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Redwood Coast Rescue #1
Searching for Rescue
He has nothing to live for.
Zak Hendricks has a reputation—a black-ops soldier willing to take on the hardest, dirtiest, most suicidal missions. But when his final mission goes sideways, he's discharged back to his hometown of Steam Valley, CA, with half a leg and a bad attitude.
She has everything to fight for.
Dog trainer Anna Rawlings has done her level best to avoid Zak since he crushed her teenage heart, but then he's court-ordered to enroll in her Paws for Vets program at Redwood Coast Rescue, and she has no choice but to help him. Because if she can't rehabilitate the town's most notorious bad boy, she'll lose everything she’s worked so hard to build.
Can an unpredictable K9, marked for death, rescue them both?
Zak doesn't want a service animal any more than Ranger, a former military working dog, wants to become one, but they both love Anna. When a missing persons case lands her in the crosshairs of an obsessive killer, the damaged soldier and unruly K9 have to learn to trust each other—and the entire Redwood Coast Rescue team—if they have any chance of rescuing her.
Searching for Rescue is the first book in the Redwood Coast Rescue romantic suspense series, but it can be read as a standalone. If you like broody, damaged former military men with quirky canine partners, and the kick-ass women who bring them to heel, then you’ll love this sizzling, action-packed adventure by Tonya Burrows!
Zak Hendricks has a reputation—a black-ops soldier willing to take on the hardest, dirtiest, most suicidal missions. But when his final mission goes sideways, he's discharged back to his hometown of Steam Valley, CA, with half a leg and a bad attitude.
She has everything to fight for.
Dog trainer Anna Rawlings has done her level best to avoid Zak since he crushed her teenage heart, but then he's court-ordered to enroll in her Paws for Vets program at Redwood Coast Rescue, and she has no choice but to help him. Because if she can't rehabilitate the town's most notorious bad boy, she'll lose everything she’s worked so hard to build.
Can an unpredictable K9, marked for death, rescue them both?
Zak doesn't want a service animal any more than Ranger, a former military working dog, wants to become one, but they both love Anna. When a missing persons case lands her in the crosshairs of an obsessive killer, the damaged soldier and unruly K9 have to learn to trust each other—and the entire Redwood Coast Rescue team—if they have any chance of rescuing her.
Searching for Rescue is the first book in the Redwood Coast Rescue romantic suspense series, but it can be read as a standalone. If you like broody, damaged former military men with quirky canine partners, and the kick-ass women who bring them to heel, then you’ll love this sizzling, action-packed adventure by Tonya Burrows!
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2023
889 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Burrows
47books1,130followersTonya Burrows wrote her first romance at age thirteen and hasn't put down her pen since. Originally from a small town in Western New York, she suffers from a bad case of wanderlust and is still searching for a place to call home. She shares her adventures with her husband, two adorable doodles, and Scribble the Writer Cat.
When she's not writing about hunky military heroes and their courageous K9s, Tonya can be found watching either true crime or baking shows while snuggled up on the couch with her furbabies. She also enjoys traveling—especially long road trips to see the National Parks.
To learn more about Tonya and her books, please visit her website. She's also on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @authortonyaburrows.
When she's not writing about hunky military heroes and their courageous K9s, Tonya can be found watching either true crime or baking shows while snuggled up on the couch with her furbabies. She also enjoys traveling—especially long road trips to see the National Parks.
To learn more about Tonya and her books, please visit her website. She's also on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @authortonyaburrows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
February 2, 2024
the setup�
Zak Hendricks was a Special Forces operative, specifically black-ops, whose last mission was horrific. But for a miracle, he would have died in Afghanistan at the hands of sadistic torturers. He recovered physically, though he lost his leg, returning home to Steam Valley, California to family and friends who welcomed him with open arms. But, he was broken mentally and is a shell of his former self, pushing everyone away and drinking to excess to avoid the constant nightmares. But Anna Rawlings, his high school sweetheart, isn’t ready to give up on him. She runs Redwood Coast Rescue and is a skilled dog trainer. Now he’s forced to be part of her program under a court order following his latest screw up.
the heart of the story�
I had forgotten that I’d read about Zak’s blown mission years ago in the HORNET series but there was enough shared here for me to know what he endured (although, that series is fantastic). While he doesn’t want anyone’s pity, Zak has plenty of it for himself. He broke Anna’s heart in how he left town at eighteen and her brother, Zak’s former best friend, doesn’t want to see her hurt again. I admired her resilience and determination because she was truly his last resort. There’s also a secondary storyline involving two young girls that is equally compelling and seriously scary.
the bottom line�
There were times even I wanted to give up on Zak. What sets this story apart from most others about men broken by warfare is how the therapies are a critical and detailed part of the storyline. I loved how the dogs (go Ranger!) were as highly positioned as all the other characters and the dynamics of the group sessions were raw, authentic and gut wrenching. However, Anna is the heart of this story and it was inspiring to see Zak emerge to the other side. A great start and I definitely plan to continue.
Posted on
Zak Hendricks was a Special Forces operative, specifically black-ops, whose last mission was horrific. But for a miracle, he would have died in Afghanistan at the hands of sadistic torturers. He recovered physically, though he lost his leg, returning home to Steam Valley, California to family and friends who welcomed him with open arms. But, he was broken mentally and is a shell of his former self, pushing everyone away and drinking to excess to avoid the constant nightmares. But Anna Rawlings, his high school sweetheart, isn’t ready to give up on him. She runs Redwood Coast Rescue and is a skilled dog trainer. Now he’s forced to be part of her program under a court order following his latest screw up.
the heart of the story�
I had forgotten that I’d read about Zak’s blown mission years ago in the HORNET series but there was enough shared here for me to know what he endured (although, that series is fantastic). While he doesn’t want anyone’s pity, Zak has plenty of it for himself. He broke Anna’s heart in how he left town at eighteen and her brother, Zak’s former best friend, doesn’t want to see her hurt again. I admired her resilience and determination because she was truly his last resort. There’s also a secondary storyline involving two young girls that is equally compelling and seriously scary.
the bottom line�
There were times even I wanted to give up on Zak. What sets this story apart from most others about men broken by warfare is how the therapies are a critical and detailed part of the storyline. I loved how the dogs (go Ranger!) were as highly positioned as all the other characters and the dynamics of the group sessions were raw, authentic and gut wrenching. However, Anna is the heart of this story and it was inspiring to see Zak emerge to the other side. A great start and I definitely plan to continue.
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January 23, 2023Aw, poor Zak. I really put him through the wringer. Glad to finally give him his HEA!
January 28, 2023
This read will hit you right in the gut, sad, rage, heartache and heartbreak, abuse, depression, PTSD, disappointment, depression, alcoholism, and may cause triggers for some�.BUT�..it was all handled with care and sensitivity while still getting into the minds of the characters. It also had, love, care, patience, understanding, compassion, hope and a second chance at love.
I wanted to dislike Zak, the bad boy with ALOT of issues but as his story unfolded, I wanted to hold and comfort the broken man. Luckily he had Anna, who didn’t give up on him and of course Ranger, a dog with his own PTSD who forms a bond with Zak.
A read with a very strong heroine, who isn’t a pushover, and a broken hero who needs a reason to live. The story flowed beautifully with descriptions that were spot on, with suspense, twists and turns, surprises and amazing characters. GREAT START to a new series and I can’t wait for the next one.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
I wanted to dislike Zak, the bad boy with ALOT of issues but as his story unfolded, I wanted to hold and comfort the broken man. Luckily he had Anna, who didn’t give up on him and of course Ranger, a dog with his own PTSD who forms a bond with Zak.
A read with a very strong heroine, who isn’t a pushover, and a broken hero who needs a reason to live. The story flowed beautifully with descriptions that were spot on, with suspense, twists and turns, surprises and amazing characters. GREAT START to a new series and I can’t wait for the next one.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
January 14, 2024
I picked this up for free as part of 2023 "Stuff Your Kindle Day" as it sounded interesting, but unfortunately the synopsis doesn’t really match the actual book. It’s presented as a romantic suspense, but I didn’t find either the romance or the suspense particularly well done. There were also a number of subplots that didn’t really go anywhere—this is apparently the first in a series so potentially they will be picked up in the future, but for this book it was pretty unsatisfying.
I did like the idea of a flawed hero. Zac is an ex-military man and has come back with a missing leg and PTSD. I felt that the initial descriptions of him dealing with his issues were probably the best part of the book. He is full of anger and on a self-destructive path. Events happen and he’s ordered to undertake therapy and community service (CS).
Anna is the love interest, and she runs the animal shelter where Zac has to perform his CS. Anna and Zac were secretly seeing each other when they were younger, before he ran off to the army without telling her and basically ghosted her.
In a subplot that was completely unnecessary and doesn’t really make sense, Anna is battling developers who are trying to buy out her land. She requested Zac perform his CS at her shelter to show the Judge who ordered it, and would likely be presiding over her case against the developers, that her shelter offers a key service to the community so should be preserved.
First, I don’t think property disputes work like that. Second, the fact that the developers are trying to buy the land has no impact on the story other than to give her a reason to volunteer her shelter for Zac’s community service. It was completely unnecessary. I think the story would actually have been better if the Judge ordered Zac’s community service to be at the shelter and Anna was vehemently against the idea due to their history.
This brings me to the “romance�. Zac is an asshole. Understandably to some extent given to what he went through during his military service, but the stuff you find out about his background doesn’t make him any more sympathetic. The actions in this book don’t endear him to the reader either. I have no idea what Anna sees in him other than him feeding into her apparent saviour complex.
Anna by herself is ok I guess, but her determination to save Zac doesn’t really make sense. By all rights she should hate him given their history, and his actions in the present aren’t any better. The reader is given no reason to root for them as a couple.
The suspense part of the book was poorly executed. I didn’t even realise it was supposed to be a suspense until I was looking up reviews online to see if it was worth continuing with the book and saw it mentioned. The “suspense� centers around two missing girls. The problem is the girls are taken in chapter 10 and then are completely off page until about chapter 25. The setup for their abduction was pretty minimal. I had just thought they were two children living with a really crappy mother. The resolution of this plot line was fairly unsatisfactory.
This part of the synopsis:
didn’t really relate to the book at all. I would not call the antagonist an �obsessive killer�. Anna is never really �in the crosshairs�. The �damaged soldier� and �unruly K9� learning to trust each other to save Anna is really misleading (although would have been really fun so I wish we saw that), and the �Redwood Coast Rescue team� doesn’t really exist at this point.
Overall this book seemed promising but was ultimately unsatisfying. I wish the dogs played more of a role in the story as the synopsis implies. I may pick up the next in the series to see if it improves as the potential was there.
I did like the idea of a flawed hero. Zac is an ex-military man and has come back with a missing leg and PTSD. I felt that the initial descriptions of him dealing with his issues were probably the best part of the book. He is full of anger and on a self-destructive path. Events happen and he’s ordered to undertake therapy and community service (CS).
Anna is the love interest, and she runs the animal shelter where Zac has to perform his CS. Anna and Zac were secretly seeing each other when they were younger, before he ran off to the army without telling her and basically ghosted her.
In a subplot that was completely unnecessary and doesn’t really make sense, Anna is battling developers who are trying to buy out her land. She requested Zac perform his CS at her shelter to show the Judge who ordered it, and would likely be presiding over her case against the developers, that her shelter offers a key service to the community so should be preserved.
First, I don’t think property disputes work like that. Second, the fact that the developers are trying to buy the land has no impact on the story other than to give her a reason to volunteer her shelter for Zac’s community service. It was completely unnecessary. I think the story would actually have been better if the Judge ordered Zac’s community service to be at the shelter and Anna was vehemently against the idea due to their history.
This brings me to the “romance�. Zac is an asshole. Understandably to some extent given to what he went through during his military service, but the stuff you find out about his background doesn’t make him any more sympathetic. The actions in this book don’t endear him to the reader either. I have no idea what Anna sees in him other than him feeding into her apparent saviour complex.
Anna by herself is ok I guess, but her determination to save Zac doesn’t really make sense. By all rights she should hate him given their history, and his actions in the present aren’t any better. The reader is given no reason to root for them as a couple.
The suspense part of the book was poorly executed. I didn’t even realise it was supposed to be a suspense until I was looking up reviews online to see if it was worth continuing with the book and saw it mentioned. The “suspense� centers around two missing girls. The problem is the girls are taken in chapter 10 and then are completely off page until about chapter 25. The setup for their abduction was pretty minimal. I had just thought they were two children living with a really crappy mother. The resolution of this plot line was fairly unsatisfactory.
This part of the synopsis:
When a missing persons case lands her in the crosshairs of an obsessive killer, the damaged soldier and unruly K9 have to learn to trust each other—and the entire Redwood Coast Rescue team—if they have any chance of rescuing her.
didn’t really relate to the book at all. I would not call the antagonist an �obsessive killer�. Anna is never really �in the crosshairs�. The �damaged soldier� and �unruly K9� learning to trust each other to save Anna is really misleading (although would have been really fun so I wish we saw that), and the �Redwood Coast Rescue team� doesn’t really exist at this point.
Overall this book seemed promising but was ultimately unsatisfying. I wish the dogs played more of a role in the story as the synopsis implies. I may pick up the next in the series to see if it improves as the potential was there.
February 7, 2023
3.5 STARS
I honestly wasn’t sure if I could read this book after reading the first couple chapters. So much pain, cruelty, and inhumanity I just didn’t know where it could go from there. Anna is the savior in this book. She loves her dog rescue mission, saving dogs and training them for search and rescue and companion dogs. There is a lot of sadness in her life, but seeing Zak return broken, always drunk and having terrible PTSD nightmares, she realizes she has to save him, so she can save herself. At times difficult to read, but worth it all at the end.
I honestly wasn’t sure if I could read this book after reading the first couple chapters. So much pain, cruelty, and inhumanity I just didn’t know where it could go from there. Anna is the savior in this book. She loves her dog rescue mission, saving dogs and training them for search and rescue and companion dogs. There is a lot of sadness in her life, but seeing Zak return broken, always drunk and having terrible PTSD nightmares, she realizes she has to save him, so she can save herself. At times difficult to read, but worth it all at the end.
January 28, 2024
It was OK until it created some consternation. Mainly that nowhere was it mentioned Zak had been married, divorced and his wife had a miscarriage. Nowhere. Clearly she didn't rate high enough on his list of thoughts, nor the child he lost. The author stressed that his wife divorcing him was no biggie, clearly, but he did feel bad about the child. Yet all throughout the book we had no indication any of this happened to him until it was revealed what happened to Ana.
His reaction to her not telling him her secret AFTER HE ABANDONED HER like he abandoned his ex-wife pissed me off. How is that HER fault??? Like he had any right to know????
Honestly, those last chapters just made me dislike the H a great deal. He's an asshole.
A brave one, maybe. But a selfish asshole.
His reaction to her not telling him her secret AFTER HE ABANDONED HER like he abandoned his ex-wife pissed me off. How is that HER fault??? Like he had any right to know????
Honestly, those last chapters just made me dislike the H a great deal. He's an asshole.
A brave one, maybe. But a selfish asshole.
May 23, 2023
This book was so beautiful, I loved this definitely 4,5 stars. Zak was so broken, I felt so bad for him, trying to find a lifeline just to stay alive. Anna was so in love with him and wanted to be there for him so bad, he just had to let her. I love her, she was so strong, her love really made her stronger. This couple was perfect, they couldn't be more meant to be
January 11, 2024
●Searching For Rescue by Tonya Burrows�
This book was such an emotional rollercoaster that dealt with a lot of heavy topics in a wonderful way. It kind of reminded me a bit like the movie Dog, featuring Channing Tatum.
The story is a fast paced, suspenseful, thrilling and romantic journey of healing and love. I loved the relationship with Zak and Anna, after losing his leg in Afghanistan and spiraling into self destruction he needs a reason to keep going, and Anna gives him one in the form of an ex military dog named Ranger. They both help each other whilst leaning how to live and deal with trauma, which was wonderful to see. At the same time, Zak and Anna are rebuilding their romance, and opening up about their previous history together.
Whilst the book focuses mainly on Zak and Anna, at the same time there's a mystery going on with a young girl called Bella and her sister. When they go missing it's down to the on page characters to help find them.
The writing was so immersive, and I really enjoyed reading about the therapy and Anna's ranch life with the dogs she's training. The suspense is well developed and there's some shocking plot twists towards the end.
The ending is very cute and happy, though it has some bittersweet moments, overall it all leaves resolved, though I know that the side characters have their own stories too further in the series.
4/5 🌟
This book was such an emotional rollercoaster that dealt with a lot of heavy topics in a wonderful way. It kind of reminded me a bit like the movie Dog, featuring Channing Tatum.
The story is a fast paced, suspenseful, thrilling and romantic journey of healing and love. I loved the relationship with Zak and Anna, after losing his leg in Afghanistan and spiraling into self destruction he needs a reason to keep going, and Anna gives him one in the form of an ex military dog named Ranger. They both help each other whilst leaning how to live and deal with trauma, which was wonderful to see. At the same time, Zak and Anna are rebuilding their romance, and opening up about their previous history together.
Whilst the book focuses mainly on Zak and Anna, at the same time there's a mystery going on with a young girl called Bella and her sister. When they go missing it's down to the on page characters to help find them.
The writing was so immersive, and I really enjoyed reading about the therapy and Anna's ranch life with the dogs she's training. The suspense is well developed and there's some shocking plot twists towards the end.
The ending is very cute and happy, though it has some bittersweet moments, overall it all leaves resolved, though I know that the side characters have their own stories too further in the series.
4/5 🌟
May 1, 2023
Searching for Rescue
Redwood Coast Rescue, Book 1
By: Tonya Burrows
Narrated by: Stephen Borne
I love military/veteran romance and this start to Tonya Burrows's Redwood Coast Rescue series pushes all the right buttons for me. Suspense and romance at it's best, we meet our characters. Zak Hendricks is living in his own purgatory. The one night he tries to take his own life drunk driving, is when everything changes. Anna Rawlings owns a dog rescue, saving and training dogs for veterans. Zak is sentenced to community service there for his drunken accident. These two have a history from long ago, and though Anna pushes her hurt aside, there is still lingering feelings between them. Dogs are of no interest to Zak, but he does find himself working with Ranger and enjoying the training. Little does he know just how important it will be! Twists and turns, unexpected people coming to the area, lost children, this story has a bit of everything. Burrows finds herself plotting and creating an amazing first book, and has left it open for the series! I cannot wait to hear how it evolves and grows! Looking forward to the next one.
Stephen Borne is our storyteller and he knocks it out of the park. I love his voices and he finds the perfect one for each character. His broody, broken voice for Zak is spot on and he has it melding into his healing. His female voices too, are wonderful, and as Anna he let me feel her hurt, love and her determination. It's a great listen and one that should not be missed!
Redwood Coast Rescue, Book 1
By: Tonya Burrows
Narrated by: Stephen Borne
I love military/veteran romance and this start to Tonya Burrows's Redwood Coast Rescue series pushes all the right buttons for me. Suspense and romance at it's best, we meet our characters. Zak Hendricks is living in his own purgatory. The one night he tries to take his own life drunk driving, is when everything changes. Anna Rawlings owns a dog rescue, saving and training dogs for veterans. Zak is sentenced to community service there for his drunken accident. These two have a history from long ago, and though Anna pushes her hurt aside, there is still lingering feelings between them. Dogs are of no interest to Zak, but he does find himself working with Ranger and enjoying the training. Little does he know just how important it will be! Twists and turns, unexpected people coming to the area, lost children, this story has a bit of everything. Burrows finds herself plotting and creating an amazing first book, and has left it open for the series! I cannot wait to hear how it evolves and grows! Looking forward to the next one.
Stephen Borne is our storyteller and he knocks it out of the park. I love his voices and he finds the perfect one for each character. His broody, broken voice for Zak is spot on and he has it melding into his healing. His female voices too, are wonderful, and as Anna he let me feel her hurt, love and her determination. It's a great listen and one that should not be missed!
May 20, 2023
'He gave me love I didn't know I needed, and a purpose I didn't know I was missing'
Zak's story is haunting and the ghosts that terrorise his sleep and ravage his sanity have you praying for peace for every wounded veteran out there. Having given their freedom to protect others, they are left dinted, broken, lost and alone. I love the faith that Anna has in the healing power of her rescue for both dogs and humans, and this is only proven with the beautiful bond that Zak and Ranger form.
Zak and Anna's story could never be described as sweet, it is raw, emotional and at times painful, but it is so real too. Love isn't always pretty, it can be messy but it is never in doubt.
Redwood Coast Rescue should be awesome, I love the concept and it gives focus and hope to so many of the group, I look forward to the next books in the series.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Zak's story is haunting and the ghosts that terrorise his sleep and ravage his sanity have you praying for peace for every wounded veteran out there. Having given their freedom to protect others, they are left dinted, broken, lost and alone. I love the faith that Anna has in the healing power of her rescue for both dogs and humans, and this is only proven with the beautiful bond that Zak and Ranger form.
Zak and Anna's story could never be described as sweet, it is raw, emotional and at times painful, but it is so real too. Love isn't always pretty, it can be messy but it is never in doubt.
Redwood Coast Rescue should be awesome, I love the concept and it gives focus and hope to so many of the group, I look forward to the next books in the series.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
January 28, 2023
I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait for the second in the series. This is my favorite book I have read by Tonya Burrows!
January 23, 2024
good story!
I really enjoyed the suspense surrounding the girls, and I love books with animals, especially dogs. Im glad Zak got his HEA.
I really enjoyed the suspense surrounding the girls, and I love books with animals, especially dogs. Im glad Zak got his HEA.
May 5, 2023
Awesome Story & Narration🎧Gripping & Heartfelt!
Searching for Rescue
Redwood Coast Rescue, Book 1
By:Tonya Burrows
Narrated by:Stephen Borne
Tonya Burrows pens another fantastic romantic suspense, the first book of her “Redwood Coast Rescue� series, and what a start it is. The story drew me in right from the start, not only grabbing my attention and captivating it to the end, but it tugged on my heartstrings throughout the entire book too. Zak Hendricks, a former military injured while serving, loses his leg from the knee down. He also suffers from PTSD and instead of getting the help he needs, he drowns his guilt and sorrow in alcohol. He is losing his will to live, and in a stupor he is reckless and attempts to take his life, but someone was there to call for help. Bella was heading into town to get some food for her sister when she saw him go off the side of the road, she checked on him and called for help before leaving, making sure that rescue would find him. Turns out that same girl and her sister need help in the future and Zak, with the help of others, are the ones who go to rescue them. Anna Rawlings, is a dog trainer and owner of Redwood Coast Rescue, she also started a program to train support dogs for veterans called Paws for Vets, and after Zak’s ordeal and accident the courts assigned him to work there for his community service. He and Anna have history and despite him leaving her to join the service, she still cares about him and wants to help him. Even though he had no interest in a support dog or a rescue dog, he winds up bonding with one, Ranger, though it was the dog who chose him. A lot goes on in this book, as the first book in the series the author is laying down the foundation for what is to come, with Anna’s property and rescue, then there is the mystery with the girls and their Mom who disappeared, then a body turns up, but Zak senses the girls are still alive and in the area, they just need to find them before something happens to them. There are also unresolved issues between Anna and Zak. Can they work that out, are they meant to be? This wonderfully plotted story has a great story should have, drama, angst, mystery, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and romance. Tonya Burrows, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the amazing narration, Stephen Borne does a fabulous job bringing these characters to life and does so with a complete understanding of who he is portraying, and is believable in every role he played. He covers the roles of all the characters, giving each their own voice and sound, making it easy to follow along. You could hear how much heart he puts into his work as he captures all the character’s emotions and projects them into his performance. He is a versatile voice artist and an entertaining storyteller. Thank you for another fantastic listen.
Searching for Rescue
Redwood Coast Rescue, Book 1
By:Tonya Burrows
Narrated by:Stephen Borne
Tonya Burrows pens another fantastic romantic suspense, the first book of her “Redwood Coast Rescue� series, and what a start it is. The story drew me in right from the start, not only grabbing my attention and captivating it to the end, but it tugged on my heartstrings throughout the entire book too. Zak Hendricks, a former military injured while serving, loses his leg from the knee down. He also suffers from PTSD and instead of getting the help he needs, he drowns his guilt and sorrow in alcohol. He is losing his will to live, and in a stupor he is reckless and attempts to take his life, but someone was there to call for help. Bella was heading into town to get some food for her sister when she saw him go off the side of the road, she checked on him and called for help before leaving, making sure that rescue would find him. Turns out that same girl and her sister need help in the future and Zak, with the help of others, are the ones who go to rescue them. Anna Rawlings, is a dog trainer and owner of Redwood Coast Rescue, she also started a program to train support dogs for veterans called Paws for Vets, and after Zak’s ordeal and accident the courts assigned him to work there for his community service. He and Anna have history and despite him leaving her to join the service, she still cares about him and wants to help him. Even though he had no interest in a support dog or a rescue dog, he winds up bonding with one, Ranger, though it was the dog who chose him. A lot goes on in this book, as the first book in the series the author is laying down the foundation for what is to come, with Anna’s property and rescue, then there is the mystery with the girls and their Mom who disappeared, then a body turns up, but Zak senses the girls are still alive and in the area, they just need to find them before something happens to them. There are also unresolved issues between Anna and Zak. Can they work that out, are they meant to be? This wonderfully plotted story has a great story should have, drama, angst, mystery, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and romance. Tonya Burrows, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the amazing narration, Stephen Borne does a fabulous job bringing these characters to life and does so with a complete understanding of who he is portraying, and is believable in every role he played. He covers the roles of all the characters, giving each their own voice and sound, making it easy to follow along. You could hear how much heart he puts into his work as he captures all the character’s emotions and projects them into his performance. He is a versatile voice artist and an entertaining storyteller. Thank you for another fantastic listen.
January 24, 2023
A great start to a new series
This book has it all! Mystery, romance, redemption and DOGS! I LOVED this book and already preordered the next one.
This book has it all! Mystery, romance, redemption and DOGS! I LOVED this book and already preordered the next one.
February 4, 2023
Good start to the series. I’m definitely looking forward for some of the side characters stories.
If romantic suspense is your jam, then definitely give it a try.
If romantic suspense is your jam, then definitely give it a try.
February 14, 2023
This isn't my normal read. So, first off to my followers, this is not a sweet and wholesome story. There are lots of things I enjoyed about the book, but if you don't want on page intimacy or heavy swearing, skip this one.
Now, for what I liked. Burrows did a great job showing how PTSD can destroy a person from the inside out. Even though Zak seemed like a lost cause and an all-around loser, I felt for him. His self-destructive nature only made things worse, but when you're in that place, it's really hard to recognize and change. You don't want to change. I appreciate that Burrows didn't sugar coat how awful it can be.
Anna really is the queen of lost causes. I loved how she gently drew Zak and the dogs out, but she could push when needed. She was smart as well as kind.
Zak's family really made me angry though. The people that should have supported him the most acted like he was the devil itself. Why couldn't they see how something as simple as hearing the language he grew up with sent him back to Afghanistan and his torturers? As a mother, I would have stopped speaking to my son the first time I saw how it affected him. And his siblings? Who needs enemies?
In the end, I love that it is Zak's idea to take this little group of broken Veterans, pair them with rescued dogs just as broken, and form a search and rescue group. He hit it on the head when he said they needed to have purpose and feel useful again.
Oh, and there's a lot of other tense/suspense stuff going on, but you'll get that from the blurb. :)
I give Searching for Rescue 4 stars and an R rating.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no intimacy on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, intimacy is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to intimacy), more talk about intimacy, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but intimacy is closed door.
PG-14—somewhere between PG-13 and R. Not erotica, but at least a paragraph of on-screen intimacy
R--swearing (F-bomb, on “screen� intimacy, sometimes feels like the whole story is about the intimacy and not the relationship or some other plot, but not always
Now, for what I liked. Burrows did a great job showing how PTSD can destroy a person from the inside out. Even though Zak seemed like a lost cause and an all-around loser, I felt for him. His self-destructive nature only made things worse, but when you're in that place, it's really hard to recognize and change. You don't want to change. I appreciate that Burrows didn't sugar coat how awful it can be.
Anna really is the queen of lost causes. I loved how she gently drew Zak and the dogs out, but she could push when needed. She was smart as well as kind.
Zak's family really made me angry though. The people that should have supported him the most acted like he was the devil itself. Why couldn't they see how something as simple as hearing the language he grew up with sent him back to Afghanistan and his torturers? As a mother, I would have stopped speaking to my son the first time I saw how it affected him. And his siblings? Who needs enemies?
In the end, I love that it is Zak's idea to take this little group of broken Veterans, pair them with rescued dogs just as broken, and form a search and rescue group. He hit it on the head when he said they needed to have purpose and feel useful again.
Oh, and there's a lot of other tense/suspense stuff going on, but you'll get that from the blurb. :)
I give Searching for Rescue 4 stars and an R rating.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no intimacy on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, intimacy is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to intimacy), more talk about intimacy, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but intimacy is closed door.
PG-14—somewhere between PG-13 and R. Not erotica, but at least a paragraph of on-screen intimacy
R--swearing (F-bomb, on “screen� intimacy, sometimes feels like the whole story is about the intimacy and not the relationship or some other plot, but not always
July 25, 2024
In book one in the Redwood Coast Rescue series, Army vet Zak Hendricks is self-destructing with booze and drugs after a devastating event in Afghanistan left him an amputee. He’s pushed away his friends and family, and after trying to kill himself one night by riding his bike off a cliff, he’s assigned community service to a dog rescue that’s run by a woman he’d rather forget.
Anna Rawlings has forgiven Zak for breaking her heart all those years ago when they were teens, and she’s determined to help him as she does so many broken, injured dogs. But she has a secret that could ruin her and Zak’s fragile relationship if he ever finds it out.
Bella is a teenage girl in a horrible situation. Her mother is abusive and violent, and Bella’s only bright light in her life is her sweet little sister, Poppy, whom she would do anything to protect.
Zak’s, Anna’s, and Bella’s lives are about to collide in an emotional roller coaster of excitement, danger, and forgiveness.
I really enjoyed this story. Zak’s PTSD was hard to read (or hear, in my case), but it was handled delicately. His relationship with Anna and with the awesome rescue dog Ranger went a long way to help him heal. The side plot with Bella added a lot of depth and the “suspense� part to this romantic suspense novel. There’s a great cast of secondary characters (Ash, Donovan, and others), and I’m eager to learn more about them.
I listened to the audiobook version. The narrator, Stephen Borne, did an amazing job. His voice was deep and rough yet also soft when needed. I would love to listen to more books by him.
There were a few unanswered questions, but I’m sure they’ll be answered in later installments in the series. None affected the overall story.
I don’t read many military romance books, but I appreciate how this series delves into the trauma and aftermath of what so many veterans go through after serving. Nothing is white-washed. The next book is set up (Donovan and Sasha), and I’d love to read or listen to it.
5 Stars
Anna Rawlings has forgiven Zak for breaking her heart all those years ago when they were teens, and she’s determined to help him as she does so many broken, injured dogs. But she has a secret that could ruin her and Zak’s fragile relationship if he ever finds it out.
Bella is a teenage girl in a horrible situation. Her mother is abusive and violent, and Bella’s only bright light in her life is her sweet little sister, Poppy, whom she would do anything to protect.
Zak’s, Anna’s, and Bella’s lives are about to collide in an emotional roller coaster of excitement, danger, and forgiveness.
I really enjoyed this story. Zak’s PTSD was hard to read (or hear, in my case), but it was handled delicately. His relationship with Anna and with the awesome rescue dog Ranger went a long way to help him heal. The side plot with Bella added a lot of depth and the “suspense� part to this romantic suspense novel. There’s a great cast of secondary characters (Ash, Donovan, and others), and I’m eager to learn more about them.
I listened to the audiobook version. The narrator, Stephen Borne, did an amazing job. His voice was deep and rough yet also soft when needed. I would love to listen to more books by him.
There were a few unanswered questions, but I’m sure they’ll be answered in later installments in the series. None affected the overall story.
I don’t read many military romance books, but I appreciate how this series delves into the trauma and aftermath of what so many veterans go through after serving. Nothing is white-washed. The next book is set up (Donovan and Sasha), and I’d love to read or listen to it.
5 Stars
November 25, 2024
Ah this was a good story.
It had tragedy, suspense, romance, angst, anger, redemption, and dogs!!
Zak is a veteran who was tortured in Afghanistan leading to a missing leg but worse nightmares and memories he can’t shake. He’s been spending all his time drunk, drunk, and more drunk. He’s alienated himself from his family, friends, everyone.
After a drunken almost-suicide attempt where he swerved at the last minute, he’s doing community service at a dog rescue run by Anna. The summer before he left for basic training, he and Anna spent it together having a hot fling, where she was left heartbroken.
Now all these years later (I think they’re about 30yo) Anna wants to help Zak. Enter in a bunch of doggies, especially Ranger, who was a former military dog whose handler died in action. And you have a love match which helped Zak begin to heal.
Anna also decides to plunge in and begins a relationship with Zak again, and he’s on the road to mending.
You also meet Bella (and get some chapters from her POV) which was confusing at first but you’ll learn why you’ll get her story as you keep going. It’s all very sad and it’s interesting. Though I don’t get why Ky didn’t say anything when he had them. And the book ends with no mention of if Ky is okay, annoying!
I liked the characters in this. I loved the dogs. And I liked Anna and Zak. And while it’s is a romance it’s not the biggest focus throughout and I’m ok with that.
Oh and I also liked that Zak isn’t your typical white or black American. He’s mixed, his mother is of middle eastern descent. I do think it could have been featured more but maybe the author was going for more of a it’s just a normal thing and his minority race is a nonissue vibe.
Now let’s see how Donavan is able to heal.
It had tragedy, suspense, romance, angst, anger, redemption, and dogs!!
Zak is a veteran who was tortured in Afghanistan leading to a missing leg but worse nightmares and memories he can’t shake. He’s been spending all his time drunk, drunk, and more drunk. He’s alienated himself from his family, friends, everyone.
After a drunken almost-suicide attempt where he swerved at the last minute, he’s doing community service at a dog rescue run by Anna. The summer before he left for basic training, he and Anna spent it together having a hot fling, where she was left heartbroken.
Now all these years later (I think they’re about 30yo) Anna wants to help Zak. Enter in a bunch of doggies, especially Ranger, who was a former military dog whose handler died in action. And you have a love match which helped Zak begin to heal.
Anna also decides to plunge in and begins a relationship with Zak again, and he’s on the road to mending.
You also meet Bella (and get some chapters from her POV) which was confusing at first but you’ll learn why you’ll get her story as you keep going. It’s all very sad and it’s interesting. Though I don’t get why Ky didn’t say anything when he had them. And the book ends with no mention of if Ky is okay, annoying!
I liked the characters in this. I loved the dogs. And I liked Anna and Zak. And while it’s is a romance it’s not the biggest focus throughout and I’m ok with that.
Oh and I also liked that Zak isn’t your typical white or black American. He’s mixed, his mother is of middle eastern descent. I do think it could have been featured more but maybe the author was going for more of a it’s just a normal thing and his minority race is a nonissue vibe.
Now let’s see how Donavan is able to heal.
December 17, 2024
After Zak Hendricks� final mission goes sideways, the black-ops soldier known for taking on the hardest, dirtiest missions is discharged to his hometown. Struggling with both physical and mental scars, he finds himself court-ordered to enrol in dog trainer Anna Rawling’s Paws for Vets program. Anna’s done everything to avoid the man who crushed her teenage heart all those years ago, but the fear that she’ll lose everything she’s worked so hard to build at Redwood Coast Rescue if she can’t rehabilitate the town’s notorious bad boy compels her to give the brooding, wounded vet another chance. And for Ranger—the ex-military working dog marked for death—becoming a service dog may be his last hope. Neither man nor dog want to work together, but when a missing persons case puts Anna in the sights of an obsessive killer, the broken soldier and the unruly K9 must learn to trust each other–and the entire Redwood Coast Rescue team–to rescue the woman they love.
Having read and enjoyed a few romantic suspense stories this year, I’ve been keen to delve a little deeper into the genre. Searching for Rescue, the first in the Redwood Rescue series, is my first encounter with Tonya Burrows, and the novel proved to be a good fit for my interests. And, as a bonus, the story features one of my favourite elements: an animal companion. Centred on broody black-ops veteran MMC Zak and his old high school flame (and former best friend's sister), the strong-willed dog trainer and rehabilitator FMC Anna, the novel combines an action-packed plot with an emotional second chance romance, elements of found family, and a strong narrative focus on the challenges of trauma and recovery. I was fully invested in Zak’s and Anna’s journeys and their romance from start to finish, despite encountering themes that I generally avoid, and enjoyed getting to know a broad cast of characters. I’m looking forward to continuing the series with Searching for Risk.
Having read and enjoyed a few romantic suspense stories this year, I’ve been keen to delve a little deeper into the genre. Searching for Rescue, the first in the Redwood Rescue series, is my first encounter with Tonya Burrows, and the novel proved to be a good fit for my interests. And, as a bonus, the story features one of my favourite elements: an animal companion. Centred on broody black-ops veteran MMC Zak and his old high school flame (and former best friend's sister), the strong-willed dog trainer and rehabilitator FMC Anna, the novel combines an action-packed plot with an emotional second chance romance, elements of found family, and a strong narrative focus on the challenges of trauma and recovery. I was fully invested in Zak’s and Anna’s journeys and their romance from start to finish, despite encountering themes that I generally avoid, and enjoyed getting to know a broad cast of characters. I’m looking forward to continuing the series with Searching for Risk.
August 25, 2023
This is my first Tonya Burrows Audiobook and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
It's a bit different than what I am used to listening to,but the storyline had me so intrigued.
It did take me a little but to get into it at first,but once it got going I was basically hooked.
Zak and Anna's story is a second chance romance and was difficult at times,because they were dealing with so many issues.
Zak is a really troubled character in fact he is a mess ,ex military with scars that run deep, he needs alot of encouragement to deal with his demons,and an unexpected reason helped him through his troubles...Ranger one of Anna's dogs that she trains,becomes attached to Zak.
Ranger saves him in more ways than one and gives Zak a purpose,the other reason he chooses to live is Anna's Love.
He broke her heart many years ago and she forgives him and loves him once again risking her heart .
But Anna is not as perfect as Zak thinks she is,she is carrying a secret from him that could break them apart.
Alongside the romance between Zak and Anna we have another story playing out involving murder,kidnaping and missing children which had me intrigued throughout.
Stephen Borne was Excellent narrating this story,he did an Amazing job at portraying all of the characters and I enjoyed listening to his performance.
A great Audiobook if you love some action and mystery with your romance.
Would recommend.
Brilliant.
It's a bit different than what I am used to listening to,but the storyline had me so intrigued.
It did take me a little but to get into it at first,but once it got going I was basically hooked.
Zak and Anna's story is a second chance romance and was difficult at times,because they were dealing with so many issues.
Zak is a really troubled character in fact he is a mess ,ex military with scars that run deep, he needs alot of encouragement to deal with his demons,and an unexpected reason helped him through his troubles...Ranger one of Anna's dogs that she trains,becomes attached to Zak.
Ranger saves him in more ways than one and gives Zak a purpose,the other reason he chooses to live is Anna's Love.
He broke her heart many years ago and she forgives him and loves him once again risking her heart .
But Anna is not as perfect as Zak thinks she is,she is carrying a secret from him that could break them apart.
Alongside the romance between Zak and Anna we have another story playing out involving murder,kidnaping and missing children which had me intrigued throughout.
Stephen Borne was Excellent narrating this story,he did an Amazing job at portraying all of the characters and I enjoyed listening to his performance.
A great Audiobook if you love some action and mystery with your romance.
Would recommend.
Brilliant.
February 4, 2023
SEARCHING FOR RESCUE (Redwood Coast Rescue) Book 1 in this new series. It is a standalone, suspense, second-chance romance. Wonderful human characters, and the rescue dogs must be included as wonderful. If you are a dog lover, and see a book by the author Tonya Burrows, with a dog on the cover, you should read the book.
Zak Hendricks has been discharged from his position of black-ops soldier. He was returning to his hometown of Steam Valley, California. He had returned with half a leg, and nothing like the young boy he had been before he left for the military. He was trying to drink away his troubles. He wanted nothing to do with his former ex-best-friend, former teenage sweetheart or his family. He wanted to just die. He had almost succeeded, but fate would stop that from happening.
Anna Rawlings knew that Zak was back but wanted to avoid him. He had left and broken her teenage heart with nothing as much as a goodbye. He had left her with much more sorrow than she would ever let him know. Anna was a dog trainer, and Zak was court-ordered to enroll in her Paws for Vets program at Redwood Coast Rescue. It was there he met a dog that everyone had given up on except for Anna. Between Anna, the queen of lost causes, and his new dog Ranger, Zak was slowly finding reasons to keep living.
Zak Hendricks has been discharged from his position of black-ops soldier. He was returning to his hometown of Steam Valley, California. He had returned with half a leg, and nothing like the young boy he had been before he left for the military. He was trying to drink away his troubles. He wanted nothing to do with his former ex-best-friend, former teenage sweetheart or his family. He wanted to just die. He had almost succeeded, but fate would stop that from happening.
Anna Rawlings knew that Zak was back but wanted to avoid him. He had left and broken her teenage heart with nothing as much as a goodbye. He had left her with much more sorrow than she would ever let him know. Anna was a dog trainer, and Zak was court-ordered to enroll in her Paws for Vets program at Redwood Coast Rescue. It was there he met a dog that everyone had given up on except for Anna. Between Anna, the queen of lost causes, and his new dog Ranger, Zak was slowly finding reasons to keep living.
December 4, 2024
I'm going to be honest here; I picked this book on Amazon because it was free, and I've never heard of the author or the series.
But picture me very (and I do mean very) surprised when I liked everything from the first chapter on. The style of writing, the story, the characters, the plot.
I dived into this one, expecting to be something of a mediocre read, but I am very pleasantly surprised.
The story is about an ex soldier who tried to save a girl from the hostile group, only to be captured and tortured. In the end, he saved the girl but lost a leg and fell into PTSD and alcoholism. He isolated himself from everyone and on one hard night decided to commit suicide; but by the twist of fate, he survives, but has to do community service in form of helping in vet center and going to group sessions. The kicker? Everyone there is an ex-military, with disability or trauma. The vet center that he's helping in is for abused military dogs. It's also where his high-school fling/love works.
It's a second chance romance, with an amazing storyline involving every character.
Side plot is a story of Bella and Poppy, who live with an abusive mom, who is a nomad and an addict. Both plots cross at some point, and everything changes.
I'm giving it 4.5 stars and am definitely reading the whole series.
But picture me very (and I do mean very) surprised when I liked everything from the first chapter on. The style of writing, the story, the characters, the plot.
I dived into this one, expecting to be something of a mediocre read, but I am very pleasantly surprised.
The story is about an ex soldier who tried to save a girl from the hostile group, only to be captured and tortured. In the end, he saved the girl but lost a leg and fell into PTSD and alcoholism. He isolated himself from everyone and on one hard night decided to commit suicide; but by the twist of fate, he survives, but has to do community service in form of helping in vet center and going to group sessions. The kicker? Everyone there is an ex-military, with disability or trauma. The vet center that he's helping in is for abused military dogs. It's also where his high-school fling/love works.
It's a second chance romance, with an amazing storyline involving every character.
Side plot is a story of Bella and Poppy, who live with an abusive mom, who is a nomad and an addict. Both plots cross at some point, and everything changes.
I'm giving it 4.5 stars and am definitely reading the whole series.
May 5, 2023
Another good story from Tonya Burrows! There's plenty of action and mystery throughout the story! I love the obstacles Anna and Zak, and even Bella, too, had to overcome. It's a wonderful journey with triumphs and heartbreak sprinkled throughout. Anna is the Queen of Hopeless Causes and she is an amazing character who always sees the best in people even if they can't. Zak has had a bit of a rough go and suffers from PTSD and self-medicates by drinking lots. I really liked the scenes when Zak goes to group therapy because it helps to illustrate what other veterans have gone through. Bella was interesting as well. She's trying to keep her little sister safe in a not so great environment.
It's a great story with wonderful characters and some twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I'd recommend this to anyone who needs to listen to a story with great plot and interesting complex characters.
I liked the narrator! I've listened to other books he's done and he always does an excellent job, from differentiating voices between the characters to differentiating a character speaking versus thinking. I listened at 1.1x speed.
CW: Violence, kidnapping, child abuse, death, PTSD, swearing, suicidal ideation, torture, child loss, and infertility
It's a great story with wonderful characters and some twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I'd recommend this to anyone who needs to listen to a story with great plot and interesting complex characters.
I liked the narrator! I've listened to other books he's done and he always does an excellent job, from differentiating voices between the characters to differentiating a character speaking versus thinking. I listened at 1.1x speed.
CW: Violence, kidnapping, child abuse, death, PTSD, swearing, suicidal ideation, torture, child loss, and infertility
April 24, 2025
Warnings: damaged vet with PTSD, torture memories, depression, suicide, alcoholism; also child abuse. The first chapters are hard to read. Good writing with two story lines, Part One and Part Two. I liked Anna and her dog (and damaged vet) rescue. Zak's family is surprisingly uninformed about what he endured plus, overall, PTSD. Bella and Poppy's story is also hard to read. Of course, loved the dogs. Then the execution falls apart; the ending was disjointed because a lot is revealed with no time for better understanding. Zak was a jerk when he left Anne after learning about her secret from 15 years ago. Never mind that HE LEFT HER. Then, we learn he also had a secret that he never told her. But, never mind, turns out maybe he was around long enough that Anne could have told him about her pregnancy before he left. In the beginning he tells us that HE left her and broke her heart. She names her stillborn baby, Bella. Gee, same name as one of the two missing girls. Then, turns out she did know his ex-wife, because she returned to the same town she's in now! His ex-wife also had a stillborn daughter, so she and Anne bonded. Anne knew how Zak ignored his wife for six months after his daughter was born. What is all this? Oh, and those developers after her property? Never mind all that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2024
Wasn't sure what to expect and after a few dnf's and misses I was trying to close out the year on a high note. Well this isn't the warm and fuzzy book for that, it's gritty and uncomfortable and it hit that gritty broken mood I was also experiencing. If you're emotionally or otherwise vulnerable there are many triggers in this story. I don't feel like the intimacy or darker scenes were gratuitous. They were straight and to the point and I really appreciated that it wasn't dragged on just for 💩 and giggles. As someone who worked with dogs and is a foster as well this hit the right spot. Don't expect a super descriptive dog/man bonding storyline. We know they are broken and connected and sometimes that is enough and this time it felt enough for me.
Only shaky thing for me was the girls storyline, and the whole dad's to the rescue after one gave weird vibes. The "mom" should've ended up in the ocean cuz she was just vile. So overall it's about a 4.5⭐✨ for me. Remember, not a book to pick up if your mental health is low as there is suicidal thoughts and on and off page attempts. It's dark and gritty. I will be continuing the series.
Only shaky thing for me was the girls storyline, and the whole dad's to the rescue after one gave weird vibes. The "mom" should've ended up in the ocean cuz she was just vile. So overall it's about a 4.5⭐✨ for me. Remember, not a book to pick up if your mental health is low as there is suicidal thoughts and on and off page attempts. It's dark and gritty. I will be continuing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2023
This is actually the first book in the series, which I did not read first, so you definitely don't need to read them in any particular order. Though, even with these standalone books within a series, I do recommend reading them in order just to get more information on characters and the world the author has built as the books and series progresses.
I am a sucker for romantic suspense, especially when the stories include military oriented characters and even more when there are canines involved. So this one definitely checked all the boxes and then some. Zak and Anna have such a beautiful bond and relationship between them and the way it unfolded and developed was incredible. Ranger became so important to Zak and I think his relationship with this dog he originally didn't have an interest in played such a huge role to his ability to open up and forgive himself for the past. This was a truly beautiful book with amazing characters, though there are definitely some potential situations that people could find triggering, so please be aware of them.
I am a sucker for romantic suspense, especially when the stories include military oriented characters and even more when there are canines involved. So this one definitely checked all the boxes and then some. Zak and Anna have such a beautiful bond and relationship between them and the way it unfolded and developed was incredible. Ranger became so important to Zak and I think his relationship with this dog he originally didn't have an interest in played such a huge role to his ability to open up and forgive himself for the past. This was a truly beautiful book with amazing characters, though there are definitely some potential situations that people could find triggering, so please be aware of them.
November 9, 2024
Disabled vet Zak Hendrick’s back from the army with a damaged mind and body. Zak drinks too much and his latest suicide attempt landed him in a hospital, looking at a list of charges, including community service working with his former flame kind-hearted dog trainer Anna Rawlings. When Zak makes a connection with a wounded dog, the dog claims Zak as his person. Anna lets Zak train on search and rescue.
Life in a ragged camper traveling the country with her unstable mother, has been hard for teen-aged Bella. But she’s got to protect her five-year-old sister Poppy, intent on getting Poppy fed for the first time in days, Bella drives illegally and almost hists Zak on the highway. She leaves him severely injured, with clues that point help toward him. Later, there’s a fight outside their camper, Bella’s mom is killed and a man in a hoodie gently takes Bella and Poppy away. Neighbors in the campground report trouble at Bella’s camper and the police start a search but don’t really have any clues.
Rating: 4.5stars
Life in a ragged camper traveling the country with her unstable mother, has been hard for teen-aged Bella. But she’s got to protect her five-year-old sister Poppy, intent on getting Poppy fed for the first time in days, Bella drives illegally and almost hists Zak on the highway. She leaves him severely injured, with clues that point help toward him. Later, there’s a fight outside their camper, Bella’s mom is killed and a man in a hoodie gently takes Bella and Poppy away. Neighbors in the campground report trouble at Bella’s camper and the police start a search but don’t really have any clues.
Rating: 4.5stars
May 26, 2023
Terrific Veteran / Canine Romantic Suspense!!
Veteran Zack Hendricks is struggling. He lost his leg, has PTSD, and can’t sleep. Alcohol is his “escape�. When he gets in trouble, community service and counseling are part of his sentence. Anna Rawlings, with whom he has a past in his much younger days, runs Redwood Coast Rescue and offers to sponsor him. Her sheriff brother Ash is not pleased.
Many story layers are found here. Each character has their own daily grind, but there is a past between Zack and Anna. As Redwood Coast also includes search & rescue, there is a lost children component that plays a key role.
A little something for everyone to be found here. Some serious topics, some witty repartee, emotional, romantic, and a captivating read - or listen. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio, it was very well done.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book
Veteran Zack Hendricks is struggling. He lost his leg, has PTSD, and can’t sleep. Alcohol is his “escape�. When he gets in trouble, community service and counseling are part of his sentence. Anna Rawlings, with whom he has a past in his much younger days, runs Redwood Coast Rescue and offers to sponsor him. Her sheriff brother Ash is not pleased.
Many story layers are found here. Each character has their own daily grind, but there is a past between Zack and Anna. As Redwood Coast also includes search & rescue, there is a lost children component that plays a key role.
A little something for everyone to be found here. Some serious topics, some witty repartee, emotional, romantic, and a captivating read - or listen. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio, it was very well done.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book
August 21, 2023
good for nine stars. Anna has a rescue dog shelter. Zac is a broken vet. Ranger is the catalyst.
Anna has a rescue shelter for dogs and helps train search and rescue dogs. Zac is an old friend of her family. He came home from Afghanistan a broken man. But he had brought a girl to his family to love and adopt that is part of his story. Anna knows she has to reach him somehow before he succeeds in killing himself. And he almost makes it one night. But a young teen with a story of her own saves his life this time. This gives Anna a chance to place him under her vet rescue care and the chance to have him meet Ranger. Ranger is a dog that has been broken in the same way as Zac and the two become a rescue team in training. Then the girl who saved him and her sister come up missing and they and Anna’s sheriff brother are on the hunt.
Fast paced heart rendering and exciting. Can’t wait for next one..
Anna has a rescue shelter for dogs and helps train search and rescue dogs. Zac is an old friend of her family. He came home from Afghanistan a broken man. But he had brought a girl to his family to love and adopt that is part of his story. Anna knows she has to reach him somehow before he succeeds in killing himself. And he almost makes it one night. But a young teen with a story of her own saves his life this time. This gives Anna a chance to place him under her vet rescue care and the chance to have him meet Ranger. Ranger is a dog that has been broken in the same way as Zac and the two become a rescue team in training. Then the girl who saved him and her sister come up missing and they and Anna’s sheriff brother are on the hunt.
Fast paced heart rendering and exciting. Can’t wait for next one..
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