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The Brodies of Alaska #1
Against the Wild
Alaska: Where the men are as bold and untamed as America's last wilderness...
It's been three years since Lane Bishop tragically lost her fiancé, and she's finally ready to risk her heart on someone else. The hot look in Dylan Brodie's eyes says he's going to be that man.
But when Lane flies to the remote 1930s fishing lodge to help him renovate, she discovers a little girl who won't speak, eerie legends and strange sounds in the night. And when she investigates the history of the lodge, she uncovers a legacy of injustice and murder.
As danger stalks his daughter and the woman he is coming to love, Dylan must risk everything to uncover the shocking truth.
It's been three years since Lane Bishop tragically lost her fiancé, and she's finally ready to risk her heart on someone else. The hot look in Dylan Brodie's eyes says he's going to be that man.
But when Lane flies to the remote 1930s fishing lodge to help him renovate, she discovers a little girl who won't speak, eerie legends and strange sounds in the night. And when she investigates the history of the lodge, she uncovers a legacy of injustice and murder.
As danger stalks his daughter and the woman he is coming to love, Dylan must risk everything to uncover the shocking truth.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
754 people are currently reading
1751 people want to read
About the author
Kat Martin
189 books3,173 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
December 15, 2025
So, I picked this by mistake~~~
Nebraska, Alaska ~ Potato, potatoh? 😅😝
⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ ➵ It was okay
Mostly
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Nebraska, Alaska ~ Potato, potatoh? 😅😝
⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ ➵ It was okay
Mostly
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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December 12, 2017
This is the 1st book of this series. I really enjoyed it. I liked the characters and could connect to them. The mystery inside of a mystery was great.
May 28, 2014
I'm a fan of Kat Martin's books and usually quite love her leading men. But, I'm kind of torn on this one because I really liked the first half of the book but then felt myself kind of losing interest past that point... and, I wasn't a huge fan of Dylan.
Dylan and Lane were characters introduced in previous books so if you are a fan of this author you will already know their history together. They have always been attracted to each other so Dylan uses the opportunity of utilizing Lane's interior design skills to help him renovate his Alaskan lodge while at the same time hoping to get her into his bed. It did kind of bug me that he brought Lane all the way from L.A primarily for a potential booty call... it seemed to be all that was on his mind. I would have liked a more emotional dialogue between these two and less of the objectifying her with his thoughts stuff...
I quite liked Lane though... I'm always a fan of smart, independent women who know how to stand on their own two feet. And, considering her back story it was time for her to finally open her heart up to the possibility of love again.
I LOVE ghost stories and that is why I was more engaged in the first half of the book... but, after the mystery of the ghosts was resolved (which was a bit of a let down) the plot changed over to them trying to help get his friend Caleb get cleared for a murder charge of a local woman. I would have preferred that the entire book had been focused solely on the "haunted lodge" storyline. I had no interest really in Dylan playing detective... and it seems like everyone was a little too okay with him sticking his nose into a police investigation where it didn't belong.
All in all this was not my favorite Kat Martin book... but, that doesn't mean I won't pick up the next book in the series. I will... :) The one thing I do like about this author is that each book gives us something completely different. Even though it's better to start from the beginning of the series... it is possible to read her books as stand alones.
ARC was provided by the publisher via netgalley
www.ktbookreviews.com
Dylan and Lane were characters introduced in previous books so if you are a fan of this author you will already know their history together. They have always been attracted to each other so Dylan uses the opportunity of utilizing Lane's interior design skills to help him renovate his Alaskan lodge while at the same time hoping to get her into his bed. It did kind of bug me that he brought Lane all the way from L.A primarily for a potential booty call... it seemed to be all that was on his mind. I would have liked a more emotional dialogue between these two and less of the objectifying her with his thoughts stuff...
I quite liked Lane though... I'm always a fan of smart, independent women who know how to stand on their own two feet. And, considering her back story it was time for her to finally open her heart up to the possibility of love again.
I LOVE ghost stories and that is why I was more engaged in the first half of the book... but, after the mystery of the ghosts was resolved (which was a bit of a let down) the plot changed over to them trying to help get his friend Caleb get cleared for a murder charge of a local woman. I would have preferred that the entire book had been focused solely on the "haunted lodge" storyline. I had no interest really in Dylan playing detective... and it seems like everyone was a little too okay with him sticking his nose into a police investigation where it didn't belong.
All in all this was not my favorite Kat Martin book... but, that doesn't mean I won't pick up the next book in the series. I will... :) The one thing I do like about this author is that each book gives us something completely different. Even though it's better to start from the beginning of the series... it is possible to read her books as stand alones.
ARC was provided by the publisher via netgalley
www.ktbookreviews.com
January 16, 2016
My thought/feelings while reading - Lots of quotes included :)
0% Got an arc for this book ages ago (over a year ago) and have finally gotten to this point in the series haha - I cant read a series out of order! It'd drive me mad haha!
Im looking forward to this one - it sounds intriguing! I love stories with kids and I also love romantic suspense stories which Im totally in the mood for atm so hopefully Ill enjoy this one :) Going to start it tomorrow on the train :)
2% Emily was his to watch over and protect, his to care for and comfort. But he had lost his daughter three years ago. When he had driven her mother away.
Oh Dylan! It's not your fault! :( poor emily and Dylan! :(
7% He sighed, suddenly weary. He hated talking about Emily, hated feeling so helpless.
Oh Dylan! It's not your fault! :( I love a good dad - I hope we see more of him n emily together!
9% Dylan set his fork down beside his plate. “You probably saw it from the plane and didn’t realize you had. It’s just a coincidence.” “Yes, I’m sure you’re right. It’s kind of odd, though.”
Hmm? Very odd! I'm intrigued ... :)
10% He needed to give her time. He had known that from the start.
I love that Dylan knows that n won't rush her :D
13% Striding off down the hall, he stopped to make a quick check on his daughter.
I LOVE that his daughter is his first priority!!! :D <3
14% What murders?” Lane asked. “Oh, it goes way back,” Charlie said. “No one knows for sure what happened. People say they’ve seen ghosts up there. Say that’s the reason the owners keep selling.”
Oh I'm so intrigued! I really wanna know what's going on :) Im enjoying it so far :D looking forward to seeing more of Dylan, and lane :) I also really really wanna see more of emily :D
17% Lane hesitated. No way could she mention the crying she had heard to Dylan. He’d be sure it was Emily, and Lane didn’t want to lose the little girl’s trust. Still, she needed to know if something odd was going on
I love that lane is determined to find out what is going on but isn't willing to lose Emily's trust! I really wanna see more of her! :D
20% He couldn’t stay mad at her. Not when she looked so damned cute
I love that even now, when they don't really know each other - he can't say no to her :)
22% Dylan’s whole body clenched. Wishing they were somewhere besides the middle of the sidewalk, he kissed her back. “Jesus, I want you.”
I love that just a kiss from Lane can affect Dylan like that! :D <3
24% Some of the tension went out of his shoulders.
Oh poor Dylan! :( and that's so sad! I hope that's not the end of it! I want to see more of this! Im really enjoying this ghost mystery!
25% He’d been crazy about Holly, but seeing her again had cleared his head. Revisiting their disastrous relationship, going down that painful road again, wouldn’t be good for either one of them.
Oh caleb no! I don't know why but I really like him n holly! Even though we've only seen them together once - I'm rooting for them! :D
26% Lifting her into the V between his legs, he let her feel the heavy erection throbbing beneath the fly of his jeans. Jesus, he was on fire for her.
Finally! :D this is gonna be hot! <3
27% Guilt swept through her. She thought of Jason and how much she had loved him. They’d had sex often and it had always been good between them. But there was none of the hunger, the deep restless need she felt for Dylan, none of the hungry need he seemed to feel for her
Oh poor lane! :( Jason would want you to be happy - just because it's different with Dylan doesn't mean you didn't love Jason! It's just different - a different kind of love!
28% He was angry now. Everything he had worked for was in danger. He towered over her.
Oh my god!! Wtf is going on here?!? I can't wait to find out!!
30% “We didn’t really get a chance to talk the other day. Today’s my day off.” She glanced toward the lodge. “I’ve never been out here, but I’ve heard about it. I thought maybe you could show me around
Aww holly! I'm glad she's made the next move and won't give up!, :D go holly! Looking forward to seeing where this goes :)
32% She nodded. She didn’t say anything more about Amelia. They needed to trust each other. And there was something sincere about Dylan Brodie she had noticed from the moment she had met him.
I love that lane knows that! She's convinced herself this is only short term yet knows she needs to trust him - that speaks of long term intentions! I LOVE IT! :D
33% “Seattle isn’t that far. Doesn’t she see her daughter at all?” Mrs. Henry’s eyes sharpened on Lane’s face. “Why, no. I thought you knew.
Oh my god :( poor emily! I hope we see a lot more of her! :) I love stories with kids involved :D
34% Just as Caleb had said, a wall in one of the bathrooms had been painted with streaky red letters. Crimson dripped eerily all the way to the floor.
Omg! What the fuck is going on in this house!!! Poor Dylan! :'( I'm starting to love Winnie - she never told Dylan what was going on coz she didn't wanna worry him! <3
35% “Wait till you see this.” Dylan almost smiled at her enthusiasm. Clearly she’d changed her mind about the haunting. One less obstacle to overcome.
Haha Dylan! Lane isn't what your used to - she's happy to be proven wrong :) this mystery is really good! I'm so intrigued! I can't wait to find out what Lanes found and what's really going on here! :D <3
36% Dylan’s features tightened. “Clever, yes. But someone has to be coming into Emily’s room to wind it up and that scares the hell out of me.”
Oh shit! That fucking scares me too!! :'(
37% Regret that his little girl refused to speak? Or that she would be leaving? Either way, Lane felt a touch of that same regret.
Oh lane! You don't have to leave! :( I like seeing her with emily - maybe she'll get her to speak??? :D
38% “I can’t believe that happened.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I’ve got a thousand things on my mind and none of them include having sex with a beautiful woman. One look at you in that towel . . .” He shook his head. “Jesus, Lane.” Ridiculously pleased she could affect him that way
I love it too lane! :D <3
39% A sliver of unease went through her. The consequences of falling in love with Dylan would be dire for both of them. She couldn’t stay here. He couldn’t leave. And there was Emily to think of. Lane refused to do anything that would hurt Dylan’s little girl.
Oh lane! Though I love that she's thinking of emily! She knows mores at stake then just her n Dylan! :D <3
41% So he has two girlfriends?” “Not exactly. He’s been seeing a little blond schoolteacher in town. Holly’s his ex. I have a hunch she isn’t happy he’s seeing someone else. Jenny’s great, but Holly’s bad news.”
?? I'm intrigued! I wonder who he'll choose n how it'll work out - I liked holly ? I'm wondering why she's bad news - apart from hurting caleb a few years ago she seems like a good woman ? :/
42% If he’d been the least bit tempted to see Holly again, that temptation was gone. She was trouble. Always had been. He wanted no part of it, or her. Caleb looked over at Jenny, thought of those soft lips and trusting blue eyes, then reached down and started the engine. There was something good between them. Caleb wasn’t about to mess it up.
I agree caleb! I no longer like holly - I hope we see more of you n Jenny! :D
44% Her eyes were shining. “Thank you, Caleb.” “Don’t thank me—thank him. I just picked them up.” Turning, he strode off across the yard. Lane studied the items in the box. “This is a wonderful present.
Awwww Dylan!!! <3
47% Caleb grunted. “It’s over, all right. I might have been a little curious about her, but not anymore. The last thing I want in my life is a woman like
I agree! I really really don't like her anymore - it goes to show how wrong first impressions can be sometimes! -_-
48% Emily’s uncertainty turned to excitement that had her hopping up and down.
Awwwwww! Yay Love seeing Dylan, Lane n Emily! :D <3
49% As the lodge drew near, Lane could see the bedrooms on this side of the building, the deck sweeping around them, the stairs leading up from the ground below. She paused, her hand tightening around Emily’s. She could see into the bedroom she and Dylan had been sharing, into the guest room next to it that she had been using since her arrival.
Oh shit! I'm not getting a good feeling :'(
50% Her pale blue cat eyes filled. “Don’t cry, honey. I’ll move my boot. I won’t try to come in. I’ll let you close the door in my face if you’ll just give me a couple of minutes to explain.”
Aww caleb!
51% There is no us! I’m warning you, Holly. I’m not putting up with this any longer.” He tried to clamp down on the fury pumping through him. Turning away from her, he stormed toward the door. It occurred to him the place had gone quiet, that half the bar was watching.
I'm getting a really bad feeling about this! Really really bad! :'(
53% We’ll need you to come with us, answer some questions.”
Oh shit! I knew it! :'( :'(
54% He could just make out the roof of the lodge through the trees. Did they really think boarding up the place was going to keep him out if he wanted to get in?
Wtf?! Who is this guy n what does he want!! :'(
55% “I should make you go back,” he said, kissing the side of her neck. “It’d be the safest move. But dammit, I don’t want you to leave.” Lane popped her seat belt, leaned in for another scorching kiss. “I’m staying,” she whispered when the hot kiss ended. She took a steadying breath. “With both of us working together, we can solve whatever problems come up.”
<3 I'm loving these two together! I can't wait to see what happens between them - how they get their HEA! :D <3
58% Emily ran to Caleb, and he caught her in his arms and swung her up on his shoulders. Lane could see the disappointment on Dylan’s face that his little girl hadn’t dashed over to him.
Oh poor Dylan! That line n the image of his face just about broke my heart :'(
60% A heartbeat passed. “I’ll do what I can.” Dylan knew his brother was trying to take a break from the murder and mayhem he had dealt with in his job. Still, this was Caleb. Dylan knew he could count on Nick’s help.
I'm glad we've had glimpses of Nick and Rafe - makes me excited for their books! :D
61% He told himself to be careful, keep his distance. He tried to remember what had happened with Mariah. But when he looked at Lane, his mind refused to go there.
That's because she's nothing like Mariah and subconciously you know that! <3 :D
64% Quiet settled over him. The self-directed anger was gone. He’d needed her and she’d needed him. Whatever he felt for Lane, he would deal with it when the time came for her to go.
Oh Dylan! :( I love him - I dno when it happened but it did :D <3
66% He hadn’t been back inside the house in days, not that he couldn’t get in anytime he wanted. For a while, the stupid kids had made it easy
Omg! What the fuck does this guy want?!?!
67% Jenny reached up and touched his cheek. “Anyone but you.” Caleb caught her hand and kissed the palm. “You shouldn’t be out here, Jenny. You’re a schoolteacher. You can’t be involved with a guy suspected of murder.” “What kind of a person would I be if I didn’t stand up for what I believed in? I don’t believe you killed that girl. I wanted you to know that, so here I am.”
Awwwww I really really like Jenny! Hope we get to see more of her :) <3
70% As soon as it was ready, she would be heading back home. It was a depressing thought.
:( it doesn't have to be :( you could stay! Please stay Lane!!
71% “Go ahead,” Lane said softly, her heart aching for the little girl. “Emily needs you.” She pointed toward the small retreating figure running down the path, and Finn bolted after her. Not sure what had just happened, Lane sighed and walked back to her easel. But her focus was no longer on the painting but on the little girl.
Oh emily! :'(
72% It isn’t your fault. It’s not Lane’s fault, either. I don’t suppose either of you planned to get in quite so deep.”
I love how wise Winnie is! These two are hurting my heart! I know their lives are so far apart but they can make it work - they have to!! They belong together!<3
73% A memory tugged at the edge of her mind. Had Kyle mentioned a friend named Dusty? She worked to bring the memory into focus, but it remained elusive. A shiver went through her.
Oh my god! What the fuck - is lane right?!? What the hells going on?!
75% His gaze sharpened on her face. “Oh, you’re going, all right. Until we know exactly what’s going on, I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
Love that Dylan wants to protect her - even if he knows he needs to back off to protect himself! Oh poor lane - I never would have guessed something like that! <3
76% When they reached the yard, Lane saw that the gate was open and Finn was gone.
Is it just me or does this seem way too much of a coincidence?!? :(
77% Now he needed to get rid of Dylan Brodie. As soon as Brodie was out of the way, he would come for Lane
Omg no! I'm scared! :'(
81% When he did, Dylan meant to stop him.
Oh god! That's what I'm scared of! :'(
82% Lane stared out the window, her heart pounding wildly. For miles ahead, all she could see were trees
Oh shit! Though I LOVE how calm Dylan is!
85% Too bad Brodie was going to have a terrible accident along the way.
Oh god! What the hell is he planning! :'(
86% She looked up at him, big green eyes wider than he’d ever seen them. “It was . . . it was amazing. He was so beautiful.” Of all the things he had expected her to say, that wasn’t one of them
See Dylan! If anyone can handle living in Alaska it's Lane! :D <3
87% We need to find him before he finds Lane and Dylan.”
Yay Nick! :D I'm glad he's here n from just that glimpse of him I'm looking forward to his book! :) <3
88% She squeezed her eyes shut, praying Dylan was wrong, knowing he was right.
Oh god! Why am I now at work?!? I don't wanna put this down but I have no choice!! :'( :'(
89% He chuckled, but the sound came out harsh and grim
Wtf! Kyle is crazy but he's smart! Too smart! I'm scared - what the hell is he gonna do!! :'(
90% but he needed to move things along,
Oh god no!! I thought this was his plan but I was hoping I was wrong!! :'(
91% Dylan vowed, so furious he could barely force out the words. “I promise you.”
Oh Dylan! :'( and Winnie! :'(
93% Instead of running away, Emily turned and ran after them, pushing at Kyle, trying to keep him from dragging Lane inside.
Emily!!!!! <3 <3
94% The first words Emily had said in three years had been forced out of her mouth by fear for Lane.
Oh emily!!! I love you and lane and Dylan!! <3 please say you all your HEA! <3
96% Dylan’s eyes slid closed. He swallowed past the tightness in his throat and hugged his little girl. “I’ve got you now. You don’t ever have to be afraid again.”
Oh Dylan!!! I love you so much! I love men who are amazing daddys! <3 <3
97% “Sleep with me tonight,” he said. “Dylan . . .” “Please, love. Tonight’s all we have.”
Oh Dylan!! :'( :'(
She was stronger than Dylan believed. She’d be stronger still with a man by her side who loved her. She thought about telling him that. But Dylan wouldn’t believe her.
Then prove it! Stay n fight! Please lane - this is hurting my heart! :'(
98% She looked up at him, her pink cheeks streaked with tears. “Mama didn’t love us enough.” “No, she didn’t.” “But Lane does. I k-know she does. Lane loves us enough to stay
Oh emily!! :'( :'( <3 <3 I hate Mariah so much! -_-
99% His own joy came from a place he’d closed off a long time ago. Lane had opened the door to that dark, lonely place inside him.
Oh Dylan!! I love this man! <3 <3 some where in this book I fell in love with him! <3 <3
100% Aww I loved this book! I hate that it took me so long to read it! But when I did get time to pick it up I hated putting it down! <3 I loved Dylan, lane and emily! I loved caleb and Jenny and the mystery/ies were amazing! I was so intrigued the whole book! 4.5 stars! I need to think whether to round up or down - I'm thinking up but I'm not too sure atm :D
0% Got an arc for this book ages ago (over a year ago) and have finally gotten to this point in the series haha - I cant read a series out of order! It'd drive me mad haha!
Im looking forward to this one - it sounds intriguing! I love stories with kids and I also love romantic suspense stories which Im totally in the mood for atm so hopefully Ill enjoy this one :) Going to start it tomorrow on the train :)
2% Emily was his to watch over and protect, his to care for and comfort. But he had lost his daughter three years ago. When he had driven her mother away.
Oh Dylan! It's not your fault! :( poor emily and Dylan! :(
7% He sighed, suddenly weary. He hated talking about Emily, hated feeling so helpless.
Oh Dylan! It's not your fault! :( I love a good dad - I hope we see more of him n emily together!
9% Dylan set his fork down beside his plate. “You probably saw it from the plane and didn’t realize you had. It’s just a coincidence.” “Yes, I’m sure you’re right. It’s kind of odd, though.”
Hmm? Very odd! I'm intrigued ... :)
10% He needed to give her time. He had known that from the start.
I love that Dylan knows that n won't rush her :D
13% Striding off down the hall, he stopped to make a quick check on his daughter.
I LOVE that his daughter is his first priority!!! :D <3
14% What murders?” Lane asked. “Oh, it goes way back,” Charlie said. “No one knows for sure what happened. People say they’ve seen ghosts up there. Say that’s the reason the owners keep selling.”
Oh I'm so intrigued! I really wanna know what's going on :) Im enjoying it so far :D looking forward to seeing more of Dylan, and lane :) I also really really wanna see more of emily :D
17% Lane hesitated. No way could she mention the crying she had heard to Dylan. He’d be sure it was Emily, and Lane didn’t want to lose the little girl’s trust. Still, she needed to know if something odd was going on
I love that lane is determined to find out what is going on but isn't willing to lose Emily's trust! I really wanna see more of her! :D
20% He couldn’t stay mad at her. Not when she looked so damned cute
I love that even now, when they don't really know each other - he can't say no to her :)
22% Dylan’s whole body clenched. Wishing they were somewhere besides the middle of the sidewalk, he kissed her back. “Jesus, I want you.”
I love that just a kiss from Lane can affect Dylan like that! :D <3
24% Some of the tension went out of his shoulders.
Oh poor Dylan! :( and that's so sad! I hope that's not the end of it! I want to see more of this! Im really enjoying this ghost mystery!
25% He’d been crazy about Holly, but seeing her again had cleared his head. Revisiting their disastrous relationship, going down that painful road again, wouldn’t be good for either one of them.
Oh caleb no! I don't know why but I really like him n holly! Even though we've only seen them together once - I'm rooting for them! :D
26% Lifting her into the V between his legs, he let her feel the heavy erection throbbing beneath the fly of his jeans. Jesus, he was on fire for her.
Finally! :D this is gonna be hot! <3
27% Guilt swept through her. She thought of Jason and how much she had loved him. They’d had sex often and it had always been good between them. But there was none of the hunger, the deep restless need she felt for Dylan, none of the hungry need he seemed to feel for her
Oh poor lane! :( Jason would want you to be happy - just because it's different with Dylan doesn't mean you didn't love Jason! It's just different - a different kind of love!
28% He was angry now. Everything he had worked for was in danger. He towered over her.
Oh my god!! Wtf is going on here?!? I can't wait to find out!!
30% “We didn’t really get a chance to talk the other day. Today’s my day off.” She glanced toward the lodge. “I’ve never been out here, but I’ve heard about it. I thought maybe you could show me around
Aww holly! I'm glad she's made the next move and won't give up!, :D go holly! Looking forward to seeing where this goes :)
32% She nodded. She didn’t say anything more about Amelia. They needed to trust each other. And there was something sincere about Dylan Brodie she had noticed from the moment she had met him.
I love that lane knows that! She's convinced herself this is only short term yet knows she needs to trust him - that speaks of long term intentions! I LOVE IT! :D
33% “Seattle isn’t that far. Doesn’t she see her daughter at all?” Mrs. Henry’s eyes sharpened on Lane’s face. “Why, no. I thought you knew.
Oh my god :( poor emily! I hope we see a lot more of her! :) I love stories with kids involved :D
34% Just as Caleb had said, a wall in one of the bathrooms had been painted with streaky red letters. Crimson dripped eerily all the way to the floor.
Omg! What the fuck is going on in this house!!! Poor Dylan! :'( I'm starting to love Winnie - she never told Dylan what was going on coz she didn't wanna worry him! <3
35% “Wait till you see this.” Dylan almost smiled at her enthusiasm. Clearly she’d changed her mind about the haunting. One less obstacle to overcome.
Haha Dylan! Lane isn't what your used to - she's happy to be proven wrong :) this mystery is really good! I'm so intrigued! I can't wait to find out what Lanes found and what's really going on here! :D <3
36% Dylan’s features tightened. “Clever, yes. But someone has to be coming into Emily’s room to wind it up and that scares the hell out of me.”
Oh shit! That fucking scares me too!! :'(
37% Regret that his little girl refused to speak? Or that she would be leaving? Either way, Lane felt a touch of that same regret.
Oh lane! You don't have to leave! :( I like seeing her with emily - maybe she'll get her to speak??? :D
38% “I can’t believe that happened.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I’ve got a thousand things on my mind and none of them include having sex with a beautiful woman. One look at you in that towel . . .” He shook his head. “Jesus, Lane.” Ridiculously pleased she could affect him that way
I love it too lane! :D <3
39% A sliver of unease went through her. The consequences of falling in love with Dylan would be dire for both of them. She couldn’t stay here. He couldn’t leave. And there was Emily to think of. Lane refused to do anything that would hurt Dylan’s little girl.
Oh lane! Though I love that she's thinking of emily! She knows mores at stake then just her n Dylan! :D <3
41% So he has two girlfriends?” “Not exactly. He’s been seeing a little blond schoolteacher in town. Holly’s his ex. I have a hunch she isn’t happy he’s seeing someone else. Jenny’s great, but Holly’s bad news.”
?? I'm intrigued! I wonder who he'll choose n how it'll work out - I liked holly ? I'm wondering why she's bad news - apart from hurting caleb a few years ago she seems like a good woman ? :/
42% If he’d been the least bit tempted to see Holly again, that temptation was gone. She was trouble. Always had been. He wanted no part of it, or her. Caleb looked over at Jenny, thought of those soft lips and trusting blue eyes, then reached down and started the engine. There was something good between them. Caleb wasn’t about to mess it up.
I agree caleb! I no longer like holly - I hope we see more of you n Jenny! :D
44% Her eyes were shining. “Thank you, Caleb.” “Don’t thank me—thank him. I just picked them up.” Turning, he strode off across the yard. Lane studied the items in the box. “This is a wonderful present.
Awwww Dylan!!! <3
47% Caleb grunted. “It’s over, all right. I might have been a little curious about her, but not anymore. The last thing I want in my life is a woman like
I agree! I really really don't like her anymore - it goes to show how wrong first impressions can be sometimes! -_-
48% Emily’s uncertainty turned to excitement that had her hopping up and down.
Awwwwww! Yay Love seeing Dylan, Lane n Emily! :D <3
49% As the lodge drew near, Lane could see the bedrooms on this side of the building, the deck sweeping around them, the stairs leading up from the ground below. She paused, her hand tightening around Emily’s. She could see into the bedroom she and Dylan had been sharing, into the guest room next to it that she had been using since her arrival.
Oh shit! I'm not getting a good feeling :'(
50% Her pale blue cat eyes filled. “Don’t cry, honey. I’ll move my boot. I won’t try to come in. I’ll let you close the door in my face if you’ll just give me a couple of minutes to explain.”
Aww caleb!
51% There is no us! I’m warning you, Holly. I’m not putting up with this any longer.” He tried to clamp down on the fury pumping through him. Turning away from her, he stormed toward the door. It occurred to him the place had gone quiet, that half the bar was watching.
I'm getting a really bad feeling about this! Really really bad! :'(
53% We’ll need you to come with us, answer some questions.”
Oh shit! I knew it! :'( :'(
54% He could just make out the roof of the lodge through the trees. Did they really think boarding up the place was going to keep him out if he wanted to get in?
Wtf?! Who is this guy n what does he want!! :'(
55% “I should make you go back,” he said, kissing the side of her neck. “It’d be the safest move. But dammit, I don’t want you to leave.” Lane popped her seat belt, leaned in for another scorching kiss. “I’m staying,” she whispered when the hot kiss ended. She took a steadying breath. “With both of us working together, we can solve whatever problems come up.”
<3 I'm loving these two together! I can't wait to see what happens between them - how they get their HEA! :D <3
58% Emily ran to Caleb, and he caught her in his arms and swung her up on his shoulders. Lane could see the disappointment on Dylan’s face that his little girl hadn’t dashed over to him.
Oh poor Dylan! That line n the image of his face just about broke my heart :'(
60% A heartbeat passed. “I’ll do what I can.” Dylan knew his brother was trying to take a break from the murder and mayhem he had dealt with in his job. Still, this was Caleb. Dylan knew he could count on Nick’s help.
I'm glad we've had glimpses of Nick and Rafe - makes me excited for their books! :D
61% He told himself to be careful, keep his distance. He tried to remember what had happened with Mariah. But when he looked at Lane, his mind refused to go there.
That's because she's nothing like Mariah and subconciously you know that! <3 :D
64% Quiet settled over him. The self-directed anger was gone. He’d needed her and she’d needed him. Whatever he felt for Lane, he would deal with it when the time came for her to go.
Oh Dylan! :( I love him - I dno when it happened but it did :D <3
66% He hadn’t been back inside the house in days, not that he couldn’t get in anytime he wanted. For a while, the stupid kids had made it easy
Omg! What the fuck does this guy want?!?!
67% Jenny reached up and touched his cheek. “Anyone but you.” Caleb caught her hand and kissed the palm. “You shouldn’t be out here, Jenny. You’re a schoolteacher. You can’t be involved with a guy suspected of murder.” “What kind of a person would I be if I didn’t stand up for what I believed in? I don’t believe you killed that girl. I wanted you to know that, so here I am.”
Awwwww I really really like Jenny! Hope we get to see more of her :) <3
70% As soon as it was ready, she would be heading back home. It was a depressing thought.
:( it doesn't have to be :( you could stay! Please stay Lane!!
71% “Go ahead,” Lane said softly, her heart aching for the little girl. “Emily needs you.” She pointed toward the small retreating figure running down the path, and Finn bolted after her. Not sure what had just happened, Lane sighed and walked back to her easel. But her focus was no longer on the painting but on the little girl.
Oh emily! :'(
72% It isn’t your fault. It’s not Lane’s fault, either. I don’t suppose either of you planned to get in quite so deep.”
I love how wise Winnie is! These two are hurting my heart! I know their lives are so far apart but they can make it work - they have to!! They belong together!<3
73% A memory tugged at the edge of her mind. Had Kyle mentioned a friend named Dusty? She worked to bring the memory into focus, but it remained elusive. A shiver went through her.
Oh my god! What the fuck - is lane right?!? What the hells going on?!
75% His gaze sharpened on her face. “Oh, you’re going, all right. Until we know exactly what’s going on, I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
Love that Dylan wants to protect her - even if he knows he needs to back off to protect himself! Oh poor lane - I never would have guessed something like that! <3
76% When they reached the yard, Lane saw that the gate was open and Finn was gone.
Is it just me or does this seem way too much of a coincidence?!? :(
77% Now he needed to get rid of Dylan Brodie. As soon as Brodie was out of the way, he would come for Lane
Omg no! I'm scared! :'(
81% When he did, Dylan meant to stop him.
Oh god! That's what I'm scared of! :'(
82% Lane stared out the window, her heart pounding wildly. For miles ahead, all she could see were trees
Oh shit! Though I LOVE how calm Dylan is!
85% Too bad Brodie was going to have a terrible accident along the way.
Oh god! What the hell is he planning! :'(
86% She looked up at him, big green eyes wider than he’d ever seen them. “It was . . . it was amazing. He was so beautiful.” Of all the things he had expected her to say, that wasn’t one of them
See Dylan! If anyone can handle living in Alaska it's Lane! :D <3
87% We need to find him before he finds Lane and Dylan.”
Yay Nick! :D I'm glad he's here n from just that glimpse of him I'm looking forward to his book! :) <3
88% She squeezed her eyes shut, praying Dylan was wrong, knowing he was right.
Oh god! Why am I now at work?!? I don't wanna put this down but I have no choice!! :'( :'(
89% He chuckled, but the sound came out harsh and grim
Wtf! Kyle is crazy but he's smart! Too smart! I'm scared - what the hell is he gonna do!! :'(
90% but he needed to move things along,
Oh god no!! I thought this was his plan but I was hoping I was wrong!! :'(
91% Dylan vowed, so furious he could barely force out the words. “I promise you.”
Oh Dylan! :'( and Winnie! :'(
93% Instead of running away, Emily turned and ran after them, pushing at Kyle, trying to keep him from dragging Lane inside.
Emily!!!!! <3 <3
94% The first words Emily had said in three years had been forced out of her mouth by fear for Lane.
Oh emily!!! I love you and lane and Dylan!! <3 please say you all your HEA! <3
96% Dylan’s eyes slid closed. He swallowed past the tightness in his throat and hugged his little girl. “I’ve got you now. You don’t ever have to be afraid again.”
Oh Dylan!!! I love you so much! I love men who are amazing daddys! <3 <3
97% “Sleep with me tonight,” he said. “Dylan . . .” “Please, love. Tonight’s all we have.”
Oh Dylan!! :'( :'(
She was stronger than Dylan believed. She’d be stronger still with a man by her side who loved her. She thought about telling him that. But Dylan wouldn’t believe her.
Then prove it! Stay n fight! Please lane - this is hurting my heart! :'(
98% She looked up at him, her pink cheeks streaked with tears. “Mama didn’t love us enough.” “No, she didn’t.” “But Lane does. I k-know she does. Lane loves us enough to stay
Oh emily!! :'( :'( <3 <3 I hate Mariah so much! -_-
99% His own joy came from a place he’d closed off a long time ago. Lane had opened the door to that dark, lonely place inside him.
Oh Dylan!! I love this man! <3 <3 some where in this book I fell in love with him! <3 <3
100% Aww I loved this book! I hate that it took me so long to read it! But when I did get time to pick it up I hated putting it down! <3 I loved Dylan, lane and emily! I loved caleb and Jenny and the mystery/ies were amazing! I was so intrigued the whole book! 4.5 stars! I need to think whether to round up or down - I'm thinking up but I'm not too sure atm :D
January 9, 2016
I should have stopped at 50 pages.
May 2, 2016
Way too much time spent on Lane and Dylan in their own heads. "He doesn't want me to stay." and "She'll never be happy here." makes up a good quarter of the book. Blah!
Pretty good story, though.
Pretty good story, though.
June 1, 2014
Kitty‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Kat Martin has a way of weaving a tale combining love and suspense that has the reader turning the pages and hoping beyond hope that what they think is going to happen, doesn’t. That’s what a true suspense writer does – holds you captive until the end with surprises and twists and turns. She then throws a little bit of love, some hot erotic scenes and then an ending that has you wishing there was more to read.
Lane and Brodie have an attraction that is sizzling. Lane is a little hesitant about her attraction to Brodie but knows that three years is a long time to mourn the death of her fiancée. The trip to Alaska is to do the design job and just have a summer fling. Her home, her business and her life is in Los Angles. Brodie is an Alaskan through and through and would never leave the home that he loves so much.
But trouble has followed Lane to Alaska … ghosts, a murder, a kidnapping, the stabbing of her beloved dog Finn all lead to one person. Because of her, everyone is in danger and she has no choice but to leave after all is said and done. She can’t admit her feelings to Brodie since she feels that he thinks she’ll never make it in the wilderness, just like his ex-wife Mariah. Then she has Emily to think of, Brodie’s daughter. She hasn’t spoken since Mariah walked out of their lives. She’s become attached to all of them but can’t stay knowing that Brodie doesn’t trust her to stay.
Of course Brodie is afraid. He married the trophy wife and she walked out and into the arms of another man leaving him and their daughter. Emily hasn’t been the same and it’s killing him that she blames him for her mother walking out. Lane is from the same world as Mariah so he’s afraid that she won’t want to stay in Alaska with him and build a life. He can’t ask her to stay no matter how much he has fallen in love with her, no matter how sexy he thinks she is, no matter how wonderful she handles herself in the wild. He can’t take the chance with her walking out on him and Emily.
Wow, every time I turned a page in this book I was surprised. Between the ghosts, the murders, Emily and Finn, I was held hostage from beginning to end. The only downside was both Lane and Brodie constantly saying that it won’t work between them because of their backgrounds. We’re reminded of the differences a little too much. But, other than that, I absolutely loved this book. There was just the right amount of love, sex and suspense to satisfy all of my appetites.
4.5 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Kat Martin has a way of weaving a tale combining love and suspense that has the reader turning the pages and hoping beyond hope that what they think is going to happen, doesn’t. That’s what a true suspense writer does – holds you captive until the end with surprises and twists and turns. She then throws a little bit of love, some hot erotic scenes and then an ending that has you wishing there was more to read.
Lane and Brodie have an attraction that is sizzling. Lane is a little hesitant about her attraction to Brodie but knows that three years is a long time to mourn the death of her fiancée. The trip to Alaska is to do the design job and just have a summer fling. Her home, her business and her life is in Los Angles. Brodie is an Alaskan through and through and would never leave the home that he loves so much.
But trouble has followed Lane to Alaska … ghosts, a murder, a kidnapping, the stabbing of her beloved dog Finn all lead to one person. Because of her, everyone is in danger and she has no choice but to leave after all is said and done. She can’t admit her feelings to Brodie since she feels that he thinks she’ll never make it in the wilderness, just like his ex-wife Mariah. Then she has Emily to think of, Brodie’s daughter. She hasn’t spoken since Mariah walked out of their lives. She’s become attached to all of them but can’t stay knowing that Brodie doesn’t trust her to stay.
Of course Brodie is afraid. He married the trophy wife and she walked out and into the arms of another man leaving him and their daughter. Emily hasn’t been the same and it’s killing him that she blames him for her mother walking out. Lane is from the same world as Mariah so he’s afraid that she won’t want to stay in Alaska with him and build a life. He can’t ask her to stay no matter how much he has fallen in love with her, no matter how sexy he thinks she is, no matter how wonderful she handles herself in the wild. He can’t take the chance with her walking out on him and Emily.
Wow, every time I turned a page in this book I was surprised. Between the ghosts, the murders, Emily and Finn, I was held hostage from beginning to end. The only downside was both Lane and Brodie constantly saying that it won’t work between them because of their backgrounds. We’re reminded of the differences a little too much. But, other than that, I absolutely loved this book. There was just the right amount of love, sex and suspense to satisfy all of my appetites.
June 12, 2014
With an 8 year old daughter who doesn't speak & hides a secret in her own mind & a wife who left him years ago, Dylan wants to move on. Previously meeting Lane during a shooting, he decides to ask her to come up to his fishing lodge to help him with the interior design & other motives.
The book opens up with Lane's arrival. She wants Dylan, but feels guilty about really moving on after the death of a former lover she planned to marry. Dylan definitely called her up there with every intention of separating her from her panties. Ass! Lane wanted him, too, but kept talking herself out of it saying it was too soon after the loss of her fiance & she wasn't ready, but after a few days, you know how it goes. She's scared of noises, wants to save the daughter & get her to talk, she's jealous of all of the Dylan girl fans etc. It doesn't take much.
With the intent of being a fast paced novel, this story goes from a potential haunting, to a murder, to a stalking all in the same story. The web is big, but the solve time is quick & plays out choppy rather than smooth in the transitions. After all the time invested reading about the building's history hunt, though, I felt cheated by the paranormal aspect, since I am also a paranormal junkie! It was solved like "boom!" done! Moving on to the next thing; whodunit.
I sat in the middle of a post evidence collected crime scene the other day, (very first & hopefully last) I think I felt more for the murder victim than normal. Maybe it was me but it felt like we got to know and like her before she was killed, so I missed her.
I do admit, that even though, there were very choppy aspects I did read it straight through. It still hooked me! And because I did, I say that as for all books with a little mystery, you do have to read & remember the side comments. It wasn't totally predictable, but it wasn't a surprise either. AND SOMETHING is totally wrong about the cover model.
The book opens up with Lane's arrival. She wants Dylan, but feels guilty about really moving on after the death of a former lover she planned to marry. Dylan definitely called her up there with every intention of separating her from her panties. Ass! Lane wanted him, too, but kept talking herself out of it saying it was too soon after the loss of her fiance & she wasn't ready, but after a few days, you know how it goes. She's scared of noises, wants to save the daughter & get her to talk, she's jealous of all of the Dylan girl fans etc. It doesn't take much.
With the intent of being a fast paced novel, this story goes from a potential haunting, to a murder, to a stalking all in the same story. The web is big, but the solve time is quick & plays out choppy rather than smooth in the transitions. After all the time invested reading about the building's history hunt, though, I felt cheated by the paranormal aspect, since I am also a paranormal junkie! It was solved like "boom!" done! Moving on to the next thing; whodunit.
I sat in the middle of a post evidence collected crime scene the other day, (very first & hopefully last) I think I felt more for the murder victim than normal. Maybe it was me but it felt like we got to know and like her before she was killed, so I missed her.
I do admit, that even though, there were very choppy aspects I did read it straight through. It still hooked me! And because I did, I say that as for all books with a little mystery, you do have to read & remember the side comments. It wasn't totally predictable, but it wasn't a surprise either. AND SOMETHING is totally wrong about the cover model.
September 10, 2016
I had long looked forward to this new series from Kat Martin, but this book is very disappointing. In addition to the Difficulty in getting to know/like the characters, the writing seems so blah compared to Ms Martin's other novels. The characters don't seem to have any depth or sizzle to them; they were, instead, stiff and one dimensional. The young daughter is basically ignored by her father and the lead female character.
The story telling reminds me of a high schooler's attempt at romantic suspense. There's no tension, no building of suspense. The sentence structure comes across as immature and not that of a well-known published author like Ms Martin. The repeated use of simple sentences of 5-8 words makes the novel read like the product of an eighth grader.
The following is an example:
" I don't think so. This guy is careful. He'll be worried about the police. My hunch is he hasn't left yet." P.180 of ebook.
Really? That's the dialogue from a successful author? This is not what I'd come to expect from Ms Martin.
The descriptions of Alaska are good, but that, sadly, is the best writing in this book.
June 21, 2014
This book was provided by Kensington Books via Net Galley for an honest review..
3-3.5 stars..
Lane Bishop owns an interior design firm in Beverly Hills. Her fiancé was killed a few years back, and she's never moved forward in her romantic life. Then, she meets Dylan Brodie. Dylan, recently purchased a lodge in Alaska, and extends a job offer to Lane to be his interior designer.
As Lane makes the trek to Alaska, she soon learns there's more to the job. Dylan has a daughter, there's ghost stories surrounding the lodge, and to top it off, there's a murderer on the loose! Lane and Dylan decide to act on their feelings, knowing that things just won't work out: Lane is heading back to Beverly Hills/Dylan has a business and family to take care of.
There were many layers to the story, which were enjoyable. Lane and Dylan were both complex characters, and developed well. I did feel the story dragged a bit, and some of the love scenes had a high "cheesy" factor to me. I'm a huge fan of Kat Martin, but this book was just "good" for me. Keeping that in mind, I will absolutely read the next in the series.
3-3.5 stars..
Lane Bishop owns an interior design firm in Beverly Hills. Her fiancé was killed a few years back, and she's never moved forward in her romantic life. Then, she meets Dylan Brodie. Dylan, recently purchased a lodge in Alaska, and extends a job offer to Lane to be his interior designer.
As Lane makes the trek to Alaska, she soon learns there's more to the job. Dylan has a daughter, there's ghost stories surrounding the lodge, and to top it off, there's a murderer on the loose! Lane and Dylan decide to act on their feelings, knowing that things just won't work out: Lane is heading back to Beverly Hills/Dylan has a business and family to take care of.
There were many layers to the story, which were enjoyable. Lane and Dylan were both complex characters, and developed well. I did feel the story dragged a bit, and some of the love scenes had a high "cheesy" factor to me. I'm a huge fan of Kat Martin, but this book was just "good" for me. Keeping that in mind, I will absolutely read the next in the series.
March 4, 2022
French & English reviews
Une romance sur fond de suspens que j'ai lu facilement mais qui ne m'a pas plus convaincue ...
Ce n'est pas que c'était mal écrit ou que l'histoire était bancale mais le livre m'a juste laissée ... indifférente : ni les personnages, ni l'intrigue, ni la romance ne m'ont passionnée.
Bref, une lecture sympa mais sans plus !
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A romance with some suspense that I read easily but which did not convince me ...
It's not that it was badly written or that the story was flawed, but the book just left me ... indifferent : neither the characters, nor the plot, nor the romance fascinated me.
In short, a nice read but nothing more !
Une romance sur fond de suspens que j'ai lu facilement mais qui ne m'a pas plus convaincue ...
Ce n'est pas que c'était mal écrit ou que l'histoire était bancale mais le livre m'a juste laissée ... indifférente : ni les personnages, ni l'intrigue, ni la romance ne m'ont passionnée.
Bref, une lecture sympa mais sans plus !
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A romance with some suspense that I read easily but which did not convince me ...
It's not that it was badly written or that the story was flawed, but the book just left me ... indifferent : neither the characters, nor the plot, nor the romance fascinated me.
In short, a nice read but nothing more !
July 13, 2014
The book started off fairly well, but went rapidly downhill.
June 17, 2015
Excellent! I really enjoyed this one set in beautiful Alaska. Good plot and character development, good story all around.
April 9, 2022
A good book that drew me in from the beginning and kept me hooked to the end. Dylan and Lane met in LA when he visited his cousin, and the sparks between them flew quickly. Dylan would like to get to know her better, but she is wary. Dylan thinks the best way to advance his cause is to hire Lane to do the interiors of the fishing lodge he is renovating. It takes some persuasion, but she finally agrees.
Though she's a Southern California city girl, the Alaskan wilderness has its appeal. I loved her enthusiasm as Dylan flew over the beautiful landscape on the way to the remote lodge. She's a little disturbed on arrival when she finds that Dylan has a young daughter he never mentioned who hasn't spoken since her mother deserted them three years earlier. Adding to her discomfort are the rumors that the lodge is haunted. Dylan downplays the rumors, determined to keep Lane around; he doesn't believe in ghosts anyway.
But someone is determined to stop Dylan from finishing the lodge. In researching the lodge's history, he and Lane uncover some disturbing information about the lodge's early years and first owner. When a ghost suddenly materializes in the upstairs hall, right in front of Lane, Dylan has had enough. I loved watching him and his friends, Caleb and Paddy, search the lodge from top to bottom. I wasn't surprised by what they found, and the story behind it was intriguing. I especially enjoyed what Lane did with the information. It feels like things should be smooth sailing from here, but that wasn't the case.
I liked watching the relationship develop between Dylan and Lane. Neither is interested in anything permanent (where have I heard that before?). Lane has her interior design business back in LA. She may be ready to indulge in a bit of hanky-panky, but that's all. Dylan wants Lane in his bed, but he won't go any further than that. He's been burned once by a city woman who couldn't take life in Alaska, and he won't put himself or Emily through that again. But the more time he and Lane spend together, the more they find they have in common. When they finally take the plunge into intimacy, their connection is far stronger than either expected. Lane quickly accepted her feelings for Dylan but kept them to herself, not wanting to risk rejection. Dylan fought hard against his feelings, almost leaving it too late, but came to his senses in time.
Vanquishing the "ghosts" of the lodge wasn't the end of the trouble for Dylan and Lane. They discovered that someone was prowling around the lodge and watching it. When a young woman was murdered and Caleb was accused of the crime, Dylan and Lane were determined to clear him. The deeper they got into their investigation, the more they suspected that the two things were connected. I figured out pretty quickly what was going on, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment. The person they were up against wasn't going to make it easy, and I was glued to the pages until it was over.
I liked getting to know Dylan's brothers, Nick and Rafe, a little bit. Nick played a significant role in solving the second mystery despite his issues. I'm looking forward to reading their stories too.
#netgalley
Though she's a Southern California city girl, the Alaskan wilderness has its appeal. I loved her enthusiasm as Dylan flew over the beautiful landscape on the way to the remote lodge. She's a little disturbed on arrival when she finds that Dylan has a young daughter he never mentioned who hasn't spoken since her mother deserted them three years earlier. Adding to her discomfort are the rumors that the lodge is haunted. Dylan downplays the rumors, determined to keep Lane around; he doesn't believe in ghosts anyway.
But someone is determined to stop Dylan from finishing the lodge. In researching the lodge's history, he and Lane uncover some disturbing information about the lodge's early years and first owner. When a ghost suddenly materializes in the upstairs hall, right in front of Lane, Dylan has had enough. I loved watching him and his friends, Caleb and Paddy, search the lodge from top to bottom. I wasn't surprised by what they found, and the story behind it was intriguing. I especially enjoyed what Lane did with the information. It feels like things should be smooth sailing from here, but that wasn't the case.
I liked watching the relationship develop between Dylan and Lane. Neither is interested in anything permanent (where have I heard that before?). Lane has her interior design business back in LA. She may be ready to indulge in a bit of hanky-panky, but that's all. Dylan wants Lane in his bed, but he won't go any further than that. He's been burned once by a city woman who couldn't take life in Alaska, and he won't put himself or Emily through that again. But the more time he and Lane spend together, the more they find they have in common. When they finally take the plunge into intimacy, their connection is far stronger than either expected. Lane quickly accepted her feelings for Dylan but kept them to herself, not wanting to risk rejection. Dylan fought hard against his feelings, almost leaving it too late, but came to his senses in time.
Vanquishing the "ghosts" of the lodge wasn't the end of the trouble for Dylan and Lane. They discovered that someone was prowling around the lodge and watching it. When a young woman was murdered and Caleb was accused of the crime, Dylan and Lane were determined to clear him. The deeper they got into their investigation, the more they suspected that the two things were connected. I figured out pretty quickly what was going on, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment. The person they were up against wasn't going to make it easy, and I was glued to the pages until it was over.
I liked getting to know Dylan's brothers, Nick and Rafe, a little bit. Nick played a significant role in solving the second mystery despite his issues. I'm looking forward to reading their stories too.
#netgalley
March 15, 2019
3 stars.
I think I'm over guys who think they are always right and can do everything by themselves. Let's see if Nick is any better in the next book.
That phone call to his ex-girlfriend was just so wrong!
I think I'm over guys who think they are always right and can do everything by themselves. Let's see if Nick is any better in the next book.
That phone call to his ex-girlfriend was just so wrong!
December 9, 2018
What a great book love all of Kat martin books she is such a great author
Read
December 27, 2023DNF
April 8, 2022
not as good as the other books in the series
May 28, 2014
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...
My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐️
The entire flight to Alaska, interior designer Lane Bishop struggled with her decision to take on this job. She could tell herself over and over again that it was the opportunity to renovate the gorgeous 1930 Eagle Bay Lodge, but she knew it was the persistence of its gorgeously handsome owner that had finally swayed her to take a risk on the opposite sex since the death of her fiance three years ago.
Dylan Brodie was ready for some positive things to come his way, one of them was the summer he envisioned renovating his lodge with the gorgeous Lane. But within moments of her arrival at Eagle Bay, he realizes things might be a bit more complicated than he anticipated, when her dog and his little girl make fast friends. A connection he could almost be jealous of.
Lane is taken with the gorgeous building, it's inhabitants and head over heels for its owner, but she is less than enamoured with all the things that go bump in the night, and that happens quite a bit. With a reluctant and unconvinced Dylan in tow, Lane looks into some of the lodge's history to find some disturbing events that took place.
His relationship with Lane progressing as he had hoped, Dylan becomes worried when incidents around the lodge increase. No longer sure what type of threat he is dealing with, he knows he will do all it takes to keep his loved ones safe.
*****
I loved it!! It made me think of an old Agatha Christie book. The setting of the old lodge, the nearby village, the different layers of intrigue, the possible 'players' and the intrepid heroine. Heck, even the housekeeper! Of course, Agatha would have blanched at the hot steamy sex.......or maybe not, but she definitely wouldn't have been as explicit about it. Thank goodness Kat Martin has no such hang ups!
Thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining from beginning to end with high hopes for the rest of the Alaskan Brodies.
Fabulous hot characters with some delicious side dishes.... ie Caleb!! My, oh my! I know he is not a Brodie, but give that man a book! We get a peek at Nick, who is certainly very capable and who knows, may be next on the block.
Something that bugged me a little, ok, a lot. IF my plane went down on a lake about five miles hiking from 'safety' with the secure knowledge that danger is lurking nearby, I had the love of my life with me , AND I had the option of being picked up by another plane, OR camp out overnight and hike out the next morning with my love. I would NOT choose to camp and hike - let me be VERY clear about that!! It makes no sense!! Only a moron would do that! It's like in a movie where the idiot girl is trying to get away from the bad guy and the whole theatre groans "NOOOOO"..... as she runs UP the stairs instead of out the door....
Overall I had a very good time reading AGAINST THE WILD and I will not hesitate to pick up any future Brodie book that crosses my path! If the great atmosphere, super action and slight emotional pull along with the steamy sex is part of the parcel - count me in!!
✨A charged, fiery and twisted page-turner.✨
**Copy provided for an honest review**
My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐️
The entire flight to Alaska, interior designer Lane Bishop struggled with her decision to take on this job. She could tell herself over and over again that it was the opportunity to renovate the gorgeous 1930 Eagle Bay Lodge, but she knew it was the persistence of its gorgeously handsome owner that had finally swayed her to take a risk on the opposite sex since the death of her fiance three years ago.
Dylan Brodie was ready for some positive things to come his way, one of them was the summer he envisioned renovating his lodge with the gorgeous Lane. But within moments of her arrival at Eagle Bay, he realizes things might be a bit more complicated than he anticipated, when her dog and his little girl make fast friends. A connection he could almost be jealous of.
Lane is taken with the gorgeous building, it's inhabitants and head over heels for its owner, but she is less than enamoured with all the things that go bump in the night, and that happens quite a bit. With a reluctant and unconvinced Dylan in tow, Lane looks into some of the lodge's history to find some disturbing events that took place.
His relationship with Lane progressing as he had hoped, Dylan becomes worried when incidents around the lodge increase. No longer sure what type of threat he is dealing with, he knows he will do all it takes to keep his loved ones safe.
*****
I loved it!! It made me think of an old Agatha Christie book. The setting of the old lodge, the nearby village, the different layers of intrigue, the possible 'players' and the intrepid heroine. Heck, even the housekeeper! Of course, Agatha would have blanched at the hot steamy sex.......or maybe not, but she definitely wouldn't have been as explicit about it. Thank goodness Kat Martin has no such hang ups!
Thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining from beginning to end with high hopes for the rest of the Alaskan Brodies.
Fabulous hot characters with some delicious side dishes.... ie Caleb!! My, oh my! I know he is not a Brodie, but give that man a book! We get a peek at Nick, who is certainly very capable and who knows, may be next on the block.
Something that bugged me a little, ok, a lot. IF my plane went down on a lake about five miles hiking from 'safety' with the secure knowledge that danger is lurking nearby, I had the love of my life with me , AND I had the option of being picked up by another plane, OR camp out overnight and hike out the next morning with my love. I would NOT choose to camp and hike - let me be VERY clear about that!! It makes no sense!! Only a moron would do that! It's like in a movie where the idiot girl is trying to get away from the bad guy and the whole theatre groans "NOOOOO"..... as she runs UP the stairs instead of out the door....
Overall I had a very good time reading AGAINST THE WILD and I will not hesitate to pick up any future Brodie book that crosses my path! If the great atmosphere, super action and slight emotional pull along with the steamy sex is part of the parcel - count me in!!
✨A charged, fiery and twisted page-turner.✨
**Copy provided for an honest review**
November 12, 2016
“I love you, Dylan. It doesn’t matter where I live as long as I’m with you.” – Lane Bishop
Before I start, a little note to self: TRAVEL TO ALASKA AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFE!!!! And all because Kat Martin made it one of my priorities with her book!
Dylan Brodie is a single father who is trying to raise a daughter that refuses to speak and build a tourist fishing lodge in Alaska. To make sure the lodge is presentable enough, he hires interior designer Lane Bishop. However, the two of them feel more than simple attraction between them - more than they should feel, given they're supposed to work together on this project. But they can't deny their needs for long, and soon, their hearts start getting involved, too. Still, the fact they're going to go their different ways after the summer is over turns out to be the least of their worries - someone dangerous is lurking in the shadows, someone hell bent to make things more than tough for the couple...
Seriously, I have to say it again, I would move to Alaska in an instant after this book. I'm not much of a nature enthusiast, but I couldn't help but SEE the beauty of it all through Martin's words. The scenery, the people, everything. But enough of that - let's move on to more pressing matters, yeah?
Dylan and Lane... Hmm, where to begin? I admit they were not such an original fiction couple - I've read similar situations like the ones they had to go through before. But there was just something about them, that made the whole thing very charming indeed.
It could be the fact that their story combined not only a romance full of the angst and impending doom with a timer and deadline set on it, but also the very real danger of a shady figure who may have started as somewhat of a minor danger, but later evolved into a full blown threat. The build up and the mounting tension sure did a fine job of making us divide our attention between what we wanted to happen with Dylan and Lane, and the fact that just around the corner, someone was watching, plotting, and getting in their way. And we didn't even know who that was until the very last minute!
Apart from that, there was also the sexual tension between them that made the reader want to explode from the anticipation. And when they finally got it on, GOD, it was such a relief! Granted, they both knew it had to stay on the carnal side, but they just couldn't help themselves - duh! And when they started admitting to themselves that yes, they were in love, but not to each other, they were so adorable! Like teenagers being entirely too green at this yet eager to find out.
I can't wait to read Nick's story - hot damn, I personally believe I'm gonna enjoy his book even more! And of course Rafe - we need more of that guy, honestly!
“I don’t want you to leave. I don’t ever want you to leave. I love you, Lane. It’s killing me to let you go.” - Dylan Brodie
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
Before I start, a little note to self: TRAVEL TO ALASKA AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFE!!!! And all because Kat Martin made it one of my priorities with her book!
Dylan Brodie is a single father who is trying to raise a daughter that refuses to speak and build a tourist fishing lodge in Alaska. To make sure the lodge is presentable enough, he hires interior designer Lane Bishop. However, the two of them feel more than simple attraction between them - more than they should feel, given they're supposed to work together on this project. But they can't deny their needs for long, and soon, their hearts start getting involved, too. Still, the fact they're going to go their different ways after the summer is over turns out to be the least of their worries - someone dangerous is lurking in the shadows, someone hell bent to make things more than tough for the couple...
Seriously, I have to say it again, I would move to Alaska in an instant after this book. I'm not much of a nature enthusiast, but I couldn't help but SEE the beauty of it all through Martin's words. The scenery, the people, everything. But enough of that - let's move on to more pressing matters, yeah?
Dylan and Lane... Hmm, where to begin? I admit they were not such an original fiction couple - I've read similar situations like the ones they had to go through before. But there was just something about them, that made the whole thing very charming indeed.
It could be the fact that their story combined not only a romance full of the angst and impending doom with a timer and deadline set on it, but also the very real danger of a shady figure who may have started as somewhat of a minor danger, but later evolved into a full blown threat. The build up and the mounting tension sure did a fine job of making us divide our attention between what we wanted to happen with Dylan and Lane, and the fact that just around the corner, someone was watching, plotting, and getting in their way. And we didn't even know who that was until the very last minute!
Apart from that, there was also the sexual tension between them that made the reader want to explode from the anticipation. And when they finally got it on, GOD, it was such a relief! Granted, they both knew it had to stay on the carnal side, but they just couldn't help themselves - duh! And when they started admitting to themselves that yes, they were in love, but not to each other, they were so adorable! Like teenagers being entirely too green at this yet eager to find out.
I can't wait to read Nick's story - hot damn, I personally believe I'm gonna enjoy his book even more! And of course Rafe - we need more of that guy, honestly!
“I don’t want you to leave. I don’t ever want you to leave. I love you, Lane. It’s killing me to let you go.” - Dylan Brodie
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
May 18, 2018
Author: Kat Martin
First published: 2014
Length: 350 pages, 4474 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary. Alaska
Sex: explicit but rather perfunctory. frequent
Hero: owns a lodge. Father of young, mute girl
Heroine: Interior Designer
Includes: Excerpt from Against the Sky
If there's a Dad and Daughter in my romance I want a Dad who is completely hands-on. Not one that "forgets" to mention his daughter to the prospective live-in lover. Not one who actively avoids her because she's too hard and he doesn't know what to do. I lose my sympathy and empathy.
So I'm not happy about Him.
And then this is a book full of stoopid people. Never calling in help. A police chief who arrests on the flimsiest, circumstantial excuse. Wandering around alone when you know there are both wild animals and a murderer stalking you. Supposed adults behaving like High Schoolers . Sex in stupid places, especially when you know someone's stalking you, and watching you do it. Not protecting the vulnerable child. Unappealing, unlikeable, uninteresting characters (main and background).
The writing style and dialogue was stilted and immature. No real mystery or suspense. Limited relationship growth. It read like a first, poorly edited book.
I found myself skipping paragraphs, particularly those with navel gazing and perfunctory, frequent sex scenes.
1.5 stars rounded down. Really didn't do it for me. So much wrong with this book.
The Brodies of Alaska:
Book 1 Against the Wild - Dylan Brodie and Lane Bishop
Book 2 Against the Sky - Nick Brodie and Samantha Hollis
Book 3 Against the Tide - Rafe Brodie and Liv Chandler
References:
Author's website: http://www.katmartin.com/product/agai...
(ISBN 978-1-4201-3383-7)
-CR-
First published: 2014
Length: 350 pages, 4474 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary. Alaska
Sex: explicit but rather perfunctory. frequent
Hero: owns a lodge. Father of young, mute girl
Heroine: Interior Designer
Includes: Excerpt from Against the Sky
If there's a Dad and Daughter in my romance I want a Dad who is completely hands-on. Not one that "forgets" to mention his daughter to the prospective live-in lover. Not one who actively avoids her because she's too hard and he doesn't know what to do. I lose my sympathy and empathy.
So I'm not happy about Him.
And then this is a book full of stoopid people. Never calling in help. A police chief who arrests on the flimsiest, circumstantial excuse. Wandering around alone when you know there are both wild animals and a murderer stalking you. Supposed adults behaving like High Schoolers . Sex in stupid places, especially when you know someone's stalking you, and watching you do it. Not protecting the vulnerable child. Unappealing, unlikeable, uninteresting characters (main and background).
The writing style and dialogue was stilted and immature. No real mystery or suspense. Limited relationship growth. It read like a first, poorly edited book.
I found myself skipping paragraphs, particularly those with navel gazing and perfunctory, frequent sex scenes.
1.5 stars rounded down. Really didn't do it for me. So much wrong with this book.
The Brodies of Alaska:
Book 1 Against the Wild - Dylan Brodie and Lane Bishop
Book 2 Against the Sky - Nick Brodie and Samantha Hollis
Book 3 Against the Tide - Rafe Brodie and Liv Chandler
References:
Author's website: http://www.katmartin.com/product/agai...
(ISBN 978-1-4201-3383-7)
-CR-
May 23, 2015
Kat Martin is one of my favorite authors and she usually comes through with a really good romantic suspense tale. I expected great things with this new series set in Alaska, but this book was a real disappointment. It is really hard to like a heroine who puts herself on birth control before a trip to meet a hero and then puts him off even though she really does want to get it on. Smacks of being a real tease.
Lane travels to Alaska to do the interior design work for a lodge that Dylan has bought. Both of them are looking at this as a forgone conclusion that they will have sex. Soooo romantic. The suspense is the only thing that saves this from being a total waste of time. That part was pretty good, but even that was not really believable. The highlight was Dylan's daughter and how she overcame her self imposed silence to help Lane.
Lane travels to Alaska to do the interior design work for a lodge that Dylan has bought. Both of them are looking at this as a forgone conclusion that they will have sex. Soooo romantic. The suspense is the only thing that saves this from being a total waste of time. That part was pretty good, but even that was not really believable. The highlight was Dylan's daughter and how she overcame her self imposed silence to help Lane.
July 24, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. In the story there were ghost, a murder, A sick stalker, bullets that flew, and a emergency landing. A lot went on within the pages of this book. I found this book hard to put down once I opened the first page. The romance between Dylan, and Lane was sweet. They feel for one another the day they met. He had to work to make her agree to help him with remodeling his cabin. Lane was a interior designer, and was good at her job. She had never been to Alaska before, and agreed to go. The story also was about a little girl that was 8 years old. She has not said a word in years. She stopped talking the night her mother died. There were places within the story that I could feel the strong emotions, and my eyes got moist. Great book!
December 21, 2014
Great read that was a continuation of the Raines in Wind Canyon series and the start of the Brodies of Alaska series. Reminiscent to me of books written by Debbie Macomber that are set in Alaska although this isn't during winter and the darkest months.
Lane and Dylan have great chemistry, real affection and caring plus there's a lot of loving.
Vivid descriptions of the scenery, the lodge, the towns along with crimes, suspense and some mysteries to solve. nice closure especially with the epilogue and several happily ever afters. Dylan's daughter Emily was darling and stole my heart.
Can't wait for Dylan's brothers stories - Nick's in Against the Sky and Rafe's in Against the Tide.
Lane and Dylan have great chemistry, real affection and caring plus there's a lot of loving.
Vivid descriptions of the scenery, the lodge, the towns along with crimes, suspense and some mysteries to solve. nice closure especially with the epilogue and several happily ever afters. Dylan's daughter Emily was darling and stole my heart.
Can't wait for Dylan's brothers stories - Nick's in Against the Sky and Rafe's in Against the Tide.
June 28, 2016
Dylan Brodie is renovating a lodge in Alaska to start a business. Dylan’s daughter doesn’t speak since her mother left them. Dylan hires Lane from Beverly Hills as the interior decorator for the renovation. Meanwhile, the lodge appears to be haunted and bad things are happening. In the midst of this, Dylan and Lane fall in love. Mostly I liked the leading couple, but Dylan shuts downs conversations he doesn’t want in a disrespectful manner and has done a crummy job of reaching out to his daughter in an emotionally meaningful way. Otherwise, he’s pretty good. Overall, this is a loving story of their romance that has plenty of suspense. I read the ebook. 4/5
April 21, 2014
Received an ARC from NetGalley for review
I love, love, love Kat Martin. I've read lots and lots of her books, so I was excited to see a spin-off series with the Brodie brothers. We meet Dylan and Lane in Against the Mark. That being said...this book started out so slow that I was getting worried. There was a bonus romance of his BFF thrown in. It eventually picked up but it wasn't the same as her other books I've read. I will read the next two books about his brothers cause we met enough of them in this book that I want to know more. Oh well, on to the next book.
I love, love, love Kat Martin. I've read lots and lots of her books, so I was excited to see a spin-off series with the Brodie brothers. We meet Dylan and Lane in Against the Mark. That being said...this book started out so slow that I was getting worried. There was a bonus romance of his BFF thrown in. It eventually picked up but it wasn't the same as her other books I've read. I will read the next two books about his brothers cause we met enough of them in this book that I want to know more. Oh well, on to the next book.
December 27, 2014
15/20
En bref, si le début est un peu brouillon, très vite l'auteur arrive à nous happer dans son roman et à nous faire aimer ses personnages. On s'imagine sans peine les paysages immenses et les états d'âme des protagonistes tout comme les différents évènements qui émaillent ce premier tome. La fin est vraiment le gros point fort de ce roman, je n'avais pas vu venir certaines choses.... A voir ce que ça donne par la suite !
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
En bref, si le début est un peu brouillon, très vite l'auteur arrive à nous happer dans son roman et à nous faire aimer ses personnages. On s'imagine sans peine les paysages immenses et les états d'âme des protagonistes tout comme les différents évènements qui émaillent ce premier tome. La fin est vraiment le gros point fort de ce roman, je n'avais pas vu venir certaines choses.... A voir ce que ça donne par la suite !
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
Read
September 8, 2016DNR beyond page 136
Dylan's egotistical dictator attitude is too overbearing for my tastes to make me root for his relationship with Lane. Also, instead of simply lamenting his daughter's psychosymatic muteness, why not teach her sign language and learn it himself?
Dylan's egotistical dictator attitude is too overbearing for my tastes to make me root for his relationship with Lane. Also, instead of simply lamenting his daughter's psychosymatic muteness, why not teach her sign language and learn it himself?
January 7, 2016
The story is well written and you could feel the suspense at times. At one point in this book I wanted to smack the hero and heroine and kick the crap out of a secondary character. Thankfully they got their heads on straight and admit their feelings.
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