I enjoyed this military based romance. I bought this at a local store and I voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 4.5* rating because of some sexual content. This is not for the under 18 readers. I'd say the Bride to be had a hard time making up her mind or just let circumstances influence her too much. ( )

This is the third book in Debbie Macomber’s “Navy” series. I’m surprised that there are a few more books past this one to be honest (three more). More on that later ...

This book introduces us to two new characters: “Navy Brat” Erin MacNamera and Lt. Brandon “Brand” Davis. The characters from the previous two books (“Navy Wife” and “Navy Blues”) are completely absent. There is no mention of them whatsoever in these novels unlike her later series where the characters make an emergence with each novel.

As expected, Navy brat Erin MacNamera doesn’t want to get involved with a Navy man. Growing up she had enough of the constant change in orders that uprooted her several times – she’s done with Navy life. So what does she do? She buys a house near a Navy base and settles down. Why? She wants “roots”. As of note, you live in a Navy town, you’re going to meet mostly Navy men.

Erin then meets Brand at a bar and the two hit it off. But, despite their connection, Erin wants no part of him – because of who he is – a career Navy man. But, that doesn’t stop her from lusting after him or him lusting after her. That is basically what it is – lust. Love would imply that one or both of them would compromise for the relationship. Neither one of them wants to do so. it's either their way or no way.

This was, of the series I’ve read so far (“Navy Wife” and “Navy Blues”) – the raunchiest of the series and makes me appreciate Debbie’s later work.

I found Erin to be every bit the “BRAT” part, and not in the cute sense. While she wants Brand, it’s only to fulfill her desires – his wishes aren’t even considered. Brand wants a wife, specifically her. He’s in love, hoping she’ll change her mind. She only (seemingly) wants a sexual relationship.

This, like “Navy Blues” had a constant tug of war. The two engaged in explicit sexual acts without the “deed”. As far as Brand being “prudish” – this relationship is also 50% him. He wanted to get married before having sex, thus he has 50% of the say. Some readers might not like that idea, but he is who he is. It’s partly his life as well.

As far as Erin – she knew what he was when she got involved – still, despite walking away, she keeps coming back. Brand, being in love, keeps taking her back (repeatedly) which gets tiresome. She eventually writes him a letter instructing him not to write her back but is disappointed when he doesn’t write her back. It’s this revolving door that makes the story a bit tiresome.

At one point, Erin even suggests that Brand fall in love with a colleague (the soon to be protagonist of the next book – “Navy Woman”). Erin is right to a point – they (Catherine and Brand), both Navy, are better suited for each other. Still, that doesn’t deter Brand from loving Erin. And, she can’t stop loving him – but there’s that “Navy” thing to get over.

Even Erin’s friend has a change of heart during a divorce and rekindles a romance with her soon-to-be-but-not-quite ex-husband.

It isn’t until the end that Erin finally comes to grips with the fact that she liked the challenge of starting over. The end was wrapped up too quickly, and a bit cliché at best.

The graphic sex scenes are by far their worst here. Those looking for a cleaner romance would be best served by reading some of Macomber’s other series.

**Dakota Series
**Heart of Texas/Promise, Texas Series
**Cedar Cove Series
**Blossom Street Series
**Rose Harbor Inn Series

These series are the ones that I was introduced to and more comfortable with.

As of this review I am halfway through “Navy Woman” and reconsidering a future purchase of “Navy Familes” (“Navy Baby” and “Navy Husband”). ( )

In Macomber’s romance novel, Erin MacNamera is a navy brat with one rule: don’t trust any man in the Navy. When an old friend asks Lieutenant Brandon Davis to look up his daughter, he finds himself face-to-face with Erin and the knowledge that they are meant for each other. When Brandon is called to duty, the opportunity presents itself for him to show Erin that navy men are reliable, dependable, and capable of love.

As always, Macomber weaves a memorable story of romance. ( )