INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER! From New York Times bestselling authors Kat Martin, Rebecca Zanetti, and Alexandra Ivy come three interwoven stories of secrets, murder, and riveting suspense. Three women. Three connected stories. Three bestselling authors. As girls, they bonded over broken homes and growing up in foster care. As women, they’re fighting for their lives, and loves, once more . . . care.
As women, they’re fighting for their lives, and loves, once more . . .
MERI
When Meriwether Jones takes her young daughter and runs from trouble in L.A., that trouble follows. By the time Meri reaches Spokane, she’s out of gas, money, and ideas. Luckily, ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help him with his father’s farmhouse, and they seem like the answer to each other’s prayers. But Meri is keeping a dangerous secret—and Ian is in danger of losing his heart . . .
MELANIE
That secret explodes when Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy she tutors and responds by ramming them with her car. The last thing she expects is for the man she once loved, Detective Gray Hawkins, to appear and rescue them both. Now she has no choice but to trust him as they investigate the truth about a conspiracy of dirty, drug trafficking cops—and the truth about their relationship . . .
MICHELLE
After a rough youth, Michelle Peach was finally content in Portland—until two men broke into her home, threatened her, and sent her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree that Michelle has to stop. The last person Michelle wants to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine turned sheriff. But Evan misses the woman who walked away instead of letting him help years ago. This time he’s not asking permission; he’s going to put a stop to the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends—and win her heart for good.
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I was searching through the county library website to see if any new books from Kat Martin were available, and was delighted to come across this one, since it also had a Deep Opps story by Rebecca Zanetti and another story by a new author for me. The common thread through the three stories is Ian Brodie. It has been a few years since I have read any of the “Against” series, so this was a treat. Another common thread was that all 3 women had been in foster care and were now in danger because of a family member.
AGAINST THE HEART: Meri Jones is running from the father of her little girl, who was threatening to take the child away from her if she didn’t pay him money that she didn’t have. Fortunately, just as she has driven as far as she can from California with the money she has left, she runs into Ian Brodie, who is looking for a housekeeper for his father.
SHAKEN: One of Raider’s foster siblings, Michelle Peach, is in danger because of her druggie mother, but since he is undercover, he sends another sibling, Evan Bolton, Michelle’s ex and former marine, now small town sheriff to her rescue. He also send Wolfe, accompanied by Roscoe and Kat, to help them. Michelle and Evan get their second chance.
ECHOES OF THE PAST: Melanie Cassidy rescues one of her charges at the Hummingbird Youth Center from being kidnapped and is then immediately rescued by her ex-Detective Gray Hawkins, who like Evan, has turned his life around, to get Melanie back. I love second chances. Several of the characters here were also in the first story.
I usually don’t care for anthologies, but I liked and would recommend this one, if you are already familiar with the AGAINST and DEEP OPPS series. Danger, romance, second chances and HEA.
Pivot – anthology by Kat Martin, Rebecca Zanetti and Alexandra Ivy
Against the Heart by Kat Martin
Meri is on the run from a nasty ex when she meets Ian in front of a store bulletin board. Perfect timing for both of them. She can hide in the middle of the small town while getting paid to help clean out his fathers house. Ian can tell Meri is desperate and can’t help coming to the rescue.
I found this story immediately engaging and captivating until the end. I got a feeling from one paragraph on family he could call that it may be part of a series. I’ve read a few books by this author and this was a reminder why I like romantic suspense so much.
Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti
Book 2.5 of the Deep Ops series
Second chance. Evan and Michelle were once in foster care together. Now, years later he comes to her rescue, done with the military and ready to commit to Michelle and the small town he protects as Sheriff.
Easter egg for Zanetti readers.
Character traits that were amusing (including the dog) and a story that was riveting. A fast read that can be read as a stand-alone.
Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy
It’s a second chance for the relationship of Melanie and Gray as they protect a young boy while
investing the clues to find the dirty cops in his precinct.
Tension filled and absorbing.
The last 40 pages are previews by the three authors in the anthology.
Loved all three of these highly entertaining, sexy, fun and short yet emotionally thrilling adventures. Each one is filled with engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Excellent reading!
I love when authors get together to publish a book! I love Rebecca Zanetti, and I will always read whatever she writes! I don’t even read the blurb before I get it. I always know it will be an amazing read. I have only read a few books by Kat Martin and Alexandra Ivy, and I was excited to give them a try again.
Three authors. 3 books. 3 strong women.
These are novellas, and the stories flowed well together. I won’t give away any details about the plots, but I will say that I couldn’t put it down! There was so much action, and each story was a page turner.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
Loved this series, very good stories.
I found each of the stories in this anthology to be complete and relatively unrushed. The characters were likable and the plots did not feel contrived. That’s a refreshing finding when reading novella-length stories. When finished, I went on to read one of the stories showcased at the end of the book!
This is a collection of three novellas by authors I generally enjoy. Even though there are overlapping characters that tie these three stories together, they also tie into the author’s individual series. The first story by Kat Martin, which sets the connection for all of these, was honestly my least favorite of the bunch. I think it was for a couple of reasons: 1. the couple was a new meeting at the beginning of the story, so getting to their HEA felt a little rushed since this takes place over less than 2 weeks; and 2. Ian was a bit alpha for my liking.
The second story by Rebecca Zanetti ties into her current Deep Ops series. In this story, we get Raider’s foster siblings’ story. We are introduced a little to Evan and Michelle in her other stories. This is a second chance story with people who have a long history and are finally in the right place and time to be together. We also get more of Wolfe, who I love.
The third story by Alexandra Ivy has a connection to her Agency novel, The Intended Victim. Again, it is a second chance story which I feel is better in a novella setting. For me, it allows forgiveness in not being able to spend a lot of time in relationship development.
4.5 stars
I initially picked this book up to read the story by Rebecca Zanetti, Shaken. I’m a huge fan of hers and this story is a pit stop in her Deep Ops series. Usually, when I have a lot of other books waiting, I would only read the story I pick up the book to read. But this book said these stories are connected so I figured I should read all three since the Deep Ops story is the second in this book. I found that it wasn’t necessary to read all three, but there are some crossover characters so it was a nice connection.
Against the Heart
by Kat Martin
This book, overall, seems to be touted as a Kat Martin book with the other two author along for the ride. While it looks like she’s got an extensive back library, this is not an author that I’ve read or who has been on my radar. It also seems her story is the shortest. This was a short and sweet story. I enjoyed all of the characters, though the chemistry between Ian and Meri wasn’t as flammable as I’d like. It gave me enough to know I’d be interested in checking out some of her other books, and isn’t that the point of these types of compilations? The only issue I had, which was actually quite a large issue to someone like me that doesn’t like inconsistencies, was the geography. I’m not going to get into particulars because maybe if I don’t point out the specifics you won’t notice. I can say it was a big enough issue for me that I will probably stop reading if I come across such blatant inaccuracies in another book by this author.
3 stars
Shaken
by Rebecca Zanetti
Now this is what I came here for! As always, Rebecca Zanetti keeps me turning those pages. The story may be short, but it’s full of action and emotions. This story and the Kat Martin story do overlap, but if you came for the Deep Ops story like I did, you could skip the other story if you were low on time. Another side of the same coin, if you haven’t read the Deep Ops books you will still enjoy this one. In fact, I’m sure you’ll be quite curious to read more after meeting Wolfe, Roscoe, and Kat. I literally let out a little whoop when I realized Wolfe was making an appearance! I enjoyed Michelle and Evan’s backstory and only wish there had been more of that. Sometimes I found Michelle to be a bit too pragmatic, but due to her upbringing and past experiences I couldn’t really fault her for her caution. All in all, a great addition to the Deep Ops series.
4 stars
Echoes of the Past
by Alexandra Ivy
I just love when I read a compilation because of one author, and find another author to love. This story sucked me in and gave me all the feels. There’s great chemistry between Melanie and Gray. They are both such good people and only have to truly open up and talk to each other in order to heal some past hurts. There’s action, emotions, suspense, and heat. All the makings of an amazing story.
4.5 stars
I’ve learned to be picky about collaborations over the years but I love Rebecca Zanetti books so I thought I’d take a chance. This is three separate short and sweet stories that are connected through the heroines, all who spent time in foster homes. I liked both Against the Heart by Kat Martin and Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti, but I have to admit I struggled with Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy.
Against the Heart by Kat Martin was a cute little damsel in distress story. Most of the focus was on the romance, with not a lot of character development. I liked Meri, the heroine, but I didn’t love her. Mainly my issues had to do with her aversion to police and her determination to go it on her own. The offhand explanation of her being in foster care as the reason of her being wary of cops just didn’t fly with me. I did think Ian was a sweetie and his dad, too. Overall, this was short, sweet, but maybe just a bit too shallow for me. 3.5 Stars
My favorite of the three, Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti, was a fluffy little bubble gum flavored second chance romance that had a surprising amount of action for such a short book. It’s good this was a second chance romance because even knowing that, I blinked at how quick things progressed both in the sheets and out. Oh, and it had a couple of surprising cameos that gave me a little giggle. It was fast-paced to the point you could miss something if you blinked. The length meant there wasn’t a lot of depth, but it was a fun read nonetheless. And the town sounded interesting so now I want the story of how Evan ended up there. Rating: 4 Stars.
Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy was another sweet second chance romance but I didn’t like it nearly as much as the first two. My issue was that the first big clue was completely ignored by the hero which made him look like a keystone cop. I just couldn’t get past that. Rating: 2.5 Stars.
Overall, I’m glad I took the chance on Pivot. Even though the last story didn’t work for me, I enjoyed the first two, especially Shaken. So I’d say if you’re in the mood for short, and sweet along with some action, this would be worth getting.
Rating: 3.5 Stars Overall.
This is an excellent collection of three entertaining, well-written, fast paced romantic suspense novellas. I have been a fan of the novels of Ms. Martin and Ms. Ivy for many years, and truly enjoyed their contributions to this collection. I am looking forward to reading the other entries in Ms. Martin’s Brodies of Alaska series. I was thrilled to discover Mss. Zanetti’s outstanding, witty, and intriguing entry. I have added all of her Deep Op series novels to my TBR list.
*I received an arc from Netgalley & the publisher for an honest review*. I love Kat Martin & read her books when they come out & didn’t realize this book was three short stories by her, Rebecca Zanetti & Alexandra Ivy. I really enjoyed all three stories having only read Kat’s books. I loved the intertwining stories, characters. Especially love the female characters because they were all strong & independent. Just love the Brodie family too in all of Kat’s books. It was a wonderful book that I highly recommend!! Thanks Netgalley for the arc!!
Pivot is 3 novellas in one book by 3 authors: Kat Martin, Rebecca Zanetti, and Alexandra Ivy. The 3 stories are loosely connected by some overlapping characters, but each story is a standalone read–and each one was fabulous!
A fun collection of romantic suspense stories, each novella tells the story of a woman and the man that comes into her life, or back into her life, in a time of need. As each couple go through turmoils and some harrowing experiences, they find a HEA that is satisfying to the reader. All the stories have a connection, but are written in such a way as they can be read as a standalone. From three great authors, I recommend these novellas for any reader that loves romantic suspense stories. **I was gifted “Pivot” by Netgalley and Kensington Books** I voluntarily leave my review based on my reading. 4.5 Stars!
I don’t normally like anthologies, but I really enjoyed this one. Unlike most anthologies the three main characters flow through out each story. I also enjoyed the way each story built upon the one/s before it. I thought it was really unique and interesting. I loved the guest appearances in each story it really made them more interesting.
Great book
I enjoyed this book with three interconnecting stories. Separate authors, and though I’d only ever read Rebecca Zannetti books, the way these characters knew each other and worked together made it very cohesive. Three action packed, romance-filled, suspenseful stories.
Pivot is anthology of three novellas by Kat Martin, Rebecca Zanetti, and Alexandra Ivy. Against The Heart by Kat Martin is about Ian Brodie, a cousin of the Brodie of Alaska series. I’ve always loved the Brodie clan. Ian Brodie hires a woman to help him with his father’s farmhouse, but as an ex-cop, he senses that she’s keeping a secret. Meriwether Jones is on the run with her 4-year-old daughter. She’s out of money, out of gas, and out of options until she meets Ian.
Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti focuses on Michelle Peach whose life is turned upside down by two men (from Against The Heart) breaking into her home, threatening her, and sending her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree. The last person she expects to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, ex-marine turned sheriff. Together they search for her wayward mom and try to stay one step ahead of threatening men stalking Michelle.
Echoes Of The Past by Alexandrea Ivy is the third novella in Pivot Anthology. Just like the other two short stories, it is filled with danger, bad guys, and steamy romance.
The suspense in plot of the Against the Heart moves at a steady pace along with the growing attraction between Meri and Ian. The plot is well written in this brief yet intriguing story, and Kat Martin creates unforgettable characters like Meri’s lovable daughter. Shaken is another romance thriller. I enjoy the way the plot thickens while the attraction between Michelle and Evan grows hotter. Rebecca Zanetti is new to me, and I am impressed with her short novella. Echoes Of The Past by Alexandrea Ivy also has danger lurking around the corners and hard-to-resist attraction between Melanie and Gray. Kat Martin, Rebecca Zanetti, and Alexandra Ivy make a great team creating and connecting three different romantic suspense.
Purchased primarily for Rebecca Zanetti’s contribution for her Deep Ops series but did enjoy the other authors as well.
3 superb stories by 3 amazing authors
Against the Heart (The Brodies of Alaska #0.5) by Kat Martin
Echoes of the Past by Alexandra Ivy this is loosely connected to The Agency series.
Shaken (Deep Ops #2.5) by Rebecca Zanetti
I have read both The Agency and the Deep Op’s series, but The Brodies of Alaska by Kat Martin is new to me as is the author.
Three novellas of three women who bonded as girl and now face the greatest challenges of their lives. Pivot is a romantic suspense that kept me reading throughout. Each story was well written, the characters were engaging ant the stories were captivating.
I already own everything by both Rebecca Zanetti and Alexandra Ivy and now I have added Kat Martin to my collection. If you haven’t read these authors I highly recommend you do.
PIVOT By Kat Martin, Rebecca Zanetti, & Alexandra Ivy
I had not read anything by Kat Martin and Rebecca Zanetti. I have been a fan of Alexandra Ivy for years however. I was very impressed with the writing in this anthology. We go from one novella smoothly into another. Some of the heros and heroines cross to the next one. I will be picking up other books from Kat and Rebecca now that I have sampled their work. I think this is a 4 star book.
I was given this advance readers copy from Netgalley for my fair and honest review.