Shane's Last Stand

Fighting Destiny #0.5

by Suzanne Brockmann

Meet Shane Laughlin, the hero of bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann’s new novel Born to Darkness, in a special eBook short story about his final mission as an officer with SEAL Team Thirteen—the mission that strips him of his command, earns him a dishonorable discharge, and leaves him blacklisted and unlikely to find work in the darkly futuristic world of the mid-twenty-first century.   The assignment seems simple insert into a dangerous, war-torn country and take out a deadly terrorist. But from the moment that Shane injures his ankle in what should have been a routine parachute landing, it’s clear that Murphy’s Law—whatever can go wrong, will go wrong—is in effect. And sure enough, the situation goes from bad to worse, until Shane faces what seems like the ultimate no-win scenario. In his quest to save both an innocent woman and the SEALs under his command, he’s willing to put himself in harm’s way, risking everything he’s worked for—his career, and even his life.Includes a preview of Suzanne Brockmann’s hotly anticipated novel of romantic suspense, Born to Darkness!

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Military Fiction, Suspense, Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

47 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2012

About the author

After childhood plans to become the captain of a starship didn’t pan out, Suzanne Brockmann took her fascination with military history, her respect for the men and women who serve, her reverence for diversity, and her love of storytelling, and explored brave new worlds as a bestselling romance author.

Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.

In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.

In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.

Reviews

[Auntee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this was meant to be a stand alone ebook my rating would've been a little lower. But since this is basically a prequel to the upcoming Born to Darkness and serves as a character study of the hero, Navy SEAL Lt. Shane Laughlin, I'm going to be a bit more lenient.

The setting is the mid-21st century. Shane and his SEAL teammates are on a mission in (the country formerly known as) Afghanistan to take down a known terrorist (a woman!), infamous for killing civilians (including children). Just when they have their target spotted and all set for the kill, something happens that causes Shane to rethink the whole mission...and his decision will affect his military career. Will he follow orders...or won't he?

I love Brockmann's writing style, and this little story did the job it was supposed to do. It made me admire Shane, and makes me want to read Born to Darkness. I'm curious to see the fallout from his decision, both professional and personal, and I want to see what's in his future.

SB does include the opening chapter of BTD, and the reader gets a sneak peek at what Shane is up to and just a hint of the paranormal element that will be in the book. Looks interesting...

I also enjoyed the brief introductions to Shane's teammates, and I hope one of the standout characters--"Magic", Shane's best buddy, gets his own story one day. Something about him reminded me a little of Izzy...4 stars

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars but I am rounding up. This book is a pre-quel to Suzanne Brockmann's new series – Fighting Destiny --, which is being advertised as a paranormal romance. The first book will be released on March 20, 2012: Born To Darkness. I was nervous and kind of still am about what Brockmann will be like writing paranormal. I am not a paranormal romance fan (generally) and I love SEAL Team 16 so much that I am sad Brockmann is leaving them behind, for now anyway. But I enjoyed Shane's Last Stand. It was good. Not great, but hey – it was really short.

So, the pre-quel is short and starts off the way many of Brockmann's Troubleshooter series do – with a team of Navy SEALs in Afghanistan on a mission. The setting of this series is "the not so distant future" and there have been some changes to the US government and some laws. I hesitate to say it is a dystopia, but it has a dystopian feel – things are not going well in the US and the world. The hero of Shane's Last Stand and Born To Darkness is … well .. Shane. He is a former Navy SEAL when Born To Darkness begins, however in Shane's Last Stand we learn why he is a "former". Like so many of her characters, Shane has a strong moral compass about what a SEAL should and should not do and he has a strong need to protect his team. Whatever the cost.

Brockmann writes SEALs on a mission and men interacting with each other in a highly bonded way very well. Very well. She has the lingo down and she knows how to develop characters. Really, I fell right into this story. Shane's isn't as good as the best Troubleshooters, but it has all the material to be great if Brockmann hits the series right.

Shane's Last Stand is very short, thus it suffers from what many short stories do but it ends with a sneak peak of the beginning of Born To Destiny. The first chapter is good. I had been worried if I would like this series, but it was good. It reads like the Troubleshooters and for me, that is a very good thing. I plan on buying Born To Destiny on the day of release. If you like Troubleshooters, I say buy the pre-quel. It is only .99 cents and has a sneak preview of what to expect with Born To Destiny.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's nothing better than a man in uniform and Navy SEALs are my favorites.

For a short story this didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the action and the hero Shane McLaughlin and his men in trying to salvage an operation that didn't quite work out as planned.

What a great start for SB's new series, which I look forward to reading.

[Mimi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This is a very, very short story that serves as an intro into the new series...

By the middle of the twenty-first century, much of the world has changed for the worse. Despite advances in technology, crime has increased, drug use is rampant, and the threat of terrorism hits closer and closer to home. And in the dark days of America's second Great Depression, the divide between the haves and the have-nots continues to grow.
Many things are different in this dark and murky future, but one thing remains the same: Navy SEALs are still Navy SEALs.
And the only easy day was yesterday.

I like Shane and I'm intrigued by the Seals 2.0. In the end this story has fulfilled its purpose-gotten me interested and more than ready to continue being Brockmann's follower, as I was with the Troubleshooters.

I am very curious as to what are the consequences of Shane's actions, too.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shane is an officer with a bright future ahead until he and his team is sent on a mission to take out a terrorist known for blowing up hospitals and children except the target isn’t who they say she is. Shane and his team have been sent to take out a witness to a massacre who is in hiding. Shane aborts the mission knowing it could cost him his career.
Once again Suzanne Brockmann gives us a strong, moral fighting man who does the right thing against all comers. I am looking forward to Born to Darkness.

[Lasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced, filled with interesting characters and action. Frankly, I cannot wait for the next book! Ms. Brockmann once again creates a universe and characters that are fascinating and real.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Great start to an exciting new series from the queen of romantic suspense!

[Xenos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap!!! What an introduction to Suzanne Brockmann's new "Fighting Destiny" series!!! In this short e-story, we meet LT Shane Laughlin and his team of Navy SEALS who are on a mission to take out a top terrorist. But all is not what it seems and Shane makes a decision that will change his life forever. In five chapters, Suzanne Brockmann establishes Shane as a noble, rough-and-tumble hero along the same lines as Sam Starrett, Izzy Zanella, Tom Paoletti and all the other beloved Troubleshooters/SEAL Team 16 members we've come to love. I'm kinda leery about the new "FD" series being set in a "dangerous, paranormal world" in the mid-21st century, but SB is such a phenomenal writer and this e-story was so compelling that I'm willing to take the plunge. Fingers crossed and reviews to follow...

[Mollie *scoutrmom* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is wonderfully imaginative. The plot simply rocks. The hero, no, wait, that should be HERO trashes all worthwhile in order to protect. Without hesitation, with intelligence, and making sure that when the shit hits the fan he is the only one who will be spattered. The cover art does not match my image of him, I think of him as older, darker, and with a face that makes one think of character rather than pretty boy.

I liked that the first chapter of the following book was included to smooth the flow of the story into the next stage.

[Joy Zaharia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navy SEAL Lt. Shane Laughlin, need not say much more! SEAL's are the men and Lt. Laughlin is no different!! I'm so glad Suzanne Brockmann wrote this prequel to Born to Darkness...the first book in her Fighting Destiny series. It really gives us insight in Shane Laughlin and how honorable he is. Can't wait to continue reading the series!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was obviously a quick read, but it was a great way to introduce Shane to readers. It made me super curious to find out what happens to him next and in those few pages, I already kinda care about him. And the excerpt of BORN TO DARKNESS at the end was such a tease! I really can't wait for March now!

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I think this short story served it's purpose. In the short space of this read I came to care about the characters and about what the future holds for Shane in Born to Darkness. Should be interesting with the added paranormal aspect.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devolped characters, setting up for Shane's own book. I have read any of Ms. Brockman's team books before but was very comfortable with is one and am looking forward to Shane's new book and the new series.

[Sans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting little teaser to Brockmann's new series. I'm not usually one or romantic suspense, but when the setting is futuristic? I'll bite. Not at $12.99 for the Kindle edition of the first book though. I'll wait until it's out in paperback at my local UBS.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was, of course, too short. Can't wait for Born to Darkness. I love everything that Suzanne Brockmann writes

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doing the right thing despite the cost. Shane is willing to risk it all to do the right thing. In this future world the corporate world has invaded the political world to the point of controlling political outcomes to their advantage openly. Not really much different than today's reality except that it's in the open. To preserve their interests the corporations need to eliminate the only surviving witness to prior misdeeds. What better way to do that but send in a team of SEALS and manipulate their intell to take her out. An interesting short story of honesty and dedication to the truth.

[Garth Mailman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short Story explaining Shane's fall from grace.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good start to a series.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this brfore as it is included at the end of one of the full length books but it was still in my Want to Read list. Check. And a nice hit of Brockmann.

[Debbie Shawver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a series. Loved it even though it was short.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, let me say two things to start this review - 1) I am not normally a fan of short stories because they are just not long enough to give me a real connection with the characters and the story is too quick for my liking in most cases, and 2) This is hte first time I have read Suzanne Brockmann because she doesn't do the PNR or the UF and those are my preferences with rare exception.

That being said, this was a really excellent lead in to a new PNR series and I do plan to continue the series (as soon as I catch up a little more on my other reading). For a short story, there was a great character and plot line development and I finished this very short story with a strong impression of who Shane was and how his SEAL team felt about him. There was no question in my mind that Shane made the right call, that his team was loyal and will remain so and that the next step in Shane's story will be well worth reading (not to mention that it will be a departure from what Shane is used to...at least from what we already know about the new series and Shane's character). The only reason I'm going with 4 stars rather than more is because the story is so short. Given my lack of excitement over most shorts, this probalby translates to a 5 star rating for a regular length book.

I'm pretty sure that reading this is not necessary to the new series, but the understanding of what happened, how it happened, who his friends are, the choices Shane made, and his thought processes are a really great intro to his character and I suspect will make the reading of the series more enjoyable if you take the time to read this short story. I have to say, if book one is anywhere near as solid as this short was, I may need to revise my reading preferences to check out series by Brockmann that aren't on my usual lists...

[Jennifer Lavoie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It was short, yes, but knowing that it sets up the character of a new series, I didn't mind. I was glad to have this story to read, actually, because I've never read Suzanne Brockmann and I wanted something to test the waters without getting carried away right off the bat not knowing how she writes. I will definitely be getting the first book in this series immediately to read, and then I will likely splurge and get the Troubleshooters series, which is what I was looking to read in the first place.

I thought Shane was an interesting character and I look forward to getting to know him in his series.

If you're looking to get into this author, I think this is a good way to test out her writing style to see if you'll be a fit. I enjoyed it, and the ebook short was cheap enough to let me see if I wanted to continue reading her without spending a whole lot. And it worked!

[Mandapanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story that introduces Shane, the hero of Suzanne Brockmann's newest series Fighting Destiny . Shane doesn't know it but this is his last SEAL mission. His team has been set up to take out an innocent woman. However Shane and his team have other ideas.

Shane's character will be very familiar to fans of SB's Troubleshooters series. The paranormal aspect (actually it's more futuristic than paranormal) isn't in this story so it's a good way to hook in readers who normally don't read PNR. I thought it was a nice little intro and I'm looking forward to the full length novel Born to Darkness which is coming out in March.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shane Laughlin and his 8 man Seal team are on a mission in the country formally known as Afghanistan to kill a terrorist leader named Rebekah Suliman. After Shane lands wrong on his ankle and its found out that one of the men has 5 trackers in his stomach they come to realize there is something seriously wrong. After locating what they think is the terrorist they find out by double checking that its not her but a woman that was the sole witness to the Karachi Massacre and they realize they had been set up to kill the wrong person. Shane aborts the mission knowing that its going to end his career in the Seals.

This was a prequel book to her new series. It takes place a year before Born to Darkness which comes out in March.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

A meh story for Brockmann. An interesting way to prequel a series set in the future (timeline = approx the same as the In Death series). There is no worldbuilding at all - it could have taken place modern day. It's so short, I thought it would do better as a prologue or 1st chapter in a full-length. At least then the opportunity for worldbuilding could happen. I'll still read the 1st book, but Brockmann has some extraordinary writing to do to convince me it's not her usual rom-susp.

[Writerlibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a prequel teaser short story setting up Brockmann new series set in the near future with a black listed SEAL. As far as setting up the universe it does the job. It does introduce the lead character Shane as an honorable, courageous, brave, smart navy SEAL who does the right thing and loses his career and the life he loved. Definitely will check out the first book of the series.

[Kristi Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't wait for her next book. I liked this novella but it was too short and basically did nothing for me! I feel like it should have been the prequel to the next book? Maybe I'm just too impatient to read the first book in her new series that it makes me grumpy. :)

[Rjsmommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the intro story to Suzanne Brockman's new series that deals with a futuristic world and an ex-Navy SEAL, Shane. It was a little confusing but what was loud and clear was what a brave and noble person Shane is...I'm looking forward to seeing where his hard-luck goes.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. A lot. And it's a terrific teaser for Born to Darkness. If you're going to read Born to Darkness, get this. You'll be really, really glad you did, because it helps a lot to know where Shane is coming from at the beginning of that. Does it ever!

[Paraphrodite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting prequel to the new series. No romance whatsoever unless you count the bromance. I hope we get to see more of Shane, he doesn't deserve what he believes will happen to him because of his actions in this book.