Beyond His Control is part of my Navy SEAL series for Harlequin Blaze – all my books are stand-alones, but they revolve around the same SEAL Team.
I remember my editor telling me that she liked the way I showed the SEALs doing SEAL things…she said that many authors make the mistake of thinking you can just say the word SEAL and that’s it – 
in her words, in so many stories I read, he could be a SEAL or a garbage picker, because that’s how little detail we get about his job.
For me, making the heroes SEALs (or military characters) is a crucial part of the story. Many people make the mistake of calling SEALs commandos or Rambos, but actually, SEALs function quite differently – they’re famous for saying, there’s no I in Team, and while they’re all trained to think independently and make quick decisions for themselves, teamwork is the framework on which they rely heavily.
It stands to reason that close bonds are formed both during team activities as when home, and so I tried to show how the lives and jobs of these men are so closely interrelated that if you didn’t get a glimpse into their world, you wouldn’t understand what makes them them.
What is a SEAL?
SEALs are U.S. Special Operations Command’s force-of-choice among Navy, Army and Air Force Special Operations Forces (SOF) to conduct small-unit maritime military operations which originate from, and return to a river, 
ocean, swamp, delta or coastline. This littoral capability is more important now than ever in our history, as half the world’s infrastructure and population is located within one mile of an ocean or river.
The Navy Seals have gone from being one of America’s most elite fighting units to a mainstay of popular culture. S.E.A.L. tradition and lore has been featured in movies, video games, music and they even have their own exercise videos and navy seal apparel!
The Navy SEALs are trained to operate in all the environments (Sea, Air and Land) for which they are named. SEALs are also prepared to operate in climate extremes of scorching desert, freezing Arctic, and humid jungle. The SEALs’ current pursuit of elusive, dangerous and high-priority terrorist targets has them operating in remote, mountainous regions of Afghanistan, and in cities torn by factional violence, such as Baghdad, Iraq. Historically, SEALs have always had “one foot in the water.” The reality today, however, is that they initiate lethal Direct Action strikes equally well from air and land.
http://www.squidoo.com/navyseals
Of course, within the scope of a Blaze, space is limited and thus, at a premium – I utilize SEAL action in short spurts that highlight the romance.
In Beyond His Control, Justin’s main job is keeping Ava from harm – I’ve also brought in his best friend, a DEA Agent, thus expanding the world to show the circles the men and women of the military often move in, especially Special Forces. To further the complication, I’ve pulled Justin away from his SEAL Team friends and put him on the run with Ava.
Justin made his first appearance in Risking It All – he and Cash are the closest on the team and Justin agrees to help the woman Cash loves. So I’d already set him up as a man who would do anything for those closest to him. So for BHC, when Justin’s best childhood friend calls him and needs help because his sister – and the love of Justin’s life – is in big trouble, Justin doesn’t hesitate.
So I had the basics of the plot down but knew writing their story wouldn’t be easy. First, I’d never written a reunion story – I much prefer the premise of strangers falling in love. But I was ready to push myself as a writer, and I conceded a bit by keeping their relationship pretty chaste when they were in high school – an almost sexual encounter.
And Ava had to be as strong as Justin – in some ways, stronger. I never like pairing an Alpha hero with a heroine who’s weak – heroines can be down, but I never like to see them out. So I cast her as an Assistant District Attorney on the rise who specialized in women’s rights. She’s tough but she’s never lost her belief in love.
The subplot, which showcases Ava’s brother, a DEA Agent also introduces a social worker who helps abused women. Her character is based loosely on a concept from a lifetime movie called Stop At Nothing, in which a woman rescues abused children and their mothers by relocating them, at risk to her own life and working well outside the law. This underground railroad of sorts does indeed exist in many different forms and has been showcased on other shows, like Law & Order.
So now all my characters in are connected by the same danger, thanks to Ava’s current case. All of them are on the run, and they all believe they need to make heartbreaking choices to save one another. I always think about the O’Henry story, The Gift of the Magi, when I’m at this point in the story – to watch each character sacrifice something/someone they love to make the love of their lives happy – even if it’s slightly misguided or doesn’t always work out for the best – makes for some great twists and turns.
And that’s why I think that military men / men in uniform - and women - make fantastic romance novel heroes and heroines – because, in real life, they are heroes, making sacrifices (along with their families) to keep us safe.
“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” - George Orwell
In order to be eligible to win a signed copy of Beyond His Control and a tin of Frog Fudgies (because SEALs are sometimes referred to as Frogmen), all you have to do is leave a comment and tell me what you think the lure of the man in uniform (whether it be military / FBI/Police/Fire, etc) is, whether it be in real life or fiction or both. And if you don’t like men in uniform stories, tell me why!
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I think the lure is that these people are willing and able to do things that I cannot do. The amount of time and energy and focus that they put into their job would make them a fortune doing something else so you know money isn’t their motivation.
by Maureen
on February 23rd, 2008 at 9:37 am
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The men and women in these uniforms are willing to sacrifice and endure hardship because they believe so strongly in their mission. We have to admire their bravery, and integrity. They deserve respect and accolades.
by ruth
on February 23rd, 2008 at 9:47 am
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Men in uniform… I think they are louable… they do great jobs for the community, however, I am not really fond of them in romances!
by Nathalie
on February 23rd, 2008 at 10:10 am
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These men have an allure that is appealing. Their Strength and the energy and competence they possess gives us complete confidence in them.
by Pearl
on February 23rd, 2008 at 10:15 am
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I loved RISKING IT ALL and can’t wait to read BEYOND HIS CONTROL! I think the appeal of the military hero is that they seem a little larger than life. Most are naturally wired to want to serve and protect, and then there’s the specialized training of the SEALs and (other groups like them) that enables them to go above and beyond. While most of us have our own guys who take perfectly good care of us, there’s a certain appeal to a made up hero who’s capable of even more.
by Laurie
on February 23rd, 2008 at 10:50 am
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I grew up in DC around the Marine Corps. These men carried themselves with a sense of pride that most men didn’t seem to have. They also seemed to live an honor code that is way above the norm in society. Also they are protectors. To me they are the ultimate hero. (And yes I’m married to a military man although he’s retired now.) So those are all attributes I feel are inherent in a military hero.
by Laidybyrd
on February 23rd, 2008 at 11:49 am
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When I grow up, I want to marry a Military Man. That ought to tell you just how alluring they are to me, lol.
by Wendy
on February 23rd, 2008 at 12:27 pm
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I’ve always loved the look of a man in uniform - they wear it with such pride! When my husband was in Viet Nam they had a group of SEAL’s right next to their group (he was a Seabee) and he always said they were the only ones that ever scared the h#ll out of him.
by catslady
on February 23rd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
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You’ve spoiled me. I never used to think much one way or the other about SEALs, but now I have a hard time thinking about anyone else. 
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Since my dh is a firefighter and my son is a Navy man, I totally get the lure of a man in uniform. I get to see first hand their strength of character and dedication. They both chosoe careers to test their mental and physical abilities, and while there is definitely a downside to putting yourself on the line day after day, it’s obvious they love what they do, and I couln’t be prouder.
And since I can’t seem to get enough in my real life, lol, I am drawn to those characters in the books I choose to read.
by Cathy M
on February 23rd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
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For me there’s a basic altruism in people who serve others in their professions–from teachers to police to military to firefighters. Whatever the monetary compensation, these folks give much more than that to the people they serve. And most often, their struggles are misunderstood even by those who are grateful.
Well written heroes/heroines in uniform appeal to me because they both humanize them, bringing them closer to my own life experience, and because they highlight their reality.
by azteclady
on February 23rd, 2008 at 2:19 pm
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The uniform makes me think the man is in command of himself , be he military, law or firemen. I love to read about men in uniform, and especially your SEAL books.
by Estella
on February 23rd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
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Heroes in uniform are terribly appealing! I think at least some of it is the idea that these people embody power/skill/strength combined with the underlying fact that they are serving others. And there’s the whole “what’s under the uniform”
by Fedora
on February 23rd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
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I think a person in uniform shows that they care. And when push comes to shove a caring person is almost always a hero. And stories about heros are a great read. Besides, all my past relationships have been with men in uniform. And oh! what stories I could tell! 
by DeeAnn
on February 23rd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
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A man in uniform gets me every time. I think it’s the way they carry themselves. The power behind it. They’re just hot. 
by brownone
on February 23rd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
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I definitely love a man in uniform. A man in uniform exudes authority and power and you know that he can take care of you.
by Jane
on February 23rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
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I love a man in uniform. First of all, almost everyone looks good in their uniform. Shallow, but true. Next you think about their loyalty, patriotism, strength, and abilities. Each one is willing to die for their country, and very highly trained. They can take charge and handle crisis situations. One of my cousins was in the marines, and a friend once told me “if I were ever stranded on an island, I’d want James there.” Those frogs look so cute! I love stories about a man in uniform - you can throw anything at him, and he can take it. The sky’s the limit!
by JSL
on February 23rd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
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I enjoy these types of characters in books because they are strong and most of the time alpha type heroes. Much of the time they have a lot of inner angst. Let’s not forget the heart of gold that writers toss in.
I think a man in his dress whites is stunting.
by Ann M.
on February 23rd, 2008 at 5:35 pm
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Men in uniform instill respect and are amazing role models. They believe strongly in their values and ethics and are always there for you.
by jenna
on February 23rd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
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Having worked with men in uniform for 28 years, I’m not so sure what the mystique is that attracts women to them. On the other hand, they’re all the men I’ve ever really known during my adult years, so maybe I take these wonderful beings for granted (probably, I do). The stories, on the other hand, are a delight to read.
by Jean
on February 23rd, 2008 at 6:07 pm
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The man in a uniform is the ultimate example of a hero whose aspirations are to serve, to save others and to be honorable and sacrifice himself for others. We look up to those and they deserve our respect and admiration.
by diane
on February 23rd, 2008 at 6:08 pm
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I love reading books with SEALls as the heroes. I have one of your SEAL books and have this one and the other on my wishlist. I loved the excerpt for Beyond His Control.
by Amy S.
on February 23rd, 2008 at 6:18 pm
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I love men in uniforms and seals especially rock. This sounds like a fantastic series.
by Pamk
on February 23rd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
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The man or heroes in uniform shows me that they are strong and caring and it shows they are to be willing to do their job. I like the ones that play the good guys.
by Amelia
on February 23rd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
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Men in uniform have a code of honor and principles by which they live. It is their appearance that invokes respect since we know that their jobs require dedication and self sacrifice.
by ellie
on February 23rd, 2008 at 7:11 pm
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I love men in uniforms both in real life and in fiction. I think it is because thay are seen as both strong and sensitive.
by Linda F
on February 23rd, 2008 at 7:27 pm
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i like men in uniform because the uniform implies a standard of behavior and beliefs. They believe in something so strongly they put their lives on the line, that is no small sacrifice. They are particularly scrumptious in fiction because they can be all that and more.
by jessiegirl
on February 23rd, 2008 at 7:34 pm
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they are hot all the way. the men an dwomen save lives and look hot doing it. the men look gret in teh uniforms, they show off a strong personality and in take charge kind of person. i love teh firmans and the paramiedics, they are just so hot. 
by kim h
on February 23rd, 2008 at 11:51 pm
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I think the lure of men in uniform is the uniform and what it represents. You expect them to be straight-arrows, honest and true. This may not be the case, but you still expect it. They also seem so handsome, tall and strong when they are in uniform.
by Carol Woodruff
on February 24th, 2008 at 1:51 am
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I love men in (or out of) uniform — stories! The appeal of men in uniform is that they usually look really really good 
And seriously, they stand for many values we cherish: honor, dedication, loyalty, strength, trustworthiness…. great hero material!
by Allison
on February 24th, 2008 at 1:56 am
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They both military and cicvil men in uniforms are servicemen to the people. With that comes respect and they themselves have a deep loyalty and dedication. These values are attractive to me. Also when I was younger and seen An Officer and a Gentleman I wanted to be carried off into happily ever after. Stories with men in uniform always are great reads that bring out those feelings.
by Dena
on February 24th, 2008 at 2:20 am
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Trust, honor, dedication and protection all wrapped up in our/their RESPECT for what the uniform represents!
These are ordinary people who do extraordinary jobs!! …. Constantly putting their lives on the line for people they don’teven know, or to discover & explore the unkown(astronauts).
I love men in uniform stories…danger, romance, all wrapped up with a HEA… especially Kathryn Shay, Suzanne Brockmann, Merline Lovelace, Alison Kent to name a few. I’m going to look for your stories Stephanie!
by Laurie G
on February 24th, 2008 at 4:27 am
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What I like most about them is how they are willing to help everyone.
by Stacy S
on February 24th, 2008 at 6:36 am
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I love a man in an uniform…….and out of it…………..
by Karen B
on February 24th, 2008 at 9:29 am
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I could gaze at men in uniform whose bravery and goals I only think of with respect and admiration. Love to read novels with them as examples of real men. The romance, strength and courage they exhibit is wonderful.
by alissa
on February 24th, 2008 at 10:26 am
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I think the appeal of men in uniform is our underlying need to feel protected. Whether it be a man in his dress uniform or a firefighters gear, the idea that they will take care of us is sexy. A man in uniform is sexy, and man out of uniform is hottt.
by Patty L.
on February 24th, 2008 at 11:12 am
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I love stories of men in uniform. Military romances are some of my favorite stories.
by Kris
on February 24th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
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I like men in uniforms, specifically athletes and men in the military!
by Teresa W.
on February 24th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
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I love a man in uniform. Men in uniform exude power and make you feel like they can protect in any situation.
by Crystal B.
on February 24th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
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I think too that the lure is that these people are willing and able to do things that you cannot do and wouldn’t do. And on a daily basis, too.
by Minna
on February 24th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
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What’s not to like? Firstly, a man in uniform always looks so sexy. They’re protectors and look out for others who might be weaker or in danger. They’re willing to put their lives on the line to keep others safe. They’re often alpha characters and difficult to tame but worth the effort. They’re honorable and loyal and believe in doing the right thing. As I said, what’s not to like? Your two books sound great, Stephanie. I’ve been on a Blaze splurge recently so will add them to my cart.
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What better way to imagine a man than in a uniform, sweaty, and lifting heavy things? Knowing a guy is fighting for your rights is sexy.
by Kimmy L
on February 24th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
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For me, I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that my father was a military man while I was growing up.
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Men in uniform are definitely special; they always give me a feeling of security as they represent strength, bravery and honor to me. They offer protection and help against many situations no matter what type of uniform they wear; it seems someone in a uniform can always be counted on.
by Shari C
on February 25th, 2008 at 10:11 am
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The lure of a man in uniform is getting him out of the uniform!
by Lisa F.
on February 25th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
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They are strong and tough enough to protect those they love. They also have a strong code of honor. I love stories with men in uniform. These guys are just so sexy.
by Cherie J
on February 25th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
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Hi Stephanie! I recently chatted with you about your books and coming here I got lots more that really helped me understand about all the SEALs do and all. Thanks for getting that info for us!
For me, I think reading those characters in uniform really to goes beyond what they do, in for what they do for so many, going beyond their duties, putting themeselves before others. So its more of seeing/reading about all their strengths, both physically and mentally and too emotionally! There’s so many that do that both in uniform as well as those that don’t wear a special uniform for it. But its great to read about those different men and woman in uniform and what they are all about. Then to add a hot romance which they (we all) deserve is a treat!
I’m really looking forward to reading these of yours.
by Caffey
on February 25th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
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Guys in uniform - military and law enforcement - just display such confidence and power. It’s like they can do anything. Of course all women want a guy who they can count on in any situation. I think that’s part of the appeal and what makes them excellent heros.
When you add bearing and looks, well, that’s what makes them hot.
by Janet H
on February 26th, 2008 at 7:13 am
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Sorry for being so late on picking the winner! I must blame deadline brain
After running this through my handy generator, the winner is…#5, Laurie!!!! Laurie, I’ll email you privately, or you can email me via my site if you see this first
And thank you all for your wonderful comments
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Thank you, Stephanie! I’m very excited to be your winner! I’ve emailed you.
by Laurie
on February 26th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
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Congrats, Laurie! And thanks, Stephanie!
by Fedora
on February 27th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
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wtg laurie.
by kim h
on February 27th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
