Shutter Speed

Snapshot, Book 0.5

By: Freya Barker

Narrated by: Marnye Young, Rock Engle

Length: 2 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's Summary

She likes picking up her camera because it allows her to see things through a different lens. Like when she lost her job recently and instead of focusing on what she’s forced to leave behind, she zooms in on the new options opening up in front of her. Or when a dangerous looking silver fox comes rolling up her path on a FatBoy, and her digital output shows a deep loneliness, matching her own, in his ice-blue eyes.

But when she's working on making her dreams come true, she inadvertently captures something in her viewfinder she can’t un-see.

He wasn’t supposed to be here, but he can’t seem to escape his old life. Stuck in an old trailer in the mountains, he walks a fine line between ruse and reality. With the arrival of a young-looking pixie - who turns out to be a full grown, hot-blooded woman - his balance is thrown.

He tries to avoid her, but with the little pixel peeper snapping everything in sight, she unintentionally risks his exposure.

And his focus needs to be sharp to keep her from danger.

©2020 Freya Barker (P)2021 Spectrum Audiobooks

Suspenseful with just the right amount of heat.

Romantic suspense done right! Low on angst, with just the right amount of heat, I loved Shutter Speed. This was my first taste of the skillful writing of Freya Barker, but it will absolutely not be my last. Excellent character development, smooth flowing witty dialogue, and an interesting plot insured that my attention was grabbed immediately and held throughout. By books end, I felt as if I knew Ailah (I’m sure I spelled that wrong) and Ben. I cared about them, I wanted them to prevail and I wanted them to be together. At just under two and a half hours, the length was perfect to fill an evening and wonderful narration sealed the deal. This one was pure joy!

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧 A Riveting Ride!

This novella sized book packs a lot of story and I loved every minute of it. I have become a huge fan of Freya Barker’s books and writing style, I find it so easy to get lost in her stories, they are interesting and original. The characters are realistic and complex, easy to relate to and connect with. This book is Isla & Ben’s story, Isla’s Uncle Al had to leave the campgrounds he looked after and asked her to step in for him. She jumped at the opportunity, took her camera with her in hopes of getting some good shots. Ben is the first camper she meets, he came looking for her Uncle, he was not the friendliest but comes off a bit rough at first, she takes it as a challenge. And the next day when she brings him his wood she brings a smile with her and some good eats. Checking out the campgrounds she notices some odd things happening with campers who are renting and want to be left alone. She takes photos of what she is seeing and goes to investigate further but is stopped by Ben. Unsure what to think she just retreats back to the trailer home she is staying in. She runs in to Ben several times and the more they see each other the more he opens up and the chemistry between them is undeniable. But not everything or everyone is what or who it seems and Isla finds herself in grave danger when the wrong person discovers what she stumbled upon and took photographs of. This romantic suspense is cleverly plotted with drama, angst, mystery, twists and turns, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt and emotional moments and the start of a wonderful romance. Freya Barker, thank you for another awesome story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Marnye Young and Rock Engle are talented narrators and voice artists. They did an awesome job portraying the characters, giving each their own distinct voice and personality. Marnye Young played Isla’s role with perfection, Rock Engle did the same for Ben giving him the right amount of gruff. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured the characters emotions and projected them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the fantastic listen.

Surprised It Was Novella

I listened to the audiobook. I didn't realize it was a novella. I really didn't pay attention until the end and discovered it was just about 2 hrs and 20 min long.

I also discovered that it was a prequel to the book Freeze Frame, which continues Ben and Isla's story. I was so surprised because I found this book to be satisfying.

Although I am interested to see what the author is going to do next with this couple, I was not disappointed at the end of this book.

I liked both characters. Each a little quirky in their own way. I thought Ben's quirkiness may have had more to do with his job whereas Isla's was part of her personality. In looking forward to seeing how right or wrong I was about that.

A definite plus to me was that this was a more mature couple late 30's to 40's. I am really enjoying books about couples that are not just starting out, having babies, toddlers, etc.

These couples have endured some bumps, bruises, disappointments, joys and happiness in life that reminds a reader life goes on past 33 or 35, lol.

This really did seem like a full book. There was action, danger, suspense, romance, and a nice amount of heat. Ben and Isla had strong chemistry, so what I guess I originally thought was their HEA was only their HFN.

On to Freeze Frame!

Even better the second time!

I did a second read with the audiobook. The narrators were really good and I enjoyed this as much the second time as the first.

I didn’t find out until the end of the book that this is a prequel for Ben and Isla’s full length book Freeze Frame. I find that crazy because this little novella felt like a full story. The writing was awesome and I felt like I got to know these two and loved how this ended. I’m so curious what more the author is going to bring us in the next book.

Loved this!

This book was a great novella that is the prequel to Freeze Frame. You get to meet Isla and Ben and these characters had such depth that it felt like a complete story. I can’t wait for what she has in store for this couple.
Both characters are so mature and Isla is a very strong heroine. Ben is a sexy AF silver fox that you just want more of. I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to see where these two characters take me. I thought Marnye Young and Rock Engle were great as Isla and Ben.

A Picture Perfect Listen

I just listened to the audio book of Shutter Speed and it blew me away. I had read the book a while back but I forgot how much I loved these characters and Rock Engle and Marnye Young did an excellent job of bringing Ben and Isla to life. Ms Young hit Isla's attitude and emotions dead on and Mr. Engle vividly voice Ben's thoughts and concerns, giving a sense of urgency to the danger of their situation. Yet he was equally effective at bringing out Ben's softer side, one he hasn't had an opportunity to show often. I can't wait to listen to this duo to narrate Freeze Frame the follow up to Shutter Speed.
Ms. Barker is known for her well-developed characters, and I was delighted to find that even though Shutter Speed is a novella there is no lack of character development. Isla is a feisty, petite woman, who has dealt with a great deal of loss in her life. When she loses her job, she steps in to help out her uncle who runs a campground. Seizing the opportunity to hone her photographic skills and fulfill her dreams, she spends her free time snapping pictures. When she meets the silver fox biker, Ben, she sees more than meets the eye. Outgoing and cheerful, she unwittingly sees things through the view finder of her camera that could be dangerous.
Ben's life is not exactly what it seems, but his life depends on keeping up those appearances. When he realizes that Isla may have seen something she shouldn't, his focus widens as he tries to keep both of them safe, while maybe grabbing a little happiness that has been missing from his life.
Ms. Barker has a way of spinning a suspense story, even in a shorter work. The interaction between the main characters is witty and the characters jump off the page and remain with the reader. I am excited to hear that this is a prequel to a longer romantic suspense story featuring Ben and Isla.

Excellent novella

Romantic suspense, adult characters, and a campground = the perfect backdrop for this short story. Right amount of action and romance and looking forward to more of them in the next book.

The two narrators were perfect for these characters. Excellent narration.

Quick Adventure

Narrators did a great job bringing this novella to life. I enjoyed the story and the narration! Will be looking for these narrators again.

Shutter Speed!

This romantic suspense is my first book by Freya Barker and it was a super fast listen with good narrators. Ben and Isla’s story was interesting, fast paced and drama free! Isla stumbles into an unseemly circumstance that requires Ben to creatively fabricate reasons to make sure she remains safe!! Due to the time spent in each other’s presence, they develop feelings for one another that is tested before a true relationship can be solidified. Overall, it was a good story. Rock Engle and Marnye Young are both new narrators to me and did a good job with their performances.

Picture perfect!

Freya Barker has me completely captivated by this prequel and I can't wait to hear the series. It set us up starting with Ben and Isla's story. Isla comes to her uncle's campground, taking over for him for the summer. A perfect job after recently losing hers, she is hoping to do what she really loves, which is taking pictures. She didn't count on Ben. Ben, the silver fox, is biding his time at the camp, finishing up a job. He didn't count on Isla. But the chemistry is there. And so is the danger. Barker packs this novella with passion, suspense and excitement. I love her characters are real, a little older and extremely easy to understand and relate to. This is just the beginning and I can't wait to keep the series going!

Narrated by the talents of Marnye Young and Rock Engle, we are treated to a fantastic narration. Both seasoned narrators, they understand their characters and voice them with their true essence. It is cast perfectly and a wonderful listen.

my first intro to audio and it was great

I love Freya Barker's work and so when deciding to dip my toe into audio books she was a logical place to start. The narrator's manage to capture the feel of a book without it seeming drawn out or boring. I really enjoyed it. And it is probably only half a coincidence but the fact that Joe says 10 minutes when pleading to explain at the 10 minute mark made me chuckle.