Hotshot

Buchanan-Renard-MacKenna, Book 11

By: Julie Garwood

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

He saved Peyton Lockhart’s life when they were kids - but now she’s all grown up and he’s a seasoned FBI agent who comes to her rescue again in the new contemporary romance from number-one New York Times best-selling author Julie Garwood.

Peyton and her sisters have inherited Bishop’s Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with conditions: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit - only then will they own it.

A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic after rightfully accusing her boss of sexual harassment. Out of work and in a bad place personally, to Peyton a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful. Peyton dives into learning the resort business but is quickly derailed by an escalating chain of events that puts her life in danger. She refuses to be intimidated - until she’s nearly killed. Then she calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. Finn is more than happy to do a favor for Peyton, but he doesn’t plan on dealing with the beautiful, passionate woman she has become.

There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop Peyton and her sisters from succeeding. Among them are their contentious cousins and a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property. And it also becomes apparent that her old boss holds a serious grudge and believes in payback.

While the attraction between Peyton and Finn flames bright enough to distract them both from their dangerous situation, a happily ever after ending seems all but impossible. But the well-trained lawman never loses focus: He saved her life once; now he must do it again.

©2013 Julie Garwood (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

If you liked The Ideal Man this is a book for you.

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

I didn't read the print version. However, I'm certain I woul have liked it a bit more than the audio because the narrator's passable. Not exactly bad, but not great or good for that matter.

What did you like best about this story?

This story has Garwood's trademark humor and snappy dialogue without being heavy on the bad guy(s) actions & thoughts. Just the way I like my books. In many ways I'd compare this story to "The Ideal Man" in overall feel. The characters, dialogue, plot centering around sexual harrassment in the work place and the resolution are fresh, but the underlying essence ... purely Garwood.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Amy McFadden?

Well, that would depend upon if the author is a favorite. If the author is one I really enjoy, I'd be inclined, but I wouldn't be happy about it. For untried authors, I'd probably spend my credit elsewhere. Having said that, this narrator does a terrific Minnesota accent as befitted Peyton's friend. She made me smile because she put me in mind of the mother on the cartoon series "Bobby's World."

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nothing extreme as it isn't that kind of book. As with most of Garwood books, I do chuckle occasionally and appreciate the witty minds of her female leads.

Favorite modern man

Garwood sets the scene gives a little background on both characters. Modern fbi man has keeping in the Buchanan series just no Buchanan. Finn does meet all their characteristics. I love the snarky dialogue. It makes the characters realistic. Weaving in mystery and danger produces a great love story!
Amy McFadden did do a lot voice changes to achieve distinctive individuals giving the audiobook even more clarity.

Great Read

I enjoyed the book so much I had to listen to it twice. Great Job Julie.

Enthralling story

As always Julie Garwood 's characters become your friends. It was a delight to watch Peyton and Finn fall in love. The descriptions of Florida and Minnesota made feel the heat and cold. This was just another entralling story in this great series.

Capitavating story

loved the story and can't wait for the next one. Julie Garwood is the best.

Hotshot! A Finn-tastic entry in a Fabulous Series

What did you love best about Hotshot?

Loved the back story of Finn's rescue of Peyton when she was a little girl.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hotshot?

The opening scenes were the most memorable. They pulled you in and made you care about the characters right from the very beginning.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where Peyton recorded and nailed her nemesis ~ with his permission.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed out loud a lot. Finn and his family were very funny. I related to them both from the parent, and from the children's points of view. Peyton's sisters were also funny.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. This is the best (so far) in a really good series. Kudos to the author and reader!

Great chemistry!

This book was unadulterated entertainment. No pretense of being deep fiction, or emulating John Steinbeck. A fun story with an FBI agent that is nothing short of a dream. One criticism, however: as in all her books, Julie Garwood’s main characters are all PERFECT. Flawless bodies, faces and talents. Tone that down and the books will be more realistic and yes, even better.

Too much criticism about Amy McFadden - she actually did a fine job narrating. She had a distinctive voice for each character, and although her Minnesota accent was a bit off - she was still terrific.

The best narrators don’t often mesh for all authors. Joyce Bean is excellent for Nora Roberts and Linda Howard, but she is terrible for Julie Garwood. Reviewers who slam a book because of the narrator? Quit listening to the audiobook and read the book yourself.

Great story

I loved this book, the narrator did a wonderful job, can’t wait for the next book.

I enjoyed this book.

This was a fun summer book that I enjoyed. I liked the plot and characters in this book.

Love this book!

This book is one of my favorites. I listen to it when I’m feeling blue, or just want a good book to listen to.
Ms. Garwood is a fabulous author and I have yet to find a book of hers that I didn’t enjoy.
The narrator for this story was great. Ms. McFadden made the story come alive and I loved listening to her.
An awesome, fabulous book and great narration are definitely a winning combination!