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Steele Shadows Security #1
Cabin 1
From bestselling and 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—and is its darker, grittier, steamier partner. Enjoy. ;)
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—and is its darker, grittier, steamier partner. Enjoy. ;)
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2019
About the author
Amanda McKinney
35 books764 followersAmanda McKinney is the bestselling and multi-award-winning author of more than fifteen romantic suspense and mystery novels. Her latest book, Rattlesnake Road, was named one of POPSUGAR's 12 Best Romance Books to Have a Spring Fling With, and was featured on the Today Show. The fifth book in her Steele Shadows series, Jagger (Steele Shadows Investigations), was recently nominated for the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.
Amanda wrote her debut novel, LETHAL LEGACY in 2017, after walking away from her career to become a writer and stay-at-home mom. Her books include the bestselling series, STEELE SHADOWS SECURITY, the multi-award-winning BERRY SPRINGS series, BLACK ROSE MYSTERIES, and many more to come.
Set in small, Southern towns, Amanda’s books are page-turning murder mysteries peppered with steamy romance She lives in Arkansas with her handsome husband, two beautiful boys, and three obnoxious dogs.
Text AMANDABOOKS to 66866 to receive Amanda's newsletter and get the latest on new releases, promos, and freebies!
Visit her website at www.amandamckinneyauthor.com
Follow Amanda on Instagram at www.instagram.com/amandamckinneyauthor
Follow Amanda on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amandamckineyauthor
Amanda wrote her debut novel, LETHAL LEGACY in 2017, after walking away from her career to become a writer and stay-at-home mom. Her books include the bestselling series, STEELE SHADOWS SECURITY, the multi-award-winning BERRY SPRINGS series, BLACK ROSE MYSTERIES, and many more to come.
Set in small, Southern towns, Amanda’s books are page-turning murder mysteries peppered with steamy romance She lives in Arkansas with her handsome husband, two beautiful boys, and three obnoxious dogs.
Text AMANDABOOKS to 66866 to receive Amanda's newsletter and get the latest on new releases, promos, and freebies!
Visit her website at www.amandamckinneyauthor.com
Follow Amanda on Instagram at www.instagram.com/amandamckinneyauthor
Follow Amanda on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amandamckineyauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
April 6, 2023DNF @ 10%
I don’t think it’s fair to rate this, however lemme just drop some lovely quotes from our hero for you to peruse and make your own judgements. Spoiler: he’s a pig.
They say the only easy day is yesterday… that night, my plan was to be carried to my bed on the cushion of a nice pair of fake titties and lay like a limp fish while she had her way with me, while I drifted off into oblivion.
One-hundred percent cotton rarely held up against a stretch like that. Double D’s if I had to guess, although I’d found myself surprised over the last year. Damn padded bras take the fun out of everything.
I tore my eyes away from the watermelons in front of me and met her chocolate brown ones with a wink.
Those eyes sparkled as she leaned in on her forearms, her breasts plumping up like hot air balloons.
I don’t think it’s fair to rate this, however lemme just drop some lovely quotes from our hero for you to peruse and make your own judgements. Spoiler: he’s a pig.
They say the only easy day is yesterday… that night, my plan was to be carried to my bed on the cushion of a nice pair of fake titties and lay like a limp fish while she had her way with me, while I drifted off into oblivion.
One-hundred percent cotton rarely held up against a stretch like that. Double D’s if I had to guess, although I’d found myself surprised over the last year. Damn padded bras take the fun out of everything.
I tore my eyes away from the watermelons in front of me and met her chocolate brown ones with a wink.
Those eyes sparkled as she leaned in on her forearms, her breasts plumping up like hot air balloons.
April 23, 2020
Cabin 1 was the story of Gage and Niki. That’s all I'm going to say for a synopsis.
My thoughts:
NO NO NO NO!! I really disliked this book!!! I thought it was creepy that upon meeting the main character who has just been attacked, and sexually assaulted that he (Gage) is having fantasies about her. Crude and Lewd fantasies. The other men in the house also seem to not be sensitive to what she has experienced either. The character “wolf” makes some really inappropriate comments to someone who has just been sexually traumatized. I also disliked the insta love...I mean he was claiming love after like 2 days...and not just love...like making statements that he would die for this woman....I have a longer/more personal relationship with my weekly pizza delivery boy. The last thing...for a security company that was so revered for being top notch...everyone and their brother made it onto the property.
The one thing I did like was the comradery among the brothers. There banter was really humorous and the only salvageable part of this mess. Sorry...but this is an honest review...this book was offensive!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Amanda McKinney, and the publisher for this opportunity.
My thoughts:
NO NO NO NO!! I really disliked this book!!! I thought it was creepy that upon meeting the main character who has just been attacked, and sexually assaulted that he (Gage) is having fantasies about her. Crude and Lewd fantasies. The other men in the house also seem to not be sensitive to what she has experienced either. The character “wolf” makes some really inappropriate comments to someone who has just been sexually traumatized. I also disliked the insta love...I mean he was claiming love after like 2 days...and not just love...like making statements that he would die for this woman....I have a longer/more personal relationship with my weekly pizza delivery boy. The last thing...for a security company that was so revered for being top notch...everyone and their brother made it onto the property.
The one thing I did like was the comradery among the brothers. There banter was really humorous and the only salvageable part of this mess. Sorry...but this is an honest review...this book was offensive!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Amanda McKinney, and the publisher for this opportunity.
October 6, 2019
Hero’s thoughts about women were downright disgusting. He’s a sexist pig. I highly doubt that every man thinks like this. All he thought about was booze and fucking every woman that he saw. His second thought when he met the heroine was how he would like to take her to his bed. Mind you the heroine was beat up, almost raped and his thoughts were those.
And did the author kill the older brother?
And did the author kill the older brother?
January 9, 2020
:( I so rarely write negative reviews anymore. But I'm finding myself really bothered by this book.
Typically, I absolutely adore romantic suspense books. Unfortunately this one didn't work for me.
The story was fine, the writing was fine. It's just I would have a hard time even imagining a person, fictional or otherwise, that I disliked more than Gage.
In my opinion, glamorizing addiction and dangerous behavior is never ok. Very early on in the book we have our hero (along with the heroes of future books) getting completely intoxicated and finding themselves in a bar fight.
Once the fight is over they each have three more shots, get on their motorcycles, and drive home. WTF!?!?!
Drinking and driving is not acceptable, it's a dangerous crime. People die, every single day, from the decisions these idiots made.
Let's also talk about drinking and using a firearm, which happened multiple times. No, just no.
These men are supposed to be elite body guards who provide services to clientele like the president, yet it seems they can't go more than an hour without a drink. I wouldn't trust them with my pet rock much less my life.
I was hoping for a redemption arc. But quickly realized that was foolish.
In the end, I would have been happier reading about how these "heroes" found themselves in jail, not falling in love.
Typically, I absolutely adore romantic suspense books. Unfortunately this one didn't work for me.
The story was fine, the writing was fine. It's just I would have a hard time even imagining a person, fictional or otherwise, that I disliked more than Gage.
In my opinion, glamorizing addiction and dangerous behavior is never ok. Very early on in the book we have our hero (along with the heroes of future books) getting completely intoxicated and finding themselves in a bar fight.
Once the fight is over they each have three more shots, get on their motorcycles, and drive home. WTF!?!?!
Drinking and driving is not acceptable, it's a dangerous crime. People die, every single day, from the decisions these idiots made.
Let's also talk about drinking and using a firearm, which happened multiple times. No, just no.
These men are supposed to be elite body guards who provide services to clientele like the president, yet it seems they can't go more than an hour without a drink. I wouldn't trust them with my pet rock much less my life.
I was hoping for a redemption arc. But quickly realized that was foolish.
In the end, I would have been happier reading about how these "heroes" found themselves in jail, not falling in love.
October 6, 2019
The hero is a 🐷... like who thinks about having sex w someone that was beaten & almost raped?
Also, the whole « ex boyfriend » thing made no sense, and it seemed crazy easy to get to this middle of nowhere safe houses for anyone who would want to.
The only intriguing character was the older brother, and I am not sure but it seemed he got killed at the end...is he dead?
Also, the whole « ex boyfriend » thing made no sense, and it seemed crazy easy to get to this middle of nowhere safe houses for anyone who would want to.
The only intriguing character was the older brother, and I am not sure but it seemed he got killed at the end...is he dead?
December 23, 2019
ARC received for review
A family that is trying to put it's self back together after the death of the father, or was it murder. The brothers sure do like to fight. I didn't really care for Gage. Niki was okay. I don't understand how the bad guy go that close to the cabin without the cameras or alarms going off. Maybe I'll like the next brother more.
A family that is trying to put it's self back together after the death of the father, or was it murder. The brothers sure do like to fight. I didn't really care for Gage. Niki was okay. I don't understand how the bad guy go that close to the cabin without the cameras or alarms going off. Maybe I'll like the next brother more.
January 6, 2020
What in the hell did I start reading..Gage was pig..He was disgusting, I mean I read about books and I know that when you are reading a lot of guys thoughts they are not very lets say clean, however this guy yuck. I was trying to continue even though I knew I didn't like him, but then when he meet Niki who was beat the hell up, torn shirt raped or almost raped he is having lewd thoughts, sorry dude couldn't continue with it.
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
September 6, 2019
Another great book that starts off a new series for Amanda McKinney. Cabin 1 is a faced paced romantic suspense starring a family of four brothers who are each dealing differently with the one year anniversary of the death of their beloved father. They have left their military careers and have taken over the reins of Steele Shadows Security, that their father founded after leaving a career with NSA. ADA Niki Avery is run off the road one night, assaulted by two men, one of whom she then kills trying to defend herself, then has to run into woods to avoid being killed herself by the second man. She eventually stumbles onto the property of SSS. The brothers race toward their intruder and Gage reaches her first. After bringing Niki back to the family mansion/SSS Headquarters, Niki relates all she has been through. She is placed under Gage's protection and in Cabin 1 till her assailant can be apprehended. As danger, attacks and suspense mounts, so does the "fire and gasoline" combustion of Niki and Gage's feelings and sexual chemistry. The book is not only concerned with Gage's and Niki's story, but also includes a dastardly subplot that I anticipate to run in the background of the future books, Cabin 2 and Cabin 3. I was fixated on this story and could not put it down till I got to the last page. I am anxiously awaiting Cabin 2 and reading more about this family and all they encounter. I highly recommend this book along with Amanda McKinney's other Berry Springs stories. I was given an ARC in return for my honest review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Easy-to-read, Happily Ever After, Informative, Original Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, Steamy, Tragic, Twisted, Unpredictable, Wonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Easy-to-read, Happily Ever After, Informative, Original Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, Steamy, Tragic, Twisted, Unpredictable, Wonderful characters
September 26, 2019
Intriguing title does not disappoint. Devoured this in one reading. It starts off with a tension filled scene and just gets better and better. There definitely are plenty of sizzling hot alpha males and a smart independent female who all packed a punch. They were all relatable characters, and even though Gage has quite an ego, comparing himself to a greek god at one point, but it works for him, he has too much baggage to work through and it is like a mask he wears. Then there are two mysteries going on, one gets solved in this book and the second one continues to the next book. The two mysteries are independent of each other and both had me fully engaged. There also was some symbolism of a red leaf throughout the story, it just clicked and had meaning, It was so well done, I loved it.
You can’t help but love the Steele boys, they are all going to make great main characters. Be prepared for a little raw language and some steamy love scenes, well worth the read, and looking forward to the mystery to unravel in the next book.
You can’t help but love the Steele boys, they are all going to make great main characters. Be prepared for a little raw language and some steamy love scenes, well worth the read, and looking forward to the mystery to unravel in the next book.
December 31, 2019
3.75 stars
The blurb of this book and the reviews drew me in. I love a book that has suspense with a protective hero. There were parts of this story that were beautifully written. In fact, I was impressed with how the author crafted her sentences and portrayed certain scenes. However, the actual storyline fell short for me. It had great potential but everything happened so fast and certain parts of the story didn't resonate and seemed out of place.
The blurb of this book and the reviews drew me in. I love a book that has suspense with a protective hero. There were parts of this story that were beautifully written. In fact, I was impressed with how the author crafted her sentences and portrayed certain scenes. However, the actual storyline fell short for me. It had great potential but everything happened so fast and certain parts of the story didn't resonate and seemed out of place.
January 27, 2020
Can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Tension, passion and intrigue, intense and romantic, everything you want from a book .
Beautifully written with excellent characters.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Tension, passion and intrigue, intense and romantic, everything you want from a book .
Beautifully written with excellent characters.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
June 14, 2023
LMAO. No.
TW: This book opens with a depiction of attempted sexual assault.
A toxic alcoholic womanizer with a shiny coating of misogyny (Women crying? Yuck! Emotional once a month? That's insane! Cooking?? That's for women. Apologizing to women? Dude, NO WAY!). Does he change by the end of the book? No. He just rationalizes everything with, "Listen, my dad died." The FMC? Oh boy, she's not like all those other weak girls. She's rough and tough and she's gonna finally give this man a CHALLENGE by (checks notes) not agreeing with him a couple of times and straightening her shoulders. OH BOY, WHAT A PERFECT WOMAN FOR THIS TOUGH MAN!
The thriller/mystery plotlines definitely aren't the kind where, if you pick up on clues along the way you'll figure it out. It's more of characters going, "Oh yeah, what about this thing I've never mentioned!" and then they move along to the next plot point. So don't expect satisfaction from the ending there.
I will say, I've never laughed so hard when Gage unironically says, "Nobody fucks with the Steele Brothers". UNIRONICALLY. I enjoyed Ryder by this author, but I think the Steele Brothers series is not for me at all.
TW: This book opens with a depiction of attempted sexual assault.
A toxic alcoholic womanizer with a shiny coating of misogyny (Women crying? Yuck! Emotional once a month? That's insane! Cooking?? That's for women. Apologizing to women? Dude, NO WAY!). Does he change by the end of the book? No. He just rationalizes everything with, "Listen, my dad died." The FMC? Oh boy, she's not like all those other weak girls. She's rough and tough and she's gonna finally give this man a CHALLENGE by (checks notes) not agreeing with him a couple of times and straightening her shoulders. OH BOY, WHAT A PERFECT WOMAN FOR THIS TOUGH MAN!
The thriller/mystery plotlines definitely aren't the kind where, if you pick up on clues along the way you'll figure it out. It's more of characters going, "Oh yeah, what about this thing I've never mentioned!" and then they move along to the next plot point. So don't expect satisfaction from the ending there.
I will say, I've never laughed so hard when Gage unironically says, "Nobody fucks with the Steele Brothers". UNIRONICALLY. I enjoyed Ryder by this author, but I think the Steele Brothers series is not for me at all.
September 20, 2019
Holy crap! What a book! This is the second book I’ve read from this author, and I’ve got to tell you, I’m hooked. Her writing style reminds me of CD Reiss, Samantha Young and Colleen Hoover. Very well written, grabs and immerses you in the story from the very first word and doesn’t release you until the last page, it just flows effortlessly and before you know it, you’re at the end of the book with your jaw hitting the floor. Nikki and Gage’s story is gripping, suspenseful, tons of mystery, hot steamy sex and twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Ends on a cliff hanger, but man, I cannot wait for book 2! Well worth the read!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
December 3, 2021
When thriller meets romance, what they produce is breathtaking!!!
I have always been am addict and a sucker for a greaaattt mystery/thriller romance. And this one didn't disappoint. AT. ALL!!! I am so so ecstatic that I found this book. I will always keep close to my heart Niki & Gage!! Can't wait to read the rest of the series and fall hard for his brothers & their love stories.
I have always been am addict and a sucker for a greaaattt mystery/thriller romance. And this one didn't disappoint. AT. ALL!!! I am so so ecstatic that I found this book. I will always keep close to my heart Niki & Gage!! Can't wait to read the rest of the series and fall hard for his brothers & their love stories.
February 16, 2020
4.5 STARS | this was amazing!!! I’ll take Ax. Thank you !!!
February 27, 2024
From the very first page, this book grips your attention and refuses to let go. Niki, a fierce assistant district attorney, finds herself racing down a deserted road in the middle of the night, pursued by two menacing men.
“I’ve never met a woman who made my head spin like a top in a hurricane. Who makes me act like a crazed jealous lunatic because I can’t bear the thought of her being with anyone else. Who I’d step in front of a fucking bullet for.” He leaned inches from my lips. I was all but gasping for air. “You, Niki Avery,” he whispered. “Are a worthy opponent.”
In a desperate act of self-defense, she kills one of her attackers, but little does she know that she has stumbled onto land owned by Steele Shadow Security, a powerful company run by four ex-military brothers grieving their father's recent passing. Gabe, one of the fiercely protective brothers, is immediately alerted to Niki's presence and assigned to keep her safe until they can capture the man who escaped their grasp.
My eyes locked on my brother, slumped over our father’s chair, with a bullet in his head.
As they grow closer and spend more time together, their undeniable chemistry ignites, but Gabe struggles to believe Niki's story about the attack. The intense heat between them is only matched by the danger they face as they race against time to catch the elusive culprit. To uncover the fate of this captivating pair and their dynamic band of brothers, you'll have to delve deeper into this thrilling novel.
“I’ve never met a woman who made my head spin like a top in a hurricane. Who makes me act like a crazed jealous lunatic because I can’t bear the thought of her being with anyone else. Who I’d step in front of a fucking bullet for.” He leaned inches from my lips. I was all but gasping for air. “You, Niki Avery,” he whispered. “Are a worthy opponent.”
In a desperate act of self-defense, she kills one of her attackers, but little does she know that she has stumbled onto land owned by Steele Shadow Security, a powerful company run by four ex-military brothers grieving their father's recent passing. Gabe, one of the fiercely protective brothers, is immediately alerted to Niki's presence and assigned to keep her safe until they can capture the man who escaped their grasp.
My eyes locked on my brother, slumped over our father’s chair, with a bullet in his head.
As they grow closer and spend more time together, their undeniable chemistry ignites, but Gabe struggles to believe Niki's story about the attack. The intense heat between them is only matched by the danger they face as they race against time to catch the elusive culprit. To uncover the fate of this captivating pair and their dynamic band of brothers, you'll have to delve deeper into this thrilling novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2024
Cabin 1 is the first book in the Steele Shadows Security series. It is a romantic suspense which I am a sucker for and Mckinney did a great job with this one. I was sucked in right from the start. There's not one dull moment in this book. It is action packed, non stop suspenseful and just the right amount of spice.
I loved Nikki, I wasn't sure about Gage at first he was a true A**, but he ended up growing on me. The way Nikki challenged him and made him come out of his shell. The way these 2 combusted together and had such an amazing attraction..yowza. I loved all the brothers and am so excited to continue their stories.
The plot was great, the story was so well developed. The anticipation, the action, the storyline I was so invested in this book. That ending is such a cliffhanger and I am diving into the second book right away.
🎧 The narration by Michael Reid & Amy Deuchler was good. I did have a harder time in the beginning getting into their voices but once I did and the way they blended together, I couldn't stop listening. I loved their performance and the emotion they put into it.
✨️ Thank you to @amandamckinney for my gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Nikki, I wasn't sure about Gage at first he was a true A**, but he ended up growing on me. The way Nikki challenged him and made him come out of his shell. The way these 2 combusted together and had such an amazing attraction..yowza. I loved all the brothers and am so excited to continue their stories.
The plot was great, the story was so well developed. The anticipation, the action, the storyline I was so invested in this book. That ending is such a cliffhanger and I am diving into the second book right away.
🎧 The narration by Michael Reid & Amy Deuchler was good. I did have a harder time in the beginning getting into their voices but once I did and the way they blended together, I couldn't stop listening. I loved their performance and the emotion they put into it.
✨️ Thank you to @amandamckinney for my gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2020
Cabin 1 is the first in the Steele Shadows Security series. Gage, like his brothers, is a heavy drinking, womanising ex-military type. After the death of their father, they now run a private security firm with a fortress-like base hidden away on a mountain. (Although, it's not that hidden, as plenty of people seem to find them easily.) Niki is attacked in the middle of nowhere on her way home from a yoga class. When she stumbles across the Steel Security base when on the run from her attackers, Gage takes responsibility and soon finds that he is drawn to her.
The suspense side of this novel was fairly convoluted and when the person behind it was finally revealed I wasn't all that sure that it made a lot of sense. I'm afraid that the romance part of the book wasn't really that strong either. I couldn't warm to either Gage or Niki and didn't buy the chemistry between them. That's not to say that this was a bad read, it worked fairly well for the most part but just lacked that extra spark to push it towards being a great read.
I'd be interested to read more in the series to see if they get better as they go along, but I won't be in a huge rush.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The suspense side of this novel was fairly convoluted and when the person behind it was finally revealed I wasn't all that sure that it made a lot of sense. I'm afraid that the romance part of the book wasn't really that strong either. I couldn't warm to either Gage or Niki and didn't buy the chemistry between them. That's not to say that this was a bad read, it worked fairly well for the most part but just lacked that extra spark to push it towards being a great read.
I'd be interested to read more in the series to see if they get better as they go along, but I won't be in a huge rush.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 26, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me a copy of this e-book to review.
Although a little problematic in places (a sexual assault victim wanting to immediately sleep with her knight in tortured armour the day after her assault - however, I am fully aware people deal with things in different ways so each to their own) I really enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the side story to do with the Steele brothers dad, Duke. And I did enjoy the romance between Gage and Niki. I also adore the brotherly love between Gage, Axel, Gunner and Phoenix.
I think Amanda's writing style is fantastic and my goodness does she know how to make sure you come back for more. That ending...
I'll definately be picking up the rest in this series. I need to know what happens next.
Although a little problematic in places (a sexual assault victim wanting to immediately sleep with her knight in tortured armour the day after her assault - however, I am fully aware people deal with things in different ways so each to their own) I really enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the side story to do with the Steele brothers dad, Duke. And I did enjoy the romance between Gage and Niki. I also adore the brotherly love between Gage, Axel, Gunner and Phoenix.
I think Amanda's writing style is fantastic and my goodness does she know how to make sure you come back for more. That ending...
I'll definately be picking up the rest in this series. I need to know what happens next.
January 7, 2020
Cabin 1 is the first book in Amanda McKinney’s Steele Shadow Security series and left me with mixed views on the story’s progression. Brothers who seem to do nothing but fight (OK, so that’s not necessarily out of the realm of believability), but a bad guy who manages to circumnavigate cameras and alarms to enact his dastardly deeds, was a little over the top. I also wasn’t terrible fond of Gage’s character, and Niki was only mildly likeable. Overall, it wasn’t a bad story, but I’m hoping for more from the next brother’s book.
January 7, 2020
I liked it, but ...
The hero is a cliche. He's a tortured soul who drowns his pain in booze and women. Our heroine is spunky, but a little too much at the mercy of her hormones. The attraction is instant, the fall into bed nearly so. Overall the editing is clean, the mystery quickly resolved, and the incentive to read the next book strong with a new development that leads to Cabin #2.
The hero is a cliche. He's a tortured soul who drowns his pain in booze and women. Our heroine is spunky, but a little too much at the mercy of her hormones. The attraction is instant, the fall into bed nearly so. Overall the editing is clean, the mystery quickly resolved, and the incentive to read the next book strong with a new development that leads to Cabin #2.
September 27, 2020
It was a good book and I liked the characters and their relationship and strength
August 2, 2021
4.5 stars!!
“I believed I was more than how I was brought into this world. And I was. Dammit, I was.”
“I believed I was more than how I was brought into this world. And I was. Dammit, I was.”
May 8, 2023
When Niki Avery is attacked by two men in the woods as she is heading home from a yoga retreat, she thinks she might not survive, but killing one of the men and being chased by the other leads her to the Steele Security compound. Gage Steele takes charge of her as more information comes to light, including the fact that the man Niki killed was later decapitated. Niki remains at the compound while she and Gage dance around their attraction for one another, but evil may be closer than they think.
Cabin 1 had great potential to be an outstanding romantic suspense novel with an exciting opening that takes the reader right into the action and builds on the anticipation with each page. Unfortunately, the story begins to fall apart when too many characters and plot elements are introduced in such a short novel, rushing everything to a cliffhanger ending that leads into the next book in the series. Everything gets shortchanged, including the series long mystery about the death of the Steele brothers' father and the romance between Gage and Niki. Overall, Cabin 1 could have been wonderful if there were just more pages used to develop the story.
Cabin 1 had great potential to be an outstanding romantic suspense novel with an exciting opening that takes the reader right into the action and builds on the anticipation with each page. Unfortunately, the story begins to fall apart when too many characters and plot elements are introduced in such a short novel, rushing everything to a cliffhanger ending that leads into the next book in the series. Everything gets shortchanged, including the series long mystery about the death of the Steele brothers' father and the romance between Gage and Niki. Overall, Cabin 1 could have been wonderful if there were just more pages used to develop the story.
September 12, 2019
5 stars
*ARC kindly provided by the author and I’m leaving an honest review*
Suspenseful✔
Gripping✔
Gritty✔
Raw✔
Fast paced✔
Page turner✔
Dark storytelling✔
Unpredictable twists and turns✔
Hot, delicious, damaged alpha✔
Strong, vulnerable Heroine✔
Off the charts chemistry✔
Passionate✔
Intense✔
Heartfelt✔
Emotional✔
Amazing love story✔
This book and series should read every romantic suspense lover. I liked everything about this book and writing which just flowed and had me engrossed to the story from start to finish wanting to find out what happens next. I enjoyed every minute of it and never wanted it to end. It has so much depth, powerful, effortless and at times dark storytelling and elements. I loved that it was written in first person, dual POV so I know what both characters – Niki and Gage – were thinking at the specific time or moments. It was well developed, well written and well thought out. The author knew how to develop, create the storyline and make you fall in love with her words, plot and the characters demanding your attention. It was enjoyable read with so many twists and turns, while delivering an intense and passionate romance / love story between Niki and Gage that I devoured in one sitting. It was steamy, dark and suspenseful romance. The characters are brilliant and so likeable.
This was completely brilliant, compelling, raw, breathtaking, at times heartbreaking story and such a wonderful read. Cabin 1 is the first book in Amanda Kinney’s new Berry Springs spin of series STEELE SHADOWS SECURITY. The characters are complex; the plot is strong and unpredictable with twists and turns that will keep you guessing the story and who is the villain (or villains should I say. You’ll see and understand when you read it.)
Gage Steele is a former military/Marine. He is an enigma and so alluring. I was drawn to him immediately wanting to know more about him, his background and why he is the way he is. He doesn’t like to be vulnerable or show emotions because he considers that a weakness. When tragedy strikes Gage and his brothers find themselves back in Berry Springs running their own private security Steele Shadows Security. He has a hard time settling back into his roots and figuring out how to cope with the loss of his father. He is closed off, loving, caring, loyal, charming, protective, possessive, cocky, ladies’ man, hotheaded, reckless and down to earth.
Niki Avery is newly-appointed prosecutor, workaholic, psychologist. I loved her immediately. She knows what she wants and what she stands for. She is strong - strong-willed, brave, a fighter, a survivor, moral, feisty, smart, stubborn, sassy, confident, proud, but also vulnerable and a bit jaded from her past which leads her to be self-conscious and to not trust easily.
Gage and Niki are amazing. They lit the pages with their chemistry since the first time they met. They are each other’s match. I loved their sassy, flirty banter and witty sexual innuendos. They are both flawed and complex. Neither of them in the beginning is looking for a relationship, but also can’t deny the strong connection they feel or the chemistry. They are passionate, a little bit angsty, intense. Gage is instantly attracted and drawn to Niki. He can’t explain what exactly is about her that gets to him. Gage is determined to keep her safe. He is really fiercely protective of her. They know they shouldn’t feel attracted to each other, but they do, it’s unavoidable. Maybe they don’t make sense but when they are together – they are just perfect and exactly what they need. I love their moments and dialogues. They have preconceived opinions about each other but when they finally let on the glimpses into who they really are, they notice that they are similar. They are sinfully sexy and intense. I think they take each other by surprise because neither of them expected to meet and change their lives. I love that they didn’t give up on each other.
Secondary characters are so brilliant and wonderful and add to the story and mystery. I really love Celeste and Wolf and I would love for them to have their own books (*hint hint nudge nudge lol*)
That ending though. I’m shook. Why? I mean I kind of know why but still why. They have lost so much already.
Two words: INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL! It kept my attention at all times and I could not put it down. With an effortless writing, awe-inspiring details, and a journey of forgiveness, love, secrets, lies, mystery, the author takes us on an emotional and beautiful journey of the characters, struggles and their self-discovery. I can’t wait to read Axel’s (Ax’s) book. I highly recommend it.
*ARC kindly provided by the author and I’m leaving an honest review*
Suspenseful✔
Gripping✔
Gritty✔
Raw✔
Fast paced✔
Page turner✔
Dark storytelling✔
Unpredictable twists and turns✔
Hot, delicious, damaged alpha✔
Strong, vulnerable Heroine✔
Off the charts chemistry✔
Passionate✔
Intense✔
Heartfelt✔
Emotional✔
Amazing love story✔
This book and series should read every romantic suspense lover. I liked everything about this book and writing which just flowed and had me engrossed to the story from start to finish wanting to find out what happens next. I enjoyed every minute of it and never wanted it to end. It has so much depth, powerful, effortless and at times dark storytelling and elements. I loved that it was written in first person, dual POV so I know what both characters – Niki and Gage – were thinking at the specific time or moments. It was well developed, well written and well thought out. The author knew how to develop, create the storyline and make you fall in love with her words, plot and the characters demanding your attention. It was enjoyable read with so many twists and turns, while delivering an intense and passionate romance / love story between Niki and Gage that I devoured in one sitting. It was steamy, dark and suspenseful romance. The characters are brilliant and so likeable.
This was completely brilliant, compelling, raw, breathtaking, at times heartbreaking story and such a wonderful read. Cabin 1 is the first book in Amanda Kinney’s new Berry Springs spin of series STEELE SHADOWS SECURITY. The characters are complex; the plot is strong and unpredictable with twists and turns that will keep you guessing the story and who is the villain (or villains should I say. You’ll see and understand when you read it.)
Gage Steele is a former military/Marine. He is an enigma and so alluring. I was drawn to him immediately wanting to know more about him, his background and why he is the way he is. He doesn’t like to be vulnerable or show emotions because he considers that a weakness. When tragedy strikes Gage and his brothers find themselves back in Berry Springs running their own private security Steele Shadows Security. He has a hard time settling back into his roots and figuring out how to cope with the loss of his father. He is closed off, loving, caring, loyal, charming, protective, possessive, cocky, ladies’ man, hotheaded, reckless and down to earth.
Niki Avery is newly-appointed prosecutor, workaholic, psychologist. I loved her immediately. She knows what she wants and what she stands for. She is strong - strong-willed, brave, a fighter, a survivor, moral, feisty, smart, stubborn, sassy, confident, proud, but also vulnerable and a bit jaded from her past which leads her to be self-conscious and to not trust easily.
Gage and Niki are amazing. They lit the pages with their chemistry since the first time they met. They are each other’s match. I loved their sassy, flirty banter and witty sexual innuendos. They are both flawed and complex. Neither of them in the beginning is looking for a relationship, but also can’t deny the strong connection they feel or the chemistry. They are passionate, a little bit angsty, intense. Gage is instantly attracted and drawn to Niki. He can’t explain what exactly is about her that gets to him. Gage is determined to keep her safe. He is really fiercely protective of her. They know they shouldn’t feel attracted to each other, but they do, it’s unavoidable. Maybe they don’t make sense but when they are together – they are just perfect and exactly what they need. I love their moments and dialogues. They have preconceived opinions about each other but when they finally let on the glimpses into who they really are, they notice that they are similar. They are sinfully sexy and intense. I think they take each other by surprise because neither of them expected to meet and change their lives. I love that they didn’t give up on each other.
Secondary characters are so brilliant and wonderful and add to the story and mystery. I really love Celeste and Wolf and I would love for them to have their own books (*hint hint nudge nudge lol*)
That ending though. I’m shook. Why? I mean I kind of know why but still why. They have lost so much already.
Two words: INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL! It kept my attention at all times and I could not put it down. With an effortless writing, awe-inspiring details, and a journey of forgiveness, love, secrets, lies, mystery, the author takes us on an emotional and beautiful journey of the characters, struggles and their self-discovery. I can’t wait to read Axel’s (Ax’s) book. I highly recommend it.
November 7, 2019
Good read
This was a first Amanda McKinney read for me. Loved the story. Great writer. My only suggestion is that she could have gone so much deeper into suspense with this story line. It felt as if the story got cut short.
This was a first Amanda McKinney read for me. Loved the story. Great writer. My only suggestion is that she could have gone so much deeper into suspense with this story line. It felt as if the story got cut short.
April 26, 2020
Full review appeared at Reader's Edyn on 04/26/20
Niki has just survived a brutal attack. Blind-sided out of nowhere and set up by two masked men, she narrowly escapes and sets off into the woods. It’s by sheer will to survive that she makes it as far as she does and sheer luck that she stumbles onto the grounds of the elite Steele Shadows Security family. Knowing absolutely nothing about her attackers, if it was random or planned, and if they took off with all of her information from her vehicle, she stays put and under the protection of the Steele brothers. Technically under the protection of Gage, the super-hot brother she is strongly attracted to, despite his gruff demeanor. Sure, she’s narrowly escaped with her life, but the need to feel alive is also difficult to deny after such an experience. Besides the magnetic attraction, Gage is determined to protect her at whatever cost and together they fill in several blanks, which ultimately leads them toward the villain. But will they piece it together quickly enough, or will Niki get caught in the crossfire before Gage can save her? And with as much as Gage is dealing with outside of this protection detail, could he be anything more to Niki than a fling? So many questions and so few answers.
Gage has been in a tailspin for the last year. Well, all of his family has. The brothers all returned home from service after the news of their father’s death made it to them. Each of them has been dealing in their own way and neither in the right way. Gage’s vice has been booze and women and his reputation around town says nothing different. When Niki is thrust in his lap, he isn’t sure he can believe her given her family history, but he wants to trust that she’s being truthful. He feels it in his gut despite his brothers warning him to be cautious. They also warn not to hook up with their new client, but Gage is attracted to Niki in a way he never thought he would be. How do you deny that kind of pull? Between dealing with the anniversary of his father’s death, trying to find out who wants Niki dead and keep her safe, and wrapping his head around the fact that his brother has uncovered information that makes his father’s death look more like murder, Gage is about at his limit. If he can’t get a step ahead of the threats on Niki’s life and he ends up losing her, it’s doubtful he will recover. One more blow will likely do him in. He only has one choice. Fight and win.
What. The. Hell. Just. Happened??????? OMG! Where to begin … So I don’t remember getting this book or requesting it or anything. But I follow this author on Insta and always liked her posts. I started looking into her books and came across Cabin 1. It was then I discovered that I had it and was qued up to read it in about 5 more books or so. Well, that wasn’t working, so I moved it to the top. As my first experience with Ms. McKinney, I have to say I was spellbound. This book takes off and never quits – leaving the reader gasping at the gut-wrenching cliffhanger. Yes, folks. There is a cliffhanger. Gasp! Right? I do despise them after all. But damn if this one didn’t drag me in and make me foam at the mouth to find out what is happening next. For the first book in series, a lot is covered. Much is revealed while much more is assumed, yet remains unsubstantiated. The Steele brothers are all introduced, along with their pretty cool step-mother. The boys have been through the wringer in the last year and each has been flailing through life, trying to get their bearings after a devastating blow in the form of their father’s unexpected death. They each have their own way to cope and neither has it figured out just yet. Having left their military lives to pick up the pieces at home, finding their way has been difficult and remains a work in progress. Gage is the first brother we will be dealing with in CABIN 1 and falls into the responsibility of protecting Niki. But Niki has about as good a reputation in town as Gage does, so initially, trust isn’t something freely given. Even though Gage wants to believe her, given her family connection, his brothers manage to plant that seed of doubt. But Niki is no wilting flower and despite surviving, and narrowly escaping what should have been her rape and murder, Niki continues to fight back. She’s been clawing back from her childhood since day 1, so the fight instinct has always been much higher than the flight instinct. Gage is pole-axed by the spirited beauty and although he could be putting his career on the line, he falls to Niki’s charms. Not one to be led easily astray, there is something about the tantalizing vixen that draws him in. And Niki is just as affected by Gage. She’s had a couple of relationships, but nothing that has sparked the fierce desire she and Gage immediately feel. Even though she’s likely the target of an evil piece of crap, she cannot deny the desire she feels for Gage. Together they work out small details that gradually point them in the direction of the criminal, but as they get closer to the truth, the danger makes its way even closer to Niki. And through all of this, Gage is trying to support, yet remains unconvinced that his brother Phoenix has uncovered what might be the true reason for their father’s death – murder. So yeah … A LOT happening.
All of this occurs within the space of a few days and at just over 200 pages, there isn’t a ton of time to dig any deeper into any of the content we are presented with. That said, what is given works. While it seems like a lot to take in at the beginning, it ends up being a good amount of information. And the threads that remain untethered, searching for purchase, help to propel the reader into the next book. I, for sure, feel a need to continue with this series and find out more about what is going on. It’s clear that the Steel Patriarch was a mastermind at security and also clearly dove into some nefarious crap that pissed off the wrong person. The question will be if the brothers and heirs to the legacy will be able to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding the unidentified murderer, or if they will have to sweep the discovery under the rug to protect what is left of their family and security business. You guys! Are you reading all of this? All of this within a couple a hundred pages? Holy crap! I’m still trying to recover from this rollercoaster. And dang if the wickedly seductive passion wasn’t something to experience. There is only one scene, but it’s fantastic. Also, with the militant background these boys have come from and their grief still very real and raw – so is the language. This isn’t a book – and more than likely not a series – for those who like fluff, sweet romance, and everything wrapped up into a pretty ribbon. You will NOT find that here. Instead, you will be taken on a crazy wild ride, constantly in motion, never knowing what is going to happen next. The level of suspense was perfect! Not quite nail-biting, but enough to keep me quickly thumbing through to each next page. In fact, for a good portion of the book, I was suspecting a completely different antagonist to surface. And while not much was revealed about the other brothers, I can see the makings of some great characters shaping up. Did I mention that Gage is a twin? Fun times. Gage and Axel. Yum! The two other brothers, Gunner and Phoenix, complete this rough and ready bunch of smoking hot men I’d love to have as my security detail.
If I were to have a complaint, it would be that this book feels just a bit incomplete. I don’t mean with the ending. I totally get that the book had to end somewhere to pave the way for the next installment and now that I have read it, it ended at a great point in which to pick things back up. But I feel like there should have been more in the beginning. Just a bit more about Niki and a whole lot more about Mr. Steele himself. I mean what the heck did he get himself into and how did he go about building his security empire? I was thinking it felt like there was a missing prologue, but now I’m thinking there could easily be a novella prologue that would help to shape this story up even more. Maybe just a bit about the security firm itself, but even more so about the information he was trying to uncover in his last few weeks of life, then ending with the boys being notified with his death. Does that make sense? Maybe at some point, that missing piece will come to life. I would love it if it did. And then, of course, the wrap up is rather quick in regards to Niki’s attacker. But again, only around 200 pages here, so keeping that in mind, I feel like Ms. McKinney did a good job in bringing about (at least this aspect) to a satisfying closure. But either way, I still enjoyed every minute spent within this book and look forward to each new book. For a fast-paced, jaw-dropping, thrilling read, this is the place to be! But make sure you have CABIN 2 cued up to jump into next because Axel is up next!
Kindle version provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Niki has just survived a brutal attack. Blind-sided out of nowhere and set up by two masked men, she narrowly escapes and sets off into the woods. It’s by sheer will to survive that she makes it as far as she does and sheer luck that she stumbles onto the grounds of the elite Steele Shadows Security family. Knowing absolutely nothing about her attackers, if it was random or planned, and if they took off with all of her information from her vehicle, she stays put and under the protection of the Steele brothers. Technically under the protection of Gage, the super-hot brother she is strongly attracted to, despite his gruff demeanor. Sure, she’s narrowly escaped with her life, but the need to feel alive is also difficult to deny after such an experience. Besides the magnetic attraction, Gage is determined to protect her at whatever cost and together they fill in several blanks, which ultimately leads them toward the villain. But will they piece it together quickly enough, or will Niki get caught in the crossfire before Gage can save her? And with as much as Gage is dealing with outside of this protection detail, could he be anything more to Niki than a fling? So many questions and so few answers.
Gage has been in a tailspin for the last year. Well, all of his family has. The brothers all returned home from service after the news of their father’s death made it to them. Each of them has been dealing in their own way and neither in the right way. Gage’s vice has been booze and women and his reputation around town says nothing different. When Niki is thrust in his lap, he isn’t sure he can believe her given her family history, but he wants to trust that she’s being truthful. He feels it in his gut despite his brothers warning him to be cautious. They also warn not to hook up with their new client, but Gage is attracted to Niki in a way he never thought he would be. How do you deny that kind of pull? Between dealing with the anniversary of his father’s death, trying to find out who wants Niki dead and keep her safe, and wrapping his head around the fact that his brother has uncovered information that makes his father’s death look more like murder, Gage is about at his limit. If he can’t get a step ahead of the threats on Niki’s life and he ends up losing her, it’s doubtful he will recover. One more blow will likely do him in. He only has one choice. Fight and win.
What. The. Hell. Just. Happened??????? OMG! Where to begin … So I don’t remember getting this book or requesting it or anything. But I follow this author on Insta and always liked her posts. I started looking into her books and came across Cabin 1. It was then I discovered that I had it and was qued up to read it in about 5 more books or so. Well, that wasn’t working, so I moved it to the top. As my first experience with Ms. McKinney, I have to say I was spellbound. This book takes off and never quits – leaving the reader gasping at the gut-wrenching cliffhanger. Yes, folks. There is a cliffhanger. Gasp! Right? I do despise them after all. But damn if this one didn’t drag me in and make me foam at the mouth to find out what is happening next. For the first book in series, a lot is covered. Much is revealed while much more is assumed, yet remains unsubstantiated. The Steele brothers are all introduced, along with their pretty cool step-mother. The boys have been through the wringer in the last year and each has been flailing through life, trying to get their bearings after a devastating blow in the form of their father’s unexpected death. They each have their own way to cope and neither has it figured out just yet. Having left their military lives to pick up the pieces at home, finding their way has been difficult and remains a work in progress. Gage is the first brother we will be dealing with in CABIN 1 and falls into the responsibility of protecting Niki. But Niki has about as good a reputation in town as Gage does, so initially, trust isn’t something freely given. Even though Gage wants to believe her, given her family connection, his brothers manage to plant that seed of doubt. But Niki is no wilting flower and despite surviving, and narrowly escaping what should have been her rape and murder, Niki continues to fight back. She’s been clawing back from her childhood since day 1, so the fight instinct has always been much higher than the flight instinct. Gage is pole-axed by the spirited beauty and although he could be putting his career on the line, he falls to Niki’s charms. Not one to be led easily astray, there is something about the tantalizing vixen that draws him in. And Niki is just as affected by Gage. She’s had a couple of relationships, but nothing that has sparked the fierce desire she and Gage immediately feel. Even though she’s likely the target of an evil piece of crap, she cannot deny the desire she feels for Gage. Together they work out small details that gradually point them in the direction of the criminal, but as they get closer to the truth, the danger makes its way even closer to Niki. And through all of this, Gage is trying to support, yet remains unconvinced that his brother Phoenix has uncovered what might be the true reason for their father’s death – murder. So yeah … A LOT happening.
All of this occurs within the space of a few days and at just over 200 pages, there isn’t a ton of time to dig any deeper into any of the content we are presented with. That said, what is given works. While it seems like a lot to take in at the beginning, it ends up being a good amount of information. And the threads that remain untethered, searching for purchase, help to propel the reader into the next book. I, for sure, feel a need to continue with this series and find out more about what is going on. It’s clear that the Steel Patriarch was a mastermind at security and also clearly dove into some nefarious crap that pissed off the wrong person. The question will be if the brothers and heirs to the legacy will be able to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding the unidentified murderer, or if they will have to sweep the discovery under the rug to protect what is left of their family and security business. You guys! Are you reading all of this? All of this within a couple a hundred pages? Holy crap! I’m still trying to recover from this rollercoaster. And dang if the wickedly seductive passion wasn’t something to experience. There is only one scene, but it’s fantastic. Also, with the militant background these boys have come from and their grief still very real and raw – so is the language. This isn’t a book – and more than likely not a series – for those who like fluff, sweet romance, and everything wrapped up into a pretty ribbon. You will NOT find that here. Instead, you will be taken on a crazy wild ride, constantly in motion, never knowing what is going to happen next. The level of suspense was perfect! Not quite nail-biting, but enough to keep me quickly thumbing through to each next page. In fact, for a good portion of the book, I was suspecting a completely different antagonist to surface. And while not much was revealed about the other brothers, I can see the makings of some great characters shaping up. Did I mention that Gage is a twin? Fun times. Gage and Axel. Yum! The two other brothers, Gunner and Phoenix, complete this rough and ready bunch of smoking hot men I’d love to have as my security detail.
If I were to have a complaint, it would be that this book feels just a bit incomplete. I don’t mean with the ending. I totally get that the book had to end somewhere to pave the way for the next installment and now that I have read it, it ended at a great point in which to pick things back up. But I feel like there should have been more in the beginning. Just a bit more about Niki and a whole lot more about Mr. Steele himself. I mean what the heck did he get himself into and how did he go about building his security empire? I was thinking it felt like there was a missing prologue, but now I’m thinking there could easily be a novella prologue that would help to shape this story up even more. Maybe just a bit about the security firm itself, but even more so about the information he was trying to uncover in his last few weeks of life, then ending with the boys being notified with his death. Does that make sense? Maybe at some point, that missing piece will come to life. I would love it if it did. And then, of course, the wrap up is rather quick in regards to Niki’s attacker. But again, only around 200 pages here, so keeping that in mind, I feel like Ms. McKinney did a good job in bringing about (at least this aspect) to a satisfying closure. But either way, I still enjoyed every minute spent within this book and look forward to each new book. For a fast-paced, jaw-dropping, thrilling read, this is the place to be! But make sure you have CABIN 2 cued up to jump into next because Axel is up next!
Kindle version provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2021
How did this win awards? Read on KU
Wow. I can't believe this has over 1700 ratings and 221 actual reviews and has a rating over 4 stars.
The whole book takes place in less than 36 hours except for the epilogue. Although, the exact timeline is confusing. But, Niki was attacked on Sunday night. The next day, she has a shrink visit her, and ex boyfriend, too. By that night, she and Gage were having sex. It was the only sex scene in the book and was nothing special. I keep thinking surely there was one more day in there, but even if so, everything happened fast.
Gage thought to himself he was in love with her before they had sex. I think that was the shortest instalove story I have ever read. If I followed the timeline correctly, it was less than 24 hours after he met her. It certainly was less than 48 (thinking back, it had to have been 2 days but the story didn't follow that way). I believe in having a connection to someone that fast but not love.
The overall story wasn't bad. What was bad was it took until 20% of the book before the main characters met. Way too much time was spent on the bar scene at the beginning of the book. What happened to Niki had to be told. I think it would have been more interesting if Gage and his brothers found her and then we find out the story as she tells it to the brothers. Then, the book would have started with them meeting almost immediately. And the thoughts Gage had about the bartender were fairly lewd. I KNOW men all think of sexual stories and how they think of them in their heads is their business. It was just the lack of respect for the bartender that did it. He certainly wasn't thinking of her as a person. However, he did start a fight over someone manhandling her. So, at least his behavior was better than his thoughts. Not that they were thoughts of forcing anything on her.
And she was not raped. For all the reviews complaining about them having a relationship, and/or sex, so quickly after she was attacked, I don't think that is uncommon behavior. Think of the movie Speed. They went through something stressful and their bodies turned that into lust. I think there is a name for that.
I've already suggested maybe the first 10% of the book could have been cut and then the other 20% of that first 20% could have been written in a more interesting way. I honestly had to skim through about the first quarter of the book to find it interesting. I almost quit. There just wasn't much meat to the story and extra stuff thrown in that was unnecessary. There was a guy who had been staying there because he was having PTSD and was potentially dangerous if he lost his marbles that had nothing to do with the story unless it is needed for the ongoing story of who killed their dad. There was a scene with the housekeeper that added nothing to the story. There were a couple of others as well.
People kept showing up on their property without their immediate knowledge. With all the other safety features, you would think they would have had gates at all entrances to their property.
There was just too much flowery language. Flowery isn't actually quite the right word. Maybe descriptive would be better. There were way too many similes and metaphors. If you reduced that to a normal level, the book would be reduced by at least 10%. It made the book less fluid.
So, if you take out all the extras that didn't add value, or in some cases detracted from the value, you would have a much shorter book and it would be more obvious there wasn't much to the story. It would have been much more believable if the situation lasted several days instead of 2. So much more could have been added to make it more of a mystery and to have given the MCs enough time to actually fall in love. A lot more could have been added to the mystery about their dad.
I absolutely do not recommend this book and I will not intentionally read more by this author.
Wow. I can't believe this has over 1700 ratings and 221 actual reviews and has a rating over 4 stars.
The whole book takes place in less than 36 hours except for the epilogue. Although, the exact timeline is confusing. But, Niki was attacked on Sunday night. The next day, she has a shrink visit her, and ex boyfriend, too. By that night, she and Gage were having sex. It was the only sex scene in the book and was nothing special. I keep thinking surely there was one more day in there, but even if so, everything happened fast.
Gage thought to himself he was in love with her before they had sex. I think that was the shortest instalove story I have ever read. If I followed the timeline correctly, it was less than 24 hours after he met her. It certainly was less than 48 (thinking back, it had to have been 2 days but the story didn't follow that way). I believe in having a connection to someone that fast but not love.
The overall story wasn't bad. What was bad was it took until 20% of the book before the main characters met. Way too much time was spent on the bar scene at the beginning of the book. What happened to Niki had to be told. I think it would have been more interesting if Gage and his brothers found her and then we find out the story as she tells it to the brothers. Then, the book would have started with them meeting almost immediately. And the thoughts Gage had about the bartender were fairly lewd. I KNOW men all think of sexual stories and how they think of them in their heads is their business. It was just the lack of respect for the bartender that did it. He certainly wasn't thinking of her as a person. However, he did start a fight over someone manhandling her. So, at least his behavior was better than his thoughts. Not that they were thoughts of forcing anything on her.
And she was not raped. For all the reviews complaining about them having a relationship, and/or sex, so quickly after she was attacked, I don't think that is uncommon behavior. Think of the movie Speed. They went through something stressful and their bodies turned that into lust. I think there is a name for that.
I've already suggested maybe the first 10% of the book could have been cut and then the other 20% of that first 20% could have been written in a more interesting way. I honestly had to skim through about the first quarter of the book to find it interesting. I almost quit. There just wasn't much meat to the story and extra stuff thrown in that was unnecessary. There was a guy who had been staying there because he was having PTSD and was potentially dangerous if he lost his marbles that had nothing to do with the story unless it is needed for the ongoing story of who killed their dad. There was a scene with the housekeeper that added nothing to the story. There were a couple of others as well.
People kept showing up on their property without their immediate knowledge. With all the other safety features, you would think they would have had gates at all entrances to their property.
There was just too much flowery language. Flowery isn't actually quite the right word. Maybe descriptive would be better. There were way too many similes and metaphors. If you reduced that to a normal level, the book would be reduced by at least 10%. It made the book less fluid.
So, if you take out all the extras that didn't add value, or in some cases detracted from the value, you would have a much shorter book and it would be more obvious there wasn't much to the story. It would have been much more believable if the situation lasted several days instead of 2. So much more could have been added to make it more of a mystery and to have given the MCs enough time to actually fall in love. A lot more could have been added to the mystery about their dad.
I absolutely do not recommend this book and I will not intentionally read more by this author.
August 7, 2021
The Steele brothers are on the scene
Wow! This book starts at a run and only increases from chapter to chapter. Niki and Gage are explosive as they deal with his family's painful loss and a killer hit on Niki's trail. The chemistry between these two literally leaps from the page. This is a series I'll be binge reading to see what is in store for the hot alpha Steele's.
Wow! This book starts at a run and only increases from chapter to chapter. Niki and Gage are explosive as they deal with his family's painful loss and a killer hit on Niki's trail. The chemistry between these two literally leaps from the page. This is a series I'll be binge reading to see what is in store for the hot alpha Steele's.
December 17, 2021
This needs better dialogue, narration, and an editor.
I'm not sure where to start. I loaded this onto KU, and I'm oh so glad.
I'll start with the editing end of things - bare vs bear; ellipses that aren't done correctly through the entire book (three dots with spaces on both ends); and the most egregious because it caused me to ponder what in the world Niki actually was? A prosecuting attorney is known, for the most part, as a District Attorney because they PROSECUTE cases for the county or the state. They don't work for a private law firm. Yet in one sentence, the author claims that she is both - a private lawyer and a prosecuting attorney. That and she supposedly prosecuted a case in four weeks. I somehow think she needs to share her brilliance with prosecutors the world over. I got done with the book and still wasn't sure what she did for a living. There were others, but they were mostly typos or grammatical errors that made me cringe.
Second, the plot needed a little bit more sturm and less drang. She suffers a catastrophic event, she's covered in blood, mud, and her hand is cut from a knife, and all she thinks about when she sees Gage is taking him to bed. AND, she uses as many F-words as the guys do in this, something that most prosecuting attorneys are too classy to do. She lost me when she was panting after him before we knew anything about either of them, except that he's a hound, and his brothers aren't much better. Really? Like to fight eh? And this is supposed to be a romance. Not every security firm has ex military guys who've taken too many hits to the head, they aren't all billionaires (spare me, since the author has no idea what a billionaire actually is), and they aren't all horny and drinkers.
Third, there were scenes in this book that had absolutely nothing to do with the plot and in fact, had no use at all. The cook dropping a tea cup and acting nervous? Really? You are in a house surrounded by cameras and trip wires, and she's so nervous that she's shaking. Immediately made me think, as well as her giving Niki dirty looks that 1. She had the hots for Gage herself or 2. She was in on it and knew the attackers.
This is the first time I've read this author. I see she's won a lot of awards. Good for her. Won't be winning any for this one, I hope, otherwise, my faith in the rewards-givers in the romance genre just went in the toilet.
I'm not sure where to start. I loaded this onto KU, and I'm oh so glad.
I'll start with the editing end of things - bare vs bear; ellipses that aren't done correctly through the entire book (three dots with spaces on both ends); and the most egregious because it caused me to ponder what in the world Niki actually was? A prosecuting attorney is known, for the most part, as a District Attorney because they PROSECUTE cases for the county or the state. They don't work for a private law firm. Yet in one sentence, the author claims that she is both - a private lawyer and a prosecuting attorney. That and she supposedly prosecuted a case in four weeks. I somehow think she needs to share her brilliance with prosecutors the world over. I got done with the book and still wasn't sure what she did for a living. There were others, but they were mostly typos or grammatical errors that made me cringe.
Second, the plot needed a little bit more sturm and less drang. She suffers a catastrophic event, she's covered in blood, mud, and her hand is cut from a knife, and all she thinks about when she sees Gage is taking him to bed. AND, she uses as many F-words as the guys do in this, something that most prosecuting attorneys are too classy to do. She lost me when she was panting after him before we knew anything about either of them, except that he's a hound, and his brothers aren't much better. Really? Like to fight eh? And this is supposed to be a romance. Not every security firm has ex military guys who've taken too many hits to the head, they aren't all billionaires (spare me, since the author has no idea what a billionaire actually is), and they aren't all horny and drinkers.
Third, there were scenes in this book that had absolutely nothing to do with the plot and in fact, had no use at all. The cook dropping a tea cup and acting nervous? Really? You are in a house surrounded by cameras and trip wires, and she's so nervous that she's shaking. Immediately made me think, as well as her giving Niki dirty looks that 1. She had the hots for Gage herself or 2. She was in on it and knew the attackers.
This is the first time I've read this author. I see she's won a lot of awards. Good for her. Won't be winning any for this one, I hope, otherwise, my faith in the rewards-givers in the romance genre just went in the toilet.
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