Gaele Hi
I’ve wanted to see Danika and Greer together since I first met them in the 2nd book (I have the first but haven’t cracked it open – yet). Both are so determined to succeed at everything – and the chemistry that fairly sizzles off the page between them is exciting. But there are problems – on both sides. Danika thrives on being the girl with every answer – stepping in to help her friends, her family, and now as she trains to be a cop – society as a whole. It’s not exactly selfless – she seems to be driven by a need to be useful so people WILL want her around and be happy to see her. Unfortunately, she’s unwilling and unable to ask for similar help in return – and her days are often filled with extracurriculars that leave little time for her. Greer is still reeling (and grieving) for the partner that was killed in the line of duty – a partner who was just pulling him from his driven, unemotional and by the book ALWAYS approach to the job and his life. Devastated by his mother’s abandonment and then discovering her nearby with a new family and not waiting to see the reasons why, he’s scared of letting anyone close to him because they will, in his experience, leave him. It’s made him rigid and buttoned-up, even Danika refers to him as the Grim Reaper – but his stellar rise in the force, and his determination to turn out the best prepared recruits make him a serious taskmaster. Of course, over the course of the series there have been conflicts and scuffles, and Danika is determined to show him her best, struggling for every compliment no matter how meager- but she’s wary. And angry. She doesn’t forget his comments about Jack – and she can’t abide those who mistreat her friends or family. Yet there’s something about Greer that poses a challenge – and there is no denying her attraction – even as she tries to think of men that are her ‘type’ – more passive, smaller in stature – not quite so MALE. Which Greer is in every sense of the word. So much push and pull – they are drawn to one another even as Greer is utterly terrified that he will lose her and his closing off huge pieces of himself, and not allowing his emotions to come forward frustrates Danika to no end. He’s loving her laugh, her looks and her willingness to dive in and help her friends and family – even as he’s terrified she’s not learned to ask for help, or even rely on another…..something that could get her killed on the job. Two people – scared to trust in one another, in emotions, or even to rely upon their connection as they have ways of behaving that have worked well (or reasonably so) for years. But – when they do act on that attraction – O M G! I love a dirty talker and Greer fits that bill perfectly – solidly alpha and in control: their interplay is delicious and delightful – and the fact that he can listen to a single voicemail from her 19 times? SO Freaking Sweet… he wants to have her – to be with her and live his life in color – he just can’t abide the chance that it could all go away. And then it does. Or he tries to return to life as it was – and he can’t. Fortunately Danika – with a healthy dose of friends, family and a knock-down when wills collide moment happens – with a few grand gestures and a recognition of their need – the story comes together to make their happy ending – in all the best ways. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
