Under Fire

By: Rita Henuber

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Coast Guard helicopter pilot Olivia Carver is on a very personal mission. Her twin brother, an undercover officer, was murdered by a drug cartel, and she won't stop until she finds the man responsible for his death.

In the course of her own investigation, Olivia meets informant Rico Cortes. He's mysterious and sexy, and despite her reservations, the two share a night of passion. But Rico turns out to be more than a one-night stand. He's a DEA agent, deep undercover in Miami's drug world, and possibly the one man who can help Olivia find the justice she seeks.

When Rico realizes his cover is blown, he isn't sure whether it was someone in the cartel or an inside agent. Olivia is the only one he can trust, and together they venture on a dangerous, rogue mission to infiltrate a drug lord's inner circle... with Olivia as bait.

©2011 Rita Henuber (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Good story, good narrator

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There's lots of action, good romance, interesting characters. If I had the slightest criticism it would be that in parts it reminded me of an episide of the old Miami Vice TV shows but that didn't really detract from the overall enjoyment.

I really like the narrator too. She had good voice differentiation and a non-intrusive style that kept up with pace of the action.

If you are looking for a sweet, cozy romance this one probably isn't for you. It's fairly gritty and somewhat violent (for a romance, anyway), but if you like military-flavoured romance and a kick-butt female protagonist who can more than hold her own, then you'll enjoy this book as much as I did.

I would definitely buy another book by this author and this narrator.

A female who can hold her own under fire

Olivia Carver is a Coast Guard helicopter pilot, damned good at anything she does, and on a mission to find those responsible for the death of her twin brother. Following a lead to bring her closer to the drug cartel she believes is behind her twin's murder, she meets Rico Cortes at a bar not knowing he's the informant. The sparks fly almost immediately when these two characters meet and even with all the self control possessed by each, they end up entangled in bed sheets and sexually satisfied.

The overarching plot was a good stage to bring the main H/h together and showcase their strengths, their weaknesses, and their eventual falling in love. There were a few instances where I felt like the plot wasn't tight enough, but because I was more focused on character and relationship development, it did not bother me. There is a lot of action in this book: kicking, punching, explosions, gunfire, nose-biting (ouch!), you name it, the female lead was out for vengeance and she can kick some serious butt. The male lead played more of a supportive role in helping Olivia bring down the drug cartel from the inside and as strong as he is, the focus is on the female, for the most part. There are also a few supporting characters in the novel, but you only get to see them in the beginning and in the end of the book so I didn't get too attached to them.

Overall, the book was entertaining and I enjoyed the romance and action part of the story. Not my usual read, but at the price I paid for it ($4.95) I was happy.

Narration
Narrator: Gabra Zackman
Performance: 3/5
This is the second book that I've listened to with Zackman as the narrator. Unlike the first book, her performance in this narration was sub-par. At times it was difficult to distinguish who was speaking because her female and male voices sounded similar. Also she made some of men sound like little boys, virtually devaluing their kickass stature. I think this recording could have used some refining.

Great story

Lots of action, great story. Written very well with great narration. Would love a sequel

Enjoyed this book

Would you listen to Under Fire again? Why?

Yes I would. It was interesting story line

Have you listened to any of Gabra Zackman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first time. It was well done

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

On the rooftop

Any additional comments?

none

Simple and entertaining read

Good book. Simple and entertaining read. My first "read" of Rita Henuber and I enjoyed it.

Under Fire Was A Bit Underwhelming-Get It On Sale

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

This falls into the category of those written by Suzanne Brockman a romance dressed up as an action. Unfortunately it was not consistent-there was a lot of 'hot' romance in the beginning and not much action until the final chapters.

Coast Guard helicopter pilot Olivia Carver is on a very personal mission. Her twin brother, an undercover officer, was murdered by a drug cartel, and she won't stop until she finds the man responsible for his death.

In the course of her own investigation, Olivia meets informant Rico Cortes. He's mysterious and sexy, and despite her reservations, the two share a night of passion. But Rico turns out to be more than a one-night stand. He's a DEA agent, deep undercover in Miami's drug world, and possibly the one man who can help Olivia find the justice she seeks.

When Rico realizes his cover is blown, he isn't sure whether it was someone in the cartel or an inside agent. Olivia is the only one he can trust, and together they venture on a dangerous, rogue mission to infiltrate a drug lord's inner circle... with Olivia as bait.

Would you recommend Under Fire to your friends? Why or why not?

Sure, it is an above average book-don't be fooled into thinking it is an action book only.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

She could have been a bit more animated. She did a good job with distinguishing each character-it sounded like she was bored.

Do you think Under Fire needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. The ending tied everything up. I may try another book by this author but I wouldn't run out to get it.

Any additional comments?

NOTE: Some mature content, strong language and some gore.

Suspenseful and romantic!

Under Fire is just what I was looking for when in the mood for romantic suspense. Rita Henuber gives this story the right amount of heat and passion in the midst of chaos and danger. Olivia, an officer in the Coast Guard has a personal mission to find the killer of her twin brother. When given the chance to meet an informant, she meets Rico. Their chemistry from the first meeting is off the charts, but when he turns out to be an undercover DEA agent, searching for the same men, their lives become intertwined and the danger heightens. Henuber has written a strong, capable, beautiful character with Olivia. I love her tenacity, spunk, strength and bravery she depicts and her belief and love in Rico. To compliment Olivia, Rico is written with protectiveness and intelligence, but most of all compassion and true love that shines through all his actions in the mission.

Narrated by the talented Gabra Zackman, she takes you on their journey for justice and love. I love her voice, always giving such emotions and feels when she narrates. Her pace is perfect and her voices are easily discernible. She is a narrator I am always happy to have in my ears.

Enter Ms GI Jane in action

Would you listen to Under Fire again? Why?

great to listen a second time when power walking...makes to you feel like you can Do It!
A great strong female lead.

What other book might you compare Under Fire to and why?

Dying to Please, by Linda Howard. Same battle training for our lady in action.

Have you listened to any of Gabra Zackman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listen to about 10 stories read by Ms Zackman & her other reader name,Isabelle Gorden. She can make an average story come to life. Very rich male voice, sexy. Good dialog in this story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, when young boy is eating with our heros

Any additional comments?

Love to hear more stories by Rita Henuber and read by Ms Zackman

Good Story - Overkill on the romance

Would you try another book from Rita Henuber and/or Gabra Zackman?

The book has some very exciting scenes when involved in the action and thrill of infiltrating the drug lords. On the other hand, after the first romance scene which was way drawn out we got the point. Wound up fast forwarding the other.... 30% of the book. Played like a rerun

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mouse, Olivia, and Rico were all good characters with proper coverage

How did the narrator detract from the book?

excellent narration

What would have made this romance irresistible?

shorten it

A legit strong female lead

Olivia was a proper strong female lead. She was well trained, and I appreciate that unlike other romance + action books, we're not just told she's strong, but there are so many scenes with her kicking butt. And the fight scenes are nice and detailed, head butting, nose breaking, the works.
My only qualm is that the romance bit in the middle was longer than necessary and just way overdone. I understand though that for the relationship and the mission to be convincing, the characters are expected to spend enough time together to build some trust. I just feel that time could have been spent doing parts of the mission, and not just indoors planning and lusting after each other.