Blame It on Rio
Suzanne Brokmann
Tall, Dark & Dangerous Series (Navy SEAL Team Ten) # 14
Romantic Comedy with Suspense Elements
Hero: Navy SEAL Rio Rosetti
Heroine: TV Star Casey Esparza
Tropes: Fake Boyfriend
Oh, No! Just One Bed!
Identical Cousins
When Rio Rosetti is approached by Casey Esparza in a grocery store parking lot, he realizes two things: the famous actress has mistaken Rio for his gay cousin Luc; and Rio’s got to keep up the pretense to protect his teammate Dave from getting his heart re-broken by Casey’s hot mess of a brother, Jon.
As a Navy SEAL, Rio’s days are filled with adventure and risk, but now, as Dave’s fake boyfriend, he’s facing a different challenge. His life is suddenly a rom-com movie with an added twist as Rio finds himself falling hard for Casey.
Casey Esparza’s acting career has been like a fairytale. Her iconic role in a cult science fiction TV show brought her fame, fortune, and millions of social media followers. Her personal life, however, is a different story—her brother Jon is a dumpster fire and her romantic life is grim. Her instant connection with her friend Dave’s easy-going new boyfriend Luc is a breath of fresh air.
Rio knows honesty means everything to Casey, and that for him to stay in her life—as Rio—he needs to end his masquerade very carefully. But when Jon’s unsavory past catches up to them and Casey’s in danger, Rio is ready to risk everything—even his future with her—to keep her safe.
The tall, dark, and dangerous Navy SEALs of Team Ten are back—with Suzanne Brockmann’s signature blend of love, laughter, and a hint of danger in Blame It on Rio.
Review:
I’m so glad Suzanne Brockmann gave us one last TDD book–it’s a heck of a sendoff!
We last saw Navy SEALs Rio Rosetti and Dave Patterson road tripping in Thomas’s book ( King’s Ransom ), and I love that in Rio’s book they’ve gotten so close that Rio’s willing to play his own (near-identical) cousin and be Dave’s fake fake-boyfriend at a wedding that his toxic ex was going to be at. Funny how Dave had never mentioned to Rio that his ex was actress Casey Esparza’s brother…
I loved that Rio’s book is a rom com with romantic suspense elements–the vibe here is perfect. It’s a little ridiculous and a lot of fun, with a swoon-worthy hero and a heroine who turns out to be his perfect match. The big dramatic showdown at the end is pitch perfect, and the fact that 2 of SEAL Team Ten’s finest find their HEAs here? Chef’s kiss!
It was so fabulous to see so many of the past heroes get to play a role here too–for those who have been with the series all along, be prepared for some awesome cameos! (And don’t forget to embrace the time warp–yep, the final trio of books is taking place right now *and* just after the events of Night Watch . It’s magic, baby!) If you’re new to the series, this one can work as a standalone–but why limit yourself? If you like Rio’s book, you’re going to love Thomas’s, and Spaceman’s, and Senior Chief Becker’s, and… 😉
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A