Book Review: Beyond the Call of Duty: Military Romantic Suspense (Wings of Gold Book 1)
Have you ever picked up a book that whisked you away into a world of high-stakes adventure and sizzling romance? That’s exactly what happened when I opened Beyond the Call of Duty by Tracy Tappan. The idea of a Navy pilot joining forces with a daring DEA agent captured my imagination instantly. With a blend of action, humor, and romance, this book promised to be an electrifying start to the Wings of Gold series. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
The story revolves around Lieutenant Eric “LZ” O’Dwyer, a member of the Navy’s elite aviation squad, who finds himself reluctantly partnered with the captivating yet tough-as-nails DEA agent Nicole Gamboa. The tension between them is palpable from the start, with a teasing mix of flirty banter and professional rivalry that had me chuckling and swooning in equal measure. What I loved most was how Tappan crafted both characters with depth—Eric might be the irresistible hero with his dark Irish good looks, but Nicole is no damsel in distress. Instead, she’s a multidimensional character molded by her turbulent past, a woman who fiercely defends herself against both personal and external conflicts.
As their mission unfolds—taking down a ruthless drug lord—Tappan expertly intertwines thrilling action with moments of vulnerability. The pacing is brisk; just when I thought I had a moment to breathe, the plot would twist in a direction I didn’t see coming. One standout moment that left me utterly captivated was when Eric’s protective nature toward Nicole shines through during a crisis. “She pressed her forehead between his shoulder blades, her heart sitting like a twisted knot in her chest.” I found myself rooting for their burgeoning romance while holding my breath amidst the heart-pounding action.
Tappan does a fantastic job of weaving humor into the narrative, subverting the clichés of the genre with self-aware dialogue that often had me laughing out loud. A particular quote from Nicole had me nodding in appreciation: “If I have to do one more mission with a partner staring at my breasts, I’m going to hit somebody.” How refreshing to see a character grapple with such real feelings instead of succumbing to the allure of romance immediately!
Beyond its flirtation and fierce action, the book teaches us about loyalty, resilience, and the weight of family legacy. Eric’s estrangement from his father for choosing a military life creates a raw undertone that not only affects his personal journey but adds richness to the narrative. The balance between the romantic and action-driven elements kept me engaged, making it hard to put down.
I believe Beyond the Call of Duty will enchant readers who enjoy strong character development, a fast-paced plot, and steamy romantic tension. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a good dose of thrill alongside a heartfelt romance. Tracy Tappan has truly set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating series, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Overall, this read left me breathless and eager for more. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-infused escape filled with humor, love, and strong characters, Beyond the Call of Duty should be on your must-read list!
You can find Beyond the Call of Duty: Military Romantic Suspense (Wings of Gold Book 1) here >>