What do you think?
Rate this book
Blinded
After a horrible explosion sends local television news reporter, Burton Blinde reeling both physically and emotionally, she walks away from her life and the dream job she was about to start at a major news network. For six long years she hides out in a small mountain town, working at the local library, though is haunted by the life she had, including mysterious messages and gifts she was receiving before her life was turned upside down, a veritable bread crumb trail leading to the unknown. Unable to resist, Burton begins to follow the clues, which will lead her into the darkest places of human nature that she may not be able to return from.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
9 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Kim Pritekel
74 books152 followersKim Pritekel is a published author living in Denver, Colorado. She is also a very popular online author of many novels, novellas and short stories. She is the Royal Academy of Bards 2005 Hall of Fame Author.
Her love of writing began at age 9, and she wrote her first novel at age 12, wishing to follow in the footsteps of childhood idol, S.E. Hinton. She was published for the first time at age 24 with her novel, First.
Kim has followed her dreams right into the film industry, writing screenplays for production companies in Los Angeles, as well as for her own production company, Asp Films with business partner, Kelly Neal. Their first feature film, Self Portrait – written, directed and co-produced by Kim – premiered in Denver in June of 2013.
She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her beloved cats. She is always adding to her ever-growing collection of swords and historic memorabilia. She is a huge fan of music, including musical theater. The "musical" love of her life is Sarah Brightman, who she tosses a mention of in every book she can.
Kim is a writing machine, so come back often to see what she's working on next!
Her love of writing began at age 9, and she wrote her first novel at age 12, wishing to follow in the footsteps of childhood idol, S.E. Hinton. She was published for the first time at age 24 with her novel, First.
Kim has followed her dreams right into the film industry, writing screenplays for production companies in Los Angeles, as well as for her own production company, Asp Films with business partner, Kelly Neal. Their first feature film, Self Portrait – written, directed and co-produced by Kim – premiered in Denver in June of 2013.
She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her beloved cats. She is always adding to her ever-growing collection of swords and historic memorabilia. She is a huge fan of music, including musical theater. The "musical" love of her life is Sarah Brightman, who she tosses a mention of in every book she can.
Kim is a writing machine, so come back often to see what she's working on next!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 4, 2016
Wow! This was a heck of a book. When I reached the end of the book, I had to take a deep breath. I realized I kept holding my breath, while reading, in anticipation of what would come next. The whole second half of the book was absolutely heart pounding. You want an action book? This is an action book.
I do want to mention, this is not an easy read. There is violence, sexual abuses, human atrocities, not easy subjects. This second half of this book, is about a war-torn country, and the atrocities their leaders inflected on their people. The main character Burton, is a reporter sent in to find out what is going on. She is in for way more than she bargained. There is quite a few twists and turns in this book, so I don't want to say too much.
I do consider this an action romance book. I know it doesn't sound like this from what I wrote above, but it really has a romance. There is a love interest for Burton, and it's believable and well written, even with all the action going on. Burton, being in love, pushes her to want to survive.
I would recommend this to action romances fans, just be aware there is some tough parts in this book. It's well written, and I'm glad I read it.
An ARC was given to me from Sapphire Books Publishing, for a honest review.
I do want to mention, this is not an easy read. There is violence, sexual abuses, human atrocities, not easy subjects. This second half of this book, is about a war-torn country, and the atrocities their leaders inflected on their people. The main character Burton, is a reporter sent in to find out what is going on. She is in for way more than she bargained. There is quite a few twists and turns in this book, so I don't want to say too much.
I do consider this an action romance book. I know it doesn't sound like this from what I wrote above, but it really has a romance. There is a love interest for Burton, and it's believable and well written, even with all the action going on. Burton, being in love, pushes her to want to survive.
I would recommend this to action romances fans, just be aware there is some tough parts in this book. It's well written, and I'm glad I read it.
An ARC was given to me from Sapphire Books Publishing, for a honest review.
February 6, 2017
Kim Pritekel is one of the first authors I stumbled across in the lesbian romance genre. Her stories are always well thought out with interesting characters. Going into going into her stories you know you are going to get a slow burn romance and a bit of craziness.
Burton Blinde is an investigative reporter for a local Denver new station. When we first meet her she is on her way to being a star, courted by CNN, she slated to be the next Barbara Walters. Days away from her move to New York, Burton is still tracking local stories, one including the juicy gossip of a Colorado senator being blackmailed by his former lover. As Burton is questioning the politician all hell breaks loose and a madman throws a grenade into the car, killing everyone but the reporter. Suffering horrific injuries Burton closes her friends out ad retreats to the wilderness to live in near isolation.
Years later, after going through some of her old boxes from her reporter days, Burton comes across cryptic postcards. Her inquisitive mind will not let it go so she begins trying to find the old clues as to what the anonymous postcards were trying to clue her in on.
Okay so up until this point right here, I am digging this book. A great foundation is been laid out and I’m like oh yeah where we going with this. Then it kind of went haywire. So to make it quick, a small country, Chilvokia, near Russia is under attack, total warfare and has been for years. Dr. Lilli Novikoff, while studying medicine in Denver was the one trying to reach out to Burton to tell her of her country’s strife. First off, just tell her, she’s a reporter they are always looking for a story. Second, maybe contact the UN or NATO, just a thought. I think they would like to know if there has been coup slaughtering person in the streets.
So any who Button goes to Chilvokia, it's damn war zone, meets back up with Dr. Lilli, saves the king, falls in love…and goes home a hero. I can’t give you more because I was lost in the second half of the book numerous times. I wasn’t always sure who was who, and what was happening. What was the point of the war, I am still not sure, and something about selling women, kids and weapons, maybe. I was swimming in muddy water. It was fun and I enjoyed it but sometimes I had no idea my left from my right if that makes any sense at all. Also, I needed way more time with Burton and Lilli the couple, the romance part of Blinded was lacking.
Blinded is good, not great like Pritekel’s other books. I felt like she needed more chapters to explain what was happening. I think if the story had been longer, it could have cleared up the confusing pieces. Her characters definitely had chemistry I just needed more time with them together to solidify a stellar romance.
2.75 stars
Burton Blinde is an investigative reporter for a local Denver new station. When we first meet her she is on her way to being a star, courted by CNN, she slated to be the next Barbara Walters. Days away from her move to New York, Burton is still tracking local stories, one including the juicy gossip of a Colorado senator being blackmailed by his former lover. As Burton is questioning the politician all hell breaks loose and a madman throws a grenade into the car, killing everyone but the reporter. Suffering horrific injuries Burton closes her friends out ad retreats to the wilderness to live in near isolation.
Years later, after going through some of her old boxes from her reporter days, Burton comes across cryptic postcards. Her inquisitive mind will not let it go so she begins trying to find the old clues as to what the anonymous postcards were trying to clue her in on.
Okay so up until this point right here, I am digging this book. A great foundation is been laid out and I’m like oh yeah where we going with this. Then it kind of went haywire. So to make it quick, a small country, Chilvokia, near Russia is under attack, total warfare and has been for years. Dr. Lilli Novikoff, while studying medicine in Denver was the one trying to reach out to Burton to tell her of her country’s strife. First off, just tell her, she’s a reporter they are always looking for a story. Second, maybe contact the UN or NATO, just a thought. I think they would like to know if there has been coup slaughtering person in the streets.
So any who Button goes to Chilvokia, it's damn war zone, meets back up with Dr. Lilli, saves the king, falls in love…and goes home a hero. I can’t give you more because I was lost in the second half of the book numerous times. I wasn’t always sure who was who, and what was happening. What was the point of the war, I am still not sure, and something about selling women, kids and weapons, maybe. I was swimming in muddy water. It was fun and I enjoyed it but sometimes I had no idea my left from my right if that makes any sense at all. Also, I needed way more time with Burton and Lilli the couple, the romance part of Blinded was lacking.
Blinded is good, not great like Pritekel’s other books. I felt like she needed more chapters to explain what was happening. I think if the story had been longer, it could have cleared up the confusing pieces. Her characters definitely had chemistry I just needed more time with them together to solidify a stellar romance.
2.75 stars
October 19, 2016
*I received this book from NetGalley and Sapphire Books Publishing in return for a fair review.*
mini-review
I liked the book well enough to give it 4 stars; it is a mix of action-adventure, recovery from injury/tragic event, figuring out sexual desires (orientation), investigative reporting, and war zone book. This is the second book that I have read by this author.
----
the longer review
This is the second story I’ve read by this author. I had loved the first one I had read, so was quite happy to see a new one pop up. Though there was/is a certain amount of confusion generated by odd twists of fate – the nature of the previous book I had read, the cover of this current book, and the title of the current book.
I went in knowing that the book involved a rising television reporter, Burton Blinde, who was involved in a tragic accident that forced her to flee. I learned more, obviously enough, but I’ll get to that in a bit. Combining that snippet of information with the cover, shattered glass as if a bullet had been shot through it, plus wide open startled eyes, in addition to the ‘Blinded’ part of the title, and combing the first with the prior work I’d read I had this vague idea that the reporter might have been blinded by the tragic event. The prior work involved a blind reporter, though I believe that one was born blind.
Right, so, I’m not actually sure why the title is ‘Blinded’, nor, for that, why there is that specific cover implying someone got shot (what with the reporter who had been, relatively recently, within the last three years?, been shot while on air, combined with the shot glass, I assumed that is how Blinde would end up in that tragic accident – shot). Blinded, could be taken like when something happens that remind people of someone else, and say that they have been ‘Last Named’; or it could mean literally that someone had been blinded and are now blind. Neither works in this instance.
Why am I rambling on like this? Simple, for the longest time I wasn’t sure what exactly I was reading, where we were going. The book starts with Blinde being a rising television reporter for a local Denver television station, the kind who has acquired awards for her work. And the kind who had just secured a contract to leave that local station for the big time – with CNN. Things were advancing along, some odd little things were occurring here and there (both in terms of things that flowed with the story, unexplained post cards and vodka bottles arriving at Blinde’s work), and those things that were just odd (occasionally the point of view, I assumed, would switch and ‘things’ of no importance, nor obvious reason would be revealed (a unnamed man and woman are in an old studio and fiddle with some of the buttons and . . scene; a woman arrives in a helicopter, goes down some stairs, talks with some people and . . . scene – there was never any explanation for either scene). Then a tragic accident occurs that left a limp and other injuries (I’ll otherwise leave that vague – the injuries and the situation; though will include the bit wherein Blinde was not blinded), and Blinde flees.
Years later, while working a side job for a private investigator, she makes some comment about these odd things she had been receiving. One thing leads to another and Blinde’s off to some tiny island nation, Chilvokia, off the coast of Russia that may or may not be involved in a civil war or other war related issue.
It kind of felt like, rightly or wrongly, that something like 90% of the book was from Blinde’s point of view, though there were a few other point of views filling out the rest of the book (hmm, wording it that way, maybe Blinde had 75% of the book). One of the other points of view was a young woman by the name of Lilli, and she is the other ‘important’ character in the book. Though I believe she only first appears 22% into the book (and I’m not 100% sure that is her). Lilli has the second largest percentage of the book, though her parts were super rare, just not as rare as the few other people who got POV’s.
There was a bit of action/adventure/investigation/damsel-in-distress going on – quite interesting. Not always clear what was going on (in terms of why certain things were occurring when they occurred (though, except for two specific instances, the ‘confusing’ things were later explained), like why postcards from Chilvokia were landing on Burton’s desk; not in terms of a confusion foggy plot).
I liked the book well enough. For most of the book I had in the back of my mind that I was reading something that I’ll eventually rate between 3.8 to 4.2, and by the end found to be a good solid 4 star book.
August 8 2016
mini-review
I liked the book well enough to give it 4 stars; it is a mix of action-adventure, recovery from injury/tragic event, figuring out sexual desires (orientation), investigative reporting, and war zone book. This is the second book that I have read by this author.
----
the longer review
This is the second story I’ve read by this author. I had loved the first one I had read, so was quite happy to see a new one pop up. Though there was/is a certain amount of confusion generated by odd twists of fate – the nature of the previous book I had read, the cover of this current book, and the title of the current book.
I went in knowing that the book involved a rising television reporter, Burton Blinde, who was involved in a tragic accident that forced her to flee. I learned more, obviously enough, but I’ll get to that in a bit. Combining that snippet of information with the cover, shattered glass as if a bullet had been shot through it, plus wide open startled eyes, in addition to the ‘Blinded’ part of the title, and combing the first with the prior work I’d read I had this vague idea that the reporter might have been blinded by the tragic event. The prior work involved a blind reporter, though I believe that one was born blind.
Right, so, I’m not actually sure why the title is ‘Blinded’, nor, for that, why there is that specific cover implying someone got shot (what with the reporter who had been, relatively recently, within the last three years?, been shot while on air, combined with the shot glass, I assumed that is how Blinde would end up in that tragic accident – shot). Blinded, could be taken like when something happens that remind people of someone else, and say that they have been ‘Last Named’; or it could mean literally that someone had been blinded and are now blind. Neither works in this instance.
Why am I rambling on like this? Simple, for the longest time I wasn’t sure what exactly I was reading, where we were going. The book starts with Blinde being a rising television reporter for a local Denver television station, the kind who has acquired awards for her work. And the kind who had just secured a contract to leave that local station for the big time – with CNN. Things were advancing along, some odd little things were occurring here and there (both in terms of things that flowed with the story, unexplained post cards and vodka bottles arriving at Blinde’s work), and those things that were just odd (occasionally the point of view, I assumed, would switch and ‘things’ of no importance, nor obvious reason would be revealed (a unnamed man and woman are in an old studio and fiddle with some of the buttons and . . scene; a woman arrives in a helicopter, goes down some stairs, talks with some people and . . . scene – there was never any explanation for either scene). Then a tragic accident occurs that left a limp and other injuries (I’ll otherwise leave that vague – the injuries and the situation; though will include the bit wherein Blinde was not blinded), and Blinde flees.
Years later, while working a side job for a private investigator, she makes some comment about these odd things she had been receiving. One thing leads to another and Blinde’s off to some tiny island nation, Chilvokia, off the coast of Russia that may or may not be involved in a civil war or other war related issue.
It kind of felt like, rightly or wrongly, that something like 90% of the book was from Blinde’s point of view, though there were a few other point of views filling out the rest of the book (hmm, wording it that way, maybe Blinde had 75% of the book). One of the other points of view was a young woman by the name of Lilli, and she is the other ‘important’ character in the book. Though I believe she only first appears 22% into the book (and I’m not 100% sure that is her). Lilli has the second largest percentage of the book, though her parts were super rare, just not as rare as the few other people who got POV’s.
There was a bit of action/adventure/investigation/damsel-in-distress going on – quite interesting. Not always clear what was going on (in terms of why certain things were occurring when they occurred (though, except for two specific instances, the ‘confusing’ things were later explained), like why postcards from Chilvokia were landing on Burton’s desk; not in terms of a confusion foggy plot).
I liked the book well enough. For most of the book I had in the back of my mind that I was reading something that I’ll eventually rate between 3.8 to 4.2, and by the end found to be a good solid 4 star book.
August 8 2016
August 15, 2016
Intrigue, mystery, thriller and action-pack romance. The two main characters in this read were ordinary people with a strong desire to not make excuses. Liliya (Novikoff) Lange, dedicated physician with a love of family and country. Burton Elizabeth Blinde, driven and determined to use her talent and position for good. Burton was also looking for bigger and better opportunities. I thought the interaction and dynamics among the other characters Simone, Lee Anne, Everett, Grigoriy, Roger, and Ivan was interesting and added a wonderful richness to the story. The story line was gripping, upsetting and brutal. People fighting for their lives, their love ones and their country. The scenes were written with a vitality that made me visualize as well as feel the challenges and struggle.
ARC received with thanks via NetGalley.
ARC received with thanks via NetGalley.
September 9, 2016
*ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review*
I am a huge fan of Kim Pritekel's work, I always have been. I have read almost every story she has written, whether it was fan fic or published, and I have always been impressed by her ability to create a story with complex characters and put them in seemingly impossible situations which the reader then gets the pleasure of experiencing them work through. The one thing I always loved about her work is that no matter how far fetched her ideas were they were always realistic in the actions taken by the characters that were in the situation.
I couldn't give this book 5 stars because for me this didn't meet the Kim Pritekel standard, the beginning dragged and didn't really seem like it had a solid focus, the best I can describe it would be to liken it to being dizzy, everything looks like it's in reach but you keep missing.
I feel like the story only became interesting halfway in and the first half was wasted. Not enough time was spent on Burton and Lilliya's relationship it was too rushed and and unrealistic for someone who at the beginning of the book couldn't admit that she was a lesbian.
I grew to enjoy the story and the action but I just wish the beginning had been different, the foundation that was laid was just too shallow in this book but that doesn't mean I will stop reading books by this author because she will always be one of my favourites.
I am a huge fan of Kim Pritekel's work, I always have been. I have read almost every story she has written, whether it was fan fic or published, and I have always been impressed by her ability to create a story with complex characters and put them in seemingly impossible situations which the reader then gets the pleasure of experiencing them work through. The one thing I always loved about her work is that no matter how far fetched her ideas were they were always realistic in the actions taken by the characters that were in the situation.
I couldn't give this book 5 stars because for me this didn't meet the Kim Pritekel standard, the beginning dragged and didn't really seem like it had a solid focus, the best I can describe it would be to liken it to being dizzy, everything looks like it's in reach but you keep missing.
I feel like the story only became interesting halfway in and the first half was wasted. Not enough time was spent on Burton and Lilliya's relationship it was too rushed and and unrealistic for someone who at the beginning of the book couldn't admit that she was a lesbian.
I grew to enjoy the story and the action but I just wish the beginning had been different, the foundation that was laid was just too shallow in this book but that doesn't mean I will stop reading books by this author because she will always be one of my favourites.
October 10, 2016
Ok so this book was not what I expected. I loved it and enjoyed the exciting ride that we were taken on but didn't expect Burton to end up in some Russian Country in the middle of a war. It is a dark story but I would say some things were farfetched which made the story easier to read in a way because I couldn't really believe it. Don't get me wrong it was still entertaining and found it hard to put the book down.
I loved the two main characters Burton and Lilliya, two strong women which I enjoyed reading about their relationship.
I wouldn't say my favourite Kim Pritekel book but well worth a read.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
I loved the two main characters Burton and Lilliya, two strong women which I enjoyed reading about their relationship.
I wouldn't say my favourite Kim Pritekel book but well worth a read.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
October 9, 2016
3.5 Stars
Burton Blinde is an investigative reporter for a local TV station. While chasing down a lead, a grenade is tossed at the car in which she is riding, killing the man she was to interview and a life long friend, her cameraman.
Physically and emotionally, she is a wreck. She walks away from her dream job and away from a woman she may have loved.
Six years later finds her working in a library, still haunted by the life she once had. Burton remembers a box she had put away, the things from her last job. She remembers receiving strange message and gifts with hints pointing to a small country she has never heard of.
Unable to resist, she sifts through the box and makes a decision to investigate. She has no clue of just how much the course of her life will change....
She winds up in a war torn country, with civilians and government at war with each other. There is nothing but poverty. Woman and children have been sold to terrorists. The list of atrocities just goes on and on and on.
This book is full of suspense. It's a slow build-up but well worth the wait as the characters emerge as believable. A large battered and half-ruined castle plays a big part of the story. There is so much action that keeps you riveted to each page.
WARNING: There is explicit F/F sex that may not be to everyone's liking.
Many thanks to the author / Sapphire Books Publishing / NetGalley who furnished a digital copy.
Burton Blinde is an investigative reporter for a local TV station. While chasing down a lead, a grenade is tossed at the car in which she is riding, killing the man she was to interview and a life long friend, her cameraman.
Physically and emotionally, she is a wreck. She walks away from her dream job and away from a woman she may have loved.
Six years later finds her working in a library, still haunted by the life she once had. Burton remembers a box she had put away, the things from her last job. She remembers receiving strange message and gifts with hints pointing to a small country she has never heard of.
Unable to resist, she sifts through the box and makes a decision to investigate. She has no clue of just how much the course of her life will change....
She winds up in a war torn country, with civilians and government at war with each other. There is nothing but poverty. Woman and children have been sold to terrorists. The list of atrocities just goes on and on and on.
This book is full of suspense. It's a slow build-up but well worth the wait as the characters emerge as believable. A large battered and half-ruined castle plays a big part of the story. There is so much action that keeps you riveted to each page.
WARNING: There is explicit F/F sex that may not be to everyone's liking.
Many thanks to the author / Sapphire Books Publishing / NetGalley who furnished a digital copy.
August 9, 2016
Well, this is how the thriller-action genre is written. I loved the slow building plot, non-expecting twists, mystery in it. Some action scenes are very realistic and almost brutal, which adds to the thrilled feeling while reading it, and practically makes you unable to put the book down. Even the fictional Kingdom was nicely fit in the story. :)
Very high 4.5 stars from me.
Copy received by NetGalley for an honest review.
Very high 4.5 stars from me.
Copy received by NetGalley for an honest review.
August 14, 2016
Okay, first off I absolutely adore the stories from Kim Pritekel. I've been a fan of hers from her fan fiction days and have seeked her stories out both on the web and as books for years. She is the master of the slow burn romance development and has an incredibly knack for giving her characters actual arcs and having them act and sound like actual people. She is the first author I recommend for new fans of the genre and several of her books are on my all time favorites list. All of that said, Blinded just didn't do it for me. I appreciate an author reaching outside of their comfort zone to try something new, but the story didn't work for me.
Again, usually her characters are incredibly fleshed out living, breathing people; I didn't feel that about the main character Burton in this book. It was hard for me to sympathize with her and much of her personality had to be told; it wasn't shown in the words on the page.
**SPOILER**
As I read the story, I was taken out of the world in multiple places, but primarily around Lilli contacting Burton to shed light to the travesties going on in her country. So instead of contacting a major news network, she reaches out to a local reporter and instead of blatantly stating the problem, she instead sends a couple of cryptic postcards and a bottle of vodka. I guess the intention was to figure out the puzzle of what it all meant, but it seemed like a real shot in the dark instead of a full on attempt to inform a reporter on something.
The civil war in the country in question was also on the murky side. I'm not sure what exactly was going on or why or any of the motivations behind some of the acts. There were hints about selling weapons (okay...) or selling woman (okay...) but it was really unclear as to the purpose or ultimate goal of those that overthrew the government. I just felt like important details that would give me some understanding were lacking.
** END SPOILERS **
Finally, the romance aspect. It's probably one of the more abrupt romance developments in a Kim Pritekel book. And even though the two leads really meet each other fairly late in the book, there's still a decent amount of chemistry between them. Once they do meet, the book pacing picks up exponentially. I think I would have liked to see these characters in a completely different story.
If this would be your first book by this author, I'd recommend against starting here--begin with Lessons, Connection, or the 1049 Club. Those are all terrific books--with Connection being a little heavier than the other two.
Blinded was I feel an experiment. I'm glad I read her foray into action/political thriller--but I'm hoping the next book hits a little closer to her original roots.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
Again, usually her characters are incredibly fleshed out living, breathing people; I didn't feel that about the main character Burton in this book. It was hard for me to sympathize with her and much of her personality had to be told; it wasn't shown in the words on the page.
**SPOILER**
As I read the story, I was taken out of the world in multiple places, but primarily around Lilli contacting Burton to shed light to the travesties going on in her country. So instead of contacting a major news network, she reaches out to a local reporter and instead of blatantly stating the problem, she instead sends a couple of cryptic postcards and a bottle of vodka. I guess the intention was to figure out the puzzle of what it all meant, but it seemed like a real shot in the dark instead of a full on attempt to inform a reporter on something.
The civil war in the country in question was also on the murky side. I'm not sure what exactly was going on or why or any of the motivations behind some of the acts. There were hints about selling weapons (okay...) or selling woman (okay...) but it was really unclear as to the purpose or ultimate goal of those that overthrew the government. I just felt like important details that would give me some understanding were lacking.
** END SPOILERS **
Finally, the romance aspect. It's probably one of the more abrupt romance developments in a Kim Pritekel book. And even though the two leads really meet each other fairly late in the book, there's still a decent amount of chemistry between them. Once they do meet, the book pacing picks up exponentially. I think I would have liked to see these characters in a completely different story.
If this would be your first book by this author, I'd recommend against starting here--begin with Lessons, Connection, or the 1049 Club. Those are all terrific books--with Connection being a little heavier than the other two.
Blinded was I feel an experiment. I'm glad I read her foray into action/political thriller--but I'm hoping the next book hits a little closer to her original roots.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
March 3, 2019
This book had me at the edge of my seat since the start all the way to the end. There were quite a bit of action scenes that were well described, maybe even too well. I give fair warning that this book is not for the faint of heart, mostly due to the description of violence.
I felt that the romance between leads was mostly believable as it did seem like it was a bit fast.
A riveting story.
Review also posted here:
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I felt that the romance between leads was mostly believable as it did seem like it was a bit fast.
A riveting story.
Review also posted here:
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2016
This is the first book I've read by this author and WOW. Action packed is an understatement. This book kept me up half the night because once I got to the action I couldn't put it down. It also has a really sweet romance in it that ends well. That's always a requirement for me to give a great review. I certainly hope Kim's other books are equally riveting. Can't wait to see.
January 13, 2017
An action packed story filled with mystery, suspense, issues to think about and a romance....
January 1, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author. Lesbian fiction with a whole lot of action, some mystery and a romance... What more could you ask for? This book was hard for me to put down. I would consider this a book that I would reread over and over again. This book is a really awesome find in lesbian fiction. I wouldn't typically pick up a book like this to read, but I am so glad I did. The writing is so well done, and the characters are very likable. After reading this book I will for sure be picking up the author's other books. Actually, I could use another book about these characters. Fantastic read.
April 27, 2024
10 Stars!!
I LOVE Kim Pritekel's books and this is now one of my favorites. You get pulled in right from.the start and just keep turning pages wondering what's going to happen next. I had no idea it would turn into such an intense action packed story (shouldn't have been surprised considering the source). The characters are complex, the setting is at times horrific and war-torn, the action is exciting and terrifying - and through it all the two MCs find love. I highly recommend this book!!!
I LOVE Kim Pritekel's books and this is now one of my favorites. You get pulled in right from.the start and just keep turning pages wondering what's going to happen next. I had no idea it would turn into such an intense action packed story (shouldn't have been surprised considering the source). The characters are complex, the setting is at times horrific and war-torn, the action is exciting and terrifying - and through it all the two MCs find love. I highly recommend this book!!!
April 23, 2024
Loved it
I am so glad I came across this book It was so good I just couldn't put it down when I did I kept It was so good I just couldn't put it down when I did I kept thinking about it I It was so good I just couldn't put it down and when I did I kept thinking about it I am so reading more of this author Recommend recommend this bookRecommend recommend this book if you not have already read it.
I am so glad I came across this book It was so good I just couldn't put it down when I did I kept It was so good I just couldn't put it down when I did I kept thinking about it I It was so good I just couldn't put it down and when I did I kept thinking about it I am so reading more of this author Recommend recommend this bookRecommend recommend this book if you not have already read it.
August 9, 2020
I recommend this book
This book was exciting, intense. This characters are very well developed and some were very likable. This book had me one the edge of my seat. The love story was very sweat. Thanks for a good book.
This book was exciting, intense. This characters are very well developed and some were very likable. This book had me one the edge of my seat. The love story was very sweat. Thanks for a good book.
February 20, 2022
Lot of action in this book. War, revolution, injuries, what does the international news choose to publish, or deems a country too small to be important for coverage. Very good underlying messages in this book.
January 4, 2021
Great.
I really enjoyed Blinded. Quite a bit of action, in the military, take over type of action. And then you have the mystery and romance running under all that.
I really enjoyed Blinded. Quite a bit of action, in the military, take over type of action. And then you have the mystery and romance running under all that.
December 29, 2025
3.5
i think we needed a bit longer at the end to wrap up the story
i think we needed a bit longer at the end to wrap up the story
July 4, 2017
It's weird, I feel like I've read a Kim Pritekel book before, and yet, I haven't (or any of the stories that she has posted at the Royal Academy of Bards either. But as I was reading this book I just couldn't shake the feeling like I'd read her stuff somewhere.
That weird feeling that I can't explain aside, this was a pretty cool book. It was a thriller, just as good if not better than any James Rollins, Raymond Khoury, Tess Gerritsen thriller that I've read, and, to add to its awesomeness, it had a little bit of LesFic Romance in it too. That's never a bad thing. Oh, who am I kidding, I picked it up for the latter reason (as well as the fact that the summary blurb said something about the main character working at a library, and I'm a sucker for any story that has a librarian in it) and was happy that it was such an awesome Thriller too.
It's the story of Burton. She had been a reporter, until a horrific attack took so much from her. She retreats to a small mountain town in Colorado and changes her entire life, becoming a librarian. But, her old job and an old mystery that she didn't get to look into because of the attack sucks her back in, and suddenly she finds herself on the hunt again for the story, and it takes her far away from her new oasis of calm and solitude. I won't give away too much about the romance part of the plot, since I really liked that I was sorta surprised at how it unfolded. I had suspicions, but, then I wasn't totally sure. But, the romance was good, and was seamlessly intertwined with the rest of the story. One flowed into the other. And I really liked the end too, again, I had had thoughts about what was going to happen at the end, and I was presently surprised that I was only sorta right.
I did think that the librarian parts were well done, the interaction with the older lady who wanted the Nora Roberts but didn't want her husband to know because he didn't quite approve was spot on (comes up more than you'd think). I was a little bummed that she was taking a spot from a librarian with a MLS, but, even that was written around quite deftly by Pritekel. (What can I say, I just know too many librarians with MLSes who don't have full time jobs, so, non MLS'd peeps taking one of those jobs sorta got under my skin in a way that had nothing to do with the fictional story and everything to do with real life).
It was thrilling, it was heartfelt at times, it was scary at times, and on occasion I just wanted to punch some of the characters on the page. And through it all I definitely couldn't put it down. If you want a thriller that's not a "Boys Club" sort of Cotton Malone, SIGMA, etc. thriller (not that they're bad), then this is the thriller for you!!
I got this galley via Netgalley on behalf of Sapphire Books Publishing.
That weird feeling that I can't explain aside, this was a pretty cool book. It was a thriller, just as good if not better than any James Rollins, Raymond Khoury, Tess Gerritsen thriller that I've read, and, to add to its awesomeness, it had a little bit of LesFic Romance in it too. That's never a bad thing. Oh, who am I kidding, I picked it up for the latter reason (as well as the fact that the summary blurb said something about the main character working at a library, and I'm a sucker for any story that has a librarian in it) and was happy that it was such an awesome Thriller too.
It's the story of Burton. She had been a reporter, until a horrific attack took so much from her. She retreats to a small mountain town in Colorado and changes her entire life, becoming a librarian. But, her old job and an old mystery that she didn't get to look into because of the attack sucks her back in, and suddenly she finds herself on the hunt again for the story, and it takes her far away from her new oasis of calm and solitude. I won't give away too much about the romance part of the plot, since I really liked that I was sorta surprised at how it unfolded. I had suspicions, but, then I wasn't totally sure. But, the romance was good, and was seamlessly intertwined with the rest of the story. One flowed into the other. And I really liked the end too, again, I had had thoughts about what was going to happen at the end, and I was presently surprised that I was only sorta right.
I did think that the librarian parts were well done, the interaction with the older lady who wanted the Nora Roberts but didn't want her husband to know because he didn't quite approve was spot on (comes up more than you'd think). I was a little bummed that she was taking a spot from a librarian with a MLS, but, even that was written around quite deftly by Pritekel. (What can I say, I just know too many librarians with MLSes who don't have full time jobs, so, non MLS'd peeps taking one of those jobs sorta got under my skin in a way that had nothing to do with the fictional story and everything to do with real life).
It was thrilling, it was heartfelt at times, it was scary at times, and on occasion I just wanted to punch some of the characters on the page. And through it all I definitely couldn't put it down. If you want a thriller that's not a "Boys Club" sort of Cotton Malone, SIGMA, etc. thriller (not that they're bad), then this is the thriller for you!!
I got this galley via Netgalley on behalf of Sapphire Books Publishing.
September 15, 2016
Blinded is an action-adventure novel that keeps your heart pounding and the pages turning. Set in the high-octane world of broadcast journalism, the novel chronicles the drive present in good journalists and the high received from getting that tough story.
The main character is Burton Blinde, reporter from a Colorado television station. Burton possesses the tenacity of a bulldog and, once aware of a story, will keep digging until the truth is found. Coupled with her uncanny instincts and ‘gut’ feelings, Burton has made a name for herself, locally, nationally, and internationally. As the story begins she has just landed her dream job at CNN, but the tenacity that defined her personality demanded that she finish some items that she had already started. In an impromptu interview with a controversial Senator, a grenade is tossed under the limo, killing the driver and the Senator and badly wounding Burton. Her news career in Colorado literally went out with a bang.
The explosion did more than just cause physical damage. It did something to her psyche as well and she lost the drive that had once been her greatest asset. She turned down the CNN job, moved to a different town,, and retreated into relative obscurity. Years later, she finally decided to go through the box of belongings gathered when she left the television station. When she looked carefully, she found a cryptically coded message for her help from someone in a small European nation. It seemed her reporter’s instincts and drive were not killed after all. This was possibly the most important story of her career and the lives of thousands depended on her alone. Would she have the right stuff to prevail?
I thought the story line was very good and presented in such a way that I wanted to see what would happen next. The one thing that concerned me was the gay love affair portrayed in the book. Being a traditional guy, I was unsure how I would react to this aspect. However, Ms. Pritekel’s presentation was quite tasteful. It seemed like a natural extension of the story and, in my opinion, was very well done.
Overall, 3 of 5 stars from me. Of course, if you do not like sex in your reading then this book is not for you. If you are averse to gay sex, I would urge that you to give this a try. You may find new insight into the lives of the LGBT community and discover that they are not so different from you or I.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kim Pritekel, and Sapphire Publishing for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The main character is Burton Blinde, reporter from a Colorado television station. Burton possesses the tenacity of a bulldog and, once aware of a story, will keep digging until the truth is found. Coupled with her uncanny instincts and ‘gut’ feelings, Burton has made a name for herself, locally, nationally, and internationally. As the story begins she has just landed her dream job at CNN, but the tenacity that defined her personality demanded that she finish some items that she had already started. In an impromptu interview with a controversial Senator, a grenade is tossed under the limo, killing the driver and the Senator and badly wounding Burton. Her news career in Colorado literally went out with a bang.
The explosion did more than just cause physical damage. It did something to her psyche as well and she lost the drive that had once been her greatest asset. She turned down the CNN job, moved to a different town,, and retreated into relative obscurity. Years later, she finally decided to go through the box of belongings gathered when she left the television station. When she looked carefully, she found a cryptically coded message for her help from someone in a small European nation. It seemed her reporter’s instincts and drive were not killed after all. This was possibly the most important story of her career and the lives of thousands depended on her alone. Would she have the right stuff to prevail?
I thought the story line was very good and presented in such a way that I wanted to see what would happen next. The one thing that concerned me was the gay love affair portrayed in the book. Being a traditional guy, I was unsure how I would react to this aspect. However, Ms. Pritekel’s presentation was quite tasteful. It seemed like a natural extension of the story and, in my opinion, was very well done.
Overall, 3 of 5 stars from me. Of course, if you do not like sex in your reading then this book is not for you. If you are averse to gay sex, I would urge that you to give this a try. You may find new insight into the lives of the LGBT community and discover that they are not so different from you or I.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kim Pritekel, and Sapphire Publishing for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2016
I enjoyed this book - it was an entertaining read. The story had many elements which were knitted together well. The main protagonists - Burton and Lilli - are nicely developed and their behaviour fits their characterisation. Burton needs some kind of mission to appease her guilt over an explosion and disappearing to a small town to be a librarian does not satisfy her journalistic bent. Lilli is trying to save her homeland while juggling her career as a doctor and the politics of who is on which side. There are parts of the story which are rather far fetched and some leaps of faith but why not in an adventure story. The book is a good way to spend a rainy afternoon.
I was given this book by netgalley in return for an honest review
I was given this book by netgalley in return for an honest review
August 25, 2016
An engaging tale full of international intrigue and romance. Burton, after a traumatic injury takes a long recovery with self-imposed isolation. A mystery message returns her to journalism where she chases a story to a small isolated country in the midst of a violent rebellion. There she meets the beguiling Lilli, who is involved with the rebels. There is murder, mayhem, and romance. Burton defies common sense to stay true to her values, those of a journalist and a humanitarian -- and also to stay with Lilli. The suspense and romance keep coming. A well written entertaining story.
November 27, 2016
I rec'd a copy via NetGalley for an honest review. No synopsis needed. The majority of the storyline involving Burton and Lilli and set on the island of Chilvokia has lots of action, violence and romance. I was a bit confused with the plot regarding Lilli's brother and father and was left with more questions than answers, overall put the wringer with some relief at the very end. Ms. Pritekel is one of my favourite authors and her plots are gripping. This read while unusual was still entertaining.
January 14, 2017
Layered book. Hot shot reporter snoops around in things she shouldn't and almost gets killed. Strange clues lead to a fictional monarchy off the coast of Northern Russia where a revolution is in progress. Reporter gets caught up in the revolution.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews