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McClouds & Friends #9
One Wrong Move
When a ruthless crime syndicate wants social worker Nina Christie to disappear, her only chance to survive is with Alex Aaro.
Secrets Never Die
Alex Aaro has spent most of his life on the run from his ruthless, toxic family. But when he learns that crazy Aunt Tonya, the only relative who ever gave a damn about him, is dying, he risks returning home to say goodbye. He's prepared for anything except the call from his friend, Bruno Ranieri, that sends him on a wild and dangerous ride with a mysterious woman who holds a deadly secret and a white hot passion tht binds them together.
Social worker Nina Christie has no idea how much trouble she's in when her Aunt Helga shows up bleeding at her shelter, babbling in Ukrainian--and with one inexplicable act thrusts Nina into the heart of a nightmare. Now a ruthless crime syndicate will stop at nothing to make Nina disappear, and only Alex Aaro, that inscrutable six-foot-four rock hard slab of lean muscle, stands between her and certain death. Now Nina and Alex are in a race against time, death, and their desire for one another. . .
Secrets Never Die
Alex Aaro has spent most of his life on the run from his ruthless, toxic family. But when he learns that crazy Aunt Tonya, the only relative who ever gave a damn about him, is dying, he risks returning home to say goodbye. He's prepared for anything except the call from his friend, Bruno Ranieri, that sends him on a wild and dangerous ride with a mysterious woman who holds a deadly secret and a white hot passion tht binds them together.
Social worker Nina Christie has no idea how much trouble she's in when her Aunt Helga shows up bleeding at her shelter, babbling in Ukrainian--and with one inexplicable act thrusts Nina into the heart of a nightmare. Now a ruthless crime syndicate will stop at nothing to make Nina disappear, and only Alex Aaro, that inscrutable six-foot-four rock hard slab of lean muscle, stands between her and certain death. Now Nina and Alex are in a race against time, death, and their desire for one another. . .
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2012
62 people are currently reading
1684 people want to read
About the author
Shannon McKenna
123 books1,443 followersAlso wrote five category romances under the penname Shannon Anderson
::From The Author's Website::
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
I started writing my first romance novel in secret. I was working a temp job in an insurance office in Manhattan at the time, and the office manager had made it clear that even if there was nothing to do, I still had to look busy-- never one of my big talents. I felt bad about the wasted time, though, and I needed something to round out my other chosen career, which was singing. Yeah, that's right. Most artists choose a more practical Plan B to back up their improbable Plan A. Me? No way. "Long Shot" is my middle name.
So I sneakily set up a Document 1 and a Document 2 with a spreadsheet on it. If my Boss du Jour walked by I could quick-like-a-bunny switch screens, and whenever the coast was clear, I went back to my story. Not that I was slacking, mind you. If there was work to be done, I did it. The sneakiness felt familiar, though, because I've been teased about reading romances since I was a kid. I think the day I finally grew up was the day I stopped trying to cover up what I was reading on the bus, train or subway. Let people think whatever they like.
It wasn't until I moved to Italy (details of that Long Shot provided later on) that I got serious about writing, though. I found myself with many long, quiet days alone with nothing to do, so I slogged my way bravely to the end of the manuscript and sent it out. Everybody rejected it-except for Kensington. I wrote for them for a few years, and then made a bid for an erotic novella for the new Brava imprint, and oh joy, they accepted it. Then I wrote BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. And so on, and so forth.
That's how I started. I can't think of anything I'd rather do. I never knew it would be so scary, and so hard . . . all that solitude and silence, a blank computer screen, and no one to blame. But still. It's worth it. It's great.
::From The Author's Website::
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
I started writing my first romance novel in secret. I was working a temp job in an insurance office in Manhattan at the time, and the office manager had made it clear that even if there was nothing to do, I still had to look busy-- never one of my big talents. I felt bad about the wasted time, though, and I needed something to round out my other chosen career, which was singing. Yeah, that's right. Most artists choose a more practical Plan B to back up their improbable Plan A. Me? No way. "Long Shot" is my middle name.
So I sneakily set up a Document 1 and a Document 2 with a spreadsheet on it. If my Boss du Jour walked by I could quick-like-a-bunny switch screens, and whenever the coast was clear, I went back to my story. Not that I was slacking, mind you. If there was work to be done, I did it. The sneakiness felt familiar, though, because I've been teased about reading romances since I was a kid. I think the day I finally grew up was the day I stopped trying to cover up what I was reading on the bus, train or subway. Let people think whatever they like.
It wasn't until I moved to Italy (details of that Long Shot provided later on) that I got serious about writing, though. I found myself with many long, quiet days alone with nothing to do, so I slogged my way bravely to the end of the manuscript and sent it out. Everybody rejected it-except for Kensington. I wrote for them for a few years, and then made a bid for an erotic novella for the new Brava imprint, and oh joy, they accepted it. Then I wrote BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. And so on, and so forth.
That's how I started. I can't think of anything I'd rather do. I never knew it would be so scary, and so hard . . . all that solitude and silence, a blank computer screen, and no one to blame. But still. It's worth it. It's great.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
August 25, 2012
4.5 stars high calibre, high-octane romantic suspense.
This really is classic Shannon McKenna. If you’ve enjoyed the McCloud books up until now, you really won’t be disappointed. The plot is, as always, highly implausible and far-fetched but that’s what we’ve come to expect from Shannon McKenna and she really does do highly implausible and far-fetched better than anyone else in this genre, in my humble opinion. This book hits the ground at a sprint with action right from the very first page and doesn’t ease up until the last page is closed. If you’re looking for romantic suspense that is actually on-the edge-of-your seat-suspenseful - you’ll definitely find it here.
This time is the turn of Alex Aaro who we’ve met before in the books. He’s gruff, brusque, grumpy, broody, alpha and, of course, completely gorgeous. He’s a complete closed book – never letting any of his emotions see the light of day. He is in NYC and receives a call from Bruno that Nina, his wife Lily’s friend, is in trouble and asks that he helps her as he is nearby. Nina has been attacked and injected with an unknown drug and is in hospital and in need of protection. True to form Alex refuses as he has personal matters to attend to but soon gets dragged into Nina’s dilemma with guns blazing.
The drug Nina has been injected with has increased her psychic ability exponentially (I did mention far-fetched and implausible) and it turns out she has 3 days to find an anti-dote before the drug kills her which leads to a tight, action-packed journey for Nina and Alex as they fight to get the second drug in time, with many hurdles and enemies standing in their way.
Alex and Nina are both closed books emotionally. Nina, like many victims of abuse, is hiding her luscious curves beneath frumpy clothes and big geeky glasses and perfected the art of invisibility – people just walk on by without a second glance. The first time she meets Aaro, she falls into his arms naked, invisibility barrier down, and he cannot forget what he has seen and his developing feelings for her are breaking down his emotional walls he’s held strong for decades.
The urgency of Nina’s situation adds an intense pressure to their relationship and you feel their acute desperation that their very short time together may be rapidly running out.. Aaro, with his emotional barriers in ruins, finds himself consumed by his feelings for Nina as they hurtle from one disaster to the next. It’s beautifully done and, of course, it’s plenty steamy as we’ve come to expect in a McCloud Bros story. Alex Aaro has awesome staying power, if you know what I mean!
4.5 stars instead of 5, mostly for the terminology in the sex scenes. I’m not bothered in the slightest by the C word being used in erotic fiction, but it’s fairly unusual in main stream romantic suspense as a descriptive term. Also her use of the words muff, girl lube and cream really did make me giggle like a school-girl! I was expecting it – it’s always in a Shannon McKenna novel but it gets me every time!!
So, if you love action-packed, far-fetched suspense, nefarious villains, broody alpha heroes and feisty kickass heroines – I think you’ll love this.
For fans of the series you see plenty of Miles, Lily and Bruno, a small scene with Edie and Kev and Davy and Sean get mentions.
4.5 stars highly recommended romantic suspense
ARC courtesy of Kensington via NetGalley
For more of my reviews, please visit my Sinfully Sexy Book Blog
This really is classic Shannon McKenna. If you’ve enjoyed the McCloud books up until now, you really won’t be disappointed. The plot is, as always, highly implausible and far-fetched but that’s what we’ve come to expect from Shannon McKenna and she really does do highly implausible and far-fetched better than anyone else in this genre, in my humble opinion. This book hits the ground at a sprint with action right from the very first page and doesn’t ease up until the last page is closed. If you’re looking for romantic suspense that is actually on-the edge-of-your seat-suspenseful - you’ll definitely find it here.
This time is the turn of Alex Aaro who we’ve met before in the books. He’s gruff, brusque, grumpy, broody, alpha and, of course, completely gorgeous. He’s a complete closed book – never letting any of his emotions see the light of day. He is in NYC and receives a call from Bruno that Nina, his wife Lily’s friend, is in trouble and asks that he helps her as he is nearby. Nina has been attacked and injected with an unknown drug and is in hospital and in need of protection. True to form Alex refuses as he has personal matters to attend to but soon gets dragged into Nina’s dilemma with guns blazing.
The drug Nina has been injected with has increased her psychic ability exponentially (I did mention far-fetched and implausible) and it turns out she has 3 days to find an anti-dote before the drug kills her which leads to a tight, action-packed journey for Nina and Alex as they fight to get the second drug in time, with many hurdles and enemies standing in their way.
Alex and Nina are both closed books emotionally. Nina, like many victims of abuse, is hiding her luscious curves beneath frumpy clothes and big geeky glasses and perfected the art of invisibility – people just walk on by without a second glance. The first time she meets Aaro, she falls into his arms naked, invisibility barrier down, and he cannot forget what he has seen and his developing feelings for her are breaking down his emotional walls he’s held strong for decades.
The urgency of Nina’s situation adds an intense pressure to their relationship and you feel their acute desperation that their very short time together may be rapidly running out.. Aaro, with his emotional barriers in ruins, finds himself consumed by his feelings for Nina as they hurtle from one disaster to the next. It’s beautifully done and, of course, it’s plenty steamy as we’ve come to expect in a McCloud Bros story. Alex Aaro has awesome staying power, if you know what I mean!
4.5 stars instead of 5, mostly for the terminology in the sex scenes. I’m not bothered in the slightest by the C word being used in erotic fiction, but it’s fairly unusual in main stream romantic suspense as a descriptive term. Also her use of the words muff, girl lube and cream really did make me giggle like a school-girl! I was expecting it – it’s always in a Shannon McKenna novel but it gets me every time!!
So, if you love action-packed, far-fetched suspense, nefarious villains, broody alpha heroes and feisty kickass heroines – I think you’ll love this.
For fans of the series you see plenty of Miles, Lily and Bruno, a small scene with Edie and Kev and Davy and Sean get mentions.
4.5 stars highly recommended romantic suspense
ARC courtesy of Kensington via NetGalley
For more of my reviews, please visit my Sinfully Sexy Book Blog
August 27, 2012
One Wrong Move is great romantic suspense!!
Alex Aaro, heir apparent of his Ukrainian mafia family, has made a life for himself separate from the chaos and pain his father's business causes. However, he returns to New York upon hearing that his beloved Aunt is dying, if only to be able to say goodbye. As soon as he lands, he finds himself in the midst of a call-out for help from Bruno Ranieri. Bruno's wife's best friend is in dire straits and needs Aaro's help immediately. Torn between family and a request for help from a friend, Aaro eventually gives in and heads straight into a life and death adventure with social worker Nina Christie. Along the way, he discovers a passion that is not easily denied.
Social worker Nina Christie has been injected with an unknown drug, most disconcertingly by a close family friend. In addition, there are ruthless criminals tracking her every move who will stop at nothing to get rid of Nina. She is desperate and reaches out to her best friend for help. Now, the frightened but determined social worker not only has a group of mind-enhanced and murderous criminals after her, but Alex Aaro as well. The only difference? Alex is on her side, and is the only thing standing between her and certain death. The surprising passion she feels for him takes her breath away. But, while she trusts him to protect her, can she trust what she feels for him as well?
This is a fun, sexy, fast-paced, exciting read from one of my favorite authors, Shannon McKenna! The characters are well developed, and the story, as usual, is very interesting and well written. Alex Aaro is a fabulously sexy, brooding alpha male, and Nina Christie, as his counterpart, is smart, sassy and a little bit vulnerable. They are a terrific combination, and the sparks leap off the page from their first encounter. These two have quite an adventure together throughout the course of this book, in bed and out!
Shannon McKenna always delivers with her trademark sensuality, suspense and just the right amount of edge. This book is certainly no exception!
4 Stars!
**The release date for One Wrong Move is September 25, 2012.
***My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this early.
Alex Aaro, heir apparent of his Ukrainian mafia family, has made a life for himself separate from the chaos and pain his father's business causes. However, he returns to New York upon hearing that his beloved Aunt is dying, if only to be able to say goodbye. As soon as he lands, he finds himself in the midst of a call-out for help from Bruno Ranieri. Bruno's wife's best friend is in dire straits and needs Aaro's help immediately. Torn between family and a request for help from a friend, Aaro eventually gives in and heads straight into a life and death adventure with social worker Nina Christie. Along the way, he discovers a passion that is not easily denied.
Social worker Nina Christie has been injected with an unknown drug, most disconcertingly by a close family friend. In addition, there are ruthless criminals tracking her every move who will stop at nothing to get rid of Nina. She is desperate and reaches out to her best friend for help. Now, the frightened but determined social worker not only has a group of mind-enhanced and murderous criminals after her, but Alex Aaro as well. The only difference? Alex is on her side, and is the only thing standing between her and certain death. The surprising passion she feels for him takes her breath away. But, while she trusts him to protect her, can she trust what she feels for him as well?
This is a fun, sexy, fast-paced, exciting read from one of my favorite authors, Shannon McKenna! The characters are well developed, and the story, as usual, is very interesting and well written. Alex Aaro is a fabulously sexy, brooding alpha male, and Nina Christie, as his counterpart, is smart, sassy and a little bit vulnerable. They are a terrific combination, and the sparks leap off the page from their first encounter. These two have quite an adventure together throughout the course of this book, in bed and out!
Shannon McKenna always delivers with her trademark sensuality, suspense and just the right amount of edge. This book is certainly no exception!
4 Stars!
**The release date for One Wrong Move is September 25, 2012.
***My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this early.
October 31, 2012
If you're a fan of Shannon McKenna (I am I am!), you're going to like (maybe love) this book. She gives you your typical McKenna asshat hero with a sweet, vulnerable side in Alex Aaro--probably one of the most surly, hardass McKenna heroes in a while! "Aaro" (as he is referred) is the son of a Ukranian mobster, who hasn't seen his family (mainly his creepy, "controlling" dying father and his jealous cousin Dmitri) in nearly 21 years and wants nothing to do with them or their ways. Aaro is 37-ish, a former Army Ranger and a buddy of Davy McCloud, and has been in previous books helping out the McClouds. Anyway, he gets his own story told here when McCloud adoptive brother Bruno Ranieri (Blood and Fire) taps him for a favor. Would he translate a message that Ranieri friend Nina Christie received from an old Ukranian friend of the family? Nina's in trouble in NYC with some scary people following her and got zapped with a drug from her Ukranian friend (who is now comatose)--would Aaro also be her temporary bodyguard? It just so happens that Aaro is heading that way to visit his dying aunt, but he wants nothing to do with helping out a friend of Bruno's soon-to-be wife Lily, no matter that he owes Bruno big time for a screw-up on his part that nearly cost him his life. But you know how these things go--Aaro does get involved--big time, and ends up running for his life with the curvy, hiding-her-light-under-the-bushel social worker Nina in tow. Major sparks fly (Aaro is a blunt dirty-talker and that does all kinds of things to Nina), Aaro and Nina find out the truth behind a mind control drug and it's connection to Aaro's family and Nina, and of course, Aaro is brought to his knees for his love for the spunky Nina.
He may not be Connor McCloud, but Alex Aaro is one big (6'4", 230) sexy bad a**...
Lots of goodies in this one. Snappy, sexy, argumentative dialogue between the hero and heroine as they fight their attraction for each other; a creepy plot about an ambitious politician and a mind control drug (seems to be a favorite theme from SMcK--that and having some of the bad guys be Russian mobsters) and a really, really fast pace (the story takes place in less than a week's time). Once again, as in all her books, McKenna makes the sex-turning-to-love scenes between Aaro and Nina super sexy and white hot, and provides just enough balance between the suspense and the romance.
Aaro's declaration of love...:
"You see what I am, right? When you look inside?
No secrets, right?"
"Yes, but what I meant was--"
"You see that I'm a rude, bad-tempered, suspicious, oversexed butthead? With zero moral values, and a pathologically bad attitude?"
"Ah...yeah, but I also see that you're--"
"I'm all fucked up," he forged on. "I'm going to piss you off on an hourly basis, if not more. But I love you."
I like how the H/h both had issues with their childhoods, and SMcK explored those issues enough to explain their actions (although I'll admit I could have read more about both their pasts). I really admired the heroine, Nina. She was tough, smart, and courageous, and became more confident with Aaro's growing love for her. I loved how she "scolded" him (and loved how he loved it!) and took no guff from him. I felt these two were truly equal partners in every sense of the word. She may have started out as a "damsel in distress", but she more than pulled her weight as the story went along.
What's that? A smile? Alex Aaro never smiles...until he meets Nina...
Nina no longer makes her looks 'invisible' with Aaro's love...
My only problem with the book? Where was the epilogue? I realize SMcK left a few threads dangling (what about poor Miles--who by the way was a revelation in this book and I can't wait to read his story) and maybe she couldn't tell a proper epilogue without getting into Miles's story, but I still felt the story ended a bit abruptly. Just give me a couple more paragraphs about Nina and Aaro! Although that scene at the end on the beach...(*sigh*) For all you McCloud Family and Friends fans, you'll enjoy this one and I'll bet you'll be looking forward to Miles's story. 4 1/2 stars
He may not be Connor McCloud, but Alex Aaro is one big (6'4", 230) sexy bad a**...
Lots of goodies in this one. Snappy, sexy, argumentative dialogue between the hero and heroine as they fight their attraction for each other; a creepy plot about an ambitious politician and a mind control drug (seems to be a favorite theme from SMcK--that and having some of the bad guys be Russian mobsters) and a really, really fast pace (the story takes place in less than a week's time). Once again, as in all her books, McKenna makes the sex-turning-to-love scenes between Aaro and Nina super sexy and white hot, and provides just enough balance between the suspense and the romance.
Aaro's declaration of love...:
"You see what I am, right? When you look inside?
No secrets, right?"
"Yes, but what I meant was--"
"You see that I'm a rude, bad-tempered, suspicious, oversexed butthead? With zero moral values, and a pathologically bad attitude?"
"Ah...yeah, but I also see that you're--"
"I'm all fucked up," he forged on. "I'm going to piss you off on an hourly basis, if not more. But I love you."
I like how the H/h both had issues with their childhoods, and SMcK explored those issues enough to explain their actions (although I'll admit I could have read more about both their pasts). I really admired the heroine, Nina. She was tough, smart, and courageous, and became more confident with Aaro's growing love for her. I loved how she "scolded" him (and loved how he loved it!) and took no guff from him. I felt these two were truly equal partners in every sense of the word. She may have started out as a "damsel in distress", but she more than pulled her weight as the story went along.
What's that? A smile? Alex Aaro never smiles...until he meets Nina...
Nina no longer makes her looks 'invisible' with Aaro's love...
My only problem with the book? Where was the epilogue? I realize SMcK left a few threads dangling (what about poor Miles--who by the way was a revelation in this book and I can't wait to read his story) and maybe she couldn't tell a proper epilogue without getting into Miles's story, but I still felt the story ended a bit abruptly. Just give me a couple more paragraphs about Nina and Aaro! Although that scene at the end on the beach...(*sigh*) For all you McCloud Family and Friends fans, you'll enjoy this one and I'll bet you'll be looking forward to Miles's story. 4 1/2 stars
April 27, 2013
Story Rating 4 Stars
Character Rating 4 Stars
Romance Rating 4 Stars
Heat Level 4 Stars
Overall Rating 4 Stars
WOW what a wild ride that was. It was a very interesting but somewhat crazy story line, that kept me very entertained. Of course this was a HOT one in the heat category, it's Shannon McKenna after all. Loved that Shannon added some of the other characters from this series to this book and let us know what is going on in their lives too. The ending was not as good as I wanted it to be despite that it ended happy, kind of. I hope the next book is Miles because we were left not really knowing what is going on with him and besides we have all been wanting his book and now I feel that he's all buff and tuff he's ready for his own book. So Shannon bring him on.
Character Rating 4 Stars
Romance Rating 4 Stars
Heat Level 4 Stars
Overall Rating 4 Stars
WOW what a wild ride that was. It was a very interesting but somewhat crazy story line, that kept me very entertained. Of course this was a HOT one in the heat category, it's Shannon McKenna after all. Loved that Shannon added some of the other characters from this series to this book and let us know what is going on in their lives too. The ending was not as good as I wanted it to be despite that it ended happy, kind of. I hope the next book is Miles because we were left not really knowing what is going on with him and besides we have all been wanting his book and now I feel that he's all buff and tuff he's ready for his own book. So Shannon bring him on.
October 5, 2012
Nina and Aaro
Good installment to this series. Aaro has a dirty mouth. Me likey.
Full review on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Right before I started One Wrong Move I got an email from fellow FV reviewer, Amy, asking about the book. She said Mandi had told her the hero was a dirty talker. Of course this peaked my interest. I quickly found out that Aaro is a dirty thinker AND talker, to the extreme. I lurve him.
“If we play now, then when I get you to the hotel room, you’ll be ready,” he said. “What I want requires a locked door, a whole lot of girl lube, and ideally, sound proof walls, though its probably too much to hope from a mid-range hotel. And after a few hours of what I’ve got in mind, you won’t be accusing me of altruism anymore.”
She blinked at him, intimidated. “Um. That sounds alarming.”
“It’ll be awesome. But it’ll be very mutual. I’m a calculating, selfish dickhead, but I do excel in a few things. One is kicking asses. The other I can demonstrate to you right now. Say the word.”
Since I could spend all day quoting Alex, I should probably stop and tell you a little about the book too. On her way to work one day, Nina Christie, is stopped by a family friend who is in some trouble. While trying to figure out what the problem is Nina is stabbed with a syringe and injected with a drug. She does not know what the drug is and because her friend is speaking in another language she has no way to find out. She called 911 when she first saw her friend so she has a recording, she just needs someone to translate it.
Enter Alex Aaro. He is in New York to visit his dying Aunt Tonya. He is long estranged from his family to the point where he has a new identity so they will never find him. By being in New York he is taking a huge chance that they will finally pull him back in. When Bruno, a friend and hero from a previous McKenna book, calls him and asks him to translate the 911 call he says no. He owes Bruno a huge favor so maybe once he is done seeing his aunt he will look Nina up and translate then.
Things quickly go to hell in a handbasket when Nina is accosted at the hospital by zombies, ok they are not real zombies but whatever she was injected with has caused her to think they are. They are really people who are trying to get Nina’s family friend and find out what she has done with the serum she injected Nina with. The serum is something that will cause psi powers in the person who takes it. Nina’s family friend is the only person who can make the serum and they need her back. She has created a max version of the drug and they want it. It has proven to be more powerful than anything she has created before and allows the user to not need a constant re-dose.
Aaro finally hooks up with Nina when she on the run. They translate the call and find out that it is a binary serum meaning Nina was given dose A and will need dose B within several days otherwise she will lose her mind. Aaro is determined not to be involved with this cluster and wants to dump her off with Bruno’s protective guard. That isn’t how it works out and Nina and Aaro on on the run, fighting for their lives, together.
The psi part of the book was a little off, for me. Both the H/h have their own abilities on top of the ones that Nina has developed with the drug. Aaro has spent his life denying the abilities and Nina knows she has some but doesn’t necessarily know why they work. Aaro’s father has a very strong psi ability that made me wonder if we will see him/them in another book.
I loved the H/h in this book. Nina is facing certain death but she doesn’t whine or cry about it. She is pretty strong and gives Aaro grief any chance she can get. Aaro is a jackass and pretty unapologetic about it. After they have sex for the first time he freaks out and Nina bitch slaps him back into shape by having sex with him again. The whole scene is quite comical. Nina has a handle on how to manage Aaro which is something it doesn’t seem that even Aaro knows how to do.
Like I mentioned about Aaro has a filthy mouth and filthy mind. It is great. Ms McKenna did a fabulous job writing Aaro. He should have been unlikable but he was the exact opposite. His jerkiness made me like him more.
The plot is neat and tidy in that Aaro’s family is also involved in the psi part. As with all Ms. McKenna’s books there is heart stopping action to the end. You are left wondering how things can possibly work out, but they do. To be honest, I read this book for Aaro and Nina. The plot was an interesting side bit and was fast-moving, but it wasn’t what held my main interest. These two characters are worth the book and their sex scenes are really worth the book! I encourage everyone to read One Wrong Move! The book is part of a larger series, The McClouds, but you don’t need to have read any of the others to get this one. It is a stand-alone. I would say that if you are looking for fast-paced, hot romantic suspense though, go back and read this series. Final grade- B
Favorite Quotes:
He’d just pretend this was normal. Gunfights, pulling zaftig naked girls with bouncing tits out of closets. No biggie. All in a day’s work. Nina Christie did not need his engorged prick bobbing hopefully in her direction. She needed a hot cup of tea, a shot of Demerol, a trauma therapist. A police escort.
Bummer for her. All she had was him.
and
“Shhhh.” He spun, scanning the area. “Shit,” he muttered.
“What?” She twirled too, but heard nothing and saw nothing.
“They’re watching us,” he said. “They’ll follow.”
She looked around wildly. “But where? I don’t see-”
“Me either,” he said. ” I feel them. They make my balls itch.”
“Oh,” she said inanely. “Must be nice to have an early warning system. Are you sure it’s not just a fungus?”
Good installment to this series. Aaro has a dirty mouth. Me likey.
Full review on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Right before I started One Wrong Move I got an email from fellow FV reviewer, Amy, asking about the book. She said Mandi had told her the hero was a dirty talker. Of course this peaked my interest. I quickly found out that Aaro is a dirty thinker AND talker, to the extreme. I lurve him.
“If we play now, then when I get you to the hotel room, you’ll be ready,” he said. “What I want requires a locked door, a whole lot of girl lube, and ideally, sound proof walls, though its probably too much to hope from a mid-range hotel. And after a few hours of what I’ve got in mind, you won’t be accusing me of altruism anymore.”
She blinked at him, intimidated. “Um. That sounds alarming.”
“It’ll be awesome. But it’ll be very mutual. I’m a calculating, selfish dickhead, but I do excel in a few things. One is kicking asses. The other I can demonstrate to you right now. Say the word.”
Since I could spend all day quoting Alex, I should probably stop and tell you a little about the book too. On her way to work one day, Nina Christie, is stopped by a family friend who is in some trouble. While trying to figure out what the problem is Nina is stabbed with a syringe and injected with a drug. She does not know what the drug is and because her friend is speaking in another language she has no way to find out. She called 911 when she first saw her friend so she has a recording, she just needs someone to translate it.
Enter Alex Aaro. He is in New York to visit his dying Aunt Tonya. He is long estranged from his family to the point where he has a new identity so they will never find him. By being in New York he is taking a huge chance that they will finally pull him back in. When Bruno, a friend and hero from a previous McKenna book, calls him and asks him to translate the 911 call he says no. He owes Bruno a huge favor so maybe once he is done seeing his aunt he will look Nina up and translate then.
Things quickly go to hell in a handbasket when Nina is accosted at the hospital by zombies, ok they are not real zombies but whatever she was injected with has caused her to think they are. They are really people who are trying to get Nina’s family friend and find out what she has done with the serum she injected Nina with. The serum is something that will cause psi powers in the person who takes it. Nina’s family friend is the only person who can make the serum and they need her back. She has created a max version of the drug and they want it. It has proven to be more powerful than anything she has created before and allows the user to not need a constant re-dose.
Aaro finally hooks up with Nina when she on the run. They translate the call and find out that it is a binary serum meaning Nina was given dose A and will need dose B within several days otherwise she will lose her mind. Aaro is determined not to be involved with this cluster and wants to dump her off with Bruno’s protective guard. That isn’t how it works out and Nina and Aaro on on the run, fighting for their lives, together.
The psi part of the book was a little off, for me. Both the H/h have their own abilities on top of the ones that Nina has developed with the drug. Aaro has spent his life denying the abilities and Nina knows she has some but doesn’t necessarily know why they work. Aaro’s father has a very strong psi ability that made me wonder if we will see him/them in another book.
I loved the H/h in this book. Nina is facing certain death but she doesn’t whine or cry about it. She is pretty strong and gives Aaro grief any chance she can get. Aaro is a jackass and pretty unapologetic about it. After they have sex for the first time he freaks out and Nina bitch slaps him back into shape by having sex with him again. The whole scene is quite comical. Nina has a handle on how to manage Aaro which is something it doesn’t seem that even Aaro knows how to do.
Like I mentioned about Aaro has a filthy mouth and filthy mind. It is great. Ms McKenna did a fabulous job writing Aaro. He should have been unlikable but he was the exact opposite. His jerkiness made me like him more.
The plot is neat and tidy in that Aaro’s family is also involved in the psi part. As with all Ms. McKenna’s books there is heart stopping action to the end. You are left wondering how things can possibly work out, but they do. To be honest, I read this book for Aaro and Nina. The plot was an interesting side bit and was fast-moving, but it wasn’t what held my main interest. These two characters are worth the book and their sex scenes are really worth the book! I encourage everyone to read One Wrong Move! The book is part of a larger series, The McClouds, but you don’t need to have read any of the others to get this one. It is a stand-alone. I would say that if you are looking for fast-paced, hot romantic suspense though, go back and read this series. Final grade- B
Favorite Quotes:
He’d just pretend this was normal. Gunfights, pulling zaftig naked girls with bouncing tits out of closets. No biggie. All in a day’s work. Nina Christie did not need his engorged prick bobbing hopefully in her direction. She needed a hot cup of tea, a shot of Demerol, a trauma therapist. A police escort.
Bummer for her. All she had was him.
and
“Shhhh.” He spun, scanning the area. “Shit,” he muttered.
“What?” She twirled too, but heard nothing and saw nothing.
“They’re watching us,” he said. “They’ll follow.”
She looked around wildly. “But where? I don’t see-”
“Me either,” he said. ” I feel them. They make my balls itch.”
“Oh,” she said inanely. “Must be nice to have an early warning system. Are you sure it’s not just a fungus?”
October 11, 2014
Where to start...first, a huge thank you Shannon for her interview with us last year and the complimentary copy of Bruno and Lily's book, Blood and Fire. It goes without saying how much I love have the ARC and someone notices and asks me when it came out and I say, not for a few months! So when this beautiful book arrived, I was ecstatic. I have been looking forward to Aaro's story for so long.
Who is Alex Aaro? Not who he says he is, not who his friends know him as, and certainly never what his family wants him to be. But what we do know, is what he looks like...his looks are described in such detail. It is hard to get a handle on whether he is handsome, ruggedly beautiful or that ugly gorgeous (like Billy Bob Thorton and Gary Oldman)...the angles, the hair, the height and severe leanness over muscle, mmm, mouth watering! But his life has been built on a lie and he continues to live because he has gone no where near New York City. But Alex finds himself flying from Seattle to NYC to visit his dying aunt, his beloved Aunt Tonya.
Nina can feel trouble, so when a strange woman stalks her down in the middle of the street, Nina freaks and runs. But the haggard woman is fast and strong. Just as Nina realizes who the woman is, Nina is plunged into darkness and a hallucinogenic world that she cannot comprehend. Scared out of her mind, running from people she doesn't even know why are chasing her, Nina calls her only friend, Lily. As the McClouds put pressure on Alex to help Nina since he is minutes away from her and they are on the other side of the continent, dark forces begin to align against these two and throw them head long onto a destructive course. Yup, a classic McCloud Cluster----event.
While I was on the edge of my seat (with my heart in the throat), I was hoping for even more crazy, risking life and limb sex. Alex has been such an enigma for me for some time, I loved seeing him break down his barriers and hunger for Nina in a way he could not understand and would not explain. Nina, quite literally burned for him. She shook with need whenever he was near, yet fought evil for the man who had her back and was a little like my girl-crush Tam.
Now speaking of Tam..what the heck? She was no where to be seen, not even a little gifty of a poisoned hair pin in the gala outfit for Nina??? So, imagine my surprise when there was also no wedding. Seriously, one of my favorite parts of any McCloud book has been the jacked up scenes unfolding at a wedding. Kind of like death at a funeral, the hijinx at a McCloud wedding has always makes me laugh and a favorite story theme. So, no wedding, no Tamara. Sad for me...but the story was still really amazing!
If you have not started the McCloud and Friends series, you seriously DO NOT KNOW what you are missing. She has truly hard, ex-military/operative, uber alpha men, with intense sexual appetites and even stronger appetites for brutality and violence (only on those who hurt those they call friend and lover). These stories are fast paced, smart and full of deeply moving, albeit sometimes terrifying, story lines. To quote another who commented on Shannon McKenna's writing, "I quite simply love the way she writes". Try "Hot Night" one of McKenna's stand alone books to get a feel for her...I loved that book. Then jump into "Behind Closed Doors", the first in the McCloud series. Seth and Raine are amazing...Enjoy!
P.S. Cindy, if I see you out and about with that Aengus fellow, I will become violent. Miles, you big, hunk of a man, I knew you were special...but that special, right on man! I do believe the next installment will be Miles and Lara's story (even though I really want Sveti and our cop)...Write faster Shannon, because I just love these guys! Enjoy!
Who is Alex Aaro? Not who he says he is, not who his friends know him as, and certainly never what his family wants him to be. But what we do know, is what he looks like...his looks are described in such detail. It is hard to get a handle on whether he is handsome, ruggedly beautiful or that ugly gorgeous (like Billy Bob Thorton and Gary Oldman)...the angles, the hair, the height and severe leanness over muscle, mmm, mouth watering! But his life has been built on a lie and he continues to live because he has gone no where near New York City. But Alex finds himself flying from Seattle to NYC to visit his dying aunt, his beloved Aunt Tonya.
Nina can feel trouble, so when a strange woman stalks her down in the middle of the street, Nina freaks and runs. But the haggard woman is fast and strong. Just as Nina realizes who the woman is, Nina is plunged into darkness and a hallucinogenic world that she cannot comprehend. Scared out of her mind, running from people she doesn't even know why are chasing her, Nina calls her only friend, Lily. As the McClouds put pressure on Alex to help Nina since he is minutes away from her and they are on the other side of the continent, dark forces begin to align against these two and throw them head long onto a destructive course. Yup, a classic McCloud Cluster----event.
While I was on the edge of my seat (with my heart in the throat), I was hoping for even more crazy, risking life and limb sex. Alex has been such an enigma for me for some time, I loved seeing him break down his barriers and hunger for Nina in a way he could not understand and would not explain. Nina, quite literally burned for him. She shook with need whenever he was near, yet fought evil for the man who had her back and was a little like my girl-crush Tam.
Now speaking of Tam..what the heck? She was no where to be seen, not even a little gifty of a poisoned hair pin in the gala outfit for Nina??? So, imagine my surprise when there was also no wedding. Seriously, one of my favorite parts of any McCloud book has been the jacked up scenes unfolding at a wedding. Kind of like death at a funeral, the hijinx at a McCloud wedding has always makes me laugh and a favorite story theme. So, no wedding, no Tamara. Sad for me...but the story was still really amazing!
If you have not started the McCloud and Friends series, you seriously DO NOT KNOW what you are missing. She has truly hard, ex-military/operative, uber alpha men, with intense sexual appetites and even stronger appetites for brutality and violence (only on those who hurt those they call friend and lover). These stories are fast paced, smart and full of deeply moving, albeit sometimes terrifying, story lines. To quote another who commented on Shannon McKenna's writing, "I quite simply love the way she writes". Try "Hot Night" one of McKenna's stand alone books to get a feel for her...I loved that book. Then jump into "Behind Closed Doors", the first in the McCloud series. Seth and Raine are amazing...Enjoy!
P.S. Cindy, if I see you out and about with that Aengus fellow, I will become violent. Miles, you big, hunk of a man, I knew you were special...but that special, right on man! I do believe the next installment will be Miles and Lara's story (even though I really want Sveti and our cop)...Write faster Shannon, because I just love these guys! Enjoy!
June 2, 2013
Weak 3 stars. I wasn’t drawn in enough. This plot/topic is wearing out. Author needs a fresh idea.
I love this author’s voice, her writing style, her characters, and her gritty sex scenes. But she needs something new to write about. This was similar to what she did in previous books - drugs enhance psychic abilities. Bad guys use drugs which give them powers to read minds, coerce, and torture others mentally. They take hostages. It was ok and I liked the sex scenes, but it wasn’t as good as her early books - those done prior to 2009.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 411 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: about 8. Setting: current day various U.S. locations. Copyright: 2012. Genre: romantic suspense.
I love this author’s voice, her writing style, her characters, and her gritty sex scenes. But she needs something new to write about. This was similar to what she did in previous books - drugs enhance psychic abilities. Bad guys use drugs which give them powers to read minds, coerce, and torture others mentally. They take hostages. It was ok and I liked the sex scenes, but it wasn’t as good as her early books - those done prior to 2009.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 411 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: about 8. Setting: current day various U.S. locations. Copyright: 2012. Genre: romantic suspense.
July 11, 2012
This was such a good book. Everything a girl could want in a romantic suspense book. Highly recommend.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine in the October Issue: http://affairedecoeur.com.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine in the October Issue: http://affairedecoeur.com.
August 13, 2012
I'm going to save some people some time here: If you don't like over-the-top, overexaggerated, high-octane, kind of crazy stuff in your romance novels, then please skip the rest of this review and move on. Shannon McKenna is not, I think, for you. There are plenty of romantic suspense series for you. Nora Roberts has some good ones. Start there.
Still here? Me too. I can't explain why, but Shannon McKenna's particular brand of crazysauce just does it for me. Her heroes are so alpha it's amazing they can form sentences, and yet they are beyond head-over-heels for the heroine. The heroine is perfectly imperfect. She's smart, kind of tough (not too tough, with the exception of Tam, but tough enough that you don't want to slap her for being useless), beautiful in a quiet way that somehow the rest of the world manages to miss until the hero comes along. Usually. And the villains! The villains are absolute evil. No redeeming qualities there. Which is good, because it would defeat the purpose if you felt sad when the alpha hero (again, usually) destroyed him in some way that has you bugging your eyes out and asking "seriously!?!"
There's lots of cursing. Lots of brutal violence. Lots of explicit sex. This book, and indeed all of Shannon McKenna's writing, is not for the faint of heart. These books are not sweet. These books are not subtle. That is exactly the point.
As for this book in particular, McKenna is in fine form. This installation reminds me most, of all the books, of my favorite: Extreme Danger. The heroine has been dragged unsuspectingly into some crazy Russian mafia/crazy drug dealer insanity involving mind reading, and the hero is off to save her life. Thanks, of course, to her association with the McCloud team. The enforced closeness allows the sexy sexing to start off early, while the crazy Russian mafia allows for the messed-up, eyeball-exploding violence. And they're off. Fans of McKenna should be well pleased. I was.
Does this review make me sound completely unevolved? I think it does. Hmm. Oh, well. I had enough fun to make it worth the hit to my cred.
**A free copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Still here? Me too. I can't explain why, but Shannon McKenna's particular brand of crazysauce just does it for me. Her heroes are so alpha it's amazing they can form sentences, and yet they are beyond head-over-heels for the heroine. The heroine is perfectly imperfect. She's smart, kind of tough (not too tough, with the exception of Tam, but tough enough that you don't want to slap her for being useless), beautiful in a quiet way that somehow the rest of the world manages to miss until the hero comes along. Usually. And the villains! The villains are absolute evil. No redeeming qualities there. Which is good, because it would defeat the purpose if you felt sad when the alpha hero (again, usually) destroyed him in some way that has you bugging your eyes out and asking "seriously!?!"
There's lots of cursing. Lots of brutal violence. Lots of explicit sex. This book, and indeed all of Shannon McKenna's writing, is not for the faint of heart. These books are not sweet. These books are not subtle. That is exactly the point.
As for this book in particular, McKenna is in fine form. This installation reminds me most, of all the books, of my favorite: Extreme Danger. The heroine has been dragged unsuspectingly into some crazy Russian mafia/crazy drug dealer insanity involving mind reading, and the hero is off to save her life. Thanks, of course, to her association with the McCloud team. The enforced closeness allows the sexy sexing to start off early, while the crazy Russian mafia allows for the messed-up, eyeball-exploding violence. And they're off. Fans of McKenna should be well pleased. I was.
Does this review make me sound completely unevolved? I think it does. Hmm. Oh, well. I had enough fun to make it worth the hit to my cred.
**A free copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
May 19, 2013
The ninth book in Shannon McKenna's exciting McCloud & Friends series. Nina Christie is a social worker who dresses to be invisible. Issues from her past have caused her to be wary of being noticed. One day she is being followed and grabs her phone and calls 9-1-1. At that moment, a woman jumps out of a car and injects her. Alex Aaro is back in town to see his dying aunt. She is the only one in his family that he cares about. But Bruno Ranieri needs Aaro to do one tiny favor. He refuses. His aunt comes first. So Nina ends up at the hospital along with Helga, the woman who injected her with something. The doctor has examined her and now she is waiting for protection from Bruno, her best friend Lily's fiance, to arrive. While waiting in the hospital two baddies show up and she escapes...
Okay I will agree with the other reviewers that the plot is really far-fetched. I don't want to give any spoilers so I won't get into that. Otherwise, the romance was hot, even though Aaro was a real jerk at times. But Nina wasn't a timid little thing herself. She held her own. Almost a contradiction in some ways. But it was fast-paced, exciting and steamy. While I knew basically how it was going to end I did get a few surprises on the way. Fans of Shannon McKenna won't be disappointed.
Okay I will agree with the other reviewers that the plot is really far-fetched. I don't want to give any spoilers so I won't get into that. Otherwise, the romance was hot, even though Aaro was a real jerk at times. But Nina wasn't a timid little thing herself. She held her own. Almost a contradiction in some ways. But it was fast-paced, exciting and steamy. While I knew basically how it was going to end I did get a few surprises on the way. Fans of Shannon McKenna won't be disappointed.
October 13, 2012
**3 1/2 stars**
This one was just alright for me. It definitely had Shannon McKenna's signature steamy sex scenes, yummy alpha male hero, likeable heroine, and creepy villain(s), which i love! I just didn't care for the storyline this time around...it was kind of uninteresting to me and i felt that the "falling in love" happened WAY too quickly (as in a couple days), it felt a little rushed. I was also kind of sad that we didn't get any of the past characters in this one..there was a little bit of Bruno and Lily here and there and Kev and Edie showed up at the very end, but that was it...no one else made an appearance and that is something that i have always loved about this series, SM would always bring back the whole crew to help out in these crazy situations.
Hopefully the next book will go back to the way the past books have been (for me anyways). I've always loved geeky Miles and it sure looks like it may be his turn for a HEA, i can't wait! :)
This one was just alright for me. It definitely had Shannon McKenna's signature steamy sex scenes, yummy alpha male hero, likeable heroine, and creepy villain(s), which i love! I just didn't care for the storyline this time around...it was kind of uninteresting to me and i felt that the "falling in love" happened WAY too quickly (as in a couple days), it felt a little rushed. I was also kind of sad that we didn't get any of the past characters in this one..there was a little bit of Bruno and Lily here and there and Kev and Edie showed up at the very end, but that was it...no one else made an appearance and that is something that i have always loved about this series, SM would always bring back the whole crew to help out in these crazy situations.
Hopefully the next book will go back to the way the past books have been (for me anyways). I've always loved geeky Miles and it sure looks like it may be his turn for a HEA, i can't wait! :)
September 25, 2012
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: 3.5/5
The story starts right out with a bang. Nina is cornered by a friend and injected with a drug that enhances mental abilities. She’s given part one of a two dose drug, the catch is now she has to find the location of the second dose or she dies within 4-5 days. Her best friend Lily has connections to the McClouds, who in turn are owed a favor by Aaro, who happens to be in Nina’s town on his way to visit his dying Aunt. The last thing he wants to do is get in the middle of this and refuses at first, but he gets drawn in none the less and tries to piece together clues to find the second dose for Nina.
If there’s one thing that you’re guaranteed to get with this series, it’s the over the top characters, both good and bad guys and a crazy plot, but I always enjoy it no matter how out there it gets. One Wrong Move is no different, especially when it comes to the pairing of Aaro and Nina. Aaro is crude, dirty, harsh, an ass, and I really don’t know why I ended up liking this guy, but I did. Ultimately, his attitude was a just a big cover, hiding the guy he truly is, but also…he really is just a dirty talking, rude at times, hero. He doesn’t apologize for it either, unless it’s to Nina. Nina is his polar opposite. Suffering abuse as a girl from her step dad, she hides herself in baggy clothes, long boring hair, big glasses and her goal is always to blend in. They are the ultimate odd couple, but they don’t waste time denying their attraction to have hot, crazy sex. All the time. They’re a sexy couple, but a few times I kept thinking, ok Nina is down to two days left before the drug kills her and they’re more interested in sex against a wall instead of working the clues, trying to find their next break. That aside, I liked Nina coming into her own and she does it with Aaro’s help. She goes from a shell of a woman to someone fierce who uses her abilities (more on that later) to her advantage. Aaro, he’s a tough one. I liked him for how raw he is, he says what he thinks, he’s mean about it even, but Nina gets under his skin and I always like seeing a guy fall hard because of one woman.
Bruno let out a sharp sigh. “How’d you do it, man? I thought…I thought you guys were dead meat. I thought we’d killed you.”
“I didn’t.” Aaro said.
“Huh?”
“They kicked my ass,” Aaro said. “I got rolled in duct tape and shoved into the trunk of a car. Nina did it. She got me out of there.”
“But she…but how…?”
“I don’t know. All I know is, she is the wild warrior goddess with the flaming sword of righteousness. Do not mess with her, man, or she will fuck you up.”
The bad guys, there are multiple to choose from this go around, made my skin crawl. There’s something about how McKenna writes her baddies that are equally intriguing and disgusting, yet I can’t stop reading, needing more. It’s a crazy combination, but we have men and a woman hopped up on drugs that give each of them different mental enhancements from mind reading to putting suggestions in other people’s heads and all aspects of mental persuasion. Poor Nina goes through the ringer, being threatened with rape, being held at gun point half naked, the bad guys are insane, their actions are outrageous at times and while you know you’re getting an HEA, there’s still always a question about who’s going to die and who’s going to get caught in the middle. Poor Miles was that character in this one.
Miles has been in the background for many books and I was shocked to hear what’s happening with his love life, or lack thereof. I feel so bad for this guy and he ends up in a horrible place at the end of this one. But, I think the ground work has been laid for him to finally get his own story and his (potential) heroine needs his help. At least I hope all signs are leading towards this for him. He needs some goodness after all he’s forced to endure in this one.
As I already mentioned, there is an element of supernatural abilities that some of the characters have. It’s mainly centered around mind reading, or mind raping in the case of the bad guys. Nina can make herself literally go unnoticed while Aaro has abilities that he’s never allowed himself to tap into. The story had so much going on be it the suspenseful plot or intense hero/heroine sex that the mental enhancements tended to blend in with everything else and didn’t stand out so much in a bad way that sometimes happens for me when these elements are added in to a contemporary story.
Overall I liked this story but it was at times very over the top and the romance is the definition of a whirlwind, spanning about two days, which isn’t usually something that works for me. I enjoyed Nina from the start and seeing her come into her own as the story went along. Aaro took longer for me to like. He’s a little too crude and mean at the beginning for me to really get him, but I did like him more as the story unfolded and as Nina started to work her way into his life. Fans of the McCloud Brothers series will enjoy this one and I’m left looking forward to getting more about Miles.
Blog rating: 3.5/5
The story starts right out with a bang. Nina is cornered by a friend and injected with a drug that enhances mental abilities. She’s given part one of a two dose drug, the catch is now she has to find the location of the second dose or she dies within 4-5 days. Her best friend Lily has connections to the McClouds, who in turn are owed a favor by Aaro, who happens to be in Nina’s town on his way to visit his dying Aunt. The last thing he wants to do is get in the middle of this and refuses at first, but he gets drawn in none the less and tries to piece together clues to find the second dose for Nina.
If there’s one thing that you’re guaranteed to get with this series, it’s the over the top characters, both good and bad guys and a crazy plot, but I always enjoy it no matter how out there it gets. One Wrong Move is no different, especially when it comes to the pairing of Aaro and Nina. Aaro is crude, dirty, harsh, an ass, and I really don’t know why I ended up liking this guy, but I did. Ultimately, his attitude was a just a big cover, hiding the guy he truly is, but also…he really is just a dirty talking, rude at times, hero. He doesn’t apologize for it either, unless it’s to Nina. Nina is his polar opposite. Suffering abuse as a girl from her step dad, she hides herself in baggy clothes, long boring hair, big glasses and her goal is always to blend in. They are the ultimate odd couple, but they don’t waste time denying their attraction to have hot, crazy sex. All the time. They’re a sexy couple, but a few times I kept thinking, ok Nina is down to two days left before the drug kills her and they’re more interested in sex against a wall instead of working the clues, trying to find their next break. That aside, I liked Nina coming into her own and she does it with Aaro’s help. She goes from a shell of a woman to someone fierce who uses her abilities (more on that later) to her advantage. Aaro, he’s a tough one. I liked him for how raw he is, he says what he thinks, he’s mean about it even, but Nina gets under his skin and I always like seeing a guy fall hard because of one woman.
Bruno let out a sharp sigh. “How’d you do it, man? I thought…I thought you guys were dead meat. I thought we’d killed you.”
“I didn’t.” Aaro said.
“Huh?”
“They kicked my ass,” Aaro said. “I got rolled in duct tape and shoved into the trunk of a car. Nina did it. She got me out of there.”
“But she…but how…?”
“I don’t know. All I know is, she is the wild warrior goddess with the flaming sword of righteousness. Do not mess with her, man, or she will fuck you up.”
The bad guys, there are multiple to choose from this go around, made my skin crawl. There’s something about how McKenna writes her baddies that are equally intriguing and disgusting, yet I can’t stop reading, needing more. It’s a crazy combination, but we have men and a woman hopped up on drugs that give each of them different mental enhancements from mind reading to putting suggestions in other people’s heads and all aspects of mental persuasion. Poor Nina goes through the ringer, being threatened with rape, being held at gun point half naked, the bad guys are insane, their actions are outrageous at times and while you know you’re getting an HEA, there’s still always a question about who’s going to die and who’s going to get caught in the middle. Poor Miles was that character in this one.
Miles has been in the background for many books and I was shocked to hear what’s happening with his love life, or lack thereof. I feel so bad for this guy and he ends up in a horrible place at the end of this one. But, I think the ground work has been laid for him to finally get his own story and his (potential) heroine needs his help. At least I hope all signs are leading towards this for him. He needs some goodness after all he’s forced to endure in this one.
As I already mentioned, there is an element of supernatural abilities that some of the characters have. It’s mainly centered around mind reading, or mind raping in the case of the bad guys. Nina can make herself literally go unnoticed while Aaro has abilities that he’s never allowed himself to tap into. The story had so much going on be it the suspenseful plot or intense hero/heroine sex that the mental enhancements tended to blend in with everything else and didn’t stand out so much in a bad way that sometimes happens for me when these elements are added in to a contemporary story.
Overall I liked this story but it was at times very over the top and the romance is the definition of a whirlwind, spanning about two days, which isn’t usually something that works for me. I enjoyed Nina from the start and seeing her come into her own as the story went along. Aaro took longer for me to like. He’s a little too crude and mean at the beginning for me to really get him, but I did like him more as the story unfolded and as Nina started to work her way into his life. Fans of the McCloud Brothers series will enjoy this one and I’m left looking forward to getting more about Miles.
September 1, 2012
This story is different from anything I’ve ever read. Suspense, thrillers are not my thing, but I figured mixed with romance that it would all balance out! Let me just say I don’t think I knew what I was getting into. After the initial first chapter, where a lot happens; I mean Nina is followed, drugged, and hospitalized all before the second chapter. Then from there on out it gets crazier. I will admit that for a short while I was a little confused. But once I got back on track with the plot I was more than intrigued.
The action started from the beginning and then got more intense as the story continued. Nina is just walking to work one day when she notices someone following her. She instantly thinks the worst, but while trying to call 911 the mysterious person following her calls her name. Turns out it’s her aunt Helga and she’s speaking Ukrainian, and before they can get reacquainted Helga injects her with an unidentified drug. This is where Alex comes in he is need to translate the message. Turns out, if she doesn’t get dose B in a few days, she will die. So she and Alex are a race to get Dose B, all the while trying to stay away from Sergei, the man that is out to kill her. Did I mention this drug gives the person mind abilities? Yea, sit and think about that one. This plot is all kinds of unique, and crazy.
The characters are Nina and Alex. Nina is sassy. She hides her insecure with wit and drab clothing. Alex is a great alpha male, he is rough and tough and super sexy. I fell in love with him from the beginning; I mean who doesn’t love a man with a gun! And them, together is blazing Hot!
I think the reason I really enjoyed these characters were because the author gives them a great back story. They are flawed; they didn’t have the best childhoods or relationships.Trust doesn’t come easy.Alex with is crime family, and Nina with her past relationships.
You also get a great supporting cast. My favorite character was Miles!I enjoyed Lily and Bruno also!
Overall, this story was a pleasant surprise! It’s got me thinking about reading more suspense stories. At the very least it put Shannon McKenna on my list of authors to watch! I will be reading the previous books from this author.
If you are looking for a book with basically every genre then this is the one for you. You get action adventure, suspense, romance, and comedy all in one!
The action started from the beginning and then got more intense as the story continued. Nina is just walking to work one day when she notices someone following her. She instantly thinks the worst, but while trying to call 911 the mysterious person following her calls her name. Turns out it’s her aunt Helga and she’s speaking Ukrainian, and before they can get reacquainted Helga injects her with an unidentified drug. This is where Alex comes in he is need to translate the message. Turns out, if she doesn’t get dose B in a few days, she will die. So she and Alex are a race to get Dose B, all the while trying to stay away from Sergei, the man that is out to kill her. Did I mention this drug gives the person mind abilities? Yea, sit and think about that one. This plot is all kinds of unique, and crazy.
The characters are Nina and Alex. Nina is sassy. She hides her insecure with wit and drab clothing. Alex is a great alpha male, he is rough and tough and super sexy. I fell in love with him from the beginning; I mean who doesn’t love a man with a gun! And them, together is blazing Hot!
I think the reason I really enjoyed these characters were because the author gives them a great back story. They are flawed; they didn’t have the best childhoods or relationships.Trust doesn’t come easy.Alex with is crime family, and Nina with her past relationships.
You also get a great supporting cast. My favorite character was Miles!I enjoyed Lily and Bruno also!
Overall, this story was a pleasant surprise! It’s got me thinking about reading more suspense stories. At the very least it put Shannon McKenna on my list of authors to watch! I will be reading the previous books from this author.
If you are looking for a book with basically every genre then this is the one for you. You get action adventure, suspense, romance, and comedy all in one!
February 23, 2013
Great action-packed and steamy love story, great writing, excellent H/h characterization. Loved the H/h and their banter, and maybe because of all that they went through, it seemed believable their falling in love in such a short time. I’m addicted to this series :)
HERO is a Loner and a Warrior, rude, smart, intense, hiding from his notorious family, who recently became a cyber-security expert after having failed some friends in a mission, friends who ask him to perform his former job to temporarily protect a woman. He didn’t count to be so powerfully attracted to her, while his job does not appear to be temporary anymore….
SCENES/TONE: several/steamy
GENRE/TONE: contemporary/action
LENGTH: 352 pages
HERO is a Loner and a Warrior, rude, smart, intense, hiding from his notorious family, who recently became a cyber-security expert after having failed some friends in a mission, friends who ask him to perform his former job to temporarily protect a woman. He didn’t count to be so powerfully attracted to her, while his job does not appear to be temporary anymore….
SCENES/TONE: several/steamy
GENRE/TONE: contemporary/action
LENGTH: 352 pages
February 5, 2017
Action packed romantic suspense! 4 Huge Stars
This was classic S.M. - EVIL bad guys, crazy gun fights, caveman-like Heroes, 4 alarm fire sex scenes and an HEA. What's not to love?
Well....I didn't love the at all!
But that won't stop me from reading S.M. that is for sure. She is my go to author for over the top Alphas!
This was classic S.M. - EVIL bad guys, crazy gun fights, caveman-like Heroes, 4 alarm fire sex scenes and an HEA. What's not to love?
Well....I didn't love the at all!
But that won't stop me from reading S.M. that is for sure. She is my go to author for over the top Alphas!
September 11, 2012
Copy received from publishers, Kensington via NetGalley. Review will only be posted on blog tour date, which is 11 September 2012.
Needless to say, it did not disappoint!
REVIEW
Page turning stuff... but then, nothing less is to be expected from this author considering that this is the 9th book in the McCloud and friends series. I must admit though that at first I wondered about the paranormal/telepathy/mental ability premise this book revolved around. I wonder no more. It was fabulous, imaginative and can I say eerie! For those who haven't read any of Shannon's books, honestly, I don't know what you're waiting for. Just a note though for those faint of heart, this is in your face reading. And, I mean everything. Fabulous! Some authors get it right and some don't... no worries here. It all comes together as it should.
We finally get inside Alex Aaro’s head. Boy, has he got issues. As you will see from the quote in the end, 'assholic' seems to describe him to a 'T'. However, he redeems himself substantially throughout the book. He's really not a bad guy, he only periodically suffers stupidity attacks. You'll still like him - trust me. I do love Nina though - gives as good as she gets, and puts him firmly in his place on more than one occasion. Tsk, tsk. How wonderful to see someone such as Aaro who comes across as untouchable literally being crushed to dust by a smart-mouth-take-no-nonsense woman! I’m sitting here with a big smile on my face. I loved it.
Aaro is kicking himself on a regular and daily basis for majorly stuffing up his last operation, which nearly got Lily killed (Bruno’s soon-to-be wife - MC's in Blood and Fire). He’s just landed and is on his way to see his crazy aunt Tonya who is dying, when he receives a call from Bruno asking for a favour in the form of translating a tape apparently recorded in Ukranian. Aaro doesn’t have time for this, has enough on his plate, refuses to even contemplate getting involved and ultimately have to babysit one of Lily’s friends. He owes Bruno though, but still, aunt Tonya must come first. Prideful man that he is, never wanting others to feel either pity or sorry for him, he chooses not to mention to Bruno why he can’t take this on. This leaves him with Bruno clambering down his throat, and then Lily. Tough – nothing he can do.
Nina, after a shocking encounter with her 'aunt' Helga who forcefully injects her with something or other and was thought to have been dead for the past three years, now finds herself in hospital. This is when things become interesting. She’s been told by both Bruno and Lily that a man by the name of Alex Aaro will be meeting her to translate the tape. In the meantime, she starts hallucinating when a couple of people who are dressed as doctors enter her room asking her to follow them for further tests. Something’s up. She questions them, but they placate her with noneties in the form of learning more about what she was injected with. She knows they’re lying and makes a run for it. What does she see? These very people have turned into zombies! Yes, really. What on earth has Helga done? What’s wrong with her. Not only does she see zombies, she now hears people’s thoughts? Does it sound interesting enough to you? That’s because it is. Well... I apparently think so.
Now, Aaro, loner that he is, gets a desperate call from Bruno that Nina is on the verge of being killed and is hiding out in her house with said killers searching for her. If Aaro does not get his arse to her location pronto… he very colourfully cusses, but ultimately has no choice. Intervene he must, and honestly how much more guilt can one guy carry around? I’m not going to dish out any spoilers, suffice it to say, they eventually meet after Nina survives being shot at a couple of times, Aaro is her hero and they’re on the run. It all culminates in a handful of evil forces who are after an injection: psimax, which is what Helga injected into Nina. The years Helga was supposedly dead turned out to be years she’d basically been kept hostage, as well as her daughter Lara, while she perfected this dose. You see, where previously popping a tab here and there was enough to afford those who craved it some incredible mind power - it's now not nearly as good as having the real thing, because with an A dose the effect would be permanent. What Helga did though, was create a B dose unbeknownst to Rudd, a wannabe presidential candidate and arsehole to boot. Not only do you contend with all of this, but Aaro is really Oleg Orbatov’s son. Mafia should tell you enough regarding his father and family. There are so many evil forces operating and pushing from all sides, it’s a wonder anyone survived at all. I barely did – anxious seems too mild a word for what I felt reading this book. Again, I’ve read this whole series and every single book has made me trudge through a plethora of emotions. I'm surprised I'm not a nervous wreck by now.
I loved that although mention was made of one or two of the McCloud brothers, Miles played quite a big part in this book. It's impossible not to like him, and this goes hand in hand with feeling so, so sorry for him. If you haven't read the back issues, Cindy Riggs is the girl of his dreams. But dammit, she’s played with his emotions more than once and I'm not liking it one bit! I want to give her a stern talking to, and believe me, I can be quite... convincing! Females can be so bitchy and downright hurtful at times. He’s really come into his own now, something I've enjoyed being a part of and he’s become quite the force to be reckoned with. I do believe that this book ended on a cliff hanger for me, and he will not give up on Lara. They may yet become an item. And pray tell, should this happen, will Cindy start pouting and want what she can't have anymore? Only time will tell, or rather, the next book. I hope.
Let’s see if these words will summarise this book for you: gripping, fabulous, imaginative, suspenseful, riveting, thrilling, at-times-drove-me-insane, and of course the awesome love story between Alex and Nina. Perfectly suited to and for each other! Shannon McKenna does romantic suspense as it should be done… no holds barred whether you’re reading about the suspense/sex/thrills or dark descriptive scenes. The only thing that is bothering me is that I'll have a long wait for the next one. But, it must be. Fabulosity isn’t achieved overnight. I'm a fan, for the ninth time!
Needless to say, it did not disappoint!
REVIEW
Page turning stuff... but then, nothing less is to be expected from this author considering that this is the 9th book in the McCloud and friends series. I must admit though that at first I wondered about the paranormal/telepathy/mental ability premise this book revolved around. I wonder no more. It was fabulous, imaginative and can I say eerie! For those who haven't read any of Shannon's books, honestly, I don't know what you're waiting for. Just a note though for those faint of heart, this is in your face reading. And, I mean everything. Fabulous! Some authors get it right and some don't... no worries here. It all comes together as it should.
We finally get inside Alex Aaro’s head. Boy, has he got issues. As you will see from the quote in the end, 'assholic' seems to describe him to a 'T'. However, he redeems himself substantially throughout the book. He's really not a bad guy, he only periodically suffers stupidity attacks. You'll still like him - trust me. I do love Nina though - gives as good as she gets, and puts him firmly in his place on more than one occasion. Tsk, tsk. How wonderful to see someone such as Aaro who comes across as untouchable literally being crushed to dust by a smart-mouth-take-no-nonsense woman! I’m sitting here with a big smile on my face. I loved it.
Aaro is kicking himself on a regular and daily basis for majorly stuffing up his last operation, which nearly got Lily killed (Bruno’s soon-to-be wife - MC's in Blood and Fire). He’s just landed and is on his way to see his crazy aunt Tonya who is dying, when he receives a call from Bruno asking for a favour in the form of translating a tape apparently recorded in Ukranian. Aaro doesn’t have time for this, has enough on his plate, refuses to even contemplate getting involved and ultimately have to babysit one of Lily’s friends. He owes Bruno though, but still, aunt Tonya must come first. Prideful man that he is, never wanting others to feel either pity or sorry for him, he chooses not to mention to Bruno why he can’t take this on. This leaves him with Bruno clambering down his throat, and then Lily. Tough – nothing he can do.
Nina, after a shocking encounter with her 'aunt' Helga who forcefully injects her with something or other and was thought to have been dead for the past three years, now finds herself in hospital. This is when things become interesting. She’s been told by both Bruno and Lily that a man by the name of Alex Aaro will be meeting her to translate the tape. In the meantime, she starts hallucinating when a couple of people who are dressed as doctors enter her room asking her to follow them for further tests. Something’s up. She questions them, but they placate her with noneties in the form of learning more about what she was injected with. She knows they’re lying and makes a run for it. What does she see? These very people have turned into zombies! Yes, really. What on earth has Helga done? What’s wrong with her. Not only does she see zombies, she now hears people’s thoughts? Does it sound interesting enough to you? That’s because it is. Well... I apparently think so.
Now, Aaro, loner that he is, gets a desperate call from Bruno that Nina is on the verge of being killed and is hiding out in her house with said killers searching for her. If Aaro does not get his arse to her location pronto… he very colourfully cusses, but ultimately has no choice. Intervene he must, and honestly how much more guilt can one guy carry around? I’m not going to dish out any spoilers, suffice it to say, they eventually meet after Nina survives being shot at a couple of times, Aaro is her hero and they’re on the run. It all culminates in a handful of evil forces who are after an injection: psimax, which is what Helga injected into Nina. The years Helga was supposedly dead turned out to be years she’d basically been kept hostage, as well as her daughter Lara, while she perfected this dose. You see, where previously popping a tab here and there was enough to afford those who craved it some incredible mind power - it's now not nearly as good as having the real thing, because with an A dose the effect would be permanent. What Helga did though, was create a B dose unbeknownst to Rudd, a wannabe presidential candidate and arsehole to boot. Not only do you contend with all of this, but Aaro is really Oleg Orbatov’s son. Mafia should tell you enough regarding his father and family. There are so many evil forces operating and pushing from all sides, it’s a wonder anyone survived at all. I barely did – anxious seems too mild a word for what I felt reading this book. Again, I’ve read this whole series and every single book has made me trudge through a plethora of emotions. I'm surprised I'm not a nervous wreck by now.
I loved that although mention was made of one or two of the McCloud brothers, Miles played quite a big part in this book. It's impossible not to like him, and this goes hand in hand with feeling so, so sorry for him. If you haven't read the back issues, Cindy Riggs is the girl of his dreams. But dammit, she’s played with his emotions more than once and I'm not liking it one bit! I want to give her a stern talking to, and believe me, I can be quite... convincing! Females can be so bitchy and downright hurtful at times. He’s really come into his own now, something I've enjoyed being a part of and he’s become quite the force to be reckoned with. I do believe that this book ended on a cliff hanger for me, and he will not give up on Lara. They may yet become an item. And pray tell, should this happen, will Cindy start pouting and want what she can't have anymore? Only time will tell, or rather, the next book. I hope.
Let’s see if these words will summarise this book for you: gripping, fabulous, imaginative, suspenseful, riveting, thrilling, at-times-drove-me-insane, and of course the awesome love story between Alex and Nina. Perfectly suited to and for each other! Shannon McKenna does romantic suspense as it should be done… no holds barred whether you’re reading about the suspense/sex/thrills or dark descriptive scenes. The only thing that is bothering me is that I'll have a long wait for the next one. But, it must be. Fabulosity isn’t achieved overnight. I'm a fan, for the ninth time!
Want to read
March 3, 2013Put on 'price watch' today and will wait till it is affordable. It cost #11.04 for ebook edition on Kindle @ 8/28/12 (yet the paperback edition is less at $10.20). Her books are pretty good...but I refuse to pay more for the ebook copy than the print copy....And IMO the print copy is way to expensive. In the meantime, there are lots of great books to read that cost a whole lot less...KA here I come!...And just maybe in 6 months or so I'll remember this author's new book...But Probably NOT...It will just linger on my ever expanding 'wishlist' to be bought/read someday.
June 15, 2018
One Wrong Move
4 Stars
The psychic drug enhancing plot has potential; however, there are too many inconsistencies and far-fetched scenarios to make it completely satisfying. For instance, the nature of the psychic abilities is never completely clear. Does the drug enhance pre-existing skills are does it actually bestow them upon the taker?
The romance is better. Nina and Alex are appealing both as individuals and as a couple. Nina is quiet yet determined, and despite her initial reserve is open to embracing life and love. Alex is dark and brooding, but shows his sensitive side on occasion, albeit begrudgingly. They have great chemistry together and their snarky sniping at one another is entertaining.
The secondary characters are a mixed bag. While the villains are suitably malevolent, some are more evil than others and one even comes across as a pseudo-good-guy, which is weird and confusing. There is also very little connection to the other books in the series as only Bruno, Lily and Miles really put in an appearance.
Speaking of Miles, his book is next yet the focus in the series on his infatuation with Cindy makes it difficult to believe that he can fall in love with another woman. McKenna is going to have her work cut out for her in this regard.
Overall, an enjoyable romance but the suspense is lackluster.
4 Stars
The psychic drug enhancing plot has potential; however, there are too many inconsistencies and far-fetched scenarios to make it completely satisfying. For instance, the nature of the psychic abilities is never completely clear. Does the drug enhance pre-existing skills are does it actually bestow them upon the taker?
The romance is better. Nina and Alex are appealing both as individuals and as a couple. Nina is quiet yet determined, and despite her initial reserve is open to embracing life and love. Alex is dark and brooding, but shows his sensitive side on occasion, albeit begrudgingly. They have great chemistry together and their snarky sniping at one another is entertaining.
The secondary characters are a mixed bag. While the villains are suitably malevolent, some are more evil than others and one even comes across as a pseudo-good-guy, which is weird and confusing. There is also very little connection to the other books in the series as only Bruno, Lily and Miles really put in an appearance.
Speaking of Miles, his book is next yet the focus in the series on his infatuation with Cindy makes it difficult to believe that he can fall in love with another woman. McKenna is going to have her work cut out for her in this regard.
Overall, an enjoyable romance but the suspense is lackluster.
September 15, 2012
I’m not sure how I’ve missed out on Shannon McKenna’s books. As I sat down and started reading One Wrong Move, I was totally sucked in by the hero Aaro. He is an asshole. I mean really. And if he was standing here he would totally agree with me. He actually admits it several times in the book. But, he is a very likable asshole, and you know deep down he only acts that way because he is extremely vulnerable. But on the outside he is tough. And can talk dirty in the bedroom like no one else.
I found the blurb a little misleading because it doesn’t mention that this book will have characters with Psi ability. There is a new drug on the market that gives people super human skills, like telepathy, or being able to go about unnoticed. Nina is a social worker going about her business, when her Aunt Helga shows up out of the blue and stabs her with a needle, injecting her with an unknown substance. When she wakes up, she is at the hospital and Nina starts hallucinating, seeing people as zombie figures. While she has no idea why or what was injected into her, she realizes bad guys might be after her now for some reason. What she doesn’t’ know is that the drug she was injected with is a very powerful, addictive substance, which is in high demand on the black market.
All Aaro wants to do is visit his dying, estranged aunt before she leaves this world. But he owes a big favor to his friend (which also happens to be Nina’s friend) so instead of going to hospice, he goes to play bodyguard for Nina. When he realizes she has fled the hospital with bad guys in pursuit, he kicks it up a gear and gets her to safety.
Once they are together and on the run, they sort of develop this, seize the day type mentality. When the adrenaline wears off, they look at each other with lusty gazes. Oh the sex in this book is dirty and erotic. As I mentioned earlier, Aaro is a dirty, dirty boy. The things that come out of his mouth made me blush! And some of it is so over the top it made me roll my eyes and laugh. But either way I was thoroughly entertained with these two in the bedroom.
One of my favorite things is that Nina doesn’t cower when Aaro goes all alpha on her. He can be mean, and wicked in the things he says to her. Instead of getting offended or breaking down in tears, many times Nina just laughs at him. Which totally baffles Aaro, but also breaks down his asshole shield that he has so carefully constructed allowing someone else to slowly work their way into his heart.
I didn’t love the Psi angle in this one. A drug giving regular people superpowers, plus hints that Nina and Aaro were born differently. It’s just not a favorite storyline of mine. I prefer to keep books like this straight contemporaries. I found the beginning of the book to be a little slow and confusing, but once Aaro and Nina take off together, it really picks up.
I’ll definitely be checking out Shannon McKenna’s back list. I enjoyed her voice.
Rating: B-
I found the blurb a little misleading because it doesn’t mention that this book will have characters with Psi ability. There is a new drug on the market that gives people super human skills, like telepathy, or being able to go about unnoticed. Nina is a social worker going about her business, when her Aunt Helga shows up out of the blue and stabs her with a needle, injecting her with an unknown substance. When she wakes up, she is at the hospital and Nina starts hallucinating, seeing people as zombie figures. While she has no idea why or what was injected into her, she realizes bad guys might be after her now for some reason. What she doesn’t’ know is that the drug she was injected with is a very powerful, addictive substance, which is in high demand on the black market.
All Aaro wants to do is visit his dying, estranged aunt before she leaves this world. But he owes a big favor to his friend (which also happens to be Nina’s friend) so instead of going to hospice, he goes to play bodyguard for Nina. When he realizes she has fled the hospital with bad guys in pursuit, he kicks it up a gear and gets her to safety.
Once they are together and on the run, they sort of develop this, seize the day type mentality. When the adrenaline wears off, they look at each other with lusty gazes. Oh the sex in this book is dirty and erotic. As I mentioned earlier, Aaro is a dirty, dirty boy. The things that come out of his mouth made me blush! And some of it is so over the top it made me roll my eyes and laugh. But either way I was thoroughly entertained with these two in the bedroom.
One of my favorite things is that Nina doesn’t cower when Aaro goes all alpha on her. He can be mean, and wicked in the things he says to her. Instead of getting offended or breaking down in tears, many times Nina just laughs at him. Which totally baffles Aaro, but also breaks down his asshole shield that he has so carefully constructed allowing someone else to slowly work their way into his heart.
I didn’t love the Psi angle in this one. A drug giving regular people superpowers, plus hints that Nina and Aaro were born differently. It’s just not a favorite storyline of mine. I prefer to keep books like this straight contemporaries. I found the beginning of the book to be a little slow and confusing, but once Aaro and Nina take off together, it really picks up.
I’ll definitely be checking out Shannon McKenna’s back list. I enjoyed her voice.
Rating: B-
September 20, 2012
Absolutely loved it! Romantic Suspense at it's best, throw in a little paranormal and it had me completely hooked! I couldn't for the life of me stop reading it! There is action from the very first pages and it doesn't stop until the very end.
Nina's life completely changes when she's accosted on the street and injected with an unknown drug by an old family friend. Her best friend sends Alex Aaro to help her, even though he resists being drawn into Nina's mess at first. I loved Nina, she is a wonderful character. A survivor of childhood abuse, she has perfected the art of going unnoticed. She is smart and resilient, and doesn't put up with any of Aaro's crap.
Alex Aaro is without a doubt my new favorite alpha-type male, and he's got bad boy down to an art. He started the book out pretty much being a jerk, but the farther you read into the book the more you see why he's so messed up, his back-story was so heartbreaking. On top of all that, he was incredibly sexy and funny, and it doesn't take too long to see through all his tough guy talk.
The romance between Aaro and Nina is perfect, yeah it happens fast, but with all of the near-death experiences they have together I think it was completely believable. Not only do they immediately click but it is apparent throughout the book that they just "get" each other better than anyone else. I think it's the sign of an excellent author when they can make something that would normally be unbelievable into something completely understandable and realistic.
There is a paranormal aspect to this book which I thought was really cool, a new drug that enables the user to have different psychic abilities which vary depending on the user's natural abilities. It brought a creepy aspect to the book and made the villains even scarier.
I really loved this book, and although I hadn't read any of the other books I didn't have any problem jumping right in. I didn't realize that this was a series until after I started reading it, so now I'm looking forward to reading all of the previous titles. This book had me engaged in the story throughout and I would thoroughly recommend any lovers of romantic suspense (or even paranormal/contemporary) to read it!
Nina's life completely changes when she's accosted on the street and injected with an unknown drug by an old family friend. Her best friend sends Alex Aaro to help her, even though he resists being drawn into Nina's mess at first. I loved Nina, she is a wonderful character. A survivor of childhood abuse, she has perfected the art of going unnoticed. She is smart and resilient, and doesn't put up with any of Aaro's crap.
Alex Aaro is without a doubt my new favorite alpha-type male, and he's got bad boy down to an art. He started the book out pretty much being a jerk, but the farther you read into the book the more you see why he's so messed up, his back-story was so heartbreaking. On top of all that, he was incredibly sexy and funny, and it doesn't take too long to see through all his tough guy talk.
The romance between Aaro and Nina is perfect, yeah it happens fast, but with all of the near-death experiences they have together I think it was completely believable. Not only do they immediately click but it is apparent throughout the book that they just "get" each other better than anyone else. I think it's the sign of an excellent author when they can make something that would normally be unbelievable into something completely understandable and realistic.
There is a paranormal aspect to this book which I thought was really cool, a new drug that enables the user to have different psychic abilities which vary depending on the user's natural abilities. It brought a creepy aspect to the book and made the villains even scarier.
I really loved this book, and although I hadn't read any of the other books I didn't have any problem jumping right in. I didn't realize that this was a series until after I started reading it, so now I'm looking forward to reading all of the previous titles. This book had me engaged in the story throughout and I would thoroughly recommend any lovers of romantic suspense (or even paranormal/contemporary) to read it!
December 1, 2012
One Wrong Move is a refreshing and amazing reading. For the cover and the synopsis you might wait for one of those romance novels with a damsel in hurries and a hero saving her every five minutes. Well, you are so wrong!
This book presents us Nina, a social worker, who is attacked by an old friend who injects her with a mysterious drug. Her friends Lily and Bruno sent a guy to help her. Aaro is a totally hot guy, bad-ass, with a bad temper, at first he didn’t wanted to help her but a series of events reunites them in a journey full of action.
The story has a great ingredient in the form of some powers the characters have. The all read-control-mind thing adds a paranormal element to the story that only makes it better.
A story that never lacks emotion, One Wrong Move, surprises you with a new twist in every new page. Nina and Aaro have to overcome so many obstacles before the time is too late while they fight against the feelings they have for each other.
Creating characters with such a baggage like Aaro and Nina is probably not an easy task, but Shannon makes a wonderful job telling their past and revealing their personalities. As a result we have the chance to read about two deep and well created characters that make the perfect pair for the story.
My favorite thing of the book was that Nina is a strong, brave, intelligent woman. A woman that has learned to be strong and face everything that comes in front of her. Nina is sometimes the one that has to save the day proving that a girl can also be the one rescueing the boy.
One wrong move is in a great novel that felt shorter than the 400 pages it has.
(I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review).
This book presents us Nina, a social worker, who is attacked by an old friend who injects her with a mysterious drug. Her friends Lily and Bruno sent a guy to help her. Aaro is a totally hot guy, bad-ass, with a bad temper, at first he didn’t wanted to help her but a series of events reunites them in a journey full of action.
The story has a great ingredient in the form of some powers the characters have. The all read-control-mind thing adds a paranormal element to the story that only makes it better.
A story that never lacks emotion, One Wrong Move, surprises you with a new twist in every new page. Nina and Aaro have to overcome so many obstacles before the time is too late while they fight against the feelings they have for each other.
Creating characters with such a baggage like Aaro and Nina is probably not an easy task, but Shannon makes a wonderful job telling their past and revealing their personalities. As a result we have the chance to read about two deep and well created characters that make the perfect pair for the story.
My favorite thing of the book was that Nina is a strong, brave, intelligent woman. A woman that has learned to be strong and face everything that comes in front of her. Nina is sometimes the one that has to save the day proving that a girl can also be the one rescueing the boy.
One wrong move is in a great novel that felt shorter than the 400 pages it has.
(I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review).
December 4, 2012
4 1/2 stars
The only thing that would bring Alex Aaro(who is on the run from the Ukrainian mafia) home was to hear that his favorite aunt was very sick, but coming home isn't safe or smart. Nina Christie never though her life would bring her where she is now but finding her aunt hurt brought her into the path of Alex. Alex got a call from his friend Bruno and now his life is in more danger than before as he try's to keep Nina safe as their feelings grow towards one another. Now both Alex and Nina have to find love with one another while they both try to stay alive long enough to be together. This was a great book in the series I loved Nina and Alex as well as the side characters(from previous books) the story was great and held my attention from beginning to end. I was sad to be done with this book and found myself reading it whenever I got the chance. Well done Shannon McKenna on another great read!
**This was a ARC from NetGaller, Thank you **
The only thing that would bring Alex Aaro(who is on the run from the Ukrainian mafia) home was to hear that his favorite aunt was very sick, but coming home isn't safe or smart. Nina Christie never though her life would bring her where she is now but finding her aunt hurt brought her into the path of Alex. Alex got a call from his friend Bruno and now his life is in more danger than before as he try's to keep Nina safe as their feelings grow towards one another. Now both Alex and Nina have to find love with one another while they both try to stay alive long enough to be together. This was a great book in the series I loved Nina and Alex as well as the side characters(from previous books) the story was great and held my attention from beginning to end. I was sad to be done with this book and found myself reading it whenever I got the chance. Well done Shannon McKenna on another great read!
**This was a ARC from NetGaller, Thank you **
August 25, 2012
This is the first book I've read by Shannon McKenna and it did NOT disappoint! The love was fantastic, the attraction H-O-T, the suspense good (though not the strongest point of the book). The author deftly wove in back story and supporting characters that added to One Wrong Move rather than took the reader out of the story. LOVED IT! I'm now going to go back and read all of the McCloud family books.
September 27, 2012
I LOVED this book from first word to the last. Didn't want it to last. I think I'm going to re-read the series all over again...
September 23, 2012
Love those McCloud brothers and friends! I recommend this enstallment in the series as its steamy and suspenseful like prior McCloud books.
January 20, 2019
1.5 stars
wow, I really did not like this. I did not like Aaro, I did not like Nina. I am not sure there was a likable character at all, other than Miles. Lily and Bruno, I guess, but they weren't around enough for me to really make a decision. All the bad guys were super villains and each one more villainous and pathetic than the next. The relationship between Nina and Aaro was crazy to me, I did not understand it. I did not see how they went from arguing to fucking to silent treatment to irritation back to sex. And it was like..bad timing for all that and they didn't really know each other. and I can do insta-love, i really can, but nothing about this was right. I am bummed because I felt like there was a lot of potential in there for a really great story, but it just went way off in a direction that didn't work for me. I know this is a very popular series so it's probably just a miss for me.
wow, I really did not like this. I did not like Aaro, I did not like Nina. I am not sure there was a likable character at all, other than Miles. Lily and Bruno, I guess, but they weren't around enough for me to really make a decision. All the bad guys were super villains and each one more villainous and pathetic than the next. The relationship between Nina and Aaro was crazy to me, I did not understand it. I did not see how they went from arguing to fucking to silent treatment to irritation back to sex. And it was like..bad timing for all that and they didn't really know each other. and I can do insta-love, i really can, but nothing about this was right. I am bummed because I felt like there was a lot of potential in there for a really great story, but it just went way off in a direction that didn't work for me. I know this is a very popular series so it's probably just a miss for me.
May 7, 2024
Now I remember why I stopped reading this series...weird sci-fi graphic violence
Favorite Quote:
"it’s up to us all to save ourselves, I think. There’s only so much you can do for another person. The rest, they have to do for themselves.”
Favorite Quote:
"it’s up to us all to save ourselves, I think. There’s only so much you can do for another person. The rest, they have to do for themselves.”
October 15, 2012
I started reading this book while waiting on someone during traffic court, over 3-hours later still sitting in court and I had read almost half the book. Does a fast reading book mean that it is not worth reading? No, not to me, it means that the book is well written and has captured my attention refusing to let go. If you are looking for a book with a little more charge, a little more characters and plot that will capture your attention then grab a book by Shannon.
Shannon starts this book out strong. The characters are strong with tendencies to annoy each other. I enjoy reading about strong characters especially female characters that emerge from a cocoon like a butterfly. When an author takes a character and slowly reveals their true beauty the book becomes more than just something to read.
The author took Nina and slowly emerged her. She then took Aaro and drew him from his self-imposed hiding. These two characters did not just totally mesh they belonged to each other. Yes, I know, in fiction an author can usually make anything work. However, the character needs the correct development. Well again, the author did not let the reader down. Shannon not only created a great story she created characters that can be related to with feelings, thoughts and actions.
When reading this book the main thought that kept running through is something like this possible in real life? No, sorry I will not tell you about that. If interested read the book. Yes, I can be mean that way. I loved the way the author developed the characters. They were willing to not just step out of their comfort zone they actually tried to do anything possible to protect the other.
This is a modern day story. There is not time-travel involved just a little paranormal. However, paranormal may mean something different to everyone. This story takes place over 3 days. I know you are wondering how 3 days can take up so many pages without there being a bunch of information that you do not need. Well, first thing all the information is needed to fully understand the plot, how it develops and slowly comes to an amazing ending.
If you love romance with a little extra then check out this book. Shannon has wrote an amazing series that can be read together or as a stand-alone. I have not read the first book in the series. However, I know what my next purchase will be. It will be another book by Shannon McKenna.
Thanks for an amazing and very interesting read Shannon.
The bunnies and I give this book 4 carrots.
The publisher provided me a copy of this book in-exchange for an honest review.
Shannon starts this book out strong. The characters are strong with tendencies to annoy each other. I enjoy reading about strong characters especially female characters that emerge from a cocoon like a butterfly. When an author takes a character and slowly reveals their true beauty the book becomes more than just something to read.
The author took Nina and slowly emerged her. She then took Aaro and drew him from his self-imposed hiding. These two characters did not just totally mesh they belonged to each other. Yes, I know, in fiction an author can usually make anything work. However, the character needs the correct development. Well again, the author did not let the reader down. Shannon not only created a great story she created characters that can be related to with feelings, thoughts and actions.
When reading this book the main thought that kept running through is something like this possible in real life? No, sorry I will not tell you about that. If interested read the book. Yes, I can be mean that way. I loved the way the author developed the characters. They were willing to not just step out of their comfort zone they actually tried to do anything possible to protect the other.
This is a modern day story. There is not time-travel involved just a little paranormal. However, paranormal may mean something different to everyone. This story takes place over 3 days. I know you are wondering how 3 days can take up so many pages without there being a bunch of information that you do not need. Well, first thing all the information is needed to fully understand the plot, how it develops and slowly comes to an amazing ending.
If you love romance with a little extra then check out this book. Shannon has wrote an amazing series that can be read together or as a stand-alone. I have not read the first book in the series. However, I know what my next purchase will be. It will be another book by Shannon McKenna.
Thanks for an amazing and very interesting read Shannon.
The bunnies and I give this book 4 carrots.
The publisher provided me a copy of this book in-exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2013
I have read everything that Shannon McKenna has written. This book was a wonderful surprise. The last 2 books (Fade to Midnight) (Blood and Fire) were disappointing b/c there was little chemistry between the H and h. This book had excellent chemistry between the H and h. I loved how much Aaro cared for the h. He fell so hard for her. The proposal was my absolute favorite scene. Usually the author follows the same pattern where the H betrays the h in some way and then comes crawling back to her at the end where they reconcile. I really thought that was going to happen and it was even hinted but I'm glad Ms. McKenna didn't fall into the same pattern. There were a few things I did not like: First, Aaro has always been described as a tough mean SOB in the other books but he was too much of a marshmallow in this story. Second, the h was such a potty mouth, I didn't like her sometimes; especially at the end where her giant breasts were exposed and she would not cover them up. Lastly, the author is moving more and more into stories involving supernatural elements which is fine but it would be interesting to see more stories like her earlier work which are more grounded in reality. Despite the flaws I am excited about the other characters. It has been great watching Miles transform and I hope he gets his own story with Lara. Plus, I have not forgotten about Sveti and hope her story is also coming.
Ms. McKenna, if you are reading this please continue to make your male characters possessive, obsessive, jealous, cavemen!!! Standing in the Shadows and Behind Closed Doors had the best heroes, who were stalker like in their feelings for the h. The other books kind of moved away from that.
Ms. McKenna, if you are reading this please continue to make your male characters possessive, obsessive, jealous, cavemen!!! Standing in the Shadows and Behind Closed Doors had the best heroes, who were stalker like in their feelings for the h. The other books kind of moved away from that.
September 5, 2012
This review is also posted on my blog, along with an interview with Shannon McKenna here : http://cheerfulreviews.blogspot.com/2...
Thanks to Kensington for allowing me to read this book on NetGalley !
Okay, wow! I was very surprised at this book, and in a good way! When I first went into it, I wasn't completely sure- only because I had just recently finished an adult book that I didn't find myself liking very much. However, I was completely proved wrong by how good this book really was!
When I started it, I was instantly drawn in. We are first introduced to Nina who is walking to work when she notices this car following her. She calls 911 and while on the phone her aunt Helga steps out and drugs Nina (I know.. but she has pretty good reason.) Anywho, Nina records a message Helga gave her in Ukrainian and has to find someone to translate it for her. Which is where Alex Aaro comes in! It turns out that if Nina doesn't get the second dose of the drug she will die, so Nina and Alex set off on this mission to get it.
This book was so crazy! I was so intrigued throughout the whole book. It was really fun reading about Nina and Aaro and how their relationship was coming together. I also found myself interested in the side characters as well, which is a definite plus! The plot could get a bit crazy at times but it was very interesting and definitely had me on my toes! I do admit, I was a bit confused at some points which is the main part why it lost a star for me, but other than that I find it hard to criticize much else. I really enjoyed Shannon's writing and how she brought everything together. She is a very talented writer and I'll be sure to check out her other books in the future. (:
Thanks to Kensington for allowing me to read this book on NetGalley !
Okay, wow! I was very surprised at this book, and in a good way! When I first went into it, I wasn't completely sure- only because I had just recently finished an adult book that I didn't find myself liking very much. However, I was completely proved wrong by how good this book really was!
When I started it, I was instantly drawn in. We are first introduced to Nina who is walking to work when she notices this car following her. She calls 911 and while on the phone her aunt Helga steps out and drugs Nina (I know.. but she has pretty good reason.) Anywho, Nina records a message Helga gave her in Ukrainian and has to find someone to translate it for her. Which is where Alex Aaro comes in! It turns out that if Nina doesn't get the second dose of the drug she will die, so Nina and Alex set off on this mission to get it.
This book was so crazy! I was so intrigued throughout the whole book. It was really fun reading about Nina and Aaro and how their relationship was coming together. I also found myself interested in the side characters as well, which is a definite plus! The plot could get a bit crazy at times but it was very interesting and definitely had me on my toes! I do admit, I was a bit confused at some points which is the main part why it lost a star for me, but other than that I find it hard to criticize much else. I really enjoyed Shannon's writing and how she brought everything together. She is a very talented writer and I'll be sure to check out her other books in the future. (:
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