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Shenandoah Shadows #1
Burned
From USA Today bestselling author Melissa F. Miller comes the first novella in the explosive Shenandoah Shadows series.
Strike the match. Light the fuse. Watch Olivia burn.
CIA operative Olivia Santos lives on a razor’s edge. As a NOC—an agent with non-official cover—she’s well aware of the if her cover’s blown, there’s no diplomatic immunity, and a life sentence in a foreign prison is the best-case scenario. The worst-case scenario is too gruesome to mention. But she never imagined her cover would be compromised from the inside. She has no choice but to go on the run—as luck has it—with her musclebound driving instructor.
Once upon a time, Trent Mann thrived on danger. Now the former Navy SEAL’s haunted by a costly mistake in his past. He focuses on his work for Potomac Private Services to hold his nightmares at bay. But when he’s saddled with a vapid trophy wife as a defensive driving student, it doesn’t take long for the fiery blonde with the enormous eyes to land them both in deep trouble.
Soon Trent and Olivia are on the run from the government, foreign agents, her husband, and an endless list of shadowy enemies. As the danger reaches a boiling point, Olivia and Trent will have to ignore the fire crackling between them to focus on staying alive.
Strike the match. Light the fuse. Watch Olivia burn.
CIA operative Olivia Santos lives on a razor’s edge. As a NOC—an agent with non-official cover—she’s well aware of the if her cover’s blown, there’s no diplomatic immunity, and a life sentence in a foreign prison is the best-case scenario. The worst-case scenario is too gruesome to mention. But she never imagined her cover would be compromised from the inside. She has no choice but to go on the run—as luck has it—with her musclebound driving instructor.
Once upon a time, Trent Mann thrived on danger. Now the former Navy SEAL’s haunted by a costly mistake in his past. He focuses on his work for Potomac Private Services to hold his nightmares at bay. But when he’s saddled with a vapid trophy wife as a defensive driving student, it doesn’t take long for the fiery blonde with the enormous eyes to land them both in deep trouble.
Soon Trent and Olivia are on the run from the government, foreign agents, her husband, and an endless list of shadowy enemies. As the danger reaches a boiling point, Olivia and Trent will have to ignore the fire crackling between them to focus on staying alive.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2021
1181 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Melissa F. Miller
89 books594 followersMelissa F. Miller is a multi-time USA Today bestselling author of mystery, thriller, suspense, and romance novels. Formerly a complex commercial litigator, Melissa graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in medieval literature and creative writing poetry and earned her JD, cum laude, from the Duquesne University School of Law, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Law Review.
After fifteen years, Melissa traded the practice of law for the art of storytelling, drawing on her legal background and love of research to craft fast-paced, twisty books for readers who believe light drives out darkness, love is brave, and kind is strong. She writes strong, resilient characters who tackle serious (and sometimes dark) issues and themes with heart.
She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Novelists, Inc. When she’s not writing, you can find her tending her garden, doing yoga, or drinking coffee. Melissa currently lives outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with her family and their rescues—a cat and a beagle. The cat’s in charge.
After fifteen years, Melissa traded the practice of law for the art of storytelling, drawing on her legal background and love of research to craft fast-paced, twisty books for readers who believe light drives out darkness, love is brave, and kind is strong. She writes strong, resilient characters who tackle serious (and sometimes dark) issues and themes with heart.
She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Novelists, Inc. When she’s not writing, you can find her tending her garden, doing yoga, or drinking coffee. Melissa currently lives outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with her family and their rescues—a cat and a beagle. The cat’s in charge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 3, 2021
I've been a Melissa Miller fan since the start of the Sasha McCandless series so when I heard of a new series of novellas was coming out, I couldn't wait to get started! As with all of Ms. Miller's works, Burned kept me intrigued from the first pages. The development of the main characters - Olivia and Trent - along with the other characters is first rate. I won't give away any details to spoil the storyline, but the interaction of Olivia and Trent could be felt coming through the pages. I felt as if I was on the journey with them and couldn't read fast enough to find out what would happen next. As Burned is a novella, it's a quick read and now I can't wait to see what Scorched has in store for Olivia and Trent!
October 6, 2021
Entertaining. But the ending almost lost me. Started good enough.
October 7, 2021
The story was incomplete. The plot just seemed to stop in the middle.
January 4, 2021
Review for Burned
part one of Shenandoah Shadows
I absolutely loved it. Melissa Miller definitely has found a winning combination of characters with Olivia Santos and Trent Mann. The opening plunges the reader into Olivia’s world with a Senator’s aide giving her information as she leaves the parking garage of her grandmother’s care facility. She worries if he has been followed.
Melissa Miller through words carefully draws an in depth picture of both characters revealing their background stories as well as their strengths so the reader has a clearer understanding of both Olivia and Trent. The defensive driving scenarios reveal to Trent that Olivia is more than a rich man’s wife who fears being kidnapped in Mexico City. I was amazed at the description of the J turn or reverse bootleg and could easily visualize it happening. The plot is timely with a Chinese company trying to use satellite phones as a spy device on the United States.
As an opening novella, this book has it all: intriguing characters, non-stop action with lively dialogue and a timely plot. It even has a bit of romance thrown in to tie it all up in a wonderful story. I can’t wait to read Scorched and discover what happens next to Olivia and Trent. I received this book as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
part one of Shenandoah Shadows
I absolutely loved it. Melissa Miller definitely has found a winning combination of characters with Olivia Santos and Trent Mann. The opening plunges the reader into Olivia’s world with a Senator’s aide giving her information as she leaves the parking garage of her grandmother’s care facility. She worries if he has been followed.
Melissa Miller through words carefully draws an in depth picture of both characters revealing their background stories as well as their strengths so the reader has a clearer understanding of both Olivia and Trent. The defensive driving scenarios reveal to Trent that Olivia is more than a rich man’s wife who fears being kidnapped in Mexico City. I was amazed at the description of the J turn or reverse bootleg and could easily visualize it happening. The plot is timely with a Chinese company trying to use satellite phones as a spy device on the United States.
As an opening novella, this book has it all: intriguing characters, non-stop action with lively dialogue and a timely plot. It even has a bit of romance thrown in to tie it all up in a wonderful story. I can’t wait to read Scorched and discover what happens next to Olivia and Trent. I received this book as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2021
CIA female agent married to Mexican living in Mexico undercover. Her hubby is working with Chinese.
What I liked:
-Short book, learned what a CIA NOC was (look it up)
-I liked the characters
-Lot's of interesting details
-Story was good, even meet some Mexican CIA guys.
What I didn't like:
-The whole cabin in the dark woods with two guys shooting at the main characters from the bed of a pickup with sniper rifles and the girls sipping wine and bullshitting did not play very realistic to me.
Still liked it.
What I liked:
-Short book, learned what a CIA NOC was (look it up)
-I liked the characters
-Lot's of interesting details
-Story was good, even meet some Mexican CIA guys.
What I didn't like:
-The whole cabin in the dark woods with two guys shooting at the main characters from the bed of a pickup with sniper rifles and the girls sipping wine and bullshitting did not play very realistic to me.
Still liked it.
October 5, 2021
Excellent plot but hate cliffhangers.
January 18, 2021
Short but Exciting
I loved all of Melissa's novellas best because I tend to forget details and characters if it is long and complicated. Her characters are dynamic. I prefer Bodhi as well as courtroom stuff. The many facets of this series will appeal to a wide age range of readers.
I loved all of Melissa's novellas best because I tend to forget details and characters if it is long and complicated. Her characters are dynamic. I prefer Bodhi as well as courtroom stuff. The many facets of this series will appeal to a wide age range of readers.
February 2, 2022
great
Olivia is an undercover CIA agent. She is visiting her grandmother when she is told to go and get aggressive driving lessons. While there, someone has outed her and then she is burned. Trent is a former Navy SEAL and works for a private company that trains in driving, shooting, and other things. He is with Olivia when she’s burned. They go into hiding and try to figure out what happened. But the alphabet soup is after them and Trent is determined to help Olivia.
Great story but leaves you hanging. Edge of your seat action and suspense. First time reading this author and will be looking for more of her books.
Olivia is an undercover CIA agent. She is visiting her grandmother when she is told to go and get aggressive driving lessons. While there, someone has outed her and then she is burned. Trent is a former Navy SEAL and works for a private company that trains in driving, shooting, and other things. He is with Olivia when she’s burned. They go into hiding and try to figure out what happened. But the alphabet soup is after them and Trent is determined to help Olivia.
Great story but leaves you hanging. Edge of your seat action and suspense. First time reading this author and will be looking for more of her books.
November 28, 2021
Good story, but not my kind of book.
March 27, 2022
Update: On 8th March 2022, novella 1+2+3 have been released in kindle format in one volume called "Fire" ASIN : B09V67NVXY - Publisher : Brown Street Books - amazon.com US $ 5.11
Thank you to the author to cater for readers like me, who do not like cliff-hangers and prefer to purchase complete stories.
Review written 26 January 2022.
Warning: Cliff-Hanger Novellas.
Burned by Melissa F Miller ( Shenandoah Shadows # 1). Free on amazon.com January 2022.
Novella 1+2+3 trilogy is the story of Olivia and Trent. It starts with Novella 1, continues in Novella 2 and concludes in Novella 3. Each novella has about 175 pages (in my kindle version). The plot is excellent and the story kept me engaged, but after about 175 pages it ended, and it forces the reader to purchase Novella 2 at US$ 3.00 and 3 at US$ 2.95 to find out what happens to Olivia and Trent.
I would give it overall a 4 star rating but the cliff-hanger ending for novella 1 and 2 spoils it for me.
I would suggest to the author that she releases Novella 1+2+3 in a Box set and do the same thing with novella 4+5+6 so that those readers, like myself who put cliff-hanger authors on their
"CLIFF-HANGER - DO NOT BUY" list are able to purchase the complete story at a reasonable price.
Happy readers, happy purchasers.
Thank you to the author to cater for readers like me, who do not like cliff-hangers and prefer to purchase complete stories.
Review written 26 January 2022.
Warning: Cliff-Hanger Novellas.
Burned by Melissa F Miller ( Shenandoah Shadows # 1). Free on amazon.com January 2022.
Novella 1+2+3 trilogy is the story of Olivia and Trent. It starts with Novella 1, continues in Novella 2 and concludes in Novella 3. Each novella has about 175 pages (in my kindle version). The plot is excellent and the story kept me engaged, but after about 175 pages it ended, and it forces the reader to purchase Novella 2 at US$ 3.00 and 3 at US$ 2.95 to find out what happens to Olivia and Trent.
I would give it overall a 4 star rating but the cliff-hanger ending for novella 1 and 2 spoils it for me.
I would suggest to the author that she releases Novella 1+2+3 in a Box set and do the same thing with novella 4+5+6 so that those readers, like myself who put cliff-hanger authors on their
"CLIFF-HANGER - DO NOT BUY" list are able to purchase the complete story at a reasonable price.
Happy readers, happy purchasers.
January 26, 2021
Pretty good, but...
There were too many times Olivia missed the danger. Probably so Trent could pick it up, but who was the professional here? Also, I knew who the bad guy was almost from the first, so why didn’t Olivia even think about suspecting? That could have been tighter. Then, Trent just disappears after attaching himself to her? I do not like the trope “I’m hurting you for your own good.” Why would anyone trust or love someone who could intentionally hurt you and disregard you as someone who could make your own decisions? She’s not a naive little girl. But, I guess we wouldn’t have a second book we need to buy. This is not even a HFN. I’m really sad about it, but I will not buy the next book - if holes keep appearing just to keep the story going, it’s not worth it.
There were too many times Olivia missed the danger. Probably so Trent could pick it up, but who was the professional here? Also, I knew who the bad guy was almost from the first, so why didn’t Olivia even think about suspecting? That could have been tighter. Then, Trent just disappears after attaching himself to her? I do not like the trope “I’m hurting you for your own good.” Why would anyone trust or love someone who could intentionally hurt you and disregard you as someone who could make your own decisions? She’s not a naive little girl. But, I guess we wouldn’t have a second book we need to buy. This is not even a HFN. I’m really sad about it, but I will not buy the next book - if holes keep appearing just to keep the story going, it’s not worth it.
January 15, 2021
Because this is a novella, it was a very fast read. It was also a fast read because I couldn't turn the virtual pages fast enough.
I am a huge fan of all of Miller's series and this new one is a perfect fit with the rest of them. The writing is tight, the action well-paced, the characters engaging and convincing. A smart, capable spy who's completely capable of taking care of herself, a smart retired SEAL, reliable allies, convincing bad guys--this has them all. I also found that I'd get so caught up in the story I was forgetting to breathe. This is the best kind of action-suspense-thriller.
I'm excited for the next installment in the story to come out and sad that I have to wait a whole month for it--but also happy that I only have to wait a month for it.
I am a huge fan of all of Miller's series and this new one is a perfect fit with the rest of them. The writing is tight, the action well-paced, the characters engaging and convincing. A smart, capable spy who's completely capable of taking care of herself, a smart retired SEAL, reliable allies, convincing bad guys--this has them all. I also found that I'd get so caught up in the story I was forgetting to breathe. This is the best kind of action-suspense-thriller.
I'm excited for the next installment in the story to come out and sad that I have to wait a whole month for it--but also happy that I only have to wait a month for it.
January 8, 2021
Melissa F.Miller has once again delivered. In between her full length novels she is giving us three novellas issued a month apart.
In this first one Olivia Santos finds herself on the run after various counties and agencies want to talk to her about a report she made to her agency, the CIA. Olivia is not official cover employee which provides no official protection and denial of employment by them.
This first offering bodes well for the rest of the series.
Once done , I recommend you read all other books by the author.
Thanks to the author for an advanced eARC copy of the book for review purposes.
In this first one Olivia Santos finds herself on the run after various counties and agencies want to talk to her about a report she made to her agency, the CIA. Olivia is not official cover employee which provides no official protection and denial of employment by them.
This first offering bodes well for the rest of the series.
Once done , I recommend you read all other books by the author.
Thanks to the author for an advanced eARC copy of the book for review purposes.
January 3, 2021
“Burned” by Melissa Miller is an extremely well told, page turning and gripping story! From page 1, I was pulled immediately in trying to guess what made Olivia Santos so cautious about her surroundings. Quickly, I found myself hoping for romance between her and Trent Mann and simply did not anticipate the ending as to who had betrayed her.
This novella was full of unexpected twists, heart-stealing characters and plenty of intrigue as Olivia tries to escape her Burned fate. I could not put it down and found myself internally screaming “Noooo!” when I got to the last page because I wanted more of the story. I can’t wait to see what happens next in “Scorched”
This novella was full of unexpected twists, heart-stealing characters and plenty of intrigue as Olivia tries to escape her Burned fate. I could not put it down and found myself internally screaming “Noooo!” when I got to the last page because I wanted more of the story. I can’t wait to see what happens next in “Scorched”
February 14, 2021
With the year we all have had, I guess are heading towards a fresh start in one way or the other. And this is just the companion we need. With yet another strong but complicated and intriguing female protagonist, Melissa has picked up some different letters from the alphabet soup. With a dash of longing and probable future romance, this book is perfect for a quick yet action packed reading session.
January 13, 2021
Excellent story line. Fast paced action. Looking forward to the next in the series.
March 18, 2021
This is really just a prequel for the next book in the series.
October 11, 2021
Started out an intriguing political drama and very quickly descended into a cheesy romance novel. I buy Miller's books for the good stories not the romance.
October 30, 2021
Terrible
Laughable, poorly written, an unrealistic plot, and characters straight out of a comic book. A waste of the reader's time.
Laughable, poorly written, an unrealistic plot, and characters straight out of a comic book. A waste of the reader's time.
August 8, 2021
All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
This book goes right into the action so it gripped me from the start. Olivia’s situation is fascinating and I loved that Trent was immediately interested in helping her. The story is all suspense, all the time, but it’s worth every minute. The book breaks one of my cardinal rules: it’s a cliffhanger so I have to read not one but two more books to see how the story ends. I’m not happy about that because it’s a type of emotional blackmail of your readers. I usually forego the ending on principle, but this one is compelling enough to keep going, I promise.
July 11, 2022
Unbelievably devious and intriguing
An unbelievable betrayal by a high ranking US Government Senator is the setting for this first in a series of what promises to be a r
emarkable series. A deal to sell out US assets to a Chinese engineered and run telephone corporation is under way. This can only lead to the Chinese run government intervention into the security systems of the US. With the duplicity of these high ranking officials, who are using innocent legal and trustworthy agents within the US government system, being scapegoated for devious purposes, these government officials are trying to fly under the radar to achieve outcomes contrary to the benefit of the US Government. Can our heroes thwart theses plans. Continue to read on to see what becomes an involving plot.
An unbelievable betrayal by a high ranking US Government Senator is the setting for this first in a series of what promises to be a r
emarkable series. A deal to sell out US assets to a Chinese engineered and run telephone corporation is under way. This can only lead to the Chinese run government intervention into the security systems of the US. With the duplicity of these high ranking officials, who are using innocent legal and trustworthy agents within the US government system, being scapegoated for devious purposes, these government officials are trying to fly under the radar to achieve outcomes contrary to the benefit of the US Government. Can our heroes thwart theses plans. Continue to read on to see what becomes an involving plot.
September 28, 2025
Olivia is a NOC agent and married to a wealthy man in Mexico. She’s tough and has many secrets that she has to keep even from her husband. Little did she know that her covered has been blown and now she’s wanted by every agency. If they catch her she will be killed in the worst possible way. She must hide until she meets her driving instructor, Trent Mann.
Trent is a former Navy Seal. He lost his coworker and girlfriend when she met someone alone getting herself killed. Trent believes if he had been there she would still be alive.
Trent has to deliver Olivia to the airport and return to Mexico per her husband. Little does she know that that’s not where she is being sent. Trent waits for the airplane to leave however he believes something is wrong. He jumps on the plane grabs Olivia off. They are now on the run until they can figure out who they can trust and who is out to get them.
Trent is a former Navy Seal. He lost his coworker and girlfriend when she met someone alone getting herself killed. Trent believes if he had been there she would still be alive.
Trent has to deliver Olivia to the airport and return to Mexico per her husband. Little does she know that that’s not where she is being sent. Trent waits for the airplane to leave however he believes something is wrong. He jumps on the plane grabs Olivia off. They are now on the run until they can figure out who they can trust and who is out to get them.
July 9, 2024
Burned is an entertaining novella, a high octane chase as a CIA agent is perused by her own side. Olivia Santos has been made to look a traitor and seeks assistance from former Navy Seal Trent Mann. A mutual attraction means the two instinctively trust each other, running for cover and seeking assistance where they can.
The novella is short and to the point, an interesting start to the series. The inevitable gunfights are a little overdone and the story doesn't end neatly. A, raising quite a few questions. A bridge to the rest of the series ...
The novella is short and to the point, an interesting start to the series. The inevitable gunfights are a little overdone and the story doesn't end neatly. A, raising quite a few questions. A bridge to the rest of the series ...
January 2, 2021
This new venture of author Melissa F. Miller looks like it will be fun. Kind of a thriller-type version of the We Sisters Three series, with a bit of spice tossed in. Trent and Olivia fall fast and hard for each other as they get caught up in a danger-filled escape from various pursuers. The story is self-contained, but the adventures will continue in two more novellas. I received an ARC of Burned.
January 3, 2021
This was such a great read! The first in a new series, this novella follows Olivia and Trent, as they go on the run, after Olivia's cover is compromised. Hunted by employees of various intelligence agencies, Olivia and Trent do their best to stay one step ahead, to avoid being captured.
Fast-paced, with an intriguing plotline, captivating characters, and filled with action and suspense, this was a story I could not put down! I can't wait to read more.
Fast-paced, with an intriguing plotline, captivating characters, and filled with action and suspense, this was a story I could not put down! I can't wait to read more.
December 11, 2021
Short quick read; the first in a new series by Melissa Miller - I read this in two days and was hooked from page one (like most of M Miller's books) - This one pairs Olivia Santos, a burned government operative, and Trent Man, an ex-Seal who is struggling after the death of his partner. Sizzling and action packed...I love how the Ms Miller just keeps cranking out books that are so much fun to read.
February 2, 2022
This novella trilogy tells the story of burned CIA agent Olivia Santos and ex SEAL Trent Mann who now works as a private military contractor. The author chose to break the story up into three parts. All three had plenty of action, suspense, espionage and a whole bevy of traitors. There is also a large cast of characters that help Olivia and Trent through the books.
The next novella trilogy feature Trent's boss Jake West and Olivia's cousin Chelsea. Cant wait to dive into.
The next novella trilogy feature Trent's boss Jake West and Olivia's cousin Chelsea. Cant wait to dive into.
January 3, 2021
On this snowy evening in Nova Scotia, it's the perfect time to curl up with a good book while listening to the snow howl. Burned, a fast paced, action packed novella was difficult to put down! I am an avid Melissa Miller fan and she always keeps exceeding my expectations! I anxiously await the next in the series!
January 19, 2021
The first 3 stars I’ve ever given a book
But this one was just up to Melissa Miller’s standards. The main characters are likable but the story line is contrived and happens much too fast without the necessary development to make it believable. The first of her books that I’ve been disappointed in and I’ve read a lot of them.
But this one was just up to Melissa Miller’s standards. The main characters are likable but the story line is contrived and happens much too fast without the necessary development to make it believable. The first of her books that I’ve been disappointed in and I’ve read a lot of them.
January 20, 2021
Action packed new series
Melissa Miller has a fantastic new series starting with this book. The heart pounding action made me not want to put it down. I really like the characters in this book. I can't wait to read the next book in this written and see what happens with Olivia and Trent.
Melissa Miller has a fantastic new series starting with this book. The heart pounding action made me not want to put it down. I really like the characters in this book. I can't wait to read the next book in this written and see what happens with Olivia and Trent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews