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Marine Heroes #1
Explosive Reunion
"I'm not leaving you."
He made a promise to protect her.
Back in her hometown, Tori James never expects to spend time with her ex-fianc�--until someone blows up her car. Now she has a target on her back, and accepting Staff Sergeant Cade McMann as her bodyguard is her only hope of staying alive. But even as Cade and Tori are drawn back together, a killer is determined to tear them apart for good.
He made a promise to protect her.
Back in her hometown, Tori James never expects to spend time with her ex-fianc�--until someone blows up her car. Now she has a target on her back, and accepting Staff Sergeant Cade McMann as her bodyguard is her only hope of staying alive. But even as Cade and Tori are drawn back together, a killer is determined to tear them apart for good.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2019
51 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kirst
77 books257 followersKaren Kirst was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn't until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. The pursuit of her dream would take longer than she first anticipated...years, in fact. In the fall of 2010, she got the happy news that Harlequin Love Inspired Historical wanted to publish her manuscript-a true blessing from God. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom, and romance writer. She enjoys reading, hosting tea parties and spending time with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 18, 2019
Catchy title for a riveting 'debut'. This is Karen Kirst's first romantic suspense and it's an explosive page-turner. Impeccable pacing, intriguing suspense, diverse action and some great hero/heroine heart-to-hearts. It was easy to lose myself in the story and savor each scene as I tried to puzzle out the how and why of Tori's mystery threat. And there are a couple of interesting secondary characters I'm hoping might get their own story sometime in the future. Pretty please with a cherry on top! This author has shot up to the top of my LIS 'must buy NOW' authors list. Super excited to see what comes next from Karen Kirst!
February 15, 2019
3.5 stars (Some sites only allow whole numbers so rating may vary).
The story starts off with a bang and keeps going--but there were a few times that I noticed the POV character shift mid-scene without any scene break and that was a bit disconcerting. I felt like I'd get thrown out of one characters head and into another's without any warning.
As is true in most of this series, it is hard to get the romance and the suspense in in the pages allowed. In this case, Cade and Tori had a history of dating and engagement and it seems that neither really relinquished their love for the other, though Tori tried prior to moving back home.
The suspense part is well done. The main characters are likable and Cade's military history makes his feats while protecting Tori believable. The action is pretty much non-stop. I didn't guess who was behind it until it was revealed--and I did suspect another character in the book of being in on it when he wasn't.
The romance part felt a bit like it followed an all-t00-familiar script, and if it hadn't been for their long-time friendship and past dating relationship/past engagement, I wouldn't have bought that their love might survive.
Along the way, Tori realizes that she's blamed the military and its lifestyle for many things in her life--her disappointment with her father for one--and she also learns that some of her father's absences were at her mother's request. Eventually she realizes her love for Cade is bigger than her fear of the military lifestyle/separation. It's a shame that it takes such a major event to make them both admit their love for each other.
I feel bad that Tori's brother, Jason, was possibly used by Heath rather than the two being friends as it seemed earlier on.
There are some interesting supporting characters that I'd like to see more of: Julian and Jason being the two that first come to mind.
The story starts off with a bang and keeps going--but there were a few times that I noticed the POV character shift mid-scene without any scene break and that was a bit disconcerting. I felt like I'd get thrown out of one characters head and into another's without any warning.
As is true in most of this series, it is hard to get the romance and the suspense in in the pages allowed. In this case, Cade and Tori had a history of dating and engagement and it seems that neither really relinquished their love for the other, though Tori tried prior to moving back home.
The suspense part is well done. The main characters are likable and Cade's military history makes his feats while protecting Tori believable. The action is pretty much non-stop. I didn't guess who was behind it until it was revealed--and I did suspect another character in the book of being in on it when he wasn't.
The romance part felt a bit like it followed an all-t00-familiar script, and if it hadn't been for their long-time friendship and past dating relationship/past engagement, I wouldn't have bought that their love might survive.
Along the way, Tori realizes that she's blamed the military and its lifestyle for many things in her life--her disappointment with her father for one--and she also learns that some of her father's absences were at her mother's request. Eventually she realizes her love for Cade is bigger than her fear of the military lifestyle/separation. It's a shame that it takes such a major event to make them both admit their love for each other.
I feel bad that Tori's brother, Jason, was possibly used by Heath rather than the two being friends as it seemed earlier on.
There are some interesting supporting characters that I'd like to see more of: Julian and Jason being the two that first come to mind.
February 25, 2024
DNF @ 27 pages, it was THAT bad.
First, this is a book for the supah-awsss. If you're not super awesome, you just won't get it. Cuz he was supah-awsss in high school and went into the military, because after all, where's an athlete gonna get dat kinda glory after grad except in the service, amIright? He enlisted even knowing the girl he wants marry HATES the military. Cuz... luvvvvv. R'something. I guess...? Who knows.
Tori is an supah-awssss, too. She runs a pet supply store out of a house (?!). No animals in the store, so... why people would go to her HOWSE store when they could go to a pet shop and visit puppies, ferrets, bunnies, and kittens while buying Purina - or even WALMART to see the fish, get better prices, and pick up milk/socks at the same time, we don't know. It's mostly because the author says so.
And she writes THE stupidest things. "...She ascended the stairs, hugging the left of the foyer (WHY is that even important?!). Cade's heavy tread pelted behind her." PELTED. Seriously. I... got nuthin'. That is some weird, weird wording. It probably was supposed to be creative, but... how about no? To pelt is to 'hit with thrown objects; to strike'. Unless he was throwing his feet around her house...? (((cringe.)))
And I love when bad writers feel the need to sum up someone's entire history for us in one sentence, because descriptive writing/unfolding a story izzz soooooo hard...!!! Kirst writes exactly this: "You're to be commended, Tori. Leaving your position at the library and your home in Tennessee in order to come back and give your mom a break couldn't have been easy."
Cuz all Marines talk like a 40-something woman, and give the people they're with a run down of their own lives. Wait, what?! ((Yes, THAT stupid.))
Another example of that: "He examined the oversize dog faces printed on the [umbrella]. 'Let's hope none of my buddies happen by.'" Cuz... yeah, a 30-year old Marine says 'happen by' every day, right? Actually, most of them don't say more than a sentence without an 'F' in it - including the christchun ones. Voice of experience, here. I grew up military, on bases. Spent my twenties engaged to military, and have dealt with military friends all my life. This ain't how it is. AT. ALL.
I don't like either of them, I don't like the writing, I don't like the stupidity, and I don't have time for this. There are 300 'Love, Inspired: Suspense' books on shelves in my basement that I have to get thru, and I'm looking for diamonds in the rough.
This was beyond rough. It was unbearable. Hard pass, kthxbye.
First, this is a book for the supah-awsss. If you're not super awesome, you just won't get it. Cuz he was supah-awsss in high school and went into the military, because after all, where's an athlete gonna get dat kinda glory after grad except in the service, amIright? He enlisted even knowing the girl he wants marry HATES the military. Cuz... luvvvvv. R'something. I guess...? Who knows.
Tori is an supah-awssss, too. She runs a pet supply store out of a house (?!). No animals in the store, so... why people would go to her HOWSE store when they could go to a pet shop and visit puppies, ferrets, bunnies, and kittens while buying Purina - or even WALMART to see the fish, get better prices, and pick up milk/socks at the same time, we don't know. It's mostly because the author says so.
And she writes THE stupidest things. "...She ascended the stairs, hugging the left of the foyer (WHY is that even important?!). Cade's heavy tread pelted behind her." PELTED. Seriously. I... got nuthin'. That is some weird, weird wording. It probably was supposed to be creative, but... how about no? To pelt is to 'hit with thrown objects; to strike'. Unless he was throwing his feet around her house...? (((cringe.)))
And I love when bad writers feel the need to sum up someone's entire history for us in one sentence, because descriptive writing/unfolding a story izzz soooooo hard...!!! Kirst writes exactly this: "You're to be commended, Tori. Leaving your position at the library and your home in Tennessee in order to come back and give your mom a break couldn't have been easy."
Cuz all Marines talk like a 40-something woman, and give the people they're with a run down of their own lives. Wait, what?! ((Yes, THAT stupid.))
Another example of that: "He examined the oversize dog faces printed on the [umbrella]. 'Let's hope none of my buddies happen by.'" Cuz... yeah, a 30-year old Marine says 'happen by' every day, right? Actually, most of them don't say more than a sentence without an 'F' in it - including the christchun ones. Voice of experience, here. I grew up military, on bases. Spent my twenties engaged to military, and have dealt with military friends all my life. This ain't how it is. AT. ALL.
I don't like either of them, I don't like the writing, I don't like the stupidity, and I don't have time for this. There are 300 'Love, Inspired: Suspense' books on shelves in my basement that I have to get thru, and I'm looking for diamonds in the rough.
This was beyond rough. It was unbearable. Hard pass, kthxbye.
January 30, 2019
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Explosive Reunion. I always enjoy Karen's books although she usually writes Historicals. This book is well written, action packed, and full of faith. I know you are going to love this one.
Marine Staff Sergeant Cade McMann was shaking in his boots when he heard his ex is moving back to his small fishing community. She had tore his heart out and stomped on it. They had managed to ignore each other so far but it had become a problem. He goes to her business to talk to her only to have her car blow up. Someone is out to kill Tori will she let him protect her? Can he keep her safe?
Tori James comes home to help her mother run her pet shop. Her mother has Lupus and needs a break. Tori didn't want to see Cade again. He had broke her heart when he joined the Marines. Her father had been in the military and her parents marriage had suffered greatly for it. Why hadn't he at least talked to her about it first? Now someone is trying to destroy her, how can she trust Cade, let him help her, and not loose her heart again?
A journey of two people destined to be together and a world trying to pull them apart. God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch him move int your mess.
Marine Staff Sergeant Cade McMann was shaking in his boots when he heard his ex is moving back to his small fishing community. She had tore his heart out and stomped on it. They had managed to ignore each other so far but it had become a problem. He goes to her business to talk to her only to have her car blow up. Someone is out to kill Tori will she let him protect her? Can he keep her safe?
Tori James comes home to help her mother run her pet shop. Her mother has Lupus and needs a break. Tori didn't want to see Cade again. He had broke her heart when he joined the Marines. Her father had been in the military and her parents marriage had suffered greatly for it. Why hadn't he at least talked to her about it first? Now someone is trying to destroy her, how can she trust Cade, let him help her, and not loose her heart again?
A journey of two people destined to be together and a world trying to pull them apart. God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch him move int your mess.
December 27, 2021
I feel incredibly dumb for not knowing what “Love inspired” actually was. I’ve read many Harlequin books and this was not it. I guess inspired refers to lots of religious talk and absolutely no sex! That’s my fault for not understanding but I still feel tricked. If you’re looking for a more PG book then this is the one for you.
I didn’t feel the connection between the characters. I guess a bomb is a way to make two people confess their love for one another 🤷🏼♀️
I’m an army spouse as well. Details were placed to prove the book is military based but it felt unnatural to the writer for obvious reasons. Not sure that’s entirely their fault.
Things happened very quickly in the book but when you’re only working with 217 pages I would assume they would have to.
It wasn’t awful though. I just didn’t have the urge to keep reading it which is sad because I wanted to like the book. I will have to avoid love inspired and possibly all Harlequin book from now on. 🤦🏼♀️
I didn’t feel the connection between the characters. I guess a bomb is a way to make two people confess their love for one another 🤷🏼♀️
I’m an army spouse as well. Details were placed to prove the book is military based but it felt unnatural to the writer for obvious reasons. Not sure that’s entirely their fault.
Things happened very quickly in the book but when you’re only working with 217 pages I would assume they would have to.
It wasn’t awful though. I just didn’t have the urge to keep reading it which is sad because I wanted to like the book. I will have to avoid love inspired and possibly all Harlequin book from now on. 🤦🏼♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2018
Karen hasno problem changing from historical to suspense. I loved the story about Tori James and Cade McMann. Its a story about decisions made in the middle of a fire fight. That was not easily made. Then the repicussions it can have. Its a second chance romance in many ways. With lots of actions and surprising twists in it. Its well written and worth a read. I can't help but wonder who she us writing about next. Will it be Julian? I love how she writes for the story just flows. Its such a mystery as to who is behind what is going on. The biggest surprise is who at the end. I will be looking for her next book for this was a great read. J
January 23, 2019
Action from beginning to end
Loved this book and this author. I became familiar with this author from her writing Love Inspired Historical, which I miss. The heroine has just moved back home to help her mother out with the family business, the hero a marine and the heroine's ex boyfriend had just stopped to talk with her when her car is blown up. This book has attempted murder, attempted kidnapping, bombs, and two people realizing that after years apart they still love each other.
Loved this book and this author. I became familiar with this author from her writing Love Inspired Historical, which I miss. The heroine has just moved back home to help her mother out with the family business, the hero a marine and the heroine's ex boyfriend had just stopped to talk with her when her car is blown up. This book has attempted murder, attempted kidnapping, bombs, and two people realizing that after years apart they still love each other.
February 23, 2019
From the very first line, I was hooked. Honestly, from the first word. I love military heroes, and Marine Staff Sargent Cade McMann was no exception. This story is fast paced with twists and turns I didn't see coming. Tori is a strong female character. I like her spunk, and her clothes. I could envision her outfits as the descriptions were so clear. This one had me on the edge of my seat a few times. I highly recommend "Explosive Reunion"! Will there be another, maybe Julian's story? I'll be watching!
January 8, 2019
this is a revitting story I could not put down, someone is after her, they blow up her car, and other things happen, he tries to help her, they were engaged but he was going into the military and she did not want that. if you like suspense and romance you will love the story
March 14, 2020
I felt with the author making the woman so strong. She seemed kinda frail and needy. Couldn't keep a balance of strong/weak. Admittedly she was almost killed.. so I'd be weak too. I did enjoy the book though.
June 16, 2021
First by this author. Good story overall, kept me engaged as heroine is being threatened and her former love interest saves the day. A little bit of "I had to ask my Marine husband about this" in the voice of the heroine, but read with accuracy. Satisfying ending to this romantic suspense.
February 1, 2019
This is the first book I have read by this author I think. I loved the action, the suspense and everything else. This story was great and I think if you like suspense you will enjoy this
March 22, 2019
Not Sure
There was a little too much going on for my taste.Too many twists and turns and characters.I found it hard going.
There was a little too much going on for my taste.Too many twists and turns and characters.I found it hard going.
April 8, 2019
Full of adventure and makes you really stop to appreciate everything service men and women do; the scacrifices they make.
July 24, 2019
Great story. Never a dull chapter.
July 30, 2020
Explosive reunion
I just finished the story of explosion reunion and I really enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. Good action and suspense.
I just finished the story of explosion reunion and I really enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. Good action and suspense.
June 16, 2024
Great action packed book. This was my first book by author Karen Kirst. It was quiet the reunion.
October 10, 2024
Cade McMann, a platoon leader in the Marine Corps, was eighteen years old and newly engaged to Tori James when he enlisted in the Marines. Having already lost her father in the line of duty, when Tori found out, she broke up with Cade and left town.
Returning ten years later to take over her mother's pet supply shop, Cade goes to see Tori, trying to make things less awkward for them since their families are close and they will inevitably run into each other. While visiting Tori, her car is blown up and she is shot at, so Cade appoints himself her bodyguard.
Explosive Reunion is Karen Kirst's first romantic suspense book and the beginning of a series about Marine heroes stationed in North Carolina. It was the perfect read - very clean, full of adventure, and filled with faith. I really liked that the spiritual lives of the characters began in childhood and remained firm throughout - adding to the story instead of being a part of it that needed solving.
I purchased a paperback copy of this book.
Returning ten years later to take over her mother's pet supply shop, Cade goes to see Tori, trying to make things less awkward for them since their families are close and they will inevitably run into each other. While visiting Tori, her car is blown up and she is shot at, so Cade appoints himself her bodyguard.
Explosive Reunion is Karen Kirst's first romantic suspense book and the beginning of a series about Marine heroes stationed in North Carolina. It was the perfect read - very clean, full of adventure, and filled with faith. I really liked that the spiritual lives of the characters began in childhood and remained firm throughout - adding to the story instead of being a part of it that needed solving.
I purchased a paperback copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews