This was just like book one when is comes to fast action packed pages that keep you reading into the wee hours of the night to see what will happen next. This could easily be read as a stand alone, but there are people in this story that you would have gotten to know, if you had read book one ("Trinity") first. As another reviewer stated it very well on the front cover, "Action, intrigue, and romance the way only Ronie Kendig can write it . ".

This story is about Aspen Courtland and her quest to find out what happened to her brother, when he went missing and then was presumed dead on a mission with the US Marine Corps over a year ago. All that Aspen has left is her brother's wounded tracking dog, Talon, who she is trying to re-train.

Dane Markoski in a Military Intelligence Operative who needs Aspen's help and her dog Talon, to try to track down and find her brother. The problem is he knows a lot more than he is letting Aspen know about and although he hates to do it, must "use her" to get what he wants from her. At least that is the way it starts out, but Aspen is easy to love and hard to be indifferent with. Once they start working together to find answers, the romance begins, very slowly. But the danger and bullets flying don't take long at all and the twists and turns you discover along the way will surprise you (at least they did me). I look forward to reading book 3 next and learning more about Aspen's friend and dog handler Timbrel and her dog Beo. Never a dull moment when reading this series. And did I mention how special these dogs are in the story. What loyalty and bravery they show! ( )

TALON: COMBAT TRACKING TEAM by Ronie Kendig is an exciting Romantic Suspense. #2 in the "A Breed Apart" series, see, "Trinity",but can be read as a stand alone. Another action packed series by this talented author. Filled with tension,traveling through foreign cities, exotic ports,unsung heroes, Military combat canines,faith,forgiveness,passion and the power of love. Talon, must muster his courage to help is handler's sister,Aspen, find her missing twin brother,Austin....Enter the sexy Dane. Together, they must find her brother,when you add in a spy or two, a kidnapping, a blast or two and you have an action packed story! Ms. Kendig is a true Military romance writer who lends her expertise to creating an exciting plot, filled with action and adventure. Her characters are heroes to be sure, they are engaging and realistic. What not to enjoy about a fast paced story. While, "Talon" is a Christian title, please do not let this slow you down or deter you from reading this amazing title. You will not regret the time to read this story. A must read! Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )

Less Romance, more Suspense

Though Talon is still, basically, Christian romantic suspense, it is heavier on the suspense than the romance. The characters spend more time attempting to unravel the mystery, and the Talon’s skills are less of a priority. The story has several plot lines running throughout giving the story a full and interesting feel. This is definitely a book that has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. I will admit that I love dogs, and the efforts of the Military War Dogs and their handlers fascinates me, but I don’t think I’m too prejudiced. I enjoyed the book very much. If you prefer your books to be heavy on the suspense, with a twist of romance, you will enjoy Talon. ( )

Aspen Courtland wants to find out what really happened to her twin brother, Austin. The only thing she has left of him is his traumatized combat tracking dog, Talon. Although Aspen is Talon’s new handler, he would still remember Austin’s scent and may be able to find him if he is alive. Enter Dane Markoski. He also wants to find Austin and is asked to work with Aspen. The connection is immediate but Dane wants nothing to with it. Aspen has no idea who he really is but he knows that when she finds out she’ll run the other way. Aspen knows there is more to Dane than meets the eye but she can’t deny how he makes her feel. Danger lurks at every turn on this mission. Success or failure depends a lot on Talon. Will he find the courage to use his tracking ability one more time in a hostile area?

Get ready for an action packed, roller coaster ride! Talon, the second book in the A Breed Apart Series offers up the rapid fire fiction this author’s famous for. Having read Trinity I was looking forward to Talon and I have to say that though I really liked both stories, Talon is my favorite so far. I loved getting to know Aspen and Dane. Aspen has lots of grit yet also has a tender heart. She’s just someone you want to get to know. Dane is a complex tortured hero who definitely stole my heart. The romantic tension was great! I liked the reminder that in Christ we are a new creation. That doesn’t mean we don’t struggle with our past but we have a God who allows us a new beginning. I loved seeing the team together again. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Timbrel and Candyman and can’t wait to see what happens with them in Beowulf. Hoorah!!! Talon comes highly recommended by this reader or any of Ronie Kendig’s book for that matter!!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Barbour through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (May 5, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1616266015
ISBN-13: 978-1616266011

For more information about this book or the author’s other books I recommend you visit her website at http://roniekendig.com/ ( )

Title: Talon
Author: Ronie Kendig
Pages: 352
Year: 2013
Publisher: Barbor Books
Talon is the second novel in the A Breed Apart series with the first being, Trinity: Military War Dog. Before I read either novel, I knew nothing about how much dogs have been used and are a part of the military. Ronie Kendig writes a very active and engaging thriller that follows Talon and his handler, Aspen, through various adventures. Aspen’s twin brother has disappeared and declared MIA. Since it seems no one is going to try to find out what happened, she takes it upon herself to do so. Even more intriguing is a man known as Cardinal who is asked to take Aspen with her dog to another country and Cardinal is fighting this assignment.
Most know the man only by the name Cardinal. Now, he has come forth claiming to have been with Austin in Africa two years prior on a mission. On A Breed Apart Ranch in Texas, Talon has been recovering from wounds and his trauma from a former mission. Aspen feels like her twin brother is alive, though no one believes her. Talon has grown close to Aspen as his new handler. Please read Trinity before reading Talon to fully appreciate the depth of the story Ronnie has written as well as the continuing of the characters from Trinity: Military War Dog.
There is action, adventure, romance and bringing to the present the past of a couple characters lives in order for them to find peace. Do they acknowledge God? You have to read this intriguing and engaging fast-paced novel. The chapters are short, making it easy to enjoy the story in short snippets of time, plus occasional use of flashback helps the reader understand the broader horizon of the story. The tale will take you from the United States of America to Russia to Africa with each place having a unique place in the lives of the characters in this novel.
A third novel is already in the works titled, Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog. In the back part of the novel, the author shares an introduction to a real handler and his dog plus an organization known in short as RMWDAO. The letters stand for Retired Military War Dog Assistance Organization, which was founded in 2011. The organization can be located on FaceBook and www.rmwdoa.org to read about these amazing animals and the handlers.
My rating is 5 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )