What do you think?
Rate this book
Just Enough Light
Kellen Ryan has taken the survival skills she learned on the streets and used them to create an elite search-and-rescue operation, as well as the first home she’s known in forever—a sanctuary in Haven, Colorado, high in the Rockies.
A small mountain town was the last place Harvard-educated Dr. Dana Kingston expected to find herself. Still, when she’s offered an opportunity to partner with Kellen’s operation and develop a medical triage center, Dana follows her heart.
Dana falls hard and fast for the enigmatic Kellen. But she quickly realizes Kellen’s heart is as carefully guarded as her past, and breaking through will take time. Except time is the one thing they may not have, because a deadly threat has returned, and this time he plans to finish what he started.
A small mountain town was the last place Harvard-educated Dr. Dana Kingston expected to find herself. Still, when she’s offered an opportunity to partner with Kellen’s operation and develop a medical triage center, Dana follows her heart.
Dana falls hard and fast for the enigmatic Kellen. But she quickly realizes Kellen’s heart is as carefully guarded as her past, and breaking through will take time. Except time is the one thing they may not have, because a deadly threat has returned, and this time he plans to finish what he started.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2016
17 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Quinn
7 books68 followersAJ Quinn’s first novel, Hostage Moon, was a 2012 Lambda Literary Award finalist and a 2012 Alice B. Lavender Certificate winner. A transplant from Cuba to Toronto, she juggles the demands of a busy consulting practice with those of her first true love—storytelling—finding time to write mostly late at night or in the wee hours of the morning. An avid cyclist, scuba diver, and photographer, AJ’s always willing to travel at a moment’s notice.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 5, 2019
'NetGalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for a honest review'
**'Being stuck is good - it means what needs to be written is intense,maybe painful.Or its complicated and requires careful consecutive thought..A crucial part of writing always,is letting it sit..'
Fairly good story!
This storyline started great but then faded away real fast-- there was not much to the story or plotline: just an average book/story with decent writing which dealt mostly with past family history ( a bit sickening in the storytelling ) but not much chemistry interaction between these two leading ladies that either i or the readers will be aware of because they were so forced together much too quickly in this storyline but lets not heap on them way too much because their supporting cast was much helpful--enjoyable action,intensity,mature dialogue and a nice ending. Recommended!
**'Being stuck is good - it means what needs to be written is intense,maybe painful.Or its complicated and requires careful consecutive thought..A crucial part of writing always,is letting it sit..'
Fairly good story!
This storyline started great but then faded away real fast-- there was not much to the story or plotline: just an average book/story with decent writing which dealt mostly with past family history ( a bit sickening in the storytelling ) but not much chemistry interaction between these two leading ladies that either i or the readers will be aware of because they were so forced together much too quickly in this storyline but lets not heap on them way too much because their supporting cast was much helpful--enjoyable action,intensity,mature dialogue and a nice ending. Recommended!
September 1, 2016
This is the second novel I have read by AJ Quinn (the other being her debut Hostage Moon), and I liked both.
Just Enough Light is just a little bit more romance and drama than a thriller, and that is a plus in my book. The setting was nice and interesting, the main characters were well-defined and very likable, and their romance sweet and convincing. There were some really great secondary characters, solid, exciting enough plot with a good ending, and a lot of interesting information about search and rescue (SAR).
I liked the concept of chosen family and its importance for youth abused and discarded by their biological families. That message is very clear and well integrated into the story. The background story of one of the main characters is not a light read, it involves plenty of abuse, so consider yourself warned.
4 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Just Enough Light is just a little bit more romance and drama than a thriller, and that is a plus in my book. The setting was nice and interesting, the main characters were well-defined and very likable, and their romance sweet and convincing. There were some really great secondary characters, solid, exciting enough plot with a good ending, and a lot of interesting information about search and rescue (SAR).
I liked the concept of chosen family and its importance for youth abused and discarded by their biological families. That message is very clear and well integrated into the story. The background story of one of the main characters is not a light read, it involves plenty of abuse, so consider yourself warned.
4 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
July 16, 2016
Well, ummm...
Not sure about this one, all the elements are there for a kickass romance and thriller but for some reason I just didn't feel it.
Perhaps Kellen was just too good, too heroic and too consequential boring and one dimensional. Dana, for a very intelligent person dealing with life and death on almost a daily basis in her former job, comes across incredibly passive. There is absolutely no humour or playfulness between them, just instant attraction and Kellen battling with her demons.
The plot had my BS detector on high alert throughout. Conceptually coherent, but realised as a device to show Kellen's individual heroism without regard for reality.
Secondary characters, other than the classic of every woman being a lesbian, lacked depth and warmth.
I'm probably being overly harsh, but I struggled with this book and would actually rate it as 2.5 stars, but I rounded it up to 3 as the quality of the writing wasn't that bad. It just lacked passion and believability.
Book provided free by the Published through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Not sure about this one, all the elements are there for a kickass romance and thriller but for some reason I just didn't feel it.
Perhaps Kellen was just too good, too heroic and too consequential boring and one dimensional. Dana, for a very intelligent person dealing with life and death on almost a daily basis in her former job, comes across incredibly passive. There is absolutely no humour or playfulness between them, just instant attraction and Kellen battling with her demons.
The plot had my BS detector on high alert throughout. Conceptually coherent, but realised as a device to show Kellen's individual heroism without regard for reality.
Secondary characters, other than the classic of every woman being a lesbian, lacked depth and warmth.
I'm probably being overly harsh, but I struggled with this book and would actually rate it as 2.5 stars, but I rounded it up to 3 as the quality of the writing wasn't that bad. It just lacked passion and believability.
Book provided free by the Published through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2016
3.5 stars. A good book. I enjoyed the SAR (search & rescue) parts of the book and the 2 main characters, Kellen the talented lead of SAR who was abused & homeless very young and suffers from PTSD (trigger warning!) and Dana, hired to head a new ER & clinic attached to the SAR. The MCs are likable. Their romance, was also well done, albeit quick. There is a relatively large cast of characters and for the most part they are all well written. Though I wondered why Annie's wife was mentioned early on and barely had a cameo later in the book.
As for the thriller part (not the SAR scenes) it was the weakest for me (-1/2 star). There were aspects that were not logical to me. Why was the killer going after other SAR members across the country? For practice, really? He was a trained elite sharpshooter, why practice? I would buy that perhaps he wanted Kellen to suffer the guilt more than he wanted to practice. Oh, Kevlar? That's not going to protect her head which he aimed for previously. One other thing I didn't buy - Kellen learned her master wilderness survival skills via books? It must've been in between when she learned to be fluent in French, Russian & German. Rolled my eyes when I read that.
Entertaining book and I would read other books by this author (this was my first).
As for the thriller part (not the SAR scenes) it was the weakest for me (-1/2 star). There were aspects that were not logical to me. Why was the killer going after other SAR members across the country? For practice, really? He was a trained elite sharpshooter, why practice? I would buy that perhaps he wanted Kellen to suffer the guilt more than he wanted to practice. Oh, Kevlar? That's not going to protect her head which he aimed for previously. One other thing I didn't buy - Kellen learned her master wilderness survival skills via books? It must've been in between when she learned to be fluent in French, Russian & German. Rolled my eyes when I read that.
Entertaining book and I would read other books by this author (this was my first).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2016
I found this book to be an enjoyable read. I liked the story and how it all played out. This book definitely had the potential to be so much more but stayed within its comfort zone with not a lot of character depth. I wouldn't say that is an issue for me, everything worked well but it is the difference between an enjoyable read to an excellent and memorable read.
I enjoyed the characters and the romance that played out. I wouldn't say it was the most on fire romance. This was an area that was the most lacking for me. The chemistry was there, just.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
I enjoyed the characters and the romance that played out. I wouldn't say it was the most on fire romance. This was an area that was the most lacking for me. The chemistry was there, just.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
June 28, 2016
If you ask me if I like action adventure book my answer could vacillate between a yes or a no on any given day. I think what holds me back is that when you throw in a romantic element something has to give. Usually I find there be too much back story or too much adventure and not enough dialogue. It is very hard to fit in a quality romance in my opinion.
In Just Enough Light by A.J. Quinn your main character is a strikingly beautiful badass with a tortured past. Kellen Ryan is the woman you want to find you if you are trapped in a perilous situation. She is a master at rugged terrain and will not hesitate to risk life or limb to get the job done. Her career is one that few can do, mountain search and rescue. Life has been far from kind to Kellen, abused by her parents, a child runaway, and now a serial killer is hunting her.
Dr. Dana Kingston is a Harvard educated emergency room physician. Dana ups and leaves her life in Boston behind to avoid having to deal with her parents expectations and domineering personalities. Moving to the middle of nowhere Colorado is a chance for Dana to start fresh and stand her ground. The opportunity to practice the type of medicine she wants is the perfect opportunity to move across the country..
What really turned me off on this book, is the number of issues Kellen has. With every turn of a page there is a new trauma for Kellen to overcome, both emotionally and physically, but then you also a deranged serial killer on the loose. I feel like when there is too much going on you lose the story and it becomes ridiculously far-fetched. In my personal opinion, this book has way too much conflict. It seemed that every chapter had a new ordeal for Kellen to overcome. From my perspective as the reader, it became maddening. I could not invest any one issue, and some are horribly painful to read, because it was on to the next life altering moment. While the writing is done well, the relationship between the characters is lacking and I felt no chemistry between the Kellen and Dana.
A.J. Quinn is a good writer, there is no doubt about this. Unfortunately to me, this particular novel had way too much going on. The concept was cool, I loved the search and rescue idea, I really just thought the whole serial killer shooting was implausible and ridiculous. I would have loved for the focus to be on Keller overcoming her past while developing her relationship with Dana. That in itself was enough to fill a book.
I was given this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
My Blog - theromanticreaderblog.com
In Just Enough Light by A.J. Quinn your main character is a strikingly beautiful badass with a tortured past. Kellen Ryan is the woman you want to find you if you are trapped in a perilous situation. She is a master at rugged terrain and will not hesitate to risk life or limb to get the job done. Her career is one that few can do, mountain search and rescue. Life has been far from kind to Kellen, abused by her parents, a child runaway, and now a serial killer is hunting her.
Dr. Dana Kingston is a Harvard educated emergency room physician. Dana ups and leaves her life in Boston behind to avoid having to deal with her parents expectations and domineering personalities. Moving to the middle of nowhere Colorado is a chance for Dana to start fresh and stand her ground. The opportunity to practice the type of medicine she wants is the perfect opportunity to move across the country..
What really turned me off on this book, is the number of issues Kellen has. With every turn of a page there is a new trauma for Kellen to overcome, both emotionally and physically, but then you also a deranged serial killer on the loose. I feel like when there is too much going on you lose the story and it becomes ridiculously far-fetched. In my personal opinion, this book has way too much conflict. It seemed that every chapter had a new ordeal for Kellen to overcome. From my perspective as the reader, it became maddening. I could not invest any one issue, and some are horribly painful to read, because it was on to the next life altering moment. While the writing is done well, the relationship between the characters is lacking and I felt no chemistry between the Kellen and Dana.
A.J. Quinn is a good writer, there is no doubt about this. Unfortunately to me, this particular novel had way too much going on. The concept was cool, I loved the search and rescue idea, I really just thought the whole serial killer shooting was implausible and ridiculous. I would have loved for the focus to be on Keller overcoming her past while developing her relationship with Dana. That in itself was enough to fill a book.
I was given this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
My Blog - theromanticreaderblog.com
June 20, 2016
This is the first book I've read by AJ Quinn. I love the search and rescue cover and may have a serious affection for dogs so it was a natural for me to choose to read this book.
My overall impression was of a good if average read. There are plenty of action scenes with Kellen risking her life on snowy mountainsides and freezing rivers. It was interesting learning about search and rescue in avalanche prone regions. Yes Kellen is a fearless woman, even a noble one. She is driven to help others remembering her own past and those who helped her survive life on the streets. When two homeless teenagers need a safe place to live she welcomes them into her home. Why she is so reckless with her own safety when she has a chosen family to love speaks to that damage. Maybe I’ve read too many damaged hero novels lately and have become jaded but her actions throughout the novel overshadowed all of the secondary characters including the love interest Dr. Dana Kingston. The threat against the rescue team ramps up the tension but the focus of the story remains on Kellen and her past.
A pet peeve of mine is a novel based in a small community where every woman you meet is a lesbian. Even the mayor and her wife are mentioned. When every female new hire at the centre is another lesbian I begin to think fantasy novel, not romantic thriller. My sceptic heart kicks in and I struggle to keep engaged in the read.
ARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley
My overall impression was of a good if average read. There are plenty of action scenes with Kellen risking her life on snowy mountainsides and freezing rivers. It was interesting learning about search and rescue in avalanche prone regions. Yes Kellen is a fearless woman, even a noble one. She is driven to help others remembering her own past and those who helped her survive life on the streets. When two homeless teenagers need a safe place to live she welcomes them into her home. Why she is so reckless with her own safety when she has a chosen family to love speaks to that damage. Maybe I’ve read too many damaged hero novels lately and have become jaded but her actions throughout the novel overshadowed all of the secondary characters including the love interest Dr. Dana Kingston. The threat against the rescue team ramps up the tension but the focus of the story remains on Kellen and her past.
A pet peeve of mine is a novel based in a small community where every woman you meet is a lesbian. Even the mayor and her wife are mentioned. When every female new hire at the centre is another lesbian I begin to think fantasy novel, not romantic thriller. My sceptic heart kicks in and I struggle to keep engaged in the read.
ARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley
December 29, 2017
This was the second book I've read by AJ Quinn, the first being Show of Force.
Just Enough Light is a really nice romance with a bit of drama, a splash of action and a dash of thriller thrown in.
Kellan Ryan endured a horrible childhood, one most of us could never fathom. She's a survivor; although, like a wounded animal, she's ready to run again should the need arise.
Dana Kingston is a successful doctor who has stepped away from the life her parents mapped out for her. Instead of following in her father's footsteps of being a cardiologist, Dana preferred to focus on trauma working in an ER before moving to Haven.
I would've loved a little more back story on Kellan's family. I got the impression she was from quite a prominent family. I also would've liked more info on Cody and Ren's earlier lives.
I'm sort of hoping this will turn into a SAR series (one can only hope).
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Just Enough Light is a really nice romance with a bit of drama, a splash of action and a dash of thriller thrown in.
Kellan Ryan endured a horrible childhood, one most of us could never fathom. She's a survivor; although, like a wounded animal, she's ready to run again should the need arise.
Dana Kingston is a successful doctor who has stepped away from the life her parents mapped out for her. Instead of following in her father's footsteps of being a cardiologist, Dana preferred to focus on trauma working in an ER before moving to Haven.
I would've loved a little more back story on Kellan's family. I got the impression she was from quite a prominent family. I also would've liked more info on Cody and Ren's earlier lives.
I'm sort of hoping this will turn into a SAR series (one can only hope).
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
December 28, 2016
I wanted to like this more. I found Dana and Kellen frustrating. Kellen is too reckless; she is praised as relentlessly heroic, but seriously risks her own life too often to be anything but a dangerous teammate. The absolute first rule in any emergency situation as a first responder is that you need to be safe first and foremost. In my opinion, the author could have given us one scene (other than the finale) where Kellen almost dies. Instead, the entire book feels like she is near death. So much so that I was skimming through feeling a little meh about the whole situation. I would have liked more time spent on the relationship instead.
Dana comes across as fairly boring in comparison to Kellen's apparent death wish.
There are some very good elements in here, but I simply can't get past how often Kellen is injured and still allowed in an active SAR team. She has stitches in numerous places for nearly the entire book. I'm calling nope on this one.
Dana comes across as fairly boring in comparison to Kellen's apparent death wish.
There are some very good elements in here, but I simply can't get past how often Kellen is injured and still allowed in an active SAR team. She has stitches in numerous places for nearly the entire book. I'm calling nope on this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2022
Started with a bang and kind of fade away as I read further. I was expecting loads of action, suspense, fast-paced and ‘dare-devil’ rescue mission given the setting… Alas, it was different from what I was expecting. Insta-love between the 2 MCs, Kellen and Dana; which if there were a little more build up between the 2 would work for me. Overall… an OK read.
June 10, 2022
3,5 stars
Good SAR story.
I quite liked both MCs and it was decently written.
Wouldn't classify it as outstanding, but it was above average for sure.
Good SAR story.
I quite liked both MCs and it was decently written.
Wouldn't classify it as outstanding, but it was above average for sure.
July 4, 2016
Everything about the description of Haven Colorado makes you want to go there(that's if you don't mind the snow, snow and more snow). Kellen has made a home for herself in this idyllic location, she has built a business and is attempting to leave her past behind her. She is like a beautiful Bear Grylls, saving people, catching fish with her bare hands etc. Dr Dana Kingston has packed up and moved from New York to Haven, a chance encounter with Kellen on the side of the road throws these two women together. Both of the main characters are likable and I enjoyed the development of their relationship. The secondary characters were strong presences within this book, Kellens business partner Annie, Ren and Cody.
For the thriller element of this book we see Kellen forced to face the fact that there is someone from her past out to get her and those around her. This woman has more than one major issue thrown her way and is forced to face them with the help of those around her.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley.
For the thriller element of this book we see Kellen forced to face the fact that there is someone from her past out to get her and those around her. This woman has more than one major issue thrown her way and is forced to face them with the help of those around her.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley.
June 9, 2016
So far this author has never let me down when it comes to reading her stuff and what a wonderful ride it was. The only thing I felt missing was we really never got to know Ren's background.
Arc given by NetGalley for a hones review
Arc given by NetGalley for a hones review
June 26, 2016
The story is well written. all I wanted to know is how it ends (the big showdown). Well, the end was quick (maybe a little too quick for the long build-up), but all in all an exciting story.
Read
May 11, 2023DNF… some trigger warning would have been nice. I can’t stand so much trauma, expecially on kids.
August 27, 2016
There were some issues about the character's past that was cleared up too easily. I felt that that issue needed more novel space for it to really give me as a reader some closure. Now it felt like there is some unfinished bussiness left. It could also have something to do with the fact that i see a potential for this to become a series and that im just projecting :D.
Im also curious about the following things:
1. Relationship with the parents (on both sides) only reading about it is not enough. I also need the interaction.
2. About kellen's past (experiences), and how her chosen family came to be/developed
3. Would like to read more about developments with their art skills.
Etc. Thats why i say it has more potential as a series.
Im also curious about the following things:
1. Relationship with the parents (on both sides) only reading about it is not enough. I also need the interaction.
2. About kellen's past (experiences), and how her chosen family came to be/developed
3. Would like to read more about developments with their art skills.
Etc. Thats why i say it has more potential as a series.
July 22, 2016
Not sure why I haven't read more of A.J. Quinn's books, but I will correct that :-)
October 5, 2022
This has a little less suspense than Hostage Moon, but I still liked it quite a bit. The plot is good and the mystery about why the rescuers are being targeted is well-developed.
The romance came maybe a little too quickly, particularly with a character so wary of commitment as Kellen and that's perhaps why it felt flat to me. But I liked the part that chosen families play in the story, so there is that.
What I really, really disliked was Ruby Rivers' narration. Without any sense of the emotional dimension and with a short range of voices, it was a disservice to the story.
The romance came maybe a little too quickly, particularly with a character so wary of commitment as Kellen and that's perhaps why it felt flat to me. But I liked the part that chosen families play in the story, so there is that.
What I really, really disliked was Ruby Rivers' narration. Without any sense of the emotional dimension and with a short range of voices, it was a disservice to the story.
May 12, 2018
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Fell in love with the entire cast, especially Dana. I’d give it 3.5 stars. Nicely done!
August 1, 2016
I have to say that I have enjoyed every AJ Quinn book that I've read, enough to keep an eye out for new books as they're published. Here again, Quinn gives us a fast-paced, suspenseful plot and characters with depth. The book is a bit heavy though, as many of Quinn's books are. She tends to address pretty difficult tragedies that her characters go through, and I actually find it amazing that she's able to address them so well, without falling into the trap of wrapping everything up in a neat little bow by the end of the book. In this book, Kellen has a horrific past, bad enough that it still affects her to this day. She's been able to open her heart and her home to two young girls who've suffered some of the same things she has. She's tried to put roots down, despite not knowing how, and always being on the edge of running for safety, because in her life movement is safe. Into this semi-stable life comes Dana, who has her own issues, but the attraction between the two women is instant. I love the compassion and patience that Dana shows, not only with Kellen but with the girls as well. This is a group of people whose need for each other brings them closer and closer together. There are external forces coming to bear on Kellen, from her childhood and her more recent past, and all that pressure makes her want to run. Dana's acceptance of who Kellen is allows Kellen to become more settled and sure of her footing. This was an exciting book, but again, there were a lot of weighty issues that became exposed through circumstances out of Kellen's control. That may be too much for some readers to get through. My personal feeling was that it was a little much; after the reveal of Kellen's past I wondered how she and Dana could make their relationship work because so much is unresolved for Kellen, and fear makes her flighty. Again, good job from the author of not allowing love to miraculously heal everything. These are issues that won't easily go away, and I respect Quinn for not trying to wrap everything up in between the covers of the book. If you like romantic suspense, I'd definitely recommend this one.
I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads for review.
I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads for review.
September 4, 2016
This is the first book I have read by AJ Quinn. I suppose I should say that I am not a particularly big fan of adventure type novels, but I read them because once in a while you find an amazing one. I can’t say this is such a book. It was an okay read, but I found myself putting it down often to find other things to do. It took me longer to read the book than it should have. I didn’t relate to the characters, and I found myself bored with the rescue portions. I think what the issue is for me is when I am in the zone for adventure, I want adventure. Romance is difficult to pull off, when the majority of the story is focused on the adventurer. I did love the setting and the descriptions of the location. I was much more interested in the story near the beginning, and by the end I was overall ready to find out what happens. The ending is wrapped up quickly, and the climax was a bit flat. If a reader is a fan of this author, or a fan of adventure scenes they would easily enjoy this read. While it wasn’t my favorite read, I still think it is worth reading. AJ Quinn is a great writer and the structure of the novel was perfect. I would read other books by this author. ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review.
June 27, 2016
*ARC given for an honest review by Netgalley and Bold Strokes*
This was a really good read, especially considering that I am not really a fan of thriller stories. Both of the characters were likeable and the storyline was really interesting. I love how the author managed to add little bits of important information about search and rescue, without droning on and losing the readers attention. I loved the recurring theme in this book which for me seemed to be 'layers'. The book starts with a blown tire and a good samaritan but as the story goes on we get to peel back the layers behind each character and you find that even the lively girl at reception has an unexpected story. Kelley and Dana made good leads and the emotion in the story was raw (quite graphic imagery). I would love to read more about Ren and Cody because there is a definite story there and overall I wouldn't mind a follow up story to find out how the chosen family is and whether any of them ever get justice for their pasts.
This was a really good read, especially considering that I am not really a fan of thriller stories. Both of the characters were likeable and the storyline was really interesting. I love how the author managed to add little bits of important information about search and rescue, without droning on and losing the readers attention. I loved the recurring theme in this book which for me seemed to be 'layers'. The book starts with a blown tire and a good samaritan but as the story goes on we get to peel back the layers behind each character and you find that even the lively girl at reception has an unexpected story. Kelley and Dana made good leads and the emotion in the story was raw (quite graphic imagery). I would love to read more about Ren and Cody because there is a definite story there and overall I wouldn't mind a follow up story to find out how the chosen family is and whether any of them ever get justice for their pasts.
July 17, 2016
This was an interesting book in that it had all of the makings for a decent thriller, adventure, or romance novel--but instead of picking one genre and knocking it out of the park, the author decided to go with all three and probably a few more. There is an insane amount of conflict, hurt/comfort, and tragic backstories but none are given any weight over the others or fully concentrated on before quickly jumping to the next conflict or dangerous setup. It gets ridiculous to think of the main character functioning in the slightest, given everything she's physically and emotionally going through. Pacing was another problem for me. The prologue sets up the major conflict of the book with an attempt on the main character Kellan's life. However, instead of fleshing that situation out and adding stakes and some character development, it really doesn't reappear until close to the end of the book. Had this book had better focus, it probably could have easily squeezed out an extra star or two.
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
June 24, 2017
Kellan Ryan runs a Search and rescue operation using the survivor skills she had to learn as a teen. She expands the SAR operation to include a medical triage center for better and faster treatment for the people they rescue. Dana Kingston is hired to help start the triage center. She is trying to get away from her parents high expectations and pressure by starting over some place new.
I enjoyed this book the chemistry between Kellan and Dana was great and I loved the characters especially Kellan and her chosen family. Kellan and the girls were very loyal to each other. Dana fit in well with them despite them growing up so differently.
The descriptions of the SAR Operations and Kellan's survival skills were very interesting. The plot moved along at a nice pace and kept my attention.
I recommend this book to readers of lesbian romance unless you are triggered by child abuse.
I received this book from Bold Strokes Books via Netgalley for an honest review.
Rating 4 of 5
I enjoyed this book the chemistry between Kellan and Dana was great and I loved the characters especially Kellan and her chosen family. Kellan and the girls were very loyal to each other. Dana fit in well with them despite them growing up so differently.
The descriptions of the SAR Operations and Kellan's survival skills were very interesting. The plot moved along at a nice pace and kept my attention.
I recommend this book to readers of lesbian romance unless you are triggered by child abuse.
I received this book from Bold Strokes Books via Netgalley for an honest review.
Rating 4 of 5
July 14, 2016
Very very impressed.
My first by AJ Quinn but I can say with surety it most definitely won't be my last. I like to see what I am reading. By that I mean through the descriptions of the places as well as the characters. This author does it with such ease. She puts you right there and you can see it, even let your imagination flow and feel it too. This is an extremely talented author, one who has leaped, into my top 5 authors. It's a great story, it's easy to read, it's realistic and I can feel a sequel coming on. Hey....a girl can hope!
My first by AJ Quinn but I can say with surety it most definitely won't be my last. I like to see what I am reading. By that I mean through the descriptions of the places as well as the characters. This author does it with such ease. She puts you right there and you can see it, even let your imagination flow and feel it too. This is an extremely talented author, one who has leaped, into my top 5 authors. It's a great story, it's easy to read, it's realistic and I can feel a sequel coming on. Hey....a girl can hope!
April 26, 2021
I got about a quarter through this book before I realized that it seemed very familiar and that I had read it previously. It’s been long enough though that I decided to keep reading this book since I couldn’t remember most of what happened.
Kellen runs a search and rescue team in Haven, Colorado. She’s been through a lot in her life, and she has some issues due to her circumstances. She’s made herself a home in Haven for the first time and she doesn’t have a desire to leave the town. Dana is moving to Haven to help create a triage center that works with the search and rescue team there. The two first meet when Dana’s front tire blows on the way to Haven and Kellen comes to her rescue. There is an immediate attraction, but someone is coming into town to finish what he started.
I really liked both of these characters. Dana took a job in New York to get out from under her parents, overbearing but well-meaning, and she’s very sweet. She’s not judgmental about Kellen’s past and the girls and she seems like a genuinely caring and warm woman. Kellen is so easy to like. She’s managed to ignore some of her past (or get past them) to build herself a family in Haven. She loves and cares for her friends and coworkers and it’s amazing. She was also nice to read about because it’s not often that I get to read about a character that had previously been homeless. Kellen has fears from her previous experiences and they leave her ready to run, but she also has people she’s adopted into her chosen family that keep her tethered to the ground.
The action in this book was good. The agents got on my nerves a bit, mainly because they were so pushy. I understand that they needed to do their job, but I was bothered by how callously and demanding they were of Kellen’s past. I also like the reason they had given behind the man wanting to finish the job. It’s not a logical thing, but it makes sense for the situation that had occurred in his life.
I wish there had been more to this book. More development between the main and side characters as well as more time spent outside. The city of Haven seems absolutely gorgeous, and I wish there had been some more exploration of the area around it, preferably while also allowing the characters to learn more about each other. I also wish there were more development, specifically with Dana. It might just be me, maybe I misread something, but it doesn’t seem like Dana revealed much information about herself to the other characters. Kellen had to reveal her entire backstory over the course of the book, but Dana only seemed to discuss her issues internally.
This was a good read. I had some issues with the relationship development between characters, but the characters were quite likeable and I found that enough to ignore certain issues.
Kellen runs a search and rescue team in Haven, Colorado. She’s been through a lot in her life, and she has some issues due to her circumstances. She’s made herself a home in Haven for the first time and she doesn’t have a desire to leave the town. Dana is moving to Haven to help create a triage center that works with the search and rescue team there. The two first meet when Dana’s front tire blows on the way to Haven and Kellen comes to her rescue. There is an immediate attraction, but someone is coming into town to finish what he started.
I really liked both of these characters. Dana took a job in New York to get out from under her parents, overbearing but well-meaning, and she’s very sweet. She’s not judgmental about Kellen’s past and the girls and she seems like a genuinely caring and warm woman. Kellen is so easy to like. She’s managed to ignore some of her past (or get past them) to build herself a family in Haven. She loves and cares for her friends and coworkers and it’s amazing. She was also nice to read about because it’s not often that I get to read about a character that had previously been homeless. Kellen has fears from her previous experiences and they leave her ready to run, but she also has people she’s adopted into her chosen family that keep her tethered to the ground.
The action in this book was good. The agents got on my nerves a bit, mainly because they were so pushy. I understand that they needed to do their job, but I was bothered by how callously and demanding they were of Kellen’s past. I also like the reason they had given behind the man wanting to finish the job. It’s not a logical thing, but it makes sense for the situation that had occurred in his life.
I wish there had been more to this book. More development between the main and side characters as well as more time spent outside. The city of Haven seems absolutely gorgeous, and I wish there had been some more exploration of the area around it, preferably while also allowing the characters to learn more about each other. I also wish there were more development, specifically with Dana. It might just be me, maybe I misread something, but it doesn’t seem like Dana revealed much information about herself to the other characters. Kellen had to reveal her entire backstory over the course of the book, but Dana only seemed to discuss her issues internally.
This was a good read. I had some issues with the relationship development between characters, but the characters were quite likeable and I found that enough to ignore certain issues.
September 3, 2018
I have a fondness for the love-at-first sight, almost slice-of-life love stories (Madam President, the various J..A. Armstrong novella series, etc.) that spend more time on what the characters' lives look like as they fold into each other, facing the simple yet real challenges of an early relationship when the emotions start off that intense (and in a couple of cases you're POTUS, or GONY, or a potential SCOTUS appointment, or the First Daughter, etc.).
There's a lot of that to this book, although it follows a much more typical timeline/sequence of events with respect to the time it takes for the characters to commit to one another. Maybe because Quinn spends more time on events surrounding the protagonists than the developing feelings between them. Rather like Jericho and a few other mashups of LaFS and slow burn, we get "inextricably suddenly bonded early on, actual love'n'sex stuff later". Best friends by Chapter 6, the rest takes a lot of time.
But Quinn gives us a slightly different version of this, in which one protagonist's damage - psychological, but physical also - presents enough of a barrier to forming even a secure friendship that we wind up with the clearest illustration of Sternberg's theory of love as I've ever seen in a romance novel. Sternberg says that what we might call true love or being in love is a combination of three key elements: physical or otherwise hormonal/dopaminergic passion, emotional intimacy, and willing commitment. Kellen and Dana very clearly have the passion, right off the bat. The commitment forms as Kelllen learns that Dana will go to bat for her, will not betray her, etc. That's the formula for a surface relationship, the kind that people often report feeling trapped in. The last piece doesn't really fall into place between Kellen and Dana - that happens almost as an afterthought. It's when the Chosen Family accepts Dana as one of their own that we have the final link in the True Love chain forms.
Long story short, I like that level of true-to-life complexity.
There's a lot of that to this book, although it follows a much more typical timeline/sequence of events with respect to the time it takes for the characters to commit to one another. Maybe because Quinn spends more time on events surrounding the protagonists than the developing feelings between them. Rather like Jericho and a few other mashups of LaFS and slow burn, we get "inextricably suddenly bonded early on, actual love'n'sex stuff later". Best friends by Chapter 6, the rest takes a lot of time.
But Quinn gives us a slightly different version of this, in which one protagonist's damage - psychological, but physical also - presents enough of a barrier to forming even a secure friendship that we wind up with the clearest illustration of Sternberg's theory of love as I've ever seen in a romance novel. Sternberg says that what we might call true love or being in love is a combination of three key elements: physical or otherwise hormonal/dopaminergic passion, emotional intimacy, and willing commitment. Kellen and Dana very clearly have the passion, right off the bat. The commitment forms as Kelllen learns that Dana will go to bat for her, will not betray her, etc. That's the formula for a surface relationship, the kind that people often report feeling trapped in. The last piece doesn't really fall into place between Kellen and Dana - that happens almost as an afterthought. It's when the Chosen Family accepts Dana as one of their own that we have the final link in the True Love chain forms.
Long story short, I like that level of true-to-life complexity.
November 24, 2022
A bit underwhelming plot wise. The main characters were good but kellen was too heroic of a character. I feel like there was nothing dana and kellen had in common. Dana fell in love with kellen because of what she went through and how strong, compassionate she is but i think kellen only loves dana because dana loves kellen. So its like i might as well love her cuz who else is gonna accept and love me like dana does. I expected more of an intense relationship between the two. Overall, good book but i wish kellen’s parents got to go to jail for what they did tbh.
July 19, 2025
Not a good book.
Same old tropes that compose a big part of wlw fictions these days:
- Insta-love
- Old trauma
- More trauma in addition to old trauma
- Absolutely unrealistic "heroic" characters
- Useless fbi
And it was not well written. There were so many repetition, the author probably thought readers were suffering from short-term memory loss, or to dumb to read between the lines.
I do not recommend at all.
Same old tropes that compose a big part of wlw fictions these days:
- Insta-love
- Old trauma
- More trauma in addition to old trauma
- Absolutely unrealistic "heroic" characters
- Useless fbi
And it was not well written. There were so many repetition, the author probably thought readers were suffering from short-term memory loss, or to dumb to read between the lines.
I do not recommend at all.
June 19, 2017
Not sure if I don't care for this book because the Narrator didn't do a good job or the story had to much going on. It sounded like it would be a great story from the blurb. Everything seemed to fall short.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews