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Exclusive Romance #3
At First Light
The author of "Just This Night" and "Break of Day" has another hot Exclusive for you.
At News 9 San Diego, relationships don't get canceled. They just go on hiatus...
After five years of reporting in war-torn Syria, Troy Young is back in his hometown of San Diego. Readjusting to life back home is proving difficult. He keeps having panic attacks during live shots. But he's given one more chance as an entertainment reporter doing a He Said, She Said review segment. It's not what Troy had in mind—especially when he discovers who his new partner is.
Movie-obsessed Sarah Martin loves her new gig at News 9...until the man who broke her heart enters the studio. Still, the desire between Sarah and Troy has not subsided even if he did pick his career over her. She doesn't want to trust him again, but they'll need to overcome their off-screen tension if they hope to handle the drama that's about to unfold...
At News 9 San Diego, relationships don't get canceled. They just go on hiatus...
After five years of reporting in war-torn Syria, Troy Young is back in his hometown of San Diego. Readjusting to life back home is proving difficult. He keeps having panic attacks during live shots. But he's given one more chance as an entertainment reporter doing a He Said, She Said review segment. It's not what Troy had in mind—especially when he discovers who his new partner is.
Movie-obsessed Sarah Martin loves her new gig at News 9...until the man who broke her heart enters the studio. Still, the desire between Sarah and Troy has not subsided even if he did pick his career over her. She doesn't want to trust him again, but they'll need to overcome their off-screen tension if they hope to handle the drama that's about to unfold...
- GenresRomance
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 7, 2017
2 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Mari Madison
4 books42 followersMari Madison is a multiple Emmy Award-winning television news producer and author of novels for adults and teens. She's worked at television news stations in Boston, San Diego, and Orlando and helped launch the nationally syndicated morning show Better in New York City. Under the name Mari Mancusi, she writes young adult books, including the Blood Coven Vampire novels, the Scorched series, and Gamer Girl. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, young daughter and their two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 4, 2017
Talk about starting with a bang! Oof! At First Light pulled no punches from the very opening scene and I was completely - 100% - hooked immediately.
I felt like this book was grittier than the ones that came before it. There's a lot going on in this one - and part of me feels like it may have been easier to invest in Sarah and Troy's relationship if there wasn't so much going on. But the other part of me appreciates how completely interesting all of the storylines were. Because while I may have sometimes had a hard time connecting to the romance, I was wholly invested in Troy's character arc, and completely swept up in the suspense surrounding Sarah's secondary storyline. So, though this may not have been my favorite romance of the series, I feel like Troy and Sarah are two of my favorite characters. They're complex and multi-layered and they broke my heart a few times before they got busy patching it all back up so they could leave it happy and fulfilled.
And they did do that eventually. There were moments where their love story tugged at my heartstrings and kicked my pulse up a notch or two. And the ending could not have made me happier. I appreciated that Ms. Madison treated the issues addressed in this book with respect - not rushing her characters through the healing process and not glossing over any of the ugly bits. Like I said, this one had more grit than the others and I loved it for that. I adored Troy - my heart ached for him and I cheered for him every step of the way - which made the sweet happily ever after in this book all the better.
The Exclusive Romance series has become one of my favorites, and At First Light is a little different than the ones that came before it, but it's a solid, engrossing, and completely rewarding addition. Hold on to your hearts and, maybe grab some tissues, because this ride is a bumpy one - but it's so completely worth it! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
I felt like this book was grittier than the ones that came before it. There's a lot going on in this one - and part of me feels like it may have been easier to invest in Sarah and Troy's relationship if there wasn't so much going on. But the other part of me appreciates how completely interesting all of the storylines were. Because while I may have sometimes had a hard time connecting to the romance, I was wholly invested in Troy's character arc, and completely swept up in the suspense surrounding Sarah's secondary storyline. So, though this may not have been my favorite romance of the series, I feel like Troy and Sarah are two of my favorite characters. They're complex and multi-layered and they broke my heart a few times before they got busy patching it all back up so they could leave it happy and fulfilled.
And they did do that eventually. There were moments where their love story tugged at my heartstrings and kicked my pulse up a notch or two. And the ending could not have made me happier. I appreciated that Ms. Madison treated the issues addressed in this book with respect - not rushing her characters through the healing process and not glossing over any of the ugly bits. Like I said, this one had more grit than the others and I loved it for that. I adored Troy - my heart ached for him and I cheered for him every step of the way - which made the sweet happily ever after in this book all the better.
The Exclusive Romance series has become one of my favorites, and At First Light is a little different than the ones that came before it, but it's a solid, engrossing, and completely rewarding addition. Hold on to your hearts and, maybe grab some tissues, because this ride is a bumpy one - but it's so completely worth it! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
February 20, 2017
Review to come soon.
February 6, 2017
This may be my favorite of the Exclusive Romance series. It definitely hit home the hardest for me. <3
March 31, 2017
This review was written by Marie for a guest review post on Ever After Book Reviews blog:
4.5 Stars
Marie's Thoughts
Mari Madison writes extremely well. She has a knack for taking character flaws and turning them in to romance magic. In At First Light, she takes Troy, our hero, and his past trauma, and lets him find healing in Sarah, his former flame. It’s a wonderful story that unfolds painfully, yet beautifully, and proves that sometimes all you need is a second chance.
The romance between Troy and Sarah is slow-burning, but is sweet. Sarah is patient with Troy, and their love repairs itself through their work together as journalists. It’s a sweet and extremely fulfilling story that kept me invested and had me cheering them on from the start.
Romance fans will love this charming story by Ms. Madison.
***Marie read a paperback copy of the book offered to the blog in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are hers alone***
4.5 Stars
Marie's Thoughts
Mari Madison writes extremely well. She has a knack for taking character flaws and turning them in to romance magic. In At First Light, she takes Troy, our hero, and his past trauma, and lets him find healing in Sarah, his former flame. It’s a wonderful story that unfolds painfully, yet beautifully, and proves that sometimes all you need is a second chance.
The romance between Troy and Sarah is slow-burning, but is sweet. Sarah is patient with Troy, and their love repairs itself through their work together as journalists. It’s a sweet and extremely fulfilling story that kept me invested and had me cheering them on from the start.
Romance fans will love this charming story by Ms. Madison.
***Marie read a paperback copy of the book offered to the blog in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are hers alone***
March 9, 2017
At First Light by Mari Madison is the 3rd book in her Exclusive Romance series. This series continues the backdrop of News 9 San Diego. Sarah Martin, our heroine, is the entertainment reporter for News 9; she is a movie buff and loves her job.
Troy Young, our hero, spent the last 5 years of his life reporting live in the Syria war zone. Troy was kidnapped while on the air, and he became a house hold name. He was finally freed after negotiations were met to allow him to come home, but he gets panic attacks on his time in captivity. Troy accepts a job with News 9, but after one of the panic attacks, he is taken off live on site reporting, and given a spot as an entertainment reporter for the new, He Said, She Said show. Troy is shocked when he meets his co-host Sarah; the woman he left behind 5 years before. Sarah has never forgotten, nor forgiven Troy for walking out on her. Now they have to work together.
Though both of them feel the chemistry between them is still sparkling, they do their best to keep their relationship as co-workers only. Soon Sarah begins to see Troy fighting his panic attacks, and tries to help him. This will lead them to become friends again, and eventually lead to a romantic relationship. Sarah is supportive of Troy, but he feels he is not worth her caring for him, since he still feels guilty leaving her.
What follows is an excellent story line, with a number of inner stories within. Troy refuses to get help with his panic attacks; Sarah besides trying to push Troy to get help, must also deal with her own issues from the past, which rears its ugly head. The romance between them was sexy and very well done, as their chemistry continues to scorch the pages.
Overall, I really enjoyed watching both Troy and Sarah rekindle their romance. Watching Troy suffer through those nightmares was written very well by Madison. Sarah’s perseverance to help Troy, both with his problem, and to help him with his career, made her such a great heroine. At First Light was a very good story, which I suggest you read. However, even if this reads very well as a standalone, I suggest you start with the first book in this series, in order to enjoy the News 9 TV background.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Troy Young, our hero, spent the last 5 years of his life reporting live in the Syria war zone. Troy was kidnapped while on the air, and he became a house hold name. He was finally freed after negotiations were met to allow him to come home, but he gets panic attacks on his time in captivity. Troy accepts a job with News 9, but after one of the panic attacks, he is taken off live on site reporting, and given a spot as an entertainment reporter for the new, He Said, She Said show. Troy is shocked when he meets his co-host Sarah; the woman he left behind 5 years before. Sarah has never forgotten, nor forgiven Troy for walking out on her. Now they have to work together.
Though both of them feel the chemistry between them is still sparkling, they do their best to keep their relationship as co-workers only. Soon Sarah begins to see Troy fighting his panic attacks, and tries to help him. This will lead them to become friends again, and eventually lead to a romantic relationship. Sarah is supportive of Troy, but he feels he is not worth her caring for him, since he still feels guilty leaving her.
What follows is an excellent story line, with a number of inner stories within. Troy refuses to get help with his panic attacks; Sarah besides trying to push Troy to get help, must also deal with her own issues from the past, which rears its ugly head. The romance between them was sexy and very well done, as their chemistry continues to scorch the pages.
Overall, I really enjoyed watching both Troy and Sarah rekindle their romance. Watching Troy suffer through those nightmares was written very well by Madison. Sarah’s perseverance to help Troy, both with his problem, and to help him with his career, made her such a great heroine. At First Light was a very good story, which I suggest you read. However, even if this reads very well as a standalone, I suggest you start with the first book in this series, in order to enjoy the News 9 TV background.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
February 20, 2017
***ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***
‘At First Light’ by Mari Madson is a second chance love story that involves Troy and Sarah. They had a relationship almost 5 years previous, and Sarah is still torn up over it. She can't seem to stop obsessing over him and wondering what went wrong and why she wasn't good enough for Troy to stay. Troy is a national news correspondent in Syria. When things go horribly wrong for him, he comes home months later with severe PTSD. He starts working for the local news station that is also the place his onetime love Sarah works. When the two see each other again in person, the sparks are still there and they try to act friendly towards one another not allowing the other to see what is really happening to them on the inside.
This story gripped me from the beginning. Troy had so much going for him and when he returns, he has a hard time overcoming everything. When outside forces try to harm Sarah and Troy is having difficulties will they be able to overcome how their past and their present is affecting their relationship and grow from it or will they part ways?
4.5 stars
Reviewed by Jennifer A.
‘At First Light’ by Mari Madson is a second chance love story that involves Troy and Sarah. They had a relationship almost 5 years previous, and Sarah is still torn up over it. She can't seem to stop obsessing over him and wondering what went wrong and why she wasn't good enough for Troy to stay. Troy is a national news correspondent in Syria. When things go horribly wrong for him, he comes home months later with severe PTSD. He starts working for the local news station that is also the place his onetime love Sarah works. When the two see each other again in person, the sparks are still there and they try to act friendly towards one another not allowing the other to see what is really happening to them on the inside.
This story gripped me from the beginning. Troy had so much going for him and when he returns, he has a hard time overcoming everything. When outside forces try to harm Sarah and Troy is having difficulties will they be able to overcome how their past and their present is affecting their relationship and grow from it or will they part ways?
4.5 stars
Reviewed by Jennifer A.
March 7, 2017
At First Light by Mari Madison
There is a roller coaster ride of emotions when dealing with PTSD. The affliction plays a key role in this contemporary romance of a pair of journalists in San Diego.
This is the third in the series that takes place at this TV station in San Diego. It can be read as a stand alone.
I admire the heroine in this romance. She is supportive, and has significant patience with the hero. She does research on the effects of PTSD and even attends group meetings on her own so she can better understand what's happening with him.
Touching and a bit sad because there is no fast cure for the issue. But it's a romance in the end, so hopeful.
There is a roller coaster ride of emotions when dealing with PTSD. The affliction plays a key role in this contemporary romance of a pair of journalists in San Diego.
This is the third in the series that takes place at this TV station in San Diego. It can be read as a stand alone.
I admire the heroine in this romance. She is supportive, and has significant patience with the hero. She does research on the effects of PTSD and even attends group meetings on her own so she can better understand what's happening with him.
Touching and a bit sad because there is no fast cure for the issue. But it's a romance in the end, so hopeful.
February 14, 2017
Troy Young and Sarah Martin were lovers 5 years ago. But Troy broke Sarah's trust, then left for a reporting gig in war-ravaged Syria. After being kidnapped and tortured, he is finally released. When he comes home, he suffers from PTSD. Sarah is working for a TV station as their entertainment reporter. When Troy is hired at the same station, they end up doing "fluffy" entertainment reviews together. The chemistry is still there, but can they overcome what happened in the past? Will Troy get help for his PTSD? And who is trying to harm Sarah?
I loved this book. I won't post any spoilers, but it was hard to put down.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book to me. This is an honest review.
I loved this book. I won't post any spoilers, but it was hard to put down.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book to me. This is an honest review.
February 7, 2017
review to be on joyfully reviewed
October 11, 2025
Author: Mari Madison
Title: At First Light
Series: Exclusive Romance
Cover Rating: Silver Star
Book Rating:
3 Stars
About the Book:
After five years of reporting in war-torn Syria, Troy Young is back in his hometown of San Diego. Readjusting to life back home is proving difficult. He keeps having panic attacks during live shots. But he s given one more chance as an entertainment reporter doing a He Said, She Said review segment. It s not what Troy had in mind especially when he discovers who his new partner is.
Movie-obsessed Sarah Martin loves her new gig at News 9...until the man who broke her heart enters the studio. Still, the desire between Sarah and Troy has not subsided even if he did pick his career over her. She doesn't want to trust him again but they ll need to overcome their off screen tension if they hope to handle the drama that s about to unfold...
My Thoughts:
There's a lot I really loved about At First Light, there's a lot that kept me from liking as much as I was wanting to however I still thought it was really great.
The idea was good but the added mystery spin on it all could have been done without because we (the reader) already had so much going on with the ptsd angle and the added backstory that I don't really think the extra adventure was really necessary.
It didn't really provide good flow with the organic feel of the over all story.
That aside I did like our h/h, I thought they were great together, I enjoyed the way they played off one another which kind of had An Ugly Truth kind of feel to it which is always fun.
Overall I pretty much enjoyed At First Light from beginning to end.
Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Note:
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Title: At First Light
Series: Exclusive Romance
Cover Rating: Silver Star
Book Rating:
3 Stars
About the Book:
After five years of reporting in war-torn Syria, Troy Young is back in his hometown of San Diego. Readjusting to life back home is proving difficult. He keeps having panic attacks during live shots. But he s given one more chance as an entertainment reporter doing a He Said, She Said review segment. It s not what Troy had in mind especially when he discovers who his new partner is.
Movie-obsessed Sarah Martin loves her new gig at News 9...until the man who broke her heart enters the studio. Still, the desire between Sarah and Troy has not subsided even if he did pick his career over her. She doesn't want to trust him again but they ll need to overcome their off screen tension if they hope to handle the drama that s about to unfold...
My Thoughts:
There's a lot I really loved about At First Light, there's a lot that kept me from liking as much as I was wanting to however I still thought it was really great.
The idea was good but the added mystery spin on it all could have been done without because we (the reader) already had so much going on with the ptsd angle and the added backstory that I don't really think the extra adventure was really necessary.
It didn't really provide good flow with the organic feel of the over all story.
That aside I did like our h/h, I thought they were great together, I enjoyed the way they played off one another which kind of had An Ugly Truth kind of feel to it which is always fun.
Overall I pretty much enjoyed At First Light from beginning to end.
Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Note:
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
March 24, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Another great romance from Mari! Geez - I almost hate to call it a "romance" because it (the whole series) is so much more than a romance.
Mari really has a way of hooking you in with her characters. Absolutely great character development! In this one I actually found myself liking Troy, the male lead, even more than Sarah. But Sarah kind of got a bad rap in the last book so - we weren't really meant to start off liking her. I just found it hard to switch over even after a while. Oh I did though - I did end up liking her. she turned out to be a real sweetheart, and she was great for Troy! I just really loved Troy right from the beginning.
I thought the parts with Troy and his suffering from PTSD were excellent! And once again I really enjoyed the whole news room drama!
This is the third book in the series and I have enjoyed each one! A mix of suspense, drama, angst, heartache and a little bit of steam, Mari Madison again puts together a great read! I will definitely be reading more from this author!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving an audio copy of this book from Berkley Romance - Thank You!
Another great romance from Mari! Geez - I almost hate to call it a "romance" because it (the whole series) is so much more than a romance.
Mari really has a way of hooking you in with her characters. Absolutely great character development! In this one I actually found myself liking Troy, the male lead, even more than Sarah. But Sarah kind of got a bad rap in the last book so - we weren't really meant to start off liking her. I just found it hard to switch over even after a while. Oh I did though - I did end up liking her. she turned out to be a real sweetheart, and she was great for Troy! I just really loved Troy right from the beginning.
I thought the parts with Troy and his suffering from PTSD were excellent! And once again I really enjoyed the whole news room drama!
This is the third book in the series and I have enjoyed each one! A mix of suspense, drama, angst, heartache and a little bit of steam, Mari Madison again puts together a great read! I will definitely be reading more from this author!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving an audio copy of this book from Berkley Romance - Thank You!
May 29, 2017
I enjoyed books 1 and 2 of this series - in this one Mari Madison out does herself and then some. What a fantastic read -- she approaches the complications of PTSD from not only the person who is living with it but what happens to the people around them -- and the journey of learning to live with it. There's a well played out romance and great story telling.
June 30, 2017
I enjoyed reading this series. Great characters and love always in the air somewhere.
January 10, 2017
Okay, so I admit that I'm a sucker for romance novels about journalists. How's that for a weird genre?So knowing my previous affinity, At First Light had it all going for it: hot war reporter returning from months as a kidnap victim to end up in the same newsroom as his hot entertainment reporter ex. Yes, please. Obviously they end up working together and obviously sparks fly. These characters are fun, multidimensional, and there's an unexpected conflict that doesn't fit the usual tropes. The only thing that didn't work for me was the whole "save the whales" angle. It didn't jibe with the character's personalities at all to me. Regardless, this was a fun, sexy, read, I look forward to going back and reading the rest of the series by Mari Madison.
March 28, 2017
**I won this book from Berkley Publishing via a Goodreads Giveaway**
I enjoyed the plot and the romance up until about the last 50 pages. The last pages became larded down with what I thought was an unnecessary social justice issue as well as a Scooby Doo like reveal of the bad guy. If the focus would have remained on the second-chance romance and the PTSD element I would have give the book a higher rating.
I enjoyed the plot and the romance up until about the last 50 pages. The last pages became larded down with what I thought was an unnecessary social justice issue as well as a Scooby Doo like reveal of the bad guy. If the focus would have remained on the second-chance romance and the PTSD element I would have give the book a higher rating.
April 5, 2017
I only made it through the first few chapters before I sat it back on my bookshelf and never picked it up again. The obscene language was too much for my taste. If you enjoy foul language, you might appreciate this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews