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Out of Control
And they thought the blowout was hot…
Oil rig blowout specialist Blair Drake is finished with men—especially after her disastrous marriage that caused her family to disinherit and cut all ties with her. But when Nick Robichaud, a handsome, roguishly charming oil well fire expert, wildcats into her life, throwing his devil-may-care attitude all over the place, the real sparks begin to fly.
Forced to work together to kill a string of sabotaged oil rig explosions, Nick and Blair discover a plot to cripple the world’s oil supply. Unless they stop the doers, it’ll mean global economic catastrophe. With time running out and their lives on the line, they risk everything to prevent disaster. But nothing can stop the fire between them from burning out of control....
Oil rig blowout specialist Blair Drake is finished with men—especially after her disastrous marriage that caused her family to disinherit and cut all ties with her. But when Nick Robichaud, a handsome, roguishly charming oil well fire expert, wildcats into her life, throwing his devil-may-care attitude all over the place, the real sparks begin to fly.
Forced to work together to kill a string of sabotaged oil rig explosions, Nick and Blair discover a plot to cripple the world’s oil supply. Unless they stop the doers, it’ll mean global economic catastrophe. With time running out and their lives on the line, they risk everything to prevent disaster. But nothing can stop the fire between them from burning out of control....
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2013
70 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Feagan
9 books134 followersStephanie Feagan is a multi-published RITA winning author who also writes YA paranormal romance as Trinity Faegen. A practicing CPA who loves travel, books, and smart guys, Stephanie lives in the oilfields of west Texas with her husband and a mean cat.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 18, 2013
The set up
Blair Drake is one of a kind, really! She's the only woman in the industry doing what she does as an oil rig blowout specialist and she's very good at it. Things get serious when an oil rig she inspected blows up minutes later. Nick Robichaud is a recent hire by Blair's company and he rubs her the wrong way in the beginning with his cockiness and arrogance. But they soon find themselves teaming up to figure out why this rig and others exploded. And, they begin to start rubbing each other in the right way.
The issues
Blair's great at working oil rigs and managing her crew but is ill-prepared to investigate what's going on with these explosions. Nick may have a shroud of mystery surrounding him but he's definitely got skills and Blair needs him. She's at risk and the situation is complex and murky. They both work for the same company, too, and being in a relationship is grounds for termination. Their attraction is hard to resist and Blair's not willing to risk her career for a short-term fling as her past history suggests that's all it would end up being.
What I really liked
I liked Blair. While she's working in a field that's owned and dominated by men, she has a strong sense of self and is confident in her abilities. She doesn't have to come across as "manly" to prove herself and is highly respected by her team and peers. I also liked how her relationship with Nick slowly developed. There was no angst, both acknowledging their attraction but also aware that there was lots of risk involved. This was also one of the most unique investigations that played out in Saudi Arabia and the Empty Quarter (desert). I learned a LOT about the culture and the reality of life for women in that nation.
What I loved
The whole desert experience. I can't say more without spoiling the story other than it was an emotionally draining situation and elevated Blair to one of the most kick-butt heroines I've ever read. Very moving.
Where it didn't go far enough
I had a hard time swallowing the skills of the grad student and Blair's father's transformation. You'll have to read the story for the details but these characters needed more backstory for me to swallow their behaviors. The story should have been just a tad longer to integrate them better as they were important characters.
The bottom line
This was a GREAT story, so different from most I've read in awhile. The action was almost non stop and the main characters were not super heroes, often finding themselves in serious trouble. I also loved their romance as it wasn't "insta-love" even though the attraction grew quickly. There was much more suspense than romance but that worked for me as it provided time and means for Blair and Nick to bond. It was fast paced and I liked how the story unfolded. However, I really, really wish there was a follow up book planned because there were other characters here that are worthy of a separate story. Otherwise, this was a highly enjoyable reading experience.
(I received an ARC from the publisher)
Blair Drake is one of a kind, really! She's the only woman in the industry doing what she does as an oil rig blowout specialist and she's very good at it. Things get serious when an oil rig she inspected blows up minutes later. Nick Robichaud is a recent hire by Blair's company and he rubs her the wrong way in the beginning with his cockiness and arrogance. But they soon find themselves teaming up to figure out why this rig and others exploded. And, they begin to start rubbing each other in the right way.
The issues
Blair's great at working oil rigs and managing her crew but is ill-prepared to investigate what's going on with these explosions. Nick may have a shroud of mystery surrounding him but he's definitely got skills and Blair needs him. She's at risk and the situation is complex and murky. They both work for the same company, too, and being in a relationship is grounds for termination. Their attraction is hard to resist and Blair's not willing to risk her career for a short-term fling as her past history suggests that's all it would end up being.
What I really liked
I liked Blair. While she's working in a field that's owned and dominated by men, she has a strong sense of self and is confident in her abilities. She doesn't have to come across as "manly" to prove herself and is highly respected by her team and peers. I also liked how her relationship with Nick slowly developed. There was no angst, both acknowledging their attraction but also aware that there was lots of risk involved. This was also one of the most unique investigations that played out in Saudi Arabia and the Empty Quarter (desert). I learned a LOT about the culture and the reality of life for women in that nation.
What I loved
The whole desert experience. I can't say more without spoiling the story other than it was an emotionally draining situation and elevated Blair to one of the most kick-butt heroines I've ever read. Very moving.
Where it didn't go far enough
I had a hard time swallowing the skills of the grad student and Blair's father's transformation. You'll have to read the story for the details but these characters needed more backstory for me to swallow their behaviors. The story should have been just a tad longer to integrate them better as they were important characters.
The bottom line
This was a GREAT story, so different from most I've read in awhile. The action was almost non stop and the main characters were not super heroes, often finding themselves in serious trouble. I also loved their romance as it wasn't "insta-love" even though the attraction grew quickly. There was much more suspense than romance but that worked for me as it provided time and means for Blair and Nick to bond. It was fast paced and I liked how the story unfolded. However, I really, really wish there was a follow up book planned because there were other characters here that are worthy of a separate story. Otherwise, this was a highly enjoyable reading experience.
(I received an ARC from the publisher)
July 1, 2013
I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review.
A very nice book!
Actually it's a 4 and 1/2 starts, but since half stars are not allowed... :D
At first I didn't like the narrative, but while reading on, it seemed to grow on me! At the end I liked it very much!
The story is told by the heroine, Blair. She's fun and she's working in a men-only environment. Her job is unusual for a woman: she’s an oil rig blowout specialist! Her work is highly dangerous, but she’s very good at it! The people she’s working with appreciate her and her job and she’s very valued by everybody.
During a routine visit to a platform, while she’s leaving the platform blow up – and it’ not an accident, but a bomb.
After that things quickly get very dangerous and “unhealthy” for her. Somebody is after her and she doesn’t know why.
Enters Nick Robichaud: a colleague. A very handsome one! One that she’s been trying to avoid. *wink*
He has a very shady past. At the beginning she doesn’t know where to place him: is he a very under-cover agent for the government? Is he a free lance agent for somebody else? Who is he working for? So she doesn’t trust him, but she doesn’t have anybody else with whom to work with.
Together they discover some very dangerous operation going on that could disrupt the world balance. But they don’t have proof and they do everything in their power to find it. Obviously they got into very deep trouble.
In this book the action is non stop. Things happened very, very fast. The more they discover, the more they’re in deeper trouble. They have help, but they’re always on their own all the same.
I liked very much the pace of this book and, as I said before, I got to love the narrative too.
The reason for the negative half star is that some of the things that happens to them are too far fetched to be credible, but, hey, this is fiction, so it is not a big deal!
The love story is very cute! She doesn’t trust Nick at the beginning, but when she gets to know him it is very good! Their banter is fantastic! I liked that, once they realized their feeling toward each other, they didn’t denied them! It was refreshing. Here there’s not angst, doubt, or stuff like Oh, I cannot love him/her because I’m not worth!. They accept their feeling and embrace them without fear!
Good, solid book! Recommended to all who love fast, full of action, romantic suspense!
A very nice book!
Actually it's a 4 and 1/2 starts, but since half stars are not allowed... :D
At first I didn't like the narrative, but while reading on, it seemed to grow on me! At the end I liked it very much!
The story is told by the heroine, Blair. She's fun and she's working in a men-only environment. Her job is unusual for a woman: she’s an oil rig blowout specialist! Her work is highly dangerous, but she’s very good at it! The people she’s working with appreciate her and her job and she’s very valued by everybody.
During a routine visit to a platform, while she’s leaving the platform blow up – and it’ not an accident, but a bomb.
After that things quickly get very dangerous and “unhealthy” for her. Somebody is after her and she doesn’t know why.
Enters Nick Robichaud: a colleague. A very handsome one! One that she’s been trying to avoid. *wink*
He has a very shady past. At the beginning she doesn’t know where to place him: is he a very under-cover agent for the government? Is he a free lance agent for somebody else? Who is he working for? So she doesn’t trust him, but she doesn’t have anybody else with whom to work with.
Together they discover some very dangerous operation going on that could disrupt the world balance. But they don’t have proof and they do everything in their power to find it. Obviously they got into very deep trouble.
In this book the action is non stop. Things happened very, very fast. The more they discover, the more they’re in deeper trouble. They have help, but they’re always on their own all the same.
I liked very much the pace of this book and, as I said before, I got to love the narrative too.
The reason for the negative half star is that some of the things that happens to them are too far fetched to be credible, but, hey, this is fiction, so it is not a big deal!
The love story is very cute! She doesn’t trust Nick at the beginning, but when she gets to know him it is very good! Their banter is fantastic! I liked that, once they realized their feeling toward each other, they didn’t denied them! It was refreshing. Here there’s not angst, doubt, or stuff like Oh, I cannot love him/her because I’m not worth!. They accept their feeling and embrace them without fear!
Good, solid book! Recommended to all who love fast, full of action, romantic suspense!
June 22, 2013
*ARC provided by netgally for an honest review *
This book had so much potential to be kick ass and great . It fell very far from that mark , everything was too convoluted and mixed up. I could tell the Pov's apart or whether or not their was one main pov . Their was just simply no distinguishing feature. their was just absolutely no badassness or kickassness to make me root for this story . i was fairly bored ,shear forcefulness and because it was an ARC made me finish the book .
I had so many high hopes and i am majorly i am not able to give this novel a 4 or a 5 stars which says a job well done , but the author needs to go back to the drawing board and improve this one to make everything come together properly. This story really needs a WOW factor and the characters were definitely not it. They were boring , and i thought the hero was gonna be this big ,dangerous, macho alpha on some convert operation . Sadly that was not the case and his back story was equally placid and boring. Their were so many unanswered questions and frankly i was so bored that maybe i missed the answers .
The only good thing i can honestly say is that i applaud the author for the research she did about the oil rig and also about cultures in the East.
Ultimately this is a 2 star read .
This book had so much potential to be kick ass and great . It fell very far from that mark , everything was too convoluted and mixed up. I could tell the Pov's apart or whether or not their was one main pov . Their was just simply no distinguishing feature. their was just absolutely no badassness or kickassness to make me root for this story . i was fairly bored ,shear forcefulness and because it was an ARC made me finish the book .
I had so many high hopes and i am majorly i am not able to give this novel a 4 or a 5 stars which says a job well done , but the author needs to go back to the drawing board and improve this one to make everything come together properly. This story really needs a WOW factor and the characters were definitely not it. They were boring , and i thought the hero was gonna be this big ,dangerous, macho alpha on some convert operation . Sadly that was not the case and his back story was equally placid and boring. Their were so many unanswered questions and frankly i was so bored that maybe i missed the answers .
The only good thing i can honestly say is that i applaud the author for the research she did about the oil rig and also about cultures in the East.
Ultimately this is a 2 star read .
July 5, 2013
OUT OF CONTROL by Stephanie Feagan is an exciting Romantic Suspense. Join Blair Drake and Nick Robichaud as they fight their passion,desire,sabotage,danger, and disaster. Fast paced,and action packed with vivid descriptions,as well as engaging,and realistic characters. A strong romance,thriller and suspense you will not go wrong with "Out of Control". An explosion of a great read. A must read for any romance,suspense readers who enjoy mystery and possible terrorists. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
June 23, 2013
4.5 STARS! My review can also be found on my blog:
http://www.read-love-blog.com/2013/06...
Out of Control is the first work of Stephanie Feagan that I have read. I was pulled in the minute I read the synopsis and wasn’t let go until I finished the last page! What an incredible ride!
As an oil rig blowout specialist, a work field made up of 99% men, Blair Drake is used to being the only woman on the job. She’s used to the ribbing from the guys and has successful tuned it out for years….well, the ribbing along with men in general. Since her divorce from the jerk she had married and divorced, she’s decided her career is really the only thing she loves and wants to focus on. But when the latest job puts her in contact with her ex, she has no choice but to deal with him once again. Luckily for her, a handsome newbie crew member is a welcomed distraction. The attempts on her life upon witnessing suspicious things after a string of oil well explosions? Well, she soon realizes on this particular job, nothing will be following protocol.
Nick Robichaud, an oil well fire expert, is a man on a mission and a man with a past. He’s here on this latest job not only to put out a fire but to protect the beautiful and sassy gal running this crew. There have been a slew of suspicious blowouts and the one person who has put together a few odd coincidences and circumstances is Blair. Even though she is his supervisor and her life is at risk, he can’t ignore the attraction he feels toward her and will be happy to lay on his Southern charm to get her to admit she feels the same attraction toward him.
Together, Blair and Nick embark on a mission to prove the well fires were set on purpose and to find out who is responsible. Not an easy task when you’ve got players from Homeland Security, a Saudi King, oil company execs and a slimy ex husband involved. But what Blair and Nick find along the way is beyond what either one of them were looking for…..love.
Wow….just wow. I absolutely loved this book! What didn’t this story have? Mystery, suspense, action, emotion…a total package of awesome! Blair is an amazing character with so many facets to her that I adored her. Sure, she’s tough and strong but she’s still a woman and when she starts to show those feminine sides, it completes her complexity. She’s no-nonsense and a straight shooter and goes after what she wants but she’s also vulnerable and has her share of weaknesses. I loved when she started telling us about her past and let us see what made her who she is today. Nick is simply delish! He oozes charm and confidence and is all alpha male but also has his share of weaknesses. He’s loyal and honorable and has secrets and a past that are heartbreaking when he shares them. Together the relationship they form isn’t one of a typical romance….and I loved it. They build on an instant and intense attraction but do so slowly and it ends up being so real and believable to the reader. There are a few scenes toward the end that I absolutely died over….emotional and intense and absolutely beautiful! I was so pleased with how their story ended and loved the inside jokes that Blair had with the reader….fantastic way to build a connection to a character! (When you read this book and get to the “killing the shark” parts, you’ll get it)
Overall I adored is book and recommend to all you romantic suspense fans. I hope we see more from this series and the secondary characters because they are all amazing! Thank you, Stephanie, for a fantabulous story!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
http://www.read-love-blog.com/2013/06...
Out of Control is the first work of Stephanie Feagan that I have read. I was pulled in the minute I read the synopsis and wasn’t let go until I finished the last page! What an incredible ride!
As an oil rig blowout specialist, a work field made up of 99% men, Blair Drake is used to being the only woman on the job. She’s used to the ribbing from the guys and has successful tuned it out for years….well, the ribbing along with men in general. Since her divorce from the jerk she had married and divorced, she’s decided her career is really the only thing she loves and wants to focus on. But when the latest job puts her in contact with her ex, she has no choice but to deal with him once again. Luckily for her, a handsome newbie crew member is a welcomed distraction. The attempts on her life upon witnessing suspicious things after a string of oil well explosions? Well, she soon realizes on this particular job, nothing will be following protocol.
Nick Robichaud, an oil well fire expert, is a man on a mission and a man with a past. He’s here on this latest job not only to put out a fire but to protect the beautiful and sassy gal running this crew. There have been a slew of suspicious blowouts and the one person who has put together a few odd coincidences and circumstances is Blair. Even though she is his supervisor and her life is at risk, he can’t ignore the attraction he feels toward her and will be happy to lay on his Southern charm to get her to admit she feels the same attraction toward him.
Together, Blair and Nick embark on a mission to prove the well fires were set on purpose and to find out who is responsible. Not an easy task when you’ve got players from Homeland Security, a Saudi King, oil company execs and a slimy ex husband involved. But what Blair and Nick find along the way is beyond what either one of them were looking for…..love.
Wow….just wow. I absolutely loved this book! What didn’t this story have? Mystery, suspense, action, emotion…a total package of awesome! Blair is an amazing character with so many facets to her that I adored her. Sure, she’s tough and strong but she’s still a woman and when she starts to show those feminine sides, it completes her complexity. She’s no-nonsense and a straight shooter and goes after what she wants but she’s also vulnerable and has her share of weaknesses. I loved when she started telling us about her past and let us see what made her who she is today. Nick is simply delish! He oozes charm and confidence and is all alpha male but also has his share of weaknesses. He’s loyal and honorable and has secrets and a past that are heartbreaking when he shares them. Together the relationship they form isn’t one of a typical romance….and I loved it. They build on an instant and intense attraction but do so slowly and it ends up being so real and believable to the reader. There are a few scenes toward the end that I absolutely died over….emotional and intense and absolutely beautiful! I was so pleased with how their story ended and loved the inside jokes that Blair had with the reader….fantastic way to build a connection to a character! (When you read this book and get to the “killing the shark” parts, you’ll get it)
Overall I adored is book and recommend to all you romantic suspense fans. I hope we see more from this series and the secondary characters because they are all amazing! Thank you, Stephanie, for a fantabulous story!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 27, 2013
First reviewed at Red Hot Books: http://redhotbooks.com/2013/06/review...
I’m always on the lookout for books by authors that I haven’t read previously, because I like a wide variety of books and every author has a unique style of writing which I enjoy. It can be hit or miss when you approach a “new to you” author but in this case I definitely found one that I will continue to read. Stephanie Feagan writes romantic suspense and historical books and she also writes young adult books under the name Trinity Feagan.
Blair Drake is an oil rig blowout specialist who comes from a wealthy family that has disowned her. After a series of deliberate oil rig explosions, Blair teams up with Nick Robichaud, an oil well fire expert, to stop a plot to cripple the world’s oil supply. Blair and Nick have red hot chemistry, but Blair has been burned in the past by her ex-husband so she has trouble trusting people, especially men. In order to survive they must learn to trust each other, but with Nick clearly hiding something and time running out, Blair is forced to take a leap of faith.
The action in this book starts pretty much right away and it doesn’t let up. While inspecting an oil rig, Blair sees a suspicious looking man who appears to be watching her. She ignores the bad feeling she has and completes her inspection but a few seconds after her helicopter takes off, the rig explodes killing everyone on board. Shortly after the helicopter pilot is murdered and Blair finds out that there have been a number of explosions at various rigs. Blair is sent to put out one of the fires along with Nick, who she is very attracted to, but thinks he’s a chauvinist. From there they discover a plot to drive up oil prices by destroying key oil rigs, and their quest to stop it takes them to Saudi Arabia.
Right off the bat I loved Blair. She is a strong female heroine and she holds her own in a field dominated by men. In a lot of stories, the heroine starts off strong but later turns into a vulnerable, let the man take the lead kind of girl, but Stephanie writes her as a kickass woman throughout. Don’t get me wrong, she has moments where she’s feeling vulnerable and she does have a softer side, but it doesn’t come at the expense of her overall character. I particularly enjoyed the parts when Nick and Blair were in Saudi Arabia and hearing her inner dialogue over the way women are treated and viewed there. I also really liked the interaction between Blair and Conaway, a female reporter in training. The two bantered back and forth in a way that you can picture your friends and you talking. I really hope this is going to be a series and that we get a book for Conaway.
The entire book is narrated from Blair’s point of view. I would have enjoyed having it from both Blair and Nick’s points of view just to switch it up a little bit, but it certainly didn’t ruin the story for me. It is very obvious Feagan did her research about the oil industry which is great, but at times it almost felt like there was too much description of the various parts of the machinery, etc. This happens early on in the story and again it is not something that would have ruined the book for me.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait to check out more books from Stephanie Feagan. I’m keeping my fingers crossed this turns into a series.
Rating: B+
I’m always on the lookout for books by authors that I haven’t read previously, because I like a wide variety of books and every author has a unique style of writing which I enjoy. It can be hit or miss when you approach a “new to you” author but in this case I definitely found one that I will continue to read. Stephanie Feagan writes romantic suspense and historical books and she also writes young adult books under the name Trinity Feagan.
Blair Drake is an oil rig blowout specialist who comes from a wealthy family that has disowned her. After a series of deliberate oil rig explosions, Blair teams up with Nick Robichaud, an oil well fire expert, to stop a plot to cripple the world’s oil supply. Blair and Nick have red hot chemistry, but Blair has been burned in the past by her ex-husband so she has trouble trusting people, especially men. In order to survive they must learn to trust each other, but with Nick clearly hiding something and time running out, Blair is forced to take a leap of faith.
The action in this book starts pretty much right away and it doesn’t let up. While inspecting an oil rig, Blair sees a suspicious looking man who appears to be watching her. She ignores the bad feeling she has and completes her inspection but a few seconds after her helicopter takes off, the rig explodes killing everyone on board. Shortly after the helicopter pilot is murdered and Blair finds out that there have been a number of explosions at various rigs. Blair is sent to put out one of the fires along with Nick, who she is very attracted to, but thinks he’s a chauvinist. From there they discover a plot to drive up oil prices by destroying key oil rigs, and their quest to stop it takes them to Saudi Arabia.
Right off the bat I loved Blair. She is a strong female heroine and she holds her own in a field dominated by men. In a lot of stories, the heroine starts off strong but later turns into a vulnerable, let the man take the lead kind of girl, but Stephanie writes her as a kickass woman throughout. Don’t get me wrong, she has moments where she’s feeling vulnerable and she does have a softer side, but it doesn’t come at the expense of her overall character. I particularly enjoyed the parts when Nick and Blair were in Saudi Arabia and hearing her inner dialogue over the way women are treated and viewed there. I also really liked the interaction between Blair and Conaway, a female reporter in training. The two bantered back and forth in a way that you can picture your friends and you talking. I really hope this is going to be a series and that we get a book for Conaway.
The entire book is narrated from Blair’s point of view. I would have enjoyed having it from both Blair and Nick’s points of view just to switch it up a little bit, but it certainly didn’t ruin the story for me. It is very obvious Feagan did her research about the oil industry which is great, but at times it almost felt like there was too much description of the various parts of the machinery, etc. This happens early on in the story and again it is not something that would have ruined the book for me.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait to check out more books from Stephanie Feagan. I’m keeping my fingers crossed this turns into a series.
Rating: B+
September 23, 2013
“Life is so short. Think of all the things we miss because we’re afraid, or mad, or just plain lazy. I reckon we always think we’ll get a chance later, but maybe we don’t” is a quote I will never forget.
Wow this book totally blew my mind away; it held my interest from the beginning to the very end. I was so glad that I started this read mid-morning because I know that if I would have started this read at night I would not have gotten any sleep. The amount of action, the plot was intriguing and the storyline was amazing. I had no idea what went on in the world of oil, what these workers go through when there is an explosion. But what was more fascinating is what goes on in the 3rd world countries and how woman are treated. Then of course there is greed, what a person(s) will do to be on top.
Blair Drake is the best in her field when she leaves a site after doing an inspection she had cleared everything but on her way back there was something disconcerting. There was a man on the platform that gave her the creeps but then seeing a boat with no one on it that really perplexed her. Now when the platform exploded she could not believe it but that was just the beginning of the journey she was about to begin.
Nick Robichaud is an alpha male that is about to protect a woman that he has had the hots for since the day he met Blair. Now they are on a site getting ready to stop this oil fire but he gets word from his boss that Blair is in trouble and someone was trying to kill her. Only it was a little too late the killer found her and now it was time to make sure she didn’t get shot. Interesting part is that instead of her being shot it was him and guess what, she could take care of herself.
When its time for the next job site, Blair is not able to go she needs to investigate and see if her ex-husband could be involved in these series of explosions. Nick knows what she is going to do so he decides not to go with the rest of the crew, he needs to protect Blair. Only that Blair and Nick have no idea that the investigation is going to lead them to Saudi Arabia, a country that Nick is very familiar with, a country that took someone he loved.
Out of Control is a suspenseful read that kept me interested from beginning to the very end. I totally loved one of the characters that ended up playing a part in Blair’s little investigation. I thought Courtney was a spitfire, firecracker that kept the investigation interesting. Sure there is not a lot in the romance department between Nick and Blair but the sexual chemistry, tension is noticeable throughout the read. Ms. Feagan did a wonderful job in her research of the oil field and how politics play a big part of that. The culture of Saudi Arabia and how women are treated but also how the oil industry is huge in that part of the country.
I totally recommend this read to any reader!
Wow this book totally blew my mind away; it held my interest from the beginning to the very end. I was so glad that I started this read mid-morning because I know that if I would have started this read at night I would not have gotten any sleep. The amount of action, the plot was intriguing and the storyline was amazing. I had no idea what went on in the world of oil, what these workers go through when there is an explosion. But what was more fascinating is what goes on in the 3rd world countries and how woman are treated. Then of course there is greed, what a person(s) will do to be on top.
Blair Drake is the best in her field when she leaves a site after doing an inspection she had cleared everything but on her way back there was something disconcerting. There was a man on the platform that gave her the creeps but then seeing a boat with no one on it that really perplexed her. Now when the platform exploded she could not believe it but that was just the beginning of the journey she was about to begin.
Nick Robichaud is an alpha male that is about to protect a woman that he has had the hots for since the day he met Blair. Now they are on a site getting ready to stop this oil fire but he gets word from his boss that Blair is in trouble and someone was trying to kill her. Only it was a little too late the killer found her and now it was time to make sure she didn’t get shot. Interesting part is that instead of her being shot it was him and guess what, she could take care of herself.
When its time for the next job site, Blair is not able to go she needs to investigate and see if her ex-husband could be involved in these series of explosions. Nick knows what she is going to do so he decides not to go with the rest of the crew, he needs to protect Blair. Only that Blair and Nick have no idea that the investigation is going to lead them to Saudi Arabia, a country that Nick is very familiar with, a country that took someone he loved.
Out of Control is a suspenseful read that kept me interested from beginning to the very end. I totally loved one of the characters that ended up playing a part in Blair’s little investigation. I thought Courtney was a spitfire, firecracker that kept the investigation interesting. Sure there is not a lot in the romance department between Nick and Blair but the sexual chemistry, tension is noticeable throughout the read. Ms. Feagan did a wonderful job in her research of the oil field and how politics play a big part of that. The culture of Saudi Arabia and how women are treated but also how the oil industry is huge in that part of the country.
I totally recommend this read to any reader!
June 24, 2013
What was not to love about Out of Control? Kick-butt heroine who knows when to lean on someone else, check. Kick-butt alpha male hero who is definitely more than he appears, check. Interesting suspense, check. Believable romance, check. It had everything I was looking for in a romantic suspense! Now onto the specifics:
Plot:
I normally start with characters, but since I feel this book was slightly more suspense than romance (but don't worry there is still romance) the plot is more of the steering factor. The characters are important too, but the suspense seemed to drive the book, at least to me. From oil wells in the Gulf to one in Texas and then overseas this book offers the variety of different locales. I loved the information about what the team did to stop the oil rig fires. It was fascinating but the plotting really got going with the suspense of who set the fires and then onto finally solving and proving the crime which takes place overseas and really added to my interest. I don't know much about oil drilling, oil rigs and the fires but really feel Ms. Feagan did her research. And her research really shines with the overseas part of the book. I was fascinated, captivated and just thoroughly entrenched in this book due to the plot.
Characters:
The characters are stars in their own right. Blair is a female in a career full of males and she comes from a fancy family. So many contrasts about her, and I loved it. She also didn't pretend to be something she wasn't. She was tough, but underneath it she seemed to understand she needed to lean on someone. Now maybe she didn't want to but she understood it. Nick is alpha to the hilt but kind and gentler with Blair. He also has secrets which are fascinating and really add to the story. And the chemistry between Nick and Blair is scorching. You can feel the heat between them and it's sexy. As I mentioned in the interview I loved Conaway. So snarky and fun, yet she pulls no punches as well. She will get what she wants through sheer determination. And I loved that she and Blair clicked. Conaway really added to the story and sometimes it's hard to have that third character that you really like, but Ms. Feagan did it and now I can't wait to get Conaway's story as well!
Out of Control was an amazing edge-of-your-seat read. It took me one day to read (I had interruptions). I just had to know how it would turn out and kept turning the page. I was engrossed by the plot and I cared about the characters. I loved learning new things and visiting new places. It was one of those reads that I am still thinking about days later. I want more of Nick and Blair and hope to see at least a little of them in Conaway's book! If you love romantic suspense then this is a great book to read!
Plot:
I normally start with characters, but since I feel this book was slightly more suspense than romance (but don't worry there is still romance) the plot is more of the steering factor. The characters are important too, but the suspense seemed to drive the book, at least to me. From oil wells in the Gulf to one in Texas and then overseas this book offers the variety of different locales. I loved the information about what the team did to stop the oil rig fires. It was fascinating but the plotting really got going with the suspense of who set the fires and then onto finally solving and proving the crime which takes place overseas and really added to my interest. I don't know much about oil drilling, oil rigs and the fires but really feel Ms. Feagan did her research. And her research really shines with the overseas part of the book. I was fascinated, captivated and just thoroughly entrenched in this book due to the plot.
Characters:
The characters are stars in their own right. Blair is a female in a career full of males and she comes from a fancy family. So many contrasts about her, and I loved it. She also didn't pretend to be something she wasn't. She was tough, but underneath it she seemed to understand she needed to lean on someone. Now maybe she didn't want to but she understood it. Nick is alpha to the hilt but kind and gentler with Blair. He also has secrets which are fascinating and really add to the story. And the chemistry between Nick and Blair is scorching. You can feel the heat between them and it's sexy. As I mentioned in the interview I loved Conaway. So snarky and fun, yet she pulls no punches as well. She will get what she wants through sheer determination. And I loved that she and Blair clicked. Conaway really added to the story and sometimes it's hard to have that third character that you really like, but Ms. Feagan did it and now I can't wait to get Conaway's story as well!
Out of Control was an amazing edge-of-your-seat read. It took me one day to read (I had interruptions). I just had to know how it would turn out and kept turning the page. I was engrossed by the plot and I cared about the characters. I loved learning new things and visiting new places. It was one of those reads that I am still thinking about days later. I want more of Nick and Blair and hope to see at least a little of them in Conaway's book! If you love romantic suspense then this is a great book to read!
June 12, 2013
I was offered an ARC of this book in exchange for a review and as soon as I read the description I jumped on it because the plot sounded so different and interesting. Out of Control was my first Stephanie Feagan book but I doubt it will be my last.
Blair is an engineer who works on oil rigs preventing and fixing blowouts. As the book opens we find out someone has been intentionally blowing up drilling platforms. She leads a team into Texas to put out one of these oil fires. On her team is "the new guy", Nick, who rubs Blair the wrong way. He is arrogant and macho and she wants nothing to do with him. The same can't be said for Nick. He's had a thing for Blair since he went to work for the company. When Blair's life is put in danger, he is willing to put his life on the line to keep her safe. Nick and Blair's search for the culprit takes them from Dallas to Saudi Arabia where they fight for their lives while trying to prevent an oil supply disaster that could severely damage the world economy.
It gets a little hard to give a detailed synopsis without giving away spoilers because there is a lot of intrigue and politics and twists and turns. This was a very dense book. It isn't light reading for a sunny afternoon.
The one thing that has to be mentioned is that the amount of research that went into this book is amazing. I admit that oil fields and blowouts aren't something that really interest me on a daily basis. That being said, it was so refreshing to read something that was so different.
There is more suspense than romance but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of watching these two fall in love and try to figure out if and how they could have a life together. Both Blair and Nick were bad-ass, interesting characters that felt like real people. They never hit "cardboard cut-out" for me. Blair is a woman working in a male dominated field - which in and of itself I find interesting - yet she holds her own and has the respect of everyone in her field. Nick has an ego but is never a jerk. They have great depth and great chemistry.
Overall I thought this was a really good book. I will definitely be watching out for more by this author.
Blair is an engineer who works on oil rigs preventing and fixing blowouts. As the book opens we find out someone has been intentionally blowing up drilling platforms. She leads a team into Texas to put out one of these oil fires. On her team is "the new guy", Nick, who rubs Blair the wrong way. He is arrogant and macho and she wants nothing to do with him. The same can't be said for Nick. He's had a thing for Blair since he went to work for the company. When Blair's life is put in danger, he is willing to put his life on the line to keep her safe. Nick and Blair's search for the culprit takes them from Dallas to Saudi Arabia where they fight for their lives while trying to prevent an oil supply disaster that could severely damage the world economy.
It gets a little hard to give a detailed synopsis without giving away spoilers because there is a lot of intrigue and politics and twists and turns. This was a very dense book. It isn't light reading for a sunny afternoon.
The one thing that has to be mentioned is that the amount of research that went into this book is amazing. I admit that oil fields and blowouts aren't something that really interest me on a daily basis. That being said, it was so refreshing to read something that was so different.
There is more suspense than romance but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of watching these two fall in love and try to figure out if and how they could have a life together. Both Blair and Nick were bad-ass, interesting characters that felt like real people. They never hit "cardboard cut-out" for me. Blair is a woman working in a male dominated field - which in and of itself I find interesting - yet she holds her own and has the respect of everyone in her field. Nick has an ego but is never a jerk. They have great depth and great chemistry.
Overall I thought this was a really good book. I will definitely be watching out for more by this author.
June 23, 2013
Blair is a woman working in the oil rigging business which is dominated by men. While on an inspection at an offshore rig, a blonde man attracted her attention as he seemed out of place. Then... as Blair and the pilot left the rig, they both noticed a boat speeding away from rig. Shortly after, the rig exploded killing all the workers. Worse, Blair is told that other rigs have also exploded within hours of each other. Blair is forced by her boss to accept one of her co-workers, Nick, as a bodyguard. She's used to being independent and having a bodyguard... especially Nick... grates on her. Sparks fly and not just from gunshots.
Out of Control is a thriller with just a touch of romance. I loved the different locales in which the story took place. I also enjoyed learning a bit about the oil rig business and the way oil prices can be manipulated all while building the book's thrill factor. I didn't even realize I was being educated :-)))
This book was not my normal genre to read but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was the 1st book I've read from this author and I'd definitely pick up another by this author. Once I started reading Out of Control, I didn't want to put it down even though I had family visiting. I give it 3 1/2 stars!
Out of Control is a thriller with just a touch of romance. I loved the different locales in which the story took place. I also enjoyed learning a bit about the oil rig business and the way oil prices can be manipulated all while building the book's thrill factor. I didn't even realize I was being educated :-)))
This book was not my normal genre to read but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was the 1st book I've read from this author and I'd definitely pick up another by this author. Once I started reading Out of Control, I didn't want to put it down even though I had family visiting. I give it 3 1/2 stars!
June 19, 2013
I was offered an arc of this book and I accepted because it sounded interesting to me. This was the first book by Stephanie Feagan that I have read and I enjoyed it very much. There are no spoilers in this review.
The suspense, drama, and hint of sexual tension between the two main characters is just the right amount to keep you interested. This book takes place in two different countries and I have to say the description of another culture was refreshing in this book. It was written in a way that you understood it.
The suspense of what happens each step of the way keeps you interested in the book and makes you want to keep reading. There was always a surprise around every corner.
There is not a lot of romance in the book but just enough sexual tension between Blair and Nick to keep it interesting.
The characters are easy to relate to and interesting. This is not your innocent female meets bad boy and falls in love book. Both Blair and Nick are raw, no nonsense, interesting people.
This was a good book with suspense at every turn and just a hint of romance. I will definitely look into other books by Stephanie. Thank you for the opportunity to review it.
The suspense, drama, and hint of sexual tension between the two main characters is just the right amount to keep you interested. This book takes place in two different countries and I have to say the description of another culture was refreshing in this book. It was written in a way that you understood it.
The suspense of what happens each step of the way keeps you interested in the book and makes you want to keep reading. There was always a surprise around every corner.
There is not a lot of romance in the book but just enough sexual tension between Blair and Nick to keep it interesting.
The characters are easy to relate to and interesting. This is not your innocent female meets bad boy and falls in love book. Both Blair and Nick are raw, no nonsense, interesting people.
This was a good book with suspense at every turn and just a hint of romance. I will definitely look into other books by Stephanie. Thank you for the opportunity to review it.
June 17, 2013
I had really high hopes for this book when I first read the blurb of it. I’m the type of woman that goes “Hell yeah you work in that field for men and show them women can do anything!” And while during this book, Blair did do what the men did, it just didn’t sit right for me.
While Blair seemed to understand that her life was in danger, I didn’t like how quickly she jumped to letting Nick run it while they were on the job site. Even after the job was over, it seemed even though she had stated she wouldn’t follow another man, she fell right back into that role with Nick.
Usually when it comes to sexual tension between two characters, I love that part. The anticipation that will lead to something amazing, however with this book, the tension actually started to bug me and I just wanted them to have sex and get it over with!
Now there were parts of the book that were funny, overall I don’t think that this is a book that I would re-read anytime in the future.
While Blair seemed to understand that her life was in danger, I didn’t like how quickly she jumped to letting Nick run it while they were on the job site. Even after the job was over, it seemed even though she had stated she wouldn’t follow another man, she fell right back into that role with Nick.
Usually when it comes to sexual tension between two characters, I love that part. The anticipation that will lead to something amazing, however with this book, the tension actually started to bug me and I just wanted them to have sex and get it over with!
Now there were parts of the book that were funny, overall I don’t think that this is a book that I would re-read anytime in the future.
June 11, 2013
I expected a fast and furious romance from the title of this book, but was rather surprised with a thriller/suspense kind of read. Blair Drake works in a rather rugged world of a man dominated field with controlling oil fires. She is smart both in education and street smarts. She has rejected the idea of a serious male relationship having been burnt by a prior relationship. Instead she takes her anger and energy out on fires. She meets Nick, hired by her company to assist on a job. He is the rugged, capable guy easy to swoon over, but there is a lot of mystery about him. What really stands out though is the action, danger and mystery surrounding possible terrorist acts that threaten Blair, the people she loves, and the world. A fast and furious read with a splash of "I want to touch Nicks abs".
June 30, 2013
I would have given this book a solid five stars, had it not been for the "infodumps" about oil well fires and such. I admit, it was helpful at times, but other times it felt like I was reading a report about it. I give the author credit for doing her homework, but I was annoyed with it's long details.
The suspense level was high. I was always wondering what would they find out next. As far as action goes, it was a doozy. I thought it would be this action packed suspense, sadly it wasn't.
The chemistry between Blair and Nick was good. I think it could have been great, if they had finally come together at about 50% of the book instead of the last few pages.
I liked the book. If you're into Romantic Suspense and don't mind reading a very detailed book, then this is for you.
*I was given this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
The suspense level was high. I was always wondering what would they find out next. As far as action goes, it was a doozy. I thought it would be this action packed suspense, sadly it wasn't.
The chemistry between Blair and Nick was good. I think it could have been great, if they had finally come together at about 50% of the book instead of the last few pages.
I liked the book. If you're into Romantic Suspense and don't mind reading a very detailed book, then this is for you.
*I was given this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
June 21, 2013
The talked about rigs, drilling and blow ups was quite interesting. The suspense kept me on the edge, I'm not in love with the main characters but both are likeable and has a strong personality which is refreshing to read.
I love the story line and sexual tension was there, my only complaint is that there is more suspense in the story than romance. I don't mind the suspense but I was hoping for more romance for the main characters... it's a well written story but it took me awhile to finish the book.
Overall, Out of Control is an okay read for me, I liked it but I'm not in love with the story. This is my first book from this author and would definitely check her other books in the near future!
I love the story line and sexual tension was there, my only complaint is that there is more suspense in the story than romance. I don't mind the suspense but I was hoping for more romance for the main characters... it's a well written story but it took me awhile to finish the book.
Overall, Out of Control is an okay read for me, I liked it but I'm not in love with the story. This is my first book from this author and would definitely check her other books in the near future!
gave-up-did-not-finish
June 18, 2013I never take days to read a book, so that should have been my first clue, but I always try to finish. I made it 62% in, but there doesn't seem to be an end in sight to the slow pace. I stuck with it this long out of curiosity. I'm just not invested in the characters to bother finding out if they get their HEA.
I did like the author's voice and the snarky humor she gave the hero and heroine, but unfortunately the plot (despite being obviously very well researched and described) just didn't do it for me.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
August 25, 2015
I enjoyed this romantic suspense by Stephanie Feagan. Blair and Nick were both good characters and I enjoyed the storyline and setting. The book had a nice balance of romance and suspense.
Blair works as an oilfield blowout specialist. As a string of explosions begins, she works with Nick to find out what is happening. Soon, the chemistry between them is raging out of control, and they are both in danger from whoever is causing the explosions.
I thought that this romantic suspense had plenty of chemistry between the two main characters, and there was lots of action. The pace was fast, and the storyline kept me interested. I received this book in return for an honest review.
Blair works as an oilfield blowout specialist. As a string of explosions begins, she works with Nick to find out what is happening. Soon, the chemistry between them is raging out of control, and they are both in danger from whoever is causing the explosions.
I thought that this romantic suspense had plenty of chemistry between the two main characters, and there was lots of action. The pace was fast, and the storyline kept me interested. I received this book in return for an honest review.
July 4, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Strong characters, suspense, and "romance". It drew me in from the beginning and I read through it fairly quickly. I love suspense. But some books contain so may twists and turns you have a hard time keeping up. While this one will keep you guessing as to who and exactly why, it is done very well and keeps you in the story. The characters are strong and likeable. I loved the straight and to the point dialogue.
Will definitely look for other books by this author.
Will definitely look for other books by this author.
July 6, 2013
My thoughts:
This was my first Stephanie Feagan read - and I LOVED it! Found myself lost in the book from the first page. I lost all track of time as I turned the pages of this fast-paced, action-packed, suspenseful romance.
The characters are robust and engaging. The storyline is original, interesting and entertaining. The plot is mysterious and thoughtfully created. The romance is both hot and sweet.
I found myself occasionally laughing out loud as well as smiling and sighing because the characters are so great.
Well worth the read.
This was my first Stephanie Feagan read - and I LOVED it! Found myself lost in the book from the first page. I lost all track of time as I turned the pages of this fast-paced, action-packed, suspenseful romance.
The characters are robust and engaging. The storyline is original, interesting and entertaining. The plot is mysterious and thoughtfully created. The romance is both hot and sweet.
I found myself occasionally laughing out loud as well as smiling and sighing because the characters are so great.
Well worth the read.
Read
August 4, 2013This book was our July Wine Club review pick. Check it out:
http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Feagan definitely did her homework with Out of Control. If you don't know much about oil fires or the business this is an interesting look, of course you get a good dose of mystery and underhandedness. Unfortunately the chemistry between the Hero and Heroine didn't burn as hot as the oil fires.
http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Feagan definitely did her homework with Out of Control. If you don't know much about oil fires or the business this is an interesting look, of course you get a good dose of mystery and underhandedness. Unfortunately the chemistry between the Hero and Heroine didn't burn as hot as the oil fires.
June 17, 2013
Yes this was as good as the cover looks, I couldn't put it down. Its well written with some great details about oil rigs and Saudi. There were twists and turns and thrills all the way. Murder and revenge to keep you on the edge of your seat and reading into the small hours. I'd never heard of this author before but I will be reading more of her work. A FLAMMING GREAT 4 STARS
July 8, 2013
I wasn't too sure about this one when I started it but was pleasantly surprised!!! The story moves along quickly and the characters are well developed. I hope we see more of Blair and Nick in the future
March 14, 2014
Loved it! Action packed, tough heroine, a hero that loved her for it....awesome!
Want to read
July 12, 2013ARC provided by NetGalley
July 28, 2013
Check out our Wine Club review of this title at Reading Between the Wines!
January 24, 2014
2.5 stars
I love stephanie's writing, but this book wasn't one I enjoyed as much as I wanted to. *review to come*
I love stephanie's writing, but this book wasn't one I enjoyed as much as I wanted to. *review to come*
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