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EOD #2
Bombshell
Sergeant James Spears isn’t heartbroken because he doesn’t have one. His heart was ripped from his body when the love of his life was killed in an IED attack in Syria.
Ironic, since James is an elite soldier whose speciality is neutralizing bombs.
Explosive…
Ordnance…
Disposal…
Other bomb disposal officers say EOD stands for ‘Every One’s Divorced’, but to James, all he can hear is ‘Every One’s Dead’.
When he meets the flighty, shallow socialite, Lady Arabella Forsythe, he detests her on sight. She’s everything he despises, and the complete opposite of the woman who stole his heart and buried it with her.
Arabella is sleepwalking through her life. Nothing holds her interest for long, not bingeing on champagne and cocaine, sleeping with princes and peers of the realm, not even her own family who are desperate to rehabilitate her.
When two lost souls meet in the grim underbelly of a world that most people avoid, they recognize each other’s shattered reflections. And maybe hatred is the other side of love.
Codename: Sleeping Beauty
Book 2 in the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) standalone series.
Ironic, since James is an elite soldier whose speciality is neutralizing bombs.
Explosive…
Ordnance…
Disposal…
Other bomb disposal officers say EOD stands for ‘Every One’s Divorced’, but to James, all he can hear is ‘Every One’s Dead’.
When he meets the flighty, shallow socialite, Lady Arabella Forsythe, he detests her on sight. She’s everything he despises, and the complete opposite of the woman who stole his heart and buried it with her.
Arabella is sleepwalking through her life. Nothing holds her interest for long, not bingeing on champagne and cocaine, sleeping with princes and peers of the realm, not even her own family who are desperate to rehabilitate her.
When two lost souls meet in the grim underbelly of a world that most people avoid, they recognize each other’s shattered reflections. And maybe hatred is the other side of love.
Codename: Sleeping Beauty
Book 2 in the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) standalone series.
264 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2019
About the author
Jane Harvey-Berrick
69 books2,036 followersAuthor also writes under Jane H. Berrick
Writing is my passion and my obsession. I write every day and I love it. My head is full of stories and characters. I'll never keep up with all my ideas...
All through 2021, I'll be including a new and original short story in my monthly newsletter. You'll get a FREE copy of my little heartbreaker PLAYING IN THE RAIN when you do.
http://janeharveyberrick.co.uk/newsle...
I live in a small village by the ocean and walk on the beach every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas.
Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.
I've just published my first ever historical romance - partly set in Britain during World War Two, and partly set in Iowa and Las Vegas today: THE LILAC CADILLAC
Did you know that I also write books with STUART REARDON, talented, kind AND handsome!
UNDEFEATED
MODEL BOYFRIEND
GYM OR CHOCOLATE?
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO VINCE
THE BABY GAME (Nov 24th 2021)
Find me!
Amazon US http://amzn.to/1M3cFuw amazon.com/author/janeharveyberrick
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1PdO987
FB Author page https://www.facebook.com/JHBWrites/
My Reader Group Jane’s Travelers https://www.facebook.com/groups/74596...
https://twitter.com/jharveyberrick
https://instagram.com/jharveyberrick
http://www.pinterest.com/jharveyberrick
Don’t want to miss a discounted book or a freebie? Follow me on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-...
Email jharveyberrick@gmail.com
Youtube https://goo.gl/YBjWdd
Website www.janeharveyberrick.com
Writing is my passion and my obsession. I write every day and I love it. My head is full of stories and characters. I'll never keep up with all my ideas...
All through 2021, I'll be including a new and original short story in my monthly newsletter. You'll get a FREE copy of my little heartbreaker PLAYING IN THE RAIN when you do.
http://janeharveyberrick.co.uk/newsle...
I live in a small village by the ocean and walk on the beach every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas.
Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.
I've just published my first ever historical romance - partly set in Britain during World War Two, and partly set in Iowa and Las Vegas today: THE LILAC CADILLAC
Did you know that I also write books with STUART REARDON, talented, kind AND handsome!
UNDEFEATED
MODEL BOYFRIEND
GYM OR CHOCOLATE?
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO VINCE
THE BABY GAME (Nov 24th 2021)
Find me!
Amazon US http://amzn.to/1M3cFuw amazon.com/author/janeharveyberrick
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1PdO987
FB Author page https://www.facebook.com/JHBWrites/
My Reader Group Jane’s Travelers https://www.facebook.com/groups/74596...
https://twitter.com/jharveyberrick
https://instagram.com/jharveyberrick
http://www.pinterest.com/jharveyberrick
Don’t want to miss a discounted book or a freebie? Follow me on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-...
Email jharveyberrick@gmail.com
Youtube https://goo.gl/YBjWdd
Website www.janeharveyberrick.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 9, 2019
3.5 - 4 stars
I'm waffling on my rating again. JHB can write and tell a good story. Also, she does her research. This book was much more uplifting than the first one. To see James and Bel both become whole and put the past behind them and come out stronger for it, individually and together, makes for a great read.
This book also provides a lot of info on the work of the the HALO Trust (Hazardous Area Life-support Organization). It is a non-political and non-religious registered British charity and American non-profit organization which removes debris left behind by war, i.e., land mines. The late Princess Diana put the work of this organization on the map.
I'm waffling on my rating again. JHB can write and tell a good story. Also, she does her research. This book was much more uplifting than the first one. To see James and Bel both become whole and put the past behind them and come out stronger for it, individually and together, makes for a great read.
This book also provides a lot of info on the work of the the HALO Trust (Hazardous Area Life-support Organization). It is a non-political and non-religious registered British charity and American non-profit organization which removes debris left behind by war, i.e., land mines. The late Princess Diana put the work of this organization on the map.
March 16, 2019
I put off reading this after that hideous ending to the first book. I was gutted and too nervous to read any more.
Fortunately though, the end of Tick Tock was rock bottom, this book was about moving on, healing and finding a place in the world. Even though the subject matter is hard - not least because I know it’s horribly real - it was an uplifting , powerful read.
It’s always a mark of a great book when my mind is consumed with the story even while I’m not reading.
I would’ve liked a longer epilogue, but apart from that, this was an outstanding read. Highly recommended.
This could read as a stand-alone and I kind of wish I could forget the horrors of the first book so that might be a way to go if you’re an angst wimp like me. Available on ku.
Fortunately though, the end of Tick Tock was rock bottom, this book was about moving on, healing and finding a place in the world. Even though the subject matter is hard - not least because I know it’s horribly real - it was an uplifting , powerful read.
It’s always a mark of a great book when my mind is consumed with the story even while I’m not reading.
I would’ve liked a longer epilogue, but apart from that, this was an outstanding read. Highly recommended.
This could read as a stand-alone and I kind of wish I could forget the horrors of the first book so that might be a way to go if you’re an angst wimp like me. Available on ku.
April 10, 2021
4 stars
This is the second book in the EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) duet, and continues the story of bomb disposal officer, James Spears, in a dramatic, heartfelt, intriguing and suspenseful story that is beautifully written and had me captivated from start to finish.
James went through so much in the last book (so did readers!), and when we see him again, he is a shattered man, drowning in grief and guilt, and completely without the will to live. And then his friend and colleague, Clay, arrives to pull him out of his misery and give him purpose again by working with a de-mining group removing landmines in a former warzone in remote Azerbaijan.
Lady Arabella Forsythe could not have a life more different from James. Raised in wealth and privilege, she is a spoiled socialite who does nothing but drink and party. But when her mostly-absent father tires of her antics, he skips rehab and ships her off to the middle of nowhere to work with a charity whose work progresses his own selfish business needs. It’s a massive culture shock for Arabella, and while she takes in her new experience with eagerness, she finds herself drawn to the broody soldier who completely ignores her.
James hates Arabella on sight. Her blonde, sunshiney persona grates on his permanently foul mood, and he writes her off as spoiled, shallow, and everything that he despises. She is also the polar opposite of the woman that he lost, and he wants nothing to do with her.
Arabella is a wonderfully complex character. Sure, on the outside she appears shallow and self-absorbed, she’s known no other life or way to be, but secretly she dreams of more, she’s just been trapped and bound by her controlling father and sees no way out of her cage.
Both lost in their own way, James and Arabella come together unexpectedly, finding comfort and a release from the stress of their situation together. But their hook-ups are quick and emotionless, and that’s the way James needs it to be, refusing to lose his heart again, and determinedly staying focussed on his job.
James and Arabella’s story is emotionally heartwrenching. Their personal experiences would be enough to carry the story, but what makes this book so suspenseful and intriguing is the setting. The work that James does is dangerous and intense, and what makes it all of the more intense, is that it’s real. The work he is doing is real, the danger, the violence, the injuries, it’s all real, and it’s terrifying and devastating. There are millions of landmines buried in warzones around the world, and when the war is over, militaries don’t take them with them, they are left behind, and it’s a slow, expensive and dangerous job to remove them, and it’s only done by a few small non-government groups.
Harvery-Berrick has done her research on this subject, and she tells her story well, getting to the heart of this issue and making it personal as we meet local people, watch the work being done, and come to understand the environmental and political issues that make this work so important but so dangerous, and prone to corruption. And it’s in this setting that Arabella finds her passion – not only for James, but for a life that is more, and it’s an important journey for her that is beautifully written.
But while Arabella is uplifted by her experiences, James remains locked inside his emotionless world, refusing to let anybody in. And though we see glimpses of affection, of him coming to care for somebody again, and his gentle and tender side, he is so broken by all that he has been through, that a relationship seems impossible, and it’s heartbreaking to watch.
It’s a rollercoaster of emotion, and there is so much growing and changing that both James and Arabella go through. They need it – to finally move on from the past, find their way, figure out what they want, and claim it on their terms – but it’s not an easy journey to get there.
Thankfully though, this book does come through with the happy ending that was missing from the first one. Individually, the find their way to a good place, and the romance lover in me was super satisfied with the love story and how everything wrapped up.
This was a great end to the duet, and a gorgeous ending for both James and Arabella. It was a long and difficult journey, so seeing these two lost souls finally find their happy was so special, and I loved their story.
4 stars.
This is the second book in the EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) duet, and continues the story of bomb disposal officer, James Spears, in a dramatic, heartfelt, intriguing and suspenseful story that is beautifully written and had me captivated from start to finish.
James went through so much in the last book (so did readers!), and when we see him again, he is a shattered man, drowning in grief and guilt, and completely without the will to live. And then his friend and colleague, Clay, arrives to pull him out of his misery and give him purpose again by working with a de-mining group removing landmines in a former warzone in remote Azerbaijan.
Lady Arabella Forsythe could not have a life more different from James. Raised in wealth and privilege, she is a spoiled socialite who does nothing but drink and party. But when her mostly-absent father tires of her antics, he skips rehab and ships her off to the middle of nowhere to work with a charity whose work progresses his own selfish business needs. It’s a massive culture shock for Arabella, and while she takes in her new experience with eagerness, she finds herself drawn to the broody soldier who completely ignores her.
What is it about women that make us want to fix men who are broken?
James hates Arabella on sight. Her blonde, sunshiney persona grates on his permanently foul mood, and he writes her off as spoiled, shallow, and everything that he despises. She is also the polar opposite of the woman that he lost, and he wants nothing to do with her.
Arabella is a wonderfully complex character. Sure, on the outside she appears shallow and self-absorbed, she’s known no other life or way to be, but secretly she dreams of more, she’s just been trapped and bound by her controlling father and sees no way out of her cage.
Both lost in their own way, James and Arabella come together unexpectedly, finding comfort and a release from the stress of their situation together. But their hook-ups are quick and emotionless, and that’s the way James needs it to be, refusing to lose his heart again, and determinedly staying focussed on his job.
When you’ve been a soldier, when you’re faced death, that’s not where it ends, because I don’t think the living ever get to go home. Not really.
James and Arabella’s story is emotionally heartwrenching. Their personal experiences would be enough to carry the story, but what makes this book so suspenseful and intriguing is the setting. The work that James does is dangerous and intense, and what makes it all of the more intense, is that it’s real. The work he is doing is real, the danger, the violence, the injuries, it’s all real, and it’s terrifying and devastating. There are millions of landmines buried in warzones around the world, and when the war is over, militaries don’t take them with them, they are left behind, and it’s a slow, expensive and dangerous job to remove them, and it’s only done by a few small non-government groups.
Harvery-Berrick has done her research on this subject, and she tells her story well, getting to the heart of this issue and making it personal as we meet local people, watch the work being done, and come to understand the environmental and political issues that make this work so important but so dangerous, and prone to corruption. And it’s in this setting that Arabella finds her passion – not only for James, but for a life that is more, and it’s an important journey for her that is beautifully written.
I’d been so lost, so untethered, but coming to a place so few cared about, I’d found something precious.
But while Arabella is uplifted by her experiences, James remains locked inside his emotionless world, refusing to let anybody in. And though we see glimpses of affection, of him coming to care for somebody again, and his gentle and tender side, he is so broken by all that he has been through, that a relationship seems impossible, and it’s heartbreaking to watch.
“Don’t you get it? Guys like me don’t do relationships because we can’t. You think you can fix me, but you can’t. What if we did the whole marriage and kids thing…”
I was stunned, but he didn’t notice.
“…and five years from now something sets me off? I’m a ticking time-bomb, and you do not want to be around me when I explode.”
It’s a rollercoaster of emotion, and there is so much growing and changing that both James and Arabella go through. They need it – to finally move on from the past, find their way, figure out what they want, and claim it on their terms – but it’s not an easy journey to get there.
“I’ll wait for you, James.”
“That’s all I need to hear.”
Thankfully though, this book does come through with the happy ending that was missing from the first one. Individually, the find their way to a good place, and the romance lover in me was super satisfied with the love story and how everything wrapped up.
“I love you.” …
“You love Amira,” she said carefully.
“Yes, but I love you, as well. Very much. I want to live, and I want my life to be with you.”
This was a great end to the duet, and a gorgeous ending for both James and Arabella. It was a long and difficult journey, so seeing these two lost souls finally find their happy was so special, and I loved their story.
4 stars.
June 19, 2019
4.5 stars
I loved what Jane created with this second book in her EOD series.
Bombshell can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Tick-Tock first to fully grasp everything that happened to James and his redemption story.
I LOVED that! I loved seeing the evolution of the characters, specially James and Arabella. Even though we only meet Arabella in this book, from the first time she appears until the end we can see how much she's grown.
Jane created a compelling story of two lost people finding each other and, even better, finding themselves and reasons to live.
Also, I have to mention the supporting characters, specially Clay. He's one of my favorites.
I definitely recommend this read and I'm sure it's impossible to regret reading both Tick-Tock and Bombshell!!!
I loved what Jane created with this second book in her EOD series.
Bombshell can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Tick-Tock first to fully grasp everything that happened to James and his redemption story.
I LOVED that! I loved seeing the evolution of the characters, specially James and Arabella. Even though we only meet Arabella in this book, from the first time she appears until the end we can see how much she's grown.
Jane created a compelling story of two lost people finding each other and, even better, finding themselves and reasons to live.
Also, I have to mention the supporting characters, specially Clay. He's one of my favorites.
I definitely recommend this read and I'm sure it's impossible to regret reading both Tick-Tock and Bombshell!!!
April 3, 2019
I have absolutely LOVED this series. So well written, the characters are all wonderful, even the supporting characters.
March 11, 2019
At last, we can now find out what happened to James after the tragic ending in book one, Tick Tock. The first book made me so sad and my heart broke for James. If you haven’t read Tick Tock, I strongly recommend that you read it first.
Eighteen months after that tragic event in book one, we find James still grieving for his loss. His career and the love of his life are gone and he is still plagued with nightmares and drowning himself on alcohol. Thankfully his friend Clay got something up his sleeve that might just break James’ downward spiral. Will James finally get to live his life again and find happiness?
What I love about this author is that she packs her story with so much information and technical details on whatever the subject is, I end up feeling like I took a short course on EOD lessons 101 and I love it! In this case, the HALO Trust and its mission is the main subject alongside James’ story. The introduction of Arabella as James’ new love interest is the complete opposite of Amira from the previous book and she is a welcome and refreshing change. To be honest I felt that Amira loved her “mission” more than she loved James one of the reasons why I wasn’t keen on her. Although Arabella started out as a fluffy, privileged socialite she later on develops a backbone and changed her life for the better. She is a good influence on James and although theirs is a slow burn romance I felt it sets the perfect pace.
The author whilst giving us James and Bel’s story also as an added bonus educates us on the after effects of war, the victims and the ugly government politics. James and Arabella’s story not only entertains but also educates and is uplifting. I almost cried when he finally broke down and shed tears, I felt his pain through the pages of the book. That’s how powerful the words of this author are, so well written and never disappoints. I am so glad that we finally get the closure to James’ story and we also get to see the other characters, Clay and Zara. This book is really the bomb (no pun intended)! I highly recommend it.
Eighteen months after that tragic event in book one, we find James still grieving for his loss. His career and the love of his life are gone and he is still plagued with nightmares and drowning himself on alcohol. Thankfully his friend Clay got something up his sleeve that might just break James’ downward spiral. Will James finally get to live his life again and find happiness?
What I love about this author is that she packs her story with so much information and technical details on whatever the subject is, I end up feeling like I took a short course on EOD lessons 101 and I love it! In this case, the HALO Trust and its mission is the main subject alongside James’ story. The introduction of Arabella as James’ new love interest is the complete opposite of Amira from the previous book and she is a welcome and refreshing change. To be honest I felt that Amira loved her “mission” more than she loved James one of the reasons why I wasn’t keen on her. Although Arabella started out as a fluffy, privileged socialite she later on develops a backbone and changed her life for the better. She is a good influence on James and although theirs is a slow burn romance I felt it sets the perfect pace.
The author whilst giving us James and Bel’s story also as an added bonus educates us on the after effects of war, the victims and the ugly government politics. James and Arabella’s story not only entertains but also educates and is uplifting. I almost cried when he finally broke down and shed tears, I felt his pain through the pages of the book. That’s how powerful the words of this author are, so well written and never disappoints. I am so glad that we finally get the closure to James’ story and we also get to see the other characters, Clay and Zara. This book is really the bomb (no pun intended)! I highly recommend it.
March 13, 2019
kfforever
Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse at KindleFriendsForever
Although Bombshell is the second installment in the EOD series, there’s absolutely no reason why it can’t be enjoyed as a stand-alone. Harvey-Berrick’s pulled out all the stops and by her bringing out the big guns; excuse the pun, at no point in this explosive story is confusion apparent. Yes, she’s rounded up protagonist’s tale very well indeed and before I go any further, I have to mention the impact this book had on me. The vividly portrayed narrative is incredibly lifelike, making me feel as if I was alongside James in every nerve-wracking scenario. Also, the author’s knack of evoking the reader’s emotions with her masterful prose draws you in to such an extent that putting the book down was for me, a feat in itself. Yeap, it’s not one of those reads you shouldn’t start at daft o’clock!
James is a shadow of his former self, his deep sense of loss is so tangible that my heart bled for him. He’d always put his life on the line and so to speak, lived in the eye of the hurricane as an EOD technician under the harshest of conditions. But the life he knew and the future he yearned for were whisked away because of uncontrollable circumstances in such an unfair way that I was left distraught. And although I didn’t like how the military treated him, it was correct. Stepping in to help, James’ trustworthy friend insists that getting back into the field saving lives just might be his salvation. James’ unwavering loyalty towards Clayton seals the deal regardless of his doubts.
Before, when the war was a reality, it wasn’t only James’ destiny which became a target. Figuratively speaking, the bullet ricocheted at its lethal whim, giving the feeling of utmost desperation, failure...even death. Never did I disagree with his heartfelt issues. Too easy to imagine how much he’d suffered, one more of my main concerns was how he’d be able to cope with more pressure. Hadn’t this guy had enough? Apparently not because the welfare of his mostly female team was a constant worry. Trying to put right the wrongdoings of others regardless of all the hurdles, James’ selfless job is to prevent injuries. Yet I still felt like I was walking on tenterhooks since a new day meant a new challenge in hazardous terrain...nothing’s ever straightforward.
I was a tad impatient to see how the gal who had everything but nothing would stomach the bitter surroundings she was thrown into against her will. At the beginning of the story, my opinion of Arabella wasn’t that high. She came across to me as an attention seeker with a rebellious streak and a live and let live attitude. One of her many outrageous actions caught her between a rock and a hard place, the punishment dished out leaving no room for negotiation. A lesson had to be learnt...hmm, but would the development of events be beneficial? Interesting. I honestly thought she’d be in for the worst awakening of her life, especially seeing as she’d been handed everything on a silver platter. Did I underestimate her? Well, yes! She literally caught me off-guard and everyone who worked with her, too. Not Clay though. This guy saw the best in her a mile off.
Would Arabella at the very least, be able to make friends with James? It wasn’t difficult for me to see how she felt about this guy who guarded his feeling, whose nonchalance towards her, hurt. The attraction which does go further wasn’t all fireworks and butterflies, either. If you’re prone to getting teary-eyed like me, you’ll need to have a tissue or three handy as there are a couple of really touching scenes in this slow-burn romance.
But what I found captivating was the author’s descriptive account of what goes on behind bomb-damaged zones and how a nonprofit organisation dealt with issues such as technical manpower, coordination and equipment. It is a real eye-opener, bringing home to the reader just how the lack of intervention from the right places is. Her knowledge is shared with the readers in clear lingo and I have to add that her storytelling from a dual perspective is true to her spoken word as she’s only used Americanisms when necessary. I loved the banter between James and Clay. And the attention given to her characters not only drove the story forward at a very agreeable pace, but also transported me to a world which hopefully one day will be safer. Bravo, Harvey-Berrick!
Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse at KindleFriendsForever
Although Bombshell is the second installment in the EOD series, there’s absolutely no reason why it can’t be enjoyed as a stand-alone. Harvey-Berrick’s pulled out all the stops and by her bringing out the big guns; excuse the pun, at no point in this explosive story is confusion apparent. Yes, she’s rounded up protagonist’s tale very well indeed and before I go any further, I have to mention the impact this book had on me. The vividly portrayed narrative is incredibly lifelike, making me feel as if I was alongside James in every nerve-wracking scenario. Also, the author’s knack of evoking the reader’s emotions with her masterful prose draws you in to such an extent that putting the book down was for me, a feat in itself. Yeap, it’s not one of those reads you shouldn’t start at daft o’clock!
James is a shadow of his former self, his deep sense of loss is so tangible that my heart bled for him. He’d always put his life on the line and so to speak, lived in the eye of the hurricane as an EOD technician under the harshest of conditions. But the life he knew and the future he yearned for were whisked away because of uncontrollable circumstances in such an unfair way that I was left distraught. And although I didn’t like how the military treated him, it was correct. Stepping in to help, James’ trustworthy friend insists that getting back into the field saving lives just might be his salvation. James’ unwavering loyalty towards Clayton seals the deal regardless of his doubts.
Before, when the war was a reality, it wasn’t only James’ destiny which became a target. Figuratively speaking, the bullet ricocheted at its lethal whim, giving the feeling of utmost desperation, failure...even death. Never did I disagree with his heartfelt issues. Too easy to imagine how much he’d suffered, one more of my main concerns was how he’d be able to cope with more pressure. Hadn’t this guy had enough? Apparently not because the welfare of his mostly female team was a constant worry. Trying to put right the wrongdoings of others regardless of all the hurdles, James’ selfless job is to prevent injuries. Yet I still felt like I was walking on tenterhooks since a new day meant a new challenge in hazardous terrain...nothing’s ever straightforward.
I was a tad impatient to see how the gal who had everything but nothing would stomach the bitter surroundings she was thrown into against her will. At the beginning of the story, my opinion of Arabella wasn’t that high. She came across to me as an attention seeker with a rebellious streak and a live and let live attitude. One of her many outrageous actions caught her between a rock and a hard place, the punishment dished out leaving no room for negotiation. A lesson had to be learnt...hmm, but would the development of events be beneficial? Interesting. I honestly thought she’d be in for the worst awakening of her life, especially seeing as she’d been handed everything on a silver platter. Did I underestimate her? Well, yes! She literally caught me off-guard and everyone who worked with her, too. Not Clay though. This guy saw the best in her a mile off.
Would Arabella at the very least, be able to make friends with James? It wasn’t difficult for me to see how she felt about this guy who guarded his feeling, whose nonchalance towards her, hurt. The attraction which does go further wasn’t all fireworks and butterflies, either. If you’re prone to getting teary-eyed like me, you’ll need to have a tissue or three handy as there are a couple of really touching scenes in this slow-burn romance.
But what I found captivating was the author’s descriptive account of what goes on behind bomb-damaged zones and how a nonprofit organisation dealt with issues such as technical manpower, coordination and equipment. It is a real eye-opener, bringing home to the reader just how the lack of intervention from the right places is. Her knowledge is shared with the readers in clear lingo and I have to add that her storytelling from a dual perspective is true to her spoken word as she’s only used Americanisms when necessary. I loved the banter between James and Clay. And the attention given to her characters not only drove the story forward at a very agreeable pace, but also transported me to a world which hopefully one day will be safer. Bravo, Harvey-Berrick!
February 27, 2019
Riveting, poignant and real.
Bombshell is the ultimate conclusion to the EOD duet. Picking up where we left off in Tick Tock, Jane Harvey-Berrick once again is meticulous as she guides us through the seemingly never-ending pain that James Spears continues to endure. It's 18 months later and his world is still dark. And what ultimately gives him a glimmer of light is the friend he has in Clay Williams who not only forces him to clean up his disheveled appearance but gives him the lease on life he never saw coming.
Harvey-Berrick thrusts into the world of the Halo Trust. Created to search and destroy mines left over from horrid conflicts all over the world, primarily in 3rd world countries, James finds himself knee-deep in his new mission and is adamant about staying focused and heartbreak free. His pain bled on every page and his gruff nature, albeit understandable, was often misplaced. I loved that he truly needed a swift kick in the pants and the wildly wonderful surprise that arrives in the form of one Lady Arabella Forsythe, seemed to be just what the doctor ordered.
Told in alternating POVs, the poor little rich girl and the brave yet reticent soldier made quite the pair. Oh my goodness. There is a treasure trove of feelings both Arabella (Harry to her friends) and James just can't seem to fight. From their very first meeting, there was an intensity I could feel through my Kindle that only got deeper with time. Late-night passion that came out of a desperate need neither could ignore, was white hot! And their surroundings, their exhaustion from day long Tasks and denying their feelings just made their trysts even more incredible. The juxtaposition of their nighttime lust to their wretched daytime conditions was executed brilliantly.
I appreciated Harvey-Berrick's dedication to these brave men and women and the difficult jobs they perform on a daily basis. Her love of this cause shines through and her research is evident as we get details about missions that had me holding my breath right along with James and his team. It's like I was right there with them as mines are detected, diffused and ultimately destroyed. I was beyond transfixed and truly impressed by these heroic acts.
The love story that is James and his Bel is a rough one. There is a world of hurt that I wasn't sure James would ever survive as his recent memories were still at the forefront of his mind. Not to mention how hard he could be on Bel and her own determination to find her way in the world without anyone's help, even James's. She is truly kickass when it counts and it was great to see. I was rooting for them wholeheartedly as their pasts finally loosened that tight grip on their hearts. But it's a hard, hard road to any semblance of happiness.
Clay and his wife Zada, who is Amira's sister from Tick Tock, are pure joy. The way they complete the other in both heated glances and whispered smiles stole the show more than once. They seemed to know when to be playful and when to be stern with both their friends and colleagues. Thank goodness for them and the support they gave James when it was needed most. I adore them both.
This book is truly in a class by itself. As I fell hard for James and Bel's love story, I also learned a great deal about the HALO Trust and found a new appreciation for this incredible charity and the work they do. Jane Harvey-Berrick poured her heart and soul into this story and it shows. I applaud her wanting to tell their story and for making it extremely heartwarming and easy to read.
Bombshell can make a difference and I'm thrilled being privy to such extraordinary words.
5+ stars all the way!
Bombshell is the ultimate conclusion to the EOD duet. Picking up where we left off in Tick Tock, Jane Harvey-Berrick once again is meticulous as she guides us through the seemingly never-ending pain that James Spears continues to endure. It's 18 months later and his world is still dark. And what ultimately gives him a glimmer of light is the friend he has in Clay Williams who not only forces him to clean up his disheveled appearance but gives him the lease on life he never saw coming.
Harvey-Berrick thrusts into the world of the Halo Trust. Created to search and destroy mines left over from horrid conflicts all over the world, primarily in 3rd world countries, James finds himself knee-deep in his new mission and is adamant about staying focused and heartbreak free. His pain bled on every page and his gruff nature, albeit understandable, was often misplaced. I loved that he truly needed a swift kick in the pants and the wildly wonderful surprise that arrives in the form of one Lady Arabella Forsythe, seemed to be just what the doctor ordered.
Told in alternating POVs, the poor little rich girl and the brave yet reticent soldier made quite the pair. Oh my goodness. There is a treasure trove of feelings both Arabella (Harry to her friends) and James just can't seem to fight. From their very first meeting, there was an intensity I could feel through my Kindle that only got deeper with time. Late-night passion that came out of a desperate need neither could ignore, was white hot! And their surroundings, their exhaustion from day long Tasks and denying their feelings just made their trysts even more incredible. The juxtaposition of their nighttime lust to their wretched daytime conditions was executed brilliantly.
I appreciated Harvey-Berrick's dedication to these brave men and women and the difficult jobs they perform on a daily basis. Her love of this cause shines through and her research is evident as we get details about missions that had me holding my breath right along with James and his team. It's like I was right there with them as mines are detected, diffused and ultimately destroyed. I was beyond transfixed and truly impressed by these heroic acts.
The love story that is James and his Bel is a rough one. There is a world of hurt that I wasn't sure James would ever survive as his recent memories were still at the forefront of his mind. Not to mention how hard he could be on Bel and her own determination to find her way in the world without anyone's help, even James's. She is truly kickass when it counts and it was great to see. I was rooting for them wholeheartedly as their pasts finally loosened that tight grip on their hearts. But it's a hard, hard road to any semblance of happiness.
Clay and his wife Zada, who is Amira's sister from Tick Tock, are pure joy. The way they complete the other in both heated glances and whispered smiles stole the show more than once. They seemed to know when to be playful and when to be stern with both their friends and colleagues. Thank goodness for them and the support they gave James when it was needed most. I adore them both.
This book is truly in a class by itself. As I fell hard for James and Bel's love story, I also learned a great deal about the HALO Trust and found a new appreciation for this incredible charity and the work they do. Jane Harvey-Berrick poured her heart and soul into this story and it shows. I applaud her wanting to tell their story and for making it extremely heartwarming and easy to read.
Bombshell can make a difference and I'm thrilled being privy to such extraordinary words.
5+ stars all the way!
February 27, 2019
Harvey-Berrick is an author I can always count on to evoke a vast array of emotions while also making me think and broadening my world view. Bombshell is no different, and I was eager to read the rest of James's story, after having first met him in Tick Tock. This book was everything I expected and more, touching my heart deeply while keeping me on the edge of my seat as I devoured it in one sitting.
When we catch up with James again, his life is a spectacular disaster. He has lost the love of his life and is slowly killing himself with alcohol. His only friend, Clay, manages to find James, three sheets to the wind in a dingy pub, and gives James an offer he can’t refuse. And when I say “offer,” I mean Clay, in his easy-going but determined way, pours James into a cab, takes him to a hotel and gets him dried out. Clay is now working for HALO Trust and is in need of the best EOD man around, which is James.
HALO Trust is a charity that disposes of land mines and bombs in areas where the war is long ago over but danger still lurks. Be it an unsuspecting pedestrian who takes a different path or a child chasing a butterfly into a field, the work HALO does makes a difference in the lives of people worldwide. And although James is more dead than alive, taking the job with HALO gives his life purpose. The intense concentration required in carrying out his job offers some relief from the crippling loss, pain and emptiness in his heart.
Bel, Lady Arabella, or Harry to friends, has the life every gal would envy. She lives in a castle and has all the material possessions a lady could ever want, but for her entire life, she’s been denied the one thing she desperately craves: love and attention from her father. Her nights of drugs, partying and landing in the drunk tank are over when her father “volunteers" her to work with HALO Trust. It wouldn‘t seem that a poor little rich girl who lives to party and an EOD soldier who doesn’t care if he lives or dies would have anything in common, but as their layers are pulled back, James and Bel's empty, fractured hearts recognize themselves in each other.
Both of these characters were profoundly deep and complex, and they surprised me at every turn. Just when I thought I could predict their next move, another piece of the puzzle clicked, showing a new side. Both are so tragically broken that watching them find their strength, summon their courage and move towards healing and become their best selves makes for an immensely satisfying reading experience. James and Bel owned my heart through every step of their heartbreaking, beautiful, inspiring journey, and their story is one that will stay with me long after the last page. With explosive chemistry, perfectly placed humor, devastating poignancy and a critical world issue showcased, this phenomenal, must read is one you won’t want to miss.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
When we catch up with James again, his life is a spectacular disaster. He has lost the love of his life and is slowly killing himself with alcohol. His only friend, Clay, manages to find James, three sheets to the wind in a dingy pub, and gives James an offer he can’t refuse. And when I say “offer,” I mean Clay, in his easy-going but determined way, pours James into a cab, takes him to a hotel and gets him dried out. Clay is now working for HALO Trust and is in need of the best EOD man around, which is James.
HALO Trust is a charity that disposes of land mines and bombs in areas where the war is long ago over but danger still lurks. Be it an unsuspecting pedestrian who takes a different path or a child chasing a butterfly into a field, the work HALO does makes a difference in the lives of people worldwide. And although James is more dead than alive, taking the job with HALO gives his life purpose. The intense concentration required in carrying out his job offers some relief from the crippling loss, pain and emptiness in his heart.
Bel, Lady Arabella, or Harry to friends, has the life every gal would envy. She lives in a castle and has all the material possessions a lady could ever want, but for her entire life, she’s been denied the one thing she desperately craves: love and attention from her father. Her nights of drugs, partying and landing in the drunk tank are over when her father “volunteers" her to work with HALO Trust. It wouldn‘t seem that a poor little rich girl who lives to party and an EOD soldier who doesn’t care if he lives or dies would have anything in common, but as their layers are pulled back, James and Bel's empty, fractured hearts recognize themselves in each other.
Both of these characters were profoundly deep and complex, and they surprised me at every turn. Just when I thought I could predict their next move, another piece of the puzzle clicked, showing a new side. Both are so tragically broken that watching them find their strength, summon their courage and move towards healing and become their best selves makes for an immensely satisfying reading experience. James and Bel owned my heart through every step of their heartbreaking, beautiful, inspiring journey, and their story is one that will stay with me long after the last page. With explosive chemistry, perfectly placed humor, devastating poignancy and a critical world issue showcased, this phenomenal, must read is one you won’t want to miss.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
February 26, 2019
Bombshell is the intense continuation of James Spears story that began in book one in the EOD series, Tick Tock.
Again, Jane Harvey-Berrick has given us a perfectly written story with visual detail that takes you right into the dangerous circumstances and challenging tasks that James faces every time he does his job of disarming old forgotten explosives left behind in war ravaged countries.
This story is not pretty, nor is is your typical love story. However, there is a love story between James and Bel. It is hard fought as James battles his demons of a love lost and Bel finally finds the strength to seek her true potential. They find themselves drawn to each other while living in a country that is mostly filled with hardships and pain.
In this book we get a glimpse of the ugly side of humanity and the sacrifices that many make to keep others safe. Then there is the other side of that coin is filled with friendship, compassion and love.
Again, Jane Harvey-Berrick has given us a perfectly written story with visual detail that takes you right into the dangerous circumstances and challenging tasks that James faces every time he does his job of disarming old forgotten explosives left behind in war ravaged countries.
This story is not pretty, nor is is your typical love story. However, there is a love story between James and Bel. It is hard fought as James battles his demons of a love lost and Bel finally finds the strength to seek her true potential. They find themselves drawn to each other while living in a country that is mostly filled with hardships and pain.
In this book we get a glimpse of the ugly side of humanity and the sacrifices that many make to keep others safe. Then there is the other side of that coin is filled with friendship, compassion and love.
September 13, 2019
This is a story that will never be forgotten. After such a tragic ending to the first book, I was eager to read what had become of James.
The feelings this story provoked, were phenomenal. While the story centres around the growing relationship of James and Arabella, the author does no shy away from the unjust world we live in and shines a light on those heroes striving to clean up mankind’s mess.
The attention to detail was awe-inspiring. The story was believable and gripping. The sorrow and heartbreak was painfully real. The hope and love felt was breathtaking and beautiful.
Each character had their own part to play, providing the story with depth and pace. This is a story that you will not want to put down and will be one that will stay with you for a life time. Highly recommend.
The feelings this story provoked, were phenomenal. While the story centres around the growing relationship of James and Arabella, the author does no shy away from the unjust world we live in and shines a light on those heroes striving to clean up mankind’s mess.
The attention to detail was awe-inspiring. The story was believable and gripping. The sorrow and heartbreak was painfully real. The hope and love felt was breathtaking and beautiful.
Each character had their own part to play, providing the story with depth and pace. This is a story that you will not want to put down and will be one that will stay with you for a life time. Highly recommend.
March 6, 2019
There’s another world, very different to the one we are accustomed to, very harsh and difficult. There’s danger, violence and poverty. And the remnants left in the soil from many previous wars that are still killing innocents. This is the underlaying message I got from this book. While we enjoy hot baths, cold water, fresh food and new clothes on a routine basis, there are people working on EOD’s, cleaning mined areas so that the agriculture and economy of the country can prosper. They bathe in tepid water, wear the same few items of clothing they have for months at a time, eat stew for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and spend days under the hot sun, using metal detectors, clearing fields. And then there’s also the politics and corruption of the civil servants who want to extort them from the munitions excavated.
James Spears started in this book as an alcoholic looking for death at the bottom of a bottle. His friend Clay found him and gave him a new reason to live, save lives disarming EOD’s in all these forsaken countries
Arabella Forsythe is another example of a poor little rich girl. Raised with no other expectation but marriage to further her father’s business ambitions, she’s made it her life ambition to party like crazy, get into trouble constantly, all in a ploy to gain attention, to buy love from her friends and lovers. When her father finally gets sick of her shenanigans, he volunteers her to work in James’s camp. Rejected by James and most of the campers, she’s rescued by Clay who puts her to work. As Arabella faces her situation, the rejection of those around her, the lack of respect, lack of money, lack of options, she takes a hard look at herself. The admiration she felt for James, Clay and Zada make her decide to do better, be better, and thus she embarks in an upwards direction.
The love story between James and Arabella is tortuous because James insists on staying loyal to his dead girlfriend Amira. He’s stubborn and closed-off, but not so much to reject sex. It’s as he starts to really see Arabella and starts to respect her that the book moves forward.
Reading this book is hard because the reality these people live is dire. And yet they live in hope and optimism, depending on the generosity and acknowledgment of the public to the plight of the nations impoverished and torn by war. It’s really an eye-opener, a beautiful and angsty love story, a brilliant read. It’s not easy to read but necessary, to burst the over-protected bubble we live in and realize what’s out there. I was very impressed by the vast knowledge the author had on this theme, and how brilliantly she made her point.
James Spears started in this book as an alcoholic looking for death at the bottom of a bottle. His friend Clay found him and gave him a new reason to live, save lives disarming EOD’s in all these forsaken countries
Arabella Forsythe is another example of a poor little rich girl. Raised with no other expectation but marriage to further her father’s business ambitions, she’s made it her life ambition to party like crazy, get into trouble constantly, all in a ploy to gain attention, to buy love from her friends and lovers. When her father finally gets sick of her shenanigans, he volunteers her to work in James’s camp. Rejected by James and most of the campers, she’s rescued by Clay who puts her to work. As Arabella faces her situation, the rejection of those around her, the lack of respect, lack of money, lack of options, she takes a hard look at herself. The admiration she felt for James, Clay and Zada make her decide to do better, be better, and thus she embarks in an upwards direction.
The love story between James and Arabella is tortuous because James insists on staying loyal to his dead girlfriend Amira. He’s stubborn and closed-off, but not so much to reject sex. It’s as he starts to really see Arabella and starts to respect her that the book moves forward.
Reading this book is hard because the reality these people live is dire. And yet they live in hope and optimism, depending on the generosity and acknowledgment of the public to the plight of the nations impoverished and torn by war. It’s really an eye-opener, a beautiful and angsty love story, a brilliant read. It’s not easy to read but necessary, to burst the over-protected bubble we live in and realize what’s out there. I was very impressed by the vast knowledge the author had on this theme, and how brilliantly she made her point.
March 1, 2019
What can I say? Jane Harvey-Berrick has done it again.
Now, I had my issues with the first book which I wrote about here, and they carried over to this book. But JHB is such a master storyteller than any qualms I had were pushed aside, and I really enjoyed this slow-burn romance.
Two years after the events in Tick Tock former Staff Sargent James Spears is barely existing. He is still mourning the death of the woman he loved in book #1, and he's content to drink himself to death. But then a face from his past finds him, pulls him out of the gutter, and gives him a new job: clearing landmines from war torn countries.
JHB writes the stark emotion of loss so beautifully. And you see that the death did not touch just James, but rippled out to affect many others. Which is so true in real life as well.
And it's while James is working again that he meets the Lady Arabella Forsythe who has been sent to help clear mines as punishment for misbehaviour and indiscretions. Once again we get a look behind the curtain to see that wealth does not automatically equal happiness. Bel has her own issues and I think that's what initially draws the two characters together; pain calls to pain.
JHB writes the danger of the work being done so vividly that your heart can't help but go out to the (mostly) women and men in these far-flung countries who put their lives on the line in order to make a better life for their families. You really get a feel for the struggle the people who volunteer with the charities deal with just to get the minimal supplies required to get the job done. It's a lot of information, but I never felt the exposition was being dumped on me. Rather, I felt myself wanting to know more about the work, and how I - as an individual - can make a difference.
Even though the romance is a slow burn, I never grew frustrated with this. They both had a lot of healing to do as individuals. Was I frustrated by how Bel allowed James to treat her for the longest time? Sure. But knowing Bel's history I could fully empathize with her decisions.
What I did like were the characters (Clay for President!), the dialogue, the struggles - both individual and as a couple, and as a team. My biggest litmus test is whether or not I can truly feel the emotions of each character, and JHB always nails that.
This is a book for anyone who has loved and lost, and still maintains hope that love will find them again.
Now, I had my issues with the first book which I wrote about here, and they carried over to this book. But JHB is such a master storyteller than any qualms I had were pushed aside, and I really enjoyed this slow-burn romance.
Two years after the events in Tick Tock former Staff Sargent James Spears is barely existing. He is still mourning the death of the woman he loved in book #1, and he's content to drink himself to death. But then a face from his past finds him, pulls him out of the gutter, and gives him a new job: clearing landmines from war torn countries.
JHB writes the stark emotion of loss so beautifully. And you see that the death did not touch just James, but rippled out to affect many others. Which is so true in real life as well.
And it's while James is working again that he meets the Lady Arabella Forsythe who has been sent to help clear mines as punishment for misbehaviour and indiscretions. Once again we get a look behind the curtain to see that wealth does not automatically equal happiness. Bel has her own issues and I think that's what initially draws the two characters together; pain calls to pain.
JHB writes the danger of the work being done so vividly that your heart can't help but go out to the (mostly) women and men in these far-flung countries who put their lives on the line in order to make a better life for their families. You really get a feel for the struggle the people who volunteer with the charities deal with just to get the minimal supplies required to get the job done. It's a lot of information, but I never felt the exposition was being dumped on me. Rather, I felt myself wanting to know more about the work, and how I - as an individual - can make a difference.
Even though the romance is a slow burn, I never grew frustrated with this. They both had a lot of healing to do as individuals. Was I frustrated by how Bel allowed James to treat her for the longest time? Sure. But knowing Bel's history I could fully empathize with her decisions.
What I did like were the characters (Clay for President!), the dialogue, the struggles - both individual and as a couple, and as a team. My biggest litmus test is whether or not I can truly feel the emotions of each character, and JHB always nails that.
This is a book for anyone who has loved and lost, and still maintains hope that love will find them again.
March 7, 2019
WOW! Just WOW!!!
Being Bombshell a Jane Harvey-Berrick book, and the companion book to Tick Tock (EOD #1), I knew I was in for a great read, but nothing prepared me for this level of epic goodness.
There's nothing I didn't love about James and Bel's story: it's intense; it's beautiful; it packs a punch and it hits more than a raw nerve when it comes to James's line of job.
Former Staff Sergeant now EOD Operator James Spears and the Right Honourable Lady Arabella Elizabeth Roecaster Forsythe couldn't come from more different walks of life, but they have more in common than meets the eye. I really liked how, despite the abysmal social divide between them, James and Bel find a way to their respective hearts, each of them in their own way: James divests Bel of what she has always seen as her only asset, her glamorous physical appearance, and Bel shows him she can be more than a pretty girl. "Boredome make strange bedfellows", they say, and it has never rung more true about Arabella. BUT james, rough infuriating broken James, soon turns out to be exactly the man for her.
With her trademark mixture of fiction and reality, Jane Harvey-Berrick tells us a love story that goes beyond the well-defined confines of the genre and lends itself to a pretty accurate portrayal of the life and work of those men and women committed in varying degrees to the disposal of exploding devices in former war zones all over the world, who are risking their lives on a daily basis to make our world a safer place. Because we should all be very aware of the fact that:
Beautifully written with grat respect and burning passion, Bombshell is a must read if I ever saw one.
Being Bombshell a Jane Harvey-Berrick book, and the companion book to Tick Tock (EOD #1), I knew I was in for a great read, but nothing prepared me for this level of epic goodness.
There's nothing I didn't love about James and Bel's story: it's intense; it's beautiful; it packs a punch and it hits more than a raw nerve when it comes to James's line of job.
Former Staff Sergeant now EOD Operator James Spears and the Right Honourable Lady Arabella Elizabeth Roecaster Forsythe couldn't come from more different walks of life, but they have more in common than meets the eye. I really liked how, despite the abysmal social divide between them, James and Bel find a way to their respective hearts, each of them in their own way: James divests Bel of what she has always seen as her only asset, her glamorous physical appearance, and Bel shows him she can be more than a pretty girl. "Boredome make strange bedfellows", they say, and it has never rung more true about Arabella. BUT james, rough infuriating broken James, soon turns out to be exactly the man for her.
With her trademark mixture of fiction and reality, Jane Harvey-Berrick tells us a love story that goes beyond the well-defined confines of the genre and lends itself to a pretty accurate portrayal of the life and work of those men and women committed in varying degrees to the disposal of exploding devices in former war zones all over the world, who are risking their lives on a daily basis to make our world a safer place. Because we should all be very aware of the fact that:
"Almost 10,000 children are injured by landmines every year. They go out to play with their friends and..." He left the sentence unfinished.
"Adults are affected too, of course, about 16,000 every year across 64 different countries around the world ."
Beautifully written with grat respect and burning passion, Bombshell is a must read if I ever saw one.
April 4, 2020
"Você James. Você é incrível. Você é corajoso e leal e salva vidas. Você é um bom homem, James Spears. Estou honrada por ter te conhecido."
.
Se você leu Explosivo, com certeza concorda com essa afirmação de Arabella, que para saber quem é, você vai precisar ler Explosiva, e obviamente é sobre ele que falarei rapidinho aqui com vocês.
.
O final de Explosivo foi de arrebatar corações né?!? Eu pelo menos pensei mais de uma vez em não ler esse livro justamente por não saber o que esperar, mas é aí, inclusive, que reside toda a maravilha do livro. Sim porque eu amei e odiei Explosivo na mesma proporção. James não merecia aquilo💔
.
Aí veio o Explosiva e eu tinha muitaaaaa esperança que meu coração ganhasse um curativo, que talvez aquele final não fosse real, que talvez, apenas talvez, eu esbarraria com uma realidade alternativa. Mas não foi isso que aconteceu. Jane nos deu uma realidade diferente. Personagens diferentes. E uma luta maior para chamarmos de nossa.
.
Em Explosiva vamos acompanhar James fazendo o processo contrário, ao invés de construir bombas, ele vai desativar minas terrestres em áreas de guerra. Incentivado por Clay, melhor personagem EVER, ele vai treinar moradores e voluntários, e aqui entra Lady Arabella Forsythe, e vai mais uma vez, nos levar a ter momentos de tensão.
.
Como nós seres humanos, nos apegamos a coisas tão pequenas, tal qual um pedaço de seda, e fazemos disso nosso tesouro pessoal. Como precisamos de tempo para entender que a nossa vida é o maior tesouro, e que ter amado uma pessoa, não significa, necessariamente, que não poderemos amar outra vez. Embarque nessa missão com James, Clay e Zada, e veja o que as guerras deixam em seu caminho mesmo quando elas supostamente acabam.
.
Eu AMEI Explosiva, gostei mais inclusive do que de Explosivo, mesmo com o fator Arabella, porque vamos combinar, até gostar dela, leva tempo rsrsrsrs. Só posso dizer LEIAM esse livro. .
.
Se você leu Explosivo, com certeza concorda com essa afirmação de Arabella, que para saber quem é, você vai precisar ler Explosiva, e obviamente é sobre ele que falarei rapidinho aqui com vocês.
.
O final de Explosivo foi de arrebatar corações né?!? Eu pelo menos pensei mais de uma vez em não ler esse livro justamente por não saber o que esperar, mas é aí, inclusive, que reside toda a maravilha do livro. Sim porque eu amei e odiei Explosivo na mesma proporção. James não merecia aquilo💔
.
Aí veio o Explosiva e eu tinha muitaaaaa esperança que meu coração ganhasse um curativo, que talvez aquele final não fosse real, que talvez, apenas talvez, eu esbarraria com uma realidade alternativa. Mas não foi isso que aconteceu. Jane nos deu uma realidade diferente. Personagens diferentes. E uma luta maior para chamarmos de nossa.
.
Em Explosiva vamos acompanhar James fazendo o processo contrário, ao invés de construir bombas, ele vai desativar minas terrestres em áreas de guerra. Incentivado por Clay, melhor personagem EVER, ele vai treinar moradores e voluntários, e aqui entra Lady Arabella Forsythe, e vai mais uma vez, nos levar a ter momentos de tensão.
.
Como nós seres humanos, nos apegamos a coisas tão pequenas, tal qual um pedaço de seda, e fazemos disso nosso tesouro pessoal. Como precisamos de tempo para entender que a nossa vida é o maior tesouro, e que ter amado uma pessoa, não significa, necessariamente, que não poderemos amar outra vez. Embarque nessa missão com James, Clay e Zada, e veja o que as guerras deixam em seu caminho mesmo quando elas supostamente acabam.
.
Eu AMEI Explosiva, gostei mais inclusive do que de Explosivo, mesmo com o fator Arabella, porque vamos combinar, até gostar dela, leva tempo rsrsrsrs. Só posso dizer LEIAM esse livro. .
January 16, 2020
- James was trying to drink himself to death but his friend Clay tracks him down and pulls him back to life. Clay has gotten a job to search and destroy munitions left behind in war torn areas of the world and he wants James to help. James decides that will be a great way to commit suicide and still do some good. He went through with drawls cold turkey. Arabella is a lot like James but she is the poor little rich girl who has never really felt loved. Her father dumps her in Nagorno for three months. She finds out what it is like to not have anything but to fit in. There is a lot of saddness in this story with a lot of real life truth. James fights his feelings for her and they do a lot of head butting but eventually chemistry wins. There are a lot of twists, turns and surprised that keep the interest and entertain. There are thefts of explosives, attempted rape, and running from the authorities. Arabella finally goes home to her Dad's and stands up to him and builds the charity up that James works for. She turns him into a public hero that he doesn't appreciate. Bel and James finally get together and they go on working on riding the world from destructive iud's from previous wars.
March 10, 2019
Intense and emotional
This is a well thought out, intelligent read and one that I devoured in less than 24 hours. I really couldn’t put it down.
The storyline follows on from Tick Tock, but can be read as a stand-alone. It focuses on James once again, dealing with life (or not, as the case may be) in the aftermath of losing the woman he loved. How his life has spiralled into a meaningless void, until Clay appears and hauls him in to the land of the living.
It also features clueless socialite Lady Arabella, who is wasting her life leading a vacuous existence of drink and drugs and partying. Dropped off in the middle of nowhere to help with the Halo Trusts’ work in Azerbaijan, this is her fathers version of detox/rehab.
The resulting story shows both James and Arabella finding a way to start living again. It describes the complex emotions they suffer from so well, I felt as though these were people that I knew. I could see the drab and awful conditions they worked in in my minds eye. I was swept along with the book and consumed by it. A brilliant, intense, passionately told story so worth reading.
This is a well thought out, intelligent read and one that I devoured in less than 24 hours. I really couldn’t put it down.
The storyline follows on from Tick Tock, but can be read as a stand-alone. It focuses on James once again, dealing with life (or not, as the case may be) in the aftermath of losing the woman he loved. How his life has spiralled into a meaningless void, until Clay appears and hauls him in to the land of the living.
It also features clueless socialite Lady Arabella, who is wasting her life leading a vacuous existence of drink and drugs and partying. Dropped off in the middle of nowhere to help with the Halo Trusts’ work in Azerbaijan, this is her fathers version of detox/rehab.
The resulting story shows both James and Arabella finding a way to start living again. It describes the complex emotions they suffer from so well, I felt as though these were people that I knew. I could see the drab and awful conditions they worked in in my minds eye. I was swept along with the book and consumed by it. A brilliant, intense, passionately told story so worth reading.
January 21, 2020
A new author to me. When I offered to read this book, it wasn’t noted that it was the conclusion to the first book. I, personally believe, in cases like this, the author should in include the first book in the arc package when it is so important to the read. Obviously, I did not get to read the first book, and it was important so this read was much less satisfying for me. This book is the conclusion to book 1, Tick Tock., a duet. Apparently, 18 months after book 1 ended, James is still struggling. lHe finds a good friend in Clay, who forces him to clean up his act. Halo Trust was created to search and destroy mines left over from horrid conflicts all over the world. Bombshell is the ultimate conclusion to the EOD duet. Picking up where we left off in Tick Tock, Jane Harvey-Berrick once again is meticulous as she guides us through the seemingly never-ending pain that James Spears continues to endure. It's 18 months later and his world is still dark. And what ultimately gives him a glimmer of light is the friend he has in Clay Williams who not only forces him to clean up his disheveled appearance but gives him the lease on life he never saw coming.
May 30, 2020
Ok so I read book 1 of this series so long ago and I actually have the paperback of this on my shelf and have done for a while but I'll be honest and say I was actually scared to read it as I really was worried the way James story would go after book 1 ended.
I knew he would be lost broken and empty but nothing could have prepared me for the epic journey that book 2 took us on!
James is his usual serious quiet self but when Lady Arabella arrives on site it seems he may have met his match!
These guys together was just so great.. each helping each other learn and grow without even realising it but of course no journey is ever easy with lots of bumps along the way.
Couldnt have hoped this story would turn out any better if I had tried.
Great duet.
*read as part of KU*
I knew he would be lost broken and empty but nothing could have prepared me for the epic journey that book 2 took us on!
James is his usual serious quiet self but when Lady Arabella arrives on site it seems he may have met his match!
These guys together was just so great.. each helping each other learn and grow without even realising it but of course no journey is ever easy with lots of bumps along the way.
Couldnt have hoped this story would turn out any better if I had tried.
Great duet.
*read as part of KU*
March 31, 2020
This book is a punch in your face.
I don’t read and don’t plan to read the first one. Just because for what I could gather for reviews and this book itself is a very heavy story and I am not in the right headspace for something like that. Someday, who knows.
I was so not looking for a heavy book and this one is a heavy book, folks. Maybe not if compared to the first one, but just thinking about this one: yeah, it is.
But is also a very good story, so well written and it snares you without difficult. This is the second work I read of Jane Harvey-Berrick, the first one being “Gym Or Chocolate?” and just like that one, this didn’t disappoint at all.
I don’t read and don’t plan to read the first one. Just because for what I could gather for reviews and this book itself is a very heavy story and I am not in the right headspace for something like that. Someday, who knows.
I was so not looking for a heavy book and this one is a heavy book, folks. Maybe not if compared to the first one, but just thinking about this one: yeah, it is.
But is also a very good story, so well written and it snares you without difficult. This is the second work I read of Jane Harvey-Berrick, the first one being “Gym Or Chocolate?” and just like that one, this didn’t disappoint at all.
March 11, 2019
Second book continuing James Spears story, he is down on his luck contemplating ending his life. Clay shows up and convinces him he can do good in the world with his bomb disposal skills. He cleans up and has a purpose.
Arabella is a spoiled rich girl who's dad pays her no attention until he commits her to 3 months working with the Halo Trust folks who are cleaning up unexploded bombs. It is dangerous and primitive.
I love how Arabella grows as a person and James finds a way to become hole again.
So Beautiful.
Arabella is a spoiled rich girl who's dad pays her no attention until he commits her to 3 months working with the Halo Trust folks who are cleaning up unexploded bombs. It is dangerous and primitive.
I love how Arabella grows as a person and James finds a way to become hole again.
So Beautiful.
March 25, 2019
I was so excited to read this as I absolutely loved Tick Tock. My expectations were high and I’m so delighted I wasn’t disappointed as this was so so good.
I’m not gonna rehash the story - it’s just not my thing. I will stay this story has a brilliant storyline. The author is in a league of her own with the emotions she pulled me through while reading this.
Bombshell will certainly be one of my favourite reads of this year, without a doubt.
Great praise to the author on an amazing read. I felt I could easily be watching a movie as I read this story. Can’t wait to read more from her.
I’m not gonna rehash the story - it’s just not my thing. I will stay this story has a brilliant storyline. The author is in a league of her own with the emotions she pulled me through while reading this.
Bombshell will certainly be one of my favourite reads of this year, without a doubt.
Great praise to the author on an amazing read. I felt I could easily be watching a movie as I read this story. Can’t wait to read more from her.
March 11, 2019
I enjoyed this story. I was so sad for James at the end of Book 1 and really wanted the best for him. Arabella was exactly what he needed...and seeing more of Clay was definitely an added bonus. The story flowed well and I was intrigued by the way both James and Arabella interacted with each other and those around them. There was a good deal of drama and action, but it wasn't overdone. I enjoyed the entire story and look forward to more by this author.
March 14, 2019
A very emotional eye opener of what distruction is left behind, even when a war is over
Another incredible well written book by JHB, her research and attention to detail to what still goes on around the world even when a war is supposedly over is amazing, and makes us so aware of the hard working unsung heroes out there keeping our world safer, thank you Jane.
So pleased that James got his happy ending too.
Another incredible well written book by JHB, her research and attention to detail to what still goes on around the world even when a war is supposedly over is amazing, and makes us so aware of the hard working unsung heroes out there keeping our world safer, thank you Jane.
So pleased that James got his happy ending too.
October 23, 2019
What a wonderful ending, for a wonderful story.
I would read this book again and again. It is not only informative but tugs at your heartstrings and makes you realize there are heroes out there that through what they do, keep you safe even when you don't realise it or give it much thought. They make the world a little better for all of us and through her story Jane has once again given us food for thought.
I would read this book again and again. It is not only informative but tugs at your heartstrings and makes you realize there are heroes out there that through what they do, keep you safe even when you don't realise it or give it much thought. They make the world a little better for all of us and through her story Jane has once again given us food for thought.
January 11, 2020
Love the mystery, military, and romance. Took no time to read it, but I was reading almost all night. Love James, the moody, heartless, and sexy EOD tech. Bel was awesome. A heavy drinker, a privileged, and unloved woman. Thrown into an area she has no idea about, she just wants to go home to live her life. She meets James, Clay, and Zada. She finds sexy James and wants to find out why he has a chip on his shoulder. Loving a black heart sometimes is not enough.
January 13, 2020
I haven't read the first book in the series but I will be going back as it seems there was some backstory to James. However, it didn't detract from the story here. It's a story of redemption, forgiveness, finding oneself and of course, love. James and Arabella are lost but find something in each other that neither expected. It's a great story and the growth and connection they develop is beautiful to read.
August 25, 2020
Personagens convincentes, ação, uma boa explorada em assuntos ou temas pouco usuais em ficção, ao menos para mim. Escrita boa, que só derrapa às vezes, e só não recebeu mais por causa dessas pequenas derrapagens e por faltar uma 'conversa final' entre o casal protagonista - senti falta de alguns esclarecimentos. Valendo como 3.5.
March 13, 2019
Read in one day. Was really looking forward to tick, tock, kind of sad with how it ended. I guess it happens sometimes. Did not know there was going to be a 2nd so quickly. Was a little hesitant, but then hurt my knee and now on bedrest. OMG! going to read it again next week. Awesome.
January 10, 2020
This was a highly engrossing read. I liked the characters and the plot was fast-paced. I will definitely be adding this author to my to-read list!
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
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