Delta Salvation

by Elle Boon

This sucked. The plot was thin and confusing, the characters were flat and the romance was lame. And it was extremely long for a book I wasn't enjoying to start with. I've read the first two of the Iron Wolves MC - and frankly only because I bought those two and this one at the same time based on the blurb - they sounded good. I tortured myself through the other two and now this one.

The paranormal aspects for the other two books are glossed over in this one, but the story doesn't really make sense without having read it. This book also fails to explain who the hell Jase Taylor is and why he's relevant at all. But then it doesn't even explain the parts that are central to this novel - it's speculated but never confirmed - is Marley actually involved with her parents? What was explained was her parents but not until the very end - and not very believably. They have money and connections but can't figure out how to pay a guy they owe money back? Plus what the hell was the training camp about? And ma'am? That was never explained either. Unless it was in the Iron Wolves books in which case I can't remember.

The backstory of Alexa is also just info dumped into the first 30 pages. She's being attacked. Then bam in the hospital. Three months later. The following day. Then weeks later? The last one I'm not sure about. The others were signposted. The writing was clumsy and abrupt and without the signposts I would've been lost. Of course, then the author stops using them and I was lost so hooray for signposts.

Alexa and Kai exchange half a dozen words I reckon. Maybe that's an exaggeration but they have very little conversation and generally don't really get to know one another. The other things I know about Kai from this book are that he's part of a military operation. He's Polynesian, can do the Haka and I assume he has a family. Parents? Likely. Siblings? No clue. The below is about the only exchange of a personal nature they have.

“What do you want to talk about?” He’d dated plenty, was actually good at drivel and shit. “Where are you from originally?” She asked. “My family originated from New Zealand, but I was born in Hawaii. I’m Polynesian if you hadn’t guessed.” She turned to look at him. “Can you do the haka dance?” He raised his eyebrows, shocked she knew what it was. “You a Rugby fan?” Nodding, she licked her lips. “I love to watch the All Blacks.” Her actions made his cock jump, but her words made him smile. “The haka is the ancestral war cry, dance or challenge of the Maori people of New Zealand. The All Blacks are my favorite team as well. I love to watch them perform it before each game. Many New Zealand teams do it and other teams all over have begun doing it as well.” “Can you do it? The haka dance like them?” Her eyes sparkled. Kai laughed. “It would be a matter of dishonor had I not learned it. My family is very big on tradition.”

Boon, Elle. Delta Salvation (SEAL Team Phantom Series, Book 1) . Elle Boon. Kindle Edition.

Oh and he's obviously scared of commitment (to be fair, that one is pretty common in romances) because every time there's an inkling of permanency - jokes or otherwise he's breaking into a cold sweat. Of course, no idea why either of them want to be permanent - they don't know each.

And all that annoyed the crap out of me but this scene took the cake.

She looked down. “You didn’t wear a condom?” “I’m playing for keeps. I wanted to prove to you this isn’t a ploy, or some bullshit game. A man only makes love to the woman he wants forever without one.” Naked honesty met her stare. “I’m on the shot.” He shrugged massive shoulders. “Come on. Let’s go before they begin pounding on the door.” Kai held his hand out, knowing she’d follow him anywhere.

Boon, Elle. Delta Salvation (SEAL Team Phantom Series, Book 1) . Elle Boon. Kindle Edition.

Are you freaking kidding me? This was either clumsily written or just plain stupid. Perhaps the author was trying to weave in a nice message about the importance of wearing condoms for STDs and that you should only not use a condom when you're 100% sure about the person. I mean it doesn't sound remotely realistic because these two have never even spoken about their sexual history but sure. But the following lines; "I'm on the shot." He shrugged. He freaking shrugged? If you haven't spoken about birth control (whether for or against) you should use a freaking condom. I will be fair - it's not only a man's responsibility. It was her responsibility too - she should've made sure he wore one. But to purposefully ditch a condom to prove a point - to prove that you're for reals? For fks sake. That's not a mature responsible decision - that's just plain stupid. This scene made me uncomfortable and mad and angry.

And I would say it ruined the book but frankly the book sucked anyway. I've finally finished all previously bought Elle Boon books and now will happily shelve further books as not interested.