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K-9 Rescue #3
Primal Force
Passion is always worth fighting for…
Jori Garrison trains dogs for Warrior Wolf Pack, which provides service animals for disabled veterans. Four years ago, she was wrongly convicted of a crime—thanks to her no-good ex-fiancé. Now she just wants to live her life in peace with her beloved dogs. No men, no complications. But it’s hard to play it cool when a lethally hot male is on her tail—and the attraction is fierce, mutual, and dangerous…
PRIMAL FORCE
Lauray "Law" Batisse is a Military Police veteran who was wounded in Afghanistan. Haunted by the loss of his K-9 partner in combat, he’s reluctant to accept a service dog named Samantha into his life. But once he meets her trainer—the gorgeous Jori Garrison—he can’t fight his primal instincts. And neither can Jori. This sexy alpha male might be the only man strong enough to unleash her desires. And when unseen enemies start hunting them down, he and his new K-9 partner might be her only hope… to survive.
Jori Garrison trains dogs for Warrior Wolf Pack, which provides service animals for disabled veterans. Four years ago, she was wrongly convicted of a crime—thanks to her no-good ex-fiancé. Now she just wants to live her life in peace with her beloved dogs. No men, no complications. But it’s hard to play it cool when a lethally hot male is on her tail—and the attraction is fierce, mutual, and dangerous…
PRIMAL FORCE
Lauray "Law" Batisse is a Military Police veteran who was wounded in Afghanistan. Haunted by the loss of his K-9 partner in combat, he’s reluctant to accept a service dog named Samantha into his life. But once he meets her trainer—the gorgeous Jori Garrison—he can’t fight his primal instincts. And neither can Jori. This sexy alpha male might be the only man strong enough to unleash her desires. And when unseen enemies start hunting them down, he and his new K-9 partner might be her only hope… to survive.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
114 people are currently reading
932 people want to read
About the author
D.D. Ayres
9 books329 followersD. D. Ayres is the author of the K-9 Rescue series which includes Primal Force and Force of Attraction. She loves men in uniforms and dogs, making the K-9 Rescue series with St. Martin's Press a dream come true. She currently lives in Texas where she's at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
September 21, 2015
Jori Garrison is a K-9 trainer of service dogs for vets with PTSD who is assigned to work with Lauray (Law) Battise. Law is a tough, rude, surly Cajun/Native American who's now an Arkansas State Trooper. He's a loner and she's finding her way after a rough setback.
Strange to have liked a story so much where I disliked the main character as much as I did! Law redeemed himself somewhat by the end but was a turnoff for most of the book. Here's a "dead ringer" for him (based on his description) and he's what kept me into the character:
Lauray Battise (actor Josh Richardson)
I liked Jori Garrison but at times thought she was bordering on being Law's doormat. But, when I pictured her as Evangeline Lilly and reprised her in her role in Lost, she began to make sense to me (remember how many chances she gave Sawyer?). She's also grappling with some really tough issues and baggage from her past.
Jori Garrison (actress Evangeline Lilly)
There was quite a bit more regarding the K-9 training in this story, which I LOVED! My attraction to this series was for this reason and the dogs' stories dominate. And, as an added treat, we got one of the dog's point of view. Samantha (Sam) is trained as a service dog for vets suffering from PTSD and she loves her Alpha (Law). It's a completely different perspective and was quite educational. I guess that's why I hung in there with Law as he had a serious case and, aside from his behavior in relationships, there was much about him to admire (*she says grudgingly*).
Really good story even if the romance was challenging. It's a must read if you're interested in K-9 rescue and service animals.
Strange to have liked a story so much where I disliked the main character as much as I did! Law redeemed himself somewhat by the end but was a turnoff for most of the book. Here's a "dead ringer" for him (based on his description) and he's what kept me into the character:
Lauray Battise (actor Josh Richardson)
I liked Jori Garrison but at times thought she was bordering on being Law's doormat. But, when I pictured her as Evangeline Lilly and reprised her in her role in Lost, she began to make sense to me (remember how many chances she gave Sawyer?). She's also grappling with some really tough issues and baggage from her past.
Jori Garrison (actress Evangeline Lilly)
There was quite a bit more regarding the K-9 training in this story, which I LOVED! My attraction to this series was for this reason and the dogs' stories dominate. And, as an added treat, we got one of the dog's point of view. Samantha (Sam) is trained as a service dog for vets suffering from PTSD and she loves her Alpha (Law). It's a completely different perspective and was quite educational. I guess that's why I hung in there with Law as he had a serious case and, aside from his behavior in relationships, there was much about him to admire (*she says grudgingly*).
Really good story even if the romance was challenging. It's a must read if you're interested in K-9 rescue and service animals.
October 14, 2024
A few notes before we get started:
This book can be read as a stand-a-lone.
I love that the cover is true to the book. The covers so far for the K-9 Rescue series have fit the books perfectly. The dogs that are featured on the covers, are the pets in the story.
The K-9 Rescue series has fast become a favorite of mine. The author highlights the different ways that service dogs play a integral part in service to our country. You can tell that the author has done her research on the different ways to train service dogs for all types of jobs. This in-depth and accurate portray just adds to my enjoyment.
Primal Force is book three in the K-9 Rescue series by D.D. Ayres.
This is my favorite so far in the series. I love the romance, drama, suspense, & the K-9. It was brilliant to give the reader the K-9, Samantha’s, perspective in this novel along with Jori and Law’s. Getting the K-9’s POV was marvelous; because it added a whole new dimension to the story. Law and Jori where a wonderful couple to fall in love with. I liked them both from the start and couldn’t help, but get caught up in their hot steamy romance as well as everything else that was going on. The danger and excitement just added to the story and relationship building between our couple.
Primal Force had me laughing and crying. I was captivated from the first page and had a delightful time reading. This series is engaging and fascinating. I recommend picking up the K-9 Rescue series.
Rated: 4.5 Stars
This book can be read as a stand-a-lone.
I love that the cover is true to the book. The covers so far for the K-9 Rescue series have fit the books perfectly. The dogs that are featured on the covers, are the pets in the story.
The K-9 Rescue series has fast become a favorite of mine. The author highlights the different ways that service dogs play a integral part in service to our country. You can tell that the author has done her research on the different ways to train service dogs for all types of jobs. This in-depth and accurate portray just adds to my enjoyment.
Primal Force is book three in the K-9 Rescue series by D.D. Ayres.
This is my favorite so far in the series. I love the romance, drama, suspense, & the K-9. It was brilliant to give the reader the K-9, Samantha’s, perspective in this novel along with Jori and Law’s. Getting the K-9’s POV was marvelous; because it added a whole new dimension to the story. Law and Jori where a wonderful couple to fall in love with. I liked them both from the start and couldn’t help, but get caught up in their hot steamy romance as well as everything else that was going on. The danger and excitement just added to the story and relationship building between our couple.
Primal Force had me laughing and crying. I was captivated from the first page and had a delightful time reading. This series is engaging and fascinating. I recommend picking up the K-9 Rescue series.
Rated: 4.5 Stars
November 13, 2020
My fun read - romantic suspense. Even better when there are dogs involved! I'm a sucker for these quick read books. :)
September 4, 2015
ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This series highlights the different ways that service dogs play a integral part in service to our country. D.D. Ayres has done some great research on the ways that trained dogs provide an invaluable service for wounded veterans. These resources for our veterans are not commonly known and the author does a real service to them by focusing on them. I have found that the series has offered unique plots and perspectives. Each book has dealt with a different way that K-9's are used in service.
In Primal Force, Lauray "Law" Battise is a closed, prickly as a porcupine, veteran Army M.P. who is having a lot of trouble adjusting to life without his best friend, Scud, his K-9 dog who died in the attack that left Law with PTSD and without his leg. His half-sister, Yardley Summers, has extorted him into getting a trained companion dog. Samantha is a beautiful golden retriever - poodle mix who chose Law as her Alpha.
Jori Garrison's family is high society in Arkansas. She is an ex-com who did time for her unfortunate choice in drug dealing fiancés. She is trying to get her life back by training service dogs for wounded veterans through the Warriors Wolf Pack.
When Law receives Sam from Warriors Wolf Pack, the service dog he says he doesn't want, Law and Jori smash up against each other in a steamy sexual encounter and that leaves both of them with the awakening of feelings they both had long buried. Unknown to them there are forces that want each of them not only not together, but out of the way altogether.
This series highlights the different ways that service dogs play a integral part in service to our country. D.D. Ayres has done some great research on the ways that trained dogs provide an invaluable service for wounded veterans. These resources for our veterans are not commonly known and the author does a real service to them by focusing on them. I have found that the series has offered unique plots and perspectives. Each book has dealt with a different way that K-9's are used in service.
In Primal Force, Lauray "Law" Battise is a closed, prickly as a porcupine, veteran Army M.P. who is having a lot of trouble adjusting to life without his best friend, Scud, his K-9 dog who died in the attack that left Law with PTSD and without his leg. His half-sister, Yardley Summers, has extorted him into getting a trained companion dog. Samantha is a beautiful golden retriever - poodle mix who chose Law as her Alpha.
Jori Garrison's family is high society in Arkansas. She is an ex-com who did time for her unfortunate choice in drug dealing fiancés. She is trying to get her life back by training service dogs for wounded veterans through the Warriors Wolf Pack.
When Law receives Sam from Warriors Wolf Pack, the service dog he says he doesn't want, Law and Jori smash up against each other in a steamy sexual encounter and that leaves both of them with the awakening of feelings they both had long buried. Unknown to them there are forces that want each of them not only not together, but out of the way altogether.
August 29, 2015
This series just keeps getting better with each book. I'm loving the mixture of romance, drama and of course cute canines and with this book the author certainly ups the ante!
Jori Garrison has recently left prison having been wrongfully convicted of the crime of drugs pushing. She knows she's innocent but just can't quite bring herself to go back to her old life. Jori has worked hard to become a dog trainer and now helps match up wounded Veterans with suitable canine companions but there's one guy in particular who just doesn't seem to want to fit! Problem is there's just something about Law Batisse that awakens Jori's need to scratch an itch and it looks like he's onboard with that but is once ever going to be enough?
Law lost more than his leg in Afghanistan , he lost his beloved K9 partner. Now they want to pair him up with a fluffy doodle named Samantha ! So not happening but if Law is to get his job back as a State Trooper he has to bite the proverbial. So ok he can do this and a weeks one to one training with the tempting Jori might just solve more than one of his problems . Then something strange comes to light and it's clear that what happened to Law in Afghanistan and Jori's imprisonment share a connection but it's not one that others ever want to be revealed.
The author has surpassed herself with this story and I cannot express just how much I truly enjoyed it. Yes there's a hunk of an alpha type as a hero but our heroine has so much going for her too . Jori may be down but she's not out and she's not afraid to live and love. The relationship and romance aside and we still have a really interesting story and it was fun crossing the t's and joining the dots as everything begins to unravel. Corruption and danger and truly nasty people who deserve all they get. Best of all? Samantha! Yes that dog stole my heart and the author even occasionally gave us Samantha's point of view which was both funny and sweet. Clearly a lot of background research has gone into this book and if you are searching for an entertaining standalone book than this could be your next read.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
Jori Garrison has recently left prison having been wrongfully convicted of the crime of drugs pushing. She knows she's innocent but just can't quite bring herself to go back to her old life. Jori has worked hard to become a dog trainer and now helps match up wounded Veterans with suitable canine companions but there's one guy in particular who just doesn't seem to want to fit! Problem is there's just something about Law Batisse that awakens Jori's need to scratch an itch and it looks like he's onboard with that but is once ever going to be enough?
Law lost more than his leg in Afghanistan , he lost his beloved K9 partner. Now they want to pair him up with a fluffy doodle named Samantha ! So not happening but if Law is to get his job back as a State Trooper he has to bite the proverbial. So ok he can do this and a weeks one to one training with the tempting Jori might just solve more than one of his problems . Then something strange comes to light and it's clear that what happened to Law in Afghanistan and Jori's imprisonment share a connection but it's not one that others ever want to be revealed.
The author has surpassed herself with this story and I cannot express just how much I truly enjoyed it. Yes there's a hunk of an alpha type as a hero but our heroine has so much going for her too . Jori may be down but she's not out and she's not afraid to live and love. The relationship and romance aside and we still have a really interesting story and it was fun crossing the t's and joining the dots as everything begins to unravel. Corruption and danger and truly nasty people who deserve all they get. Best of all? Samantha! Yes that dog stole my heart and the author even occasionally gave us Samantha's point of view which was both funny and sweet. Clearly a lot of background research has gone into this book and if you are searching for an entertaining standalone book than this could be your next read.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
September 23, 2015
ARC Review
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
Darkest in the series so far, this Primal Force features the story of a wounded warrior dealing with PTSD. He gets assigned a service dog and an attractive trainer. The trainer also happens to be an ex-con. She was wrongly accused but it ended up in prison and is recently released. There is a mystery woven into this narrative, but the heart of the story is about a closed, tightly wound soldier and a woman who draws him out with light and energy.
Law is not always likable. He is described as “insensitive, untrustworthy, possessed of a quick temper, and selfish. He’d enjoy the company of any willing woman. But he never let it get personal, or stand in his way.” In other words, he is kind of a jerk. Law is not very nice to Jori through most of the book and I wonder why she keeps coming back for more abuse. Let's just say there is a lot of groveling that needs to happen in order for him to redeem himself. I can’t say for sure if he begged enough, but he did have a substantial change of heart that showed commitment to her. What saves Law is his recognition that she makes him want to be better. “…[H]e wanted the truth about himself – that he was insensitive, untrustworthy, possessed a quick temper, and selfish – to be a lie.” In the end, I liked that he was a complicated hero.
Unlike her previous two books, Primal Force features a different kind of dog. Samantha is a service dog, not a law enforcement K-9. She is not trained to attack suspects or sniff out drugs, she is trained to provide service and assist her master. Samantha can detect when her owner is having a PTSD attack; she can provide solace and comfort; and she is trained to find help if her alpha is in trouble.
Curiously, the author decided to include the dog’s perspective. We get to go inside the dog’s mind. Admittedly, giving voice to what is going inside the dog’s head is a little strange. But I began to appreciate and enjoy this extra insight: “The sad man needed her to be his pack. She’d picked that up the first day. No Alpha, even the strongest, was healthy when he was without his pack.”
IN A NUTSHELL:
D.D. Ayers has another winner in the K-9 Rescue series. The author gives us a great balance of mystery and romance. We get a bonus perspective of a caring and heroic dog that will surely warm your heart. This is good stuff.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
Darkest in the series so far, this Primal Force features the story of a wounded warrior dealing with PTSD. He gets assigned a service dog and an attractive trainer. The trainer also happens to be an ex-con. She was wrongly accused but it ended up in prison and is recently released. There is a mystery woven into this narrative, but the heart of the story is about a closed, tightly wound soldier and a woman who draws him out with light and energy.
Law is not always likable. He is described as “insensitive, untrustworthy, possessed of a quick temper, and selfish. He’d enjoy the company of any willing woman. But he never let it get personal, or stand in his way.” In other words, he is kind of a jerk. Law is not very nice to Jori through most of the book and I wonder why she keeps coming back for more abuse. Let's just say there is a lot of groveling that needs to happen in order for him to redeem himself. I can’t say for sure if he begged enough, but he did have a substantial change of heart that showed commitment to her. What saves Law is his recognition that she makes him want to be better. “…[H]e wanted the truth about himself – that he was insensitive, untrustworthy, possessed a quick temper, and selfish – to be a lie.” In the end, I liked that he was a complicated hero.
Unlike her previous two books, Primal Force features a different kind of dog. Samantha is a service dog, not a law enforcement K-9. She is not trained to attack suspects or sniff out drugs, she is trained to provide service and assist her master. Samantha can detect when her owner is having a PTSD attack; she can provide solace and comfort; and she is trained to find help if her alpha is in trouble.
Curiously, the author decided to include the dog’s perspective. We get to go inside the dog’s mind. Admittedly, giving voice to what is going inside the dog’s head is a little strange. But I began to appreciate and enjoy this extra insight: “The sad man needed her to be his pack. She’d picked that up the first day. No Alpha, even the strongest, was healthy when he was without his pack.”
IN A NUTSHELL:
D.D. Ayers has another winner in the K-9 Rescue series. The author gives us a great balance of mystery and romance. We get a bonus perspective of a caring and heroic dog that will surely warm your heart. This is good stuff.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2017
**** 4.5 Cheese Doodle Stars ****
So cute and spicy, and can be read as a standalone. This is the perfect book for dog lovers.
Law is a wounded veteran suffering with PTSD. His sister thought it would be a good idea to get a service dog from Warriors Wolf Pack. The organization allows the dogs to pick their owners, and Law was chosen by a cheese doodle.
The golden retriever and poodle mix was so non threatening. She was a lover not a fighter. Law wanted to return the dog, but the trainer at WWP persuaded him to keep the dog. *wink wink*
"I don't want a girlfriend. But I do, very badly, want to fuck you."
Oh yea, Law will melt your panties. He's a sexy warrior that doesn't believe he deserves goodness from the world. Jori opens him up and helps him heal.
The dog's POV was one of my favorite parts. Samantha would do anything to keep her Alpha happy. I loved this story, and I can't wait to read more.
So cute and spicy, and can be read as a standalone. This is the perfect book for dog lovers.
Law is a wounded veteran suffering with PTSD. His sister thought it would be a good idea to get a service dog from Warriors Wolf Pack. The organization allows the dogs to pick their owners, and Law was chosen by a cheese doodle.
The golden retriever and poodle mix was so non threatening. She was a lover not a fighter. Law wanted to return the dog, but the trainer at WWP persuaded him to keep the dog. *wink wink*
"I don't want a girlfriend. But I do, very badly, want to fuck you."
Oh yea, Law will melt your panties. He's a sexy warrior that doesn't believe he deserves goodness from the world. Jori opens him up and helps him heal.
The dog's POV was one of my favorite parts. Samantha would do anything to keep her Alpha happy. I loved this story, and I can't wait to read more.
May 19, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
I'm finally getting to read my Series in a Month books! I got interested in the K9-9 Rescue series when I did a Series on Saturday about K9 stories. The books in the series are very loosely related. So far I believe they could easily be read as stand alones.
I continue to enjoy the K9 aspects of the series. Samantha (Sam), the K9 in this book, is a therapy dog more than a rescue dog. Jori, who helped train her is amazing. With all the crazy things which have happened to her, she is still working to improve things and caring for others. Jori is building a life with what she has and doing well. I was so happy was able to work through some old issues, of her own feelings, with her family.
Lauray (Law) is a returning military K9 handler with PTSD and is paired up with Samantha. His sister, Yardley, had the idea and convinced him to do it. She seems to be the background thread in the series but I think the next book is about her. Law wasn't as realistic with himself. He wanted to do the right things but he's a guy. He didn't accept help very well or even recognize things about Jori or Sam enough.
Law and Jori get part way along the journey but it didn't feel like they did much for Jori's past. Jori earns new recognition and opportunities based on merit, as does Law. The ending of Primal Force felt a little rushed so I hope we see them a bit in Yardley's story, Rival Forces.
I'm finally getting to read my Series in a Month books! I got interested in the K9-9 Rescue series when I did a Series on Saturday about K9 stories. The books in the series are very loosely related. So far I believe they could easily be read as stand alones.
I continue to enjoy the K9 aspects of the series. Samantha (Sam), the K9 in this book, is a therapy dog more than a rescue dog. Jori, who helped train her is amazing. With all the crazy things which have happened to her, she is still working to improve things and caring for others. Jori is building a life with what she has and doing well. I was so happy was able to work through some old issues, of her own feelings, with her family.
Lauray (Law) is a returning military K9 handler with PTSD and is paired up with Samantha. His sister, Yardley, had the idea and convinced him to do it. She seems to be the background thread in the series but I think the next book is about her. Law wasn't as realistic with himself. He wanted to do the right things but he's a guy. He didn't accept help very well or even recognize things about Jori or Sam enough.
Law and Jori get part way along the journey but it didn't feel like they did much for Jori's past. Jori earns new recognition and opportunities based on merit, as does Law. The ending of Primal Force felt a little rushed so I hope we see them a bit in Yardley's story, Rival Forces.
“I’m wearing my best pair of jeans and a ‘cute top.’” Jeff raised his voice to falsetto on the last two words. A man who worked with women, he’d become a quick study in their vocabulary."
January 31, 2016
I meant to write this review a few weeks ago, but I never found the time.
Anyway, Primal Force is the first book I read by D.D. Ayres and while it is the third in the series, it can perfectly be read as a stand-alone.
I don't remember all the good stuff of this book crystal-clear, I remember the general feeling that I like it, except for two things... ok, maybe three.
First thing - and I'm totally a hypocrite right now, since I'm written in english, which is not my native tongue - is the uncorrect use of german. I'm german and there were some sentences that just made me cringe. For example: the author used "Heruntersteigen" to signal the dog to get off the bed. Everyone of my german languaged readers will probably be like
The hero actually said "heruntersteigen". I can't wrap my mind around that. I for my part tell my dog that he should get "runter" or "ab" when I want him off the sofa. I don't know one german who would use the basic form of "heruntersteigen".
I hate it when my own language gets mistreaded in a book, at least use a language I don't understand. Or make sure your used language is correct, by for example asking native german speaker and maybe not google translate?
The second thing is that we get a POV from the dog. Yes, you read right. From the freaking dog!! You've got to be kidding me?!
Truth be told, I first disliked the POV of the dog and found it ridiculous but as the book progressed I kind of found myself liking it. So this point is both on my "did not like" - list and my "things I liked about the book" - list. I can't help it, I like dogs ;)
The third and last thing was the hero and the way he acted towards others and his dog Samantha. Yes, I get that he has PTSD, but that's not a reason to constantly dismiss his dog and being mean to Jorie, the heroine. He just wasn't very likeable for most of the book.
Like I said in the beginning, while all the points I just mentioned were negative points, I actually quite enjoyed it and will probably read the next one of the series as well.
Rating: 3,5 stars
For more reviews, visit Bookgatherer.
Anyway, Primal Force is the first book I read by D.D. Ayres and while it is the third in the series, it can perfectly be read as a stand-alone.
I don't remember all the good stuff of this book crystal-clear, I remember the general feeling that I like it, except for two things... ok, maybe three.
First thing - and I'm totally a hypocrite right now, since I'm written in english, which is not my native tongue - is the uncorrect use of german. I'm german and there were some sentences that just made me cringe. For example: the author used "Heruntersteigen" to signal the dog to get off the bed. Everyone of my german languaged readers will probably be like
The hero actually said "heruntersteigen". I can't wrap my mind around that. I for my part tell my dog that he should get "runter" or "ab" when I want him off the sofa. I don't know one german who would use the basic form of "heruntersteigen".
I hate it when my own language gets mistreaded in a book, at least use a language I don't understand. Or make sure your used language is correct, by for example asking native german speaker and maybe not google translate?
The second thing is that we get a POV from the dog. Yes, you read right. From the freaking dog!! You've got to be kidding me?!
Truth be told, I first disliked the POV of the dog and found it ridiculous but as the book progressed I kind of found myself liking it. So this point is both on my "did not like" - list and my "things I liked about the book" - list. I can't help it, I like dogs ;)
The third and last thing was the hero and the way he acted towards others and his dog Samantha. Yes, I get that he has PTSD, but that's not a reason to constantly dismiss his dog and being mean to Jorie, the heroine. He just wasn't very likeable for most of the book.
Like I said in the beginning, while all the points I just mentioned were negative points, I actually quite enjoyed it and will probably read the next one of the series as well.
Rating: 3,5 stars
For more reviews, visit Bookgatherer.
August 9, 2015
Laurey "Law" Batisse struggles with PTSD over an incident in Afghanistan that left him grievously wounded and resulted in the death of his K-9 partner. A few years later, Law is hooked up with service dog, Samantha, through Warrior Wolf Pack, an organization that trains service dogs for wounded vets. Law doesn't want to work with another dog, but he is attracted to one of the service animal trainers, Jori Garrison.
Jori has her own struggles with the past to overcome after serving over three years in prison. When her fiancé was killed in a car accident, drugs and a large amount of money were in the vehicle. This leads to a search warrant on the apartment Jori shared with him, and more drugs were found, resulting in her arrest. Jori, totally innocent, and not having a clue of what her fiancé was involved in, loses her freedom and her plans to be an attorney. Now out on parole, Jori is working for Warrior Wolf Pack and trying to get her life together.
Law is certain that a relationship is not for him, and Jori doesn't really need the complication of a difficult man in her life. Regardless, neither can overcome the fierce attraction between them. Soon, it becomes clear that the past isn't buried, and Jori and Law are both in danger.
This was a great romantic suspense, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Law and Jori were both characters that I connected with and cheered for. I thought that they were great together. Law's service dog, Sam, added to the story. I liked the way she wanted to bond with Law, and I enjoyed the snippets of the story that were from her point of view. The storyline was fast paced and had plenty of action. I thought that the balance of romance and suspense was exactly right. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Jori has her own struggles with the past to overcome after serving over three years in prison. When her fiancé was killed in a car accident, drugs and a large amount of money were in the vehicle. This leads to a search warrant on the apartment Jori shared with him, and more drugs were found, resulting in her arrest. Jori, totally innocent, and not having a clue of what her fiancé was involved in, loses her freedom and her plans to be an attorney. Now out on parole, Jori is working for Warrior Wolf Pack and trying to get her life together.
Law is certain that a relationship is not for him, and Jori doesn't really need the complication of a difficult man in her life. Regardless, neither can overcome the fierce attraction between them. Soon, it becomes clear that the past isn't buried, and Jori and Law are both in danger.
This was a great romantic suspense, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Law and Jori were both characters that I connected with and cheered for. I thought that they were great together. Law's service dog, Sam, added to the story. I liked the way she wanted to bond with Law, and I enjoyed the snippets of the story that were from her point of view. The storyline was fast paced and had plenty of action. I thought that the balance of romance and suspense was exactly right. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 13, 2021
I'm so happy to have re-read this top notch K-9 romantic suspense! It's not so much that I had forgotten the plot -- although that is true to some extent - but I really enjoyed the characters, the plot twists and turns, the action and results.
Lauray "Law" Battise is a disabled vet amputee now Arkansas State Trooper who is suffering PTSD to such a degree that his sister, the owner of Harmonie Kennels and trainer of military and service K-9s, coerces him into applying to the Warriors Wolf Pack (WWP) which matches disabled vets with service dogs. The policy of WWP is for the dog to choose its new handler, and Samantha, a rust colored poodle hybrid, has chosen Law as her pack. Law is resistant to Samantha, refering her deprecatingly as a Cheez Doodle, and determined to return her as soon as he can then claim it didn't work out to his sister. Law is a lone wolf and has cut himself off from all family, friends, others, believing he needs no help. However, Samantha and WWP have different ideas.
Jori works at WWP and was Samantha's trainer and is tasked with guiding Law and Samantha through the early days and weeks of their relationship. Jori is intensely attracted to Law, but there are many hurdles, not least of which is Jori is an ex-con, a felon on parole. Need I add that she's innocent, the victim of circumstances and a botched defense?
The suspense plot revolves around drug trafficking and the Tice family to which both Law and Jori are connected. First Jori and Law just hook up for a night of hot sex as Law abandons the WWP program. That of course as always happens in these plots turns into something else, helped along by their joining forces in the efforts being brought to bring down the drug trafficking ring. That's when all the action and dangeer enters the picture.
The service dog background here is wonderfully presented, including the story of how Jori became a service dog trainer: through a program fun by WWP at the local women's correctional facility which has selected inmates train to become service dog handlers and trainers. The characters are complex, with Law especially have a difficult emotional journey to make. The hot steamy sex does not detract from what is a decently complex plot. The writing is good, giving me fun descriptive phrases like Cheez Doodle (I'll never look at a reddish doodle again without thinking that) and Jori's description of Law as Prime Slut Muffin. There's a scene where Jori deals with wife of a vet who is jealous and having an emotional breakdown over his service dog that is just wonderful. Then there's Jori's kitten Argyle, dubbed a 'pocket sized ninja kitty' after '[m]oving like a furry dart, the kitten skipped across the room, bounded up on the bed and onto Law's chest. Claws out, she raked at his face with both paws several times before leaping off and zigzagged her way back out the door. ... Law felt his face. "No. Lucky my beard's so long and thick." It's unfortunate that the author also falls back on some pretty mediocre imagery like "He was hard enough to pound steel. Was ready to take her on the desk right in front of every bug-eyed veteran, volunteer, and dog in the place. But she wouldn't like that." Yeah, I don't think she would.
But Samantha's heroic moment made me cry, and the final wrap up was so marvelous, it saved the 4 star rating. Ayres really stepped up her writing game in this one.
Lauray "Law" Battise is a disabled vet amputee now Arkansas State Trooper who is suffering PTSD to such a degree that his sister, the owner of Harmonie Kennels and trainer of military and service K-9s, coerces him into applying to the Warriors Wolf Pack (WWP) which matches disabled vets with service dogs. The policy of WWP is for the dog to choose its new handler, and Samantha, a rust colored poodle hybrid, has chosen Law as her pack. Law is resistant to Samantha, refering her deprecatingly as a Cheez Doodle, and determined to return her as soon as he can then claim it didn't work out to his sister. Law is a lone wolf and has cut himself off from all family, friends, others, believing he needs no help. However, Samantha and WWP have different ideas.
Jori works at WWP and was Samantha's trainer and is tasked with guiding Law and Samantha through the early days and weeks of their relationship. Jori is intensely attracted to Law, but there are many hurdles, not least of which is Jori is an ex-con, a felon on parole. Need I add that she's innocent, the victim of circumstances and a botched defense?
The suspense plot revolves around drug trafficking and the Tice family to which both Law and Jori are connected. First Jori and Law just hook up for a night of hot sex as Law abandons the WWP program. That of course as always happens in these plots turns into something else, helped along by their joining forces in the efforts being brought to bring down the drug trafficking ring. That's when all the action and dangeer enters the picture.
The service dog background here is wonderfully presented, including the story of how Jori became a service dog trainer: through a program fun by WWP at the local women's correctional facility which has selected inmates train to become service dog handlers and trainers. The characters are complex, with Law especially have a difficult emotional journey to make. The hot steamy sex does not detract from what is a decently complex plot. The writing is good, giving me fun descriptive phrases like Cheez Doodle (I'll never look at a reddish doodle again without thinking that) and Jori's description of Law as Prime Slut Muffin. There's a scene where Jori deals with wife of a vet who is jealous and having an emotional breakdown over his service dog that is just wonderful. Then there's Jori's kitten Argyle, dubbed a 'pocket sized ninja kitty' after '[m]oving like a furry dart, the kitten skipped across the room, bounded up on the bed and onto Law's chest. Claws out, she raked at his face with both paws several times before leaping off and zigzagged her way back out the door. ... Law felt his face. "No. Lucky my beard's so long and thick." It's unfortunate that the author also falls back on some pretty mediocre imagery like "He was hard enough to pound steel. Was ready to take her on the desk right in front of every bug-eyed veteran, volunteer, and dog in the place. But she wouldn't like that." Yeah, I don't think she would.
But Samantha's heroic moment made me cry, and the final wrap up was so marvelous, it saved the 4 star rating. Ayres really stepped up her writing game in this one.
August 29, 2015
Ayres brings us back to the world of working canines & the people who love them in a big way with this one. Realism shines in this fantastic world fiction. Ayres melds suspense with romance and personal disaster in a way that I’ll never forget.
I love the complexity of the relationships in this novel, and how prominent a part the story the service dog was. It was such a true and real portrayal. As heartbreaking as Law’s past was, it was Jori’s history that really drew me in. Although what she went through wasn’t nearly as drastic, the incapableness broke my heart. The emotions and chemistry between the main characters was so real. I loved seeing it, and experiencing it through Ayres’ writing.
This series just keeps getting more captivating with each novel, yet they can all be read as standalones as well. This was a fantastic novel that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I love the complexity of the relationships in this novel, and how prominent a part the story the service dog was. It was such a true and real portrayal. As heartbreaking as Law’s past was, it was Jori’s history that really drew me in. Although what she went through wasn’t nearly as drastic, the incapableness broke my heart. The emotions and chemistry between the main characters was so real. I loved seeing it, and experiencing it through Ayres’ writing.
This series just keeps getting more captivating with each novel, yet they can all be read as standalones as well. This was a fantastic novel that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2016
While this book was the strongest and sexy edgiest in the series so far....I had a lot of questions once the book was over and the ending had a HFN feel to it. Was Jori going to get a new trial or what, she sure should have. Why wasn't she appealing her sentence the second she was convicted? She certainly had the grounds to with her crappy lawyer. I am guessing it was a plot point to get us to Law, but man it was an issue for me. I am hoping with Law's sister's book we get some more of Law and Jori. LOL...Law was such a uber-jerk for most of the book, he was hard to like, but DD eventually did it and turned him around for me. I think this book needed about a 100 more pages to be an outstanding read.
February 6, 2016
I wanted to love it the plot was great but He was not doing it for me he was just too stand offish even tho she tried her best to keep pushing he just was not in it. I hoped he would be get his head out his ass but he didn't
November 13, 2016
Lauray "Law" Batisse is a mess. His last tour in Afghanistan resulted in him missing a leg and developing one hell of a case of PTSD. Such a case that he needs a service dog that's an utter embarrassment for a tough guy like him. The only thing that makes walking around with a girly dog he's saddled with, is the dog's trainer, easy on the eyes, sexy as all hell, Jori Garrison. Pity the girl keeps him at arms length...As if she knew his motto about loving them and leaving them.
That's not Jori's problem. Having fallen for the wrong guy before resulted in her being an ex-con, and although she knows Law isn't such bad news, he's bad news for her nevertheless. The man is irresistible, and he knows it. He's also unreachable and unattainable, and she knows it. Buy maybe, just maybe, she could have him on his terms...If only her damn heart would listen to reason.
Having read some of the reviews for this story, I was rather apprehensive given Law's behavior and attitude toward relationships with the fairer sex. Imagine my surprise, when I didn't see the asshole everybody was describing. He was a player (or he used to be, before he met Jori), but he wasn't the bastard I feared he would be. He had his moment of jackassery, but he never pretended to be a saint or someone he wasn't and he did warn Jori of what to expect from the start. Whatever happened next was a mutual decision between two adults in (more or less) their right minds and in possession of all their faculties...Although I did like the fact Law was the one a little more out of his depth in their relationships.
I also didn't detect a specific doormat behavior on Jori's part. She was a woman who knew what she wanted, wasn't afraid of going after it, and once she saw a goal, she went after it no matter the obstacles. She stuck it out, and she made her man see reason (no matter how long it took).
I loved the two of them together, I loved their relationship and how it progressed from one-day-stand to something more serious. And even though, as is customary with this series, that "more serious" never got established as love and HEA, it didn't bother me as it did in its predecessor. It went perfectly with who and what we read Jori and Law were as characters.
The suspense was a bit on the mellower side, with the relationships between Jori and Law and Law and Sam (which to me was the main relationship in the book) taking top spot, without much intrigue and mystery, since it was pretty much all in the open. The suspense-light plot bothered me a little, as did the occasional misstep in the pacing department; sometimes the story lost its flow and momentum, resulting in a few slightly dull moments.
Despite these last two hiccups, this was yet another well-written story with a good plot and even better characters (of the human and canine variety—Sam was so utterly adorable and had such a big heart and miles of courage she's definitely my favorite characters in the story) and relationships between them.
That's not Jori's problem. Having fallen for the wrong guy before resulted in her being an ex-con, and although she knows Law isn't such bad news, he's bad news for her nevertheless. The man is irresistible, and he knows it. He's also unreachable and unattainable, and she knows it. Buy maybe, just maybe, she could have him on his terms...If only her damn heart would listen to reason.
Having read some of the reviews for this story, I was rather apprehensive given Law's behavior and attitude toward relationships with the fairer sex. Imagine my surprise, when I didn't see the asshole everybody was describing. He was a player (or he used to be, before he met Jori), but he wasn't the bastard I feared he would be. He had his moment of jackassery, but he never pretended to be a saint or someone he wasn't and he did warn Jori of what to expect from the start. Whatever happened next was a mutual decision between two adults in (more or less) their right minds and in possession of all their faculties...Although I did like the fact Law was the one a little more out of his depth in their relationships.
I also didn't detect a specific doormat behavior on Jori's part. She was a woman who knew what she wanted, wasn't afraid of going after it, and once she saw a goal, she went after it no matter the obstacles. She stuck it out, and she made her man see reason (no matter how long it took).
I loved the two of them together, I loved their relationship and how it progressed from one-day-stand to something more serious. And even though, as is customary with this series, that "more serious" never got established as love and HEA, it didn't bother me as it did in its predecessor. It went perfectly with who and what we read Jori and Law were as characters.
The suspense was a bit on the mellower side, with the relationships between Jori and Law and Law and Sam (which to me was the main relationship in the book) taking top spot, without much intrigue and mystery, since it was pretty much all in the open. The suspense-light plot bothered me a little, as did the occasional misstep in the pacing department; sometimes the story lost its flow and momentum, resulting in a few slightly dull moments.
Despite these last two hiccups, this was yet another well-written story with a good plot and even better characters (of the human and canine variety—Sam was so utterly adorable and had such a big heart and miles of courage she's definitely my favorite characters in the story) and relationships between them.
April 17, 2021
Primal Force
4 Stars
As several reviewers have mentioned, the K-9 Rescue books are "romantic suspense light" with more emphasis on the romance elements that the suspense. Nevertheless, the characters are engaging and the story is well-written and satisfying.
In terms of the romance, Jori and Law's chemistry is combustible and their interactions, both verbal and physical, are entertaining. Jori is very personable with a sweet nature, but she never comes across as weak-willed or spinless. Despite falling prey to a selfish ex, she has overcome adversity and made something of herself.
Law is just as appealing. although some readers may find his demeanor cold and callous, his apparent aloofness conceals immense suffering and a strong desire to love and be loved. Jori is his perfect match as she sees beyond his physical and emotional scars to lonely man beneath.
As previously mentioned, the suspense plot is virtually non-existent. While there is definite potential for an intense crime drama, this fails to materialize and it is all resolved fairly easily and quickly.
The animals in the story, Samantha the Goldendoodle service dog, and Argyle the kitten, are exceedingly cute and add some much needed comic relief to the angst surrounding both Jori and Law's traumatic experiences. That said, the inclusion of several scenes from the pets' point of view is silly and unnecessary.
Overall, an entertaining read and I look forward to continuing with the series.
4 Stars
As several reviewers have mentioned, the K-9 Rescue books are "romantic suspense light" with more emphasis on the romance elements that the suspense. Nevertheless, the characters are engaging and the story is well-written and satisfying.
In terms of the romance, Jori and Law's chemistry is combustible and their interactions, both verbal and physical, are entertaining. Jori is very personable with a sweet nature, but she never comes across as weak-willed or spinless. Despite falling prey to a selfish ex, she has overcome adversity and made something of herself.
Law is just as appealing. although some readers may find his demeanor cold and callous, his apparent aloofness conceals immense suffering and a strong desire to love and be loved. Jori is his perfect match as she sees beyond his physical and emotional scars to lonely man beneath.
As previously mentioned, the suspense plot is virtually non-existent. While there is definite potential for an intense crime drama, this fails to materialize and it is all resolved fairly easily and quickly.
The animals in the story, Samantha the Goldendoodle service dog, and Argyle the kitten, are exceedingly cute and add some much needed comic relief to the angst surrounding both Jori and Law's traumatic experiences. That said, the inclusion of several scenes from the pets' point of view is silly and unnecessary.
Overall, an entertaining read and I look forward to continuing with the series.
May 30, 2016
✦Review: Primal Force: A K-9 Rescue Novel by D.D. Ayres http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2WP
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 5 Stars
REVIEW:
I liked Law and Jori from the start and couldn’t help but get caught up in the steamy hot romance as well as everything going on around them. Getting Sam’s perspective on things was an added bonus that I enjoyed very much. I think D. D. Ayres wrote a well-rounded story so that the danger and excitement did not overwhelm the budding relationship of not only Law and Jori but Law and Sam as well. It made me laugh, tear up and get tense. I loved it.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
✦K-9 Rescue Series by D.D. Ayres✦
1. Irresistible Force ➢ Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1xy
2. Force of Attraction ➢ Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2fW
3. Primal Force ➢ Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2WP
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 5 Stars
REVIEW:
I liked Law and Jori from the start and couldn’t help but get caught up in the steamy hot romance as well as everything going on around them. Getting Sam’s perspective on things was an added bonus that I enjoyed very much. I think D. D. Ayres wrote a well-rounded story so that the danger and excitement did not overwhelm the budding relationship of not only Law and Jori but Law and Sam as well. It made me laugh, tear up and get tense. I loved it.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
✦K-9 Rescue Series by D.D. Ayres✦
1. Irresistible Force ➢ Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1xy
2. Force of Attraction ➢ Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2fW
3. Primal Force ➢ Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2WP
April 13, 2020
Insta lust ....just not my thing
September 6, 2015
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher
When I read the synopsis for Primal Force, third in the K-9 Rescue series, I hastened to request it, as the first in the series had caught my eye too and was waiting in my wish list. Unfortunately the result didn’t come up to my expectations.
Law Battise, ex military police, has a hard time getting used to his leg prosthesis and his PTSD, and now he’s forced by his sister to accept a service dog. So he’s determined not to give in to the strong attraction he feels for the dog facility’s trainer.
If there are romantic suspense novels light on romance, Primal Force is light on suspense: most of the investigation progresses are done by others and told to the heroes, when some parts on the bad guys’ sides suggested action.
What’s more there’s a possible link to the hero’s accident that’s not even mentioned again, and nothing either in the end about the consequences of the arrests for the heroine’s case.
Lack of action can be good if the author takes advantage to develop the romance. But here the hero is absolutely closed, and he refuses to evolve for a long time, which is frustrating for the heroine as he blows hot and cold, and for the reader. And he’s closed to his service dog too just because it’s not a K-9 dog and it looks like Cheese Doodle.
Fortunately the heroine is pleasant, she was sentenced to jail by association, just because her then fiancé had drugs hidden in their apartment, and now she just want to find her place. And if at first she wants to avoid complications, quickly she knows what she wants and what she feels.
As for the style, in fact it was a problem for me. Let’s forget the names errors and words forgotten that are corrected in the final version (I hope). What is more disturbing is the head hopping: we go from the thoughts of the hero to those of his sister, the heroine, and even the dog, and back in just a blink. I find this extremely unpleasant to read. But the worst is that as a result the character whose thoughts we know that I liked the most was the dog, which tries desperately to help its “alpha” as it was trained to do. This sucks for a romance…
So frankly, it’s not that the novel is bad, but I really didn’t like the author’s style. And so I even took the first of the series off my wish list.
2,5/5
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher
When I read the synopsis for Primal Force, third in the K-9 Rescue series, I hastened to request it, as the first in the series had caught my eye too and was waiting in my wish list. Unfortunately the result didn’t come up to my expectations.
Law Battise, ex military police, has a hard time getting used to his leg prosthesis and his PTSD, and now he’s forced by his sister to accept a service dog. So he’s determined not to give in to the strong attraction he feels for the dog facility’s trainer.
If there are romantic suspense novels light on romance, Primal Force is light on suspense: most of the investigation progresses are done by others and told to the heroes, when some parts on the bad guys’ sides suggested action.
What’s more there’s a possible link to the hero’s accident that’s not even mentioned again, and nothing either in the end about the consequences of the arrests for the heroine’s case.
Lack of action can be good if the author takes advantage to develop the romance. But here the hero is absolutely closed, and he refuses to evolve for a long time, which is frustrating for the heroine as he blows hot and cold, and for the reader. And he’s closed to his service dog too just because it’s not a K-9 dog and it looks like Cheese Doodle.
Fortunately the heroine is pleasant, she was sentenced to jail by association, just because her then fiancé had drugs hidden in their apartment, and now she just want to find her place. And if at first she wants to avoid complications, quickly she knows what she wants and what she feels.
As for the style, in fact it was a problem for me. Let’s forget the names errors and words forgotten that are corrected in the final version (I hope). What is more disturbing is the head hopping: we go from the thoughts of the hero to those of his sister, the heroine, and even the dog, and back in just a blink. I find this extremely unpleasant to read. But the worst is that as a result the character whose thoughts we know that I liked the most was the dog, which tries desperately to help its “alpha” as it was trained to do. This sucks for a romance…
So frankly, it’s not that the novel is bad, but I really didn’t like the author’s style. And so I even took the first of the series off my wish list.
2,5/5
November 20, 2017
After being injured in Afghanistan Law Batisse returns home and tries to readjust to civilian life. He struggles daily with PTSD and also with the loss of his K-9 partner, and is having trouble accepting the fact that his injury is going to keep him from doing the things that he loves. His sister suggests he take in a service dog to help him manage his PTSD, but he is reluctant to get attached to another partner after losing his first in his accident. He eventually gives in and decides to make a visit to the Warrior Wolf Pack Program, and accept their offer for a service dog, what he wasn't expecting to find was a beautiful trainer named Jori Garrison.
After being burnt by her ex-fiancé Jori Garrison has sworn off men, and has absolutely no interest in getting involved with one. But when her newest client arrives to be matched with his service dog the sparks between them are hard to ignore. Neither one of them wants a relationship, but fate may just have other plans for them...
This book was my introduction to this authors work and I have to admit that it left me with a very good first impression, so much so, I plan to revisit the series and acquaint myself with the other characters. The writing style made it really easy for me to just fall right in and enjoy the story. The characters had amazing chemistry, and you could tell the author put a lot of time and care into researching them, and making sure their backgrounds were accurate and believable.
Definitely a great first read for me, and I think it's one you should add to the top of your reading list!
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
After being burnt by her ex-fiancé Jori Garrison has sworn off men, and has absolutely no interest in getting involved with one. But when her newest client arrives to be matched with his service dog the sparks between them are hard to ignore. Neither one of them wants a relationship, but fate may just have other plans for them...
This book was my introduction to this authors work and I have to admit that it left me with a very good first impression, so much so, I plan to revisit the series and acquaint myself with the other characters. The writing style made it really easy for me to just fall right in and enjoy the story. The characters had amazing chemistry, and you could tell the author put a lot of time and care into researching them, and making sure their backgrounds were accurate and believable.
Definitely a great first read for me, and I think it's one you should add to the top of your reading list!
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
August 13, 2015
Jori served time for a crime she didn't commit and had nothing to do with. Now that she is out she is getting her life back on track with working with dogs for veterans. When she meets Law she is attracted to him but he other things going on within him.
Law served his country and ended up loosing his k9 partner and his leg. Although he agreed to keep a dog for his ptsd he doesn't want but he needs answers to what happened over there.
I enjoyed the storyline but I think I was expecting more of a suspense like how the second book was. From the beginning you could already see who the players were in Joris arrest. I guess I wanted a little more mystery and suspense.
The chemistry between these two were perfect. They agree to be a one time deal yet they can't seem to stay away from one another. I liked how finally they began to open up and want to work together to find some answers and help each other heal for there own reasons.
I was hoping to see the characters from book 2 make an appearance but sadly they didn't. Normally when you see a series you have characters that start from book 1 and go so on but with this series I haven't seen that. For that each book could be read as a standalone. But where is the fun in that?
One thing I loved about this book was that Samantha, the dog, had her on pov which I thought was adorable. Just hearing what this dog was thinking the whole time just captured me into the story.
I hope in next books (if they have some) past characters will brought in so we can catch up to see what is going on with them. Maybe they will be included in the story or maybe just helping on a new case.
If you are an animal lover and a lover of second chances this is the story for you.
Law served his country and ended up loosing his k9 partner and his leg. Although he agreed to keep a dog for his ptsd he doesn't want but he needs answers to what happened over there.
I enjoyed the storyline but I think I was expecting more of a suspense like how the second book was. From the beginning you could already see who the players were in Joris arrest. I guess I wanted a little more mystery and suspense.
The chemistry between these two were perfect. They agree to be a one time deal yet they can't seem to stay away from one another. I liked how finally they began to open up and want to work together to find some answers and help each other heal for there own reasons.
I was hoping to see the characters from book 2 make an appearance but sadly they didn't. Normally when you see a series you have characters that start from book 1 and go so on but with this series I haven't seen that. For that each book could be read as a standalone. But where is the fun in that?
One thing I loved about this book was that Samantha, the dog, had her on pov which I thought was adorable. Just hearing what this dog was thinking the whole time just captured me into the story.
I hope in next books (if they have some) past characters will brought in so we can catch up to see what is going on with them. Maybe they will be included in the story or maybe just helping on a new case.
If you are an animal lover and a lover of second chances this is the story for you.
August 8, 2015
Jori Garrison trains dogs for wounded Veterans. She learned how when she was in prison. She was convicted of drug pushing via circumstantial evidence. Her cheating ex-fiance had set her up before dying in a car accident. Now, she is training dogs and trying to rebuild her life.
Lauray Batisse was a military policeman whose K-9 companion died at the same time Law was hurt by an IED. Law lost his left leg and had other injuries. He's trying to get back to his job as an Arkansas State Trooper but PTSD has made him a candidate for a service dog.
Samantha is the dog. She is a mix of golden retriever and poodle, has a rusted-red coat, coal-black nose, floppy ears, and an enormous curling tail. Law notes that it looks like a cheese doodle. He is very reluctant to take her as his service dog partly out of loyalty to his K-9 Scud and partly out of his feeling that he ought to be able to deal with his PTSD without her.
When Law and Jori meet they are attracted to each other but Law makes it clear that it can only be a one-night stand. He was raised to believe that he couldn't do relationships. But it seems like Law and Jori kept getting pushed together. Jori has to go to him to give him and Samantha some more training. Also an investigation that Law is during intersects with Jori's court case. Law agrees to help Jori find out the truth about how she came to be convicted.
The story has a lot of action and some sizzling romantic scenes as Jori and Law learn to take a chance on each other. This was an excellent romantic suspense novel. I really enjoyed the chapters that Samantha narrated about her alpha too.
Lauray Batisse was a military policeman whose K-9 companion died at the same time Law was hurt by an IED. Law lost his left leg and had other injuries. He's trying to get back to his job as an Arkansas State Trooper but PTSD has made him a candidate for a service dog.
Samantha is the dog. She is a mix of golden retriever and poodle, has a rusted-red coat, coal-black nose, floppy ears, and an enormous curling tail. Law notes that it looks like a cheese doodle. He is very reluctant to take her as his service dog partly out of loyalty to his K-9 Scud and partly out of his feeling that he ought to be able to deal with his PTSD without her.
When Law and Jori meet they are attracted to each other but Law makes it clear that it can only be a one-night stand. He was raised to believe that he couldn't do relationships. But it seems like Law and Jori kept getting pushed together. Jori has to go to him to give him and Samantha some more training. Also an investigation that Law is during intersects with Jori's court case. Law agrees to help Jori find out the truth about how she came to be convicted.
The story has a lot of action and some sizzling romantic scenes as Jori and Law learn to take a chance on each other. This was an excellent romantic suspense novel. I really enjoyed the chapters that Samantha narrated about her alpha too.
August 28, 2015
Primal Force is book 3 in a series but can be read as a stand alone with ease. Author D.D. Ayres is a new author for me and when I read the blurb it pulled me right in. This is a romantic suspense with a touch of humor and I found it to be a nice cozy read.
In Primal Force we meet Jori and Law. Both of these awesome characters are struggling with their inner demons but each of them seems to think they are just fine. There is an "insta-Lust" attraction that happens at first but you quickly see that there is so much more just under the surface. Will Jori be able to convince Law that he is worthy of real love? Will Jori be able to over come her past and learn to trust again?
The story has raw emotion, lust and just the right amount of humor that would make me laugh out loud. There was a POV in the story that still, at this time I am not sure that I cared for. Was is interesting? Yes. Was it different? Yes. Was it needed? I am still on the fence about it. In the end however, it did not detract from the story itself.
This was a nice, cozy and heartfelt story with a different flare added in. I look forward to reading more from author D.D. Ayres.
*ARC received via publisher
In Primal Force we meet Jori and Law. Both of these awesome characters are struggling with their inner demons but each of them seems to think they are just fine. There is an "insta-Lust" attraction that happens at first but you quickly see that there is so much more just under the surface. Will Jori be able to convince Law that he is worthy of real love? Will Jori be able to over come her past and learn to trust again?
The story has raw emotion, lust and just the right amount of humor that would make me laugh out loud. There was a POV in the story that still, at this time I am not sure that I cared for. Was is interesting? Yes. Was it different? Yes. Was it needed? I am still on the fence about it. In the end however, it did not detract from the story itself.
This was a nice, cozy and heartfelt story with a different flare added in. I look forward to reading more from author D.D. Ayres.
*ARC received via publisher
August 28, 2015
*I received a free copy of this book for an honest, unbiased review. * I really wanted to like this book. I mean, the cover itself, hot guy, cute dog, interesting premise, what's not to like? Well, I'll tell you.
1. Head hopping. This drives me nuts. One paragraph, you're in Jori's head, the next, you're in Law's head. Give it a couple paragraphs and you're even in the dog's head. That's not to say I don't like it when a book has different perspectives, because that's fine, but please, please start a new chapter, label them, or something! My head was spinning as I tried to keep track of them all.
2. The characters weren't very multi-dimensional. I couldn't really feel anything for Jori. Law was written better, but I think if more time had been spent fleshing out the characters, I might have liked the book more.
Those were the two main reasons I unfortunately didn't finish the book. Like I said, I really wanted to, because it has an interesting premise and I like the idea behind it, but the constant head hopping and two dimensional characters just killed it for me.
That being said, maybe this book just didn't click with me. I might try another of this author's novels in the future, just to check that out.
1. Head hopping. This drives me nuts. One paragraph, you're in Jori's head, the next, you're in Law's head. Give it a couple paragraphs and you're even in the dog's head. That's not to say I don't like it when a book has different perspectives, because that's fine, but please, please start a new chapter, label them, or something! My head was spinning as I tried to keep track of them all.
2. The characters weren't very multi-dimensional. I couldn't really feel anything for Jori. Law was written better, but I think if more time had been spent fleshing out the characters, I might have liked the book more.
Those were the two main reasons I unfortunately didn't finish the book. Like I said, I really wanted to, because it has an interesting premise and I like the idea behind it, but the constant head hopping and two dimensional characters just killed it for me.
That being said, maybe this book just didn't click with me. I might try another of this author's novels in the future, just to check that out.
October 16, 2020
Fantastic romantic suspense. The hero, Law, was wounded in Afghanistan and lived with P.T.S.D. The heroine, Jori, worked as a trainer for the WWP (Warrior Wolf Pack) and she was an ex-con. They made an unlikely pairing. Jori, an ex-con, and Law, a state trooper were polar opposites.
Next, Law did not need anyone and never asked for help. He was taught from childhood that women were not to be cherished, valued nor trusted. For a man of honor, integrity and independence it was humbling to "need" a service dog, or ANY help. He was a lone wolf. Yet, he was attracted to Jori and succumbed to one night of passion with her. Law was upfront and said, 'I don't have relationships'.
It was a compelling story with intense emotional scenes. Law suffered flashbacks from his wounds and the death of his K-9 partner on the battlefield. He lost his leg four years ago when he met Jori at the training center for WWP. As a result, he was reluctant to bond with his service dog. He equated love with loss. Jori was imprisoned four years ago for a crime she did not commit and released six months before they met. They both struggled to adjust to their "new" lives. Neither one had the life they once lived. Both had been changed forever because of the past events.
Next, Law did not need anyone and never asked for help. He was taught from childhood that women were not to be cherished, valued nor trusted. For a man of honor, integrity and independence it was humbling to "need" a service dog, or ANY help. He was a lone wolf. Yet, he was attracted to Jori and succumbed to one night of passion with her. Law was upfront and said, 'I don't have relationships'.
It was a compelling story with intense emotional scenes. Law suffered flashbacks from his wounds and the death of his K-9 partner on the battlefield. He lost his leg four years ago when he met Jori at the training center for WWP. As a result, he was reluctant to bond with his service dog. He equated love with loss. Jori was imprisoned four years ago for a crime she did not commit and released six months before they met. They both struggled to adjust to their "new" lives. Neither one had the life they once lived. Both had been changed forever because of the past events.
April 26, 2016
I just love this series. Each one is so well-written and researched, with interesting characters who are very believable.
The author obviously does a lot of research and it shows when she writes about training dogs or military/law enforcement K-9 work. It has the effect of drawing the reader even more into the story. The dogs themselves are complex characters. Sam even gets her own scenes in this book!
There aren't many books out there with characters who have PTSD, and even less have characters with disabilities. D.D. Ayres doesn't shy away from having a character with not only PTSD but also an amputated leg. His character is written with compassion and respect. He is strong and capable, and I wish more characters were written like him. Ok, so he is a bit of an asshole in the beginning, but he has his reasons.
This series is amazing and I wish more people knew about it. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes romantic suspense with hot military men, and also for those who love dogs.
I received a free ebook copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The author obviously does a lot of research and it shows when she writes about training dogs or military/law enforcement K-9 work. It has the effect of drawing the reader even more into the story. The dogs themselves are complex characters. Sam even gets her own scenes in this book!
There aren't many books out there with characters who have PTSD, and even less have characters with disabilities. D.D. Ayres doesn't shy away from having a character with not only PTSD but also an amputated leg. His character is written with compassion and respect. He is strong and capable, and I wish more characters were written like him. Ok, so he is a bit of an asshole in the beginning, but he has his reasons.
This series is amazing and I wish more people knew about it. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes romantic suspense with hot military men, and also for those who love dogs.
I received a free ebook copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2015
Primal Force was an amazing book. The characters were so well developed and exceptional and I'm not only talking about Lauray and Jori but also Samantha the PTSD dog. She had her own voice in this book and that made the book super unique to me. Her voice wasn't silly or childish. She had the perfect voice I would expect for an animal whose work purpose was to pull a Vet out of a PTSD episode, reassure them, help them, etc. She was just wonderful. Not only was the characters exceptional but the descriptions are so vivid. I could easily picture every scene.
Lauray or Law lusted after Jori and she him from the beginning and finally hooked up. But it confused him and made him feel guilt. Something he never felt before over a what should have been one night only. The book isn't just about these two, it also has a fantastic mystery for these two to solve and it was a great one to read. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves Military Romance with gruff men and tough women.
Lauray or Law lusted after Jori and she him from the beginning and finally hooked up. But it confused him and made him feel guilt. Something he never felt before over a what should have been one night only. The book isn't just about these two, it also has a fantastic mystery for these two to solve and it was a great one to read. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves Military Romance with gruff men and tough women.
August 23, 2015
This is the first book I have ever read by D. D. Ayres. Even though this is the third book in the series, it definitely can be read without having read any of the other books, since it does appear that there really are previous story lines. While I really liked the description of this book, sometimes I found that the book itself didn't meet expectations. I think the reason for this is that I really couldn't like Law. While I can appreciate that he had issues of PTSD and was trying to get his life back together, he just didn't strike me as very likeable. From the way he dismissed his service dog because she was a "cheese doodle" to how he repeatedly shoved away Jorie, he was just a bit too gruff to ever make a connection with him as a reader.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2015
I have lived a sheltered life. I never knew that books about "service dogs" were just code for "All sex, all the time!".I supposed it could have been interesting had the main characters not spent all that time leering and lusting after each other, or gotten out of bed once in while. And that's not even mentioning the multiple POV's,including those of the dog and the cat. Mostly a waste of time and paper, although the scant information about service to help returning veterans with PTSD was interesting.
April 18, 2016
I got only a few chapters into this and knew it wasn't going to happen for me.
Unless I'm reading a picture book or kids chapter book with one of my children, I have zero interest in reading something from an animals point of view.
Just not happening.
I was already rolling my eyes over the relationship and the generic, surly, secretive male that's still sooooo attractive (that's sarcasm, in case you didn't catch it). The female lead wasn't any better.
So this one heads to the Did Not Finish shelf. And I don't regret it.
Unless I'm reading a picture book or kids chapter book with one of my children, I have zero interest in reading something from an animals point of view.
Just not happening.
I was already rolling my eyes over the relationship and the generic, surly, secretive male that's still sooooo attractive (that's sarcasm, in case you didn't catch it). The female lead wasn't any better.
So this one heads to the Did Not Finish shelf. And I don't regret it.
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