I really enjoyed this book. I loved Brandon and Sophie's characters. And I love single dads. So Brandon being one was a plus.

This book had a lot of great qualities I look for in a book. Romance, suspense, dogs, and single dads with cute kids. It was very entertaining and held my attention throughout the whole book.

The thing I didn't like was where it took them years to do anything about there attraction to each other. But I'm glad they were both with others and not just him. I'm glad she wasn't pinning away for the hero and putting her life on hold. I hate when heroines do that.

Sorry I was not able to read you book but it went to archive before I could get to it. Sorry once again.

This one starts off with a bang, literally. As Brandon has Haydn (one of their new dogs) out to work with his new prosthetic, he runs into Sophie long time friend and accountant for Hopes Crossing. They walk her to her car and while she is putting her packages the trunk, Haydn gets Brandon's attention. This gives him just enough time to get them to relative safety before the explosion. Haydn stays with Sophie while Brandon calls for help and secures the area. The question is who put a bomb on her car and why.

It's not only about them beginning a new relationship but also keeping Sophie safe. I loved the visit to the Cat Café and that Sophie adopts one of the cats. Haydn's reaction to the little fluff of fur was interesting to observe. But Haydn's role is for the most part helping keep Sophie out of harms way. Sophie's name for the cat had me giggling as I tried to follow her logic for Tessaract. I absolutely love these animals and how they interact with Brandon and Sophie.

Now Sophie and Brandon is something else entirely. Slow and easy but not. Lots of conflicting emotions and other things that need to be resolved.

Fast paced with lots of action in and out of the bedroom. I really can't wait for more of these books!

I received a copy of Absolute Trust from the Publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This was the first book that I read by Piper Drake and the first that I read in the True Heroes series. I really enjoyed these books because as we know I like books with more than just romance which this one delivered. This book had a great mix of romance, mystery and suspense.

In addition to the writing style I really enjoyed the story that Piper wrote with Sophie and Brandon. I think that she did a really great job developing the characters and building their relationship from when they were in high school to present day. Another aspect about Sophie and Brandon's story was to see how their relationship grew through the turn of events in the book. You were really able to see how much they loved each other and how it was more than just about romance.

Lastly, my favorite part of the book just like in Ultimate Courage was the dogs. I am a sucker for anything about dogs so when they played a key role in this book it was hook, line and sinker.

Can't wait to read more from Piper Drake and to see what characters she has in store for more of her books.

An amazing second chance romance that had high octane action and scorching HOT romance. Absolute Trust is one of those romances that had me on my toes. The action was heart stopping good and the romance and sex was steamy and oh so sexy. Piper J. Drake did one heck of a job with her third book in her True Heroes series and is a great addition to the series.

Dog lovers, this is the book for you. Suspense, romance and loyal dogs to the rescue! This is the third in the series and can be read as a standalone. It is easy to be drawn into this world of retired military men, trying to make the world a better place, one dog at a time.

From the start of the book, it is explosive, literally. Starting from the explosion, this book moves at a fast pace. The tie in with the Brandon's company and his ability to help a friend out is well done. It sucks a reader in and keeps them locked into the storyline. Brandon is back home after being on tour for so long. This time, he's finally back to stay. He is also looking forward to renewing his friendship with Sophie Kim. Sophie is the girl he let go. He wanted her but knew that she deserved better. This is how he thought. Sophie on the other hand wants to know why she isn't good enough to keep him.

The characters in this story are fun and engaging. I loved that Sophie is Korean. I wasn't expecting this when I picked up the book because I honestly didn't read the blurb. All I saw was German Shepherd and I picked it up on a lark. This book pulled me in with the character development. The little nuances of being a single Korean female were spot on. Having an older Korean neighbor checking up on Sophie is so realistic. What is a bit funny and not so realistic were the comments on how Sophie can catch her sexy man, Brandon. Her elderly neighbor is oh so helpful.

The plot in this story is well done. There are no real surprises even if Ms. Drake tries to throw the reader off with a couple of red herrings. It is clear to me from the very beginning who the aggressor is in the book. The ending is not a surprise at all. What is nice, is the little twists and turns to arrive to this ending. I liked how Ms. Drake tied in a few threads to make this a more complicated storyline. This includes the romantic element that is frustrating yet sweet.

Brandon keeps trying to do what he thinks is best for Sophie. This is frustrating because he thinks he is reading her right and he is not. Communicate, serious, just talk to Sophie. I felt bad for Sophie at one point because I wanted to scream too and hit Brandon. Sophie's patience with Brandon is more than I could ever do. When the two finally burn up the sheets, it is sweet. The sex is a little more than vanilla which could categorize this story as erotic for some. For a jaded sex addict like me, the chemistry and sex between Brandon and Sophie is sweetly romance. This romantic suspense is recommended for readers who enjoy military men, loyal trusty dogs and happily ever afters.

Jumping into the True Heroes series in book three, never read the first two and now I want to. It's fine as a stand-alone but if feel like I missed out on some good sexual tension between Brandon and Sophie.
This was a great story, it started with a bang, really a car exploded. Not only is the sexual tension great but the action and suspense build it's own tension that holds it's own. It was an exciting story that captured my attention and kept it.

Brandon and Sophie have known each other for most of their lives. They dated in high school but then abruptly Brandon joins the military, without a word he's gone. Over the years though they have remained friends even though they both long for something more but unsure of how the other feels and for reason of their own have avoided any meaningful relationships. Brandon came back changed, more closed off and serious with one goal in mind to operate a rehab and training facility for retired military dogs. Sophie has lived the life her father has wasn't her to live and as much as she loves numbers she has been rethinking her whole life's plan especially since something funny is going on at work. Brandon and Sophie reconnected when he got back but both were determined to stay friends. That all changes when Sophie's car explodes almost killing her, if Brandon's medically discharged german shepherd, Hayden, who he's been training and rehabilitating hadn't detected the explosive device in the car it would have killed her. Hayden is a special dog he lost part of a front leg in an IED explosion and Brandon is working his physical therapy and training him to walk on a prosthetic leg. Brandon assumes that Sophie has been targeted by some of his enemies, Brandon and his two friends who also work for Hope's Crossing Kennels start to follow any lead that could tell them who was responsible.

The car bomb scared Brandon enough that he vows to protect Sophie no matter what, but all the time together is wearing on their resistance. They are opening up about the past and what happened after graduation and about how they really feel but can't act on it. But eventually they do. And it turns out the car bombing was just the start and that it was just the opening Brandon's enemies needed to track him down, so they are not just dealing with one badie out there and Brandon will lay down his life if he has to to protect the woman he has loved all his life.

Overall, it was a great story. I want to go back and read the first two.

5 Stars!

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, pain, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first:
Extreme Honor (True Heroes #1)
Ultimate Courage (True Heroes #2)

This is Sophie and Brandon’s story. Sophie and Brandon have a past where they were together. But when he came back from his tours he was only offering friendship. Now they have settled in that relationship even if it’s not what they both want. Having that is better than nothing. But when Sophie is in danger and he almost loses her forever he knows he needs to step up and protect her and also fight for the love they both have for each other. Can he put aside his fears and claim her as his own? Can he figure out who is out to hurt her? Does it have to do with him or something she accidentally got herself involved in? Can Sophie allow him to claim her for his own? What happens if she has to let him go again? Or will the danger that is out to get her find her before they can figure out there future?

I loved these characters and also the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

This book was so amazing that after I finished it, I went and got the first two and glommed them in a streak of pure gluttony. It took a ho-hum weekend and turned it into an I love Piper Drake extravaganza! She put some alpha males, beautiful rescue canines, and smart feisty women together and created....magic!

This is the third in the series and I have to say she saved the best for last. Omg these were the most freaking stubborn people in the whole damn world. Argh! If I could have driven to New Hope and slapped them upside the head, I would have. But so much cooler that I felt so invested, right? I have to give it to the girl, however. What he did to her when they were teenagers was so amazingly wrong and bad. I understand that he had reasons and there were issues, but jeez? Build a bridge and get over yourself!

The climax was exciting and well written with characters you become attached to. And for me? The best part is the dogs. I love rescue dogs. In my real life I cover a state USAR team that has an amazing canine team and I've had the privilege to meet and work with them. They are amazing and feisty, and their handlers have such a strong commitment and dedication to serving the greater good. Thanks for including then in this thought provoking, suspenseful series! Thanks

I've been really enjoying this series. Before I started this series I wasn't very much into romantic suspense any more but when Extreme Honor was picked for my Book Club Thursday book review post I kinda had no choice but to try her.

I'm so glad that I did. Since the first book I've been hooked! I found that Drake writes wonderful stories that suck you in and keep you there until you finish. I also love her hero's. There is something about them. You just know they will always be there for you.

Plus...they are so HOT!!!!

I'm just saying! We have finally come to Brandon's story. Throughout the first two books in the series he was there but you kinda didn't get to know him that much. In fact, you wanted to know more about him because of that fact alone.

He was a mystery!

The only idea you had was that he was close to Sophie. Now Sophie was a open book since the beginning. She just let everyone see...her! I really liked that about her. Brandon needed someone open and loving to show him how much value he has.

Pretty much from the start of this story you won't be able to put it down. It moves very quickly. I really love that in a book. As a whole the story was wonderful and well worth reading! In fact, the whole series is well worth reading!

I think the only negative I could say about the series is that until this story I didn't really feel like the character (all of them) really came together. Small potatoes, right? I would read the series in order because it just makes it much better. I can't wait to see what's next!

She wasn’t just a childhood friend; she was his reason for breathing.

The third and last installment to the series and with a heavy heart I’m afraid to say my least favourite. This series without a doubt is fantastic and Ms. Drake has done a good job (not that she needs any validation on my part) in creating something so unique with each book. But this one just didn’t work for me.

Brandon & Sophie have been friends for years when they were teenagers they were more but that changed the day Brandon walked away without saying a word. After each tour he always came back to Sophie. But without ever saying anything about his true feelings for her. Years pass and they both still hold onto that friendship without moving forward they are stuck in a comfortable rut.

These two characters have been in the first two books and yet I still couldn’t get a feel for them. It was too fleeting and in this book it wasn’t much better. I didn’t see or really feel a connection between them in the book well to be honest nothing more than friends. Writing a story and getting the MC out of the friend zone can be quite tricky and here this what happened. It was hard to get them out of that zone. There isn’t a lot of chemistry between them but I could be oblivious to it has been known to happen. Blind as a bat and all that nonsense.

The heroine Sophie Kim is reliable, sensible, and responsible. To put it in plain English Sophie Kim is a bit of a dull girl. It improved somewhat throughout the book but I would have liked to have seen more of a change.

The Hero of the book well I really can’t tell you much about him. His feelings were clear but he put up so many roadblocks and so many things were left unsaid. There were obstacles where none where necessary.

The plot of the book is a good storyline to run with Sophie’s job as an accountant nearly gets her killed, yeah I know you would have thought huh? If it hadn’t been for Haydn the German Shephard then she would have been toast. Right place & right time and all that. This leads to several more dangerous incidents that occur that leads to contract being out there on her. Brandon whisks her away to protect her. But if there was such limited contact to the outside how did they find her? That would have been interesting to know. Yeah I get it probably just me and my idiocrasy that I want to know and no one else does.

This is a story of second chance romance reconnecting with the past and coming to terms with it and trying to move forward together. And in a way it is a cute read, mindboggling because I didn’t get some of heroine’s issue. A fear that he will leave again? Some things that I found to be of importance that added to the story or would have helped where briefly mentioned and well it was done and dusted.

Although they work through the hows and the whys of him leaving I still didn’t feel as if the outcome was what it was meant to be. There is such a big problem with the family and then we don’t see him being welcomed into the family I thought what is the reasoning behind the whole story.

Now all in all this is a good and strong read and I enjoyed it very much. Ms. Drake is talented and I enjoy her work and an author to watch out for. Maybe it is the trope of second chance romance or I was just not feeling it. Who knows? I know nothing.

Absolute Truth by Piper J. Drake
Book #3 in the True Hero Series
Stars: 3.5

Reviewed by Maria Lokken

If you like your romantic suspense filled with tension, a bit of mystery and a relationship that sizzles – this is a book to put on the top your to be read pile. In book three of the True Hero Series, Absolute Truth quite literally begins with a bang and then takes you on a thrilling ride through danger and a slow build toward a happily ever after.

Brandon Forte is ex-military who now runs a kennel training military dogs. Sophie Kim is an accountant who has known Brandon since grade school. While they’ve both had strong feelings for each other, his absence coupled with their inability to open up about how they really feel has kept them at arm’s length despite their desire for one another.

When Sophie’s life is threatened, Brandon jumps into action to protect her. And this is where the author really makes you turn the pages. She has created a character the reader becomes invested in. Behind his incredibly strong exterior is a man who has the tenderness to envelop the woman he loves and the intelligence to keep her safe despite the constant threat she is living under. Brandon is a hero that is not only multi-dimensional but whose feelings unfold in such a way that you find your heart racing just a little bit faster as you move through the book. And if that isn’t enough – there’s the dog. Yes, the German Shepard named Haydn that Brandon is training. His love for animals, and particularly this dog, gives you one more reason to want Brandon to leap off the page and into your living room; even for just a minute.

The author keeps you guessing as to who is trying to kill Sophie or if it’s really Sophie they are after. Amidst the fears of being hunted down and killed, the relationship between Brandon and Sophie is a slow burn as they dance around their feelings. When the fire is finally ignited it’s a very worthwhile love story with a lot of action.


Maria Lokken Bio
Maria is an award-winning television producer. Currently as Executive In Charge of Production at Jarrett Creative, she’d helmed the production of Killision Course and The Haunting of on Lifetime, Boston’s Finest on TNT and Alaskan Women Looking for Love on TLC to name a few. She’s had a life-long love affair with romance books and would rather be reading than doing almost anything else.

http://www.theromancedish.com/2016/12/review-absolute-trust.html#links

Brandon Forte is back in town after leaving his best friend to go in the military without explanation. Forte has a dog training facility where he is training dogs for the police or military. This brings him back in the same town as Sophie Kim the girl he left behind. Things escalate when dangerous things start happening and Sophie is in constant danger. Forte knows he’s made some powerful enemies that now have Sophie in their cross-hairs. Will Brandon be able to save Sophie and show her how he really feels?

In an Oyster Shell – It was a steamy action-packed romance.

The Pearls – This whole series is a great concept. Centered around a dog kennel run by ex-military makes for an endless fodder for narrative. This is the third book in the series and was a great addition. The concept of dogs in the narrative is an interesting aspect. If your an animal lover and want a hero story this book is for you.

The characters were strong and well-developed. I really liked Brandon and his relationship with Sophie. They have been friends for a long time and that’s a great way to start a romance. The tension between the two of them is palpable and Brandon’s response to danger keeps him and Sophie close.

The romance was steamy and satisfying. It was a long time coming and the conclusion was fulfilling.

This book made me go back and read the other books in the series. I hardly every do that.

Absolute Trust is absolutely an incredible read! The characters are well developed and engaging all the way down to the heroic working dogs. Piper J. Drake is excellent at creating a strong cast of characters and giving the dogs like Hadyn a strong presence in the story.

One thing about a series like the True Heroes series is that even if you haven't read the previous novels, the current release is like a catch me up. Quick reminders are spaced throughout the novel while still entertaining a whole new adventure. This particular adventure focuses on Brandon Forte, who owns a facility for the rehabilitation of service dogs, and Sophie Kim the girl who's always there for him. While Sophie seems inclined to wait for a man she doesn't do so sitting around. She's an accountant with a passion for baking and a soft spot for animals. So it comes as a surprise when her car explodes from an IED. Brandon makes it a personal mission to keep Sophie safe and find out why she was targeted.

This is a romantic thriller through and through. Readers never know what danger is waiting around the corner for the main characters as they swim through the depths of their connection. Sophie and Brandon are the high school sweethearts that never were, but they have an opportunity to work out what they truly mean to each other.

Absolute Trust is a versatile read that will appeal to many types of readers. Romantics and dog lovers alike, don't miss out on this special read from Piper J. Drake!

*ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*