Elysia Whisler - Becoming Family

There’s nothing like an important birthday to make a person realize all the things they haven’t accomplished. As Tabitha Steele blows out thirty candles, she makes a wish to take charge of her life. It’s a tall order, considering she doesn’t have much to show for herself since leaving military service. She works at a motorcycle shop but has never even ridden a motorcycle; she’s floundering in massage school; her social life consists of her aunt and her gym buddies; and her closest relationship is with Trinity, the service dog who helps her manage every day. She feels like an imposter in every aspect of her own life.
Playful and wild-hearted gym coach Chris Hobbs is Tabitha’s opposite. He likes to keep things fun and temporary, which is why he’s never tried to move the deepening friendship he has with Tabitha into anything more. But he’s the perfect person to help Tabitha discover her strengths. Then the sudden reappearance of his estranged brother forces Chris to face his past and the vulnerable part of himself behind the party-boy persona…and that means letting Tabitha in.
As difficult as it is for Tabitha and Chris to leave the old definitions of themselves behind, the journey is better with someone special at their sides, becoming who they’re meant to be, together.

Comment: This is the third book in the Dogwood County series and so far I have not found information if there will be more books or if this will remain a trilogy. The series have featured some of the people in the community, namely the former military who now are directly involved with one of the local gyms and the animal rescue association.

In this third book, Tabitha Steele, who left the military as the chaplain's assistant, is still dealing with her own PTSD. Her dog Trinity is a huge help, as is Delaney, her boss at the bike shop and a previous solider her unity worked with. Being around Delaney and the others at the gym has helped Tabitha to regain her confidence but she feels it won't be that easier to let go of her past fears and guilt. At the gym, she is also working on more than her psychical stamina and Christ Hobbs, one of the trainers, is balm for the eyes but she thinks he won't be able to let go of his ladies' man ways...

Hobbs is actually hiding a past where he felt he would never be strong enough to win his fears but time and life have taught him he can. He is still wary of commitment but something about Tabitha calls to him. As their connection seems to become stronger, his past is back to haunt him but this time he can have the means to deal with it. the issue is, will he want to let go of what was bad and embrace his possible happy future?

I have enjoyed reading the other books in this (yet) trilogy, especially the first one, which hit the right emotions for me. The second was good but not as powerful in terms of romance, and now this third is again not as amazing. I liked the book, no questions about it, but mostly for the emotions being dealt with by the characters and some specific scenes. The romance, however, didn't win me over, to be honest.

My favorite part of this story was seeing the interactions between the characters, the dogs they are taking care of or who are part of their lives and all the secondary situations they all see themselves involved with. I don't mind this had multi POVs and I was even able to imagine things about what everyone could possible do and what would happen next, my romance reader persona even envisioned a possible new romance if the author were to continue the stories... in terms of writing and atmosphere, this book remains as appealing and consistent as the other ones.

I do like this aspect of the author's novels, how the setting is engaging and how the characters are likable and easy to connect with, no one is perfect or easy to read and I do like the emotional journey everyone has to do to reach a place where happiness is indeed possible. Regarding this, of the main couple in this story, Hobbs is a little easier to read than Tabitha. His issues are no less valid and worthy to be discussed, even though Tabitha's seem more obvious considering the way she reacts to triggers and how more "visible" that is.

Hobbs has had an abusive father, who beat him and whom he couldn't fight. Now, an adult and much stronger, he knows he has it all different but it's hard to let go of previous traumas. He gets calls from his brother which he ignores but then his brother shows up and says that their father is dying and that means Hobbs has to have a reaction. It seemed "easier" to see Hobbs' issues and how he goes to try to deal with them but his personality did seem a little... static, never really open to others, never really closed off.

Tabitha is a shy, quiet young woman and personality wise, she seems to be easy going, if not a little too bland. I get it that what happened to her, the trauma, the PTSD and her more introverted personality are all things that contribute to her lacking self esteem and confidence. Sadly, despite accepting the fact this is very realistic, it is also a little boring to read about and it takes a long time for her to get out of her shell, so I've never really warmed up to her. I had moments where it felt she was also a little too naive, too innocent.

The romance, therefore, disappointed me. I could never believe the connection Tabitha and Hobbs had, nor that they were both going in the same direction, emotionally I mean. They say words, they have some intimate moments where we see them talk and interact in a way one would not with a mere friend, but those scenes and situations seemed forced somehow, and not really as if it was what they were feeling. I don't think they also had chemistry, even though they kiss once and Hobbs in particular shows signs of jealousy when a "rival" comes along.

I had a good time reading this because, like I've said, I could focus on secondary issues which appealed to me, and after two other books many characters are already familiar, as are the pets and all the animals mentioned. I like reading about these people, but the romance was truly a let down. 

Here's hoping there will be one more book, perhaps with the couple I've imagined in my head..?

Grade: 7/10

Elysia Whisler - Forever Home

If home is where the heart is, Dogwood County may have just what Delaney Monroe needs
Newly retired from the Marine Corps, Delaney is looking for somewhere to start over. It’s not going to be easy, but when she finds the perfect place to open her dream motorcycle shop, she goes for it. What she doesn’t expect is an abandoned pit bull to come with the building. The shy pup is slow to trust, but Delaney is determined to win it over.
Detective Sean Callahan is smitten from the moment he sees Delaney, but her cool demeanor throws him off his game. When her late father's vintage motorcycle is stolen from Delaney's shop, Sean gets to turn up in his element: chasing the bad guy and showing his best self to a woman who’s gotten under his skin in a bad way.
Delaney isn't used to lasting relationships, but letting love in—both human and canine—helps her see that she may have found a place she belongs, forever.

Comment: Last year I've read and immensely enjoyed Rescue You by this author. I saw there was a sequel - and now there's a third story too - and felt like reading it as well, which I only managed to do now. I did like this one but perhaps a little less than the other one.

Delaney Monroe has left the Marines and is at last ready to fulfill her father's dream of having a motorcycle shop... it is just sad he isn't alive anymore to do it with her, but she is eager to try. She finds a great place in Dogwood County but she didn't expect to have a dog come with the spot but talking to Sunny, from the nearby kennel, explains the dog's situation a little. Delaney also joins the gym to remain in shape and starts to have an idea of those she will be close to, including another Marine who just can't help be shy and feel a bit of guilt over the last mission. Delaney still hopes to fit in and be part of this new community but she feels a bit discouraged when one of her favorite motorcycle, one that belonged to her father, is stolen. By chance, the detective who comes to investigate is a familiar face from the gym, Sean, with whom she didn't start on the best terms. However, being closer because of this investigation might show them that the other one is so much more than their gym attitude...

As it had happened with the previous book, so this one is focused on character development, mainly Delaney's. We are aware she is an independent woman, used to the military way of doing things and although her civilian life isn't radically different, she understands others won't have the same expectations. Nevertheless, she is following a dream and hoping to be successful at it, which means she is definitely likable as a heroine in a book. However, I must confess I kind of wanted to see more romance... the other book was all about woman empowerment and wanting more of life but the romance was a wonderful slow burn which paid off at the end.

I've felt that with this one, things were taken for granted with only a few scenes and assumptions to justify it. I know the main couple would be "destined" to be together but I wanted more than just a few things in common... I suppose this might have been achieved with more or longer scenes where the two protagonists would interact or would have to see the other one doing something, which is always a good way to get character development and growing feelings without dialogues. I think the romance wasn't as convincing as it could be.

Delaney is a captivating character, someone who is used to not act or behave in what we would say a feminine way and there are hints of how women in the military do try to subdue their "womanly" side so that they aren't accused of not being part of the team and I suppose this might have influenced her way of dealing with others too, but I think the author could have shown us her transition from someone used to be alone and acting on her own to someone who could trust and love others in a more romantic or sweet manner, without losing her essence.

Sean was a secondary character in the first book and is the hero now. We get to learn more things about him but I got the feeling the focus was obviously more on Delaney and his side of the equation wasn't as balanced. In my opinion, he remains a bit superficial, even though we have the notion he is a good guy, he is a police officer but a good person too, someone who trusted easily and has had disappointments... but in general I don't think his characterization was as emotionally profound as I would have preferred, so that their relationship would feel stronger.

The plot revolves around changing one's life, pursuing a dream, trusting others while dealing with some scars from the past and there's the stolen Motorcycle to investigate. I also think we have way too many scenes with Tabitha, who will be the heroine of the next story and who was in active duty alongside with Delaney. She is a shy person and so on but we might have had enough hints without so many pages on her; instead, perhaps more romantic scenes between Delaney and Sean would have given this book a sweeter vibe.

All in all, I liked it, I enjoyed knowing what happened to he characters we've met in the other book and it was easy to turn the pages, but the romance could have been better.

Grade: 7/10

Elysia Whisler - Rescue You

After a year of heartbreak and loss, the only thing keeping Constance afloat is the dog rescue she works at with her sister, Sunny. Desperate for a change, Constance impulsively joins a new gym, even though it seems impossibly hard, and despite the gym’s prickly owner.
Rhett Santos keeps his gym as a refuge for his former-military brothers and to sweat out his own issues. He’s ready to let the funny redhead join, but unprepared for the way she wiggles past his hard-won defenses.
When their dog rescue is threatened, the sisters fight to protect it. And they need all the help they can get. As Rhett and Constance slowly open up to each other, they’ll find that no one is past rescuing; what they need is the right person—or dog—to save them.

Comment: I saw a positive review of the sequel of this book and decided to add it to my TBR. Then, because why not, I also checked the blurb for this one and was convinced I might like it too, and reading in order is always advisable so here I am.

In this book we meet Constance, a physical therapist who also specialized in massages and when the story begins, Constance is working alongside her sister Sunny, who rescues dogs and is part of an association which is helped by the community. Constance is coming from a tiring break up and is regrouping and that includes finding her love for sport again, which she gets slowly back into by joining a gym. His owner is Rhett Santos, an ex army who brought his own pain and heartbreaking memories but is determined to put them aside. When these two meet, chemistry seemed perfect but both were wary and neither thinks about starting anything but companionship and friendship can be good starting points...

This is a slow burn novel and the focus isn't only on Rhett and Constance but I must say I was really interested in seeing how these two would develop their relationship. Things start simple and friendly like but as they get to know one another, they start realizing the other embodies many of the things they like in a partner and it was a real treat to see it happen. 

This is the first book I try by this author but I liked the tone and style, things are simple but I feel the author was able to convey enough emotion and tension in the interactions between characters. Although there are more characters being developed, of course my main interest was in Rhett and Constance. I was rooting for them and really liked how things develop between them, especially because it's believable... after all, they both have some emotional trouble and as they deal with that, they start rusting and helping each other, it was really romantic to see.

Constance is a good heroine and part of her interests has always been dedicated to sports, mostly running. This aspect is thoroughly developed not only because it's one more element to make her get closer to Rhett, who also likes sports and physical activity, but also because it's part of her self renewal and increasing self esteem. There are many scenes with this, with them training, of them at the gym...some people have said this was too much but I honestly didn't mind because it was a way to see them spending time together and I really liked that.

This is a romance but a heavy part of it is also emotional healing, for both had had some things happening which affected them very strongly. I think the author did a good job with this theme, things didn't get to be too heavy that this would turn into a drama, but enough to make me glad when the couple started to confide in each other and that meant self healing too.

There is another theme which complements the plot a lot and that's the rescue activity and the dogs' activities. On one hand this was amazing because Constance also massages dogs - never heard of it, so something to learn - and they suffer as much trauma as humans, but I must say Sunny's actions regarding her rescues sometimes felt a bit too much like and agenda and I doubt her methods would be seen by all as proper. This is used to backfire and to add conflict with a neighbor who mistreats dogs but it does seem too convenient and unlikely some situations would develop as described.

I would change a few scenes in the book but for the most time I was having a good reading experience and rooting for Rhett and Constance. The end and their HEA feels it could have had a bit more substance but I suppose all that matters is on the page and imagination counts too. This turned out to be a good read and now I'm eager to read the next one.

Grade: 8/10