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Shenandoah Shadows #2
Scorched
Trent Mann stuck his hand into the flame once before. Now he’s determined to protect himself ... and his heart.
Trent should have known better. He does know better. But, somehow, still mourning the death of his partner and lover, the former Navy SEAL fell, and fell hard, for a married woman. He and Olivia Santos walked through fire together. But when they came out the other side, he froze. He hasn’t laid eyes on the CIA operative in months, not since they worked together to reveal an explosive political scandal. The heat between them was unmistakable. But the minute the dust settled, he fled like he was being chased by a ghost. Because he was.
Olivia has problems of her own. A vengeful ex-husband, livid political enemies, and a meddlesome mother, to name just a few. But she can’t stop thinking about Trent—and the haunted look in his eyes. He blames himself for the jihadist ambush and execution of Carla Ricci. But Olivia has an inkling that there’s more to the story than Trent realizes. And she’s never been one to ignore her hunches.
When Trent learns she’s playing with fire, he races to her side. But will he be too late to save her from the forces she’s unleashed?
Trent should have known better. He does know better. But, somehow, still mourning the death of his partner and lover, the former Navy SEAL fell, and fell hard, for a married woman. He and Olivia Santos walked through fire together. But when they came out the other side, he froze. He hasn’t laid eyes on the CIA operative in months, not since they worked together to reveal an explosive political scandal. The heat between them was unmistakable. But the minute the dust settled, he fled like he was being chased by a ghost. Because he was.
Olivia has problems of her own. A vengeful ex-husband, livid political enemies, and a meddlesome mother, to name just a few. But she can’t stop thinking about Trent—and the haunted look in his eyes. He blames himself for the jihadist ambush and execution of Carla Ricci. But Olivia has an inkling that there’s more to the story than Trent realizes. And she’s never been one to ignore her hunches.
When Trent learns she’s playing with fire, he races to her side. But will he be too late to save her from the forces she’s unleashed?
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2021
167 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Melissa F. Miller
89 books595 followersMelissa F. Miller is a multi-time USA Today bestselling author of mystery, thriller, suspense, and romance novels. Formerly a complex commercial litigator, Melissa graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in medieval literature and creative writing poetry and earned her JD, cum laude, from the Duquesne University School of Law, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Law Review.
After fifteen years, Melissa traded the practice of law for the art of storytelling, drawing on her legal background and love of research to craft fast-paced, twisty books for readers who believe light drives out darkness, love is brave, and kind is strong. She writes strong, resilient characters who tackle serious (and sometimes dark) issues and themes with heart.
She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Novelists, Inc. When she’s not writing, you can find her tending her garden, doing yoga, or drinking coffee. Melissa currently lives outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with her family and their rescues—a cat and a beagle. The cat’s in charge.
After fifteen years, Melissa traded the practice of law for the art of storytelling, drawing on her legal background and love of research to craft fast-paced, twisty books for readers who believe light drives out darkness, love is brave, and kind is strong. She writes strong, resilient characters who tackle serious (and sometimes dark) issues and themes with heart.
She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Novelists, Inc. When she’s not writing, you can find her tending her garden, doing yoga, or drinking coffee. Melissa currently lives outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with her family and their rescues—a cat and a beagle. The cat’s in charge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 12, 2021
O.M.G.
Superb. Plot is outrageously good. Raced to the end. Excellent cliff-hanger...can not wait for the next novella.
My review of the first novella, Burned, stated it was Sashbodstine, but I have to amend this comment as I now feel like Olivia is in a class all by herself.
I feel that Scorched was even better than Burned. The storyline was deeper and tighter. It can only get better!
I received an ARC of Scorched for an honest review.
Superb. Plot is outrageously good. Raced to the end. Excellent cliff-hanger...can not wait for the next novella.
My review of the first novella, Burned, stated it was Sashbodstine, but I have to amend this comment as I now feel like Olivia is in a class all by herself.
I feel that Scorched was even better than Burned. The storyline was deeper and tighter. It can only get better!
I received an ARC of Scorched for an honest review.
February 12, 2021
Review for Scorched by Melissa Miller
This is the second novella in the Shenandoah Shadows series.This book follows Burned which should be read first. The reader is immediately back in the action with Olivia. This story starts off with Olivia Santos being a guest on a TV program called Political Preview. Both Ryan Hayes,the government lawyer handling the prosecutions and Jake West, her security guru thought it was best for her to be out in the public eye to avoid being killed.
The host of the show asked her opinion regarding a rumor that the government was making a deal with terrorists, Boko Haram. That question puts in motion a whole set of situations that puts Olivia Santos and Trent Mann back together for a short time.
The action is fast again with a bar fight and other things which would be spoilers if I mentioned them all happening within a 24 hour period. There also might be a mole in Jake’s security company Potomac.
Olivia and Trent still have feelings for each other but no real time to act on them. The dialogue is very good especially in the bar scene as well as in other situations which I will refrain from identifying due to spoilers. This story does end in a cliff hanger because Olivia knows she may have aroused the attention of the wrong people in the government. She now has to go into hiding at a safe house while Trent discovers someone is trying to frame him for murder. He has to vanish.The plot is definitely expanded upon in this novella and as a reader I can’t wait to read the final episode. Just what have Olivia and Trent set in motion? Who really is the bad guy this time? I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This is the second novella in the Shenandoah Shadows series.This book follows Burned which should be read first. The reader is immediately back in the action with Olivia. This story starts off with Olivia Santos being a guest on a TV program called Political Preview. Both Ryan Hayes,the government lawyer handling the prosecutions and Jake West, her security guru thought it was best for her to be out in the public eye to avoid being killed.
The host of the show asked her opinion regarding a rumor that the government was making a deal with terrorists, Boko Haram. That question puts in motion a whole set of situations that puts Olivia Santos and Trent Mann back together for a short time.
The action is fast again with a bar fight and other things which would be spoilers if I mentioned them all happening within a 24 hour period. There also might be a mole in Jake’s security company Potomac.
Olivia and Trent still have feelings for each other but no real time to act on them. The dialogue is very good especially in the bar scene as well as in other situations which I will refrain from identifying due to spoilers. This story does end in a cliff hanger because Olivia knows she may have aroused the attention of the wrong people in the government. She now has to go into hiding at a safe house while Trent discovers someone is trying to frame him for murder. He has to vanish.The plot is definitely expanded upon in this novella and as a reader I can’t wait to read the final episode. Just what have Olivia and Trent set in motion? Who really is the bad guy this time? I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
February 10, 2021
SCORCHED....Melissa.Miller
Olivia feeling she was a dead woman walking, after exposing a dirty senate subcommittee. Advice to do guest appearances, stay in public eye was safer, when she only wanted peace and quiet.
Potomac owner Jake now asking Trent to investigate Boko Haram and .Nigerian jihadists. Olivia calling in to let Jake know where she is going, he is providing her security, she’s now asking about Bobo if he had heard.
Sending Trent with binoculars to watch from a distance, this was the place she was attacked, the sun on the glass lens gave him away. A burger and a game of pool with some friends on the way back, no time for talk of what happened, before. When a controlled fight and a missing gym bag are gone, he had the file in.it that Jake wanted him to read. They’ve got trouble ahead of them once again.
Good second part, I like how you went right into the story and knew what was still going on. The security for her, and the interest.between Trent and Olivia. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Olivia feeling she was a dead woman walking, after exposing a dirty senate subcommittee. Advice to do guest appearances, stay in public eye was safer, when she only wanted peace and quiet.
Potomac owner Jake now asking Trent to investigate Boko Haram and .Nigerian jihadists. Olivia calling in to let Jake know where she is going, he is providing her security, she’s now asking about Bobo if he had heard.
Sending Trent with binoculars to watch from a distance, this was the place she was attacked, the sun on the glass lens gave him away. A burger and a game of pool with some friends on the way back, no time for talk of what happened, before. When a controlled fight and a missing gym bag are gone, he had the file in.it that Jake wanted him to read. They’ve got trouble ahead of them once again.
Good second part, I like how you went right into the story and knew what was still going on. The security for her, and the interest.between Trent and Olivia. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
February 20, 2021
Too hot to handle--Irish lads and lassies are the best warriors. We are left hanging off a very high cliff with bated breath--Melissa, you are killing us. Can't wait for this struggle to end and the good guys to win and get their much deserved reward--being reunited finally!! This story runs parallel to my own--maddeningly real!!
February 13, 2021
I'm loving this series! Short, quick reads but oh so good!
Olivia and Trent are back for another adventure that ends with me wanting more so I can't wait for Ablaze to come out next month.
The Shenandoah Shadows novellas build off one another and as much as I enjoyed Burned, Scorched is another level. Ms. Miller continues to build her characters and I feel as if I'm along for the journey with Olivia and Trent.
Olivia and Trent are back for another adventure that ends with me wanting more so I can't wait for Ablaze to come out next month.
The Shenandoah Shadows novellas build off one another and as much as I enjoyed Burned, Scorched is another level. Ms. Miller continues to build her characters and I feel as if I'm along for the journey with Olivia and Trent.
February 16, 2021
Trent and Olivia are like moths to a flame, they may think they are better off alone but when they are together they works so well not just professional but also boy to they have sizzle when they are together. Something very sinister is going on and Trent and Olivia are in the firing line once again and have to use their smarts to get to the truth but yikes I don't know who if anyone I would really trust right now as it seems the powers that be behind what is uncovered. I can not wait for the next book to see what happens next!!!
February 14, 2021
I received an eARC for this book. Picking up where we left after Burned, the story moves ahead with a multitude of twists and turns. More dots emerge than are connected and the book moves at a steady pace. A cruel cliffhanger at the end leaves the reader wishing for much more.
February 18, 2021
Another cliff-hanger from Melissa F. Miller. The second of three novellas. You should read the first one then this one. Then you will have to wait for the third. The wait for the next one is the hardest part.
Read them all.
I received an advanced copy from the author for review purposes. Thank you.
Read them all.
I received an advanced copy from the author for review purposes. Thank you.
February 10, 2021
I'm loving these short novellas, but boy, they are getting a little too hot to handle! Olivia and Trent spar with each other, but their goals coincide so they have to figure out how to work together. I enjoy the banter among the various characters and the quick pace of the plot. Warning! This one ends in a cliffhanger, but it's a minor one and I expect it will all be worked out in the third book in the series, coming in March. So, not that long to wait!! I received an ARC copy.
February 16, 2021
Ahh, the cliffhanger! I knew it was coming and was still surprised when it happened. I was too wrapped up in the story! I'm glad there's not a long wait until the next one.
Trent and Olivia hadn't spoken or seen one another for a while, but come together again, when information regarding Carla's death, and Boko Haram comes to light. Trent always blamed himself for letting Carla go off to that meeting alone, but there was more to it than he realised.
I'm so excited to see what happens next! Such a great series, it's intriguing and twisty and I love it!
Trent and Olivia hadn't spoken or seen one another for a while, but come together again, when information regarding Carla's death, and Boko Haram comes to light. Trent always blamed himself for letting Carla go off to that meeting alone, but there was more to it than he realised.
I'm so excited to see what happens next! Such a great series, it's intriguing and twisty and I love it!
February 17, 2021
I need the last installment at once! This series has me riveted. I think the 2nd book was better than the 1st; cannot wait to see how the story unfolds in book 3. Great characters & storyline!
February 15, 2021
OMG what am amazing read, start to finish! Quite the roller coaster ride ending in a cliff hanger and left me thinking a month is too long to wait to find out what happens. But so worth the wait. Melissa Miller has out done herself with this series!
February 15, 2021
I was just getting ready to shut down my e-reader for bed when I discovered that Scorched had been delivered. So much for getting any sleep. I was eagerly awaiting this section of the Shenandoah Shadows story and it did not disappoint. Even though there was a month between Burned and Scorched, I didn't have any difficulty picking up the plot where it left off or recognizing the characters. It was a joy to read, even though, as the middle novella in a trilogy, there were more cliff-hangers and loose ends than there were resolutions, and I'm eagerly awaiting the final installment to come out next month.
To be honest, if you haven't already read the first novella in the series, I would suggest saving yourself some frustration and waiting until after March 15th before starting, until you can read the entire story in one sitting--because it probably will be in one sitting, it's that good.
To be honest, if you haven't already read the first novella in the series, I would suggest saving yourself some frustration and waiting until after March 15th before starting, until you can read the entire story in one sitting--because it probably will be in one sitting, it's that good.
February 15, 2021
Scorched is the second book in the Shenandoah Shadows series. The adventures continue for Jake and Olivia as they investigate yet another scandal. This storyline is so very intriguing. There’s plenty of action and suspense in this thriller. I was hooked from the first page. This is a very enjoyable series I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review
February 13, 2021
Woah, wow, wow, wow, woah! “Scorched” by Melissa Miller is outrageously good! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find our how Olivia and Trent uncover the details of the latest scandal. The plot, the Hatcher’s, the twists and turns all culminate in the greatest cliffhanger. I am loving this series and can’t wait for the next book!
I received an ARC of “Scorched” for an honest review.
I received an ARC of “Scorched” for an honest review.
October 17, 2021
Reader:
Enjoyed reading her novels, but will not read any more after I completely this last one, reason there is no ending, there is always another book to purchase, plus the couple of pages she writes gets my interest percolating and then I have to go Purchase Another book To find out what the ending is and then I have to go and purchase another book To find out what the ending is an purchase another book. Am hopping you'll get my the drift!
Enjoyed reading her novels, but will not read any more after I completely this last one, reason there is no ending, there is always another book to purchase, plus the couple of pages she writes gets my interest percolating and then I have to go Purchase Another book To find out what the ending is and then I have to go and purchase another book To find out what the ending is an purchase another book. Am hopping you'll get my the drift!
February 2, 2022
This novella trilogy tells the story of burned CIA agent Olivia Santos and ex SEAL Trent Mann who now works as a private military contractor. The author chose to break the story up into three parts. All three had plenty of action, suspense, espionage and a whole bevy of traitors. There is also a large cast of characters that help Olivia and Trent through the books.
The next novella trilogy feature Trent's boss Jake West and Olivia's cousin Chelsea. Cant wait to dive into.
The next novella trilogy feature Trent's boss Jake West and Olivia's cousin Chelsea. Cant wait to dive into.
February 22, 2022
Short Book, Lots Of Info On What's To Come
The saga continues as Olivia's and Trent's lives are about to get a whole lot uglier. The deep state in D.C. are in a condition red panic. And even though there will a separation between them you know they will be part of what brings it all together. Thrilling. Compelling.
The saga continues as Olivia's and Trent's lives are about to get a whole lot uglier. The deep state in D.C. are in a condition red panic. And even though there will a separation between them you know they will be part of what brings it all together. Thrilling. Compelling.
February 12, 2024
The Plot Thickens
Why only four stars for a beautifully plotted serial episode? Because, as good as everything else is, the cliffhanger setup doesn't make sense to me. I'm going to have to figure this out before I can read the next episode. And I can't really say more without introducing spoilers.
Why only four stars for a beautifully plotted serial episode? Because, as good as everything else is, the cliffhanger setup doesn't make sense to me. I'm going to have to figure this out before I can read the next episode. And I can't really say more without introducing spoilers.
October 6, 2021
incomplete serialized story
I enjoyed the first book in this series that had, essentially, a complete story within the larger story of the romance between Trent and Olivia. This one stops in the middle. Hate that. Have to think about whether I'm going to read the next one.
I enjoyed the first book in this series that had, essentially, a complete story within the larger story of the romance between Trent and Olivia. This one stops in the middle. Hate that. Have to think about whether I'm going to read the next one.
July 6, 2022
things are heating up!
Olivia us trying to outrun her ex-husband, the bent Senator and the CIA . Things heat up with Trent to only be separated again by life or death events. I’m on to the next book!
Olivia us trying to outrun her ex-husband, the bent Senator and the CIA . Things heat up with Trent to only be separated again by life or death events. I’m on to the next book!
October 6, 2022
The excitement continues
The book is very intriguing and the constant of not knowing what comes next keeps you wanting more. The characters are likable and very interesting with their backgrounds. Looking forward to the next in the series.
The book is very intriguing and the constant of not knowing what comes next keeps you wanting more. The characters are likable and very interesting with their backgrounds. Looking forward to the next in the series.
December 27, 2022
This book follows the first one in the series – Burned. It takes the reader to a time shortly after the first one, reconnecting Trent and Olivia as they continue to investigate the intrigue that started in the previous book. It kept my interest until the end.
April 2, 2023
This book keeps you reading!
This is the second book in the series, and the book is getting really exciting! I can’t wait to continue with the next book in the series. Read book one first-then book 2 etc. I highly recommend it.
This is the second book in the series, and the book is getting really exciting! I can’t wait to continue with the next book in the series. Read book one first-then book 2 etc. I highly recommend it.
February 21, 2021
Heartpounding action
Olivia and Trent are in the middle of all the intrigue going on. This series is the best! I can't believe that I have to wait a month for the conclusion.
Olivia and Trent are in the middle of all the intrigue going on. This series is the best! I can't believe that I have to wait a month for the conclusion.
Read
February 23, 2021I really enjoyed the second instalment of Olivia’s and Trent’s adventure, but now I have to wait for the finale. However, I am so looking forward to it.
April 30, 2021
Follow Your Instincts
Olivia and Trent get together for pool and drinks with friends. A faked brawl throws them into many layers of corruption and deceit.
Olivia and Trent get together for pool and drinks with friends. A faked brawl throws them into many layers of corruption and deceit.
December 19, 2021
Fun series, short books, lots of sizzle between Olivia and Trent, and ends with a cliff hanger.
April 1, 2022
Buckle up tighter!
All hell is breaking loose as a murder conspiracy pulls in more characters. This is an intense read and hard to put down!
All hell is breaking loose as a murder conspiracy pulls in more characters. This is an intense read and hard to put down!
July 13, 2022
interesting
Quick read that you can do in one sitting. Keeps your attention and keeps you guessing. Great Sox book series.
Quick read that you can do in one sitting. Keeps your attention and keeps you guessing. Great Sox book series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews