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 … 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.
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This book is an excellently written; the story that mixes fiction with well researched facts. The storyline is amazingly detailed with information about ex-service men and women. The emotional involvement in the story adds to the plot and the well written characters pack an emotive punch.
An overall excellent read and worth the five star recommendation I give.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Looking for some suspense with your romance? Well written, perfectly flawed characters? Look no further. Dimas and Willa are two independent characters that aren’t looking for love, but can not deny the attraction. However our man Dimas does not put his best foot forward and I wasn’t convinced he was the man for Willa in the beginning, but he won me over. This book has everything you need to keep you entertained.
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!!!
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
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
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.
With each of Freya Barker’s books I read, I become a bigger fan of her writing, and I think it’s because of the characters. Hers aren’t picture-perfect, 20-year-old models; they’re older, real people with issues and flaws; I can relate to them. And Willa is particularly relatable. She knows what she is and isn’t capable of, but she’s willing to push herself when it comes to relationships, both with the vets at the center and with Dimas. And Dimas – it’s great to watch him start to see and fall in love with Willa. The story, as always, is gripping – that ending is one that you think – how did I miss that! I could have read about these characters for another full book and not been bored, and I’m looking forward to the next in the PASS series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dimas (Dimi) & Willa
Former Special Forces, Dimas, is now working in his brother’s security company protecting people and whatever else is needed to keep the clients safe. He’s a player until he meets his match, Willa. He may want her but she has no plans to make it easy no matter how hot he is.
As a phycologist for a homeless shelter, Willa is caught up in a murder investigation of a Vet she is working to help rebuild his life. Who is attacking these men?
Dimi and Willa actually go on a date, something neither does. No time. How is it they can make time for each other? Will the killer let them live long enough to find out? The characters are fun, strong, and hot. The team members are loyal and work well together using snark and hijinks along with their professionalism. Steam, intrigue, great characters, a hard to put down read you don’t want to miss.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
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.
I love a good love story. Not cheesy, not over the top, not porny or corny. Real, raw and refreshing. That’s what I like, and that’s what Freya delivers.
Her characters are SO well written, so flawed and just so perfect. I love and look forward to each new book, each new series that she writes.
THANK YOU for the adventure!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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!
Another amazing book by Freya. I love love love Dimas and Willa. The story is fabulous the main characters are so fantastically written. There is a mystery that will keep you on your toes but it does not overpower the story between Dimas and Willa. Again, a mature (okay, not that mature but not 20) couple who navigate their way through trials with family and work. I thought the homeless shelter and incorporating the dogs was a nice touch to the story. I relish every time I see a new Freya Barker book and know that it will be hard to put down when I start reading.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
Loved this couple. At first I thought Dimas was going to be a dog, but he wasn’t. Willa was the total package. Great read.
One of the many things that I absolutely love about Freya Barker’s books is when you get to the part that reveals how the book received it’s title. It’s one of those moments that makes you take a breath and just bask in the warmth of all it’s glory. Willa and Dimi’s story was a fabulous ride. As always the journey that made these people who they are is gritty and when they combine to grow into the relationship sparks fly and you, the reader, happily catch fire. The intrigue and mystery that surround them only draw you in deeper, to the point that when it ends you want to call Ms. Barker and demand that she continue. Needless to say absolutely enjoyed this story and will continue to read everything from this author. You should too!
Life and Limb by Freya Barker is the second book in her PASS series. It follows Dimas and Willa. Willa, has grown up in a conservative household with very traditional gender roles and has never had a proper relationship, in the fear that she’ll lose her independence. Dimas, is former special forces and now works for his brothers protection company and again never had a proper relationship. The 2 hit it off but are both wary about getting too attached until Willa’s life is under threat. I enjoy all of Freya Barker’s books to date, enjoy her writing style, depth of characters and stories. I would recommend this book.
We are back with another engaging story in the Pass series. This time the story belongs to Dimas Mazur and Willa Smith. Both with a military background making each a strong characters.
I specially enjoyed the fact that Willa Smith was a strong character.
Though the plot was engaging and the characters interesting and complex, it was the social issues that were thought provoking.
Homelessness amongst the veterans, and PTSD is a reality we as individuals and a society need to address. These individuals willing to risk their lives to keep us safe, deserve the best treatment we can provide.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Buoni Amici Press. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This book deserves more than 5 stars .. I loved it, you get to know Dimas who we met in the first book of the series and learn how he came to have a prosthetic leg and the horror that came with it, he meets Willa through Rosie at the shelter that they both work at, he is instantly attracted to her as she is a strong person and gives him as good as he gives if not better we get to know veterans at the shelter who are struggling to cope with life some of which are being drawn into an illegal underground fighting ring as with all of Freya’s characters you get to know them warts and all but it was the emotional way in which they evolved that makes you want to hug them and make it better.. Just wonderful there is a funny light side to the book involving Dimas’s hippy parent’s who are still living in the 60/70’s those of us who are old enough will recognize, very funny, with other characters emerging this is looking like a great series can’t wait for the next installment
I was gifted an advanced copy for an honest review.
Like in many of Freya Barker’s books, Life & Limb, book 2 in the PASS series is filled with amazing characters, intense attraction, mystery that keeps you guessing and a fantastic happily ever after. The heroine, Willa Smith is a fierce, strong, independent and compassionate character. She worked as a social worker in the Army Forces in Germany for eight years and now works at a homeless shelter assisting mostly veterans. The hero of this story is Dimas Mazur, we meet him briefly in Hit & Run, is also former military and he is now one of the security specialists at PASS security. I wasn’t quite sure how I would feel about him, but he definitely shows his swoony side.
From the very first meet, the attraction was instantaneous. Their relationship develops quickly, but both not really looking for anything serious. Things start to heat up when Willa becomes involved in a homicide investigation when one of the residents is found murdered with her card on his person and the accused happens to be one of Dimas’ military friends. As the danger increases, so do the feelings between Willa and Dimas. The suspense portion definitely kept me on my toes, there were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. The secondary characters, especially Britt, WIlla’s niece and the other family members, and a wonderful pup were an added bonus.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next in this series.
I loved this story. Haven’t reviewed or read the first one, but loved this one. There are a lot of personalities going on in this book. You have Dimas’ parents which are a hoot. You have Willa’s parents who stiff and proper, her dad being military and the alpha type to the extreme. Willa works at a shelter for the homeless which are mostly military vets. When a death pops up and related to the shelter things take a turn for the worst. Dimas takes a personal interest in Willa and the shelter, since he’s a vet too and lost part of his leg. There is a lot of action, heat and a HEA.