As a forty-one-year-old mother of three boys, working two jobs, Marya Berger doesn’t have the time or energy to consider a relationship. Especially after a lifetime of poor choices in the romance department. But when the disappearance of a young boy strikes a little too close to home, and a younger man she’s tried to ignore offers his help, she doesn’t stand in the way.Single father, Dylan … Dylan Barnes, the junior member of the La Plata County FBI team at thirty-three, has his focus firmly on his job and his son, Max. He’s certainly not looking to complicate his life, when he finds himself at his son’s soccer game, sitting beside the spirited brunette he can’t get out of his mind. Fate, however, appears to have different plans.
When an unspeakable crime draws the attention of the FBI, Dylan finds himself torn between his job and his instinctive need to protect Marya and her boys.
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Marya Berger shows the tough job a single mom has when dealing with three boys. She is also good at juggling her life so that she has time for them. Dylan Barnes is a gentleman when it comes to how he treats a woman. It’s also easy to see how caring he is.
I loved this story from beginning to end – especially since I read it all in one day. I can’t tell you the exact point when I became hooked. Our author created a story where we have an older woman and a younger man. There’s not a big age difference and she really doesn’t make a big deal out of it. There are a few scenes where Marya puts up a little fight but Dylan shows that it doesn’t bother him. I also liked that this story shows that an “older” woman can enjoy a relationship and all that it entails – kids and all.
Besides the romance side of their relationship, our author gets us involved in Dylan’s job. Maybe that’s what had me glued to my chair. After all, I’m terrible at mysteries but I’m one that sticks things out until the puzzle gets solved. Both sides of this couple have kids and you see that for the most part they all have a voice. They don’t overtake the story but they’re not left behind either – great way to show their family life. It also shows how much life has changed since I was a kid.
Most of this story didn’t have anything to laugh about but there are a couple scenes where you won’t have a choice. That’s just one thing that gives you a sense of family and inclusion – you feel a part of what’s going on. As our author leads us to the end, nothing feels rushed and it all makes sense. If I had to give you one minus point it would have to be a woman from Dylan’s past. I know she gives us some insight into his life before he meets up with Marya but she seemed to be there more to cause trouble than anything else – just glad we don’t see her much. The ending was great. It was happy and I felt as if their happily ever after hasn’t been written yet.
I’m hoping that means that the author has at least one more book to this series. What’s been great about this series is that you don’t have to read the books before in order to enjoy the one you’re reading. If you start here – great choice. It may get you hooked and at the very least want to go and read the story that started it all, Keeping 6.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Single mother, Marya, has no time for anything, her days are filled with her boys and work. When she spots hottie Dylan at her son’s soccer game, she has her usual reaction. The one of awe as she basked in his hottie-ness. For Dylan, he has been interested in Marya, but she hasn’t had an easy road, and he was taking his time. Finding out that their children are now on the same soccer team, means more chances for them to get to know each other. But with Dylan’s job, that makes it a bit harder than it should be. The two start to learn how to navigate the new territory that comes with a real relationship. When Dylan lands a bad case that is a little too close for comfort, it puts everyone on alert. With ex’s popping up out of nowhere, bad people to catch, children to raise, and everything else that comes up, can the two find a way to merge their respective families and make it one? What happens when the bad case that Dylan caught takes a turn for the worse?
There was so much more going on in this story, and as a parent this story deals with one of my worst fears. This had me feeling all kinds of feels, at one point giggling at silly antics and then another almost sobbing. Freya Barker writes a story that will suck you in from the first word to the very last. I give this 5 amazing stars.
Wow! This book was simply amazing! Filled with everything you could want in a romantic suspense with the perfect balance between the two. It’s been way too long since I’ve found one that checked all my boxes as this one did!
Marya and Dylan are both single parents. They know each other from common friends but have never really interacted. When one of Marya’s sons joins the same soccer team as Dylan’s, the opportunity finally presents itself and Dylan eagerly takes it. When a young boy is found dead and another goes missing, all the clues lead to something that is too close to home for both of them.
I’m all about the hero but I’ve gotta say that Marya was exceptional! As a more mature heroine she had her head on straight and she was tough in a way that only a mother raising three boys alone can be. Although she had a moment or two of insecurity when it came to Dylan, it never consumed her and she allowed herself to open up to him. When her past comes back to torment her and her children she played it smart and worked through the problem with Dylan rather than trying to handle it all on her own.
Dylan was absolute perfection! He was completely enamored of Marya and the more time he spent with her the harder he fell.
”Okay, you need to stop being perfect. My heart can’t handle it.”
“How’s that?” he asks, clearly amused.
“You’ve already filled it to the brim. It’ll burst.”
“It’ll stretch,” he says, his tone gentle.
My eyes stare unseeing as I focus on the sound of his voice. “What if it can’t?”
“It will. Mine does every time I get to hear your voice.”
As an FBI agent, his instincts are to protect and he protected not only Marya but her boys as well in such a way that I couldn’t help but love him. And when Marya was at the end of her rope, he was there to step in without being overbearing and domineering. I love watching a hero fall in love with the heroine’s children and watching Dylan with the boys was one of the highlights of this story.
The book had so many layers involving the case that Dylan is working on that I was never able to predict where it was going or who the villain was going to be. It deals with a very serious and heavy subject matter but never in a gratuitous manner. There were some intense moments that left me biting my nails but only served to make the rest of the story shine brighter against those flashes of darkness. The ending gives us a wonderful epilogue that had me both tearing up and sighing with happiness which is exactly how I like it.
This is the fourth book in the series and is another well written super read. This is Marya and Dylan’s story they are both single parents and while they know of each other and have seen each other around they don’t get to know each other until one of her sons joins the same soccer team and Dylan’s boy. I enjoyed this book there are lots going on to keep you hooked and while I liked both of these characters I have to admit Marya made the book for me she is a good strong independent woman who knows when she needs help this is a super addition to the series
10-Code by Freya Barker
La Plata County FBI – Rock Point Series #4
I eagerly await books by this author because she has never let me down. I love the stories and the characters in them. The books are deep and meaningful with a realness that I like. The characters and their experiences and relationships are believable and draw me in. In this book single parents Marya Berger and Dylan Barnes end up on the same bleacher watching their sons play soccer. Marya has always just been the person Dylan buys coffee from but at the game he sees her in a new light – a rather intriguing light that draws him to her. Their romance is not smooth sailing as they both have exes that cause problems, have job issues to contend with, are busy with their children and are also worried about boys going missing in the area they live.
The interactions between the two are so much fun to watch whether interacting with one another or with their children! Both are there for their children, are wise parents and have trained their boys to be smart and aware with some of that wisdom leaking into the story for readers to apply with any children they might have. My children are grown but I learned a lot about having a simple code for quick phone messages that children can use in a pinch.
I came away from this book thankful that there are people in law enforcement out doing the jobs they do and wondering how they live with memories of some of the cases that they are involved in. I also came away thankful this book came my way because I really enjoyed it!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Each book that Freya Barker writes just seems to get more interesting and richer, while her characters become more life-like, realistic and thought provoking. Here, we have two single parents that have been through the wars, with exes, young children, and betrayals that would leaving a lesser human relationship-phobic and cynical to the core. Yet both Dylan and Marya allow feelings to grow and their hearts to open enough to wonder if there is life after heartbreak. I loved the chemistry between our young FBI agents and more mature bookstore owner with three rambuctious boys! There are several smaller storylines inside this one plot, and you never quite know where the main storyline is going until the last few chapters. I really enjoyed getting to know Dylan and Marya!!
There are a number of things you can count on with many of Freya Barker’s books: great mature characters, intense storylines, and touching on some tough topics are just a few. 10-Code definitely delivers on all three. Even though I am not a fan of the older woman/younger man trope, the 8-year difference in Marya and Dylan’s story does not bother me as much as it would normally would. Their story is just so good that I was able to forget it.
The single parent trope has been becoming one of my favorites these days and again 10-Code definitely delivers. Marya is a mother of three rambunctious boys, Dylan is a father of Max who happens to be similar in age with Marya’s 2nd son, Liam. Both Liam and Max are actually on the same soccer team and also part of the same online game, this creates the perfect opportunity for Marya and Dylan to get to know each other.
I really loved their story! Marya was initially a bit leery starting a relationship with Dylan, not just because of their age difference, but also because she had been put through the wringer with her previous marriage, and the ex is coming around again and causing havoc in their lives. But something about Marya pulls at Dylan and he is determined to protect and build something with all of them together.
The suspense portion of this book is intense and it would be the ultimate nightmare of any parent. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat and I was guessing on who the bad guy was until the very end!
Another fantastic book from one of my go-to, 1-click authors. Can not wait to see what is coming up next!
Loved this one! The last book in this series features the youngest FBI Agent and single dad,Dylan Barnes and Marya, single mother of 3 rambunctious boys. She is 8 years older than Dylan but that doesn’t stop him. When the two see see each other at their son’s soccer game he is intrigued. She is not dressed in her thrift shop librarian work clothes but a beautiful natural woman. Marya is on guard because hello she has been burned before…badly. As these two manage sons, work and extra jobs for her they start a tentative relationship. But trouble is ahead. For her an ex husband shows up after a 5 year absence and an ex girlfriend shows up for Bryan as a junior agent and both of them are pieces of work. Their children are also in danger. Lots of suspense, act drama, and some hot steamy scenes.
An enthralling, suspenseful and seductive endearing journey to go on with Dylan and Marya. I loved how Dylan stepped right in taking care of Marya and her kids. He knew what he wanted and went for it. Their chemistry is palpable, their banter is sweet and their connection is beautiful. I enjoyed this story.
10-Code by Freya Barker is the fourth book in her Rock Point series.
This one was a tough one to read for me as a survivor but Freya Barker wrote this story with care for both the child and the FBI agents who rescued him. I also have to give Kudos to Marya who’s one tough cookie for raising 3 boys with no help from her Ex-Jeremy but also for Dylan for raising his son on his own also.
This book has non-stop action from page one to the very end and even though the Rock Point series has come to an end I loved how Marya and Dylan decide to take their relationship to the next level. But it’s all the boys when Dylan threatens to move them to Alaska and they all state how a dogsled would be fun that gave me the giggles. I usually say more in my reviews but this book needs to be read with no spoilers because it’s so good with that being said I highly recommend 10-Code and wish I could give it 10 Stars.
She is a single parent who works in a book store He is a single parent who is an FBI agent their boys play on the same soccer team the boys and the agent play online video games the games are how the bad guys are taking the boys the agent gets Marya to get her boys cell phones they come up with their own codes the parents have sizzling romance and they all become a complete family a happy ending
I really enjoyed this book. Good read and I would so love to read more from this author. I would highly recommend this novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved this story. Marya is an older single mom with two kids, Dylan is a junior member of the local FBI unit. They connect over soccer and he`s all in, but it takes a while for Marya to figure it out. There is evil lurking and it takes both of them to walk through this suspenseful journey. Dylan is so considerate and does all that he can to make Marya his, but Marya has been burnt a few times int he past. It`s a wonderful story and full of great memories.
Freya Barker is one of my favourite authors and in my opinion has only gotten better with each book that she’s written.
The fourth book in the Rock Point series is Dylan and Marya’s story and with a hard hitting and sadly, very realistic story arc, this was a great read and another hit in Ms B’s catalogue.
I love that her characters are older, with life experience, emotional baggage, health and emotional issues that can be related to most of the time.
Marya and Dylan were perfect for each other and their kids were a great addition to the story – and the easy acceptance of each of their families made for good reading.
10-Code was a sad reminder of just how awful people can be and how you can never judge a book by it’s cover – in more ways than one.
It was also a reminder of how the capacity to give and accept love can change and enhance your life in many ways.
Action, suspense, tons of heat and some seriously hot down and dirty times, along with catching up with some of our fave characters from previous books made this another smasher of a story and one I’d most definitely recommend.
Marya Berger is a single mother
who has to work two jobs to make ends meet. A new romance is not on her radar as she just tries to cope with all she has to do. Having three boys, she is upset when a young boy goes missing. When help is offered by a younger man, she takes it. Dylan Barnes is also a single parent and he is also an FBI agent. They meet at a soccer game but it is not until the tragedy of the missing boy that brings him close to Marya. He finds himself needing to protect them.
This is the fourth book in the La Plata County F.B.I. Rock Point series. This book is a crime thriller with a romance imbedded into it. The author carefully weaves the romance with the mystery thriller to come up with a complex storyline filled with unexpected surprises, dangerous twist and scary turns that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The narrative is amazing as it further defines the characters and the emotions they are experiencing. The action scenes are well described and the mystery is complex with a surprising conclusion. The romance was amazing and pulled on my heart strings. I found the heated scenes fit nicely into the storyline. I was really invested in whether they would be able to make go of a combined family. This is a well written book work reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a revie
This is a quick and easy read. The storyline is well-crafted, intriguing, suspenseful, has drama and steam. The characters are defined, and likable with sizzling chemistry. I liked it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found this to be a superb storyline that grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and on edge throughout the whole book!
Great characters that will keep your interest extremely well.
The chemistry, sweetness, and twists in plot kept things interesting.
Add in drama and steamy passion and you have a good read.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
I absolutely love this book. Code 10 is a page turner. You will not want to put this book down. The characters are so amazing! Freya Barker has written another out of this world book. I can’t wait to see what see has next.
The author did a great job developing these great characters and the storyline flowed smoothly from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Blended families are an amazing feat, I know, I’m a product of one, so when I say 10-Code is jam packed with all the good, the bad and the ugly feels of this feat, it comes from a place of awe for this author’s story.
Ms Marya Berger and Special Agent Dylan Barnes are single parents. Marya has 3 pre-teen boys and is struggling to raise them as both mother and father. Dylan has Max, and a very demanding and sometimes dangerous job. Neither is looking for love, let alone a date, because who has time…right?!
When it’s clear Dylan is interested, Marya resists, because…you know, adulting, responsibilities, no time! Besides, she’s older than Dylan and “there’s no way he could be interested in me like that…right?” But the FBI’s latest case has other ideas and Marya has no choice but to trust and depend on Dylan. Let’s just say, the poor woman never stood a chance.
“I don’t have a thing for older women… I have a thing for you. You happen to be older, that’s all.” -Dylan
10-Code is another page turning blend of suspenseful twists and turns and real life fears and emotions, add that to a superb cast of characters and this series is pure perfection.