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Dark Horse Inc. #1
Protecting Kate
Trent Dawson, horse trainer and former soldier, smells trouble at a simple charity auction. His good intentions get the better of him and he bids a small fortune on a damsel in distress. It turns out there's far more than meets the eye to the former Miss Kentucky and their chemistry is off the charts.
The only thing standing between Kate MacDonald and her worst nightmare is Trent Dawson and the men of Dark Horse Inc.
The only thing standing between Kate MacDonald and her worst nightmare is Trent Dawson and the men of Dark Horse Inc.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
March 27, 2017
Paige's review:
To be honest I had a hard time getting in Protecting Kate. While the book primarily focused on Trent and Kate, because it's the first in a series , it also showcases other characters.
Once the other characters were developed the story and plot seemed to unveil themselves making this a delightful suspenseful romance novel.
Trent tried to resist his lust for Kate but when he feared for her safety he through caution to the wind and decided he would be her best protection.
Kate maybe a beauty queen but she certainly isn't a damsel in distress. After to many coincidences and circumstances beyond her control, she realizes that she can't face them on her own. She knows when she needs help.
The book kept me interested from a romance and suspense aspect. I do think it could have had a stronger ending but overall it was worth the read.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
To be honest I had a hard time getting in Protecting Kate. While the book primarily focused on Trent and Kate, because it's the first in a series , it also showcases other characters.
Once the other characters were developed the story and plot seemed to unveil themselves making this a delightful suspenseful romance novel.
Trent tried to resist his lust for Kate but when he feared for her safety he through caution to the wind and decided he would be her best protection.
Kate maybe a beauty queen but she certainly isn't a damsel in distress. After to many coincidences and circumstances beyond her control, she realizes that she can't face them on her own. She knows when she needs help.
The book kept me interested from a romance and suspense aspect. I do think it could have had a stronger ending but overall it was worth the read.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
July 1, 2015
PROTECTING KATE is the beginning of a series, Dark Horse Inc. and I will definitely be reading the rest of this series. The trouble that finds it's way to Kate and Trent is heart stopping and thrilling. I read their story pretty quickly and was so caught up in all the action, I actually found myself holding my breath at times. I have never read anything by Amy J. Hawthorn before, but I'm going to find her previous books now. She hooked me from the very first page and never let me go right until the very end. Trent and Kate and the chemistry between them is very hot and just when everything is calming down, trouble comes knocking again. I can't wait to read the next book in the Dark Horse Inc. series.
April 9, 2017
I received this book free from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing an honest review. Except for the bedroom scenes I felt like I was reading a junior high writing assignment. The book cover was more interesting than the story.
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February 27, 2019'simple charity auction'??
Hmm. A guest at the charity auction being pressured into allowing herself to be auctioned off? In this day and age? I really didn’t like that.
NO woman who had been through an abusive marriage would willingly allow herself to be coerced into 'auctioning' herself knowing FULL WELL that she was going to end with her suffering through a date likely fraught with groping and sleazy advances.
Nope. I'm done. It was blackmail pure and simple and it left me feeling just a little bit nauseated.
Hmm. A guest at the charity auction being pressured into allowing herself to be auctioned off? In this day and age? I really didn’t like that.
NO woman who had been through an abusive marriage would willingly allow herself to be coerced into 'auctioning' herself knowing FULL WELL that she was going to end with her suffering through a date likely fraught with groping and sleazy advances.
Nope. I'm done. It was blackmail pure and simple and it left me feeling just a little bit nauseated.
April 13, 2017
This book was a little confusing at times, as though something was missing or no explanations. There was also a few errors along the way, so I often had to re-read sentences etc., However, I will say the book did have a good plot and I loved some of the characters. Although I would like to know what happened afterwards, and maybe find out those 'missing' things, I doubt I will read anymore in this series.
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March 18, 2019
Former Miss Kentucky Kate MacDonald is recently divorced from her awful ex (anyone who kicks a dog is pretty awful in my book) and ready to start living by herself and for herself. That is until she agrees to stand in for the current Miss Kentucky at a charity auction at the Governor's and "sold" to Trent Dawson for ten thousand dollars. What does Trent get for his ten grand? A date with the former Miss Kentucky of course.
Kate's ex Preston Hayes has made a deal with the devil and the deal includes Kate in some scheme (which honestly is unbelievable and makes about as much sense) for her to become Senator Phillip Bailey's trophy wife to further his delusions of grandeur (again, unbelievable but go with it). Meanwhile, Kate and Trent have their date and Trent discovers Kate is more than a pretty face although she is the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on (sigh).
After a few mishaps at Kate's farm, Trent decides Kate should stay at his place where he and his friend Rick Evans can keep her safe--even though she has two cousins, Leigh Ann and her brother Joe MacDonald, a deputy sheriff no less, right there in Riley Creek. Trent relocates Kate and her new found love, Bonnie, a foal Leigh Ann rescued from neglect.
Although Kate was adamant she didn't want a relationship, of course, she has fallen for Trent completely and vice versa. When Kate is kidnapped, Rick calls in a few of he and Trent's former team to form Darkhorse, Inc. and rescue Kate.
A murder, a kidnapping, and a delusional senator not as interesting as it sounds as this story drags out to a predictable conclusion worth 2.5 stars.
Kate's ex Preston Hayes has made a deal with the devil and the deal includes Kate in some scheme (which honestly is unbelievable and makes about as much sense) for her to become Senator Phillip Bailey's trophy wife to further his delusions of grandeur (again, unbelievable but go with it). Meanwhile, Kate and Trent have their date and Trent discovers Kate is more than a pretty face although she is the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on (sigh).
After a few mishaps at Kate's farm, Trent decides Kate should stay at his place where he and his friend Rick Evans can keep her safe--even though she has two cousins, Leigh Ann and her brother Joe MacDonald, a deputy sheriff no less, right there in Riley Creek. Trent relocates Kate and her new found love, Bonnie, a foal Leigh Ann rescued from neglect.
Although Kate was adamant she didn't want a relationship, of course, she has fallen for Trent completely and vice versa. When Kate is kidnapped, Rick calls in a few of he and Trent's former team to form Darkhorse, Inc. and rescue Kate.
A murder, a kidnapping, and a delusional senator not as interesting as it sounds as this story drags out to a predictable conclusion worth 2.5 stars.
June 21, 2015
Kate always gave in to what other people wanted her to be. Her aunt wanted her to be the Beauty Queen, she became Miss Kentucky. She married and became the perfect wife. But what she wished she was was to be a horsewoman. She loved all animals. When her husband show her his true colors, she divorces him. A year later she meets Trent, a gorgeous horse breeder nearby. When he wins a date with her in a heated auction where proceeds go to animal rescue.
Trent knew he was in trouble the minute he saw the most beautiful woman he has ever seen wearing evening wear and a pair of barn boots. When she changes their date to one he would love, he swears he will never see her again, because she must be too good to be true. However, once he knows she is in trouble, he can't stay away.
This book is a wonderful combination of a woman realizing her worth, true love, and fighting for what and who you love.
Trent knew he was in trouble the minute he saw the most beautiful woman he has ever seen wearing evening wear and a pair of barn boots. When she changes their date to one he would love, he swears he will never see her again, because she must be too good to be true. However, once he knows she is in trouble, he can't stay away.
This book is a wonderful combination of a woman realizing her worth, true love, and fighting for what and who you love.
July 10, 2015
Former Miss Kentucky Kate McDonald is just getting out of a marriage to a man that only wanted a trophy wife. Tired of being told what to do and how to act, Kate returns to her family farm. While helping out at a charity auction, she meets sexy horse trainer Trent Dawson. As strange events start to occur, Trent steps in more and more to help Kate and their relationship evolves. This is a fast paced story with lots of intrigue and hot romance. Ms. Hawthorn gave me just enough of a taste of the secondary characters that I can't wait to read what happens in her next books! You won't be disappointed by this book! I was graciously given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2017
GOOD STORYLINE AND SOME REALLY-REALLY HOT SEX SCENES BUT NOT A F*CK-FEST. THE BOOK COVER IS FRAMABLE OMG THAT GUY IS SUPER-DUPER H.O.T. ;D
April 20, 2017
Protector
I really felt for Kate and I was so proud of her when she finally left her abusive husband. Then things kind of got weird with Senator Bailey obsessing over her. Luckily she has a protector in Trent. Who is a veteran and horse whisperer and continues to save her over and over again.
I really felt for Kate and I was so proud of her when she finally left her abusive husband. Then things kind of got weird with Senator Bailey obsessing over her. Luckily she has a protector in Trent. Who is a veteran and horse whisperer and continues to save her over and over again.
April 19, 2019
3 stelle e mezza
La storia non è male, ma ho avuto in più occasioni l'impressione che mancasse qualcosa. Ho già comprato il secondo volume perché era in offerta, quindi darò una seconda opportunità alla serie.
La storia non è male, ma ho avuto in più occasioni l'impressione che mancasse qualcosa. Ho già comprato il secondo volume perché era in offerta, quindi darò una seconda opportunità alla serie.
February 25, 2019
Fun series.
October 5, 2015
3.25-3.5, better than a straight 3, but not really a 4. There were portions of this book that I really liked and other parts that were cookie-cutter. It held my interest; there were twists and turns that were slightly unexpected. Will I read the next in the series? Probably.
Kate, a former Miss Kentucky and trophy wife, has recently divorced her slimy husband and begun the life she's really always wanted. She is taking over the family ranch that her father loved so dearly in the small Kentucky town of Riley Creek. She never really liked the life of a beauty queen, she barely tolerated it to please her aunt and father. Although, if her father had known how unhappy she was he never would've let her continue the pageants. Now, she's finally taking over her life and she will do it by herself, under her own terms.
Trent Dawson, the kid from the wrong side of the tracks, was taken in by the Walkers and raised as their son. He and their son were supposed to take over Walker Stables. That was before Afganistan. Now, only Trent is left. He has no time for distractions, no matter how appealing she may be. He doesn't need someone only interested in his money, and he's pretty sure that's all Kate is after. Except, she's really not acting like any of the other women who have their sights set on his wallet. Could she be different? When Trent discovers the amount of danger Kate is in from her ex and one of his slimy politician buddies, he figures it doesn't really matter what Kate's after. He'll figure that out later after she's safe.
It takes a little while to figure out the brains behind the operation to secure Kate as another trophy wife, why her ex would be helping in the scheme, and why it has to be her. There's enough here to keep you reading to solve it all. The interaction between Trent, Kate, Rick, and Leigh is interesting and the dialog can be funny at times. Fun and quick brain candy.
Kate, a former Miss Kentucky and trophy wife, has recently divorced her slimy husband and begun the life she's really always wanted. She is taking over the family ranch that her father loved so dearly in the small Kentucky town of Riley Creek. She never really liked the life of a beauty queen, she barely tolerated it to please her aunt and father. Although, if her father had known how unhappy she was he never would've let her continue the pageants. Now, she's finally taking over her life and she will do it by herself, under her own terms.
Trent Dawson, the kid from the wrong side of the tracks, was taken in by the Walkers and raised as their son. He and their son were supposed to take over Walker Stables. That was before Afganistan. Now, only Trent is left. He has no time for distractions, no matter how appealing she may be. He doesn't need someone only interested in his money, and he's pretty sure that's all Kate is after. Except, she's really not acting like any of the other women who have their sights set on his wallet. Could she be different? When Trent discovers the amount of danger Kate is in from her ex and one of his slimy politician buddies, he figures it doesn't really matter what Kate's after. He'll figure that out later after she's safe.
It takes a little while to figure out the brains behind the operation to secure Kate as another trophy wife, why her ex would be helping in the scheme, and why it has to be her. There's enough here to keep you reading to solve it all. The interaction between Trent, Kate, Rick, and Leigh is interesting and the dialog can be funny at times. Fun and quick brain candy.
June 22, 2015
I loved Protecting Kate! I have been a long-time Amy J. Hawthorn fan and this is, in my opinion, her best book yet! Trent is an engaging real-life hero that I could picture so vividly, I am sure I have run into him somewhere before. Kate is so relatable because she is still trying to find her place in the world after having made mistakes in her younger years. As a couple, they are complementary and their passion leaps off of the page. The fact that the story is set in Kentucky is a big bonus for this Bluegrass State native. I can't wait for the next installment in the Dark Horse Inc. series!!!
February 8, 2016
Good story with 3 stars.
Characters are decent but too much effort trying to make the guys macho and anger driven. While I realize there a lot of people that use language like the men in the story I dislike the over use of fuck and shit. It makes them appear crude and disrespectful especially to the ladies. I know they are supposed to be tough and macho but cleaner language would make them appear more intelligent and articulate. I can look past the poor editing but there were a lot of errors. Sometimes I had to retread a time or two to make sense of the sentence . Otherwise a good plot and l loved the characters.
Characters are decent but too much effort trying to make the guys macho and anger driven. While I realize there a lot of people that use language like the men in the story I dislike the over use of fuck and shit. It makes them appear crude and disrespectful especially to the ladies. I know they are supposed to be tough and macho but cleaner language would make them appear more intelligent and articulate. I can look past the poor editing but there were a lot of errors. Sometimes I had to retread a time or two to make sense of the sentence . Otherwise a good plot and l loved the characters.
June 30, 2015
Ok I absolutely loved this book. Kate is a girl that has always been told her looks are everything, she never agreed but went along with it because she has a soft heart. Trent is a great guy who has some dark edges but that makes him all the more pleasing in my opinion. These two were the epitome of hot and all though some times I didn't think it would last they were some of the best characters I have ever read. This book is a romance but a realistic one. I highly recommend this book to those who love romance, the underdog and those who like for the corrupt to be taken down.
October 9, 2015
Smelling trouble, Trent Dawson let his good intentions get the better of him and rescues the damsel in distress in this thrilling contemporary romance. I was completely taken with Trent and Kate and as their story progressed I became enthralled with quite a few other characters as well, the story is exciting and passionate and I think the Dark Horse Inc. series has lots of promise so I am looking forward to reading their next adventure.
“Copyright Night Owl Reviews” ©
See my full review at:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
“Copyright Night Owl Reviews” ©
See my full review at:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
January 27, 2016
Great story line suspense love it has it all
April 26, 2019
Storyline is uneven but it’s a good read
This book in a series does a good job of world building and creating the beginnings of depth for secondary characters who will clearly become main characters in subsequent books.
The MCs in this book could stand a bit more depth but we do get a good sense of background and what makes them tick. The storyline is uneven. The main premise is just too bizarre and never really fully established in terms of background. There are elements that are introduced and never followed up on. Cousin? First wife? Ex-husband’s involvement why? We know who the bad guy is from the beginning and kind of why though it’s never explained fully, especially why Kate?
Trent is the perfect romance hero and of course you’re rooting for him big time. The big crisis moment and action sequence lack oomph.
All in all an okay read but not sure if I’ll read the follow ups. Maybe, they are likely to be good, Light reads.
This book in a series does a good job of world building and creating the beginnings of depth for secondary characters who will clearly become main characters in subsequent books.
The MCs in this book could stand a bit more depth but we do get a good sense of background and what makes them tick. The storyline is uneven. The main premise is just too bizarre and never really fully established in terms of background. There are elements that are introduced and never followed up on. Cousin? First wife? Ex-husband’s involvement why? We know who the bad guy is from the beginning and kind of why though it’s never explained fully, especially why Kate?
Trent is the perfect romance hero and of course you’re rooting for him big time. The big crisis moment and action sequence lack oomph.
All in all an okay read but not sure if I’ll read the follow ups. Maybe, they are likely to be good, Light reads.
May 9, 2017
Trent Dawson, former military and now horse trainer loved his work, though in honesty he was able to get by without it, so yes he loved what he did. He did not need or want a woman, specially one like Kate MacDonald, former Miss Kentucky. Trent watch as Kate shuddered watch a man bidding on her for a date for Charity.
Kate MacDonald was finally free from an abusive and uncaring husband, returning to her home she was start a new life. She had her land and her animals and was thinking of a horse rescue operation, but it seems her ex isn't done with her and though she prefers to handle things on her own sometimes help is needed.
This was a good start to a series, the characters developed along with the story line.
Kate MacDonald was finally free from an abusive and uncaring husband, returning to her home she was start a new life. She had her land and her animals and was thinking of a horse rescue operation, but it seems her ex isn't done with her and though she prefers to handle things on her own sometimes help is needed.
This was a good start to a series, the characters developed along with the story line.
May 11, 2017
Amazing book
Wow this book has so many twists and turns two boys bond while standing up to bullies. An amazing nurturing family,a controlling,abusive husband. An amazing bond of comrade between soldiers. The amazing bond of one man,and the horses he raises,as he would rather them than people. The strong,feisty southern bell who comes in and changes his life in the most unexpected ways. A crazy politician who thinks he controls the world yet can't control his own mind. A strong sheriff,father and cousin who goes all out for family can't wait to see where the next book in this series goes. This is definitely a must read if you love strong men and southern women and sweet little Tom boys.
Wow this book has so many twists and turns two boys bond while standing up to bullies. An amazing nurturing family,a controlling,abusive husband. An amazing bond of comrade between soldiers. The amazing bond of one man,and the horses he raises,as he would rather them than people. The strong,feisty southern bell who comes in and changes his life in the most unexpected ways. A crazy politician who thinks he controls the world yet can't control his own mind. A strong sheriff,father and cousin who goes all out for family can't wait to see where the next book in this series goes. This is definitely a must read if you love strong men and southern women and sweet little Tom boys.
June 3, 2019
Action and romance
Kate MacDonald has been talked into being auctioned at a charity event. As a former Miss Kentucky she knows how to raise money for a good cause. When a friend of her ex-husband starts bidding on her she knows something is wrong.
Trent Dawson, a local horse breeder and someone she mistakes for a ranch hand wins the bid to save her, Kate is appalled. After getting to know him and who he is she is enthralled with him.
A nailbiting good tale of ex-military guts and know how must be used to keep Kate safe. New author for me but will be looking more books in the Dark Horse, Inc series.
Kate MacDonald has been talked into being auctioned at a charity event. As a former Miss Kentucky she knows how to raise money for a good cause. When a friend of her ex-husband starts bidding on her she knows something is wrong.
Trent Dawson, a local horse breeder and someone she mistakes for a ranch hand wins the bid to save her, Kate is appalled. After getting to know him and who he is she is enthralled with him.
A nailbiting good tale of ex-military guts and know how must be used to keep Kate safe. New author for me but will be looking more books in the Dark Horse, Inc series.
May 18, 2017
Please for the love of all that is holy HIRE AN EDITOR!!!! There were SO many continuity issues. At one point the little girl is a cousin, then a niece, but wait, then back to a cousin. Names are not always consistent and honestly, the story doesn't make lot of sense. If you're looking for lots of description in your hot and steamy scenes then this is kind of missing some chunks - lets just say he's not a generous lover (if you know what I mean lol).
Other than that the book was ok, but I don't see any reason to continue on with this series.
Other than that the book was ok, but I don't see any reason to continue on with this series.
May 27, 2017
A great story..
Kate was unhappy with her marriage, but stayed until her husband did the unthinkable; he kicked the small dog she had rescued. Now divorced and living in the home where she was raised, she's as happy as can be; until her ex shows up bringing trouble with him.
Trent didn't do fussy women, but he rescued Kate from her ex. Then he bought her at a charity auction, what was he thinking. Then he discovered that Kate maybe more than he thought she was. All he has to do is rescue her, again, and keep her safe until everything gets straightened out.
Kate was unhappy with her marriage, but stayed until her husband did the unthinkable; he kicked the small dog she had rescued. Now divorced and living in the home where she was raised, she's as happy as can be; until her ex shows up bringing trouble with him.
Trent didn't do fussy women, but he rescued Kate from her ex. Then he bought her at a charity auction, what was he thinking. Then he discovered that Kate maybe more than he thought she was. All he has to do is rescue her, again, and keep her safe until everything gets straightened out.
December 4, 2018
Liked the pairing of Katie and Trent how they both claimed they didn't want anything to do with the other but secretly wanted each other but were too stubborn to just give in. Especially Trent as soon as he found out she was once Miss Kentucky he stereotyped her as a prissy girl.
March 1, 2019
Protecting Kate: Dark Horse Inc.
This book is a decent story but needs improvement. Some things were just unrealistic for instance the following. Kate falls off a ladder, Trent catches her and they fall down with her on top of him. They have a banter. Meanwhile he is feeling her up through a hole in her jeans and she says absolutely nothing about that. Really? And she hardly knows him? The first kissing session happened pretty abruptly also. The story just needs some filling out in areas.
This book is a decent story but needs improvement. Some things were just unrealistic for instance the following. Kate falls off a ladder, Trent catches her and they fall down with her on top of him. They have a banter. Meanwhile he is feeling her up through a hole in her jeans and she says absolutely nothing about that. Really? And she hardly knows him? The first kissing session happened pretty abruptly also. The story just needs some filling out in areas.
April 22, 2019
Kate & Trent
Kate leaves an abusive, dominant marriage and returns to her family and her small farm. A former beauty queen, and now single she is auctioned off for a date with the money going to charity. Trent buys her company, when he notices the guy bidding on her is ' bad'. Her ex husband turns up with the guy that was bidding on her, and the problems begin and continue to find her and Trent. Trent calls in his old military buddies to help wade through the intrigue. If course love comes through in the end !!!!!!
Kate leaves an abusive, dominant marriage and returns to her family and her small farm. A former beauty queen, and now single she is auctioned off for a date with the money going to charity. Trent buys her company, when he notices the guy bidding on her is ' bad'. Her ex husband turns up with the guy that was bidding on her, and the problems begin and continue to find her and Trent. Trent calls in his old military buddies to help wade through the intrigue. If course love comes through in the end !!!!!!
June 1, 2017
fast paced with lots of action. A woman not looking for romance has it dropped on her doorstep by a matchmaking friend. Only Kate doesn't realize that Trent has an ulterior motive for seeing her. Trent's "favor" for a friend means seeing Kate again, not that its a hardship. Kate has gotten under Trent's skin in a way no one else ever has.
When danger comes calling, Trent and his friends prove that good guys don't always finish last.
When danger comes calling, Trent and his friends prove that good guys don't always finish last.
June 6, 2017
Kate has an abusive ex and Trent is the new guy with charm to spare. Kate is trying to build up her house and barn and Trent is a horse trainer who becomes a friend and then more. When Kate starts getting harassed by a senator and her ex husband, Trent comes to the rescue. No one knows what the senator wants but he is using devious methods to get it. Finally he kidnaps her and keeps her in a room. He tells her he wants to marry her and become his perfect wife. Trent comes to her rescue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews