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First Responders #7
Dangerous Waters
Army National Guard Colonel Sawyer Kincaid has served her time dueling with death in the deserts of Africa. Now that she’s home, the only sand she wants to see is on the beach in South Florida. Too bad Tropical Storm Leo, swiftly gaining strength out over the Atlantic, is about to draw her in to another life or death war, this time on home soil.
Dr. Dara Sims has too many critical patients in the intensive care units at Miami Memorial to consider evacuation, no matter how determined the battle-hardened colonel is to make her. As far as Dara is concerned, evacuate is just another word for abandon. When a state of emergency becomes a state of siege waged by Leo, all she can do is hope the rising waters relent before she loses everyone, herself included.
Cover Artist: Sheri Halal
Genres: Action & Adventure / Romance
Dr. Dara Sims has too many critical patients in the intensive care units at Miami Memorial to consider evacuation, no matter how determined the battle-hardened colonel is to make her. As far as Dara is concerned, evacuate is just another word for abandon. When a state of emergency becomes a state of siege waged by Leo, all she can do is hope the rising waters relent before she loses everyone, herself included.
Cover Artist: Sheri Halal
Genres: Action & Adventure / Romance
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2018
83 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Radclyffe
142 books1,668 followersRadclyffe has written over forty-five romance and romantic intrigue novels, dozens of short stories, and, writing as L.L. Raand, has authored a paranormal romance series, The Midnight Hunters. She has also edited Best Lesbian Romance 2009 through 2015 as well as multiple other anthologies. She is an eight-time Lambda Literary Award finalist in romance, mystery, and erotica—winning in both romance and erotica. A member of the Saints and Sinners Literary Hall of Fame, she is also an RWA Prism, Lories, Beanpot, Aspen Gold, and Laurel Wreath winner in multiple mainstream romance categories. In 2014, she received the Dr. James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist award from the Lambda Literary Foundation. In 2004, she founded Bold Strokes Books, an independent LGBTQ publishing company, and in 2013, she founded the Flax Mill Creek Writers Retreat offering writing workshops to authors in all stages of their careers.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 2, 2018
I’m always happy to get my hand on a Radclyffe book. This is book seven from her First Responders series. I really like this series and this was another enjoyable read. What is nice about this series, all the books are contained. You do not have to read the previous books first; you can start here if you want to.
Dr. Dara Sims is in charge of the ER of Miami’s Memorial Hospital. With Hurricane Leo heading straight for Florida, it is up to Dara to get everyone prepared. What she does not expect is a visit from a solider, or actually Colonel Sawyer Kincaid of the National Guard. Sawyer is in charge of the rescue operations for Miami and the surrounding areas. Both women are used to leading. Can they work together to keep everyone safe, and what happens if feelings become involved?
Doc’s and military, yes please! Some of my favorite women to read about in lesfic, plus with Radclyffe writing, you know she knows how to write these kinds of characters. This book was fast paced and kept me reading. It was interesting how Radclyffe tied in some real life events with this fictional story.
The two main characters were both really likeable. And the chemistry was absolutely there. I liked the sparks these two women put out and was keeping my fingers crossed for them as a couple. The only one real main complaint, the “I love you’s” happened too quickly for my tastes. I believed in this pair, but it was still too quick.
If you are looking for a book with some excitement, no forced angst, and some good chemistry, pick this book up. I enjoyed this read and can’t wait to see what Radclyffe writes next.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
Dr. Dara Sims is in charge of the ER of Miami’s Memorial Hospital. With Hurricane Leo heading straight for Florida, it is up to Dara to get everyone prepared. What she does not expect is a visit from a solider, or actually Colonel Sawyer Kincaid of the National Guard. Sawyer is in charge of the rescue operations for Miami and the surrounding areas. Both women are used to leading. Can they work together to keep everyone safe, and what happens if feelings become involved?
Doc’s and military, yes please! Some of my favorite women to read about in lesfic, plus with Radclyffe writing, you know she knows how to write these kinds of characters. This book was fast paced and kept me reading. It was interesting how Radclyffe tied in some real life events with this fictional story.
The two main characters were both really likeable. And the chemistry was absolutely there. I liked the sparks these two women put out and was keeping my fingers crossed for them as a couple. The only one real main complaint, the “I love you’s” happened too quickly for my tastes. I believed in this pair, but it was still too quick.
If you are looking for a book with some excitement, no forced angst, and some good chemistry, pick this book up. I enjoyed this read and can’t wait to see what Radclyffe writes next.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
April 16, 2018
*2.5 stars*
I'm dying to love a F/F story, but after 8 of them, I still haven't hit my stride. I was hoping that my first Radclyffe book would change that, but Dangerous Waters didn't quite do it for me.
I'm a real-life medical professional, and so I really loved the hospital and medical scenes in this story, which are plentiful. In fact, I found the medical details and the hurricane itself to be almost like primary characters in the story (more on that later). Though I'm not an MD, it sounded like Radclyffe really did her homework. The medical jargon really made the story feel real, which was awesome.
The pace is also really exciting. It's like a suspense book, with a countdown until the BIG DISASTER, so you are at the edge of your seat trying to see how it will all play out. Suspense fans might love that part of the plotting.
Where I struggled most of all was in the romance. Things really didn't pick up until the last 30% of the story, which meant I was scratching my head in the beginning of the book. The hurricane and the intense situation seemed to take precedence over the romance, and I was looking for a more romance-focused story.
I also really struggled with the constant head hopping and multiple POVs. I *HATE* head-hopping, and we moved back and forth between Dara and Sawyer's heads, sometimes multiple times in one page, and many, many times in one chapter.
While this isn't the 5-star F/F book I've been looking for, perhaps Radclyffe fans will still be pleased. I just wanted a little more.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
*~~Check out all of my reviews & my bookstagram at the links below~~*
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I'm dying to love a F/F story, but after 8 of them, I still haven't hit my stride. I was hoping that my first Radclyffe book would change that, but Dangerous Waters didn't quite do it for me.
I'm a real-life medical professional, and so I really loved the hospital and medical scenes in this story, which are plentiful. In fact, I found the medical details and the hurricane itself to be almost like primary characters in the story (more on that later). Though I'm not an MD, it sounded like Radclyffe really did her homework. The medical jargon really made the story feel real, which was awesome.
The pace is also really exciting. It's like a suspense book, with a countdown until the BIG DISASTER, so you are at the edge of your seat trying to see how it will all play out. Suspense fans might love that part of the plotting.
Where I struggled most of all was in the romance. Things really didn't pick up until the last 30% of the story, which meant I was scratching my head in the beginning of the book. The hurricane and the intense situation seemed to take precedence over the romance, and I was looking for a more romance-focused story.
I also really struggled with the constant head hopping and multiple POVs. I *HATE* head-hopping, and we moved back and forth between Dara and Sawyer's heads, sometimes multiple times in one page, and many, many times in one chapter.
While this isn't the 5-star F/F book I've been looking for, perhaps Radclyffe fans will still be pleased. I just wanted a little more.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
*~~Check out all of my reviews & my bookstagram at the links below~~*
Recently read
February 6, 2018
Colonel Sawyer Kincaid is called in the middle of her beachside vacation to come back to work early. The governor of Florida has called the National Guard to be ready for the imminent arrival of a large and deadly hurricane headed directly at the sunshine state. Sawyer is very aware of the danger Hurricane Leo is going to bring. Having survived Hurrican Andrew in the early 90s taught her that lesson well and let scars that would last forever. Now her main objective is to keep the people of Miami and the Keys as safe as possible.
Dr. Dara Sims is the head of the ER at Memorial Hospital in the heart of Miami. Dara is used to being in charge so when the military shows up in the form of Colonel Kincaid she is determined to keep the reins. What she doesn't expect is immediate comradery and someone who can read her like a book.
I loved the details of this book. The story has urgency and danger at every turn. You can literally feel Sawyer and Dara racing the clock and mother nature. That part of the books is great. However, the romance feels a bit rushed as there is so much other stuff going on. I loved the characters they are fantastic, strong characters but I would have loved them having more one on one time together.
You know unequivocally you are going to get your money's worth when you read Radclyffe. This is no exception, not my favorite but a quality read nonetheless. 3 stars
Dr. Dara Sims is the head of the ER at Memorial Hospital in the heart of Miami. Dara is used to being in charge so when the military shows up in the form of Colonel Kincaid she is determined to keep the reins. What she doesn't expect is immediate comradery and someone who can read her like a book.
I loved the details of this book. The story has urgency and danger at every turn. You can literally feel Sawyer and Dara racing the clock and mother nature. That part of the books is great. However, the romance feels a bit rushed as there is so much other stuff going on. I loved the characters they are fantastic, strong characters but I would have loved them having more one on one time together.
You know unequivocally you are going to get your money's worth when you read Radclyffe. This is no exception, not my favorite but a quality read nonetheless. 3 stars
May 30, 2018
This book is in my list of recommended books of the month:
https://lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com/...
This is book number 7 of Radclyffe's 'First responders' series which can be read as a stand alone novel. According to the author, she got inspiration from the tropical storms that caused havoc and devastation in 2017 in South Florida and Texas. Fusing real events with fiction, several stories run parallel and provide different perspectives of the same event. Among those stories is the romance between National Guard Colonel Sawyer Kincaid and Chief of Emergency service at Miami Memorial Dr Dara Sims who have to relinquish their initial antagonism and work together in order to help evacuation and provide medical services during the storm. As danger approaches and pressure goes high, so does their emotional involvement. Will there be a happily ever after?
This is not a typical Radclyffe romance. It's true that some of her characteristic elements are present, such as the dark, handsome and stoic butch and the gorgeous but strong femme. However, the main character in this novel is Leo. The storm sets the pace, presents the tension and delivers all the punches in this book. I think it'd be unfair to review this novel as a typical romance because love is in the background letting the storm take precedence. Even the ubiquitous steamy sex scenes so typical of this author are watered down or relegated to a secondary role. Despite that, this is a very good effort by Radclyffe. 'Dangerous waters' presents a compelling, emotional, nail biting page-turner about the power of nature and the extraordinary efforts of the first responders who put their lives on the line in order to help others.
Overall, an action packed page-turner by Radclyffe. Highly recommended even though romance is a bit in the background. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
https://lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com/...
This is book number 7 of Radclyffe's 'First responders' series which can be read as a stand alone novel. According to the author, she got inspiration from the tropical storms that caused havoc and devastation in 2017 in South Florida and Texas. Fusing real events with fiction, several stories run parallel and provide different perspectives of the same event. Among those stories is the romance between National Guard Colonel Sawyer Kincaid and Chief of Emergency service at Miami Memorial Dr Dara Sims who have to relinquish their initial antagonism and work together in order to help evacuation and provide medical services during the storm. As danger approaches and pressure goes high, so does their emotional involvement. Will there be a happily ever after?
This is not a typical Radclyffe romance. It's true that some of her characteristic elements are present, such as the dark, handsome and stoic butch and the gorgeous but strong femme. However, the main character in this novel is Leo. The storm sets the pace, presents the tension and delivers all the punches in this book. I think it'd be unfair to review this novel as a typical romance because love is in the background letting the storm take precedence. Even the ubiquitous steamy sex scenes so typical of this author are watered down or relegated to a secondary role. Despite that, this is a very good effort by Radclyffe. 'Dangerous waters' presents a compelling, emotional, nail biting page-turner about the power of nature and the extraordinary efforts of the first responders who put their lives on the line in order to help others.
Overall, an action packed page-turner by Radclyffe. Highly recommended even though romance is a bit in the background. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
May 22, 2018
Is Radclyffe so you know what you'll get.
Very entertaining story, it was charged with the action of an incoming Hurricane Leo and a fast growing romance.
I will have love to know more about the characters, bother were strong, decided, powerful, smart women ( my weakness). The chemistry is there but I think the love came too fast.
Overall a great book, like I said you know what to expect with Radclyffe.
Very entertaining story, it was charged with the action of an incoming Hurricane Leo and a fast growing romance.
I will have love to know more about the characters, bother were strong, decided, powerful, smart women ( my weakness). The chemistry is there but I think the love came too fast.
Overall a great book, like I said you know what to expect with Radclyffe.
March 2, 2018
I admit freely that I am a storm chaser and health-care adrenalin junkie.
Watching Dara and Sawyer do their job, make snap decisions, wrestle with difficult and impossible odds to save lives, well it made my heart beat a little faster and got all my senses fully engaged.
Dangerous Waters has everything I love in this First Responders series. Dedicated women and men, challenging scenarios, personal and work related drama and yes, even the sense of budding attraction between two women who have spent their lives worrying about others, sparing little time to acknowledge their feelings or their loneliness. The hurricane may dominate the story at the expense of extensive sex scenes but this slow-burn (smoldering) romance is still plenty hot. I loved it.
eARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Watching Dara and Sawyer do their job, make snap decisions, wrestle with difficult and impossible odds to save lives, well it made my heart beat a little faster and got all my senses fully engaged.
Dangerous Waters has everything I love in this First Responders series. Dedicated women and men, challenging scenarios, personal and work related drama and yes, even the sense of budding attraction between two women who have spent their lives worrying about others, sparing little time to acknowledge their feelings or their loneliness. The hurricane may dominate the story at the expense of extensive sex scenes but this slow-burn (smoldering) romance is still plenty hot. I loved it.
eARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
December 31, 2018
All books from the «First Responder»-series are stand-alone novels and don’t need to be read in a distinctive order. And I like them all very much. This one is #7. Radclyffe is one of my favorite authors.
This is about Colonel Sawyer Kincaid of the National Guard and Dr. Dara Sims, head of the ER in the Memorial Hospital in Miami. And it is about the hurricane Leo.
Radclyffe creates once more a good story with first responders. I liked both main characters very much, they are strong independent women with a very different background and upbringing. Both love to be in charge of their responsibilities. Can they work together in the midst of an impending natural disaster? And what happens when emotions come into play?
What I liked the most was, how the two women interact together, the dialogues and also the slow-burning romance. There are feelings from the beginning when the two of them met, but it wasn’t instalove. The sparks are flying and the chemistry was there, but Leo was threatening. The only thing I didn’t like so much, was the ending, it seems a little rushed and the «I love you’s» came too quickly.
Otherwise, it was a great story, I highly recommend. I can’t imagine how it is to be in a hurricane, I’ve never experienced anything similar. I only saw it on TV and I was shocked about the sheer power of nature. A big thank you to all the first responders everywhere, in every crisis.
My rating 4 stars.
This is about Colonel Sawyer Kincaid of the National Guard and Dr. Dara Sims, head of the ER in the Memorial Hospital in Miami. And it is about the hurricane Leo.
Radclyffe creates once more a good story with first responders. I liked both main characters very much, they are strong independent women with a very different background and upbringing. Both love to be in charge of their responsibilities. Can they work together in the midst of an impending natural disaster? And what happens when emotions come into play?
What I liked the most was, how the two women interact together, the dialogues and also the slow-burning romance. There are feelings from the beginning when the two of them met, but it wasn’t instalove. The sparks are flying and the chemistry was there, but Leo was threatening. The only thing I didn’t like so much, was the ending, it seems a little rushed and the «I love you’s» came too quickly.
Otherwise, it was a great story, I highly recommend. I can’t imagine how it is to be in a hurricane, I’ve never experienced anything similar. I only saw it on TV and I was shocked about the sheer power of nature. A big thank you to all the first responders everywhere, in every crisis.
My rating 4 stars.
March 16, 2018
This is, of course, a solid book by Radclyffe and a good addition to her First Responders series. Nevertheless I expected a little more action there in Miami when the hurricane made landfall. The main characters were, as usual, out of this world.
February 11, 2018
I usually love Radclyffe but this one just didn't do it for me. It was way too instalove. I also thought the characters were not up to Radclyffe's usual development. I was completely not invested in the story at all.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2024
Now re-read all 7 First Responders in a week - my fault, like too much loved pudding - love them but too many too quickly so little things begin annoy - too quick endings, reaction from other characters not dealt with etc... but still highly recommended.
February 17, 2018
I have rated this book 3.5 stars.
I have recently been up and down with Radclyffe's books of late however this one I did really enjoy and feel she did a good job of balancing the action of Leo and the romance. I loved the chemistry between the two characters Dara and Sawyer and found them to be sweet with each other when the romance had blossomed.
It was an enjoyable read and great addition of the First Responders series.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
I have recently been up and down with Radclyffe's books of late however this one I did really enjoy and feel she did a good job of balancing the action of Leo and the romance. I loved the chemistry between the two characters Dara and Sawyer and found them to be sweet with each other when the romance had blossomed.
It was an enjoyable read and great addition of the First Responders series.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
February 6, 2018
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Radclyffe is really high on my list of most-read authors, in fact, she is only second to Terry Pratchett and if I include LL Raand she surpasses him. I really like the stories she tells and the way she tells them. I’ve enjoyed all of them but some more than others. Dangerous Waters is one that I enjoyed but it didn’t blow me away.
The story centres around an impending hurricane and counts down the days and hours to landfall. Colonel Sawyer Kinkaid will be coordinating the National Guard during the crisis in conjunction with Dr Dara Sims of Miami Memorial hospital (which has been designated as one of the emergency centres). Both women are strong, independent, intelligent and unwavering in their sense of duty.
The lead-up to the crisis is exciting and the pace unrelenting. Radclyffe has an incredible ability to keep an adrenalin rush going so that her characters seem like they’re constantly running on empty. The anticipation of the hurricane is heightened by the countdown and the different viewpoints used to narrate the story.
While I liked both Sawyer and Dara, their relationship only started developing quite late in the book and then seemed quite rushed in the end. Their back-stories lacked impact in their current situation. The hurricane however, was really interesting and the pace pretty intense.
Radclyffe is really high on my list of most-read authors, in fact, she is only second to Terry Pratchett and if I include LL Raand she surpasses him. I really like the stories she tells and the way she tells them. I’ve enjoyed all of them but some more than others. Dangerous Waters is one that I enjoyed but it didn’t blow me away.
The story centres around an impending hurricane and counts down the days and hours to landfall. Colonel Sawyer Kinkaid will be coordinating the National Guard during the crisis in conjunction with Dr Dara Sims of Miami Memorial hospital (which has been designated as one of the emergency centres). Both women are strong, independent, intelligent and unwavering in their sense of duty.
The lead-up to the crisis is exciting and the pace unrelenting. Radclyffe has an incredible ability to keep an adrenalin rush going so that her characters seem like they’re constantly running on empty. The anticipation of the hurricane is heightened by the countdown and the different viewpoints used to narrate the story.
While I liked both Sawyer and Dara, their relationship only started developing quite late in the book and then seemed quite rushed in the end. Their back-stories lacked impact in their current situation. The hurricane however, was really interesting and the pace pretty intense.
April 3, 2018
3.5
Tropical storm Leo is on the way to Florida gaining strength every hour. Dr. Dara Sims and Colonel Sawyer Kincaid must coordinate to help transport patients from nearby hospitals. Dara and Sawyer Clash at first but are able to work together well in an emergency.
I found the background on storm tracking very interesting. I didn't realize everything that went into monitoring and collecting data to keep track of the storms. Also there was a lot that went into the planning of preparing for emergencies and evacuations.
My favorite books of Radclyffe's usually involve the medical profession. This one didn't disappoint and had enough action to keep from getting bored. The characters were strong and had definite chemistry. I also enjoyed the secondary characters.
An enjoyable read. I'm always looking forward to the next Radclyffe book.
I received this book from Bold strokes books via netgalley for an honest review.
Tropical storm Leo is on the way to Florida gaining strength every hour. Dr. Dara Sims and Colonel Sawyer Kincaid must coordinate to help transport patients from nearby hospitals. Dara and Sawyer Clash at first but are able to work together well in an emergency.
I found the background on storm tracking very interesting. I didn't realize everything that went into monitoring and collecting data to keep track of the storms. Also there was a lot that went into the planning of preparing for emergencies and evacuations.
My favorite books of Radclyffe's usually involve the medical profession. This one didn't disappoint and had enough action to keep from getting bored. The characters were strong and had definite chemistry. I also enjoyed the secondary characters.
An enjoyable read. I'm always looking forward to the next Radclyffe book.
I received this book from Bold strokes books via netgalley for an honest review.
February 27, 2018
First off: surprisingly little sex for Radclyffe in general and the First Responder series specifically. I‘ve often complained that character development was cut short in favor of sex scenes in this series.
So I‘m not complaining about that at all. This is a very action packed novel and any angst and uncertainty comes from the circumstances and not any lack of communication or whatever else usually happens. Another plus in my book. Also, really not much in the way of the usual brooding butch that usually appears in this series. Another plus.
Other than the very sudden ending, I really enjoyed reading this. And even that makes sense here as the book was tightly framed by the hurricane.
So I‘m not complaining about that at all. This is a very action packed novel and any angst and uncertainty comes from the circumstances and not any lack of communication or whatever else usually happens. Another plus in my book. Also, really not much in the way of the usual brooding butch that usually appears in this series. Another plus.
Other than the very sudden ending, I really enjoyed reading this. And even that makes sense here as the book was tightly framed by the hurricane.
April 24, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
March 7, 2018
Book seven on this series and Radclyffe is still going strong. I really love this series and Radclyffe rarely lets me down.
This one is about a very nasty storm approaching Florida. The book acknowledges the brave men and women of the emergency services. Yes, it is set in America but the story is the same throughout the world. It's a seriously good read with a nice slow burn romance. The romance for me was secondary as I really enjoyed the action and tension.
All seven first responders books are self contained. You can read this one without missing anything. For me this is another high standard book from Radclyffe and I definitely recommend it. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
This one is about a very nasty storm approaching Florida. The book acknowledges the brave men and women of the emergency services. Yes, it is set in America but the story is the same throughout the world. It's a seriously good read with a nice slow burn romance. The romance for me was secondary as I really enjoyed the action and tension.
All seven first responders books are self contained. You can read this one without missing anything. For me this is another high standard book from Radclyffe and I definitely recommend it. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
March 28, 2018
Finally, i finished this book! I was kind of got Sidetracked abit. I enjoyed this book though. I think the book was quite details about medical and other things. Which, tbh, i have no clue about. So i dont know for sure. Both main characters are likable, and i like then. what else so i want to say? (I took too long to finish this book, so my memory kind of faded away). Oh the romance, they have chemistry, i guess. But they kind of confess their love to each other abit too fast. But still, i like how they interact with each other.
I seriously dont know what i am talking anymore. But i enjoyed this book.
I seriously dont know what i am talking anymore. But i enjoyed this book.
February 11, 2018
So the last couple of Radclyffe novels I've read have been fairly shite but I must confess that this one wasn't bad! The plot was reasonably original and while not reaching JM Redmann levels in terms of writing about the suffering brought by Atlantic hurricanes, it's a damn sight better than the formulaic nonsense that she had been producing of late. While Col. Sawyer Kincaid does have the obligatory butch non-name for a first name and secretive, traumatic past she is a well drawn character. Dr. Dara Sims is the shockingly young ER Chief in Miami Memorial, one of the designated trauma centres for dealing with hurricanes etc in South Florida. Strangely enough these two form a strong sexual connection during their evacuation mission to the Florida Keys.
All in all a decent enough return to form but again, if you haven't read much of Radclyffe's work start with some of the earlier stuff like Fated Love or Above All, Honor
All in all a decent enough return to form but again, if you haven't read much of Radclyffe's work start with some of the earlier stuff like Fated Love or Above All, Honor
February 16, 2018
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I think I’ve only read one of the other first responder stories, but they seem to be self contained so I didn’t feel like I’d stepped in the middle of a series. This isn’t your typical Radclyffe story, in that the hurricane features prominently and is almost the third main character. The style of writing, with all of the scenes set as part of the storm timeline was also different.
I liked both main characters, they were interesting separately and together. Their immediate attraction to each other was fairly typical of Rad (as was the characterisation) but I enjoyed their interactions. The secondary characters didn’t get too much fleshing out but Catherine added a bit of interest.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable read, and the behind the scenes of the hurricane response was interesting. 3.5 stars.
I think I’ve only read one of the other first responder stories, but they seem to be self contained so I didn’t feel like I’d stepped in the middle of a series. This isn’t your typical Radclyffe story, in that the hurricane features prominently and is almost the third main character. The style of writing, with all of the scenes set as part of the storm timeline was also different.
I liked both main characters, they were interesting separately and together. Their immediate attraction to each other was fairly typical of Rad (as was the characterisation) but I enjoyed their interactions. The secondary characters didn’t get too much fleshing out but Catherine added a bit of interest.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable read, and the behind the scenes of the hurricane response was interesting. 3.5 stars.
April 2, 2018
Very nice Radclyffe. Great chemistry between the main characters and the background story was well done if devoid of the usual drama.
February 17, 2018
My reaction is mixed after finishing the read. I believe because of the timeline, it felt more like a news report than a love story, although it was insightful as well as informative in regard to what goes on behind the scene and in the offices of weather analysts. Their frustration with sharing accurate information as quickly as possible while being concerned about their own family as well as others was heartfelt. I should have known because the author shares at the start that this story was inspired by news events. Other than letting the public know, there is no other job they can do other than worry about their family and the well being of others. Basically, Sawyer, Dara, and other characters were back drops to the hurricane. I now know more about preparation and mobilization prior to a hurricane and in my opinion, that is a good thing.
Read provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
Read provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
February 9, 2018
Any Radclyffe book is a great book. Awesome characters in an amazing story. After this years hurricane season you get a small idea what it must have been like for some of those that survived.
March 1, 2018
This was one of my favorite Radclyffe books in a long while. The two characters Dara and Sawyer were really lovable and realistic. The third character of the hurricane was very interesting as well. I am a huge disaster movie fan, so this book fit right up my ally. I like all of Radclyffe's book, but the medical ones are usually my favorite next to the ones where she has a solider and this book had both. I gave this book 4.5 stars. It was a great romance and I always look forward to the next book that Radclyffe comes out with. Bravo, everyone should read this one!
October 2, 2018
3.5
I enjoyed this one but did feel something lacking, maybe he character development could have been stronger, or the conflict between these strong women which got dropped too quickly. More about the storm and the first responders and troops, less about the coffee? Enjoyable reading but not my favourite.
I enjoyed this one but did feel something lacking, maybe he character development could have been stronger, or the conflict between these strong women which got dropped too quickly. More about the storm and the first responders and troops, less about the coffee? Enjoyable reading but not my favourite.
May 4, 2019
Radclyffe is the queen of lesfic romances. Even though some people say the stories could be formulaic, they're still a pleasure to read. This time, it's set in Florida with a very strong hurricane as the backdrop. We have the strong silent type and the caring doctor. They meet and sparks fly. The romance is usually quite hot. I finish the book believing in the power of love.
February 11, 2018
This book is different than any Radclyffe novel, it's almost a time log of the days and hours of a storm and of two emergency workers who coordinate the medical care and safety of human life during the hurricane. Radclyffe shares at the start of the book how she was inspired by the news stories around the hurricanes that touched so many lives last year. The novel weaves two characters, Dara and Sawyer are each in command of their own specialities (ER & Military). They are forced to cooperate with each other and navigate political and power struggles that come along with the chaos of storms. Dara and Sawyer are well crafted characters where you feel the respect, trust and love grow.....and the dialogue in this book is very well done. As a reader you can feel the chemistry in the character's exchanges!
ARC provided by publisher for an honest review.
ARC provided by publisher for an honest review.
April 14, 2018
When I read the synopsis for this and saw it dealt with a hurricane, I was surprised. After last year’s season, it felt too soon to be using real life tragedy as inspiration for a romance novel, especially with how horrible the response was (and still is) in Puerto Rico. Then I read the acknowledgements, and to my horror the author only mentioned how great the response was in Texas and Florida. No mention of what happened in Puerto Rico at all. Outside of the quality of that book, all of that demonstrates an insensitivity that was enough to lower my enjoyment of the book.
As a story, this has all the flaws that Radclyffe’s books always have. The commitment and feelings that are written about at the end of the book don’t feel earned at all by how the story plays out. The characters don’t spend enough time together, and the time they do spend together is superficial, so it’s unclear to the reader how they ended up where they did. The characters couldn’t have gotten to know each other as well as they would have needed to for that level of emotion, given the scenarios and conversations the reader was privy to.
As a story, this has all the flaws that Radclyffe’s books always have. The commitment and feelings that are written about at the end of the book don’t feel earned at all by how the story plays out. The characters don’t spend enough time together, and the time they do spend together is superficial, so it’s unclear to the reader how they ended up where they did. The characters couldn’t have gotten to know each other as well as they would have needed to for that level of emotion, given the scenarios and conversations the reader was privy to.
April 1, 2018
I really enjoy Radclyffe’s First Responders series. I like strong characters and the two main characters were definitely that. Their chemistry was definitely there from the start. I liked the mixing of real life events because it makes it more realistic and increases your ability to relate to what is going on. Tragic and traumatic events can bring people closer and definitely did in this book. I think they maybe got to the “I love you” part a little quick, but I really enjoyed this book overall
April 10, 2018
Classic Radclyffe. Good storytelling, likeable characters and a well written plot. I learned loads about storms and the National Guard and enjoyed every minute. Dara and Sawyer are both well developed and the ego tussle between them is credible which makes the denouement satisfying. This is an excellent series which gives a master writer free rein to introduce new plots, new people and new ideas. Recommended if you like Radclyffe and the First Responders series, she is on form.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
April 16, 2018
This book was a struggle for me. I like the characters but the story was boring. And it was the same Radclyffe story of the last few years. If I read “Sawyer Grinned” one more time I was going to throw my iPad. It sucked for me because I really liked the characters at the beginning but then, they and the story became super bland.
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