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Christmas is a time for miracles, love, and forgiveness.
Renowned K-9 trainer, Luke Freeman accepts a job as head dog trainer for his former SEAL Team Leader, Mitch Anderson at Valhalla. A sprawling ranch specializing in offering fresh chances to special forces veterans. Luke expected to lie low and recover from two decades of combat.
Everything was going as planned until he hired spitfire dog handler Dani Ellis. From their first and only date, he knew there was something special about her.
Dani didn’t have time for a boyfriend. Her only focus was finding her kidnapped sister before time ran out. When there was nothing left for her to do but wait, Dani spirals down a path of self-destruction.
Luke whisks her away to a secluded cabin in the woods, with no other plan than to show Dani the freedom of falling in love…with herself.
Is this holiday season a time for fresh starts and Christmas miracles, or is Dani too far gone?
Author note: Luke is a Christmas military romance with steamy heat in and out of the bedroom for mature readers.
Renowned K-9 trainer, Luke Freeman accepts a job as head dog trainer for his former SEAL Team Leader, Mitch Anderson at Valhalla. A sprawling ranch specializing in offering fresh chances to special forces veterans. Luke expected to lie low and recover from two decades of combat.
Everything was going as planned until he hired spitfire dog handler Dani Ellis. From their first and only date, he knew there was something special about her.
Dani didn’t have time for a boyfriend. Her only focus was finding her kidnapped sister before time ran out. When there was nothing left for her to do but wait, Dani spirals down a path of self-destruction.
Luke whisks her away to a secluded cabin in the woods, with no other plan than to show Dani the freedom of falling in love…with herself.
Is this holiday season a time for fresh starts and Christmas miracles, or is Dani too far gone?
Author note: Luke is a Christmas military romance with steamy heat in and out of the bedroom for mature readers.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2021
105 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Gray
53 books624 followersRJ Gray is a USA TODAY bestselling author of Explosively Hot Romance. She is also an international bestseller. Residing on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu with her husband, two young sons and their rescue pup, RJ lives an active life. When not writing, her hobbies include whipping up delicious meals, capturing life's beauty with her camera and attending her children's multiple sporting events. Hobbies she shares freely about in her FB Group Gray's Bibliophiles.
Having spent the past fifteen years married to an active duty military bomb technician, and as a veteran herself, RJ has a passion for military and veteran causes. You will find these themes in many of her books.
You can find out more about RJ Gray on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRJGray
Feel free to contact her: AuthorRJGray@gmail.com
Follow her on social media:
Amazon: amazon.com/author/grayrj
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Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/author_rj
Blog: www.AuthorRJGray.com
Newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vokxh4if40 (FREE BOOK!)
Having spent the past fifteen years married to an active duty military bomb technician, and as a veteran herself, RJ has a passion for military and veteran causes. You will find these themes in many of her books.
You can find out more about RJ Gray on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRJGray
Feel free to contact her: AuthorRJGray@gmail.com
Follow her on social media:
Amazon: amazon.com/author/grayrj
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rj-gray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrjgray/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/authorrjgray
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/author_rj
Blog: www.AuthorRJGray.com
Newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vokxh4if40 (FREE BOOK!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 8, 2021
LET'S FIND LIFE'S JOY TOGETHER
The third story in this series gave this avid reader everything she wanted to see in a book. The story has passion, mystery, suspense, angst, strong alpha men, and equally strong feisty females. I liked the characters, their interaction, and the deep, gut-wrenching emotions. I will admit that Luke and Danielle's story was an emotional roller-coaster ride to read. My heart aches for Danielle, what she has endured, and still living with the unknown situation for her sister, Catie. I think you could say,
Luke used 'tough love' to help Danielle. He makes her feel, which she tries to avoid; he makes her acknowledge, comprehend, and accept what her responsibilities are and what is not. It isn't an easy read, but it was well worth reading.
The story's plot will occur during the week leading up to Christmas. Luke and Danielle are going to a cabin in the mountains for a week. This isn't so much for romance; it is for healing and growth. Danielle carries around the burdens of the past, and she is like a prisoner wrapped in emotional chains. Luke knows that this isn't going to be an easy week; getting Danielle to work through her emotions, guilt, and feelings is her responsibility. She has agreed to give up control for the week and accept his leadership and guidance. The week is about opening up, talking through, and unpacking baggage that she has been carrying around. If more comes of their time together, that will be a bonus.
"He’d be lying if he denied wanting to stake a claim on her. He hungered for her to be his and only his since the moment they’d met. He had every intention of making her his, but not until she was ready.”
Part of the rewards will be preparing for Christmas and even going out in the woods and finding a Christmas tree to cut down and decorate. The mountain is full of beautiful Douglas Firs, and yet, Dani picks a tree that shocks Luke—but he understands with her explanation.
Luke: Out of a forest of perfect trees, you pick the Charlie Brown one?
Danielle: It’s the most like me. I want to take a gamble on the fact it might just be the most perfect Christmas tree ever. It needs a little love and decoration, sure. But just because you aren’t perfect doesn’t mean you aren’t useful or beautiful. This is the tree that’s always picked last for kickball and today, I want it to be picked first.
Luke: God, Dani. I love you.
Danielle: Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s take it home.
Luke isn’t naïve to PTSD, and while Danielle has never gone to war, she has faced so many battles within her family; she is a civilian victim. With a father who grieved his wife’s death so deeply, he drowned himself in the bottle, ignored his sixteen-year-old and newborn daughters. Dani had to learn how to mother an infant and take care of her new sister without any support. It never seemed to get better; as Catie grew, she became bitter, mixed up with the wrong crowd, and turned to drugs. Danielle has always been the doer, and letting go isn’t in her nature. The problem, Dani has forgotten how to love and take care of herself too.
“The type of strength she possessed made her different. Forged by a lifetime of resiliency and toughness, her power came from a place deep within. The enemies of grief, addiction, abuse, and pain overwhelmed her, leaving her defenseless. A victim of the actions of loved ones inflicted with the disease.”
I loved the chemistry and emotional bond that forms between Luke and Danielle. While he is tough and sticks to his methods to help her, he is still loving and caring. It has allowed Danielle time to forgive others and herself and heal. She has happy memories of her mother and holidays, like Christmas. Will she have a future with Luke when the week is over? Will they find Catie?
“Maybe childhood dreams came true after all.”
The third story in this series gave this avid reader everything she wanted to see in a book. The story has passion, mystery, suspense, angst, strong alpha men, and equally strong feisty females. I liked the characters, their interaction, and the deep, gut-wrenching emotions. I will admit that Luke and Danielle's story was an emotional roller-coaster ride to read. My heart aches for Danielle, what she has endured, and still living with the unknown situation for her sister, Catie. I think you could say,
Luke used 'tough love' to help Danielle. He makes her feel, which she tries to avoid; he makes her acknowledge, comprehend, and accept what her responsibilities are and what is not. It isn't an easy read, but it was well worth reading.
The story's plot will occur during the week leading up to Christmas. Luke and Danielle are going to a cabin in the mountains for a week. This isn't so much for romance; it is for healing and growth. Danielle carries around the burdens of the past, and she is like a prisoner wrapped in emotional chains. Luke knows that this isn't going to be an easy week; getting Danielle to work through her emotions, guilt, and feelings is her responsibility. She has agreed to give up control for the week and accept his leadership and guidance. The week is about opening up, talking through, and unpacking baggage that she has been carrying around. If more comes of their time together, that will be a bonus.
"He’d be lying if he denied wanting to stake a claim on her. He hungered for her to be his and only his since the moment they’d met. He had every intention of making her his, but not until she was ready.”
Part of the rewards will be preparing for Christmas and even going out in the woods and finding a Christmas tree to cut down and decorate. The mountain is full of beautiful Douglas Firs, and yet, Dani picks a tree that shocks Luke—but he understands with her explanation.
Luke: Out of a forest of perfect trees, you pick the Charlie Brown one?
Danielle: It’s the most like me. I want to take a gamble on the fact it might just be the most perfect Christmas tree ever. It needs a little love and decoration, sure. But just because you aren’t perfect doesn’t mean you aren’t useful or beautiful. This is the tree that’s always picked last for kickball and today, I want it to be picked first.
Luke: God, Dani. I love you.
Danielle: Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s take it home.
Luke isn’t naïve to PTSD, and while Danielle has never gone to war, she has faced so many battles within her family; she is a civilian victim. With a father who grieved his wife’s death so deeply, he drowned himself in the bottle, ignored his sixteen-year-old and newborn daughters. Dani had to learn how to mother an infant and take care of her new sister without any support. It never seemed to get better; as Catie grew, she became bitter, mixed up with the wrong crowd, and turned to drugs. Danielle has always been the doer, and letting go isn’t in her nature. The problem, Dani has forgotten how to love and take care of herself too.
“The type of strength she possessed made her different. Forged by a lifetime of resiliency and toughness, her power came from a place deep within. The enemies of grief, addiction, abuse, and pain overwhelmed her, leaving her defenseless. A victim of the actions of loved ones inflicted with the disease.”
I loved the chemistry and emotional bond that forms between Luke and Danielle. While he is tough and sticks to his methods to help her, he is still loving and caring. It has allowed Danielle time to forgive others and herself and heal. She has happy memories of her mother and holidays, like Christmas. Will she have a future with Luke when the week is over? Will they find Catie?
“Maybe childhood dreams came true after all.”
December 3, 2021
Luke: Christmas at Valhalla is the well written, well executed page-turning continuation of Danielle and Luke’s story, set in the surroundings of Christmas. It continues from where we left them in ‘Mace’ (the previous book in the series), where I easily related to Danielle and the horror she was feeling; I’ve been on pins and needles since, to find out what happens with her sister Catie.
This book isn’t the action filled story about finding Catie, though. No, it’s the deeply emotional story of Luke setting out to help Danielle cope with the unbearable and horrifyingly heart wrenching situation she is in, while teaching her to love herself and cast ingrained guilt and misplaced responsibility, which have built upon itself for far too many years, away.
And I must say; Wow! Thank you RJ Gray for this story.
The romance and the eroticism is so effortlessly intertwined with the horror filled suspense that it flows naturally and realistically.
I absolutely love the characters. They are solid, authentic, down to earth and relatable. Danielle and the nightmare she lives is so well portrayed that I found myself deeply and personally invested in this story; I was with her all the way riding the roller coaster from heartbreak and tattered nerves to emotionally mending, learning and rebuilding. I can’t remember the last time I cried reading a book, but I did by the end of this one.
This book is by no means a light Christmas read, but it is oh so satisfying.
This book isn’t the action filled story about finding Catie, though. No, it’s the deeply emotional story of Luke setting out to help Danielle cope with the unbearable and horrifyingly heart wrenching situation she is in, while teaching her to love herself and cast ingrained guilt and misplaced responsibility, which have built upon itself for far too many years, away.
And I must say; Wow! Thank you RJ Gray for this story.
The romance and the eroticism is so effortlessly intertwined with the horror filled suspense that it flows naturally and realistically.
I absolutely love the characters. They are solid, authentic, down to earth and relatable. Danielle and the nightmare she lives is so well portrayed that I found myself deeply and personally invested in this story; I was with her all the way riding the roller coaster from heartbreak and tattered nerves to emotionally mending, learning and rebuilding. I can’t remember the last time I cried reading a book, but I did by the end of this one.
This book is by no means a light Christmas read, but it is oh so satisfying.
December 8, 2021
After getting to know a little about Luke and Dani in the previous book, I was immediately determined to learn more. And now that I have, I kind of adore this pair together. I loved seeing the way Luke supported Dani and encouraged her to face some hard truths. Dani is so resolute and independent, it was a little fascinating to watch her learn how to allow someone else to care for her. The Lifestyle elements are very low key. I found this story to be sweet with a bit of heat more than it was the other way around.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
December 5, 2021
Wow. What a great story. We catched up with Luke and Dani who goes away for week. And it was amazing. I couldn't put book down once started.
I loved Dani and Luke together, they really make a great couple. Luke helps Dani through everything to help her forgive herself, but also is patient with her. Dani finally gave into Luke and his help. They have such trust in each other. And they make such a great couple.
We had some questions also.
I can't wait for more.
I loved Dani and Luke together, they really make a great couple. Luke helps Dani through everything to help her forgive herself, but also is patient with her. Dani finally gave into Luke and his help. They have such trust in each other. And they make such a great couple.
We had some questions also.
I can't wait for more.
December 3, 2021
Healing and romance bundled together. This author continues the story of the Valhalla team with Luke and Dani taking center stage. I loved how she highlighted the emotional healing and growth a D/s relationship provides as long as it is based on trust and consent. Luke provides the strength and structure Dani needs to get her life under control but will it move into something deeper and more lasting? You will need to pick up this story and take the journey with them. If you are like me, you will fall in love with this couple, your heart melting as you cheer them on to a hopefully happy ending.
December 5, 2021
Been waiting for Luke and Dani's story and Ms. Gray didn't disappoint. And it's also a Christmas story, I love those. I love how caring and gentle Luke was with Dani. Their connection was off the charts hot. Such a good story that will go on my "Christmas reading list" in the future! Of course, I'm sure we'll get to see Luke and Dani in future books in this series. Loved it so much!!
December 12, 2021
Dandelion and Luke
“Vulnerability is a rare gift. When you are truly vulnerable, you are exposing yourself to potential attacks. You are trusting the person you share your vulnerability with not to attack you in your defenseless state. That trust is a gift.”
Beautiful story. The book has everything, Heartwarming moments, hot (kinky) sex, two strong characters growing stronger together.
The book should also come with a few warnings, because —for me— it hit (too) close to some of my own experiences for comfort. The author (from what I know RJ Gray grew up in foster care, and served in the army) writes about addiction, PTSD, and the grittier side of life with a knowledge and depth, I felt as a sucker punch. Although those parts were hard to read for me, they were also my favorite. (Yeah, I’m probably weird)
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Flow: 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Writing and editing: 🖋🖋🖋🖋🖋
Heat: 🌶🌶🌶
“Vulnerability is a rare gift. When you are truly vulnerable, you are exposing yourself to potential attacks. You are trusting the person you share your vulnerability with not to attack you in your defenseless state. That trust is a gift.”
Beautiful story. The book has everything, Heartwarming moments, hot (kinky) sex, two strong characters growing stronger together.
The book should also come with a few warnings, because —for me— it hit (too) close to some of my own experiences for comfort. The author (from what I know RJ Gray grew up in foster care, and served in the army) writes about addiction, PTSD, and the grittier side of life with a knowledge and depth, I felt as a sucker punch. Although those parts were hard to read for me, they were also my favorite. (Yeah, I’m probably weird)
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Flow: 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Writing and editing: 🖋🖋🖋🖋🖋
Heat: 🌶🌶🌶
December 10, 2021
This is the third in the author's Veterans of Valhalla series. I haven't read the first two; while I could follow the main narrative, the MC, secondary characters, and certain lines of action were introduced in previous books and aren't given full explanations here. Thus, I'm not entirely sure this works as a standalone.
The book is an Xmas-themed cabin romance devoted to the concept of BDSM as healing tool (I really appreciated that it's not offered as a magic bullet cure and that Luke also says that more traditional forms of therapy are necessary). Dani has had a hard life -- left to shoulder heavy responsibilities while still a child -- and Luke wants to help relieve her stress and guilt. Because it's heavy on psychology and feeling (don't worry -- there are some sensual scenes), there's very little action or conflict here; thus, it's best to approach this as a novella.
So, I'll say that if you're looking for a consensual, mild BDSM story centering on two people who form a deep emotional attachment and a MMC who will do anything to help the woman he loves, you'll probably enjoy this. I did like it, but have two caveats. First, because the storyline focuses on Dani, I didn't get to know Luke at all (again, his character building might have taken place in other books). Second, it was talky, and the dialogue felt overly formal since it didn't always flow (contractions might have helped here: "you're" rather than "you are"). That said, the prose was reasonably well-edited with only the occasional typo.
3 1/2 stars. There's one line of action left open regarding a character who may at some point get their own story. This entry does include a sneak peek into the next book which looks interesting.
The book is an Xmas-themed cabin romance devoted to the concept of BDSM as healing tool (I really appreciated that it's not offered as a magic bullet cure and that Luke also says that more traditional forms of therapy are necessary). Dani has had a hard life -- left to shoulder heavy responsibilities while still a child -- and Luke wants to help relieve her stress and guilt. Because it's heavy on psychology and feeling (don't worry -- there are some sensual scenes), there's very little action or conflict here; thus, it's best to approach this as a novella.
So, I'll say that if you're looking for a consensual, mild BDSM story centering on two people who form a deep emotional attachment and a MMC who will do anything to help the woman he loves, you'll probably enjoy this. I did like it, but have two caveats. First, because the storyline focuses on Dani, I didn't get to know Luke at all (again, his character building might have taken place in other books). Second, it was talky, and the dialogue felt overly formal since it didn't always flow (contractions might have helped here: "you're" rather than "you are"). That said, the prose was reasonably well-edited with only the occasional typo.
3 1/2 stars. There's one line of action left open regarding a character who may at some point get their own story. This entry does include a sneak peek into the next book which looks interesting.
December 8, 2021
I read this book in a day as I couldn’t put it down, for me although I’ve loved both Phantom & Mace this is my favourite by far!
The 3rd book in the series finds Luke taking Dani on a journey of self discovery to find within herself love, forgiveness, healing, health & happiness some of the most beautiful words in our language, however they can be some of the hardest to face.
When Luke recognises the signs of Dani’s mental health spiralling out of control as she goes in on herself, trying desperately to cope with her sister’s kidnapping and potential death, he can see the woman he loves internal battle destroying her.
He decides he can no longer stand by without helping her & takes her away for a week to a beauty cabin in the snowy woods, with her permission he helps her to face and concur her demons.
Thrust into motherhood when only a child herself, with the death of 1 parent & the loss of the other to alcoholism.
Luke becomes Dani’s therapist, confidant & lover for the week walking beside Dani both figuratively and physically, hoping this is not the end & they have a chance to become one when they reach the other side.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
The 3rd book in the series finds Luke taking Dani on a journey of self discovery to find within herself love, forgiveness, healing, health & happiness some of the most beautiful words in our language, however they can be some of the hardest to face.
When Luke recognises the signs of Dani’s mental health spiralling out of control as she goes in on herself, trying desperately to cope with her sister’s kidnapping and potential death, he can see the woman he loves internal battle destroying her.
He decides he can no longer stand by without helping her & takes her away for a week to a beauty cabin in the snowy woods, with her permission he helps her to face and concur her demons.
Thrust into motherhood when only a child herself, with the death of 1 parent & the loss of the other to alcoholism.
Luke becomes Dani’s therapist, confidant & lover for the week walking beside Dani both figuratively and physically, hoping this is not the end & they have a chance to become one when they reach the other side.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2021
Danielle has too much going on. She is stressed to her limits. When invited to spend a week with Luke in a mountain cabin, she agrees to go. While there, she also agrees to relinquish all control to him. Their week starts off with Luke giving her exercises in self-love, which she finds nearly impossible. By the end of the week, on Christmas, she is on the road to improvement, learning to forgive herself for things out of her control, and to accept love that he offers her.
This is a lovely story. Dani is so broken that she feels there is no hope, and Luke will not give up on her. Set again on Valhalla Ranch, this is well-written and powerful. RJ Gray has done it again! Five out of five stars, this is well-worth the one click.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a lovely story. Dani is so broken that she feels there is no hope, and Luke will not give up on her. Set again on Valhalla Ranch, this is well-written and powerful. RJ Gray has done it again! Five out of five stars, this is well-worth the one click.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2021
4 1/2 stars
After the last Veterans of Vallhalla story I was very interested in the characters of Luke and Dani. Dani had poisoned the dogs for goodness sake, so could she really be redeemed? RJ Gray did an amazing job of portraying this broken character that didn't love herself, lived completely for others and didn't believe she could be redeemed. Luke was determined to prove her wrong. I loved how they worked through the issues between them and Dani's vulnerability. The way the sex was weaved into the story made so much sense and didn't seem contrived. There was a great HEA and a sneak peek to the next story, yay!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After the last Veterans of Vallhalla story I was very interested in the characters of Luke and Dani. Dani had poisoned the dogs for goodness sake, so could she really be redeemed? RJ Gray did an amazing job of portraying this broken character that didn't love herself, lived completely for others and didn't believe she could be redeemed. Luke was determined to prove her wrong. I loved how they worked through the issues between them and Dani's vulnerability. The way the sex was weaved into the story made so much sense and didn't seem contrived. There was a great HEA and a sneak peek to the next story, yay!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2021
More Valhalla Goodness!!
The nuances will come through better if you have read the prior stories in this series, though the main points are well laid out here.
Danielle is about to spend a week in a remote cabin with Luke. She took a job at Paws Your Six, in an attempt to save her kidnapped sister by sabotaging their competition. She was supposed to kill the dogs, but couldn’t bring herself to do so. To say things were “strained” is an understatement.
Luke now understands the weight on Dani’s shoulders. She basically raised her sister. Acting as her Dom, he will try to take that load away from her.
All the layers and depth of relationship are explored here. An introspective, personal and delicious journey.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
The nuances will come through better if you have read the prior stories in this series, though the main points are well laid out here.
Danielle is about to spend a week in a remote cabin with Luke. She took a job at Paws Your Six, in an attempt to save her kidnapped sister by sabotaging their competition. She was supposed to kill the dogs, but couldn’t bring herself to do so. To say things were “strained” is an understatement.
Luke now understands the weight on Dani’s shoulders. She basically raised her sister. Acting as her Dom, he will try to take that load away from her.
All the layers and depth of relationship are explored here. An introspective, personal and delicious journey.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
December 10, 2021
Dani has been though a lot in her young life. Luke aims to help her shoulder that burden. They go together for a week to a mountain cabin. While they are there, Luke helps Dani realize that she is taking on blame for things that were not her fault. He helps her to move though the emotional mess that is her life and to love herself.
I loved the story. There are so many emotions to work through, but we work through them with Dani. And Luke is amazing as the gentle but loving Dom. I received a advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review. But I loved it so much that I bought it. Thanks RJ, keep up the great writing!
I loved the story. There are so many emotions to work through, but we work through them with Dani. And Luke is amazing as the gentle but loving Dom. I received a advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review. But I loved it so much that I bought it. Thanks RJ, keep up the great writing!
December 12, 2021
Luke was exactly what I needed. The story was deep, emotional and epic. I loved the relationship between Luke and Dani. Beyond the kinky fun, he really cares about her and is willing to brave her darkness to bring her out of the pit. RJ has a talent for creating characters that feel real and still allow me a the great escape I get from reading.
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 5, 2021
Wonderful, thoughtful story of a woman who is broken but has lived through a lot!! I loved the dynamic between Dandelion and Luke. BTW, I think every woman should have a Luke!!!
There is such an emotional journey that at certain times I wanted to cry for her! Danielle has a lot on her shoulders but a certain ex Navy Seal works to help her. I loved this Christmas Story!
I reviewed an advanced copy of this book
There is such an emotional journey that at certain times I wanted to cry for her! Danielle has a lot on her shoulders but a certain ex Navy Seal works to help her. I loved this Christmas Story!
I reviewed an advanced copy of this book
December 7, 2021
Luke takes Danielle to a remote cabin for a week at Christmas to see if he can help her deal with everything she has going on. She feels a lot of guilt about not protecting her sister and worried because she is still missing. Luke and Danielle grow closer in their relationship and Luke helps her deal with a lot of her emotional issues from her Mom dying while Danielle was a teenager and then being forced to try and raise her sister and deal with her alcoholic father. The feelings between Luke and Danielle seemed real and their love felt genuine as I followed them on their journey.
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 8, 2021
Luke has taken it upon himself to try to get Dani out of her head. She's been taking care of everyone for years and it's been detrimental to her overall well being. He's got to cage his beast and show her "how to love herself" I loved the Charlie Brown Christmas tree, and the unprepared statement by Luke. By not giving up and gluing the pieces back together every day if needed, Luke saw the cracks in her armor and is slowing working through her barriers. It's all about permission to forgive yourself. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
December 8, 2021
This is a wonderful, thoughtful story of a woman who is broken and doesn't love herself, who lives only for others and doesn't believe she could be redeemed and a man who is determined to prove her wrong. The emotional journey through the book almost made me cry. Their feelings are real, their love is genuine and the sex is steamy. The book ends with a HEA and there is even a sneak peek to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
December 9, 2021
I really liked this one. It's very well written and described. The reader will feel cosy wrapped up in the cabin with a cute decorated tree. I love Luke and poor Dani. They are so good together. There are lots of hot sexy scenes and some spankings as Luke works through Dani's walls. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I very highly recommend it. This is an enjoyable story to cosy up to.
December 9, 2021
Finally we read Dani's story and it's a good one. Luke hired Dani to be a dog handler but the troubles she has in her life affect everyone at Valhalla. Seeing how stressed Dani is, Luke takes Dani away to a secluded cabin. Luke is wonderfully gentle and stern when he needs to be. Emotional, great chemistry and fab characters.
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 9, 2021
Luke and Dani
Luke ls a Valhalla Veteran and K-9 trainer.
Dani was hired as a dog handler with Luke.
Luke and Dani go off for a week at Christmas
At a remote cabin. Luke is helping Dani
Cope with feelings, helplessness over her sister Caite ( from a prior story).
Dani is able with Luke’s patience and help,
accept snd trust again.
This is a great book, it has lots of
Emotion, trust issues, but all turns out well.
Great job R J Gray !!!!
You do not disappoint.
Luke ls a Valhalla Veteran and K-9 trainer.
Dani was hired as a dog handler with Luke.
Luke and Dani go off for a week at Christmas
At a remote cabin. Luke is helping Dani
Cope with feelings, helplessness over her sister Caite ( from a prior story).
Dani is able with Luke’s patience and help,
accept snd trust again.
This is a great book, it has lots of
Emotion, trust issues, but all turns out well.
Great job R J Gray !!!!
You do not disappoint.
December 9, 2021
This was a very good story. I love this series and how all of the stories of the veterans that live on Valhalla are intertwined. R.J. dealt with the sensitive topic of addiction very well. Everyone could use a Luke in their lives.
December 9, 2021
This series is very emotional and deep. It deals with different types of PTSD. Luke wants to help Danielle , but will she let him help her in his way?
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 10, 2021
The third book in the Veterans of Valhalla series. K-9 trainer, Luke Freeman and dog handler Dani Ellis' story is well written, I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2021
Review to come...
But Loved it and enjoyed the gentle BDSM take on it all. 😀
But Loved it and enjoyed the gentle BDSM take on it all. 😀
Want to read
November 28, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/28/2022)! 🎁
December 9, 2021
This story is about Luke and Danielle. I very much enjoyed this well written story
December 12, 2021
In this book you will read the incredible story of Luke and Dani. Dani was seeking redemption and a release of the pressure and guilt she faced for years. The pressure was so intense that she didn’t realize how heavy her burden had become. Luke was sure he could help her if she would open herself enough to let him in. There is so much raw emotion packed into this book. It is intense! There is no way you can read this book and not feel deeply for these characters. It is written in such a way that we can all relate to Dani’s need for permission to let go of something in our life that is weighing us down. I learned so much about myself through these characters. The story is well written and has suspense, fear, a whole lot of love and some amazing spanking and sex scenes. It is hot! But most importantly it shows that there is always someone out there for each of us that is willing to help us work through whatever hurdles we face in life. It is so relatable. Luke knows just when to be immovable and stern and when to be comforting and sweet because he takes the time to get to know her and to pay attention to the little details that show him her heart. It isn’t about a perfect daddy and a perfect little. It is about two imperfect people loving each other so deeply that she is not afraid to show him all of her and he is willing to do what it takes to help her accept and love herself again. A five star rating is not high enough for this book!
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 12, 2021
Since book 1 in this series I have been looking forward to Luke's story and while this can be read as a standalone, because we really started to get Dani's story in Book 2, you'll probably get more enjoyment if you've read that. Length-wise, this is more novella length. Not long enough for a book, but too long to be a short story. Definitely long enough to get through in an hour or so (depending on your reading speed).
Dani has had to deal with a lot so far in her life, but luckily for her, Luke has made it his mission to help. I'm not trying to dismiss Dani's storyline. It genuinely is worth reading. However, I felt that it was at the expense of telling Luke's story, the titular character. Luke has been to war and returned home, physically whole, but by his own admission, receives help with both therapy and medication. As a reader we only find this out as he relates it to Dani.
There is great interaction between the characters and one ongoing storyline finalises toward the end of this book, in turn setting up future stories. There is a lot of emotion and I love that Luke encouraged Dani to express her upset and anger to another in the later part of the book. There's also some great lighthearted moments, particularly when selecting a Christmas tree.
Overall, this was a very emotional read but perhaps if it was longer we could have got more of Luke's story.
Dani has had to deal with a lot so far in her life, but luckily for her, Luke has made it his mission to help. I'm not trying to dismiss Dani's storyline. It genuinely is worth reading. However, I felt that it was at the expense of telling Luke's story, the titular character. Luke has been to war and returned home, physically whole, but by his own admission, receives help with both therapy and medication. As a reader we only find this out as he relates it to Dani.
There is great interaction between the characters and one ongoing storyline finalises toward the end of this book, in turn setting up future stories. There is a lot of emotion and I love that Luke encouraged Dani to express her upset and anger to another in the later part of the book. There's also some great lighthearted moments, particularly when selecting a Christmas tree.
Overall, this was a very emotional read but perhaps if it was longer we could have got more of Luke's story.
December 13, 2021
This book is so much more than just a book that has BDSM elements to it. There is an emotional journey in it that at times breaks your heart, while at others it makes you want to sigh and grin. I loved so much about this story. Not only is Luke a man who will do anything for the woman he loves, but he is more than willing to take her away and get her to confront the things that are dragging her down. And when I say dragging her down, I mean more than just feeling sad. Her mental health needed for him to not only be her man and lover but for him to stand beside her and work through her demons as well. It was beautifully written. And while it can be hard to read, the way everything is written and worked through was done in a way that you felt like you were taking that journey with them. I loved this story. It was perfectly done.
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