Shooter

Burnout Series #1

By: Dahlia West

Narrated by: Mason Lloyd

Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Chris "Shooter" Sullivan has returned to his hometown of Rapid City, South Dakota, to pick up the pieces of his life shattered by a roadside bomb in Iraq. He wants only to focus on holding what's left of his old unit together, running his garage where he builds custom bikes and cars, and pretending that his murdered father's motorcycle gang doesn't exist.

Hayley Turner is a young woman with her own traumatic past. Fresh off the bus from Nowhere, USA, all she wants is a job and a place to live until it's time for her to leave again. She doesn't want to make friends or enemies, least of all the ex-Army Ranger who obviously doesn't like her. She bristles under his watchful eye. He's even got her convinced that she's bad news.

But circumstances force two people who don't need anyone to need each other more and more. The more Chris gets to know Hayley, the harder it is to stay detached. And the more Hayley gets to know Chris, the more she realizes that she's been alone for so long, she might never recover from it.

©2015 Dahlia West (P)2016 Tantor

WHAT AN ADDICTIVE & WONDERFUL SURPRISE

Isn't it a real joy when an Author surpasses all your expectations and delivers a story that has so many loveable characters, describes them so well that you feel like you're friends with them all, creates a loyal loving brotherhood and then introduces a love interest for one of them. Well Dahlia West did that.... and so so much more.

Hayley is running - running from a Psychopath that had already caught her once, nearly killed her and has ruined her life.... and he is still free five years later. Now strong willed Hayley's a lonely drifter going from town to town until she reaches Rapid City where she's welcomed... but just not by everyone. Chris (aka Shooter) and his friends are all ex Army Rangers and he doesn't trust or believe this tiny Drifter who he calls Slick but he can clearly see that she's been damaged and needs help so he reluctantly offers her a place to stay. And, even though they are very aware of each other's presence, they bicker, verbally spar and hurl a lot of witty banter at each other before eventually the intensity of feelings spectacularly boils over into lust, passion and achingly tender and understanding touches. Which is then sweetly followed by tentative steps into a powerful relationship of respect, lots of sex, trust and love. But it's not all smooth sailing because, when the past comes knocking on her door, it's going to end in a dramatic and bloody conclusion.

Wow, this was so addictive and all-consuming with smooth clever witty dialogue between brothers-in-arms Shooter, Hawk, Easy, Tex and Doc who are a riot when together and slowly let Hayley into their inner circle and surround her with a protective and loving shield. Especially after she tries selflessly to help one of them by recounting her worst nightmare in front of them all... the night she lived through a traumatic and horrific event and she told it in such anger-filled vivid and heartbreaking detail which left them all in awe of her courage and strength of character. There was a good build-up to the romance with no insta anything, there was mystery, angst and some suspense at the end and there was a MC Club nearby with slight ties to Shooter and they forced him into a shady scene or two. A powerful love story that was born out of tragedy but blossomed into a funny, romantic, hot, tense at times, touching and beautiful love story.... and a group of loving friends willing to do whatever necessary for their fellow brothers.

Worth a credit? Dual POV's, great narration, addictive and humorous, lots of sex, romance, wonderful loving and interesting characters, some danger and drama, a HEA ending and could be a standalone listen.... what more can you ask for from a credit. This is a series to watch out for and definitely creditworthy.

Wow! Fantastic Story!

A truly captivating, well written story of falling in love! Excellent character development!

Loved the friendship, banter, and the overall easiness all the characters interacted with each other. This was a refreshing change of pace from the stories that have all the heat, attraction, and hot sex from the very beginning, to more of a touching, emotional story of slowing falling in love, learning to trust, letting someone in, and surviving.

I was soooo looking forward to book two until I saw all the negative reviews. Hummm, I can't visualize the character I just read about against what some of the reviews are leading too for the next book? Will have to think on it some before purchasing? But then again.... who am I kidding, I loved this story, and know I will listen to the other books in the series! :-)

As usual, narration was awesome! Mason always does a great job!

Well worth the time invested in listening to story! Credit or Sale!

Fresh plot, a real winner

This is the first in a Burnout series. This all all about a woman named Haley, or is she named Haley? She has a past, good bad or scary? Hmmm. She is on the run and winds up in South Dakota. Why is she on the run? When she runs into Shooter, who has his own past, sparks fly in the negative direction.

What I really like about the novel is the way it slowly builds and builds. Even though you have a decent idea about the direction of the plot, it takes turns that are interesting. This is a very comfortable novel, excellent for a summer beach read. West does a great job in building the characters and the universe of the characters. She even manages to get a plug in for the next installment (a little heavy handed). But, hey who am I to question marketing. One surprising thing is that the narrator is male. Mason Lloyd did a great job -- I was very surprised.

I instantly bought the rest of the series. I can't wait to see how things work out for all of the characters. I give this a hardy thumbs up.

Very well written!

I loved everything about this book, the characters , the narrator & the storyline. My first book by this author, but not my last!!

Good story but get another narrator

3.75 overall
The story is a good love story between adults. It took me a little while to get into it, but eventually, I looked forward to listening to it. It flows well, not rushing the relationship between Haley (aka "Slick") and Chris (aka "Shooter"). Haley is in her mid 20s, I think, and Chris is in his early 30s.
It was not a new story in the sense that the 2 lovers initially didn't like each other. Thus, it was predictable in some ways. But, in spite of this common trope, the story didn't come across as "had." Shooter has a custom bike business and is, of course, the owner. He has a group of men around him, but they are not a biker gang. His 4 friends add to the likeability factor of the story. Haley is also not an unusual character. She's a great cook, and everybody likes her, of course. Her story, the reason she's not in 1 place long, is unpacked slowly throughout the story. It's done through the development of their relationship, which really works for the story, is seamless and rational.
There was sex involved, naturally. But the sex is later in the story, though sexual remarks are made earlier. There's not a great amount of detail during the sexual encounters, and there are many moments for a story that long; I think there are 4. And all the sex is traditional intercourse and oral sex. It's not stale but also not raunchy, explicit or non-traditional, IMO.
I really have only complaint—the narrator. He was fine much of the time, but all of the male characters sounded too similar when he performed them. And, worse, repeatedly he did a poor job of expressing the correct level or degree of emotionality to match what was being said.

Good... not AMAZING

This was good... I am actually pretty interested in book 2; however, I pick this up simply because of the rave reviews.... I must say... When I found out what happen to Sarah/Hiley...we dang... that was pretty shocking... and I see why she was so closed off... But the story kinda drag a bit in the middle... but honestly... I never push pause or stop... It was a straight thru listen... So yeah it was good... but not AMAZING as all the other reviews state... It was good... great even... but not AMAZING...

Well worth a credit or buy... Yes to a sale...

Narration was the best part... I love Mason Llyod... great narrator... SO yup... scoop this one up... Just remember... its good... not AMAZING...

Awesome : as it was reading the book

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

To me it was just as good .... & enjoyed it throughly ..

What did you like best about this story?

That I got to Esperance it again while doin stuff I find mundane .... job stuff... It made the jobs worth while .. Listening to this awesome book.

Which character – as performed by Mason Lloyd – was your favorite?

I loved it all

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did ... I didn't want to miss a thing .

Any additional comments?

I can see myself listening to this many many times.. Loved it so worth getting , can't wait for the next books in the series ... Bring them on.

Unacceptable

“Judging by the sheer number of Hispanics working in the back he seemed no stranger to illegal labor” Why does the author think that sort of drivel is acceptable? It’s not to me.

dark and intense

I'm new to this author and the high ratings prompted my listen. The story is not formulaic and there are slight references to the inner workings of a motorcycle club/gang. The dark past of the heroine is very DARK and I tend to prefer my fictional threats to be not so horrific- hence the 4 rather than 5 star ratings. The secondary characters are well done and the interplay of the "brothers" is heart-warming and I can appreciate why this series would be amongst listeners "favorite" and why others will be picking up the subsequent stories. I am a big fan of happy endings in my fiction and I prefer to know the general story line before I get involve. Perhaps when my own life is less traumatic, I will pick up the balance of the series.... it will join the "maybe later" list.

Love It!!!

Shooter is one of my favorite books!! I have never listened to a audio book before and i'm so glad Shooter was my first!!! I loved hearing my favorite characters comming to life while doing everyday chores. Love love love!! I can't wait for the next audio book in the series!!!!

thoroughly enjoyed!

Straight off the bat I'm going to recomend that hopefully Ms' West continues with this narator as he's just so easy to listen to. I've a bunch of audio books in my collection but only a very small few are voiced by male voices which is a shame. This gentleman was mindful/careful with how he read the female parts of the story by NOT hitching his voice to rediculous levels which can sound worse that a female trying to pass off a male character. I far prefer if narators read the book, express the emotions, tell the take as it's punctuated and no more. This guy to my ear did that with only the bare slightest inflection in his tone when reading the female parts.

He has an amazing voice and when put with a great story youre in for a fabulous listening experience.

The story I've read multiple times, is a favourite of mine so hearing it read by a male has only served to maintain my preference for male readers.

very very much a recommended story and audio.

Read and listened to it three times!

Read this book a couple of times a while ago and when I found the audio I had to have it. The characters are great, I love the banter between the boys and the 'sass', I laughed out loud several times. You do get odd looks when you're walking down the street snorting with laughter. Makes me not mind walking to work quite so much.

A friends to lovers story

This was a good listen.
I'm a sucker for a baby daddy and I loved how Daniel was so good with Quincy's baby. Swoon.

When Quincy's sister dies, she becomes an overnight mum.
She meets Daniel that same night of her sister's death, it's also the night she gains custody of her nephew Chance. Daniel spots ger while having a meltdown in the baby aisle in a store. Daniel is from a large Italian family and has had lots of experience with his nieces and Nephews and so he helps her out.

They become friends. Good friends until they sort of become more.
Quincy doesn't know Daniel is a high-profile soccer player at first, she also doesn't know before she commits herself to Daniel that he's also got a huge hang-up about commitment.

Interesting story, hot in all the right places. Lacks a little depth in places but I really enjoyed it. There are also some good family moments with banter.
Told in dual pov. An enjoyable sports romance audiobook.

Awesome first book

Book one of Burnout series by Dahlia West narrated by Mason Lloyd.
Chris 'Shooter Sullivan is ex army captain that after retiring opens his own custom bike and car shop in rapid city.
He also own the house next to him that he's trying to rent but is very picky and doesn't want any party's pets.
Hailey is on run and very scared that her attacker will come after her.
While walking home to her dodgy motel Chris picks her up and takes her home then once there he realises he has to offer his spare house.
Once living close by they become very close and Hailey slowly tells Chris and his teammates what happened to her before coming to Rapid city.
The relationship between Hailey and ex army teammates is lovely and so funny. At times this book is hilarious especially Chris. Mason Lloyd narrates all character beautifully and really hope other books are narrated by him as well.
Free to read/listen on kindle unlimited with prime subscription.

THERE'S A BIT OF EVERYTHING IN THE EMOTION SECTOR,

Ex Ranger Chris 'Shooter' Sullivan & 4 of his old platoon mates who have settled here in & has his custom design & repair bike/car shop
When Haley Turner 'Sarah' decides to get off the bus here, (the new town to hide herself away from that a person she needs to keep safe from) where she gets a job in the local bar and this is where these 2 meet & he can see she's hiding from something. And he feels like he has to help her.
I love the connection not just between these 2 but the way all the men have with her & she has with them.
But it's Haley's reason of being the way & why. Oh heck it's one hell of a nightmare & then that nightmare comes back & grabs her & god it's what happens here though it's only a very short period of the story it's so intense & graphic that it sent shivers down my spine.
There's humour, tears and terror & some HOT sexual scenes all in this really good Love Story.
Narrator Mason Lloyd was alright

Mason

The best narrator I have come across. Story had everything, laughter, mistory, suspense, seriousness, love...

shooter and Sarah

this book has it all heartbreak. slow building love and true love and more heartbreak then happy ending. sexy ex ranger bikers and a women learning to trust again and I love this book and the person telling the story is a perfect voice to listen to. overall a great book and I couldn't stop listening to it

loved Shooter

Great story well progressed and thorough, great banter among friends which I loved. I laughed out loud several times. gorgeous romance.
I would listen again.
Mason was an excellent narrator. will definitely be listening to the rest of the series if this is the standard.

Excellent

Firstly, I must tell you that the narrator for this audiobook, Mason Lloyd was perfect in the role.
I'm very happy I bought all of the burnout series at once, they are fabulous and a bargain.
Buy this series, love this series. It'll be money well spent ☺

Heart Racingly Good

Sweet love story, with some very hot bedroom scenes and edge of your seat action. I too enjoyed the narrator.