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Huckleberry Ridge Romance #3
Better Late Than Never
If only she could be invisible…
Kara Grissom has spent twenty years in hiding. Ever since suffering a severe facial burn the night after her college graduation, her only refuge has been the childhood home she shares with her mother. She’s long since given up on any possibility of finding love, so when a handsome stranger suddenly invades her safe place, Kara’s stunned by the sudden awakening of desires she thought had died years ago.
Dawson Wickham loves life as a bachelor. With his own home, a great family, and the perfect job, he’s got everything he needs. But he also loves mysteries, and when he accidentally stumbles upon the reclusive Kara and she flees from him, her bizarre reaction is a mystery he just has to solve.
Kara knows that no man who sees her face could ever love her, so she does her best to rebuff Dawson’s interest. But he’s not the type to give up easily, especially once he begins to fall for her charm, wit, and intelligence. But will his love be enough to break through Kara’s phobia of rejection and convince her to trust him? Or is she destined to live out her days alone?
Kara Grissom has spent twenty years in hiding. Ever since suffering a severe facial burn the night after her college graduation, her only refuge has been the childhood home she shares with her mother. She’s long since given up on any possibility of finding love, so when a handsome stranger suddenly invades her safe place, Kara’s stunned by the sudden awakening of desires she thought had died years ago.
Dawson Wickham loves life as a bachelor. With his own home, a great family, and the perfect job, he’s got everything he needs. But he also loves mysteries, and when he accidentally stumbles upon the reclusive Kara and she flees from him, her bizarre reaction is a mystery he just has to solve.
Kara knows that no man who sees her face could ever love her, so she does her best to rebuff Dawson’s interest. But he’s not the type to give up easily, especially once he begins to fall for her charm, wit, and intelligence. But will his love be enough to break through Kara’s phobia of rejection and convince her to trust him? Or is she destined to live out her days alone?
208 pages, ebook
Published March 18, 2023
10 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Raine
12 books54 followersLove a good, clean, happy ever after as much as me? Then hop on over to my site at http://www.ktraineromance.com and grab your free copy of my short story "Twice a Fool," by signing up for my monthly Dog-gone Short and Sweet Update. It is indeed short and sweet and always contains a pic of a dog guaranteed to make you smile.
My favorite stories involve spunky, sweet heroines and strong, swoon-worthy guys who aren't afraid to take charge ... oh, and a dog in the mix never hurt either. So those are the type of books I write!
I live in the beautiful mountains of North Idaho--inspiration for my Huckleberry Ridge Romance series--with my hubby of 30 years and our adorable Beagle mix Stella.
When I'm not reading or plotting my next novel, I enjoy gardening, hiking, and soaking in my hot tub during the cold months. I do housework when I must and laundry when we run out of clean underwear. If you want to know more, visit my website or reach out to me directly at kt@ktraineromance.com. I promise to answer.
Be sure to follow me on BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/k-t-r...
Happy reading!
My favorite stories involve spunky, sweet heroines and strong, swoon-worthy guys who aren't afraid to take charge ... oh, and a dog in the mix never hurt either. So those are the type of books I write!
I live in the beautiful mountains of North Idaho--inspiration for my Huckleberry Ridge Romance series--with my hubby of 30 years and our adorable Beagle mix Stella.
When I'm not reading or plotting my next novel, I enjoy gardening, hiking, and soaking in my hot tub during the cold months. I do housework when I must and laundry when we run out of clean underwear. If you want to know more, visit my website or reach out to me directly at kt@ktraineromance.com. I promise to answer.
Be sure to follow me on BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/k-t-r...
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 11, 2023
This is the third book in the author’s Huckleberry Ridge series. I loved the first book, and realized when I received this one that I must have missed the release of the second book, but I bought it as soon as I finished this one!
While volunteering at for an annual forestry event that aims to teach kids about conservation and protecting natural resources, Dawson inadvertently sort of meets Kara. Sort of, because she stays turned away from him and then flees. Dawson is intrigued, and determined to learn more about her.
Kara has been living with her mother, and her father before he died, in the family home for some twenty years, but nobody in Huckleberry Ridge even knew she’d come home. Celebrating graduation with friends, she had suffered burns to one side of her face and down her arm. Her boyfriend at the time promptly dumped her, and she’s kept herself hidden from the world ever since.
It’s been about a year since I read the first book, but I believe there was quite a bit more angst in this one. Not that I’m complaining, I love good angst, and Kara deserves to have all the angst she wants. But there is also a lot of humor, and laughter, and some wonderfully funny and flirty banter between Kara and Dawson. I loved watching them get to know each other. Dawson was so patient with Kara, slowly drawing her out and encouraging her to face the world again, a little at a time. When his family finally met Kara, they too were all just wonderful to her, welcoming both she and her mother her to the fold. My heart broke for Kara and the pain she had suffered, not just physically but emotionally.
There’s a big misunderstanding on Kara’s part, which I did not see coming, that drives a wedge between them, to Dawson’s perplexion, and then a smaller misunderstanding, which I did see coming but which fortunately was resoled within a few pages. And some more angst over the difference between their ages, which I totally understood and was there for. And then of course the HEA, and it was all just so heartwarming and fun and delightful. And I don’t understand why the author’s books don’t have a bigger audience.
*received via Booksirens and voluntarily reviewed*
While volunteering at for an annual forestry event that aims to teach kids about conservation and protecting natural resources, Dawson inadvertently sort of meets Kara. Sort of, because she stays turned away from him and then flees. Dawson is intrigued, and determined to learn more about her.
Kara has been living with her mother, and her father before he died, in the family home for some twenty years, but nobody in Huckleberry Ridge even knew she’d come home. Celebrating graduation with friends, she had suffered burns to one side of her face and down her arm. Her boyfriend at the time promptly dumped her, and she’s kept herself hidden from the world ever since.
It’s been about a year since I read the first book, but I believe there was quite a bit more angst in this one. Not that I’m complaining, I love good angst, and Kara deserves to have all the angst she wants. But there is also a lot of humor, and laughter, and some wonderfully funny and flirty banter between Kara and Dawson. I loved watching them get to know each other. Dawson was so patient with Kara, slowly drawing her out and encouraging her to face the world again, a little at a time. When his family finally met Kara, they too were all just wonderful to her, welcoming both she and her mother her to the fold. My heart broke for Kara and the pain she had suffered, not just physically but emotionally.
There’s a big misunderstanding on Kara’s part, which I did not see coming, that drives a wedge between them, to Dawson’s perplexion, and then a smaller misunderstanding, which I did see coming but which fortunately was resoled within a few pages. And some more angst over the difference between their ages, which I totally understood and was there for. And then of course the HEA, and it was all just so heartwarming and fun and delightful. And I don’t understand why the author’s books don’t have a bigger audience.
*received via Booksirens and voluntarily reviewed*
March 21, 2023
It was a quick, very pleasant book.
I am a sucker for the recluse / beauty and the beast trope and I had to check this one out.
Just a couple of flaws for my tastes.
Better Late Than Never is the story of Kara and Dawson.
Kara has been living at home secluded with her mum and dad (recently passed away) for twenty years, since an accident disfigured her.
Dawson is a self-employed woodworker who has a quick encounter with Kara while looking for some water on Kara’s property, for his dehydrated nephew. Kara never turns to face him and quickly hides in the house, picking Dawson’s curiosity and that’s how things get started.
I really, really enjoyed Dawson’s character: I think K.T. Raine did an excellent job in adding a few paragraphs here and there to give us a feel for his motives and his reasoning. I loved how laid back yet determined he was, and how he would leave room for pleasantries before tackling an issue. I liked his funny side and the little gestures had me swooning (like the stepping away after knocking at the door to not be invasive, and the “ma’am”).
I think Kara would have been worth a bit more exploring: twenty years of seclusion after the accident and her traumatic awakening seem an unjustified lot. I felt that for being such a lovable and intelligent woman, loved daughter and confident professional, it was a bit of a stretch for me to accept that in 20 years she never even tried. Maybe a couple of outings gone wrong could have better explained why she finally gave up on all sorts of live human interactions.
And the misunderstanding with Dawson felt a bit disconnected from her personality: with the way her character has been presented, that sort of prolonged reaction felt out of character. She is better than that and it felt a bit forced, as a plot development.
I enjoyed the cast of characters, though they were quite in the background.
All in all, I was really impressed by K.T. Rainer narrative. I agree it is quite surprising she doesn’t have more readers/ratings, but I am sure she will!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am a sucker for the recluse / beauty and the beast trope and I had to check this one out.
Just a couple of flaws for my tastes.
Better Late Than Never is the story of Kara and Dawson.
Kara has been living at home secluded with her mum and dad (recently passed away) for twenty years, since an accident disfigured her.
Dawson is a self-employed woodworker who has a quick encounter with Kara while looking for some water on Kara’s property, for his dehydrated nephew. Kara never turns to face him and quickly hides in the house, picking Dawson’s curiosity and that’s how things get started.
I really, really enjoyed Dawson’s character: I think K.T. Raine did an excellent job in adding a few paragraphs here and there to give us a feel for his motives and his reasoning. I loved how laid back yet determined he was, and how he would leave room for pleasantries before tackling an issue. I liked his funny side and the little gestures had me swooning (like the stepping away after knocking at the door to not be invasive, and the “ma’am”).
I think Kara would have been worth a bit more exploring: twenty years of seclusion after the accident and her traumatic awakening seem an unjustified lot. I felt that for being such a lovable and intelligent woman, loved daughter and confident professional, it was a bit of a stretch for me to accept that in 20 years she never even tried. Maybe a couple of outings gone wrong could have better explained why she finally gave up on all sorts of live human interactions.
And the misunderstanding with Dawson felt a bit disconnected from her personality: with the way her character has been presented, that sort of prolonged reaction felt out of character. She is better than that and it felt a bit forced, as a plot development.
I enjoyed the cast of characters, though they were quite in the background.
All in all, I was really impressed by K.T. Rainer narrative. I agree it is quite surprising she doesn’t have more readers/ratings, but I am sure she will!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 13, 2023
Dawson was volunteering at the annual forestry event that they hold every year in Huckleberry Ridge. He ends up running into Kara on her property and she barely looked at him. Now he’s intrigued. Why did she run into the house when she saw him? She afraid of something.
Kara was shocked to see a man in the backyard. Who is this handsome man? Well, not that Kara really cares. She’s been hiding out for a long time since her accident. She has burns on her side of her face and neck. She doesn’t do well with people since then. She’s home to help take care of her mom. Kara is an accountant and can work from anywhere. She just needs to stay away from the handsome man.
Dawson worms his way into Kara’s heart even if it’s only a night and in the dark. Will he get the story from Kara? Will she confide in him? Slowly but surely she comes to trust Dawson. Even though he’s seven years younger, Kara knows nothing can come of it. Dawson will show her he cares because she’s beautiful, strong and kind. The scars do not bother him. What will happen? Will she realize that people can get past the scars? Will she push Dawson away? Dawson is not one to take no for an answer. These characters are wonderful. Both deserves to find love no matter the age difference. This is a wonderful read. It’s worth reading. I received this book for my honest opinion. Love love love it.
Kara was shocked to see a man in the backyard. Who is this handsome man? Well, not that Kara really cares. She’s been hiding out for a long time since her accident. She has burns on her side of her face and neck. She doesn’t do well with people since then. She’s home to help take care of her mom. Kara is an accountant and can work from anywhere. She just needs to stay away from the handsome man.
Dawson worms his way into Kara’s heart even if it’s only a night and in the dark. Will he get the story from Kara? Will she confide in him? Slowly but surely she comes to trust Dawson. Even though he’s seven years younger, Kara knows nothing can come of it. Dawson will show her he cares because she’s beautiful, strong and kind. The scars do not bother him. What will happen? Will she realize that people can get past the scars? Will she push Dawson away? Dawson is not one to take no for an answer. These characters are wonderful. Both deserves to find love no matter the age difference. This is a wonderful read. It’s worth reading. I received this book for my honest opinion. Love love love it.
March 25, 2023
This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. This book touches lots of emotions, sympathy, love, acceptance, rejection, forgiveness, joy and empathy. It deals with age gap, physical imperfections and putting yourself out there. Dawson is a very special man, and I am glad that he found Kara. He is just the type of person that she needed to meet and interact with. I definitely recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2023
Gentle, warming, emotional story that makes you feel all mushy inside. One of those books you sit on a Sunday afternoon to read, making you feel warm and tingly. A truly heartwarming book about love, and that it doesn’t matter in what form or when it happens, as long as it does. I really loved the emotional range in these characters, both funny and light, as well as hurt and compassion. I can't wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of the book for a free review
I received a free copy of the book for a free review
March 28, 2023
This is a sweet heartwarming romance that was a joy to read! With sensitivity to Kara's issues this story was mostly lighthearted with small town charm and a sweet romance. Dawson and Kara have wonderful chemistry together. There are a few misunderstandings along the way but this was a delightful read. If you are looking for love, laughter, tears and wonderful characters, grab this book. I loved it! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2023
A warm romantic read that left me swooning. I didn't find anything interesting but it was still a sweet romance and I adored Dawson's character and the characters from previous books that make a show in this one! If Kara doesn't want Dawson, I'll have him as he such a sweetheart. The storyline just needed a little something extra and it would be perfect but overall a good book that I enjoyed.
March 11, 2023
Such a warm and fuzzy read. Loved the complexity of the characters and the sweetness of their story. Highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2024
This one was different. For one thing, the female in the story was 8 years older than the male, making her 40. And then the issue of her scarred face. Loved the message of the book, and it was a very good read.
March 25, 2023
She has major fears — and scars that are very visible
He sees her - from the back only - and likes what he sees. She sees NOBODY because she feels ugly. BUT once he gets to know her . . . he tries very hard to convince that the scars ARE NOT HER! THIS IS AMAZING BOOK!!! LOVED IT!!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
He sees her - from the back only - and likes what he sees. She sees NOBODY because she feels ugly. BUT once he gets to know her . . . he tries very hard to convince that the scars ARE NOT HER! THIS IS AMAZING BOOK!!! LOVED IT!!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2025
Oh my goodness! I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I was drawn in immediately. I loved how gentle, patient, considerate & understanding Dawson was. I felt such sympathy for Kara and understood how she would isolate herself after such a devastating accident.
This book contains all the things I love to read… family, friends and romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was drawn in immediately. I loved how gentle, patient, considerate & understanding Dawson was. I felt such sympathy for Kara and understood how she would isolate herself after such a devastating accident.
This book contains all the things I love to read… family, friends and romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2023
This story will pull at your heart strings because of all Kara has suffered in the last twenty years. Dawson accidentally met Kara but instead of the usual reaction she got he was kind, compassionate and he gave her hope that maybe she could live a normal life. I enjoyed the characters in this heartwarming story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews