Really disappointing. The premise was interesting, even though I don't love natural disasters as a setting, but the writing was so, so flat that I couldn't connect with any of the characters. I did like the way the story ended, with a lot of hope but not sunshine-everything-is-rainbows. There were a couple of moments that stretched credulity, but nothing too over the top (thankfully, since the setting itself provides the drama).

I may come back to this series eventually, but it definitely won't be a priority. ( )

Jill Sorenson is getting better all the time. I really loved this book. Bought it at work this afternoon and finished it this evening. Well plotted and believable. Interesting well developed characters, especially the hero, Garrett. I appreciated that JS didn't wimp out and make him not be guilty of what he went to prison for. So many times authors make an ex con an innocent man wrongly accused. His story was very strong. I loved how he faced up to choices he'd made in his life. The heroine was competent and well written. No TSTL moments. Good secondary characters.

The romance was there but the action really carried the story. It moved fast, was suspenseful and didn't let up.

Looking forward to Sam's story. ( )

An intense, gritty realistic look at a disaster.

The opening scenes of this book were so realistic it was like watching a movie. Lauren Boyer and her partner are paramedics and currently on a California freeway when a 8.5 earthquake hits. Lauren watches the devastation around her including her partner getting killed as the freeway collapses on top of them. When the earthquake ends she is trapped in cavern like atmosphere.

In her search for survivors she comes across a man who is also trying to find survivors. Garrett Wright seems like a stand up guy to her and later she learns he was in the military. In there search they come across Jeb and Mickey who are escaped convicts with another convict Owen who's hurt and unconscious. They realize that they need to stay as far away from Jeb and Mickey as they can.

They come across a girl trapped in a car that is about to explode. Garrett manages to pull the pregnant teen out of the car before it does. She is nine months pregnant and Lauren is worried she is going to go into labor. In there search for more survivors they come across a RV that is untouched from the earthquake and meet the owner Don, and his young granddaughter Cadence. This is where they decide to set up "base camp" and also triage for any of the people they find alive.

The story from here not only becomes about survival from being trapped but also fighting for there lives from the 2 convicts. In the mist of this Garrett and Lauren fight an attraction to each other that neither understand. Lauren had just been dumped by her fiance for another woman and had no desire to ever put herself in a situation again to get hurt and this was certainly a perfect example. Garrett we know struggles with not thinking he is good enough and keeps telling Lauren he isnt even though we dont find out why till towards the end of the book.

My view of the romance was it was two lost souls that found each other through traumatic circumstances that even with there pasts and there current hopeless situation that you never know when love is going to come up and bite you on the butt.

This was a great edge of your seat book. I am looking forward to the next two books in the series which will be Sam's story in Freefall and Owen's story in Badlands. ( )

This was my first book by Jill Sorenson but I can guarantee it will not be the last. So much happened in this book that I don't think I can even coherently give a review. All I can really think is: READ IT! Read it now!

We start with a devastating earthquake that leads to the trapping of our characters. While trying to survive inside of a cavern created by a collapsed freeway there are so many ups and downs. Dangerous convicts, a pregnant woman, trying to escape, falling in love and more. No only do the characters go for a ride but I did also as a reader. It was easy to become emotionally invested in the wonderful characters that Ms Sorenson gives us. I don't want to say any more because I might give it all away. But seriously, read it now, this is an adventure you don't want to miss. ( )

My Booklist review:

After EMT Lauren Boyer’s partner is killed in their ambulance when a freeway falls during an 8.5 earthquake in San Diego, she, hulky former U.S. Marine Garrett, a pregnant woman, a grandfather, his granddaughter, and two severely injured people set up base in the area around the severed ambulance and the cab of a semi. Through aftershocks, they hunker down in their little caved-in area, fighting off a gang of three prison inmates while trying to come up with an escape or rescue plan. Like a season of Survivor, they must battle problems both large and small: the convicts squander their liquids, then attack to get more, wounding the grandfather; the pregnant girl goes into labor; one of the injured dies, while the other wakes with no memory. As Lauren and Garrett work to keep everyone healthy and calm, even as setbacks develop, they bond. But will what feels like love now last after they are rescued? As the survivors fight for their lives, Sorenson describes everything in stunning detail to create a riveting romantic adventure.— Pat Henshaw ( )