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Cajun Connection #3
Saving Stephanie
After riding herd on the testosterone-filled agents at Carpenter Security, Stephanie Barnes has earned a little R & R. Her luxurious Costa Rican holiday is turned upside down when armed mercenaries overrun the villa. Taken hostage, she’s forced to use her wits to keep the others calm and the situation from spiraling out of control.
Etienne Boudreau is counting the hours until the end of his mandated time off. All it takes is one harried S.O.S. message from his brother to catapult him into action. Enlisting the aid of Commander Hunt of the Riverton SEALs, Etienne scrambles to assemble a team for the most important rescue of his life.
Deep in the Costa Rican jungle, secrets, deception, and hidden threats are uncovered. Desire heats up as Etienne and Stephanie struggle to find their way out of danger. Can they thwart an egotistical madman hellbent on revenge, or will time run out?
Etienne Boudreau is counting the hours until the end of his mandated time off. All it takes is one harried S.O.S. message from his brother to catapult him into action. Enlisting the aid of Commander Hunt of the Riverton SEALs, Etienne scrambles to assemble a team for the most important rescue of his life.
Deep in the Costa Rican jungle, secrets, deception, and hidden threats are uncovered. Desire heats up as Etienne and Stephanie struggle to find their way out of danger. Can they thwart an egotistical madman hellbent on revenge, or will time run out?
- GenresContemporary
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2017
180 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Ivan
77 books181 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author Kathy Ivan can’t remember a time when books and reading weren’t a part of my daily life. I was blessed with a mother who instilled the love of reading in me at a young age. That progressed into a passion for the written word in all forms, which led to my writing. Every day I have new stories and new ideas roaming through my brain, the characters chomping at the bit for their turn to be front and center and have their story told. Today that love of storytelling translates into my desire to write and share my stories with others. I write in many genres, but I’m currently concentrating on romantic suspense and paranormal.
My day job is about as uncreative as it gets. I do medical transcription, spending numerous hours at the computer each day trying to decipher the mumbled, garbled and often unrecognizable words the physicians are dictating, in an effort to make a complete and comprehensive patient record. It’s almost as bad as trying to read their handwriting!
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, I’ve lived in various places throughout my youth, from California to Hawaii and back to Florida (Key West), before finally settling in Texas. I make my home outside Dallas, Texas with my spoiled black lab (Missy).
I am a member of Romance Writers of American and the Dallas Area Romance Authors (DARA), where I’m an active member; you can find me at the local meetings each month.
That’s about it off the top of my head. I love talking with other readers and writers, so feel free to contact me.
My day job is about as uncreative as it gets. I do medical transcription, spending numerous hours at the computer each day trying to decipher the mumbled, garbled and often unrecognizable words the physicians are dictating, in an effort to make a complete and comprehensive patient record. It’s almost as bad as trying to read their handwriting!
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, I’ve lived in various places throughout my youth, from California to Hawaii and back to Florida (Key West), before finally settling in Texas. I make my home outside Dallas, Texas with my spoiled black lab (Missy).
I am a member of Romance Writers of American and the Dallas Area Romance Authors (DARA), where I’m an active member; you can find me at the local meetings each month.
That’s about it off the top of my head. I love talking with other readers and writers, so feel free to contact me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 7, 2017
Saving Stephanie by Kathy Ivan starts out with a bang and explodes from there. This book is a rollercoaster ride of kidnapping, revenge, obsession, loyalty, brotherhood, and family. On a well deserved vacation Savannah is relaxing in Costa Rico where her past comes back to haunt her. This story is very fast paced but the storyline is so well written that you never lose your place. The secondary characters are well known to the reader and make the story much more rewarding. Any bookings includes Samuel Carpenter and the Boudreau brothers in it is worth reading. As Stephanie and Etienne finally admit their feelings for each other and try to escape thru the Costa Rican jungle you will be totally involved and unable to put this book down. As usual Kathy Ivan has written a totally perfect suspenseful love story that truly fits into Susan Stokers Kindle World.
July 14, 2017
The best thing about this book is the bravery and kick-ass attitude of our heroine, Stephanie, who finds herself taken hostage by mercenaries when they break in to the estate where she's vacationing in Costa Rica with her girlfriends. She has the presence of mind to give her boss at Carpenter Security Services as much information as she can, then remembers to keep her phone hidden in her clothing so she can be located by GPS and does everything she can to keep her friends calm to prevent the situation from escalating to violence. Coming to her rescue is a team including Etienne Boudreau, a Cajun speakings ex-military sharpshooter who is sexy as hell and just so happens to have the hots for Stephanie. Throughout the ordeal Stephanie uses her brains, her physical strength and some really kick-ass self defense skills to take down her abusive ex while she falls head over heels for Etienne. I really wish this novella had been a full length book because for me, the excitement ended way too soon. i read a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
July 3, 2017
Stephanie has wanted Etienne since she first laid eyes on him. And the feeling is mutual. But neither can do a thing about it. With Samuelnlaying down the hands off rule they are stuck pining with the other never knowing. Until Stephanie is kidnapped while in vacation. Then all bets are off. Etienne will do anything to get her back and never let her go again. But when he finds out things about her from her past, he sees just how much danger she is in.
Stephanie wants nothing more than to get away from the situation. But finding out who's behind it scares her more than she ever thought possible. He's the reason she is who she is now and she prayed she would never have to see him again. But once Etienne risks all for her recovery, she will do whatever she can to keep him safe.
Danger and scandal abound in the worst kind of way for these two. Just when you think it's over there comes more their way. Loved it!
Stephanie wants nothing more than to get away from the situation. But finding out who's behind it scares her more than she ever thought possible. He's the reason she is who she is now and she prayed she would never have to see him again. But once Etienne risks all for her recovery, she will do whatever she can to keep him safe.
Danger and scandal abound in the worst kind of way for these two. Just when you think it's over there comes more their way. Loved it!
July 4, 2017
First off, I absolutely loved Stephanie. Even when armed men stormed the place she was staying at in Costa Rica, she stayed calm enough to contact her boss at Carpenter Security to let him know what was going on. She kept the women who were grabbed with her calm, all while never revealing how scared she was. She was strong and courageous, even when she finds out who was truly behind everything.
I also liked Etienne's determination to save Stephanie, including threatening to quit his job and go save her on his own if Samuel Carpenter, their boss, refused to let him go.
Saving Stephanie is action packed and has a couple of unexpected twists to keep readers on their toes. It's a great story and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.
**An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**
I also liked Etienne's determination to save Stephanie, including threatening to quit his job and go save her on his own if Samuel Carpenter, their boss, refused to let him go.
Saving Stephanie is action packed and has a couple of unexpected twists to keep readers on their toes. It's a great story and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.
**An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**
July 4, 2017
Ettiene Boudreau is waiting patiently to get back to work all he thinks about is Stephanie he doesn't know why his brother forbids him to see her, but he does't know if he can listen.
Stephanie is enjoying her vacation in Costa Rica when she hears a lot of noise and realizes they are being overrun. Thanks to her training she knows to call her friends to come help them.
This story kept me on the edge of my seat I knew exactly what was going on and couldn't wait to see what would happen.
Stephanie and Ettiene gets more than they wish for in this story and it turns into a beautiful ending..
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Stephanie is enjoying her vacation in Costa Rica when she hears a lot of noise and realizes they are being overrun. Thanks to her training she knows to call her friends to come help them.
This story kept me on the edge of my seat I knew exactly what was going on and couldn't wait to see what would happen.
Stephanie and Ettiene gets more than they wish for in this story and it turns into a beautiful ending..
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
July 7, 2017
Stephanie was on vacation at her friend's house in Costa Rica when the house was over run with mercenaries bent on selling the girls back to their families for ransom. Etienne Boudreau heard about the kidnapping and insisted the security team he worked with allow him to go on the rescue mission. Sparks fly between Stephanie and Etienne as they run for their lives through the jungle.
I love that Kathy Ivan wrote in Susan Stoker's Kindle World since they are two of my all time favorite authors. Kathy kept me turning the pages and reading as fast as I could so I could see what was happening in the story, and at the same time, I didn't want it to end because it was that good.
I love that Kathy Ivan wrote in Susan Stoker's Kindle World since they are two of my all time favorite authors. Kathy kept me turning the pages and reading as fast as I could so I could see what was happening in the story, and at the same time, I didn't want it to end because it was that good.
July 7, 2017
OMG, I was on the edge of my seat through this story. Kathy Ivan is a magical with words and takes us on a rollercoaster with ups & downs, twists & turns. I enjoyed seeing this story play out for Etienne and Stephanie. I highly recommend this book or any book by this amazing author. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
July 7, 2017
What an incredible story! Full of non stop action and suspense as peoples lives are in danger. The team must save one of their own from certain death. Secrets surface as Etienne and Stephanie discover their true feelings for one another as they try to survive. Great story you won't want to miss reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
June 29, 2017
WOW! What a heart stopping, on the edge of your seat and keeps you guessing story! A very hard book to put down filled with twists and turns and a surprise ending. I loved every minute of the story and hated to see it end. A Must Read! You will not be sorry you did.
July 8, 2017
Awesome!
Like every one of Kathy's books each book gets better and better! I love this series! And love Susan's series too! I've read them all! This is a must read series! You will not be disappointed!💓
Like every one of Kathy's books each book gets better and better! I love this series! And love Susan's series too! I've read them all! This is a must read series! You will not be disappointed!💓
May 31, 2018
Loved it!
This well written quick read enticed me to go see if there were more of this group of characters that play a big roll in these wonderfully told Kindle World books. I loved the fact that there are 10 books in this New Orleans connection series! These characters and this storyline are complex, detailed and engaging.Let the one clicking begin! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This well written quick read enticed me to go see if there were more of this group of characters that play a big roll in these wonderfully told Kindle World books. I loved the fact that there are 10 books in this New Orleans connection series! These characters and this storyline are complex, detailed and engaging.Let the one clicking begin! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 8, 2017
Absolutely awesome book
July 8, 2017
Absolutely awesome book
September 25, 2018
I believe this is a cross over book and I really enjoyed those characters, but for some reason I had a really hard time getting into this book. I think, for me, it would have been more helpful for me to have read the crossover series before reading this book, but it was still a good read.
March 20, 2018
Stephanie and Etienne are on fire. I loved the plot and their romance. The writing is wonderful. I definitely need to read more from Kathy Ivan, this book ROCKED! I had to finish it in one sitting because I had to KNOW what happened.
April 3, 2018
Suspenseful romance
Sweet, exciting suspenseful romance. A case of two people with an instant attraction who both work for the same company with a strict rule against dating. When Stephanie is abducted in Costa Rica on vacation, Etienne will stop at nothing to get to her.
Sweet, exciting suspenseful romance. A case of two people with an instant attraction who both work for the same company with a strict rule against dating. When Stephanie is abducted in Costa Rica on vacation, Etienne will stop at nothing to get to her.
September 27, 2019
Excellent and Action Packed
This was an excellently written story. A story that has everything in it. Romance, dangerous characters, an exotic location and jam packed action rolled into this amazing story. I love, loved it!
This was an excellently written story. A story that has everything in it. Romance, dangerous characters, an exotic location and jam packed action rolled into this amazing story. I love, loved it!
July 27, 2017
Another hit for Kathy Ivan
Saving Stephanie is definitely another hit for Kathy Ivan and the team from Carpenter Security. This time we have a secret that could spell disaster for Stephanie when a person from her past decides to kidnap her and her friends in Costa Rica.
Etienne has carried a secret that he's attracted to Stephanie and is looking for the right time to tell her. But when he heard of her kidnap he tells Samuel Carpenter that he'll do whatever it takes but he's going to rescue her and her friends. With the help of Wolf, former SEAl Dylan Roberts, Ranger and other will they get there in time to rescue her from a vengeful ex-boyfriend? How will Etienne react when he finds out her secret life? Will he stay and build a life with her or leave?
As always I love it when a short novella has out favorite protective SEALS and Carpenter Security men in them so the readers and catch up with their lives now.
Saving Stephanie is definitely another hit for Kathy Ivan and the team from Carpenter Security. This time we have a secret that could spell disaster for Stephanie when a person from her past decides to kidnap her and her friends in Costa Rica.
Etienne has carried a secret that he's attracted to Stephanie and is looking for the right time to tell her. But when he heard of her kidnap he tells Samuel Carpenter that he'll do whatever it takes but he's going to rescue her and her friends. With the help of Wolf, former SEAl Dylan Roberts, Ranger and other will they get there in time to rescue her from a vengeful ex-boyfriend? How will Etienne react when he finds out her secret life? Will he stay and build a life with her or leave?
As always I love it when a short novella has out favorite protective SEALS and Carpenter Security men in them so the readers and catch up with their lives now.
June 3, 2024
Saving Stephanie is the third installment in Kathy Ivan’s Cajun Connection series. In it she chronicles the romantic journey of Stephanie Barnes and Etienne Boudreau. Stephanie works for Carpenter Security and is on a trip with her friend in Costa Rica when the home they are in is invaded. She manages to hide and send a message to Etienne, who works for Carpenter Security. Etienne loves Stephanie, however, their boss, made sure all the men knew she was off limits. A rescue team is sent in and Etienne is amongst them. Will he get there in time? Will he save her and the other two women? To find out what happens, you must read this book.
Ms. Ivan does an outstanding job using literary devices such as characterization, dialog, POV, and descriptive language. She is skilled in creating dialog. Her conversational dialog is strong and concise. Through the dialog and internal monologues readers are provided with an opportunity to get to know the characters better, to understand their personalities and to get their backstories.
Ms. Ivan does an outstanding job using literary devices such as characterization, dialog, POV, and descriptive language. She is skilled in creating dialog. Her conversational dialog is strong and concise. Through the dialog and internal monologues readers are provided with an opportunity to get to know the characters better, to understand their personalities and to get their backstories.
April 14, 2022
Overall Amanda rating: A+
From the beginning of the book we meet Stephanie. She is a fun loving and very protected employee of carpenter security. We read later more about her and end up loving her character even more. Boss has a no mating rule which is fine up to the point Etienne walks in. (How the heck do we pronounce that name?) He is Ranger’s brother and loves his job. Sure he wishes he could love Steph, but boss says STAY AWAY. So they oblige. All while falling harder for each other.
Her past finds her and life as she knows it goes crazy. Who better to come to the rescue than the man that truly loves her?
The waterfall scene?? 😍😍
The entire book was a fantastic read.
From the beginning of the book we meet Stephanie. She is a fun loving and very protected employee of carpenter security. We read later more about her and end up loving her character even more. Boss has a no mating rule which is fine up to the point Etienne walks in. (How the heck do we pronounce that name?) He is Ranger’s brother and loves his job. Sure he wishes he could love Steph, but boss says STAY AWAY. So they oblige. All while falling harder for each other.
Her past finds her and life as she knows it goes crazy. Who better to come to the rescue than the man that truly loves her?
The waterfall scene?? 😍😍
The entire book was a fantastic read.
July 21, 2017
Saving Stephanie is Kathy Ivan’s third foray into Susan Stoker’s Kindle World and she does a bang up job again. These books have been explosive from the get go. Each showing a different side and interconnected. In fact, I have gone back and gotten her New Orleans Connection series just to catch up on those little details and see how they fit into the larger world. I have NOT been disappointed. Each is better than the last. I wish I had done this before. You do not want to miss this book or series if you haven’t read them yet.
August 7, 2017
Etienne and Stephanie
A very good novella in the Kindle World. The setting in New Orleans and the Central American country of Costa Rica adds to this story. Stephanie has had an interesting life and finally found her love, Etienne. The past always has a way of coming back. This past doesn't have a favorable outcome for certain people but with the help of some very Special Forces, Etienne and Stephanie do get their HEA.
A very good novella in the Kindle World. The setting in New Orleans and the Central American country of Costa Rica adds to this story. Stephanie has had an interesting life and finally found her love, Etienne. The past always has a way of coming back. This past doesn't have a favorable outcome for certain people but with the help of some very Special Forces, Etienne and Stephanie do get their HEA.
November 2, 2017
This is the first book I have read from this author and I am glad I took the chance. Saving Stephanie was a suspenseful read full of intrigue, action, witty banter, romance and danger. The characters were well-written and the storyline was great. I loved the fact that when Stephanie was in danger she used her head, thought things through and stayed strong. And Etienne was the epitome of rugged, alpha male. I enjoyed the flow of the story and it had a nice buildup of suspense. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
July 23, 2017
I love the whole concept of the kindle world novella. I think it brings new life to a series with a new authors ideas.
Stephanie and Etienne have always had a spark, both tried denying it. When Stephanie gets into hot water in a Costa Rican jungle, Etienne is determined to rescue her.
Non stop action and steamy romance, I loved this story.
Stephanie and Etienne have always had a spark, both tried denying it. When Stephanie gets into hot water in a Costa Rican jungle, Etienne is determined to rescue her.
Non stop action and steamy romance, I loved this story.
July 25, 2024
meh
It was a slow read for me. I just couldn’t get into the book. It took me so many weeks to finish it cause it was just kinda boring. They were on the run from very dangerous guys and they find a cave to hole up for the night but have sex like they have no cares in the world. I started to skim thru just to get done.
It was a slow read for me. I just couldn’t get into the book. It took me so many weeks to finish it cause it was just kinda boring. They were on the run from very dangerous guys and they find a cave to hole up for the night but have sex like they have no cares in the world. I started to skim thru just to get done.
July 13, 2017
Who doesn't love a hero to the rescue love story
A woman with a secret past and a man who has hidden his feelings until her past comes back to haunt her. Love the New Orleans series and this crossover with Susan Stoker s Special Forces is another hit for Kathy.
A woman with a secret past and a man who has hidden his feelings until her past comes back to haunt her. Love the New Orleans series and this crossover with Susan Stoker s Special Forces is another hit for Kathy.
August 25, 2018
HIGHLY ENTERTAINING DRAMA
An intense drama about kidnapping and betrayal. Several military men from different protection and security companies band together to rescue a woman who works in Administration for Cajun Connection. Fantastic adventure of suspense and a new romance.
An intense drama about kidnapping and betrayal. Several military men from different protection and security companies band together to rescue a woman who works in Administration for Cajun Connection. Fantastic adventure of suspense and a new romance.
July 30, 2019
Excitement, suspense, romance
This book has wonderful characters, suspense, and lots of excitement with a rescue in Costa Rica. Along the way another Boudreau brother found his love. An entertaining book!
This book has wonderful characters, suspense, and lots of excitement with a rescue in Costa Rica. Along the way another Boudreau brother found his love. An entertaining book!
May 30, 2020
Trouble Follows!
Saving Stephanie:I loved the suspense and surprises throughout the story. Fantastic writing and romance. I loved all the characters and how the story start out New Orleans went Costa Rica where all the excitement and back to New Orleans. I loved the ending.
Saving Stephanie:I loved the suspense and surprises throughout the story. Fantastic writing and romance. I loved all the characters and how the story start out New Orleans went Costa Rica where all the excitement and back to New Orleans. I loved the ending.
February 20, 2023
Etienne and Stephanie
Kathy Ivan writes the best stories. You are drawn into the story. Running through the fain forest making love under a waterfall. It is hard to put the book down.
Kathy Ivan writes the best stories. You are drawn into the story. Running through the fain forest making love under a waterfall. It is hard to put the book down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews