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Laurel Creek #1
Jaded: Luke
Going home isn’t an easy fix, but it beats ending up in prison or dead. Haunted by PTSD and a failed marriage, Luke Hamilton returns home to Laurel, Montana.
Leah Morgan knows everyone expects her to fail, but nothing will stop her from turning the ranch around and selling it to the highest bidder – especially not a rancher.
When Luke and Leah cross paths, they both discover that starting over can be a complicated business.
This book contains depictions of Military service driven PTSD.
The Laurel Creek Series
Book 1 – Luke
Book 2 – Taylor
Book 3 – Tobias
Novella – Frederick
Leah Morgan knows everyone expects her to fail, but nothing will stop her from turning the ranch around and selling it to the highest bidder – especially not a rancher.
When Luke and Leah cross paths, they both discover that starting over can be a complicated business.
This book contains depictions of Military service driven PTSD.
The Laurel Creek Series
Book 1 – Luke
Book 2 – Taylor
Book 3 – Tobias
Novella – Frederick
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2017
28 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Hildie McQueen
179 books831 followersBestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.
Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.
Hildie's favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.
She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.
Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen
Instagram: @HildieWrites
Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.
Hildie's favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.
She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.
Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen
Instagram: @HildieWrites
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 9, 2018
Every once in a while you come across one of those books that just blows you away Well this book by Hildie McQueen is just such a book!!!!!! Hildie McQueen was amazing in how She dealt with PTSD in this book she takes on this very real issue and actually does gives hope to anyone dealing with it. I loved this book it held my attention from start to finish with it !! I could find praises forever. But one must read for to get the the full effect themselves. I am so thankful I read this book!! I definitely will be reading more of this author Hildie McQueen!!
February 3, 2019
This is my first book by Hildie McQueen but I'll be looking for more of her books.
Luke Hamilton is haunted by the loss of his men while serving in the wars in the Middle East. Luke suffers from major episodes of PTSD. Luke never knows what will trigger him and how far he will go when he's in an episode of out of control rag. He's been through different counseling and it just hasn't helped. At 6'4", 220 pounds of solid muscle Luke is not only intimidating, he's deadly. After the encouragement of Dallas/Ft. Worth Detective Johnson, Luke is headed home to Montana. The Detective convinced Luke that the more slow paced life of Ranching might be best for Luke. A life away from so many triggers associated with city life and where he has family in Laurel Creek. This may be just the change Luke needs before he finds himself behind bars.
Leah Morgan is no-nonsense, everything has to be perfect executive at her father's Investment firm; that is until he fires her. Well he sends her to the family ranch to fix the place up and to decide if ranch should be kept or sold. Her father is sending her on a six month hiatus before several members of his management team quits. Leah is an overbearing, overzealous executive that micromanages everyone around her. Astounded by "being fired", Leah goes to the Morgan's ranch in Laurel Creek but she isn't very well received there either. She is determined to turn the ranch around and sell it to the highest bidder quickly and get back to Billings and her career. That is until she cross paths with Luke Hamilton, her high school nemesis and bullier.
Luke Hamilton is haunted by the loss of his men while serving in the wars in the Middle East. Luke suffers from major episodes of PTSD. Luke never knows what will trigger him and how far he will go when he's in an episode of out of control rag. He's been through different counseling and it just hasn't helped. At 6'4", 220 pounds of solid muscle Luke is not only intimidating, he's deadly. After the encouragement of Dallas/Ft. Worth Detective Johnson, Luke is headed home to Montana. The Detective convinced Luke that the more slow paced life of Ranching might be best for Luke. A life away from so many triggers associated with city life and where he has family in Laurel Creek. This may be just the change Luke needs before he finds himself behind bars.
Leah Morgan is no-nonsense, everything has to be perfect executive at her father's Investment firm; that is until he fires her. Well he sends her to the family ranch to fix the place up and to decide if ranch should be kept or sold. Her father is sending her on a six month hiatus before several members of his management team quits. Leah is an overbearing, overzealous executive that micromanages everyone around her. Astounded by "being fired", Leah goes to the Morgan's ranch in Laurel Creek but she isn't very well received there either. She is determined to turn the ranch around and sell it to the highest bidder quickly and get back to Billings and her career. That is until she cross paths with Luke Hamilton, her high school nemesis and bullier.
August 18, 2017
3.5*
Luke Hamilton is haunted by his military experience. PTSD has ruled his life since he's been back. Uncomfortable rage and unexpected episodes of anxiety that consumes him and if he's not careful he will end up in jail possibly for murder. Hoping for some peace and sanctuary he heads home to Laurel Montana.
Leah Morgan is about to crash and burn in to corporate world everyone sees it but Leah. Her father puts her on leave for six months, she's to go home to Laurel and get the ranch and house up to pare.
Two people with so many problems personal and physiological fight for their way in the world and just might find love along the way.
Good storyline. The heartbreak of PTSD and how to live life with out guilt.
Can't wait for Taylor and Allison's book.
Luke Hamilton is haunted by his military experience. PTSD has ruled his life since he's been back. Uncomfortable rage and unexpected episodes of anxiety that consumes him and if he's not careful he will end up in jail possibly for murder. Hoping for some peace and sanctuary he heads home to Laurel Montana.
Leah Morgan is about to crash and burn in to corporate world everyone sees it but Leah. Her father puts her on leave for six months, she's to go home to Laurel and get the ranch and house up to pare.
Two people with so many problems personal and physiological fight for their way in the world and just might find love along the way.
Good storyline. The heartbreak of PTSD and how to live life with out guilt.
Can't wait for Taylor and Allison's book.
December 18, 2024
"Jaded: Luke" is a book one in the "Laurel Creek" series by Hildie McQueen. This book was a wonderful book to read and covered a topic that a lot of individuals deal with on the daily. Luke has PTSD from being in the military and seeing the things he has seen while he was on duty. Luke has a hard time controlling himself and decides to go home to Laurel Creek and be with his family. While home, he runs into his neighbor Leah, whose family owns the ranch that butts up to Luke's family ranch. Leah is home on a 6 month forced break from her job. Leah and Luke are constantly fighting and have a hard time seeing eye to eye. My favorite part is when Leah goes to visit Luke after he has an incident and brings him a gift. He acts like he doesn't want her there, but you can tell it meant a lot to him. I loved how Hildie wrote these characters, and I absolutely loved how she handled the storyline. PTSD is a very serious subject, and a lot of individuals feel that they are battling it alone. The way that Hildie wrote about it was amazing. I will definitely be going on to the next book in this series and seeing what will happen next.
June 13, 2017
I loved this book, I hate to admit that it is the first book I have read by Hildie McQueen but it will not be the last. I also have to admit that the thing that drew me to this particular book was the cover but what was in between the first and last page was what held my interest.
Luke Hamilton, I could not help but fall in love with him, he is so broken, suffering from PTSD and he feels so unworthy of love yet at the same time he is so lovable. He goes home to Montana to hopefully keep himself out of trouble. Leah Morgan is a little high strung, totally driven and scary to some people. Her father sends her on a hiatus to their ranch in Montana, letting her know that the way she is living her life is way out of control. When a little problem of land and a fence force Luke and Leah together, is it possible that they can help one another?
This book is loaded with all the feels, especially when Luke has episodes. It is impossible not to feel his pain. The secondary characters are great and I hope to get to read more about them. If you love romance then you have to read this book, you will not sorry. Five amazing stars for this one.
Luke Hamilton, I could not help but fall in love with him, he is so broken, suffering from PTSD and he feels so unworthy of love yet at the same time he is so lovable. He goes home to Montana to hopefully keep himself out of trouble. Leah Morgan is a little high strung, totally driven and scary to some people. Her father sends her on a hiatus to their ranch in Montana, letting her know that the way she is living her life is way out of control. When a little problem of land and a fence force Luke and Leah together, is it possible that they can help one another?
This book is loaded with all the feels, especially when Luke has episodes. It is impossible not to feel his pain. The secondary characters are great and I hope to get to read more about them. If you love romance then you have to read this book, you will not sorry. Five amazing stars for this one.
September 19, 2017
Luke, a war veteran with PTSD goes home to his family's ranch in Laurel Creek, Montana after one too many violent incidents. Leah, an intense, very successful executive in her father's company in Billings is told to take a six month sabbatical to chill and tend to the affairs involving her family's ranch in Laurel Creek, Montana. Luke's and Leah's ranches border each other and their families go way back, but Luke and Leah do not have a very friendly childhood history. When issues involving their ranches bring them in contact with each other, neither is interested in any type of relationship. Even with their stubborn and private personalities, they somehow find a spark that neither one is able to deny but that neither wants. Can they help each other and at the same time find happiness along the way? You'll have to read this book to find out. There were so many emotions involved while reading this story, which I read in two days because I just didn't want to stop. I really felt for these characters. Now I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series, which will feature Luke's cousin Taylor, who was an important part of Luke's story.
September 12, 2017
Luke Hamilton is a battle scarred hero, suffering with PTSD after his latest deployment, he returns home to the small town of Laurel Creek, Montana. It's here that he's set out to help his twin brother with some struggles of his own. It seems that a neighbor, Leah Morgan, is ready to sell her father's property... but there's an issue with the fence. The Hamilton's fence is a quarter of a mile off of what it should be.
Leah Morgan is a hot-headed, fiesty woman. Newly divorced, much like Luke, she's trying to make her way in her father's business when she's "exiled" to Laurel Creek to take care of the farm. Leah is not amused, she'd much rather be in a coorporate setting than trudging ankle deep in a cow pasture.
When she learns that Luke Hamilton is back in town, she's intrigued... as well she should be. A soldier with classic bad boy charm... who's looking for a woman to heal his heart.
Leah Morgan is a hot-headed, fiesty woman. Newly divorced, much like Luke, she's trying to make her way in her father's business when she's "exiled" to Laurel Creek to take care of the farm. Leah is not amused, she'd much rather be in a coorporate setting than trudging ankle deep in a cow pasture.
When she learns that Luke Hamilton is back in town, she's intrigued... as well she should be. A soldier with classic bad boy charm... who's looking for a woman to heal his heart.
October 11, 2017
3.5 stars
Let me start by saying that I absolutely loved main character, Luke. He's such an endearing character and his struggle with PTSD is so heartbreaking. The secondary characters in this story are also quite interesting, especially Luke's twin and his cousin. Much of the dialogue is witty and often humorous, adding some levity to a serious situation.
I'm still unsure about Luke's love interest, Leah. She's so angry and driven. I gather from her actions that she is a perfectionist, but we're never really told why she reacts the way she does. I would've liked to have seen a bit more development for Leah's character so as to understand her quick turnaround where Luke is concerned. That, in my opinion, could've easily made this one a five-star read.
Overall, the story is good and kept me turning pages to see how things would come out for Luke. I'll be interested to see where this series goes.
Let me start by saying that I absolutely loved main character, Luke. He's such an endearing character and his struggle with PTSD is so heartbreaking. The secondary characters in this story are also quite interesting, especially Luke's twin and his cousin. Much of the dialogue is witty and often humorous, adding some levity to a serious situation.
I'm still unsure about Luke's love interest, Leah. She's so angry and driven. I gather from her actions that she is a perfectionist, but we're never really told why she reacts the way she does. I would've liked to have seen a bit more development for Leah's character so as to understand her quick turnaround where Luke is concerned. That, in my opinion, could've easily made this one a five-star read.
Overall, the story is good and kept me turning pages to see how things would come out for Luke. I'll be interested to see where this series goes.
July 25, 2017
Jaded:Luke, book 1 of the Laurel Creek Series by Hildie McQueen is part of a new series, however it can stand alone. That being said there are characters introduced in this book that leave you wanting to read the next in the series. Prepare to be hooked.
Luke is not your typical alpha character and doesn't really fit into any mold. Actually he probably broke any mold in the making.
Leah is a complex woman used to weilding power and this is both a blessing and a curse for the pair.
I refuse to give spoilers but I will say Hildie McQueen thoroughly covers the emotional roller coaster known as PTSD and Jaded: Luke would be an excellent read for anyone who has had a loved one serve active duty in the military.
Luke is not your typical alpha character and doesn't really fit into any mold. Actually he probably broke any mold in the making.
Leah is a complex woman used to weilding power and this is both a blessing and a curse for the pair.
I refuse to give spoilers but I will say Hildie McQueen thoroughly covers the emotional roller coaster known as PTSD and Jaded: Luke would be an excellent read for anyone who has had a loved one serve active duty in the military.
September 17, 2017
This book in the "Laurel Creek" Series was simply amazing. I really enjoyed and I couldn't put it down!
Luke Hamilton is war hero, he is suffering with PTSD after his latest deployment and when he comes back to the small town of Laurel Creek, Montana, he decides to stay and help hos twin brother who is dealing with his own problems.
His neighbor is Leah Morgan. She is strong, independent and full of sass. She has just divorced and she also goes back to Laurel Creek of take care of the farm.
The plot is interesting, the characters are very well done and the chemistry between them is intense!
Very nice read!
Luke Hamilton is war hero, he is suffering with PTSD after his latest deployment and when he comes back to the small town of Laurel Creek, Montana, he decides to stay and help hos twin brother who is dealing with his own problems.
His neighbor is Leah Morgan. She is strong, independent and full of sass. She has just divorced and she also goes back to Laurel Creek of take care of the farm.
The plot is interesting, the characters are very well done and the chemistry between them is intense!
Very nice read!
January 9, 2018
Captivating!!
This story is full of hope and redemption while also being heartwrenching! Luke is a former military man suffering from PTSD. What really captivated me was the way author was able to describe Luke's PTSD episodes and make you feel like you were right there watching and wanting to reach out and help. That really touched my heart. Leah, is a women in her 40's who is strong, independent and not sure where her life is heading or if she really likes what she sees ahead for herself. She was very relatable to me because I've been there. These two were perfect for each other! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
This story is full of hope and redemption while also being heartwrenching! Luke is a former military man suffering from PTSD. What really captivated me was the way author was able to describe Luke's PTSD episodes and make you feel like you were right there watching and wanting to reach out and help. That really touched my heart. Leah, is a women in her 40's who is strong, independent and not sure where her life is heading or if she really likes what she sees ahead for herself. She was very relatable to me because I've been there. These two were perfect for each other! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
June 10, 2017
I will admit it with hand raised. I bought this story for the cover. When the author introduced the "cover model" on her FB page I was interested. Maybe because I'm older and I want a bit more than the hunky guy with his shirt off on the cover, or I really liked that she knows him! The fact that I loved this story of Luke and his childhood nemesis, Leah, proves that this author knows how to write romance. I didn't have any doubt since I've read her off and on for years. But the punch behind this book got me, and now I'm going to have to binge her again.
June 9, 2017
Touching
This was an amazing thought provoking book. You never know what someone is struggling with and how it can affect so many people. Hildie proved this statement in so many ways. I truly can't wait to see what else she will bring us in the rest of this series. Two people broken in different ways but trying to find their way together. I especially enjoyed the couple is closer to my age. Hildie has hit on a winner.
This was an amazing thought provoking book. You never know what someone is struggling with and how it can affect so many people. Hildie proved this statement in so many ways. I truly can't wait to see what else she will bring us in the rest of this series. Two people broken in different ways but trying to find their way together. I especially enjoyed the couple is closer to my age. Hildie has hit on a winner.
June 12, 2017
Too rushed...
This story had great potential but was too rushed. You never really get to know Lucas. And what little we know about Leah, I didn't like. She seemed very angry about everything with no explanation. There's virtually no relationship development and suddenly they're in love and it's the end. This was my first book by this author and unfortunately it will be my last.
This story had great potential but was too rushed. You never really get to know Lucas. And what little we know about Leah, I didn't like. She seemed very angry about everything with no explanation. There's virtually no relationship development and suddenly they're in love and it's the end. This was my first book by this author and unfortunately it will be my last.
August 31, 2017
A must read
This author never ceases to deliver wonderful characters you get caught up in and feel like you've known them all your life. It was so hard to put this book down. Other authors have written about vets and PTSD but this was factual and so understanding. Luke finally knows what he needs and goes for it. Loved Pesky and Luke's story and how they saved each other.
This author never ceases to deliver wonderful characters you get caught up in and feel like you've known them all your life. It was so hard to put this book down. Other authors have written about vets and PTSD but this was factual and so understanding. Luke finally knows what he needs and goes for it. Loved Pesky and Luke's story and how they saved each other.
September 10, 2017
Realistic Characters, Really Good Story.
Along with being a love story I could root for, this story also made me take a deeper look into the PTSD that so many of our veterans face. It's nice to have a hero and heroine who aren't perfect. They are very relatable characters as we get to work through their lives, losses, struggles, and love with them. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
September 15, 2017
I read this book in one day, even put my solitaire addiction aside for it which is saying a lot.
Luke and Leah are so real, I absolutely loved getting to know them. I laughed and wanted to cry. There were so many ups and downs but I had to know how it ended.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!
Luke and Leah are so real, I absolutely loved getting to know them. I laughed and wanted to cry. There were so many ups and downs but I had to know how it ended.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!
March 8, 2018
Wow! Great sizzling read
This book is full of strong emotions and sizzle! The pain experienced was very well done. It was realistic and not maudlin. The difficulties of PTSD was handled sensitively and with great care. Mature adults with lives lived finding common ground was done very well.
This book is full of strong emotions and sizzle! The pain experienced was very well done. It was realistic and not maudlin. The difficulties of PTSD was handled sensitively and with great care. Mature adults with lives lived finding common ground was done very well.
June 8, 2017
Loved Luke!!!
Omg! I couldn't wait to finish the book and stayed up late...probably be late to work tommorrow. LOL...
I loved loved loved this book and can't wait for the next one!!
Omg! I couldn't wait to finish the book and stayed up late...probably be late to work tommorrow. LOL...
I loved loved loved this book and can't wait for the next one!!
June 10, 2017
Loved Luke!!
Really enjoyed Hildie's story of Luke and Leah! Loved the realistic struggles with PTSD and finding the will to overcome! I also enjoyed Leah's story of coming out of her very controlled unfulfilling life to find love. Wonderful story Hildie!
Really enjoyed Hildie's story of Luke and Leah! Loved the realistic struggles with PTSD and finding the will to overcome! I also enjoyed Leah's story of coming out of her very controlled unfulfilling life to find love. Wonderful story Hildie!
March 18, 2021
A really enjoyable read
Luke and Leah journey is a well written story that brings warnth to your heart. Mrs McQueen gives brings you storys that shows you what love can conquer with the right person no matter what your age is or your past
Luke and Leah journey is a well written story that brings warnth to your heart. Mrs McQueen gives brings you storys that shows you what love can conquer with the right person no matter what your age is or your past
June 26, 2017
Great story
Great story line, very relatable. Nice to read about people that are not perfect. Love all of Hildie's books. She's a wonderful writer.
Great story line, very relatable. Nice to read about people that are not perfect. Love all of Hildie's books. She's a wonderful writer.
January 11, 2018
This is my first book by Hildie and looking forward to more. This book was good and enjoyable. Just wish it was a bit longer, wanted to hear a more of their story.
June 5, 2019
Choices
Very nice read. A good betrayal of PTSD that effects so many men and women.
An interesting storyline with good characters and lots of HEA to keep you hooked.
Very nice read. A good betrayal of PTSD that effects so many men and women.
An interesting storyline with good characters and lots of HEA to keep you hooked.
May 25, 2020
I couldn’t get this book out of my head. Can’t wait to start the next book in the series
June 28, 2017
Awesomeness!
Loved Luke! He said what he meant and meant what he said. Lol. I always enjoy Hildie! Awesome author! I'm so excited for the next book!
Loved Luke! He said what he meant and meant what he said. Lol. I always enjoy Hildie! Awesome author! I'm so excited for the next book!
June 28, 2017
Luke Hamilton is back in Montana on the family farm. He has battled his demons after serving in Afghanistan & Iraq. Luke just wants some relief from all the past and PTSD. So living with his brother and cousin aren't ideal but will do. Leah Morgan was not a distraction he had in mind. She has to learn that not everything revolves around her. By putting these two together in a room makes everything go boom. It's a love/hate relationship. They argue, get along and then go silent. I was screaming at the book and then hoping all would work out. Luke made me so frustrated and Leah was being all stupid. However, I loved every minute of it. But through all their drama can love conquer all.
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July 29, 2017Love anything Hildie McQueen writes ..Love the story of Luke can't wait for the next book ...
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews