Well, folks, Rachel Homard has made an entrance with her debut romantic suspense novel, and she did not disappoint! I sat down to start this book and could not put it down, I read it all the way through in one sitting. With my heart pumping, I was on the edge of my seat speeding through the twists and turns while smiling at the love story that develops along the way.
Savannah Carrington, a 30-something woman trying to find meaning and purpose in her life, operates a Los Angeles soup kitchen that serves a large homeless population. From a well-to-do family, she has constant pressure from her socialite mother to be married off to some eligible bachelor. She just wants to live her life in the light, literally - she holds onto a childhood fear of the dark that is nearly paralyzing. Savannah's closest friend, Allen, is a much older homeless veteran that knows the real her. He helps her run the soup kitchen and looks out for other vets on the street. He has been talking a lot about one in particular, Joe MacArthur. Joe is not what he seems. His shaggy beard and dirty clothes keep people from looking too closely, he doesn't want to be seen or found. Except, maybe, by her. When Allen and Savannah find themselves in danger, Joe slips from the shadows to save them and disappears just as quickly. But he can't stay away, not with her in danger. Savannah and Joe are drawn to each other. As they navigate a web of deceit built upon revenge, Savannah realizes this handsome Green Beret is a hero. Now she just needs to get Joe to see it that way too. Guilt and trauma from his last mission in Afghanistan haunt his sleeping and waking dreams. She has a million questions and a deep desire to understand everything about this sweet man. But his sole focus and mission objective is to protect her, and he can't do that if he is distracted by her and his past. Will his rigid and closed off nature drive her away? Will they escape the mysterious green triangle organization that is after them?
Rachel Homard crushed it with her first book. Joe is a complicated character that Rachel expertly unpacks throughout the story. I loved the supporting characters around him, his loving parents and Army buddy, Clark. Savannah has an innocence and naivety that is endearing. The acceptance and empathy she shows will make you love her even more. The plot developed quickly but solidly. While there was never a dull moment, there wasn't action thrown in just to have action. Every scene further developed the story. Sprinkles of clues were left along the way, not too much to give away the ending, but enough for it to be totally believable! I am very much looking forward to Rachel's next book.