Off the Grid

Underground #1

by Cassandra Carr

Follow this 10-part serial throughout 2015 featuring Ethan, aka Slapshot, a hockey player whose life is ruined, forcing him to disappear forever. Ethan joins Underground, a black ops organization and is trained as a deadly operative. There, he meets Ciana, a woman with a dark past of her own. As Ethan and his Underground colleagues embark on dangerous missions worldwide, he finds a new purpose in life. But will his former problems come back to haunt him?

Off the Grid...

The seemingly impossible has happened. The unthinkable. Those I trusted most have betrayed me. I’m a hockey player, and gave control of my finances to my parents so I could concentrate on my game. Big mistake. They stole from me, bankrupted me, in fact. And then someone came looking for money I don’t have and I did something terrible that will haunt me forever. After that, I took off with no thought about where I’d go or what I’d do.

But a secret organization found me and offered a new start, a salvation. I would no longer be a hockey player, I wouldn’t even be an actual person. Doing this would require me to go totally off the grid. I’d be a shadow, fighting crime with a group that’s underground, literally. Do I want that life?

If I went back, what kind of life would I have? Probably one in prison orange. The choice to join Underground is painful, but necessary. As my hockey coach always said, though, pain is weakness leaving the body. I will not be powerless ever again.

Genres: Mystery, Amazon

ebook

First published March 11, 2015

About the author

Cassandra Carr is a multi-award winning romance writer. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out online. Cassandra's books have won numerous "Best Book Of" awards and her novella Unexpected Top was nominated in the E-book Erotic Romance category of RT's Reviewers' Choice Awards.

She thinks the best part of being a writer is penning stories about love and sex while most others struggle with commutes, micro-managing bosses and cranky co-workers.

Website http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassand...
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr
Email AuthorCassandraCarr AT gmail.com

Reviews

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan is the perfect hero for this story. I love that he is selfless and upset that he lets his team down by abandoning them. Not that any of it is his fault. He seems to be a great fit for the Under Ground.

I have always appreciated my parents, but let me tell you after reading this story I value them even more. Ethan’s parents are pretty selfish.

Off the Grid is an excellent foundation for the rest of the series. Carr does an exceptional job explaining everything. Her attention to detail is noteworthy.

Off the Grid has a different feel then Cassandra Carr‘s other novels. I’ve enjoyed everything I have read by her, from what I’ve read so far this series is looking to be my new favorite by her.

Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

[R. Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

While this is the first part of a ten part series, I felt like there was much to be desired. We get Ethan established in what happened to make him join the Underground, but that felt like that's all it was. There wasn't really a whole lot to the story.

I think if we'd seen him in action as a hockey player instead of just told about it, it would've helped. It just felt like there was something missing. We were introduced to a lot of new people and shown around the facility, but that about it. While I know there will be many more installments, this one was just lackluster for me.

I would still be interested to see how he adapts to live in the Underground even though this one was just an info overload.

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Off the Grid is the first instalment of a 10 part serial. This is a quick read which jumps straight into action. This fist instalment is setting up the story for our hero, Ethan and when it ended I kind of felt like I'd just watched the first part of a new tv show and gone to a commercial break.

I enjoyed this first instalment. I'm interested to see how Ethan can successfully go from hockey star to black ops.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**

This is part one of a ten part series. It explained Ethan's background and why he went from a well known hockey player to an Underground operative. I was a little bored with it. There is a lot of telling of Ethan's history, but I couldn't get lost in it. Very fast paced, but nothing really happened.

The idea has some promise but I think it lacked in execution. This being the first in the series I'm not writing it off just hoping for more from the next one.

[Angela Goodrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Off the Grid is the first installment in a 10-part serial novel. While I did enjoy reading the novelette it didn’t quite capture my attention as much as I hoped. On the contrary, until Ethan actually goes to the Underground facility and meets some of the other operatives, my attention kept waning. Admittedly I felt bad for the guy when he learned that his parents ripped him off and endangered his life. And yes, the hockey stick as a weapon scene was pretty freaking cool. But his initial meeting with Maline and Andre had me rolling my eyes a couple of times. Maline’s “We fight crime” statement annoyed me considering she’s working for a black ops organization, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt that she knew she was dealing with a man who was likely in shock. As her character’s conversational skills were more advanced once they got to the facility, I was more accepting of it. But the exchange that really, really caused my eyes to roll was when Maline tells Ethan about people being able to fake polygraphs and Ethan’s response was “Seriously?” Even if I’m willing to accept that the MAN has made it to thirty without having watched any criminal justice themed show or movie EVER, Ethan majored in Criminal Justice in college. I minored in Criminal Justice and that’s basic information covered in intro classes (plural). So yeah, that was a problem for me. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a minor sticking point but it undermines the character for me.

The ultimate question regarding any serial novel, especially that of the first installment, is: Did it hook the reader enough so that they will read the next installment. For me, the answer is not really. I will be reading parts two and three of the series simply because I have them already and agreed to review them. Because of this, I’m hoping that as the next two installments are larger and because the series’ foundation has been laid, that more will occur to get me invested in the series. But if I had bought this installment just to read, I doubt I would continue on. And I do not say this because it’s a bad book, but rather it just didn’t do it for me. My recommendation is to download a sample and check it out yourself

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

[Karen Voitik · Rating 3 out of 5]

>Review – Off the Grid -

>I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock. I am an independent reviewer. This is the first part of a ten part serial in the Underground Series.

>Ethan is a professional hockey player who entrusted his professional earnings to his parents. His dad is an accountant, so the decision to save money and use family to manage his earnings only made sense. Ethan soon learns his parents squandered all his earnings and owe some dangerous people a lot of money. When Ethan is forced to defend himself and ends up killing his attacker, he goes on the run.

>So far, the story goes way too fast. I know it is a serial, and therefore just a few chapters long, but more of Ethan's backstory would have been nice. He is in his 30's and accepts just an allowance from his parents each month? He doesn't have to sign off on his own taxes to realize they haven't been done in years? Why would the Underground, a black ops operation want a stupid guy?

>Fact is, the Underground recruits Ethan, offering to reinvent him as "Slapshot" and promising him a lot of good deeds in his future. Ethan does show remorse for just up and disappearing from his old life, including letting his team down. I can see why this decision is his only choice, though. We meet a few other Underground members, but don't get to know them in this part of the story.

>I am not a fan of serials, and the first part can be a lot of tedious set up, so I will give part 2 a chance before I make up my mind on this series.

>This book is recommended for a young adult (14+) audience.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the first three books in the series, Underground by Cassandra Carr has been a complete thrill. I could sit with all ten books and binge read from beginning to end with no problem. Please, just keep the coffee maker going and feed me an occasional chocolate bar and I won’t even stop to sleep!

Cassandra Carr has written a fantastic beginning to this series with Off the Grid, Creating SlapShot and Initiation by Fire. My only complaint…I didn’t get enough!

It didn’t take me any time at all to immerse myself in Ethan’s life and challenges. (And his growing, no pun intended, attraction to Ciana)

I absolutely love the concept of Underground. A secret black-ops group, manned by those that other covert groups might find objectionable. They all seem to have their secrets and I’m hoping they will be revealed as the serial continues.

And Ms. Carr’s choice of dream cast? What a delectable, I can totally visualize them, cast of characters. A combination of strength and truth in each and every one.

Ms. Carr has written very successful missions for this black-ops group thus far and I’m betting you’ll agree once you sit down and catch up on Underground.

I highly recommend the Underground serials Off the Grid, Creating SlapShot and Initiation by Fire. And I give them fifteen (that’s five for each episode) steaming, hot cups of Room With Books coffee.



©April 8, 2015

Patricia, Room With Books

[Fiona Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are quite quick reads as they are stories published as a 10 part serial. This review is for the first 3 parts.

I will be totally honest and say that the story is going a bit too slowly for me, but that comes with it being a serial rather than a straight forward book. As such there is a lot of 'downtime' within the storyline.

The basic story involves Ethan, a hockey player, who finds his life turned upside down due to circumstances beyond his control. He cannot see a way forward and is at a loss as to what to do next. Along comes an organisation which offers him a way out, a way to disappear from the public eye and change his life.

But this offer isn't a simple one. Ethan has to change his life beyond all recognition, learn new skills he would never have dreamed he would need to have before.

I like the way the story is developing but some of it does come across as extremely far fetched to me. The way he is approached initially and he almost just accepts it doesn't seem right, and the language used seems a little too simple to me at times.

However I am curious to see where his story goes from reading the first 3 parts and I will follow it with interest thought the year.

[Breanna Eichhorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan doesn't believe the letter that he got telling him that his parents haven't filed taxes for him in three years. His life is now destroyed and all he has worked for is gone. Ethan left , he had a feeling someone was following him, so he stopped at a rest area and when he came out he saw two people in suits by his car. He gets worried they told him that they weren't there to hurt him, they were there to help him. The introduced themselves as Maline and Andre and that they run a organization called the Underground. Ethan is the hero of this story.
Ethan is in his early 30's, he has a really good slapshot and he is a pro hockey player. Maline is the one who picked Ethan for the Underground, she also runs the Underground. Andre is Russian and he runs the Underground. Danny is the Tech Guy for the Underground. Ciana is 26 years old, a weapons engineer for The Underground.She also has a PHD. Frank is short for Frankenstein. He is really tall and is an operative for The Underground.
This is my first book by Cassandra Carr and it wont be my last. I loved the style of writing. How well the characters were developed. It's a fast read and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

So I'm going to talk about these serials as if they were released in one book, otherwise there would probably be a lot of repetition or extremely short reviews. So I was actually shocked to find I enjoyed the serials part of it. Don't get me wrong, I would love it if it was one book but the serials give the author a unique chance. And they can use it or not. And so I was actually pleasantly surprised to discover that serials weren't all that bad.

Now that I've got that out of the way, I have to say that Ethan and the rest of the Underground group were very likable. Each has their history, and their strengths just as they have weaknesses. While you don't get a whole lot on the Underground group, you do learn a lot about Ethan and he's really down on his luck. Which just makes me cheer for him that much harder.

The plot itself was an interesting concept, and one that kept my attention as Ethan gets more and more involved.

Overall the Underground serials by Cassandra Carr are really good and something that would be good to read if you enjoy serials.

Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly

[Fee (Ebook Addicts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow - Off the Grid is a great start to this serial. It can be hard to get things going and set up when doing a serial, but part one does an excellent job at getting you into the story.

Off the Grid is very apt title for part one. Ethan, a NHL hockey player, discovers that his parents have squandered his fortune, got involved with some bad people and basically have left him to pick up the pieced whilst they are conveniently on "holiday". When some hired goons arrive at his door he panics and whacks one on the head and makes a run for it.

He is picked up shortly later and offered a chance to change his identity and get a clean slate. But it means cutting off all ties to his current life and essentially going off the grid.

This part of the serial really sets you up for the upcoming parts and I really enjoyed this part and the premise of the Underground organisation. Cant wait for part 2!

[Piper Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the Grid is a great start to a suspenseful serial! I don't normally read thrillers, and I've got to say, this book may have converted me. You don't get the whole story, of course, because it's the first episode in a serial (much like the pilot of a TV show), but you get an exciting and satisfying setup to the season. Right off the bat, this guy goes from the life of his dreams to a nightmare and ends up fighting for his life and then abandoning everything he knows. This could have been a very depressing moment if THE UNDERGROUND hadn't shown up to recruit him! Suddenly his life could become something he'd never imagined if he's brave enough to join.

In this episode you get the hero's backstory and motivation, all at a fast, interesting clip. I love how it seems all is lost until the Underground shows up and changes his whole world. The story really reminds me of an origin story of superheroes. It has that same sort of flair. I highly recommend it!

[Evita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the Grid is the first part in a 10 part serial where we are introduced to many of the characters we will be reading about in later installments. The main character is Ethan, a hockey player who has been dealt a very bad hand and by those he trusted unconditionally. By trying to protect himself he does something really bad, so bad that it makes him run from his home and pretty much the life as he knew it.

He is targeted by the Underground, a secret organization that fights crime in many different ways. And his talent is needed but it will require him to go off the grid.

Even though it was a quick read, I never felt lost as to what was happening. It’s a great beginning to this serial, which I can tell will be full of action and suspense.

* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded Off the Grid as a free novella from Amazon. When I finished reading this, my main question was "why did the author release this?" The novella wasn't bad, but there was little point to it. It was as though the author selected a large prologue of a full-size book and made it into a "short story" (the reader would have gotten as much from the Amazon 'Closer Look' sneak peek of the first chapters of a book).

Unfortunately, Off the Grid was more telling than showing, and sped by too quickly (with no answers) for the reader to get any real sense of the characters. The star hockey player is going to drop off the grid and no one will recognize him as he works for a covert organization? Naah, I don't think so. Concept has promise, but this prologue only points out the fact it's been underdeveloped.

[The Color of Ink · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first installment of the underground ten part serial is a quick read introducing you to how Ethan, an ex-hockey player, came to work for Underground. His life comes to a crossroads. With his career over and life imprisonment, or even worse looms overhead he is offered a way out.

With his choice made, Ethan trains and becomes another version of himself, Slapshot. With an interesting story coming into play, I really wanted to fall in love with the character. I’m hoping for a little more connection with Ethan in the next installment.

Even though I felt the story moved a little too slowly, it went by too fast. I would have loved the pace to pick up and for it to be a wee bit longer, even knowing it’s a serial. Overall it is a good read, and I enjoyed it. My curiosity has me wondering how one goes from hockey player to an operative within a covert organization.

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Cassandra Carr has started a brand new book serial called Underground and the first story is Off the Grid. She had me hooked right from the first page with the dialogue and action involving Ethan Jackson. The story was fresh, exciting and suspenseful. I felt so bad for what Ethan was going through and I loved his introduction to the black ops group, Underground and their plans for him to be off the grid. He fit right in with the rest of the other members and I cannot wait to read all the upcoming stories. I believe this author has another winner on her hands with her journey in this new genre.

[Pam Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start to an intriguing series. Ethan, a professional hockey player, has found himself in a position he never imagined he would be in. His mom and dad were in charge of all his finances. Finding out that they squandered and even illegally got into things that has come back to bite Ethan unexpectedly. Two thugs try to collect, causing Ethan to kill one and then fleeing for his life. On the way two people of the Black OPS intercept him, wanting to bring him into their operation. What does he do??? Does he have a choice?? This is an exciting beginning of the Underground Series. Can't wait for the next ones... Great Job Cassandra!

[Leagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off the Grid is the first of a 10 part serial that will be released in 2015.

In this book we meet Ethan. Professional hockey player turned black ops. Without saying too much, Ethan's life is turned upside down when he is betrayed by people he trusts and loves. His hockey career is over and he has to make some pretty huge life decisions.

You can tell from the get go that Ethan is a very strong character. He is caring, compassionate, and not to mention, sexy as hell. Along with Ethan, we get to meet numerous other characters as well. I can tell this is going to be a pretty amazing story and I am excited to get to read more.

[Shannan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all Off The Grid is a perfect title for this book. The main character, Ethan needs to do just that; disappear. He has just found out some terrible news and he ends up in a big mess. He is offered a chance to join the Underground. They will give him a new life and his old life will be gone forever.

This book was a quick read but packed full of information. I really enjoyed the book and am real anxious to get to the next one. I think the author did an outstanding job introducing us to this new series and it looks like it’s going to be amazing.

I give this book 5 ***** all the way around and highly recommend it.

[SiKReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG this book was sooo sad. I could probably make a cliche` country song about Ethan's life. Ethan play professional hockey. Who better to handle his money but his parent, right? Wrong. When he finds out what his parents did, he is crushed. I was so sad for him, my heart hurt too. Then he has to try to save his own life. Then he has to run for his life. Now, he has a choice. Run or join the UG and start a new life.

Like I said this short book is the set up of what got Ethan to UG and to introduce us to the other characters. I am looking forward to finding out what happens to Ethan.

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first segment of the Underground serial introduces us to Ethan, a hockey player whose life has been turned upside down through no fault of his own. It has an espionage feel to it ( a favourite genre of mine) and gives a bit of background of some of the major characters who will feature in the story. I liked the pacing and the plot idea is unique. No romance to speak of yet but I'm sure it's coming! A solid start - 4 stars.

[N. Kuhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This feels like it's the start of a fantastic new series.
Ethan, Mr. Superstar Hockey Player, finds out his parents lost all of his money, and then it goes downhill from there. The cast of characters you meet here are phenomenal. You can tell the author really did their research on the information they used in here. It's a well written intro story that is going to bring about an amazing action series.

[Jeff Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read the first four "Underground" books back-to-back and very much enjoyed the story of former hockey player Ethan joining up with a covert "security" firm, going through his training and eventually out into the field on missions. I hope there are more adventures to come!

More detailed review to follow....

[Jodi Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this book is phenomenal. It gets you to thinking if you were in a similar situation, what would you do. I can not wait to read all of this series, because I know they will only get better, if that is possible. Cassandra Carr does not do anything halfway. If you are looking for a good read, make sure to 1 click it or add it to your TBR. You will not be disappointed.

[Paige Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the first installment of Off the Grid. The main character, Ethan, has just received some very troubling news regarding his family. He must decide if he should stay in the world has he knows it or if he should submit to the UnderGround.
The author does a good job drawing the reader into his world.
I can't wait to see how Cassandra turns this hockey player into 007

[Logan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amazon Freebie. It was okay. Oddly it felt very cheesie and like a YA book, even though judging by the language it is meant to be more of an adult book. A hockey player's parents steal all his money and shady creditors come calling. He goes on the run only to be recruited by a special forces team because of his unique skills. Very short and cheesie.

[Brenda Demko · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book of a ten part serial. It was good but a little dull.

Off The Grid was aptly named because that's what it is about. Ethan a popular hockey player hits a rough place in life and is given the chance to disappear and start over with a group called Underground.

It was a promising set up for the other books.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting start to the series. It was a bit slow going at times but this part is building the backstory for why Ethan is joining this super secret group.


I really like Ethan. I think he's going to make a great hero in these books.


I can see this becoming a really great series with lots of great characters.

[Beregond · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short origin story

How the central character in a series got involved. An easy read. Not deep, but by the same token it doesn't demand much of you. None of the editing mistakes that can break you out of it story. Perfect mental chewing gum for when you want to read but aren't at your best.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different

Good story line and good description of everything can't wait to get the next book. Can't wait to see what happens