Ecstasy by the Sea

Countermeasure: Bytes of Life #2

By: Cecilia Aubrey, Chris Almeida

Narrated by: Gerard Tim Reynolds

Length: 1 hr and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

The suspense driven Countermeasure Series combines full-length novels and Bytes of Life short stories about sexy, technologically inclined men and women. The series is filled with heart-stopping danger and enough twists and turns to make a hair-raising roller coaster seem tame.

In the series, Trevor Bauer, a tough as nails NSA geek, and his even more tenacious love interest, Cassandra James, are on a quest for clues toward the mysterious disappearance of Trevor's parents. Joined by fate, their search drops them into the mysterious and violent world of data espionage, one that tests their love as they sweep the world with romance, sex, and ingenuity to find answers that will have the power to change their lives forever.

The second story in the steamy spinoff to the Countermeasure series sees Trevor Bauer and Cassandra James having just tied the knot and moving across the pond to their new digs in Ireland to begin their life as a married couple. Unbeknownst to Cassandra, Trevor plans the perfect honeymoon getaway down to the daintiest swatch of lace. His detail-obsessed wife won't know what hit her when he sweeps her away for what will result in nothing less than a weekend filled with pure ecstasy by the sea.

Countermeasure: Bytes of Life is a tie-in series to the Countermeasure Series novels. This new series of shorts gives the readers glimpses into the day-to-day life of the Countermeasure characters. The main novels in the Countermeasure Series are action-packed plot-driven stories, while the short stories in the Bytes of Life Series are character-driven and a way to develop the characters as the main series moves forward. Please be advised that all short stories in this series contain erotic material. They are not recommended for a younger audience. Although some of the events that take place in the short stories might be referenced in the novels and vice-versa, the short stories are not compulsory for the understanding of the series. They enhance the experience.

©2012 Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey (P)2013 Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey

Almeida and Aubrey have delivered on their promise

AudioBook Review:

I have read and reviewed this title in eBook format, after devouring the full length novels in the Countermeasure series. As the book description explains, Trevor and Cassie are starting their married lives: Trevor has planned a lovely seaside getaway for their honeymoon.

The connections between the two is strengthened and deepened, the true enjoyment of one another is readily apparent. Almeida and Aubrey have delivered on their promise to make these shorts character-driven pieces, and I am actually rather jealous of those of you who are just coming to the series - you can make your own combinations of read / listen to the series and it's Bytes in order, a real treat.

Skillfully narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds, he has become one of my favorite listens. With a soft touch of Irish accent in his narration, more distinctly apparent for Trevor, and a softer tone, without great exaggeration in pitch to 'sound' overtly female for Cassie: the characters are easily distinguished; put forth with the proper inflection and emphasis that fully present the emotional subtext in the spoken dialogue. Even the erotic scenes (and they are frequent) are voiced with breathless pauses, soft murmurs and give the listener a feel of voyeuristic delight.

As always, these are truly wonderful glimpses into the 'between adventure' times for the characters: and do provide interesting and informative insight, a perfect adjunct to the full length novels, with just enough substance to give a quick fix when you only have a little time, or want more about the characters in what will become a favorite series for those who encounter it.
I was provided an audiobook copy from the authors for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word at I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.