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From multi-award-winning romantic suspense author Amanda McKinney comes the second book in the steamy, edge-of-your-seat, three-part series, Steele Shadows Security…

Hidden deep in the remote mountains of Berry Springs is a private security firm where some go to escape, and others find exactly what they’ve been looking for.

Welcome to Cabin 1, Cabin 2, Cabin 3…


Always be prepared, that was Axel Steele’s motto. While his brothers were throwing down at the local bar, Ax was the guy in the background devising the getaway plan. Dubbed “the smart one,” the former special-ops Marine believed in structure and routine, a way of life the universe seemed hellbent on challenging. Amidst a firestorm of family drama, Ax finds a woman held captive in the middle of the woods, and in desperate need of his help. With an armful of tattoos as colorful as her attitude, his new client is his antithesis—a free-spirited, spontaneous hippie that tests every bit of his patience… and his self-restraint.

Erika Zajac has been living life on her own terms since she was just sixteen. But her gypsy lifestyle came to a screeching halt when the horrific past she’d tried so hard to bury came back in the form of chains and cuffs. Suddenly, Erika finds herself under the security—and scrutiny—of a temperamental bodyguard with the emotional capacity of a rock, and six-pack to match. But no amount of brains or brawn was going to distract her from her goal, or the secrets she’d kill to keep.

Deceit, lies, wrath. Ax’s client had them all. The only question was, which of Erika’s deadly sins would she choose? Revenge… or him?

244 pages, ebook

First published November 21, 2019

1417 people are currently reading
354 people want to read

About the author

Amanda McKinney

37 books996 followers
Amanda McKinney is the Amazon Charts bestselling and multi-award-winning author of more than thirty romance and thriller novels. Her books have received over fifteen literary awards and nominations, including the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence, and have been included in lists such as POPSUGAR's 12 Best Romance Books, and featured on the Today Show.


Text AMANDABOOKS to 66866 to receive Amanda's newsletter and get the latest on new releases, promos, and freebies!

www.amandamckinneyauthor.com

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5 stars
1,209 (56%)
4 stars
641 (29%)
3 stars
232 (10%)
2 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
February 1, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

I am really loving this series.
Cabin 2 is a continuation of Cabin 1 , obviously, and just as riveting.
Exciting, tense and addictive reading.
Profile Image for Suzana.
690 reviews26 followers
November 19, 2019
5 “Two hot messes that had somehow found their anchors” stars

*ARC kindly provided by the author and I’m leaving an honest review*

Suspenseful✔
Gripping✔
Gritty✔
Raw✔
Fast paced✔
Page turner✔
Dark storytelling✔
Unpredictable twists and turns✔
Independent, strong, vulnerable heroine✔
Overprotective, stubborn, damaged hero✔
Passionate✔
Intense✔
Heartfelt✔
Emotional✔
Suspenseful✔
Small town✔
Amazing love story✔

This was completely brilliant, compelling, raw, breathtaking, at times heartbreaking story and such a wonderful read. Cabin 2 is the second book in Amanda Kinney’s new Berry Springs spin of series STEELE SHADOWS SECURITY. The characters are complex; the plot is strong and unpredictable with twists and turns that will keep you guessing the whole time. I enjoyed every minute of it and never wanted it to end. It has so much depth, powerful, effortless and at times dark storytelling and elements. I loved that it was written in first person, dual POV. It was enjoyable, steamy, dark, suspenseful read with so many twists and turns, while delivering an intense and passionate love story between Erika and Ax that I devoured in one sitting.

Ax Steele is a former military/Marine. He doesn’t like to be vulnerable or show emotions because he considers that a weakness. His brothers and Ax are running private Steele Shadows Security in Berry Springs. Ax has a hard time settling back into his roots and figuring out how to cope with the loss of his father and brother. Ax is closed off, loving, caring, loyal, charming, protective, possessive, strategic and down to earth.

Erika Zajac knows what she wants and what she stands for. I love her beautiful spirit. She is strong-willed, brave, a fighter, a survivor, moral, feisty, smart, stubborn, sassy, confident, proud, but also vulnerable.

Ax and Erika are truly amazing. They lit the pages with their chemistry. They are each other’s match, sinfully sexy and intense. I loved their sassy, flirty banter and witty sexual innuendos. Ax and Erika are just perfect and exactly what they need. I love their moments and dialogues. They know they shouldn’t feel attracted to each other, but they do, it’s unavoidable. They are both flawed and complex; they don’t want to feel vulnerable as they consider that a weakness. Neither of them in the beginning is looking for a relationship, but the feelings got involved. Their timing might be a little off because they both have so much going on and they are focused on different things, but when they are together everything just makes sense, in order to move on, let go of their past, guilt and start truly living. Ax is instantly attracted and drawn to Regan. He can’t explain what exactly is about her that gets to him. I loved their off the charts chemistry and how patient he was with her. I loved how they blossomed and thrived even though life had thrown them quite a few obstacles.

The story is excellently paced with an immaculate, flawless and superb writing and storytelling. Because of author’s awe-inspiring details and visualization I had a feeling like I was right there with characters, living in their world and hearing every sound, murmur and seeing magical scenery or cracking codes/case. Secondary characters are so brilliant and wonderful and add to the story and mystery. That ending, though. Once again I’m left speechless and with more questions and people I suspect.

Two words: INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL! It kept my attention at all times and I could not put it down. With an effortless writing, awe-inspiring details, and a journey of forgiveness, love, secrets, lies, mystery, self-discovery, the author takes us on an emotional and beautiful journey of the characters and their struggles. I can’t wait to read Gunner’s book. I highly recommend this book and whole series.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,214 reviews
November 4, 2019
I LOVE the Steele Shadows Security series!! Cabin 2 is even more exciting than Cabin 1! I could NOT put this one down. I was sucked in right from the start and kept on the edge of my seat. I need Cabin 3 like right now! Loved, loved, loved it!!
Profile Image for Marti.
3,293 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2020
Cabin 2 is the second book in the Steele Shadow Security series. This series is based in the small, southern town of Berry Springs. The Steele brother’s father has died and the sons have returned from their lives to help take over the business. There seemed to be an underlying mystery that may have caused their dad to be murdered from the first book, which was not answered. In this book there are underlying questions about their brother ‘supposed’ suicide and how that might have to do with with thier father’s murder. This book focuses on Ax Steele and Erika Zajac and the kidnapping and targeting of Erika.

Ax is the patient and studied brother. He is clearly able to deal with a crisis and work his way through a threat. Erika when jogging found an underground room with a woman locked in it and was captured. It was Ax who found her and saved her and it is Ax who later is hired to help her. Erika is not a wilting flower and had been doing her own investigation. Ax thinks she is a rich entitled person. Erika knows Ax is the one she can not let in. Both have much to learn.

Cabin 2 by Amanda McKinney was a great second book in the Steele Shadow Security. Ax was a hot alpha male that was fun to read about. I am quite looking forward to the third book. Cabin 2 by Amanda McKinney was a good read.
Profile Image for Melissa (honeybee.reads).
1,387 reviews45 followers
April 16, 2024
Cabin 2 is the second book in the Steele Shadows Security series, it definitely needs to be read in order. Yowza!! this starts off with a bang. I freaking adored it. This one kept me so hooked right from the start and I couldn't get through it fast enough. This book had so much depth, it was powerful, emotional, dark, suspenseful, spicy, it truly just hit every aspect for me.

Erika was such a strong and fierce FMC, knows what she wants and goes after it. Ax was just one heck of a man, so possessive and protective. When they both came together it was just an explosion. The love story between these 2 was just beautiful.

The plot in this one was just chef's kiss. Mckinney expertly wove an amazing storyline with a plot that flowed perfectly, twists and turns that you won't see coming. The pacing was perfect, never a dull moment, addictive and will keep you hooked. Once again major cliffhanger ending, jumping into book 3 right away !

🎧 The narration by Michael Reid & Amy Deuchler was amazing. They had a major improvement in my opinion from book 1. I felt like their emotions were much more heartfelt, the story delivery was really good and they truly kept me hooked on every word. Amazing performance.

✨️ Thank you to @amandamckinney for my gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
897 reviews5 followers
November 13, 2019
Well, if you thought the first book was a nail biter, get ready Amanda McKinney fans, cuz this one is going to take you on another incredible ride! This very well-written book starts out pretty intense, making you wonder what happened to the character at the end of book one, then after an intense few chapters, she hits you with a hint of the need to know! I absolutely loved Axel and Erika together! Intense, hot, sexy, their chemistry together just jumps off the page, and you've gotta love it when a woman can bring a strong ex Special Ops guy down to his knees, especially Axel. When you get into a book series like this, you just hope that what dragged you in with the first book, continues on with the books to follow, this story definitely checks off all the boxes for me. Fast paced, keeps the reader engaged with every turn of the page, great storyline and leaves you wishing the next installment was already out! If you haven't read book one, I strongly suggest you pick it up right now, you won't be sorry.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
Profile Image for Melissa May.
331 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2019
This book is awesome!! I loved the characters, the romance and thrilling suspense, another great read by Amanda Mckinney , I recieved this book as a ARC , and Amanda McKinney thank you for that! This book is part of a series and I reccomend you read them in order , you don’t want to miss reading Cabin One anyway 😀 I can’t wait for Cabin three! If you love a thrilling hot romantic suspense , don’t wait and read it now !!
Profile Image for Sandra R.
3,346 reviews46 followers
October 3, 2021
Well written as usual by this author, but I struggled to like the connection between the H/h, not sure why. The suspense was excellent. Note that the back story is ongoing and while the romance is wrapped up, it does end of a cliffhanger of sorts re the investigation - 3.5 stars. Book 3 is out.
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,915 reviews9 followers
November 12, 2019
Everyone has secrets. But can Axel Steel security professional and Erica Zajak, his client trust each other enough to open their hearts and begin to heal?

I am always excited when I see a new book by this author. In this second book of her newest series she doesn’t disappoint. The storyline has plenty of action and characters that have more depth than expected make this book one you don’t want to put down.

I received and arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
12k reviews75 followers
November 9, 2019
The author has given us a heart-pounding story. This story centers around Axel and Erika. The Steele brothers are hired to protect Erika, and Axel takes her safety as his priority. They have a connection with each other, however, they also want revenge for what has happened in their pasts.

Not sure I can wait until February 2020 for the next book.
Profile Image for Taylor Jefferson.
631 reviews8 followers
April 4, 2025
I had read Cabin 1 years ago. I don’t remember much but I do remember that I didn’t like it. Someone recommended this series again and I thought maybe it wasn’t as bad as I thought. So, I gave it another go. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice….

The relationship is built on nothing. A few brief interactions and mere hours later they can’t live without each other. I have read romances with absurdly short timelines done well, not here. Erika was born wealthy but isn’t a spoiled brat like every other woman born into money. She hasn’t taken a dime from her father since she was 16. She only takes 20 minutes to get ready. She only brought one suitcase with her!!! It seems the only way the author could tell us that Erika was down to earth and not materialistic was to remind us how much she was unlike other women. She only had value because she shunned the money she came from meanwhile Axel is a literal billionaire. There was no need to justify Axel’s relationship with money. There was an undercurrent of misogyny throughout the book. At one point a female character acts a little odd and the response is “Must be that time of the month.” 🙄

If you see me pick up Cabin 3 a few years from now because I forgot how bad this one was too, please pry it from my hands.
Profile Image for Deborah Cantillo.
45 reviews
November 5, 2019
My review of the book Cabin 2.
Rating: 5, excellent.
Cabin 2 is an amazing, suspense filled, page turning story. Steel Shadows Security (SSS) is run by four ex-military brothers and their stepmom. Their father/husband's death is ruled suicide, but the brothers now believe he was murdered. Cabin 2 tells the story of kidnapped Erika being found by Axel (Ax). She is then placed under SSS protection and guarded by Ax. Erika's kidnapping is related to the murder of her grandmother, Baba years ago by the Black V's. Revenge for Baba's death is forefront on Erika's mind, even to using herself as bait. As Ax and Erika get to know each other, they share their deepest secrets and feelings, they become romantically involved. Will they have a future together with the now world global operation of the Black V's coming for Erika. Can Ax protect her? Along with this plot, there is another unfolding in the background which takes place in Cabin 1, Cabin 2 and I'm sure will be continued in Cabin 3. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and highly recommend reading Cabin 2 as well as Cabin 1. I received an ARC from the author in turn for my honest review.

88 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2019
Wow. I’m speechless. This book was amazing. It was full of suspense that slowly built up and kept me on the edge of my seat.. I love how we get to learn about Axel and how he feels about everything throughout the book. I like how Erikas character is portrayed throughout the book. Patiently/impatiently waiting for the next one to find out how the ending of this one plays out. Read the series! You won’t be disappointed! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
11 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2019
There's so much I want to say about this book but I don't want to give anything away.
So I'll just say it's as good as the first if not better and I can't wait for the conclusion to find out what happens.

I received an arc in exchange
for a honest review.
16 reviews
July 16, 2025
Ax is the ultimate book boyfriend. This is the best in the series to date.
Profile Image for Lyndsey Tennant.
2 reviews
January 10, 2024
it’s ok

It was a good read but I’m not a huge fan of the characters being broken into the chapters but it was still entertaining
Profile Image for Jen Isherwood.
128 reviews9 followers
March 20, 2020
Omg! I so love this series! It's so enticing! And mesmerizing! I really couldn't put it down!

At Cabin 2 you will get to know a little bit more about the tough as nails Steele brother - Axel. He's dubbed the "smart one". He's always prepared. He's always paying attention. Devising plans. There isn't anything that Ax doesn't know about. But one day will change that all. While still trying to look for the person who killed his father and shot his brother, Ax stumbles upon a woman held captive in the middle of the woods. Turns out, she's full of even more secrets and in need of the Steele brother's protection.
Erika Zajac is a wild, free spirited girl who tests every bit of patience Ax has in him. And she's under his watchful eye. When her past comes back to haunt her and try to kill her - she'll be damned if she's going to sit still in a cabin and wait things out. Erika is determined to seek revenge on those after her for what they did. But she also didn't put in effect the sexy as sin bodyguard of hers who distracts her more than she cares to admit.
In the end.... when it all comes crashing down.... which side will she choose? Axel and the safety he promises her - or the revenge she's been plotting for years?

Amanda McKinney always has some new twisted idea planned out for the new girls in these stories and it's so captivating that you're caught right from the beginning. What is happening to them? What secrets do they hold? And how are they going to break the cement barrier around the heart of one of those sexy brother's? Because you know they will. All those former special ops Marine's will fall in love and it will be sweet and they will be charming and you will fall in love with them. They protect what is their's. They protect their family! They are a force to be reckoned with. If you're under the hands of Steele Shadow Security - you are in good hands. But there's usually a stubborn woman in their hands too. Someone who can go toe to toe with them. This story is no different.
I love seeing the side of Erika that most people don't see. I love seeing the real her. Her sad past is heartbreaking and Amanda really showed the power of PTSD in here. It's a real thing and it can be vert crippling. The strength of the characters in this book is overwhelming and just flat out amazing. Erika and Ax make a great team and when we're not focused on them and their search - we're seeing more of Phoenix in the hospital. The family never leave him alone and it really pulls at your heartstrings to see the devastation. They're still looking for their dad's killer and you will find new and interesting facts being uncovered as they get a little bit closer.
As always, Amanda leaves us with another WTF cliffhanger and i had to even put aside this review to start reading Cabin 3 right away. I took a few minutes now to pause my reading, but i'm afraid i can't hold out any longer! I must find out what happened!!
Onto Cabin 3 and Gunner's story. That short tempered, rebel of a Steele brother. This will be interesting to see who is strong enough to carve through his barrier to that cold, cold heart of his!
Profile Image for Mary Brannian.
1,068 reviews19 followers
November 22, 2019
Axel & Erika - Oil And Water Don't Mix... Or Do They?

"Me? Eccentric, beatnik, flighty, flower child, and my personal favorite—Beverly Hills Boho. Those were a few of the names I’d been called, although I preferred free-spirit. I took life as it came, one day at a time, a notion that was nothing less than alien to my elitist upbringing."- Erika Zajac

Erika had always marched to the beat of her own drum. Born into a wealthy family, she had committed one too many faux pas and found her credit cards frozen, with an icy note from her father. Determined to live her life HER way, Erika left all she knew behind her; at age sixteen she emancipated herself and started to discover just who Erika Zajac really was. All was going well, until that day on the Red Rock Trail...

"Yeah, I’d always been the cool, calm, collected Steele bother, no one questioned that, but over the last few weeks that patience was slipping away, poisoned by the need for revenge. The universe was challenging me. It was the day that changed my life forever." - Axel Steele

Axel Steele: analytical, driven, perfectionist. Marine through and through. He and his brothers, the best of the best. The unexpected death of his father generated a shock wave felt by all the sons. Then, two weeks later, when his older brother is discovered with a bullet in his brain, Axel KNOWS a shadow entity is hunting the Steeles in an attempt to destroy them...

“True beauty shines through even the darkest of times.” - Axel Steele

On his way home with his twin brother Gage, Axel and Gave hear the unmistakable sounds of a woman screaming. What they discover in the middle of the wilderness layers on even more questions. Why were there two women chained and hidden in an underground bunker? One is alive, but the other dead. Who are they, why are they here... And how can a pair of terrified aqua blue eyes see so deeply into Axel's soul?

"She stood strong, tall, shoulders back, controlled, except for the fists she held at those rounded hips. It was the only indication of emotion other than that fiery attitude she wore with no apologies. That much was obvious. Hell on earth as a young, inquisitive child. Hell on earth as a client." - Axel

Being approached by Erika's step brother Filip to protect Erika was the LAST thing Axel expected. Those eyes, her curves, that attitude... It all screamed trouble in blazing neon. Yet Axel finds himself inexplicably drawn to Erika. She's a wild spirit, free as the North wind and just as fierce. He's buttoned down, carefully, cautiously considering each move four steps ahead. Oil and water don't mix... Or do they?

Riveting! Captivating! A suspense filled thriller with non stop action, and a slow burn that builds and builds until it bursts into an inferno of heat!
912 reviews5 followers
July 2, 2021
Romantic thriller

**potential plot spoilers**
There are no potential triggers
There are some graphic violence scenes.
The characterisation is good, the fl Erika is strong and potentially stupid with a single minded focus on the bad guys that's borderline stupidity without the skills required to take them on let alone a plan and resistant to help.
The ml Ax, is a better character than his brother Gage but that wouldn't be difficult considering the depths of misogyny Gage stoops to. Ax is slightly more redeemable but still capable of the whole 'time of the month ' rubbish.
The feelings expressed for veterans with PTSD absolutely ticked me off, the whole 'a real man doesn't need pills ' thing is so 1960's and expressly condemns people searching for a way forward through a fog of mental health problems.
Then there's the fl giving proceeds to a PTSD charity, as if the author realised she needed to balance the book with a bit of charity. Didn't work for me, I firmly believe the PTSD and pills episodes in the book are the authors own and that's really off putting when so many active duty and veteran members of the armed forces are taking their own lives each day. I would rather those people took a pill to get them through until they are able to cope than reading the suicide statistics attributed to veterans.
If you are going to write about such a sensitive subject please conduct research and consider the potential impact of the statements made.
I do think the brothers are badly repressed due to their upbringing and the authors inability to differentiate between alpha personality types and repression is confusing the plotline.
Being able to sew yourself up at the age of nine means a lack of parental care, not self sufficiency. Keeping all feelings to yourself means emotional repression and indicates a further lack of parental guidance, it doesn't make an alpha personality.
There are some grammatical and editorial errors, basic stuff such as a couple of missing words, the use of the wrong word and most jarring the mixed tense errors. They don't kill the book, but they are irritating.
The plotline is engaging and ensures you keep turning the pages, however it's told from one perspective and there is a lack of detail (handled by the Feds presumably off page) and I think a more detailed plotline would have enhanced the book.
There are some sex scenes and some swearing.
Again, for me, it's the backstory that keeps me interested, I want to learn more about Phoenix and the Knight Fox.
288 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2022
It Has Some Problems

First off, I liked the overall story. The plot's good and the continued story arc from book one in the Steele Shadows Security series is moving forward nicely. I will continue to read not only this series but also probably other works from Amanda McKinney.
Having said all that, here's my issues with the book. As with 'Cabin 1', this book was poorly edited. It's not just that the syntax was often messed up, having words in the wrong order in some sentences, or having extra words that caused other sentences to not make sense. It isn't even the punctuation being in the wrong spots at times. It's the apparent lack of the grasp of the basics of the English language. For example, in one sentence, Amanda writes, "Your reputation proceeds you." Proceeds are funds from something being sold. It should have been precedes. Your reputation precedes you. How both the author and the editor missed that is beyond me! Then she pluralized words that shouldn't have been pluralized and made the egregious error of writing one sentence as "Who's is it?" Ugh! It's, whose is it? Whose, not who's! Seriously, WTF?
My biggest frustration with this book was towards the end when Amanda lapsed into one of the laziest forms of writing there is. (WARNING: SPOILERS)
After Erika was kidnapped, Axel approached the clearing where she was being held, where NINE MEN WITH AK47s stood around her. Axel was armed with only a KA-BAR (a knife, for those of you who don't know), and then he leaped out with a yell, stabbing the man holding her while the nine armed men rained down bullets. And then...the scene faded out and began again two freaking days later with Erika recovering in Axel's bed. We never learn just exactly how Axel and Erika managed to not get shot when nine freaking people standing mere feet away from them were shooting at them! I mean, come on! You can't do lazy writing like that! If you're gonna pull the lame cop out of "fading out" a scene, you have to at least explain later what transpired. Especially when you put your characters in a ridiculously impossible situation and just expect your readers to suspend disbelief and think a man with knife took out nine armed men without getting so much as a scratch! Just, no. No. My eyes rolled so hard they damn near fell out of my head!
Profile Image for Billie.
5,783 reviews72 followers
November 21, 2019
Hidden deep in the remote mountains of Berry Springs is a private security firm where some go to escape, and others find exactly what they’ve been looking for.
Welcome to Cabin 1, Cabin 2, Cabin 3…
Always be prepared, that was Axel Steele’s motto. While his brothers were throwing down at the local bar, Ax was the guy in the background devising the getaway plan. Dubbed “the smart one,” the former special-ops Marine believed in structure and routine, a way of life the universe seemed hellbent on challenging. Amidst a firestorm of family drama, Ax finds a woman held captive in the middle of the woods, and in desperate need of his help. With an armful of tattoos as colorful as her attitude, his new client is his antithesis—a free-spirited, spontaneous hippie that tests every bit of his patience… and his self-restraint.
Erika Zajac has been living life on her own terms since she was just sixteen. But her gypsy lifestyle came to a screeching halt when the horrific past she’d tried so hard to bury came back in the form of chains and cuffs. Suddenly, Erika finds herself under the security—and scrutiny—of a temperamental bodyguard with the emotional capacity of a rock, and six-pack to match. But no amount of brains or brawn was going to distract her from her goal, or the secrets she’d kill to keep.
Deceit, lies, wrath. Ax’s client had them all. The only question was, which of Erika’s deadly sins would she choose? Revenge… or him?

Wonderful addition to this series.
Well written plot and story line that keeps you engaged throughout.
Characters have been well fleshed out and are enjoyable to read about and follow.
Twists and turns keep you glued to reading until you have finished,
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
542 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2019
Amanda McKinney returns with her second addition to the Steele Shadows Security trilogy with a tension filled slow burn thriller. Erika Zajac is a bohemian gypsy who has left her family money in pursuit of her own happiness. While out for a run in the mountains of Berry Springs she quite literally falls into the hands of a killer when she stumbles across an underground bunker. She is taken hostage and witnesses a brutal attack. Days later Axel Steele and his twin brother Gage are on patrol in the area when they hear the faint screams of a trapped woman. They discover Erika and now must keep her safe as she is being hunted by her crazed kidnappers. Axel will do whatever it takes to protect his newest client but he was not expecting to fall for her.

McKinney has a wonderful knack of intertwining thriller action with romantic fiction. She has developed an interesting family of former elite military operatives that are loyal to each other and work together to save the clients they are hired to protect. This time the story is centered around Axel, but is told from his and Erika's perspective. I really enjoyed the story over all however the weakest point in my opinion was Erika's motivational backstory about her grandmother. I like the chemistry of Axel and Erika and love the family dynamic of the whole Steele crew. This is the second story in the trilogy but could be a standalone read for new fan.
267 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2019
Smokin hot suspense with awesome twists
Gritty, smart and sexy characters. A heroine who likes to fly by the seat of her pants, and Hero who is meticulous does not sound like a match made in heaven. But these two have a slow burn, that is thick with passion. This book starts off with an energy that captures you right away. Awesome dialogue, how the author gets into the heads of the characters so well is beyond me. It was just crazy good. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, then there is the depth that makes this story so intense. It really gives the reader so much background of the characters. You can feel the tension the characters are feeling, and you feel like you know just about everything about them by the end of the book.

A strong action plot with a sensual romance, a good balance. I love the Cassiopeia theme, which gives this story that sensual thread. This series so far has delivered more than expected and with twists that I never saw coming, and I am always looking to see where a story may go. Yes, this book has some language, but you are forewarned that it is a rough, gritty and sexy story, and yes that was spot on.
This is book two of a continuing story, a book that you just cannot put down once you get started. But the good news is there is a HEA for each book. Another great series that is destined to go on my re read shelf.
9 reviews
April 10, 2020
Amanda McKinney’s Cabin 2 is an attention grabber from Chapter 1 when stubborn and determined Erika Zajac jogs alone on the steepest mountain of Berry Springs in the hours nearing dusk. It is an undertaking that will change her life forever.
Axel Steele, an ex-Marine Corp, and part-owner of Steele Security Shadows, later discovers her and is then faced with protecting her from impending harm and investigating the tragic crime of the densely forested mountain, one that would reveal a deeper mystery surrounding Erika’s life.
Meanwhile, he is wrapped up in emotional turmoil as mysteries regarding his father’s untimely death begin to unfurl, the life-saving machines at the private hospital continue to preserve his brother’s life and the sexual tension that goes against everything he believes in continues to build for Erika.
Cabin 2 is filled with thrumming tensions and peppered with sexy romantic scenes as love penetrates an otherwise suspenseful narrative.
Bit by bit, tension builds as secrets unfurl, and one of their own begins to arouse suspicion.
The ending is a shocker that leaves you wanting more.
Brilliantly written and refreshingly captivating.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves to read.
1,082 reviews13 followers
July 16, 2022
I received a review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Cabin 2 picks up right after the Cabin 1 cliffhanger of sorts. It is Ax's story. The thinker and planner of the Steele brothers, Ax stumbles upon a damsel in distress, Erika and rescues her.

Axel thinks he can plan for every occasion. He is smart and methodical-the things he credits for his survival. Erika is a hippie chick of sorts. She is free spirited and flies by the seat of her pants. She is Ax's opposite in everyway. Yet they both feel an undeniable attraction. The both are haunted by their past. PTSD is something they share. Will they share their secrets with each other? When Erika puts herself in harms way will Axel be able to keep it together to rescue her again?

Ok while neither 1 nor 2 is a cliffhanger, there is a story running throughout that is gripping and mysterious and hasn't ended yet. The characters although different are strong and figure a way to share this between themselves. They fit together smartly. I love the action throughout and how all of the characters work. Again each is different but has an incredible bond with the others. Cabin 2 is another well written book by author Amanda McKinney. She held my attention, had me turning the page and wrote a steamy, sexy romance.
Profile Image for Cat.
2,181 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2023
Book 2 in this series and I think its more exciting than the first book.
This story doesn't start where book 1 ended,but we do find out what happens to Phoenix.
Anyway this is Axel's aka Ax's book,he is seen as the sensible one ,the smart one of the Steele brothers.
Erika is the woman he falls for,she is an artist and is from a rich family but she doesn't want anything to do with the family buisness.
Unfortunately she finds herself held captive in the woods by a psychopath,for reasons she doesn't understand.Her rescuer is Ax and her step brother decides to hire the Steele brothers to protect his sister until the man who held her captive is found.
Of course there is a chemistry between Erika and Ax and as they get closer and bicker they discover they more than like eachother..they want one another.
Along with this storyline there is another one in the background about the Night Fox and their fathers death...this storyline thread through all the 3 books.
I really enjoyed this book it kept me intrigued throughout the book,it was steamy,and exciting..I am loving this series so far.
Fantastic read.
5 Stars.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,119 reviews12 followers
November 22, 2019
You know those people whom go on marathons on netflicks that is how I am kinda with this author. I became hooked to her writing with the first one in this series and while waiting for this one discovered others she had written I squeeze in between arcs to read. I was excited to leave the Lake and come to this one lol. Steele Shadows Security have their place in a place I have come addicted to Berry Springs. Each one features a brother we get to sink our teeth into and become better acquainted with. Axel even though he seems to be prepared I do not think he was really prepared for Erika. Thanks to the author's description it is like life breathed into her with you easily picturing her. With the past smacks the present these two are in the middle of it and they both will have a different path. There are also bits of humor and snark weaved into this that the balance is one that you are so into this world with the events and characters. Pulled to the edge finally we wait in anticipation on the ending that unexpectedly leaves you like jelly it is so good. Now back to the Lake.
141 reviews
December 7, 2019
Cabin 2 is ready for the Steele Shadow Security to protect another damsel in distress!
Ax Steele discovers two women held captive in an underground chamber in the woods, one dead and one tortured and weak. Ax installs Erica in Cabin 2 of his family’s security business complex, which guards and protects people in danger. Erica’s been targeted for years by the Black Vs, an outlaw gang of torturous murderers. Trouble is, once she heals from her injuries, she wants to get in on the hunt for her enemies herself. Not a good idea. The attempts on her life increase. And so, BTW, so does her attraction to Ax. The book’s plot is expertly crafted to ratchet up the suspense, and the romance. All in a day’s work at Steele Shadows Security! (I’m very glad more books are coming in this series — I’m addicted!). Oh, I should mention that each of the Steele brothers is swoon-worthy, brawn with brains.
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