
Mari Loves Books Blog
I liked the suspense in this and the tension between Maya and Brian and the danger she was in. I normally like the back and forth between characters and the angst between them as they figure out their place in each other's lives. I had a hard time with this one because of Brian and his previous relationship and the things he does, even when he says he wants Maya. I found myself cringing at times. Just go in at your own risk as some of these thing may be hard limits for some.

LA F
I have read several of this author’s books through different ARC programs and I like her style and the realistic characters. They feel like everyday people not billionaires with special military training or equipment. Unfortunately, I have not read them in order, and I would recommend doing that or at least reading this one first. The books in the series revolve around the police and dispatch departments of Birch, Maine. This is the story of Maya, who is a dispatcher and trying to rebuild her life after the end of her abusive marriage. She has made some good friends through work and one that helped her quite a bit was Brian. He is a sheriff deputy, and they work together, but when Maya confesses her feelings for him, Brian is not receptive and that puts some stress on their work relationship and friendship. Unfortunately, at this time, Maya seems to have acquired a stalker and is attacked in her home. Her recovery and the fallout from the assault actually help bring Brian to his senses and they build a relationship. Although the attack and the stalker storyline kept me reading there were definitely parts of the book that made me question some of the characters. There were times I did not like Brian at all. It was hard to see what Maya saw in him. Yet there were other times that I could not understand Maya’s choices. She was getting out of a toxic relationship and tried to quickly jump into a new relationship with Brian, who not only has an ex-wife and kids but a current girlfriend. Some of the characters acted juvenile and as if they were in high school, not adult, first responders who are responsible for people’s lives. ***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**

Mary S
This is a really good small town story with some intense moments and definitely might be triggers for some especially those who have dealt with rape and violence. I do think the author did a good job with such difficult subject matter. Maya has gone through every women's worse nightmare. Brian is living with guilt and what if. This story was tough at times because of everything she endures and goes through. She has an incredible family though that is so supportive and is there for her in so many ways. The story is suspenseful with danger, mystery, passion, love, anger, pain, sorrow, fear and great twists and turns. I look forward to reading more from this author!