HONOR—RESPECT—TRUST—LOVE
Among one of my favorite authors, Piper Stone is a storyteller that keeps me entertained with her larger than life characters, heart-stopping scenes, and in the midst of danger, there is a romance that burns hotter than the fires these Smokejumpers battle. I love the drama, the angst, the suspense, the passion, and the small town loyalty of the people in Missoula. The story will read well as a stand-alone, but it does have many key characters from previous stories that their stories intertwine with this one. Having read each one of these books, I was so happy to see Boone Martin’s story and the very special lady who comes into his life, Dr. Stasha Parker, veterinarian.
Boone Martin has some hidden talents that will be revealed in this story. He hails from Texas, and competed in the rodeo and won many competitions. He will decide to compete in tryouts along with his horse, Blaze, and qualify for the next round. Another secret that comes to light will be useful in his career with the Smokejumpers.
Dr. Stasha Parker left her life in San Francisco, California and had moved to Missoula, Montana when she needs a change in her life. She liked what she saw of the area, the beauty of the mountains, and has started her own veterinarian practice. She will be hired to work the two days for the rodeo advent making sure the animals are safe and be available for any injuries that could occur.
The plot will have Stasha and Boone meeting at the rodeo, and then again when he is woken by gunshots and goes next door to the neighboring ranch and finds Stasha rescuing abandoned puppies. He will convince her to follow him to his ranch and house the puppies overnight for her. There is a connection and attraction between these two.
The story will take on several harrowing scenes, including when there is a major fire at another horse ranch that has spread and the Smokejumpers are called in to assist. When the fire is out-of-control, and they are trapped, it becomes a life and death situation that they may not survive. The wives and girlfriends will wait together, and news will go from bad to good. It is a very emotional scene and realistic of the dangers these Smokejumpers face fighting forest fires.
Stasha has a past she is trying to escape, and then she has made new enemies at the rodeo, now she is getting threats. Trouble is coming and not knowing who the enemy is, makes it more difficult. Secrets she has kept from Boone will eventually come to light. Has her past caught up with her?
“We all have issues. We all have secrets.”
“Let’s just say that nightmares do exist. I wish I had your strength. Your belief.”
“Take my hand. I will be your lover, your protector and the man who keeps you safe. I will also be the man who provides the parameters you need. That is if you accept. Pain and pleasure. Anguish and ecstasy. They are very important.”
As with all of Ms. Stone’s books, she has an amazing way of keeping you guessing, sharing bits and pieces, giving you just enough information and allowing you to work on piecing the puzzle together. With this story, a local sadistic, arrogant family will eventually be revealed. The story, just like all the others, has plenty of mystery and suspense, with a sinister plot, evil-mastermind, plenty of fires, and even murders and attempted murder. The Jackals will be busy with fires that threaten the city and several of the neighboring ranches, including one of their own team members The story does have several spanking and explicit sex scenes, with an HEA ending.