What do you think?
Evidence: Under Fire #0.5
Before the Storm: One Hot Night
Navy SEAL Xavier Rivera visits historic Lake Olympus Lodge on a scouting mission for a top secret training exercise. In the lodge, he meets smart, attractive park archaeologist Audrey Kendrick. There are many reasons he should ignore the immediate, simmering attraction between them, but in the heat of the moment he has no restraint.
Audrey is drawn to the secretive man who helps her when she’s in a bind, and she can’t resist taking a chance on a night of passion. But their one red hot night together leads to secrets and betrayal…
Audrey is drawn to the secretive man who helps her when she’s in a bind, and she can’t resist taking a chance on a night of passion. But their one red hot night together leads to secrets and betrayal…
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2022
About the author
Rachel Grant
49 books1,677 followersCOMING SOON
AVAILABLE NOW:
USA Today bestselling author Rachel Grant also writes thrillers as R.S. Grant. She worked for over a decade as a professional archaeologist and mines her experiences for storylines and settings, which are as diverse as excavating a cemetery underneath an historic art museum in San Francisco, survey and excavation of many prehistoric Native American sites in the Pacific Northwest, researching an historic concrete house in Virginia (inspiration for her debut novel, CONCRETE EVIDENCE), and mapping a seventeenth century Spanish and Dutch fort on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean (which provided inspiration for the island and fort described in CRASH SITE).
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her archaeologist husband and demanding cat.
AVAILABLE NOW:
USA Today bestselling author Rachel Grant also writes thrillers as R.S. Grant. She worked for over a decade as a professional archaeologist and mines her experiences for storylines and settings, which are as diverse as excavating a cemetery underneath an historic art museum in San Francisco, survey and excavation of many prehistoric Native American sites in the Pacific Northwest, researching an historic concrete house in Virginia (inspiration for her debut novel, CONCRETE EVIDENCE), and mapping a seventeenth century Spanish and Dutch fort on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean (which provided inspiration for the island and fort described in CRASH SITE).
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her archaeologist husband and demanding cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
October 12, 2022
HOT! Scorching off the pages HOT! This short story introducing Navy SEAL Xavier Rivera and archaeologist Dr. Audrey Kendrick was beyond steamy and HOT! A one-night stand ends with a very foul betrayal and big secrets, but this night is anything but one and done.
July 28, 2025
buddy reading this with Abhilasha 🥰
2, 75. this was a gripping read up until THAT FUCKING CHAPTER 4 spoiled everything! 🤬
2, 75. this was a gripping read up until THAT FUCKING CHAPTER 4 spoiled everything! 🤬
October 4, 2022
Before the Storm: One Hot Night was an excellent prequel novella to the Evidence: Under Fire series.
Navy SEAL Xavier Rivera is on a scouting mission for a location to host a top secret training exercise and the Lake Olympus Lodge has everything he's looking for. While checking out the lodge he meets park archaeologist Audrey Kendrick and sparks fly immediately. Neither Xavier or Audrey is looking for a relationship but they can't resist spending the night together. But what they don't know is that their one hot night will lead to secrets and betrayal.
Before the Storm: One Hot Night was a very short read that perfectly sets up for the first full-length book in the series, Into the Storm. In this book we're introduced to Xavier and Audrey and I liked that they were older than most of the characters I read about (Xavier is 40 and Audrey is 38). The chemistry between them was amazing and I loved how into each other they were. It doesn't take long for them to give into their attraction and the scene was steamy and very well done. After their night together the pair go their separate ways before the story jumps forward in time a couple of months. Despite the blurb mentioning a betrayal, I was surprised by how harsh it actually was. I'm very interested to see how things play out between these two in the next book as things do not end well between them in this story.
There was one thing I didn't like about this novella but it's something that's just my personal pet peeve in romances, so not something that will both most people. Again, this is just something that bothers me personally but I still enjoyed the story.
Overall Before the Storm: One Hot Night was a great read and I'm looking forward to picking up Into the Storm soon.
Navy SEAL Xavier Rivera is on a scouting mission for a location to host a top secret training exercise and the Lake Olympus Lodge has everything he's looking for. While checking out the lodge he meets park archaeologist Audrey Kendrick and sparks fly immediately. Neither Xavier or Audrey is looking for a relationship but they can't resist spending the night together. But what they don't know is that their one hot night will lead to secrets and betrayal.
Before the Storm: One Hot Night was a very short read that perfectly sets up for the first full-length book in the series, Into the Storm. In this book we're introduced to Xavier and Audrey and I liked that they were older than most of the characters I read about (Xavier is 40 and Audrey is 38). The chemistry between them was amazing and I loved how into each other they were. It doesn't take long for them to give into their attraction and the scene was steamy and very well done. After their night together the pair go their separate ways before the story jumps forward in time a couple of months. Despite the blurb mentioning a betrayal, I was surprised by how harsh it actually was. I'm very interested to see how things play out between these two in the next book as things do not end well between them in this story.
There was one thing I didn't like about this novella but it's something that's just my personal pet peeve in romances, so not something that will both most people. Again, this is just something that bothers me personally but I still enjoyed the story.
Overall Before the Storm: One Hot Night was a great read and I'm looking forward to picking up Into the Storm soon.
September 16, 2022
This prequel is only the beginning of Xavier and Audrey's story, and it's a Hot one! Come along and find out how the Navy SEAL met the park archeologist and what the consequences of their one night together are. This is only the beginning of their story. Can't wait for their story to continue.
October 17, 2022
Before the Storm is the prequel novella to Rachel Grant’s Into the Storm.
It all starts at Lake Olympus Lodge, Olympic National Park, in November, which Xavier Rivera is scouting as a location for a team of SEALs to train in order to prepare for a future mission.
He notices a woman there who is later revealed to be the park archaeologist, Dr Audrey Kendrick. It amused but gladdened me to read about the factors of attraction for Xavier, and how downright dirty, literally and sexily, they are.
Forty-year-old Xavier has fully recovered from his shoulder injury but can no longer be a part of active operations, while thirty-eight-year-old Audrey is finally living the life she always wanted for herself.
Consisting of small chapters, this novella is an introduction to what comes after in the lives of Audrey and Xavier in their story, Into the Storm.
Both recently broke up with their respective exes and aren’t looking for anything more than one hot night. But they manage to get under each other’s skin, a bit more so in the case of Audrey, where Xavier is crystal clear about his work and what he can allow or not allow to happen in his life. The story fast-forwards two weeks later, then the next month, where there is a huge surprise/shock but it ends with heartbreak in anticipation of where the story leads to in the next book.
It all starts at Lake Olympus Lodge, Olympic National Park, in November, which Xavier Rivera is scouting as a location for a team of SEALs to train in order to prepare for a future mission.
He notices a woman there who is later revealed to be the park archaeologist, Dr Audrey Kendrick. It amused but gladdened me to read about the factors of attraction for Xavier, and how downright dirty, literally and sexily, they are.
Forty-year-old Xavier has fully recovered from his shoulder injury but can no longer be a part of active operations, while thirty-eight-year-old Audrey is finally living the life she always wanted for herself.
Consisting of small chapters, this novella is an introduction to what comes after in the lives of Audrey and Xavier in their story, Into the Storm.
Both recently broke up with their respective exes and aren’t looking for anything more than one hot night. But they manage to get under each other’s skin, a bit more so in the case of Audrey, where Xavier is crystal clear about his work and what he can allow or not allow to happen in his life. The story fast-forwards two weeks later, then the next month, where there is a huge surprise/shock but it ends with heartbreak in anticipation of where the story leads to in the next book.
October 18, 2022
3.5 stars
A sexy prequel to Into the Storm that introduces us to the progagonists of that book and shows why they're at odds when they meet again.
It's not essential to read/listen to it before Into the Storm, but it's worth it for the scene-setting and the excellent narration.
A sexy prequel to Into the Storm that introduces us to the progagonists of that book and shows why they're at odds when they meet again.
It's not essential to read/listen to it before Into the Storm, but it's worth it for the scene-setting and the excellent narration.
Want to Read
September 18, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (9/18/2022)! 🎁
September 8, 2023
Nice start
New author for me and now need to move on to the next one! I hope Xavier has a good grovel ready!!
New author for me and now need to move on to the next one! I hope Xavier has a good grovel ready!!
October 8, 2022
Fantastic
October 3, 2022
Rated 4.5 Stars
Before The Storm was good. There was a bit of info dumping that bogged it down a bit but it didn’t fully overshadow the awesomeness of this prequel. I can’t wait to dive into the full book to see what happens next especially with the way it ended.
Before The Storm was good. There was a bit of info dumping that bogged it down a bit but it didn’t fully overshadow the awesomeness of this prequel. I can’t wait to dive into the full book to see what happens next especially with the way it ended.
September 18, 2022
A delicious little prequel to Into The Storm, with Grant’s usual well-crafted writing and likeable, relatable characters. The chemistry between Audrey and Xavier is instant, leading to—as the title suggests—one hot night that most definitely brings the heat, and then some.
Despite that mic-drop cliff-hanger at the end, I have no doubt Xavier will redeem himself, and allow all his scars—both those on the surface, as well as those buried deeper—to be kissed again.
As for Audrey, it’s clear she’s going to be another no-nonsense, kickass heroine that I’m absolutely going to fall in love with (along with Xavier). Can I also just say how much I adore that Grant’s characters are almost always in their 30’s? As a 30-something, it’s so refreshing to have people with notches on the belt of life as protagonists. I can’t wait for Audrey to become my new girl crush.
In conclusion, if this quick yet utterly satisfying and highly charged read doesn’t get you hooked and desperate to continue the story with Into The Storm then nothing will! The perfect start to what is going to be another addictive series from Rachel Grant!
Despite that mic-drop cliff-hanger at the end, I have no doubt Xavier will redeem himself, and allow all his scars—both those on the surface, as well as those buried deeper—to be kissed again.
As for Audrey, it’s clear she’s going to be another no-nonsense, kickass heroine that I’m absolutely going to fall in love with (along with Xavier). Can I also just say how much I adore that Grant’s characters are almost always in their 30’s? As a 30-something, it’s so refreshing to have people with notches on the belt of life as protagonists. I can’t wait for Audrey to become my new girl crush.
In conclusion, if this quick yet utterly satisfying and highly charged read doesn’t get you hooked and desperate to continue the story with Into The Storm then nothing will! The perfect start to what is going to be another addictive series from Rachel Grant!
September 16, 2022
As a teaser, BEFORE THE STORM is a really good one! It’s about how Xavier Rivera and Audrey Kendrick meet and when their secrets and betrayal begin. There’s a lot of chemistry between these two which leads to plenty of hot, steamy passion. But are they destined for only this one night or when they meet again will that be when the real fireworks begin? Although you don’t have to read this to enjoy what’s coming in “Into the Storm,” it does provide more depth to Xavier and Audrey’s backstory, which will only enhance your understanding of their connection. I certainly enjoyed reading this brief encounter. And I’m definitely excited to read where all this leads.
September 18, 2022
Oh, what an amazing prequel to get me excited for Into the Storm! I was sucked into this quickly and so much was packed into this short little read. I already know Into the Storm is going to be a wild ride. The archeological details, the likeable characters and their chemistry, the set up- I liked it all. I'm dying to read Into the Storm now after the big oh-no-you-didn't moment in Before the Storm. I anticipated a betrayal, as that's described in the synopsis and is a factor for the next book, but holy moly, I did not expect it to play out like that. Oct. 7 can not come soon enough!
September 20, 2022
If reading this prequel doesn’t make you want MORE MORE MORE and to see what happens between Xavier and Audrey…..whoweeeee…then I don’t know what would.
Steam…steam….steam….surprises and an ending that will make your head spin and say WHAT?!?!?! How are these two going to make amends after that betrayal!
Steam…steam….steam….surprises and an ending that will make your head spin and say WHAT?!?!?! How are these two going to make amends after that betrayal!
September 17, 2022
A little sneak peak before the first book in the new Evidence: Under Fire series comes out. We are introduced to Navy SEAL Xavier Rivera and archaeologist Audrey Kendrick who embark in a hot and steamy one night stand. Things don't end as amicably as they wanted which is the lead up to the next book. Great start - cant wait to see what next for these two. I am sure it will be plenty of suspense, angst and sexy times.
September 16, 2022
A hot and steamy quick read that will leave your mouth gaping at the end, with the - he did not just say that?!?!?!
Sorry, can't give you more than that without spoilers.
Looking forward to reading Book 1 in the series Into the Storm after this great little prequal. In the theme of Rahcel's books we see the pairing of the smart, career driving archaeologist and a military man.
Sorry, can't give you more than that without spoilers.
Looking forward to reading Book 1 in the series Into the Storm after this great little prequal. In the theme of Rahcel's books we see the pairing of the smart, career driving archaeologist and a military man.
September 17, 2022
Yes, this is a part of an overall story…
But you can just see storm brewing in those last words. Audrey and Xavier burn hot and bright for one night, I can’t wait to see where they go from here.
But you can just see storm brewing in those last words. Audrey and Xavier burn hot and bright for one night, I can’t wait to see where they go from here.
September 17, 2022
You absolutely have to read this before Into the storm (I did not, my bad). It gives a warm beginning of a great story with multiple rebounds.
October 2, 2026
No sé si tres estrellas o cuatro... Está bien y te pica para seguir la historia, que es para lo que está este tipo de relato corto. Te presenta a los protagonistas de la primera novela de una serie que es la más reciente de Rachel Grant. No cualifica como romántica porque aquí no hay final feliz. Están vivos, sí, pero no juntos. De hecho, se les ve enfrentados, en un cliffhanger que te mueres de salseo.
Xavier Rivera (40) es un navy seal examinando un lugar donde tiene pensado hacer el ensayo de una operación superimportante: un prístino lago de montaña en pleno parque nacional de Olimpia, allá en el Pacífico noroeste, frente a Vancouver en la raya de Canadá como quien dice.
Y ahí conoce a Audrey Kendrick (38), la arqueóloga oficial del parque. Ella no lo sabe, pero tendrá que autorizar o no la operación militar. Xavier no se lo dice porque lo suyo es un rollo de una noche y se supone que ella no lo sabrá nunca. La cosa del sexo sale fantástica, lo que pasa después... No tanto. Y te dejan ahí colgada, a ver qué pasa después. Menos mal que la novela larga ya la tengo comprada desde hace tiempo y es solo seguir a ver qué pasa.
En cierto sentido me recordó al relato corto "First strike" de Pamela Clare, que introduce a Javier y Laura, los protagonistas de "Acoso mortal", un anticipo muy erótico. No sé si será casualidad el que el nombre sea el mismo, o es que Grant ha hecho una copia/homenaje. Solo que aquel relato de Pamela Clare me pareció mucho más sexy y ardiente que el encuentro entre Xavier y Audrey.
Xavier Rivera (40) es un navy seal examinando un lugar donde tiene pensado hacer el ensayo de una operación superimportante: un prístino lago de montaña en pleno parque nacional de Olimpia, allá en el Pacífico noroeste, frente a Vancouver en la raya de Canadá como quien dice.
Y ahí conoce a Audrey Kendrick (38), la arqueóloga oficial del parque. Ella no lo sabe, pero tendrá que autorizar o no la operación militar. Xavier no se lo dice porque lo suyo es un rollo de una noche y se supone que ella no lo sabrá nunca. La cosa del sexo sale fantástica, lo que pasa después... No tanto. Y te dejan ahí colgada, a ver qué pasa después. Menos mal que la novela larga ya la tengo comprada desde hace tiempo y es solo seguir a ver qué pasa.
En cierto sentido me recordó al relato corto "First strike" de Pamela Clare, que introduce a Javier y Laura, los protagonistas de "Acoso mortal", un anticipo muy erótico. No sé si será casualidad el que el nombre sea el mismo, o es que Grant ha hecho una copia/homenaje. Solo que aquel relato de Pamela Clare me pareció mucho más sexy y ardiente que el encuentro entre Xavier y Audrey.
October 3, 2022
This is the third book by this author I have read. The blurb pulled me in as I thought wow what a story. Than I find the author spends more time with the explicit sex scenes than the story. I have never understood why. I understand Romantic Suspense will have romance but the scenes like this one are way over the top in my opinion.
I have given this author several chances and won't be reading any more by her.
I have given this author several chances and won't be reading any more by her.
January 13, 2023
I love when authors release this short stories/novellas introducing characters and plot.
That way I can decide if I'm interested in the story before starting with the full-lenght book.
And I'm 100% in.
That way I can decide if I'm interested in the story before starting with the full-lenght book.
And I'm 100% in.
October 10, 2022
Definitely not to be missed. We meet Xavier and Audrey as they fall into their own personal fire and major misunderstandings. This audiobook is well done by the narrators, Nicol Zanzarella and Greg Trembley and ends at a point that makes the listener/reader want to immediately pick up the next book “In To The Storm”. Grab this audiobook and get ready for the next anticipated read.
October 10, 2022
Before the storm is a prequel to Into The Storm by Rachel Grant. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Audrey and Xavier meet while he's scouting a location for a secret training exercise for the Navy SEALs. Before The Storm is book 0.5 of the Evidence: Under Fire Series.
October 7, 2022
Wow what an introduction to a new series. I love Ms Grants stories and Series. With each new book the anticipation is always worth the wait. This is no exception. Fabulous female heroine and a scarred and embattled warrior as a Hero. This introductory novella gave us a glimpse of what might come and it’s only whetted my appetite even more. Full of angst, drama and steamy storyline it had everything I need to know the next book is something I cannot wait to read.
October 4, 2022
Good start
It had a promising start. There was potential but throwing a baby into the mix I feel like wasn't a great idea. For the connection they had, they both treated it wrongly.
It had a promising start. There was potential but throwing a baby into the mix I feel like wasn't a great idea. For the connection they had, they both treated it wrongly.
September 26, 2022
Perfect prequel teaser - I can’t wait to read Into the Storm
This is a prequel novella teaser to Into the Storm. It ends on a cliffhanger. As long as you understand that, you’ll enjoy the story. It introduces us to national park archeologist, Audrey, and Navy SEAL, Xavier. They have a sizzling one night stand and think that’s the end. We get just enough of their individual back stories and their current issues to get you excited to find out what happens next for them. This teasing taste was well written and engaging. I am excited to see how their relationship develops in Into the Storm.
This is a prequel novella teaser to Into the Storm. It ends on a cliffhanger. As long as you understand that, you’ll enjoy the story. It introduces us to national park archeologist, Audrey, and Navy SEAL, Xavier. They have a sizzling one night stand and think that’s the end. We get just enough of their individual back stories and their current issues to get you excited to find out what happens next for them. This teasing taste was well written and engaging. I am excited to see how their relationship develops in Into the Storm.
September 20, 2022
This quick read matches the title and introduces us to the main characters – Xavier and Audrey, the instant chemistry between them, and the smexy night that leads to secrets, betrayal, hurt, and anger. It’s well-written, the characters are likable and relatable, and completely addictive. You don’t have to read this prequel to enjoy the upcoming INTO THE STORM but it definitely adds more depth and backstory to the characters. You’ll absolutely want to dive right in to INTO THE STORM to continue their story and read the steamy, exciting conclusion. It’s worth the read!
September 19, 2022
I Want More!
I cannot wait for the continuation of this story by Rachel Grant. This prequel does an excellent job of setting the stage for Grant's upcoming novel. We get a peek at suspenseful plot twists in the making, a buildup of intrigue, and a great introduction to the characters. It is a prequel so logically we are left with a significant cliffhanger. It leaves the reader ready for the continuation to be found in the next book. I am so looking forward to it!
I cannot wait for the continuation of this story by Rachel Grant. This prequel does an excellent job of setting the stage for Grant's upcoming novel. We get a peek at suspenseful plot twists in the making, a buildup of intrigue, and a great introduction to the characters. It is a prequel so logically we are left with a significant cliffhanger. It leaves the reader ready for the continuation to be found in the next book. I am so looking forward to it!
August 23, 2024
Solid 2.5 🌟
Ok so Before the Storm is the prequel to Into the Storm. I dove into this series as a recommendation for reading all of Katie Ruggle’s books which are superb! The perfect dose between, thriller, suspense and romance.
Rachel Grant is equally known in the thriller romance genre.
The book was ok-ish. It’s in third person, which is awkward to read after reading almost every book out there now in POV’s versions. And though I expected more distancing from the characters, it is actually the opposite. Their thoughts, behaviours and emotions are well depicted even if in third person narration which I really appreciated.
That said, Before the Storm is an introduction to Audrey and Xavier’s story. She’s an archaeologist and he’s a Navy SEAL. They meet, instant attraction, one night stand follows (because of course 🙄). Both agree that’s all there is. But while saying goodbye she says if you want to get in touch in the future just take my number from her friend Jae, who’s Xavier’s best friend. He cuts her off, saying he seeks nothing else. She gets hurt (wonder why since they agreed it was a no strings attached situation).
One month later she finds out she’s pregnant and thus their story begins.
Case in point. Short, straight to the point and relevant. For that I give it a solid 2.5 🌟
It’s only a 50 pages prequel which means I get to tick a box in my Bingo Card 💃🏻
2024 Fun Reading Bingo
[🔴] [02] [03] [04] [05]
[06] [🔴] [08] [09] [🔴]
[11] [12] [🎰] [14] [15]
[🔴] [🔴] [18] [🔴] [20]
[21] [🔴] [🔴] [🔴] [🔴]
Ok so Before the Storm is the prequel to Into the Storm. I dove into this series as a recommendation for reading all of Katie Ruggle’s books which are superb! The perfect dose between, thriller, suspense and romance.
Rachel Grant is equally known in the thriller romance genre.
The book was ok-ish. It’s in third person, which is awkward to read after reading almost every book out there now in POV’s versions. And though I expected more distancing from the characters, it is actually the opposite. Their thoughts, behaviours and emotions are well depicted even if in third person narration which I really appreciated.
That said, Before the Storm is an introduction to Audrey and Xavier’s story. She’s an archaeologist and he’s a Navy SEAL. They meet, instant attraction, one night stand follows (because of course 🙄). Both agree that’s all there is. But while saying goodbye she says if you want to get in touch in the future just take my number from her friend Jae, who’s Xavier’s best friend. He cuts her off, saying he seeks nothing else. She gets hurt (wonder why since they agreed it was a no strings attached situation).
One month later she finds out she’s pregnant and thus their story begins.
Case in point. Short, straight to the point and relevant. For that I give it a solid 2.5 🌟
It’s only a 50 pages prequel which means I get to tick a box in my Bingo Card 💃🏻
2024 Fun Reading Bingo
[🔴] [02] [03] [04] [05]
[06] [🔴] [08] [09] [🔴]
[11] [12] [🎰] [14] [15]
[🔴] [🔴] [18] [🔴] [20]
[21] [🔴] [🔴] [🔴] [🔴]
October 17, 2022
I felt it was a good little prequel to whats to come. I think being a novella it was good but honestly could've just been part of the first book in the series. Not as much spice if you're looking for smut.. its really just a set up for a story line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews