James Pomerantz
Author
Tactical 16 Publishing
James Pomerantz is a University of Missouri-Journalism alumni. He wrote his first novel in 1999 and cut his writing teeth in Chicago while owning 10 nightclubs and sports bars over many years.
The Breacher’s Playbook is the first novel in the Deklan Novak trilogy. Among the James Pomerantz book library are novels, Ghost Bandit, Undisclosed Sibling and The Spitting Image of My Father.
James also wrote a 2004 biography entitled They Call Me Sid Rock: Rodeo’s Extreme Cowboy, (Triumph Books, Chicago). The book was a colorful expose of Sid Steiner, 2002 PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler. The Steiner family is Texas rodeo royalty. Sid’s father Bobby Steiner was a PRCA World Champion Bull Rider. Sid’s son Rocker Steiner was the PRCA 2022 Bareback Resistol Rookie of the Year at 18 years old and finished fifth as a bareback rider in the 2023 PRCA World Standings. Bobby, Sid, and Rocker Steiner appeared in the hit show Yellowstone on Paramount, S3, E7.
James lost his wife, Mary, in 2019. They raised four kids in Winnetka, Illinois. James now lives in Cave Creek, Arizona.
“The Breacher’s Playbook showcases a modern warrior’s real-life experiences,” said Chris Schafer, CEO at Tactical 16 Publishing. “Tom and James’ story shows that not all battles are in war zones, and not all war zones are sanctioned by governments.
This debut narrative, the first in a planned three-book series, is a fictional account based on Tom Hruby’s real-life story.
The Breacher’s Playbook was Co-Authored by Tom Hruby.
The Breacher’s Playbook
Tactical 16 Publishing specializes in working with authors in the armed forces, police, fire, and rescue communities.
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Ray Tonelli –
Hey! Move over, Rapp, Reacher, Bourne and Gray Man. Here comes Badass #5, Deklan Novak. Deklan wants to join in the fun and action and crack some heads.
Authors James Pomerantz and Tom Hruby with their writing carries you into the midst of the action and mystery. I was upset when the story came to the conclusion. The authors do throw a great teaser into into the last few pages making me anxious for Deklan’s next adventure. Needless to say Breacher’s Playbook is a great read.
Ray Tonelli
Scott Rifkin –
I really enjoyed reading this book. It immediately got my interest and held it throughout. As a former Chicagoan I felt the book was authentic in its details. It was suspenseful, intriguing and easy to follow. I will definitely recommend The Breachers Playbook to all my friends!
Gary Jones –
Really great read, it was hard to put down and I’m already looking forward to the next one. I absolutely recommend this book.
Joe Burdick –
I was so excited to get my book in the mail I stopped reading Pete Hegseth’s book so I could read Breacher’s Playbook. This book is well written, it’s action packed and definitely keeps the reader interested. I love and recommend it
Coral Barney –
I’ll admit, I was a bit hesitant to dive into The Breacher’s Playbook since it’s not a genre I typically gravitate toward, but I’m so glad I did! This book was full of suspense and action, impossible to put down once I started. The characters were complex and compelling, and the plot kept me hooked from beginning to end. I’m already eager to see where the story goes next. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Tim Niemiec –
Got a signed copy at a Chicago book signing through a friend. Plowed through it in a few days. Great read and looking forward to the next in the series!!
Greg Taucher –
A terrific read … great storytelling … and writing that brilliantly wove together and integrated the myriad backstories and subplots into a very dynamic, heartfelt and at times, emotional tale of triumph, setback, opportunity and life its own self. I have read several of Pomerantz’s books and manuscripts (my favorite being “Real Men Hit from the Tips”), and his engaging writing style really – as in really – came through in “The Breacher’s Playbook”. The chapter(s) on “Hell Week” was some of the most powerful and transformative writing I have ever read … you literally go inside out with Novak during “Hell Week”. I cannot wait for the next installment in the Novak trilogy.
D. Eshoo –
This book had me drawn in right from the beginning. I couldn’t put it down and when I did, I couldn’t wait to pick up where I left. It draws one right into the action and that’s what puts this book in a class of its own. It’s a must read and I can’t wait for the next Declan Novak novel. As A parent of a Northwestern Football team player during Tom’s final year on the team I was able to meet and talk to him after the game. I learned that day that Tom Hruby and Coach Pat Fitzgerald are true American Patriots.
Denise Payne –
I put down my detective novel i was reading and started Breacher’ s Playbook by local author Tom Hruby. In the process,( outside of learning what a breacher did !) It was a lesson for me about some professions I knew very little about, the driving force which compels the personal actions of some people and the camaraderie created by groups whose livelihood depend upon each other. ( and what lengths these brothers in arms will go to for one another)
Needless to say, I am looking forward to experiencing the “next chapter” in Deklan Novak’s tumultuous life.
Denise Payne
Sue Mayslak –
Great read.
Kathy –
Just finished reading James and Tom’s book. It is more than just a story, it takes readers through a journey of what it takes to be an MMA fighter, Navy Seal, D1 Football player and FBI agent. The book captures the life of Deklan’s challenges and triumphs. All these acquired skills combined, paint a picture of a warrior. Great read!
Brooke Hruby –
Amazing read! Even thought it’s not a genre I would typically pick- the writing, characters, and story kept me hooked the entire time. I found myself staying up late to see what happens next! Can’t wait for the next one.
Megan Foley –
I honestly couldn’t put The Breacher’s Playbook down – it was that good! From the moment I started reading, I was hooked. The pacing is perfect, and the writing is so sharp and vivid that I couldn’t wait to get back to it every chance I had. I read it in record time! The 2nd book can’t come fast enough! Do yourself a favor and grab this book. You won’t regret it! Highly recommend sharing it with fellow book lovers – it’s a must read!
Michael Kauffman –
Loving it so far! First read I’ve had in awhile that has kept me engaged and not wanting to put it down- this is definitely a page turner- I honestly think anyone whether you’re a big reader or not would enjoy this book, recommend 100%!
Rick Zink –
Great read!! Crisp writing, vivid locales and settings, and masterful character development. All this pays off as the story unfolds. The main character, Deklan Novak, in one you admire and definitely root for. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series!
Shelly Shahbaz –
Loved this book -I read it in a day! I cannot wait to read the next one.
Kiley Pomerantz –
A Riveting Must-Read! “The Breacher’s Playbook” by James Pomerantz and Tom Hruby is absolutely fantastic! The story pulls you in from the very first page with its thrilling blend of action, mystery, and deeply human moments. Deklan Novak, the protagonist, is a brilliantly crafted character—tough, determined, raw, and relatable. The plot keeps you on edge, weaving intense FBI investigations with emotional stakes that hit hard. Pomerantz’s writing, Hruby’s real-life experiences as a Navy Seal Northwestern football player, and his investment into bettering his life and those around him are a beautiful match of the vivid writing, and the authenticity of the scenes make this book stand out as a masterful thriller. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the next installment! Highly recommended!