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Coast Guard Recon #2
Incinerated
Meet Axel Cantor of the US Coast Guard’s TEAM RECON. As in reconstructed. As in broken and needs fixing.
When a cargo ship gets stuck in the Suez Canal and an American journalist on board ends up dead, Axel is sent in to investigate. He didn’t count on running into Sloan Bishop another reporter and the love of his life. Or maybe the hate of his life. Ever since he ended up in one of her articles.
Sloan is a driven reporter and will get the story at any cost. She’s on board the ship to document the first-ever female pilot to navigate the canal. But it all goes sideways, literally. The female pilot is blamed but Sloan knows there’s more to the story. When her best friend and fellow journalist, Eddie, is murdered, it becomes personal.
As the body count rises on the stuck cargo ship, the Sea Jewel, both Axel and Sloan will have to lower their defenses to work together to figure out what is really going on. There is something much bigger at play here, so big that Axel has to call in reinforcements – his fellow RECON teammates
When a cargo ship gets stuck in the Suez Canal and an American journalist on board ends up dead, Axel is sent in to investigate. He didn’t count on running into Sloan Bishop another reporter and the love of his life. Or maybe the hate of his life. Ever since he ended up in one of her articles.
Sloan is a driven reporter and will get the story at any cost. She’s on board the ship to document the first-ever female pilot to navigate the canal. But it all goes sideways, literally. The female pilot is blamed but Sloan knows there’s more to the story. When her best friend and fellow journalist, Eddie, is murdered, it becomes personal.
As the body count rises on the stuck cargo ship, the Sea Jewel, both Axel and Sloan will have to lower their defenses to work together to figure out what is really going on. There is something much bigger at play here, so big that Axel has to call in reinforcements – his fellow RECON teammates
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2022
610 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Lori Matthews
41 books330 followersI grew up in a house filled with books and readers. Some of my fondest memories are of reading in the same room with my mother and sisters, arguing about whose turn it was to make tea. No one wanted to put their book down!
I was introduced to romance because of my mom’s habit of leaving books all over the house. One day I picked one up. I still remember the cover. It was a Harlequin by Janet Daily. Little did I know at the time that it would set the stage for my future. I went on to discover mystery novels. Agatha Christie was my favorite. And then suspense with Wilber Smith and Ian Fleming.
I loved the thought of combining my favorite genres, and during high school, I attempted to write my first romantic suspense novel. I wrote the first four chapters and then exams happened and that was the end of that. I desperately hope that book died a quiet death somewhere in a computer recycling facility.
A few years later, (okay, quite a few) after two degrees, a husband and two kids, I attended a workshop in Tuscany that lit that spark for writing again. I have been pounding the keyboard ever since here in New Jersey, where I live with my children—who are thrilled with my writing as it means they get to eat more pizza—and my very supportive husband.
I was introduced to romance because of my mom’s habit of leaving books all over the house. One day I picked one up. I still remember the cover. It was a Harlequin by Janet Daily. Little did I know at the time that it would set the stage for my future. I went on to discover mystery novels. Agatha Christie was my favorite. And then suspense with Wilber Smith and Ian Fleming.
I loved the thought of combining my favorite genres, and during high school, I attempted to write my first romantic suspense novel. I wrote the first four chapters and then exams happened and that was the end of that. I desperately hope that book died a quiet death somewhere in a computer recycling facility.
A few years later, (okay, quite a few) after two degrees, a husband and two kids, I attended a workshop in Tuscany that lit that spark for writing again. I have been pounding the keyboard ever since here in New Jersey, where I live with my children—who are thrilled with my writing as it means they get to eat more pizza—and my very supportive husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 14, 2022
I know I can always count on the author to make me think. She presents us with a perspective on world events that’s horrifyingly possible while delighting in its evil genius. This second foray in the world of Team RECON kept me glued to the page, desperate to learn what would come around each corner and what would be revealed by every twist. Axel and Sloan have so much history between them. And so much of it is just plain painful to witness. I adore a second chance, so I was invested in this pair fairly early on. But, I have to admit, I sided with Axe on this one: Sloan was downright reckless with her safety. Since that’s one of my pet peeves with fictional characters, it took me a bit more effort to really fall in love with her. However, by the end I think I loved her almost as much as Axe did. I adored the cameo appearances from Callahan Security, and I can’t wait to see what mess Team RECON will be forced to clean up next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
May 14, 2023
Sloane and Axe. Sloane is a reporter who always gets in the thick of things. Dangerous things. Her path crosses Axe again on a ship where an American was killed in the middle of the Suez canal. Her nose gets her too close to danger, and Axe, who loves but can't be with her because she is always chasing the next story without care of her own self or those who care for her. Now, he is protecting her again. This time, maybe she will learn.
December 24, 2022
Read the first book in an anthology and really enjoyed it so I got this one via KU. The MCs needed to work on their communication skills but the mystery was decent with good character development and lots of action scenes. 3.5 stars
March 27, 2022
Crime-solving thriller with sizzling chemistry!
Incinerated is a crime-solving thriller with sizzling chemistry! An edge-of-your-seat adventure with twisted criminals, determined sleuths, and a race against the clock makes this an addictive read. Raise the stakes higher with a compelling love story--and their undeniable chemistry and you have the perfect balance of romantic suspense!
When a cargo ship gets stuck in the Suez Canal, and an American journalist ends up dead, Axel Cantor of the US Coast Guard is sent in to investigate. It doesn't surprise him that Sloan Bishop is aboard. He finds that little has changed about the reporter he once loved until he ended up in one of her articles.
As the body count rises, Axel calls in his RECON team. Sloan's knowledge of what really happened pulls the team in to investigate a darker angle of the case.
Teaming up with Sloan has Axel fighting his desire for her. He wants to protect her, keep her safe, and love her. But a second chance could be destroyed when this complicated story of conspiracy puts Sloan in a tough spot.
What choice will she make?
And will it matter when danger draws them closer to getting killed.
Book 2 did not disappoint! And loved the interaction with the Callahan security boys!!
Incinerated is a crime-solving thriller with sizzling chemistry! An edge-of-your-seat adventure with twisted criminals, determined sleuths, and a race against the clock makes this an addictive read. Raise the stakes higher with a compelling love story--and their undeniable chemistry and you have the perfect balance of romantic suspense!
When a cargo ship gets stuck in the Suez Canal, and an American journalist ends up dead, Axel Cantor of the US Coast Guard is sent in to investigate. It doesn't surprise him that Sloan Bishop is aboard. He finds that little has changed about the reporter he once loved until he ended up in one of her articles.
As the body count rises, Axel calls in his RECON team. Sloan's knowledge of what really happened pulls the team in to investigate a darker angle of the case.
Teaming up with Sloan has Axel fighting his desire for her. He wants to protect her, keep her safe, and love her. But a second chance could be destroyed when this complicated story of conspiracy puts Sloan in a tough spot.
What choice will she make?
And will it matter when danger draws them closer to getting killed.
Book 2 did not disappoint! And loved the interaction with the Callahan security boys!!
March 17, 2022
I had such high hopes for this one, but alas, it just didn’t get there for me.
Let’s start with what I did like, though, first. I really enjoyed the intricate aspects of the plot. It took a long time to get all the moving pieces to come together, but I didn’t think it took away from the book. I also liked Axe as a Hero. He was working through his issues still and could admit that he missed his place on the RECON team.
What I didn’t like, was Sloan. She was so self-centered and myopically focused on her job, that she couldn’t see that every story effects so many people in so many ways. I never felt like she actually cared for Axe outside of the bedroom.
Now, I will still read the next book and hope for better.
Let’s start with what I did like, though, first. I really enjoyed the intricate aspects of the plot. It took a long time to get all the moving pieces to come together, but I didn’t think it took away from the book. I also liked Axe as a Hero. He was working through his issues still and could admit that he missed his place on the RECON team.
What I didn’t like, was Sloan. She was so self-centered and myopically focused on her job, that she couldn’t see that every story effects so many people in so many ways. I never felt like she actually cared for Axe outside of the bedroom.
Now, I will still read the next book and hope for better.
March 28, 2022
This author has become one of my favorites in this genre, and this book is an excellent example of why. I was already a fan after the Callahan Security Series, but these books have taken that to the next level. And the Callahan brothers even make a cameo here. This ARC like most of those I have read was provided by the Hidden Gems ARC program.
This story takes place during the blockage of the Suez Canal in March 2021, Sloan Bishop, is a reporter who is on the ship to report on the first female pilot to navigate the canal. Once the cargo ship is stuck, even more seems to be going on so, Coast Guard sends Axel Cantor, who happens to be in the area. Axel was part of the USCG Team Recon, from the first book but has recently gone back to regular duty with the Coast Guard. He also happens to be Sloan’s ex, who broke up with her because of her reporting on him and his prior missions.
As they start investigating the death of another journalist on the ship, they begin to see that there is more going on here. The USCG Team Recon are called in to help Axel and Sloan in this difficult and dangerous situation they find themselves in. The story is a lot of action and adventure while developing the relationship between Axel and Sloan and how they could possibly find a way back together. Really like both the real-life aspect of the story and involvement of Axel and the Team Recon.
This story takes place during the blockage of the Suez Canal in March 2021, Sloan Bishop, is a reporter who is on the ship to report on the first female pilot to navigate the canal. Once the cargo ship is stuck, even more seems to be going on so, Coast Guard sends Axel Cantor, who happens to be in the area. Axel was part of the USCG Team Recon, from the first book but has recently gone back to regular duty with the Coast Guard. He also happens to be Sloan’s ex, who broke up with her because of her reporting on him and his prior missions.
As they start investigating the death of another journalist on the ship, they begin to see that there is more going on here. The USCG Team Recon are called in to help Axel and Sloan in this difficult and dangerous situation they find themselves in. The story is a lot of action and adventure while developing the relationship between Axel and Sloan and how they could possibly find a way back together. Really like both the real-life aspect of the story and involvement of Axel and the Team Recon.
October 8, 2022
Journalist Sloan Bishop is aboard cargo ship in the Suez Canal to detail history, a female pilot though the released story is on the ship getting stuck. Sloan innocently goes to on deck to get air and witnesses her mentor’s murder. Back with his regular team in the Suez, Coast Guard Axel Cantor’s sent to wait with the American body until the FBI arrives.
Though Axel and Sloan broke up when her single-mindedness sidetracked his career, sparks and feelings still exist between them, Axel steels his heart toward Sloan as she rushes to tell him about her mentor’s death. Shifting details and talking to the powerful security team, it crosses Axel’s mind something else, possibly even a terrorist plot could be afoot. Sloan’s asked to meet someone in the bowels of the ship in the dead of night and witnesses another murder.
Sloan and Axel were inching to reconciliation but fail with hurt feelings, they go separate ways when the FBI arrives. Sloan to pursue clearing the female pilot while Axel meets up with RECON team to investigate causes and reasons for the ship snafu. Sloan changes the focus of her own investigation after pondering Axel’s words that are repeated by a friend.
Rating: 4.5stars
Though Axel and Sloan broke up when her single-mindedness sidetracked his career, sparks and feelings still exist between them, Axel steels his heart toward Sloan as she rushes to tell him about her mentor’s death. Shifting details and talking to the powerful security team, it crosses Axel’s mind something else, possibly even a terrorist plot could be afoot. Sloan’s asked to meet someone in the bowels of the ship in the dead of night and witnesses another murder.
Sloan and Axel were inching to reconciliation but fail with hurt feelings, they go separate ways when the FBI arrives. Sloan to pursue clearing the female pilot while Axel meets up with RECON team to investigate causes and reasons for the ship snafu. Sloan changes the focus of her own investigation after pondering Axel’s words that are repeated by a friend.
Rating: 4.5stars
April 28, 2023
Suspenseful
The premise of this book caught my attention and since I’ve recently become a Lori Matthew’s fan, I dove right into the book.
The book is suspenseful and the storyline twists kept my attention waiting for the next surprise. I struggled more than a bit with the second chance romance between Axel and Sloan. I think that was partly due to not reading book 1 in the series where their romance may have been discussed, but in this book they are definitely no longer together. Axel is pretty much a jerk to her throughout the book, and maybe rightfully so based on her past actions that hurt him personally and professionally. Throughout the storyline, when they are in close proximity he pushes her away verbally, and blaming her for being in danger. They do hit the sheets together a few times, and then he is right back at verbally pushing her away.
I kept my focus on the suspense plot and just put up with the angsty dynamic between Axel and Sloan.
The premise of this book caught my attention and since I’ve recently become a Lori Matthew’s fan, I dove right into the book.
The book is suspenseful and the storyline twists kept my attention waiting for the next surprise. I struggled more than a bit with the second chance romance between Axel and Sloan. I think that was partly due to not reading book 1 in the series where their romance may have been discussed, but in this book they are definitely no longer together. Axel is pretty much a jerk to her throughout the book, and maybe rightfully so based on her past actions that hurt him personally and professionally. Throughout the storyline, when they are in close proximity he pushes her away verbally, and blaming her for being in danger. They do hit the sheets together a few times, and then he is right back at verbally pushing her away.
I kept my focus on the suspense plot and just put up with the angsty dynamic between Axel and Sloan.
June 30, 2022
Ship wrecks
This is a bit of an anguished heart story with lots of mystery, murder, and gun fighting. I do think its a very entertaining read but, there are a couple questions about the storyline. First, after the yacht incineration they get new phones, but I don't think the kidnapping and those phones actually made sense... Axe ends up with both phones but strangely the bad guys leave her phone and Axe picks it up ... Not sure how it was possible to use the phone like the two men were saying... The other bit of the story I kinda wanted to happen was his old CO to admit he had been her stories source as that was the main issue Axe had with her career as a reporter. It is a good story but I did still feel it could have had a bit more... I just wasn't ready to be done with their story.
This is a bit of an anguished heart story with lots of mystery, murder, and gun fighting. I do think its a very entertaining read but, there are a couple questions about the storyline. First, after the yacht incineration they get new phones, but I don't think the kidnapping and those phones actually made sense... Axe ends up with both phones but strangely the bad guys leave her phone and Axe picks it up ... Not sure how it was possible to use the phone like the two men were saying... The other bit of the story I kinda wanted to happen was his old CO to admit he had been her stories source as that was the main issue Axe had with her career as a reporter. It is a good story but I did still feel it could have had a bit more... I just wasn't ready to be done with their story.
March 3, 2022
Excitement, intrigue, corporate espionage (sort of), Coast Guards and a reporter. Intrigued? This story is just as good as the last one I read. Only my second book by Lori and I am hooked. There is so much action and twists and turns that your head will be spinning. It is not so much of whodunit but the whys and how the Coast Guard men figure it out. Another fantastic story about heroes who just want to right the world’s wrongs. There are so many guys on the RECON team that I hope each gets their own story with women who make them better men and love them unconditionally. The relationships are not always perfect but they are perfect for each other. Corny? Yes, but if you smile at the end of the story isn’t it all worth it?
I received a complimentary copy from Hidden Gems.
I received a complimentary copy from Hidden Gems.
March 16, 2022
A 'ripped from the headlines' novel this has all my favorite things! It's a thriller, second chance at romance, suspense, who-done-it, international intrigue...pretty much hits all the right buttons for me. It might fit right in with folks who dwell on conspiracy theories too!
Incinerated by Lori Matthews is the second book in the Coast Guard RECON series. Although, it can be read as a stand-alone, I suggest reading the first book in the series since the major players in this book are introduced in the first. There is also much series background you would be missing.
I love the dialogue, the mystery, and the twists and turns this book takes. A must read for fans of any of the above mentioned genres.
Incinerated by Lori Matthews is the second book in the Coast Guard RECON series. Although, it can be read as a stand-alone, I suggest reading the first book in the series since the major players in this book are introduced in the first. There is also much series background you would be missing.
I love the dialogue, the mystery, and the twists and turns this book takes. A must read for fans of any of the above mentioned genres.
March 4, 2023
Incinerated
The story was good but the relationship between Ax and Sloan is toxic. No one comes around that fast. When Ax said he was done he should have stuck to it. They both deserved different loves. They both deserved people that was more compatible. That's why they needed to walk away from each other. Love cannot survive with constant arguing and lack of trust and mutual respect. One can argue all one wants about this couple Staying together but life just doesn't work that way. This is why I had a hard time believing in this relationship.
The story was good but the relationship between Ax and Sloan is toxic. No one comes around that fast. When Ax said he was done he should have stuck to it. They both deserved different loves. They both deserved people that was more compatible. That's why they needed to walk away from each other. Love cannot survive with constant arguing and lack of trust and mutual respect. One can argue all one wants about this couple Staying together but life just doesn't work that way. This is why I had a hard time believing in this relationship.
August 20, 2023
Sloan Bishop is a freelance reporter lucky to be assigned to cover the first woman to pilot a crossing of the Suez Canal, but then things go wrong and the ship gets stuck turning the world’s eyes on the traffic jam this creates and it will be up to the reporters on the ship to get the truth out… if they are allowed.
When another American reporter apparently falls overboard, the U.S. Navy will send a man on board to guard the body until the FBI arrives to do the proper questioning of the crew and other possible witnesses. What Sloan is not expecting is former flame Axel Cantor to be that man, but he’s her best hope to stay out of harm’s way.
The premise of this book was certainly interesting, but unfortunately I didn’t find it as engaging as the first book of the series. Axe and Sloan have a rather difficult history and he doesn’t trust her to divulge what he’s uncovering, but he also needs to know whatever she has been able to find which turns into a you scratch my back situation. Still the author managed to bring a few surprises that kept it going and it does make for an entertaining read.
3 stars
When another American reporter apparently falls overboard, the U.S. Navy will send a man on board to guard the body until the FBI arrives to do the proper questioning of the crew and other possible witnesses. What Sloan is not expecting is former flame Axel Cantor to be that man, but he’s her best hope to stay out of harm’s way.
The premise of this book was certainly interesting, but unfortunately I didn’t find it as engaging as the first book of the series. Axe and Sloan have a rather difficult history and he doesn’t trust her to divulge what he’s uncovering, but he also needs to know whatever she has been able to find which turns into a you scratch my back situation. Still the author managed to bring a few surprises that kept it going and it does make for an entertaining read.
3 stars
March 29, 2022
I enjoyed the love story between Sloan and Axe who were amongst criminals on a ship, and faced death and conflict at every turn. Sloan had her own demons to fight by wanting to be a reporter like her father, and Axe's traumatic past over the death of a friend came up when surviving another fire. I like the RECON team and wonder what their next assignment will be. Great story with an intriguing plot, filled with steamy romance, action, and suspense.
April 4, 2022
I like the way Lori Matthews tells a story, she always keeps me turning pages and did the same with this one. I did have trouble liking Sloan, she was selfish in her actions, Axel, on the other hand, him I did like.
There was plenty happening throughout the story, not a lot of it smooth sailing for our heroes and I liked the way Sloan & Axel did end up with their second chance.
I received an ARC through Hidden Gems for an honest review.
There was plenty happening throughout the story, not a lot of it smooth sailing for our heroes and I liked the way Sloan & Axel did end up with their second chance.
I received an ARC through Hidden Gems for an honest review.
May 10, 2022
The alpha hero in this one is Coast Guard RECON and the heroine a reporter who finds herself in a world of trouble! This is a refreshing change from the standard romantic suspense (not that I don’t enjoy those, too!) given the Coast Guard and the Suez Canal setting. After a certain point, there’s non-stop action, so buckle up!
(Book 2 in this new series, and Book 3 comes out SOON, so get reading!!)
(Book 2 in this new series, and Book 3 comes out SOON, so get reading!!)
March 15, 2022
Lori Matthews has become one of my favorite authors. Every book I have read of hers sucks me in right away. Incinerated is no different. I love the RECON guys. Axe has a great heart and wants to protect Sloan. There is a lot action and romance. Great read!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.
March 5, 2023
interesting
This is my first book by this author and it was hard to put down. I loved the references to Egypt, the Suez Canal, Germany, Turkey and Miami. Reporters, Coast Guard, mercenaries, textile businesses and shipping. Murdered, shootouts, explosions and fires. Add a touch of romance and camaraderie and you’ve got an intriguing page-turner!
This is my first book by this author and it was hard to put down. I loved the references to Egypt, the Suez Canal, Germany, Turkey and Miami. Reporters, Coast Guard, mercenaries, textile businesses and shipping. Murdered, shootouts, explosions and fires. Add a touch of romance and camaraderie and you’ve got an intriguing page-turner!
April 7, 2023
Good read
I liked the plot and the action. Unique that it starting place, the Suez canal was very interesting and exciting. I do find the female character is lacking in common sense and rational thinking. It is amazing to me that with those flawes in her character she actually survived to run into Axel a second tme.
I liked the plot and the action. Unique that it starting place, the Suez canal was very interesting and exciting. I do find the female character is lacking in common sense and rational thinking. It is amazing to me that with those flawes in her character she actually survived to run into Axel a second tme.
June 19, 2023
Incinerated
A great story with constant thought provoking action. There was rarely a point where as the reader, I felt I could relax. Fast moving and great characters plus a lot of action. There were parts of the story where I couldn't have put the book down without knowing what would happen next. This is a story that will stay with you long after you read the last page!
A great story with constant thought provoking action. There was rarely a point where as the reader, I felt I could relax. Fast moving and great characters plus a lot of action. There were parts of the story where I couldn't have put the book down without knowing what would happen next. This is a story that will stay with you long after you read the last page!
August 22, 2023
I flew through this story. I wondered about them with their brief mention on the first book. This provided a crazy situation and case, the background and a good dose of chemistry and emotion. Loved seeing the team in action and how the story ended. Several scenes has me chuckling as it made me envision a male version of Charlie’s angels military edition 😂. Can’t wait to see the next book!
November 24, 2023
Boy did I struggle to get into this book. I just could not like the heroine. I couldn’t connect with Sloane and this made the story drag on for me: the writing was good and I really liked Axel but I just wasn’t rooting for them to get together. I thought the plot was well developed and it had a clear story through.
March 29, 2022
Incinerated
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was well written with a good balance between suspense and the love interest. Wonderful Report Between all the main characters. I highly recommend this book I hated to see it end
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was well written with a good balance between suspense and the love interest. Wonderful Report Between all the main characters. I highly recommend this book I hated to see it end
September 20, 2022
I do not understand all the high ratings for this book. Sloane was TSTL for the first half of the book. These two did not have a relationship. More like friends with benefits. I found this book to be frustrating and ridiculous.
December 5, 2022
Axe is in the Coast Guard and does under cover assignments, Sloan is a reporter
I like that there's enough description of non normal thing's to understand and enjoy the story (ie...inside of the ship). I would recommend this book and series for mature readers.
I like that there's enough description of non normal thing's to understand and enjoy the story (ie...inside of the ship). I would recommend this book and series for mature readers.
May 3, 2023
Loved the first one so much wanted the next one, it was good but didn’t hold my interest . Guess with the first book I didn’t bond with the male character. I’m moving on to the next book . I knew long before the character found out that information was in the hat !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2023
Just the right balance😊
This story has just the right balance of action, romance and strong characters. It set in unique place and you learn a lot about the Suez canal which is the heartbeat of commerce.
This story has just the right balance of action, romance and strong characters. It set in unique place and you learn a lot about the Suez canal which is the heartbeat of commerce.
July 27, 2023
Guilt!
Incinerated is an exciting read adroitly combining business, government, terrorism, and private security elements. Axe is an admirable hero. I found Sloan to be a selfish, shallow heroine for the majority of the book.
Incinerated is an exciting read adroitly combining business, government, terrorism, and private security elements. Axe is an admirable hero. I found Sloan to be a selfish, shallow heroine for the majority of the book.
April 28, 2022
It was a good read. Can't wait for the next one to come out in this series.
May 1, 2022
Axe and Sloan
This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were interesting and pretty easy to understand. Lots of action!
This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were interesting and pretty easy to understand. Lots of action!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews