Willow

The James Children #1

by Kathi S. Barton

When Jared Stone goes undercover to investigate an employee of his father’s company he expects to find a man abusing his power and ignoring his responsibilities.

Willow James in neither a man nor an incompetent site foreman. And soon Jared finds himself going undercover of a different sort. Together they must navigate a world of drugs, murder and intrigue.

Can their passion see them through the dark nights and dangerous days? Or will they be pulled apart by the same forces that they are trying to conquer?

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Family, Erotica

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2012

About the author

Kathi Barton, author of the bestselling series Force of Nature, lives in Nashport, Ohio with her husband Paul. In addition to writing full time Kathi likes to spend time with her eight grandkids, three children and three children-in-laws. She writes to relax and have fun.
Her muse, a cross between Jimmy Stewart and Hugh Jackman brings them to life for her readers in a way that has them coming back time and again for more. Her favorite genre is paranormal romance with a great deal of spice. You can visit Kathi on line and drop her an email if you’d like. She loves hearing from her fans. aaronskiss@gmail.com.
Follow Kathi on her blog: http://kathisbartonauthor.blogspot.com/

Reviews

[Jacquie Talento · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared has been pulled from a job his father had him doing to go and check out the foreman that was running his other site. There is where he met Willow. She was getting numerous complaints and his job was to go in and clean it up and get rid of her. What he didn’t expect was the feelings he was going to have for her and his world was about to change. The man that had been making complaints was a nightmare for anyone that encountered him. Willow was into something she had no idea. This man was out to get her and planned on how he was going to kill her for interfering in his plans. He was going to make her pay and he had outlined in his book how she was going to pay. The family bond between both families was incredible. Is Willow going to survive being attacked by someone that was sure to kill her? Would Jared finally have someone that he loved and wanted a life with? How was he to protect her? Another masterpiece by Ms. Barton and a surefire sequel is in the works. Can’t wait to read the next book called Alexander. I’ll be the first in line to get it.

Merged review:

Jared has been pulled from a job his father had him doing to go and check out the foreman that was running his other site. There is where he met Willow. She was getting numerous complaints and his job was to go in and clean it up and get rid of her. What he didn’t expect was the feelings he was going to have for her and his world was about to change. The man that had been making complaints was a nightmare for anyone that encountered him. Willow was into something she had no idea. This man was out to get her and planned on how he was going to kill her for interfering in his plans. He was going to make her pay and he had outlined in his book how she was going to pay. The family bond between both families was incredible. Is Willow going to survive being attacked by someone that was sure to kill her? Would Jared finally have someone that he loved and wanted a life with? How was he to protect her? Another masterpiece by Ms. Barton and a surefire sequel is in the works. Can’t wait to read the next book called Alexander. I’ll be the first in line to get it.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Willow' is book one of Kathi S. Barton's "The James Children" series and I have to say, it's just as exciting, chemistry-filled, and dramatic as any one of her shifter books. When the owner of Stone Construction gets ahold of his son to fill him in on all the complaints he keeps getting about the site foreman, Will James, he also makes plans for Jared to check out not only the foreman but an employee by the name of Talbor. Seems Talbor Sr. has a lot of political pull and is able to shut down the site and pull their permits when things don't go the way his son wants them to go. So, Jared Robert Stone hires on as a temporary employee named Jared Robert and learns the hard way that to assume will only make an ass/u/me (a$$ out of you and me). If that wasn't bad enough, Talbor not only has a drug habit but is more than a little unhinged. There's a lot of action, a lot of drama, a whole lot of chemistry between Jared and Will, two sets of parents who are right in the middle of things, and a set of Labradors named "Come Here" and "Damn It". There are only two books in this series but if this represents what to expect from 'Alexander' then I'm onto the next one quickly.

[Elizabeth Seckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I must admit, Kathi and I write for the same publisher. Buuuuttt...no one says I had to read her work. ;)
If you like hot and steamy, Kathi is the writer for you! What I thought separated this story from the other sexy tales is the character or Willow. Willow is one tough lady, but Kathi softens the bat wielding chick with some insecurities and a tender side she saves for those close to her.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathi S. Barton has done it again. I have discovered that no matter which book by this amazing author I read, that once I start it, I cannot put it down.

Willow moved along at a great pace, had characters that you fall in love with and a story that keeps you entertained throughout the entire book.

Kathi S. Barton is an amazing author and I cannot wait to read the next amazing book from this talented author.

[Kjen · Rating 2 out of 5]

So sorry...just not feeling this book. It's not horrible, I just have to suspend reality too much during the sex scenes. Also, I can't form an emotional attachment to the characters or muster up much interest in the story. I can get really fussy after reading some really awesome stuff...aka The Obsession (Nora Roberts)...and then switching to something else.

[Eran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jus loved it....another strong heroine that I loved.

[Donna Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it Just like all of Kathi Bartons books. Great read, good story I loved Willow she was so tough and Jared.

[Adena Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story as a romance. What I found difficult were the characters. Willow is too strong and touchy toward everyone; Jared is too inconsiderate and forward with his approach to women; Talbor is too mouthy, pushy and abusive toward everyone, to the point of being a caricature. A little more character development would have taken this story from the ranks of pulp fiction to something like what Mary Jo Putney would write. Still, this is a good read, just not a memorable read.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many contradictions on the character that is Willow. Also, too PC for my liking. The anti-hero that is Jared should have come away with more bruises if Willow was true to her character. I am truly disappointed at the lack of insight that either the author or I have at human an nature and character.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If only this had had an editor...it could have been good enough that it didn't need to be self-published. This is one of the better self-published books that I have read. The writing was smooth. I truly liked the main characters of Willow and Jared. I thought that they had great chemistry, and the relationship developed in a very natural and believable manner. I'm not a big fan of almost-30-yr-old-virgin-heroines, but in this book, it worked. I loved the secondary characters as well; we get to see the parents of both main characters--and Willow's parents were a hoot.

So why an editor? Content editing!

(1) The villains were pretty much EEEVVILLLLLL. No shades of grey or depth of characterization. I think the book would have been stronger had the villains been given as much thought and development as the other secondary characters.

(2) Ms. Barton doesn't appear to know a lot about commercial construction--the phasing, who does what work in what order, etc. This may not bother most readers, but one of the reasons I bought this book is because I do know the construction industry and I wanted to read a book set around it; the construction-related details rang a bit false at times.

(3) The nail gun! *sigh* "Nail gun" is a slang term for an air nailer, and you cannot--I repeat cannot--shoot nails out of it across a room. Air-powered nailers of all sizes have a safety ring around the slot that shoots the nails, and you have to compress that ring on whatever surface you are nailing before the nailer will fire.

Anyway, despite those issues, I definitely recommend this book: 3.5 stars. And I intend to buy more of this author's work.

[Joanne Mountford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in The James Children Series and is currently free to download on Amazon. Yes, I grabbed myself a bargain and throughly enjoyed this book. Happy smiles from me.

Willow James a strong woman working on a building site amongst a lot of male testosterone, well all expect one, the bad apple namely Mr Talbor. He has no morals and the more I read, the more I hated him. She's a beautiful woman putting up with an awful lot when actually she has no reason to put up with so much. Her parents are very wealthy and would definitely help her out, maybe that's her point wanting to make it on her own.

Jared Robert AKA Mr Stone Jnr has been sent on a mission. He decides to go undercover and find out what is really going on with his father's workers.
He ends up having mix emotions and behaving badly himself. Oh the power some women have over a man. Works both ways, men like Jared can sweep you off your feet and turn your world upside down with just one touch.

All is not what it appears to be at the building site. Danger is just lurking around the corner waiting to pounce. Jared and his family along with Willow's family are beyond distort, it's a seriously scary time for them and the reader. God the things some people will do when involved in crime. Sick and twisted thinking they are above the law and untouchable.

This book had a great story with many surprises and twists to keep the reader, me entertained. I recommend to anyone that loves romance with suspense and unfortunately some violence.
Definitely worth downloading considering it is #FREE.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this as much as any of Barton's other books, which is a pity because she's finally branched out and written a couple and neither of them have a tragic history.

Sadly Jared somehow in a leap of logic that defies gravity managed to take a worker who he thought was a slacker and deserved to be fired's bitter angry comments seriously. He hears from Talbor, who is clearly not a trustworthy source that Willow is a slut sleeping with all the men on the worksite and the guy who picks her up (her brother). I can almost see how it could be believably done, but even Jared admits later that he shouldn't have believed Talbor. And in the stupidest trope ever (not that the books stupid I just hate this trope) Jared takes Willow's virginity, is overcome by reality and realises that she's not a slut. Now it wouldn't be a big deal except Jared says some really nasty stuff to Willow about her supposed promiscuity even when they set up their one night stand.

The storyline with Talbor and drugs was tacked on at the end to put Willow in danger and it really was obvious. I also couldn't get why Willow, a competent foreman was going to be fired. She was dealing with physical abuse from a subordinate and the building was two weeks ahead of schedule, what exactly was the problem with her?

I will be very careful when it comes to the second book of this series, Alexander.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

In town checking on reports that one of their foremen was abusing power and ignoring responsibilities, Jared looked around at the late-night bar customers scouting for Stone Construction employees. Spotting some likely candidates, he moved to better listen in on their unguarded conversations. They might reveal important information he wouldn't get on the job site tomorrow.

Distracted by a fight that seemed to be brewing among the men, Jared barely noticed the flannel shirt clad whirlwind who accepted the baseball bat handed over by the bartender. The bat wielder headed for the crew.

Will...oh. James. Jared slowed his approach at the revelation that his foreman was apparently a woman.

Willow James deftly disbanded the group, but not before receiving a punch for her efforts. Taking her split-lipped face back to the bartender where she returned the bat and paid for the property damage, she disappeared back into the night.

Tomorrow looked to be the beginning of a potentially hellish week or two...

Kathi S Barton combines romance, bits of humor, and danger in this story where Willow and Jared battle their attraction for each other as the tension and danger of illegal drugs and a murder complicate the situation. This very talented writes several contemporary and paranormal romances and never disappoints her readers.

[Vettech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book immensely.....I'm normally a paranormal romance fan. Kathi Barton writes some of the best paranormal out there and this series is one of her non-paranormals. and it was totally awesome.

Willow James is one of the very best foremen in the construction business. When several complaints are reported about her to the top, Stone Construction owner sends his son to investigate the allegations.

Jared Stone goes undercover at the construction site where his father has said there are problems with a Will James, the foreman. Jared figures he'll end up firing this guy at the end of the day. But the hot sexy Jared is very surprised to meet the foreman and sees it's actually a young beautiful female he'll be dealing with. He soon finds out the lovely woman takes no bull from anyone, let alone some idiot she is forced to employee, while he sends false rumors to the boss about her.

Willow and Jared have great chemistry and are attracted to each other from the beginning. I so loved Willow's character. Though she was a rough smart foreman on the job site.....in the arms of the sexy Jared, she gets all flushed and just melts when he kisses her. This story also involves a nasty drug dealer who has his sights on Willow, putting her in grave danger. See how our hero Jared handles the feisty young lady and wins her heart.

[Elaine Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

On My Mind!

I’ve read this book before but never did a review; but, that’s not the only reason that I re-read this book. This book or a part of this book has been on my mind & that part is the dogs’ names which are really funny when you say it & imagine yourself calling for them if you have close neighbors. (Come Here & Damn It are their names).

Willow is the die boss on a construction site & she owns the dogs; she adopted them from a shelter. Anyway, there’s a insane druggy employee that she can’t fire as his father will screw with their permits if she does & he’s complained to the owner of the construction company about her. However, the bad employee never lets the owner know that she’s not a he when the bad employee complains.

Jared is the son of the owner of the construction company & his father sent him there to see who is really at fault. But, Jared sees more that he thought he would the 1st night that he got there & decided to present himself as a new employee rather than the owner’s son to get more information on what’s really going on.

This is the beginning of their story which as a good vs bad plot, some sex scenes & funny names for 2 dogs. This book was very good & I will also be re-reading the next book & writing it’s review.

[Niki Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

After meeting Willow and Jared in other stories I was excited to see how they met. Ms. Barton is the queen of making the men in her books work for the lady and this was no exception. A relationship starting with a Lie is always hard to overcome and Jared has his work cut out for him. Add in a crazy dangerous employee and things take on a whole new perspective. I really enjoyed both characters and the families just make it all the better. Lots of drama, danger, laughing and eye rolling for me in this storyline. It was fast, easy to read and even with the bad guy drama I found it fun. ( I am a little off sometimes :) . Willow is a tough lady, very smart and not very trusting. Jared is good guy but his deceptions make him the bad guy in Willows eyes. Several twists and turns keep things interesting providing for an enjoyable read. I have yet to read one of Ms. Barton's books and be disappointed. I look forward to the next book so I can see how Willow's brother Alexander screws up.

[Charlene Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow James is from a wealthy family, and is currently working as a foreman on a construction site.
Jared is the son of the owner of the construction company that Willow works for.
Jared has been sent by his father to find out about the complaints and missing supplies that have been plaguing this job, and to deal with them as he sees fit.
Jared decides to go in as a worker, so he can really see exactly what is going on. He knows that the job is run by a Will James, but has no idea that Will is a woman.
As soon as he begins working there, he sees that Will is a good foreman and knows exactly what she is doing. He also hears rumors about Will.
Come along as these two people come together. Find out if they can overcome the dangers that surround them, as well as their well meaning families.
Are the destined to be together?

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow is another strong woman character who I just couldn't help but fall in love with!

Willow is in charge of the Stone Construction while Mr. Stone is away. She's had her issues, and even though it's never said in the book, I'm sure she got a lot of crap because she was a woman in a "man's business". Her family actually owns a hotel chain and instead of living off the family name and wealth, she made a name for herself.

Jared Stone is the son of the owner of Stone Construction. He was forced to come back and inspect the foreman of the latest job and some of the complaint that were reported by a fellow employee. What Jared didn't expect was this beautiful strong independent woman. When feelings start to arise and truths start coming out, Jared will have to do whatever it takes to keep Willow and make her his.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book**

[Whispers From · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but a lot of errors

Willow is the foreman of a construction company. She has been having problems with one of her workers. Jared's father owns the construction company and sends him to take care of the problem. He expects to find a man but is pleasantly surprised to find a gorgeous woman. Jared goes to work there but doesn't tell her who he really is or why he is there. Then the crazed worker kidnaps her and almost kills her.
Plenty of foreplay and sex. Mystery. I loved Willow's parents they were hilarious. The reason I gave three stars is because there were a lot of mistakes. Some parts I'd have to read several times to understand it. But I enjoyed it anyway.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational

I absolutely loved this story. I liked that Willow was such a ball-breaker, but was also shy and insecure. I did think Jared was a jerk at first, but the more I read the more I liked him. They ended up making a good couple. I also like how the author made the primary villain completely over the top insane, but the were one or two in the background who were not as noticeable. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Deborah Senior · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

3 stars because I felt that the storyline stuttered along in parts, I found myself re-reading sections as some of the narrative appeared to build to something and then change direction making me feel like I'd missed something.
Willow and Jared's romance was bit odd, he seemed to completely forget his early intentions and they were never mentioned again.
It was an average book.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow James works for a construction company as a foreman but she doesn't really need to work. Jared's dad owns the construction company and have received many complaints about Willow. He decides to check them out and goes undercover as a worker at the site. What he finds out he doesn't like at all. Another must read - would definitely recommend to everyone.

[SandraE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet to find a Barton book I hate. I was very happy when I got to this book on my kindle and I was not disappointed. The book is full of great characters and a story that will have you hooked from the beginning.

[iliana G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Willow and Jared...

a really nice book and an easy read.

[Natalie Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book :) it was different but it was still great :)