Detective Sergeant Mackenzie McAllister leads a team of police investigators. When the new kid, Drew Bradley, joins the squad Mack is bound by duty to show him the ropes. The chemistry between them is immediate, but with Mack being twelve years older, she fights becoming entangled with the young sexy detective.
Drew enters the unit, not only to help with the investigation they are conducting, but to find out what is really going on inside the walls of the unit. Working with the intense and strict Sergeant Mack is invigorating, but between the need to protect her and his second shield, he is at a loss and falling hard.
Together they will uncover the evil from within, and try to deny the passions that rage between them. Who in her unit is trying to keep her from finding out the truth? Who will take a life that will draw them closer? And what are the secrets hidden behind the shield?
Stacy Eaton is a USA Today Best Selling author and began her writing career in October of 2010. Stacy took an early retirement from law enforcement after over fifteen years of service in 2016, with her last three years in investigations and crime scene investigation to write full time.
Stacy resides in southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, who works in law enforcement, and her teen daughter. She also has a son who is currently serving in the United States Navy.
Stacy is very involved in Domestic Violence Awareness and served on the Board of Directors for her local Domestic Violence Center for three years.
The storyline itself, I liked but the way it is written had me skipping sections.
I am a multi POV lover (I wish every book was multi pov) but I like it when the story continues, not repeats the scene in the other persons Pov. If it is once or twice (something that is really important to the story line, I don't mind it.) But, every scene repeated is just too much for me. You can tell me what the person thought, but not replay the whole scene with the same text, etc. Tell me how they felt, what they were thinking, what they did after the scene, don't repeat the scene. The story needs to progress forward. You can switch pov's in the middle of the chapter if it is written well and clearly indicating that the pov has changed. There were also multi errors through out - missing words/spelling errors/duplicate words that distracted and caused the reading to stall for a moment.
I found myself liking Drew's POV better than Macks.
I wish I had beta read/content edited this book. There are many suggestions that I would have given. Again, the storyline itself is good. I liked the concept of a cougar and a young stud muffin. The characters dialogue was good (the first time through but didn't need repeated) and the description to detail was well written.
As for the ending, I needed more. It reads as if there is going to be a book two but there is no mention of a book two. Maybe the author left the ending open in case she got good reviews on this one and will decide to continue the series. I'm not really sure. If there is not to be a book two, then the ending on this one is really lacking (cliff hangerish).
If there is to be a book two I would love to get ahold of it before it is sent out and make sure the pov was not like this one.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you don't mind repeated scenes with different pov's.
Would I read more from this author? Yes, cause I want to know if this storyline continues. We were kinda left hanging.
Detective Sergeant MacKenzie McAllister , known as Mack, is a nine year veteran of the Investigations Unit and very dedicated to her job as a Police Officer. This job was her life. She is known as tough, and definitely goes "by the book." Her boss in the unit is Gary Robinson, know to all as L.T. Unfortunately, he is know to Mack as her philandering ex-husband. They have a working relationship, although sometimes on the rocky side, but most of the time at least cordial. Mack and her unit are working on a string of burglaries, all involving stolen BMW's.
Drew Bradley is a new officer with the unit. He is paired with Mack for his training, which she is not happy about. Mack perceives him as "a kid" and describes him in this way. "He looks like he should be in an underwear ad in some fancy sex magazine." We know from the early chapters that there is a lot more to Drew than just a rookie. He is working undercover investigating the unit and it's members, for an unknown agency. We also know that there is an immediate attraction between them, that Mack is fighting as hard as she can.
This book was a pleasure to read. It has alternating viewpoints, so we know exactly what each character is thinking. Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, and a lot of heat and sizzle. I highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy romance with police work and intrigue.
In Second Shield we meet Sergeant Mackenzie McAllister, who goes by Mack, and Drew Bradley. Drew joins Mack's unit undercover as a rookie to find out who is involved in some illicit activities within the unit. There is chemistry between Drew and Mack from the beginning. Mack has been burnt before by getting involved with a fellow law enforcement officer. As Mack shows Drew the ropes she ends up getting suspended by doing her job. Then her life becomes in danger after someone attempts to kill her. Drew feels conflicted because his life is complicated more than Mack knows and yet he feels drawn to her. I don't want to say too much and give spoilers away. So, its safe to say that Mack and Drew have this combustible chemistry and each of them has their own complications that makes it very messy.There is a car theft ring,murder,romance, betrayal, explosions and action. The writing is smooth. Now with that being said I would like to mention that the story is told from Mack and Drew's point of view. One or two chapter would be by one and then the other. In doing so we would be at one place in the story and then at the switch sometimes it would go back and tell the other point of view. I didn't really like that. That is just my personal preference. I like it from one point of view. Other than that I have no other issues. ** I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Stacy Eaton delivered the action and romance in this book from page one. Each turn of the page brought on excitement and uncertainty. I'm not a fan of long, drawn-out should I/shouldn't I drama so I'm glad that Mack and Drew didn't fight their chemistry too long. However, on the action page, sometimes it's easily spelled out from the very beginning. While it was pretty obvious who all was involved, I still didn't have the mystery solved until the book told me what was going on! Well done, Stacy!
I have to admit, I was not a fan of the ending. Specially, the last few pages. That was a bit obvious and with the book ending the way it did, I really feel like there should be a follow-up book to let us know how things work out. I did love the romantic gestures Drew left for Mack in the end though, if only all men were that thoughtful! If you're looking for a book with mystery and romance, this is definitely the book for you.
I did not get into this book right away. I did not like the fact that I was reading one chapter on Mack and then in the next chapter rereading what happened from the viewpoint of Drew. It was very slow starting out. About halfway into the book it started getting interesting. This book was starting at two to three stars. The reason I give it four stars is because the book made me feel strong emotions and I couldn't put it down after that. I should give it three and a half stars though because I felt it ended in a cliffhanger. I don't like cliffhangers.
Somebody among the team of police investigators is in hot water. Somebody gets too close to the truth and need to be silenced. And somebody finds love. Numerous twists and turns of the plot, hot romance, nasty betrayal, head spinning investigation and dangers. This is the best to day new novel of Stacy Eaton. Hurry to grab you copy!
I loved this book - it had great characters - you're spoilt for choice in terms of men to hanker after. It has sizzling love scenes, heart breaking family scenes, crime and corruption.
Second Shield By: Stacy Eaton Narrated by: Haven R. Powers
Stacy Eaton does it again, she delivers another fantastic book, I love how she manages to balance several genres into her novels and perfect each one of them with her creative and well thought out storylines. This is what you call an addictive page turner, one you can not put down because you need to know what happens next. I enjoy Ms. Eaton writing style and how the story is told in alternating POV by the two lead characters, Detective Sgt. Mackenzie McAllister aka Mack and Detective Drew Bradley. Drew is newly assigned to Mack’s squad and she will be his training partner as he learns the workings of the squad. Mack notices him and how good looking he is, there is an instant attraction but he is much younger and she is his boss so the attraction would not go anywhere. Drew can hold his own and it turns out there is more to the man and behind his shield. Mack is working on a complex case that is involving stolen cars which escalates to more. This book is thought-provoking and keeps you on your toes, you know there is something going on behind the scenes but you do not know what or who is involved. The story is cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, both personal and crime drama, as well as mystery, some angst, action, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and sine hot romance. Stacy Eaton, thank you for another fantastic novel, I am looking forward to what comes next for Mack and Drew.
🎧📚🎧 And for the terrific narration, Haven R. Powers did a great job bringing the characters and their story to life. She set the perfect tone for the story, captured the character’s emotions and projected them into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen🎧
I really enjoy the writing of Stacy Eaton. Her stories are tightly-woven with fascinating characters and an interesting plot. With that said, I had a slight problem enjoying Second Shield. There were so many strings of a story going on at the same time that I could barely keep track of the characters involved. Mackenzie McAllister (Mack) is part of a team of police investigators and her ex-husband, Gary (LT) runs the department. They had a contentious divorce and the reasons are surprising and at the root of the investigation. A new detective, Drew Bradley, joins the squad to help with the investigation and it is incumbent upon Mack to show him the ropes. There's an immediate spark between them, but she's 12 years older than he is and she doesn't think she can handle being a cougar. But Drew isn't what he seems to be and he is undercover to find what is really happening inside the squad room. The story is intense and I like how Drew and Mack's relationship progresses, until the end. Early in the story, Mack wants to make sure that Drew isn't tied to a family or other responsibilities. He assures her "No, I don't have kids and there's no wife." When he has to confess to his lies, Mack's heart is broken and I'm totally pissed. A liar can't be trusted and, as he heads back to "his family," I don't care if he ever comes back. I want her to find a wonderful man who puts her first and won't lead her on with secrets and lies and by hiding his family. The narration is poor in that there is no difference between the voices of Mack and Drew. The words seem to be read from a transcript with little or no inflection. I had to pay close attention to the conversation to figure out who was speaking. The narrator actually has a very pleasing voice and would be an excellent narrator if she could do both male and female voices.
Second Shield By: Stacy Eaton Narrated by: Haven R. Powers
Stacy Eaton pulled me into this and had me listening all night! What a story! Mack is on the case, investigating the recent stolen car ring in her town. New to the department, rookie Drew Bradley is working with her as he acclimates to the job. Being twelve years her junior, the chemistry is palpable, but work and romance don't mix, especially with a "kid". As the investigation begins, there are roadblocks and danger lurking around every corner. Unpredictable and exciting, this story had me on the edge. The element of danger, the blooming romance, the secrets and deceit are all building into a culmination of unexpected results! It's complex, it had me constantly trying to figure out the secrets and the answers, and I found my heart racing as the suspense was building. This is my kind of book and has left me wanting to know more of Mack and Drew's story!
Haven R Powers is a new to me narrator, and I enjoyed her narration. Great pacing and good voices had me invested, but I loved her ability to build the feeling of suspense. It's a fantastic listen!
Audiobook version This author is a master of getting the reader/listener, involved in the story from the beginning to the end. The story revolves around Mac/Mackenzie McAllister and Drew Bradley. Mac is a Detective Sergeant who is surprised and not too happy to be assigned to show the “new kid” the workings of their squat. Mac is unaware that Drew is more than it seems, an FBI agent sent undercover to investigate the squad. Sparks fly between the two which troubles Mac since Drew is 12 years younger. Classic Ms. Eaton, the story is told in the POV of both characters. In the midst of the action and danger, feelings develop. I am not a fan of cliffhangers, so I was a little disappointed at the end. That said, I did enjoy this audiobook.
Things wrong with this book 1) Detective in heels. Running after perp, she breaks heel, she falls and does damage to herself, she never catches perp. 2) Working crime scene. Dusting for prints, making cast of foot print. That's what Crime Scene Unit (CSU) is for. 3) Police station is not open 24/7. Is it a town with only 2 people? No. There have been cars stolen, people killed, homes set on fire. What police station is not open 24/7? There would be a change in shifts. Since when do cops actually go home at exactly 5:00? They don't. They are on call 24/7. Which is why precincts are open around the clock.
The second Shield is a wonderfully written, thrilling, and riveting romantic suspense. The storyline is entertaining, fast-paced, suspenseful, passionate, with the perfect balance of romance, mystery, twist, and turns to keep you thoroughly engaged. I Love the main characters; they were well-rounded, captivating and with emotional depth and vulnerabilities. Together, they had a pretty solid connection and a charged chemistry, and I really enjoyed listening to their journey.
Excellent narration! Haven R. Powers did a fantastic job with the characters and their emotions, bringing them to life. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this audiobook, and one I'm definitely recommending.
Although the story grabbed me from the start it took me a bit to get into the way the back and forth between chapters went. In the past the duo perspectives ive listened to continue the others view from where it was left off. These characters back track sometimes to depict their side of the story. I wasn't used to that style of writing, once I wrapped my brain around it I enjoyed it more.
I also found the narrator's stride with the characters got better as the Book progressed. I found it a little choppy at the beginning.
All in all I enjoyed the Book as this was my first from both the author and narrator I would definitely read/listen to something from them again.
I genuinely never really enjoyed romantic suspense stories but this one was so amazing that I have already downloaded the sequel to read. Mack and Drew experience so many twists and turns in the case as well as in their private lives that the reader is always kept guessing. It made for great reading.
Even though this great book ends on a cliffhanger, promise you will love it and will find yourself wanting to listening/read the next. Honest.
Old strong female police detective and her younger recurit in the department. The chemistry is brilliant between them. Uncover FBI , corrupt police officers, action and steamy scenes. Bliss
Plot sound good, the characters were good.I didn’t care for the repeat of the dialog by one person then repeated by the other. In next chapter. Got old and then didn’t flow.
I love books with mystery and love and this book had it. Sergeant MacKenzie (Mack) McAllister, 39 years old, works for her ex-husband Lieutenant Gary Robinson and she barely gets along with him, but she tolerates him because she loves her job. One day Gary calls her into his office and introduces her to her new partner, Drew Bradley. A new recruit and partner she does not want. To top it off, he looks like he came off a magazine as he looks so good. She calls him kid as he is 12 years younger than her. Little does she know that he is working under cover in her department on a case.
There is a sexual attraction between the two that Mack does not want to acknowledge because of the age difference! This book was exciting and I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. There are a lot of twists and turns you don't expect. There are some bad cops in the group, secrets and lies going on with others.
I loved the interaction between Mack and Drew. I could feel the sexual attraction through the book! Mack was a tough cop, but had a soft side she didn't let out often. She was fair and well liked. It was hard on Drew working under cover and not being able to honest with Mack. This of course caused problems.
The book took turns with Mack and Drew's point of view. Some people don't like books written that way, but it didn't bother me. This book doesn't end, and you will need the second book when it comes out. I am looking forward to that book! I was given the book for an honest review.
Oh. My. Gawd. This book just blew my freaking mind, and we can't deny it blew my heart to smithereens. The perfect form of a romance novel in my mind, this story had everything from crime, chemistry, love, friendship, and most of all secrets galore!!!
I'm pretty sure I say this every time I read a Stacy eaton book, but they just get better and better. Drew and Mack have to be two of my favorite characters, of not only out of Stacy's books but any books I've ever read.
I won't lie at first I was worried I wouldn't enjoy the story simply because of the age difference and the fact that the woman was older than the man... But it did not derail the story from shoving a huge boulder of a story into my path. What a freaking story it was!!! Gah!! I can't even calm my breathing after reading this.
Usually I don't like books this long. I'm one of those wham bam thank you ma'am kinds. But not with this one. The more the Merry. This story needs to be this long. Stacy keeps the book rolling at an easy pace and I never found myself bored. I actually thought about letting my son destroy my house just so I could read this amazing book!! The details and secrets keep rolling and unfolding and you find yourself waiting on baited breath to find out what is going to happen next.
I cried, I laughed, I shouted, and I wanted to throw a couple punches, in my book those are the best emotions to accompany while reading a book!
A million stars, Stacy!! A million and one!! I can't wait to dive into the rest of this story with book 2!
I absolutely enjoy author Stacy Eaton’s books and this is no different. As a matter of fact, I believe this is my favorite one!! I so excited to know there is a follow up since I loved the storyline and want it to continue. As in her other thriller/mystery books, she keeps you guessing on what’s coming up with the twist and turns and there is always a little romance thrown in. The characters are well written and true to life. Since Eaton’s been in law enforcement, she knows what she’s writing about and brings that out in the characters and storyline.
The story of this book is about Detective Mackenzie McAllister otherwise known as Mack. She is investigating a series of auto thefts when she is assigned a new person to the square, Drew Bradley. He appears to be young but that doesn’t stop the attraction between the two of them. Unknown to Mack, Drew is to find out what is really going on in the department and report back to the FBI. Mack and Drew work closely together while they find out someone is their department doesn’t want the investigation to continue. Mack is shot at, loses her home and also starts to lose her heart to Drew.
This is a great thriller/mystery/romance and I consider it a must read. I received this book for an honest review and cannot wait to the next one in the series.
Stacy Eaton has once again written an addicting romantic suspense novel. A glued to your kindle/paperback novel.
I found the first couple!e of chapters a bit slow and repetitive: and I like her changing POV style. But the book picked up quickly and from then on I was captivated.
The author's knowledge of police procedures and cases made the plot lines very realistic and easy to follow despite the complexity of the story line from beginning to end.
Ms Eaton's characters are always different and comp!ex and that was true to this novel, as well. She really made the squad room and the personalities of the other detectives come alive, often with very little descriptors from the authors writing and more from how others reacted around them or spoke of them, etc.
"Second Shield" is an interesting, complex, captivating novel with multiple twists and turns. It is one of those you can't put down because you know there is something big happening on the next page, all the way to the last pages of the book....
Compelling romantic suspense from author Stacy Eaton. Mack is a strong heroine but still has a feminine side to her, one that intrigues Drew from the day he meets her. I love Drew. He's strong but not too alpha - he's got a sensitive side to him. He's got a quiet personality but feels things strongly and his protective side comes out more than once in this story. There was a good balance between the development of the romantic relationship and the suspenseful storyline and while the reader thinks they know what is going on from the beginning, it takes until the end of the book to really know the entire story about the crimes that drove Drew and Mack together.
The mystery regarding what is happening in Mack's unit is wrapped up by the end of Second Shield but romantic storyline is left open-ended. Knowing this going in, I didn't mind, and I look forward to seeing whether the characters find their happily-ever-after in the sequel.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. What a great book. This is a fast paced detective story that will hold your interest and is hard to put down. Mackenzie, also know as Mack, is a detective working for a unit headed by her ex-husband Gary. Drew is an under cover FBI agent who poses as a detective in this unit. He was sent there to investigate suspicions of police involvement, in this unit, with a stolen car ring. It doesn't take long for Mack and Drew to get romantically involved, but there is a lot that she doesn't know about him. Who in the unit is involved in this crime and who can Mack an Drew trust? Things become really dangerous the closer they get to solving the case. Can they figure out who is dirty before time runs out and how will Mack feel when she learns the truth about Drew? This book can be read as a stand alone but there is a teaser at the end that will make you want to read the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the author's writing style. * I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sgt. Mack (Mackenzie McAllister) is a detective who is by the book. When her ex-hubby, Lieutenant Gary Robinson, partners her up with the rookie, Drew Bradley, she is not happy.
Drew Bradley is a looker, but Mack thinks he is too young for her and will not act on her attraction for her. But Drew also has his own secrets.
Unfortunately for Mack, something is up with her department and when she is suspended for doing her job, she knows there is definitely something going on. Working with Drew, she is trying to find out what is going on but all of a sudden her life is in danger.
Will Mack and Drew act on their intense attraction to each other? Or will the secrets that Drew is hiding ruin any chance of a relationship between the two??
This is the first book in a series! I sent a message to the author as soon as I finished to make sure there would be at least one more!!
Great mystery. Intriguing characters. The romance between Mack and Drew built from a slow simmer to a raging inferno throughout the book.
Throughout the story, you knew Drew was hiding several secrets, some predictable and others not. It was fun to see them all get revealed and the other characters' reactions to them (and him). I wasn't expecting the direction the mystery took and I always enjoy a plot that can keep me guessing.
I like books that have alternating points of view, but some of the chapters backtracked a little too much to offer the other perspective of the same events. The book ended in a cliffhanger I wasn't expecting, but fortunately, book 2 comes out tomorrow so I don't have long to wait to see what happens next!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow loved this book!! Not the usual book that I read but when I started it I could not put it down. Loved the chemistry between Mack and Drew. When they first met you could feel the sparks flying but because Drew was an under cover agent investigating Mack's police unit he could not act on these feelings. I found the case very interesting as the clues all came forward. From start to finish I was glued. Also loved how Stacy wrote each chapter, bouncing back and forth from Mack and Drew and what they were thinking! If you get the chance to read this book, don't hesitate, you will not be disappointed!! This is definitely a one click book!! Can't wait to read the sequel to their love story!!
Warning: This is an addictive and exciting romantic story. This is about Detective Sergeant MacKenzie or Mack for short who was investigating a grand theft auto case. The author described her as a tough, dedicated, strong-willed, independent woman who was once married to their boss. One day, Drew Bradley came as her new partner. Their investigation led one thing to another which put Mack's life in danger.
I really like the way the author narrates the romantic scened that make you smile that you will feel the characters' excitement and attraction with each other. It also made me want to read more. Im absolutely thrilled at what she found out at the end. I will xefinitely recommend to this.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED this story! Stacy Eaton doesn't disappoint with this one! Detective Sergeant MacKenzie McAllister is the lead on a team of police investigators that Drew enters undercover as a young rookie trying to find out who on the team has gone rogue and has turned their back on the shield. What neither of them expects is the instant attraction and connection they both feel while working together. While the investigation heats up so does their passion, but someone wants her to stop and will do what ever it takes, including murder to make that happen. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of Drew and MacKenzie's story!
I was given an ARC for an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Car theft, attempt murder, murder, arson, loss and grieving plus more make Second Shield an intriguing to read!!! The main characters are two bold, problem solving detectives in the Special Investigation Unit. There is immediate undeniable chemistry between them. Drew Bradley is a new officer in the Investigations Unit. He is assigned to work under Detective Sergeant MacKenzie McAllister. Mack, as she is called, has been in the department for nine years. They find themselves in an unpredictable plot with many twists and turns. The writing is captivating, description is vivid and there is plenty of suspense, chills and thrills. An enjoyable romantic suspense. Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.
I really enjoyed this book, written from two POVs it gives you insight into the two lead chatacters.
It is written with enough suspense and romance to keep you turning page after page. Straight off you realise there is more to Drew than we know about him, one the things that kept me reading. Mackenzie (Mack) is a really strong character, she is tough, hard working, fair and has the respect of her team.
The sexual tension and heat between Mack and Drew is palpable with a will they won't they quality.
Great read but the story doesn't end here, there is a cliff hanger and I can't wait for book two.