Pivot
by Kat Martin, Rebecca Zanetti, and Alexandra Ivy
Release Date: March 31, 2020
Publisher: Zebra
Compilation
The Brodies of Alaska #.5, Deep Ops #2.5
Number of pages: 368
Paperback
Source: Warren Public Library
Romantic Suspense M/F
Rating: NC-17
Read 7/26/20 to 7/28/20
As girls, they bonded over broken homes and growing up in foster care.
As women, they’re fighting for their lives, and loves, once more . . .
MERI (Against the Heart)
When Meriwether Jones takes her young daughter and runs from trouble in L.A., that trouble follows. By the time Meri reaches Spokane, she’s out of gas, money, and ideas. Luckily, ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help him with his father’s farmhouse, and they seem like the answer to each other’s prayers. But Meri is keeping a dangerous secret—and Ian is in danger of losing his heart . . .
MELANIE (Echoes of the Past)
That secret explodes when Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy she tutors and responds by ramming them with her car. The last thing she expects is for the man she once loved, Detective Gray Hawkins, to appear and rescue them both. Now she has no choice but to trust him as they investigate the truth about a conspiracy of dirty, drug trafficking cops—and the truth about their relationship . . .
MICHELLE (Shaken)
After a rough youth, Michelle Peach was finally content in Portland—until two men broke into her home, threatened her, and sent her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree that Michelle has to stop. The last person Michelle wants to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine turned sheriff. But Evan misses the woman who walked away instead of letting him help years ago. This time he’s not asking permission; he’s going to put a stop to the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends—and win her heart for good.
I initially picked this book up to read the story by Rebecca Zanetti, Shaken. I’m a huge fan of hers and this story is a pit stop in her Deep Ops series. Usually, when I have a lot of other books waiting, I would only read the story I pick up the book to read. But this book said these stories are connected so I figured I should read all three since the Deep Ops story is the second in this book. I found that it wasn’t necessary to read all three, but there are some crossover characters so it was a nice connection.
Against the Heart
by Kat Martin
This book, overall, seems to be touted as a Kat Martin book with the other two author along for the ride. While it looks like she’s got an extensive back library, this is not an author that I’ve read or who has been on my radar. It also seems her story is the shortest. This was a short and sweet story. I enjoyed all of the characters, though the chemistry between Ian and Meri wasn’t as flammable as I’d like. It gave me enough to know I’d be interested in checking out some of her other books, and isn’t that the point of these types of compilations? The only issue I had, which was actually quite a large issue to someone like me that doesn’t like inconsistencies, was the geography. I’m not going to get into particulars because maybe if I don’t point out the specifics you won’t notice. I can say it was a big enough issue for me that I will probably stop reading if I come across such blatant inaccuracies in another book by this author.
3 stars
Shaken
by Rebecca Zanetti
Now this is what I came here for! As always, Rebecca Zanetti keeps me turning those pages. The story may be short, but it’s full of action and emotions. This story and the Kat Martin story do overlap, but if you came for the Deep Ops story like I did, you could skip the other story if you were low on time. Another side of the same coin, if you haven’t read the Deep Ops books you will still enjoy this one. In fact, I’m sure you’ll be quite curious to read more after meeting Wolfe, Roscoe, and Kat. I literally let out a little whoop when I realized Wolfe was making an appearance! I enjoyed Michelle and Evan’s backstory and only wish there had been more of that. Sometimes I found Michelle to be a bit too pragmatic, but due to her upbringing and past experiences I couldn’t really fault her for her caution. All in all, a great addition to the Deep Ops series.
4 stars
Echoes of the Past
by Alexandra Ivy
I just love when I read a compilation because of one author, and find another author to love. This story sucked me in and gave me all the feels. There’s great chemistry between Melanie and Gray. They are both such good people and only have to truly open up and talk to each other in order to heal some past hurts. There’s action, emotions, suspense, and heat. All the makings of an amazing story.
All In Good Time 