I OWN THE DAWN is a compelling military romance that vividly captures the complexities of life on the frontline, particularly when it comes to relationships. Though the heart of the story is the developing friendship and romance between First Lieutenant Archie Stevenson and Sergeant Kee Smith, the primary setting, a soccer field in Pakistan acting as a forward airbase, is front and center. I could all but feel the heat and the sand, not to mention the testosterone pouring off the men of SOAR, the Rangers, and the Delta squadron (among others).

Only exceptional woman could hold their own with these guys; the only two women to qualify for SOAR to date are just that. Major Emily Beale (whom we met in The Night is Mine) commands the Black Hawk helicopter to which Kee has been assigned as gunner and sharpshooter. Kee isn't thrilled with being relegated to some girlie-chopper. It doesn't take long for her to realize that Major Beale is a legend for a reason and it's going to take Kee's best to keep up with the team. Archie, Beale's co-pilot, is there to challenge and encourage Kee all while fighting the attraction that leaves him tongue-tied. The two are drawn closer together when they rescue Dilya, a young Uzbekistani girl orphaned by the war. By night they fly dangerous missions, by day they navigate personal and professional landmines that may keep them from discovering what they could be to each other.

Though I OWN THE DAWN leans more heavily towards the military than romance, M. L. Buchman describes military life in fascinating detail while building powerful emotional tension. Dilya's role in the story is fairly substantive and brings heart and a unique perspective. Kee, Archie, and Dilya are united in their need come to terms with their past in order to trust in a better future. Kee's struggles with experiences she would prefer to forget are particularly heart wrenching.

The second book in the Night Stalkers series, I OWN THE DAWN is a must read for fans of military romance.

Book Summary

Kee Smith battled through a difficult childhood to work her way up the ranks of the U.S. Army. When she finally makes it into the elite Night Stalkers, she feels thrilled, honored, and vindicated...until she finds out she's been assigned to the "girlie-chopper" piloted by the only other woman in the regiment.

Kee is determined to show Lt. Archie Stevenson, one of the male co-pilots, that she is just as tough as the guys. Throughout their special mission, Archie doesn't know whether to make love to her or plant her face-first into the dirt. But he'll do whatever it takes to break through that shield Kee wears around her heart.

Read an Excerpt