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Jackson Hole #7
The Loner
A man at war with himself
In all her years as deputy sheriff, Shelby Kincaid never met a man as stubborn as Dakota Carson. Practically eaten by a grizzly bear and still that man insists on returning, alone, to his isolated cabin in the Tetons. Shelby's not even sure why it ruffles her - but she suspects it has a lot to do with the instant, powerful connection she feels with Dakota. If only he'd let down his guard with her.
Ten years as a navy SEAL took its toll on Dakota's body, his mind and his heart. Since being released, he's endured months of painful physical therapy and brutal nightmares. Dakota wants nothing more than to hide from the world, so why does Shelby's gentle presence suddenly make him question his seclusion? But when Shelby's life is threatened, Dakota knows his warrior spirit won't hide any longer. He just hopes it's not too late.
In all her years as deputy sheriff, Shelby Kincaid never met a man as stubborn as Dakota Carson. Practically eaten by a grizzly bear and still that man insists on returning, alone, to his isolated cabin in the Tetons. Shelby's not even sure why it ruffles her - but she suspects it has a lot to do with the instant, powerful connection she feels with Dakota. If only he'd let down his guard with her.
Ten years as a navy SEAL took its toll on Dakota's body, his mind and his heart. Since being released, he's endured months of painful physical therapy and brutal nightmares. Dakota wants nothing more than to hide from the world, so why does Shelby's gentle presence suddenly make him question his seclusion? But when Shelby's life is threatened, Dakota knows his warrior spirit won't hide any longer. He just hopes it's not too late.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
102 people are currently reading
1177 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay McKenna
359 books2,500 followersI've lived six lives in one and it all shows up in the books I write, one way or another.
I was always a risk taker and broke mustangs at thirteen years old in Oregon. I learn to break them with love, not threat or pain.
At 17 years old, I picked night-crawlers (worms) out in our Oregon orchards from 9pm to midnight, every night. I earned enough money to buy my school clothes and book. I also plunked down $600 to a flight company at the Medford, Oregon airport and asked them to teach me...a girl...to fly. I soloed in 12 hours, which is average. From that time until I left for the US Navy at 18, I had accrued 39 hours of flight time in my Cessna 150 single engine airplane.
I was in the US military and was an AG3 (weather forecaster). There was no airplane club, so I couldn't fly when I was in the Navy. But I could look at the clouds in the sky ;-).
Later, I flew in a B-52 bomber for a day and night mission (18 hours total), a T-38 Talon jet, USAF, where I was riding in a "chase plane" on a test flight in a Dragonfly jet.
I was one of the first AFLA (American Fencing League of America) women fencers to fence with epee and sabre. These weapons were closed to women because they were too 'heavy' for a female to handle. I said baloney and fought the males and won half my bouts. I was part of a surge of women fencers on the East Coast in the 1970's to push for equality in the sport. Together, we changed the sport and changed the mind of the men. Today? In the Olympics? Women now fence in foil, epee and sabre, thanks to what we did as a vanguard showing the world it could be done.
I then became a volunteer firefighter when I was a civilian once more, the first woman in an all - male fire department in West Point, Ohio for three years. I became a local expert not only in firefighting, driving the engine and tanker trunks, but also had training in hazardous material (Reynoldsburg Fire Academy, Columbus, OH).
My books always reflect what I experienced. If you like edgy, gritty, deeply and emotionally intense love stories with sympathetic heroes and heroines, check out my newest series that will be available mid-Oct. 2015, and it incorporates much of what I have lived.
I was always a risk taker and broke mustangs at thirteen years old in Oregon. I learn to break them with love, not threat or pain.
At 17 years old, I picked night-crawlers (worms) out in our Oregon orchards from 9pm to midnight, every night. I earned enough money to buy my school clothes and book. I also plunked down $600 to a flight company at the Medford, Oregon airport and asked them to teach me...a girl...to fly. I soloed in 12 hours, which is average. From that time until I left for the US Navy at 18, I had accrued 39 hours of flight time in my Cessna 150 single engine airplane.
I was in the US military and was an AG3 (weather forecaster). There was no airplane club, so I couldn't fly when I was in the Navy. But I could look at the clouds in the sky ;-).
Later, I flew in a B-52 bomber for a day and night mission (18 hours total), a T-38 Talon jet, USAF, where I was riding in a "chase plane" on a test flight in a Dragonfly jet.
I was one of the first AFLA (American Fencing League of America) women fencers to fence with epee and sabre. These weapons were closed to women because they were too 'heavy' for a female to handle. I said baloney and fought the males and won half my bouts. I was part of a surge of women fencers on the East Coast in the 1970's to push for equality in the sport. Together, we changed the sport and changed the mind of the men. Today? In the Olympics? Women now fence in foil, epee and sabre, thanks to what we did as a vanguard showing the world it could be done.
I then became a volunteer firefighter when I was a civilian once more, the first woman in an all - male fire department in West Point, Ohio for three years. I became a local expert not only in firefighting, driving the engine and tanker trunks, but also had training in hazardous material (Reynoldsburg Fire Academy, Columbus, OH).
My books always reflect what I experienced. If you like edgy, gritty, deeply and emotionally intense love stories with sympathetic heroes and heroines, check out my newest series that will be available mid-Oct. 2015, and it incorporates much of what I have lived.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 22, 2013
Well Geez... that was anti-climatic!
I was right into the story, and the author had built such a good story-line and characters and then... the author all of a sudden (the last 30% of the book) starts to tell me how the characters are feeling all the time, and repeats it often like every other paragraph.
It just turned me off the story completely.
Sometimes it's so much better for the characters actions and dialogue between characters to speak for the story, than the characters every 'thought' being written down (repeatedly)... just sayin'
This story had so much potential, and then BAM.... nothing! *sigh*...disappointing *shaking head*.
arc provided by Netgalley for an honest review
I was right into the story, and the author had built such a good story-line and characters and then... the author all of a sudden (the last 30% of the book) starts to tell me how the characters are feeling all the time, and repeats it often like every other paragraph.
It just turned me off the story completely.
Sometimes it's so much better for the characters actions and dialogue between characters to speak for the story, than the characters every 'thought' being written down (repeatedly)... just sayin'
This story had so much potential, and then BAM.... nothing! *sigh*...disappointing *shaking head*.
arc provided by Netgalley for an honest review
September 4, 2021
Dua orang terluka dapat saling menyembuhkan dengan cinta.
Trauma adalah hantu yang harus di lawan.
Trauma adalah hantu yang harus di lawan.
July 5, 2013
Fantastic book. It starts with a rush as Dakota is attacked by a grizzly and must save himself and get to a hospital. While there he meets Shelby, a deputy, who ends up rescuing him when he gets an infection. After he recovers both are asked to serve as trackers for two escaped convicts who have a connection to them both. Shelby's life is in danger and Dakota steps in to protect her. As the search goes on, they grow closer and find that they have the power to heal each other.
I loved both Shelby and Dakota. Besides being a kick butt kind of deputy she is also one of the best trackers in the area. She is frequently called out to find lost campers and so on. Nine years earlier she had been the one to find a man who had brutally raped and murdered a young woman. When she met Dakota she learned that the young woman had been his older sister. Shelby is very attracted to Dakota and is amazed at his skills in the woods. She also finds that his experiences as a SEAL enable him to help her through her own grief over her brother's death. I loved seeing Shelby's kindness and warm heart work on Dakota's stress. She was also able to see past his issues to the kind and gentle man that was also there. She noticed it the most in the care he took of his rescued wolf and how good he was with the little boy they rescued. I also loved her self confidence but that she could also accept when she needed help after she barely escaped one attack. I was impressed by the way that she and Dakota worked so well together and the trust that they built with each other.
Dakota had come home to Jackson Hole after leaving the SEALs. Because of his PTSD he keeps himself apart from everyone and lives alone in the woods. When a grizzly attack sends him to the hospital he can't wait to be released to go back where he feels safe. Shelby was there when he arrived and can't believe he wants to go back immediately, as injured as he is. He accepts her cellphone number in case he needs help, and calls her when he realizes he is suffering from an infection. As he recovers he finds that there is something about Shelby that calms him. When he is with her even being around people is something he can handle. His biggest worry as his feelings for Shelby grow is that his PTSD could cause him to hurt her. When it becomes obvious that the escaped convicts are after Shelby his protective instincts kick in. He was determined that nothing would happen to her and he used every bit of his training to protect her. I especially loved the ending and seeing how much their love was able to counteract the terrible things they had been through.
One of the things I like best about Lindsay McKenna's books is the love and respect that she shows for the military. As a veteran herself she is fully aware of what they go through every day and her books open a window to that world for her readers.
I loved both Shelby and Dakota. Besides being a kick butt kind of deputy she is also one of the best trackers in the area. She is frequently called out to find lost campers and so on. Nine years earlier she had been the one to find a man who had brutally raped and murdered a young woman. When she met Dakota she learned that the young woman had been his older sister. Shelby is very attracted to Dakota and is amazed at his skills in the woods. She also finds that his experiences as a SEAL enable him to help her through her own grief over her brother's death. I loved seeing Shelby's kindness and warm heart work on Dakota's stress. She was also able to see past his issues to the kind and gentle man that was also there. She noticed it the most in the care he took of his rescued wolf and how good he was with the little boy they rescued. I also loved her self confidence but that she could also accept when she needed help after she barely escaped one attack. I was impressed by the way that she and Dakota worked so well together and the trust that they built with each other.
Dakota had come home to Jackson Hole after leaving the SEALs. Because of his PTSD he keeps himself apart from everyone and lives alone in the woods. When a grizzly attack sends him to the hospital he can't wait to be released to go back where he feels safe. Shelby was there when he arrived and can't believe he wants to go back immediately, as injured as he is. He accepts her cellphone number in case he needs help, and calls her when he realizes he is suffering from an infection. As he recovers he finds that there is something about Shelby that calms him. When he is with her even being around people is something he can handle. His biggest worry as his feelings for Shelby grow is that his PTSD could cause him to hurt her. When it becomes obvious that the escaped convicts are after Shelby his protective instincts kick in. He was determined that nothing would happen to her and he used every bit of his training to protect her. I especially loved the ending and seeing how much their love was able to counteract the terrible things they had been through.
One of the things I like best about Lindsay McKenna's books is the love and respect that she shows for the military. As a veteran herself she is fully aware of what they go through every day and her books open a window to that world for her readers.
May 19, 2018
I forgot why I stopped reading this writer. It was just hard to keep reading, but I did finish.
January 15, 2014
3 - 3.5 Stars.
The focus in this Western Romantic Suspense novel is on the effects of PTSD on a former Navy SEAL and his inability to fit into his post-military situation. The heroine is a strong female figure, a deputy sheriff who is an expert tracker out in the Grand Teton/Jackson Hole/Yellowstone region of the country.
She had testified at the trial of two men convicted of rape and murder of a college student some years back, and the hero is this student's younger brother. A wolf cub rescued from a hungry bear is also an important character in THE LONER, by Lindsay McKenna.
I found myself interested in how these characters and their histories would come together, but by about page 300, even I could see that the circumstances in the novel were readable a mile away -- no one as savvy as Shelby would have fallen for that trick. There was too much repetition of stock phrases and ideas about SEALs, and these detracted from the overall rating of this book.
Perhaps tighter editing would have raised the qualtiy. I did like most of the characters I met, other than the bad guys, of course. I do not know whether the other characters have figured in previous books or will appear in future ones -- the last few pages introduce one of Dakota's friends, still active in the military, so it may be that he reappears in a future book.
Aha - I see the subtitle is Jackson Hole #7, so my question in the previous paragraph is answered :)
The focus in this Western Romantic Suspense novel is on the effects of PTSD on a former Navy SEAL and his inability to fit into his post-military situation. The heroine is a strong female figure, a deputy sheriff who is an expert tracker out in the Grand Teton/Jackson Hole/Yellowstone region of the country.
She had testified at the trial of two men convicted of rape and murder of a college student some years back, and the hero is this student's younger brother. A wolf cub rescued from a hungry bear is also an important character in THE LONER, by Lindsay McKenna.
I found myself interested in how these characters and their histories would come together, but by about page 300, even I could see that the circumstances in the novel were readable a mile away -- no one as savvy as Shelby would have fallen for that trick. There was too much repetition of stock phrases and ideas about SEALs, and these detracted from the overall rating of this book.
Perhaps tighter editing would have raised the qualtiy. I did like most of the characters I met, other than the bad guys, of course. I do not know whether the other characters have figured in previous books or will appear in future ones -- the last few pages introduce one of Dakota's friends, still active in the military, so it may be that he reappears in a future book.
Aha - I see the subtitle is Jackson Hole #7, so my question in the previous paragraph is answered :)
July 7, 2013
The publisher says it best when they write the following:
In all her years as deputy sheriff, Shelby Kincaid never met a man as stubborn as Dakota Carson. Practically eaten by a grizzly bear and still that man insists on returning, alone, to his isolated cabin in the Tetons. Shelby's not even sure why it ruffles her—but she suspects it has a lot to do with the instant, powerful connection she feels with Dakota. If only he'd let down his guard with her….
Ten years as a Navy SEAL took its toll on Dakota's body, his mind and his heart. Since being released, he's endured months of painful physical therapy…and brutal nightmares. Dakota wants nothing more than to hide from the world, so why does Shelby's gentle presence suddenly make him question his seclusion? But when Shelby's life is threatened, Dakota knows his warrior spirit won't hide any longer. He just hopes it's not too late….
OH MY WHAT A READ!!!!!!!
A great play between characters as to how they grow and turn to each other for comfort. This book was great read and this little synopsis by the publisher, while great, doesn't go into the depth that I find in the book. While I got this as an advance reading copy, I will DEFINATELY be purchasing it for my library. I can see reading it again and again.
GET THIS BOOK!!!!!!
In all her years as deputy sheriff, Shelby Kincaid never met a man as stubborn as Dakota Carson. Practically eaten by a grizzly bear and still that man insists on returning, alone, to his isolated cabin in the Tetons. Shelby's not even sure why it ruffles her—but she suspects it has a lot to do with the instant, powerful connection she feels with Dakota. If only he'd let down his guard with her….
Ten years as a Navy SEAL took its toll on Dakota's body, his mind and his heart. Since being released, he's endured months of painful physical therapy…and brutal nightmares. Dakota wants nothing more than to hide from the world, so why does Shelby's gentle presence suddenly make him question his seclusion? But when Shelby's life is threatened, Dakota knows his warrior spirit won't hide any longer. He just hopes it's not too late….
OH MY WHAT A READ!!!!!!!
A great play between characters as to how they grow and turn to each other for comfort. This book was great read and this little synopsis by the publisher, while great, doesn't go into the depth that I find in the book. While I got this as an advance reading copy, I will DEFINATELY be purchasing it for my library. I can see reading it again and again.
GET THIS BOOK!!!!!!
September 26, 2013
A slow moving book especially for an adventure based romance. If the romance had been steamier, the lumbering story would have had at least had some upbeat parts. I did like that the female MC was strong and could handle herself in dangerous situations. She was also an excellent tracker. It was also good to see a book attempt to deal with PTSD, but it did not go deep enough. Easy cure is not realistic. I liked the wolf a lot. The last part of the book was a set up for the next one. Hit me over the head with it! Usually a book will introduce characters and let the reader get to know them and begin to want to know the other character's story. No, the author had to tell us about the character and his problems. That was part of the problem with the whole book, we were "told about" instead of sharing the events. I wanted more.
July 10, 2013
Something about the wounded hero that drags you in from the very first scene and the fact that the female lead is sone-one who comes to the heroes rescue certainly didnt hurt either. Love when two strong independent characters meet and you can almost feel the heat . Well worth keeping and reading again.
May 1, 2013
I've always loved Ms. McKenna's work. She is an awesome and talented author. The Loner is a perfect example of Ms. McKenna at her best. While there is lots of action, this story is a story about to scarred, tortured individuals, who finds love and in the process start to heal.
July 19, 2013
I loved this book . Great story, and as usual well written. Of course there is the mandatory background preachiness(is that a word)?- but in this book, the subject is something I happen to agree needs to be preached about.---
June 29, 2013
Sad to see it end!
September 12, 2022
Dakota Carson is a former Navy SEAL living in the Tetons due to PTSD. He is injured in a bear attack and finds himself at the hospital where he meets Deputy Shelby Kincaid. Soon Shelby finds herself being hunted by escaped convicts whom she had helped in putting them in jail.
Great story on how their love develops and the convicts get their just rewards.
Great story on how their love develops and the convicts get their just rewards.
November 8, 2023
I have read several of her stories, and this one is good. I was 4 stars but the ending was disappointing; too easy. Despite knowing the bad guy is still tracking Shelby, her boss & Dakota aren't with her when she goes out to track a lot child. We see this setup! Excellent beginning; good characters, dialogue, pace, tense situation, believable romance, disappointing ending.
May 14, 2021
No getting to know you time in this romance .. I never quite believed it .. lots of action.
I liked the tracker skills of both Dakota and Shelby. And Storm his wolf “dog” was neat.
Setting: Wyoming Tetons, c2013.
Subjects: PTSD, bears, tracking, SEALS
(Might read a couple more from this series.)
I liked the tracker skills of both Dakota and Shelby. And Storm his wolf “dog” was neat.
Setting: Wyoming Tetons, c2013.
Subjects: PTSD, bears, tracking, SEALS
(Might read a couple more from this series.)
May 7, 2023
Buku yang membuat saya masuk mengikuti alur cerita, sebuah romansa sederhana yang ringan untuk di baca. sebuah pembvelajaran dari buku ini adalah sebuah trauma hanya bisa di taklukan dnegan melawan diri sendiri untuk lebih berani.
December 31, 2018
Enjoyable! I liked the characters and plot. Shelby and Dakota had me reading because I found them interesting. I'm reading this series all out of order, but this is perfectly fine as a standalone.
Read
April 8, 2019Kindle
December 21, 2020
Who knew I’d like a cowboy series
May 19, 2021
He is an ex SEAL. Part white part Native American. He has PTSD and lives alone in the Teton mountains. He suffers when a bear attacks him and is bought to hospital. She is a deputy sheriff and is the one who helps him. Her life ends up in danger and he then helps her. HEA ending
September 3, 2021
Tegangnya ngga ada habisnya
October 17, 2016
It was a lot of action. It was was written in a beautiful place.. The story of two hurt people healing each other. with love. I like that Ms. McKenna really helps me learn more about our service men and women. I look forward to her next book.
April 20, 2013
4 STARS
It seems to be that most of all Lindsay McKenna stories have some military theme to them. This is no exception. Dakota is an ex-navy seal dealing with PTSD. So he lives high up in the Teton mountains in a cabin no running water. He hunts for most of his food. He found a wolf pup that a bear killed his whole family and Dakota rescued and raised him. Storm he calls him.
When Dakota was out checking on his traps he runs into a grizzly bear. He takes a beating for he is able to kill the bear. He has his pockets full of items that he was trained to have with him. he uses a tourniquet to slow bleeding, puts pad and duck tapes his arm. He knows he need help fast and his truck is a mile away. He makes it to hospital parking lot.
Shelby is a deputy sheriff and is picking up some paperwork at hospital when she sees a truck park into two spaces and she thinks he is drunk when she sees all the blood. Calls for help and gets him into the hospital. Dakota has seen the doctor once before and she knows what is problem is.
Dakota gets Shelby to take care off Storm till he gets done. He has no plans to stay overnight in the hospital. Dakota tells Shelby that she won't know where he lives. Shelby is a tracker like Dakota and she knows right where his cabin is. She gives Dakota her phone number in case of emergency. He ends up needing it.
Shelby and Dakota end up tracking together to find missing campers and they work well together. Then they end up working too capture two escape convicts that are personal to both of them. They rape and tortured Dakota's older sister and Shelby is the one who tracked them down last time and took them in for it.
They sure encounter a lot of wildlife in the back country. This starts off with lots action and drama and continues throughout the book. It deals with some issues of PTSD that soldiers go through and law enforcement. Dakota helps Shelby to cope with some of the events that she is facing. Shelby helps him to cope with his problems and gets him to talk about what he went through.
I like it that they both end up saving each other at different times. They are able to work to save some of the lost. They are both strong characters and have good points and faults that make them human.
Their are a few love scenes and some scenes describing what Dakota's sister suffered through years ago.
I am sorry for all the soldiers that are facing PTSD and are having a hard time fitting back into regular life. I hope that the drugs work for them to help their cortisol levels even out. Thank you for your service where ever you serve or what ever you do to serve this country and keep us safe. Thank you.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of The Loner when finished by Netgalley.
June 18th 2013 by Harlequin HQN 384 pages ISBN:0373777728
Description below taken off of Goodreads.
A man at war with himself In all her years as deputy sheriff, Shelby Kincaid never met a man as stubborn as Dakota Carson. Practically eaten by a grizzly bear and still that man insists on returning, alone, to his isolated cabin in the Tetons. Shelby's not even sure why it ruffles her-but she suspects it has a lot to do with the instant, powerful connection she feels with Dakota. If only he'd let down his guard with her....
Ten years as a navy SEAL took its toll on Dakota's body, his mind and his heart. Since being released, he's endured months of painful physical therapy...and brutal nightmares. Dakota wants nothing more than to hide from the world, so why does Shelby's gentle presence suddenly make him question his seclusion? But when Shelby's life is threatened, Dakota knows his warrior spirit won't hide any longer. He just hopes it's not too late
It seems to be that most of all Lindsay McKenna stories have some military theme to them. This is no exception. Dakota is an ex-navy seal dealing with PTSD. So he lives high up in the Teton mountains in a cabin no running water. He hunts for most of his food. He found a wolf pup that a bear killed his whole family and Dakota rescued and raised him. Storm he calls him.
When Dakota was out checking on his traps he runs into a grizzly bear. He takes a beating for he is able to kill the bear. He has his pockets full of items that he was trained to have with him. he uses a tourniquet to slow bleeding, puts pad and duck tapes his arm. He knows he need help fast and his truck is a mile away. He makes it to hospital parking lot.
Shelby is a deputy sheriff and is picking up some paperwork at hospital when she sees a truck park into two spaces and she thinks he is drunk when she sees all the blood. Calls for help and gets him into the hospital. Dakota has seen the doctor once before and she knows what is problem is.
Dakota gets Shelby to take care off Storm till he gets done. He has no plans to stay overnight in the hospital. Dakota tells Shelby that she won't know where he lives. Shelby is a tracker like Dakota and she knows right where his cabin is. She gives Dakota her phone number in case of emergency. He ends up needing it.
Shelby and Dakota end up tracking together to find missing campers and they work well together. Then they end up working too capture two escape convicts that are personal to both of them. They rape and tortured Dakota's older sister and Shelby is the one who tracked them down last time and took them in for it.
They sure encounter a lot of wildlife in the back country. This starts off with lots action and drama and continues throughout the book. It deals with some issues of PTSD that soldiers go through and law enforcement. Dakota helps Shelby to cope with some of the events that she is facing. Shelby helps him to cope with his problems and gets him to talk about what he went through.
I like it that they both end up saving each other at different times. They are able to work to save some of the lost. They are both strong characters and have good points and faults that make them human.
Their are a few love scenes and some scenes describing what Dakota's sister suffered through years ago.
I am sorry for all the soldiers that are facing PTSD and are having a hard time fitting back into regular life. I hope that the drugs work for them to help their cortisol levels even out. Thank you for your service where ever you serve or what ever you do to serve this country and keep us safe. Thank you.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of The Loner when finished by Netgalley.
June 18th 2013 by Harlequin HQN 384 pages ISBN:0373777728
Description below taken off of Goodreads.
A man at war with himself In all her years as deputy sheriff, Shelby Kincaid never met a man as stubborn as Dakota Carson. Practically eaten by a grizzly bear and still that man insists on returning, alone, to his isolated cabin in the Tetons. Shelby's not even sure why it ruffles her-but she suspects it has a lot to do with the instant, powerful connection she feels with Dakota. If only he'd let down his guard with her....
Ten years as a navy SEAL took its toll on Dakota's body, his mind and his heart. Since being released, he's endured months of painful physical therapy...and brutal nightmares. Dakota wants nothing more than to hide from the world, so why does Shelby's gentle presence suddenly make him question his seclusion? But when Shelby's life is threatened, Dakota knows his warrior spirit won't hide any longer. He just hopes it's not too late
August 14, 2013
If I could I would rate THE LONER a whopping ** 10 **
This book is very spell binding and captures your interest from the very beginning. It subtly teaches you to appreciate the depth of trauma in our military, particularly SEALs, who endure, while bravely putting it ALL on the line to defend our rights and freedom. PTSD not only affects service men and women, but everyone in uniform (or plain clothes) who step up to protect us. The Loner, Dakota Carson, is an ex-SEAL with a wounded soul. With patience, warmth and kindness, Shelby Kincaid, a Sheriff’s Deputy, helps him heal.
As circumstances evolve, they alternately become each other’s support and means of survival. Also getting into the act is the endearing Storm, a rescued wolf who saves each of them. When Dakota and Shelby join forces against a common enemy who has gravely impacted both of their lives, they learn that as a united front they can accomplish so much more. Although they are human with frailties and flaws, together they develop a bond of trust and become a much needed rock for each other.
SEALs are highly trained and driven by Heart, Teamwork and Family. You don’t have to be related by blood to share a common bond and create familial ties. The invisible injures are often the most damaging. Understanding, respect and love can aid the healing process. We owe ALL of them a HUGE debt of gratitude!
The Wyoming Series by Lindsay McKenna is about the Western people who live in and around Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This is book number seven of the series and these are stand-alone books, although you may well see characters from other novels, in this book. It is about their lives, their families, their challenges and their triumphs.
For all of the books from her Western Series check out: http://lindsaymckenna.com/category/bo....
This book is very spell binding and captures your interest from the very beginning. It subtly teaches you to appreciate the depth of trauma in our military, particularly SEALs, who endure, while bravely putting it ALL on the line to defend our rights and freedom. PTSD not only affects service men and women, but everyone in uniform (or plain clothes) who step up to protect us. The Loner, Dakota Carson, is an ex-SEAL with a wounded soul. With patience, warmth and kindness, Shelby Kincaid, a Sheriff’s Deputy, helps him heal.
As circumstances evolve, they alternately become each other’s support and means of survival. Also getting into the act is the endearing Storm, a rescued wolf who saves each of them. When Dakota and Shelby join forces against a common enemy who has gravely impacted both of their lives, they learn that as a united front they can accomplish so much more. Although they are human with frailties and flaws, together they develop a bond of trust and become a much needed rock for each other.
SEALs are highly trained and driven by Heart, Teamwork and Family. You don’t have to be related by blood to share a common bond and create familial ties. The invisible injures are often the most damaging. Understanding, respect and love can aid the healing process. We owe ALL of them a HUGE debt of gratitude!
The Wyoming Series by Lindsay McKenna is about the Western people who live in and around Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This is book number seven of the series and these are stand-alone books, although you may well see characters from other novels, in this book. It is about their lives, their families, their challenges and their triumphs.
For all of the books from her Western Series check out: http://lindsaymckenna.com/category/bo....
August 12, 2013
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads and have read other books by Lindsay McKenna although this was tough to get through. I almost put it down but did manage to finish reading it. The character development of both Dakota and Shelby was a bit dramatic. You understood from the beginning that PTSD can affect both men and women in not only the armed forces but in all jobs relating to service (fireman, policeman, etc). Their reactions to extreme situations and dedication to protecting victims was evident from the beginning. I was disappointed on a couple of different levels. The details about the murder, torture and rape of Dakota's sister may be tough for many to get through. I did not need the details to the extent they were provided-it was too graphic for me and took away from enjoying the story. The description of the two perpetrators was enough without the horrific description. However by providing it the author confirmed the evil and sinister nature of the two men who escaped jail and now were headed to get revenge on the female tracker who captured them. One inconsistency in the story is that when travelling to and from work protection was not provided to ensure they could not capture Shelby. The first time they gained access to her , she dealt with it, but it was not realistic. I have enjoyed other books by Lindsay McKenna so I will read her again but if this was my first read of one of her books I would not pick up another.
November 3, 2013
Should have let the embarrassingly bad title be a warning. No spoiler because it's the opening of the book & alluded to on the back cover - the hero is attacked by a bear & goes to the ER where he meets the heroine. Virtually everything is woefully inaccurate for the setting, which immediately pulled me out of the story. This includes when a nurse calls the heroine over to give her (and us) the hero's life story including confidential medical history.
Then, dun dun, the hero's "in trouble" because it's illegal to kill a bear - um, not if it's to save your life. Duh. But it becomes a handy plot device to keep our police office heroine brushing up against the hero. Also, since the author obviously has never heard that patients have the right to sign out of a hospital AMA, the H is told to spend the night with the h, a complete stranger, in exchange for being discharged from the hospital. (Rolls eyes)
On top of all that, the author makes all women look bad by not getting how cars work. The H's car conveniently won't start simply because it's cold. And instead of jump starting his car, the h then has to drive him home herself.
Many coincidences follow. Also, a whole lot of boring action. I could not finish the book. It's ridiculous crap like this, and the women reading it who say "Who cares? I don't want a science/history/common sense lesson. Just get to the romance" who keep this genre in the doghouse.
Then, dun dun, the hero's "in trouble" because it's illegal to kill a bear - um, not if it's to save your life. Duh. But it becomes a handy plot device to keep our police office heroine brushing up against the hero. Also, since the author obviously has never heard that patients have the right to sign out of a hospital AMA, the H is told to spend the night with the h, a complete stranger, in exchange for being discharged from the hospital. (Rolls eyes)
On top of all that, the author makes all women look bad by not getting how cars work. The H's car conveniently won't start simply because it's cold. And instead of jump starting his car, the h then has to drive him home herself.
Many coincidences follow. Also, a whole lot of boring action. I could not finish the book. It's ridiculous crap like this, and the women reading it who say "Who cares? I don't want a science/history/common sense lesson. Just get to the romance" who keep this genre in the doghouse.
June 26, 2013
This is a fast moving romance and suspense story that will keep you from getting a good night’s sleep! I know because that is exactly what happened to me. The Loner has two very strong characters who have both dealt with some powerful loss and yet they are able to help each other out in their times of need.
Dakota is a vet who served in the Navy Seals and is dealing with PTSD. He lives alone is the woods with a wild female wolf he calls Stormy. He meets Shelby when he brings himself to the local hospital after a grizzly bear attacks him. Shelby is a deputy and is known in the area for her tracking abilities. She too has suffered, her brother committed suicide while serving in the military. Now two convicted rapist have escaped and they are after the woman who tracked them down… Shelby.
The one thing that bothered me was the description of the rape and torture that Dakota’s sister had gone through. I was reading this at night so I ended up with some powerful nightmares. So, if you are like me and sensitive to this kind of issue, please be aware that the story line does mention this a few times.
I do like how well PTSD situation was handled. That and the respect for the military and those who serve really stood out for me and just touched my heart. This is a powerful story and one that should not be missed.
Dakota is a vet who served in the Navy Seals and is dealing with PTSD. He lives alone is the woods with a wild female wolf he calls Stormy. He meets Shelby when he brings himself to the local hospital after a grizzly bear attacks him. Shelby is a deputy and is known in the area for her tracking abilities. She too has suffered, her brother committed suicide while serving in the military. Now two convicted rapist have escaped and they are after the woman who tracked them down… Shelby.
The one thing that bothered me was the description of the rape and torture that Dakota’s sister had gone through. I was reading this at night so I ended up with some powerful nightmares. So, if you are like me and sensitive to this kind of issue, please be aware that the story line does mention this a few times.
I do like how well PTSD situation was handled. That and the respect for the military and those who serve really stood out for me and just touched my heart. This is a powerful story and one that should not be missed.
July 12, 2016
3.5 Stars
The Loner by Lindsay McKenna is a Romantic Suspense novel that delves into the condition of PTSD, (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). I’ve always admired the elite forces of the American Armed Forces. The Loner takes us into the mind and heart of a former Navy SEAL struggling with the effects of PTSD. It’s fiction of course but I can’t help feel there was a lot truth to the trauma that the character of Dakota went through.
I enjoyed The Loner and my only complaint is that it dragged a bit in spots. It’s a good book and I liked the characters of Shelby and Dakota. They are good together and their love helps each other heal. Shelby is great heroine. She is smart, kind heart hearted and independent. Dakota is a gruff and tough hero. He suffers from a bad case of PTSD but he is very good and gentle with Shelby. Her presence eases much of his near constant anxiety and it gives him hope that he might be able to have a better life. The action is well played out and helps keep the story moving along. The tracking is a great element and adds a nice depth to the story.
Overall, The Loner is a lovely story and I recommend it to fans of Romantic Suspense.
The Loner by Lindsay McKenna is a Romantic Suspense novel that delves into the condition of PTSD, (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). I’ve always admired the elite forces of the American Armed Forces. The Loner takes us into the mind and heart of a former Navy SEAL struggling with the effects of PTSD. It’s fiction of course but I can’t help feel there was a lot truth to the trauma that the character of Dakota went through.
I enjoyed The Loner and my only complaint is that it dragged a bit in spots. It’s a good book and I liked the characters of Shelby and Dakota. They are good together and their love helps each other heal. Shelby is great heroine. She is smart, kind heart hearted and independent. Dakota is a gruff and tough hero. He suffers from a bad case of PTSD but he is very good and gentle with Shelby. Her presence eases much of his near constant anxiety and it gives him hope that he might be able to have a better life. The action is well played out and helps keep the story moving along. The tracking is a great element and adds a nice depth to the story.
Overall, The Loner is a lovely story and I recommend it to fans of Romantic Suspense.
July 24, 2013
I liked this book but didn't love it. I was excited to start reading it because I have been on the look out for a good romance featuring a military man or woman. Well, I found this one about an ex-Navy SEAL with PTSD and thought it sounded pretty good. My problem was it took me awhile to read it (I kept picking it up then setting it aside to read something else) because I got tired of hearing about him being a SEAL. I mean I read the blurb, so I know he's ex-military I don't it told to me repeatedly, I counted at least 60 times in the first 30% of the book that the word SEAL was written and that doesn't count the times he's referred to as warrior or solider, etc. I liked the story and the relationship of Shelby and Dakota and I'm glad I didn't give up on it.
Thanks Netgalley for providing the ARC.
Thanks Netgalley for providing the ARC.
September 19, 2013
A very good book that is a tribute to our men and women fighting in combat, especially the SEALs and Special Forces.
Deputy Shelby Kincaid first sees Dakota Carson during the trial for the murderers of his sister. Years later, as she sees him stumbling to the hospital’s ER after a bear attack, she goes to help him and realizes she has seen him before. Then, she gets word that the two murderers have escaped prison and are on the loose. It was due to Shelby's tracking them that got them caught before and the sheriff and Dakota think they will be coming for her to even the score. Dakota is drawn to Shelby as she keeps some of his nightmares away and is determined that the murderers can’t get to her before he takes them out.
Deputy Shelby Kincaid first sees Dakota Carson during the trial for the murderers of his sister. Years later, as she sees him stumbling to the hospital’s ER after a bear attack, she goes to help him and realizes she has seen him before. Then, she gets word that the two murderers have escaped prison and are on the loose. It was due to Shelby's tracking them that got them caught before and the sheriff and Dakota think they will be coming for her to even the score. Dakota is drawn to Shelby as she keeps some of his nightmares away and is determined that the murderers can’t get to her before he takes them out.
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