HOT TARGET

Author: Suzanne Brockmann ISBN: 0345467930 1/2005 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: BALLANTINE BOOKS

Like most men of action, Navy SEAL Chief Cosmo Richter never learned how to take a vacation. So when he finds himself facing a month’s leave, he offers his services to Troubleshooters Incorporated. Founded by a former SEAL, the private-sector security firm is a major player in the ongoing war against terrorism, known for carrying out covert missions too volatile for official U.S. military action. But the first case Richter takes on is anything but under the radar. High-profile maverick movie producer Jane Mercedes Chadwick hasn’t quite completed her newest film, but she’s already courting controversy. The World War II epic frankly portrays the homosexuality of a real-life hero–and the storm of advance media buzz surrounding it has drawn the fury of extremist groups. But despite a relentless campaign of angry E-mails, phone calls, and smear tactics, Chadwick won’t be pressured into abandoning the project. Then the harassment turns to death threats. While the FBI appears on the scene, nervous Hollywood associates call in Troubleshooters, and now Chadwick has an army of round-the-clock bodyguards, whether she likes it or not. And she definitely doesn’t. But her stubbornness doesn’t make FBI agent Jules Cassidy’s job any easier. The fiercely independent filmmaker presents yet another emotional obstacle that Cassidy doesn’t need–he’s already in the midst of a personal tug-of-war with his ex-lover, while fighting a growing attraction to Chadwick’s brother. Determined to succeed–and survive–on her own terms, Chadwick will face off with enemies and allies alike. But she doesn’t count on the bond she forms with the quiet, capable Cosmo Richter. Yet even as their feelings bring them closer, the noose of deadly terror all around them draws tighter. And when all hell erupts, desire and desperate choices will collide on a killing ground that may trap them both in the crossfire.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

As Navy SEAL books go, I usually am not a fan. They all carry a similar plot and theme, and I just don't get into the whole military vibe. (Guess with a war going on I don't like to read about something I am afraid might truly be happening.) Anyway, hurray to Suzanne Brockmann's HOT TARGET, for bringing something new to the table and serving it up nice and spicy. I will take another helping of that conflicted homosexual romance for my side dish, please.

Having never read anything remotely close to the inside world of homosexual or bisexual romance—sure, it's been alluded to, but certainly not fully addressed—I find myself strangely more attracted to that part of HOT TARGET than the supposed front burner romance. Sure, the Navy SEAL part-time bodyguard Cosmo and his client lover, J. Mercedes Chadwick, that frontline couple I previously mentioned, are great together and their dialogue is spectacular. Actually, their banter is so good that it sparkles, really. But I digress, since the real story, in my humble opinion, is what is happening with Jane's brother Robin, and his denial of his gay status.

It is truly heartbreaking to witness what Robin does to himself, and to others, in order to ignore what he truly is missing in life. I warn you though, what happens with him and what he does to someone that could truly be perfect for him, may make you wish he was real so you could beat the crap out of him. The way his story wraps up is disappointing to me, too. I am a lover of "escape from the real world" stories and their cliched, but normally happy endings. Guess you can't always get what you want.

The good thing is, Brockmann delivers a complete knockout story involving many facets and lots of different people. It's not about being gay, straight, or undecided. It is not really about romance at all. It's about a small group of people feeling and experiencing different things due to the making of a controversial movie some people don't want made. Oh, and the dialogue is absolutely tremendous in this unique SEAL book, that leaves you wanting more.

Shannon Johnson