Excellent story. I loved every bit of it as well as the characters. Couldn't put it down.

This book was easy to read and kept me interested for the most part. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 stars is because of the 'Hallmark' type ending. I think it would have been much better had it left the reader hanging a bit and not Jan, the victim, falling in love with the detective, Andy. Too predictable.

Hear Me Roar by Joy Smith focusses on the life of gluten free enthusiast Jan Simmons, her adorable children Mae and Billy and her abusive, alcoholic husband Jeff.

Jan is a mother of two, planning her escape from her untrustworthy, selfish, self absorbed, alcohol dependant husband. For Jan to survive alone she needs her own money. With a passion for baking gluten free goods she begins selling her products to the local sweet shop. Before Jan is able to make her escape her whole life is turned upside down when the police show up at her house with a search warrant and all fingers are pointing at "Poppa Frank" and his family who recently moved into Charming Way.

Jan has to become a fighter and a survivor and leave behind the push-over she once was if she wants to save and protect her family.

Hear Me Roar covers a lot of important subjects such as domestic abuse, addiction, infidelity, gang crime and friendship. Joy Smith was able to tell the story extremely well and really brought the characters to life but the suspense, excitement and mystery I would expect from a thriller was lacking. There were no edge of your seat, heart racing, page turning chapters for me and I finished the book with a "was that it?" feeling. It wasn't a terrible book by any means but it isn't a book I will rave about or recommend to my friends or others who enjoy mystery/thriller novels.

I'd like to thank Netgalley and the Wild Rose Press for their free e-copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Hear Me Roar. This was an interesting read with a whole lot going on in the plot. Lots of drama and on a serious note abuse and addiction.