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Colorado Veterans #3

Finding Passion

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Javier Suarez left the Marines four years ago after experiencing the ugliest facets of war. He’s been to hell and back but now he feels that his life is complete. He runs his own private investigative firm, spends time with his family and volunteers for local charities. He doesn’t need anything else.
Valerie Larinsky has spent the last 18 years fighting for the lives of her patients as a naval combat surgeon. But now that she’s returned to civilian life she has a new fight on her hands; her husband has left her, taking their only child with him.
Javier’s life is turned upside down when he takes Valerie on as a client. He’s drawn to her in ways he doesn’t want to be. The two do their best to ignore the fire igniting between them as they forge a working friendship. When Javier’s old issues resurface, it’s Valerie’s turn to figure out how to help him before he loses the battle of life.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2017

20 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Tiffani Lynn

25 books291 followers
I'm a romance author, wife, mother of 3, music loving, baseball adoring, crazed hockey fan.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,915 reviews140 followers
August 20, 2017
This is the third book in this series and I've thoroughly enjoyed all three of them! In each story a military veteran has returned to civilian life and faced the turmoil of doing so. In this story there are two veterans. One is combat surgeon Valerie Larinsky. She returns to discover her husband has left her, taking their daughter with him! The second is Javier Suarez, who had been a Marine and now runs his own Private Investigation firm and also does lots of voluntary work for charities and spends time with his close knit family. When Valerie contacts Javier to help discover what her husband is up to and to help discover anything to help her keep contact with her daughter neither expected the chemistry between them to be explosive, nor did Javier expect his medical problems to resurface . . . They may well have left the armed forces but they still need to fight for their second chance at both life and love.

This is a very moving story, emotively written and a real page turner. The characters are brought to life by the author's skilled writing. Regardless of gender, the characters are all robust, strong and independent but broken in some way, easy to relate to with dilemmas to be faced.  The very mixed signals Javier sends Valerie are understandable when you realise his history and their journey to their HEA is full of twists and turns to keep you enthralled. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book (and this whole series) to anyone who enjoys superbly crafted romances where the love develops over time and there are obstacles to be overcome for all concerned.

I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
Profile Image for Christine.
457 reviews29 followers
August 25, 2017
Finding Passion by Tiffani Lynn is an emotional second chance in life romance that brings up the question if you knew you could die would you let yourself love someone? Valerie Larinsky is looking forward to spending time with her family and putting down roots when she returns home from her last posting but as soon as she is met at the airport something is off. Javier Suarez meets Valerie through word of mouth when she needs a private investigator and sparks fly. Valarie hasn't dated in over 18 years and Javier has sworn off relationships due to not wanting to hurt anyone but in fact he's hurting himself. Can they find their passion?

Oh man, Tiffani had me hooked from the first page. My jaw hit the follow with what is revealed in the first couple chapters and it was so hard to put this book down. I connected with Valerie's character even though we don't share the same events but I felt drawn into her story and cheered at her victories. Javier is a strong stubborn character who at times I wanted to give him a good smack to hopefully knock some sense into him. I really enjoyed this installment in Tiffani's Colorado Veterans series which even though we do see the couples from the previous books it's a complete standalone and the glimpses into the lives of past couples only added to my experience. 5 Stars for Finding Passion by Tiffani Lynn

*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for an honest review ***
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,402 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2018
Fantastic book and a second chance at love

After nine months of being deployed instead of being welcomed by her husband Valerie Larinsky is asked for a divorce. Her husband Ron has not only been carrying on an affair with his old high school sweetheart but now he wants custody of their daughter also. But when she hired a PI to find out a lot of dirt on Ron and Sheila she meets Javier Suarez. Soon their relationship goes beyond that of a professional and friends with very nice benefits.

Javier doesn't want anything permanent in his life due to his health issues much to the dismay of his big family (I love the love and caring that Mama Suarez and family had). But when a he needs a friend during his new health scare Valerie is there with her daughter Thea to show him that having a friend even a former combat surgeon is worth everything. But when he can't see that Val cares for him it'll be Thea who'll open his eyes to the love that was always there.

I can't wait for the next book to come out.
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
August 13, 2017
Finding Passion was a heartwarming and captivating story that grabbed my attention right from the start. Tiffani Lynn did an amazing job with writing this book. The feelings I had while reading were wonderful and sad in some parts; from the beginning to the end of the book I was hooked on Javier and Valerie's story. They were just perfectly suited for each other; from the way he approached her at the benefit to fighting for his feelings for her.

I was shocked at the beginning when Valerie found out her husband wanted out of the marriage. It was a shock to her as she never expected it. I loved how she went to the Veterans Coping Together Benefit and danced with Javier Suarez without realizing who he was. He is a private investigator who she hired to spy on her soon to be ex-husband, Ron. Javier is also an ex-Marine.

This is the third book I have read from Tiffani Lynn in the Colorado Veterans Series. I hope she will continue on with the series as it is one of my favorites.
Profile Image for Jody.
2,091 reviews61 followers
August 24, 2017
The Colorado Veterans series just keeps getting better and better with stories that immerse readers in emotionally intense romances between wounded warriors and interactions between characters that are starting to feel like family. This latest installment introduces us to two veterans who are battling their own demons while struggling to find their HEA and putting readers through the wringer in a story that put me on an emotional roller coaster. From start to finish this was a tale that had me cheering one moment, frustrated the next, but ultimately uplifted through the adversity these characters gained strength from.

For 18 years Valerie Larinsky has served her country with honor as a surgeon, sacrificing her mental health and the happiness of her family to save others. Returning home for the last time she anticipates laughter, hugs, and happiness, but instead gets caught unawares by a husband who wants to end their marriage and a daughter who's bitter because of her father's lies and manipulations. Valerie's always acquiesced in the past when it came to her husband's decisions, but this time around she's fighting back. Aiding her in her divorce is the sexy man who kissed her at a benefit and who made her pulse pound the moment she first laid eyes on him. Soon, she's not only going toe-to-toe with her soon-to-be ex, but she's dealing with the combustible feelings the frustrating PI engenders in her. It's a constant push/pull between them as his fears have him pushing her away in a relationship that's scorching one moment and frustrating the next. Through it all though, Valerie's journey is an empowering one where she gains inner strength through her friendships and the romantic attentions from a trio of men who become her friends while one becomes her lover. Valerie's a strong-willed woman who's there when others need her most. Even when she's hurting she still there in support. Ultimately, Valerie's the kind of heroine you can see as a friend, the kind of heroine you admire, and someone who wholeheartedly deserves her HEA.

Javier Suarez is a former Marine whose life is full of work, volunteerism, and no commitments when it comes to women. He's quite content to flit from one woman to the next as he doesn't think he has much to offer them in the long run. The moment he sees Valerie though, everything he once felt becomes muddied. Theirs is a crackling connection from the moment he sees her and gets stronger the more he learns about her as he helps her through her divorce. They start out as friends but quickly become more in sexually-charged encounters that leave both of them confused and readers frustrated. While it's clear that he and Valerie are a great match, his fears over his future have him pushing her away. When heartbreaking news is delivered, Javier goes through a very dark period that brought tears to my eyes in vividly depicted scenes. Seeing what Javier was going through, his fears made real, made it more understandable why he pushed her away at first. I could forgive Javier for his frustrating treatment of Valerie early on as he's a good man deep down, a man who doesn't want his weakness to affect others. He's a drool-worthy hero in some ways as his rugged looks and overt sensuality are a balm for Valerie's bruised ego at the start. He's kind to his family and puts them above all else in numerous heartwarming scenes. Despite his frustrating moments Javier is still a hero readers will be drawn to and ultimately cheering for after everything he goes through in his journey to HEA.

This was an emotionally intense read from the very start. These two characters are full of inner conflicts and their erotic interludes are a reprieve from all the pain they're going though. Their lives are full of highs and lows and through them all they supported each other. Theirs was an erotically-charged older woman/younger man romance full of heartwarming moments and uncertainty that kept me rooting for them until the very end. Surrounding this likable couple was a large cast of secondary characters, some who we've seen before and a few new ones as well. I enjoyed getting follow-up on the previous couples and seeing how happy their HEAs really are as I came to care for each of them immensely. I thoroughly enjoyed the Suarez family, they'e an exuberant group, who welcome everyone with open arms and their love radiated off the page. I was particularly drawn to the deaf character of Victor, who's still trying to get over his wife's death, and the glimpses of romance between Valerie's daughter and Judson's adopted son. It's a teenage crush that brought a smile to my face and I look forward to seeing how things progress as they mature and start living life. When it comes to Victor I applaud the author in depicting his disability and I look forward to seeing his storyline expanded. He's a good and kind man who's clearly hurting and I'm rooting for him to heal and find his own HEA. Overall this was another winner from Ms. Lynn as it beautifully balanced a sensual romance with heartbreaking realism, giving readers characters worth cheering for, and I recommend it to all those looking for an unforgettable romance!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews186 followers
August 22, 2017
I've become very attached/addicted to the Colorado Veterans series, so of course, I devoured Finding Passion in a matter of hours. Navy Combat Surgeon, Valerie Larinsky, has spent the last 18 years saving soldiers for her country, believing that her husband was keeping things together at home. But when she finishes her Naval Career, she comes home to find her life destroyed, as her husband left her for another woman, taking her daughter with him. Javier Suarez went through hell and back while serving his country in the Marines, but now as a civilian, he believes his life is complete. He has his own private investigation firm, volunteers for several local charities, and spends time with his huge family. What he doesn't have, by his own personal choice, is any type of relationship. He loves women, but he won't keep them around. And none have even stuck in his head, until he meets Valerie, and no matter how much he fights it, he can't get past the fact that she's more than just a hook up. WOW! I was trying so hard to give a generic description, but this book was so awesome, that I had a time of it keeping any spoilers slip. And even though I typed more than I originally wanted, there is so much more to this emotional story. I LOVED Valerie, and Javier was absolutely yummy, but I still wanted to throat punch him more than once, as the push and pull he dragged Val through had me all kinds of pissed. My gosh, I can't say enough how much I LOVE Tiffani Lynn's talented writing style, as once again, she dragged out all of my emotions to run amok. The hotness factor is a ball of fiery flames, angst levels are off the charts emotional, and an added in huge twist kept the f-bombs dropping like crazy. I CANNOT WAIT for more of this addictive series, so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,963 reviews47 followers
December 7, 2018
Gosh I just wanted to cry for both of these characters for very different reasons. Valerie comes back from her most recent deployment to be met with a new house that she needs to sell, no sign of her daughter and to be told her marriage is over but she still has to pay his support. She has to adjust to so much very quickly, because she is easy to like, genuine and loyal she soon starts making a few friends. Javier has his own business and is very family minded, they are extremely close and if one needs help they all run to so. He doesn't do relationships due to certain circumstances but is attracted to Valerie. A few twists and turns and lots of ups and downs in this awesome read, I found myself wanting to get violent with one or two characters in this book, they really needed to re-think their priorities. This could possibly be hard reading for some people due to subject matter, this has been researched or experienced by the author because symptoms described were very real. The marriage breakup as well isn't always pleasant. This series and this book follow very real feeling characters, full of vulnerabilities and flaws, gripping and almost compulsive reading once you start. I luckily bought all the books so I have been finishing one and going straight into the next, I love this because it keeps everything fresh. If you like stories with a bit of Military, hard hitting subject matter and very down to earth characters who are not perfect then I highly recommend reading this, it is beyond good.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Fitzgerald.
753 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2021
This is the 3rd book in the series.

Our heroine - a navy vet - who just left serving didn’t even get to her house before she’s told her husband’s left her for another woman, took their daughter, and has filed for divorced. She’s destroyed.

After a vet party, she meets the people from our other books in the series. This, along with her new job, starts to make her settled into her new home state and being a civilian once again. However, her husband is being an idiot.

She finds her backbone, gets her daughter, finds dirt on her soon to be ex husband, and starts to find her feet with other friends and dates. Her and her daughter’s relationship rebuilds.

However, things start to go wrong once again for her but will she have enough energy to make it through this time?
Profile Image for Jill Land.
27 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2018
Good book but

I really enjoyed this book and series but one of my pet peeves is facts. As a oncology infusion nurse who treated lots of colon cancer patients I can tell you the chemo they use for that does not cause hair loss also anti nausea meds have come a long way and while patient s do have nausea it is not as severe as she was referring also if the cancer comes back the next line would be targeted therapy which the side effects would not be as bad if you are going to write something medical always get a medical person to check facts sorry about nit picking but I did enjoy the book
Profile Image for Mary.
602 reviews29 followers
September 7, 2017
What an emotional roller coaster Finding Passion was, I loved it! This is a second chance romance of two veterans, each finding their lives turned upside down. Out of the three books in this series, I thought this was the most emotional one. I always look forward to Ms. Lynn's books.

Finding Passion is the third book in the Colorado Veterans series, it can be read as a standalone.

Review copy was received for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Tammy Smith.
140 reviews6 followers
August 20, 2017
Finding Passion

My favorite genre of Romance bookS has to be military inspired and Tiffani Lynn's books don't disappoint me at all. The strong, but broken in some way, men and the even stronger women in each story pulls you in and keeps you interested in their lives. Awesome book!!!
Profile Image for Annemieke Westerbeek.
904 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2019
Is has a lot of hot scenes but not so much suspense.
That was a a bummer, but the development of the relatie between the two was very sweet.
Profile Image for April.
Author 14 books71 followers
July 25, 2018
I don’t know if this is a fast paced story or if I just consumed it so quickly, but thank you to Valerie for her service to our country. Valerie doesn’t deserve what hits her when she ends her naval career. What a huge adjustment she’s faces, along with shock and heart ache. There’s such a roller coaster of emotions in this story, but its well worth the time reading Finding Passion! I wouldn’t mind meeting my own Javier! And his family is the cure that ails you! Oh what fun!
I highly recommend reading the first two books in the Colorado Veterans Series, but Finding Passion can easily be read as a standalone. I am so looking forward to the forth in the series; Finding Life!
Profile Image for Marie.
1,460 reviews
November 1, 2019
5 stars for Finding Passion by Tiffani Lynn

What a great read. Wanted more. Amazing characters. Loved Javier and Valerie. So happy that Javier got his head out of his ass. Lol. Can't wait for the next instalment of Colorado Veterans.
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,054 reviews320 followers
September 28, 2017
Well the book started with an bang and was a none stop mix of action, steam, angst and drama though out. If you're looking for a cliched 'boy meets girl, boy and girl get together, boy and girl split up, boy and girl reunite' book you will be severely disappointed. IF however you are looking for a well written, deep, emotional book with well rounded characters and a gripping story line then look no further than this.



On the day she finally leaves the Navy, Valerie receives some very unexpected, difficult and shocking news. Stuck in an unfamiliar town, far from family and friends we see her struggle with building a life for herself. Javier enters Valerie's life in an unexpected way and the pair have super hot chemistry and form an instant connection. For what he considers to be a good reason, Javier is determined to keep Valerie at arms length, Valerie is trying to sort out her life and isn't looking for a long term commitment either.

Javier is one hot male, with a love of family, a strong work ethic and a deeply caring side. However he keeps sending Valerie some very mixed signals and whilst on the surface he behaves like a jerk, you can understand his twisted logic, so I still loved him as the hero. Valerie is a wonderfully strong character and it was wonderful to see how she grew in this story. At times she lacks confidence (not helped when Javier behaves like a jerk) but it was wonderful to see a mature heroine behaving her age, not always being perfect but feeling very real.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of two wonderfully human characters, facing adversity and living life. The author's writing style is very easy to read, the prose flows well and is easy to follow. The plot is like nothing you will have found elsewhere - it genuinely feels like you are looking into the lives of real people. There are no easy options here nor cliches, instead you will find a deeply moving and at times difficult (though not dark) story. I also like that there is no insta-love or super quick romance, instead the plot takes place over months into years, with the story developing and progressing in a natural way.
Profile Image for Dee Winston.
554 reviews
August 17, 2017
OMG! I don't know rather to swoon or kick Javier's butt. Valerie is my shero!! She's been thru so much and she still holds her head up high. I loved this story. I Love this series because it makes you feel. I can't wait to see what's next.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews