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30 Seconds #1

30 Seconds

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*30 Seconds is a novella.*

When Officer Blake Herro agreed to go undercover in the Mob, he thought he understood the risks. But he's made mistakes and now an innocent woman has become their target. He's determined to protect her at all costs.

The Mob's death threat turns Dr. Dani Hart's life upside down, but there is one danger she doesn’t anticipate. As she's dodging bullets, she's falling in love with Blake. With danger all around them, will she and Blake survive and have a happy ending, or will the Mob make good on their threat?

Content Warning: on page sex, strong language, violence, guns

111 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2014

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About the author

Chrys Fey

20 books335 followers

Author of the Disaster Crimes series. She/Her

Chrys Fey blogs at Write with Fey

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Thank you so much for your reviews!

Chrys Fey is a disabled, tattooed author of books featuring heroines of steel. Her Disaster Crimes series is a unique blend of romance, disasters, and crimes, influenced by her own experiences with natural disasters. The conclusion of her series inspired her to create TheFightingChance.org, a resource for domestic violence survivors. On her blog, WritewithFey.com, she supports, empowers, and teaches fellow writers.

Fey got the idea for her first book when she was twelve and discovered a rusted screw with a crooked tip buried in grass. That screw was a key to an unknown world with an extraordinary character born in heaven.

She is a fur baby mom of four rescued cats. For fun, she photographs antiques, makes playlists, and creates flip cup paintings of Avrianna’s nebula. She loves Halloween, autumn, and gargoyles.

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5 stars
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17 (48%)
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3 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Chrys Fey.
Author 20 books335 followers
Read
July 9, 2019
I set 30 Seconds in Cleveland, Ohio after I took a trip to Michigan and had a layover in the Cleveland airport. I didn’t get to explore the city, but the bitter cold that cut through me straight to the marrow in my bones made a big impact. It was after I was back in Florida when I thought of the opening scene of 30 Seconds. I could clearly see Dr. Dani Hart coming home with the bottom of her scrubs wet from the fresh snow, and right then I knew I had a new story idea.


For special tidbits on 30 Seconds follow this link http://writewithfey.blogspot.com/p/bo... or follow my Facebook page. :)
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
1,801 reviews119 followers
December 20, 2017
Terror, being chased, running, hiding the beginning.

Dani Hart literally bumped into Blake and her life took a turn…for the worse or for the better? You decide.

Their pasts had shaped their future and fate had brought them together.

Even as evil tears the place apart all around Dani, Chrys manages to slip a little humor into the story.

She makes a stupid mistake answering a call, and, well…

Dani is so darn cute, but fierce too.

I love that Blake is always cooking, so maybe the way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach.

And, of course, sometimes a situation calls for a snowball fight. Such a simple pleasure.

“It took me 30 seconds to fall in love with you…”

Fear of death = instalove

The suspense grows and the pace is smooth…until, well, you will need to find out for yourself.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of 30 Seconds by Chrys Fey.

See more at fundinmental
Profile Image for T.B. Markinson.
Author 57 books810 followers
July 1, 2015
This romantic suspense novella kept me turning the pages. Even though the story is short, there’s plenty of twists and turns and one big surprise that I didn’t see coming. Seriously, had to read the big surprise twice for it to sink in. I love it when that happens. Fun and sexy read.
Profile Image for Toi Thomas.
Author 16 books72 followers
March 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in one day. It's the perfect length with the perfect amount of action and suspense for an intense and satisfying read.

A deadly case of mistaken identity finds a doctor on the run for her life while the guilt-ridden cop responsible vows to protect her with his life. I love that from the start, it was clear that Dani was a fighter. She may not be a kick-butt heroine, but she is feisty and determined. She's a doctor and doesn't even let the mob stop her from saving lives.

I also love that Blake represents the type of cop I wish there were more of, not just in books, but in reality. I will admit though, I'm still wondering how he manages to live in such a nice home; perhaps I missed something. Did he inherit it? In any case, he's a good guy.

There was a twist to this story that I wasn't expecting. I knew there was something more going on and I was so delighted to discover what it was, and even more excited that I hadn't figured it out for myself. I was even happy to experience the exact moment where the title comes from.

This was a really cool story and I'm excited to hear there is a prequel, though I've heard the prequel doesn't have the steamy bits, but that's okay. As long as it follows one of these characters, I'll be happy to read it.

Highly recommended to adult readers and fans of crime dramas, romantic suspense, and quick action-packed reads.
Profile Image for Patricia Lynne.
Author 21 books107 followers
June 1, 2018
This was a fun, short read. The pacing was nice and I enjoyed the characters. I did find it weird that Blake didn't yell more at Dani the time she snuck off to the hospital. The mob is after her and it was irresponsible (even if she did save someone's life.) The tension of waiting for the mob to find her really kept the story going. I liked the romance, but wanted to smack Dani a few times because it was obvious Blake liked her and was struggling to keep a professional distance and she kept thinking he didn't want her. Near the end, I kept expecting them to show up earlier, then I half expected them not to show up. I liked the final showdown. It was exciting. All I'm going to say about the ending is oh the cheesiness. It was lovely-dovey and I always laugh at that.
Profile Image for Ronel Janse van Vuuren.
Author 89 books46 followers
April 28, 2023
Dani reminds me a bit of the first class of residents in Grey’s Anatomy who live for their work – and dance things out.

It’s a good story, but I think this novella could have been a great novel if it had dual POV like most romance novels – and what the blurb led one to believe the structure would be. It almost felt with the cursing and some coarse language that the story was trying hard to fit into the gritty thriller side of things instead of romantic suspense.

I liked this second-chance romance – especially when she gets her memories back.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews75 followers
August 25, 2015
Cleveland, OH. At Dr. Dani Hart’s (Danielle, Elle) apartment Officer Blake Herro (Cleveland P/D, aka Hottie) had come to warn her Tony London (criminal) & Red (mob leader, criminal) were going to kill her.
They hid in her apartment & avoided this mishap.
He took her into Protective custody.

Why does the mob want her whacked?

What will happen between Dr. Dani Hart & Officer Blake Herro?

That song brought back some memories. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Aerosmith).

Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violence, adult content or expletive language &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime mystery novella book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of very unique/colorful characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime mystery, or mini TV series. Not enough blood/guts for me, but I liked it. That said I will still rate it at of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Wild Rose Press, Inc.; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for Beverly McClure.
Author 17 books453 followers
December 29, 2015
Sometimes people are simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. Or perhaps it’s the right place at the wrong time or the wrong place at the right time. Are you confused? If so, you might be able to relate to Dr. Dani Hart, who faces such a situation, in Author Chrys Fey’s novella 30 SECONDS.

All Dr. Hart wants to do is go home to her apartment after an all-nighter at the E.R. and relax. Instead, she runs into Blake Herro, a cop (yes, literally runs into him), six armed men break into her apartment, and she and Blake hide in a cedar chest. Very cozy, if not for the fact the men want to kill her, thinking she’s someone else. From then on Dani’s life will never be the same.

The author has created characters with distinctive personalities. I love Dani. She has some great lines. One of my favorites is “She wanted to lie back down and drool on him some more.” Now, can’t you just picture that scene? And Blake is a hero and not just because of his last name. Danger, the Mob, cops, romance, and a neat surprise at the end make for a fascinating read.

00:30 SECONDS is the first book by Chrys Fey I’ve read. This story is so fast paced, action filled, and have I mentioned romantic, that I plan to read more of the author’s work. Soon.

###
Profile Image for Christine Rains.
Author 59 books235 followers
December 24, 2014
Dr. Dani Hart is exhausted from working in the ER. All she wants is to curl up in bed with a pint of her favorite ice cream. But before she can even step through her door, her life changes forever. Officer Blake Herro saves her from being killed by the mob, but they're determined to find her. He takes her into protective custody, and Dani can't stop herself from falling for him. Yet the threat of the mob is still hanging over her. Will she survive to find out if Blake loves her in return?

A fantastic romantic suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat, made me laugh, and tightened my chest. There's a few twists and turns, and one really big one that I completely didn't see coming. I love it when an author can surprise me like that.

Dani is an admirable woman and I respect her love for ice cream! Blake is the gorgeous hero. Their relationship was both sweet and hot.

Highly recommended. I can't wait to read more from Chrys Fey!
Profile Image for Ginascozylibrary.
19 reviews10 followers
September 21, 2014
Chrys Fey delivers, yet again, another thrilling hit! I have been a big fan of hers since her debut novella, Hurricane Crimes, and this time, she has really captivated my reading attention!

From beginning to end, this book had nonstop action and was packed with the kind of thrill one can only anticipate when reading one of Fey's books. The first chapter hooked me in right away. The author's use of descriptive language enabled me to envision Dr. Dani Hart coming into dangerous contact with Blake, the hero of this book. Early on, these two were addicting. Fey portrayed their relationship in an exciting manner as it developed while Blake was trying to protect Dani from his past and the Mob.

I finished this book in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. It is fast-paced, suspenseful and will leave you rooting for Blake and Dani to overcome their past and struggles. I can't wait to see what Fey comes up with next!
Author 78 books147 followers
March 18, 2015
I like books that grab me right from the start and this one did, when the heroine literally bumped into the hero on the way to her apartment. The pace of this romantic thriller never let up from there, taking the heroine, Danielle, on a wild ride from her life as an E. R. doctor through a terrifying flight from the Mob. The hero’s not only a hero, he���s Blake Herro, a cop. But why, I asked myself, was he in Dani’s life? What was he doing in Dani’s building in the first place?

The answer to that question was one of the things I liked best about this story. I didn’t see the twist coming (and I’m not about to ruin the surprise here!) This novella reminded me of a romantic action movie or episode from a television series: fast-moving, plenty of action, gunfire and last-second danger. Was there a happily-ever-after? I’ll never tell. Let me just say this is a good one to curl up with.
Profile Image for Susan Swiderski.
Author 3 books37 followers
October 15, 2014
I haven't read many (if any) romantic thrillers before, but judging by this one, they're kinda neat. Hot lead flying, bad guys in pursuit, and some nice hot kissing... and more... in between.

The kissing... and more... occurs between Dani, a surgical resident, and Blake, a police officer. When a nasty bunch of cop-killers are chasing Blake, Dani just happens to get in the way, and getting in the way means the cop-killers are now after her, too. So into protective custody she goes... at Blake's remote cabin in the snowy woods. Will they be safe there? Safe from the bad guys... for a while... but never safe from their feelings.

This is a novella, and very quick reading. Enjoyable, too!
Profile Image for Medeia Sharif.
Author 21 books428 followers
October 5, 2014
Officer Blake Herro has the Mob after him, and he accidentally involves innocent Dr. Dani Hart in their hunt for him. Now the Mob is pursuing the both of them. While he protects her, the two fall for each other. There’s ambivalence, but the attraction can't be ignored.

The Mob parts were bloody and suspenseful, while the romance between Blake and Dani was sweet and sensuous. I liked the cold, winter setting of Cleveland. There was also a nice touch with Dani’s muddled memories from a car accident she had long ago. I enjoyed this novella and will check out Fey’s other works as a result.
Profile Image for Sherry Ellis.
Author 8 books56 followers
November 27, 2015
Dani Hart is a doctor whose world gets turned upside down when members of the mob try to kill her. Blake Herro is the officer who's there to protect her. It's a whirlwind ride as they try to outrun the mob and discover love in the process. Thirty Seconds is an action-packed romance that keeps readers turning pages from the beginning. The chemistry between Dani and Blake is well-developed, and the unexpected twist at the end is a nice surprise. Recommended for Young Adult readers who enjoy romance and action.
Profile Image for Paula Ratcliffe.
1,317 reviews69 followers
November 12, 2016
This book starts out with Dani Hart heading home after work looking forward to sinking her teeth into some ice cream. What she didn't count on was Officer Blake Herro putting Dani into danger and having to take her away from her home and to somewhere safe from guys that want him dead convinced he's a Dr. Hart.

This book was alot of fun between the romance brewing between Dani Hart and Blake Herro, running from the bad guys and learning about each other it was definitely a great ride. I think anyone who loves adventure, suspense a thrill ride to say the least!
Profile Image for Lisa Thomson.
Author 4 books19 followers
December 26, 2014
It only took 30 seconds…for a life to change, be taken or a heart to be swept away. This crime/romance novella will have you at page one. Action packed and romance filled it is a delightful read. I couldn’t help thinking this would make a great movie. Well done, Chrys Fey. I look forward to reading more of her crime romance stories.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Seckman.
Author 16 books89 followers
February 3, 2015
So many good things in this story...even the title is heart warming once it's explained in the story. It's a tale of love, action, and suspense with a sweet twist I never saw coming. And the heroine is far from cookie cutter. She's a doctor with a bit of edge with her tattoos and love of rock. And the hero, Blake, is swoon worthy...and he will cook.
Profile Image for Sandra Dailey.
Author 6 books36 followers
February 16, 2015
30 Seconds Delivers!
Imagine you’re on your way to your apartment after a long day at work. You innocently run into a stranger. Now you’re a target, running for your life.
The way Chrys Faye tells it, it could happen.
The characters are believable. The story is fast paced. She had me completely enthralled by the time I left the trunk.
You may call it a short story, I think of it as compact.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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