Passion at Dawn

Countermeasure: Bytes of Life, Book 4

By: Cecilia Aubrey, Chris Almeida

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 1 hr and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

The suspense driven Countermeasure Series combines full-length novels and Bytes of Life short stories about sexy, technologically inclined men and women. The series is filled with heart-stopping danger and enough twists and turns to make a hair-raising rollercoaster seem tame. In the series, Trevor Bauer, a tough as nails NSA geek, and his even more tenacious love interest, Cassandra James, are on a quest for clues in the mysterious disappearance of Trevor's parents. Joined by fate, their search drops them into the mysterious and violent world of data espionage, one that tests their love as they sweep the world with romance, sex, and ingenuity to find answers that will have the power to change their lives forever.

In the fourth Countermeasure: Byte of Life, Trevor and Cassandra Bauer have settled into married life after facing the bumpy road to the altar. While Cassandra looks for ways to spice up their love life, Trevor questions his efficacy as a husband. His insecurities are compounded by the constant threat of Nathan Nelson, her old friend and past lover, who can't accept their marriage as final. A brand new marriage, personal uncertainties, and a good dose of alpha geek jealousy make for a volatile mix. When a phone call spurs him to lay claim to what is his and give Cassandra the fantasies she craves, Trevor reacts like any hot blooded man would. The result is a steamy room, slippery bodies, and Passion at Dawn.

NOTE:

Countermeasure: Bytes of Life is a tie-in series to the Countermeasure Series novels. This new series of shorts gives the listeners glimpses into the day-to-day life of the Countermeasure characters. The main novels in the Countermeasure Series are action-packed plot-driven stories, while the short stories in the Bytes of Life Series are character-driven and a way to develop the characters as the main series moves forward. Please be advised that ALL short stories in this series contain EROTIC material. They are NOT recommended for younger audience. Although some of the events that take place in the short stories might be referenced in the novels and vice-versa, the short stories are not compulsory for the understanding of the series. They enhance the experience.

WARNING: Contains scenes of mature subject matter, graphic situations and language. Listener discretion is advised.

©2012 Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey (P)2013 Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey

a whole new perspective on the work

One of the fun things with reviewing is the occasional opportunity to revisit a title that I have read previously, and get a whole new perspective on the work. This is one of the short additional content novellas that provide further character insight to readers of the Countermeasure series: a series that is part action, part mystery and part romance and follows the former NSA computer geek Trevor and his new wife and ex CIA operative Cassandra.

In this short, a snapshot of their lives when they are not working a case is the focus, and we see just how fragile an ego can be. What is reinforced for the reader is their relatively short acquaintance, and the fact that they have much to learn about one another, like any other couple. Throughout this series, we don’t often see the insecurities and fears: and Trevor’s are on full display in jealous reactions, somber moments and an unusual snappiness with his father in law.

Narration in this short is provided by Tim Gerard Reynolds, and his smooth delivery with subtle changes in pitch and tone, a slight deepening of the Irish in his accent and his vivid and accurate inflections that depict emotional turmoil, tension and gasping need are nothing short of perfect for this story.

Again, for readers of the Countermeasure series, these shorts are nice interludes to give us more of what we want: Cassie and Trevor. And, even more than we would expect, and no one will walk away from this short story without a small shiver of excitement and anticipation when seeing a can of whipped cream on a refrigerator shelf. Yes, there are several scenes that increase the eroticism of these stories, but these are not simply voyeuristic entertainment: the connection and obvious love between them shines through.

I received an AudioBook version of the book for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility