Trouble in Mind

Interstellar Rescue, Book 2

By: Donna S. Frelick

Narrated by: Lisa Beacom

She couldn't get him out of her mind - and that's when the trouble started.

FBI Special Agent Alana Matheson is good at her job, despite a past that would make even a seasoned agent cringe. She has no time for the outside help the victims' family has brought in on a kidnapping case, no matter how good looking he is.

But galactic tracker Gabriel Cruz is no ordinary private investigator, and the skills he brings to the job will save both their lives. Because Lana and Gabriel are not the only ones seeking an unusual little boy and his mother. Their rivals in the chase are not of this world, and only an alliance built on the bonds of love can ensure that Lana and Gabriel beat the alien hunters to their prey.

A Golden Heart Finalist, Trouble in Mind is the pause-register sequel to Donna S. Frelick's debut, Unchained Memory.

©2015 Donna Frelick (P)2016 Donna Frelick

Sci Fi Romance at its best

Trouble in Mind is the second book in the Interstellar Rescue Series by Donna S. Frelick. It continues the epic partnship with narrator Lisa Beacom that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout Book 1. Multiple character points of view, complex storyline, a plethora of new characters and rapid shifts between planets and worlds is in theory, a recipe for audiobook disaster yet at no point did I find myself 'lost' or confused or irritated by the changes. I generally dislike any book with more than two perspectives at a time yet this book had me 100% captivated. This is a masterful achievment and signposts a superbly crafted novel supportedf by brilliant narration.

There is no doubt this book has it all: Passionate romance, edge of your seat danger, thrills across galaxies, black ops involving sinister forces in and outside of Government and betrayals that will leave you breathless. Add to this spaceships, alien beasts, native American mystique and the readers adventure cup is totally full.

But the appeal of this series does not end with the thrilling story line: From the first page there is so much heart and emotion to connect the reader to each of the fascinating central and side characters: This is squarely Alana and Gabriel’s story, but Asia, Ethan and their foster son Jack from book one play significant parts in the story, Sam and Rayna (secondary character’s from book #1, and MC’s in Book #3) continue to warm my heart and provide essential assistance, care and courage. I adored and at the same time totally chilled by 'the brothers', The spaceship crews, the Native American clan that became 'family', the FBI agents you want to punch and so many more will soon pierce your heart. There are such clever interconnected details that are all woven together to create a completely spellbinding journey for the reader full of delicious twists.

A final note: Personally I reallty disliked Alana: For much of the book I wanted to hand her over to one of the enemies to have her throat cut. I found her incredibly obnoxious and undeserving. Such a contrast to my instant connection to Asia and Ethan. But hang in there if she grates on you. The story between Gabriel and Lana masterfully unfolds and a lot of healing breeds a lot of change. It will be well worth your patience.

Wow!

Excellent, action packed story and perfectly read. Wonderful imagery leaving just enough space for imagination.

Recommend

This is a good book. I really enjoy how the author really rounds out characters and places without getting lost in the details. The narrator did a good job with the characters. I really enjoyed the book and the performance.

Awesome!

What made the experience of listening to Trouble in Mind the most enjoyable?

The plot was really intriguing and the performance was outstanding. So many well-developed characters, yet it was easy to keep them all straight.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It's hard to pick just one character, but my favorites include Alana, Gabriel, Jack, Trevyn, Kinnian, and Geneva Tuhawks. Kinnian was not exactly "likeable" but his character was well-developed and precisely performed.

What about Lisa Beacom’s performance did you like?

It was all good, but I really liked the intonation of voice for the Dineh characters and the Minertsans. With so many complicated characters, the narrator did a great job of helping the listener keep everything straight.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but unfortunately I didn't have the time to do that.

Any additional comments?

This was such a great listen and captivated my attention for the entire book. With some books, you have to listen for a while before it really captures one's attention, but not this one! Great from start to finish.

Too invested in fictional characters

This is an amazing series that I'm addicted to. Asia can't seem to catch a break, and I'm heartsick. I'm becoming too invested in these characters!!! This book was so much harder to listen to than the first one because of Jack and the connection I feel to the three of them. Lots of fears and tears on my end. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a great job bringing it to life.