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Rolling Brook #1

Hunted at Whiteford Farm

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She wanted fresh air but will it cost her life to get it?

Blair O'Rourke is a criminal defense lawyer who has written off men. She sets out on a road trip to forget the last one she was involved with and finds herself hunted by someone he has sent after her. Stranded in the small town of Rolling Brook, will she trust another man to keep her safe, and can she stop herself from falling for him in the process?

Not one to refuse someone in need of help, especially when Blair has no one else to turn to, local farmer Jake Redland becomes entangled in the same trouble she brought with her from Chicago. He has no problem risking life and limb to keep her safe, but, having been burned by love once, will he risk the flames again for another city woman?
Find out in this fast-paced, insta-love story.

Hunted at Whiteford Farm is a small town romantic suspense novella. It is the first in a trilogy set in the fictional town of Rolling Brook, but it stands alone and has a happy ending.

Scroll back up and buy now to visit Rolling Brook today!

Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2022

27 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

Blye Donovan

11 books77 followers
I write pulse-pounding romantic suspense books. With small-town settings (sometimes—but not always).

Love quirky characters and familiar landmarks that show up in multiple books of a series? You'll find those in my Rolling Brook Protectors.

My characters typically include alpha protectors, strong heroines, and dangerous villains.

Some common tropes in my books are forced proximity, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, second chance.

Want a free novella featuring a woman on the run, a former military hero, and forced proximity? Sign up for my newsletter and download your copy at: https://linktr.ee/blyedonovan.

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5 stars
42 (44%)
4 stars
28 (29%)
3 stars
18 (18%)
2 stars
6 (6%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Susan Z (webreakforbooks) .
1,148 reviews120 followers
October 20, 2021
In the Hunted at Whiteford Farm, Blair flees the city after an unexpected break up and finds herself in small town USA. The author did a great job setting the stage and I was fully immersed in the farming landscape.

Soon after arriving, she is literally thrust into the arms of Jake. After finding out some of her past may be following her, Blair turns to Jake for protection. Both Blair and Jake are still trying to cope with prior breakups, but start to open their hearts to each other.

This is romantic suspense story that definitely had some intense moments. There were some moments that seemed a bit too rushed for me, which I think is one of the pitfalls of short stories. Overall, a solid debut and I will definitely read more by this author.
Profile Image for Nina F..
168 reviews
August 5, 2022
There is something incredibly soothing about Blye Donovan's book. The writing is clean and seemlessly moves the plot along. Blair and Jake's chemistry is there from the moment they meet and stays just as potent until the end of their story. Rolling Brook, as the small town setting, was a perfect choice, and it's partly what gives this books such a relaxing vibe, despite it being a romantic suspense. The suspense is there, but in a subtle, tasteful way. It's comfort reading at its best.

If you're a fan of small towns, suspensful plots, instalove, and country-like settings, then this is the perfect choice for you.
Profile Image for Anna Marie Leffew.
394 reviews20 followers
December 19, 2023
Exciting and very enjoyable

I loved this book and getting to know each character, I fell in love with them. The emotions were what kept me turning the pages. They really felt like family. I loved how Blye Donovan portrayed each character and they were well developed and very well described. This book is action packed and hold your breath waiting to see what happens next. I can't wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for A.J. Ranney.
Author 17 books220 followers
March 29, 2022
A cute quick read!

Jake is the sexy horse riding cowboy and Blair is in danger. Together they come together, out of necessity and then out of choice. It was a super quick easy read.
Profile Image for Nina Bloom.
Author 6 books70 followers
October 27, 2021
Hunted at Whitford farm follows Blair, who leaves city life to get away from it all, for a while. She soon finds out that someone with nefarious intentions has followed her there. Enter our hero Jake Redland! I won't say anymore, you'll have to find out for yourself ;)

This is a thrilling read! It’s a fast-paced story with the perfect amount of mystery, suspense, romance and steam. I loved the setting and the author did an amazing job immersing the reader in this quaint small town. Every character jumped off the page and those Redland brothers are just so unnngggg! I look forward to reading the rest in the series!
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,065 reviews23 followers
August 1, 2021
A great first effort by this first time author!!
A insta love suspenseful small town love story. Blair just wanted to get away after a bad break up.
Jake saves her life and that starts a protective streak in him. The city girl and the county boy come together.

“It’s better in the daylight.” Jake grinned at her.      She believed him. Clearly there was more to Jake Redland than met the eye.

I can see great potential in this first time author for many more books to come.
Profile Image for Jenny.
573 reviews30 followers
March 14, 2025
Audiobook review!

Loved this romantic suspense! Blair, on the run from the city, falls into Jake’s arms at the start. This is a farming community and the author did a great job giving us a good picture of farm life.

This is great for suspense and romance. Narrator was good!
Profile Image for Charissa Gracyk.
Author 39 books149 followers
August 19, 2021
Hunting for Love

I have really come to appreciate a story that moves quickly, doesn't get too bogged down in excessive details and keeps me entertained from beginning to end and this author did exactly that! I enjoyed Jake and Blair's insta-love story and look forward to finding out more about his yummy brother Dillon and twin sister Daisy! Great job!
Profile Image for Angela Taylor.
Author 5 books214 followers
July 30, 2022
I went in with no expectations and found an enjoyable, fast-paced story with sympathetic characters, suspense and insta-love. The fact Blair and Jake put each other first made the romance sweet and satisfying and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy. It was an unexpected treat hidden in the middle of a quick suspense read.
90 reviews
March 31, 2022
Great book

At first I wasn't sure I would like this book as it wasn't my normal read. I was pleasantly surprised that it checked off all my boxes for a good book. Well developed characters, conflict that wasn't completely unrealistic, and a can't put it down plot. A def binge read book. And can't wait to read the next one in the series
Profile Image for Marcelle Valentine.
Author 27 books35 followers
March 8, 2022
Nice romantic read

After an unexpected breakup sends Blair out of town for some much-needed space, she finds herself wandering down a backcountry road. Enjoying the feel of the sun on her skin her peaceful surroundings are interrupted when a car comes barreling straight towards her. Frozen in place from the shock of seeing the vehicle that fully intends to run her over, Blair reconciles this is how her life may end. Lucky for her, the handsome, rugged landowner Jake Redland is close at hand to rescue her. As Hunted at Whiteford Farm continues, Blair finds out there may be more to the breakup than she initially believed. With Jake’s help, will Blair be able to figure out what is happening before the mysterious drive returns to finish what he attempted?
474 reviews5 followers
June 6, 2024
I love cute predictable romance novels and this one did not disappoint. I listened to the audio version of the story and the narrator was fantastic! Loved her. Blaire was blindsided by her boyfriend who broke up with her. She ends up in a small town near Chicago to discover her ex sent someone to hunt her down. There she met Jake, both having an instant attraction. There was a little excitement as the hunt began, making this book more of a romantic mystery. It was a fun quick read I recommend if you’re in the mood for a love story with a little excitement mixed in.
3,311 reviews48 followers
March 9, 2024
I enjoyed the narration of Leah Carr, who brings out the romance.

When Blair has a break, she finds herself leaving town and heading the out to the country. Soon she finds herself enjoying a walk and the feel of the sun on her face. But her peace is interrupted when a car comes straight towards her. Frozen in place, she finds herself rescued by the handsome Jake Redland. With the help of Jake Blair finds out there was more to her breakup and will the mysterious car driver return to finish what he attempted?
626 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2024
This is a short romantic suspense story. I found it interesting, and well written. There were some spots which were rushed. The characters are well formed and unique. Enough time was provided to world building, I could see and feel the small town atmosphere. The story is suspenseful, but mildly so. It was an enjoyable story to listen to. The narration was well done. I am interested in more works by this author. I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Bookdeemon.
85 reviews
August 31, 2021
Sum up of the book:

 

Blair goes on a road trip after her boyfriend dumped her. Little does she know she’s being followed and hunted down. She meets Jake Redlands, a local farm owner. With no family to turn to for help can she trust Jake ?




Review 

 This is a fast paced insta love short story. This is the first in a trilogy. I enjoy fast paced stories and this one delivered on that. I also liked getting the “hunters” point of view. The author did good with the back story and kept the story going. Blair isn’t my favorite heroine ever … I found her ok. I did like Jake, He was protective and was chivalrous ❤️. Over all this was a good short story and I would recommend picking it up and giving it a read. 
Profile Image for Jesse Slade.
Author 6 books120 followers
December 29, 2022
Swoony Cowboy Meets City Girl

At 125 pages, this quick, easy read takes off like a rocket and doesn't let go until the last word.

Although short, Donovan's skilled writing packs action, intrigue and romance without sacrificing the story. I can't wait to see what's in store with the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Closet Romance Addict.
72 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2021
#huntedatwhitefordfarm is the first of the #rollingbrook novella trilogy by @blyedonovan

In this book, we meet Jake and his siblings, Dillon and Daisy (books 2 & 3 respectively). But this first book is Jake’s story which he shares with his heroine, Blair. Blair finds herself in a bit of a precarious situation and, of course, our knight (steed and all) comes to her rescue. ❤️

Jake is obviously swoony and all-in with Blair. Blair is less so in every way. I had trouble with her. She was just so 🤦‍♀️ you know? But it all worked out in the end. Along the way the steam was 💋💋 and the suspense was exciting.

I cannot wait for Dillion’s book next! He was one of the best parts of this book. 🥰https://www.instagram.com/p/CSC25wPrb...
Profile Image for S.P. Dawes.
Author 6 books64 followers
November 2, 2022
Great

I loved this story. Having read the frame up first, I quickly realised there were previous books and so had to go back. I'm really pleased I did. Once again I finished it in one day. These stories just suck you in and are so easy to read.
Profile Image for Emily Brady.
84 reviews
August 1, 2021
Hunted at Whiteford Farm is a fast-paced, exciting read. Blair O’Rourke finds herself in danger from the second the book opens and the only person she knows in town that can help her is the handsome stranger who first saved her life.

The story is fun, and the characters are intriguing. The author did a good job describing the setting of the town, and then specifically, Whiteford Farm.

My only real problem with the book was that it wasn’t long enough. I think the characters and the story as a whole could have been drawn out and only made the story stronger.

Overall, a fun, good read.
Profile Image for Lady Readalot.
235 reviews6 followers
July 27, 2021
Hunted at Whiteford Farm is the debut novel by Blye Donovan.

This romantic suspense novel focuses around Blair O’Rourke- a city lawyer who after a recent breakup with her boyfriend hires a car & escapes Chicago to revisit happier childhood memories of visiting her Grandmother’s farm.

Whilst reminiscing and enjoying the rural sights, she is nearly involved in a hit & run, if it wasn’t for the quick actions of nearby Farmer - Jake Redland.

What ensues is a quick paced story with mystery, suspense and romance, all the elements to keep this reader intrigued.

Despite some early communication hiccups our H/h cannot deny their insta chemistry- and when the developing circumstances of the story continue to throw them together it’s a recipe for great romantic suspense.

Small-town romances have an endearing quality to them. Whiteford Farm just outside of the town of Rolling Brook has all of those picturesque charms to entrance, as does the Town with its characterful buildings & inhabitants.

Hunted at Whiteford Farm is a solid beginning to a great new series by Blye Donovan.

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Susan.
450 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2021
A great debut novella by Blye Donovan, Hunted at Whiteford Farm is a suspenseful instalove story set in the western Chicago ‘burbs. It’s a quick read, with realistic characters, a sweet romance, and a mystery that drives the plot.

When Blair’s boyfriend decides to end their relationship when she thought he was about to propose, she makes an escape from the city. While she is enjoying a tranquil moment in the countryside, she is almost killed. Jake is checking on his land when he comes to Blair’s rescue and a relationship develops from there as they try to piece together if the attack on Blair was an accident or intentional.

This book is a stand-alone, but the first in a trilogy about the Redland siblings. I look forward to reading the next book in this trilogy when it is released.
Profile Image for Jens_Book_Cubby.
1,519 reviews56 followers
August 1, 2021
Blair is on a vacation of sorts, trying to forget about her ex. She finds herself in a small town, needing rescuing from whoever is following her and clearly meaning her harm. In steps Jake to the rescue! Can he keep her safe? Can they both keep their hearts safe?

This is an awesome book by first time author Blye Donovan! I love the suspense and intrigue, as well as the sexiness and chemistry between Blair and Jake!

This is a relatively quick, but great read and I look forward to reading more from this Author!
Profile Image for Amanda M.
2,925 reviews16 followers
September 2, 2021
This is the beginning of a new series and it's an amazing book. I loved reading it. It's got suspense, set in a small town and a few twists. You'll find yourself captivated from start to finish. I'd recommend reading this one.
Profile Image for Susan May.
729 reviews14 followers
November 11, 2021
I enjoyed this short story. It had great characters & plenty of action. The narrator also did a great job.
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,200 reviews72 followers
July 29, 2021
At first, this felt like an early 80s Sandra Brown novel. And not in a bad way. In the way that assures you there’s a mystery to be had and at least one someone is lying to cover something they’ve done. And then the trouble really begins. Blair and Jake had a bit of insta-love, a decent amount of insta-lust, and a lot of worrying to do before they could find their way to a smooth and easy happiness, but it was well worth it in the end. And that epilogue was gold. I love when karma comes knocking for the right person!
1,796 reviews24 followers
November 7, 2021
A nice fast paced love story. Very predictable though. Blair and Jake. Good characters. Exciting plot.
The narration was done well. I enjoyed listening.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Story Origin.
172 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2021
Cowboys, suspense and romance.

What a good combination am I right?

Hunted at Whiteford farm is book 1 in a trilogy. It was short and sweet, about the same as a mills & boon book. So it appeases hunger when you just want something to unwind (maybe in the bath). Don't be deceived though it still manages to pack a lot in though.

A little bit of danger as our FMC attracts the wrong kind of attention and a beautiful whirlwind romance that was instant attraction and a combination of slow/fast burn.

The first books sets up the location for the trilogy nicely and I loved the vivid imagery which painted the scene.

There's no cliff hanger so you won't be hanging on the edge of your seat waiting for book two.
Profile Image for Marie Evans.
571 reviews27 followers
January 5, 2022
Blair and Jake’s story was a brilliant combination of suspense, mystery, and a love that does not disappoint! Although Blye is a new to me author, she has me hooked now! I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next! I especially appreciated how she dropped little tidbits as the story progressed. I was so invested in the story that I read it from beginning to end without coming up for air. Definitely a five star read!
Profile Image for Erica Damon.
Author 22 books57 followers
August 16, 2021
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

I was drawn to this book for its ranch setting and stayed hooked for the quick pace of both action and romance. It does stumble into a trope I don't love (ironically, Instalove) but it doesn't hit you over the head with it so it didn't put me off. The action provided lots of tension to make even the instalove more believable.
The scene of the ranch, and the town it is in is well set and I could easily picture it as I read. The equestrian element was so-so, some things felt well researched while others didn't quite hit the mark for me, but it is hard to find any books that do get things right, so I'll overlook the issues as they weren't glaring.
I was routing for the couple to get together, for Blair to get out of the crazy scheme her ex got her into, and for the HEA that everyone came to deserve. As someone who also reads thriller, I might have liked a little more wrap-up on what went down with the bad guys. But, again, its romance first, suspense second so I wont begrudge the author.
Overall a nice quick read, that does leave me interested to see how the series progresses.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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