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Steele Ridge: The Kingstons #3
Searing Need
To escape a brutal killer, a brilliant researcher teams up with a tortured soldier who poses an even greater threat . . . to her heart.
Her sister might be the law and her brothers the brawn, but Riley Kingston is definitely the brains of the family. She’s a talented botanist well on her way to a PhD—so why does she feel like a failure? Fired from a dream project in Costa Rica, Riley’s stuck back in her hometown. Cataloguing plants on Steele land keeps her busy, but it’s far from compelling work. Until she discovers a fascinating new specimen. One with a body made for pleasure . . . and eyes filled with a pain she longs to understand.
Delta Force operator Coen Monroe doesn’t want to be studied. Not even by the sexy scientist whose inquisitive glances stir up desires he isn’t ready to handle. He came to Steele Ridge to be alone, to battle his nightmares and the memories triggering them. But Riley’s gentle seduction is as relentless as her curiosity. She soothes his wounded soul . . . and fires up his defensive instincts. But when her research sparks a deadly conspiracy, Coen is exactly what she needs.
When Riley is targeted by a sociopath bent on silencing her forever, Coen will do anything to protect her. But can he save the woman he loves without losing himself in the process?
Her sister might be the law and her brothers the brawn, but Riley Kingston is definitely the brains of the family. She’s a talented botanist well on her way to a PhD—so why does she feel like a failure? Fired from a dream project in Costa Rica, Riley’s stuck back in her hometown. Cataloguing plants on Steele land keeps her busy, but it’s far from compelling work. Until she discovers a fascinating new specimen. One with a body made for pleasure . . . and eyes filled with a pain she longs to understand.
Delta Force operator Coen Monroe doesn’t want to be studied. Not even by the sexy scientist whose inquisitive glances stir up desires he isn’t ready to handle. He came to Steele Ridge to be alone, to battle his nightmares and the memories triggering them. But Riley’s gentle seduction is as relentless as her curiosity. She soothes his wounded soul . . . and fires up his defensive instincts. But when her research sparks a deadly conspiracy, Coen is exactly what she needs.
When Riley is targeted by a sociopath bent on silencing her forever, Coen will do anything to protect her. But can he save the woman he loves without losing himself in the process?
372 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2018
580 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Devlyn
37 books399 followersTracey Devlyn is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical suspense, which often contains elements of mystery, romance, and environmental crime.
Despite the thrilling, emotional ride she crafts for her readers, Tracey enjoys an annoyingly normal lifestyle with her husband and rescue dog at her home in the mountains of North Carolina.
For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at https://TraceyDevlyn.com.
Readers can buy books direct at Tracey's online bookshop and get early access to new releases at discounted prices - https://payhip.com/TraceyDevlynBookshop.
Despite the thrilling, emotional ride she crafts for her readers, Tracey enjoys an annoyingly normal lifestyle with her husband and rescue dog at her home in the mountains of North Carolina.
For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at https://TraceyDevlyn.com.
Readers can buy books direct at Tracey's online bookshop and get early access to new releases at discounted prices - https://payhip.com/TraceyDevlynBookshop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 11, 2018
Riley Kingston returned from Costa Rica downtrodden, thinking her dissertation was a failure, and not feeling very good about herself. Her cousin gives her a job working on his land.
Coen Monroe is dealing with severe PTSD from his last Delta Force mission. He has set up camp in the middle of nowhere on his friend’s land. He has 30 days to “work through it” before he can go back to the field. All he wants is to be left alone to deal with his demons.
Riley comes across Coen during her day wandering the property and is immediately drawn to him. Even though he continually tells her to stay away, she returns. He is drawn to her, she has a calming effect on him, but doesn’t feel worthy.
Riley’s naiveté in a couple places is completely unbelievable to me for someone 25 years old, no matter how supposedly sheltered/unworldly they are supposed to be. I literally stumbled over them, reread them, and commented out loud while shaking my head.
I just didn’t see the relationship between these two working out. There are a couple sweet moments but I just didn’t feel it. The ending comes across as a possibly HFN not an HEA, and is going to take a lot of work on both sides. Not totally impossible, just highly unlikely.
I loved the banter and stories between siblings and cousins. I actually laughed out loud a couple times.
I enjoyed a previous book in this series by this author but this book fell short for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the author.
Coen Monroe is dealing with severe PTSD from his last Delta Force mission. He has set up camp in the middle of nowhere on his friend’s land. He has 30 days to “work through it” before he can go back to the field. All he wants is to be left alone to deal with his demons.
Riley comes across Coen during her day wandering the property and is immediately drawn to him. Even though he continually tells her to stay away, she returns. He is drawn to her, she has a calming effect on him, but doesn’t feel worthy.
Riley’s naiveté in a couple places is completely unbelievable to me for someone 25 years old, no matter how supposedly sheltered/unworldly they are supposed to be. I literally stumbled over them, reread them, and commented out loud while shaking my head.
I just didn’t see the relationship between these two working out. There are a couple sweet moments but I just didn’t feel it. The ending comes across as a possibly HFN not an HEA, and is going to take a lot of work on both sides. Not totally impossible, just highly unlikely.
I loved the banter and stories between siblings and cousins. I actually laughed out loud a couple times.
I enjoyed a previous book in this series by this author but this book fell short for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the author.
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November 13, 2018
Searing Need by Tracey Devlyn
Steele Ridge: The Kingstons #3
Curiosity and book smarts do not necessarily give Riley Kingston the intelligence to see a dangerous situation and leave it alone. Hear a scream – run to it – and then not run away when a scary man appears. See poachers – confront them instead of sending for help. Be told there might be a threat and pooh-pooh it as unlikely and be upset with the male testosterone that is roused in males of her family. That said, Riley IS able to think on her feet and is no shrinking violet.
Coen and Riley get off to a rocky start as he tries to deal with a bad case of PTSD. They do grow close as they get to know one another, deal with the mystery of a package sent to her from her last research job in Ecuador, thwart a few bad guys and come to terms with how to move forward in the future.
What I liked:
* Riley’s personality and family
* Coen’s unflinching ability to do what needs to be done even when suffering
* The relationship between Riley and Coen that develops through the story
* The Kingston-Steele family support network
* The thwarting of the bad guys
* The fact that there are more stories to be told that I get to read.
What I did not like:
* The bad guys – but then I was meant not to like them ;)
* The HFN instead of HEA ending that left me wondering if…
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Steele Ridge: The Kingstons #3
Curiosity and book smarts do not necessarily give Riley Kingston the intelligence to see a dangerous situation and leave it alone. Hear a scream – run to it – and then not run away when a scary man appears. See poachers – confront them instead of sending for help. Be told there might be a threat and pooh-pooh it as unlikely and be upset with the male testosterone that is roused in males of her family. That said, Riley IS able to think on her feet and is no shrinking violet.
Coen and Riley get off to a rocky start as he tries to deal with a bad case of PTSD. They do grow close as they get to know one another, deal with the mystery of a package sent to her from her last research job in Ecuador, thwart a few bad guys and come to terms with how to move forward in the future.
What I liked:
* Riley’s personality and family
* Coen’s unflinching ability to do what needs to be done even when suffering
* The relationship between Riley and Coen that develops through the story
* The Kingston-Steele family support network
* The thwarting of the bad guys
* The fact that there are more stories to be told that I get to read.
What I did not like:
* The bad guys – but then I was meant not to like them ;)
* The HFN instead of HEA ending that left me wondering if…
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
November 11, 2018
Riley Kingston is feeling defeated after her failure in Coasta Rica. Now she's back home and working at the Steeles' wild life research center. While surveying the area she sees Coen Monroe. He wants to be alone to deal with his emotional issues caused by the death of his team. I loved how Riley and Coen formed a connection. They are both dealing with emotional issues. Their chemistry is powerful. When Riley becomes a killer's target, Coen becomes her protector. I liked that he was there for her even as he suffered with PTSD. It was amazing how her presence soothed his soul. Coming back to Steele Ridge and see familiar characters is exciting. The story is filled with suspense as well as romance. Tracey Devlyn kept me on the edge of my seat. Just be aware that there are some descriptions of violence that might be upsetting.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
June 29, 2020
3.5 stars. The writing and story were very excellent. Unfortunately, the editing didn't catch inconsistencies that took me out of the story. Without these, I would have given it 5 stars. I will try another one of Ms. Devlyn's books, hoping that the editing is better.
April 10, 2021
Well this was a freaking mess. I liked the overall concept, but was massively let down by the time the introduction was over (about 2-4 chapters in).
The concept in the blurb was fairly straight forward, but the execution in story was poor and messy and garbled.
Also for a supposedly Genius Character Riley was a massive dumbass.
Because, WHO IN THE FUCK STAYS IN A HOUSE WHERE THEY SUSPECT SOMEONE HAS BROKEN INTO!? It’s just too stupid for words, and no amount of Pride or Stubbornness can change that.
Also at what point was it determined the dude was an obsessive stalker??? Because initially that was NEVER ESTABLISHED. He was a creeper for sure but we never actually saw his “tribute wall to Riley” so why just randomly start saying he’s obsessing, when it was NEVER ESTABLISHED!!! He spied on her ONCE publicly, and maybe a few times from the shadows though its bot explicit or even really mentioned again, and was a real creep when introduced, but nothing to suggest STALKER. No weird gifts. No hang up calls, no randomly showing up when she conveniently needs help. Just random comments and then the statement that has no basis in the story.
This was REALLY poorly written like EVERY OTHER book in this writers on going series and all it shows is poor writing skill and underwhelming research into various topics (mostly how crimes and other actions can be interpreted). DISAPPOINTED.
The concept in the blurb was fairly straight forward, but the execution in story was poor and messy and garbled.
Also for a supposedly Genius Character Riley was a massive dumbass.
Because, WHO IN THE FUCK STAYS IN A HOUSE WHERE THEY SUSPECT SOMEONE HAS BROKEN INTO!? It’s just too stupid for words, and no amount of Pride or Stubbornness can change that.
Also at what point was it determined the dude was an obsessive stalker??? Because initially that was NEVER ESTABLISHED. He was a creeper for sure but we never actually saw his “tribute wall to Riley” so why just randomly start saying he’s obsessing, when it was NEVER ESTABLISHED!!! He spied on her ONCE publicly, and maybe a few times from the shadows though its bot explicit or even really mentioned again, and was a real creep when introduced, but nothing to suggest STALKER. No weird gifts. No hang up calls, no randomly showing up when she conveniently needs help. Just random comments and then the statement that has no basis in the story.
This was REALLY poorly written like EVERY OTHER book in this writers on going series and all it shows is poor writing skill and underwhelming research into various topics (mostly how crimes and other actions can be interpreted). DISAPPOINTED.
December 5, 2018
Searing Need
WOW! Another great story of the Kingston family. This story is about Riley and Coen. Riley is a feisty and very independent woman. Riley stumbles upon Coen when she heard a scream. Coen is a tortured soul who tries to rid himself of his night terrors. As these two get to figure each other out, Riley doesn't realize she is in danger until it is upon her. Coen feels the need to protect her from the danger and himself. As the time passes, these two start to fall in love with each other. Coen finally comes to grips with his night terrors and is able to give his former teammate's mother the message that she left. Coen is finally able to get peace with the help of Riley. I am happy that these two found their happily ever after. FANTASTIC job Tracey! I would highly recommend this book.
WOW! Another great story of the Kingston family. This story is about Riley and Coen. Riley is a feisty and very independent woman. Riley stumbles upon Coen when she heard a scream. Coen is a tortured soul who tries to rid himself of his night terrors. As these two get to figure each other out, Riley doesn't realize she is in danger until it is upon her. Coen feels the need to protect her from the danger and himself. As the time passes, these two start to fall in love with each other. Coen finally comes to grips with his night terrors and is able to give his former teammate's mother the message that she left. Coen is finally able to get peace with the help of Riley. I am happy that these two found their happily ever after. FANTASTIC job Tracey! I would highly recommend this book.
June 2, 2020
I love the Steele Ridge Series. Riley is back home after her research in Costa Rica has been cancelled. I love how Riley is so curious and asks all kinds of questions. I felt bad that she thought she would never be with a man because she has not found one that she can concentrate on and her mind not think about all her plants. It was very different how she met Coen. Poor Coen is at her cousins facility camping in the woods and trying to get over a mission that went bad. I was glad to see that Riley was just what Coen needed. I would love to have a family like a Riley and how they protect each other. I was glad Coen has the skills he does as he senses Riley is in trouble. There are secrets that need to come out and could cause horrible things to happen to Riley. I loved the suspense. I strongly encourage you to read the book.
February 26, 2021
This is the third book in The Kingstons series of Steele Ridge. While it is not necessary to read the Steeles, it does help to know the characters and the roles they played in their respective books.
All Riley has wanted to do was be someone important in her field. Now that the project she was working on is shut down, she's out in the woods counting the flora and fauna for her cousins conservation center.
Coen is haunted by his last mission. He's taken a leave of absence to help clear his mind. It's not working, until he finds himself being watched by Riley.
There is a delicate balance between the two - until it's clear that Riley's life is in danger and Coen will do anything to keep her safe.
I really enjoyed reading this story. Coen's story broke my heart, but the end scene with the general, brought tears to my eyes.
I can't wait for the next story!
All Riley has wanted to do was be someone important in her field. Now that the project she was working on is shut down, she's out in the woods counting the flora and fauna for her cousins conservation center.
Coen is haunted by his last mission. He's taken a leave of absence to help clear his mind. It's not working, until he finds himself being watched by Riley.
There is a delicate balance between the two - until it's clear that Riley's life is in danger and Coen will do anything to keep her safe.
I really enjoyed reading this story. Coen's story broke my heart, but the end scene with the general, brought tears to my eyes.
I can't wait for the next story!
August 16, 2022
Riley may look like a mild-mannered ethnobotanist, but she sure has a lot of pluck. When she encounters a naked man camping on her cousin's land, she doesn't turn tail and run, she wants to know more. Why is he there, what is he doing, does her cousin know about him? When she doesn't get answers from her cousins, she takes matters into her own hands. Coen just wants to be left alone. He isn't fit company for anyone, and this woman has no sense of preservation. Coen is battling demons, but Riley has a way of soothing him. Can he ever be a man she could be with? When a psycho comes after Riley, Coen knows that he has to protect her at all costs. Only she doesn't want to be protected and doesn't want to make her problems his, He has enough to worry about. She doesn't even want her family to help her. She has had enough of overbearing family. What to do?
May 23, 2020
Wow! I think this is my first book by Tracey Devlyn but won't be my last. Ms. Devlyn has provided readers with a well-written book. The characters are outstanding. Riley is home after her project in Costa Rica is shut down. Now she spends her time cataloguing plants. Coen is on leave from the military trying to get his PTSD under control, camping in the same area that Riley is working. Riley and Coen's story is packed with drama, humor, sexy bits, action and suspense. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover and look forward to reading more from Tracey Devlyn soon. Searing Need is book 3 of Steel Ridge: The Kingstons Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
December 21, 2018
Wounded warrior meets scientist
Didn’t know much about Riley before this book but I like her curiosity about everything. And she’s not a menace like her family calls her. She’s a very intelligent person who’s brain is constantly moving and learning and figuring out things.
Coen is a very wounded warrior. He’s been through a lot and just wanted some R&R in the woods to recover from a mission gone horribly bad. But he piques Riley’s curiosity and that’s all it took.
Very good story with an intriguing mystery. Definitely a nice addition to the Steele Ridge series.
Didn’t know much about Riley before this book but I like her curiosity about everything. And she’s not a menace like her family calls her. She’s a very intelligent person who’s brain is constantly moving and learning and figuring out things.
Coen is a very wounded warrior. He’s been through a lot and just wanted some R&R in the woods to recover from a mission gone horribly bad. But he piques Riley’s curiosity and that’s all it took.
Very good story with an intriguing mystery. Definitely a nice addition to the Steele Ridge series.
May 16, 2020
I enjoyed this story until the end. Then it just got silly. Riley kept inserting herself into ridiculous situations putting both herself and Coen in danger. Real TSTL moments. I also expected Coen, with his extensive military training, to beat the absolute crap out of a killer/stalker scientist and fully protect Riley from getting hurt, even with her stupid moves. Instead, he gets caught off guard more than once, Nick wins several battles and Riley is hurt pretty bad. Riley was just too naive and I liked Coen a lot but wouldn't want him protecting me.
June 19, 2020
Surprise Introduction
I selected this book not really aware that it was in the middle of everything. However, I really enjoyed it and it functioned as effectively as a standalone. I have a soft spit for reality based stories of our soldiers. Ones in which they become overcomers as well as amazing soldiers. This was a geeat read. The characters were well defined and the storyline was clear, exciting, and well timed. I was a bit surprised at the length but it never drifted and I never once wondered when it would be over.
I selected this book not really aware that it was in the middle of everything. However, I really enjoyed it and it functioned as effectively as a standalone. I have a soft spit for reality based stories of our soldiers. Ones in which they become overcomers as well as amazing soldiers. This was a geeat read. The characters were well defined and the storyline was clear, exciting, and well timed. I was a bit surprised at the length but it never drifted and I never once wondered when it would be over.
May 19, 2020
This is the first story in a long time that really struck a chord with me. The emotions and passion for the characters runs deep and covers a very strong topic. My only misgivings were in the heroes actually abilities when it came to subduing bad guys. He was built up to be so much more even though he was fighting an internal battle at the same time. Character development was strong, plot flowed smoothly, editing was superb, and the passion was strong. A truly enjoyable read!
May 20, 2020
Maybe I’m not into ethnobotany, but the whole first half of the book dragged for me. I do most stopped reading it. Second half was much better, full of action and romance, but the ending made me say “Wait, what?” The resolution for Coen made sense, but for Riley, it wrapped up in a paragraph or two and “they made a plan.” Very unsatisfying and felt like it needed a wrap up for the wrap up. Way too many questions.
November 11, 2018
4.25 stars—
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 9, 2018
To escape a brutal killer, a brilliant researcher teams up with a tortured soldier who poses an even greater threat . . . to her heart.
Her sister might be the law and her brothers the brawn, but Riley Kingston is definitely the brains of the family. She’s a talented botanist well on her way to a PhD—so why does she feel like a failure? Fired from a dream project in Costa Rica, Riley’s stuck back in her hometown. Cataloguing plants on Steele land keeps her busy, but it’s far from compelling work. Until she discovers a fascinating new specimen. One with a body made for pleasure . . . and eyes filled with a pain she longs to understand.
Delta Force operator Coen Monroe doesn’t want to be studied. Not even by the sexy scientist whose inquisitive glances stir up desires he isn’t ready to handle. He came to Steele Ridge to be alone, to battle his nightmares and the memories triggering them. But Riley’s gentle seduction is as relentless as her curiosity. She soothes his wounded soul . . . and fires up his defensive instincts. But when her research sparks a deadly conspiracy, Coen is exactly what she needs.
When Riley is targeted by a sociopath bent on silencing her forever, Coen will do anything to protect her. But can he save the woman he loves without losing himself in the process?
•••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--SEARING NEED by Tracey Devlyn is the third instalment in the multi-authored STEELE RIDGE: THE KINGSTONS romantic suspense series-a spin off from the authors’ STEELE RIDGE series. This is ethnobotanist Riley Kingston, and Delta Force operator Coen Monroe’s story line. SEARING NEED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment or original series is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: SEARING NEED contains scenes of graphic violence and torture, and may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.
Told from several third person perspectives including Riley and Coen, SEARING NEED follows the building romance and relationship between is ethnobotanist Riley Kingston, and Delta Force operator Coen Monroe. Riley Kingston’s life spiralled out of control when she was abruptly sent home in the middle of a Costa Rican research project. When her cousin Britt Steele offered her a job ‘cataloguing’ the local vegetation on the family-owned Steele-Shepherd Wildlife Research Center, our heroine never expected to run into a naked man, apparently squatting on the family land. Enter Delta Force operator Coen Monroe, and the man with whom Riley will fall in love. What ensues is the building but combative relationship between Riley and Coen, and the potential fall-out as Coen struggles with severe PTSD, and Riley’s past is threatening any chance for a happily ever after.
Three months earlier Delta Force operator Coen Monroe witnessed horrific atrocities on his last mission to South America, a mission where he lost everything including his peace of mind. Unable to move forward Coen was offered some alone time by friend and fellow soldier Reed Steele, at the Steele-Shepherd Wildlife Research Center, time Coen spent struggling with memories of the past. Running into Coen Monroe found our heroine more than intrigued about the who, how and why of Coen’s past but Riley Kingston never expected to fall in love with the damaged and broken Coen Monroe, love that will be tested when Riley’s past seeks something Riley doesn’t have.
The relationship between Riley and Coen is slow to develop as Coen struggles with social interactions as he battles the demons that control his life. Riley is determined to help the man with whom she is falling in love but sometimes the demons are too hard to control. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Britt Steele and Randi Shepherd; Reid Steele; Gage Barber; Riley’s sister and local sheriff Maggie, and their brothers, Cash, and Shep aka Harris Kingston. We are introduced to Riley’s former co-workers Nick Landry, Dr. Hathaway, and Camilla; as well as Coen’s commanders General Delarosa and Colonel Walsh.
The world building focuses on the post traumatic stress of soldiers returning from war: their inability to let go of the horrendous atrocities witnessed, and the torture inflicted as prisoners of war. A heart breaking disorder with little to no cure, PTSD is central to Coen’s relationship with Riley, as our heroine struggles to accept the probability that Coen may be damaged for the rest of his life.
SEARING NEED is a raw, real and gritty story line of one soldier’s battle to get on with his life, and one woman’s endeavour to save the man that she loves. The premise is thought provoking and strong; the characters are complex, spirited and flawed; the romance is spirited and moving. SEARING NEED does not end on a happily ever after but on a happily ever after-for now, as our couple embark on separate journeys in an effort to move forward in their respective lives. The reveal as to the person responsible for the threats against our heroine’s life is predictable but entertaining, none the less.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 9, 2018
To escape a brutal killer, a brilliant researcher teams up with a tortured soldier who poses an even greater threat . . . to her heart.
Her sister might be the law and her brothers the brawn, but Riley Kingston is definitely the brains of the family. She’s a talented botanist well on her way to a PhD—so why does she feel like a failure? Fired from a dream project in Costa Rica, Riley’s stuck back in her hometown. Cataloguing plants on Steele land keeps her busy, but it’s far from compelling work. Until she discovers a fascinating new specimen. One with a body made for pleasure . . . and eyes filled with a pain she longs to understand.
Delta Force operator Coen Monroe doesn’t want to be studied. Not even by the sexy scientist whose inquisitive glances stir up desires he isn’t ready to handle. He came to Steele Ridge to be alone, to battle his nightmares and the memories triggering them. But Riley’s gentle seduction is as relentless as her curiosity. She soothes his wounded soul . . . and fires up his defensive instincts. But when her research sparks a deadly conspiracy, Coen is exactly what she needs.
When Riley is targeted by a sociopath bent on silencing her forever, Coen will do anything to protect her. But can he save the woman he loves without losing himself in the process?
•••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--SEARING NEED by Tracey Devlyn is the third instalment in the multi-authored STEELE RIDGE: THE KINGSTONS romantic suspense series-a spin off from the authors’ STEELE RIDGE series. This is ethnobotanist Riley Kingston, and Delta Force operator Coen Monroe’s story line. SEARING NEED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment or original series is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: SEARING NEED contains scenes of graphic violence and torture, and may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.
Told from several third person perspectives including Riley and Coen, SEARING NEED follows the building romance and relationship between is ethnobotanist Riley Kingston, and Delta Force operator Coen Monroe. Riley Kingston’s life spiralled out of control when she was abruptly sent home in the middle of a Costa Rican research project. When her cousin Britt Steele offered her a job ‘cataloguing’ the local vegetation on the family-owned Steele-Shepherd Wildlife Research Center, our heroine never expected to run into a naked man, apparently squatting on the family land. Enter Delta Force operator Coen Monroe, and the man with whom Riley will fall in love. What ensues is the building but combative relationship between Riley and Coen, and the potential fall-out as Coen struggles with severe PTSD, and Riley’s past is threatening any chance for a happily ever after.
Three months earlier Delta Force operator Coen Monroe witnessed horrific atrocities on his last mission to South America, a mission where he lost everything including his peace of mind. Unable to move forward Coen was offered some alone time by friend and fellow soldier Reed Steele, at the Steele-Shepherd Wildlife Research Center, time Coen spent struggling with memories of the past. Running into Coen Monroe found our heroine more than intrigued about the who, how and why of Coen’s past but Riley Kingston never expected to fall in love with the damaged and broken Coen Monroe, love that will be tested when Riley’s past seeks something Riley doesn’t have.
The relationship between Riley and Coen is slow to develop as Coen struggles with social interactions as he battles the demons that control his life. Riley is determined to help the man with whom she is falling in love but sometimes the demons are too hard to control. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Britt Steele and Randi Shepherd; Reid Steele; Gage Barber; Riley’s sister and local sheriff Maggie, and their brothers, Cash, and Shep aka Harris Kingston. We are introduced to Riley’s former co-workers Nick Landry, Dr. Hathaway, and Camilla; as well as Coen’s commanders General Delarosa and Colonel Walsh.
The world building focuses on the post traumatic stress of soldiers returning from war: their inability to let go of the horrendous atrocities witnessed, and the torture inflicted as prisoners of war. A heart breaking disorder with little to no cure, PTSD is central to Coen’s relationship with Riley, as our heroine struggles to accept the probability that Coen may be damaged for the rest of his life.
SEARING NEED is a raw, real and gritty story line of one soldier’s battle to get on with his life, and one woman’s endeavour to save the man that she loves. The premise is thought provoking and strong; the characters are complex, spirited and flawed; the romance is spirited and moving. SEARING NEED does not end on a happily ever after but on a happily ever after-for now, as our couple embark on separate journeys in an effort to move forward in their respective lives. The reveal as to the person responsible for the threats against our heroine’s life is predictable but entertaining, none the less.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
November 14, 2018
Loved it!
I just loved Coen and Riley story!! It kelp you on The edge of your seat and wanting more the whole time. I loved how they have a connection from the start and how Riley helped him by reading to him at night!! How Coen wanted to protect her in every way!! I would recommend this book to anyone q
I just loved Coen and Riley story!! It kelp you on The edge of your seat and wanting more the whole time. I loved how they have a connection from the start and how Riley helped him by reading to him at night!! How Coen wanted to protect her in every way!! I would recommend this book to anyone q
May 31, 2020
Very good read
This had plenty of action and heart. Coen, is a man torn by the past but still a strong hero for our slightly wacky heroine who likes to live dangerously. Well written, nice pace, humour and very much inclined to placing importance on family, this was a very entertaining and enjoyable book and a moorish series.
This had plenty of action and heart. Coen, is a man torn by the past but still a strong hero for our slightly wacky heroine who likes to live dangerously. Well written, nice pace, humour and very much inclined to placing importance on family, this was a very entertaining and enjoyable book and a moorish series.
November 11, 2018
What a captivating story which caught my attention from start to finish.
This was well written with plenty of intrigue, action and of course a sizzling attraction between Coen and Riley. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend this book.
This was well written with plenty of intrigue, action and of course a sizzling attraction between Coen and Riley. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend this book.
January 8, 2019
Fabulous series
The Kingston’s and the Steele ridge clan are wonderful! Love reading about this clan , and that you get a bit of all in each book Coen & Reilly’s story was just as good as the last these ladies do a great job working together on theses series
The Kingston’s and the Steele ridge clan are wonderful! Love reading about this clan , and that you get a bit of all in each book Coen & Reilly’s story was just as good as the last these ladies do a great job working together on theses series
March 13, 2019
Wow!
That was a powerful story of love,loss and tragedy. My heart broke for Coen and what he had to endure. Tears fell as he healed and found love with Riley. Grab this book and a box of tissues 💞
That was a powerful story of love,loss and tragedy. My heart broke for Coen and what he had to endure. Tears fell as he healed and found love with Riley. Grab this book and a box of tissues 💞
August 31, 2019
Nice Read!
I enjoyed reading this book! I loved the connection between Riley and Coen! But I hated the fact that she was so head strong that when a soldier tells you to stay put to keep you safe, you have to defy him because you feel that what you can do tribute is better than what a trained soldier can do! That made me mad all thru this book because Riley was very stubborn! Other than that, I enjoyed this read and others will too!
I enjoyed reading this book! I loved the connection between Riley and Coen! But I hated the fact that she was so head strong that when a soldier tells you to stay put to keep you safe, you have to defy him because you feel that what you can do tribute is better than what a trained soldier can do! That made me mad all thru this book because Riley was very stubborn! Other than that, I enjoyed this read and others will too!
May 15, 2020
I like strong heroines who live by their own dictates, and heroes who are majorly messed up and think they are beyond ever living a normal life. They'll always be a bit wounded but they find peace through life with another. Fast moving and looking forward to reading more of this series.
May 17, 2020
Love this story !
Interested from the beginning, as the story continued, I was totally captured! I really found the story interesting about how Coen’s PTSD worked and what triggered it - so devastating! Riley is perfect for him, and the General was so heartbreaking...GREAT
READ !
Interested from the beginning, as the story continued, I was totally captured! I really found the story interesting about how Coen’s PTSD worked and what triggered it - so devastating! Riley is perfect for him, and the General was so heartbreaking...GREAT
READ !
May 21, 2020
.mission
They both have have suffered due to a mission. Him more then her. Hers follows her back home. He is trying to put his mind back together. Little does he know she is the key. She finds out. Just because she is a odd duck. She deserves to find love.
They both have have suffered due to a mission. Him more then her. Hers follows her back home. He is trying to put his mind back together. Little does he know she is the key. She finds out. Just because she is a odd duck. She deserves to find love.
May 27, 2020
Wonderful!
Lots of action and suspense! Riley was a great character and Coen was fantastic! Come was dealing with PTSD and we got the story of what caused it but by bit. Riley was so supportive and I loved the chemistry between the two. Great story!
Lots of action and suspense! Riley was a great character and Coen was fantastic! Come was dealing with PTSD and we got the story of what caused it but by bit. Riley was so supportive and I loved the chemistry between the two. Great story!
June 2, 2020
Romantic suspense and so much more!!!
Riley and Coen's will break your heart, heal it, and then make you feel like you're on The Scrambler with no one there to stop the ride.
Happy reading : )
Riley and Coen's will break your heart, heal it, and then make you feel like you're on The Scrambler with no one there to stop the ride.
Happy reading : )
August 8, 2020
This book with these characters did not work for me. I found these situations unbelievable. The ending was not only unrealistic but I would hope that no one would put a Delta Force soldier back in leadership with this many unresolved issues.
May 31, 2025
Another winner in this series. It really brings you closer to the real world PTSD with our military. Find out how one soldier with the help of a girl he met in the forest can over come his episodes.
Again, family is everything in this book too!
Again, family is everything in this book too!
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