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

  "P. J. O'Dwyer's RELENTLESS hits on every daily issue that we as human beings and as a rescue are touched by. It reaches out and touches the soul to its inner core. I highly recommend RELENTLESS and believe it will be insightful to many."

  — S. Pierce, President and Founder

  Miracle Horse Rescue & Sanctuary

  State of Nevada

  "I thoroughly enjoyed RELENTLESS. The story stayed with me when I put the book down. There were several elements that made RELENTLESS a fabulous read. First, it's a love story focused on the horse world. As a horse lover, any novel involving horses catches my attention. As a horse rescue operator, having Bren, the heroine, involved with rescue and fighting the dirty secret—horse slaughter—well, that's an important subject too often swept under the rug.

  "P. J. O'Dwyer tackles the horror and heartache of slaughter, hopefully bringing attention to a cruelty that needs to be stopped. Finally, as an avid reader, I found RELENTLESS to be well-written with surprising twists and turns. The action kept me riveted and surprised. I'm truly looking forward to the rest of the Fallon Sisters Trilogy."

  — Lisa M. Post, President and Co-Founder

  Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

  State of New Jersey

  "RELENTLESS is a must-read for every horse lover. The plot is full of twists and turns while illuminating the dark side of the horse industry—slaughter. It is my hope that this book moves people to support a change in the way America treats its horses!"

  — Debbie Colburn, President

  Four Corners Equine Rescue

  State of New Mexico

  "Any book that reminds us of those people involved with horse rescuing is helpful and valuable. Thank you, P. J. O'Dwyer, for writing a book which does that in such a captivating way. This book is a real thriller—mystery fans and horse lovers will enjoy it greatly."

  — Erin Pfister, Rescue Coordinator

  Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue

  State of New York

  "RELENTLESS... a suspenseful novel that tangles romance with the very controversial and emotionally charged subject of horse slaughter. A truly accurate depiction of where America's horses can end up. Two thumbs up for showing the dedication of those who spend their lives rescuing one of the oldest American icons... the horse."

  — Monica Coville, Founder and President

  Equine Rescue League of Cooperstown

  State of New York

  "I was enthralled by RELENTLESS, waiting with hungry anticipation with the turning of each page. RELENTLESS is appealing for every audience from romance, mystery, and drama to animal and horse enthusiasts. RELENTLESS is a must-read novel!"

  — Alison Smith, Director/Founder

  Triple H Miniature Horse Rescue

  State of North Dakota

  "As the title suggests, Bren Ryan is much like that one stubborn friend we all have. She can be frustrating and challenging but her intentions are good. Once I connected with her passion for horses, I wanted her to succeed, in spite of herself.

  "If you're looking for an escape from your day-to-day routine and have a heart for horses, then RELENTLESS just might be the trail you want to head down."

  — Jeannette "Jet" Parrett

  NW Horse Forum

  Seattle Times

  "I love to read, and RELENTLESS is everything and more that I enjoy in a book. I lost my husband tragically and suddenly three years ago, I have a farm, children, and a horse rescue. I could relate to Bren and that made your story that much more interesting and exciting to me. It is impressive how you focused upon, so decisively, the important, everyday issues that all horse rescues experience... hard work, financial worries, heartache, and the most hated of all, horse slaughter and their needless pain and suffering. And then to blend this so successfully in an exhilarating romance and jaw-dropping mystery. Wow!

  "I found your book to be one of the best I have ever read."

  — Mary Jones, President and Founder

  W.H.I.N.N.Y. Horse Rescue

  State of Ohio

  "What an interesting book. I found it hard to put RELENTLESS down. Thanks for putting the issues out there in a new way for those who want to learn as well as wrap themselves in a good read!"

  — Cheri White Owl, ES, CRSS and President and Founder

  Horse Feathers Equine Rescue, Inc.

  State of Oklahoma

  "Thank you to P. J. O'Dwyer for her realistic and compassionate portrayal of the underbelly of the horse trade. Speaking for all relentless horse advocates, Bren's tireless efforts on behalf of equines is a realistic depiction of the challenges faced in caring for these magnificent and sensitive creatures. Romance, mystery, and horses make this a compelling, informative, and completely enjoyable read... I truly loved this book!"

  — Joan Steelhammer, President/Founder

  Equine Outreach Inc.

  State of Oregon

  "The author of RELENTLESS captures the struggles and sheer determination of Bren, a woman and single mother running a Maryland horse rescue who is also tormented by the unethical antics and behavior of a horse dealer. This book tells the story of loss, grief, pain, romance, and the iron will of woman who will not give up even though the odds are against her. Bren, true to her children, horses, and beliefs, will stop at nothing to protect them and to find the truth. You will be compelled to keep reading as Bren's journey takes many twists and turns along the way and has an ending you will not expect

  A good read for horse lovers and non-horse lovers alike."

  — Marlene Murray, President

  Patricia Bewley, Vice President

  R.A.C.E. Fund, Inc.

  Retirement Assistance and Care for Equines

  "P. J. O'Dwyer weaves a riveting tale that kept this real-life horse rescuer reading till way past midnight. I highly recommend RELENTLESS for anyone with even the slightest interest in horses or suspense novels. Ms. O'Dwyer has successfully blended the two into one fantastic read!"

  — Jo Deibel, Founder and President

  Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue, Inc.

  State of Pennsylvania

  "RELENTLESS is a skillful mix of romance and suspense. O'Dwyer spins a believable tale where no one is what they seem."

  — Elizabeth Wood, Board of Director (ret.)

  South Carolina Awareness and Rescue for Equines

  State of South Carolina

  "This saga of the plight of the modern-day horse, combined with the twists and turns of exciting characters, keeps the reader's interest for an all-night read.

  "The reality of the horror of horse slaughter and insurance fraud in the racing world is brought out in the story, making the book a thrilling page-turner.

  "RELENTLESS is a modern-day romance, showing the hardships of horse rescues and the personal tragedy of the loss of a loved one, making this a must-read by all horse lovers.

  Sign us up for the first copies!"

  — Susan Watt, Program Director

  Elaine Everheart, Volunteer

  Black Horse Wild Sanctuary

  State of South Dakota

  "I love this book! It shows the true meaning of rescue and the trials and tribulations with rescuing horses. It's so much like real life, and her writings are so intriguing you can't put the book down. As a fellow horse rescue, myself, I can understand what she is going through. Kudos to a book well written!"

  — Kathy Grant, President/CEO

  Mustang Alley Riding Stables

  Mustang Alley Horse Rescue, Inc

  State of Tennessee

  "RELENTLESS—I was so drawn in by O'Dwyer's book I couldn't put it down. I felt every emotion along with the characters—anger, sadness, love, happiness, and revenge. It's a MUST read.

  "What an eye-opener to the reality and horror of horse slaughter and the ups and downs of horse rescue!"

  — Krissi Roberts, Executive Director

  Madaresgold Horse Rescue

  State of Utah

  "Once I started reading this book, I
couldn't stop! P. J. O'Dwyer has brought a serious animal welfare issue into the spotlight while keeping readers on the edge of their seat wondering what will happen next. As a horse lover, the founder and director of an equine rescue, a mother and a woman, I connected with this book on many levels. Get the chores done, grab a cup of tea, and cuddle up on the couch with RELENTLESS, you won't regret it!"

  — Gina Brown, Executive Director

  Spring Hill Horse Rescue

  State of Vermont

  "Kudos for writing RELENTLESS—a story about America's horses and the reality of what happens to them when they go to slaughter. So many are sent there every day to die a horrible death. It is wonderful to see a book come out that touches on this issue."

  — Brenna Wright, Board Member

  Spring Hill Horse Rescue

  State of Vermont

  "I couldn't put it down! RELENTLESS was one of those books that kept me on the edge of my chair through the entire book. It is a realistic look into the plight of thousands of horses, the auctions, the kill buyers, and running a horse rescue woven into a suspenseful romance that will keep you turning the pages into the night and an ending that will shock you."

  — Cindy Smith, President

  Central Virginia Horse Rescue

  State of Virginia

  "A sexy cowboy, murder and mayhem, and the power of love make RELENTLESS a galloping good read. Bren Ryan's near-manic devotion to saving horses is no exaggeration. Neither are the cloak-and-dagger mysteries that seem to follow her everywhere she goes. This entertaining and believable story of the underbelly of horse rescue will keep you breathless right to the end."

  — Jenny Edwards, Founder and Director

  Hope for Horses

  State of Washington

  "RELENTLESS is a stirring and intriguing story that intertwines the important issues facing our horses. It made me laugh, cry, and left me hanging on the edge of my seat more times than I can count. It has everything a book should have and more: intrigue, love, deception, mystery, unexpected twists, and an underlying truth of the horrors faced by horses."

  — Shelley Sawhook, President

  American Horse Defense Fund

  Washington, D. C.

  "P. J. O'Dwyer has successfully disguised an educational message about horse slaughter as a brilliant romantic thriller!"

  — Jeanne Beales, Founder

  Horse Haven Hollow

  State of West Virginia

  "Part love story, part suspenseful thriller, set in the backdrop of the life of a woman dedicated to the rescue and welfare of horses, O'Dwyer has not only given us an entertaining story as well as insight into the plight of unwanted horses, but she has also created an American hero with her main character, Bren Ryan."

  — Scott Bayerl, Co-Founder and Director

  Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation, Inc.

  State of Wisconsin

  "RELENTLESS will captivate you from beginning to end. The absolute plight of horse rescue, splendidly infused with romance and mystery, will keep you in utter suspense. A truly amazing read!"

  — Jenny Cramer, Director

  Reaching Hands Ranch

  State of Wyoming

  "Fans of romantic suspense and horse lovers alike will be captivated by RELENTLESS. Sizzling with passion and taut with intrigue, this novel is a rollercoaster ride that propels the reader from a horse rescue farm in Clear Spring, Maryland, where a murder has occurred and danger continues to lurk, to a Mexican slaughterhouse and an encounter with a deadly drug cartel. Author P. J. O'Dwyer expertly captures the flavor of rural America as well as the ruthlessness of a Mexican border town, even as she exposes the cruel and predatory nature of the horse slaughter industry.

  "Headstrong, fearless, beautiful—and widowed—Bren Ryan does not feel ready to accept the advances of a handsome, alluring stranger who has moved in next door. She has poured heart and soul into raising her two fatherless sons and into managing her horse rescue farm. But, in the midst of attempting to discover the truth behind her husband's sudden and mysterious death, she is plunged into a shadowy maze of events that give rise to real concerns about her own and her family's safety.

  "RELENTLESS is a must-read for those looking for an edge-of-the-seat thrill ride that pulses with romance. The novel also provides an inside view of the dark world of kill buyers and trafficking horses for profit."

  — Sinikka Crosland, Executive Director

  Canadian Horse Defence Coalition

  "Anyone working in the equine welfare field will tell you that their business is never concluded, that it's 24/7 and indeed—relentless. P. J. O'Dwyer's novel of the same name personifies the passion and dedication demanded of equine welfare workers in the character of Bren Ryan, a tough and true advocate for the horse who, like many of us, allows her work to close off other avenues of her life. Through Bren, we see the best and the worst of ourselves and our business while journeying into the heart of adventure and romance.

  "The novel is a true page-turner and engages the reader with its honesty and realism; from family meals to the mean streets of Mexico, the book reflects and amplifies the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Bren Ryan and those around her are not so different from the rest of us who love and serve horses, have complicated relationships with families and friends, and strive to balance our lives to the best of our abilities—Bren just gets to have a few more adventures and a great romance with a hot cowboy.

  "Put away the daily routine and pick up Bren and RELENTLESS—you deserve a little romance and adventure!"

  — Marcy Emery, President

  New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society

  British Columbia, Canada

  "P. J. O'Dwyer 'had me' in the first couple of pages. RELENTLESS depicts the horrid truth of the slaughterhouses of our time, bringing shocking awareness to those who have no concept of their existence.

  "I was left mesmerized by Bren's audacity and incredible strength of will, cheering her on and holding my breath as she encounters and overcomes immeasurable challenges, knowing there is more 'real life' depicted within these pages than fiction.

  "Thank you, P. J. O'Dwyer, for creating a 'face' for the courageous women and men working to create needed change."

  — Marilyn Chapman, President

  Earth Spirit Horse Rescue

  New Brunswick, Canada

  "It should have been written years ago... After the first few pages, I was hooked! RELENTLESS draws you in and keeps you guessing. O'Dwyer will totally blindside you with its surprising twists and turns until the very end. I felt as though I was there. Taking every step with Bren, cheering her on, and holding my breath. I couldn't put it down!"

  — Judy McGrath, Founder

  Maritime Horse Protection Society

  Nova Scotia, Canada

  "Thank you, P. J. O'Dwyer, for writing this book. You have truly captured the essence of those of us who have cried many times for those we couldn't save. Make my job obsolete. Read RELENTLESS—feel the pain, experience the joy, and eliminate horse slaughter."

  — Raven W. Jackson, Farm Manager

  Earth ARC Horse Rescue Unit

  Nova Scotia, Canada

  "RELENTLESS is spellbinding cover to cover. It has everything—horses, dogs, and a suspense filled story that keeps you wanting to get to the next page. I couldn't put it down."

  — Rose Gergely, President

  Refuge RR for Horses

  Ontario, Canada

  "A celebration of the human spirit and the tenacity of one woman to stand up, against all odds, to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Bren Ryan serves as testimony to the thousands of animal rescuers who dedicate their lives to creating a better world for our four-legged friends."

  — Jana Hemphill, Director

  Sadie's Place Horse Rescue

  Prince Edward Island, Canada

  "RELENTLESS—an enjoyable read that combines horse welfare, a little romance, and suspense that keeps you t
urning the pages until the very end."

  — Bunnie Harasym, President and Founder

  Paradise Stable Horse Rescue

  Saskatchewan, Canada

  "P. J. O'Dwyer's decision to give a percentage of her book sale profits to fund horse rescue is a very kind act. Without generosity like this some horses in need would go without. Thank you for your support and kindness."

  — Redwings Horse Sanctuary

  the UK's largest horse sanctuary

  "This brilliant book brings us to the truth about horse slaughter. I cried quite spontaneously from a deep place within me that the writing touched. Allow yourself to be touched, too. Excellent."

  — Jayne Boyles, Founder

  Folleyfoot Horse and Pony Sanctuary

  Staffordshire, United Kingdom

  "Every horse sanctuary needs a Bren Ryan—a woman with a big heart who fights for what she believes in and will stop at nothing to ensure justice. RELENTLESS is a romantic thriller with a twist—not only in the plot, but in the way it bravely addresses controversial animal welfare issues that would otherwise remain unknown to those outside of the horse rescue world."

  — Shelley Irving, MA Writing and Trustee

  Shy Lowen Horse and Pony Sanctuary

  Liverpool, United Kingdom

  "P. J. O'Dwyer skillfully weaves the reader into Bren Ryan's tempestuous life, her family, friends, and deadly, often surprising enemies, in a fast-moving must-read for all lovers of romantic adventure."

  — Sue Paling

  Sathya Sai Sanctuary

  Castlebaldwin, County Sligo, Ireland

  "RELENTLESS is a thrilling and often gut-wrenching rollercoaster ride that whisks readers into the dark side of the horse world. The sometimes racy read encompasses several genres—from equestrian novel to thriller, to mystery to romance—along the way venturing into territory rarely tackled in modern fiction. RELENTLESS is a true page-turner with many surprising twists. P. J. O'Dwyer keeps the reader guessing to the very end."

  — Robin Marshall, Editor

  Horsetalk.co.nz/Equestrian News and Information

  New Zealand

  "Loved it! Just the right balance of suspense to romance with the true reality of horse slaughter as it is today. I could relate well to Bren and her passionate mission of rescuing equines destined for an awful, undignified end. Loved Bren's strong and somewhat tempestuous personality, which is why I guess I could relate so well. The dark, handsome cowboy was a bonus and the deepening plot had a great twist that was totally unexpected. It was the first novel I have read in a while and once I started reading, it was hard to stop.