Stranded in the Everglades?With only her unpredictable guide for protection?Kayli Heddon tumbles into those dire straits when the governor sends her to the Everglades on a secret assignment. Trapped with nightfall approaching and no way back, Kayli learns some tough lessons from her sexy but volatile airboat guide: Trust means everything in the dangerous River of Grass, and a skilled partner … partner makes all the difference in your survival.
Skye Landers takes the airboat safari gig as a favor to his cousin who is called out of town. Skye doesn’t expect the governor’s photographer to catch his eye, but Kayli Heddon is unlike any woman he has ever met. He knows he should keep his distance, but common sense flies out the window whenever she gets near.
Unfortunately, Kayli thinks honesty is the most important thing in a relationship–any relationship–and Skye Landers is a fraud. When secrets surface from his past, Kayli and Skye are soon on the run from more than just alligators.
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Kayli is on a mission for the governor: to photograph the Everglades Restoration. She’s also on a secret mission but no one knows about that so I won’t reveal. Kayli is assigned to the airboat guide’s, Skye’s, boat and he’s one annoying man. Sure, he’s the handsomest man she’s ever met but the way he treats her grates on her nerves. But as they travel throughout the Everglades, she learns to trust him and it’s a good thing too because she’ll need him if they’re ever going to get out of the Everglades alive. Secrets are revealed and if the wildlife of the Everglades wasn’t enough danger for them both, two dangerous men try to kill them. But Skye’s quick thinking keep them alive, for now. The feelings they share for each other will have to wait until they got safely on land. The only question is whether they’ll make it back in one piece.
What an incredible romantic adventure! I’ve never been to the Everglades and thanks to the detailed narration in Ambush in the Everglades, I feel like I’ve experienced a trip there and back. Such intricate detail, from the tiny little bug creatures to the vastness of the vegetation, this book has it all. The romantic tension between Kayli and Skye was immediate but Petie McCarty keeps us in suspense for quite awhile. Will they or won’t they? Brilliantly done. The plot had several twists I didn’t see coming. Intense action scenes captured my breath and made my heart race. The ending made me cry a little.
If you’re looking for a romantic suspense unlike anything you’ve read before, pick up Ambush in the Everglades. I’m hoping this is part of a new series by Petie McCarty.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Good plot.
What a ride. I went to the Everglades with Petie McCarty’s characters. Her description of the Everglades really and truly made it seem as if I were there. Her characters made it even more life-like.
I have read and reviewed another of Petie McCarty’s books, “The Angel and the Seal”. So, you are going to see a few points here that are exactly the same. She creates characters you want to know, but different characters from book to book. No mass market romances here; no boiler plate plots. I think the reason each story is so different is because the writer changes the scenery, the characters backgrounds and personalities, and she also adds additional characters which always seem to add to the story.
You are also going to read in another of my reviews that I’m no romance fan. However, there is so much suspense in her books that it is more like reading a mystery.
Obviously, you can tell I think this is a book worth your time. Petie McCarty has many other books published. Two or three series and some stand alones. Speaking of stand alones, each book I have read can be considered this as far as enjoying the story. If you do a little research, you’ll find each book she’s written has very good reviews.
Secrets, lies, betrayals, romance, alligators, Colombian drug dealers, Native American culture and history, environmental impact and ecological stance, disgusting bugs, giant spiders, and repulsive cockroaches – oh my!!! Can two stubborn, but passionate characters find love on an airboat in the Everglades?!
There is so much to this book and I loved every page!!!
This is the fourth book I’ve read from the talented writer, Petie McCarty. Last month I had the privilege of reading her book, “The Angel and the SEAL,” which is part of the Mystery Angels Romances Book Series and I totally loved it, so I was very excited to read her latest work, “Ambush in the Everglades.”
Petie’s writing only continues to improve, grow, and expand with each book! I know she will be an author I will continue to read over the years!
I really liked the main characters, Kayli and Skye (great names by the way!!). They were likable, realistic, and genuine. I loved that Kayli, a photographer on assignment for the Florida Governor (who is also her uncle), was a strong, smart, stubborn, bold, sassy, driven female-lead – those are my favorite type of characters and role-models. I loved that Skye, a half Seminole Indian and airboat tour guide, was tough, charming, caring, sexy, persistent, stubborn, and relentless. There is so much chemistry between these two and it was entertaining watching them try to fight it. Not to mention all the hilarious witty banter that went back and forth between Kayli and Skye!! There were many LOL moments in this book and usually at the expense of these two!! I loved how they pushed each other’s buttons and at times drove each other crazy lol!! Gosh, these two were both ever so stubborn, but it made for some great lines and really built up the tension!!
I also really enjoyed the supporting cast – Uncle Wren, Jimmy, Crane, Sally, Uncle John, Aunt Olivia, and Brad. They all were important to the story and played their roles well, especially while engaging with the main characters.
I think the author did a fantastic job on her character development as these characters were so real and personal on many levels!
It is clear Mrs. McCarty does not know how to write a boring, cookie-cutter character. She writes her characters with depth, that have emotional baggage, are dealing with real-life struggles, and are working on over-coming personal obstacles. She writes real-life characters that face real-world problems. Which is one of the reasons I love her books, because I know when I read it, I will be able to easily connect with the characters and possibly even grow with the characters in the story.
This book has a creative story line, fantastic writing style with meticulous and vivid scenes, well-developed characters, is fast paced, and keeps you completely entertained through the last page!!!
The author’s writing is strong and eloquently detailed. She really provided so much detail in her writing that it was easy to picture – especially those disgusting bugs, creepy spiders, and repulsive cockroaches!!! I seriously hate like all bugs – they gross me out lol!!! This book did such a great job describing them that there were a few times I even squealed and made sure my feet were off the ground lol – those bugs weren’t getting me LOL!!!
I was truly impressed with the amount of in-depth research the author provided in this book. It is clear she was well-versed and familiar with the Everglades area and its natural habitat. This book included intricate details on the flora and fauna of the River of Grass. It felt both fun and educational and I definitely learned a lot more about the beautiful Everglades than I had before. I’m not sure if it’s on my bucket list though – those creepy bugs are really freaking me out LOL!!!
There were many times I found myself totally caught up in the story!
This book genre is marketed as romantic suspense and yet the author found a way to throw in so much excitement, mystery, intrigue, and adventure elements into the book. It definitely added a fascinating twist to the story and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!!!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few VERY unexpected twists and turns that you definitely won’t see coming!!!
And wow – what an ending!!! Further proof of why Mrs. McCarty is one of my absolutely favorite authors!!!
At this time, this book is not part of a book series and can be read as a standalone.
For me, this book absolutely worked!!! It hit everything I look for and need when I am reading and reviewing a book!!!
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend not only this book, but this author as well! I was truly impressed with the quality of writing, intriguing story line, and excellent character development! I will definitely be continuing to follow this author and check out her upcoming books! I think all romantic suspense readers will like this book too! So, be sure to add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
Ms. McCarty is fast becoming one of my favorite writers. In fact, I hope that she continues in the romantic suspense category. She writes her action scenes that make you feel like you are right in it with the characters. Her heroines can hold there own and the heroes realize that the woman in their life is quite capable.
Kayli is no shrinking violet. Look, I would be freaking out about leeches and roaches like any sane person so I can get that with her. She takes her punches and moves on from it. Skye doesn’t need to “rescue” her in the book. Oh no, I can’t even imagine how that would have worked out. Not well, not well at all. In fact, I think Kayli would have left him high and dry even if he tried. They were equals in the end and it made for a better relationship and book.
Now, did Skye really lie to her about his lineage or what he really was? Not really. He had his life on the river and that was good enough for him. He enjoyed it and was good at it. In fact, I think he was a bit embarrassed about it. Did he tease her at the beginning of the book? You bet but it made for great tension between them and made them work hard for the relationship that neither one of them saw coming. I love when an author does that with their characters.
The secondary characters in the book are top-notch. There is a bit of Native American folklore that was extremely interesting and very important to their story. Especially Skye. When everything was said and done in the end, Wren was the most important character in the book. The mysticism towards the end of the book was intriguing and made the whole book come together. Ms. McCarty did her research when it came to sights and sounds of the river, too. Just once I would like to ride a riverboat for the rush. Well, and to also see the Everglades in person, too.
Ms. Carty has written a brilliant action-packed, slow-burn romance in the suspense department. Again, she is becoming one of my all-time favorite authors. Pick her books up to read. You won’t be sorry.
Girl meets boy, sparks fly, he pushes the throttle of the airboat forward and we are off on an Everglades adventure. So far, things are what I expected them to be and I am loving it. I am sure the danger is around one of these corners, just got to find it. lol
The Everglades is something on my bucket list, so I was very excited to ‘read all about it.’ I can imagine the vibrations from the airboat under my feet, the sounds and smells that surround me, the wind blowing my hair and the sun on my face. Kayli is a photographer, so that is another thing about the book I can relate to, wanting to get those perfect shots. I can hardly wait to walk in her footsteps with my own Mr Wonderful.
Okay, Kayli, either smack him or kiss him. I foresee some hot action, and it’s not just of the romantic kind. I love all the sexual innuendo and flirtation in the dialogue. I do, sometimes, get frustrated with the back and forth of romantic suspense, but, when I really think about it, isn’t miscommunication a popular problem in real life?
I love the ecological slant to the story. I know some people don’t like real life events and concerns in their fictional reading, but to me it makes the story more real. Gives me an extra something to see how it plays out.
Oh yeah, gotta have those *#%$& spiders and giant cockroaches that we know so well here in Florida.
I love Sky’s friend, Jimmy, messing with him about Kayli. Plenty of grins and laughs.
I never thought I would be such a hopeless romantic, but if the writing is good and the characters engrossing, my heart pounds with heat and fear right along with them. I know it’s hard to find a love story that hasn’t been told before, but I sure do like reading new books in my search.
Romance, danger, some Indian lore and mysticism in a tropical paradise? Loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Ambush by Petie McCarty.
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In this environmental adventure romance, Kayli is sent on assignment to the Everglades. The writing style is good and there were a couple of plots interwoven into the story, both criminal and political that added a multifaceted dimension to the book. I found the descriptions of the Everglades educational and enjoyed the insights, especially as I had an opportunity of visiting the area when I traveled in the USA some years ago. I was, therefore, able to identify with riding on an airboat, seeing in my mind’s eye the scenery and the various sights and sounds. The criminal aspects of the novel were fully resolved by the end of the book. The romance between Kayli and Skye started out as a love/hate relationship but evolved into a fiery attraction between two strong-minded people who were meant for each other. There is a mystic element to the story, which came as a surprise. However, all in all, it is an entertaining read. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
Loved the characters of Kayli and Skye and their story. Humor, attraction, danger was all included. The “side story” of Uncle Wren, etc. was interesting but, I felt, unnecessary to the storyline. I received this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.