I am sad that Sandra doesn't have a tour scheduled for this book. I was so tickled to get to see her after her release last year. This book is one I'd love to hear her talk about, for sure.

The book hooked me from the very start. The opening scene had me wondering where the story was going to take me. I wasn't disappointed. It took me on a ride of survival I couldn't have ever imagined.

The characters where likeable and relatable. Even the characters I think we were supposed to not necessarily fully like were manageable. I wanted everyone to get what they needed and deserved so very much.

The plot moved at a well maintained pace. I didn't find any parts where I felt like the story was lagging in any way. The twist, well, I figured that out a little ealier than I think I should have. However, it was more like I kept thinking wouldn't that be wild if it was "insert what it turns out to be". But, I was right. I just didn't know the why at first.

Overall, this is most certainly a book I would recommend if you are looking for a romantic suspense book.

Out of Nowhere
By Sandra Brown
Pub Date: 01 Aug 2023
Grand Central Publishing
General Fiction (Adult)
Rating: 4.5/5

A young mother and a high-rolling consultant come together under tragic circumstances and become embroiled in a life-or-death manhunt that changes both of their lives forever in Sandra Brown's Out of Nowhere. As they race against the clock, secrets will be revealed and the line between right and wrong will become blurred, forcing Sandra Brown's characters to make life-altering decisions that will have far-reaching implications.
 
This book captivated me like no other due to its highly emotional content. The gripping story and riveting characters kept me transfixed. Despite the fact that few plot points were clear early on, I was hooked by the surprises and webs that required further exploration. The story has incredible suspense and intrigue that makes it extremely difficult to walk away from. Anyone seeking a fast-paced, gut-wrenching read should check out this novel. You'll remember it long after you finish it.

• Be sure to read the trigger warning before proceeding.

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for sharing this amazing book with me. The message resonates with every parent and touches my heart deeply.

Interesting book that brings in things going on in today’s world. Elle Portman with her 2 year old son Charlie met her friend Glenda Foster at the fair. Glenda was meeting some other female friends later in the evening for drinks at the fair but enjoyed time with Elle entertaining Charlie at the fair. Shauna Calloway, a reporter for channel 7 news and a typical pushy reporter type, was at the fair to interview a well known singer before his concert and was staying for the concert. She wanted her boyfriend Calder Hudson to attend the concert with her. Calder not wanting to but figured life would be smoother if he attended. As Calder was entering the fair and Elle and Charlie were leaving a mass shooter opened fired there in the very crowded area at the entrance/exit area. An interesting book trying find and prove who the shooter was and why they chose to kill so many people out of vengeance. I would recommend this book to others.

Out of Nowhere is Sandra Brown's latest novels. I have read just about all her books and have always enjoyed them. This one was a hard read as it has to do with mass shootings. It twists and turns until it is finally revealed who the shooter is, who was targeted and why. Since you don't know the whole back story until the end it is very hard to figure out what is going to happen. Some of the characters are very believable; the TV reporter who is very aggressive, the victims that were shot, and the police detectives. I'm just not sure about Elle.
The book was well written and a fast read as you want to know who the shooter is and why.

OMG!!! I don't know what to say! I don't want to give anything away.This is a gut wrenching, emotional, suspenseful book. A little sex. Two people are thrown together after a horrible experience but will it end up coming between them? Make sure you have plenty of tissues nearby!
Elle is the mother of a two year old son and a children books writer. She takes her son to the county fair and as they are leaving, shots are fired. People are running, trying to get away and in a panic.
Calder is a business consultant and after getting finished with his latest job, he heads to the fair to see his girlfriend. After the shots are fired and he is down. The next thing he knows is him waking up in the hospital. He's told he was lucky and should be good as new when he heals.
Calder and Elle meet at the police station when they both go to be interviewed by the cops. One look and Calder is stunned by her beauty. They are drawn to each other but with the shooter still at large is it a good time for them to come together?

* Received from Netgalley and voluntarily read and reviewed *

The author, Sandra Brown, is very aware that her subject matter, a mass shooting, can be a sensitive and gruesome topic and she says she would like to make sure that survivors, as well as victims, are honored. “Out of Nowhere “ recognizes the trauma that occurs to people and that time doesn’t simply heal the emotional scars. Her main characters, a young mother and a businessman, are complex. They’re never far from the awful incident that made them unwilling acquaintances and their stories are heartbreaking as they realize their lives have changed forever.

As a story, this has a unique spin: what if after a few weeks the police realize that the supposed killer who seemed to die by suicide, wasn’t the mass murderer but also a victim? How do two people who wanted to be assured that the man who made their lives unbearable find out that there's still a maniac out there? A maniac who might still be targeting survivors? The result is a tense, fast-paced suspense story that doesn’t let up until the very end, sweeping up the main characters as they react to the twists and turns re-victimizing them. Of course, there are some (not all) incompetent law enforcement officers and greedy, unscrupulous reporters along the way as well. It’s often hard to deal with the subject matter, but it was worth the read to contemplate “what happens if the mass shooter gets away?” 4 stars!

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): ALMOST The unusual color of Elle’s aqua eyes is eventually described as like opals, but Calder’s “eyes were hazel, though more green than brown”.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Just an escape through some unspecified anonymous woods.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
Wow wow this book deserves more than five stars. I absolutely love all Sandra Browns book. Such a great author!
Ellie and her two year old are enjoying a night at the Texas fair when a shooter opens fire.
Calder, a corporate consultant finds himself in the hospital with a gunshot in his arm, -lucky to be alive unlike Ellie’s boy, How can she live without him? How can Calder put his life back together? Why does he feel guilt for not saving the boy? Who is the shooter and why haven’t they captured him?

Sandra Brown's latest novel, Out of Nowhere, has rekindled my love for her writing. Although I had let her fall by the wayside, Brown's skillful writing drew me back into her world. Calder and Elle's intersecting lives were presented seamlessly, and the tragedy and heartbreak they experienced were resolved in a satisfying way. I feel as though I have truly lived inside the hearts of these characters. Thank you, Ms. Brown, for bringing me back into your world of storytelling.

Another great read by Sandra Brown!

A little romance, a little suspense and a whole lot of sorrow.

If you are a parent and reading the book be prepared and have a box of Kleenex next to you.

This story hits home with all the gun happy crazies in this world.