Relentless (Fallon Sisters Trilogy: Book #1) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Novels written by P. J. O'Dwyer

  Early Praise for RELENTLESS...

  In Loving Memory

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Foreword

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Epilogue

  An excerpt from P. J. O'Dwyer's next novel DEFIANT

  A Message from the Author

  Horse Rescues And Advocate Directory

  Saving America's Horses

  About the Author

  Relentless

  by P. J. O'Dwyer

  Copyright © 2012 by P.J. O'Dwyer

  Black Siren Books

  331 West 57th Street

  Suite 510

  New York, NY 10019

  www.blacksirenbooks.com

  [email protected]

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  Relentless is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author�s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  This book contains an excerpt from the forthcoming book Defiant, the second book in the Fallon Sisters Trilogy by P. J. O'Dwyer. This excerpt has been set for this edition only and may not reflect the final content of the forthcoming edition.

  ISBN: 978-09848997-1-5

  Novels written by P. J. O'Dwyer

  The Fallon Sisters Trilogy

  Relentless

  Defiant

  Forsaken

  Early Praise for RELENTLESS...

  "RELENTLESS will take readers on a rollercoaster ride and keep you guessing on several fronts. Highly recommended and a fantastic read!"

  — Monica Solomon

  The Romance Readers Connection, 4½ Stars

  "This is a fast-moving story of right against might, with engaging characters that quickly pull the reader into an exciting rollercoaster ride of twists and turns guaranteed to leave you breathless and guessing right up to the very end."

  — Cheryl Caldwell, Co-Publisher

  Honest Horses Magazine

  "Lovers of horses, mystery, and romance rolled into one intriguing package will want to place RELENTLESS at the top of their must-read list for 2012! O'Dwyer's vivid writing hooks the reader in for the ride, but beyond that illuminates the urgent issues surrounding wild horses, slaughter, and horse rescue. This book is a many-sided gem you won't want to miss!"

  — Carol Upton, Co-Founder

  Sunshine Coast School of Writing

  "RELENTLESS is a truly well-crafted, well-written story. I look forward to seeing it in print one day in the near future. P. J. O'Dwyer is a gifted author."

  — Joanna Waggoner

  Washington Romance Writers 2011 Marlene Awards

  "RELENTLESS vibrates with emotion and conflict and intensity. I couldn't get enough! P. J. O'Dwyer's got talent, in spades."

  — Frieda Knizek

  Washington Romance Writers 2011 Marlene Awards

  "O'Dwyer is a master at putting emotion to paper and making it convincing. RELENTLESS is high intensity at its best. It gives the heart a workout in every possible way—suspense that has it pounding nonstop, romance that has it thumping, and frustration, anger, and deep sorrow that holds it clenched in a vise. I could not put it down!"

  — Cindy Taylor

  All Book Reviews

  "RELENTLESS is an enthralling read, with twists and turns that keep you in suspense. O'Dwyer has crafted a wonderful story that takes you from the countryside of Maryland to the drug wars of Mexico, all because of the love of the horse. Her research for her subject matter is exceptional in this wonderful tale."

  — Alex Brown

  Author of Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and His Legacy

  "P. J. O'Dwyer's RELENTLESS is a perfect mix of romance and mystery. It was fast paced enough that I didn't want to put it down! Her knowledge of horses, horse rescues, and the horse slaughterhouse controversy was impressive and eye opening. The images she imparts of the slaughterhouse in Mexico will stay with me a very long time. It was a wonderful read, I will recommend it highly!"

  — Monika Orendorf, President and Founder

  Dusty Trails Horse Rescue

  State of Alabama

  "An absorbing tale of murder, romance, and horses... O'Dwyer creatively expresses the redemptive powers of love and one woman's devotion to saving ill-fated horses. This gripping novel unfolds in surprising ways, and its twists and turns will have readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. This entertaining story provides satisfaction for mystery devotees, romance readers, and horse lovers all in one well-written book."

  — Mimi Peabody, Secretary

  Alaska Equine Rescue

  State of Alaska

  "RELENTLESS is an absolutely spellbinding novel that is a must-read for all who know and love horses, and who enjoy a captivating mystery. This novel gives an inside look at the struggles of Bren Ryan, who has lived her life with equines and has an intimate knowledge of sale barns and auctions. Adding business rivalry, murder, and a stranger in town, and you have an enticing read with a true education about the inhumanity of slaughter and the heartlessness of those who make money from sending horses to a horrendous demise."

  — Susan N. Thompson, Founder and CEO

  Dreamchaser Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc.

  State of Arizona

  "Finally, a novel that accurately depicts the rescue world and their struggles to protect the horse from ignorance and greed—RELENTLESS kept me reading into the night."

  — Joey Ogburn, Director

  Reigning Grace Ranch

  State of Arizona

  "P. J. O'Dwyer brings to life that perfect combination of horses and romance while eloquently addressing important issues facing the equestrian community. Anyone who loves horses will be able to relate to the protagonist, Bren, who dedicates her life, and her heart, to rescue work. Add in the intrigue of a mysterious murder and this book will keep you turning the pages."

  — Melanie Sue Bowles, Founder of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary, />
  and author of three nonfiction books, including:

  Hoof Prints: Stories from Proud Spirit

  State of Arkansas

  "Captivating! Mysterious and visceral, RELENTLESS is a colorful literary fiction that chronicles the vivid life challenges of a dedicated mother and horse rescuer in a world that measures the value of life by the weight on the end of a meat hook."

  — Katia Louise, President and Founder

  Wild for Life Foundation, Lifetime Equine Refuge

  State of California

  Director, Producer of SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES—A NATION BETRAYED

  "Thanks to Ms. O'Dwyer for having a horse rescue advocate as her heroine in RELENTLESS. In 2007 the Unwanted Horse Coalition estimated that there were approximately 170,000 unwanted horses in the United States. Building awareness of this issue is so important for those of us working for the horses. Thanks so much for making it an enjoyable read as well!"

  — Judy B. Smetana, Ph.D., Executive Director

  Colorado Horse Rescue

  State of Colorado

  "RELENTLESS is a fast-paced murder mystery, romance, with realistic, and sometimes brutal, horse rescue thrown in. The who-done-it will keep you guessing 'til the end."

  — Patty Wahlers, President

  H.O.R.S.E. of CT, Inc.

  State of Connecticut

  "RELENTLESS—a true page-turner that you didn't want to end."

  — Robin Weinkam, Treasurer

  Changing Fates Equine Rescue of Delaware, Inc.

  State of Delaware

  "I've read so many horse books and novels. But once I received a copy of RELENTLESS, I was taken by the breathtaking action of romance and mystery. What a good depiction of the inhumanity of horse slaughter. This great horse novel has a little bit of everything, and is a must read! Thank you for sharing this with me."

  — Betina Parker, President and Founder

  Equine 808 Horse Rescue

  State of Hawaii

  "Your success with RELENTLESS is imminent. It was a wonderful tale about the struggles one encounters when defending right and decency against what always seems to be the powerful forces of the antithesis of all that is good. I was enthralled, and I look forward to future novels that will no doubt evolve from your creative mind. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this moving novel."

  — Tony Mangan, President

  Panhandle Equine Rescue, Inc.

  State of Idaho

  "RELENTLESS is a page burner of a murder mystery with an unlikely heroine, staged in a quiet little piece of animal welfare that is very near and dear to my heart. Bren is a strong-willed, feisty redhead whose #1 life passion is saving, rescuing, and rehoming horses in need, until the day her husband is murdered.

  "Even with her heart, her mind, and her time largely consumed with finding Toms murderer, Bren continues with their life's work of Grace Equine Sanctuary... and that mixture of unending dedication leads to a 'never saw that coming' finish you won't want to miss.

  While clearly a fictional tale, O'Dwyer's depiction of certain elements of the underbelly of the equine world is accurate and eye opening to those horse lovers who may have little or no idea of the dark realities."

  — AnnMarie Cross, Founder

  Crosswinds Equine Rescue, Inc.

  State of Illinois

  "Absolutely riveting P. J. O'Dwyer has written a suspenseful masterpiece that draws you into the plot, making you feel as if you are there, feeling the love, hate, and pain along with the characters. A very satisfying indulgence indeed!"

  — Stephanie M. Bowser

  Friends of Ferdinand, Inc.—Indiana

  State of Indiana

  "Bren has the heart of momma bear. Nothing will keep her from protecting the rescued horses and the people she loves. Hang on... it's a wild ride."

  — Karen Everhart, Founder

  Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirement, Inc.

  State of Kansas

  "RELENTLESS is a wonderful depiction of the emotional, high-energy life of a woman named Bren and her commitment to saving horses. O'Dwyer shows the human side and communicates the very fast-paced, hectic nature of what we do, which is horse rescue."

  — Sunny Francois, Executive Director

  Louisiana Horse Rescue Association

  State of Louisiana

  "A well-written story with all the elements to keep you deeply involved—murder, mystery, romance, and an all-too-real glance into the greed and horror of the horse [slaughter] world."

  — Mona Jerome, President and Founder

  Ever After Mustang Rescue

  State of Maine

  "I commend you for finding an entertaining way to bring this ever important issue to the masses in a way that will teach those who would otherwise have no interest or knowledge."

  — Christine Hajek, President and Founder

  Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue

  State of Maryland

  "I haven't read a novel for 30 years. But after a few chapters, I was forgetting it wasn't real! Even I wanted to do some serious damage to this kill buyer. You won't want to put RELENTLESS down!

  "P. J. O'Dwyer has done something by writing this book that I couldn't do in a million years. She has alerted a whole new audience to the horrors of horse slaughter."

  — Lorraine Truitt, Founder

  Horse Lovers United

  State of Maryland

  "I loved Bren and Rafe and their story. Bren reminds me of many of my hardworking, hardheaded, horse-loving friends. I really couldn't walk away from the story for long, it was that engaging. Well done, Ms. O'Dwyer, this was a fantastic read. I look forward to the other books in your series about the Fallon girls."

  — Charish Campbell

  Owner/FEI Rider/Trainer/Holistic Equine Therapist

  Chesapeake Sporthorse Hundred Acre Wood

  Maryland's Eastern Shore

  "Your book RELENTLESS was excellent. Between the horse rescue, romance, and suspense it was very thrilling, and I couldn't get enough. I know that this book will be enjoyed by a wide audience."

  — Sarah Transeau, President and Founder

  Tranquility Farm Equestrian Education and Renewal Center

  State of Maryland

  "RELENTLESS, an enjoyable ride of a novel. From the depth of the characters to the reality of small-town life, this novel is one to be reckoned with. O'Dwyer nails the seriousness of the horse slaughter issue through mystery, intrigue, suspense, and romance."

  — Lori Stottlemyer, President and Founder

  Windy Rock Equine Rescue

  State of Maryland

  "RELENTLESS is a thrilling romantic murder mystery novel that has creatively woven through its storyline the struggles of running a horse rescue, a timely reminder of the cruelty that horses are still facing today. With 100+ abused and neglected horses coming through our gates on an annual basis, we could not be more pleased that this book spotlights the continuing hardships that equines and the equine community grapple with."

  — Caroline R. Robertson, Development Director

  Days End Farm Horse Rescue

  State of Maryland

  "RELENTLESS perfectly describes the heroine in this novel. Bren's passion, determination, and dedication are qualities anyone involved in horse rescue can relate to. The imagery surrounding the conditions and processes of a slaughter house, coupled with the suffering of both the horses and Bren, are powerful and riveting themes the author perfectly intertwines. This book had my full attention from the first to the last page. Real life issues close to my heart, along with romance, mystery, and common, everyday struggles left me wanting more and more! This is a must-read book for all avid horse lovers and the champions who work tirelessly to improve conditions for all horses!"

  — Sandra Bertovick, Board Member

  Horses' Haven

  State of Michigan

  "So... finally I have met a horsewoman with more excitement in her life than mine, LOL! Just finis
hed reading... quite the twisting story. God bless you for speaking for so many lost souls.

  "Totally amazed that you were able to put that all together. Horses, kids, dogs, love, money, greed... story has it all! I wish I had a drop of your skill, sigh."

  — Mary Jones, President and Founder

  RIDE-Minnesota, a horse rescue

  State of Minnesota

  "RELENTLESS has a little bit of everything: a mystery, family, love, and loss. Although a book of fiction, the story depicts the real heartbreak and rewards of today's horse rescue. And is an accurate account of what these beautiful creatures have to endure from the dark side of humanity.

  "You can't help but want the best for the main character, Bren, and her family. I loved the book and could see RELENTLESS as a movie."

  — Rhonda L. Stephens, Founder and President

  The Shannon Foundation

  State of Missouri

  "P. J. O' Dwyer has taken the longtime, emotional issue involving the love for horses and slaughter while portraying a journey into the life of a widowed mom and rescuer, jam-packed with passion, family, murder, mystery, and love! What a journey it is!"

  — Deborah Derr, D.C.

  Founder of United In Light, Inc. Draft Horse Sanctuary

  State of Montana

  "RELENTLESS—the title of the book is the best description of its heroine. Every chapter, every page, is packed with the determination and energy of a woman who could lose everything by pursuing her quest for justice. The twists and surprises are 'relentless'! Couldn't wait to get to the end to find some relief from the excitement! Thank you, P. J. O'Dwyer!"

  — Virginia Hudson, Board Member

  Western Montana Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation

  State of Montana

  "The book RELENTLESS made every attempt to portray our countries dirty little secret of horse slaughter in a very precise way. The story line kept you interested and, yet, provided details and information on a topic few really know about. The authors rendering of horrors of horse slaughter were right on. The story and the facts were interwoven together providing substance and depth. Kudos to P. J. O'Dwyer for not only providing a fine novel, but doing the her upmost to present the facts of equine slaughter as they really are."

  — Valerie Hinderlider, President (ret.)

  Break Heart Ranch

  State of Nebraska