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West Echo #1
The First Bullet
Brock Doughty has spent his career protecting and serving the citizens of Knoxville, but after patrolling the streets for over a decade, he’s losing his faith in humanity. When a rash of robberies occurs across the city, he works diligently to apprehend those responsible before someone gets hurt. His pursuit leads him to a feisty brunette with a grudge against cops, and suddenly Brock is just as determined to show her not all cops are the enemy.
Maria Moretti has no love for the Thin Blue Line, not after they failed their oath to serve and protect in the worst way possible. After a rough encounter, her first impression of Officer Doughty isn’t giving her a reason to change her mind. Believing his view of the world is skewed, she rebels against his rough charm even as it sets her heart racing.
Consumed with anger and guilt after the robberies turn deadly, Brock surges down a path of self-destruction as his thirst for vengeance grows. Now the man who’s spent his life saving others is the one in need of rescue. Broken and barely hanging on, Brock seeks out the one person he knows will understand.
Seeing her own inner turmoil reflected in the husk of the man before her, Maria is forced to choose—take shelter within her own darkness, or step into his and show him how to find the light.
Maria Moretti has no love for the Thin Blue Line, not after they failed their oath to serve and protect in the worst way possible. After a rough encounter, her first impression of Officer Doughty isn’t giving her a reason to change her mind. Believing his view of the world is skewed, she rebels against his rough charm even as it sets her heart racing.
Consumed with anger and guilt after the robberies turn deadly, Brock surges down a path of self-destruction as his thirst for vengeance grows. Now the man who’s spent his life saving others is the one in need of rescue. Broken and barely hanging on, Brock seeks out the one person he knows will understand.
Seeing her own inner turmoil reflected in the husk of the man before her, Maria is forced to choose—take shelter within her own darkness, or step into his and show him how to find the light.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2021
9 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Rivers
9 books29 followersAward-Winning Author Rachel Rivers writes paranormal and romantic suspense filled with gripping action and passionate love.
Understanding good and evil aren't black and white, she uses emotion-tugging stories to explore the numerous facets of gray. Intrigued by scarred souls and battered hearts, she challenges her characters to delve deep into the muck that is humanity. When she's not writing sexy stories, she's responding to 911 calls as a patrol Sergeant in a mid-size city. She's been a cop for ten years, spending the past five as a Hostage Negotiator and Lead Crisis Intervention Instructor.
She lives with her smoking hot husband and toddler triplets (who ensure she's constantly covered in all things sticky, gross, and unmentionable). She also loves training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for whatever situation the street - or her kids - may throw at her. A lover of red wine, tattoos, and hard rock music, she's down-to-earth and always enjoys spending some whoosah time in nature.
Understanding good and evil aren't black and white, she uses emotion-tugging stories to explore the numerous facets of gray. Intrigued by scarred souls and battered hearts, she challenges her characters to delve deep into the muck that is humanity. When she's not writing sexy stories, she's responding to 911 calls as a patrol Sergeant in a mid-size city. She's been a cop for ten years, spending the past five as a Hostage Negotiator and Lead Crisis Intervention Instructor.
She lives with her smoking hot husband and toddler triplets (who ensure she's constantly covered in all things sticky, gross, and unmentionable). She also loves training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for whatever situation the street - or her kids - may throw at her. A lover of red wine, tattoos, and hard rock music, she's down-to-earth and always enjoys spending some whoosah time in nature.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 11, 2021
“I understand you’re feeling alone in that hole, but you don’t have to be there alone. I’ll sit with you in the dark until you can pull yourself out…I’m willing to fight for you until you can fight for yourself.”
Brock Doughty has taken an oath to protect and serve the citizens of Knoxville. Since a young boy, his dream has always been to be a police officer in order to help protect his community. Now that very community is being plagued by a crime spree of robberies, and Officer Doughty is determined to bring them to justice. Following up on a call, he pulls over a vehicle matching the description of the robbers…except it’s not the suspects, it’s a beautiful woman, Maria Moretti, who’s developed a prickly attitude towards the Thin Blue Line. Brock is both intrigued and attracted by Maria’s demeanor, and is determined to discover what put that chip on her shoulder…and offer his to comfort and support this woman who has stolen his heart…
Maria Moretti has not had a good experience with the boys in blue. While she knows that there are good and bad people in all walks of life, she’s struggled with overcoming a darkness in her past…one that threatens to devour what is left of her soul. That is until the night she’s pulled over by Officer Doughty, and she takes a chance on a man she knows is all wrong for her…but in all the ways that matter, he’s perfect. When Brock has his own encounter with the darkness she knows all too well, Maria has to make a decision that could change both of their futures…forever…
The First Bullet is an amazing story of how quickly life can break you…but also reminds there is always light leading you out of that darkness if you only know where to look. This smexxy romantic kick ass book is a must read! Wish I could give it more than 5 stars! Highly recommend and can’t wait for the next installment to the West Echo series!
Brock Doughty has taken an oath to protect and serve the citizens of Knoxville. Since a young boy, his dream has always been to be a police officer in order to help protect his community. Now that very community is being plagued by a crime spree of robberies, and Officer Doughty is determined to bring them to justice. Following up on a call, he pulls over a vehicle matching the description of the robbers…except it’s not the suspects, it’s a beautiful woman, Maria Moretti, who’s developed a prickly attitude towards the Thin Blue Line. Brock is both intrigued and attracted by Maria’s demeanor, and is determined to discover what put that chip on her shoulder…and offer his to comfort and support this woman who has stolen his heart…
Maria Moretti has not had a good experience with the boys in blue. While she knows that there are good and bad people in all walks of life, she’s struggled with overcoming a darkness in her past…one that threatens to devour what is left of her soul. That is until the night she’s pulled over by Officer Doughty, and she takes a chance on a man she knows is all wrong for her…but in all the ways that matter, he’s perfect. When Brock has his own encounter with the darkness she knows all too well, Maria has to make a decision that could change both of their futures…forever…
The First Bullet is an amazing story of how quickly life can break you…but also reminds there is always light leading you out of that darkness if you only know where to look. This smexxy romantic kick ass book is a must read! Wish I could give it more than 5 stars! Highly recommend and can’t wait for the next installment to the West Echo series!
August 13, 2022
I received this as a gift from the author, at the 2022 Lori Foster RAGT - my review follows:
This was my first West Echo book and I love starting the series with #1. The writing style was fresh and realistic. I feel I now have a slightly better understanding of the police and the traumas they face.
I have always had respect for people who want to make the world a better place and I include police in that group. This book does a great job of showing how human people are, both the humanity and inhumanity. The main characters- Brock and Maria- have a realistic relationship. All of the characters- have definite personalities and I look forward to reading about the other characters lives and romances. I felt all the emotions while reading and the ending was satisfying. This story had drama, action, romance, realism, and was a rollercoaster of a read. The start took a bit of time but once I was hooked- I read it in one sitting. Thank you Rachel Rivers ( stay safe and sane)
This was my first West Echo book and I love starting the series with #1. The writing style was fresh and realistic. I feel I now have a slightly better understanding of the police and the traumas they face.
I have always had respect for people who want to make the world a better place and I include police in that group. This book does a great job of showing how human people are, both the humanity and inhumanity. The main characters- Brock and Maria- have a realistic relationship. All of the characters- have definite personalities and I look forward to reading about the other characters lives and romances. I felt all the emotions while reading and the ending was satisfying. This story had drama, action, romance, realism, and was a rollercoaster of a read. The start took a bit of time but once I was hooked- I read it in one sitting. Thank you Rachel Rivers ( stay safe and sane)
January 6, 2021
I’d give it five stars but....
Seriously, it really was a great story with wonderful character and plot development. I’m glad for a peek into the world of law enforcement as written by a real life LEO so as to be as real as possible. I’m especially glad that this is going to be a series because I want to know all about Roni’s story. Deep waters with that one. Aaaand I really hope that bitch cop gets fired. Would have given the story a five but I feel like some of the crass terms in the bedroom almost made the story a bit juvenile compared to the rest of it. It really was only in the one scene but it felt off.
Seriously, it really was a great story with wonderful character and plot development. I’m glad for a peek into the world of law enforcement as written by a real life LEO so as to be as real as possible. I’m especially glad that this is going to be a series because I want to know all about Roni’s story. Deep waters with that one. Aaaand I really hope that bitch cop gets fired. Would have given the story a five but I feel like some of the crass terms in the bedroom almost made the story a bit juvenile compared to the rest of it. It really was only in the one scene but it felt off.
January 12, 2021
The First Bullet is a spectacular romantic suspense by Rachel Rivers. Ms. Rivers has delivered a well-written book with a cast of characters second to none. I totally loved the characters! Brock is a cop that wants to find the group holding up convenience stores before someone dies. Maria owns a donut shop and is pure attitude when stopped by Brock. Maria and Brock's story is packed with drama, humor, action, sizzle and suspense. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover and look forward to my next book by Rachel Rivers. The First Bullet is book 1 of the West Echo Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
May 3, 2021
Relationships and cops
This author takes you through the feelings, the fears, the hopes, the humanness of the people that put their lives in the line every day yo protect us. Brock is portrayed as the tough cop but Maria shows him how to deal with emotions of self doubts and self incrimination because she has had to deal with such as well. The storyline could be taken from any day but this author gives you insight into the mind set of this LEO adding some romance and how to make relationships work. If you like reading about cops and crime and romance then this book is for you.
This author takes you through the feelings, the fears, the hopes, the humanness of the people that put their lives in the line every day yo protect us. Brock is portrayed as the tough cop but Maria shows him how to deal with emotions of self doubts and self incrimination because she has had to deal with such as well. The storyline could be taken from any day but this author gives you insight into the mind set of this LEO adding some romance and how to make relationships work. If you like reading about cops and crime and romance then this book is for you.
January 6, 2021
Great story
I loved this book. You can tell Ms. Rivers put her heart and soul in her writing of this fiction of real life happenings. It will make you laugh, cry, get angry and frustrated and sit on the edge of your seat with the action and of course there is a love story going on too amongst all of this. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
I loved this book. You can tell Ms. Rivers put her heart and soul in her writing of this fiction of real life happenings. It will make you laugh, cry, get angry and frustrated and sit on the edge of your seat with the action and of course there is a love story going on too amongst all of this. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
September 14, 2021
Great intro to new author!I
As a first book by a new author I was delighted by
Her style, characters, plot formation, and flow. I got so
Caught up in the anger of the main characters, that even knowing
I have a full day with toddlers, its midnight, and I had to finish my book !!
Great Read!!
As a first book by a new author I was delighted by
Her style, characters, plot formation, and flow. I got so
Caught up in the anger of the main characters, that even knowing
I have a full day with toddlers, its midnight, and I had to finish my book !!
Great Read!!
January 7, 2021
Reals
I really loved how real this book was, stuff that citizens don't know about or understand what our law enforcement officers deal with every day. There is good and bad in this world. Characters were flushed out. Great start to the series.
I really loved how real this book was, stuff that citizens don't know about or understand what our law enforcement officers deal with every day. There is good and bad in this world. Characters were flushed out. Great start to the series.
January 9, 2021
Fantastic!
At long last. A truly depicted police romance! Rachel's writing draws us in and we are sweating blood and tears along with Brock and Maria and the rest of the crew. I can't wait for the next book!
At long last. A truly depicted police romance! Rachel's writing draws us in and we are sweating blood and tears along with Brock and Maria and the rest of the crew. I can't wait for the next book!
January 12, 2021
What a read !
The writing in this book was sensational ! It put you in Brock and Maria’s head and the detail is indescribable .
Brock is a policeman who has a strong team of Coworkers . Maria owns her own bakery. Romance is not easy and theirs is not a easy road to navigate .
The writing in this book was sensational ! It put you in Brock and Maria’s head and the detail is indescribable .
Brock is a policeman who has a strong team of Coworkers . Maria owns her own bakery. Romance is not easy and theirs is not a easy road to navigate .
January 17, 2021
Excellent Read
This book started a little slow and slightly juvenile. But it wasn’t long before it became a page turner. Ms. Rivers captures deep emotions on many levels to bring her story into a rich conclusion.
This book started a little slow and slightly juvenile. But it wasn’t long before it became a page turner. Ms. Rivers captures deep emotions on many levels to bring her story into a rich conclusion.
July 29, 2023
Bullet hits the mark
Compelling plot. Lots of great characters that I want to read more about. A realistic look into the cop world with a steamy side of spice. Once I finished, I immediately bought book 2.
Compelling plot. Lots of great characters that I want to read more about. A realistic look into the cop world with a steamy side of spice. Once I finished, I immediately bought book 2.
January 6, 2021
This is an exciting reading experience with engaging characters and a suspenseful plot. I am glad I decided to read it. Happy reading!
August 14, 2022
Rachel slays it!!!
Oh em gee, Rachel hit all the feels!! You will laugh, cry, groan..and possibly spit out coffee, if you get caught off guard...hahahaha. Oh man, this was great.
Oh em gee, Rachel hit all the feels!! You will laugh, cry, groan..and possibly spit out coffee, if you get caught off guard...hahahaha. Oh man, this was great.
January 30, 2024
This was an exciting book and one that also reflected real life. Loved it.
December 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this novel in the first of the series!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews