"Left Cold"

This is the first time I am posting a review without finishing the book. I am not in the habit of doing this because I think it is terribly unfair to criticize a piece of work that I have not read cover to cover. I appreciate that the author has spent an enormous amount of time and emotion writing this story. But I could not get past the first four chapters of this book. I respect and I am glad for the readers that found true enjoyment in reading it. I wanted to feel the same but was disturbed by the characterization of Hayley and the lack of understanding from the author on cultural mores outside of the US.

I think we can infer from some of Haley's ruminations early on that she has experienced some sort of assault or humiliation in her life. But this has not made her a careful. I believe a woman has the right to choose her own path and express her own sexuality but intelligently. Hayley is just reckless. First lets consider the location. She is at a security conference in Indonesia by herself. A country with a strict moral code and traditional. She is unaccompanied, inappropriately dressed, and her behavior questionable. She has demonstrated no respect for or knowledge of the traditions of the host country. Secondly she acknowledges that fellow attendants may see her as sleeping her way to a lucrative contract but she still walks off with the potentially lucrative client while he is giving off wrong vibes. She then agrees to go alone with him to his room, bypassing all her instinctual alarms. She not only places herself in jeopardy but puts at risk her and her company's reputation. This is a business conference, not a wedding, or party. Nor is it Las Vegas.

During her escape from possible assault from the client she then ends up in the room of stranger she locked eyes with in the conference room. He happens to be a FBI agent and the male lead. She knows nothing about the man but decides to have sex with him within minutes of meeting by dropping her towel after a shower. No questions asked. Is he married? Is he safe? Obviously this was of no concern to either. Clearly a man that is so easily seduced makes you wonder if you really want this guy protecting our country's interest even if the seducer is a compatriot.

Perhaps this story is just not for me. I have read some of Anderson's other books and have enjoyed them. This one not so much. Maybe if the location was somewhere in the US and the attraction given more time to simmer I would have found it more palatable. There was a definite disconnect between the characters, their behaviors, and the setting for me. I prefer my heroines a bit smarter, with better honed instincts, and more professional when called for. In the regards to the hero, well, lets just say I prefer a FBI agent to be a little more cautious. The world today requires it.

These are just my perceptions and may not be yours. I am not discouraging anyone from reading it. But perhaps someone may be bothered by the same details will save a credit and time for another Anderson book.

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Loved the setting

Much better than the previous novel in the series - the forced proximity of the heroes and extreme circumstances make their quick bonding more believable. I do wish Ms Anderson would be a bit more realistic in her imaginings of her heroes, they seem too perfect at times, both in their actions and looks. Otherwise, the book was highly entertaining.

Not a good story..

Hmmm... This seemed more of a story about Quentin and Haley having sex, or lusting after each other every second, than them escaping from the terrorists. I found myself rolling my eyes so many times in this book. I mean, after the terrorists almost found them then went away the two of them had to stop for sex. Really? With Abby hiding in the brush, scared to death and wondering if the two lovebirds got caught. There was way to much sex in this book, and I've read a lot of Toni Anderson to know this is a big change for her, almost 20 books of hers.

The parts with the terrorists and running for their lives was the best part of this book. I won't be reading anymore from this author if all she wants to do is stop writing her murder/mysteries in exchange about sex.

Lots and lots of sex and the F-bomb was used 36 times.

As for the narration: Eric G. Dove is a wonderful narrator.

another great book

Another winner by Toni Anderson. Kept me guessing. Narrator is enjoyable and worth listening to. Can not wait for the next book!

Very Good Book and Narration!

This was a good book. I really liked it. I liked the characters Quentin and Haley. They were great together.

It is nice to read/listen to a romance story that has story to it and is not all sex. This one had lots of story with danger, mystery and action. There is lots of great dialogue throughout. I also liked a some of the secondary characters. I see a Eban and Darby book coming..... I am okay with that.

As for the narration, it was great. I love Eric Dove he does such a great job with the female voices. He has a nice reading voice too.

Love this series

Really like this series and cannot wait for Book 3 to come out. He seems to use good narrators also.

Surviving a terrorist attack can make one stronger

FBI negotiator, Quentin Savage, is in Indonesia for a security conference. On the last night, the hotel is attacked by terrorist, and in spite of his best efforts, Quentin and Haley Cramer, partner in the security firm w Alex Parker, are kidnapped. Can the pair work together to survive and escape? Each carries emotional baggage, but can they overcome them and have a real relationship?
Another great book by this author and excellent performance by the narrator.

Absolutely brilliant!!!

Kept me at the edge of my seat, !listening to the story play out on audible.
Nail biting, rooting for Quentin and Hailey!
The horror, greed.... The well.....
I won't spoil anything!
Love this new spinoff series!!! Loved the original series.

Narration was amazing.
Truly gifted fiction writer with mad skills at the twists and turns!!!!
Brilliantly Done!!!
More please!
Huge fan!!
Nail biter and a wow at the end
As usual, another award winning story.
Thank you for the hours of audible entertainment, with chronic pain, weaving the descriptive scenery and characters is so amazing.
As I always say to my friends, audible and reading books, reminds me of letting my imagination of scenery and characters come to life much better than television anyday.

Aloha Kat in Hawaii...
Highly recommend this 2nd book (first book is also amazing) in this new series.
A fan for life!I
Can't wait for the next book!
Aloha

Smoothly written, taught! Exciting! 5 stars!

I enjoyed the story very much. Eric Dove is such an accomplished reader! He brings so much to an already well written story. Highly recommended!

Good!!

I love listening to Toni Anderson books they are always interesting and full of suspense!!
Eric G Dove did an awesome job!