3 1/2 Stars. I really like how Ronica Black writes. It's different, not cookie-cutter, and just really appeals to me. While I really like Black, I did not go into this book with high expectations. The reviews have been so mixed that I was treading carefully. To my pleasant surprised, I ended up enjoying this.

The book is about Brynn Williams. Brynn has just been released from prison, when her sister picks her up in a stolen car. Before she can even get home, an encounter with Sargent Kat Vander, changes her life forever. Can a Williams from the "wrong side of the tracks" have a chance at a relationship with a police officer?

This is the third f/f romance I have read about a person trying to get their life back to together after being in jail. I have liked all three of those books. No idea what it is, maybe that a person can get a second chance for a happy life. Either way, these romances seem to work for me. And I always like books with cops/agents/detectives. Put those two together, and I was into this book.

This is a quick read. Black mentions she meant to make this a short, but she could not stop writing. I noticed some people commenting that they weren't so into the characters or the chemistry. Which can happen in stories without a lot of length. But it wasn't the case for me. I liked Brynn immediately and though I understood her. Kat is a little more mysterious, but her character isn't too complex, so I understood and liked her too. When it came to the chemistry, I absolutely felt it. I thought the initial attraction was very quick, maybe a little unbelievable, but the more the characters were together, I saw the chemistry. I have not even mentioned the sex scenes that were pretty damn intense. They were a little different too. Not the kind we read everyday, which I appreciate. Though with all that biting Brynn did, I started to think I was reading a paranormal book.

I liked this book. I guess this is just the kind of book that is going to have mixed reviews, but it worked for me. I think if you enjoy Ronica Black, or are looking for a good beach read, (this would be the perfect beach read for me. Quick read, not too emotional, some heat to compete with the sun.) then I say gave this book a chance.

An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.

This book had the chemistry and hot scenes that we are used to from Ronica Black, I really enjoyed the first part when I was sucked in the attraction between the two women. The story was simple, no surprises, no mysteries, no very deep characters.
It was an enjoyable, easy read, I kept coming back at.

What's a girl going to do when thrown in the unenviable situation of having to choose between family and the love of her life? Brynn is unceremoniously tossed into that situation literally on the way home from being released from prison when she and her sister intervene a shooting in progress of the very cop that arrested and sent her to prison. Brynn's timely rescue of Kat propels them onto a path that neither can turn away from. The attraction is that strong for the both of them. Their classic love story of two mis-matched souls from opposing sides of the track forming an impenetrable bond of love is masterfully written with that intensely erotic subtext that this author is known for. While the plot is solid I felt there could have been more development regarding the shooters and their motives. I was also skeptical that the attraction between Kat and Brynn was only realized after the shooting and not years previously. I am also going to be greedy here and say I just wish this novel was longer because I liked their story that much. A very enjoyable story, and again, another intense ride by this polished veteran author.

genre: contemporary romance
length: 45,000 words, 16 chapters
main characters:
Brynn Williams, ex-convict
Kat Vander, police sergeant
setting: Dare Creek County, North Carolina, USA
- a great love story about two very interesting women from different backgrounds
- some well done minor characters
- this author really knows how to write and although this book is on the shorter side it has everything it needs to be a great book
- recommended to all romance fans
cover: appealing, not well related to the plot
book rating: 5 stars
eARC by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley

What a nice romance and demonstration of caring. Brynn Williams refuses to be a product of her environment and upbringing and has a tremendous capacity for love and giving. Brynn would love to be in a committed relationship. Kit Vander is serious about her job and would love to have someone to share her life with. The need to feel wanted and loved provides the anchor for this read.

This is a good story about finding the freedom to love. Often, well meaning people tell others who they should or shouldn’t love. They take away that freedom to love based on opinions and prejudice. The two main characters in this book struggle with that freedom. Kat and Brynn become close by circumstances, but find love by choice.
This book also addresses how people like Brynn will go to extremes to help those she loves even when it’s not returned. Without giving anything away, I did have trouble believing Brynn’s total turnabout concerning her sister, Bea.
The storyline was good, but I personally expected a little more of a plot/closure concerning the capture of the people who ambushed and shot Kat and Damien since this shooting supposedly made national headlines in the story. Overall, this was a good read with memorable characters.

A sweet romance, uncomplicated, although it lacked some depth in the background of the characters. The story does not explains some details as for example how much time Brynn has spend in jail, the cause for it, the relation of Kat in the imprisonement. It does not tell us Kat and Brynn age and their physicall description is also vague. Is also confusing in wich one of them is the closeted one, I had assumed that Kat had a secret private life and Brynn had had a more open love life. But really all of the above does not matter so much to me because at the end I have really enjoyed the love story between Kat and Brynn.

I was excited about the potential in this story with the characters being at opposite ends of the law and somehow find themselves drawn to each other. I love these types of stories where odds are against the two characters.

I enjoyed the book but was also disappointed with certain aspects of the story. I found the story and romance to be surface level stuff never really pulling you in emotionally. Even from the beginning I think if there was more emotion between the two characters of dislike the push and pull of the romance would have been much stronger. The pace of the romance for me was off in that it was there straight away and think in this story line you needed more of a build up.

I still enjoyed the journey we were taken on with the two characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

It wasn’t so much the convict/officer troupe that pulled me in and held me captive, but how well this story highlights the plight of someone whose character is called into question due to association.

Sergeant Kat Vander is a likeable character. The side story of her downed partner added depth to the plot.

However, my heart went out to Brynn. The stigma of her family followed her around like a death sentence, more accurately a prison sentence. Just because her family were known criminals she was assumed guilty by association. Having a close friend who has faced the same prejudice, I found myself able to relate.

And, of course, the reader has to wonder how on earth there can ever be a happy ever after, and if Brynn will ever find true love.

Verdict – highly recommended.

***
I can’t believe this is the first book I’ve read by this author, but the best thing about that fact is I have many more to look forward to reading.

Copy received via NetGalley

This book was another win from Ms. Black, featuring a sound, intriguing premise, a strong dynamic between the protagonists and an effective depiction of the ethical questions that arose for Kat as she attempted to reconcile her role as a law enforcement officer with her affection for someone beginning again after prison. Honestly, too few books delve into the vast adjustments that must take place after people are discharged from situations that limit choice/freedom to the extent that incarceration does. However, the supporting figures of Murphy and Bea were too much-annoying and insipid with little sympathy for those whose life experiences did not mirror their own. I think that the potential exists for a follow-up volume, without either of the aforementioned.

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34108171-freedom-to-love" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Freedom to Love" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1486137266m/34108171.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34108171-freedom-to-love">Freedom to Love</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/449016.Ronica_Black">Ronica Black</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2069683340">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review. No synopsis needed. This is a thriller/erotic romance with main characters Kat and Brynn. An easy read that found me rooting for Brynn to succeed. Maybe a sequel to come? Ms. Black is one of my favourite authors and once again she doesn't disappoint!! 4 stars.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/31134832-gail">View all my reviews</a>

I love this author's work. You always get an engaging and novel storyline and always get some rather hot scenes. This book is no exception. Was meant to be a short story but probably best described as a long short story. You know it's a good book when you care about the characters and feel quite devasted when things are put in their way. I highly recommend this book and this author.

An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I like Ronica Black and usually have trouble deciding between four and five stars. This book fell a little flat to me. I loved Brynn and Kat; it was the secondary characters that rubbed me the wrong way and halted the enjoyment of the plot. Murphy and Bea especially. I couldn't stand them, and every time they talked, I found myself skimming the page until they were done. This lessened my enjoyment of the book, but it is my issues and if you are in the mood for a great romance then enjoy!

I've read all of Ronica Black's books. I was a little disappointed in the storyline. The writing is well and the characters are extremely likable. I think I was looking for more of a storyline from the police aspect. I expected a deeper drama based off her earlier work. The love scenes are awesome as always and I was drawn to keep reading. I would recommend it.

I love Ronica Black and this book rocked!! The plot was unlike any book I've read with the one main character (Brynn) being released from prison and within 30 minutes saving the life of the cop (Kat) who put her in prison. The book started with a bang and kept my gripped until the end. Brynn was such a fantastic character....I wish there were more people like her in the world. The development f the relationship between Brynn and Kat was solid and sweet. Bea....well...what can I say about Bea except....ugh but her character was effective in this plot. This was an awesome book that I'm so thrilled I was able to read. Thanks Ronica for another great read!