In Annabella Stone's Saxon: MM Military Suspense (Tags of Honor: Red Squadron), explosive ordnance disposal specialist Saxon Berg prefers witty banter and a "friends with benefits" arrangement to anything deeper. His carefully constructed emotional walls are tested by Rick Jones, a former SEAL with a scandalous past. Fifteen years after a White House incident shattered his life, Rick's tired of their casual relationship and wants more. This military romance explores the complexities of love and vulnerability amidst the backdrop of duty and danger. Can Rick convince Saxon that their connection is worth the risk, or will their carefully guarded hearts remain closed, even when fate throws them a curveball? Prepare for a gripping tale of love, loss, and the ultimate fight for a future together.
Review Saxon
Okay, so let's talk about Saxon: MM Military Suspense! I've been a fan of Annabella Stone's Tags of Honor series for a while now, and this one definitely didn't disappoint, even with a few bumps along the way. It’s a fantastic addition to the overarching universe, though it works perfectly well as a standalone if you’re just jumping in. The interconnectedness of the series is a huge plus—seeing familiar faces and learning more about the different teams adds a wonderful richness to the overall experience.
The story itself centers around Saxon and Rick, two men who've been in a friends-with-benefits relationship for years. Their dynamic is really well-crafted; the banter between them is sharp and witty, yet grounded in a genuine affection that slowly, but surely, blossoms into something deeper. The slow-burn aspect is handled beautifully; it feels natural and believable, avoiding any annoying insta-love tropes. I appreciated the time taken to show their evolving feelings, the hesitant steps towards a more committed relationship, and the internal struggles they both face in admitting their true desires.
Saxon's character is particularly well-developed. His sarcastic humor and defensive exterior mask a vulnerability that makes him incredibly relatable. Seeing him grapple with his feelings for Rick, finally acknowledging the depth of his own emotions, was a satisfying arc. Rick, too, is a compelling character, his past trauma adding layers of complexity to his personality. Their individual journeys and the way they intertwine to form a stronger, more complete partnership is what makes this story so compelling.
The action sequences are, as expected from this series, thrilling and well-written. The military jargon and descriptions are authentic, immersing the reader in the world of explosive ordnance disposal and the intensity of their work. There's a palpable sense of danger and suspense throughout, punctuated by moments of humor and camaraderie amongst the Red Squadron team. The brotherhood amongst the soldiers is consistently portrayed beautifully and feels both believable and heartwarming. Their loyalty and support for each other are integral parts of the story, making the team dynamic a real highlight.
However, I do have to mention the editing issues some readers have pointed out. While I didn't personally encounter any major problems, it’s clear from several reviews that this was a significant drawback for others. A missing chapter and general editing inconsistencies can severely detract from the reading experience, which is unfortunate considering the strength of the storyline. For a series this well-established and generally well-received, a higher level of editorial polish is essential.
Despite this minor blemish, Saxon still delivers a captivating and emotional read. The relationship between Saxon and Rick is heartwarming and the overall story is action-packed and entertaining. The incorporation of unexpected twists and the hints at a potential new series arc left me eager for more. While the editing issues are a concern, the strengths of the story—the characters, the plot, and the overall world-building—easily outweigh the flaws for me. If you're a fan of MM military romance with a good dose of action and humor, I highly recommend giving this one a try (just be prepared for some potentially minor editorial hiccups).
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.47 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 208
- Publication date: 2025
Preview Book
