Monday, May 25, 2015

A Heartfelt Thank you to our Service Men and Women




As we sit down to enjoy our beer and hotdogs, let us not forget that our freedom was paid for by men and women who were willing to rush into danger for complete strangers.  It is this combination of Selfless Courage that evokes our adoration of the uniform.  An author that uses this trope creates a character that readers can count on to face Evil in the name of Good, to place the needs of the innocent above his or her own, and to show an inner strength against insurmountable odds. 

In fact it is the same characteristics we look for in our relationships.  To have someone by our side who will fight for or alongside us, whose loyalty is unquestioned, and whose dedication is absolute.  This, along with the hint of danger, is what makes the Alpha military man such a great romantic hero.  There is no cost-benefit-analysis like with an accountant, lawyer, or billionaire.  It is just raw passion, whether in the heat of the battle or the heat of the bedroom. 

We asked our followers to nominate their Most Memorable Men of Service over the weekend.  Here are the results.

The Grand Prize winner of the book/ebook/swag giveaway for participating is

Mary Jo
 
Receiving Honorable Mentions are
 
Blake and Luke Walker
Tall, Dark, and Deadly series
by Lisa Renee Jones
 
 
Alex "Doc" Richards, Gavin Walsh, and James Jones
Black Ops Brotherhood series
by Bella Juarez
 
Fletcher Call
Ride the Mustang
by Desiree Holt
 
Jet Foster
One Man's Treasure
by Sable Hunter and Ryan O'Leary
 
Adam Montague and Marc d’Alessio
Masters at Arms/Rescue Me saga
by Kallypso Masters
 
Wyatt Callahan
Still
by Ann Mayburn
 
Paul Daniels
Crossing the Line
by Sherri Hayes
 
Mitch Donovan
A SEAL's Secret
by Tawny Weber
 
Jace Turner
Her Healing Cowboy
by Donna Michaels
 
THE TOP 5 MEN OF SERVICE
 
(3-WAY TIE FOR 3RD PLACE)
 
 
IAN TAGGERT
Masters and Mercenaries series
by Lexi Blake
 
Nothing is more important to Ian Taggart than his new mission. But the information he needs is firmly in the hands of the woman who betrayed him. To catch his most dangerous prey, Ian will have to let Charlotte back into his life. As the hunt takes them to some of the world’s most exotic locations, the danger grows and their passion reignites.
 
 
 
MICHAEL "MIDAS" BEAUDINE
SEALs Going Hot series
by Brenna Zinn
 
 
Her attempt at a “normal” life is quickly turned on its ear when a hot-as-hell Navy SEAL sweet talks her into a date she’ll never forget and may eventually regret. While spending time with the muscle-bound sailor unleashes Angie’s need to let the wild child out to play, which could threaten her anonymity, Midas finds himself on the precipice of breaking the first rule of luck—never fall for a woman.
 
 
SCOTT MCLAREN
2014 Winner
by AB McKinley
A Veteran himself
 
 The tough Scotsman had been a Special Forces soldier until he had been terribly injured on duty in Afghanistan. Shortly after that his wife had left him for another man while he was in the hospital. But things were starting to look up, after a freak online connection he'd met beautiful Ohio schoolteacher Katie Johnson and that's when the fireworks really started. Intense passion flared between them, a love and electricity that neither of them had ever experienced before. Scott would do anything for Katie and her children including returning to the Middle East to work a six month security contract.
 
2nd Place Winner is
 
 
 
 
GAVIN CHREST
CSA Case Files series
by Kennedy Layne
Married to a Veteran
 
Gavin Crest has always pushed himself to the limit. After twenty-three years as a Marine Master Sergeant, he built his security agency from the ground up. He also has a predilection for the darker side of sex. He's done it all--except the one woman he can't have, an innocent who deserves more than a man whose soul is tainted with darkness.
 
The Most Memorable Man of Service is
from an author who served herself! 
 
Congratulations goes to
 
 
Tightrope (MF)
 
Lt. DAN GAMEZ
Black Ops Brotherhood series
by Bella Juarez
a Veteran herself
 
Navy SEAL Dan Gamez’s plans for extended leave are derailed when he uncovers a plot targeting Homeland Security facilities monitoring illegal traffic along the United States-Mexican border. It’s a doomsday-prepper’s worst nightmare but it’s a day in the life for Dan—until Rio crosses his path and old embers ignite new flames.
 
We would like to Dedicate
this Memorial Day post to
The 6 Marines who lost their lives on a Humanitarian mission to Nepal
 
Sgt. Eric M. Seaman
Capt. Dustin R. Lukasiewicz
Capt. Christopher L. Norgren
  Sgt. Ward M. Johnson IV
 Cpl. Sara A. Medina
 Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Hug
 
A friend of our extended family, Tink and I waited and prayed for the text saying Eric had been found safe.  He leaves behind a wife and 2 small children. Donations to the family can be sent to GoFundMe.

5 comments:

  1. Thank you!!! I've read most fo the books that made the list, but there are several I haven't, but I have to say I'll be one-clicking at Amazon real soon!!!

    Thanks to all the men and women who have served and are serving our country, and the sacrifices made them and their families.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am so honored that you chose our SEALs in this event. We try to honor our military men and women by showing their bravery and humanity and we ourselves ur honored to be included in this.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm truly humbled that Touched by Midas was not only recognized by your readers, but received a 3rd place. What a wonderful way for me to celebrate Memorial Day. Thank you, thank you, thank you all, especially Pearls and Tink.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you so much. I'm honored and thrilled to find my latest hero, only released to readers on Thursday has actually made the list with an honorable mention with many wonderful heroes! Thank you all so much, and thank you Pearls!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Woo hoo Ian Taggart. Bravo Lexi Blake too. I love the snark and y=the way Family is so important in the story lines.

    ReplyDelete