Books & Spoons Review for COVER OF NIGHT by Laura Griffin

Sparks fly when a journalist and a Navy SEAL cross paths in Thailand in this third entry in the thrilling and sexy Alpha Crew series from New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin.

Journalist Karly Bonham is on her first overseas mission, covering the new United States ambassador to Thailand, when she is taken hostage by terrorists, with only her wits and courage to keep her alive—until help arrives in the form of Navy SEAL Ethan Dunn.

As part of an elite SEAL team called Alpha Crew, Ethan has been on countless harrowing missions, but he knows this one is different the instant he meets Karly—the sexy young reporter who somehow managed to escape the terrorists’ clutches. Ethan is impressed by her, especially when he learns she has intel that could be the key to a successful rescue op. Ethan knows working with a civilian raises the stakes on an already dangerous mission. But with the clock ticking down, he enlists Karly’s help to thwart a vicious plot and bring a terrorist mastermind to justice.

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Intense action novella filled with thrilling suspense and budding romance. 
This is my first book in the series, and even though it is different in style from the Tracer novels I have truly enjoyed from the author, it still has that smooth flow of the tale, the kind of scary action that had me curling my toes, and the kind of connection between hero and heroine that you are rooting for them to be able to make it, and build the kind of relationship that would bind them for life. 
Journalist Karly Bonham is a people person. Her ability to find the common ground with the interviewee and listen to them makes them open up to her, giving her a leg up on her career. She is smart and holds herself together during the crisis. Her career is what she wants to focus on, after being burned too many times with failing relationships. 
Navy SEAL Ethan Dunn is a man of action, a typical alpha male with a commanding presence and caring heart. For the first time in his life, he is falling, and falling hard, for Karly. I loved how open Ethan was with his feelings and his intentions with Karly, it was refreshing. They were such a great match, from the burning physical attraction to their interests, to how they calmed each other and the mental storms raging in their minds in the middle of the mayhem and its aftermath. They have a lot of obstacles on their way, not only the distance and challenge of the military relationships but Karly's doubts and insecurities as well. 
The action comes in waves, and when the waves come they have a tsunami kind of effect. It is intense, fierce, and alarming with horrifying realities. 
This story definitely could have carried a full-length book, but even as a novella, it delivered a satisfying and entertaining tale. I couldn't help but wonder if Karly didn't have her fears about failed relationships maybe they would have had a chance to develop a deeper connection, but that often is the case with a well written, engaging novella with enticing characters, you are left wanting more even though happy with the events provided. 
I liked the balance of suspense and romance in the tale, I thought the timing was spot on. The lull between the action, the weeks going by, gave a foundation for the emotions deepen and the feelings to grow. 
Chilling, brutal, and savage action mixed with passionate, amorous romance between charismatic characters
~ Four Spoons

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