Out of Winter comes the Spring. This is how I see this story. Two souls hurting for different reasons and at different times but together they support and love. Neil and Kendra do not have an easy time of it but that just makes it all the more special.

The suspense in this one did have me on the edge of my seat – I was not totally convinced I had it figured out until the end. Oh, and for at least the last 25% of the story I needed multiple tissues. That is not a bad thing because most of it was due to love and support for each other and other victims.

I have read three stories in the Cedar Tree series and have really enjoyed all of them. I like that these men and women are not young, not perfect, they have struggles and they are not glamorous. They live their lives the best way they can and each reach their HEA. Just lovely.

This author is amazing! Head Start is only the second book I've read of Freya Barker but she has blown me away with both books. There is so much feeling in her stories and she does such an amazing job of writing the perspective a person who has suffered trauma. The Heros she writes are everything you can dream up. They are strong, protective and reliable men who take care of the people they love. The heroines are strong. Independent women who have suffered a trauma and rise above it all. The emotions you get in these stories are intense. I love the way she writes her supporting characters as just that! Supporting the H and h and becoming the non traditional family. And let me tell you, the dedication the author writes to her son in this book almost made me cry! You have to read it when you pick up this book.

Kendra has gotten her life on track. After getting a great job at the clinic and renting a cute house in Cedar Tree, Kendra's only hope for herself is to find love...which is easier said than done!! She tried her hand at online dating and with not much luck, she pulled her profile from the site. Neil is a very handsome suitor that she can't get off her mind, but he's younger than her...a fact she can't get past!

Neil has been working for awhile as an investigator for Gus- a job he's good at and loves. He hasn't found "the one" yet, but that isn't for lack of trying. For the past year(ish) he has had his eyes on Kendra!! It seems no matter how he approaches the prospect of going on a date with her, Kendra shuts it down immediately. The thing is they have serious chemistry and he knows she feels it too!! He recently has been worried about her well-being, the crew has been investigating a serial killer that preys on women ranging from 25-40 years old and all the women have jobs in the medical field!! Which puts Kendra at risk, a risk Neil isn't willing to take! As the danger becomes too close for comfort, Neil makes it his job to protect Kendra and let me say that sparks between them definitely fly!!

Freya Barker can seriously write some fantastic romance novels!!! I am a huge fan of hers and she hasn't ever let me down! The Cedar Tree series is full of amazing characters that you really feel you know personally. This book was so suspenseful that I found myself holding my breath and biting my nails more times than I can count! The storyline had so many layers and was well thought-out! I (as always) love how everything played out and I (as always) am looking forward to whatever Ms. Barker comes out with next!! Head Start is a complete 5 star book! If you haven't started this series yet, there is no time like the present!! Go 1-click it!!

Freya Barker hits another home run with her final book in the "Cedar Tree" series. HEAD START is an incredible book full of laughter, tears, romance, heartbreak, and suspense. You will be eagerly turning pages to get to the end while simultaneously cursing that the end of the series is getting closer with every page devoured. Definitely recommend!

a good read

3.5 stars

Pretty classic Freya Barker and if you love this series I am sure you will enjoy Head Start. Neil is the youngest GFI investigator and gets tired of being made to feel that way. He has the hots for Kendra who is a few years older and has led Neil on a merry chase for a year because she feels he is too young. Neil isn’t having any more of it when he realizes she is using a dating site. And if that’s wasn’t enough she has attracted a serial killer in the process. So of course in true alpha fashion Neil rides to rescue and won’t take no for an answer. I enjoyed Neil and Kendra’s story and I was quite shocked by what happens to Kendra. I would say the only thing I didn’t care for was the pet name “Pup” and all the silly phrases Kendra used. Overall this was a good addition to the Cedar Tree series.

Can you regain your life after someone destroys it. Neil has found the woman that he wants to spend the rest of his life with but Kendra is holding back. Can she let him in and give them a chance? Can Neil save her from a madman that wants to make her his final work of art? A great read full of action, happiness and death.

As per usual I come across an amazing series and find out its the last in the series and I now need to go read everything back to front!!! WHilst this was a series of books, this book easily stands alone as enough of the characters backstory is given so that you know what has come before.

I loved the fact that these characters all have flaws. Whether PTSD, a physical disability,or something as trivial as perceived ageism. Kendra may be older than the usual heroine but she is feisty, beautiful and intelligent. Neil may look like young playboy but he is 32 and a seasoned soldier and IT specialist. He sees Kendra as the sexy woman of his dreams. He doesn't care that she is a bit older than him, he just wants her. If he could just get past those barbed wire topped 20ft high walls she has erected around herself where he is concerned!

With stalking, kidnapping, serial killer on the loose and burgeoning love, this tale is chockablock and explosive. I loved the fast pace and the dual POV. You get to see what is going on in each characters head. Kendra attracting the wrong guy has such a monumental effect on not only her but her family and friends too.

The bad guy is totally creepy and I could feel my skin crawl when we finally caught up with him. I loved that the story didn't just end with his capture and the survivors being found. We got to see Kendra's recovery and the final blossoming of her and Neil's relationship.

The wishlist just got longer by adding all the previous books in this series to it!!! Awesome book and well worth a read!

This story seemed to go on a little longer than necessary, but very enjoyable story.

What a great book! The story was so moving and touching and real. These characters went through hell and have come out better on the other side. I love a book where he sticks around for the girl, and not in a creepy way. He has genuine feelings for her and he waits for her because he knows she is worth it. The relationship between them develops in a very real and honest way. Some scary messed up events take place in this book and the torment and hell she goes though is just awful to read about. I love Chaos and the writer does such a great job bringing him in and providing some emotional relief for everyone. Well done!

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Kendra is moving to Cedar Tree. Most of her time has been spent focusing on her career but now that she is more settled she can maybe work on a personal life?

Neil lives in Cedar Tree and is an investigator. He and Kendra have known each other for about a year. He is very interested in moving that relationship further but Kendra isn't as she figures he is about 10 years her junior and is uncomfortable with it. There is certainly an attraction to him. Most people in their circle know he has a thing for her and encourage it but she won't give in.

Kendra had been corresponding with a man from a dating site for about 4 months. He asked to finally meet her and they agree to meet for coffee. As they are talking she becomes a bit uncomfortable with Lars. She would see flashes of anger in him when she would respond in a different way than he wanted.

Murders of young women have been happening, more than Kendra knows about. Neil and his team are asked to help in the investigation. All the women have worked in the medical field and as more facts come out Neil feels Kendra might be in danger. He plans on keeping a close eye on her.

Will Neil convince Kendra they can be together? Is a killer after her?

This is the only book in the series I have read and a first time reading this author. This story was just awesome! I don't read too much mystery but when I read a story like this I ask myself why! Within pages, I was drawn in to the story and the characters.

I could understand Kendra's reticence to date Neil because of the age difference but was also sad because he was such a good man. She really did need to deal with some "family" issues, to realize she was her own person.

The writing had me on the edge of my seat at times, that's how good it is. I would definitely recommend this book!

Posted as "A Wisconsin Reader" on Amazon.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

I had not read any of Freya Barker's books before I read this one, but I am definitely going to read the first six books of this series. Set in a small town in Colorado, this series is about a security company, named GFI (which unfortunately for those of us coming into the series at this book is not spelled out) full of alpha males, and the women they come to love. The characters are interesting and readers will like them. There is always a danger in a long series that the characters will resemble each other too much, but Barker avoids this trap.

The suspense in this book is well-done, and sufficiently creepy to keep one's interest. There is a certain amount of gore (mostly talked about) which might be upsetting for some, although most adults should be able to take it in stride. Due to the steam factor this is not a book for children.

There were a few small editing problems: "to" when "too" was meant, "lay" when "lie" was meant, etc. These were not egregious nor plentiful enough to disrupt a reader's enjoyment, but they were noticeable. A far worse problem was the heroine's use of silly euphemisms, especially the extremely irritating, repeated use of "dagnabit,' which jarred each time. This was neither cute nor endearing.

All in all, this was a well-done example of an adult romance and I can recommend it to fans of the genre.

Luckily, this is a stand alone novel - which I have a DEEP appreciation for! Now that I have read this book, I will go back and read the others in the series. I hate being told the order to read books but like books in a series - familiar characters, relationships, expectations, etc. This book kept my interest and was interesting! There were a few twists that were unexpected yet believable. I would definitely read more books by this author and recommend the books to others!

This book is exceptional! I like the way that Neil doesn't give up on Kendra, even though she is fighting their May - December romance. Once she finally gives in, their chemistry is off the charts! The storyline could be a Criminal Minds episode ... which I found outstanding! This is the first book that I have read of Freya's and because I really enjoyed it and I know I missed background on all the other characters in the book, I will have to go back and read the rest of the series. I highly recommend this book for those who love romance, mystery, humor ... well really, it has a bit of everything in it ... so just read it!

This was my first book by this author. It definitely won't be my last. The tension in the story kept building layer by layer ....you knew something terrible would happen but not when. The slow build reminded me of the old horror movies....so big on suspense. The romance between the characters grew in its intensity as well. Despite this being a book within a series, it was so well written that it could easily stand alone. Not that you should let it.

This is the second book of this series that I have read and I enjoyed both of them. I would gladly read others in the series if/when I find them. As the final book in this series it is a great because it brings in most of the characters from previous books for the grand finale.

A serial killer is on the loose in the area and he has his sights set on Kendra Schmitt. She has kept herself to herself through the years and has managed to avoid succumbing to the overtures of Neil James even though he has made his interest known to her. After a blind date with an online “friend” that left her feeling creeped-out she leans a bit on Neil and then a bit more until he begins to feel there might be a future for the two of them after all. It is not all smooth sailing for the two of them but it is intriguing. With the killer doing his thing and trying to reach Kendra while Neil and his buddies protect her, the story becomes very intense and is a real page turner.

I liked the interaction between Neil and Kendra. I found Kendra’s strength admirable although I sometimes questioned why she did what she chose to do. I liked the idea presented that healing, physical and mental, is best done with the support of those that care about you.

I would like to thank NetGalley and BookBuzz and the author for the copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 Stars