Searching for Risk by Tonya Burrows #TonyaBurrows

the setup…
Sasha LeBlanc is a curvy veterinarian who is finally going to make her move on Sheriff Ash Rawlings at the masquerade ball fundraiser, the man she’s crushed on for quite some time. Instead, she’s enthralled by the man in the “demon” mask and leaves the party with him for the sexiest night of her life. Turns out that masked man is Donovan Scott, the former Marine bomb expert who is recovering from a traumatic brain injury suffered from a blast that ended his military career. He’s returned to Steam Valley, the hometown that isn’t all that welcoming as suspicions still abound about him having something to do with the disappearance of his former girlfriend Darcy Cantrell fifteen years ago.

the heart of the story…
While they might have had a chance encounter to begin their relationship, Donovan has had his sights set on Sasha from the moment they first met. He’s got plenty of the proverbial baggage with his brain injury, murky past and tough persona. He and Sasha are complete opposites but seem to be a perfect fit, her yin to his yang. But it’s his service dog Spirit, a border collie, who steals the limelight. She’s a former bomb sniffing dog who also experienced a traumatic brain injury and is recuperating along with Donovan. Always in the background, though, is Darcy’s open case, stirred up again by a podcaster who is exploring the investigation of her disappearance.

the bottom line…
While Sasha and Donovan’s relationship starts steamy (and continues), his devotion to her is pretty special. As Darcy’s case heats up, especially after a body is found that is believed to be her, his relationships are tested, complicated by what appears to be attempts to hurt the people closest to him. I enjoyed the mystery as much as the romance and was caught flatfooted by the outcome. Still loving this series, especially with the focus on service animals as part of emotional therapy.

Book Info

• Release Date: April 18, 2023
• Series: Redwood Coast Rescue #2
• Page Numbers: 250
• Publisher: Self

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