Hit & Run

Favorite Quotes:<br /><br />Grant in a tent—I would give good money to see that. “Sweetheart,” he starts in complete diva mode, waving his hand up and down the front of his body. “See this six foot six frame of carefully honed muscle, coated in a rich coat of cocoa, polished and waxed to a perfect shine? This here body will not stuff itself in any sleeping bag, it does not fit in any tent, it is not intended for rough terrain, and it does not find the idea of peeing in a bush at all romantic.” He takes a deep drink of his beer, slams his empty bottle on the counter, and belches loudly, only adding to our hilarity, before he finishes. “This is a body designed for feather beds and the soft slide of twelve hundred thread-count, Egyptian cotton sheets. I’ll sleep in the wild when I’m dead.”<br /><br />“With that scruff, he’s like catnip for soccer moms.” “Are you calling me a soccer mom?” she protests. “No. I’m calling him catnip.”<br /><br />“I tried calling: no answer. I left a message: nothing. Finally I called your office—” He points a scathing look at Jake. “And threatened whoever was unfortunate enough to answer the phone, that I would sit on them, hold them down, and roll rubber bands through their chest hair until they’re as smooth as a baby’s butt— to get this damn address.”<br /><br />For years I’d harbored the dream of a family, but eventually simply gave up even hoping. My fortieth birthday had been a come -to-Jesus moment when I felt I passed that invisible barrier between; it could still happen, and your ovaries now grow dust bunnies.<br /><br />My Review:<br /><br />With every new book she writes, I adore Freya Barker just a little more. She gives us everyday hard-working and well-seasoned heroes and heroines who have or are struggling with real-life issues and doing their best at jobs they may not enjoy but need to hold on to. Most of us have been there. And quite often doing those thankless jobs conflict with doing the right thing, which causes additional stress and dissatisfaction, lots of us have been there too. <br /><br />Hit&amp;Run broke ground for an action-packed new series with several busy, realistic, and compelling storylines and a full slate of uniquely interesting, likable, and relatable characters who labor away at relatively common jobs and are doing so with healthy servings of dignity as well as a side order of irreverent humor. And of course, I must not forget to mention the supportive and sensual romance that blossoms amid of all this intriguing peril and chaos. <br /><br />All of Ms. Barker’s thoughtfully written books that I have read have been remarkably self-contained standalone stories that seamlessly interconnect with the others in their series. I am already eager for the next installment.

A new series on Bodyguards? Heck yes! Jack is part of the security detail for a movie production filming in town. They have rented out the second floor of the hotel that Rosie is working nights cleaning the hotel. Things get a bit dicey when Rosie witnesses something she shouldn't have.<br /><br />Rosie is 42, single and came home to take care of her mother that is suffering from Alzheimer's. She has to work the night shift so that she can be home to take care of her mom during the day. Her money goes to the care of her mother who does nothing but belittle her when she is in her right mind. To say the least, her life is not full of sunshine.<br /><br />Jake is 38, lost his parents when he was young and didn't find a family until he was in his teens. He enlisted in the army right out of high school and like many former military, he struggles with guilt over what happened while he was enlisted. He doesn't really know how a relationship should work but his connection to Rosie proves he doesn't need to know. All he cares about is protecting her from the danger that seems to be following her.<br /><br />One of the things I love about this author is that her characters are so real. They have everyday problems they deal with and seeing how a romance growing in a real way is very appealing. Plus, her characters are usually a bit older and more mature. Like many of her other books, this one had me completely engrossed with Jack and Rosie's life. I loved it and can't wait for the next in the series!<br /><br />

DNF<br />I think the timings to start this one was not good. That's why almost everyone enjoyed it alot whereas I was struggling to get through every chapter.<br />My bad.

This is the first book I’ve read by Freya Barker. I don’t believe it will be my last, provided I can find the time to read everything I want to read. While there is so much to discuss in this story, I want to focus on only a few points. <br /><br />The two main characters are compelling and relatable. <br /><br />In Rose, you’ve got an innocent, unsuspecting woman who sees something she wasn’t supposed to see and suddenly this puts her in danger. She is a character the reader immediately relates to because she is your average, overworked, underpaid, 40 something single woman who’s hopes and dreams were never realized because life happened. When I say life, I mean the ailing health of her mother who never thought too highly of her in the first place. <br /><br />In Jake, you’ve got a military veteran with an unspeakable past who has chosen to cope with life as a civilian by turning to a big-time, family-owned private security firm. Things are going well in this firm until their key client does something he shouldn’t have done. In protecting the client, he finds himself hopelessly drawn to Rose. <br /><br />In Grant, you have Rose’s best friend, confidant, and coworker who is a flamboyant, large gay black man. I love this character, and a lot of his lines are funny and don’t seem contrived at all. But, I do fear they do toe the line between being a little too cliche. In some sense, he plays a form of comic relief to Rose’s tragic character. He also served to push her beyond her tragic situation and go for what she most desperately needs while reminding her to proceed with caution. He also reminds her of all of the things that make her exceptional attractive, and I am not just referring to her physical traits. <br /><br />The overarching conflict in this story is compelling. <br /><br />I touched upon this a little in my character descriptions, but I’ll go a little further. Basically, Rose is tracked by an unknown assailant out to silence her, even though she has literally said nothing of what she has seen. What first begins as an assignment to keep Rose safe, because a struggle for Jake to keep things professional. I won’t go into detail how this works out. But, I will say, Rose definitely has her eyes for Jake. So, there are two arcs occurring simultaneously: the sexual attraction turned beautiful romance and the ever-present danger of just staying alive. <br /><br /><br />Overall Plot<br /><br />It unfolds in a smooth, natural way. There does seem to be a couple, with the most prominent being Jake rushing to see Rose because he realizes she is likely in danger. Then, he seems to forget about this completely and the reader is launched into a steamy sex scene. Later, Jake realizes he never told her about the danger. So, I’m left wondering how much of a military veteran and security professional Jake really is that he’s let himself turn to his most base desires for sex. But, that was the only point where I felt the story fell a little short in believability. Simply because I was lead to believe this danger to be so incredibly urgent that he had to rush to Rose, only for the two to wind up having sex. <br /><br />A lot of stories end, then putter along for another twenty pages to wrap up the arc. When I got to the last 20% of the story, that’s what I thought Ms. Barker was doing. But I was pleasantly surprised by an unresolved conflict that worked itself out in the end. I say that, because I’d completely forgotten about the detail dropped so much early and so quickly. I was also pleasantly surprised that my own prediction was correct, though the reasons why it was correct was also a surprise. <br /><br />Craft, style, etc. <br /><br />Suddenly there are a bunch of books out for adults that are written in first-person present tense. When did that become a thing? For some reason, it works. Or, at the very least, Freya Barker makes it work exceptionally well. The present tense gives this story a sense of urgency, happening in the now feel. It also, in some ways, plays out like a film, even at the moments where we are getting into the character’s head. <br /><br />This story is also told from alternating points of view between Rose and Jake. The voices are distinct from each other throughout, so it’s very clear who is speaking even without the subheading indicating it as belonging to Jake or Mary. <br /><br />Regarding the employment of sex in the story.<br /><br />I would describe it as poetic, rather than pornographic or erotic. It is an expression of love that does develop and build over the course of the story, culminating into something very beautiful in the final encounter.<br /><br />I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Well let me start this out with I don't know how to rate this book. The writing is flawless the characters performed their part and the narration was excellence. I know I'm not going to make friends with this post but I was WHAT THE HECK the whole book. I was waiting for everyone to do the right thing, you know be the hero and all. What happened to upstanding do the right thing even if ? OMG the poor homless man. I read a bunch of reviews and this didn't bother anyone? I KNOW this is a pretend book but I was waiting for something that didn't happen. Please if there is one other person that reads this book and agrees with me, let me know. Yes, read this book it's good, I love Ms Barker. This just did not work for me plot wise.

Audiobook: Narrator - Tanya Eby and Patrick Zeller<br /><br />Wow! I absolutely LOVED these two narrators together! They just totally worked for me, which I know audio is suggestive to each individuals likes and dislikes but this was a collaboration that did it for me. This was a great performance and both narrators gave so much life to the characters. Would love to hear more from them.<br /><br /><br /><br />Nobody does mature romance like Freya Barker and this book is another perfect example of her talent!<br /><br />”Love is equal parts bliss and torture – it’s passion and fear – and once discovered, it becomes as essential as breathing.”<br /><br />I loved both Rosie and Jake. Their relationship was a little bit of a slow burn after an insta-attraction, which I loved. While they each had baggage from their past, they never really allowed it to interfere with what they were building between them. I expected Rosie to firmly push Jake away but what little bit she attempted was quickly diminished by his determination to learn more about her.<br /><br />”The quiet, hardworking Rosie may have caught my attention, but this feisty and passionate version I’m getting to know, is holding it.”<br /><br />Rosie was strong and independent yet insecure due to the way she was raised. Her enlightenment into being more than enough for Jake was beautiful and I loved that it didn’t take a huge wallop on her head to get her to that point. It was very real, very believable, and absolutely perfect.<br /><br />While Jake wasn’t a chest thumping alpha hero, he was plenty protective and exhibited just enough grumpiness during jealous periods to keep me more than happy with his character.<br /><br />”He wasn’t hiding me, or ashamed of me. Instead he marked me in front of everyone, including his own boss. If he’d have peed on me it couldn’t have been clearer.”<br /><br />But his tender regard and care for Rosie was what really sold me on him. He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for her and in return that made him perfect for me.<br /><br />This story revolves around one incident that leads into danger for Rosie resulting in a mystery that had me questioning everyone. I eventually tagged the bad guy, but I don’t think it had anything to do with my sleuthing skills and everything to do with this author giving me clues. But when I had my light bulb moment, let’s just say I was shocked at the potential twist. Ms. Barker does twists so well!<br /><br />With some amazing secondary characters that I must have more of, some extremely steamy times as well as sizzling chemistry, and the most perfect epilogue ever, I hated to see this book end. It was a wonderful read and solidifies my belief that this author can do no wrong.<br />

I was soooooo excited to see that one of my Unicorn Authors was starting a new series....and Hit&amp;Run DID NOT disappoint in any way! This first book in the PASS series, is classic Freya Barker and it BLEW ME AWAY!!! I loved every single thing about it! Jake and Rosie are right up there with some of my fave characters from Freya! Their story is full of Freya's signature style...mature couples who have life experience, men who don't expect the "perfect" body and appreciate the curves (and bumps) of a more "seasoned" woman and he's VERY protective (read; ALPHA), with strong women, while both are usually dealing with some difficult, REAL and sometimes heart-breaking issues. all wrapped up in suspense and intrigue that has my heart pounding and brain trying to figure it all out. Jake and Rosie are all that and so much more!<br /><br />Rosie has returned to Grand Junction to look after her Mom, who has Alzheimer's, even though her mother hasn't been the most supportive of her in her life (to say the least) She works as a hotel housekeeper on the night shift so she can care for her Mom during the day. Jake is a former military-now-security-specialist (bodygaurd/babysitter) who has been assigned to protect the obnoxious lead actor in a movie being filmed in Grand Junction, said movie crew are staying at the hotel where Rosie works. When Rosie witnesses an accident involving one of the hotel's guests, it puts her in danger...and puts her on Jake's radar, big time!!!<br /><br />Hit&amp;Run has all the heart, humor, suspense, intrigue and heat that I've come to expect (and LOVE) in a Freya Barker novel! I can't recommend this one, or ANY of Ms. Barker's books, highly enough!<br /><br />"???? ?? ????? ????? ????? ??? ???????-??'? ??????? ??? ????-??? ???? ??????????, ?? ??????? ?? ????????? ?? ?????????."

Rosie and Jake!!! What a great older couple. Hit and Run is book 1 of Freya Barker new series PASS! It takes place in Grand Junction Colorado. Freya Barker's forte is older couples. She brings the heat without all the BS you get with a younger couple. Anytime I open a Freya Barker book, I KNOW I'm going to be entertained!!! 5 brilliant stars for the seasoned romance!

Nobody does mature romance like Freya Barker and this book is another perfect example of her talent!<br><br><br><b> <i>”Love is equal parts bliss and torture – it’s passion and fear – and once discovered, it becomes as essential as breathing.”</i> </b><br><br><br>I loved both Rosie and Jake. Their relationship was a little bit of a slow burn after an insta-attraction, which I loved. While they each had baggage from their past, they never really allowed it to interfere with what they were building between them. I expected Rosie to firmly push Jake away but what little bit she attempted was quickly diminished by his determination to learn more about her. <br><br><b> <i>”The quiet, hardworking Rosie may have caught my attention, but this feisty and passionate version I’m getting to know, is holding it.”</i> </b><br><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1566628040ra/28042999.gif" width="450" height="550" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><br>Rosie was strong and independent yet insecure due to the way she was raised. Her enlightenment into being more than enough for Jake was beautiful and I loved that it didn’t take a huge wallop on her head to get her to that point. It was very real, very believable, and absolutely perfect. <br><br>While Jake wasn’t a chest thumping alpha hero, he was plenty protective and exhibited just enough grumpiness during jealous periods to keep me more than happy with his character. <br><br><b> <i>”He wasn’t hiding me, or ashamed of me. Instead he marked me in front of everyone, including his own boss. If he’d have peed on me it couldn’t have been clearer.”</i> </b><br><br>But his tender regard and care for Rosie was what really sold me on him. He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for her and in return that made him perfect for me.<br><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1566628040i/28043000.jpg" width="450" height="350" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><br>This story revolves around one incident that leads into danger for Rosie resulting in a mystery that had me questioning everyone. I eventually tagged the bad guy, but I don’t think it had anything to do with my sleuthing skills and everything to do with this author giving me clues. But when I had my light bulb moment, let’s just say I was shocked at the potential twist. Ms. Barker does twists so well!<br><br>With some amazing secondary characters that I must have more of, some extremely steamy times as well as sizzling chemistry, and the most perfect epilogue ever, I hated to see this book end. It was a wonderful read and solidifies my belief that this author can do no wrong.<br><br>Dual POV<br>Safe <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="849fcbd9-3949-4c84-8c04-72e3adb763e9" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="849fcbd9-3949-4c84-8c04-72e3adb763e9">no ow/om drama; h not a virgin – 41 yrs old; H not a man-whore – 38 yrs old – age is not a factor in their relationship</label><br>Triggers <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="1c855d97-39c4-4a1d-8b97-bfe380fb9825" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="1c855d97-39c4-4a1d-8b97-bfe380fb9825">h had an affair with a married man – uncertain how long ago it was, maybe 2 yrs - does not affect anything in this story other than some of her thought processes – she initially did not know he was married but this was written to lead me to believe she continued after she learned the truth </label><br></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]>

<b>3.5 Stars</b><br /><br />Forty-two-year-old Rosie is back at home to care for her mother, working the night shift at local hotel and barely getting by. The night shift has been more interesting since a filming crew along with the actors set up camp. Rosie and her best friend Grant are on the lookout for the lead actor, both drooling fans over him, but that all changes when Rosie witnesses him in a car accident. PASS, the protection detail assigned to the crew and actors find out about Rosie and Jake is assigned to take do damage control. They don’t want the truth to get out and spoil the production and ruin the project since it would put hundreds out of a job. Of course, sparks fly between Jake and Rosie even if neither really trust each other at first. <br /><br />When it becomes apparent that someone wants to hurt Rosie, Jake makes it his business to protect her, and the attraction they’ve had brewing ignites into a passionate affair. <br /><br />I’ve enjoyed Freya Barker’s Northern Lights series, but I have to say I wasn’t a huge fan of this plot, because covering up a hit and run because it would stop a movie production doesn’t sit well with me. It all worked out in the end, but for so long PASS was willing to do just about anything to keep the crime hidden. <br /><br />Also, I wasn’t keen on Rosie’s mother at all! She was a piece of work. Always negative and mean to Rosie whenever she had lucid moment and apparently this is the way she treated Rosie even before she had dementia. Not a nice person. It bugged me that Rosie was pretty much just took this behavior for years without standing up for herself. I get family obligation, but I would’ve wanted to stick her in a home and let her fend for herself or at least stood up to her! <br /><br />I did like the romance, and it was nice that it was with a mature couple, with Jake thirty-eight and Rosie forty-two. Jake was very protective and good to Rosie, and Rosie definitely deserved a happy ending. <br /><br />I listened to the audio version which I highly recommend. Tanya Eby and Patrick Zeller did a fantastic job with both male and female voices, alternating between Rosie and Jake’s chapters. <br /><i><br />A copy was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. </i><br />