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Texas Trilogy #1
Beyond Reason
Five weeks ago Carly Drake stood at her grandfather’s grave. Now she’s burying Drake Trucking’s top driver, and the cops have no leads on the hijacking or murder. Faced with bankruptcy, phone threats and the fear of failure, Carly has to team up with the last man she wants to owe—Lincoln Cain.
Cain is magnetic, powerful, controlling—and hiding more than one secret. He promised Carly’s granddad he’d protect her. The old man took a chance on him when he was nothing but a kid with a record, and now he’s the multi-millionaire owner of a rival firm.
But Linc’s money can’t protect Carly from the men who’ll do anything to shut her down, or the secrets behind Drake Trucking. If she won’t sell out, the only way to keep her safe is to keep her close . . . and fight like hell.
Cain is magnetic, powerful, controlling—and hiding more than one secret. He promised Carly’s granddad he’d protect her. The old man took a chance on him when he was nothing but a kid with a record, and now he’s the multi-millionaire owner of a rival firm.
But Linc’s money can’t protect Carly from the men who’ll do anything to shut her down, or the secrets behind Drake Trucking. If she won’t sell out, the only way to keep her safe is to keep her close . . . and fight like hell.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 30, 2017
1405 people are currently reading
6170 people want to read
About the author
Kat Martin
189 books3,173 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
April 26, 2024
This is a well-written, entertaining, steamy, romantic suspense novel. It has a likable, strong and capable female protagonist, a wealthy, supportive male protagonist, intrigue, suspense, sizzling chemistry, relationship drama, action, twists and turns, and a heart warming ending. This is the first entry in Ms. Martin's Texas Trilogy series. I am looking forward to reading Beau's story with great anticipation. Ms. Martin never disappoints her readers!
I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Mr. Jack Garrett, has a captivating voice and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.
I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Mr. Jack Garrett, has a captivating voice and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.
May 30, 2017
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
I loved the first 20% of the book and the last 20% was awesome. The 60% in between - well, it just didn't live up to what I have come to expect from Kat Martin. The romance was hot, but became repetitive and if I had to read one more time how Carly's previous fiancées left her and how Linc could have any womon he wanted, I was going to throw the book (figuratively speaking, as this is on my Kindle). Sad to say, but the suspense wasn't much better.
Carly Drake has come home to take over her grandfather's trucking business. When the story begins, Joe had been dead just a few weeks and she is again at another graveside, this time for one of Drake Trucking's drivers who was murdered in a hijacking. Also there is Lincoln Cain, a very hot, very rich friend of Joe's. Linc has promised to watch out for Carly, but he never expected to do anything other than buy Drake Trucking and send her on her way. He absolutely didn't expect to feel an instant attraction for her.
Carly feels the same attraction for Linc, but she is not going to sell her company. There is trouble and she needs to get to the bottom of it. She also feels she needs to continue the company because she wasn't there to help when she should have. When she is threatened, accosted and then kidnapped and a nasty called El Jefe makes demands that she haul for him or he will kill her, Linc steps in. 3 1/2-Stars
I loved the first 20% of the book and the last 20% was awesome. The 60% in between - well, it just didn't live up to what I have come to expect from Kat Martin. The romance was hot, but became repetitive and if I had to read one more time how Carly's previous fiancées left her and how Linc could have any womon he wanted, I was going to throw the book (figuratively speaking, as this is on my Kindle). Sad to say, but the suspense wasn't much better.
Carly Drake has come home to take over her grandfather's trucking business. When the story begins, Joe had been dead just a few weeks and she is again at another graveside, this time for one of Drake Trucking's drivers who was murdered in a hijacking. Also there is Lincoln Cain, a very hot, very rich friend of Joe's. Linc has promised to watch out for Carly, but he never expected to do anything other than buy Drake Trucking and send her on her way. He absolutely didn't expect to feel an instant attraction for her.
Carly feels the same attraction for Linc, but she is not going to sell her company. There is trouble and she needs to get to the bottom of it. She also feels she needs to continue the company because she wasn't there to help when she should have. When she is threatened, accosted and then kidnapped and a nasty called El Jefe makes demands that she haul for him or he will kill her, Linc steps in. 3 1/2-Stars
May 30, 2017
I'm not even counting this as a book I read, because I skimmed a LOT! I just didn't really care about the characters or the events in the plot. Like, at all. And it seemed pretty predictable. I think part of my struggle was the length of the book. It could have been like 1/2 as many pages. Everything felt slow. And by the end, I really didn't care for the heroine at all.
October 26, 2021
As a thriller, this wasn't terrible, but it left a bit more to be desired as a romance. This book will be a good choice if you are looking for a romance where the sex scenes are pretty tame. That doesn't affect my rating, but it is something to note.
This book was published in 2017, but it feels much older to me. First of all, Linc, the love interest, has a barbed wire bicep tattoo, which I don't think anyone sees as cool or attractive anymore. The heroine, Carly, was frustrating because she made so many assumptions about Linc that were based on nothing. If her assumptions about what Linc wanted were due to her previous experiences with men, that should have been clearer. The third act conflict felt lazy to me and happened over only the last few pages. It felt like it was there to add another plot point. I liked some interactions between Linc and Carly, but a few too many aspects felt unoriginal.
I liked the thriller plot points a bit more. Typically when I read romantic thrillers, I'm not looking for a fantastic mystery but rather some element of danger that will push the characters together. But I do think this was mostly satisfactory. A few aspects of the mystery were delivered a bit half-heartedly, and Linc is so wealthy and all-powerful they didn't have to work too hard to find information, but that wasn't a deal-breaker for me. I wish there had been a bit more focus on concluding the trucking business plot point because I think that got lost a bit. The ultimate villains were also quite unfortunate stereotypes that I found a bit rough to read.
I'll probably continue this series because I like easy-to-read romantic thrillers, but I hope a few changes are made in book two.
This book was published in 2017, but it feels much older to me. First of all, Linc, the love interest, has a barbed wire bicep tattoo, which I don't think anyone sees as cool or attractive anymore. The heroine, Carly, was frustrating because she made so many assumptions about Linc that were based on nothing. If her assumptions about what Linc wanted were due to her previous experiences with men, that should have been clearer. The third act conflict felt lazy to me and happened over only the last few pages. It felt like it was there to add another plot point. I liked some interactions between Linc and Carly, but a few too many aspects felt unoriginal.
I liked the thriller plot points a bit more. Typically when I read romantic thrillers, I'm not looking for a fantastic mystery but rather some element of danger that will push the characters together. But I do think this was mostly satisfactory. A few aspects of the mystery were delivered a bit half-heartedly, and Linc is so wealthy and all-powerful they didn't have to work too hard to find information, but that wasn't a deal-breaker for me. I wish there had been a bit more focus on concluding the trucking business plot point because I think that got lost a bit. The ultimate villains were also quite unfortunate stereotypes that I found a bit rough to read.
I'll probably continue this series because I like easy-to-read romantic thrillers, but I hope a few changes are made in book two.
May 14, 2017
This one moved slowly and the characters' sexual thoughts were too often, too unrealistic within the plot timing and silly to me.
October 8, 2017
I always enjoy Kat Martin's work, and this one was no exception. It kept reading late into the night.
Some of the mundane details did annoy me. I don't have to know that the driver unlocked the door, climbed i to the driver's seat, fastened her seatbelt, put the key in the ignition and started the engine, etc. Those details can be greatly condensed.
Some of the mundane details did annoy me. I don't have to know that the driver unlocked the door, climbed i to the driver's seat, fastened her seatbelt, put the key in the ignition and started the engine, etc. Those details can be greatly condensed.
November 29, 2017
This was the suspense story and my first book by Kat Martin. I liked the story premise but I found the delivery lacking. Carly is strong and bold. Lincoln makes a good support for her. Carly comes home to take over her grandfather's Trucking Company but someone seems to want to run this business to the ground. But Carly stands firm and the story plays out with action, threats, suspense and romance.
Kat Martin has written well, characters are well developed, villain remains evil and hidden till the end. The mystery in the story works well. But for most pasts the story is written in unwanted detail and it drags out.
On the whole it is a fairly good read
Kat Martin has written well, characters are well developed, villain remains evil and hidden till the end. The mystery in the story works well. But for most pasts the story is written in unwanted detail and it drags out.
On the whole it is a fairly good read
April 16, 2017
As always Kat Martin delivers a hit!! Drama, action, passion, and love this is a book to read over and over again. I'm a bit in love with Lincoln Cain. You will be too when you read this book. A protective alpha male and an independent, stubborn, strong woman in a battle of wills and a debt to repay. What could go wrong?
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2017
A perfect example of SOAPY. In so many places in the book, you simply laugh at the poor writing. Weak, even for an easy romance.
May 22, 2017
Romantic suspense at it's best! The story had enough twists and turns to keep the story interesting and the romance that develops between Carly and Linc is a sweet slow build. As Carly takes over her grandfather's trucking business she finds herself not only on the threshold of bankruptcy but also burying the company's top driver. She finds herself in a position that she has no choice but to rely on the help of Lincoln Caine. Linc had a special relationship with Carly's grandfather and he gave the man his word that he would look out for Carly. It becomes clear quickly that someone is trying to drive Carly out of business. Who and why isn't something they seem to be able to tie down.
I highly recommend this one.
I highly recommend this one.
April 17, 2017
3.5 Stars. It was okay. Well written but average RS storyline. A billionaire stud helps a little lady out of trouble and falls in love with her. Nothing pissed me off, but nothing really stood out either. I was pleased that Carly was a businesswoman and not a helpless sweet thang; albeit with a company she inherited. The ending went off the rails a bit when everything was being tied up so cutesy.
I'll probably give the next book about Linc's partner Beau a shot.
I'll probably give the next book about Linc's partner Beau a shot.
August 5, 2017
FYI: There are some mild spoilers in my review below.
Rating: 2.5 stars - I had some serious issues with the plot/characters (mentioned below), but overall I can't deny that the author's writing kept me turning the pages and it wasn't a "chore" to finish the book.
I think the biggest issue with this novel is that it tried to put too much into one story. In particular, it felt like the last part was included just to set up future books for Linc's best friend and brother and in the process made both the main characters of this book look childish and completely incompetent when it comes to relationships. (Really, Linc would completely give up on her when she asks for more time - that doesn't match with the personality we saw in the rest of the novel; and why would Carly stay at his house for two more days when she had already been packing to leave and desperate to regain her independence?) The concluding scenes to the suspense/mystery part of the story (at the warehouse and ranch) also seemed completely over the top and beyond realistic in terms of how the main bad guy had been portrayed up until that point - not the actions/decisions of someone who has carefully and secretly crafted such a large criminal enterprise.
Also, it is probably just because I am a self-professed liberal, but I couldn't help but feel the author had a conservative agenda that seemed intentional. There were multiple mentions of crazy environmentalists (that had nothing to do with the overall story), lots of pro-gun sentiments (the text mentions that Texas doesn't have a waiting period for buying a gun which was apparently key to keeping Carly alive), and a casual reference to how terrorists could easily be embedded into a resettlement program because no one would notice (i.e. there is no real attempt made to vet individuals). I'm not implying that I only want to read authors who share my own political reviews - I just would prefer not to see views from either side so blatantly inserted into a fiction novel. Maybe it makes me shallow, but I read as an escape from daily life which includes politics and the controversial issues that we struggle with as a divided nation.
Rating: 2.5 stars - I had some serious issues with the plot/characters (mentioned below), but overall I can't deny that the author's writing kept me turning the pages and it wasn't a "chore" to finish the book.
I think the biggest issue with this novel is that it tried to put too much into one story. In particular, it felt like the last part was included just to set up future books for Linc's best friend and brother and in the process made both the main characters of this book look childish and completely incompetent when it comes to relationships. (Really, Linc would completely give up on her when she asks for more time - that doesn't match with the personality we saw in the rest of the novel; and why would Carly stay at his house for two more days when she had already been packing to leave and desperate to regain her independence?) The concluding scenes to the suspense/mystery part of the story (at the warehouse and ranch) also seemed completely over the top and beyond realistic in terms of how the main bad guy had been portrayed up until that point - not the actions/decisions of someone who has carefully and secretly crafted such a large criminal enterprise.
Also, it is probably just because I am a self-professed liberal, but I couldn't help but feel the author had a conservative agenda that seemed intentional. There were multiple mentions of crazy environmentalists (that had nothing to do with the overall story), lots of pro-gun sentiments (the text mentions that Texas doesn't have a waiting period for buying a gun which was apparently key to keeping Carly alive), and a casual reference to how terrorists could easily be embedded into a resettlement program because no one would notice (i.e. there is no real attempt made to vet individuals). I'm not implying that I only want to read authors who share my own political reviews - I just would prefer not to see views from either side so blatantly inserted into a fiction novel. Maybe it makes me shallow, but I read as an escape from daily life which includes politics and the controversial issues that we struggle with as a divided nation.
November 29, 2017
This was the suspense story and my first book by Kat Martin. I liked the story premise but I found the delivery lacking. Carly is strong and bold. Lincoln makes a good support for her. Carly comes home to take over her grandfather's Trucking Company but someone seems to want to run this business to the ground. But Carly stands firm and the story plays out with action, threats, suspense and romance.
Kat Martin has written well, characters are well developed, villain remains evil and hidden till the end. The mystery in the story works well. But for most pasts the story is written in unwanted detail and it drags out.
On the whole it is a fairly good read
Kat Martin has written well, characters are well developed, villain remains evil and hidden till the end. The mystery in the story works well. But for most pasts the story is written in unwanted detail and it drags out.
On the whole it is a fairly good read
August 14, 2017
Here's my spoiler that doesn't spoil the plot.
Fans of romance novels may as well not read my review. It is very anti-romance novel. Of course, and rightfully so, your question is, "Why did I read this book if I don't like romance novels? Answer: A friend gave me this book and I found the plot pretty good...and a book has to be like a -50 before I'll put it down without finishing it. Personal quirk.
For those of you who are as addicted to romance novels as I am addicted to reading in general, really, I don't mean to put you down. I am putting down the genre and the fact that it's a consistent formula that works over and over again. I feel like they could take pages out of this book and put them into any romance novel and a difference wouldn't be known. I read many adventure romance novels in my late teens and early 20s. And I know any kind of reading is good. Any kind of reading enhances your intelligence and your reading comprehension, which is invaluable throughout your life.
And then there's the rather recent inclusion of designer names. I still don't understand why anyone would buy a pair of Jimmy Choos, even a sale price of $200 or $300.
They're shoes! They're going to get dirty and scuffed. So stupid to go after names instead of just design and quality.
I'm only on page 11 and I'm ready to gag. I'll try a little longer.
Ho hum. The woman has wavy, heavy blonde hair. The hero has dark brown hair… Which I'm sure we'll hear more of. He's mega rich and, of course, he's taller than any other man in the crowd, big and broad shouldered, his body making the perfect masculine V. Of course he has a strikingly handsome face. And he has the green eyes. (One of them always has to have green eyes usually with golden flecks dancing in them.) (Ah. The author waited until page 62 before adding the gold flecks. That must've taken self-control.) She has big blues and is taller than average (But when Lincoln thinks of her she's "that pretty little blue-eyed blonde".) Sticking to the formula, she has a dynamite figure. Down the block we will have many, more pathetic descriptions of these two characters looks. Ad nauseam.
After finishing the book, I can tell you we don't hear all that much about Carley's body, except for it's never ending craving for Link's incredible body. Which is described in detail again and again and again and again and again...
My apologies to Kat Martin, but she seems to be drolling all over this fantasy male body on every page.
I can't help but wonder how women who read these hi-fantasy romances manage to find love with a normal man and stay in love with him. These characters are always so overblown in their perfection… How does any man stand up to that?
First of all I don't like the musclebound type and second is this over-blown muscleman has questioned how the 'little' blonde managed to sink her hooks into him. If that isn't chauvinistic, I don't know what it is.
And here we go again! Mr. incredibly desirable uses the phrase "... weaving her spell around him." Excuse me!!! She is the one who is more reluctant for this relationship to continue. On the very next page, Carly is "...suffering a shot of guilt that she hadn't gotten up earlier and "do the cooking herself."
Not so not interesting how Carly gets all bashful and has to say
...um... with the big strong hero!
I do admit it works! Men fall for the silliest acting. 😊
The first misunderstanding is after amazing (& totally unrealistic) sex. Standard fare. The good news is that this couple, unlike most of them, clear up some missing understandings fairly quickly. Then you know there's another one coming up. Also standard fare. The major one, Carley's feminine insecurity, is left to stew. And then they will end up happily ever after.
Happily ever after does not exist. This is life. There will be happy times, sad times. There will be cold rainy days and there will be bright and beautiful sunny days. Life will kick you in the butt and life will help you get up again. The only thing, the very only thing you can count on is that, "There will be change." Maybe for the good.
But the most important thing to remember is that if you look to God, He will always always, always be there on your side. When you think the worst thing in the world has happened to you and there is no more hope for a happy life, be assured that he will bring you out of your despair.
Even worse than this book's predictability, is it's pretty constant chauvinistic statements. I'm a little more than halfway through this book and am rethinking my statement that any kind of reading is good. This book actually seems to be a lesson in how to be a chauvinist's wet dream.
Do women who read this book have no self-esteem?
One or two of these things, maybe even three, would be fine, but they are just piled on top of one another from beginning to end.
---
Everyone has to rely on themselves first. They have to be competent of running their own lives. And then… when you decide to rely on another person,, and trust that person with part of your life, it should be a gift. Not a need.
--------------
By the way, 72 virgins thing is an Al Qaeda/Isis twisted version of a passage in the Koran. The Koran does not promise 72 virgins to terrorists or anybody else.
Kind of like the way these hate-filled, Trump-supporting, bogus evangelical Christians twist our Bible to go against God's will.
Fans of romance novels may as well not read my review. It is very anti-romance novel. Of course, and rightfully so, your question is, "Why did I read this book if I don't like romance novels? Answer: A friend gave me this book and I found the plot pretty good...and a book has to be like a -50 before I'll put it down without finishing it. Personal quirk.
For those of you who are as addicted to romance novels as I am addicted to reading in general, really, I don't mean to put you down. I am putting down the genre and the fact that it's a consistent formula that works over and over again. I feel like they could take pages out of this book and put them into any romance novel and a difference wouldn't be known. I read many adventure romance novels in my late teens and early 20s. And I know any kind of reading is good. Any kind of reading enhances your intelligence and your reading comprehension, which is invaluable throughout your life.
And then there's the rather recent inclusion of designer names. I still don't understand why anyone would buy a pair of Jimmy Choos, even a sale price of $200 or $300.
They're shoes! They're going to get dirty and scuffed. So stupid to go after names instead of just design and quality.
I'm only on page 11 and I'm ready to gag. I'll try a little longer.
Ho hum. The woman has wavy, heavy blonde hair. The hero has dark brown hair… Which I'm sure we'll hear more of. He's mega rich and, of course, he's taller than any other man in the crowd, big and broad shouldered, his body making the perfect masculine V. Of course he has a strikingly handsome face. And he has the green eyes. (One of them always has to have green eyes usually with golden flecks dancing in them.) (Ah. The author waited until page 62 before adding the gold flecks. That must've taken self-control.) She has big blues and is taller than average (But when Lincoln thinks of her she's "that pretty little blue-eyed blonde".) Sticking to the formula, she has a dynamite figure. Down the block we will have many, more pathetic descriptions of these two characters looks. Ad nauseam.
After finishing the book, I can tell you we don't hear all that much about Carley's body, except for it's never ending craving for Link's incredible body. Which is described in detail again and again and again and again and again...
My apologies to Kat Martin, but she seems to be drolling all over this fantasy male body on every page.
I can't help but wonder how women who read these hi-fantasy romances manage to find love with a normal man and stay in love with him. These characters are always so overblown in their perfection… How does any man stand up to that?
First of all I don't like the musclebound type and second is this over-blown muscleman has questioned how the 'little' blonde managed to sink her hooks into him. If that isn't chauvinistic, I don't know what it is.
And here we go again! Mr. incredibly desirable uses the phrase "... weaving her spell around him." Excuse me!!! She is the one who is more reluctant for this relationship to continue. On the very next page, Carly is "...suffering a shot of guilt that she hadn't gotten up earlier and "do the cooking herself."
Not so not interesting how Carly gets all bashful and has to say
...um... with the big strong hero!
I do admit it works! Men fall for the silliest acting. 😊
The first misunderstanding is after amazing (& totally unrealistic) sex. Standard fare. The good news is that this couple, unlike most of them, clear up some missing understandings fairly quickly. Then you know there's another one coming up. Also standard fare. The major one, Carley's feminine insecurity, is left to stew. And then they will end up happily ever after.
Happily ever after does not exist. This is life. There will be happy times, sad times. There will be cold rainy days and there will be bright and beautiful sunny days. Life will kick you in the butt and life will help you get up again. The only thing, the very only thing you can count on is that, "There will be change." Maybe for the good.
But the most important thing to remember is that if you look to God, He will always always, always be there on your side. When you think the worst thing in the world has happened to you and there is no more hope for a happy life, be assured that he will bring you out of your despair.
Even worse than this book's predictability, is it's pretty constant chauvinistic statements. I'm a little more than halfway through this book and am rethinking my statement that any kind of reading is good. This book actually seems to be a lesson in how to be a chauvinist's wet dream.
Do women who read this book have no self-esteem?
One or two of these things, maybe even three, would be fine, but they are just piled on top of one another from beginning to end.
---
Everyone has to rely on themselves first. They have to be competent of running their own lives. And then… when you decide to rely on another person,, and trust that person with part of your life, it should be a gift. Not a need.
--------------
By the way, 72 virgins thing is an Al Qaeda/Isis twisted version of a passage in the Koran. The Koran does not promise 72 virgins to terrorists or anybody else.
Kind of like the way these hate-filled, Trump-supporting, bogus evangelical Christians twist our Bible to go against God's will.
June 15, 2017
ARC REVIEW
Beyond Reason is the start of a new series from Kat Martin, Texas Trilogy. It was a nice step away from the Brody's series. It was a good read very typical Kat Martin, which is a good thing, good romance, good plot, and well paced. My only complaint is that Lincoln was too much of the cliched billionaire playboy. It was a nice change to have a book take place in Texas and not be about cowboys, thank you very much, we are not all cowboys, oil tycoons, or mexican labourers. The trucking industry is big and it's nice to see it getting some attention for a change (that I know of).
Carly Drake has so much to make up for, she knows just how much her Grandfather did for her she feels guilty for not being here for him sooner. Now that he's dead she's going to make Drake Trucking once again into one of the best trucking companies in Texas, but the cards are stacked against her and if it isn't one thing it's another and here she is five weeks after her grandfather's death her best driver was shot down and hijacked and the police aren't very hard to find out why. Lincoln Cain owes so much to Joe Drake, after he got out of prison Joe was the only one who gave him a chance and it was that one opportunity that lead Lincoln on the path to being as successful and rich as he is now. Lincoln made a deathbed promise to Joe that he would take care of Carly after Joe's death. Lincoln heard so much about Carly and expected her to be polished and spoiled, his plan was to buy the company from her for enough money to set her up for life and she wouldn't have to worry about money any more. What he got was an insanely beautiful and determined woman who said no. Lincoln isn't the only one who she said no to, Carly also said no to a local drug lord and now she's in over her head, top it off with company money disappearing and the death of her best driver. Lincoln is bound to help her whether she wants it or not but once she realizes who the drug lord is she's willing to accept help to take him down.
Overall, this was a good read it has some good side stories going on, the character development was nice with the background information on Lincoln. The romance aspect was enjoyable, like all playboys once he has his girl, Carly, she's the only one that matters. and I'm looking forward to Beau's, who is Lincoln's business partner and childhood friend, story.
Beyond Reason is the start of a new series from Kat Martin, Texas Trilogy. It was a nice step away from the Brody's series. It was a good read very typical Kat Martin, which is a good thing, good romance, good plot, and well paced. My only complaint is that Lincoln was too much of the cliched billionaire playboy. It was a nice change to have a book take place in Texas and not be about cowboys, thank you very much, we are not all cowboys, oil tycoons, or mexican labourers. The trucking industry is big and it's nice to see it getting some attention for a change (that I know of).
Carly Drake has so much to make up for, she knows just how much her Grandfather did for her she feels guilty for not being here for him sooner. Now that he's dead she's going to make Drake Trucking once again into one of the best trucking companies in Texas, but the cards are stacked against her and if it isn't one thing it's another and here she is five weeks after her grandfather's death her best driver was shot down and hijacked and the police aren't very hard to find out why. Lincoln Cain owes so much to Joe Drake, after he got out of prison Joe was the only one who gave him a chance and it was that one opportunity that lead Lincoln on the path to being as successful and rich as he is now. Lincoln made a deathbed promise to Joe that he would take care of Carly after Joe's death. Lincoln heard so much about Carly and expected her to be polished and spoiled, his plan was to buy the company from her for enough money to set her up for life and she wouldn't have to worry about money any more. What he got was an insanely beautiful and determined woman who said no. Lincoln isn't the only one who she said no to, Carly also said no to a local drug lord and now she's in over her head, top it off with company money disappearing and the death of her best driver. Lincoln is bound to help her whether she wants it or not but once she realizes who the drug lord is she's willing to accept help to take him down.
Overall, this was a good read it has some good side stories going on, the character development was nice with the background information on Lincoln. The romance aspect was enjoyable, like all playboys once he has his girl, Carly, she's the only one that matters. and I'm looking forward to Beau's, who is Lincoln's business partner and childhood friend, story.
March 28, 2024
I’ve read many of Kat Martin’s books. They’re easy reads with a little romance and a lot of adventure. They’re fun reads.
June 15, 2017
This was so, so good! Beyond Reason was a great romantic suspense story with likable characters and a really intriguing mystery happening. I totally enjoyed it.
Lincoln and Carly were awesome. I really enjoyed these two and their relationship. They were just good together and had a great connection and I loved their chemistry. I liked their ease of coming together and getting to know each other in the middle of everything that was going on. There was some push and pull since they're both stubborn but it made them coming together entertaining. I loved how Linc took care of Carly and how he was there for her. There were some nice heated moments but nothing over the top, definitely a lower heat kind of read.
I loved the mystery element and even though this was romance I felt it was equally balanced with the intrigue that was playing out. I loved the little breadcrumbs being discovered as the story built. I couldn't wait to find out who the bad guy was. It was exciting to read! There is good drama throughout and a great supporting cast.
This was a solid story, it had a decent pace but did drag a bit in the second half for me, there were great details, and there was really good development. There were a lot of different things thrown into the mix to keep me on my toes. That being said, I felt this was a bit of a lighter read, so even though I loved the mystery, it wasn't super intense or gritty. A few elements came into play I wasn't expecting and I loved the fact that I was surprised.
It was a totally entertaining who-done-it! There is something nice about a mystery that isn't to taxing, just a great story with a good flow full of obstacles that really hooks you and keeps you turning the page.
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
Lincoln and Carly were awesome. I really enjoyed these two and their relationship. They were just good together and had a great connection and I loved their chemistry. I liked their ease of coming together and getting to know each other in the middle of everything that was going on. There was some push and pull since they're both stubborn but it made them coming together entertaining. I loved how Linc took care of Carly and how he was there for her. There were some nice heated moments but nothing over the top, definitely a lower heat kind of read.
I loved the mystery element and even though this was romance I felt it was equally balanced with the intrigue that was playing out. I loved the little breadcrumbs being discovered as the story built. I couldn't wait to find out who the bad guy was. It was exciting to read! There is good drama throughout and a great supporting cast.
This was a solid story, it had a decent pace but did drag a bit in the second half for me, there were great details, and there was really good development. There were a lot of different things thrown into the mix to keep me on my toes. That being said, I felt this was a bit of a lighter read, so even though I loved the mystery, it wasn't super intense or gritty. A few elements came into play I wasn't expecting and I loved the fact that I was surprised.
It was a totally entertaining who-done-it! There is something nice about a mystery that isn't to taxing, just a great story with a good flow full of obstacles that really hooks you and keeps you turning the page.
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
August 31, 2018
Suspense and magnetic attractions make for an exciting storyline that takes us all over Texas, in helicopters, big rigs and motorcycles. Sexy and funny with enough heat and adrenaline to keep you hanging on until the last page. Well written characters, full of emotion and depth, that are not afraid to adapt to the constant fear that surrounds them. Five adrenaline fueled stars and a great series starter.
June 20, 2017
I wasn't sure about this one at first. I love Kat Martin's historical novels, but this one is set in the present. It took me a little bit to warm up to it. As usual, her writing is so good that I ended up not being able to put it down. It's action packed and suspenseful. She even weaves mysteries into other mysteries, which I love. Fantastic!
July 1, 2017
Walking into this book I was ready to get to know all these new characters. I'm a huge fan of Kat Martin and she surely did not disappoint. I love the characters of Carly and Linc! Ross, Rowena, Beau, Brittany, Quinn and the gang were amazing characters in this story also. I am so excited for book 2 of this series!!
January 7, 2019
Loved it!
June 4, 2017
Beyond Reason by Kat Martin is the 1st book in her new Texas Trilogy series. Beyond Reason is a fantastic read that had a bit of everything; action, suspense, romance, great couple, and a bad villain.
Carly Drake, our heroine, has just recently come home to take over her deceased grandfather’s trucking business. Before she can settle in, one of her top drivers is murdered, adding to her other problems, which includes a failing business & threats on her life. Enter Linc Cain, our hero, who is determined to help Carly survive. Linc, a wealthy entrepreneur, has fond memories of Joe Drake (Carly’s grandfather), who helped him when he was a kid; Linc always felt he owed his successful life to Joe. When Linc tries to buy Drake Trucking to take away her burden, she flatly refuses; Carly wants to fix things on her own.
But when things start happening that threatens Carly, Linc will force himself into her life to help her no matter how she feels. In a short time, their romance will heat up, but neither wants any long term relationship. The action in this story is non-stop, and always in the forefront, with the romance being sweet and sexy, but not overtaking the story line. Linc and Carly was such a great couple, I loved everything about them. She was a strong, independent woman, who also felt that there was no future for her in Linc’s fast paced, wealthy life. He was a pure alpha male, determined to use his resources to help and protect Carly, and along the way he found himself falling in love with her.
The villain in this story was bad all the way through, keeping his identity hidden, and forcing Carly and Linc to do his bidding or lives will be lost. The last half of the book was a thriller a minute, filled with attacks and even weather destruction. It was so suspenseful, with a few surprises and traitors within; but Martin did such a great job balancing the wild ride with the beautiful romance building between Linc and Carly. I thought their chemistry was sizzling, and sweet at the same time. Besides this great couple, the secondary characters were also very good. I cannot wait to read more about them in the next two books of this trilogy.
If you enjoy action, suspense, thriller and a sweet wonderful romance, then you need to read Beyond Reason. I was impressed with how well it was written by Kat Martin, as she held my attention throughout the entire book, and I could not let go. Awesome read.
Barb
The Reading Cafe>/a>
Carly Drake, our heroine, has just recently come home to take over her deceased grandfather’s trucking business. Before she can settle in, one of her top drivers is murdered, adding to her other problems, which includes a failing business & threats on her life. Enter Linc Cain, our hero, who is determined to help Carly survive. Linc, a wealthy entrepreneur, has fond memories of Joe Drake (Carly’s grandfather), who helped him when he was a kid; Linc always felt he owed his successful life to Joe. When Linc tries to buy Drake Trucking to take away her burden, she flatly refuses; Carly wants to fix things on her own.
But when things start happening that threatens Carly, Linc will force himself into her life to help her no matter how she feels. In a short time, their romance will heat up, but neither wants any long term relationship. The action in this story is non-stop, and always in the forefront, with the romance being sweet and sexy, but not overtaking the story line. Linc and Carly was such a great couple, I loved everything about them. She was a strong, independent woman, who also felt that there was no future for her in Linc’s fast paced, wealthy life. He was a pure alpha male, determined to use his resources to help and protect Carly, and along the way he found himself falling in love with her.
The villain in this story was bad all the way through, keeping his identity hidden, and forcing Carly and Linc to do his bidding or lives will be lost. The last half of the book was a thriller a minute, filled with attacks and even weather destruction. It was so suspenseful, with a few surprises and traitors within; but Martin did such a great job balancing the wild ride with the beautiful romance building between Linc and Carly. I thought their chemistry was sizzling, and sweet at the same time. Besides this great couple, the secondary characters were also very good. I cannot wait to read more about them in the next two books of this trilogy.
If you enjoy action, suspense, thriller and a sweet wonderful romance, then you need to read Beyond Reason. I was impressed with how well it was written by Kat Martin, as she held my attention throughout the entire book, and I could not let go. Awesome read.
Barb
The Reading Cafe>/a>
July 12, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. I had forgotten how much I enjoy suspense novels, and I do enjoy Kat Martins her heroine's are never the weak type, they are stubborn, resourceful, and smart. Her hero's tend to be gorgeous, virile, and resourceful. In this one we have Carly, whose grandfather has recently passed away, and she has so much guilt because Joe (her grandfather) was who raised her, and she feels like she has let him down by now being there when he needed her the most. His business is on the verge of bankruptcy and one of his loyal long time employees has been murdered, so she is resolved to bring back the company to its former glory and get to the bottom, of who killed the employee. In comes Linc Cain, a handsome millionaire, it ends up that Joe was the only person who had believed in him when he had come fresh out of jail, and he gave him a chance and was his friend, and Joe had asked to look out for Carly, and he was going to do so, especially when he knows their is trouble. When they meet, there is instant attraction, but they are going to fight it, because neither is interested in a relationship, but that does not last for long, they are combustible together. Unfortunately, their are a lot of issues, Carly is threatened and her life is in danger, so many things start happening, and thru all of this, she is trying to keep her heart from breaking, because she does not believe in HEA. When all of the issues are taken care of, she does the biggest stupidest thing in her life, and I wanted to jump thru the pages of this book and slap her, luckily things get resolved, and she does get her HEA, I encourage you to read it, the only thing that I do not like, is that I have to wait along time for the next book in this trilogy...
May 12, 2018
Interesante suspenso romántico!!
Carly es una azafata que después de la muerte de su abuelo, vuelve a Texas a hacerse cargo del negocio de trasporte de cargas de la familia. Con su herencia llegan un montón de problemas, deudas y un asesinato.
El multimillonario Lincon Cain sabe lo que es no tener nada ni nadie. Joe, El abuelo de Carly, fue la persona que lo ayudó después de la cárcel a formarse un futuro y creer en si mismo. Antes de morir Joe le pide a Linc una sóla cosa: cuidar a Carly; pero cuando Carly se ve envuelta en una red mucho más grande de lo que cualquiera de ellos puede manejar, es hora de llamar a una ayuda superior. Mientras tratan de descifrar quién está detrás de los chantajes Linc y Carly están cada vez más cerca.
Es una muy buena historia, interesantes personajes y trama. Un poco lenta en algunas partes pero muy adictiva de igual modo. Linc es un macho alfa pero bastante razonable, Carly tiene momentos donde dan ganas de golpearla (como al final... cuando una pequeña caja de terciopelo azul aparece) pero en lineas generales la historia es totalmente recomendable.
Lo que me lleva a mencionar a Beau Reese, socio de Lincoln con un papel secundario en la historia pero un gran enganche para leer su historia y seguir conociendo a éste interesante grupo de personajes en Texas.
July 9, 2017
I LOVE romantic suspense! Your adrenaline is not only running because of the crazy things happening but because of all that hotness that comes from the romance aspect. And let me tell you ladies, Lincoln Cain is one hot man.
Carly Drake is back home after years of traveling. Now running her grandfather’s trucking company she realizes she might be in over her head. Bill’s have piled up, one of her truck driver’s have been killed, and she finds herself needing help from a brooding, powerful and extremely attractive Lincoln Cain.
Soon Carly and Linc realize there is much more going on behind closed doors than they realized, and maybe even Linc isn’t enough to keep Carly safe when the truth starts surfacing.
I was sucked into this one, I think mainly because the balance between romance and mystery was so well done. You could feel the attraction, you could feel the angst building up but there was also so much suspense and wondering what was going to happen that everything just flowed so well and the writing was great.
Carly Drake is my girl. She is a firecracker, she’s strong and so capable of handling herself. She’s feisty and fun, defiantly a perfect leading female character! I loved watching her give Lincoln shit all the time and I like how she wanted to do everything on her own, rebuild the trucking business, deal with whatever scary men were after her, she was fearless at best and I admired her.
Lincoln Cain was INSANLEY attractive, tell me if you don’t swoon when you hear about this man. First, he is super smart and runs a multi-billion company. Second, he has a troubled past. Third, he rides a motorcycle and hangs with his old biker buddies. Fourth, as much as he is powerful, stubborn and hot as hell, he is also extremely sweet and caring. I mean this man has it all and I was HOOKED.
The chemistry between these two was crazy and I had to fan myself at some points. The mystery was even better, the author did a good job at building up the suspense end and I felt my heart racing a time or two. There were a lot of different things happening, but they all came together in some way towards the end.
If you love romantic suspense like I do then Beyond Reason would be a great read for you! It has everything I love in this kind of book, I would defiantly recommend it. Kat Martin did a great job with this one!
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of Beyond Reason in exchange for an honest review.**
Carly Drake is back home after years of traveling. Now running her grandfather’s trucking company she realizes she might be in over her head. Bill’s have piled up, one of her truck driver’s have been killed, and she finds herself needing help from a brooding, powerful and extremely attractive Lincoln Cain.
Soon Carly and Linc realize there is much more going on behind closed doors than they realized, and maybe even Linc isn’t enough to keep Carly safe when the truth starts surfacing.
I was sucked into this one, I think mainly because the balance between romance and mystery was so well done. You could feel the attraction, you could feel the angst building up but there was also so much suspense and wondering what was going to happen that everything just flowed so well and the writing was great.
Carly Drake is my girl. She is a firecracker, she’s strong and so capable of handling herself. She’s feisty and fun, defiantly a perfect leading female character! I loved watching her give Lincoln shit all the time and I like how she wanted to do everything on her own, rebuild the trucking business, deal with whatever scary men were after her, she was fearless at best and I admired her.
Lincoln Cain was INSANLEY attractive, tell me if you don’t swoon when you hear about this man. First, he is super smart and runs a multi-billion company. Second, he has a troubled past. Third, he rides a motorcycle and hangs with his old biker buddies. Fourth, as much as he is powerful, stubborn and hot as hell, he is also extremely sweet and caring. I mean this man has it all and I was HOOKED.
The chemistry between these two was crazy and I had to fan myself at some points. The mystery was even better, the author did a good job at building up the suspense end and I felt my heart racing a time or two. There were a lot of different things happening, but they all came together in some way towards the end.
If you love romantic suspense like I do then Beyond Reason would be a great read for you! It has everything I love in this kind of book, I would defiantly recommend it. Kat Martin did a great job with this one!
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of Beyond Reason in exchange for an honest review.**
May 20, 2017
Beyond Reason is the first book in the Texas Trilogy and there were some things I really liked about and a few things that were just okay. The premise of the book was interesting and I liked Carly. I liked Linc as well although I wanted more of his personality to relate to his time in prison and misspent youth. Instead he seemed more of a typical billionaire without the edge I wanted him to have given his background. Don't get me wrong I liked Linc but I wanted more from his character.
I really liked the RS portion of the book for the first half but once the bad guy was really introduced it went a little of the rails for me. It just seemed a little silly that he thought he could bribe/threaten anyone without any consequences. I can understand thinking he could intimidate Carly but why he thought he could intimidate Linc made no sense. The man is rich and powerful so one would think that the bad guy would pick someone a little more easily pushed around (he is obviously not going to just accept the orders given by the bad guy without fighting back) and yet the villain expects him to do exactly that. I had to completely suspend my belief for the final climax with the villain of this book.
The romance also seemed a little rushed maybe because the suspense took up a big chunk of the book so I wasn't as invested in Carly and Linc as a couple as I wanted to be. I did really like the secondary characters and so I will probably give the second book a chance. So while enjoyable it isn't a book that will remain with me.
A copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
I really liked the RS portion of the book for the first half but once the bad guy was really introduced it went a little of the rails for me. It just seemed a little silly that he thought he could bribe/threaten anyone without any consequences. I can understand thinking he could intimidate Carly but why he thought he could intimidate Linc made no sense. The man is rich and powerful so one would think that the bad guy would pick someone a little more easily pushed around (he is obviously not going to just accept the orders given by the bad guy without fighting back) and yet the villain expects him to do exactly that. I had to completely suspend my belief for the final climax with the villain of this book.
The romance also seemed a little rushed maybe because the suspense took up a big chunk of the book so I wasn't as invested in Carly and Linc as a couple as I wanted to be. I did really like the secondary characters and so I will probably give the second book a chance. So while enjoyable it isn't a book that will remain with me.
A copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
March 3, 2018
I had problems with a lot of this. Linc and Carly's relationship proceeded a little too smoothly in spite of Carly's doubts. The plot with El Jefe had its moments but the denouement struck me as a bit unrealistic and illogical, leaving me with questions as to why it unfolded the way it did. The bit with Zach's father was too pat and almost nonexistent in the scheme of the rest of the book. And Linc reacted out-of-character to Carly's doubts at the end. Oddly enough, I liked both characters a lot better in the second book in the series, which I unfortunately had read first, so I'm not sure how much that colors my reaction to this one. I liked the second book much better.
July 22, 2018
Ms. Martin’s novels are always a great balance of suspense and romance and this is no exception. Tory is a terrific character; strong, organized and determined to get away from the evil Damon. Josh is no less determined, and a war hero in addition to being a hot cowboy. I loved the subplot of the angry stallion and his response to Tory. He seemed to recognize a fellow victim of abuse. If you love romantic suspense and contemporary western romance, this is the book for you, enjoy!
Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
June 7, 2017
I really like Carly and Linc. I like all the characters and am looking forward to hearing about all of them in future books. Carly's grandfather has died and left her all alone. He left her his trucking company and a whole lot of problems. Someone has killed one of her drivers. At the driver's funeral, she meets Linc. Linc promised Joe that he would look after Carly and keep her safe. While keeping Carly safe, LInc gets to know her and realizes that she is the one he has been looking for. They just have to stay alive long enough to be together. They are dealing with terrorists, betrayal by long-time employees and an old grudge with the local sheriff. Carly has a big trust issue and isn't sure she set that aside to trust in Linc's love.
May 4, 2025
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I enjoyed this book, it was an action packed suspenseful thriller with some sizzling romance. I thought the book was repetitive, but other than that ... it was a good read!
Carly comes home for her grandfather's funeral and decides she is going to take over his trucking business, but she wasn't aware of the financial issues. Being threatened by a supposedly drug crew, she has to team up with the gorgeous man, Lincoln.
Read the book to find out more ...
I enjoyed this book, it was an action packed suspenseful thriller with some sizzling romance. I thought the book was repetitive, but other than that ... it was a good read!
Carly comes home for her grandfather's funeral and decides she is going to take over his trucking business, but she wasn't aware of the financial issues. Being threatened by a supposedly drug crew, she has to team up with the gorgeous man, Lincoln.
Read the book to find out more ...
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