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Countermeasure #2
To Russia With Love
In the second novel of the COUNTERMEASURE SERIES, Trevor and Cassandra Bauer are starting a new life across the pond where they continue their search for Trevor’s parents while he still works as an NSA consultant. When George Miller, his best friend, comes across what looks to be a new piece of information on his parents’ case, they embark on a new adventure following a digital trail to Saint Petersburg.
They are encumbered with the task of infiltrating a Russia Mafia's stronghold and recovering stolen files in exchange for that new clue. As they dive in the job, Trevor becomes bound to a Russian mafia crime lord. What started as a simple data file recovery turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse deep in a world of betrayal, hidden identities, and secret agendas.
Cassandra will do anything to keep Trevor safe. When everything goes FUBAR and she finds herself on the run, her sole focus is finding Trevor even it if means she has to depend on those who might not have their best interests at heart.
Stephan Connelan, Brennan Enterprises' CEO and Trevor's Parents' friend, has fought his desire for Jessica Forrester since the day they met at Trevor and Cassandra's wedding. Events in his past stop him from giving in to temptation, a temptation that would cause them both regret and hurt. But how long can he resist something so powerful as his attraction for the little vixen who has crowded his thoughts for months.
Jessica knows what she wants. Their age difference won't stop her from having the man of her dreams. She is determined to find a way to reach the heart he has locked away behind high walls. Little does she know that her greatest obstacle is Stephan himself.
They are encumbered with the task of infiltrating a Russia Mafia's stronghold and recovering stolen files in exchange for that new clue. As they dive in the job, Trevor becomes bound to a Russian mafia crime lord. What started as a simple data file recovery turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse deep in a world of betrayal, hidden identities, and secret agendas.
Cassandra will do anything to keep Trevor safe. When everything goes FUBAR and she finds herself on the run, her sole focus is finding Trevor even it if means she has to depend on those who might not have their best interests at heart.
Stephan Connelan, Brennan Enterprises' CEO and Trevor's Parents' friend, has fought his desire for Jessica Forrester since the day they met at Trevor and Cassandra's wedding. Events in his past stop him from giving in to temptation, a temptation that would cause them both regret and hurt. But how long can he resist something so powerful as his attraction for the little vixen who has crowded his thoughts for months.
Jessica knows what she wants. Their age difference won't stop her from having the man of her dreams. She is determined to find a way to reach the heart he has locked away behind high walls. Little does she know that her greatest obstacle is Stephan himself.
512 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2012
About the author
Chris Almeida
29 books132 followersChris Almeida (also known as C. Almeida) began writing children’s stories at a very young age. Born in Brazil but currently living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Chris’ life took a totally different course when technology came into play, and the following 17 years were spent delving deep into the world of programming and web design.
It was in 2010, when Chris began role playing online as a hobby, that writing wormed its way back into the picture. This time, writing storylines for the role playing group.
The ideas and plots created for the game awoke the inner writer and a few months later, together with partner in crime C. Aubrey, began writing erotic romance.
Now, still together, they have written a number of short stories and novel. They are currently working on book three of their series as well as several short stories. Through it all they have continued to enjoy role playing through their favorite characters.
Chris welcomes feedback, input and comments from readers. You can get in touch via FB, email, Linked in and Goodreads. Links below:
https://www.facebook.com/Chris.Almeid...
calmeida@caduobooks.com
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/chrisalmeid...
It was in 2010, when Chris began role playing online as a hobby, that writing wormed its way back into the picture. This time, writing storylines for the role playing group.
The ideas and plots created for the game awoke the inner writer and a few months later, together with partner in crime C. Aubrey, began writing erotic romance.
Now, still together, they have written a number of short stories and novel. They are currently working on book three of their series as well as several short stories. Through it all they have continued to enjoy role playing through their favorite characters.
Chris welcomes feedback, input and comments from readers. You can get in touch via FB, email, Linked in and Goodreads. Links below:
https://www.facebook.com/Chris.Almeid...
calmeida@caduobooks.com
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/chrisalmeid...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 6, 2012
Quick review:
Cover: Pretty Colors
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess HOT HOT HOT
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Another super successful installment in this series!
Characters: Solid
Plot: Mystery, Intrigue, mixed with spicy and all things dangerous.
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Trevor, but I’m going to post Stephen
SUMMARY (60 words or less)
Another page turner. I love mystery and crime/thriller type novels. Added to that is the sexy side this author duo team does amazingly well. This story kept me wanting more wondering how Cassandra and Trevor would get out of the mess they found themselves in. Love it. Next one please!
To see my full review and likeness of my book boyfriend, check out my blog post.
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
Cover: Pretty Colors
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess HOT HOT HOT
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Another super successful installment in this series!
Characters: Solid
Plot: Mystery, Intrigue, mixed with spicy and all things dangerous.
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Trevor, but I’m going to post Stephen
SUMMARY (60 words or less)
Another page turner. I love mystery and crime/thriller type novels. Added to that is the sexy side this author duo team does amazingly well. This story kept me wanting more wondering how Cassandra and Trevor would get out of the mess they found themselves in. Love it. Next one please!
To see my full review and likeness of my book boyfriend, check out my blog post.
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
September 26, 2014
English review, followed by the Romanian translation of the review (Recenzie în engleză, urmată de traducerea în română a recenziei)
After an amazing first book, I couldn’t expect less from the second novel, and I wasn’t just not disappointed, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it is actually even better than its prequel.
Cassandra and Trevor, now married, are living in Dublin, working and training for future dangerous fights together. They are still trying to find out what happened to Trevor’s parents, who dissappeared a long time ago. When George announces them that he found a new lead that could help them, they immediately jump at the opportunity. Trevor has to recover some stolen files for a man who apparently can shed some light on his parents’ dissappearence. Moreover, those files could affect the whole world if they get in the wrong hands. Luckily, the program that was stolen is not yet completed. However, Trevor can’t infiltrate the stealer's servers from his home, and finds himself obliged to leave for St. Petersburg along with his wife. There, things get haywire, and Trevor becomes bound to the head of a mafia organisation, unable to leave his mansion, and ironically, having to complete the program that he has to retrieve.
At the same time, Cassandra’s best friend, Jessica, who also moved in Dublin, and Stephan Connelan, Trevor's parents' friend, who fell in love with each other at the wedding of their friends, are having a little trouble with their relationship. While Jessica knows she found her one and only and fights for her love, Stephan is trying to push her away, afraid to surrender to his emotions.
While reading To Russia With Love, I found it very difficult to predict what was about to happen, and that made it impossible to put down my Kindle after the first half of the book. Like in the first novel, I enjoyed the fact that I could read the story from different perspectives – Trevor’s and Cassandra’s, Jessica’s and Stephan’s, and other secondary characters.
The relationship between Cassandra and Trevor is still blooming. I had a good laugh at some of their talks, smiled when they would have a romantic moment and got worried when they were apart from each other, risking their lives, not knowing if they were to see each other ever again. When I read, I like to feel connected to all that is happening, to get into the characters’ shoes. Not all books make me feel this way, but To Russia With Love made a good job at that. I am eagerly expecting the next novel.
This review is based on the ARC copy I received from the authors.
___________________________________________________
După un prim roman excelent, nu mă puteam aştepta la mai puţin de la cel de-al doilea, dar nu numai că nu am fost dezamăgită, ba am fost chiar plăcut surprinsă să observ că e chiar mai bun decât primul.
Cassandra şi Trevor, acum căsătoriţi, locuiesc în Dublin, lucrând şi antrenându-se pentru viitoare lupte periculoase împreună. Ei încă încearcă să afle ce s-a întâmplat cu părinţii lui Trevor, care au dispărut acum multă vreme. Când George îi anunţă că a găsit o nouă pistă care i-ar putea ajuta, nu ratează ocazia. Trevor trebuie să recupereze nişte fişiere furate pentru un bărbat care, aparent, poate lumina cazul dispariţiei părinţilor săi. În plus, acele fişiere pot afecta întreaga lume dacă ajung în mâinile greşite. Din fericire, programul furat nu este complet încă. Însă Trevor nu se poate infiltra în serverele hoţului de acasă şi este obligat să plece în St. Petersburg, împreună cu soţia lui. Acolo, lucrurile o iau razna, iar Trevor devine într-un fel legat de capul unei organizaţii mafiote, neputând să părăsească vila acestuia şi, în mod ironic, trebuind să finalizeze programul pe care trebuie să îl şi recupereze.
În acelaşi timp, cea mai bună prietenă a Casandrei, Jessica, care s-a mutat şi ea în Dublin, şi Stephan Connelan, prietenul părinţilor lui Trevor, care s-au îndrăgostit unul de altul la nunta prietenilor lor, au ceva probleme cu relaţia lor. În timp ce Jessica ştie că şi-a găsit perechea şi se luptă pentru dragostea ei, Stephan încearcă să o îndepărteze de el, temându-se să se lase pradă sentimentelor sale.
Citind „Spre Russia cu dragoste”, mi-a fost foarte greu să îmi dau seama ce urma să se întâmple, şi asta a făcut să-mi fie imposibil să las jos Kindle-ul după prima jumătate a cărţii. Ca în primul roman, mi-a plăcut faptul că am putut să mă bucur de poveste din diferite perspective – a lui Trevor şi a Casandrei, a Jessicăi şi a lui Stephan, precum şi a altor personaje secundare.
Relaţia dintre Cassandra şi Trevor e încă în floare. M-am amuzat copios la unele din discuţiile lor, am zâmbit când aveau momente romantice şi m-am îngrijorat când erau departe unul de altul, riscându-şi vieţile, neştiind dacă se vor mai vedea vreodată. Când citesc, îmi place să mă implic în ceea ce se întâmplă, să intru în pielea personajelor. Nu toate cărţile mă fac să simt asta, dar „Spre Rusia cu dragoste” a făcut treabă bună. Aştept cu nerăbdare următorul volum.
Această recenzie e bazată pe copie de dinainte de lansare a cărţii, pe care am primit-o de la autori.
After an amazing first book, I couldn’t expect less from the second novel, and I wasn’t just not disappointed, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it is actually even better than its prequel.
Cassandra and Trevor, now married, are living in Dublin, working and training for future dangerous fights together. They are still trying to find out what happened to Trevor’s parents, who dissappeared a long time ago. When George announces them that he found a new lead that could help them, they immediately jump at the opportunity. Trevor has to recover some stolen files for a man who apparently can shed some light on his parents’ dissappearence. Moreover, those files could affect the whole world if they get in the wrong hands. Luckily, the program that was stolen is not yet completed. However, Trevor can’t infiltrate the stealer's servers from his home, and finds himself obliged to leave for St. Petersburg along with his wife. There, things get haywire, and Trevor becomes bound to the head of a mafia organisation, unable to leave his mansion, and ironically, having to complete the program that he has to retrieve.
At the same time, Cassandra’s best friend, Jessica, who also moved in Dublin, and Stephan Connelan, Trevor's parents' friend, who fell in love with each other at the wedding of their friends, are having a little trouble with their relationship. While Jessica knows she found her one and only and fights for her love, Stephan is trying to push her away, afraid to surrender to his emotions.
While reading To Russia With Love, I found it very difficult to predict what was about to happen, and that made it impossible to put down my Kindle after the first half of the book. Like in the first novel, I enjoyed the fact that I could read the story from different perspectives – Trevor’s and Cassandra’s, Jessica’s and Stephan’s, and other secondary characters.
The relationship between Cassandra and Trevor is still blooming. I had a good laugh at some of their talks, smiled when they would have a romantic moment and got worried when they were apart from each other, risking their lives, not knowing if they were to see each other ever again. When I read, I like to feel connected to all that is happening, to get into the characters’ shoes. Not all books make me feel this way, but To Russia With Love made a good job at that. I am eagerly expecting the next novel.
This review is based on the ARC copy I received from the authors.
___________________________________________________
După un prim roman excelent, nu mă puteam aştepta la mai puţin de la cel de-al doilea, dar nu numai că nu am fost dezamăgită, ba am fost chiar plăcut surprinsă să observ că e chiar mai bun decât primul.
Cassandra şi Trevor, acum căsătoriţi, locuiesc în Dublin, lucrând şi antrenându-se pentru viitoare lupte periculoase împreună. Ei încă încearcă să afle ce s-a întâmplat cu părinţii lui Trevor, care au dispărut acum multă vreme. Când George îi anunţă că a găsit o nouă pistă care i-ar putea ajuta, nu ratează ocazia. Trevor trebuie să recupereze nişte fişiere furate pentru un bărbat care, aparent, poate lumina cazul dispariţiei părinţilor săi. În plus, acele fişiere pot afecta întreaga lume dacă ajung în mâinile greşite. Din fericire, programul furat nu este complet încă. Însă Trevor nu se poate infiltra în serverele hoţului de acasă şi este obligat să plece în St. Petersburg, împreună cu soţia lui. Acolo, lucrurile o iau razna, iar Trevor devine într-un fel legat de capul unei organizaţii mafiote, neputând să părăsească vila acestuia şi, în mod ironic, trebuind să finalizeze programul pe care trebuie să îl şi recupereze.
În acelaşi timp, cea mai bună prietenă a Casandrei, Jessica, care s-a mutat şi ea în Dublin, şi Stephan Connelan, prietenul părinţilor lui Trevor, care s-au îndrăgostit unul de altul la nunta prietenilor lor, au ceva probleme cu relaţia lor. În timp ce Jessica ştie că şi-a găsit perechea şi se luptă pentru dragostea ei, Stephan încearcă să o îndepărteze de el, temându-se să se lase pradă sentimentelor sale.
Citind „Spre Russia cu dragoste”, mi-a fost foarte greu să îmi dau seama ce urma să se întâmple, şi asta a făcut să-mi fie imposibil să las jos Kindle-ul după prima jumătate a cărţii. Ca în primul roman, mi-a plăcut faptul că am putut să mă bucur de poveste din diferite perspective – a lui Trevor şi a Casandrei, a Jessicăi şi a lui Stephan, precum şi a altor personaje secundare.
Relaţia dintre Cassandra şi Trevor e încă în floare. M-am amuzat copios la unele din discuţiile lor, am zâmbit când aveau momente romantice şi m-am îngrijorat când erau departe unul de altul, riscându-şi vieţile, neştiind dacă se vor mai vedea vreodată. Când citesc, îmi place să mă implic în ceea ce se întâmplă, să intru în pielea personajelor. Nu toate cărţile mă fac să simt asta, dar „Spre Rusia cu dragoste” a făcut treabă bună. Aştept cu nerăbdare următorul volum.
Această recenzie e bazată pe copie de dinainte de lansare a cărţii, pe care am primit-o de la autori.
June 21, 2012
Would you believe...
When I read a book, I can either say ‘I liked it’ or ‘it was alright’ or ‘I didn’t care for it’. To Russia with Love doesn’t fit into one of those categories. TRWL was simply a brilliant masterpiece!
To Russia with Love takes you down a road of romance, suspense, intrigue, and toe curling ass kickings.
Trevor and Cassandra come back to us to find themselves looking for whoever stole a computer program that, in the wrong hands, can be dangerous to the whole world, technologically speaking of course. At the same time, sending them on a mission to find another missing piece to the puzzle of Trevor’s parents disappearance. They find themselves traveling to Russia to find it. Once there, they find out that the only way to get it is to go into the heart of the Russian mob. Their activity takes them through good ol’ fashion spying, cover-ups, and in contact with some shady people.
At the same time, Jessica Forrester comes back into the picture, traveling to Ireland to be with Cassandra, finding out that she carries a flame for Stephan Connellan. We watch their infatuation bloom into hot sex and possibly a happy ever after.
In reading TRWL, you’ll find yourself wanting to knock some sense into people, kick some ass, laughing, and getting all hot and bothered reading the smokin’ hot sex scenes. ... And loving it!
*Disclaimer: This review is based off of the ARC copy I received from the authors. The book will be released to the public in July 30th.
When I read a book, I can either say ‘I liked it’ or ‘it was alright’ or ‘I didn’t care for it’. To Russia with Love doesn’t fit into one of those categories. TRWL was simply a brilliant masterpiece!
To Russia with Love takes you down a road of romance, suspense, intrigue, and toe curling ass kickings.
Trevor and Cassandra come back to us to find themselves looking for whoever stole a computer program that, in the wrong hands, can be dangerous to the whole world, technologically speaking of course. At the same time, sending them on a mission to find another missing piece to the puzzle of Trevor’s parents disappearance. They find themselves traveling to Russia to find it. Once there, they find out that the only way to get it is to go into the heart of the Russian mob. Their activity takes them through good ol’ fashion spying, cover-ups, and in contact with some shady people.
At the same time, Jessica Forrester comes back into the picture, traveling to Ireland to be with Cassandra, finding out that she carries a flame for Stephan Connellan. We watch their infatuation bloom into hot sex and possibly a happy ever after.
In reading TRWL, you’ll find yourself wanting to knock some sense into people, kick some ass, laughing, and getting all hot and bothered reading the smokin’ hot sex scenes. ... And loving it!
*Disclaimer: This review is based off of the ARC copy I received from the authors. The book will be released to the public in July 30th.
July 8, 2012
After the brilliant first book, Countermeasure, this one had a lot to live up to and boy did it deliver!
Cassie and Trevor are now happily married, living and working in their own business in Ireland. When a possible piece of evidence is found into the on-going investigation to the disappearance of Trevor’s parents, the couple accept a case that leads them to Russia and the Mafia!
At the same time, Jessica, Cassie’s best friend, has accepted a job with the couple and is now living in Ireland. Part of her reason for moving to Ireland was to discover if her encounter with Stephan at the couple’s wedding could lead to something more.
Stephan, close friend of Trevor’s father and acting CEO of Brennan Enterprises, has hidden insecurities that stopped him developing his feelings for Jessica. He now finds himself facing those demons as it becomes apparent neither he nor Jessica can hold back their feelings any more.
I absolutely ADORED this book. It has everything you need – drama, comedy, suspense, violence, intrigue and romance. Oh yes, the romance – two for the price of one! These being the continuation of Cassie and Trevor’s HEA and the new beginnings of Stephan and Jessica.
I just LOVED Stephan – this strong, gorgeous man with his inner demons and emotions held in check. The development of his relationship with Jessica just had me sighing, crying and routing for them! And as for the sexiness – oh my goodness – my kindle was sizzling!
Cassie and Trevor on the other hand found themselves in hot water with the Russian mafia. In parts I was reading with my heart in my mouth at the darkness and violence of the nasty characters of the mafia. Again this book had me on the edge of my seat!
I cannot recommend this book enough, it was simply wonderful. A true rollercoaster – take a seat and enjoy the ride!
*Please note this review is based on the ARC copy I received. The book will be released 30th July 2012
Cassie and Trevor are now happily married, living and working in their own business in Ireland. When a possible piece of evidence is found into the on-going investigation to the disappearance of Trevor’s parents, the couple accept a case that leads them to Russia and the Mafia!
At the same time, Jessica, Cassie’s best friend, has accepted a job with the couple and is now living in Ireland. Part of her reason for moving to Ireland was to discover if her encounter with Stephan at the couple’s wedding could lead to something more.
Stephan, close friend of Trevor’s father and acting CEO of Brennan Enterprises, has hidden insecurities that stopped him developing his feelings for Jessica. He now finds himself facing those demons as it becomes apparent neither he nor Jessica can hold back their feelings any more.
I absolutely ADORED this book. It has everything you need – drama, comedy, suspense, violence, intrigue and romance. Oh yes, the romance – two for the price of one! These being the continuation of Cassie and Trevor’s HEA and the new beginnings of Stephan and Jessica.
I just LOVED Stephan – this strong, gorgeous man with his inner demons and emotions held in check. The development of his relationship with Jessica just had me sighing, crying and routing for them! And as for the sexiness – oh my goodness – my kindle was sizzling!
Cassie and Trevor on the other hand found themselves in hot water with the Russian mafia. In parts I was reading with my heart in my mouth at the darkness and violence of the nasty characters of the mafia. Again this book had me on the edge of my seat!
I cannot recommend this book enough, it was simply wonderful. A true rollercoaster – take a seat and enjoy the ride!
*Please note this review is based on the ARC copy I received. The book will be released 30th July 2012
October 2, 2014
4.5 Stars
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
To Russia With Love is the second book of the Countermeasure series. I love this series and loved Countermeasure (book #1). I honestly didn't think it was possible, but I loved To Russia With Love even more. I could not get enough of the amazing characters that make up the cast of this book. Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey do things a little differently and I am a huge fan of their methods. First they offer the Bytes of Life companions that give you just a little more insight and bring you that much closer to the characters. Then, they give you two great romances and a mystery within a mystery all in this fantastic second installment.
In this book, Cassandra and Trevor are married and moved from the US to Ireland, so that they can better investigate the real reason behind the disappearance of Trevor's parents a few years before. The authorities have closed the case and ruled his parents dead even though no bodies have been recovered. Being able to listen into one's private conversations tend to come in handy. Trevor overhears a conversation stating that they have a paper written by his father. In an attempt to buy this paper Trevor is given a different task. If he can recover the highly sensitive information that was stolen from this man's company he will turn over the papers.
This missing information, if decrypted by the wrong people, could be really bad for the entire world. As luck would have it the Russian mafia has the information and they just need the right geek to figure it out for them. I loved that this storyline completely took our characters out of their comfort zones. Trevor was the one on the front lines just trying to survive, so he can get back to the woman he loves and poor Cassie was relocated to the role of behind the scenes support running data and praying for Trevor's safety. She still had her moments where she got to show off her super badass ex-CIA self, though.
Meanwhile, back in Ireland Jessica is settling in as much as she can. When Cassie offered her a position working for them Jessica jumped on it. She missed her friend terribly, but if she is being completely honest Stephan played a big part in her decision to move, as well. They had one hot kiss the night of Trevor and Cassie's wedding, yet Jessica hasn't been able to think of anything else.
Stephan has no intentions of ever settling down or even staying in a relationship too long. This rule is set in stone even if Jessica is now living in Ireland and he can't quit thinking about the way she made him feel after just one kiss. The attraction is there, but Stephan knows she is too young and deserves things that he can never give her.
I love Stephan! The pain he has tried to bury has dictated the way he looks at life and relationships. Yet, it's never made him bitter or unkind to women even if it has made him hold a huge part of himself back. I love how Jessica knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. I can't think of any couple that deserve a happily ever after more than these two.
I highly recommend To Russia With Love and all of the books in this series to anyone that enjoys romance and intrigue. I can not wait to read more and to get that much closer to finding out what happened to Trevor's parents.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
To Russia With Love is the second book of the Countermeasure series. I love this series and loved Countermeasure (book #1). I honestly didn't think it was possible, but I loved To Russia With Love even more. I could not get enough of the amazing characters that make up the cast of this book. Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey do things a little differently and I am a huge fan of their methods. First they offer the Bytes of Life companions that give you just a little more insight and bring you that much closer to the characters. Then, they give you two great romances and a mystery within a mystery all in this fantastic second installment.
In this book, Cassandra and Trevor are married and moved from the US to Ireland, so that they can better investigate the real reason behind the disappearance of Trevor's parents a few years before. The authorities have closed the case and ruled his parents dead even though no bodies have been recovered. Being able to listen into one's private conversations tend to come in handy. Trevor overhears a conversation stating that they have a paper written by his father. In an attempt to buy this paper Trevor is given a different task. If he can recover the highly sensitive information that was stolen from this man's company he will turn over the papers.
This missing information, if decrypted by the wrong people, could be really bad for the entire world. As luck would have it the Russian mafia has the information and they just need the right geek to figure it out for them. I loved that this storyline completely took our characters out of their comfort zones. Trevor was the one on the front lines just trying to survive, so he can get back to the woman he loves and poor Cassie was relocated to the role of behind the scenes support running data and praying for Trevor's safety. She still had her moments where she got to show off her super badass ex-CIA self, though.
Meanwhile, back in Ireland Jessica is settling in as much as she can. When Cassie offered her a position working for them Jessica jumped on it. She missed her friend terribly, but if she is being completely honest Stephan played a big part in her decision to move, as well. They had one hot kiss the night of Trevor and Cassie's wedding, yet Jessica hasn't been able to think of anything else.
Stephan has no intentions of ever settling down or even staying in a relationship too long. This rule is set in stone even if Jessica is now living in Ireland and he can't quit thinking about the way she made him feel after just one kiss. The attraction is there, but Stephan knows she is too young and deserves things that he can never give her.
I love Stephan! The pain he has tried to bury has dictated the way he looks at life and relationships. Yet, it's never made him bitter or unkind to women even if it has made him hold a huge part of himself back. I love how Jessica knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. I can't think of any couple that deserve a happily ever after more than these two.
I highly recommend To Russia With Love and all of the books in this series to anyone that enjoys romance and intrigue. I can not wait to read more and to get that much closer to finding out what happened to Trevor's parents.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
July 21, 2016
What an intense and thrilling ride! If you have read Countermeasure by Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey, well get ready for more in To Russia With Love. More action. More thrills (and chills). More emotion. More romance. More twists and turns. More story. When I finished with To Russia With Love I was exhausted, but in a good way. I can't even count the number of times tears ran down my cheeks or the number of times it felt like my heart was beating so rapidly I thought it would come right out of my chest. This is my favorite book of the series so far.
In To Russia With Love Trevor and Cassandra are caught up in the middle of the Russian Mafia. In their defense, they didn't quite know how deep they were getting into things until they were already in over their heads. But, what do an NSA and ex-CIA agent do? They think on their feet, try to get the job done and survive by all means necessary. Chris and Cecilia develop the characters so well that my skin would crawl every time a couple of the characters entered the scene and I wanted to read faster to get away from them. There were other times my heart hurt for a couple of them and wanted to help them them get out of their situation. And still there were other times I found myself talking (yelling) out loud at some of the characters who were just being ridiculous.
The romance between Stephan and Jessica comes to light in To Russia With Love. I am not going to say much about this one because I don't want to spoil it other than that I absolutely loved watching their relationship unfold. Whenever you have a vibrant, intense female like Jessica and a stoic, controlled male like Stephan, there is going to be some explosive, emotional highs and lows. There is also going to be some incredibly sexy times. I loved it all and thought it was written perfectly for those characters.
I was a little nervous at the beginning of the story because things seemed to be going too well for Trevor and Cassandra. They are a happy couple and I thought, "Am I going to read a long book about a happy couple with no problems?" Boy was I in for a treat. Most of the tears I shed were over Trevor and Cassandra and their situations. At times, the emotions that I felt for Trevor and Cassie were so real that my chest physically hurt along with them. And I was so incredibly happy for them at the end I had happy tears (we all know they get a HEA since it is a romance book, so that shouldn't be a spoiler).
As for the story? Well, Chris and Cecilia write brilliant stories. Every detail is thought out and you hang on each word because you don't want to miss anything. The order of events and the way they cut between the different story lines make it hard to put down. The twists and turns, while catching you off guard at times, do make sense and they do a fantastic job of tying it all up at the end, leaving no loose threads. If you like romantic suspense that gets your adrenaline pumping during fast paced action scenes and also warms your heart with sweet and passionate romance, you need to read To Russia With Love.
* Check out an exclusive interview with Trevor & Cassandra at http://wp.me/p305yO-1s1 *
In To Russia With Love Trevor and Cassandra are caught up in the middle of the Russian Mafia. In their defense, they didn't quite know how deep they were getting into things until they were already in over their heads. But, what do an NSA and ex-CIA agent do? They think on their feet, try to get the job done and survive by all means necessary. Chris and Cecilia develop the characters so well that my skin would crawl every time a couple of the characters entered the scene and I wanted to read faster to get away from them. There were other times my heart hurt for a couple of them and wanted to help them them get out of their situation. And still there were other times I found myself talking (yelling) out loud at some of the characters who were just being ridiculous.
The romance between Stephan and Jessica comes to light in To Russia With Love. I am not going to say much about this one because I don't want to spoil it other than that I absolutely loved watching their relationship unfold. Whenever you have a vibrant, intense female like Jessica and a stoic, controlled male like Stephan, there is going to be some explosive, emotional highs and lows. There is also going to be some incredibly sexy times. I loved it all and thought it was written perfectly for those characters.
I was a little nervous at the beginning of the story because things seemed to be going too well for Trevor and Cassandra. They are a happy couple and I thought, "Am I going to read a long book about a happy couple with no problems?" Boy was I in for a treat. Most of the tears I shed were over Trevor and Cassandra and their situations. At times, the emotions that I felt for Trevor and Cassie were so real that my chest physically hurt along with them. And I was so incredibly happy for them at the end I had happy tears (we all know they get a HEA since it is a romance book, so that shouldn't be a spoiler).
As for the story? Well, Chris and Cecilia write brilliant stories. Every detail is thought out and you hang on each word because you don't want to miss anything. The order of events and the way they cut between the different story lines make it hard to put down. The twists and turns, while catching you off guard at times, do make sense and they do a fantastic job of tying it all up at the end, leaving no loose threads. If you like romantic suspense that gets your adrenaline pumping during fast paced action scenes and also warms your heart with sweet and passionate romance, you need to read To Russia With Love.
* Check out an exclusive interview with Trevor & Cassandra at http://wp.me/p305yO-1s1 *
July 31, 2015
The digital trail leads to Russia…
This is the second book in the Countermeasure series that continues a storyline from the first book, the search for answers regarding the disappearance of Trevor Bauer’s parents. This is a very intriguing mystery for we’ve been led to believe that there’s more to their vanishing act than an accident at sea.
Trevor and Cassandra have been married for months, happily settled in Ireland, partners in their own data retrieval company. The honeymoon is definitely not over for our married couple as they can’t keep their hands off of each other for long, there are numerous sex scenes, perhaps a few too many but it’s really sweet to see that the depth of their love hadn’t waned but steadily grown. Besides love there’s a wonderful camaraderie between these two that keeps you smiling. These are two great characters.
When Trevor learns that his friend George at the NSA ran across information regarding his parents, actual coded papers handwritten by his father in the hands of a US software company, he reaches out to the head of that company with a deal, the papers for his assistance in retrieving recently stolen files. With Cassandra’s support the two of them begin a dangerous adventure in Russia pitting themselves against the Russian mafia. They’ll have to use technology, their many contacts and keep their wits sharp to come out alive especially when events in the field change their best laid plans. They're seeking the stolen files not just as an exchange for Trevor’s father’s papers, in the hands of the wrong people the software program files could cause disastrous consequences to the world’s financial markets.
I very much enjoyed this story which was filled with international intrigue, mystery, action and suspense and compelling characters that you couldn’t help but get invested in. The complex storyline contained many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and new characters that you are not sure can be trusted and have their own interesting histories. I hope to see some of them again.
This book though was longer than it needed to be and I found the pacing to be slow at times. The side story regarding the romance between Jessica Forrester and Stephan Connelan interspersed throughout the main storyline would’ve been better as a separate novella, it pulled the reader away from the main story which was a much more interesting read and where all the action and suspense was.
I couldn’t relate to the additional subplot and found myself skimming through those chapters. As a couple Jessica and Stephan didn’t feel right together especially in comparison to Cassandra and Trevor who are an absolutely perfect match. I found myself disliking Jessica and the way she went after a man old enough to be her father, the age difference is seventeen years. Stephan’s so much more mature than she is. I would’ve liked it better if they’d just satisfied their lust and moved on, not rushed into marriage in a short time. I can’t see the relationship lasting when he’s an old man and she’s in her forties. The baby trope really didn’t help things.
This is the second book in the Countermeasure series that continues a storyline from the first book, the search for answers regarding the disappearance of Trevor Bauer’s parents. This is a very intriguing mystery for we’ve been led to believe that there’s more to their vanishing act than an accident at sea.
Trevor and Cassandra have been married for months, happily settled in Ireland, partners in their own data retrieval company. The honeymoon is definitely not over for our married couple as they can’t keep their hands off of each other for long, there are numerous sex scenes, perhaps a few too many but it’s really sweet to see that the depth of their love hadn’t waned but steadily grown. Besides love there’s a wonderful camaraderie between these two that keeps you smiling. These are two great characters.
When Trevor learns that his friend George at the NSA ran across information regarding his parents, actual coded papers handwritten by his father in the hands of a US software company, he reaches out to the head of that company with a deal, the papers for his assistance in retrieving recently stolen files. With Cassandra’s support the two of them begin a dangerous adventure in Russia pitting themselves against the Russian mafia. They’ll have to use technology, their many contacts and keep their wits sharp to come out alive especially when events in the field change their best laid plans. They're seeking the stolen files not just as an exchange for Trevor’s father’s papers, in the hands of the wrong people the software program files could cause disastrous consequences to the world’s financial markets.
I very much enjoyed this story which was filled with international intrigue, mystery, action and suspense and compelling characters that you couldn’t help but get invested in. The complex storyline contained many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and new characters that you are not sure can be trusted and have their own interesting histories. I hope to see some of them again.
This book though was longer than it needed to be and I found the pacing to be slow at times. The side story regarding the romance between Jessica Forrester and Stephan Connelan interspersed throughout the main storyline would’ve been better as a separate novella, it pulled the reader away from the main story which was a much more interesting read and where all the action and suspense was.
I couldn’t relate to the additional subplot and found myself skimming through those chapters. As a couple Jessica and Stephan didn’t feel right together especially in comparison to Cassandra and Trevor who are an absolutely perfect match. I found myself disliking Jessica and the way she went after a man old enough to be her father, the age difference is seventeen years. Stephan’s so much more mature than she is. I would’ve liked it better if they’d just satisfied their lust and moved on, not rushed into marriage in a short time. I can’t see the relationship lasting when he’s an old man and she’s in her forties. The baby trope really didn’t help things.
August 29, 2012
First, I would like to say that it took me way to long to write this review.
This is the sequel to Countermeasure...A delicious follow up and a juicier read. We are thrusted back into Trevor and Cassandra's life along with an introduction of some other POVs.
They find themselves in Russia following a lead that places Trevor in a den of a Russian Mafia lord with no escape. We are also introduced to a extended exploration of feelings between T's family friend Stephan (YUMMY!!) and Cassie's spunkster of a pal , Jessica.
This was fast paced, intense and erotic all at the same time. The tension of Trevor being forced to stay in mob mansion combined with the tenderness of Cassandra's worry and emotions not knowing if she will hear T's voice makes for a rollercoaster ride of epic proprotions. I loved the story with Jessica and Stephan. I was so wrapped up in what was going on that I was literally yelling at my Kindle. Stephan managed to bring sexy back for the lovers of the distiquished male.
Chocked full of suprises and new characters, TRWL will satisfy the most finicky of readers new and old.
This is the sequel to Countermeasure...A delicious follow up and a juicier read. We are thrusted back into Trevor and Cassandra's life along with an introduction of some other POVs.
They find themselves in Russia following a lead that places Trevor in a den of a Russian Mafia lord with no escape. We are also introduced to a extended exploration of feelings between T's family friend Stephan (YUMMY!!) and Cassie's spunkster of a pal , Jessica.
This was fast paced, intense and erotic all at the same time. The tension of Trevor being forced to stay in mob mansion combined with the tenderness of Cassandra's worry and emotions not knowing if she will hear T's voice makes for a rollercoaster ride of epic proprotions. I loved the story with Jessica and Stephan. I was so wrapped up in what was going on that I was literally yelling at my Kindle. Stephan managed to bring sexy back for the lovers of the distiquished male.
Chocked full of suprises and new characters, TRWL will satisfy the most finicky of readers new and old.
August 4, 2012
Full Review: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
I am still not exactly sure who is this series is aimed at (is it marketed towards those who love Erotic Romance but yearn desperately for more plot or for readers of espionage, spy-type thrillers who crave much more explicit sexual content with their latest James Bond fix?). Tthat doesn’t really matter because what the authors set out to achieve here hits all the right buttons and does it well! This series is both thrilling and highly engaging at the same time.
I really loved this and thought it an excellent sequel. I can’t wait to catch up with the characters again and look forward to getting some more answers next time around but this is one book that I can highly recommend.....both as a stand-alone and as a follow-up to the brilliant Countermeasures. Miss this and you will be missing a treat!
To Russia With Love is a really good, cracking, cyber-thriller with extra added spice and more than a little heat!
I am still not exactly sure who is this series is aimed at (is it marketed towards those who love Erotic Romance but yearn desperately for more plot or for readers of espionage, spy-type thrillers who crave much more explicit sexual content with their latest James Bond fix?). Tthat doesn’t really matter because what the authors set out to achieve here hits all the right buttons and does it well! This series is both thrilling and highly engaging at the same time.
I really loved this and thought it an excellent sequel. I can’t wait to catch up with the characters again and look forward to getting some more answers next time around but this is one book that I can highly recommend.....both as a stand-alone and as a follow-up to the brilliant Countermeasures. Miss this and you will be missing a treat!
To Russia With Love is a really good, cracking, cyber-thriller with extra added spice and more than a little heat!
October 4, 2015
5*****
Another brilliant episode in the on going story of Trevor and Cassie's quest to find out wot happened to Trevors parents. The twists and turns keep u on the edge all the,way thru as the drama builds. Add in the side story of Jessica,and Stephan and even the episode with Nate and Nikol and u have the perfect scenario of luv and intrigue. It makes you run the gamut of emotions as u literally immerse yourself in their world. Feeling the anxiety and worry from both Trevor and Cassie when they are separated in Russia. I literally breathed a huge sigh of relief when they 're-united safely.
Looking forward to reading the bytes of life short stories now.
Can't wait for the next bk.
Another brilliant episode in the on going story of Trevor and Cassie's quest to find out wot happened to Trevors parents. The twists and turns keep u on the edge all the,way thru as the drama builds. Add in the side story of Jessica,and Stephan and even the episode with Nate and Nikol and u have the perfect scenario of luv and intrigue. It makes you run the gamut of emotions as u literally immerse yourself in their world. Feeling the anxiety and worry from both Trevor and Cassie when they are separated in Russia. I literally breathed a huge sigh of relief when they 're-united safely.
Looking forward to reading the bytes of life short stories now.
Can't wait for the next bk.
November 4, 2013
4.5 Stars
This is a series that pulls you in with its intense and intriguing plot. I fell in love with the hero and heroine in the first book and was so happy to see their relationship a year later. There was quite a bit more sexy time in this book compared to the first one. Normally this would thrill me but I have to say that I was so drawn into the other elements of the story that I often found myself eager to get through those parts so I could find out what would happen next. To be completely honest though, seeing as some downtime is needed, it is ideal to have that downtime filled with sex so I can't really complain.
This is a series that pulls you in with its intense and intriguing plot. I fell in love with the hero and heroine in the first book and was so happy to see their relationship a year later. There was quite a bit more sexy time in this book compared to the first one. Normally this would thrill me but I have to say that I was so drawn into the other elements of the story that I often found myself eager to get through those parts so I could find out what would happen next. To be completely honest though, seeing as some downtime is needed, it is ideal to have that downtime filled with sex so I can't really complain.
March 13, 2015
I liked it, but the fact that the 2 main characters just kept jumping into bed whenever the looked at each other or said something silly and it turned out to be an all out sex a thon was a bit tedious. The story between Stephan and Jessica was actually more interesting on how they built up their relationship. Did I like the book, yes, but it wasn't as good as the first one. I will be reading the next one once it comes out so I can just follow the story between Trevor/Cass/Stephan/Jessica..lol
I still think that Chris and Cecilia did a great job!!!!
I still think that Chris and Cecilia did a great job!!!!
August 2, 2012
Who needs 50 shades of Grey when you can read about the Bauer/Brennans?
May 19, 2014
Wow! Really riveting...anxiously awaiting the third book. Full review in progress
August 4, 2014
really enjoying this series
August 1, 2012
Two Reviews here - Scroll down for Audio-Book Review
Let me begin with a small notice that was given by the authors (and copied from the Amazon site) “The Countermeasure Series also has a tie-in series called Countermeasure: Bytes of Life. This new series of shorts gives the readers glimpses into the day-to-day life of the Countermeasure characters. Although the shorts are standalone stories, they are character-driven, NOT plot-driven. Please be advised that ALL short stories in the spin-off series contain EROTIC content. They are NOT recommended for younger audience. Some of the events that take place in the short stories might be referenced in the novels and vice-versa. It is strongly advised that you read the novels and shorts in chronological order.”
This is my second adventure with Cassandra and Trevor: and my favourite of the two. Cassandra and Trevor are now married and living in Dublin, eight months into their marriage and searching for clues to the disappearance of Trevor’s parents. As arranged, George still has freedom to contact and work with Trevor from his position in the secret rooms of the NSA. George finds information about papers pertaining to Trevor’s father, along with a missing piece of software. Trevor contacts the man who bought the notes, and Devlin asks him to retrieve a piece of software, in return for handwritten notes from his father.
This was a fast paced novel, tasting the worlds of corporate espionage, action, internet technology, programming and the Russian Mafia; as Cassie and Trevor find themselves in St. Petersburg to solve the case.
Meanwhile, Cassie has convinced her best friend Jessica to pack up and move from California to Dublin, to join them and add her talents for financial tracing and tracking to the company. Jessica is smitten with Stephan, Trevor’s ‘honorary’ uncle and now the man running Brennan Enterprises. After declaring her interest at Cassie and Trevor’s wedding, she can’t get him out of her mind, nor he her. Here we watch them dance about their attraction, fall into bed with some light domination as Jessica works desperately to get Stephan to declare his love for her. Of course, Stephan is guarded and determined to never give his heart to anyone, a sure temptation for the gods, and he cannot remove her from his mind, or heart. The two storylines are intermingled throughout this book, while the focus is on Cassie and Trevor the story of Jess and Stephan are sexy, hot and heated interludes from the tension.
It’s really difficult to decide if this series is written to appeal to romance readers looking for adventure or James Bond-type lovers where the characters are not so expected; for it hits on all levels. The characters are so neatly defined and developed that you will find yourself jumping when the doors open on Trevor, looking over your shoulder as Cassie wanders in St. Petersburg trying to settle her nerves, and often wanting to shake Stephen into realizing that he is older, not dead and should not resign himself to a life without love, and Jessica.
These are not books that you finish and forget – the characters live on in your memory and you wonder where the next adventure will take them, and what tricks will Trevor pull out of his magic hat to impress and astound once again. His facile intelligence, wrapped up in a pretty package that just glows with the love he has for Cassandra, and the depression he feels over his parents disappearance. Cassandra is no damsel in distress; she is full of her own bag of tricks from years of training first with her father the ex-Navy SEAL, and then with the CIA. The two complement each other’s strengths, while drawing on a large pool of assistance from their connections. This is a series that has me wanting the next instalment NOW: I want to see Trevor have his answers to his personal mystery, see Stephan and Jessica find their own ‘happily ever after’, see George get the girl and even see what sort of man Nathan will be, now that he has realized and accepted that Cassie will never be, nor never was his; despite his dreams otherwise.
You won’t be disappointed with these: again the sex is knee-shaking in intensity and the reading of those scenes is very voyeuristic in feeling – a good thing. The characters leap off the page in a way that makes the reading of the story as intense and captivating as watching a film. I can’t recommend this series enough, and cannot wait for the next instalment.
AudioBook Review
To Russia With love is the second book that I read in this series and the second Audio-Book production from this team of authors with the narration provided by Tim Gerard Reynolds. When I read these books last year – this was my favorite of the two: and the same holds true for the audiobook version. While Countermeasure served to introduce readers to the series, this installment helps to clearly display and define their dependence and reliance on one another, while they battle against the odds to solve another piece of the mystery.
Tim Gerard Reynolds has a lovely style and voice for narration: his un-characterized accent is just touched with a dash of lilting Irish softness that maintains clear enunciation and ease for all listeners. When character voices and accents are called for, the soft lilt becomes a strong brogue, and even manages to bring in a solid Putin-esque Russian guttural clip to the characters from Russia. Particularly genius is his ability to insert a soft pause between the voices of different characters without causing undue hesitation in the rapid-fire dialogue. This pairing of Reynolds with the work of Almeida and Aubrey is a well-polished production, with the narration serving only to highlight the work and not distract from the story.
Don’t despair listeners: there is a TON of action, adventure, danger and humor in this story, with a plot line that again could be ripped from the headlines. These authors have done their homework and manage to convey highly technical information with a sense of immediacy and context that never feels “teachy” or is hard to follow. Mixing those elements with the underlying love story of Cass and Trevor, with the moments of knee-shakingly erotic scenes will be sure to please, and serve to deepen the reader’s / listener’s appreciation for the love between the two.
This production is a winner on all fronts – and one that is sure to please fans of the series. Just be sure that you have read or heard Countermeasure first. You will appreciate To Russia With Love much more if you have.
I received an audiobook copy of this book from the authors for purpose of honest review at the Heard Word on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Let me begin with a small notice that was given by the authors (and copied from the Amazon site) “The Countermeasure Series also has a tie-in series called Countermeasure: Bytes of Life. This new series of shorts gives the readers glimpses into the day-to-day life of the Countermeasure characters. Although the shorts are standalone stories, they are character-driven, NOT plot-driven. Please be advised that ALL short stories in the spin-off series contain EROTIC content. They are NOT recommended for younger audience. Some of the events that take place in the short stories might be referenced in the novels and vice-versa. It is strongly advised that you read the novels and shorts in chronological order.”
This is my second adventure with Cassandra and Trevor: and my favourite of the two. Cassandra and Trevor are now married and living in Dublin, eight months into their marriage and searching for clues to the disappearance of Trevor’s parents. As arranged, George still has freedom to contact and work with Trevor from his position in the secret rooms of the NSA. George finds information about papers pertaining to Trevor’s father, along with a missing piece of software. Trevor contacts the man who bought the notes, and Devlin asks him to retrieve a piece of software, in return for handwritten notes from his father.
This was a fast paced novel, tasting the worlds of corporate espionage, action, internet technology, programming and the Russian Mafia; as Cassie and Trevor find themselves in St. Petersburg to solve the case.
Meanwhile, Cassie has convinced her best friend Jessica to pack up and move from California to Dublin, to join them and add her talents for financial tracing and tracking to the company. Jessica is smitten with Stephan, Trevor’s ‘honorary’ uncle and now the man running Brennan Enterprises. After declaring her interest at Cassie and Trevor’s wedding, she can’t get him out of her mind, nor he her. Here we watch them dance about their attraction, fall into bed with some light domination as Jessica works desperately to get Stephan to declare his love for her. Of course, Stephan is guarded and determined to never give his heart to anyone, a sure temptation for the gods, and he cannot remove her from his mind, or heart. The two storylines are intermingled throughout this book, while the focus is on Cassie and Trevor the story of Jess and Stephan are sexy, hot and heated interludes from the tension.
It’s really difficult to decide if this series is written to appeal to romance readers looking for adventure or James Bond-type lovers where the characters are not so expected; for it hits on all levels. The characters are so neatly defined and developed that you will find yourself jumping when the doors open on Trevor, looking over your shoulder as Cassie wanders in St. Petersburg trying to settle her nerves, and often wanting to shake Stephen into realizing that he is older, not dead and should not resign himself to a life without love, and Jessica.
These are not books that you finish and forget – the characters live on in your memory and you wonder where the next adventure will take them, and what tricks will Trevor pull out of his magic hat to impress and astound once again. His facile intelligence, wrapped up in a pretty package that just glows with the love he has for Cassandra, and the depression he feels over his parents disappearance. Cassandra is no damsel in distress; she is full of her own bag of tricks from years of training first with her father the ex-Navy SEAL, and then with the CIA. The two complement each other’s strengths, while drawing on a large pool of assistance from their connections. This is a series that has me wanting the next instalment NOW: I want to see Trevor have his answers to his personal mystery, see Stephan and Jessica find their own ‘happily ever after’, see George get the girl and even see what sort of man Nathan will be, now that he has realized and accepted that Cassie will never be, nor never was his; despite his dreams otherwise.
You won’t be disappointed with these: again the sex is knee-shaking in intensity and the reading of those scenes is very voyeuristic in feeling – a good thing. The characters leap off the page in a way that makes the reading of the story as intense and captivating as watching a film. I can’t recommend this series enough, and cannot wait for the next instalment.
AudioBook Review
To Russia With love is the second book that I read in this series and the second Audio-Book production from this team of authors with the narration provided by Tim Gerard Reynolds. When I read these books last year – this was my favorite of the two: and the same holds true for the audiobook version. While Countermeasure served to introduce readers to the series, this installment helps to clearly display and define their dependence and reliance on one another, while they battle against the odds to solve another piece of the mystery.
Tim Gerard Reynolds has a lovely style and voice for narration: his un-characterized accent is just touched with a dash of lilting Irish softness that maintains clear enunciation and ease for all listeners. When character voices and accents are called for, the soft lilt becomes a strong brogue, and even manages to bring in a solid Putin-esque Russian guttural clip to the characters from Russia. Particularly genius is his ability to insert a soft pause between the voices of different characters without causing undue hesitation in the rapid-fire dialogue. This pairing of Reynolds with the work of Almeida and Aubrey is a well-polished production, with the narration serving only to highlight the work and not distract from the story.
Don’t despair listeners: there is a TON of action, adventure, danger and humor in this story, with a plot line that again could be ripped from the headlines. These authors have done their homework and manage to convey highly technical information with a sense of immediacy and context that never feels “teachy” or is hard to follow. Mixing those elements with the underlying love story of Cass and Trevor, with the moments of knee-shakingly erotic scenes will be sure to please, and serve to deepen the reader’s / listener’s appreciation for the love between the two.
This production is a winner on all fronts – and one that is sure to please fans of the series. Just be sure that you have read or heard Countermeasure first. You will appreciate To Russia With Love much more if you have.
I received an audiobook copy of this book from the authors for purpose of honest review at the Heard Word on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Want to read
June 13, 2022this book is really wonderful, it is super entertaining and I really liked this great book, apart from it is super interesting, I highly recommend it for people to read it and be entertained with this great book
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July 23, 2012Rhayne's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
5 Stars
To Russia With Love is book 2 in the Countermeasure Series. I absolutely adored Trevor and Cassandra in book one and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one to see how their story continued. I was not disappointed! From page one you jump head first right back into their fast paced, very unpredictable lives. This couple continues to warm my heart and keeps me wanting more.
You get a very clear idea of the plot line of this story with the synopsis. I don’t want to add too much additional information because I feel like it will take away from the suspense as you read it. The story begins with Trevor and Cassandra trying to uncover the mystery of his parent’s disappearance. They vanished 6 years ago and he is determined to find out what happened and why. In order to get his hands on some of his father’s notes (which he hopes will answer some questions) they must head to Russia to do an onsite infiltrate and destroy job on a stolen software program. The plan is simple: get in, destroy and retrieve, and get out. What he didn’t count on was getting dragged into the middle of a war between two of the most elite Russian organized crime bosses. When their best laid plan quite simply goes to hell before his eyes, he and Cassandra must rely on their training and their trust in each other to not only get the job done, but survive.
This story gives us an honest testament of the love that Cassandra and Trevor have for one another. In book one we follow them as they fall in love. In book two we get to experience their love story ignite and shine. You get a very clear picture of the passion and the devotion this couple carries for one another. You feel their overriding joy and happiness when they are together. You also feel the sorrow and despair that overwhelms their souls when they are separated. They are a remarkable couple that you just can’t help but to fall in love with.
Normally I am not a huge fan of duel story lines in a novel. Honestly, it worked brilliantly between these pages. Not only do we get to follow Trevor and Cassandra, there is a beautiful story with Jessica and Stephan entwined throughout. I was just as anxious to read about how their future would fair out as I was the main couple. It didn’t overpower or seem choppy as the tales switched character lines. I thought the balance was well adjusted and perfectly mixed.
I can’t say enough about this intense, exhilarating, sexy series. It has a very unique plot line that is skillfully thought out. You are continuously wondering who you can and cannot trust. Oh, and we can’t forget the scattering of humor. Any time you have Trevor and Cassandra together, It’s guaranteed you will get some laughs. I am so eager to see what happens next. If you are a fan of suspense with a blend of love, smoking hot sex, and consuming emotion you won’t want to miss out on these books.
5 Stars
To Russia With Love is book 2 in the Countermeasure Series. I absolutely adored Trevor and Cassandra in book one and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one to see how their story continued. I was not disappointed! From page one you jump head first right back into their fast paced, very unpredictable lives. This couple continues to warm my heart and keeps me wanting more.
You get a very clear idea of the plot line of this story with the synopsis. I don’t want to add too much additional information because I feel like it will take away from the suspense as you read it. The story begins with Trevor and Cassandra trying to uncover the mystery of his parent’s disappearance. They vanished 6 years ago and he is determined to find out what happened and why. In order to get his hands on some of his father’s notes (which he hopes will answer some questions) they must head to Russia to do an onsite infiltrate and destroy job on a stolen software program. The plan is simple: get in, destroy and retrieve, and get out. What he didn’t count on was getting dragged into the middle of a war between two of the most elite Russian organized crime bosses. When their best laid plan quite simply goes to hell before his eyes, he and Cassandra must rely on their training and their trust in each other to not only get the job done, but survive.
This story gives us an honest testament of the love that Cassandra and Trevor have for one another. In book one we follow them as they fall in love. In book two we get to experience their love story ignite and shine. You get a very clear picture of the passion and the devotion this couple carries for one another. You feel their overriding joy and happiness when they are together. You also feel the sorrow and despair that overwhelms their souls when they are separated. They are a remarkable couple that you just can’t help but to fall in love with.
Normally I am not a huge fan of duel story lines in a novel. Honestly, it worked brilliantly between these pages. Not only do we get to follow Trevor and Cassandra, there is a beautiful story with Jessica and Stephan entwined throughout. I was just as anxious to read about how their future would fair out as I was the main couple. It didn’t overpower or seem choppy as the tales switched character lines. I thought the balance was well adjusted and perfectly mixed.
I can’t say enough about this intense, exhilarating, sexy series. It has a very unique plot line that is skillfully thought out. You are continuously wondering who you can and cannot trust. Oh, and we can’t forget the scattering of humor. Any time you have Trevor and Cassandra together, It’s guaranteed you will get some laughs. I am so eager to see what happens next. If you are a fan of suspense with a blend of love, smoking hot sex, and consuming emotion you won’t want to miss out on these books.
June 28, 2012
To Russia with Love
Paperback, Trade Paperback, 510 pages
Expected publication: July 15th 2012 by Éire Publishing
We find Trevor and Cassandra Bauer starting a new life while they continue their search for Trevor’s parents. George Miller, comes across what looks to be a new piece of information on his parents’ case, they embark on a new adventure following a digital trail to Saint Petersburg and the Russian Mafia. Trevor becomes bound to a Russian mafia crime lord. What started as a simple data file recovery turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse deep in a world of betrayal, hidden identities, and secret agendas. Cassandra will do anything to keep Trevor safe. When everything goes FUBAR and she finds herself on the run, her sole focus is finding Trevor even it if means she has to depend on those who might not have their best interests at heart.
Stephan Connelan, Brennan Enterprises' CEO and Trevor's Parents' friend, has fought his desire for Jessica Forrester since the day they met at Trevor and Cassandra's wedding. Events in his past stop him from giving in to temptation, a temptation that would cause them both regret and hurt. Jessica knows what she wants. She is determined to find a way to reach the heart he has locked away behind high walls. Little does she know that her greatest obstacle is Stephan himself.
Opening the book I submerge myself instantly into Trevor & Cassie’s world. New to marriage they are still feeling their way around. Their love easily evident in that they will do anything for each other, including crossing lines that may put their lives in danger. They follow a trail that leads them to the doors of the ruthless Russian mafia. Stephan and Jessica reignite their unrequited passions, initially ignited and abandoned with one passionate kiss in Countermeasures. What is there not to love in this book!!!! There is passion, intrigue, adventure from the very beginning. I must say that it had the perfect combination of the three and for the tech geeks…there is plenty to love also. I felt as if I was watching a movie as it all played out in my head. Jason Bourne, look out…here comes Trevor! Chris and Cecilia are raising the bar for authors like Robert Ludlum. I am hoping for a movie deal and great actors to play out the roles.
Surprising treat for me was Stephan. He seems so well put together and controlled, the perfect business man and gentleman. What lies beneath that surface is wild heated passion that would drive any woman insane with need. I was torn between the couples, feeling very much like a voyeur, flipping channels between couples. Stephan places older men back in the market…making it harder for the younger ones to compete! This is a must read, five stars aren’t enough to rate this book.
Paperback, Trade Paperback, 510 pages
Expected publication: July 15th 2012 by Éire Publishing
We find Trevor and Cassandra Bauer starting a new life while they continue their search for Trevor’s parents. George Miller, comes across what looks to be a new piece of information on his parents’ case, they embark on a new adventure following a digital trail to Saint Petersburg and the Russian Mafia. Trevor becomes bound to a Russian mafia crime lord. What started as a simple data file recovery turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse deep in a world of betrayal, hidden identities, and secret agendas. Cassandra will do anything to keep Trevor safe. When everything goes FUBAR and she finds herself on the run, her sole focus is finding Trevor even it if means she has to depend on those who might not have their best interests at heart.
Stephan Connelan, Brennan Enterprises' CEO and Trevor's Parents' friend, has fought his desire for Jessica Forrester since the day they met at Trevor and Cassandra's wedding. Events in his past stop him from giving in to temptation, a temptation that would cause them both regret and hurt. Jessica knows what she wants. She is determined to find a way to reach the heart he has locked away behind high walls. Little does she know that her greatest obstacle is Stephan himself.
Opening the book I submerge myself instantly into Trevor & Cassie’s world. New to marriage they are still feeling their way around. Their love easily evident in that they will do anything for each other, including crossing lines that may put their lives in danger. They follow a trail that leads them to the doors of the ruthless Russian mafia. Stephan and Jessica reignite their unrequited passions, initially ignited and abandoned with one passionate kiss in Countermeasures. What is there not to love in this book!!!! There is passion, intrigue, adventure from the very beginning. I must say that it had the perfect combination of the three and for the tech geeks…there is plenty to love also. I felt as if I was watching a movie as it all played out in my head. Jason Bourne, look out…here comes Trevor! Chris and Cecilia are raising the bar for authors like Robert Ludlum. I am hoping for a movie deal and great actors to play out the roles.
Surprising treat for me was Stephan. He seems so well put together and controlled, the perfect business man and gentleman. What lies beneath that surface is wild heated passion that would drive any woman insane with need. I was torn between the couples, feeling very much like a voyeur, flipping channels between couples. Stephan places older men back in the market…making it harder for the younger ones to compete! This is a must read, five stars aren’t enough to rate this book.
December 18, 2012
To Russia With Love is exactly what I expected it to be in the sense that I knew it would blow me away. But, I also know Cecilia and Chris are so good at giving us unexpected things that I just HAD to be surprised in one way or another. These surprises came in differents forms. Some came from the characters and their hidden secrets, others from discovering some character traits, others simply by discovering new characters, others by some events ...
In this sequel of Countermeasure, we find ourselves in one of the country I dream to visit one day: Russia. There is something that always fascinated me about Russia and it was no surprise I would fall in love with this book because
(a) I love the country where the action would take place
(b) Cassie and Trevor are 2 of my most favourite characters in all the books I've read.
(c) I was dying to know more, more, and MORE about the mystery of Trevor's parents.
(d) Let's just say Cecilia and Chris' way of writing had me entrance at the first chapter of Countermeasure so it was no use fighting against the fangirl in me who wants to scream every time I know they are going to write a sequel or a Byte of Life.
I'm stopping my list here otherwise it would take me too long to write why I fell in love with TRWL.
So, yes, Cassie and Trevor go to Russia.
Why?
Trevor discovers a serious lead on his parents' disappearance. In order to get the clue, he has to recover some stolen files. To do so, Trevor will have to infiltrate a big Russian mafia mob and soon, complications arise.
For Trevor and Cassandra, this adventure will be the biggest obstacle they ever had to face since they've been together. Trevor playing with fire will leave you sweaty, Cassandra's anxiety and agony over her love being in danger will make your heart ache and the complimentary information on the different characters will make you angry, curious, confused and at times, stunned.
And as usual, Trevor and Cassandra... together... will make you wish you have something like that. The fire, the love, the passion, the tenderness, everything is there. They have everything. Trevor and Cassandra are great individual characters, but together? They are THE team.
Guys, for your own sake, you should start reading Countermeasure and To Russia With Love if you haven't done so. I promise you won't regret it. ;)
In this sequel of Countermeasure, we find ourselves in one of the country I dream to visit one day: Russia. There is something that always fascinated me about Russia and it was no surprise I would fall in love with this book because
(a) I love the country where the action would take place
(b) Cassie and Trevor are 2 of my most favourite characters in all the books I've read.
(c) I was dying to know more, more, and MORE about the mystery of Trevor's parents.
(d) Let's just say Cecilia and Chris' way of writing had me entrance at the first chapter of Countermeasure so it was no use fighting against the fangirl in me who wants to scream every time I know they are going to write a sequel or a Byte of Life.
I'm stopping my list here otherwise it would take me too long to write why I fell in love with TRWL.
So, yes, Cassie and Trevor go to Russia.
Why?
Trevor discovers a serious lead on his parents' disappearance. In order to get the clue, he has to recover some stolen files. To do so, Trevor will have to infiltrate a big Russian mafia mob and soon, complications arise.
For Trevor and Cassandra, this adventure will be the biggest obstacle they ever had to face since they've been together. Trevor playing with fire will leave you sweaty, Cassandra's anxiety and agony over her love being in danger will make your heart ache and the complimentary information on the different characters will make you angry, curious, confused and at times, stunned.
And as usual, Trevor and Cassandra... together... will make you wish you have something like that. The fire, the love, the passion, the tenderness, everything is there. They have everything. Trevor and Cassandra are great individual characters, but together? They are THE team.
Guys, for your own sake, you should start reading Countermeasure and To Russia With Love if you haven't done so. I promise you won't regret it. ;)
August 6, 2012
I love when a series goes from HOT to SCORCHING. That is exactly what authors Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey have done with geeky, computer nerd Trevor Bauer and his ex-CIA wife Cassie.
Trevor and Cassie continue to investigate the disappearance of Trevor's parents. When Trevor's friend George comes across a conversation that mention's software Trevor's father was working on, he thinks they have the break they need. But that information leads them to direct involvement with the Russian mob and Trevor being ensconced within the walls of a mob compound and Cassie left wonder if she'll ever see Trevor again.
I thought Cassie and Trevor were hot in Countermeasure, but their heat index jumps about a 1000 degrees with this one. They are truly each other's reason for living...their passion. Those feelings jump off the page at you. They still can be snarky with each other, joke around and question what the other is doing, but they always know the other is there to cover their back. When this latest assignment in Russia results in them being separated, you could feel how lost and desperate they felt not being with each other. But they both knew that they needed to do whatever was necessary to find out what happened to Trevor's parents.
But Cassie and Trevor weren't the only couple burning up the pages. Cassie's best friend, Jessica, joins Trevor and Cassie's company. Once on Irish soil, it becomes Jess' mission to find Stephan Connelan (Trevor's "uncle") and discover if what they felt for each other at Trevor & Cassie's wedding was real or not. Stephen fights the relationship the whole way, sighting his age and inability to commit to a relationship as reasons why Jess should stay away. But Jess persists and Stephan caves, secretly knowing he wants Jess more than anything. Their relationship almost falls apart, due to Stephan's own pigheadedness, but luckily a chance run in with his ex finally sets him on the right path. Good thing, because chemistry like they have shouldn't be walked away from.
This is a series I'm glad I was introduced to because I can't put the latest down once I start it. The characters and storyline drawn you in and don't let go, leaving a sense of loss when you get to that last page. Definitely one I recommend.
Trevor and Cassie continue to investigate the disappearance of Trevor's parents. When Trevor's friend George comes across a conversation that mention's software Trevor's father was working on, he thinks they have the break they need. But that information leads them to direct involvement with the Russian mob and Trevor being ensconced within the walls of a mob compound and Cassie left wonder if she'll ever see Trevor again.
I thought Cassie and Trevor were hot in Countermeasure, but their heat index jumps about a 1000 degrees with this one. They are truly each other's reason for living...their passion. Those feelings jump off the page at you. They still can be snarky with each other, joke around and question what the other is doing, but they always know the other is there to cover their back. When this latest assignment in Russia results in them being separated, you could feel how lost and desperate they felt not being with each other. But they both knew that they needed to do whatever was necessary to find out what happened to Trevor's parents.
But Cassie and Trevor weren't the only couple burning up the pages. Cassie's best friend, Jessica, joins Trevor and Cassie's company. Once on Irish soil, it becomes Jess' mission to find Stephan Connelan (Trevor's "uncle") and discover if what they felt for each other at Trevor & Cassie's wedding was real or not. Stephen fights the relationship the whole way, sighting his age and inability to commit to a relationship as reasons why Jess should stay away. But Jess persists and Stephan caves, secretly knowing he wants Jess more than anything. Their relationship almost falls apart, due to Stephan's own pigheadedness, but luckily a chance run in with his ex finally sets him on the right path. Good thing, because chemistry like they have shouldn't be walked away from.
This is a series I'm glad I was introduced to because I can't put the latest down once I start it. The characters and storyline drawn you in and don't let go, leaving a sense of loss when you get to that last page. Definitely one I recommend.
August 6, 2013
wow....where to start....I adore Cassie and Trevor! Okay, fictional friends aside....Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey are, in my opinion, the best writing duo out there- Yeah, I know....I am shooting myself in the foot here, because I like Mercedes Lackey and whomever she happens to be co writing with at any given moment. Chris and Cecilia's writing is just pure magic. Each and every scene flows so smoothly, waxing and waning effortlessly to the reader.
Trevor receives another clue to his parents and off he and Cassie go to St. Petersburg. There is the normal steamy hot love scenes that us Countermeasure fans have come to anticipate with much fluttering of hearts and sweaty palms! I don't know whether to be glad the Trevor (and all those wonderful geeky friends of his!) are fictional (because I would totally expire on the spot if I ever ran into any of them) or sad because they are not. Trev and Cassie are so well written, that I swear they are real people and Chris and Ceci are just writing a biography!
The attention to detail is amazing! Descriptions are just detailed enough without being too wordy. This series is like one giant on going movie to me. Yes, there is a spin off series or two out there, Bytes of Life is the moments in between the Countermeasure books, little short bytes that give us a glimpse (or an eyeful, depending on how voyeur-istic you are) in Trevor and Cassie's life in between the big stories. They are not 100 percent necessary to be able to read Countermeasure books, but they do flesh out (please pardon the pun) Trev and Cassie.
I cannot wait for the next book to come out, and I fully expect the next one to be as good as each of the other ones.
Trevor receives another clue to his parents and off he and Cassie go to St. Petersburg. There is the normal steamy hot love scenes that us Countermeasure fans have come to anticipate with much fluttering of hearts and sweaty palms! I don't know whether to be glad the Trevor (and all those wonderful geeky friends of his!) are fictional (because I would totally expire on the spot if I ever ran into any of them) or sad because they are not. Trev and Cassie are so well written, that I swear they are real people and Chris and Ceci are just writing a biography!
The attention to detail is amazing! Descriptions are just detailed enough without being too wordy. This series is like one giant on going movie to me. Yes, there is a spin off series or two out there, Bytes of Life is the moments in between the Countermeasure books, little short bytes that give us a glimpse (or an eyeful, depending on how voyeur-istic you are) in Trevor and Cassie's life in between the big stories. They are not 100 percent necessary to be able to read Countermeasure books, but they do flesh out (please pardon the pun) Trev and Cassie.
I cannot wait for the next book to come out, and I fully expect the next one to be as good as each of the other ones.
November 10, 2013
To Russia with Love by Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey
Review by Mary Beth
This is the second book in the Countermeasure series and trust me when I say it brings everything you expect and then some. This book was probably one of my favorites so far by Chris and Ceci. I loved the fact that we get a continuation of the adventure that is Cassandra and Trevor but we also get the opportunity to get to know some of the secondary characters like Jessica and Stephan.
We find Cassandra and Trevor living in wedded bliss in their new home in Ireland (with the best doorbell chime ever). Cassandra is no longer working for her father and Trevor is just a consultant for the NSA. They get a tip from their friend George about some information on Trevor’s parents and they run with it. This leads them all the way to Russia where Trevor has to infiltrate the Russian mafia so he can get the information he wants about his parents. Will he survive long enough to get the information he is searching for and get back to Cassandra in one piece?
As much as I love Cassandra and Trevor; which I totally do, I really enjoyed Stephan and Jessica’s story throughout this book. We get to really understand them, love them and watch them grow. They both have such personal struggles it was a sight to read them and FINALLY give in to the inevitable.
It seemed like I just consumed this book. Chris and Ceci write with so much detail and content you’d think it would be difficult to read and understand, but they make it easy and enjoyable. It is amazing to see two different people take their ideas and so seamlessly put them together to create stories that leave you wanting more.
Review by Mary Beth
This is the second book in the Countermeasure series and trust me when I say it brings everything you expect and then some. This book was probably one of my favorites so far by Chris and Ceci. I loved the fact that we get a continuation of the adventure that is Cassandra and Trevor but we also get the opportunity to get to know some of the secondary characters like Jessica and Stephan.
We find Cassandra and Trevor living in wedded bliss in their new home in Ireland (with the best doorbell chime ever). Cassandra is no longer working for her father and Trevor is just a consultant for the NSA. They get a tip from their friend George about some information on Trevor’s parents and they run with it. This leads them all the way to Russia where Trevor has to infiltrate the Russian mafia so he can get the information he wants about his parents. Will he survive long enough to get the information he is searching for and get back to Cassandra in one piece?
As much as I love Cassandra and Trevor; which I totally do, I really enjoyed Stephan and Jessica’s story throughout this book. We get to really understand them, love them and watch them grow. They both have such personal struggles it was a sight to read them and FINALLY give in to the inevitable.
It seemed like I just consumed this book. Chris and Ceci write with so much detail and content you’d think it would be difficult to read and understand, but they make it easy and enjoyable. It is amazing to see two different people take their ideas and so seamlessly put them together to create stories that leave you wanting more.
April 9, 2013
Trevor Bauer’s best friend, George Miller, may have just found some vital information that could help Trevor find his missing parents. Cassandra Bauer is missing her best friend, Jessica Forrester, and is determined to help Trevor find answers to his parents disappearance. Jessica jumps at the chance to work with Cassie again, so she immediately packs up everything and moves to Ireland. As Trevor and Cassie work a dangerous case in Russia, Jessica has time to explore her relationship with Stephen Connelan. Trevor risks everything, including his life and his love, in this latest chapter in the Countermeasure Series.
Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey make a powerful writing duo. Their writing style flows with ease as though written by one author yet again. This time the action is amplified and the story is balanced with steamy love scenes from the secondary characters. Though there are a few grammar errors in this book, the chemistry and passion between the characters and the adrenaline-packed scenes are superb. Readers’ hearts will race as they turn each page. Fans of this series will be left desperately waiting for the next novel. Romantic suspense readers of a mature age need to place this series on their ‘Must-Read’ lists.
Notes:
The author provided a copy of this book for me to review. To learn more about these authors and their series, please visit their website at http://www.countermeasureseries.com
This review was originally posted on my website, Ariesgrl Book Reviews.
To see this and other reviews, please visit my site at http://ariesgrlreview.com
Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey make a powerful writing duo. Their writing style flows with ease as though written by one author yet again. This time the action is amplified and the story is balanced with steamy love scenes from the secondary characters. Though there are a few grammar errors in this book, the chemistry and passion between the characters and the adrenaline-packed scenes are superb. Readers’ hearts will race as they turn each page. Fans of this series will be left desperately waiting for the next novel. Romantic suspense readers of a mature age need to place this series on their ‘Must-Read’ lists.
Notes:
The author provided a copy of this book for me to review. To learn more about these authors and their series, please visit their website at http://www.countermeasureseries.com
This review was originally posted on my website, Ariesgrl Book Reviews.
To see this and other reviews, please visit my site at http://ariesgrlreview.com
September 29, 2015
This is book #2 of Countermeasure series.
The couple Trevor Bauer and Cassandra James, now married and actually living in Dublin, continue to hunt for clues to know the whereabouts of Trevor's parents, missing for six years in a supposed boating accident.
While he continues working on his former company as a consultant, he keeps at same time the project Countermeasure Operation, with the help of Cassie, his friend George (which continues living in USA) and now Jessica, Cassie's friend since college times.
New tracks end up taking the couple to St. Petersburg and involved up to their neck with the Russian mafia.
When Trevor was arrested in the hands of the enemy, he must decide whether to flee with his wife off the country, or risk all for the sake of clues he needs about his parents.
The clock doesn't stop counting and death round closer.
Cassie and Trevor live a perfect love story; a couple who seem to fit at all. On the other hand,Jessica has to fight for the love she craves for Stephan.
He is long time Trevor's father friend and takes care of Brennan companies.
Stephan is more than interested in Jessica, but a bitter secret he keeps from his past, and the fact that he is 17 years older than her, does keep her away from him. But Jessica is not a woman to give up easily...
Mysteries, clues, secrets revealed, mafia plucking heads and many sex scenes make up the second book in this series
I love the descriptions they make of Dublin (makes me want to take the next plane and go there)
4 stars
The couple Trevor Bauer and Cassandra James, now married and actually living in Dublin, continue to hunt for clues to know the whereabouts of Trevor's parents, missing for six years in a supposed boating accident.
While he continues working on his former company as a consultant, he keeps at same time the project Countermeasure Operation, with the help of Cassie, his friend George (which continues living in USA) and now Jessica, Cassie's friend since college times.
New tracks end up taking the couple to St. Petersburg and involved up to their neck with the Russian mafia.
When Trevor was arrested in the hands of the enemy, he must decide whether to flee with his wife off the country, or risk all for the sake of clues he needs about his parents.
The clock doesn't stop counting and death round closer.
Cassie and Trevor live a perfect love story; a couple who seem to fit at all. On the other hand,Jessica has to fight for the love she craves for Stephan.
He is long time Trevor's father friend and takes care of Brennan companies.
Stephan is more than interested in Jessica, but a bitter secret he keeps from his past, and the fact that he is 17 years older than her, does keep her away from him. But Jessica is not a woman to give up easily...
Mysteries, clues, secrets revealed, mafia plucking heads and many sex scenes make up the second book in this series
I love the descriptions they make of Dublin (makes me want to take the next plane and go there)
4 stars
July 27, 2012
Review based on ARC version:
Geek to the rescue for the second time. *arches eye brow* What? If James Bond had the wits, charm and geekiness of Trevor Bauer, he would not be able to do his job because of the influx of Bond Girls. Anyway... where were we?
Right, TRWL... As the hunt for Trevor's parents continues, our heroes have settled into married life in Ireland. In order to get his hands onto notes from his father, Trevor agrees to help with the retrieval of a software program that has the potential to cause a clusterfuck of trouble.
The trail leads to Russia and our pair finds themselves in deep, murky waters (not literally) between friends, unknown players and the Russian Mafia.
Will their combine knowledge be enough or will they bite off more than they can chew?
Only one way to find out.
===============================================
The attention to detail in this series is amazing and gives the books their "believable" mark. Readers will recognize places and instantly get drawn into the story because they can follow it easily.
I do suggest that you come to Dublin and follow the foodsteps of Trevor and Cassie... I guarantee you won't get lost in the City Center.
Geek to the rescue for the second time. *arches eye brow* What? If James Bond had the wits, charm and geekiness of Trevor Bauer, he would not be able to do his job because of the influx of Bond Girls. Anyway... where were we?
Right, TRWL... As the hunt for Trevor's parents continues, our heroes have settled into married life in Ireland. In order to get his hands onto notes from his father, Trevor agrees to help with the retrieval of a software program that has the potential to cause a clusterfuck of trouble.
The trail leads to Russia and our pair finds themselves in deep, murky waters (not literally) between friends, unknown players and the Russian Mafia.
Will their combine knowledge be enough or will they bite off more than they can chew?
Only one way to find out.
===============================================
The attention to detail in this series is amazing and gives the books their "believable" mark. Readers will recognize places and instantly get drawn into the story because they can follow it easily.
I do suggest that you come to Dublin and follow the foodsteps of Trevor and Cassie... I guarantee you won't get lost in the City Center.
October 20, 2013
I enjoyed Countermeasure so much that I jumped right into this book, the next in the series.
The story picks up about a year after the first book ended. Trevor and Cassandra find themselves in deep doo-doo yet again. Wanting to protect their 'family' and not knowing who to trust outside of their inner circle, they trust no one. Was this a mistake? You'll have to find out.
Mature Audience and Reader Discretion Alert: this book has some sexually explicit scenes, it is done tastefully within a committed relationship. There is Adult language but it is done in a manner befitting the situations.
I personally loved the plot twists and turns. The books also have an elusive element that runs through them that makes me want to read more and more of the series. Not only that but I want to find out what trouble Trevor and Cassandra get into next... or maybe more to the point how they get out of trouble.
Kudos to Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey.
The story picks up about a year after the first book ended. Trevor and Cassandra find themselves in deep doo-doo yet again. Wanting to protect their 'family' and not knowing who to trust outside of their inner circle, they trust no one. Was this a mistake? You'll have to find out.
Mature Audience and Reader Discretion Alert: this book has some sexually explicit scenes, it is done tastefully within a committed relationship. There is Adult language but it is done in a manner befitting the situations.
I personally loved the plot twists and turns. The books also have an elusive element that runs through them that makes me want to read more and more of the series. Not only that but I want to find out what trouble Trevor and Cassandra get into next... or maybe more to the point how they get out of trouble.
Kudos to Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey.
October 1, 2012
The thing I love about this series is how well developed the characters are. I know I said this in my review of Countermeasure, but the characters seem so real. I feel like these are people that I could become friends with and sit down to have a drink or two with. Even the secondary characters are well developed, not just slapped on the page to fill up space.
The women in this series are also amazing, strong characters. None of them are waiting for a man to come riding up on a white horse to save them. In fact, Cassandra and Nikol would be doing the saving instead (I wouldn't want to piss either one of them off!!). Even Jessica takes charge of her situation, instead of waiting for Stephan to act.
And then there is Trevor's humor. His biting wit will have you laughing out loud and shaking your head. Some of the things he says just make you want to go, "Did he really just say that?"
All in all I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a thriller. There is something for everyone in this book.
The women in this series are also amazing, strong characters. None of them are waiting for a man to come riding up on a white horse to save them. In fact, Cassandra and Nikol would be doing the saving instead (I wouldn't want to piss either one of them off!!). Even Jessica takes charge of her situation, instead of waiting for Stephan to act.
And then there is Trevor's humor. His biting wit will have you laughing out loud and shaking your head. Some of the things he says just make you want to go, "Did he really just say that?"
All in all I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a thriller. There is something for everyone in this book.
March 16, 2013
Following on from the events in Countermeasures, Trevor and Cassandra Bauer are now married, have moved to Dublin and have opened a Data Retrieval business whilst still consulting part-time for the NSA. Trevor is still obsessed with discovering the truth behind his parents disappearance and when a chance comes up to accept a job in exchange for some lost notes of his fathers, he leaps at the opportunity that takes him and his new wife into the heart of Russia and the arms of the Russian Mafia. As things begin to heat up, are he and Cassandra finally out of their depth?
This is the sequel to the excellent Countermeasures that I have reviewed here: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/catego... for the TBR Pile Blog. Though it starts off a little slow, it quickly picks up the pace in the second act, leaving fans desperate for more and dropping a few extra clues as to the mystery disappearance of Trevor's parents.
If you loved Countermeasure, this second book delivers much more of the same whilst still keeping everything fresh and new!
This is the sequel to the excellent Countermeasures that I have reviewed here: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/catego... for the TBR Pile Blog. Though it starts off a little slow, it quickly picks up the pace in the second act, leaving fans desperate for more and dropping a few extra clues as to the mystery disappearance of Trevor's parents.
If you loved Countermeasure, this second book delivers much more of the same whilst still keeping everything fresh and new!
September 23, 2015
This review is true, is my real feeling about the book.
Wow!!!!
I had love the first book, but I think the authors have excelled in TRWL because the plot and the way they blended the stories of the main characters (Trevor and Cassandra) and the other secondary characters was incredible, making us wonder all times about Jessica and Stephan, learn more about George and Nathan... and about Dmitriy and Tatiana, and still know more about Conor and Maeve.
Part adventure takes us to St. Petersburg, Russia, and Trevor infiltrates one of the Russian mafia gangs, leaving him separated from Cassandra, which leads them to realize how much their love is strong.
The story has an end, but still have a knot to be untied, we want to find out about the original mystery, the same as did Trevor Cassandra search the files in the first book of the series, and made them meet and fall in love.
Just a comment aside, I want a man to call me "the ghrá"!
Wow!!!!
I had love the first book, but I think the authors have excelled in TRWL because the plot and the way they blended the stories of the main characters (Trevor and Cassandra) and the other secondary characters was incredible, making us wonder all times about Jessica and Stephan, learn more about George and Nathan... and about Dmitriy and Tatiana, and still know more about Conor and Maeve.
Part adventure takes us to St. Petersburg, Russia, and Trevor infiltrates one of the Russian mafia gangs, leaving him separated from Cassandra, which leads them to realize how much their love is strong.
The story has an end, but still have a knot to be untied, we want to find out about the original mystery, the same as did Trevor Cassandra search the files in the first book of the series, and made them meet and fall in love.
Just a comment aside, I want a man to call me "the ghrá"!
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