Watching Trin

On Call #7

by Freya Barker

Freelance journalist and single mom, Katrina (Trin) Paige, has recently returned to her hometown to help her sister care for their elderly father. They’ve barely settled back into Durango’s daily life when her rebellious teenage son gets himself in tumultuous waters. While being rescued by the local fire department, he unwittingly uncovers a decades-old crime hidden underneath the churning rapids of the Animas River.
Once Trin’s life is back on an even keel, her sharp nose for a compelling story starts twitching and she dives headfirst into an investigation of her own. The more she uncovers, the closer she gets to the firefighter who not only pulled her son from the river, but who also seems present everywhere she turns.

Bodhi (Roadkill) Jones doesn’t believe in things like fate, although, he can’t deny the way his life seems to be entwined with the spunky redhead is more than mere coincidence. In fact, he’s been wondering how it is possible she escaped his attention growing up in the same town, even though she is a few years older. Swept up in an unfamiliar current, he finds himself looking for ways to spend time with her and her family.
However, when a murder investigation touches his personal life, it invades Trin’s as well, leaving him scrambling to make sure the woman he’s fast falling for is protected.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Firefighters, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Contemporary

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2021

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Reviews

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of the characters in this series. Each book is like spending time with family and friends. Each new couple adds themselves to my list of favorites. This author never fails to create heroes and heroines that make it easy to fall in love with.





Trin and Bodhi were awesome together. Trin’s struggle with her father’s situation is one that many will connect with. I was deeply moved by it as it’s one I had to face not too very long ago. Bodhi has all the alpha protective tendencies that I love and are a solid foundation of the heroes in this author’s work. I love that despite them, he restrains himself for Trin’s benefit.





This is filled with outside drama. The bad guy wasn’t a big surprise, but getting to the revelation is where all the excitement was. With a fast pace and plenty of action, I found myself reading through this in one sitting. And as always, impatiently waiting for the next.

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h not a virgin; H not a manwhore
Triggers no apparent triggers

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

WATCHING TRIN (On Call Book #7)( Police and Fire: Operation Alpha) by Freya Barker is the latest romantic suspense and wonderful new couple in the On Call series to follow. While this is book #7 and some of characters crossover between books, it can be easily read as a standalone. I have read the whole series and anxiously wait for each of Ms. Barker’s mature, intelligent, and sexy heroes and heroines.

Katrina “Trin” Paige has returned to her hometown to help her sister with their father who has dementia. Single mom Trin is a freelance journalist so it is easy to relocate to Durango, and she hopes the move will be good for her rebellious fourteen-year-old son, Tucker.

Barely settled in, Tucker must be rescued by the local fire department from the Animas River in the middle of the night when the stolen raft he and his friends stole capsize in the rapids. During his rescue, the firefighter who pulls him out discovers an old crime scene.

Bodhi “Roadkill” Jones is surprised by his instant attraction to the spunky mother and sister to one of his fellow firefighters. As he finds ways to spend time with Trin, her investigation into the old crime scene he discovered seems to be placing her life in danger. He discovers he will do anything to protect her and her son, but will it be enough?

I always enjoy Ms. Barker’s characters and writing style. The romance between Bodhi and Trin is realistically paced and believable. The sex scenes are hot, but never gratuitous. The secondary characters all add to the story and never feel like placeholders. The scenes dealing with Trin’s father’s dementia were heartbreaking and from friends with a similar situation, were handled with empathy and honesty, as well as the problems Tucker was dealing with as a bi-racial child. I did figure out the way the suspense plot was going very early on in the story, but it did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.

I recommend this addition to the On Call series and all the books written by this author.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bhodi did not dissappoint! I never really thought about what his story would be like when I got introduced to him as a side character in previous books. I couldn't have asked for more. I loved how he instantly crushed on Trin. I think he was smooth when he asked her out, and I loved how he felt encouraged when she basically stated she didn't have time for him. That confidence was sexy.

Trin's life is pretty messy what with being a single mom and helping take care of her dad. The way Bhodi stepped up and seamlessly starting helping take the load off showed what a great guy he was. Most guys would have ran the other way.

I really enjoyed this book. The romance was more real life but still swoon worthy. The side characters added extra entertainment, and the suspense was well written. I can definitely see myself re-readig this one.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! Trin and Bhodi are awesome together. I was so happy to see an appearance by Hayden. I so loved that book. Maybe hints at future couples along the way. Great to see some Arrow Head guys also. Trin and Bhodi have some obstacles,but they are few. It’s an action packed story with a little bit of tears.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Ms. Barker's unique, magical storytelling completely captivated me with her latest book in the On Call series, Watching Trin! Bhodi (Roadkill) Jones is a firefighter with the Durango FD and when Trin (Katrina) Paige, along with her teenage son Tucker, returns to Durango to help her sister care for their father, and Tucker's rebellion gets him into trouble, Bhodi is one of the firefighters who helps save him. It also uncovers a mystery....and there's nothing that gets journalist Trin's blood flowing (and nose twitching) more than a mystery involving a body in a car found in the Animas River! And someone DEFINITELY doesn't like that she's digging into the mystery!

Meanwhile, Bhodi's Alpha tendencies emerge as threats are seemingly aimed at Trin. As she fights the attraction and chemistry she feels for and with Bhodi, at the same time her Dad's health is declining and she has her hands full trying to keep everything under control! She doesn't have time to date, even though she'd like nothing more than to explore these feelings that the persistent, won't-take-no-for-an-answer Bhodi triggers in her! I LOVED watching how Bhodi won her AND Tucker over! The EXPLOSIVE chemistry between these two melted my heart (and my kindle!) Trin is one of my favourite heroines! She's independent, feisty, not at all a doormat in ANY way and gives as good a she gets! She also has a softer side that she doesn't let many people see but once you've gained her trust, she'll be your ride or die for life!

I also love how Ms. Barker's previously loved characters from this series are included in the storyline! It's fabulous that we get updates on them in every book (and we even get to visit with some of the Arrow's Edge MC) Watching Trin is ANOTHER MUST READ from an author who consistently hits my TOP READS list with every book!

[TheHauteBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging Read!
This book has it all! Romance, family drama, wonderful characters, and an unsolved mystery. Just as you would expect from Ms. Barker this is a captivating read! As always, her characters are well developed and relatable. You easily fall into their lives soaking up every emotion they experience.
Trin, a freelance writer, is a single mom that is called home to care for her aging father. Arriving home she finds things are worse than she expected along with an angry, resentful sister. As these two try to mend wounded hearts and help their father. Trin’s son gets in with the wrong crowd. We soon find him fighting for his life when his pant leg is caught on a car mirror in the bottom of a raging river. Bodhi, hunky hottie firefighter comes to the rescue. All are well, but not the body that was in the car.
Trin begins to investigate the mystery, only to discover she is now a target. Bodhi and the Arrow’s Edge crew (I loved seeing them again!) become the protectors, making sure Trin and her family are safe. Which gives ample time for Trin and Bodhi’s relationship to swell into something fantastic and wonderful. But is it real or fleeting? What happens when the drama is over, will he still be interested?
Unfortunately, Trin’s protectors can’t watch her every minute, and one afternoon she meets the end of a gun.
This story was so good! It captured my attention the first page and didn’t let go. Trin is a relatable character with a lot of spunk and is no damsel in distress. Her fierce independence is admirable, but sometimes lands her in trouble. She was a fun character, I enjoyed getting lost in her story.
I highly recommend reading this book. It is part of a series, but can easily be read as a standalone.

I read an ARC of this book. My fair and honest review is voluntary.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series! The author brings a cast of strong characters centering on Trin and Bodhi. It's an intriguing story filled with suspense and danger as well as the steamy romance. I was glued to the pages with all the twists and turns along the way. It's well written with descriptive scenes,moves fluidly and is a terrific read.

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

[Megan Klose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story. Trin has moved back in with her sister to help out with their father who is deteriorating from dementia. She brings with her her son Tucker who has started to be more standoffish with her. When her father wanders on her she meets one is her sisters co workers, firefighter Bodhi aka “Roadkill”. Bodhi is instantly pulled to her and finds ways to try and get to know more about her. And accident involving her son uncovers a body long lost in the river. Trin being a journalist wants to write a story about it and start researching who it could possibly be. As some acts of vandalism and other things start to happen to Trin Brodhi starts to to feel more and more protective of her. I don’t want to spoil anything but this is a great story from beginning to end. Great chemistry with the characters but also a great storyline.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again this author delivers a story that grabs the reader’s attention from the first page to the last.
Katrina/Trin Paige and her son have gone back to her childhood hometown of Durango to help her sister care for their father.
When her teenage son gets into trouble and finds himself being rescued by the fire department, no one ever dreamed that a crime that occurred years ago would be upturned and that danger would follow. Especially when Trin’s reporter instinct and “nosiness” gets her in trouble.
Thankfully, Bodhi Jones comes into the picture. But danger surrounds them. Will the mystery be solved? Will the past come back to cause problems? Will Bodhi and Trin get a chance at love?
This book was engaging from the start to finish. The complex characters as well as a couple that was a little older, made it even more enjoyable.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Buoni Ami Press. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Sandra Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing in a book I couldn't put down!
Trin and Bhodi's story was brilliant, as I'd expect from Ms Barker!
Trin returns home to help her sister, Vic, look after their father. Trin's son, 14, isn't too happy and causes a few problems. One of which brings Bhodi into Trin's life with a bang as he works with Vic.
Neither of them are spring chickens, which means it's great having everyday things in their tale.
BUT then we have the mystery, the suspense and a crime...and the PASSION! Let me tell you...they are HOT!!!
Along the way, we'll meet some old friends and learn a bit more about them too.
Bhodi is determined not to let anything happen to Trin and her family and you're kept guessing right until the end when it all falls into place beautifully!
MUST READ.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow her stories keep getting better and better…
I absolutely loved this one! I was sucked in from the very first few pages… simply could not put it down! I wish work didn’t get in my way. *sigh*
Anyways…

Trin and her son have recently moved back home to help with the care of her father. It hit home for me because her father was my father until he passed away recently. Freya nailed it with him being a Alzheimer’s parent. Trin and Bodhi meet and I gotta admit, there relationship had an odd/rough start. But when you know, you know. These two are perfect for each other. I greatly enjoyed the dynamics of Bodhi with her son, her sister, her dad, her friend and his family. Both are awesome, well built characters who I’m already missing now that I’ve finished reading this story.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman wants a Bodhi! I mean what's not to love there. Aside from her not so ordinary occupation, Trin is your everyday woman, not a perfect 10, and hands full with responsibilities, the frustrations of a teenager and family issues. Both have seen much of the uglier side of life. As they find each other and their story unfolds so does an apparent threat to Trin. As always, Ms Barker incorporates timely issues handled with sensitivity and common sense. I can't think of any other author who writes such realistic characters so well. Her characterizations are what drew me in the first book I read, and it's what keeps me coming back.

[Mrs K Bartholomew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Freya smash. Drama romance and intrigue weave seamlessly together to make a fast paced book that grips you from the start. Great characters and interesting twists you don't see coming thanks to the cleverly written clues that send your mind in the totally wrong direction.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you into the lives of single parents, raising a bi-racial child and concerns that come with that, a father with dementia and a crazy woman who thinks Bohdi belongs to her. Trin moves home with her son, Tucker, to help her sister take care of their father. Bohdi works at the fire station and meets Trin and is smitten right a way. There's lots of twists and turns and danger in this book. Excellent read. HEA. Good to see Arrow Edge make an appearance. I received a copy for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freya Barker and the On Call Series just keep getting better and better. As one of my one click authors I love her feeling of family and community in her series, the way she brings us little bits of friends we love from other books and weaves them all together. I love that she brings us characters that have to grow and evolve to be open to the relationships they might not have been looking for just like Trin who was focused on the task at hand and being a mom.

Trin has been a single mom, running the show for the last 14 years and it is hard to let go of the reigns from time to time. Hard to let people give you a hand when you might need an extra pair. When she moved back to her home town, into her childhood home where she all but turned mom at 10 when she lost hers to help her sister in caring for their elderly father. She wasn't looking for the friendship or relationship that she finds building between her and the hot firefighter.

Bodhi has watched his peers at the fire hall slowly find themselves in relationship and moving to the next stage of their lives. Does he want that some day, sure he does, but he just has found the right woman. When she walks through the station doors when is he there along, looking for help to find her father, he can't resist to jump in. When he later learns she is a fellow firefighters sister, he is quick to get to know the colleague a little more. Stepping to help them where he can and be there for Trin and her teen son Tucker.

Ms Barker never shy's from the tough subjects and find a way to weave the understanding of dementia and bi-racial prejudice into a web along with the suspense of found items in the Animas River. Grab that favorite reading spot and get ready for a wonderful adventure.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Zaza · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Encore un Freya Barker plutôt sympa. Pour moi c'est vraiment le genre de lecture réconfortante, que j'aime retrouver car je sais que je passerai globalement un bon moment. La romance est encore une fois très calme et sans feu d'artifices, la séduction minimaliste, mais j'aime bien voir ces personnages faire un bout de chemin ensemble, ne pas se poser de questions et partager des moments du quotidien, souvent très basiques et très ancrés dans la réalité. Disons que c'est réconfort comme votre vieux pyjama préféré ou une bonne paire de chaussettes toutes douces (ce n'est pas fou, mais ça fait bien le job).

Le début du roman est touchant, avec cette situation familiale difficile que Vic et Trin traversent, avec cette maladie qui fait de leur père une personne qu'elles ne reconnaissent plus. À mon sens, l'autrice a très bien rendu la lourdeur et la douleur de la prise en charge d'un parent qui ne vous reconnaît plus et qui a des comportements erratiques voire dangereux. Il est dommage que dans le reste du livre, le personnage du père disparaisse quasiment, d'ailleurs.

Si j'ai bien apprécié retrouver quelques têtes connues (au sein des pompiers/ambulanciers de la caserne de Bodhi , quelques membres de Arrow's Edge et Jay, flic et héros du tome précédent), j'ai quand même été surprise de ne pas revoir les autres flics de Durango, ni eux ni leurs femmes ne sont présents ou même évoqués.

Voilà donc une lecture agréable donc, avec une intrigue qui apporte quelques péripéties et un peu de suspense, et une résolution finale bien menée, ce qui n'est pas toujours le cas chez cette autrice, comme j'ai déjà pu le dire par le passé (car pour Freya Barker, mes avis se suivent et se ressemblent ... ^^').

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watching Trin by Freya Barker
On Call, #7; Police and Fire: Operation Alpha

Every time I pick up one of this author’s books I *know* I will fall into the story, fall in love with the characters, be thoroughly entertained, and leave the last page wishing I could move to this fictitious world she has created. Such a treat to have a go-to author you know won’t let you down!

What I liked:
* Katrina “Trin” Paige: intrepid, inquisitive, tenacious, loving, kind, sister, mother, daughter, caring, kind, strong, independent ~ I liked her.
* Bodhi “Roadkill” Jones: firefighter, strong, calm, wise, a bit of a bad boy teen, biracial, team player, caring, protective, capable, multi-faceted, good friend, son, brother, HOT.
* Tucker: teenage son of Trin, in a new school, biracial, bullied a bit at school, typical teen in many ways, loving, protective of his mother
* Vic: Trina’s sister, works with Bodhi, co-caretaker with Trina of their father with dementia, typical sister tease, wouldn’t mind seeing her in a book of her own.
* Anika: Bodhi’s sister, owns beauty shop, seems nice, wouldn’t mind seeing her in a book of her own.
* Bodhi’s parents: Good people, there for their children-one another-the community, loving, nurturing, kind.
* Bodhi’s team at work: close and caring and there for one another – wouldn’t mind seeing them in books of their own.
* The tie-ins with other series Ms Barker has written and catching up with some of those characters
* The Edge MC guys: swoon…can’t wait to hear more about Wapi and the others.
* The mystery and solution to an old murder case
* The setting, writing, plot…all of it really!

What I didn’t like:
* The person I was meant not to like – it was easy to do so.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Definitely!

Thank you to the author and Buoni Amici PR for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Cynthia Pemberton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I´m a huge Freya Barker´s fan. Huge. Read all her books, and although she doesn´t know me, I have that feeling that she is a long-time friend. And she amazes me every new book. I love how intelligent her stories are: clearly, she does her homework and research cause there are always technical knowledge about the most various subjects. She also has a way of writing that keeps you hooked. And the friendship and love that permeates her stories reminds me there is hope for our chaotic world.
Watching Trin has it all. Trin and Bodhi are great together. There is mystery, there is adventure, suspense, and SO MUCH IN sensibility. It really touched my heart. I had a wonderful time reading it! Another hit for sure!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing like going back to Durango. This story reeled me right in from page 1.
Bohdi is a fire fighter at Station 3 and let’s just say he captured my heart instantly. Trin is a single mom of a teenage boy who has moved back home to help her sister care for her father who is suffering from Alzheimer’s.
The chemistry between Bodie and Trin seeps off the page. Freya tackles real life situations with such grace and her attention to detail brings these characters right into your heart. You feel every emotion, right along with them.
The story was engaging, it was full of emotion, romance, suspense and even laughter.
This was a 5 star read for me

[Read All About It · Rating 4 out of 5]

She definitely is not afraid to tackle tough subjects. I always get excited to read a new Freya Barker book because I know I’m getting a amazing story with a great love story and a little mystery on the side.

“She’s feisty,” the detective observes dryly. “Yours?” I’m glad we’re out of Trin’s hearing range or she might have to say something about that as well. “Working on it.” “Good luck.” I return his grin

Fantastic character interaction. Trim and Bodhi are just perfect for each other. There story keeps you guessing and hooked from start to finish.
The Queen of Mature Romance never lets me down.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Police and Fire Badge of Honor love story for Freelance journalist and single mom, Katrina (Trin) Paige and Bodhi (Roadkill) Jones. I was shocked at all the woman did to get Bodhi and it all came to light because of Trin's son getting caught in the river and everything going downhill from there for that woman. I was so scared at times for the characters and loved the drama and danger with the hits of what really happens with elderly parents that have a debilitating disease. I loved this book. I can not wait to see what the next one brings.

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

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trin and Bodhi are forced to revisit the past to solve crimes being committed. In the process they have a intense relationship.

I love the author for doing an interracial romance.

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

[Amanda Roden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trin and Bodhi were simply perfect. I really got lost in this book from the first page. I love the way Freya is able to weave together romance and suspense so seamlessly.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

WATCHING TRIN is the seventh instalment in Freya Barker’s contemporary, adult On Call: Police and Fire: Operation Alpha multi-authored erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on side characters first introduced by author Susan Stoker. This is thirty-eight year old firefighter Bodhi ‘Roadkill’ Jones, and forty-two year old, journalist and single mother Katrina ‘Trin’ Paige’s story line. WATCHING TRIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: For fans of Freya Barker, there is a slight cross over with several characters from the author’s ARROW’S EDGE MC series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bodhi and Trin) following several intersecting paths, WATCHING TRIN follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-eight year old firefighter Bodhi ‘Roadkill’ Jones, and forty-two year old, journalist and single mother Katrina ‘Trin’ Paige. With her aging father’s health worsening, forty-two year old, single mother Trin Paige, along with her fourteen year old son Tucker, returns to her home town of Durango, Colorado in an effort to help her sister Victoria, look after their dad. A few days in, Trin’s father go missing, and with the help of local firefighter Bodhi Jones, Trin soon comes to realize the family may have bitten off more than they can chew but things go from bad to worse when her son is injured while rafting, and a body is found in a decades old car, submerged deep in the water. An investigation by Trin begins to a reveal a close connection to several people in town, a connection that may or may not have placed our heroine in the direct line of fire. As Trin’s investigation begins to take a more personal turn for our story line hero, Trin finds herself on the receiving end of more than one threating message, and mysterious accidents. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Bodhi and Trin, and the potential fall-out as the past comes full circle, in an attempt, to reclaim what doesn’t belong.

Trin Paige has been on her own for a very long time but her father’s declining health means moving back to a town she left years before. Along with her fourteen year old son Tucker, Trin finds it difficult to settle after her father’s health worsens, and her bi-racial son struggles to adjust at a new school. Meeting Bodhi Jones stirs something long thought buried and gone but the chaos at home doesn’t leave time for a start up relationship. Bodhi Jones knew immediately that Katrina Paige was someone he wanted to know. Working alongside Trin’s sister Victoria brought Bodhi up close and personal with his future but a future that is threatened by someone from the past.

The relationship between Bodhi and Trin is one of immediate attraction but Trin battles between head and heart knowing that all is not well with her father at home. From the outset, her bi-racial son struggles to fit in, and with it, thoughts of discrimination and racism are not far behind. With Bodhi Jones in her life, Trin begins to adjust to life in Durango but all is not well in the small town where everyone knows everyone else. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Trin’s son Tucker, her sister/ fire fighter Victoria, and their father Bruce Paige; Bodhi’s parents Nira and Chuck Jones, and his sister Anika; several members of the Durango Fire Department, as well as several members of the Arrow’s Edge MC.

WATCHING TRIN is a story of obsession, betrayal, vengeance and jealousy, family and friendships, mental health, bullying, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging, twisted and edgy; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are spirited and lively.


www.thereadingcafe.com

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watching Trin is book seven in Freya Barker’s​​ On Call Police and Fire: Operation Alpha series. It can absolutely be read as a stand-alone title as I’ve only read this one and had no issues keeping up with characters or the plot. Freya Barker has now cemented herself a spot on my must-read list for romantic suspense authors. As a total romantic suspense junkie, her last book fed my addiction so well, really I looked forward to reading this one.

Let’s talk characters for a moment. Trin is a little older than Bodhi, but it’s not a huge age gap romance which I’m pretty ambivalent about. It has to be done well or it’s a total turn off for me. While this series title has “alpha” in it, I didn’t feel as if Bodhi took alpha to the extreme. Rather, he’s simply a strong man who is secure in himself enough to be there for Trin without being overbearing. He’s truly one of the good ones, especially with Trin’s son. Trin is a badass in her career, but at this point, she’s struggling in her personal life. In this, Bodhi acts less like a savior and more like a trusted friend and confidant which I loved. Again, he’s secure enough to be supportive and protective while giving Trin room to work through it without taking over and trying to fix everything for her. All in all, I loved them together.

The action in this story wasn’t all fast-paced, but I didn’t feel like the pace drug either. It ebbed and flowed as you’d expect from good suspense. I had a good idea of who the ultimate villain was early on, but the mystery was complex enough that I didn’t quite figure all of the whys and whens before the big reveal. (All good things for this long-time romantic suspense junkie! Nothing worse than a predictable outcome in these books.) There were several threads to untangle in the plot. I felt the author did a fantastic job weaving them in a way that made me realize I was still missing pieces of the puzzle until the story arc. This effectively kept me anxiously turning the pages and unable to walk away from it until I finished. Now, I’m going to be working my way through her backlist in this series to catch up on everyone!

NICUnurse's Rating: I give Watching Trin 5 out of 5 stars!

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books you buy because of the author who wrote them. Such is my love affair with Freya Barker.

Her characters are men and women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. They have dimples on their thighs and wrinkles near their eyes. They have the experience to know the score and keep a good thing close. They carry a lot of experience in their arsenal. They could be your neighbor, your cousin, your co-worker...real as they could be in your life.

Bodhi Jones is a firefighter and popular, lifelong resident of Durango. Trin (Katrina) Paige, a freelance journalist, grew up in Durango and traveled the world until her father's (Bruce) dementia drew her home with her son (Tucker) to help care for the retired fire captain. A single mom, her teenage son's sudden behavior changes add to her current trouble.

Trin's sister, Vic, works with Bohdi at the fire department. When Trin's dad goes missing and Vic can't be reached, Bohdi steps in to look for the man. Tucker causes them to cross paths, too, when he becomes embroiled in an adventure requiring a fire department water rescue. Bodhi doesn't remember Trin from school as she's a few years older, but he's interested now. Lucky for Trin, he's got some insight in both dealing with dementia and a possible explanation for Tucker's new defiance, poor school marks, and arguments.

Seems Bohdi's mom is Indian and his dad is white; Tucker's red-haired mom and black father (never a part of the family) make Tucker bi-racial, too. Bohdi has the understanding and experience to deal with bullies and bigots where Trin only has an understanding. It doesn't hurt that Bohdi's a guy and can work with Tucker on the dirt bike they discovered in Bruce's garage, too. Mom's new boyfriend just might be all right.

Barker winds all this action around the discovery of a long-submerged car during the water rescue. It contained the skeleton of a murdered girl exciting Trin's investigative reporter's soul and arousing the ire of the killer and inciting dangerous threats against Trin. Mingled in the storyline are crossover characters with connections to the action - love that! It all builds an enthralling novel to be read and enjoyed as quickly as possible. Then frustration sets in because I'm impatient for the next book!

[Britt Chaotic Creatives · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freya Barker has long been a favorite for me. I just know before I even pick up any of her books I'm going to be whisked away into the worlds she creates and Watching Trin did exactly that. Beautifully emotional, the perfect dash of steam, entirely suspenseful, Watching Trin is all of that and more. I actually finished this book a while ago, but it's taken me a bit to gather my emotions to write my review.
This book hit close to home for me when it came to the subject of Trin's father. So much so I had to take a couple breaks and gather myself because Freya Barker does such a magnificent job at portraying some of the hardest struggles when it comes to taking care of a loved one with dementia that I found myself crying over seeing what my loved ones and myself have experienced in caring for my grandmother right there on the pages. It was a combination of relief in the sense of knowing someone else gets it, that they've felt the same things, and remembering the harder times. I felt such a strong kinship to Trin.
More than that I also just flat out utterly adored Trin and Bohdi. They were just simply wonderful together. Their chemistry was immediate and grew into a beautiful relationship that had me falling head over heels for them both. I adore how Freya's characters always have such healthy and mature communication and Bohdi and Trin have that in spades. They respect each other just as much as they love each other and it is glorious to see such a beautiful relationship develop.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katrina (Trin) is used to a life of independence as a freelance journalist and a single mom to a teenage boy. When her father's health starts to deteriorate, she moves back to her hometown with 14 year old Tucker in tow to relieve some of the stress and responsibility on her sister Victoria- who just happens to be newly assigned to Bodhi's crew on Engine 3. Trin is not prepared for how badly the disease is affecting her dad or for Tucker to start acting out once he they arrive though, and things spiral out of control quickly.

As a firefighter, Bodhi has to approach his job calmly, and his quiet sometimes reserved demeanor translates into his personal life most of the time. He lived some very rebellious teen years and gave his mom more than a few grey hairs, so when he crosses paths with Trin a few times, he finds himself uniquely qualified to assist her. Of course, it is not a hardship considering that the curvy, independent woman checks all the right boxes for him, but convincing her to give him a chance in the chaos that is suddenly part of her life is a challenge. It's a good thing that steady calmness also comes with a healthy dose of determination!

When strange things start happening and it seems Trin is a target for some reason, his protective streak kicks in. As always, the author gives us a story with a great mix of suspense, laughter, occasional tears, and a good dose of steam while incorporating familiar faces and introducing us to some new ones. I loved learning a bit more about one of the Arrows Edge MC members and I am looking forward to what comes next in both the On Call and Arrows Edge series!

ARC received from author

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trin has come home to help her sister out with their father who is suffering with dementia, and it's only getting worse. Life is very chaotic with taking care of her father, dealing with her teenage son's mood swings (she's a single mother), and trying to keep up with her freelance writing, so she isn't looking for any sort of relationship. However, fate doesn't care as she comes face to face with her future lobster, Bodhi, who works at the Durango Fire Department with her sister. He certainly helps them out with all the chaos going on, and while she's tried to keep him at arms length, the heart wants what the heart wants. Things take another turn when her son ends up finding a car in the river with a dead body in it which brings her in the crossfire of something dangerous as she's finding her journalistic fire back but there's someone out there who doesn't want her to put the pieces together. Can Bodhi keep her safe long enough for her to figure out who dun it & why?!  Once again, Freya Barker pens an suspenseful story with a kicker of heat & family that I couldn't get enough of, and after you hit those one click buttons, you'll feel the same as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Fantastic read by the ever fabulous Freya Barker, who is writing in Susan Stoker's Operation Alpha world. As always Barker (and Stoker) create characters that are easy to love and wonderful to immerse yourself in.

Katrina "Trin" has moved home to care for an ailing father. The situation is tense and volatile and something so many of us can relate to right now. Already stretched thin as a single mom, her circumstances are a little fraught at the moment but the hits keep coming. Used to going it alone, she is reluctant to accept help from anyone but there's a sexy firefighter who always appear when she needs him the most.

Bodhi is all alpha but in the very best way; in the "the only thing I want to do more than protect you, is love you" kind of way. He's determined to show her its okay to lean on someone and he very much wants that someone to be him.

Excellent storytelling and characters. Even though I knew who the bad guy was by about halfway through, the book still kept me so interested and I loved watching everything unfold! Can't wait for the next one!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book