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The widow of a lying drug dealer, dulcimer-player Kylie Barstow Richards finds herself struggling to see through the mists of the Smokey Mountains to the truth—about her life, about the nightclub where she works, and about the bluegrass-playing musician who has arrived to steal her heart.
SEEING CLEAR
Someone is distributing drugs out of the nightclub Acoustics, and undercover DEA operative Reynolds Navarro has come to Bristol, Tennessee, to find out who. His prime suspect? The beautiful and deceitful dulcimer player Kylie Barstow Richards, whose drug-dealing husband was gunned down and who now has illicit funds feeding into an offshore account in her name. To complete his investigation, Ren must gain her trust and access to her home. What better way than with a kiss?
Kylie hates liars. She has been lied to all her life, and Ren Campbell seems too good to be true. Handsome, sexy and talented, the bluegrass guitar player is everything she’d wished of her first husband. And suddenly he’s her protector, too. But as danger encroaches like the morning mists of the Smokey Mountains, Kylie must soon learn whom she can trust—and whom she can love.
SEEING CLEAR
Someone is distributing drugs out of the nightclub Acoustics, and undercover DEA operative Reynolds Navarro has come to Bristol, Tennessee, to find out who. His prime suspect? The beautiful and deceitful dulcimer player Kylie Barstow Richards, whose drug-dealing husband was gunned down and who now has illicit funds feeding into an offshore account in her name. To complete his investigation, Ren must gain her trust and access to her home. What better way than with a kiss?
Kylie hates liars. She has been lied to all her life, and Ren Campbell seems too good to be true. Handsome, sexy and talented, the bluegrass guitar player is everything she’d wished of her first husband. And suddenly he’s her protector, too. But as danger encroaches like the morning mists of the Smokey Mountains, Kylie must soon learn whom she can trust—and whom she can love.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2016
43 people want to read
About the author
Emily W Mims
37 books193 followersAuthor of over forty romance novels, Emily Mims combined her writing career with a career in public education until leaving the classroom to write full time. In addition to eighteen Candlelight Ecstasy Romances under the pen name 'Emily Elliott', she has written two series under her own name, the Texas Hill Country series and the Smoky Blue series, and has completed four books in the Durango Street Theatre series. The mother of two sons and grandmother to six, she and her husband Charles split their time between San Antonio and their lake home in the Texas Hill Country, and make frequent trips to Tennessee to see grandchildren. When not busy at the word processor, she plays the piano, organ and dulcimer. She plays her ukulele with two singing groups and has even been known to sing a song or two at the mic. She says, "I love to write romances because I believe in them. Romance happened to me and it can happen to any woman-if she'll just let it."
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 29, 2017
From its opening pages readers will find themselves quickly immersed in this atmospheric romance that has music bringing two people together under a haze of deception and suspense. Family and obligations serve as a backdrop to the burgeoning romance that gets put through the wringer. As feelings of love quickly turn to betrayal the past continues to weigh heavily on the hard-fought conclusion which had me guessing until the end.
Kylie thought she had a good marriage with an honorable man until he was shot dead, leaving behind embarrassing truths as well as ruining her dreams for the future. Time passed and she's become content with her life of music and family but is surprised to find herself attracted to the wandering musician who's come to join the family band. Just as Ren becomes an integral part of her life the truth comes out about his real purpose and she's once again left heartbroken. With danger regarding Ren's real reason for joining their band coming ever closer to her, readers will be on edge waiting to see if she'll be able to keep herself safe along with healing her bruised heart. Kylie's a strong-willed heroine who values family and supports them every step of the way as they do her. Finding out the truth about her husband was heartbreaking but putting her dream in jeopardy was even worse. Music is everything to her, she shines when on stage, and it's what brings her and Ren together. Theirs is a crackling connection that has them making beautiful music together before she discovered the truth about him. How she handled that was believable and had me rooting for her every step of the way as she deserved a HEA for all she got put through.
Ren's devoted much of his life to bringing others to justice through his undercover work with the DEA. It's left him little time for love and happiness which is why his attraction to Kylie catches him off guard. Even though she's his suspect he can't deny how much he cares for her. He soon becomes her champion, and a mentor for her son, which makes the fallout from the truth about his identity that much harder to deal with. Despite everything though Ren does whatever necessary to keep Kylie safe while putting his heart in jeopardy along the way. Ren's an immensely appealing hero, torn by duty but bound by it. He has a strong love and appreciation for music which is the basis of their sensual connection and leads to all sorts of musical foreplay.
On a whole this was a well-paced story that nicely balanced romance with the suspense of who the real villain is. The identity of that villain is kept well-hidden until close to the end too which I always appreciate. Ms. Mims has vividly depicted the Smoky Mountain region with all its charm, sensuality, and tight-knit community feel that further helped immerse me in this compelling tale. Ren and Kylie were an enthralling couple who had me cheering for them from the first page to the last as they dealt with hurt feelings and hidden danger. Surrounding them are a colorful cast of secondary characters, mostly family, who support each other through all their highs and lows. The most memorable of them being Cooper, the direct and somewhat abrasive amputee who harbored moments of pity for himself. He was sometimes angry and prejudicial, sometimes an ass, but I still look forward to his story being told.. Ultimately, this was my first time reading a story written by Ms. Mims, but it won't be the last as she kept me captivated with this romance that's almost pitch perfect.
4.5 STARS!
Kylie thought she had a good marriage with an honorable man until he was shot dead, leaving behind embarrassing truths as well as ruining her dreams for the future. Time passed and she's become content with her life of music and family but is surprised to find herself attracted to the wandering musician who's come to join the family band. Just as Ren becomes an integral part of her life the truth comes out about his real purpose and she's once again left heartbroken. With danger regarding Ren's real reason for joining their band coming ever closer to her, readers will be on edge waiting to see if she'll be able to keep herself safe along with healing her bruised heart. Kylie's a strong-willed heroine who values family and supports them every step of the way as they do her. Finding out the truth about her husband was heartbreaking but putting her dream in jeopardy was even worse. Music is everything to her, she shines when on stage, and it's what brings her and Ren together. Theirs is a crackling connection that has them making beautiful music together before she discovered the truth about him. How she handled that was believable and had me rooting for her every step of the way as she deserved a HEA for all she got put through.
Ren's devoted much of his life to bringing others to justice through his undercover work with the DEA. It's left him little time for love and happiness which is why his attraction to Kylie catches him off guard. Even though she's his suspect he can't deny how much he cares for her. He soon becomes her champion, and a mentor for her son, which makes the fallout from the truth about his identity that much harder to deal with. Despite everything though Ren does whatever necessary to keep Kylie safe while putting his heart in jeopardy along the way. Ren's an immensely appealing hero, torn by duty but bound by it. He has a strong love and appreciation for music which is the basis of their sensual connection and leads to all sorts of musical foreplay.
On a whole this was a well-paced story that nicely balanced romance with the suspense of who the real villain is. The identity of that villain is kept well-hidden until close to the end too which I always appreciate. Ms. Mims has vividly depicted the Smoky Mountain region with all its charm, sensuality, and tight-knit community feel that further helped immerse me in this compelling tale. Ren and Kylie were an enthralling couple who had me cheering for them from the first page to the last as they dealt with hurt feelings and hidden danger. Surrounding them are a colorful cast of secondary characters, mostly family, who support each other through all their highs and lows. The most memorable of them being Cooper, the direct and somewhat abrasive amputee who harbored moments of pity for himself. He was sometimes angry and prejudicial, sometimes an ass, but I still look forward to his story being told.. Ultimately, this was my first time reading a story written by Ms. Mims, but it won't be the last as she kept me captivated with this romance that's almost pitch perfect.
4.5 STARS!
June 17, 2018
As a reader, I am guilty of choosing a book by its cover. After seeing the cover of Ruby, by Emily Mims, I decided to check out a sample. Realizing that it was a series, I decided to start on book one, Mist, during my vacation to Greece. I love to read everything, but a warm romance laced with some of my own bluegrass roots sounded like the perfect beach read. Emily Mims did not disappoint. Her characters were warm and funny, with real southern dialect, and her background in music leant reality to the main plot. She worked out a mystery that kept me in the story, which I finished reading in about three sittings. The Mist offers steamy romance, musical entertainment and a promise of more to come.
July 3, 2020
I love a good mystery! I know this is a romance but it starts with a mystery and gets better and better. I could have done without Sawyer; he was a butthead. But you have to take the good with the bad when you are building characters. Kylie and Ren are perfect for each other and mesh well throughout the book. I loved the idea of their club being a stage for up and coming artists. I loved that the whole family was involved with the music and they traveled to other places to get their name out there. I was really sorry that it turned out to be someone in the family dealing the drugs and that he unfortunately died for his participation. I just really loved this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2020
This is the first book in the Smokey Blues series. It was definitely an enjoyable read and pulls you in from the very beginning. For sure this is a romance, indeed a very captivating one, but the story includes so much more. Suspense, mystery, and betrayal all contributed to a very intriguing read. This is definitely a book where once you start, you keep turning tha pages to see what will happen next. Ms. Mims is a great author and you definitely don't want to miss out. I actually started this series with one of her later books and loved it and came back to start at the beginning. I definitely recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2020
This is book one in The Smokey Blues Series and it is Reynolds and Kylie's story. Omg this book is amazing with all its twists and turns along with betrayal, loss, lies, secrets and deceit and i could not put this book down as it was a real page turner and so addictive. Emily Mims is a brilliant author and writer and she is becoming one of my favourite authors as she pulls you in right from the first page and you have to keep reading to see what happens next. I recommend you read this book and others by Emily and you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2020
How do you trust when you are both holding onto big secrets, romance woven around mystery and crime, a family hiding secrets from each other and the outside world. Emily Mims is a new author to me and I was engulfed in this story from the first chapter, the story flowed while keeping me guessing to who the real criminals were, the romance was emotional, the background of music and talent perfect, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2020
The first book in the Smokey Blues Series a well written story with a very good storyline, I would say read these books in order, to better enjoy this series. This is widowed dulcimer-player Kylie Barstow Richards and undercover DEA operative Reynolds Navarro who has come to Bristol, Tennessee on a case. He poses as a bluegrass guitar player. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2020
Once you crack open the pages of this book you will get lost in story of romance, lies, suspense and pain. Kylie past put dark shadow on her future. But when Ren comes into her life, the shadows appear to still be around with lies. Kylie and Ren's relationship will pull at your heart as the maneuver through their journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2020
This is the story of Kylie and Ren. She plays the dulcimer at the local nightclub. Ren is an undercover detective investigating the drugs being distributed from the club. Kylie is his prime suspect but is she really the one he’s after? I enjoyed this romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2020
Mist is a great Romance-mystery was a fun story. It’s a great mix of suspense and romance that Emily Mims weaves. Kylie & Ren make a cute couple and I liked how deeply felt you could feel the emotions of Kylie especially. It was an intense read, but still quite enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2020
I have really enjoyed reading this book, the author did such a great job developing the characters, that I feel like I really know them, and not just the major characters, but the minor ones too.
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
July 25, 2020
What another amazing read. Loved Kylie and Ren’s book. Amazing storyline, great chemistry and a good HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
August 8, 2017This was a different kind of read for me, full of unfamiliar landscapes and sounds. Being a city girl from Michigan whose favorite band is AFI, reading a story about a bluegrass band with a dulcimer-playing heroine that takes place in eastern Tennessee was definitely something new, but I enjoy learning about new places and new things.
This story is about Kylie, a widowed musician whose husband had been a cheater and a liar. She's tender and doesn't trust easily, so when Ren, a man working with the DEA steals her heart while investigating her, it's understandable when she shows him the door. The plot here is nothing new, but the writing style brings these characters and the story to life. There were a few things that bothered me, mostly Cooper's attitude (he's Kylie's brother.) At one point, he spouted off about his mother being a whore, his sister being a bastard, and his father being a queer. Those judgmental, old-fashioned prejudices pissed me off, but then I reasoned that there are people like that in every family--mine included--who we love but want to smack over the head. Kudoes to Ms. Mims that her story engaged me enough to make me want to shake a character. (I'm pretty sure Cooper is the focus of the next book, so hopefully someone teaches him to be more open-minded and less judgmental.)
Overall, I liked this book. The writing style was engaging, and the story was good. Mist has it all--jams, intrigue, love, heartbreak, and forgiveness.
Reviewed on Kissing Bandits Blog in exchange for ARC
This story is about Kylie, a widowed musician whose husband had been a cheater and a liar. She's tender and doesn't trust easily, so when Ren, a man working with the DEA steals her heart while investigating her, it's understandable when she shows him the door. The plot here is nothing new, but the writing style brings these characters and the story to life. There were a few things that bothered me, mostly Cooper's attitude (he's Kylie's brother.) At one point, he spouted off about his mother being a whore, his sister being a bastard, and his father being a queer. Those judgmental, old-fashioned prejudices pissed me off, but then I reasoned that there are people like that in every family--mine included--who we love but want to smack over the head. Kudoes to Ms. Mims that her story engaged me enough to make me want to shake a character. (I'm pretty sure Cooper is the focus of the next book, so hopefully someone teaches him to be more open-minded and less judgmental.)
Overall, I liked this book. The writing style was engaging, and the story was good. Mist has it all--jams, intrigue, love, heartbreak, and forgiveness.
Reviewed on Kissing Bandits Blog in exchange for ARC
March 8, 2018
When Kylie Richards and her brother Cooper Barstow open the bluegrass club, Acoustics, they're amateurs at running clubs and fall further behind in their financial obligations. Their increasing debt plus funds that are being transferred from an offshore account lead the DEA to suspect them of being drug runners.
Reynolds (Ren) Campbell Navarro, a guitar-picking civilian from San Antonio, is enlisted by the DEA to infiltrate this suspected drug ring. Unexpectedly, Ren falls for Kylie in a big way.
Can these two find each other in a drug-ridden world?
Reynolds (Ren) Campbell Navarro, a guitar-picking civilian from San Antonio, is enlisted by the DEA to infiltrate this suspected drug ring. Unexpectedly, Ren falls for Kylie in a big way.
Can these two find each other in a drug-ridden world?
October 28, 2016
I absolutely adored the undercover premise, coupled with Kylie and Ren's genuine love for music. The culture of the Appalachian music was fascinating, and I especially loved the parallel of Hispanic music included at the end, along with getting to see the hero and heroine from the last book.
The conflict was VERY realistic and heartwrending, but the chemistry and bonding between Kylie and Wren made you root for them.
And the set up for the next book made me begging for more.
The conflict was VERY realistic and heartwrending, but the chemistry and bonding between Kylie and Wren made you root for them.
And the set up for the next book made me begging for more.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews