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Deep Ops #2.5
Pivot
As girls, they bonded over broken homes and growing up in foster care.
As women, they’re fighting for their lives, and loves, once more . . .
MERI (Against the Heart)
When Meriwether Jones takes her young daughter and runs from trouble in L.A., that trouble follows. By the time Meri reaches Spokane, she’s out of gas, money, and ideas. Luckily, ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help him with his father’s farmhouse, and they seem like the answer to each other’s prayers. But Meri is keeping a dangerous secret—and Ian is in danger of losing his heart . . .
MELANIE (Echoes of the Past)
That secret explodes when Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy she tutors and responds by ramming them with her car. The last thing she expects is for the man she once loved, Detective Gray Hawkins, to appear and rescue them both. Now she has no choice but to trust him as they investigate the truth about a conspiracy of dirty, drug trafficking cops—and the truth about their relationship . . .
MICHELLE (Shaken)
After a rough youth, Michelle Peach was finally content in Portland—until two men broke into her home, threatened her, and sent her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree that Michelle has to stop. The last person Michelle wants to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine turned sheriff. But Evan misses the woman who walked away instead of letting him help years ago. This time he’s not asking permission; he’s going to put a stop to the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends—and win her heart for good.
As women, they’re fighting for their lives, and loves, once more . . .
MERI (Against the Heart)
When Meriwether Jones takes her young daughter and runs from trouble in L.A., that trouble follows. By the time Meri reaches Spokane, she’s out of gas, money, and ideas. Luckily, ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help him with his father’s farmhouse, and they seem like the answer to each other’s prayers. But Meri is keeping a dangerous secret—and Ian is in danger of losing his heart . . .
MELANIE (Echoes of the Past)
That secret explodes when Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy she tutors and responds by ramming them with her car. The last thing she expects is for the man she once loved, Detective Gray Hawkins, to appear and rescue them both. Now she has no choice but to trust him as they investigate the truth about a conspiracy of dirty, drug trafficking cops—and the truth about their relationship . . .
MICHELLE (Shaken)
After a rough youth, Michelle Peach was finally content in Portland—until two men broke into her home, threatened her, and sent her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree that Michelle has to stop. The last person Michelle wants to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine turned sheriff. But Evan misses the woman who walked away instead of letting him help years ago. This time he’s not asking permission; he’s going to put a stop to the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends—and win her heart for good.
Audio CD
First published March 31, 2020
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About the author
Kat Martin
186 books3,166 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
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May 6, 2020
Pivot - anthology by Kat Martin, Rebecca Zanetti and Alexandra Ivy
AGAINST THE HEART by Kat Martin
Meri is on the run from a nasty ex when she meets Ian in front of a store bulletin board. Perfect timing for both of them. She can hide in the middle of the small town while getting paid to help clean out his fathers house. Ian can tell Meri is desperate and can’t help coming to the rescue.
I found this story immediately engaging and captivating until the end. I got a feeling from one paragraph on family he could call that it may be part of a series. I’ve read a few books by this author and this was a reminder why I like romantic suspense so much.
SHAKEN by Rebecca Zanetti
Book 2.5 of the Deep Ops series
Second chance. Evan and Michelle were once in foster care together. Now, years later he comes to her rescue, done with the military and ready to commit to Michelle and the small town he protects as Sheriff.
Easter egg for Zanetti readers.
Character traits that were amusing (including the dog) and a story that was riveting. A fast read that can be read as a stand-alone.
ECHOES OF THE PAST by Alexandra Ivy
It’s a second chance for the relationship of Melanie and Gray as they protect a young boy while
investing the clues to find the dirty cops in his precinct.
Tension filled and absorbing.
The last 40 pages are previews by the three authors in the anthology.
AGAINST THE HEART by Kat Martin
Meri is on the run from a nasty ex when she meets Ian in front of a store bulletin board. Perfect timing for both of them. She can hide in the middle of the small town while getting paid to help clean out his fathers house. Ian can tell Meri is desperate and can’t help coming to the rescue.
I found this story immediately engaging and captivating until the end. I got a feeling from one paragraph on family he could call that it may be part of a series. I’ve read a few books by this author and this was a reminder why I like romantic suspense so much.
SHAKEN by Rebecca Zanetti
Book 2.5 of the Deep Ops series
Second chance. Evan and Michelle were once in foster care together. Now, years later he comes to her rescue, done with the military and ready to commit to Michelle and the small town he protects as Sheriff.
Easter egg for Zanetti readers.
Character traits that were amusing (including the dog) and a story that was riveting. A fast read that can be read as a stand-alone.
ECHOES OF THE PAST by Alexandra Ivy
It’s a second chance for the relationship of Melanie and Gray as they protect a young boy while
investing the clues to find the dirty cops in his precinct.
Tension filled and absorbing.
The last 40 pages are previews by the three authors in the anthology.
April 30, 2020
Pivot by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy and Rebecca Zanetti is another installment in the romantic suspense Deep Ops series. This book is best read between books two and three however the series changes main characters between the books so they all could be read and understood as a standalone.
Pivot happens to have three somewhat separate stories involved in the book that are all novella length. The first story has Meri on the run when she’s about out of money she finds herself at Ian’s farm looking for work. Story #2 then Melanie trying to stop a kidnapping and getting involved with a handsome detective. Then in the last story we circle back to Meri’s friend, Michelle, who had been threatened trying to protect Meri’s whereabouts. Michelle then has her ex show up to help protect her from the men threatening her.
If you enjoy a really fast paced romantic suspense then Pivot would be right up your alley giving three stories in one. Everything flowed rather well when put together and reading straight through too which made jumping from one story into the next rather seamless keeping the pages turning. Another great addition to this series overall!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Pivot happens to have three somewhat separate stories involved in the book that are all novella length. The first story has Meri on the run when she’s about out of money she finds herself at Ian’s farm looking for work. Story #2 then Melanie trying to stop a kidnapping and getting involved with a handsome detective. Then in the last story we circle back to Meri’s friend, Michelle, who had been threatened trying to protect Meri’s whereabouts. Michelle then has her ex show up to help protect her from the men threatening her.
If you enjoy a really fast paced romantic suspense then Pivot would be right up your alley giving three stories in one. Everything flowed rather well when put together and reading straight through too which made jumping from one story into the next rather seamless keeping the pages turning. Another great addition to this series overall!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
August 5, 2024
This was a very interesting read
May 25, 2020
5 - "We’re in this together…" Stars!
What do you get when you put three superb RS/PNR authors together to provide three novellas that are loosely linked together?? A damn good read, that’s what! And I don’t say that lightly, because I have read more than my share of compilations like this in the past, and more often than not you find that one or two of the offerings are great but there’s usually a 'Weakest Link' in the mix just to fill out the page count, but all three of the novellas contained in Pivot were stellar reads.
"I only have tonight and I want to spend it with you…"
Of the three though, I have to say Rebecca Zanetti’s was my favourite, which will come as no surprise to those that know me, as she is one of my top five authors, she managed to link Michelle and Evan’s story not only to her Deep Ops series, but we get cameo’s from a couple of my favourite Dark Protectors too!
"Being with you these last few days has bought everything back, and well… I just want you."
Not too long, easy to read, likeable characters, and a great way to take your mind off the world around you for a few hours at a time. Whether these are authors you know, or completely unknown, this is an anthology that’s worth investing your time and money in.
"Stop waiting and start living."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Merged review:
Read March 2020, in Pivot Anthology ~
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
What do you get when you put three superb RS/PNR authors together to provide three novellas that are loosely linked together?? A damn good read, that’s what! And I don’t say that lightly, because I have read more than my share of compilations like this in the past, and more often than not you find that one or two of the offerings are great but there’s usually a 'Weakest Link' in the mix just to fill out the page count, but all three of the novellas contained in Pivot were stellar reads.
"I only have tonight and I want to spend it with you…"
Of the three though, I have to say Rebecca Zanetti’s was my favourite, which will come as no surprise to those that know me, as she is one of my top five authors, she managed to link Michelle and Evan’s story not only to her Deep Ops series, but we get cameo’s from a couple of my favourite Dark Protectors too!
"Being with you these last few days has bought everything back, and well… I just want you."
Not too long, easy to read, likeable characters, and a great way to take your mind off the world around you for a few hours at a time. Whether these are authors you know, or completely unknown, this is an anthology that’s worth investing your time and money in.
"Stop waiting and start living."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Merged review:
Read March 2020, in Pivot Anthology ~
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 31, 2020
Three women ... three stories ... three authors.
When they were girls, they bonded over living in foster care. As adult women, they've survived their childhoods ... but now they all face danger.
AGAINST THE HEART by KAT MARTIN
Meri takes her daughter and runs from an abusive boyfriend. She runs until she's out of money, out of gas, and out of ideas. Luckily ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help with his father's farmhouse. The attraction is there ... but Meri is hiding her secret and that means danger for all.
SHAKEN by REBECCA ZANETTI
When Melanie sees two men trying to kidnap a young boy, she doesn't hesitate for a moment, but rams her car into the side of their car. . . Being a witness brings its own problems, especially as it's none other than Detective Gary Hawkins who take her and the boy into hiding. She and the Detective have a history .... can she trust him?
ECHOES OF THE PAST by DEBBIE RALEIGH
Michelle has finally laid her past to rest.. but that is soon to change. Two men break into her home, threatening her and sending her mother on a blackmail spree. The last person she wants to see if former marine - turned sheriff. This time, he's not taking no for an answer... he's going to stop the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends.
These are all well written ... full of suspense, along with a dash of romance. It's like getting three novellas wrapped into one book.
Many thanks to the authors / Kensington Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of these Romantic Suspense stories. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 27, 2020
This is an excellent collection of three entertaining, well-written, fast paced, intertwined romantic suspense novellas. I have been a fan of the novels of Ms. Martin and Ms. Ivy for many years and truly enjoyed their contributions to this collection. I am looking forward to reading the other novels in Ms. Martin's Brodies of Alaska series. I was thrilled to discover Ms. Zanetti's outstanding, witty and intriguing entry. I have added all of her Deep Ops series novels to my TBR list.
March 7, 2020
I love trying out anthologies so that I can find new authors, and Kat Martin and Alexandra Ivy are new authors to me. I've read and loved Rebecca Zanetti, so I knew this anthology would be worth it just for her story alone.
I was happy to see Zanetti's characters are from one of her series that I am reading and loving right now. The best part is that the other two stories were equally as good. I'm so curious now what characters Kat Martin and Alexandra Ivy brought from their other series, that's me assuming they are not brand new characters.
Each story are the size of a novella and I think they all did a great job of making a short story feel like a completed book. I especially enjoyed how each story had common characters that flowed from the first to the last story. It made all three feel connected and like you were reading one book.
I'm looking forward to reading my new-to-me authors and thank you Rebecca Zanetti for giving me more of the Deep Ops series!
I was happy to see Zanetti's characters are from one of her series that I am reading and loving right now. The best part is that the other two stories were equally as good. I'm so curious now what characters Kat Martin and Alexandra Ivy brought from their other series, that's me assuming they are not brand new characters.
Each story are the size of a novella and I think they all did a great job of making a short story feel like a completed book. I especially enjoyed how each story had common characters that flowed from the first to the last story. It made all three feel connected and like you were reading one book.
I'm looking forward to reading my new-to-me authors and thank you Rebecca Zanetti for giving me more of the Deep Ops series!
August 4, 2020
Three shorter stories by different authors with overlapping characters featured in each. The first one had the favored characters and plot. My dad read the book too, and really enjoyed it. Thanks to Kensington Publishing for the complimentary Advanced Readers Edition.
February 23, 2020
Loved this trio of stories, the characters and the way they intermingled together.
Against the Heart - Kat Martin
This has everything needed for a novella. With enough angst and drama to move the story, it’s rich with emotion as Meri and Ian struggle with their growing attraction. Meri, whose main concern is her daughter, was sweet and kind but with a backbone of steel. I loved that Ian recognized something wasn’t right and wanted to solve the problem but respected Meri too much to force himself into whatever the situation was.
Together, with the addition of Lily and Ian’s father, Daniel, this story was all things of the heart. I found myself loving them all early in the story and so much more by the time it ended. For such a quick read, this had all the feels to it.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Shaken - Rebecca Zanetti
Holy heck! How did this author manage to hook me, reel me in and serve me up in such a short space of time? This book is everything I love about her work but in a deliciously small package. Of course, this had my favorite type of hero. Evan was wonderful in the way he stepped in to protect Michelle, whether she wanted it or not. They have a history that leads believability to their relationship and adds to the chemistry that’s between them. Man, they absolutely sizzled!
This has a lot of danger, drama and action as well as one particular character that crossed-over from his series, and who I am dying to read more about. With his addition, this had some great humor to alleviate that outside angst this couple were fighting against. With a few twists I never saw coming, and some nice interlacing with the previous story, I finished this one with a huge smile.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Echoes of the Past - Alexander Ivy
When Mel risks her life to help a student she runs smack dab into Gray, the man from her past she hasn’t been able to forget. Together, they work to catch the person or persons who are out to not only capture the boy, but that are working with a drug cartel as well.
This works the case quite a bit with a little romance in between. I struggled some connecting with both Mel and Gray. Perhaps because this book was shorter than the others and I didn’t get a chance to really understand their past history enough. Despite that, they did an excellent job working together and both made adult decisions when it came down to dealing with their issues.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Against the Heart - Kat Martin
This has everything needed for a novella. With enough angst and drama to move the story, it’s rich with emotion as Meri and Ian struggle with their growing attraction. Meri, whose main concern is her daughter, was sweet and kind but with a backbone of steel. I loved that Ian recognized something wasn’t right and wanted to solve the problem but respected Meri too much to force himself into whatever the situation was.
Together, with the addition of Lily and Ian’s father, Daniel, this story was all things of the heart. I found myself loving them all early in the story and so much more by the time it ended. For such a quick read, this had all the feels to it.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Shaken - Rebecca Zanetti
Holy heck! How did this author manage to hook me, reel me in and serve me up in such a short space of time? This book is everything I love about her work but in a deliciously small package. Of course, this had my favorite type of hero. Evan was wonderful in the way he stepped in to protect Michelle, whether she wanted it or not. They have a history that leads believability to their relationship and adds to the chemistry that’s between them. Man, they absolutely sizzled!
This has a lot of danger, drama and action as well as one particular character that crossed-over from his series, and who I am dying to read more about. With his addition, this had some great humor to alleviate that outside angst this couple were fighting against. With a few twists I never saw coming, and some nice interlacing with the previous story, I finished this one with a huge smile.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Echoes of the Past - Alexander Ivy
When Mel risks her life to help a student she runs smack dab into Gray, the man from her past she hasn’t been able to forget. Together, they work to catch the person or persons who are out to not only capture the boy, but that are working with a drug cartel as well.
This works the case quite a bit with a little romance in between. I struggled some connecting with both Mel and Gray. Perhaps because this book was shorter than the others and I didn’t get a chance to really understand their past history enough. Despite that, they did an excellent job working together and both made adult decisions when it came down to dealing with their issues.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
March 31, 2020
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
An anthology of three stories by three of my favorite authors. Should be fun! I am really surprised how these three stories, written by three different authors have used the plot from Against the Heart and written wonderful, unique stories taking off from that plot. And, characters from their current series make appearances. Fantastic, just fantastic.
Against the Heart - Kat Martin 4-Stars
The beginning of The Brodies of Alaska Series is a novella about Ian Brody, owner of the security firm a lot of the cousins work for, and Meriwether Jones, a single mom on the run from the junkie dealer father of her four year old daughter, Lily. It is a great romance and although the plot is predictable, Kat Martin is such a great author she pulls it off. It was an enjoyable story.
Shaken - Rebecca Zanetti 5-Stars
Michelle Peach had a rough childhood, a unstable mother and a series of foster homes. In one really good home, she was able to form lasting friendships and family. Evan Boldon was also in this home and these two teens fell in love. Life led them in different directions, but when Michelle , now in Portland, OR, is attacked by thugs searching for her friend, Meri, and then again by different thugs searching for her mother, who stole from her and left, Evan Bolton is there for her. Evan's life led him to the Marines and then to a small town in Washington State when he is now the Sherriff. He always loved Michelle and is going the use this opportunity to prove that to her and never let her go again.
Echoes of the Past - Alexandra Ivy 4-Stars
When one of the thugs, now in jail, has information about dirty cops, Grey Hawkins, a Spokane Police Detective, returns to Seattle to assist in the investigation. When the thug's son is threatened, Gray comes face to face with the woman he left behind when he left Seattle two years ago. Melanie Cassidy interrupts the attempted kidnapping of a young boy she tutors. She runs and is saved by Gray, a man she cared for until he broke her heart. She has to trust him with her safety, but can she trust him with her heart?
An anthology of three stories by three of my favorite authors. Should be fun! I am really surprised how these three stories, written by three different authors have used the plot from Against the Heart and written wonderful, unique stories taking off from that plot. And, characters from their current series make appearances. Fantastic, just fantastic.
Against the Heart - Kat Martin 4-Stars
The beginning of The Brodies of Alaska Series is a novella about Ian Brody, owner of the security firm a lot of the cousins work for, and Meriwether Jones, a single mom on the run from the junkie dealer father of her four year old daughter, Lily. It is a great romance and although the plot is predictable, Kat Martin is such a great author she pulls it off. It was an enjoyable story.
Shaken - Rebecca Zanetti 5-Stars
Michelle Peach had a rough childhood, a unstable mother and a series of foster homes. In one really good home, she was able to form lasting friendships and family. Evan Boldon was also in this home and these two teens fell in love. Life led them in different directions, but when Michelle , now in Portland, OR, is attacked by thugs searching for her friend, Meri, and then again by different thugs searching for her mother, who stole from her and left, Evan Bolton is there for her. Evan's life led him to the Marines and then to a small town in Washington State when he is now the Sherriff. He always loved Michelle and is going the use this opportunity to prove that to her and never let her go again.
Echoes of the Past - Alexandra Ivy 4-Stars
When one of the thugs, now in jail, has information about dirty cops, Grey Hawkins, a Spokane Police Detective, returns to Seattle to assist in the investigation. When the thug's son is threatened, Gray comes face to face with the woman he left behind when he left Seattle two years ago. Melanie Cassidy interrupts the attempted kidnapping of a young boy she tutors. She runs and is saved by Gray, a man she cared for until he broke her heart. She has to trust him with her safety, but can she trust him with her heart?
April 4, 2020
ARC received for review
All three of these books are connected by the bad guys, and little by side characters.
Against the Heart - 3 stars
It just felt old. Oh wait, it's from 2013 which really isn't that old. Meri is on the run from her ex and stops in Ian's town. Ian saves her when the bad guys finally show up. Little side romance with his dad and the neighbor.
Shaken - 3 stars
Melanie saves a boy she tutors from being kidnapped by one of the bad guys from the previous novella. Gray hides the boy with Ian and Meri (not that we see them). Melanie and Gray have history that makes it hard for her to trust him, but in the end true love wins.
Echos of the Past - 3.5 stars
Michelle is attacked by the bad guys in book one looking for her friend, Meri. Her ex comes in to help hide in his town. True love once again overcomes the past mistakes. Loved seeing Wolfe, Roscoe and Kat from that series.
All three of these books are connected by the bad guys, and little by side characters.
Against the Heart - 3 stars
It just felt old. Oh wait, it's from 2013 which really isn't that old. Meri is on the run from her ex and stops in Ian's town. Ian saves her when the bad guys finally show up. Little side romance with his dad and the neighbor.
Shaken - 3 stars
Melanie saves a boy she tutors from being kidnapped by one of the bad guys from the previous novella. Gray hides the boy with Ian and Meri (not that we see them). Melanie and Gray have history that makes it hard for her to trust him, but in the end true love wins.
Echos of the Past - 3.5 stars
Michelle is attacked by the bad guys in book one looking for her friend, Meri. Her ex comes in to help hide in his town. True love once again overcomes the past mistakes. Loved seeing Wolfe, Roscoe and Kat from that series.
April 4, 2020
I don’t think I’ve said this enough, anthologies are a great way to get extra content about our favorite characters while also getting a chance to read other authors.
From this anthology I really wanted to read Rebecca Zanetti’s story about a comic book writer and an ex-marine now sheriff of a small town who fell in love when they were young foster kids and now have a second chance at happiness.
After a difficult upbringing, heartbreak Michelle Peach has found her zen writing comic books. Her only problem is her crazy mother who’s brought serious trouble to her doorstep and has created some of her own. Evan Boldon was not her first choice to help her out, but her gorgeous ex is not only qualified to solve her problems but also jumped at the chance to get back the only woman he’s ever loved.
Even though Michelle and Evan parted ways amicably it wasn’t because they had fallen out of love. Evan’s career in the military put him constantly at risk and he felt Michelle deserved stability and happiness after the rough life they’d had. But he’s found contentment as sheriff of a sleepy town which he feels Michelle would love. Now he only has to convince her he’s back for good in the middle of the chaotic situation her mother has put her in.
As with her other Deep Ops novels, Rebecca Zanetti pens a thrillingly scorching romance full of action and wonderful chemistry. I loved having Wolfe, Kat and Roscoe as supporting characters and the cameo crossover from Rebecca’s Dark Protectors was the cherry on top this great read.
This was a very enjoyable fast-paced and sexy read. Even though it’s a short story, Zanetti expertly pens a hooking plot with well-developed characters.
Shaken is novella #2.5 of the Deep Ops series by Rebecca Zanetti. It is a fascinating suspenseful romance you won’t want to miss. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.
The Pivot anthology features two other stories, Against Her Heart by Kat Martin and Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the authors via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2JF5EEW
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From this anthology I really wanted to read Rebecca Zanetti’s story about a comic book writer and an ex-marine now sheriff of a small town who fell in love when they were young foster kids and now have a second chance at happiness.
After a difficult upbringing, heartbreak Michelle Peach has found her zen writing comic books. Her only problem is her crazy mother who’s brought serious trouble to her doorstep and has created some of her own. Evan Boldon was not her first choice to help her out, but her gorgeous ex is not only qualified to solve her problems but also jumped at the chance to get back the only woman he’s ever loved.
Even though Michelle and Evan parted ways amicably it wasn’t because they had fallen out of love. Evan’s career in the military put him constantly at risk and he felt Michelle deserved stability and happiness after the rough life they’d had. But he’s found contentment as sheriff of a sleepy town which he feels Michelle would love. Now he only has to convince her he’s back for good in the middle of the chaotic situation her mother has put her in.
As with her other Deep Ops novels, Rebecca Zanetti pens a thrillingly scorching romance full of action and wonderful chemistry. I loved having Wolfe, Kat and Roscoe as supporting characters and the cameo crossover from Rebecca’s Dark Protectors was the cherry on top this great read.
This was a very enjoyable fast-paced and sexy read. Even though it’s a short story, Zanetti expertly pens a hooking plot with well-developed characters.
Shaken is novella #2.5 of the Deep Ops series by Rebecca Zanetti. It is a fascinating suspenseful romance you won’t want to miss. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.
The Pivot anthology features two other stories, Against Her Heart by Kat Martin and Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the authors via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
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March 28, 2020
Against The Heart by Kat Martin
Meriwether tries hard to keep her jerk of an ex, Joey away from her and her daughter. While on the run she gets help from Ian who is an ex-cop. He knows something is going on with her but doesn't want to push her away so doesn't push her too much too fast but he's quickly becoming attached to her and her sweet daughter. Ian's father is a sweet old man who was lonely after his wife died five years earlier and he'd let the house go to hell. Ian hired Meri to cook, clean and keep the house his father lived in working. It was nice to see the way Ian's father changed once he got used to Meri and her daughter being in the house. But when Joey goes to one of her friends and smacks her around until she gives up Meri's phone number, things get dangerous.
Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti
Michelle is a friend of Meri's from the first story which I really liked having this tie-in to make these stories connect in some way. Meri's ex, who is an absolute jerk assaults Michelle to find out where Meri is. Later Michelle's mother comes to her and tells her she needs a lot of money but Michelle only had a couple of thousand she can give her drug addict mother. Joey and one of his goons took her tablet when he left and hew newest comic was on it. She needed the tablet back because there were other things on her tablet as well. Evan came to make sure she was ok after the run in with Joey. Her and Evan had been a thing until he joined the Marines, then they broke up. But now he was back and he wanted her but she wasn't sure she could trust her heart with him again. With the help of Evan's friend, Wolfe they go after her tablet, try to save her mother and keep from getting killed from the drug dealers chasing them.
Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy
Gray helped take down Joey and Ski when they had tried to kidnap Meri's daughter, Lily from the first story. Ski now wanted to make a deal to testify against a couple of dirty cops who were selling drugs for the local drug cartel and Gray was there to make sure things went smoothly so when Ski starts getting threatening letters not to talk or his kid will be dead, Gray has to help him. Donny had escaped a kidnapping attempt and ended up at the youth center where Melanie was his tutor. Melanie saves him from being kidnapped again and then Gray comes upon the scene. Gray asks Ian from the first story to take Donny until the danger blows over. Melanie stayed with him to identify the guys who tried to take the boy.
All three stories tie in with each other since so many of the characters are friends. I liked how each story was it's own but it also included bits of the others. I really liked these stories and how the entire thing concluded. There was enough action, danger and romance to keep me reading.
Disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley but all opinions and thoughts are my own.
Meriwether tries hard to keep her jerk of an ex, Joey away from her and her daughter. While on the run she gets help from Ian who is an ex-cop. He knows something is going on with her but doesn't want to push her away so doesn't push her too much too fast but he's quickly becoming attached to her and her sweet daughter. Ian's father is a sweet old man who was lonely after his wife died five years earlier and he'd let the house go to hell. Ian hired Meri to cook, clean and keep the house his father lived in working. It was nice to see the way Ian's father changed once he got used to Meri and her daughter being in the house. But when Joey goes to one of her friends and smacks her around until she gives up Meri's phone number, things get dangerous.
Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti
Michelle is a friend of Meri's from the first story which I really liked having this tie-in to make these stories connect in some way. Meri's ex, who is an absolute jerk assaults Michelle to find out where Meri is. Later Michelle's mother comes to her and tells her she needs a lot of money but Michelle only had a couple of thousand she can give her drug addict mother. Joey and one of his goons took her tablet when he left and hew newest comic was on it. She needed the tablet back because there were other things on her tablet as well. Evan came to make sure she was ok after the run in with Joey. Her and Evan had been a thing until he joined the Marines, then they broke up. But now he was back and he wanted her but she wasn't sure she could trust her heart with him again. With the help of Evan's friend, Wolfe they go after her tablet, try to save her mother and keep from getting killed from the drug dealers chasing them.
Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy
Gray helped take down Joey and Ski when they had tried to kidnap Meri's daughter, Lily from the first story. Ski now wanted to make a deal to testify against a couple of dirty cops who were selling drugs for the local drug cartel and Gray was there to make sure things went smoothly so when Ski starts getting threatening letters not to talk or his kid will be dead, Gray has to help him. Donny had escaped a kidnapping attempt and ended up at the youth center where Melanie was his tutor. Melanie saves him from being kidnapped again and then Gray comes upon the scene. Gray asks Ian from the first story to take Donny until the danger blows over. Melanie stayed with him to identify the guys who tried to take the boy.
All three stories tie in with each other since so many of the characters are friends. I liked how each story was it's own but it also included bits of the others. I really liked these stories and how the entire thing concluded. There was enough action, danger and romance to keep me reading.
Disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley but all opinions and thoughts are my own.
November 12, 2021
Pivot consist of 3 novellas by my favourite authors -Kat Martin, Ivy Alexandra and Rebecca Zanetti and I like how the characters Mel, Meri and Michelle are all linked and part of the main series that I am reading. It’s like visiting old friends!
December 31, 2019
An entertaining selection of romantic suspense novellas! Kat Martin's (Against the Heart) was previously available as a prequel to the Brodies of Alaska series; Alexandra Ivy and Rebecca Zanetti's are new.
All three share a common theme (women on the run) and take place at roughly the same time, sharing some characters and plot threads. All three heroines (Meri, Michelle, and Melanie) are assisted by heroes with law enforcement backgrounds--I say "assisted" because though none of them go out looking for danger, they're all willing to take an active role in saving themselves from it once it arrives. Two stories ("Echoes from the Past" by Ivy and "Shaken" by Zanetti) are second chance romances, a trope that tends to work well in shorter formats because of the limited page space; even in Martin's, though, the romantic time frame doesn't feel too unbelievable.
All three can be read in a single sitting each and present a complete and satisfying story--it's a good idea to read them in the order they are in the book, though, since the common threads will make more sense that way. Pivot can be a great way to read more from some of your favorite authors, or to find new favorites :)
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
All three share a common theme (women on the run) and take place at roughly the same time, sharing some characters and plot threads. All three heroines (Meri, Michelle, and Melanie) are assisted by heroes with law enforcement backgrounds--I say "assisted" because though none of them go out looking for danger, they're all willing to take an active role in saving themselves from it once it arrives. Two stories ("Echoes from the Past" by Ivy and "Shaken" by Zanetti) are second chance romances, a trope that tends to work well in shorter formats because of the limited page space; even in Martin's, though, the romantic time frame doesn't feel too unbelievable.
All three can be read in a single sitting each and present a complete and satisfying story--it's a good idea to read them in the order they are in the book, though, since the common threads will make more sense that way. Pivot can be a great way to read more from some of your favorite authors, or to find new favorites :)
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
April 13, 2020
3 superb stories by 3 amazing authors
Against the Heart (The Brodies of Alaska #0.5) by Kat Martin
Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy this is loosely connected to The Agency series.
Shaken (Deep Ops #2.5) by Rebecca Zanetti
I have read both The Agency and the Deep Op’s series, but The Brodies of Alaska by Kat Martin is new to me as is the author.
Three novellas of three women who bonded as girl and now face the greatest challenges of their lives. Pivot is a romantic suspense that kept me reading throughout. Each story was well written, the characters were engaging ant the stories were captivating.
I already own everything by both Rebecca Zanetti and Alexandra Ivy and now I have added Kat Martin to my collection. If you haven’t read these authors I highly recommend you do.
Against the Heart (The Brodies of Alaska #0.5) by Kat Martin
Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy this is loosely connected to The Agency series.
Shaken (Deep Ops #2.5) by Rebecca Zanetti
I have read both The Agency and the Deep Op’s series, but The Brodies of Alaska by Kat Martin is new to me as is the author.
Three novellas of three women who bonded as girl and now face the greatest challenges of their lives. Pivot is a romantic suspense that kept me reading throughout. Each story was well written, the characters were engaging ant the stories were captivating.
I already own everything by both Rebecca Zanetti and Alexandra Ivy and now I have added Kat Martin to my collection. If you haven’t read these authors I highly recommend you do.
May 18, 2023
MERI by Kat Martin(Against the Heart) Brodies of Alaska #0.5 Meriwether Jones and her daughter Lily leave L.A. escaping the one-night stand that produced Lily, a deadbeat who resurfaced when he thought Meri had inherited some money. By the time she reaches Spokane, she is out of money and desperate. Meeting ex-cop Ian Brodie at the local grocery could be the answer to her prayers. Ian is looking for someone to help clean his father’s farmhouse. He hires Meri and the tale that unfolds delivered sweet moments, and a slow burning romance with a dash of suspense. A grumpy curmudgeon and a sweet four-year-old added to the tale. I loved their chemistry and was rooting for happily ever after. 4 coffee cups
MICHELLE by Rebecca Zanetti (Shaken) Deep Ops #2.5 I love the Deep Ops series, so I was glad to see some familiar characters in this new to me story. Michelle is friends with Meri and the one she called in Spokane after Lily’s father showed up hunting for her. Between that and her drug addicted mom, Michelle has her hands full. She reaches out to a trusted friend, who sends her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine who is the sheriff in a small-town. Suspense, second chances and lots of danger await you in this addictive tale. 4.5 coffee cups
MELANIE by Alexandra Ivy (Echoes of the Past) The tie-in here was with the perpetrator from the previous stories. Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy at the youth center. Detective Gray Hawkins is back in Portland to investigate crooked cops. When he learns threats have been made against their key witnesses son he goes to do a welfare check and rescues. The tale that unfolds offered a second chance romance and plenty of suspense with climatic moments. I loved the storyline but didn’t quite feel the chemistry. 3 coffee cups.
Pivot was a great anthology. I enjoyed how the stories tied together. The stories are perfect for series fans and new readers who love romantic suspense. Look for the next book by this trio. Peril releasing May 23, 2023. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
MICHELLE by Rebecca Zanetti (Shaken) Deep Ops #2.5 I love the Deep Ops series, so I was glad to see some familiar characters in this new to me story. Michelle is friends with Meri and the one she called in Spokane after Lily’s father showed up hunting for her. Between that and her drug addicted mom, Michelle has her hands full. She reaches out to a trusted friend, who sends her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine who is the sheriff in a small-town. Suspense, second chances and lots of danger await you in this addictive tale. 4.5 coffee cups
MELANIE by Alexandra Ivy (Echoes of the Past) The tie-in here was with the perpetrator from the previous stories. Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy at the youth center. Detective Gray Hawkins is back in Portland to investigate crooked cops. When he learns threats have been made against their key witnesses son he goes to do a welfare check and rescues. The tale that unfolds offered a second chance romance and plenty of suspense with climatic moments. I loved the storyline but didn’t quite feel the chemistry. 3 coffee cups.
Pivot was a great anthology. I enjoyed how the stories tied together. The stories are perfect for series fans and new readers who love romantic suspense. Look for the next book by this trio. Peril releasing May 23, 2023. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 30, 2020
Pivot was an excellent collection of three romantic suspense stories with intriguing plots and great romances.
Overall average rating — 4 Stars
Against the Heart by Kat Martin — 3.5 Stars
Meriwether Jones hopes that leaving L.A. with her daughter will give them the chance at a new life. After she makes a pit-stop in Spokane to build her cash reserves back up, she finds work with ex-cop Ian Brodie. But as Meri and Ian begin to fall for each other, Meri’s past catches up to her. Meri’s story was an enjoyable one and I liked the suspense elements in particular. The romance moved quickly and was mostly a good one. My biggest complaint was Ian’s digging into Meri’s past as I wish he had waited for her to open up to him. I don’t generally love books where kids are involved, so someone who doesn’t mind that will likely enjoy the story more than I did. Overall though, Against the Heart was a good read and I do recommend the author.
Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti — 4.5 Stars
Michelle Peach’s life had finally settled into a contented one after her rough childhood when two men break into her apartment and threaten her. After her unstable mother witnesses the exchange, it sends her down a path of blackmail. In order to stop her mother, Michelle needs help which comes in the form of her ex, Evan Boldon, who is intent on winning her back. Michelle’s story was my favorite in the collection as I loved the romance between her and Evan. Second chance romances are some of my favorites and theirs was no different. The two have great chemistry and some excellent banter. The suspense plot was fantastic and partly tied into the plot of the first story. Overall, Shaken was an amazing story and I definitely recommend the author.
Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy — 4 Stars
When Melanie Cassidy sees two men trying to kidnap a boy she tutors, she smashes their car with her own to rescue the boy. The last person she expected to come to her aid is her ex, Detective Gray Hawkins. After it quickly becomes clear something more sinister is at play, Melanie and Gray work together to unravel a conspiracy that reaches the police precinct. Melanie’s story was another great one and the most suspenseful of the three. I loved her and Gray’s romance, once again a second chance romance, and thought the two had great chemistry. I also liked that the two managed to work out their issues like adults and communicated with each other. This story has connections to both of the previous ones which I liked. Overall Echoes of the Past was a great first read from this author and I will be checking out more of her books in the future.
Overall Pivot was a satisfying read and I enjoyed how well the authors seamlessly connected the three stories. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for some great romantic suspense to read.
Overall average rating — 4 Stars
Against the Heart by Kat Martin — 3.5 Stars
Meriwether Jones hopes that leaving L.A. with her daughter will give them the chance at a new life. After she makes a pit-stop in Spokane to build her cash reserves back up, she finds work with ex-cop Ian Brodie. But as Meri and Ian begin to fall for each other, Meri’s past catches up to her. Meri’s story was an enjoyable one and I liked the suspense elements in particular. The romance moved quickly and was mostly a good one. My biggest complaint was Ian’s digging into Meri’s past as I wish he had waited for her to open up to him. I don’t generally love books where kids are involved, so someone who doesn’t mind that will likely enjoy the story more than I did. Overall though, Against the Heart was a good read and I do recommend the author.
Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti — 4.5 Stars
Michelle Peach’s life had finally settled into a contented one after her rough childhood when two men break into her apartment and threaten her. After her unstable mother witnesses the exchange, it sends her down a path of blackmail. In order to stop her mother, Michelle needs help which comes in the form of her ex, Evan Boldon, who is intent on winning her back. Michelle’s story was my favorite in the collection as I loved the romance between her and Evan. Second chance romances are some of my favorites and theirs was no different. The two have great chemistry and some excellent banter. The suspense plot was fantastic and partly tied into the plot of the first story. Overall, Shaken was an amazing story and I definitely recommend the author.
Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy — 4 Stars
When Melanie Cassidy sees two men trying to kidnap a boy she tutors, she smashes their car with her own to rescue the boy. The last person she expected to come to her aid is her ex, Detective Gray Hawkins. After it quickly becomes clear something more sinister is at play, Melanie and Gray work together to unravel a conspiracy that reaches the police precinct. Melanie’s story was another great one and the most suspenseful of the three. I loved her and Gray’s romance, once again a second chance romance, and thought the two had great chemistry. I also liked that the two managed to work out their issues like adults and communicated with each other. This story has connections to both of the previous ones which I liked. Overall Echoes of the Past was a great first read from this author and I will be checking out more of her books in the future.
Overall Pivot was a satisfying read and I enjoyed how well the authors seamlessly connected the three stories. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for some great romantic suspense to read.
March 28, 2020
Pivot by Kat Martin, Rebecca Zanetti and Alexandra Ivy
Three interwoven stories
Three women
Three men
Trouble and chaos
Problems to solve
Romance to enjoy
HEA’s to see happen
Loved this collection
AGAINST THE HEART by Kat Martin
Meriweather “Meri” Jones has not had an easy life. She is running from a bad guy when she realizes she has to stop and earn some money before she can move on to a safe place where she can’t be found. Ian Brodie, owner of a security firm, needs help tidying his father’s home and serendipitously he meets Meri at just the right point in both their lives to lend her a hand through giving her a job. They work hard, pussyfoot around one another and almost miss their chance. Loved Ian’s father and that side story just about as much as Meri & Ian’s. Lily was a sweetie, too.
SHAKEN by Rebecca Zanetti
Michelle Pamela Peach found a safe haven and the man she thought she would love forever when she landed in her last foster home. The job that Evan Boldon did in the military kept them apart while he was away then kept them apart when she couldn’t handle the stress of his job. They come together again when she is in need and he is there to provide protection. Watching the embers rekindle was fun and their HEA a joy to see.
ECHOES OF THE PAST by Alexandra Ivy
Detective Gray Hawkins is in the nick of time to assist Melanie Cassidy save a young boy from kidnappers. The two had dated before but Melanie was leery and not eager to get back together with Gray though he was more than eager to win her back. The corrupt cops were the mystery to be solved and eventually that did happen...as did the HEA they so richly deserved.
This was a fun collection of linked stories by three different authors. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books by all three authors.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Three interwoven stories
Three women
Three men
Trouble and chaos
Problems to solve
Romance to enjoy
HEA’s to see happen
Loved this collection
AGAINST THE HEART by Kat Martin
Meriweather “Meri” Jones has not had an easy life. She is running from a bad guy when she realizes she has to stop and earn some money before she can move on to a safe place where she can’t be found. Ian Brodie, owner of a security firm, needs help tidying his father’s home and serendipitously he meets Meri at just the right point in both their lives to lend her a hand through giving her a job. They work hard, pussyfoot around one another and almost miss their chance. Loved Ian’s father and that side story just about as much as Meri & Ian’s. Lily was a sweetie, too.
SHAKEN by Rebecca Zanetti
Michelle Pamela Peach found a safe haven and the man she thought she would love forever when she landed in her last foster home. The job that Evan Boldon did in the military kept them apart while he was away then kept them apart when she couldn’t handle the stress of his job. They come together again when she is in need and he is there to provide protection. Watching the embers rekindle was fun and their HEA a joy to see.
ECHOES OF THE PAST by Alexandra Ivy
Detective Gray Hawkins is in the nick of time to assist Melanie Cassidy save a young boy from kidnappers. The two had dated before but Melanie was leery and not eager to get back together with Gray though he was more than eager to win her back. The corrupt cops were the mystery to be solved and eventually that did happen...as did the HEA they so richly deserved.
This was a fun collection of linked stories by three different authors. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books by all three authors.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
February 13, 2021
I read Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti. It was a quick read. I liked the main characters a lot, but I love Wolfe and Roscoe’s parts so much. The town Evan is sheriff of is adorable and I feel like many adventures are to be had there. I like how Michelle came to terms with Evan’s life even though he was willing to give up danger for her. This was a good little connecting book and it was occurring during the Undercover Op from Fallen involving Raider and Brigid.
April 3, 2020
Three stories that are married together either by the heroine or the hero and a overarching plot. Each author also brings in characters from a current series. I enjoyed all three stories that were an equal blend of suspense and romance.
March 17, 2020
A very good anthology. Longer review to come
May 17, 2020
normally, i;m not much for short stories but in anthologies where one of the stories deals w/a series i've read or a writer i like, i will go ahead. also, it's a good way to read something quick by a writer to see how you like/dislike their style.
overall: 4 stars
the 3 individual short stories: 3 stars
what i liked most about this was that all 3 stories took one character from the previous & used it in the following one. also each one had a similar theme of the Hero coming back to his hometown to deal w/unfinished business. (either w/an ex or a family member) the heroines all had similar childhood backgrounds too.
So unlike other anthologies, all 3 of these stories were connected & could be read together (which i recommend), seperately or as a .5 short story in one of the writers ongoing series.
i also felt that each story was the perfect length. not too short so you feel you missed out on details. and not too long so you didn't get bored. just the right amount of action/suspense to keep you interested. good chemistry b/w the H/h. short, concise sex scenes w/a little steam.
tight & well edited narratives.
I will look for books by the other 2 writers as I already read kat Martin books.
overall: 4 stars
the 3 individual short stories: 3 stars
what i liked most about this was that all 3 stories took one character from the previous & used it in the following one. also each one had a similar theme of the Hero coming back to his hometown to deal w/unfinished business. (either w/an ex or a family member) the heroines all had similar childhood backgrounds too.
So unlike other anthologies, all 3 of these stories were connected & could be read together (which i recommend), seperately or as a .5 short story in one of the writers ongoing series.
i also felt that each story was the perfect length. not too short so you feel you missed out on details. and not too long so you didn't get bored. just the right amount of action/suspense to keep you interested. good chemistry b/w the H/h. short, concise sex scenes w/a little steam.
tight & well edited narratives.
I will look for books by the other 2 writers as I already read kat Martin books.
April 14, 2020
**2.5 Stars**
Three titans of romantic suspense pairing up to create an anthology of all new novellas? I was over the moon excited for this book! Sadly, this anthology fell flat for me. I think the hardest part was KNOWING all three of these ladies can write a better story. All three of these novellas are connected in small ways, so they’re better read in order. Also, the title of the story kept making me think of “Friends”.
Against the Heart by Kat Martin – 2.5 Stars
You have to set aside realism to enjoy this book. The heroine has her major ditzy moments and basically decides to trust the hero with her safety and the safety of her young daughter because he’s hot. I also didn’t feel like the hero knew anything real about the heroine even by the end of the book. He did know she had a rockin’ bod though, which he thought about basically the entire novella. Overall the hero was sweet to the heroine and I did like the secondary couple’s story.
Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti – Three Stars
Rebecca is by far my favorite author of the three, so maybe I’m biased but I enjoyed her novellas the most. I think second chance love stories work really well in novella format. The hero was a hunk and a half. Yes, please, more hopelessly devoted heroes. The heroine on the other hand, made me want to pull my hair out. Her continual lack of trust in the hero and her faith in her drug addict mother made it hard to root for her. The action was on point in this novella though and so were the sexy times.
Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy – 1.5 Stars
You can’t have a novella where the hero left the heroine because he’s hung up on an old girlfriend who is now his sister-in-law (ick), and not have ANY groveling. Come on. I didn’t connect to either the hero or the heroine and the little boy the heroine rescued was only in the story for, like, four pages. The novella was boring and rushed and I struggled to finish it.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
Three titans of romantic suspense pairing up to create an anthology of all new novellas? I was over the moon excited for this book! Sadly, this anthology fell flat for me. I think the hardest part was KNOWING all three of these ladies can write a better story. All three of these novellas are connected in small ways, so they’re better read in order. Also, the title of the story kept making me think of “Friends”.
Against the Heart by Kat Martin – 2.5 Stars
You have to set aside realism to enjoy this book. The heroine has her major ditzy moments and basically decides to trust the hero with her safety and the safety of her young daughter because he’s hot. I also didn’t feel like the hero knew anything real about the heroine even by the end of the book. He did know she had a rockin’ bod though, which he thought about basically the entire novella. Overall the hero was sweet to the heroine and I did like the secondary couple’s story.
Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti – Three Stars
Rebecca is by far my favorite author of the three, so maybe I’m biased but I enjoyed her novellas the most. I think second chance love stories work really well in novella format. The hero was a hunk and a half. Yes, please, more hopelessly devoted heroes. The heroine on the other hand, made me want to pull my hair out. Her continual lack of trust in the hero and her faith in her drug addict mother made it hard to root for her. The action was on point in this novella though and so were the sexy times.
Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy – 1.5 Stars
You can’t have a novella where the hero left the heroine because he’s hung up on an old girlfriend who is now his sister-in-law (ick), and not have ANY groveling. Come on. I didn’t connect to either the hero or the heroine and the little boy the heroine rescued was only in the story for, like, four pages. The novella was boring and rushed and I struggled to finish it.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
March 30, 2020
NOTE: PIVOT is an anthology with three interconnected novellas of intrigue and suspense focusing on three former foster care friends (Meri, Michelle and Melanie), drug addiction, dealers, security specialists and dirty cops. Two of the story lines spotlight a rekindling romance, while one focuses on new love-all culminate in a happily ever after. All three novellas as part of the authors’ established series but you do not have to have read any of the aforementioned series to follow or understand the current story lines.
______________
Against the Heart by Kat Martin
ABOUT THE BOOK:MERI
When Meriwether Jones takes her young daughter and runs from trouble in L.A., that trouble follows. By the time Meri reaches Spokane, she’s out of gas, money, and ideas. Luckily, ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help him with his father’s farmhouse, and they seem like the answer to each other’s prayers. But Meri is keeping a dangerous secret—and Ian is in danger of losing his heart . . .
•••••••••
REVIEW: AGAINST THE HEART by Kat Martin is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense set in the author’s BRODIES OF ALASKA series. Against the Heart focuses on single mother Meriwether Jones, and security specialist / ex-cop Ian Brodie.
Meriwether Jones, and her daughter Lily are on the run. Lily’s father, Joey Bandini, is an addict, desperate for money, and has threatened our story line heroine. Needing a quick influx of cash and a safe place to live, Meriwether heads to Spokane Washington, where she will work as a temporary house keeper before running again. Enter ex cop/ security specialist Ian Brodie. What ensues is the quick building relationship and romance between Ian and Meri, and the fall-out as Meri’s past comes looking for more.
AGAINST THE HEART is a story of family, friendship, desperation and love. As Meri begins to settle into a daily routine, she knows it is only a matter of time before she has to run, again. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are colorful; the romance is an insta-lust to love with a happily ever after.
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Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti
ABOUT THE BOOK: Michelle
After a rough youth, Michelle Peach was finally content in Portland—until two men broke into her home, threatened her, and sent her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree that Michelle has to stop. The last person Michelle wants to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine turned sheriff. But Evan misses the woman who walked away instead of letting him help years ago. This time he’s not asking permission; he’s going to put a stop to the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends—and win her heart for good
•••••••••••
REVIEW: SHAKEN by Rebecca Zanetti is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense novella focusing on former US Marine, Sheriff Evan Boldon, and illustrator Michelle Peach. Shaken is part of the author’s DEEP OPS series with a slight cross-over from Rebecca’s Dark Protectors series.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Michelle and Evan) SHAKEN runs parallel to, and overlaps with Kat Martin’s AGAINST THE HEART, and follows Michelle Peach (Meri’s friend Against the Heart) in the aftermath of Joey Bandini’s threat and attack against our story line heroine. Michelle is a graphic artist but her mother’s (Jayleen) drug addiction places Michelle in the direct line of fire. With no money or means to pay off her suppliers, Michelle’s mother offers up our heroine’s tablet, a tablet that contains valuable images and drawings that do not necessarily belong to Michelle. Desperate for help, Michelle calls her friend Raider Tanaka (Deep OPs) but Raider is unable to aid in our heroine’s struggle. Enter Evan Boldon, Michelle’s ex boyfriend. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Evan and Michelle, and the potential fall-out as Jayleen continues to cause problems every chance she can get.
SHAKEN is a story of second chances, betrayal and love. Evan has waited two years before rekindling his relationship with the woman he loves but Michelle continues to struggle with Evan’s lifestyle believing our hero isn’t ready to settle down. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are colorful and energetic.
___________
ABOUT THE BOOK: MELANIE
That secret explodes when Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy she tutors and responds by ramming them with her car. The last thing she expects is for the man she once loved, Detective Gray Hawkins, to appear and rescue them both. Now she has no choice but to trust him as they investigate the truth about a conspiracy of dirty, drug trafficking cops—and the truth about their relationship . .
••••••••
REVIEW: ECHOES OF THE PAST by Alexandra Ivy is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense novella set in the author’s THE AGENCY series. This is detective Gray Hawkins, and youth counsellor Melanie Cassidy’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives including Melanie and Gray ECHOES OF THE PAST follows the second chance relationship between detective Gray Hawkins, and youth counsellor Melanie Cassidy. Gray Hawkins’ return to Spokane to investigate the possibility of a dirty detective at the local precinct couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. An attempted kidnapping at the local youth centre brings Gray face to face with his past, counsellor Melanie Cassidy, the woman with whom he is hoping for a second chance but Melanie has a target on her back when she is witness to the abduction, and the potential involvement of the local police. As Melanie and Gray take refuge at his family’s cabin, our couple rekindle their relationship but not before finding themselves on the run, once again.
ECHOES OF THE PAST is a story of second chances, betrayal, and love. The fast paced premise is energetic as our couple find themselves struggling to uncover the truth while on the run.
PIVOT is an anthology with three interconnected novellas focusing on drug addiction, dealers, security specialists and dirty cops. Two of the story lines spotlight a rekindling romance, while one focuses on new love-all culminate in a happily ever after.
______________
Against the Heart by Kat Martin
ABOUT THE BOOK:MERI
When Meriwether Jones takes her young daughter and runs from trouble in L.A., that trouble follows. By the time Meri reaches Spokane, she’s out of gas, money, and ideas. Luckily, ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help him with his father’s farmhouse, and they seem like the answer to each other’s prayers. But Meri is keeping a dangerous secret—and Ian is in danger of losing his heart . . .
•••••••••
REVIEW: AGAINST THE HEART by Kat Martin is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense set in the author’s BRODIES OF ALASKA series. Against the Heart focuses on single mother Meriwether Jones, and security specialist / ex-cop Ian Brodie.
Meriwether Jones, and her daughter Lily are on the run. Lily’s father, Joey Bandini, is an addict, desperate for money, and has threatened our story line heroine. Needing a quick influx of cash and a safe place to live, Meriwether heads to Spokane Washington, where she will work as a temporary house keeper before running again. Enter ex cop/ security specialist Ian Brodie. What ensues is the quick building relationship and romance between Ian and Meri, and the fall-out as Meri’s past comes looking for more.
AGAINST THE HEART is a story of family, friendship, desperation and love. As Meri begins to settle into a daily routine, she knows it is only a matter of time before she has to run, again. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are colorful; the romance is an insta-lust to love with a happily ever after.
_________
Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti
ABOUT THE BOOK: Michelle
After a rough youth, Michelle Peach was finally content in Portland—until two men broke into her home, threatened her, and sent her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree that Michelle has to stop. The last person Michelle wants to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine turned sheriff. But Evan misses the woman who walked away instead of letting him help years ago. This time he’s not asking permission; he’s going to put a stop to the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends—and win her heart for good
•••••••••••
REVIEW: SHAKEN by Rebecca Zanetti is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense novella focusing on former US Marine, Sheriff Evan Boldon, and illustrator Michelle Peach. Shaken is part of the author’s DEEP OPS series with a slight cross-over from Rebecca’s Dark Protectors series.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Michelle and Evan) SHAKEN runs parallel to, and overlaps with Kat Martin’s AGAINST THE HEART, and follows Michelle Peach (Meri’s friend Against the Heart) in the aftermath of Joey Bandini’s threat and attack against our story line heroine. Michelle is a graphic artist but her mother’s (Jayleen) drug addiction places Michelle in the direct line of fire. With no money or means to pay off her suppliers, Michelle’s mother offers up our heroine’s tablet, a tablet that contains valuable images and drawings that do not necessarily belong to Michelle. Desperate for help, Michelle calls her friend Raider Tanaka (Deep OPs) but Raider is unable to aid in our heroine’s struggle. Enter Evan Boldon, Michelle’s ex boyfriend. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Evan and Michelle, and the potential fall-out as Jayleen continues to cause problems every chance she can get.
SHAKEN is a story of second chances, betrayal and love. Evan has waited two years before rekindling his relationship with the woman he loves but Michelle continues to struggle with Evan’s lifestyle believing our hero isn’t ready to settle down. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are colorful and energetic.
___________
ABOUT THE BOOK: MELANIE
That secret explodes when Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy she tutors and responds by ramming them with her car. The last thing she expects is for the man she once loved, Detective Gray Hawkins, to appear and rescue them both. Now she has no choice but to trust him as they investigate the truth about a conspiracy of dirty, drug trafficking cops—and the truth about their relationship . .
••••••••
REVIEW: ECHOES OF THE PAST by Alexandra Ivy is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense novella set in the author’s THE AGENCY series. This is detective Gray Hawkins, and youth counsellor Melanie Cassidy’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives including Melanie and Gray ECHOES OF THE PAST follows the second chance relationship between detective Gray Hawkins, and youth counsellor Melanie Cassidy. Gray Hawkins’ return to Spokane to investigate the possibility of a dirty detective at the local precinct couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. An attempted kidnapping at the local youth centre brings Gray face to face with his past, counsellor Melanie Cassidy, the woman with whom he is hoping for a second chance but Melanie has a target on her back when she is witness to the abduction, and the potential involvement of the local police. As Melanie and Gray take refuge at his family’s cabin, our couple rekindle their relationship but not before finding themselves on the run, once again.
ECHOES OF THE PAST is a story of second chances, betrayal, and love. The fast paced premise is energetic as our couple find themselves struggling to uncover the truth while on the run.
PIVOT is an anthology with three interconnected novellas focusing on drug addiction, dealers, security specialists and dirty cops. Two of the story lines spotlight a rekindling romance, while one focuses on new love-all culminate in a happily ever after.
March 30, 2020
NOTE: PIVOT is an anthology with three interconnected novellas of intrigue and suspense focusing on three former foster care friends (Meri, Michelle and Melanie), drug addiction, dealers, security specialists and dirty cops. Two of the story lines spotlight a rekindling romance, while one focuses on new love-all culminate in a happily ever after. All three novellas as part of the authors’ established series but you do not have to have read any of the aforementioned series to follow or understand the current story lines.
______________
Against the Heart by Kat Martin
ABOUT THE BOOK:MERI
When Meriwether Jones takes her young daughter and runs from trouble in L.A., that trouble follows. By the time Meri reaches Spokane, she’s out of gas, money, and ideas. Luckily, ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help him with his father’s farmhouse, and they seem like the answer to each other’s prayers. But Meri is keeping a dangerous secret—and Ian is in danger of losing his heart . . .
•••••••••
REVIEW: AGAINST THE HEART by Kat Martin is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense set in the author’s BRODIES OF ALASKA series. Against the Heart focuses on single mother Meriwether Jones, and security specialist / ex-cop Ian Brodie.
Meriwether Jones, and her daughter Lily are on the run. Lily’s father, Joey Bandini, is an addict, desperate for money, and has threatened our story line heroine. Needing a quick influx of cash and a safe place to live, Meriwether heads to Spokane Washington, where she will work as a temporary house keeper before running again. Enter ex cop/ security specialist Ian Brodie. What ensues is the quick building relationship and romance between Ian and Meri, and the fall-out as Meri’s past comes looking for more.
AGAINST THE HEART is a story of family, friendship, desperation and love. As Meri begins to settle into a daily routine, she knows it is only a matter of time before she has to run, again. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are colorful; the romance is an insta-lust to love with a happily ever after.
_________
Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti
ABOUT THE BOOK: Michelle
After a rough youth, Michelle Peach was finally content in Portland—until two men broke into her home, threatened her, and sent her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree that Michelle has to stop. The last person Michelle wants to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine turned sheriff. But Evan misses the woman who walked away instead of letting him help years ago. This time he’s not asking permission; he’s going to put a stop to the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends—and win her heart for good
•••••••••••
REVIEW: SHAKEN by Rebecca Zanetti is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense novella focusing on former US Marine, Sheriff Evan Boldon, and illustrator Michelle Peach. Shaken is part of the author’s DEEP OPS series with a slight cross-over from Rebecca’s Dark Protectors series.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Michelle and Evan) SHAKEN runs parallel to, and overlaps with Kat Martin’s AGAINST THE HEART, and follows Michelle Peach (Meri’s friend Against the Heart) in the aftermath of Joey Bandini’s threat and attack against our story line heroine. Michelle is a graphic artist but her mother’s (Jayleen) drug addiction places Michelle in the direct line of fire. With no money or means to pay off her suppliers, Michelle’s mother offers up our heroine’s tablet, a tablet that contains valuable images and drawings that do not necessarily belong to Michelle. Desperate for help, Michelle calls her friend Raider Tanaka (Deep OPs) but Raider is unable to aid in our heroine’s struggle. Enter Evan Boldon, Michelle’s ex boyfriend. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Evan and Michelle, and the potential fall-out as Jayleen continues to cause problems every chance she can get.
SHAKEN is a story of second chances, betrayal and love. Evan has waited two years before rekindling his relationship with the woman he loves but Michelle continues to struggle with Evan’s lifestyle believing our hero isn’t ready to settle down. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are colorful and energetic.
___________
ABOUT THE BOOK: MELANIE
That secret explodes when Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy she tutors and responds by ramming them with her car. The last thing she expects is for the man she once loved, Detective Gray Hawkins, to appear and rescue them both. Now she has no choice but to trust him as they investigate the truth about a conspiracy of dirty, drug trafficking cops—and the truth about their relationship . .
••••••••
REVIEW: ECHOES OF THE PAST by Alexandra Ivy is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense novella set in the author’s THE AGENCY series. This is detective Gray Hawkins, and youth counsellor Melanie Cassidy’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives including Melanie and Gray ECHOES OF THE PAST follows the second chance relationship between detective Gray Hawkins, and youth counsellor Melanie Cassidy. Gray Hawkins’ return to Spokane to investigate the possibility of a dirty detective at the local precinct couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. An attempted kidnapping at the local youth centre brings Gray face to face with his past, counsellor Melanie Cassidy, the woman with whom he is hoping for a second chance but Melanie has a target on her back when she is witness to the abduction, and the potential involvement of the local police. As Melanie and Gray take refuge at his family’s cabin, our couple rekindle their relationship but not before finding themselves on the run, once again.
ECHOES OF THE PAST is a story of second chances, betrayal, and love. The fast paced premise is energetic as our couple find themselves struggling to uncover the truth while on the run.
PIVOT is an anthology with three interconnected novellas focusing on drug addiction, dealers, security specialists and dirty cops. Two of the story lines spotlight a rekindling romance, while one focuses on new love-all culminate in a happily ever after.
______________
Against the Heart by Kat Martin
ABOUT THE BOOK:MERI
When Meriwether Jones takes her young daughter and runs from trouble in L.A., that trouble follows. By the time Meri reaches Spokane, she’s out of gas, money, and ideas. Luckily, ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help him with his father’s farmhouse, and they seem like the answer to each other’s prayers. But Meri is keeping a dangerous secret—and Ian is in danger of losing his heart . . .
•••••••••
REVIEW: AGAINST THE HEART by Kat Martin is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense set in the author’s BRODIES OF ALASKA series. Against the Heart focuses on single mother Meriwether Jones, and security specialist / ex-cop Ian Brodie.
Meriwether Jones, and her daughter Lily are on the run. Lily’s father, Joey Bandini, is an addict, desperate for money, and has threatened our story line heroine. Needing a quick influx of cash and a safe place to live, Meriwether heads to Spokane Washington, where she will work as a temporary house keeper before running again. Enter ex cop/ security specialist Ian Brodie. What ensues is the quick building relationship and romance between Ian and Meri, and the fall-out as Meri’s past comes looking for more.
AGAINST THE HEART is a story of family, friendship, desperation and love. As Meri begins to settle into a daily routine, she knows it is only a matter of time before she has to run, again. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are colorful; the romance is an insta-lust to love with a happily ever after.
_________
Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti
ABOUT THE BOOK: Michelle
After a rough youth, Michelle Peach was finally content in Portland—until two men broke into her home, threatened her, and sent her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree that Michelle has to stop. The last person Michelle wants to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine turned sheriff. But Evan misses the woman who walked away instead of letting him help years ago. This time he’s not asking permission; he’s going to put a stop to the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends—and win her heart for good
•••••••••••
REVIEW: SHAKEN by Rebecca Zanetti is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense novella focusing on former US Marine, Sheriff Evan Boldon, and illustrator Michelle Peach. Shaken is part of the author’s DEEP OPS series with a slight cross-over from Rebecca’s Dark Protectors series.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Michelle and Evan) SHAKEN runs parallel to, and overlaps with Kat Martin’s AGAINST THE HEART, and follows Michelle Peach (Meri’s friend Against the Heart) in the aftermath of Joey Bandini’s threat and attack against our story line heroine. Michelle is a graphic artist but her mother’s (Jayleen) drug addiction places Michelle in the direct line of fire. With no money or means to pay off her suppliers, Michelle’s mother offers up our heroine’s tablet, a tablet that contains valuable images and drawings that do not necessarily belong to Michelle. Desperate for help, Michelle calls her friend Raider Tanaka (Deep OPs) but Raider is unable to aid in our heroine’s struggle. Enter Evan Boldon, Michelle’s ex boyfriend. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Evan and Michelle, and the potential fall-out as Jayleen continues to cause problems every chance she can get.
SHAKEN is a story of second chances, betrayal and love. Evan has waited two years before rekindling his relationship with the woman he loves but Michelle continues to struggle with Evan’s lifestyle believing our hero isn’t ready to settle down. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are colorful and energetic.
___________
ABOUT THE BOOK: MELANIE
That secret explodes when Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy she tutors and responds by ramming them with her car. The last thing she expects is for the man she once loved, Detective Gray Hawkins, to appear and rescue them both. Now she has no choice but to trust him as they investigate the truth about a conspiracy of dirty, drug trafficking cops—and the truth about their relationship . .
••••••••
REVIEW: ECHOES OF THE PAST by Alexandra Ivy is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense novella set in the author’s THE AGENCY series. This is detective Gray Hawkins, and youth counsellor Melanie Cassidy’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives including Melanie and Gray ECHOES OF THE PAST follows the second chance relationship between detective Gray Hawkins, and youth counsellor Melanie Cassidy. Gray Hawkins’ return to Spokane to investigate the possibility of a dirty detective at the local precinct couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. An attempted kidnapping at the local youth centre brings Gray face to face with his past, counsellor Melanie Cassidy, the woman with whom he is hoping for a second chance but Melanie has a target on her back when she is witness to the abduction, and the potential involvement of the local police. As Melanie and Gray take refuge at his family’s cabin, our couple rekindle their relationship but not before finding themselves on the run, once again.
ECHOES OF THE PAST is a story of second chances, betrayal, and love. The fast paced premise is energetic as our couple find themselves struggling to uncover the truth while on the run.
PIVOT is an anthology with three interconnected novellas focusing on drug addiction, dealers, security specialists and dirty cops. Two of the story lines spotlight a rekindling romance, while one focuses on new love-all culminate in a happily ever after.
February 20, 2020
Ohhh! I loved revisiting with some old characters and meeting new ones in this book that contains stories by three of my favorite authors. While each of their stories has a new plot but with the same characters while the supporting cast is from older characters in each of their individual books.
Get to know three wonderful new stories and glimpses at characters from each authors' series. Each great in their own style but blends perfectly together.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Get to know three wonderful new stories and glimpses at characters from each authors' series. Each great in their own style but blends perfectly together.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2020
Great authors and wonderful writing Each story could stand alone but combined works even better.
Pivot is three novellas by Kat Martin, Rebecca Zanetti and Alexandra Ivy. They are all part of one of the author's own series but I never felt lost with the characters since I was only familiar with the Rebecca Zanetti series, Deep Ops.
I liked that the authors used not only heroes and heroines who were connected but the antagonists were also connected throughout the three individual stories. The women all had different backgrounds but they grew up in foster homes which brought in trust and abandonment issues and abusive parents.
In Kat Martin's tale, Meri Jones and her three-year-old daughter are on the run from Lily's father. Joey has an issue with drugs. Meri inherited money from her foster mother which Joey believes is much greater than it was. He thinks Meri is holding out on him and he wants his fair share or he'll take Lily. When Meri runs low on gas, she happens to meet Ian Brodie who is looking for someone to help clean up his father's house which is in disrepair. Ian can tell the Meri is desperate for work and is obviously running from something. He takes her in and together they bring the house back to its former glory while Meri's little girl breathes new life into Ian's father. This was my first Kat Martin story and it was very enjoyable. It was also the only insta-love story of the three but we get by this with a general reference to the many days and evening that Ian and Meri work together to accomplish their goal of fixing the house. Meri's kid is adorable and I enjoyed her playing off against the grumpy old dad and instead of being intimidated by him, she just ignores his bluster until he comes very used to this cute little kid.
Rebecca Zanetti's story, features Michelle Peach, a friend of Meri's, who was beaten up and harassed by Joey and his cohort for information on Meri's whereabouts. She calls out to her friend Raider for help and he sends Evan Bolden Michelle's ex-love and former marine to protect her. Michelle had a problem with Evan's need for excitement and danger but she would never have walked way from him so Evan pushed her away. He realized his mistake almost immediately but now he realizes that action and excitement also includes too much blood and death. All he wants now is to settle down and convince Michelle that all he needs in is life is her.
The final story involved Detective Grey Hawkins who is trying to uncover police corruption in Seattle. He has been getting his information from Joey's cohort, Bart Kowalski. Now Bart's little boy is being threatened by the same people Grey is trying to uncover. He rushes to get to Donny first but he has run to see his teacher at the Youth Center. His favorite teacher turns out to be Melanie Cassidy, Grey's old love, who he walked away from a few years ago. He also realized his mistake shortly thereafter. Grey is a friend of Ian Brodie, and call his friend Ian for some help to hide the little boy while Grey and Melanie track down the dirty cops and the men they sent after a little boy
These were really good stories and although they would be considered part of each author's individual series, I never left left out on any of them. Each story would have worked fine as a stand alone but I liked how they overlapped the characters in the different stories giving the anthology a cohesiveness.
Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more at EBookObsessed.com
Pivot is three novellas by Kat Martin, Rebecca Zanetti and Alexandra Ivy. They are all part of one of the author's own series but I never felt lost with the characters since I was only familiar with the Rebecca Zanetti series, Deep Ops.
I liked that the authors used not only heroes and heroines who were connected but the antagonists were also connected throughout the three individual stories. The women all had different backgrounds but they grew up in foster homes which brought in trust and abandonment issues and abusive parents.
In Kat Martin's tale, Meri Jones and her three-year-old daughter are on the run from Lily's father. Joey has an issue with drugs. Meri inherited money from her foster mother which Joey believes is much greater than it was. He thinks Meri is holding out on him and he wants his fair share or he'll take Lily. When Meri runs low on gas, she happens to meet Ian Brodie who is looking for someone to help clean up his father's house which is in disrepair. Ian can tell the Meri is desperate for work and is obviously running from something. He takes her in and together they bring the house back to its former glory while Meri's little girl breathes new life into Ian's father. This was my first Kat Martin story and it was very enjoyable. It was also the only insta-love story of the three but we get by this with a general reference to the many days and evening that Ian and Meri work together to accomplish their goal of fixing the house. Meri's kid is adorable and I enjoyed her playing off against the grumpy old dad and instead of being intimidated by him, she just ignores his bluster until he comes very used to this cute little kid.
Rebecca Zanetti's story, features Michelle Peach, a friend of Meri's, who was beaten up and harassed by Joey and his cohort for information on Meri's whereabouts. She calls out to her friend Raider for help and he sends Evan Bolden Michelle's ex-love and former marine to protect her. Michelle had a problem with Evan's need for excitement and danger but she would never have walked way from him so Evan pushed her away. He realized his mistake almost immediately but now he realizes that action and excitement also includes too much blood and death. All he wants now is to settle down and convince Michelle that all he needs in is life is her.
The final story involved Detective Grey Hawkins who is trying to uncover police corruption in Seattle. He has been getting his information from Joey's cohort, Bart Kowalski. Now Bart's little boy is being threatened by the same people Grey is trying to uncover. He rushes to get to Donny first but he has run to see his teacher at the Youth Center. His favorite teacher turns out to be Melanie Cassidy, Grey's old love, who he walked away from a few years ago. He also realized his mistake shortly thereafter. Grey is a friend of Ian Brodie, and call his friend Ian for some help to hide the little boy while Grey and Melanie track down the dirty cops and the men they sent after a little boy
These were really good stories and although they would be considered part of each author's individual series, I never left left out on any of them. Each story would have worked fine as a stand alone but I liked how they overlapped the characters in the different stories giving the anthology a cohesiveness.
Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more at EBookObsessed.com
April 1, 2020
This was a wonderful anthology with 3 talented authors! I don't usually enjoy anthologies but this one featured 3 women connected by the foster system and the stories intertwined. It was so interesting how each author took the characters and certain individuals and bad guys moved between the stories. Excellent romantic suspense read.
Kat Martin's Against the Heart is Meriwether Jones who has a 4 year old daughter Lili being threatened by her once lover Joey Bandini, father of her child. He's very bad news and she needs help to get him out of her life. When she runs out of money and gas on the run she finds Ian Brodie looking at a bulletin board at a grocery store. Ian is visiting his Dad and needs a housekeeper to help him clean up his Dad's place. Meri is in desperate need of a job so she and Lili can get back on the road. Ian takes a chance and hires her because he can see she needs help. Ian runs a security firm in Seattle and he plays a part in the following 2 stories. I've never read Kat before but this was an excellently crafted and believable story. I'll have to get more of her books.
Rebecca Zanetti's Shaken is part of her Deep Ops series. Michelle Peach is Portland Oregon and was at Miss A's foster home. She calls Raider her former foster brother for help when her druggie mother Jayleen shows up looking for money. He's undercover so he sends Evan Bolden, Michelle's ex who is a former marine. He's now sheriff of a small town in Eastern Washington. Joey Bandini shows up trying to get the money because he works for the people Jayleen owes the money to. Evan realizes Michelle isn't safe at her home so he takes her to his small town to hide and protect her. Here we meet some interesting characters from her various series. When I say interesting I mean INTERESTING. We are also introduced to Doobie Brown, bad guy hacker that play a part in all 3 stories. I love everything Rebecca writes!
Alexandra Ivy's Echoes Of The Past we meet Melanie Cassidy also from the foster system who now works in a youth center helping kids. When she stops a kidnapping of Donny, one of her kids, she is picked up while on the run by Grey Hawkins her former lover. He's a cop and back in town after running away from her and his family. He's working undercover because there is dirty cops working with a cartel and he's there to find out who. He quickly figures out she's running from bad guys connected with his case. It's the same group Jayleen was running from, that Joey works for and Doobie is part of. I just loved how the stories were connected and characters intertwined.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kat Martin's Against the Heart is Meriwether Jones who has a 4 year old daughter Lili being threatened by her once lover Joey Bandini, father of her child. He's very bad news and she needs help to get him out of her life. When she runs out of money and gas on the run she finds Ian Brodie looking at a bulletin board at a grocery store. Ian is visiting his Dad and needs a housekeeper to help him clean up his Dad's place. Meri is in desperate need of a job so she and Lili can get back on the road. Ian takes a chance and hires her because he can see she needs help. Ian runs a security firm in Seattle and he plays a part in the following 2 stories. I've never read Kat before but this was an excellently crafted and believable story. I'll have to get more of her books.
Rebecca Zanetti's Shaken is part of her Deep Ops series. Michelle Peach is Portland Oregon and was at Miss A's foster home. She calls Raider her former foster brother for help when her druggie mother Jayleen shows up looking for money. He's undercover so he sends Evan Bolden, Michelle's ex who is a former marine. He's now sheriff of a small town in Eastern Washington. Joey Bandini shows up trying to get the money because he works for the people Jayleen owes the money to. Evan realizes Michelle isn't safe at her home so he takes her to his small town to hide and protect her. Here we meet some interesting characters from her various series. When I say interesting I mean INTERESTING. We are also introduced to Doobie Brown, bad guy hacker that play a part in all 3 stories. I love everything Rebecca writes!
Alexandra Ivy's Echoes Of The Past we meet Melanie Cassidy also from the foster system who now works in a youth center helping kids. When she stops a kidnapping of Donny, one of her kids, she is picked up while on the run by Grey Hawkins her former lover. He's a cop and back in town after running away from her and his family. He's working undercover because there is dirty cops working with a cartel and he's there to find out who. He quickly figures out she's running from bad guys connected with his case. It's the same group Jayleen was running from, that Joey works for and Doobie is part of. I just loved how the stories were connected and characters intertwined.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 6, 2020
If you weren't a fan of these three authors before, you will be after reading the sexy, suspense-filled, inter-connected stories in this new anthology. I couldn't put it down.
The main characters in all three stories are vividly portrayed with realistic obstacles in their way. The women are in danger but not your stereotypical damsels in distress. While the three heroes are all alphas, set on protecting the women they love, those same women are not about to twiddle their thumbs on the sidelines. They hold their own with strength and determination, especially when their loved ones are at risk. And the men, warriors all, are gentle and loving with the ones who hold their hearts. I especially loved Ian's relationship with Meri's four-year-old daughter, Lily.
I was impressed with the flow and continuity of the three novellas, each written by one of the three authors. While each novella has a beginning and end, together, they form what feels like a full length book, with story and character overlap. By the time I reached the end, it was easy to forget that these characters aren't part of the same fictional world but, rather, are parts of worlds created separately by each of the authors.
I'm already well acquainted with Kat Martin's books (I've been reading her for years) and enjoyed getting to know another Brodie cousin (I somehow missed this story the first time around (in the novella Against the Heart). While I know of Rebecca Zanetti and Alexandra Ivy, I had not yet read their books. These new novellas, which include ties to series of their own, were enough to have me correcting that oversight. I'll be taking a closer look at Ivy's books soon but the first thing I did after finishing Pivot was to download the three books in Zanetti's Deep Ops series. I cannot wait to read Raider's and Wolfe's stories, especially Wolfe's, a secondary character in Pivot who darn near stole his entire novella.
4.5 Stars
*ARC received from NetGalley
*All opinions expressed are unbiased and my own
The main characters in all three stories are vividly portrayed with realistic obstacles in their way. The women are in danger but not your stereotypical damsels in distress. While the three heroes are all alphas, set on protecting the women they love, those same women are not about to twiddle their thumbs on the sidelines. They hold their own with strength and determination, especially when their loved ones are at risk. And the men, warriors all, are gentle and loving with the ones who hold their hearts. I especially loved Ian's relationship with Meri's four-year-old daughter, Lily.
I was impressed with the flow and continuity of the three novellas, each written by one of the three authors. While each novella has a beginning and end, together, they form what feels like a full length book, with story and character overlap. By the time I reached the end, it was easy to forget that these characters aren't part of the same fictional world but, rather, are parts of worlds created separately by each of the authors.
I'm already well acquainted with Kat Martin's books (I've been reading her for years) and enjoyed getting to know another Brodie cousin (I somehow missed this story the first time around (in the novella Against the Heart). While I know of Rebecca Zanetti and Alexandra Ivy, I had not yet read their books. These new novellas, which include ties to series of their own, were enough to have me correcting that oversight. I'll be taking a closer look at Ivy's books soon but the first thing I did after finishing Pivot was to download the three books in Zanetti's Deep Ops series. I cannot wait to read Raider's and Wolfe's stories, especially Wolfe's, a secondary character in Pivot who darn near stole his entire novella.
4.5 Stars
*ARC received from NetGalley
*All opinions expressed are unbiased and my own
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