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On Call #5
Revealing Annie
As the fire department’s joker, Kyle (Sumo) Matsumoto, loves nothing better than ribbing the guys at the station. However, he’s all business when he’s on a call, and when he tries to snag the attention of a cute little baker.
Then life takes a more serious turn when he’s plunged headfirst into fatherhood—of a teenage boy—giving his teammates the last laugh.
For almost a year, Annie Flowers has been tucked away in plain sight. It’s amazing what a pair of colored contacts and a different haircut can accomplish. She likes her new, simple life in Durango with her only concern getting up on time for her morning shift at the bakery.
Yet she’s not as invisible as she thinks. Not to the creep who chased her into hiding, and definitely not to the charming EMT with a penchant for sweets .
Annie trusts only one person, her friend, Erin Gardner, but she’s in Texas, so when she discovers someone has been leaving her unwanted gifts, she has no choice but to put her faith in Sumo.
Then life takes a more serious turn when he’s plunged headfirst into fatherhood—of a teenage boy—giving his teammates the last laugh.
For almost a year, Annie Flowers has been tucked away in plain sight. It’s amazing what a pair of colored contacts and a different haircut can accomplish. She likes her new, simple life in Durango with her only concern getting up on time for her morning shift at the bakery.
Yet she’s not as invisible as she thinks. Not to the creep who chased her into hiding, and definitely not to the charming EMT with a penchant for sweets .
Annie trusts only one person, her friend, Erin Gardner, but she’s in Texas, so when she discovers someone has been leaving her unwanted gifts, she has no choice but to put her faith in Sumo.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2020
367 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Freya Barker
86 books1,910 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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August 18, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
REVEALING ANNIE (Police and Fire Operation Alpha / On Call #5) by Freya Barker is another great addition to this romantic suspense series revolving around the men and women who serve the public in and around the beautiful city of Durango, CO.
Annie Flowers is hiding in plain sight. She may have dyed her blond hair brown and made her blue eyes brown with colored contacts, but she lives a routine of working as a baker in the local grocery store and living in the local trailer park. She is comfortable with her low key, simple life in Durango.
Kyle “Sumo” Matsumoto is one of the Durango fire station’s EMTs and he lives for the chance to rib the other members of the station. He is completely dedicated to his job and just has not found the right woman to share his life with yet. Then, he notices this cute little baker and he decides he wants more than just her tasty baked goods.
Life suddenly becomes very serious when Kyle finds out he is the father of a fourteen-year-old who knows nothing about him. Kyle is not only thrown into the deep end of fatherhood, and he is getting a return ribbing from his teammates, but that will not stop his pursuit of Annie.
Annie finds she is no longer as invisible as she thinks. While she is receiving unwanted gifts and threats again, which sent her into hiding in the first place, she finds she cannot push away the one man she is coming to trust. Will putting her faith in Sumo and his friends be enough?
Once again, I am completely sucked into the lives and loves of Durango. Ms. Barker’s characters always feel so real and I feel like I know them personally. I also appreciate that Ms. Barker writes mature characters with realistic problems. The pairing of Sumo and Annie is a great match! Sumo is facing adjusting to fatherhood and finding a woman he cares for who is in danger all at the same time, but he rolls with it all. Annie has found not only a man she can trust and love, but a whole town she can feel safe in. This book not only has the romantic suspense plot of Annie’s stalker, but also the subplot of Sumo fighting for his newly found son. This book does have some crossover with other characters from the series, but I feel it can be read as a standalone. I feel once you do, you are going to want to go back to read them all.
I highly recommend this romantic suspense, all the books in this series and all the books written by Ms. Barker!
REVEALING ANNIE (Police and Fire Operation Alpha / On Call #5) by Freya Barker is another great addition to this romantic suspense series revolving around the men and women who serve the public in and around the beautiful city of Durango, CO.
Annie Flowers is hiding in plain sight. She may have dyed her blond hair brown and made her blue eyes brown with colored contacts, but she lives a routine of working as a baker in the local grocery store and living in the local trailer park. She is comfortable with her low key, simple life in Durango.
Kyle “Sumo” Matsumoto is one of the Durango fire station’s EMTs and he lives for the chance to rib the other members of the station. He is completely dedicated to his job and just has not found the right woman to share his life with yet. Then, he notices this cute little baker and he decides he wants more than just her tasty baked goods.
Life suddenly becomes very serious when Kyle finds out he is the father of a fourteen-year-old who knows nothing about him. Kyle is not only thrown into the deep end of fatherhood, and he is getting a return ribbing from his teammates, but that will not stop his pursuit of Annie.
Annie finds she is no longer as invisible as she thinks. While she is receiving unwanted gifts and threats again, which sent her into hiding in the first place, she finds she cannot push away the one man she is coming to trust. Will putting her faith in Sumo and his friends be enough?
Once again, I am completely sucked into the lives and loves of Durango. Ms. Barker’s characters always feel so real and I feel like I know them personally. I also appreciate that Ms. Barker writes mature characters with realistic problems. The pairing of Sumo and Annie is a great match! Sumo is facing adjusting to fatherhood and finding a woman he cares for who is in danger all at the same time, but he rolls with it all. Annie has found not only a man she can trust and love, but a whole town she can feel safe in. This book not only has the romantic suspense plot of Annie’s stalker, but also the subplot of Sumo fighting for his newly found son. This book does have some crossover with other characters from the series, but I feel it can be read as a standalone. I feel once you do, you are going to want to go back to read them all.
I highly recommend this romantic suspense, all the books in this series and all the books written by Ms. Barker!
July 25, 2020
I'm such a sucker for single parent books! I like that we got to see a serious side to Sumo, who is known as being a guy who doesn't take life too seriously. I loved seeing him step up for his teenage son. It was a beautiful thing to watch the relationship develop. It was even more beautiful to see Annie slide into their lives just as naturally. This book really satisfies the family feel I love to read.
Sumo is just an all around good guy. He's protective, he's thoughtful and he can cook! Bryce broke my heart. You know he's not had a great upbringing and yet he was still a good kid. You could tell he was overwhelmed with the love and kindness that was shown to him. Annie was just as sweet and thoughtful. I'm always more critical on heroines and I can't say there was anything I didn't like about her.
It's always fun for me as a reader to see returning characters in a series. This time we had repeats from several series. Bonus! I think this author could keep them coming with this series and I will never get tired of it. Loved it!
Sumo is just an all around good guy. He's protective, he's thoughtful and he can cook! Bryce broke my heart. You know he's not had a great upbringing and yet he was still a good kid. You could tell he was overwhelmed with the love and kindness that was shown to him. Annie was just as sweet and thoughtful. I'm always more critical on heroines and I can't say there was anything I didn't like about her.
It's always fun for me as a reader to see returning characters in a series. This time we had repeats from several series. Bonus! I think this author could keep them coming with this series and I will never get tired of it. Loved it!
July 27, 2020
I was so excited to get Sumo’s story as he has given everyone grief as they found their significant others and it was time for payback. But oh boy, when it rained for him, it poured.
Sumo went from a man living alone to suddenly having everything and he was more than ready for it as he embraced it every step of the way. Gotta love a hero who wants the whole family dream. I loved that he was so protective and caring of both Annie and his son.
Annie’s past took me by surprise and I loved how original it was as it also led to some twists and turns in the story that I never saw coming. She was a heroine with a kind heart and seemed a bit meek and mild but was more than capable of taking care of any situation she was thrust into.
This was such an enjoyable read as it had characters from past books as well as a plot-line that kept me turning the pages. The chemistry between Annie and Sumo felt real and holy heck were the smexy scenes hot. I absolutely love this world and can’t wait to get back to it!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Sumo went from a man living alone to suddenly having everything and he was more than ready for it as he embraced it every step of the way. Gotta love a hero who wants the whole family dream. I loved that he was so protective and caring of both Annie and his son.
Annie’s past took me by surprise and I loved how original it was as it also led to some twists and turns in the story that I never saw coming. She was a heroine with a kind heart and seemed a bit meek and mild but was more than capable of taking care of any situation she was thrust into.
This was such an enjoyable read as it had characters from past books as well as a plot-line that kept me turning the pages. The chemistry between Annie and Sumo felt real and holy heck were the smexy scenes hot. I absolutely love this world and can’t wait to get back to it!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
August 16, 2020
Revealing Annie by Freya Barker
Police and Fire: Operation Alpha: On Call #5
A woman hiding in plain site
She’s a baker but is she more?
Why is she hiding?
A man who jokes but works hard
Is he deeper than he seems?
How will he handle it all?
He loves sweets and sees her first in a bakery.
She has had her eye on him; considers him eye candy.
A sweet treat starts things off,
A dog moves things forward,
A teen furthers their relationship
And then trouble comes calling.
What I liked:
* How believable and real the characters and story were
* The maturity of Annie and Sumo-Kyle
* Annie: I really liked her as a person. She was kind, caring, knew what she wanted, was willing to do what it took, cared for animals, was open about her feelings, was strong when she needed to be and was managing to deal with issues nobody should have to face.
* Kyle (Sumo): What a nice well-rounded man he proved to be. A strong team player, great father, loving son, good friend, and what a wonderful book boyfriend and lover he proved to be.
* Bryce: a good person that had seen way too much for his fourteen years. I was thrilled he ended up with Sumo! What a charmer he will be in a few years!
* The dogs…all of them!
* Annie’s friends and neighbors – what caring, loving and interesting people they were.
* The policemen: Tony and Keith (and perhaps others) were wonderful, strong, and wise – great to see them again, too.
* The colleagues of Kyle: didn’t see much of them but all seemed to get along together and make a great team to work and spend time with.
* Blue: new mother, partner on the job to Sumo, great friend that doesn’t take guff but does deliver a bit to Sumo when she can.
* Kyle’s parents: Healthy, loving, wise and able to raise a wonderful man. Loved how they interacted with everyone.
* The cooking aspect: Kyle, his parents, Annie’s baking, including Bryce in it – all of it
* Getting to see the men from the biker club – eager to read more about them.
* I could go on and on as I loved everything about this story except…
What I did not like:
* What Annie experienced in the past. There was more than one person that I wanted caught, put away or dealt with in a way that would keep them from ever behaving as they had before.
Did I like this book? My, oh my, I surely did!
Would I read another book in this series/by this author? Without a doubt!
Thank you to the author and Buoni Amici Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Police and Fire: Operation Alpha: On Call #5
A woman hiding in plain site
She’s a baker but is she more?
Why is she hiding?
A man who jokes but works hard
Is he deeper than he seems?
How will he handle it all?
He loves sweets and sees her first in a bakery.
She has had her eye on him; considers him eye candy.
A sweet treat starts things off,
A dog moves things forward,
A teen furthers their relationship
And then trouble comes calling.
What I liked:
* How believable and real the characters and story were
* The maturity of Annie and Sumo-Kyle
* Annie: I really liked her as a person. She was kind, caring, knew what she wanted, was willing to do what it took, cared for animals, was open about her feelings, was strong when she needed to be and was managing to deal with issues nobody should have to face.
* Kyle (Sumo): What a nice well-rounded man he proved to be. A strong team player, great father, loving son, good friend, and what a wonderful book boyfriend and lover he proved to be.
* Bryce: a good person that had seen way too much for his fourteen years. I was thrilled he ended up with Sumo! What a charmer he will be in a few years!
* The dogs…all of them!
* Annie’s friends and neighbors – what caring, loving and interesting people they were.
* The policemen: Tony and Keith (and perhaps others) were wonderful, strong, and wise – great to see them again, too.
* The colleagues of Kyle: didn’t see much of them but all seemed to get along together and make a great team to work and spend time with.
* Blue: new mother, partner on the job to Sumo, great friend that doesn’t take guff but does deliver a bit to Sumo when she can.
* Kyle’s parents: Healthy, loving, wise and able to raise a wonderful man. Loved how they interacted with everyone.
* The cooking aspect: Kyle, his parents, Annie’s baking, including Bryce in it – all of it
* Getting to see the men from the biker club – eager to read more about them.
* I could go on and on as I loved everything about this story except…
What I did not like:
* What Annie experienced in the past. There was more than one person that I wanted caught, put away or dealt with in a way that would keep them from ever behaving as they had before.
Did I like this book? My, oh my, I surely did!
Would I read another book in this series/by this author? Without a doubt!
Thank you to the author and Buoni Amici Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
August 19, 2020
I loved this book. It's definitely one of my favourite Freya books and a top 5 of the year.
Freya writes characters that become so real to the reader because they are written like real people. They have flaws, insecurities and don't handle every single situation perfectly.
The twists in this book keep you gripped and the slow reveal of Annie as she sheds her past life is heartwarming. I love the glimpses we get of some of out other faves characters from previous books also.
Freya writes characters that become so real to the reader because they are written like real people. They have flaws, insecurities and don't handle every single situation perfectly.
The twists in this book keep you gripped and the slow reveal of Annie as she sheds her past life is heartwarming. I love the glimpses we get of some of out other faves characters from previous books also.
July 24, 2020
Well people, Freya did it again! She wrote an amazing story with great characters and sucked me right in! I seriously had a hard time doing non-readings things today!
Sumo (who we met in the previous stories) meets Annie and its lust at first sight. She’s beautiful and something about her just appeals to him. Then he gets her to agree to go out with him. To his house where he cooks her a yummy dinner. She’s just as smitten as he is, but more hesitant.
Add in some adorable dogs, friendly cankerous neighbors and a sweet fourteen year old boy and you have yourself one great story. Oh - don’t forget to add in a stalker and a drugged out parent!
Oh my!!!
Sumo (who we met in the previous stories) meets Annie and its lust at first sight. She’s beautiful and something about her just appeals to him. Then he gets her to agree to go out with him. To his house where he cooks her a yummy dinner. She’s just as smitten as he is, but more hesitant.
Add in some adorable dogs, friendly cankerous neighbors and a sweet fourteen year old boy and you have yourself one great story. Oh - don’t forget to add in a stalker and a drugged out parent!
Oh my!!!
August 18, 2020
Amazon
Sumo (Kyle) and Annie's first meeting is sweet, as in he's in the bakery where she works because of his sweet tooth. But he finds something sweeter than pastries inside, as he gets a look at Annie for the first time. He doesn't realize who she really is, and she prefers it that way. It's safer that way.
Annie has been hiding in plain sight because she has to. A stalker ruined her life before, and she refuses to out herself so he can do it again. Can she tell her new honey her secret identity? Or will she move on when she realizes it's too much for Kyle and his newfound son to take?
I loved this installment of the Operation Alpha and On Call series. Kyle is a big adorable teddy bear with a seriously sexy side, and Annie is amazing - strong, independent and loving. They make such a wonderful couple with hot chemistry and that soul deep connection we all look for in our own lives.
ARC via Buoni Amici Press for an honest review.
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August 17, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
As the fire department's joker, Kyle (Sumo) Matsumoto, loves nothing better than ribbing the guys at the station. However, he's all business when he's on a call, and when he tries to snag the attention of a cute little baker. Then life takes a serious turn when he's plunged headfirst into fatherhood-of a teenage boy-giving his teammates the last laugh. For almost a year, Annie Flowers has been tucked away in plain sight. It's amazing what a pair of colored contacts and a different haircut accomplish. She likes her new, simple life in Durango and her only concern getting up on time for her morning shift at the bakery. Yet she's not as invisible as she thinks. Not to the creep who chased her into hiding and definitely not to the charming EMT with the penchant for sweets. Annie trusts only one person, her friend, Erin Gardner, but she's in Texas, so when she discovers someone has been leaving her unwanted gifts, she has no choice but to put her faith in Sumo.
This book is going to have you falling head over heels for these characters. Sumo and Annie are amazing and character's you are soon not to forget. Sumo is a guy who doesn't take life to seriously but when he finds out he is a father it is like he is a natural and he sure does step up to the plate and becomes one amazing father. This can't have been easy because his child is not just a child but a teenager. Then there is Annie who just fits into their lives like she has always been there and belongs just as much as either on of them do. Your going to fall so in love with Annie and Sumo and Bryce. This book will steal your heart and you are not getting it back.
As the fire department's joker, Kyle (Sumo) Matsumoto, loves nothing better than ribbing the guys at the station. However, he's all business when he's on a call, and when he tries to snag the attention of a cute little baker. Then life takes a serious turn when he's plunged headfirst into fatherhood-of a teenage boy-giving his teammates the last laugh. For almost a year, Annie Flowers has been tucked away in plain sight. It's amazing what a pair of colored contacts and a different haircut accomplish. She likes her new, simple life in Durango and her only concern getting up on time for her morning shift at the bakery. Yet she's not as invisible as she thinks. Not to the creep who chased her into hiding and definitely not to the charming EMT with the penchant for sweets. Annie trusts only one person, her friend, Erin Gardner, but she's in Texas, so when she discovers someone has been leaving her unwanted gifts, she has no choice but to put her faith in Sumo.
This book is going to have you falling head over heels for these characters. Sumo and Annie are amazing and character's you are soon not to forget. Sumo is a guy who doesn't take life to seriously but when he finds out he is a father it is like he is a natural and he sure does step up to the plate and becomes one amazing father. This can't have been easy because his child is not just a child but a teenager. Then there is Annie who just fits into their lives like she has always been there and belongs just as much as either on of them do. Your going to fall so in love with Annie and Sumo and Bryce. This book will steal your heart and you are not getting it back.
August 17, 2020
Sumo (Kyle Matsumoto) and Annie Flowers have become my new fave couple! They are, without a doubt, some of the most realistic, down-to-earth, believable characters ever written in a book! Freya Barker is a MASTER at creating characters that you not only fall in love with, but that make you truly believe are real! Add in all the emotions, to say nothing of the edge-of-your-seat suspense.....and you have the PERFECT story to get lost in for a day or two! Revealing Annie is just such a book!
We meet Annie for the fist time in this book, but Sumo is a familiar character. He's the joker of the department, always giving his second family at the station the gears as they've all found their forever loves! When he meets Annie at the bakery, the chemistry between them is palpable and Sumo would love nothing more than to get to know her better, but she is not having it! She's been flying under the radar in Durango, quietly going about her business, feeling safe, feeling invisible....but nobody is truly invisible, right? When her past finally catches up with her, she has a choice, but will she stay and trust this budding relationship with Kyle....or will she run, thinking she's protecting those that she's come to love?
The twists and turns in this UNPUTDOWNABLE MUST READ, my favourite of the series so far, filled with the whole gamut of emotions, had my heart sighing in ecstasy at the soul-satisfying conclusion! As always, Ms. Barker never fails to give you exactly what you didn't know you needed and Revealing Annie is a perfect example of what a romantic suspense SHOULD be!
We meet Annie for the fist time in this book, but Sumo is a familiar character. He's the joker of the department, always giving his second family at the station the gears as they've all found their forever loves! When he meets Annie at the bakery, the chemistry between them is palpable and Sumo would love nothing more than to get to know her better, but she is not having it! She's been flying under the radar in Durango, quietly going about her business, feeling safe, feeling invisible....but nobody is truly invisible, right? When her past finally catches up with her, she has a choice, but will she stay and trust this budding relationship with Kyle....or will she run, thinking she's protecting those that she's come to love?
The twists and turns in this UNPUTDOWNABLE MUST READ, my favourite of the series so far, filled with the whole gamut of emotions, had my heart sighing in ecstasy at the soul-satisfying conclusion! As always, Ms. Barker never fails to give you exactly what you didn't know you needed and Revealing Annie is a perfect example of what a romantic suspense SHOULD be!
August 18, 2020
All Annie wants is a fresh start far away from the stress and anxiety of her previous life. She has created a new life for herself where no one knows her past and she wants to keep it that way. When Sumo decides to pursue her she believes that he is no different than the men she has known in her past but she is charmed by him in spite of herself.
Sumo is close to his family, a loyal friend and a great co-worker. He is not only the first to crack a joke but he is also the first to help anyone who needs it. He is drawn to Annie in a way he never expected but their relationship is complicated not only by her past which brings danger along with it and his past which brings a surprise he wasn’t expecting.
This is a story about love, family and healing from the past with relatable characters. It was great to watch the relationship unfold between Sumo and Annie, Sumo and his son and the great support system they found in the secondary characters.
Sumo is close to his family, a loyal friend and a great co-worker. He is not only the first to crack a joke but he is also the first to help anyone who needs it. He is drawn to Annie in a way he never expected but their relationship is complicated not only by her past which brings danger along with it and his past which brings a surprise he wasn’t expecting.
This is a story about love, family and healing from the past with relatable characters. It was great to watch the relationship unfold between Sumo and Annie, Sumo and his son and the great support system they found in the secondary characters.
August 16, 2020
Book five in the On Call series brings Kyla(Sumo) and Annie's story. The author does a fantastic job bringing strong characters and weaves a realistic story that had me turning the pages as fast as I could to see what happened next. Her scenes are painted vividly and the story flows fluidly. I loved and would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
August 16, 2020
I love this book so hard, I didn't expect Kyle, the jokester, to be a such great H in Freya Barker latest book. But he is a fabulous H. Annie is hiding from her past but as is comes rushing back, she finds Kyle is there to catch her. A well written, easy to read suspenseful story. A great addition to one of my favorite series.
July 25, 2020
4.5 stars
I was familiar with Kyle “Sumo” Matsumoto from his appearances in prior books, but I have to admit I didn’t have very strong feelings for him one way or the other before cracking open Revealing Annie to dive in. Now I will say that although he did not take over the top position on my Favorite Book Boyfriend list, he is definitely an amazing character with some heart melting moments under his belt!
Early in life, he learned to deal with adversity via humor and he is known as the joker of the firehouse crew. He has reveled in razzing the other team members as they have been bitten by the love bug in the past few years, so when the tables are turned, he knows he is about to be paid back but he takes it in good natured stride. When his partner Blue introduces him to Annie, he has already noticed the pretty but shy baker. He grabs the chance to try to get to know her better but he can see he may have his work cut out for him.
Annie came to Durango to enjoy a quiet life of anonymity, and her first impression of Kyle is that he is just another smooth talker like those she left behind. He quickly proves her wrong though even as his world is thrown into chaos with the revelation of a teenage son he never knew existed. Life continues to get more interesting as it becomes apparent the problems Annie tried to outrun have now followed her from Texas to Colorado. Fortunately, she isn’t averse to allowing Sumo and his friends to help.
I loved Sumo’s son Bryce! He endured more hardship in his young life than some adults ever experience, but at the end of the day, he was still a good kid. The inclusion of 2 rescue dogs in their lives and story was another attribute that sealed my love for the story and characters too as they learned to become a family. Revealing Annie is another amazing addition to this series!
ARC received from author
I was familiar with Kyle “Sumo” Matsumoto from his appearances in prior books, but I have to admit I didn’t have very strong feelings for him one way or the other before cracking open Revealing Annie to dive in. Now I will say that although he did not take over the top position on my Favorite Book Boyfriend list, he is definitely an amazing character with some heart melting moments under his belt!
Early in life, he learned to deal with adversity via humor and he is known as the joker of the firehouse crew. He has reveled in razzing the other team members as they have been bitten by the love bug in the past few years, so when the tables are turned, he knows he is about to be paid back but he takes it in good natured stride. When his partner Blue introduces him to Annie, he has already noticed the pretty but shy baker. He grabs the chance to try to get to know her better but he can see he may have his work cut out for him.
Annie came to Durango to enjoy a quiet life of anonymity, and her first impression of Kyle is that he is just another smooth talker like those she left behind. He quickly proves her wrong though even as his world is thrown into chaos with the revelation of a teenage son he never knew existed. Life continues to get more interesting as it becomes apparent the problems Annie tried to outrun have now followed her from Texas to Colorado. Fortunately, she isn’t averse to allowing Sumo and his friends to help.
I loved Sumo’s son Bryce! He endured more hardship in his young life than some adults ever experience, but at the end of the day, he was still a good kid. The inclusion of 2 rescue dogs in their lives and story was another attribute that sealed my love for the story and characters too as they learned to become a family. Revealing Annie is another amazing addition to this series!
ARC received from author
July 24, 2020
More wonderful goodness from Ms Barker. Kyle "Sumo" has been with us throughout this series, he's the jokester who has taken pride in giving his friends and co-workers sass about finding love and being locked down in life. Well are you ready for karma to bite Kyle in the ass? Ms Barker spins us a wonderful web of secrets that come to light, bringing a fear and suspense that keeps the pages turning, while building a new found trust in people and new found extended family that just might lead to love and HEA.
Aside from his fun nature that we have seen so far, Sumo is really a quiet kind of guy. Happy to spend time at home and with family and friends. He keeps his own troubles and issues close to his heart and doesn't really share with others. So when he gets a big surprise of a teenage son and has to adjust quickly to being a dad, he jumps in with both feet. The beautiful woman catches his eye at the bakery in the local supermarket, he is determined to see more of her. Will she let him in or keep hiding from everyone?
Annie has been hiding in full sight for the past year. Finding herself working the early shift at a bakery, doing on of her favorite things and finding solace in the animals at the shelter in the afternoons. Her only contact with her life before is one special friend that she truly trusts. When Kyle starts to show an interest, she is very hesitant but has to agree that he has caught her attention a time or two.
When Annie's quiet world takes a turn once again, she finds Sumo strongly at her side. Even without all the details he is determined to help her through this. Will Annie learn to trust once again? Will Sumo be able to draw her in while learning the ropes of a dad?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Aside from his fun nature that we have seen so far, Sumo is really a quiet kind of guy. Happy to spend time at home and with family and friends. He keeps his own troubles and issues close to his heart and doesn't really share with others. So when he gets a big surprise of a teenage son and has to adjust quickly to being a dad, he jumps in with both feet. The beautiful woman catches his eye at the bakery in the local supermarket, he is determined to see more of her. Will she let him in or keep hiding from everyone?
Annie has been hiding in full sight for the past year. Finding herself working the early shift at a bakery, doing on of her favorite things and finding solace in the animals at the shelter in the afternoons. Her only contact with her life before is one special friend that she truly trusts. When Kyle starts to show an interest, she is very hesitant but has to agree that he has caught her attention a time or two.
When Annie's quiet world takes a turn once again, she finds Sumo strongly at her side. Even without all the details he is determined to help her through this. Will Annie learn to trust once again? Will Sumo be able to draw her in while learning the ropes of a dad?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***
August 3, 2020
Freya Barker is one of my very favorite authors and this book is the very reason why she is.
Love this book so much. I was so excited to get Sumo’s story.
Sumo was always the jokester throughout this series and it was wonderful to see him in fall in love and being a father to a teenage son.
Love Annie’s character. She was sweet but she was also strong.
Sumo and Annie were great together. Sumo was protective of her and of his teenage son Bryce.
Bryce broke my heart because he didn’t have an easy upbringing but so glad that he finally had a good parent in his life. Love Sumo and Bryce’s relationship.
The storyline was great and it had me engaged. I’ve read it in one sitting.
My Review:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love this book so much. I was so excited to get Sumo’s story.
Sumo was always the jokester throughout this series and it was wonderful to see him in fall in love and being a father to a teenage son.
Love Annie’s character. She was sweet but she was also strong.
Sumo and Annie were great together. Sumo was protective of her and of his teenage son Bryce.
Bryce broke my heart because he didn’t have an easy upbringing but so glad that he finally had a good parent in his life. Love Sumo and Bryce’s relationship.
The storyline was great and it had me engaged. I’ve read it in one sitting.
My Review:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 1, 2020
We’ve met Sumo (Kyle), the main male character in this book, in previous books, particularly Blue’s story, and he is that guy that gives parents and lovers a hard time – and boy does karma come looking for him this time. The year before, he is told that he is the father of a teenager, and, Revealing Annie, that teenager is literally sent to him – neither having met before. On top of that, there’s Annie, hiding from her past – a past that catches up to her. This book has it all – there are rescue dogs, there is hilarity in Blue’s attitude to Sumo, there is Bryce (his 14-year-old son), there is sheer terror when Annie is kidnapped, and there is the suspense leading up to who exactly is after her. And there’s a brief cameo of Erin, one of the many tie-ins to the Operation Alpha world. What’s not to love here?
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
August 5, 2020
I have to say that I wasn’t expecting such depth in Sumo. This is a great story. Lots going on. I don’t want to say too much, as Annie has a big secret. The build up to that reveal is exciting yet, subtle. They struggle, but come together along an incredibly,complicated journey. Loved this addition to the series! Super sweet ending!
August 1, 2020
I love this series and the connected Arrows Edge MC books. In this book the main character is the EMT Kyle Matsumoto known as Sumo who was Blue's partner in the previous book. He falls for the local baker who has a shedload of her own secrets plus a stalker who reappears all at the time he suddenly finds himself the guardian of a teenage son he first heard about a year before and has never met. Throw in some grumpy elderly neighbours, a fair number of dogs, lots of baking, action, twists and turns, paparrazzi, humour and romance and you have a great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2020
I don’t think there will ever come a day when I’m not left breathless after reading a book by Freya Barker. Just like all her other books Revealing Annie is full of that hidden magic Freya possesses. Romance and suspense coming together to create an emotional story that steals your heart. Characters that are so true to life and realistic you feel like you could travel to Durango and meet them. This list of what makes this book stand out is a sea of others is endless.
Sumo and Annie go far beyond being couple goals and straight into greatest couple ever category. Beyond the romance that will have you swooning like crazy the people they are really makes them something special. They make come from drastically different worlds but they’re both such strong, loving, and brave people you can literally feel how right they are for each other.
Revealing Annie is a flat out joy to read and a book (much like all Freya’s other books) I will go back to and read over and over again.
Sumo and Annie go far beyond being couple goals and straight into greatest couple ever category. Beyond the romance that will have you swooning like crazy the people they are really makes them something special. They make come from drastically different worlds but they’re both such strong, loving, and brave people you can literally feel how right they are for each other.
Revealing Annie is a flat out joy to read and a book (much like all Freya’s other books) I will go back to and read over and over again.
July 28, 2020
Revealing Annie is another fantastic addition to the On Call series. We have seen Sumo throughout this series and he was always seen as the jokester, constantly giving everyone else a hard time with their love lives. So it was awesome to see him fall just as hard. And the woman that catches his eye happens to be the local baker, and he sure does love his sweets. But right when he finds his match, life gets a little complicated with the appearance of his teenage son.
Annie Flowers moved to Durango a year ago to get away from a dangerous situation. She has been enjoying a life of quiet and peaceful anonymity for the past year, doing what she loves, baking and volunteering at the local animal shelter. But life gets very interesting once Sumo starts actively pursuing her. Even though she was hesitant at first, Sumo’s determination and actions, especially with a certain shelter dog (cue swooning), changes her view of him.
I loved Annie and Sumo’s relationship so much. Sumo was just amazing with how much he just was ready for a family, which included Annie and some four-legged furbabies. There were definitely bumps along the way, especially with the secrets Annie has been keeping. But for the first time in a long time, Annie is no longer alone. The storyline keeps you engaged, you fall in love with all the characters, including the four legged ones, steamy scenes and the bad guy that keeps you guessing. Revealing Annie was another wonderful, awesome 5-star read!
Annie Flowers moved to Durango a year ago to get away from a dangerous situation. She has been enjoying a life of quiet and peaceful anonymity for the past year, doing what she loves, baking and volunteering at the local animal shelter. But life gets very interesting once Sumo starts actively pursuing her. Even though she was hesitant at first, Sumo’s determination and actions, especially with a certain shelter dog (cue swooning), changes her view of him.
I loved Annie and Sumo’s relationship so much. Sumo was just amazing with how much he just was ready for a family, which included Annie and some four-legged furbabies. There were definitely bumps along the way, especially with the secrets Annie has been keeping. But for the first time in a long time, Annie is no longer alone. The storyline keeps you engaged, you fall in love with all the characters, including the four legged ones, steamy scenes and the bad guy that keeps you guessing. Revealing Annie was another wonderful, awesome 5-star read!
August 18, 2020
Annie is hiding out in Durango. Her problems have followed her. We know Sumo from previous books. He’s a EMT and jokester. His secret crush found someone else then he meets Annie.
I loved everything about this story. The romance, the dogs, the son he never knew he had. Sumo and Annie are my favorite couple so far.
This story just pulled me in and kept me turning pages. Everything just comes together perfectly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved everything about this story. The romance, the dogs, the son he never knew he had. Sumo and Annie are my favorite couple so far.
This story just pulled me in and kept me turning pages. Everything just comes together perfectly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2020
Revealing Annie is the latest instalment in Freya Barkers On Call series ,which is set in Susan Stokers Police and Fire : Operation Alpha world. I love this new extended world that has been created and the stories that it brings are a joy.
Revealing Annie brings together Kyle “Sumo” Matsumo an EMT and Annie Flower a quiet women who works the early shift at a local Bakery.
Kyle likes what he sees in Annie, but it’s everything really as it seems? Kyles life is good, he loves his job, loves his partner Blue and after meeting Annie, things are looking good. Then a phone call changes his life forever
For Annie her life is as she wants quiet, working at the bakery , volunteering for the local animal shelter & like Kyle one small thing changes her life.
Both events throw Kyle & Annie together.
Revealing Annie brings us glimpses into the lives of other characters & as with all Freya Barker books , she weaves such a wonderful picture, so realistic and beautifully written
Revealing Annie brings together Kyle “Sumo” Matsumo an EMT and Annie Flower a quiet women who works the early shift at a local Bakery.
Kyle likes what he sees in Annie, but it’s everything really as it seems? Kyles life is good, he loves his job, loves his partner Blue and after meeting Annie, things are looking good. Then a phone call changes his life forever
For Annie her life is as she wants quiet, working at the bakery , volunteering for the local animal shelter & like Kyle one small thing changes her life.
Both events throw Kyle & Annie together.
Revealing Annie brings us glimpses into the lives of other characters & as with all Freya Barker books , she weaves such a wonderful picture, so realistic and beautifully written
July 23, 2020
Wow, this book just blew me away! This is the 5th book in the On Call series and I feel like each one just gets better and better.
This is Sumo's book, who we got to know as Blue's partner from Absolving Blue. Sumo was always the light hearted jokester friend who couldn't stop giving all his friends a hard time for finding their true loves. Well, look out Sumo payback time is here!
Annie is a baker who keeps to herself and has secrets, and of course, she catch's Sumo's eye and his heart.
I loved the dynamic between these two and truly enjoyed their journey. This story was so well written and just captured my heart.
This book has everything you love about a Freya Barker book. This is a must read!
This is Sumo's book, who we got to know as Blue's partner from Absolving Blue. Sumo was always the light hearted jokester friend who couldn't stop giving all his friends a hard time for finding their true loves. Well, look out Sumo payback time is here!
Annie is a baker who keeps to herself and has secrets, and of course, she catch's Sumo's eye and his heart.
I loved the dynamic between these two and truly enjoyed their journey. This story was so well written and just captured my heart.
This book has everything you love about a Freya Barker book. This is a must read!
July 24, 2020
Loved Kyle (Sumo), an EMT and very sweet if not a little shy. Annie has problems she's running from, but disguised she's hiding in plain sight. Working in a bakery no less. Kyle loves sweets so he uses that as an excuse to go see Annie and at the dog shelter. But when Kyle's past comes back to haunt him with a son, will that put a wrench in the works? Great addition to the series and loved it. HEA
July 24, 2020
I’ve enjoyed Sumo’s character in previous books but I have to admit...I wasn’t anticipating his story like I was previous ones. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! I loved him and Annie! Their story just flowed for me and I truly enjoyed taking this ride with them! I was sad to see it end. Hats off to you Mrs. Barker...this was a 5 star read for me and I can’t wait for more!
July 21, 2020
Kyle, aka Sumo, joked around with all his buddies when they found their true loves...now it’s payback time. Annie is doing her best to hide in plain site, but Kyle sees straight through her facade.
Revealing Annie is a well written, captivating romantic suspense, which I’ve come to expect from the talented Freya Barker. This is book 5 in the On Call series and they just keep getting better and better. Freya’s books are not only page turners, they are realistic and written in a way that I can picture the characters and scenes in my head. Fantastic job as always!!!
Revealing Annie is a well written, captivating romantic suspense, which I’ve come to expect from the talented Freya Barker. This is book 5 in the On Call series and they just keep getting better and better. Freya’s books are not only page turners, they are realistic and written in a way that I can picture the characters and scenes in my head. Fantastic job as always!!!
July 29, 2020
Well Freya’s books never disappoint the reader. Well crafted and interesting plot, the enjoyment of the story snuck up on me and it kept me engaged. I was not initially as interested in Sumo’s story to be told, however freya s books are always worth a read, I was very pleasantly glad to read an early snee peak and have kept my paid for preorder.
July 23, 2020
The next book in On Call series, Freya Barker never fails to deliver a good love story with action and humour.
July 24, 2020
Love these two together! Pulled me in from page 1 and I couldn't put it down.
August 16, 2020
This is the fifth book in the Police and Fire Operation Alpha series. It is about Annie and Sumo. Sumo is already known, he appears in the previous books, he is Blues partner. And now Cupid's arrow hits him. Completely unprepared and Annie has a big secret. Here is some danger and all the beloved persons from other books and series are present. Ouray and his MC as well as the FBI from the PASS series . I love Durango and if I could, I would like to look around there, take a vacation and enjoy the scenery and all the interesting characters.
I like that Freya Barker writes about older persons who have already experienced a lot and their problems in this case are not quite common. Sumo is a strong character, but his life is taking a sharp turn at the moment, he realizes that he is the father of a teenager. And in this situation Annie comes along and turns his life upside down. But Sumo masters all these imponderables with courage and composure. Just like in his job where he never knows what to expect. However, he is very sure of himself and can help Annie, because he knows exactly what he wants. The Suspense Plot is very well elaborated and really great dramatic. I love this mixture of holding the protagonists together and the threat from the outside.
Wow, another great book.
Dies ist das fünfte Buch der Police and Fire Operation Alpha Reihe . Es geht um Annie und Sumo. Sumo ist ja schon bekannt, er kommt in den vorherigen Bänden vor , er ist Blues Partner im Krankenwagen. Und nun trifft ihn Amors Pfeil. Völlig unvorbereitet und Annie hat ein großes Geheimnis. Auch hier verbergen sich einige Gefahren und es kommen alle heißgeliebten Personen aus anderen Büchern und Serien vor. Ouray und sein MC genauso wie das FBI aus der PASS Serie . Ich liebe Durango und wenn ich könnte würde ich mich dort gerne einmal umsehen, Urlaub machen und die Szenerie sowie all die interessanten Charaktere auf mich wirken lassen.
Ich mag es , dass Freya Barker über ältere Protagonisten schreibt, die schon einiges erlebt haben und deren Probleme in diesem Fall nicht ganz alltäglich sind. Sumo ist ein starker Charakter , allerdings nimmt sein Leben eine scharfe Kurve im Moment, er stellt fest, dass er Vater eines Teenagers ist. Und in dieser Situation kommt auch noch Annie und stellt sein Leben zusätzlich auf den Kopf. Aber Sumo meistert all diese Unwägbarkeiten mit Mut und Gelassenheit. Wie in seinem Beruf wo er nie weiß was auf ihn zukommt. Allerdings ist er sich seiner selbst sehr sicher und kann somit Annie helfen, denn er weiß genau, was er will. Der Suspense Plot ist sehr schön ausgearbeitet und richtig toll dramatisch. Ich liebe diese Mischung aus festem Zueinanderhalten der Protagonisten und der Bedrohung von außen.
Wow, wieder ein tolles Buch.
I like that Freya Barker writes about older persons who have already experienced a lot and their problems in this case are not quite common. Sumo is a strong character, but his life is taking a sharp turn at the moment, he realizes that he is the father of a teenager. And in this situation Annie comes along and turns his life upside down. But Sumo masters all these imponderables with courage and composure. Just like in his job where he never knows what to expect. However, he is very sure of himself and can help Annie, because he knows exactly what he wants. The Suspense Plot is very well elaborated and really great dramatic. I love this mixture of holding the protagonists together and the threat from the outside.
Wow, another great book.
Dies ist das fünfte Buch der Police and Fire Operation Alpha Reihe . Es geht um Annie und Sumo. Sumo ist ja schon bekannt, er kommt in den vorherigen Bänden vor , er ist Blues Partner im Krankenwagen. Und nun trifft ihn Amors Pfeil. Völlig unvorbereitet und Annie hat ein großes Geheimnis. Auch hier verbergen sich einige Gefahren und es kommen alle heißgeliebten Personen aus anderen Büchern und Serien vor. Ouray und sein MC genauso wie das FBI aus der PASS Serie . Ich liebe Durango und wenn ich könnte würde ich mich dort gerne einmal umsehen, Urlaub machen und die Szenerie sowie all die interessanten Charaktere auf mich wirken lassen.
Ich mag es , dass Freya Barker über ältere Protagonisten schreibt, die schon einiges erlebt haben und deren Probleme in diesem Fall nicht ganz alltäglich sind. Sumo ist ein starker Charakter , allerdings nimmt sein Leben eine scharfe Kurve im Moment, er stellt fest, dass er Vater eines Teenagers ist. Und in dieser Situation kommt auch noch Annie und stellt sein Leben zusätzlich auf den Kopf. Aber Sumo meistert all diese Unwägbarkeiten mit Mut und Gelassenheit. Wie in seinem Beruf wo er nie weiß was auf ihn zukommt. Allerdings ist er sich seiner selbst sehr sicher und kann somit Annie helfen, denn er weiß genau, was er will. Der Suspense Plot ist sehr schön ausgearbeitet und richtig toll dramatisch. Ich liebe diese Mischung aus festem Zueinanderhalten der Protagonisten und der Bedrohung von außen.
Wow, wieder ein tolles Buch.
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