Chaos

Breed Apart: Legacy #2

by Steffani Webb, Ronie Kendig

When Rio Silva is told her aunt and uncle are missing in a Philippine rainforest, she knows there is only one way to find them: the retired military working dog her dad entrusted to her. Chaos, however, has a mind of her own. A lot like Rio. Worse, they’ll have to trust arrogant, demanding former Army Ranger Cathal McGowan if she hopes to get them back.

The last thing Cathal McGowan wants as he heads into the darkness of the rainforest is to be shackled with a young, pretty teacher who has no tactical experience. But she has heart—he’ll give her that. And he has the expertise necessary to rescue her family.

Putting everything on the line, Rio and Cathal struggle to navigate the terrain, as well as their emerging feelings for each other. But the closer they get to mission success, the more things aren’t adding up, including who might be behind the disappearances. It’s not long before they realize the rainforest holds greater perils than deadly vipers…and the biggest danger of all might be to their hearts.

Dive into another thrilling A Breed Apart: Legacy adventure!

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

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“God isn’t in the business of wasting people’s time. He’s in the business of getting their attention.”

This might be my favourite of the A Breed Apart Legacy series!

I’m sure the fact that I’m Irish had no bearing on it….the male main character is a swoon-worthy Irishman.

When First Sergeant Cathal ‘Guinness’ or ‘Ireland’ McGowan, originally from Kildare, Ireland, discovers he’s paired up with Rio Silva and her father, Kendrick Silva’s RMWD, he’s less than enthusiastic. Chaos served with Rio’s dad in the Marines until both were injured. Rio is a handler set on establishing herself and proving her (and Chaos’s) worth. I loved being on the sidelines for Guinness and Princess’s developing romance and loved the adventure into the Philippine jungle to find a missing family.

I’m not a dog person, but absolutely love reading K9 military suspense. I fell in love with the 8-year-old Belgian Malinois and instantly saw his worth.

I can’t believe this is a debut! I was hooked on a fantastic story featuring intense action and wonderful, raw characters.

I read this through Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program.

[Ronie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Disclosure - I mentored Steffani in writing this book, but *she* wrote the book. And absolutely KILLED it. She is an author to watch!!

[DianFlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stepped waaay out of my comfort zone with a military novel—as in way out through an exotic Philippine rainforest amidst poisonous vipers and humid, viney, wild terrain—however, I somehow felt safe and comfortable in the capable hands of Army Ranger Cathal McGowan. AND Chaos, the toughest, handsomest hero to ever grace the pages of a novel! A bit hairy and slobbery with big ears, but I feared no evil when Chaos was near.

There is plenty of sarcasm, sparks, and banter between Cathal and Rio Silva as they search for her missing relatives on a mission in the perilous jungle...and perhaps, dangers of the heart as well. Truly an enjoyable, heart racing, quick read!

[Sarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

For an author’s debut, this was really strong writing and a well delivered military thriller I could not put down!

This story engaged me from the opening line right till the end. Yes there probably was a few things which I am sure the author will improve on in her writing career, but with the suspense, characters and Chaos, the fierce MWD, I found myself not wanting to put the book down.

I am placing this author on my to-watch-out-for list.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent! With fast-paced, high stakes action, Steffani Webb take readers on a thrilling, dangerous mission to rescue a family who has gone missing in the Phillipines.

I adored the characters in this story, including Chaos, the RMWD. Cathal, with his Irish brogue and protective nature, was a the perfect alpha hero who is working through life after being in the military. Rio, a handler with a retired military working dog/Belgian Malinois, just wants to prove herself and save her family before it's too late. The dynamics between these two characters begin with fireworks, and end with fireworks, of a different kind! The bond between dog and handler is quite amazing and I found this story portrayed that really well. There were several moments that gutted me, others that had me laughing, and even more that that me on the edge of my seat.

Loved every minute in this story and the way it thrilled, excited, and amazed me. There was tension, danger, intrigue, humor, faith, suspense, plenty of action, lots of rain, a few snakes, a human trafficking cartel and a hot jungle trek. What could go wrong?

I enjoyed the tension and romance immensely and can't wait for more from the A Breed Apart crew!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

For working military dogs, exotic settings, and non-stop danger

Chaos features Steffani Webb writing in Ronie Kendig’s A Breed Apart story world. For a debut novel, I can’t wait to see what Steffani does next!

Rio Silva wants to prove herself, but going on a mission to find her missing relatives in the Philippines wasn’t exactly part of her plan. Not to mention teaming up with the mysterious and aloof Catha McGowan. Together with Chaos, a retired working military dog, they face the jungle and some pretty serious bad guys to free Rio’s aunt and uncle from captivity.

I loved this story from start to finish. The banter between Rio and “Ireland” was spot on, the action and suspense kept me hooked and of course, Chaos steals the show. I highly recommend Chaos for all suspense and thriller fans. Bonus for audiobook fans – the dual narrators made this story come alive. Great narration.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars

What an exciting and action-packed debut from Steffani Webb! This thrill ride grabbed me from the first paragraph and never let go.

I liked the characters a lot. While they had some rough edges, I couldn’t help but root for them. I really enjoyed seeing the sparks fly between Rio and Cathal. They made a good team, even though they got on each other’s nerves at times. And their banter was so much fun! I can’t fail to mention Chaos. What an awesome dog! I loved her!

I enjoyed the setting of the Philippine jungle. I can’t recall ever reading a book that’s set in that location, so that was really interesting!

This was an impressive debut from Steffani Webb, and I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for future books by her. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action-packed romantic suspense. Even though it's part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone just fine.

[E.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced, thrilling, and romantic!

This book was AWESOME! I loved the sweet but determined heroine, the handsome (*accent*) but broody hero, and the sassy and smart dog.

I loved how the pace didn’t let up, the dynamic scope of the settings, and the integration of the K9 hero. It was perfectly in the vein of a Kendig book but uniquely written from Webb’s perspective and with her voice which I also loved.

I highly recommend this to fans of Kendig’s books but also those who like Christian romantic suspense like Natalie Walter’s, Terri Blackstock, and Dani Pettrey!

My rating: 5*
——
Thanks to the publisher and author for this advanced reading copy. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the start and found it hard to put Chaos down. I wanted to see how the hero and heroine prevailed and never felt like the situations they found themselves in went over the top. I did wish they could get a break but this is a romantic suspense/action story so there was no rest for the trio until the end. The scenes with the retired military working dog are fascinating. I’m a dog lover so anytime Chaos was involved I was interested. The characters are solid. Hunky Cathal McGowan with his Irish accent steals the scenes. But no-nonsense Rio Silva can hold her own even if she does doubt her abilities. They both have false self-beliefs to overcome but that aspect of the story works out in a believable way. The romance between Cathal and Rio has enough sizzle to satisfy romance lovers but doesn’t eclipse the action. Steffani Webb in her debut novel did a great job with Ronie Kendig’s A Breed Apart world. I look forward to reading more stories by her in the future.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chaos by Ronie Kendig and Steffani Webb has plenty of action and hints of romance. Just what fans of Romantic Suspense have come to accept when they are reaching for a romantic suspense novel. Webb keeps tightening the noose on the characters as they are traveling through the jungle to free the heroine's uncle, aunt, and her nephew. I love the relationship between Chaos, the dog, and her "handler" Rio for this mission. Webb does a good job at showing how realistic the relationship is between these two and how far the dog will go to protect its owner. I love how Webb also shows how difficult it can be with a dog along a mission too. It is not all perfect. Speaking of showing the reality of characters, Webb does a wonderful job at diving into the inner hurts of the heroine and hero and allow it to be broadcast over the pages of the story. Overall, Chaos is a wonderful addition to Kendig's original Breed Apart series, and I can't wait to continue reading in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of Chaos by Ronie Kendig and Steffani Webb through Sunrise Publishing and Just Read Tours, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Inspirationalfictionreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally cannot believe that Chaos is Steffani Webb’s debut novel! This story is so well written and reads like a seasoned author. Can I already add her to my list of auto buy authors?!

This story is fast paced and full of the action that I have come to love in this series. The characters are well written and while I was a bit worried I may not love Rio in the beginning, I warmed up to her pretty quickly. As for Cathal, no warming up needed! LOL. I love my alpha males and boy is he one! The banter in this story is top notch and the storyline kept my interest the entire time!

This story turned out to be everything I hoped for! I had high expectations because I love The A Breed Apart series by Ronie Kendig. I am so glad we get this Legacy series and can’t wait to read the others. 5 stars!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaos was an action-packed novel with not only plenty of dangerous trials to endure, but also a great build up of believable romantic attraction between the two main characters. The story began as an enemies to more type scenario within a forced proximity situation. Cathal definitely did not appreciate having to take Rio, along with the retired MWD, Chaos, into the jungle on this assignment. And Rio was frustrated with Cathal’s initial reluctance to share any of the rescue plans with her.

I liked that these two formed a grudging admiration for each other as they began to work together. The attraction was there, but simply simmering. Once they ended up surviving some dangerous encounters together, the connection ramped up, yet remained believable in the setting.

These two balanced each other well while on their mission. Of course, Cathal was well trained for the scenarios they encountered. That was to be expected. Yet, I was happily surprised at the stamina Rio exhibited, along with some other skills that she had practiced over the years. The trek was harder on her, yet she was a fighter and was devoted to her father’s MWD, Chaos. I really enjoyed this story.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read my review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Jane Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I binged through this whole story in an afternoon, which says something about how fantastically page-turning it truly is! I loved every second. The character dynamics, the suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat, the immersive writing style that really drew me into the story the whole time. Just what the doctor ordered!

If you love Ronie Kendig's books, you'll love this one. And if you love suspense with a dash of romance, and a fellow with an Irish accent... well, go read this book. ;)

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tension, drama, and attraction are at the heart of this novel.

Rio and her father's retired military dog Chaos, make an unlikely team when they travel to the Philippines to search for her missing Aunt and Uncle and their adopted son. The pair is led by retired ranger "Ireland" who would prefer to be working alone.

The team finds themselves face to face with dangerous challenges at every turn. This leads to a page turning read that keeps you guessing how it will all work out until the end. Love stories about working dogs, romance in heated situations, and unpredictable situations you'll enjoy this one.

I was given an ARC from Sunrise Publishing to review, but all opinions remain my own.

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a whirlwind of a story! I enjoyed getting to know the characters and A Breed Apart better through this story.
Cathal is working for A Breed Apart with plans of moving on. When Rio and her dad put him on a mission to find out what happened to their family members in the rain forest of the Philippians, things get excited quickly! It was fascinating to read more about the rain forest! I could relate to Rio, since I am sure that I would be viewed as helpless in a similar situation.
I love the depth of character in this story. Both Rio and Cathal are interesting, flawed, realistic characters that were fun to get to know. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathal McGowan is recently retired from military service and needs a change of scenery to help rid himself of the nightmares that come each night. He meets up with a military buddy to stay until he finds a place to live, but he has to share with a RWMD named Chaos. He has a healthy respect for and fear of the malinois.
Rio is the daughter of the dog's handler. She has worked hard to try to become a handler but hasn't been able to break through, yet. When Cathal and Rio meet sparks fly. Then they are coerced into making a mission together with Chaos to rescue Rio's uncle, aunt and nephew in the Philippines. Danger is around every corner. Unless they can learn to rely on each other they might not make it through the mission alive.
I loved this book. I have such respect for those men, women and animals that put themselves between us and harm. I would highly recommend this book.

[Kim - Inside the Wong Mind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaos
by Ronie Kendig and Steffani Webb
Book 2 in A Breed Apart Legacy
Rating: 4.5/5

Wow. I love this series so much! The characters are well written and the story was well-paced. If you are not familiar with this series, you can still read the book by itself. I highly recommend reading the other books in the series though. There's something so special about these military dog stories and their handlers. The action is nonstop and will keep the reader on their toes. The romance and chemistry is swoon worthy but the characters are flawed and authentic. Faith is subtly woven into the story. And the dog is perfect! You will not want to stop reading this fantastic story.

Highly recommend if you enjoy romantic military suspense that will sweep you off your feet and around the world!

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, man. What a story! Pumping with adrenaline, intrigue, fast-paced action, and plot twists, this book has everything a lover of romantic suspense wants and needs. Throw in a retired military working dog appropriately named Chaos and a backdrop of the Filipino jungle and you have the perfect getaway for your Saturday afternoon.

I loved Rio and Cathal’s interactions. They started out offended by each other but moved quickly to becoming respected colleagues to something more. Rio’s bravery and loyalty alongside Cathal’s stalwart and undefeatable spirit made them a perfect couple.

Steffani Webb is definitely an author to be on the lookout for. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of publisher via JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaos by Ronie Kendig and Steffani Webb continues the action packed and exceptional A Breed Apart series. If you are looking for a clean and wholesome book with adrenalin-packed adventures and great characters, look no further than Chaos. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole package of Chaos with the suspense, constant plot twists, deep characters, military background, and the themes of overcoming fears, teamwork, trust and faith. From the first to last page this book delivers an edge-of-your seat adventure that you will definitely not want to miss!  
Rio Silva has always fought to be strong and to earn the respect of her tough-as-nails wounded combat father, but she never has been given the responsibility to be the handler for her father's military working dog, Chaos. Until now, when Rio's aunt, uncle, and cousin go missing in the rainforests of the Philippines with no word and no ransom. Given the circumstances, Rio's dad gives his blessing on Rio being the temporary handler for Chaos as they search for their family, with a catch. Rio and Chaos have to bring Cathal McGowan along on the team. Cathal is a retired Army Ranger with a wealth of expertise in combat, who has no interest in getting dragged into any kind of war, conflict, or situation that would bring him back into his nightmares from war. Cathal finally caves to the Silvas' pleadings and heads up what he sees as a mission with little hope for success.
As Cathal and Rio embark on this dangerous mission, both have doubts and assumptions about the other. Rio has no experience in combat, but is eager to prove herself. Cathal is worried that he won't be able to keep Rio safe and successfully rescue her family. As Rio and Cathal struggle along they find that this is more than just a kidnap and ransom. There are deeper much more complicated factors and players involved. Will Cathal and Rio find them in time? Can Rio and Cathal survive the mission and each other? Will they discover that this mission may rescue more than just Rio's family but their hearts? Read Chaos to discover for yourself!
Can I just admit that I absolutely love grouchy, sarcastic, and tough on the outside characters that turn out to be sincerely caring, loyal, and overall great and heroic characters. I think Cathal is one great example of this kind of character. I really enjoyed the banter and humor between Cathal and Rio. I love the stubbornness of both characters as well as the way they pushed and challenged each other, learning to push past their individual fears and trust each other to rescue Rio's family. The growth of each character was great to witness as well as the good character qualities portrayed in this book, specifically that of truth, loyalty, integrity, courage, and sacrifice. Overall, I was impressed by Chaos with a complex fast-paced plot, solid characters, and enough action and suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats. I highly recommend Chaos and I hope that you can read and enjoy it as much as I have. Happy readings!
Disclaimer: Sunrise Publishing graciously provided me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaos, written by Steffani Webb and presented by Ronie Kendig, opened with a prologue of a realistic, chaos filled PTSD memory of a battle that First Sergeant Cathal McGowan survived. As a reader, I was immediately drawn into the scene, imagining the fear of what they faced along with the hope of survival. Every thought and emotion I had spiraled, and I tried to hope that there was a slim chance they could make it out alive. Only time and hope would bring hope to the only survivor of a trap in the war-torn country of Afghanistan.
Rio Silva was a self-taught K-9 handler, without being officially in the military, due to her respect for her father, his dog handling skills, and his way of life. Through the years, even though she never felt as if she measured up to her father’s standards, she worked hard to earn his respect in return. Webb’s plot described a yearning to be accepted on both sides – by Cathal and Rio. After what they perceive as failures, they keep pushing themselves harder to measure up to those around them.
Chaos was a well written book that grabbed my interest from the first paragraph! Webb’s descriptions of each character and the locations that they travelled to were spot on, in all truth, I hesitated to put the story down. Throughout all the family drama, mysterious plots, and spine-tingling chills, I cheered for the determination, wariness, and eventual trust that bound Chaos, Rio and Cathal. The constant danger they were in enabled them to work as a team, alongside other brothers that Cathal knew previously.
As each step, action, and direction led them to safety and completion of their journey as they completed their search and the missing pieces are filled in, Rio and Cathal realize emotions have guided them to care and even love one another. Trust between them was a hard-earned journey. Faith in something more than themselves allowed them to succeed and rejoice in the concept of working as a team. Their combined resources – his Special Ops training and her mind, enabled them to bring justice for those who were endangered and innocent against the criminals who were overrunning Panama.
I loved this book, as it was well-written, intriguing, and each character had an admirable depth to them. This book was aptly named Chaos, not only for the MWD who protects and serves, but also because of the chaos that was slightly portrayed within the scenes of the book. Complimentary, I was given the opportunity to read this book and evaluate it in its entirety. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the thrilling story and clarity in storytelling at its best!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a good K9 read, chock full of action and tension and a healthy dose of romance, you've got to read Chaos by Steffani Webb and Ronie Kendig! Out now from Sunrise Publishing, this book had me holding my breath and turning the pages way past my bedtime!

Rio Silva can't join the military, but she's tried to do the next best thing - get hired at A Breed Apart so she can work with retired military working dogs (MWDs), like her father's MWD, Chaos. But that door keeps being closed to her, and she feels like she'll never measure up, either for that job or in her dad's eyes.

Cathal McGowan was an Army Ranger. When he left the service, he left behind some pretty rough memories, memories that still give him nightmares. He's staying with a buddy until he figures out what to do with himself, but finds an unexpected roommate - Chaos.

When Rio's aunt and uncle go missing on a trip to the Philippines to visit the orphanage where they adopted their son, Cathal is tapped for the rescue mission. Chaos will go along, too, and she'll need a handler - Rio. Cathal sees her as a less than ideal partner for the dangerous venture, but they'll have to make the best of it.

This book is jam-packed with action and suspense as soon as our hero and heroine get to the Philippines. Something feels off when they visit the orphanage, where Rio's aunt and uncle were last seen, and they've got to sort out what's really going on. There was no shortage of moments where I was holding my breath, waiting to see what would happen next!

Cathal and Rio are both well written characters. They each have their own emotional baggage, and trying to keep themselves to themselves makes it hard for them to work together sometimes. Their often snarky interactions are delightful, and you can just feel the exasperation rising in both of them. So when they finally open up and make that romantic connection, it is wonderful! I do enjoy a good "enemies to more" romance, and Webb has given us a great example of it here.

In short, this was everything you expect from a good romantic suspense story, with characters I cheered for and a plot twist I didn't see coming. High marks to Steffani Webb, and I look forward to reading more from her!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book provided to me by the author. All thoughts here are my own, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an adrenaline laced book with twists and danger around every corner/page. Rio Silva is handling her father's RMWD, Chaos. Her dream is to work with A Breed Apart, but that dream does not seem to be a reality for her.

Cathal McGowan is a retired Army ranger who is going to A Breed Apart for a short period as a stopover and a place to live until his new job opens up. When he finds out his roommate is female, he is not happy. He is shocked even further to find out his female roommate is a four legged roommate named Chaos. Chaos' name is very appropriate. You do not want to get on this dog's bad side, but she will protect you if she loves you.

When Rio's father comes to A Breed Apart to ask for Cathal's assistance in locating Rio's aunt, uncle and son, who have disappeared in the Philippines, Cathal tells him he is not interested. He is finally able to convince him to agree to the trip. The only caveat is that Rio and Chaos will accompany him. Let's just say that the first meeting between Rio and Cathal is not a pleasant one.

Danger greets them from the time they arrive until the end of this story. You would think that the danger in a rainforest would be from deadly snakes and such, but the danger is from the two legged kind who carry big weapons and have full intentions of killing them. Rio has no tactical experience at all, but she has heart and grit, and a huge desire to prove herself. Cathal is arrogant and is not happy about the responsibility of this small woman and her deadly dog.

This was a hair raising roller coaster ride that made me tired just reading about it. Chaos is, of course, my favorite character. Military/police dogs and their rigid training are so interesting. They are true soldiers/officers, not just a dog. The pace of the plot was perfect and scary at the same time. I have lived in the Philippine rainforest along with these characters for the day. I was so engrossed at times that I forgot where I was at. This one is well worthy of five stars plus.

Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore a good, sweet romance but there is something truly special that happens when you pair that with a canine, which is what makes Chaos, and the A Breed Apart series as a whole, so special to me.

I love the mood at the beginning of the story. Enemies-to-lovers is one of my all-time favorite troupes and the snarkiness the two leads have with one another is so entertaining to me. Pair that with witty and engaging writing, as well as some pretty heart-stopping action, and you’re set for one entertaining novel.

Rio has some pretty serious daddy issues. She has always felt like her father has put Chaos ahead of her, and she wants to prove herself and make her father proud. She is constantly feeling like she has to prove herself to someone, which is something I identify with immensely. Cathal (Ireland) is a pretty amazing character himself, but Chaos is the one that stole my heart. Every time I saw her name my heart swooned as I love her protective yet loving nature, always being a silent supporter, and sometimes a physical protection, of both leading characters. Chaos is the perfect catalyst.

The story is engaging from beginning to end, with action perfectly placed in between scenes that weave together a narrative of two broken individuals who have found one another. I love this series so much and Chaos is the perfect addition. The writing is immersive and made it hard for me to put it down, and I could see the story with such vivid clarity. I highly recommend!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoy this author. Ronie Kendig is a wonderful mystery/suspense author who will keep you reading and on your toes! This is the second book in a series. I personally believe that you should always read series in order. With that in mind, you should read book one before picking up book two. However, if you choose to ignore my advice you can read this as a stand-alone novel (but I’d think you’re a bit crazy).

In Chaos, we’re off on a mission. A rescue mission in the rainforest. Retired military dog, a grouchy ex-military man, and a woman searching for her aunt and uncle who are missing. What can go wrong? Well, a lot of things actually. Plus Cathal(former Army Ranger) really doesn’t want Rio with him on this journey. He sees her as a liability and someone he has to keep alive. And then there’s the dog who definitely has his own mind as well.

I love this series and the dogs portrayed. In my review of book one, I mentioned our rescue dog who was a PTSD service dog and how much I appreciate a dog who has been trained for a purpose. They definitely can have a hard time adjusting to “civilian” life too.

The suspense in this book is unparalleled and you’re going to be on the edge of your seat for the entire novel! Prepare to be swept away on a journey to the rainforest!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rio's uncle and aunt (and adopted young cousin) go missing in the Philippines, she knows she has to help find them - and she also knows that she can't do it alone. But when her dad sends along with her not only his retired military dog Chaos, but also a Ranger, Cathal, who clearly doesn't want to be part of the operation or to work with her, she knows it's not going to be an easy trip. And she's right. Between a murderous group of terrorists, the jungle which seems out to get them, and her unwilling partner, there are times when she wonders whether any of them will make it back alive, never mind save her family. But after all, perhaps the greatest danger is to her heart...

A gripping story of two wounded people - not to mention a dog - facing almost insurmountable obstacles on a rescue mission. It's a definite page-turner, but like all good books, avoids being constant action and gives the main characters time to grow and develop - both their relationship and themselves. And their relationship took a good amount of development, given that they were enemies on sight! All in all, a great read, well written, clean and with no gratuitous or overly graphic violence, and with characters I really cared about - not to mention an unusual and intriguing setting and a background mystery. A great addition to the series and I'm looking forward to the next book - and to more by the author.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Sandra Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

kudos to Ronie Kendig's new author!!!

Ronie Kendig is one of my favorite authors. She has teamed up with a newbie, Stefani Webb, who writes like a seasoned pro. Working dogs galore, retired soldiers at the highest skill level, and a growing romance. An unlikely trio of a retired soldier who lost his team on a mission, a dog handler with something to prove (and it's her aunt, uncle and son who have disappeared) and a wonder dog named Chaos. Have you noticed I only know the dog's name? The trio are sent on a mission to rescue a couple and their adoptive son, who have disappeared on a trip to the Philippine orphanage to show their son, Andrew, where he came from. Have you noticed I know the child's name? They encounter terrorists and a mercenary team of ex-special ops soldiers who save the day several times. Through many horrifying experiences, they rescue the mother and son first, and find the father, who has questions to answer himself. Chaos steals the show (if you love dogs) and does NOT DIE in this book.

My only con to this book is how much the dog handler and the soldier despise each other at first. Of course, that's the formula in romantic suspense, but come on...total rudeness from the start. I always question if 2 people can despise each other instantly and act on it? Strikes me as immature and unprofessional.

That is the only blip to this story and personal preference for me. Not enough to lose a point.

Highly recommend this book. Pure pleasure to read.

[Sarah Vanscoyoc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oftentimes, when I'm trying to work through my thoughts for a review, I'll read other reviews to help organize my thoughts. And apparently I'm the only one who, sadly, wasn't fully enamored with this book. I wanted to love it! Ronie Kendig’s “A Breed Apart” series is one of my favorites and I was (and still am) super excited that it's being continued! I do think this was a good addition to the series, but it wasn't my favorite.
This is Steffani Webb’s first published book and I did find it well written! The suspense was paced well and it kept me curious to know how their quest would be resolved. If I had only picked up the book for the suspense, it would have sold me. But I'm a character focused reader. I just didn't connect very much with Cathal and Rio. Their relationship seemed rushed and forced, with a lot happening in a very short time frame. I love romance novels, but I think I may have enjoyed this one a little more if the romance had been left on the sidelines and the focus had been on the action.
I did really enjoy the MWD aspect of the novel, with the inclusion of Chaos. She was a character all her own!

Overall, not my favorite, but I'd definitely be curious to read another book by Steffani Webb and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!
*My thanks to the author and publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and I have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Duty Never Dies”-It’s release week for Chaos, the newest installment of the Breed Apart Legacy series, written by Ronie Kendig and Steffani Webb! Rio Silva has longed her whole life to give back to her country, but with a preexisting health condition, she spends her days working with her father’s Retired Military Working Dog (RMWD), Chaos. When her aunt and uncle are kidnapped in the Philippines, she and a reluctant Army Ranger Cathal McGowan team up with Chaos to search the rainforest for her family. Rio and Cathal don’t get along at first, but quickly learn that they have to trust and rely on each other to survive. As always, this book has all the signature hallmarks of Kendig’s fast-paced paramilitary romantic suspense, including high-octane combat scenes and even higher-octane romance. I’m excited to read more by Webb someday (I haven’t seen a Jane Austen reference come up in a military book before and I am HERE for it); I couldn’t put this book down!! As much as I love Kendig’s books one thing I did appreciate about this story is that the dramatic events aren’t quite as traumatic or extreme as some of her other books-Chaos had just the right amount of high stakes and believable resolution. Chaos is part of a series and whole it is a stand-alone story, everything will make more sense if you read the preceding novels (and also they’re wonderful and you SHOULD) read them.

*I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book I received from the author. All opinions expressed above are my own.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rio has tried, all her life, to embrace certain goals and aims. However, her sometimes poor physical health has stood in the way of these, again and again. When her aunt, uncle, and cousin are kidnapped from an orphanage in the Philippines, she may finally have a chance to prove that there's more to her than others have seen.

Along with her father's RMWD (Retired Military Working Dog) Chaos and former Army Ranger Cathal McGowan, Rio travels to the Philippines in search of her relatives. While Chaos is a one-man dog who adores Rio's Marine father, Rio is her second choice of a handler. Anyone else who even reaches a hand out to the Belgian Malinois risks losing it. But the three begin their search and investigation. Little do they know, there are significant dangers in the rainforest...plus a dangerous terrorist group who'll be hunting them.

If they can survive both dangers...and if they can find Rio's aunt, uncle, and cousin...perhaps there might be room, and time, to explore the romantic feelings they're experiencing. If they can survive. And perhaps Chaos might warm up to Cathal too!

Steffani Webb and Ronie Kendig have crafted an exceptional paramilitary romance thriller that's a fun and exciting read. I enjoyed the characters, the settings, and of course, the dog! Wonderful story.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own.

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaos is one fast paced, nail-biting thriller that fans of Kendig and her amazing writing will not want to miss.

Rio Silva has wanted to work with her father’s retired military dog for a long time and she is finally getting her chance when her aunt and uncle go missing in the Philippine rainforest. Chaos won’t let just anyone work with him and can be plenty stubborn, just like Rio at times. In order to find her family, she must work with a former Army Ranger, Cathal McGowan and the two immediately butt heads as they try to work together. Not only do they have to find a way to work together, but they also have to navigate dangerous terrain and stay out of the way of those looking to stop them from achieving their mission.

Chaos is the second book in the Breed Apart series and in this one Ronie Kendig writes with Steffani Webb and creates a story that is full of heart and lots of tension between characters that pulled me into the story. If readers aren’t careful, they could see Rio as a bit of an annoying character; I didn’t see her that way but could see her as that if not careful. She has so much passion for what she is trying to do that it can be hard for her to slow down and take a second, which for others can seem annoying or impulsive, exactly as Cathal saw her. This was a very fast read with the tension between these characters and the animal action.