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On Call #2
Covering Ollie
Living in Durango, Colorado for the past eighteen years allowed Ollie Rizzo to build her own business and carve out a quiet existence for her and her teenage daughter. She’s used to going it alone. However, their new silver-haired neighbor might present a problem—not only is he handsome—he’s also Durango’s new chief of police; a complication she can’t afford.
For recently widowed Joe Benedetti, the job offer as Durango’s new chief of police came at the right time. With life, the new job, and his two young sons settling into a comfortable routine, he does his best to ignore the beautiful and intriguing woman across the street. Yet when he discovers she’s caught the attention of the FBI, there is no way he can stay away.
Their worlds collide with the appearance of FBI Special Agent Cruz Livingston. The agent has a warning to deliver, one that spins life in Durango out of control, giving Joe a crucial mission—keep Ollie alive.
For recently widowed Joe Benedetti, the job offer as Durango’s new chief of police came at the right time. With life, the new job, and his two young sons settling into a comfortable routine, he does his best to ignore the beautiful and intriguing woman across the street. Yet when he discovers she’s caught the attention of the FBI, there is no way he can stay away.
Their worlds collide with the appearance of FBI Special Agent Cruz Livingston. The agent has a warning to deliver, one that spins life in Durango out of control, giving Joe a crucial mission—keep Ollie alive.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2019
543 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Freya Barker
85 books1,908 followersUSA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
October 15, 2019
Covering Ollie is one of my favorite type of love story to read. We have an older couple in their 40's, both single parents who have a bit of tragedy in their pasts, love-able kids, and a mature story line.
Joe is the new Chief of police, and a single dad to two boys. He lost his wife to cancer less than two years ago and has no plans to move on from her until his neighbor catches his eye. You see a bit of a struggle with him as he gets closer with Ollie but overall I really love how he treated her and her daughter.
Ollie is a single mom to her teenage daughter who's been hiding from a dangerous past she unknowingly got involved in. Her and her daughter have been able to live a relatively quiet life for the past 17 years before that past finds her again. Lucky for them, Joe is there to protect them both.
I pretty much loved everything about this book. I seem to gravitate more and more to books with older couples. With more mature couples, you get more mature conflict and the way that conflict is dealt with. I'm also a big fan of the single parent finding love.
There is a pretty amazing cast of side characters in this, as well. I'll be sure to check out more in this series.
Joe is the new Chief of police, and a single dad to two boys. He lost his wife to cancer less than two years ago and has no plans to move on from her until his neighbor catches his eye. You see a bit of a struggle with him as he gets closer with Ollie but overall I really love how he treated her and her daughter.
Ollie is a single mom to her teenage daughter who's been hiding from a dangerous past she unknowingly got involved in. Her and her daughter have been able to live a relatively quiet life for the past 17 years before that past finds her again. Lucky for them, Joe is there to protect them both.
I pretty much loved everything about this book. I seem to gravitate more and more to books with older couples. With more mature couples, you get more mature conflict and the way that conflict is dealt with. I'm also a big fan of the single parent finding love.
There is a pretty amazing cast of side characters in this, as well. I'll be sure to check out more in this series.
May 14, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
Had I known law enforcement apparently comes with a prerequisite hot factor here in Durango, I might’ve gotten myself in trouble sooner. Holy Hannah, they have them in all shapes and colors here, but so far —without exception— all very handsome.
In my twenties I still had a firm body that could snap back into shape like that. At forty-three all the damn elastic is gone.
She’s been a burr up my butt since I knocked her off her damn throne last week. Spreading rumors that I’ve been sneaking into Mr. Costello’s room at night… He’s in 2D. Ninety-three years old and can barely lift his eyelids, let alone anything else. I swear that woman is killing my rep… That’s why I’m calling. I’m plotting revenge, but I can’t remember if it was the calla lily or the daffodil that can make you sick enough to shit your pants… Can’t take this lying down, Ollie. In just one week, any gains I’ve made in beating her ass at Bingo have gone down the toilet. Best payback to send her there as well.
…there’s no limit to the love we have to give. It’s not like shoes, where you can only wear one pair at a time.
My Review:
I always enjoy Freya Barker’s hard-working heroes and romantic suspense tales full of sizzle, sass, and sexy and protective alpha lawmen. Her characters tend to be admirable and inspirational survivors, endearingly tattered, and assisting others as best they can while also dealing with their own challenges and limitations. Covering Ollie was classic Barker with generous slices of humor, sensuality, and intrigue while featuring single parents juggling jobs, parenting, work stress, and threats of a violent criminal element while navigating a new relationship minefield littered with snoopy family members and the unsolicited yet well-meaning opinions and advice of co-workers. The engaging storylines were easy to follow, held my attention, kept me guessing, and had several unexpected twists I never saw coming.
Had I known law enforcement apparently comes with a prerequisite hot factor here in Durango, I might’ve gotten myself in trouble sooner. Holy Hannah, they have them in all shapes and colors here, but so far —without exception— all very handsome.
In my twenties I still had a firm body that could snap back into shape like that. At forty-three all the damn elastic is gone.
She’s been a burr up my butt since I knocked her off her damn throne last week. Spreading rumors that I’ve been sneaking into Mr. Costello’s room at night… He’s in 2D. Ninety-three years old and can barely lift his eyelids, let alone anything else. I swear that woman is killing my rep… That’s why I’m calling. I’m plotting revenge, but I can’t remember if it was the calla lily or the daffodil that can make you sick enough to shit your pants… Can’t take this lying down, Ollie. In just one week, any gains I’ve made in beating her ass at Bingo have gone down the toilet. Best payback to send her there as well.
…there’s no limit to the love we have to give. It’s not like shoes, where you can only wear one pair at a time.
My Review:
I always enjoy Freya Barker’s hard-working heroes and romantic suspense tales full of sizzle, sass, and sexy and protective alpha lawmen. Her characters tend to be admirable and inspirational survivors, endearingly tattered, and assisting others as best they can while also dealing with their own challenges and limitations. Covering Ollie was classic Barker with generous slices of humor, sensuality, and intrigue while featuring single parents juggling jobs, parenting, work stress, and threats of a violent criminal element while navigating a new relationship minefield littered with snoopy family members and the unsolicited yet well-meaning opinions and advice of co-workers. The engaging storylines were easy to follow, held my attention, kept me guessing, and had several unexpected twists I never saw coming.
May 16, 2019
I think I'll be seeing more of Freya around.
I liked the story. I liked how mature everyone was. How there weren't any tstl moments. When the law professional told you something was a bad idea and to stay put, you did as the expert said. You did not act like a hormonal angst-ridden teenager who believed they knew it all best.
Forty-year-olds acted like forty-year-olds. The side characters were a hoot!
Not the best mystery. I miss the old school style where the reader was as much in on the search as the characters. Subtle hints for the reader to notice and connect the dots.
Ah, the good ole days! xD
dnf
May 23, 2019DNF
Dead spouse is not my trigger, but when a man has sex with his deceased wife's friend only shortly his wife passed away, it's disrespectful toward his wife. Yeah, he was broken and this OW comforted him, but a real man can control his dick, even while grieving. Very 'important' information about him being not celibate after this incident, but more cautious 🙄
I bet the heroine had much less 'fun'.
Alpha, my ass 🙄
Dead spouse is not my trigger, but when a man has sex with his deceased wife's friend only shortly his wife passed away, it's disrespectful toward his wife. Yeah, he was broken and this OW comforted him, but a real man can control his dick, even while grieving. Very 'important' information about him being not celibate after this incident, but more cautious 🙄
I bet the heroine had much less 'fun'.
Alpha, my ass 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2021
I’ve had this book on my radar for a long time and I’m not sure why I haven’t already read it. But now, after spending the afternoon completely absorbed by these characters, I’m kicking myself. This has some of the most perfect moments I could ever hope for in a romance.
Ollie was the type of heroine who was strong and confident. Despite some things in her past that made her vulnerable, she never yielded to that vulnerability. She was such a fighter and I loved that about her.
Joe was amazing! I loved the way he spoke to Ollie. The words he used made me melt when added to the way he said them. I’m not one to swoon too often, but Joe absolutely had me in a swoon numerous times. He was alpha protective and delicious in every way.
This was a fast paced read that involved a lot of drama and an edge of danger throughout it. I loved the way the plot opened up layer by layer. And holy heck...the smexy times were FIRE! So glad I remembered this was on my list and picked it up.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Ollie was the type of heroine who was strong and confident. Despite some things in her past that made her vulnerable, she never yielded to that vulnerability. She was such a fighter and I loved that about her.
Joe was amazing! I loved the way he spoke to Ollie. The words he used made me melt when added to the way he said them. I’m not one to swoon too often, but Joe absolutely had me in a swoon numerous times. He was alpha protective and delicious in every way.
This was a fast paced read that involved a lot of drama and an edge of danger throughout it. I loved the way the plot opened up layer by layer. And holy heck...the smexy times were FIRE! So glad I remembered this was on my list and picked it up.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
May 14, 2019
Heartfelt romantic suspense at its finest! Covering Ollie is the second book in the On Call series. Our hero in this one is Police Chief Joe Benedetti who we met in Burning for Autumn. The widower certainly has his hands full with his two young sons and a demanding job. Enter Olivia "Ollie" Rizzo. I liked and respected her character so much. She is outwardly bristly but softhearted and vulnerable on the inside. She has worked hard to escape her past and forge a positive future for herself and her teenage daughter. But sometimes your past catches up to you. An errant brother, mafia connections, and a villain who came out of left field all combine for some serious suspense and WTF moments. The romance was realistic and oh so satisfying. Joe and Ollie have a strong physical attraction which leads to much more and I gotta say...I just love a silver fox hero! And Joe is smokin hot and so so alpha. Appearances by characters in Burning for Autumn and the Rock Point Series made me smile. Looking forward to the next one. Very enjoyable romance with a compelling suspense plot!
Reviewed by: Jamie B.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What can I say!!!! Ms. Barker has worked her ALPHA magic once again!!! We are given Joe and Ollie’s story and what a great story it is!!!
Ollie and her daughter come into Joe and his sons lives under normal circumstances. They go about their lives until Ollie’s past makes an appearance then we’ve got some intense suspense!!!
I have enjoyed Ms. Barker’s writing since discovering her book Keeping 6, she always brings the ALPHA male that I crave and the equally strong and independent heroines. I will always pick up her books and continue to devour them.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Ollie and Joe....what can I say? Joe....a widower and Ollie the single mom. Neighbors, then friends and then lovers.
I can’t say this enough about how Freya Barker writes . It’s some of the best contemporary romance in the business. Her characters are always mature (both in age and attitude), smart, self reliance and someone I would want to be friends with.
Covering Ollie had me laughing, crying and on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I absolutely loved this book.
Reviewed by: Heather S.
Reviewed by: Jamie B.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What can I say!!!! Ms. Barker has worked her ALPHA magic once again!!! We are given Joe and Ollie’s story and what a great story it is!!!
Ollie and her daughter come into Joe and his sons lives under normal circumstances. They go about their lives until Ollie’s past makes an appearance then we’ve got some intense suspense!!!
I have enjoyed Ms. Barker’s writing since discovering her book Keeping 6, she always brings the ALPHA male that I crave and the equally strong and independent heroines. I will always pick up her books and continue to devour them.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Ollie and Joe....what can I say? Joe....a widower and Ollie the single mom. Neighbors, then friends and then lovers.
I can’t say this enough about how Freya Barker writes . It’s some of the best contemporary romance in the business. Her characters are always mature (both in age and attitude), smart, self reliance and someone I would want to be friends with.
Covering Ollie had me laughing, crying and on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I absolutely loved this book.
Reviewed by: Heather S.
June 2, 2019
4 stars for Grace. The old lady was a cool. The things she said were funny
2 stars for hero and heroine.
Hero lost his wife 16 months prior to meeting the heroine. I kept wondering how long did he wait until the body of his wife was cold enough to start having sex with OWs? I’m not saying he should have stayed a monk forever but she’s only been dead for 16 months, so how long did he wait? Hours, A day, a week, a month?
Heroine was just meh for me. One moment she was sassy and the next she was like “ok Joe.” Agreeing to everything hero said.
If you haven’t read this author (I’ve only read two books from her including this one) then you should know that she writes like KA writes her heroes.
Heroes that say everything in one word.
Hero was a bit judgmental (and I also was judging her too) when he met the heroine. And heroine not caring if her daughter goes on a trip with someone that she hasn’t officially met, yes, she knew that he was the chief of police and that he was neighbor that’s all she knew about him oh and that he was also a hot silver fox. Letting her 17 year old made decisions for herself about going on a trip with a man that she babysit for was very careless. It was like she actually didn’t cared who her daughter was spending time with or if anything happened to her.
Hero ran and cold and when he convinced her to let him protect her but the moment she needed him the most after she was almost choked to death he doesn’t bother to comfort her at all. He turned his back on her and made it all about him when she was the one who was hurt. And then he tries to fix it and when the heroine put him in his place the first thing he talks is about his wife and how she wanted to die with her family in their home. How his kids and him felt when they watched her take her last breath. I guess he was trying to explain how he and his kids were traumatized watching his wife take her last breath so when he finds out that the heroine was almost choked to death he got scared.
Anyway I just didn’t liked him or her.
The book was safe from OW/OM.
2 stars for hero and heroine.
Hero lost his wife 16 months prior to meeting the heroine. I kept wondering how long did he wait until the body of his wife was cold enough to start having sex with OWs? I’m not saying he should have stayed a monk forever but she’s only been dead for 16 months, so how long did he wait? Hours, A day, a week, a month?
Heroine was just meh for me. One moment she was sassy and the next she was like “ok Joe.” Agreeing to everything hero said.
If you haven’t read this author (I’ve only read two books from her including this one) then you should know that she writes like KA writes her heroes.
Heroes that say everything in one word.
Hero was a bit judgmental (and I also was judging her too) when he met the heroine. And heroine not caring if her daughter goes on a trip with someone that she hasn’t officially met, yes, she knew that he was the chief of police and that he was neighbor that’s all she knew about him oh and that he was also a hot silver fox. Letting her 17 year old made decisions for herself about going on a trip with a man that she babysit for was very careless. It was like she actually didn’t cared who her daughter was spending time with or if anything happened to her.
Hero ran and cold and when he convinced her to let him protect her but the moment she needed him the most after she was almost choked to death he doesn’t bother to comfort her at all. He turned his back on her and made it all about him when she was the one who was hurt. And then he tries to fix it and when the heroine put him in his place the first thing he talks is about his wife and how she wanted to die with her family in their home. How his kids and him felt when they watched her take her last breath. I guess he was trying to explain how he and his kids were traumatized watching his wife take her last breath so when he finds out that the heroine was almost choked to death he got scared.
Anyway I just didn’t liked him or her.
The book was safe from OW/OM.
May 14, 2019
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
COVERING OLLIE (On Call Book 2) by Freya Barker is an exciting romantic suspense and the second book in the On Call series. This is an emotional, suspenseful romance with Freya Barker’s signature mature H/h characters and writing that pulls you in, grabs your complete attention and makes you sad if you have to put the book down before ‘The End’. This book can easily be read as a standalone romance, but characters do crossover from the first book, “Burning for Autumn”.
Joe Benedetti has relocated with his two young sons to fill the vacant position of Chief of Police in Durango, Colorado. After the death of his wife from cancer, he wants a more manageable job and routine for himself and his boys. He is lucky to find teenager, Trinity (Trinny) across the street, who introduced herself right away for babysitting duty. He has noticed Trinny’s beautiful mother, but he does not want to get involved.
Olivia (Ollie) Rizzo moved to Durango eighteen years ago and has built a new life. As a freelance landscape architect Ollie has done well and lived quietly with her daughter. She cannot help but hear about the boys and the police chief from her daughter, but waving from a distance is the extent of her interaction.
When Special Agent Cruz Livingston arrives at Ollie’s door, her past collides with her quiet existence. Joe becomes involved immediately when he is briefed on the danger Ollie and her daughter may be in. As Joe, his officers and the FBI work to eliminate the threats to Ollie’s life, the two begin to let down their walls and become close. Will Joe be able to keep Ollie safe and grab hold of a future together?
Ollie and Joe, the kids and all of the secondary friends and family could walk off the page, they feel so real to me. Ms. Barker knows how to write about couples that have lived and have baggage, but in the end are willing to work at building a new life together. They have lived life and are not perfect physical specimens, but they are real and beautiful to their love interest. The sex is explicit, hot and sexy and always builds in a realistic way.
I have loved all of Ms. Barker’s romances and romantic suspense books. I cannot recommend this author enough especially if you like your H/h a little more mature and written with just the right amount of suspense and sex to spice up the romance. I highly recommend this book and series!
COVERING OLLIE (On Call Book 2) by Freya Barker is an exciting romantic suspense and the second book in the On Call series. This is an emotional, suspenseful romance with Freya Barker’s signature mature H/h characters and writing that pulls you in, grabs your complete attention and makes you sad if you have to put the book down before ‘The End’. This book can easily be read as a standalone romance, but characters do crossover from the first book, “Burning for Autumn”.
Joe Benedetti has relocated with his two young sons to fill the vacant position of Chief of Police in Durango, Colorado. After the death of his wife from cancer, he wants a more manageable job and routine for himself and his boys. He is lucky to find teenager, Trinity (Trinny) across the street, who introduced herself right away for babysitting duty. He has noticed Trinny’s beautiful mother, but he does not want to get involved.
Olivia (Ollie) Rizzo moved to Durango eighteen years ago and has built a new life. As a freelance landscape architect Ollie has done well and lived quietly with her daughter. She cannot help but hear about the boys and the police chief from her daughter, but waving from a distance is the extent of her interaction.
When Special Agent Cruz Livingston arrives at Ollie’s door, her past collides with her quiet existence. Joe becomes involved immediately when he is briefed on the danger Ollie and her daughter may be in. As Joe, his officers and the FBI work to eliminate the threats to Ollie’s life, the two begin to let down their walls and become close. Will Joe be able to keep Ollie safe and grab hold of a future together?
Ollie and Joe, the kids and all of the secondary friends and family could walk off the page, they feel so real to me. Ms. Barker knows how to write about couples that have lived and have baggage, but in the end are willing to work at building a new life together. They have lived life and are not perfect physical specimens, but they are real and beautiful to their love interest. The sex is explicit, hot and sexy and always builds in a realistic way.
I have loved all of Ms. Barker’s romances and romantic suspense books. I cannot recommend this author enough especially if you like your H/h a little more mature and written with just the right amount of suspense and sex to spice up the romance. I highly recommend this book and series!
April 4, 2019
Freya Barker does it every time. Once again we get an amazing book. Love this story so much and couldn’t put the book down.
Joe is a widow whose wife passed away 18 months earlier and is the new Chief of Police in the quiet town of Durango where he just moved with his 2 sons.
Ollie is one of my favorite heroine by Freya to date. Strong and doesn’t let her disability stand in her way. Single mother to 17 year old Trinny, she always worked hard to give her daughter a good life.
This book was so good! Couldn’t put it down. Love the chemistry between Ollie and Joe. And Joe..swoon..he was so protective. At first I was afraid that 18 months would be too soon, but it worked out perfectly. The suspense and all the characters from On Call, Rock Point and also Cruz Livingston from Susan Stoker’s Badge of Honor series was awesome (so much protective Alpha men in one book, love it)
Love that Freya always writes characters that I can relate to.
I highly recommend if you love romance books with mature main characters, then you should definitely read Freya Barker’s books!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Joe is a widow whose wife passed away 18 months earlier and is the new Chief of Police in the quiet town of Durango where he just moved with his 2 sons.
Ollie is one of my favorite heroine by Freya to date. Strong and doesn’t let her disability stand in her way. Single mother to 17 year old Trinny, she always worked hard to give her daughter a good life.
This book was so good! Couldn’t put it down. Love the chemistry between Ollie and Joe. And Joe..swoon..he was so protective. At first I was afraid that 18 months would be too soon, but it worked out perfectly. The suspense and all the characters from On Call, Rock Point and also Cruz Livingston from Susan Stoker’s Badge of Honor series was awesome (so much protective Alpha men in one book, love it)
Love that Freya always writes characters that I can relate to.
I highly recommend if you love romance books with mature main characters, then you should definitely read Freya Barker’s books!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 27, 2019
Ollie Rizzo has spent the past 18 years living under the radar in Durango as a landscape gardener with her daughter Trinny. Then recently widowed Joe Benedetti, the new Chief of Police, and his two young sons move in across the road. When Trinny is injured on a ski trip with Joe and his sons their two worlds collide, then Ollie's past comes back to haunt her and suddenly Joe's interest becomes just as much professional as it is personal.
I love Freya Barker novels. They feature 40-somethings with real lives and real issues (usually a disability) with a hint of suspense and a whole boatload of romance, and this is no exception. Ollie has brought up her daughter alone, carved out her own business, away from her family's drama. But she's lonely and has been without support all that time. Then suddenly her neighbour is shouldering some of the burden, looking after her and protecting her from the spectre of the past.
Joe is struggling to look after his two young sons and his new job after the death of his wife. He doesn't need his prickly, argumentative neighbour disturbing his new world. But when her past comes back to haunt her he can't stop his natural instincts to serve and protect.
I love Freya Barker novels. They feature 40-somethings with real lives and real issues (usually a disability) with a hint of suspense and a whole boatload of romance, and this is no exception. Ollie has brought up her daughter alone, carved out her own business, away from her family's drama. But she's lonely and has been without support all that time. Then suddenly her neighbour is shouldering some of the burden, looking after her and protecting her from the spectre of the past.
Joe is struggling to look after his two young sons and his new job after the death of his wife. He doesn't need his prickly, argumentative neighbour disturbing his new world. But when her past comes back to haunt her he can't stop his natural instincts to serve and protect.
April 5, 2019
Freya does it again. Nobody writes characters like she does.
We met Joe Benedetti in Burning Autumn who we knew would become the new chief of police.
Joe moves to Durango with his two boys to take over the chief of police position left by Keith Blackfoot. He’s a single father who lost his wife to cancer almost 2 years ago and is trying to find a new normal for his boys and himself. Enter Ollie Rizzo, his neighbor and the mother of his boys babysitter, Trinny. Ollie herself is a single mom running her own business, raising her daughter and keeping everyone at a distance.
There is an instant attraction between Joe and Ollie but neither wants to act on it. Until someone from Ollie’s past starts to shake up her carefully constructed world and Joe finds himself wanted to protect her and her daughter.
I loved watching Joe and Ollie develop an amazing relationship along with their kids.
Ollie has a disability, and to watch how Joe responds to it, or rather how he does not see it as a disability, but just a part of who she is warmed my heart. These characters have so much depth and how they navigate the changes that are happening in their lives is a beautiful thing to read. There are also amazing secondary characters, especially Grace who is like a mother to Ollie.
I could not put this book down and there were so many feels. I highly recommend this book
We met Joe Benedetti in Burning Autumn who we knew would become the new chief of police.
Joe moves to Durango with his two boys to take over the chief of police position left by Keith Blackfoot. He’s a single father who lost his wife to cancer almost 2 years ago and is trying to find a new normal for his boys and himself. Enter Ollie Rizzo, his neighbor and the mother of his boys babysitter, Trinny. Ollie herself is a single mom running her own business, raising her daughter and keeping everyone at a distance.
There is an instant attraction between Joe and Ollie but neither wants to act on it. Until someone from Ollie’s past starts to shake up her carefully constructed world and Joe finds himself wanted to protect her and her daughter.
I loved watching Joe and Ollie develop an amazing relationship along with their kids.
Ollie has a disability, and to watch how Joe responds to it, or rather how he does not see it as a disability, but just a part of who she is warmed my heart. These characters have so much depth and how they navigate the changes that are happening in their lives is a beautiful thing to read. There are also amazing secondary characters, especially Grace who is like a mother to Ollie.
I could not put this book down and there were so many feels. I highly recommend this book
August 17, 2022
4.3⭐️ What a fantastic read. I liked everything about this book. If you love an Alpha hero, raise your hand. If you love an Alpha hero who is not an a**hole, say “Yaaasss.” Meet Joe Benedetti, a 45-year old widower with two young boys. Joe is big, muscular, virile and just plain sexy; he is an alpha male who is the brand new sheriff of Durango.
If you love strong, charismatic women, meet Ollie (Olivia), age 43. Her character is richly drawn, and she’s quite colorful. Her 17 year old daughter, Trinny (Trinity) is smart and caring, with great values instilled in her by Ollie. Ollie is an extremely capable woman who runs her own business in spite of several setbacks.
Neither Ollie nor Joe expect interest to spark between them, but it does. It is NOT insta-love. I enjoyed the fact that Joe and Ollie are a mature couple, and that they take time to get to know each other before they become intimate. Each has a heart-rending story to tell, and each persevered in the face of distressing times. When trouble comes Ollie’s way unexpectedly, Joe’s protective instincts kick in.
Covering Ollie is a very engrossing story with perfectly balanced aspects of a really good romantic suspense read.
If you love strong, charismatic women, meet Ollie (Olivia), age 43. Her character is richly drawn, and she’s quite colorful. Her 17 year old daughter, Trinny (Trinity) is smart and caring, with great values instilled in her by Ollie. Ollie is an extremely capable woman who runs her own business in spite of several setbacks.
Neither Ollie nor Joe expect interest to spark between them, but it does. It is NOT insta-love. I enjoyed the fact that Joe and Ollie are a mature couple, and that they take time to get to know each other before they become intimate. Each has a heart-rending story to tell, and each persevered in the face of distressing times. When trouble comes Ollie’s way unexpectedly, Joe’s protective instincts kick in.
Covering Ollie is a very engrossing story with perfectly balanced aspects of a really good romantic suspense read.
December 6, 2021
amazing!!!
So much in this book! Romance! Action! Suspense! All kinds of emotions and the characters are great!!! Another amazing book by Freya Barker
So much in this book! Romance! Action! Suspense! All kinds of emotions and the characters are great!!! Another amazing book by Freya Barker
May 13, 2019
Covering Ollie by Freya Barker
On Call Series #2
Sitting here with a smile on my face :) Why? I am thinking about Olivia “Ollie” Rizzo and Joe Benedetti and the joy of reading their story and it makes me smile because they are so GOOD together! Ollie says what she thinks, has a thriving landscape business and devotes her all to giving her daughter Trinny a safe and wonderful life. I fell in love with this woman who had more personality and strength than many characters I have met in books. I would love to be her friend! And Joe...my, oh my, oh MY...a widowed silver fox hunk, police chief and father extraordinaire. When the two finally meet it was...kismet...or something like that.
This is a romantic suspense and providing protection for Ollie and Trinny is one of the main focuses of Joe’s police force but also of the FBI...all due to something that happened in the past. This had some scary moments and some twists and turns I did not see coming and...it was a delight from beginning to end.
This is an author I know will provide wonderful characters and a solid story that holds my interest from beginning to end. The people in the stories she creates are ones I can relate to and would love to meet in real life. I look forward to reading her books when they come out and can’t wait for the next one to be finished.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
On Call Series #2
Sitting here with a smile on my face :) Why? I am thinking about Olivia “Ollie” Rizzo and Joe Benedetti and the joy of reading their story and it makes me smile because they are so GOOD together! Ollie says what she thinks, has a thriving landscape business and devotes her all to giving her daughter Trinny a safe and wonderful life. I fell in love with this woman who had more personality and strength than many characters I have met in books. I would love to be her friend! And Joe...my, oh my, oh MY...a widowed silver fox hunk, police chief and father extraordinaire. When the two finally meet it was...kismet...or something like that.
This is a romantic suspense and providing protection for Ollie and Trinny is one of the main focuses of Joe’s police force but also of the FBI...all due to something that happened in the past. This had some scary moments and some twists and turns I did not see coming and...it was a delight from beginning to end.
This is an author I know will provide wonderful characters and a solid story that holds my interest from beginning to end. The people in the stories she creates are ones I can relate to and would love to meet in real life. I look forward to reading her books when they come out and can’t wait for the next one to be finished.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
December 1, 2020
Ollie and Joe were great together, but I also liked that they didn't meet for quite a bit into the book. Yes they were neighbors and yes Ollie's daughter was babysitting Joe's kids, so they knew about each other. But to actually talk face to face, it took a bit and even then it took a bit for each of them to warm up to the other and for those first few meets all the kids were around. I thought all of that was a good thing considering both of their backgrounds and that kids were involved. It helped that with Trinny watching the kids they build their own relationship ahead of when the parents got involved. It also helped that when Joe and Ollie crossed the line in their relationship all the kids were away at camp for the summer or in Europe traveling with friends.
While the kids were away life got seriously crazy for Ollie and I was glad that she had Joe in her life, specificlly Joe because she needed someone in law enforcement to help her navigate all the crap that seemed to come at her. At each turn things got worse, but Joe was there to help Ollie deal. It wasn't until the end that I started to worry, it seemed like the bad guys crossed a line. I was glad to see that the police and FBI did what was needed and found the bad guys and saved the day.
I liked how this one ended, liked that the two families became one, they all deserved to live happy.
While the kids were away life got seriously crazy for Ollie and I was glad that she had Joe in her life, specificlly Joe because she needed someone in law enforcement to help her navigate all the crap that seemed to come at her. At each turn things got worse, but Joe was there to help Ollie deal. It wasn't until the end that I started to worry, it seemed like the bad guys crossed a line. I was glad to see that the police and FBI did what was needed and found the bad guys and saved the day.
I liked how this one ended, liked that the two families became one, they all deserved to live happy.
May 20, 2019
Covering Ollie is a beautiful and romantic read with some suspense and drama as only Freya Barker delivers.
This is a stand-alone, you do not need to read the first book in this series, I have not.
I simply love this author, she writes with mature characters who have history and show that second chances at romance are so meaningful with plenty of passion and laughter.
The children in this story give another layer to the relationship between Ollie and Joe and it was wonderful to see them unite as a newly combined family.
Joe is strong, determined and stands up to Ollie and her past. Ollie was complex and it was wonderful to see her find a man to give her support and strength but also acknowledge her determination to make her way.
The relationship between Ollie and her daughter was one of my favorite parts of this whole story.
This is a stand-alone, you do not need to read the first book in this series, I have not.
I simply love this author, she writes with mature characters who have history and show that second chances at romance are so meaningful with plenty of passion and laughter.
The children in this story give another layer to the relationship between Ollie and Joe and it was wonderful to see them unite as a newly combined family.
Joe is strong, determined and stands up to Ollie and her past. Ollie was complex and it was wonderful to see her find a man to give her support and strength but also acknowledge her determination to make her way.
The relationship between Ollie and her daughter was one of my favorite parts of this whole story.
May 11, 2019
What can I say!!!! Ms. Barker has worked her ALPHA magic once again!!! We are given Joe and Ollie’s story and what a great story it is!!!
Ollie and her daughter come into Joe and his sons lives under normal circumstances. They go about their lives until Ollie’s past makes an appearance then we’ve got some intense suspense!!!
I have enjoyed Ms. Barker’s writing since discovering her book Keeping 6, she always brings the ALPHA male that I crave and the equally strong and independent heroines. I will always pick up her books and continue to devour them.
Ollie and her daughter come into Joe and his sons lives under normal circumstances. They go about their lives until Ollie’s past makes an appearance then we’ve got some intense suspense!!!
I have enjoyed Ms. Barker’s writing since discovering her book Keeping 6, she always brings the ALPHA male that I crave and the equally strong and independent heroines. I will always pick up her books and continue to devour them.
May 13, 2019
Review by: Jennifer
(5 stars)
Joe and his boys moved to Durango, Colorado for a change of pace after the death of his wife. Taking over as Chief of Police, Joe is doing a good job at balancing his job and his boys, with help from the babysitter, Trinny, that lives across the street. For Ollie, it has always been her and Trinny. Having moved to Durango in order to get away from a bad situation, Ollie has never looked back and has just focused on raising her daughter. Of course she notices Joe, but Ollie knows it's better to just rely on herself than to get involved with anyone. When the two end up spending a lot more time together, to dealing with Ollie's drama, will the walls that they have come tumbling down? Or is this just until the drama is over?
This was such a good read! I enjoyed every bit of it, the drama, danger, the nicely done naughty bits, the side characters that have you giggling out loud. This story just flowed off the pages and before I knew it, I was done. I give this 5 stars.
(5 stars)
Joe and his boys moved to Durango, Colorado for a change of pace after the death of his wife. Taking over as Chief of Police, Joe is doing a good job at balancing his job and his boys, with help from the babysitter, Trinny, that lives across the street. For Ollie, it has always been her and Trinny. Having moved to Durango in order to get away from a bad situation, Ollie has never looked back and has just focused on raising her daughter. Of course she notices Joe, but Ollie knows it's better to just rely on herself than to get involved with anyone. When the two end up spending a lot more time together, to dealing with Ollie's drama, will the walls that they have come tumbling down? Or is this just until the drama is over?
This was such a good read! I enjoyed every bit of it, the drama, danger, the nicely done naughty bits, the side characters that have you giggling out loud. This story just flowed off the pages and before I knew it, I was done. I give this 5 stars.
April 19, 2019
Lord help me if Freya Barker tops this one. I don't think my heart or tear ducts could handle it. Covering Ollie just became one of my favorite reads of all time. No joke, as soon as I finish this review, I'm requesting a signed copy of it to add to my book shelf. Joe and Ollie's story is complex, gritty, steamy as heck and so beautifully developed I felt like I was living their love story right alongside them.
Story Line: Joe is the new chief of police. He has two sons from his late wife. Ollie is a single mom with a 17 year old daughter. And they just happen to be neighbors. Their story is a fantastic blend of several tropes - enemies to lovers, neighbors to lovers, single parents and even has a small hint of darkness to it. So, basically, it's all my favorite tropes blended together. Now if only there were horses in it, then it would be untouchable. ;) If you've read Burning for Autumn (book 1 in the On Call series) you know this story isn't going to be simple. It's not an insta-love, quick to HEA type of romance. No, we need to go through some crazy intense scenes - several times over - before Ollie and Joe get their epic happily ever after. And it is so dang good.
Interaction: Here's the thing about FB books, her characters are flawlessly written. Don't get me wrong, they have their hang ups, but each character is so meticulously described, you will practically know what it sounds like when they breathe. Ollie is the definition of strong. She has been on her own for 18 years. She's raised a practically perfect teenager. Bottom line, she's got her act together. Joe is the same way. Which of course makes for some funny conversation, heated debates and even more heated laundry.
Laundry: Speaking of laundry, holy crap. You're going to need a fan handy while reading Covering Ollie. FB did not hold back with this one. These are definitely her hottest laundry scenes ever. I mean, the shower, against the wall, and pretty much every chance they get. So hot.
Depth: The short answer to this section is, yes there's quite a lot of depth to the story. The long answer? Well, the long answer would probably have spoilers, and there's no way in Hades I'm giving anything away. Joe is the chief of police, so that job alone brings drama. And you know how I said Ollie's been on her own for 18 years. Yeah, well the stuff that happend BEFORE those 18 years of blissful seclusion there was a ton of stuff that went down - some she knew about - a lot she didn't. All I can say is this, there were a handful of scenes that brought me to my knees. Two had me balling my eyes out, one had me ready to message the author with some hate mail, and two others that had happy tears streaming down my face.
Y'all are going to have to read it and find out what I'm talking about. But believe me, you won't be disappointed.
Story Line: Joe is the new chief of police. He has two sons from his late wife. Ollie is a single mom with a 17 year old daughter. And they just happen to be neighbors. Their story is a fantastic blend of several tropes - enemies to lovers, neighbors to lovers, single parents and even has a small hint of darkness to it. So, basically, it's all my favorite tropes blended together. Now if only there were horses in it, then it would be untouchable. ;) If you've read Burning for Autumn (book 1 in the On Call series) you know this story isn't going to be simple. It's not an insta-love, quick to HEA type of romance. No, we need to go through some crazy intense scenes - several times over - before Ollie and Joe get their epic happily ever after. And it is so dang good.
Interaction: Here's the thing about FB books, her characters are flawlessly written. Don't get me wrong, they have their hang ups, but each character is so meticulously described, you will practically know what it sounds like when they breathe. Ollie is the definition of strong. She has been on her own for 18 years. She's raised a practically perfect teenager. Bottom line, she's got her act together. Joe is the same way. Which of course makes for some funny conversation, heated debates and even more heated laundry.
Laundry: Speaking of laundry, holy crap. You're going to need a fan handy while reading Covering Ollie. FB did not hold back with this one. These are definitely her hottest laundry scenes ever. I mean, the shower, against the wall, and pretty much every chance they get. So hot.
Depth: The short answer to this section is, yes there's quite a lot of depth to the story. The long answer? Well, the long answer would probably have spoilers, and there's no way in Hades I'm giving anything away. Joe is the chief of police, so that job alone brings drama. And you know how I said Ollie's been on her own for 18 years. Yeah, well the stuff that happend BEFORE those 18 years of blissful seclusion there was a ton of stuff that went down - some she knew about - a lot she didn't. All I can say is this, there were a handful of scenes that brought me to my knees. Two had me balling my eyes out, one had me ready to message the author with some hate mail, and two others that had happy tears streaming down my face.
Y'all are going to have to read it and find out what I'm talking about. But believe me, you won't be disappointed.
April 1, 2019
Another amazing story from this author- I read Covering Ollie in one sitting as one fiercely independent single mom meets her match in the sexy alpha silver fox across the street!
It's been a year since Joe lost his wife to cancer, and he and his sons have left Denver in search of a new start in the smaller, quieter town of Durango. His teenaged neighbor Trinny has been a godsend when it comes to keeping his boys occupied and in line after school while he is at work, and 12 yr old Mason may have a teeny crush on the vivacious girl. When Joe is left feeling like he has been steamrolled after his first encounter with Trinny's mom, he has no idea how familiar he will become with that sentiment.
Ollie is a force of nature at times! She has fought hard to become a successful business woman while raising Trinny on her own, and it has been a very long time since any man has piqued her interest. The sexy chief of police's ability to leave her tongue tied is as frustrating as it is confusing to her but she can't deny he ticks all the right boxes for her. His love for his boys is unquestionable, and he most definitely has a bossy side that can be both a turn on and a trigger for her fiery temper. Fortunately they both cool off just as easily as they get fired up, and that fire definitely translates to sexual tension and into the bedroom when they finally give in.
His protective side comes out in full force when Ollie's past unexpectedly comes back to haunt her placing both Ollie and Trinny in the crosshairs of some very dangerous people she has been hiding from for years. The pressure builds as Joe tries to navigate the demands of his new job, town politics, the unknown forces that keep coming at Ollie and Trinny, and the minefield that is trying to navigate his complex feelings for Ollie while being sensitive to the still-fresh loss of their mom when it comes to his boys.
Joe has his typical man moments along the way but fortunately he doesn't hesitate to pull his head out of his butt with some well placed motivation by family and friends. There are a lot of familiar faces from past stories that make an appearance, and Ollie's firecracker elderly friend Grace is an absolute hoot!! God save us from well meaning but interfering parents too because Joe's mom made me want to lose my mind, but I loved that Ollie didn't even bat an eye when it came to standing up to her. All in all, Covering Ollie is a well written mix of suspense, humor and heat that kept me glued to my seat from start to finish so don't hesitate to grab this one and dive in!
It's been a year since Joe lost his wife to cancer, and he and his sons have left Denver in search of a new start in the smaller, quieter town of Durango. His teenaged neighbor Trinny has been a godsend when it comes to keeping his boys occupied and in line after school while he is at work, and 12 yr old Mason may have a teeny crush on the vivacious girl. When Joe is left feeling like he has been steamrolled after his first encounter with Trinny's mom, he has no idea how familiar he will become with that sentiment.
Ollie is a force of nature at times! She has fought hard to become a successful business woman while raising Trinny on her own, and it has been a very long time since any man has piqued her interest. The sexy chief of police's ability to leave her tongue tied is as frustrating as it is confusing to her but she can't deny he ticks all the right boxes for her. His love for his boys is unquestionable, and he most definitely has a bossy side that can be both a turn on and a trigger for her fiery temper. Fortunately they both cool off just as easily as they get fired up, and that fire definitely translates to sexual tension and into the bedroom when they finally give in.
His protective side comes out in full force when Ollie's past unexpectedly comes back to haunt her placing both Ollie and Trinny in the crosshairs of some very dangerous people she has been hiding from for years. The pressure builds as Joe tries to navigate the demands of his new job, town politics, the unknown forces that keep coming at Ollie and Trinny, and the minefield that is trying to navigate his complex feelings for Ollie while being sensitive to the still-fresh loss of their mom when it comes to his boys.
Joe has his typical man moments along the way but fortunately he doesn't hesitate to pull his head out of his butt with some well placed motivation by family and friends. There are a lot of familiar faces from past stories that make an appearance, and Ollie's firecracker elderly friend Grace is an absolute hoot!! God save us from well meaning but interfering parents too because Joe's mom made me want to lose my mind, but I loved that Ollie didn't even bat an eye when it came to standing up to her. All in all, Covering Ollie is a well written mix of suspense, humor and heat that kept me glued to my seat from start to finish so don't hesitate to grab this one and dive in!
March 31, 2019
To say Freya pulled me in from the very beginning would be an understatement, I found myself sitting up in the middle of the night reading, then claiming a quiet day and plunked in my chair until I finished Joe & Ollie's story.
Ollie had my praise with a you go girl very quickly. She is a single mom that has spent the past almost 18 years trying to do best for her daughter. All of this while learning to no let her disability slow her down. Ollie is a woman full of strength & courage, doing her best to show Trinny that she too can do anything she sets her mind to. Making a living they can both be proud of. Watching Trinny take charge of her new job intent to get the job done, it is clear that she has instilled good values in her daughter. Ollie loves hard but is skittish to put herself out there recognizing it affects more than her.
Joe and his boys are slowly adjusting to their move to a new town. Joe has taken on the task of Chief of Police and is doing the hard balance of work and raising his children. With a solid babysitter to help with the boys after school he seems to be doing OK so far. Mason and Ryder are adjusting well but lets face it the loss of a parent is not easy to get used to. Everyone deals with loss and grief differently. He is a loving father that makes time for his children. When Joe crosses paths with Ollie she brings to the table some new feelings that he hasn't had in a very long time. It is an adjustment to get his heart and mind on the same page.
True to her fashion of romantic suspense Freya gives a great mix in the story. A very well planned plot with enough suspense to keep you looking for answers while drawing you into the lives of her wonderful characters. She does a wonderful job of mixing the children into the mix and reminding us that it takes a bit more to sort through when they are involved but it is more than worth the risk in the end. Family weather they are blood or not is still family and we are usually most happy when we can count on our family.
I am loving the On Call series and the mix of characters. It was also fun treat that she brought us back a few characters of the past. Looking forward to the next adventure.
*** Advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
Ollie had my praise with a you go girl very quickly. She is a single mom that has spent the past almost 18 years trying to do best for her daughter. All of this while learning to no let her disability slow her down. Ollie is a woman full of strength & courage, doing her best to show Trinny that she too can do anything she sets her mind to. Making a living they can both be proud of. Watching Trinny take charge of her new job intent to get the job done, it is clear that she has instilled good values in her daughter. Ollie loves hard but is skittish to put herself out there recognizing it affects more than her.
Joe and his boys are slowly adjusting to their move to a new town. Joe has taken on the task of Chief of Police and is doing the hard balance of work and raising his children. With a solid babysitter to help with the boys after school he seems to be doing OK so far. Mason and Ryder are adjusting well but lets face it the loss of a parent is not easy to get used to. Everyone deals with loss and grief differently. He is a loving father that makes time for his children. When Joe crosses paths with Ollie she brings to the table some new feelings that he hasn't had in a very long time. It is an adjustment to get his heart and mind on the same page.
True to her fashion of romantic suspense Freya gives a great mix in the story. A very well planned plot with enough suspense to keep you looking for answers while drawing you into the lives of her wonderful characters. She does a wonderful job of mixing the children into the mix and reminding us that it takes a bit more to sort through when they are involved but it is more than worth the risk in the end. Family weather they are blood or not is still family and we are usually most happy when we can count on our family.
I am loving the On Call series and the mix of characters. It was also fun treat that she brought us back a few characters of the past. Looking forward to the next adventure.
*** Advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
May 12, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Living in Durango Colorado for the past eighteen years allowed Ollie Rizzo to build her own business and carve out a quiet existence for her and her teenage daughter. She's used to going it alone. However, their new silver-haired neighbor might present a problem-not only is he handsome-he's also Durango's new chief of police; a complication she can't afford. For the recently widowed Joe Benedetti, the job offer of he new chief of police at the right time. With life, the new job, and his two young sons settling into a comfortable routine, he does his best to ignore the beautiful and intriguing woman across the street. Yet when he discovers she's caught the attention of the FBI, there is no way he can stay away. Their world collide with the appearance of FBI Special Agent Cruz Livingston. The agent has a warning to deliver, one that spins life in Durango out of control, giving Joe a crucial mission-keep Ollie alive.
I love that Freya Barker gives us older couples to read about. In Covering Ollie you will meet Ollie and Joe. She has her own business in town and is raising her teenage daughter, Trinny. She isn't one to let her disability stop her from doing anything. They have a really good life in the small quiet town of Durango Colorado. She sure isn't expecting her new neighbor to be Joe, the new chief of police who has two teenage sons of his own and whose wife has passed away. These two are just absolutely wonderful character's. However as well a life as Ollie has worked for and provided she has a past and that past is coming back. This book will have you on the edge of your seat. This book is really really good and I loved every minute of it.
Living in Durango Colorado for the past eighteen years allowed Ollie Rizzo to build her own business and carve out a quiet existence for her and her teenage daughter. She's used to going it alone. However, their new silver-haired neighbor might present a problem-not only is he handsome-he's also Durango's new chief of police; a complication she can't afford. For the recently widowed Joe Benedetti, the job offer of he new chief of police at the right time. With life, the new job, and his two young sons settling into a comfortable routine, he does his best to ignore the beautiful and intriguing woman across the street. Yet when he discovers she's caught the attention of the FBI, there is no way he can stay away. Their world collide with the appearance of FBI Special Agent Cruz Livingston. The agent has a warning to deliver, one that spins life in Durango out of control, giving Joe a crucial mission-keep Ollie alive.
I love that Freya Barker gives us older couples to read about. In Covering Ollie you will meet Ollie and Joe. She has her own business in town and is raising her teenage daughter, Trinny. She isn't one to let her disability stop her from doing anything. They have a really good life in the small quiet town of Durango Colorado. She sure isn't expecting her new neighbor to be Joe, the new chief of police who has two teenage sons of his own and whose wife has passed away. These two are just absolutely wonderful character's. However as well a life as Ollie has worked for and provided she has a past and that past is coming back. This book will have you on the edge of your seat. This book is really really good and I loved every minute of it.
April 17, 2019
I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of Freya Barker's latest installment of her police and fire on-call series, based on Susan Stoker's characters. Here we get the backstory of Joe Benedetti, the new Durango, CO, police chief, who we met briefly in the previous book, Burning for Autumn. Joe is the widowed father of two young boys, a former police commander in Denver, CO. After losing his wife from ovarian cancer, he's taken the job for a change of environment and pace for him and his sons. Olivia "Ollie" Rizzo is the single mother of 17 year old, Trinny, who babysits for Joe. They are next door neighbors, but barely know each other. Ollie works from home, and is a self-prolaimed hermit, after running from a major mafia family over 18 years ago. She lost her leg in a car bombing and just wants to raise her daughter in peace.
The relationship between Ollie and Joe begins very slowly, more friendly acquaintances than anything else, but when Ollie is harassed by the entitled rich son of a town benefactor, Joe steps in to help. They are both hesitant and wary of entanglements, but are consistently thrown together in both personal and professional matters.
I really enjoy Ms. Barker's writing, and the way she brings her characters to life. You love with them, cry with them, and truly feel that they could be your best friends and neighbors. The relationships are mature and rational, even in the midst of personal crises and action-packed suspense. You understand their feelings and desires, given how realistically Ms. Barker draws her characters and plotlines. We connect with them and their lives on a deeply personal level.
The relationship between Ollie and Joe begins very slowly, more friendly acquaintances than anything else, but when Ollie is harassed by the entitled rich son of a town benefactor, Joe steps in to help. They are both hesitant and wary of entanglements, but are consistently thrown together in both personal and professional matters.
I really enjoy Ms. Barker's writing, and the way she brings her characters to life. You love with them, cry with them, and truly feel that they could be your best friends and neighbors. The relationships are mature and rational, even in the midst of personal crises and action-packed suspense. You understand their feelings and desires, given how realistically Ms. Barker draws her characters and plotlines. We connect with them and their lives on a deeply personal level.
May 15, 2019
Welcome to Durango danger, hot cops, and steamy passion ...
Maybe its time for a trip out west. Maybe its time that I shed my past. Maybe its time to find a cozy corn, pick up a new read, and enjoy Durango, CO page by page with Joe and Ollie.
Durango, CO turns in to a very interesting place on this journey to love with a touch of suspense. Olivia (Ollie) had life going in an acceptable direction with a few little hiccups here and there. She was in no need of a sexy neighbor or even a sexy cop to be placed in her path for any reason at all. She finds that she really do need that sexy new chief of police, Joe. She needs him for more than just the wonderful view, the love he could provide, the comfort he could give, and the protection she apparently needed.
There was so much here in the is small city. The intrigue of why the FBI was so interested in the one woman. The intensity felt. The emotions delivered. The danger. The children were helpful in the emotional bonding with the story. The love of the characters, family, friends, community.
The passion between Joe and Ollie came off the pages. The danger, suspense, and mystery was page turning. It was a bit interesting to see a character from a different book and a different series all read in the same week by complete coincident.
Maybe its time for a trip out west. Maybe its time that I shed my past. Maybe its time to find a cozy corn, pick up a new read, and enjoy Durango, CO page by page with Joe and Ollie.
Durango, CO turns in to a very interesting place on this journey to love with a touch of suspense. Olivia (Ollie) had life going in an acceptable direction with a few little hiccups here and there. She was in no need of a sexy neighbor or even a sexy cop to be placed in her path for any reason at all. She finds that she really do need that sexy new chief of police, Joe. She needs him for more than just the wonderful view, the love he could provide, the comfort he could give, and the protection she apparently needed.
There was so much here in the is small city. The intrigue of why the FBI was so interested in the one woman. The intensity felt. The emotions delivered. The danger. The children were helpful in the emotional bonding with the story. The love of the characters, family, friends, community.
The passion between Joe and Ollie came off the pages. The danger, suspense, and mystery was page turning. It was a bit interesting to see a character from a different book and a different series all read in the same week by complete coincident.
May 19, 2019
Covering Ollie is another perfect balance between romance and suspense. Freya knows how to bring these characters to life and really make you care for them. While reading I knew something was going to happen and just as I thought I knew where the book was headed, this story took a turn I didn't see coming. This is a book that I didn't want to put down and I needed to know how it would all turn out.
Joe was a character we met in Burning for Autumn. He lost his wife to cancer and is taking care of his two sons. Joe is doing what he needs to survive. Starting a new job as the chief of police, he never even thinks of romance.
Ollie has had her share of hard times in her life and is doing her best to raise her daughter. Ollie is a strong independent woman who has her life turned upside down when her brother's life endangers hers. It's hard for her to let new people in and let them take care of her.
Joe and Ollie have a connection they both try to fight, but it explodes once they let the other in. I loved that both of them needed the other more than they ever thought or expected. The romance developed naturally and didn't feel forced or fast at all. What I loved the most is that them being together really made them think about old pain and what they really wanted. This new romance let them heal in many ways.
On top of the amazing romance, there is quite the suspense behind everything. It wasn't over the top and fit this story well. Add a great cast of characters (including many we know and love from other books) and this story is complete! I definitely wouldn't complain about getting more Joe and Ollie. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series!
Joe was a character we met in Burning for Autumn. He lost his wife to cancer and is taking care of his two sons. Joe is doing what he needs to survive. Starting a new job as the chief of police, he never even thinks of romance.
Ollie has had her share of hard times in her life and is doing her best to raise her daughter. Ollie is a strong independent woman who has her life turned upside down when her brother's life endangers hers. It's hard for her to let new people in and let them take care of her.
Joe and Ollie have a connection they both try to fight, but it explodes once they let the other in. I loved that both of them needed the other more than they ever thought or expected. The romance developed naturally and didn't feel forced or fast at all. What I loved the most is that them being together really made them think about old pain and what they really wanted. This new romance let them heal in many ways.
On top of the amazing romance, there is quite the suspense behind everything. It wasn't over the top and fit this story well. Add a great cast of characters (including many we know and love from other books) and this story is complete! I definitely wouldn't complain about getting more Joe and Ollie. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series!
April 8, 2019
Covering Ollie is another fabulous book by Freya Barker! The story of Ollie Rizzo and New Chief of Police Joe Benedetti kept me riveted until the very end. Both are single parents that have been doing okay alone taking care of their children, but when they meet the attraction is there but are hesitant to move forward. Ollie is an incredible mother to her 17-year old daughter, Trinny. She is fierce, strong and does not let what happened to her in the past keep her down. Her main focus has been on making a good life for the two of them. Joe, a widower of 2 years moved with his two sons to Durango to start fresh. The good fortune of having Trinny as the babysitter has made the transition easier for them all, so the thought of starting anything with her mother made him not want to further pursue his attraction. It was, however, through the kids that starts the ball rolling for Ollie and Joe. I loved the first contact between these two.
It is not until Ollie’s past that puts both mother and daughter in danger that Joe realizes that he can not stay away. He is fiercely protective of them both and will do whatever he has to to keep them safe. The chemistry between Ollie and Joe is off the charts, Joe was amazing with how he treated Ollie; not as an invalid but as the strong woman she is. The suspense portion of the book kept me on my toes and it was a real treat to see so many characters from so many other books.
I have been so fortunate to have the opportunity to receive this advance reader copy and I can not wait for others to get their chance. This was an awesome book and I highly recommend it.
It is not until Ollie’s past that puts both mother and daughter in danger that Joe realizes that he can not stay away. He is fiercely protective of them both and will do whatever he has to to keep them safe. The chemistry between Ollie and Joe is off the charts, Joe was amazing with how he treated Ollie; not as an invalid but as the strong woman she is. The suspense portion of the book kept me on my toes and it was a real treat to see so many characters from so many other books.
I have been so fortunate to have the opportunity to receive this advance reader copy and I can not wait for others to get their chance. This was an awesome book and I highly recommend it.
April 9, 2019
Freya Barker is a master at weaving suspense and romance. She does it again here with a seasoned love story set in her world high up in the mountains of Durango, Colorado. While Barker's characters may be fictional the town is not and she manages to intertwine the two seamlessly, giving a vivid sense of the small town feel with a big time criminal element. The writing is classic Barker: clean, basic, and to the point, but yet the story felt fresh even with familiar returning characters. Our new cast, Joe and Ollie, are a pair at natural odds from the beginning and Freya gives them time to build the undeniable attaction before letting the sparks fly. If you are already a faithful Barker fan, dive in because you will not be disappointed. If you're new to Freya then this book is as good as any to start with, her formula works and if you enjoy this one as much as I did then you'll be hitting that one click button again and again.
April 8, 2019
I am new on the Freya Barker train but I am so glad to be here. This author can pen a story that's not only got characters that have depth but they are also characters we see every day. That's part of what makes this book awesome. Add in the Italian mom and the feisty senior Grace and that means inappropriate and territorial come head to head!! They are a hoot and so are the main characters along with the kids. Each of them play a vital part in the story that comes together from so many angles kept in a nice package. I love a strong female character that not only rocks as a single parent but she doesn't fall apart into a blubbering whimpering female who can't get it together. He's strong but also appreciates the fact that she's needs and deserves to be in on everything. With great friends and support and family, two become more and it all fits. It's a great read and a standalone to boot.
May 12, 2019
ARC via BookFunnel
The second book in this series,and another winner as far as I'm concerned.Once again Freya has created a story that gives the reader a good mix of slow burn romance with some mystery/intrigue from start to finish,told in a DUAL POV,with some twists and surprises along the way. As the book blurb states enough,I don't feel the need to give all that much away,what I really enjoyed was the interactions between both leads,there was attraction/chemistry between Ollie and Joe(who are like most of her other characters older in years),yet because of insecurities on both sides as I've said already it was a slow burn gradual build up. Being set in the same world as her other series (Rock Point) there was a cross-over of character's which also added to my overall enjoyment of reading.
I hope there is more to come in this series!
REVIEWING FOR ROCK HARD ROMANCE by Vicki RHR RATING 5*/5
The second book in this series,and another winner as far as I'm concerned.Once again Freya has created a story that gives the reader a good mix of slow burn romance with some mystery/intrigue from start to finish,told in a DUAL POV,with some twists and surprises along the way. As the book blurb states enough,I don't feel the need to give all that much away,what I really enjoyed was the interactions between both leads,there was attraction/chemistry between Ollie and Joe(who are like most of her other characters older in years),yet because of insecurities on both sides as I've said already it was a slow burn gradual build up. Being set in the same world as her other series (Rock Point) there was a cross-over of character's which also added to my overall enjoyment of reading.
I hope there is more to come in this series!
REVIEWING FOR ROCK HARD ROMANCE by Vicki RHR RATING 5*/5
May 13, 2019
Freya Barker has a way of writing characters that you love within a story you can’t put down!
Covering Ollie is the perfect combination of romance and suspense and you will be rooting for a happy ending while needing to know who would want to harm this family.
Joe is a sexy, widowed father of two boys that lives across the street from Ollie, the sassy independent neighbor and her sweet daughter Trinny. When Ollie’s past puts her and her daughter in danger, Joe, the new chief of police, can’t help but put on his alpha protective hat and do everything to keep them safe.
When he and Ollie are forced to live under the same roof for her safety they realize that they are both attracted to the other and the chemistry is off the carts, but first he has to find the bad guys!
This is a great read! Take and chance! You won’t be disappointed!
Covering Ollie is the perfect combination of romance and suspense and you will be rooting for a happy ending while needing to know who would want to harm this family.
Joe is a sexy, widowed father of two boys that lives across the street from Ollie, the sassy independent neighbor and her sweet daughter Trinny. When Ollie’s past puts her and her daughter in danger, Joe, the new chief of police, can’t help but put on his alpha protective hat and do everything to keep them safe.
When he and Ollie are forced to live under the same roof for her safety they realize that they are both attracted to the other and the chemistry is off the carts, but first he has to find the bad guys!
This is a great read! Take and chance! You won’t be disappointed!
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