Treasured

by Victoria Pinder

I’m not looking for love, not now… not ever again.
Been there. Done that. No thanks.
The only thing good that came from it was the little man in my arms. The only man who will ever hold my heart again.
He’s the one thing I did right, and I’m going to raise him to know what love really is.
My life is dedicated to giving him the life he deserves and working at the shelter that once housed us.
I’m here to empower women just like me, whose shoes I’d walked… and ran in, that there is always a way out. They deserved more.
Then I met Dwayne. And he reminded me that I too deserved more. More than lonely nights and carrying the weight of the world alone.
Those muscles that made my knees weak and that sexy stubble that covered his dimples made it easy to forget myself for just one night.
A night I’d never forget, no matter how hard I tried.
I’m aching to be his, but afraid of the fallout that will inevitably come.
He proves me wrong and shows me what love really is, and what it’s like to be treasured.

Genres: Contemporary

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. She’s worked in engineering, after passing many tests proving how easy Math came to her. Then hating her life at the age of twenty four, she decided to go to law school. Four years later, after passing the bar and practicing very little, she realized that she hates the practice of law. She refused to one day turn 50 and realize she had nothing but her career and hours at a desk. After realizing she needed change, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.
During all this time, she always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she turned thirty.
Besides her full time job of teaching, in 2013 and 2014, she sold on her own sold books to three different publishers. The Zoastra Affair, Chaperoning Paris, Borrowing the Doctor, and Electing Love will be published from Soul mate Publishing. Mything the Throne will be published with Double Dragon Ebooks. Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush will be published with Jupiter Press.
Now she is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency and she hopes to continue selling her novels that she writes. Moving up to the next level from hard work and determination is rewarding, and partnerships bring new opportunities.
Also she’s the Vice President of Progams for the Florida Romance Writers. She’s gone to multiple conferences and intends to continue. She learns and meets so many people at conferences. Her website is here, www.victoriapinder.com, and she’ll continue to grow my web presence. She is working hard on other projects and found the time to plan her wedding this year.
Before writing, her father had taken her to many star trek conventions and on her own she grew up as the only girl in the 90s at the comic book store. Science Fiction was her first love, but contemporary romance was her second. She’s sticking with contemporaries for the near future.
Member of Florida Romance Writers, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA, Celtic Hearts and Savvy Authors.

Reviews

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars / 2 Steam Fans

I suggest reading the Salvation Series by Corinne Michaels before reading books in the Society, but it is not a requirement.

Key Points for this story in the Salvation Society Collection:
- Romantic Suspense / Contemporary
- Single Mom getting out of an abusive relationship
- Undercover Mission to take back a company
- Salvation Series connection is Mark and Charlie from Defenseless

Video review available in Week 49: Nov 29 – Dec 5 weekly book reviews.

For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Thunder Thighs Stars⭐
A Fast-paced Action Packed Romantic Story that I DEVOURED in 3hrs!
Cameos from “The Salvation Series” By Corinne Michaels were Fun😍.
#My 1st by Victoria, Will Check out more by her!

Mary Steel, a single mom of a one-year-old boy named Bruce, worked as a manager at the Steel Women's Shelter.
After her abusive ex, she wasn't looking for a man or Love but a chance meeting with Dwayne at their Charity changed her mind.
They have this HOT Chemistry & he makes her feel Safe, so She Gives into their Desire, Once Should be Enough Right? WRONG.

Dwayne, Ex-Navy SEAL, is the Perfect Gentleman, Swoony, sweet, Protective! From the moment he saw Mary, He knew she's the One for him (Yup we've got Love at 1st Sight!).
D's also working with Cole Security Forces, to get his dead Brother's Company from His Brother's Ex-Fiance's (Illegal!) Clutches.
Mary's abusive Ex also works in that company, Problem much? (Dwayne will take care of it *wink*!)

Dwayne's always there for Mary & Bruce. Bruce loves him!
He makes himself a part of their Day to Day life, Spending time together, Sexy & Sweet times, Family meets, they fall in Love.

Her Asshole Ex and His Late Brother's Ex-Fiance causes much Troubles & Dangers throughout the Story, giving it a Dramatic Flare. This also shows Mary how devoted Dwayne is to Her & Bruce. She'd thought that he'll eventually leave, but He shows her that he'll Stay with her, as long as she wants him, and that He will Treasure them Forever❤.
~Choices, I love yous *Swoon*, Danger & Safety, Home..Cue HEA!

I'm so curious about Mary's Brother- Joseph, Hope he gets a book soon!
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
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[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Treasured by Victoria Pinder is a romantic story, part of Corinne Michael's Salvation Society series.

This one is about Mary Steele, a single mom of a one-year-old boy named Bruce, who worked as a manager at the Steel Women's Shelter.
After her abusive ex, she wasn't looking for a man but a chance meeting with Dwayne Jenson changed her mind. When she succumbed to her
desire for him she thought that a little fun wouldn't hurt. Dwayne since the first time he laid his eyes on her he knew she was the one for him. So he had two tasks to achieve, to get his brother's company back from his ex sister in law, and convince Mary to be
with him forever while eliminating the threats. For the first time in her life, she had a true chance at happiness.

It's a sweet yet tumultuous romance with a lot of emotion and action. It's a well-written story, told by a dual pov. The romantic part is
fast-paced, it's like falling in love at first sight. The plot is quite simple, interesting, and very easy to follow. Even though the
story is about a victim of abuse there aren't any triggering scenes except a brief mention of what had happened. It doesn't contain
many x-rated scenes so it's perfect for all romance readers. The characters were nice. My favorite was Dwayne, he was a true
gentleman, so protective and caring.

Treasured fits right in with all the SEALS novels, it has everything you expect for a story in this category. I highly recommend it and I
will rate it with 4 stars.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt bad for Mary for two reasons. First she had an ex that was a horrible person, beat her and almost killed her beautiful baby boy. The second reason is because she now didn’t trust her judgment regarding men and felt she wasn’t good enough for anyone. I was happy to see she had the support of her family, especially her brother. It was wonderful that Mary got to fly to Virginia for a fancy dinner where she accepted some donated money for the women’s shelter she managed for one of her cousins. This is where she met the gorgeous hunk Dwayne that was just out of the Seals. I was so happy to see that Dwayne was very attracted to Mary and was there to help her. Someone has been selling guns to terrorist countries from Dwayne’s dead brother’s company that Dwayne now owns. There were a few exciting times with Dwayne protecting Mary from her ex. I enjoyed the book and encourage you to read it. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After what Mary endured in her last relationship all she wants is to focus on her son and helping those who need it the most. When she met Dwayne at a charity function she is cautious but there is something about him that makes her feel like she can trust him.

Dwayne has transitioned from his career as a Navy SEAL and is now working for Cole Security. There was never a doubt in his mind that they are meant together but before that happens he is determined to right the wrongs in both of their pasts.

Mary is stronger and more resilient than even she realizes while Dwayne will do anything to keep her and her son safe and there is no denying the chemistry and connection between them.

[Kelli Miller a_brunette_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasured was a perfect title for this book. Dwayne and Mary’s story was one that could be treasured. From the very beginning you got a love at first sight vibe from both of them.

Victoria Pinder wrote Treasured as part of Corinne Michaels Salvation society and it does make me want to go and read more of Victoria’s book. This was the first one I had read from her and I am sure that there are more great stories in her arsenal.

I highly recommend reading this story. I received a ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Stox4story · Rating 3 out of 5]

A battered and abused mother flees for her life with her baby. She does her best to make a new life for herself. A man who has put his life on the line for our country. He may be out of the Navy now but his Seal training and experiences remain with him, as the bad guys will find out.

This is Mary Steel and Dwayne Jensen’s story. Their meeting was not accidental by any means, but their falling in love definitely was.

Mary’s ex was a bad guy involved in illegal activities. Dwayne needs information on her ex and devises a plan to meet Mary so he can try to learn and gather needed information concerning her ex. Problem is, Dwayne didn’t plan on how alluring Mary was. Now he wants to have her in his life for entirely different reasons.

Both experience feelings they never thought would be. But Mary is scared. She’s scarred from her life with that ex and has sworn off of any future relationship. She doesn’t trust herself to choose a good man. Dwayne though, is a challenge. He is not one to give up. He knows how to fight for what he wants and he is not afraid.

👁 OBSERVATIONS 👁

... I’ve read many books by this author and always enjoyed them but this one was different. Mary and Dwayne meet at a charity event for battered women, they talk a little while and within a couple hours are in her bedroom. I really wanted to know what on earth was going on in the storyline rather than read about a bedroom tryst. It took a few chapters in to know.

... More knowledge about the plot line would have been good before the bedroom scene(s). I don’t mind a little steam but not when they don’t contribute to the story. The actual plot would benefit with more depth and development.

... As the story progress, it gets much better if you ignore all the heroine’s self pity. It was tiring to hear all of her self denigration. Her ‘I’m not good enough, I’m unworthy, I’m useless’ verbiage was a bit too much. That would wear on a person really soon. Don’t see how the hero overlooked it.

... How did Dwayne get shot? He was in the kitchen keeping camera eyes and weapons on six bad guys, police sirens are heard coming, so how did he get shot?

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving my personal thoughts and opinions.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is A Salvation Society Novel and it is Mary and Dwayne's story. Mary had a difficult time with her ex Arthur who beat her and threw there one week old baby against a wall nearly killing him so she got out and now her life is dedicated to her son Bruce and her brother who as always been there for her and protected them but now she was at a charity ball to except a cheque for the women shelter where she worked and that is where she met Dwayne and had a one night stand. When Dwayne met and danced with Mary everything fired up in his body and he wanted her and not just for the night but he also had a job to do but anything is possible or is it. Mary and Dwayne's chemistry and connection between them was instant and off the charts but she had big trust issues after everything that she has been through but could Dwayne break down her walls enough to give them a chance of being together and having a happy ending or not. Wow this book was absolutely brilliant and I couldn't put it down as I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next. Victoria Pinder is an amazing author and writer and I have read all of her books and I have never been disappointed so I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed an Arc copy of this book.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasured - a review by Rosemary Kenny

The sizzling hot relationship between Mary Steel, a single Mom and homeless charity's shelter manager and Dwayne Jensen, the ex-SEAL head of a security firm. Love ignites almost instantly for him, at the corporate event where they first meet.

After a near-death experience (caused by her violent ex, Arthur), Mary and her son Bruce move to Dwayne's beach-house, but the shocks keep coming and Mary suffers survivors' guilt, causing her to make them both unhappy.
Can they ever hope to have an HEA?

With a dual narrative alternating between Mary and Dwayne, Princess of Romantic Suspense Victoria Pinder's Treasured, really ticks all the boxes and brings ultimate joy, as you progress through this heart-warming tale of overcoming the odds and challenges survived, together.

A charming modern adult fairytale, that will have your emotions on a rollercoaster ride, as Mary fears the loss of independence and pushes Dwayne away and a satisfying villain in Arthur.
Don't wait - get your copy today!

[Sheila Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though Treasured is part of the Salvation Society, it is a crossover in the Steel Family series by Victoria Pinder. It is about Mary Steel, a young single mother who manages a women's shelter, and Dwayne Jensen, a man bent on wresting his dead brother's company from a woman with no integrity.
Dwayne and Mary meet at a fundraiser for the shelter and there is instant chemistry. What was supposed to be a one night fling, blossoms into so much more. As the main characters are forging ahead in new relationship, unsavory characters, danger and threats as test their new feelings. There is enough action and drama to keep the reader entertained while rooting for an HEA ending for Dwayne and Mary.
4 stars.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Steele has lived a hard life. Now she's trying to raise her young son on her own and keep her distance from her abusive ex. Dwayne comes to her town on business to look into the illegal affairs of his almost sister-in-law, who just so happens to be in business with Mary's ex. There is an immediate connection between Mary and Dwayne, but will she open her heart to the possibility of more? When their two lives become more interwoven the danger level kicks up. Will they survive and have a chance at HEA? Read and find out. This is a quick and easy read. If abuse is a trigger for you, this may not be the story for you.

[Evelyn Jane Thorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a great story with a well written storyline and interesting characters.
The instant chemistry between Mary and Dwayne had me hooked from the very start of the book. I adore these two characters so much. I enjoyed the fact that this wasn’t just another romance story, it also had drama, suspense and danger.

Dwayne is so swoon worthy, I mean come on he literally says “because you’re my North Star”.

My favourite part is definitely the ending because it was beautiful.

I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Mary and Dwayne's story was an emotional read. Mary and her young son survived an abusive relationship and she is not sure about falling in love again. Dwyane shows her, though, how much he loves her and how different he is from her ex. There's some drama and intrigue around Dwayne's late brother's company and Mary's ex that kept the plot moving.

The story fit well into the Salvation Society World series and I liked getting to see Mary get her HEA.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ultra steamy. This is an action, love story with modest levels of tension.  I found Mary's fears and self doubt frustrating yet appropriate. Dwayne's character easily fits the mold of a man not able to understand a woman's feelings but wanting to be supportive nonetheless. Environmental influences provide that little edge in tension.

Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Page-turner. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tear-jerker. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author. This is my honest review.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ex-Navy Seal to keep her safe. Mary has had a few tough years. Found out she was pregnant then her boyfriend almost killed her new born baby so she escaped to a woman’s shelter. Now with help from the shelter and her brother her life is back on track and then she meets ex-Navy Seal Dwayne. And while she thinks all they have is a on night stand, Dwayne wants to see her again and calls her his Angel. But they both have people gunning for them and what they don’t know is their problems are related. And those after them won’t stop at murder

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary runs a women’s shelter owned by her cousins. They were her saving grace when her ex abused and almost killed her and infant son. Dwayne has just left the Seals to take over the management of the company his brother left him when he died. He needs to oust his brother’s fiancée and her cohorts who are selling illegal arms. Their lives intersect when her ex Arthur is one of the cohorts and she needs protection from him. Nicely written and was lower key than the rest of the Steel’s stories but very enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

[Reva Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story by Pinder with romance, a single mother from the Steel family, and a faithfully committed ex-SEAL, Dwayne, who knows whom he wants now that he's decommissioned. He only needs to clean the dirty, criminal players out of the company his deceased brother left him. Those criminals include the arms manufacturing and illegal dealing fiance of his brother's and the known murderer that is the ex of his new lover, Mary. And Mary's baby boy, Bruce, is also threatened along with her brother and Dwayne's mother! I loved it when Bruce wakes from a nightmare calling Dwayne, 'Dada.'

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love at last!

I've been waiting for Mary's story to come out. Coming from a broken past with a beautiful baby boy, she is rebuilding her life when she meets Dwayne. This book is full of the family togetherness, love, and excellent writing we have come to expect from Ms. Pinder and her books 📚. There is a little suspense and danger from Mary's past that might come between the two of them. I was hooked from the beginning of the book until I finished it. Cannot wait for her brother's turn at love.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an insta love romance between Mary and Dwayne. The author does a fantastic job developing the story with all the drama and danger in this action packed read. It's an interesting story brought to life with her vividly painted scenes. She moves the story quickly and smoothly and delivers a fantastic read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a single mom romance and this one hit me right in the heart because of everything Mary has gone through. Meeting Dwayne seems like fate but the story isn't without drama. I love that Dwayne never falters in his devotion to her and Bruce and consistently shows them he is there for them. Talk about swoony! The story is suspenseful, sexy, and just what I needed.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful insta-love story that also includes some thrilling suspense and intrigue. The two main characters have been unlucky in love before and are definitely not it expecting love to happen the moment they meet. Mary Steel is a young single mother who has survived an abusive relationship. She is now the manager of a woman’s shelter that her cousin owns. At a gala event that is being held to raise funds for the shelter, Mary meets Dwayne Jensen. He is a former navy SEAL who is now fighting for control of a company owned by his late brother. His brothers ex fiancée and Mary’s ex work for the company which is now involved in illegal activities. Dwayne had thought that Mary would be a source of info about her ex, but he soon realizes that Mary is an innocent who fought her way out of her last relationship. Their first meeting is fraught with sexual chemistry that both choose not to deny. What was meant to be a passionate one night stand soon turns into so much more. Even as they fight to deny their feelings, Dwayne does his best to protect her and her son as enemies come out of the woodwork to exact revenge from them both. His size and strength should have scared Mary, given her history with abuse, but Dwayne has made her feel safe since they met, and his gentleness with her toddler son melts away any misgivings she might have had. Dwayne recognizes Mary as his “one” almost instantaneously and will give his life to keep Mary and her son safe. Read their captivating story to see how it all unfolds.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Alicia Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the end the story line itself was fabulous but the writing was lacking detail to important situations that would have made it feel more realistic. I do not want anyone to think this book was a horrible read as it was not!

Full Review- https://aliciasbookblog106921670.word...

[Alharaca · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔎🔍 sweet, light, heartfelt, swoon worthy. Loved the characters and how Victoria created them making us fall in love with them and their story. The chemistry and situations are the perfect match for their relationship and how she portrayed second chances in life. Is a must read and I promise that you won't regret reading it.

[Marika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story!
Mary lives for her job, her saving grace, and her little boy..she doesn't need a man after the way she has been burned before..she knows better..but she is still a woman so she can have a night of fun.
Dwayne has a different idea and he is determined to show her how good they can be.
I loved these two and really felt the story.

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasured

This is a story about a young woman who had been married and then her husband had abused her and she left taking her baby boy with her and getting full custody of him. Meeting a very nice man at a ball she falls in love only to have her and her babies life put in danger with a bomb. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good

This was a good book. It was a quick, easy read. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of is some of the baby info wasn’t matching up. At the beginning she said he was a year, then 18 months, the wasn’t walking , he was sleeping all the time. Plus she let a man she didn’t know very well babysit her child. Umm no way!

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasured: A Salvation Society Novel by Victoria Pinder
ARC REVIEW
Dwayne and Mary
Mary's ex terrorizes her, but Dwayne was there to protect her and her little boy. An awesome book! It had everything you'd want from a Victoria Pinder Story!

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary is a single mom taking care of her son Bruce is her priority and and her ex was abusive. She struggles to trust men. She meets Dwayne at a charity event and it is pretty much an insta-love story.

[Tracey Tranter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, light, heartfelt, sexy read with an entertaining and romantic story line

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

[Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Romance

This is a sweet and heartwarming love story with outstanding characters that you will definitely enjoying their heartfelt love story.