For long-time Durango Fire Department EMT, Ava ‘Blue’ Navarro, her teammates at Station 3 represent a family more loyal than her own. However, when patients start dying on her watch, she draws the attention of local law enforcement. In particular the smooth-talking detective she’s successfully evaded for years, fearing he might stir up her quiet existence. Detective Tony Ramirez considers … considers himself a likable guy, which is why the perpetual cold shoulder from the athletic blonde first responder is confusing. Now he finds himself in charge of a murder investigation that threatens to shake his world both personally and professionally. A situation that won’t earn him any brownie points.
When medical examiner, Calder Stonewall, is called in to assist, it only seems to throw more suspicion Blue’s way, and Tony has to pull out all the stops to prove her innocence while securing her heart.
more
So, I do suggest that you read the previous books before this, that way you are already up to speed on things and not lost about all the characters that pop up. Blue lives a quiet life, she goes to work, does her shift, hangs out with her co-workers, and goes home. She knows Det. Tony Ramirez, and so far has done a good job of shutting him down, she doesn’t need the attention of a ladies man.
Tony has no clue why Blue wants nothing to do with him, but he is determined to get her to just give him a chance. Just when he finally has gotten that chance, it comes to light that all of Blue’s patients have been dying and of course Blue is the number one suspect. Knowing that Blue is innocent, Tony is working hard to find just who is responsible. But will he figure it out before whoever is framing Blue succeeds?
Tony and Blue’s story was absolutely amazing! With the drama, danger, action, mystery and the spicy naughty bits; this story just kept you pulled in and there was never a dull moment. I love how we get to see everyone from previous stories. I give this very entertaining read 5 stars.
What can I say about Freya Barker?? She is without doubt one of my favourite authors though she is, IMHO, sadly under-acknowledged when it comes to how good she is at her craft!!
Her stories are touching, well written and filled with humour. Her characters are relatable, likeable and believable who, often times, have dealt with or are going through real life issues. Ms B also throws in spade loads of action, suspense, twists and turns and one helluva lot of heat and passion!
I loved Ava/Blue. She’s always come across as a real tough, no nonsense cookie when we’ve met her in previous stories but learning about her past and that she wasn’t just as tough as she’d have other believe gave her a real sense of vulnerability that I could understand. Saying that, she’s still no shrinking violet and I was pretty sure at points that she was gonna stand fast in her determination to close out Tony Ramirez, even when it wouldn’t have been in her own best interest!! Thankfully that wasn’t the case for too long!
So, to Mr Ramirez. If I’m being honest he was one of these characters who previously I couldn’t quite decide if I really liked or not, he seemed at points to hit on any pretty female with a pulse and I couldn’t quite make up my mind if he was a real manwhore or just a bit of a ladies man! Well, I should never doubt Freya ‘cos, as ever, she made him likeable and turns out he was a really great guy who was there for Ava when she really needed him.
Their relationship, when it began, didn’t take too long to develop into something more and I was cool with that, both are a bit older and when you know what you’ve got is right, what’s the point in wasting time waiting?
The action, suspense and surprises all added to my enjoyment of the story, as did catching up with some of our old favourites from earlier books and previous series. I adored Tony’s dad, he was a great character.
Absolving Blue is another surefire hit in the On Call series and I can’t wait to find out what’s coming next from Ms Barker.
5*
Another fantastic read from Ms. Barker. I love her stories. I especially like that the main characters are older and they do not suffer from any type of slow down. This story has a paramedic and a cop. There is a little mystery that lends to a bit of intrigue and danger. They are not young adults so their interactions are more mature and fun reading. I look forward to more stories from Ms. Barker.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
Another great story! I feel like I am always saying “can’t wait for so and so’s story”,but it was true with Tony. Tony has been mentioned frequently and always on the hunt for his lady. Tony finally has his turn. Blue has much to overcome and Tony is there every step of the way!
This series just keeps getting better I had been looking forward to Tony’s book and I just loved it and once I started it I did not want to put it down there is lots of action and plenty of drama to suck you in and keep you hooked. The chemistry between Tony and Blue was smoking hot. I would recommend this story.
I love all things Freya Barker, add in PD, FD, and MC…and I am one happy girl!!!
I love Blue ‘s story, and I am so happy that Tony had a chance to shine.
These characters are amazing, the writing is incredible, you simply can’t put it down!
I love Tony, and his family!! Makes you wish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I need a Tony Ramirez of my own!!!
As a paramedic, Blue’s life revolves around the firehouse with no time for dating. But that’s okay with her. She’s learned some hard life lessons that she won’t soon forget. Until Tony Ramirez is forcing himself into her life under the guise of a friend. Before she knows it, they’ve expedited friendship and moved forward to so much more. All that’s left is to share her final secret with him and hope he’ll stay.
Blue is one tough heroine. She really has been through some pretty tragic events in her life. Her job is demanding both physically and mentally, often leaving her emotionally drained. I didn’t expect her to lean on Tony when things got rough, but she surprised me by doing so, making her so much more likable in my eyes.
Tony was fierce when it came to protecting Blue, even from those he should never have had to protect her from. I love the way he cared for her, even when all she needed was just his presence in the room. His total acceptance of all that she was made me love him even more.
This has quite a bit of mystery and suspense interlaced with a wonderful romance, all of it on equal footing so it didn’t have more of one thing than the other. This couple were so perfectly paired, it’s hard to imagine they could ever be with anyone else. Everything between them pretty much just slides into place, even while they’re trying to find a killer.
With lots of action, AMAZING secondary characters, as well as a mature hero and heroine that define the word HOT, this was one incredible romantic suspense!
I just new Tony and Blue’s story would be a great one.
Detective Tony Ramirez has been with us for most of the series and I was just waiting for him to get his story. Sure he came across as a hot playboy but aren’t they all playboys until they find the right woman. We had seen Tony’s loyalty but not the full sweet caring side of him until now. The close bond he shares with his family only makes him that much more lovable. When he decided that he is going to do everything in his power to protect Ava, there is not deterring him.
Ava “Blue” Navarro has found herself a family of people she can count on with her crew at the fire department. But other than that she keeps pretty much to herself. Keeping people at arms length has been her safety net. Giving her spare time to the lonely animals at the shelter. Knowing that she really can’t have one of her own right now. When deaths start happening and she starts second guessing her skills, she finds herself letting Tony push his way in.
As the story unfolds and these characters open up to one another, we discover that there is so much more than we see on the surface. The past has shaped who they have become, but will they let the past shape their entire future?
Ms Barker will have you hook line and sinker with her reeling suspense and the growing relationship between these amazing characters we have gotten to love from the other books in this series. For those wanting to try a book before giving the whole series a go, that is ok as well as each book is written as a standalone, so go ahead and jump in.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Blue is a great EMT. She is also a kind person and an animal lover who volunteers at the local shelter
When video of a difficult rescue featuring Blue a is posted online, much unwelcome attention focuses on her – including dark shadows from her past
Some situations need more than friends and family to turn out okay
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another book by Freya Barker that I absolutely loved!! Absolving Blue is book 4 in the On Call series and this time about Detective Tony Ramirez and Fire Department EMT Ava “Blue” Navarro. I am already a huge fan of any love story that has to do with law enforcement, but then to add in a dog, that totally added to my excitement for this book.
I was invested in Tony and Blue’s story from the very beginning. I was so fascinated with Blue and her abilities and then to learn more about her past definitely intrigued me. And then we have Tony, he’s a character that had interested me for awhile. He’s shown to be a bit of a playboy, but in this story we see what an amazing man he is. I loved how he’s been aware of Blue for awhile, but she had shot down any attempts to get close to her right away. Things start to change between the two after a few of the people that Blue had helped mysteriously start dying and she is under suspicion. Matters gets even more tense when Blue’s past comes back to haunt her. What is consistent is Tony, he is there for her all the way.
This was such a fantastic story and I devoured it within hours. I adored the co-parenting of Arthur, loved the intense chemistry and the suspense had me hooked. This was a definite 5-star read.
Wow, what a rollercoaster of a ride for a book. I was cheering them on.
I loved Blue and Tony together, they compliment each other throughout the book.
Another amazing book by Freya Barker.
A Casanova detective and a standoffish EMT suddenly have a reason to be in each other lives. Tony has had his eyes on Blue for awhile but she has given of vibes of not being interested. I absolutely LOVED the reason that put them closer and knew that grateful rescue would give back. I thoroughly enjoy how this author draws you into the story by giving you hints (that you may not realize) and parts of the story that are part of the bigger picture without giving away the bigger picture too soon. The epilogue had me giggling and thank goodness for plastic containers!
Another well written story from a great storyteller.
This series just seems to be on fire. I’ve loved every one. When I think I can’t like the next book as much as I did the last, I’m proven wrong. I’m even more impressed since our playboy Tony Ramirez turned out to be an excellent hero. I guess all he needed was Blue (Ava) in his life.
Blue was an intriguing character. Who knew she had all that in her past? It made for a great pairing. Tony wasn’t shy about the opposite sex and Blue was avoiding anyone who could get too close. I gotta say, I really love how Tony wormed his way into her life. It came off natural and made for a great start for this couple. Then there was the dog. Man, animals and kids are my kryptonite in books.
The suspense was exciting and well written. It gave an added level of excitement to the story along with seeing Tony and Blue grow as a couple. The suspense aspect of the story put these two in situations that tested the bond they were growing and what made me love Tony even more. I really can’t wait to see what the author has next for this series.
I’ve been wanting to read Tony’s story for a while and it was amazing! Loved it.
Blue Navarro and Tony Ramirez has known each other for a long time but always avoided each other. Suddenly they are co-parenting a sweet dog named Arthur.
But when Blue becomes a suspect of a few crimes when patients start dying after her care and Tony will have to prove her innocence.
Blue was sweet, strong and independent.
Love her. I was intrigued to read her story and so happy with it. She’s perfect for Tony.
Tony..hot latin alpha. Will do everything to show the innocence of his woman.
Like always Freya Barker brings you a story with real people, awesome suspense that will have you at the edge of your seat.
My Rating: STARS!
So finally Tony gets his turn in the spotlight. All the way through we have seen glimpses of Tony Ramirez & your immediate impression is love em & leave lothario . But the glimpses of his interactions with Blue Navarro does male wander what would happen if the sparks are given a chance to flame.
Absolving Blue gives you all you could want from a book. Suspense, Death, sexual chemistry that just has to catch fire, and the continuing growth of a world that Freya Barker is building in Susan Stokers Police And Fire : Operation Alpha books
Yet again , us as readers as given a book, where the the characters development, the plot, the dialogue is flawless.
Another 5 star read from Freya Barker
I’ve been waiting for Tony’s story for so long and I was not disappointed! I loved Blue and I loved Tony as separate characters, but together they were amazing! This is definitely a book I will be reading again and again!
I’ve been waiting for Tony’s story and I’m so happy to say that it was everything I imagined for this beloved character! Blue was the perfect match for Tony and it was so easy to connect with their relationship, as well as each of them separately. As always, I enjoy returning to this town and catching up with previous couples as well as being introduced to newer characters. Of course I look forward to Sumo’s story but I’m really excited to see what happens next with Yuma and Lissie….I have a feeling it’s going to be one heck of a ride!
This story was great!!!
I enjoyed it very much! I had a hard time putting it down when I was forced to live in the real. Ha!
Blue is a sweet EMT and Tony is a hottie detective. Enough said, right??? Now add in a series of unexplained deaths, someone looking for revenge and a sweet puppy named Author. I have you hooked now, don’t I??? Those are the makings of a story that just sucks you in from start to finish. Trust me on this one.
Although this story is part of a series, each story is about a different couple and can be read all on there own. However, you should read this whole series since it is just that good. And while you’re at it, just add all of her stories to your TBR. 🙂
From other books in the series, I wasn’t sure if I was going to love Tony. But, OMG, he is seriously delicious. Freya Barker continues to be a favorite author with all of her genuine characters and stories. Blue is courageous in conquering her fears in dangerous situations and being on the front line for any emergency. When her patients start dying and she is under suspicion, I loved how Tony protected her and was equally by her side when she needed him. If you love suspense, romance and great characters, I will always recommend a book by Freya Barker.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A rescue dog, a detective, a determined woman, and a mystery. All great elements that are wound together in the character’s lives that have been created. And do I ever want to live in their town!
Detective Tony has been thrown off center by “Blue”, an EMT he runs into frequently. He finds his “in” when he shimmies his way into helping Blue with a dog that she rescued, a spur of the moment decision that may not agree with her work schedule. She is guarded due to her past, and the detective is a danger to her guarded heart. Someone is killing Blue’s patients, and Tony becomes her number one protector. The elements of this story are engaging and it is a page turner for sure. Great chemistry!