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Country Roads #1
Take Me Home
Logging manager Matt Shaw is wary when Kayla Edwards, the owner of Mountain Specialty Spices, hires his firm to harvest timber on her Appalachian property. It’s a place he knows better than the back of his calloused hand—it’s his family’s old homestead, lost years ago in a painful foreclosure. He’s hauled himself up from dirt-floor poor since then, and resolves to stay professional… But Kayla’s vivacious beauty makes it hard to focus on his job.
Home. That’s how army-brat-turned-foodie Kayla feels about her new mountain hideaway. What’s more, the hottest lumberjack ever to swing an axe has agreed to manage her timber crop and get the old maple syrup operations back on tap. Matt’s ruggedly sexy ways and passion for the land have her falling hard.
The heat between them grows wild…until Kayla discovers that Matt hasn’t been upfront with her. She feels devastated, and worst of all, used. How can Matt prove it’s her he wants and not her land?
Home. That’s how army-brat-turned-foodie Kayla feels about her new mountain hideaway. What’s more, the hottest lumberjack ever to swing an axe has agreed to manage her timber crop and get the old maple syrup operations back on tap. Matt’s ruggedly sexy ways and passion for the land have her falling hard.
The heat between them grows wild…until Kayla discovers that Matt hasn’t been upfront with her. She feels devastated, and worst of all, used. How can Matt prove it’s her he wants and not her land?
165 pages, ebook
First published November 25, 2013
6 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Inez Kelley
28 books460 followersINEZ KELLEY was born and bred in the mountains of West Virginia. She currently resides there with her lumberjack husband, their teenage drama queen, Spawnetta, and the Demolition Duo – Damien and his twin, the Omen.
She is a multi-published author of various romance genres. You can visit her at her website http://inezkelley.com/ Follow Inez on twitter at @Inez_Kelley or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/inez.kelley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 8, 2016
DNF'd at 30%
I gave up. I'm sorry. This book just wasn't to my personal taste. The heroine totally got on my nerves. Her behavior is the complete opposite of everything I want the heroines to be. If I were a man, I would never sleep with her, not to mention dating! And the hero—nope. He’s not that bad; he’s just plain.
It’s not you, it’s probably me!
I gave up. I'm sorry. This book just wasn't to my personal taste. The heroine totally got on my nerves. Her behavior is the complete opposite of everything I want the heroines to be. If I were a man, I would never sleep with her, not to mention dating! And the hero—nope. He’s not that bad; he’s just plain.
It’s not you, it’s probably me!
January 18, 2016
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I truly love this author's style.
Her romance stories are super sexy and evolve around a nice plot, beautiful scenery and very well built characters. There is a certain charm about her male heroes, not quite alpha, but not simply beta males either. Though they do have a subtle dominance in the bedroom.
A feel good book if you will, and I for one have found my happy place within the pages of Inez Kelley's books.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here as well ☞
I truly love this author's style.
Her romance stories are super sexy and evolve around a nice plot, beautiful scenery and very well built characters. There is a certain charm about her male heroes, not quite alpha, but not simply beta males either. Though they do have a subtle dominance in the bedroom.
A feel good book if you will, and I for one have found my happy place within the pages of Inez Kelley's books.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here as well ☞
November 25, 2013
TAKE ME HOME is the first in a brand new series by Inez Kelley. What striked me as interesting when I first heard about this book was the unique setting this book is in. It revolves around a logging manager and the owner of Mountain Speciality Spices in the Appalachian Mountains. The first thing that came to mind was SEXY, BEARDED LUMBERJACKS! So I just had to read this book!
And I’m glad I did because not only did I finish this book in a day, but I also got a lot of entertainment out of reading it. If you’re familiar with Kelley’s writing, you know that she is able to create such great chemistry between her characters. It’s often sexy, flirty and fun and though there isn’t too much angst in this book, there is a lot of heart.
Matt and Kayla have an immediate attraction to one another and it’s one of my favourite things about this book. The chemistry is really well-explored and interesting. Matt shares a special past with the land that Kayla now owns and though he doesn’t share that fact with her, Kayla is intuitive enough to recognize that Matt is hiding something. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book. It kept me glued and wondering what Kayla’s reaction would be to Matt’s withheld secrets, especially since she shared that she’d been used in the past.
In addition to that, Kelley also creates a familial comfort around Matt’s character with his sister and her child. Their presence is so heartwarming and adorable, that it only adds a charming quality to this fantastic book.
*ARC provided by publisher
November 29, 2013
Rating 3.5 stars
My first book by this author and I enjoyed it. Twenty years ago the hero lost a lot, his family home, friends, pride and that feeling has stayed with him, money remains important to him. Then he meets the heroine, she has bought his old family home and he is attracted to her and she to him but he resists because being around her home brings all his old memories back. I liked the book, the romance, when the truth comes out that his family owned the place, the heroine is beyond hurt because she has been hurt by people close to her who used her for ulterior motives. I liked how the hero made it up to her after both of them had had some distance.
My first book by this author and I enjoyed it. Twenty years ago the hero lost a lot, his family home, friends, pride and that feeling has stayed with him, money remains important to him. Then he meets the heroine, she has bought his old family home and he is attracted to her and she to him but he resists because being around her home brings all his old memories back. I liked the book, the romance, when the truth comes out that his family owned the place, the heroine is beyond hurt because she has been hurt by people close to her who used her for ulterior motives. I liked how the hero made it up to her after both of them had had some distance.
October 27, 2013
This did not impress me much. Nothing spectacular that I haven't read before.
I need more meat to my story, 3stars
December 4, 2013
EXTREMELY lumberjacky. Tons of cool info about lumber biz and maple syrup biz. Too much sex for Vanilla Penny, but a solid start to this series.
For full review, go to...
http://www.pennyromance.com/2013/11/r...
For full review, go to...
http://www.pennyromance.com/2013/11/r...
November 22, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B
Take Me Home is a very emotional journey for our hero Matt. It’s been years, but he still hasn’t gotten over the pain of losing his family home and land after they were evicted when he was a young boy. His father lost his job, his family was struggling and Matt had to not only deal with his family’s issues but with now being the poor kid that had his friends pulling away from him and laughing, being cruel to a young boy who had to wear the same clothes everyday and wasn’t sure where his next meal or shower was coming from. He’s pulled himself up from that life, working hard, and having a steady job. He tried to buy his family’s land back but was outbid and now the current owner, Kayla, has built a new home and is trying to get her own business up and running, a new business that includes bringing back the maple syrup business that Matt’s family used to run. Matt still can’t handle talking about his past and hasn’t to anyone and even though he knows he needs to be truthful with Kayla about who he is and how it relates to her home, he just can’t and it becomes a huge issue as the two grow closer together.
Kayla grew up traveling around with her father who was in the service and she never had a place she could call home. She’s desperate for that now and that’s what she sees when she looks at her new home and the land, a chance for her to finally put down roots and have a home, for good. She put all her money into the land and into her spice business and she really needs to find some extra revenue to help make ends meet during the winter. When she discovers the setup for making maple syrup that was left behind by the old owners she sees it as the answer to all her problems. She needs help though and as much as it pains Matt to be around her new home and the reminder of his past, he agrees to help her. They also share one sexy night fairly early on after meeting each other and their relationship grows from there, turning serious before either of them knows it.
There were a couple of things about this story that drew me in. The biggest being Matt and his painful struggle with his past, having locked all those old emotions away and never really dealing with them or with losing his father. Yes, he keeps a big fat secret from Kayla and the writing’s on the wall about how that will play out, but the emotion and pain that Matt feels is so clearly expressed on page it was hard to read about at times. There are flashbacks to when he was younger and it’s just very angst filled and it’s something that Matt has to move past on his own and meeting Kayla finally gives him a reason to want to leave the past behind and look forward for the first time.
I also enjoyed Kayla quite a bit. She’s strong in wanting to make a life for herself in this new, small town and to do it on her own terms, running her own business. She works hard and she’s a bit of a loner. She was burned in the past by people who she thought were her friends and she keeps her distance with new people, not wanting to make herself vulnerable to anyone again. Seeing those walls slowly come down first because of Matt and then when she starts to make true friends with other women in the town, it’s a new, fresh start for Kayla and I liked the journey her character goes on.
We also meet the supporting characters who will be leading their own books coming up. Two men who are given just enough detail to be compelling, interesting and have me wanting more. It’s exactly what you’d hope for in a series setup for future books.
Take Me Home is a sexy read but what drew me in was Kayla’s strength and Matt’s painful battle to deal with his past. It’s a heavy story but that just makes the payoff all the sweeter for our hero and heroine.
Blog rating: B
Take Me Home is a very emotional journey for our hero Matt. It’s been years, but he still hasn’t gotten over the pain of losing his family home and land after they were evicted when he was a young boy. His father lost his job, his family was struggling and Matt had to not only deal with his family’s issues but with now being the poor kid that had his friends pulling away from him and laughing, being cruel to a young boy who had to wear the same clothes everyday and wasn’t sure where his next meal or shower was coming from. He’s pulled himself up from that life, working hard, and having a steady job. He tried to buy his family’s land back but was outbid and now the current owner, Kayla, has built a new home and is trying to get her own business up and running, a new business that includes bringing back the maple syrup business that Matt’s family used to run. Matt still can’t handle talking about his past and hasn’t to anyone and even though he knows he needs to be truthful with Kayla about who he is and how it relates to her home, he just can’t and it becomes a huge issue as the two grow closer together.
Kayla grew up traveling around with her father who was in the service and she never had a place she could call home. She’s desperate for that now and that’s what she sees when she looks at her new home and the land, a chance for her to finally put down roots and have a home, for good. She put all her money into the land and into her spice business and she really needs to find some extra revenue to help make ends meet during the winter. When she discovers the setup for making maple syrup that was left behind by the old owners she sees it as the answer to all her problems. She needs help though and as much as it pains Matt to be around her new home and the reminder of his past, he agrees to help her. They also share one sexy night fairly early on after meeting each other and their relationship grows from there, turning serious before either of them knows it.
There were a couple of things about this story that drew me in. The biggest being Matt and his painful struggle with his past, having locked all those old emotions away and never really dealing with them or with losing his father. Yes, he keeps a big fat secret from Kayla and the writing’s on the wall about how that will play out, but the emotion and pain that Matt feels is so clearly expressed on page it was hard to read about at times. There are flashbacks to when he was younger and it’s just very angst filled and it’s something that Matt has to move past on his own and meeting Kayla finally gives him a reason to want to leave the past behind and look forward for the first time.
I also enjoyed Kayla quite a bit. She’s strong in wanting to make a life for herself in this new, small town and to do it on her own terms, running her own business. She works hard and she’s a bit of a loner. She was burned in the past by people who she thought were her friends and she keeps her distance with new people, not wanting to make herself vulnerable to anyone again. Seeing those walls slowly come down first because of Matt and then when she starts to make true friends with other women in the town, it’s a new, fresh start for Kayla and I liked the journey her character goes on.
We also meet the supporting characters who will be leading their own books coming up. Two men who are given just enough detail to be compelling, interesting and have me wanting more. It’s exactly what you’d hope for in a series setup for future books.
Take Me Home is a sexy read but what drew me in was Kayla’s strength and Matt’s painful battle to deal with his past. It’s a heavy story but that just makes the payoff all the sweeter for our hero and heroine.
November 25, 2013
ARC Review: Take Me Home by Inez Kelley
Rating =4/5
Caliber SEAL: GREAT READ
Final Verdict: A deliciously sizzling testament to the old adage home is where the heart is.
Review goes live at 00:00 hours MVT, November 26, 2013!
Rating =4/5
Caliber SEAL: GREAT READ
Final Verdict: A deliciously sizzling testament to the old adage home is where the heart is.
Review goes live at 00:00 hours MVT, November 26, 2013!
December 2, 2013
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
My heart is so damn happy right now after finishing Take Me Home by Inez Kelley. I had very high expectations for this book and worried that I was expecting too much but I am never so happy to be so wrong in all my life. This book is a wonderful feel good story filled with amazingly complex characters, a storyline with twists, turns, ups and downs, and dialog laced with humor but many heartfelt moments as well, and some downright smokin’ hot sex scenes guaranteed to warm you up on a cold winter night. This book, quite simply put, is a perfect romance story and an exceptional start to a new series.
I fell head over heels for Matt Shaw in the first chapter; his wit was the first thing, his memories the second, his longing third, and his sexy assed thoughts last. Hot damn his sexy assed thoughts had me thinking sexy assed thoughts about how I’d like him tied to one of his trees. Yes, I went there because Matt is a logging manager or has our heroine likes to call him a lumberjack, but he’s more than that. He’s got a degree in forestry and he’s adamant about being careful with the land. He’s also a brother and an uncle and he is still dealing with a past he can’t seem to forget. He’s far from perfect, but he’s a good man. A good man that makes a huge error in judgment when he’s forced to take over a job for Kayla Edwards
Kayla is one of those heroines you can’t help but love. She’s self sufficient almost to a fault, she’s smart, she’s funny, and she has no problem going after what she wants including Matt. New to the area she hasn’t met many people but when Matt shows up on her doorstep to do a bid for his company Kayla lets him know that she’d like to have more than a working relationship with him.
Man oh man the chemistry between these two would warm the whole state of West Virginia during a bad winter. Hot doesn’t even begin to describe the immediate sparks they throw off. Matt would love nothing more that to take Kayla up on her offer but he tries to do the right thing, he knows getting involved with her is a bad idea given the secret he’s keeping from her (and all of his friends) but eventually he just can’t run any longer. While there is no doubt these two mesh sexually, it’s more than that. When they are together no matter what they are doing you can just see how right they are for one another. Unfortunately Matt’s secret comes to light and things get really messy for quite a long time.
Their road to happily ever after was rough, Kayla is angry and hurt and she has a right to be. I feel for Matt because he really is a good guy but he made a pretty big mistake and when Kayla won’t even listen he lets her go even though he’s hurting just as much if not more than she it. I give him a lot of credit for putting his feelings aside and reaching out when she needs help and I give her a lot of credit for accepting, something that isn’t easy for her to do.
This is one of those books I know I’ll read again and again. There is something to be said for an author who can so easily write humor into her romance and even into her love scenes. Inez Kelley does it well, and Take Me Home is a prime example of what a real life romance should be; it isn’t always pretty, people screw up, they get angry, they make up, and they start all over again loving, laughing, and living. I thank you from the bottom of my heart Inez for writing another great love story!
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
My heart is so damn happy right now after finishing Take Me Home by Inez Kelley. I had very high expectations for this book and worried that I was expecting too much but I am never so happy to be so wrong in all my life. This book is a wonderful feel good story filled with amazingly complex characters, a storyline with twists, turns, ups and downs, and dialog laced with humor but many heartfelt moments as well, and some downright smokin’ hot sex scenes guaranteed to warm you up on a cold winter night. This book, quite simply put, is a perfect romance story and an exceptional start to a new series.
I fell head over heels for Matt Shaw in the first chapter; his wit was the first thing, his memories the second, his longing third, and his sexy assed thoughts last. Hot damn his sexy assed thoughts had me thinking sexy assed thoughts about how I’d like him tied to one of his trees. Yes, I went there because Matt is a logging manager or has our heroine likes to call him a lumberjack, but he’s more than that. He’s got a degree in forestry and he’s adamant about being careful with the land. He’s also a brother and an uncle and he is still dealing with a past he can’t seem to forget. He’s far from perfect, but he’s a good man. A good man that makes a huge error in judgment when he’s forced to take over a job for Kayla Edwards
Kayla is one of those heroines you can’t help but love. She’s self sufficient almost to a fault, she’s smart, she’s funny, and she has no problem going after what she wants including Matt. New to the area she hasn’t met many people but when Matt shows up on her doorstep to do a bid for his company Kayla lets him know that she’d like to have more than a working relationship with him.
Man oh man the chemistry between these two would warm the whole state of West Virginia during a bad winter. Hot doesn’t even begin to describe the immediate sparks they throw off. Matt would love nothing more that to take Kayla up on her offer but he tries to do the right thing, he knows getting involved with her is a bad idea given the secret he’s keeping from her (and all of his friends) but eventually he just can’t run any longer. While there is no doubt these two mesh sexually, it’s more than that. When they are together no matter what they are doing you can just see how right they are for one another. Unfortunately Matt’s secret comes to light and things get really messy for quite a long time.
Their road to happily ever after was rough, Kayla is angry and hurt and she has a right to be. I feel for Matt because he really is a good guy but he made a pretty big mistake and when Kayla won’t even listen he lets her go even though he’s hurting just as much if not more than she it. I give him a lot of credit for putting his feelings aside and reaching out when she needs help and I give her a lot of credit for accepting, something that isn’t easy for her to do.
This is one of those books I know I’ll read again and again. There is something to be said for an author who can so easily write humor into her romance and even into her love scenes. Inez Kelley does it well, and Take Me Home is a prime example of what a real life romance should be; it isn’t always pretty, people screw up, they get angry, they make up, and they start all over again loving, laughing, and living. I thank you from the bottom of my heart Inez for writing another great love story!
December 28, 2015
Review copy provided via NetGalley
Why I Read this Book: I loved Sweet as Sin and Turn it Up by Inez Kelley so as soon as I saw that the author was writing a series about loggers, I added the books to my wishlist.
What I Liked: Kayla is a woman who not only knows what she wants, she goes after it. No subtly or bashfulness here. I like a heroine who’s confident enough to pursue what she wants, not only in a man but in her livelihood as well.
Matt is an all-around great guy. He’s honorable; when he says he’s going to do something, he sees it through. He’s honest; he’s not afraid to speak the truth, even when it could hurt someone’s feelings.
I was very curious to see how the conflict was going to play out and I have to say it played out in a realistic way. Kayla doesn’t let Matt’s dishonesty slide easily. If he’s going to win Kayla back, he has to prove that he wasn’t after her land all this time.
One reason I enjoy reading is to experience different lifestyles. I learned a bit about what loggers do and how real maple syrup is made. And it’s not just that sexy, burly men are swinging axes around all day. There’s an ever present danger surrounding these loggers and the author shows the reader that reality. It’s stuff like this that makes reading a romance a little more interesting.
Memorable Moment:
Overall Impression: Take Me Home started a lumberjack craving for me! After reading this book, all I could think about was sexy loggers. I want to read more in this series, with these characters. Luckily I don’t have to wait too long, since the 2nd book in this series comes out in February 2014 and the 3rd book comes out in July 2014. It has yet to be determined if the Country Roads series will be only the three books or if the series will continue on further. I’m hoping for the latter because I want Bob’s book! And Abby’s book too.
Why I Read this Book: I loved Sweet as Sin and Turn it Up by Inez Kelley so as soon as I saw that the author was writing a series about loggers, I added the books to my wishlist.
What I Liked: Kayla is a woman who not only knows what she wants, she goes after it. No subtly or bashfulness here. I like a heroine who’s confident enough to pursue what she wants, not only in a man but in her livelihood as well.
Matt is an all-around great guy. He’s honorable; when he says he’s going to do something, he sees it through. He’s honest; he’s not afraid to speak the truth, even when it could hurt someone’s feelings.
I was very curious to see how the conflict was going to play out and I have to say it played out in a realistic way. Kayla doesn’t let Matt’s dishonesty slide easily. If he’s going to win Kayla back, he has to prove that he wasn’t after her land all this time.
One reason I enjoy reading is to experience different lifestyles. I learned a bit about what loggers do and how real maple syrup is made. And it’s not just that sexy, burly men are swinging axes around all day. There’s an ever present danger surrounding these loggers and the author shows the reader that reality. It’s stuff like this that makes reading a romance a little more interesting.
Memorable Moment:
“Dude, haven't met a problem yet that a blowjob won't cure.”
“You're such a slut.”
“I prefer to think of it as an overactive penile condition.”
Overall Impression: Take Me Home started a lumberjack craving for me! After reading this book, all I could think about was sexy loggers. I want to read more in this series, with these characters. Luckily I don’t have to wait too long, since the 2nd book in this series comes out in February 2014 and the 3rd book comes out in July 2014. It has yet to be determined if the Country Roads series will be only the three books or if the series will continue on further. I’m hoping for the latter because I want Bob’s book! And Abby’s book too.
April 21, 2015
This was hard for me to rate. It was good, but it just did not really hold my attention. I thought the hero was a little weak - not manning up when he needed to, but months later. And I had a hard time connecting with the heroine. She came on strong and her "issues" were really nothing. It moved a bit slow, even though the "sexy times" started at about 30%, and while I know many enjoyed learning the details of maple syrup making, that is not why I read romance. I thought the relationship issues were resolved oddly. Months of nothing and then a few words and all is ok. It just did not sit well with me. All in all, this is a sweet story. Totally SAFE.
March 11, 2014
I frick fracking loved this book and I absolutely cannot wait for the 2nd book. I loved the setting of the West Virginia mountains and the logging industry and maple syrup production. Loved Matt and Kayla and... well I just loved all of it. Read this book.
Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
tbr-later
February 5, 20165 February 2016: $0.99 on Kindle
December 4, 2013
The second I saw this title my head filled with John Denver's song by the same name so I checked it out and discovered that story was indeed set in West Virginia Mountains about two people to whom home is important. I've only been through West Virginia once, but it was beautiful and I was eager to read a romance against that setting.
Logger Matt Shaw finds himself back in a place he had no desire to return to, but he's there for a job as a favor to a friend. The new owner of the land that used to belong to his family for generations before they lost it needs the funds that selling some of her timber will give her and the company Matt works for got the job. No matter how cute the owner; he needs to do the job and get away before his memories swamp him.
Kayla Edwards, owner of Mountain Specialty Spices, has been a wanderer all her life growing up an Army brat, but now she plans to sink down roots here in the beautiful mountains. She has big plans, but she has put all she has into getting things this far. She needs the money from the timber sale. The timber company sends out a fine specimen of a lumberjack that has her toes curling and breathing go short. She can tell that she affects him too though he tries to remain professional.
It's not long before they are caught up in the beginning of a relationship. Matt can't tell Kayla about his family's past and his connections to her land because he has fought hard to get away from being that poor, evicted kid with nothing, but the clothes on his back. He doesn't want to see her pity or the disappointment thinking that he's a failure and can't provide. He worries a little especially when she admits that honesty is big with her because she has been used before, but he just wants to bury the past. Kayla discovers that she has the possibility of running a maple syrup business from her land as well and that would really get her finances back on track. Matt tells her its hard work and its risky, but she'll have his help, right? Although his familiarity with the land and his secrecy over his past niggles at her. And then yep, finally an innocent conversation reveals all that Matt was trying to conceal and he may lose his chance at love over his lie.
First of all, I just have to rave on about how much I loved the setting for this story. I so want to live there. Gorgeous place and small town atmosphere. Gah! I am so there when I get the chance.
The plot was well written and I loved the crisp feel to it and the tone of much of the story. The big build up is obviously what will happen when Kayla discovers the truth. The writer did a good job of having me on the fence about who to sympathize with over Matt's choice to keep his past to himself. I totally got his reasons, but I also see where Kayla is coming from too. Relationships need honesty and that was the point of this one along with Matt's need to let go of the past.
The romance on this one was off to the races from the get-go. In fact, Kayla's aggressive flirting the moment they meet wasn't a hit with me especially when the story later reveals just how much she had been used in the past. I was confused by her strong come-on when there should have been wariness. I suppose it made the difference that she was the aggressor. The clues were there that something was bothering Matt, but she just ran right through the red lights so there is a part of me that couldn't get why she felt so betrayed. She's the one who pushed so hard in the beginning. The speed of their attraction and relationship also explains a bit of Matt's reticence to ruin the present with talk of the past too.
But really, I loved these two together. I was on both their sides and wanted them for each other. Kayla's wants and needs lined up well with Matt's for long term. They were so hot for each other too. Couldn't stop flirting or keeping their hands off and they barely kept their clothes on most of the time. I cracked up when Matt's nephew walked in on Kayla while she was taking a shower at Matt's house, flushed the toilet which probably scalded her and then went out to tell Matt that he wasn't allowed to have girls sleepover so why did Uncle Matt. Too cute!
This is a really sweet and equal parts spicy romance with good characters and a heartwarming series of scenes against a breathtaking setting. Those who adore small town romances and rugged heroes should give this Contemporary Romance a try.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Logger Matt Shaw finds himself back in a place he had no desire to return to, but he's there for a job as a favor to a friend. The new owner of the land that used to belong to his family for generations before they lost it needs the funds that selling some of her timber will give her and the company Matt works for got the job. No matter how cute the owner; he needs to do the job and get away before his memories swamp him.
Kayla Edwards, owner of Mountain Specialty Spices, has been a wanderer all her life growing up an Army brat, but now she plans to sink down roots here in the beautiful mountains. She has big plans, but she has put all she has into getting things this far. She needs the money from the timber sale. The timber company sends out a fine specimen of a lumberjack that has her toes curling and breathing go short. She can tell that she affects him too though he tries to remain professional.
It's not long before they are caught up in the beginning of a relationship. Matt can't tell Kayla about his family's past and his connections to her land because he has fought hard to get away from being that poor, evicted kid with nothing, but the clothes on his back. He doesn't want to see her pity or the disappointment thinking that he's a failure and can't provide. He worries a little especially when she admits that honesty is big with her because she has been used before, but he just wants to bury the past. Kayla discovers that she has the possibility of running a maple syrup business from her land as well and that would really get her finances back on track. Matt tells her its hard work and its risky, but she'll have his help, right? Although his familiarity with the land and his secrecy over his past niggles at her. And then yep, finally an innocent conversation reveals all that Matt was trying to conceal and he may lose his chance at love over his lie.
First of all, I just have to rave on about how much I loved the setting for this story. I so want to live there. Gorgeous place and small town atmosphere. Gah! I am so there when I get the chance.
The plot was well written and I loved the crisp feel to it and the tone of much of the story. The big build up is obviously what will happen when Kayla discovers the truth. The writer did a good job of having me on the fence about who to sympathize with over Matt's choice to keep his past to himself. I totally got his reasons, but I also see where Kayla is coming from too. Relationships need honesty and that was the point of this one along with Matt's need to let go of the past.
The romance on this one was off to the races from the get-go. In fact, Kayla's aggressive flirting the moment they meet wasn't a hit with me especially when the story later reveals just how much she had been used in the past. I was confused by her strong come-on when there should have been wariness. I suppose it made the difference that she was the aggressor. The clues were there that something was bothering Matt, but she just ran right through the red lights so there is a part of me that couldn't get why she felt so betrayed. She's the one who pushed so hard in the beginning. The speed of their attraction and relationship also explains a bit of Matt's reticence to ruin the present with talk of the past too.
But really, I loved these two together. I was on both their sides and wanted them for each other. Kayla's wants and needs lined up well with Matt's for long term. They were so hot for each other too. Couldn't stop flirting or keeping their hands off and they barely kept their clothes on most of the time. I cracked up when Matt's nephew walked in on Kayla while she was taking a shower at Matt's house, flushed the toilet which probably scalded her and then went out to tell Matt that he wasn't allowed to have girls sleepover so why did Uncle Matt. Too cute!
This is a really sweet and equal parts spicy romance with good characters and a heartwarming series of scenes against a breathtaking setting. Those who adore small town romances and rugged heroes should give this Contemporary Romance a try.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 25, 2013
My Review:
I loved, loved, loved the set-up for this story. This is my first official lumberjack read (even if Matt insists he's not a lumberjack...hehe.) Knowing that Inez Kelley had some expertise on the subject (her husband does this job) really showed. I know nothing about timber management, but found all those details just as interesting as the rest of the story. And this is a good story.
Matt works for a big lumber company. He's the guy that makes the plan for how to go through and work a piece of property. When he's given an assignment, he's just given the gps coordinates and doesn't realize it's his family homestead that they lost twenty years ago when he was 16. Everything about this property hurts him on a certain level because the memories are so bittersweet. The mountains were his home for the first 16 years of his life and are truly a part of him, but this property also represents his biggest shame and the extreme poverty they were forced to live in toward the end. To complicate matters is Kayla...he really, really likes her and is drawn to her. But he needs to stay away because of the land. His boss overrules him on that and they slowly begin to work together and then become so much more, but Matt is hiding what her property means to him.
Seriously, a great, great story. I loved all the emotion to Matt. He grew up knowing that this land was his family's identity...his heritage, but at 16 he was helpless when they lost it all. The pain he feels at that comes across every single sentence, every single word. Honestly, as the reader that vulnerability made me ache for him. At the same time, he needed to tell Kayla. Not telling her wasn't fair to her, but that's the source of the conflict in this book. He has so much pride. He doesn't want her to see him as anything "less" and when they lost the house, they were definitely "less" in the eyes of everyone who was close to him. That moment in his life has left deep damaging scars that are hard to overcome.
Inez Kelley wrote two great characters here and set up for a fabulous series....Webb and Bob and Jonah...all from the lumber company were GREAT characters and I definitely want to see all their stories coming. And Molly too...even Abby is a great character. Oh yeah, and this is only book #1...so many great story possibilities to come. Personally I'm really excited about this new contemporary series. Inez Kelley once again struck the perfect balance of entertainment, romance, angst, smexiness, and friendship that makes for a great contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I loved, loved, loved the set-up for this story. This is my first official lumberjack read (even if Matt insists he's not a lumberjack...hehe.) Knowing that Inez Kelley had some expertise on the subject (her husband does this job) really showed. I know nothing about timber management, but found all those details just as interesting as the rest of the story. And this is a good story.
Matt works for a big lumber company. He's the guy that makes the plan for how to go through and work a piece of property. When he's given an assignment, he's just given the gps coordinates and doesn't realize it's his family homestead that they lost twenty years ago when he was 16. Everything about this property hurts him on a certain level because the memories are so bittersweet. The mountains were his home for the first 16 years of his life and are truly a part of him, but this property also represents his biggest shame and the extreme poverty they were forced to live in toward the end. To complicate matters is Kayla...he really, really likes her and is drawn to her. But he needs to stay away because of the land. His boss overrules him on that and they slowly begin to work together and then become so much more, but Matt is hiding what her property means to him.
Seriously, a great, great story. I loved all the emotion to Matt. He grew up knowing that this land was his family's identity...his heritage, but at 16 he was helpless when they lost it all. The pain he feels at that comes across every single sentence, every single word. Honestly, as the reader that vulnerability made me ache for him. At the same time, he needed to tell Kayla. Not telling her wasn't fair to her, but that's the source of the conflict in this book. He has so much pride. He doesn't want her to see him as anything "less" and when they lost the house, they were definitely "less" in the eyes of everyone who was close to him. That moment in his life has left deep damaging scars that are hard to overcome.
Inez Kelley wrote two great characters here and set up for a fabulous series....Webb and Bob and Jonah...all from the lumber company were GREAT characters and I definitely want to see all their stories coming. And Molly too...even Abby is a great character. Oh yeah, and this is only book #1...so many great story possibilities to come. Personally I'm really excited about this new contemporary series. Inez Kelley once again struck the perfect balance of entertainment, romance, angst, smexiness, and friendship that makes for a great contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 16, 2013
I gave this a B- at AAR, so 3.5 stars here As with many books I read, Take Me Home is something of a mixed bag. On the one hand, I liked the characters and the setting. However, the Big Secret in this story took way too long to get uncovered and as the book went on, my annoyance with the hero's secret keeping interfered with my enjoyment a bit.
Set in West Virginia, this book revolves around some of the traditional businesses that dominate parts of the state - logging and the sale of agricultural products. I spent a few years living not far from the state border, and I was familiar with the towns and cities mentioned throughout the story, and I have to say that the descriptions mostly rang true. Matt Shaw, our hero, grew up in West Virginia and one of the defining moments of his life came when his father lost his job and eventually ended up losing the farm which had been in the family for generations. The family was homeless for a time and the memories of that poverty filled him with shame but also spurred him on in his ambitions to be self-sufficient.
Now in a supervisory role as a forester for a logging company, Matt finds himself in charge of a new job - harvesting timber at his family's old farm. When he first goes out to the property, Matt and the new owner, Kayla Edwards, are very obviously attracted to one another. Kayla takes the initiative and asks Matt out, and I suspect many readers will find her straightforward attitude refreshing just as I did. Flirtation turns almost immediately into something much hotter. This is definitely one of those relationships where lust and attraction take center stage first, but love and friendship follow closely behind. Matt and Kayla are both enjoyable characters, and Inez Kelley writes this dynamic between them very well.
Of course, there's more to the story than just the relationship. Kayla has bought the farm, but now she has to keep it. In addition to her herb business, she dreams of bringing the remnants of the old maple syrup operation on the property back to life. Unknown to her, Matt's family ran that same operation shortly before losing the property so her decision takes him back to all kinds of painful places in his past - which of course he doesn't bother to tell her about.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
Set in West Virginia, this book revolves around some of the traditional businesses that dominate parts of the state - logging and the sale of agricultural products. I spent a few years living not far from the state border, and I was familiar with the towns and cities mentioned throughout the story, and I have to say that the descriptions mostly rang true. Matt Shaw, our hero, grew up in West Virginia and one of the defining moments of his life came when his father lost his job and eventually ended up losing the farm which had been in the family for generations. The family was homeless for a time and the memories of that poverty filled him with shame but also spurred him on in his ambitions to be self-sufficient.
Now in a supervisory role as a forester for a logging company, Matt finds himself in charge of a new job - harvesting timber at his family's old farm. When he first goes out to the property, Matt and the new owner, Kayla Edwards, are very obviously attracted to one another. Kayla takes the initiative and asks Matt out, and I suspect many readers will find her straightforward attitude refreshing just as I did. Flirtation turns almost immediately into something much hotter. This is definitely one of those relationships where lust and attraction take center stage first, but love and friendship follow closely behind. Matt and Kayla are both enjoyable characters, and Inez Kelley writes this dynamic between them very well.
Of course, there's more to the story than just the relationship. Kayla has bought the farm, but now she has to keep it. In addition to her herb business, she dreams of bringing the remnants of the old maple syrup operation on the property back to life. Unknown to her, Matt's family ran that same operation shortly before losing the property so her decision takes him back to all kinds of painful places in his past - which of course he doesn't bother to tell her about.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
February 29, 2016
Read this review on my blog! --> Take Me Home by Inez Kelley
I’ve always been such a big fan Inez Kelley’s contemporaries. They always tug at the heartstrings and they’re always steamy. I love the concept behind Take Me Home. Matt falling for the girl who lives on the land once owned for generations by his family. What a pickle!! But see, Matt is such a good guy that resentment or payback was never his game. He just plain ol’ fell for this girl from the start. His mistake was not telling her about his history with her land. I’m sure you can guess how that played out. Yup. It was a really emotional last third of the book for me. I loved that Inez gave them both time to figure things out. It was the right way to go, especially after the type of hurt Kayla felt.
But let’s rewind a little. Matt and Kayla have a great relationship. They have common interests and are both tough and confident. I loved that Kayla made the first move. I’m a first move kind of girl myself. ;) They have great chemistry, in and out of the bedroom. I also loved the setting and the fact I learned some things on foresting and maple sugar making. The cast of characters we got to meet in Take Me Home have me super excited about other books in this series. They were all memorable and interesting.
Inez Kelley does it again and gives us a touching, sexy contemporary in Take Me Home. It’s perfect for this time of year too, so you should definitely add it to your holiday reading lists.
I’ve always been such a big fan Inez Kelley’s contemporaries. They always tug at the heartstrings and they’re always steamy. I love the concept behind Take Me Home. Matt falling for the girl who lives on the land once owned for generations by his family. What a pickle!! But see, Matt is such a good guy that resentment or payback was never his game. He just plain ol’ fell for this girl from the start. His mistake was not telling her about his history with her land. I’m sure you can guess how that played out. Yup. It was a really emotional last third of the book for me. I loved that Inez gave them both time to figure things out. It was the right way to go, especially after the type of hurt Kayla felt.
But let’s rewind a little. Matt and Kayla have a great relationship. They have common interests and are both tough and confident. I loved that Kayla made the first move. I’m a first move kind of girl myself. ;) They have great chemistry, in and out of the bedroom. I also loved the setting and the fact I learned some things on foresting and maple sugar making. The cast of characters we got to meet in Take Me Home have me super excited about other books in this series. They were all memorable and interesting.
Inez Kelley does it again and gives us a touching, sexy contemporary in Take Me Home. It’s perfect for this time of year too, so you should definitely add it to your holiday reading lists.
February 25, 2014
This is the first book in a trilogy of the Country Roads series by Inez Kelly. Matt Shaw had a rough childhood. Oh it had it's happy moments as with most kids it doesn't take a lot to make them happy but they never had much money and seem to be short on other things. Then one day it all came crashing down completely when they lost the family home and the mountain property around it to foreclosure. He was homeless. Now years later he's a grown man and back in his hometown working for a logging company. He finds himself assigned to the very property his family owned all those years ago. Kayla was a Army brat and now as her parents are both gone now was looking for a place to call home and this mountain land called to her and fits her business ideas. Matt and Kayla sizzle on the page. You feel for Matt and what he went through as a child but Kayla is not without her own issues in her past. Along with this story you get some lessons on logging and trees that i found interesting. It didn't overpower the book which i appreciated. Fore me i enjoyed all the aspects of this book. It's a comfortable read with a great story with some extra info included on logging and making maple syrup as well but it blends with the story to enhance it. I like the secondary characters as well and look forward to more from this series. A great beginning.
December 19, 2013
At first, I was not really impressed with “Take me Home”. I very much dislike women who throw themselves at guys, especially 10 minutes after meeting them. However, having read all her previous books and knowing that this author delivers powerful stories, I continued reading. Well, guess what? I was not disappointed; Kelley did it again with this contemporary romance.
I loved Matt from the get go, that mysteriously wounded vibe that he gave had me hooked from page 1. I enjoyed his character and how it developed throughout the book. Like a phoenix, he built himself from ashes and had the balls to do it right on his own backyard!
Kayla took me longer to like, her enthusiasm to try and learn new things regardless of how difficult they seemed. The way she found the good in everything and her love for the land eventually won me over. But when she kicked his Ass to the curve for lying, that’s when I fell for her character!
I am really looking forward to Jonah’s demise and the moment Webb finally sees what’s right in front of him!
I loved Matt from the get go, that mysteriously wounded vibe that he gave had me hooked from page 1. I enjoyed his character and how it developed throughout the book. Like a phoenix, he built himself from ashes and had the balls to do it right on his own backyard!
Kayla took me longer to like, her enthusiasm to try and learn new things regardless of how difficult they seemed. The way she found the good in everything and her love for the land eventually won me over. But when she kicked his Ass to the curve for lying, that’s when I fell for her character!
I am really looking forward to Jonah’s demise and the moment Webb finally sees what’s right in front of him!
December 4, 2013
Matt Shaw is strong, capable, good and loyal. And when he meets Kayla Edwards, the chemistry is off-the-charts between them. But he's got long buried secrets that he can't share--and as he finds himself getting tangled in deeper and deeper with Kayla's life, he lets himself believe that maybe it doesn't matter.
Oh, Matt. Even seeing the emotional trainwreck coming, I can't blame you for not sharing sooner. I want to, but Ms. Kelley has woven such an honest, believable tale of pride and desire that I get it. I felt what you felt, and I desperately wanted your past to stay long buried, because the hurt is still too sharp to deal with.
This is an achingly beautiful contemporary romance. I'd only read one other Inez Kelley book before this, and now I'm going to dash to her author page and hope there's a lot more. I believe this is the first in a series, and I hope the rest will follow very soon. Automatic pre-orders.
Oh, Matt. Even seeing the emotional trainwreck coming, I can't blame you for not sharing sooner. I want to, but Ms. Kelley has woven such an honest, believable tale of pride and desire that I get it. I felt what you felt, and I desperately wanted your past to stay long buried, because the hurt is still too sharp to deal with.
This is an achingly beautiful contemporary romance. I'd only read one other Inez Kelley book before this, and now I'm going to dash to her author page and hope there's a lot more. I believe this is the first in a series, and I hope the rest will follow very soon. Automatic pre-orders.
August 12, 2016
First in a new series by Kelley, and one that is close to home for her as it's all about lumberjacks - sorry, foresters and logging specialists - and her home state. Really liked Kayla's personality - she's strong, independent, smart, a good businesswoman and unafraid to go after what and who she wants. Was less fond of Matt, but could understand how the devastating loss of his family property could have scarred him- but not how he wasn't able to share that with Kayla. I felt that the Big Secret lingered too long, but I did appreciate that it took time for the wounds to heal, and that things weren't miraculously fixed overnight. The setting of this story is another major character in the book, and Kelley does a wonderful job of drawing you in to the setting and making you feel as if you can smell the maple syrup yourself. I'll be following this series as it develops, as I think the future characters were just as interesting as the main characters.
November 25, 2013
I've consistently enjoyed Kelley's romance novels, JINXED, SWEET AS SIN, and TURN IT UP. TAKE ME HOME was not an exception. I loved the story of the tormented Matthew and sweetly vulnerable but no pushover Kayla. They had a wonderful chemistry and made the reader care about them and their HEA. Hands down, however, the winners here are the land, the mountains, the echoes of Denver's iconic song, and the maple syrup production passages ... all wonderful. If you'd like to read a more detailed review, please follow the link:
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2013...
I am grateful for an e-ARC from Carina Press, via Netgalley, in exchange for these honest reviews.
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2013...
I am grateful for an e-ARC from Carina Press, via Netgalley, in exchange for these honest reviews.
April 27, 2015
3.5 Stars
This was a quick, surprisingly steamy and entertaining book. My biggest complaint was the heroine chasing after the hero in the beginning, as well as some of her behavior near the end. This is a personal preference, but I like the hero to go after the h and make more of an effort in the relationship. There are reasons behind his actions, but it still bugged me.
For a shorter book it was good, it didn't feel like it was lacking details.
This was a quick, surprisingly steamy and entertaining book. My biggest complaint was the heroine chasing after the hero in the beginning, as well as some of her behavior near the end. This is a personal preference, but I like the hero to go after the h and make more of an effort in the relationship. There are reasons behind his actions, but it still bugged me.
For a shorter book it was good, it didn't feel like it was lacking details.
September 18, 2015
Sweet and sexy. Lots of great examples of...how did Kelley put it? Hottie Americanus?
January 4, 2014
I was so WORRIED about how they were going to work this out! Lovely characters, lovely writing, interesting setting.
December 5, 2013
I love this author's writing. This book took me on the kind of emotional journey I crave.
Read
January 2, 2014I absolutely love this book!!!! Matt is such a heart thief! I can't wait for book 2!!!
August 15, 2021
This is an incredibly easy read. The kind of simple, happy romance that makes you feel comfortable and content. It's the perfect story to read on your ereader when you're working and have to split your concentration a little. Fun, easy and light. The perfect contemporary romance.
I love that the biggest hurdle for this couple was their pasts. Kayla is caught up in a lack of "home" and feeling betrayed when she wants to trust. Matt is caught up on his pride and the tearing apart of his childhood. Its a nice little reminder that we all have ties to the past that can be difficult to move on from. But that sometimes, we need to at least get them in the open if we have any chance at a future.
I know bits about forestry from my own environmental science background, and I liked how Kelley weaved some interesting forestry facts throughout this story. Even though I don't know anything about this ecological region, I loved the descriptions of the setting and the economic / ecological benefits for sustainable forestry. Then, there's the creation of maple syrup... something I'd never even thought about. And now want to know SO much more about!!!
This was a great story. It was cute and sweet with just the right amount of heartbreak. There was a beautiful mountainous setting and a good score of secondary cast members. And at its core a gorgeous and sweet romance that will leave you smiling.
I love that the biggest hurdle for this couple was their pasts. Kayla is caught up in a lack of "home" and feeling betrayed when she wants to trust. Matt is caught up on his pride and the tearing apart of his childhood. Its a nice little reminder that we all have ties to the past that can be difficult to move on from. But that sometimes, we need to at least get them in the open if we have any chance at a future.
I know bits about forestry from my own environmental science background, and I liked how Kelley weaved some interesting forestry facts throughout this story. Even though I don't know anything about this ecological region, I loved the descriptions of the setting and the economic / ecological benefits for sustainable forestry. Then, there's the creation of maple syrup... something I'd never even thought about. And now want to know SO much more about!!!
This was a great story. It was cute and sweet with just the right amount of heartbreak. There was a beautiful mountainous setting and a good score of secondary cast members. And at its core a gorgeous and sweet romance that will leave you smiling.
April 4, 2025
Matt Shaw fills in for a colleague to estimate wooded acreage for logging. The place turns out to be his family homestead that they lost 20 years prior. The old house has been torn down and replaced but the land is basically the same. The loss made his family homeless, pitied and barely surviving. The new owner is a young woman, Kayla Edwards, who is running a small organic business. The estimating job brings back emotional memories as they walk the land. But he can’t talk about it and hides his connection to the land as their relationship grows. Kayla also has trust issues from her youth. All this leads to big climax when the truth comes out. This was a good romance with some explicit sex scenes. Emotional and good HEA ending.
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