She likes picking up her camera because it allows her to see things through a different lens. Like when she lost her job recently and instead of focusing on what she’s forced to leave behind, she zooms in on the new options opening up in front of her. Or when a dangerous looking silver fox comes rolling up her path on a FatBoy, and her digital output shows a deep loneliness, matching her own, in his ice-blue eyes. But when she's working on making her dreams come true, she inadvertently captures something in her viewfinder she can’t un-see.
He wasn’t supposed to be here, but he can’t seem to escape his old life. Stuck in an old trailer in the mountains, he walks a fine line between ruse and reality. With the arrival of a young-looking pixie—who turns out to be a full grown, hot-blooded woman—his balance is thrown. He tries to avoid her, but with the little pixel peeper snapping everything in sight, she unintentionally risks his exposure.
And his focus needs to be sharp to keep her from danger.
USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories. Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
This is a short prequel novella that starts off Isla and Ben's romance. Their story will continue in Freeze Frame due out in March.
This was actually a really well written and well-developed novella. The characters had depth. Isla was a strong heroine and I loved that she was older (39 I believe). In the land of young virgins, this was a nice change of pace. Ben was a hot and mysterious silver fox. I am hoping both these characters backgrounds will be explored more in their full-length book. There were some hot sex scenes, as well as some nice action. Overall just a really wonderfully executed little read.
I did a second read with the audiobook. The narrators were really good and I enjoyed this as much the second time as the first.
I didn’t find out until the end of the book that this is a prequel for Ben and Isla’s full length book Freeze Frame. I find that crazy because this little novella felt like a full story. The writing was awesome and I felt like I got to know these two and loved how this ended. I’m so curious what more the author is going to bring us in the next book.
I really enjoyed the glimpse of what will surely be another epic love story by a favorite author of mine. Ben seems like perfect alpha material and Isla is feisty and sassy.
Wow! This was a great novella. This does not end with a cliffhanger and it could stand alone. The fact that it leads into another book with this same couple, makes me want the next book even more. This has everything a full novel has with amazing background, character development, and plot. While I may not have had time to bond with this hero and heroine, I’m certainly curious enough to dive into the next book.
If all novellas were written like this I would be first in the queue to read them. Loved this one, it had me chuckling from early on. It's a great intro into Freeze Frame which continues with Isla (love that name) and Ben's story.
You’re giving me whiplash, you know? … Have you ever been diagnosed with multiple personality disorder? Because I think I’ve met a few of them already.
That kind of loneliness settles in your bones until it just becomes part of who you are. Not wanting to be an island in a sea of people, trying constantly to find that right connection, but ending up on just the same.
My Review:
Shutter Speed was a fast read featuring a quickly developed romantic suspense and opposite attraction type plot. Written tersely from a dual POV, the storyline rapidly expanded with elements of humor, suspense, intrigue, sensuality, and angst. The protagonists could not have been more dissimilar. He spoke with an economy of words and she was a chatterbox. She was short and compact, and he was big - all over. She was a firecracker with a hot temper and quickly became a complication to his job. He was a conundrum, large, quiet, always popping up unexpectedly – like a ninja. They shouldn’t have worked but they smoothed each other out, fit like puzzle pieces, and created a sizzling heat between the sheets.
As far as prequels/novellas go, this one was pretty detailed and action-packed. It was a great introduction to Isla and her Silver Fox, Ben! It was refreshing to have a storyline involving a 39 year old female and 49 year old male character. This looks to be the back-story to how these two came to meet, and I do believe I'd like to read their full-length story. Ben is very intriguing to me, and Isla has some sass - so it should be good!!
Ms. Barker is known for her well-developed characters, and I was delighted to find that even though Shutter Speed is a novella there is no lack of character development. Isla is a feisty, petite woman, who has dealt with a great deal of loss in her life. When she loses her job, she steps in to help out her uncle who runs a campground. Seizing the opportunity to hone her photographic skills and fulfill her dreams, she spends her free time snapping pictures. When she meets the silver fox biker, Ben, she sees more than meets the eye. Outgoing and cheerful, she unwittingly sees things through the view finder of her camera that could be dangerous. Ben's life is not exactly what it seems, but his life depends on keeping up those appearances. When he realizes that Isla may have seen something she shouldn't, his focus widens as he tries to keep both of them safe, while maybe grabbing a little happiness that has been missing from his life. Ms. Barker has a way of spinning a suspense story, even in a shorter work. The interaction between the main characters is witty and the characters jump off the page and remain with the reader. I am excited to hear that this is a prequel to a longer romantic suspense story featuring Ben and Isla. ETA: I just listened to the audio book of Shutter Speed and it blew me away. I forgot how much I loved these characters and Rock Engle and Marnye Young did an excellent job of bringing Ben and Isla to life. Ms Young hit Isla's attitude and emotions dead on and Mr. Engle vividly voice Ben's thoughts and concerns, giving a sense of urgency to the danger of their situation. Yet he was equally effective at bringing out Ben's softer side, one he hasn't had an opportunity to show often. I can't wait to listen to this duo to narrate Freeze Frame the follow up to Shutter Speed.
I received a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Shutter Speed is a novella that is the prequel to Freya Bakers next book Freeze Frame. In Shutter Speed we meet Ben and Isla. Isla agrees to help her uncle out and manage the campground for him when he needs to attend to a personal matter. Ben is a somewhat mysterious camper at the campground. But all is not as it seems to be in the campground,.
I really liked that Shutter Speed had an element of what the heck is going on in it. But, I really loved that Ben and Isla were an older couple. He's a Harley riding silver fox who's in his forties. Isla is nearly forty and loves photography. I thought this book was a fast easy read. I can't wait to see what Ben and Isla get in to next.
on that note, this little novella is such a great mix of suspense and lust, I love that these are "older" characters, and they've also been through life. That said, I can NOT wait for the next book!!!
'Finding beauty in the mundane things around us, capturing the artistry of nature, and showing the brilliance of imperfection.'
This line is taken from Shutter Speed, where Isla is describing why her dream has always been realistic art photography however it also, for me, perfectly describes Freya Barker's writing. She has a very special ability to convey the steamy chemistry, intimate affection, humour and warmth we all look for in any good romance book along with a Joie de vivre that shines, but what distinguishes her stories from all the rest and makes them special and different is those imperfections she shows; older characters with emotional and physical issues, baggage from a life lived, yet Ms Barker weaves the reality and the fantasy so they are seamlessly intertwined and breathtakingly beautiful yet tangible and possible.
Ben is a Harley riding silver fox (hot as fuck!!) with an Alpha bad boy vibe (I can hear the thud of all those panties dropping!) and limited words - my only question is where do I find one?
Isla is a talented, cheerful and chatty opposite of Ben and their attraction and developing relationship has the most delicious slow burn to it that even in a novella Ms Barker has done flawlessly.
If you have read the Cedar Tree series then you already know she has a flair for the suspense aspect as well as the romance and never fails to deliver. What surprised me is that even in a shorter story we lose nothing; the impact, pace, surprises, feels and steam are all perfectly paced and give the impression of a fully finished and rounded story not a prequel novella.
Another accomplished and stylish story from an author who has become a fast favourite of mine.
This author has a great way to start this book by having some banter between the main characters but then it turns serious. Isla Ferris sees the world a little differently than you or I. Ben Gustafson is an interesting man. The author shows the reader why he lives alone – it made me laugh. The scene where they first really talk to each other made me hungry – so if you haven’t eaten yet you may want to keep a little snack handy. It also left me wanting to know if there is an actual recipe – want it.
You know that you’re invested in the story when you start to roll your eyes and then break out laughing. It’s a story that had me reminiscing about family vacations. Isla did something within the story that brought those thoughts to mind. She also showed me how much people have changed since I was a kid. I looked forward to seeing what other memories this story may evoke – although I didn’t need much of an excuse to keep reading.
One issue I had was how Isla seemed to have some self-esteem issues. But she seems more confident when she’s doing something that she loves. In this novella, my copy doesn’t give you a label as to which character is speaking but it doesn’t take but a few words or a sentence to know if we’re listening to Isla or to Ben. It is a story where the ending came too quickly – I was enjoying the suspense and how the author got creative to lighten a mood. I’m looking forward to the continuing adventure and getting to know more about Isla and Ben.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
This is a short read, a prelude if you will to Freeze Frame which I understand will be released in spring this year and, it is worth every one of the 5 stars I have rated it. What I love about this book is that it is about a couple that has a lot of life experience and are therefore able to deal with situations in a more mature way. That is of course Freya Barkers trademark & I hope she continues with this formula for years to come.
Ben is currently living in a campground under less than ideal circumstances. The last thing he is looking for is a woman. Then he meets Isla. She is the caretaker of the campground Is still finding her feet and trying to get to know everyone. When she meets Ben she feels the immediate attraction but his hot and cold attitude has her head spinning! I guess you could say their romance is the slow burn type and when it takes off it is smoking.. The flames burn high, bright and hot!
This story is full of mystery, intrigue and high levels of sexual tension. It will keep ou on the edge of your seat holding your breath in anticipation of what will happen next & when these two are going to get it together & get their sexy on!
Well worth one clicking and I cannot wait until Freeze Frame is released to see where this couple go from here!
I first read this story in an anthology it was included in. And of that entire book, this was the only story I enjoyed! Now, it's coming out on it's own!
I loved this story. And it was interesting to me that even in a short story, I felt like I had a beginning, middle with drama and end that was satisfying. I also felt like I got to know the characters which sometimes I don't feel in full books. I love Isla's humor and self depreciation and super love Ben's alpha ways. That both are imperfect and human and downright flawed makes it a book I can relate too. There was so much tension between Isla and Ben, I was holding my breath during some interactions. I can't wait to read more about them and see the progression of their relationship. I feel invested in them being happy.
Do yourself a favor and read everything Freya Barker has written. Her talent with the written word is amazing. She writes about real people in real situations and makes it engaging. The suspense keeps you on edge but the amazing writing will keep you turning pages.
Upon reading the synopsis for this one I was intrigued. Typically, I don’t enjoy Novellas but I went out on a limb for this one. Shutter Speed is packed with a ton of action and a sexy biker. Mmm… My favorite. The characters were fun and the scenery, Freya described, in this was a rather nice setting considering I am currently surrounded by Winter! It left me feeling warm and breezy. I love camping and a lot of my childhood memories come from the activity.
Isla isn’t your average 20 something female lead. I found this refreshing. I didn’t read a lot of constant nagging. Isla was enjoyable and her passion for photography was mesmerizing. Ben was a biker (I may have mentioned this already) and a SILVER FOX! He was also a little on the mysterious side. I enjoyed reading about two people who already know who and what they are in life.
The only thing I didn’t like was that the book was just simply too short. I wanted more. So, I was happy to learn that there is a full length novel coming soon titled Freeze Frame.
This prequel sets the scene nicely for what is to come from the Snapshot series.
I love that Isla is a REAL person and not a glossed up character. With her, what you see if what you get. That said, she has personality in bucket loads and that compliments Ben's quiet, broody personality perfectly.
I can't wait to read Freeze Frame.
We are proud to provide honest and unbiased reviews written from the heart.
Shutter Speed by Freya Barker is a fast paced novella between two characters that are in the progress of making changes in their lives. This crime drama has all the right elements to create a smoldering romance that has you on the edge wondering what is really going on. A mature romance with characters that are not in their 20's but here we get a tattooed silver fox! I adored Isla's character. So feisty beyond her size and strong willed. Ben's character was a bit of a mystery and I could wait for his story to unravel about this sexy tattooed biker with a heart of gold. Shutter Speed was a perfect introduction to these characters and I can't wait to dive into Freeze Frame next! 5 "Stary Nights" Stars for Shutter Speed from Freya Barker
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for an honest review ***
What a great novella! Absolutely engaging. Though a much shorter story to what I’ve become accustomed to from Freya Barker, there was certainly nothing missing.
Isla is a fabulous heroine. She’s headstrong and independent. And Ben? Where can I get me one of those?
The story starts out with Isla helping her uncle out at the campground that he manages, while he has to tend to his ailing wife. There, she meets the hot, Harley riding silver fox who’s currently taking up one of the lots.
How this author can cram as much action, emotion, character development and hot scenes into a shorter story, just stuns me. But she manages it beautifully. The reader does not feel short changed by the novella, if anything, we are craving so much more of this fantastic couple.
I've meant to sit down and read something by Freya Barker for a while now, and I'm so glad I picked this little gem up first.
Shutter Speed was a fantastic introduction to Ben and Isla.
I have to say it's refreshing to read about a slightly older couple. It doesn't happen enough, but Barker nailed it! Of course, it helps that she's an epic storyteller that'll have you sitting on the edge of your seat to see if someone will be eaten by a bear, shot, blown up, or...well, you get the gist.
You can't help but to fall in love with Ben and Isla. They're real; faults, damages, eccentricities, talents and all. It's just too damn bad that sh*t had to hit the fan, or is it?
All I can say is that if you pick up this book, you'll be craving more by the time you reach the end, and never regret your decision to read Shutter Speed.
Shutter speed is a novella that has a lot of suspense to it. Definitely set the story up between Ben and Isla.
Isla is taking over the campground for her Uncle who is going to take care of her ailing Aunt. She has a passion for photography which just might get her into trouble.
Ben is trying to move onto the next chapter in his life but he keeps getting dragged back. The first time he sees Isla he knows there is something special about her but in his current line of work the best thing to do is push her away. But Isla is very good at being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ben must work hard at achieving his goals and keeping her safe.
Shutter speed sets this up to be a thrilling series. I look forward to the next chapter in Ben and Isla's story.
The book had a good H and liked that the characters were in their late 30's and 40's. This age range is sorely lacking in romance books and I don't know why. I am so tired of reading about a h in her 20's! Anyway, I did not like the h. There are certain types of female main characters that I avoid. These are the types usually described as spunky, sassy, quirky, etc. The h in this book was such a character. Despite her age, she still acted immature and was too quick to lose common sense bc the H was hot. Nevertheless, I will read the next book bc I hope a longer book would flesh out these characters and their relationship.
This book was so GOOD!! Love it. Just like I love my books to be. Isla loves taking photos and she's working on making her dream cone true. But when she unassumingly captures something with her camera, she will be in trouble. Ben is a handsome and dangerous looking silver fox on a fat-boy that tries to keep the young looking pixie from danger. I really can't wait for more from this story.
Freya has written an amazing beginning to a new love story. Isla, our sweet pixie-esque heroine, and Ben, our gravelly voiced Harley riding hero, are one of Freya's most interesting couples so far. I'm looking forward to seeing where their story takes us next! Well done, Freya Barker, well done!
Talk about a great introduction into this couple! Why did I wait so long to read this one? I haven’t read book 1 yet, - this is 0.5 - but you could read this one on its own and be okay.
I admit to being a super fan of Ms Barker. Her characters are real. Ben and Isla don't disappoint. Just the right mix of reality and fantasy. Isla is a real woman, with talents and flaws. Ben is the perfect combination of bad boy and good man with just the right mix of alpha thrown in. I'm looking forward to reading more of their story!