EXPLOSIVE FORCE by Lynette Eason is the sixth book in the Military K-9 Unit series. It’s the wonderfully written story of First Lieutenant Heidi Jenks, news reporter for CAF News on Canyon Air Force Base in the Hill Country of Texas.
Although the search is still on for the Red Rose Killer, Heidi is covering the break-ins that seem to revolve around the thief of military metals although collectibles and cash are often taken as well. While out on her job, she spots a suspicious character leaving a building. Just as he’s taking off a ski mask, he realizes that he has been seen by Heidi. After a moment hesitation, he runs off. Thinking it odd and after recent events, Heidi yells at a soldier exiting the same K9 training center to run as she does the same. Seconds later, there is an explosion within the building. The soldier she had warned, Airman Bobby Stevens, sustained injuries that sent him to the hospital. Heidi’s injures, although painful, weren’t as bad. Had she just seen the Red Rose Killer everyone was looking for?
First Lieutenant Nick Donovan, part of Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit, working with his K-9, a bloodhound named Annie, is one of the first on the scene. He has a distaste for reporters from an incident years ago involving his mother, so questioning Heidi automatically has his defenses up and distrusting her high on his list. Yes, he’d noticed her around base, but between his feelings towards reporters and rumors that she was the anonymous blogger leaking important details in the Red Rose Killer investigation, he is leery of anything she tells him. After Heidi is the recipient of one the infamous red roses, Base commander Lt General Nathan Hall tells Nick to take protective duty for Heidi’s safety. Nick must man up and forego his feelings and protect Heidi from all impending dangers. Spending time with her won’t be a chore if not for her occupation.
Heidi is of tough reporter stock and not one to forego her job because of a little danger slug her way. She’s also determined to prove she isn’t the blogger leaking information and to show she is a good and honest reporter with integrity. Her father’s quote keeps her moving forward, no matter how hard times get. - “Truth, baby girl. Nothing’s more important than exposing lies and bringing truth to light. Keep your focus where it should be. Don’t step on people to get to the top. Don’t excuse people who do wrong no matter who they are – and you’ll do just fine.” Then why is it so important that Nick believe her? Does she dare dream of the happily ever after that everyone around her seems to have found?
Can Nick get over events of the past and not paint all reporters with the same brush? Maybe he needs to remember - ““Life comes with a guarantee of pain. Its how you deal with it that matters.” Nick learns how decent and honest Heidi is through her words and actions, which makes his job to protect her all the more serious once personal feelings enter the picture. Does he even dare to think of opening himself up to someone else again and take the chance that history won’t repeat itself? Can he put something front and center in his life over catching the Red Rose Killer?
EXPLOSIVE FORCE is a fabulous inspirational romance that will have your quickly turning pages as Heidi and Nick struggle to find a mutual connection and see that justice is done. You will be shaking your head at their orneriness one minute. Then hoping they can work through their differences the next in order for them to see what is right in front of them. Love the way the Red Rose Killer is woven within the story keeping your hopes up that he will finally be caught and the K9’s found. At the same time, it doesn’t take away from the story developed in this book of the series making it definitely possible to be read as a standalone book. Definitely FIVE STARS for both book and author!