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Flashpoint #1
Tinderbox
In the volatile tinderbox of the Horn of Africa, Morgan Adler has made the paleoanthropological find of a lifetime. The discovery brings her to the attention of a warlord eager to claim both Morgan and the fossils, forcing her to make a desperate dash to the nearby US military base to beg for protection.
Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard has orders to intercept Dr. Adler before she reaches the base, and in so doing saves her life. After a harrowing afternoon he safely delivers her to his commanders, only to find his responsibilities toward protecting the obstinate archaeologist have only just begun.
Morgan and Pax are forced to work together in the Djiboutian desert heat, but it is the fire that ignites between them that threatens to combust them both. For the Green Beret, involvement with the woman he must protect is a threat to his career, while for the archaeologist, the soldier is everything she never wanted but somehow can’t resist. When Morgan uncovers a mystery surrounding Djibouti’s most scarce and vital resource, the danger to her reaches the flashpoint. For Pax, protecting her is no longer a matter of following orders, and he’ll risk everything to bring her back alive.
Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard has orders to intercept Dr. Adler before she reaches the base, and in so doing saves her life. After a harrowing afternoon he safely delivers her to his commanders, only to find his responsibilities toward protecting the obstinate archaeologist have only just begun.
Morgan and Pax are forced to work together in the Djiboutian desert heat, but it is the fire that ignites between them that threatens to combust them both. For the Green Beret, involvement with the woman he must protect is a threat to his career, while for the archaeologist, the soldier is everything she never wanted but somehow can’t resist. When Morgan uncovers a mystery surrounding Djibouti’s most scarce and vital resource, the danger to her reaches the flashpoint. For Pax, protecting her is no longer a matter of following orders, and he’ll risk everything to bring her back alive.
364 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2017
556 people are currently reading
5,772 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Grant
41books1,601followersCOMING SOON
AVAILABLE NOW:
USA Today bestselling author Rachel Grant also writes thrillers as R.S. Grant. She worked for over a decade as a professional archaeologist and mines her experiences for storylines and settings, which are as diverse as excavating a cemetery underneath an historic art museum in San Francisco, survey and excavation of many prehistoric Native American sites in the Pacific Northwest, researching an historic concrete house in Virginia (inspiration for her debut novel, CONCRETE EVIDENCE), and mapping a seventeenth century Spanish and Dutch fort on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean (which provided inspiration for the island and fort described in CRASH SITE).
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her archaeologist husband and demanding cat.
AVAILABLE NOW:
USA Today bestselling author Rachel Grant also writes thrillers as R.S. Grant. She worked for over a decade as a professional archaeologist and mines her experiences for storylines and settings, which are as diverse as excavating a cemetery underneath an historic art museum in San Francisco, survey and excavation of many prehistoric Native American sites in the Pacific Northwest, researching an historic concrete house in Virginia (inspiration for her debut novel, CONCRETE EVIDENCE), and mapping a seventeenth century Spanish and Dutch fort on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean (which provided inspiration for the island and fort described in CRASH SITE).
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her archaeologist husband and demanding cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
April 21, 2019
Tinderbox by Rachel Grant
Smart, suspenseful and well written. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this trilogy.
Archeological and anthropology terms I had to look until I realized the author would explain or define in the next few paragraphs or pages. And some new to me Military issues, habits and equipment.
The heroine was brought up under the strict military parenting and is strong and independent because of it. She doesn’t let obstacles get in her way. I really liked her spirit. And the hero who thinks of himself as a nerd yet is trying to be the best soldier he can is drool worthy.
I truly enjoyed the romance, the suspense and the learning.
But end up with a question: she’s exhausted at the end of the day and the thought of reading a novel is just too much for her, what is she doing in her CLU? There is no WIFI or TV. Maybe there isn’t much free time?
I’m marking this 4.5.
Smart, suspenseful and well written. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this trilogy.
Archeological and anthropology terms I had to look until I realized the author would explain or define in the next few paragraphs or pages. And some new to me Military issues, habits and equipment.
The heroine was brought up under the strict military parenting and is strong and independent because of it. She doesn’t let obstacles get in her way. I really liked her spirit. And the hero who thinks of himself as a nerd yet is trying to be the best soldier he can is drool worthy.
I truly enjoyed the romance, the suspense and the learning.
But end up with a question: she’s exhausted at the end of the day and the thought of reading a novel is just too much for her, what is she doing in her CLU? There is no WIFI or TV. Maybe there isn’t much free time?
I’m marking this 4.5.
February 7, 2017
Rachel Grant’s Evidence series is a must read for me; smart, intelligent and smokin� hot romance. When I found out she is starting a new series, I did a happy dance and then was so excited to find out I would be getting an early copy. TINDERBOX (Flashpoint Series, #1) by Rachel Grant is everything I expect in a Romantic suspense and more!
Dr. Morgan Adler is an archeologist working under contract to the Djibouti government in the Horn of Africa. As she works to clear the way for a new railroad, she and her team uncover a fossil skeleton that could be the find of a lifetime. The problem is that a warlord wants it also, and Morgan. She makes a run from her site to the American military base, Camp Citron, for help.
Based on a tip, Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard, a Green Beret based out of Camp Citron is ordered to intercept Morgan and stop her from getting to the base. They find a bomb under her car about to blow and Pax saves her life as she fights to save some fossils in her car. This is the first of many combustible situations between Pax and Morgan.
Morgan is a kick-butt heroine with a body like a centerfold, a foul mouth, and a PhD. She has a huge chip on her shoulder growing up with a General for a father, who she feels, he thinks she has never be good enough. Pax is completely focused on his military career after being burned young in a short-lived marriage to another General’s daughter. He wants nothing to do with any relationship and especially not with this General’s daughter. They are too hot for each other and there is no keeping their sexual tension from catching fire.
The plot takes off like a shot right from the first chapter and never lets up. Ms. Grant always teaches me new and interesting information in her books without slowing the pace. This new book has a warlord who wants to be a king, sex slave trade, corrupt and loyal politicians, and the U.S. and China working behind the scenes for control of this tinderbox of a country.
The twists and turns of the plot had me continually surprised and I just could not put this book down. The romance is hot, hot, hot. I highly recommend this book!
Dr. Morgan Adler is an archeologist working under contract to the Djibouti government in the Horn of Africa. As she works to clear the way for a new railroad, she and her team uncover a fossil skeleton that could be the find of a lifetime. The problem is that a warlord wants it also, and Morgan. She makes a run from her site to the American military base, Camp Citron, for help.
Based on a tip, Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard, a Green Beret based out of Camp Citron is ordered to intercept Morgan and stop her from getting to the base. They find a bomb under her car about to blow and Pax saves her life as she fights to save some fossils in her car. This is the first of many combustible situations between Pax and Morgan.
Morgan is a kick-butt heroine with a body like a centerfold, a foul mouth, and a PhD. She has a huge chip on her shoulder growing up with a General for a father, who she feels, he thinks she has never be good enough. Pax is completely focused on his military career after being burned young in a short-lived marriage to another General’s daughter. He wants nothing to do with any relationship and especially not with this General’s daughter. They are too hot for each other and there is no keeping their sexual tension from catching fire.
The plot takes off like a shot right from the first chapter and never lets up. Ms. Grant always teaches me new and interesting information in her books without slowing the pace. This new book has a warlord who wants to be a king, sex slave trade, corrupt and loyal politicians, and the U.S. and China working behind the scenes for control of this tinderbox of a country.
The twists and turns of the plot had me continually surprised and I just could not put this book down. The romance is hot, hot, hot. I highly recommend this book!
March 5, 2019
“There’s a fine line between evil and desperation. One easily leads to the other."
Holy hell was this fascinating, entertaining, hot at times, and plain absorbing. I didn't really take notes to write a review but want to alert anyone looking for a rom suspense that's high on the suspense, this is an absolute go to.
Quickly, our heroine is an archaeologist sent to Djibouti to survey land that wants to be developed by both China and U.S. There is a butt load of politics involved with secondary characters trying to maneuver to place them or their country in power. It is, as the title suggests, a tinderbox situation. Morgan meets a Special Forces soldier who she ends up having mad chemistry with and they battle it along with the elements of the country.
I have to be honest, the romance was a pretty far second to the overall suspense, political, anthropology, and people of Djibouti setting the author magnificently created. Morgan and Pax had chemistry but his stop and go, feet dragging on not wanting to be together came off even more slow paced in comparison to the suspense of shady country dealings, double agents, and people fighting for survival. I also thought the issues Morgan had with her Dad were, eh; made her come off still kind of childish and wrapped very easily up to make her whole issues even more, eh.
Loved this line about the hero: She’d pulled back her blonde hair in a neat French braid, the kind his little sister made him learn how to do when she was eight because she couldn’t braid behind her head herself.
He learned to French braid his little sisters hair! You know how I thirst for building blocks of characters, this was a majorly sweet one that gives a great insight into the hero.
There really was no end to fascinating and intriguing tidbits in this story: She picked up a triangular rock and jogged back to his side to press it in his hand. She wrapped his fingers around the warm stone. “You’re holding in your hand a tool that was made by either Homo ergaster or Homo habilis around one-point-five-million years ago.�
I spent hours at the computer intermittently looking up new anthropological finds and the current situation in Djibouti. Personally, I felt like the author did an amazing job giving us enough solid facts weaved in with some plausible fiction, without technically overloading or stunting with "look at all the research I did!" facts, to create one heck of an interesting story.
Like I said, the romance was more three stars for me as I liked the couple's banter but they got pretty lusty right away (thoughts more than actions in beginning). I'm also nerdy enough though, that the author's fascinating inclusion of threads, facts, and plausible sounding anthropology, archaeology, world geography, military, and political talk, the main couple could have been anyone.
She caught his smug grin. She rolled her eyes and hoped he didn’t notice her heart was still in overdrive. “Not a bad bit of rescuing,� she said as nonchalantly as she could muster.
He laughed. “Sometimes I even amaze myself.�
It was her turn to laugh. A guy who could quote Han Solo might just be her catnip.
This was my catnip. If looking for some really interesting, intriguing, heartbreaking, make you feel incredibly lucky where you were born, action, and some sexy time romantic suspense, you will really want to read this. I'm delighted there are more books to discover in this series.
Holy hell was this fascinating, entertaining, hot at times, and plain absorbing. I didn't really take notes to write a review but want to alert anyone looking for a rom suspense that's high on the suspense, this is an absolute go to.
Quickly, our heroine is an archaeologist sent to Djibouti to survey land that wants to be developed by both China and U.S. There is a butt load of politics involved with secondary characters trying to maneuver to place them or their country in power. It is, as the title suggests, a tinderbox situation. Morgan meets a Special Forces soldier who she ends up having mad chemistry with and they battle it along with the elements of the country.
I have to be honest, the romance was a pretty far second to the overall suspense, political, anthropology, and people of Djibouti setting the author magnificently created. Morgan and Pax had chemistry but his stop and go, feet dragging on not wanting to be together came off even more slow paced in comparison to the suspense of shady country dealings, double agents, and people fighting for survival. I also thought the issues Morgan had with her Dad were, eh; made her come off still kind of childish and wrapped very easily up to make her whole issues even more, eh.
Loved this line about the hero: She’d pulled back her blonde hair in a neat French braid, the kind his little sister made him learn how to do when she was eight because she couldn’t braid behind her head herself.
He learned to French braid his little sisters hair! You know how I thirst for building blocks of characters, this was a majorly sweet one that gives a great insight into the hero.
There really was no end to fascinating and intriguing tidbits in this story: She picked up a triangular rock and jogged back to his side to press it in his hand. She wrapped his fingers around the warm stone. “You’re holding in your hand a tool that was made by either Homo ergaster or Homo habilis around one-point-five-million years ago.�
I spent hours at the computer intermittently looking up new anthropological finds and the current situation in Djibouti. Personally, I felt like the author did an amazing job giving us enough solid facts weaved in with some plausible fiction, without technically overloading or stunting with "look at all the research I did!" facts, to create one heck of an interesting story.
Like I said, the romance was more three stars for me as I liked the couple's banter but they got pretty lusty right away (thoughts more than actions in beginning). I'm also nerdy enough though, that the author's fascinating inclusion of threads, facts, and plausible sounding anthropology, archaeology, world geography, military, and political talk, the main couple could have been anyone.
She caught his smug grin. She rolled her eyes and hoped he didn’t notice her heart was still in overdrive. “Not a bad bit of rescuing,� she said as nonchalantly as she could muster.
He laughed. “Sometimes I even amaze myself.�
It was her turn to laugh. A guy who could quote Han Solo might just be her catnip.
This was my catnip. If looking for some really interesting, intriguing, heartbreaking, make you feel incredibly lucky where you were born, action, and some sexy time romantic suspense, you will really want to read this. I'm delighted there are more books to discover in this series.
January 27, 2020
Strong but real characters. Loved both of them. I loved how they fought against the inevitable. The passion felt real and the live scenes were hot. The storyline was riveting, a mystery until the end. It was great that the heroine could defend herself a wolf in sheep's clothing so to speak. Great read! Great author!
August 27, 2021
Trigger Warnings:
I have the biggest headache, I started to skim through the book in the middle because I just wanted to finish. This book was one of the books that were hyped on the romance subreddit and I was in the mood for something similar to Crash Landing on You, where a guy is pushed into a position where he has to take care of a girl he doesn’t wanna take care of. But this book didn’t really have what I wanted, I didn’t like the characters, the plot was boring and there was just way too much info-dumping. I was overwhelmed by all of the military talk and the science talk cuz I’m stupid. Honestly, this is just an unpopular opinion, you might enjoy this more than me but I didn’t like it at all. I could’ve DNFed it but I was just hoping it would get better and honestly I rarely DNF books.
This follows Morgan and Pax, Morgan’s life is in danger as an archaeologist and Pax is left in charge of her. The two are horny and want one another but they know that they can’t have one another since Pax has to protect Morgan and he would risk losing his job. Pax works for the US military and doesn’t wanna repeat the same mistakes he has made in the past.
I honestly might be getting the details wrong because I skimmed through this book but I’m gonna jump into spoilers
Even though this book wasn’t for me, it might be something you might like so check it out. I’m just not a fan of insta-lust and some parts just pissed me off. It’s also focused on military and science stuff so if that’s your thing, give this a go. Anyway, I’ll be off, stay safe folks.
I have the biggest headache, I started to skim through the book in the middle because I just wanted to finish. This book was one of the books that were hyped on the romance subreddit and I was in the mood for something similar to Crash Landing on You, where a guy is pushed into a position where he has to take care of a girl he doesn’t wanna take care of. But this book didn’t really have what I wanted, I didn’t like the characters, the plot was boring and there was just way too much info-dumping. I was overwhelmed by all of the military talk and the science talk cuz I’m stupid. Honestly, this is just an unpopular opinion, you might enjoy this more than me but I didn’t like it at all. I could’ve DNFed it but I was just hoping it would get better and honestly I rarely DNF books.
This follows Morgan and Pax, Morgan’s life is in danger as an archaeologist and Pax is left in charge of her. The two are horny and want one another but they know that they can’t have one another since Pax has to protect Morgan and he would risk losing his job. Pax works for the US military and doesn’t wanna repeat the same mistakes he has made in the past.
I honestly might be getting the details wrong because I skimmed through this book but I’m gonna jump into spoilers
Even though this book wasn’t for me, it might be something you might like so check it out. I’m just not a fan of insta-lust and some parts just pissed me off. It’s also focused on military and science stuff so if that’s your thing, give this a go. Anyway, I’ll be off, stay safe folks.
February 16, 2017
ARC Review. 4.5 stars.
This book reminds me of good, really good, tequila. Good tequila has an essence, taste smooth, goes down easily, and gives you a nice little jolt. This book is easy. It is easy to love the story, the characters, and the drama. But it is not a simple story and very few people can pull off a romantic suspense featuring a dry Djibouti desert, a filthy mouthed fairy, a soldier’s soldier, and an archeological find of the century, like Rachel Grant.
The storyline is filled with adrenaline inducing action and suspense. There is also a dose of intrigue around an emerging nation dealing with power-hungry warlords and terrorist threats. Djbouti is in a strategically desirable location which is why both the U.S. and China are trying to get a foothold in the region.
Dr. Morgan Adler is in the country at the invitation of the Djibouti and Ethiopian governments to locate and clear sites for a railway expansion. Her project is also connected to a U.S. military base expansion which puts her on the radar of the U.S. Navy. She is also of note because her estranged father is a two star General in the Army. Her work ultimately puts her in the crosshairs between a warlord, the Djbouti government, and a power struggle between the United States and Chinese interests. Yup, just another ordinary day in the life of an archeologist. I like Morgan because she is both strong willed and poised. She is grace under pressure and is skilled enough to take care of herself in a fight. She is not an agent, but by golly, she is trained like one.
Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard is a career soldier through and through. The military is his life and he is fully committed to the service. Ironically, he is raised in a free-loving, hippy family. They encourage him to fulfil his calling and so he does as a member of the Green Berets. I love Pax because he is upfront and straightforward and yet, not boring, but admirable. But what really seals the deal for me is his description of himself:
A Special Forces nerd who reads fantasy? Check. Check. Check. Check those boxes off my fantasy hero list.
Morgan meets Pax during a mad dash to Camp Citron. She is running after being threatened by a Ethiopian warlord, Etefu Desta. She narrowly escapes a car bomb with the help of Pax and his partner, Cal. The romance between Morgan and Pax is refreshing. It is not fraught with misunderstandings, but rather a deep frustration of not being able to be together because of circumstances. He is her bodyguard and getting involved can lead to mistakes. I learned early on in my own romantic life the frustrations of being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the right person. Because of this tension, I think this is one of Ms. Grant’s sexiest books. The energy between the two is always on the surface.
Ms. Grant’s writing is excellent with creative dialogue that kept me glued to my Kindle and laughing out loud. I love Morgan’s creatively filthy mouth. The girl could make a sailor blush and impresses even these salty Green Berets. Her put downs are clever and witty: “Arugula served with goat spunk on moldy toast is too good for that pig-faced dung beetle.� I’m stealing that one.
One aspect I unexpectedly enjoyed is the role Morgan’s dad plays in developing her character. She feels that she is perpetually disappointing him by first, not being a boy, and then by not going into the military and being one of the first female Special Forces soldiers. She spends the better part of her youth training in shooting and martial arts. As soon as she finds her own voice though, she rebels against him. Morgan’s dad is an asshat. He publicly berates her and is highly critical. However, there is usually more than one perspective to every encounter and the author gives us a poignant moment between the two. I wish that there were more interactions between Morgan and her dad. This part of the story feels a little rushed and I really wanted more depth. Yes, I want an HEA between the daughter and dad, too.
One of the benefits of good tequila is that you usually do not end up with a hangover. Unfortunately, that’s where the similarities end because this book is certain to cause a book hangover.
Originally posted at
This book reminds me of good, really good, tequila. Good tequila has an essence, taste smooth, goes down easily, and gives you a nice little jolt. This book is easy. It is easy to love the story, the characters, and the drama. But it is not a simple story and very few people can pull off a romantic suspense featuring a dry Djibouti desert, a filthy mouthed fairy, a soldier’s soldier, and an archeological find of the century, like Rachel Grant.
The storyline is filled with adrenaline inducing action and suspense. There is also a dose of intrigue around an emerging nation dealing with power-hungry warlords and terrorist threats. Djbouti is in a strategically desirable location which is why both the U.S. and China are trying to get a foothold in the region.
Dr. Morgan Adler is in the country at the invitation of the Djibouti and Ethiopian governments to locate and clear sites for a railway expansion. Her project is also connected to a U.S. military base expansion which puts her on the radar of the U.S. Navy. She is also of note because her estranged father is a two star General in the Army. Her work ultimately puts her in the crosshairs between a warlord, the Djbouti government, and a power struggle between the United States and Chinese interests. Yup, just another ordinary day in the life of an archeologist. I like Morgan because she is both strong willed and poised. She is grace under pressure and is skilled enough to take care of herself in a fight. She is not an agent, but by golly, she is trained like one.
Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard is a career soldier through and through. The military is his life and he is fully committed to the service. Ironically, he is raised in a free-loving, hippy family. They encourage him to fulfil his calling and so he does as a member of the Green Berets. I love Pax because he is upfront and straightforward and yet, not boring, but admirable. But what really seals the deal for me is his description of himself:
His type was the shy, bookish nerds, which was exactly what he’d been until he joined the Army. He’d been a late bloomer, hitting a second growth spurt after nineteen, when he’d shot up six inches in two years and packed on the muscle that made it possible for him to do his job. But the external changes hadn’t changed who he was inside, and he was still the sci-fi and fantasy loving guy who read scientific journals for fun.
A Special Forces nerd who reads fantasy? Check. Check. Check. Check those boxes off my fantasy hero list.
Morgan meets Pax during a mad dash to Camp Citron. She is running after being threatened by a Ethiopian warlord, Etefu Desta. She narrowly escapes a car bomb with the help of Pax and his partner, Cal. The romance between Morgan and Pax is refreshing. It is not fraught with misunderstandings, but rather a deep frustration of not being able to be together because of circumstances. He is her bodyguard and getting involved can lead to mistakes. I learned early on in my own romantic life the frustrations of being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the right person. Because of this tension, I think this is one of Ms. Grant’s sexiest books. The energy between the two is always on the surface.
Ms. Grant’s writing is excellent with creative dialogue that kept me glued to my Kindle and laughing out loud. I love Morgan’s creatively filthy mouth. The girl could make a sailor blush and impresses even these salty Green Berets. Her put downs are clever and witty: “Arugula served with goat spunk on moldy toast is too good for that pig-faced dung beetle.� I’m stealing that one.
One aspect I unexpectedly enjoyed is the role Morgan’s dad plays in developing her character. She feels that she is perpetually disappointing him by first, not being a boy, and then by not going into the military and being one of the first female Special Forces soldiers. She spends the better part of her youth training in shooting and martial arts. As soon as she finds her own voice though, she rebels against him. Morgan’s dad is an asshat. He publicly berates her and is highly critical. However, there is usually more than one perspective to every encounter and the author gives us a poignant moment between the two. I wish that there were more interactions between Morgan and her dad. This part of the story feels a little rushed and I really wanted more depth. Yes, I want an HEA between the daughter and dad, too.
One of the benefits of good tequila is that you usually do not end up with a hangover. Unfortunately, that’s where the similarities end because this book is certain to cause a book hangover.
Originally posted at
February 20, 2017
I love Rachel Grant's Evidence series, so when she contacted me offering the ARC of this new series I was thrilled and jumped right on it! :)
And, I'm happy, happy, happy to say that I was not disappointed!
The story is suspensful, full of action, but also allarming because of the possible cross references with real life political situation in those countries.
Morgan, the heroine is endearing because she's aware of her physical appleal to men: she's like a Play Boy centerfold - and she's not above using that to get what she wants! LOL
She's also foul-mouthed, but at the same time she's also angry with herself because of a love-hate relationship she has with her father, the General. The general, being a chauvinistic military man, wanted her to become a boy. He made her do all the things a son would be doing until she rebelled and went her way. Still, deep down, she's aware that she loves him still and, even against herself, she wants his approval.
I loved that she didn't hide it, didn't made an useless issue of that - she was just honest and straitforward!
The hero, Pax is all the contrary! He refuses to get attached to Morgan, but makes it clear that he wants her. At the same time he also rejects her when she clearly states that she wants him too. Why? Because of his ex wife! I so wanted to smack him!!! I undestand that his ex was a needy, spoilt brat who run to her daddy (also a high miliraty officer) when she wanted Pax to stay home, but Pax should have been aware that not all women are like that!
Pax also has an issue about honorable behavior that borders on idiocy (my opinion LOL): he doesn't want to touch Morgan because she's his assignment... Stupid man!
Obviously it doesn't work! *wink*
Their story is seamlessly woven into the larger story about the misery of the population of a third world country of Djibouti where people are literally dieing of thirst. But there're always people who want more and more power even is others suffer and die because of that! So here we have a warlord who wants to be a king, sex slave trade, corrupt politicians, and the U.S. and China working behind the scenes for control of territory... Sadly that is how our world works nowdays and not only nowdays... :(
However, this is romance, so everything works fine at the end!
Well, I applaud Rachel Grant for entertaining me and for this really great start of new series!
I'll be looking forward to the next book!
And, I'm happy, happy, happy to say that I was not disappointed!
The story is suspensful, full of action, but also allarming because of the possible cross references with real life political situation in those countries.
Morgan, the heroine is endearing because she's aware of her physical appleal to men: she's like a Play Boy centerfold - and she's not above using that to get what she wants! LOL
She's also foul-mouthed, but at the same time she's also angry with herself because of a love-hate relationship she has with her father, the General. The general, being a chauvinistic military man, wanted her to become a boy. He made her do all the things a son would be doing until she rebelled and went her way. Still, deep down, she's aware that she loves him still and, even against herself, she wants his approval.
I loved that she didn't hide it, didn't made an useless issue of that - she was just honest and straitforward!
The hero, Pax is all the contrary! He refuses to get attached to Morgan, but makes it clear that he wants her. At the same time he also rejects her when she clearly states that she wants him too. Why? Because of his ex wife! I so wanted to smack him!!! I undestand that his ex was a needy, spoilt brat who run to her daddy (also a high miliraty officer) when she wanted Pax to stay home, but Pax should have been aware that not all women are like that!
Pax also has an issue about honorable behavior that borders on idiocy (my opinion LOL): he doesn't want to touch Morgan because she's his assignment... Stupid man!
Obviously it doesn't work! *wink*
Their story is seamlessly woven into the larger story about the misery of the population of a third world country of Djibouti where people are literally dieing of thirst. But there're always people who want more and more power even is others suffer and die because of that! So here we have a warlord who wants to be a king, sex slave trade, corrupt politicians, and the U.S. and China working behind the scenes for control of territory... Sadly that is how our world works nowdays and not only nowdays... :(
However, this is romance, so everything works fine at the end!
Well, I applaud Rachel Grant for entertaining me and for this really great start of new series!
I'll be looking forward to the next book!
August 18, 2018
Romantic-suspense is not a genre I've read from before so I had no idea what to expect. Well, I'm happy to report that I could not put this book down, listening straight through, fully engaged. I know books like this can run the risk of being a bit sensationalist, cliche, and with strong sexual content, but I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK! And I'm giving it 4 stars(content) and 4.5 stars (narration)!
It's refreshing to escape into a book not for its deep meaning/literary value but rather for its pure entertainment value! A book that engages you from start to finish and makes you smile and laugh out loud, even if it elicits the occasional (or frequent) eye-roll, head-shake, or shriek of 'Really? Seriously? Ugh!'.
This book was like that for me ...BUT... this book was also so much more than just that, and it's the 'MORE' that I really, really loved! Things like:
SETTING: An atmospheric desert setting in Djibouti, Horn of Africa, with an interesting and believable interaction of politics, military action, and terrorism in the region.
HERO/HEROINE: Smart, capable, (sexy), (foul-mouthed) female heroine Dr. Morgan Adler, an archaeologist who can hold her own in the midst of dominant male military and political personnel. Strong, admirable, (dashing), (alpha) male hero Master Sargeant Pax Blanchard who is dedicated to his military career and tries to uphold his honor. The two have immediate chemistry, and there's a lot of sexual tension throughout the story as it plays out. Be forewarned the two are quite brazen in their dialogue with each other. The romance scenes are described by reviewers as hot and steamy but might lean a little raw and overt for some readers. (I personally think the story would have been even better with a bit more subtlety, but hey, this IS romantic genre, so I get that! :))
SUSPENSE/ACTION: This is where the story really shines in my opinion. It's action-packed, intriguing, and pulls you in right from the start and never lets go. The archaeology dig is an interesting starting point for the story, and the political/military/terrorist intrigue builds and builds, with some interesting plot twists and a high-action finish.
AUDIO: Greg Tremblay's narration made all the difference in me loving this book vs just liking it. He's one of the better narrators I've listened to for his inflections, emotion and delivery. He distinctly and believably portrays a wide array of characters and conversations, including male/female (Morgan, Pax), cultures (French, Chinese, East-African), military authority, and raunchy sexual banter. His voice will capture your attention and awaken all your senses!
So, while this book might not appeal to everyone given the strong sexual overtones, I give no apologies for my own pure enjoyment in this escapist read! I was hooked on the story, I smiled and laughed and guffawed and gasped and eye-rolled and shook my head, and I had a truly awesome time listening to this book. I'm definitely on board with this author and narrator and will read/listen to more of their works for sure. And I'll start book 2 and 3 of this series :)
It's refreshing to escape into a book not for its deep meaning/literary value but rather for its pure entertainment value! A book that engages you from start to finish and makes you smile and laugh out loud, even if it elicits the occasional (or frequent) eye-roll, head-shake, or shriek of 'Really? Seriously? Ugh!'.
This book was like that for me ...BUT... this book was also so much more than just that, and it's the 'MORE' that I really, really loved! Things like:
SETTING: An atmospheric desert setting in Djibouti, Horn of Africa, with an interesting and believable interaction of politics, military action, and terrorism in the region.
HERO/HEROINE: Smart, capable, (sexy), (foul-mouthed) female heroine Dr. Morgan Adler, an archaeologist who can hold her own in the midst of dominant male military and political personnel. Strong, admirable, (dashing), (alpha) male hero Master Sargeant Pax Blanchard who is dedicated to his military career and tries to uphold his honor. The two have immediate chemistry, and there's a lot of sexual tension throughout the story as it plays out. Be forewarned the two are quite brazen in their dialogue with each other. The romance scenes are described by reviewers as hot and steamy but might lean a little raw and overt for some readers. (I personally think the story would have been even better with a bit more subtlety, but hey, this IS romantic genre, so I get that! :))
SUSPENSE/ACTION: This is where the story really shines in my opinion. It's action-packed, intriguing, and pulls you in right from the start and never lets go. The archaeology dig is an interesting starting point for the story, and the political/military/terrorist intrigue builds and builds, with some interesting plot twists and a high-action finish.
AUDIO: Greg Tremblay's narration made all the difference in me loving this book vs just liking it. He's one of the better narrators I've listened to for his inflections, emotion and delivery. He distinctly and believably portrays a wide array of characters and conversations, including male/female (Morgan, Pax), cultures (French, Chinese, East-African), military authority, and raunchy sexual banter. His voice will capture your attention and awaken all your senses!
So, while this book might not appeal to everyone given the strong sexual overtones, I give no apologies for my own pure enjoyment in this escapist read! I was hooked on the story, I smiled and laughed and guffawed and gasped and eye-rolled and shook my head, and I had a truly awesome time listening to this book. I'm definitely on board with this author and narrator and will read/listen to more of their works for sure. And I'll start book 2 and 3 of this series :)
March 16, 2019
I was warned that this book was heavier on the suspense/action than the romance...and when I'm cringing inwardly---actually often outwardly--at the internal thoughts of the characters and often the dirty talk or sex scenes, I'd have to agree...it wasn't well-threaded.
Oh, I got it. I for sure got it. Both characters were compelling. The setting was high-adrenaline. Everything was exciting...But. Well, maybe more on that later?
First, the plot & setting were quite interesting and it was a really easy read. However, I fell out of love with the heroine quickly, with all her badassery. Why? Initially, she was culturally sensitive. Then, out of relief, she hugs her East African Muslim male coworkers despite their obvious discomfort on the page. Then, she mentions to Pax that perhaps they shouldn't have PDA at the market b/c it's a Muslim country. And then she questions whether she should give a small boy a hug. I appreciated her pointing out the cultural/religious differences. I hated that she disregarded those differences for her own needs. So it was kind of strike one against Morgan.
Then there's Pax. Who I really, really loved. He was Special Forces, but his name is Pax Love Blanchard. His parents are hippies. He's actually a pretty big dork. And he maintains these core beliefs about others - he's a feminist. He's accepting of who people are supposed to be. It's lovely. IF only they didn't do some unethical things in the field. Pax's job is very important to him. He's committed to it first and doesn't plan on relationships while enlisted. Seems simple.
Which brings me to strike 2-45 against Morgan. I don't mind women as the aggressors. However, in contemporary books I have hate-reviewed books so hard when a man continues to pursue a woman despite her declining a relationship. Even more when those dynamics threaten a woman's job. So, here, when it was Morgan pursuing Pax and exploiting his vulnerability for her, well, I didn't like her.
There's some examination after the fact. But then there's the dialogue that I think is generally forced--so I'd have to agree. I wouldn't read this for the romance.
Overall I did enjoy it. I can see the talent. I'm even a little curious about book 2. But, this heroine was a real turnoff. Her heal-all-come-to-Jesus with her father was weak. And Pax wasn't enough of a focus, honestly.
I listened to talented Greg Tremblay narrate this. I thought his voice really suited it. I hope he doesn't have the words 'machinations' and 'room' much in others I listen to though-those grated on me. ;)
Oh, I got it. I for sure got it. Both characters were compelling. The setting was high-adrenaline. Everything was exciting...But. Well, maybe more on that later?
First, the plot & setting were quite interesting and it was a really easy read. However, I fell out of love with the heroine quickly, with all her badassery. Why? Initially, she was culturally sensitive. Then, out of relief, she hugs her East African Muslim male coworkers despite their obvious discomfort on the page. Then, she mentions to Pax that perhaps they shouldn't have PDA at the market b/c it's a Muslim country. And then she questions whether she should give a small boy a hug. I appreciated her pointing out the cultural/religious differences. I hated that she disregarded those differences for her own needs. So it was kind of strike one against Morgan.
Then there's Pax. Who I really, really loved. He was Special Forces, but his name is Pax Love Blanchard. His parents are hippies. He's actually a pretty big dork. And he maintains these core beliefs about others - he's a feminist. He's accepting of who people are supposed to be. It's lovely. IF only they didn't do some unethical things in the field. Pax's job is very important to him. He's committed to it first and doesn't plan on relationships while enlisted. Seems simple.
Which brings me to strike 2-45 against Morgan. I don't mind women as the aggressors. However, in contemporary books I have hate-reviewed books so hard when a man continues to pursue a woman despite her declining a relationship. Even more when those dynamics threaten a woman's job. So, here, when it was Morgan pursuing Pax and exploiting his vulnerability for her, well, I didn't like her.
There's some examination after the fact. But then there's the dialogue that I think is generally forced--so I'd have to agree. I wouldn't read this for the romance.
Overall I did enjoy it. I can see the talent. I'm even a little curious about book 2. But, this heroine was a real turnoff. Her heal-all-come-to-Jesus with her father was weak. And Pax wasn't enough of a focus, honestly.
I listened to talented Greg Tremblay narrate this. I thought his voice really suited it. I hope he doesn't have the words 'machinations' and 'room' much in others I listen to though-those grated on me. ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2024
Review from 2017
I've given this an A for narration and an A- at AudioGals, which I suppose technically is nearer to 5 stars than to 4.5 - so I've rounded up..
I discovered Rachel Grant’s romantic suspense novels less than a year ago, and have been hooked ever since. I’ve read and listened to several of the titles in her Evidence series, all of them tightly-plotted thrillers interwoven with a nicely steamy romance featuring intelligent, sassy heroines and gorgeous, alpha-male heroes. The author makes excellent use of her own background in history and archaeology in her books, which are extremely well researched both in terms of the locations in which they are set, and the technological and specialist detail which add so much interest and depth to the stories. Tinderbox, the first book in her new Flashpoint series is no different. The story opens with a bang � literally! � and the pace never lets up, as our two protagonists are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy in a part of the world which exists on a knife-edge.
Doctor Morgan Adler has been contracted by the Djibouti government to undertake an archaeological survey of the proposed route of a new railway. That particular area, known as the Horn of Africa (on the East coast � Djibouti is bordered by Eritraea, Ethiopia and Somalia) is a haven for terrorists and pirates –as well as being a veritable treasure trove for archaeologists. Morgan has just made what is likely to be the find of the decade � if not the century � in ‘Linus� a set of three and a half million-year-old remains that could prove to be as significant an archaeological find as was in the 1970s. But she has been forced to flee the dig by several armed men working for Etefu Desta, an Ethiopian warlord looking to expand his territory into Djibouti. With the American Embassy closed, the only place she can think of that will be able to provide secure storage for the finds she has so far uncovered is the US military base at Camp Citron, and she’s on her way there with her precious cargo when she’s stopped by two Green Berets � Special Forces Operatives � about two miles from the camp.
Acting on a tip-off indicating that Desta is sending Camp Citron a ‘message� via Dr. Adler, Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard and his colleague, Sergeant Callahan have a good idea what that message is likely to be. They intercept Morgan just minutes before the stack of C4 planted in her truck detonates � and while she is grateful to get away with her life, she’s majorly pissed she wasn’t allowed to rescue the fossils she’d been transporting.
On arrival at Camp Citron, Morgan makes clear her intention to return to the US immediately, but the camp CO refuses to allow her to leave. The project she is working on has a knock-on effect for the base and will lead to its expansion; and his orders are that Morgan leaves her apartment in Djibouti City, moves into the camp and completes her survey. To ensure her safety, she will be accompanied at all times by a military protection detail headed by Sergeant Blanchard. Morgan doesn’t take kindly to being ordered about � a lifetime spent rebelling against her father, a two-star general has seen to that! � but she can’t deny that she desperately wants to continue her work or that that getting to spend more time with the seriously hot Pax Blanchard isn’t an attractive prospect.
The chemistry between Morgan and Pax is intense from pretty much the get-go, but he’s a soldier through and through and certainly isn’t about to let a petite, curvy, kick-ass blonde with a potty-mouth � he nicknames her afoul-mouthed fairy� come between him and his career. Morgan makes her interest in him more than clear, but he’s adamant they keep their relationship a professional one. He’s her bodyguard; she’s his charge, and anything more would be inappropriate.
As Morgan continues work on her dig, it becomes clear that the threats she has received from Desta may be related to more than her archaeological finds. The French geologist who first realised that the site may be of historical interest has disappeared; Morgan’s apartment has been stealthily searched and items stolen; the government is rife with corruption, members of her own team may be spying on her � and to cap it all, the Chinese government is throwing money at Djibouti and expanding their military presence there in order to gain a foothold in what is already an incredibly unstable area � probably with a view to backing whichever warlord stages the inevitable coup. I’m not going to reveal more about the plot which is complex, incredibly satisfying and very topical, other than to say it’s brilliantly constructed and utterly compelling � this was an audiobook I found very difficult to put aside.
I said earlier that Morgan was a kick ass heroine, and I meant that in the literal as well as the metaphorical sense. She’s fiercely intelligent and independent, but she also knows her way around a gun and is a martial arts expert, her father having brought her up as he would a boy. But their relationship is a difficult one because Morgan feels that because he tried to push her in the direction of a military career, he has never taken her choices seriously, whether it be in her career or her relationships. She has deliberately dated soft-spoken, poet types, peaceniks and environmentalists, men as different from her father as possible (and ones bound to irritate the hell out of him) which is why her attraction to Pax takes her completely by surprise � although secretly, she admits to having yearned to date a guy who radiates testosterone.
Fortunately, however, Pax is a lot more than a walking pot of male hormones. He’s a really good guy � dedicated to his job and his colleagues � and his background is pretty much the opposite of Morgan’s; his parents were laid-back, hippy types, so the military wasn’t a natural choice of career, and Morgan isn’t the sort of woman he’s normally attracted to. Pax might be a big, wall of muscle on the outside, but inside he’s still the sci-fi geek who read scientific journals for fun he was when he was sixteen. He and Morgan make a great couple though, as they discover just how much they have in common, and I loved that Pax is absolutely one-hundred-percent okay with her being able to take care of herself. He’s protective, yes, but he respects her abilities and trusts her to be able to do what needs to be done; he never talks down to her or tries to treat her like a damsel in distress. I do admit, however, that I started disliking Morgan when she kept pushing Pax and flirting quite outrageously with him because she wants to have sex with him and he’s trying to keep his distance. It makes her seem immature and selfish, but fortunately, she is redeemed later on when she comes to see how stupid of her that was.
Greg Tremblay is a new-to-me narrator, but I was really impressed with his performance, which is simply excellent on all counts. His narration is very well-paced, he employs a wide range of expression, and his acting choices are all spot on. There aren’t many female characters in the book � just Morgan, and a couple of secondary characters (one of whom is a CIA operative) � but his female voices are terrific; he differentiates mainly through pitch, but never resorts to falsetto or gets too squeaky. He does a great job with the different accents sported by various characters (French, Chinese, East-African) and differentiates extremely well between the numerous male characters. Pax and his closest colleagues, Callahan and Bastian � who has a lazy, southern-sounding drawl � are easy to tell apart, then there is the general (Morgan’s father) who sounds appropriately gruff and authoritarian, the camp commander, Desta and his cronies� there are a lot of men in the book, but only once or twice did I have to rely on textual indicators to tell me who was speaking, and even then, they were only “walk-on� parts; characters who only spoke briefly in one scene. Ms. Grant writes quite raunchy sex scenes that are liberally sprinkled with dirty talk, and Mr. Tremblay performs them admirably, getting right into the swing of things without going over the top. I am going to be seeking out more of his narrations based on his performance and I really hope that his services are retained for future instalments in theFlashpointseries.
Tinderboxis a must for any fans of military/romantic suspense and I’m recommending it highly. I had a few minor niggles with Morgan’s character (hence the A- for content rather than a straight A), but it’s a great listen overall � a superbly paced, action-packed, sexy thriller that you won’t want to put down.
I've given this an A for narration and an A- at AudioGals, which I suppose technically is nearer to 5 stars than to 4.5 - so I've rounded up..
I discovered Rachel Grant’s romantic suspense novels less than a year ago, and have been hooked ever since. I’ve read and listened to several of the titles in her Evidence series, all of them tightly-plotted thrillers interwoven with a nicely steamy romance featuring intelligent, sassy heroines and gorgeous, alpha-male heroes. The author makes excellent use of her own background in history and archaeology in her books, which are extremely well researched both in terms of the locations in which they are set, and the technological and specialist detail which add so much interest and depth to the stories. Tinderbox, the first book in her new Flashpoint series is no different. The story opens with a bang � literally! � and the pace never lets up, as our two protagonists are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy in a part of the world which exists on a knife-edge.
Doctor Morgan Adler has been contracted by the Djibouti government to undertake an archaeological survey of the proposed route of a new railway. That particular area, known as the Horn of Africa (on the East coast � Djibouti is bordered by Eritraea, Ethiopia and Somalia) is a haven for terrorists and pirates –as well as being a veritable treasure trove for archaeologists. Morgan has just made what is likely to be the find of the decade � if not the century � in ‘Linus� a set of three and a half million-year-old remains that could prove to be as significant an archaeological find as was in the 1970s. But she has been forced to flee the dig by several armed men working for Etefu Desta, an Ethiopian warlord looking to expand his territory into Djibouti. With the American Embassy closed, the only place she can think of that will be able to provide secure storage for the finds she has so far uncovered is the US military base at Camp Citron, and she’s on her way there with her precious cargo when she’s stopped by two Green Berets � Special Forces Operatives � about two miles from the camp.
Acting on a tip-off indicating that Desta is sending Camp Citron a ‘message� via Dr. Adler, Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard and his colleague, Sergeant Callahan have a good idea what that message is likely to be. They intercept Morgan just minutes before the stack of C4 planted in her truck detonates � and while she is grateful to get away with her life, she’s majorly pissed she wasn’t allowed to rescue the fossils she’d been transporting.
On arrival at Camp Citron, Morgan makes clear her intention to return to the US immediately, but the camp CO refuses to allow her to leave. The project she is working on has a knock-on effect for the base and will lead to its expansion; and his orders are that Morgan leaves her apartment in Djibouti City, moves into the camp and completes her survey. To ensure her safety, she will be accompanied at all times by a military protection detail headed by Sergeant Blanchard. Morgan doesn’t take kindly to being ordered about � a lifetime spent rebelling against her father, a two-star general has seen to that! � but she can’t deny that she desperately wants to continue her work or that that getting to spend more time with the seriously hot Pax Blanchard isn’t an attractive prospect.
The chemistry between Morgan and Pax is intense from pretty much the get-go, but he’s a soldier through and through and certainly isn’t about to let a petite, curvy, kick-ass blonde with a potty-mouth � he nicknames her afoul-mouthed fairy� come between him and his career. Morgan makes her interest in him more than clear, but he’s adamant they keep their relationship a professional one. He’s her bodyguard; she’s his charge, and anything more would be inappropriate.
As Morgan continues work on her dig, it becomes clear that the threats she has received from Desta may be related to more than her archaeological finds. The French geologist who first realised that the site may be of historical interest has disappeared; Morgan’s apartment has been stealthily searched and items stolen; the government is rife with corruption, members of her own team may be spying on her � and to cap it all, the Chinese government is throwing money at Djibouti and expanding their military presence there in order to gain a foothold in what is already an incredibly unstable area � probably with a view to backing whichever warlord stages the inevitable coup. I’m not going to reveal more about the plot which is complex, incredibly satisfying and very topical, other than to say it’s brilliantly constructed and utterly compelling � this was an audiobook I found very difficult to put aside.
I said earlier that Morgan was a kick ass heroine, and I meant that in the literal as well as the metaphorical sense. She’s fiercely intelligent and independent, but she also knows her way around a gun and is a martial arts expert, her father having brought her up as he would a boy. But their relationship is a difficult one because Morgan feels that because he tried to push her in the direction of a military career, he has never taken her choices seriously, whether it be in her career or her relationships. She has deliberately dated soft-spoken, poet types, peaceniks and environmentalists, men as different from her father as possible (and ones bound to irritate the hell out of him) which is why her attraction to Pax takes her completely by surprise � although secretly, she admits to having yearned to date a guy who radiates testosterone.
Fortunately, however, Pax is a lot more than a walking pot of male hormones. He’s a really good guy � dedicated to his job and his colleagues � and his background is pretty much the opposite of Morgan’s; his parents were laid-back, hippy types, so the military wasn’t a natural choice of career, and Morgan isn’t the sort of woman he’s normally attracted to. Pax might be a big, wall of muscle on the outside, but inside he’s still the sci-fi geek who read scientific journals for fun he was when he was sixteen. He and Morgan make a great couple though, as they discover just how much they have in common, and I loved that Pax is absolutely one-hundred-percent okay with her being able to take care of herself. He’s protective, yes, but he respects her abilities and trusts her to be able to do what needs to be done; he never talks down to her or tries to treat her like a damsel in distress. I do admit, however, that I started disliking Morgan when she kept pushing Pax and flirting quite outrageously with him because she wants to have sex with him and he’s trying to keep his distance. It makes her seem immature and selfish, but fortunately, she is redeemed later on when she comes to see how stupid of her that was.
Greg Tremblay is a new-to-me narrator, but I was really impressed with his performance, which is simply excellent on all counts. His narration is very well-paced, he employs a wide range of expression, and his acting choices are all spot on. There aren’t many female characters in the book � just Morgan, and a couple of secondary characters (one of whom is a CIA operative) � but his female voices are terrific; he differentiates mainly through pitch, but never resorts to falsetto or gets too squeaky. He does a great job with the different accents sported by various characters (French, Chinese, East-African) and differentiates extremely well between the numerous male characters. Pax and his closest colleagues, Callahan and Bastian � who has a lazy, southern-sounding drawl � are easy to tell apart, then there is the general (Morgan’s father) who sounds appropriately gruff and authoritarian, the camp commander, Desta and his cronies� there are a lot of men in the book, but only once or twice did I have to rely on textual indicators to tell me who was speaking, and even then, they were only “walk-on� parts; characters who only spoke briefly in one scene. Ms. Grant writes quite raunchy sex scenes that are liberally sprinkled with dirty talk, and Mr. Tremblay performs them admirably, getting right into the swing of things without going over the top. I am going to be seeking out more of his narrations based on his performance and I really hope that his services are retained for future instalments in theFlashpointseries.
Tinderboxis a must for any fans of military/romantic suspense and I’m recommending it highly. I had a few minor niggles with Morgan’s character (hence the A- for content rather than a straight A), but it’s a great listen overall � a superbly paced, action-packed, sexy thriller that you won’t want to put down.
February 15, 2017
I'm a really big fan of Rachel Grant's Evidence series - she does a nice job of balancing suspense and romance with really fun characters. In Tinderbox she starts a new suspense series with a military and adventure emphasis. According to the author's note in this book, her husband is an archaeologist and has worked in Dijibouti, in the horn of Africa so she carries that knowledge to her books (although events and other places are obviously fiction).
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Tinderbox is energy. This book is fast-paced and fueled with action and a steamy romance. Our heroine Morgan has found the"paleoanthropological find of a lifetime." A fossil, nicknamed Linus, which Morgan thinks might be three million years old. On top of that, Linus was butchering something when he died, meaning they would see what food he was going to eat. This is a once in a lifetime discovery, and Morgan is thrilled. But things go south when a local warlord targets Morgan and her fossil. Rushing to a nearby military base for assistance, Morgan is stopped outside the base by two special forces, Green Berets. After forcing her out of her car, they realize there is a bomb underneath and rush to take cover. Her car explodes, and so does part of Linus. Devastated, Morgan takes her anger out on our hero.
Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard could care less that a fossil blew up, he is just happy to be alive alongside Morgan. After some meetings, it's determined that Morgan has mixed herself up with some dangerous people in Dijibouti, and Pax is assigned to be her security detail as Morgan finishes up her work.
Pax and Morgan have immediate chemistry - but Pax is professional and when his commander tells him to not get involved with her, he takes that order seriously. Pax has been in the Army for fourteen years and it's his life. It's his passion and his calling and he is not going to let a sexy woman take that away from him. But oh is it a struggle for him.
Although Morgan's dad is a General and she can't stand him or his military ways, she can't help but lust after Pax- and she makes it known. She is very forward with her attraction and very vocal about being denied his sexy body. She made me smile a lot. Morgan surprises him - while she is a very serious palaeontologist with a lot of brain smarts, she is also well rounded in other areas:
"Can you shoot a person if you have to?"
"Do you think these men had anything to do with the explosion?"
"Yes." He did, but he'd have said yes either way.
"Then I will blow the motherfuckers' squirrel-sized peckers off."
(and she does)
Morgan is used to dating the scholarly type. The attentive, caring, quiet guy that respects her. Pfffft...she is so over that now.
But sometimes she hated to admit she might be attracted to a guy who wasn't so insistent on being understanding. A guy who admitted to liking guns because it was scientifically proven that just touching one upped a guy's testosterone level.
Just once she wanted to date a guy who was as pro-testosterone as he was pro-estrogen.
She sees that in Pax - he is a gentleman but oh does he have that alpha side that she knows will boss her around when they get naked together. This type of attitude in a man she is craving also reflects her personality as well. She doesn't hold back when she talks, and her insults can be quite colorful:
"Why would I want balls?" She tried to get a grip on her anger as she adapted her favorite Betty White quote. "Have you ever seen a woman taken out with a simple kick to the crotch? Hell no, because a vagina can take a beating. I'd like to see you squeeze a baby out of your precious, fragile balls." You intolerant, jizz-headed ass.
It takes a while for these two to hook up due to their circumstances, but the sexual tension is done so well.
"You're a bad girl, Dr. Adler."
"You should probably spank me."
She felt the intensity of his gaze even though she couldn't see his eyes behind the sunglasses. "Do you like spanking?"
"It depends on the timing. As I'm coming - yes. Pretty much any other time - no."
"Ah, fuck," he whispered. "how the hell am I going to get that image out of my brain."
Pax also says things like this:
"You keep this up, and I end up fucking you, I will not apologize for crawling out of bed five minutes after I come. You got that? I will fuck you and walk away. No emotions."
"Works for me."
Sometimes that alpha attitude can work so well for me - and it does in this one. He never comes across as a jerk. Just an alpha military guy looking to do his job and maybe indulge in some lust. Plus in the long-run, he is a good guy and totally lets his emotions into play and treats Morgan very well. As they dance around each other and eventually find their way into bed together, their lusty feelings become deeper and they both truly come to care for the other.
Rachel Grant paints a nice picture of the setting in this one - the details never drag the story down and there is always exciting adventure just around the corner. I'm very much looking forward to book two.
Grade: B+
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Tinderbox is energy. This book is fast-paced and fueled with action and a steamy romance. Our heroine Morgan has found the"paleoanthropological find of a lifetime." A fossil, nicknamed Linus, which Morgan thinks might be three million years old. On top of that, Linus was butchering something when he died, meaning they would see what food he was going to eat. This is a once in a lifetime discovery, and Morgan is thrilled. But things go south when a local warlord targets Morgan and her fossil. Rushing to a nearby military base for assistance, Morgan is stopped outside the base by two special forces, Green Berets. After forcing her out of her car, they realize there is a bomb underneath and rush to take cover. Her car explodes, and so does part of Linus. Devastated, Morgan takes her anger out on our hero.
Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard could care less that a fossil blew up, he is just happy to be alive alongside Morgan. After some meetings, it's determined that Morgan has mixed herself up with some dangerous people in Dijibouti, and Pax is assigned to be her security detail as Morgan finishes up her work.
Pax and Morgan have immediate chemistry - but Pax is professional and when his commander tells him to not get involved with her, he takes that order seriously. Pax has been in the Army for fourteen years and it's his life. It's his passion and his calling and he is not going to let a sexy woman take that away from him. But oh is it a struggle for him.
Although Morgan's dad is a General and she can't stand him or his military ways, she can't help but lust after Pax- and she makes it known. She is very forward with her attraction and very vocal about being denied his sexy body. She made me smile a lot. Morgan surprises him - while she is a very serious palaeontologist with a lot of brain smarts, she is also well rounded in other areas:
"Can you shoot a person if you have to?"
"Do you think these men had anything to do with the explosion?"
"Yes." He did, but he'd have said yes either way.
"Then I will blow the motherfuckers' squirrel-sized peckers off."
(and she does)
Morgan is used to dating the scholarly type. The attentive, caring, quiet guy that respects her. Pfffft...she is so over that now.
But sometimes she hated to admit she might be attracted to a guy who wasn't so insistent on being understanding. A guy who admitted to liking guns because it was scientifically proven that just touching one upped a guy's testosterone level.
Just once she wanted to date a guy who was as pro-testosterone as he was pro-estrogen.
She sees that in Pax - he is a gentleman but oh does he have that alpha side that she knows will boss her around when they get naked together. This type of attitude in a man she is craving also reflects her personality as well. She doesn't hold back when she talks, and her insults can be quite colorful:
"Why would I want balls?" She tried to get a grip on her anger as she adapted her favorite Betty White quote. "Have you ever seen a woman taken out with a simple kick to the crotch? Hell no, because a vagina can take a beating. I'd like to see you squeeze a baby out of your precious, fragile balls." You intolerant, jizz-headed ass.
It takes a while for these two to hook up due to their circumstances, but the sexual tension is done so well.
"You're a bad girl, Dr. Adler."
"You should probably spank me."
She felt the intensity of his gaze even though she couldn't see his eyes behind the sunglasses. "Do you like spanking?"
"It depends on the timing. As I'm coming - yes. Pretty much any other time - no."
"Ah, fuck," he whispered. "how the hell am I going to get that image out of my brain."
Pax also says things like this:
"You keep this up, and I end up fucking you, I will not apologize for crawling out of bed five minutes after I come. You got that? I will fuck you and walk away. No emotions."
"Works for me."
Sometimes that alpha attitude can work so well for me - and it does in this one. He never comes across as a jerk. Just an alpha military guy looking to do his job and maybe indulge in some lust. Plus in the long-run, he is a good guy and totally lets his emotions into play and treats Morgan very well. As they dance around each other and eventually find their way into bed together, their lusty feelings become deeper and they both truly come to care for the other.
Rachel Grant paints a nice picture of the setting in this one - the details never drag the story down and there is always exciting adventure just around the corner. I'm very much looking forward to book two.
Grade: B+
July 13, 2018
If your want a story that will make you think, "this could soooo happen", this book is for you. If you want a story that teaches you something new, and will make you use the dictionary function on your Kindle, this book is for you. If you want a hot, suspenseful story with a H/h you grow to root for, this book is definitely for you. A mindless checkout is not in store for anyone who reads this book. Don't get me wrong, I love a good mindless checkout and read them often. This isn't that book. I love Rachel Grant and every one of her books has been 5-Star for me. I keep thinking: "There is no way she can be this consistent." But, she is.
Dr. Morgan Adler in in the desert country of Djibouti on the Horn of Africa. A very poor, war torn country, but one with great strategic value. She is there to conduct an archeology survey before the construction of a railroad can begin. Morgan makes a discovery that could rewrite human history and now she must protect it at all cost. It seems that a warlord has taken a fancy to her and her bones and while fleeing to a nearby US Military base, she is stopped and rescued by two Army Green Berets. Insta-lust occurs, but Morgan and Pax both have very good reasons for not acting on the attraction. Morgan wants to prove to her father, the General, that she has done something worthwhile with her life. Pax doesn't do officers' daughters, been there, done that, has the scars to prove it and remind him not to do it again.
As fickly fate would have it, Pax is assigned as her protection while Morgan finishes the survey. He just knows that no good is going to come of his new duty protecting the General's archaeologist daughter and her find when she is determined to continue her survey in spite of overwhelming danger to her, personally.
Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard, US Army Green Beret will follow his orders, keep Morgan safe and keep his hands off her. Seems he has trouble doing either and now she is in danger and there is a lot more at stake than some 3 million year old bones. Pax just wants to protect his career, Morgan never wanted a man remotely like the General, yet these two are fated for each other, all Pax needs to do is keep her alive.
Dr. Morgan Adler in in the desert country of Djibouti on the Horn of Africa. A very poor, war torn country, but one with great strategic value. She is there to conduct an archeology survey before the construction of a railroad can begin. Morgan makes a discovery that could rewrite human history and now she must protect it at all cost. It seems that a warlord has taken a fancy to her and her bones and while fleeing to a nearby US Military base, she is stopped and rescued by two Army Green Berets. Insta-lust occurs, but Morgan and Pax both have very good reasons for not acting on the attraction. Morgan wants to prove to her father, the General, that she has done something worthwhile with her life. Pax doesn't do officers' daughters, been there, done that, has the scars to prove it and remind him not to do it again.
As fickly fate would have it, Pax is assigned as her protection while Morgan finishes the survey. He just knows that no good is going to come of his new duty protecting the General's archaeologist daughter and her find when she is determined to continue her survey in spite of overwhelming danger to her, personally.
Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard, US Army Green Beret will follow his orders, keep Morgan safe and keep his hands off her. Seems he has trouble doing either and now she is in danger and there is a lot more at stake than some 3 million year old bones. Pax just wants to protect his career, Morgan never wanted a man remotely like the General, yet these two are fated for each other, all Pax needs to do is keep her alive.
Read
December 17, 2018So, this happened...
I'm so thrilled that all three Flashpoint books are Kirkus Reviews' Best Books!!
2018 HOLT Medallion Winner
I'm so thrilled that all three Flashpoint books are Kirkus Reviews' Best Books!!
2018 HOLT Medallion Winner
April 9, 2022
Really liked the setting and the premise, but both characters annoyed me with their immature behavior. He doesn't want to be in charge of her protection, she doesn't listen to his expertise, rinse and repeat.
June 26, 2018
Wow! Loved it!
January 15, 2017
Absolutely fantastic Romantic Suspense!
October 17, 2017
2.5 stars. The first half of the book was showing 4 star promise but the second half of the book came in more like a 2 star, so I averaged it to a 2.5 rating. I liked Pax and also really liked where he fell in the military hierarchy (it was so nice to read that he could only do X or Y because otherwise it went to his superiors; some realism about what a soldier can decide to do for himself was so refreshing!). The plot was interesting, and actually sucked me in more than I thought it initially would. The book was shaping up so well!
And then the 2nd half of the book happened. In particular, Morgan happened. She frustrated the crap outta me. First off, not a huge fan of the "I must ignore protocol and what others are telling me to do so that I can save everyone!" and she pulled that move a time or two. *Heavy sigh* But what really killed my enjoyment was how Morgan related to Pax. He had legitimate reasons for why he did not want to get involved with her and why they could not have a relationship, and she just ran roughshod all over.
MILD SPOILER MILD SPOILER MILD SPOILER: Pax lays out why they can't be together, Morgan agrees (because they ARE LEGITIMATE REASONS) and then Morgan goes and starts sexting the man. Girl. STOP. STOP IT. It came off to me as a petulant child not wanting to be told no, and it was an action that could have serious negative consequences for Pax. And Morgan didn't care because she wanted sex. END SPOILER END SPOILER END SPOILER.
So the first half of the book was a solid 3 with aspirations to be a 4, but then Morgan became a frustrating pain I didn't care to read about any longer, so the book overall became a 2.5 for me. I may check out the next in the series, and hope that none of the characters pull a Morgan on me.
And then the 2nd half of the book happened. In particular, Morgan happened. She frustrated the crap outta me. First off, not a huge fan of the "I must ignore protocol and what others are telling me to do so that I can save everyone!" and she pulled that move a time or two. *Heavy sigh* But what really killed my enjoyment was how Morgan related to Pax. He had legitimate reasons for why he did not want to get involved with her and why they could not have a relationship, and she just ran roughshod all over.
MILD SPOILER MILD SPOILER MILD SPOILER: Pax lays out why they can't be together, Morgan agrees (because they ARE LEGITIMATE REASONS) and then Morgan goes and starts sexting the man. Girl. STOP. STOP IT. It came off to me as a petulant child not wanting to be told no, and it was an action that could have serious negative consequences for Pax. And Morgan didn't care because she wanted sex. END SPOILER END SPOILER END SPOILER.
So the first half of the book was a solid 3 with aspirations to be a 4, but then Morgan became a frustrating pain I didn't care to read about any longer, so the book overall became a 2.5 for me. I may check out the next in the series, and hope that none of the characters pull a Morgan on me.
September 15, 2019
I went into the book expecting a slow romance with your typical adventure on the side but I was nicely surprised with the book. The army aspect with a touch of archaeology truly pulled me into the story. Sizzling romance and fast moving plot. What more can I ask?
Now dying to read the rest of our special ops soldiers. Specially Bastian’s story.
Now dying to read the rest of our special ops soldiers. Specially Bastian’s story.
February 3, 2022
I read this on a whim, I think after coming across a review from my GR newsfeed. Lots of great reviews and I am glad I took a chance. This story reminded me just how much I love romantic suspense and I'm eager to read more from this author.
April 13, 2025
4.5 stars
I would 100% watch the movie version of this romantic suspense! The entire third act was such a nail biter, I had to switch from audiobook to ebook so I could read it more quickly.
Set in Africa, the story involves an archaeologist (Morgan) who flees to the US military base for protection and a Green Beret (Pax) who is sent to intercept her.
The action plot was stronger than the romance, but I also liked Morgan and Pax as characters and their relationship. She was kick ass (loved that) and he was working through issues (gotta have some internal conflict too, I guess). Even if I wanted a tiny bit more relationship development, there was enough steam, chemistry and high-stakes from the external plot to make the entire story quite a satisfying listen/read.
I would 100% watch the movie version of this romantic suspense! The entire third act was such a nail biter, I had to switch from audiobook to ebook so I could read it more quickly.
Set in Africa, the story involves an archaeologist (Morgan) who flees to the US military base for protection and a Green Beret (Pax) who is sent to intercept her.
The action plot was stronger than the romance, but I also liked Morgan and Pax as characters and their relationship. She was kick ass (loved that) and he was working through issues (gotta have some internal conflict too, I guess). Even if I wanted a tiny bit more relationship development, there was enough steam, chemistry and high-stakes from the external plot to make the entire story quite a satisfying listen/read.
October 21, 2020
3-3.5 stars
September 13, 2020
Struggled to finish
Neither main character was likable. The suspense part of the story was ok but I couldn't get past the flaws with the romance. I didn't like the way the two main characters interacted with each other, I didn't like their personalities and I didn't enjoy how their story progressed. The "love" felt forced and unbelievable. The female main character was immature and disrespectful while the male main character was irritating with his constant references to being like a "caveman" concerning the heroine and he didn't take responsibility for his own actions during an important scene in the book. I will just say, when both participants are sober, it doesn't matter how much someone comes on to another person, if you "give in" to them, you are just as much to blame as they are for the results. Adults need to take responsibility for their own actions.
I enjoy love stories but I didn't really care if these two got together or not. Their story didn't feel like a love story to me. Just a lust story between two unlikable people.
Neither main character was likable. The suspense part of the story was ok but I couldn't get past the flaws with the romance. I didn't like the way the two main characters interacted with each other, I didn't like their personalities and I didn't enjoy how their story progressed. The "love" felt forced and unbelievable. The female main character was immature and disrespectful while the male main character was irritating with his constant references to being like a "caveman" concerning the heroine and he didn't take responsibility for his own actions during an important scene in the book. I will just say, when both participants are sober, it doesn't matter how much someone comes on to another person, if you "give in" to them, you are just as much to blame as they are for the results. Adults need to take responsibility for their own actions.
I enjoy love stories but I didn't really care if these two got together or not. Their story didn't feel like a love story to me. Just a lust story between two unlikable people.
September 15, 2019
ARC kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Actual rating = 4.3 stars
I went into the book expecting a slow romance with your typical adventure on the side but I was nicely surprised with the book. The army aspect with a touch of archaeology truly pulled me into the story. Sizzling romance and fast moving plot. What more can I ask?
Now dying to read the rest of our special ops soldiers. Specially Bastian’s story.
Actual rating = 4.3 stars
I went into the book expecting a slow romance with your typical adventure on the side but I was nicely surprised with the book. The army aspect with a touch of archaeology truly pulled me into the story. Sizzling romance and fast moving plot. What more can I ask?
Now dying to read the rest of our special ops soldiers. Specially Bastian’s story.
March 1, 2017
Rachel Grant’s stories—academically-inclined with scorching hot romance and suspense� simply satisfy the geek lurking in me, to be honest. The talk of paleoanthropology, archaeology and every geek thing out there gets my juices going and ‘Tinderbox� made me lap it all up, wide-eyed. All of it. Including the detailed explanations of the volatile geopolitics of the Horn of Africa and the warring interests of the US, China and the surrounding African states that came through the characters� dialogues. Grant’s intelligent writing is just that riveting really, with compelling characters and even smarter villains whose endgames aren’t revealed until after a series of twists and turns that will get any romantic suspense fan enthralled.
In fact, I’d call it fictional-realism for the blend that we get of Grant’s own archaeological experiences and her fantastic storytelling.
‘Tinderbox� starts like any summer blockbuster movie: we are thrust straight into explosive action, characters at odds with each other and a location where few people would venture voluntarily. From there onwards, it’s a journey of mind-bending turns and slow cranks of the screw as the tension rackets up both in the region and for both Pax Blanchard and Morgan Adler. Perhaps the better question would be: how large would the blast radius be when it all finally ignites? And at the centre of it all, are Grant’s protagonists whose push-pull relationship finally reaches a point where some kind of stand needs to be made because the kind of circumstances they face simply don’t allow for anything else.
I did like Pax and the quiet competence that he showed, though it was harder to take to Morgan. So competent academically and physically, yet like a rebellious, immature teenager when it comes to mastering her own emotions and daddy-issues, she came across at times too much as a pushy, petulant teen than a knowledgeable PhD holder who should have known better than to bait Pax for sex (her lowest point for me) simply because her pride had taken a hit when she couldn’t accept Pax’s reasons for not wanting to pursue their relationship.
Fighting hard for women’s equality to be in a man’s world has been a recurring theme in Grant’s books and I do think it’s something that definitely resonates with me, though not if it results in a female lead sacrificing good sense and maturity in the process which I felt Morgan had done. Yet there’s no denying how much of a badass she could be when it all culminated in a thrilling and drawn-out action-packed climax that kept me turning the pages.
My own personal bias states that Grant isn’t an author to be passed up. ‘Tinderbox� merely confirms this.
*ARC by the author
(wide-eyed grateful, mind)
In fact, I’d call it fictional-realism for the blend that we get of Grant’s own archaeological experiences and her fantastic storytelling.
‘Tinderbox� starts like any summer blockbuster movie: we are thrust straight into explosive action, characters at odds with each other and a location where few people would venture voluntarily. From there onwards, it’s a journey of mind-bending turns and slow cranks of the screw as the tension rackets up both in the region and for both Pax Blanchard and Morgan Adler. Perhaps the better question would be: how large would the blast radius be when it all finally ignites? And at the centre of it all, are Grant’s protagonists whose push-pull relationship finally reaches a point where some kind of stand needs to be made because the kind of circumstances they face simply don’t allow for anything else.
I did like Pax and the quiet competence that he showed, though it was harder to take to Morgan. So competent academically and physically, yet like a rebellious, immature teenager when it comes to mastering her own emotions and daddy-issues, she came across at times too much as a pushy, petulant teen than a knowledgeable PhD holder who should have known better than to bait Pax for sex (her lowest point for me) simply because her pride had taken a hit when she couldn’t accept Pax’s reasons for not wanting to pursue their relationship.
Fighting hard for women’s equality to be in a man’s world has been a recurring theme in Grant’s books and I do think it’s something that definitely resonates with me, though not if it results in a female lead sacrificing good sense and maturity in the process which I felt Morgan had done. Yet there’s no denying how much of a badass she could be when it all culminated in a thrilling and drawn-out action-packed climax that kept me turning the pages.
My own personal bias states that Grant isn’t an author to be passed up. ‘Tinderbox� merely confirms this.
*ARC by the author
(wide-eyed grateful, mind)
June 5, 2020
Note: Content warning in spoiler tag at the end of review.
From the hot setting of Djibouti 🌡 to the scorching chemistry and dirty talk 🔥 between Pax and Morgan, Tinderbox really lives up to its title 🥵 Dr. Morgan Adler is an archeologist who's been hired to work on a historic site in Djibouti. But when her life is threatened, she runs to a nearby US military base for protection with the help of Pax Blanchard, a Green Beret.
The last series that had me so tight in its grip was Anne Stuart's Ice series. Rachel Grant is a new-to-me romantic suspense author and holy hell, I am obsessed with this book and the series. The plot is so complex, smart, and multilayered, filled with suspense, action, and international politics. The romance is SEXY 🔥💥🥵 with lots of dirty talk. The heroine is whipsmart, unapologetic, and an overall badass who kicks ass using her brains and her physical strength. The hero is strong, smart, and an all around sexy Alpha who respects boundaries. Honestly, I would go so far as to say that both Pax and Morgan are alphas, which makes the power play EXPLOSIVE 💥
Are Pax and Morgan perfect characters? Hell no. They're both flawed and they both make mistakes throughout the course of the story. Even with Morgan being culturally sensitive, sometimes her feelings get the best of her and make her act impulsively. Pax can also be quick to jump to conclusions. But they're smart and mature and learn from their mistakes. They know when to apologize and when to stand their ground. There is trust, communication, and respect between them. And I just love them so much!!!
Anyway, what are ARCs? Onto the next book 😂 Bastian the not-a-bastard-after-all is next 😂
Content warning:
From the hot setting of Djibouti 🌡 to the scorching chemistry and dirty talk 🔥 between Pax and Morgan, Tinderbox really lives up to its title 🥵 Dr. Morgan Adler is an archeologist who's been hired to work on a historic site in Djibouti. But when her life is threatened, she runs to a nearby US military base for protection with the help of Pax Blanchard, a Green Beret.
The last series that had me so tight in its grip was Anne Stuart's Ice series. Rachel Grant is a new-to-me romantic suspense author and holy hell, I am obsessed with this book and the series. The plot is so complex, smart, and multilayered, filled with suspense, action, and international politics. The romance is SEXY 🔥💥🥵 with lots of dirty talk. The heroine is whipsmart, unapologetic, and an overall badass who kicks ass using her brains and her physical strength. The hero is strong, smart, and an all around sexy Alpha who respects boundaries. Honestly, I would go so far as to say that both Pax and Morgan are alphas, which makes the power play EXPLOSIVE 💥
Are Pax and Morgan perfect characters? Hell no. They're both flawed and they both make mistakes throughout the course of the story. Even with Morgan being culturally sensitive, sometimes her feelings get the best of her and make her act impulsively. Pax can also be quick to jump to conclusions. But they're smart and mature and learn from their mistakes. They know when to apologize and when to stand their ground. There is trust, communication, and respect between them. And I just love them so much!!!
Anyway, what are ARCs? Onto the next book 😂 Bastian the not-a-bastard-after-all is next 😂
Content warning:
December 19, 2021
What a unique book -- an archeologist under contract with the Djibouti government to clear land for a Chinese-funded railway/water pipe expansion falls into danger and ends up under the protection of the U.S. military. I didn't know I was missing a touch of geopolitics with my romance -- is this a sub-genre and are there more books like this? The descriptions of life on the military base brought back serious Afghanistan flashbacks (like the heroine here, I'm also a civilian), and I immediately flipped to see if the author had a background there (doesn't look like it). It's a novel, so of course, there were still a number of unrealistic twists/details, but good overall. Otherwise, I had some issues with the pacing, but I'll definitely check out more by this author.
January 1, 2025
✔️Dual POV (Pax x Morgan)
✔️Set in Africa
✔️Open-door, contemporary romance (4 / 5🌶�)
✔️Tropes: Romantic suspense; military romance
This was a great time for lovers of romantic suspense. There was a little too much of “telling� the reader rather than “showing�. The spicy scenes are going to live rent-free in my head for a while.
✔️Set in Africa
✔️Open-door, contemporary romance (4 / 5🌶�)
✔️Tropes: Romantic suspense; military romance
This was a great time for lovers of romantic suspense. There was a little too much of “telling� the reader rather than “showing�. The spicy scenes are going to live rent-free in my head for a while.
February 20, 2017
Reading Rachel Grant’s books is like being in the middle of an Indiana Jones movie. Only, in her stories Indy is a heroine, and Miriam is a soldier. Since Grant, herself, is an archaeologist, her plots always include badass science—but they also weave in exotic settings and sexy suspense. And in this new Flashpoint series, she incorporates even more of a healthy dose of adventure.
In Tinderbox, we meet Dr. Morgan Adler and Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard. Morgan’s work on a dig in the Djibutian dessert is already dangerous enough, just by geopolitical standards; but when you add in her desperate race from a dig to the closest military base � with a stolen artifact in the trunk � all bets are off. Out in the field, choices are made quickly or hesitation can mean death—whether the choice is being made by an archaeologist or a soldier.
Morgan is working with the Djiboutian and Ethopian governments to assess a pair of planned routes for expanding the Ethiopian railways. Added to that are the United States and China, both governments with interest in the project's—and her—success. All was going well until the New World archaeologist unearthed a find as big as Lucy the Australopithecus, and found herself performing more paleoanthropologist duties in the field. And then she caught the attention of the area’s biggest Warlord, Etefu Desta. Nobody needs that.
When Morgan finds a threatening letter, she grabs a key piece from the dig site and hauls ass toward Camp Citron, the local Navy base. Fortunately, Pax and his teammate, Cassius Callahan, stopped her two miles out to investigate their tip. Things were wonky from the beginning, because they were expecting a man, but quickly escalated when Cal found a bomb under the gas tank. The soldiers had no idea she was carting precious cargo.
Once the action starts, it doesn’t slow down. Pax discovers from the beginning that Morgan is no wilting lily of a woman. She’s beautiful, yes, but she’s got a foul mouth, is brave and doesn’t crack under pressure. It’s like kindling to the banked desire burning in his gut. Morgan, on the other hand, has never been interested in dating soldiers. Being the daughter of an Army general who wanted a child to follow in his footsteps put her onto more cerebral kinds of men. Until Pax.
She is determined to see her project through to the end, while maintaining control herself rather than handing it over to the military to oversee. But that means that while Pax oversees her security, she’s off-limits to him. Plus, his commanding officer has warned him away from the good doctor. But the more time they spend together, the closer they get to a flashpoint.
The political situation in Djibouti isn’t the only tinderbox here �
*To read the whole review, which was originally published with Heroes & Heartbreakers, go here:
In Tinderbox, we meet Dr. Morgan Adler and Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard. Morgan’s work on a dig in the Djibutian dessert is already dangerous enough, just by geopolitical standards; but when you add in her desperate race from a dig to the closest military base � with a stolen artifact in the trunk � all bets are off. Out in the field, choices are made quickly or hesitation can mean death—whether the choice is being made by an archaeologist or a soldier.
Morgan is working with the Djiboutian and Ethopian governments to assess a pair of planned routes for expanding the Ethiopian railways. Added to that are the United States and China, both governments with interest in the project's—and her—success. All was going well until the New World archaeologist unearthed a find as big as Lucy the Australopithecus, and found herself performing more paleoanthropologist duties in the field. And then she caught the attention of the area’s biggest Warlord, Etefu Desta. Nobody needs that.
When Morgan finds a threatening letter, she grabs a key piece from the dig site and hauls ass toward Camp Citron, the local Navy base. Fortunately, Pax and his teammate, Cassius Callahan, stopped her two miles out to investigate their tip. Things were wonky from the beginning, because they were expecting a man, but quickly escalated when Cal found a bomb under the gas tank. The soldiers had no idea she was carting precious cargo.
Once the action starts, it doesn’t slow down. Pax discovers from the beginning that Morgan is no wilting lily of a woman. She’s beautiful, yes, but she’s got a foul mouth, is brave and doesn’t crack under pressure. It’s like kindling to the banked desire burning in his gut. Morgan, on the other hand, has never been interested in dating soldiers. Being the daughter of an Army general who wanted a child to follow in his footsteps put her onto more cerebral kinds of men. Until Pax.
She is determined to see her project through to the end, while maintaining control herself rather than handing it over to the military to oversee. But that means that while Pax oversees her security, she’s off-limits to him. Plus, his commanding officer has warned him away from the good doctor. But the more time they spend together, the closer they get to a flashpoint.
The political situation in Djibouti isn’t the only tinderbox here �
*To read the whole review, which was originally published with Heroes & Heartbreakers, go here:
January 30, 2017
I’m a huge fan of Rachel Grant’s work and have read everything she has put out. So when I learnt she was starting a new romantic suspense series, Flashpoint, I jumped at the chance to get an early look at the first book in the series, TINDERBOX. And what a look it was! TINDERBOX exemplifies Ms. Grant’s superlative skill in blending science (in this case, archaeology) with pulse-pounding action, spine-tingling suspense, and scorching hot romance to deliver a tale that is incredibly educational, realistic, and engrossing. There is nothing particularly novel about a U.S. Special Operations Forces soldier falling for the civilian under his/her charge in hostile territory, but Ms. Grant makes TINDERBOX stand out from the myriad military romantic suspense titles out there by tapping into the underexplored powder keg that is the Horn of Africa, drawing on firsthand experience of archaeology to make the reader practically taste the sunbaked dirt of Djibouti and the secrets it hides, and crafting two realistic, flawed characters readers can be genuinely invested in. Hero Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard is the kind of man you want to take home to meet your parents: career Army SF, quietly competent, and 100% alpha badass who doesn’t tip over into autocratic overly much. Once bitten, twice shy and very mindful of his military career, he’s extremely reluctant to give in to his scorching attraction to Morgan Adler, Ph.D., which makes his willingness to throw it all away to rescue the woman loves all the more heartwarming. Kickass, competent women who play in male-dominated environments are staples in Ms. Grant’s work, and Morgan is no exception. Though I found her petulant, petty, and immature at times--which made her harder to like from the outset than Pax-- those same traits are what made her so real (what woman hasn’t done something we regret when our pride’s hurt?) and her redemption after her fall from grace that much more satisfying.
TINDERBOX reads like an intelligent, action-packed, summer blockbuster film that takes you to the edge from the opening sequence and keeps you there until the final, heart-pounding climax. Rachel Grant is not an author to be missed, and her new Flashpoint series is the perfect way for new readers to get acquainted with her stellar work without the intimidation of the 7-book backlist of her also superb Evidence series. I can’t wait to read more stories featuring the SF A-Team!
**Publisher provided the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review, which in no way influenced the content of this review.
TINDERBOX reads like an intelligent, action-packed, summer blockbuster film that takes you to the edge from the opening sequence and keeps you there until the final, heart-pounding climax. Rachel Grant is not an author to be missed, and her new Flashpoint series is the perfect way for new readers to get acquainted with her stellar work without the intimidation of the 7-book backlist of her also superb Evidence series. I can’t wait to read more stories featuring the SF A-Team!
**Publisher provided the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review, which in no way influenced the content of this review.
February 14, 2017
I love to read a book where I learn new things and Rachel Grant always adds to my vocabulary while writing fantastic romantic suspense. This book is no exception and is a winner!
We meet Dr. Morgan Adler as she is running to Camp Citron, the military base in Djibouti to save the fossils she has found from her dig. If she can just make it two more miles she'll be home free and hopefully get the protection of the US government.
Pax Blanchard, Master Sergeant US Army SF and his partner Cal Callahan are sent out to intercept Dr. Adler before she gets to the base since a threat was called in saying that she would be bringing a message from a local drug warlord.
When Morgan is stopped and Pax confiscates her phone and passport she isn't feeling so sure about that safety. She is even more surprised when they discover a bomb under her car. And when he won't let her get her fossils out of the trunk before hauling her over his shoulder to get away from the car, let's just say that the tiny woman can cuss like a sailor and that their relationship is off to an explosive start!
When trapped in such a hot climate with such volatile relationships all around the heat will bring out the best and worst in a person but Pax finds that he likes his foul mouthed Dr. And the he wants her safe and out of this country. When she refuses to go he works to protect her. Until he can't.
Morgan is glad her dad, General Adler, has taught her to take care of herself over the years even though she doesn't like him very much. And she even surprises Pax.
Will Pax and Morgan find something hotter than the climate with each other? Will she be safe from those who want to harm her? Can she figure out the answers to the questions that keep coming up the more she knows? Can Morgan protect herself, let alone the people she works with?
This hot box country and job is leading to a major explosion of feelings and situations. How will they all come out of this? You'll have to read and you will love it.
I sincerely enjoyed every second of this book.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Dr. Morgan Adler as she is running to Camp Citron, the military base in Djibouti to save the fossils she has found from her dig. If she can just make it two more miles she'll be home free and hopefully get the protection of the US government.
Pax Blanchard, Master Sergeant US Army SF and his partner Cal Callahan are sent out to intercept Dr. Adler before she gets to the base since a threat was called in saying that she would be bringing a message from a local drug warlord.
When Morgan is stopped and Pax confiscates her phone and passport she isn't feeling so sure about that safety. She is even more surprised when they discover a bomb under her car. And when he won't let her get her fossils out of the trunk before hauling her over his shoulder to get away from the car, let's just say that the tiny woman can cuss like a sailor and that their relationship is off to an explosive start!
When trapped in such a hot climate with such volatile relationships all around the heat will bring out the best and worst in a person but Pax finds that he likes his foul mouthed Dr. And the he wants her safe and out of this country. When she refuses to go he works to protect her. Until he can't.
Morgan is glad her dad, General Adler, has taught her to take care of herself over the years even though she doesn't like him very much. And she even surprises Pax.
Will Pax and Morgan find something hotter than the climate with each other? Will she be safe from those who want to harm her? Can she figure out the answers to the questions that keep coming up the more she knows? Can Morgan protect herself, let alone the people she works with?
This hot box country and job is leading to a major explosion of feelings and situations. How will they all come out of this? You'll have to read and you will love it.
I sincerely enjoyed every second of this book.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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