Tag Archives: Appalachian Star

A DANGEROUS MAN ( Appalachian STAR 8 ) by Deanndra Hall

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❤️A DANGEROUS MAN (Special Forces: Operation Alpha: Appalachian STAR 8) ❤️by Deanndra Hall

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 10, 2024

She’s headstrong and independent. He’s determined and dangerous. Is their love a disaster … or their salvation?

Bear

Relentless.

I’m a murderer, and I own that. I’ve paid my debt to society, but what I did is a stain on my soul that will leave me forever unworthy of anything good. So I’m surprised when a couple of nights with FBI Agent Sela Baldwin when she’s here at the farm guarding Natalie leaves me longing for more time with her. She’s stuck in rehab from her injuries and mad as a hornet, but my offer for her to live with me and explore our relationship is surprisingly well-received. We settle in, only to find that the cartel still has a mark on Sela and Natalie, and it’ll take all of my friends from App STAR, Citadel Security, and the Eagle Point Search and Rescue teams to keep them safe—if Sela will just cooperate. I swear, that woman is her own worst enemy!

SELA

Relentless.

They might call him Bear, but he’s a wildcat in the sack. I think about those hands and that body constantly while I’m trapped in the rehab facility, planning my escape and furious that the bureau doesn’t think I can do my job. I don’t connect with people emotionally, but when I discover he’s been in an accident, I’m terrified. As soon as he asks me to move out to the farm with him, I realize being on the disabled list will give us time to maybe have an actual relationship. His openness and honesty give me hope, and I’m surprised at myself and how fast I start to trust him and care for him. There’s just one problem. The cartel is still after Natalie and me, and no matter what Bear says, I’ve never trusted a man to take care of me. Is my Dangerous Man dangerous enough to get the job done, or will I have to do it myself?

Come to the hills and hollers of eastern Kentucky and get acquainted with eight of the most determined men you’ll ever meet in the Appalachian STAR series.

••••••

REVIEW: A DANGEROUS MAN is the eight instalment in Deanndra Halls’ contemproary, adult APPALACHIAN STAR, romantic suspense series, a part of the multi-authored Special Forces: Operation Alpha series focusing on characters originally introduced by author Susan Stoker. This is Miles ‘Bear’ McMillan, and FBI Agent Sela Baldwin. A DANGEROUS MAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Appalachian STAR, is a search and rescue operation that hires former inmates from US prisons, effectively giving them a second chance.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sela and Bear) A DANGEROUS MAN follows the building but contemptuous relationship between our story line couple. Miles ‘Bear’ McMillan served thirty years for killing a man, a killing he doesn’t remember. Living and working with the men and women at Appalachian STAR gives Bear a second chance at life including the possibility of falling in love for the very first time. Bear has fallen in love with FBI Agent Sela Baldwin, a cantankerous, independent and strong-willed woman currently recovering from a protection duty that went all to h*ll (A Tormented Man 6). Struggling with her slow recovery, Sela needs an escape but Bear’s daily visits are becoming problematic for a woman who is constantly at odds and battles the people in charge. Moving in together, Bear and Sela find a complicated rhythm but they will quickly discover that all is not well going forward. The Cartel has targeted our story line heroine, taking aim at Sela and Judge Natalie Anderson, thus pulling the entire community together to protect the people who protect their own. What ensues is the building and highly sexually relationship between Sela and Bear, and the fall-out as Appalachian STAR calls in additional help, only to have one of their own go rogue, threatening the safety of everyone concerned.

The world building follows several paths including the questionable attitude and personality of our story line heroine, the man who fell in love with a woman who borders on the unlikeable; and the protection of our couple in the face of threats from the Cartel.

The relationship between Bear and Sela is aggressive and provocative. Sela wants something more than Bear was willing to admit, eventually discovering their mutual wants and needs including the possibility of someone else. There was quite a bit of talk about the possibility of multiple partners but so far nothing has come to fruition. The $ex scenes are impassioned and energetic.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including several of the previous story line couples: Natalie and Paddy, Patch and Penny, Reboot, Bulldog, as well as a numerous characters from the interconnected series.

A DANGEROUS MAN is a story of acceptance and forgiveness, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and gritty; the romance is intoxicating; the characters are determined, struggling, and dynamic

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Desperate Man
A Bitter Man
A Broken Man
A Twisted Man
A Furious Man
A Tormented Man
A Fierce Man

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

 

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A FIERCE MAN (Appalachian STAR 7) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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A FIERCE MAN (Appalachian STAR 7) (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) by Deanndra Hall- review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 16, 2024

The world needs more people who care, but does she care too much?

PRIEST
Redemption
I did my time—hard time—for a long time. I’m not an innocent man, but I paid the price. I’m working on a new, squeaky-clean résumé. After 28 years, I learned how to behave, and how to inspire others. And that’s what I do. It’s who I am. Enduring years of never-ending, horrific abuse in prison, I can safely say that I’d do anything to protect weaker individuals from danger.

AGGIE
Redemption
I’m the happiest when I’m in front of my students, changing lives and making a difference. That’s what I do and who I am. After being burned by my ex-husband, I focus my life—and heart—on my pupils, kids who truly need me.

But when an outreach project brings me face-to-face with an ex-convict, something shifts. Maybe, just maybe, my heart isn’t as shattered as I imagined. Priest seamlessly weaves his way into my world. However, a dangerous student with a vendetta threatens to sabotage our newfound connection. Suddenly, my life hangs in the balance. With the help of the Appalachian STAR team and a determined Priest, I just might be absolved of all of my fears. Can I let down my guard for this persistent, Fierce Man?

Come to the hills and hollers of eastern Kentucky and get acquainted with eight of the most determined men you’ll ever meet in the Appalachian STAR series.

•••••

REVIEW: A FIERCE MAN is the seventh instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult APPLACHIAN STAR romantic suspense series, a part of the multi-authored Special Forces: Operation Alpha series focusing on characters originally introduced by author Susan Stoker. This is forty-seven year old, former prison inmate Darius ‘Priest’ Fowler, and middle school teacher Augustina ‘Aggie’ Henry’s story line. A FIERCE MAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary,

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Priest and Aggie) A FIERCE MAN follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Darius ‘Priest’ Fowler currently lives and works for Appalachian STAR search and rescue in Mallie Kentucky but having spent close to thirty years in prison, enduring abuse and hardship throughout , Darius is a changed man. Meeting teacher Aggie Henry at a middle school ‘scared straight’ presentation, Darius new Aggie would be the woman to claim his heart. A date, and an introduction to his fellow Appalachian STAR members, Aggie will become one of their own but not everyone easily accepts Darius for his history, and he is about to discover that prejudices run high especially for an African American man with a dangerous past. Aggie Henry is a determined, independent and single minded African American woman, and often chooses to place herself in the direct line of fire but an incident at school brings Aggie up close and personal with true evil, and any thoughts of personal preservation or the man that she loves become non-existent as Aggie battles with a force she is unable to stop. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Aggie and Darius, and the potential fall-out as Aggie’s actions threaten everyone involved.

The world building follows several paths including a search and rescue; Aggie’s aggressive and less than understanding family; and a man with a vendetta against our story line heroine.

The relationship between Darius and Aggie is one of immediate attraction but Darius struggles with his past history, and Aggie is a woman determined to take control. Aggie has accepted everything about Darius and his history but she is often single-minded in her attempts to manage that which cannot always be managed. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including many of the previous story line couples. We are introduced to Aggie’s immediate family, several co-workers and embattled children at the school. The requisite evil has many faces.

A FIERCE MAN is a story of power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and consuming; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are determined, animated and wounded.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Desperate Man
A Bitter Man
A Broken Man
A Twisted Man
A Furious Man
A Tormented Man

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

 

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A Tormented Man (Appalachian STAR 6) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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A Tormented Man (Appalachian STAR 6) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 14, 2024

Their joy and passion are interrupted by sheer terror …

PADDY

Restored.

When you serve time for a death that destroyed you, it’s hard to bounce back. My best friend was my rock, my ride or die. And sadly, his death was more than I can take.

Now, out of the slammer and trying to get my life back on track, I’m ready for something more—something new—and a friend of mine has a solution, one that may just get me out of my funk. Introducing me to a beautiful, headstrong, and intelligent woman with a penchant to submit is the lifesaver I’ve been looking for all along.

NATALIE

Restored.

I have to be careful. As a federal judge, all eyes are on me to make the right choices regarding the fate of those convicted of crimes. But when I’m off the bench, all I want is to sit back, have someone else make decisions, and let them control the narrative. Meeting an ex-convict with everything I’m looking for in and out of the bedroom wasn’t on my bucket list, but here we are. And now, I want nothing more than this man and his dominance.

The big case I’ve been hoping for brings danger, and when someone threatens my life and kidnaps me, all hands are on deck to save me. The FBI and the Appalachian STAR team are determined to find me, but there’s only one person I trust enough to rescue me—the tormented man who holds my heart.

•••••

REVIEW:A TORMENTED MAN is the sixth instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult APPALACHIAN STAR erotic, romance series, a part of the multi-authored Special Forces: Operation Alpha series focusing on characters first introduced by author Susan Stoker. This is forty-one year Eastern District Federal Judge Natalie Anderson, and forty-four year old former inmate and Appalachian STAR Search and Rescue member Dennis ‘ Paddy’ O’Brien’s story line. A TORMENTED MAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Appalachian STAR is a search and rescue operation set in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, an operation that hires former inmates from the US prison system.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Natalie and Dennis) A TORMENTED MAN follows in the wake of the introduction between Judge Natalie Anderson, and Dennis ‘Paddy’ O’Brien. Imprisoned for nine years for the death of his business partner, Dennis O’Brien lost everything including his wife and children. Hoping for a new start, Dennis is ready to start over but his bedroom proclivities require someone special. Enter Judge Natalie Anderson, the woman with whom Dennis will fall in love. A mutual friend will introduce Natalie and Dennis, and from the outset, the attraction is immediate but Natalie has been targeted by the Mexican Cartel, and the FBI is struggling to keep our heroine safe.

The world building is detailed as the focus follows Natalie at work, and he developing relationship with our story line hero. Dennis O’Brien not only works for Appalachian STAR but he is ready to take the next step to become IG a certified EMT.

The relationship between Natalie and Dennis is one of immediate attraction ; an insta-lust to insta-love relationship in which Dennis knows Natalie is the woman to heal his soul and claim his heart but threats against Natalie brings protection from law enforcement and the FBI, protection that is caught in the direct line of fire. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of the over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including the team at Appalachian STAR, their extended families and friends, as well as several characters from the interconnected Special Forces: Operation Alpha world. We are introduced to Natalie’s parents, Dennis’ parents, as well as his ex Lisa, and their children Tegan and Borden, and FBI Agent Sela. There is something developing between Bear and Sela.

A TORMENTED MAN is a story of power and control, betrayal and threats, accusations and vindication, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and compelling; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken but serious and strong willed.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Desperate Man
A Bitter Man
A Broken Man
A Twisted Man
A Furious Man

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

 

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A Furious Man (Appalachian STAR 5) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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A Furious Man (Appalachian STAR 5) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2024

A horrific past can threaten the future …

REBOOT

Reluctance.

They say chivalry is dead, and I had to learn that truth the hard way. Helping when you’re not wanted doesn’t play out the way you think. Sometimes, more damage comes with it. So, I lay low and try not to get involved. Do my job, and that’s all.

As an Appalachian STAR EMT, I’ve seen my fair share of atrocities and destruction, but none so horrendous as the whirlwind of chaos that one woman brings into play. Not only does she take a tumble on the docks, but then, she more than destroys every meal she attempts to serve where she waits tables. Despite her clumsy nature and apologetic demeanor, everything about this woman intrigues me. And now, I’m bound and determined to get closer to her.

MAVIS

Reluctance.

My life is in shambles, a series of one mishap or misstep after another. After escaping my traumatic childhood and finding a new life, I thought everything would be easy from here on out. I was wrong. I’m on edge, careful and cautious, jumpy and unnerved.

When the handsome EMT helps me find employment more suitable for me, I slowly begin to let down my guard, not truly ready to let a stranger into my life—or into my heart. But after my past comes barreling back, threatening to hurt others just as they hurt me, I snap.

They’re not touching one more innocent child. Not while I’m alive.

My plan has flaws. But thankfully, I have a rugged and strong Furious Man on my side.

•••••

REVIEW:A FURIOUS MAN is the fifth instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult APPALACHIAN STAR erotic, romantic suspense series set in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha world featuring characters first introduced in the books and series by Susan Stoker. This is metal worker Derek ‘Reboot’ Colvin, and website designer Mavis Waterfield’s story line. The Appalachian STAR series focuses on the search and rescue operation that hires former inmates from US prisons. A FURIOUS MAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers

Told from dual first person perspectives (Derek and Mavis) A FURIOUS MAN follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Mavis Waterfield is a klutz; a clumsy woman desperate to fit in but a woman with a dark and heart breaking past. Having witnessed not one but two times wherein Mavis was fired for her blunderous and bumbling actions, Derek ‘Reboot’ Colvin couldn’t stop thinking about the woman who would quickly steal his heart. Desperate to upgrade their online presence, the Appalachian STAR operation hires our story line heroine, and in the process gains a new member of the family to guard and protect but Mavis’ past refuses to let go, and with their return, demons from the past, target the youngest and most vulnerable. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Mavis and Derek, and the potential target when Mavis sets out to rescue those unable to rescue themselves.

The world building continues to focus on the team and members of Appalachian STAR: their backstories and rehabilitation, the search and rescues of which not all are successful. Derek knows Mavis has a history but refuses to push, and in this Mavis is willing to reveal the extent of her pain and past.

The relationship between Mavis and Derek begins accidentally when Derek witnesses the fallout of Mavis’ bumbling actions. With her arrival at Applachian STAR alongside her beloved Aunt Sarah, Derek sees an opportunity to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text but my only concern is the abrupt 0-100 turnaround in our story line heroine.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including the team at Appalachian STAR, their extended families and friends, as well as several characters from the interconnected Special Forces: Operation Alpha world.

A FURIOUS MAN is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and abuse, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing, emotional and haunting; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken but struggling to move forward.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Desperate Man
A Bitter Man
A Broken Man
A Twisted Man

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

 

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A Broken Man (Appalachian Star 3) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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A Broken Man (Appalachian Star 3) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2023

Can they recover from crashing and burning?

GHOST:

Resurrection

It’s been a tough road, but I’m tougher. There’s nothing that can break me; I’m already broken. After serving time for ending the dirtbag who killed my daughter, I’m ready to get my life back. Signing on as a MEDEVAC pilot with the team of Iron Oak Farms is exactly what I need. And the last thing I need is something or someone serious or permanent. Before my life went to crap, I used to be a highly regarded nurse. It’s time to start taking care of myself—and others.

IZZY:

Resurrection

After my husband died during duty, I never thought I’d breathe again. As a military pilot, I know I have courage and strength, but sometimes, it’s all too much. Meeting Ghost changes everything. He makes me feel alive and desirable again. However, I refuse to be someone’s pastime. He’s just looking for fun. Leaving him is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But when our enemies find me and my life is on the line, my only hope is in Ghost.

•••••

REVIEW:A BROKEN MAN is the third instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult Appalachian STAR romantic suspense series set in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha series featuring characters first introduced in the books and series by Susan Stoker. This is forty-nine year old MEDEVAC pilot, nurse and former inmate Marvelle ‘Ghost’ Connors, and helicopter pilot/instructor Isolde ‘Izzy’ Bruce’s story line. A BROKEN MAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: Appalachian STAR is a search and rescue operation set in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, an operation that hires former inmates from the US prison system.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ghost and Izzy) A BROKEN MAN follows the building relationship and fall-out between forty-nine year old MEDEVAC pilot, nurse and former inmate Marvelle ‘Ghost’ Connors, and helicopter pilot/instructor Isolde ‘Izzy’ Bruce. Izzy Bruce is Ghost Connors’ helicopter instructor, and Ghost believes Izzy has chosen him for her latest series of booty calls. Upon graduation, Ghost discovers Izzy has been invited to participate in the celebration with Appalachian STAR, something with which Ghost is not too thrilled. Ghost will quickly discover Izzy has applied to, and is now working with another search and rescue, a team that will work closely with Appalachian STAR. Struggling with the demons from his past, Ghost pushes Izzy out of his life, a push that continues to spiral when Izzy goes missing in the wake of a jail break, and several domestic terrorism attacks. What ensues is the building but reluctant relationship between Izzy and Ghost, and the potential fall-out as words said in anger threaten any chance of Ghost finding his own happily ever after.

The world building continues to focus on the search and rescues involving the team at Appalachian STAR. From missing hikers and children, to aiding the local and state first responders, the men and women of Appalachian STAR are tasked with finding those unable to help themselves.

A BROKEN MAN reveals some of the back story for each of our story line couple, back stories of which neither one is completely aware. As Izzy struggle with what happened and why, Ghost is unable to let go of the loss, he blames on himself. As the relationship between Ghost and Izzy struggles in the wake of our hero’s inability to accept Izzy for who she is, Izzy battles between head and heart knowing she may have fallen in love with a man who is unable to love her in return. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and aggressive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and sometimes embattled secondary and supporting characters including several from a number of Deanndra Hall’s Bluegrass Bravery instalments, and books by Susan Stoker. We are reintroduced to Patrick aka Patch and Penny, Miles ‘ Bear’ McMillan; Porter aka Hollywood and Penny, Priest, Reboot, Paddy and Bulldog, As Bulldog continues to struggle, the team must come to terms with losing one of their own.

A BROKEN MAN is a fast paced story of love and loss, misunderstanding and second chances, forgiveness, acceptance, family and love. The premise is detailed, imaginative and realistic ; the characters are animated, determined and broken ; the romance struggles in the face of misconceptions, judgemental attitude, and prior love and loss.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Desperate Man
A Bitter Man

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

 

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A Bitter Man (Appalachian Star 2) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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A Bitter Man (Appalachian Star 2 / Special Forces: Operation Alpha) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 9, 2023

It takes the right woman to sweeten a bitter man.

HOLLYWOOD:

Rebirth.

Betrayed and framed by my brother, I walked away from everything–the fortune, the lifestyle, and the world that used to be mine. Now I’m living in Kentucky, working with my hands, and finally loving the life I have here. When I meet Audrey and her son, I know one thing for certain: I’d move mountains for them, and destroy anyone or anything that tried to hurt them.

AUDREY:

Rebirth.

Destitute and desperate, my son and I are on the verge of starvation. The job offered at Iron Oak Farms is just the lifeline we need, and working with Porter “Hollywood” Winthrop is one of the many perks. But the demons of our pasts threaten our chances at a future. Navigating the rocky waters of a relationship seems perilous and uncertain, and trust is hard to come by for two people so damaged and destroyed. Can he save me from drowning in a world that seems too hard to endure?

•••••

REVIEW:A BITTER MAN is the second instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult APPALACHIAN STAR erotic, romance series, a part of the multi-authored Special Forces: Operation Alpha series focusing on characters first introduced by author Susan Stoker. This is forty-one year old, former California inmate and tech mogul Porter ‘Hollywood’ Winthrop, and twenty-nine year old, single mother Audrey Sinclair’s story line. A BITTER MAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Appalachian STAR is a search and rescue operation set in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, an operation that hires former inmates from the US prison system.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Audrey and Porter) A BITTER MAN follows the hunt for a cook and housekeeper for the man at Appalachian STAR Search and Rescue. Porter ‘Hollywood’ Winthrop has been doing triple duty, working at Appalachian STAR, in the wake of his release from prison for a crime he did not commit. Patrick ‘Patch’ Scott recognizes that the operation needs someone to take on the job no one else wants to do, so Patch tasks Porter with hiring a cook to feed the growing numbers at Appalchian STAR. Porter is quick to discover the limited number of available people looking for work or qualified for the job until a response from a woman, desperate enough to reveal the true extent of her need for work. Enter twenty-nine year old single mother Audrey Sinclair, a woman and her son living in abject poverty, but a woman capable enough to look after the people at Appalachian STAR. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Audrey and Porter, and the potential fall-out when misunderstanding and miscommunication threaten the building love between our story line couple.

The relationship between Audrey and Porter begins when Porter hires to work at Appalachian STAR. Porter recognizes the desperation in our story line heroine, a heroine who has been used and abused, a woman who is willing to protect her son, at any cost. Porter Winthrop was betrayed by the one person he thought he could trust, a betrayal that landed him in prison for a crime he did not commit. Finding a kindred soul, of a sort, in Audrey Sinclair, Porter is drawn to Audrey, like a fated mate. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including many of whom we have me in the previous story line and interconnected series: Patch and Penny (A Desperate Man 1), Miles ‘ Bear’ McMillan; Ghost, Priest, Reboot, Paddy and Bulldog, as well as several townspeople in and around Mallie, Kentucky. Something is building with Bulldog.

A BITTER MAN is a story of betrayal and vengeance, addiction and recovery, desperation, misunderstanding and forgiveness, love and acceptance. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining but the story line conflict is limited to the relationship between Audrey and Porter, and her acceptance by the people at Appalachian STAR. There were a couple of other potential conflicts that fizzled and died, I was hoping for a little more romantic suspense. The characters are numerous, determined and charismatic; the romance is seductive and impassioned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one A DESPERATE MAN

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

 

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A DESPERATE MAN (Appalachian STAR 1) by Deanndra Hall-review

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A DESPERATE MAN (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Appalachian STAR 1) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 14, 2023

Come Hell or high water, he’ll protect them all.

PATCH
Reinvention.
That’s what I’m doing. After losing so much, it’s time to rebuild and not look back to the life that tried to destroy me. Moving to Kentucky and building a home for rehabilitating prisoners after incarceration keeps me motivated and gives me purpose. But when I meet a courageous and strong woman on the run, I know that she needs more than just my help. And believe me, I’m going to give her the world.

PENNY
Reinvention.
I can’t live in fear and pain any longer. With an abusive ex-husband on my trail, I have to get away and start over. Rebuilding my life hundreds of miles away in Kentucky seems like the only answer to my prayers. I certainly didn’t know what I was wishing for. Meeting the rugged, determined, and handsome Patch makes me want so much more for my future. But when my past resurfaces and my life is on the line, it’s only Patch and his team of unlikely allies that I can truly count on. He’s my confidante, but is he desperate enough to save me once and for all?

•••••••

REVIEW: A DESPERATE MAN is the first instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult APPALACHIAN STAR erotic, romantic suspense series set in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha series featuring characters first introduced in the books and series by Susan Stoker. This is forty-three year old, former US Army helicopter pilot Patrick ‘Patch’ Scott , and thirty-four year old, miniature model/diorama maker Penny Markley’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Patch and Penny) A DESPERATE MAN focuses on the start up of Appalachian STAR, search and rescue operation that hires former inmates from US prisons. Patrick ‘Patch’ Scott was forced into retirement when gunfire blew out the windshield of the helicopter he was flying, imbedding glass into our hero’s eye. Opening up Appalachian STAR in the mountains of Mallie, Kentucky gives Patrick Scott, and several former inmates a second chance at a life and a career but the team at Appalachian STAR are about to get their first big test when a rainstorm all but destroys most of the Kentucky Valley. Penny Markley is a divorcee, on the run from her abusive ex, hoping to restart her career as a miniature model maker but Penny never expected to come face to face with former US soldier turned business owner Patrick Scott, the man with whom Penny will fall in love. As Penny and Patrick’s relationship turns into something more, Mallie, Kentucky will face a catastrophic disaster pushing the men at Appalachian STAR into their first big test at a rescue operation. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Penny and Patrick, and the potential fall-out when Penny’s past forces our heroine on the run, once again.

The relationship between Penny and Patrick is one of immediate attraction but Patrick continues to battle between head and heart in the wake of the demise of his marriage, and his inability to visit his adult children. Career came before family, and in this Patrick fears history repeating itself, and refuses to get involved with anyone else. Penny has known the terror of an abusive relationship, barely surviving her last encounter with her ex-husband but Penny is hoping for a new start, possibly with the man that calls to her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several from a number of Deanndra Hall’s Bluegrass Bravery instalments, and books by Susan Stoker. We are introduced to Miles ‘ Bear’ McMillan; Hollywood, ghost, Priest, Reboot, Paddy and Bulldog, as well as several townspeople in and around Mallie, Kentucky. Hollywood’s story is next.

A DESPERATE MAN is a story of second chances, of a sort, for two people who never expected to find love again. The fast paced premise is intriguing with a detailed look at search and rescue, and helicopter information; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are lively, captivating and real.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

 

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