Explosive Alliance

First Responders #2

by Susan Sleeman

RACE AGAINST TIME 

The last thing Krista Curry expected to find in a soccer stadium was a time bomb. When she alerts explosives expert Cash Dixon, she becomes a local hero. But the attention could expose her real name-and the infamous past she fought to escape. Cash promises Krista protection from the bomber's retaliation. Yet she hesitates to trust him as she sees his suspicion about her grow with every question she dodges. She can't expect Cash to continue to safeguard her unless she tells him the truth. Now Cash must decide if she's an innocent woman or guilty accomplice. But the clock is ticking down-and the real bomber is still on the loose… 

First Brave men and women alert and ready for danger and love.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Mystery, Love Inspired Suspense, Love Inspired

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

SUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over sixty romantic suspense and mystery novels with more than two million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.

In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons

Reviews

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

This was my first book by Ms. Sleeman, and it won't be the last! I really enjoyed this romantic suspense, it kept me glued to the pages wondering how everything was going to work out. It's part of a series, but thought it stood well on its own. I liked the characters and thought it had a fun plot. I was in the mood for a fun suspense and this hit the spot.

Would recommend to fans of Traci Hunter Abramson or Julie Coulter Bellon.

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Religious: Mild-Moderate
Series: First Responders, Book Two - can standalone

Source: Netgalley

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

by Andrea Renee Cox

When I first heard about the First Responders series, I had just won a copy of the first book. The premise for it and the entire series sounded like something I would really enjoy. I was disappointed that the first book was a lot slower paced than other suspense books I'd read. That made me hesitant to continue the series, but the idea of this elite tactical team coming together to make a difference in the world continued to intrigue me, so I have slowly been collecting them. That way I could read the rest of the series pretty much back to back to back.

I am disappointed no longer.

Explosive Alliance was a huge improvement on the pacing, and I absolutely got the suspense vibe. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. Susan Sleeman improved her approach and pacing, and boy, did she ever deliver some surprises! I'm quite impressed at the transformation and am now really eager to begin book three. I can't wait to see the rest of the FRS team members' stories.

In Explosive Alliance, I really enjoyed the relationship between Krista and her grandfather, Otto. It was such a sweet connection, and the devotion and courage that came from it were really beautiful. My mind's whirling with this amazing story, so I'm not really sure what else to say about it right now, other than how awesome it was. Honestly, just get this series and binge-read it. It's looking like it's going to be worth it.

This is my honest review.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Krista Curry is at a soccer match with her beloved grandfather when she spots something unusual. She sees a man walking away from a backpack not far from where they are sitting, and he doesn’t come back to retrieve it. Trusting her instincts, she approaches Deputy Cash Dixon, who happens to be working security at the game. It’s fortunate that Cash is there because, in addition to being a deputy, he is a bomb expert and a member of the First Response Squad.

Krista fears the backpack might contain a bomb, and she is exactly right. Cash is able to safely deactivate the explosive, saving countless lives. While Krista and her grandfather escape unharmed, the media quickly hails her as a hero for alerting authorities. Unfortunately, the publicity also threatens to expose secrets from Krista’s past that she has worked hard to keep hidden.

At the same time, someone begins making attempts on Krista’s life. Earlier at the stadium, she had briefly spoken to the man who left the backpack, and she believes he may have been the bomber. After seeing her featured in the news, he may fear that she can identify him. With danger closing in, Cash is assigned to protect Krista. As they work together to stay one step ahead of the bomber, trust and friendship begin to blossom into something more. Through it all, Cash remains determined to keep Krista safe while eliminating every threat that comes their way.

This audiobook was an incredibly tense listen. The suspense never lets up as the bomber relentlessly pursues Krista, who struggles to believe she deserves a second chance because of mistakes from her past. Even so, her faith provides her with a sense of peace and strength that carries her through the darkest moments.

I read the first book in this series and quickly fell in love with the members of the First Response Squad. I definitely want to continue reading the series so I can experience each of their stories. Listening to Explosive Alliance as an audiobook made an already engaging story even more enjoyable, thanks to the strong narration that brought the suspense and emotion to life.

Many thanks to HarperCollins and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret that I love Susan's books! Her romantic suspense books just get better and better and this book proves it! It's the second book in her First Responders series. I really like the characters in this series. This time we get to know Cash Dixon, who is the explosives expert. He is doing security duty at a professional soccer game in Portland when a woman, Krista, comes up to him telling him that there's a bomb in the row of seats where she is sitting! From there, the story begins! What I liked about this book is that both characters were very believable and so was the storyline! Krista's backstory includes several brushes with the law, even though she never committed any crimes herself. She has been trying to "outrun" her past for a long time. Now, along with finding the bomb, she is once again, a suspect in a case....just as she has been before in other cases! This time, Krista is not running. Krista lives with her grandfather and their relationship is awesome. They are going to fight this together and Cash is going to protect them against the bomber who is threatening them! The story is fast paced and real and keeps you turning those pages until the very last page!
If you would like to be updated about the First Responders series, here is the link http://www.susansleeman.com/books/fir...
I received this book from the author for an honest review.

[Anna Hurtt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explosive Alliance is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. I really enjoyed this inspirational romantic suspense story.

Cash and Krista are great characters, flawed yet lovable. I really enjoyed Opa and Krista's relationship. It brought a sweetness to the suspense. I also liked the family atmosphere of the First Responders Team. I can see how all of them will have unique stories to tell. (And can’t wait!)

I loved the twist at the end that answered all of the questions. I won't say any more, but the end is worth it! :)

I'm giving this great read 4 stars. Looking forward to the next installment!

(I received an e-copy of this book from Harlequin and Netgalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review, which I have given.)

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explosive Alliance was a fantastic read! I haven't read the first book in this series yet, but I don't think that impacted my enjoyment at all.

I loved the characters, found the suspense very good, and liked how not everything was as it seemed.

All in all, great story and I recommend it!

*I received a complimentary eBook copy via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent Love Inspired Suspense novel from Susan Sleeman! Explosive Alliance is an edge-of-your-seat read with plenty of twists. I'm reading this series out of order but each title is standalone, which helps a lot. Great book! Can't wait to read more of them!

[Teri-K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical tropes - man haunted by military fiasco, woman with mysterious past now caught up in investigation, she looks guilty because of her secret, they're drawn together but know the other is hiding something... the thing is, this book works for me despite those obvious tropes. Is it because of the heroine's relationship with her grandfather? Solid writing that never descends to clichés? I'm not sure, but I really enjoyed reading this book and cruised through it, though I have a number of good books going right now. There's a special pleasure in picking up a new author, hoping for a particular kid of story, and getting it - well executed and entertaining all the way. If it faltered a bit it was at the end, when convention requires all the threads to be tied up a bit too neatly for my own taste.

I also liked that the Christian message is "Living a trouble-free life is impossible... It is finding peace in trouble that you should be striving for." Instead of that fake message that if you're saved everything in your life will be perfect which so many books try to sell me.

I'll definitely try another by this author.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say ins WOW!!! I thought Silent Night Standoff, book one of the new series, First Responders was great. But this 2nd audiobook is even better! There is suspense, intrigue, romance and questions about faith. This last one is not brought up in a preachy way, but rather makes you think about your own beliefs and values.The main characters, Krista , a pre-school teacher, with a mysterious past, and Cash, an explosives expert, make a great couple. The secondary characters are well developed and I can't wait to find out who will be featured in the next book. Will it be Brady, Jake ... Be sure not to miss this one!
The narrator, Whitney Dykhouse brings to the story to life.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book! From the first word, Murderer, the story just drew me in and I couldn't wait to find out what had happened in the past and what Krista and Cash would do next. It had plenty of danger and plot twists that kept me guessing. The story was well-paced, with enough action to keep the story moving while the characters also had a chance to develop and tell the stories of their pasts.

Plot: Krista Curry and her Opa (grandfather) are attending a soccer game when Krista stumbles across a bomb. Fortunately for her and the rest of the crowd, First Response Squad bomb tech Cash Dixon is there and able to save the day. Unfortunately, Krista is the only one who can identify the bomber and now Cash and the FRS need to keep her safe. Despite the wariness of the rest of the FRS, Cash is drawn to Krista, who's clearly hiding something. In order to keep her safe, he needs to earn her trust and find out the whole story.

Characters: I liked Krista immediately because of her close relationship with Opa. She clearly would do anything for him. Opa, AKA Otto, is such a fun character. He may not be a young man anymore, but he's still feisty and he wants the best for his granddaughter, which he might think means Cash Dixon. Part southern charm and part likeable hero, Cash may be my favorite member of the FRS.

Recommendation: While Explosive Alliance is the second book in the First Responders series, it can be read as a stand-alone. This series reminds me of Dee Henderson's O'Malleys series because the members of the FRS all act like a family and they have similar and dangerous occupations. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of romantic suspense.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this First Responders series by Susan Sleeman! The team feels like a family, and each character has his/her own personality and area of expertise. After so enjoying book one – Silent Night Standoff – I was eager to read Explosive Alliance and catch up with the First Response team once again.

In my review for Silent Night Standoff, I said, “This book takes off at a full-fledged sprint right out of the gate and doesn’t slow down until the epilogue!” The same can be said for Explosive Alliance. Get ready for high-stakes action that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you race against time right along with the First Response team. The plot is anything but predictable – lots to keep you guessing right up until all is revealed.

Let’s talk about Cash Dixon for a moment, shall we? Explosives expert… flirt… southern drawl. From that first instant when he grins across the room at Krista, he had my vote. I don’t know what we were voting on, necessarily, but his name would have been marked, starred, circled, and highlighted on my ballot. Probably with a tween-ish heart over the “i” in Dixon too. And really, it’s a good thing he specializes in explosives because the chemistry between Cash and Krista is pretty powerful. Lots of electricity sizzling in the air whenever they share the page.

Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of Irene Hannon and Lynette Eason, then you need to be reading Susan Sleeman’s books as well. Top-notch suspense, well-developed characters, and breath-stealing romance all wrapped up in a quick read that maintains the quality of a longer-length novel.

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive Alliance is part of the First Responder series and opens with a bang. Krista finds a bomb while at a soccer game with her grandfather. She tells one of the security people at the game not knowing that Cash is an explosives expert. She becomes a local hero which puts her in danger from the bomber and from her past life.

Cash tries to protector her while realizing she is hiding something. His team considers her a possible suspect until she is cleared.

The author creates a unique background for Krista that I found unusual but also refreshing. The book is packed with interesting and entertaining secondary characters. You will love her grandfather; he is such a cutie and full of spunk. Cash’s First Responder team members are also interesting and each bring a special talent to the situation and story.
I had not read the other books in the first responder series. I felt Explosive Alliance stands on its own. However it will make you want to read the other books after meeting the other First Responder team members.

You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krista is at the ball stadium spending some quality time with her grandpa. But when a man leaves a backpack in the stands and refuses to go back and get it, she investigates. It's a bomb. She rushes back to alert Officer Dixon, the officer she saw a few minutes earlier. What happens next is unbelievable. Break-ins, kidnapping, and more bombs are just a few of the things now intruding into Krista's life. Her previous experience tells her that she can't trust law enforcement. But Cash Dixon and his team seem to be the exception.

The story definitely starts off with a bang (pun intended). And the suspense and drama don't let up. The relationship between Krista and her grandfather is sweet and balances out the tension in the rest of the plot. The characters are likable and give another glimpse into the family relationship the whole team has. I won't give any spoilers, but I like how the two different aspects of the investigation played together and ended out the story. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a part of her First Responders series. Cash Dixon is an explosives expert. When a young woman names Krista Curry finds a bomb in a stadium, he is able to disarm it. However, she got a good look at the bomber' s face and now it appears he's come after her, hoping to silence her before she can identify him. Cash insists on protecting her and her grandfather, although it's clear she's hiding something. Was she involved in the bombing attempt? He doesn't want to believe it and defends her to his team but when they find a detonator in her house it doesn't look good. Even so, Cash can't help but feel she's being set up so why can't she just come clean with him? Krista feels an attraction to Cash but she has secrets she's terrified of revealing. They obviously believe she's connected to the bomber but what will they say when they find out she's suspected of killing her husband? Good suspense with some nice twists and turns to keep you trying to figure things out. A thoroughly entertaining read. Definitely recommend.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has lots of action and suspense which is what I love about the Love Inspired Suspense line. I did not guess that there were 2 people pursuing Krista (the main character). Once the FRS Team caught the first suspect I thought that they had found the enemy. Little did I know that there was a 2nd enemy until the team interviewed the caught suspect. The team also didn't know there was a 2nd person pursuing Krista. That person had kidnapped her grandpa and was holding him hostage, he was also the person who murdered her husband. Krista just knew she didn't kill him but didn't know who did nor why. She thought her husband was guilty all along of scamming his clients but low and behold once the 2nd enemy confronted Krista in her home the whole truth came out. If you like lots of action/suspense/mystery you will love this book as much as I did!

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Sleeman is an excellent Christian suspense writer. When I read my first Susan Sleeman book, I knew I wanted to read more. I have a lot of reading to do! Her characters are believable and her plots are as well. The characters are also well developed with real problems and they find real answers to those problems.
I'm off to read another one!

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. Krista has a past that doesn't put law enforcement in a good light, at least when it comes to her. She gets a good look at a bomber while she and her grandfather are at a game and just happens to be the only one who can identify him. That means, there are police in her life whether or not she wants them. Cash is determined to protect Krista regardless of what she is hiding, but he hopes she will trust him enough to share before it is too late.
Krista is a good lady. Her distrust of law enforcement was understandable since she was put through the ringer by the investigators of her husband's death. Cash is an explosives expert who has his own past, but is going to keep her safe. He also wants to understand why she is so closed off when it comes to the officers. I liked that she was 'street wise' and her past made the whole thing work. Cash was just a genuinely good guy. I loved the whole team and how protective they were of each other. Krista's grandfather was probably my favorite character in the whole book. He made me smile, had wise words and just wanted what was best for his Krista.
It was a 4/5 for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Explosive Alliance was passed to me by a friend who said it was alright. Normally I like the Love Inspired Suspense stories since they are a fast read with a fun mystery. Sadly this was the weakest of the few I have read over the years.

Krista just wants to forget everything bad that happened and having spend four years away from her beloved Opa who is fighting cancer. Hoping changing her name will be enough Krista decides to return home. While at a sporting event with her Opa Krista notices that a man in a hoodie leaves behind a backpack. Fear fills her when she finds a bomb inside. With the bomber knowing who Krista is she has to look over her shoulder constantly to make sure she will not be the next victim.

The story was just okay, I was able to put the book down which has not happened with others in this genre before. I did not figure out the mystery but I also feel like no evidence was really given to let you figure out the mystery which was a let down. It is a fast read though and kept me occupied for a couple hours.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ‘First Responders’ series is what made Susan Sleeman a must read author for me and I’ve followed her faithfully (mostly) ever since. It’s a four part series but somehow I missed the second book ten years ago so was thrilled to discover this audio ‘retro’ edition available this month. It is narrated by the incomparable Whitney Dykhouse who has become the voice of most, if not all, of Susan Sleeman’s novels. Love the way she portrays the tension and action in a suspense. And she’s excellent at creating distinctive voices for each character which keeps me engaged in an already compelling story.

‘Explosive Alliance’ is all breath-snatching action, taut suspense and wary distrust on both sides, making Cash and Krista’s love story absolutely bingeworthy. From their hair-raising meet-cute to the complicated give and take of a relationship forged in the midst of chaos, Sleeman delivers everything I love to find in a romantic suspense.

My thanks to HarperCollins, Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krista Curry is attending a soccer game with her grandfather, and the last thing she expects to stumble upon is a bomb. Explosives expert Cash Dixon comes to the rescue, but there are still a lot of questions. Krista has secrets of her own, but her dodging of questions is making her look more and more suspicious. Can they find the true bomber before time runs out?

An action packed read, with a compelling plot and plenty of tension. I liked Krista's close relationship with her grandfather, and how he talks openly about his faith. I liked how they worked together well, and that they bonded over their faith.

Overall, an action packed read, full of suspense. There's a lot going on, and I liked how it kept you guessing. There are strong themes of faith, and forgiveness, and I liked how Krista stayed calm in a crazy situation. A highly engaging and enjoyable read, definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Maureen Penn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second instalment of the First Responders series following an elite tactical team that comes together to make a difference in the world. This series focuses on different members of the team with this story focusing on Krista who has trouble trusting others and Cash the explosives expert tasked with keeping her safe. The characters are believable and showcases what happens when people try to run from their pasts. The story is fast paced and keeps you turning those pages until the very end.

This is my personal review after listening to the ARC audiobook from HarperCollins through NetGalley.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explosive Alliance offers a heroine with a complex past and places her in a dangerous, complex situation. Krista is a woman who can't trust men and especially law enforcement. Cash is bomb expert who needs Krista to trust him with the details about a bombing attempt. Krista's past is catching up to her on several fronts, but which one is the bomber? Great action, edge of your seat suspense, with splashes of faith, romance, and a great character community to keep the story cozy. This is another good series by Susan Sleeman!

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I’m going to look for more books by Susan. The book starts out with Krista, and her grandpa sitting in the stands watching a game. Krista notices that some guy left his bookbag. She ran after him, but he refused to go back for it. She waited 5 minutes before she opened it up. It had a bomb in it. She didn’t want to cause panic, so she went and got officer Cash Dixon. Before he could look at it, another person found it, and yelled BOMB. As you can imagine, it caused pandemonium.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Loved the action, suspense, and romance.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting read with twists and turns. Krista has a lot of secrets and is running with her Opa to avoid trouble, but trouble seems to follow. Some of the story was perhaps a bit over-dramatized, but it kept my interest. Having met Skyler (& Logan) in the first book, I'd like to know more about the other first responders; looking forward to the next book in the series. A clean romantic suspense interwove with faith. I highly recommend.

[Saraya K Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe it!

I don't know about you, but I rarely get to read a book from cover to cover. This book is a great addition to the first book. I did not want to put it down. There were a couple of places that the editing could have been better. I think this is a good series and would recommend it.

[Mary Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot of this book is interesting as Krista and Cash try to find the person who has been targeting Krista after she discovered a bomb and notified the police. Thee are lots of twists and turns as the story unfolds; and, unfortunately, Krista is hiding information about herself that will make her character questionable. I enjoyed trying to decide who the bomber was.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can be read as a standalone but may have characters that overlap with other books.
FMC disappeared to escape the backlash from the events surrounding the death of her husband. Now she's in the middle of another investigation scared her past will catch up with her.
False identity
Opposites attract
Spunky grandpa
Traumatic past
He falls first
Determined unsub

[Cathy Beckett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually a 3.5 rating. The premise was interesting and the characters were fun. In this second installment to the First Responder series we have a good story that is fast-paced. It did have a tendency toward being preachy, which is what kept the book from getting a 4 out of 5 star rating.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

This book was absolutely great. I can't imagine being somewhere like that and finding a bomb. I'd like to think I could be that calm but I doubt it. Definitely recommend reading this.

[Nancy Gunn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trite

This was a book with invisible people...I could not see them as they were poorly described. The characters were confused and unstable. The best description might be that it was very much the work of an amateur.
It is one of the worst books I've ever spent time with.