Review: Cabin 1 (Steele Shadows Security) by Amanda McKinney

From multi-award-winning romantic suspense author Amanda McKinney comes the first book in the steamy, edge-of-your-seat, three-part series, Steele Shadows Security… Hidden deep in the remote mountains of Berry Springs is a private security firm where some go to escape, and others find exactly what they’ve been looking for. Welcome to Cabin 1, Cabin 2, Cabin 3… Cocky, reckless, and die-hard playboy were just a few of the names Gage Steele had been called since he and his brothers left the Marines and moved back to the small, southern town of Berry Springs to take over their father’s personal security firm. On the one-year anniversary of his father’s death, Gage had only two things in mind—endless whiskey and endless women, but what he got was a battered, bruised spitfire stumbling through woods in the middle of the night. Newly-appointed prosecutor and unapologetic workaholic, Niki Avery had spent her life working toward one goal—never to have to depend on anyone but herself… until the day she was brutally attacked on the side of the road. Stripped of her Louis Vuitton and her dignity, the fiercely independent ADA must submit to being under the watchful eye of a former Marine, a loose cannon with a temper as scorching as his ruggedly handsome good looks. As cracks begin to show in the Steele family, including newly discovered evidence that their father’s death was no accident, Gage wrestles with his growing feelings for his client, knowing not only that Niki is off-limits, but together, they were like gasoline and fire—an explosion he wanted nothing more than to ignite in the bedroom. But when a pair of bloody body parts show up at the compound, it becomes clear that Niki’s attacker hasn’t given up and Gage realizes he’ll do anything to keep her safe… even as his own family is spiraling out of control. Cabin 1 is the first book in the 3-part Berry Springs spinoff series, STEELE SHADOWS SECURITY—It's Berry Springs' darker, grittier, steamier brother. Enjoy. ;) Review: A fabulous romp through the steamier side of Berry Springs! Being one of Amanda’s Berry Springs Bandits I was privileged to be given an ARC of the first book in her new series. It is grittier, and a whole lot sexier than the Berry Springs books with testosterone aplenty. Gage and Niki’s explosive tale began the series perfectly and the cliffhanger ending means that I am desperate to get my hands on Cabin 2! 

Audible Editors’ Extra

How great is this new addition to Audible’s monthly membership! We now get a free, bonus monthly book, chosen by their editors and based on members’ feedback. The first month (August) was The Dry by Jane Harper, followed by September’s offering The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. (Both reviewed previously by me). Two totally different novels, both with their own strengths, and both by Australian authors. As my life gets more and more hectic these books, which require no effort on my part, become infinitely more appealing. I can listen while I get ready for work in the mornings, cook dinner, pack the dishwasher or drive home in terrible commuter traffic. Consequently, I am plowing through audio books at a rate of knots so I appreciate the monthly freebies more than they know. Along with the monthly extra we also have access to Tom Ballard’s pod cast What’s the Story? In which he discusses the books with celebrity guests. If you haven’t checked it out yet go ahead and discover the riches of the freebie. 

Review: A Face in the Crowd by Kerry Wilkinson

Lucy gets the same bus every day. Today, her journey home will change her life.

Lucy can barely afford her weekly ticket for the grimy number 24, tries to avoid eye contact, and, if she’s really lucky, she gets a seat and reads a chapter of her book. But it’s a Friday – and the bus is always crammed at the end of the week. She keeps her elbows close and clings to a pole at every juddering stop. All she wants to do is get home to her dog, Billy, the only comfort she has right now.

When she gets off, something feels different.

An envelope stuffed with thousands of pounds is in her bag.

Is it the answer to her prayers, or the beginning of a nightmare?

Because, in the end, everything has a price. Review: I really enjoyed this and listened (Audible) every chance I got. The idea of finding an envelope stuffed with money in your bag and having no idea how it got there was clever. Pair that with an innocent victim struggling to pay off someone else’s debts (been there myself) and you have the perfect conundrum. Drop in some emergency vet visits, sudden job loss and tragic past and you know where this is going. Brilliant read!