Shelter for Penelope: Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Book 15, Susan Stoker

Finally getting to Moose and Penelope's story is a little bittersweet. I loved that they finally got their happy ending together and that we finally get the details of Penelope's trials. What was less lovable was the repetition. Every grand statement was a reiteration of every one that came before. It also felt like every reassurance had to be a grand statement instead of finding a simpler, more concise way to say things, it was like I was reading the "big confession" each and every time so probably the last half of the book lost its potency. Overall it was a powerful story full of healing and love and a healthy dose of well-earned steam, I just think the pacing and intent could have been better balanced.

Sometimes the enemy isn't out there waiting to snatch us, hurt us, or even kill us. Sometimes it's the fallout, the insidious voice inside that can do the most damage. Penelope faced both foes and was almost destroyed, not by the ones that took her, but by the one she brought home. PTSD is an intense issue that many people suffer from. Penelope has avoided and run from her condition for longer than necessary and only when Moose gives her a perspective check does she see beyond herself so she can take her situation in her hand and do something productive with it. Her healing is a long journey, but one that is absolutely necessary for a happy life.

Thankfully Moose can see the bigger picture despite his heart revolving around one stubborn, hurting woman. I did love Moose despite all his earnest platitudes and promises. I kind of wish he had been more of a reality check all the time instead of just loving support. He needed to be the loving support, but I wished for more directness than we got.

These two people were made for one another and I'm glad to have had a chance to read their story. The summary of all the couples in the series was nice, but felt a little too simplistic. Granted, how do you sum up a long series like this with about 40 trillion other couples and families? You pretty much just do what this author did. It was well-done even if I had a tiny issue with it. Overall this was a fantastic way to finish the series and I definitely can't wait for whatever the author has in mind to bring to life.

*$4.99 on Amazon!

Dubbed the “American Princess” after her rescue from months in the hands of ISIS, soldier and firefighter Penelope Turner has struggled silently since her return to Texas. The media, the danger of her job, the pressure of knowing lives are in her hands…all of it and more has combined to slowly fill Penelope with seething guilt and doubt. Missing memories from her moment of capture cause even more angst. Is she responsible for the deaths of her Army patrol unit? And without knowing what happened, how can she be trusted by her fellow firefighters—or trust them in return?

Worse…how can she ever be worthy of the man who believes in her most?

It took seeing Penelope in the hands of terrorists—in viral videos seen around the world—for Tucker “Moose” Jacobs to realize just how much he loved his fellow firefighter. He died waiting for her rescue, then died all over again when Penelope abruptly left Texas, trying to outrun her past. Now that she’s returned, the kid gloves are off. Moose is a patient man, but even he has his limits. He loves Penelope, and he knows it’s past time for her to face her fears, and remember she has an entire tribe of friends who not only have her back, but need Pen to have theirs, as well.

In the end, Penelope will have to trust Moose, her friends, and most of all herself, if she’s going to make peace with her past…and have any kind of future.