Review: The Commander
Rating: 4/5 PoP: 34% #3 in the Hidden Justice Series Tropes: Workplace, rescue, age gap
Melanie Moreland is very good at creating relationships between characters where they must learn to trust each other in order to survive. The Commander is no exception. Although it is the third book in the Hidden Justice series it can be read as a standalone.
The book starts out in the present where we learn that Julian, the Commander, is separated from his wife and a child he has no knowledge of. Before we get to know the result of their reunion, we are thrown back into the past to see how their relationship began. I think it was a vital part of the story as we get background on both Julian and Taliyah as well as their growth as a couple. They both keep vital information from the other resulting in harm both physically and emotionally, which leads us back to the present.
There are major trust issues that both of them must overcome in order to move forward together. Just as they start exploring what a future together may entail, conflict arises. The resolve of this situation is rather swift and I think is most influential if you have read the other books in the series but they are not necessary. The love and growth of both Julian and Taliyah are visible in their reactions post resolution. I thought this was the most compelling part of the book as the reader can see how their past has influenced their future.
This book does have the suspense elements that one expects from a Hidden Justice novel but it was not the driving plot here. The conflict between the couple is at the forefront. I think it gave “The Commander” that we had learned of in the other books a more human feel. Julian discovers that there is more to life than work and justice, but none of it is easy. The conclusion not only wrapped up this book well but brought all three books together. It is a low angst and rather easy read, that has a comfort feel. You can count on Moreland to bring strong leaders and women that will challenge them.
