She likes picking up her camera because it allows her to see things through a different lens. Like when she lost her job recently and instead of focusing on what she’s forced to leave behind, she zooms in on the new options opening up in front of her. Or when a dangerous looking silver fox comes rolling up her path on a FatBoy, and her digital output shows a deep loneliness, matching her own, in … in his ice-blue eyes.
But when she’s working on making her dreams come true, she inadvertently captures something in her viewfinder she can’t un-see.
He wasn’t supposed to be here, but he can’t seem to escape his old life. Stuck in an old trailer in the mountains, he walks a fine line between ruse and reality. With the arrival of a young-looking pixie—who turns out to be a full grown, hot-blooded woman—his balance is thrown.
He tries to avoid her, but with the little pixel peeper snapping everything in sight, she unintentionally risks his exposure.
And his focus needs to be sharp to keep her from danger.
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Fantastic Story & Narration A Riveting Ride!
Shutter Speed
Snapshot, Book 0.5
By: Freya Barker
Narrated by: Marnye Young, Rock Engle
This novella sized book packs a lot of story and I loved every minute of it. I have become a huge fan of Freya Barker’s books and writing style, I find it so easy to get lost in her stories, they are interesting and original. The characters are realistic and complex, easy to relate to and connect with. This book is Isla & Ben’s story, Isla’s Uncle Al had to leave the campgrounds he looked after and asked her to step in for him. She jumped at the opportunity, took her camera with her in hopes of getting some good shots. Ben is the first camper she meets, he came looking for her Uncle, he was not the friendliest but comes off a bit rough at first, she takes it as a challenge. And the next day when she brings him his wood she brings a smile with her and some good eats. Checking out the campgrounds she notices some odd things happening with campers who are renting and want to be left alone. She takes photos of what she is seeing and goes to investigate further but is stopped by Ben. Unsure what to think she just retreats back to the trailer home she is staying in. She runs in to Ben several times and the more they see each other the more he opens up and the chemistry between them is undeniable. But not everything or everyone is what or who it seems and Isla finds herself in grave danger when the wrong person discovers what she stumbled upon and took photographs of. This romantic suspense is cleverly plotted with drama, angst, mystery, twists and turns, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt and emotional moments and the start of a wonderful romance. Freya Barker, thank you for another awesome story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
And for the fabulous narration, Marnye Young and Rock Engle are talented narrators and voice artists. They did an awesome job portraying the characters, giving each their own distinct voice and personality. Marnye Young played Isla’s role with perfection, Rock Engle did the same for Ben giving him the right amount of gruff. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured the characters emotions and projected them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the fantastic listen.
Shutter Speed by Freya Barker is a novella quick peek into her Snapshot series.
In this story we have a hot silver fox MC hero Ben and Isla who dropped everything to help out her uncle while he deals with his wife suffering from Alzheimer’s.But with a caution and warning to stay away space 49 he leaves her to manage the park with hordes of mosquitos and take photos with her camera. Can she find the beauty in everyday snap shots and make a living at it?
Little does she know that things on the surface is not what is seems when a photo showing something that shouldn’t be seen and Isla Ferris may need protection of Ben but is he also keeping secrets also?
That is as soon as she coffee is a must for Ben in the morning.
I didn’t find out until the end of the book that this is a prequel for Ben and Isla’s full length book Freeze Frame. I find that crazy because this little novella felt like a full story. The writing was awesome and I felt like I got to know these two and loved how this ended. I’m so curious what more the author is going to bring us in the next book.
Ms. Barker is known for her well-developed characters, and I was delighted to find that even though Shutter Speed is a novella there is no lack of character development. Isla is a feisty, petite woman, who has dealt with a great deal of loss in her life. When she loses her job, she steps in to help out her uncle who runs a campground. Seizing the opportunity to hone her photographic skills and fulfill her dreams, she spends her free time snapping pictures. When she meets the silver fox biker, Ben, she sees more than meets the eye. Outgoing and cheerful, she unwittingly sees things through the view finder of her camera that could be dangerous.
Ben’s life is not exactly what it seems, but his life depends on keeping up those appearances. When he realizes that Isla may have seen something she shouldn’t, his focus widens as he tries to keep both of them safe, while maybe grabbing a little happiness that has been missing from his life.
Ms. Barker has a way of spinning a suspense story, even in a shorter work. The interaction between the main characters is witty and the characters jump off the page and remain with the reader. I am excited to hear that this is a prequel to a longer romantic suspense story featuring Ben and Isla.
ETA: I just listened to the audio book of Shutter Speed and it blew me away. I forgot how much I loved these characters and Rock Engle and Marnye Young did an excellent job of bringing Ben and Isla to life. Ms Young hit Isla’s attitude and emotions dead on and Mr. Engle vividly voice Ben’s thoughts and concerns, giving a sense of urgency to the danger of their situation. Yet he was equally effective at bringing out Ben’s softer side, one he hasn’t had an opportunity to show often. I can’t wait to listen to this duo to narrate Freeze Frame the follow up to Shutter Speed.
4.5 Stars
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I totally enjoyed the step out into nature as Freya takes us to a trailer park, with wildlife and using the elements. A strong heroine who is not afraid to stand on her own. Isla’s love for photography only enhances the outdoor elements and draws in the beauty. Add in a hot alpha bike riding man with a raspy voice. I am done for.
The suspense and twists that you least expect are weaved skillfully in this short novella. Freya will leave you wanting more, needing more. I was not ready for Ilsa and Ben’s story to be over. So very excited to discover this is a prequel of what is to come.
Favorite Quotes:
You’re giving me whiplash, you know? … Have you ever been diagnosed with multiple personality disorder? Because I think I’ve met a few of them already.
That kind of loneliness settles in your bones until it just becomes part of who you are. Not wanting to be an island in a sea of people, trying constantly to find that right connection, but ending up on just the same.
My Review:
Shutter Speed was a fast read featuring a quickly developed romantic suspense and opposite attraction type plot. Written tersely from a dual POV, the storyline rapidly expanded with elements of humor, suspense, intrigue, sensuality, and angst. The protagonists could not have been more dissimilar. He spoke with an economy of words and she was a chatterbox. She was short and compact, and he was big – all over. She was a firecracker with a hot temper and quickly became a complication to his job. He was a conundrum, large, quiet, always popping up unexpectedly – like a ninja. They shouldn’t have worked but they smoothed each other out, fit like puzzle pieces, and created a sizzling heat between the sheets.
I have this love/ hate relationship with novellas- I enjoy the quick read, but many times the story just isn’t long enough for me to become fully invested in the characters. With Shutter Speed, I find myself teetering on that line and I am glad there will be more to Ben and Isla’s story coming soon.
First- I love this cover! I had to look at it a few times to take it all in and notice all the nuances, but it fits the narrative perfectly.
Now on to the story. Isla has moved to her uncle’s campground to be the caretaker for the season, and she is looking forward to exploring the area with her camera while she contemplates her future after recently losing her job. A creeptastic guy on one of the lots scares her a little bit but it doesn’t stop her from trying to be friendly with others at the site. One in particular catches her eye, but he seems less than thrilled to talk to her.
Ben has a job to do, and the pixie trying to make friends with him is a distraction. He is a man of few words for a reason, but since his current job could potentially put anyone connected with him in the path of danger, he has even more reason to try to keep his distance. While Ben’s conversation skills may be lacking, Isla more than makes up for it with her non stop chatter and he can’t help being drawn to her. Once they actually get a little better at communicating, things heat up! But when one of her photo excursions captures more than she realizes, the danger becomes real and Ben’s secrets are about to be exposed. Can she forgive his deception?
Ben is just the type of hero I have come to expect from this author- a mature, sexy alpha who has a way with his limited words. The jury is still out on Isla though. She is a bit different from most of the other heroines and has some characteristics that grated on my nerves to be honest. With that said, I have faith in Ms. Barker’s ability to turn my opinion around in the upcoming Freeze Frame, and I will be waiting to see what comes next in the series!
This is my first Freya Barker book but it won’t be my last! It’s refreshing to read about real people with realistic body types who are grown up. People can fall in love and have a great story at any age, and Freya Barker has proved that. This is a well-written story with great characters, a great plot, and written in a well and truly distinct voice.
Shutter Speed
Snapshot, Book 0.5
By: Freya Barker
Narrated by: Marnye Young, Rock Engle
Freya Barker has me completely captivated by this prequel and I can’t wait to hear the series. It set us up starting with Ben and Isla’s story. Isla comes to her uncle’s campground, taking over for him for the summer. A perfect job after recently losing hers, she is hoping to do what she really loves, which is taking pictures. She didn’t count on Ben. Ben, the silver fox, is biding his time at the camp, finishing up a job. He didn’t count on Isla. But the chemistry is there. And so is the danger. Barker packs this novella with passion, suspense and excitement. I love her characters are real, a little older and extremely easy to understand and relate to. This is just the beginning and I can’t wait to keep the series going!
Narrated by the talents of Marnye Young and Rock Engle, we are treated to a fantastic narration. Both seasoned narrators, they understand their characters and voice them with their true essence. It is cast perfectly and a wonderful listen.
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My husband & I don’t usually read the same non-scifi books, but this book was fantastic; we went & got the next 2 and read them right away. We’re very much looking forward to another book(s) by this pair of authors. Please, please?