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Kirkland & Pitt #1
I Will Meet You There
When Win Kirkland left the Marine Corps Intelligence Agency after twenty-five years, she thought she’d left war behind. But a sniper’s shot through her front window soon ends the tranquility she’d been seeking. It also brings Sheriff Sarah Barrow Pitt—her one time best friend—back into her life. For her part, the Sheriff has fought crime her entire life. But her latest battle seems to be keeping her own job in a deeply conservative area. She and Win were once close, until an unguarded moment profoundly altered their friendship. Now Win is in trouble—and doesn’t want her help. As evils of the past and present threaten to engulf them both, admitting to their feelings might just pose the most dangerous risk of all.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2015
20 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Harding
10 books6 followersS.M. Harding has had over thirty short stories published in various, both online magazines and in print anthologies and magazines. Two of the most recent include “A Winter Story” in Wicked Things and “Spirit of Christmas Past, Christmas Future” in Unwrap these Presents, both from Ylva Publishing. The novel I Will Meet You There was published by Bella Books in August of 2015. She teaches classes at the Writers’ Center of Indiana and participated in panels for their annual Gathering of Writers, also at Indy Author’s Fair, Magna Cum Murder and various local libraries. She edited and contributed an essay to Writing Murder, a collection of essays by Midwestern authors about writing crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 9, 2017
With book 3 coming out in a little over a week, I thought it was time to finally catch up on this series. This is the first book in the Kirkland and Pitt series. I must admit I am having a little trouble rating this. First half of the book I thought 4 stars, after 2/3 I thought 3 1/2 stars, unfortunately after reading it all, I think I have landed at 3 stars.
I love books with military and cops & docs characters, this book had two out of the three. The main characters were both really likeable, an ex Marine Win and the Sheriff Sarah. The first half of the book had some excitement, and I was really enjoying myself.
As the book went on a few of the issues I had became more apparent. This book was taking place in 2013. With all the anti-gay sentiment, I felt like I was reading a book from the 90's. Trust me, I am not naive about what still goes on, it was just such a part of the book that it felt like it was written so long ago. So much about the book became what would happen if Sarah was outed. Would she loose her job and what would happen to her and Win. It was talked about over and over, without much resolution, that I almost wanted to pull my hair out. It gave me this anxiety that I found myself thinking if she was outed, this plot point would end, and we could move on.
I guess that was my main problem, things became too repetitive, in the second half of the book. I think this book would have been so much better if it was shorter and tightened up. Many repetitive conversations could have been cut out. Even the intimate scenes became repetitive. They were never full sex scenes, but they weren't PG either. Basically the foreplay was there, but then it would end. And to have this happen over and over and over, I had to stop myself from skimming.
My last complaint is going behind a spoiler. I am very tempted to just write about it, but I'm using caution.
In conclusion, yes I had some big issues with this book, but the foundation is there. Two great main characters with interesting backgrounds and jobs. The book started with such promise, it just went downhill for me. But because of that promise, I will absolutely be reading book 2. My hope is the issues I had will not be present in the next book. And if it is just not so repetitive, I'm hopeful I will really enjoy it.
I love books with military and cops & docs characters, this book had two out of the three. The main characters were both really likeable, an ex Marine Win and the Sheriff Sarah. The first half of the book had some excitement, and I was really enjoying myself.
As the book went on a few of the issues I had became more apparent. This book was taking place in 2013. With all the anti-gay sentiment, I felt like I was reading a book from the 90's. Trust me, I am not naive about what still goes on, it was just such a part of the book that it felt like it was written so long ago. So much about the book became what would happen if Sarah was outed. Would she loose her job and what would happen to her and Win. It was talked about over and over, without much resolution, that I almost wanted to pull my hair out. It gave me this anxiety that I found myself thinking if she was outed, this plot point would end, and we could move on.
I guess that was my main problem, things became too repetitive, in the second half of the book. I think this book would have been so much better if it was shorter and tightened up. Many repetitive conversations could have been cut out. Even the intimate scenes became repetitive. They were never full sex scenes, but they weren't PG either. Basically the foreplay was there, but then it would end. And to have this happen over and over and over, I had to stop myself from skimming.
My last complaint is going behind a spoiler. I am very tempted to just write about it, but I'm using caution.
In conclusion, yes I had some big issues with this book, but the foundation is there. Two great main characters with interesting backgrounds and jobs. The book started with such promise, it just went downhill for me. But because of that promise, I will absolutely be reading book 2. My hope is the issues I had will not be present in the next book. And if it is just not so repetitive, I'm hopeful I will really enjoy it.
September 16, 2015
“One kiss can change your life.”
For Sheriff Sarah Pitt this seems to be true. One kiss from her childhood friend Win Kirkland and she can't stop thinking about changing teams.
Late Bloomer Sarah is up for reelection as town Sheriff. Will her attraction to ex-Marine Corps Win Kirkland be the end of her career,the beginning of a beautiful relationship or both?
Told in alternating first person, I Will Meet You is an entertaining read that touches on the challenge of being a late bloomer with all the accompanying preconceptions and homophobia. As the author explores this theme, and Sarah's reluctance to declare her attraction towards Win, both women are dealing with threats from their past as well as the present.
I Will Meet You There tries very hard to be a romantic suspense novel. There are both military and police ops which are talked over and planned extensively. There are also plenty of opportunities for Win to educate Sarah in the ways of lesbian love. While the romance builds throughout the novel, the action sequences fall short. There is danger, but the action scenes feel anticlimactic compared to the buildup discussions. A bit more work on building suspense and S.M. Harding will be a writer to watch.
I'll never be a fan of first person POV but the author succeeds in letting the reader in on the viewpoints of both women. The secondary characters are strong if stereotypical.
A good read by an author with potential.
3.5 stars
For Sheriff Sarah Pitt this seems to be true. One kiss from her childhood friend Win Kirkland and she can't stop thinking about changing teams.
Late Bloomer Sarah is up for reelection as town Sheriff. Will her attraction to ex-Marine Corps Win Kirkland be the end of her career,the beginning of a beautiful relationship or both?
Told in alternating first person, I Will Meet You is an entertaining read that touches on the challenge of being a late bloomer with all the accompanying preconceptions and homophobia. As the author explores this theme, and Sarah's reluctance to declare her attraction towards Win, both women are dealing with threats from their past as well as the present.
I Will Meet You There tries very hard to be a romantic suspense novel. There are both military and police ops which are talked over and planned extensively. There are also plenty of opportunities for Win to educate Sarah in the ways of lesbian love. While the romance builds throughout the novel, the action sequences fall short. There is danger, but the action scenes feel anticlimactic compared to the buildup discussions. A bit more work on building suspense and S.M. Harding will be a writer to watch.
I'll never be a fan of first person POV but the author succeeds in letting the reader in on the viewpoints of both women. The secondary characters are strong if stereotypical.
A good read by an author with potential.
3.5 stars
October 31, 2016
I loved this book. I was skeptical at first as there is a coming out story and I assumed it'd be just like all the others. However it was quite different and I really wanted to cheer for the sheriff. And I loved Win's character. Both women are struggling with their own demons and the resolution was satisfying. I love strong women characters! I hope there are more books in this series. I believe there are only two thus far.
December 27, 2023
I lost myself in this book, the characters, the plot ... all outstanding. S.M Harding's writing style has a lot to do with that. The writing is best described as economical. There is no superfluous filler. The book has a story to tell, the characters have a journey to run and it is told in a way that is fast-paced, exciting, and very real. S M cuts to the chase and the result is refreshingly realistic.
A sheriff up for re-election (Sarah) and a battle-worn vet (Win) who have been friends since grade school find that their growing attraction to each other has so many challenges that would tear lesser characters apart. Two strong-willed women who are at the top of their respective games come together and the result is amazing.
Sarah is facing the complications of re-election and the threat of a scandal that her newly realized same-sex attraction will create in the community. Understandably she is anxious, confused, and has a mass of lustful hormones that she is trying to keep control of. Win, although out in the community, has lived through the 'don't ask, don't tell' period of military life and has seen firsthand the effects of bigotry and hatred. She gently supports Sarah at every turn and in doing so, leaves herself open for potential devastation should Sarah decide the relationship is not worth the scandal it will cause.
There are many strong supporting characters who, together with the MCs, enrich the story in so many ways. Again, SM is economical. Every one of the supporting characters has a role to play and is so significant to the story and Sarah and Win's journey.
Covert ops, criminal activities, and an extremely nasty assault on an innocent all play their part in developing the relationships between each of the characters providing the necessary catalysts of growth for their development.
I have not enjoyed a book so thoroughly for a very long time. There is so much more to this book than you will see in this review. I hope it will whet your appetite and you will start your own reading journey with Sarah and WIn. Thank you S M, this book is a treasure!
A sheriff up for re-election (Sarah) and a battle-worn vet (Win) who have been friends since grade school find that their growing attraction to each other has so many challenges that would tear lesser characters apart. Two strong-willed women who are at the top of their respective games come together and the result is amazing.
Sarah is facing the complications of re-election and the threat of a scandal that her newly realized same-sex attraction will create in the community. Understandably she is anxious, confused, and has a mass of lustful hormones that she is trying to keep control of. Win, although out in the community, has lived through the 'don't ask, don't tell' period of military life and has seen firsthand the effects of bigotry and hatred. She gently supports Sarah at every turn and in doing so, leaves herself open for potential devastation should Sarah decide the relationship is not worth the scandal it will cause.
There are many strong supporting characters who, together with the MCs, enrich the story in so many ways. Again, SM is economical. Every one of the supporting characters has a role to play and is so significant to the story and Sarah and Win's journey.
Covert ops, criminal activities, and an extremely nasty assault on an innocent all play their part in developing the relationships between each of the characters providing the necessary catalysts of growth for their development.
I have not enjoyed a book so thoroughly for a very long time. There is so much more to this book than you will see in this review. I hope it will whet your appetite and you will start your own reading journey with Sarah and WIn. Thank you S M, this book is a treasure!
June 3, 2016
Just started reading and it seems promising, will come back to the review after i've finished it.
I put off reading this book for a long time, give or take 6 months. The first part of the synopsis mentioning an ex-marine drew me in and made me bookmark this book as a 'want to read'. After buying it i reread the synopsis and for some reason the second part of the synopsis put me off, which resulted in this book getting shoved off further down the 'to read' list.
Second part that put me off:
"For her part, the Sheriff has fought crime her entire life. But her latest battle seems to be keeping her own job in a deeply conservative area. She and Win were once close, until an unguarded moment profoundly altered their friendship. Now Win is in trouble—and doesn’t want her help.
As evils of the past and present threaten to engulf them both, admitting to their feelings might just pose the most dangerous risk of all."
I think the second part "As evils...." sounds too cliche which leads to shoving this book further down my 'to read' queue.
REVIEW:
Sorry too lazy to get into it.
This book has all the ingredients. It's action packed, has romance, has a cute dog, interesting therapy sessions, lesbian coming out angst, suspense etc.
For those looking for a light read....this is not it. The story has substance and makes the reader wonder what will happen next.
Overall my rating should be a 4 star. But since i was looking for a lighter read i gave it a 3 star (just for my own archiving to keep things in perspective for my self).
I put off reading this book for a long time, give or take 6 months. The first part of the synopsis mentioning an ex-marine drew me in and made me bookmark this book as a 'want to read'. After buying it i reread the synopsis and for some reason the second part of the synopsis put me off, which resulted in this book getting shoved off further down the 'to read' list.
Second part that put me off:
"For her part, the Sheriff has fought crime her entire life. But her latest battle seems to be keeping her own job in a deeply conservative area. She and Win were once close, until an unguarded moment profoundly altered their friendship. Now Win is in trouble—and doesn’t want her help.
As evils of the past and present threaten to engulf them both, admitting to their feelings might just pose the most dangerous risk of all."
I think the second part "As evils...." sounds too cliche which leads to shoving this book further down my 'to read' queue.
REVIEW:
Sorry too lazy to get into it.
This book has all the ingredients. It's action packed, has romance, has a cute dog, interesting therapy sessions, lesbian coming out angst, suspense etc.
For those looking for a light read....this is not it. The story has substance and makes the reader wonder what will happen next.
Overall my rating should be a 4 star. But since i was looking for a lighter read i gave it a 3 star (just for my own archiving to keep things in perspective for my self).
June 22, 2018
I reread this bc I was sure I hadn't read it. Even 2 chapters in, I could not remember. Now I know, even if I can't remember, why... (I did remember reading it as I kept reading after the second chapter, but I still could not remember in advance anything that happened for the life of me.) Not that it's a worse lesfic than most, necessarily, but so simplistic in outlook, characterization, mindset, while trying for a complex story so as to not focus on the romance, which also fails to be anything but reductionist and simplistic. The story, I mean. And the romance too, honestly...
Add that no one seems to have heard of bisexuality, and that the one woman of color is hypersexualized, and that the one man of color piles clichés on top of clichés, and you got yourself a book I probably voluntarily, if not consciously, erased from memory.
Add that no one seems to have heard of bisexuality, and that the one woman of color is hypersexualized, and that the one man of color piles clichés on top of clichés, and you got yourself a book I probably voluntarily, if not consciously, erased from memory.
November 15, 2015
Can't wait to read more from this author
Good book with an actual storyline. I enjoyed learning about the main characters. I would love to read a sequel. Glad the main focus was not about lesbian sex just a good book to read which happened to have lesbian characters in it. At times it was hard to put down or tear myself away from it. Really hope to read more from this author! I enjoyed the different perspectives given throughout the story.
Good book with an actual storyline. I enjoyed learning about the main characters. I would love to read a sequel. Glad the main focus was not about lesbian sex just a good book to read which happened to have lesbian characters in it. At times it was hard to put down or tear myself away from it. Really hope to read more from this author! I enjoyed the different perspectives given throughout the story.
March 26, 2018
This is a 2.5 rounded 3 stars book.
I liked the secondary characters, especially the old-dad-widower-ex-sheriff and the psy and the dog, who do a marvelous job to help to cheer the main characters.
What lost me was the timeline, sometimes confusing, with event barely touched. I really thought that I had made a mistake and started with the second book !
Then there is outing blablala, the very angsty crime, and the .... nope, wont' spoil you.
I liked the secondary characters, especially the old-dad-widower-ex-sheriff and the psy and the dog, who do a marvelous job to help to cheer the main characters.
What lost me was the timeline, sometimes confusing, with event barely touched. I really thought that I had made a mistake and started with the second book !
Then there is outing blablala, the very angsty crime, and the .... nope, wont' spoil you.
October 17, 2015
Good combo of Romance and Intrigue
I liked the the characters and the mix of romance with a bit of suspense, both main characters are strong, capable women who are going through their own turmoil of being ex military and current law enforcement official, yet come together to make their love happen and bloom. Very well written.
I liked the the characters and the mix of romance with a bit of suspense, both main characters are strong, capable women who are going through their own turmoil of being ex military and current law enforcement official, yet come together to make their love happen and bloom. Very well written.
December 17, 2015
I read a Matter of Security over the summer and really liked the characters so when I saw this book I had to get it. A wonderful read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews