What do you think?
Rate this book
True Heroes #4
Total Bravery
True heroes will do anything to protect the women they love...
As the newest recruit at Search and Protect, Raul has a lot to prove. Luckily, he's got the best friend and partner a man could ask for: a highly trained, fiercely loyal German Shepherd Dog named Taz. Together, Raul and Taz make an unbeatable team. But their first mission in Hawaii really puts them to the test when an international kidnapping ring sets its sights on the bravest woman Raul's ever met . . .
Mali knows her latest job has put one hell of a target on her back. And on this small island paradise, there's nowhere to hide. With a service dog like Taz, Mali feels safe. Sharing close quarters with a smoldering muscle-for-hire like Raul, she feels something else - an unexpected wave of desire. Raul feels it too. But when the kidnappers make their move, he's got to turn that slow-burning passion into hard-hitting action - and save the life of the woman he loves.
As the newest recruit at Search and Protect, Raul has a lot to prove. Luckily, he's got the best friend and partner a man could ask for: a highly trained, fiercely loyal German Shepherd Dog named Taz. Together, Raul and Taz make an unbeatable team. But their first mission in Hawaii really puts them to the test when an international kidnapping ring sets its sights on the bravest woman Raul's ever met . . .
Mali knows her latest job has put one hell of a target on her back. And on this small island paradise, there's nowhere to hide. With a service dog like Taz, Mali feels safe. Sharing close quarters with a smoldering muscle-for-hire like Raul, she feels something else - an unexpected wave of desire. Raul feels it too. But when the kidnappers make their move, he's got to turn that slow-burning passion into hard-hitting action - and save the life of the woman he loves.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2018
237 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Piper J. Drake
32 books620 followersPiper J. Drake is a bestselling author of romantic suspense and edgy contemporary romance, a frequent flyer, and day job road warrior. She is often distracted by dogs, cupcakes, and random shenanigans.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
September 4, 2020
I’m loving this whole series!! Each book is unique and totally engrossing and this one was no exception!! Definite must read!!
November 16, 2025
Drake writes a white-knuckle romance touching on a very difficult and heart-wrenching topic, human trafficking.
Mali is in Hawaii doing research when she finds herself and her team hunted. Reaching out for her sister, a member of the K9 center group, Search and Protect Corporation. But Mali ends up getting in touch with Arin’s partner Raul.
Raul rushes to Mali’s aid only to find himself captivated by his partner’s sister. The chemistry is explosive but with someone gunning for Mali and the team must pull out all the stops to uncover what evil lies in the underbelly of their home. Who wants Mali dead and what happened to the rest of her team? You’ll have to check out Totally Bravery and find out.
Sensual and steamy read! I loved the idea of a private, special ops, K9 team as the base of this series...and the Hawaiian local to boot!
I received this ARC copy of Total Bravery from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest and voluntary. Total Bravery is set for publication April 24, 2018.
Mali is in Hawaii doing research when she finds herself and her team hunted. Reaching out for her sister, a member of the K9 center group, Search and Protect Corporation. But Mali ends up getting in touch with Arin’s partner Raul.
Raul rushes to Mali’s aid only to find himself captivated by his partner’s sister. The chemistry is explosive but with someone gunning for Mali and the team must pull out all the stops to uncover what evil lies in the underbelly of their home. Who wants Mali dead and what happened to the rest of her team? You’ll have to check out Totally Bravery and find out.
Sensual and steamy read! I loved the idea of a private, special ops, K9 team as the base of this series...and the Hawaiian local to boot!
I received this ARC copy of Total Bravery from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest and voluntary. Total Bravery is set for publication April 24, 2018.
September 24, 2019
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I enjoyed this romance quite a bit. This is the third book in Piper J. Drake's True Heroes series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I haven't read any of the other books from this series and I had absolutely no problems jumping in with this one. I picked this book up on a day that I was home waiting to get some repairs done because I thought it fit my mood that day. I was right. I consumed this entire book in a single day and had a great time with it.
When Raul gets a call for help from Mali, a friend and co-worker's sister, he doesn't hesitate to come to her aid. Raul works at Search and Protect along with his partner Taz, a German Shepherd. He is brand new on the job and hasn't even officially started when he gets the call from Mali but he knows he needs to help. Mali is afraid. She has been in Hawaii doing research and her group had to scatter. She believes that people may be after her and she fears for the safety of her group.
This book had plenty of action to keep things really interesting. There were some pretty intense scenes that really kept the pace of the book moving forward. I thought that the action was nicely balanced out by the scenes that were more character-driven. I really enjoyed getting to know Raul, Mali, Taz, and the rest of the crew. It was very interesting to see what motivated them to act. I loved the fact that Taz was such a well-developed character that played a huge part in the story. I am a sucker for books that involve dogs and I thought that Taz added a whole lot to the story.
I liked the chemistry between Raul and Mali. I enjoyed the romance in this story but I did feel like the action of the story felt like a larger focus. I liked that things moved a little slower and I thought that their chemistry was very well done. I was completely invested in seeing this pair figure out how to make things work long term.
I would recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense. The story does deal with human trafficking which may be hard for some readers. I found this story to be very entertaining and action-packed and therefore hard to put down. I would not hesitate to read more of well-done series.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing).
Initial Thoughts
I enjoyed this romance. This was the first book by Piper Drake that I have had the chance to read so I was very glad that this book worked well as a stand-alone. I thought that the characters were well done and there was a lot of excitement to keep things moving forward. I was really happy that the dogs were present throughout the story and that Taz played such a huge role. Raul and Mali were great together.
I enjoyed this romance quite a bit. This is the third book in Piper J. Drake's True Heroes series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I haven't read any of the other books from this series and I had absolutely no problems jumping in with this one. I picked this book up on a day that I was home waiting to get some repairs done because I thought it fit my mood that day. I was right. I consumed this entire book in a single day and had a great time with it.
When Raul gets a call for help from Mali, a friend and co-worker's sister, he doesn't hesitate to come to her aid. Raul works at Search and Protect along with his partner Taz, a German Shepherd. He is brand new on the job and hasn't even officially started when he gets the call from Mali but he knows he needs to help. Mali is afraid. She has been in Hawaii doing research and her group had to scatter. She believes that people may be after her and she fears for the safety of her group.
This book had plenty of action to keep things really interesting. There were some pretty intense scenes that really kept the pace of the book moving forward. I thought that the action was nicely balanced out by the scenes that were more character-driven. I really enjoyed getting to know Raul, Mali, Taz, and the rest of the crew. It was very interesting to see what motivated them to act. I loved the fact that Taz was such a well-developed character that played a huge part in the story. I am a sucker for books that involve dogs and I thought that Taz added a whole lot to the story.
I liked the chemistry between Raul and Mali. I enjoyed the romance in this story but I did feel like the action of the story felt like a larger focus. I liked that things moved a little slower and I thought that their chemistry was very well done. I was completely invested in seeing this pair figure out how to make things work long term.
I would recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense. The story does deal with human trafficking which may be hard for some readers. I found this story to be very entertaining and action-packed and therefore hard to put down. I would not hesitate to read more of well-done series.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing).
Initial Thoughts
I enjoyed this romance. This was the first book by Piper Drake that I have had the chance to read so I was very glad that this book worked well as a stand-alone. I thought that the characters were well done and there was a lot of excitement to keep things moving forward. I was really happy that the dogs were present throughout the story and that Taz played such a huge role. Raul and Mali were great together.
March 21, 2020
3.3 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.
Mali is in Hawaii doing research for a human rights study focusing on sex trafficking, when her principal investigator blows his alert whistle when her and her colleagues are out doing street interviews, she knows she's in trouble. Her former military sister Arin works on the island, so she calls her for help.
Raul has just been hired by Search and Protect Corps, a job his former colleague and friend Arin helped him get. When he gets a call forwarded from Arin's phone because she is currently on a mission and hears her little sister asking for help, he knows he has to act.
Mali and Raul both have trust issues but as they work to find out what happened to Mali's colleagues, the spark between them is getting harder and harder to ignore.
Her laughter faded, and her dark brown eyes sparkled with mischief. “Well, if you're going to get in trouble anyway...”
She bent then, leaning a hand on his chest, and pressed her lips to his.
Total Bravery, is number four in the True Heroes series but you would have no problem picking this up with no prior knowledge. I've only read the first in the series and I never felt lost. The story brings you into the action right away, which really worked for me in some ways and not in others. Raul's partner is a German Sheppard named Taz and, something that I thought was missing from the first book, the author utilized Taz wonderfully. Even though Mali is running and hiding, the way Taz brings Raul to her started the story off cute and exciting. However, jumping right into the danger that sets up the action plot didn't allow for an introduction to Mali's colleagues. When Mali manages to evade the ominous men in suits that caused the leader of her research group to warn people to run but her colleagues all get kidnapped, I didn't have an emotional stake in their danger or any future reveals pertaining to the characters; nixed a supposed surprise ending thread.
A cold nose touched her thigh, and Taz slipped his head under her hand. The big dog pressed against her leg. Raul murmured gently, “We won't leave you.”
Mali was the stronger of the two characters because of getting more background information on her. She grew-up protected by her older sister and this caused her to look up to her but also have some fear towards the violence Arin exhibited in front of her. We get a scene between the sisters where Mali learns that Arin thinks of her in a way that Mali was clueless about and bolsters her confidence. I wish we could have gotten more scenes between the two because their uneasy but loving relationship provided great complex emotions. The same with Raul and Arin, I would have liked to see these two friends together. As the new guy on the job, Raul didn't have any connections and he didn't seem to have family or other friends than Arin, this left some of the different layers of his character blank for me.
She was doing research because she believed people were worth saving. He'd spent the better part of his last assignment proving to people that there was a hell, and it didn't take demons to send them there.
Mali and Raul had a cute start, even though their first kiss happens very quickly and as Mali's character gets revealed more, it made the first kiss seem out of character for her. Their romance felt pushed to the side a bit too much in favor of the plot to find out who and why Mali's colleagues were taken. The villains behind the sex trafficking plot felt a bit whiffed on with their structure and reveal but maybe since they're close to the Search and Protect corps they will show up again. I'm a dog person and I adored the relationship between Taz and Mali and how Taz worked with Raul; Taz made this book for me. I thought the writing was smooth and the author handled the moving parts well, research felt evident in how scenes and characters were conducted, most importantly, it kept me wanting to read but I didn't fully feel the love building between Raul and Mali. Even in the later half of the story Mali was still not thinking a relationship with Raul would be serious. I wish the ending text messages that Raul sends to Mali would have been shown so we could read and feel more of an emotional connection between the two.
She stared up at him. “I am so glad you're here.”
He smiled then, slow and incredibly sexy.
Each book in the series has a main character paired with a dog (keep hoping for a Rottweiler someday!) and I love that. Trust me, you're going to love Taz, the moment where he shuts a car door during a mission was ridiculously cute and high training impressive. This was the second book in the series I've read and even though I thought the romance relationship between the two could have been better, I enjoyed it even more than the first.
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.
Mali is in Hawaii doing research for a human rights study focusing on sex trafficking, when her principal investigator blows his alert whistle when her and her colleagues are out doing street interviews, she knows she's in trouble. Her former military sister Arin works on the island, so she calls her for help.
Raul has just been hired by Search and Protect Corps, a job his former colleague and friend Arin helped him get. When he gets a call forwarded from Arin's phone because she is currently on a mission and hears her little sister asking for help, he knows he has to act.
Mali and Raul both have trust issues but as they work to find out what happened to Mali's colleagues, the spark between them is getting harder and harder to ignore.
Her laughter faded, and her dark brown eyes sparkled with mischief. “Well, if you're going to get in trouble anyway...”
She bent then, leaning a hand on his chest, and pressed her lips to his.
Total Bravery, is number four in the True Heroes series but you would have no problem picking this up with no prior knowledge. I've only read the first in the series and I never felt lost. The story brings you into the action right away, which really worked for me in some ways and not in others. Raul's partner is a German Sheppard named Taz and, something that I thought was missing from the first book, the author utilized Taz wonderfully. Even though Mali is running and hiding, the way Taz brings Raul to her started the story off cute and exciting. However, jumping right into the danger that sets up the action plot didn't allow for an introduction to Mali's colleagues. When Mali manages to evade the ominous men in suits that caused the leader of her research group to warn people to run but her colleagues all get kidnapped, I didn't have an emotional stake in their danger or any future reveals pertaining to the characters; nixed a supposed surprise ending thread.
A cold nose touched her thigh, and Taz slipped his head under her hand. The big dog pressed against her leg. Raul murmured gently, “We won't leave you.”
Mali was the stronger of the two characters because of getting more background information on her. She grew-up protected by her older sister and this caused her to look up to her but also have some fear towards the violence Arin exhibited in front of her. We get a scene between the sisters where Mali learns that Arin thinks of her in a way that Mali was clueless about and bolsters her confidence. I wish we could have gotten more scenes between the two because their uneasy but loving relationship provided great complex emotions. The same with Raul and Arin, I would have liked to see these two friends together. As the new guy on the job, Raul didn't have any connections and he didn't seem to have family or other friends than Arin, this left some of the different layers of his character blank for me.
She was doing research because she believed people were worth saving. He'd spent the better part of his last assignment proving to people that there was a hell, and it didn't take demons to send them there.
Mali and Raul had a cute start, even though their first kiss happens very quickly and as Mali's character gets revealed more, it made the first kiss seem out of character for her. Their romance felt pushed to the side a bit too much in favor of the plot to find out who and why Mali's colleagues were taken. The villains behind the sex trafficking plot felt a bit whiffed on with their structure and reveal but maybe since they're close to the Search and Protect corps they will show up again. I'm a dog person and I adored the relationship between Taz and Mali and how Taz worked with Raul; Taz made this book for me. I thought the writing was smooth and the author handled the moving parts well, research felt evident in how scenes and characters were conducted, most importantly, it kept me wanting to read but I didn't fully feel the love building between Raul and Mali. Even in the later half of the story Mali was still not thinking a relationship with Raul would be serious. I wish the ending text messages that Raul sends to Mali would have been shown so we could read and feel more of an emotional connection between the two.
She stared up at him. “I am so glad you're here.”
He smiled then, slow and incredibly sexy.
Each book in the series has a main character paired with a dog (keep hoping for a Rottweiler someday!) and I love that. Trust me, you're going to love Taz, the moment where he shuts a car door during a mission was ridiculously cute and high training impressive. This was the second book in the series I've read and even though I thought the romance relationship between the two could have been better, I enjoyed it even more than the first.
November 25, 2024
Exmilitārists. Suns. Dāma, kas veic pētījumu, un nonākusi nāvīgi bīstamās nepatikšanās. Grūti nolikt malā, kaut ticamības moments līdzinās Rembo filmām.
April 24, 2018
Reviewed for www.kisslikeagirl.com
My goodness people, I can practically hear your shock and confusion through my computer. Randi read a book that doesn’t have a topless guy on the cover, there’s no couple embracing, something must be terribly wrong! I’m ok, I promise. Let me explain.
Look at the puppy! Are you awwing? I totally am. That smile, those ears… The guy isn’t too hard on the eyes either, if you’re into men with shirts on. I always appreciate when authors write animals into their books. When the animal is a character in it’s own right with its own personality and behaviors. Taz was the star of the book for me.
I enjoyed this book. It follows a young lady who is working on a Ph.D. in Human Rights. The unthinkable happens, her research team is kidnapped and she narrowly escapes. Obviously afraid, she tried to call her sister but ended up talking to Raul instead. As soon as she makes the call Raul andhis dog, Taz are on their way to rescue her.
I loved the addition of a dog to the typical law enforcement rescues a woman in distress trope. It was a refreshing twist on an old favorite.
Throughout the book, Raul was super calm and collected. The author did an amazing job of capturing the blank expression so often seen in law enforcement and military professionals. I enjoyed the glimpse into Raul’s head. It was enlightening to see the process he went through when deciding his expressions and actions. Honestly, I wish I had that much control over my facial expressions.
Mali was much the same. Her words were always very logical and calculated. That was a bit of a problem for me. You see, it was so believable and realistic for Raul because of his training. When it came to Mali those same traits made her seem cold, robotic and unrelatable. I don’t want to look into it, but as I read I found myself very concerned for her emotional well being.
Her colleagues, people she had been working closely with for several months were kidnapped for goodness sake! I’m pretty sure I have a stronger emotional reaction when I misplace my car keys. I think she was more than due at least a couple freakouts, some tears, maybe even some emotional heart-to-hearts between her and Raul.
As much as I enjoyed the story, I didn’t see the relationship transition from protector – protectee to equals. I wish we got to see a bit of that. It’s clear Raul has some baggage he should probably get off his chest before he falls in love. I have to assume those conversations took place off the pages.
I absolutely loved all the mentions of new-to-me foods found in this book. None of the food sounded especially easy to make, I’m not even entirely sure how to pronounce most of it, which meant my diet wasn’t at risk. Although there was one mention of pineapple ice cream that would have been absolutely delicious had it not been so cold here.
Overall, Total Bravery was an engaging and entertaining read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves animals and clean romance novels.
My goodness people, I can practically hear your shock and confusion through my computer. Randi read a book that doesn’t have a topless guy on the cover, there’s no couple embracing, something must be terribly wrong! I’m ok, I promise. Let me explain.
Look at the puppy! Are you awwing? I totally am. That smile, those ears… The guy isn’t too hard on the eyes either, if you’re into men with shirts on. I always appreciate when authors write animals into their books. When the animal is a character in it’s own right with its own personality and behaviors. Taz was the star of the book for me.
I enjoyed this book. It follows a young lady who is working on a Ph.D. in Human Rights. The unthinkable happens, her research team is kidnapped and she narrowly escapes. Obviously afraid, she tried to call her sister but ended up talking to Raul instead. As soon as she makes the call Raul andhis dog, Taz are on their way to rescue her.
I loved the addition of a dog to the typical law enforcement rescues a woman in distress trope. It was a refreshing twist on an old favorite.
Throughout the book, Raul was super calm and collected. The author did an amazing job of capturing the blank expression so often seen in law enforcement and military professionals. I enjoyed the glimpse into Raul’s head. It was enlightening to see the process he went through when deciding his expressions and actions. Honestly, I wish I had that much control over my facial expressions.
Mali was much the same. Her words were always very logical and calculated. That was a bit of a problem for me. You see, it was so believable and realistic for Raul because of his training. When it came to Mali those same traits made her seem cold, robotic and unrelatable. I don’t want to look into it, but as I read I found myself very concerned for her emotional well being.
Her colleagues, people she had been working closely with for several months were kidnapped for goodness sake! I’m pretty sure I have a stronger emotional reaction when I misplace my car keys. I think she was more than due at least a couple freakouts, some tears, maybe even some emotional heart-to-hearts between her and Raul.
As much as I enjoyed the story, I didn’t see the relationship transition from protector – protectee to equals. I wish we got to see a bit of that. It’s clear Raul has some baggage he should probably get off his chest before he falls in love. I have to assume those conversations took place off the pages.
I absolutely loved all the mentions of new-to-me foods found in this book. None of the food sounded especially easy to make, I’m not even entirely sure how to pronounce most of it, which meant my diet wasn’t at risk. Although there was one mention of pineapple ice cream that would have been absolutely delicious had it not been so cold here.
Overall, Total Bravery was an engaging and entertaining read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves animals and clean romance novels.
May 2, 2018
I’ve already thoroughly enjoyed the first three books in this romantic suspense series and really looked forwarded to escaping into this one – and I wasn’t disappointed! The earlier three stories were set at Hope’s Crossing Kennel but this one ventures further afield to Hawaii. On his first day working at Search and Protect, Raul hadn’t expected to be doing anything other than cleaning kennels and working with the dogs but a call from the younger sister of his friend and co-worker changes all that.
From the very start you are taken into the heart of the action. Mali calls when she and her team of researchers are in danger and never expected to connect so easily to the handsome ex-military man who comes to her rescue – or to his dog, Taz! This is just the start of an adventure which takes the trio and other members of Search and Protect all over the Hawaiian island in a fast paced investigation involving danger, daring and thwarting human trafficking.
As usual with stories from this talented author, the human characters are brilliant portrayed, believable and easy to relate to. The service dogs are brilliant, too, and I really enjoy learning more about their work and skills. The settings are brought to life in the reader’s imagination as are the action packed confrontations and their search for information to enable them to attempt to rescue Mali’s kidnapped team mates.
I particularly enjoy that the suspense is the main focus for much of the story. However, there are some great interpersonal relationships between Raul and Arin, Mali’s older sister and his close friend and fellow ex-military officer. The relationship between Mali and Raul is developed well, always with the hang up that Raul is worried about Arin’s reaction to everything – in case she decides to “kick his butt”!
I requested and was given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
From the very start you are taken into the heart of the action. Mali calls when she and her team of researchers are in danger and never expected to connect so easily to the handsome ex-military man who comes to her rescue – or to his dog, Taz! This is just the start of an adventure which takes the trio and other members of Search and Protect all over the Hawaiian island in a fast paced investigation involving danger, daring and thwarting human trafficking.
As usual with stories from this talented author, the human characters are brilliant portrayed, believable and easy to relate to. The service dogs are brilliant, too, and I really enjoy learning more about their work and skills. The settings are brought to life in the reader’s imagination as are the action packed confrontations and their search for information to enable them to attempt to rescue Mali’s kidnapped team mates.
I particularly enjoy that the suspense is the main focus for much of the story. However, there are some great interpersonal relationships between Raul and Arin, Mali’s older sister and his close friend and fellow ex-military officer. The relationship between Mali and Raul is developed well, always with the hang up that Raul is worried about Arin’s reaction to everything – in case she decides to “kick his butt”!
I requested and was given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
June 4, 2018
Give me a kick-ass heroine any day of the week, folks. This was my favorite type of read. A strong woman that is attracted to a man that compliments her, not overpowers or coddles. Equal. Heavy subject matter with the plot line. I'm sure it's not a spoiler to say it center around human trafficking. Although its a tough storyline the connection and the chemistry between Mali and Raul is off the charts.
What more can say other than Sexy, smart and captivating!
Follow us on
KT Book Reviews
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
tumblr
YouTube
Book Babblers
Instagram
What more can say other than Sexy, smart and captivating!
Follow us on
KT Book Reviews
tumblr
YouTube
Book Babblers
April 27, 2018
Originally published at Reading Reality
Although I read the previous book in this series, Absolute Trust, this book does not feel like it followed from that one. At all.
That doesn’t mean that I didn’t have a good time with the people and dogs of Total Bravery, but it does mean that if you want to get into this series and haven’t read the previous books – no problem at all. They are equally good (more on that later) but don’t seem to connect up.
There is one way in which Total Bravery is very much like the previous book in this series. In both cases, while the heroine is in jeopardy and needs the hero’s help to stay safe and alive, said heroine is not the victim of a stalker, or a evil ex (evilex™) or any man with a sexual agenda directed at her. Nor were either of them in danger merely because they are women.
In both cases, the suspense part of the plot revolves around what the heroine does, specifically what she does for a living. It’s her agency that gets her into trouble, and it’s her agency that helps get her out. Nor in either case is the heroine TSTL (that’s Too Stupid To Live) so that she puts herself in unnecessary trouble.
Mali in particular is smart and savvy and knows just what to do when her research partners are suddenly swept off the streets of Hawaii by overheated men in tailored suits. No one wears dark suits in Paradise – unless they are up to something no good and are willing to advertise that fact.
While Mali follows the safety protocols set up by her research team, but she also has an ace in the hole – her sister Arin is part of Search and Protect, a private security and investigation firm that does just what the name implies – and is located in Hawaii.
So Mali doesn’t just hide out – she calls for help from people she knows can definitely help her. In fact, they are experts at it. But with her sister Arin off the island, Mali’s rescue falls to the company’s newest recruits, Raul Sai and his German Shepherd Dog Taz. Once Raul and Taz meet Mali, the three of them form an almost instant team – even in the face of big sister Arin’s confused disapproval.
Arin still sees Mali as the little girl she once protected from bullies, while Mali still sees Arin as the scary big sister who took care of her by displaying her dark side to anyone who threatened little Mali.
Mali may still be a lot smaller than her big sis – but she’s a grown up now with a job that takes her into places as dark and dangerous in their own way as her sister’s military service. Mali and her team are researching human trafficking on the streets of Hawaii, and they’ve gotten into someone’s way.
It’s up to Search and Protect to find her missing team and rescue them, and protect Mali from bad people who want to kill or kidnap her, without trying to shove her into a tight little box the way that her sister wants.
And while Raul and Mali do their best to alternately ignore and explore the explosive chemistry between them – before they have to go their separate ways.
Escape Rating B+: I really, really like the fact that Mali never loses her agency in this story. It’s refreshing, because so often in romantic suspense the heroine gives up her ability to act for herself in order to get rescued, and Mali never does.
I also loved the way that Raul and Taz, along with the other teams in Search and Protect, are so obviously a team. It is a joy to read the way that the two of them work together and are growing towards each other in a true partnership – and that both of them, in obviously different ways, see Mali as a part of their “pack”. Taz is possibly even more protective of Mali than Raul is, but then again, Taz has considerably less emotional baggage to deal with.
In spite of the obvious physical differences, one of the things that is emphasized in this romance is that Raul and Mali, if they pursue a relationship, can hurt each other. All too often it’s all about the woman getting hurt, and about her giving up essential pieces of herself to stay with the man. That doesn’t happen here.
And it’s both that Mali will have to deal with Raul’s focused and deadly military side, as well as the things he has to do and the acts that he has committed to stay alive, and that Raul will have to deal with the fact that Mali will put herself in danger for her work. It’s also that they live as far apart in the U.S. as possible (Boston vs. Hawaii) and that they will have to compromise to be together, but without giving up anything essential to either of them. The author makes it work.
Another thing that worked for me in this story is that Raul never minimizes or discounts anything that Mali says. Not only does that happen too often in fiction, it happens entirely too damn often in real life, where women’s words, intelligence, warnings and gut instincts are ignored or discounted because they are women. He takes her seriously every step of the way, and by example makes sure that the rest of the team does too.
The romance in this story takes a bit of a back burner to finding and rescuing Mali’s teammates, and that’s as it should be. That both sides of the story do resolve happily is what made this one so much fun.
As much as I am a cat person in real life, I love this trend of smart, protective dogs as characters in military romance and romantic suspense. Bring on the puppies!
Although I read the previous book in this series, Absolute Trust, this book does not feel like it followed from that one. At all.
That doesn’t mean that I didn’t have a good time with the people and dogs of Total Bravery, but it does mean that if you want to get into this series and haven’t read the previous books – no problem at all. They are equally good (more on that later) but don’t seem to connect up.
There is one way in which Total Bravery is very much like the previous book in this series. In both cases, while the heroine is in jeopardy and needs the hero’s help to stay safe and alive, said heroine is not the victim of a stalker, or a evil ex (evilex™) or any man with a sexual agenda directed at her. Nor were either of them in danger merely because they are women.
In both cases, the suspense part of the plot revolves around what the heroine does, specifically what she does for a living. It’s her agency that gets her into trouble, and it’s her agency that helps get her out. Nor in either case is the heroine TSTL (that’s Too Stupid To Live) so that she puts herself in unnecessary trouble.
Mali in particular is smart and savvy and knows just what to do when her research partners are suddenly swept off the streets of Hawaii by overheated men in tailored suits. No one wears dark suits in Paradise – unless they are up to something no good and are willing to advertise that fact.
While Mali follows the safety protocols set up by her research team, but she also has an ace in the hole – her sister Arin is part of Search and Protect, a private security and investigation firm that does just what the name implies – and is located in Hawaii.
So Mali doesn’t just hide out – she calls for help from people she knows can definitely help her. In fact, they are experts at it. But with her sister Arin off the island, Mali’s rescue falls to the company’s newest recruits, Raul Sai and his German Shepherd Dog Taz. Once Raul and Taz meet Mali, the three of them form an almost instant team – even in the face of big sister Arin’s confused disapproval.
Arin still sees Mali as the little girl she once protected from bullies, while Mali still sees Arin as the scary big sister who took care of her by displaying her dark side to anyone who threatened little Mali.
Mali may still be a lot smaller than her big sis – but she’s a grown up now with a job that takes her into places as dark and dangerous in their own way as her sister’s military service. Mali and her team are researching human trafficking on the streets of Hawaii, and they’ve gotten into someone’s way.
It’s up to Search and Protect to find her missing team and rescue them, and protect Mali from bad people who want to kill or kidnap her, without trying to shove her into a tight little box the way that her sister wants.
And while Raul and Mali do their best to alternately ignore and explore the explosive chemistry between them – before they have to go their separate ways.
Escape Rating B+: I really, really like the fact that Mali never loses her agency in this story. It’s refreshing, because so often in romantic suspense the heroine gives up her ability to act for herself in order to get rescued, and Mali never does.
I also loved the way that Raul and Taz, along with the other teams in Search and Protect, are so obviously a team. It is a joy to read the way that the two of them work together and are growing towards each other in a true partnership – and that both of them, in obviously different ways, see Mali as a part of their “pack”. Taz is possibly even more protective of Mali than Raul is, but then again, Taz has considerably less emotional baggage to deal with.
In spite of the obvious physical differences, one of the things that is emphasized in this romance is that Raul and Mali, if they pursue a relationship, can hurt each other. All too often it’s all about the woman getting hurt, and about her giving up essential pieces of herself to stay with the man. That doesn’t happen here.
And it’s both that Mali will have to deal with Raul’s focused and deadly military side, as well as the things he has to do and the acts that he has committed to stay alive, and that Raul will have to deal with the fact that Mali will put herself in danger for her work. It’s also that they live as far apart in the U.S. as possible (Boston vs. Hawaii) and that they will have to compromise to be together, but without giving up anything essential to either of them. The author makes it work.
Another thing that worked for me in this story is that Raul never minimizes or discounts anything that Mali says. Not only does that happen too often in fiction, it happens entirely too damn often in real life, where women’s words, intelligence, warnings and gut instincts are ignored or discounted because they are women. He takes her seriously every step of the way, and by example makes sure that the rest of the team does too.
The romance in this story takes a bit of a back burner to finding and rescuing Mali’s teammates, and that’s as it should be. That both sides of the story do resolve happily is what made this one so much fun.
As much as I am a cat person in real life, I love this trend of smart, protective dogs as characters in military romance and romantic suspense. Bring on the puppies!
September 22, 2019
Total Bravery by Piper J. Drake is book 4 in the Total Bravery Series. This is the story of Raul and Mali. Mail is doing a research project studying human trafficking. When her team catches the notice of the wrong people but she able to get away. Then her sister's friends come forward to help. This leads to meeting Raul who is smitten from the start. Raul is part of the Search and Protect division with his partner Taz, who is a German Shepard Dog. Mail has a immediate attraction too but there is a lot of danger they have to get through along with some reservations that Raul has about his past.
Exciting Read.
Exciting Read.
August 29, 2018
DNF.
25% in and I'm still.................bored.
I was expecting to be hooked onto the story from the beginning (it's a romantic suspense, after all; I should be at the edge of my seat going WHAT IS HAPPENING) but I didn't get that feeling. Though I reckon it was probably a Me, Not You problem because the book was well-written; I just wasn't feeling this.
E-ARC is received thanks to the publisher via Netgalley.
25% in and I'm still.................bored.
I was expecting to be hooked onto the story from the beginning (it's a romantic suspense, after all; I should be at the edge of my seat going WHAT IS HAPPENING) but I didn't get that feeling. Though I reckon it was probably a Me, Not You problem because the book was well-written; I just wasn't feeling this.
E-ARC is received thanks to the publisher via Netgalley.
October 25, 2019
4 1/2 Stars
>>>>>My Synopsis (Review follows):<<<<<
Raul Sa' is just starting a job with Search and Protect when he gets a call from his best friend's younger sister:
"There's someone--several people--chasing me."
Mali Siri and her research team were out doing field work when her PI, Principle Investigator, was approached by men in dark suits. At first no one was alarmed thinking they were probably just government officials checking up on their research. The heated conversation that ensued quickly suggested otherwise. When her PI sounded the alarm that the team should disperse, they did, scattering in different directions. Not knowing what happened to the rest of her team and being pursued herself, she tries to contact the one person she knows can help her, her sister. The only thing is the person who answers her call is not her sister. Apparently, her sister forwarded her calls to a person named Raul. Mali will need the help of Raul and the Search and Protect team to get to the bottom of what happened to her team and, if they're still alive, rescue them.
>>>>>My Review:<<<<<<
This was the fourth book in the True Heroes series, and the first book of the series I've read. I didn't feel lost, so it can definitely be read as a standalone novel. The story is fast paced and grabs your attention from the get go. It deals with some very heavy subject matter--human trafficking--and brings to light how close to home the horrific trade truly is. Even if you think it's only a third world country problem, it's not. Human trafficking is pretty much happening right in our own backyards.
Mali Siri is a strong, smart, resourceful, and quick thinking young woman who is trying to make a difference. Her work, and the work of her team, could do a world of difference in changing laws to help the victims of human trafficking from being victimized a second time by the laws that presently exist. Most of the women in the sex trade work out of fear for themselves or their loved ones, not because it's their profession of choice. This book just scratches the surface of human trafficking and the dangers associated with it. When Mari's team is taken, she acts without thinking knowing they were in over their heads. She calls the one person who has always managed to get her out of a jam, her sister.
Raul is a good man with a lot of emotional scars caused by guilt, shame, and self-reproach. In the past, his job made him do things that he's not proud of, but were necessary. He was the person they sent in to extract answers from people, and he was very good at it. Against his better judgment, he gives into the attraction that starts to stir between him and Mali knowing Arin, Mali's sister, will not be happy.
I loved how Raul was strong and vulnerable at the same time. He was afraid Mali wouldn't be able to come to terms with his past, but, in the end, he's the one who needed to come to terms with it. I really wish the author would have delved into this a little deeper. It would have bumped this story from a really good story to a truly great one.
The defining quote of the book which held multiple significance (even though Raul, ironically, didn't seem to realize it also applied to himself) was:
“Whether a person is good or bad can’t be identified by their job title. People aren’t that easy to categorize.”
Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. I loved the dynamics of the relationship, and how Raul let Mali take the lead. I liked how he did not try to shelter Mali or act like she was too fragile to assist in the extrication of her team. He made sure she was included in all the planning and implementation of the rescue attempt. I loved how these two were together. I do wish, however, that the author had delved a little deeper into Raul's past and let him come to terms with it. I believe it would have added another layer to this already wonderful story. Additionally, if Mali had been the one to help him do it, that would have been the icing on the cake for this tale. 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. Now I need to figure out how to fit the rest of the series into my reading lineup.
Notes: I received a copy of the book from the publisher for review purposes. This in no way affected my rating or review.
>>>>>My Synopsis (Review follows):<<<<<
Raul Sa' is just starting a job with Search and Protect when he gets a call from his best friend's younger sister:
"There's someone--several people--chasing me."
Mali Siri and her research team were out doing field work when her PI, Principle Investigator, was approached by men in dark suits. At first no one was alarmed thinking they were probably just government officials checking up on their research. The heated conversation that ensued quickly suggested otherwise. When her PI sounded the alarm that the team should disperse, they did, scattering in different directions. Not knowing what happened to the rest of her team and being pursued herself, she tries to contact the one person she knows can help her, her sister. The only thing is the person who answers her call is not her sister. Apparently, her sister forwarded her calls to a person named Raul. Mali will need the help of Raul and the Search and Protect team to get to the bottom of what happened to her team and, if they're still alive, rescue them.
>>>>>My Review:<<<<<<
This was the fourth book in the True Heroes series, and the first book of the series I've read. I didn't feel lost, so it can definitely be read as a standalone novel. The story is fast paced and grabs your attention from the get go. It deals with some very heavy subject matter--human trafficking--and brings to light how close to home the horrific trade truly is. Even if you think it's only a third world country problem, it's not. Human trafficking is pretty much happening right in our own backyards.
Mali Siri is a strong, smart, resourceful, and quick thinking young woman who is trying to make a difference. Her work, and the work of her team, could do a world of difference in changing laws to help the victims of human trafficking from being victimized a second time by the laws that presently exist. Most of the women in the sex trade work out of fear for themselves or their loved ones, not because it's their profession of choice. This book just scratches the surface of human trafficking and the dangers associated with it. When Mari's team is taken, she acts without thinking knowing they were in over their heads. She calls the one person who has always managed to get her out of a jam, her sister.
Raul is a good man with a lot of emotional scars caused by guilt, shame, and self-reproach. In the past, his job made him do things that he's not proud of, but were necessary. He was the person they sent in to extract answers from people, and he was very good at it. Against his better judgment, he gives into the attraction that starts to stir between him and Mali knowing Arin, Mali's sister, will not be happy.
I loved how Raul was strong and vulnerable at the same time. He was afraid Mali wouldn't be able to come to terms with his past, but, in the end, he's the one who needed to come to terms with it. I really wish the author would have delved into this a little deeper. It would have bumped this story from a really good story to a truly great one.
The defining quote of the book which held multiple significance (even though Raul, ironically, didn't seem to realize it also applied to himself) was:
“Whether a person is good or bad can’t be identified by their job title. People aren’t that easy to categorize.”
Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. I loved the dynamics of the relationship, and how Raul let Mali take the lead. I liked how he did not try to shelter Mali or act like she was too fragile to assist in the extrication of her team. He made sure she was included in all the planning and implementation of the rescue attempt. I loved how these two were together. I do wish, however, that the author had delved a little deeper into Raul's past and let him come to terms with it. I believe it would have added another layer to this already wonderful story. Additionally, if Mali had been the one to help him do it, that would have been the icing on the cake for this tale. 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. Now I need to figure out how to fit the rest of the series into my reading lineup.
Notes: I received a copy of the book from the publisher for review purposes. This in no way affected my rating or review.
April 26, 2018
I love a good K9 story, and Taz, the dog in this one, is adorable, as is his handler, Raul Sà. On his first day at his new job with a private firm in Hawaii, Raul picks up the phone to discover the little sister of his best friend (and team-mate) is in trouble and asking for help. He never hesitates for a second to rush to Miri’s rescue.
This is an interracial romance with both protagonists from ethnicities you don’t see a lot in fiction; while they are both first-generation American, Raul is of Portuguese origin and Miri is Thai. A post-doc studying the effects of human trafficking, Miri seems surprisingly naive about the types of people she might be tangling with, but Raul certainly isn’t.
This is a difficult one for me to rate. Some parts of the story I loved, such as Raul recognizing that trying to build a relationship with Miri while she was in the middle of a traumatic experience wasn’t going to happen, and having the sense to let her normalize again first. At the same time, I never felt we really got to know Raul as well as I’d’ve liked. He clearly had guilt over the things he’d done while in military service, and I’d suggest probably some PTSD as well, but getting some help to deal with his demons never seemed to occur to him, or anyone else. I didn’t quite get the feeling there was a real emotional connection between him and Miri because I never felt I saw his emotions, I think.
The other thing that got on my nerves a bit was the references to ethnic food. Yes, Hawaii has different food and culture to the mainland US, but there were literally constant references and explanations which got on my nerves after a while, especially when every single thing they ate (and every meal was detailed) was some local delicacy. I’ve been to Hawaii. My best friend was born there. They still eat sandwiches and regular things mainland Americans enjoy too. Don’t overdo it with the cultural references; your readers will start skimming. I certainly did.
Four stars for a good story I just didn’t quite emotionally connect with, and which could have done with a little less ‘filler’ and a little more meat on the bones of the characters.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review courtesy of Barclay Publicity and NetGalley.
This is an interracial romance with both protagonists from ethnicities you don’t see a lot in fiction; while they are both first-generation American, Raul is of Portuguese origin and Miri is Thai. A post-doc studying the effects of human trafficking, Miri seems surprisingly naive about the types of people she might be tangling with, but Raul certainly isn’t.
This is a difficult one for me to rate. Some parts of the story I loved, such as Raul recognizing that trying to build a relationship with Miri while she was in the middle of a traumatic experience wasn’t going to happen, and having the sense to let her normalize again first. At the same time, I never felt we really got to know Raul as well as I’d’ve liked. He clearly had guilt over the things he’d done while in military service, and I’d suggest probably some PTSD as well, but getting some help to deal with his demons never seemed to occur to him, or anyone else. I didn’t quite get the feeling there was a real emotional connection between him and Miri because I never felt I saw his emotions, I think.
The other thing that got on my nerves a bit was the references to ethnic food. Yes, Hawaii has different food and culture to the mainland US, but there were literally constant references and explanations which got on my nerves after a while, especially when every single thing they ate (and every meal was detailed) was some local delicacy. I’ve been to Hawaii. My best friend was born there. They still eat sandwiches and regular things mainland Americans enjoy too. Don’t overdo it with the cultural references; your readers will start skimming. I certainly did.
Four stars for a good story I just didn’t quite emotionally connect with, and which could have done with a little less ‘filler’ and a little more meat on the bones of the characters.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review courtesy of Barclay Publicity and NetGalley.
May 10, 2021
This series get better and better. In the latest book, we meet Raul and his adorable partner, Taz. This story can be read as a standalone. If this is the first book read in the series, be prepared to find the first three books and devouring them one after another.
What I enjoy about this series is how well the dogs are incorporated into the storyline. They are not an afterthought or a prop. The dogs are adorable and infused with their own personality. Taz may have played a small part in this story, but he stole my heart. Makes me want to adopt a dog again. Paired up with Raul, Taz does enjoy a great life. Raul is an admirable character. He is a trustworthy man who can be depended on to do what is right. Lucky for Mali, she accidentally gets Raul instead of her sister when she sends out a distress call. Mali is an idealistic woman who actually does something about injustice in the world. She goes out and tries to make the world a better place. Unfortunately for her, uncovering a human trafficking ring is probably not the best idea.
This plot is meaty and with a bite. For those who are squicky about slavery and human trafficking, this story does get into a little bit of the unsavoury parts of how human trafficking occurs. Including betrayals and the aftermath of being captured, used and abused. Ms. Drake did a good job of showing a rising epidemic that most 1st world country residents willfully ignore as an urban legend. Along with this heavy material, she adds in romantic undertones with a plausible timeline. There is no instalove here. There is no magically happily ever after. The realism of how Raul and Mali are split apart makes this story more poignant. This romantic suspense is recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with life like heroes.
*provided by NetGalley
What I enjoy about this series is how well the dogs are incorporated into the storyline. They are not an afterthought or a prop. The dogs are adorable and infused with their own personality. Taz may have played a small part in this story, but he stole my heart. Makes me want to adopt a dog again. Paired up with Raul, Taz does enjoy a great life. Raul is an admirable character. He is a trustworthy man who can be depended on to do what is right. Lucky for Mali, she accidentally gets Raul instead of her sister when she sends out a distress call. Mali is an idealistic woman who actually does something about injustice in the world. She goes out and tries to make the world a better place. Unfortunately for her, uncovering a human trafficking ring is probably not the best idea.
This plot is meaty and with a bite. For those who are squicky about slavery and human trafficking, this story does get into a little bit of the unsavoury parts of how human trafficking occurs. Including betrayals and the aftermath of being captured, used and abused. Ms. Drake did a good job of showing a rising epidemic that most 1st world country residents willfully ignore as an urban legend. Along with this heavy material, she adds in romantic undertones with a plausible timeline. There is no instalove here. There is no magically happily ever after. The realism of how Raul and Mali are split apart makes this story more poignant. This romantic suspense is recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with life like heroes.
*provided by NetGalley
October 26, 2018
Good book that sucked me in right away. The first three books in the series took place in Pennsylvania, with the owners and trainers at Hope's Crossing Kennels. This book follows one of their working dogs and his handler, Taz and Raul Sa (from Absolute Trust), to Hawaii and their work with Search and Protect. On his first day on the job, alone on the premises, he received a call from the sister of one of his teammates - she's on the run from unknown men and needs help. Raul and Taz immediately set off to find her.
Mali is a researcher doing post-doctorate work and studying human trafficking. The team she is with has drawn the wrong kind of attention, and while she has evaded capture, the rest of the team has not. She's on edge until her sister's friend and teammate finds her and gets her to safety.
I loved the first meeting between Raul and Mali. The situation is tense because of the danger, but there is also no denying the punch of attraction that both of them feel. Mali is moved by Raul's care and concern and notices how cute he is. Raul is equally drawn to her, but she's his best friend's little sister. I laughed out loud at that moment in the hotel room when he asked "Is there something I can do to get out of this situation without Arin wanting to kill me?" and "I'm doomed. Dead." I loved Mali's reaction even more. I loved the way that Mali almost instantly connected with both Raul and Taz, and they with her. Taz is just as protective of Mali as Raul is, and he and Mali have some pretty sweet moments together.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Raul and Mali. Raul is smitten almost immediately. Even if it means standing up to his good buddy Arin, he wants to see where it will go. The problem is, he's got some pretty dark things in his past that also make him feel that he isn't good for her, so he mentally flip-flops a little bit. Mali's feelings have her totally confused. With everything that's going on, as much as she wants them to, she's not sure that she can trust them to last. I liked how their working together helped them get to know each other, and that the heat between them continued to build. I loved that Raul respected Mali's intelligence and capabilities. He didn't allow his protectiveness to stop him from listening to her opinions and suggestions or stop her from participating in the rescue operation. Though Mali is an eyewitness to the things that Raul is capable of when the situation calls for it, her feelings for him are not diminished by it. I liked that she could separate the professional Raul from the personal one. The ending was fantastic, as Raul gave Mali the space she needed to deal with everything that had happened. I liked how Mali was able to work through all her issues and see the truth. The fact that both of them had "go big" moments planned put them on equal footing for their future, with neither one having to give something up to be together.
The suspense of the story was really good and kept me hooked throughout the book. Mali and her research team were researching human trafficking on the Islands when they drew the interest of the wrong people. Mali was able to escape, thanks to remembered advice from her sister, which leaves her as the only team member free. Though badly shaken, she is determined to help her friends. Her return to the hotel, with Raul and Taz in tow, is tense and becomes more so with the messages she received. Mali's stubborn insistence on following those instructions almost put her in the TSTL category, but her willingness to follow Raul's lead made it better. The scene at the pineapple stand brought home how much danger was involved. Once they return to Search and Protect's headquarters and fill in the rest of the team, things really begin to pop. I loved the teamwork and seeing how each member's strengths were utilized. The rescue operation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat as I read my way through it. There were a couple of unexpected twists that increased the tension before it was all resolved.
The assorted relationships in the book were also fascinating. Raul and Taz's assimilation into the new team was an important component. His reflections on past issues with other teams emphasized how important this new job was to him. I liked seeing how his interactions with each of those members reinforced his feeling of belonging. I loved the nurturing spirit of Kalea and her obvious happiness in taking care of everyone. Zu's leadership and understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each member had the respect of them all. I loved his conversation with Raul at the end, and the impact it had on Raul. I felt like the most important relationship, other than that between Mali and Raul, was the one between Arin and Mali. They had grown up with Arin being Mali's protector, and now that they are grown Arin still sees Mali as that child. It takes a while for her to see Mali's strength and independence. That protectiveness also comes out when she sees the sparks between Mali and Raul. I loved that she warned Mali that she could be hurt, but also that she could hurt Raul. The friendship between Arin and Raul is a close one, and they obviously know each other well. There were some realistically awkward moments among the three of them as they worked out the new dynamics.
I loved the dogs, especially Taz. I was rooting for him in the previous book and was thrilled when he found a partner in Raul. I loved how well they had already bonded by the time this book started. One of the things I liked best about him is that his personality is so much like Raul's. It seemed that he fell for Mali as quickly as Raul did. I loved the scene in the bathroom when Raul first rescued Mali, and how Taz sensed her distress. The bit with the pineapple was absolutely adorable. Though Mali had never been an animal person, Taz drew her in just as quickly. I loved how he provided comfort in stressful times, and was there for the good times, too. I loved his part in Raul's big moment. As always in these True Heroes books, I love learning about these working dogs and the people they are partnered with. It's always fascinating.
Mali is a researcher doing post-doctorate work and studying human trafficking. The team she is with has drawn the wrong kind of attention, and while she has evaded capture, the rest of the team has not. She's on edge until her sister's friend and teammate finds her and gets her to safety.
I loved the first meeting between Raul and Mali. The situation is tense because of the danger, but there is also no denying the punch of attraction that both of them feel. Mali is moved by Raul's care and concern and notices how cute he is. Raul is equally drawn to her, but she's his best friend's little sister. I laughed out loud at that moment in the hotel room when he asked "Is there something I can do to get out of this situation without Arin wanting to kill me?" and "I'm doomed. Dead." I loved Mali's reaction even more. I loved the way that Mali almost instantly connected with both Raul and Taz, and they with her. Taz is just as protective of Mali as Raul is, and he and Mali have some pretty sweet moments together.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Raul and Mali. Raul is smitten almost immediately. Even if it means standing up to his good buddy Arin, he wants to see where it will go. The problem is, he's got some pretty dark things in his past that also make him feel that he isn't good for her, so he mentally flip-flops a little bit. Mali's feelings have her totally confused. With everything that's going on, as much as she wants them to, she's not sure that she can trust them to last. I liked how their working together helped them get to know each other, and that the heat between them continued to build. I loved that Raul respected Mali's intelligence and capabilities. He didn't allow his protectiveness to stop him from listening to her opinions and suggestions or stop her from participating in the rescue operation. Though Mali is an eyewitness to the things that Raul is capable of when the situation calls for it, her feelings for him are not diminished by it. I liked that she could separate the professional Raul from the personal one. The ending was fantastic, as Raul gave Mali the space she needed to deal with everything that had happened. I liked how Mali was able to work through all her issues and see the truth. The fact that both of them had "go big" moments planned put them on equal footing for their future, with neither one having to give something up to be together.
The suspense of the story was really good and kept me hooked throughout the book. Mali and her research team were researching human trafficking on the Islands when they drew the interest of the wrong people. Mali was able to escape, thanks to remembered advice from her sister, which leaves her as the only team member free. Though badly shaken, she is determined to help her friends. Her return to the hotel, with Raul and Taz in tow, is tense and becomes more so with the messages she received. Mali's stubborn insistence on following those instructions almost put her in the TSTL category, but her willingness to follow Raul's lead made it better. The scene at the pineapple stand brought home how much danger was involved. Once they return to Search and Protect's headquarters and fill in the rest of the team, things really begin to pop. I loved the teamwork and seeing how each member's strengths were utilized. The rescue operation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat as I read my way through it. There were a couple of unexpected twists that increased the tension before it was all resolved.
The assorted relationships in the book were also fascinating. Raul and Taz's assimilation into the new team was an important component. His reflections on past issues with other teams emphasized how important this new job was to him. I liked seeing how his interactions with each of those members reinforced his feeling of belonging. I loved the nurturing spirit of Kalea and her obvious happiness in taking care of everyone. Zu's leadership and understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each member had the respect of them all. I loved his conversation with Raul at the end, and the impact it had on Raul. I felt like the most important relationship, other than that between Mali and Raul, was the one between Arin and Mali. They had grown up with Arin being Mali's protector, and now that they are grown Arin still sees Mali as that child. It takes a while for her to see Mali's strength and independence. That protectiveness also comes out when she sees the sparks between Mali and Raul. I loved that she warned Mali that she could be hurt, but also that she could hurt Raul. The friendship between Arin and Raul is a close one, and they obviously know each other well. There were some realistically awkward moments among the three of them as they worked out the new dynamics.
I loved the dogs, especially Taz. I was rooting for him in the previous book and was thrilled when he found a partner in Raul. I loved how well they had already bonded by the time this book started. One of the things I liked best about him is that his personality is so much like Raul's. It seemed that he fell for Mali as quickly as Raul did. I loved the scene in the bathroom when Raul first rescued Mali, and how Taz sensed her distress. The bit with the pineapple was absolutely adorable. Though Mali had never been an animal person, Taz drew her in just as quickly. I loved how he provided comfort in stressful times, and was there for the good times, too. I loved his part in Raul's big moment. As always in these True Heroes books, I love learning about these working dogs and the people they are partnered with. It's always fascinating.
April 27, 2018
This one was a bit slow moving for me despite how it opened, which I loved. I loved that on his first day at a new job, not really knowing anyone there, not knowing if he would fit in, not knowing what really to do Raul had no hesitation when Mali called and asked for help. Even Taz seemed ready to jump in and help, something that really helped Mali when she started to freak out.
As Raul and the rest of them at Search and Protect waded through what was going on with Mali things slowed down. I didn't like how Arin came at Raul when she saw something between him and Mali, didn't like how Zu very passively told Raul he needed to fit in with the team or he was out. But most of all I hated the words that Mali said to her sister about Raul and what was and wasn't between them. My heart broke for Raul then. It also made the rescue mission they went on so very awkward.
I was glad to see how this one ended, I really wasn't sure if there would be a HEA at all.
As Raul and the rest of them at Search and Protect waded through what was going on with Mali things slowed down. I didn't like how Arin came at Raul when she saw something between him and Mali, didn't like how Zu very passively told Raul he needed to fit in with the team or he was out. But most of all I hated the words that Mali said to her sister about Raul and what was and wasn't between them. My heart broke for Raul then. It also made the rescue mission they went on so very awkward.
I was glad to see how this one ended, I really wasn't sure if there would be a HEA at all.
April 27, 2018
Check out our
Total Bravery
post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Thriller romance
Triggers: Human trafficking, kidnapping
I have not read any of the previous books in this series and never felt that I was lost or didn't know who the characters were.
This is a fast-paced story where you are thrust in to the beginning and it never really lets you go. It starts with a call for help. Raul is just starting at his new job. With his K9 partner, Taz, by his side, he wants a fresh start. When he receives a distress call from his best friend's sister, he drops everything to help her. He knew that getting out of the military and hooking up with this new group, he would have a chance to do better things than what he had seen and done in the military.
Mali is a spunky, nerdy, and beautiful researcher. She is on the island to conduct field research into the human trafficking issues that are so prevalent on the island. But when her fellow researchers and herself find themselves in the sights of someone with a personal stake in the game, she knows and follows her sister's advice – call Arin and get low. Expecting her sister, she's surprised when Raul answers. And even though she's nervous about getting help from someone she doesn't really know, the fact that her sister trusts him is enough for Mali.
This is a great thriller in that the group is constantly moving. The dogs are a huge part of the story and I love how they are incorporated. Mali and Raul have to navigate the danger first and their relationship second, all while trying to maintain her sister so that Arin won't kick Raul's butt. I loved how spunky both sisters were and how we were able to see their relationship develop as well.
I think I'll have to go back and read the previous books and hope that more come out! I enjoyed this a lot and would like to read more of Drake.
Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is the story of an exciting romance between a sociologist and an ex-military member of a private security company. When Mali’s research into human trafficking attracts the wrong kind of attention, she seeks protection from Raul, her sister’s new teammate.
Mali is a great female lead. She’s clever, fierce, and resourceful. At times, Raul’s protective instincts are a little bit over the top but they balance each other and work well together. I liked the complicated relationship between Mali and her sister.
Raul is a stereotypical alpha male military type. His relationship with his dog is humanising but he is private and guarded. I liked him but beyond the dog, there wasn’t much to separate him from every other ex-military romance hero.
This is a relatively low heat romance and the relationship between Mali and Raul works – but it is a little bit insta-love and more than a little bit predictable. I enjoyed the action more than the romance in this one.
Once readers accept the somewhat unlikely concept of a private paramilitary security company composed of highly trained dogs and their ex-military handlers, the rest of the story comes easily. I enjoyed the relationships between team members. The Hawaiian setting is gorgeous but possibly a little bit overplayed. I found the human trafficking storyline fascinating and the action scenes were exciting. There are hints that this is the first in a series and I’m already looking forward to the next books.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Total Bravery (True Heroes #4) by Piper J. Drake to read and review.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Thriller romance
Triggers: Human trafficking, kidnapping
I have not read any of the previous books in this series and never felt that I was lost or didn't know who the characters were.
This is a fast-paced story where you are thrust in to the beginning and it never really lets you go. It starts with a call for help. Raul is just starting at his new job. With his K9 partner, Taz, by his side, he wants a fresh start. When he receives a distress call from his best friend's sister, he drops everything to help her. He knew that getting out of the military and hooking up with this new group, he would have a chance to do better things than what he had seen and done in the military.
Mali is a spunky, nerdy, and beautiful researcher. She is on the island to conduct field research into the human trafficking issues that are so prevalent on the island. But when her fellow researchers and herself find themselves in the sights of someone with a personal stake in the game, she knows and follows her sister's advice – call Arin and get low. Expecting her sister, she's surprised when Raul answers. And even though she's nervous about getting help from someone she doesn't really know, the fact that her sister trusts him is enough for Mali.
This is a great thriller in that the group is constantly moving. The dogs are a huge part of the story and I love how they are incorporated. Mali and Raul have to navigate the danger first and their relationship second, all while trying to maintain her sister so that Arin won't kick Raul's butt. I loved how spunky both sisters were and how we were able to see their relationship develop as well.
I think I'll have to go back and read the previous books and hope that more come out! I enjoyed this a lot and would like to read more of Drake.
Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is the story of an exciting romance between a sociologist and an ex-military member of a private security company. When Mali’s research into human trafficking attracts the wrong kind of attention, she seeks protection from Raul, her sister’s new teammate.
Mali is a great female lead. She’s clever, fierce, and resourceful. At times, Raul’s protective instincts are a little bit over the top but they balance each other and work well together. I liked the complicated relationship between Mali and her sister.
Raul is a stereotypical alpha male military type. His relationship with his dog is humanising but he is private and guarded. I liked him but beyond the dog, there wasn’t much to separate him from every other ex-military romance hero.
This is a relatively low heat romance and the relationship between Mali and Raul works – but it is a little bit insta-love and more than a little bit predictable. I enjoyed the action more than the romance in this one.
Once readers accept the somewhat unlikely concept of a private paramilitary security company composed of highly trained dogs and their ex-military handlers, the rest of the story comes easily. I enjoyed the relationships between team members. The Hawaiian setting is gorgeous but possibly a little bit overplayed. I found the human trafficking storyline fascinating and the action scenes were exciting. There are hints that this is the first in a series and I’m already looking forward to the next books.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Total Bravery (True Heroes #4) by Piper J. Drake to read and review.
April 29, 2018
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 4/29/18.
With Total Bravery, the True Heroes series moves from Hope's Crossing to the Search and Protect Organization, based in Hawaii(!). (And who can blame them? I mean, Hawaii...) Raul, with his new partner GSD Taz, fresh from Hope's Crossing, is hoping to finally have found a team that he can really gel with. Things are going great with his canine partner, now he just has to make a good impression on the humans. He's hoping to start out ahead, since Arin, his BF from his days in the military, is also there.
But then he gets a phone call meant for Arin, and things get a little dicier...
Mali, Arin's sister, is in trouble and needs the Search and Protect's help. The mystery that Mali, Raul, Taz, and Arin find themselves embroiled in involves a missing university research team, a ransom demand (or is it, really???), human trafficking, and some pretty bad guys. (They're wearing dark suits on the beach in Hawaii, so you know there's something wrong with them... ;)) On top of all the dangerous suspense elements here, Raul and Mali feel a mutual attraction pretty much right away...and did I mention that Raul is besties with her older sister? And that that same older sister was a sniper in the military? So, yeah...
The suspense portion of the story definitely keeps you on your toes, wondering what's behind Mali's team's disappearance. The resolution there was fairly satisfying, though I couldn't help but feel like I might have missed some of the details. (I freely admit this could have been me, though--I was reading pretty fast.)
With a only a few slight speed bumps along the way, Raul seems to be fitting in well with his new teammates, and of course his relationship with Taz is one of the book's highlights. The canine/human partnerships are definitely a strong element in this series, and something I look forward to in every book.
Raul and Mali have quite a bit of one step forward, two back in their relationship--for the most part, it's a pretty slow burn and every time you think they're finally getting closer something else happens to set them back again. In the end it's really the two of them more than any other character that works to keep them apart--Raul's convinced he's not "a good person" (related to his time in the military, mostly) and Mali's number one concern is her research and career--and though we do get to an HEA we don't really see them work though those conflicts to get there, which was a bit of a bummer.
Still, an HEA is an HEA and I did want one for the two (okay, three--can't leave out Taz!) of them. I really liked the new characters and location introduced here and am looking forward to a lot more stories set in the Search and Protect side of the series. If you haven't read any of the True Heroes books yet this would be a fine place to start, since knowing the Hope's Crossing people and the events of the previous books isn't a prerequisite here.
Just don't blame me when you need to go back and read the other books anyway... (Okay, fine. Blame me--I'm okay with that. They're great books.:))
Rating: 4 stars / B
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
With Total Bravery, the True Heroes series moves from Hope's Crossing to the Search and Protect Organization, based in Hawaii(!). (And who can blame them? I mean, Hawaii...) Raul, with his new partner GSD Taz, fresh from Hope's Crossing, is hoping to finally have found a team that he can really gel with. Things are going great with his canine partner, now he just has to make a good impression on the humans. He's hoping to start out ahead, since Arin, his BF from his days in the military, is also there.
But then he gets a phone call meant for Arin, and things get a little dicier...
Mali, Arin's sister, is in trouble and needs the Search and Protect's help. The mystery that Mali, Raul, Taz, and Arin find themselves embroiled in involves a missing university research team, a ransom demand (or is it, really???), human trafficking, and some pretty bad guys. (They're wearing dark suits on the beach in Hawaii, so you know there's something wrong with them... ;)) On top of all the dangerous suspense elements here, Raul and Mali feel a mutual attraction pretty much right away...and did I mention that Raul is besties with her older sister? And that that same older sister was a sniper in the military? So, yeah...
The suspense portion of the story definitely keeps you on your toes, wondering what's behind Mali's team's disappearance. The resolution there was fairly satisfying, though I couldn't help but feel like I might have missed some of the details. (I freely admit this could have been me, though--I was reading pretty fast.)
With a only a few slight speed bumps along the way, Raul seems to be fitting in well with his new teammates, and of course his relationship with Taz is one of the book's highlights. The canine/human partnerships are definitely a strong element in this series, and something I look forward to in every book.
Raul and Mali have quite a bit of one step forward, two back in their relationship--for the most part, it's a pretty slow burn and every time you think they're finally getting closer something else happens to set them back again. In the end it's really the two of them more than any other character that works to keep them apart--Raul's convinced he's not "a good person" (related to his time in the military, mostly) and Mali's number one concern is her research and career--and though we do get to an HEA we don't really see them work though those conflicts to get there, which was a bit of a bummer.
Still, an HEA is an HEA and I did want one for the two (okay, three--can't leave out Taz!) of them. I really liked the new characters and location introduced here and am looking forward to a lot more stories set in the Search and Protect side of the series. If you haven't read any of the True Heroes books yet this would be a fine place to start, since knowing the Hope's Crossing people and the events of the previous books isn't a prerequisite here.
Just don't blame me when you need to go back and read the other books anyway... (Okay, fine. Blame me--I'm okay with that. They're great books.:))
Rating: 4 stars / B
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
April 8, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR - STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
The male subject on the cover does not, to me, match what I thought he'd look like and the background terrain does not feel like Hawaii. (Just my opinion though). The overall cover blends in with the many other RomSus books out there and probably would not warrant a second glance if not for the title color catching my eye and noticing the author name.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Book four takes us to Hawaii, where Raul accepts an offer to work for an elite Search and Recovery team that his best friend, Arin, had recently joined. On his first day of reporting in, he receives a call from an unknown number, asking for help.
Arin's younger sister, Mali, is on the island doing research with her fellow University colleagues on human trafficking when things go terribly wrong. Now she's on the run and is smart enough to know she's in desperate need of help and safety but when she calls her sister's number, she does not expect Raul to answer the call.
The plot concept and cast of characters were strong and dynamic. Chemistry and interaction between Raul and Mali (and Taz) were fantastic. I really enjoyed that the dog was provided a wonderful, intelligent personality and was given as much page space as he was. (Loved the pineapple guilt scene.) Dialogue was smart. The plot unfolded nicely but felt a little more sedate compared to previous books in the series despite the weight of the subject. The conflicts and big climax felt too easily managed, with minimal suspense. I guess I'd expected more threats and/or face-to-face confrontations. Sadly, instead, we had a few cheap potshots from a sniper and a handful of goons guarding a complex. No big, bad guy. No well-trained opposition. It fell flat.
The quality of writing was excellent and the story flowed incredibly smooth.
Predictability was low but with the conclusion rushing up abruptly, it's hard to say that there was anything solid or satisfying about the ending. The magical "three words" were spoken and there were indeed gestures to indicate that they were willing to give it a go, but nothing set in stone.
Overall, good read but not my favorite in the series.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.125 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
The male subject on the cover does not, to me, match what I thought he'd look like and the background terrain does not feel like Hawaii. (Just my opinion though). The overall cover blends in with the many other RomSus books out there and probably would not warrant a second glance if not for the title color catching my eye and noticing the author name.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Book four takes us to Hawaii, where Raul accepts an offer to work for an elite Search and Recovery team that his best friend, Arin, had recently joined. On his first day of reporting in, he receives a call from an unknown number, asking for help.
Arin's younger sister, Mali, is on the island doing research with her fellow University colleagues on human trafficking when things go terribly wrong. Now she's on the run and is smart enough to know she's in desperate need of help and safety but when she calls her sister's number, she does not expect Raul to answer the call.
The plot concept and cast of characters were strong and dynamic. Chemistry and interaction between Raul and Mali (and Taz) were fantastic. I really enjoyed that the dog was provided a wonderful, intelligent personality and was given as much page space as he was. (Loved the pineapple guilt scene.) Dialogue was smart. The plot unfolded nicely but felt a little more sedate compared to previous books in the series despite the weight of the subject. The conflicts and big climax felt too easily managed, with minimal suspense. I guess I'd expected more threats and/or face-to-face confrontations. Sadly, instead, we had a few cheap potshots from a sniper and a handful of goons guarding a complex. No big, bad guy. No well-trained opposition. It fell flat.
The quality of writing was excellent and the story flowed incredibly smooth.
Predictability was low but with the conclusion rushing up abruptly, it's hard to say that there was anything solid or satisfying about the ending. The magical "three words" were spoken and there were indeed gestures to indicate that they were willing to give it a go, but nothing set in stone.
Overall, good read but not my favorite in the series.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.125 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
April 24, 2018
ARC REVIEW
True Heroes #4, I was so excited when I found out Piper J. Drake was coming out with a brand new True Heroes novel, and even more excited when I found out it was Raul. I took the opportunity to read the first two books and reread the third one, it is not one of those series in fact you can start with Total Bravery because it's an all new cast of characters, the guys in the first three books are barely even mentioned. It's a new location, new characters to fall in love with, and all new working dogs to awwww over. We first met Raul Sá in Absolute Trust when he went to Hope's Crossing Kennels to get a working dog for his new job at the Search and Protection Corporation. He found Taz, a German Shepherd Dog, and after helping out in the last book Raul and Taz are in Hawaii for their new job. It's not even his first day and already he's going to be late because he gets a call from his best friends sister in desperate need of help. Mali Siri was doing field research with a bunch of others when men in suits came at them they scattered and Mali has no idea who escaped or if everyone else was captured. Mali managed to get away and when she tried calling her sister, Arin, she got Raul instead with no hesitation Raul tells her where to wait for him. Mali is relieved when Raul finally finds her; with Raul and his dog Mali finally feels safe.
For Raul it was practically love at first sight, he instantly knew he would protect her at any cost even it that means facing of with an angry Arin. Mali isn't one to back down and let someone else handle it and she refuses to be left behind and insists to be part of the team. Mali is attracted to Raul but with everything up in the air and the fate of her colleagues unknown she doesn't have time to think about the depth of her feeling and his for her. Raul is a bit of a damaged hero he has things in his past he's not proud of and he doesn't feel like he deserves anything good in his life. Mali just wants to make sure these feelings aren't fleeting. Whatever their feelings are they have to put them on hold until they can rescue Mali's colleagues from the white slavery ring they were investigating.
Drake as usual is awesome with the action and suspense it is well written and well paced. I liked the secondary characters too, Arin was great, I love women snipers, and I can't wait for her story and especially Zu, the boss, he has future book boyfriend written all over him. And talking about all those Hawaiian foods *Drool* seriously between the musubi and the mochi made me so hungry. One question is it pronounced Ma-lie or Ma-lee?
True Heroes #4, I was so excited when I found out Piper J. Drake was coming out with a brand new True Heroes novel, and even more excited when I found out it was Raul. I took the opportunity to read the first two books and reread the third one, it is not one of those series in fact you can start with Total Bravery because it's an all new cast of characters, the guys in the first three books are barely even mentioned. It's a new location, new characters to fall in love with, and all new working dogs to awwww over. We first met Raul Sá in Absolute Trust when he went to Hope's Crossing Kennels to get a working dog for his new job at the Search and Protection Corporation. He found Taz, a German Shepherd Dog, and after helping out in the last book Raul and Taz are in Hawaii for their new job. It's not even his first day and already he's going to be late because he gets a call from his best friends sister in desperate need of help. Mali Siri was doing field research with a bunch of others when men in suits came at them they scattered and Mali has no idea who escaped or if everyone else was captured. Mali managed to get away and when she tried calling her sister, Arin, she got Raul instead with no hesitation Raul tells her where to wait for him. Mali is relieved when Raul finally finds her; with Raul and his dog Mali finally feels safe.
For Raul it was practically love at first sight, he instantly knew he would protect her at any cost even it that means facing of with an angry Arin. Mali isn't one to back down and let someone else handle it and she refuses to be left behind and insists to be part of the team. Mali is attracted to Raul but with everything up in the air and the fate of her colleagues unknown she doesn't have time to think about the depth of her feeling and his for her. Raul is a bit of a damaged hero he has things in his past he's not proud of and he doesn't feel like he deserves anything good in his life. Mali just wants to make sure these feelings aren't fleeting. Whatever their feelings are they have to put them on hold until they can rescue Mali's colleagues from the white slavery ring they were investigating.
Drake as usual is awesome with the action and suspense it is well written and well paced. I liked the secondary characters too, Arin was great, I love women snipers, and I can't wait for her story and especially Zu, the boss, he has future book boyfriend written all over him. And talking about all those Hawaiian foods *Drool* seriously between the musubi and the mochi made me so hungry. One question is it pronounced Ma-lie or Ma-lee?
January 7, 2019
Intense...Hot...Powerful everything Piper J Drake delivers!
Raul is part of the Search and Protect team, his partner is a German Shepherd Dog named Taz. Raul and Arin are the best of friends, so close that they even know about each others demons. After answering Arin's phone call there was no doubt that Raul would do anything help Mali (Arin's baby sister). What Raul did not expect is the full on gut punch of passion he felt toward Mali.
Mali is a researcher who is in trouble and needed her sister and the Search and Protect teams help. What she didn't plan on was getting Raul instead of her sister. There is something mysterious going on that involves her university research team that vanished. Can Mali fight whatever is brewing between her and Raul long enough to save her co-workers?
Raul was struck dumb when he first met Mali. First it was how different she looked compared to her sister, next it was the gut punch of attraction. Arin would definitely castrate him for the impure thoughts he was having. Raul's duty came first as part of the SAP team, next as Arin's friend. No matter what Raul will remember that, first and foremost. Mali was is shock, but not in to much shock not to had noticed the serious hotness her rescuer had going on. Can they rescue her team, and bring them all out alive? Why after everything is Mali's life still in danger? Can Raul and Mali fight whats building between them?
As Supporting character's go there were a few, the SAP team, Arin they all gave Raul and Mali the support to bring their characters ahead in Total Bravery I did think Mali's naivete fit her character well. Piper J Drake is a new author to me, all I can say is I must live under a rock not to know about this author. Holy Smokes this plot is intense, intriguing, a sexy on the edge of your seat read. Total Bravery was a Acton filled read with a nice dose of romance. I adored the dogs, loved Taz. Piper J Drake built amazing characters in Total Bravery, I went and grabbed the first 3 books in the True Heroes series.
Rated 4 Stilettos by Deb!
Raul is part of the Search and Protect team, his partner is a German Shepherd Dog named Taz. Raul and Arin are the best of friends, so close that they even know about each others demons. After answering Arin's phone call there was no doubt that Raul would do anything help Mali (Arin's baby sister). What Raul did not expect is the full on gut punch of passion he felt toward Mali.
Mali is a researcher who is in trouble and needed her sister and the Search and Protect teams help. What she didn't plan on was getting Raul instead of her sister. There is something mysterious going on that involves her university research team that vanished. Can Mali fight whatever is brewing between her and Raul long enough to save her co-workers?
Raul was struck dumb when he first met Mali. First it was how different she looked compared to her sister, next it was the gut punch of attraction. Arin would definitely castrate him for the impure thoughts he was having. Raul's duty came first as part of the SAP team, next as Arin's friend. No matter what Raul will remember that, first and foremost. Mali was is shock, but not in to much shock not to had noticed the serious hotness her rescuer had going on. Can they rescue her team, and bring them all out alive? Why after everything is Mali's life still in danger? Can Raul and Mali fight whats building between them?
As Supporting character's go there were a few, the SAP team, Arin they all gave Raul and Mali the support to bring their characters ahead in Total Bravery I did think Mali's naivete fit her character well. Piper J Drake is a new author to me, all I can say is I must live under a rock not to know about this author. Holy Smokes this plot is intense, intriguing, a sexy on the edge of your seat read. Total Bravery was a Acton filled read with a nice dose of romance. I adored the dogs, loved Taz. Piper J Drake built amazing characters in Total Bravery, I went and grabbed the first 3 books in the True Heroes series.
Rated 4 Stilettos by Deb!
April 19, 2018
Total Bravery (True Heroes #4) by Piper J. Drake
4 stars
M/F Thriller romance
Triggers: Human trafficking, kidnapping
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Raul and Taz Mali and Arin
I have not read any of the previous books in this series and never felt that I was lost or didn't know who the characters were.
This is a fast paced story where you are thrust in to the beginning and it never really lets you go. It starts with a call for help. Raul is just starting at his new job. With his K9 partner, Taz by his side, he wants a fresh start. When he receives a distress call from his best friend's sister, he drops everything to help her. He knew that getting out of the military and hooking up with this new group, he would have a chance to do better things than what he had seen and done in the military.
Mali is a spunky, nerdy and beautiful researcher. She is on the island to conduct field research in to the human trafficking issues that are so prevalent on the island. But, when her fellow researchers and herself find themselves in the sight of someone with a personal stake in the game, she knows and follows her sister's advice - Call Arin and get low. Expecting her sister, she's surprised when Raul answers. And, even though she's nervous about getting help from someone she doesn't really know, the fact that her sister trusts him is enough for Mali.
This is a great thriller in that the group is constantly moving. The dogs are a huge part of the story and I love how they are incorporated. Mali and Raul have to navigate the danger first and their relationship second, all while trying to maintain her sister so that Arin won't kick Raul's butt. I loved how spunky both sisters were and how we were able to see their relationship develop as well.
I think I'll have to go back and read the previous books and hope that more come out! I enjoyed this a lot and would like to read more of Drake.
4 stars
M/F Thriller romance
Triggers: Human trafficking, kidnapping
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Raul and Taz Mali and Arin
I have not read any of the previous books in this series and never felt that I was lost or didn't know who the characters were.
This is a fast paced story where you are thrust in to the beginning and it never really lets you go. It starts with a call for help. Raul is just starting at his new job. With his K9 partner, Taz by his side, he wants a fresh start. When he receives a distress call from his best friend's sister, he drops everything to help her. He knew that getting out of the military and hooking up with this new group, he would have a chance to do better things than what he had seen and done in the military.
Mali is a spunky, nerdy and beautiful researcher. She is on the island to conduct field research in to the human trafficking issues that are so prevalent on the island. But, when her fellow researchers and herself find themselves in the sight of someone with a personal stake in the game, she knows and follows her sister's advice - Call Arin and get low. Expecting her sister, she's surprised when Raul answers. And, even though she's nervous about getting help from someone she doesn't really know, the fact that her sister trusts him is enough for Mali.
This is a great thriller in that the group is constantly moving. The dogs are a huge part of the story and I love how they are incorporated. Mali and Raul have to navigate the danger first and their relationship second, all while trying to maintain her sister so that Arin won't kick Raul's butt. I loved how spunky both sisters were and how we were able to see their relationship develop as well.
I think I'll have to go back and read the previous books and hope that more come out! I enjoyed this a lot and would like to read more of Drake.
April 21, 2018
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the story of an exciting romance between a sociologist and an ex-military member of a private security company. When Mali’s research into human trafficking attracts the wrong kind of attention, she seeks protection from Raul, her sister’s new teammate.
Mali is a great female lead. She’s clever, fierce and resourceful. At times, Raul’s protective instincts are a little bit OTT but they balance each other and work well together. I liked the complicated relationship between Mali and her sister.
Raul is a stereotypical alpha male military type. His relationship with his dog is humanising but he is private and guarded. I liked him but beyond the dog, there wasn’t much to separate him from every other ex-military romance hero.
This is a relatively low heat romance and the relationship between Mali and Raul works - but it is a little bit insta love and more than a little bit predictable. I enjoyed the action more than the romance in this one.
Once readers accept the somewhat unlikely concept of a private paramilitary security company composed of highly trained dogs and their ex-military handlers, the rest of the story comes easily. I enjoyed the relationships between team members. The Hawaiian setting is gorgeous but possibly a little bit overplayed. I found the human trafficking storyline fascinating and the action scenes were exciting. There are hints that this is the first in a series and I’m already looking forward to the next books.
This is the story of an exciting romance between a sociologist and an ex-military member of a private security company. When Mali’s research into human trafficking attracts the wrong kind of attention, she seeks protection from Raul, her sister’s new teammate.
Mali is a great female lead. She’s clever, fierce and resourceful. At times, Raul’s protective instincts are a little bit OTT but they balance each other and work well together. I liked the complicated relationship between Mali and her sister.
Raul is a stereotypical alpha male military type. His relationship with his dog is humanising but he is private and guarded. I liked him but beyond the dog, there wasn’t much to separate him from every other ex-military romance hero.
This is a relatively low heat romance and the relationship between Mali and Raul works - but it is a little bit insta love and more than a little bit predictable. I enjoyed the action more than the romance in this one.
Once readers accept the somewhat unlikely concept of a private paramilitary security company composed of highly trained dogs and their ex-military handlers, the rest of the story comes easily. I enjoyed the relationships between team members. The Hawaiian setting is gorgeous but possibly a little bit overplayed. I found the human trafficking storyline fascinating and the action scenes were exciting. There are hints that this is the first in a series and I’m already looking forward to the next books.
April 15, 2018
Raul and Mali bring the heat. Mali started out as meek and mild but by the end, she had broken out of her shell. Although, when readers first meet Mali it is under distress. She is hiding from some bad men. So, you can't really blame Mali for being reserved. One of my favorite aspects of this book was the location. I loved the tropical background that this story took place in.
Back to the story. Mali's sister, Arin was someone else that I enjoyed in this story. She is tough and intelligent. She can hold her own with all of the masculinity. I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to Taz. I am such a big dog lover.
Yet, this story is not just about the characters. It touches on a very serious subject matter. One that I am glad to see is getting more recognition. It is human trafficking. I would say that human trafficking is as big a problem as illegal drug trafficking. It needs to be stopped. There was plenty of action to be had in this story. While, I did like the main characters and the storyline, I had some trouble connecting it all together and becoming truly emotionally connected. However, I would read another book in this series.
Back to the story. Mali's sister, Arin was someone else that I enjoyed in this story. She is tough and intelligent. She can hold her own with all of the masculinity. I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to Taz. I am such a big dog lover.
Yet, this story is not just about the characters. It touches on a very serious subject matter. One that I am glad to see is getting more recognition. It is human trafficking. I would say that human trafficking is as big a problem as illegal drug trafficking. It needs to be stopped. There was plenty of action to be had in this story. While, I did like the main characters and the storyline, I had some trouble connecting it all together and becoming truly emotionally connected. However, I would read another book in this series.
March 30, 2018
Piper Drake has the ability to bring readers into a fast pace adventure where they don't want it to stop even after they read the last page.
Total Bravery is another win for Piper Drake. The author has well research her topic to under how animals are handled by their trainers keep the story grounded during action pack scenes. There is romance, sex with this book which doesn't add to the story but doesn't subtract either. The story is told from Raul and Mali points of view. Which gives you insight into everyone inner thought that sometimes slows down the fast pace story.
Even though the book is number 4 in a series readers will not be lost. You will be pulled into a world where you are afraid if you put the book down something awful will happen to your favorite characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Piper J. Drake Total Bravery (True Heroes #4)
Total Bravery is another win for Piper Drake. The author has well research her topic to under how animals are handled by their trainers keep the story grounded during action pack scenes. There is romance, sex with this book which doesn't add to the story but doesn't subtract either. The story is told from Raul and Mali points of view. Which gives you insight into everyone inner thought that sometimes slows down the fast pace story.
Even though the book is number 4 in a series readers will not be lost. You will be pulled into a world where you are afraid if you put the book down something awful will happen to your favorite characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Piper J. Drake Total Bravery (True Heroes #4)
July 14, 2019
This is the first book of the series that isn’t set at the Hope’ Crossing Kennel, but we have met Raul in the previous book as a side character and I was happy to read his individual story.
The suspense and mystery plot was okay for me, although I struggled a bit with the beats it was hitting and with the pacing of the whole book. The love connection was one I could feel, but that didn’t win me over completely for reasons I’m not sure of. The setting and the descriptions of the operation in Hawaii made up for a lot of that missing feeling though. The places came to life in the story and I enjoyed that immensely.
Generally I adored the side characters a lot, and I am looking forward to hopefully reading more from them. The main couple didn’t always hold all my focus and I did take a couple of tiny breaks from the book when I wasn’t as intrigued and gripped by it as I would have wanted to be. Still a good romantic suspense book, but simply not my favorite of the series.
The suspense and mystery plot was okay for me, although I struggled a bit with the beats it was hitting and with the pacing of the whole book. The love connection was one I could feel, but that didn’t win me over completely for reasons I’m not sure of. The setting and the descriptions of the operation in Hawaii made up for a lot of that missing feeling though. The places came to life in the story and I enjoyed that immensely.
Generally I adored the side characters a lot, and I am looking forward to hopefully reading more from them. The main couple didn’t always hold all my focus and I did take a couple of tiny breaks from the book when I wasn’t as intrigued and gripped by it as I would have wanted to be. Still a good romantic suspense book, but simply not my favorite of the series.
May 30, 2018
✦Review: TOTAL BRAVERY (True Heroes) by Piper J. Drake https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aHC
Publication Date: April 24, 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars
This romantic suspense was full of steady action while introducing us to a new K-9 team in Hawaii. I’m glad the team introductions and new locale didn’t bog down the story at all. They were all fun and distinct personalities that hold the door open for more fun stories to come. I liked Raul right away and his dog, Taz is great! Mali was relatable and easy to like as well. The story showcased her smart and intuitive nature while still giving her a vulnerability that worked nicely with the romance. The heat factor was pretty tame until the very end, so it would appeal to those who like their romances on the lighter side as well. Loved it.
*Review copy provided Forever Romance in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle $5.99 https://amzn.to/2HG9wGw
✿TRUE HEROES SERIES BY PIPER J. DRAKE✿
1. EXTREME HONOR ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/1Jtfcds | Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-3JY
2. ULTIMATE COURAGE ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/2aFTeKJ | Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-5TA
3. ABSOLUTE TRUST ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/2cZwDNB | Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-7q7
4. TOTAL BRAVERY ➢ Amazon https://amzn.to/2HG9wGw
Publication Date: April 24, 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars
This romantic suspense was full of steady action while introducing us to a new K-9 team in Hawaii. I’m glad the team introductions and new locale didn’t bog down the story at all. They were all fun and distinct personalities that hold the door open for more fun stories to come. I liked Raul right away and his dog, Taz is great! Mali was relatable and easy to like as well. The story showcased her smart and intuitive nature while still giving her a vulnerability that worked nicely with the romance. The heat factor was pretty tame until the very end, so it would appeal to those who like their romances on the lighter side as well. Loved it.
*Review copy provided Forever Romance in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle $5.99 https://amzn.to/2HG9wGw
✿TRUE HEROES SERIES BY PIPER J. DRAKE✿
1. EXTREME HONOR ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/1Jtfcds | Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-3JY
2. ULTIMATE COURAGE ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/2aFTeKJ | Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-5TA
3. ABSOLUTE TRUST ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/2cZwDNB | Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-7q7
4. TOTAL BRAVERY ➢ Amazon https://amzn.to/2HG9wGw
July 25, 2018
Another great read from Piper J Drake.
I love the Hawaian setting and I am looking forward to more.
I love the Hawaian setting and I am looking forward to more.
September 15, 2019
LOVED this book! Such a great story and the adventure just kept on coming. I was hooked from the first page!
Thank you to Forever for a copy. :)
Thank you to Forever for a copy. :)
September 29, 2021
I always like romance with dogs. I think I might have missed some stuff starting with book 4, but nothing that really took away from the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews