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Birch County Heroes #3

Bite the Bullet

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Emma
You can do it.
The last words my brother ever said to me.
I’ve got one chance to prove him right.
And nothing is going to stop me.
Not my friends or family, who think I’m crazy.
Not even a tall, sexy cop, armed with a glare that melts panties.
Too bad I don’t have time to go to war with him.
Because I could think of a dozen different ways to bring him to his knees.
I can’t afford to pay the price of failure.
But the way he looks at me…
Makes me want to break every promise I’ve ever made.

Dominic
She’s a goddamn menace.
Wrecking me with tears and a mission I sure as shit relate to.
I want to help her, but some lines shouldn’t be crossed.
Nothing she says will change that.
She’s on a mission, but so am I.
And she’s my target.
We both know she doesn’t stand a chance.
But while my eyes are on her…
I can’t see the threat on the horizon.
There’s only one option, and I’ve got to bite the bullet to get it done.
Emma Hayes doesn’t know it yet, but she’s mine.

ebook

Published May 25, 2021

44 people are currently reading
136 people want to read

About the author

Rue Lennox

19 books920 followers
You know the stories Rue loves to write. The ones filled with heroes who make you swoon, anti-heroes who smile viciously as the world burns down around them, just as long as the woman they love stands at their side… Then there are the happily ever afters that bring you to your knees whether you want to be there or not.

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216 (70%)
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62 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,390 reviews620 followers
May 31, 2021
I didn't think I'd get this read on time for release because it was sent to me last minute but holy balls I couldn't stop reading. I stopped to eat, that's it, and only because I had to use my eyes to make sure i didn't spill food everywhere.

FULL review soon but go DO THE THING!
Profile Image for Nedra81 .
907 reviews
May 31, 2021
Dom and Emma’s connection has to be my favorite, right behind Remy and Parker of course. The spark between these two and their inevitable relation, was just what this series needed after reading Kennedy and Linc’s story. The obstacles they go through, deployment and police academy, only makes them stronger and more deserving of the other. The strength they display, whether in their perfect life, overseas, or in the academy, shows just how tough and strong their characters are.

April does another amazing job with her character development, though we were somewhat introduced in previous releases of Emma’s feistiness and Don’s love for her, but she laid all cards on the table with their in-depth history and backstory. Diving in head first with no floating device, leaves the reader yearning for their next breath of fresh air with these twist and turns. But, what kind of story would April’s be without a traumatic event in it, and of course, Nox! Cannot wait for the next addition coming with the story Ian and Chloe in Break it Down!
Profile Image for Emma (emjbookshelf).
974 reviews22 followers
June 1, 2021
This is Dominic and Emma's story. Emma is the sister of Dominic’s best friend Danny who has passed away. They both have feelings for each other yet the other does not know and they have not acted on these. For the past couple of years Emma has been determined to chase her dream of being a Police Officer like some of her other family members. Dominic is a Detective and he is about to be deployed again in 3 weeks back to Afghanistan. In those weeks he has been assigned to be Emma's training officer and this is where we start to see sparks fly and what a twist at the end of this book that I did not see coming.

I completely love this series - Birch Police Department give me all the feels with Alpha males who have all gone through some kind of Trauma and stop at nothing to get the women they want. This is one series I just cannot get enough of.

Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,930 reviews61 followers
June 5, 2021
Ive yet to read a book in The Birch Police Department series that i havent liked and Bite the Bullet is no different. Linc and Danny's sister gets her own book in book 3 in this series. Emma & Dom Have an instant attraction but problems arise between them when Dom is deployed. It brings on bad memories and heartache for Emma. Oh boy there two characters just broke my heart. As soon as this book starts you know that they are perfect for each other but Dom puts a stop to anything between them progressing. I understand the reason why he does it but i felt for Emma. I just wanted to scream at him to get your act together and sort it out! I so wanted them to get their HEA ending. I loved them though. Cuteness overload came in the form on Nox and Bee. They were so sweet. Bite the Bullet was another great read. I cant wait for Ian and Chloe's book now
Profile Image for Lucid Quill.
Author 10 books24 followers
June 4, 2021
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SERIES AND I NEED EVERYONE TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT PLEASE!

Is Dom my favorite? Like seriously I don't know. Linc is absolutely hilarious and had me losing it the whole book. These books play out like a TV series and you see everything in technicolor. You live it with the characters.

So the last book is crazy dark and up to 80% of this one I was like, ok I can handle this. No biggie. AND THEN!??! Pure chaos. I was like 😱😭🥺🤬😭🥺😍 Rainbow of emotions. It's intense, brace yourself.

I'm so stoked for the rest of this series even though I still need to go to the beginning with the prior series. This one is just so bingeable. I've read the first book 3 times now. GAH! Incredible!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews358 followers
June 5, 2021
The Best Kept Secret . . .

Emma and Don's story really began at Remy and Parker's wedding when he disappeared right after the ceremony without a word. Then when he is assigned as her training officer for the police force, he leaves again without telling her. She has no idea he was deployed each time. Will she stop trying to win his heart now? Or will he tell her where he was and let her perhaps forgive his disappearance?

They both have feelings for each other but never tell each other. (I see a trend here…) Their chemistry is sizzling, but if they can’t learn to communicate, their entire relationship is a non-starter. Grab your copy and see what happens to their almost-relationship. Will it or won’t it happen?
Profile Image for Laura .
1,007 reviews25 followers
May 31, 2021
4.5 stars

Oh how I love the Birch Police Department series by April Canavan.

Bite the Bullet was so damn good. Dom and Emma had to work for their HEA. But oh was it worth it. I will say the suspense element caught me off guard a bit. I knew something would happen, but I wasn't expecting THAT. When it started, I totally thought it was a different person. But then when Emma said the name, it just all clicked together, and things we learned earlier in the story just made sense. It broke my heart. But I would like it to be known I didn't cry. I held it together.

Loved the story. And April you had better give Nox and Bee a story! I'll even accept a novella.
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,985 reviews59 followers
May 31, 2021
Bite The Bullet is another captivating and emotional story in the Birch Police Department Series. Emma and Dom’s story is one filled with witty banter, heartbreaking moments, passion, secrets and determination. Their story at times is intense and will have your emotions riding the highs and lows. These two have a chemistry that is electric and draws you in and gives you a connection to the characters and their story. A storyline and characters that draw you in and have you captured within the pages and held hostage by the words. An ending that fills your heart with joy and leaves you with such a huge smile on your face.
Profile Image for Elsie Pitt.
1,753 reviews13 followers
June 8, 2021
This is a different read for me, and I have to say that the characters are seriously so worth my time, the writing is brilliant and it is just that good! I love this authors tellings of things that make her happy and feel good and shine and it shows in the writing. Such a bloody brilliant plot and scenes that scream at you from within. Wonderfully written with heaps and heaps of going ons! Pretty good read with the brilliances of this author. Oh yeah I highly recommend this series and anything else by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX.
1,156 reviews73 followers
June 14, 2021
Bite the Bullet is the third book of the Birch Police Department series. Honestly, I didn't know that this was apart of a series. So, if you're like me and just joining in, this is a standalone. I am a total newbie to April Canavan's stories and I'm glad I found them. This was so easy to follow and very entertaining. The only thing I was struggling a bit was that it was a bit slower than what I'm used to, however,it was very steamy, with very likable characters and it just wanted you to root for them. I will definitely check out her previous books. This was such a fun series

I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review

9,375 reviews139 followers
June 5, 2021
The third book in the series brings a slow burn romance . The author brings a strong cast of characters centering on Dom and Emma and does a great job developing their story. She pulled me in with all the emotions flowing throughout as she moves the story fluidly with her perfectly painted scenes and delivers a fantastic story. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,627 reviews9 followers
June 5, 2021
Dom and Emma's lives have been entangled for a long time. In a small town like Birch, that's to be expected. It wasn't until she pulled up her dress at their friend's wedding revealing several flasks that he knew he wanted her. Her brother, a brother to him as they served side by side in the Marines and on the Birch Police Force has given his blessing to date her, but why can't he? Linc, and just about everyone around is trying to put these two together...except Dom. He knows that he has to go back to the desert for months on deployment and that wouldn't be fair. When he comes home for a two week layover and find Emma is joining the BPD and he's her training officer, complications arise. The proximity is driving him mad, he's driving her mad in an attempt to push her away, and the lusty energy is THICK! Once they can't handle NOT be together, they crash and burn hot! He realizes Emma is so much more than the woman he sees and loves. He's more than just Danny and Linc's little sister - she's a badass and it's incredibly hot. The problem arises when Dom doesn't tell Emma he has to deploy, and as the daughter and sister of Marines she knows everything about deployment... the good, bad, and the painful. Will Dom's omission ruin everything they built, or can time heal the wounds inflicted? This book was everything you didn't know you needed. Family, friends, comradere, love, pain, joy, longing. April Caravan really knows how to make you wish you could visit this town called Birch and get wrapped up in the people.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,240 reviews10 followers
June 7, 2021
Bite the Bullet is the third book in the Birch Police Department series, but could be read as a stand alone. Dom has wanted to claim Emma as his, but knows he’s about to be deployed again and can’t imagine hurting Emma that way. She just wants Dom to give them a chance, but when he finally does and she realizes that he’s keeping secrets, will her love ever let her forgive his mistakes?

Oh my goodness! This book was pure emotional goodness, between the angst and longing, love and secrets, and the drops here and there of suspense and danger, and I didn’t want to put this book down. Emma and Dom were everything! I loved their passion, the way they both wanted each other, and while I wanted to be upset at their lack of communication at times, I just felt so invested in their story and what would happen next. Emma is driven and brave, training to become a police officer to honor her promise to her brother, so I loved how much of a warrior she was! She had some real vulnerabilities, though, too. Dom just so badly wanted to soak up all of the good times while he could, so he definitely made some mistakes, but just wanted to keep Emma’s heart safe, even if that meant sacrificing his own. I loved their journey to finding and facing their love. I thought this book was fantastic. I actually wasn’t expecting the small twist at the end, but knowing some of Ms. Canavan’s books, I should have. I may or may not have gasped out loud, haha, but that’s okay. I was definitely invested in this book, these characters, and this world, and I went all in. I loved reading this book and can’t wait for the next!
Profile Image for Sara.
2,325 reviews13 followers
May 31, 2021
Another awesome book in the Birch Police Department series. Emma is the younger sister to Lincoln and Danny Hayes. Her brother Danny was killed in action in Afghanistan years earlier while serving in the Marine Corp in the same unit as several men from Birch. She is finally getting the chance to pursue her dream of joining the Birch Police Department and is two weeks out from heading to the Academy. She’s been trying to get her one of her brother Lincoln’s best friends, Dominic Ortiz’, attention for the last year.

Emma just isn’t aware that she’s more than caught Dom’s attention, she’s actually been successful at claiming his heart. Dom’s back in town for just two weeks before he is being deployed back to Afghanistan where his friend and teammate died. Even though he has fallen in love with Emma and he wants to claim her, he won’t because he doesn’t want to ask her to wait while he is deployed for three or more months.

Dom is assigned to be Emma’s Training Officer for the last two weeks before she heads to the Academy. These two joined at the hip in a patrol vehicle, one fighting his attraction and the other trying to gain his attention ...the match has been lit and the blaze is ready to ignite.

The characters in this series are well developed, with layers of interconnections and strong bonds. The story addresses the emotional aspect of those deployed in the military, the impact on their family members and loved ones.

I received an ARC from Hidden Gems and the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
391 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2021
Bite the Bullet is the third book in the Birch Police Department Series and once again April hit it outta the park!! This is Emma and Dom's story, and what they have to go through to be together. They have had feelings for each other for a very long time, but they don't think the other feels the same way they do. Dom is also dealing with feelings of not being good enough for Emma, and the fact that Emma is his best friends little sister. Dom served with Emma's brothers Lincoln and Danny, and now works with Linc at the police department. Emma is training to become a cop, and just to make things more fun and interesting, before she goes for 16 weeks of training she is part of the Birch County Police Department, and her training officer is...yep, you guessed it Dom!!! Dom is trying so hard to do what he believes is the right thing, but what does he have the potential to lose in the process? Dom is also keeping a HUGE secret from Emma, which is also part of the reason he's holding back with her, but the chemistry between them may be bigger than both of them. Emma does actually find out what Dom is keeping from her, and she is heartbroken. So is Dom, but he tells her he is going to fight for her, she doesn't want to hear it. There are some WTF moments that had my jaw dropping!!! Will Emma and Dom find their way to each other, will Emma forgive Dom? I can not wait to find out what's gonna happen next in this series, y'all are gonna want to read not just this book, but ALLLLL the books in this series, that's how freakin' AWESOME they are!!
3,698 reviews40 followers
June 2, 2021
This is book three in The Birch Police Department Series and it is Emma and Dom's story and omg it is absolutely amazing and a must read. Com is a detective in The Birch Police Department and also in the military reserve's so he is always busy but what he wanted the most of all was Emma who was his best friend's sister and he couldn't get her out of his mind no matter how much he tried. Emma wanted to go in the marine's but after her brother Danny died while in service she decided to become a police officer instead so that she can make a difference and become the best that she can. Dom was told that he would be training Emma and neither of them were happy about it as they were always at odds with each other because of their chemistry but Dom keeps Emma at arm's length because of his job. Will Dom and Emma ever get the chance of being together or will the wall that is between them stay as high as possible missing out on a real relationship. The chemistry between Dom and Emma is so strong and not that you could feel it sizzling of the pages and I couldn't put this book down as it was so addictive and a real page turner. There are twists and turns that you don't see coming but you have to keep reading to see what would happen and you are definitely not disappointed. This is the first book that I have read by April Canavan but definitely not the last as it was so well written and definitely worth reading and I look forward to reading more books in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,921 reviews5 followers
June 21, 2021
First chance blown to smithereens, second chance redemption
Bite The Bullet (Birch Police Department Book 3) by April Canavan is a well written law enforcement romance with an emphasis on the romance aspect for Dom and Emma. Their romance has a stuttered start only to come to an abrupt halt thanks to avoidance on Dom’s part.
I really liked these characters. Emma is Wonder Woman in the flesh, but no flash in the pan. She is strong and steady, full of purpose in everything she does including Dom. And Dom! This man alternately had me sighing with exasperation or stealing my very breath. He’s alpha all the way, but fails Emma big time by lying.
The plots are very well rounded with plenty going on to keep the reader fully engaged in this book. What I found most compelling is the emotions; from shattered hearts, anger, despair, fear, family fun and joy. The law enforcement element of this book simmers along, bubbling up and boiling over for some action here and there. But the real action is a plot twist I really didn’t see coming! It was all those feels mentioned earlier all at the same time.
Overall, this steamy romance is a very enjoyable read for the characters, the pace of the story and all the action. Despite Dom’s bungling, his super hot alph-ness redeems himself in the end. His words and actions go a long way to mending both their hearts for a second chance with Emma, giving them the joyful opportunity to finally ‘bite the bullet’, beginning their HEA.
I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,026 reviews68 followers
May 28, 2024
An outstanding story of heartbreak, determination and love. Emma and Don's story started at Remy and Parker's wedding and this is where we find out what happened and how they feel about each other.

Emma is Linc and Danny's sister and has decided that she wants to join the police force. She is determined to pass all the requirements but could things or someone get in the way? She has had feelings for Dom since the wedding, and even before that but he disappeared after the wedding. A tragedy occurs and Dom is there for her. Will she let him in? Can she get the truth out of him on why he disappeared after the wedding? Will this tragedy bring them closer together? What happens when Dom is her training officer?

Dom loves Emma but feels he cannot have her and he is not worthy of her love. It is killing him that he can't have her. Dom has some hard decisions to make that will affect Emma's and his life now & in the future. How will she feel about him leaving again and not telling her? Can they make it work or are they finished?

You will be riding an emotional rollercoaster of emotions. Between the heartache, banter, and the love that is between them, I could not put the book down. I needed to see if Dom was going to make it. What happens to Bee? Will Emma pass and become an officer?
1,064 reviews
June 4, 2021
An excellent story set in the most exciting world the author has built up.

I love the intertwining of the characters military past and first responder present in these books and the author has a way of introducing characters that you just know will come back in later books (Logan and Terri….) and their stories will be amazing.

Engaging and gripping, the storyline flows well and the characters are interesting and believable. The tension between them in the beginning in palpable and you find yourself genuinely worrying that a hea might not be achievable.

I adored Emma and how totally badass she was, and loved how the author didn’t pander to delicate male egos in the slightest with her characterisation.
Dom was hot, alpha and a bit of an ass. His push pull attitude with Emma in the beginning was tiresome at times but I did understand his reasoning for this, however I forgive less for not telling her his big news. I adored how scared he was of his mama too.

I did think the forgiveness piece and end was rushed, Jesse came as a total shock and I thought Emma moved on rather quickly for someone who had ignored his existence for months on end.

Despite this it was a great story with fab characters and i look forward to reading more of this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for TLynn.
1,467 reviews16 followers
June 11, 2021
Bite the Bullet is the third book in the Birch Police Department series. I must admit the author was new to me until I started this series and I have become hooked on them. I have had to go back and start reading from the beginning after finishing this book. The books keep getting better and better. There is a lot of humor, witty banter, and sparking chemistry in each book. The women are spunky and brave. I love seeing the men having fun and bantering between themselves one minute then turn into possessive alpha heroes. This book was Emma and Dominic’s story and we met them in previous books. Actually, all of the characters can be found in every book since the men and women are related or close friends to the families. Dominic loved Emma but knew that he should stay away from her since he had two weeks before he was deployed. Emma did not know why Dominic avoided her, but she knew she loved him and wanted to be with him. She feels betrayed when he doesn’t tell her he is leaving. I was disappointed in Emma’s refusal to communicate with Dominic while he was deployed. I had hoped she would realize why he had to leave and be more supportive of him. I could not help cheering for Dominic even though he should have told Emma before he had to leave.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Melissa Miller-Mattern.
599 reviews11 followers
June 1, 2021
Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog

Bite the Bullet is the third book in the Birch Police Department series. This book follows police detective Dom and new to the force Emma, Linc's little sister. Dom has had his eyes on Emma for a while but even with her brother's permission, he just can't make her his. To make things even worse, Dom has been assigned to Emma at work to show her the daily in's and out's at the station until she leaves for the police academy. Emma has been the only woman to unnerve Dom but with news he recently found out, he can't risk falling for Emma and then possibly leaving her heartbroken. When things finally start heating-up with Emma and Dom, Emma finds-out a secret that Dom was keeping from her to protect her but she doesn't have time to deal with her heartache because she is off for her 18 weeks of training. Dom hopes to get back in time to see Emma graduate from the academy and then beg her forgiveness for the rest of his life if she will have him.
The characters Emma, and Dom, just had this magnetic pull toward each other. Their chemistry was AMAZING (Good Job writing that April) and I thought that was want really made the book and their story. I LOVED that Emma was a tough, take-charge, kick-butt lady that grown men where afraid of.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,009 reviews55 followers
June 5, 2021
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!
This is book third of the Birch Police Department series it appears each book will read as a standalone however, why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series. Emma is a force to be reckon with, she is Linc’s little sister, and she is headed to the police academy but until then she is settled with Dom who has been attracted to her for some time. Dom is new to the station, sexy as all get out officer, who has been assigned to Emma until showing her the in’s and out’s and she has Dom tripping over himself. The chemistry is intense and instant, and the magnetic pull can’t be ignored when they start to get to know each other a secret is there to keep them apart. To protect her Dom holds the secret but like all secrets they won’t remain hidden and when Emma finds out will she give him a chance to explain it was for her protection, can they find happiness?
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,385 reviews35 followers
Read
June 3, 2021
Funny, emotional and excellent story.
Like the first two other stories in this series, grabs your attention and never lets you go until the last word. Now Kennedy has her Linc, Parker has her Remy, her son and a new bundle of joy and Emma, Linc’s sister has her vagina butterflies (will be explained in this story) towards a tall, dark and serious man, Dominic Ortiz, son of Alta Ortiz, the wizard of food in her Mexican restaurant, where real tacos are found. He’s a detective for the Birch police, good friends and served with Remy, Linc and Danny. But Dom has a secret that he’s only told his family so his time is limited in Birch but he has complications on his time. The new trainee, his best friend’s sister, the object of his fantasies and the only woman that could drop him to his knees and break his records, Emma, but she’s also the only woman that make his time torture if he lets his guard down....
Will he keep her at bay??
Will he break?? Or will he break her??
Daisy (Remy’s K-9 partner) fans... please be advise, you might need a tissue...

Trigger- domestic violence (Emma’s neighbors), child endangerment (not Nox)
Profile Image for Trish.
1,618 reviews7 followers
June 6, 2021
This is the third book in the Birch Police Department series. I'm pretty sure I'm starting to sound like a broken record when I say I loved this book. I swore starting this book I wasn't going to cry, and I thought for sure I was going to make it but nope the author is an evil genius and got me again. For me this one wasn't as emotional as books one and two, which put my heart through the wringer and broke it over and over again, but this book will still get all the feels going. I love Emma and Dom. Dom wants Emma, but he knows he's getting ready to deploy again and he saw what her brother Danny's death did to her and he doesn't want to do that to her. He thinks it'll be better to stay away but that proves to be impossible, but he finds it difficult to find the right way to tell her he's going back to Afghanistan again. I can't wait for book four which is Chloe and Ian's story. As always you can read this book as standalone, but this series is wonderful, and I think it's best enjoyed when read in order.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
June 9, 2021
I'm not sure what's going on in the Birch Police Department, but these super sexy alphas sure can't handle some feelings when it comes to the women they should be with LOL! I have to talk about Emma first, as she's at the top of my list of bada** heroines who I have a girl crush on. She's finally going to become a police officer, and with each task, she wins against the best, including hand to hand, and I swear I almost got up to clap & holler in celebration more than once. She loves tacos (and a lot of other food) like you wouldn't believe, tough as nails, and has a thing for Dominic, who of course is taking the decision out of her hands by choosing what's best for her (can you feel my eyes rolling?!), and I did call him more than a few names in the telling of this story. They're absolutely perfect for each other but try to get him to see that, and when he finally gets his head out of his behind, he goes & messes up big time! Will she ever forgive him?! Bite the Bullet is another perfect read with a ton of humor, hot sexy times, an alpha being brought to his knees, suspense, and even a supporting cast who only add more goodness to it all! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
1,145 reviews
June 20, 2021
I absolutely love this series, but would suggest you read the first 3 to be able to follow this family and their friends. Emma has always had a crush for Dom but he never returned her attraction. He seemed to push her away. When he saw her at her brother’s wedding with 2 flasks of whiskey strapped to her thighs, he knew she was the one and going to be his. He fells fast and hard, but being in the reserves, he knew he would babe deployed and didn’t want to to cause her pain if he didn’t come back. When she joined the Birch Police Department, and he was appointed her Training Officer, she became off limits. It was torture for them both and he finally asked the Chief of Police to assign someone else. He needed to let her know how he felt before he left and hoped she would wait for him. When He tried to tell her an emergency call came in and it was all hands on deck. A very emotional storyline with humor, back and forth banter, domestic abuse/violence and child endangerment (Emma’s neighbors), suspense, hot chemistry, forgiveness, and a HEA. I highly recommend this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Valerie (onemorechaptervi).
250 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2021
4.5 Stars

Bite the Bullet (Book 3 The Birch Police Department series) does best friends brother and first responder trope right.

Emma finds herself determined to make a difference. The sister of the fallen marine Danny and the police office Lincoln, she has the dream of becoming a police officer with the Birch Police Department and making a difference. Dom is best friends with Lincoln, an active duty service man and a detective with the Birch Police Department.

Emma has harbored feelings for Dom and was finally ready to make her feelings known, when Dom up and disappeared on her. In reality he was deployed back to Afghanistan and is only back in town for two weeks. Whereas Emma is determined to make her and Dom a reality, no matter his attraction and feelings, he does not want to make Emma wait for him.

Assigned as her training officer, the every day closed confinements, quickly weakens Dom’s resolve. With both of their families rooting for them, seeing their obviously feelings towards one another, will they be able to make it through.
2,494 reviews41 followers
June 1, 2021
A beautiful romance between two strong individuals both a little wary of their overwhelming feelings for each other. Emma Hayes is from a police and Marine family and is determined to become a Birch PD officer. Detective Dominic Ortiz is extremely attracted to Emma, but serving in the Marine reserves he will soon be deployed overseas. Is it fair to ask her to wait for him? When he finally gives in to his feelings for Emma, do they have a chance at a future together? She has loved Dom for a long time, but when she learns that he delayed telling her of his mission, she feels betrayed. I love Emma’s “take no prisoners” attitude, her strength and determination to succeed and protect those she loves. Dom is a wonderful character with parents who have instilled in him the honor and duty that he lives every day. The love, the hot romance, the family involvement, the raw emotions, the hilarious dialog and of course little Bee makes this a truly wonderful read. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Daisy Sauceda.
1,809 reviews21 followers
June 3, 2021
This is a great story. I loved the characters in this book. So we have Emma who is secretly crushing on Dom. She is also trying to accomplish her goal to become a police officer. Her older brother is Lincoln and his best friend is Dom. Hmmm, right. Dom sees Emma at the wedding and she is not like other girls and but he has been secretly crushing on her too. However, he is in the reserves but since he is good at what he does he gets called out to go. So will this cause a problem. Maybe, maybe not. As Dom and Emma get to know each other, they cannot help those feelings. How long can he hold out before he finally gives in and makes his fantasies real. Now their chemistry is hot and I could not help but fall for them both. However, April Canavan really got me with their story. I mean she makes you think that all is good and than bam she hits us close to the ending and I straight up ugly cried. Thank god my family was asleep so no one heard me. We do get a happily ever after and that made up for the crying. I am totally invested in this series. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Ellen YS.
345 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2021
Strong, kick-butt female lead

Relatable characters, with their own insecurities and flaws but with inner strength make this book a joy to read. Add in good side characters with family and friends and you have a good series standalone. I admit I expected a bit more action and suspense but this book leans toward the emotional and character growth side. Not a bad thing for a romance though.

I loved Emma who is focused on her goal of becoming a police officer. She works really hard and strives for excellence - take that any chauvinistic cop! She is a great strong female lead. Dom and his sense of duty together with his aversion to hurting Emma really put his foot in it and his inaction almost cost him Emma. He does a great job of groveling to get back into Emma's life. It is clear that she is not a female that needs a man, so the fact that Dom makes the effort is endearing for their HEA.

Sweet entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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