⚓ Navy Brat (Navy Series #3) ⚓ (1991) – Book Review

MY REVIEW

Series: Navy Series (Book #3)

Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Silhouette (December 25, 2003)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0373218753

ISBN-13: 978-0373218752

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“Erin MacNamera had one hard and fast rule: never, never, never fall for a navy man. But, from the heart-stopping moment her eyes met Lieutenant Brandon Davis's across a crowded lounge, Erin knew life would never be the same. Sexy, tender and strong, Brandon was all she'd ever dreamed of in a man, but he was also navy - and as a navy brat from way back, she knew better than to give her heart to a seafaring man.”

This was initially issued March 1, 1991 as Silhouette Special Edition #662.

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.

[Debbie Macomber's Navy Series]

[Navy Series #3 - Navy Brat]

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 are more comfortable with.

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

2⭐⭐/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Other Books in the Series: 

Series: Navy Series (Book #1)
Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Silhouette; Remastered ed. edition (February 1, 2003)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0373218443

ISBN-13: 978-0373218448

“Falling for a man in uniform can be hard . . .

New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber weaves emotional tales of love and longing. Here is the first of her celebrated NAVY series!

Impulsive, wounded, vulnerable, Lindy Kyle was unprepared for a roommate like Rush Callaghan. Strong, sensitive and sexy, the temporarily dry-docked naval officer was everything she'd ever dreamed of in a man . . . in a husband.

But Rush placed duty to his country above all else. Though he and Lindy were swept away on a tide of passion, he was called back to sea. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder -- but will their marriage survive their partings? ”

This was initially issued in November 1, 1988 as Silhouette Special Edition #494.

Series: Navy Series (Book #2)

Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Silhouette (June 1, 2003)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0373218451

ISBN-13: 978-0373218455

“Despite her ex-husband's bullheadedness, Carol Kyle knew he'd be the perfect man to father the child she so desperately wanted. Yet she also realized that the strong, honorable man would never allow his child to be raised without a father.

So Carol needed to plot, to plan, to maneuver, to seduce Steve into her bed for one last time . . . and then leave once more.

Still, the passion when they were together was never the problem -- it was the absences that tore them apart. Had they grown enough to chance trying again -- especially when Carol's plan seemed about to work?”

Originally issued March 1, 1989; this is the second book in Debbie Macomber’s “Navy” series, previously issued as Silhouette Special edition #518.

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[Picture taken from back of book]