A Tormented Man

by Deanndra Hall

Their joy and passion are interrupted by sheer terror …

PADDY

Restored.

When you serve time for a death that destroyed you, it's hard to bounce back. My best friend was my rock, my ride or die. And sadly, his death was more than I can take.

Now, out of the slammer and trying to get my life back on track, I'm ready for something more—something new—and a friend of mine has a solution, one that may just get me out of my funk. Introducing me to a beautiful, headstrong, and intelligent woman with a penchant to submit is the lifesaver I've been looking for all along.

NATALIE

Restored.

I have to be careful. As a federal judge, all eyes are on me to make the right choices regarding the fate of those convicted of crimes. But when I’m off the bench, all I want is to sit back, have someone else make decisions, and let them control the narrative. Meeting an ex-convict with everything I'm looking for in and out of the bedroom wasn't on my bucket list, but here we are. And now, I want nothing more than this man and his dominance.

The big case I’ve been hoping for brings danger, and when someone threatens my life and kidnaps me, all hands are on deck to save me. The FBI and the Appalachian STAR team are determined to find me, but there's only one person I trust enough to rescue me—the tormented man who holds my heart.

Come to the hills and hollers of eastern Kentucky and get acquainted with eight of the most determined men you’ll ever meet in the Appalachian STAR series.

Genres: Romance

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2024

About the author

Deanndra Hall is a working writer living in far western Kentucky. A free spirit and chronic jokester, she and her partner of over 30 years enjoy visiting their two adult children and their partners and playing with their three crazy little dogs. When she's not writing, Deanndra can be found kayaking, working out at the gym, cooking something healthy, or reading. After writing for business, industry, academia, and non-profits for years and having her work credited to others, she jumped into the fiction realm, particularly erotic fiction and erotica, and had so much fun she never looked back. Look for her on Twitter and Facebook and on her website and blog.

Reviews

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

coyp A TORMENTED MAN is the sixth instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult APPALACHIAN STAR erotic, romance series, a part of the multi-authored Special Forces: Operation Alpha series focusing on characters first introduced by author Susan Stoker. This is forty-one year Eastern District Federal Judge Natalie Anderson, and forty-four year old former inmate and Appalachian STAR Search and Rescue member Dennis ‘ Paddy’ O’Brien’s story line. A TORMENTED MAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Appalachian STAR is a search and rescue operation set in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, an operation that hires former inmates from the US prison system.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Natalie and Dennis) A TORMENTED MAN follows in the wake of the introduction between Judge Natalie Anderson, and Dennis ‘Paddy’ O’Brien. Imprisoned for nine years for the death of his business partner, Dennis O’Brien lost everything including his wife and children. Hoping for a new start, Dennis is ready to start over but his bedroom proclivities require someone special. Enter Judge Natalie Anderson, the woman with whom Dennis will fall in love. A mutual friend will introduce Natalie and Dennis, and from the outset, the attraction is immediate but Natalie has been targeted by the Mexican Cartel, and the FBI is struggling to keep our heroine safe.

The world building is detailed as the focus follows Natalie at work, and he developing relationship with our story line hero. Dennis O’Brien not only works for Appalachian STAR but he is ready to take the next step to become IG a certified EMT.

The relationship between Natalie and Dennis is one of immediate attraction ; an insta-lust to insta-love relationship in which Dennis knows Natalie is the woman to heal his soul and claim his heart but threats against Natalie brings protection from law enforcement and the FBI, protection that is caught in the direct line of fire. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of the over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including the team at Appalachian STAR, their extended families and friends, as well as several characters from the interconnected Special Forces: Operation Alpha world. We are introduced to Natalie’s parents, Dennis’ parents, as well as his ex Lisa, and their children Tegan and Borden, and FBI Agent Sela. There is something developing between Bear and Sela.

A TORMENTED MAN is a story of power and control, betrayal and threats, accusations and vindication, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and compelling; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken but serious and strong willed.

copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this series. They can be read as standalone books but I think they are better read in order. This is book is set up a little at the end of the previous book. Paddy served his sentence but everyone who knows him didn’t think he should have gone to jail. Now he moving on with his life. The Appalachian star team took him in when he had nothing and no one. They gave him a second chance at having a life. Now the Walters are helping him in so many ways. Nikki has given him a scholarship to go back to school to become an EMT and Vic is helping him connect with a woman who is perfect for him. Natalie is a federal judge. He has other needs in a relationship and when Steve mentions he may know a man who is perfect for her she will have to decide if she is willing to give him a chance given his past. His past won’t be an issue with her job but still a choice will have to be made. The two hit it off right away. Things take an interesting turn with a case Natalie is presiding over. It is a case with cartel connections. Then just as things are progressing between Natalie and Paddy, she learns that the people he lives with on the farm are also connected to her case. She can’t be seen having any improprieties. Can the two of them find a way forward given all that is happening? I love the characters in this series. There are only two guys left who haven’t their other halves. Though one of them may have started something but who knows if she will be his forever. Priest’s book is next I believe. Paddy and Natalie have a light kink relationship. She likes to give up control in the bedroom because of how in charge she needs to be in her job. Paddy likes to have control in the bedroom but doesn’t want someone who is submissive all the time. To me it is a very light kink. It doesn’t take place every time they are intimate. Deanndra is a fantastic author and I love all her books. I highly recommend her and her books.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single book in this series has been excellent! In this book, Paddy (Dennis O'Brien) meets Federal Court Judge Natalie Anderson and they really hit it off. Paddy had spent nine years in custody for an equipment failure that caused the death of his best friend and partner, which still haunts him. But due to a technicality, he was charged with negligence. Now he is living at Iron Oaks Farm and is a member of the search and rescue team there.

Natalie is presiding over a case that turns out to be related to a Mexican cartel, and soon her life is in danger. There is a lot of excitement going on and it is a serious nail-biter in places, that's for sure!

I loved to see the progression of the relationship between Paddy and Natalie, although due to the case and threats to her life, it had its ups and downs. The dialogue is great and I love all the people and friends.

My only complaint with this author is that there are so many people that it is a bit confusing sometimes to remember who is who, and which people are attached to each other. It hasn't been that long since I read the previous book, but I do read a lot, so it took me a while to remember some of what happened before. I think a lot of that could have been made much clearer with only adding less that a couple hundred words to the book. Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. The book was still great in spite of that.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review, which is my own true and independent opinion.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tormented Man is Book 6 of the Appalachian STAR series. It's a steamy, instalust to instalove, opposites-attract, romantic suspense with a little bit of Dom-sub kink added in.

Paddy (Dennis) is an ex-con who was convicted for the death of his best friend. He was innocent, but after time served, he is now trying to get back on his feet. He gets a scholarship to get his EMT license and is excited to work with his found family of search and rescue workers living on the Iron Oak Farm. He isn't looking for love, but then Natalie rocks his world. She likes to be submissive in the bedroom after making decisions all day. Paddy is happy to dominate her.

Natalie is a smart and feisty federal judge. She has moved near the farm. When she and Paddy are set up on a date, sparks fly. As the two grow close, Natalie finds herself in danger. Can Paddy keep her safe?

This was a great, fast-paced, steamy story with love, drama, mystery, suspense, and lots of steamy fun. This was my first book from this author but not the last. Now, I need to read the rest of the series. I loved it!!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Rodrigues · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tormented Man is the sixth book in Deanndra Hall’s Appalachian STAR series. This is a romantic suspense novel with great characters and an interesting storyline. It was written in first person, from the point of view of both the hero, Dennis and the heroine, Natalie.

I loved the instant connection that was evident from the moment Dennis and Natalie met. Their desires and needs were clearly laid out and discussed and their attraction was explosive. I loved how everyone worked together to help them when several obstacles were thrown in their way. Amazing story, with emotional depth and commitment. A fantastic addition to this amazing series.

This book, while part of a series, can be read as a standalone. The readers are also given glimpses of some of the characters from the Bluegrass Dynasty series and Susan Stoker’s Eagle Point Search and Rescue make throughout this series. I can’t wait to read Priest’s story or Bear’s.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paddy is just trying to put his past behind him as he lost so much including his best friend, his family, and his freedom. He has found a home with the team at Appalachian Star, and they have also brought Natalie into his life. She is the woman he didn’t know he needed and now he will do whatever is necessary to keep her safe.

Natalie is a prominent judge who is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to her rulings but when it comes to her personal life, she prefers to give up control. Even though she understands that her relationship with a man who has Paddy’s past could have a negative impact on her career it is a risk she is willing to take especially when there is no one better to have by her side when she finds herself in danger.

From the outside looking in it would seem like Natalie and Paddy aren’t a good fit but that couldn’t be further from the truth as they give each other exactly what was missing in their lives and that also includes love.

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Tormented Man is the 6th book in the Appalachian STAR series of romantic suspense novels set in Kentucky. Paddy and Natalie are an unlikely couple at first glimpse - an ex-con and a federal judge - but share a deep-seated need to serve their communities, good friends - and complimentary desires in the bedroom. It's an insta-attraction to insta-love stories with sexy times that are slighty kinky. There is an added element of danger and suspense that make this a page-turner, but there are several events that are just a tad too unbelievable for me. The HEA is well-deserved and heart-warming for the couple, but leaves the ending wide open for another member of the tight-knit group at Oak Hills Farm. I hope he doesn't have to wait too long!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the series. This story rocks. Its a believable story and I can see this happen in real life. Paddy/Dennis served time for the death of his best friend and it didn't matter that he was innocent. He's living at Iron Oak Farms with other rehabilitated guys that also served time. They are a family now. Paddy is offered a scholarship to complete his EMT and he takes it. He and the other guys work as search and rescue and he wants to be able to help out more. Natalie is a Federal Judge that has recently moved close to the Farm. Natalie and Paddy are set up by a mutual friend. As they get to know each other Natalie's life is put in danger. Can Paddy and the others save her in time? A great story with action, and supspense.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved A Tormented Man (Special Forces Operation Alpha) Book 6 of Appalachian STAR. Paddy has watched his friends fall in love fast lately and he’s thinking he would like to meet someone. He’s getting his life back in order and a companion sounds nice. Natalie is a judge who has to make a lot of decisions, she would like a partner to help with these decisions sometimes, especially in the bedroom. Meeting Paddy fills a void and instantly feels right, for him as well. There are a few bumps in the road, namely the cartel is after her. Even with the stress, they are better together. I loved the storyline and the characters. This is such a great series and I love how all the characters are intertwined. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deanndra Hall explores deep emotions in A Tormented Man. There are definitely a few grab a tissue moments. There's also intense suspense, some great action and a beautiful love story between two people who deserve to have a happily ever after. If ever two people were mismatched, at least on paper, it's Natalie Anderson and Dennis "Paddy" O'Brien. She's a Federal Judge and he's an ex-con. Being matched by mutual friends is the best thing that could have happened to them. But, it's not all sunshine and roses. Even their complications have complications. Fantastic reading and fits perfectly in the Appalachian Star series.

Be sure to download the bonus content. It's a heartwarming story that will leave you smiling and feeling happy.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Paddy’ O’Brien had been in prison for nine years for the death of his business partner. While in prison Dennis lost everything his wife and children. Needing and wanting a new start. Judge Natalie Anderson meets Dennis through a mutual friend. The attraction is immediate. When Natalie is been targeted by the Mexican Cartel, and the FBI is struggling to keep her safe.

Dennis O’Brien now works for Appalachian STAR but he is ready to take the next step to become IG a certified EMT.

Dennis knows Natalie is the woman is now his life and will do all he can to keep her safe.

This book has angst, drama , action hot moments between are two characters and romance. The full package.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean M · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tear jerker that turned out to be!
Dennis, having a prison record seemed an unlikely partner to Natalie, a federal judge.
They embarked on a relationship only for Natalie and her FBI guard to be kidnapped.
It’s a tense story at times but then at others I had a tear in my eye.
There’s lots happening in this story, Dennis reconnecting with his children, paperwork regarding his conviction and training to be an EMT, not to forget some steamy scenes with Natalie. A thoroughly enjoyable story and well worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gazelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book that I’ve read by Deanndra Hall and I enjoyed it. Paddy has been through things that no person deserves to have to go through but it leads him to where he needs to be. Natalie is a federal judge who has to be careful of who she associates with but she trusts her friend to set her up with Paddy. Paddy and Natalie meet and while they have a lot in common, they both have to face down danger from past and/or present to get a future they never dreamed possible. These two are finding love a little later in life after Paddy’s divorce and Natalie focusing on her career. The family that these two find/make will make your heart happy!

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

'A Tormented Man' was riveting. The pulsating plot was filled with an unfortunate and haunting past, a budding relationship, reconciliation, suspense, tension, action, a loving community, a kidnapping, a major rescue, a major find to right a wrong, and love.
Moreover, Dennis (Paddy) and Natalie, the protagonists, were ideally suited for each other and gushed with chemistry. Natalie was a federal judge and Dennis, an ex-con, received a scholarship and was going to school to become an EMT. Overall, I liked the thrilling narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story, but also emotional. We follow Natalie who is a federal judge and Dennis. Dennis has a criminal record. Two people you wouldn't expect together. but they enter into a relationship anyway and it is not long after that she is kidnapped along with her guard. Will they find her and find out who is behind her kidnapping and why? There is tension, some drama but also love and chemistry and beautiful steamy moments. I enjoyed their story and sometimes with a tear and a lump in my throat, I definitely recommend this book.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Paddy and Natalie’s story. When you serve time for a death that destroyed you, it's hard to bounce back. His best friend was his rock. Sadly, his death was more than he can take. Now, that he’s out of the slammer and trying to get his life back on track. Natalie has to be careful. As a federal judge, all eyes are on her to make the right choices regarding the fate of those convicted of crimes. But when off the bench, she just wants to sit back, have someone else make decisions, and let them control the narrative. Meeting an ex-convict with everything she’s looking for in and out of the bedroom wasn't on her bucket list. What will happen? Am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paddy O’Brien works for Appalachian Star Rescue Squad.
Natalie is a Federal Judge.
Paddy and Natalie meet and hit it off pretty well with a few hiccups and things progress along, until Natalie’s becomes the target because she is presiding over
Trials dealing with Cartel related business.
Can Appalachian Starr, Eagle Search and Rescue, along with law enforcement and Steve’s Security company keep Matalie safe so she and Paddy have a Happily Ever After?

This book is edge of your seat suspense, danger and romance.

Great Job Deanndra Hall !!!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tormented Man
By Deanndra Hall
Main Characters: Paddy and Natalie
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Natalie is a federal judge and Paddy is a convicted felon. You would never think these two would have anything to do with each other but that is not so. Paddy was a wrongfully convicted person and he went through a lot of heartache in this moving story. There is a HEA ending and I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more stories by Deanndra Hall.

[Heather Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blaming himself for his friends death, Paddy did his time even as those around him thought it an injustice. Now a part of APP STAR, he just needs to find the perfect woman to move forward. Queue Natalie a federal judge just made for Paddy.
This one made me a bit weepy; it had such a great ending for Paddy. Along with a nice feed into what we might expect in Bears book, though we’ll have to wait a bit for that one.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tormented Man is an emotional story dealing with self-doubt, self-worth and picking up the pieces after your life is torn apart. Paddy is given a second chance and isn't sure if he deserves it. With each tentative step he took forward, my heart broke for him because he was so tortured over it. When he has a chance with Natalie, I both loved how he stuck up for his responsibilities and adopted family, but also disliked how he expected Natalie to understand without giving her a chance. Great read that will leave you wanting more of their story.

[Elinda Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was definitely a tear jerker. Dennis and Natalie meet through mutual friends. They are attracted to each other right away. They have a lot of things to get through to get the HEA they so richly deserve. This book was, for me, a rollercoaster of emotions. I loved everything about it. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. Do yourself a favor and get this book ASAP. You won't regret it. Sorry, no spoilers. I received this ARC and here is my honest review.

[Brenda Hojonski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paddy and Natalie are the most unlikely couple to meet and have a relationship. She's a federal judge and he's an ex-con. Their great story is filled with the troubles of a new relationship, a cartel after them, and the welcoming in of Natalie to the family that is the farm of Appalachian STARR. I am continually amazed at the diversity of Deanndra Hall's writing and eagerly await her next novel.

[Debi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

This was an awesome read. Dennis (Paddy) and Natalie made the perfect couple. He was in prison for something he didn’t do and she was a judge. This has a lot of action, suspense and a happily ever after. This one will keep you interested and wanting more. Never a dull moment. One of the best reads so far. My favorite in this series. Looking forward to reading the next book

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I'm glad Paddy finds love with Natalie and they are perfect in their shared interests. There is danger that is dealt with from two cases that Natalie is presiding over. It did cause some tense moments. I'm glad Paddy reconnects with his family and even more that he is finally exonerated. I liked the role that Michael plays in this story.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paddy, or Dennis, has a past that is filled with strong emotions. He and Natalie make a nice match. The emotional journey that Paddy goes on is heartbreaking in places but does bring joy in the end. Natalie is a strong and confident woman. Her story is filled with suspense and action. Together this makes for a nice and complicated read that holds yoir attention.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paddy was in jail for something that was not his fault and he lost everything. Now he finds a new family within the Appalachian STAR Team.
Nataly is a federal judge, and her new case threatens her life.
This was an emotional book, and I needed the tissue box near me. The suspense, action and emotions made this book a great one to read and enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becklesdawn Beckles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tormented Man ( special forces operation alpha)

I will continue to read all of the book in this series. This book was great it shows all of Dennis aka Paddy weaknesses and strength and that you can't always judge a person by there past. I'm happy that Dennis found his love with Natalie and trying to form a relationship with his boys .And finally his innocence was shown . Do you think Micheal had something to do with that? Can't wait for Bears Boom

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in this impressive series, and this is Dennis / Paddy and Natalie’s story.
This is a well written easy to read story which is an action packed, emotional roller coaster, with found family, friendships, danger, suspense, intrigue, opposites attract, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, steamy, and twisted addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tormented Man is the the sixth book in the Appalachian STAR series by Deanndra Hall
Paddy is an ex-con and Natalie is a federal judge. They are an unlikely pair but it works for them. The emotions I experienced while reading this book had tears rolling down my face.
I loved this book, it was easy to read, well written, with danger, suspense as well as an emotional rollercoaster. The whole series is a must read!

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paddy & Nat give us some oh dear moments as they first navigate their relationship. Characters we know & love come along to give us more laughs & background. Things do get interesting & spicy. Danger hits them out of nowhere & we see the resilience & family bond shining through. Excellent! Honest review!