check out Bujold’s writing, there are sample chapters available at the Baen ebook site. Gotta love Baen – DRM free ebooks in ALL the formats for a reasonable price.
Jul 29, 2008 @ 22:35:32
Wow! I love this! Suzanne Brockmann is one of my favourite authors. Her books were recommended to me by my bookseller and I bought Unsung Hero on their advice and haven’t looked back. I have all of her books now – I managed to find her TD&D series in book exchanges etc. You are right, there is no-one quite like Suz, but reading her books led me to Roxanne St. Claire (bulletcatchers series and some stand alones), Cindy Gerard (a bit more lightweight but pretty good), Cherry Adair (again, a little lighter on the “realism” but a hoot to read – except for the Edge series – I never understood why you’d have a non-paranormal section of a counterterrorist organisation if you had people who could teleport…), Linda Howard (I thought To Die For and Mr. Perfect were great) and Beverly Barton (I especially like The Fifth Victim (1st in a trilogy) and Karen Rose (I’ve enjoyed all of her books). This eventually led me to JD Robb (I love Eve and Roarke) and Nora Roberts. So, I guess you could say that Suz started my love of romantic suspense – before that I only read historial (regency) romances. Thank you Suz!
This is a great idea – I am often looking for new authors – Dear Author has become one of my “must check every day websites”!
Jul 29, 2008 @ 22:36:14
correction – historical (!)
Jul 30, 2008 @ 06:05:10
I have to ask….
My guard unit was outside of Syracuse. Nobody bothered us- but we are talking 20+ years ago then too. And everyone knew everyone. We got away with a lot back then. Now they don’t, even in the middle of nowhere. On the other hand, I did end up marrying my former commander. Notice I say former.
Jul 30, 2008 @ 09:37:56
Somewhere Sarah, you mention that you are reading and you finish and it is 3:30am…that is me today. I had started the new book Into the Fire last Wed. but a crazy weekend had me just back to it yesterday. At 11pm, I knew I was in until the end and just hoped I could hack it today. At 1:23am I closed the book as I always close her books: Happy for the h/h. Worried about Izzy and Eden. Wondering about Decker. Curious about Dave and Sophia. Etc. etc. etc. This is the truth, an ending in most books makes you sigh and smile. An ending in Suz Brockmann books makes you sigh, smile, laugh, worry, wonder, hope, and think. You also pay close attention to those of our “real heroes” in the real world, and you learn about them more..you know they probably have a story Suz could tell.
Jul 30, 2008 @ 11:48:23
SusanB, I love your description of the end of a Brockmann book–you’re so right. Keeps you thinking until the next one comes out.
I also love how much she surprises you, even on the little stuff. In Heart Throb, one of Kate’s stores burns down and she says something about a firefighter getting smoke inhalation, “but she’ll be fine.” Just throwing in those unexpected gendered pronouns like that is so cool.
Jul 31, 2008 @ 00:15:53
Hi Sarah, On your recommendation I have bought Matthew Hadleman-Time’s book Off the Record. I am really enjoying his turn of phrase. By the way, what does “POD” mean?
Also, I totally agree with MSJones – Izzy is so funny – I really enjoyed his “commentary” for Jenk and Tracy and I loved his own sex scene with Tracy in the pickup!
Jul 31, 2008 @ 08:33:40
Kaetrin, I’m so glad you’re enjoying MHT! That’s wonderful. POD is “Print On Demand,” which means that the book is self-published at a self-publishing site. Lulu.com is about the best POD site out there, because it doesn’t pretend that you’re doing anything else except self-publishing your own book, without benefit of editor or copy-editor or anything. Most POD books, for obvious reasons, therefore suck. But OTR does not and I have to make that clear whenever I recommend it. In fact, OTR is the only POD book I’ve ever bought. Enjoy!
Jul 31, 2008 @ 17:43:57
Thanks Sarah! Who says you don’t learn anything reading romance! LOL!
Aug 09, 2008 @ 18:06:47
I am a huge fan of Suzanne Brookmann’s TS series. I am also from Spain which has done the task of finding each new book a little bit harder. I have just finished the last one of her series “Into the Fire” and I really enjoyed it as I did with all the others. Brookmann is great at developing her characters; all of them feel so real for me as if I could start talking to them any minute … which I confess sometimes I do!
I cannot really choose a favourite book from the TS series. I enjoyed “Into the Storm” so much, though. Izzy´s contribution to that book made it so great! He has a real charming funny-funny humor.
I have read a lot of romance books and I believe Brookmann’s are the best in the military-romance field. However, author Roxanne St. Claire has her Bullet Catchers’ series which are set in a similar environment: Elite security professionals – the alpha men :).
Aug 22, 2008 @ 14:52:35
I have been a Brockmann fan from way back – before her first hardback when she replied to her fan’s emails! I’m a military brat so I appreciate the details when writing military romance. I agree with everything that you said, Sarah, about her writing – fantastic dialogue, in-depth characters, alpha males that are not one dimensional, alpha males that are diverse (not just the tall, dark & handsome types) and great plots and action. For those new to SB – start with Unsung Hero for the newest series – especially to get the full picture behind Sam & Alyssa’s relationship. The others on her backlist you can read in any order.
As for comparable authors – there really isn’t one – but those that others may enjoy are Tara Janzen (her Crazy…books are great – start with Crazy Sweet) – Cherry Adair, Alison Kent, Roxanne St. Clair, Also check out Gennita Low & Beverly Barton.
Sep 16, 2008 @ 15:00:33
I would like for suzanne Brockman to continue the story of Sam and Alyssa. Their story was the greatest love story in the series. I have read their book Gone to Far at least three times. I went back and read each of their encounters to solidify their relationship in their own book. Please don’t leave your writers hanging waiting for more of this vivacious couple.
Sep 16, 2008 @ 15:03:57
Brenda, Suz has said that her next book but one will be a Sam and Alyssa story that’s more explicitly mystery, rather than romance, because, after all, they’ve got their HEA, don’t they! So your wish will be granted within the next 18 months, or there abouts.
Oct 03, 2008 @ 12:43:45
I think Suzanne Brockmann is one of the VERY best authors I have read. I started in the middle of the Troubleshooters series…and quickly found a list IN ORDER of all books she has written and read every one. I can’t get enough. I just started her 3 months ago…and have now read every one of this series…and am up to the new one. I am now going to read the other series Tall Dark and Dangerous. Yousah!!!!!
Nov 04, 2008 @ 16:31:43
I truly believe that Suz is about the best. I have read Lindsay McKenna, but one of her books (where Morgan’s wife and child were grabbed and drugged by baddies) seriously turned me off. I have been jotting down the various recommendations, some of whom I already have read and loved. My personal favorites are strong on characterization, so Suzanne is right in there, as are the Eve Dallas books by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts), Jayne Ann Krentz, Lois McMaster Bujold, Stephanie Laurens, and a new member of my Must Read series, W.E.B. Griffin. If you haven’t tried Griffin, start with his Presidential Agent series, the first being BY ORDER OF THE PRESIDENT. Lots of humor and a great cast of characters, most military.
Racy Romance Reviews » Blog Archive » Review: The Unsung Hero, Suzanne Brockmann
Dec 04, 2008 @ 20:26:19
[...] and being “Relentlessly American” at Teach Me Tonight, inspired by Sarah Frantz’s “If you like Suzanne Brockmann” post at Dear [...]
Dec 19, 2008 @ 22:39:01
Wow,and I thought I was a serious reader. Just found the Dear Author site when I was searching for Brockmann’s release date for the next TS book. I have read most of the TS books at least twice, a few of them I’ve read several times. She developes characters unlike any author I’ve read and she can’t write fast enough for me!! I bought a JR Ward book just because Suz endorsed it and I totally agree with her accessment– Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series is “to die for.” I’d love to know who else she reads.
One last thing I want to say is that I love her stand on gay rights. I love Jules and Robin as much as I love Sam and Alyssa or any of her other couples. As a reader I couldn’t wait to see them together. Her characters are so REAL– and Jules is at the top of my list of favorite personalities. I’ve heard Suz has received hate mail because of her open-minded, beautifully written love story of two men. All I can say is that anyone who has actually read the books and still doesn’t get it– I mean how can you be so ignorant???
Jan 29, 2009 @ 00:12:59
hey, i think this is a great way to get new author suggestions! by the way, if anyone is going to mention jack reacher, (who i love), you must mention gregg rucka. his atticus kodiak series is addictive! also, the best place to find your favorite author’s series in order is fantasticfiction.com. they helped me get all my sb together!
Feb 04, 2009 @ 08:54:22
Suzanne Brockmann is a genius! I started out on the first of the Tall Dark and Dangerous series last week, expecting a light romance, and boy was I surprised. In fact–I was quickly hooked and now I have finished TDD and have just begun the first of the Troubleshooters.
I spent the vast majority of ‘It Came Upon A Midnight Clear’ in tears, because the way she described the tragedy is in many ways simplistic but poignant. And when she finally brought that story arc to completion in the ‘Admiral’s Bride’ I was both surprised and thrilled. I literally danced around my house in celebration.
These books contain a perfect combination of action and romance. She never goes overboard on the angst and she manages to keep a pace that is both realistic and engaging.
I am not a major fan, and this review is spot on with analyzing her writing.
Nov 11, 2009 @ 18:40:52
I really like suzanne brockmann books. I just happen to pick up one of her troubleshooter book wow was i surprise like it , it real life in it .So dont stop how bring us more.Maybe one with a strong female that can do all the thing a seal can .
Nov 16, 2009 @ 17:10:19
I love SZ also. She hooked me with ‘Prince Joe’ and I have been a fan ever since although the last few books have been a bit dissapointing.
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