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Against - The Raines of Wind Canyon #9
Against the Mark
The perfect murder is a work of art
In one catastrophic instant, Haley Warren's estranged father was taken from her. She never got the chance to reconnect with him, so now she's doing it the only way she's got left: by proving the explosion that killed him was no accident.
In one catastrophic instant, Haley Warren's estranged father was taken from her. She never got the chance to reconnect with him, so now she's doing it the only way she's got left: by proving the explosion that killed him was no accident.
When Tyler Brodie, the provocative and handsome P.I. hired by Haley, discovers that her father was investigating a suspected art theft, he knows his death is no coincidence. After all, tens of millions of dollars worth of stolen art could motivate a thief to go to any lengths—including getting rid of anyone poking around where they don't belong.
As Haley and Ty get closer to the truth, the truth gets ugly: Did Haley's dad know too much…or was he in on the take? And although Ty's a consummate professional, he's having trouble focusing on the facts of the case, and not the figure of his gorgeous client. The two are determined to get to the bottom of the case, even if it means they die trying.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Kat Martin
167 books3,177 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 A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written.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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February 9, 2021
Kat Martin uses the same basic ingredients in all of her books, ending up with the same recipe every time.
Same plot. Heroes a private investigator. Heroine is his client. Hero wrestles with wanting to sleep with his client. Heroine wrestles with sleeping with the man she's employed to investigate something. They decide to go for it. The heroine just wants sex and not a relationship, because heroine will be moving on after the case. They fall in love, but keep it to themselves. The heroine spends the whole fling lamenting the fact that it'll be over soon. After one too many close calls the hero has the heroine move in with him. In this case, it was to someone else's beach house. The case comes to a close after a few threats on the heroine’s life. They admit their feelings. Hero proposes and then a wedding weeks later.
Another private investigator from Texas. What is up with Texas? Is that the only place P.I.’s come from? Why are all these men from Texas? Even if the book’s not directly set in Texas, there’s always some connection to that state. Another woman in need of help. What are the chances all these men fall in love with their client? And can the hero just be on the sidelines supporting the heroine? Can he be a regular guy? Why does he have to be a P.I. in charge of the investigation?
I challenge anyone to find one suspense novel by Martin that doesn’t follow this same basic pattern.
Also, why must the hero and heroine be adverse to a relationship? Can't there be two people willing and open to have a relationship? Why fight it? Is this the only way she can create drama and tension?
The hero gets hard every time he thinks about or looks at the heroine. That’s the only way Martin can create chemistry. Instant boners. There’s the ever present unprofessionalism of wanting to sleep with a client & checking her out instead of focusing on the case.
They feel zings and jolts every time they touch.
'A little jolt ran up her arm. Ty's head came up as if he felt it, too.'
Spare me.
Heroine’s crappy sex life? Check. She's only had sex with three men,& didn't get the 'hoopla' about sex. She had sex in HS, college and a one night stand. Every single time left her disappointed and hollow. How is that possible? Not one of those men were good in bed? Not one time with any of those men were good?
Because of that she’s determined to go without, just give up, throw in the towel. There can’t possibly be a man out there that’s good in bed. Join a nunnery already.
The hero? He's been with hordes of women. Who call his phone on any given day. And of course Mr. Sex God will be the best lover she’s ever had. I’m so sick of this crap. I can’t even tell you. Why, women? Why are you writing this? Why are you doing this to your heroines? To women in general?
We’ve got a new one here. Haley actually thinks she might be gay because of her experience with men.
'"Because I'm not...not good with men. In fact, lately, I've been wondering if I might be more comfortable in a...umm...woman-woman relationship."
His eyes widened. "Wow, I didn't see that one coming. So you and your friend, Lane--you're lesbians?"
"No!"
"Not that I have anything against that kind of thing. Each to his own, and all that. But you just don't seem--"
"I--I've never tried it or anything. I just thought that maybe it would explain my failure in the area of...umm...sex."
"So you've never tried it, but you're attracted to women?"
"No! I mean, I don't know." Oh, God!
One of his dark eyebrows went up. "You're not a virgin, are you?"
"No, of course not. It's just...with men, it's always been disappointing, so I figured, maybe--"
"Disappointing, huh?" Something shifted in his features, changed to a look of determination. "Why don't we see?"'
Mr. Macho sees it as his personal mission to sway her sexuality if she is indeed gay. And her reaction to his reaction of her being gay? You’re the one who said you might be, so what are you freaking out about?
After he kisses her:
'Haley wheezed in a breath. "I can't...can't breathe. I think I'm going to faint."
Ty grinned and eased her over to the chair at his desk. "Not a lesbian, I don't think."
"What did...did you do to me?"
His grin widened. "I just kissed you, darlin'. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't."’
My God. How pathetic.
He's said not to be a manwhore or a playboy yet has women calling him on an almost daily basis. So which is it? Because this to me is an awful lot like what I would call a playboy and a manwhore.
Something about the heroine around the hero has women from his past popping up. Like his girlfriend of ten months who he broke it off with two years ago and hasn’t heard from is suddenly calling him. It's really something.
'Women had always liked him. On any given day, there were usually one or two ready to please him.'
He gets calls on his phone frequently from past girlfriends and flings:
‘"Same girl?" Haley asked, her pretty blue eyes on his face.
Ty just nodded. Susan had always been persistent.
"Did you call her last night after I left?"
His head snapped up. "Hell, no. I don't work that way." He'd thought about it, though, which was bad enough. Haley had left him so hard and aching he'd considered making a booty call. Not his usual style. He was single-minded when he wanted a lady.'
Well that’s just great. We think he has morals, then he completely ruins it by saying he thought about calling her. And if he focuses on one woman at a time why do multiple women call him? This doesn’t even add up.
The heroes can look the heroines over, even though the heroines are their clients but when a police officer does it it's rude:
'Rollins gave her a smile that somehow went beyond professional, his gaze drifting over her, head to foot. Haley ignored the inspection that bordered on rude.'
She wears a miniskirt to a bar to get info on her dad. A stranger comes onto her, which Ty has an exception to. But it's ok that Ty was looking at her and wanting her and then grabs her and kisses her. How is the hero any different from other guys staring at her and objectifying her?
The characters kept saying umm. It was incredibly repetitive. This is one page:
"Betty Jean's...umm...improving, but she isn't awake yet. You said you were going to the salvage yard. If you are, I...umm...want to go with you."
Same page: "I...umm...look forward to meeting her."
That…umm…isn’t pleasant to read.
"Have an...uh...appetizer first. Then dinner. Then uh...dessert when we finish the meal."
I almost fell over when bodyguard Kurt Stryker turned out to be taller than the hero. Other men taller than our hero? Gasp. Get out the smelling salts.
Despite the blurb on the cover claiming this as 'nonstop suspense' the suspense stuff didn't happen til almost halfway through.
This was complete with dramatic lines like this: 'Considering the different lives they led, the different people they were, it was dangerous. Perhaps more dangerous than searching for her father's killer.'
Yes, the guy you may fall in love with is more dangerous than murderers. Mm-hm.
Despite the gravity of the case, of finding her father’s killer, her great aunt and friend ask her about Ty, how he's good looking, how she must be interested in and have feelings for him. Totally inappropriate and annoying matchmaker-y crap given the circumstances.
So your dad was murdered and you're trying to find his killer and you're being targeted yourself, but how hot is the P.I. you've hired? Are you gonna sleep with him?
Her friend said she’s done nothing but talk about Ty for half an hour or something, and I thought, of course she has! He’s the lead investigator she hired to solve her dad’s murder!! Who’s also protecting her. She was telling you about the case so of course Ty’s name is gonna come up! Wth is this? I cannot stand annoying matchmakers on the sidelines.
It was pretty handy the heroine happened to be into hang gliding. Pretty random hobby. Them breaking into the bad guys house through hang gliding and wearing masks was unique & kinda exciting although over too fast. And pretty easy.
Ty had some pretty convenient contacts, able to get blueprints of the bad guys house, where his security panels were and the hidden room, how to open the room.
It was nearing the end of the book and I thought wow, it looks like there might be one book of Martin's where the hero doesn't have a woman from his past show up.& if it hadn't happened by now surely it wouldn't so close to the end. But alas, his ex Tiffany shows up, wanting him back. So unnecessary. So actually stupid if you think about it. Just a weak way to create a little drama.
But the biggest shocker of all is that she didn't kiss Ty, she didn't throw herself at him like in Martin’s other books. She just stood in the doorway and he told her to leave, it's over. You could knock me down with a feather.
If anyone’s looking for a Kat Martin book where the hero doesn’t kiss or have sex with OW this is one here.
Haley breaks things off with Ty, and plans on moving back home to Chicago. There's the stupid thought of Tyler with Tiffany or another woman after she left him. The very same day she left. As if he ran right out minutes after she left. Just ridiculous. I didn’t think he’d do that, but I don’t appreciate the thought was even out there.
I hated Rachel and Rick's wedding was ruined with the shooting. It would be nice to have one scene go right, one scene that didn’t involve the case. That’s another thing. The suspense takes up too much of the book and there’s not enough other scenes to balance it out. It’s just the case, threats on the heroine’s life, them having sex, and that’s it.
There was one little snippet in her great-aunt’s POV and I thought if I have to read about this elderly woman’s sex life I’m gonna lost it…And there’s also a part in her friend Lane’s POV, how she’s clearly gonna end up with Ty’s cousin. I hate the way Martin squeezes in a side character’s story, so I’m just glad she didn’t do as much of it in here, and it was only in those 2 or 3 places. Idc to read about other characters.
I didn’t realize this was the last book in the series. It didn’t feel like the end of a series,& with the way it added Lane and Ty’s cousin Dylan, or whatever his name was, but then didn’t conclude it, I figured they’d be the next book. So I was surprised they didn’t have their own book. She didn’t even accept the job to furnish his cabin in Alaska,& although we felt he wouldn’t give up on her, we’re left to our own guesses on what’ll happen between. Odd to even add their POV or possible romance if you’re not gonna finish it. It was sort of rude the way he called her a coward for not wanting to go out to eat with him or take the job on, but also had me interested in their story. However, Martin would just ruin it by making him another alpha macho man and her another needy heroine. He was already exactly like every other hero. So it might be best to just skip on them anyway.
Martin’s books always end in a wedding when they've only known each other a handful of weeks. Romance books do not have to end in a wedding, especially when the MC’s haven’t been dating, have only been having a fling, and barely know each other. That is not romantic.
Why couldn't they wait like Ty suggested, just keep dating? Why rush into marriage just because you want to marry Ty?
You don't go from not believing in marriage to deciding you wanna be with Ty, and jumping headlong into having kids,& then BAM get married right after.
The epilogue was short & I didn't like that it involved the case. Just can’t get away from the case.
Another run of the mill suspense, although the action was unique at the end. The stolen paintings were unique, too. But that’s the only thing that made this stand out against her other books.
Paint by the numbers plot. All her books are the same. Change the names of the characters, the reason for the investigation, but they all feel the same.
There’s nothing personality or dialogue wise that makes the MC’s unique. They all sound the same, act the same. The men are carbon copy macho military-turned-investigators and the heroines are always damsels in distress needing the hero’s help.
After reading three books of Martin’s this year, all in this series, and now this one, I need a long break from her. Until I forget how these books unfold. Like that will happen…
Same plot. Heroes a private investigator. Heroine is his client. Hero wrestles with wanting to sleep with his client. Heroine wrestles with sleeping with the man she's employed to investigate something. They decide to go for it. The heroine just wants sex and not a relationship, because heroine will be moving on after the case. They fall in love, but keep it to themselves. The heroine spends the whole fling lamenting the fact that it'll be over soon. After one too many close calls the hero has the heroine move in with him. In this case, it was to someone else's beach house. The case comes to a close after a few threats on the heroine’s life. They admit their feelings. Hero proposes and then a wedding weeks later.
Another private investigator from Texas. What is up with Texas? Is that the only place P.I.’s come from? Why are all these men from Texas? Even if the book’s not directly set in Texas, there’s always some connection to that state. Another woman in need of help. What are the chances all these men fall in love with their client? And can the hero just be on the sidelines supporting the heroine? Can he be a regular guy? Why does he have to be a P.I. in charge of the investigation?
I challenge anyone to find one suspense novel by Martin that doesn’t follow this same basic pattern.
Also, why must the hero and heroine be adverse to a relationship? Can't there be two people willing and open to have a relationship? Why fight it? Is this the only way she can create drama and tension?
The hero gets hard every time he thinks about or looks at the heroine. That’s the only way Martin can create chemistry. Instant boners. There’s the ever present unprofessionalism of wanting to sleep with a client & checking her out instead of focusing on the case.
They feel zings and jolts every time they touch.
'A little jolt ran up her arm. Ty's head came up as if he felt it, too.'
Spare me.
Heroine’s crappy sex life? Check. She's only had sex with three men,& didn't get the 'hoopla' about sex. She had sex in HS, college and a one night stand. Every single time left her disappointed and hollow. How is that possible? Not one of those men were good in bed? Not one time with any of those men were good?
Because of that she’s determined to go without, just give up, throw in the towel. There can’t possibly be a man out there that’s good in bed. Join a nunnery already.
The hero? He's been with hordes of women. Who call his phone on any given day. And of course Mr. Sex God will be the best lover she’s ever had. I’m so sick of this crap. I can’t even tell you. Why, women? Why are you writing this? Why are you doing this to your heroines? To women in general?
We’ve got a new one here. Haley actually thinks she might be gay because of her experience with men.
'"Because I'm not...not good with men. In fact, lately, I've been wondering if I might be more comfortable in a...umm...woman-woman relationship."
His eyes widened. "Wow, I didn't see that one coming. So you and your friend, Lane--you're lesbians?"
"No!"
"Not that I have anything against that kind of thing. Each to his own, and all that. But you just don't seem--"
"I--I've never tried it or anything. I just thought that maybe it would explain my failure in the area of...umm...sex."
"So you've never tried it, but you're attracted to women?"
"No! I mean, I don't know." Oh, God!
One of his dark eyebrows went up. "You're not a virgin, are you?"
"No, of course not. It's just...with men, it's always been disappointing, so I figured, maybe--"
"Disappointing, huh?" Something shifted in his features, changed to a look of determination. "Why don't we see?"'
Mr. Macho sees it as his personal mission to sway her sexuality if she is indeed gay. And her reaction to his reaction of her being gay? You’re the one who said you might be, so what are you freaking out about?
After he kisses her:
'Haley wheezed in a breath. "I can't...can't breathe. I think I'm going to faint."
Ty grinned and eased her over to the chair at his desk. "Not a lesbian, I don't think."
"What did...did you do to me?"
His grin widened. "I just kissed you, darlin'. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't."’
My God. How pathetic.
He's said not to be a manwhore or a playboy yet has women calling him on an almost daily basis. So which is it? Because this to me is an awful lot like what I would call a playboy and a manwhore.
Something about the heroine around the hero has women from his past popping up. Like his girlfriend of ten months who he broke it off with two years ago and hasn’t heard from is suddenly calling him. It's really something.
'Women had always liked him. On any given day, there were usually one or two ready to please him.'
He gets calls on his phone frequently from past girlfriends and flings:
‘"Same girl?" Haley asked, her pretty blue eyes on his face.
Ty just nodded. Susan had always been persistent.
"Did you call her last night after I left?"
His head snapped up. "Hell, no. I don't work that way." He'd thought about it, though, which was bad enough. Haley had left him so hard and aching he'd considered making a booty call. Not his usual style. He was single-minded when he wanted a lady.'
Well that’s just great. We think he has morals, then he completely ruins it by saying he thought about calling her. And if he focuses on one woman at a time why do multiple women call him? This doesn’t even add up.
The heroes can look the heroines over, even though the heroines are their clients but when a police officer does it it's rude:
'Rollins gave her a smile that somehow went beyond professional, his gaze drifting over her, head to foot. Haley ignored the inspection that bordered on rude.'
She wears a miniskirt to a bar to get info on her dad. A stranger comes onto her, which Ty has an exception to. But it's ok that Ty was looking at her and wanting her and then grabs her and kisses her. How is the hero any different from other guys staring at her and objectifying her?
The characters kept saying umm. It was incredibly repetitive. This is one page:
"Betty Jean's...umm...improving, but she isn't awake yet. You said you were going to the salvage yard. If you are, I...umm...want to go with you."
Same page: "I...umm...look forward to meeting her."
That…umm…isn’t pleasant to read.
"Have an...uh...appetizer first. Then dinner. Then uh...dessert when we finish the meal."
I almost fell over when bodyguard Kurt Stryker turned out to be taller than the hero. Other men taller than our hero? Gasp. Get out the smelling salts.
Despite the blurb on the cover claiming this as 'nonstop suspense' the suspense stuff didn't happen til almost halfway through.
This was complete with dramatic lines like this: 'Considering the different lives they led, the different people they were, it was dangerous. Perhaps more dangerous than searching for her father's killer.'
Yes, the guy you may fall in love with is more dangerous than murderers. Mm-hm.
Despite the gravity of the case, of finding her father’s killer, her great aunt and friend ask her about Ty, how he's good looking, how she must be interested in and have feelings for him. Totally inappropriate and annoying matchmaker-y crap given the circumstances.
So your dad was murdered and you're trying to find his killer and you're being targeted yourself, but how hot is the P.I. you've hired? Are you gonna sleep with him?
Her friend said she’s done nothing but talk about Ty for half an hour or something, and I thought, of course she has! He’s the lead investigator she hired to solve her dad’s murder!! Who’s also protecting her. She was telling you about the case so of course Ty’s name is gonna come up! Wth is this? I cannot stand annoying matchmakers on the sidelines.
It was pretty handy the heroine happened to be into hang gliding. Pretty random hobby. Them breaking into the bad guys house through hang gliding and wearing masks was unique & kinda exciting although over too fast. And pretty easy.
Ty had some pretty convenient contacts, able to get blueprints of the bad guys house, where his security panels were and the hidden room, how to open the room.
It was nearing the end of the book and I thought wow, it looks like there might be one book of Martin's where the hero doesn't have a woman from his past show up.& if it hadn't happened by now surely it wouldn't so close to the end. But alas, his ex Tiffany shows up, wanting him back. So unnecessary. So actually stupid if you think about it. Just a weak way to create a little drama.
But the biggest shocker of all is that she didn't kiss Ty, she didn't throw herself at him like in Martin’s other books. She just stood in the doorway and he told her to leave, it's over. You could knock me down with a feather.
If anyone’s looking for a Kat Martin book where the hero doesn’t kiss or have sex with OW this is one here.
Haley breaks things off with Ty, and plans on moving back home to Chicago. There's the stupid thought of Tyler with Tiffany or another woman after she left him. The very same day she left. As if he ran right out minutes after she left. Just ridiculous. I didn’t think he’d do that, but I don’t appreciate the thought was even out there.
I hated Rachel and Rick's wedding was ruined with the shooting. It would be nice to have one scene go right, one scene that didn’t involve the case. That’s another thing. The suspense takes up too much of the book and there’s not enough other scenes to balance it out. It’s just the case, threats on the heroine’s life, them having sex, and that’s it.
There was one little snippet in her great-aunt’s POV and I thought if I have to read about this elderly woman’s sex life I’m gonna lost it…And there’s also a part in her friend Lane’s POV, how she’s clearly gonna end up with Ty’s cousin. I hate the way Martin squeezes in a side character’s story, so I’m just glad she didn’t do as much of it in here, and it was only in those 2 or 3 places. Idc to read about other characters.
I didn’t realize this was the last book in the series. It didn’t feel like the end of a series,& with the way it added Lane and Ty’s cousin Dylan, or whatever his name was, but then didn’t conclude it, I figured they’d be the next book. So I was surprised they didn’t have their own book. She didn’t even accept the job to furnish his cabin in Alaska,& although we felt he wouldn’t give up on her, we’re left to our own guesses on what’ll happen between. Odd to even add their POV or possible romance if you’re not gonna finish it. It was sort of rude the way he called her a coward for not wanting to go out to eat with him or take the job on, but also had me interested in their story. However, Martin would just ruin it by making him another alpha macho man and her another needy heroine. He was already exactly like every other hero. So it might be best to just skip on them anyway.
Martin’s books always end in a wedding when they've only known each other a handful of weeks. Romance books do not have to end in a wedding, especially when the MC’s haven’t been dating, have only been having a fling, and barely know each other. That is not romantic.
Why couldn't they wait like Ty suggested, just keep dating? Why rush into marriage just because you want to marry Ty?
You don't go from not believing in marriage to deciding you wanna be with Ty, and jumping headlong into having kids,& then BAM get married right after.
The epilogue was short & I didn't like that it involved the case. Just can’t get away from the case.
Another run of the mill suspense, although the action was unique at the end. The stolen paintings were unique, too. But that’s the only thing that made this stand out against her other books.
Paint by the numbers plot. All her books are the same. Change the names of the characters, the reason for the investigation, but they all feel the same.
There’s nothing personality or dialogue wise that makes the MC’s unique. They all sound the same, act the same. The men are carbon copy macho military-turned-investigators and the heroines are always damsels in distress needing the hero’s help.
After reading three books of Martin’s this year, all in this series, and now this one, I need a long break from her. Until I forget how these books unfold. Like that will happen…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2014
I liked this story though it started dragging after the second attempt on her life. I mean seriously how much drama can one woman cause. And she wasn't very nice to him either. But of course Ty had his tongue on the ground wiping drool off his lip. I guess looks are everything and she still acted rude and pretentious around him. Ty finally breaks down her defenses and sweeps her off her feet, well yes he did, he was fine and knew how to use his hands, in military,(what were you thinking?)and they finally start their emotional rollercoaster of a relationship. She was a nightmare at intimacy and avoided any serious discussions. Whenever Ty was worried about her getting hurt, (because, face it, if anyone was going to get shot at or kidnapped it was her) wanted to talk about their relationship she would tear off her clothes to distract him. Worked everytime, and then she would tell herself that she loved him, but she never told him. She was constantly bringing up the fact that as soon as this is done (the case) they were done and she was going back to Chicago because her job was so important. I really had to force myself to finish it. The ending wrap up was farfetched with them paragliding by night onto the ground of a millionaire's estate which they just happen to have the floor plan to, and solve the case. Sure, why not, anyway it was way too easy for me. So after they think it's all over Ty basically begs her to stay and does the whole shebang of telling her he loves her and he wants to marry her and the whole nine yards, she does her dramatic running away crying, "It will never work!" he says "Because you don't love me?" and she respond with "No, because I do, my mother loved my father and look what happened to them!" Okay, first of all Grow Up!!!! Are you twelve? Still using her parents to excuse her stupidity. Ugh!! After she gets advice from a real woman she has an epiphany. Well, thank God, I could have given her a 2X4 up the side of her head to wake her up just as easily. I mean seriously, didn't care how they got their HEA at this point. You think it's over, No!!! unfortunately We have one more chapter of Haley getting her self knabbed by the bad guys that the police failed to keep in jail, technicality, of course. So Ty has to be her hero again, Giving it three and half stars because of Ty, I think he deserved better.
February 18, 2018
So sad that this is the last book of this series. I really enjoyed each and every one of them. Each one had a great plot and awesome characters.
August 8, 2013
Tome Tender is hosting the Against the Mark Interview & Giveaway August 15 - 22!
One Winner will have the choice of either an e-copy or a print copy of AGAINST THE MARK BY KAT MARTIN!
Haley Warren turned her back on her father when he divorced her mother and married the woman he was having affair with. When he is killed in an explosion, a plea for help and her pangs of guilt lead her across the country in search of what really happened. Haley hires Tyler Brodie, a handsome and charming Private Investigator who uncovers a possible series of valuable art thefts that her father was investigating, and it may cost her her own life when she gets too close to the answers. To make matters worse, Haley must deal with the evil woman who stole her father, probably, she assumes to spend the millions he spirited away from his first marriage.
Isn’t that enough to deal with? Thanks to her parents’ fine example of an unhappy marriage, Haley doesn’t even believe in love and has never experienced an honest and open, loving relationship. Enter Ty, and with each touch or look, there is a feeling like an electrical charge that passes between them, except that Ty is quite the ladies’ man, and his phone rings constantly with calls from “old” girlfriends, further strengthening Haley’s resolve that relationships are not possible. Back to the art thefts, millions of dollars are at stake and Ty and Haley are not about to give up, even with bullets flying all around them! Will they get to the bottom of her father’s death? Was it really related to the thefts? Was it an accident or was it murder? Can Ty convince Haley that lasting, monogamous love is possible? Especially when his old flames keep reappearing?
Against the Mark by Kat Martin is fast, and I mean FAST-paced. It holds all of the emotional tension of a good mystery/thriller as each layer of the mystery is uncovered and the cast of thugs and financial schemers start coming out of the woodwork! The supporting characters were wonderful, and in a fabulous twist, one character, a huge, muscular and shaved-headed bodyguard, gave me one of those “didn’t see that one coming” moments! Haley was too cynical and harsh too often. Ty was most definitely a charmer, but his harem of female followers was a bit much for a man reputed to be so wonderful, kind, loyal, honest, etc. I seriously wanted to shake some sense of compassion into Haley and then tell each and every female who called for Ty and his “special talents” that he was NOT going to call them back. Period.
So, what does this tell me about Against the Mark? I must have gotten more involved than I thought!
An ARC edition was provided by NetGalley & Mira in exchange for my honest review.
Date of publish: August 27, 2013
Publisher: MIRA
Series: Raines of Wind Canyon, Book 9
ISBN: 9780778314677
Pages: 400
Rating: 4 Stars
Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
One Winner will have the choice of either an e-copy or a print copy of AGAINST THE MARK BY KAT MARTIN!
Haley Warren turned her back on her father when he divorced her mother and married the woman he was having affair with. When he is killed in an explosion, a plea for help and her pangs of guilt lead her across the country in search of what really happened. Haley hires Tyler Brodie, a handsome and charming Private Investigator who uncovers a possible series of valuable art thefts that her father was investigating, and it may cost her her own life when she gets too close to the answers. To make matters worse, Haley must deal with the evil woman who stole her father, probably, she assumes to spend the millions he spirited away from his first marriage.
Isn’t that enough to deal with? Thanks to her parents’ fine example of an unhappy marriage, Haley doesn’t even believe in love and has never experienced an honest and open, loving relationship. Enter Ty, and with each touch or look, there is a feeling like an electrical charge that passes between them, except that Ty is quite the ladies’ man, and his phone rings constantly with calls from “old” girlfriends, further strengthening Haley’s resolve that relationships are not possible. Back to the art thefts, millions of dollars are at stake and Ty and Haley are not about to give up, even with bullets flying all around them! Will they get to the bottom of her father’s death? Was it really related to the thefts? Was it an accident or was it murder? Can Ty convince Haley that lasting, monogamous love is possible? Especially when his old flames keep reappearing?
Against the Mark by Kat Martin is fast, and I mean FAST-paced. It holds all of the emotional tension of a good mystery/thriller as each layer of the mystery is uncovered and the cast of thugs and financial schemers start coming out of the woodwork! The supporting characters were wonderful, and in a fabulous twist, one character, a huge, muscular and shaved-headed bodyguard, gave me one of those “didn’t see that one coming” moments! Haley was too cynical and harsh too often. Ty was most definitely a charmer, but his harem of female followers was a bit much for a man reputed to be so wonderful, kind, loyal, honest, etc. I seriously wanted to shake some sense of compassion into Haley and then tell each and every female who called for Ty and his “special talents” that he was NOT going to call them back. Period.
So, what does this tell me about Against the Mark? I must have gotten more involved than I thought!
An ARC edition was provided by NetGalley & Mira in exchange for my honest review.
Date of publish: August 27, 2013
Publisher: MIRA
Series: Raines of Wind Canyon, Book 9
ISBN: 9780778314677
Pages: 400
Rating: 4 Stars
Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
September 1, 2013
I am actually not a big fan of Romantic Suspense. In fact I usually avoid these kinds of books. Since being introduced to Ms. Martin’s Raines of Wind Canyon series I have changed my mind. She has such a wonderful way of writing that her books just capture my attention and have the perfect amount of yummy romance and interesting suspense.
The characters in Against the Mark really left an impression on me. We have Haley Warren who had a fallen out with her Dad when he divorced her mother and married another woman. Now it is too late to make amends with him because he died in a boating accident. Only his new wife doesn’t believe that and has asked for Haley’s help in finding out what did happen on that boat.
Then we have Tyler Brodie. Once I realized that he was a Texan, well that made him just as close to perfect as a male character can get. When you add in that he is a retired military and is just one of the most decent guys out there, well that just did it for me! I just loved how he acted towards Haley and how from the very beginning he treated her feelings for her Dad with such respect.
Even though this is book #9 in the Raines of Wind Canyon series, it like the rest of these books, it can be read as a standalone. This is wonderful because I can take my time to read the books I haven’t had a chance to get to and not feel like I have missed out on any crucial details. Of course, as always, I am looking forward to the next book in this entertaining series!
The characters in Against the Mark really left an impression on me. We have Haley Warren who had a fallen out with her Dad when he divorced her mother and married another woman. Now it is too late to make amends with him because he died in a boating accident. Only his new wife doesn’t believe that and has asked for Haley’s help in finding out what did happen on that boat.
Then we have Tyler Brodie. Once I realized that he was a Texan, well that made him just as close to perfect as a male character can get. When you add in that he is a retired military and is just one of the most decent guys out there, well that just did it for me! I just loved how he acted towards Haley and how from the very beginning he treated her feelings for her Dad with such respect.
Even though this is book #9 in the Raines of Wind Canyon series, it like the rest of these books, it can be read as a standalone. This is wonderful because I can take my time to read the books I haven’t had a chance to get to and not feel like I have missed out on any crucial details. Of course, as always, I am looking forward to the next book in this entertaining series!
July 18, 2015
0.0% Starting this today at some point :) I enjoy these books once I start but am always nervous to start one :/ I'm looking forward to some romantic suspense though n am also trying to get through my series started books released shelf haha :D
3% Ellie suggested, the twinkle in her eyes warning him he had just stepped into another of her traps.
Haha I think I know what Ellie's thinking :)
9% I think Johnnie and I might try to start a family next year.”
I love that we get to see snippets of the other couples and where they are in their lives :D
15% “I knew it! You can tell me you aren’t the least bit interested, but I’ve known you too long. If he looks as hot as your sketch, I think you ought to take him out for a spin.”
I like Lane - hope we see more of her :) Im liking this so far! Im intrigued by the case n looking forward to seeing what happens between Ty and Haley :D
18% It’s just...with men, it’s always been disappointing, so I figured, maybe—” “Disappointing, huh?” Something shifted in his features, changed to a look of determination. “Why don’t we see?”
I think Ty's going to change that! :)
19% Since he wasn’t much good at lying, he might as well tell her the truth. “Because you were the woman I wanted. I wasn’t in the mood for someone else.”
Oh wow! I think I may have fallen for Ty with that one sentence! I LOVE a man who tells the truth straight up - no pretence! <3
21% Not a woman. She shouldn’t have been so relieved.
Stop trying to deny the inevitable :) so intrigued by this case n Im really starting to love Ty and Haley :D
23% She fought to stay conscious but her vision was narrowing, fading in and out. “Haley...” she whispered. “Haley....” Then her eyes rolled back in her head, and the world spun into darkness.
Oh my god! I wasnt expecting that - I dont know why I wasnt I just wasnt :(
26% “In general. He’s the kind of guy who gives men a bad name.” “He’s abusive?” “Just dishonest. In a way that’s damn near as bad.”
I seriously love Ty's attitude! I love that he doesnt lie!! :D <3
29% We parted friends.” "Were you in love with her?”
I seriously love how upfront and candid Ty is! <3
35% When she sobbed his name, he followed her to release, his whole body tightening, his head thrown back, his jaw clenched against the rush of pleasure.
That was hot! :D <3
39% someday you’ll meet someone who can make you think of the future instead of the past.” Lane made no reply, which was a reply in itself.
Oh poor Lane :( Hopefully we'll see her get her HEA - Maybe in this book or another? :D
42% Ty tipped his head to where Haley disappeared down the hall. “She’s hands-off, you understand? She belongs to me. Anything happens to her, you and I are going to have a problem.”
Aww protective Ty! Im loving Ty! :D <3
45% Besides, the property was fenced, and there was a perimeter alarm so she should be safe enough.
... I dont like this - it sounds like foreshadowing! :(
46% His chest tightened. Baby, I'm on my way.
Im really loving Ty!! <3 <3
49% “I’m still running on adrenaline. I’m pissed, and at the moment, I’m not the nice guy you were in bed with before. If I take you now, it won’t be making love. It’ll be hot, hard fucking. Is that what you want?” Heat and need rolled through her. She understood what he was feeling. The restlessness, the tension, the leftover fear. She looked up at him. “That’s exactly what I want.” Ty stepped on the gas.
I'm seriously starting to love these two! :D
50% He kissed the top of her head, thinking of the things he had told her, things that were part of the darkness inside that little by little was fading. “I’ll be there from now on,” he promised, though he wasn’t sure how long that would be. All he knew was his demons were gone and that Haley had been there when he needed her, had matched him in his passion. “You’re something,” he said. “You know that?”
Yep I definitely love these two! :D <3
53% “It does matter. And now that I’ve met you, I’m not sure what normal is anymore.” Bending his head, he very thoroughly kissed her. “We need to ride this out, darlin’, see where it leads. Nothing in life is ever a sure thing.”
Oh Ty!! IM LOVING YOU! I love how honest you are!! <3
56% Haley gave him a slow, sexy smile. Bending down, she bit the lobe of his ear. “I’ll think of something,” she whispered. Ty hissed in a breath as his blood began to head south. “Not good enough.” He pulled her down on his lap and kissed her. “I’ve got this fantasy— It involves you and the arm of my sofa. That’s what I want.”
Im definitely enjoying these two together :D Im loving it atm :D
60% “Oh God, oh God, oh God.” She pressed her face into his shoulder, shaking so hard he could hear her teeth chattering
Oh god! I was not expecting that!!
63% What else had happened that her mother had never bothered to tell her?
Ohhh Im intrigued? Loving the case in this as well - so curious! :D <3
66% She didn’t mean to stare at him, but she couldn’t seem to look away. There was something compelling about him. The remoteness in his eyes, his guarded expression said he was a man with secrets. She found herself wondering what they were.
I know Dylans book is part of the spin off series - please say its with Lane! Please! <3
71% Her chin inched up. “I told you that from the start. My life is in Chicago. Everything I’ve worked for is there. My family, my friends. And even if that weren’t true, you and I would never make it.” “Why the hell not?” “For the same reason it didn’t work with my mother and father. We’re just too different.”
Oh Haley! :( I hope whatever Betty-Jean knows will change Haleys mind - her and Ty are perfect together! <3
75% After they’d argued, he had realized his feelings for her ran a whole lot deeper than he’d wanted to admit. Hell, the truth was, he was more than half in love with her. But Haley’s feelings for him didn’t run that deep. If he let himself get any more involved, he was going to get hurt. He had to be careful, keep things on an even keel.
Oh Ty :( Im really loving this book - glad Im home/on holiday atm so I have a little bit more time to really sit down and enjoy it! :) (even though I have loads of uni work to do - Ill deal with that when I go back :D)
80% "Finish it," Stephan said, and hung up the phone.
:O oh no! I thought that was too easy especially with 20% still to go :(
87% Thanks to Haley, Ty's dark mood had lifted. She had a way of reading him, knowing just how far to push, how to tempt him back from the edge.
I LOVE that Haley can beat the dark mood back for Ty! :D <3
92% “Get out of bed,” Ty said. “Both of you. Do it now.”
This case is so good! Im loving it! :D <3
93% Ty flicked a glance at Haley and both of them grinned.
I wanna say it's finally over but a small part of me is worried coz theres still 7% to go :/ Please say its over n Im just being paranoid!
95% Haley got up from her chair, leaned over and hugged the woman her father had loved. “Thank you, Betty Jean. Thank you so much. I’m glad my father found you.”
Yes! Go Betty-Jean! :D <3
98% Looks like this is finally over.
Finally! :D <3
100% I really enjoyed this book! I loved Ty and Haley :D Im debating between 4 stars n 5 right now! Wish we could give half stars - Ill have to think on that a while :) but the case was really intriging and I enjoyed seeing Ty and Halley fall in love :D
3% Ellie suggested, the twinkle in her eyes warning him he had just stepped into another of her traps.
Haha I think I know what Ellie's thinking :)
9% I think Johnnie and I might try to start a family next year.”
I love that we get to see snippets of the other couples and where they are in their lives :D
15% “I knew it! You can tell me you aren’t the least bit interested, but I’ve known you too long. If he looks as hot as your sketch, I think you ought to take him out for a spin.”
I like Lane - hope we see more of her :) Im liking this so far! Im intrigued by the case n looking forward to seeing what happens between Ty and Haley :D
18% It’s just...with men, it’s always been disappointing, so I figured, maybe—” “Disappointing, huh?” Something shifted in his features, changed to a look of determination. “Why don’t we see?”
I think Ty's going to change that! :)
19% Since he wasn’t much good at lying, he might as well tell her the truth. “Because you were the woman I wanted. I wasn’t in the mood for someone else.”
Oh wow! I think I may have fallen for Ty with that one sentence! I LOVE a man who tells the truth straight up - no pretence! <3
21% Not a woman. She shouldn’t have been so relieved.
Stop trying to deny the inevitable :) so intrigued by this case n Im really starting to love Ty and Haley :D
23% She fought to stay conscious but her vision was narrowing, fading in and out. “Haley...” she whispered. “Haley....” Then her eyes rolled back in her head, and the world spun into darkness.
Oh my god! I wasnt expecting that - I dont know why I wasnt I just wasnt :(
26% “In general. He’s the kind of guy who gives men a bad name.” “He’s abusive?” “Just dishonest. In a way that’s damn near as bad.”
I seriously love Ty's attitude! I love that he doesnt lie!! :D <3
29% We parted friends.” "Were you in love with her?”
I seriously love how upfront and candid Ty is! <3
35% When she sobbed his name, he followed her to release, his whole body tightening, his head thrown back, his jaw clenched against the rush of pleasure.
That was hot! :D <3
39% someday you’ll meet someone who can make you think of the future instead of the past.” Lane made no reply, which was a reply in itself.
Oh poor Lane :( Hopefully we'll see her get her HEA - Maybe in this book or another? :D
42% Ty tipped his head to where Haley disappeared down the hall. “She’s hands-off, you understand? She belongs to me. Anything happens to her, you and I are going to have a problem.”
Aww protective Ty! Im loving Ty! :D <3
45% Besides, the property was fenced, and there was a perimeter alarm so she should be safe enough.
... I dont like this - it sounds like foreshadowing! :(
46% His chest tightened. Baby, I'm on my way.
Im really loving Ty!! <3 <3
49% “I’m still running on adrenaline. I’m pissed, and at the moment, I’m not the nice guy you were in bed with before. If I take you now, it won’t be making love. It’ll be hot, hard fucking. Is that what you want?” Heat and need rolled through her. She understood what he was feeling. The restlessness, the tension, the leftover fear. She looked up at him. “That’s exactly what I want.” Ty stepped on the gas.
I'm seriously starting to love these two! :D
50% He kissed the top of her head, thinking of the things he had told her, things that were part of the darkness inside that little by little was fading. “I’ll be there from now on,” he promised, though he wasn’t sure how long that would be. All he knew was his demons were gone and that Haley had been there when he needed her, had matched him in his passion. “You’re something,” he said. “You know that?”
Yep I definitely love these two! :D <3
53% “It does matter. And now that I’ve met you, I’m not sure what normal is anymore.” Bending his head, he very thoroughly kissed her. “We need to ride this out, darlin’, see where it leads. Nothing in life is ever a sure thing.”
Oh Ty!! IM LOVING YOU! I love how honest you are!! <3
56% Haley gave him a slow, sexy smile. Bending down, she bit the lobe of his ear. “I’ll think of something,” she whispered. Ty hissed in a breath as his blood began to head south. “Not good enough.” He pulled her down on his lap and kissed her. “I’ve got this fantasy— It involves you and the arm of my sofa. That’s what I want.”
Im definitely enjoying these two together :D Im loving it atm :D
60% “Oh God, oh God, oh God.” She pressed her face into his shoulder, shaking so hard he could hear her teeth chattering
Oh god! I was not expecting that!!
63% What else had happened that her mother had never bothered to tell her?
Ohhh Im intrigued? Loving the case in this as well - so curious! :D <3
66% She didn’t mean to stare at him, but she couldn’t seem to look away. There was something compelling about him. The remoteness in his eyes, his guarded expression said he was a man with secrets. She found herself wondering what they were.
I know Dylans book is part of the spin off series - please say its with Lane! Please! <3
71% Her chin inched up. “I told you that from the start. My life is in Chicago. Everything I’ve worked for is there. My family, my friends. And even if that weren’t true, you and I would never make it.” “Why the hell not?” “For the same reason it didn’t work with my mother and father. We’re just too different.”
Oh Haley! :( I hope whatever Betty-Jean knows will change Haleys mind - her and Ty are perfect together! <3
75% After they’d argued, he had realized his feelings for her ran a whole lot deeper than he’d wanted to admit. Hell, the truth was, he was more than half in love with her. But Haley’s feelings for him didn’t run that deep. If he let himself get any more involved, he was going to get hurt. He had to be careful, keep things on an even keel.
Oh Ty :( Im really loving this book - glad Im home/on holiday atm so I have a little bit more time to really sit down and enjoy it! :) (even though I have loads of uni work to do - Ill deal with that when I go back :D)
80% "Finish it," Stephan said, and hung up the phone.
:O oh no! I thought that was too easy especially with 20% still to go :(
87% Thanks to Haley, Ty's dark mood had lifted. She had a way of reading him, knowing just how far to push, how to tempt him back from the edge.
I LOVE that Haley can beat the dark mood back for Ty! :D <3
92% “Get out of bed,” Ty said. “Both of you. Do it now.”
This case is so good! Im loving it! :D <3
93% Ty flicked a glance at Haley and both of them grinned.
I wanna say it's finally over but a small part of me is worried coz theres still 7% to go :/ Please say its over n Im just being paranoid!
95% Haley got up from her chair, leaned over and hugged the woman her father had loved. “Thank you, Betty Jean. Thank you so much. I’m glad my father found you.”
Yes! Go Betty-Jean! :D <3
98% Looks like this is finally over.
Finally! :D <3
100% I really enjoyed this book! I loved Ty and Haley :D Im debating between 4 stars n 5 right now! Wish we could give half stars - Ill have to think on that a while :) but the case was really intriging and I enjoyed seeing Ty and Halley fall in love :D
October 24, 2014
Dark and extremely sexy. I never thought Ty Brodie's story would be like this. In previous books, he was portrayed as a good ole Texas boy, smart, but laid back. Real different characterization in this book. Kat Martin has really stepped it up a notch for this new series and I really like it. In Against the Mark think The Thomas Crown Affair, only Thomas Crown is an art thief and a murderer.
Haley Warren's insurance investigator father is killed in what looks like an accidental boat explosion. His wife, Haley's step-mother, believes otherwise and Hailey comes to L.A. from Chicago to investigate. Ty agrees to help as a favor to Haley's great-aunt. The L.A. police are no help, they have ruled accident and it is going to stay that way, even when violence is erupting all around Ty and Haley. Not only bullets, but very hot steamy sex also. Ty has real feelings for Haley. Haley tells herself she only wants to solve her fathers murder and go home to Chicago and her nice scheduled life. She doesn't believe in love or happily ever after, and Ty is the supreme babe magnet, how can he be happy with just one woman.
Haley Warren's insurance investigator father is killed in what looks like an accidental boat explosion. His wife, Haley's step-mother, believes otherwise and Hailey comes to L.A. from Chicago to investigate. Ty agrees to help as a favor to Haley's great-aunt. The L.A. police are no help, they have ruled accident and it is going to stay that way, even when violence is erupting all around Ty and Haley. Not only bullets, but very hot steamy sex also. Ty has real feelings for Haley. Haley tells herself she only wants to solve her fathers murder and go home to Chicago and her nice scheduled life. She doesn't believe in love or happily ever after, and Ty is the supreme babe magnet, how can he be happy with just one woman.
March 30, 2019
3.5 stars
November 4, 2021
Tyler helps Haley investigate the possible murder of her father. Tyler was more appealing because he seemed less promiscuous than some of the prior men in this series. The book had entertaining suspense, good romance, and some of the flavor of the extended friend group. It was the last in the series, and it looks like I’ve already read the next spin-off series (Brodies of Alaska). I read the ebook. 4/5
August 23, 2013
If you are already a fan of Kat Martin’s romantic suspense novels, then you will not be disappointed with Against the Mark, the latest upcoming release in The Raines of Canyon series. Even though I have only read one other book in the series, I had no problem jumping into this book and getting immersed in the featured romance and murder investigation into an art theft ring.
Martin has written a well-developed suspense plot that complements an equally well-developed romance between Ty Brodie, an easy-going country boy from Texas and Haley Warren, a somewhat uptight socialite from Chicago. Because of his friendship to Haley’s great-aunt, Ty agrees to investigate into the supposed accidental death of Haley’s father three months ago. Although the attraction between Ty and Haley is instantaneous, their romance develops at a slower, more realistic pace.
Ty is an all-around great hero. He’s handsome, confident and as a former special ops Marine, he has the skills and experience to handle himself and protect Haley in dangerous situations. His charisma, integrity, and openness with Haley make him swoon worthy. What I like best about Ty is that he is always honest with Haley, and he doesn’t play emotional games. He never withholds his feelings to leave Haley (and me as a reader) in a state of perpetual angst.
It took a while before I really warmed up to Haley. However, she is a dynamic character who experiences the most change and emotional growth over the course of the book. At first she struck me as superficial, a woman who places too much importance on money and appearances. Even Ty is initially put off by her attitude. Yet, as more and more of Haley’s backstory is revealed, I realized that her perceptions have, to a large degree, been skewed by her mother’s ideology and values. Although she have may started the investigation into her father’s death out of a sense of guilt, I do like that Haley refuses to stop probing into her father’s death even when the level of danger intensifies. It is when Haley puts her step-mother’s well being above her own feelings that I started to appreciate her as a heroine.
Haley hasn’t had much experience with men or with being in love. She really doesn’t understand all the hoopla about sex until she kisses Ty. He awakens a side of passion and sensuality within her that no one else ever has. Their physical relationship paves the way for them to connect on a much deeper level. Ty is not perfect. He has a dark side that emerges whenever he’s engaged in dangerous, adrenaline-pumping situations. Instead of being pushed away, Haley knows exactly how to deal with and calm an edgy, angry Ty. Unfortunately, Haley’s insecurities and single-minded attitude about marriage creates unnecessary complications and emotional pain in the latter part of the book.
Martin has created a believable plot about art theft, and I enjoyed learning more about the intricate process of creating a forgery. The mystery behind Haley’s father’s death becomes clear early in the book, and the tension and suspense build as Ty and Haley find themselves in increasingly greater danger as they work together to uncover and capture the mastermind behind the recent stolen art. I found the scene where police are led to the ringleader somewhat anticlimactic, but, just when I thought I had resolution figured out, Martin shakes things up so that the outcome was not as clear cut as I expected.
The supporting characters all play a meaningful role in facilitating the plot and they add texture and liveliness to round out this fictitious world Martin has created. Moreover, the spark between Ty’s cousin, Dylan and Haley’s best friend, Lane has been ignited, and now I look forward to their future love story.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Martin has written a well-developed suspense plot that complements an equally well-developed romance between Ty Brodie, an easy-going country boy from Texas and Haley Warren, a somewhat uptight socialite from Chicago. Because of his friendship to Haley’s great-aunt, Ty agrees to investigate into the supposed accidental death of Haley’s father three months ago. Although the attraction between Ty and Haley is instantaneous, their romance develops at a slower, more realistic pace.
Ty is an all-around great hero. He’s handsome, confident and as a former special ops Marine, he has the skills and experience to handle himself and protect Haley in dangerous situations. His charisma, integrity, and openness with Haley make him swoon worthy. What I like best about Ty is that he is always honest with Haley, and he doesn’t play emotional games. He never withholds his feelings to leave Haley (and me as a reader) in a state of perpetual angst.
It took a while before I really warmed up to Haley. However, she is a dynamic character who experiences the most change and emotional growth over the course of the book. At first she struck me as superficial, a woman who places too much importance on money and appearances. Even Ty is initially put off by her attitude. Yet, as more and more of Haley’s backstory is revealed, I realized that her perceptions have, to a large degree, been skewed by her mother’s ideology and values. Although she have may started the investigation into her father’s death out of a sense of guilt, I do like that Haley refuses to stop probing into her father’s death even when the level of danger intensifies. It is when Haley puts her step-mother’s well being above her own feelings that I started to appreciate her as a heroine.
Haley hasn’t had much experience with men or with being in love. She really doesn’t understand all the hoopla about sex until she kisses Ty. He awakens a side of passion and sensuality within her that no one else ever has. Their physical relationship paves the way for them to connect on a much deeper level. Ty is not perfect. He has a dark side that emerges whenever he’s engaged in dangerous, adrenaline-pumping situations. Instead of being pushed away, Haley knows exactly how to deal with and calm an edgy, angry Ty. Unfortunately, Haley’s insecurities and single-minded attitude about marriage creates unnecessary complications and emotional pain in the latter part of the book.
Martin has created a believable plot about art theft, and I enjoyed learning more about the intricate process of creating a forgery. The mystery behind Haley’s father’s death becomes clear early in the book, and the tension and suspense build as Ty and Haley find themselves in increasingly greater danger as they work together to uncover and capture the mastermind behind the recent stolen art. I found the scene where police are led to the ringleader somewhat anticlimactic, but, just when I thought I had resolution figured out, Martin shakes things up so that the outcome was not as clear cut as I expected.
The supporting characters all play a meaningful role in facilitating the plot and they add texture and liveliness to round out this fictitious world Martin has created. Moreover, the spark between Ty’s cousin, Dylan and Haley’s best friend, Lane has been ignited, and now I look forward to their future love story.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2013
This is another great addition to the Raines of Wind Canyon series and I have enjoyed these stories from the beginning. This book has the right amount of suspense, romance and heat to satisfy any romantic suspense lover.
Ellie Stiles is good friends with Ty Brodie and several others that are associated with the private investigative firm that Johnny Riggs started and she has a niece, Haley that needs some help. Haley’s father’s wife called and said that she does not believe his recent death was an accident.
James Warren died three months ago on his boat, the engine exploded while he was taking it out of the slip. James worked on investigating an art theft several years ago and he had recently been looking into it again. He received new information and believed he could solve the puzzle, but unfortunately someone got to him before he could bring his findings to the police.
Haley has traveled from Chicago where she works at an art museum to Los Angeles with some trepidation. She was estranged from her father because of her parent’s divorce and his subsequent marriage to Betty Jean so she is not sure what she can do but is ready to help. As they dig into what James was working on, they realize the danger that surrounds them and that someone will do anything to stop them from finding out about the stolen art.
I love this series, the romance and suspense are so well blended that they are such fun to read. The characters in this story are intriguing and interesting as they investigate the death of Haley’s father. Haley is a likable character and you can really feel how sad she is because of the lost opportunity of reconciling with her father and now it is too late and even though she wants to hate her step-mother, Betty Jean is so likable that she can’t help but enjoy her company.
Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher through NetGalley for an honest review
Ellie Stiles is good friends with Ty Brodie and several others that are associated with the private investigative firm that Johnny Riggs started and she has a niece, Haley that needs some help. Haley’s father’s wife called and said that she does not believe his recent death was an accident.
James Warren died three months ago on his boat, the engine exploded while he was taking it out of the slip. James worked on investigating an art theft several years ago and he had recently been looking into it again. He received new information and believed he could solve the puzzle, but unfortunately someone got to him before he could bring his findings to the police.
Haley has traveled from Chicago where she works at an art museum to Los Angeles with some trepidation. She was estranged from her father because of her parent’s divorce and his subsequent marriage to Betty Jean so she is not sure what she can do but is ready to help. As they dig into what James was working on, they realize the danger that surrounds them and that someone will do anything to stop them from finding out about the stolen art.
I love this series, the romance and suspense are so well blended that they are such fun to read. The characters in this story are intriguing and interesting as they investigate the death of Haley’s father. Haley is a likable character and you can really feel how sad she is because of the lost opportunity of reconciling with her father and now it is too late and even though she wants to hate her step-mother, Betty Jean is so likable that she can’t help but enjoy her company.
Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher through NetGalley for an honest review
June 20, 2014
What a great movie this would make. I've never read anything by this author before, but I think I'll be tracking down more of her work.
James Warren was killed in an unfortunate boat explosion, but was it an accident or murder? His daughter, Haley, has to find out. What evolves is a tale of danger and intrigue leading from the theft of several priceless works of art to a talented forger and the men behind the heist. It's anyone's guess who is on which side of the law as the stakes grow ever higher. This one kept me perched on the edge of my seat as I attempted to figure out whether Stryker would remain genuine to the end. I had my suspicions all along!
James Warren was killed in an unfortunate boat explosion, but was it an accident or murder? His daughter, Haley, has to find out. What evolves is a tale of danger and intrigue leading from the theft of several priceless works of art to a talented forger and the men behind the heist. It's anyone's guess who is on which side of the law as the stakes grow ever higher. This one kept me perched on the edge of my seat as I attempted to figure out whether Stryker would remain genuine to the end. I had my suspicions all along!
Did Not Finish
March 18, 2014I found this book by looking up the genre suspense. I guess this is more of a romantic suspense but I still couldn't get into it. I found it kind of creepy the way the man, Ty, kept leering at and thinking lascivious thoughts about the main character, Haley. Nothing romantic in that. Also, everything was just a little too perfect. Haley was a cute perky blonde, with dimples no less, from a well to do family. Ty grew up middle class but now was very wealthy. They each just happened to know the perfect person to get done what they needed.
August 22, 2016
Eh, it was okay. It took me months to read it; it was easy to put down and not pick up again for days or weeks. When I picked it up, I had no trouble diving back in where I left off. The romance was quick but more or less believable while the mystery was a little too complicated. This was my second book by Martin and neither one wowed me. I doubt I'll read more by her.
September 20, 2013
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. Then again I love all the books in this series. But this one and Against The Sun have to be my two favorites.
August 27, 2017
Brodie Cousin
Great book. Threw a little twist at the end. Part of the Brodie family. Liked the three brothers series...which was WOW!!!!
Great book. Threw a little twist at the end. Part of the Brodie family. Liked the three brothers series...which was WOW!!!!
July 13, 2019
Not the best writing in this series, which I have liked. A little too much repeating and at time juvenile. Good plot though.
December 19, 2025
n one catastrophic instant, Haley Warren's estranged father was taken from her. She never got the chance to reconnect with him, so now she's doing it the only way she's got left: by proving the explosion that killed him was no accident.
When Tyler Brodie, the provocative and handsome P.I. hired by Haley, discovers that her father was investigating a suspected art theft, he knows his death is no coincidence. After all, tens of millions of dollars worth of stolen art could motivate a thief to go to any lengths-including getting rid of anyone poking around where they don't belong.
As Haley and Ty get closer to the truth, the truth gets ugly: Did Haley's dad know too much...or was he in on the take? And although Ty's a consummate professional, he's having trouble focusing on the facts of the case, and not the figure of his gorgeous client. The two are determined to get to the bottom of the case, even if it means they die trying.
When Tyler Brodie, the provocative and handsome P.I. hired by Haley, discovers that her father was investigating a suspected art theft, he knows his death is no coincidence. After all, tens of millions of dollars worth of stolen art could motivate a thief to go to any lengths-including getting rid of anyone poking around where they don't belong.
As Haley and Ty get closer to the truth, the truth gets ugly: Did Haley's dad know too much...or was he in on the take? And although Ty's a consummate professional, he's having trouble focusing on the facts of the case, and not the figure of his gorgeous client. The two are determined to get to the bottom of the case, even if it means they die trying.
Read
October 2, 2020very good read. I don't care as much for a straight up romance novel, I like a little intrigue, murder and mayhem along with it. This book did not disappoint. I have now read the entire series, thanks to a pal on Facebook who was looking to make some cash. I am missing one. book in the continuation series staring Dylan Brodie a cousin of Ty, the star of this one. Dylan is interested in Lane, the best friend of Hayley, so I expect some sparks to fly
December 18, 2023
I love this.
Haley gets a call from the woman who married her father named Betty Jean whom tells her that she believes her father was murdered. She talks to.her great aunt who recommended Ty Brodie. The tangled web leads to some art theft.
Kat Martin delivers again with the final book in The Raines of Wind Canyon. I loved this book so much. Not only it is a great romantic suspense it was a strong ending to a great series. I recommend this book.
Haley gets a call from the woman who married her father named Betty Jean whom tells her that she believes her father was murdered. She talks to.her great aunt who recommended Ty Brodie. The tangled web leads to some art theft.
Kat Martin delivers again with the final book in The Raines of Wind Canyon. I loved this book so much. Not only it is a great romantic suspense it was a strong ending to a great series. I recommend this book.
August 1, 2017
I liked the characters although I was a little annoyed by the cameos of couples from previous books and the shameless plugs that went with them. I did read this out of order since I started with the three Alaska books in the series when I took a vacation there. Good drama and tension for a romantic suspense novel.
August 31, 2019
Against the Mark
As usual, Kat Martin has written a fascinating book of love and laughter. Hailey came to L.A. to find her father's killers. To assist in her quest Ty Brodie was talked into helping her. As they got closer to the killers, the killers tried to kill them. Ty would do anything to keep his woman alive.
As usual, Kat Martin has written a fascinating book of love and laughter. Hailey came to L.A. to find her father's killers. To assist in her quest Ty Brodie was talked into helping her. As they got closer to the killers, the killers tried to kill them. Ty would do anything to keep his woman alive.
March 26, 2022
Really enjoyed the mystery in this one!
Private investigator Tyler Brodie is Haley Warren’s hope for finding out what happened to her father. The investigation leads to some close calls for Haley while Tyler works hard to solve the mystery. The relationship between Haley and Tyler just seems to fall into place as the story progresses.
Private investigator Tyler Brodie is Haley Warren’s hope for finding out what happened to her father. The investigation leads to some close calls for Haley while Tyler works hard to solve the mystery. The relationship between Haley and Tyler just seems to fall into place as the story progresses.
May 30, 2017
1.5
Sad to say this wasn't my favorite Kat Martin book. I was disappointed in the chemistry between the two main characters. Besides that, the mystery wasn't that gripping either. Still, I've read some good Kat Martin books so I'll give her another read.
Sad to say this wasn't my favorite Kat Martin book. I was disappointed in the chemistry between the two main characters. Besides that, the mystery wasn't that gripping either. Still, I've read some good Kat Martin books so I'll give her another read.
July 6, 2020
This book was much better than the last couple of Kat Martin's I've read. It had a decent plot and the romance was a little less contrived. However, I did feel like things stagnated a little in the middle of the story.
August 11, 2023
I adored Ty and Haley’s story. A seemingly never-ending crime, familiar characters popping in and out, possibilities for new romances. Thank you, Kat Martin, for another great book, and thank Jack Garrett for your wonderful narration!
October 14, 2023
Love this series.
I loved this book and couldn’t stop reading. Loved the suspense level. Hayley and Ty are trying to find out who killed her Dad. Loved their chemistry. It’s a great book and I loved their happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.
I loved this book and couldn’t stop reading. Loved the suspense level. Hayley and Ty are trying to find out who killed her Dad. Loved their chemistry. It’s a great book and I loved their happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.
April 26, 2025
Great Mystery
Kat Martin's books are never a disappointment. She has a special gift of combining mystery and romance. Her characters come alive on the page. Highly recommend this book and the others in the series.
Kat Martin's books are never a disappointment. She has a special gift of combining mystery and romance. Her characters come alive on the page. Highly recommend this book and the others in the series.
January 15, 2018
I think I've read too many of these, because they're all starting to sound the same.
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