In Her Defense by Margaret Watson
Serve and Protect #1

A.J. Ferguson and Pierce “Mac” MacDougal work in the same police department and rub one another wrong until…or seem to. Before the end of the book their love-hate relationship has them rubbing along together in a completely different manner ;) Enjoyed escaping today and getting to know this couple better!

What I liked:
* A.J. – an empathetic, committed, intelligent woman intent on keeping her clients safe while helping them to build better lives. Her focus on abuse victims has deep roots. Her backstory definitely impacted her as a person and professional.
* Mac – a dedicated police detective that puts the job first though he does make time for fun on the side. When on a case he is focused and does all he can to solve it. His backstory was interesting…kind of wonder how he decided to go into the profession he did.
* Jake – Mac’s partner is a good friend, excellent detective and a man I hope to hear more about in the future.
* Jamie – a little boy caught up in the whirlwind created by an abusive father. I really felt for him and his mother and loved the way he and Mac interacted.
* The way the story was presented without shying away from abuse and how A.J. did her best to help the abused.
* The strength A.J. had as a child and how she used that strength to protect herself, grow as a person and even become stronger.
* The way A.J. and Mac took their time to open up to one another – trust issues seemed a big issue and communication usually helped.
* Knowing that there are two more books in the series to look forward to.
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Doak Talbot – an abusive husband and father who felt entitled to abuse and to kill.
* Realizing that abuse is not just a tool used in novels but is in fact an issue many face every day.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars ( )

Good murder mystery. Mac McDougal is a detective trying to solve a murder case. A.J. Ferguson is a victim's advocate and trying to protect the man's abused wife and child. The killer is devious and now is after A.J. as well as his wife & child because he believes she knows where they are. Mac will protect A.J. even though she doesn't think she needs protection. Lots of sparks between these two - chemistry sparks and anger sparks. Both have painful childhoods that keep them from being honest or trusting with each other. ( )