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PASS #2

Life & Limb

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Growing up a military brat and spending eight years overseas with the Army Medical Corps, clinical social worker, Willa Smith, has had enough of rules and regulations. Still able to work with veterans as she did at the VA Hospital, she is much happier at the new and far more relaxed South Avenue Shelter, until one of its residents is implicated in a murder.

Former military turned security operative, Dimas Mazur, has worked for PASS security, his brother’s company, since he returned stateside after a disabling injury. The job keeps him busy, but when a homeless veteran he knows runs into trouble with the law, he doesn’t hesitate to jump in. The strong-headed counselor at the shelter where his friend stayed is an unexpected bonus.

Until she puts herself square in the sights of the man he’s trying to take down.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2020

109 people are currently reading
193 people want to read

About the author

Freya Barker

86 books1,910 followers
USA 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!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
Profile Image for "Avonna.
1,479 reviews589 followers
May 11, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

LIFE & LIMB (PASS Book #2) by Freya Barker is a romantic suspense that has the perfect balance of wonderfully realistic mature characters and a suspense plot line that keeps you turning the pages. Freya Barker’s romantic suspense books never disappoint.

Willa Smith is a clinical social worker who dedicated eight years of her life in the Army Medical Corps in Germany, came home and worked five more years in the local VA hospital working with veterans before getting her current job in the new South Avenue Shelter. Willa grew up an Army brat in a home with very strict, traditional role models that she refuses to follow and prefers her single life.

Dimas “Dimi” Mazur spent two tours in Iraq in the Special forces until he lost part of his leg to an IED. Now, he works for his brother’s company, PASS security. While home between jobs, Dimas gets an urgent call from a veteran brother who lives at the South Avenue Shelter that he is accused of a murder of a fellow shelter resident. With the help of the outspoken, feisty counselor at the shelter Dimi works to exonerate his friend.

As Dimi and Willa grow closer as a couple and work to find the true killer, Willa places herself directly in the crosshairs of the man they are trying to find.

I always love getting my hands on a new Freya Barker romantic suspense. Willa and Dimi and all the characters from the first book who make a return appearance are friends you want to continue to revisit continually. Willa and Dimi are mature with realistic emotions and lives. I enjoy Ms. Barker’s emphasis on older H/h’s that are never perfect, but do not play immature, emotional games. The romantic conflict is solved with communication, understanding and love. The suspense plot is fast paced, believable and intertwined with the romance perfectly. The sex scenes are explicit, but never gratuitous. Even though this is the second book in this series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

I highly recommend this new romantic suspense and all of Ms. Barker’s books for wonderful characters and exciting suspense!
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,030 reviews807 followers
March 3, 2021
I’m so in love with these main characters this author always brings us. They are older, 39/41 and bring a maturity to the book I crave. You don’t find silly games being played and while they are still human and flawed, they do react to miss understanding and drama better. They stand out amongst all those 20 year old characters in other books.

Willa is a heroine I really enjoyed. I could completely relate to her view point when it came to relationships, but I also liked how she opened up to the possibility when the right guy came along. She struggles but she didn’t shove away completely. I liked her level head and her compassion for others.

Dimas did take a a bit in the beginning to win me over. It didn’t take him long to prove that Willa was different for him and how good he could be for her. That is ultimately what I need to see to really get behind a hero. He turned out to be very protective, and a he spoiled her. I just love it when a guy spoils his girl.

The plot of the book was equally as exciting. It was unique and has you on edge a lot through this book. Overall, I loved it and I can’t wait for the next in the series!
Profile Image for ♥Rachel♥.
2,297 reviews925 followers
August 25, 2020
Willa is a counselor at South Avenue Homeless shelter, and really enjoys her work. Helping the men who come through, a lot of them Veterans struggling in life after service. She’s made friends with her boss, Rosie, and admires the relationship Rosie and her husband Jake have. Far different from her parent’s marriage, where life revolves around her father’s. Willa doesn’t ever want to be in a relationship where her wants and needs are considering unimportant, basically a glorified maid to serve every need of her boyfriend or husband, so she’s never let herself get in deep with anyone. That is until she meets Dimus.

They’re thrown together when a veteran friend of Dimus, who resides at the South Avenue Homeless shelter runs becomes the prime suspect in a murder. Willa ends up threatened when she recognizes a man from her past involved with the case and he sees her right back.

Dimus works for PASS along with his brothers. Seeing Jake and Rosie settled and happy stirs up a desire to have more than just casual flings he’s had in the past, but that’s about to change when Willa comes into the picture. Not only is Willa an accomplished, caring counselor, she’s gorgeous, and Dimus is immediately attracted. I liked that Dimus didn’t feel the need to diminish her strengths to make himself feel more manly, and that he catered to her in front of her family giving both Willa’s mother and sister a view of how a healthy relationship should be.

This was a nice mix of romance, mystery, and suspense. I listened to the audio version which I highly recommend. Tanya Eby and Tor Thom’s brought the characters and story to life, and enhanced an already entertaining story.

An audio copy was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Reina Torres.
Author 131 books796 followers
December 14, 2021
So wonderful

Just an all around great book! The characters! They way they interact as the story builds!! So much goodness in one place!!
Profile Image for Chris.
1,946 reviews17 followers
May 11, 2020
Life & Limb is the perfect addition to the PASS series by Freya Barker. Again, we are treated to great characters and a storyline filled with steamy moments, intrigue and suspense that will keep you engaged and the pages turning to see how Willa and Dima find their way into each other’s lives and out of a sticky situation that puts them both in danger.

I love those hot, protective, alpha men with a big heart and Dima is that in spades. He has is eyes and heart set on Willa and nothing will get in his way in order to keep her safe.

Willa is a strong, independent woman who was definitely not looking for a relationship but there is no way she can deny that there is something growing between herself and Dima.

This is a fantastic story and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Profile Image for Dana.
655 reviews60 followers
May 11, 2020
There are books that I read that I either connect with or just read to say I finished it.

Life & Limb is one I connected with. The experiences that Dimas and Willa went through connected me to them on a personal level. Their story is one of determination and perseverance! I loved Willa and her dedication to her job and her “take no prisoner” attitude!!! Dimas is her perfect partner!

Another fantastic story from Ms. Barker!!!
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,215 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2020
So good! I loved that Dimas and Willa are late thirties/early forties. There are bumps in the road, but they geT through them. Lots of drama and suspense. A few twists and turns. When both sets of parents meet,I laughed out loud through the whole chapter. Steamy and Dimas is so sweet! HEA.
Profile Image for Island Girl Romance Reads.
507 reviews55 followers
May 11, 2020
Life and Limb is the second book in Freya Barker’s PASS series and another awesome read.
Like I always say, Freya writes amazing characters with a great storyline and lots of suspense. Throw in strong women and protective and honorable alpha male and it’s just the way I love my books.

Willa Smith is a social worker that works in a shelter for homeless veterans. She is fierce, independent and strong. Love her character.
Dimas Mazur is a veteran who now works with his brother Yanis as a Security Expert at PASS.

Loved the mystery side of the story and guessing who did it.
The chemistry between the main characters was great and love reading about Jake and Rosie.
Dimas parents, Anna and Max had me laughing. They were my favorite characters in the book. Hope to read more about them in Yanis’ book.
Awesome read and can’t wait for more of this series and read Bree and Yanis’ book soon.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ STARS!
Profile Image for Pam.
1,720 reviews17 followers
July 10, 2020
Book two of the PASS series, though it could easily be read as a standalone book, I highly recommend you start at the beginning and get to love the characters and enjoy they as they move along. I am left knowing that even though I am not quite ready for the end but I know Ms. Barker will bring them along to help our new characters grow.

Willa is a new character to us but she fits right in. She is a strong independent woman who is a little set in her ways and beliefs. After watching her parents, choosing to not need a relationship to live her life to the fullest. Going against odds and serving her country and then coming back but wanting to continue to help those who have served. She was excited for this opportunity at the VA Shelter, connecting with the other Vets. Hoping she can help them move forward.

Dimas might have gotten a little bit of a bad rap in book one. He turns out to be so much more than I expected. He is caring and perceptive. Seeing what people need before they even know, and doing everything that he can to make others happy. He hides his own struggles well and doesn't talk much of his time served and the incident that brought him home. He was definitely not looking for a relationship but Willa caught his eye and he never got a chance to look back.

The explosive beginning when these characters meet will draw you in and hook you. The back and forth until they decide that maybe the draw and attraction might be worth a try. Watching them slowly look at what they always believed and maybe bend those beliefs a little is beautiful. Willa and Dimas both try to separately try to uncover the mystery that is so expertly weaved into the story. Maybe it will be easier if they communicate and work together. Dimas jumps into full protector mode.

Once again Ms Barker tackles a difficult life situation that is a bit of an eye opener but it doesn't over power the story. Emotions will be high, full of ups and downs, smiles and humor so be on the ready.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Profile Image for Karen Hrdlicka.
1,349 reviews27 followers
March 21, 2020
When a book ends and leaves you wanting more of the characters, that is the mark of great writing. At the end of Life & Limb I definitely wanted more. Willa is a strong, independent woman who hasn't felt to the need to conform to the traditional male-dominated relationship she was raised with. Spending eight years in the Army Medical Corps, trying to patch together wounded soldiers, it's not surprising she ends up in Grand Junction. Disenchanted with the atmosphere at the local VA hospital, she ends up working the homeless shelter, which houses many vets, operated by Rosie.
When one of the vets ends up beaten to death and Dimas' military friend is arrested for the crime, Dimas barges in to Willa's life and both are knocked for a loop. Neither of them is looking for a meaningful relationship but their chemistry is instantaneous. However, like most men, Dimas didn't major in communications and often lands in hot water with the feisty Willa. But unlike most men, he tries desperately and quickly to rectify those miscommunications.
Ms. Barker hits a lot of hot-button issues in this book: homeless vets, PTSD, police corruption, and misogyny. And in perfect balance she offers the reader: interesting family dynamics, a rescued dog, a sharp as a whip niece, unique parents, a sexy alpha hero, and kick-ass heroine. In Ms. Barker's special way she knits all the elements together into an intriguing story full of suspense, friendship, and love. The road to HEAs are seldom smooth but with Ms. Barker at the wheel, the ride is ever so enjoyable.
Profile Image for Kathryn Linke .
2,116 reviews24 followers
May 11, 2020
Life and Limb is the second title in the PASS series featuring Willa and Dimas.



Freya Barker crafts character that are complex, yet flawed, but are also experienced in life. Willa and Dimas are more mature characters aged in their late thirties and early forties.



Willa is a social worker, she’s strong, independent, kind, caring and compassionate.



Dimas is a veteran, and security expert who uses his charismatic and charming personality to his advantage. He’s driven, determined and protective, but also quite caring and battles demons from his time in the service.



Neither are looking for a relationship, but sometimes you find happiness and love in the most unexpected places. The chemistry between this pair is undeniable, and there were quite a few moments of levity and humor that had me laughing out loud, which was a surprise, as this title is riddled with suspense, intrigue and danger.





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Profile Image for Mrs. Darcy or Mrs. Columbo?.
223 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2020


This book would have been a solid 3 stars since it was meh, but a few things were just too ridiculous.

The H having a one-night stand with a client and doing absolutely nothing to prevent the blow-back that he knew would eventually happen; especially at 40 something years old, ex-military and against company protocol. It was just not really believable. The chick was also a clear red flag (young spoiled heiress). That he was so undiscerning and careless just didn't fit his character or the book.

The h is a military vet that specializes in counseling/therapy. So will someone please explain to me how she couldn't read the plain as day signs that her ex-military bf was going through an episode. Who hasn't at least heard about ptsd and that you don't approach/touch them? You could be "attacked" as they are caught up in memories and don't know friend from foe. I almost dnf after reading that part because it was just too stupid. I mean, remind me again what exactly it is that she does for a living. I expect "military" books to at least try and put correct info out there and characters to fit their profiles.

She also went to an underground illegal fighting ring when she had no pi qualifications/skills or the means to protect herself. S T U P I D ! Nobody knew where she was. She could have easily told the qualified guy that she's dating seeing as it's in his bloody job description. This was also another close dnf moment because I just can't stand "smart" women doing utterly stupid things like this. The author even has the h acknowledge that she's not qualified, but she still does it anyway.

The h is also a crack shot, but both times that she needed her gun it was "conveniently" unavailable. I mean, she's been in a shoot out, accused of murder, and has people she's acquainted with being killed. Yet, she doesn't carry a weapon on her person, wear protective gear or keep her guard up. The H even took her target shooting. Ding ding ding, you're in danger. Get a clue! What's the point of having one if you never have it on you. Even a taser would be better than nothing. It requires no licence or training. I would have grabbed a pair of scissors or keyboard and screamed/thrown/fought my attacker instead of just taking the time to try and sneak around my desk. Ridiculous!

It all got a little much with them also having to babysit her niece, her sister being abused/figuring out her life, and both sets of extreme parents showing up unannounced while everything else was going down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,916 reviews212 followers
May 12, 2020


AMAZON | iBOOKS | NOOK | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY

Willa has always closed herself off to the idea of love and relationships because she's never known love. Then she meets a veteran, Dimas, who works at his brother's security firm, PASS, when he's on a case she's associated with. She's feeling things she's never experienced before and Dimas is the kind of man she had never dreamed would be in her life. When she becomes a target for the man they're hunting, will Dimas and PASS be able to save her?



What I love most about Freya's writing is that her characters are real and relatable and not in their early 20s. I love reading about romance among my peers, and no one's better at romantic suspense for the 40+ crowd than Freya Barker. The case here is suspenseful and intense, and the relationship between Dimas and Willa is superb! Sexy, real, and emotionally substantial - perfect for this 40 something woman.



ARC via Buoni Amici Press for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,375 reviews119 followers
May 10, 2020
Life & Limb by Freya Barker
PASS #2

When Dimas Mazure lays eyes on Willa Smith he sees an attractive woman that rings all of his bells. The fact that his buddy Jake, Jake’s wife Rosie and Dimas’s brother Yanis all tell him he should look but not touch doesn’t phase him. He is attracted to Willa and begins to make his move. Willa, no slouch in the ability to see a hot man that ticks all of her boxes is not averse to the idea of Dimas making his move. The fact that they have a few bumps and glitches is not a surprise but it is definitely fun to watch.

If that was all there was to this story it would have been over fairly quickly BUT that is NOT all there is to the story. Nope, there is a whole lot more. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it!

What I liked:
* Willa: a woman comfortable in her own skin. Her childhood gave her the strength to do what she feels is right and not give in to pressure to be less than or other than the person she chooses to be. She is perfect for Dimas
* Dimas: a bit of a hound dog it seemed at first but...a WHOLE lot more. He is a warrior, good friend, team player, a wonderful book boyfriend and perfect fo Willa.
* The relationship between Dimas & Willa as it started, grew and became so strong
* Rosie & Jake: Being abot to remember their story as I read was a treat and seeing how they are doing now as they work with characters in this book was so much fun.
* The Protection and Security Services (PASS) team members...do wonder who Radar will end up with and what about Bree & Yanis?
* Britt: a wonderful twelve year old who added to the story – so glad she talked Willa into what she did
* The sister who found a backbone – will she get a story of her own with a HEA?
* The scheming woman who did not succeed
* The subplot that involved underground fight rings – the sussing out of those involved and all the rest
* So much more...you really need to read the book!

What I didn’t like:
* The death of innocents
* The reminder that there are evil greedy people in the world
* Having to say goodbye to the characters and having to wait for the next book in the series.

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews70 followers
May 12, 2020
ONE INCREDIBLE WHIRLWIND!!!
Fantastic! Freya hit pay dirt with this chart topping wild ride, keeping you riveted on a razors edge, presenting this beautifully composed dynamo, spinning one arresting storyline and gripping plot, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. A raging vortex of stunning mishaps and surprising circumstances, catapults those churning emotions into play front and center. Braided, bound and entangled, exposing the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's strength and awe inspiring in it's depth. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this bad boy into a surging tempest, blasting it into a tailspin with a life-changing realization. The drama, uncertainty, intrigue, danger, mounting suspense and precarious situations along with a boatload of trouble while dodging calamity, you have one mind-blowing experience. The attraction and chemistry sizzle through the pages, alluring and mesmerizing, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters are realistic, complex and authentic with depth and qualities that blend and flow. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive it gives the illusion you were right there in ground zero with them. Remarkable job Freya, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Profile Image for Jacquie.
599 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2020
When it comes to writing a review for a book from an author you ABSOLUTELY ADORE because the writing is ALWAYS simply STELLAR and you KNOW, without a doubt that the words within said book will wrap around your mind, heart and soul, you savour every single word, verse and chapter! Words (MY words) never seem to express exactly what I feel about this authors' work! Life&Limb by Freya Barker is just such a book!

Life&Limb is the second book in the PASS series (it CAN be read as a standalone but I strongly urge you to read Hit&Run first) We met Dimas in the first book and I have to say that I wasn't all that impressed with the little we know about him to that point! We really get to know exactly what makes him tick in this book and let me just say, "HOLY MOLY, I DID NOT THINK I WOULD FALL SOOOOOOOO HEAD-OVER-HEELS IN LOVE WITH DIMAS!!!!"Part of that is because of the way he stepped up and goes ALPHA trying to protect Willa (the social worker at a shelter for veterans run by Rosie, who we met in Hit&Run) Willa is just the type of heroine I love; she's tough, feisty, sassy, takes no BS from anyone, has a heart of gold and speaks her mind! When she and Dimas butt heads, the chemistry between them is EXPLOSIVE....and yet, this romance is what I would call a slow burn. Which suits me just fine!!

Like with every Freya Barker story, this one is full of twists and turns, with the unexpected and a punch to the solar plexis when the truth is finally revealed! And in between, there's the meat of the love story between two characters who have become like family, along with all the others that you already know and love, which is what makes reading a Barker novel an experience unlike any other! I can't recommend this author OR this book and series highly enough! ANOTHER MUST-READ, as far as I'm concerned!



2,030 reviews24 followers
May 14, 2020
The start set me off on not a good note and I had a hard time coming back from it.
It starts with the H letting down his ons, the daughter of a client. Ugh. The next day he meets the h, he is a jerk. Eventually they get together but here comes his ons causing drama. The h has the right to act how she wants, I hated how she thought that she was in the wrong. This all happened in the beginning. Had this none of this happened I would have really liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
May 4, 2020
Can I start a review by saying how much I love an author? I’m going with yes, because I freaking LOVE Freya Barker. For years I have been devouring release after release the second I can get my hands on them and not once have I failed to fall madly in love with her books. I just know when I pick one up my whole world is about to get a little bit better. There’s no way big enough to thank a person for bringing that kind of joy into your life on the regular so I’ll just gush about my love for her instead. Life & Limb was a book I absolutely needed right now.
With the world in a state of chaos and stress crushing down on just about everyone this book took me out of reality and into a world I never wanted to leave. Dimas and Willa’s story contains Freya’s signature blending of suspense that keeps you on edge and romance that keeps you swooning and then gets even better with some truly beautiful and moving emotional moments.
Profile Image for Jess.
3,196 reviews27 followers
April 13, 2020
4.5 Stars for this one!
I greatly enjoyed it, but it was just missing something to push it all the way to 5 stars.
Both characters were very likable and of course I enjoyed the supporting characters who worked with them. Odd parents... of course, that makes them a bit more real. I really enjoyed her niece who I hope to see again when her mother gets her own story. Hint, hint, hint!
This one has a nice element of suspense that keeps you wondering who did it till the very end.

You’ll enjoy this one!
It is book 2 in the series, but you can read it on its own with no issues.
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,066 reviews67 followers
May 5, 2020
Review by: Jennifer
(5 stars)

Army brat and veteran Willa has finally found her place, a purpose if you will; working at the shelter helping displaced veterans. She doesn't have much tolerance for ignorance or macho men, so her first impression of Dimas is not a good one; even if he is gorgeous. A wounded vet himself, Dimi has never let his loss of a limb define him; it doesn't slow him down and if anything makes him more determined to prove himself. When he asks for a second chance with Willa, he doesn't intend to mess up again. Against all odds, everything seems to go sideways; murders, arrests, obsessed clients, wayward family members..... the list goes on and on and the two just can't seem to catch a break. After everything is said and done, will Willa and Dimi's still have a chance at making something more?

I love the stories that Freya Barker gives us; like a roller coaster ride that you just can't get enough of. Nothing to over the top, the perfect amount of drama with an added dash of mystery and some super spicy moments. These stories always grip you and pull you in until the last word. I give this 5 stars.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,501 reviews35 followers
May 10, 2020
I think every reader has experienced that most dreaded affliction where every book they pick up just doesn't do anything to hold their interest, right? Add in the doldrums of quarantine life, and I was at my wits end trying to find a proper distraction. Fortunately, Dimas and Willa's story was exactly what I needed to break out of my reading funk with a take-no-BS independent heroine, a wounded warrior who was a perfect mix of fierce alpha and vulnerability, family hijinks, and a murder mystery that keeps us on our toes!

Willa grew up in a military family with a misogynistic father, a mom who only strived to be a perfect housewife and a sister who seems to be hell bent on being a Stepford wife version of her mom. Everything in Willa rebels against the thought of ever becoming any version of that type of woman, and she will never be accused of being a doormat. As a veteran herself, she puts her experience to use helping veterans trying to acclimate to civilian life, and she is fiercely loyal to those she cares about. Rosie has become a friend since hiring Willa at the shelter, and when they get tickets to see one of the hottest concerts that PASS just so happens to be providing security services for, she gets her first look at Dimas Mazur.

Dimas and his brother had unique parents of their own but they fall at the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Willa’s parents. They are a complete hoot but they were not exactly cut out to be authority figures. Dimas went into the military and found some structure but also suffered the loss of his leg in combat. Most days he is OK but he has demons to fight at times as well. Willa’s take no prisoners attitude and refusal to back down from anyone certainly gets his attention but he knows she should be off limits as the friend of his best friend’s wife. Considering that he doesn’t always take the safe route, knowing it and actually taking the expected path are two very different things especially when Dimas witnesses Willa being badgered by a cop PASS has had problems with in the past.

It doesn’t take long before Willa and Dimas find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery involving homeless vets, and someone is clearly trying to set up Willa to take the fall. Dimas goes into protective mode when the danger becomes more extreme, and the heat certainly kicks up a notch too! Things get real when his demons threaten to drag him under for a brief moment, but she proves over and over again why they are right for each other.

Family dynamics play a huge part in this story. To offset the fast paced action and suspense, Willa’s niece Brittany is great secondary character who adds a new element to their relationship in the best ways. But her arrival on the scene also brings Willa to a startling conclusion about her sister’s life. I absolutely loved how Dimas interacted with Willa’s parents who I have to admit are not my favorite people. On the other side of the coin, his parents are complete free spirits, and one of my favorite scenes happens when both sets are in same place same time!

Whether you are looking for action, suspense, heat, humor or heart, you will find it in Life and Limb!

ARC received from author
Profile Image for Eclectic Review.
1,698 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2020
I am a big fan of Freya Barker and book 2 of the Pass series is a fast-paced romantic suspense featuring an independent and strong-willed social worker at a veterans shelter and a tough and dependable security consultant.

With Willa Smith, what you see is what you get. She’s authentic and shoots from the hip. She’s the odd duck in her cool and authoritarian family and loving aunt to her niece Brittney. But when the big, sexy Dimas Mazur appears in her life, she is finding it hard to “keep her expectations low and casual when it comes to the opposite sex”. He has a way of pleasantly surprising her with his thoughtfulness, respect, and humbleness.

I love Willa and Dimas as a couple. Willa is tough, but she has a compassionate side. And the love for her niece, Brittney is so heartwarming and adorable considering she caves and adopts a schnug (pug and schnauzer mix) named Twister for her niece with the hopes of using him as a therapy dog for the veterans shelter as well. Dimas is also tough, but he is kind and gentle with Brittney and romantic and caring with Willa. And let’s talk about the hilarious meeting of their parents. It was like Meet the Fockers. Dimas’ hippie-like, pot-selling parents are a hoot and even won over Willa’s narcissistic father and gullible mother offering them hemp brownies. Very funny!

Of course, there is a mystery with a twist that includes murdered veterans from Willa’s shelter that places her in the line of fire and Dimas to the rescue. It’s a great addition to the love story.

Freya Barker has done it again. She has written another sexy, romantic, and engaging story that can be read as a standalone in the series. And on that note, I hope to find out more about Yaris and Bree in a future book. If you enjoy strong heroines, passionate heroes, and an absorbing who-done-it mystery, give this one a try.

Thank you to Ms. Barker for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Profile Image for Ashley Jasper.
1,855 reviews24 followers
May 11, 2020
Freya Barker, while still relatively new to me, sucked me into this story and family from the start. And no I didn't read the first book in the PASS series but I was able to follow along with the other connections in Life & Limb just fine.

I really like Dimas. He was strong and capable and didn't let his disability define him. More over, he wasn't put off in the least by Willa's strength. If anything he admired her all the more because of it. And to me, she was the real star of this book. A strong woman, both physically and mentally, who was also vulnerable. She knew what she would and wouldn't stand for. And even with everything happening in her life she still kept a mostly cool head when things started to spiral out of her control.

With Willa somehow stuck in the middle of his messy case, all of Dimas' protective instincts came out. Talk about intensity and danger and mystery. I was just as blindsided by that final twist as Willa and Dimas when the final pieces clicked into place.

Yes, Life & Limb is fiction but I want to take a moment to commend Freya Barker for highlighting the reality that so many of our veterans face. For not sugarcoating the things they go through when they return 'home'. I love that she showed both Dimas and Willa's strength and vulnerability in overcoming all they had seen and endured. And that ending...I can not wait to hang out with this 'team' again!
Profile Image for Renee.
5,265 reviews74 followers
May 11, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Growing up a military brat and spending eight years overseas with the Army Medical Corps, clinical social worker, Willa Smith, has had enough of rules and regulations. Still able to work with veterans as she did at the VA Hospital, she is much happier at the new and far more relaxed South Avenue Shelter, until one of its residents is implicated in a murder.
Former military turned security operative, Dimas Mazur, has worked for PASS security, his brother's company, since he returned stateside after a disabling injury. The job keeps him busy, but when a homeless veteran he knows runs into trouble with the law, he doesn't hesitate to jump in. The strong-headed counselor at the shelter whee his friend stayed is an unexpected bonus. Until she puts herself square in the sights of the man he's trying to take down.

Get ready ladies to fall head over heals in love with Dimas Mazur!!! I love that Freya Barker writes older characters too. You're also going to love Willa. She is a super strong female character and I always love when the female character are strong ones. This book is filled with amazing characters and lots of suspense. I don't want to give the story away but I know that once you pick this book up you will not be able to put it down.
Profile Image for Carole.
380 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2020
Dimas works for his brother at PASS (Protection and Security Services). He meets Willa and is highly intrigued by her strength and grit. Willa is a veteran and works at a local homeless shelter as a therapist. She’s built walls around herself and does not let many people in. Fortunately, Dimas has no trouble climbing those walls. Neither were looking for anything series, but fate had other plans.

Willa finds herself in the middle of a police investigation and a target is put on her back. Dimas and the rest of the PASS crew will stop at nothing to solve these crimes and protect Willa.

Life & Limb is book 2 in the PASS series by the incredible Freya Barker. Her hero’s are swoon-worthy and her heroines are kickass! Just when I think I couldn’t love Freya’s books any more than I do...she writes another one. This one is action packed from the start and will keep you guessing til the very end. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
May 11, 2020
After serving in the Army Willa returned home to work in the Veterans hospital until she thought she could help the veterans in a way that would not only be of greater assistance but on a more personal level at the homeless shelter.

After being injured while on a mission Dimi’s career in the Army came to a premature end and he is now working for his brother’s security company.

When a murder at the shelter brings them together two people who weren’t interested in relationships begin to wonder if it was more a matter of not meeting the right person but when Dimi’s investigation brings the danger closer to Willa will she become collateral damage?

Intrigue, twists and romance all combine into a captivating story that you won’t be able to put down.
Profile Image for Catarina Águas.
2,389 reviews208 followers
July 31, 2023
Love this book so much, 4,5 stars for sure. Dimas was so alpha male and I love that, he was also there for her and loved her exactly as she was, nothing more nothing else. Willa could hold her own, she was a strong woman, she didn't follow what people expected of her, she follow her own drum. They made a fabulous couple, really liked their personalities and how they meshed together. I wouldn't mind a book about her sister and the other two PASS part time members (not together)
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,978 reviews39 followers
October 21, 2020
This was a definite improvement over the first installment. I liked Hit and Run, but this second book had more character and plot development. I appreciated Dimas and Willa were not the typical "six pack abs" and "gorgeous curves" characters so overdone in romance. I look forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
3,784 reviews336 followers
did-not-finish
March 2, 2023
I think the moral choices to cover up a murder in the last book make me not want to continue in this series. Plus the instalust from both characters.
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