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Maximum Security #0.25
After the Sunrise
AFTER the SUNRISE, a short story introducing Kat Martin's Maximum Security series, plus an excerpt from her new novel, THE CONSPIRACY.
They Called Him the Hero of St. Andrew's
When an active shooter in full body armor strides down the center aisle of St. Andrew's church, Kurt Layton knows he’s the congregation’s only hope of survival.
As petite, auburn-haired Erin McCallum looks into the barrel of an assault rife wielded by a ruthless gunman, she knows she is going to die.
But sometimes, in the instant between life and death, a connection is forged between two strangers—as strong as steel and as timeless as eternity.
They Called Him the Hero of St. Andrew's
When an active shooter in full body armor strides down the center aisle of St. Andrew's church, Kurt Layton knows he’s the congregation’s only hope of survival.
As petite, auburn-haired Erin McCallum looks into the barrel of an assault rife wielded by a ruthless gunman, she knows she is going to die.
But sometimes, in the instant between life and death, a connection is forged between two strangers—as strong as steel and as timeless as eternity.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2018
346 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Kat Martin
189 books3,173 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 25, 2024
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, romantic suspense novella. It is fast paced with likable and engaging characters, action, intrigue, sizzling chemistry, and happily ever after ending. It is an excellent beginning to Ms. Martin's outstanding "Maximum Security" series. Ms. Martin never disappoints her readers!
November 4, 2021
"After the Sunrise" is a short story, but it packs a lot into it's limited pages. Fast paced, not much in character development, an insta-lust attraction and a credible mystery. That a lot to pack in a short story.
Churches in the Dallas area have been targeted and Maximum Security has been hired to protect St. Andrew's church. Kurt Layton is in the congregation when a gunman enters and starts shooting people. He drops the guy before he can kill beautiful, red headed, Erin McCallum. But that isn't the end, only the beginning of the nightmare Erin's life has become.
Churches in the Dallas area have been targeted and Maximum Security has been hired to protect St. Andrew's church. Kurt Layton is in the congregation when a gunman enters and starts shooting people. He drops the guy before he can kill beautiful, red headed, Erin McCallum. But that isn't the end, only the beginning of the nightmare Erin's life has become.
May 18, 2021
After the Sunrise was a very quick read that introduces the Maximum Security series.
Kurt Layton is on a security job at St. Andrew's church when an active shooter in full body armor attacks the congregation. Erin McCallum is sure she's going to die when the gunman trains his rifle on her only for Kurt to take down the shooter seconds before it's too late. Erin and Kurt form an instant connection and when Erin is later targeted by another shooter, she turns to Kurt to keep her safe.
This story takes place over only a few days and moves at a very fast pace. There's a fair bit of action throughout the story which I liked as the scenes were quite suspenseful. I was surprised by who ended up being behind the attacks as it was an unusual choice and I didn't find the person's motive entirely plausible. But motives aside, the plot was suspenseful and ultimately an enjoyable one. Kurt and Erin's connection forms quickly after the shooting at the church and their relationship develops quite fast. The two have great chemistry and there's one steamier scene in the book which was enjoyable. I did think everything progressed a bit too quickly between them but that was to be expected with such a short story.
Overall After the Sunrise was a fun read and I would recommend it to fans of the series.
Kurt Layton is on a security job at St. Andrew's church when an active shooter in full body armor attacks the congregation. Erin McCallum is sure she's going to die when the gunman trains his rifle on her only for Kurt to take down the shooter seconds before it's too late. Erin and Kurt form an instant connection and when Erin is later targeted by another shooter, she turns to Kurt to keep her safe.
This story takes place over only a few days and moves at a very fast pace. There's a fair bit of action throughout the story which I liked as the scenes were quite suspenseful. I was surprised by who ended up being behind the attacks as it was an unusual choice and I didn't find the person's motive entirely plausible. But motives aside, the plot was suspenseful and ultimately an enjoyable one. Kurt and Erin's connection forms quickly after the shooting at the church and their relationship develops quite fast. The two have great chemistry and there's one steamier scene in the book which was enjoyable. I did think everything progressed a bit too quickly between them but that was to be expected with such a short story.
Overall After the Sunrise was a fun read and I would recommend it to fans of the series.
March 25, 2025
Intro to the series.
I was very surprised.
It was short, but the author did a great job in reeling you right into the story.
The main characters meeting/developing relationship, was just right.
It wasn't rushed nor fake from beginning to end of the short pages.
Very likeable characters, figuring out "who is it?" wasn't at all predictable.
Perfect ending, no cliff hangers.
I would like to read more on "Maximum Security series"
I was very surprised.
It was short, but the author did a great job in reeling you right into the story.
The main characters meeting/developing relationship, was just right.
It wasn't rushed nor fake from beginning to end of the short pages.
Very likeable characters, figuring out "who is it?" wasn't at all predictable.
Perfect ending, no cliff hangers.
I would like to read more on "Maximum Security series"
June 27, 2022
3.5 Stars
I needed a book title that started with "A" for a reading challenge. I noticed several people in my reading group are fans of this author, so I decided to try this novella. After the Sunrise is a very short (33 pages) introduction to the Maximum Security series, there isn't a lot of depth to the characters. Still, there is enough information on Kurt and Erin to pique my interest in the characters. I plan to get the next book in the series for more.
I needed a book title that started with "A" for a reading challenge. I noticed several people in my reading group are fans of this author, so I decided to try this novella. After the Sunrise is a very short (33 pages) introduction to the Maximum Security series, there isn't a lot of depth to the characters. Still, there is enough information on Kurt and Erin to pique my interest in the characters. I plan to get the next book in the series for more.
November 23, 2022
The second novella to start the Maximun Security series.
Kurt is attending a Sunday church service when he hears gunfire. One man is down a few more injured when the gunman has a woman and his gun at her head. Kurt is ex-military and gets a head shot. Erin is in church because her life seems upside down. She is very thankful for Kurt. She goes to his house to thank him and they discuss their inability to sleep and exchange numbers.
On her way to a job interview a man with a gun steps out of the bushes and shoots at her in her car. She races to Maximum Security to Kurt. She stays with Kurt for a few days as they try to solve why she is being targeted. She is just an unemployed school teacher.
While very short, this story has Kurt and Erin working together and side stepping their attraction until it is something they both want. Short and sweet.
Kurt is attending a Sunday church service when he hears gunfire. One man is down a few more injured when the gunman has a woman and his gun at her head. Kurt is ex-military and gets a head shot. Erin is in church because her life seems upside down. She is very thankful for Kurt. She goes to his house to thank him and they discuss their inability to sleep and exchange numbers.
On her way to a job interview a man with a gun steps out of the bushes and shoots at her in her car. She races to Maximum Security to Kurt. She stays with Kurt for a few days as they try to solve why she is being targeted. She is just an unemployed school teacher.
While very short, this story has Kurt and Erin working together and side stepping their attraction until it is something they both want. Short and sweet.
April 2, 2019
This is a short story to introduce Ms. Martin's readers to her new series. A lone gunman walks into a church and opens fire. Kurt, who works for Maximum Security, shoots and kills the man. In the process, he saves Erin's life. He gives her his card and tells her to call him if she ever needs anything. Several days later, a man shoots at Erin while she's in her car. When she takes off he gives chase, but she manages to lose him then drives straight to Maximum Security to find Kurt. When she tells him what happened, he insists she stay with him until they figure out what's going on and she is safe again.
This was a nice beginning to the series. It wet my appetite and made me want more. Looking forward to reading the first book in the actual series.
This was a nice beginning to the series. It wet my appetite and made me want more. Looking forward to reading the first book in the actual series.
June 23, 2023
This is a really quick read. Kurt is at a church because there have been threats made. When a man walks in in camouflage carry a gun, he knows he has to take action immediately. The man shoots several people and is aiming at one woman when Kurt shoots him. Erin is so thankful that someone was there to save her and the others. They are lucky that no one was killed. Days later when she is leaving her house, another man tries to shoot her. The only person she can go to is Kurt. He saved her once and she is sure he can do it again. Why would anyone want to kill her. As she and Kurt try to figure it out, they grow closer, and they both think that they may be able to have a life together. If only they can find the shooter.
February 8, 2019
This is Kat Martin's new series "Maximum Security." This is a short story to introduce you to some of the characters in the series. Though it was short it was a good read taking the story from current headlines...sadly. But as in all Kat Martin's story her hero is one of the good guys who totally captures you interest. Typical of her female characters Erin is a woman in trouble who needs a hero. Nothing wrong with that. I always enjoy Kat Martin's novels and though this is only a short story, I did enjoy reading it and do recommend this story and I have the novel waiting to read it.
December 15, 2018
This is a very short story to introduce us to some of the members of Maximum Security, and in this case, mainly Kurt Layton. He’s at a local church for security measures, when a shooter, injures some of the parishioners . As the man is about to kill Erin McCallum, one of the attendees, he saves her life.
This was fast paced, and not a very deep plot , but enough to interest the reader to this new series.
This was fast paced, and not a very deep plot , but enough to interest the reader to this new series.
September 6, 2020
This is the introduction book to the Maximum Security series with Kurt Layton. He’s doing security at a local church when a gunman comes in & starts shooting. He saves Erin McCallum from being shot & ends up protecting her. They have to figure out who’s after her. It’s a quick, action packed book with likable main characters & secondary characters. Great book & great start to a new series!!
December 15, 2018
So excited about this new series.
This first novella is a great beginning. As always, there is plenty i f action and suspense.
I love the interaction of the characters. Well built storyline. Line up for the next book. They will definitely be worth it.
This first novella is a great beginning. As always, there is plenty i f action and suspense.
I love the interaction of the characters. Well built storyline. Line up for the next book. They will definitely be worth it.
December 29, 2018
Nice short story
This book is a preface to author's new Max series. It was OK but no adventure or thrill to it. Kind of just bam it's over. Hope the series has a little more excitement and mystery to it.
This book is a preface to author's new Max series. It was OK but no adventure or thrill to it. Kind of just bam it's over. Hope the series has a little more excitement and mystery to it.
January 28, 2019
I can already feel that this is going to be another one of Kat's SERIES, I'll be anxiously awaiting the release of the next BOOK!
Readers of Kat's books will not want to miss any NOVELLA; as it will have an underlying meaning to the whole "gist" of this SERIES!!
Readers of Kat's books will not want to miss any NOVELLA; as it will have an underlying meaning to the whole "gist" of this SERIES!!
May 19, 2019
This short novella introduced the Maximum Security series. I liked the story and the characters. Many times I feel that in a novella, the story is rushed. I felt that the story was handled very well but the relationship was rushed. I am looking forward to the other books in the series.
August 31, 2019
Umm
Honestly if I hadn’t read the other stories in this series first I probably would have been a little turned off. The kicker is though in the other books their is no mention of Kurt at all?
Honestly if I hadn’t read the other stories in this series first I probably would have been a little turned off. The kicker is though in the other books their is no mention of Kurt at all?
April 28, 2022
Great start to the new series
So much story in so few pages. A little glimpse of what this new Maximum Security series will be about. Kurt and Erin set it off well. Kat Martin is well ahead of the game of Romantic Suspense with a touch of heat.
So much story in so few pages. A little glimpse of what this new Maximum Security series will be about. Kurt and Erin set it off well. Kat Martin is well ahead of the game of Romantic Suspense with a touch of heat.
February 3, 2023
Enjoyable.
I enjoyed this novella. It’s shorter than I expected. Kurt finds himself continuing to protect Erin and is falling for her. Will she want to stay when they find out who’s out to kill her? Loved their happy ever after.
I enjoyed this novella. It’s shorter than I expected. Kurt finds himself continuing to protect Erin and is falling for her. Will she want to stay when they find out who’s out to kill her? Loved their happy ever after.
December 7, 2018
Great start to a brand new series!
December 16, 2018
Great story
I really enjoyed Kurt and Erin's story. This is a short novella to introduce you to Kat Martin's new series Maximum Security. Can't wait for it to come out.
I really enjoyed Kurt and Erin's story. This is a short novella to introduce you to Kat Martin's new series Maximum Security. Can't wait for it to come out.
December 19, 2018
I've been reading Kat Martin for years and always look forward to her books and series. Same goes here.
January 18, 2019
Great introduction to this new series. Can't wait to read the next one.
January 22, 2019
Read in epub format on my Nook.
February 3, 2019
Sheila
This was a really great book as always , Thanks for such great reading
We always watch for new Kat Martin books.😊
This was a really great book as always , Thanks for such great reading
We always watch for new Kat Martin books.😊
February 24, 2019
Great novella that introduces the characters of Kat Martin's new series, Maximum Security. Great read. Loved the quick story and the characters. Cannot wait to read the series.
July 13, 2019
Great short story
I always love these books. Pat wrote another great one in very few pages, but still got the adventure and intrigue. Can’t be easy in a short story.
I always love these books. Pat wrote another great one in very few pages, but still got the adventure and intrigue. Can’t be easy in a short story.
August 14, 2019
Good Read
This one caught me from page one and never let go.Mystery,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of action.A really good story.
This one caught me from page one and never let go.Mystery,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of action.A really good story.
September 17, 2019
Good start to a new series
July 22, 2020
Must read the series
Good read lots of twists and turns Jace and Kate make a good team can't wait to read the rest of the series
Good read lots of twists and turns Jace and Kate make a good team can't wait to read the rest of the series
November 17, 2020
Good novella to the Max Security series a bit short but looking forward to starting on the first book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews