Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Good book with an interesting concept. I liked the idea of an animal shelter also doubling as a shelter for people in danger. Scott is a cop with the local police department, but his primary duty is running the Chase Animal Shelter. His "managers" are also law enforcement, while the "staff" are the people who need protection. I loved seeing the detail Scott and the Chase PD put into making the shelter as safe as possible.
Nella is a former LAPD officer who left the department after losing her partner during a gang-related shooting. Her boss recommended the shelter as a good place for her to work, and Nella's enthusiasm for it is evident as she arrives for her interview. As Nella waits for her interview, another woman comes looking for a "job" and is obviously afraid. Even though she doesn't yet work there yet, Nella's actions show she's a good fit.
I liked the development of the relationship between Scott and Nella. The attraction is there from the start, though neither intends to do anything about it. Both are cognizant of the employer/employee dynamic and how inappropriate it would be. But the connection between them won't be denied, and they can't stay away from each other. When the texted threats start, Scott's normal protectiveness toward the shelter and its inhabitants ramps up even further to keep Nella safe. While Nella appreciates Scott's protection, she isn't one to stand back and let someone else take all of the risks. She makes it clear that she has a stake in her own safety. As the days go on, Scott and Nella spend a lot of time together, both alone and with the others, and it is easy to see their feelings grow stronger. Despite a speedbump in their relationship caused by Nella's reluctance to endanger the others, their big moment at the end was great.
The suspense of the story was well done. When the first threat arrives, Scott and Nella aren't sure who it is directed to. I liked seeing Nella use her newness at the shelter to get to know the others' stories and see if those lead anywhere. Once the threats focus on Nella, the tension steadily grows. I could feel their frustration at the lack of progress in identifying the source of the threats. Nella is convinced that it is one of the gang members from her last operation, but her former boss doesn't make any progress either. As the book neared the end, I suspected the source of the threat and the reason. However, I never saw the twist that came along with the final confrontation. I was on the edge of my seat until it was over and loved how it happened.
One of the things I enjoyed about this book was the prominent part the animals played. I loved meeting the various critters and how they had their own personalities. My favorites were Spike and Baby. It was sweet to see how Nella connected with them. I also liked the attention paid to their training and the vetting of the potential adopters. I enjoyed getting to know the human residents and look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
Nella is a former LAPD officer who left the department after losing her partner during a gang-related shooting. Her boss recommended the shelter as a good place for her to work, and Nella's enthusiasm for it is evident as she arrives for her interview. As Nella waits for her interview, another woman comes looking for a "job" and is obviously afraid. Even though she doesn't yet work there yet, Nella's actions show she's a good fit.
I liked the development of the relationship between Scott and Nella. The attraction is there from the start, though neither intends to do anything about it. Both are cognizant of the employer/employee dynamic and how inappropriate it would be. But the connection between them won't be denied, and they can't stay away from each other. When the texted threats start, Scott's normal protectiveness toward the shelter and its inhabitants ramps up even further to keep Nella safe. While Nella appreciates Scott's protection, she isn't one to stand back and let someone else take all of the risks. She makes it clear that she has a stake in her own safety. As the days go on, Scott and Nella spend a lot of time together, both alone and with the others, and it is easy to see their feelings grow stronger. Despite a speedbump in their relationship caused by Nella's reluctance to endanger the others, their big moment at the end was great.
The suspense of the story was well done. When the first threat arrives, Scott and Nella aren't sure who it is directed to. I liked seeing Nella use her newness at the shelter to get to know the others' stories and see if those lead anywhere. Once the threats focus on Nella, the tension steadily grows. I could feel their frustration at the lack of progress in identifying the source of the threats. Nella is convinced that it is one of the gang members from her last operation, but her former boss doesn't make any progress either. As the book neared the end, I suspected the source of the threat and the reason. However, I never saw the twist that came along with the final confrontation. I was on the edge of my seat until it was over and loved how it happened.
One of the things I enjoyed about this book was the prominent part the animals played. I loved meeting the various critters and how they had their own personalities. My favorites were Spike and Baby. It was sweet to see how Nella connected with them. I also liked the attention paid to their training and the vetting of the potential adopters. I enjoyed getting to know the human residents and look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
