Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Terrific book. I read the Granger brothers' books when they first came out and loved them. At the time, I really wanted to know more about Shep and his story. That desire was magnified when I read the follow-on Protectors series. I had no idea, until recently, that Ms. Jackson had written Shep and Carson's story, and was thrilled to get a copy. I thoroughly enjoyed getting the rest of the story.
The book opened one year after Shep's exoneration and release from prison, and on the first wedding anniversary of he and Carson. Their love for each other is evident, as is their appreciation for everything they went through to get to that point.
The story then goes back six years to when Shep and Carson first met. He is ten years into a thirty-year sentence for murdering his wife, a crime he did not commit. Rather than bemoaning his fate, Shep has used his abilities as a businessman to mentor other prisoners. He has received accolades for his successes and a quiet satisfaction from making a difference. The prison warden introduces Shep and Carson, asking them to work together to help one particular prisoner. Carson is a successful lawyer who does pro bono work with young men who were wrongly convicted.
The sparks between them were apparent from the beginning, though both tried to resist at first. Shep, because there is no future in a relationship, and Carson because it would be unprofessional. I loved seeing them get to know each other while fighting against injustice. Though understandably wary at the beginning, thanks to her past with an abusive husband, it didn't take long for Carson to see Shep as the honorable man that he was. I ached for both of them as their feelings grew stronger, despite the obstacles they faced. I loved the help that their relationship received from the prison guard, Ambrose. I hurt for Shep when his hopes for a new trial were dashed by the death of the PI investigating what really happened. It was Carson's love and willingness to wait that made the next five years bearable. Once the truth finally came out, he did as promised and married her immediately.
The story then moves to the present day. Shep and Carson's love grows stronger every day. I loved watching Shep adjust to being free again and look toward his future. There were some terrific scenes with his sons, Jace, Caden, and Dalton, as they make up for their years apart. There were also beautiful scenes of Shep and Carson together as they discussed their plans to continue helping those who need it most. Life gets complicated when Carson's ex-husband, Pence, shows up, angry over an inheritance that Carson received that he thinks should be his. I loved Carson's strength in standing up to him, and also her ability to confide her trouble to Shep. It made me grin to see how Shep used his contacts to get the low-down on the ex. I laughed out loud at Shep's confrontation with the man, and the fear he inspired without laying a finger on him (though he was tempted). I cheered at the visit that immediately followed, when Jace, Caden, and Dalton, as well as Striker, Stonewall, and Quasar, showed up and put the fear of God into Pence. It showed the deep love and respect that all six had for both Shep and Carson that made the men determined to protect them.
The tension isn't quite over, though. Carson receives some unexpected news that she isn't sure how to handle. I ached for her fear that Shep would be unhappy and wanted to shake her for not just coming out and telling him. It was clear that Shep is deeply attuned to her moods that he knew right away that something bothered her. I loved his patience in getting her to open up and tell him what had her so worried. His reaction was priceless, and I wasn't at all surprised by it. The family meeting that they all attended later that day was fantastic, as Shep finally shared his plans for the future. The book ended with a hilarious scene of multiple revelations, and Dalton catching grief from all sides.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the influence that Shep had on so many lives. It wasn't a unicorns and rainbows sort of thing, but a realistic look at the effect life on the "inside" could have on people. Shep's frustration when things went badly was real, as was his happiness when they went well. An excellent testament to that influence was the way so many stayed in touch with him when they got out. I enjoyed getting a little of the background of Shep's relationships with Striker, Stonewall, and Quasar. I read their stories when they came out and saw that he remained a part of their lives.
The book opened one year after Shep's exoneration and release from prison, and on the first wedding anniversary of he and Carson. Their love for each other is evident, as is their appreciation for everything they went through to get to that point.
The story then goes back six years to when Shep and Carson first met. He is ten years into a thirty-year sentence for murdering his wife, a crime he did not commit. Rather than bemoaning his fate, Shep has used his abilities as a businessman to mentor other prisoners. He has received accolades for his successes and a quiet satisfaction from making a difference. The prison warden introduces Shep and Carson, asking them to work together to help one particular prisoner. Carson is a successful lawyer who does pro bono work with young men who were wrongly convicted.
The sparks between them were apparent from the beginning, though both tried to resist at first. Shep, because there is no future in a relationship, and Carson because it would be unprofessional. I loved seeing them get to know each other while fighting against injustice. Though understandably wary at the beginning, thanks to her past with an abusive husband, it didn't take long for Carson to see Shep as the honorable man that he was. I ached for both of them as their feelings grew stronger, despite the obstacles they faced. I loved the help that their relationship received from the prison guard, Ambrose. I hurt for Shep when his hopes for a new trial were dashed by the death of the PI investigating what really happened. It was Carson's love and willingness to wait that made the next five years bearable. Once the truth finally came out, he did as promised and married her immediately.
The story then moves to the present day. Shep and Carson's love grows stronger every day. I loved watching Shep adjust to being free again and look toward his future. There were some terrific scenes with his sons, Jace, Caden, and Dalton, as they make up for their years apart. There were also beautiful scenes of Shep and Carson together as they discussed their plans to continue helping those who need it most. Life gets complicated when Carson's ex-husband, Pence, shows up, angry over an inheritance that Carson received that he thinks should be his. I loved Carson's strength in standing up to him, and also her ability to confide her trouble to Shep. It made me grin to see how Shep used his contacts to get the low-down on the ex. I laughed out loud at Shep's confrontation with the man, and the fear he inspired without laying a finger on him (though he was tempted). I cheered at the visit that immediately followed, when Jace, Caden, and Dalton, as well as Striker, Stonewall, and Quasar, showed up and put the fear of God into Pence. It showed the deep love and respect that all six had for both Shep and Carson that made the men determined to protect them.
The tension isn't quite over, though. Carson receives some unexpected news that she isn't sure how to handle. I ached for her fear that Shep would be unhappy and wanted to shake her for not just coming out and telling him. It was clear that Shep is deeply attuned to her moods that he knew right away that something bothered her. I loved his patience in getting her to open up and tell him what had her so worried. His reaction was priceless, and I wasn't at all surprised by it. The family meeting that they all attended later that day was fantastic, as Shep finally shared his plans for the future. The book ended with a hilarious scene of multiple revelations, and Dalton catching grief from all sides.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the influence that Shep had on so many lives. It wasn't a unicorns and rainbows sort of thing, but a realistic look at the effect life on the "inside" could have on people. Shep's frustration when things went badly was real, as was his happiness when they went well. An excellent testament to that influence was the way so many stayed in touch with him when they got out. I enjoyed getting a little of the background of Shep's relationships with Striker, Stonewall, and Quasar. I read their stories when they came out and saw that he remained a part of their lives.
La-Shauna F. (SHADY) reviewed Captivated by Love (The Grangers) (Volume 4) on + 1266 more book reviews
Love when right has an unbreakable bond. The story of Sheppard and Carson truly is the story of dreams made whole. There devotion to one another is uncanny. The element of Carson's ex was good to see who love could be tested. Pence a man of many flaws just couldn't see the error of his ways. It was good to see Sheppard stand up for Carson and protect her. After five years of restrictions it was beautiful to see Sheppard and Carson have the ability to live out their days with one another. Oh and visiting back with Jace, Caden and Dalton was an added bounce. Even better was the foot and mouth Dalton had to sircome too after learning of Carson and Sheppard's news. Classic moment.
