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Stryker Security Force #5
Discovering Rafe
Her brother’s best friend has always held her heart. Now that she has his attention, will her happily ever after be ripped away?
Piper Fields finds contentment in managing her cousin’s music career from the safety and anonymity of staying behind the scenes.
Since her parents’ death at barely thirteen, Piper’s fear of losing others has kept her focused on caring for those she loves. Meanwhile, her own dreams have been left backstage. Not that it really mattered anyway. Her dreams were out of reach and so was her brother’s friend, Rafe Malone.
Rafe Malone approached life with a firm desire to safeguard those who couldn’t protect themselves and have fun in the process.
That all changed the day a mission for the Army turned south, forcing him to take the life of a child soldier. Now, the jokester mask he wears to hide his pain is put to the test when his best friend’s sister needs his help. No matter how hard he tries to convince himself he shouldn’t taint her with his tarnished soul, her nurturing presence tempts him to break the bro code of staying away from your friend’s sister.
Can Rafe keep Piper safe when the evasive threat turns deadly?
Will Piper trust what she’s discovered in Rafe or is it just another childish daydream?
If you like page-turning adventure, fascinating characters, and engaging stories of triumph, you'll love Sara Blackard's exciting inspirational security romance series.
Piper Fields finds contentment in managing her cousin’s music career from the safety and anonymity of staying behind the scenes.
Since her parents’ death at barely thirteen, Piper’s fear of losing others has kept her focused on caring for those she loves. Meanwhile, her own dreams have been left backstage. Not that it really mattered anyway. Her dreams were out of reach and so was her brother’s friend, Rafe Malone.
Rafe Malone approached life with a firm desire to safeguard those who couldn’t protect themselves and have fun in the process.
That all changed the day a mission for the Army turned south, forcing him to take the life of a child soldier. Now, the jokester mask he wears to hide his pain is put to the test when his best friend’s sister needs his help. No matter how hard he tries to convince himself he shouldn’t taint her with his tarnished soul, her nurturing presence tempts him to break the bro code of staying away from your friend’s sister.
Can Rafe keep Piper safe when the evasive threat turns deadly?
Will Piper trust what she’s discovered in Rafe or is it just another childish daydream?
If you like page-turning adventure, fascinating characters, and engaging stories of triumph, you'll love Sara Blackard's exciting inspirational security romance series.
Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2021
429 people are currently reading
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About the author
Sara Blackard
40 books402 followersSara Blackard writes stories that thrill the imagination and strum heartstrings. When she’s not crafting wild adventures and sweet romances that curl your toes, she’s homeschooling her five children, keeping their off-grid house running, or enjoying the Alaskan lifestyle she and her husband love. Visit her website at www.sarablackard.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
February 13, 2021
I'm always intrigued when stories in this series overlap, as it's interesting to see events you've already read about from another perspective. (Although I was hoping we might be spared the embarrassing underwear scene again... *sigh*) Rafe and Piper's relationship was interesting and complicated, but I was rooting for them both--Rafe to let go of the guilt he was carrying and Piper to let go of all her insecurity. I did like seeing how good they were for each other and the way they helped each other grow.
I didn't quite get the whole "not allowed to date my sister" thing that held Rafe back so long--do guys really do this? And why? (I get the protective "if anything happens to her" bit, but the "don't you dare date her" bit is a new one.) Also, the stalker bit got extremely creepy, especially at the end. *shudders*
Once again, the romance was more physically focused than I like, though not quite so descriptive as the last one, and I was breathing a sigh of relief--until at almost the very end, where after an especially traumatic experience, Piper asks Rafe to lie down on the bed next to her and hold her?!? I'm sorry, I know nothing happened, but if that's not courting a whole raft of trouble and bad appearances, I don't know what is!
I'm afraid I'm going to have to let this series go; I really do love the characters, but the more I read, the more my personal alarm bells are going off and telling me it's not good for me. I'm sure there are other readers who wouldn't mind at all, but I just don't think it's best for me to continue.
Content--touching, kissing, and imagining (sometimes descriptive); talk about "making out" and other crude phrases; some mild language (dang, crap, etc.); a girl accused of "crawling into bed" with a man (false); dangerous situations, including a stalker ; mentions of injuries and blood; mentions of killing a child soldier
I didn't quite get the whole "not allowed to date my sister" thing that held Rafe back so long--do guys really do this? And why? (I get the protective "if anything happens to her" bit, but the "don't you dare date her" bit is a new one.) Also, the stalker bit got extremely creepy, especially at the end. *shudders*
Once again, the romance was more physically focused than I like, though not quite so descriptive as the last one, and I was breathing a sigh of relief--until at almost the very end, where after an especially traumatic experience, Piper asks Rafe to lie down on the bed next to her and hold her?!? I'm sorry, I know nothing happened, but if that's not courting a whole raft of trouble and bad appearances, I don't know what is!
I'm afraid I'm going to have to let this series go; I really do love the characters, but the more I read, the more my personal alarm bells are going off and telling me it's not good for me. I'm sure there are other readers who wouldn't mind at all, but I just don't think it's best for me to continue.
Content--touching, kissing, and imagining (sometimes descriptive); talk about "making out" and other crude phrases; some mild language (dang, crap, etc.); a girl accused of "crawling into bed" with a man (false); dangerous situations, including a stalker ; mentions of injuries and blood; mentions of killing a child soldier
January 3, 2021
This is book five in The Stryker Security Force Series and it is Rafe and Piper's story and omg it is amazing. Race received a phone call from his best friend David saying that Chloe and Piper where in trouble due to a stalker so Rafe dropped everything to go and protect them and work out who the stalker is and why it is happening. Piper has had a make over as Chloe wanted Piper out of her baggy and frumpy clothes as Piper always hides herself by wearing them and the results were stunning but Piper always sees herself different to what others see. Ben Rafe arrives he is shocked at the difference in Piper as he hadn't seen her for a few years but he realises that he can't do anything about his feelings for her because of her being his best friends sister but what he doesn't know is that Piper has feelings for him. When they realise that the stalker is after Piper not Chloe and Race knows that he will protect her with his life and he will have to find out what is going on and what the stalker wants. Rafe and Piper have known each other for years and there connection is strong but now the chemistry between them is sizzling of the pages but will they do anything about it or not. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page and Omg I absolutely love this book so much and I couldn't put it down as I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and it was so addictive. I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series. Sara Blackard is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2021
I received an ARC to review: book 5 in Sara's inspirational action Stryker Security series is as brilliant as all the others! Rafe and Piper are relatable characters, who have their own issues and challenges to overcome. Allowing love to break through and bring part of the healing and allowing God to do the rest, creates an encouraging tale of love, grace, redemption and healing. Rafe's instinctive protectiveness of Piper is so romantic, and the way he tries to fight the losing battle of giving in to the chemistry between them elicts a few chuckles! A must-read series, indeed!
January 5, 2021
Book five in the Stryker Security Force series brings Rafe and Piper's story. The author once again brings strong characters and an intriguing story line. She pulled me in with all the drama and action and had me glued to the pages with all the happenings as well as the sweet romance. She does a beautiful job painting her scenes and delivering an emotional love story. I loved and highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 3, 2021
Once again Ms. Blackard delivers.
The characters from the previous books make an appearance as the book grows, from the ending of the previous book.
An interesting look into the events from another's viewpoint.
I love every single one of the characters and absolutely lost myself in the story. I found myself surprised that I was not surrounded by mountains and snow when I lifted my head for a sip of coffee. (I live in a country where snow is rare)
This book leaves me totally enamoured with Rafe and eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
I received this as an ARC and am leaving this honest, heartfelt review voluntarily.
The characters from the previous books make an appearance as the book grows, from the ending of the previous book.
An interesting look into the events from another's viewpoint.
I love every single one of the characters and absolutely lost myself in the story. I found myself surprised that I was not surrounded by mountains and snow when I lifted my head for a sip of coffee. (I live in a country where snow is rare)
This book leaves me totally enamoured with Rafe and eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
I received this as an ARC and am leaving this honest, heartfelt review voluntarily.
March 7, 2022
I loved Rafe and Piper! The suspense was great as was their chemistry. And I loved the scenes that overlapped from the book before from a different POV.
December 10, 2020
Well Ms. Blackard has done it again, giving us another amusing and dangerous story for another member of the Stryker Security Forces. This story revolves around Rafe of course as the title gives away. Rafe doesn't really have the best opinion of himself, on the last mission he had to do something that has been eating away at his soul. This story kind of continues from Crashing Into Jake, the previous book in this series. Just to remind you Chloe and Jake had to make a crash landing in a snow storm in that book. Piper the lead female in this book is a cousin to Chloe and also her business manager in her singing career. Piper has been taking care of Chloe since she almost died in the hospital before they found out what was wrong with her. Piper has put all her dreams aside in order to help Chloe. When Chloe receives a letter from a stalker, Zeke and Rafe are sent to protect her and Piper. These two girls and the Stryker Security boys have really taken a step into my heart and I love when a new book is released so I can read about what is happening with them now. This book is another great addition to the series that you won't want to miss.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
December 16, 2020
This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. Piper and Rafe's story is full of action, drama, excitement and romance. A wonderful addition to the Stryker Security Force series. The entire series is wonderful!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2020
The Stryker Security team is called out again. This time it happens to be old friends of Rafe, Chloe and Piper, who are being stalked. Dealing with memories of the past, a stalker that goes to great lengths to terrify, a storm, a rockslide and a downed plane are just a few of the reasons why they begin to believe those notes left behind — there’s nowhere you can go that I won’t find you.
The darkness of the past must be dealt with before any of them can move on. Will they finally accept God’s truth and let Him shield them from the lies of the enemy? Each one has their dreams — to pursue them means to let go of everything standing in the way. Then they can finally discover who they really are.
This ARC of Stryker Security Force #5 was received from the author. My comments and impressions were in no way solicited.
The darkness of the past must be dealt with before any of them can move on. Will they finally accept God’s truth and let Him shield them from the lies of the enemy? Each one has their dreams — to pursue them means to let go of everything standing in the way. Then they can finally discover who they really are.
This ARC of Stryker Security Force #5 was received from the author. My comments and impressions were in no way solicited.
December 6, 2020
This is an amazing book! I was not disappointed by Sara. It was great reading about and understanding Rafe. I’m glad he found someone like Piper, who is perfect for him. This book is definitely worthy of 5 stars.
September 5, 2021
Loved this book! I love how Sara Blackard tends to overlap the timelines of her books. Rafe‘s story starts at the beginning of the last book, so for a little while we get to see the same situations from completely different perspectives, which adds depths to the characters that weren’t obvious in the previous book. There is also a lot of new plot in this book though, since the main characters of this book were separated from the main characters of the last book pretty early on. I’m excited to read the next books and learn more about the rest of the Stryker Security team!
January 7, 2021
Stay strong, remember your training, open your heart! Piper's parents died when she was young, so she suffers from abandonment issues. She compensates by being generously loving to others. Rafe, was a protector caring for those weaker than himself. During one mission, he had to take the life of a juvenile, and it broke him. Rafe, finds solace working on Stryker Force missions. His old friends asks him to help his sister, Piper. He is dedicated, engaged and enwrapped in the feels. He is committed to not personalizing his friend's sister, Piper but it is difficult. He is facing several dilemmas/choics. Can he protect his heart? Can he protect Piper from the bad guy. Can he complete his mission and keep all his relationships balanced? Can PIper find what she's looking for? Nice story. Great team. Great storyline and character development. Well done! I received an ARC fro mBooksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2021
First let me say that this isn't my kind of normal read I usually like my reads a little more raunchy and don't like religion brought into then but i decided to give this series a try and I am so glad that i did I have loved every book in it and haven't found them preachy at all which is usually a problem for me as an Aussie we aren't so flamboyant about our religion
Rafe along with his former team mates have finished their active duty but they have formed Stryker security because at heart they are all protectors and they cannot walk away from anyone that is in need The latest to need their help are Piper and Chloe. Piper is the sister of a team member still serving and when he realises his sister and her singer friend are been stalked he asks for help from Stryker Rafe and Jake are sent Jake soon whisks Chloe away (see there story) while Rafe is left to care for Piper She has always crushed on him but never acted on it Soon the feeling is mutual but can the man who hides behind a smile and a joke take what he wants and break the bro code to get a future You will have to see
Rafe along with his former team mates have finished their active duty but they have formed Stryker security because at heart they are all protectors and they cannot walk away from anyone that is in need The latest to need their help are Piper and Chloe. Piper is the sister of a team member still serving and when he realises his sister and her singer friend are been stalked he asks for help from Stryker Rafe and Jake are sent Jake soon whisks Chloe away (see there story) while Rafe is left to care for Piper She has always crushed on him but never acted on it Soon the feeling is mutual but can the man who hides behind a smile and a joke take what he wants and break the bro code to get a future You will have to see
January 6, 2021
This series really pulls the reader in! The story is about Piper and Rafe. Piper had always had a crush on Rafe back when they were teenagers. It never came to anything because he hardly noticed her back then. Now when they are reunited as he is assigned to protect Chloe and Piper from a stalker, he is finally noticing what a lovely woman Piper has turned into.
But Rafe suffers from PTSD and he wouldn’t feel right or worthy bringing her into his life like this. For now, she needs his special skills to keep her safe, and that’s as far as he wants to take things. Will protecting her and being close to her help him to deal with his trauma enough to let Piper in? Is she what he needs to begin to make him whole again?
This story has wonderful characters and lots of emotion. Grab your copy and see whether love and understanding can begin to make adjustments so that two people can finally start to fall in love.
But Rafe suffers from PTSD and he wouldn’t feel right or worthy bringing her into his life like this. For now, she needs his special skills to keep her safe, and that’s as far as he wants to take things. Will protecting her and being close to her help him to deal with his trauma enough to let Piper in? Is she what he needs to begin to make him whole again?
This story has wonderful characters and lots of emotion. Grab your copy and see whether love and understanding can begin to make adjustments so that two people can finally start to fall in love.
January 4, 2021
The Stryker Security Force is composed of men who have come back from serving their country. Some have returned with physical scars from their service, some have mental and emotional scars. The one thing they have in common is a desire to protect those who are in need and assist whenever possible in protecting those still in the armed services.
When a call comes in from Davis, a long-time friend, Rafe and Jake take off to protect Davis’ sister, Piper, and cousin, Chloe, who are being stalked.
This novel is filled with pretty women, strong men, expensive protective equipment, and an airplane. Sounds like an adventure? Yes it is, along with a mystery and some sweet romance.
Sara has once more done a great job as she fleshes out her characters and weaves sweet romance into a tale sure to catch and hold your attention.
I received this advance reader copy from the author and have voluntarily left this review.
When a call comes in from Davis, a long-time friend, Rafe and Jake take off to protect Davis’ sister, Piper, and cousin, Chloe, who are being stalked.
This novel is filled with pretty women, strong men, expensive protective equipment, and an airplane. Sounds like an adventure? Yes it is, along with a mystery and some sweet romance.
Sara has once more done a great job as she fleshes out her characters and weaves sweet romance into a tale sure to catch and hold your attention.
I received this advance reader copy from the author and have voluntarily left this review.
January 4, 2021
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I like her style and excellent storytelling skill. Although Discovering Rafe is the fifth book in the Stryker Security Force series, it works well as a stand-alone. The exciting, well-crafted plot flows at a steady pace; and the characters are engaging and believable. Faith lessons are thoughtfully integrated into the story. Humor sprinkled throughout the narrative periodically relieves the tension and adds interest. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading the other books in the series. If you are looking for a quick, suspenseful, inspiring, romantic read; try this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
January 3, 2021
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the books in the Stryker Security Force series, and Discovering Rafe is a great addition to the series. Sara Blackard peppers this romantic suspense with humor concerning the romance. I love Piper and Rafe. They are such great characters. Both feel unworthy of the other, but between their love and the Lord, they get that HEA. It is definitely hard won though. Watching Piper's character change from that behind-the-scenes person into a slightly sassy and take charge one is a joy. I had no clue who the stalker was and was as surprised as Piper. I definitely recommend this stand-alone book, but why deny yourself the pleasure of reading the others?
I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this well-written book.
I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this well-written book.
January 6, 2021
Book five in the Stryker Security Force series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Piper Fields and Rafe Malone's story of Davis' best friend and his sister. There is suspense, drama, danger, a villain, kidnapping. and romance. I enjoyed reading and want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2021
Another good book in the Stryker Security series
Sara Blackard has another winner with Discovering Rafe. There is suspense, romance and action included. I highly recommend this book and the complete series.
Sara Blackard has another winner with Discovering Rafe. There is suspense, romance and action included. I highly recommend this book and the complete series.
January 4, 2021
Another great Stryker security story! Love this story of Piper and Rafe. Piper has had a crush on Rafe most of her life. When he is tasked with keeping her and her friend safe from a stalker he realizes what a wonderful woman Piper has grown up to be. Yet with his PTSD Rafe feels unworthy of Piper. Lovely story of love and understanding. They grow both personally and together. Love seeing how caring and protective Rafe can be!
January 5, 2021
Another good book by this author!
It was nice seeing someone who had feelings for someone when they were younger have those feelings reciprocated later in life.
This is a mystery romance, plus dealing with a little ptsd and how love and companionship help along the way.
A lot of good characters!
Good book!
It was nice seeing someone who had feelings for someone when they were younger have those feelings reciprocated later in life.
This is a mystery romance, plus dealing with a little ptsd and how love and companionship help along the way.
A lot of good characters!
Good book!
January 6, 2021
I couldn't put it down except for essential business because I was hooked on Rafe's and Piper's story already from the hints about it in Book #4 of the Stryker Security Force series. When this was finally released, I wasn't disappointed.
January 5, 2021
I received this book for a honest review.
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So in saying so, i enjoyed this book a lot. I'm going to go back and read her other ones. I loved it. Had action and romance, perfect read for the beginning of the year.
4 🐕🐕🐕🐕
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So in saying so, i enjoyed this book a lot. I'm going to go back and read her other ones. I loved it. Had action and romance, perfect read for the beginning of the year.
4 🐕🐕🐕🐕
January 5, 2021
I'm and new fan of Sara Blackard and this book is amazing . Wonderful characters and storyline .
Rafe and Piper story is full of excitement,drama, action and romance all in one .
You won't regret reading this book.
Rafe and Piper story is full of excitement,drama, action and romance all in one .
You won't regret reading this book.
January 5, 2021
This was a great read, could not put it down had to read until the end. Loved the secondary story line of crushing on his best friends little sister and trying not to act on those feelings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2021
I loved this book. Excitement, suspense, romance and love come together in a great plot in this action and emotion packed book. I sighed with happiness when I finished. A great read.
January 3, 2021
On the outside, Rafe is an easy-going guy who loves to play video games and make jokes. On the inside, he struggles with PTSD from his last special ops mission, which left him feeling like he isn’t worthy. Piper knew him, and crushed hard on him, before the military. Can she break through and find the sweet guy she fell in love with when they were younger? A sweet story of love and redemption!
January 4, 2021
Threatening notes, land slide, downed plane , kidnapping and romance, what more could you ask . Sara has a great series here. I can't wait for the next one. I would recommend you read the whole series.
March 21, 2021
I have been waiting for Rafe’s story and Sara did not disappoint. While we had a peak from Jake’s I knew like the rest it would not disappoint. I love him and Piper together. She found someone that wants to give her what she dreams of instead of her always helping other people. He found someone that will love his battered soul and heal him. They are perfect for each other. Sad that her brother had his own drama going on and took it out on them.. Hopefully he talks about whatever he has going on. The stalker situation kept throwing me for a loop. She fought and did not give up. I’m so happy they got their happy ending. I can’t wait for the next book. April can’t come fast enough.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
October 14, 2022
This is another awesome book sure to please romantic suspense readers. Rafe had a stronger role in the last story, Crashing into Jake, because it’s a tag-team setup for Discovering Rafe. In the last story, Chloe and Piper were cousins in trouble from a stalker. In the end, readers found out that Chloe wasn’t the target, Piper was. Discovering Rafe picks up from there. Interestingly enough, this book could still be read as a standalone because the first two chapters recaps what triggered book 4, but this time the hero is Rafe and it’s from his perspective. I really enjoyed the extra details that the author included this time around. It brings the enjoyment factor to a whole other level because I’m getting the whole picture. This time I got to see Piper’s point of view at my favorite bonfire scene from the previous book. It’s just as fun and yet it has a more robust feeling to it because now, I get to see inside Rafe’s head as he sees Piper for the first time in a style of clothes she’d never worn before. The password still is cute, but I got to see a tiny bit more backstory to it, which made me smile.
One of the conflicts is a well-known one – don’t break the bro-code and date or show more than brotherly interest towards your best friend’s little sister. That’s a major no-no, and it’s also one of the rules most fun to break – if done right. I believe Ms. Blackard did it right.
Like I mentioned above, the other conflict is external – the stalker that is after Piper. That’s the major mystery that causes stress, suspense and a great plot mover.
Another thing I liked about this novel, is reading all about Rafe and Piper’s childhood memories and their relationship. It made their romance that much more interesting and heartwarming. Until it wasn’t. Until the very thing Rafe worried about comes to pass. He broke the bro-code and has to face the music. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the stalker is even more tech-savvy than anyone gave him credit for. Readers are in for some intense scenes that, for me, made it almost impossible to put the book aside and go to bed at a decent time. Nope, I lost some serious zzz’s powering through this novel. I couldn’t leave myself with a cliffhanger. Who could sleep wondering if Piper would escape? Would she be rescued? Would they get to her time? Who WAS the stalker? How did he keep finding her? The answers amazed me, floored me and kept me wide awake.
As for whether I like the hero and heroine. Absolutely. Piper is loyal, caring, a bit of a worrywart and always puts other’s needs ahead of her own, including her cousin Chloe. Their relationship is more like best friends than merely cousins. Piper has a guardian-type personality and while that’s good, Rafe recognizes, eventually, that she deserved more. Who’s looking out for Piper? That’s when it solidified for me that they were perfect for each other, that their love was going to be a strong force which in turn brought out the best in each other, for the other. It’s wonderfully romantic, well, between the scenes of sheer terror, excitement, and the great climactic confrontation with the stalker.
I made light of the internal conflict of the bro-code regarding Rafe, but there is a darker issue that plagues the hero. His jokester persona has taken a hit and he’s now using it as a cover to hide behind. It is a serious conflict and I know for a fact that it’s a real thing, that it can haunt a soldier to the point of despair. It’s a bleak reality no matter that it happens in a time of war – it’s killed or be killed – but knowing that fact doesn’t make it any less painful. It’s another reason why I am so very happy that he gets his own happy ever after with Piper. If anyone can help him heal, it’s her. They are awesome together.
There’s a lot more that goes on in the story that I could go on and on about. I do have to mention secondary characters – Derrick. There’s a scene where he reminds Rafe about Hunter and his words of wisdom from the Bible. I haven’t read Hunter’s story but I’m going to. There are so many references to him throughout the series, I feel like I should know him too. Anyway, that scene with Derrick really made an impact on me. The way the author wrote it was powerful and Rafe’s response, even more so.
I simply can’t get enough of this series. Their romances are sweet, almost sensual, and the restraint the heroes and heroines practice even though passion rides them hard at times, shows amazing strength of character. It also makes a lot more sense to me than those other stories out there where, in the middle of do or die crisis situations, somehow the main characters always seem to dive into heavy-duty make out sessions. I don’t need that in my romantic suspense stories, and I’m so glad I discovered Sara Blackard’s books. They have top-notch writing, awesome heroes and heroines, and plots and stories I can really sink my teeth into. The pacing is always spot-on and never once, in any of the books I’ve read so far, have I been tempted to fast-forward. Every chapter, piece of dialogue, action scenes or passages of description and details, worked for me. Even the HEA was awesome. I am a very happy reader.
One of the conflicts is a well-known one – don’t break the bro-code and date or show more than brotherly interest towards your best friend’s little sister. That’s a major no-no, and it’s also one of the rules most fun to break – if done right. I believe Ms. Blackard did it right.
Like I mentioned above, the other conflict is external – the stalker that is after Piper. That’s the major mystery that causes stress, suspense and a great plot mover.
Another thing I liked about this novel, is reading all about Rafe and Piper’s childhood memories and their relationship. It made their romance that much more interesting and heartwarming. Until it wasn’t. Until the very thing Rafe worried about comes to pass. He broke the bro-code and has to face the music. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the stalker is even more tech-savvy than anyone gave him credit for. Readers are in for some intense scenes that, for me, made it almost impossible to put the book aside and go to bed at a decent time. Nope, I lost some serious zzz’s powering through this novel. I couldn’t leave myself with a cliffhanger. Who could sleep wondering if Piper would escape? Would she be rescued? Would they get to her time? Who WAS the stalker? How did he keep finding her? The answers amazed me, floored me and kept me wide awake.
As for whether I like the hero and heroine. Absolutely. Piper is loyal, caring, a bit of a worrywart and always puts other’s needs ahead of her own, including her cousin Chloe. Their relationship is more like best friends than merely cousins. Piper has a guardian-type personality and while that’s good, Rafe recognizes, eventually, that she deserved more. Who’s looking out for Piper? That’s when it solidified for me that they were perfect for each other, that their love was going to be a strong force which in turn brought out the best in each other, for the other. It’s wonderfully romantic, well, between the scenes of sheer terror, excitement, and the great climactic confrontation with the stalker.
I made light of the internal conflict of the bro-code regarding Rafe, but there is a darker issue that plagues the hero. His jokester persona has taken a hit and he’s now using it as a cover to hide behind. It is a serious conflict and I know for a fact that it’s a real thing, that it can haunt a soldier to the point of despair. It’s a bleak reality no matter that it happens in a time of war – it’s killed or be killed – but knowing that fact doesn’t make it any less painful. It’s another reason why I am so very happy that he gets his own happy ever after with Piper. If anyone can help him heal, it’s her. They are awesome together.
There’s a lot more that goes on in the story that I could go on and on about. I do have to mention secondary characters – Derrick. There’s a scene where he reminds Rafe about Hunter and his words of wisdom from the Bible. I haven’t read Hunter’s story but I’m going to. There are so many references to him throughout the series, I feel like I should know him too. Anyway, that scene with Derrick really made an impact on me. The way the author wrote it was powerful and Rafe’s response, even more so.
I simply can’t get enough of this series. Their romances are sweet, almost sensual, and the restraint the heroes and heroines practice even though passion rides them hard at times, shows amazing strength of character. It also makes a lot more sense to me than those other stories out there where, in the middle of do or die crisis situations, somehow the main characters always seem to dive into heavy-duty make out sessions. I don’t need that in my romantic suspense stories, and I’m so glad I discovered Sara Blackard’s books. They have top-notch writing, awesome heroes and heroines, and plots and stories I can really sink my teeth into. The pacing is always spot-on and never once, in any of the books I’ve read so far, have I been tempted to fast-forward. Every chapter, piece of dialogue, action scenes or passages of description and details, worked for me. Even the HEA was awesome. I am a very happy reader.
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