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GHOST #1
Defending Keirnan
All Keirnan Vickers ever wanted was to be a teacher. Having realized that dream, she’s focusing on helping the local library with desperately needed repairs so she has a place to host her growing reading program. Just when her life is beginning to look like a storybook, an enemy of her father's threatens her very existence.
Single father Dane Copeland has known his share of heartaches. He put love on the back burner to finish his career as a special operative with the Army and raise his daughter. Fate intervenes when he meets Keirnan, who brings a new zest for life and the promise of a new start. But it all comes crashing down when she is kidnapped and local law enforcement is unable, or unwilling, to mount a rescue.
Partnering with Auggie Vickers, GHOST is born, and all of their lives are irreparably changed as the details behind Keirnan's abduction are revealed and time becomes their enemy.
Single father Dane Copeland has known his share of heartaches. He put love on the back burner to finish his career as a special operative with the Army and raise his daughter. Fate intervenes when he meets Keirnan, who brings a new zest for life and the promise of a new start. But it all comes crashing down when she is kidnapped and local law enforcement is unable, or unwilling, to mount a rescue.
Partnering with Auggie Vickers, GHOST is born, and all of their lives are irreparably changed as the details behind Keirnan's abduction are revealed and time becomes their enemy.
306 pages, ebook
First published April 21, 2020
834 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Fiala
69 books825 followersI was born in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri named Bridgeton. During my time in Missouri, I explored the Ozarks, swam in the Mississippi River, played kickball and endless games of hide and seek with the neighborhood kids. Spending summers in Kentucky with my Grandmother, Ruth, are the fondest childhood memories for me.
At the age of thirteen, my family moved to Wisconsin to learn to farm. Yes, learn to farm! That was interesting. Taking city kids and throwing them on a farm with twenty-eight cows purchased from the Humane Society because they had been abused, was interesting. I learned to milk cows, the ins and outs of a breeding schedule, feeding schedule and the never ending haying in the summer and trying to stay warm in the winter. Our first winter in Wisconsin, we had thirty-six inches of snow in one storm and were snowed in our house for three days! Needless to say, I wasn’t loving Wisconsin.
I am now married with four children and three grandchildren. I have learned to love Wisconsin, though I still hate snow. Wisconsin and the United States are beautiful and my husband and I travel around by motorcycle seeing new sites and meeting new people. It never ceases to amaze me how many people are interested in where we are going and what we have seen along the way. At every gas station, restaurant and hotel, we have people come up to us and ask us about what we are doing and offering advice on which roads in the area are better than others and great rides others have been on if we are interested.
I come from a family of veterans. My grandfather, father, brother and two of my sons and one daughter-in-law are all veterans. Needless to say, I am proud. Proud to be an American and proud of the service my amazing family has given.
At the age of thirteen, my family moved to Wisconsin to learn to farm. Yes, learn to farm! That was interesting. Taking city kids and throwing them on a farm with twenty-eight cows purchased from the Humane Society because they had been abused, was interesting. I learned to milk cows, the ins and outs of a breeding schedule, feeding schedule and the never ending haying in the summer and trying to stay warm in the winter. Our first winter in Wisconsin, we had thirty-six inches of snow in one storm and were snowed in our house for three days! Needless to say, I wasn’t loving Wisconsin.
I am now married with four children and three grandchildren. I have learned to love Wisconsin, though I still hate snow. Wisconsin and the United States are beautiful and my husband and I travel around by motorcycle seeing new sites and meeting new people. It never ceases to amaze me how many people are interested in where we are going and what we have seen along the way. At every gas station, restaurant and hotel, we have people come up to us and ask us about what we are doing and offering advice on which roads in the area are better than others and great rides others have been on if we are interested.
I come from a family of veterans. My grandfather, father, brother and two of my sons and one daughter-in-law are all veterans. Needless to say, I am proud. Proud to be an American and proud of the service my amazing family has given.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
June 15, 2022
Protecting Kiernan by P J Fiala
1st book in the Ghost series. Romantic suspense.
Dane is retired from the military and trying to raise his daughter Emmy as a single father. He meets Emmy’s teacher and sparks fly. Old enemies kidnap Kiernan and Dane puts his expertise to work rescuing her.
Fast moving and suspenseful, this romance is full of anticipation and anxiety. The kidnapping is rough and a bit more graphic than I’d prefer but we know it’s a romance and will end well. Whew! The first in the series Ghost as a protection agency.
High drama and romance heat.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Rose Dioro and Troy Duran. Each does their own chapter and both main characters in their chapter. Both did a wonderful job with voice variance and emotions. I preferred Rose over Troy for the opposite sex narrative. I listened to this at 1.4 for the best conversational speed to my ear.
1st book in the Ghost series. Romantic suspense.
Dane is retired from the military and trying to raise his daughter Emmy as a single father. He meets Emmy’s teacher and sparks fly. Old enemies kidnap Kiernan and Dane puts his expertise to work rescuing her.
Fast moving and suspenseful, this romance is full of anticipation and anxiety. The kidnapping is rough and a bit more graphic than I’d prefer but we know it’s a romance and will end well. Whew! The first in the series Ghost as a protection agency.
High drama and romance heat.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Rose Dioro and Troy Duran. Each does their own chapter and both main characters in their chapter. Both did a wonderful job with voice variance and emotions. I preferred Rose over Troy for the opposite sex narrative. I listened to this at 1.4 for the best conversational speed to my ear.
August 9, 2022
A Haunting Past
4.5 stars - This book. So many things about it made my heart happy - kidnappings and bad peeps aside. Dane is a single dad who's trying to figure out life post-military. I love how he puts Emmy and his mom high on his priority list and the relationship he has with each.
Then there is Keirnan. She's another adult with a good relationship with her parents and a heart of gold. I like that she's pragmatic yet very optimistic and she's stubborn.
They really do make a sweet couple with really good chemistry. The acceptance of and from five-year-old Emmy just makes it sweeter.
Another thing I really like is how Catherine, Dane's late wife, plays a role throughout. Not to the point that she's a hindrance to the new relationship, but as a help in moving them all forward without the deep-seated survivor's guilt that often happens to widows and widowers.
I read my copy and listened to an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators are wonderful! Rose Dioro and Troy Duran appear to be Patti's go to narrators and I really do enjoy listening to them. The only thing I'd change is from dual to duet narration.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.5x
4.5 stars - This book. So many things about it made my heart happy - kidnappings and bad peeps aside. Dane is a single dad who's trying to figure out life post-military. I love how he puts Emmy and his mom high on his priority list and the relationship he has with each.
Then there is Keirnan. She's another adult with a good relationship with her parents and a heart of gold. I like that she's pragmatic yet very optimistic and she's stubborn.
"You two are so damned cute together it makes me jealous," Lexi quipped.
They really do make a sweet couple with really good chemistry. The acceptance of and from five-year-old Emmy just makes it sweeter.
Another thing I really like is how Catherine, Dane's late wife, plays a role throughout. Not to the point that she's a hindrance to the new relationship, but as a help in moving them all forward without the deep-seated survivor's guilt that often happens to widows and widowers.
I read my copy and listened to an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators are wonderful! Rose Dioro and Troy Duran appear to be Patti's go to narrators and I really do enjoy listening to them. The only thing I'd change is from dual to duet narration.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.5x
December 12, 2021
Doesn’t quite gel
I found myself annoyed with the overall tone of this story, but mostly the naive Pollyanna-like female lead. The storyline felt disjointed and like it didn’t seem believable at all. It just came out of left field, and the bad guys were…well…not believable. I powered my way through the whole book out of sheer stubbornness, but felt little to no connection to any of the characters.
I found myself annoyed with the overall tone of this story, but mostly the naive Pollyanna-like female lead. The storyline felt disjointed and like it didn’t seem believable at all. It just came out of left field, and the bad guys were…well…not believable. I powered my way through the whole book out of sheer stubbornness, but felt little to no connection to any of the characters.
Want to read
November 8, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/2/2021)! 🎁
April 21, 2025
DNF
this book was a total miss for me. it feels overwhelming politically conservative.
the main characters (and core of the storyline) are pro-gun. women characters are both infantilized (constant "giggling") and hyper-sexualized (lots of references to whores and whore-houses). a female character is praised for "bearing [a man's] children".
the entirety of the portion of this book i read was just overwhelmingly Conservative and, therefore, not for me.
this book was a total miss for me. it feels overwhelming politically conservative.
the main characters (and core of the storyline) are pro-gun. women characters are both infantilized (constant "giggling") and hyper-sexualized (lots of references to whores and whore-houses). a female character is praised for "bearing [a man's] children".
the entirety of the portion of this book i read was just overwhelmingly Conservative and, therefore, not for me.
July 3, 2022
DNF
I stopped reading this book because I found it offensive:
1st: In chapter 2, the lead male character, Dane, is describing the town, the good side and the bad side, he could have just left it at that but he adds "like tattoo parlors and the military whores." WTF is wrong with tattoos and tattoo parlors?! most military personnel & vets have tattoos.
AND military whores, what a sexist slur.
2nd: In chapter 3, the lead female character, Keirnan, is also describing where she lives and like Dane, she could have stopped at the "seedy, icky side of town" but she adds on "where all the whores hung out." WTF
I couldn't take the misogynistic terms in this book, so I deleted it from my library.
I stopped reading this book because I found it offensive:
1st: In chapter 2, the lead male character, Dane, is describing the town, the good side and the bad side, he could have just left it at that but he adds "like tattoo parlors and the military whores." WTF is wrong with tattoos and tattoo parlors?! most military personnel & vets have tattoos.
AND military whores, what a sexist slur.
2nd: In chapter 3, the lead female character, Keirnan, is also describing where she lives and like Dane, she could have stopped at the "seedy, icky side of town" but she adds on "where all the whores hung out." WTF
I couldn't take the misogynistic terms in this book, so I deleted it from my library.
March 14, 2025
I love romantic suspense novels, so reading Defending Kiernan by P J Fala was a joy. Sure, the premise is familiar…a lady in distress and the hunkalicious man that will come to her rescue. When a cute kid is added to the picture, it becomes that much more enjoyable.
I love that Defending Kiernan is a lead in to a new GHOST series that is a perfect fit for me.
Defending Kiernan moves along at a steady pace, supplying plenty of suspense and danger along the way. The characters hold their own. We even have a touch of the paranormal, adding a little something extra.
I feel I am being a bit generous in the rating, but that’s because I love the genre and I am able to overlook some of the issues with the writing. I feel the story could have been developed more and the characters become more complex. That being said, I am looking forward to some GHOST stories in the future.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
I love that Defending Kiernan is a lead in to a new GHOST series that is a perfect fit for me.
Defending Kiernan moves along at a steady pace, supplying plenty of suspense and danger along the way. The characters hold their own. We even have a touch of the paranormal, adding a little something extra.
I feel I am being a bit generous in the rating, but that’s because I love the genre and I am able to overlook some of the issues with the writing. I feel the story could have been developed more and the characters become more complex. That being said, I am looking forward to some GHOST stories in the future.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
January 29, 2024
The story itself was good, but the execution was terrible.
First off, Let's talk about the amount of unnecessary information there is and how it's described.
Fx, getting out of a car and locking it, shouldn't be described in so much detail.
"After she stepped down, he closed the door, pushed a button on his key fob locking the doors, then pocketed his keys."
As well as, “calling someone” didn't have to be described in so many details either.
“Pulling his phone from his back pocket, he walked across the room as he tapped some icons on his phone. She listened halfway as he began talking to whomever he had called”
These kinds of descriptions were everywhere in the book, which made me feel like the whole book was unnecessary. 😬
Secondly, I'm Danish, which means I don't understand the need for guns. Both MCs encourage the new business in town. I just can't relate to that ideology. Too American. I had to keep thinking “think like an American. Guns are everything.” But it's just too unreal for me. I don't mind guns in romantic suspense books, but when the characters can't see the American problem with their gun control, I'm out.
Thirdly, which is more about the narration of the audiobook, but the narrator for Kiernan made her sound benign and childish. And just cringy.
Fourthly, the suspense part was awful. There was no build up, no setup to our antagonist, no explanation of why our antagonist did what they did (except for the obvious). When the setup is that bad, the payoff is even worse. Which it was. Also, all our villains were just shot after the payoff. Nothing else. No fight, no chase, no suspense, no nothing.
I did like Kiernan and Dane's honesty though. Him asking her out because he simply wanted to, her asking him about his deceased wife right off the bat. I quite liked that they just went right for it rather than that being a bigger issue later on. Healthy relationship goals.
In conclusion 😅, this book was not for me.
Copy: Audiobook (Read by Rose Dioro 👍 & Troy Duran ♥️)
Overall Rating: ⭐/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️/5
Series: GHOST - Lynyrd Station Protectors Ops - Special Ops (Book 1)
POV: Dual 3rd Person (Kiernan Vickers x Dane Copeland)
Genre: Contemporary Romance x Military Romance x Romantic Suspense
Tags: Teacher x Retired Special Ops, Single Dad to Emersyn, Widower, Daughter's Teacher, Post-Military Life, Security, HEA
TW: Stalker, Kidnapping, SA, Assault, Violence, Grief, Shooting
First off, Let's talk about the amount of unnecessary information there is and how it's described.
Fx, getting out of a car and locking it, shouldn't be described in so much detail.
"After she stepped down, he closed the door, pushed a button on his key fob locking the doors, then pocketed his keys."
As well as, “calling someone” didn't have to be described in so many details either.
“Pulling his phone from his back pocket, he walked across the room as he tapped some icons on his phone. She listened halfway as he began talking to whomever he had called”
These kinds of descriptions were everywhere in the book, which made me feel like the whole book was unnecessary. 😬
Secondly, I'm Danish, which means I don't understand the need for guns. Both MCs encourage the new business in town. I just can't relate to that ideology. Too American. I had to keep thinking “think like an American. Guns are everything.” But it's just too unreal for me. I don't mind guns in romantic suspense books, but when the characters can't see the American problem with their gun control, I'm out.
Thirdly, which is more about the narration of the audiobook, but the narrator for Kiernan made her sound benign and childish. And just cringy.
Fourthly, the suspense part was awful. There was no build up, no setup to our antagonist, no explanation of why our antagonist did what they did (except for the obvious). When the setup is that bad, the payoff is even worse. Which it was. Also, all our villains were just shot after the payoff. Nothing else. No fight, no chase, no suspense, no nothing.
I did like Kiernan and Dane's honesty though. Him asking her out because he simply wanted to, her asking him about his deceased wife right off the bat. I quite liked that they just went right for it rather than that being a bigger issue later on. Healthy relationship goals.
In conclusion 😅, this book was not for me.
Copy: Audiobook (Read by Rose Dioro 👍 & Troy Duran ♥️)
Overall Rating: ⭐/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️/5
Series: GHOST - Lynyrd Station Protectors Ops - Special Ops (Book 1)
POV: Dual 3rd Person (Kiernan Vickers x Dane Copeland)
Genre: Contemporary Romance x Military Romance x Romantic Suspense
Tags: Teacher x Retired Special Ops, Single Dad to Emersyn, Widower, Daughter's Teacher, Post-Military Life, Security, HEA
TW: Stalker, Kidnapping, SA, Assault, Violence, Grief, Shooting
April 13, 2020
A Fabulous story with Love, Suspense, Danger & new starts❤
Alert! Book contains some Sad but intriguing back-stories that are a must know & I'm not gonna spoil them😇
ARC received in exchange of a honest review.
The blurb is perfect, so I'll focus on the things I loved💋:
1) I admired Keirnan & Dane's strength through it all.
A villain from Auggie's(her dad) past wanted revenge & made her that means. She suffered so much for something she hadn't done. It was really sad to see how much close danger was to her all along.
2) Their attraction was evident from the start, I'm so happy they came together before it & Dane was so much help otherwise it could've been so worse!
3) Emmy, Dane's daughter, is a ray of sunshine!💖
4) Dane's vigilance & Keirnan's kindness were attractive.
5) I loved the story's setup & the secondary happenings, they made this book able to connect to real life🏢
6) The rescue was timed perfectly! Her pain ripped me (& Dane too, from the moment he knew she'd been kidnapped..)
7) Loved their family & friends!
This story written by PJ fiala is just the start of GHOST, the organization b/w Military & police. PJ has done her magic on this & I'm really excited for the next book!
P.s. Loved their marriage! The whole occasion was swoony❤
Alert! Book contains some Sad but intriguing back-stories that are a must know & I'm not gonna spoil them😇
ARC received in exchange of a honest review.
The blurb is perfect, so I'll focus on the things I loved💋:
1) I admired Keirnan & Dane's strength through it all.
A villain from Auggie's(her dad) past wanted revenge & made her that means. She suffered so much for something she hadn't done. It was really sad to see how much close danger was to her all along.
2) Their attraction was evident from the start, I'm so happy they came together before it & Dane was so much help otherwise it could've been so worse!
3) Emmy, Dane's daughter, is a ray of sunshine!💖
4) Dane's vigilance & Keirnan's kindness were attractive.
5) I loved the story's setup & the secondary happenings, they made this book able to connect to real life🏢
6) The rescue was timed perfectly! Her pain ripped me (& Dane too, from the moment he knew she'd been kidnapped..)
7) Loved their family & friends!
This story written by PJ fiala is just the start of GHOST, the organization b/w Military & police. PJ has done her magic on this & I'm really excited for the next book!
P.s. Loved their marriage! The whole occasion was swoony❤
April 12, 2020
After leaving the Army as a special operative, Dane Copeland thinks that his life will be less dangerous. As a single father the love and safety of his young daughter is his only priority. That is until he meets her teacher Keirnan Vickers. The two embark on a fast paced friendship which turns romantic very quickly. But when her life is in danger, Dane must use the training as well as others in the field to save her and bring her home. Will this be a new beginning or a tragic ending? Can Dane find love as well as a new career all at the same time? With beautifully written characters and a storyline that leave the reader wanting more this was a great beginning to the GHOST series. I instantly fell in love with Dane and Keirnan and look forward to reading more.
April 12, 2020
PJ Fiala is one of my favorite authors. Defending Keirnan is a prime example of why I love her work so much and why she is a must buy for me. It has all the feels. Its romance, its suspense and action and a bit of mystery thrown in. I didn't want to stop reading. I Loved Dane. He might just become my new book boyfriend.
Dane is retired Special Ops and a single father. He has an adorable daughter Emmy. He is good father to Emmy and a great son to him mom, Estella. Kiernan Vickers is a Emmy's teacher and she and Dane meet and sparks fly. Before they can have their happily ever after, they need to get past some bad guys who want revenge.
Dane is retired Special Ops and a single father. He has an adorable daughter Emmy. He is good father to Emmy and a great son to him mom, Estella. Kiernan Vickers is a Emmy's teacher and she and Dane meet and sparks fly. Before they can have their happily ever after, they need to get past some bad guys who want revenge.
October 14, 2023
This was too sickly sweet for me. I also got annoyed that they kept saying an area was run down because it had tattoo parlours. Really? The MFC was like a pollyanna, kept blushing all the time but would then use the word "whore". It just didn't gel. The storyline felt off and not believable. The bad guys reveal was even odder and that wasn't believable either. I finished it because unless it's truly awful, I can't DNF but it was disappointing. And the whole set up of GHOST is odd too. Not gonna bother with the rest of the series.
July 19, 2022
The storyline was good, but there were grammar issues. The other problem was Kiernan was always giggling like a child. The word was used excessively. Grown women don't giggle that much.
The story moved fast and it seemed something was missing at times.
The story moved fast and it seemed something was missing at times.
April 26, 2020
After the tragic death of his wife Dane finds himself a single father to his daughter Emmy. He has recently left his military career in the background and is trying to decide what direction he wants his future to take when he meets Emmy’s teacher Keirnan and the sparks fly.
Keirnan loves her career as a teacher and her students which is why she is working tirelessly to upgrade the library. When she finds herself in jeopardy and about to become collateral damage in a fight that isn’t hers will Dane be able to keep her safe.
This is a sweet and suspenseful story about family, love and new beginnings.
Keirnan loves her career as a teacher and her students which is why she is working tirelessly to upgrade the library. When she finds herself in jeopardy and about to become collateral damage in a fight that isn’t hers will Dane be able to keep her safe.
This is a sweet and suspenseful story about family, love and new beginnings.
April 12, 2020
Another great read by Patti. There was a lot of intrigue, danger, kidnappings and secrets. I loved Emmy she was a doll. Her dad, Dane was out of the service to take care of his little girl, his wife, Catherine, was hit by a drunk driver at a young age. His mother had been helping him while he was in the service, but he's out now. When he met Keirnan, sparks started to fly. I wish I had read this first before the other books, since I already knew Gaige's story, but this is how the series begin. HEA.
Read
February 13, 2023Defending Keirnan
Ghost, Book 1
By: P. J. Fiala
Narrated by: Rose Dioro, Troy Duran
It is so easy to fall into PJ Fiala's worlds. This is the first book in the Ghost series, and I can't wait to continue. Swoony romance mixed with military romantic suspense, I am hooked! Meet Keirnan. Teacher to the adorable Emerson, she meets Dane, the single dad! Warm and handsome, immediately, he gives her butterflies. Dane too is attracted to this sweet woman, and it is the first time in a long time someone gives him that feeling of wanting more. But danger is lurking, first in the library, now on the streets. Will Dane be able to keep her safe? Why is she being targeted? Will his special ops training be enough? Yes, this is exciting and fast paced, just what I love! And Emmy is a scene stealer! So cute! I loved this, loved finding out the history behind Ghost and absolutely fell in love with this couple! Bring on the next book! I am ready!
How to make it better you ask? Troy Duran and Rose Dioro are our hosts to storytelling and this team is a favorite! They understand Fiala's characters and know how to bring them to life. Duran gives all the feels with Dane. From daddy to special ops, he kept me knowing what Dane was going through with his voice. Keirnan is darling, and from the start, Dioro gives us the sweet, elementary teacher feel. But then she gives us her strength, fearlessness and will to survive! Love these two and the stories they tell! It's a wonderful listen.
https://www.pjfiala.com/books/defendi...
Ghost, Book 1
By: P. J. Fiala
Narrated by: Rose Dioro, Troy Duran
It is so easy to fall into PJ Fiala's worlds. This is the first book in the Ghost series, and I can't wait to continue. Swoony romance mixed with military romantic suspense, I am hooked! Meet Keirnan. Teacher to the adorable Emerson, she meets Dane, the single dad! Warm and handsome, immediately, he gives her butterflies. Dane too is attracted to this sweet woman, and it is the first time in a long time someone gives him that feeling of wanting more. But danger is lurking, first in the library, now on the streets. Will Dane be able to keep her safe? Why is she being targeted? Will his special ops training be enough? Yes, this is exciting and fast paced, just what I love! And Emmy is a scene stealer! So cute! I loved this, loved finding out the history behind Ghost and absolutely fell in love with this couple! Bring on the next book! I am ready!
How to make it better you ask? Troy Duran and Rose Dioro are our hosts to storytelling and this team is a favorite! They understand Fiala's characters and know how to bring them to life. Duran gives all the feels with Dane. From daddy to special ops, he kept me knowing what Dane was going through with his voice. Keirnan is darling, and from the start, Dioro gives us the sweet, elementary teacher feel. But then she gives us her strength, fearlessness and will to survive! Love these two and the stories they tell! It's a wonderful listen.
https://www.pjfiala.com/books/defendi...
August 30, 2023
Loved this, 4.5 stars for sure. It was a little fast paced but at the same time it wasn't. The plot was good, engaging. Keirnan was a good woman that even after her whole ordeal didn't lose her spark. Dane was all alpha male but in a protective way, he wanted her to be happy but safe. They were just an adorable and beautiful couple, I loved them
April 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Good characters and a good story. Nice and steamy but also super romantic and the suspense kept me guessing. It sets up for the series nicely.
April 16, 2020
OMG. This story is SO good. I couldn't put it down.
Keirnan is a teacher who is trying to help the local library get repairs done. She's hosting a reading group for children with their family members, babysitters, and anyone who wants to help them read.
Dane is a single parent and and retired from the military. He's got a 5 year old daughter who is in Keirnan's class.
When Keirnan is storing items for the auction for the library, she hears a noise from the back where it is closed to the public. There she meets a man who gives her the creeps. She asked him who he was and he wouldn't tell her his name, only that he was considering donating to the library.
When Keirnan meets Dane for the first time it's when he drops his daughter at school.
Dane finds out that she's been kidnapped and her dad , being a friend asks him for help.
Will Dane and Keirnan get together or not?
There's so much action, romance, and suspense packed into this book.
I can't wait to see the next book in the series.
Keirnan is a teacher who is trying to help the local library get repairs done. She's hosting a reading group for children with their family members, babysitters, and anyone who wants to help them read.
Dane is a single parent and and retired from the military. He's got a 5 year old daughter who is in Keirnan's class.
When Keirnan is storing items for the auction for the library, she hears a noise from the back where it is closed to the public. There she meets a man who gives her the creeps. She asked him who he was and he wouldn't tell her his name, only that he was considering donating to the library.
When Keirnan meets Dane for the first time it's when he drops his daughter at school.
Dane finds out that she's been kidnapped and her dad , being a friend asks him for help.
Will Dane and Keirnan get together or not?
There's so much action, romance, and suspense packed into this book.
I can't wait to see the next book in the series.
February 15, 2023
This is a fast paced story. The action, relationships and mystery all move along at a good speed. I really enjoyed getting to know the two main characters. Kiernen is so sweet and kind..exactly what I expect from a teacher. Dane is rugged, handsome and struggles with feelings. He is a great single dad and watching me with his child is wonderful. The suspense is what kept me going in this story. Who, when, where and why are all covered.
I did listen to this on audio. Troy Duran and Rose Dioro are the narrators. They both do a wonderful job. A couple of my favorite narrators.
I did listen to this on audio. Troy Duran and Rose Dioro are the narrators. They both do a wonderful job. A couple of my favorite narrators.
February 1, 2023
I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. This one was a solid story with a good ending. The audiobook narrators did a great job of telling the story. As far as external conflict/danger the characters faced, this book had a good storyline. I kept reading to know who was after Kieran and why.
However, if I’m being honest, I feel as if something was greatly missing in this story. There just wasn’t any internal character conflict or growth for either the hero or the heroine. The characters were just going through the motions facing this danger. I couldn’t feel them falling in love. The author just told me they were falling in love. The story didn’t bring out any emotion in me as the reader. I wanted to feel so much more for these characters and root for them as a couple as they faced this danger. Unfortunately, it was quite there for me. I appreciate the opportunity to review this audiobook.
However, if I’m being honest, I feel as if something was greatly missing in this story. There just wasn’t any internal character conflict or growth for either the hero or the heroine. The characters were just going through the motions facing this danger. I couldn’t feel them falling in love. The author just told me they were falling in love. The story didn’t bring out any emotion in me as the reader. I wanted to feel so much more for these characters and root for them as a couple as they faced this danger. Unfortunately, it was quite there for me. I appreciate the opportunity to review this audiobook.
April 13, 2020
What a great read! The story line kept in suspense the entire book with all the different twists and turns. Just loved It! Keirnan and Dane are just the best together. What a wonderful start to this series!
July 14, 2024
Lots of giggling, big smiles had me growling not in a good way. There was suspense but it just didn’t go well maybe too much description? I don’t know it just didn’t do it for me. The writer described the story a lot and then didn’t. For instance there was a scene where he pushed the wheelchair away lifted her into the truck, he hopped in and left me thinking, what happened to the wheelchair? It must have gotten in by itself cause it was at the house next morning 🤪
January 22, 2023
This was a really enjoyable audiobook. Rose Diorio and Troy Duran are relatively new to me narrators. I’ve only heard them a time or two. But I thought they did a fantastic job with Kiernan and Dane.
This story was a great mix of romance and suspense, add in an adorable little girl & you have a great story. I really enjoyed the suspense aspect. It kept me guessing all the way to the end, which I love.
This is a great start to the series and I look forward to listening to more stories.
This story was a great mix of romance and suspense, add in an adorable little girl & you have a great story. I really enjoyed the suspense aspect. It kept me guessing all the way to the end, which I love.
This is a great start to the series and I look forward to listening to more stories.
November 23, 2023
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Author newsletter audio freebie (ebook currently $5.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
Keirnan is a kindergarten teacher and a girl in her class, has been raised mostly by her grandmother. But now her father, Dane is back from the military. Keirnan loves teaching and is running a fund-raiser to update the main library where she does story times with young children. She comes from a military family with her father and brother both in the military.
Dane is just settling into raising his daughter and deciding what to do with his life. He is attracted to Keirnan and they start dating. Keirnan sees a weird man at the library and then someone tries to burn down her house. She ends up staying with Dane for protection. They try to figure out who would have something against her or her family.
When Keirnan is kidnapped, Dane and and Auggie, Keirnan's father work as team along with some of Dane's old team and Auggie's current one to save her. The situation is suspenseful and exciting with good strategy and tactical work by the teams. In the end, Dane and Auggie, who is retiring from the military, form a new company GHOST for security and protection.
I really appreciated how the characters and their interests were developed, along with their families, co-workers and friends. The couple took his daughter in consideration when they began dating. The work they do has good details and the mystery was interesting. Their personal relationship was grown steadily. The sex scenes seemed well balanced with their talking and other activities.
Narration:
I am not sure I have heard these narrators previously. I felt very comfortable with their performance at 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Author newsletter audio freebie (ebook currently $5.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
Keirnan is a kindergarten teacher and a girl in her class, has been raised mostly by her grandmother. But now her father, Dane is back from the military. Keirnan loves teaching and is running a fund-raiser to update the main library where she does story times with young children. She comes from a military family with her father and brother both in the military.
Dane is just settling into raising his daughter and deciding what to do with his life. He is attracted to Keirnan and they start dating. Keirnan sees a weird man at the library and then someone tries to burn down her house. She ends up staying with Dane for protection. They try to figure out who would have something against her or her family.
When Keirnan is kidnapped, Dane and and Auggie, Keirnan's father work as team along with some of Dane's old team and Auggie's current one to save her. The situation is suspenseful and exciting with good strategy and tactical work by the teams. In the end, Dane and Auggie, who is retiring from the military, form a new company GHOST for security and protection.
I really appreciated how the characters and their interests were developed, along with their families, co-workers and friends. The couple took his daughter in consideration when they began dating. The work they do has good details and the mystery was interesting. Their personal relationship was grown steadily. The sex scenes seemed well balanced with their talking and other activities.
Narration:
I am not sure I have heard these narrators previously. I felt very comfortable with their performance at 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
July 8, 2021
Ghost
Great book kept me interested. Lots of action not to much introspective thinking. I will be reading more of her books.
Great book kept me interested. Lots of action not to much introspective thinking. I will be reading more of her books.
June 28, 2022
Love Me Some Dane❤
Wonder how GHOST was started? Well here is Dane and Keirnan story and hold on to the edge of your seats its going to be a bumpy ride. Dane just retired from special forces and is taking care of his daughter when he meets her teacher Keirnan and sparks fly between them, but someone wants her dead . Can Dane and her father save heroin time? This book was absolutely fantastic and it is filled with suspense and action pack and romance and chemistry and a few tears and fears. P.J. did not disappoint in this book it was absolutely fantastic and everything you could ask for and more.
Omg you have to listen to the audiobook version of this fantastic book. You will definitely fall in love with Troy Duran are Rose Dioro they make this book come to life and make you swoon and fall in love with Dane Emmy and Kirnan. You will definitely fall in love with this audiobook as well. Troy Duran are Rose Dioro they make this book come to life and are fantastic together.
Wonder how GHOST was started? Well here is Dane and Keirnan story and hold on to the edge of your seats its going to be a bumpy ride. Dane just retired from special forces and is taking care of his daughter when he meets her teacher Keirnan and sparks fly between them, but someone wants her dead . Can Dane and her father save heroin time? This book was absolutely fantastic and it is filled with suspense and action pack and romance and chemistry and a few tears and fears. P.J. did not disappoint in this book it was absolutely fantastic and everything you could ask for and more.
Omg you have to listen to the audiobook version of this fantastic book. You will definitely fall in love with Troy Duran are Rose Dioro they make this book come to life and make you swoon and fall in love with Dane Emmy and Kirnan. You will definitely fall in love with this audiobook as well. Troy Duran are Rose Dioro they make this book come to life and are fantastic together.
July 7, 2022
Mostly liked it. A couple of things bugged me. The bits at the end where all three of them see the ghost of Catherine supposedly saying goodbye and giving her blessing seemed both extremely unrealistic and over the top. Also the judgy thoughts Kiernan had about the rougher parts of town and the sex workers there left a bad taste.
August 3, 2022
A Gripping Romance Suspense! Awesome Story & Narration🎧
Defending Keirnan
Ghost, Book 1
By: P. J. Fiala
Narrated by: Rose Dioro, Troy Duran
P.J. Fiala continues to wow me with another fantastic romantic suspense and a fabulous start to her new “Ghost” series. The story grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it straight to the end. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are easy to care about too. Dane Copeland, a widower and single dad, recently retired from his special ops career in the Army to be around more for his daughter, Emmy. He is acclimating to civilian life and has a job lined up. Keirnan Vickers, an elementary school teacher who loves to teach, she organized a program encouraging parents to spend time with their children to read and discuss the stories they read. The program became so popular they moved it to the local library and they are having a fundraiser to make renovations to the old building. Dane’s daughter is her student and when they meet, they hit it off. When odd things happen, it is Dane who first notices it and he goes on the alert. But then the unthinkable happens, and she finds herself in a dangerous situation and the police who have to follow protocol are slow in investigating, so Dane teams up with her father, Auggie, who has connections, to investigate who is behind it all. I loved how everything plays out in this cleverly plotted story, there is plenty of drama, angst, mystery, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and a wonderful romance. I also loved how this incident changed the direction of Dane’s career, how and why GHOST was born, the perfect name for a team that does not exist. Thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride!
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Rose Dioro and Troy Duran are the perfect cast to bring these characters and story to life and they do so with a complete understanding of the characters they are portraying, giving each a voice that suits their character’s persona to a tee. I love how they take each role, run with it and make their own, sounding believable and just as I picture the characters to sound. They set the perfect tone for the story, capture all the character’s emotions and project them into their performance and have you feeling every single one. These entertaining storytellers and versatile voice artists are a pleasure to listen to, and their narration enhances an already amazing story to another level. Thank you for another exceptional listen.
Defending Keirnan
Ghost, Book 1
By: P. J. Fiala
Narrated by: Rose Dioro, Troy Duran
P.J. Fiala continues to wow me with another fantastic romantic suspense and a fabulous start to her new “Ghost” series. The story grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it straight to the end. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are easy to care about too. Dane Copeland, a widower and single dad, recently retired from his special ops career in the Army to be around more for his daughter, Emmy. He is acclimating to civilian life and has a job lined up. Keirnan Vickers, an elementary school teacher who loves to teach, she organized a program encouraging parents to spend time with their children to read and discuss the stories they read. The program became so popular they moved it to the local library and they are having a fundraiser to make renovations to the old building. Dane’s daughter is her student and when they meet, they hit it off. When odd things happen, it is Dane who first notices it and he goes on the alert. But then the unthinkable happens, and she finds herself in a dangerous situation and the police who have to follow protocol are slow in investigating, so Dane teams up with her father, Auggie, who has connections, to investigate who is behind it all. I loved how everything plays out in this cleverly plotted story, there is plenty of drama, angst, mystery, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and a wonderful romance. I also loved how this incident changed the direction of Dane’s career, how and why GHOST was born, the perfect name for a team that does not exist. Thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride!
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Rose Dioro and Troy Duran are the perfect cast to bring these characters and story to life and they do so with a complete understanding of the characters they are portraying, giving each a voice that suits their character’s persona to a tee. I love how they take each role, run with it and make their own, sounding believable and just as I picture the characters to sound. They set the perfect tone for the story, capture all the character’s emotions and project them into their performance and have you feeling every single one. These entertaining storytellers and versatile voice artists are a pleasure to listen to, and their narration enhances an already amazing story to another level. Thank you for another exceptional listen.
February 24, 2023
3.5 ⭐️s overall…solid series starter, but romance somewhat disappoints
🎧 Narration: 4 ⭐️s
📖 Story: 3 ⭐️s
Fiala’s first book in the G.H.O.S.T series does well establishing the frame for future installments to complete with perhaps some hints as to future heroes. However, as contained story, though DF provides an interesting mystery/kidnapping plot, the romance disappoints in some ways.
Dane, our hero, is a a plus. He exhibits some depth and his relationship with his daughter and mother, showcase his positive character traits like care and protectiveness. And though not without flaws, he is definitely the best thing, character-wise about this book. Troy Duran’s performance only augments the reader’s enjoyment when we are in Dane’s P.O.V. His delivery also added to the effective pacing of the mystery elements. Duran just has one of those voices that makes you want curl up and listen for hours regardless of genre, and he definitely kept me going.
As for the heroine, I just did not connect her; Keirnan had some character traits which frustrated me and which often made her strike as a bit of throwback. In fact, the views of womanhood presented across multiple characters here were limiting (and also reflects one of Dane’s few flaws). The trope of the stained deceased spouse is cliche and does a disservice to her and the family she built with Dane. The way in which K is then integrated into that dynamic doesn’t help to temper that problematic presentation, and just gives the reader/listener the sense that she will be yet another woman Dane will put on a pedestal. This only further undermines her character and any nuanced view of a grounded relationship. Rose Dioro’s vocal performance is a redeemable force here, doing an admirable job of making some of the pap in K’s head bearable. Dioro is another one of those narrators who can make a listener forgive the more trying parts of a character. Both she and Duran are well-cast here.
Overall, this is definitely a book that benefits from listening and allowing the performance to do some heavy-lifting as far as the romance elements are concerned. Still, Fiala sets up an intriguing series frame, and provided heroines have more nuance moving forward, and the heroes can be all in for the heroines without over-idealizing them, future installments should make for an compelling journey.
I received and review copy via Home Cooked Books. All opinions are my own.
🎧 Narration: 4 ⭐️s
📖 Story: 3 ⭐️s
Fiala’s first book in the G.H.O.S.T series does well establishing the frame for future installments to complete with perhaps some hints as to future heroes. However, as contained story, though DF provides an interesting mystery/kidnapping plot, the romance disappoints in some ways.
Dane, our hero, is a a plus. He exhibits some depth and his relationship with his daughter and mother, showcase his positive character traits like care and protectiveness. And though not without flaws, he is definitely the best thing, character-wise about this book. Troy Duran’s performance only augments the reader’s enjoyment when we are in Dane’s P.O.V. His delivery also added to the effective pacing of the mystery elements. Duran just has one of those voices that makes you want curl up and listen for hours regardless of genre, and he definitely kept me going.
As for the heroine, I just did not connect her; Keirnan had some character traits which frustrated me and which often made her strike as a bit of throwback. In fact, the views of womanhood presented across multiple characters here were limiting (and also reflects one of Dane’s few flaws). The trope of the stained deceased spouse is cliche and does a disservice to her and the family she built with Dane. The way in which K is then integrated into that dynamic doesn’t help to temper that problematic presentation, and just gives the reader/listener the sense that she will be yet another woman Dane will put on a pedestal. This only further undermines her character and any nuanced view of a grounded relationship. Rose Dioro’s vocal performance is a redeemable force here, doing an admirable job of making some of the pap in K’s head bearable. Dioro is another one of those narrators who can make a listener forgive the more trying parts of a character. Both she and Duran are well-cast here.
Overall, this is definitely a book that benefits from listening and allowing the performance to do some heavy-lifting as far as the romance elements are concerned. Still, Fiala sets up an intriguing series frame, and provided heroines have more nuance moving forward, and the heroes can be all in for the heroines without over-idealizing them, future installments should make for an compelling journey.
I received and review copy via Home Cooked Books. All opinions are my own.
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