Mine to Save is the story of Bennett Blacke, who thought his time working with special ops was over. He is now a bar owner and ex con. But, an offer from NES could bring him back into the fold of security and rescue, giving him a chance to use his skills honed in the military. That chance could bring him back to a dark place that landed him in prison though.

Sayward is a computer hacker for NES. She was rescued from Columbia when her family was targeted by a drug cartel. Jacob, the head of NES has made sure Sayward was safe and taken care of. However, she just received word that her father has died and she is planning to return to Columbia. The danger is that the son of the cartel leader who kidnapped her may still be looking for her.

Sayward is on the Autism spectrum. As a special education teacher, I am very critical of character portrayal with disabilities. While the author said Sayward was on the low end of the spectrum, her character portrayal is more mid spectrum. She has the social struggles of someone with Aspergers, but some of her emotional issues and behaviors are more severe than a low spectrum Autism diagnosis. Would that bother anyone who ISN'T a special education professional? Probably not. The author uses the classic, stereotypical symptoms of Autism that people are familiar with.

Overall, the plot of Mind to Save was interesting and the relationship between Sawyward and Bennett was engaging and entertaining! These two have more baggage than LAX so seeing them wade through it all was satisfying.

 

• POV: dual 1st


• Tears: no


• Trope: drug cartels, ex-military, security team, virgin


• Triggers: none


• Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series


• Cliffhanger: no


• HEA: yes

Books by other romantic suspense authors like Karen Rose, Maryann Jordan, Katie Reus...then you will probably like Mine to Save!

 


Mine to Save






 See full review on The Book Disciple ( )

Bennett Blacke never expected to join the ranks of Night Eagle Security, especially since he was an ex-con. Once a military man, that part of his life was over, or so he thought. His life had taken a turn and he is now working as a bartender in a bar. While tending bar one evening, a buddy comes in with the rest of the team of NES. Bennett is offered the job of a lifetime. Come work with NES on a trial basis with a unit of brothers where his special skill set could be utilized instead of squashed. Bennett is unsure because of his PTSD, which has already led him astray and landed him in prison. He was afraid of turning into the man he once had become. It takes just one member of the team, Sayward Diaz, also known as Viper, to get Bennett to say yes to the deal.

Sayward Diaz, or Viper as she is called by members of the NES team, is a skilled computer whiz and beneficial to the team. Although she is not in the field, her expertise in computers and hacking is an essential part of the team. Sayward has not had an easy childhood and having autism did not help either. Even though she was on the low end of the spectrum, she still has trouble connecting with people. When her life is put in jeopardy, the NES and Bennett will do everything in their power to protect her.

I just have to say that I absolutely loved the instant connection between Bennett and Sayward. For all intents and purposes Sayward has no clue just how desirable she is and Bennett is the first man in…OK maybe the first man ever to make her feel like a woman with needs. Bennett is the first person to ever make her feel like she wanted someone’s touch. Having autism has prevented Sayward from getting close to people. Her life was full of routines and she has her own coping mechanisms to get through things she is uncomfortable with, but with Bennett she can finally feel like she is normal for once.

The way autism is brought out into the story is done with such care and it is evident that the author, Diana Gardin has really done her research. I have a friend with autism who is on the lower end of the spectrum as well. I can relate to some of the actions and feelings that Sayward goes through as I have experienced them myself first hand through my friend. It is not often that you see an author take a risk with a character with a disorder that can effect their social interactions as social interactions are paramount to any story. MINE TO SAVE shows that autism is not just a disorder, that the person with autism, in this case, Sayward, is still a woman capable of love and feelings and having a connection with another person.

Bennett is the perfect hero for her as he is not looking to change Sayward. He accepts her for who she is. He does not treat her any differently, but he does give her the space she needs when she needs it. He can easily pick up on her ques and knows when to hold back. He is patient and kind, but he still treats her like a woman. A woman that he desires and wants in his life and he will do everything that he can to make sure she stays safe.

MINE TO SAVE is the third book in the Rescue Ops series. It is not necessary to have read the first two books to enjoy reading this new installment to the series. There are references to past things that have taken place, but it does not distract from this story. The story is told from alternating points of view which I loved as it gave me the chance to get inside both of their heads and to experience both Sayward and Bennett’s thoughts and feelings. The suspense is a slow build up and will keep you guessing with the action picking up about halfway through the story. All in all this is a 5 star read for me and I will be going back to reading the first 2 books in the series so I can catch up on the stories of the other heroes in the NES because lets face it they all sound so hot! *fans herself* ( )