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Officer Down
Lesbian Romance -- Veteran emergency dispatcher, Hillary O’Neal can handle any crisis, until she gets the call that destroys her confidence. Now she spends every shift dreading what could happen and doubting whether she’ll be able to handle another tragedy.
Olivia Dennis joined the sheriff’s department for the action and to fulfill the family legacy. But she could lose both when she’s caught up in an internal investigation and assigned to a security desk at the communications center.
Olivia Dennis joined the sheriff’s department for the action and to fulfill the family legacy. But she could lose both when she’s caught up in an internal investigation and assigned to a security desk at the communications center.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2015
21 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Erin Dutton
18 books115 followersBorn and raised in Upstate New York, Erin Dutton moved to Nashville, Tennessee several years ago. No longer a Yankee, and yet not a true Southerner, she remains somewhere between the two, and is happy to claim both places as home. Her days are spent earning a living, while her nights and weekends are divided between several of her favorite things: writing, reading, golf, and her friends. Erin is the author of ten romance novels and the recipient of the 2011 Alice B. Medal for body of work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 5, 2019
'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review'
Fantastic story!
Where should i begin with this incredibly written book well here are the deets:- the stunning chemistry between the leading characters was just beautiful & also heartwarming,the storyline has that feel of a family dynamic combine with parental touch to it plus the readers will also enjoy Olivia's aggressive mentality and physical skills which comes in handy at times because of the demands and the dangerousness of her job of being a Police Officer with no fear. The only letdown to this book/story was the author should have venture more into the police brutality/abusing suspect plotline instead of it being just a little side story. Nicely added storyline that consisted of the Catholic church and certain Priests' --who finally talked about the Church coming to grips and embracing 'Gays' Recommended to everyone!
Fantastic story!
Where should i begin with this incredibly written book well here are the deets:- the stunning chemistry between the leading characters was just beautiful & also heartwarming,the storyline has that feel of a family dynamic combine with parental touch to it plus the readers will also enjoy Olivia's aggressive mentality and physical skills which comes in handy at times because of the demands and the dangerousness of her job of being a Police Officer with no fear. The only letdown to this book/story was the author should have venture more into the police brutality/abusing suspect plotline instead of it being just a little side story. Nicely added storyline that consisted of the Catholic church and certain Priests' --who finally talked about the Church coming to grips and embracing 'Gays' Recommended to everyone!
September 16, 2015
Great story! As a 33 year veteran 911 police fire rescue dispatcher, I have to say thank you for writing a cop story and including communications! We are often just a little blip on the screen as a way to further a story. Your portrayal of the comm center was very accurate. I work in a very rural center with just one person answering 911 and dispatching the calls! It can be crazy busy! Even small towns get big and stressful calls. I really liked the interaction between the characters. The scenes that included dispatching and officer response were fantastic.
September 20, 2015
I’ve got mixed feeling about Officer Down. There is much to like in this novel.
I loved learning about police dispatch and how closely police in the field work with the dispatcher. Dutton does a fine job of outlining how essential the two-way communication is between dispatch and officers on a call. The action scenes involving Olivia and Hillary on duty are excellent. There is an understanding that an officer in the field is never alone. That there is someone calling for back up and monitoring their status makes for a fascinating read.
The instant attraction between Olivia and Hillary is also lovely to watch. Their Saturday morning bike rides lighten some of the harder underlying themes of the story. The reader hopes that the connection these two are forging will see them through the rough patches. It’s those rough patches like Olivia’s inability to come out to her family which generate much of the angst in the novel. The reader is as conflicted as the two women. We desperately want these two to get together, to forge the life of happiness they deserve.
I did have some issues with the book. I struggled with some head hopping scenes, not knowing who was doing the talking. I recognize that the lack of he/she pronouns must be a major challenge for all lesfic writers. I found myself back tracking trying to figure out who was speaking in several scenes filled with dialogue.
I also had issues with the main characters. Olivia is a tough as nails cop whose aggressive act- first attitude lands her in trouble with her superiors yet she has difficulty standing up to her judgemental family. Hillary makes it clear to her best friend that she does not want to date straight or closeted women having been burned in a relationship in her past. Why then does she even consider dating someone with as much baggage as Olivia?
3.5 stars for a solid if frustrating read.
ARC received via NetGalley for review.
I loved learning about police dispatch and how closely police in the field work with the dispatcher. Dutton does a fine job of outlining how essential the two-way communication is between dispatch and officers on a call. The action scenes involving Olivia and Hillary on duty are excellent. There is an understanding that an officer in the field is never alone. That there is someone calling for back up and monitoring their status makes for a fascinating read.
The instant attraction between Olivia and Hillary is also lovely to watch. Their Saturday morning bike rides lighten some of the harder underlying themes of the story. The reader hopes that the connection these two are forging will see them through the rough patches. It’s those rough patches like Olivia’s inability to come out to her family which generate much of the angst in the novel. The reader is as conflicted as the two women. We desperately want these two to get together, to forge the life of happiness they deserve.
I did have some issues with the book. I struggled with some head hopping scenes, not knowing who was doing the talking. I recognize that the lack of he/she pronouns must be a major challenge for all lesfic writers. I found myself back tracking trying to figure out who was speaking in several scenes filled with dialogue.
I also had issues with the main characters. Olivia is a tough as nails cop whose aggressive act- first attitude lands her in trouble with her superiors yet she has difficulty standing up to her judgemental family. Hillary makes it clear to her best friend that she does not want to date straight or closeted women having been burned in a relationship in her past. Why then does she even consider dating someone with as much baggage as Olivia?
3.5 stars for a solid if frustrating read.
ARC received via NetGalley for review.
April 2, 2024
Minding my own business and I suddenly find I've read 7 Erin Dutton Books - giving 6 of them 5*s and 1 4*s. I clearly love them! So do as I do - love 'em too! This, as ever, is a corking Police drama. Has to be one of my favs!
April 17, 2021
Officer Down is surprisingly good and I actually enjoyed reading it. Perhaps it’s cos we have MCs who are both oh so femme and one of whom is a cop in uniform... How can you not loved that? Closeted Olivia, happy to be alone just so she can appeased her family met out Hillary who had a crush on Olivia since high school. Hillary doesn’t want to date ladies who aren’t out yet as she’s been burned before... Which leaves Olivia at a crossroad.... coming out to her family is no easy task when her parents are devoutly religious.
May 10, 2019
Interesting novel... I loved everything related to the characters’ work - one as a dispatcher, the other as a cop. I was expecting the romance part to be a bit tough to read, since one of the MCs is heavily closeted, and it was, but her journey was well-done, I thought. And the chemistry between Olivia and Hillary was great.
October 31, 2016
I'd been pre-warned by reviews that this one might not be my cup of tea, even though I usually like Dutton's books. Still, I couldn't get into it. The setting was the best part, the dispatch info was really interesting. Less interesting was Olivia's struggles to come out to her family. I didn't care at all. Here's a woman who's chosen to work as a cop and already adjusted to the quasi non-acceptance of women in that role, but she doesn't have the courage to face her own family.
Equally annoying was that Hillary had already dated someone in the closet. I can't see those two factors ever lining up, so it was too big a buy in for me.
The fact that it was well written and had an interesting setting couldn't overcome the characters (especially Olivia, who was my least favourite character in quite awhile).
Equally annoying was that Hillary had already dated someone in the closet. I can't see those two factors ever lining up, so it was too big a buy in for me.
The fact that it was well written and had an interesting setting couldn't overcome the characters (especially Olivia, who was my least favourite character in quite awhile).
June 2, 2018
This was my first book by Erin Dutton. It was well written, and I liked it OK. I bumped it from three stars to four because it did a nice job of painting a realistic picture of policing and emergency dispatch. I always appreciate books where the characters *do* stuff that is interesting and lets me learn about something that I don't know anything about. The primary dramatic tension and angst comes from Olivia's fear of coming out to her religious family. There are so many good and interesting issues covered in this book it was almost too much: PTSD, homophobia and sexism in law enforcement, small town living, policing.
I will probably read it again because it had so much going on. I will definitely look forward to reading more of Dutton's books.
I will probably read it again because it had so much going on. I will definitely look forward to reading more of Dutton's books.
December 6, 2017
Audible version. I usually like Dutton's work. This one was ok. I say the same for the narration. I can't say I loved it...it was ok.
August 30, 2015
Detailed score: 3.75 rounded up to 4
This book is a tough one to review: On one hand, it has a number of features that usually leave me grumbling in frustration. Yet my overall reaction on finishing this book was a contented sigh, with the warm and fuzzies you expect to have after finishing a (les)rom and, I (surprisingly given the not-so-good points I came up with when sitting down to write this review) didn't find the frustration points tainted the overall *happy sigh*.
To try and articulate this a little better -
I usually avoid (or, at least, read goodreads reviews very carefully before reading) lesroms where coming out/realising one's sexuality is a major plot point.
And this could have been the case with Officer Down, except that it is balanced out by it's major strength - realism.
Unlike most coming out plot lines, in Officer Down things don't just fall into place when the closeted character comes out. It helps, too, that Olivia is at least out to herself so we avoid 'she suddenly realised she'd been attracted to women her whole life' tropes that drive my usual avoidance of this plot device.
So, ultimately, what I'm saying is - if, like me, you usually see 'coming out' or 'closeted' in a plot summary and stay well away - I'm going to go out on a limb and say, don't avoid Officer Down for this reason.
Speaking of realism, the author works as a dispatcher, so clearly knows what she's talking about in this regard. At times, though, I felt I got a little too much detail about the dispatch process and I found myself skimming paragraphs to get back to the story. We needed to understand the mindset of dispatchers and the link they have with police, and how they deal with the stress of their job -- it was vital to the story that the reader understood this. But there were a few occasions where the text got bogged down in technical jargon that, for me, took me out of the story rather than enhance it.
Our main characters are well-rounded and attractive - they both have strong personalities, and solid lives - no 'saving' going on here, which I like. The supporting characters are one-dimensionally familiar - the supportive, loyal best friend, strict dad, meek mum, understanding boss, jealous ex - but I found that sort of comfortably familiar rather than irritating like I have in other lesroms.
I agree with other reviewers that it was difficult to keep track of who was talking at times and I occasionally had to re-read sections. Overall, however, the book was well written - showing rather than telling and well paced (apart from a slightly rushed ending).
There are also some really well done scenes.
Overall I would say that if you haven't previously liked Ms Dutton's work, there's probably not much in Officer Down to change your mind. However Dutton is growing and improving as an author book by book and I am definitely along for the ride.
I received an ARC of this book from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a tough one to review: On one hand, it has a number of features that usually leave me grumbling in frustration. Yet my overall reaction on finishing this book was a contented sigh, with the warm and fuzzies you expect to have after finishing a (les)rom and, I (surprisingly given the not-so-good points I came up with when sitting down to write this review) didn't find the frustration points tainted the overall *happy sigh*.
To try and articulate this a little better -
I usually avoid (or, at least, read goodreads reviews very carefully before reading) lesroms where coming out/realising one's sexuality is a major plot point.
And this could have been the case with Officer Down, except that it is balanced out by it's major strength - realism.
Unlike most coming out plot lines, in Officer Down things don't just fall into place when the closeted character comes out. It helps, too, that Olivia is at least out to herself so we avoid 'she suddenly realised she'd been attracted to women her whole life' tropes that drive my usual avoidance of this plot device.
So, ultimately, what I'm saying is - if, like me, you usually see 'coming out' or 'closeted' in a plot summary and stay well away - I'm going to go out on a limb and say, don't avoid Officer Down for this reason.
Speaking of realism, the author works as a dispatcher, so clearly knows what she's talking about in this regard. At times, though, I felt I got a little too much detail about the dispatch process and I found myself skimming paragraphs to get back to the story. We needed to understand the mindset of dispatchers and the link they have with police, and how they deal with the stress of their job -- it was vital to the story that the reader understood this. But there were a few occasions where the text got bogged down in technical jargon that, for me, took me out of the story rather than enhance it.
Our main characters are well-rounded and attractive - they both have strong personalities, and solid lives - no 'saving' going on here, which I like. The supporting characters are one-dimensionally familiar - the supportive, loyal best friend, strict dad, meek mum, understanding boss, jealous ex - but I found that sort of comfortably familiar rather than irritating like I have in other lesroms.
I agree with other reviewers that it was difficult to keep track of who was talking at times and I occasionally had to re-read sections. Overall, however, the book was well written - showing rather than telling and well paced (apart from a slightly rushed ending).
There are also some really well done scenes.
Overall I would say that if you haven't previously liked Ms Dutton's work, there's probably not much in Officer Down to change your mind. However Dutton is growing and improving as an author book by book and I am definitely along for the ride.
I received an ARC of this book from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2016
A passionate story.
Protecting your heart is never easy. Can Hillary believe that Olivia is sincere? Is Hillary worth changing her life for her? Keeping the secret of being gay from her family became a big issue and a huge obstacle for both of them. Her denial, the internal struggle she goes through keeps her happiness on hold. They find more trouble on the road to love. Not only personal but also work related. This story is told in such a way that drew me into the story immediately and I lost track of time completely. The story is build up in a great pace, the characters are lovable, the actions are thrilling and I loved the interaction with the exes. The only downside is that the end came far too soon.
Protecting your heart is never easy. Can Hillary believe that Olivia is sincere? Is Hillary worth changing her life for her? Keeping the secret of being gay from her family became a big issue and a huge obstacle for both of them. Her denial, the internal struggle she goes through keeps her happiness on hold. They find more trouble on the road to love. Not only personal but also work related. This story is told in such a way that drew me into the story immediately and I lost track of time completely. The story is build up in a great pace, the characters are lovable, the actions are thrilling and I loved the interaction with the exes. The only downside is that the end came far too soon.
October 5, 2018
Liked it a lot!!!
This was an excellent book. The author portrayed the homophobic Southern Christian attitudes even if they are your own parents. This was a sweet love story between two very strong characters. Bolivia's best friend and now sister -in-laws Frankie demonstrates the true love for her best friend no matter what. Hillary is out and proud. She is a top notch dispatcher. She is also struggling with her own demons so she and Olivia are becoming friends helping each other out and slowly falling in love. Good read!!!
This was an excellent book. The author portrayed the homophobic Southern Christian attitudes even if they are your own parents. This was a sweet love story between two very strong characters. Bolivia's best friend and now sister -in-laws Frankie demonstrates the true love for her best friend no matter what. Hillary is out and proud. She is a top notch dispatcher. She is also struggling with her own demons so she and Olivia are becoming friends helping each other out and slowly falling in love. Good read!!!
October 6, 2015
Quite Nice
Officer Olivia Dennis comes from a family with strong, unwavering beliefs. For her whole life she has tried to be the perfect child for her rigid parents. She even became a cop like her father, the former sheriff (who still keeps his eyes on the department), and her brother. Olivia has a secret that could totally leave her life in personal ruins if it is brought to light. Her semi renegade ways on the street have gotten her transferred and assigned to the C5 Unit and a desk while her last case is investigated.
Hillary O’Neal is a dispatcher for the C5 Unit. She is an out lesbian who refuses to pretend to be anything less. After a fatal accident Hillary sort of looses it for a while. Olivia (Hillary's high school crush) befriends her and helps her through the aftermath. Her real trouble is her crush is back and worse than ever. Can she really handle being Olivia's friend? Will Olivia stand by Hillary in spite of her family's staunch values? You will have to read the rest to find out.
This book is a true romance. It is well written and technically sound. I liked seeing the characters grow, expand their horizons, and become, in Olivia's case, the woman she so desperately wants to be. For me this wasn't a book I had to read all at once. The gentleness of the story allowed me to put it down until was ready in my favourite places to pick it back up. This was nice for me. I didn't feel like I missed any of the emotions of the story and was able to become immersed in the story every time. Never having read anything my Ms. Dutton before I must say I will be keeping an eye out for her.
Officer Olivia Dennis comes from a family with strong, unwavering beliefs. For her whole life she has tried to be the perfect child for her rigid parents. She even became a cop like her father, the former sheriff (who still keeps his eyes on the department), and her brother. Olivia has a secret that could totally leave her life in personal ruins if it is brought to light. Her semi renegade ways on the street have gotten her transferred and assigned to the C5 Unit and a desk while her last case is investigated.
Hillary O’Neal is a dispatcher for the C5 Unit. She is an out lesbian who refuses to pretend to be anything less. After a fatal accident Hillary sort of looses it for a while. Olivia (Hillary's high school crush) befriends her and helps her through the aftermath. Her real trouble is her crush is back and worse than ever. Can she really handle being Olivia's friend? Will Olivia stand by Hillary in spite of her family's staunch values? You will have to read the rest to find out.
This book is a true romance. It is well written and technically sound. I liked seeing the characters grow, expand their horizons, and become, in Olivia's case, the woman she so desperately wants to be. For me this wasn't a book I had to read all at once. The gentleness of the story allowed me to put it down until was ready in my favourite places to pick it back up. This was nice for me. I didn't feel like I missed any of the emotions of the story and was able to become immersed in the story every time. Never having read anything my Ms. Dutton before I must say I will be keeping an eye out for her.
March 11, 2018
Olivia Dennis is under an internal investigation and is assigned to work a security desk at a communications center where she sees Hillary. Hillary O'Neal is an emergency dispatcher and is used to all kinds of calls until one of them gets to her. Hillary and Olivia are attracted to each other but the problem for Hillary is that Olivia is not yet out to her family.
The chemistry between Hillary and Olivia was believable and so is their romance.
Good pacing of the story. I expected the first conflict between the two main leads but thought the second conflict was unnecessary.
Although Hillary said she wouldn't date someone who was still in the closet due to past experiences, she caves in with Olivia. I still think that the relationship is believable as Hillary had a crush on Olivia in high school and again when they meet again.
If you are a fan of Erin Dutton, you may find it's not her best work but it is still worth the read. Overall, an enjoyable read.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-K2
The chemistry between Hillary and Olivia was believable and so is their romance.
Good pacing of the story. I expected the first conflict between the two main leads but thought the second conflict was unnecessary.
Although Hillary said she wouldn't date someone who was still in the closet due to past experiences, she caves in with Olivia. I still think that the relationship is believable as Hillary had a crush on Olivia in high school and again when they meet again.
If you are a fan of Erin Dutton, you may find it's not her best work but it is still worth the read. Overall, an enjoyable read.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-K2
May 14, 2019
Lovestory between rash girl and prudent woman. While one struggles with the possibility of coming out to her family while the other has a some kind of light ptsd.
It's weird how there are supposed to be around the same age, but the cop one seem so much younger. As if by staying in a closet, she had stopped her growth.
It's not completely believable, but it was sweet.
It's weird how there are supposed to be around the same age, but the cop one seem so much younger. As if by staying in a closet, she had stopped her growth.
It's not completely believable, but it was sweet.
August 19, 2015
This book was full of cute with some excitement but mostly cute moments, and I think I’m in an emotional place where I need cute with dashes of hard real life, this book is exactly it.
This is the story of Hillary, the out and proud lesbian dispatcher who has had negative experiences with closeted women but can’t seem to stay away from very closeted Olivia, the hot headed police officer that’s gathering her courage to come out to her family.
“She had no problem being fearless in every other area of her life, but the thought of coming out to her parents left her paralyzed with anxiety”
I love the way Hillary is crushing on Olivia and still respects her boundaries, first when she thinks Olivia is straight and then when she learns she’s just living in Narnia. I think I can relate too much with Hillary but then there’s the insight to how Olivia is feeling that tugs at my heart strings.
“She was every lesbian’s fantasy in a topless Jeep”
Hilary is the sort of woman that takes care of the people she cares about, and even though her interest in Olivia dates back to a high school crush, she worries about Olivia eating habits and starts contact by making sure Olivia eats an appropriate lunch.
Olivia is the kind of woman that needs a grounding force that keeps her in check but doesn’t smother her, and that’s what she finds in Hillary that later becomes in the driving force, or that nudge that she needed to face her fears and come out to her strict dad, her submissive mother and reluctant brother.
“She didn’t have to resign herself to a life loneliness, hoping her family would fill the void”
That’s the quote that finished selling me the book, because I’ve been there, I was outed by my sister to my mom and even though now they all live in denial, now after 5 years of the event when I’ve mended my relationship with my sister, I have to tell myself exactly that, because when the right person appears for me I’ll have to break my family’s denial again and I’ll won't resign myself to be lonely.
My favorite quote and the reason I laughed very out loud is:
“Nothing hurts a friendship more than policing a guy’s lap dances”
And I feel that should be stamped in shirts and probably on strippers underwear, just a thought.
All of the above is the reason I give this book 4 stars and I started to read every single book I could put my hands on by this author. So should you.
This is the story of Hillary, the out and proud lesbian dispatcher who has had negative experiences with closeted women but can’t seem to stay away from very closeted Olivia, the hot headed police officer that’s gathering her courage to come out to her family.
“She had no problem being fearless in every other area of her life, but the thought of coming out to her parents left her paralyzed with anxiety”
I love the way Hillary is crushing on Olivia and still respects her boundaries, first when she thinks Olivia is straight and then when she learns she’s just living in Narnia. I think I can relate too much with Hillary but then there’s the insight to how Olivia is feeling that tugs at my heart strings.
“She was every lesbian’s fantasy in a topless Jeep”
Hilary is the sort of woman that takes care of the people she cares about, and even though her interest in Olivia dates back to a high school crush, she worries about Olivia eating habits and starts contact by making sure Olivia eats an appropriate lunch.
Olivia is the kind of woman that needs a grounding force that keeps her in check but doesn’t smother her, and that’s what she finds in Hillary that later becomes in the driving force, or that nudge that she needed to face her fears and come out to her strict dad, her submissive mother and reluctant brother.
“She didn’t have to resign herself to a life loneliness, hoping her family would fill the void”
That’s the quote that finished selling me the book, because I’ve been there, I was outed by my sister to my mom and even though now they all live in denial, now after 5 years of the event when I’ve mended my relationship with my sister, I have to tell myself exactly that, because when the right person appears for me I’ll have to break my family’s denial again and I’ll won't resign myself to be lonely.
My favorite quote and the reason I laughed very out loud is:
“Nothing hurts a friendship more than policing a guy’s lap dances”
And I feel that should be stamped in shirts and probably on strippers underwear, just a thought.
All of the above is the reason I give this book 4 stars and I started to read every single book I could put my hands on by this author. So should you.
September 2, 2015
This is an entertaining story of two women looking for something without knowing necessarily what. Olivia Dennis is a cop in a family of cops who hides who she is because she cannot be who her father wants her to be. And probably never will be, regardless of the decisions she makes in her life. As her father was a cop and still has ‘connections’ Olivia tries hard thinking it will impress him but on one occasion she tries too hard and is transferred to a desk in the dispatch centre when there is an investigation.
There she meets Hilary, another damaged soul who cooks great lunches… they connect but can the connection survive given Hilary is an out lesbian? Olivia’s brother is also a cop and warns her away from a friendship with Hilary given the stigma that might attach to her.
I don’t think I’ve read a book with an emergency dispatcher as a main character and it was a fascinating insight. It’s a world where the first responders are in the thick of it but the dispatcher is on their shoulder. I knew the work was stressful but I hadn’t quite realised how stressful, so as well as entertaining me I found the narrative increased my awareness of and respect for these unsung heroes. That was an aside though from the fluid and engaging writing and the way Olivia’s insecurities were captured.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it for anyone looking for a slightly different slant on the police procedural or a look into the life of someone struggling to become who she needs to be. There were some head hopping issues for me but not enough to spoil the story and some of the Olivia family stuff I identify with (oh those Sunday mornings in chapel cos you don’t have the strength to say no!) and I think that was well handled which pushes it up to a 4.
I was given a free copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
There she meets Hilary, another damaged soul who cooks great lunches… they connect but can the connection survive given Hilary is an out lesbian? Olivia’s brother is also a cop and warns her away from a friendship with Hilary given the stigma that might attach to her.
I don’t think I’ve read a book with an emergency dispatcher as a main character and it was a fascinating insight. It’s a world where the first responders are in the thick of it but the dispatcher is on their shoulder. I knew the work was stressful but I hadn’t quite realised how stressful, so as well as entertaining me I found the narrative increased my awareness of and respect for these unsung heroes. That was an aside though from the fluid and engaging writing and the way Olivia’s insecurities were captured.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it for anyone looking for a slightly different slant on the police procedural or a look into the life of someone struggling to become who she needs to be. There were some head hopping issues for me but not enough to spoil the story and some of the Olivia family stuff I identify with (oh those Sunday mornings in chapel cos you don’t have the strength to say no!) and I think that was well handled which pushes it up to a 4.
I was given a free copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
September 22, 2015
Veteran emergency dispatcher, Hillary O’Neal, was great at her job and well respected by her colleagues on both sides of the airwaves. However, a harrowing call that hounds her dreams also crushes her ability to do her job.
While Hillary is trying to come to grips with the aftermath of that call, a bold but risk-taking deputy, Olivia Dennis is assigned to a security desk in the communications department. Olivia also faces the potential for the end of her career while an internal investigation goes through one of her cases.
Supporting each other through these tough times, Hillary who is openly gay, and Olivia who isn’t, start dealing with the attraction they feel for one another.
Dutton is the author of 8 previous romance novels. Her experience is evident in Officer Down, with tight and often laugh out loud funny dialogue. The main characters were interesting and believable. The narrative structure is simple but effective and the pacing good enough for me to want to read it in one sitting. Actually, it took me two days, but only because work got in the way. I really enjoyed it, and will be looking out for her other books.
While Hillary is trying to come to grips with the aftermath of that call, a bold but risk-taking deputy, Olivia Dennis is assigned to a security desk in the communications department. Olivia also faces the potential for the end of her career while an internal investigation goes through one of her cases.
Supporting each other through these tough times, Hillary who is openly gay, and Olivia who isn’t, start dealing with the attraction they feel for one another.
Dutton is the author of 8 previous romance novels. Her experience is evident in Officer Down, with tight and often laugh out loud funny dialogue. The main characters were interesting and believable. The narrative structure is simple but effective and the pacing good enough for me to want to read it in one sitting. Actually, it took me two days, but only because work got in the way. I really enjoyed it, and will be looking out for her other books.
April 29, 2021
(Dutton romance 2015) Hillary O'Neal works in a 911 call center. She is skilled and professional but a call where an officer is killed by accident has her doubting herself and her abilities. Deputy Olivia Dennis follows in the family tradition by being a police officer. After a complaint is made about against her she is put on security duty at the call center while it is investigated. Hillary and Olivia went to high school together although they weren't friends and ran with different crowds. There is attraction but Hillary isn't out to her family or work. Olivia is willing to be friends but not more with someone who is closeted.
I loved learning the author worked for over 16 years in a 911 call center. She shares her love and feelings of importance to the work of dispatchers. A lot of the story focuses on the fear of coming out especially to conservative parents. It is extra interesting as it is written just as legalized marriage for gays is recognized nationwide. I liked both MC's and thought this is one of Duttons better books.
I loved learning the author worked for over 16 years in a 911 call center. She shares her love and feelings of importance to the work of dispatchers. A lot of the story focuses on the fear of coming out especially to conservative parents. It is extra interesting as it is written just as legalized marriage for gays is recognized nationwide. I liked both MC's and thought this is one of Duttons better books.
December 28, 2017
Excellent read, wish there wad more...one more chapter or epilogue?
September 10, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
The story was fast-paced and I enjoyed reading about how the relationship between Olivia and Hillary developed from being work acquaintances to much more. They clearly had feelings for each other but Olivia wasn't out and Hillary was, making it difficult for them to pursue an actual relationship without Olivia revealing her being a lesbian to her family. It wasn't purely about the romance too, giving it a more well-rounded story, because you could empathize with their professional responsibilities. There was one point in the story that reflected the current scrutiny law enforcement is undergoing with regards to white officers and black suspects, and while it was timely, it just felt a little lost in the overall story, especially since I thought something more was going to happen related to it. Still, Officer Down was a four-star read. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
The story was fast-paced and I enjoyed reading about how the relationship between Olivia and Hillary developed from being work acquaintances to much more. They clearly had feelings for each other but Olivia wasn't out and Hillary was, making it difficult for them to pursue an actual relationship without Olivia revealing her being a lesbian to her family. It wasn't purely about the romance too, giving it a more well-rounded story, because you could empathize with their professional responsibilities. There was one point in the story that reflected the current scrutiny law enforcement is undergoing with regards to white officers and black suspects, and while it was timely, it just felt a little lost in the overall story, especially since I thought something more was going to happen related to it. Still, Officer Down was a four-star read. ♥
March 9, 2017
I got an advanced copy of this one and did a video review on C-Spot Reviews if you want to go watch it. But if you don't, here's mostly what I said...
This book reminds me of what I originally liked about the author's work. The ending wasn't rushed and I felt like the characters were well rounded - things that I hadn't felt in the last few books I've read by Dutton.
Here's some extra stuff I thought just for Goodreads: I would give this one 3.5 stars if I could. The reason I didn't round it up is because there were phrases used too many times (like "she pressed her lips together) and I found it moderately annoying. There were a few other small issues but I think I was just so happy to have what felt like a complete and fleshed out book that I didn't really care. It was a solid 3.5 for me.
This book reminds me of what I originally liked about the author's work. The ending wasn't rushed and I felt like the characters were well rounded - things that I hadn't felt in the last few books I've read by Dutton.
Here's some extra stuff I thought just for Goodreads: I would give this one 3.5 stars if I could. The reason I didn't round it up is because there were phrases used too many times (like "she pressed her lips together) and I found it moderately annoying. There were a few other small issues but I think I was just so happy to have what felt like a complete and fleshed out book that I didn't really care. It was a solid 3.5 for me.
September 12, 2015
I really enjoyed this book by Erin Dutton.
I found it interesting to read about the emergency dispatch department and what they go through when dealing with so many difficult cases. We often talk about the difficulty of those in the front line but not those who are behind the scenes. I thought the characters were great and really likable. I thought she did a good job in showing the two different prospective of someone in the closet compared to someone who is out but also has been burnt many times.
There were a few issues that were raised but never really were resolved or brought up again. I personally would have liked it if Olivia did learn a little bit from her previous experiences out in the field instead of doing the same thing but just had a better outcome.
All in all an enjoyable read!
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I found it interesting to read about the emergency dispatch department and what they go through when dealing with so many difficult cases. We often talk about the difficulty of those in the front line but not those who are behind the scenes. I thought the characters were great and really likable. I thought she did a good job in showing the two different prospective of someone in the closet compared to someone who is out but also has been burnt many times.
There were a few issues that were raised but never really were resolved or brought up again. I personally would have liked it if Olivia did learn a little bit from her previous experiences out in the field instead of doing the same thing but just had a better outcome.
All in all an enjoyable read!
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
August 23, 2015
Netgalley
Really enjoyed this one. Dutton knows the subject matter she's writing about and that makes for a very confident novel.
The characters are likable and realistic, as are the issues they have.
Things don't seem fabricated for the sake of conflict and the end isn't overly sudden. Those two things always make me happy.
Really enjoyed this one. Dutton knows the subject matter she's writing about and that makes for a very confident novel.
The characters are likable and realistic, as are the issues they have.
Things don't seem fabricated for the sake of conflict and the end isn't overly sudden. Those two things always make me happy.
August 28, 2016
this book was ok. I typically do not read this type of book so I found this book a bit boring. it was about two women that work for a police department where one was an out lesbian and the other was a closet lesbian.By the end of the book both of them were out and were a couple. This was a romance type book which as I said earlier not my typical book type.
September 13, 2015
This is the first book I've read by Erin Dutton and it won't be my last. It is difficult to find a good FF story that has all the elements of romance and depth of characters. I really enjoyed Olivia and Hillary as they figured out their lives!
September 19, 2016
Another enjoyable book from Erin Dutton. I felt there wasn't really anything new to the standard cop romance as far as plot was concerned, but if you enjoy the genre this will most likely tick your boxes. Worth the read on a lazy weekend.
June 27, 2017
Content warnings: lesbian relationships, coming out, unsupportive families
Review can be found here at Blow Pop's Book Reviews.
Review can be found here at Blow Pop's Book Reviews.
September 29, 2015
Really liked it
I like the story but I felt that it could have been longer overall to round out some plot points.
I like the story but I felt that it could have been longer overall to round out some plot points.
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