The Bequest

By: Hope Anika

Narrated by: Shana Ryan

2016 Finalist in The Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense

Cheyenne Elias has inherited a child. A boy she doesn’t know and doesn’t particularly want; a boy whose mother was once Cheyenne’s most hated person in the world. There are a million reasons to walk away: Her anger, her past, her certainty that there is nothing benevolent in this act by a woman who almost killed her. But abandoning the boy to a system she barely survived is not an option....

Will Blackheart has lost everything. His SEAL team, his country, and - upon occasion - his mind. Worse, he’s lost something that has the capacity to kill thousands. Left for dead in the Afghan desert, Will has risen solely for the purpose of regaining that which was taken...and to punish those who dared take it.

His only lead is the son of a dead woman. Her only goal is to save a child. As they come together in a clash of anger, mistrust, and potent, unwanted desire, Will and Cheyenne must put aside their differences and navigate the endgame of a woman for whom nothing was taboo....

©2002, 2015 Hope McKenzie (P)2022 Hope McKenzie

What a mess of a good story!

I read this story and really liked it, so you can imagine my disappointment when I began to listen to the narrator. Audiobook narrators I guess need more scrutiny before allowed to read. I am sorry but Shana Ryan was unfortunately just awful. I only wish it could be redone and have both characters represented by great performers. I would be willing to buy it again for it would be a great travel audio book.

Endearing story

Cheyenne and Will are both determined characters. Cheyenne’s character hurts deeply from wounds inflicted upon her in her childhood. She has never been able to move past them. So, when a former friend turned enemy leaves her a most treasured possession upon her death, a son, Cheyenne has only one agenda; rescue the boy. Will is on a mission to find the hidden boy, but for very different reasons. Will also has his own set of wounds her must move past. I loved this story. Seeing Cheyenne and Will bond over protecting a child was endearing. For the most part the story flowed well. There were a few sex scenes I had to endear to move on in the story. I find these unnecessary in a story like this, but I’m sure there are plenty of people who enjoy them. A nice love story with explicit scenes is not to my liking. The narrator had a pleasant voice, did a good job and spoke clearly, but there were a few issues with sound quality.

Really good story

When I first started listening I wasn’t sure if I’d continue. It didn’t take long to captivate me. I truly enjoyed the listen!

Great!!

I received this as a gift and this is my honest review. I wasn't sure when I received it but It sounded ok, but when I started it took me by surprise. I couldn't put it down. It pulls you in and takes you on a heart warming, fast paced, interesting story. Cheyenne, Will and Rafe were all broken and had a bad past. They were all tied together by one woman an evil vindictive woman. When she dies it brings them all together. Can they learn to trust, care for and become a family. It is so worth reading/listening to this. I recommend it to all

Outstanding Story and Narrator!

This is quite the amazing story! It took me to places I didn’t think I would go. I was surprised, shocked and even disgusted but that just made me love these characters more. The characters are darn near amazing! They aren’t perfect but realistic. I love the strong female and that hot military man. Then add in the delightful boy?? I am not sure which one is my favorite. Each one slayed me at different times in the book. Whether it’s their past or something that just happened. This author makes them human. I love it! This will be going into my favorites!

I did listen to this on audio. Shana Ryan was excellent. I loved when she did Wills voice! It’s confident and yet not loud almost like he is talking to a scared mare or something.

New twist on military romance.

This story is unique and not a typical/predictable military tale. A slow burn relationship that takes a reasonable amount of time to trust and heal. Many interesting twists and turns. A good read with a great ending. Your heart will feel it!