Title: The Only Easy Day
Author: R. J. Scott
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Length: Novel

Buy Links: Amazon  ARe

Rating: 4.75 stars

Navy Seal Joseph Kinnon has just returned from a covert mission to find his commander waiting with tragic news – his stepsister Elisabeth Costain has been murdered. The facts surrounding the case are slim and the media are painting an inaccurate and damaging portrait of the dead girl. Grief stricken and determined to redeem his stepsister’s reputation, Kinnon takes leave and heads to Albany, New York for answers and retribution.

Dale MacIntyre, ex-Navy Seal, now works for Sanctuary, a private organization that investigates crimes and protects the victims of those crimes. Where the CIA, FBI, and all the other government “alphabets” have failed, the Sanctuary and its agents step in. MacIntyre’s current case involves protecting Morgan Drake, witness to Elisabeth’s murder. Morgan is also the lover of Nik, fellow Sanctuary operative (and heroes of the first book in the series, Guarding Morgan). When word gets to MacIntyre that a Navy Seal hellbent on revenge is headed their way, he is sure that their case has just exploded, their mission in danger of exposure.

Kinnon and MacIntyre clash immediately, each convinced theirs is the only way to bring down the criminals and solve the reason behind the murder. The men are forced to work closely together as connections to the Mafia, local police, and even Congress are revealed the deeper they investigate. Kinnon, MacIntyre, and the Sanctuary team must race to mount a rescue when an inside informant is uncovered and tortured. Can they put aside their differences and growing attraction long enough to battle the odds against them and reach the truth? Or will the criminals win?

What a great story! And the timing is perfect as Seals are everywhere lately, from the movies to front page headlines. It has everything you could want in a action/adventure novel. Danger, murder, sexual heat, and intrigue, as well as a monumental clash of personalities. Joseph Kinnon is absolutely realistic as a Navy Seal. He is patriotic, intense, beyond capable, and lonely. A true hero. Dale MacIntyre is another wonderful creation. Haunted by a tragic event in his past, MacIntyre too is lonely, mistrustful, and envious of his colleagues who have found lasting relationships. When these two alphas meet, the sexual tension and testosterone leap from the pages. I found it totally believable that the men couldn’t decide whether to pound or kiss each other as they slammed into the wall the next time they met. If I hadn’t known better, I would have thought the author had a Navy background so well researched are the descriptions of the Seals and their training without it being an “information dump.” From start to finish, Scott does a excellent job of keeping the reader engaged as the two men juggle their professional and emotional needs. I loved Kinnon and MacIntyre and clearly a sequel to this book is on its way. The ending is realistic and, as in true life, not all involved have been brought to justice.

The Only Easy Day is a continuation of the Sanctuary series that started with Guarding Morgan. I have recently read that one, but you don’t need to in order to love this book. It is Joseph Kinnon and Dale MacIntyre that have me hooked. And it is my hopes for their future that will keep me coming back for more. I loved this and hope you will too.

Cover: I liked the cover image. My wish here is that the fonts were easier to read, perhaps a different color, as the author’s name and A Sanctuary Story fade into the picture. Grade B for the cover.