If you're a JAG or NCIS fan, then you need to read this book. The storyline, and the writing itself for Unwritten, are as familiar, and comforting, as an old JAG episode. Plus there is the added bonus of romance that satisfies.
It's a great page turner and you'll be reaching for the next book, Unbecoming, as soon as you finish this one. From start to finish, the relationships, and the use of international locations and Navy assets, keep you interested in the storyline. Navy jargon is integrated into the dialogue very well. There is a glossary at the beginning of the novel for readers who are not familiar with the jargon will find helpful. I didn't have to use it because most of the terms are the same from the shows. In the context of the writing the terms were easy to figure out anyway.
This novel delivers on romance factor too. Yes, you could call it 'chick-lit,' but it has enough action that the intimacy is natural and befitting the storyline. Even as a guy, I enjoyed the reading the "juicy bits." Collier's use of romance speaks to a passionate marriage, one we should all hope to attain.
I ordered the paperback edition of this novel. It contains restored material, absent from the first edition hardcover, and previously only available in the Kindle edition.
I'm really hoping this book gets made into a movie. It's that good.
"Unwritten” by Monica Collier (Red Press, $28.95) is an adventure story of a Navy "spook,” Caroline Blaine, who serves beside her true love, David Reese, who works for the Navy's Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, in an attempt to recover stolen Navy weapons. The heroine is a Navy intelligence agent of many talents, including instructing carrier pilots, and is experienced in activities of secret agents and Washington intrigues.
It is a love story that delves deeply into the relation of Caroline and Reese as they progress beyond African raids with Navy Seals to carrier flights and helicopter escapes in Italy.
"Unwritten” begins with Blaine visiting her family members, who are developing a vineyard in Summer House Farms in Franklin, N.C. It quickly involves her duty in Washington and overseas.
Collier, a Franklin native and Western Carolina University graduate, writes from a woman's viewpoint, telling how Caroline is torn between duty to her job, her family and her true love. Henson knows well the language of the Navy, as well as relations to carrier operations and JAG assignments. Her descriptions of formal gatherings, aged wines and naval officers in dress whites with gold wings reflect her deep research and travel experience.
Adventurous readers will enjoy "Unwritten” and will eagerly await Collier's next book.
