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Man on a Mission #6
Killer Countdown
A reporter helps a sexy senator evade a deadly assassin in this thrilling Man on a Mission tale
TV reporter Carly Edwards has the scoop of a century! She's discovered that Senator Shane Jones was diagnosed with a life-altering illness, but she can't help but be drawn to his courage. So when Shane saves Carly's life from a killer, she resolves to keep her story—and the irresistible politician—alive…
A politician and a media personality are a recipe for romantic disaster. The last thing Shane wants is to endanger Carly. But how can he prevent her from getting close when the very air between them sizzles? As their lives are threatened, Shane realizes Carly's the one woman he wants forever—if he can keep them both safe!
TV reporter Carly Edwards has the scoop of a century! She's discovered that Senator Shane Jones was diagnosed with a life-altering illness, but she can't help but be drawn to his courage. So when Shane saves Carly's life from a killer, she resolves to keep her story—and the irresistible politician—alive…
A politician and a media personality are a recipe for romantic disaster. The last thing Shane wants is to endanger Carly. But how can he prevent her from getting close when the very air between them sizzles? As their lives are threatened, Shane realizes Carly's the one woman he wants forever—if he can keep them both safe!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2016
13 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Autin
43 books56 followersAward-winning author Amelia Autin is an inveterate reader who can’t bear to put a good book down…or part with it. She’s a long-time member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), and served three years as its treasurer. Amelia lost the love of her life in 2021 to the ravages of ALS. She currently resides in quiet Vail, Arizona, where she can see the stars at night and has a “million dollar view” of the Rincon Mountains from her back yard.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 13, 2017
3.5 stars
July 23, 2016
There is always an abundance of sentiments in a story by Amelia Autin, and KILLER COUNTDOWN has heartfelt emotions from the opening scene until the very last event. The author makes certain any reactions are genuine, as I never stopped to wonder why a character would behave in a certain way. This commitment to accuracy has the latest Man on a Mission installment being not only riveting but also deeply affecting. I could easily sense what a character was feeling, and a wide range of emotions are definitely expressed in the story. There is plenty of dangerous peril from almost the beginning, and the jeopardy to Shane Jones and Carly Edwards only escalates as each hour passes. Though the reader is privy to some possible risks, I certainly did not know how episodes would turn out when plots were put into motion. As the threats increased, so did my unease of any incidents to come.
After suffering an unusual health problem, Senator Shane Jones receives a shocking verdict for his symptoms and cannot help but feel distraught. When he was no longer a US Marine and then became a senator from Colorado, he made it his goal to make good decisions at all times. Now he fears this career may be over, and for at least the present, Shane is going to keep his ailment a secret. Buy a clever TV reporter manages to learn what he is hiding.
When it comes to getting the news and letting the public know the facts, Carly Edwards is one of best. Yet what Shane reveals has her making a deal with him, one benefiting them both. But it is soon apparent there is even more pressing matters linked to the senator when several situations could have had deadly outcomes, and Carly becomes caught up in the circumstances. Not knowing the reason for the attacks, Shane can only speculate about the motive. Until facts are uncovered, he wants to keep Carly close, especially when it becomes evident both are being targeted.
From the start, KILLER COUNTDOWN drew me into every single aspect of the story. From an unexpected illness and all its potential consequences to the danger resulting from growing threats, I was eager to discover what would be the end result. Details about Shane’s physical troubles are realistic, and his responses are very candid. How Carly reacts to his condition is also convincing, as her feelings can often not be completely concealed. While this couple may not let their every inner thought become known to the other, they are refreshingly honest about many important occurrences that happen after they meet. Since I respected Shane and Carly so much, my concern for them was sincere. The one part of their relationship in which they are exceedingly upfront is how they connected sexually, where they put their whole hearts into any intimacy because of how much they cared.
Amelia Autin skillfully lets the reader know what peril might be in store for Shane and Carly, but nothing is ever assured until all plays out. The information given about those who want to cause harm to these two was just enough to let me get an idea of their aims, yet still did not divulge all the specifics. This had me constantly fearful for these likable individuals. Sometimes I love everything about the romantic couple, and this is certainly true for Shane and Carly. KILLER COUNTDOWN is intriguingly believable and emotional.
Received copy for Always Reviewing blog
After suffering an unusual health problem, Senator Shane Jones receives a shocking verdict for his symptoms and cannot help but feel distraught. When he was no longer a US Marine and then became a senator from Colorado, he made it his goal to make good decisions at all times. Now he fears this career may be over, and for at least the present, Shane is going to keep his ailment a secret. Buy a clever TV reporter manages to learn what he is hiding.
When it comes to getting the news and letting the public know the facts, Carly Edwards is one of best. Yet what Shane reveals has her making a deal with him, one benefiting them both. But it is soon apparent there is even more pressing matters linked to the senator when several situations could have had deadly outcomes, and Carly becomes caught up in the circumstances. Not knowing the reason for the attacks, Shane can only speculate about the motive. Until facts are uncovered, he wants to keep Carly close, especially when it becomes evident both are being targeted.
From the start, KILLER COUNTDOWN drew me into every single aspect of the story. From an unexpected illness and all its potential consequences to the danger resulting from growing threats, I was eager to discover what would be the end result. Details about Shane’s physical troubles are realistic, and his responses are very candid. How Carly reacts to his condition is also convincing, as her feelings can often not be completely concealed. While this couple may not let their every inner thought become known to the other, they are refreshingly honest about many important occurrences that happen after they meet. Since I respected Shane and Carly so much, my concern for them was sincere. The one part of their relationship in which they are exceedingly upfront is how they connected sexually, where they put their whole hearts into any intimacy because of how much they cared.
Amelia Autin skillfully lets the reader know what peril might be in store for Shane and Carly, but nothing is ever assured until all plays out. The information given about those who want to cause harm to these two was just enough to let me get an idea of their aims, yet still did not divulge all the specifics. This had me constantly fearful for these likable individuals. Sometimes I love everything about the romantic couple, and this is certainly true for Shane and Carly. KILLER COUNTDOWN is intriguingly believable and emotional.
Received copy for Always Reviewing blog
August 3, 2016
Killer Countdown by Amelia Autin is fast-paced, full with suspense, danger and romance of course! I was drawn into the story from page one and couldn’t put the book down until I reached the end. The characters were likable, the snappy dialogue engaging and the overall edgy tone of the book made for fun, exciting reading.
The author carefully weaved in Shane Jones’ illness meanwhile testing TV reporter Carly Edwards’ will to keep a life-changing secret about Shane. Since Shane is a senator, Carly proves her strength even when the juicy news about Shane’s health is the rocket that can propel her into the spotlight. I really liked Carly as a character. She had this tough as nails vibe that does really well for her when a killer is after her. Of course Shane saves her, but her will to survive…to not panic, to not crumble shows her persistent will to stand up and fight instead of becoming a coward. Shane on the other hand is strong and courageous. Even though his illness should worry him he instead protects Carly with his life and somewhere along the way the attraction between them tips and one thing leads to another. Meanwhile, Ms. Autin has you guessing until the end about how Carly and Shane would fare with a killer out to get them. Feeding tidbits and tiny teasers like a fisherman with his bait, the author takes you down a rough and bumpy path with a steamy romance for a hot consolation prize!
Thrilling and entertaining until the end, Killer Countdown should definitely be on your reading list!
Recommended
4.5 Stars
April 17, 2017
RITA Award Nominated
Investigative reporter Carly Edwards has earned a reputation for not letting go of a story. When she talks her way into a politician’s hospital room and learns his diagnosis it’s a surprise that she backs away from the story. Until shots are fired.
Senator Shane Jones puts all the energy and expertise demonstrated as a US Marine into politics after a medical discharge. Willing to speak and vote his conscious has now made him a target of some very dangerous people – with access to his close held decisions.
When the senator decides to go public with his health concerns, he gives Carly an interview. And an invitation to accompany him to an embassy party. However, the assassin sees an opportunity to take out his primary target plus the woman who may be able to identify him at the same time.
The swirl of modern politics, shared danger, and two people with pain in their pasts tumbling into love is captured beautifully in this fast paced romantic suspense.
Investigative reporter Carly Edwards has earned a reputation for not letting go of a story. When she talks her way into a politician’s hospital room and learns his diagnosis it’s a surprise that she backs away from the story. Until shots are fired.
Senator Shane Jones puts all the energy and expertise demonstrated as a US Marine into politics after a medical discharge. Willing to speak and vote his conscious has now made him a target of some very dangerous people – with access to his close held decisions.
When the senator decides to go public with his health concerns, he gives Carly an interview. And an invitation to accompany him to an embassy party. However, the assassin sees an opportunity to take out his primary target plus the woman who may be able to identify him at the same time.
The swirl of modern politics, shared danger, and two people with pain in their pasts tumbling into love is captured beautifully in this fast paced romantic suspense.
August 28, 2016
This was a excellent book. I was pulled into the story from page one, and it was so hard to put this book down when I need too! It had heart stopping suspense, with action, and love at first sight. What sets this book apart from others is Carly was just as protective of Shane, as Shane was of Carly. Carly is a TV reporter that has covered wars before. She is use to running into the action to get a story. Shane is a senator.
Carly found out Shane was at the hospital for testing, and got into to see him by stating a small fib.... The chemistry was simmering the first time the two meet. When Carly found out why he was there, she vowed to keep his secret.
Shane saved Carly from being shot, but Carly saw the killer. Now both are working together to figure out who wants Shane dead. The killer is after her too because she saw who he was. As the suspense heats up so does the sparks between Shane, and Carly. I loved how close the two got throughout the story.
Can they find out who the killer is before he finds them?
Carly found out Shane was at the hospital for testing, and got into to see him by stating a small fib.... The chemistry was simmering the first time the two meet. When Carly found out why he was there, she vowed to keep his secret.
Shane saved Carly from being shot, but Carly saw the killer. Now both are working together to figure out who wants Shane dead. The killer is after her too because she saw who he was. As the suspense heats up so does the sparks between Shane, and Carly. I loved how close the two got throughout the story.
Can they find out who the killer is before he finds them?
September 15, 2016
Amelia has done it again - written a story that kept me enthralled from beginning to end. I saved it to read on a seven hour trans-Atlantic flight, and I have never had a trip pass so quickly. Shane is the oldest of the Jones kids and has the super-protective attitude of many firstborns. His life hasn't exactly worked out the way he planned. He had been a Marine, planning to make a career of it, when an injury ended those dreams. He transferred his sense of duty to the political side, and is now the junior Senator from Colorado. He's had loss in his life also, losing his father when he was younger, then his pregnant wife was killed in a terrorist attack. He has plans for his current career that may be in jeopardy once again. He has been diagnosed with a condition that could end those hopes. When the story opens, he is at the Arizona Mayo Clinic, where he has just received the results of all his tests. He spends a few minutes feeling sorry for himself, but in true Jones tradition, tries to shake it off and figure out how to move forward. He doesn't expect a visit from his "fiancee", and is intrigued enough to go along with it.
Carly is a television reporter with an outstanding reputation. She has reported on wars, police actions, disasters and any number of hot stories. Right now she is trying to find out why Senator Jones is at the Mayo Clinic. She's resourceful, and pretends to be his fiancee to get access to him, and is stunned when he allows her in. Her reputation precedes her, and Shane strikes a bargain with her, that if she will keep his secret for now, he will give her the exclusive when he's ready to talk. Carly has had her own trials and tribulations, including losing her fiance in an accident for which she blames herself. That memory has her accepting Shane's deal.
Things start to go a little crazy when someone shoots at Shane on his way out of the hospital. Carly is there and takes off after the shooter, using her cellphone to capture video of him. Shane is on her heels and protects her when the shooter turns his sights on her. Shane is furious that she took the risk, but also impressed by her presence of mind. When another attack happens back in DC, Shane realizes that Carly is at risk because she can identify the shooter. He is determined to keep her safe, not just because it's the right thing to do, but also because she rouses feelings in him he hasn't experienced since he lost his wife.
I loved the development of their relationship. Shane is super-protective, even though he is well aware that Carly is capable of protecting herself. He is also a straight shooting man, who doesn't play fast and loose with the truth. I loved the fact that he made up his own mind about issues without allowing outside influences. This is one of the things about Shane that really draws Carly to him. Likewise, Carly is an honest journalist who doesn't make things up to create a more sensational story. Shane appreciates that honesty, which makes it much easier to ask her to do the story on his illness. There is also an undeniable attraction between the two of them, but both have been badly hurt in the past, making them reluctant to risk their hearts again. The attraction grows stronger every day, but Carly especially is in denial. She tries to convince Shane that they can be together while keeping their emotions under control. I loved that Shane was already fully invested, but pretended to go along with her until he could convince her. Even though she makes that claim, she already suspects that it is too late to claim emotional distance.
I loved Carly's strength as she holds it together through each attack. She is determined not to crumble, and to fight against whoever has targeted them. She is also just as protective of Shane as he is of her. There were a couple of great scenes where she lays into him for taking risks - hello pot, meet kettle. She also slowly learns that it is okay to lean on someone now and then. I loved the scenes where she broke down and Shane was there for her. It was obvious that she felt deeply enough for him that she could trust him that way, even though she wasn't ready to admit it.
I also loved how quickly they got to know each other's quirks and foibles. I loved seeing Shane try to protect her without giving her the impression that he didn't think she could take care of herself. He knew her well enough to know that would push her to take more risks. And Carly understood that Shane hated the fact that his illness was something he couldn't control. When he tried to push her away to protect her from what could happen, she wouldn't stand for it. I loved seeing her stand up to him and call him on his cowardice (not something a Marine would take well!). When the danger was all over, they have to decide if they are willing to take the risks of loving each other. I really loved the proposal scene. The epilogue was great, and I loved seeing where their lives have gone.
The suspense of the story was fantastic. The first attack at the clinic is a real attention-getter, and Carly's involvement just ups the stakes. When Shane realizes that she has become a target too, he's determined to find the reason. Each attack comes a little closer to succeeding. I loved seeing the assassin's frustration as Shane's innate abilities foil every attempt. It was interesting to see who Shane suspected was behind the attacks, and those whose help he asked for in checking it out. It was also very satisfying to see Carly put her investigative reporter's brain to work and come up with a completely different scenario. I also loved seeing Niall, the brother we haven't seen much of, and his involvement in their protection. I loved seeing Shane finally get fed up and take matters into his own hands. The final confrontation was intense, exciting, and I really didn't expect the identity of the person who saved Shane. I also loved Niall's last word and the motivation behind it! Now I can't wait to read his story!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Carly is a television reporter with an outstanding reputation. She has reported on wars, police actions, disasters and any number of hot stories. Right now she is trying to find out why Senator Jones is at the Mayo Clinic. She's resourceful, and pretends to be his fiancee to get access to him, and is stunned when he allows her in. Her reputation precedes her, and Shane strikes a bargain with her, that if she will keep his secret for now, he will give her the exclusive when he's ready to talk. Carly has had her own trials and tribulations, including losing her fiance in an accident for which she blames herself. That memory has her accepting Shane's deal.
Things start to go a little crazy when someone shoots at Shane on his way out of the hospital. Carly is there and takes off after the shooter, using her cellphone to capture video of him. Shane is on her heels and protects her when the shooter turns his sights on her. Shane is furious that she took the risk, but also impressed by her presence of mind. When another attack happens back in DC, Shane realizes that Carly is at risk because she can identify the shooter. He is determined to keep her safe, not just because it's the right thing to do, but also because she rouses feelings in him he hasn't experienced since he lost his wife.
I loved the development of their relationship. Shane is super-protective, even though he is well aware that Carly is capable of protecting herself. He is also a straight shooting man, who doesn't play fast and loose with the truth. I loved the fact that he made up his own mind about issues without allowing outside influences. This is one of the things about Shane that really draws Carly to him. Likewise, Carly is an honest journalist who doesn't make things up to create a more sensational story. Shane appreciates that honesty, which makes it much easier to ask her to do the story on his illness. There is also an undeniable attraction between the two of them, but both have been badly hurt in the past, making them reluctant to risk their hearts again. The attraction grows stronger every day, but Carly especially is in denial. She tries to convince Shane that they can be together while keeping their emotions under control. I loved that Shane was already fully invested, but pretended to go along with her until he could convince her. Even though she makes that claim, she already suspects that it is too late to claim emotional distance.
I loved Carly's strength as she holds it together through each attack. She is determined not to crumble, and to fight against whoever has targeted them. She is also just as protective of Shane as he is of her. There were a couple of great scenes where she lays into him for taking risks - hello pot, meet kettle. She also slowly learns that it is okay to lean on someone now and then. I loved the scenes where she broke down and Shane was there for her. It was obvious that she felt deeply enough for him that she could trust him that way, even though she wasn't ready to admit it.
I also loved how quickly they got to know each other's quirks and foibles. I loved seeing Shane try to protect her without giving her the impression that he didn't think she could take care of herself. He knew her well enough to know that would push her to take more risks. And Carly understood that Shane hated the fact that his illness was something he couldn't control. When he tried to push her away to protect her from what could happen, she wouldn't stand for it. I loved seeing her stand up to him and call him on his cowardice (not something a Marine would take well!). When the danger was all over, they have to decide if they are willing to take the risks of loving each other. I really loved the proposal scene. The epilogue was great, and I loved seeing where their lives have gone.
The suspense of the story was fantastic. The first attack at the clinic is a real attention-getter, and Carly's involvement just ups the stakes. When Shane realizes that she has become a target too, he's determined to find the reason. Each attack comes a little closer to succeeding. I loved seeing the assassin's frustration as Shane's innate abilities foil every attempt. It was interesting to see who Shane suspected was behind the attacks, and those whose help he asked for in checking it out. It was also very satisfying to see Carly put her investigative reporter's brain to work and come up with a completely different scenario. I also loved seeing Niall, the brother we haven't seen much of, and his involvement in their protection. I loved seeing Shane finally get fed up and take matters into his own hands. The final confrontation was intense, exciting, and I really didn't expect the identity of the person who saved Shane. I also loved Niall's last word and the motivation behind it! Now I can't wait to read his story!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2020
Although I was initially interested in this romance, the longer the book continued, the more my interest waned! Like so many books in the Romantic Suspense line, there's just not enough plot or romance to sustain the 280 page length.
The plot, what there is of it, has Senator Shane Jones in the crosshairs of an assassin. He's not too sure why he's a target. Meanwhile, reporter Carly Edwards is a target too, because she took video on her phone of the assassin fleeing the scene. Carly and Shane have already met, as she finagled a way into his room at the Mayo Clinic, where he has just been diagnosed with epilepsy. The epilepsy is the result of a brain injury five years prior, when Shane protected a pregnant woman from a bomb. Meanwhile, Carly lost her fiance eight years earlier to suicide, after he developed depression from a brain injury sustained in a car accident. Also, Shane's first wife and unborn child were murdered fifteen years prior. Phew!
I couldn't get a feel for the suspense of this one. The assassin, whose identity we know from the start, keeps on making attempts on Shane and Carly's lives, but consistently fails, again and again and again. We kept getting told he's great at what he does, but that's clearly not the case! I never felt that Carly and Shane were ever in any real danger, because the assassin after them just seemed so incompetent! And Shane was just too unbelievably alert and good at everything. The identity of who hired the assassin is completely arbitrary and, ultimately, not all that important. We barely learn why they wanted Shane dead!
The romance was...meh. Shane and Carly are having sex some 90 mere pages into the book. However, like many books in this genre, their conversation doesn't extend much beyond talking about food, or their family members, or briefly recounting the plots of the other books in the series. This can be read as a standalone, by the way. But chatting about all these things fails to convince me exactly how Carly and Shane are so in love.
Indeed, the plot plays out like a lot of Intrigue books - just substitute a high-tech condo built by Shane's brother for the usual ranch, and you've got the fairly typical romantic suspense of plotline of, "Let's hide out somewhere safe and wait for something to happen." In the final third, when things should have been ramping up, I found I was instead inundated with yet more food talk and chatting about relatives, and closing out with a lackluster climax involving some TSTL moments from Carly. Sigh.
Lastly, the book seems to consider epilepsy the worst possible diagnosis you could ever get. Shane even says it's worse than cancer! WTF??? His symptoms are on the mild end of the scale, and he acts like a total sadsack about his diagnosis, coming across as a petulant child. The book often talks about the "stigma" attached to epilepsy. Stigma? What planet is Amelia Autin living on? It was all just very bizarre.
Not sure what countdown the title is referring to, either. After an okay start, I found I was mostly counting down the pages until I could finish and move on to something else!
The plot, what there is of it, has Senator Shane Jones in the crosshairs of an assassin. He's not too sure why he's a target. Meanwhile, reporter Carly Edwards is a target too, because she took video on her phone of the assassin fleeing the scene. Carly and Shane have already met, as she finagled a way into his room at the Mayo Clinic, where he has just been diagnosed with epilepsy. The epilepsy is the result of a brain injury five years prior, when Shane protected a pregnant woman from a bomb. Meanwhile, Carly lost her fiance eight years earlier to suicide, after he developed depression from a brain injury sustained in a car accident. Also, Shane's first wife and unborn child were murdered fifteen years prior. Phew!
I couldn't get a feel for the suspense of this one. The assassin, whose identity we know from the start, keeps on making attempts on Shane and Carly's lives, but consistently fails, again and again and again. We kept getting told he's great at what he does, but that's clearly not the case! I never felt that Carly and Shane were ever in any real danger, because the assassin after them just seemed so incompetent! And Shane was just too unbelievably alert and good at everything. The identity of who hired the assassin is completely arbitrary and, ultimately, not all that important. We barely learn why they wanted Shane dead!
The romance was...meh. Shane and Carly are having sex some 90 mere pages into the book. However, like many books in this genre, their conversation doesn't extend much beyond talking about food, or their family members, or briefly recounting the plots of the other books in the series. This can be read as a standalone, by the way. But chatting about all these things fails to convince me exactly how Carly and Shane are so in love.
Indeed, the plot plays out like a lot of Intrigue books - just substitute a high-tech condo built by Shane's brother for the usual ranch, and you've got the fairly typical romantic suspense of plotline of, "Let's hide out somewhere safe and wait for something to happen." In the final third, when things should have been ramping up, I found I was instead inundated with yet more food talk and chatting about relatives, and closing out with a lackluster climax involving some TSTL moments from Carly. Sigh.
Lastly, the book seems to consider epilepsy the worst possible diagnosis you could ever get. Shane even says it's worse than cancer! WTF??? His symptoms are on the mild end of the scale, and he acts like a total sadsack about his diagnosis, coming across as a petulant child. The book often talks about the "stigma" attached to epilepsy. Stigma? What planet is Amelia Autin living on? It was all just very bizarre.
Not sure what countdown the title is referring to, either. After an okay start, I found I was mostly counting down the pages until I could finish and move on to something else!
August 1, 2017
The emotional aspects in this one didn't really click for me and the ending felt a little forced.
September 21, 2017
My 1st Amelia Autin - won't be my last! Excellent!
August 15, 2016
Enthralling political thriller with threats and danger cleverly twisted with the political ambitions, building up a story that was difficult to put down even in the early hours of dawn. With the peril from the continued attacks, the delicate romance budding between Shane and Carly captured my mind.
I loved how the romance was built in the story, the growing and strengthening feelings between Shane and Carly, despite all the odds against them, from their professions to the issues of their pasts to the failing health. The way they saw each other, so clearly, honestly, the true person that was behind all the masks and fronts people normally hide behind. Either of them was perfect, yet they were the one for each other, so well fit, like the missing link in their lives. The past loves and losses they carried in their hearts were safe there, they would always guard each other's true self, learn from the past and use it to better themselves. The health battles Shane was fighting to win, the scar from an old wound that was now changing his life, oh so real and raw, and for me coming close to home, that it broke my heart a bit. But his struggle to accept it, to find a balance with the medicine, and for Carly to prove him what it really meant to love someone, to stand by them, and to accept them as they are was a triumph and joy that was easy to join in.
The smooth flow of the story, the mystery of the attacks, the suspense and actions of the aftermath, even the politics, and not to mention the passionate, yet fragile relationship, all built a story that made me smile, sigh, and live every moment with the characters like I was there, bearing witness to it all
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
I loved how the romance was built in the story, the growing and strengthening feelings between Shane and Carly, despite all the odds against them, from their professions to the issues of their pasts to the failing health. The way they saw each other, so clearly, honestly, the true person that was behind all the masks and fronts people normally hide behind. Either of them was perfect, yet they were the one for each other, so well fit, like the missing link in their lives. The past loves and losses they carried in their hearts were safe there, they would always guard each other's true self, learn from the past and use it to better themselves. The health battles Shane was fighting to win, the scar from an old wound that was now changing his life, oh so real and raw, and for me coming close to home, that it broke my heart a bit. But his struggle to accept it, to find a balance with the medicine, and for Carly to prove him what it really meant to love someone, to stand by them, and to accept them as they are was a triumph and joy that was easy to join in.
The smooth flow of the story, the mystery of the attacks, the suspense and actions of the aftermath, even the politics, and not to mention the passionate, yet fragile relationship, all built a story that made me smile, sigh, and live every moment with the characters like I was there, bearing witness to it all
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
August 11, 2016
This book was a fun read. A self-reliant news reporter falls hard for a Senator who has been targeted by an unknown assassin. Feelings ignite between Carly and Shane from the minute she tricks her way into his hospital room at the Mayo Clinic. Both characters have suffered tragic losses in their lives and are afraid of getting hurt again. The tension builds as a killer not only comes after Shane but also turns his attention to Carly. As the danger grows, so does the intense love between the reporter and the handsome Senator.
April 18, 2018
I liked the way the characters met (it was creative, different and impactful) and I liked the medical condition angle/idea. But for some reason I couldn’t really get into the characters. I liked that Shane was older (41) but he was just too perfect (I like some flaws in my heroes) and level-headed. His medical condition sort of got distant second-fiddle to the action/suspense plot and I think I wanted a bit more medical drama. Carly was a little better, some contradictions in her character, but the ethical conflicts in her personality versus her career could have made for really good reading; instead they were glossed over and not really dealt with. Both characters had tragedy in their backgrounds which was intended to make their actions logical, but for some reason it just made some of their exchanges seem repetitive. A good story, solid editing, just not my fave.
August 9, 2016
I love stories with action, suspense, and romance. I love stories with happy endings. I love stories with strong heroes who are honest, men of integrity who don't back down in the face of trouble, and who aren't afraid to show a kinder, gentler side if necessary. I love a hero who knows how to treat a woman, knows how to make her feel special, and doesn't get involved just for the sake of getting her in bed. He's invested in the relationship. I also love a strong woman, maybe a little bit independent, but one who isn't threatened by a man's protective instincts once in awhile. A woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind or show some emotion when her life is in danger and she's facing circumstances beyond her control. This book has all those things and more. It was easy to give it five stars as it kept me totally engrossed iin the plot, eagerly turning the pages until the end. There was only one small part where I stopped to question the heroes actions as they seemed a little out of character for him, but it was so minor it didn't interfere iin my enjoyment of the story at all. I like books that make me stop and think now and then. That's one skill the author has, getting you involved in the plot then making you pause to reflect on something a character says or does.
In this story, we have Carly, an investigative reporter, hot on the heels of a big, breaking story. Why did Senator Shane Jones check into the Mayo Clinic? She shows up at the hospital, flashes an engagement ring at the nurse on duty, and tries to pass herself off as the Senator's girlfriend. She's stunned when the man agrees to see her. Right away the story starts off with a bang and grabs your attention!
Shane is lying in bed feeling rather melancholy because the doctor has diagnosed him with epilepsy. While his symptoms are minor and he's now on medication, he can't help but worry about his future. When one of the nurses comes in and informs him his fiancee is there to see him, he's intrigued, considering he isn't seeing anyone at the moment. His curiosity gains her admittance to his room. He recognizes her right away. A reporter. Here he is with electrodes stuck to his head, pretty telling something is majorly wrong, and he's hoping to keep his condition secret for awhile. He's forced to tell her the truth, calling upon her good nature not to reveal the facts until such a time as he's ready. If she agrees, he'll give her an exclusive. He's amazed when she tells him there is no story to tell and walks out.
Carly has to get out of the Senator's room before she loses it. Her late fiance, Jack, had a traumatic brain injury and suffered from depression. He committed suicide. Carly blames herself for not seeing the signs, for being too caught up in her work when she should have realized something was wrong. As a result, she's made up her mind to never marry. No more emotional involvement for her. Until she and Shane are almost gunned down by an assassin and their lives become entangled forever.
I thought the author's last book was top notch. This one is every bit as good. The characters were well thought out. I loved that Shane was a former Marine and had gone into politics with the same single minded determination he'd once had for the Corps. He was a man of integrity, a plus in his favor as well, as far as Carly was concerned. She was drawn to him physically and emotionally, which made him a threat to her peace of mind. The fact Shane had once been married and his wife and unborn child had been killed by terrorists made you empathize with his character while only confirming his underlying strength in the face of adversity. Although his wife had been gone fifteen years, he hadn't been seriously involved seriously with a woman since. Carly changed all that as soon as they met. It wasn't just her outer beauty he was attracted to either. It was the person on the inside he came to love and admire. However, before they can be together they have to find out who wants Shane dead and why?
Plenty of action, suspense and romance, just what I like. I definitely recommend this book! Its one you wont want to miss!
In this story, we have Carly, an investigative reporter, hot on the heels of a big, breaking story. Why did Senator Shane Jones check into the Mayo Clinic? She shows up at the hospital, flashes an engagement ring at the nurse on duty, and tries to pass herself off as the Senator's girlfriend. She's stunned when the man agrees to see her. Right away the story starts off with a bang and grabs your attention!
Shane is lying in bed feeling rather melancholy because the doctor has diagnosed him with epilepsy. While his symptoms are minor and he's now on medication, he can't help but worry about his future. When one of the nurses comes in and informs him his fiancee is there to see him, he's intrigued, considering he isn't seeing anyone at the moment. His curiosity gains her admittance to his room. He recognizes her right away. A reporter. Here he is with electrodes stuck to his head, pretty telling something is majorly wrong, and he's hoping to keep his condition secret for awhile. He's forced to tell her the truth, calling upon her good nature not to reveal the facts until such a time as he's ready. If she agrees, he'll give her an exclusive. He's amazed when she tells him there is no story to tell and walks out.
Carly has to get out of the Senator's room before she loses it. Her late fiance, Jack, had a traumatic brain injury and suffered from depression. He committed suicide. Carly blames herself for not seeing the signs, for being too caught up in her work when she should have realized something was wrong. As a result, she's made up her mind to never marry. No more emotional involvement for her. Until she and Shane are almost gunned down by an assassin and their lives become entangled forever.
I thought the author's last book was top notch. This one is every bit as good. The characters were well thought out. I loved that Shane was a former Marine and had gone into politics with the same single minded determination he'd once had for the Corps. He was a man of integrity, a plus in his favor as well, as far as Carly was concerned. She was drawn to him physically and emotionally, which made him a threat to her peace of mind. The fact Shane had once been married and his wife and unborn child had been killed by terrorists made you empathize with his character while only confirming his underlying strength in the face of adversity. Although his wife had been gone fifteen years, he hadn't been seriously involved seriously with a woman since. Carly changed all that as soon as they met. It wasn't just her outer beauty he was attracted to either. It was the person on the inside he came to love and admire. However, before they can be together they have to find out who wants Shane dead and why?
Plenty of action, suspense and romance, just what I like. I definitely recommend this book! Its one you wont want to miss!
March 11, 2017
It was fine. Didn't care enough to want to read more in the series, but the writing was clear, the plot interesting, and the characters relatively three dimensional. Good quality for a HQN.
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August 1, 2016Miniseries: Man on a Mission
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