Dog trainer and handler, Jillian Lederman, is moving with her pack to Libby, Montana, a place where she has made friends and hopes to find a fresh start. It’s time. For years, she’s just been keeping her wounds fresh by staying in Missoula—where there were regular reminders of all she’s lost—while the rest of the world has continued to move forward. Perhaps the new house, the beautiful mountains, and a certain pair of clear, blue eyes hold the promise of new beginnings.
Since changing careers years ago, former FBI agent Lucas Wolff has found a much better work-life balance as a member of High Mountain Trackers. Still able to serve his community, he has also been carving out a comfortable existence for himself and is not looking to make any changes to it anytime soon. Not even for a particular bold and ballsy redhead he’s been trying to avoid.
That turns out to be an impossible feat when a plane crash during a blizzard sets both of them on the trail of a young girl, all alone in the mountains. But it soon becomes evident they are not the only ones looking, and staying safe means sticking close together.
USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories. Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
HIGH INTESITY (High Mountain Trackers 2nd Gen) by Freya Barker is an intense romantic suspense full of action and all the love and emotions I look for in a great read in this genre. This book can easily be read as a standalone story, but there are carryover characters from the other books in the series. I have read and loved them all, but this one is special.
After helping law enforcement and the HMT (High Mountain Trackers) on their last case, Jillian Lederman makes the move to Libby, Montana with her special pack of dogs to make a fresh start and hopefully leave some of her heartache behind. She hopes with her new connections and friends, she can begin to move forward with her life. When a plane goes down in the mountains, Jillian and her dogs are called in when the HMT team discovers an eleven-year-old girl is missing from the crash site and may still be alive.
Former FBI agent Lucas Wolff has found a more balanced life and contentment with the HMT team. He can still serve his community, and he is close to his aging mother. The first time Lucas saw the beautiful redhead with her trained dogs, he knew he was in trouble, but there was no avoiding their interactions in little Libby.
As they work together on this case, the chemistry is inescapable, but so is the danger.
I loved this story! Jillian is so strong, intelligent, and loving with a backstory that broke my heart. Lucas is her perfect other half, and they were definitely meant to be. Their love story is just beautifully real. There are explicit sex scenes, but they are not gratuitous and fit well into a growing adult relationship and romance. Jillian’s dogs are as lovable and important to me in this story as the human characters. I enjoyed getting reacquainted once again with the other HMTs and their families. I felt the suspense plot of this book was much more complex than what you expect in a typical genre romantic suspense and yet it is in balance with the romance. This is an overall great romantic suspense!
I highly recommend this new addition to the series as well as the entire series.
I LOVED THIS! I'm such a sucker for a story with kids an animals, especially when it's written in the right way. I just loved this book. I was captivated from page one, all the way to the end. The more I read in this series the more I want . I love the world this author has created. It's a family made from more than blood. A family that look out for each other and take care of each other. Then to put that all in a setting like Montana on a horse ranch and I'm envious of fictional characters. I'd love to live in their world. What an awesome book!
What a great story! I absolutely loved Jillian and Lucas. Their initial interactions added a bit of fun to the moments they began to move from friendly acquaintances to something hot and steamy. I adored Lucas and his protectiveness over Jillian as much as I loved her for her spirit and independence. Together they were everything I adore about romance. Add in the danger, drama, and plenty of sultry togetherness and this makes up an amazing read!
High intensity at its finest! This author never disappoints with her totally immersive stories. There’s always a perfect mix of romance and crime mystery to keep me hanging on to every word from beginning to end and this was no exception.
Realistic, with relatable characters that are perfectly imperfect, I fall in love with them from page 1, making this author an automatic one click!
Each book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, with interconnecting characters from prior books giving these stories a seamless quality I could see in a tv series.
This installment was a real adrenaline rush. We have Jillian and “Wolf’s” story who are both older, complex, fiercely independent characters with a jaded past and settled in their ways. That is until they meet under unconventional ways.
Jillian was a character with such a complicated and painful past with heart wrenching secrets. Starting fresh in a new town with a new profession brought in new challenges. One of them was none other that Lucas Wolff. I wasn’t expecting how her history would make their story more intriguing and compelling. Lucas is a quiet storm. Deeply protective and loyal to the ones he loves, I fell in love with him when his story included his relationship with his mother. Devoted to his profession, he’s settled into his life style.
A recent rescue operation from a plane crash brings him close up and personal with Jillian. What develops is this intense and slow burn suspenseful crime mystery with all kinds of juicy unexpected developments between Jillian and Wolf.
Their chemistry was undeniable but this new assignment and a painful past casts some pause. As they set out to solve the suspicious mystery surrounding this new case things are not what they appear and they make discoveries about the case and each other they never imagined.
Passionate and emotional I loved how their sincerity and honesty evolved making their story more interesting .
I won’t say more without revealing their secrets but let me say this story was well paced and discovering how their story developed while trying to solve this mystery case was exciting and compelling.
Ultimately, this is an inspiring romantic story where good people get good things. The ending felt a little rushed and I wished their conclusion was a little more developed. 4.5 stars!
Jillian has recently moved here after visiting for work and becoming friends with Sloane who convinces her this is a great place to live - to start over. And a start over is just what Jillian needs after what happened 8 years ago. Jillian and Lucas start off as friends but slowly become more after they sorta start living together. The same Lucas who has never been interested in long term relationships even though his mom is always trying to play matchmaker.theirs just something about Jillian.
I greatly enjoyed these characters and feel the story was really well written. It kept me guessing until the very end!
God, I loved this book. Honestly, I love all the books this author writes, they just never miss for me. I loved how Jillian and Wolff's relationship started slow, they started as friends and things developed from there. Jillian was a strong woman that was plenty happy being alone but Wolff showed up and showed her there was more in life. Jillian did the same thing to him, he was a lone wolf (no pun intended) and with her, he couldn't deny what he felt, he wanted her so he got her. The found family in these books is always on point. I cam't wait for more
I adore this series and that we get small glimpses of the characters from the previous books to catch up. Jillian, dog trainer, is moving her brood to Libby, Montana. She is looking for fresh start with a new group of friends and a place to make new memories and move on from her past. Her past is wounds that no person should have to deal with.
Lucas Wolff, is a former FBI agent and a member of the High Mountain Trackers who has also found a new home with a great group of friends. He can’t seem to get the firey red-headed Jillian out of his head.
I love the banter between all of the characters, the group dynamic that they hold, and the bond that forms in unlikely places. Jillian and Wolff have a relationship and develops and lights up the pages. When you add a plane crash, missing hikers and a group of dogs set to help out in their own way you have a story that makes you believe in new starts and life long friendships.
There are some holes in your heart that will never be filled, those lost can never be replaced. But that doesn't mean your heart has to stay frozen and empty, there is room for more and whilst love doesn't make you forget the pain of that loss, it does help you focus on the good memories instead and provides hope for the future. We met Jillian in book one of HMT 2G series and we knew then that she was running from her demons, she could have come across as a little abrupt and cold, but her care for the victims and her eyes gave her away. She cannot hide the pain and the haunted look in her eyes, and here we get all of her heartbreaking story, she thinks it has left her broken, but it just makes her the perfect person to relate to and rescue Hayley. Whilst she no longer gives her trust easily, she finds herself trusting Wolf immediately, not only with her safety but Hayley's too and very surprisingly with her heart too. There is plenty of danger, intrigue and betrayal, but there is also a beautiful bond and blended family formed with Jilly, Lucas, Hayley and their eclectic mix of imperfect but gorgeous rescue dogs. This 2G series continues the same great series that we fell in love with with the added bonus of all our favourite cast members from the original series.
This book is the perfect addition to the series/this world. Life and out of my control situations g0t in the way this week, but every time I managed to squeeze in some reading time, this book was the perfect distraction. So much goes on in this book and you'll be run through a gamut of emotions over and over. You'll also be inspired by the female main character. I look forward to the next book.
I loved High Intensity Book 2 of High Mountain Trackers HMT 2G. Wolff is just fine on his own but when a storm hits and he knows Jillian is on her own, he wants to make sure she is okay. Jillian has had a lot of trauma in her life and being with her dogs helps. Her new relationship with Wolff makes her happy and helps. Unfortunately, when a rescue brings danger to her door, Jillian and Wolff will do anything to keep Hayley safe. A little drama, suspense and lots of steamy scenes. I loved the storyline and the characters. He fell fast and he doesn’t care, he will do anything he can to keep her safe. I woukd definitely recommend this book and the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
High Intensity is the second book in Freya Barker’s new romantic suspense series called High Mountain Trackers HMT 2G. It’s characters are the next generation of trackers. This great addition to the series is written in first person from the point of view of both the hero, Wolfe and the heroine, Jillian.
Jillian Lederman moved to Libby, Montana with her pack of dogs to start over and hopefully learn to copy with her loss. Former FBI agent Lucas Wolf came to Montana for a career change and to start over. Both never expected to find someone and feel an instant and explosive connection. As they try to navigate their new beginning, they work together to find and care for a young girl lost in a blizzard after a devastating plane crash. Will they be able to find her, and protect themselves from the unknown also hunting to girl? Read it and find out.
This book, while linked to the original series, can be read as a standalone. The readers are given glimpses into the lives of some of the founding members of the High Mountain Trackers, while being introduced to new characters. I can’t wait to read JD’s story next.
This is a voluntary review of a reader’s advance copy from Booksprout.
I can always count on Freya Barker to give me strong heroines, protective heroes, and romantic adventures filled with a thrilling undercurrent of danger and drama. High Intensity fits the bill. This is Jillian and Wolff's story.
From their first interaction, Jillian and Lucas have a palpable chemistry, but they are apprehensive about trying anything more than a friendship. Jillian's fierce independence is admirable, building a good business using therapy and rescue dogs in the mountains of Montana. However, she finds herself in unexpected danger by rescuing and connecting with a young girl.
Lucas is part of the High Mountain Tracker unit, which is how he develops a friendship with Jillian. His instinctual protectiveness towards Jillian is vital with her life in peril, but it goes deeper than that. I loved watching the reserved and quiet Lucas fall, unaware of the strong and brave Jillian.
The suspense and danger in the story and exceptional supporting characters are added elements that had me reading into the night. It's a happily ever after worth waiting for.
If you thrive on exhilarating tension, tough, engaging characters, and adorable dogs, you will enjoy this fast-paced romantic suspense.
Thank you to Ms. Barker for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Thirty-nine year old, dog trainer and handler Jillian Lederman, and former FBI Agent Lucas Wolff’s work together to find the sole survivor of a plane crash, an 11-year-old girl. They find the girl, but someone doesn't want her to live.
This had a little bit of everything in it. Danger, suspense, and mystery. Then the relationships between Jillian and Haley, Haley and Lucas, and finally Jillian, Haley, and Lucas were sweet.
I appreciated the fun and lightheartedness of Lucas and Jillian coming together. As solemn as Lucas' was supposed to be, it was obvious Jillian brought out the light in him. I really liked them as a couple. I was also happy that Lucas and Jillian were a more mature couple, proving life, love, and romance do not end at 30.
I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the mountains, the trails, and everything necessary for a search and rescue event. It was almost like I could feel the cold, snow, and ice as it was being described. I also admired the way Hayley handled such a tragic situation.
I also love the interactions between HMT and HMT 2G. I have no problem with Thomas being frozen in time no matter how many generations appear. I don't know that High Mountain Trackers would be the same without Thomas.
I am looking forward to the audiobook as well. Reading the book is great and listening to the audiobook is like the icing on the cake.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Jillian and Lucas story was a terrific read. I love how the characters weave in from book to book and series to series. Oh yeah, I remember so and so now. So much fun to read a new book and get a glimpse of what the other characters are up to now. Jillian was such a strong woman, independent and skilled in her work. Loving and caring and perfect for Lucas. Hayley added so much to this story, the addition of children makes these stories so more real to life and relatable. "I have to admit, it's intriguing-he's intriguing-and it makes me want to rattle his cage, get under that impassive front he seems to put up around me." "My lips felt bruised, my skin on fire, and my knees went weak." Such a talented author, I want to read everyone of her books.
4.25stars-HIGH INTENSITY is the second instalment in Freya Barker’s contemporary, adult HIGH MOUNTAIN TRACKERS HMT 2G romantic suspense series, a spin off from, set in the author’s High Mountain Trackers. This is thirty-nine year old, dog trainer and handler Jillian Lederman, and former FBI Agent Lucas Wolff’s story line. HIGH INTENSITY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Jillian and Wolff) HIGH INTENSITY follows in the wake of an airplane crash in the mountains of Libby Montana. As the team at HMT struggle with the accumulation of snow, Jillian offers the use of her dogs as the team searches for any survivors, one of whom is missing, an eleven year old girl. As the FBI and law enforcement try to piece together what has happened, our heroine is targeted by a criminal enterprise as they too hunt, for the missing child. Working together to keep the young girl safe, questions begin to arise about the possibility of someone working from the inside in an effort to take control.
The world building follows several paths including the search and rescue of the plane survivors, and several lost hikers but not everyone will make it out alive. As Wolff declares himself guardian and protector of Jillian, he finds himself falling for the child, and the woman he is hoping to claim as his own. We are up close and personal as Jillian reveals the heart break in her life, and her ability to move on from the past.
The relationship between Jillian and Wolff began on a previous search and recovery when Jillian’s dogs were once again need to help but the recent snow storm brought Wolff back into Jillian’s life when he needed to ensure she was safe, having stranded himself over night. Working together to locate and rescue the missing child, our couple find themselves acting on their attraction, with the hope of something more. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we met in the original series. We are introduced to eleven year old, Hayley Vallard, as well as several FBI agents, law enforcement, and Hayley’s uncle Grant Vallard. The requisite evil has many faces.
HIGH INTENSITY is a story of betrayal and greed, search and rescues, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is detailed, captivating and dramatic; the characters are animated and spirited ; the romance is spicy and tender.
This compelling book and it’s fascinating characters was impossible to put down until I had read the last word. The sizzling romance between Jillian, a dog trainer and handler, and Lucas, former FBI agent now member of the High Mountain Trackers, is more than enough reason to be enthralled, but there is also a search and rescue mission and it’s aftermath that makes this book even more intriguing.
Jillian and Lucas are both starting anew. After a major loss and the dissolution of her marriage, Jillian has finally decided it is time for a fresh start and has moved to Libby, Montana with her dogs. Being near to a new and very dear friend is a bonus, as is being on call to work with law enforcement and the High Mountain Trackers (HMT). Her specially trained dogs are called in on the most difficult cases. She met Lucas the last time she worked with HMT and he might may another bonus of relocating to Libby.
The move to Libby, gives Lucas a chance work on a ranch, (a childhood dream), and be part of HMT which uses the skills he developed as an FBI agent. After meeting Jillian months ago, he has not been able to put her out of his mind. Now that she is living and working in Libby too, Fate seems to always bring them together. Though he tells himself to stay away from her, he can’t seem to do so. Then a new search for a young survivor of a plane crash has them working together again. The connection they have both felt before intensifies and deepens as they work together, and even more so when they realize that this last case has put Jillian in danger.
Their chemistry is off the charts, their connection is soul deep and love heals the deepest wounds for both Jillian and a young girl she and Lucas take under their wings. The advice, teasing and comradeship offered by their friends make this book even more enjoyable to read. This book is a masterful blend of romance, intrigue and suspense. I highly recommend reading it.
Avalanche of Emotion: A Gritty Rescue and Undeniable Attraction!
HIGH INTENSITY is an absolute powerhouse of romantic suspense that reminds you exactly why Freya Barker's High Mountain Trackers world is so addictive. This second installment of the HMT 2G series is packed with high-stakes action, deep emotional healing, and an undeniable attraction that forces two broken people to choose a future.
Dog trainer and handler Jillian Lederman moves her life—and her pack of amazing dogs—to Libby, Montana, desperate for a fresh start after years of keeping her wounds raw. She's focused on her new home and her work, trying to leave her painful past behind, but the mountains have a way of forcing people together.
That unavoidable connection comes in the form of former FBI agent Lucas "Wolff" Wolff. Wolff, now a member of the HMT team, has been doing his best to avoid the captivating "bold and ballsy redhead," but that becomes an impossible feat when a plane crash during a blizzard sends them both on the trail of a missing eleven-year-old girl.
The intensity level is through the roof as Jillian and Wolff, with the help of her specially trained dogs, track the young survivor while enemies lurk in the snow. They have a history from a previous case, but working side-by-side to save a child ignites an unstoppable chemistry. As the danger closes in and Jillian's life is put on the line, Wolff's protective instinct goes into overdrive, proving he's ready to tear down his carefully constructed walls for the woman who brings light and healing into his world.
This is a phenomenal read about found family, the fight for self-acceptance, and the powerful love that can bloom when two wounded warriors finally stop being stuck in their solitary lives. It's an intense, moving, and thrilling addition to the series!
Reasons I enjoyed this book: Easy-to-read Wonderful characters Great world building Romantic Entertaining Realistic Unpredictable Page-turner
This is book two in The High Mountain Tracker’s HMT 2G series and it is Jillian and Lucas story. Jillian who is a dog trainer and handler had decided to move to a new home in Libby Montana where she is hoping for a fresh start away from all her past memories of everything that she had lost so now she is hoping to eventually be able to move forward with her life. Lucas is a former FBI Agent and now lives in Montana were he is now part of The High Mountain Tracker’s which had not only given him a better life but still gave him the chance to help in the community which means that his life is more settled which is just what he needed. Jillian and Lucas start out as being friends but the attraction and chemistry between them is really strong right from the beginning but neither had given in to it yet but when a plane crash pushed them to work together to find out if there are any survivors that chemistry just increased but when they find out that a eleven year old girl is missing they put all there efforts in to finding her because now it is a race against time to find her and hopefully bring her to safety but things start to get complicated when Jillian becomes a target so then all bets are off because Lucas will do everything and anything possible to keep her safe regardless of the situation or consequences because she is too important to him and he wants a future with her. There are twists and turns along with danger, drama, suspense, survival, betrayal, trust, hope, love and some situations that will have you turning the pages while having you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next and also what the outcome will be for them all in the end. This book pulls you in right from the beginning and keeps your attention throughout because it is so addictive and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series.
High Intensity by Freya Barker High Mountain Trackers (HMT 2G)
Exciting, immersive, wonderful story that swept me up and took me away ~ Great Escape!
What I liked: * Returning to Montana and the High Mountain Trackers * Jillian: dog handler, tracker, divorced, has an RN license, lost someone that left a hole in her heart, ready for a change so moves to Libby, level-headed, protective, caring, rather intrigued with Lucas * Lucas: ex-FBI, disillusioned, loves working with the HMT team, strong, intelligent, professional, living his dream, confirmed bachelor, loving son, rather taken with Jillian * Mimi: Lucas’s mother, a cardsharp, character, fun, loving, kind, someone I wouldn’t mind being someday * Hayley Vallard: eleven years old, only survivor of a plane crash and subject of intensive search by HMT, strong, resilient, found an advocate in Jillian and a friend in Nugget the support dog * Sloane: detective, married to Dan, mother of Aspen, one reason Jillian moved, good friend, has a surprise in this story * The plot, pacing, setting and writing * The mystery’s resolution of why the plane crashed and the reason for it * Jackson: ex-military, amputee, wise, opening up a bit, would like to find out who he ends up with * JD and Dr. Janey Richards – I can’t wait for their story and it is up next – loved the peek provided at the end of this book * Jillian’s pack: Hunter, Murphy, Emo, Peanut and Nugget * All of it really except…
What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like * Knowing that there are some people as evil as the ones in this story
Did I like this book? Yes Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
I'm running out of positive words for how much I am loving this series. The stories get better and better and I'm always waiting for the next book.
We met Jillian in High Frequency when she was called in to search for a missing girl in Montana using her specially trained dogs. It's during this time she catches the attention of Lucas, a member of the High Mountain Trackers.
Jillian struggles with a tragedy that still haunts her. She moves to Libby, Montana to try and start a new life and escape her past in Missoula. New scenery, new challenges, and a new admirer are starting to bring her peace and a fresh start.
Lucas Wolff is a former FBI agent who joined the HMT to balance out his life. Settling into a routine he likes he can't forget Jillian, who he met during a rescue, when he runs into her at a nursing home his grandmother resides in. He once again is captivated by her and goes into protective mode of her.
When a plane crash brings the two back together while searching for a young girl who is the soul survivor, the sparks begin to ignite and he will stop at nothing to keep her protected as well as keep her for himself. In true Freya Barker fashion, danger comes knocking on Jillian's door and Wolff's protectiveness comes to the rescue.
This series seems to get better with each new book. The story telling is still phenomenal and keeps you glued to the story and not wanting it to end. Happiness is always the ending leaving the reader happy. Because the story includes so many characters from the previous HMT series, I would encourage you to read those also. You won't be disappointed in doing so.
Thank you Freya Barker for another in a long line of incredible and engaging stories. I personally can't get enough of them and they make great rereads.
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
4 1/2 stars
Since meeting Lucas Wolff, Jillian Lederman, and her dogs in the first book of this High Mountain Trackers series, High Frequency, I couldn’t wait to see where their story went.
Both lead characters, Lucas and Jillian, are very apprehensive about trying anything more than friendship… if that. This definitely changes, but whether or not it ends up being a serious relationship, the sequence of events is mighty entertaining. Both are very likable characters, entirely set in their ways but caring towards those within their sphere. Special mention must go to Lucas’ mother, what a pip she is and such a card shark, too! 😄
The suspense element in this story has several factors that come together. They are exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, too. What I like so much is that all of the characters are supportive of each other and ready and willing to help if possible. I gave an extra half a star for the fantastic characters.
High Frequency has something for everyone: past trauma, including personal loss, a great romance, genuine compassion, an exciting mystery, and some terrific humour.
This book was another great read. The lonely Wolff, who has never thought about a family life, notices that dog trainer Jillian is not as indifferent to him as other women. What to do with this realization? Protect her. Jillian has left a life behind. After a terrible marriage and a great loss, she moved to Libby, Montana, and Lucas Wolff rubbed her feelings from the beginning. Now they have to find an eleven-year-old girl. Nothing is what it seems, and protection is welcome for Jillian and Hayley. In this book there is less love-me-or-not-I-don't-know feeling, Lucas is straightforward, and Jillian is not averse to Lucas' feelings. So the main plot is about a missing girl and the circumstances. All the side characters are at the ranch and support or mock Lucas feelings, it's a great family that Jillian looks forward to meeting and working with. Including the fact that Sloane is her best friend. In this book, there is a kind of cross-trauma for Jillian because of Hayley and her loss. It's definitely a heartbreaking story. With a great content of crime, mystery and some winter feelings added.
I always say I loved this book the most (I say it for every single one of Freya's books :)), but this one has a heartbreaking background story with Jillian's loss, a clear line in who to fall in love with, and a very good crime plot, with multiple twists and turns, which I loved a lot. Conclusion: Impatiently waiting for High Density :).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have enjoyed the entire series of the High Mountain Trackers. This book is continues with the 2nd generation of trackers and they have all been great reads. I enjoy the life on the Montana ranch and the characters that are so tangible I feel like I know them personally. Thomas and Ama are my favorites. Jillian was a new addition to the character list in the previous book, High Frequency. What makes her such a lovable character is that she loves her pack of canines. Jillian feels like rescues could be trained to help as support dogs for different afflictions, especially children on the spectrum, which I find intriguing. She currently has two emotional support dogs that started out helping her through the loss of her child. Two other dogs are trackers and finally Emo (ha!) who is a cadaver dog. Jillian just moved from Missoula to Libby, Montana at the suggestion of her friend Sloane who she worked with in the previous book. Wolf is a very reserved former FBI agent who wanted a simpler life. He is part of the HMT team of trackers and works the ranch. Jillian caught his eye when she worked a previous case with Sloane but now that she has moved to Libby and working closely together on a new case. Along with her tracking pups they are working together to find the young girl who survived a plane crash. As is the case with the other books, the mystery and suspense in this book makes it hard to put the book down. Can't wait to read JD's book next in line but I am most interested in reading Jackson's book. Highly recommend the entire series.
Anything written by Freya Barker is an auto-buy for me. I don't even need to read the blurb. And trying to pick a favorite book (or even the series)? Especially authors who write many series. Impossible for my fave authors.
Freya writes about ordinary people living real lives with real problems, but that doesn't mean they don't experience drama, suspense, passion, and humor along the way. This book features Jillian Lederman, dog handler/trainer, moving to Libby, Montana to make a new start. She needs the new place to build her new life and leave painful reminders behind. There are new friends welcoming her and an interesting man catching her eye.
Since leaving the FBI, Lucas Wolff built his new life as a member of High Mountain Trackers. Combining his work experience with his horseback talents, he built a satisfying existence still in public service living among friends and not looking to embrace changes. Even if they include the new redhead in town.
But it's a small town and tracking and dog handling intersect when a plane crash sends them searching for a young girl lost in the mountains during a blizzard. Looks like Mother Nature is bringing the two together in spite of themselves as they race to block sinister actions against the girl. There's safety in numbers.
This is the second book in this new series, and it's so good, I have to declare I DO have a favorite by this author. And I'm "chomping at the bit" (a little horse humor) waiting for the next book!
I can never say this enough - once again the writing of Freya Barker does not disappoint. The storyline pulls the reader into the book. Her characters are so very real that you become attached to the characters - worrying about them, laughing at their antics. They are family.
This main characters in this story are Lucas Wolff and Jillian Lederman. Lucas is a former FBI Agent now employed with High Mountain Trackers and Jillian is a dog trainer/handler. They previously met while investigating the discovery of human remains in “High Frequency” (Sloane and Daniel’s story). Lucas is determined to stay single, even though his mother has other ideas, and the progression of Lucas and Jillian’s relationship, while at the same time searching for a missing girl, is a joy to read.
The storyline has something for everyone - tragic loss, survival, romance, suspense, humour and, of course, dogs. As with Freya’s writing there are questions - will Lucas and Jillian get their HEA? What caused the plane to crash - was it the weather or deliberate? What will happen to Hayley, the only survivor?
I read this book in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down. I would definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
4 1/2 stars I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner. Since meeting Lucas Wolff, Jillian Lederman, and her dogs in the first book of this High Mountain Trackers series, High Frequency, I couldn’t wait to see where their story went.
Both lead characters, Lucas and Jillian, are very apprehensive about trying anything more than friendship… if that. This definitely changes, but whether or not it ends up being a serious relationship, the sequence of events is mighty entertaining. Both are very likable characters, entirely set in their ways but caring towards those within their sphere. Special mention must go to Lucas’ mother, what a pip she is and such a card shark, too! 😄
The suspense element in this story has several factors that come together. They are exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, too. What I like so much is that all of the characters are supportive of each other and ready and willing to help if possible. I gave an extra half a star for the fantastic characters.
High Frequency has something for everyone: past trauma, including personal loss, a great romance, genuine compassion, an exciting mystery, and some terrific humour.