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Amanda #1
Chasing Amanda: Expanded Edition (The Amanda Books
Now with a brand-new bonus epilogue…
In the tense months following 9/11, a chance encounter sparks an unlikely connection between two strangers—a young college student and a marine on his way to Afghanistan.
Mark has no interest in romance, especially just a week before he deploys. But when he sees a man follow a pretty waitress from a Providence hotspot, his gut tells him she’s in danger. He feels compelled to intervene.
Amanda hoped to learn the restaurant business when she took the waitressing job, but so far all she’s learned is how to fend off handsy guys. When she leaves work one night, she hears a patron following her and is beyond grateful when a man intervenes to protect her. As she and Mark spend time together, attractions grows between them.
The more Mark feels for Amanda, the more he worries for her safety. The guy who followed her was no drunken frat boy hoping to get her phone number. Mark’s instincts have never let him down, and his instincts tell him her stalker is still close—and he has sinister intentions.
Once Mark says goodbye, there’ll be nobody there to protect her. Nobody to keep their future from being shattered by violence.
From a USA Today bestselling author comes a thrilling romantic suspense featuring a military hero, a courageous but vulnerable heroine, and a stalker in the shadows.
In the tense months following 9/11, a chance encounter sparks an unlikely connection between two strangers—a young college student and a marine on his way to Afghanistan.
Mark has no interest in romance, especially just a week before he deploys. But when he sees a man follow a pretty waitress from a Providence hotspot, his gut tells him she’s in danger. He feels compelled to intervene.
Amanda hoped to learn the restaurant business when she took the waitressing job, but so far all she’s learned is how to fend off handsy guys. When she leaves work one night, she hears a patron following her and is beyond grateful when a man intervenes to protect her. As she and Mark spend time together, attractions grows between them.
The more Mark feels for Amanda, the more he worries for her safety. The guy who followed her was no drunken frat boy hoping to get her phone number. Mark’s instincts have never let him down, and his instincts tell him her stalker is still close—and he has sinister intentions.
Once Mark says goodbye, there’ll be nobody there to protect her. Nobody to keep their future from being shattered by violence.
From a USA Today bestselling author comes a thrilling romantic suspense featuring a military hero, a courageous but vulnerable heroine, and a stalker in the shadows.
158 pages, Paperback
Published July 5, 2024
554 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Robin Patchen
70 books1,003 followersRobin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. After college, working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball-and-chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 10, 2019
This was a prequel for Finding Amanda and it's how they met. What is weird is that the woman he cheats with on Amanda when he gets back from Afghanistan, after he was engaged but before they were married, isn't even mentioned at all. Yet she is brought up as kind of a catalyst in the second book. Just bugged me.
This was a quick read with the hero saving her one night after he saw someone following her and then them falling in love. He was getting ready to be shipped out. He was a Marine. I liked him alot. I can't believe he ends up cheating on her with his ex. That's in the second book as a memory only. Happened between prequel and book off page.
Free in KU.
This was a quick read with the hero saving her one night after he saw someone following her and then them falling in love. He was getting ready to be shipped out. He was a Marine. I liked him alot. I can't believe he ends up cheating on her with his ex. That's in the second book as a memory only. Happened between prequel and book off page.
Free in KU.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2019
What a great set-up to the next book in the series! This is a short story, but full of action, suspense, and raw human emotion. And of course romance. Generally speaking, I'm not a big fan of when the romance takes off as quickly as it did in this book, but for some reason, this was written in such a way that I didn't roll my eyes by the romance. Well done! I can't wait to see what happens next!
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March 28, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/28/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
One followed her, one protected her
When Amanda leaves her waitressing job to return to campus one night, she’s followed by first one man, then another. Behind her, the men get into a scuffle, and she runs, not quite sure what just happened.
He must make sure she’s safe
Months after 9/11, Mark is about to ship out to Afghanistan. He’s not looking for romance, but the marines have trained him to listen to his gut. And his gut screams that the pretty waitress is in danger.
The stranger in the shadows
While Amanda and Mark learn to trust one another, a monster stalks his next target. Will Mark be able to save her a second time, or will the love he thought he didn’t want be ripped from his hands by violence?
Blurb:
One followed her, one protected her
When Amanda leaves her waitressing job to return to campus one night, she’s followed by first one man, then another. Behind her, the men get into a scuffle, and she runs, not quite sure what just happened.
He must make sure she’s safe
Months after 9/11, Mark is about to ship out to Afghanistan. He’s not looking for romance, but the marines have trained him to listen to his gut. And his gut screams that the pretty waitress is in danger.
The stranger in the shadows
While Amanda and Mark learn to trust one another, a monster stalks his next target. Will Mark be able to save her a second time, or will the love he thought he didn’t want be ripped from his hands by violence?
August 24, 2020
This clean novella about Mark and Amanda was filled with action and their path to love.
January 16, 2016
Chasing Amanda by Robin Patchen
Prequel to Finding Amanda
Lieutenant Mark Johnson will be leaving for Afghanistan in one week. He's visiting an old friend before going to see his parents. His dad is great but his mom isn't happy about his choices, so there's not rush to see her. He expects to hang out with Justin for the weekend and go on his way. He never expected the blue eyed, blond haired beauty that crossed his path.
Amanda Prince doesn't like working at the bar and walking home at night but the money is good and it works with her school hours. Until that Thursday night. Two men, a fight and her running home in confusion. From that one night, her life is forever changed.
I really enjoyed this story and the first book, Finding Amanda. This is a shorter story but full of excitement and emotions. One decision by Mark to follow his instincts and one decision by Amanda to trust a stranger.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Prequel to Finding Amanda
Lieutenant Mark Johnson will be leaving for Afghanistan in one week. He's visiting an old friend before going to see his parents. His dad is great but his mom isn't happy about his choices, so there's not rush to see her. He expects to hang out with Justin for the weekend and go on his way. He never expected the blue eyed, blond haired beauty that crossed his path.
Amanda Prince doesn't like working at the bar and walking home at night but the money is good and it works with her school hours. Until that Thursday night. Two men, a fight and her running home in confusion. From that one night, her life is forever changed.
I really enjoyed this story and the first book, Finding Amanda. This is a shorter story but full of excitement and emotions. One decision by Mark to follow his instincts and one decision by Amanda to trust a stranger.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
October 7, 2016
It was an okay story. A bit rushed on the "falling in love" bit. I'm still not sure about the character Mark. I've met Marines and have known Marines, but Mark seemed a little too tame. Amanda still needed a little "fleshing out" to deepen her character. Even the reaction by the bar owner seemed off.
Even though the blurb doesn't hint at it, this seems more like a prequel to the next book, just a taste of backstory and history into the characters.
This book was listed under Christian fiction, and although a clean read, I didn't find anything that would be mark it as a Christian book.
If someone wants a easy to read, clean romance, then book would be it. It's a well written story.
Even though the blurb doesn't hint at it, this seems more like a prequel to the next book, just a taste of backstory and history into the characters.
This book was listed under Christian fiction, and although a clean read, I didn't find anything that would be mark it as a Christian book.
If someone wants a easy to read, clean romance, then book would be it. It's a well written story.
September 29, 2015
Great storyline but short
I understand that there is a sequel to the first book, Chasing Amanda however I was looking for a little bit more in the first book. Didn't see the story ending the way it did in the first book.
I understand that there is a sequel to the first book, Chasing Amanda however I was looking for a little bit more in the first book. Didn't see the story ending the way it did in the first book.
January 26, 2016
Another good book by Robin Patchen
Couldn't put the book down and I can't wait to read the next book .
I highly recommend this book.
Couldn't put the book down and I can't wait to read the next book .
I highly recommend this book.
January 20, 2020
This novella is a prequel to Finding Amanda. We get introduced to Amanda and her husband in this book.
April 22, 2020
Category : Fiction
Publisher: JDO Publishing
Book type: EPUB
Pages: 93
I enjoyed reading Finding Amandabecause it was full of suspense and the author has a great imagination that keeps you glued to the book.
In this book,I was introduced to Amanda Prince and Mark Johnson in a town called Providence. The suspense in the book is so great as a mysterious stalker was thrown in the plot and each page tries to keep the suspense longer.
At a time,I assumed who the nameless stalker was. That’s the power of a well written book but I was wrong!
From the book,I could get some themes out of it. Firstly, there was the theme of love as seen in the budding relationship between Amanda and Mark.
Secondly,the theme of trust. I was amazed at the speed in which Amanda trusted Mark with her heart and life.
This book is a prequel to Finding Amanda by Robin Patchen.
Although,the first few pages were captivating but other pages became too slow for me but I made up my mind to enjoy it and I did at the end.
A question that came to my mind while reading the book was ” What would make a stalker determined to harm his victim?”
I think the answer will be found in the main book Finding Amanda.
If you want to know more about Amanda Prince and Mark Johnson story, I will recommend you visit http://www.RobinPatchen.com to get the books and to meet the author.
These are my honest reviews about the book.
Publisher: JDO Publishing
Book type: EPUB
Pages: 93
I enjoyed reading Finding Amandabecause it was full of suspense and the author has a great imagination that keeps you glued to the book.
In this book,I was introduced to Amanda Prince and Mark Johnson in a town called Providence. The suspense in the book is so great as a mysterious stalker was thrown in the plot and each page tries to keep the suspense longer.
At a time,I assumed who the nameless stalker was. That’s the power of a well written book but I was wrong!
From the book,I could get some themes out of it. Firstly, there was the theme of love as seen in the budding relationship between Amanda and Mark.
Secondly,the theme of trust. I was amazed at the speed in which Amanda trusted Mark with her heart and life.
This book is a prequel to Finding Amanda by Robin Patchen.
Although,the first few pages were captivating but other pages became too slow for me but I made up my mind to enjoy it and I did at the end.
A question that came to my mind while reading the book was ” What would make a stalker determined to harm his victim?”
I think the answer will be found in the main book Finding Amanda.
If you want to know more about Amanda Prince and Mark Johnson story, I will recommend you visit http://www.RobinPatchen.com to get the books and to meet the author.
These are my honest reviews about the book.
December 7, 2017
I actually enjoyed this book until the abrupt ending -- which came as a surprise. I literally read the last page and said out loud, "That can't be it. Seriously?" I got upset because there was SO much more that could have been done to lengthen this book, give us more of this love story, and still leave room for a sequel. Instead, the conclusion was rushed as if the author had no clue where to go with the storyline after a certain point.
Other than that ... the writing was good. I really liked the characters. I enjoyed the journey the main love interests went on to find themselves intertwined in each other's lives. It was just too abrupt at the end.
Additionally, I read the preview for the next book and I probably won't buy that one. I'm still ready to find out how this pair 'lives IN LOVE' as that's what every reader desires. The preview (I won't spoil it for you) doesn't elude to a very happy ending or start ... I'm confused on which it should be since this book really didn't really flow like it should at the end.
Other than that ... the writing was good. I really liked the characters. I enjoyed the journey the main love interests went on to find themselves intertwined in each other's lives. It was just too abrupt at the end.
Additionally, I read the preview for the next book and I probably won't buy that one. I'm still ready to find out how this pair 'lives IN LOVE' as that's what every reader desires. The preview (I won't spoil it for you) doesn't elude to a very happy ending or start ... I'm confused on which it should be since this book really didn't really flow like it should at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2018
This is a light, short read and in my opinion not Robin Patchen's best work, plot wise. I know it is a prequel to 'Finding Amanda' and I think once I read that one, which will be next on my list, I will appreciate the story more. Mark seemed very immature to me for someone who is preparing to go to Afghanistan to fight in the Marine Service. Reference to commitments he and his friend, Justin, made when they were eleven made me believe that they didn't advance much before that stage. Love at first sight is said to be possible, but I didn't find this story all that convincing; however, I do look forward to reading more about Mark's marine service and how he eventually finds Amanda once again. I hope he grows up a little while in the marines.
I have read other stories by this author from the "Lies" series and enjoyed her writing.
I have read other stories by this author from the "Lies" series and enjoyed her writing.
November 20, 2018
Chasing Amanda was more than I excepted. Wow!!! What an exhilarating fun romantic thriller.
Mark a marine fixing to leave for Afghanistan after the horrific 911 attacks, he’s prepared and wanted this his entire life.
Amanda a young college student, waiting tables and trying to just get through school is about to come face to face with a stalker whose sets his eyes on her.
Thank goodness for Mark’s tactical training, he’s always watching, ready for anything. As Amanda leaves the bar after her shift is over, Mark watches as a hooded man follows her out.
Mark follows as well... you’ll just have to read to see what happens.
This is an amazing book of love found, loved lost, and the love forever.
Mark a marine fixing to leave for Afghanistan after the horrific 911 attacks, he’s prepared and wanted this his entire life.
Amanda a young college student, waiting tables and trying to just get through school is about to come face to face with a stalker whose sets his eyes on her.
Thank goodness for Mark’s tactical training, he’s always watching, ready for anything. As Amanda leaves the bar after her shift is over, Mark watches as a hooded man follows her out.
Mark follows as well... you’ll just have to read to see what happens.
This is an amazing book of love found, loved lost, and the love forever.
June 30, 2019
Great Story
I loved the story of Mark and Amanda. Her trust of him almost from the beginning I found easy to understand. Sometimes you just have to follow your gut instincts. I can also understand his history, and the impact it had on his allowing her entrance to his heart.
I wanted to read the books when I read their reviews and purchased both of them at the beginning. Then I sat down and read completely through the first one. I was correct. It was an amazing story. I hope you like them too.
I loved the story of Mark and Amanda. Her trust of him almost from the beginning I found easy to understand. Sometimes you just have to follow your gut instincts. I can also understand his history, and the impact it had on his allowing her entrance to his heart.
I wanted to read the books when I read their reviews and purchased both of them at the beginning. Then I sat down and read completely through the first one. I was correct. It was an amazing story. I hope you like them too.
November 4, 2019
An impactful, beautiful romance.
Robin Patchen writes fast-paced, character-driven romances. They always contain a faith message and heart-pounding suspense.
Both Amanda and Lt. Mark Johnson have their own reasons to not start a relationship. When Amanda's thrown them into danger, and Mark turns out to be a hero he's too irresistible for Amanda. This book is an absolute nail-biter and a great read!
I'm thrilled there is a full-length novel, Chasing Amanda to dive into next.
I read this book in two days, it's the perfect weekend read!
Robin Patchen writes fast-paced, character-driven romances. They always contain a faith message and heart-pounding suspense.
Both Amanda and Lt. Mark Johnson have their own reasons to not start a relationship. When Amanda's thrown them into danger, and Mark turns out to be a hero he's too irresistible for Amanda. This book is an absolute nail-biter and a great read!
I'm thrilled there is a full-length novel, Chasing Amanda to dive into next.
I read this book in two days, it's the perfect weekend read!
January 12, 2020
You know you love a book from the first page when you can't stop reading it but don't want it to end. Luckily at the end I find out there is a sequel to this suspenseful story! Lieutenant Mark Johnson has one week before he leaves for Afghanistan when his whole life is about to change. There is a pretty waitress Amanda who he has been watching. She leaves the bar where Mark and his friend Justin were. He feels danger in the air as he jumps up to follow her. What happens next had me holding my breath...This story was so poignant, filled with sparks of love and wanting to know more.
April 24, 2019
I really enjoyed the story until the end, which was a disappointment. It was rushed and not a satisfactory conclusion. The reader is left wondering what happened. I understand this is a prequel, but I like something to indicate a HEA, even if just a hope.
Although this is listed as Christian fiction, it doesn't have any faith message. It is certainly appropriate for believers, but not overtly Christian.
Although this is listed as Christian fiction, it doesn't have any faith message. It is certainly appropriate for believers, but not overtly Christian.
July 4, 2019
Heart of A Hero
Amanda was in dire need of help one night toward the end of her shift in a bar even though she didn’t ever drink. But the money was better than she made just being a waitress. Several guys frightened her and just kept watching her until a gallant Marine, Mark, saved the night for her. But that’s only the first save of the evening. There’s so much more to this story that grabs you and won’t let go until the very end.
Amanda was in dire need of help one night toward the end of her shift in a bar even though she didn’t ever drink. But the money was better than she made just being a waitress. Several guys frightened her and just kept watching her until a gallant Marine, Mark, saved the night for her. But that’s only the first save of the evening. There’s so much more to this story that grabs you and won’t let go until the very end.
August 16, 2021
This is the prequel to Finding Amanda so I already knew that this was only a taste of the story of Mark and Amanda. It takes place over a few days, when they both fell in love. I know what you're thinking: yeah, right... However, Robin Patchen provides a lot of background in Chasing Amanda and makes the premise of insta-love believable. The author also provides suspense in the form of a stalker.
All in all, this is a good suspenseful romance leading into the next book in this series.
4 stars.
All in all, this is a good suspenseful romance leading into the next book in this series.
4 stars.
August 10, 2018
A good read!
The book caught my attention from the beginning. There were not a lot of characters to keep up with, which made it easy for me to be able to read over several days and not have to go back into the book to find out what I had read previously. It is a very good love story and I found myself feeling their emotions!
The book caught my attention from the beginning. There were not a lot of characters to keep up with, which made it easy for me to be able to read over several days and not have to go back into the book to find out what I had read previously. It is a very good love story and I found myself feeling their emotions!
April 2, 2019
Finding Amanda
I enjoyed this book so much I read it all in one sitting! I like the realism of the characters, it seemed like things could really happen this way. Life can be so complicated, and they say truth is stranger then fiction - but in Chasing Amanda, fiction is very unpredictable and I like it!
I enjoyed this book so much I read it all in one sitting! I like the realism of the characters, it seemed like things could really happen this way. Life can be so complicated, and they say truth is stranger then fiction - but in Chasing Amanda, fiction is very unpredictable and I like it!
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September 3, 2019This was a swift story, started off with a bang of tension and continued at a good pace through to the happy ending. I found the quick move from heroine and hero's first meeting to falling in love in a short amount of time a bit hard to accept but, as always, Robin delivers a great story that keeps readers engaged throughout.
May 4, 2020
This book definitely was not my cup of tea. Very short story so everything was way too rushed. There was no time for the mystery or character development. There is a full length book following this. I read the synopsis and the reviews. It really doesn't seem to be a book I would enjoy so I'll skip it.
November 27, 2021
Always try to be aware of how your surroundings.
It's very dangerous for young women to walk alone especially after dark. This story happens in a college town where students are always walking around. Amanda has a stalker that she's not even aware of, hopefully she will be safe.
It's very dangerous for young women to walk alone especially after dark. This story happens in a college town where students are always walking around. Amanda has a stalker that she's not even aware of, hopefully she will be safe.
October 25, 2017
I really wanted to rate this one higher, but I honestly just didn't like it that much. I read some romantic suspense, which this is, but this one just wasn't one I liked. It was a bit too creepy and violent for my taste.
December 12, 2017
Pulse Pounding Suspense
This book gives you pulse pounding suspense as Mark,a soldier moves to protect Amanda ,a college student ,twice from a sexual predator.
I loved the storyline and the compelling characters.
I recommend this book for those who love romantic suspense.
This book gives you pulse pounding suspense as Mark,a soldier moves to protect Amanda ,a college student ,twice from a sexual predator.
I loved the storyline and the compelling characters.
I recommend this book for those who love romantic suspense.
October 24, 2018
I got this as a free download and was pleasantly surprised by the writing and story line. I'm very interested in reading the next book and, given where I am, appreciate having this book's background information for Amanda's story.
September 10, 2019
An excellent prequel!
This book builds an excellent backstory for Finding Amanda. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. A short read but packed with action and emotion. Definitely five stars!
This book builds an excellent backstory for Finding Amanda. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. A short read but packed with action and emotion. Definitely five stars!
January 9, 2020
This was an edge-of-your-seat read. The suspense was believable and the characters well developed. Doesn't hurt that the main man is a Marine! I will be looking for more of Robin Patchen's books to check out.
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September 18, 2020Amanda
Do you believe in love at first sight? . Mark and Amanda didn't want to believe it at first. The first time Mark saw Amanda he knew she was being followed and he went to save her. This happened several times. This book wasn't long enough. I want more
Do you believe in love at first sight? . Mark and Amanda didn't want to believe it at first. The first time Mark saw Amanda he knew she was being followed and he went to save her. This happened several times. This book wasn't long enough. I want more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews