Second in Command

Fairview Station #2

by V.K. Powell, Hollis Elizabeth (Narrator)

Lieutenant Jazz Perry finds a young girl wandering the downtown streets alone late at night. As the child becomes attached to her, Jazz is reminded of her own experiences in foster care and takes a personal interest even when she knows she should maintain professional distance.

Social worker Emory Blake is good at her job helping children in challenging situations. She believes in the system and knows it works if you let it. When Jazz starts interfering in the case and bypassing the rules, Emory is torn between her responsibilities and an unwelcome attraction she can’t deny.

When on the job responsibilities collide with desires of the heart, becoming personally involved is the only choice.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Butch Femme, Audiobook, Lesbian Fiction, Gay, LGBT

8 pages, Audible Audio

First published December 11, 2018

About the author

As a thirty-year law enforcement veteran, VK Powell brings a rare level of authenticity to her novels of romantic intrigue. Her career spanned numerous positions including beat cop, homicide detective, vice/narcotics lieutenant, and assistant chief of police. Now retired, VK infuses her writing with the wealth of experience she gained in police work.

VK is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Rainbow Romance Writers, and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She has penned several novels and short stories featuring strong women who struggle with the timeless question: can you really have it all?

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. This is the second book in Powell’s Fairview Station series. I liked the first book and remembered being one of many reviewers who was hoping for a sequel. The family of three sisters, two cops and one doctor, were just screaming for each person to get their own book. The first book is about Bennett and this book was about Jazz. It would be good to read these in order since the characters do overlap. However, the story is contained enough that you could start here if you had too. For me this book was even better than the first.

I really liked the feel of this book. While it was angsty at times, it was more the kind of angst the characters needed to work on together with. These characters actually communicated which was so nice to see. There was plenty going on to keep the pages turning and the characters spinning without having to force any angst.

My one slight issue is this story is pretty insta-lovey. I am not a fan of insta-love. It wasn’t super quick in this book, but it was pretty fast. My honest take was I just didn’t care. I loved the character of Jazz and wanted her to be happy and stupidly in love so screw my normal objections. So overall I did enjoy the romance. Plus, the sex scenes were good like in almost all of Powell’s books.

Besides the romance and interesting jobs the characters have, once again the Carlyle family stole the show. The secondary characters in this series are excellent. It’s hard not to fall in love with this family. There is one sister left who is the doctor, and she promised never to date a cop, so I’m thinking that is book three’s storyline right there. At least I hope so as I will defiantly read it.

An ARC was given to me for a honest review.

[Joc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this even though I haven’t read the first in the series. I will go back and read it for enjoyment rather than necessity. Jasmine (Jazz) Perry is a lieutenant in the Greensboro Police Department where her sister is the Captain. One night she rescues an 11-year-old girl, Shea, from being chased by a dog and quickly ascertains that she is in and out of the system thanks to the neglect of her father. Having taken her to the hospital for a check-up she finds herself face-to-face with gorgeous Emory Blake.

Emory is a case-worker for CPS and takes her responsibility very seriously, having a strong belief that the rules are there to protect all concerned. An impending move to privatise all CPS adoption responsibilities has Emory on edge, not only because it might mean the loss of her job but also because she worries that the frontrunner in the bid may not be in the best interests of the children.

Emory is older than Jazz and portrayed as a woman with a Rubenesque figure. This is one of the things I really liked about this novel. I find it sad that it’s such a rarity in lesfic and just as sad that, more often than not, the character has to deal with feelings of insecurity around their fuller figure (which, I suppose, is fairly realistic). Emory sees herself in competition for Jazz’s affection when she’s pitted against the model-like perfection of Karen, the lead bidder for CPS’s adoption services.

The story centres around Shea and her safety with regards to her negligent father and foster care rather than a crime/murder mystery. This in one of the things I really appreciated because I feel as though I’ve read too many novels recently with bodies littered across the pages. Jazz wants the pain of being in the foster system limited where Shea is concerned and is prepared to bend the rules to ensure it. Emory doesn’t believe in bending the rules and Karen is falling over herself to help Jazz.

So, more romance than crime (no skop, skiet en donder), some difference in the characters, good tension without manufactured drama, great cast of secondary characters, lots of chemistry and hot sex scenes. It worked for me.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

[Samantha Luce · Rating 4 out of 5]

VK Powell is a very good writer. You can't go wrong if you pick up one of her titles. The relationships are always well crafted and usually the sex is pretty darn hot. Also it's not just about the leads falling in love. There's a plot too. :) The only detraction for me here is the instalove. It's interesting that there's an age gap and the one character feels she has an imperfect body, but still they fall in love almost the second they re-meet. Overall a satisfying lesfic title.

ARC received for an honest review.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

I haven't really bought many books this month as kU has been enough to sustain my reading thirst but after reading the sample of this book I was intrigued enough to buy it. The main character are Jazz (35/36) and Emory (48/49). I liked the main characters and even the secondary characters but the relationship between Emory and Jazz was just too much hot and cold and I didnt think the reason was protrayed enough to me make it fit. Not that I dont think the reason for Emory's insecurities were nit justified but the extent just wasnt portrayed enough for me ti feel it especually for the amount of angst she was causing. I also felt Jazz was a bit too naive for what was going on with her, Karen, and Emory. Regardless, the story wa swell written and the Carlyle family itself is one that makes scenes with them enjoyable.
I will say I did enjoy the book but i wasn't wow'ed enough to really like it. Fans of Powell will enjoy this i think.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved reading Second in Command by VK Powell. This is the second book in the Fairview Station series, but don’t worry if you haven’t read the first one. This book can be read as a standalone book.

This story centers around Lieutenant Jazz Perry, adopted daughter of the Carlyle family, social worker Emory Blake, and a young at-risk child named Shea Spencer, who has been in and out of the foster care system. There are a good many secondary characters, both good and bad. Those of you who have already read the first book will meet several familiar faces. All of the characters are well-drawn, realistic and likeable (except the bad guys of course). I liked that the author let the characters have flaws, both physically and socially. They weren’t all super thin models with unrealistic bodies and perfect histories. It was refreshing to see more realistic characters still described as beautiful.

There is mystery and intrigue in this tale, and of course romance. The story and the characters will keep you reading until the end. I know it did for me, and now I want to go back and read the first book. I also hope we will see more books in the series about the rest of the Carlyle family.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

[Carolyn McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant read. Not dark and twisty as I expected. The characters are memorable, even the one I wanted to slap for being spineless most of the time. She eventually breaks out of that pattern and grows, so don't give up on her. The rest of the cast is so memorable, I was still thinking about some of them days later.

I'd like to see if these characters turn up anywhere else in the author's imaginary universe. They're the kind of people I could have Sunday brunch with. Wonder how I can get an invitation?

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a massive Jazz fan. Her heart is huge and lives on her sleeve, driving her to do what’s right, even if it’s against regulations.

It took longer for me to warm up to Emory. I didn’t like her tendency to bag on herself for her weight and age, especially because it sometimes led her to run hot and cold on Jazz—and again, I’m team Jazz, so I wasn’t here for that. That said, when she starts digging into the private adoption agency and the horrible woman who runs it (who I won’t even name because she’s horrible and I can’t stand her), I started to like her a lot more because her determination and confidence really blossoms.

Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/seco...

[Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice read that presents a full figure women struggling a little with body image. Emory Blake, is a social worker and a stickler for the rules which in her opinion serve to help the children in the foster care system. Emory is older and maybe looking for a relationship. Lieutenant Jazz Perry, is the good looking police officer, lonely and tired of not having a family. Jazz is a product of the foster care system and believes some rules should be bent. The women are back and forth with each other because of their passion for the foster care system and each other.

ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well plotted and well written book but I didn't enjoy it as much as I have previous books by VK Powell who is one of my favourite lesfic authors - indeed just authors. I liked Emory a lot as a "less than perfect" character with baggage the size of a football field but the overall arc didn't really work for me and the ending seemed too contrived. Jazz and her family are great and give depth to the book and the story. I will definitely read more of Ms Powell's work but I think I prefer full on crime novels rather than those where the romance dominates.

I was given a copy of the book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

[Tory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I love the whole vibe with the family. I want to read more by the author.

[Bee Sherrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book from Ms Powell’s ‘Fairview Station’ series and if you enjoyed reading her first book ‘Captain's Choice’ I’m sure this second offering ‘Second in Command’ won’t be a disappointment. The Carlyle family have for many years been the place where children in foster care can find a safe loving home. This is where Jazz Perry was placed when she was a young child after spending four years being moved from one place to another. Jazz not only found a safe place to live but even better she was adopted by the Carlyle’s. She wanted to help others so she became a police officer like her sister Captain Bennett Carlyle. Social worker Emory Blake loves children and works her for Child Protective Services helping children in challenging situations. The two come together when they have to work with a young runaway Shea Spencer. I have a feeling Ms Powell’s next ‘Fairview Station’ will be starring Jazz’s sister Dylan and I’m looking forward to reading it. ‘Second in Command’ was a very, nice read. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number 2 in the series: love all the characters as they have the real family feel - I love the way all sit round the table, united. Class.

[Les Rêveur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Social worker Emory is finally getting over the heartbreak from her ex-partner when she meets Jazz. Her attraction to Jazz is unlike anything she had ever felt before, but she needs to push the feelings away because not only is Jazz younger, but she has the ability to break Emory’s heart.

Jazz is attracted to Emory from the minute she lays eyes on her. Pursuing Emory is easy for Jazz, she knows whats she wants and Emory is precisely that. But between their differing views, Emory’s negative feelings about herself and the age difference… Can these two make this work? Especially when they are knee-deep in a foster case gone wrong and might be on differing sides.

This book is the sequel to ‘Captain’s Choice’ and I would recommend reading the first book before diving into this one. I liked this book more than the first book in series. Finally, a curvaceous woman who lands the handsome cop!

I enjoyed the storyline and felt like the plot twisted more than once and made turning the page more exciting. The secondary characters in this book (and ‘Captain’s Choice’) were excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed every time the Carlyle family get around the dinner table.

I wasn’t a massive fan of the moments when Emory battled with her self image. At times the self-loathing made me a little sad for her and other times, I wanted to tell her to grab Jazz with both hands and forget about her worries.

Jazz and Emory falling in love was somewhat fast, but I actually enjoyed the insta-love as it cemented the soul mate factor. I especially liked how Jazz convinced Emory she is worth a shot.

Great book. I didn’t even mind that there isn’t an epilogue because I know there will be more in book three. I noticed the other day that the third book in the series is coming out soon. I can’t wait to hear what’s next for Emory and Jazz in that book.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Second in Command (Fairview Station #2)” is the story of Jazz, Bennett’s younger sister (and also a police officer), and Emory, a family friend who is now a social worker at the hospital.

MC Emory is nearly 50yo, and overweight; MC Jazz is in her 20s, and is very fit. Emory is smitten and tongue tied by the grown up Jazz, and Jazz likes full figured women and often prefers older women as well….much to the bewilderment and disbelief of Emory.

Much of their professional interactions focus on how bureaucracy and corruption gets in the way of social services. Much of their non-professional interactions focus on….well, what do you think?

I’m generally not a huge fan of age-gap romances, but this story makes it rather believable for Emory and Jazz.

Overall, it was fun revisiting the Carlyle family, and I enjoyed the MCs more than in book 1. 3.5*

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Police Lieutenant Jazz Perry finds a girl, Shea, wandering the streets of downtown while on patrol. She and the kid bond because of the similarities of their circumstances. Jazz's parents died and she was placed into the system. She was finally placed for adoption after spending several years being shuffled through the foster care system. On a personal level, she knows the lifestyle she’s been in for a while is no longer working – she wants a forever home with a woman whose name she knows and who wants the same thing.

When she meets social work Emory Blake, Jazz comes up against a woman who is seemingly immune to her charms and who insists that Jazz, for whom the line between the rules and expediency are often blurred, follows the rules when it comes to Shea. As they get to know each other, Jazz begins to wonder if Emory might be her forever home. But there may be an obstacle in the road. The woman who is an executive for the corporation that wants to take over Child Protective Systems and run it like a business has set her sights on Jazz. Emory who has a self-image that needs work because of her full-figured body knows she can’t compete with the executive.

Both characters in this book were well-drawn, not an easy task for any writer since they both want change in their lives and neither can figure out how to make those changes until they meet. The story line is interesting, the locale different, and the book written well.

Is the book perfect? No. Emory becomes tedious at times, but at least she knows it, But who among us haven’t become tedious in the aftermath of a bad breakup or in the midst of trying to turn our lives around?

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok for me. I think the main crux of the issue is me. I don't love the author's style. I keep trying....I've read a few other books by this author. I keep trying because others love them. But, in the end they are always ok for me. It's a good story with strong characters. I didn't feel a lot of chemistry which is always disappointing.

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Mirtha Siblesz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book!

I truly enjoyed coming back to the Carlyle clan for another story. Jazz is truly engaging in her role of Second in Command for the substation as being a strong, caring, and efficient lieutenant. She cares about her staff and she especially cares about the people she protects. Particularly, an eleven year old child named Shae who reminded her of what her life was like before she was adopted by the Carlyles. The other main character, Emory, was equally compelling in her love for the children in her care as a child protective services social worker. Her attraction to Jazz and dedication to her job was an interesting tug of war that created a great erotic build up as well as how the whole story would resolve for Shae. A very good plot, character development, and here is hoping for another Carlyle story. Perhaps Dylan’s turn???

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was an enjoyable typical romance with a small mystery thrown in. I wasn't a big fan of Emory. She clearly had valid esteem issues, but she really fulfilled the "ice queen" title for me. This was an easy read with a little education about the foster care system. I didn't read the previous book, though I wish I had since there are many recurring characters who's backstories I couldn't appreciate. I prefer to always read in order, so that's on me. This book is fine as a stand alone. I really like this author's thrillers over these simple love stories, but she's a great author either way.

[Deone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apple books

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cute Romance with some drama.

Emory is a social worker who is self-conscious of her appearance what I like about her character is she a bit like me when it comes to being self-conscious about your appearance even though it was a bit repetitive.

Jazz is a lieutenant who is adopted by a loving family. She has a hard time letting love in when comes to relationship. While on the job she find a young girl named Shea who in foster care where she take to the hospital to get check out as she forms a bind with the girl she vows to help her find a forever family.

While she there at the hospital runs into Emory who she met when she was eighteen and there an instant attraction as this throws them for a loop there are obstacles in there way that stopping them from forming a relationship.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, but I would have loved it to be ... more?

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Fairview Station series. I read the first book and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to reading this book. I was not disappointed. It is filled with romance and mystery.

The main characters are police Lieutenant Jazz Perry and Emory Blake, a social worker. Jazz is the sister of the captain of the precinct, Bennett Carlyle, the main character of the first book in this series. While on duty one night, Jazz finds a young girl, Shea, who is wandering the city streets all alone. She learns that the young girl is in the foster program. Jazz, too, grew up in the foster program until she was adopted by the Carlyle family. Jazz becomes very attached to Shea and wants to help get her situated in a good home.

Emory works for Child Protective Services and helps to place children in homes. Shea is in the system because her father is abusive and a criminal. Emory is a workaholic who is dedicated to helping children. As far as her personal life is concerned, she rarely dates and doesn’t feel her full figure is enticing. However, Jazz and Emory are attracted to each other, but Emory finds it difficult to believe that Jazz, who is very good looking, could be interested.

The plot is solid and has a nice pace. The characters are well developed and believable. Readers will want to read the next story to find out what their new friends are doing. I rate this book with 4-1/2 out of 5 stars.

I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.

[MEC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read - unfortunately it seemed to come out at a time when there were quite a few books dealing with the subject matter of foster care and got lost a bit in my TBR pile. Powell has written a good romantic blend of romance and some more serious issues around the foster system/privatization and a bit of mystery. Emory as one of the leads is a refreshing but at times the things that made her stand out from the standard lesfic romantic lead - older than Jazz and more of a rubinesque body type - pushed a lot of the angst as she struggled with her insecurities. Overall I quite enjoyed this one and I didn't realize it was a second in a series ... it reads fine as a standalone though with the characters from the first book showing up as secondary characters in this one.

[Carolyn McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant read. Not dark and twisty as I expected. The characters are memorable, even the one I wanted to slap for being spineless most of the time. She eventually breaks out of that pattern and grows, so don't give up on her. The rest of the cast is so memorable, I was still thinking about some of them days later.

I'd like to see if these characters turn up anywhere else in the author's imaginary universe. They're the kind of people I could have Sunday brunch with. Wonder how I can get an invitation?

[isa Simonet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant read. No more.
This book takes its place in the series "Fairview Station", which is the second book, after "Captain's Choice".
Ms Powell always gives us strong and kind protagonists.
But there is always something missing for an excellent book.
The cover is very attractive, and is positioned relative to the first book.
Nevertheless, I highly recommend it. Waiting for the third.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good read, and I am not even sure where to start. I devoured this book I read it all day and night so that I could finish it. It was a compelling story from the first page. This book really pulled me in, un like the first one in the series which took a little while for me to fully get into. So as far as the review I am giving it four stars and not five and I will explain why in due time.

The book has a lot of different story lines, but it starts out with Jasmine (Jazz) Perry. The adopted child of the famous Carlyle clan. She is a Lieutenant and very dedicated to her job. She is most dedicated when dealing with children and often skirts the riles in order to help and protect them. So the first story line is that Jazz gets a call about a runaway child, finds her and immediately takes a liking to her. The second story line is the romance between Jazz and Emory who is fourteen years older than her, is a social worker at the hospital, and is dedicated to her job and a stickler for the rules. She is also a plus sized character, which I liked but the descriptions of her body by the author were problematic. When she wasn't skirting around the issue, she downright used words and descriptions no one ever uses like "Rubenesque" It was honestly a little odd and threw me off when reading. The final story line included several elements, a Shady adoption officer, a terrible parent, and another random man and wife who wanted to adopt another child.

How was the book? Overall it was an excellent read. I really liked both characters right from the get -go. I love that Jazz is compassionate and caring, and that Emory challenges her and doesn't just let her be the more dominate person in the relationship. I also loved that the love story was a slower burn for a book of this few pages. The story line felt fresh and new and it wasn't a story filled with to super hot women, who also happen to be incredibly wealthy getting together. It was a nice love story with normal people in it and those are the stories that I ultimately like more.

Although I cannot use this as a book for my students I will be recommending this series to my friends and I hope that there are more books to come. I would love to read about Emory;s Friend Diane and the nurse Jen, and I would Also like to hear more about Dylan and her life. I also don't know if it was mentioned or not, but most books go right in describing the persons physical features so that we know race, age, body type, and the author described them, but she did not at all say what race they are. I am assuming white, and maybe I missed it, but it was refreshing to not have that descriptor there, it made the book a lot more enjoyable.

[Stebie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, Fairview Station by V.K. Powell.

I was really excited for this sequel because Jasmine (Jazz) Carlyle was one of the my favourite characters from the first book and I really wanted to know more about her and watch her fall in love. It isn't crucial that you read the first book but it's a decent series so I would recommend you read the first book anyways.

Jazz is a police lieutenant, working under her older sister (both were promoted in the first book). She was adopted into the lovable Carlyle family at the age of 8, I believe. She has had a rough childhood and it shows when she is emotionally involved as well as invested when she finds a little girl running in the streets. Jazz has interested me since the first book and I really enjoyed the character development.

Opposite of Jazz is Emory Blake, who made a guest appearance in the first book. She is older than Jazz (a 14-15 year age gap). She is a social worker who often follows the rules and is very caring towards the children in need. Emory is depicted as "full-figured" and struggles with body insecurities and lack of self-confidence. To be honest, Emory had such potential to be a badass, she's smart, beautiful, caring but the way Powell portrays her Emory is unfortunately annoying and whiny.

I found the dynamic between Jazz and Shea (the little girl) adorable and more entertaining than Jazz and Emory. I thought that there were some things that weren't wrapped up by the end of the book no justice for Shea's kidnapping? but overall the book was a decent read. Overall I give this book a 3.5 stars. I will be looking forward to the next book, hopefully about Dylan the doctor and such a sweetie pie!

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[JWG1973UK · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

Jazz is a cop with a heart of gold. She has been brought up within the foster system since the age of four when she lost her mother. Emory is a social worker who works for the CPS. She is very self conscious about her appearance and is dubious as to whether to have a relationship or not. To be honest I loved Jazz, but, I could not take to Emory for most of the book. I found her to be boring and uninteresting. The story line was ok. As I did not take to Emory, I could not really get into the book. I thought at the beginning that Karen (secondary character) would be a better option for Jazz but soon changed my mind. I really liked Shea (the kid that Jazz is trying to help).

I have read many of VK Powell’s other books over the years and enjoyed them, but I don’t think this is one of her best imo.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an engaging story of a Police Officer who is trying to save a young girl from life on the streets or bad foster parents that she had also experienced. When she meets the social worker in charge of the girl's case, sparks fly, so far so familiar. However this book has a lovely unexpected twist in that both women are not super skinny women with muscles. One is but the other has curves and a more fuller figure. She is also quite self conscious about her weight and her experience of adjusting to a 'fit' woman fancying her is handled sensitively. The book is engaging, although for me I found the Police/family scenes more believable and relatable than the relationship scenes but that's mainly because the word 'milked' should never really appear in any sex scene, especially not one between two women, in my opinion...

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8/5

The story follows lieutenant Jazz Perry and social worker Emory Blake and how their paths cross when Jazz finds a young girl that is in the foster care system reminding her of her past. Both Jazz and Emory have to deal with their own responsibilities but also

I think in this book there was a lot going on. You have the police side of the story, the public vs. private social work politics and the romance story. This, to me, made all the sides of story lack depth. Overall, it was ok but I would have liked more development on the characters.

The writing was great and very engaging. I have no read the first book in the series and I found it was not necessary as this book can stand alone.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.