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Shielded Hearts #1
Storm Season
They say you can’t go home again, Adam Klay doesn’t intend to until the death of his father, a famous artist, forces his return to Skagit, Washington. Cleaning up his father’s chaotic life was never on Adam’s bucket list. Worse, Adam finds himself inexplicably drawn to the elusive, terminally-clumsy, gorgeous, Micah Ryan. No way is he getting involved with someone from his hometown; he’s always insisted the best view of Skagit was in his rearview mirror.
Micah Ryan has been coasting on auto-pilot since his family was killed in a car accident a decade earlier. He runs a web business and has an irritable cat. He hardly leaves his house, unless it is for his afternoon espresso. His world tips upside down when Adam Klay rolls into town. For the first time in years, he feels alive. Unfortunately, Micah’s return to the living has been noticed and is not appreciated.
Someone has a secret. Someone is exploiting the vulnerable youth population in Skagit. Teenagers are disappearing, young women turning up dead, the dirty secrets of Skagit are surfacing.
Micah Ryan has been coasting on auto-pilot since his family was killed in a car accident a decade earlier. He runs a web business and has an irritable cat. He hardly leaves his house, unless it is for his afternoon espresso. His world tips upside down when Adam Klay rolls into town. For the first time in years, he feels alive. Unfortunately, Micah’s return to the living has been noticed and is not appreciated.
Someone has a secret. Someone is exploiting the vulnerable youth population in Skagit. Teenagers are disappearing, young women turning up dead, the dirty secrets of Skagit are surfacing.
268 pages, ebook
First published March 10, 2017
437 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
About the author
Elle Keaton
52 books546 followersElle Keaton is a writer, avid reader, and amateur cat-wrangler. Her love of romance novels has led her to a life of creating her own happy ever afters. She is the author of the best selling series' Shielded Hearts and Veiled Intentions. Keaton hails from the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
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June 29, 20213 days later and I am still not moving, I keep getting distracted by other books so, I am placing this on hold for now.
I am not connecting with the characters or the writing.
And it is all Insta, the POV changes are confusing.
Maybe I will be back, maybe not.
I am not connecting with the characters or the writing.
And it is all Insta, the POV changes are confusing.
Maybe I will be back, maybe not.
March 11, 2017
4.25 stars
This is a good one y'all. You should check it out. Great story flow, lots of snark! I'm hooked in for book two.
June 18, 2020
***3.5 Stars***
Auspicious start to a new series
... is part of his job, but he is also confronted with it where he expected it least of all...
Dedicated to his job, but worn out FBI Agent Adam Klay is called from the middle of a crime scene to return to his small hometown in order to settle the assets of his deceased estranged father. To say being back generates mixed feelings in him would be quite an understatement and he clutches at every straw to shuffle out of the situation of dealing with the estate and facing up to his past.
One of these distractions is Micah Ryan, a totally adorbs, clumsy as hell man with an aura of sadness, who stirs up feelings in Adam he was not prepared for. No, he did not expect to find murder in this hicktown of his youth, but he expected to find love even less.
Micah is also completely taken by surprise when he discovers that he cannot get the stranger with the piercing expression out of his head, who evokes such intense emotions in him he never experienced before. Even after a stretch of ten years he is not really able to get over the death of his family due to a car crash and lives more or less the life of a recluse. Normally, opening up to someone is not easy for him, but there is something about Adam that makes him throw caution to the wind and want to trust this guy.
When bodies are piling up, when it seems like there would be more to this sleepy town than meets the eye and Micah is put in the crosshairs of somebody who attempts on his life, Adam is forced to give his all to keep him safe, especially when it becomes clear that all events seem to be connected somehow.
I had my ups and downs with Storm Season, but overall it was an enjoyable read and a promising debut of a new author. I particularly loved her dry sense of humor and the snark made me laugh out loud quite often. This book is rather long, but it did not feel this way. The chapters are short with alternating POVs of Adam and Micah and this contributes to giving this story a fast-paced aspect. There happens quite a lot in this book and as for me, it was sometimes a bit too much telling and not enough showing, but the embroilments and the mystery part are still nicely done.
What dimmed my enjoyment a bit was one of my favorite pet peeves... Guess what! Yes, insta-love. Since authors use it quite often, I slowly but surely have the impression that it is just poor me who never experienced this kind of phenomenon and therefore cannot relate to it in any sort. This kind of obsession with each other after bumping into one another two or three times and two nights together is simply not realistic for me. I get insta-attraction, yes, but insta-love? Not so much...
To be fair, though, I have to admit that Adam and Micah are good -not to say perfect- for each other to get over their past. Adam helps Micah coming out of his shell and on the other hand, Micah helps Adam finding back to his true self. He helps him appreciating himself and his past and even this dump of a hometown he tried to escape from ages ago. Accomplishing that in another -slower- way would have made it just more plausible for me.
With the case not really solved yet and a killer still on the loose, I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Auspicious start to a new series
... is part of his job, but he is also confronted with it where he expected it least of all...
Dedicated to his job, but worn out FBI Agent Adam Klay is called from the middle of a crime scene to return to his small hometown in order to settle the assets of his deceased estranged father. To say being back generates mixed feelings in him would be quite an understatement and he clutches at every straw to shuffle out of the situation of dealing with the estate and facing up to his past.
One of these distractions is Micah Ryan, a totally adorbs, clumsy as hell man with an aura of sadness, who stirs up feelings in Adam he was not prepared for. No, he did not expect to find murder in this hicktown of his youth, but he expected to find love even less.
Micah is also completely taken by surprise when he discovers that he cannot get the stranger with the piercing expression out of his head, who evokes such intense emotions in him he never experienced before. Even after a stretch of ten years he is not really able to get over the death of his family due to a car crash and lives more or less the life of a recluse. Normally, opening up to someone is not easy for him, but there is something about Adam that makes him throw caution to the wind and want to trust this guy.
When bodies are piling up, when it seems like there would be more to this sleepy town than meets the eye and Micah is put in the crosshairs of somebody who attempts on his life, Adam is forced to give his all to keep him safe, especially when it becomes clear that all events seem to be connected somehow.
I had my ups and downs with Storm Season, but overall it was an enjoyable read and a promising debut of a new author. I particularly loved her dry sense of humor and the snark made me laugh out loud quite often. This book is rather long, but it did not feel this way. The chapters are short with alternating POVs of Adam and Micah and this contributes to giving this story a fast-paced aspect. There happens quite a lot in this book and as for me, it was sometimes a bit too much telling and not enough showing, but the embroilments and the mystery part are still nicely done.
What dimmed my enjoyment a bit was one of my favorite pet peeves... Guess what! Yes, insta-love. Since authors use it quite often, I slowly but surely have the impression that it is just poor me who never experienced this kind of phenomenon and therefore cannot relate to it in any sort. This kind of obsession with each other after bumping into one another two or three times and two nights together is simply not realistic for me. I get insta-attraction, yes, but insta-love? Not so much...
To be fair, though, I have to admit that Adam and Micah are good -not to say perfect- for each other to get over their past. Adam helps Micah coming out of his shell and on the other hand, Micah helps Adam finding back to his true self. He helps him appreciating himself and his past and even this dump of a hometown he tried to escape from ages ago. Accomplishing that in another -slower- way would have made it just more plausible for me.
With the case not really solved yet and a killer still on the loose, I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
dnf
July 26, 2021DNF at 17%
I liked the premise and the characters, or at least the idea behind the characters, but the narrative was choppy, the transitions between scenes weren’t smooth and the dialogues often sounded unrealistic and disjointed. There were also some unnecessary repetitions, in addition to unrealistic plot devices and insta-everything.
I’ve read a more recent book by this author, Long Shadow, and it was much better, so I’d chalk it up to this being one of her earlier works and use it as a reminder to not dismiss an author after one try, except that the second book in the other series also presented big problems in terms of characterization and realism and now I’m wondering if it wasn’t more part of a pattern than a one-time occurrence.
I liked the premise and the characters, or at least the idea behind the characters, but the narrative was choppy, the transitions between scenes weren’t smooth and the dialogues often sounded unrealistic and disjointed. There were also some unnecessary repetitions, in addition to unrealistic plot devices and insta-everything.
I’ve read a more recent book by this author, Long Shadow, and it was much better, so I’d chalk it up to this being one of her earlier works and use it as a reminder to not dismiss an author after one try, except that the second book in the other series also presented big problems in terms of characterization and realism and now I’m wondering if it wasn’t more part of a pattern than a one-time occurrence.
June 8, 2022
I now have a goal of finding more books in this series. I loved the main characters and how they handled their growing attraction and ultimate relationship. The story was easy to follow as the author made the chapters fairly short, and each one had either Adam or Micah's POV, so it was always clear who was who. The narrator, Nick Gallagher, also made the story extremely enjoyable with his smooth easy to listen to voice. When one man clearing out his father's house uncovers a family forgotten, another is awakened from the fog surrounding his families deaths. These two men end up being what the other needs and someone is not happy their secrets are coming to light. A really good story that keeps you guessing throughout, with complicated characters who have great chemistry. A book well worth the readers time.
January 11, 2018
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this start to the series. The writing wasn't all that smooth, though - the scene breaks were often either jarring or not marked at all, so I had to go back many times to make sure I didn't miss something. Still, I enjoyed the story and the characters and am looking forward to continuing the series.
I enjoyed this start to the series. The writing wasn't all that smooth, though - the scene breaks were often either jarring or not marked at all, so I had to go back many times to make sure I didn't miss something. Still, I enjoyed the story and the characters and am looking forward to continuing the series.
March 31, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I liked this book. Romance mixed with mystery is a favorite genre of mine. Elle Keaton has written an excellent story with great characters and a well plotted mystery. Adam is a flawed man. Even though he’s an agent who closes cases and gets results, he’s somewhat grumpy and (in my opinion, at least) a little jaded. He also feels deeply for the victims of the crimes he’s investigating. He’s a genuine human being, not a by-the-book agent. Micah is a sad character. I felt for him so much. I can’t imagine how it must feel to be alone in the world, his entire family gone in an instant. I wanted to gather him in my arms to comfort him and telling him it would all be ok. Together, the men have a chemistry that makes sense. It’s sexy for sure, but they need each other. Once they start to fall, they fall quickly. However, it didn’t give me whiplash.
The background characters all fill their roles nicely. We have old friends of Adam’s father, the sweet owner of the coffee shop, the arrogant local cop, and Adam’s boss and occasional partner. I considered then all to be likable, with the exception of the local cop. They helped to move the story along smoothly.
As I said, the mystery was well plotted, and it kept me guessing. There was the occasional red herring, and I was surprised and mortified several times. Everything came together satisfactorily, and I was pleased with the ending.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I liked this book. Romance mixed with mystery is a favorite genre of mine. Elle Keaton has written an excellent story with great characters and a well plotted mystery. Adam is a flawed man. Even though he’s an agent who closes cases and gets results, he’s somewhat grumpy and (in my opinion, at least) a little jaded. He also feels deeply for the victims of the crimes he’s investigating. He’s a genuine human being, not a by-the-book agent. Micah is a sad character. I felt for him so much. I can’t imagine how it must feel to be alone in the world, his entire family gone in an instant. I wanted to gather him in my arms to comfort him and telling him it would all be ok. Together, the men have a chemistry that makes sense. It’s sexy for sure, but they need each other. Once they start to fall, they fall quickly. However, it didn’t give me whiplash.
The background characters all fill their roles nicely. We have old friends of Adam’s father, the sweet owner of the coffee shop, the arrogant local cop, and Adam’s boss and occasional partner. I considered then all to be likable, with the exception of the local cop. They helped to move the story along smoothly.
As I said, the mystery was well plotted, and it kept me guessing. There was the occasional red herring, and I was surprised and mortified several times. Everything came together satisfactorily, and I was pleased with the ending.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
December 31, 2017
This book is nearly all tell, there's no show, barely any conversation, but been two long drawn out sex scene by 38%. Writing really not working for me, too much focus on the irrelevant and scenes that trail off.
The main character is a jaded work-a-holic better than everyone else FBI agent who wants to save the world. He gets 'hunches' based on zero evidence or reason; appears apathetic about everything and disparaging about nearly everyone he encounters - oh the hell of finding you've inherited expensive cars; the horror of making two phone calls, a little paperwork and all the hicks being excited about it. This is super-FBI guy why would that phase him? Mainly he comes across as arrogant and judgemental. No redeeming qualities.
The love interest is a clumsy sweet colt-like character suffering from heavy grief/trauma - luckily he's cute, also clever enough with computers to be a hermit yet confident in bed.
I'm leaving it here because the mystery plot is starting and is already promising to be OTT with Russian mafia suddenly involved in a small barely on the map town and not holding much hope for the detecting.
The main character is a jaded work-a-holic better than everyone else FBI agent who wants to save the world. He gets 'hunches' based on zero evidence or reason; appears apathetic about everything and disparaging about nearly everyone he encounters - oh the hell of finding you've inherited expensive cars; the horror of making two phone calls, a little paperwork and all the hicks being excited about it. This is super-FBI guy why would that phase him? Mainly he comes across as arrogant and judgemental. No redeeming qualities.
The love interest is a clumsy sweet colt-like character suffering from heavy grief/trauma - luckily he's cute, also clever enough with computers to be a hermit yet confident in bed.
I'm leaving it here because the mystery plot is starting and is already promising to be OTT with Russian mafia suddenly involved in a small barely on the map town and not holding much hope for the detecting.
March 20, 2019
** 4.5 stars **
This was my first book by Elle Keaton, and I really enjoyed it. I love a good mystery with a side of amateur sleuthing. Plus small town and people knowing everyone's business makes for a very entertaining story. I liked that the author made chapters short. And each had either Adam or Micah's POV. It was always clear who was who, and I really liked that. The pace was a bit slow for a mystery but it was interspersed with beautiful descriptions of local landmarks that I found myself envisioning the places that MCs went, the emotions that they caused. Those parts were lovely.
I enjoyed Adam's slightly jaded attitude and sarcastic brand of humor. His often snarky inner comments just cracked me up. Little pieces of information from different people throughout the book created an image of a man who despite his inner strength and extreme independence was lonely at heart and didn't know how to trust and open up. Adam was a perfectionist but he demanded the most from himself. It took him a while to recognize the feelings he had for Micah. I loved his very few overprotective friends, his deer in the headlights moments when he was so awkward surrounded by people, yet how free and uninhibited he was with Micah.
Micah is still grieving after his family was taken from him so suddenly over ten years ago. Even though he has people in his corner, he still feels like he is on the outside looking in. He is not living just existing. But he comes out of his stupor when he meets Adam and sees that Adam needs him just as much as he needs Adam. I liked Micah's slow reemergence to the land of the living. (no pun intended) He remembered how it felt to be adventurous, spontaneous and brave. Sometimes his decisions were foolhardy but, I guess, after so many years of drifting he just went all in without reservations.
I loved the town of Skagit and its inhabitants. All the nosy, extra helpful, gossipy people who always thought they knew better. But the reality of the town was a lot scarier than anyone could have imagined. What starts as random murders turns into a horrible string of crimes that have been going on for years. Many things assumed as truth are questioned, old wounds are ripped open. But Adam and Micah are able to get to the bottom of it except they only scratch the surface, and it's only the beginning. I enjoyed the romance, the mystery and the family that Adam and Micah inadvertently created. I will definitely continue the series!
This was my first book by Elle Keaton, and I really enjoyed it. I love a good mystery with a side of amateur sleuthing. Plus small town and people knowing everyone's business makes for a very entertaining story. I liked that the author made chapters short. And each had either Adam or Micah's POV. It was always clear who was who, and I really liked that. The pace was a bit slow for a mystery but it was interspersed with beautiful descriptions of local landmarks that I found myself envisioning the places that MCs went, the emotions that they caused. Those parts were lovely.
I enjoyed Adam's slightly jaded attitude and sarcastic brand of humor. His often snarky inner comments just cracked me up. Little pieces of information from different people throughout the book created an image of a man who despite his inner strength and extreme independence was lonely at heart and didn't know how to trust and open up. Adam was a perfectionist but he demanded the most from himself. It took him a while to recognize the feelings he had for Micah. I loved his very few overprotective friends, his deer in the headlights moments when he was so awkward surrounded by people, yet how free and uninhibited he was with Micah.
Micah is still grieving after his family was taken from him so suddenly over ten years ago. Even though he has people in his corner, he still feels like he is on the outside looking in. He is not living just existing. But he comes out of his stupor when he meets Adam and sees that Adam needs him just as much as he needs Adam. I liked Micah's slow reemergence to the land of the living. (no pun intended) He remembered how it felt to be adventurous, spontaneous and brave. Sometimes his decisions were foolhardy but, I guess, after so many years of drifting he just went all in without reservations.
I loved the town of Skagit and its inhabitants. All the nosy, extra helpful, gossipy people who always thought they knew better. But the reality of the town was a lot scarier than anyone could have imagined. What starts as random murders turns into a horrible string of crimes that have been going on for years. Many things assumed as truth are questioned, old wounds are ripped open. But Adam and Micah are able to get to the bottom of it except they only scratch the surface, and it's only the beginning. I enjoyed the romance, the mystery and the family that Adam and Micah inadvertently created. I will definitely continue the series!
dnf-or-hated
February 17, 2020DNF @25% - no rating.
I just cannot connect to this at all and I decided 2020 was the year I wasn't going to feel bad for not finishing something. So, yes, I'm tapping out here. YMMV.
I just cannot connect to this at all and I decided 2020 was the year I wasn't going to feel bad for not finishing something. So, yes, I'm tapping out here. YMMV.
August 24, 2017
Oh yes. There's nothing like a new to me author with a book that I love, it's like finding a new great flavour of ice-cream. This book/author was one of those. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
What started off as seemingly as a boy-returns-to-home-town-and-finds-love soon turned into much more. Yes, it did have those aspects. I loved Micah and Adam both. I was a tad concerned that Micah especially might turn into a bit od a stereotype, but the author managed his storyline well. Adam too was a great character to get to know. He was world-weary, maybe a tad grumpy... he wasn't perfect and I do like flawed characters. You know, ones with proper flaws, not the take-the-glasses-off-the-secretary-and-she's-suddenly-beautiful kind of flaws. D'ya know what I mean? Adam fitted that description and was the perfect opposite to Micah.What I really liked though was the mystery and the twists.
Books that have a bit of a twisty, turn-y, whodunnit-y feel to them are sometimes just what I crave. Especially when it sits alongside a romance. This was just that kind of story. I was hooked emotionally and mentally, I wanted Adam and Micah to have an HEA but I was also trying to figure out the mysteries in the plot. J'taime. <3. This worked well for me and I'm really looking forward to reading the next in the series and generally more by this author.A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Review previously at bmbr.
What started off as seemingly as a boy-returns-to-home-town-and-finds-love soon turned into much more. Yes, it did have those aspects. I loved Micah and Adam both. I was a tad concerned that Micah especially might turn into a bit od a stereotype, but the author managed his storyline well. Adam too was a great character to get to know. He was world-weary, maybe a tad grumpy... he wasn't perfect and I do like flawed characters. You know, ones with proper flaws, not the take-the-glasses-off-the-secretary-and-she's-suddenly-beautiful kind of flaws. D'ya know what I mean? Adam fitted that description and was the perfect opposite to Micah.What I really liked though was the mystery and the twists.
Books that have a bit of a twisty, turn-y, whodunnit-y feel to them are sometimes just what I crave. Especially when it sits alongside a romance. This was just that kind of story. I was hooked emotionally and mentally, I wanted Adam and Micah to have an HEA but I was also trying to figure out the mysteries in the plot. J'taime. <3. This worked well for me and I'm really looking forward to reading the next in the series and generally more by this author.A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Review previously at bmbr.
July 6, 2021
I'm sorry but It didn´t work for me.
The mystery plot is not at all bad, but although I enjoyed other books from this author I really struggle with the writing here. The constant jumps in the story, the choppy narrative, and the scenes going nowhere killed the story.
The mystery plot is not at all bad, but although I enjoyed other books from this author I really struggle with the writing here. The constant jumps in the story, the choppy narrative, and the scenes going nowhere killed the story.
February 21, 2021
This book had potential but the writing really wasn’t of the same quality as Conspiracy Theory (a more recent book), by the same author.
The writing was choppy and requires serious editing. The scene breaks were abrupt and confusing and chapters felt like a series of disparate vignettes. The multi-POV didn’t work for me either, as it was not immediately obvious whose head we were in at the start of each chapter and a few times I had to go back and read the end of the previous chapter assuming I had missed something.
The writing was choppy and requires serious editing. The scene breaks were abrupt and confusing and chapters felt like a series of disparate vignettes. The multi-POV didn’t work for me either, as it was not immediately obvious whose head we were in at the start of each chapter and a few times I had to go back and read the end of the previous chapter assuming I had missed something.
January 8, 2020
4.5 stars
March 11, 2017
Trying to work a homicide case, long distance, and take care of the hell-hole he inherited from his father is starting to take its toll on federal investigator Adam Klay. When his boss, Mohammad, demands Adam take some time off, the last thing he wanted to do was return to Skagit, Washington, but with the passing of his father, Gerald, it was unavoidable. Adam’s life, growing up, had some disappointments, namely a mother who wanted nothing to do with him or his father, and who eventually abandoned them both. Life with his father had its ups and downs too, and Adam at times had found himself acting more the adult than his father and his father’s friends. But, it was with his paintings and poetry that Gerald had helped the town survive.
In Skagit, there’s a coffee shop called The Booking Room. That’s where you’ll meet some of the most interesting characters who come together to form a special bond, and it’s the one place in town where Adam has become comfortable. It’s also where he discovers that the “Cute Hopeless Guy” has become an attraction.
Micah Ryan is the only one left in his family. His parents, Brett and Lucinda, and his sister, Shona, died in a car accident. He couldn’t have asked for a more loving family, and after losing them at the age of eighteen, Micah went into seclusion for two years. And, even though Micah sought therapy, he still has nightmares. He’s smart and has his own web business, but he’s shy, clumsy and self-conscious. The only place he’s willing to venture out to is The Booking Room, as long as he doesn’t have to socialize.
Adam feels strongly about one thing: as a federal investigator, his fight is for the victim. When a homicide occurs in Skagit County, it piques his interest and he finds he has to get involved. As the attraction also peaks between Micah and Adam, they become involved in mysterious murders and the bizarre secret that Skagit holds.
Because I’m obsessed with mysteries, I chose this book by debut author, Elle Keaton, and she succeeded not only in her writing style but with an intriguing plot and some of the most interesting characters. My take on Adam was a little different; I didn’t see him as being grumpy but simply a boy who had to grow up and be an adult before his time. Micah is such a delight in his quirkiness, and the chemistry between him and Adam is right on-point.
Because of the lifestyle of Gerald and his friends, Adam and Ed (one of those friends) have to face that there could be someone they didn’t know about who is part of that group. There’s lots of moments of reminiscing with Adam, and such a great cast of side characters: Sara, who owns The Booking Room; Mohammad, Adam’s boss; Carroll Weir, who is snarky and hides a secret; and Seth Culver, who is a surprise to Adam, just to name a few. I can see a couple of sequels developing from this novel, and I’m hoping Carroll will be next to get his own story. But, whatever comes next, I’m invested.
To those who love a good mystery, be sure to put this one on your list.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
In Skagit, there’s a coffee shop called The Booking Room. That’s where you’ll meet some of the most interesting characters who come together to form a special bond, and it’s the one place in town where Adam has become comfortable. It’s also where he discovers that the “Cute Hopeless Guy” has become an attraction.
Micah Ryan is the only one left in his family. His parents, Brett and Lucinda, and his sister, Shona, died in a car accident. He couldn’t have asked for a more loving family, and after losing them at the age of eighteen, Micah went into seclusion for two years. And, even though Micah sought therapy, he still has nightmares. He’s smart and has his own web business, but he’s shy, clumsy and self-conscious. The only place he’s willing to venture out to is The Booking Room, as long as he doesn’t have to socialize.
Adam feels strongly about one thing: as a federal investigator, his fight is for the victim. When a homicide occurs in Skagit County, it piques his interest and he finds he has to get involved. As the attraction also peaks between Micah and Adam, they become involved in mysterious murders and the bizarre secret that Skagit holds.
Because I’m obsessed with mysteries, I chose this book by debut author, Elle Keaton, and she succeeded not only in her writing style but with an intriguing plot and some of the most interesting characters. My take on Adam was a little different; I didn’t see him as being grumpy but simply a boy who had to grow up and be an adult before his time. Micah is such a delight in his quirkiness, and the chemistry between him and Adam is right on-point.
Because of the lifestyle of Gerald and his friends, Adam and Ed (one of those friends) have to face that there could be someone they didn’t know about who is part of that group. There’s lots of moments of reminiscing with Adam, and such a great cast of side characters: Sara, who owns The Booking Room; Mohammad, Adam’s boss; Carroll Weir, who is snarky and hides a secret; and Seth Culver, who is a surprise to Adam, just to name a few. I can see a couple of sequels developing from this novel, and I’m hoping Carroll will be next to get his own story. But, whatever comes next, I’m invested.
To those who love a good mystery, be sure to put this one on your list.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
October 1, 2020
hmmm not sure what to make of the book. I picked it because it was tagged as mystery. There is one or two, but not on the front. There are different stories going on. Adam's father death and his estate, which what made him go back "home", followed Adam's childhood and what went on while growing up. Followed by his work as an FBI agent and his personality relationships (lack off). Also his father's personality and past mistakes. Let's not forget his mother.
Micah with his current situation, family death, clumsiness and awkwardness. Plus all the characters and their relationships to the MCs.
And the mystery, which I'm still not sure of; if its one mystery or more..so many tangled threads going on. I got so turned around I don't think we solved everything.
The relationship wasn't exactly insta love but I did happen fast, the whole book took place within..a month? not sure
also why I kept hearing the narrator clearing his throat? how does other narrators manage to hide the sound? Other than that his voices were great.
I need to pounder what I just read.
Anyway:
grumpy guy, clumsy guy, remorseful guy, giant guy, arisen, dead bodies, and a coffee shop
Micah with his current situation, family death, clumsiness and awkwardness. Plus all the characters and their relationships to the MCs.
And the mystery, which I'm still not sure of; if its one mystery or more..so many tangled threads going on. I got so turned around I don't think we solved everything.
The relationship wasn't exactly insta love but I did happen fast, the whole book took place within..a month? not sure
also why I kept hearing the narrator clearing his throat? how does other narrators manage to hide the sound? Other than that his voices were great.
I need to pounder what I just read.
Anyway:
grumpy guy, clumsy guy, remorseful guy, giant guy, arisen, dead bodies, and a coffee shop
February 26, 2018
Ok, so this Authors writing is odd, but I think I'm in serious like with it.
Serious.
This was good. There was something about the characters, the story, the setting and yes, the weird writing that just had me hooked.
I can not wait to read the rest of this series!
Serious.
This was good. There was something about the characters, the story, the setting and yes, the weird writing that just had me hooked.
I can not wait to read the rest of this series!
September 21, 2018
Freebie again at amazon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Storm-Season...
November 18, 2021
This book didn't work for me at all... it was a mess and difficult to read. The transition between scenes was rough to say the least and the character development was between non existent and sloppy. So, do you think this is too much? Well, after painfully reading our characters adventures, I didn't get any clousure, the main plot keeps unsolved. I'm running away from this fast.
March 18, 2017
Very good!
Terrific characters, great story, and excellent writing. This was a well plotted book that sucked me in from the beginning. I loved the relationship between Micah and Adam and the fully fleshed out secondary characters. Looking forward to the next book of this series!
Terrific characters, great story, and excellent writing. This was a well plotted book that sucked me in from the beginning. I loved the relationship between Micah and Adam and the fully fleshed out secondary characters. Looking forward to the next book of this series!
September 2, 2020
~ Witty ~ Entertaining ~ Romantic ~ Easy To Read ~ Page Turner ~ Funny ~ Unpredictable ~ Steamy ~ Tragic ~ Action-Packed ~ Wonderful Characters ~ Great World Building ~
Romantic suspense has become a favorite genre for me and I am loving this series. The first book in the series was a wonderful start. The mystery is nicely plotted and detailed. The characters are wonderful from the main characters of Adam and Micah to the supporting characters. Such wonderful characterizations and I look forward to visiting with them more in this series. The book wasn't perfect as it really needed some better editing in spots, but it was a very entertaining story, highlighted by the wonderful characters.
Romantic suspense has become a favorite genre for me and I am loving this series. The first book in the series was a wonderful start. The mystery is nicely plotted and detailed. The characters are wonderful from the main characters of Adam and Micah to the supporting characters. Such wonderful characterizations and I look forward to visiting with them more in this series. The book wasn't perfect as it really needed some better editing in spots, but it was a very entertaining story, highlighted by the wonderful characters.
July 12, 2019
New to me author. This is a mm contemporary story set in the USA. Main characters are Micah and Adam. Adam was a federal agent investigating missing and murdered girls. I found this book made lots of assumptions and the story jumped.
May 14, 2018
**don’t Let this book keep you from exploring this series!**
3 Stars
This book started with so much promise. The opening scene grabbed me and piqued my interest, I’m a huge CSI/Criminal Minds fan, and I quickly settled in for what I assumed would be a gripping, suspenseful mystery, with a side of smoking hot romance. Umm.. unfortunately, that’s not what happened. The content of the suspense/mystery portion started out so well, but it all quickly fell apart and the execution was just not good. The author would start a scene and it would get interesting, you’d get to edge of your seat to see how it was going to unfold and then suddenly the scene would jump to something else and at times, she never came back to that idea/scene. These scenes often felt like interrupted thoughts as if her train of thought had been lost mid-thought.
Now the romance, well, it suffered from the same issues. The development was okay, but it was also unfocused at times. I would be waiting for a big revelation and the scene would jump to something else. As for the chemistry, Elle nailed that, Adam and Micah’s chemistry was off the charts, but the sex, well, it was umm..somewhat awkward at times.
So, in closing, this story had so much potential, but it fell severely short. BUT, but, I started this series at book number four, so I KNOW the potential this series has, in-fact, after reading books 4, 5 and 6, my mind is completely blown that this is the same author. Her writing has improved TREMENDOUSLY, so if you’re reading my review, although it’s negative, please don’t give up, because if you move forward with this series, you’ll find an author that has learned to hone her craft nicely. I’m glad I started later in the series, because I’m not sure I would have gone further, and I now know, I would have been missing out. So, you don’t have to read this story, and I haven’t read books two or three YET, although I plan to, but I can definitely vouch for books four through six!
3 Stars
This book started with so much promise. The opening scene grabbed me and piqued my interest, I’m a huge CSI/Criminal Minds fan, and I quickly settled in for what I assumed would be a gripping, suspenseful mystery, with a side of smoking hot romance. Umm.. unfortunately, that’s not what happened. The content of the suspense/mystery portion started out so well, but it all quickly fell apart and the execution was just not good. The author would start a scene and it would get interesting, you’d get to edge of your seat to see how it was going to unfold and then suddenly the scene would jump to something else and at times, she never came back to that idea/scene. These scenes often felt like interrupted thoughts as if her train of thought had been lost mid-thought.
Now the romance, well, it suffered from the same issues. The development was okay, but it was also unfocused at times. I would be waiting for a big revelation and the scene would jump to something else. As for the chemistry, Elle nailed that, Adam and Micah’s chemistry was off the charts, but the sex, well, it was umm..somewhat awkward at times.
So, in closing, this story had so much potential, but it fell severely short. BUT, but, I started this series at book number four, so I KNOW the potential this series has, in-fact, after reading books 4, 5 and 6, my mind is completely blown that this is the same author. Her writing has improved TREMENDOUSLY, so if you’re reading my review, although it’s negative, please don’t give up, because if you move forward with this series, you’ll find an author that has learned to hone her craft nicely. I’m glad I started later in the series, because I’m not sure I would have gone further, and I now know, I would have been missing out. So, you don’t have to read this story, and I haven’t read books two or three YET, although I plan to, but I can definitely vouch for books four through six!
May 31, 2017
This was a great mystery romance! A mystery is tricky and I'm generally a hard sell when it comes to them because I hold it to a different standard. In the end, it has to be amazing. I have to understand the who, how, why's. On the whole, I was impressed!
Adam is a piece of work. He's a great detective but his line of work has made him into a bit of a grump... or so I assumed at first. When we learn about his childhood things make more sense. His mom left him and his dad, that's changes a person. He pretty much was the grown up of the two. But it's his dad and his dad was an artist and he wasn't a bad man at all. When Adam is forced to return home due to his father's passing you truly feel for him.
The secondary characters were awesome and colorful. I love when an author writes great secondaries. They are the meat of the story and often forgotten or underused. Not here though. Well done there.
In the Booking Room - a coffee shop in town- is where we meet Micah. He's a man with a heartbreaking past and I very much wanted to put him in my pocket. He's somewhat a recluse due to the life he's led and only ventures to the coffee shop. So, he does get out just not a lot.
Of course, there's a murder while Adam's there, has to be or there wouldn't be a story. This is also how Micha and Adam's romance grows. I love, love. love them together! Great chemistry with these two, wonderful and intriguing mystery, and I loved Elle Keaton's writing style. A win!
Adam is a piece of work. He's a great detective but his line of work has made him into a bit of a grump... or so I assumed at first. When we learn about his childhood things make more sense. His mom left him and his dad, that's changes a person. He pretty much was the grown up of the two. But it's his dad and his dad was an artist and he wasn't a bad man at all. When Adam is forced to return home due to his father's passing you truly feel for him.
The secondary characters were awesome and colorful. I love when an author writes great secondaries. They are the meat of the story and often forgotten or underused. Not here though. Well done there.
In the Booking Room - a coffee shop in town- is where we meet Micah. He's a man with a heartbreaking past and I very much wanted to put him in my pocket. He's somewhat a recluse due to the life he's led and only ventures to the coffee shop. So, he does get out just not a lot.
Of course, there's a murder while Adam's there, has to be or there wouldn't be a story. This is also how Micha and Adam's romance grows. I love, love. love them together! Great chemistry with these two, wonderful and intriguing mystery, and I loved Elle Keaton's writing style. A win!
November 18, 2021
October 2021
This was a reread for me to give this series a second chance and I enjoyed it this time a smidgen more. The mystery as well as the MCs are interesting, especially adorable Micah. And it's great how Adam and Micah help each other to get into a better headspace.
The balance between mystery and romance is well done.
Hopefully the next book of this series will fit into my reading schedule soon so I'll still remember the open mystery parts of this one....
February 2021
Although I think that the writing style wasn't very smooth, this start to a new series was interesting and I'm going to give the next installment a chance.
3.5 stars
This was a reread for me to give this series a second chance and I enjoyed it this time a smidgen more. The mystery as well as the MCs are interesting, especially adorable Micah. And it's great how Adam and Micah help each other to get into a better headspace.
The balance between mystery and romance is well done.
Hopefully the next book of this series will fit into my reading schedule soon so I'll still remember the open mystery parts of this one....
February 2021
Although I think that the writing style wasn't very smooth, this start to a new series was interesting and I'm going to give the next installment a chance.
3.5 stars
June 9, 2019
This was extremely choppy and clunky. Scenes just ended and so much telling and not enough showing. Very little conversations. I did really like the concept of this story though and I finished it. I won't be moving on in this series.
April 19, 2021
2.5 disappointed stars
This started out not too bad. I liked Micah and Adam was prickly but in a good way.
I just didn't like the writing style or the story development. Way too many short chapters and some awkward scene transitions.
I probably won't continue the series
This started out not too bad. I liked Micah and Adam was prickly but in a good way.
I just didn't like the writing style or the story development. Way too many short chapters and some awkward scene transitions.
I probably won't continue the series
June 26, 2017
Page 116 of 308
DNF. Too much focus on sex. Not enough lore/background to keep me interested.
DNF. Too much focus on sex. Not enough lore/background to keep me interested.
July 16, 2020
Thrilling and steamy
I really enjoyed this adventure. A somewhat twisted case mixed up in his childhood town, Adam starts to uncover the secrets and dangers of his town.
I enjoyed adorable, awkward, and clumsy Micah and liked seeing him grow into himself and his confidence.
The case isn't closed but great headway is made and I hope to see more of Adam and Micah in book 2. I felt like there was many thoughts, cases, and paths created in this first story and I hope they are all unraveled in future books.
Enjoyable narration by Nick. I look forward to hearing more from him.
I really enjoyed this adventure. A somewhat twisted case mixed up in his childhood town, Adam starts to uncover the secrets and dangers of his town.
I enjoyed adorable, awkward, and clumsy Micah and liked seeing him grow into himself and his confidence.
The case isn't closed but great headway is made and I hope to see more of Adam and Micah in book 2. I felt like there was many thoughts, cases, and paths created in this first story and I hope they are all unraveled in future books.
Enjoyable narration by Nick. I look forward to hearing more from him.
September 30, 2018
I thought it was pretty good overall. Adam returns to his hometown after his father's death. He couldn't wait to get out of there when he was younger. However, he finds a different place than what he remembers. Micah has been suffering for years after his family was taken cruelly from him. Both men have issues but are drawn to each other.
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