Montana Sanctuary (Resting Warrior Ranch 1) by Josie Jade & Janie Crouch-a review

Sometimes the worst wounds can’t be seen.

Lucas Everett knows that firsthand. It’s why he and his former Navy SEAL brothers created the Resting Warrior Ranch.

They aren’t doctors, but they can offer the healing freedom of their Montana range. And they specialize in training service and emotional support animals to help sooth even the worst emotional scars.

Usually, soldiers show up at their door. But this time it’s Evelyn Taylor—a soldier in a very different kind of war.

She’s as skittish as one of the horses Lucas gentles. But he’s learned how to be patient with animals, and he’s more than happy to be patient with this quiet beauty too.

When Evelyn’s past nightmares show up in Montana, she thinks she has to run again, but Lucas isn’t going to let that happen. He’s protected his country against the worst types of threats, and he’ll protect her too.

She’s met the rancher, but now she’s about to meet the SEAL.

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REVIEW: MONTANA SANCTUARY is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult RESTING WARRIOR RANCH romantic suspense series co-authored by Josie Jade and Janie Crouch- a spin off from Crouch’s ZODIAC TACTICAL series. This is former US Navy SEAL Lucas Everett, and Evelyn Taylor’s story line.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lucas and Evelyn) MONTANA SANCTUARY follows Evelyn Taylor as she is forced to run from a past that refuses to let go. Landing in Montana, Evelyn seeks sanctuary at the Resting Warrior Ranch co-owned by seven former US Navy SEALs including Lucas Everett, the man with whom Evelyn will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Evelyn and Lucas, and the potential fall-out as Evelyn’s past is determined to reclaim our heroine, ending her life in the process.

Evelyn Taylor hasn’t stopped running for close to four years but every time she begins to settle, her past returns seeking retribution and revenge. Staying at the Resting Warrior Ranch allows Evelyn some form of security but even the best security is not enough as history proves over, again and again. Lucas Everett never expected to fall for the woman with the haunted eyes. Lucas knows Evelyn is hiding dark and dangerous secrets but not until Evelyn reveals the truth does Lucas call in reinforcements, in an effort to save the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Lucas and Evelyn is one of immediate attraction but Lucas doesn’t do relationships, and Evelyn hasn’t stopped running for many years. Falling for Evelyn was easy, but keeping her safe was proving to be more difficult than anyone could have ever imagined. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Lucas’ business partners and former Navy SEALS: Liam, Harlan, Jude, Grant, Noah and Daniel, as well as Evelyn’s co-workers Lena and Grace, and therapist Dr. Rayne.

MONTANA SANCTUARY is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, money and manipulation, obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The premise is gritty and haunting; the romance is seductive-the chemistry is palpable; the characters are animated, energetic and spirited.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy