Jack Russell Reads Into The Storm
For those of you who missed Jack’s original post, click here to learn about his orientation to RU. We had such a great time that we challenged
Jack to read another romance book. This time, he had to go into it knowing it was a romance, unlike his first venture into romance reading land.
Read on to learn what Jack thought about Suzanne Brockmann’s Into the Storm, a New York Times bestselling novel. Here’s Jack!
Some of you may recall that this past June I was interviewed by RU faculty member Tracey Devlyn to provide a “male” perspective on romance novels (A Male Perspective — 06/17/09). During the interview, I shared the fact that I had read two romantic suspense books without knowing they were in fact, romance books. I was then asked if I thought I would read another one. I believe that as a result of my wishy-washy answer RU faculty promptly challenged me to read and respond, from my male perspective, to another romantic suspense novel chosen by the results of a readers’ poll. I readily admit that I am totally unqualified to do so other than by virtue of my maleness. In hindsight, I should have given more thought to this request before agreeing to the challenge, because as I write this response I can’t help but feel that unless I say that I loved the book and have become a romance fan I will be worse than “Jack Russell Terrier crap” in the eyes of the RU faculty. I really believe they want to convert me to a romance book enthusiast. I imagine their desire is similar to a woman who is convinced they can turn a gay man straight after they’ve have had sex with him.
The road to my current dilemma started in July after the reader poll identified Suzanne Brockmann as the author I would read. RU faculty recommended that I choose one of three books: Flashpoint, Over The Edge or Into The Storm. Ok, fine, now what? I was lost. Fortunately, my wife came to my rescue and suggested I look on Ms Brockmann’s website and read the book blurbs and choose the one that sounded interesting to me. After doing so, I keyed in on the book Into The Storm:
In a remote, frozen corner of New Hampshire, a Navy SEAL team and the elite security experts of Troubleshooters, Incorporated are going head-to-head as fierce but friendly rivals in a raid-and-rescue training exercise. Despite the frigid winter temperatures, tension smolders between veteran SEAL Petty Officer Mark “Jenk” Jenkins and former cop turned Troubleshooter Lindsey Fontaine … the Troubleshooters’ new receptionist (Tracy), vanishes while playing the role of hostage during a mock rescue operation.
Teaming up with the FBI to launch a manhunt in the treacherous wilderness … The trail is colder than the biting New England climate until a lucky break leads to a horrifying discovery—a brutally murdered young woman … Suddenly there is a chilling certainty that Tracy has fallen prey to a serial killer—one who knows the backwoods terrain and who doesn’t play by the rules of engagement.
In a race against time, a raging blizzard, and a cunning opponent, Jenk and Lindsey are put to the ultimate test. Risking everything, they must finally come together in a desperate attempt to save Tracy …
Navy Seals, elite special operations experts, former L.A. cop, serial killer, FBI, and treacherous wilderness. Yes, I decided, I can read this book. And, truth be told, the book cover didn’t look like a romance book and the other two books did. Off to the book store I went, but only after my wife agreed to go with me and search the romance section for the book in question. I mentioned in my interview that men don’t peruse the romance section of a book store unless they’re willing to give back their “man card.” I know there are exceptions to every “guy” rule, but I’m not willing to step out on this one. So, while I hid behind a copy of a Guns and Ammo magazine, my wife went in search of the book.
It didn’t take her long and she soon strolled over to the magazine stand and gave me a thumbs up sign. She slipped it to me on the “down low” and I took a quick glance as I was adjusting the book in my hand to make sure that the cover side would be held against my hip — it wasn’t. Whoa there, and hold on one second! Unlike the book cover depicted on the website, the paperback in my hand had a background photo of a sultry woman
lying on her back with a shirtless muscular man on top of her. Both the man and woman had their eyes closed and blissful contented looks on their faces. How nice for them. “Not fair,” I whispered. “This looks way too much like a romance book. I can’t take it to the cashier.” My wife’s eyes gleamed and the corner of her mouth turned upward in a nefarious grin. “Well, I suppose I could buy it for you,” she said. Isn’t she wonderful? I thought so until the moment we were in front of the cashier and she said in a loud voice, “Honey, is this the only romance book you wanted to buy today?” Knowing that in the wit department my wife can slice and dice me like a Ginsu knife I elected to not attempt a witty comeback, I turned and slowly walked away.
Once home, I opened the book and flipped through the pages. “Holy crap” the paperback was 500 pages and there wasn’t a lot of white space. This was going to be a longer than normal read. The book then sat patiently on the bedside table waiting for me to resign myself to the task. I didn’t lose interest in the “assignment” or the storyline, but come on this was a romance book. How many words does it take to lay out a passionate interest, which leads to sex that turns into a fight that awakens a romantic spark and ultimately love? Throw in some suspense and a happily ever after ending and you have a romance novel, right?
As it happens, Suzanne Brockman wrote a story that, for me, would have otherwise languished had it not been for the interesting and appealing characters she created. A few of them were quirky to say the least and others burdened with emotional scars, which seems to be an element of romance books. The emotional baggage was a little too complicated, in my opinion, in regard to the main female character (Lindsey). My “guy” reaction to Lindsey was that she was irrevocably emotionally damaged and Mark, the love interest, should have cut his losses and ran.
But the storyline is intricately woven around several characters and they all play off of each other’s personalities very well. I also liked the way Suzanne Brockmann presented the underlining suspense of the serial killer who is holding a woman captive for use in his private and deadly “chicks only” fight club. As I read the story, I felt certain that at some point this subplot would collide with the main storyline and my assumption kept me very interested in reading the final outcome. As a side note, the serial killer is seriously disturbed and reading about him will cause women to look twice over their shoulder when walking alone at night.
My biggest surprise was that parts of the book were really funny. There were several one-liners and a lot of dialog between characters that caused me to laugh to myself and on a few occasions I actually chuckled out loud. I’ve read so many books over the years that it’s not often I come across fresh humor. It was a pleasant surprise.
Having said all this, is it time to share my “guy” response? I think by inference you can tell that I believe Suzanne Brockmann wrote a very interesting story. The out of the ordinary and appealing characters and the humorous dialog made it a good book. The romantic relationship between Mark and Lindsey, however, detracted slightly from my overall enjoyment. Remember this is my “guy” response and personal opinion. The development of their relationship and Lindsey’s conflicting emotions became a little too much for me. It got to the point were I thought Lindsey should schedule an appointment with Dr. Phil and get back in touch with Mark after a couple of years in therapy. I know what you think I’m thinking and your right, I think as far as their relationship was concerned, the guy had it together and the girl was the “head case.” Nevertheless, I knew they would eventually work things out, realize that they loved each other and would overlook her (oops, I mean their) emotional deficiencies. As a result, I lost interest in the romance part of the storyline. Outside of the romance, I really enjoyed the book.
Have I become a romance novel fan? In truth, no. BUT, I enjoyed the three romantic suspense books that I’ve read, but not because of the romance. I liked the suspense built into the stories. Will I read more romantic suspense in the future? Maybe. I am pretty certain, however, that you won’t see me perusing the aisles of the romance section at the bookstore. And I’m absolutely certain I won’t take a book to the cashier that has a picture, drawing, photo or other visual illustration of a woman and man embracing or any depiction that seems to be customary for romance books. Sorry, it’s a guy thing.
I would, however, like to repeat a thought I shared during my past interview with Tracey. I think it’s important to weigh my belief against any negative comments you may feel that I’ve made about romance books. I believe that romance novels merit an equal status in the literary world. I don’t consider them to be fictional stories less deserving of readers and fans. I believe good books touch something within us, stir emotions and evoke response and internal debate. Therefore, by virtue of their popularity, I would say that romance books are doing what good books do. I think a lot of romantic suspense fans would certainly place Suzanne Brockmann’s book, Into The Storm, in this category.
So there you have it. A male’s perspective on romance. Again. This time with his eyes wide open. Do we have any females out there who have read Into the Storm? Do you share any of Jack’s opinions, or do you think he’s full of dog poo?
Managing Editor Theresa Stevens returns on Friday to discuss passive voice and how to avoid it.
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I have read Into the Storm, and although I love all of Suzanne’s books, this one probably wasn’t my very fav. I guess Sam’s and Alyssa’s story will always be tops in my book.
I was mulling over Jack’s response and think I may have an idea why most guys aren’t crazy about romance novels. In everyday life, they like to do things and compete, rather than sit around and chat about their feelings. Maybe the emotional intensity of a romance makes then feel uncomfortable. And dare I say a little inadequate?
K-
Inadequate? What do you mean “inadequate”. That’s it, you’ve gone too far. I’m challenging you to a duel (LOL). In all seriousness, in this particular case I just became bored with the emotional conflict between Mark and Lindsey. Did I mention that it was caused by Lindsey? From my “guy” perspective it seems that romance books push the element of emotional conflict to the point of drama. Isn’t there an “Easy Button” for relationships?
Hi Jack,
Thanks for giving us a great insight into your male mind. Tell me, what was it about Lindsay’s emotional reactions that were a “little too much” for you?
Thanks, Tracey
Hi Tracey,
I don’t want to reveal too much and spoil the book for anyone that wants to read it, but I couldn’t reconcile her emotional scars with the issues of her grandfather and father. I could understand her issues related to her mother, but bundled all together it became too convoluted for me to believe that it could have caused such a severe reaction to Mark’s interest in starting a relationship with her especially considering that she was the initiator.
Hey Jack…
thanks for posting! and thanks for being a guy ‘guinea pig’ and reading the romance novel….lol…sorry your wife embarrassed you at checkout – even though I probably would have done the same thing. =)
I’m glad Suzanne could keep you entertained with the suspense and dialog – at least it wasn’t a total waste of your time with 500 pages!
carrie
Carrie,
I hope I didn’t give the impresion that I didnt like the book, because I did. It’s just that I would have liked it better without the emotional drama. Thanks for taking your time to repond.
Jack
I did read “ITS,” but can’t remember much about it other than the characters were cold a lot. The reason I’m commenting is that I haven’t read anything this funny in a long time. Jack, thanks for giving me a good laugh!
Kit,
The real cold one was Deck. If he would have hooked up with Lindsey there wouldn’t have been any drama because he would’nt have shared any of his feelings in the first place. Hey, I think I’m on to something. (LOL)
Best Regards,
Jack
Poor Jack Russell. That wife of yours has a mean streak! LOL. I have to say I’m not shocked that you got bored with the emotional aspects of the book. It’s typical male behavior isn’t it? I’m not being a smart-ass either. I just think men like the action scenes and don’t want to get into the emotional stuff. Men are goal oriented and, with the action scenes, someone has to be rescued or escape, etc. I imagine that would hold a man’s attention more than having to switch over to the side of their brain where they’ve completely beaten their emotions into submission! LOL.
Thanks for a great post Jack Russell!
We’ll see you in a few weeks because I’ve got a good topic for you!
Adrienne,
I’m glad you recognize a mean streak when you see one. I’ve been so abused. You’re also right about my appreciation for the action and suspense of a good book. Many of the books I read do have some element of romance, love and or sexual interest between characters. But, it’s not the focus of the story and you never really know how it’s going to work out like you do when reading a romance book.
Jack
You’re a brave soul, Jack.
Not really Wes, but I’ve learned if you show any fear it’s like blood in shark infested waters. But, thanks for the support.
Jack
Jack,
Before you started reading romantic suspense stories, what was your preconceived notion of them? I am in the middle of Brenda Novak book, have read several Janet Evanovich stories and really like Lee Childs’ Jack Reacher books (just for background). Some of them have more action and suspense than “romance”, and I seem to find my preconceived notion of some romance stories way off base.
By the way, I think you probably did the right thing by not trying to make a “comeback” at the store – although I probably would have gone back and picked up several men magazines just to make a point…..however right or wrong it would have been – at least I would’ve kept my man card (you should probably ask for yours back and give your wife a “shug” when she finally returns it).
msl
MSL, you are cracking me up!
MSL,
Thanks for your question, but before I dive in I would like to offer a point of clarification. I’ve only read three romantic suspense novels. The first two I didn’t realize were romantic suspense books and the third, Into The Storm, I read because I agreed to do so for RU. So, technically I haven’t started reading romantic suspense novels as inferred in your question: “Before you started reading romantic suspense stories, what was your preconceived notion of them?” I have read three — past tense. Just a small point I felt needed a little clarification. I’m just saying… .
Anyway, my exposure to romance books came from my wife who I have mentioned in the past is a huge fan of historical romance and quit literally has hundreds of romance books in her library. She’s been reading them for years when she isn’t too busy thinking of cleaver ways to emasculate me in public. My notion of romance books, before her interest, was that they were “chick stories”; stories about falling in love and steamy sex, written in a manner that describes sex without ever using the scientific or slang word for the act or the anatomical parts that are involved in the act. I also lived through the Fabio popularity which created perceptions that “women without substance” read romance books. Please don’t storm the castle. I know everyone has heard that these perceptions existed.
Now that I’m better informed and have actually read romance books (only three) my opinion of romance novels including romantic suspense is that they are written by women for other women with the intension of eliciting a woman’s emotional reaction to the romantic side of the story. And more importantly, I believe its ok. It’s not a bad thing. And if there are men who enjoy the stories, that’s ok too. There are plenty of books written by men for the purpose of eliciting a man’s response that are enjoyed by women.
I’m not sure if I fully answered your question, but please step away from your keyboard before I dig myself into a deeper hole. Bye the way, if you liked the Jack Reacher series you may also like the Myron Bolitar series by Harlan Coben.
Jack
Love the Bolitar series. I keep saying I want to be Win when I grown up.
Jack –
In your response to MSL, you said, “My notion of romance books, before her interest, was that they were “chick stories”; stories about falling in love and steamy sex, written in a manner that describes sex without ever using the scientific or slang word for the act or the anatomical parts that are involved in the act.”
Well, I suppose my manuscripts would fall into the category of “steamy sex,” but I’m not much into talking about his “handle of love” or whatever. I use plenty of slang, especially from the guy’s point of view.
That’s something you didn’t really mention…how did you feel about the sex scenes? Did they make you yawn? Turn you on? Inquiring minds wanna know!
K-
Kelsey,
Are you and MSL teaming up on me to see how much trouble you can get me into? Hummm? Well truth be told, I may have over embellished my point about believing romance books were “chick stories”; “stories about falling in love and steamy sex, written in a manner that describes sex without ever using the scientific or slang word for the act or the anatomical parts that are involved in the act.”Before my wife started reading romance I didn’t really know how sex was described in romance books. But, I have come to believe that in most historical romance sex is described in terms of manhood, womanhood, down-there, soft or moist mound, throbbing shaft etc.
Although I don’t recall much about the sex scenes in Suzanne Brockmann’s book (pgs. 179, 311, & 397) I do recall that she described the sex scenes without using graphic depictions and did a pretty good job. I’m not going to take the bait on the last part of your question, but I will offer you something which may be helpful. Find a copy of the book Death Masks by Jim Butcher. He is the husband of Shannon Butcher the romance author. Start reading on page 260 (Chapter 25) and read the next few pages. From a male perspective this passage is hot and erotic.
Jack
I’ll be sure to check it out as soon as I can get my hands on it!
K-
Hi, Jack,
Sorry I didn’t have time to read these posts on Wednesday. I’m a very big Suzanne Brockmann fan, have read all of her books at least once. My least favorite, which I doubt if I’ll reread, is Into The Storm. The villain was too high on my ‘ick’ scale.
I am a big romance reader, plus I love romantic suspense books. I’ve read most of Suzanne’s books in order, so I know the characters and their quirks, not a big learning curve there in reading a new book.
I one took a class from Suz, “The Never Ending Story” where she dealt with writing a series of books. She builds this incredible story arch where she knows several books in advance which characters will ‘star’ in that book. She’s a master at foreshadowing what will come up in the next book in the current book.
I’d be curious if you read the previous book, “Breaking Point” or the next book in her series, “Force of Nature” and what your reaction would be.
I’m also a Harlan Coben fan, as well as Tony Hillerman, Stuart Kaminsky, Anne Perry and many other mystery writers. I like to think I have eclectic tastes!
Sherry
I love your honesty, Jack. And here’s the thing: not all books are for all people. And that’s cool. So…you are not the target audience for romance novels—I applaud you for taking a chance on a few and being open to the experience. You did find some parts of this particular book enjoyable and were willing to say so. I don’t like horror, but I can admit that I think that Stephen King is a good writer. I just won’t be reading anymore of his books…
Good on you, dude.
And I’ve gotta check out Death Masks—now I’m curious…
Abigail