Musings and Ramblings

Series: Alpha Ops, #3
Publisher: Swerve
Published: April 5, 2016
Genre: Military Romance Novella
Length: 115 pages

This lovely little gem is the third book in a series by Anne Calhoun. I discovered the author through a review by Anna over at Herding Cats and Burning Soup. The books are all novellas, so they are quick reads. However, they are jam packed with all the goodness of a full length novel.

Specifically for this book, I was excited to see the theme was second chance at love that didn't originally end in some kind of serious heartache. Charlie and Jamie didn't hook up in high school and end up separated over some stupid drama trauma. They separated because Charlie had goals and dreams and ambitions that she wanted to give her very best to achieving. Were there also some personal demons and issues? Of course, but without misunderstandings from any of the aforementioned drama trauma, the bulk of the story quickly dives into them now. Oh there were some before memories, but they were more about how far they come then rehashing old grievances.

There was a bit of a mention of the characters from the prior 2 books, but more in passing than anything else. This totally works as a stand alone. I was able to quickly consume this book in one sitting, and left the book with a bit of a lump in my throat, and a smile on my face. I had a wonderful time and can't wait to get the next book in the series. I gave this 4 stars, a very high rating for a novella.

Netgalley and St. Martin's Press provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The third in the Alpha Ops novella series that features an alpha Navy SEAL and the girl he thought he'd lost forever.

In high school, basketball star Charlotte Stannard and Navy SEAL Jamie Hawthorn were everything but lovers. They shared a ruthlessly competitive spirit and relentless drive, but Charlie, afraid of the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy at seventeen, drove Jamie away. But now Jamie's back in town for the banquet to honor the basketball coach, and finds Charlie, newly home from a successful career in the European leagues and coaching the girls' team. The flames between them are hotter than ever, but Charlie believes Jamie just wants what he couldn't have when they were kids. Jamie's not just playing to win. He's playing for Charlie's heart, forever.