A HERO TO LOVE
Changing
Tides #2
by
Gail Chianese
Releasing August 22nd, 2017
Lyrical Shine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
In A Hero to Love (Changing Tides #2) by Gail Chianese, Risa Reynolds has an easier time with animals than people. At least with animals they love unconditionally and wouldn't ever betray her. However, the moment she meets Jackson 'Jax' Faraday, she contemplates breaking her rule of not dating military men. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more Risa finds herself falling for a man that is determined to make a difference in the world, which means he could -- at any moment -- move on to bigger and better things when it comes to his career. Will Risa risk getting deeper involved with Jax, or will she end things before her heart gets broken beyond repair?
Ms. Chianese is a new-to-me author and after finishing this book, I want to read more of her stories, especially when it comes to this series, as the main and secondary were incredible; the dialogue was the perfect blend of intense moments due to someone out to get the heroine and playful banter between the hero and heroine as they grow closer; and the ending had me hoping that this couple would be able to overcome the tough obstacles they face to be together such as Risa being able to push past the fear of Jax leaving her and Jax hoping he can discover the person doing their best to drive Risa away. The way this story started had me loving the hero the moment he was introduced into this story, as he has a big decision to make when it comes to his career. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine met that had me reading this story quickly, determined to discover whether Jax could win Risa over, especially considering her rule to not date military men.
The dialogue was well-written and had me hooked due to the main characters back stories, this couple's growing relationship, the trouble someone is causing to scare Risa and the ending that had me concerned for one of the main characters. Will Jax be able to protect Risa? Will Jax discover who is trying to scare Risa with their threats and vandalism? Furthermore, Risa was a wonderful heroine. She's strong, brave and I liked how determined she is to take a chance on Jax, despite her rule not to date military men. I also liked her adoration for animals and that she would do anything to help an animal in need, which is proven by the bond she shares with her own animals as well as the growing bond she shares with the hero's military K-9 partner. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is her sassiness and the way she interacts with the hero that had me smiling at their banter.
While Jax, I was absolutely charmed by the hero and couldn't get enough of him. He's confident, know what he wants out of life, and I loved the bond he shared with his military K-9 partner. He would do anything to help her, especially since the dog seems to be having a hard time adjusting to a new handler. I also liked how protective the hero was of the heroine, which is proven by all he does for her, even if it means putting his job in jeopardy. Yet, what I liked most about the hero is how determined he was to make a difference in the world, which hopefully he'd be able to do by getting the job he wanted.
Overall, Ms. Chianese has delivered a wonderful and enthralling read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense, the romance nicely-detailed and full of passion; and the ending had me concerned for one of the main characters. Would they be all right? However, in saying that, I absolutely loved how things worked out for the hero and heroine, as what happens makes them both realize that love is worth fighting for. Yet, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly due to the heroine's surprise for the hero. I would recommend A Hero to Love by Gail Chianese, if you love military heroes, sassy heroines or books by authors Nicole Helm, Joanne Rock, Kate Davies and Melanie Shawn.
Ms. Chianese is a new-to-me author and after finishing this book, I want to read more of her stories, especially when it comes to this series, as the main and secondary were incredible; the dialogue was the perfect blend of intense moments due to someone out to get the heroine and playful banter between the hero and heroine as they grow closer; and the ending had me hoping that this couple would be able to overcome the tough obstacles they face to be together such as Risa being able to push past the fear of Jax leaving her and Jax hoping he can discover the person doing their best to drive Risa away. The way this story started had me loving the hero the moment he was introduced into this story, as he has a big decision to make when it comes to his career. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine met that had me reading this story quickly, determined to discover whether Jax could win Risa over, especially considering her rule to not date military men.
The dialogue was well-written and had me hooked due to the main characters back stories, this couple's growing relationship, the trouble someone is causing to scare Risa and the ending that had me concerned for one of the main characters. Will Jax be able to protect Risa? Will Jax discover who is trying to scare Risa with their threats and vandalism? Furthermore, Risa was a wonderful heroine. She's strong, brave and I liked how determined she is to take a chance on Jax, despite her rule not to date military men. I also liked her adoration for animals and that she would do anything to help an animal in need, which is proven by the bond she shares with her own animals as well as the growing bond she shares with the hero's military K-9 partner. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is her sassiness and the way she interacts with the hero that had me smiling at their banter.
While Jax, I was absolutely charmed by the hero and couldn't get enough of him. He's confident, know what he wants out of life, and I loved the bond he shared with his military K-9 partner. He would do anything to help her, especially since the dog seems to be having a hard time adjusting to a new handler. I also liked how protective the hero was of the heroine, which is proven by all he does for her, even if it means putting his job in jeopardy. Yet, what I liked most about the hero is how determined he was to make a difference in the world, which hopefully he'd be able to do by getting the job he wanted.
Overall, Ms. Chianese has delivered a wonderful and enthralling read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense, the romance nicely-detailed and full of passion; and the ending had me concerned for one of the main characters. Would they be all right? However, in saying that, I absolutely loved how things worked out for the hero and heroine, as what happens makes them both realize that love is worth fighting for. Yet, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly due to the heroine's surprise for the hero. I would recommend A Hero to Love by Gail Chianese, if you love military heroes, sassy heroines or books by authors Nicole Helm, Joanne Rock, Kate Davies and Melanie Shawn.
A military
police officer on the verge of a new beginning. A beautiful woman
devoted to her career and her dream of putting down roots. The
hardest thing they’ll ever do is to take a chance on love . . .
Navy Chief
Master at Arms Jackson “Jax” Faraday is at a crossroads. He has
to decide whether to reenlist or get out while he’s young enough to
make a difference in the civilian world. Either choice could mean
leaving behind his girl: his K-9 partner, Bella. But when she’s
injured during a training session, Jax’s only concern is making
sure she’s okay.
As the Navy
base veterinarian, town local Risa Reynolds is right where she
belongs: close to her parents in a farmhouse full of animals—with
room to grow. She’s seen enough to put military men are on her “not
happening” list, because they always leave.
But when a
tall, hazel-eyed sailor arrives in her clinic with his dog in his
arms, Risa finds herself falling hard. And all kinds of rules will
get broken when Jax, a man who sticks to the straight and narrow,
learns that there’s no predicting the twists and turns of the heart
. . .
Jackson Faraday was worried about his girl.
He should have
been worried about his future. Time was running out for him to make a decision—stay in the Navy or get out—and the detailer
was breathing down his neck. But the decision to throw away the past twelve
years wasn’t easy.
He wanted more.
If NCIS—Naval Criminal Investigative Service—would make a decision on his application, that would be great. But what if they turned him down? Did he stay in for twenty years and
retire? Then what? Start over at the bottom? Go home to a one-stoplight town
with a police force that spent all its time dealing with bored teens wreaking havoc or frustrated couples fighting? Work security for one of the nearby casinos? All viable options, just not what he wanted.
He wanted to make a difference.
He shoved
away the nagging
questions. He had
more pressing concerns. Like what was wrong
with Bella, which
was why he was at the base training
center, even though his shift was officially
over.
“Come on,
Bella. Give me your best for an hour, and then I’ve got a treat for you.” He
wagged the Frisbee to get her attention. Instead, Bella whined and flicked her
ear.
“Hey, Jax.
Heard we had a win in the courtroom today.” Chief Casey Thomas drove his Jeep
up next to the chain-link fence.
“Stone? Yeah, he’s going away for a good couple of years for that little video stunt of his. Not that it
makes up for what he put Lieutenant Riley through, but it’s a start.”
“Me and a couple of the guys are going to grab some grub and head out to the beach. Enjoy what’s left of summer. Come join us.” Casey drummed his fingers on the outside
of the driver’s door, giving
away he had more on his mind than a night’s celebration.
“What’s
up with you, man? You seem agitated.”
He and Casey went back a ways;
spent some time in the sandbox together. Normally the guy was as easygoing as cool beer slipping down your throat
on a summer day.
“Got my orders in today.” Casey slid out of the vehicle and walked through the gate. “I’m heading to
Pensacola.”
“Isn’t your ex-wife there?”
“Near enough.”
Casey squatted down and scratched
Bella’s ears. “Did you hear back on your application
yet?”
“You know what
they say: No news is good news.” At least he hoped that’s what it meant.
“You know what you need? To find a nice lady who can take some of
your stress away and make you forget your worries.”
“The only lady I need in my life is
Belladonna.”
“She’s a little hairy and full of attitude.”
“Aw, but you forget. She loves me unconditionally and always has my six.”
“Not
lately.” Casey stood and looked out at the obstacle course. “The new handler had
her out this
morning, running her
through basic commands, and she ignored
them all. I know you two have a tight
bond, especially after two
tours, but you’re leaving soon. She’s got
to get used to new people.” Bella had been more than his partner while deployed; she’d been his anchor, his pillar of strength, his confidant, and his hope when all seemed lost. She wasn’t just his K-9 partner.
She was his family, and the idea of leaving
her was ripping him apart inside. Chances were she could sense his mood and the
turmoil going on inside.
“Which is why I’m
passing on your offer.” Jax released
the German shepherd’s leash. “Thought
I’d do some special one-on-one training with her
and see how it goes. Find out if it’s the
new guy or her.”
“She wouldn’t
be the first dog to burn out.” Casey looked down at the
dog, who hadn’t moved. “Of course, if she’s
declared unfit for duty, you
could adopt her. But then, what
would you do with her while you’re in Glynco for NCIS training?”
Jax dropped the
leash and Frisbee on top of his backpack and looked into the brilliant blue
sky. He’d been playing the “what if” game for two months now with no answers in
sight.
“Let’s deal with one problem at a time.”
“If you change
your mind about tonight, you know where to find us.” Casey waved as he hopped
back into his Jeep and drove off.
Jax squatted down and ran his hand down Bella’s back.
“Okay girl, let’s get the work over so we can play.” Truthfully, everything they did was
work. The game of Frisbee honed the dog’s speed,
agility, and tracking ability just as much as anything else they did. She
simply liked it better than the obstacle course. Not that Jax blamed her.
Jax stood up and gave the hand signal for sit.
The dog looked at him, then closed her eyes
with a deep sigh. “Bella, sit,” he commanded.
She rolled over
onto her side and laid her paw across her nose. Casey really nailed it with his
description. The dog was full of attitude—bad attitude—and a military working
dog that didn’t follow orders was of no use to the service.
Jax went through the commands again
and again, getting
no response. The two of them
had worked together for almost six years, since Bella’s first assignment, and
she’d transferred with him from the Middle East to the Sub base. In all that
time, she’d never ignored an order from him. He bent back down and gave her a
cursory inspection, but he didn’t find any
obvious reason for the dog to balk.
Concerned, Jax sat down on the ground next to his partner.
“Bella girl,
talk to me. What’s going
on in that brain of yours? Is it the heat? Don’t you like the new guy? Tired of the same old routine?
Trust me, I’d understand if that was the problem. Maybe we should call
it a night, and tomorrow go see Doc and make sure you’re okay.”
Bella scooted
closer and laid her head on Jax’s lap, her tail thumping in the grass.
“You gotta be okay, girl.” Absently,
he scratched behind her ears as he thought of the past six years. “I don’t think I could handle it if we’d come this far and something happened to you.”
Jax leaned
forward and picked
up the Frisbee. As he talked about
nothing to the dog, he tossed
the toy up and caught
it, making no demands on Bella.
Pretty soon she was sitting, her gaze following the disc.
“Ah ha. Okay, I get it. There are times when I
don’t feel like working either. I’ll make a deal with you. Five minutes of play and then a lap around the course. Deal?”
Bella barked in response.
Jax laughed
and jumped to his feet,
relieved to see her respond
like her old self. He threw the Frisbee,
and Bella took off at the speed of light. She
caught the disc and returned it.
They repeated it again and again.
“Okay, last one and then we work.” Jax threw
it with all his strength. The disc flew up. Bella chased, but instead of
running straight across the lawn, she ran up the stairs of the dog walk. When she got to the top, she jumped and caught
the disc in her mouth.
But as she came down,
she twisted. The scene before him unfolded in slow motion. He ran, reaching for Bella. Almost
there. He dove to catch
her but it was too late. Bella
crashed to the ground a couple of feet in front of him, letting out a yelp that made Jax’s stomach cramp. He crawled to her side.
Thank God she was breathing. He ran his hands over her body. Nothing protruded and there was no blood,
but she was crying.
Carefully, Jax scooped her up and ran for his
truck. “Hang on, baby.
Everything’s going to be okay.”
And he prayed
like he hadn’t done since his last night in the desert. Just like now, Bella had been at his side and they’d
been pinned down by enemy fire. He’d
prayed that night that they’d make it home alive and in one piece. He prayed
now that his dog would live, because even though she technically belonged to the
U.S. Navy, she was the love of his life.
Gail Chianese's love of reading began at
the tender age of three, when she'd make her grandpa read Fourteen
Country Rabbits over and over and over again (and correct him when he
skipped parts). While she's branched out over the years by reading
mystery, women’s fiction, and urban fantasy, she always circles
back to romance in the end. That's probably because she's married to
her real life hero. Her wonderful hubby has served in the US Navy for
the past twenty two years and he’s done things he can’t tell her
about. But it doesn’t stop her from being extremely proud of him
and the sacrifices he makes for her, his family, and his country.
He’s also uber-supportive of her dreams and of their three
children. Living in Mystic, CT and a member of Connecticut Romance
Writers of America, Gail loves to hear from readers.
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Thanks for sharing! -Janet @ Silver Dagger Book Tours
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing and for your incredible review. Hugs~ Gail
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great. I love military heroes.
ReplyDelete