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In the wilds of Alaska, Assistant District Attorney Shyla Pierce is supposed to be dead, killed in the pursuit of justice. But in fact she is very much alive, quietly in hiding and slowly recovering from her near-fatal injuries.
Meanwhile, deep in mourning for Shyla, Alaska State Trooper Judd Iverson tries and fails to move on. He's forced to take a leave of absence. But when he arrives at his secluded fishing cabin, he's shocked when Shyla opens the door. With a killer still on the loose and their passion unextinguished, they must relearn to trust each other and figure out how to catch the man who meant to kill Shyla the first time around.
Meanwhile, deep in mourning for Shyla, Alaska State Trooper Judd Iverson tries and fails to move on. He's forced to take a leave of absence. But when he arrives at his secluded fishing cabin, he's shocked when Shyla opens the door. With a killer still on the loose and their passion unextinguished, they must relearn to trust each other and figure out how to catch the man who meant to kill Shyla the first time around.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2014
161 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Tiffinie Helmer
40 books304 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Tiffinie Helmer is always up for a gripping adventure. Raised in Alaska, she was dragged 'Outside' by her husband, but escapes the lower forty-eight to spend her summers commercial fishing on the Bering Sea.
A mother of four, Tiffinie divides her time between enjoying her family, throwing her acclaimed pottery, and writing of flawed characters in unique and severe situations.
You can learn more about Tiffinie at www.tiffiniehelmer.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tiffinie-Helmer...
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A mother of four, Tiffinie divides her time between enjoying her family, throwing her acclaimed pottery, and writing of flawed characters in unique and severe situations.
You can learn more about Tiffinie at www.tiffiniehelmer.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tiffinie-Helmer...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/tiffi...
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tiffiniehelm...
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/116809553...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 17, 2014
Bait was a great read. Emotional, heartwarming and very fast paced. My only complaint was I wasn't ready for it to end. Bait is a short story, but it packs a full size punch. Good Characters, great storyline, a beginning, middle and satisfying end. So, it wasn't that the story didn't deliver, I just wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters!
Read my full review at http://wp.me/p38Iym-21W
Read my full review at http://wp.me/p38Iym-21W
May 31, 2023
KU - audio included
This is book 2.5 in Tiffinie Helmer’s Romance on the Edge series. I didn’t realize when I grabbed this that is was part of a series. I can share without a doubt that this stands completely on its own.
I never thought I’d love a romantic suspense short story as much as this. Helmer does a fantastic job of world building, character development, and mounting tension. When Judd discovers his “dead” girlfriend Shyla hiding out in their vacation cabin his entire world is tilted on its axis. Shyla is forced to admit that she couldn’t trust anyone, even him. While they work to rebuild what they had - they learn that Shyla’s pursuer is headed for her.
Nice mix of romance, mystery, and suspense. Loved the HEA. Definitely want to check out the rest of the series.
Narration:
I grabbed this because it was narrated by Amy McFadden. So glad I did. As always she’s fantastic at all the emotions: shock, grief, love, fear, and hope. Great listen.
This is book 2.5 in Tiffinie Helmer’s Romance on the Edge series. I didn’t realize when I grabbed this that is was part of a series. I can share without a doubt that this stands completely on its own.
I never thought I’d love a romantic suspense short story as much as this. Helmer does a fantastic job of world building, character development, and mounting tension. When Judd discovers his “dead” girlfriend Shyla hiding out in their vacation cabin his entire world is tilted on its axis. Shyla is forced to admit that she couldn’t trust anyone, even him. While they work to rebuild what they had - they learn that Shyla’s pursuer is headed for her.
Nice mix of romance, mystery, and suspense. Loved the HEA. Definitely want to check out the rest of the series.
Narration:
I grabbed this because it was narrated by Amy McFadden. So glad I did. As always she’s fantastic at all the emotions: shock, grief, love, fear, and hope. Great listen.
February 14, 2014
A true spinoff from her two series Wild Men of Alaska and Romance on the Edge. A secondary character from the series is Judd Iverson, State Trooper and grieving lover. Shyla Pierce, thought to be dead has been healing and running for her life. In true Helmer fashion Shyla is no weakling as she protects herself from criminals and her emotions. A quick suspenseful read that brings back a few characters and keeps us tied into her fabulous stories. If you haven't read her series she has them bundled together for easy purchase.
February 20, 2014
Although this book does make a mention of some characters from other books by Ms. Helmer, this book is truly a stand alone novella. It is a fairly fast read at only 53 pages. It took me under 30 minutes to read this so basically one evening to read it.
Ms. Helmer's books are always well written, spicy, adventurous and for me the best part is that the scenery of Alaska is a character in the book. While I wish the book was longer, it was the perfect length for a quick escape for an evening. Even with piles of snow outside my own windows.
Ms. Helmer's books are always well written, spicy, adventurous and for me the best part is that the scenery of Alaska is a character in the book. While I wish the book was longer, it was the perfect length for a quick escape for an evening. Even with piles of snow outside my own windows.
February 14, 2014
Wow! What a great short story. Such a touching and heart wrenching love for Judd and Shyla. Throw in a mystery and you have a great story. OF course also have the story set in Alaska which makes the story and it's stars have very different experiences. I loved this story and would recommend it to anyone. After readying the story and the characters staying with me, I really wished the story was many more pages. But short stories are a fun read.
February 20, 2014
Who will take the Bait? You?
Toss out your line and reel in the best of catches! Bait is like your favorite song. Over too soon and wanting it to never stop! Judd will remind you how one loves . Shyla will remind you of why men love. Together they give you the why we love. The bait is set the net draws in who wins and who loses. You'll have to get your copy to find the answer and you will fall in love yourself.
Toss out your line and reel in the best of catches! Bait is like your favorite song. Over too soon and wanting it to never stop! Judd will remind you how one loves . Shyla will remind you of why men love. Together they give you the why we love. The bait is set the net draws in who wins and who loses. You'll have to get your copy to find the answer and you will fall in love yourself.
February 15, 2014
Will you bait my hook?
Don't get me wrong I love to go fishing, but I hate to bait my hook and to get the fish off the hook, once I've caught one, that is... But don't worry this book is more about mystery, murder, and romance than fishing :) I loved every page off this short story! Three of the Alaska State Troopers were back in this adventurous tale of second chances and justice. And now a bit to get you hooked... (pun not intended, but it works)
Judd had lost the love of his live almost a year ago. He had tried to move on, but it just wasn't working. After losing his temper on the job and risking a case against a wife beater, his Captain, Skip, sent him to his cabin to cool off. That was the last place he wanted to go ... Shyla's memory would be so strong there. When he opened the door to his cabin and found her with a gun pointed at his chest, he started believing he really did need the mental health break. That was until he took the gun from her and pulled her into his arms ... she was real. Boy was there some explaining to do...
Favorite passages:
- “Honey, you can’t lose someone you gave away.”
- “This place had been more of a love nest than a fishing cabin.”
- “We wait long enough, we could be snowed in until spring.”
Merged review:
Will you bait my hook?
Don't get me wrong I love to go fishing, but I hate to bait my hook and to get the fish off the hook, once I've caught one, that is... But don't worry this book is more about mystery, murder, and romance than fishing :) I loved every page off this short story! Three of the Alaska State Troopers were back in this adventurous tale of second chances and justice. And now a bit to get you hooked... (pun not intended, but it works)
Judd had lost the love of his live almost a year ago. He had tried to move on, but it just wasn't working. After losing his temper on the job and risking a case against a wife beater, his Captain, Skip, sent him to his cabin to cool off. That was the last place he wanted to go ... Shyla's memory would be so strong there. When he opened the door to his cabin and found her with a gun pointed at his chest, he started believing he really did need the mental health break. That was until he took the gun from her and pulled her into his arms ... she was real. Boy was there some explaining to do...
Favorite passages:
- “Honey, you can’t lose someone you gave away.”
- “This place had been more of a love nest than a fishing cabin.”
- “We wait long enough, we could be snowed in until spring.”
Don't get me wrong I love to go fishing, but I hate to bait my hook and to get the fish off the hook, once I've caught one, that is... But don't worry this book is more about mystery, murder, and romance than fishing :) I loved every page off this short story! Three of the Alaska State Troopers were back in this adventurous tale of second chances and justice. And now a bit to get you hooked... (pun not intended, but it works)
Judd had lost the love of his live almost a year ago. He had tried to move on, but it just wasn't working. After losing his temper on the job and risking a case against a wife beater, his Captain, Skip, sent him to his cabin to cool off. That was the last place he wanted to go ... Shyla's memory would be so strong there. When he opened the door to his cabin and found her with a gun pointed at his chest, he started believing he really did need the mental health break. That was until he took the gun from her and pulled her into his arms ... she was real. Boy was there some explaining to do...
Favorite passages:
- “Honey, you can’t lose someone you gave away.”
- “This place had been more of a love nest than a fishing cabin.”
- “We wait long enough, we could be snowed in until spring.”
Merged review:
Will you bait my hook?
Don't get me wrong I love to go fishing, but I hate to bait my hook and to get the fish off the hook, once I've caught one, that is... But don't worry this book is more about mystery, murder, and romance than fishing :) I loved every page off this short story! Three of the Alaska State Troopers were back in this adventurous tale of second chances and justice. And now a bit to get you hooked... (pun not intended, but it works)
Judd had lost the love of his live almost a year ago. He had tried to move on, but it just wasn't working. After losing his temper on the job and risking a case against a wife beater, his Captain, Skip, sent him to his cabin to cool off. That was the last place he wanted to go ... Shyla's memory would be so strong there. When he opened the door to his cabin and found her with a gun pointed at his chest, he started believing he really did need the mental health break. That was until he took the gun from her and pulled her into his arms ... she was real. Boy was there some explaining to do...
Favorite passages:
- “Honey, you can’t lose someone you gave away.”
- “This place had been more of a love nest than a fishing cabin.”
- “We wait long enough, we could be snowed in until spring.”
March 3, 2014
I never turn down a chance to read a book that takes place in Alaska and if Tiffinie Helmer writes it, I’m so all over it.
I’m pleased to said that with her latest book, BAIT, she doesn’t disappoint. Bait is a novella branched off Ms. Helmer’s Wild Men of Alaska Series, but can be read as a standalone. It’s the perfect read to enjoy during your lunch break.
Even through Bait is a short story, Tiffinie never once skimps on the details or the vivid imageries what she is known for in her full-length novel. The descriptions of the Alaskan landscape are once again immaculate, right down to the color of the fireweed.
At the same time, she woven a breath takingly beautiful story of love redeemed, spun full of suspense and action. There were times my heart broke for the hero and heroine and then there were times all I could do was read with a huge smile pasted on my face. Throughout the whole book, I was cheering for these two brilliantly crafted characters. I so wanted to see them have their Happy Ever After.
Bravo Ms. Tiffinie, for writing such a captivating, suspenseful and romantic Novella that left me feeling totally satisfied. I never once felt rushed or that something was lacking.
I’m pleased to said that with her latest book, BAIT, she doesn’t disappoint. Bait is a novella branched off Ms. Helmer’s Wild Men of Alaska Series, but can be read as a standalone. It’s the perfect read to enjoy during your lunch break.
Even through Bait is a short story, Tiffinie never once skimps on the details or the vivid imageries what she is known for in her full-length novel. The descriptions of the Alaskan landscape are once again immaculate, right down to the color of the fireweed.
At the same time, she woven a breath takingly beautiful story of love redeemed, spun full of suspense and action. There were times my heart broke for the hero and heroine and then there were times all I could do was read with a huge smile pasted on my face. Throughout the whole book, I was cheering for these two brilliantly crafted characters. I so wanted to see them have their Happy Ever After.
Bravo Ms. Tiffinie, for writing such a captivating, suspenseful and romantic Novella that left me feeling totally satisfied. I never once felt rushed or that something was lacking.
February 18, 2014
Tiffinie Helmer certainly has a way with words. Her vivid descriptions, bring the surroundings to life , the characters are brought forth with character and depth and at every page turned it just gets better.
Bait is a short story but filled to the brim with sexy goodness, suspense, romance, mystery on the edge of your seat moments, as well as unique characters that you will enjoy.
Even though this is only a short read nothing is left out, this author has jam packed this short read to the brim with everything one could want. My only complaint - I wanted more ;) At only just over 50 pages long this short story is wrapped up nicely giving the reader every aspect within.
The Alaskan wonderland is brought to life In Bait - with a killer storyline to boot , I can guarantee this short read will have you hooked till the very last page but leave you wanting more.
Bait is a short story but filled to the brim with sexy goodness, suspense, romance, mystery on the edge of your seat moments, as well as unique characters that you will enjoy.
Even though this is only a short read nothing is left out, this author has jam packed this short read to the brim with everything one could want. My only complaint - I wanted more ;) At only just over 50 pages long this short story is wrapped up nicely giving the reader every aspect within.
The Alaskan wonderland is brought to life In Bait - with a killer storyline to boot , I can guarantee this short read will have you hooked till the very last page but leave you wanting more.
February 28, 2014
Like all her previous books, Bait is full of suspense, danger, and most of all, romance. I could go on and on about how good it is, but I've said it all before in previous reviews. This time I'll mention two issues I have, which aren't so much with the author but her publisher: 1) It was way too short, but that's what the publisher asked for, and 2) it referred to characters and events that had already happened that appeared to be things we should be familiar with, but aren't in any books already published. I suspect this is the publisher's scheduling again, like when they put out Dreamweaver before Death Cache, when the storyline is clearly later.
February 18, 2014
Cute, but predictable romance. The love scene was sweet, but everything else felt pretty bland, including the dialogue which was loaded down with cliches. Plus, the main conflict resolved itself far too quickly and easily, in my opinion, even for a short story. After reading Helmer's delightful short story in the My Bloody Valentine anthology, I was expecting something more. Not a bad introduction for someone who's never read anything in the romance genre, but for those like me who are familiar with all the tropes and character archetypes, it doesn't break any new ground.
February 19, 2014
I long have been a fan of Tiffinie Helmer, so when a new book comes along I usually can't wait to read it. I pretty much devoured this short story and I absolutely loved it. It has everything you would want and more, wonderful characters, a great plot, mystery, danger and some steamy romance. I never get tired reading her books, and I can't wait for the next one to come along.
August 26, 2015
I found this book rather dull, I couldn't get into it and didn't really understand why certain things happened hence why I gave it two stars.
July 26, 2025
Short story packed a punch. However, if my almost finance died I wouldn’t think to get into a serious enough relationship that the woman expected a marriage proposal. I could understand him casually hooking up but he was in a sort of serious relationship and it hasn’t even been a year? I would’ve been pissed either way
Skip is an asshole. He could have hinted that maybe a serious thing isn’t what he should be looking for qhilw he grieved? Ffs
Yeah yeah he wasn’t over her and thought she was dead but come on! Of course she had to be healing and not hooking up on her end (eye roll)
Skip is an asshole. He could have hinted that maybe a serious thing isn’t what he should be looking for qhilw he grieved? Ffs
Yeah yeah he wasn’t over her and thought she was dead but come on! Of course she had to be healing and not hooking up on her end (eye roll)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2024
I guess this is supposed to be read in between two full novels in a series, in which case it would have had much more emotional impact. As a standalone, it doesn't work, as you are just thrown in to the life or death situation without any build up or tension. There's a graphic sex scene that just doesn't ring true, their playful banter, given the whole hiding out and running for her life plot that is going on.
December 26, 2025
Review
He couldn’t get over losing her and his boss pushed him into taking a leave and go up to his cabin. When he reached the cabin he found her alive and she had been in witness protection. She had been shot and left for dead but was on the way to recovery. His boss shows up and they develop a plan for when the bad guy arrives. Bad guy shows up with her dad as a hostage and a tense standoff develops.
Enjoy
He couldn’t get over losing her and his boss pushed him into taking a leave and go up to his cabin. When he reached the cabin he found her alive and she had been in witness protection. She had been shot and left for dead but was on the way to recovery. His boss shows up and they develop a plan for when the bad guy arrives. Bad guy shows up with her dad as a hostage and a tense standoff develops.
Enjoy
November 24, 2021
A suspenseful novella with a perfect amount of drama, steam and plot. Judd is grieving the death of Shyla, the woman he wanted to marry. It's been a year. Skip his captain orders him to go to his cabin on a vacation. What Judd finds there is unbelievable.
February 29, 2024
Quick but Good ♥️🪵🛶💙
I can’t imagine how hard it would be to lose the love of my life and try to go on, but that is what Judd is faced with.
Shyla had a terrible tragedy happen, then a hard decision to make. She deals with it with strength, and works toward a happy ending.
I can’t imagine how hard it would be to lose the love of my life and try to go on, but that is what Judd is faced with.
Shyla had a terrible tragedy happen, then a hard decision to make. She deals with it with strength, and works toward a happy ending.
August 13, 2017
A Few Holes
I wanted to give this a 5 Star rating, but, probably, in order to keep it short, a lot of details were not laid out.
A really wonderful HEA.
I wanted to give this a 5 Star rating, but, probably, in order to keep it short, a lot of details were not laid out.
A really wonderful HEA.
August 6, 2021
Not interesting
June 27, 2021
Short story that needs to be read before Fireweed.
January 29, 2015
3 Stars -
Bait
is an adult romantic suspense thriller by Tiffinie Helmer and the 5th novella in her
Wild Men of Alaska
series.
Unlike the other novellas in this series, this story was really short. So much so, it simply felt rushed; taking a well-written, captivating storyline and resolving the mystery/suspense in just a couple of paragraphs.
Content: graphic language, mild violence and explicit sex.
Unlike the other novellas in this series, this story was really short. So much so, it simply felt rushed; taking a well-written, captivating storyline and resolving the mystery/suspense in just a couple of paragraphs.
Content: graphic language, mild violence and explicit sex.
April 11, 2016
What a great short mystery. Bait is a very fast paced short story with a full size punch. Tiffinie Helmer brings back a few characters from Wild Men of Alaska and Romance on the Edge series to tie it all together. If you haven't read Wild Men of Alaska or Romance on the Edge series, you really need to. I love her work.
January 22, 2015
Sweet, short story of lost & found, with suspense & love thrown in. I enjoyed this little read with my breakfast today. I lived in a small cabin in Naknek a couple years ago, so it's nice to see the author knows her setting. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
May 7, 2019
This is a fast read about Shyla and Judd’s second chance. Judd thinks Shyla is dead, so imagine his surprise when he goes to his cabin and she’s there. She’s at the cabin for a reason though. She wants to draw out her killer. Will they survive? Grab your copy and see what happens.
February 20, 2014
One of the BEST short stories I've read all year! But how could I not feel that way, tiffinie helmer is one of my favorite authors of all time.
June 4, 2015
Very good short story, with likeable characters and a good plot line.
May 21, 2016
Bait review
Bait is a very short story written by author Tiffinie Helmer. I have liked all of her books about Alaska.
Bait is a very short story written by author Tiffinie Helmer. I have liked all of her books about Alaska.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews