Saving Peyton

Elle James — 2023

Ex-Navy SEAL, Gus Walsh, convalescing at the Brighter Days Rehab Ranch prior to reporting for duty as a Brotherhood Protector in West Yellowstone, postpones his departure from the ranch when he discovers a damsel in distress, hiding out in the barn. Survivor of human trafficking, Peyton Running Bear needs a place to hide from the people who abused her and don’t want her to reveal their dirty, dangerous secret. When notifying law enforcement isn’t an option, she is forced to accept the protection and assistance of a stranger with broad shoulders and a smile that reminds her that there are good people left in the world.

Reviews

Nicola Sarah Brooks@nikkisbooknook

Nov 26, 2023

There is no settling in period with this story. It grabs you by the heart and keeps on going. You're heart pounds right along with Peyton as she escapes her horrific confines and makes her way to safety. She shouldn't feel safe anyway near a male, especially not one as strong and powerful looking as Gus. But something about him screams safety and Peyton needs that right now - even if it's just the illusion of safe.

Gus has his own issues with PTSD and doesn't want to spook Peyton. But he can also help her through some of the rocky times he knows she has ahead of her. But if what she needs right now is to save those who were captive with her? Well sign him and the BP team up!

If you are in anyway triggered by SA/R&pe/kidnapping or human trafficking please maybe miss this one out. The author treats the subject matter with care and attention and there's no gratuitous scenes but it may still hit far too close to home for some. The author also highlights the plights of missing indigenous women - who don't usually get the full-court press of media that others would - and the all too awful trafficking they can be forced into.

Peyton is strong, determined and emotionally invested in catching those who held and abused her. Gus is the perfect mix of protective hero and wounded warrior and all too aware of the pitfalls of PTSD that Peyton may fall into. He's also not perfect - that man is almost as afraid of snakes as I am!