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The Night Stalkers #2
I Own the Dawn
Name: Archibald Jeffrey Stevenson III
Rank: First Lieutenant, Dap Hawk Copilot
Mission: Strategy and execution of special ops maneuvers
Name: Kee Smith
Rank: Sergeant, Night Stalker Gunner and Sharpshooter
Mission: Whatever it takes to get the job done
You Wouldn't Think It Could Get Worse, Until It Does...
When a special mission slowly unravels, it is up to Kee and Archie to get their team out of an impossible situation with international implications. With her weaponry knowledge and his strategic thinking, plus the explosive attraction that puts them into exact synchrony, together they might just have a fighting chance.
Rank: First Lieutenant, Dap Hawk Copilot
Mission: Strategy and execution of special ops maneuvers
Name: Kee Smith
Rank: Sergeant, Night Stalker Gunner and Sharpshooter
Mission: Whatever it takes to get the job done
You Wouldn't Think It Could Get Worse, Until It Does...
When a special mission slowly unravels, it is up to Kee and Archie to get their team out of an impossible situation with international implications. With her weaponry knowledge and his strategic thinking, plus the explosive attraction that puts them into exact synchrony, together they might just have a fighting chance.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
88 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Buchman
311Ìýbooks607ÌýfollowersUSA Today and Amazon #1 Bestseller M. L. “Mattâ€� Buchman started writing on a flight south from Japan to ride his bicycle across the Australian Outback. Just part of a solo around-the-world trip that ultimately launched his writing career.
From the very beginning, his powerful female heroines insisted on putting character first, then a great adventure. He’s since written over 60 action-adventure thrillers and military romantic suspense novels. And just for the fun of it: 100 short stories, and a fast-growing pile of read-by-author audiobooks.
Booklist says: 3x “Top 10 of the Year.� PW says: “Tom Clancy fans open to a strong female lead will clamor for more.� His fans say: “I want more now…of everything.� That his characters are even more insistent than his fans is a hoot.
As a 30-year project manager with a geophysics degree who has designed and built houses, flown and jumped out of planes, and solo-sailed a 50� ketch, he is awed by what is possible. More at: .
From the very beginning, his powerful female heroines insisted on putting character first, then a great adventure. He’s since written over 60 action-adventure thrillers and military romantic suspense novels. And just for the fun of it: 100 short stories, and a fast-growing pile of read-by-author audiobooks.
Booklist says: 3x “Top 10 of the Year.� PW says: “Tom Clancy fans open to a strong female lead will clamor for more.� His fans say: “I want more now…of everything.� That his characters are even more insistent than his fans is a hoot.
As a 30-year project manager with a geophysics degree who has designed and built houses, flown and jumped out of planes, and solo-sailed a 50� ketch, he is awed by what is possible. More at: .
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September 6, 2015
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SummaryÌý
Archie Stevenson and Kee Smith end up working together. Kee Smith is the latest member of the SOAR, and a woman to boot. She is fiery and passionate and gets the job done. Ever since she joined the military, she has hard to prove what she can do and that she can match the best of the best. Now she has finally made it, but the fight doesn't end here...it is just beginning for Kee. Her first impressions aren't the greatest until she meets Archie. Archie is one of the best in strategy maneuvers but when it comes to women he is at a complete loss. He doesn't know the game of flirting until he meets sexy Kee Smith who makes his head spin. They are drawn together in a mission, where they save a little girl, who is starved and an orphan having seen her parents killed right in front of her eyes. She clings to both Archie and Kee in different ways and seeks to do a little matchmaking. Archie and Kee begin to warm up to each other and begin to form a strong attachment to one another. But there is a dangerous mission ahead of them, a mission that will put hundreds of families lives on the line, where tough decisions will have to be made...
The HeroÌý
Archibald Jeffery Stevenson is a first lieutenant, a co-pilot and has a cunning mind for ops. He can determine certain scenarios that are lost on others. He has worked side by side with Emily Beale and is proud of it. Archie has one failing, he can't seem to stop being nervous around women, especially stunning women like Keiko Smith. Archie is shy, but he starts to become bolder when it comes to Kee. He recognizes a passion and a thirst for action just like he has, but also a person who dreams. He understands the implications of them being together, but he also can't deny that when they are together they are explosive. What I loved most about Archie was how real he was. He isn't one of those alpha's that know their way around women. Archie is totally opposite but once he is at ease with someone...watch out or you could get burned. He tends to get nervous at first with Kee, blush ( and boy is that sexy) and stutter sometimes. I fell hard for his character, because of how sincere he was through the whole story. He didn't hide who he was, he faced everything head on and I admired that honesty about his character.
The HeroineÌý
Kee Smith was practically forced into the army when she barely eighteen but she has never regretted that decision. She grew up on the streets and had to learn how to be tough at a very early age. She never knew her father, and her mother was a prostitute. But when Kee makes a certain decision, the judge gives her a choice. Jail or the military? So Kee joined the service and put everything she had into it. She proved herself at military school, she became one of the best of her class, and now just earned a spot on SOAR. An elite pilot group, who have to train just as hard as special forces do. She knows how to handle herself in any situation except when it comes to opening up on an emotional level. She has had to hide part of herself for a long time until she meets Archie and is blown away by his affection and love he has for her. What a strong heroine Kee Smith is. I really liked her quite a bit. She is definitely bad ass, and when on a mission don't let anything or anyone stand in her way. But we see her growth when she falls hard for Archie and the little girl Dilyanna. It was very interesting seeing the contrast in her character, her fighting spirit, and courage.
Plot and Story LineÌý
What a story!!! Whew, I was completely blown away by this book. The action, the love story, the drama--everything I was expecting and more. I really fell for Archie's character in the first book, and I was so glad to read his story. This is one of those pairings that are complete opposites when it comes to their past, but they make a relationship work and bring balance to their crazy lifestyle including a little girl that won my heart. She is a bit of a scamp and a wily matchmaker. She wants a family again, and from the beginning she senses that Archie and Kee could be that family. This part of the story, with this orphan, who had watched her parents, who had loved her and loved each other be slaughtered, she needs to feel safe again. And boy do Kee and Archie do that for this little girl. We see how Dilyanna is the key to making Archie and Kee see what they have together is real and unique and give them a fighting chance. They have some difficult hurdles and have to learn to trust each other, but once they come together it is magnificent. I love the way this author weaves this story in a way that leaves the reader on edge but always give that emotional feedback. I can't wait to see which member of SOAR is next up!!
The CoverÌý
I love the dangerous feel to it, with the desert and the helicopter, but also has a sensual feel to it as well.
Overall ViewÌý
I Own The Dawn is a fast paced adventure, with a perfect blend of romance and suspense that is balanced in such a way it captures your heart and takes your breath away!
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
SummaryÌý
Archie Stevenson and Kee Smith end up working together. Kee Smith is the latest member of the SOAR, and a woman to boot. She is fiery and passionate and gets the job done. Ever since she joined the military, she has hard to prove what she can do and that she can match the best of the best. Now she has finally made it, but the fight doesn't end here...it is just beginning for Kee. Her first impressions aren't the greatest until she meets Archie. Archie is one of the best in strategy maneuvers but when it comes to women he is at a complete loss. He doesn't know the game of flirting until he meets sexy Kee Smith who makes his head spin. They are drawn together in a mission, where they save a little girl, who is starved and an orphan having seen her parents killed right in front of her eyes. She clings to both Archie and Kee in different ways and seeks to do a little matchmaking. Archie and Kee begin to warm up to each other and begin to form a strong attachment to one another. But there is a dangerous mission ahead of them, a mission that will put hundreds of families lives on the line, where tough decisions will have to be made...
The HeroÌý
Archibald Jeffery Stevenson is a first lieutenant, a co-pilot and has a cunning mind for ops. He can determine certain scenarios that are lost on others. He has worked side by side with Emily Beale and is proud of it. Archie has one failing, he can't seem to stop being nervous around women, especially stunning women like Keiko Smith. Archie is shy, but he starts to become bolder when it comes to Kee. He recognizes a passion and a thirst for action just like he has, but also a person who dreams. He understands the implications of them being together, but he also can't deny that when they are together they are explosive. What I loved most about Archie was how real he was. He isn't one of those alpha's that know their way around women. Archie is totally opposite but once he is at ease with someone...watch out or you could get burned. He tends to get nervous at first with Kee, blush ( and boy is that sexy) and stutter sometimes. I fell hard for his character, because of how sincere he was through the whole story. He didn't hide who he was, he faced everything head on and I admired that honesty about his character.
The HeroineÌý
Kee Smith was practically forced into the army when she barely eighteen but she has never regretted that decision. She grew up on the streets and had to learn how to be tough at a very early age. She never knew her father, and her mother was a prostitute. But when Kee makes a certain decision, the judge gives her a choice. Jail or the military? So Kee joined the service and put everything she had into it. She proved herself at military school, she became one of the best of her class, and now just earned a spot on SOAR. An elite pilot group, who have to train just as hard as special forces do. She knows how to handle herself in any situation except when it comes to opening up on an emotional level. She has had to hide part of herself for a long time until she meets Archie and is blown away by his affection and love he has for her. What a strong heroine Kee Smith is. I really liked her quite a bit. She is definitely bad ass, and when on a mission don't let anything or anyone stand in her way. But we see her growth when she falls hard for Archie and the little girl Dilyanna. It was very interesting seeing the contrast in her character, her fighting spirit, and courage.
Plot and Story LineÌý
What a story!!! Whew, I was completely blown away by this book. The action, the love story, the drama--everything I was expecting and more. I really fell for Archie's character in the first book, and I was so glad to read his story. This is one of those pairings that are complete opposites when it comes to their past, but they make a relationship work and bring balance to their crazy lifestyle including a little girl that won my heart. She is a bit of a scamp and a wily matchmaker. She wants a family again, and from the beginning she senses that Archie and Kee could be that family. This part of the story, with this orphan, who had watched her parents, who had loved her and loved each other be slaughtered, she needs to feel safe again. And boy do Kee and Archie do that for this little girl. We see how Dilyanna is the key to making Archie and Kee see what they have together is real and unique and give them a fighting chance. They have some difficult hurdles and have to learn to trust each other, but once they come together it is magnificent. I love the way this author weaves this story in a way that leaves the reader on edge but always give that emotional feedback. I can't wait to see which member of SOAR is next up!!
The CoverÌý
I love the dangerous feel to it, with the desert and the helicopter, but also has a sensual feel to it as well.
Overall ViewÌý
I Own The Dawn is a fast paced adventure, with a perfect blend of romance and suspense that is balanced in such a way it captures your heart and takes your breath away!
Ìý
Ìý
December 15, 2021
12/15/2021 - Note: While each book stands on its own and covers a couple’s story completely - these are best read in order. Starting with The Night is Mine.
Kee Smith hits the ground running as the second woman ever to make SOAR. She also does it with a huge chip on her shoulder and after surviving a tough upbringing. Archie is out of his element with her. I loved these two coming together - learning how to communicate. I also like that there’s simultaneously a change/maturity/evolution for Kee, yet she’s still a strong competent operator. Letting down her walls with Archie doesn’t make her a weakened mess. There’s an added twist of rescuing an orphan who completes their unconventional family. Dilya’s experiences are the catalyst for a suspenseful Op.
Again, Buchman writes with a lot of technical details and as much suspense/action/thriller as romance which makes for really great pacing. He doesn’t skimp on the sexy scenes though. Lots to enjoy here. I’ve read this series multiple times and enjoy it each time through.
12/14/2021 - I read this whole series via my library about 5 years ago (loved them all). The rights to the books have been reverted to Buchman and he’s done revisions, edits, proofs, new covers, etc and they’re being rereleased over the next few months. Today is release day for I Own the Dawn.
I’m so excited to get to own them. 🥳
Kee Smith hits the ground running as the second woman ever to make SOAR. She also does it with a huge chip on her shoulder and after surviving a tough upbringing. Archie is out of his element with her. I loved these two coming together - learning how to communicate. I also like that there’s simultaneously a change/maturity/evolution for Kee, yet she’s still a strong competent operator. Letting down her walls with Archie doesn’t make her a weakened mess. There’s an added twist of rescuing an orphan who completes their unconventional family. Dilya’s experiences are the catalyst for a suspenseful Op.
Again, Buchman writes with a lot of technical details and as much suspense/action/thriller as romance which makes for really great pacing. He doesn’t skimp on the sexy scenes though. Lots to enjoy here. I’ve read this series multiple times and enjoy it each time through.
12/14/2021 - I read this whole series via my library about 5 years ago (loved them all). The rights to the books have been reverted to Buchman and he’s done revisions, edits, proofs, new covers, etc and they’re being rereleased over the next few months. Today is release day for I Own the Dawn.
I’m so excited to get to own them. 🥳
June 21, 2012
Not too long ago I reviewed ML Buchman’s THE NIGHT IS MINE, the first book in a four-book series (because there’re four seats on a Black Hawk helicopter) featuring “women pilots who fly for the immensely secretive, real-life U.S. Army SOAR.� I loved it and eagerly anticipated book two in the series.
Book two, I OWN THE DAWN, revisits the sunbaked, forward SOAR operations in Pakistan and doesn’t disappoint. I may actually like it even better than book one. Sergeant Kee Smith is an immensely flawed and very human character. A volatile firecracker always on the verge of explosion, she is wonderfully offset by cool and collected First Lieutenant Archie Jeffrey Stevenson who can’t believe his luck when Kee strolls into camp.
At first, their relationship is a turbulent, hot, hotter mess, but they navigate it like they navigated everything else in their lives: with 100% “Night Stalkers Never Quit� commitment.
I love Buchman’s warrior women. He has an undeniable way with them; they’re tough, capable, oh so deadly, and yet completely female (not feminine so much). His men are often exasperated by their chosen mates, a very endearing trait that robs them of none of their masculinity.
Fair warning: I OWN THE DAWN is a military romance set in the world of a forward deployed group of elite fighters, but there’s nothing romantic about the setting of war. People die. Lives are in constant danger. Love is a luxury. I loved all the technical, military details that dealt with SOAR, the helicopters and Kee’s job as a gunner, but if you’re not a closeted military enthusiast, the technical aspects of the novel could become a tad bit overbearing.
If you enjoyed book one, you’ll love book two. If you’re hesitant to jump into a new series, don’t worry about needing to know previous events; I OWN THE DAWN can be thoroughly enjoyed as a stand-alone.
Book two, I OWN THE DAWN, revisits the sunbaked, forward SOAR operations in Pakistan and doesn’t disappoint. I may actually like it even better than book one. Sergeant Kee Smith is an immensely flawed and very human character. A volatile firecracker always on the verge of explosion, she is wonderfully offset by cool and collected First Lieutenant Archie Jeffrey Stevenson who can’t believe his luck when Kee strolls into camp.
At first, their relationship is a turbulent, hot, hotter mess, but they navigate it like they navigated everything else in their lives: with 100% “Night Stalkers Never Quit� commitment.
I love Buchman’s warrior women. He has an undeniable way with them; they’re tough, capable, oh so deadly, and yet completely female (not feminine so much). His men are often exasperated by their chosen mates, a very endearing trait that robs them of none of their masculinity.
Fair warning: I OWN THE DAWN is a military romance set in the world of a forward deployed group of elite fighters, but there’s nothing romantic about the setting of war. People die. Lives are in constant danger. Love is a luxury. I loved all the technical, military details that dealt with SOAR, the helicopters and Kee’s job as a gunner, but if you’re not a closeted military enthusiast, the technical aspects of the novel could become a tad bit overbearing.
If you enjoyed book one, you’ll love book two. If you’re hesitant to jump into a new series, don’t worry about needing to know previous events; I OWN THE DAWN can be thoroughly enjoyed as a stand-alone.
May 28, 2013
Really Liking this Series
After years of intense work and training, viciously struggling for every hard-earned inch of achievement, Sergeant Kee Smith has finally made it. Using everything from the grim lessons she learned as a kid on the streets to the impact her luscious warrior-woman body has on a man, she has clawed and wrestled and fought for every last bit of progress in her military career, all to get her to one place: SOAR.
The Army's Special Operations Aviation Regiment is the best of the best in the sky, and Kee is driven to not only be the second woman ever to make it into SOAR, but to excel in the deadliest piece of military hardware ever flown, a Direct Action Penetrator (DAP) Black Hawk helicopter.
She's finally made it. She's in SOAR and she's got her DAP Hawk. Okay, she's a little disappointed at the lack of excellence in her team. Sure, she respects team member Lieutenant Archibald Jeffery Stevenson III. Despite the pretentious name, he's a hell of an Army pilot. The fact that he's also a long drink of water who makes her hormones sit up and take notice ain't too shabby either.
The rest of them are just going to have to eat her dust as she shows them what a real female warrior can do in a helicopter.
Problem is, when you're on the front line in a hot zone, missions have a habit of not going according to plan. Kee is in a deadly position in a dangerous world, and simple survival is often dependent on your team. Kee needs to be more than just a hell of a gunner or the best woman in SOAR. She's going to need Archie...and a pretty big attitude adjustment...just to get out alive.
~*~
Two books into this series and I'm still surprised and impressed by Buchman's world of brave, loyal military heroes. I'm so glad I didn't let my prejudices about male romance authors and my ambivalence for military-themed romance hold me back from this series. I would have missed out on great characters and thrilling stories.
The beginning of this book worried me, though. I loathed Kee. Frankly, I would've been thrilled if Emily had parked a DAP Hawk on her head. She was an abrasive, obnoxious, ignorant, disrespectful bitch in need of a swift kick in the ass. Every time she referred to Emily as Major Hoity Toity, or dared to be dismissive of the elite force she was fighting beside, I wanted to drop her into a vat of boiling oil.
Of course, one of the reasons she offended me so much was because she mocked the heroes Buchman introduced in the first book, heroes I love as much as I loved their story. Seems to me, hating Kee for that is more a credit to the job Buchman did bringing those characters to life than a condemnation of Kee's character.
Well...okay, it can be both.
Kee is deeply wounded and insecure despite her achievements, and she wears Bitch like a flak jacket to hide those insecurities. She has some serious self respect issues and gets defensive with anyone who has had an easier life than she has - and in her mind, that's just about everyone. The chip on her shoulder is an RPG. On the flip side, she is also intensely honorable and a real straight shooter, even at her own expense. By the end, thankfully, and with a lot of help from Archie, I liked her.
Archie was not what I normally prefer for my romance heroes. Alpha male he definitely is not. Intelligent, awkward with women, polite and moneyed, he's more genteel gentleman than kick-ass warrior. A romantic suspense anomaly. While I can't say he hit the same Happy Reader buttons that Major Mark "Viper" Henderson did in the first book, I will say that I completely appreciated him as a change of pace in the genre, and liked him very much as a character.
I liked Kee and Archie as a couple very much, too.
The plot was lighter on suspense than the first book. That wasn't as appealing to me, but I can't argue that Buchman writes a hell of a tale. The suspense inherent in wartime operations is what drives those elements of the plot and Buchman does it extremely well. He imbues every scene with an air of authenticity and realism that is, at times, truly terrifying. It was much more believable as a story than the plotline of the previous book, if perhaps not quite as entertaining on a personal level.
I've become quite a fan of this series and the characters in it. Every element is just damn good. Even those things that annoy or frustrate me, or characters who really rub me raw, work well within the framework of the story and the world of the series. Things like the extensive military jargon, which is often hard for me to follow, lends itself to the feeling of authenticity. And Kee, who infuriated and offended me at every turn in the beginning, was still someone very easy to imagine in the real world. That's adroit storytelling, and it provided a well-balanced, solid, entertaining read. I'm very much looking forward to the next in the series.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Sourcebooks Casablanca publisher Sourcebooks via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for .
After years of intense work and training, viciously struggling for every hard-earned inch of achievement, Sergeant Kee Smith has finally made it. Using everything from the grim lessons she learned as a kid on the streets to the impact her luscious warrior-woman body has on a man, she has clawed and wrestled and fought for every last bit of progress in her military career, all to get her to one place: SOAR.
The Army's Special Operations Aviation Regiment is the best of the best in the sky, and Kee is driven to not only be the second woman ever to make it into SOAR, but to excel in the deadliest piece of military hardware ever flown, a Direct Action Penetrator (DAP) Black Hawk helicopter.
She's finally made it. She's in SOAR and she's got her DAP Hawk. Okay, she's a little disappointed at the lack of excellence in her team. Sure, she respects team member Lieutenant Archibald Jeffery Stevenson III. Despite the pretentious name, he's a hell of an Army pilot. The fact that he's also a long drink of water who makes her hormones sit up and take notice ain't too shabby either.
The rest of them are just going to have to eat her dust as she shows them what a real female warrior can do in a helicopter.
Problem is, when you're on the front line in a hot zone, missions have a habit of not going according to plan. Kee is in a deadly position in a dangerous world, and simple survival is often dependent on your team. Kee needs to be more than just a hell of a gunner or the best woman in SOAR. She's going to need Archie...and a pretty big attitude adjustment...just to get out alive.
~*~
Two books into this series and I'm still surprised and impressed by Buchman's world of brave, loyal military heroes. I'm so glad I didn't let my prejudices about male romance authors and my ambivalence for military-themed romance hold me back from this series. I would have missed out on great characters and thrilling stories.
The beginning of this book worried me, though. I loathed Kee. Frankly, I would've been thrilled if Emily had parked a DAP Hawk on her head. She was an abrasive, obnoxious, ignorant, disrespectful bitch in need of a swift kick in the ass. Every time she referred to Emily as Major Hoity Toity, or dared to be dismissive of the elite force she was fighting beside, I wanted to drop her into a vat of boiling oil.
Of course, one of the reasons she offended me so much was because she mocked the heroes Buchman introduced in the first book, heroes I love as much as I loved their story. Seems to me, hating Kee for that is more a credit to the job Buchman did bringing those characters to life than a condemnation of Kee's character.
Well...okay, it can be both.
Kee is deeply wounded and insecure despite her achievements, and she wears Bitch like a flak jacket to hide those insecurities. She has some serious self respect issues and gets defensive with anyone who has had an easier life than she has - and in her mind, that's just about everyone. The chip on her shoulder is an RPG. On the flip side, she is also intensely honorable and a real straight shooter, even at her own expense. By the end, thankfully, and with a lot of help from Archie, I liked her.
Archie was not what I normally prefer for my romance heroes. Alpha male he definitely is not. Intelligent, awkward with women, polite and moneyed, he's more genteel gentleman than kick-ass warrior. A romantic suspense anomaly. While I can't say he hit the same Happy Reader buttons that Major Mark "Viper" Henderson did in the first book, I will say that I completely appreciated him as a change of pace in the genre, and liked him very much as a character.
I liked Kee and Archie as a couple very much, too.
The plot was lighter on suspense than the first book. That wasn't as appealing to me, but I can't argue that Buchman writes a hell of a tale. The suspense inherent in wartime operations is what drives those elements of the plot and Buchman does it extremely well. He imbues every scene with an air of authenticity and realism that is, at times, truly terrifying. It was much more believable as a story than the plotline of the previous book, if perhaps not quite as entertaining on a personal level.
I've become quite a fan of this series and the characters in it. Every element is just damn good. Even those things that annoy or frustrate me, or characters who really rub me raw, work well within the framework of the story and the world of the series. Things like the extensive military jargon, which is often hard for me to follow, lends itself to the feeling of authenticity. And Kee, who infuriated and offended me at every turn in the beginning, was still someone very easy to imagine in the real world. That's adroit storytelling, and it provided a well-balanced, solid, entertaining read. I'm very much looking forward to the next in the series.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Sourcebooks Casablanca publisher Sourcebooks via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for .
August 3, 2012
Book one (Emily Beale's story).
Book two. Can be read as a stand alone.
Amazing story! Highly entertaining and very well written. I literally didn't want to put it down. The author put me on the Black Hawk team and I was there for each battle--military and personal between Kee and Archie. This one goes on my keeper shelf.
Competition to get into the elite military forces is brutal and only the best make it. It takes a great deal of discipline and drive to make it through the training and several more years after basic to reach full-fledged team member.
Matt writes about one of those elite forces and the men and women who have made the cut. In this case it’s SOAR, which is an acronym (the military is very fond of them), which stands for Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). This story gives you a fictionalized but realistic view of the dangers the Night Stalkers face on a given night. These SOAR crews are attack, assault, and reconnaissance units. They fly modified lighter fighter helicopters—highly maneuverable—at high speed and low altitudes. They fly (mostly) at night and come in at dawn (hence the title). They’re headquartered out of Fort Campbell, KY. Its motto: “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.�
I digress; Sgt. Kee Smith is a highly trained warrior and sniper. Kee made the cut. She’s single-minded and ambitious. She’s also prickly, hot-tempered but not undisciplined, and a bit arrogant but it covers a loving heart (which she does her best to hide even from herself). She’s not overly impressed with officers—but then many enlisted aren’t—and in particular, her commanding officer, Major Emily Beale. That changes as Emily proves she’s more than a smart pretty face. The army has given Kee an honorable path to follow after a horrendous life on the streets where life expectancy is 18 if you’re lucky. She’s remade herself. She lives the motto of SOAR, Don’t Quit.
First Lieutenant Archie Stevenson is her direct opposite. He’s calm, measured, brilliant strategist, and earned his way to his position. He comes from a family of privilege. Highly skilled warrior and a bit shy around women he’s attracted to. And he’s attracted to Kee, big time. As we all do, he has his issues in his past he must come to terms with. He’s funny, seems laid back (notice I said seems) and very likeable. Add to all that, he’s an officer and he’s attracted to an enlisted female soldier—a big no-no in the military. It’s a great way to crash and burn your career. But again, these two live, personally and professionally, the motto, Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.
Matt writes a superb romance. This is not a mushy romance, but it is definitely a romance and has some seriously hot moments. It is a military romance and set during war—which isn’t at all beautiful. It goes to show, love finds you in all kinds of places, even wartime. It has a smooth flow, lots of kick ass action; great build up of tension that keeps you turning the pages. It has some dark moments and laugh out loud moments. I love the characters, Big John has special place in my heart. I’ve met more than a few like him.
Dilya a rescued orphan child and becomes a pet of Kee’s unit and goes a long way in opening the locked doors of Kee’s heart. Dilya also shows the softer side of the other characters.
The ending (made even better by the well crafted black moment) is one that makes you sigh because the two overcome so much to get their happy, at this moment in time, ending.
I would highly recommend this book both for romance and action. An all around great story!
I will be reading whatever else I see M.L. Buchman name on!
Book two. Can be read as a stand alone.
Amazing story! Highly entertaining and very well written. I literally didn't want to put it down. The author put me on the Black Hawk team and I was there for each battle--military and personal between Kee and Archie. This one goes on my keeper shelf.
Competition to get into the elite military forces is brutal and only the best make it. It takes a great deal of discipline and drive to make it through the training and several more years after basic to reach full-fledged team member.
Matt writes about one of those elite forces and the men and women who have made the cut. In this case it’s SOAR, which is an acronym (the military is very fond of them), which stands for Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). This story gives you a fictionalized but realistic view of the dangers the Night Stalkers face on a given night. These SOAR crews are attack, assault, and reconnaissance units. They fly modified lighter fighter helicopters—highly maneuverable—at high speed and low altitudes. They fly (mostly) at night and come in at dawn (hence the title). They’re headquartered out of Fort Campbell, KY. Its motto: “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.�
I digress; Sgt. Kee Smith is a highly trained warrior and sniper. Kee made the cut. She’s single-minded and ambitious. She’s also prickly, hot-tempered but not undisciplined, and a bit arrogant but it covers a loving heart (which she does her best to hide even from herself). She’s not overly impressed with officers—but then many enlisted aren’t—and in particular, her commanding officer, Major Emily Beale. That changes as Emily proves she’s more than a smart pretty face. The army has given Kee an honorable path to follow after a horrendous life on the streets where life expectancy is 18 if you’re lucky. She’s remade herself. She lives the motto of SOAR, Don’t Quit.
First Lieutenant Archie Stevenson is her direct opposite. He’s calm, measured, brilliant strategist, and earned his way to his position. He comes from a family of privilege. Highly skilled warrior and a bit shy around women he’s attracted to. And he’s attracted to Kee, big time. As we all do, he has his issues in his past he must come to terms with. He’s funny, seems laid back (notice I said seems) and very likeable. Add to all that, he’s an officer and he’s attracted to an enlisted female soldier—a big no-no in the military. It’s a great way to crash and burn your career. But again, these two live, personally and professionally, the motto, Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.
Matt writes a superb romance. This is not a mushy romance, but it is definitely a romance and has some seriously hot moments. It is a military romance and set during war—which isn’t at all beautiful. It goes to show, love finds you in all kinds of places, even wartime. It has a smooth flow, lots of kick ass action; great build up of tension that keeps you turning the pages. It has some dark moments and laugh out loud moments. I love the characters, Big John has special place in my heart. I’ve met more than a few like him.
Dilya a rescued orphan child and becomes a pet of Kee’s unit and goes a long way in opening the locked doors of Kee’s heart. Dilya also shows the softer side of the other characters.
The ending (made even better by the well crafted black moment) is one that makes you sigh because the two overcome so much to get their happy, at this moment in time, ending.
I would highly recommend this book both for romance and action. An all around great story!
I will be reading whatever else I see M.L. Buchman name on!
August 20, 2012
I enjoy reading romantic suspense books that involve the military. Usually, we have a tough as nails hero who needs a special woman to bring out their softer side. With I Own the Dawn, we have the reverse. It's a tough read, because our heroine doesn't fit into a neat mold and you don't always like her, but it's an excellent story about redefining oneself and learning to love who you are, despite your past.
Keiko "Kee" Smith has had a traumatic life. At a young age, she was left to the streets and gangs of LA with no one to depend on but herself and her best friend. When her best friend is murder and she dispenses vigilante justice on her killers, the County of Los Angeles and the State of California decide the Army is the best place for Kee. In the Army Kee finds a home. She's excellent with weapons and in clutch situations. She's worked hard to get to be a member of the Army's Night Stalkers unit, a elite group of men and 2 woman who fly on the DAP Blackhawks.
But when Kee joins the group in the forward operations, she finds two things that will test who she thought she was: a young Uzbekistan girl, Dilya, rescued during a mission and the Lieutenant on her bird, Archie Stevenson.
Both of them call to her for different reasons.
Dilya, because she sees a girl who, like her, was left alone in the world. While her head may tell her to leave Dilya with someone else, her heart won't let her. Despite the dangers of her job and feeling as if she can't give Dilya what she needs, she does what she can to ensure the little girl is safe and fed. You could tell, in each interaction she has with the little girl, she's doing all the things she wished someone would have done to her when she was left to the street. It's heartbreaking, while at the same time heartwarming watching his woman, who's learned to hardened her heart as a method of protection, have her walls come crumbling down because of this little girl.
Then there's Archie. He has his own set of issues. He's extremely shy and finds himself locking up anytime he's around a woman he's attracted to. Then there are his issues with his mother and trying to prove that he's good enough to be her son. He internalizes a lot of his emotions and contemplates situations inside his own head, which not only confuses and frustrates Kee, but also has her questioning just what she is to Archie. It's hard enough for Kee to fight her own demons, but when she has to try and figure out where she stands with this man who kicked down the remaining pieces of her protective walls, she tens to err on the side of what she knows and thinks he doesn't want her. Of course, that causes fights, hurt feelings, and awkward situations.
What I loved about this story, was that while on the front lines flying covert missions and thwarting attempts to start a war, our heroine finally learns the meaning of love and family. It's not just blood that makes you family, but having those that love you for who you are and will have your back no matter what. Kee found her family in the Night Stalker unit, as well the two people who mean more to her than anything.
Keiko "Kee" Smith has had a traumatic life. At a young age, she was left to the streets and gangs of LA with no one to depend on but herself and her best friend. When her best friend is murder and she dispenses vigilante justice on her killers, the County of Los Angeles and the State of California decide the Army is the best place for Kee. In the Army Kee finds a home. She's excellent with weapons and in clutch situations. She's worked hard to get to be a member of the Army's Night Stalkers unit, a elite group of men and 2 woman who fly on the DAP Blackhawks.
But when Kee joins the group in the forward operations, she finds two things that will test who she thought she was: a young Uzbekistan girl, Dilya, rescued during a mission and the Lieutenant on her bird, Archie Stevenson.
Both of them call to her for different reasons.
Dilya, because she sees a girl who, like her, was left alone in the world. While her head may tell her to leave Dilya with someone else, her heart won't let her. Despite the dangers of her job and feeling as if she can't give Dilya what she needs, she does what she can to ensure the little girl is safe and fed. You could tell, in each interaction she has with the little girl, she's doing all the things she wished someone would have done to her when she was left to the street. It's heartbreaking, while at the same time heartwarming watching his woman, who's learned to hardened her heart as a method of protection, have her walls come crumbling down because of this little girl.
Then there's Archie. He has his own set of issues. He's extremely shy and finds himself locking up anytime he's around a woman he's attracted to. Then there are his issues with his mother and trying to prove that he's good enough to be her son. He internalizes a lot of his emotions and contemplates situations inside his own head, which not only confuses and frustrates Kee, but also has her questioning just what she is to Archie. It's hard enough for Kee to fight her own demons, but when she has to try and figure out where she stands with this man who kicked down the remaining pieces of her protective walls, she tens to err on the side of what she knows and thinks he doesn't want her. Of course, that causes fights, hurt feelings, and awkward situations.
What I loved about this story, was that while on the front lines flying covert missions and thwarting attempts to start a war, our heroine finally learns the meaning of love and family. It's not just blood that makes you family, but having those that love you for who you are and will have your back no matter what. Kee found her family in the Night Stalker unit, as well the two people who mean more to her than anything.
January 10, 2013
Had to read this one when I found out it was written by a man. Very good military romance. I think men just do a better job than most women with the details and feel of military life. I like the realism of all of the guns and helicopters being properly named and their effects explained correctly. I enjoyed the tough as nails heroine and the hero who, while not an alpha guy, was strong and quite good and confident at what he did military wise. He just didn't really do well with women. The romance was balanced equally with the military missions etc., neither one taking over the other. There were some sex scenes which were differently presented I thought than how women typically write them which I enjoyed because it seems lately that most love scenes are derivative of all the rest I've read lately. There were not too many of them and thankfully they didn't happen in the middle of the action which I find disturbingly stupid when authors stop the action to throw in a love scene. I only had one problem with the story and it was at the very end and was only a smallish quibble
September 10, 2012
I Own The Dawn is the second book in the Night Stalkers series by M.L. Buchman. Even though it is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone novel.
This book wasn't as great as the first book in the series. While the author kept with her usual theme of writing, I found myself disliking the characters. Kee is a character that you have to read more of before you actually start enjoying her character. Archie was more of a passive hero than I am used to. He just didn't fit the bill of an Alpha hero in my mind. They both have some issues that need to addressed before they can improve in personality and relationships.
I will warn the reader of this romance that if you are not familiar with much of the military lingo, you will be wondering about some of it. I am not a big fan of all the military speak -- since I am not around it -- so it did become repetitive and frustrating for a majority of the book.
While this wasn't a favorite book of mine, I will still give the book points for being thorough and written at a good pace. Again, just be aware that this is a military themed romance with it being prominent in the story.
This book wasn't as great as the first book in the series. While the author kept with her usual theme of writing, I found myself disliking the characters. Kee is a character that you have to read more of before you actually start enjoying her character. Archie was more of a passive hero than I am used to. He just didn't fit the bill of an Alpha hero in my mind. They both have some issues that need to addressed before they can improve in personality and relationships.
I will warn the reader of this romance that if you are not familiar with much of the military lingo, you will be wondering about some of it. I am not a big fan of all the military speak -- since I am not around it -- so it did become repetitive and frustrating for a majority of the book.
While this wasn't a favorite book of mine, I will still give the book points for being thorough and written at a good pace. Again, just be aware that this is a military themed romance with it being prominent in the story.
February 6, 2016
This was good and I liked the story and most of the characters....while Kee became less of a bitch further into the story....her attitude/behavior in the beginning made me not like her.....and it carried through....looking forward to the next one
August 2, 2012
Review posted:
Blog rating: 3.5/5
Kee is one tough woman. She’s worked hard to get where she is, one of two women in SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) or the Night Stalkers. Kee’s youth was troubled and dangerous, she lived on the streets and stole what she needed to in order to survive. When she watched her only friend be gunned down, she turned her own gun on the killers, killing them as well. She killed men who were on the most wanted list so she was given a deal: enlist in the Army or go to prison. She enlisted and it changed her life. She scored high in everything she did, she pushed herself and now she’s part of the Night Stalkers. Only problem is, after landing in Pakistan, she doesn’t want to be on the “girlie’s� bird, flying with Major Emily Beale (I Own the Night). Kee doesn’t believe one bit of the hype surrounding Emily, but she learns fast just how wrong she is.
Part of Emily’s team is Archie Stevenson, or the Professor, as Kee calls him. He’s been side by side with Emily for years as her right hand man and close friend. He’s a bit on the quiet side, but a genius when it comes to strategizing. It’s a skill that he’s becoming more comfortable with and that’s largely due in part to Kee’s influence. I could say these two butt heads early on, but Kee butted heads with everyone she came in contact with, so no surprise there. Archie’s attracted to her, but their differing ranks forbid any type of relationship. Kee ends up having her hands full anyway as during a nighttime mission, they come across a young orphan girl, Dilya, whose parents were recently killed. Kee has such a hard shell but this little girl starts to get to her. Kee relates to her, having grown up alone, hungry, scared so she takes the girl back with them and watches over her for the time being.
In addition to now having a young girl to watch out for, Archie is getting also getting to Kee, it’s subtle at first, their romance felt like it snuck up on them and me as I was reading. It was during a 10-day leave that Archie, Kee and Dilya all get closer and I really started liking the pairing of Kee and Archie. Kee’s a tough one to like early on. She’s rude, she has a huge chip on her shoulder, she wants nothing to do with Emily, thinking that everything had been handed to her. Kee’s eyes get opened up on more than one occasion, and while she never loses that edge that makes her a great teammate and sniper shot, the personal edges she had soften and the love from Archie and Dilya impact Kee in a nice way.
There’s quite a bit of action in the second half of the book. The men who killed Dilya’s parents have direct contact with the SOAR team and their mission is to stop these men before they’re able to exact their own vengeance that has the potential to start a war. During the Night Stalker’s set up to take these men down, a lot of strategizing and planning takes place. It’s very military heavy with the speak and I was confusing myself reading these scenes. It’s a quite a bit of information to take in and there were a few scenes I had to reread to make sure I got the details, names and places all down. It was action packed at the end and found Archie and Kee on their own to complete the mission.
I enjoyed their romance very much. Like I mentioned above, it at times felt like the romance snuck up on everyone. Archie is such a sweet guy, very caring and he’s the first person to show love to Kee. I liked who Kee was when she let herself be loved and feel love. She was a hard character to like early on, but she not only grew on me as the story went along, she turned into a character I rooted for and wanted to be happy. The rank issue between Archie and Kee was never really brought up again, other than team members looking the other way when they caught Archie and Kee. It felt like such a huge issue in the first book in this series, but it was never addressed much beyond initially mentioning it here.
This was a story that I got into the more I read. The beginning felt a little slow, but when the action and the relationships hit their stride, it was an easy story to get into. Kee’s a strong female character, she has to be strong physically and mentally to keep up on the team but I liked seeing her softer sides. The sweetness she shows a scared young girl, the moments she lets herself be vulnerable with Archie, that’s when I really started liking her and got invested in the story.
Blog rating: 3.5/5
Kee is one tough woman. She’s worked hard to get where she is, one of two women in SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) or the Night Stalkers. Kee’s youth was troubled and dangerous, she lived on the streets and stole what she needed to in order to survive. When she watched her only friend be gunned down, she turned her own gun on the killers, killing them as well. She killed men who were on the most wanted list so she was given a deal: enlist in the Army or go to prison. She enlisted and it changed her life. She scored high in everything she did, she pushed herself and now she’s part of the Night Stalkers. Only problem is, after landing in Pakistan, she doesn’t want to be on the “girlie’s� bird, flying with Major Emily Beale (I Own the Night). Kee doesn’t believe one bit of the hype surrounding Emily, but she learns fast just how wrong she is.
Part of Emily’s team is Archie Stevenson, or the Professor, as Kee calls him. He’s been side by side with Emily for years as her right hand man and close friend. He’s a bit on the quiet side, but a genius when it comes to strategizing. It’s a skill that he’s becoming more comfortable with and that’s largely due in part to Kee’s influence. I could say these two butt heads early on, but Kee butted heads with everyone she came in contact with, so no surprise there. Archie’s attracted to her, but their differing ranks forbid any type of relationship. Kee ends up having her hands full anyway as during a nighttime mission, they come across a young orphan girl, Dilya, whose parents were recently killed. Kee has such a hard shell but this little girl starts to get to her. Kee relates to her, having grown up alone, hungry, scared so she takes the girl back with them and watches over her for the time being.
In addition to now having a young girl to watch out for, Archie is getting also getting to Kee, it’s subtle at first, their romance felt like it snuck up on them and me as I was reading. It was during a 10-day leave that Archie, Kee and Dilya all get closer and I really started liking the pairing of Kee and Archie. Kee’s a tough one to like early on. She’s rude, she has a huge chip on her shoulder, she wants nothing to do with Emily, thinking that everything had been handed to her. Kee’s eyes get opened up on more than one occasion, and while she never loses that edge that makes her a great teammate and sniper shot, the personal edges she had soften and the love from Archie and Dilya impact Kee in a nice way.
There’s quite a bit of action in the second half of the book. The men who killed Dilya’s parents have direct contact with the SOAR team and their mission is to stop these men before they’re able to exact their own vengeance that has the potential to start a war. During the Night Stalker’s set up to take these men down, a lot of strategizing and planning takes place. It’s very military heavy with the speak and I was confusing myself reading these scenes. It’s a quite a bit of information to take in and there were a few scenes I had to reread to make sure I got the details, names and places all down. It was action packed at the end and found Archie and Kee on their own to complete the mission.
I enjoyed their romance very much. Like I mentioned above, it at times felt like the romance snuck up on everyone. Archie is such a sweet guy, very caring and he’s the first person to show love to Kee. I liked who Kee was when she let herself be loved and feel love. She was a hard character to like early on, but she not only grew on me as the story went along, she turned into a character I rooted for and wanted to be happy. The rank issue between Archie and Kee was never really brought up again, other than team members looking the other way when they caught Archie and Kee. It felt like such a huge issue in the first book in this series, but it was never addressed much beyond initially mentioning it here.
This was a story that I got into the more I read. The beginning felt a little slow, but when the action and the relationships hit their stride, it was an easy story to get into. Kee’s a strong female character, she has to be strong physically and mentally to keep up on the team but I liked seeing her softer sides. The sweetness she shows a scared young girl, the moments she lets herself be vulnerable with Archie, that’s when I really started liking her and got invested in the story.
August 1, 2012
My Review:
OMG! I LOVE this series. I read the first book last year...you can see that review HERE...and was completely blown away by this author's voice. I had no idea if book #2 could live up to book #1, but it so totally did!! LOVE!!!
At the beginning of this book, I wasn't too sure. Kee is a tough, really strong gal. She's immediately guilty of judging Major Beale (heroine from bk #1) falsely just because she's female. But I quickly started changing my mind. Kee has come from awful circumstances, but despite that, she cares deeply when someone sneaks into her heart. In this book, the first person to sneak into her heart is Dalya...an eleven yo orphan they pick up and save on one of their missions. Kee is the gunner for this helicopter crew and she's darn good at her job.
Then there's Archie. He's Major Beale's co-pilot. They've worked together forever and he's the strategist on their missions. I like how unsure he is around women, but he gets really super-sexy when in the moment. His character completely and totally melted my heart. I love that when he and Kee fight, they don't even realize they aren't fighting about the same things. Neither one is sure about where they are or where they are headed. They are so wonderful together though and when you add Dalya into the picture...they are just magic. Without even realizing it, they form an amazing family unit.
Then there is all the military aspect to this book. AMAZING! I love the amount of detail in these books and am amazed by the fact that all those details never get to be too much. I am not a detail or mechanical gal, but the military facts in these books are written to simple perfection. TONS about the mission and the mechanics of the helicopters, but it's interwoven into the story so incredibly well. The suspense part of this book was particularly well done. I really loved every single bit of it. Just a fabulous book!!
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
OMG! I LOVE this series. I read the first book last year...you can see that review HERE...and was completely blown away by this author's voice. I had no idea if book #2 could live up to book #1, but it so totally did!! LOVE!!!
At the beginning of this book, I wasn't too sure. Kee is a tough, really strong gal. She's immediately guilty of judging Major Beale (heroine from bk #1) falsely just because she's female. But I quickly started changing my mind. Kee has come from awful circumstances, but despite that, she cares deeply when someone sneaks into her heart. In this book, the first person to sneak into her heart is Dalya...an eleven yo orphan they pick up and save on one of their missions. Kee is the gunner for this helicopter crew and she's darn good at her job.
Then there's Archie. He's Major Beale's co-pilot. They've worked together forever and he's the strategist on their missions. I like how unsure he is around women, but he gets really super-sexy when in the moment. His character completely and totally melted my heart. I love that when he and Kee fight, they don't even realize they aren't fighting about the same things. Neither one is sure about where they are or where they are headed. They are so wonderful together though and when you add Dalya into the picture...they are just magic. Without even realizing it, they form an amazing family unit.
Then there is all the military aspect to this book. AMAZING! I love the amount of detail in these books and am amazed by the fact that all those details never get to be too much. I am not a detail or mechanical gal, but the military facts in these books are written to simple perfection. TONS about the mission and the mechanics of the helicopters, but it's interwoven into the story so incredibly well. The suspense part of this book was particularly well done. I really loved every single bit of it. Just a fabulous book!!
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 10, 2014
A 4.5 read for me. A perfect love in the chaos of the middle of a dessert battlefield.
I love the heroine, (though age-wise too young for me for her supposedly rank and the miles/hurdles/years she has to overcome to reach where she is) her character make sense. All her actions add up to what her supposed background and made her a unique character for me. My problem with supposedly strong heroine in the past is that once they met the hero they are always ruled with this 'uncontrollable' lust/attraction/love that they became just like any other heroine: either an incarnate mother Theresa or a mindless sex nymph. Not this heroine. She remain the woman she is without being crass or manly. Her inner demons, fears, and layers are revealed smoothly without the information dump.
The hero, oh, what a hero. I love the way the author presented him: a competent warrior with a real (but endearing) weakness - literally - for women. I love how the 'weakness' was slowly pealed away and the reason behind revealed and boy was it revealed in a perfect way. He is literally the brain/tactician of his team every time they are in a mission, competent, and an alpha in his chosen career with the rough edges polished to shine. I rarely liked a gentleman alpha, they always sound like a caricature of what a perfect man should be, but not this hero. He is human in his polish and still a human in his time of rage.
Smooth plot, three dimensional characters - both main and secondary, very alive world, humors that often caught a reader unaware, and romance among those elite in the arm forces.
Overall, a romance story the way I like it: realistic characters and plot balanced with a toe curling love story without the overused cliches. This is a story that gives credit to those in the armed forces without putting them in a polished pedestal. Love it.
*Thanks to my local library*
I love the heroine, (though age-wise too young for me for her supposedly rank and the miles/hurdles/years she has to overcome to reach where she is) her character make sense. All her actions add up to what her supposed background and made her a unique character for me. My problem with supposedly strong heroine in the past is that once they met the hero they are always ruled with this 'uncontrollable' lust/attraction/love that they became just like any other heroine: either an incarnate mother Theresa or a mindless sex nymph. Not this heroine. She remain the woman she is without being crass or manly. Her inner demons, fears, and layers are revealed smoothly without the information dump.
The hero, oh, what a hero. I love the way the author presented him: a competent warrior with a real (but endearing) weakness - literally - for women. I love how the 'weakness' was slowly pealed away and the reason behind revealed and boy was it revealed in a perfect way. He is literally the brain/tactician of his team every time they are in a mission, competent, and an alpha in his chosen career with the rough edges polished to shine. I rarely liked a gentleman alpha, they always sound like a caricature of what a perfect man should be, but not this hero. He is human in his polish and still a human in his time of rage.
Smooth plot, three dimensional characters - both main and secondary, very alive world, humors that often caught a reader unaware, and romance among those elite in the arm forces.
Overall, a romance story the way I like it: realistic characters and plot balanced with a toe curling love story without the overused cliches. This is a story that gives credit to those in the armed forces without putting them in a polished pedestal. Love it.
*Thanks to my local library*
October 28, 2018
Reviewed by Desere
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Every scene from this exceptional book had me trying to recapture my breath and afterwards left me craving for more!
This is one of the very best contemporary military suspense novels of the year. The tough and sassy Kee made sure to build a wall around her heart to protect her from the disappointments of life. But after the rescue of a young innocent girl, this tough as bullets girl’s armor somewhat cracks and absolutely stunning, sexy and totally military gorgeous Archibald demands entry into her guarded heart.
What follows is a explosive read, and combined with the dangers of the mission it simply took my breath away! I felt the emotion of every page that the author tried to convey through mere words.
This was book two in the series and just like book one, the building tensions of a relationship forming between two soldiers amidst the chaos and confusion of war you will be just as hooked as I was.
The author gave me just enough action to get me captivated and even the most “strictly contemporary romance fan� that never even considers reading military related books would be pleasantly surprised and just like me will be going “M.L. Buchman give us more please!�
Some of the scenes are very vivid and all characters created by this talented author are a action packed force to be reckoned with.
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Every scene from this exceptional book had me trying to recapture my breath and afterwards left me craving for more!
This is one of the very best contemporary military suspense novels of the year. The tough and sassy Kee made sure to build a wall around her heart to protect her from the disappointments of life. But after the rescue of a young innocent girl, this tough as bullets girl’s armor somewhat cracks and absolutely stunning, sexy and totally military gorgeous Archibald demands entry into her guarded heart.
What follows is a explosive read, and combined with the dangers of the mission it simply took my breath away! I felt the emotion of every page that the author tried to convey through mere words.
This was book two in the series and just like book one, the building tensions of a relationship forming between two soldiers amidst the chaos and confusion of war you will be just as hooked as I was.
The author gave me just enough action to get me captivated and even the most “strictly contemporary romance fan� that never even considers reading military related books would be pleasantly surprised and just like me will be going “M.L. Buchman give us more please!�
Some of the scenes are very vivid and all characters created by this talented author are a action packed force to be reckoned with.
August 6, 2012
Originally posted at:
I Own the Dawn is not your average action story, it's so much more!
This is the second in the Night Stalkers series, but even though I hadn't read book one, I didn't have a hard time at all catching up with the action. M.L. Buchman writes with eloquence and a feel for emotion that drew me right into the story. The characters are realistic and fun as well as darned good with guns. I loved it.
One thing I really liked about the story was the introduction of Dilya. She adds a dimension of humanity to an otherwise hard topic to deal with. This story takes place during a war. Yes, it's gritty. The truth of the matter is war isn't romantic or pretty. Buchman deals with the topic handily and like I said, with the introduction of Dilya there is an element of what the SOAR group is fighting for - to save humanity, if even in just that small place they happen to be.
The relationship between Kee and Archie is both hot and sweet. From the start, I knew they belonged together. It was just a matter of how they got there. And it was a HOT ride. Totally worth the read.
If you want a book that's packed with emotion and action, then this is the book for you!
I Own the Dawn is not your average action story, it's so much more!
This is the second in the Night Stalkers series, but even though I hadn't read book one, I didn't have a hard time at all catching up with the action. M.L. Buchman writes with eloquence and a feel for emotion that drew me right into the story. The characters are realistic and fun as well as darned good with guns. I loved it.
One thing I really liked about the story was the introduction of Dilya. She adds a dimension of humanity to an otherwise hard topic to deal with. This story takes place during a war. Yes, it's gritty. The truth of the matter is war isn't romantic or pretty. Buchman deals with the topic handily and like I said, with the introduction of Dilya there is an element of what the SOAR group is fighting for - to save humanity, if even in just that small place they happen to be.
The relationship between Kee and Archie is both hot and sweet. From the start, I knew they belonged together. It was just a matter of how they got there. And it was a HOT ride. Totally worth the read.
If you want a book that's packed with emotion and action, then this is the book for you!
May 7, 2016
I can't get enough of this series. Kee and Archie have nothing in common, but need each other and Archie blunts the effect of Kee's hard edges.
Archie is no macho warrior, but his brain is a weapon in a class of it's own and his strength lies in his ability to out-think his opponents and be several steps ahead strategically, a skill that helps him maneuver Kee to exactly where he wants her.
One thing they have in common is a fierce desire to protect the little girl who has suffered more than many can understand and exhibits a wisdom far above her age.
This is an exciting addition to an addicting series and is a must read.
Archie is no macho warrior, but his brain is a weapon in a class of it's own and his strength lies in his ability to out-think his opponents and be several steps ahead strategically, a skill that helps him maneuver Kee to exactly where he wants her.
One thing they have in common is a fierce desire to protect the little girl who has suffered more than many can understand and exhibits a wisdom far above her age.
This is an exciting addition to an addicting series and is a must read.
September 26, 2016
The action in this romantic suspense was so exciting it had my attention through out. The romance was good, I liked the little girl, and the heroine's background made it even more intense. My only issue was so much technical terminology but I'll try another book in the series. Outstanding military female Kee is assigned to a helicopter where Archie is co-pilot.
June 1, 2021
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Kee felt so real. I mean people judge others all the time. Hell, I always judge unknown person and pin them in different categories. Tho my judgements are rarely correct. And I try to learn from my mistakes.
Kee was same. She thought Emily to be something else. Normal, we scarcely think positive at first sight. It's our tend to think negative toward other person whom we just met.
I just love every character. What I love most that Kee is not one dimensional. She learns from her mistakes and moves on for greater achievement. And Archie my god...he is everything a girl could ever ask for! I just love him..so strong..and understanding..i appreciate that he said 'love' though most man don't want to acknowledge it at first. And I love the way the story ends. He get hurts and takes another job. But Kee stays for Night Stalkers.
I don't how Mr. Buchman understand women this precisely. I'm amazed that he portrayed every trivial details with great esteem.
Just a simple thing ..why the moms who are CEO or businesswoman have always stained relationship with their families?? Why authors think that working moms can't hold their family or children close? Because that's not true.. there's a lot of moms who are working or CEO have strong relationship with their children and husbands.
Kee felt so real. I mean people judge others all the time. Hell, I always judge unknown person and pin them in different categories. Tho my judgements are rarely correct. And I try to learn from my mistakes.
Kee was same. She thought Emily to be something else. Normal, we scarcely think positive at first sight. It's our tend to think negative toward other person whom we just met.
I just love every character. What I love most that Kee is not one dimensional. She learns from her mistakes and moves on for greater achievement. And Archie my god...he is everything a girl could ever ask for! I just love him..so strong..and understanding..i appreciate that he said 'love' though most man don't want to acknowledge it at first. And I love the way the story ends. He get hurts and takes another job. But Kee stays for Night Stalkers.
I don't how Mr. Buchman understand women this precisely. I'm amazed that he portrayed every trivial details with great esteem.
Just a simple thing ..why the moms who are CEO or businesswoman have always stained relationship with their families?? Why authors think that working moms can't hold their family or children close? Because that's not true.. there's a lot of moms who are working or CEO have strong relationship with their children and husbands.
August 27, 2023
This one is a rare miss for me because he is a favorite author in this genre. #1 book was 5 stars so this second book really disappointed me. I didn't like Kee at all, and didn't buy the insta-love in 1st chapter by Archie. Never understood his attraction to her. Hated Archie's nickname. I read it to follow up with the Majors. Given Kee's back story, I'm a bit surprised she rose as far & fast as she did in the military. The author doesn't know Kee. He portrays her as a hard ass chick from the LA street gangs; she guards her heart and emotions, lets no one in. But then, in Italy, he has Archie say, "Kee grew close to people so easily. They trusted her, and she them, with an ease he'd never achieved." Ha; she ran away after meeting his mom.
October 13, 2024
Not better than the first one but it was its own distinct novel that happened to include and contribute to development of the characters in the first book. What a great quality in a series.
Keep is a tough girl from the streets who makes it to the toughest helicopter in the army. Insecure and always trying to prove herself, she falls for quiet, confident Archie from the quiet luxury Boston set. Their story is how they come together despite their differences and there is a bonus plot about how they stop an plan to spark a larger war.
Keep is a tough girl from the streets who makes it to the toughest helicopter in the army. Insecure and always trying to prove herself, she falls for quiet, confident Archie from the quiet luxury Boston set. Their story is how they come together despite their differences and there is a bonus plot about how they stop an plan to spark a larger war.
September 20, 2022
Enjoyed the first in the series but I struggled with this one. I didn't get the whole "Professor" title and his attraction to Kee. I found Kee to be too rough around the edges and while that's not a deal killer, she was grating with her attitude. When Dilya enters into the story, it completely dominated the pacing and took away from the action.
August 19, 2012
I had a blast reading M.L. Buchman’s first book in this series, The Night is Mine. Interspersed in all that military jargon and mystery is a terrific sense of humor, which is always fun to read and usually difficult for most authors to convey. Not for Mr. Buchman. He does a terrific job. So when I received the ARC of I Own the Dawn, I was expecting more of that. I got the military jargon and the mystery, but this time the humor isn’t present nearly as much. Instead, he brought me to tears.
Kee Smith has turned her life from the streets around, and she’s now one of the first women of SOAR, the Army’s Special Operations Aviation Regiment. She’s worked her ass off to make this elite team, after a judge gave her this chance, instead of locking her up and throwing away the key. She’ll even show up Legend Beale � Major Emily Beale � who is supposedly the best of the best and the first woman on the team. Everything Beale does can’t be true. Can it? No matter, Kee is here to show them how it’s done.
So when sassily addressing who she thinks is the pilot of a DAP Hawk helicopter � again, the best of the best � Kee has her first shot of attitude doused when Archie Jefferson Stevenson III cocks a crooked smile and passes her on to none other than Major Beale. Kee is going to need a lot of that attitude adjusted, as she well knows, but holding back has always been difficult for her, even in the military. She has the time docked in the brig to prove it. But on their first mission, Kee does prove herself at her job, not only taking out insurgents but rescuing a young girl left on her own after seeing her parents killed. At first Kee really doesn’t want much to do with Dilyana, but the youngster’s fear and tenacity tug Kee’s heart, which begins to soften for the first time in years.
Archie is having a tough time himself. He has no problem interacting with the Major and other teammates or utilizing his logical, analytical thinking while on missions. It’s Kee Smith who pushes him into a tizzy every time he bumps into her. Yeah, she’s got a great rack and a body to die for, but it’s her eyes that bring him to a standstill. But he’s an officer and she’s enlisted. A taboo situation. That doesn’t stop Archie from inviting Kee to go along on his Italian vacation, and he also includes Dilya, that enchanting child who has also stolen his heart. Both Archie and Kee are looking forward to getting to know each other much better, but their plans are slightly derailed when they find his parents aboard his sailboat on arrival. They don’t let that deter them too long, however, when they find solitude on an Italian hilltop. And, boy, do these two have stamina. Even affter a contest of wills running across the Italian countryside, their lovemaking session doesn’t suffer one bit.
Amid all of this in getting to know Dilya, Kee has promised to find the men who killed the girl’s parents. A tall order she probably can’t complete, but it’s important to Dilya. Archie has also bonded with the orphan, playing games with her and making her laugh. When the group is called back early from from their vacation, they’re tasked with a strange mission that will have repercussions later in the book, and that’s when the action really picks up in chasing the men who are determined to start World War III. It’s Archie and Kee who take the mission on when original plans have to be scrapped. The Night Stalkers Don’t Quit, as we’re told throughout the story, and even when looking death in the face, these two characters never flinch in their duty, despite the fact they’ve just found one another and will hopefully have a future together.
So it’s mystery and duty that take center stage in this book. It’s near the end when Kee truly opens up, doesn’t deny her feelings any longer, and brings both Archie and Dilya into her life that really pulled the emotion out of me. This child tugs on every heart string she comes across, even the reader’s, and this scene had me reaching for the tissue. Those kids get me every time.
I enjoy the military theme of this series a lot. Mr. Buchman does his research very well. At least to this obviously non-military gal. According to his web site, he’s not served in the armed forces, but, as far as I can tell, he’s getting every nuance of it all down pat. There are some points where Kee would more than likely be reprimanded for her near insubordination, but it’s Major Beale who knows there’s something special about Kee and she holds back when Kee is a bit too assertive. The Major’s instincts are always right on. And their location may have a bit to do with it too.
I do like The Night is Mine a tad better than this book. I just love the humor and the White House antics were fun in between all the seriousness, but Archie, Kee, and Dilya will give you a great read. I am looking forward to the other books in this series, however many that may end up being. These characters are intense, loyal, and fun when needed. The storylines are always full of action with a touch of mystery and lots of romance between the unlikeliest of characters. The military background only pulls you in that much more and keeps you reading to the very last page.
See my complete review at
Kee Smith has turned her life from the streets around, and she’s now one of the first women of SOAR, the Army’s Special Operations Aviation Regiment. She’s worked her ass off to make this elite team, after a judge gave her this chance, instead of locking her up and throwing away the key. She’ll even show up Legend Beale � Major Emily Beale � who is supposedly the best of the best and the first woman on the team. Everything Beale does can’t be true. Can it? No matter, Kee is here to show them how it’s done.
So when sassily addressing who she thinks is the pilot of a DAP Hawk helicopter � again, the best of the best � Kee has her first shot of attitude doused when Archie Jefferson Stevenson III cocks a crooked smile and passes her on to none other than Major Beale. Kee is going to need a lot of that attitude adjusted, as she well knows, but holding back has always been difficult for her, even in the military. She has the time docked in the brig to prove it. But on their first mission, Kee does prove herself at her job, not only taking out insurgents but rescuing a young girl left on her own after seeing her parents killed. At first Kee really doesn’t want much to do with Dilyana, but the youngster’s fear and tenacity tug Kee’s heart, which begins to soften for the first time in years.
Archie is having a tough time himself. He has no problem interacting with the Major and other teammates or utilizing his logical, analytical thinking while on missions. It’s Kee Smith who pushes him into a tizzy every time he bumps into her. Yeah, she’s got a great rack and a body to die for, but it’s her eyes that bring him to a standstill. But he’s an officer and she’s enlisted. A taboo situation. That doesn’t stop Archie from inviting Kee to go along on his Italian vacation, and he also includes Dilya, that enchanting child who has also stolen his heart. Both Archie and Kee are looking forward to getting to know each other much better, but their plans are slightly derailed when they find his parents aboard his sailboat on arrival. They don’t let that deter them too long, however, when they find solitude on an Italian hilltop. And, boy, do these two have stamina. Even affter a contest of wills running across the Italian countryside, their lovemaking session doesn’t suffer one bit.
Amid all of this in getting to know Dilya, Kee has promised to find the men who killed the girl’s parents. A tall order she probably can’t complete, but it’s important to Dilya. Archie has also bonded with the orphan, playing games with her and making her laugh. When the group is called back early from from their vacation, they’re tasked with a strange mission that will have repercussions later in the book, and that’s when the action really picks up in chasing the men who are determined to start World War III. It’s Archie and Kee who take the mission on when original plans have to be scrapped. The Night Stalkers Don’t Quit, as we’re told throughout the story, and even when looking death in the face, these two characters never flinch in their duty, despite the fact they’ve just found one another and will hopefully have a future together.
So it’s mystery and duty that take center stage in this book. It’s near the end when Kee truly opens up, doesn’t deny her feelings any longer, and brings both Archie and Dilya into her life that really pulled the emotion out of me. This child tugs on every heart string she comes across, even the reader’s, and this scene had me reaching for the tissue. Those kids get me every time.
I enjoy the military theme of this series a lot. Mr. Buchman does his research very well. At least to this obviously non-military gal. According to his web site, he’s not served in the armed forces, but, as far as I can tell, he’s getting every nuance of it all down pat. There are some points where Kee would more than likely be reprimanded for her near insubordination, but it’s Major Beale who knows there’s something special about Kee and she holds back when Kee is a bit too assertive. The Major’s instincts are always right on. And their location may have a bit to do with it too.
I do like The Night is Mine a tad better than this book. I just love the humor and the White House antics were fun in between all the seriousness, but Archie, Kee, and Dilya will give you a great read. I am looking forward to the other books in this series, however many that may end up being. These characters are intense, loyal, and fun when needed. The storylines are always full of action with a touch of mystery and lots of romance between the unlikeliest of characters. The military background only pulls you in that much more and keeps you reading to the very last page.
See my complete review at
April 20, 2021
I really did enjoy the stories and the characters in this one. I did enjoy the first one but it had too many unrealistic moments where as this one I felt it went together a lot better. This one made me anxious to get to the next one.
April 8, 2018
Kee is a fire cracker. Archie is special. I wish they would have explained how the rank etc changed so they could be together.
What the Night Stalkers do is amazing.
What the Night Stalkers do is amazing.
June 12, 2018
War stuff not great, but love characters and their back stories
April 6, 2019
I felt like Kee was really mean to Archie and didn't seem like a good fit for him.
October 16, 2019
Too much mush, second guessing stupidity, conversational crap, etc. the only really good parts in this book are in the last 160 pages.
June 7, 2020
Love this series. Gunner Kee and co-pilot Archie. Enjoyed the relationships between all the characters, the insight into a sniper/gunner, the piloting and strategy. Lots of action and romance.
Shelved as 'library'
July 30, 20210
January 28, 2023
I encountered Kee, Dilya, and Archie in another book. Now I have their story. Wow. A page turner with strong men and stronger women. Love these stories (I have several series by ML Buchman).
December 15, 2012
Setting:
Base of western Karakoram; base and surrounding area of Uzbekistan
Theme: resolving the past; falling in love; seeing true self
Characters:
First Lieutenant Archibald Jeffrey Stevenson III � aka Professor � Emily chose him at West Point, and he has flown with/ partnered with her since; father a rich builder of yachts, mother head of a think tank � and mother gone a lot � and though he loves his mom, he has felt abandoned by her and not connected to her like he is to his dad; kinda geeky, and uncomfortable around good looking women,
Kee (Keiko) Sato � 2nd woman in SOAR; mother a junkie; lived, stole, fought, killed, prostituted herself to survive� made good friends with a prostitute, lived and watched out for her for 3 years when she was killed in a driveby shooting � Kee tracked them down and executed them� as they were cop killers, an offer made to her to stay out of prison if she joined the army� and when rescued by SOAR once, she decided she wanted that; tough; keeping her past to herself; a weapons specialist.
Dilyana � 12 year old Uzbekistan girl, whose parents were killed as they caravanned, picked up by Kee and crew.. and eventually found a new family;
Major Mark Henderson and Major Emily Beale - newlyweds, but subtly so; Emily happy have another woman on board.
Connie Davis- next book � mechanic, stoic, comes into the end of this book
Summary:
Archie and Kee --- ahh, their courtship starts out slow� he clamps up rather than sticking his foot in his mouth, but finds small ways that reach her � a touch, a quiet � I’m glad it wasn’t you (when other shooter is hurt in combat). And Kee watches how he acts with Dilya, his gentle, humorous, kind way with the little girl who doesn’t know English. And though Kee tries to keep it about sex and lust, even after she sleeps with him, he is quicker to acknowledge his deeper feelings� and it takes time with his parents (when they get 10 days leave, and take it together) � and his mother, whose heart wants to connect with Archie, but she doesn’t seem to have the words � and his mother tracks her down at the train station with a request for her return� but with Connie’s assurance that he is wearing his heart on his sleeve when he watches her when she isn’t looking and that they have to talk� she invites him to talk �
Fighting part- Kee proves herself on the guns� Archie proves himself in the strategizing (like his mother)� they are called back early from their leave with a few from the other crew to take an unnamed man 8 hours into enemy territory � with a pickup truck hanging from the helicopter� and when the Major’s return to camp, and hear about it, they figure out they had been used� in conjunction with the president and the chief of staff, they figure out who it is (and they are the ones who killed Dilya’s parents when they mistakenly ran across their truck) � and what they plan � to return to an Uzbekistan base, take a fighter plane, and drop a bomb on a china/Russia/alliance meeting as revenge for their wives from said base being killed before they were kicked off it �
So two teams head out to stop them (to do so under the radar)� and Major Henderson’s copter is damaged, leaving Beale’s team to go in on their own� and they sneak up on the base, and Kee makes the kill shot and shoots the engine of the plane, making it look like an accident � though Archie was shot when they took out two guards, and she has to field dress him, and all but drag him back to the others�.
And Archie can’t go into combat anymore � becomes the ground strategist, and Dilya’s dad� ahhhh
Memorable scenes:
Kee doesn’t want to fly with Beale � not wanting to be on the pink/fluff team� (though it doesn’t take her too long to figure out how good Beale is).
As sleep finally overtook her, Dilya daydreamed of an image. One she couldn’t quite see. A dream of three. Tall, medium, and the last one Dilya-sized.
I love you, Kee. Of course, there wasn’t enough breath left in her body to say any words, even if she had them in her.
When Archie is quietly reflecting on how he misread his mother all his life (after kee shares her stark background with them both, and pushes them together andhis mother tells him she loves him), and Kee thinks he is pulling away from her because of the truth of her past so she gives him the cold shoulder and avoids him� and they have a fisticuff fight, both hurting the other�
Dilya places a blanket over them after they fall asleep after having make up sex.
When Kee must kill the two men, to prevent a war, and because Dilya wants revenge � but she understands their motivation � wanting revenge for the deaths of their pregnant wives � and Archie helps her to peace over doing what needs to be done� and Dilya sees things are not black and white either.
Base of western Karakoram; base and surrounding area of Uzbekistan
Theme: resolving the past; falling in love; seeing true self
Characters:
First Lieutenant Archibald Jeffrey Stevenson III � aka Professor � Emily chose him at West Point, and he has flown with/ partnered with her since; father a rich builder of yachts, mother head of a think tank � and mother gone a lot � and though he loves his mom, he has felt abandoned by her and not connected to her like he is to his dad; kinda geeky, and uncomfortable around good looking women,
Kee (Keiko) Sato � 2nd woman in SOAR; mother a junkie; lived, stole, fought, killed, prostituted herself to survive� made good friends with a prostitute, lived and watched out for her for 3 years when she was killed in a driveby shooting � Kee tracked them down and executed them� as they were cop killers, an offer made to her to stay out of prison if she joined the army� and when rescued by SOAR once, she decided she wanted that; tough; keeping her past to herself; a weapons specialist.
Dilyana � 12 year old Uzbekistan girl, whose parents were killed as they caravanned, picked up by Kee and crew.. and eventually found a new family;
Major Mark Henderson and Major Emily Beale - newlyweds, but subtly so; Emily happy have another woman on board.
Connie Davis- next book � mechanic, stoic, comes into the end of this book
Summary:
Archie and Kee --- ahh, their courtship starts out slow� he clamps up rather than sticking his foot in his mouth, but finds small ways that reach her � a touch, a quiet � I’m glad it wasn’t you (when other shooter is hurt in combat). And Kee watches how he acts with Dilya, his gentle, humorous, kind way with the little girl who doesn’t know English. And though Kee tries to keep it about sex and lust, even after she sleeps with him, he is quicker to acknowledge his deeper feelings� and it takes time with his parents (when they get 10 days leave, and take it together) � and his mother, whose heart wants to connect with Archie, but she doesn’t seem to have the words � and his mother tracks her down at the train station with a request for her return� but with Connie’s assurance that he is wearing his heart on his sleeve when he watches her when she isn’t looking and that they have to talk� she invites him to talk �
Fighting part- Kee proves herself on the guns� Archie proves himself in the strategizing (like his mother)� they are called back early from their leave with a few from the other crew to take an unnamed man 8 hours into enemy territory � with a pickup truck hanging from the helicopter� and when the Major’s return to camp, and hear about it, they figure out they had been used� in conjunction with the president and the chief of staff, they figure out who it is (and they are the ones who killed Dilya’s parents when they mistakenly ran across their truck) � and what they plan � to return to an Uzbekistan base, take a fighter plane, and drop a bomb on a china/Russia/alliance meeting as revenge for their wives from said base being killed before they were kicked off it �
So two teams head out to stop them (to do so under the radar)� and Major Henderson’s copter is damaged, leaving Beale’s team to go in on their own� and they sneak up on the base, and Kee makes the kill shot and shoots the engine of the plane, making it look like an accident � though Archie was shot when they took out two guards, and she has to field dress him, and all but drag him back to the others�.
And Archie can’t go into combat anymore � becomes the ground strategist, and Dilya’s dad� ahhhh
Memorable scenes:
Kee doesn’t want to fly with Beale � not wanting to be on the pink/fluff team� (though it doesn’t take her too long to figure out how good Beale is).
As sleep finally overtook her, Dilya daydreamed of an image. One she couldn’t quite see. A dream of three. Tall, medium, and the last one Dilya-sized.
I love you, Kee. Of course, there wasn’t enough breath left in her body to say any words, even if she had them in her.
When Archie is quietly reflecting on how he misread his mother all his life (after kee shares her stark background with them both, and pushes them together andhis mother tells him she loves him), and Kee thinks he is pulling away from her because of the truth of her past so she gives him the cold shoulder and avoids him� and they have a fisticuff fight, both hurting the other�
Dilya places a blanket over them after they fall asleep after having make up sex.
When Kee must kill the two men, to prevent a war, and because Dilya wants revenge � but she understands their motivation � wanting revenge for the deaths of their pregnant wives � and Archie helps her to peace over doing what needs to be done� and Dilya sees things are not black and white either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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