⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5

He used to be Sergeant Owen Williams, now he’s a man trying to keep himself together and keep moving from day to day. When everything becomes too much, he finds himself standing on the edge of a bridge with one thought in mind, until he feels a tugging at his pant leg and a growl accompanying it. When he looks down to see what’s going on he finds that there’s a dog holding him back and tugging him away from the edge and the woman that is with the dog is apologetic.

Tori volunteers twice a week at the local shelter and walks the dogs. There’s one in particular that she’s drawn to, but he’s a cranky thing and doesn’t want to be social with many people. Tori believes he tolerates her. Pepper was brought to the shelter after he lost his owner, and he is drawn to the same spot every time he and Tori go for a walk. It just so happens that there is a man standing there this time and Pepper knows that if he doesn’t do something the man will be gone. Tori’s a nurse and a natural caretaker, although she’s also a hot mess.

I loved this introduction to Owen, Tori, and Pepper. The story has all the feels, and was an emotionally charged read, but it was a great read. I can’t wait for more in Black and Blue where we’ll get more of Tori and Owen’s story. A change in their lives proves to be a good move for all of them and their lives can now move on, and they can find happiness and family in Texas. I love the Demented Sons MC characters and can’t wait to have more of them to read. I give this book a 5-star review.