Total Bravery - Piper J. Drake (Forever - Apr 2018)

Series: True Heroes (Book 4)

True heroes will do anything to protect the women they love...

As the newest recruit at Search and Protect, Raul has a lot to prove. Luckily, he's got the best friend and partner a man could ask for: a highly trained, fiercely loyal German Shepherd Dog named Taz. Together, Raul and Taz make an unbeatable team. But their first mission in Hawaii really puts them to the test when an international kidnapping ring sets its sights on the bravest woman Raul's ever met...

Mali knows her latest job has put one hell of a target on her back. And on this small island paradise, there's nowhere to hide. With a service dog like Taz, Mali feels safe. Sharing close quarters with a smoldering muscle-for-hire like Raul, she feels something else - an unexpected wave of desire. Raul feels it too. But when the kidnappers make their move, he's got to turn that slow-burning passion into hard-hitting action - and save the life of the woman he loves.

Good book that sucked me in right away. The first three books in the series took place in Pennsylvania, with the owners and trainers at Hope's Crossing Kennels. This book follows one of their working dogs and his handler, Taz and Raul Sa (from Absolute Trust), to Hawaii and their work with Search and Protect. On his first day on the job, alone on the premises, he received a call from the sister of one of his teammates - she's on the run from unknown men and needs help. Raul and Taz immediately set off to find her.

Mali is a researcher doing post-doctorate work and studying human trafficking. The team she is with has drawn the wrong kind of attention, and while she has evaded capture, the rest of the team has not. She's on edge until her sister's friend and teammate finds her and gets her to safety.

I loved the first meeting between Raul and Mali. The situation is tense because of the danger, but there is also no denying the punch of attraction that both of them feel. Mali is moved by Raul's care and concern and notices how cute he is. Raul is equally drawn to her, but she's his best friend's little sister. I laughed out loud at that moment in the hotel room when he asked "Is there something I can do to get out of this situation without Arin wanting to kill me?" and "I'm doomed. Dead." I loved Mali's reaction even more. I loved the way that Mali almost instantly connected with both Raul and Taz, and they with her. Taz is just as protective of Mali as Raul is, and he and Mali have some pretty sweet moments together.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Raul and Mali. Raul is smitten almost immediately. Even if it means standing up to his good buddy Arin, he wants to see where it will go. The problem is, he's got some pretty dark things in his past that also make him feel that he isn't good for her, so he mentally flip-flops a little bit. Mali's feelings have her totally confused. With everything that's going on, as much as she wants them to, she's not sure that she can trust them to last. I liked how their working together helped them get to know each other, and that the heat between them continued to build. I loved that Raul respected Mali's intelligence and capabilities. He didn't allow his protectiveness to stop him from listening to her opinions and suggestions or stop her from participating in the rescue operation. Though Mali is an eyewitness to the things that Raul is capable of when the situation calls for it, her feelings for him are not diminished by it. I liked that she could separate the professional Raul from the personal one. The ending was fantastic, as Raul gave Mali the space she needed to deal with everything that had happened. I liked how Mali was able to work through all her issues and see the truth. The fact that both of them had "go big" moments planned put them on equal footing for their future, with neither one having to give something up to be together.

The suspense of the story was really good and kept me hooked throughout the book. Mali and her research team were researching human trafficking on the Islands when they drew the interest of the wrong people. Mali was able to escape, thanks to remembered advice from her sister, which leaves her as the only team member free. Though badly shaken, she is determined to help her friends. Her return to the hotel, with Raul and Taz in tow, is tense and becomes more so with the messages she received. Mali's stubborn insistence on following those instructions almost put her in the TSTL category, but her willingness to follow Raul's lead made it better. The scene at the pineapple stand brought home how much danger was involved. Once they return to Search and Protect's headquarters and fill in the rest of the team, things really begin to pop. I loved the teamwork and seeing how each member's strengths were utilized. The rescue operation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat as I read my way through it. There were a couple of unexpected twists that increased the tension before it was all resolved.

The assorted relationships in the book were also fascinating. Raul and Taz's assimilation into the new team was an important component. His reflections on past issues with other teams emphasized how important this new job was to him. I liked seeing how his interactions with each of those members reinforced his feeling of belonging. I loved the nurturing spirit of Kalea and her obvious happiness in taking care of everyone. Zu's leadership and understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each member had the respect of them all. I loved his conversation with Raul at the end, and the impact it had on Raul. I felt like the most important relationship, other than that between Mali and Raul, was the one between Arin and Mali. They had grown up with Arin being Mali's protector, and now that they are grown Arin still sees Mali as that child. It takes a while for her to see Mali's strength and independence. That protectiveness also comes out when she sees the sparks between Mali and Raul. I loved that she warned Mali that she could be hurt, but also that she could hurt Raul. The friendship between Arin and Raul is a close one, and they obviously know each other well. There were some realistically awkward moments among the three of them as they worked out the new dynamics.

I loved the dogs, especially Taz. I was rooting for him in the previous book and was thrilled when he found a partner in Raul. I loved how well they had already bonded by the time this book started. One of the things I liked best about him is that his personality is so much like Raul's. It seemed that he fell for Mali as quickly as Raul did. I loved the scene in the bathroom when Raul first rescued Mali, and how Taz sensed her distress. The bit with the pineapple was absolutely adorable. Though Mali had never been an animal person, Taz drew her in just as quickly. I loved how he provided comfort in stressful times,  and was there for the good times, too. I loved his part in Raul's big moment. As always in these True Heroes books, I love learning about these working dogs and the people they are partnered with. It's always fascinating.

 

Absolute Trust - Piper J. Drake (Forever - Dec 2016)

Series: True Heroes (Book 3)

LOVE IS THE GREATEST RISK OF ALL

After multiple tours of duty, Brandon Forte returns to his hometown on a personal mission: to open a facility for military service dogs like Haydn, a German shepherd who's seen his share of combat and loss. It also brings him back to Sophie Kim, a beacon of light in his life . . . and the one woman he can't have. But Forte's success means he's made enemies in high places. Enemies who are now after Sophie . . .

When Forte enlisted and left without saying goodbye, Sophie did her best to move on. But with her first love back in town, looking sexier than ever, she's constantly reminded of what they could have had. Then after he risks himself for her, Sophie realizes she'll have to put her life in the hands of the man who broke her heart, knowing the danger -and the sparks between them- could consume them both.

Good second chance/friends to lovers story with some excellent suspense to go along with it.  Brandon and Sophie had known each other since they were in school, becoming more than friends when they were in high school. But after graduation, Brandon left for the military without a word to Sophie, not even a goodbye, breaking her heart. When he left the military, he came back to Hope's Crossing to open a training facility for military dogs. And right back to Sophie, who has been his anchor, even if she didn't know it.

When Brandon left, Sophie went on with her life. She went to school, got a good job, everything to live up to her parents' expectations. But she drew the line at settling down with one of the "nice boys" that her parents pushed at her. When Brandon came back to town, they slid right back into their old friends routine.

It is clear to everyone that there is still something there between Brandon and Sophie, but neither one can see it in the other. Brandon loves Sophie and always has, but has never felt good enough for her. This feeling was reinforced when he was a teenager by Sophie's parents' attitude toward him. The things that happened during the war only added to his need to keep his darker side away from her. Sophie has always loved Brandon, in spite of her parents' feelings about him. With Brandon back in town, she will try to content herself with friendship, but she really wants more.

I liked the development of the relationship between Brandon and Sophie. Because they've known each other for so long, there aren't many secrets, yet it is still a journey of discovery for them. Alone together in a place where Brandon hopes to keep her safe, both are forced to face their feelings about themselves and each other. No more hiding behind the façade of friendship. I loved seeing Brandon's protectiveness after the car bomb, and the depth of caring he showed as he took care of Sophie. I especially loved the scene with the cat café, as it showed how well he knows her. When they reached their cabin hideout, the heat between them really kicked in. Though Brandon tried to hold back, Sophie had had enough and went after what she wanted. I also liked the fact that she also took a hard look at her life and saw that she had just been going with the flow and took steps to change it. I really liked how one of the first things she did was demand answers from Brandon about why he had left her. I ached a bit for Brandon, as he admitted his insecurities to her, and how they had driven him to make the choices he had made. He still feels that he isn't good enough for her, but he's reached the point that he is going after what he wants anyway. I loved the ending, as both Brandon and Sophie admitted their mistakes and took that final leap of faith.

The suspense of the story was really good. The car bomb was a real attention getter, especially since the only thing that saved Sophie was the chance meeting with Brandon and Haydn. From there, the race was on to see if Brandon and the others could find out the who and why before it was too late. There were several possibilities, from someone trying to get to Brandon by using Sophie to some potential funny business going on at Sophie's workplace.  I enjoyed the buildup to the confrontation at the cabin and seeing the steps Brandon went through to keep Sophie safe. The confrontation was a nail-biter to the end. I especially liked seeing Sophie's active participation rather than just waiting for rescue. At the end of the confrontation, there were still some unanswered questions. I loved Brandon's effort to get answers to those questions. There were some unexpected connections that became clear, as well as an unusual hero who helped get those answers.

Two of my favorite characters were the dog, Haydn, and the cat, Tessa. I loved how Brandon and the crew at Hope's Crossing Kennels gave Haydn a new purpose after the loss of his leg and his handler during the war. From the moment he alerted on the explosives in Sophie's car, I could see his determination and his enthusiasm for what he was doing. I was not at all surprised by his participation in Sophie's rescue. I also loved how it was him and the dogs from the previous books who gave Brandon ideas and motivations for the future of the kennels. I also adored the kitten, Tessa. Her rough start in life tugged at Sophie's heartstrings, leading to her adoption. It was amusing to see her reactions to Haydn, and his to her. I was a bit surprised that Brandon and Sophie took her along to the cabin, considering what they expected to happen. Probably the funniest moment with her was her encounter with Raul Sa after the cabin incident.

Speaking of Raul Sa, I was very happy to discover that this is not the last book in the series. Raul's presence in this book, and his need for a working dog, is the lead-in to the next book. I liked what I saw of Raul and am looking forward to reading his book.

Ultimate Courage - Piper J. Drake (Forever - Apr 2016)

Series: True Heroes (Book 2)

LOVE IS AN ACT OF BRAVERY

Retired Navy SEAL Alex Rojas is putting his life back together, one piece at a time. Being a single dad to his young daughter and working at Hope's Crossing Kennels to help rehab a former guard dog, he struggles every day to control his PTSD. But when Elisa Hall shows up, on the run and way too cautious, she unleashes his every protective instinct.

Elisa's past never stays in her rearview mirror for long, and she refuses to put anyone else in danger. But with Alex guarding her so fiercely yet looking at her so tenderly, she's never felt safer . . . or more terrified that the secrets she keeps could put countless people in grave peril. The only way for both to fully escape their demons will take the ultimate act of courage: letting go and learning to trust each other.

Terrific story with a good blend of suspense and romance. Elisa is on the run when she encounters Alex and his daughter, Serena (aka Boom). Desperate for a place to stop and earn some money before her past catches up with her again, Elisa is drawn by the feeling of safety she has when she's with Alex.

I really liked both Alex and Elisa. Alex is a single dad of a ten-year-old daughter. He is putting his life back together after leaving the SEALs, working with the dogs at the kennels and trying to keep his PTSD under control. He can be very intense, but there is also an unexpected core of kindness and sensitivity that comes out around Elisa. He also has some trust issues that have kept him from forming any new romantic relationships. Elisa is a woman who has lost the ability to trust her own judgment after falling in love with a man who wasn't what she thought he was. After losing her sense of self to his emotional and mental abuse, she finally found the courage to escape. But she doesn't seem to be able to run far or fast enough to escape his reach until she encounters Alex and Boom.

The opening scene was a real attention grabber for me. Elisa is in a hospital emergency room waiting to be seen when she overhears Alex getting irate with a staff member. I ached for her and the fear she felt listening to him. That fear turns to confusion and curiosity after she meets Boom and sees Alex's gentleness with his daughter, and has that same gentleness turned on her. I liked the courage it gave her to track down the kennel to return Boom's glove.  Her arrival at the kennel was perfect timing, as Alex desperately needed someone who could be their admin assistant, and Elisa needed a job. Right from the start, Alex had an incredible sensitivity to Elisa's fears and had the perfect balance of protectiveness and support.

I loved seeing their relationship develop. Elisa is wary and determined not to depend on anyone but herself. She was burned in the past by the people who should have supported her. I loved watching Alex approach Elisa with the same kind of gentleness he used with some of the dogs, and how she responded with growing trust. That trust helped her open up to Alex and the others about her trouble. I loved how Alex's support of Elisa gave her the confidence to insist on being part of whatever the men found out about her ex. It wasn't all about Elisa either. Alex has had his own issues, thanks to his memories of the war, problems that put him on edge and make it hard to be around other people. There is something about Elisa that helps to ground Alex in the present, and helps to calm him down. There is also an intense attraction that simmered under the surface as they got to know each other, and I enjoyed seeing them give in to it as their trust in each other grew. Unfortunately, Alex made a boneheaded move when something happened that triggered one of his deepest fears. It very nearly had tragic consequences before he realized the truth.

The suspense of the story was very good. The bad guy is known from the beginning, with the suspense being the anticipation of seeing him foiled. The intensity grows with each revelation or encounter, until the final confrontation. I loved the unquestioning support from the whole Hope's Crossing team as each of them uses their skills to keep Elisa safe. My heart was pounding as Elisa faced down her ex and her new-found confidence gave her the strength she needed. There was an interesting twist at the end that linked this book with the first one. I can't wait to read the next one and see if it is also linked.

I loved the secondary characters. Alex's partners are wonderful with their support of him both personally and professionally. I also enjoyed their teasing as Elisa I adored Greg and Gary and how they watched out for Elisa. But my two favorites were Boom and Souze. Boom was a terrific kid. I loved the relationship she had with Alex, from her negotiating abilities to her own way of watching out for him. I loved watching her bond with Elisa, and the science project scene was great. The dog Souze was fantastic. His immediate connection with Elisa was cool and I enjoyed seeing how protective he was of her. I ached for him a bit as his training with Alex didn't always go as well as Alex wanted. I also loved the relationship between Souze and Alex, especially when it came to Alex's PTSD. There was a heartwarming scene as Souze pulled Alex out of an episode that probably wouldn't have ended well. It was great to see Souze finally find his new place in the world.