⚓ Navy Woman ⚓ (Navy Series #4) (1991) – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Navy Series (Book#4)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Silhouette (June 24,
2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373218877
ISBN-13: 978-0373218875
Click Photo for Information
“Busy
attorney Catherine Fredrickson loved her job at a submarine base in Washington,
but her new boss, Royce Nyland, had her spirits sinking fast. The icy widower
was distant, demanding…and incredibly attractive. And though he kept her at
arm’s length, he aroused a stormy passion in Catherine that was impossible to
deny.”
This
was initially issued June 1, 1991 as Silhouette Special Edition #683
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| [The four original Silhouette Special Edition covers] |
This review is slightly longer than the others, however, there are some key points I want to touch on in the review of this book.
“Navy Woman” is the fourth installment in Debbie Macomber’s “Navy” series. There are two more books after this (“Navy Baby” and “Navy Husband”) both are in the anthology “Navy Families” which I am debating on purchasing. They’re not integral to these books, and seemingly have no connection unlike her more recent offerings (see below). Also, if those two are anything like the previous four (4), I’m better off skipping them.
“Navy Woman” is the fourth installment in Debbie Macomber’s “Navy” series. There are two more books after this (“Navy Baby” and “Navy Husband”) both are in the anthology “Navy Families” which I am debating on purchasing. They’re not integral to these books, and seemingly have no connection unlike her more recent offerings (see below). Also, if those two are anything like the previous four (4), I’m better off skipping them.
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| [All four re-issues I own] |
It should be noted the “Navy” series started back in 1988 – 30+ years ago. I say that because of the attitudes contained within the books, as well as the writing style. Naturally what was okay back in 1988 is not as okay in 2018 (at least for some people). So, remember that as you read these books.
It is worth noting that Macomber’s writing has gotten better with the characters and stories having more depth and the sex scenes are not near as explicit which I can say I appreciate. Romance and sex scenes are a personal choice and no one should feel shamed either way as to what their preference is.
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| [Debbie Macomber - Navy Series] |
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| [Navy Series #4 - Navy Woman] |
The previous book “Navy Brat” introduced readers to Lieutenant Commander Catherine Frederickson, JAGC (Judge Advocate General Corps). The characters from the first two books (“Navy Wife” and “Navy Blues”) are again 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. The “Navy” series seems to be more along the “stand-alone” type than an actual series. Brand (“Navy Brat”) is only mentioned briefly when Catherine receives a piece of mail from him – otherwise, no previous character mentions.
I was especially drawn to
– and REALLY wanted to like this novel because of how much I LOVED the CBS
Series J.A.G. That was more realistic at least. And, yes this is a novel,
but … “still” …
Catherine is reassigned to a base in Washington where her CO (Commanding Officer) is Commander Royce Nylund, a single father. He is by the book, until he meets her. After they meet it’s like all their self-control, training, education, and protocol is thrown to the wind.
It should be noted that Macomber does make it clear that relationships (fraternizing) between subordinates and their CO is “conducting unbecoming” and has severe consequences.
It’s not as the blurb describes as a “taboo law”. Currently this “taboo law” is punishable by a maximum sentence of “dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 2 years” (UCMJ, Article 134 – Fraternization). I don’t know what the punishment was when this book was written, but remember how “serious” the punishment is when you read the book.
However …
That regulation doesn’t stop the two people from falling in love and soon sneaking around to see each other – in clear violation of that “article”. That was one thing Royce didn’t want – however, as much as he tries to stop, he can’t. It doesn’t help that Royce’s 10 year old daughter, desperate for maternal affection, encourages the relationship and doesn’t quite get the idea of how much trouble Royce and Catherine could get into, she just wants them together. This is where both of them needed to step up and be the adults – explain it to Kelly.
That relationship could’ve ruined both Royce and Catherine’s careers and lives. If convicted, it would be a “federal conviction” on their records.
Moving on …
Royce even suggests Catherine try dating another officer in the JAG office, but he gets jealous and she is quite livid at the idea.
Again, I ran into a similar problem as with “Navy Brat” – no compromises. Royce doesn’t want to leave the Navy (he’s a Commander with his career ahead of him). Catherine doesn’t want to leave (Lieutenant Commandeer with her career ahead of her). Still they want what they know they cannot have – a relationship together. There is no room for both of them to get their way, especially with that regulation. Still … they persist.
A trial separation doesn’t work and they are forced to realize they want each other, again not taking the seriousness of the situation in consideration.
Eventually Royce gets his transfer which allows them to be together (as they’re not in the same chain of command). However, Catherine has to remain behind in Washington until she either gets a closer assignment or gives up her commission which wrecks a bit of havoc. Catherine realizes that Royce is serious about not having children unless she gives up her commission.
The ending is predictable and quick – an epiphany makes Catherine realize why she was hanging on to her career with the Navy which she then is happy to walk away from.
The epilogue of course is a “few years later” with the happy couple and their children.
My overwhelming problem with this book, as well as the others in this series – the lack of a compromise, as well as characters who want only what they want without any regard to how selfish they come off – or what’s at stake.
Once they meet it is, sadly, “lust at first sight”. These books make most Navy men out to be lusting individuals. The women aren’t much better. In this installment, Catherine knew it was wrong to “fraternize” with Royce. It wasn’t like she couldn’t be a civilian lawyer, which she ends up being – the choice was easy: stay in the Navy and away from Royce or leave and have a future with him. There was no other option. I’m pretty sure most officers know about the fraternization regulation, and from the on-set these two did.
While I don’t believe women should always give up or in for the relationship, however most of the men in the books were the higher wage earners. They were the ones making the majority of the money and had far better benefits – something everyone (even back then) needed: money for expenses, retirement savings, and medical/dental insurance.
** “Navy Wife” – Lindy wanted Rush to leave the Navy after nearly getting killed in an accident. She did have a good job – she worked with Boeing, but how did her pay/benefits compare to Rush’s?
** “Navy Brat” – Erin wanted Brand to leave the Navy so she could “put down roots”. Erin worked for a community center. I doubt she had the pay/benefits Brand did or the retirement package.
** “Navy Woman” – Catherine (this time she’s Navy) didn’t want to give up her commission to be with Royce. While she was a Lieutenant Commander and had the same “benefits” Royce had, she didn’t make near the money Royce did, and likely didn’t have as many years in as well.
None of those “facts” were ever mentioned or highlighted – most of the decisions were made on the characters “needing” the other (more for the lust/sex factor than actual emotional/companionship need), but not on what it should’ve been –> what is practical – who contributes more financially and who has better benefits.
Yes – it is romance novel – however when looking at what to do to make the relationship work, things need to be discussed. One cannot make a decision based upon feelings – there needs to be some common sense applies as to what is better for everyone.
I can at least say I’ve read the entire series (thus far). Unlike Macomber’s most recent series, I doubt I will be returning to this one.
I would highly recommend the following 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. They seem to have more depth than the Navy series.
Catherine is reassigned to a base in Washington where her CO (Commanding Officer) is Commander Royce Nylund, a single father. He is by the book, until he meets her. After they meet it’s like all their self-control, training, education, and protocol is thrown to the wind.
It should be noted that Macomber does make it clear that relationships (fraternizing) between subordinates and their CO is “conducting unbecoming” and has severe consequences.
It’s not as the blurb describes as a “taboo law”. Currently this “taboo law” is punishable by a maximum sentence of “dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 2 years” (UCMJ, Article 134 – Fraternization). I don’t know what the punishment was when this book was written, but remember how “serious” the punishment is when you read the book.
However …
That regulation doesn’t stop the two people from falling in love and soon sneaking around to see each other – in clear violation of that “article”. That was one thing Royce didn’t want – however, as much as he tries to stop, he can’t. It doesn’t help that Royce’s 10 year old daughter, desperate for maternal affection, encourages the relationship and doesn’t quite get the idea of how much trouble Royce and Catherine could get into, she just wants them together. This is where both of them needed to step up and be the adults – explain it to Kelly.
That relationship could’ve ruined both Royce and Catherine’s careers and lives. If convicted, it would be a “federal conviction” on their records.
Moving on …
Royce even suggests Catherine try dating another officer in the JAG office, but he gets jealous and she is quite livid at the idea.
Again, I ran into a similar problem as with “Navy Brat” – no compromises. Royce doesn’t want to leave the Navy (he’s a Commander with his career ahead of him). Catherine doesn’t want to leave (Lieutenant Commandeer with her career ahead of her). Still they want what they know they cannot have – a relationship together. There is no room for both of them to get their way, especially with that regulation. Still … they persist.
A trial separation doesn’t work and they are forced to realize they want each other, again not taking the seriousness of the situation in consideration.
Eventually Royce gets his transfer which allows them to be together (as they’re not in the same chain of command). However, Catherine has to remain behind in Washington until she either gets a closer assignment or gives up her commission which wrecks a bit of havoc. Catherine realizes that Royce is serious about not having children unless she gives up her commission.
The ending is predictable and quick – an epiphany makes Catherine realize why she was hanging on to her career with the Navy which she then is happy to walk away from.
The epilogue of course is a “few years later” with the happy couple and their children.
My overwhelming problem with this book, as well as the others in this series – the lack of a compromise, as well as characters who want only what they want without any regard to how selfish they come off – or what’s at stake.
Once they meet it is, sadly, “lust at first sight”. These books make most Navy men out to be lusting individuals. The women aren’t much better. In this installment, Catherine knew it was wrong to “fraternize” with Royce. It wasn’t like she couldn’t be a civilian lawyer, which she ends up being – the choice was easy: stay in the Navy and away from Royce or leave and have a future with him. There was no other option. I’m pretty sure most officers know about the fraternization regulation, and from the on-set these two did.
While I don’t believe women should always give up or in for the relationship, however most of the men in the books were the higher wage earners. They were the ones making the majority of the money and had far better benefits – something everyone (even back then) needed: money for expenses, retirement savings, and medical/dental insurance.
** “Navy Wife” – Lindy wanted Rush to leave the Navy after nearly getting killed in an accident. She did have a good job – she worked with Boeing, but how did her pay/benefits compare to Rush’s?
** “Navy Brat” – Erin wanted Brand to leave the Navy so she could “put down roots”. Erin worked for a community center. I doubt she had the pay/benefits Brand did or the retirement package.
** “Navy Woman” – Catherine (this time she’s Navy) didn’t want to give up her commission to be with Royce. While she was a Lieutenant Commander and had the same “benefits” Royce had, she didn’t make near the money Royce did, and likely didn’t have as many years in as well.
None of those “facts” were ever mentioned or highlighted – most of the decisions were made on the characters “needing” the other (more for the lust/sex factor than actual emotional/companionship need), but not on what it should’ve been –> what is practical – who contributes more financially and who has better benefits.
Yes – it is romance novel – however when looking at what to do to make the relationship work, things need to be discussed. One cannot make a decision based upon feelings – there needs to be some common sense applies as to what is better for everyone.
I can at least say I’ve read the entire series (thus far). Unlike Macomber’s most recent series, I doubt I will be returning to this one.
I would highly recommend the following 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. They seem to have more depth than the Navy series.
2⭐⭐/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Other Books in the Series:
Series: Navy Series (Book #1)
Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
This was initially issued in November 1, 1988 as Silhouette Special Edition #494.
Series: Navy Series (Book #2)
Other Books in the Series:
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? ”
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.
Series: Navy Series (Book #3)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Silhouette (December 25, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373218753
ISBN-13: 978-0373218752
Click Photo for Information
“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.
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| [Picture taken from back of book] |
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