Series:
Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 7)
Raised in a cult where opinions and freedom in women were
not tolerated, Mara Greene narrowly escaped a life as a child bride—one where
she would’ve been shared and owned by all the men in the compound.
Her testimony helped put the cult leader in prison, but
she’s never truly gotten past the horrors inflicted on her. Despite having
found a safe haven at the Resting Warrior Ranch, her conditioning to keep
silent persists.
Here she’s safe, but still always alone and trapped in
her silence.
Liam Anderson is always the first team member to crack a
smile or a joke. No one—not even his Navy SEAL brothers—knows about his painful
past or the truth he hides behind his charming mask.
He’s captivated by fragile Mara and wants to help her
heal. Watching her find her voice is the most amazing thing he’s ever known.
And it doesn’t take long to realize she’s healing him just as much.
When Mara’s past resurfaces, Liam won’t let her face it
alone. He’ll be her personal protector no matter what it cost.
No one is going to steal her voice again.
I started reading this book at about 9 pm last night and
was so engrossed in the story I didn't put it down until I turned the last page
at 2 am. Mara has intrigued me since the first book, and I've eagerly awaited
her story. I've also been waiting for Liam's tale, the last of the seven
founders of the Resting Warrior Ranch.
It was obvious that something in Mara's past had turned
her into an almost ghost-like figure. She is so quiet and self-effacing that
she frequently blends into the background. Throughout the previous six books, she
has somewhat emerged from her shell. However, she's been experiencing more
flashbacks to her childhood as a cult member. I ached for her as I read about her
abuse and her narrow escape from becoming a child bride. I loved the inner
strength that helped her provide the testimony that put the leader in prison.
I'm not sure how she came to Resting Warrior Ranch, but it has been a safe
haven for her. She has become part of the RWR family even though she doesn't realize
what that means.
Quiet, beautiful Mara captivated Liam from the moment she
arrived at the ranch and was the first to step up if she needed something. He
understands her skittishness even if he doesn't know what caused it and is
careful to maintain his distance. I've enjoyed watching his feelings for her
grow during the previous books as he wishes for the chance to tell her how he
feels. Liam is there for her when he witnesses one of her flashback/panic attacks.
I loved his gentleness as he helped her through it. I could almost feel his hug
as he gave her the comfort she needed. I loved watching him take a chance and
ask her to dance and his relief and happiness when she said yes. He has no idea
she is just as attracted to him but doesn't know how to clue him in.
Mara's life is about to get complicated as her past
becomes part of her present. When an item from that past is delivered to her at
the ranch, all of the old fears come rushing to the surface. Rather than facing
them alone, Mara discovers she has all the support she can want. Liam steps up
as her protector. I loved the scene where he brought her to his home, where
only one other person had ever been inside. Liam's nervousness and
vulnerability were endearing as he opened his home and his heart to her. I
loved their deep connection, ability to communicate without words and the growing
love that makes it all possible.
The story's suspense kept me as glued to the pages as the
romance. It revolves around the imprisoned cult leader and whether he should be
paroled. Is he the one sending the creepy packages to Mara, or is someone else
involved? I ached for Mara as she contemplated testifying before the parole
board. I loved her determination to prevent what happened to her from happening
to others. I felt her fear as she faced him and cried at its effect on her. But
that isn't the end, and as Mara gathers her courage for a second round, an
unexpected twist puts her in extreme danger. I loved watching the men of the
RWR band together to pull off another incredible rescue. Even better, I loved
that Mara found her voice, inner strength, and courage to fight for herself.
The final confrontation was intense and kept me on the edge of my seat until it
was over.
As always, I love the close relationships among the
characters of this series. In this book, it was great to see Mara become closer
to the other women of the RWR. I especially enjoyed the scenes with her and
Lena at the coffee shop and the fun teasing as her relationship with Liam
became known. The men have been through so much together that they rarely have
to speak of their feelings to know that their comrades have their backs. In
previous books, Liam was quick to tease the others about their burgeoning
relationships, and it was fun to see him realize that he would now be on the
receiving end.
I thought this might be the end of the series now that
all seven have found love, but another book that stars the psychiatrist Rayne
Westerfield is coming. I love how she has helped our warriors and their ladies,
and I'm excited to read her story.
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