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Soldiering On #1
Station Alpha
A single phone call shatters her life...
Christine Ramirez’s phone rings in the dead of night. A man’s voice - unfamiliar and urgent - tells her to run.
She flees, but deadly, unknown assailants pursue her through the night. Her only saviour is the gruff stranger on the other end of the line.
Paul has a secret. He’s been watching her - maybe a little more than the assignment strictly requires. He shouldn’t reveal himself, but he can’t let anything happen to Christine. Even if it costs him the job that means the world to him.
With the mysterious villains still pursuing Christine, Paul whisks her away to a Soldiering On safe house. There, passion flares between them, hot and undeniable. And they are powerless to resist its lure, even as the villains get ever closer to finding them…
Word Count: 56,000
No cliffhanger
Christine Ramirez’s phone rings in the dead of night. A man’s voice - unfamiliar and urgent - tells her to run.
She flees, but deadly, unknown assailants pursue her through the night. Her only saviour is the gruff stranger on the other end of the line.
Paul has a secret. He’s been watching her - maybe a little more than the assignment strictly requires. He shouldn’t reveal himself, but he can’t let anything happen to Christine. Even if it costs him the job that means the world to him.
With the mysterious villains still pursuing Christine, Paul whisks her away to a Soldiering On safe house. There, passion flares between them, hot and undeniable. And they are powerless to resist its lure, even as the villains get ever closer to finding them…
Word Count: 56,000
No cliffhanger
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2016
About the author
Aislinn Kearns
20 books93 followersWounded Heroes. Action Movies. Happily Ever Afters.
These are a few of Aislinn’s favourite things, and you’ll find all of the above in her writing. Whether it’s the Soldiering On series – about wounded military veterans starting a security company together and finding love along the way - or her series about underground fighters.
If she’s not reading romance novels or watching action movies, you’ll find Aislinn writing like mad to get the next book out. She also loves to travel to new places around the world, forever in search of the perfect cottage in the forest that she hopes to one day call home.
These are a few of Aislinn’s favourite things, and you’ll find all of the above in her writing. Whether it’s the Soldiering On series – about wounded military veterans starting a security company together and finding love along the way - or her series about underground fighters.
If she’s not reading romance novels or watching action movies, you’ll find Aislinn writing like mad to get the next book out. She also loves to travel to new places around the world, forever in search of the perfect cottage in the forest that she hopes to one day call home.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 6, 2017
This book has one of the best opening chapters I've ever read in a romance novel; it was action-packed, original and just top notch really. The author drops the reader in the middle of an exciting scene: our heroine is awakened by a call in the middle of the night telling her that she needs to get out of her house because she's in danger. What follows is a thrilling escape. I don't think the subsequent chapters were AS great. Don't get me wrong - they were good, very well written but I found myself hoping that the author had kept up the exciting, fast pace for just a bit longer. When Kearns is writing suspense she does so amazingly, but in this novel I found myself wanting just a bit more chemistry, just a bit more of a romantic connection. Nevertheless, I would still recommend this book to readers. The plot is interesting and the characters are well thought out. Just make sure that you don't mind a bit of a slow burn when it comes to the romance.
February 6, 2017
Ainlinn Kearns starts her book with a thrilling chase leading to a total surprise. Christine Ramirez is awakened with a warning call that she is about to be killed. The voice directs her through a hair raising escape where she will eventually meet the person who saved her life. Paul is ex-military who has taken a job with a security company. Together they will try to unravel the mystery of who is trying to kill her.Not your run of the mill romance, Kearns' hero Paul is not what Christina was expecting. They end up fleeing together leading to a slow burn of a romance. Kearns writes with a clear voice that create realistic characters. It was an entertaining read.
January 13, 2018
This was recced to me on Twitter by a couple of people and I'm so glad I picked it up. It has an explosive start that drew me right in. The story moved quickly but believably. The romance was more of a slow burn yet still moved along quickly. I loved the respect and care that Paul and Christine had for and with each other. The secondary characters were also engaging and I can hardly wait to read their stories.
August 16, 2016
Analysing "Station Alpha" from the reading pleasure perspective, the book was awesome. I can’t remember enjoying so much reading a story, just for the fun of reading it and getting to know the characters. This book started very high – what a memorable entrance! - and ended with the same rating.
The characters are one of the strongest point of the book. Aislinn Kearns does wonders with characterization; in my mind’s eye I have an image of how these people look like, what they feel, who they are. Dialogue, interactions and relationships in general are also very realistic.
Furthermore, the characters – the main couple and the secondary characters - are lovable and have or grow strong bonds between them, to which one can relate. There’s an innate kindness in them that is very strong and manifests itself in many ways throughout the book.
There are other things that create a very enjoyable story, for example the fact that the author seems to have some knowledge or done her research about, for example, the subtleties of corporate business world or the sexuality of paraplegics (there’s a very good scene portraying this aspect).
Of course the writing style is also very good, crisp and effective. And the humor.
I can’t praise Aislinn Kearns enough for the great beginning of the story and the way she builds the suspense withholding information until we, readers, (and the heroine) finally meet the hero. Wonderful beginning, wonderful book and wonderful characters!
So, after having read this one and the prequel, "Soldiering On", I’m waiting for "Guarding Sierra" (Book 3) and I hope Kearns keeps on writing about these men and women - it's romantic suspense at its best.
The characters are one of the strongest point of the book. Aislinn Kearns does wonders with characterization; in my mind’s eye I have an image of how these people look like, what they feel, who they are. Dialogue, interactions and relationships in general are also very realistic.
Furthermore, the characters – the main couple and the secondary characters - are lovable and have or grow strong bonds between them, to which one can relate. There’s an innate kindness in them that is very strong and manifests itself in many ways throughout the book.
There are other things that create a very enjoyable story, for example the fact that the author seems to have some knowledge or done her research about, for example, the subtleties of corporate business world or the sexuality of paraplegics (there’s a very good scene portraying this aspect).
Of course the writing style is also very good, crisp and effective. And the humor.
I can’t praise Aislinn Kearns enough for the great beginning of the story and the way she builds the suspense withholding information until we, readers, (and the heroine) finally meet the hero. Wonderful beginning, wonderful book and wonderful characters!
So, after having read this one and the prequel, "Soldiering On", I’m waiting for "Guarding Sierra" (Book 3) and I hope Kearns keeps on writing about these men and women - it's romantic suspense at its best.
February 15, 2017
I read Soldiering On (Soldiering On #0.5) first, and I'm so glad I did. It gave me such great insight into the characters in this book. This book mostly features Paul and Christine, but you do get snippets of other people and I already knew the background on them, so it made the story that much more enjoyable. I do highly recommend you read the prequel first just for that reason. I really adored Paul, gruffness and all. He was a great guy, even as closed off as he was. Christine was his perfect match. She was also a very strong female character, which I love. I can't wait to read the next book!!!
January 11, 2018
I think the heroine could have been a little more disturbed by the violent attacks on her life - but otherwise fun suspense and a nice romance
Review to come
Review to come
November 11, 2016
Fantastic read
This is an great, fast paced adventure full of intrigue and suspense, romance and love, overcoming adversity and moving past physical disabilities. The characters are achingly charming and it is easy to get caught up in their story as they discover their affection for one another. It is beautifully written with witty, humous and authentic dialogue that draws both smiles and gasps. A wonderful book and highly recommended.
This is an great, fast paced adventure full of intrigue and suspense, romance and love, overcoming adversity and moving past physical disabilities. The characters are achingly charming and it is easy to get caught up in their story as they discover their affection for one another. It is beautifully written with witty, humous and authentic dialogue that draws both smiles and gasps. A wonderful book and highly recommended.
February 11, 2017
It really started off with an exciting bang. Paul is a wonderful hero and I loved reading his story. Plus his SCI was handled well, with enough little details you could tell the author had done her research.
Well written with a nice mix of excitement, mystery, sweetness, and romance.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
(Also I love the cover. The way he is looking up at her is so damn sexy.)
Well written with a nice mix of excitement, mystery, sweetness, and romance.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
(Also I love the cover. The way he is looking up at her is so damn sexy.)
August 9, 2017
Nicely intriguing storyline, sweet couple
4.5 stars
After reading the prequel to the series, Paul was one of the characters I most wanted to learn about. I was happy to see him get his HEA, and especially that his is the first in the series. It's rare to read about the H in a romance being in a wheelchair, and it was great to read a book that wasn't your stereotyped bad boy/alpha/billionaire/pro-athlete story, but one with characters that have faced real challenges. He and Christine were both very sweet; they make a lovely couple and seem to be a good match for each other. I enjoyed seeing Duncan and Mandy both having their own scenes in this book, also.
The book is well written and the characters very likable and interesting. The entire cast of characters was very true to the personalities portrayed in the prequel. I'm definitely planning to read the rest of this series.
4.5 stars
After reading the prequel to the series, Paul was one of the characters I most wanted to learn about. I was happy to see him get his HEA, and especially that his is the first in the series. It's rare to read about the H in a romance being in a wheelchair, and it was great to read a book that wasn't your stereotyped bad boy/alpha/billionaire/pro-athlete story, but one with characters that have faced real challenges. He and Christine were both very sweet; they make a lovely couple and seem to be a good match for each other. I enjoyed seeing Duncan and Mandy both having their own scenes in this book, also.
The book is well written and the characters very likable and interesting. The entire cast of characters was very true to the personalities portrayed in the prequel. I'm definitely planning to read the rest of this series.
August 5, 2017
Very good
I enjoyed this book. The characters are tough and loyal with depth. The intrigue and the developing romance were very enjoyable. I will definitely read more by this author.
I enjoyed this book. The characters are tough and loyal with depth. The intrigue and the developing romance were very enjoyable. I will definitely read more by this author.
April 27, 2019
Enjoyed read this book went on to read the rest of the series all individual stories with the same people mentioned through the books
August 7, 2017
First of all, I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. In the opening chapter, the reader is thrown into a late night raid of Christine's house. She has no idea why people with guns are after her - only that a man on the other end of her phone is trying to save her life.
So the book proceeds to follow through Christine's new life in hiding, giving her perspective along with that of the man who saved her. The pair try to solve the mystery of her attack.
I think if this book had remained a mystery/thriller and nothing more, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. But the hint of romance seemed to start right away. In the beginning, it didn't make sense that Christine would attach herself to Paul so quickly when she knew nothing about him - maybe she should've been freaked out by him. She'd had quite a shock, but something in his voice drew her in.
Paul was a wounded veteran - bound to a wheelchair, but still able to save Christine's life over and over. He was great with a gun and smart. At first, I wondered if a man could really care as much as he did while playing the part of gun-for-hire. Turns out it didn't matter since I ended up really liking him. He was a rare find when it comes to guys who truly know how to appreciate a good woman.
The buildup to the romantic scenes did take awhile, but I could understand this based on his injury and the fact it had been years since she let anyone in. Just as a caution, the love scenes are explicit. Hate to give too much away, but overall it turned out a satisfying read.
So the book proceeds to follow through Christine's new life in hiding, giving her perspective along with that of the man who saved her. The pair try to solve the mystery of her attack.
I think if this book had remained a mystery/thriller and nothing more, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. But the hint of romance seemed to start right away. In the beginning, it didn't make sense that Christine would attach herself to Paul so quickly when she knew nothing about him - maybe she should've been freaked out by him. She'd had quite a shock, but something in his voice drew her in.
Paul was a wounded veteran - bound to a wheelchair, but still able to save Christine's life over and over. He was great with a gun and smart. At first, I wondered if a man could really care as much as he did while playing the part of gun-for-hire. Turns out it didn't matter since I ended up really liking him. He was a rare find when it comes to guys who truly know how to appreciate a good woman.
The buildup to the romantic scenes did take awhile, but I could understand this based on his injury and the fact it had been years since she let anyone in. Just as a caution, the love scenes are explicit. Hate to give too much away, but overall it turned out a satisfying read.
February 2, 2017
Good
this story brings the way disabled veterans can find a job after one of their own started a sericerty company.
this story brings the way disabled veterans can find a job after one of their own started a sericerty company.
November 28, 2023
I’m a fan of Kearns’ writing elsewhere, so I picked up Station Alpha on a whim to support her and because, yk, who doesn’t love a bodyguard romance! It turns out it’s a cute, charming slow-burn romance with a bit of thriller-suspense, jumping right into the deep end with armed attackers breaking into the heroine’s house in the opening chapter and her needing to be guided to safety by a voice on a phone.
The most pleasant surprise to me is that the gruff soldier love interest is paraplegic, and a big part of Paul’s arc involves coming out of his shell after his injury. It seems well-researched and I liked the attention paid to how he’s had to rework his life around his disability, and his issues with physical intimacy as a result of it. (The whole premise of the series, in fact, is about disabled veterans finding new purpose in running their own private security firm — which is a pretty inventive, inclusive premise, and I like that they’re not all the same in their personalities either. Sam, the no-nonsense woman in the group, is a particular fave and I’m looking forward to reaching her book.)
And our heroine, Christine Ramirez, has had to wrangle the dichotomy of being a second-gen immigrant and pushing back against the fiery Latina stereotype, until she’s become too closed-off and analytical. It’s nice seeing the two main characters bonding through intellectual sleuthing together to solve the mystery, in addition to the usual Bodyguard Romance™ you expect from the get-go.
Decent prose, very tropey but that’s exactly what you expect and want in a book like this: I blew through it in a single sitting because it was so quick and enjoyable. You could do a lot worse when it comes to self-pub romance. Definitely gonna check out the rest of the series.
The most pleasant surprise to me is that the gruff soldier love interest is paraplegic, and a big part of Paul’s arc involves coming out of his shell after his injury. It seems well-researched and I liked the attention paid to how he’s had to rework his life around his disability, and his issues with physical intimacy as a result of it. (The whole premise of the series, in fact, is about disabled veterans finding new purpose in running their own private security firm — which is a pretty inventive, inclusive premise, and I like that they’re not all the same in their personalities either. Sam, the no-nonsense woman in the group, is a particular fave and I’m looking forward to reaching her book.)
And our heroine, Christine Ramirez, has had to wrangle the dichotomy of being a second-gen immigrant and pushing back against the fiery Latina stereotype, until she’s become too closed-off and analytical. It’s nice seeing the two main characters bonding through intellectual sleuthing together to solve the mystery, in addition to the usual Bodyguard Romance™ you expect from the get-go.
Decent prose, very tropey but that’s exactly what you expect and want in a book like this: I blew through it in a single sitting because it was so quick and enjoyable. You could do a lot worse when it comes to self-pub romance. Definitely gonna check out the rest of the series.
October 13, 2017
Great read
February 1, 2018
I wanted to read this because of the disabled hero. He was pretty awesome, but the book and I didn't have very good chemistry. After the first scene of suspense, they mostly do a lot of talking, and they're... fine. I could buy the romance, but ultimately it was pretty forgettable. Also, there is sequel-baiting so obvious you can see it from space.
I haven't decided whether I'll try the next one yet.
I haven't decided whether I'll try the next one yet.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews