Three interlinked stories, rugged heroes and feisty women ,romance and danger. A light read but enjoyable.

MERI
Meriwether (Meri to her friends) & her daughter on the lam from L.A. But where they go trouble is sure to find them. That is until they reach the safety of Spokane and ex-cop Ian. He hires Meri to help out on his father's farm and Ian is falling fast...for mother and her cute toddler!

MELANIE
Melanie tutors at a local community facility for at risk children. When she sees one of her students being abducted she acts...by ramming the kidnappers car. Before she knows it she's involved with the man that she thought had left her behind. Gray thought he couldn't be in the same city as his brother and new wife..his own ex-fiancée! But he has undertaken an undercover op to catch dirty cops and Melanie has blown back into his life.

MICHELLE
Michelle lives a safe, peaceful little life in Portland. But when her home is invaded by her horrible mother and then by some really nasty characters, she turns to her former foster brother for help. But Raider is undercover and he dispatches another former foster brother Ethan to help. But Michelle and Ethan have a whole lotta history. But Michelle eventually let him go to his life in the Marines because she couldn't take the heartache of never knowing if he was coming back. But now Evan is the Sheriff in a tiny, friendly, very nosy town which seems to have adopted its newest lawman!

An absolute treat. Brilliant writing and all complement each other. I loved the way the characters and storylines are interwoven - they overlap in time so there is a real continuity to the flow of the overall story ARC. Bonus treat Michelle and Ethan meets a couple of...ahem locals in the middle of nowhere - Karys and Kyllwood are on the prowl. Also a great link to the Dark Ops series with Raider, Wolf, Kat and an ever thirsty alcoholic doggy!

Three women in this anthology are interconnected by their backgrounds growing up in foster homes, two of them with men from the past whom they loved and lost. Each author’s story also connects to characters from books in their series.

Against the Heart by Kat Martin

Meriwether Jones, a single mother with a young daughter, she has been trying to protect Lily from a scumbag, druggy ex who steals her money and threatens to take away the child. On the run after another confrontation, Meri is helped by ex-cop turned PI, Ian Brodie, who needs someone to look after his aging father. Ian knows Meri is in some kind of trouble; he is determined to protect her and Lily.

Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti

Michelle grew up with Evan Bolden in foster care. Their young love was broken up by Evan’s desire to go into the military. Michelle could not deal with having the man she loved constantly be at risk. After Meri’s ex assaults Michelle and her drug addled mother causes more trouble, Evan turns up to help protect the woman he never forgot. Fans of the Deep Ops series will be happy to see Wolfe and that crazy dog.

Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy

Melanie has made a good life for herself helping out at-risk children. When she saves one of her young charges from kidnappers, her former boyfriend Gray Hawkins shows up to whisk them away to safety. Detective Gray Hawkins broke Melanie’s heart some years ago so she is not inclined to risk a relationship with Gray again. Gray has been on the trail of dirty cops when Melanie steps right into the fray; he will do anything to protect her and when Melanie back.

All of these stories have women have had a rough start in life and are currently in dire need. Each has a family who has let them down; however, their friends prove that family is defined by more than blood relationships.

Loved this trio of stories, the characters and the way they intermingled together.


Against the Heart - Kat Martin

This has everything needed for a novella. With enough angst and drama to move the story, it’s rich with emotion as Meri and Ian struggle with their growing attraction. Meri, whose main concern is her daughter, was sweet and kind but with a backbone of steel. I loved that Ian recognized something wasn’t right and wanted to solve the problem but respected Meri too much to force himself into whatever the situation was.

Together, with the addition of Lily and Ian’s father, Daniel, this story was all things of the heart. I found myself loving them all early in the story and so much more by the time it ended. For such a quick read, this had all the feels to it.


Shaken - Rebecca Zanetti

Holy heck! How did this author manage to hook me, reel me in and serve me up in such a short space of time? This book is everything I love about her work but in a deliciously small package. Of course, this had my favorite type of hero. Evan was wonderful in the way he stepped in to protect Michelle, whether she wanted it or not. They have a history that leads believability to their relationship and adds to the chemistry that’s between them. Man, they absolutely sizzled!

This has a lot of danger, drama and action as well as one particular character that crossed-over from his series, and who I am dying to read more about. With his addition, this had some great humor to alleviate that outside angst this couple were fighting against. With a few twists I never saw coming, and some nice interlacing with the previous story, I finished this one with a huge smile.

Echoes of the Past - Alexander Ivy

When Mel risks her life to help a student she runs smack dab into Gray, the man from her past she hasn’t been able to forget. Together, they work to catch the person or persons who are out to not only capture the boy, but that are working with a drug cartel as well.

This works the case quite a bit with a little romance in between. I struggled some connecting with both Mel and Gray. Perhaps because this book was shorter than the others and I didn’t get a chance to really understand their past history enough. Despite that, they did an excellent job working together and both made adult decisions when it came down to dealing with their issues.

This is a really good anthology, I hadn’t read any books from these authors before but will definitely look out for their books. I liked how each story linked together in some way. They were quick stories but were satisfying enough

It's three novellas that work really well together and had a solid, connecting through plot (which isn't always the case) and were a good, quick read. I will say I wish they were a little longer, fuller stories, as I really enjoyed them, but I get when it's an anthology you aren't (normally) going to have a set of full length novels.

This was three stories that one of the main characters were connected in some way. The first story was by Kat Martin, home I love and I was so happy to get reacquainted with the Brodie's and especially with Ty, funny but I had just reread the book he was in (Against the Mark) So we meet Meri who is on the run with her daughter Lily..Lily dirtbag of a father thinks that Meri has to give him money since he is Lily's father and that he is entitled to anything that comes her way always threatening to take Lily away from her. He is a dirtbag and I dont think any judge would give him her but crazy things does seem to happen. So Mery runs with Lily and ends up meeting Ian Brodie who is looking for someone to clean his father house, he knows Meri is on the run but feels sorry for her, while spending time they fall in love, *fairly short story.

The second story by Zanetti- is Michelle who happens to be Meri's friend from the first story they were both in foster care at one point and remained friends. When Meri's ex comes in and slaps her she also finds out that her mom owes money to someone. Joey steals her tablet and she needs it, her ex comes to help her Evan Boldon, while he is helping her he gets in contact with Ian from the first story and he helps them. They are still looking for her mother and tablet and on the run from someone trying to hurt her.

The thirds story involves Melanie a teacher who does everything for her kids, while one of the bad men who were caught in the first story is in jail, he is going to testify against them when someone threatens his child. He contacts Detective Gray Hawkins who again was also in the first story. They are running to save this kids life Donnie and from some dirty cops.

Whew hoped I explained everything without telling you everything.

An interesting story by three great authors. Each story echos and touches on the other one, and helps to show a more complete story. By themselves they are novellas, but put together they form a great story. Some are better than others, but overall I highly recommend this book and the authors.

Ohhh! I loved revisiting with some old characters and meeting new ones in this book that contains stories by three of my favorite authors. While each of their stories has a new plot but with the same characters while the supporting cast is from older characters in each of their individual books.

Get to know three wonderful new stories and glimpses at characters from each authors' series. Each great in their own style but blends perfectly together.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Three stories of three women who bonded while in foster care and the men who love them. Ian Brodie, former cop and owner of Brodie Security, is looking for someone to clean up his father’s home. His father has not taken care of himself or the home since Ian’s mother died five years ago. He finds Meriwether Jones looking for work, after fleeing with her five-year old daughter from an abusive situation. Can this former cop keep her and her daughter safe?
In the second story, Michelle Peach is getting ahead in life when her dysfunctional mother shows up bringing trouble to her door. After learning of Michelle’s attack, her ex, Evan Bolden arrives to help. Evan has left the Marines and has settled down as the sheriff in Doe City. Michelle’s laptop, with critical information, has been stolen and the chase is on as Evan and Michelle try to find the laptop and avoid the men who are determined to take out Michelle and her mother.
In the last story, Melanie Cassidy who works at Hummingbird Youth Shelter sees one of her young charges being abducted and comes to the rescue. Her assistance lands her in the middle of an investigation by Detective Gray Hawkins…her former lover. Gray is trying to find the dirty cops that are working with a cartel before they find him and Michelle. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Pivot, has three connected stories by three different authors. They are connected by people and the trouble that they are getting into. I really enjoyed reading, Pivot.

Three short stories that will get your heart pumping from the first page. It’s not every day you can say that every book in a anthology was great but this is one of those. Every story has action, suspense and a sexy love story.
Meri Jones is on the run from a crazy ex when she meets Ian Brodie. He hires her to help him with his fathers house.
Melanie Cassidy runs a youth center. When she gets involved with a young boy in trouble Gray Hawkins comes to the rescue.
Michelle Peach calls a friend for help and he first love Evan Bolden shows up. Searching for her crazy mother brings out old feelings.
It’s my first Kay Marten book but I’m a long time fan of Ms Zanetti and Ivy.
I have to say Shaken was my favorite because I love Wolfe, Roscoe and Kat from Deep Ops who show up to help out.

I don't think the description was accurate, unless I missed something only 2 of the women were connected in foster care. Plus these stories just felt too rushed, especially the Kat Martin one. That one was my least favorite. The only highlight of the book was Wolfe and the dog.

Kat Martin is one of my favorite authors. Against the Heart was another amazing read. It was a fast-paced suspenseful read with great characters. Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti was another fast suspenseful read with great characters. Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy was also a fast-paced suspenseful read with great characters. Usually when you read multiple stories in a book you have some stand out titles and some not so much. I can honestly say that all of these stories are solid 5 star reads. Yes they are short stories but, they all pack a punch. When you add the suspenseful storylines and the amazing characters it makes 'PIVOT' a must read.

What a book lovers dream - 3 of the best authors all in 1 book! What I loved most was the threads between the stories told in the voices of each author. This is a quick read that you’ll not want to put down once you get started. I can’t wait to read more by all 3!

This is a collection of three novellas by authors I generally enjoy. Even though there are overlapping characters that tie these three stories together, they also tie into the author's individual series. The first story by Kat Martin, which sets the connection for all of these, was honestly my least favorite of the bunch. I think it was for a couple reasons: 1. the couple was a new meeting at the beginning of the story, so getting to their HEA felt a little rushed since this takes place over less than 2 weeks; and 2. Ian was a bit alpha for my liking.

The second story by Rebecca Zanetti ties into her current Deep Ops series. In this story, we get Raider's foster siblings' story. We are introduced a little to Evan and Michelle in her other stories. This is a second chance story with people who have a long history and are finally in the right place and time to be together. We also get more of Wolfe, who I love.

The third story by Alexandra Ivy has a connection to her Agency novel, The Intended Victim. Again, it is a second chance story which I feel is better in a novella setting. For me, it allows forgiveness in not being able to spend a lot of time in relationship development.

I had the opportunity to read an early copy for review.

AGAINST THE HEART by Kat Martin
4 stars
Meri and her daughter are running from her ex. She leaves L.A. and heads for Portland but she runs out of gas and money in Spokane. Ian, a former cop, now owns a security company. He is visiting his dad after not seeing him for two years. His dads house is a mess and needs to hire someone to help him. He meets Meri and can tell she's running from something and hires her to work at his dad's. While living then, Meri starts to fall for Ian but doesn't think he'll understand her background. When danger follows them, Ian will do anything to keep them safe. 
Short and a little sexy. Pretty good story.
SHAKEN by Rebecca Zanetti
5 stars
Michelle is a graphic novelist and was raised in foster homes. Her mother is a drug addict and drunk, when she shows up wanting money, Michelle has none to give her. Two guys bust her door in, roughs her up, demanding money from her mother that she owes, and stole her tablet that has her comics on it. She calls her foster brother for help but he's undercover, so he sends Evan. Evan is Michelle's ex, former military, and now sheriff. He has loved Michelle since he first laid eyes on her when they were in the same foster home. It's a race to figure out who sent the goons after Michelle and to find her tablet.
Freaking awesome with action and humor. Get to see a couple of friends, a dog, and a kitten.
ECHOES OF THE PAST by Alexandra Ivy
5 stars
Melanie runs a community center and as she's leaving one night, a young boy is chased by some big thugs and then forced into a vehicle. Not knowing what to do, she rams their car with hers, gets the boy out, and runs. When she hears her name being yelled, it's her ex Gray. Gray is there to find a boy and put him in protective custody while his father, who's in jail, gives them information on dirty cops. Gray is a cop undercover working on the case. They send the boy away while Gray protects Mel from the men wanting the kid. Gray broke Mel's heart once but can he get her to forgive him and keep her safe?
Action and suspense. Great story.
Three women who had rough childhoods and their hearts broke. Two guys trying to get their women back. One who has fallen for the woman he just meets.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley*

The idea of this book was a good one as described in the blurb. The issues that each story is only ten chapters; it's just not enough breathing room to fit a full thriller and romance with any depth or involvement with the plot or the characters. Repeat this with three couples, three separate storylines and it's doesn't really come together as a cohesive experience.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.5* Has a very, very dated feel to it, and not all the tales segue perfectly. Blurb promises more than the tales deliver.

I think I made the mistake of seeing two fave authors' names here and deciding to ask for the ARC on that basis, not having read the blurb, which turned out to be quite a bit more than the book and individual tales delivered.

The Kat Martin one is first, with the Meri character. The tale is one that's been done before - a woman and her child trying to escape an ex go on the road and just happen to find a live-in job with a guy who's tough, ferrets out their secret and is willing to protect them. This was a really dated tale, like KM's books that I read some 20yrs ago. It's not a bad tale but we get told things, like Meri having a baby with a one-night stand who turned out to be the bad guy, her being taken in by another who dumped her immediately he seduced her, but we weren't in the tale at the times those events happened. The vocab dated the book; this was like reading an early 80s Silhouette Desire. The story took place over a matter of a couple of weeks, I think, and ended in a HEA that I couldn't see or believe in. 2.5*

The Rebecca Zanetti one is next, featuring Meri's friend Michelle. She's not really what I would have called lead material, as she was made out to be down on her luck, not a very strong character and drifting, rather than living. Yes, she, like Meri, had been in care but I'd have thought that that would have made her all the more determined to be more, do more. The romance was a non-starter for me, but, the leads had history and had been each other's first, so it ended with them together. 2*

The Alexandra Ivy was the best of the bunch, but again felt dated and not what I'm used to from her. Again the leads had history to make them work but we're given a backstory of the male lead getting engaged and his fiancee running off with his brother three weeks later, and now those guys are married and having a child, and yes, there's history with the female lead, but I couldn't see/didn't read where they were an item after the elopement, though logically they had to be. There was some danger that actually felt like danger, some believable bad guys but there were also TSTL moments (like taking someone to a safe place but not even thinking about turning off the phone to avoid their location being tracked by GPS), but the sex was straight out of... an 80s Silhouette Desire. 3*

Editing wasn't the greatest, as these tales were meant to be happening either entirely concurrently, or taking place with a couple of days' lapse, but there were inconsistencies.

Tbh, each of these tales would have been better fleshed out more and as standalones.

ARC courtesy of Kensington/Zebra and NetGalley, for my reading pleasure.