Unexpected Gaines

Scott Wolfe #2

by S.L. Shelton

This is the second volume in S.L. Shelton's unfolding story of corporate corruption in the world's governments and the adventures of a young Scott Wolfe, who is unknowingly swept into a secret war of massive proportions.

Scott Wolfe has been struggling to recover from the injuries he sustained in Europe only two months earlier—physical and emotional injuries that threaten his relationships, his peace and his sanity.

Back home and trying to ease into a routine again, his old life seems too small to contain him any longer. So when CIA Agent John Temple, asks for Scott's help hunting down a missing and possibly rogue ex-Agent, Scott jumps at the chance, despite Barb's misgivings.

Veiled in the background, sinister forces conspire to not only find the missing ex-Agent first, but to viciously block access to him and the information he is carrying, before their powerful organization is revealed.

Hamstrung by Agency policy and Scott's physical limitations, he and John have to find, contain and possibly kill ex CIA Agent, Mark Gaines.

341 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 2014

About the author

S.L. Shelton, a bestselling thriller author, is a passionate, fact spouting former techie and soldier who is constantly at odds with his need to kick the legs out from under those who abuse their power (Political, Economic or Super). He lives on a tiny little farm on the banks of a tiny little river in the northwestern part of Virginia, where his semi-secret identity is somewhat protected on three sides. Despite deep misgivings about writing on subjects close to his own life, he has penned a series of books about a similarly broken, similarly gifted young man who similarly doesn't have a clue when to stop and re-evaluate life decisions.

Before building his career in the computer field for nearly two decades as a developer, designer, trainer, and a CEO, he had the honor of serving in the US Armed Forces in several roles, most involving explosives of some sort. After selling his successful micro empire in 2011, Shelton retired to his study which he hasn't left since. On most days he writes, but when left alone and to his own devices, breaks his troll like existence long enough to sneak into the sunlight and fire a weapon or two, snap a few pictures or pick some vegetables from his wife's prized organic garden beds.

Though his climbing days are behind him due to injuries (several to the head), he was an avid rock climber, having climbed for decades since his teen years. His three children are grown and living very adventurous lives of their own.

Waking Wolfe is the first novel in the Scott Wolfe Series, followed by Unexpected Gaines, Danger Close, Wolfe Trap, Harbinger, Predator's Game and coming in 2017 Splinter Self. He has also published a Crime Novel and a Back Story Novella to the Scott Wolfe Series.

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a CIA agent appears to go rogue, Scott Wolfe, a rock climbing agent is sent to find him. Another SPECTRE like organization is after the agent as well. Lots of twists and turns.

Pretty good.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no rest for Scott Wolfe, who is still shell-shocked and injured from his last brush with danger while trying to fit back into his old life while building a new, bigger one. This computer geek has tasted adventure, come through the gauntlet of danger and just may be finding himself to be a danger junkie, so when the CIA comes knocking, asking for his help to sniff out and possibly destroy a rogue CIA agent, Scott is onboard. Will they be alone in their quest to find this agent or are others with darker intentions also on the hunt? This agent has information, the kind that could destroy a powerful organization and everyone wants it. Finding Mark Gaines is like looking for a needle in a political haystack. As the chase heats up, so does the intrigue, the espionage and the danger, with Scott right in the middle of it. Is Gaines a rogue or is he being hampered from coming in?

S.L. Shelton pours on the action, the intrigue and takes off with an intensity that is whiplash taut in Unexpected Gaines. His style is bold and he spares nothing as he drives his pen to paper tale through a maze of deceit, power and corruption. His characters feel real, his character dialogue is priceless and his ability to create a tale that neither panders to his readers nor insults their ability to follow along at the pace he sets. Like the proverbial onion, S.L. Shelton peels back each layer only to expose more detail, more suspense and more action!

Looking for a thrill ride through the seedier side of corporate and governmental business? Want to know “the rest of the story” that feels like it just might be closer to fact than fiction? Need to feel the heat, the pressure and the action? Take a deep breath, clear your head and dive into Scott Wolfe’s world with S.L. Shelton as your guide!

Series: Scott Wolfe - Book 2
Publication Date: February 12, 2014
Publisher: S. L. Shelton
ISBN-13: 9781499602739
Genre: Suspense, Techno-thriller
Print Length: 347 pages
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[J.C. Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Gaines is S.L. Shelton’s second book in his Scott Wolfe series. Shelton was very successful in writing an enjoyable follow up to his debut, and, although I haven’t read the first installment, his inclusion of important facts kept me on track enough that I didn’t feel lost or confused. He did, however, make me wonder about the details of what took place in the lives of his characters throughout the first novel, and I’m very interested in picking it up and giving it a read.

There are some POV changes throughout the novel. I was set in one character’s perspective as the book began, but then the narration switched from third person to first. It was a minor hiccup for me and wasn’t enough to keep me from wanting to continue with the book. As I read, I realized why Shelton decided to write it in this fashion and agreed with him. Although it took me by surprise at first, I do believe it works quite nicely.

The story is engaging right from the beginning. I am not knowledgeable about law enforcement or about how the difference agencies in our government operate. I would venture to say that S.L. Shelton is. This book is a thriller, and a good one. The descriptions fit nicely and are very well written. The author is a solid writer and was able to carry me through his story with a good amount of tension. I was more than willing to see what new development was about to unfold.

I am curious to see how things continue to play out in the third book. Shelton has left me anxious about what’s in store for his characters, and that’s exactly what an author hopes for while writing a series.

[Lauren H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book. The first book was a roller coaster, driving me up one side and then down the other. I really liked being slipped into Scott Wolfe's head when the story was from his perspective. The other POVs are perfect in 3rd person but having that extra insight into Scott's thoughts is amazing...and Shelton does sooooo much with it. And WOW! Scott is getting to be a serious tough guy. I found myself holding my breath a couple of times while reading. The ending was a huge surprise on so many levels. I wasn't even mad when the lead into the next story made me want to read it then...months before it came out.

Great story, great action, superb characters and dialog (one of Shelton's obvious strengths). The only thing more I could ask is if he would finish writing the next one before I finish reading. VERY well done.

[Donna Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scott Wolfe saga continues in UNEXPECTED GAINES, the second book in The Scott Wolfe Thriller Series, with the same political punch, technological savvy, and high drama demonstrated in Book 1, WAKING WOLFE.

Shelton has certainly found his niche in the world of action adventure and political intrigue. Much like the ingeniously-devised plots of Ludlum and the intense impact of Thor, Shelton’s writing delivers what it promises. His penchant for cleverly laying the scene, hooking the reader’s attention, and then hitting him in the gut with dramatic action keeps one on the edge of his seat and craving more.

Expect the unexpected from Shelton as he emerges as a worthy writer of political espionage and action adventure in his own right. You won’t be disappointed!

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH THIS WAS SO SO SO GOOD! So exciting soooo much action I LOVED it! It was thrilling and riddled with conspiracies and bad behaviour, just the way I like it. Even though this is a whole separate plot it’s still connected to the first book and I like that. I also love the development we’re seeing in Scott. After all he’s been through and hanging with John so much he’s learning stuff about the business he’s finding himself in and learning about himself too. And he’s becoming a MAJOR badass which I love! I’m so happy I got the chance to read this book and I cannot wait for the next book to come out.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exciting world of CIA intrigue and Terrorist plots continues in SL Shelton's second novel - we find Scott Wolfe, just your average computer geek, struggling to fit back in his normal life after his adventures in Europe leave him physically and emotionally damaged. Wolfe is still up for adventure though and when the CIA needs his help tracking down a rogue agent he jumps the first plane out of town. Shelton's second novel draws us back into the world of Scott Wolfe and beautifully balances the action with the mystery - just what is going on, is Gaines really rouge? is Wolfe really just a normal guy?

[DL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book of the series. WOW! and POW! Scott Wolfe has a serious lurking bada$$ in him. Once again, Shelton has woven a magnificent tale of suspense, punctuated frequently with spectacular violence. If this series isn't made into a cable series or movies, I would be VERY surprised. In reading 2nd Amendment Remedies (retitled Unexpected Gaines), you can almost feel greatness bubbling up out of Scott Wolfe. More, more, more! please hurry and write more!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book, I couldn't put it down because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I would highly recommend this book to any one who wants an excellent read. I look forward to reading more of this authors work.

[Tabitha Barret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon finishing the first book in the series, “Waking Wolfe,” I immediately purchased “Unexpected Gaines”. The book takes place a few months after Scott Wolfe’s rescue mission to save his girlfriend Barb from Serbian terrorists. Combine, the organization behind the Serbian mission to secure nuclear missiles has suddenly been exposed to the Department of Justice through a double cross involving their accounting records. The records are inadvertently put into the hands of ex-CIA operative Mark Gaines, who thought he was doing a favor for his DOJ friend. Their fact-finding mission turns deadly when Gaines is left holding the only information that can make sense of an attack on his life. In an effort to flush out, or intimidate Gaines, Combine attacks the only people Gaines cares about, his sister and her family. Gaines embarks on his own mission to find the people responsible for brutally murdering his sister.

CIA Agent John Temple decides to track down his former colleague, Gaines, to find out what kind of trouble he has landed in. Temple employs the help of Scott Wolfe, our “knight in shining armor,” or as the CIA refer to him, “Monkey Wrench,” to help him find Gaines before any other government agencies can track him.

I was surprised to find that the book takes place only a few months after Scott’s mission to save Barb and that he is having a hard time recovering from his experiences of being tortured and nearly killed on his personal mission in Amsterdam. He and Barb are living together, but there is tension between them. Scott believes that his “normal” life is too small after all of his experiences. He is suffering from PTSD and physically hindered from his injuries. While this was an unexpected turn in the series, I liked that it humanized Scott and grounded the story. This book could have easily glossed over all the details and turned Scott into a CIA Agent in the middle of hunting down terrorists in a foreign country, but instead it took the time to allow Scott to react like a real person, and not a cardboard character that doesn’t dwell on his experiences and runs off for another adventure. Scott has to decide for himself how these experiences have changed him and what the consequences of these changes are in his relationships, his work life, and within his own psyche. Is he still “tech support” or has he become something more than just the smart guy sitting behind a computer?

SL Shelton has redefined the action thriller for me by putting the characters at the forefront of the story. He tells the story through the emotions of the characters, as well as their actions. The reader can easily relate to the characters trauma, frustrations, and doubts. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an action/conspiracy novel with believable, likable characters. I am hooked on the Scott Wolfe Series and give “Unexpected Gaines” 5 Stars. I am looking forward to reading “Danger Close”.

[Erik Rivenes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished the thriller “Unexpected Gaines” by S.L. Shelton, and I have conflicted feelings about the book. My emotions are mixed because there were many parts of his novel that I thoroughly enjoyed, but the overall reading experience was scarred by a couple of major issues I had a small difficulty getting past.

The book opens with a couple of really exciting scenes that got my attention immediately. I was prepared for a roller-coaster of a ride after the first few pages. Shelton is a really solid writer, and sets a very vivid scene from the beginning, so my expectations were high. So far so good!

Once the main character was introduced, however, I was immediately jarred when the POV changed from third person to first person. The point of a first person perspective is to experience the story personally, through the eyes of the main character. Because of this expectation, I had difficulty shifting to a detached third person narrator. My inner reader would say, every time the perspective changed, “how does the main character know what is going on when he isn’t there?” When I read, I want the experience to be like poured cream, smooth and easy , and to simply fall into the story.

The second obstacle for me was getting through the first one-third of the book in general. This was mostly about Scott Wolfe’s recovery from wounds from the earlier book in the series. He’s also having problems with his girlfriend, and seeing a therapist. It was well-written, but I felt as though the progression of the book slowed dramatically after the first couple of chapters, and took too long to pick back up again. As it is billed as a thriller, I wanted the pace of the plot to keep my interest, but the story got bogged down for too long with the focus on his assimilation back into his life. However, once Scott’s friend John recruits him for their mission, it was exciting from then on. Shelton has a superb knowledge of modern day law enforcement and the technologies they use to locate criminals (or rogue agents). I loved the twists and turns and the end was very satisfying to me, as one of the final confrontations relied on Wolfe’s rock-climbing honed physical strength, which I thought was very creative.

For me personally, the 1st/3rd person issue and the slow start were the primary difficulties in giving it higher than a 4 star rating. But, for those willing to look past that, and hang in there, the payoff is ultimately worth it when Shelton’s extensive knowledge of the CIA, NSA and FBI are used with deft hand for a fast paced second half and an interesting conclusion.

[Hock Tjoa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This enjoyable thriller has not one but two main characters although it is clear which is the real MC as he, Scott, gets to tell his part of the story from his POV. He is a computer nerd who has super-hero abilities that are triggered by torture and/or head injury [as in the case of The Hulk]. The other, Mark, is “only” an outstanding CIA agent who left because he would not execute what he considered an immoral act.

There is a great deal of action as Mark is identified as a participant in the attempt by an agent of the DOJ to uncover nefarious doings by a group of shadowy power-brokers who have friends in high places including national security agencies. His sister and her same-sex partner and child are killed in a horrendous paroxysm of hate. Mark’s response is no less grisly and appalling. Then he takes to the road.

What drives Mark more, vengeance for the hate crime or the consequences from the list of names and accounts? What about the missing nuclear devices in the Czech Republic? Not content with these story lines, the author adds psychological freight: the conflicted emotions of the woman whose life Scott saved, his guilt and resentment to said woman, Scott’s own reaction to the trauma he experienced in said rescue mission. There is also the intriguing appearance of a violin-playing rock climber [not a throwaway character we hope], the fissures among the security agencies, the informants or agents that the bad guys have suborned within them...

Alas, the writing is not equal to the demands of the author’s imagination. All the above is depicted vividly enough but many aspects are given short shrift. Action/thriller/super-hero fans might not notice and will find the story and the series hugely entertaining. Other readers, however, might be looking for more from the author— consistency of motivation, coherence of character in the main players, a sense of closure even though there is one more book in the series.

[Bodo Pfündl · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the end of "Wakining Wolfe", the reader is left with the impression that this was only the beginning of a much larger story and with "Unexpected Gaines" the reader gets to dive a little deeper into this larger story when at the same time is left with the feeling that there is still so much more to come!

But first things first. "Unexpected Gaines" not only surpasses it's already brilliant predecessor in terms of suspense, action and pace, it also sets the stage for presumably even greater things to come!

The plot is multi layered and moves at a frantic pace. Along the way, Shelton also manages to introduce a great amount of new fascinating characters into the mix!

Teh Scott Wolfe Saga is arguably the best continuing series of books I have read so far, simply because the plot is so complex and is only becoming more intriguing with each new installment!

The mysterious background of incredibly gifted and yet so human protagonist, remains me of Harry Potter, his intelligence of Sherlock Holmes and the secret war around him of James Bond, what a fantastic combo!!

All praise to Mr Shelton, who seems to know exactly were he is going with this epic saga!

Can't wait to start with number 3 "Danger Close"!

[Cordell Falk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slight style detour from Book One sets this up more like a serial than a plain series. Since this isn't hopscotch readers will definitely want to start with the first novel.

Here we start to see the head-check moments that define Scott Wolfe's personality, moments that may have bogged down Book One. I liked the wrap to the Barb storyline that seemed off in the first installment and I thought there was just enough action, well spaced, to speed through the slower bits of team building and soul searching that should make the rest of the series a pleasure to read. Action scenes are great.

The worst of the violence is more mentioned than lingered on and, yes, there is a 'left-leaning' subplot - they are plot points and characters are supposed to have opinions. Other reviews indicate the thread doesn't overlay the next books so I'll give it a pass.

The book took under 5 hours of read time, so a slower reader might find the team building and introspection bits longish.

[Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Gaines (Scott Wolfe #2)

Scott returns home to heal, but is drowning in Barb's hovering and protective attitude with the help of her political father Whitney's influence and interference in his life. Drawn back into the shadows by Agent Temple's call for help to find a rouge agent, Scott realises how much he's missing out on even though his life is threatened by the shadow world's activities and terrorists. Catching the rouge agent Raines, almost cost him his life along with Temple. Events cause Scott to realise that his relationship with Barbara is over and that he really misses Kathrin, his partner in crime in book one until the day he receives two emails, and a live phone call from her. As book two ends, Scott is really serious about becoming an agent. You can get the answer if you grab book three and start reading. Thanks for another great read.

[Brittany Laino · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I received this book free through Goodreads Firstreads. The book came within two days of getting the notification email that I won. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Full of action from beginning to end. It was easy to picture the characters and actions scenes as they were vividly described. Just when I thought I got to the end, there was still more pages left filled with more action and suspense. The only drawback is, I haven't read the first book and the events of the first book in the series was mentioned several times. It might have been helpful to have read it first, however it isn't necessary to enjoy this book. Definitely a fast paced action thriller and I would recommend it if this is the genre you enjoy!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Praise to Mr. Shelton. Another well developed plot and an introduction to a new set of characters in Scott Wolfe’s life.

Unexpected Gaines the second book in the Scott Wolfe series doesn’t disappoint. It continues the pace of the first book Waking Wolfe.

The character Scott maintains his elusive and mysterious background; you can’t turn the pages fast enough to find out more. No spoilers, pickup a copy and enjoy the journey.

You can tell Mr. Shelton had a well-planned series from the beginning.

Such a great series Mr. Shelton.

Fantastic and enjoyable read. There’s something about Scott that endears the reader to him.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads. The story has lots of action and moves around all over the country. This read more like a screenplay than a novel. It had so much dialogue, and the action stopped every time. Nothing happens when characters are talking. The tech gadgets and weapons were interesting, but the characters were a bit flat and predictable.

[Christa Bengtsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from goodreads. This is a great book with alot of action and suspense. It goes back to the first book that I haven't read, but by the end you get the jist of the first book. The characters are relatable and you do care about them. Could be a great movie someday.

[Charles E Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of a kind!

Rapidly changing story that keeps the reader captured. If one desires a fast paced story line, with a mix of the civilian, Government Service types, and mixed into it secret agencies, then this book is for you!

[Roy Rutledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Gains

Another well written story. This is the second of the Scott Wolfe series. If you like well written mystery, CIA, and clandestine stories, then this is for you. Now on to the next one in the series.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Scott Wolfe is a badass sassy pants! What a great read. Wolfe can dish it out with his fists, and his smarts. Just don’t show any emotion what so ever in front of him...he’ll have you pegged! Must read!

[Trevor Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://bindblottyandcajole.com/2016/0...

[Richard Dillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Lots of twists and turns in this book. I can't wait to see what happens next to Scott. It seems like trouble is following him.

[Neville Dipell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bloody good read.

An interesting book, very well written and reasonably accurate in most cases. I enjoyed it and wouldn't mind finding some more as soon as possible.

[Melissa Dinwiddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Wolfe does it again

I'm not a fan of torture scenes, and have tossed more than one book that featured violent torture, but somehow this series keeps me reading. I think it's because the protagonist is so likable and fascinating: a computer geek with a photographic memory and a bit of a mysterious upbringing, who reads body language like a pro, rock climbs, struggles with managing his relationship, and hears a benevolent voice in his head...and oh, btw, is super hot but doesn't seem to be aware of it.

Scott Wolfe is sort of a specially chosen Everyman, and he knows some pretty kickass women, badasses in their own right.

Seeing how Wolfe figures his way out of impossible situations is just too entertaining not to keep reading. I'm heading to Amazon right now to get the next book in the series.

[Rebecca Hazell · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could, I'd give this book a 3.5. It reminds me of Robert Ludlum's larger-than-life novels: packed with action, lots of mysterious and nefarious (as well as traitorous) characters doing rotten things, lots of chases and fights and clever escapes, and lots of people plotting more rotten behaviour in secret phone calls. I (mostly) enjoyed this rambunctious mixture and also like the author's snappy dialogue, I loved learning a bit about rock climbing as a sport and was fascinated by the proliferation of competing spy organizations in the US. If this is as accurate as the author makes it seem, the US has a big problem! I also liked the fact that the action hero is a computer geek.

That said, it took me a while to figure out what was going on. Not having read the first novel in this series and not having a back cover to clue me into the context, I mistook the wrong character for the hero at the beginning. I finally visited the author's Goodreads site and found out my mistake, started over, and was able to get into the story more successfully. I do think it would be better for readers to begin with the first novel before embarking on this one.

I had a few other issues with this book, however. It was hard to understand who some characters were because they hark back to the first novel. The author tries to balance retelling that first story with keeping the action moving in the current one, but sometimes more context would be helpful. More significant, I was totally grossed out by a pair of torture scenes that were way more graphic than I thought necessary. I realize that Game of Thrones has upped the ante, but I close my eyes for the icky scenes there and can't do that with a book! The last issue I had with this book was that it ended so abruptly. I was expecting more loose threads to be tied up, but learned that each novel is really more of an instalment on a much longer story. Interesting approach, but as with the beginning, so with the end: I was not prepared for it.

Nonetheless, the author is a worthy entrant into the action hero/spy versus spy genre, and he roused my curiosity over what will happen next.

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, my appetite is awakening for more.

Good strong start on development of a potentially great character in Scott Wolfe. I am excited about continuing this series. Keep it coming, good dialogue, great action, string realistic fight and action sequences, logical, smart, intriguing leads, just the recipe I need to keep me coming back for more. Gaines and Wolfe, I like this.