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Neely Kate Mystery #1
Trailer Trash
Companion novella to the Rose Gardner Investigation series.
Neely Kate Coulson’s life is a carefully built house of cards—and now her newly discovered half-sister is threatening to collapse it. While everyone thinks Kate Simmons was neutralized when she was incarcerated in a psych ward, Neely Kate knows better. Her sister has been sending her letters threatening to expose her past, only Neely Kate has stuffed so many secrets into every available crack and cranny, she has no idea which ones could be dragged into the light.
Growing up with an abusive, drug addicted mother taught Neely Kate to play the game—to be whoever she needs to be in whatever situation she finds herself in. But thanks to her best friend, Rose, she’s discovered she mostly prefers being herself. For the first time in her life, she has a lot to lose—a job, a plan for the future, and an adoring half-brother who happens to be the Chief Deputy Sheriff of Fenton County. But topple one card down, and all of them will fall. Everything she’s built could be lost in an instant.
Neely Kate knows she needs help, but when she reluctantly turns to Rose’s bodyguard, Jed Carlisle, she faces a far more dangerous threat—only this time her heart is on the line.
Reading order:
Family Jewels (Rose Gardner Investigations #1)
Trailer Trash (Rose Gardner Exposed Novella #1)
For the Birds (Rose Gardner Investigations #2)
Neely Kate Coulson’s life is a carefully built house of cards—and now her newly discovered half-sister is threatening to collapse it. While everyone thinks Kate Simmons was neutralized when she was incarcerated in a psych ward, Neely Kate knows better. Her sister has been sending her letters threatening to expose her past, only Neely Kate has stuffed so many secrets into every available crack and cranny, she has no idea which ones could be dragged into the light.
Growing up with an abusive, drug addicted mother taught Neely Kate to play the game—to be whoever she needs to be in whatever situation she finds herself in. But thanks to her best friend, Rose, she’s discovered she mostly prefers being herself. For the first time in her life, she has a lot to lose—a job, a plan for the future, and an adoring half-brother who happens to be the Chief Deputy Sheriff of Fenton County. But topple one card down, and all of them will fall. Everything she’s built could be lost in an instant.
Neely Kate knows she needs help, but when she reluctantly turns to Rose’s bodyguard, Jed Carlisle, she faces a far more dangerous threat—only this time her heart is on the line.
Reading order:
Family Jewels (Rose Gardner Investigations #1)
Trailer Trash (Rose Gardner Exposed Novella #1)
For the Birds (Rose Gardner Investigations #2)
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2017
649 people are currently reading
1090 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
April 25, 2017
I love the world of Rose and Neely Kate. I've read all their books and I hope there won't ever be an end to them. If there'll be another hundred, I'll read them over and over again.
Trailer Trash was Neely Kate's story. I'm so glad she got her own book, because that was quiet a mystery to reveal. NK lived through some very bad things, but they made her to the fantastic kickass woman she is today.
While I don't like her keeping secrets from Rose, I can partly understand her reasons. I'm glad she opened up to Jed and let him in.
Oh Jed! Don't get me started on this one! I always loved him in the other books, but seeing this soft side of him, just did it for me! I hope they'll figure everything out to make their relationship work. They are great for each other.
I loved seeing glimpses of Skeeter in this story, because I'm a sucker for him. They'd shown his temper and that he still has a long way to go to be with Rose. And I hope he will!
I've got a strong urge to reread all of Rose's books again...but I'll put it off, to reread them before FOR THE BIRDS comes out.
Trailer Trash was Neely Kate's story. I'm so glad she got her own book, because that was quiet a mystery to reveal. NK lived through some very bad things, but they made her to the fantastic kickass woman she is today.
While I don't like her keeping secrets from Rose, I can partly understand her reasons. I'm glad she opened up to Jed and let him in.
Oh Jed! Don't get me started on this one! I always loved him in the other books, but seeing this soft side of him, just did it for me! I hope they'll figure everything out to make their relationship work. They are great for each other.
I loved seeing glimpses of Skeeter in this story, because I'm a sucker for him. They'd shown his temper and that he still has a long way to go to be with Rose. And I hope he will!
I've got a strong urge to reread all of Rose's books again...but I'll put it off, to reread them before FOR THE BIRDS comes out.
April 19, 2017
I have always loved the character of Neely Kate from day one at the courthouse for jury duty with Rose. She has been a hoot to read along with Rose and their escapades. I was so excited to learn she not only got a full length book, but the start of a side line series of her own.
We know through the Rose Gardner Mysteries that Neely Kate has had a tough upbringing but this book explains so much more to her background and why she became the strong woman she is today. This journey into her past was not one she wanted to make but with Kate's letters, she had no choice. So many pieces were uncovered that she just wanted to keep buried.
To help her face those demons of the past was Jed......Oh Jed! He has earned a lot of brownie points in my opinion. Who'd ever thought Jed could smile?!! But being with Neely Kate brings out a different side to him. We knew he had a soft spot for Rose in a protective way, bit this is entirely different what he feels for Neely Kate. Parts of her story is so heartbreaking that I was glad Jed was there for her.
Thank you Denise for allowing us to know her full story, and also for adding the bonus chapter of Jed's POV at the end. My fingers are crossed for this couple.
We know through the Rose Gardner Mysteries that Neely Kate has had a tough upbringing but this book explains so much more to her background and why she became the strong woman she is today. This journey into her past was not one she wanted to make but with Kate's letters, she had no choice. So many pieces were uncovered that she just wanted to keep buried.
To help her face those demons of the past was Jed......Oh Jed! He has earned a lot of brownie points in my opinion. Who'd ever thought Jed could smile?!! But being with Neely Kate brings out a different side to him. We knew he had a soft spot for Rose in a protective way, bit this is entirely different what he feels for Neely Kate. Parts of her story is so heartbreaking that I was glad Jed was there for her.
Thank you Denise for allowing us to know her full story, and also for adding the bonus chapter of Jed's POV at the end. My fingers are crossed for this couple.
April 20, 2017
Neely Kate's story is much darker than the stories told from Rose's POV so be prepared for that before going into it. We knew from Rose's books and past novellas that Neely Kate has some secrets that she has kept from Rose, and now that it has been revealed I feel like I have a better understanding of NK. I really enjoyed getting to see the softer side of Jed. I fell for him pretty hard!
That said, I'm giving this story 5 stars BUT, I have two negative points, but they aren't things that I feel take away from the story. First, Denise has created this as if it's a new series, instead of novella, and it the 'mystery' part bothers, because I don't feel there was really a mystery to be solved. NK knew what happened, and we basically just read along while she gave us a recount of it piece by piece. So, nothing really to be solved, more suspense, but just know they aren't solving a case. Second, even thought we, the reader, know Neely Kate's secret, Rose still doesn't know it and that really hurts my heart for Rose. Over the last series and everything in between and up to this point I have carved a special place in my heart for Rose. I actually have to remind myself that she is not a real person. So, this doesn't effect the story we were just told, but to me it may effect future books and I feel like I should warn you that you will not hear much from Rose, just NK keeping things from her and that breaks my heart for their friendship. I mean she doesn't have to go into all the gory details that we read, but she should still tell Rose.
So, just be prepared for something different than all of the other Rose books and novellas. It get's pretty gritty at times, but you will still adore Neely Kate and you will even swoon from Jed.
That said, I'm giving this story 5 stars BUT, I have two negative points, but they aren't things that I feel take away from the story. First, Denise has created this as if it's a new series, instead of novella, and it the 'mystery' part bothers, because I don't feel there was really a mystery to be solved. NK knew what happened, and we basically just read along while she gave us a recount of it piece by piece. So, nothing really to be solved, more suspense, but just know they aren't solving a case. Second, even thought we, the reader, know Neely Kate's secret, Rose still doesn't know it and that really hurts my heart for Rose. Over the last series and everything in between and up to this point I have carved a special place in my heart for Rose. I actually have to remind myself that she is not a real person. So, this doesn't effect the story we were just told, but to me it may effect future books and I feel like I should warn you that you will not hear much from Rose, just NK keeping things from her and that breaks my heart for their friendship. I mean she doesn't have to go into all the gory details that we read, but she should still tell Rose.
So, just be prepared for something different than all of the other Rose books and novellas. It get's pretty gritty at times, but you will still adore Neely Kate and you will even swoon from Jed.
April 27, 2017
Ummm. I sort of love Jed....
April 25, 2018
Series Reading Order, per author:Those that know me know that I love strong women, and I have to say that Neely Kate is a badass. Trailer Trash was the companion story and perspective that I didn't know I needed until I picked it up, and I devoured its words in less than 24 hours... and 16 of those hours were spent sleeping and working.
1. Family Jewels, ★★★★☆
2. Trailer Trash, ★★★★☆
Kate Simmons has been taunting Neely Kate via letters about her past, and the latest one sent chills down Neely Kate's spine. Just how much about her closely guarded past does Kate know? Worrying that her friends in Henryetta would never look at her the same if they discovered the truth, she decides to confront her past . . . only Jed (the right-hand man of the county's criminal underworld) tags along with her to offer support.
Both Jed and Neely Kate are haunted by what they have done in the past, often time out of necessity, and this book more than any others in the Rose Gardner universe delves into the morally grey. I really appreciated the inside look into these complex characters that I have come to love, and enjoy the budding friendship between the two.
While this book is technically #2 in the reading order, you do not need to read Family Jewels prior to this one. As always, Swank does a good job of recapping the important aspects of the previous books so this can stand on its own. I did find some of Neely Kate's self depreciating inner monologues a bit repetitious and a bit annoying, but I feel that it was important to the overall story being told.
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March 18, 2018
5 Stars... Neely Kate is one of those characters that you adore the moment you are introduced to her... If you are a fan of the “Rose Gardner Mystery” series then you understand what I mean; we initially meet Neely Kate as Rose’s best friend and sassy sidekick, but through this story we get a startling glimpse into Neely Kate’s mindset and uncover her painful past that was only hinted at in previous reads... We already know that Neely Kate is strong, sassy, stubborn, loyal to a fault, and has one of the biggest hearts imaginable, but we learn through this read that she is truly a survivor and extraordinarily vulnerable in her insecurities which helps to keep her relatable and real... The connection with Jed is beautiful and intense creating a deep anticipation as to the future these two may have... I cannot wait to delve further into these characters and see what mayhem presents itself to them:)
April 9, 2017
Gah this was amazing! Amazing amazing! Loved this book and I am SO happy that it's being made into a series all on its own. Neely Kate broke my heart several times during these pages. I don't know how Denise does it, but boy does she do it. Phenomenal writing, a true master of her profession.
April 18, 2017
Neely Kate’s first novel exceeded my expectations. Trailer Trash definitely feels like a new series with new problems, new dynamics, and a new and fresh story line but it also has all the great and familiar characters I love from the two Rose Gardner series. Neely Kate has developed so much from when she was first introduced very early in the Rose Gardner Mystery series and it is amazing to see just how far she has actually come. This book highlights that and also divulges into the secret past she is always trying to ignore so you finally get to see what makes her who she is today. I love that this book was definitely all her own. While there were references to Rose, this book was focused on NK and the whole feel of the book was different than a Rose book. It’s easy to see her personality showing through and I thought it was great. I can’t wait for Neely Kate to continue her series after Rose’s new book, For the Birds. Trailer Trash is definitely a great beginning to this new series.
April 19, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Though I have long suspected some of Neely Kate's story, it was way more than imagined. Neely Kate has a hard time coming to grips with just how far she has come from her past. Jed is slowly changing her perception. I liked the way Denise had NK struggle to get her story out little by little, it tore at my heart strings. Jed shows his true, sensitive side and what a stand-up guy he truly is.
I'm excited for Neely Kate is getting her own series. Next I would like for Ms. Swank to delve more into Jed's past, I'm sure there is more hidden.
Make sure you don't have any plans before you start this book, because you will not be able to put it down. This book is funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming all rolled into one.
I'm excited for Neely Kate is getting her own series. Next I would like for Ms. Swank to delve more into Jed's past, I'm sure there is more hidden.
Make sure you don't have any plans before you start this book, because you will not be able to put it down. This book is funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming all rolled into one.
April 22, 2017
I picked up Trailer Trash knowing it was part of a wider series but thinking it was a spin off so it wouldn't be too bad to read. I was mostly correct but I feel like I didn't get the 'power' of a few of the revelations, they would have been bigger 'omg' moments if I had read previous books, I am sure.
I enjoyed Trailer Trash anyway, uncovering Neely Kate's story had me on edge the whole way and I needed to know what happened.
What really made this book 5 stars for me was that when, near the end of the book, Neely Kate thinks to herself 'So why did I feel on edge?' I felt that way too. The way this story is written you really feel it and when it was all said and done I felt as on edge as Neely Kate did.
I enjoyed Trailer Trash anyway, uncovering Neely Kate's story had me on edge the whole way and I needed to know what happened.
What really made this book 5 stars for me was that when, near the end of the book, Neely Kate thinks to herself 'So why did I feel on edge?' I felt that way too. The way this story is written you really feel it and when it was all said and done I felt as on edge as Neely Kate did.
April 24, 2017
I have loved the character of Neely Kate from the moment she appeared in the pages of the Rose Gardner mystery series. It was obvious that she held a lot of secrets and is a character with loads of depth to explore. This story was absolutely heart-breaking, though! As each layer of her past is peeled away, it just gets more horrible and more horrible. But, those horrific revelations ultimately make her a character that is even more beloved. Her grit, loyalty and ability to rise above and hold on to life and love in-spite of everything in her life makes her an exemplary character - and one any reader will root for. She, above all others deserves a happy ending!
January 29, 2019
Ahhhh Neely Kate and Jed.
The Gist: Neely Kate's past has come back to haunt her and she's taking to running. Fortunately for her (much to her chagrin) Jed has decided he's going along for the ride and sticking to her like hot sexy glue. lol
I love Jed. I've loved him and James through the previous two series. They're bad guys with good hearts and sexy as all get out. And he proved that the case even more with Trailer Trash. He's damaged, yeah, but he can be so gentle. He's solid and fierce and non-judgmental (more so than me!). And Neely Kate. She's a good heroine. Trying to be a better person and overcome the terrible things that happened to her and that she did in the past. I've always liked her but at the same time struggled just a bit with her personality, too. I don't blame her for her past or all of the things she's done but at the same time some of them made me lose respect for her, too. Not entirely but definitely dimmed my view of her as a person.
Their romance or the startings of one makes me smile. She's such a prickly little thing and he's just biding his time. He knows what he wants and is in no rush. They do suit each other so dang well and the little bits of heat that seep in...lordy! The sweetness, too.
The mystery was fine. It's basically Neely Kate slowly doling out her past for Jed and trying to protect herself from someone who's out to get her. I was a bit frustrated she didn't just spill it all out. Jed wasn't one to judge. Hello he's a criminal who's done basically all the shady things. So that was a bit frustrating. But the story was good and while sickening answers were uncovered.
I'll definitely read the next. I will say look up reading order if you can. The two spin off series coincide with the same timeline-ish. I'd read all of the other spin off and now going into this one I've gone back in time so that can be awkward since I know things and how they'll play out already in the Rose Gardner/Neely Kate world. (ex like someone getting beat up here who is already out of the picture in the others) Not a horrible thing but something to note.
The Gist: Neely Kate's past has come back to haunt her and she's taking to running. Fortunately for her (much to her chagrin) Jed has decided he's going along for the ride and sticking to her like hot sexy glue. lol
I love Jed. I've loved him and James through the previous two series. They're bad guys with good hearts and sexy as all get out. And he proved that the case even more with Trailer Trash. He's damaged, yeah, but he can be so gentle. He's solid and fierce and non-judgmental (more so than me!). And Neely Kate. She's a good heroine. Trying to be a better person and overcome the terrible things that happened to her and that she did in the past. I've always liked her but at the same time struggled just a bit with her personality, too. I don't blame her for her past or all of the things she's done but at the same time some of them made me lose respect for her, too. Not entirely but definitely dimmed my view of her as a person.
Their romance or the startings of one makes me smile. She's such a prickly little thing and he's just biding his time. He knows what he wants and is in no rush. They do suit each other so dang well and the little bits of heat that seep in...lordy! The sweetness, too.
The mystery was fine. It's basically Neely Kate slowly doling out her past for Jed and trying to protect herself from someone who's out to get her. I was a bit frustrated she didn't just spill it all out. Jed wasn't one to judge. Hello he's a criminal who's done basically all the shady things. So that was a bit frustrating. But the story was good and while sickening answers were uncovered.
I'll definitely read the next. I will say look up reading order if you can. The two spin off series coincide with the same timeline-ish. I'd read all of the other spin off and now going into this one I've gone back in time so that can be awkward since I know things and how they'll play out already in the Rose Gardner/Neely Kate world. (ex like someone getting beat up here who is already out of the picture in the others) Not a horrible thing but something to note.
November 23, 2022
Eye-opening story about growing up with worse than nothing, and rising up to fight back. It said it was a mystery in the subtitle, but I felt like this was more an isolated tale of resolving her last versus a who-dun-it.
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January 7, 2018I'm gonna stop reading this book for now! I'm gonna read Rose Gardner series first then I'll get back to this one!
June 19, 2019
Love NK’s Point of View!
I need more NK and Jed! I loved getting Neely Kate’s point of view. We learned so much about her past and why she is the way she is. She’s grown so much from five years ago when she lived in Ardmore. Nothing quite like a girl kicking butt and taking names. Doesn’t hurt that we get a nice description of Jed in here too. I think there is way more to come with Neely Kate! Onto... For The Birds!
I need more NK and Jed! I loved getting Neely Kate’s point of view. We learned so much about her past and why she is the way she is. She’s grown so much from five years ago when she lived in Ardmore. Nothing quite like a girl kicking butt and taking names. Doesn’t hurt that we get a nice description of Jed in here too. I think there is way more to come with Neely Kate! Onto... For The Birds!
June 11, 2019
Fantastic addition to the series!!! I just loved hearing the story through Neely Kate's perspective. This is not a Rose Garner book but she is still very much still in the story as well as all of our other favorite characters. It was so neat to see this story unfold through NK's point of view. I always liked her - but now I just love her to pieces!! Read it - Denise Grover Swank never disappoints!
May 14, 2017
Trailer Trash is A-Ma-Zing!! This was a book I never knew I needed. While I will always love Rose and her journey, Neely Kate has now become my favorite character in the Rose Gardner world.
Neely Kate has always given the world a façade of a women who is confident and has it all, but through out the pervious series we started to see cracks in this façade. What we learn about Neely Kate is both shocking and heartbreaking. Neely has suffered so much abuse from those that she trusted and loved. But while her story is tragic, it is also triumphant. Neely was able to claw herself from the pit and make a life for herself beyond her past. However, Neely is only living a half and for her to truly find happiness she must come to terms with her past and truly allow herself to heal.
I never thought I would love Neely Kate as much as I do now. I liked her in Rose's series, but didn't expect her to have a voice and a journey that needed to be told. Neely is such a loving but hurting soul and glad that she is finally able to tell her story.
And let's not forgot about Jed!!! Wow, this man is really something and full of surprises. He is truly a special man that has hidden in the shadows for far too long. I never thought I would say this but he is perfect for Neely Kate or should I say they are perfect for each other. Kindred spirits, who have finally found someone who will accept them for who they are and push them to be better and to want more out of life. I'm excited to see this relationship develop and hope that Jed can leave his life of crime.
A brilliant, tragic, heartbreaking and ultimately triumphant story. Neely Kate journey is going to be epic and I can't wait to take this journey with her.
Neely Kate has always given the world a façade of a women who is confident and has it all, but through out the pervious series we started to see cracks in this façade. What we learn about Neely Kate is both shocking and heartbreaking. Neely has suffered so much abuse from those that she trusted and loved. But while her story is tragic, it is also triumphant. Neely was able to claw herself from the pit and make a life for herself beyond her past. However, Neely is only living a half and for her to truly find happiness she must come to terms with her past and truly allow herself to heal.
I never thought I would love Neely Kate as much as I do now. I liked her in Rose's series, but didn't expect her to have a voice and a journey that needed to be told. Neely is such a loving but hurting soul and glad that she is finally able to tell her story.
And let's not forgot about Jed!!! Wow, this man is really something and full of surprises. He is truly a special man that has hidden in the shadows for far too long. I never thought I would say this but he is perfect for Neely Kate or should I say they are perfect for each other. Kindred spirits, who have finally found someone who will accept them for who they are and push them to be better and to want more out of life. I'm excited to see this relationship develop and hope that Jed can leave his life of crime.
A brilliant, tragic, heartbreaking and ultimately triumphant story. Neely Kate journey is going to be epic and I can't wait to take this journey with her.
March 18, 2024
This is the first
Neely Kate Mystery
book - a 3 book companion series from Rose Gardner's world (
Rose Gardner Mysteries
and
Rose Gardner Investigations
). Neely Kate is the main character in this series and she is one of the best developed characters that Denise Grover Swank has ever created, in my opinion. You can't help but fall in love with Neely Kate Rivers Colson's warm, tenacious, and lively spirit. She's the best friend that Rose Gardner could ask for during a time in her life when they both need that. In this book Neely Kate (NK) sets off for her childhood hometown to hopefully dissolve of some shady secrets that have become unburied. She's accompanied by Jed Carlisle, a man with his own shady past. This is where they first start to fall for each other and how Jed cares about NK is so sweet it makes my heart melt. He's very protective of her and is made of the stuff that we would qualify as great book boyfriend material. *swoon*
I'm sure the Neely Kate Mystery series can be read outside of the other books in Rose Gardner's world, but I would recommend that it be read alongside them in the reading order list that can be found on Denise Grover Swank's website.
I'm sure the Neely Kate Mystery series can be read outside of the other books in Rose Gardner's world, but I would recommend that it be read alongside them in the reading order list that can be found on Denise Grover Swank's website.
May 1, 2017
When her psychopathic half-sister threatens everything that Neely Kate has made of her life she is forced to return to the town she ran away from years earlier. To make sure her secrets stay buried and the people who ruined her life back then can't keep ruining it.
But the she will be facing off against some dangerous people and will need some back-up. Jed Carlisle who (not so) secretly loves her is determined to be that back-up.
Such a great story. Neely Kate is a favorite character and this book is pretty much perfect. It stands on its own but also as a perfect companion to the Rose Gardner mysteries.
But the she will be facing off against some dangerous people and will need some back-up. Jed Carlisle who (not so) secretly loves her is determined to be that back-up.
Such a great story. Neely Kate is a favorite character and this book is pretty much perfect. It stands on its own but also as a perfect companion to the Rose Gardner mysteries.
July 7, 2024
Trailer Trash was beyond my wildest expectations. Absolutely LOVED it!!! Neely Kate broke my heart so many times. And Jed...WOW...He is just awesome. I'm swooning for him hard core. Excited for their relationship to evolve. Neely Kate deserves a man who will treat her right and I know that Jed will. Can't wait for more!!!
July 11, 2019
DNF - completley redundant and not necessary. Got so boring I couldn't finish and that is unlike me, especially with this series. But, there you have it.
May 18, 2017
Ok, so a little about this series before we start. Trailer Trash is the first book in a companion series to accompany the Rose Gardner Investigation series. The Rose Gardner Investigation series follows on from the brilliant Rose Gardner Mysteries. Are you still with me? I know it sounds complicated, but it’s not really!
In December 2013 Denise Grover Swank released ‘Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes’, the first fabulous book in the Rose Gardner Mysteries series. It is based around the world of the naive and loveable Rose Gardner, a young lady living in Arkansas who has had far from the easiest life. Rose is a good girl; she has rarely strayed from the straight and narrow, never drunk alcohol, never been kissed, and never had many friends. Following the mysterious death of her mother, Rose finds herself at the centre of the investigations and somehow, in a bid to clear her name, becomes unwittingly caught up in the criminal underworld of small town Henryetta. She befriends criminals, and meets the wonderful Neely Kate. Neely Kate is the polar opposite to Rose, she was brought up on a trailer park, she has had a pretty rough time, she has been through a lot and seen a lot, she has a huge heart, and she takes Rose under her wing.
‘Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes’ was followed by a further 8 books and a handful of supporting novellas which gave a glimpse into the story from the perspective of other characters. These books are packed full of cliches, humour, tragedy, cliffhangers…. they are about friendship, family, loyalty, integrity, love, romance, and a very windy dog; they are about the ties that hold us together and the things that break us in half; they are the chocolate that gets better with every bite. They are my guilty pleasure, and I have awaited the release of each one with baited breath wondering what new misadventure would befall Rose, and her sidekick. They are unpredictable; there is no way at all of knowing how each one will end, they are completely unique, heart-rendering, tear jerking, laugh out loud, witty, clever…. and I was gutted to find that ‘Thirty-Six and a Half Motives’ was to be the last one.
Ms Grover-Swank came to the rescue with the start of a new series, the Rose Gardner Investigations. A whole new series with Rose still at the centre, aided, abetted, encouraged and supported by the ever loyal Neely Kate, but now alittle more worldly wise. Rose is less naive, she is able to look after herself, she is feisty, she has learned from her friend and from her underworld dealings, but she is still the funny, loveable, and more than a little crazy Rose. All this time not much is known about Neely Kate’s story. She is a central figure through out, yet her past, is firmly in her past; occasionally a glimpse is given, we know she lives with her Granny and has an extensive list of cousins, but never anything huge. Now, with the release of ‘Trailer Trash‘, comes her time to come to the fore. This was originally meant as a novella to accompany the Investigations series, but I was sooo delighted to learn that Neely Kate is getting a series of her own.
‘Trailer Trash’ adds a whole new dimension to the Rose stories. It is darker, grittier, and steamier, while holding onto all the things that make the original series so good; that same easy reading style, the solid friendships, and the emphasis that no book should ever be judged by its cover – everyone has a story, it is what shapes them. In this new story, Grover-Swank leads us away from Henryetta, and takes Nealy Kate on a journey back to her roots in Oklahoma and things that she has kept hidden for so long; the location change is important because it gives Neely Kate the chance to truly shine on her own, and to develop new relationships. I have loved learning more about Neely Kate, she has been a fabulous character throughout, but now she has a starring role. In ‘Trailer Trash’. We are introduced to a more vulnerable Neely Kate than we have seen before. She is concerned that people will change their opinion of her once they really know about her and what she has done, but she knows that to escape her past she must confront it head on, which she does with strength and vigour, accompanied by a familiar face backing her up every single step of the way.
I cannot wait to read more of Neely Kate’s adventures, both as she continues ripping her own skeletons out of cupboards, and accompanied by Rose in the Rose Gardner Investigations.
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Take Courage: Anne Bronte and the Art of Life
Take Courage: Anne Bronte and the Art of Life
by Samantha Ellis
Small Great Things
Small Great Things
by Jodi Picoult
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February 15, 2024
Confronting the past to embrace the future
Neely Kate has been an important secondary character in the Rose Gardner books and I am so glad to get an entire book from her perspective. And whew, this book did not disappoint. Neely Kate is portrayed as real, relatable person who has flaws, but is really just trying to do her best as messy human. Neely Kate has not had an easy life. Raised by a selfish, drug addicted single mom until she was 12 when she was abandoned to live with the grandmother she had never met. She recently miscarried her twins and afterwards she learned that her husband, who she thought was dead, was a criminal and ran off with another woman. As a result of her recently discovered crazy half-sister’s threats, Neely Kate is traveling back to her past and digging up all her pain and skeletons along the way and Jed, her quasi-friend and protector, is along for the ride. The book was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters, and an engaging storyline with sweet moments, exciting action, danger, family drama, painful pasts, mystery, plot twists, imperfect characters, missteps, and all the big feels. I am looking forward to reading what happens next in Neely Kate’s life. While this book can be read without reading the previous series, I am glad I had a deeper back story to Neely Kate and some of the events from reading the previous series. 4.5 stars.
Neely Kate has been an important secondary character in the Rose Gardner books and I am so glad to get an entire book from her perspective. And whew, this book did not disappoint. Neely Kate is portrayed as real, relatable person who has flaws, but is really just trying to do her best as messy human. Neely Kate has not had an easy life. Raised by a selfish, drug addicted single mom until she was 12 when she was abandoned to live with the grandmother she had never met. She recently miscarried her twins and afterwards she learned that her husband, who she thought was dead, was a criminal and ran off with another woman. As a result of her recently discovered crazy half-sister’s threats, Neely Kate is traveling back to her past and digging up all her pain and skeletons along the way and Jed, her quasi-friend and protector, is along for the ride. The book was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters, and an engaging storyline with sweet moments, exciting action, danger, family drama, painful pasts, mystery, plot twists, imperfect characters, missteps, and all the big feels. I am looking forward to reading what happens next in Neely Kate’s life. While this book can be read without reading the previous series, I am glad I had a deeper back story to Neely Kate and some of the events from reading the previous series. 4.5 stars.
April 25, 2018
I had a hard time enjoying this one. I liked the chemistry/tension between Jed & Neely Kate, but I couldn't wrap my head around Neely Kate's character in this book. It seemed so far removed from the NK I've known (& loved) in the last 10 DGS books I've read with her as a secondary character. It's not that I don't think she's as good in the spotlight--those who've followed NK for any length of time know that she can definitely hold her own--it's just... I feel like I know too much about her now and I'm not sure what to do with what I've learned and how it lines up with everything I've read up to this point. And that's ironic, considering the theme of this book was pretty much Neely Kate's worries about what people (Jed, Rose, etc.) would think of her if they knew the truth about her past.
I'm very interested in seeing what DGS does with the Neely Kate Mysteries going forward, though. I'm also curious to know if having read this one will affect the way I react to NK in the Rose Gardner books--if at all.
I'm very interested in seeing what DGS does with the Neely Kate Mysteries going forward, though. I'm also curious to know if having read this one will affect the way I react to NK in the Rose Gardner books--if at all.
July 2, 2025
I just... this one is a little difficult as I have loved every Rose McGowen book. First - I adore Neely Kate. Seriously. I also adore Jed. I ship these two from the last books when they're in their group.
But - neither of them seem like themselves in this book, and all I see is broken bonds and almost strangers. It felt like a fast romance in certain ways and both characters felt off to me. Humor was mainly missing, and some of it seemed exaggerated feeling. Also, I enjoyed the bonds all four felt together previously in their group but they're all so apart now. Ack. Despite the series title of Neely Kate Mysteries - and that generally books in the Rose McGowan series and Rose Investigations have a lot of mystery elements - this is not a mystery. It is a reveal of her secrets and a romance - not that this is a bad thing in itself, but it didn't fit to me and felt forced. Hard to explain.
But - neither of them seem like themselves in this book, and all I see is broken bonds and almost strangers. It felt like a fast romance in certain ways and both characters felt off to me. Humor was mainly missing, and some of it seemed exaggerated feeling. Also, I enjoyed the bonds all four felt together previously in their group but they're all so apart now. Ack. Despite the series title of Neely Kate Mysteries - and that generally books in the Rose McGowan series and Rose Investigations have a lot of mystery elements - this is not a mystery. It is a reveal of her secrets and a romance - not that this is a bad thing in itself, but it didn't fit to me and felt forced. Hard to explain.
August 30, 2025
I only JUST started DGS books after stumbling across Little Girl Vanished.
I needed to read this set of RG investigations before I get stuck into the second of the Harper Adams series. I liked Family Jewels well enough (um hello? sign me up for more Skeeter). But then.. enter Jed. Uff.
I couldn't have picked up this book faster if I'd tried. The absolute off-the-charts chemistry, and attraction in this book had me gasping, internally-screaming and losing my whole mind.
DGS writes really engrossing, sad, realistic back stories for her characters and it makes me want to give them all a big cuddle and squish. I was intrigued by Neely Kate when reading Family Jewels, but I wouldn't have claimed to be invested at that point. She gave off strong, girl-bestie badass vibes, but I wondered if that was enough. Having read this book, I'm singing a whole other tune. YES to Neely Kate. YES to more Jed.
I needed to read this set of RG investigations before I get stuck into the second of the Harper Adams series. I liked Family Jewels well enough (um hello? sign me up for more Skeeter). But then.. enter Jed. Uff.
I couldn't have picked up this book faster if I'd tried. The absolute off-the-charts chemistry, and attraction in this book had me gasping, internally-screaming and losing my whole mind.
DGS writes really engrossing, sad, realistic back stories for her characters and it makes me want to give them all a big cuddle and squish. I was intrigued by Neely Kate when reading Family Jewels, but I wouldn't have claimed to be invested at that point. She gave off strong, girl-bestie badass vibes, but I wondered if that was enough. Having read this book, I'm singing a whole other tune. YES to Neely Kate. YES to more Jed.
January 19, 2019
2/5 stars. The book was okay but not good. Too much drama with just Neely Kate which is not really a favorite character of mine in the Rose Gardner boods. It also reminded me of gossip girl when there's all this build-up to a Terrible Secret and then you find out the secret and it's like that's it.... NK killing some guy that abused her after a horrible life, which is what almost anyone would do is not a Terrible Secret. It wasn't believable that this Beasley guy would have gone to jail for her for that as well. What I enjoy about the Rose Gardner book is all the different characters, even though they are mostly superficial, that are used (Joe, Maeve, Jonah, Violet, Skeeter, etc.) and they weren't here in this book so I didn't really like it. But I do think Jed and NK are great together so I hope they work out in the next books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2019
4.5 stars, I loved this book and Neely Kate’s character. The only reason the book isn’t five stars is because I have not read the Rose Gardner series (where Neely Kate was first introduced) and because there was so much history between the characters this did not feel like a stand alone book, it felt like a side story in the Rose series. I am hoping now that everything is established that the second book feels like its own. Furthermore, we were given so much back story on the characters I think it gave spoilers for the Rose Gardner series and partially ruined my interest in reading those books. Lastly, I love when the male lead is respectful of a strong woman but I rolled my eyes at the umpteenth time I heard him say he wanted to support her; we get it!
Advice: check out the first book in the Rose Gardner series before picking up this book to avoid spoilers.
Advice: check out the first book in the Rose Gardner series before picking up this book to avoid spoilers.
October 6, 2025
Oh my goodness!
This book from NK’s POV was simply heartbreaking. I knew she had kept secrets from Rose, but all of this? Ugh, I found myself crying many times reading this novella.
First, can we talk about how amazing of a man Jed is to her? He is so caring of Neely Kate but also knows to back off when she means business. Seeing their relationship grow in this book was so much fun.
When she started delving into her past with Jed…my heart! Don’t get me started on when they visited Stella and her baby, Crystal. The tears were shed! I feel NK’s pain completely of seeing a poor helpless child that wasn’t even wanted when all she’s wanted is motherhood. 😭 I about walked away from the book I was so upset.
Another great installment. This was so much darker than the other books in this series, but it tracks with NK’s past.
This book from NK’s POV was simply heartbreaking. I knew she had kept secrets from Rose, but all of this? Ugh, I found myself crying many times reading this novella.
First, can we talk about how amazing of a man Jed is to her? He is so caring of Neely Kate but also knows to back off when she means business. Seeing their relationship grow in this book was so much fun.
When she started delving into her past with Jed…my heart! Don’t get me started on when they visited Stella and her baby, Crystal. The tears were shed! I feel NK’s pain completely of seeing a poor helpless child that wasn’t even wanted when all she’s wanted is motherhood. 😭 I about walked away from the book I was so upset.
Another great installment. This was so much darker than the other books in this series, but it tracks with NK’s past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2019
Neely Kate’s story isn’t light as we have suspected as we gradually collected pieces of her past little by little. Finally able to fine out her secrets she has been hiding from everyone. Deep dark secrets! This is deeper than the past books but oh so good!! The struggle NK had to go through and how she fought to survive everything. She is truly a brave woman that isn’t perfect but still tries to come out ontop whatever the situation.
She goes on a search for answers with Jed as her back up. Oh how we get to know Jed so much how more.
At the end we are gifted with some couple deleted POV for Jed which again I love learning more about him.
She goes on a search for answers with Jed as her back up. Oh how we get to know Jed so much how more.
At the end we are gifted with some couple deleted POV for Jed which again I love learning more about him.
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