REVIEW: Survive the NIght by Katie Ruggle

In Survive the NIght (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #3) by Katie Ruggle, Sarah Clifton has always wondered what it would be like to escape her brother’s clutches and live without fear. So, when an opportunity arises, Sarah knows she must take it, if she’s to ever be free from her family’s criminal empire. However, although she’s finally found her freedom, she knows it might not last long, so she’s determined to make the most of it. But when trouble comes and turns her life upside down again, will Sarah finally find a way to see her brother pay for everything he’s done, or will she have to go on the run again to escape the man’s evilness?

”Nope, you’re not going to do this again.”
“Do what?” Hugh widened his eyes more.
“Every time someone new shows up in town, you grill that person until she wants to run away and never come back.” Crossing her arms, she leaned against the counter. “It’s the worst welcome wagon I’ve ever seen, and you’re not doing that to Sarah.”

I have loved this series from the very beginning, but this third book of Ms. Ruggle’s Rocky Mountain K9 Unit series is the best so far because it had the perfect combination of suspense and romance that made this story an absolutely fascinating and enthralling read right from beginning to end. The way this story started had me sympathizing with the heroine because her brother is evil with how he’s made her so isolated and then withwhat he wants her to do to cement the family’s power. Will Sarah be able to get away from her brother before it’s too late? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine met that this story became very intriguing, as there’s instant chemistry, yet neither know how to act towards the other.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine because she needed to get away from her brother before anything too awful happened to her that she’d never be able to entangle herself from. Moreover, the heroine is resilient and courageous and I liked that she put her trust in Otto and his friends, even though it isn’t easy for her to trust people after everything she’s been through. I also liked how determined she was to be independent, but stlll gave the hero a chance to help her when things become tough when dealing with the terrible situation she’s found herself in. Will she ever be free of her brother? While the hero, there’s so much to love about him. He’s honest, loyal, hard-working and I liked how determined he was to protect the heroine. I also liked how good he was with the siblings of one of the secondary characters, which is proven by what he does in the beginning. Yet, what I liked most of all was the close friendship he shares with his two friends that he works alongside. Truly, the three will do anything for each other.

”I couldn’t even talk the first time I met you. All the words were knocked right out of me.”
Her breath caught as he lightly scored her belly with his teeth. “I thought you looked like a Viking lumberjack.”
His chuckle made her insides twist and swoop. “Can’t decide if that’s better or worse than Hugh’s Paul Bunyan comparison.”
“Both are good and accurate.”

Overall, Ms. Ruggle has delivered a superb and worthwhile read in this book where the chemistry between Sarah and Otto was powerful and the ending had me liking that Otto wasn’t willing to waste any chance of making sure Sarah was in his life forever, especially after all that they go through in this book to be together. Yet, it was the epilogue that has me looking forward to more of this series, as things may once again be turned upside down for the characters I’ve come to love of this series that have already faced some tough obstacles to be together. I would recommend Survive the Night by Katie Ruggle, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the mysterious strangers trope, or books by authors Laura Griffin, AJ Nuest, Katie Reus and Piper J. Drake.
 

Book Info:

Publication: February 6th, 2018 | Sourcebooks Casablanca | Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #3

He’s always been a haven:
For the lost. The sick. The injured.
But when a hunted woman takes shelter in his arms, this gentle giant swears he’ll do more than heal her battered spirit―he’ll defend her with his life.

K9 Officer Otto Gunnersen always had a soft spot for anyone in need. As Monroe’s very own Dr. Doolittle, he dedicates himself to rehabilitating the injured souls that cross his path―but for all his big heart, he’s never been in love.

Until he meets Sarah Clifton’s haunted eyes. Until he realizes he’ll do anything to save her.

All Sarah wants is to escape a life caught between ambitious crime families, but there’s no outrunning her past. Her power-mad brother would hunt her to the ends of the earth…but he’d never expect Sarah to fight back. With Otto and the whole of Monroe, Colorado by her side, Sarah’s finally ready to face whatever comes her way.

It’s time to take a stand.