It is time for my third and final stop on the Blog Tour for another book in The Mer Chronicles. OUTRUSH (The Mer Chronicles Book #3) by Errin Stevens. This book features Maya and Aiden’s second chance for love.
Below you will find a book synopsis, my book review, author and narrator info and a giveaway. Enjoy and as always good luck on the giveaway.
***
About Audiobook #3
Author: Errin Stevens
Narrator: Sean Posvistak
Length: 11 hours and 16 minutes
Publisher: Errin Stevens⎮2019
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Series: The Mer Chronicles, Book 3
Release date: Jul. 17, 2019
***
Book Synopsis:
“Falling, falling…. Maya was airborne again, suspended between a landless platform above and an inscrutable expanse of water below.” Maya’s headlong rush into marriage isn’t working out…and it isn’t the only collision course she’s on these days. Her saltwater distractions aside, her father-in-law wants her gunned down for reasons unknown, and her pesky bodyguard – when he’s around – seems intent on drowning her in want and regret.
Maya is desperate to hold onto any small part of herself she understands. When escape becomes her only option, she finds herself in a race against a past – and a man – she can’t outrun.
OUTRUSH (The Mer Chronicles Book #3) by Errin Stevens is the
third paranormal/urban fantasy story in the world of the Sirens of Griffin Bay
though this addition to the series takes the listener/reader all over the US. The
story picks up seven years after the events of Breakwater and focuses on the
second chance romance of Maya and Aiden.
Maya has tried for years to make her marriage to her college
sweetheart work, but when she catches him having sex with another at a party at
her in-laws, she finally accepts there is no fixing their broken marriage. As
she works through the revelation, her father-in-law catches her in his office.
He believes she has seen incriminating papers and to save himself he orders her
followed and killed if she goes to authorities.
Aiden may not be married to Maya, but he feels bonded and
therefore goes against all efforts of the Siren community to keep them apart. Using
his powers to cloak, he stays on the periphery of Maya life and marriage. When
he learns of the danger she is in, he helps her get away, but their troubles
are just beginning.
I have to say that I was once again drawn into the Siren
world of Ms. Stevens and enjoyed all the characters. I was happy when Maya
stood on her principles and strength to continue with her medical education and
practice, even with all the chaos around her. She is a strong independent female
character, which is why I had some difficulty listening to the first part of
the book. It is a lot of internal struggle over several chapters that if she
was so strong should have been more limited and resolved sooner in my opinion.
I also love Aiden and his devotion to Maya, but the mind manipulation bothered
me in some instances. Even with these two complaints, I still cheered their
romance on. I was glad to see Ms. Stevens added the proof of Maya and Stu’s
divorce before Maya and Aiden came together, also.
There are several subplots going on in this story that I am
looking forward to listening/reading about in future books in this series. Once
again there is plenty of romance, action, adventure and intrigue in The Mer
Chronicles that keeps me coming back for more.
***
About the Author: Errin Stevens
Errin Stevens writes paranormal romantic suspense stories from her home in Minnesota. When not wrestling with unruly narrative – or reading literary and commercial fiction like a fiend – you’ll find her poring over seed catalogues (winter) or gardening (the other three days of the year).Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Instagram⎮Pinterest
About the Narrator: Sean Posvistak
Sean is an aspiring game developer who’s used his years of work on Youtube to excel at audiobook narration.
Today is my turn on the Audiobook Blog Tour for Andrew Cunningham’s new mystery SECRETS & LIES (“Lies” Mystery Series Book #4). I am very excited about sharing my Feature Post and Audiobook Review.
Below you will find a narrator Q&A, a synopsis of the book, my book review, the author’s bio, social media links and the narrator’s bio along with a giveaway at the end of the post. Good luck on the giveaway and enjoy!
***
Narrator Q&A
1. When did you know you wanted to be an audiobook narrator?
In 2014 I was looking down the road toward retirement from my federal government job. I knew I wanted to do something with voice over, but I didn’t want to go to an office. I read the book, “More Than Just A Voice: The REAL Secret to Voiceover Success” by Dave Courvoisier. The chapter on audiobooks was very intriguing. I did some research and auditioned in late 2014. I was ecstatic that I was selected quickly. It’s been a great adventure and learning experience ever since that fateful day.
2. Did you find it difficult to “break into” audiobook narration? What skill/tool helped you the most when getting started?
I was a radio news reporter in my first career. Being in front of a microphone was my comfort zone. I was very glad that I got my first audiobook a few days after my audition. It helped a lot that I worked with digital audio in 1987 when it was first introduced at ABC Radio News. Those skills have worked in my favor as an independent narrator not working with a publisher. Plus, I was an audio engineer when I was a student at Syracuse University working with analog audio.
3. A lot of narrators seem to have a background in theatre. Is that something you think is essential to a successful narration career?
I believe it’s necessary to know a little about acting because that’s what narrating mysteries and thrillers is all about. Through my first reviews, I learned that listeners want distinct character voices so that they know who’s speaking. They don’t want to keep rewinding to keep up with character dialogue. I’ve studied acting and taken acting classes in order to make the dialogue sound like a movie soundtrack
4. Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?
I listen to hundreds of hours of audiobooks each year. My favorites are biographies narrated by the author. There’s nothing like hearing someone’s story as told by them. I also love mysteries and thrillers. I also am very picky about narrators.
5. What are your favorite and least favorite parts of narrating an audiobook?
I enjoy the whole process from narrating, editing and processing the audio for final production. Since I edit my own narrations, it’s my goal to make certain the audio is the best quality to give the listener a terrific experience. The only frustrating part of narrating is when I get a cold. That shuts down the whole process behind the microphone. That’s when I go into editing mode.
6. What would you say are your strongest narration abilities?
Over the past five years, I’ve made it a point to come up with distinct character voices. I don’t want them to sound over the top. I want them to sound like every day people and believable. Some voices come naturally from the author’s words, and others take a little time to get the right cadence and inflection.
7. What about this title compelled you to audition as narrator?
I have narrated six books by Andrew Cunningham. I haven’t auditioned for a book since 2015. Andrew and I have a great collaboration. I call him my director because he’ll let me know if I’ve gotten a character’s voice the way he envisioned it when he wrote the story. There are about four more books that Andrew wants me to narrate. This latest series allows me continue voicing the two main characters, Del and Sabrina, that I now consider my alter egos.
8. How closely do you prefer to work with authors?
I enjoy authors that listen closely to my narration and provide feedback. I’ve been fortunate to work with Andrew Cunningham on several books because he provides valuable input that makes my narration all the more real sounding. I get great satisfaction when an author says I’ve brought their book to life.
9. What bits of advice would you give to aspiring audiobook narrators?
I advise aspiring audiobook narrators to do their research. Narrating an audiobook is time consuming. When starting out, it takes about three hours to narrate and produce a finished hour of an audiobook. With time and experience, you can cut that down but not by much. You have to be prepared mentally and vocally for the long haul. It takes even longer if you edit and produce your own narrations.
Bonus question: Any funny anecdotes from inside the recording studio?
There are some words and long sentences that sometimes pose a challenge. I’ll get half way through a long sentence and then blow the next part or run out of breath. It’s amazing how some words come out that are not on the page. When I hear the playback, I’ll have a laugh. Take two, please!
***
Book Synopsis
Horrific plane crash, murderous deception, and a deadly chase in the alligator-infested Florida Everglades!
On the afternoon of May 11, 1996, ValuJet 592 plunged into the Florida Everglades. There were no survivors. But something came through the crash unscathed: a small box with huge implications for humankind. And the one man unlucky enough to discover its whereabouts disappeared without a trace.
Now, 20 years later, the mystery of Flight 592 hits close to home for Del Honeycutt and best-selling mystery author Sabrina Spencer. A shocking revelation launches them into the middle of a dark conspiracy, and locating the box becomes a matter of life or death. They are not alone in the hunt for the mysterious package and very quickly learn that others will stop at nothing to find it, eliminating anyone who stands in their way.
With killers hot on their trail, Del and Sabrina must navigate dangers lurking both above and below the swamp waters of the Everglades in order to find the box…and to survive.
SECRETS & LIES (“Lies” Mystery Thriller Series Book #4) by Andrew Cunningham is another entertaining mystery/thriller addition to the series. This is the fourth book in the series and the first of the books I have listened to in audiobook format. The mystery plot is a standalone, but I believe you will enjoy these books more by reading them in order.
This book starts with a BANG, literally. Seymour shoots
intruders that are sneaking into his apartment.
The story then goes back twenty years in time to when
Seymour was called Jack and an airboat driver for a tourist company in the
Florida Everglades. Jack/Seymour was enjoying some solitude when ValuJet 592
plunged into the Everglades killing all on board and changing his life forever.
Back to present day and Del Honeycutt, best-selling mystery
author Sabrina Spencer and Del’s other tenant Mo, are all shocked to learn the
truth about Jack/Seymour, Mo and how his past is coming back to haunt him.
The four friends return to the Everglades together to find a
box Jack/Seymour buried twenty years ago and in the process they are on the run
from rogue government agents, mobsters, a crooked billionaire and alligators.
Are samples from the fabled “Fountain of Youth” really in that long-buried box
and will the friends be able to live long enough to find out?
This is such a fun mystery/thriller. The four main
characters are unique and entertaining in their own way quirky ways. All the
characters, good and bad were able to take the story from fun, dry humor to
serious in a heartbeat. To find out Jack/Seymour’s secrets really changed my
perception of him from previous books. The mystery plot is full of twists and
turns that kept me guessing.
This fourth book, same as the previous book in the series
are fun, entertaining reads. Mr. Hernandez does a great job of narrating this
book. Because I read the first books, some of the character narration does not
match how I envisioned some of the characters to sound in speech. It did not
detract from my enjoyment of the audible book though.
I recommend this unique series of books and characters, but as stated previously, I do believe they should be read or listened to in order.
***
Author Bio and Social Media Links: Andrew Cunningham
I’m the author of novels in several genres, including, mystery, thriller, and post-apocalyptic science fiction. Under the name A.R. Cunningham, I’ve also written the Arthur MacArthur series of mysteries for children.
I was born in England, but have spent most of my life living in the U.S.—including 25 years on Cape Cod before moving to Florida. A former interpreter for the deaf and long-time independent bookseller, I’ve been a full-time freelance writer and copy editor for many years. A 4th-degree Master Black belt in Tang Soo Do, I finally retired from active training when my body said, “Enough already! Why are you doing this to yourself?” I’m married, with two grown children and two awesome grandsons. My wife and I spend as much time traveling as we can, and are especially fond of cruising the Caribbean.
I have been gratified by the response to my books. When I published Eden Rising back in the spring of 2013, I had no idea what to expect. When I sold my first few copies, I was excited beyond belief that someone was willing to take a chance on it. Numerous books and thousands of copies later, I am still humbled by the emails I get from readers telling me that my books kept them up late into the night.
In October of 2014, Wisdom Spring made me an official Amazon Bestselling author, a thrill I never thought would happen. But it still comes down to being able to bring a few hours of escape to a reader. That’s what it’s all about for me.
I hope you will try my books. Please feel free to email me with your comments.
Author-preferred Narrator of Mysteries & Thrillers
Narrating audiobooks is highly gratifying. I immerse myself into an author’s story in order to bring it to life for the listener. I’ve enjoyed working with Andrew Cunningham for several years. His books are filled with rich characters, and the stories keep me turning the pages.
I also work as a background actor in movies and TV shows.
For more than 20 years, I worked as a radio news reporter and news writer. I spent half of my broadcasting career at ABC News Radio in the Washington, D.C., bureau. I covered all the federal agencies as well as Congress and the White House. I reported on a wide range of stories during my career, including financial and entertainment industry news.
For nearly 24 years, I worked as a federal government spokesman at three separate agencies—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Mint and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Back again for my second stop on the Blog Tour for another book in The Mer Chronicles. BREAKWATER (The Mer Chronicles Book #2) by Errin Stevens. This series just keeps pulling me in deeper and deeper with great worldbuilding and storytelling!
Below you will find a book synopsis, my book review, author and narrator info and a giveaway. Good luck and enjoy!
***
About Audiobook #2
Author: Errin Stevens
Narrator: Sean Posvistak
Length: 8 hours and 37 minutes
Publisher: Errin Stevens⎮2017
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Series: The Mer Chronicles, Book 2
Release date: Jul. 17, 2017
***
Book Synopsis:
The sirens of Griffins Bay are in trouble, and the recent slew of royal suicides looks to be the least of their worries.
For one, unless a blood relative of the queen shows up, no one’s around to staff the monarchy. Well, except for a whack-job bureaucrat and he seriously won’t do. Worse is the community unrest threatening siren society, a problem caused by too many humans in the pool, which means Simon and his off-limit girlfriend will have to run and hide if they want to make more of their flirtation…
The solution doesn’t inspire confidence at first, but the Blakes have everything at hand to set their world to rights – namely, a hidden queen, a dead prince, and a facility for human manipulation. Once they find their sea legs, they’ll restore order, distribute smart phones, and drive that conniving bureaucrat to a grisly, satisfying end.
BREAKWATER (The Mer Chronicles Book #2) by Errin
Stevens takes the reader back into the enchanting world of the Sirens of Griffin
Bay. This second book in the series continues immediately after book #1 events in
this paranormal world and once again contains a human/Siren romance subplot.
These books are best read/listened to in order.
The Siren world is still in upheaval with the absence of an
heir to rule their society. The viceroy, Duncan Fleming has been running the
government until final decisions can be made, but power can be addictive and
even in the Siren world it can corrupt. When a surprise heir is revealed, the
viceroy is forced out and plots his revenge.
As the Blakes deal with Siren royalty, a group of rebellious
male Sirens return from building an outpost in Antarctica. The brothers, Simon
and Aiden are staying with the Blakes and Simon has an instant attraction to
Sylvia. Simon refuses to listen to the older Sirens and steals Sylvia off to
Antarctica to mate with her without Siren society involvement. Aiden is not so
lucky in his choice of mate.
Once again I was carried away into the world of the Sirens.
I find all the characters to be dynamic and fully fleshed out. The focus in
this book is on Siren society and the continued intrusion and interactions with
humans, but the romance between Simon and Sylvia intertwines throughout seamlessly.
Ms. Stevens worldbuilding and storytelling skills make me believe in the Sirens
and I did not want the story to end. This is a great series for all ages to
share. There is some talk of sex, but it is not explicit. The focus is on Siren
society, human/siren interaction, family bonds and love.
The more I listen to The Mer Chronicles, the more I want it
to never end. Ms. Stevens has brought a wonderful world to life. Mr. Posvistak’s
narration is crisp, clear and added to my enjoyment of the story.
I highly recommend this paranormal series and I am looking
forward to listening to book #3.
***
About the Author: Errin Stevens
Errin Stevens writes paranormal romantic suspense stories from her home in Minnesota. When not wrestling with unruly narrative – or reading literary and commercial fiction like a fiend – you’ll find her poring over seed catalogues (winter) or gardening (the other three days of the year).Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Instagram⎮Pinterest
About the Narrator: Sean Posvistak
Sean is an aspiring game developer who’s used his years of work on Youtube to excel at audiobook narration.
I am very excited to share my Feature Post and Audiobook Review on the first of my three stops for The Mer Chronicles Blog Tour. Today I am featuring UPDRIFT (The Mer Chronicles Book #1) by Errin Stevens.
Below you will find a book synopsis, my audiobook review, an author interview Q&A, author and narrator info and a giveaway. This is the start of an enchanting new paranormal series. Enjoy!
***
About Audiobook #1
Author: Errin Stevens
Narrator: Sean Posvistak
Length: 8 hours and 37 minutes
Publisher: Errin Stevens⎮2017
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Series: The Mer Chronicles, Book 1
Release date: Apr. 20, 2017
***
Book Synopsis:
For Kate Sweeting, love isn’t in the air. It’s in the water.
Since her father died, Kate Sweeting’s home life has been in the pits, her well-being on life support. Her future looks desolate until she and her mother, Cara, make another plan: abandon their shriveled existence for more promising prospects on the coast, where Cara can play small-town librarian-bachelorette and Kate can figure out what’s up with that secretive Blake family from the beach.
Everyone is eerily captivated with Kate and her mother, and Cara is the first to figure out why when the man of her dreams arrives all dripping and devoted and closed-mouthed about what he intends. Kate is willing to go along with their subterfuge for a while, but eventually makes a charge for the water to learn what her mother is hiding. Gabe Blake is there waiting for her…and so is someone considerably less friendly. By the time Kate navigates her way home, everything will have changed for her—what she feels, what she wants, and what she’ll risk to be with the man she loves.
UPDRIFT (The Mer Chronicles Book #1) by Errin Stevens
is the first book in a new enchanting paranormal romance series featuring
Sirens. Ms. Stevens’ worldbuilding introduces us to Sirens that interact and
live along-side humans, but only a very few know of their existence.
The beginning of this story introduces Cara and Kate
Sweeting. Cara lost her husband in an accident while Kate was still very young.
She decides to accept a job as the town librarian and moves them to a small
community on the North Carolina coast to start over.
While on a boat tour while only five years old, Kate sees a
young boy her age swimming in the sea who calls out for her to join him. She
goes over the side of the boat. While she swims with her new friend, Gabe all
the adults are frantically searching for her. They find Kate and Gabe on the
beach with Gabe’s family safe and sound. This begins a life-long interaction
and attraction between the two.
The second part of the story has Kate and Gabe coming
together as young adults and all of Kate’s questions about Gabe and his family’s
differences are answered. Kate and Gabe are planning to be together forever and
just as it seems all is right in their world, another Siren wants Kate for himself.
Will Gabe be able to find and rescue Kate before she is lost to him?
This is my first audiobook review and this story was very
well suited to this media. It is a story that has a lot of worldbuilding to
bring the Sirens and their world to life, while entwining it around the human
characters and Kate and Gabe’s life stories. Then it seamlessly flows into a
paranormal romance plot that had me just as engrossed. All the characters were
fully fleshed out and believable to the fantasy.
Ms. Stevens’ story pulled me effortlessly into her Mer Chronicles
world and I am looking forward to listening to Book #2. I also enjoyed Mr.
Posvistak’s narration.
I recommend this new paranormal world!
***
Author Interview Q&A:
1.Tell us about the process of turning your book into an audiobook.
Well, I went to the ACX web site and did a LOT of internet research while I considered how to best approach my projects. I decided I don’t much like how often we all get asked to create on the if-come, so even though it was expensive for me, I carved out a section of Updrift for use as a script and put the project up as a paid gig through the ACX production system. I got such wonderful responses from some truly talented narrators and was so agitated about choosing the right one. I co-opted the opinion of a longtime friend and actress to listen with me to help me figure it out! She told me to go with the one that pulled the “right” emotional response as I felt it… and since she and I both thought Sean’s read was the most compelling, I made him an offer. Thankfully, he accepted.
Sean was an amazing professional to work with. He made every edit I requested, did everything smoothly and beautifully, and the second I could amass my next pile of cash to produce the sequel, I contacted him to see if he’d be interested, and he jumped all over it. Same with my third. I’m really grateful for the care Sean took with my stories and can’t recommend him highly enough.
2. Do you believe certain types of writing translate better into audiobook format?
My short answer to this is ‘yes,’ although with the caveat that I still prefer reading on paper because that process blurs a certain divide between my conscious and unconscious and results in the experience I’m seeking when I read. But. I’ve listened to a few audiobooks – it saved my sanity on two cross-country drives! – and I think the experience was similar enough to “reading” that I’d do it again. I think any nonfiction would play well (I adored “In a Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson); and I think a good narrator will know how to bring a story across as the writer intended.
3. Was a possible audiobook recording something you were conscious of while writing?
No, but I found when I listened to auditions I did in fact have beliefs about how my characters should sound. As I write my fourth – and having produced three audiobooks at this point – I can say I do think of it, now. And it’s a helpful perspective to have, has helped me refine my own narrative voice on the page, I think.
4. How did you select your narrator?
Sean was one of several people who auditioned for Updrift on the ACX platform. His audition really stood out to me and my actress friend.
5. How closely did you work with your narrator before and during the recording process?
Very closely, and Sean was the consummate professional throughout. He may remember the process differently, but just as proofing a written manuscript results in copy edits, the same little things come up in voice narration. I think there have been only two sentences in the whole of all three works where I asked Sean to re-read with a different tone. The rest was small stuff.
6. Were there any real life inspirations behind your writing?
Although my stories are not at all retellings, the inspiration for Updrift was The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen. The little reflection of it I hope people see/enjoy is in the form of a character twist, since I modeled my bad guy after the original heroine. I.e., he was the one who risked everything and suffered the most for what he wanted.
7. Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?
Audiobooks are a secondary go-to for me but I have very much enjoyed the ones I’ve listened to. They’ve been invaluable during long trips in the car, and they likely appeal to me because listening feels a bit like when my parents used to read to me when I was little.
8. Is there a particular part of this story that you feel is more resonating in the audiobook performance than in the book format?
Oh my goodness, yes. Sean’s voice is just this terrific blend of compelling goodies, prompts for the listener to envision the story as well as hear it, and to feel more viscerally the tension the characters feel. And then I think his rich, resonant delivery does a much better job bringing both my hero and my antagonist to life.
9. In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of writing a stand-alone novel vs. writing a series?
A standalone is just that: a completely contained story with all major loose ends tied up. A series lets you explore the lives of peripheral characters or corollary issues the original story did not address, and when done right I think results in a deeper relationship with the narrative.What’s your favorite:
10. What’s next for you?
I’m going to finish a fourth for this series, Crosstide, if it kills me. And it might. Seriously, I think my brain got broke last year… 😉
***
About the Author: Errin Stevens
Errin Stevens writes paranormal romantic suspense stories from her home in Minnesota. When not wrestling with unruly narrative – or reading literary and commercial fiction like a fiend – you’ll find her poring over seed catalogues (winter) or gardening (the other three days of the year).
It is my turn to share my Feature Post and Book Review on the Blog Tour for Terri Blackstock’s new Christian contemporary second chance romance SMOKE SCREEN. Realistic characters with a mystery subplot made this an entertaining and intriguing read.
Below you will find a book synopsis, an excerpt from the book, my book review and the author’s bio and social media links. Enjoy!
***
Book Synopsis
One father was murdered, and another convicted of his death. All because their children fell in love.
Nate Beckett has spent his life fighting wildfires instead of the lies and rumors that drove him from his Colorado home town. His mother begs him to come to Carlisle now that his father has been released from prison, but it isn’t until he’s sidelined by an injury that he’s forced to return and face his past. But that means facing Brenna too.
Fourteen years ago, Nate was in love with the preacher’s daughter. When Pastor Strickland discovered Brenna had defied him to sneak out with Nate, the fight between Strickland and Nate’s drunken dad was loud—and very public. Strickland was found murdered later that night, and everyone accused Roy Beckett. When the church burned down, people assumed it was Nate getting even for his father’s conviction. He let the rumors fly and left Carlisle without looking back.
Now, Brenna is stunned to learn that the man convicted of murdering her father has been pardoned. The events of that night set her life on a bad course, and she’s dealing with a brutal custody battle with her ex and his new wife where he’s using lies and his family’s money to sway the judge. She’s barely hanging on, and she’s turned to alcohol to cope. Shame and fear consume her.
As they deal with the present—including new information about that fateful night and a wildfire that’s threatening their town—their past keeps igniting. Nate is the steady force Brenna has so desperately needed. But she’ll have to learn to trust him again first.
***
Excerpt
I woke up in a blinding bright room, my clothes off and something clamped to my face. I tried to reach it, but I couldn’t bend my right arm, and my hand stung. An IV was taped to my other hand, but I moved carefully and touched the thing over my face.
An oxygen mask. I tried to sit up. “What happened?”
T-bird came to my bedside, a sheen of smoky sweat still soiling his face. “Nate, lie back, man.”
“The fire,” I said. “Need to get back. My men.”
“They’re still there. Making progress. But you’re not going anywhere near a fire for a month or so.”
I took the mask off and coughed a little, but managed to catch my breath. “A month?”
“Yep. Second degree burns on 20 percent of your body. Some of the burns are deep.”
It came back to me, the event that had gotten me here.
“The family. Were they injured?”
“Not a scratch or burn. Turns out it was a U.S. Senator from Kansas. He says you’re a hero.”
“You know I had no choice. They were in the path—”
“Take the praise where you can get it, man. We don’t get that much.”
I looked at my right side. My right arm was bandaged, and so was my side and down my right leg to the point where my boots had stopped the flames. Second degree wasn’t so bad, I told myself. Third degree would have been brutal. I’d be able to leave the hospital soon. I’d heal.
“I won’t need a month,” I said.
“Yes, you will. They can’t let you go back. Doctor’s orders. You’re grounded until he releases you.”
I managed to sit up, but it was a bad idea. The burns pulling on my skin reminded me why I shouldn’t. “I can’t be grounded during fire season. Are you crazy? I need to be there. You don’t have enough men as it is.”
“Sorry, Nate. It is what it is. Why don’t you go home to Carlisle for a while? Take it easy.”
Go home? Pop had just been pardoned, and he and my mom were trying to navigate the reunion. Though she would love to have me home, I didn’t know if I was up to it. My father could be challenging, and fourteen years of prison hadn’t done him any favors.
SMOKE SCREEN by Terri Blackstock is her new standalone Christian second chance romance. This is an entertaining and intriguing easy-to-read romance with realistic characters and a mystery subplot.
Fourteen years ago, while in high school, Brenna Strickland, the pastor’s daughter and Nate Beckett, the son of the town drunk fell in love. When Brenna was found to be defying her father and sneaking out to meet Nate, Pastor Strickland confronted Nate’s father in the local bar. It was very loud and very public. The pastor was later found killed in this car and Nate’s father was accused and sent to prison. When the church burned down, not long after, Nate was rumored to have set it because he left town the next day, but he was never charged.
Nate has spent his life as a hotshot fighting wildfires. After being burned while rescuing a family from a wildfire, Nate is put on leave just as his father is coming home after being pardoned by the governor. His mother asks him to come home and he decides to return to face his father and his past.
Brenna is now divorced with two children and living across the street from Nate’s brother. Brenna is in the middle of a brutal custody battle and has lost her faith. She uses alcohol to cope when her children are with their father and his new wife. She is shocked to learn of Nate’s father’s pardon and does not know what to do with her feelings of guilt and anger.
Nate reconnects with Brenna and they easily fall back into their old feelings. Nate wants to help Brenna get over her need for alcohol, fight for her children and find her faith again. When new information on the pastor’s murder surfaces and an arsonist sets wildfires that threaten their town, Nate and Brenna must rely on each other, fight for the truth and be willing to believe in a future together.
I loved Nate and how he turned his life around. He is definitely BBF material and his life as a hotshot was interesting. I felt terrible and frustrated with Brenna. She was a great mother, but her alcohol abuse, while realistic, left me so frustrated. She was giving up and not fighting for her children until Nate showed her how. I was also not aware of the author’s previous books and that this book was a Christian romance, which I would not have read if I had known and I would have missed out on a good story.
The mystery from the past of the pastor’s murder and the church arson where both written and integrated well into the story and tied to the present day wildfire and Brenna’s custody battle. The solution was easy to figure out, but still satisfying.
Overall, I recommend this second chance romance.
***
Author’s Bio
Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series.
Hi, everyone! I am very happy to be sharing this Feature Post/Release Blitz and my Book Review of RECOVERING IVY (Special Forces: Operation Alpha Series) (Red Team Book 4) by Riley Edwards. This is an AMAZING addition to the series, but can be easily read as a standalone. Below you will read a short synopsis, my book review, get links to the other books in this series + a free book link from Ms. Edwards and all of the author’s social media info.
You have got to get this hot, sexy romantic suspense!
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
IVY
We met in a bar.
The sex was phenomenal.
Then I walked away.
That’s where our story should’ve ended.
But he found me. Now he knows my real name, my secrets, and all the details of my sordid past.
I’m out for revenge and no one will stop me; not even the pragmatic Zane Lewis. If he thinks he can silence me with the promise of more mind-bending sex, he’s wrong.
ZANE
Ivy Matthews is the most frustrating female I’ve ever known. I’ve broken terrorists faster than I can pull information from her sweet lips.
The only time she’s pliant is when she’s under me, or when my mouth is exploring her sexy curves, and then the most exquisite filthy words and breathy moans fill my ears.
If she thinks she can walk away from me, she’s wrong.
I’ve found the one–my perfect match–my equal.
Come hell or high-water Ivy is mine.
MY BOOK REVIEW:
RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars
RECOVERING IVY (Special Forces: Operation Alpha Series)(Red Team Book 4) by Riley Edwards is a romantic suspense with an off the charts hot and sexy military ALPHA (in all ways!) and a heroine who is living with secrets from her past that she refuses to let destroy her and her quest for justice for her sister. This book is the fourth book in this series, but can be easily read as a standalone. Believe me though, I will be going back to read the previous Red Team books with the other hot team operatives and the women they have their HEAs with!
Ivy Matthews is independent and tough on the outside, but it is a cover. She is working undercover for the man she believes killed her sister. Both sisters were brought up by an abusive, drug-addicted mother and Ivy feels responsible for not being able to save her sister, so she wants revenge for her death.
Zane Lewis is the head of a private firm of elite ex-military operatives. Being the leader, Zane believes he is responsible when they lose a team member no matter the circumstances. He believes his sole is dark and no woman will ever be able to love him, so he satisfies his sexual needs with one night stands with woman who are never repeated.
Zane picks up Ivy in a bar. Their night together is steaming hot and unforgettable. Zane wakes up alone and cannot believe, Ivy left. He is usually happy to get rid of his one night stands, so he cannot figure out why this one is different. Ivy does not have time for a relationship and even though she left nothing behind, Zane finds her. Zane will not be happy until he has all of Ivy’s secrets and can figure out why she alone can calm his darkest demons even as she gives him attitude, sass and fights him every step of the way believing she is not good enough for Zane.
I absolutely love when a hero and heroine, who both feel unworthy of love, find it with each other. Zane is hot, sexy and take-charge with a vulnerability for Ivy that none of his friends and co-workers have ever seen in him before. Ivy has grown up abused and always leaves a relationship before they break it off with her. She cannot believe an honorable, rich and gorgeous man like Zane will want her when he learns her secrets. The sex scenes are explicit and hot, but also show the amount of caring and love building between the H/h.
Ms. Riley has written a believable and beautiful romance for these two wounded souls. The suspense adds to the romance and will make you turn the pages even faster. I cannot recommend this romantic suspense enough. I am looking forward to reading many more books in this series and the fictional world this book is tied to.
Riley Edwards is a bestselling multi-genre author, wife, and military mom. Riley was born and raised in Los Angeles but now resides on the east coast with her fantastic husband and children.
Riley writes heart-stopping romance with sexy alpha heroes and even stronger heroines. Riley’s favorite genres to write are romantic suspense and military romance.
