His Wounded Heart Small Town Romantic Suspense

Caitlyn O'Leary — 2023

He’s my soulmate. But will I be enough to heal his wounded heart? Simon The Navy’s been my life. Being a SEAL is all I ever wanted, commanding them a dream come true. But I lost sight of everything else and missed the big things—things going on right in front of me. How could I not see how much my sister needed me? I knew her husband was off and should have checked him out. Instead, I let it go and now she’s dead. I’ll never forgive myself. But I’ll make sure nothing like it happens again. My life doesn’t fit anymore, it’s time to move on to where no one knows who I am—Jasper Creek, Tennessee. Trenda I’ve lived in Jasper Creek my entire life. This small town has been my safety-net, my place of peace and my sanctuary for years, but I feel like something’s missing. I’ve become too comfortable, allowing life to wash over me. But it’s time to decide if I need to take my precocious little girl and move on. Head some place where my five sisters, and the best big brother in the world, won’t be nose-deep in my life. Their Story Fate has its own ideas and brings Trenda and Simon together. Drawn to each other, they slowly heal their old wounds and see a future together. When specters of the past come calling, intent on destroying all that they have built, will their budding love survive or turn to ash?<b></b>

Reviews

Nicola Sarah Brooks@nikkisbooknook

Mar 5, 2023

The Protectors of Jasper Creek has just as much action as the series it has broken off from but be prepared for a LOT more hits in the felelings!

Simon has recently retired from the Navy. He's been a sailor and leader for most of his life and he's now a tad lost. He needs a new purpose in life and a way to dampen the anger and sadness at the loss of his sister's life at the hands of her abusive husband.

Trenda, eldest of the sisters of the one and only Drake Avery, is a powerhouse when it comes to being a mum. Her daughter is super intelligent, precocious and has never met someone she could not manipulate into giving her swear money!

All the townsfolk are so well characterised and I loved they way Simon and Trenda sort of grew organically together. Sure, his protective streak got triggered when she was in danger, but they still would have worked even without him having to be all up in her personal space to protect her. Bella, that kid is just...everything. I'd be proud to have her as a daughter. She is empathetic, smart and wise beyond her years.

Fabulous expansion on an already great world. With little cameos from memorable characters from the other series popping up to lend a hand. Fabulous camaraderie, banter, chemistry between the various colleagues/friends/townsfolk. The age gap may be a bit much for some but I felt that Trenda is older than her years mentally and emotionally and Simon is just such a caring man - there was no ick factor for me at all.

I am on tenterhooks now for book 2!

Jacqueline Wilson@wilssearch

Jul 9, 2023