Rescued is the first book in the Rescued Hearts series, and we start off with Jason and Ryder. Jason has just finished with his long-term girlfriend, and Ryder has been alone for a long time, although he has his pitbull, Pearl, to keep him company. Ryder's life hasn't been that great, although he was born with the proverbial silver spoon. You find out just what a first class piece of work his mother is! Watching these two get together was superb. After Jason worked his own stuff out (which I do understand) I really didn't want Ryder to fall back in Jason's arms so quickly. Still, that's just one small point, and certainly did not affect my enjoyment of this story.

Exceedingly well written, with a sweet story, and hot and sexy intimate scenes, you really do get the best of both worlds with this book. I loved the characters, and the world-building, and would highly recommend this book.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and get the second book!

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Ryder Daniels is all too familiar with rejection. His parents cut off contact because he’s gay and his boyfriend left him, choosing drugs over love. Aside from his rescued pit bull, his only joy is hanging out with his younger brother. Then his mother does the unthinkable and forbids them to see each other, leaving Ryder devastated and alone. His friends urge him to date, but Ryder would rather throw himself into working at the dog rescue and figuring out a way to see his brother again. 

When Jason Mallory’s girlfriend gives him an ultimatum to get married, he shocks everyone by breaking up with her instead. He believes he's too busy for a relationship now that the construction company he started with his brother is taking off. When he discovers a group of abandoned pit bulls and calls the local dog rescue group to pick them up, an uncomfortable encounter with Ryder causes Jason to question feelings he’s hidden deep inside for years. 

Jason and Ryder build a friendship, until an unexpected kiss sparks the attraction they’ve been fighting. Jason gives Ryder unconditional love and helps him reconnect with his brother while Ryder shows Jason the passion he’s always missed in relationships. Together they must battle through their family differences and ugly prejudices. Only then can they prove that once you find the right person to love, there’s no turning back. 

This is a re-release of the original edition published in 2014. It has brand new content as well as the entire book being revised.

Rescued by the Marine - Julie Miller

Hmmm... I was pleasantly surprised both to discover a new release from the author and that it wasn't a part of her Kansas City series. I'm not too terribly sure about this one though.

Lessee... heroine. Socially awkward, smart but dumb, rich heiress with 2 degrees who is currently working on her phD. 20 years ago, her mother was kidnapped and killed by militia, the leader of which was executed. Her parents have arranged an engagement party for her and her slimy boyfriend on the anniversary of her mother's death because reasons.

Hero - former marine with PTSD, works in SAR. Not stated that he was special forces, surprisingly enough (most ex military heroes are SEALs, Rangers, Green Berets, etc...).

Characters were ok. Basic plot was ok - heroine gets kidnapped while leaving the hotel following breaking up with a douchebag. It went downhill from there.

First, there's the meeting between the H and a fellow SAR team member and the heroine's parents. It's in the local bar where everyone hangs out, including the son of the late, unlamented militia leader and all his cousins.

Then there's the lack of any real armament beyond a basic handgun and a hunting knife, going along with the team member to do this under the table rather than contacting their employer for aid.

He figures out where the h is being held, based on the video they'd sent her father and is disturbed that he didn't know they were so well armed. Uh... with the distinct possibility the militia were involved - there was motivation there - why wouldn't he expect it?

His team member/helicopter pilot is dead when they reach the rendezvous point and he's pondering who might have known. Well duh. They knew he was involved because they were at the bar when he arrived.

At some point he takes off on a forced march downhillish and gets over 150 yards away from the h. Really?! He was that sure they'd lost their pursuers/no bears or other varmints/etc.?

Heroine is smart but dumb - she chatters non-stop "to fill the dead air". Hon, when you're up in the mountains and people are hunting you, you keep that up, there might be more things dead than air. Then, when he leaves her in the hunting shack (why, I dunno), she repairs the radio - sortof, and tries using it. She can't receive, nor can she change frequencies, so she has no way of knowing who is listening in.

Final kicker - what sort of lame-ass background check did the owner of the security firm the heroine's dad employed run that he missed that one of his employees was a nephew to the guy who'd killed his client's wife?