What do you think?
Rate this book
Underground #2
Creating Slapshot
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?
Creating Slapshot:
I’ve left my old life behind and officially joined Underground. It appears no one knows where I am or even if I’m still alive. I don’t know how I feel about that. My friends thinking I’m dead leaves a hole in my heart, but I’ll drive myself crazy if I obsess about it. So rather than allowing myself to wallow in self-pity or anger about what’s happened, I’m throwing all my energy into training. You would think that whole “elite athlete” thing would make everything easier, but all these new techniques I need to master—hand-to-hand combat, weapons training, surveillance procedures—are kicking my ass.
For my whole life, I’ve only had one identity. Ethan, hockey player. Now that sense of self is gone forever, slowly being replaced by my new identity, Slapshot. Surreal doesn’t even begin to describe this transformation. But the more I find out about the world around me, the problems I ignored for the most part as I played a game for an obscene amount of money, the more I want to make a difference. This is not a game. It’s real life, and I have the chance to be a hero. It’s going to take everything I have—or have left, to do it.
Creating Slapshot:
I’ve left my old life behind and officially joined Underground. It appears no one knows where I am or even if I’m still alive. I don’t know how I feel about that. My friends thinking I’m dead leaves a hole in my heart, but I’ll drive myself crazy if I obsess about it. So rather than allowing myself to wallow in self-pity or anger about what’s happened, I’m throwing all my energy into training. You would think that whole “elite athlete” thing would make everything easier, but all these new techniques I need to master—hand-to-hand combat, weapons training, surveillance procedures—are kicking my ass.
For my whole life, I’ve only had one identity. Ethan, hockey player. Now that sense of self is gone forever, slowly being replaced by my new identity, Slapshot. Surreal doesn’t even begin to describe this transformation. But the more I find out about the world around me, the problems I ignored for the most part as I played a game for an obscene amount of money, the more I want to make a difference. This is not a game. It’s real life, and I have the chance to be a hero. It’s going to take everything I have—or have left, to do it.
ebook
First published February 24, 2015
1 person is currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Carr
72 books444 followersCassandra 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 11, 2015
3 Stars
This is the second part of the 10 part series and to me it was a lot like the first.... a big info dump. We follow as Ethan starts his training and to me it was just way too slow with way too much information at one point. The best part of the entire thing was when he sits down with Helen and Ciana. We get to see him react and interact rather than being taught how to shot a gun or do other not so interesting things. While I understand the need for showing how much training he is going through, it is really hard to get through when I'd rather get to action or learning more about the characters.
As excited as I was about this series, I'm quickly losing interest since it is very very slow going to get to anything exciting.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the second part of the 10 part series and to me it was a lot like the first.... a big info dump. We follow as Ethan starts his training and to me it was just way too slow with way too much information at one point. The best part of the entire thing was when he sits down with Helen and Ciana. We get to see him react and interact rather than being taught how to shot a gun or do other not so interesting things. While I understand the need for showing how much training he is going through, it is really hard to get through when I'd rather get to action or learning more about the characters.
As excited as I was about this series, I'm quickly losing interest since it is very very slow going to get to anything exciting.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
April 18, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
We learn more about Ethan and his weapons training. Again to me it was more information thrown at me than a story I could get lost in. I did enjoy the interaction with Ciana, but that was so minimal in the overall read.
I felt it needed more action or more feeling. I can see the potential with Ciana but again nothing happened. I had high hopes for this one to pull me into the series but I don't think that is going to happen.
We learn more about Ethan and his weapons training. Again to me it was more information thrown at me than a story I could get lost in. I did enjoy the interaction with Ciana, but that was so minimal in the overall read.
I felt it needed more action or more feeling. I can see the potential with Ciana but again nothing happened. I had high hopes for this one to pull me into the series but I don't think that is going to happen.
March 18, 2015
Part 2 of a 10 part serial
Gets better every time!
In this part of the serial, Slapshot aka Ethan ex hockey player turned black ops, is born. He is struggling with everything but is catching on to the training quickly. His teammates are understanding and compassionate and you can tell there are going to be some pretty strong bonds formed.
I love how we get more banter between the characters as we get to know them and we learn some of there histories. We get a little more of Ciana, our leading lady and we get to hear her story. I think she is going to be a very interesting character and I can't wait to get to know her better.
Can't wait for part #3!
Gets better every time!
In this part of the serial, Slapshot aka Ethan ex hockey player turned black ops, is born. He is struggling with everything but is catching on to the training quickly. His teammates are understanding and compassionate and you can tell there are going to be some pretty strong bonds formed.
I love how we get more banter between the characters as we get to know them and we learn some of there histories. We get a little more of Ciana, our leading lady and we get to hear her story. I think she is going to be a very interesting character and I can't wait to get to know her better.
Can't wait for part #3!
April 7, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
We join Ethan has he starts training with the Underground and tries to settle into his new life. We get to meet a supporting cast of interesting characters including, Ciana, the weapons expert, who is presumably going to be Ethan's love interest. We are only given one tiny spark between Ethan and Ciana but I'm looking forward to seeking where they spark will take them.
Anther good instalment.
We join Ethan has he starts training with the Underground and tries to settle into his new life. We get to meet a supporting cast of interesting characters including, Ciana, the weapons expert, who is presumably going to be Ethan's love interest. We are only given one tiny spark between Ethan and Ciana but I'm looking forward to seeking where they spark will take them.
Anther good instalment.
May 3, 2015
While I enjoyed Creating Slapshot more than I enjoyed Off the Grid, I’m still not hooked on the series. Ultimately a geek at heart, I found the information that was disseminated via Ethan’s training quite interesting. Although I wasn’t surprised that he did well in the testing for skills that relied on hand-eye coordination, I was fascinated by the fact that he scored so much better than everyone else – yet he still questioned his ability to eventually contribute to the team. I really should give the guy a break as he is trying to find his way in a new life after having his old life ripped away from him so brutally, but his lack of confidence doesn’t ring true from someone who is a professional athlete who has helped his team win the Cup… twice. I do like that Ethan is not afraid to ask questions and has been encouraged by everyone so far to do so. And the way that the various team members have relayed their personal stories has helped fill in more of the blanks regarding the team and certainly helped make this installment more interesting as well. That said, I believe that parts one and two would have been more effective had they been combined into a single novella rather than two novelettes. I will be starting Initiation by Fire tomorrow and can only hope that it lives up to its name and finally brings the level of action and adventure that I was expecting. A good dose of romance would not be amiss either.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
April 12, 2015
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
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
December 31, 2015
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.
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.
April 25, 2015
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
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
March 3, 2015
My heart went out to Ethan. He struggles emotionally in this episode dealing with the loss of his previous life and taking in his new one. His feeling were understandable and believable.
My undergraduate degree is in industrial design so a really appreciate Cinia. She is sort of a female version of James Bond’s Q. She is really smart and creative. I respect her reason for joining the Underground. I wouldn’t mind seeing her in Ethan hook up – hint hint Cassandra.
I love the depth and layers in the story.
The Underground series would make an excellent television series. It sort of reminds me of the Alias, created by J. J. Abrams, and broadcasted on ABC for five seasons, from September 30, 2001, to May 22, 2006. I also think it would make a fun video game. (I think I’ve been watching my son play too much Xbox)
Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
My undergraduate degree is in industrial design so a really appreciate Cinia. She is sort of a female version of James Bond’s Q. She is really smart and creative. I respect her reason for joining the Underground. I wouldn’t mind seeing her in Ethan hook up – hint hint Cassandra.
I love the depth and layers in the story.
The Underground series would make an excellent television series. It sort of reminds me of the Alias, created by J. J. Abrams, and broadcasted on ABC for five seasons, from September 30, 2001, to May 22, 2006. I also think it would make a fun video game. (I think I’ve been watching my son play too much Xbox)
Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2015
Ethan watched his former Hockey team loose to Boston. He was picked up by the clean up crew to go to the Underground. He is working on becoming Slapshot. Frank is going to help him work on his hand to hand combat. Andre took him to the gun range and tells Slapshot his story. Maline and Andre decided that The Underground would all live together, so someone is always around to support you.
Ethan is a former professional Hockey player. Working for the Underground. Ciana is the one who makes the weapons. Maline runs the Underground. Andre is Russian, in his fifties and he runs the Underground. Frank works on training Ethan. Danny is the Tech guy.
This is a great continuation of the first book.This is the second book in the Underground series. I truly am loving this series. I cant wait to read the next book. The style of writing was amazing, the characters were very well developed. I loved that I was hooked from the first page.
Ethan is a former professional Hockey player. Working for the Underground. Ciana is the one who makes the weapons. Maline runs the Underground. Andre is Russian, in his fifties and he runs the Underground. Frank works on training Ethan. Danny is the Tech guy.
This is a great continuation of the first book.This is the second book in the Underground series. I truly am loving this series. I cant wait to read the next book. The style of writing was amazing, the characters were very well developed. I loved that I was hooked from the first page.
April 5, 2015
I really like the way this book picked up exactly where the first one left off. This was a real interesting read, in a really good way.
Ethan aka Slapshot starts his training for The Underground and we get to know the other characters as well. My heart really went out to Ethan in this book. He is struggling so bad with what happened to him and having to leave his old life. The author did a great job pulling me into this story. It is very detailed and it was nice to get to know some of the other characters stories of the reasons why they are part of The Underground.
I am anxious to start book 3, which I have right here waiting for me. This is a wonderful series so far and I’m really glad I am reading it.
I give this book 5 ***** stars all the way around and highly recommend it.
Ethan aka Slapshot starts his training for The Underground and we get to know the other characters as well. My heart really went out to Ethan in this book. He is struggling so bad with what happened to him and having to leave his old life. The author did a great job pulling me into this story. It is very detailed and it was nice to get to know some of the other characters stories of the reasons why they are part of The Underground.
I am anxious to start book 3, which I have right here waiting for me. This is a wonderful series so far and I’m really glad I am reading it.
I give this book 5 ***** stars all the way around and highly recommend it.
April 12, 2015
In this second book, we continue the story of hockey player turned Underground agent. He has made his decision to join up and now it is time to train. I still felt really bad for Ethan. He still hasn't come to terms with what his parents did, and the fact that he had to defend himself that last day at his house. I especially feel bad for the team left behind. I hope they get closure in some way.
Luckily, Ethan find himself the asset Maline and Andre thought himself to be. Like any man there is one question he needed to have answered. Can I have sex with other operatives. I had to laugh at that. I did see that part coming. Ethan is quite the flirt. Ciana and him have a chemistry starting. I am routing for them.
Luckily, Ethan find himself the asset Maline and Andre thought himself to be. Like any man there is one question he needed to have answered. Can I have sex with other operatives. I had to laugh at that. I did see that part coming. Ethan is quite the flirt. Ciana and him have a chemistry starting. I am routing for them.
April 20, 2015
This one was a bit slower for me, because it focused mainly on Ethan's training.
He takes up the offer to go Underground and starts intense training to see what he is good at. It was heavy going in that respect but informative at the same time. It did, however, make for slower reading for me though.
Ethan is also struggling to come to terms with the fact that the guy he whacked on the head is dead and find it hard to talk about it to the others. We are slowly getting the other characters in this series, back story as to why they have gone underground and that is what is making part 2 redeem itself.
Slow burner but I am still loving it so far
He takes up the offer to go Underground and starts intense training to see what he is good at. It was heavy going in that respect but informative at the same time. It did, however, make for slower reading for me though.
Ethan is also struggling to come to terms with the fact that the guy he whacked on the head is dead and find it hard to talk about it to the others. We are slowly getting the other characters in this series, back story as to why they have gone underground and that is what is making part 2 redeem itself.
Slow burner but I am still loving it so far
April 17, 2015
The second installment picks right up where the first left off. Ethan begins training and you meet more of the underground team. Creating Slapshot picks up the pace a little and everything begins to flow better.
While Ethan learns more about underground and what everyone can do and what is expected, he struggles a little with the loss of the life he is leaving behind. The conversation between characters really helps get to know them and helps the story take off.
I’m starting to get into the story now, and I’m looking forward to the next installment. I received a copy for an honest review.
While Ethan learns more about underground and what everyone can do and what is expected, he struggles a little with the loss of the life he is leaving behind. The conversation between characters really helps get to know them and helps the story take off.
I’m starting to get into the story now, and I’m looking forward to the next installment. I received a copy for an honest review.
April 21, 2015
This one picks up right where the first one left off. The title is very fitting for this part because this one is mostly Ethan training and learning different techniques that he'll need to know to be part of the team. The author really did her research for this. It was really intriguing learning all of this info.
Ethan is also really struggling with coming to terms with what's happened to him. I really felt for him. It can't be easy going from a normal life of playing hockey to being betrayed by your parents and on the run.
I cant wait for Ethan to get some more action and go on some missions.
April 15, 2015
Another great installment in Cassandra Carr's new Underground book serial. I enjoyed reading Creating Slapshot where we see Ethan begin his training as an operative using weapons and learning to go on a stakeout. The author is doing a good job developing this character as he slowly becomes Slapshot and learn to leave his former life as a hockey player. I like Ethan's interaction with all of the other characters in this story especially Ciana who is a master at creating unique weapons for the team to use on missions. I'm looking forward to seeing him in action in the next book.
April 13, 2015
The suspense of this second book of the Underground Series is only rising. As Ethan is continued to be trained for a mission, he continues to struggle with what recently has happened to him to bring him here to the Underground, but he also realizes they all have a past that has brought them all together. Maline and Andre, the leaders of the team, have been meeting with a contact at the DEA, but at this point unwilling to let the team know any details. So, the wait goes on as well as the training. The plot begins to thicken knowing a mission could be any time.
March 18, 2015
*I received this book free in exchange for an honest review*
As the story progresses, we see Ethan struggle with his new life, his old life and everything he has to learn. This story has so many details and well thought out info, you can see the time that was put into this story.
"Look, Ethan, you only have one opponent right now, and that's yourself."
This is a great fun series, short reads, they are not stand alone, but so worth reading!
As the story progresses, we see Ethan struggle with his new life, his old life and everything he has to learn. This story has so many details and well thought out info, you can see the time that was put into this story.
"Look, Ethan, you only have one opponent right now, and that's yourself."
This is a great fun series, short reads, they are not stand alone, but so worth reading!
May 3, 2015
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....
More detailed review to follow....
March 21, 2015
I liked how the author picks up Ethan, Slapshot's, story. I liked meeting more of the UnderGround team and his interaction with them.
He's been given a little taste of what is to be expected by him and what he can expect of his new team.
Looking forward to book 3.
I was given a copy of of the book for an honest review.
He's been given a little taste of what is to be expected by him and what he can expect of his new team.
Looking forward to book 3.
I was given a copy of of the book for an honest review.
April 13, 2015
This is the second book in a ten part serial. It should be read after Off The Grid which is the first book.
This one picks up where the first left off. Creating Slapshot is aptly named. Slapshot is Ethan's new name and this book entails his training and doubts about what he left behind....
It is quick and more informative and action packed then the first book was.
This one picks up where the first left off. Creating Slapshot is aptly named. Slapshot is Ethan's new name and this book entails his training and doubts about what he left behind....
It is quick and more informative and action packed then the first book was.
April 8, 2015
I can not get enough of this series. The more I read about Ethan, the more I want to know. I can see why he would be struggling the way he is now, but the way I see it he has a good Underground Family now. Can't wait to see how things go with Ethan as this series goes on.
May 12, 2015
I enjoyed this book because it gives more background in the Underground . It also gives you a more vivid picture of what Ethan is going through, as well as some other characters.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews