Fresh Fiction Blog | Kaylea Cross | Meet the Air Force Pararescue Jumpers

Ever heard of the Air Force's Pararescue Jumpers? PJs for short. If the answer's no, I'm not surprised, since they don't get much recognition in the media for all the amazing things they do. But, I have it on good authority they prefer it that way.

PJs are Special Ops trained medic commandos that go into harm's way to perform risky search and rescue operations, like extracting a downed air crew behind enemy lines. They put their lives on the line every day to save others, whether during natural disasters here at home or in combat overseas, and will protect their charges at all costs. Their motto "That Others May Live" is the ironclad code they live and die by, and it gives me goosebumps when I think of it.

DEADLY DESCENT features a PJ hero and a Medevac Black Hawk pilot heroine. Writing about a Spec Ops hero is nothing new for me, but I felt strongly about highlighting what some of the women in our armed forces are doing in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

DEADLY DESCENT is the first in my Bagram Special Ops trilogy, and I'm giving away a digital copy here at Fresh Fiction. Any favorite military romance books/authors you want to talk about? Please leave me a comment to enter.

Happy reading,

Kaylea Cross

Burb:

Devon Crawford is an officer; Pararescueman Cam Munro is enlisted. Dev flies medical evacuations; Cam jumps into danger zones to save lives. Dev wants to return home from Afghanistan with her heart untouched; Cam will do anything to win the woman he loves.

Reaching for happiness in a war zone is the last thing Captain Devon Crawford plans, but she can't ignore the feelings she's hidden for so long. Cam's sexy charm and wicked kisses weaken her resistance, but she's too afraid of losing him to give in.

When Dev's helicopter and crew are shot down and set up as bait by notorious warlord, Cam risks it all to save the team. What he doesn't know is that the that the trap is set for him...

Excerpt:

She kept firing, heartened that some SEALs remained out front. It wasn't like they'd deserted her.
Her gun clicked when she squeezed the trigger. Empty.
Shit, out of ammo again. She reloaded. Her gaze swept past the SEALs toward the Chinook. She cried out in relief when she saw Cam running flat out toward her. He moved like a blur, weapon firing.
He came barreling into the rock shelter and skidded to his knees beside her. "Come on," he yelled over the noise.
Still holding her weapon, she grabbed a fistful of his uniform as he levered her onto his shoulders. Amidst the whine and ping of the rounds landing around them, he ran for the Chinook. She kept firing in bursts toward the enemy, and stopped only when she felt the heavy rotor wash beating at her back. A howl of agony ripped from her throat as Cam flipped her off his shoulder and all but tossed her into the cabin.
Someone grabbed her under the armpits and hauled her backward away from the ramp as Cam jumped inside. Black spots swam before her eyes.
"Talk to me, Spike."
She turned her head at Ryan's voice. "I'm okay!"
He moved away toward the cockpit. The inside of the bird was so crowded with bodies she couldn't tell who was who. The pitch of the big engines changed, rising to a shrill scream as the bird struggled to take off. Fighting back the pain, she found Cam at last near the ramp and met his stare. The gunners were still firing from their positions. The bird shuddered and strained under the burden of all its passengers.
Oh God. They were overweight. The engines were already maxed out.
Cam exchanged a long look with Jackson, then pushed his way over to her. She grabbed his upper arms and leaned forward to shout. "They need to throw some ammo and equipment out, or--"
"Listen to me." His eyes were the most intense she'd ever seen them. She stilled.
He surrounded her with his arms for a second before kissing her hard and pulling back. He shook her once, staring down intently at her. "I love you."
Her heart stopped beating.
He wouldn't. She read the intent in his eyes. "No, don't--"
"Hang on to this for me," he shouted. He yanked out the chain she'd given him and put it in her stiff hand. Then he turned and disappeared down the tail ramp.
She threw out a hand to grab him. Stop him. But her fingers only grabbed air. "Cam!" He didn't stop. Didn't so much as hesitate as he jumped off the tail ramp and joined the SEALs still on the ground around the Chinook.
"Cam, no!" Heedless of the pain in her leg, she pulled herself toward the closing ramp. Desperate to get to him before it was too late.
She tripped on someone's leg and went down, crying out in agony as her wounded knee smashed into the steel floor. Hard hands gripped her waist. Yanked her up and back. She fought them.
"Dev, don't."
Ryan. Mindless, she ripped at his restraining hands. "Let me go! He's going to get killed!"
Ryan hauled her up and into his arms, holding her tight as the Chinook lifted off the ground. She fought him with all her strength. "Is he on the Hawk?"
"Dev--"
"Is he on one of the Hawks!"
"I…I don't know." He held her tighter. Cutting off her breath. She weakened and stopped fighting.
Her body was stiff with denial. She was sobbing now, hysterical. "W-we have to g-get him."
"He'll get out, Dev. I promise you."
The pain was suffocating. She couldn't breathe. Couldn't ease the splitting sensation in her chest. The tears flowed fast and hot down her cheeks. They soaked the front of Ryan's fatigues as the bird rose into the dark sky and left the man she loved behind.

Comments

Sealed with a Ring by Mary Margaret Daughtridge was a very enjoyable book. Love those Seals!
(Karen Gervasi 6:25am September 5, 2011)

I love the excerpt, and that fact tha its the first in the trilogy of a womens POV. One of my favorite Seal/Opt series if by Lora Leigh.
(Lorraine Rodriguez 6:58am September 5, 2011)

Their motto "That Others May Live" is the ironclad code they live and die by, and it gives me goosebumps when I think of it. Is enough to make me want to read the book (and get more info at the same time) on these unsung heroes.
(Jl Welling 7:26am September 5, 2011)

I enjoyed An Officer and a Gentleman. Glad to hear it's stood the test of time as I read it when it came out in 1991.
(Diane Brixius 7:52am September 5, 2011)

Hmm... Suzanne Brockmann wrote a few good heros... I rather like the heros in the Trouble Shooters series...

Congrats on your new book!
(May Pau 8:46am September 5, 2011)

I haven't really read any military romance books. But I enjoyed the exerpt.
(Pam Howell 9:11am September 5, 2011)

I enjoy reading about Navy Seals, FBI and other military. No favorite author or book so far. I enjoy all of the ones I have read and I look forward to reading this book Kaylea.
(Christine Arcidiacono 9:19am September 5, 2011)

I haven't read any military romance yet...yours sounds great!
(Dawn Staniszeski 9:32am September 5, 2011)

I have only read a few military romances. I really want to read this one! In my wish pile!
(Patti Paonessa 9:37am September 5, 2011)

Loved the excerpt! Big fan of Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series.
(Mary C 10:59am September 5, 2011)

Hi, Karen! Yes, SEALs are quite something, aren't they? I love the way Brockmann and Marliss Melton do their homework about SEALs.
(Kaylea Cross 11:45am September 5, 2011)

Lorraine, yes, I thought it was about time to write a female military heroine!

JI, once you get to know the PJs, you'll never forget them. So deliciously selfless and heroic.

Diane, that scene at the end where he comes in wearing his dress whites (oh, yum!) and sweeps her off her feet has to be one of the most romantic scenes of all time.
(Kaylea Cross 11:48am September 5, 2011)

Hi, May, thanks! Yes, Suzanne really knows her stuff. I love it when an author puts time and effort into researching her characters.

Thanks, Pam. Once you start reading military romance, there's no going back!

Christine, thanks for coming by today.
(Kaylea Cross 11:50am September 5, 2011)

Thanks, Dawn!

Hope you enjoy it, Patti. These PJs are quite something.

Hi, Mary. I loved Sam and Alyssa's book the best. Sam is all kinds of RAWR :)
(Kaylea Cross 11:52am September 5, 2011)

After reading your posting for today, I'm sitting here with a lump of guilt in my heart. I don't know how I missed reading any books of this genre!! Your excerpt brought me to tears, and I have to put your book at the top of my TBR list, for sure!! I hated to see it end, and I'll have to read the whole thing. Not only do you have a gift to make your story masterful, but you are keeping a part of History alive, even if it's just a story. The Special Ops exist, and you're telling their story. Best of luck with your book.
(Peggy Roberson 12:21pm September 5, 2011)

Hi Kaylea :)
YAY release day! Book sounds so good I'm excited to read it.
Sandra Hill has some books that are romance with Navy Seals and Vikings. It sounds crazy but they are well written, hilarious and she makes it work.
(Cindi Mitchell 12:21pm September 5, 2011)

Navy seals of any gender are to be applauded!!!
(MaryEllen Hanneman 12:40pm September 5, 2011)

Peggy, wow, thank you! And don't feel guilty, there are soooo many books out there. You should always read genres that you love, because reading should never be a chore. In my opinion, anyway.

Hi, Cindi. I've never heard of Sandra Hill *hangs head*. Does she write time-travel/paranormal romance then? Trying to wrap my head around that one!

MaryEllen, I agree completely. We lost 17 of them that belonged to the fabled DEVGRU team on August 6th, but there were also 2 PJs aboard that Chinook, and an Air Force Combat Controller (CCT) in addition to the helicopter crew. Huge blow for the Special Ops community.
(Kaylea Cross 1:10pm September 5, 2011)

I am a fan of Suzanne Brockmann's books... have read some other really good military romances... your series sounds like it would be a great addition to my TBR pile!
(Colleen Conklin 1:44pm September 5, 2011)

Congrats on your new book, sounds awesome. I love seals
(Gail Hurt 1:47pm September 5, 2011)

Hi Kaylea,

I love Sandra Hill she's so funny. I'd say her work is Viking historical romances, Viking Navy SEAL time travels, and Cajun contemporaries. She is releasing a new series that will be Viking vampire angels in May 2012 and it may sound like there's no way that could be good BUT it will be no doubt. She is something else a balance of humor and sizzle you should check her out :)
(Cindi Mitchell 1:47pm September 5, 2011)

Those wonderful Special Ops people! My admiration is beyond words!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 1:59pm September 5, 2011)

Hey, Colleen. Have you read any of Marliss Melton's books? I really love her work too.

Thanks, Gail. I love SEALs too!

Cindi, I'm certainly intrigued. She must be quite a talented lady to be able to pull that off!

Mine too, Marjorie. They're out there right now, doing things we'll never hear about, risking their lives without any recognition for it. It's what heroes are all about.
(Kaylea Cross 2:04pm September 5, 2011)

hi i have not had a chance to read any kind of books on the military but the blog and the book cover is great
(Desiree Reilly 2:35pm September 5, 2011)

Sandra Hill's Viking SEALs :D I also like Suzanne Brockman's
Troubleshooters and Christine Feehan's Ghostwalkers.
(Ilona Fenton 2:38pm September 5, 2011)

No favorite military romance booksor authors yet but am looking forward to reading Deadly Descent
(Shirley Younger 3:01pm September 5, 2011)

I am a fan of both Cherry Adair and Suzanne Brockmann. I think you books will go on my "to read" list too. Thanks for telling us about them and good luck.
(Robin McKay 3:22pm September 5, 2011)

Congrats on the new release and new series, Kaylea. I'm a fan of Marliss Melton's SEAL books.
(Jane Cheung 3:24pm September 5, 2011)

I've not ready any Military Romance before, but this one sounds exceptional!
(Leanna Morris 3:42pm September 5, 2011)

I think I have heard of PJ's - were they the one's in Air Force One with Harrison Ford? And I do love Suzanne Brockmann's SEAL series, so this one looks really good too.
(Diane Sallans 3:47pm September 5, 2011)

Hi, Desiree. I was actually surprised at how hot the cover turned out to be. The hero certainly looks like he's taking good care of our heroine, doesn't he? Lol.

Hi, Ilona. Wow, that's 2 people now raving about Sandra Hill. She sounds very cool!

Shirley, thanks. I'm kind of partial to the hero in this one, Cam.

Robin, I haven't yet read any of Cherry Adair's books, but I've heard great things about both her and Shannon K. Butcher.

Hey, Jane, thanks! I'm glad you like Marliss's books--love that she does her homework.

Thanks, Leanna. I really love military romance, but I'm biased ;)

Diane, I actually have no idea if PJs were on board in that movie. Now I want to watch it to find out!
(Kaylea Cross 4:01pm September 5, 2011)

I read another book that featured the PJs and begin to learn about them. Most military people and especially the elite groups don't really like to be talked about.
(M Bell 5:42pm September 5, 2011)

I'm a big fan of Suzanne Brockmann and Catherine Mann. I've known about the PJ's for a long time and man they are truely a tough bunch.
(Maude Allen 6:10pm September 5, 2011)

You're exactly right, M. Bell. The PJ I was in contact with while I researched this book was the epitome of humility.

Hi, Maude! You know, I haven't yet read any of Catherine Mann's books. Cover Me has a PJ hero, so of course it's on my TBR pile ;)
(Kaylea Cross 6:24pm September 5, 2011)

I found your giveaway on Fresh Fiction and though I have not
read your books yet, I would love to! The cover looks great!
(Mary Baker 6:59pm September 5, 2011)

I have read Suzanne Brockman books. Yours sound interesting,thanks for giving me a chance to win and read it.
(Linda Hall 7:03pm September 5, 2011)

That sounds like an exciting read. I am also fond of Catherine Mann's books. I particularly enjoyed Renegade.
(G. Bisbjerg 7:07pm September 5, 2011)

Hi, Mary. Thanks! Yes, I thought the cover was pretty hot. It looks like he's eating her up and she's enjoying herself immensely ;)

Linda, thanks for dropping by. I love how Suzanne breathes life into her characters. And I love the multiple story lines in each book.

G. I'll check out Renegade. I was excited about reading Cover Me, but maybe that's not the one I should start with.
(Kaylea Cross 8:33pm September 5, 2011)

I haven't read a military romance in quite a while. This one seems exciting.
(Brenda Jann 9:01pm September 5, 2011)

I love reading about all the military men, maybe because my hubby
served so bravely during Viet Nam. I adore Suzanne Brockmann, Marliss
Melton, and many other writers who describe how our military men and
women go about their daily jobs and lives. Meg Gardiner has a 2ndary
character in her newest series that is a PJ. would love to read a copy of
this book!
(Diana Leneker 9:14pm September 5, 2011)

I love Shannon K. Butcher and Suzanne Brockmann.
(Jennifer Beyer 10:04pm September 5, 2011)

Hi, George. No time like the present!

Thanks, Brenda, hope so.

Diana, I never knew that about Meg Gardiner. Neat! And I'm glad you're so proud of your man.

Jennifer, I've got to read some Shannon K. Butcher books soon. I keep hearing great things about her.
(Kaylea Cross 10:41pm September 5, 2011)

Suzanne Brockman. thanks for the contest.
(Lisa Kendall 11:01pm September 5, 2011)

Hi, Lisa. Yup, Suz is sure well known for her SEALs! And rightly so. She's a sweetheart, too.
(Kaylea Cross 11:03pm September 5, 2011)

This book sounds so interesting. I would love to win it.
Anything military is a great read for me
(Ann Hengst 11:08pm September 5, 2011)

okay, i soooo want this book! the excerpt was great and i can't wait to read the rest of the book to see what happens next.
(Tammy Ramey 11:55pm September 5, 2011)

Hi, Ann and Tammy. Thanks! Hope you both have a great week.
(Kaylea Cross 7:00am September 6, 2011)

My favorites are SANDRA HILL and Lora Leigh. Sandra is like
Lynsay Sand's Vampires, she gets them in the funniest
situations and works it all out!. Her time traveling-viking-
seals is her Viking II series. Lora Leigh is just hot/sizzle.
I've added you to my "must-get" list :-)
(Lenna Hendershott 12:57pm September 6, 2011)

Hi, Lenna. I'm more and more intrigued about Sandra Hill's work. Sounds like a hoot! And I love Lora Leigh too, despite all the editing boo-boos in all her books now. I think it's because of all the emotion she packs into her writing.
(Kaylea Cross 2:12pm September 6, 2011)

Yep. I've heard of the elite squad which makes it their business to get in and out of dangerous situations fast.
(Alyson Widen 4:30pm September 6, 2011)

Marliss Melton has some great books and if yours are anything like hers, they're great!
(Diane Sadler 6:20pm September 6, 2011)

This book looks awesome, would love to win! I loved the excerpt and love the plot already :)
(Kathyrn Little 7:40pm September 6, 2011)

I've always enjoyed reading about strong men and military men are definitely up there. JoAnn Ross's High Risk series feature some incredible men.
(Na S 11:59pm September 6, 2011)

Brockmann, Mann and Daughtridge are great. Sandra Hill is rather silly but fun. I also read Lora Leigh despite the awful editing - no one even seems to run a spell check on the manuscripts! I was a proofreader once and it drives me nuts.
I'd also recommend Stephanie Tyler, who features SEAL and Delta Force heroes in her Hard to Hold and Shadow Force series.
(Jennifer King 10:48am September 7, 2011)

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