Saturday, May 19, 2018

PROVING GROUND by Stanalei Fletcher


Title:  PROVING GROUND
Series:  Northstar Security #1
Author:  Stanalei Fletcher
Narrator:  Charles Henderson Norman
Length:  6 hours, 26 minutes
Publish Date:   04.17.2015
Audible Release Date:  01.25.2018
Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press
Category /Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content
Listenability:  OK  or  NSFW
Received from:  Stanalei Fletcher (as an Audible gifted copy)
Goodreads link: Proving Ground
Date completed: 05.14.2018

Description from the publisher:
Screw-ups don’t get second chances. That’s what Caitlin Malone believes when she returns to Oregon after failing her first Northstar Security assignment. When she inadvertently stumbles across a plot to steal deadly pathogens from the bio-lab near her hometown, she sees a chance at redemption.

USDA Forest Ranger John ‘Mac’ MacAlistair doesn’t want to babysit the motorcycle club holding their annual rally in his national forest. To make matters worse, Caitlin is attending the rally with Mac’s estranged uncle. Having her home again brings up feelings that are better left buried.

It’s early September. Any spark will send the dry timber into a raging fire. The terrorists are counting on that distraction to work in their favor. When Caitlin is trapped by the wildfire, her only hope of rescue is pinned on Mac, the man she's tried two years to forget. Before they can share their feelings, Mac and Caitlin must first escape the burning forest and stop the terrorists from releasing the deadly pathogens.

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This is the first book in the Northstar Security series.  It is yet to be seen if they will need to be read in the order of release.

I liked how this story was all about Caitlin not being perfect.  Sure, she’s beautiful (, fit, and thin), but she’s got major issues in her family, love life, and career.  Isn’t that a reminder to not judge the book by the cover?

Then there was the hint of paranormal with Caitlin’s second sight.  Some believe in those things.  Some don’t.  I’m definitely in the first group, so this added a little layer of extra for me.

The relationship between Caitlin and Mac is sweet, frustrating, and sexy.  I’m still smiling, but also would love to just smack him upside the head while I laugh at him.  Ultimately, it was another terrific layer to a suspense-filled trek through the woods.

My final analysis:  a few giggles and gasps in a thrill of a tale.  I’m looking forward to reading (listening to) the next book in this series!  Are we continuing in Washington DC with another agent, or another assignment with Caitlin? 

Narration:  The narrator is wonderful.  His voice is soothing.  I liked how he was able to convey the urgency of the dramatic scenes without causing undue stress to this driver.  It was a perfect combination.

I do want to make a note about the listenability.  There are no raw sex scenes, but there is swearing and adult situations making it unsuitable for little ears or co-workers.

Note:  while I was given this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Northstar Security series:
1.      Proving Ground
2.      Dead Reckoning
3.      Beyond Duty
4.      Breaking the Honor Code
5.      Tell It Like It Is
Also from Stanalei Fletcher:
·         Dare to Run
·         Imperfect Dream~Perfect Reality
·         Lightning Only Strikes Twice


 










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