Tick Tock

EOD #1

by Jane Harvey-Berrick, Kirsten Olsen (Editor)

Forget SEALS, Marines, Fighter Pilots - I have the most dangerous job in the world. And I love it.

James Spears is part of an elite group who lives and breathes danger. Where others run from it, he walks towards it, calm, focussed ice-cold. James is a top EOD operative.
Explosive…
Ordnance…
Disposal…

You’d call him a bomb disposal expert. Or crazy. A guy with a death wish. He’s heard it all before and he doesn’t give a shit. He’s the best.

They say he doesn’t have blood in his veins, he has ice. They say he has no nerves.
All that’s about to be tested.

Amira is recruited by the CIA to infiltrate a terrorist cell living in rural Pennsylvania. She’s the perfect plant, no one would ever suspect her. Because her brother was killed when a bomb was dropped on the Syrian hospital where he was working as a doctor. And now hate burns deeply inside her. She’s perfect.

That’s what they tell James when he’s told to train her to be the best damn bomb-maker there is. In a secret camp, deep in the woods, James teaches her everything he knows about building bombs. He’s not a praying man, but now he’s really hoping that he’s doing the right thing.

Codename: Hansel and Gretel

Genres: Military Fiction, War, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Military Romance

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2018

About the author

Author also writes under Jane H. Berrick

Writing is my passion and my obsession. I write every day and I love it. My head is full of stories and characters. I'll never keep up with all my ideas...

All through 2021, I'll be including a new and original short story in my monthly newsletter. You'll get a FREE copy of my little heartbreaker PLAYING IN THE RAIN when you do.

http://janeharveyberrick.co.uk/newsle...

I live in a small village by the ocean and walk on the beach every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas.

Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.

I've just published my first ever historical romance - partly set in Britain during World War Two, and partly set in Iowa and Las Vegas today: THE LILAC CADILLAC

Did you know that I also write books with STUART REARDON, talented, kind AND handsome!
UNDEFEATED
MODEL BOYFRIEND
GYM OR CHOCOLATE?
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO VINCE
THE BABY GAME (Nov 24th 2021)

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Reviews

[Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile" · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I am so conflicted about my rating. JHB can write and tell a story. I liked it. I had no idea that James' (H) story would be a cliffie. Not a traditional cliffie - if this had been a novel - not a romance - then it is basically a complete story of love and loss. Normally I don't read stories in which a major character dies, but I went into this one blind. I was only somewhat emotionally affected by the loss because I really didn't feel the connection between the two characters. IMHO it was circumstances and tension that brought the characters together and James had no connection to anyone. So a bond formed between the two - the h? denied it and the H - because of the trauma, faith, timing? - who knows - I did and I didn't understand the h?'s conflict in her feelings towards James. I felt bad for James in that his feelings were not returned in equal measure. But he did feel - I'm just not sure that it was real except for circumstances.

I liked reading about the H's job, the infiltration of a terrorist cell, etc. It was interesting. While some of the violence is not a graphically detailed as some other books, it is part of the story and might trigger some readers.

I have started book 2 and it holds much promise for James. I hope it develops the relationship more for me to believe in a HEA for him.

It took me a while to read this one - I had so much going on during this time and didn't have time for reading.

[Selma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to applaud Jane Harvey Berrick for always coming up with new fresh ideas when it comes to her books. She never shies away from tough topics that are considered controversial and critical of society. I've already seen some mean and negative posts harshly judging this book and author and accusing her to be an islamophobe and racist. It truly makes me sad. I kindly ask you to not assume things. Give this book and Jane a fair chance and read it. Then make up your own mind. Constructive criticism is OK, bashing no!

I've read all military romance stories by this very talented and versatile author and highly enjoyed them. She has a knack for this genre and knows how to portray the horrific tragedy and cruelty of war whilst showing us glimpses of love and hope and encouraging us to not lose our faith and trust in humanity. Jane's books are always well and extensively researched which is in my opinion crucial for delivering the readers a credible and authentic story. This also applies to Tick Tock.

As the blurb already reveals this is a story about James, a British bomb disposal expert who is sent to train Amira, a Muslim American woman born in Syria who was recruited by the CIA to infiltrate a terrorist cell in rural Pennsylvania. Her beloved younger brother Karam was recently killed while volunteering as a doctor in a Syrian hospital. Amira is therefore the perfect candidate for this secret mission with such a background. James will teach her everything he knows but will it be enough to make her safe and help her survive this dangerous assignment? Will Amira succeed or fail? Who will pay the ultimate price?

I will tell you one thing - expect the unexpected. Many things are not what they seem to be. There are some twists and turns that will make your stomach churn. This story is definitely not for the faint-hearted. However, I never saw this ending coming and it totally took me by surprise and left me with a heavy heart and my jaw hanging open.

The protagonists were two very complex and multi-faceted characters. What I loved about James was that he had this tough exterior due to his job and everything he went through in life but was deep down a caring and compassionate person. He was an unbiased and open-minded man. James loved his job and was well aware of the importance and potential dangers of it. Amira was a modern Muslim woman. She was proud of her origin, religion and customs but didn't allow them to be the only things to define her. Whereas I adored James and completely agreed with everything he did, I struggled to understand some of Amira's actions which didn't really make sense to me. I also would have liked to see more of her emotions for James showing because sadly the affection felt most of the time only one-sided.

Jane did a good job with this one. The writing was as impeccable as always, the story-building and pace adequate, the characters intriguing. Tick Tock is a book that will stay with you for a very long time and make you reflect. I'm giving this story of courage and compassion 4 stars!

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 1 out of 5]

You must be f*cking JOKING with this book.

I wanted to read about a Muslim heroine in a 'mainstream' romance, i.e. not the 'halal' romances. The only other one I've managaed to find like this is Kati Wilde's Craving It All. So imagine my shock and horror when I discover the following things:



1. The heroine DIES AT THE END.

2. The hero, in book 2, FALLS IN LOVE WITH ANOTHER WOMAN.



And you know what? Props for diversity and all, but it's shallow and cheap if the 'real' heroine for your hero isn't the brown girl but someone named 'Lady Arabella.' This just destroys the entire book 1. Why even bother writing this book? Why not just have book 2 as the only book, and the hero have a dark past without subjecting readers to it?

You can tell from my profile photo that I'm Muslim, so before anyone comes on and says I'm only giving this a 1-star rating because of my religion (sadly it has happened before) I will point you to my review for Naked or Dead, where I was similarly horrified.

Why the hell do authors do this to reviewers???? We don't ask for much except an HEA. I am so infurated right now. There are few enough diverse heroines in romance without them being f*cking killed off for the Lady Arabellas of the world to get the guy.

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[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yikes. What a story. This author sure knows how to write a brilliant story. I’ve read previous books by her but this is my favourite without a doubt.

James is a bomb disposal expert. He is one of the best in the job. He’s fearless.

Amira is a nurse. After the death of her brother she volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate a terrorist cell. James is sent to train Amira to do what needs to be done.

The two main characters are completely different but it certainly worked in this story. I love how the author stepped out of the box and wrote something completely different. Yes it’s not a read for everyone but I certainly enjoyed it. Expect the unexpected with this read.

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's unlike any military romance I've seen. The couple are literally opponents in every sense of the way. Religion, beliefs, gender, race and yet they both are here for the same reason- building bombs!.
I went in blind. I didn't know what to expect and since I'm a fan of jane's writing, it was a given that I'd enjoy it. And I did !!
Just me.
And this bomb.
A bomb is a device that is designed to kill, maim or harass.
I’m not afraid.
I don’t have time to be afraid.



I must applaud Jane for being brave enough to attempt to write about Muslim girl and a British soldier and then try and put them both in same emotional patch and let them figure it out!!. She has faced backlash over it and it's so prejudicial that people who haven't even read the book are judging it by the trailer and blurb alone.



My advice-go read the book, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Jane has in no way glorified violence, but in fact showed BTS heinous intentions. This book actually made me sit back and think about the "other side" and I'm glad I did cause it opened my eyes and my brain a lot!
I didn’t fear dying— I didn’t. But I was terrified of the moments leading up to death. I was scared of the pain that seemed certain to be coming my way.



She did not use the pain and abuse of an entire race to boost her book sales as has been insinuated by social media trolls. A heart tearing story told with equal measures of heart and heartlessness. And it's really true to real life, no rose coloured glasses to lessen the impact. Everything is right in front of your eyes, you have to pick and choose the emotions that you'd like.
I hate that those people took everything good about Islam and twisted it out of all recognition and made it into something evil.”
A story about a bomb disposal operator. A Tick Tock Man and a girl who must learn to build them to save lives. A girl in a burqa. An unlikely,unusual coupling of mindsets and ambitions. Yet their eyes meet and they end up getting their hearts livewired. Boom!!



There's love, kinship, faith, beliefs, history. There's also patriotism, loyalty, service and inspiration.
I enjoyed it a lot, but felt it could be packed more punch, more gruesomeness, so that it would've impacted more strongly.
4 Karam to Karma stars
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[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow that was powerful.
Review to follow

[Sejla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a couple of days after reading Tick Tock to come up with a review. I needed my feelings to settle down and take roots inside my heart and mind before I was able to put them into words. Let me begin with that I'm a huge fan of Jane Harvey-Berrick and her writing. She is a very talented and versatile author who isn't afraid to take risks. She often writes about topics that others shy away like human trafficking, older woman and much younger man and now a British EOD operative who is supposed to train a Muslim woman, named Amira, to become a bomb-maker. This fact alone will stir up a lot of discussion and emotions. Which is totally understandable. But let me assure you, that Jane Harvey-Berrick put a lot of effort into her research and did everything in her power to be respectful towards the Muslim community. And that alone is something worth to be recognized.

James Spears is part of an elite group in the British Army and has one of the most dangerous jobs in this world. He is an EOD operative. James doesn't care if people think that he is crazy or has a death wish. He loves his job and is the best in this field. This is why he is hired for a secret mission to train a young woman to be the best bomb-maker there is.

Amira is a Muslim woman born in Syria who has fled her country with her family and is living in California since years. After losing her little brother Karam, who was killed by a bomb  dropped on a Syrian hospital where he was working as a doctor, hate burns deeply inside her. She is recruited by the CIA to infiltrate a terrorist cell living in rural Pennsylvania. She is the perfect plant, because no one would ever suspect her.

In a secret camp, deep in the woods, James teaches Amira everything he knows about building bombs. But the more time he spends with her, the more his feelings get confused. James feels attracted to the young woman despite telling himself that there can never be something between them.

Can James trust Amira? Will she ever trust him? Who is playing who? And who will pay the ultimate price?

If you think that you know what this book is about, I'm sorry to tell you that you don't! Prepare yourself for twists and turns you never saw coming. And most of all keep some tissues ready. Because this book will rip your heart out!

As for the characters, James and Amira were very well written. He was a loyal, determined and good-hearted man who took his job and responsibilities very seriously. Amira was a little bit more complicated. She was brave and determined too, but in some aspects I couldn't totally understand her. Each had their own motivations, but no matter the circumstances there was something between them. Whatever that was is up for discussion. But in my eyes the book could have used a little bit more of romance. I knew that Tick Tock is not a typical romance book. In fact it's suspense at it's finest. But there was so much loss and sadness in this story that a little more happiness would have made me enjoy it more!

Aside from Amira and James, there were some amazing side characters like Clay. I loved this guy with all my heart and soul. He is a friend everyone would wish for! I hope to read more about him in the next book.

All in all, Tick Tock was a well written, fast paced and intriguing story that won't leave you unaffected. Please go inside it with an open mind and heart and don't judge it without reading it first. I assure you that this book is not a hate book. It's a story about love, loss and sacrifice and they all come with a price. Kudos to Jane Harvey-Berrick for writing this story. I'm giving Tick Tock 4 well deserved stars!

[KFForever · Rating 4 out of 5]

kfforever

Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse at KindleFriendsForever

Tick Tock is like no other military romance I’ve read. Not only did it exceed my expectations, but its power storyline unbalanced me to the point where I had to sit back and seriously think about what I’d read. However, there were moments the story begged me to turn the pages at lightning-fast speed and when I did, I found myself re-reading passages, chapters, highlighting and making notes. It’s extremely believable, sheds light on the dangers a bomb disposal expert faces day in, day out and the attitude he has towards a profession he’s dedicated his life to and loves. Also, I take my hat off to the author for tackling an issue such as is religion with so much delicacy and consideration for her readers' feelings. Add love and war to the mix and it’s an angst-ridden novel.

James has a mission and it’s the most complicated one he has ever had to take on. His thoughts regarding it are loud and clear; he’s not happy when he finds out exactly what’s been asked of him. It seems like an impossible task, the clock is ticking and only his expertise can stop a disaster. It's difficult to imagine what it would be like training two people who have no idea from one end of a bomb to another. But James never loses his cool; he has a job to do and will give it his all. Showing Alan Clayton and Amira the intricacies of explosives not only conveyed to me how high-risk it was for his students but James’ sensitivity and patience towards them I found nothing less than splendid. And I have to say I had no trouble investing in this beautiful man whose soul is so generous, and whose only concern is the safety for those he teaches.

Born to Muslim parents, Amira is an enigma. Used to the ways of the western world, I didn’t question her religion per se, but how she measured her true faith. At times, her inner conflicts confused me. I wondered why she’d agreed to being recruited by an intelligence agency and although a past happening was an influencing factor, I couldn’t quite come to terms with her reasoning regardless of her misery. Emotions run high, giving the story that added bite and throwing my feelings into a real turmoil--especially in one scene where I felt she’d been unfair to James. Hers and James’ relationship is such a complicated one and I’d be fibbing if I didn’t say I wanted to jump into my Kindle to give them both a good talking to; separately, of course! There’s no time or place for lovey-dovey scenes here, nonetheless, these two opposites have chemistry, the action flows at a fast pace and intrigue abounds from all corners of the globe.

It cannot be denied that Harvey-Berrick’s a courageous storyteller. Tick Tock is a very character driven story and you can easily see that she’s done her homework. Facts have been used from her research without prettying results up, the detail essentially setting the story in a stressful environment under harsh conditions. But I'd like to make something clear if you're having doubts, something I give a lot of importance to. This story is neither racist nor hate-oriented. It is about two brave people striving for their goals. It’ll make you hold your breath and just wait for the ending, it knocked me for six! The secondary character development is spot on. Clay; what a marvellous man so full of life, so lovable. I’d really like you lovers of military romances to give book one in the EOD series a chance. You won’t regret it! Bravo Harvey-Berrick and thank you for the exceptional narration from Amira and James’ viewpoint.

[Raquel Costa · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3 estrelas***

Arc received in exchange for an honest review.
Review in portuguese.

Pedi esse ARC porque fiquei bem curiosa com a sinopse do livro. Adoro romance com ação e a sinopse prometia isso, e nessa parte a Jane não decepcionou. Nessa história vamos conhecer James e Amira.

Amira é uma mulher muçulmana, nascida na Síria, mas que durante muitos anos vive na California. Ela é enfermeira e após perder seu irmão Karam, foi recrutada pra trabalhar disfarçada e se infiltrar em uma célula terrorista.

Karam foi morto durante um ataque a um hospital sírio, onde ele tinha se candidatado a médico voluntário por um tempo. Amira se tornou a candidata perfeita para missão, já que sua sede de justiça estava motivando.

James trabalha a anos como especialista em bombas, ele ama seu trabalho acima de tudo, ele tinha aquele jeito de pessoa fria e calculista, que é algo que seu trabalho realmente pede, mas o interior dele é quente, onde nos momentos mais complicados ele demonstra ser uma pessoa amorosa e carinhosa com aqueles que o rodeia. E sendo um especialista em bombas ele foi recrutado para ensinar tudo o que sabe sobre bombas, em um curto período de tempo para Amira.


Eu particularmente tenho algumas coisas que não me agradaram no livro, mas não sinto pronta pra falar por não ser meu lugar de fala, e justamente não saber até onde está certo ou errado. Posso ser errônea com meu julgamento com a escrita da autora, e pra evitar justamente isso, vou focar somente no romance sem me aprofundar em outros detalhes.

Resenha completa no link my link text

[Beeg Panda · Rating 1 out of 5]

SPOILERS:




THE MAIN FEMALE PROTAGONIST DIES.

Extract from author's note in Amazon:
“In the end, it’s a love story, not a hate story, and I hope that’s the part that remains with you.”
I assume she refers to the love of one's country, one’s people.

Because there is NO romance here.
Lust, attraction, a connection based on circumstances, but no romance. AT ALL.
Despite Amazon categorizing it as Multicultural and Military Romance
Categories are there for a reason. I get to choose my own genre to spend my money on. Don't misrepresent a genre!


In Amazon / Goodreads the author confirms she has done her background work and that any errors are her own. Therefore, suspension of belief, poetic licence and all that jazz isn't the issue here for me.
Because of the accuracy and realness of the issues portrayed I find it hard to connect the idea of sending an untrained, unstable, idealistic, female protagonist who is "recruited by the CIA to infiltrate a terrorist cell living in rural..." It just doesn't gel with the seriousness of this rest of the book.
I mention "female" because in the world of this book, the situation is different for females; it’s a particular issue that's brought up time and time again here.
She's too physically unfit, mentally unprepared, emotionally immature, and unstable to be taken seriously for a mission of this magnitude. The choices she's made is based on anger, grief, hatred, revenge, and a myriad other emotion which, while prevalent in their world, to my mind makes it hard to believe that the CIA would use her in the first place.

So, I remind myself of the concept of "collateral damage".
They're aware that she is willing to sacrifice herself for the cause. It's a given that she and the men whom they use to train and protect her until her job is done, are all going to suffer horrifically and die.
And they do die.
Limbs are lost.
Psyches are damaged.
Hearts are broken.
Families suffer.
Lives are irrevocably changed.

Their also reach their goal: they stop the deaths of MANY.
Still, I'm not convinced that using this woman was the right thing to do.
I do think that the depth of person she is has been brilliantly portrayed. All the characterizations are excellent, in fact.

Then there's a cliffhanger..........









NTS:
This is an olllld review I somehow forgot to add here when I read it.
Edit review: tenses. spelling, grammar

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A powerfully detailed story featuring an unlikely couple who come together under the most extreme circumstances. Together they fight to help others and chase away the demons that haunt them.

When I first heard about this book, I was shocked about the theme - a solider and a Muslim woman. But it is important to note that these two are always on the same side, even when it seems they may not be.

This book can be broken down into three parts: the training, the mission, and the aftermath. With the mission being intense with a capital I, and the aftermath being highly emotional.

The training
James Spears is an EOD operator, specializing in bomb disposal. He is brought in on a classified mission to train two people to build bombs, with the end goal of infiltrating a terrorist cell, and providing Intel to stop future attacks.

It is there that he meets Alan "Clay" Clayton and Amira Soliman, the heroine of this story. Amira is tormented by the death of her brother and sets out on a mission to fight back. I'll admit, at times, I was leery of her exact reasons for what she was committing to, and yes, I had my doubts. But those doubts are eliminated and like James, I felt bad to second guess her.

There's a slight romantic element in this part of the story, but I felt like the romance rightfully took second place to the mission.

"I should be on my knees praying to God to give me strength, but instead I'm in a stranger's bed clinging to some stupid hope that if no one can see me in the dark, then I'm invisible and I'm safe."

The mission
This part of the book is where the intensity ramped up. I'll be honest, this subject of this book made me very edgy. Obviously, terrorism is a hot button topic that unnerves everyone. And this author provides such a thorough portrayal on the subject, that it felt all too real at times. Despite what politicians say, I think there is always a threat of another attack. In this book, the author lays out my worst fears that rival 9/11. On top of that, you have part of the plot evolving around Amira, whom I came to sympathize with and admire. So that raised the terrifying factor.

I won't spoil this part of the story, but it is life changing for everyone involved, bringing some characters closer together, while driving others apart.

The aftermath
It is impossible to think that Amira would be the same after what she went through, and my heart broke for her. I was genuinely surprised with how she handled James in this section. But maybe the tougher parts made it all the more real.

As a duet, you have to know this will end in a cliffhanger. And I can't sugar coat it, it will hurt. You may be mad, upset, or shocked (as I was). It still hasn't fully processed for me, I kept thinking, wait, maybe . . .
I will withhold any anger towards the author, as I trust she will make book two worth my agony. Just prepare yourselves and have alcohol/meds on standby.

*An ARC was received for an honest review.

For more reviews, visit

[Chivanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tick Tock is a military romance or romantic suspense.
The aspect of suspense in the environment of military and spooks is brilliantly created. It's thrilling, seems realistic and gets your heart rate going. I thoroughly enjoyed this part of Tick Tock.

The romantic aspect however falls a bit short. I didn't feel the chemistry between James and Amira, the British soldier and the Muslim woman - born in Syria but living in the USA, who both try to help an American organisation working somehow with the CIA seemingly without being a legitimate part of it. James is meant to train Amira and Clay, another soldier from the USA, to infiltrate a terror cell from ISIS, acting in the States and planning a terror attack..

They train together for a few weeks and learn to know each other. James' interest is spiked early but I never felt the same from Amira's side really.
When the suspense kicked in, it was breathtaking. Twists and turns let you enjoy this dangerous ride for Amira and Clay. Bad things happened and as reader you get emotionally involved but not necessarily with regard to the romantic aspect.

First I thought the book was lacking the connection and was disappointed because the author takes you normally so brilliantly on the emotionally journey of hero and heroine. In the end, especially after realising that the story is to be continued, I came to the conclusion that the way Jane Harvey - Berrick has described this relationship between James and Amira is not lacking at all but wanted. It seems to be the fundament for future emotional development. I am very much looking forward to see where this all leads to and am sure we will find all the missing emotions, the romance in the next book.

A word to some comments which are claiming the posts in which Tick Tock was advertised were islamophobic and full of rascism. I don't see that at all from the cover but even if, 'don't judge a book by its cover'. Commentary like that, bashing an author without even knowing what it is about, is very bad taste and not helpful for other readers at all. This book contents nothing islamophobic or racist at all. The opposite is the case. The fact that ISIS is used as background story is taken from reality. Every second spy thriller is depending on this background. Nobody claims racism there. Amira, the heroine, is not used wrongly in that way at all. Don't believe any of that nonsense.

[Laura Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tick Tock (EOD #1)
By: Jane Harvey-Berrick
4 Stars

I just Popped my Jane Harvey-Berrick cherry with Tick Tock! WOW!!! What a journey this book takes us on. The in-depth writing of a story about two people who are from opposite upbringings.

James Spears is an enlisted man in the British Army. He’s an Ammunition Technician aka bomb disposal officer. Having joined the military after turning 18, he is now pushing 30. Tells you right there that he is good at his job. One of the best. A soldier who disassembles bombs, to have served that many years, he knows what he is doing.

Getting called out to go on a ‘training exercise’, James was pretty stoked that someone in the USA recognized his talents and called for him to attend.

Amira is a registered nurse in her life back home. Now though, after volunteering to go undercover to infiltrate the cell that has been making explosive devices, she is being trained to make bombs. After losing her brother in Syria who was volunteering at the hospital there, she felt as though she needed to do something.

When her ‘teacher’ James Spears and her first meet, there is tension. Him the highly decorated military man and her the niqab wearing female. Something didn’t sit right with James teaching a female who is a Muslim from Syria on the proper techniques to make a bomb.

Although days go by and they both realize that each other isn’t what they thought they were like when they first met. They are both just normal people trying to stop the ‘bad’ guys in the world.

It’s a slow burn romance building between James and Amira. Day in and out they spend all day with each other. Learning more about each other than most of their friends/family/coworkers know.

The story takes a turn and the roller-coaster ride descends! You have just taken in that huge gasp as the ride goes down the first major hill. The twists and turns have you holding on for dear life!!

Stopping at the station long enough to get off, we are left with wobbly legs and our heart in our throat. What a thrilling ride it was!!!

Bring on Bombshell EOD # 2 ASAP!!!!

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[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing I want to say is the author has taken a risk with this book. They must have realised that the story was going to cause polarized opinions and they still published.

I can hand on heart say you will not have read a military love story like this before it's truly unique in the genre. The blurb gives you the background of the story and how Amira and James meet but hidden in the words is love in all its forms. Love comes in many guises, family, romantic, friendship and faith this book explores it all. This is a story that makes you think it will challenge your perceptions and beliefs.

Every person who reads this book will take something different from it. I really hope you take a chance on this beautifully written love story with a difference.



reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Kim Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a compelling story. You can tell how much thought and research has gone into this book, the author has done an outstanding job.

James and Amira’s story is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. At the beginning I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy it, but that feeling didn’t last long. I would never have guessed what would happen in this book and I certainly wouldn’t have guessed how it ended. I’m a wreck of emotions now that it’s over, and I can’t wait for the second Book, it can’t come soon enough!

Five stars, this story is exceptional!

[Skye Kilaen]

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[Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, Jane Harvey Berrick...you just BLEW ME AWAY (pun intended).  This book was WOW.  These characters, this story, it's so much more than just a military romance.  It's a testament to soldiers and families everywhere.  You showed us different angles of peoples experiences and in such a way that I was in awe.

These characters, Amira, Clay, James, Smith... every one of them had their own story.  This book isn't for the faint of heart. My blood pressure was elevated, I was sweating, sitting on the edge of my seat, praying and hoping for these characters to find their way.  To find what they were looking for in their lives, in their relationships with each other and within themselves.

The writing was brilliant, the storyline current and prevalent to our world today.

Only one problem...I need more.

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Tick Tock had a lot of strong moments, but I never felt fully connected to it - or the characters. FRC

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tick Tock is the beautiful combination of love and the complications that exist with a new kind of war. War in the current climate, with soldiers standing side by side with civilians, determined to disarm terrorist cells on American soil. We have our brave soldier in James, the British EOD expert (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), who is recruited to help disassemble said cell along with Amira, the Islam nurse desperate to reconcile her brother's death in Syria. Theirs is an uneasy alliance with the jovial and very welcomed Clay completing this unlikely trio. But I could definitely sense an attraction right from the start, even as Amira's eyes were the only thing she'd willingly divulge, wearing her niqab like a shield. The frequent thoughts from Amira about James's piercing blue eyes were clearly a sign as to what would hopefully occur between them. And wow, even just a few chapters in, I was completely enthralled by the very unique pairing that Harvey-Berrick had created with this book and was very anxious to watch it all unfold during the most tense of situations.

I think what I found most engaging was that despite the fact that a slew of military lingo together with Islamic phrases and words being thrown at me frequently, I very much appreciated Harvey-Berrick's continued intense research in wanting to tell this story in the most accurate way possible. Sure there is a ton to digest and I found myself checking in with the glossary she provides at the end of the book very often, but I used this newfound knowledge to fully entrench myself into this story and in the end, it only made it more compelling and very rich.

I loved the way the story unfolds, with James and Amira as teacher and student and then as hurried lovers who are in the grips of time passing way too quickly. There is so much danger involved and I was in awe at how quickly Amira and Clay learned from one of the best in the business, being able to fit easily among the other 'workers' in the bomb warehouse and wanting to do their jobs and then live to tell all about it.

There is definite fast nature to this book, in spite of the number of pages, and I felt the urgency in order to stop the terrorists before they could unleash bombs upon the world together with the haste in not admitting the deep emotions both James and Amira were feeling when time was not on their side. Their thoughts and feelings like my own were all over the place, with safety at the forefront for all involved, yet grasping at every moment to simply feel with another person, even when it wasn't the most wise thing to do. James and Amira together with Clay form a rare kind of kinship that even the most horrific of events can't sever.

The Author's passion for soldiers and their advanced EOD training is apparent. Her determination to show the whole picture, just how dangerous and how unpredictable this type of career can be is to be applauded. I felt as if I was truly part of the training right along with Amira and Clay and I felt as if I was one of the crew as well.

Written in both Amira and James's POVs, we get the chance to fully understand their whys and the results of each of their decisions to be a part of this extremely dangerous assignment. We also get their frustrated thoughts of the most impossible kind of love and wondering why they would have to find each other now. But thank goodness for the delightful humor that Clay can't but help spout, even during the most dire of circumstances. He is such a bright light and I just adored him for putting Amira at ease and for being there when James needed him most. His fierce loyalty and outstanding bravery gave me pause more than once and I am in awe of the way his easygoing nature became the strength both Amira and James oft-times needed.

As Tick Tock came to a close, my emotions were all tied up in knots, hoping there would be more to their story. And there will be, with Bombshell coming in March 2019. I honestly had no idea that there would be more than one book but I am extremely happy there is a whole lot more to tell. Especially with the way things ended.

Tick Tock is the not the usual kind of love story. I honestly think this story has to be read with an open mind and a bit of patience to successfully wade through all the intricacies the Author delivers with these kinds of military missions. There is a lot to digest. But for me, I was very glad to savor every word and phrase and ultimately knew that all the heartache and pain was more than worth it. And I happily give this remarkable story a solid 5 stars!

[Lisa Zeigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Harvey-Berrick never fails to write diverse and unique stories and her writing is impeccable. I wasn’t sure what to expect but this is a somber and gritty story full of sadness, loss, grief, and revenge. Writing about war and the injuries, death, loneliness and difficult working situations are one of Jane’s talents and she researches her topics in great depth. I have many family members who have served in the military and some had injuries and PTSD but none have worked with bomb disposal. The descriptions of how James focuses on how he will proceed to dispose of a bomb were almost enough to make me stop breathing!

I loved James with his calmness and good heart but felt so sorry for him and how he grew up. As a British soldier, it was surprising when he was sent on a secret mission to the US, and I was wary of the secrecy. He had a short time to teach Amira and Clay how to make basic and more involved bombs and how to look for hidden bombs while trying to locate groups that wanted to destroy the US. The living conditions are rustic, while training long hours and the tension building. There are some brutal and terrifying scenes which kept me flipping the pages faster and faster.

I didn’t really feel the connection between Amira and James but the story seemed more of a military suspense and not as much of a romance. There are definite feelings between the two but conflicting priorities in their lives. I loved Clay and his sweet and kind nature.

The ending was totally unexpected and had me wondering what’s next since I know there is a sequel. Jane chose some very hot topics for this book, which I know is an issue for some readers. I never felt that was anything racist in the story but seemed quite realistic if you keep up with world news.

I’ve read numerous books by Ms. Harvey-Berrick and she has a genuine talent for writing. No matter the subject or the age of the characters, I always feel like I’m living the story too. I’m looking forward to reading Bombshell and what James has in store for his future.

[Marieke ~ Marieke's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

How far would you go to make the world a better place? Would you write letters with soldiers overseas, or would you join them in their harsh, brutal battle? Tick Tock tells the story of Amira and James, two young people in the middle of conflict that’s impossible to win without pain and heartbreak. I can’t say I’ve enjoyed the whole story, but I take it for what it is.

“I needed to be cool and calculating. Ice cold would save our lives. Emotions wouldn’t.”

Amira works as a nurse and enjoys her life in the United States. As a child her parents moved from Syria to America to live in freedom. Mother, father and her younger sister Zada are devout Muslims, Amira and Karam live a less religious life. When Kamar suddenly returns to Syria for volunteer work and is killed during an air raid, in which the whole family is destroyed. When Amira is approached by the army to help them bring down an ISIS terror cell in Syria, she agrees. She wants to avenge her baby brother, even though she knows the huge risk she’s taking. Enter soldier James. He’s the lone wolf who’s going to train Amira for her mission, to make sure she acts like a real bombmaker.

“I couldn’t hear what he was saying and I didn’t care. He was holding me, and I wasn’t scared.”

Amira is a brave woman. She’s determined to revenge her brother, but she’s also scared out of her mind. Amira is also struggling with her faith. She’s not a devout Muslim but pretending to be one (for the sake of the mission) makes her question a lot. James is a hardened soldier. He has seen the most horrible things in battle, and he’s not fully comfortable training Amira for the mission. It’s not surprising feelings start to develop between James and Amira; two young people in a remote location, on a dangerous mission. Of course, they fall for each other, how impossible it might be.

“You’re so fucking brave and beautiful. I’m half in love with you and … you’re amazing.”

Tick Tock is a harsh, realistic (well, mostly) story about the war on ISIS and how people lives are affected by an unfair war. Amira and James are good people, who both are formed by the past and present. I’m upset by the ending of this book, but somehow its fitting for the story. A swoony happily ever after would have been too much. There will be a second book, I’m curious what it will bring.

“Every day I had to find a reason to keep on living. I was pretty sure that one day soon, I’d run out of reasons. And then I’d find peace.”

www.mariekesbooks.com

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 out of 5 stars

O! M! G! This book gave me nightmares and I couldn’t put it down...I read while I was cooking. I read waiting in line at the store. I read on my lunch break and sometimes even walking between rooms. I just couldn’t wait to keep reading more.

Amira & James don’t have it easy. Their pasts are littered with tragedy. Their futures are uncertain. Taking the time in the present is the best they can do.

Clay is definitely my favorite sub-character and I wish I had so much more of him. He keeps the story interesting and lightens the mood just when it gets too dark, but his heart is pure gold and I cried for him several times.

Saying much of anything about the context of the story will give away too much. As a reader, I like to go into a story with as little detail as possible so I’m not going to do a play-by-play of the plot, but I will say that there was a point in the story where I literally threw my phone across the room when I read a certain scene. It was so much...BUT then I immediately ran over to it and picked it back up so I could see what came next.


*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't judge a story before you read it.

This is the common case that the title and excerpt of the story made you think you know the story before you even read it. Well.. I have finished it and I challenge you to read it before you give your opinion on it.

A raw, detailed and very descriptive story that will easily make you sit on the edge of your seat and looking for chocolate or wine after few chapters in. Trust me, the warning about triggers in this book is no joke. It may triggers you in a lot of ways but it will also open your eyes to the things we tend to be ignorant about. And for that,l I appreciate his story to help me open my eyes and humbled me in more ways than one.

This story seems to have more layers than just a straight up love story with cultural and war zone background. A story of passion and love for your country, for what you stand for, what you fighting for and what you believe in. Whether it's a love and passion you find within a person, country, cause and religion.

And eye opener that will provoke a deeper thoughts. So.. Put aside your judgemental and dive in. Hope you learn a thing or two. You're welcome.

:)

[Becky Rendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

That definitely did not go where I thought it was going!

I'm new to this author and I was definitely a bit wary. Everything about this topic screamed "yikes". The blurb had me worried. The "trigger warning" had my guard up. In the end, it was a difficult book to read. I was honestly uncomfortable the majority of the book. I think the point was to bring across the differences in our two main characters and it shows. I just felt like too much emphasis went on their differences but then the story wasn't going where I had hoped either.

I am so nosey I need to know what happens next but at the same time I'm not sure I want to. The outcome may not have been my desire but it is certainly valid and true.

Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Zubee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for a well-written, emotional story and for the very brave ending; I am eager to read the sequel for James story and Clay and Zada's story too ...

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tough read dealing with sensitive issues, this book holds your heart and nerves in its hands. The role of an EOD operative is precarious and dangerous, challenging to nerves and concentration. The responsibility is isolating and the sense of this comes through in many aspects of James' character, made more so by the life he leads. His collision with the determined, committed Amira opens him to elements of unfamiliarity in terms of interaction and she, too, has the same sense of isolation among otjers.
A dense, nerve wracking novel which takes you outside your comfort zone, it cracks on at a rapid, breath taking pace, leaving you almost shell shocked by events. A challenging and worthwhile read.

[Avidez Literaria · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Don’t forget to look up, don’t forget to look down: always check out nearby drains and sewers. Look everywhere. Suspect everyone.”

James is a British soldier, an explosives specialist whose life comes down to the army. Without family and without ties that bind him, his duty to his Country is everything he knows. When he is sent to the United States to help with a covert operation, his life will change dramatically.
Amira is a Muslim who lives in America, and never complied with the demands and impositions of her religion. After a personal tragedy, she mourns and not accepting what happened, decides to honor the memory of someone who is gone by fighting to combat the evil that exists in the world.
James discovers that his mission will be to train a military man and a civilian to infiltrate a terrorist cell. And when he meets his new students, the figure dressed from head to foot in black, with only visible eyes, attracts his attention and slowly consumes his thoughts. As classes progress James will have three certainties: that no matter how hard he struggles, time is too short to teach so much, that he has no idea where he is and who he works for, and that the woman who is training clearly does not can continue in the mission.
In a tense setting, where a mistake will cost a living, and with high spirits, James and Amira will have the night to talk and form a bond. And in the darkness, the two will be sincere, will talk about their fears, their traumas and their ghosts. With time running against them, with an extremely dangerous mission not to say suicidal, will James and Amira have a chance, or will the bond built be relegated to the moonlight?
I can begin by saying that Jane Harvey's writing is brilliant. It is easy to see how much the author has researched and worked hard to write the book. James was very well built, there is a whole context of the soldier who does not know who he is without his work, who has to live with the horrors he witnessed and who left marks and have to move on and not let himself down. The character's journey captivated me.
But the big mistake for me is in the book's classification as a novel. The teaser, the synopsis, all point to a love story. I'm sorry, I do not agree. The book is not about love. Not about religion. Much less about war. The book is about James' life, about what he lived, about what shaped him, goes through an excerpt telling a period of his life (the plot of the book) to show how it affected him and how he is today. The star of the book is him, only him.
Amira did not captivate me in any moment. Suffering and mourning make a human being do things they normally would not do, but she wants to play the highly trained super spy was hard to accept. She was for me a woman lost in pain, who saw her family suffer and did not know what to do. It was easier to act than to feel. Her decision after the events of continuing her brother's work and again being endangered did not cause me empathy. She was selfish, spoiled, manipulative, and stupid. The way she used James and then dismissed him cemented my hatred for the character.
Clay was a great co-star, friend, loyal and solicitous. His sacrifice was inspired by friendship and love. A great character.
As I said above, the book is about James. About his trajectory. Will I read the next book and the conclusion of the story? Certainly. But only by wanting to know what will happen to him. Sincerely, I expected more. But I credit this impression for the misunderstanding in the classification. The romance is absent. But as a drama, it was well written.


*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *

https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com/

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 'what the hell did I just read?' stars!

Wow, this book. It gobsmacked me. Exiting, suspenseful, surprising, emotional, and horrifying, I still don’t really know how to process all that I just read. But what an engaging read! More of a military suspense with a side romantic storyline than a straight-out romance, Jane Harvey-Berrick has given us something very different with this thought-provoking, gutwrenching read.

James Spears is a member of the British Army working in bomb disposal, and his controlled, calm and focussed nature makes him one of the best. But when he is recruited into an undercover super-secret mission in the US, it will put James to the test like never before. He has two weeks to train two people to go undercover as bomb-makers into a suspected terrorist cell. It seems like an impossible task, and there is so much riding on him doing his job and doing it well.

Amira is the civilian on the team. Her family escaped war-torn Syria when she was just an infant, and while her family have made a life in the US, her brother returned to his homeland as part of Doctors Without Borders, and lost his life in a US air strike. She is raging, grief-stricken, and filled with hate and she has the burning passion and intensity to do what is necessary to make sure her brother didn’t die in vain.

So for two weeks in a secluded forest, James trains Amira and her undercover partner how to stay alive, while he himself is kept in the dark about most of it and hoping like hell he’s doing the right thing. And in the middle of all of that intensity, neither of them ever expected to develop feelings for each other.

That’s just the beginning of the story and I’m not going to say any more because it’s a thrilling rollercoaster ride of emotions and intensity, with the story twisting all over the place so that you never know what’s coming, and though it’s not easy reading, it’s utterly compelling and I struggled to put it down.

It’s an interesting subject matter that JHB has chosen to write about, and though I know a little bit about the very real politics and the atrocities that the characters are dealing with, I admit that I’m ignorant of a lot of the details, which made it all the more horrifying. The same with the religious themes – Amira is Muslim and, combined with the subject matter, it will probably put some people on edge, but I thought that it was handled respectfully, and I found the cultural and religious aspects really interesting and meaningful to both the characters and the story.

And OMG, the feels! The book is written in the dual POVs of James and Amira, and their individual journeys are so beautifully written. We get right to the heart of these two characters, and watching them go through all that they do is quite the harrowing ride.

And then that ending… I wasn’t expecting it. I also wasn’t expecting this to be a ‘to be continued’, which just about ripped out what was left of my heart. It’s not a horrible cliffy, but the story is definitely unfinished, and though it will probably wreck me, I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of this story!

Not my usual kind of read, but it still wow’ed me! 4 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with a Jane Harvey Berrick read this one draws you in and demands you turn pages to read every single word until it's done... this is a story with a difference though as not only is it believable it's very real life for some of us or someone we know. It's unlike any other Military based story I've read or I'm likely to read again.

Jane has not only shown us exactly what it's like to be a Tick Tock man (a bomb disposal expert) but has show us exactly what people go through in the army in general every day or what it's like living in places while personally living in a different culture and how truly difficult that must be. Shes taken more than one extremely sensitive issue and written about them with such care detail and attention you can't help but imagine what they are going through while you are reading.
This story gave me so many emotions and made me hold my breath with my heart going crazy in quite a few places... it was a true rollercoaster journey!
The main characters were so good... we have Amira who is putting herself in a new difficult place after a family trauma and
James who is a well trained expert..both complete opposites but they work so well together!
And we have Clay.. what can I say about him! He is amazing courageous funny and overall a person you'd want in your corner.
I can honestly say to everyone to give this book a read and I'm desperate to read book 2 already!
Huge well done Jane for giving us this book as I'm sure it wasn't easy in any way to write this!

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, this book is very respectfully written. Harvey-Berrick does not try to claim one religion is better than the other, and there are both good and bad Muslims like there are good and bad Christians (and every other religion). We got a good glimpse into the madness behind terrorist recruiters, and they way they can twist the truth so that what you believe is real comes into question. We see the other side, with regular people just trying to live their lives and give back to the community. Soldiers and terrorists, victims and heroes. Kudos for getting so much right while keeping it realistic.

The problem I had with this love story is ... I didn't feel the love. Unlike the connection that grows between the main characters in Harvey-Berrick's Playing in the Rain, James and Amira do not spend much private time together getting to know one another. Just one night together and in the morning he has vanished without saying goodbye. Weeks go by before they are re-united and she is a changed woman, but he can't seem to accept that. There is no real love, in my opinion, just two people thrown together by circumstances. A little bit like Keanu and Sandra in Speed.

Now, that's not to say I wasn't moved at all. His rage at her death was very powerful but, again, I didn't feel like he was truly losing the love of his life. Harvey-Berrick's writing is evocative and exciting and the tension had my heart racing and my legs shaking. And, my goodness, Clay!

I am very much looking forward to 1 March 2019 when the sequel, Bombshell, is due for release. I know my emotions will be put through the wringer, and I'm good with that.