Breaking Point

By Lindsay McKenna

In the line of fire...

Operation Shadow Warriors. An ongoing U.S. military experiment to test the integration of trained female military operatives in live combat scenarios...

The Alpha Platoon. A unit of Navy SEALs stationed in the unforgiving dryness of Afghanistan... who just learned that their newest team member is a woman. But Bay Thorn has a spine of steel – and the chops to prove it. Without a team to back her up, however, she's dead in the water. And her only ally is Gabe Griffin, a lone SEAL who is lethal, dangerous, and unbearably attractive...

Between the open hostility from her team and the harsh Al Qaeda territory, Gabe is a lifeline for Bay. But mutual respect quickly grows into mutual attraction. And with each day and every assignment, the longing only deepens.

They mustn't speak of it. Mustn't act on it. Because in this line of work, falling in love can get you killed...

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
• Release date: May 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781488708008

Lindsay McKenna

A U.S. Navy veteran, she pioneered the military romance in 1993 with Captive of Fate, Silhouette Special edition. In 1989, she pioneered the 3-book series coming out monthly with the Love & Glory series. Her heart is on honoring our military men and women. Creator of the Wyoming Series and Shadow Warriors series for HQN, she writes emotionally intense love and suspense stories. Visit her online at www.LindsayMcKenna.com.

Reviews for Breaking Point

[conkie_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I admit, I am enjoying the slew of military romances hitting the market. It's a fascinating life choice; one very different from my own. Ms. McKenna's descriptions of military work seemed to put me there in the scene, hearing and seeing what her characters were experiencing. Her own military experience is the obvious reason for this; but she's also a good writer. Without her writing skill, the book would not flow as well as it does.I have read several authors' military series; Suzanne Brockmann, M.L. Buchman, Cindy Gerard... but McKenna distinguished herself from them for me, by addressing sex between teammates while on deployment, as a possible safety hindrance to all the teammates. Her approach was unique from the other writers; and I have to admit to appreciating that.The H/H in this story are two mature individuals.

[scoutmomskf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it. Another terrific entry into the series about women moving into combat roles. Bay has been part of the Shadow Warriors for several years. She is a highly trained combat medic and has previously served with another special forces unit. Now she's been assigned to a platoon of SEALs and she has to prove herself all over again. Bay's introduction to the team is pretty rough. There are several of the guys who are outright hostile, but one of them speaks up for her. He's assigned as her mentor, to show her the way they do things. I really enjoyed Bay's introduction and first few days with the team. She knew she'd be facing opposition and tried not to let it get her down. She was confident in her abilities, as long as they would give her a chance. It was fun to see the way that she demonstrated those abilities. I really loved the shooting competition and the way that Gabe showed such confidence in her. I liked the way that bits of her background were shown and how they had such a big part in what she could do. Gabe's support means a lot to her. She has a great deal of respect and admiration for his abilities and knowing that he has confidence in her helps keep her going. What she doesn't expect to happen is the attraction she feels for him. Bay was engaged to another medic, who died in action in Iraq. She swore she wouldn't get involved with another military man, but her heart wasn't listening to her head.Gabe had been impressed with Bay from the minute he met her. She had a strength of will he didn't see often in men, much less in women. He's assigned as her mentor/partner and it doesn't take him long to realize that she will be an asset to the team, once the other guys see that she can hold her own. Besides her military skills he is also drawn to the softer side of her. Seeing her use her medical skills on the locals emphasizes her nurturing personality and Gabe finds his attraction to her growing. Gabe had been married before to a woman who couldn't handle his job, and being around Bay shows him what he could have with a woman like her. Both of them know that a relationship between them is impossible under the current conditions. They work very hard at keeping their emotions in check, and are mostly successful. I liked the way that their relationship developed slowly, with them getting to know each other without physical intimacy getting in the way. It also showed the respect that they had for each other. I enjoyed seeing them get together at the end, and especially liked Gabe's sensitivity to Bay's need to adjust to noncombat conditions. It helped that he goes through the same things himself. I really liked the realistic look at what their next year would be like, with him doing training and her deploying again.There were a few things I didn't like as much about this book. I really expected there to be more of a struggle for Bay with becoming part of the team. There wasn't much interaction between her and the other guys, except for the cookie incident. That really made it seem like she ended all the hostility with a few cookies and I would have liked to see more. I loved Bay's strength of will and abilities, but I don't recall her ever showing any truly negative emotions. No gripes about the sand, frustration over the guys' attitudes, not even over not being able to haul off and kiss Gabe now and then. Nobody can be that upbeat all the time, especially under those conditions. And for some reason, even the two major missions didn't seem as intense as they've been in previous books. These things weren't major drawbacks, but they weren't quite what I usually expect. Won't stop me from reading the next one.

[rhonda1111 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4 STARSBreaking Point seems like it has it all. Interesting characters, drama, romance. action, honor and heartbreaking situations.It is non stopping action, drama I did not want to put the book down till I had finished.The setting is in Afghan. Bay Thorn has been assigned atop secret mission. She is joining a Navy Seal team as a medic. Bay cares about people. She is brave, talented, smart. She speaks their language, and on top of it she is a sharp shooter.Gabe Griffin is set to teach her the Navy Seals training that she will need on missions with his team.Their are Seals who do not welcome Bay into their group. They do not think a woman can belong to their group and keep up that she will costs lives. Hammer is the biggest person outspoken against her. On first day Hammer and Bay get into a sniper rifle competition. She borrows Gabe's rifle. She has never used the military sharpshooter rifle. Bay did tell them she shot long distances to get meet for her family.Bay proved that she could shoot and belong to their group.The book got a little about how tough war is on everybody. How little the people of Afghan have compared to what we take for granted here in the states.(I personally live below the poor line in our country. Compared to them I am so rich. With warm house, groceries & clothes a plenty. Hey my outhouse is nailed shut.)It also makes me want to sent a package of cookies to someone who does not receive any from home. Thank you for keeping our Country safe and trying to make a better world.There is no boring parts to this story. I cared about Bay and was heart broken with her when some of her patients don't make it.I like reading Lindsay McKenna's novels. They entertain, educate and leave us thankful for what we have.I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by Netgalley and Harlequin.

[deserie4comfort · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

5 Stars!Contemporary Military RomanceMay 1, 2014ABOUT THE BOOK: In the line of fire...Operation Shadow Warriors. An ongoing U.S. military experiment to test the integration of trained female military operatives in live combat scenarios...The Alpha Platoon. A unit of Navy SEALs stationed in the unforgiving dryness of Afghanistan... who just learned that their newest team member is a woman. But Bay Thorn has a spine of steel — and the chops to prove it. Without a team to back her up, however, she’s dead in the water. And her only ally is Gabe Griffin, a lone SEAL who is lethal, dangerous, and unbearably attractive...Between the open hostility from her team and the harsh Al Qaeda territory, Gabe is a lifeline for Bay. But mutual respect quickly grows into mutual attraction. And with each day and every assignment, the longing only deepens.They mustn’t speak of it. Mustn’t act on it. Because in this line of work, falling in love can get you killed...MY REVIEW: Since the change in policy with women in combat, I’ve wondered when I’d come across the first book that showed it. I gotta say, it was worth the wait! This read was highly engaging, nail-biting, hot, and at times, funny as hell. It was five stars all around, and one I wanted to read again immediately.So you have this bunch of hardened warriors and introduce a female to the mix, a female to what is considered a man’s world, and all hell breaks loose right? Exactly. It was nice to watch how Bay managed to win the hearts over with these man, but secure the one of Gabe, who’s supposed to be her superior. What a tough situation she had to hold on to, not to mention they couldn’t really fraternize. Gabe tries to fight his feelings and attraction—of course—but he’s no match for Bay, nor is she for him. The ending left a lot open, but one thing is for sure, these two are getting their HFN (Happy For Now) and I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for them with the next release.If you want a book that gives insight into the true military world, and puts a fantastic twist on it, one where you’ll laugh and want to cry, need a cold shower, and a snuggle, then pick this up now!