Uncharted

Countermeasure: Bytes of Life #1

by Chris Almeida, Cecilia Aubrey

Note: Alternate Cover Edition
ISBN: 9781927554067
ISBN: 9781927554050
ISBN: 9781927554081
ISBN: 2940045066303
ISBN: 9781927554074
ASIN: B00A2DWGU2

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

In the prequel to COUNTERMEASURE, love is the utmost cardinal emotion and shines brightly as Conor and Maeve Brennan struggle with a life changing decision. In this glimpse into the hearts of the Brennans, you will see the strength of a love unlike any other--a love that transcends right and wrong. A love that remains unchallenged to this day.

NOTE:

Countermeasure: Bytes of Life is a tie-in series to the Countermeasure Series full length novels by Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey. This new series of shorts gives the readers glimpses into the day-to-day life of the Countermeasure characters.

Although the main novels in the Countermeasure Series are action-packed plot-driven stories, 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 content. They are NOT recommended for younger audience. Some of the events that take place in the short stories might be referenced in the novels and vice-versa.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Short Stories, Novella, Contemporary Romance

34 pages, ebook

First published November 2, 2012

About the author

Chris Almeida (also known as C. Almeida) began writing children’s stories at a very young age. Born in Brazil but currently living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Chris’ life took a totally different course when technology came into play, and the following 17 years were spent delving deep into the world of programming and web design.
It was in 2010, when Chris began role playing online as a hobby, that writing wormed its way back into the picture. This time, writing storylines for the role playing group.
The ideas and plots created for the game awoke the inner writer and a few months later, together with partner in crime C. Aubrey, began writing erotic romance.
Now, still together, they have written a number of short stories and novel. They are currently working on book three of their series as well as several short stories. Through it all they have continued to enjoy role playing through their favorite characters.

Chris welcomes feedback, input and comments from readers. You can get in touch via FB, email, Linked in and Goodreads. Links below:

https://www.facebook.com/Chris.Almeid...
calmeida@caduobooks.com
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/chrisalmeid...

Reviews

[ᴥ Irena ᴥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never read this series, so this is the first time I hear about Trevor and his parents. I checked the main story after reading this prequel and it does sound interesting (Trevor's parents went missing one day and he is searching for any clue he can get about their disappearance).
In Uncharted we see that their disappearance wasn't accidental, but planned. They left to protect Trevor. It doesn't say from whom or what. In these four chapters we see their preparations, their pain and suffering (especially her mother's for leaving him) and the love they have for each other and him.
Nothing really happens in Uncharted. It is more focused on the characters than the story.

[Elle aka Leftie aka Shoebelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0*-3.5*

Nice way to hook me into the series thru this freebie. Now I want to find out the rest of the story:)

[Writer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysterious,Intriguing,Poignant...can all this really hold true in one?,
By mila devlin ""writer geek""

Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: Uncharted (Countermeasure: Bytes of Life #1) (Kindle Edition)

THIS ONE DOES! from the very start it had me so intrigued, wondering what all the subtle hints leading to...so mysterious it had me feeling fearful of what their intent and of harming themselves...poignant in a way that it touched an inner emotion in me, that of Maeve and Conor's love for each other...having been married for many years they still hold the love and respect and tenderness for each other...that unconditional love and trust as the day they were married...their fear and concern for their one and only son Trevor is so compelling they will sacrifice and do anything if it meant his safety.

Trevor's dream is like a flashback, like a mirror image of what truly happened four years ago, it left me gripping in imagined terror of what had happened to his beloved parents that fateful night,,, and what is yet to come.... I feel the next sequel will be even more intriguing and suspenseful, and I'm determined to find out!

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sets course the beginning of the series perfectly. Conor and Maeve love resembles that of their son Trevor and his wife Cassandra. I am really anticipating Alternate Connections now and wanting the story to unfold.

[Sarah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goes down as another off my Bookworm Bingo Challenge – A book with two authors. A quick read to get you interested in the rest of the series.

An intriguing prequel giving you a glimpse into the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Peter’s parents Maeve and Conor Brennan. It doesn’t give too much away about the ‘why’ they are leaving, just that they are. A sailing trip like they do yearly but this one with an ulterior motive. To find out what the true motive is you will have to check out the series.

You can clearly see the love they have for each other, and their son, and willingness to do what they must when times are at there worst. Which seems to be right from the start, though we never find out why. It has the ability to grip you, even with only being short. Leaves you wanting more, which is a good pull towards the series. Are they doing what they are doing to protect their son, themselves or maybe both?

Well-written short read that makes you wonder what, or rather whom, they could be running from and whether they will ever be able to come back.

https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...

[Kathy Davie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pages: 29

First in the Bytes of Life short stories series, which is a character-developing companion series to their full-novel Countermeasure series; a prequel to Countermeasure .

Personally, I see it as a way to force their readers to part with more cash. (Yeah, they say it's free. For now. Once they get you hooked...) Almeida-Aubrey claim it's a way to develop and provide insight into their characters. Yeah, right. Do it in the damn book…!

They also claim this contains EROTIC content. Well, yes, there is a sex scene, but nothing you won't find in many romance novels. Just sayin'…

My Take
I'd consider this more of a prologue as it introduces you to the suspense of what is coming. It is really well done, which is why it gets the "5". It still bugs me, though, that they're forcing their readers [and me!] into buying these shorts---AA have warned that they will be referring to events/characters in these shorts in their main series. Nothing like a little extortion, eh…

I know, I'm almost whining for 29-pages' worth, so I'll shut up. For the moment. Thank god for computers so I can edit this out after I've vented my spleen!

AA do set the hook and create the suspense beautifully. It starts off delicately, giving the reader just enough to start, to question, and then to realize with a growing horror just what Conor and Maeve intend to do.

The goodbyes were enough to make me cry with such an incredible feel for how a parent would truly feel in a situation like this.

The Story
Some threat hangs over Conor and Maeve. One they can only escape via drastic measures.

The Characters
Conor has a successful company, Brennan Enterprises, and adores his wife Maeve. Trevor is the only child they had; he works somewhere on the East Coast in America

Stephan Connellan has been Conor's friend and partner for over twelve years.

Captain Simon O'Brian seems to run the marina where the Brennans dock their boat, the Morrígan. Roisin is O'Brian's wife.

The Cover
The cover is...whoa...busy. There's a couple embracing---I'll assume it's Conor and Maeve. In front of them is the Morrígan on a slant sailing through the water. On top of that is an angled bit of white binary code on a transparent background. Then follow that up with four different fonts. I'm exhausted.

Oh, yeah, it's an "Uncharted" course all right.

[Maria Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncharted (Countermeasure: Bytes of Life #1)
By: Cecilia Aubrey & Chris Almeida
File Size: 287 KB
Publisher: Éire Publishing, LLC - November 5, 2012.
In the short prequel to COUNTERMEASURE, love is the utmost cardinal emotion and shines brightly as Conor and Maeve Brennan struggle with a life changing decision. In this glimpse into the hearts of the Brennans, you will see the strength of a love unlike any other--a love that transcends right and wrong. A love that remains unchallenged to this day.

During the opening scene of Countermeasures I found myself caught up in a storm. The waves of a super storm that was to become one of my favorite series. We meet Trevor’s parents in a dire situation then they are gone, leaving us with questions and concerns. Just like Trevor we want to know the why of it? We stress right along with Trevor and follow the adventures of Cassie and Trevor in hopes of finding out what happened to them and why.
Uncharted gives us a hint of what Trevor’s parents were up to in the days leading to their disappearance. We see a very well established relationship, a relationship that Trevor uses as a model with Cassie. His parents had a well founded, deep rooted love of family. They show their love for their child by leaving, a huge painful sacrifice for them all. We get a glimpse of this strong parent-child relationship and the personalities that help mold Trevor into the man he is today. The unanswered questions they leave us with are the same ones that we have wanted answered from the beginning of the series. In this case this it is completely founded because this is a prequel. Chris & Cecilia also drop hints as to the future of the couple. I have the feeling that we will be seeing them soon enough in the series and we will have all our questions answered.
Stay up to date, you can Chris & Cecilia at: https://www.facebook.com/CAlmeida.CAu...
The Oracle (Maria Mercedes)
All synopsis are published by the publishers via Amazon, Goodreads or Barnes & Noble.
The Oracle Reviews: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph... http://theoraclereviews.com/ Reviews can be viewed on The Oracle Reviews, Good Reads & Amazon.
The Oracle Reviews purchases some titles, while others are provided via Netgalley, or the authors themselves. All opinions and reviews are our own, honest & from the heart.

[Mark Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncharted is the long-anticipated prequel Bytes Of Life short story that takes part shortly before the events in Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey's longer novel, Countermeasure. This particular short tells the story of Trevor Bauer's parents just before their untimely disappearance; missing presumed dead at sea. This short tale is intended to tease and tantalize loyal readers by dropping a few hints as to the nature of the disappearance of Connor and Maeve without actually giving anything away.....and, of course, not forgetting giving fans that extra added dose of sexual excitement that Bytes Of Life readers by now will have come to expect!

This short story is kind of like a hidden Easter Egg, locked away on the Extras menu of a DVD. It is obviously written especially for the fans, and almost exclusively for them in fact, and will do nothing for those who haven't already delved into either the Countermeasures and Bytes Of Life series or both before now.

I liked this very much and, though the sex is still present, it is less explicit than in previous volumes. Where this story works best though is at making the reader yearn for the next Countermeasures installment and leaving them hanging with yet more clues as to just why Trevor's parents disappeared in the first place!

One thing is certain, something was going on and this story works well to make you want to find out more....

Loved it!

[Simply Love Book Reviews]

Rhayne's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 Stars

Uncharted is part of the Countermeasure: Bytes of Life series. This is a prequel to Countermeasure, which is book one. We have followed Trevor on a journey through several books as he searches for answers to what exactly happened to his parents. With the addition of Uncharted we get a glimpse into their actual lives as they prepare to leave and give up the life they once knew.

It’s really an emotional short tale of a mother torn between what she has to do and what she wants to do. It’s about a father who has no alternatives and is determined to keep his family safe. Even if that decision means saying goodbye forever, it is what has to happen.

We are not given a lot of answers, there are still many questions surrounding this whole story line. It seems that each book just continues to add more intriguing questions. It’s like one big puzzle and with every new chapter lays a missing piece. They truly know how to hook you in and keep you invested in these books.

If you haven’t started this amazing series, you are really missing out. The mystery and suspense is written beautifully. The characters are easy to connect to and fall in love with and the balance between it all is superb.

Note: Uncharted is currently a free read on Amazon.

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s taken me far longer to read and review this short than it should have, but I think that delaying the read actually made this short ‘prequel’ to the series far more meaningful to me. In this short, Almeida and Aubrey introduce us to Conor and Maeve, parents of Trevor, a lead character in the series. We are provided a glimpse into those few hours before they disappear without a trace, leaving Trevor with a colossal mystery that weighs on his heart and is the impetus for many of his choices to come.

What you do see is a beautifully rendered vision of love: the love that guides, fulfills and ultimately, the one that you will sacrifice it all for. Both Maeve and Conor are briefly but completely drawn, leaving readers with the sureness of their love for one another, and their only son. And not much else but a desire to find out what happened. And to do that, one needs to read the other books in the series, and that will be no hardship. Another lovely short that provides a touch of insight into the motivations and mystery that threads throughout the whole of the Countermeasure series.

I purchased this copy for my own enjoyment shortly after release. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conner and Maeve had been married a long time and they loved their home life in Dublin. However all of this is about to change forever. They agreed this is best for the son Trevor, but they can’t ignore the pain this decision will cause.

Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey have written a very intriguing start to their series, with this short story. Readers will be captivated and anxious to figure out what the motive is that caused such a drastic decision from the main characters. Even though it is a short story, the main characters are developed enough that the readers will relate to their inner conflicts. This is a very well written story.

I enjoyed reading this little sneak peak into what is ahead in the series. Based off this short story, I have high hopes that this series will be an exciting and suspenseful romance.


Notes:

A copy of this book was provided for me to review. To learn more about these authors and their series, please visit their website at: http://www.countermeasureseries.com

This review was originally posted on my website, Ariesgrl Book Reviews. To see this and other reviews, please visit my site at: http://ariesgrlreview.com

[Lynn Hallbrooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is the prequel to the novel, Countermeasure. If you have read the novel then it gives a little more background. If you haven't read the novel first, then I suggest you read this first then go to the novel because it feels as if they flow together.

I loved knowing more of the background but the elusive element that flows through Countermeasure and To Russia With Love begins here and in my opinion is more intense.

I understand that novel 3, Alternate Connections is still in the process of being written. This will give me time to catch up with all the Bytes of Life books. Maybe if I see enough of the breadcrumbs then I might figure out what the heck this elusive element is.

Warning there is a sexual situation but it is tastefully done.

Edited because I actually read the Kindle version but posted review on Epub version.

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

*snick*… and a critical pin falls into place in the lock to the Countermeasure mystery of what happened to Trevor’s parents.
Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey write suspense so full of emotion I can’t hold the tears back, and especially so with this prequel to the saga, UNCHARTED. As they prepare to leave on their fateful journey Conner mourned the loss of children unborn. Maeve mourned the loss of the child she already has.
As if it wasn’t hard enough to read this tale from Trevor’s POV in the first novel it is devastating to go through it again from his mother’s POV. The Countermeasure series is one that holds your heart and mind from story to story, book to book. I can hardly wait for the next few short stories but most especially for Alternate Connection, the next major novel in the series. If you have missed this series go ahead and start with this short story, UNCHARTED, and read right through to Book 2, TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE.
Write faster, Chris and Cecilia. Please.

Please see my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....

[Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this prequel to prepare for my audio book read of Countermeasure. It's pretty much a snippet of how Maeve and Conner felt for each other during their marriage. They were married and in love for 20 some odd years and have a son they adore. For some unknown reason, they must pick up and leave without telling anyone where they are going. Countermeasure is the next journey where Trevor looking reasons why his parents disappeared.

I liked the story but I didn't love it. I get that they are in love and they have some kinda hot chemistry even after so many years of marriage. I just don't feel the love. I feel like the story could have been a bit longer, going into more depth of their lives and time together as well as their relationship with Trevor. It is also left unsaid of why they left but I'm guessing that will give away too much of Countermeasures mystery/thriller appeal. I still look forward to reading the first book in the series.

[Rhayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional short tale of a mother torn between what she has to do and what she wants to do. It’s about a father who has no alternatives and is determined to keep his family safe. Even if that decision means saying goodbye forever, it is what has to happen.

There are still many questions surrounding this whole story line. It seems that each book just continues to add more intriguing questions. It’s like one big puzzle and with every new chapter lays a missing piece. They truly know how to hook you in and keep you invested in these books.
If you haven’t started this amazing series, you are really missing out. The mystery and suspense is written beautifully. The characters are easy to connect to and fall in love with and the balance between it all is superb.

Entire review posted here: http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...

[Lori Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay....it was free...I had a day to do nothing but one click at Amazon...so out of like 20 books I downloaded, this was the first one I read of all those freebies....I would say a good 75 percent of the free reads I get, by the end of chapter 1 are gone....but this one felt lucky to me, so I got nice and comfy in my recliner and started.
I was not very far in, when I noticed that I was no longer reclining, my feet were on the floor and my pulse was beating a bit faster than normal...
A short read, but it made me want to read the first novel, so....I did...isn't that exactly what a prequel is supposed to do? Uncharted perfectly set up Countermeasure. Chris and Cecilia do not waste words, but the descriptions feel like I am watching a movie. Keep an eye on these two my fellow bibliophiles...they are quite a powerful combination!

[Amy R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uncharted is the prequel to Countermeasure and a must read whether you have or have not read Countermeasure yet. Check out this freebie because it will snag your attention and hook you into the rest of the series or provide you with more knowledge about Trevor Bauer's parents and what they are feeling regarding what they are about to do, and thus, providing us even more curiosity into Trevor's quest in the Countermeasure series. Sounds vague, right? Well, it is, but also helps understand things a little. Just go read it. It is quick and loaded with heavy emotion.

[Danielle Annett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uncharted was a a quick and easy read giving me a better idea of what to expect in the Countermeasure series. I got a peak into the lives of Conor and Maeve and the decision they are forced to make. It gave me a touch of back story though I would have liked a bit more. I think I may have enjoyed it more had I read book 1 and then gone back to read the prequel but I liked it none the less and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

For considering how short a freebie Uncharted is, it sure does draw you in emotionally. It is rare to see such a touching sex scene - I didn't find it erotic personally, but it was genuinely beautiful and transformed a middle of the range novella into something that could easily be a four star, and probably would've been had I read the next book (and therefore had some context).

[Cinthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short prequel of Countermeasure but which could be read after.
In Uncharted we met Conor and Maeve Brennan Trevor's parents before their missing or dead. The night before the sail day.
I loved meet the couple and their love for each other and for their only child Trevor but I want more, much more details about their missing.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little short explains a little more about the prologue from Countermeasure, but mostly I have more questions, hopefully they will be answered soon.

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. It gives you a little tid bid on what happened or what we think happened to Trevor's parents as it leads into Countermeasure. It also makes you wonder what kind of "problem" Connor is in, that he chose to do what he did. But very intriguing!! :)

[Husain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simply put nice choices of wards filled with passion , love , and tragedy .

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard so much about this series I figured I would start it this year. And the journey begins for me.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started with Countermeasures and couldn't stop...love the characters and the mystery that surrounds them.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

These shorts are fantastic! They are short little reads with some hot scenes. I even cried on some! :) Thank you Chris and Ceci!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great start to the "Countermeasure" series.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in April, 2013

Re-Read in January, 2014


****
Review - coming really soon...

[Wendy T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really looking forward to read countermeasure now.

[Tina "IRead2Escape" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hotness Rating 2 out of 5

Review to come...