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Montana Heat #2
True to You
A Montana Man risks everything for the woman he loves . . .
Undercover DEA Special Agent Dawson King spent five months in a Montana prison establishing a fake identity to take down a ruthless drug dealer and put him behind bars. Except there’s a wild card . . . the killer’s beloved daughter. Cara Potter may appear to be on the right side of the law, but King has learned the hard way to trust no one—even someone as tantalizing as the coffee shop owner. She’s irresistible . . . but is she also dangerous?
From the moment he enters her life, King makes Cara . . . nervous. The handsome drifter says he wants to get his life together . . . but there is something about him that doesn’t quite ring true. Cara wants to believe in him, yet she holds back despite the way he awakens dormant dreams and leaves her breathless with his sexy smile, steamy kisses, his every touch.
When the explosive truth comes out and she’s betrayed by the ones she loves, Cara must decide—can she trust her heart, or should she listen to her head?
Undercover DEA Special Agent Dawson King spent five months in a Montana prison establishing a fake identity to take down a ruthless drug dealer and put him behind bars. Except there’s a wild card . . . the killer’s beloved daughter. Cara Potter may appear to be on the right side of the law, but King has learned the hard way to trust no one—even someone as tantalizing as the coffee shop owner. She’s irresistible . . . but is she also dangerous?
From the moment he enters her life, King makes Cara . . . nervous. The handsome drifter says he wants to get his life together . . . but there is something about him that doesn’t quite ring true. Cara wants to believe in him, yet she holds back despite the way he awakens dormant dreams and leaves her breathless with his sexy smile, steamy kisses, his every touch.
When the explosive truth comes out and she’s betrayed by the ones she loves, Cara must decide—can she trust her heart, or should she listen to her head?
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2018
353 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ryan
50 books1,882 followersJennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted and McBrides Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 27, 2018
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Amazon US * Amazon UK
True to You was my first book by Jennifer Ryan and was a great introduction to her writing. Not reading the first book in the series didn't seem to matter, I was never confused at all or feeling lost because of that. Though, I definitely want to go back and read it since I liked this one so much.
The story was actually a little surprising, I wasn't expecting it to have that strong sense of suspense, but I loved that it did. Right away the book opened up with this quiet intensity and from there it never seemed to stop. I was captivated by these character and the way the author's writing made it feel like I was right there with them, living out this story.
Through everything that was going on in the book, the connection that Dawson and Cara shared was still able to shine through that. I really liked that it all blended together so well between them and the cartel part of the story and in the end everything came together and made me love it.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
True to You was my first book by Jennifer Ryan and was a great introduction to her writing. Not reading the first book in the series didn't seem to matter, I was never confused at all or feeling lost because of that. Though, I definitely want to go back and read it since I liked this one so much.
The story was actually a little surprising, I wasn't expecting it to have that strong sense of suspense, but I loved that it did. Right away the book opened up with this quiet intensity and from there it never seemed to stop. I was captivated by these character and the way the author's writing made it feel like I was right there with them, living out this story.
Through everything that was going on in the book, the connection that Dawson and Cara shared was still able to shine through that. I really liked that it all blended together so well between them and the cartel part of the story and in the end everything came together and made me love it.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2018
3.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
With a drug kingpin father, paranoid delusion uncle, and deceased mother, Cara has learned and protected herself with her trust issues. She runs a truck stop coffee house devoted to giving parolees second chances but trying to keep her life separate from her father's is proving more and more difficult.
As a DEA Special Agent, Dawson has devoted his life to taking drugs off the street and taking down the bad guys. When a drug dealer uses his skills as a sniper to take out a rival, he makes it his personal mission to send him to jail. Trying to get an in with the man's daughter may prove fruitless in entering the drug world but Dawson may have succeeded in finally finding love.
So he couldn't trust her. She didn't trust him.
Second in the Montana Heat series, True to You focuses on Dawson King, a DEA Special Agent sniper. His bestfriend was the hero in the first book and while his story was summarized nicely, I felt a little rushed and lost in the very beginning while the set-up involving the drug cartel plot opened up. Reading the first book would have definitely helped but after a couple chapters I was able to settle into the world the author had created. Even though I had a bit of a whiplash feeling as previous events were rattled off, the prologue was incredibly gripping with our DEA sniper hero being put to the fire.
She didn't even know his name. Not his real name.
The set-up of having our hero Dawson going undercover to try and get close to his target's daughter Cara provided a great tension filled romance. Cara was an extremely distrustful heroine, she was a tough cookie but what kept her from crossing into the stubborn for angst sake well was her willingness to put it on the line when she couldn't fight getting close to the hero anymore; she was strong and passionate. While Cara learned her trust issues, Dawson's was trained and because his work and life depended on his cover, he couldn't just reveal all to Cara. I know we're dealing with fiction but the author did such a great job of creating realness to not only the characters but the story. The focus wasn't mainly on Cara and Dawson's sexual relationship, although there are some sexy times, but their emotional one. They had a full circle of meeting, distrust, attraction, bonding, betrayal, hurt, and then coming together. All the building blocks were there to create and enjoy a rounded out romance.
This was no lie.
With a cover that seems to project a more light and fluffy story, this was anything but. The drug cartel plot gets slightly more attention than the romance. The suspense doesn't come from overt action scenes but more from the reader watching and learning who and how the chess pieces are moving. The author did a great job of creating a multifaceted villain, the heroine's father named Iceman, but I thought the story lacked from getting more of his point of views. I would have also liked a smidge more drug cartel action with a little less hammering of how crappy Cara's life had been, it felt like trying to force the reader to really be in sympathy with her.
"There is right and wrong, truth and lies. We are in between those lines."
The story has a little bit of a sputtering ending with the action being over and the emotional relationship aspects staggering to the end but this also gave the readers a fully constructed ending, however, the added epilogue then seemed a bit unnecessary and cheesy. This had trust issues that cover secrets that are too important to be openly revealed, action that occasionally flirts with believability, but hotness that endangers and seduces. True to You was an impressive, fun, and hot romantic suspense story that also had a sexy hero who made a mean cherry tart. I'll definitely be checking out Jennifer Ryan's backlist and future releases.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
With a drug kingpin father, paranoid delusion uncle, and deceased mother, Cara has learned and protected herself with her trust issues. She runs a truck stop coffee house devoted to giving parolees second chances but trying to keep her life separate from her father's is proving more and more difficult.
As a DEA Special Agent, Dawson has devoted his life to taking drugs off the street and taking down the bad guys. When a drug dealer uses his skills as a sniper to take out a rival, he makes it his personal mission to send him to jail. Trying to get an in with the man's daughter may prove fruitless in entering the drug world but Dawson may have succeeded in finally finding love.
So he couldn't trust her. She didn't trust him.
Second in the Montana Heat series, True to You focuses on Dawson King, a DEA Special Agent sniper. His bestfriend was the hero in the first book and while his story was summarized nicely, I felt a little rushed and lost in the very beginning while the set-up involving the drug cartel plot opened up. Reading the first book would have definitely helped but after a couple chapters I was able to settle into the world the author had created. Even though I had a bit of a whiplash feeling as previous events were rattled off, the prologue was incredibly gripping with our DEA sniper hero being put to the fire.
She didn't even know his name. Not his real name.
The set-up of having our hero Dawson going undercover to try and get close to his target's daughter Cara provided a great tension filled romance. Cara was an extremely distrustful heroine, she was a tough cookie but what kept her from crossing into the stubborn for angst sake well was her willingness to put it on the line when she couldn't fight getting close to the hero anymore; she was strong and passionate. While Cara learned her trust issues, Dawson's was trained and because his work and life depended on his cover, he couldn't just reveal all to Cara. I know we're dealing with fiction but the author did such a great job of creating realness to not only the characters but the story. The focus wasn't mainly on Cara and Dawson's sexual relationship, although there are some sexy times, but their emotional one. They had a full circle of meeting, distrust, attraction, bonding, betrayal, hurt, and then coming together. All the building blocks were there to create and enjoy a rounded out romance.
This was no lie.
With a cover that seems to project a more light and fluffy story, this was anything but. The drug cartel plot gets slightly more attention than the romance. The suspense doesn't come from overt action scenes but more from the reader watching and learning who and how the chess pieces are moving. The author did a great job of creating a multifaceted villain, the heroine's father named Iceman, but I thought the story lacked from getting more of his point of views. I would have also liked a smidge more drug cartel action with a little less hammering of how crappy Cara's life had been, it felt like trying to force the reader to really be in sympathy with her.
"There is right and wrong, truth and lies. We are in between those lines."
The story has a little bit of a sputtering ending with the action being over and the emotional relationship aspects staggering to the end but this also gave the readers a fully constructed ending, however, the added epilogue then seemed a bit unnecessary and cheesy. This had trust issues that cover secrets that are too important to be openly revealed, action that occasionally flirts with believability, but hotness that endangers and seduces. True to You was an impressive, fun, and hot romantic suspense story that also had a sexy hero who made a mean cherry tart. I'll definitely be checking out Jennifer Ryan's backlist and future releases.
February 7, 2018
Sometimes book covers can be deceiving, which do a great disservice to the stories in them. What looks like a cowboy romance is in fact, a romantic suspense (yay for me) novel that I would have missed out if I hadn’t taken the time to pick the blurb apart.
Jennifer Ryan is a new author to me, but ‘True to You’ is a fantastic introduction to her writing style; the story is an articulate read, done for most part, in a way where I didn’t find myself bored or skimming through what I usually call ‘filler pages’.
Cara and King were relatable protagonists and good together, and Ryan certainly didn’t waste any time setting up the scene for their paths to intersect. The on-the-edge, delicious tension between them tightened with each fine line that King crossed, as he desperately juggled his attraction to Cara and his work, while trying to be the good guy in the whole thing. But the usual problem with undercover work as a plot device is as always, the extent and depth of the deception (no matter how King tried to mitigate the damage) that cuts to the core, particularly when Cara paid yet again for it, with her already eroded trust in people who had betrayed her in the past.
The story was a little roundabout however—I did have some questions swirling around that weren’t satisfactorily addressed from the start, as were the lack of differentiation of speech/characters at times—and it did take me a while to unravel the facts on my own and get the whole plot straight before I could fully get on board with it. There were also several repetitive lines profiling the characters that didn’t feel necessary, as was the choppy pacing towards the end.
The climax happened at the 3/4 mark, leaving quite a long resolution that was filled with angst, inner monologues and huge emotional turmoil in both Cara and King, the latter of whom seemed to have ‘softened’ so much from the hardline, driven guy we saw in the breathtaking first few chapters. I’d hoped to see more action—more DEA agents scurrying around and King working in his element—in my romantic suspense reads in any case, which simply stopped after the climax took place after a short build-up. Also, with King referred to as ‘Flash’ and ‘Dawson’ as well, then Bennett as ‘Jay’ (all in the same scene) so the name changes threw me off sometimes.
‘True to You’ was in all, a good read, though not a perfect one. Still, Ryan is someone I’d be looking out for the next time something of hers gets published.
*ARC by the publisher via Edelweiss
Jennifer Ryan is a new author to me, but ‘True to You’ is a fantastic introduction to her writing style; the story is an articulate read, done for most part, in a way where I didn’t find myself bored or skimming through what I usually call ‘filler pages’.
Cara and King were relatable protagonists and good together, and Ryan certainly didn’t waste any time setting up the scene for their paths to intersect. The on-the-edge, delicious tension between them tightened with each fine line that King crossed, as he desperately juggled his attraction to Cara and his work, while trying to be the good guy in the whole thing. But the usual problem with undercover work as a plot device is as always, the extent and depth of the deception (no matter how King tried to mitigate the damage) that cuts to the core, particularly when Cara paid yet again for it, with her already eroded trust in people who had betrayed her in the past.
The story was a little roundabout however—I did have some questions swirling around that weren’t satisfactorily addressed from the start, as were the lack of differentiation of speech/characters at times—and it did take me a while to unravel the facts on my own and get the whole plot straight before I could fully get on board with it. There were also several repetitive lines profiling the characters that didn’t feel necessary, as was the choppy pacing towards the end.
The climax happened at the 3/4 mark, leaving quite a long resolution that was filled with angst, inner monologues and huge emotional turmoil in both Cara and King, the latter of whom seemed to have ‘softened’ so much from the hardline, driven guy we saw in the breathtaking first few chapters. I’d hoped to see more action—more DEA agents scurrying around and King working in his element—in my romantic suspense reads in any case, which simply stopped after the climax took place after a short build-up. Also, with King referred to as ‘Flash’ and ‘Dawson’ as well, then Bennett as ‘Jay’ (all in the same scene) so the name changes threw me off sometimes.
‘True to You’ was in all, a good read, though not a perfect one. Still, Ryan is someone I’d be looking out for the next time something of hers gets published.
*ARC by the publisher via Edelweiss
January 28, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
True To You is a wonderful book that just gave me all of the feels here folks...I swear Jennifer Ryan is so bad for my heart because I am always afraid I am going to have a stroke while reading one of her books. But alas....I am safe, for now until her next book comes out. True To You is one of those books that deals with some serious yet important issues that we tend not to think about in real life and I love that Jennifer Ryan implements these elements into her stories. These are NOT fluffy or lighthearted reads...so if that is what you are looking for, then don't read Jennifer Ryan because that isn't her style and I truly admire that about her.
True To You begins when our hero, Dawson King, is going undercover. He has just spent time in jail to make sure his cover is solid. He is a military sniper but he hasn't done undercover much and this mission is pretty important. His goal is to either capture or kill a dangerous criminal in the drug business. The DEA has been after him for quite a long while but he keeps slipping through their fingers. King's plan is to get close to his innocent daughter to get to him. Cara is nothing like her father. She is completely innocent and is a bit of a straight shooter. She still suffers nightmares of being caught in her father's world. She suffers both physical and emotional scars from a traumatic event in her past. Everyone she has ever loved has either died or betrayed her in some way. She has learned to deal with lost but she hasn't broken. She keeps trying to believe for the good of others. When King first meets her she is pretty blunt about her rules in her coffeehouse, but she offers so many advantages to working for her. The more King gets to know Cara, the more guilt he feels in lying and deceiving her even if he works for the good guys. But will King lose Cara once she learns the truth about him and who he really is....
True To You is one of those books that will keep you on edge, keep you up all night reading and is guaranteed to get to you on a very deep emotional level. I definitely always make sure I have plenty of tissues when I pick up this author because she puts me through the ringer and that definitely holds true with True To You. The whole secret undercover mission set up really works for this book. The connection that King and Cara have with each other is instant and at first, they try to resist the chemistry they have together but they soon realize what they have is unique and special and is worth fighting for. It's very interesting to see these two together because they are both fighting for the same thing but our heroine doesn't realize who King really is or what he will sacrifice for her.
He wanted to break down the walls that hid her smile, laughter, and everything else she kept to herself and from the world. He wanted to know her secrets and desires and not so he could put her father behind bars. He wanted to know everything she didn't want to share with anyone else. He wanted her to want to share it with him.
And we do have some characters that become redeemed, some characters that seem like the "good guy" but turn out to betray the good ones so there are some surprises and alterations to a story that becomes unpredictable and put the reader on edge at times.
I would have to say this is one of the most thrilling of books that this author has written. Granted, many of her books have that edgy and compelling feel, but True To You felt slightly different than anything I have read from her previously. The "undercover" element really adds more mystery and intrigue to the story, with secret identities, an unpredictable plot that keeps you guessing, and a love story that is epic and worth fighting for, you will find yourself falling head over in heels with King and his lady Cara....buckle your seatbelts because this story will take you on a wild ride of suspense, passion and a fight for love!!
True To You is a wonderful book that just gave me all of the feels here folks...I swear Jennifer Ryan is so bad for my heart because I am always afraid I am going to have a stroke while reading one of her books. But alas....I am safe, for now until her next book comes out. True To You is one of those books that deals with some serious yet important issues that we tend not to think about in real life and I love that Jennifer Ryan implements these elements into her stories. These are NOT fluffy or lighthearted reads...so if that is what you are looking for, then don't read Jennifer Ryan because that isn't her style and I truly admire that about her.
True To You begins when our hero, Dawson King, is going undercover. He has just spent time in jail to make sure his cover is solid. He is a military sniper but he hasn't done undercover much and this mission is pretty important. His goal is to either capture or kill a dangerous criminal in the drug business. The DEA has been after him for quite a long while but he keeps slipping through their fingers. King's plan is to get close to his innocent daughter to get to him. Cara is nothing like her father. She is completely innocent and is a bit of a straight shooter. She still suffers nightmares of being caught in her father's world. She suffers both physical and emotional scars from a traumatic event in her past. Everyone she has ever loved has either died or betrayed her in some way. She has learned to deal with lost but she hasn't broken. She keeps trying to believe for the good of others. When King first meets her she is pretty blunt about her rules in her coffeehouse, but she offers so many advantages to working for her. The more King gets to know Cara, the more guilt he feels in lying and deceiving her even if he works for the good guys. But will King lose Cara once she learns the truth about him and who he really is....
True To You is one of those books that will keep you on edge, keep you up all night reading and is guaranteed to get to you on a very deep emotional level. I definitely always make sure I have plenty of tissues when I pick up this author because she puts me through the ringer and that definitely holds true with True To You. The whole secret undercover mission set up really works for this book. The connection that King and Cara have with each other is instant and at first, they try to resist the chemistry they have together but they soon realize what they have is unique and special and is worth fighting for. It's very interesting to see these two together because they are both fighting for the same thing but our heroine doesn't realize who King really is or what he will sacrifice for her.
He wanted to break down the walls that hid her smile, laughter, and everything else she kept to herself and from the world. He wanted to know her secrets and desires and not so he could put her father behind bars. He wanted to know everything she didn't want to share with anyone else. He wanted her to want to share it with him.
And we do have some characters that become redeemed, some characters that seem like the "good guy" but turn out to betray the good ones so there are some surprises and alterations to a story that becomes unpredictable and put the reader on edge at times.
I would have to say this is one of the most thrilling of books that this author has written. Granted, many of her books have that edgy and compelling feel, but True To You felt slightly different than anything I have read from her previously. The "undercover" element really adds more mystery and intrigue to the story, with secret identities, an unpredictable plot that keeps you guessing, and a love story that is epic and worth fighting for, you will find yourself falling head over in heels with King and his lady Cara....buckle your seatbelts because this story will take you on a wild ride of suspense, passion and a fight for love!!
February 16, 2018
True to You is the second book in the Montana Heat series. I have not read the prequel, Protected by Love, or the first book, Escape to You. I don't think its absolutely necessary to read the earlier books to keep from feeling lost, but there is discussion and maybe some light spoilers about the earlier books in this one.
I have been very curious about areas of the Northwest lately - particularly Montana and the Dakotas. I hope to visit now that I'm living on this side of the country. I wish this book had focused more on the setting, but I understand that the main focus was our romance and the hero's undercover assignment. I was just expecting a little more of that cowboy feel based on the cover.
We meet Dawson King as he is being released from prison on one undercover assignment and going straight into a continuing assignment to get close to the daughter of a drug kingpin known as Iceman. King, who is going by Flash for the majority of the book, has been suffering from the undercover assignments. The loneliness and danger he was in while in prison had to be exhausting, and he comes straight out into a situation where he has to deceive a woman he comes to care for. I liked King and respect the work that he was doing, but I can only imagine the level of difficulty at becoming another person and maintaining the false identity.
Cara Potter has had a sad and difficult life. Her father is absentee because of his life choices, which have invaded her life and seen her hurt in the process. Her mother was a junkie that died early, and she lost the grandparents as a teen. Cara is self-reliant and tough, but she has major trust issues. Given her history, I was a bit surprised at her quest to employ and rehabilitate former felons.
The relationship between Cara and Dawson was a very slow burn. As Dawson was deceiving Cara about his identity and trying to take down her father, he was hesitant to get involved. So it was up to Cara to go after what she wanted. The attraction was there, but I also felt that it was somewhat generic. I would have liked a little more steam as well.
I really enjoyed the suspense side of the plot, and I think that the twists that were included really helped the storyline. Unfortunately I felt like I got bogged down in the details sometimes and the story just dragged on forever. So I started skimming to get back to the action at times. This also could be part of a reading slump though as my last few reads have all left me feeling the same way, so take my ambivalence with a grain of salt.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Avon.
February 28, 2018
Special Agent Dawson King is smart, sexy, broody and completely focused on his job as a DEA Agent intent to take down and out the people who allow illegal drugs and other nefarious deeds to occur under their purview. King’s job is to find a mark and make the arrest. Lies by omission and tacit deceit is standard course of action, but nothing about this op is standard. Especially his attraction to Cara Potter.
Cara’s the daughter of a drug dealer. A father who’s been more absent than present and that’s just fine by her. She wants absolutely nothing to do with the “family” business. She owns her own business—a coffee shop—where she hires those who are trying to make their lives better, those who learn from their mistakes. But her trust doesn’t come easy because she’s been lied to her whole life. She doesn’t believe in words but actions.
But what happens when King actually gets behind Cara’s carefully constructed walls? What happens when the truth is exposed? What happens when love and trust fight for control—will Cara let her heart lead, or will her head win out?
Okay, I have to admit I binge-read the entire Montana Heat series over the course of a couple days. There’s something magical about Jennifer Ryan’s writing style and her words—her ability to convey the full storyline and thread the romance throughout it. I love her ability to keep the romance in the forefront and keep the growing love between the leading characters out of the hubbub that threatens them. It’s not dumb couple issues, but larger, life-threatening ones that could keep them apart.
And that is just perfect to me. Much like True to You is a perfect blend of edge-of-your-seat suspense and romance. I loved how King and Cara circled around each other—how they were attracted but kept their feelings buried until they just couldn’t resist any longer. I loved watching their romance unfold as all the other craziness happened around them. That they found their own truth between the lines of the lies. I loved every minute and I cannot wait to read more! ~ Missy, 5 stars
Cara’s the daughter of a drug dealer. A father who’s been more absent than present and that’s just fine by her. She wants absolutely nothing to do with the “family” business. She owns her own business—a coffee shop—where she hires those who are trying to make their lives better, those who learn from their mistakes. But her trust doesn’t come easy because she’s been lied to her whole life. She doesn’t believe in words but actions.
But what happens when King actually gets behind Cara’s carefully constructed walls? What happens when the truth is exposed? What happens when love and trust fight for control—will Cara let her heart lead, or will her head win out?
Okay, I have to admit I binge-read the entire Montana Heat series over the course of a couple days. There’s something magical about Jennifer Ryan’s writing style and her words—her ability to convey the full storyline and thread the romance throughout it. I love her ability to keep the romance in the forefront and keep the growing love between the leading characters out of the hubbub that threatens them. It’s not dumb couple issues, but larger, life-threatening ones that could keep them apart.
And that is just perfect to me. Much like True to You is a perfect blend of edge-of-your-seat suspense and romance. I loved how King and Cara circled around each other—how they were attracted but kept their feelings buried until they just couldn’t resist any longer. I loved watching their romance unfold as all the other craziness happened around them. That they found their own truth between the lines of the lies. I loved every minute and I cannot wait to read more! ~ Missy, 5 stars
March 16, 2018
Review to come
February 26, 2018
Coffee Dates with True to You
First Date: King is a sniper and special agent for the DEA. He spends five months in jail undercover to create a solid background and poses as an ex-con looking to get back on his feet. Cara Potter is the daughter of a drug lord. She runs the Crossroads Cafe and has earned a reputation for helping ex-cons turn their lives around. It's King's job to get a job at the cafe and take up residence in the rooms Cara offers. His mission is to get close to Cara, see if she is involved in her father's business and find a way to take down the infamous Iceman. Cara isn't at all what King expected and I found myself caught up in their story. King made me giggle at the beginning and I connected right away, but an incident early in made him completely swoon-worthy.
Second Date: Woozier, Cara's family tree is downright scary and Ryan did an excellent job of sharing her background and family while impressing me with Cara's strength, resilience and determination to carve out a better life for herself and the people she tries to help. King is a sweetie and like Cara, I cannot help being attracted to him even as he poses as an ex-con. Ryan builds up the world that surrounds Cara as King investigates. From the beginning, there is sizzling chemistry between them, but King tries not to cross the line as Cara thinks about breaking her own rules and seducing him. I loved the Crossroads Cafe and my stomach growled with talk of cherry tarts and cinnamon donuts. I found secondary characters like Tanya the waitress, Cara's hermit uncle and a young man trying not to follow in his Dad's footsteps interesting. Ryan not only developed them but weaved them into the overall storyline.
Third Date: Action, suspense, and climatic scenes had me reading into the wee-hours as both Cara and King find themselves in danger. The relationship suffers when all is revealed and while it had its sweet moments, I wasn't totally sold on Cara's reasoning or at least the way she acted towards King. The suspense thread ended around the eighty percent mark as Ryan focused on the romantic aspect of this tale. Grab some tissues and prepare for some awe moments. This was a great couple and despite some bumps, I had to find out if they'd get a happily ever after. You'll have to go on your own date to find out.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
First Date: King is a sniper and special agent for the DEA. He spends five months in jail undercover to create a solid background and poses as an ex-con looking to get back on his feet. Cara Potter is the daughter of a drug lord. She runs the Crossroads Cafe and has earned a reputation for helping ex-cons turn their lives around. It's King's job to get a job at the cafe and take up residence in the rooms Cara offers. His mission is to get close to Cara, see if she is involved in her father's business and find a way to take down the infamous Iceman. Cara isn't at all what King expected and I found myself caught up in their story. King made me giggle at the beginning and I connected right away, but an incident early in made him completely swoon-worthy.
Second Date: Woozier, Cara's family tree is downright scary and Ryan did an excellent job of sharing her background and family while impressing me with Cara's strength, resilience and determination to carve out a better life for herself and the people she tries to help. King is a sweetie and like Cara, I cannot help being attracted to him even as he poses as an ex-con. Ryan builds up the world that surrounds Cara as King investigates. From the beginning, there is sizzling chemistry between them, but King tries not to cross the line as Cara thinks about breaking her own rules and seducing him. I loved the Crossroads Cafe and my stomach growled with talk of cherry tarts and cinnamon donuts. I found secondary characters like Tanya the waitress, Cara's hermit uncle and a young man trying not to follow in his Dad's footsteps interesting. Ryan not only developed them but weaved them into the overall storyline.
Third Date: Action, suspense, and climatic scenes had me reading into the wee-hours as both Cara and King find themselves in danger. The relationship suffers when all is revealed and while it had its sweet moments, I wasn't totally sold on Cara's reasoning or at least the way she acted towards King. The suspense thread ended around the eighty percent mark as Ryan focused on the romantic aspect of this tale. Grab some tissues and prepare for some awe moments. This was a great couple and despite some bumps, I had to find out if they'd get a happily ever after. You'll have to go on your own date to find out.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
May 23, 2018
3.75
This was a nice, emotional and suspenseful read with very likeable MCs. The two had an awesome chemistry and even though there was very few romantic scenes you could feel the emotional connection between them from the moment they meet until the end of the book.
The book started off with an awesome prologue where the hero, Agent Dawson King, one of the DEA's best snipers gets played by Iceman, a drug lord, into eliminating his nemesis. A furious Dawson vows not to rest until he takes down Iceman. On discovering Iceman has a daughter, Cara Potter, who runs a small coffee shop --and according to Trigger, his fellow DEA agent (and hero of book one Escape to you) “On the surface, she appears to be a do-gooder. Takes in strays on parole or with a record that keeps them from getting gainful employment, so long as they swear they’ve left that life and want to remain on the straight and narrow. She doesn’t give second chances if they break the law.”-- he decides to use her to get to the drug lord.
The story he and his fellow agents build up for him to get into her employment is that Flash --Dawson's undercover name-- was out from prison where he was sent for possession of drugs with intent to sell, a first time offender, and is out on parole because of a good deed and needs to clean up his image and as he is completely down and broke he needs the job. To perfect the alibi, Dawson had to endure prison for one fifty-three days where he gets close to a prisoner, Scott, who is Iceman's man, even saves the man's life twice. I enjoyed the banter between Dawson and Trigger when he walks out of prison.
Ashley Swan, movie star and Trigger’s fiancée, pulled back and looked up at him. “You don’t look so hot.”
“You’re gorgeous as ever. Ditch the dirtbag and run away with me. I haven’t had sex in months. The first time will be fast, you probably won’t even notice, but after that, I swear I’ll treat you right.” King found his smile when Ashley giggled.
“With your tiny pecker, no woman would notice, no matter how long it took you to get your rocks off. Now unhand her or I’ll shoot you.” Trigger might be joking about his “tiny pecker,” but not about shooting him if he didn’t hand his fiancée back. After all they’d been through together after Ashley escaped her year-long captivity from a psycho serial killer, King understood Trigger’s protective streak.
On his way to Cara, Dawson runs into Iceman when he stops to save a teenager being beaten by his thug father, who happens to be Iceman's lieutenant with Iceman looking on. Dawson gives the drug lord his undercover identity further telling him about Scott sending him to Cara for a job. Iceman begins to get suspicious of him. Having saved the teenager's life who happens to be employed by Cara, Dawson has no problem finding employment and accommodation with Cara. She's however disturbed by him because of the desire he's awakened in her. Having had a very bad experience in her last relationship she was wary of all men.
Dawson is equally attracted to her but knows he has to treat her as a job. He keeps an eye on the people she associates with - her reclusive and eccentric uncle whom she loves, her employees --the teenager, her chef, an elderly ex-con and Tandy, an ex-con and promiscuous waitress, who cannot stop feeling Dawson up every moment she gets thereby evoking Cara's jealousy. He is also slowly discovering that Cara actually hates her father and wants to sever all ties with him but is unable to do so contrary to his initial suspicion that she had to be helping her father in his drug business somehow. She's wary of all people because every person she cared for had betrayed her. Which is why, it baffled me that she still kept employing these ex-cons, instead of making a clean break with everything that associated with her father.
As the truth keeps unraveling and the more Dawson gets closer to Cara, he is plagued with guilt for lying to her. He discovers the real reason why Iceman had set him up and the torture Cara had gone though for just being a drug lord's daughter. For those who are squeamish be forewarned there's mutation of a body part. Her story both horrified and saddened me. However, from the moment Cara and Dawson meet until Cara discovers Dawson's real identity, barring those couple of times she and Dawson had sex which drew them closer, the book takes on a very sad, grim, dark turn as the author sketches out the lonely and pathetic life Cara leads between running her coffee shop and visiting her reclusive uncle once a week. I thought in trying to evoke sympathy for Cara --which it did to me-- the author dragged the melancholy and grimness for a bit too long that when the action takes over as Cara discovers the truth about the people close to her and also Dawson's real identity, I found it a welcoming relief.
It also brings Dawson's family into the picture infusing some cheer into the book. Loved every one of them and how they plot to bring the two miserable lovers together. As I said Dawson and Cara made an awesome pair and the suspense was good. Also I liked that the book didn't end abruptly once the bad guys are taken care of instead there was a sort of an epilogue showing Cara and Dawson living happily together and how they deal with a stalker.
I also liked what I read about Trigger and Ashley in this book and I'm tempted to read the book about them.
This book is for those who like romance between two strong, likeable characters with a nice suspense thrown in.
This was a nice, emotional and suspenseful read with very likeable MCs. The two had an awesome chemistry and even though there was very few romantic scenes you could feel the emotional connection between them from the moment they meet until the end of the book.
The book started off with an awesome prologue where the hero, Agent Dawson King, one of the DEA's best snipers gets played by Iceman, a drug lord, into eliminating his nemesis. A furious Dawson vows not to rest until he takes down Iceman. On discovering Iceman has a daughter, Cara Potter, who runs a small coffee shop --and according to Trigger, his fellow DEA agent (and hero of book one Escape to you) “On the surface, she appears to be a do-gooder. Takes in strays on parole or with a record that keeps them from getting gainful employment, so long as they swear they’ve left that life and want to remain on the straight and narrow. She doesn’t give second chances if they break the law.”-- he decides to use her to get to the drug lord.
The story he and his fellow agents build up for him to get into her employment is that Flash --Dawson's undercover name-- was out from prison where he was sent for possession of drugs with intent to sell, a first time offender, and is out on parole because of a good deed and needs to clean up his image and as he is completely down and broke he needs the job. To perfect the alibi, Dawson had to endure prison for one fifty-three days where he gets close to a prisoner, Scott, who is Iceman's man, even saves the man's life twice. I enjoyed the banter between Dawson and Trigger when he walks out of prison.
Ashley Swan, movie star and Trigger’s fiancée, pulled back and looked up at him. “You don’t look so hot.”
“You’re gorgeous as ever. Ditch the dirtbag and run away with me. I haven’t had sex in months. The first time will be fast, you probably won’t even notice, but after that, I swear I’ll treat you right.” King found his smile when Ashley giggled.
“With your tiny pecker, no woman would notice, no matter how long it took you to get your rocks off. Now unhand her or I’ll shoot you.” Trigger might be joking about his “tiny pecker,” but not about shooting him if he didn’t hand his fiancée back. After all they’d been through together after Ashley escaped her year-long captivity from a psycho serial killer, King understood Trigger’s protective streak.
On his way to Cara, Dawson runs into Iceman when he stops to save a teenager being beaten by his thug father, who happens to be Iceman's lieutenant with Iceman looking on. Dawson gives the drug lord his undercover identity further telling him about Scott sending him to Cara for a job. Iceman begins to get suspicious of him. Having saved the teenager's life who happens to be employed by Cara, Dawson has no problem finding employment and accommodation with Cara. She's however disturbed by him because of the desire he's awakened in her. Having had a very bad experience in her last relationship she was wary of all men.
Dawson is equally attracted to her but knows he has to treat her as a job. He keeps an eye on the people she associates with - her reclusive and eccentric uncle whom she loves, her employees --the teenager, her chef, an elderly ex-con and Tandy, an ex-con and promiscuous waitress, who cannot stop feeling Dawson up every moment she gets thereby evoking Cara's jealousy. He is also slowly discovering that Cara actually hates her father and wants to sever all ties with him but is unable to do so contrary to his initial suspicion that she had to be helping her father in his drug business somehow. She's wary of all people because every person she cared for had betrayed her. Which is why, it baffled me that she still kept employing these ex-cons, instead of making a clean break with everything that associated with her father.
As the truth keeps unraveling and the more Dawson gets closer to Cara, he is plagued with guilt for lying to her. He discovers the real reason why Iceman had set him up and the torture Cara had gone though for just being a drug lord's daughter. For those who are squeamish be forewarned there's mutation of a body part. Her story both horrified and saddened me. However, from the moment Cara and Dawson meet until Cara discovers Dawson's real identity, barring those couple of times she and Dawson had sex which drew them closer, the book takes on a very sad, grim, dark turn as the author sketches out the lonely and pathetic life Cara leads between running her coffee shop and visiting her reclusive uncle once a week. I thought in trying to evoke sympathy for Cara --which it did to me-- the author dragged the melancholy and grimness for a bit too long that when the action takes over as Cara discovers the truth about the people close to her and also Dawson's real identity, I found it a welcoming relief.
It also brings Dawson's family into the picture infusing some cheer into the book. Loved every one of them and how they plot to bring the two miserable lovers together. As I said Dawson and Cara made an awesome pair and the suspense was good. Also I liked that the book didn't end abruptly once the bad guys are taken care of instead there was a sort of an epilogue showing Cara and Dawson living happily together and how they deal with a stalker.
I also liked what I read about Trigger and Ashley in this book and I'm tempted to read the book about them.
This book is for those who like romance between two strong, likeable characters with a nice suspense thrown in.
February 27, 2018
My Review:
Okay, I'm not sure how this happened because I know that I have a ton of Jennifer Ryan books in my TBR pile, but this is the first time I've actually read one of her books. And it should also be noted that I was only about 25% into this book when I got online and ordered the first book in the series...because I NEED to read Trigger and Ashley's story...it sounds amazing.
But this review is about this book...which was pretty darn good, too. King has just gotten out of prison...after a 150+ day stint to set him up for his undercover DEA operation. You see, he's trying to get close to Cara who is the daughter of a criminal drug-running mastermind. On the surface, Cara has an honest business, but she hires down on their luck ex-cons...and gives them the opportunity for a fresh start.
Regardless of what the DEA thinks, Cara is innocent and hates her father for the chaos his life has brought to hers. She's doing what she can to make up for his life...by offering ex-cons a way to start over. So many times, ex-cons don't have good choices they can make.
But as much as Cara wants her father to stay away, he doesn't follow her wishes and continues to show up which continues to drag Cara and her business into his business...which isn't good.
I enjoyed this book. I had no idea how it was going to all play out and was shocked when the climax started happening so early, but that meant that there was a great closure to the story that I did really enjoy...even if it did drag on for a tiny bit too long.
It may have been my first Jennifer Ryan read, but it definitely won't be my last. It was a completely engaging story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
NOTE: The best line in this entire book happens way early when King is talking to Ashley...'he'll be in and out quick...so she won't even notice' (that's a summary), but two days later, I STILL crack up when I think about that scene. Needless to say, I loved the friendship between Trigger and King and am dying to go back and read Trigger's book now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Okay, I'm not sure how this happened because I know that I have a ton of Jennifer Ryan books in my TBR pile, but this is the first time I've actually read one of her books. And it should also be noted that I was only about 25% into this book when I got online and ordered the first book in the series...because I NEED to read Trigger and Ashley's story...it sounds amazing.
But this review is about this book...which was pretty darn good, too. King has just gotten out of prison...after a 150+ day stint to set him up for his undercover DEA operation. You see, he's trying to get close to Cara who is the daughter of a criminal drug-running mastermind. On the surface, Cara has an honest business, but she hires down on their luck ex-cons...and gives them the opportunity for a fresh start.
Regardless of what the DEA thinks, Cara is innocent and hates her father for the chaos his life has brought to hers. She's doing what she can to make up for his life...by offering ex-cons a way to start over. So many times, ex-cons don't have good choices they can make.
But as much as Cara wants her father to stay away, he doesn't follow her wishes and continues to show up which continues to drag Cara and her business into his business...which isn't good.
I enjoyed this book. I had no idea how it was going to all play out and was shocked when the climax started happening so early, but that meant that there was a great closure to the story that I did really enjoy...even if it did drag on for a tiny bit too long.
It may have been my first Jennifer Ryan read, but it definitely won't be my last. It was a completely engaging story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
NOTE: The best line in this entire book happens way early when King is talking to Ashley...'he'll be in and out quick...so she won't even notice' (that's a summary), but two days later, I STILL crack up when I think about that scene. Needless to say, I loved the friendship between Trigger and King and am dying to go back and read Trigger's book now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 27, 2021
Oh... this just was a bit... boring? It just dragged on and on and on... really. I was just waiting to finish reading it cos I didn't want to DNF. But... I didn't 'dislike' it...
( the weird thing is, I think that I might've started this a year or so ago and given up... the start was very familiar... )
( the weird thing is, I think that I might've started this a year or so ago and given up... the start was very familiar... )
Read
January 31, 20183.5 or 4 stars. Review to come.
June 25, 2018
King hobbled over to the car and stared down at the five-by-seven photo of his target. Taken off guard by Cara’s delicate beauty, he stared at her porcelain face, pale blond hair, and haunting blue eyes. He saw her father’s strong features in the stubborn set of her chin and her direct gaze. Something in her eyes spoke to a hard life that didn’t match her fairylike features.
... Trigger gave him a look that said, Hands off.
King got it. She was a job. Nothing more. But give a guy a break. He’d been locked up in a sausage factory for one hundred and fifty-three days. Too long for a man who liked companionship with the fairer sex, even if it only consisted of sharing a few beers at the bar. Work consumed his life. He didn’t have time—or make the time—for relationships.
Yeah, no.
I resigned myself to this being cheesy and clunky and unbelievable, and kept reading. It fulfills a challenge category, after all!! ("A book being read by a stranger in public" - I saw a woman reading this in the Charlotte airport last week.)
Is this cheesy? HELL YEAH!
“How can something that feels so right be wrong?” She didn’t get it. She didn’t understand why he’d kiss her the way he did, the way he wanted to kiss her, and say it was wrong.
At which point "Flash" (NOT BARRY ALLEN) explains that he's not going to stick around and he doesn't want to hurt her.
“I’ll carry the hurt of your leaving to balance the sweet memories we’ll make tonight.”
The. Sweet. Memories. We'll. Make. Tonight. Do people actually talk like this? Probably.
His hands came up and cupped her face. He stared into her eyes, holding her in his intense gaze. “There is right and wrong, truth and lies. We are in between those lines. No matter what else happens, when it’s you and me like this, for better or worse, there is only stark truth between us. I can promise you that much.”
Tears gathered in her eyes at the brutal honesty in his words.
Yeah that's brutal, all right. In case the reader still doesn't understand, it's explained again in the next paragraph:
He wouldn’t or couldn’t promise her anything more than the fact that what they felt when they were together was real and true.
Ohhh, I get it now! Thanks for hammering that home for us, one more time. Wait, maybe I need a refresher again. Ms Ryan's gotcha covered, two paragraphs later:
Even when he held back some truths, he gave her the only truth that mattered in this moment, but wouldn’t save them in the long run. He’d hold her right now, knowing he’d lose her. Some things were worth the heartache, but he wished for a way out of this that didn’t hurt. Her or him.
There are some REALLY unbelievable parts, though.
1. She hires him, straight out of jail, no references, no resume, no initial background check, to do some sort of nebulous work at her cafe, for .... $15/hr? PLUS free food and lodging and satellite TV ?? WHA?????? In 2018, Federal minimum wage is $7.25/hr. In Montana, min wage is $8.30/hr. I get that she's supposed to be such a great person and all, but why not hire him for $10/hr? Or $8.30/hr with promise of a raise in several weeks?
2. So, we're supposed to believe she's all No Trusty, but she hires him just like that, and lets him stay in her guest house. In the middle of nowhere. SOUNDS PRETTY FUCKING TRUSTING.
3. She lives alone and I assume takes care of her house (cleans, does laundry, mows the lawn, etc), runs her coffee shop (which I assume includes ordering supplies and doing payroll as well as waitressing and cleaning), gets there at 5am to do the baking, works until 3pm EVERY DAY (no days off!), makes dinner for her employees, stays up late to knit hats and afghans, runs a little Etsy site to sell her wares, does the grocery shopping and the wood chopping, makes time to visit her hermit uncle and bring him groceries, AND has a magazine-perfect flower garden???? Uh, no. Pick one. Any ONE of those things is a full time endeavor.
4. The DEA agents are completely ridiculous and unprofessional in the way they talk, act, and interact. I know, the bar is low in these romantic suspense books, but at least try to sound halfway professional?
5. His undercover nickname is "Flash." He reflects several times how he wishes Cara knew his real name, so she could use it (you know, in bed, screaming his name ...). He clearly thinks of himself as "realname" not "undercovername" - which makes it all the more annoying that the TEXT consistently refers to him as "undercovername" - that is not his name that is just a fake undercover name that everyone else uses, it's not who he is!! ... I mean, according to the text itself. Book, why are you inconsistent?
6. This guy's nickname is "Flash" but his undercover name is not "Barry Allen" AND WHAT KIND OF BULLSHIT IS THAT?
All that, and this is about seventy-five pages too long, too.
August 24, 2018
I may be a bit bias as each new book gets added to the Montana Heat series, I find a new hero to just absolutely love. I thought no one would step past the brothers but I was wrong. King won me over quickly. Cara stepped up to the plate and made this one fabulous. Action, drama, suspense, intensity, chemistry, passion, protection.
King was there for the Cooke brothers in the previous books and falling for him was just so easy to do. He was strong, determined, dedicated, protective, and he had a past that he needed to get past to see his future. Cara was caught in the middle. She had her family on one side and the right thing on the other. With her family being who they were and what they did, she was one smart, cautions, strong young woman. King and Cara both had issues with trust. Following along while these two fall in love and learn to trust was more sensual then sweet and had a bit more mystery/suspense attached to their coming together.
King was there for the Cooke brothers in the previous books and falling for him was just so easy to do. He was strong, determined, dedicated, protective, and he had a past that he needed to get past to see his future. Cara was caught in the middle. She had her family on one side and the right thing on the other. With her family being who they were and what they did, she was one smart, cautions, strong young woman. King and Cara both had issues with trust. Following along while these two fall in love and learn to trust was more sensual then sweet and had a bit more mystery/suspense attached to their coming together.
December 10, 2018
A little while back I read ‘Escape To You’ by Jennifer Ryan, the first book in the Montana Heat series. I loved that book, so when I was looking for a new read I immediately bought this one and I started reading as soon as possible.
In ‘True To You’ we meet Dawson King, an undercover DEA Agent. Dawson has spend the last view months in prison making sure his ‘identity’ is solid and he can catch a big guy in the drug business. To catch that guy he needs to get close to the guys daughter, Cara and find out if she knows anything that will help King catch the bad guys. But from the moment King meets Cara, there is an attraction between the two of them that’s almost impossible to deny. At first he thinks the attraction is just because of the months he spend in jail and Cara being the first woman he is around, but soon he finds out that it’s much more than that. But King is undercover and Cara doesn’t really know who he is.
Just as with the first book in the series, I really loved this book from the moment I started reading. The chemistry between King and Cara was seeping through these pages from the moment I started reading and I couldn’t stop till I read every single page. There where a lot of moments between these two that I loved, some pretty hot scenes and some seriously butterflies-in-your-belly moments.
My favorite character in this book was definitely Dawson. I loved reading this story through his eyes and how torn he was about doing his job and being honest to Cara. He was really such a sweet and sexy guy, but he couldn’t be himself until the bad guys where caught and I struggled right alongside him.
Cara’s character was also a great one. It was definitely nice to read this story from both their point of views.
Although I loved the romance in this book, the suspense was even better. This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. There was so much that could go wrong, I simply couldn’t stop reading until I knew how it ended.
The one thing about this book that was a little less than perfect to me, was that I sometimes felt like I missed something. Something would happen and I didn’t really understand everything. I would go back a couple pages to re-read it and figure out what I missed, but I didn’t miss anything. It was almost like the author forgot to share a little detail. It wasn’t something big, but still I noticed it.
Overall this was a another great read and I can’t wait to read book three.
In ‘True To You’ we meet Dawson King, an undercover DEA Agent. Dawson has spend the last view months in prison making sure his ‘identity’ is solid and he can catch a big guy in the drug business. To catch that guy he needs to get close to the guys daughter, Cara and find out if she knows anything that will help King catch the bad guys. But from the moment King meets Cara, there is an attraction between the two of them that’s almost impossible to deny. At first he thinks the attraction is just because of the months he spend in jail and Cara being the first woman he is around, but soon he finds out that it’s much more than that. But King is undercover and Cara doesn’t really know who he is.
Just as with the first book in the series, I really loved this book from the moment I started reading. The chemistry between King and Cara was seeping through these pages from the moment I started reading and I couldn’t stop till I read every single page. There where a lot of moments between these two that I loved, some pretty hot scenes and some seriously butterflies-in-your-belly moments.
My favorite character in this book was definitely Dawson. I loved reading this story through his eyes and how torn he was about doing his job and being honest to Cara. He was really such a sweet and sexy guy, but he couldn’t be himself until the bad guys where caught and I struggled right alongside him.
Cara’s character was also a great one. It was definitely nice to read this story from both their point of views.
Although I loved the romance in this book, the suspense was even better. This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. There was so much that could go wrong, I simply couldn’t stop reading until I knew how it ended.
The one thing about this book that was a little less than perfect to me, was that I sometimes felt like I missed something. Something would happen and I didn’t really understand everything. I would go back a couple pages to re-read it and figure out what I missed, but I didn’t miss anything. It was almost like the author forgot to share a little detail. It wasn’t something big, but still I noticed it.
Overall this was a another great read and I can’t wait to read book three.
February 14, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Triggers: domestic violence, drugs
A dab of this and a dab of that and you have a book with lots of elements that came together wonderfully.
Trying to dismantle a drug cartel, Dalton King spent five months in prison to create a cover story to fool even the stoutest doubter. Cara Potter is that person. She trusts no one, especially after the last person she trusted almost killed her.
As Dalton aka "Flash" gets to know Cara, he realizes she's the real victim in this war. She's tried to live a life outside her father's long shadow and somehow she's always pulled back in. He realizes that she's doing what she can to limit her exposure to his way of life but knows that without her help it may be impossible to put her father in prison for his crimes.
Cara knows that there's more to Flash that what he's telling. He's too smart, hardworking, etc to get caught up in the drug racket, but she can't figure him out. Not to mention, her uncle is acting even more paranoid than usual.
This book took a lot of different strands and wove a story that kept me interested from the first chapter to the last, hating to put it down to even do my chores.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
Triggers: domestic violence, drugs
A dab of this and a dab of that and you have a book with lots of elements that came together wonderfully.
Trying to dismantle a drug cartel, Dalton King spent five months in prison to create a cover story to fool even the stoutest doubter. Cara Potter is that person. She trusts no one, especially after the last person she trusted almost killed her.
As Dalton aka "Flash" gets to know Cara, he realizes she's the real victim in this war. She's tried to live a life outside her father's long shadow and somehow she's always pulled back in. He realizes that she's doing what she can to limit her exposure to his way of life but knows that without her help it may be impossible to put her father in prison for his crimes.
Cara knows that there's more to Flash that what he's telling. He's too smart, hardworking, etc to get caught up in the drug racket, but she can't figure him out. Not to mention, her uncle is acting even more paranoid than usual.
This book took a lot of different strands and wove a story that kept me interested from the first chapter to the last, hating to put it down to even do my chores.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
July 30, 2018
Good but kind of slow. The main climax/suspense bit ended at about 70% then it was just the will they/won't they and I hated that. Overall though, its a decent book if you like undercover agents and daughters of drug lords (opposites attract trope for sure!)
Good narrator; the book is told in 3rd person, so the narrator was female.
Good narrator; the book is told in 3rd person, so the narrator was female.
February 26, 2018
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Deception and lies were the name of the game in True to You, Jennifer Ryan’s newest addition to her smoking hot Montana Heat series. Filled with suspense and a lovely–but tension-filled–bond between our hero and heroine, this book had my heart pounding and my fingers crossed that it would all work out.
Every time I read something by Jennifer Ryan I’m on an emotional roller coaster that makes me a nervous wreck–but yet I somehow never want it to stop. I admire her for not being afraid to tackle some tougher issues like we’ve seen so far in this series. Now I didn’t think True to You was *quite* as dark as book one, Escape to You. But it was every bit as compelling, had amazingly realistic characters, and had a plot that kept me guessing. Read More
Deception and lies were the name of the game in True to You, Jennifer Ryan’s newest addition to her smoking hot Montana Heat series. Filled with suspense and a lovely–but tension-filled–bond between our hero and heroine, this book had my heart pounding and my fingers crossed that it would all work out.
Every time I read something by Jennifer Ryan I’m on an emotional roller coaster that makes me a nervous wreck–but yet I somehow never want it to stop. I admire her for not being afraid to tackle some tougher issues like we’ve seen so far in this series. Now I didn’t think True to You was *quite* as dark as book one, Escape to You. But it was every bit as compelling, had amazingly realistic characters, and had a plot that kept me guessing. Read More
February 28, 2018
True To You
Jennifer Ryan has truly got another hit series with Montana Heat. This third book, True To You is DEA Agent Dawson King and Cara Potter, Iceman's daughters story. It is a definite 5 star page turner. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Jennifer Ryan has truly got another hit series with Montana Heat. This third book, True To You is DEA Agent Dawson King and Cara Potter, Iceman's daughters story. It is a definite 5 star page turner. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 5, 2018
Excellent
This is an excellent romantic suspense. Heavier on the suspense, lighter on the romance. Well written with a great plot that had me glued to the pages. Recommended read.
This is an excellent romantic suspense. Heavier on the suspense, lighter on the romance. Well written with a great plot that had me glued to the pages. Recommended read.
February 28, 2018
>>>>>>My Synopsis (Review Follows):<<<<<
Agent Dawson King has spent the last five months undercover in the state prison. His mission is to create a cover which will get him close to the daughter of Iceman, one of the deadliest lieutenants of the Guzman drug cartel. Agent Dawson has a score to settle with the man because he tricked the DEA into doing his dirty work. He set up a rival cartel's son to be murdered by the DEA for which Dawson pulled the trigger.
What the DEA has on Cara, Iceman's daughter, suggests she wants nothing to do with the man. From time to time, however, he shows up at her shop and that makes their dealings suspicious. She has a soft spot for ex-cons trying to get their lives back on track and that is what the DEA hopes to exploit. She owns a coffee shop called the Crossroad Cafe where she gives ex-cons a chance to earn an honest wage while providing food and lodging too. Everything in the DEA's files seems to suggest she has nothing to to with her father's shady dealings, but if she does, this could be Dawson's (who uses the undercover guise of Chris Hickman aka Flash) chance to gain the knowledge he needs to put the lowlife and the cartel out of business. The only problem is Cara.
Cara has learned the hard way not to trust people. She gives her employees one chance, and if the blow it, that's it. There are no second chances. She shies away from relationships, and keeps mostly to herself. When Dawson, however, walks into her cafe she knows her reserve is about to be tested. The man is hardworking, sinfully handsome, and unlike any of the other ex-cons she's hosted. She's not quite sure what to do with him, but she knows what she'd like to.
>>>>>>My Review:<<<<<
Jennifer Ryan never disappoints and this is another fast-paced, high-stakes, action-packed, roller coaster ride of a read with plenty of twists and turns and characters that seem to leap to life off the pages all centered around a plot that keep you glued to the pages. It's the second book of the Montana Heat series, and I think this one might be my favorite book of hers yet. You could possibly read this one as a standalone, but I suggest you read the first book to find out how Trigger and Ashley came to be a couple, and how Scott fits into everything.
Cara is a complex character as is her dad. Their relationship is rather twisted and just as complex as they are. There is also a backstory that we eventually become privy to. Cara has all but written off her dad, but can't seem to get rid of the man. While some might wonder why she doesn't up and leave, she has her reasons.
Dawson is in a hard position. He's falling for Cara, but he has a job to do. He knows Cara hates lies, but to blow his cover could have dire consequences and ruin his mission. I loves seeing these two fall for one another and seeing their relationship grow. Dawson's been warned not to start up anything romantically with Cara, but eventually he can't seem to resist her. Likewise, Cara fears a relationship, but there is just something about Dawson that draws her to him.
Overall, I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses. Action, drama, suspense, and romance--it's all in there--wrapped in a highly entertaining story that grabs your attention right from the very beginning and doesn't let go. I absolutely adored it. If you haven't read one of Jennifer Ryan's books you're in for a treat. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. I definitely recommend this one.
Agent Dawson King has spent the last five months undercover in the state prison. His mission is to create a cover which will get him close to the daughter of Iceman, one of the deadliest lieutenants of the Guzman drug cartel. Agent Dawson has a score to settle with the man because he tricked the DEA into doing his dirty work. He set up a rival cartel's son to be murdered by the DEA for which Dawson pulled the trigger.
What the DEA has on Cara, Iceman's daughter, suggests she wants nothing to do with the man. From time to time, however, he shows up at her shop and that makes their dealings suspicious. She has a soft spot for ex-cons trying to get their lives back on track and that is what the DEA hopes to exploit. She owns a coffee shop called the Crossroad Cafe where she gives ex-cons a chance to earn an honest wage while providing food and lodging too. Everything in the DEA's files seems to suggest she has nothing to to with her father's shady dealings, but if she does, this could be Dawson's (who uses the undercover guise of Chris Hickman aka Flash) chance to gain the knowledge he needs to put the lowlife and the cartel out of business. The only problem is Cara.
Cara has learned the hard way not to trust people. She gives her employees one chance, and if the blow it, that's it. There are no second chances. She shies away from relationships, and keeps mostly to herself. When Dawson, however, walks into her cafe she knows her reserve is about to be tested. The man is hardworking, sinfully handsome, and unlike any of the other ex-cons she's hosted. She's not quite sure what to do with him, but she knows what she'd like to.
>>>>>>My Review:<<<<<
Jennifer Ryan never disappoints and this is another fast-paced, high-stakes, action-packed, roller coaster ride of a read with plenty of twists and turns and characters that seem to leap to life off the pages all centered around a plot that keep you glued to the pages. It's the second book of the Montana Heat series, and I think this one might be my favorite book of hers yet. You could possibly read this one as a standalone, but I suggest you read the first book to find out how Trigger and Ashley came to be a couple, and how Scott fits into everything.
Cara is a complex character as is her dad. Their relationship is rather twisted and just as complex as they are. There is also a backstory that we eventually become privy to. Cara has all but written off her dad, but can't seem to get rid of the man. While some might wonder why she doesn't up and leave, she has her reasons.
Dawson is in a hard position. He's falling for Cara, but he has a job to do. He knows Cara hates lies, but to blow his cover could have dire consequences and ruin his mission. I loves seeing these two fall for one another and seeing their relationship grow. Dawson's been warned not to start up anything romantically with Cara, but eventually he can't seem to resist her. Likewise, Cara fears a relationship, but there is just something about Dawson that draws her to him.
Overall, I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses. Action, drama, suspense, and romance--it's all in there--wrapped in a highly entertaining story that grabs your attention right from the very beginning and doesn't let go. I absolutely adored it. If you haven't read one of Jennifer Ryan's books you're in for a treat. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. I definitely recommend this one.
March 5, 2018
True to You is the third book in Jennifer Ryan’s Montana Heat series. The series is based around D.E.A. agents working in Montana. It is a loose spin off of the Montana Men series where we were first introduced to the Cooke brothers Caden and Beck (Trigger) whom the first two books are based upon. I’ve read just about everything Ms. Ryan has published so I’m admittedly a big fan. I enjoy the way she combines modern romance and suspense. This book was no exception. I will warn anyone not familiar with her books that they often involve some terrible and often graphic violence visited upon the heroine, at the start of the story. So if you have a low tolerance for such things her books are probably not for you. While I find the description of such things difficult it does help you appreciate the inner strength of the heroine having survived and pushing forward. While the men in Ms. Ryan’s stories ride to the rescue, the heroine is hardly some helpless damsel in distress.
In True to You the hero is Dawson Gold, like Trigger Cooke his best friend, Dawson is a crack sniper for the D.E.A. and is currently working undercover to help bring down a drug cartel hit man called the Ice Man. To do so Dawson must pretend to be an ex con nicknamed Flash, and ingratiate himself to the Ice Man’s estranged daughter Cara who runs a roadside restaurant where she tries to give ex cons who want a second chance an opportunity to rehabilitate their lives. Problem is the minute Cara and Dawson’s eyes meet it’s instant attraction. Dawson learns that Cara is the most caring woman he's ever met, but has been deceived, betrayed and abandoned by every man she’s ever loved beginning with her father with whom she has serious daddy issues. The fact that it is Dawson’s assignment to be another man who deceives and uses her for his own purposes is tearing him up. He wants her. He wants forever with her but he knows the minute she finds out who he really is and that he’s used her to get to her father, that’s never going to happen. And worse he’s going to hurt her like every other man she’s trusted. As the attraction between the two grows it becomes harder and harder for Dawson to resist his physical attraction to Cara. And Cara who despite her sad history with men longs for someone to love her both emotionally and physically stops playing hard to get. Add to the story the only living relative Cara is close to is her father’s crazy older brother her Uncle Otis who lives like a hermit in a cabin on the same land she inherited from her grandparents. And Otis doesn’t want Dawson anywhere near his vulnerable niece.
This certainly isn’t what I’d call a fast paced book as the relationship between Dawson and Cara develops slowly along with his investigation of the Ice Man. But it is a page turner. To her credit I think Ms. Ryan took her time letting our hero and heroine find their H.E.A. once the exciting confrontation between good and evil take place and Dawson’s true identity is revealed to Cara. I also enjoyed the fact that while the book was focused on Dawson and Cara, to give the series some continuity Ms. Ryan included Beck and his now wife Ashley in several spots unlike many authors who give the characters from previous books only a token if any appearance in follow on books. IMHO Ms. Ryan has another winner here with True to You.
In True to You the hero is Dawson Gold, like Trigger Cooke his best friend, Dawson is a crack sniper for the D.E.A. and is currently working undercover to help bring down a drug cartel hit man called the Ice Man. To do so Dawson must pretend to be an ex con nicknamed Flash, and ingratiate himself to the Ice Man’s estranged daughter Cara who runs a roadside restaurant where she tries to give ex cons who want a second chance an opportunity to rehabilitate their lives. Problem is the minute Cara and Dawson’s eyes meet it’s instant attraction. Dawson learns that Cara is the most caring woman he's ever met, but has been deceived, betrayed and abandoned by every man she’s ever loved beginning with her father with whom she has serious daddy issues. The fact that it is Dawson’s assignment to be another man who deceives and uses her for his own purposes is tearing him up. He wants her. He wants forever with her but he knows the minute she finds out who he really is and that he’s used her to get to her father, that’s never going to happen. And worse he’s going to hurt her like every other man she’s trusted. As the attraction between the two grows it becomes harder and harder for Dawson to resist his physical attraction to Cara. And Cara who despite her sad history with men longs for someone to love her both emotionally and physically stops playing hard to get. Add to the story the only living relative Cara is close to is her father’s crazy older brother her Uncle Otis who lives like a hermit in a cabin on the same land she inherited from her grandparents. And Otis doesn’t want Dawson anywhere near his vulnerable niece.
This certainly isn’t what I’d call a fast paced book as the relationship between Dawson and Cara develops slowly along with his investigation of the Ice Man. But it is a page turner. To her credit I think Ms. Ryan took her time letting our hero and heroine find their H.E.A. once the exciting confrontation between good and evil take place and Dawson’s true identity is revealed to Cara. I also enjoyed the fact that while the book was focused on Dawson and Cara, to give the series some continuity Ms. Ryan included Beck and his now wife Ashley in several spots unlike many authors who give the characters from previous books only a token if any appearance in follow on books. IMHO Ms. Ryan has another winner here with True to You.
March 11, 2018
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Full Review (originally posted on Undeniably Book Nerdy)
True to You is the second book in Jennifer Ryan's new Montana Heat series, but it stands nicely on its own so feel free to pick it up even if you haven't read the first book in the series.
Jennifer Ryan is a new-to-me author in that I've read only one other book by her (which was Escape to You, the first book in this series). If you're only looking at the book covers of this series, they kind of fool you into thinking you're getting a cowboy romance. Nope! The Montana Heat series is pure romantic suspense, my friends, and quite a dark and edgy one at that.
I really like the set up of True to You, in which DEA Special Agent Dawson King (aka Flash) goes undercover to take down the dangerous and ruthless drug dealer known as Iceman. His plan is to get close to Iceman's daughter, Cara Potter, in order to get to his target. But, despite King's dedication to his job and Cara's trust issues, there's an undeniable attraction between them. King's growing guilt over his deception creates much tension in the romance and I was excited to see how it will play out when Cara finally, inevitably, learns the truth.
I did enjoy True to You even more than I did the first book in the series. I found the plot in this book much more interesting because of the whole secret identity aspect with King and how it affected the instant attraction and romance between him and Cara. I also liked how the book opened up and we see Iceman set up King and his team into doing his dirty work for him and how that lit a fire in King to go after Iceman. I sort of saw the plot of the book sort of unfold in three acts. I thought the first act of the novel, as we get to know King and Cara, learn who the players are, and the author set up the story was really solid. But, when we got to the second act of the novel, the pacing kind becomes disjointed where some parts dragged, and I was just waiting for the action to pick up again. King's character also start to lose some of his edge as he falls in love with Cara and his inner dialogue sometimes was somewhat saccharine. By the time we get to the third act, the story lost its momentum because most of the main action already ended. The story shifted to repairing King and Cara's relationship and mostly just tying loose ends.
Despite my issues with the pacing, I thought True to You was an enjoyable read. King and Cara were likable characters and I enjoyed the sexual tension and romance between them. Iceman was an interesting villain and the action and intrigue in the first two-thirds of the novel did keep me engaged. I just wish the story kept its momentum all the way through. However, we did get a nice, solid ending for King and Cara, which I appreciated overall. I am excited for the next book in the series, because having read two of Ms. Ryan's books now I know I'm going to get an exciting romantic suspense.
Full Review (originally posted on Undeniably Book Nerdy)
True to You is the second book in Jennifer Ryan's new Montana Heat series, but it stands nicely on its own so feel free to pick it up even if you haven't read the first book in the series.
Jennifer Ryan is a new-to-me author in that I've read only one other book by her (which was Escape to You, the first book in this series). If you're only looking at the book covers of this series, they kind of fool you into thinking you're getting a cowboy romance. Nope! The Montana Heat series is pure romantic suspense, my friends, and quite a dark and edgy one at that.
I really like the set up of True to You, in which DEA Special Agent Dawson King (aka Flash) goes undercover to take down the dangerous and ruthless drug dealer known as Iceman. His plan is to get close to Iceman's daughter, Cara Potter, in order to get to his target. But, despite King's dedication to his job and Cara's trust issues, there's an undeniable attraction between them. King's growing guilt over his deception creates much tension in the romance and I was excited to see how it will play out when Cara finally, inevitably, learns the truth.
I did enjoy True to You even more than I did the first book in the series. I found the plot in this book much more interesting because of the whole secret identity aspect with King and how it affected the instant attraction and romance between him and Cara. I also liked how the book opened up and we see Iceman set up King and his team into doing his dirty work for him and how that lit a fire in King to go after Iceman. I sort of saw the plot of the book sort of unfold in three acts. I thought the first act of the novel, as we get to know King and Cara, learn who the players are, and the author set up the story was really solid. But, when we got to the second act of the novel, the pacing kind becomes disjointed where some parts dragged, and I was just waiting for the action to pick up again. King's character also start to lose some of his edge as he falls in love with Cara and his inner dialogue sometimes was somewhat saccharine. By the time we get to the third act, the story lost its momentum because most of the main action already ended. The story shifted to repairing King and Cara's relationship and mostly just tying loose ends.
Despite my issues with the pacing, I thought True to You was an enjoyable read. King and Cara were likable characters and I enjoyed the sexual tension and romance between them. Iceman was an interesting villain and the action and intrigue in the first two-thirds of the novel did keep me engaged. I just wish the story kept its momentum all the way through. However, we did get a nice, solid ending for King and Cara, which I appreciated overall. I am excited for the next book in the series, because having read two of Ms. Ryan's books now I know I'm going to get an exciting romantic suspense.
March 1, 2018
An intense, vigorous, potent romantic suspense story that took my breath away. The depth of emotions in the story shouldn't have come as a surprise, as I am a huge fan of Ms. Ryan's writing, yet the abyss of feelings she pulled me in as a reader was just astonishing. I had to wait a couple of days to write this review because I was a blubbering mess.
Do not let the easy-going cover dupe you into thinking that this is another fun cowboy romance. Undercover DEA Special Agent Dawson King is great at the bluff, he might come across as charming, kind, and fun man with easy smile and encouraging way to talk to people while making delicious cherry-turnovers, yet he is a sharp, smart, and fierce agent in deep undercover, a sniper with a patience of a saint.
I loved Dawson - or King or Flash - whatever you call him, whoever he was pretending to be, he was always a hard-working, honest, solid man, a protector, with dignity, loyalty, and honor. It was impossible not to like him, to get him, to admire him.
Cara Potter had never met a person who was completely honest with her. The excuses for the choices her family and friends had made, the lies, the betrayals, they cut deep into her soul and to her ability to trust anyone. She was a loner, she came off as a bit of a cold, tough, and headstrong person. Yet her heart is pure gold. She takes care of everyone around her and she makes risky choices just to do the right thing. She wishes for normalcy, a loving family, caring people surrounding her, a safe home, yet knows in her heart those things are not in her reach because of the family she was born into.
The web of deception and treachery surrounding the cartel is rooted and wide. The cartel seems to has its reach to everything and everyone around Cara. The tension, the fear, the constant uncertainty and not knowing who to trust and when the people around you are going to stab you in the back, put the story into another level of ferocity. The action in itself is brutal, explosive, even deadly, with hair-raising and heart-stopping moments one after the other.
Well entwined with the suspense and action is the poignant and touching romance between Cara and King. The connection between them is remarkable and as intense as the danger surrounding them.They had me in tears because of the heartbreak, sighing and smiling because of the adorable connection and bond they had. The adoration and the deep-rooted emotions took my breath away and had me swooning. They pulled all the emotions from me and had me rooting for them, wishing them to overlive the treats they were facing and find a chance for a future together.
An ardent and beautiful love story developing in a middle of a thrilling war against the drug cartel where survival is not guaranteed, no life is sacred, where the future is filled with uncertainties and trust is a luxury you can not afford.
~ Five Spoons!
Do not let the easy-going cover dupe you into thinking that this is another fun cowboy romance. Undercover DEA Special Agent Dawson King is great at the bluff, he might come across as charming, kind, and fun man with easy smile and encouraging way to talk to people while making delicious cherry-turnovers, yet he is a sharp, smart, and fierce agent in deep undercover, a sniper with a patience of a saint.
I loved Dawson - or King or Flash - whatever you call him, whoever he was pretending to be, he was always a hard-working, honest, solid man, a protector, with dignity, loyalty, and honor. It was impossible not to like him, to get him, to admire him.
Cara Potter had never met a person who was completely honest with her. The excuses for the choices her family and friends had made, the lies, the betrayals, they cut deep into her soul and to her ability to trust anyone. She was a loner, she came off as a bit of a cold, tough, and headstrong person. Yet her heart is pure gold. She takes care of everyone around her and she makes risky choices just to do the right thing. She wishes for normalcy, a loving family, caring people surrounding her, a safe home, yet knows in her heart those things are not in her reach because of the family she was born into.
The web of deception and treachery surrounding the cartel is rooted and wide. The cartel seems to has its reach to everything and everyone around Cara. The tension, the fear, the constant uncertainty and not knowing who to trust and when the people around you are going to stab you in the back, put the story into another level of ferocity. The action in itself is brutal, explosive, even deadly, with hair-raising and heart-stopping moments one after the other.
Well entwined with the suspense and action is the poignant and touching romance between Cara and King. The connection between them is remarkable and as intense as the danger surrounding them.They had me in tears because of the heartbreak, sighing and smiling because of the adorable connection and bond they had. The adoration and the deep-rooted emotions took my breath away and had me swooning. They pulled all the emotions from me and had me rooting for them, wishing them to overlive the treats they were facing and find a chance for a future together.
An ardent and beautiful love story developing in a middle of a thrilling war against the drug cartel where survival is not guaranteed, no life is sacred, where the future is filled with uncertainties and trust is a luxury you can not afford.
~ Five Spoons!
July 20, 2021
I've only read one other Jennifer Ryan novel and it was much, much better than this. I should have expected the cheesiness, and cliche from the name, but I wasn't expecting so much of it. I honestly got bored halfway through.
What I Did Not Like:
1) "King" calls Tim's felon father "Stupid Guy" after knocking him out when he didn't know his name. Really, Jennifer Ryan, you couldn't come up with a better name?
2) How can Iceman trust King so easily so early and tell him Cara's past dating history with Manny Castillo?
3) Iceman found out about King being a cop really early (nice cover King)
4) Why does every Hero in an Adult romance novel think that sleeping with the Heroine once will make them forget about their "need" for the Heroine?
5) Cara runs/owns her own coffeeshop/bakery and hired ex-cons (who could seriously hurt her!), knits, grows a garden, and donates stuffed animals t children with cancer....Jennifer Ryan went a little overboard with the "Not like other girls" trope.
5) Why does every Hero have to be over six-foot-tall, big muscled, has a high-risk job, and great in bed? I mean I do like that kind of Hero every once in a while, but every single one? Mix it up a little, at least (my opinion). There are Heros that can be of average height
6) The book still would have gotten its point across if it was cut in half. I felt like the last ninety pages of the book were unnessasry.
7) Cover is misleading
Some quotes that just made me roll my eyes:
1)"You belong to me tonight." The damn Alpha Male "trope" in every Adult romance novel is in every romance novel I read. Can't it be okay not to be a possessive alpha make just once?
2) "...but the second the tall stranger entered the shop, her heart and time stopped as he stood there staring at her." Girl, if your heart stopped you'd be dead. God, the cheesiness.
3) "It irritated Cara. Especially coming from the fruity tart on Flash's arm." Cara thought this about a friend/ex-prostitute/coworker...et she goes on to say she doesn't really mean it all internally).
What I did like:
1)The characters were fleshed out and relatable (to a point)
2) The characters went through real problems
3) Well-written
What I Did Not Like:
1) "King" calls Tim's felon father "Stupid Guy" after knocking him out when he didn't know his name. Really, Jennifer Ryan, you couldn't come up with a better name?
2) How can Iceman trust King so easily so early and tell him Cara's past dating history with Manny Castillo?
3) Iceman found out about King being a cop really early (nice cover King)
4) Why does every Hero in an Adult romance novel think that sleeping with the Heroine once will make them forget about their "need" for the Heroine?
5) Cara runs/owns her own coffeeshop/bakery and hired ex-cons (who could seriously hurt her!), knits, grows a garden, and donates stuffed animals t children with cancer....Jennifer Ryan went a little overboard with the "Not like other girls" trope.
5) Why does every Hero have to be over six-foot-tall, big muscled, has a high-risk job, and great in bed? I mean I do like that kind of Hero every once in a while, but every single one? Mix it up a little, at least (my opinion). There are Heros that can be of average height
6) The book still would have gotten its point across if it was cut in half. I felt like the last ninety pages of the book were unnessasry.
7) Cover is misleading
Some quotes that just made me roll my eyes:
1)"You belong to me tonight." The damn Alpha Male "trope" in every Adult romance novel is in every romance novel I read. Can't it be okay not to be a possessive alpha make just once?
2) "...but the second the tall stranger entered the shop, her heart and time stopped as he stood there staring at her." Girl, if your heart stopped you'd be dead. God, the cheesiness.
3) "It irritated Cara. Especially coming from the fruity tart on Flash's arm." Cara thought this about a friend/ex-prostitute/coworker...et she goes on to say she doesn't really mean it all internally).
What I did like:
1)The characters were fleshed out and relatable (to a point)
2) The characters went through real problems
3) Well-written
March 8, 2018
True to You is book two in the Montana Heat series but have no fear, it can be read as a standalone if you have not started the series already.
True to You brings us the story of Cara - the daughter of a not so great man who's involved in the drug world and the undercover DEA agent, Dawson aka Flash, who's determined to bring him down for his crimes. The DEA agent who's also trying to gauge Cara's involvement while fighting off some pretty strong attraction.
Cara's such a good person, but growing up the way she did and with the family she has - she's got a lot of trust issues, rightfully, but it's made her almost too cautious in some ways. Within moments of meeting her in the story, I was touched - I wanted to know more about her, I wanted to be her friend, I wanted to see her get good things in life to outweigh the bad she's already seen. It was easy to find myself having a connection to this character.
Dawson's a determined man, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to take down his latest target - including earning a place in Cara's daily life and trying to get whatever information out of her he can. He doesn't expect to find anything more in Cara than assistance in his goal but what he finds may be worth more than taking down this enemy, Love.
Dawson and Cara have a great touch of chemistry between them and a connection that shines through, making it easy to dive right into the story and hope they find some kind of happiness together when all is said and done. As I've come to expect from Jennifer Ryan's stories - there's a good measure of suspense elements that add to the feel of the story and also up the drama level making me further hooked.
One of my favorite things in Ryan's writing is the connections she brings in not just the hero and heroine and their interactions, but those side characters involved also. Whether a big part of the story or not - there's a purpose for each of them and a way they fit into the story absolutely. I love the touches of realism she gives to her characters that pull you in and make you think - yeah that could absolutely happen to someone I know.
True to You brings us the story of Cara - the daughter of a not so great man who's involved in the drug world and the undercover DEA agent, Dawson aka Flash, who's determined to bring him down for his crimes. The DEA agent who's also trying to gauge Cara's involvement while fighting off some pretty strong attraction.
Cara's such a good person, but growing up the way she did and with the family she has - she's got a lot of trust issues, rightfully, but it's made her almost too cautious in some ways. Within moments of meeting her in the story, I was touched - I wanted to know more about her, I wanted to be her friend, I wanted to see her get good things in life to outweigh the bad she's already seen. It was easy to find myself having a connection to this character.
Dawson's a determined man, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to take down his latest target - including earning a place in Cara's daily life and trying to get whatever information out of her he can. He doesn't expect to find anything more in Cara than assistance in his goal but what he finds may be worth more than taking down this enemy, Love.
Dawson and Cara have a great touch of chemistry between them and a connection that shines through, making it easy to dive right into the story and hope they find some kind of happiness together when all is said and done. As I've come to expect from Jennifer Ryan's stories - there's a good measure of suspense elements that add to the feel of the story and also up the drama level making me further hooked.
One of my favorite things in Ryan's writing is the connections she brings in not just the hero and heroine and their interactions, but those side characters involved also. Whether a big part of the story or not - there's a purpose for each of them and a way they fit into the story absolutely. I love the touches of realism she gives to her characters that pull you in and make you think - yeah that could absolutely happen to someone I know.
November 10, 2019
This was another pretty solid addition to the Montana Heat series. I found the suspense to be more of a focus than the romance between Cara & King, but I guess I didn't mind that part as long as in the end the romance was the focus.
Cara's father is one of the big men in a cartel and he used King (a sniper with the DEA) to take out one of his enemies. King doesn't like being used like that, so he goes to prison for 6 months as a way to build his cover (his incarceration was noted in the last book of the series). When he's released from prison, his target is Cara and getting close to her to either 1. bring her down with her father if she's guilty and 2. bring Iceman to justice.
Cara wants nothing to do with her father or the cartel. She doesn't like feeling like she has to look over her shoulder all the time. She runs a bakery/coffee shop that employs felons who want to turn their life around after prison. I must say, it was very respectable and she certainly was a no nonsense type of person, so she made sure the people she employed didn't betray that trust. This was King's in with Cara. He came to her for a job out of prison and she gave him one plus room and board and food (all of that seemed far-fetched).
Cara and King are attracted to one another, but Cara is wary to get intimate with one of her staff, especially given he was 'in prison' for drugs, exactly what she wants no part of. But of course, eventually things go too far and they've crossed that line. They were certainly good for one another, but life wasn't easy after that, not with him still lying about who he is and of course the whole cartel issue.
The suspense is pretty intense at one point and even sad. I had mixed feelings about Cara's father, Iceman. On the one hand, he was part of the cartel and was ruthless. On the other hand, he really did love his daughter and did all he could to make her happy and safe, outside of leaving the cartel. In the end, I kind of liked the guy and wish Cara had known that side of him.
The ending was sweet and I look forward to more from this group of DEA agents.
Cara's father is one of the big men in a cartel and he used King (a sniper with the DEA) to take out one of his enemies. King doesn't like being used like that, so he goes to prison for 6 months as a way to build his cover (his incarceration was noted in the last book of the series). When he's released from prison, his target is Cara and getting close to her to either 1. bring her down with her father if she's guilty and 2. bring Iceman to justice.
Cara wants nothing to do with her father or the cartel. She doesn't like feeling like she has to look over her shoulder all the time. She runs a bakery/coffee shop that employs felons who want to turn their life around after prison. I must say, it was very respectable and she certainly was a no nonsense type of person, so she made sure the people she employed didn't betray that trust. This was King's in with Cara. He came to her for a job out of prison and she gave him one plus room and board and food (all of that seemed far-fetched).
Cara and King are attracted to one another, but Cara is wary to get intimate with one of her staff, especially given he was 'in prison' for drugs, exactly what she wants no part of. But of course, eventually things go too far and they've crossed that line. They were certainly good for one another, but life wasn't easy after that, not with him still lying about who he is and of course the whole cartel issue.
The suspense is pretty intense at one point and even sad. I had mixed feelings about Cara's father, Iceman. On the one hand, he was part of the cartel and was ruthless. On the other hand, he really did love his daughter and did all he could to make her happy and safe, outside of leaving the cartel. In the end, I kind of liked the guy and wish Cara had known that side of him.
The ending was sweet and I look forward to more from this group of DEA agents.
January 7, 2018
This book!! My goodness! This book! It's amazing! Beautifully written, and literally has me in tears as I write this review.
Montana Heat: True To You is the amazing book by the talented Jennifer Ryan; The author that has managed to devastated me with every book that she writes! But this book hit me the hardest, and not only because I share a name with the female lead, but because Cara wants the one thing she wanted so badly, but could never have....a family.
Cara Potter grew up as the daughter of the Iceman, a notorious drug dealer, and she bore the brunt of his infamy. And now this handsome stranger has walked into her life, and her business, Crossroads Cafe, and makes he wants the one thing she thought she could never have....a real chance at love.
DEA Agent Dawson King was finally out of Jail, after being undercover, trying to get the inside track with The Iceman, a part of his assignment is to befriend the Iceman's estranged daughter, to collect information, but what he doesn't expect is to fall for Cara, but what is he going to do when the truth comes out?
As I said before, this book is truly amazing, and I honestly believe this is her best book today, though I have said that with every book she has ever released! But it was wonderful to see more of King's character, after first meeting him in Montana Heat: Escape to You, and his determination to keep Cara, would make every women swoon, and he shows that he is more than the light-hearted character we first met.
So after all that waffling, I give True To You 5 stars!!!
Montana Heat: True To You is the amazing book by the talented Jennifer Ryan; The author that has managed to devastated me with every book that she writes! But this book hit me the hardest, and not only because I share a name with the female lead, but because Cara wants the one thing she wanted so badly, but could never have....a family.
Cara Potter grew up as the daughter of the Iceman, a notorious drug dealer, and she bore the brunt of his infamy. And now this handsome stranger has walked into her life, and her business, Crossroads Cafe, and makes he wants the one thing she thought she could never have....a real chance at love.
DEA Agent Dawson King was finally out of Jail, after being undercover, trying to get the inside track with The Iceman, a part of his assignment is to befriend the Iceman's estranged daughter, to collect information, but what he doesn't expect is to fall for Cara, but what is he going to do when the truth comes out?
As I said before, this book is truly amazing, and I honestly believe this is her best book today, though I have said that with every book she has ever released! But it was wonderful to see more of King's character, after first meeting him in Montana Heat: Escape to You, and his determination to keep Cara, would make every women swoon, and he shows that he is more than the light-hearted character we first met.
So after all that waffling, I give True To You 5 stars!!!
February 25, 2018
When I received this book in the mail, I wasn’t too sure about the premise. The story is about a man who goes undercover to expose a drug ring. He ends up working for the enforcer’s daughter and trying to figure out where she fits into the ring. Sounds like a recipe for disaster and not necessarily a great story with a good ending. Things could go so disastrously wrong with this set up.
Fortunately, this book was a huge success and I enjoyed it. The characters really make the story more heartwarming than tragic and there are some really endearing moments between the two main characters. Dawson King is the DEA agent who commits to his undercover role even going so far as to spend 6 months in jail to build his identity. His passion for keeping drugs off the street is apparent. Cara Potter is the daughter of the key enforcer for the Guzman drug gang. She has her own issues with her father and the lifestyle that he chooses to live.
These two people could not have come from different backgrounds and yet, they have a palatable instant attraction that is hard to deny. Dawson has to decide if he is going to be yet another person who uses Cara’s trust for his own purposes or if he is going to keep his distance. Cara has to decide if she is willing to put her heart on the line again for love. There are a lot of tense moments in this story and they both have a lot to work through.
This book is the third in the series and I haven’t read the other two. I didn’t feel like I was missing any important information or background. I did like this story more than I had anticipated.
Fortunately, this book was a huge success and I enjoyed it. The characters really make the story more heartwarming than tragic and there are some really endearing moments between the two main characters. Dawson King is the DEA agent who commits to his undercover role even going so far as to spend 6 months in jail to build his identity. His passion for keeping drugs off the street is apparent. Cara Potter is the daughter of the key enforcer for the Guzman drug gang. She has her own issues with her father and the lifestyle that he chooses to live.
These two people could not have come from different backgrounds and yet, they have a palatable instant attraction that is hard to deny. Dawson has to decide if he is going to be yet another person who uses Cara’s trust for his own purposes or if he is going to keep his distance. Cara has to decide if she is willing to put her heart on the line again for love. There are a lot of tense moments in this story and they both have a lot to work through.
This book is the third in the series and I haven’t read the other two. I didn’t feel like I was missing any important information or background. I did like this story more than I had anticipated.
August 22, 2018
True to You (Montana Heat #2) by Jennifer Ryan
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Addiction, Prostitution, Drugs, Cartel, Murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Dawson is an undercover DEA agent. He is amazing at his job and knows how to turn people. His next target is to right a wrong - he was used to do somebody else's dirty work and he wants to make sure that the true bad guy is going down. Dawson has to spend several months in jail just to obtain the credibility - he is known as Flash. With his assignment, he knows it will be tricky but necessary. What he doesn't have a contingency plan for is Cara.
Cara has known her whole life that her dad isn't a good guy. Being the daughter of a drug cartel leader has very bad consequences for Cara. She believes that her dad never cared for her and that her only family she can truly count on is her uncle, Otis. What she does in order to try and tip the scales that her father weighs down is to help convicts or people who have a record get a job, back on their feet and change their life. She has a great group of people working for her and she loves each of them. When Flash comes to her for work, she is skeptical and because of her past, doesn't trust easily. However, as Flash and her become closer, she can't help but develop feelings.
Truths will be stretched and lines will be blurry. Can Cara learn to trust or is her family life so terrible that she will never be able to accept love? Can Flash see what's right in front of him? Is it worth his career? This was a great story.
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Addiction, Prostitution, Drugs, Cartel, Murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Dawson is an undercover DEA agent. He is amazing at his job and knows how to turn people. His next target is to right a wrong - he was used to do somebody else's dirty work and he wants to make sure that the true bad guy is going down. Dawson has to spend several months in jail just to obtain the credibility - he is known as Flash. With his assignment, he knows it will be tricky but necessary. What he doesn't have a contingency plan for is Cara.
Cara has known her whole life that her dad isn't a good guy. Being the daughter of a drug cartel leader has very bad consequences for Cara. She believes that her dad never cared for her and that her only family she can truly count on is her uncle, Otis. What she does in order to try and tip the scales that her father weighs down is to help convicts or people who have a record get a job, back on their feet and change their life. She has a great group of people working for her and she loves each of them. When Flash comes to her for work, she is skeptical and because of her past, doesn't trust easily. However, as Flash and her become closer, she can't help but develop feelings.
Truths will be stretched and lines will be blurry. Can Cara learn to trust or is her family life so terrible that she will never be able to accept love? Can Flash see what's right in front of him? Is it worth his career? This was a great story.
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