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Before Nightfall
If they move you, they will kill you.
When Kate Foster secures a lucrative new job, her boss insists that she undertake a pre-deployment security and hostage survival course – a course that’s not meant to be easy, and one that Kate almost fails, to the consternation of her instructor.
Six months later, Kate is working in Istanbul when a simple day’s task goes horribly wrong.
Kidnapped and held hostage by a group of violent criminals, Kate must recall the lessons she learned during her security training in order to stay alive while she hopes for rescue.
For Finn Scott, the man who trained her, it’s his worst nightmare. Haunted by memories of a failed hostage rescue, he is thrust into a situation beyond his control.
Now, against a sinister adversary whose ambitions will tear apart Eastern Europe, Finn must face the demons from his past to secure Kate’s future before the kidnappers’ deadline expires...
When Kate Foster secures a lucrative new job, her boss insists that she undertake a pre-deployment security and hostage survival course – a course that’s not meant to be easy, and one that Kate almost fails, to the consternation of her instructor.
Six months later, Kate is working in Istanbul when a simple day’s task goes horribly wrong.
Kidnapped and held hostage by a group of violent criminals, Kate must recall the lessons she learned during her security training in order to stay alive while she hopes for rescue.
For Finn Scott, the man who trained her, it’s his worst nightmare. Haunted by memories of a failed hostage rescue, he is thrust into a situation beyond his control.
Now, against a sinister adversary whose ambitions will tear apart Eastern Europe, Finn must face the demons from his past to secure Kate’s future before the kidnappers’ deadline expires...
402 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2014
39 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Amphlett
206 books676 followersBefore turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.
Praise for Rachel Amphlett
“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty
“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession
“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza
"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.
Praise for Rachel Amphlett
“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty
“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession
“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza
"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 16, 2019
This was an entertaining and easy read. The pages just flew past. Watching what was happening to Kate while at the same time seeing how the rescuers were faring made it intense and exciting.
Before Nightfall is mostly set in Turkey with one character in a hostage situation. It all seemed believable to me and for that reason very scary. The twist when we find out who actually initiated the scenario is amazing. Kate's resilience and her attempts to free herself make good reading.
I have read a number of this author's books now and enjoyed them all. There is always some romance but it never takes over the book and there is always a gripping story. Definitely an author to follow.
Before Nightfall is mostly set in Turkey with one character in a hostage situation. It all seemed believable to me and for that reason very scary. The twist when we find out who actually initiated the scenario is amazing. Kate's resilience and her attempts to free herself make good reading.
I have read a number of this author's books now and enjoyed them all. There is always some romance but it never takes over the book and there is always a gripping story. Definitely an author to follow.
October 28, 2014
As ex-FBI Hostage Rescue Specialist Finn Scott was training the students in the survival course, he was frustrated by the naivety of young Kate Foster – Kate was straight out of the US, a city girl who had no idea what she was getting herself into. But she had accepted the position with Ian Hart, who owned and ran a specialist organisation; proving herself to the people back home was a top priority to Kate – nothing else mattered.
Six months later in Istanbul she was a little disillusioned with her boss – doing a menial job for him with her driver Mike was not what she had signed up for – but the early morning traffic as they moved through the back streets of the city meant they should be back in time for the meeting. Suddenly, terrifyingly, Kate was catapulted into the very situation she had been trained for; with terrorists nearby, Kate struggled to remember all she had been taught…
With Finn and Steve called in to run the investigation, they knew time was against them. The horrors of the local environment; knowing what they did but not knowing enough – would Finn succeed where he had failed three years previously? Would his demons let him go?
I loved this psychological thriller by Aussie author Rachel Amphlett! The twists and turns, the fast pace – all kept me on the edge of my seat until the final pages. I have no hesitation in recommending Before Nightfall very highly.
Six months later in Istanbul she was a little disillusioned with her boss – doing a menial job for him with her driver Mike was not what she had signed up for – but the early morning traffic as they moved through the back streets of the city meant they should be back in time for the meeting. Suddenly, terrifyingly, Kate was catapulted into the very situation she had been trained for; with terrorists nearby, Kate struggled to remember all she had been taught…
With Finn and Steve called in to run the investigation, they knew time was against them. The horrors of the local environment; knowing what they did but not knowing enough – would Finn succeed where he had failed three years previously? Would his demons let him go?
I loved this psychological thriller by Aussie author Rachel Amphlett! The twists and turns, the fast pace – all kept me on the edge of my seat until the final pages. I have no hesitation in recommending Before Nightfall very highly.
February 3, 2017
Note: I was given a copy for review.
Before Nightfall is an engaging story that keeps you guessing and hoping for a happy ending while offering interesting and unique characters that always have something up their sleeve and secrets to hide.
The story involves Kate, a woman who was looking to challenge herself and applies to work overseas in the Business Development division of a company. For staff safety she must undergoes hostage training, but does not hold up to the standards expected by her interrogator Finn Scott. Despite this, she already has the job, and inexperienced or not, she gets to go overseas with her new boss Ian Hart. Now, six months later when a routine trip in Istanbul gets her kidnapped, she must rely on the information she was told during her training, try to recall anything that will help her stay alive.
As a character Kate is one we are meant to worry about. We are shown and reminded continuously that she may not be able to cope with her situation, that she was unprepared and seemingly unqualified despite her training. While we do see a small part of this, Kate actually comes through quite well, she is strong and clever, and while it doesn't always show, the strength underneath is quite powerful, even if it is not in the manner we are expecting.
There is a mystery about why Kate has been taken, we are given hints and clues but no real reason at first. When the answers are revealed it soon becomes a complicated and intriguing series of events that reveal so much more than what you first anticipate. What Amphlett does reveal is explained well. The secrets Finn won't discuss, the half truths given by Hart, the unspoken words of seemingly innocent characters. It's all there, and all waiting to be unearthed in a truly suspenseful style.
There is enough romance, suspense, and twists to keep you satisfied and it's a story that keeps its secrets close. I liked that the strong romance elements were kept at a minimum, but I liked the restrained ongoing and obvious unspoken attraction between Finn and Kate. I enjoyed watching them pine for one another without doing anything about it, almost denying to themselves something was even there. Finn's tormented soul made the storyline interesting away from the kidnapping, while still connecting them together.
I really liked how Amphlett handles the hostage and kidnapping aspects. Kate is portrayed in a way that suits her character well, she is strong, but inexperienced but she is also determined. Amphlett isn't trying to make her out to be an unbreakable force, but she is not entirely out of her depth either.
With no spoilers I will say that by the end of the book when everything comes to light and everything is revealed, you realise how creative and clever Amphlett has been. It doesn't go in the direction you think, nor do anyone's secrets turn out to be what you suspect either. It is a great book that brings enough romance, suspense, action, and uniqueness meaning there is a little something for everyone to enjoy.
This review was also posted on my blog http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/20...
Before Nightfall is an engaging story that keeps you guessing and hoping for a happy ending while offering interesting and unique characters that always have something up their sleeve and secrets to hide.
The story involves Kate, a woman who was looking to challenge herself and applies to work overseas in the Business Development division of a company. For staff safety she must undergoes hostage training, but does not hold up to the standards expected by her interrogator Finn Scott. Despite this, she already has the job, and inexperienced or not, she gets to go overseas with her new boss Ian Hart. Now, six months later when a routine trip in Istanbul gets her kidnapped, she must rely on the information she was told during her training, try to recall anything that will help her stay alive.
As a character Kate is one we are meant to worry about. We are shown and reminded continuously that she may not be able to cope with her situation, that she was unprepared and seemingly unqualified despite her training. While we do see a small part of this, Kate actually comes through quite well, she is strong and clever, and while it doesn't always show, the strength underneath is quite powerful, even if it is not in the manner we are expecting.
There is a mystery about why Kate has been taken, we are given hints and clues but no real reason at first. When the answers are revealed it soon becomes a complicated and intriguing series of events that reveal so much more than what you first anticipate. What Amphlett does reveal is explained well. The secrets Finn won't discuss, the half truths given by Hart, the unspoken words of seemingly innocent characters. It's all there, and all waiting to be unearthed in a truly suspenseful style.
There is enough romance, suspense, and twists to keep you satisfied and it's a story that keeps its secrets close. I liked that the strong romance elements were kept at a minimum, but I liked the restrained ongoing and obvious unspoken attraction between Finn and Kate. I enjoyed watching them pine for one another without doing anything about it, almost denying to themselves something was even there. Finn's tormented soul made the storyline interesting away from the kidnapping, while still connecting them together.
I really liked how Amphlett handles the hostage and kidnapping aspects. Kate is portrayed in a way that suits her character well, she is strong, but inexperienced but she is also determined. Amphlett isn't trying to make her out to be an unbreakable force, but she is not entirely out of her depth either.
With no spoilers I will say that by the end of the book when everything comes to light and everything is revealed, you realise how creative and clever Amphlett has been. It doesn't go in the direction you think, nor do anyone's secrets turn out to be what you suspect either. It is a great book that brings enough romance, suspense, action, and uniqueness meaning there is a little something for everyone to enjoy.
This review was also posted on my blog http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/20...
July 28, 2014
A fantastic book, by an exceptionally talented author.
I’ve been a fan of Rachel Amphlett’s work for a while now, and really enjoyed her Dan Taylor thrillers, White Gold and Under Fire. Her latest work, the standalone thriller, Before Nightfall, is out now and is well worth a read.
Life for business executives working in Eastern Europe is fraught with danger. The risks of kidnapping and violence are high, and in order to survive, security needs to be on the forefront of your mind. Kate Foster is a business development specialist. She’s been newly hired by Ian Heart, an electronics engineer and business tycoon, who made his fortune developing components for surface to air missiles. Now specialising in IT componentry for schools and hospitals, Heart has his eyes on the developing Eastern European markets, and that’s where Kate comes in. Like all of Hearts employees however, before she can take her place with the company, Kate needs to undertake a pre-deployment security and hostage survival course; a course that’s not meant to be easy, and one that she doesn’t handle very well.
Despite concerns raised by her trainers, Kate soon finds herself working with Heart in Istanbul. From there the reader is fast forwarded six months, and that’s when the unthinkable happens; Kate Foster is taken. Captured and held hostage by a group of violent criminals, Kate must call on all her wits, and the lessons she learned during her security training in order to survive.
Finn Scott, a former FBI hostage rescue specialist, was Kate’s trainer, and the man she must now rely on if she has any chance of being rescued. Haunted by his own demons, Finn and his colleague Steve, race against time to locate Kate. As their investigation unfolds, so too does a complex and surprising plot, that keeps the reader guessing as one unexpected twist leads to another, and then another. Rachel Amphlett has done a fantastic job crafting an action-packed thriller that barrels along at an astonishing pace, and one that will keep you guessing until the very end. With something for everyone, Amphlett has also managed to weave a little romance into her book, but don’t worry thriller fans, the love story isn’t too mushy, and only helps to ratchet up the tension.
With Before Nightfall, Rachel Amphlett has hit her stride. This book is a winner, and I highly recommend that you check it out.
I’ve been a fan of Rachel Amphlett’s work for a while now, and really enjoyed her Dan Taylor thrillers, White Gold and Under Fire. Her latest work, the standalone thriller, Before Nightfall, is out now and is well worth a read.
Life for business executives working in Eastern Europe is fraught with danger. The risks of kidnapping and violence are high, and in order to survive, security needs to be on the forefront of your mind. Kate Foster is a business development specialist. She’s been newly hired by Ian Heart, an electronics engineer and business tycoon, who made his fortune developing components for surface to air missiles. Now specialising in IT componentry for schools and hospitals, Heart has his eyes on the developing Eastern European markets, and that’s where Kate comes in. Like all of Hearts employees however, before she can take her place with the company, Kate needs to undertake a pre-deployment security and hostage survival course; a course that’s not meant to be easy, and one that she doesn’t handle very well.
Despite concerns raised by her trainers, Kate soon finds herself working with Heart in Istanbul. From there the reader is fast forwarded six months, and that’s when the unthinkable happens; Kate Foster is taken. Captured and held hostage by a group of violent criminals, Kate must call on all her wits, and the lessons she learned during her security training in order to survive.
Finn Scott, a former FBI hostage rescue specialist, was Kate’s trainer, and the man she must now rely on if she has any chance of being rescued. Haunted by his own demons, Finn and his colleague Steve, race against time to locate Kate. As their investigation unfolds, so too does a complex and surprising plot, that keeps the reader guessing as one unexpected twist leads to another, and then another. Rachel Amphlett has done a fantastic job crafting an action-packed thriller that barrels along at an astonishing pace, and one that will keep you guessing until the very end. With something for everyone, Amphlett has also managed to weave a little romance into her book, but don’t worry thriller fans, the love story isn’t too mushy, and only helps to ratchet up the tension.
With Before Nightfall, Rachel Amphlett has hit her stride. This book is a winner, and I highly recommend that you check it out.
July 29, 2017
A disappointing entry to Rachel Amphlett's body of work. As a big fan of the Dan Taylor series I approached this with high hopes but found it was left wanting. The main characters Kate Foster and Fin Scott are badly drawn. The relationship between the two is clumsily written and adds little to the story in fact this and the character of Fin are straight from the pulp fiction book of cliche. It's a shame this story had the potential to be decent but suffered thru characterisation. It is a thriller by numbers and suffers accordingly. Sorry Rachel this is a dip in form after Dan Taylor.
June 18, 2014
With exhilarating pacing, plot twists, and clues dripped like hot wax, Before Nightfall will keep you up til dawn.
Business woman Kate Foster is kidnapped from an Istanbul street in broad daylight. No one knows where she is or why she was targeted. All Kate has to survive are her wits and the little knowledge gained on a three-day hostage training course where she clashed with handsome but challenging trainer, Finn Scott. Now Finn is charged with rescuing her. Before he can do that, he must untangle the truth behind why she was taken – a truth obscured by deceit – and Kate must survive until rescue comes.
Before Nightfall grabs you from the very first page. We follow Kate through her training course with Finn and the powerful attraction at the heart of their disputes, and we see her kidnapping in glorious detail. The novel is wonderfully atmospheric, particularly the scenes set in the industrial parts of Istanbul. Both Kate and Finn narrate the story, which allows for character growth as the tale unfolds and the stakes increase. Though the emphasis is on action and the ticking of time as the larger threat becomes real, Amphlett allows us to see Kate and Finn’s fear and desperation. In the early scenes the attraction feels a little underdone, partly because the protagonists have so little time together and some of what passes between them at the training facility is not revealed until later. Yet the fact they have little more than the promise-of-what-might-have-been to sustain them is wonderfully poignant.
Before Nightfall tells of an ordinary girl thrust into extraordinarily dangerous circumstances, and of a man who must confront his past to ensure they have a future. For her third novel, Amphlett builds on her reputation for excellent romantic military thrillers.
Business woman Kate Foster is kidnapped from an Istanbul street in broad daylight. No one knows where she is or why she was targeted. All Kate has to survive are her wits and the little knowledge gained on a three-day hostage training course where she clashed with handsome but challenging trainer, Finn Scott. Now Finn is charged with rescuing her. Before he can do that, he must untangle the truth behind why she was taken – a truth obscured by deceit – and Kate must survive until rescue comes.
Before Nightfall grabs you from the very first page. We follow Kate through her training course with Finn and the powerful attraction at the heart of their disputes, and we see her kidnapping in glorious detail. The novel is wonderfully atmospheric, particularly the scenes set in the industrial parts of Istanbul. Both Kate and Finn narrate the story, which allows for character growth as the tale unfolds and the stakes increase. Though the emphasis is on action and the ticking of time as the larger threat becomes real, Amphlett allows us to see Kate and Finn’s fear and desperation. In the early scenes the attraction feels a little underdone, partly because the protagonists have so little time together and some of what passes between them at the training facility is not revealed until later. Yet the fact they have little more than the promise-of-what-might-have-been to sustain them is wonderfully poignant.
Before Nightfall tells of an ordinary girl thrust into extraordinarily dangerous circumstances, and of a man who must confront his past to ensure they have a future. For her third novel, Amphlett builds on her reputation for excellent romantic military thrillers.
August 14, 2014
The suspense is rife in Amphlett’s Before Nightfall and it has more of those great twists we’ve come to look forward to.
Amplett is a master at the twist and it’s always something totally unexpected.
All the characters had a vulnerability about them which made them real and likeable.
I liked Finn and Steve’s relationship. Boss and employee, but more like best friends. The banter between the two was very natural.
Impeccably researched, breath holding, hand sweating suspense, romance and a hunky protagonist makes Before Nightfall a book that is very hard to put down. As soon as I finished it I wanted to read it all over again.
Readers are in for a real treat. Amphlett’s writing just gets better and better!
Amplett is a master at the twist and it’s always something totally unexpected.
All the characters had a vulnerability about them which made them real and likeable.
I liked Finn and Steve’s relationship. Boss and employee, but more like best friends. The banter between the two was very natural.
Impeccably researched, breath holding, hand sweating suspense, romance and a hunky protagonist makes Before Nightfall a book that is very hard to put down. As soon as I finished it I wanted to read it all over again.
Readers are in for a real treat. Amphlett’s writing just gets better and better!
June 5, 2014
Having read Rachel’s excellent first two “Dan Taylor” thrillers, I was excited to see her third novel is a standalone suspense story.
Again the plot is bang up to date, featuring real characters in a frightening yet poignant situation, a twist or two that you don’t see coming and a bit of will-they-won’t-they romance too.
The House of Amphlett continues to produce the goods. Another bestseller - no question.
An exhilarating rollercoaster from the new Queen of international romantic thrillers.
Again the plot is bang up to date, featuring real characters in a frightening yet poignant situation, a twist or two that you don’t see coming and a bit of will-they-won’t-they romance too.
The House of Amphlett continues to produce the goods. Another bestseller - no question.
An exhilarating rollercoaster from the new Queen of international romantic thrillers.
May 28, 2015
Enjoyed reading this book.
Jealous wife, electronic devices to make it easier to kill more people. Unfaithful husband, Kate caught in between and kidnapped in Istanbul, Turkey. Interesting story to read. Because of the very familiar cover I bought this book.
Jealous wife, electronic devices to make it easier to kill more people. Unfaithful husband, Kate caught in between and kidnapped in Istanbul, Turkey. Interesting story to read. Because of the very familiar cover I bought this book.
July 20, 2014
With an international setting and plenty of action, Rachel Amphlett's latest Romantic Suspense will keep you turning the pages right to the end!
March 27, 2024
I am a big fan of Rachel Amphlett. This was such a great book; fast paced and gripping. I started it at bedtime and had to finish it, so yet another late night/ early morning! It features a capable and assertive woman who gets kidnapped. The action packed narrative never lets up and you cannot stop reading.
I downloaded all her books on Kobo Plus and have been binge reading them all. This one is a standalone thriller so no committment to a big series. It would be great as a plane or cruise/ beach holiday as you lose yourself in the story.
I downloaded all her books on Kobo Plus and have been binge reading them all. This one is a standalone thriller so no committment to a big series. It would be great as a plane or cruise/ beach holiday as you lose yourself in the story.
April 26, 2024
This book could have been given a 5 - star rating except for the use of God's and Jesus' names in vain. Deuteronomy 5: 11 says "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord your God shall not leave him unpunished who takes his name in vain." (note the second part of that commandment) I don't mind ordinary curses but not deity curses or exclamations.
I read skimming to see how it ended. This author's name goes on my 'do-not-read this author list' which is unfortunate because the storyline is different.
I read skimming to see how it ended. This author's name goes on my 'do-not-read this author list' which is unfortunate because the storyline is different.
October 5, 2025
This is a fast paced story of Kate who works for a company that builds weapons and is working in their Istanbul office. While out shopping, escorted by the company chauffeur, Kate is kidnapped and held to be exchanged for weapon components by a terrorist group.
Enter Finn, who works for a security firm that trains staff how to deal with hostile situations and deal with these issues. He and his partner Steve are called in to work with the local authorities to save Kate and avoid any security threats.
Enter Finn, who works for a security firm that trains staff how to deal with hostile situations and deal with these issues. He and his partner Steve are called in to work with the local authorities to save Kate and avoid any security threats.
December 9, 2017
nother about a semi hero with personal problems, plenty of baddies mostly middle eastern, but all in all just an average read. I would from past reads from this author expected better. Oh well on to the next read and hope more interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2021
Cannot beat it
Very difficult to better the stories delivered by this author. Another fascinating story involving international terrorism and business with many twists and turns including some romance.
Very difficult to better the stories delivered by this author. Another fascinating story involving international terrorism and business with many twists and turns including some romance.
March 28, 2024
This a cracking thriller. Full of intrigue and suspense with something happening all the time. Especially the twists and turns as well right up to the finish I didn’t see coming at all. Highly recommended.
April 2, 2024
I found "Before Nightfall" a really good read. It was fast paced and gripping with well drawn characters. I read well into the night as the twists and turns made me want to get to the outcome of the story.
April 22, 2024
Really enjoyed this book, a nice easy listen filled with exciting and dangerous scenes. Brilliant character's, unforeseen twists and turns with some romance thrown in. What more could you ask for. Very wicked surprise near the end! Hope to meet the character's again sometime.
May 18, 2025
Another fine page turner from Rachel Amphlett. Sat up until, 4.30am to finish it. Plenty of action, a bit of romance, believable characters as always. Note to self - find a more boring author so I can get some sleep...
July 31, 2018
Borrowed from library:
Another winner for Ms. Amphlett!
Reading my way thru all her books I can find! Thank goodness m library has a good selection of her books!
Another winner for Ms. Amphlett!
Reading my way thru all her books I can find! Thank goodness m library has a good selection of her books!
May 28, 2019
Very good
April 15, 2024
Kate Foster gets kidnapped in order for a very persistent terrorist to try to use her for leverage to get what he wants. A fast-paced thriller with a lot of action to keep your interest.
April 16, 2024
Thin and predictable. I won’t be reading any more from this author
October 28, 2014
Kate is fresh off of a long term relationship, and she's looking for a new job that is challenging and is one where she will flourish. When takes the sales development job with a firm where she'll be traveling overseas, so she must go through a hostage course to prepare her for what could happen when working in some of the more hostile countries. She doesn't anticipate meeting the handsome lead trainer Finn, who's tough as nails training style leaves her unsure if she's prepared for the worst. But she also knows that she can't get away from his hot and cold attitude fast enough, even though there seems to be a mutual attraction between them.
Six months later, the unthinkable happens: Kate is kidnapped and held for ransom while she's working in Instanbul with her boss, Mr. Hart. Finn and his boss Steve are called in for a hostage rescue, but this isn't a cut and dry crime of opportunity at work. The ransom is a highly specialized piece of electronics for weapons, one that only Mr. Hart can deliver, and corruption runs rampant among the locals. Can Finn push aside the memory of his last hostage rescue that went horribly wrong, allowing him to focus on finding and getting Kate out alive?
Kate is such a fighter. While she's definitely scared for her life, she keeps her wits about her, tries to remember as much about the training that she received from Finn and Steve as she can, and she never gives up hope that she'll be rescued. And when her hope of rescue looks dim, she helps herself by being patient, smart, and using her common sense.
Finn is a bit more complex and driven by his anger, but he's unwilling to lose another person that he could possibly save. With the skills that he'd honed in the FBI and further developed with his company, he's more than able to investigate leads, develop a rescue plan, and execute that plan--even in a foreign country like Turkey. But he lets the fear leftover from his loss of the last hostage take him over, so he's reluctant to even take this on at first--or admit that he might have feelings for Kate.
I give Before Nightfall a four out of five. The story starts out with a vivid setting and fast, thrilling pace that just gets you going and keeps you going. You're right in the middle of the action from the start, and I really enjoyed that. The setting and visualizations were vivid, and I could picture Instanbul as I read. The characters were well-drawn and distinct, from the Kate, Finn, Steve, and her boss Mr. Hart, to the kidnappers and the minor characters. You really get to know everyone without it being over or under done. The pacing was just perfect throughout since there was a deadline to this kidnapping, and it made the narration flow to where I just read and couldn't wait to see what happened next. The only thing that felt a little forced was intensity of the relationship between Finn and Kate after only training together for three days and then not speaking for 6 months. It felt a bit forced to me, but pushing that aside, this novel is a very exciting and intense read.
(Also on Bewitched Bookworms, book received from author in exchange for honest review)
Six months later, the unthinkable happens: Kate is kidnapped and held for ransom while she's working in Instanbul with her boss, Mr. Hart. Finn and his boss Steve are called in for a hostage rescue, but this isn't a cut and dry crime of opportunity at work. The ransom is a highly specialized piece of electronics for weapons, one that only Mr. Hart can deliver, and corruption runs rampant among the locals. Can Finn push aside the memory of his last hostage rescue that went horribly wrong, allowing him to focus on finding and getting Kate out alive?
Kate is such a fighter. While she's definitely scared for her life, she keeps her wits about her, tries to remember as much about the training that she received from Finn and Steve as she can, and she never gives up hope that she'll be rescued. And when her hope of rescue looks dim, she helps herself by being patient, smart, and using her common sense.
Finn is a bit more complex and driven by his anger, but he's unwilling to lose another person that he could possibly save. With the skills that he'd honed in the FBI and further developed with his company, he's more than able to investigate leads, develop a rescue plan, and execute that plan--even in a foreign country like Turkey. But he lets the fear leftover from his loss of the last hostage take him over, so he's reluctant to even take this on at first--or admit that he might have feelings for Kate.
I give Before Nightfall a four out of five. The story starts out with a vivid setting and fast, thrilling pace that just gets you going and keeps you going. You're right in the middle of the action from the start, and I really enjoyed that. The setting and visualizations were vivid, and I could picture Instanbul as I read. The characters were well-drawn and distinct, from the Kate, Finn, Steve, and her boss Mr. Hart, to the kidnappers and the minor characters. You really get to know everyone without it being over or under done. The pacing was just perfect throughout since there was a deadline to this kidnapping, and it made the narration flow to where I just read and couldn't wait to see what happened next. The only thing that felt a little forced was intensity of the relationship between Finn and Kate after only training together for three days and then not speaking for 6 months. It felt a bit forced to me, but pushing that aside, this novel is a very exciting and intense read.
(Also on Bewitched Bookworms, book received from author in exchange for honest review)
February 7, 2015
This review originally appeared on my blog at www.gimmethatbook.com.
Many thanks to author Rachel Amphlett for introducing me to this book!
It’s a fast paced action/romance about an executive who must undergo a hostage survival course before she can take a new job. The course leaves her a little scared, but confident that she will survive…..and who really wants to kidnap her, anyway? As the course draws to an end she finds herself developing feelings for one of the instructors. Finn is the quintessential man: hunky, brooding, strong, confident; but seemingly not that interested in Kate. She is whisked off to Istanbul before they can say a proper goodbye, and that ends any opportunity for a romance.
However, her boss is involved in some shady weapons dealing, and that proves to be trouble. One day she is taken in broad daylight, as an accident is staged and blood is shed. She must struggle to remember her training and stay alive, for her captors only care about one thing: obtaining parts for a massive weapon that is intended to be used in a terrorist attack.
Finn is called to help rescue Kate, and while he is secretly hoping to see her again and be her hero, he is also haunted by the memory of a previous rescue situation: one where he lost the hostage. He must put his feelings of self doubt aside and get the job done. There are surprises and double crosses he didn’t count on, and all the while the clock is ticking on Kate’s life.
I don’t usually read books that have to do with terrorism/kidnapping/Middle East/weaponry; so I did some thinking before I accepted this for review. I’m really glad I did! The emphasis is more on the relationships and the intrigue than heavy political drama. The atmosphere is gritty and authentic, with detail so vivid I felt as if I were chained to the wall alongside Kate. The plot twists kept me riveted and I felt invested in the whole Finn/Kate romance. Each character had sufficient backstory, and the suspense was perfectly created–I was drawn in and could not wait to see what was happening on the next page. Reading this was well worth my time.
Rachel Amphlett_web_4322
Amphlett has written other books in the thriller genre as well; be sure to visit her website and see if any will interest you.
Many thanks to author Rachel Amphlett for introducing me to this book!
It’s a fast paced action/romance about an executive who must undergo a hostage survival course before she can take a new job. The course leaves her a little scared, but confident that she will survive…..and who really wants to kidnap her, anyway? As the course draws to an end she finds herself developing feelings for one of the instructors. Finn is the quintessential man: hunky, brooding, strong, confident; but seemingly not that interested in Kate. She is whisked off to Istanbul before they can say a proper goodbye, and that ends any opportunity for a romance.
However, her boss is involved in some shady weapons dealing, and that proves to be trouble. One day she is taken in broad daylight, as an accident is staged and blood is shed. She must struggle to remember her training and stay alive, for her captors only care about one thing: obtaining parts for a massive weapon that is intended to be used in a terrorist attack.
Finn is called to help rescue Kate, and while he is secretly hoping to see her again and be her hero, he is also haunted by the memory of a previous rescue situation: one where he lost the hostage. He must put his feelings of self doubt aside and get the job done. There are surprises and double crosses he didn’t count on, and all the while the clock is ticking on Kate’s life.
I don’t usually read books that have to do with terrorism/kidnapping/Middle East/weaponry; so I did some thinking before I accepted this for review. I’m really glad I did! The emphasis is more on the relationships and the intrigue than heavy political drama. The atmosphere is gritty and authentic, with detail so vivid I felt as if I were chained to the wall alongside Kate. The plot twists kept me riveted and I felt invested in the whole Finn/Kate romance. Each character had sufficient backstory, and the suspense was perfectly created–I was drawn in and could not wait to see what was happening on the next page. Reading this was well worth my time.
Rachel Amphlett_web_4322
Amphlett has written other books in the thriller genre as well; be sure to visit her website and see if any will interest you.
July 17, 2017
Clever ,dark ,pulls the reader in to a nailbiting ending
Kate Foster, newly divorced, wanting a new start,a life change,decides to start her new life by applying for a new job in Eastern Europe.First Kate must go on a pre deployment hostage survival course as part of the job application. Here she meets Finn Scott ,a rugged handsome,clever man..who seems to go out of his way to make her feel powerless,small and for some reason she can't fathom she feels a pull towards him..At the very end of the course there is a moment he kisses her, the last morning though Kate feels as though Finn is just blanking her..Fast forward six months later.. Kate while running an errand for her boss is abducted... Terrified and alone Kate wanders if Finn and Steve will come for her..When Finn is notified of Kate's abduction he drops everything to go to find her..For Finn this brings back past memories that still haunt his dreams..As the team gathers all the evidence ,they realise they have been used ,that nothing is as it seems...There is so much danger ahead and will Finn manage to find Kate and save her in time...This story races along at a fast pace pulling the reader in to blind spots that you couldn't see coming. There are moments where you will not see coming as there are twists, a person who wants to bathe in glory and greed..Then there are the ones who rush in where angels fear to tread.My first read by this writer .I thought this book was so well written and loved the mix of characters .Excellent storytelling on a dark subject
Kate Foster, newly divorced, wanting a new start,a life change,decides to start her new life by applying for a new job in Eastern Europe.First Kate must go on a pre deployment hostage survival course as part of the job application. Here she meets Finn Scott ,a rugged handsome,clever man..who seems to go out of his way to make her feel powerless,small and for some reason she can't fathom she feels a pull towards him..At the very end of the course there is a moment he kisses her, the last morning though Kate feels as though Finn is just blanking her..Fast forward six months later.. Kate while running an errand for her boss is abducted... Terrified and alone Kate wanders if Finn and Steve will come for her..When Finn is notified of Kate's abduction he drops everything to go to find her..For Finn this brings back past memories that still haunt his dreams..As the team gathers all the evidence ,they realise they have been used ,that nothing is as it seems...There is so much danger ahead and will Finn manage to find Kate and save her in time...This story races along at a fast pace pulling the reader in to blind spots that you couldn't see coming. There are moments where you will not see coming as there are twists, a person who wants to bathe in glory and greed..Then there are the ones who rush in where angels fear to tread.My first read by this writer .I thought this book was so well written and loved the mix of characters .Excellent storytelling on a dark subject
June 9, 2014
“If they move you, they will kill you.” I just love this quote.
This is the author’s third book and a standalone. The previous two are White Gold and Under Fire. We are introduced to Kate, who is participating in a hostage survival course before being sent off on a new job in Eastern Europe, fast forward 6 months and she is kidnapped. It is a fast paced book, with plenty going on, with a few twists and turns that surprised me. Kate is a great character and also Finn, plenty of background information on the characters to give you the right impression of each one.
There are some good hostage moments, this part has been well written and well researched. The plot is revealed nicely, not too fast or too slow.
You´ve got thrills, suspense, romance, travel, twists in the tale. I had no idea of the end twist, caught me by surprise. This is a good as the other book from the same author that I have read. Under Fire.
I didn´t want it to finish, I enjoyed it loads. I hope to see more from this author in the future. Thanks Rachel for my copy. I feel that there might be more books with these two characters. (I hope.)
This is the author’s third book and a standalone. The previous two are White Gold and Under Fire. We are introduced to Kate, who is participating in a hostage survival course before being sent off on a new job in Eastern Europe, fast forward 6 months and she is kidnapped. It is a fast paced book, with plenty going on, with a few twists and turns that surprised me. Kate is a great character and also Finn, plenty of background information on the characters to give you the right impression of each one.
There are some good hostage moments, this part has been well written and well researched. The plot is revealed nicely, not too fast or too slow.
You´ve got thrills, suspense, romance, travel, twists in the tale. I had no idea of the end twist, caught me by surprise. This is a good as the other book from the same author that I have read. Under Fire.
I didn´t want it to finish, I enjoyed it loads. I hope to see more from this author in the future. Thanks Rachel for my copy. I feel that there might be more books with these two characters. (I hope.)
June 22, 2014
Kate, employed by a business mogul must undergo hostage training before starting her employment that will let her travel the world. Finn helps to run the Hostage training courses, despairs of her abilities to cope in the event of her ever being captured but there is a spark between the two of them and he is loathe to let her travel.
The worst happens and taken hostage in Turkey , Kate struggles to remember her training. Finn and his business partner are called in to operate a rescue function but can he deal with traumatic flashbacks of a previous rescue op that didn't go to plan?
Not my usual genre but I loved it, fast paced this book proved to be a real page turner for me and I finished it very quickly. Well written and I would recommend it to anyone.
The only reason it didn't get the full five stars from me was I found the final fight scene a tad farcical after the well written previous scenes. I also felt the sex scenes detracted from the plot too, they were over the top and didn't add much to the book for me.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The worst happens and taken hostage in Turkey , Kate struggles to remember her training. Finn and his business partner are called in to operate a rescue function but can he deal with traumatic flashbacks of a previous rescue op that didn't go to plan?
Not my usual genre but I loved it, fast paced this book proved to be a real page turner for me and I finished it very quickly. Well written and I would recommend it to anyone.
The only reason it didn't get the full five stars from me was I found the final fight scene a tad farcical after the well written previous scenes. I also felt the sex scenes detracted from the plot too, they were over the top and didn't add much to the book for me.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 4, 2014
What can I say: well I'll start with buy this book today! I did the day it came out and read it in three days. Apologies to an amazing author for taking so long to come back online and review it.
This is Rachel's third book and like a fine wine, this is full of body (not all remsin live ones:P) and superb quality. As a stand alone thriller this book is up there with the best. I had the principal characters pictured in my mind within the first couple of chapters: a detailed image from amazing character description where you can feel their mannerisms materialising in your mind. What a talent to do that!
I'm not going to spoil this for anyone with any hint of what happens - you'd hate me if I did. What Rachel does so well is the twist to the story. You build up an expectation of how it will end and boom! She adds a cracker.
If you haven't read White Gold and Under Fire yet, please download them now! So looking forward to another amazing book release but in the mean time I'm off to read all three again.
This is Rachel's third book and like a fine wine, this is full of body (not all remsin live ones:P) and superb quality. As a stand alone thriller this book is up there with the best. I had the principal characters pictured in my mind within the first couple of chapters: a detailed image from amazing character description where you can feel their mannerisms materialising in your mind. What a talent to do that!
I'm not going to spoil this for anyone with any hint of what happens - you'd hate me if I did. What Rachel does so well is the twist to the story. You build up an expectation of how it will end and boom! She adds a cracker.
If you haven't read White Gold and Under Fire yet, please download them now! So looking forward to another amazing book release but in the mean time I'm off to read all three again.
June 18, 2014
This book had a gripping plot from the start and kept me hooked until the final page. Although I have ticked the romance category too it is most definitely a thriller with a hint of a romance running through it so quite suitable for men too and don’t let it put you off! The characters of Kate and Finn really gel well together although Kate is the star of the piece with her courage, vigilance and..yep, grit.
The story is set in Istanbul, Turkey and has a really believable ‘might happen tomorrow’ terrorist situation which Kate finds herself in the middle of. Our hero Finn is all man but has a vulnerability which is very appealing…James Bond move over, your time has passed.
I really enjoyed this novel and will be looking to add more of Rachel Amphlett’s work to my own personal reading list. Fabulous twists but no spoilers here!
The story is set in Istanbul, Turkey and has a really believable ‘might happen tomorrow’ terrorist situation which Kate finds herself in the middle of. Our hero Finn is all man but has a vulnerability which is very appealing…James Bond move over, your time has passed.
I really enjoyed this novel and will be looking to add more of Rachel Amphlett’s work to my own personal reading list. Fabulous twists but no spoilers here!
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