Talon: Combat Tracking Team

A Breed Apart #2

by Ronie Kendig

She’s on a mission to find her missing brother. Only his combat tracking dog knows where to look. . . .

Air Force veteran Aspen Courtland just wants her brother back—dead or alive. The US Marine Corps declared him dead, but Aspen is unwilling to let him die without a fight. Aspen adopts her brother’s combat tracking team dog, Talon, hoping to come closer to finding peace about Austin. But after the brutal attack that separated dog and handler, Talon is afraid of his own shadow.

Military Intelligence Operative Dane Markoski has run from the truth most of his life. Now, it’s the only thing that can save him—and his mission—if he dares to face the past. Talon is the key to achieving his objective…but the only way to Talon is through his new owner. But Dane swore he’d never work a woman.

Teamed up in Djibouti, Dane and Aspen battle the elements and extremists. Survival depends on his skills, her optimism, and the courage of a traumatized combat tracking dog. Can Talon muster the valor for one last mission?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Military Fiction, Christian

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden and AAndromeda the #mwdwashout. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, the RT Reviewers' Choice Award (twice), the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), GoodReads, and Instagram (www.instagram.com/kendigronie ).

Reviews

[MaryLu Tyndall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronie Kendig is the author I come to for hard-core, fast-paced, military inspirational romantic suspense!! Wow..that's a mouthful! I do believe she's created her own genre. :-) Good thing cause she's the best in her field. Talon is another winner, an exceptional winner. Great story, characters that become friends, action, action, action, romance that made my blood heat, a plot I couldn't guess and one that kept me madly turning pages. Excitement, danger, spying, intrigue, lies, truth, good vs evil. Oh, and did I mention there's an adorable dog?? A dog who pulls on your heart strings so hard, you'll start rooting for him over the characters! Yup. Give this author a try. You won't be disappointed. Can't wait for the next book!

[E.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found a new author-crush! Ronie Kendig has completely rocked my world with her latest novel, Talon: Combat Tracking Team from her A Breed Apart series. Honestly, there aren't enough good things I could say about this novel. Exhilarating action from page one. Characters that you can relate to. A plot you couldn't hope to anticipate. And a loveable dog--what more could you ask for?

Aspen Courtland want's to find her brother. They have pronounced him dead after 8 months MIA but she just knows he's still alive.

Dane Markoski, haunted by his past and a set of rules he's placed on himself, will not work with women. Aspen is out of the question.

Talon, wrought with trauma and PTSD is their only hope at finding Aspen's brother--if indeed he is alive.

Join these amazing characters as well as others from the previous novel, Trinity: Military War Dog, on an action-packed adventure into eastern Africa. You will feel the heat, smell the dirt, and wait in anticipation to discover what is going to happen!

I give this book 5 BIG stars and recommend to anyone who enjoys reading. Especially amazing suspense and heart-racing action with beautiful, believable romance. Ronie's writing is fantastic, descriptive, and so accurate that you will escape easily into this military thriller. The romance is sweet. The punches hard. The story satisfying.

Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2013/06...
_______________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book far more than book 1 in the series. There was way more mystery and suspense in this one and this kept me guessing right till the end. I had my suspicions but was never sure, so loved that Ronie kept me guessing right till the end.

Dane's character were strong, but struggling at the same time. Wow, talk about a lot of baggage. I enjoyed his character and loved seeing him growing. Talon...I just wanted to get in there and cuddle the big white lab and take him away from all the action. I also enjoyed Aspen. I thought she was well balanced between being independent and strong, but also knew when she needed help and dependency on the military men. Some of the narration/thoughts were also funny.

But, even though these two were only supporting characters, Timbrel and Candyman, I loved them and can't wait for their story in book 3 of the series. I enjoyed them already in book 1.

This series should be rather read in order, since the character build starts in Book 1 and gets heavier in book 2, especially Timbrel's character.

There was just one question mark about what happened to one character. I never read what happened so did not know if it was good or bad.

[Charity U · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from Ronie! Full of action and adventure, unique twists and turns, scenes that will tear YOUR heart out or make you fall in love…it’s not every day you find a book that can do all of that within 343 pages! There were scenes in here, especially toward the end, that literally had my heart pounding and my eyes flying over the page. I didn’t have so much empathy/love for Talon (the dog) as for Trinity from book one. However, as you can see, I still really enjoyed this book. I smiled several times over the interactions between Candyman and Timbrel…really looking forward to reading their story (and Beowulf’s!). Can’t wait to see what else Ronie has coming up!

**The publisher sent me a copy of this book for review. I wasn’t required to post positively, and I wasn’t paid for this review.**

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Aspen Courtland's twin brother, Austin, is declared MIA while serving in Afghanistan she doesn't believe her brother is MIA or "presumed dead". With the aid of his tracking dog, Talon, and a slew of his combat buddies and other military personnel she travels to Djibouti to determine what has happened to him. There's so much going on in this book, but that is basically the driving force behind the story line.

This book was really overwhelming. It was non-stop action and not in a good way. It never settled down or had moment in between the action where the reader is able to get to know the characters. I was so confused the whole time while reading this book. One problem was that I couldn't keep track of all the characters. Half way through the book I discovered that what I thought was two separate (minor) characters were actually one character. This is because every character has several names they go by. First name, last name, and nick name. Some even have alternate identities added to the mix. I admit, I didn't read the first book. However, I don't think that was why I couldn't keep up. The first book in the series, Trinity, appears to focus on a character only mentioned a few times in this book and this story is totally separate from that one.

I also felt like the characters were all either very distinct stereotypes or were all placed in the book to serve one very definite purpose and those characters had no interactions outside of whatever served their purpose. For that reason, many of the characters came off as very one-dimensional to me. It was also very dark and violent. This is the first book I've read where the overall subject matter involved the military, so that's probably typical for this sort of book, but it wasn't really for me. Especially, for a Christian book the overall outlook of this book was rather grim. Which brings me to another point- this book didn't incorporate the religious aspect very much.


I also had no idea who was the bad guy. First we're hoping to find/save Austin, then he is running away from those trying to save him/shooting at people including his own sister (I think- like I said I was confused, but this is how the story appeared to me), then Austin is sort of helping his sister when she's in a dangerous position, then he's hiding from her again and maybe helping smuggle "yellowcake" or something??? Then, suddenly he's helping find Aspen and he's the good guy again and despite being declared "dead" by the government and having a top-secret job and new identity he's back in Texas chilling with his friends and family?? Honestly, I couldn't understand why Aspen still wanted her brother in her life. He has issues.

At the end the story doesn't really seem to explain much. I didn't understand how all these military-types were (1) able to go on whatever mission they chose (for example, help Aspen find her brother) and (2) travel to Texas at the end to hang out together or just stop working for the military (the author never specifies what they all are doing in Texas). I guess I don't have a full-understanding of how the military works, but not much about that was really explained. I was left with a lot of questions.

I am giving Talon 2 out of 5 stars because it was not a very enjoyable reading experience for me. I'm unsure if I'll read the first or third book, though I have a feeling they might be a better.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aspen is a young woman on a quest to find her brother, Austin, who has been declared legally dead by the military. Dane is a man that no one really knows much about. As we read, we see that he has some real strange flashbacks from his childhood. We also know that he doesn't want to hurt Aspen, but feels that he inevitably will, and is trying to help her locate her brother. In order to determine if Austin is really still alive, the combat tracking dog, Talon, needs to be on the team and as Aspen is his new handler, she is on the team, too.

I have to admit that for the first quarter of this book, I was lost! I realized that the jumping back and forth between past and present and combat and childhood was the author's plan, but it did confuse me.

However, I will say that I stuck with the story and I am glad that I did. I finally started piecing things together and figured out a bit of what was going on. The author slowly revealed more and more about Dane and who he was, while also developing the feelings that he and Aspen were beginning to have for each other.

After I got about halfway through this book, I absolutely loved it. The storyline was complex and the author did a great job of weaving a lot of tension into it. I am now excitedly looking forward to the third book in the series that will be releasing soon. The upcoming book will cover the story of Timbrel and Candyman. That is going to be one good story!

I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion, which I have given.

[Abbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!!!!!

[Aerykah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate to admit that I didn't enjoy this one as much as book one. I still give it 5 stars, though, and highly recommend it!
Really, REALLY looking forward to book 3!! ;D

[C.S. Wachter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take one super spy with a dark history, add one beautiful civilian who believes her KIA brother is actually MIA, and add one PTSD yellow lab with soulful eyes, and you have the makings of an exciting military action tale. Oh, yes … don’t forget the romance. Not to mention the way the characters tie-in to other books allowing their personalities to develop more completely.

I always love Kendig’s unique mix of action and romance and this story doesn’t disappoint. Though there were a couple places when the action or dialogue got a bit confusing, the whole is pulled off well with a satisfying ending.

Clean, action-packed, with a touch of faith elements. A fun read.

[Caryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Talon is a handsome yellow Lab that has been grieving the loss of his handler, Austin Courtland, for two years. His world was rocked when Austin disappeared during a mission in Afghanistan.

Ms. Kendig has expertly crafted another high-octane military adventure. Handsome warriors who are loyal and courageous make this story sizzle!

I recommend this book to those who enjoy page-turning action.

I purchase a copy directly from Ronie Kendig. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

TALON – another great edition to my Kendig library! Fast-paced, strong characters−you can’t help but fall in love with, and a storyline that insists on your full attention because there are clues in the tiniest of details.

Aspen Courtland refuses to believe Austin−her MIA brother−is dead. Even though the Marines have written him off, she insists he’s alive and plans to prove it with the help of her brother’s tracking dog, Talon. Unfortunately, the attack that supposedly took Austin’s life has left Talon suffering his own form of PTSD. But Amber refuses to allow that to deter her. When Dane Markoski contacts Amber with news about her brother’s whereabouts, she is ready to jump into action and search for him, but Amber’s team at A Breed Apart training center have their reservations about Markoski and his plan to find Austin.

Dane Markoski has his own stake in finding Austin Courtland, and he knows his only hope of doing so is having Talon, his tracking dog, on his team. Unfortunately, working with Aspen goes against his rule of never working with women. But he has no choice. If he hopes to find his own answers, Aspen has to be part of the plan.

What ensues is a kaleidoscope of plots, subplots, assumed identities, and chemistry so strong even Dane isn’t sure he can stick to his guns and keep things professional between him and Aspen. Aspen admittedly has lost her heart to Dane, even though Dane continues to warn her he can’t be trusted. As Aspen struggles with the idea that her brother has abandoned her, Dane struggles with who he is and what he’s become.

I thoroughly enjoyed TALON! Though the subplots were cryptically unveiled throughout the book−making the rhythm of the story choppy at times−it was easy enough to see where Ms. Kendig was leading her readers so it didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of the story. Aspen is naïve in the sense that she only wants to see the good in people, but she’s also smart, determined, and definitely has skills of her own. Dane is emotionally haunted and keeps that part of who he is locked up from others to see. Instead, he relies on his instincts and training to move him forward without getting emotional invested, or so he tries. But Aspen is slowly chipping away at the walls Dane has erected making him almost believe he could fall in love. Aspen and Dane are great as the hero and heroine, but so are the other characters that continue to appear in this series. Timbrel, Watterboy and Candyman, though secondary characters, definitely add to the heart and soul of what it means to be part of a team and watching each other’s six.

I can’t wait to read BEOWULF, the last book in the series, and find out what makes the belligerent man-hater, Timbrel, tick.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

Talon: Combat Tracking Team (A Breed Apart #2)

Suspense, action, drama is high in this book. It is also a clean read. A Christian romance, mystery book with spies, military story.
The characters are good but you don't always know who a character really is till the book is through. Some of the suspense mystery I was able to figure out but most did not even guess.

The plot seems simple but their is always more going on than seams. It jumps time frame with lots of flashbacks into Russia. I admit I was lost at times till we got more information. You want to keep reading to figure out the answers.

Cardinal is a man with a mission. He does not want to work with a woman or use her. He is forced to work or play Aspen. Cardinal is a spy but he has so many secrets. I really like Cardinal and want to know all his secrets.

Aspen twin brother was missing on a mission. His body was never recovered but instead of calling him MIA they declared him dead.
Aspen thinks their is something wrong with that. She was working in the JAG during her military service. She boxes with guys. She has been training her brother's dog Talon.

Talon was in the military but when Austin went missing, during the fight he got PSD and now is afraid of loud noises. Did not realize that dogs suffered from that too. Talon is the hope of Cardinal and Aspen to find where Austin is alive or not. If he is alive why did he disappear.

I like Ronie Kendig books, they are full of action. I look forward to reading more of her books.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give a honest review of the book when I finished it by Netgalley.com
05/01/2013 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc. 352 pages ISBN-10: 1616266015

Description below taken off of Netgalley.com

Air Force veteran Aspen Courtland wants her brother back—dead or alive. Instead she adopts his combat tracking team dog, Talon. But after the attack that separated dog and handler, Talon is afraid of his own shadow. Military Intelligence Operative Dane Markoski has spent his life running from the truth. Now it’s the only thing that can save him—and rescue Austin Courtland—if he dares to face the past. Dane and Aspen need each other to untangle the web of lies. . .and they both need Talon. But can Talon overcome his fear—or will he put everyone in danger?

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are certain authors that define quality Christian fiction, and Ronie Kendig has quickly become one of those authors. With the exception of her first book, Dead Reckoning, all of her books center around the military and special opps, and are full of suspense, drama and excitement. She is an author who proves fiction can be clean, Christian, and worth reading.

Talon: Combat Tracking Team is the second book in the Breed Apart series, which focuses on Military War Dogs, which is something I didn't know much about until I started reading this series.

This book centers on Aspen and MWD Talon, who were introduced in the first book, Trinity: Military War Dog, but had minor roles in the story. Ronie also brought back several other characters from Trinity, and added some new ones. She always has some great characters in her novels, and this book was no different. In creating Dane, she created a terrific character with tremendous depth, and although he is fictional, shows that no matter how bad things are in our past, God can still redeem us and make us into something worthwhile. I don't think its a bad thing when a fictional character inspires the reader to be a better person, and that is what the fictional Dane does.

There is a lot of excitement, drama, romance, and military action in the book, which all makes for a great read. I loved the book, which is not a surprise, and couldn't put it down, so I read it all in one evening, and loved every single page of it. There were a couple of surprises in the book, and I was one very satisfied reader when I reached the end of the book. In addition to being a great story, the book also has a great message of hope, and helps the reader better appreciate all of our military heroes, even the four-footed ones.

Trinity launched this awesome series, and Talon continues the pulse pounding suspense and military action that Ronie's books bring. I highly recommend any of her books to men or women, and if you have a friend or family member in the military, her books would make great reading for them.

[Julie Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aspen Courtland’s twin brother Austin has been declared MIA and now considered dead. Aspen is determined to find any way possible to go search for her brother. She has been training with Austin’s dog Talon in order to take him with her to track Austin’s whereabouts. Talon is unpredictable because of the PTSD that coming back from combat and losing his partner has created. Aspen knows though that if she takes Talon she will have a greater chance of finding Austin.

Dane Markoski is the best undercover operative that America has. His superior thinks it best that he team up with Aspen to go find her brother. When Dane discovers that she is a woman he refuses to go on the mission. What Dane doesn’t count on is the lengths that his superior will go in order to achieve the purpose of the mission.

Dane is determined to not let Aspen under his skin. She is beautiful and too trusting for her own good. Warned by her friend Timbrel that Dane is playing her, Aspen still gives Dane the benefit of the doubt even when he tells her not to trust him.

As Talon gets more and more hits on Austin the enemy moves closer and closer. With each clue to her brother’s disappearance Aspen discovers that she doesn’t know either Dane or Austin like she thought. Who can she trust? Her twin whom she feels a part of or the man that she has come to love? Both have secrets they are keeping and both are playing a deadly game.

Talon is the second book in the A Breed Apart series. I found the story gripping and moving. The descriptions of combat were exciting and nail-biting. Reading about Talon’s loyalty to his partner was especially moving. Not only were the combat scenes tense, but the relationships between the characters were also tense. I’m looking forward to reading more about Timbrel and her relationship with Candyman. I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I intend to go back and read Trinity and I can’t wait for the third book in the series Beowulf coming out in January 2014.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! Since Ronie Kendig burst onto the scene a few years ago with her first Rapid-Fire Fiction military suspense novel, Christian fiction hasn't been the same. And that's a very good thing! The second book of her A Breed Apart series, Talon, is a boots-to-the-pavement, no-holds-barred adventure that will fully engage your senses and leave you breathless. While plenty of adrenaline-laced, heart-stopping action with grenades and bullets flying will satisfy the most ardent fans of military fiction, lovers of intricate plots and masterful character portrayals will be equally captivated by the many layers of intrigue, suspense, and even romance. An expert wordsmith, Kendig's keen abilities to depict the many elements of a scene (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) while maintaining the rapid-fire pace made this book impossible to put down. Dane and Aspen are both stars in their own right in this novel, but the real hero is Talon, as Kendig's quest to honor the often unknown and unsung heroes of our miltary forces shines the spotlight on this incredible military working dog. I don't even like dogs but Ronie Kendig has made me a fan of Talon! This is her best novel yet, which is quite an accomplishment considering the awards she's received for her previous books. I predict this will be another award-winner; don't miss it!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Ronie Kendig and Barbour Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Kristen Piwetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There has yet to be a moment when author Ronie Kendig did not fully engage my imagination with her gifted and inspired writing. Once again, TALON measured up to the highest mark of entertainment and enjoyment in fictional reading. With her masterfully written story of love, patriotic passion, suspense, and mystery, TALON was a superb read! Intertwined into the mixture of well-trained military professionals are powerfully strong friendships and loyalty to one another, country, and their faith in God. Kendig's ability to build a complex world of military espionage and engage the reader is exceptional. Her attention to detail in international relations and geography and particularly with the unsung heroes, our military war dogs, was both educational and thought-provoking. Kendig writes as a well-versed and seasoned professional--she's really done her homework!
TALON consistently gives us characters to stand behind with conviction, grieve with in moments of sorrow and regret, and cheer for with smiles as we fall in love with their moments of triumph each time. There were twists to the story I didn't expect--and I love that Ronie Kendig never ceases to be predictable in her writing. At one point, I found myself holding my breath and slowly exhaling before I pursued the next page--intense, powerful, exciting. I canNOT get enough of this author's work--get ready to ride an awesome roller coaster with TALON, Aspen Courtland, and their band of incredible brothers/broads! Kendig is packing some serious heat with this one!
(P.S. I've already bought three extra copies for friends--yep, it's THAT good.)

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R28IVRCW...
Review on my blog (to be posted 8/5): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

3.5 stars

Talon, while a good read, was not my favorite of Ronie Kendig's books. I enjoyed the story, but there were times I was left with questions because it wasn't explained how certain things happened and, at times, things in the story seemed contradictory (at least to me). Don't get me wrong, the story was still good and held my attention, it just wasn't a favorite.

I loved, loved, loved the dog Talon! He was so loyal and was definitely a favorite "character" of mine from this book, along with Timbrel (I can't wait for her book!).

There were some really pulse-pounding moments in Talon, which I absolutely loved! I also thought the romance story was nice and had an unique aspect to it.

Overall, a good read. If you enjoy military books, I think you'll probably enjoy Talon.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Jaquelyn Scroggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been dying to read Talon, the second book of the "A Breed Apart" series, knowing it was going to be a great book! I was not disappointed! If you've read any of Ronie Kendigs' books, you know that they are hard to put down. This one was no different, I found myself reading at stop lights and while walking through the grocery store (not recommended lol). Kendig is not only super talented with words, but she does the research and knows her stuff. In this book you not only learn about the main characters present but also about their past. She gives you insights to why they act the way they do. I could not help but fall in love with them, and be rooting for them the whole time. If you like action, this book has plenty of it. I was on the edge of my seat dying to know what was going to happen next. Kendig also throws in plenty of suspense and just the right amount or romance. Get this book! You will not regret it! As a matter of fact, you better just buy the whole series... Trinity was awesome and I know Beowulf is going to be too. I have Beowulf sitting right here, and it's calling my name! :)

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aspen Courtland only wants to find her twin brother, Austin, who is dead according to military reports. Determined, she takes off to where he was last seen, joined by Austin's old partner, military dog Talon. Joining her is Dane, who has his own secrets to hide.

I love Aspen and Dane. They were authentic characters developed through action-packed scene after scene. I loved Aspen's naïve belief in people and Dane's tormented past. Austin was a mystery to me, even towards the end of the book. I hope he shows up in another book (hints are there).

Talon may have been my favorite character. She was broken and unprepared to return to action, but her loyalty and protectiveness was a great tribute to the dogs serving around the world.

The action was fast from beginning to end. Kendig writes with military level precision, putting the reader right in the heart of the action and taking them for an amazing ride. Fans of military thrillers will enjoy this book as much as I did. I can't wait to read book three!

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.

'

[Elizabeth "Eli" Olmedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare yourself for Ronie Kendig’s greatest novel to date, Talon. The pages just couldn’t flip fast enough as I gulped in Dane and Aspen’s story. I have been a fan of Kendig’s since I read her debut novel, Dead Reckoning, but nothing had prepared me for this heart-pounding ride. I know I’m guilty of “falling in love” with all her male leads, but Dane Markoski is off the charts. He tops them all without a doubt. Also, Aspen’s sweet, sensitive, yet determined nature quickly made her my favorite female character. I hated seeing their love story come to an end. And if that weren’t enough, ready yourself for Talon. This furry, four-legged hero is about to melt your heart.

Kendig’s fans are in for a real treat with this second installment in the A Breed Apart Series. For those who have yet to pick up a book by this brilliant author, trust me, you won’t want to wait a moment longer. The pages in Talon are brimming with twists and one in particular is bound to thrill readers. There is no question, this novel has made my “Best of 2013” list.

Review copy provided by publisher. Thanks!

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this will be the last one I read by this author. I keep trying but I am giving up. Her writing irritates me, the staccato sentences. Her use of descriptive words don't go together (like a war dancing in a guy's eyes - war dancing?). She is the master of the chapter ending cliffhanger. But it is just a ploy because in the next chapter something wonderful happened and the disaster was averted. I can only take so much of that.
If her writing was so irritating, why have I continued to read her novels? There is something compelling about them. There is lots of action. There is a tough heroine, even if she does make a very stupid decision when she was in a dangerous situation.
See my full review at http://bit.ly/1c6vqdS.

[Cindy Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery....suspense...drama...romance...this book has it all. You will fall in love with Talon and Aspen as they search for her twin brother. You will find yourself encouraging Talon along with Aspen as he recovers from his traumatic experience with Austin. Watch Talon slowly rise to the challenge as he overcomes his fears. Be prepared to stay up all night with this captivating read which will capture your heart from chapter one. I look forward to finding out more about Candyman and Timbrel in Kendig's next book in the series, Beowolf.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronie Kendig delivers another five star read! Great book if you are a lover of military suspense!

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe it was just me, but I kept having how the hell did that happen moments. I'd reread and still not know how it happened.

[Susan Baggott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever been told a loved one is Missing In Action? Growing up in the Vietnam era, I learned just how hopeless this listing is to those waiting for a loved one to return. Yet, that's the status of Air Force veteran Aspen Courtland's brother. Refusing to believe it, she and her traumatized tracking dog set out against all odds to find the courage and ability to locate and bring him home. Military Intelligence Operative Dane Markoski is forced to work with them, something he resents and resists. I listened to Talon, the 2nd book in A Breed Apart on audiobook and logged a LOT more miles than intended because I didn't want to stop. Ronie Kendig's endings are always satisfying but they don't always meet the predicted outcome of character resolutions. Twists and turns and unexpected surprises abound to the very last word.

[Holly Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE Ronie Kendig. This is the second book in the Breed Apart novel's and it tells the story of Talon a golden Lab who is a combat tracking dog his old partner disappeared and Talon is suffering with trauma and PTSD but his new handler Talon's partner's twin sister is on a mission to find her missing brother refusing to believe he is dead or lost....The team inserted in to help her find him needs Talon's unique skills BUT is he ready to go back to work?? can he do the job?? Can Aspen pull him and herself through to finish the mission and find answers??? This is a so good book the story is heart felt and well written Ms. Kendig absolutely has a heart for Military men and women and the beautiful hard working K-9's who work with them on a daily basis. A Breed Apart is well worth the read and if you do pick this series up you will be glad you did.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously don't know what else to say about this series that I haven't said in my reviews of the other books (check out those reviews). Did I say before how awesome Ronie Kendig's writing is? I'm sure I but I will say it again...RONIE KENDIG IS A PHENOMENAL WRITER!!! Am I exaggerating? Not in the slightest and if you've read her books you know that I'm not exaggerating! I love the little details in her books that connect not just throughout one book but that connect all of the books in this series as well as what she weaves into her other series. I have been devouring books most of my life and I have never come across such talented and truly thought out writing! She has a natural gift for story telling and I CANNOT get enough! Pick up thus trilogy right now!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talon: Combat Tracking Team ( A Breed Apart BK 2)

Love Ronie Kendig’s story they are absolutely amazing they have have drama mystery who’s the bad guys romance and brave MWD. This is Dane and Aspen’s story and has these two main characters looking for her twin brother, Austin, who has MIA and declared dead without a body or proof that he is died. He not only leaves his twin sister behind but also his K-9 MWD Talon who is suffering from PTSD. Will they find Austin before it’s too late? Will Talon overcome his fear and keep both Aspen and Austin alive? Will Dane and Aspen overcome all of their problems to find true love? Well you will have to read their story to find out.
Thank you Ronie Kendig for these awesome stories

[Heather Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep you up all night...

You're going to want to plan to read this book when you have enough time to binge-read it without stopping... because there is NO good stopping spot until the end, and even then, you're going to want to grab Beowulf and start reading immediately!
Whew! Action-packed. Suspenseful. Intense. Pulse-pounding. Heart-stopping. Swoon worthy. No holds barred. Kicking down doors (both literally and emotionally). Plot twists. Intrigue. This book has it ALL. Dane, Aspen, and Talon discover so much about themselves and each other in the situations and mission on which they embark. Most importantly, Dane begins a relationship with God.

This was a great book, and I'm not even the least bit sad that I needed to stay up past my bedtime to finish reading it!

[Syd's Shelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

That was confusing. I paid $0.25 for the book, so I wasn’t expecting much. While there was plenty of action, there were too many contradictions and too many side characters and names to keep track of. Plus, there were many mentions of “so-and-so cursed.” Even though no expletives were written out, it still bothered me. God’s name was taken in vain several times. The word “r@pe” was used twice, and it was jarring and completely unnecessary. And, the faith content was very weak. I’m not entirely sure that any of the main characters are actually saved. I have book three in the series already, so I will read that because I’m interested in Candyman and Timbrel’s story, but I won’t be keeping this book on my shelf.