A lone biker on the open road. A crew of murderous thugs in hot pursuit. The hunters become the hunted along a lonely stretch of desert asphalt.
The notorious Rattlers motorcycle club didn’t have an official exit policy. So Austin Conrad wrote his own when he decided to get the hell out. Now he’s the target of the MC’s ruthless president, who’s hell-bent to silence Austin to keep his own dark secrets buried. Set along the back roads of southern California’s Mojave Desert, the story comes to its thrilling climax among the abandoned ghost town of Amboy. When Austin is waylaid by a hit squad from a rogue faction of the club, they learn the hard way that there’s more to Austin than motorcycles and petty crime.
No Time To Bleed is the action-packed second installment in the highly acclaimed Austin Conrad series. Quick-paced story ramps up the action and tests the mettle of anti-hero Austin Conrad, while setting the stage for further adventure and mayhem.
Warning: contains violence, profanity and irreverence, in equal measure.
Dusty Sharp lives in Southern California with his wife, Stephanie, and four English Mastiffs. He enjoys exploring the back-country of the desert southwest and tinkering on old Ford Broncos. Dusty enjoys good cigars, better food, and great beer. He has had a lifelong interest in the history of California and the west, and is a proud brother of E Clampus Vitus. His professional background is in marketing, having worked for many years in the RV and automotive aftermarket industries. The Austin Conrad thrillers are his first published works of fiction.
This is an exciting introduction to Austin Conrad. The action takes place in the middle of the Mohave Desert, which is described perfectly. The book opens with action and continues with thrill after thrill up to the very end. The characters are quite real and the interaction is astounding. Sharp uses a parsimony of words, but captures the scenery and the violence very well. The book is short, and I immediately re-read it to enjoy more of the flavor. I will read more about Austin Conrad because I really enjoy the style of writing.
Every so often, a new writer breaks out onto the scene that causes you to wonder: where the hell has this guy been, anyway? Dusty Sharp appears to be one of these.
He’s recently published a new novella, No Time To Bleed, as a prelude to a series of books featuring protagonist Austin Conrad, a salty old vet turned biker, who must navigate his way through a barrage of gunfire and unfortunate events, some of which were arguably self-inflicted.
This is a quick little read, both due to the length of the story as well as the fact that this is really a page-turning action shoot-em-up. Not a lot of information is given outside of the fact that Conrad is done with his biker gang, The Rattlers, and simply wants to walk away from it all. One gets the impression that this particular gang is a lot less of the weekend-rider, full time lawyer and dentist types and more of the blood-oath, we’ll shoot your ass if you cross us variety. As the reader, your first clue is that they’re into some very serious business, Conrad is on the run, and they’re coming after him.
And that’s about all the setup this story needs, really. Conrad is a man who has strayed far enough away from his moral center that he’s decided enough is a enough. He simply won’t be a party to it any more, consequences be damned. He has one goal in this story: don’t get dead.
I can’t say where future installments will go, but for this particular novella, I would classify it as popcorn action. The premise is simple, the characters and their motivations are clear; all the reader really needs to do is buckle up, pull his hat down tight, and hold on. If you are an action buff; if you enjoy fast-paced action, you’ll read this in a single sitting.
I had a lot of fun with this one. As someone who tends to look for the deeper meaning in much of his reading, it is good (decadently so) to put such mental gymnastics on hold and just enjoy a good old-fashioned shooter. Dusty has the genre nailed in this entry. A portion of this story is clearly a love-letter to the very best of 80’s action films, right down to the campy one-liners. The writer also demonstrates a deep knowledge of and abiding affection for the the Mohave desert and the historic back-road highways that stitch across it. The setting in this story is as much a character as the bikers tearing up the landscape.
The only reason this story didn’t get five stars from me is that I wanted to know more about the protagonist than was offered. I felt as though I was just getting to know who the guy was, with some very well written character background that aptly accomplished the two-fold task of getting you to care about the character as well as informing that character’s mental and emotional makeup in the present time. But just as I felt I was really getting into the psychology of the guy, all of that stopped, the guns came out, and things got real. I felt as though I hit a stutter step and found myself preferring that this had been a novel rather than a novella.
This, I believe, is more of a personal preference than it is a failing on the writer’s part. He’s clearly putting this story out as a teaser and, I assume, will be delving into a lot of these character aspects in future entries. I get that you typically get less in a novella but for me, it just seems backwards. I personally would have preferred a full length novel, maybe two, with a novella dropped after. The challenge Sharp has set for himself now is that this short entry is going to get a lot of readers hungry for more; I’ll hope he’s able to put out more at a pace that keeps the interest up.
Ex-Green Beret and now ex-Rattler, Austin Conrad's could easily be a long-lost cousin of Lee Child's Jack Reacher - both are physically large, tall and both have an instinctive drive to help out the underdogs and restore justice by any means necessary in a very similar manner, in Dusty Sharp's Book 2 of his Austin Conrad Thriller series.
When Austin's former biker gang boss, Tillman, starts trading in sex slaves from South America, Austin's loyalty to his and his late father's boss evaporates. Despite Tillman's rule 'blood in, blood out' that sets him and Austin at loggerheads, the threat of a beating takes a deadly turn, as Austin has footage of Tillerman, lieutenant Sunny and his 601 elite bodyguard, selling the girls into a life of misery and degradation.
Can Austin destroy the evil trade before Tillman and his 'troops', (now allied with another gang) can kill him? Who is Gene and what is his reason for helping Austin survive assassination? Where does Austin run a pole dancing club? What is his personal connection to the club's manageress? How does Austin's cousin Hank help out? This is a non-stop thrill of a ride between the bright lights of Vegas and the remote forest trails and canyons of California and it's a great follow up to book 1 in the Austin Conrad Thriller series by Dusty Sharp. Well worth a read, it's well-written, fast paced and has great realistic and engaging characters that you're sure to love!
No Time To Bleed by Dusty Sharp is a biker revenge story. It is all action with very little of what could be called depth. For action fans, this is good. The action scenes are real. And there are motorcycles as a bonus.
Austin Conrad was a perpetual rebel. As a child, he had been raised by his father Wayne who had turned to the life of a biker on the road in a gang known as the Rattlers when he had returned from Vietnam. It was almost natural that Austin would enter the Army. After a few combat operations, Austin returned home after a notification that his father had died. He then joined Special Forces and began performing special operations tasks in the Middle East. He quickly figured out he was only a tool in a never-ending conflict and returned to a life in the US. It was almost logical that he would join the Rattlers.
The biker gang disappointed Austin. He felt that he was again being used to achieve a goal he had no part in defining. It was time to quit, again. But the Rattlers were having none of that. Austin had cut off his patches, turned in his vest, and hit the road. And now the gang members were after him. They didn’t want to talk; they wanted to eliminate him.
The first one, Cable Guy, almost got him with the cable across the road at night. From then, it was all downhill for the Rattlers as Austin determined to eliminate three of the four chasing him. The fourth would be sent back to the gang with a message. Enlisting the help of a friend of his father’s, Austin and friend did a credible job of revenge in this well-constructed tale. Of course, there is a cliffhanger. That is why readers want to know the story.
The writing is well done, credible and fast-paced. I gave it four Amazon stars. I got this book from the author’s website. It is on sale for USD 0.99 on Amazon and is NOT offered through Kindle Unlimited.
I have just finished reading this brilliant novella introducing Austin Conrad who is a ex army with all the skills and brains to match. I read this in one go today as it was that good. He has just left and walked out on a biker gang and while on Route 66 at Ambay comes face to face with some heavy dudes who have been sent by the gangs leader to teach him a lesson and kill him His special skills and good friend an old man called Gene stand alone against the odds for survival This is an all action blood and guts thriller book with a good mix of humour and excitement. I just couldn’t put this book down and am kicking myself as it has been suiting there in my books to read and I now wish I had read it straight away now having read it. Simply just loved everything about this book, good writing skills, storyline realistic people, humour it has got it all. Can’t wait to read more of Dusty’s books..
When I decided to read this book I didn't know what I was in for. It sounded interesting, but wasn't the normal type of book I liked to read. Any way, I decided to give this a shot and boy was I surprised. I could hardly put this book down. The book opens up with action and ends with action and in between there's tons of action. Basically this book will satiate those who like reading action filled books.
Though this is a guy's kind of book, if you're female and love action. Read this book.
I really liked this book and enjoyed reading it. I wouldn't hesitate to read another by this author. There was one thing that disappointed me about this story, it was too short.
Running From The Rattlers MC This novella is a continuation of the Austin Conrad Series. This is actually a serial. Each book is its own episode, complete but leading into the next. Each story could stand alone, but there is no 'final ending' in this book. The story is violent and very graphic. Rated R for Violence and Language. I would call it a 'guy' story. The warfare comes across as real. I liked that our hero is a middle aged, less than prime, former special forces guy. There is none of the unbelievable action-hero stuff, just great training, practice and skill. The target audience should love this book and series. I was given this book and this is my honest review.
Wow what a book I was very impressed by the depth of character the the twists and turns of the plot and the protagonists ability to consistently surprise me with his behaviors in actions. I was looking for a lot of excitement violence and drugs and drinking and and wasn't disappointed. But there was a lot more to this story I don't want to throw any spoilers out there but I recommend that you grab a copy and prepare to the excited and on the edge of your seat
No Time to Bleed is dark and brooding story that leaves many questions unanswered and me wanting to read more.
Dusty's descriptions of the angle culture, fight scenes and weapons, points to either a dark past or some very good research. Either way, it is a well written story, with a good hook which appealed directly to me, being a former member of the Poole chapter of the Black Widows.
Awesome and worth every one of the 5 stars I gave it.
A Rough and rugged story, with a "dark" hero, admittedly more in the "grey than the black and white" of life. Sometimes our choices come back to us in dangerous ways. Austin Conrad is my kind of hero. I'm ready for more!
If you like action, revenge, a quick witted hero/bad guy, this is the book for you. When I say revenge I mean blood and gore so if you're a wuss about that sort of thing this might not be for you. If you love semi-good triumph over evil, go for it. Loved the character but especially how the author gave you as much background as he did in a novella. It left me wanting more. I need to see this one through to the end.
This was a fast, short, exciting read. Austin leaves the motorcycle club he has belonged to for many years. Well, you don't walk away, you leave by dying. On his way to Las Vegas he is ambushed by four members of another chapter of the club. This story has violence, blood, murder, friends, and motorcycles. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Austin Conrad and his troubles with his motorcycle club brothers. There is plenty of action, good character development with people you feel you could know and relate to (not that I know a lot of bikers, but you know what I mean). I only had 2 issues with the book-all the profanity, but I had been warned in the blurb so I can't really complain about that and the fact that it just ended. Luckily I have already purchased No Time to Bleed, Book 2 or I would really be unhappy. I don't like cliffhangers or stories that end without a resolution and you know there's another book out there that you are going to have to buy or just deal with the fact that you will never know any more about the story. I really don't like the gimmick but Mr Sharp writes so well I'm willing to forgive him. Pick up Blood Brothers, but be sure and pick up No Time to Bleed at the same time so you can fully enjoy the story.
Love the detailed writing with suspense and action. This has a very interesting historical setting. Made think about taking a trip thru the Mojave desert.
This little novela/short story (less than a one-hour read) is way out of my usual guidelines. It was one of thirty-something freebie titles I downloaded en masse. I started to just skip it, but decided to read a few pages and see if it was better than it sounded. It was. It is crude and violent, but still a pretty interesting and reasonable well-written story.
This is a good novella about finding the line in the sand that you just won't cross. The consequences will keep you on the edge of your seat as you feel the grit and pain.
When Austin Conrad says he wants out the motorcycle club needs to just let it go. But some folks just can't let be. Tillman, the leader of the motorcycle club seems set on destroying Austin and Austin is just as determined to stay out. This book shows how determined each side is and they are both deadly serious. The action is fast placed enough to be a good read but not overly long. I loved each of the character's personna and how detailed they are without being about minutiae. The storyline isn't all that original but the way it plays out keeps the story fresh and moving. A strong 5 starts and a hankering for the next installment, "Blood Out".
Short story . Austin Conrad turns in his colors and rides away from the Rattlers Motorcycle Club. But the rattlers send 4 men to kill Austin. Austin and his friend Gene defend themselves and call a truce with the Rattlers. But neither Austin nor the rattlers intend to keep the peace.
This was the second novella by Dusty Sharp that I read. I liked it even better than "Blood Brothers". There was more action and adventure. I could "see" Austin Conrad ride a motorcycle and be followed by motorcycles - and fight. I could not stop reading until I reached the end of the story. I received a free copy and wrote an honest review.
I received the audiobook free in exchange for an honest review.
I've never read/listened to Dusty Sharp's books before. This seems like it's a shorter story set in a larger series of books. You don't need to know anything about the other books in order to enjoy this book.
Austin is ex-military, and ex Motor Cycle Club member. This story is basically the story of him getting out of the motorcycle club. Very entertaining and interesting listen.
Dan Gallagher had a good voice for this narration. I'm not sure if I liked his tendency to pick up the pace of the narration at certain points of the story .... ie the action sections. I understand how that might increase the enjoyment of the story for some, but I really didn't need it.
Wait it can’t be over....I want more Excellent well written story,with descriptive story telling. You get swept away and believe you are on the journey with Austin. Read it in 1 sitting and can’t hardly wait to see what happens next. Interesting summary at the end of the book describing the setting for the story,and the actual places that inspired the Story.