Nine Minutes

Nine Minutes Series #1

By: Beth Flynn

Narrated by: Monique Makena

Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

On May 15, 1975, teenager Ginny Lemon is abducted from a convenience store in Fort Lauderdale by a member of one of the most notorious and brutal motorcycle gangs in South Florida. From that moment on, her life is forever changed. She gets a new name, a new identity, and a new life in the midst of the gang's base on the edge of the Florida Everglades—a frightening, rough, and violent world much like the swamps themselves, where everyone has an alias and loyalty is tantamount to survival. And at the center of it all is the gang's leader, Grizz: massive, ruggedly handsome, terrifying, and somehow, when it comes to Ginny, tender.

So begins a tale of emotional obsession and manipulation, of a young woman ripped from everything she knows. Precocious and intelligent but still very much a teenager, Ginny struggles to adapt to her existence, initially fighting and then coming to terms with her captivity. Will she be rescued? Will she escape? Will she get out alive—or get out at all?

Contains mature themes.

©2013 Beth Flynn (P)2015 Tantor

Just another perspective

I just wanted to give a perspective that I did not see in other reviews. I listened to this whole story. It didn't kill me to listen to it - meaning I was not bored or pushing through it to get my money's worth out of it. That being said, I didn't really enjoy the book. It wasn't like I "couldn't put it down" - I could. Easily. It was just something to pass the time when I didn't have anything else to do. It is written well enough. A romance it is not. The female lead is only 15 and the male lead has to be at the very least, 29 years old. It is not romance for an 30 year old man to essentially rape a 15 year old girl. I don't care that she "consented" to it. Even the author refers to it as rape. So there you go. This book was not what I was expecting from the other reviews. Be aware if you buy this book that it is not a lovey dovey romance. It is not a happily ever after type story. I did not even feel like there was a cliffhanger - so to speak. I just felt like every character pretty much was a crazy person and the only people I felt sorry for were the children born into the twisted lifestyle these people were living. Just my two cents...

LISTEN TO THIS BOOK!

After about 1,000 people telling my how great this book is I finally took the time to listen to it and I'm sure you'll be surprised to know that they were all RIGHT!!!

After starting the book I thought no way would I end up liking Grizz, and boy was I wrong! I can't wrap my head around such a violent, cold person being so completely soft when it comes to anyone! I was a little disappointed when the books starts with the ending, I spent the entire book wondering if this was it or that was it cause I knew for a fact it was happening. I really can't say anything that everyone else hasn't already....READ THIS BOOK YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

The narration was good too :)

Shocked, Appalled, and Awed!

A shockingly well written story that actually feels like a real autobiography of Ginny retelling her life's story and the events that have lead to where she is now. As we follow Ginny's story, we experience all the emotions Ginny went through from the moment she was kidnapped, falling in love to getting married. There were times during her journey I was appalled with all the horrors and violence Ginny witnessed, but at the same time I was in awe of her strength, and the love she had for both Grizz and Grunt. I normally stay clear of stories that involve kidnapping teenagers, or teenage girls being with older men, as these stories are triggers for me. I was almost abducted when I was 16, and never been so scared in my life. Many years later, I still fear being alone in parking lots, do not walk down any street by myself, and get anxious if someone I don't know stands too close. While Ginny was kidnapped and held against her will, it wasn't violent and Grizz, as twisted as he was, really cared and looked after Ginny. Also, this is a work of fiction, so I enjoyed the story for what it was, a dark suspenseful romance. Now, had this been a true story, I would say Ginny suffered from Stockholm syndrome and Grizz deserved the death penalty.

As far as MC romances goes, this one is one of the darkest ones I've listened too. Grizz's character was rough, and if someone crossed him, they would suffer. Didn't matter if you were a man or women, he could be brutal to either, but Grizz never directed his anger towards Ginny.

This is the first story I've listened narrated by Monique Makena and her performance was outstanding.

If you like dark romances that are enthralling, intense, suspenseful, nail biting, with surprising twist, then this s a story you will want to consider adding to your collection. But be warned this story unapologetic, full of violence, language, and there is a rape scene.

HER WORST NIGHTMARE BECAME HER ONE TRUE LOVE

This is book 1 in a trilogy and it's a powerful and emotional introduction into the sordid yet sheltered life that the brave, scared yet plucky 15 year old Ginny would suddenly find herself being ruthlessly tossed into. A world of Biker law, loyalty, brutality and fake identities. From the Prologue you knew the ending so what followed was the telling of the events that led up to it.... the abduction of a naive girl, the brutal things she witnessed, the criminal things she never wanted to know about, the gang members she didn't want to mix with, the good and bad things that was done to her and for her and the love, protection and care she felt in the loving arms of the mesmerising and handsome Biker who had tenderly and carefully shaped her into the woman she is today. Through the years there was bloodshed, trauma and tears as Ginny slowly came to terms with, made a few friends and finally accepted her new life. And Grizz became her everything.... her captor, her protector, her rock, her first husband, the Father of her first child and the love of her life.... but there were many secrets, twists and shocking revelations that, in the end, left her stunned and would turn her world upside down.

As I was drawn into this book's captivating web I happily stayed there mesmerised by all the unfolding dramas, the character growths, the secondary cast of characters (both good and bad) and the mixed up, crazy yet understandable feelings that Ginny felt for Grizz. Because yes Grizz was a Gang leader, a vicious killer, a criminal and kept a lot of secrets but, like Ginny, I couldn't help but be wooed and enticed by his charisma, his thoughtfulness and the loving besotted unwaivering care that he had for Ginny as it shone out from every chapter and, in the end, he proved one thing.... that he loved her far more than himself and would forever put her welfare first.

I cautiously tip toed into this listen not knowing quite what I would encounter along the perilous journey and just where it would eventually lead to but I was relieved that there wasn't any graphic scenes of sex or violence, yes you were led up to them, but they were never colorfully described. There were no actual sex scenes just implied ones and the acts of violence were clinically and colorlessly described. However, I thought the stressful and pulse-pounding scenes would slow down after the first few Chapters but I was wrong because this talented Author threw in some pretty big wrenches along the way that twisted and turned the ride but the Epilogue finally buckled the ride leaving me in a spinning haze of WT, WT, WTF's and I actually had to pause the listen a few times just to let the news sink into my brain.

Worth a credit? A dramatic and expertly written listen told from Ginny's POV that had her (and me) falling for a bad hero because in the heartbreaking climactic end, and all along, that's what Grizz had been.... her worst nightmare who turned out to be her salvation, her protector and her hero. Narration was good. Definitely an epic and creditworthy (or dollar-worthy) listen and I'm off to beg Audible for what's sure to be a jaw-dropping mind-f'ing Book 2 but sadly I can't do much about the elusive unfinished, untitled and unreleased Book 3 that'll surely blow my mind.

WOW!! This is not what you expect!!!!

This book is not what you expect. It takes twists and turns and at the end of the story it leaves you with a WOW.

I was hesitant to like this book. I did not know if I could stomach a "kidnapping" ... but this book is so much more than that.

The author is most definitely talented and will have you entranced. The characters are flawed, even brutal at times .... although she does not go into explicit detail she gets the dramatic point across, which I consider another testimony to her talent.

It definitely did not end in a direction I thought it would, nor did I want ... you wanted Kit to have her HEA .... and she does ... just not in the way you expect. I could not help liking Grizz ...despite his psycho wrath. At times I did not understand Kit. In the end it comes together and and leaves you with what another reviewer called a "book hangover". That is exactly what you end up with!!

This is not your typical MC book. It is more realistic and not romanticized. It is one of the top 20 books I have listened to in years. I would use a credit, sale or just outright purchase this book. It is a worthwhile work of fiction! Bravo!!

I've had a book hangover since I've finished.

This book had me from chapter one. It was different and well written. I really appreciated that even though the book had dark subject matter the author didn't go into great detail describing the events. I'm not really a fan of dark romance and I was leery with this book, but I was held captive. I was so intransed that as soon as I finished I bought the ebook for book two and devoured it. That was big for me, as I only do audiobooks. Fingers crossed that Out of time will release on audible soon.

5 Nine Minutes Stars

Wow this was a powerful book. I couldn't stop listening to it.
It's powerful and heart breaking and shocking. I think I felt all the emotions one can with a book.

I felt her fall in love not once but twice. Even though I knew it was wrong I was rooting for the bad guy what does that say about me!! Well I will tell you it means Beth Flynn has magic.

Because when for a good first half of the book I was like what NO. For all the right reasons then for the end I was like Oh No for all the wrong ones. If you read the book that will make more sense I think.

At the end I felt lost like I needed to re listen because "Wow" I know that's not a big word or even profound but it says how I felt about this book.

I recommend this book to everyone.

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*

Post Book Hangover Syndrome

Would you consider the audio edition of Nine Minutes to be better than the print version?

I love MC books...the more raw, gritty and suspense the better. This book absolutely floored me. You will see some of the twists coming then others will cause you to stop breathing and feel completely empty inside...at least that's what happened to me.

I actually had Post Book Hangover Syndrome. I had to file away this story for several days before I could express my experience. After a partial recover from the shocking end I immediately started listening to one of my favorite romances so I could relax and clear my mind to sleep that night.

If you love MC books this is a MUST! If you're not so big on MC's but love suspense and thrillers this is a MUST!

Monique Makena's narration is outstanding. Her male voices are believably male and each voice is consistently distinguishable to the end.

This is my first book by Beth Flynn but it will not be my last. She definitely has the 'Shock and Awe' factor down to a fine art.

Definitely worth a Credit or Purchase.

Frustrating

I was completely frustrated listening to this book and considered asking for my money back but I also wanted to know how it ended. But that's me. I watch bad movies hoping they will get better.
'
First, the narrator has a lisp. While I don want to discriminate on that one thing, you could tell she was "reading", so it felt very forced.

Second, where was the outrage? Where was the flight or fight response? She just... la-de-da... fell for her kidnapper? I don't buy it. There was not one time that she tried to fight to leave.

I get that her parents weren't the best, but still, it was what she knew. and in the beginning, she would have wanted to go back to the familiar. I felt like she wasn't even scared and that frustrated me. She seemed completely naive and I guess she was for 15, but even when the story ends with her being 25, she still seems ridiculous.

As a woman, it was a hard pill to swallow that she would jump on the back of a bike one day and never try to leave the next. She witnessed his brutality but never once thought he would hurt her? Then why not try to leave. I get her feeling obligated to him over time, etc and even thinking she loved him But it was hard for me to think that she just left her whole life behind for this maniac. Devil you know, versus the devil you don't know, sort of thing. At least at home she knew what to expect, and they weren't murderers. There should have been at least one scene with her trying to break free or leave.

Trying to make it seem like a love story is ridiculous.

With all that said, I guess there is some modicum of likability if i listened to the whole thing. But like someone who yells at the TV when a game is on, I was often times yelling in my car at how stupid she was.

How this got all those great reviews is beyond me.

GREAT BOOK! MOTHER&)$$!? CLIFFHANGER!!!

Any additional comments?

Great Book! Worth any credits you spend. I was surprised at how well written and how it kept my attention at the first word. If you are following me!!!! You will love it.

Loved it

Absolutely gripped from start to finish. I can't wait to listen to the next in this series.
I would highly recommend this audio book. The narrator performed it perfectly and the story is gritty and beautiful at the same time.

An uncomfortable read

This is not your usual MC biker book where men have a tough exterior but sensitive soul. These people are not nice however the story is compelling and disturbing . The fact that echoes remains after the story ends and that I was surprised by the storyline leads me to believe that this is a very good book . Read and you will understand

Fantastic

Wow!!!
What can I say? This book blew me away. Book hangover at its most extreme.
Even though you know you shouldn't you still fall in love with Grizz. Everything about this book screams OMFG, but you still find yourself rooting for the HEA (well I did). I laughed, I cried, I cringed, I sobbed. A love story at its worse. Loved loved loved it. Fantastic book. What a find. Beautifully written. Can't wait for book 2.