In 2002, Shannon McKenna released Behind Closed Doors, the first in her McCloud Brothers romantic suspense series. The beginning to this promising series was discussed all over romance-land with the author winning AAR’s Best New Author Award in their 2003 Annual Reader Poll.
On her website, Ms. McKenna describes the series (which now has thirteen entries), “Some of my novels are loosely linked by the adventures of the McCloud brothers and their many friends, though each book can be enjoyed independently.” To describe more fully what you can find within the McCloud Brothers series, think tough alpha heroes – highly skilled in all aspects of security. I know, we see it everywhere these days – one romantic suspense after another featuring buff, in-charge, incredibly skilled men making money in some aspect of protection services. But in 2002, it felt new and seemed like such a different combination – a love story almost overshadowed by the mystery and very hot scenes that reached into the erotic category. We hadn’t yet experienced Anne Stuart’s Ice series and it was all just a bit unconventional.
Cruising Tantor’s Coming Soon titles a couple of months ago, I discovered five of the McCloud Brothers books scheduled for audio release over the summer and I just had to know how they would stand up today, especially with characters such as Seth Mackey, surveillance expert supreme and hero of Behind Closed Doors, telling Raine (the heroine), “I am not a nice guy and never pretended to be one.” And he really is not a nice guy. Really, truly. But he’s not the villain either. And although Seth seems to hold all the power in the beginning, that changes over the course of the book.
So, how does it compare to those security laden romantic suspenses all over the place today? I have no idea but you better believe I’m checking it out. In fact, I’m listening as I prepare this event. Narrated by new-to-me Nelson Hobbs, I’m enjoying his performance. Beyond that, I’m reserving my thoughts for later!
Back in 2002, I graded it an A and had this to say in my summation, “Somehow, the author has developed an intriguing edge in Behind Closed Doors that is difficult to define, but captivating nonetheless.” I’m wondering how that will feel in 2015.
The Giveaway
We’re giving away five download copies of Behind Closed Doors courtesy of Tantor Audio. Entry is simple. Just complete the easy entry form found at the bottom of the page by midnight (CST) Friday, May 22nd. No comments are necessary to enter although we’d love to hear your thoughts in our discussion area. You may only enter once – anyone entering more than once will be disqualified. We’ll contact winners on May 23rd so watch your email as we must have acknowledgement of your win within 24 hours. If we don’t hear from you, we’ll select another winner.
First Chapter Listen
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Contest closed.
We’ll run a review of Behind Closed Doors within the next two weeks. If you listen before that time, we’d love for you to share your thoughts here.
Lea Hensley
Sounds good!! Thanks for the chance!!