Bluegrass State of Mind

Bluegrass #1

by Kathleen Brooks

She thought she would be safe far away in Kentucky…

McKenna Mason’s perfect life in New York City has just been destroyed. She is now a witness to a horrific crime involving some of America’s most influential men. She knows she must get away and can think of only one outsider that might help her—Will Ashton. The flame of their brief romance during their teenage years never completely died out, and now it is about to explode.

Trouble at every turn, a feisty horse that refuses to race without a good luck kiss, and three old ladies hell-bent on playing match-maker turn this newly rekindled romance into a wild race to the finish. Can Will and McKenna cross the finish line together, and more importantly, alive?

An Alternate Cover Edition can be found here.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Mystery, Chick Lit

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2011

About the author

Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass, Bluegrass Brothers®, Forever Bluegrass®, and Shadows Landing Series feature small-town charm with quirky characters while her Women of Power Series shows that behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her! Then hang onto your seat for the wild and mysterious ride in the thrilling Web of Lies Series and a little magic in the Moonshine Hollow Series.

Kathleen is from Kentucky, where she graduated from Centre College and then later received her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Kathleen still resides in Kentucky with her family and houseful of animals.


Email Notice of New Releases: www.kathleen-brooks.com/new-release-n...
Kathleen's Website: www.kathleen-brooks.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/KathleenBrooksAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/BluegrassBrooks
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/5101707...
Fb Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Kathl...

Book Order:
(Bluegrass Series-complete series)
Bluegrass State of Mind
Risky Shot
Dead Heat

(Bluegrass Brothers Series®-complete series)
Bluegrass Undercover
Rising Storm
Secret Santa, A Bluegrass Series Novella
Acquiring Trouble
Relentless Pursuit
Secrets Collide
Final Vow
All Hung Up, Novella
Bluegrass Dawn, Novella
The Perfect Gift, Novella
The Keeneston Roses

(Forever Bluegrass Series®-complete series)
Forever Entangled
Forever Hidden
Forever Betrayed
Forever Driven
Forever Secret
Forever Surprised, Novella
Forever Concealed
Forever Devoted
Forever Hunted
Forever Guarded
Forever Notorious
Forever Ventured
Forever Freed
Forever Saved
Forever Bold
Forever Thrown
Forever Lies
Forever Protected
Forever Paired
Forever Connected
Forever Covert
Forever Burning
Forever Lasting
Forever Country
Forever Remembered

(Bluegrass Fire Series-ongoing)
Spark

(Shadows Landing-complete series)
Saving Shadows
Sunken Shadows
Lasting Shadows
Fierce Shadows
Broken Shadows
Framed Shadows
Endless Shadows
Fading Shadows
Damaged Shadows
Escaping Shadows

(Shadows Landing: The Townsends- ongoing series)
Face-Off
Targeted
Rescued
Heated
Escaped
Fractured
Claimed

(Paige Turner Bookworm Series- complete)
Adventures of a Bookworm
Misadventures of a Bookworm
The Adventurous Bookworm

(Moonshine Hollow- complete series)
Moonshine and Murder
Moonshine and Malice
Moonshine and Mayhem
Moonshine and Mischief
Moonshine and Menace
Moonshine and Masquarades

(Web of Lies- complete)
Whispered Lies
Rogue Lies
Shattered Lies

(Women of Powe-complete)
Chosen for Power
Built for Power
Fashioned for Power
Destined for Power

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice, sweet story, with a little mystery and suspense thrown in. I listened to the Audible version and it was a good choice. The narration was alright and the story was straightforward enough that I could listen while doing other things and I didn't get lost.

McKenna leaves her legal career in New York City, heading to a small town in Kentucky to hide out. She's on the run after seeing a horrible crime being committed at the hands of her boyfriend, her firm's senior partners and several prominent, affluent community members. What she saw has the power to ruin lives and careers. These men have no intention of ever letting her come forward with what she's seen.

Will returned to his hometown when his father's health began to decline. Despite having a successful career as a professional football player, his return was a foregone conclusion. Taking over his family's horse farm was his dream and while football was nice, he was glad to return to the comforts of his home in Kentucky.

Not knowing anyone else in town, McKenna reaches out to Will, her childhood crush. He helps her meet the townsfolk and get settled in. In no time, the two have rekindled their flirtation and begin dating.

Of course, things never go too smoothly or there wouldn't be much of a story to tell. Will's crazy ex-wife, McKenna's deranged ex-boyfriend, meddling townspeople and a suave sheikh keep this story interesting. There was just enough danger to keep me guessing, while not enough to have the hairs on the back of my neck standing up.

All in all, this was a nice, entertaining story. It was sweet and had just enough mystery to keep my interest. The main characters were well-developed and easy to relate to. I believe that there are more books in the series that focus more on some of the supporting characters from this book, like the sheikh. At some point in the future, I'll probably give them a try.

[Beate · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book went from promising to annoying so quickly, it still has my head spinning, days after having read this book. The premise and the general plot is good. But the execution is below par. What this book sorely needs, is a good editor who isn't afraid to tell the author when her writing sucks, and it needs some serious and heavy handed editing. It really does have good parts, and it starts off with a really great plot. But somehow, for 80% of the book, that plot is ignored. Instead the author focuses on everyone worshiping the heroine. And I do mean everyone.

What I don't find believable, at all, is that McKenna is a stranger in the town, yet somehow she is loved by all. Everyone is rooting for her, helping her, and generally treating her like a prodigy. Not one person in the whole town is skeptical to this strange woman who came out of nowhere. And no, I'm not buying the vague 'her grandma knew his grandma' excuse either.

Another issue this book had, were the huge info-dumps in the form of monologues. Even early on in the book I skimmed/skipped these. Too much blah-blah and my mind wanders. Also didn't care much for the lengthy, constant repeats of what had happened earlier in the book. I understand the need for one character to tell another what went down, but the reader has no need to have it rehashed ad-nauseum. There is a much better way to tell a new character what happened. You simply use the "and then she told him/her the whole gory story." See how easy it can be done?

In some places, the tenses were all over the place. Another reason to get a good editor to go through your book. Even if you're "just" self-publishing. Your reputation is at stake here.

In general this book suffers from heavy usage of dialogue/monologue. A lot of telling instead of showing, which makes it impossible to connect with the characters. It didn't help that Kenna was a betterweisser who kept on preaching down at people. I see that the author tried to write a kick-ass heroine who was strong. But Kenna came across as one major bitch with her head planted so far up her own ass, she...I don't even know what to say here. She just pissed me off. When the reader hates the main character, it definitely is not a good thing.

McKenna wasn't 'amazing', and there really was no reason for everyone to be 'amazed' by her. She didn't do anything to warrant amazement!

I didn't mind the love story in this book. But I just wanted it to fit in with the original plot, where Kenna saw something she shouldn't have seen and someone trying to kill her for it. And the hero-worship everyone had towards her was just too far fetched. It felt like Twilight-Bella on speed, and it ruined the whole book. This book would have benefited from "less is more" in a big way.

It amazes (hah!) me how authors can write out gory details of rape and abuse, but they can't bring themselves to use any stronger swearwords than 'oh my gosh'. This doesn't exactly endear me to the authors. I won't go into exactly what it makes me think, let's just leave it at 'not pretty'. I have done my share of editing, and I have yelled at my authors for that. Use your words!

Something that made me snort my coffee through my nose, was how Kenna was rubbing shoulders with royalty at a party. Erm...no. Just. No. First of all, they wouldn't be at a party like that. And second of all, mixing royalty into your story just cause it sounds good doesn't make it so. It's just too much. In a bad way. If you want to have the rich and famous in your book, add a Hollywood starlet, or a Nashville sweetheart. Just avoid the royals.

And no FBI agent with his head screwed on the right way would spew out a list of his credentials and education to some hinky lawyer. No matter how much of a big-shot she thinks she is. Having "everyone" conveniently there to hear the convenient confession of all wrong-doings towards Ms Popular herself was...too easy, dumb, amateur, should have been avoided. Off of the top of my head, I can think of at least five different ways to do this.

Something for all to remember, is that when something has been done just once, it is not tradition! It could be the start of a new tradition, or something you want to be a new tradition. But it is not a tradition already.

The fact that the author faded to black every single time things were looking up, isn't inspiring me to give this book a better review. Some hanky-panky would have benefited this book.

I know there are two more books in this series. And I do have them. Unfortunately that has been a complete waste of my hard earned money as I'll surely never read them.

Having thought about it, I'm changing my review to 1 star instead of the 2 I was originally going to give.

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

FREE on Amazon US today (5/15/2016)

Stand-alone book 1.

BLURB:
McKenna Mason, a New York City attorney with a love of all things Prada, is on the run from a group of powerful, dangerous men. McKenna turns to a teenage crush, Will Ashton, for help in starting a new life in beautiful horse country. She finds that Will is now a handsome, successful race horse farm owner. As the old flame is ignited, complications are aplenty in the form of a nasty ex-wife, an ex-boyfriend intent on killing her, and a feisty race horse who refuses to race without a kiss. Can Will and McKenna cross the finish line together, and more importantly, alive?

This is the first book in the Bluegrass Series. The second book, Risky Shot, is due out by the end of the summer. The third book, Dead Heat is due out mid-Fall.

https://www.amazon.com/Bluegrass-Stat...


FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 500 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Anu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading books like this always makes me question how delusional writers are. And I'm not talking dragons here, no siree! I'm talking about those wonderful women who bless us with instalove. Guess what, fuck you all!

Meet McKenna (sorry, Kenna) something, who's a lawyer on the run, because she stumbled upon some sex ring involving her ex-boyfriend and other powerful people in New York. Or something like that. No, really, this sex ring scandal comes up about 80% in. Till you reach that point in the book, you're treated to the sexcapades of Kenna and her instaboy Will, who literally fell in love with each other the day they met. And I literally mean literally. They had this one fun week in New York some seventeen years ago, and they remember every single detail of it, and realise that they're soul-mates or whatever. It's this kind of shit that makes me question my life choices. They proclaim their love for each other about halfway through the book, and they've known each other for a few days, or maybe weeks now.

There's serious brand-dropping in this one as well, Prada, Armani, and a lot of Ralph Lauren. Rachel Green called. She wants her job back. *rolls eyes* But then again, that's not the worst of it. It never is, with such books, is it? So Kenna is a stranger in the quaint little town of Keeneston, Kentucky, and yet, within the first few hours of her arrival, she's experienced "homely cooking", "the friendliest people", and a "fatherly hug". Oh wait, let's not forget the kiss of true love. Look, I get that small towns have this charm about them, and basically everyone knows everyone, but the woman was a stranger for the love of all that is holy! And people, random people she just fucking met are looking to court her and help her get a job. Excuse me if I think that's a bit too much!

There's a limit to how far you can go with a storyline, and Ms. Brooks doesn't know the meaning of "limit", or "storyline"; because in this we have a Middle Eastern Prince, and FBI agent, a corrupt senator, his promiscuous daughter who's the hero's ex-bitch, her new boyfriend who happened to be Kenna's ex-sleazeball, and even references to the Queen of England. We have fancy balls (get your mind out of the gutter, not those balls), red carpet appearances, and a trip to the moon. Okay, not the moon, but you catch my drift. It's like Ms. Brooks couldn't decide what she wanted to write about, so she went ahead and wrote down everything that was in her damn head, and the result was this masterpiece.

Also, I don't know it it's just me, but I felt like she'd ripped off Kinsella's Undomestic Goddess, and combined it with elements from Pretty Woman, Castle, and freaking Lawrence of my labia. Avoid this at all costs.

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

After celebrating her 29th birthday with friends, McKenna returns to her New York law firm late one night to collect some papers. What she discovers is some serious heavy hitters including partners, senators, judges and her boyfriend gang raping a woman. These powerful men think nothing of killing to protect their reputation and McKenna needs to be silenced.

She withdraws all her money and takes flight, finally landing in a small town in Kentucky where she meets Will, a breeder of champion race horses. They are attracted to each other but Chad (the ex-boyfriend) is hunting her and Will's ex-wife is causing some trouble for him. On top of it all someone is sabotaging Will's ranch and the prime suspect is his neighbor, a sheik who wants his land.

OK...it's not all that original but the basic premise if done well would get 4 Stars, so I'll start there and deduct stars for some of the problems I have with this book.

★★★★ (4 Stars)

Too Much Information:
This book is saturated with details that don't help the story at all. Pages are spent describing her designer clothes, the floor of the stable, the shoes she wears, the food she eats, court procedures. The oath made by officers of the court was in the book in it's entirety. Do I really need to know all that?

★★★☆ (3.5 Stars)

Aimless:
This book starts off with an interesting idea...then for 150 pages it wanders off into the wilderness...well a small town in Kentucky. I kept thinking something was about to happen only to discover I was mistaken.
Finally I arrive at the end and WTF...nothing happened! It just ended without a resolution...seriously, I have to buy book two to find out if Chad and his cronies get their comeuppance

★★★ (3 Stars)

Loose Ends
Characters appear and disappear for no apparent reason. Mohtadi's parents show up, then leave. McKenna's competition for the ADA position is the mayer's loser son. Never see nor hear from him or the mayer. At the beginning she calls 911 to report the rape, we're never told what came of that. Mohtadi's bodyguard is made out to be something of a hard man...the sort of person who has a wood chipper and prize winning tomatoes. So he has access to Chad and what does he do...he sends him on his way. Later he apparently drives one of the senators involved in the gang rape home from a party. What happens? No idea. Presumably nothing.

★★☆ (2.5 Stars)

Bluegrass State of Mind is a debut and I can forgive a lot in a first effort. It could be a very good book but it needs a serious and merciless edit. I found it to be a bit of a grind but I imagine most authors look back on their first efforts and cringe.

Did I mention the ending?

★★

[Julie Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is an example of why people shouldn't get impatient and rush to publish their own books.

The writer and the story have potential, but...the problems really were unfortunate and would have been dealt with by a professional editor or perhaps the author herself if she set it aside for an extended period.

The problems: 1. Too many glaring grammar and spelling errors and 2. Contrived conflicts and resolutions that were too convenient.

Perhaps someone in a new relationship would be insecure enough to believe an ex-wife's claim, but Kenna didn't even call Will to chew him out or ask what the hell was going on? And no one who has known this man and his manipulative ex-wife for years doubts her claims, or even suggests that Kenna should speak to Will? Come on!! I wouldn't let my 5th grade students get away with that in their stories.

My suggestion to Kathleen Brooks is to keep writing, congratulations on completing entire books, but don't put something out there before it's really been through the mill. The superior final product will make it worth taking the time to deal with the weaknesses.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Bluegrass State of Mind Stars

I read this book back in 2014, and this town has stuck with me. So I had to do a re-read to see if I liked it as much as I remembered and I have to say I liked it even more.

McKenna is so down to earth, and I love that she is soo a city girl but she adapts to country life without a hickup.
She had to leave the city and is on the run as is her best friend Danielle they have seen somethings that put them in danger.

I loved the tension and the mystery of this book, keeps you hooked.
I am a Will fan who wouldn’t be he is just lush.

The whole community take McKenna in, not with open arms she does have to prove herself. But once she does the whole town becomes her friend. I can’t even tell you how great it is to read a book that is just a sweet all round romance.

I loved it and I can’t wait to continue the series <3

I forgot how much I love Eric G. Doves narration, he does voice so well, From men & women to old ladies!! I can’t tell you how great it is. You have to listen for yourself.

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*

[Anne OK · Rating 2 out of 5]

A storyline with potential BUT the robotic sentence structure throughout this book drove me over the wall. I just could not get comfortable with the style - or lack thereof.

"It is going well."

"I am sorry, I wish I could go with you right now."

"I am glad I ran into you."

The characters were well-crafted and I actually really liked them. There are two crimes to solve and you're kept wondering if they are related. There's an ex-wife who brings a whole new definition to the word "bitchy." It's one of those books that could have been so much more -- but sadly, just wasn't.

[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (posting 10/22)
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bluegrass-Stat...

Bluegrass State of Mind was pretty darn good.

The Gist: The law firm Kenna worked for was involved in some shady stuff and when she found out her life was in danger and she had to go on the run. Landing in a small town and trying to figure things out.

Kenna and Will are good people. Interesting, hardworking, caring. Funny and sweet. They'd knew each other as kids and all these years later there's still a connection. It was so fun watching them get to know each other again and how the whole town basically played chaperone and constantly cockblocked him. Gave me some good chuckles.

There's suspense but it's pretty easy to figure out but it was still fun watching them deal with random attacks on the farm and such.

I enjoyed getting to see the horse racing. It was fun and a little different. Seeing the makings of a champion race horse, seeing the Kentucky Derby behind the scenes and from both the eyes of those who go all the time and a newbie. It was quite fun!

The issues?

Editing. Brooks needs to find a new editor. Both books had a good bit of struggle in that department.

And while I liked seeing Kenna on her job as a lawyer I was bothered by the fact that both times women were brought up with charges of domestic violence they were given a slap on the hand and the judge/Kenna were like well he deserved it. No. I'm sorry. Yeah he may be a cheater but a wife then breaking both of the husband's arms and only getting 7 days of house arrest? Or one hitting her husband in the head with a frying pan and just having to take a class? Give me a break. That was not okay. If a husband broke his wife's arms for cheating no way he'd get that light of a response. So there's my rant.

Other than that, though, I really did have a good time with Bluegrass State of Mind. The town is so fun and makes you want to move right in and be a part of their crazy meddling fun. The characters were sweet and great together, the races so interesting. It was a good time and I'll read more.

[Tammy Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable break from some of the heavier stuff I have been reading. I love all that crazy, heavy reading but sometimes it's good to settle into light-hearted romance.

Kathleen Brooks' Bluegrass State of Mind was just the book I needed. It is full of endearing characters in a 'Mayberry' type small town who seem to embrace you as they embrace the main character, McKenna.

McKenna and her friend Danielle witness a crime perpetrated by McKenna's boyfriend and the law partners from her prestigious firm in New York. The group also contained a high-powered Senator and McKenna knew their only hope of survival was to split up and disappear.

McKenna ends up applying for the Assistant DA position in the small town of Keeneston hoping to use an old friend from her childhood as a way in.

The important things about this story are how it made me feel. I loved the town and it's citizens. I felt the author truly knew these people and they were not one-dimensional characters. The romance between McKenna and Will are secondary for me but still well written and important to the story. The added suspense of McKenna's past gave the over all plotline flavor.

I am not a huge Romance reader these days but I am thankful Kathleen Brooks asked for the review. I am happily adding the rest of the series to my TBR shelf and will continue to follow Ms. Brooks future works.
I recommend this book highly to all lovers of Romance and those that need to change it up from their typical reading preferences.

Here is the book summary: McKenna Mason, a New York City attorney with a love of all things Prada, is on the run from a group of powerful, dangerous men. McKenna turns to a teenage crush, Will Ashton, for help in starting a new life in beautiful horse country. She finds that Will is now a handsome, successful race horse farm owner. As the old flame is ignited, complications are aplenty in the form of a nasty ex-wife, an ex-boyfriend intent on killing her, and a feisty race horse who refuses to race without a kiss. Can Will and McKenna cross the finish line together, and more importantly, alive?

This is the first book in the Bluegrass Series by Kathleen Brooks. The second book, Risky Shot, is due out by the end of July. The third book, Dead Heat, is due out mid-Fall.

[Mo_Better · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was pretty much terrible. Incredibly boring and completely outlandish. A Sheik in Kentucky? Hanging with the locals? Um, no.

Apparently, Kenna is the Bella Swan of Kentucky because within 5 minutes of being in town all the men are in love with her and all the women want to be her friend. She is perfect in every way *massive eye roll*

There are just too many things going on in this book without anything really happening. At least 50% of the book could have been cut cause they were all these giant repetitive information dumps. Dump after dump. When she was dumping info on us she was having the heroine repeat everything that just happened, in minute detail, to every single person she comes across - even strangers.

All of her court cases were a snooze fest designed entirely to let us know how amazingly perfect at everything Kenna is. And the fact that these so called security experts and FBI agents couldn't figure what was happening was beyond stupid.

Will had zero personality. The whole Sheik thing was ridiculous. Chad was like a cartoon villain. Whitney was a joke and yet when she shows up at Kenna's office and tells her she's engaged to Will Kenna believes her. Cause yeah, everyone has told you what an evil shrew she is and what a great guy Will is but you believe whatever she tells you. For someone who's supposedly so smart Kenna is an idiot. Not to mention the guy says he hates her and wants nothing to do with her. I just don't understand why Will let her be around in the first place. A simple "leave, bitch" would've gone a long way.

Then of course the Sheik takes her out on girls night in a limo and her 'heartbroken' ass is having the time of her life. Then she shows up to court hungover and still rocks it, of course.

I skimmed so much of this book it's pretty sad. Thankfully it was free and I have no desire to read anything else by this author.

Note to author: more show, less tell (like a lot less tell). Also, invest in a better editor.

[Trashy Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

About halfway through this book I began to suspect that the Kentucky Tourism Board sponsored this book to counteract all the negative publicity from Justified. Apparently everything is wonderful in Kentucky! Come enjoy the Kentucky Derby and William Shatner and the lowest number of fathers with unpaid child support in the country! The book actually mentions these facts and not a bad thing is ever said about Kentucky. It's a paradise on earth full of attractive men who want to take care of helpless women!

The benevolent sexism all over this book made me sick. It's okay for men to remove your agency and treat you like a delicate flower so long as they mean well! But if they are jerks about it then they are the worst scum on earth.

I won't bother to go into detail about the cliched plot and lazy writing. I honestly don't have the energy as just thinking about it drains my will. I managed to get the book for free, but it still cost me several hours of my life to read. Frankly, that price was too high.

[Simply Love Book Reviews]

Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4 Stars

I’ll admit that I love free books, who doesn’t? Free books are a gamble, a lot of times you miss but sometimes you hit and boy did I hit with Bluegrass State of Mind by Kathleen Brooks. I enjoyed this one so much that I immediately went to Amazon and downloaded the next two and I’m so glad I did! These are three books you will want to read back to back because the stories are very connected and you’ll want to see how everything all works out.

McKenna (Kenna) Mason is a tough New York attorney. She witnessed a horrific crime perpetrated by her ex-boyfriend and her bosses and she’s fled the city. After laying low for a few weeks she find herself in Keeneston, Kentucky hoping to land a job as an assistant district attorney with the help of her childhood friend, Will Ashton.

Will Ashton is a former pro football player and currently running his family’s horse breeding farm. He has an ex-wife from hell and has been dealing with all sorts of vandalism and problems at the farm. When Kenna re-enters it, he decides like is looking up.

Let me state right off that these books are romance books at their finest, yes the hero/heroine have sex but it’s more implied than shown but the build up and heat are definitely there and it’s very gratifying to watch. I love that these books take place in Kentucky with horse breeding being big business and the Kentucky derby is always on everyone’s mind. I also love that this is a series that surrounds a small town filled with interesting and somewhat nutty characters that you just can’t help but fall in love with. I’m not going to say too much more; but the Rose sisters are beyond hilarious, John Wolfe is intriguing, Pam Gilbert is annoyingly perfect, and Henry Rooney is the smarmy comic relief. We won’t even get into Red, Noodle and Dinky….yes; it’s quite the strange little town.

Bluegrass State of Mind is an action packed romance filled with great characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish, Kenna and Will manage to carve out some time together. Kenna mediates between Will and his neighbor Sheik Mohtadi Ali Rahman (Mo) and she continues to try and convince her friend who helped her escape New York to come to Kentucky. In addition, someone from Kenna’s past arrives in town with plans to harm her and the FBI is on the case. There’s a lot going on in this book yet I never felt overwhelmed. In fact, I found myself enthralled with each and every story line. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action, suspense and of course some romance to boot!

[Missy Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here's another book I discovered on my Nook from most likely a free download. I was a bit daunted when I opened it to see over 600 pages listed but decided that would be okay if the story was good. While the story line was definitely intriguing there were quite a few things about the book that turned me off.
First, the typos. It's sad that I've gotten to the point of cringing every time I open a book and see it was published through Smashwords, but unfortunately there's a reason for that. Unnecessary typos such as calling a large book a 'tomb' rather than a 'tome' should have been caught by a decent line editor. Not to mention the instances of missing words or the wrong word being used, rendering a sentence almost unreadable.
Second, the length. As I said over 600 words isn't necessarily a bad thing if those words are used well. However, I'm not a girl who is into fashion or even gives a single damn about it. So many words were dedicated to what the characters (all of them!) were wearing that I started skipping sentences. Another whole paragraph I skipped was when the hero went into way too much detail about his football career. Maybe his heroine cared about the plays, etc. I didn't, and I am a football fan. However, I wanted to read a romance not a football story.
Third, the title. Now this one isn't really such a big deal but it still bothered me. Bluegrass to me means music and there was absolutely no focus on music in this story at all. Just a little misleading maybe.
Overall, its'a decent story line with memorable characters that I would love to read more about. However, with the cliffhanger ending in a book with so many issues I doubt I ever will. To be honest, I was kind of angry when I read the blurbs of the next two books to see I might have to read both for any kind of closure. I don't like being forced to read sequels.

[Levie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically Kenna was a Disney princess. She was the most beautiful, beloved, intelligent, accomplished, chocolate loving girl in town. And the amount of monologues/odes attesting to Kennas greatness were plentiful, for those of us who didn’t catch it the first time... or the second... or the third... or the forth... or the fifth... it’s really important to the story guys. More important than those silly little things like making sure the plot is semi consistent or that motivations or actions made any sense at all. Goooooood times.... not.

1.5

[Quenya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saved by the supporting characters.

Wow – I couldn’t have finished this book if all the characters had been like Kenna and Will. Kenna is apparently an undercover brilliant, beautiful genius because everyone bows down to kiss her ass. Will is about as dull as they come for a love interest and doesn’t take up much space in the book. And like other reviewers this book is a hot mess but I adored the supporting characters and quirky little town more than other folks.

The supporting characters totally saved this book from a 2-star review for me. I loved Mo, Paige and the Rose sisters. The author did a good job of creating a unique little community. I honestly am glad the other books are about other characters because it gives me hope for the series.

The story itself isn’t bad but Kenna is in a very difficult position and the author ties it up a little nicely while also giving us a cliffhanger. I’m not a big fan of cliffhangers because of the length of time I take between books in series.

The narrator was okay except I felt like some one was reading a book to me and not part of the story.

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this will be a more suspenseful read. It is not...
2,5 stars

[Ursula Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bluegrass State of Mind was available for a free Kindle ebook...so, I decided to try it out. I'm glad I did! There are two more in the series that I am more than willing to buy now that I've gotten a taste of Kathleen Brooks and her slightly off beat, endearing characters.
The beginning catches your attention with suspense but light-hearted situations soon follow. Brooks is able to successfully mix a touch of intrigue with humor and quirkiness. The ecclectic cast of characters are the driving force behind this story...There is the Rose sisters, the protectors of virtue...and an intricate part of the small town gossip vine. Mo, the sheik, destined to marry a woman his father picks for him if he can't find love on his own. Paige, the soon to become a best friend and confidant. The patrons of the local diner, the freaky ex-wife, the dangerous ex-boyfriend, the DA that is pressured to hire the 'new woman' in town, the judge, the deputies, the elite group of the Kentucky Derby and so, so many additional characters mixed in throughout.

Kenna finds herself in a situation that causes her and her best friend, Danielle, to have to run for their lives. Kenna runs to a small town she remembered from a long ago friend, Will. She manages to get a job in the town that readily accepts her and finds friends and confidants in people she never would have expected.
This is an entertaining and enjoyable read that leaves you wanting for more! I can't wait to read Danielle's and Paige's story and see how it all ends! Very well done Miss Brooks!

[Jules · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled over giving this book a 1 or 2. I decided to be generous with the 2. Several times, I was tempted to leave the story unfinished, but I'm odd that way. A book has to really stink for me not to finish it. This one almost made it.

First of all, where did the editor go? Surely this book didn't have one. It doesn't normally bother me to come across a few glaring mistakes, but this book was full of them. So distracting!

Secondly, there was way too much description and repeating of information the reader already knows. There were scenes that didn't seem to do much to advance the plot, either. I found myself skimming several pages in a row to get through useless over-description and repeated information.

Third on my list of complaints is the unlikeliness of many parts of the story. I don't want to throw out spoilers, so let me just say I hate it when smart characters don't act that way.

Kathleen Brooks must have done something right, though, because I liked the town and most of the characters. And I really would love to read about the story between Mo and Danielle. Oh, and to see our crime plot brought to a close. I just don't think I can bring myself to face all that skimming again, so I'll have to pass.

[Lyndi W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread this 4 years later and my opinions haven't changed. It's corny and long winded but still really enjoyable.

Original review:

Kindle freebie from Amazon.

Ok, where to start?

This book is no show and all tell. I'm going to quote a bit of dialogue for you that should be a pretty good example of the issue:

"Really? She broke you? I don't mind you telling her, as I figured the subject was going to come up. But, I was hoping I could seduce her before we got to serious conversation. But, my curiosity is piqued now. How did one little woman get you to talk about a confidential matter? After all, I know when you were a commander in the Elite Service, you were captured and tortured for three days before rescue, all the while, never revealing any classified information. So how on earth did Kenna get the information out of you?" Mo asked, truly confused.

What. The. Fuck.

First of all, nobody talks like that in real life. Second, that is a total Evil Gloating kind of monologue. Note: Mo is not evil, I'm just saying... that overshare of information is supposedly to be strictly limited to villains in Bond movies.

But that's how most of this book is. People spit out long paragraphs of information that, if heard in person, would result in boredom induced comas. Because nobody needs to know that much shit about somebody's 15 brothers in the middle of a story about somebody else. Seriously. I specifically refer to Paige and her many brothers - they all had backstory and the author told us every little bit of it. No point.

A lot of this information was interesting, but it should have been doled out better. Instead of huge dialogue-dumps... a little tidbit here from the local gossip, a short and sweet explanation from a friend, stuff like that, would have worked sooo much better. It felt very unrealistic and I ended up skimming over parts that I could see were just more infodumps. What made it weird was that all the infodumps were technically dialogue-dumps - always somebody telling Kenna. And they talked like a book would be written. Not very conversational. So yeah, weird.

BUT! I still really liked the story. The main story arc appears to span three books, but definitely two at least. So not everything is solved, but it's not really a cliffhanger. I could easily decide not to read the next book and still feel satisfied. But I'll obviously read the next book, because I want total satisfaction!

The story was good - the drama, suspense, romance, humor... it was all there in appropriate amounts. My only problem with the heroine was that she took the crazy-ex-wife's word as law instead of simply asking Will. The fact that she even considered the crazy bitch was telling the truth makes me doubt her intelligence, but whatever. Aside from that, I loved all the characters (except the bad guys, obviously)! I felt like I knew some of them personally. Kathleen Brooks did a great job of representing Southern Hospitality.

I spent most of my evening reading this, so I'd definitely say it was hard to put down. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

I would recommend this book, for sure. But I'd warn readers about the wordiness and encourage them to skim. (That actually doesn't sound like a positive recommendation, but whatever.)

[Radella · Rating 2 out of 5]

McKenna Mason is on the run from powerful people with even more powerful friends. Although it's been more than half a lifetime ago, she decides to seek out Will Ashton, someone she knew for a week when she was only 13. She finds him in a small town, that just so happens to be looking for an assistant DA, a position she is ready to jump into. While she is slow to trust Will, and there are plenty of misunderstandings (mostly centering on Will's ex-wife) she finds herself drawn into his life. Will is busy trying to protect his farm from some not-so-accidental accidents in the weeks before the Kentucky Derby.

This is a bit of a personal pet peeve, but I was completely annoyed with the portrayal of the "small southern town". Everyone knows everyone and is forever up in everyone's business (which is true to some extent) but everyone instantly takes to Kenna. From the mothering she receives from the geriatric Rose Sisters to her insta-best-friend, Paige, Kenna is the town belle from the moment she arrives. Dyed-in-the-wool southern small towns don't take well to strangers, especially those from the Yankee stronghold of New York. As a Yankee living in a small southern town, I have a hard time letting this sort of thing go, which really prevented me from getting more into the story.

I also felt the characters were typecast. Kenna's wardrobe gets more attention than anything else about her, which makes her seem shallow. Will's the all-around sexy hero (even if it seems like he's barely in the book) with perfect good looks, retired from a NFL career, and currently running a multimillion dollar horse farm that breeds Kentucky Derby winners.

And then there's all the coincidences. Kenna just happens to have a tenuous connection to the town that just so happens to be more than willing to take her in. She just happens to befriend Mo, a middle eastern Sheik, also living in town. Who just so happens to become such instantaneous friends with Kenna he is more than willing to offer his personal head of security (who just so happens to be renowned for his interrogation techniques)to protect her from the powerful people after her... after all, his people are more powerfully connected. And they fight for good. I could go on, with all the improbable coincidences that made me want to chuck the book in the fireplace... except that I was reading it on my Kindle.

[Tracy T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 star story. Great narration by Eric Dove! (audible whispersync review)
This story was just okay. It was missing a lot of elements, especially for a romance book. Particularly the romance, it was so forced and unbelievable. There was not connection, no chemistry, no depth, nothing. It was like they decided they love each other. There is no sexual tension or sex in this book. A couple of kisses and a little petting that is about it.

I also found that for someone "hiding/running" for her life sure didn't do a very good job at it, nor did her actions lead you to believe she was in much danger from some very powerful wealthy men. Really? You are an attorney and apply for, and get a job as District Attorney on a city in Kentucky that farms horses and sells them and races them in the Kentucky Derby? Not a smart move for a person scared for her life.

There are some fun elements and a lot of great dialogue. Despite the inconsistencies there are other elements and twists that were good and interesting. And what the bad guys did was very bad/

As for the narration, Eric Dove did a great job as usual. I really enjoy listening to him. He does a good job on the female voices as well as everyone else. His reading voice is very nice.

I did get this book free on amazon and the audible whispersync was a 1.99, So yes it was a worth the listen and well as a great deal.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, I like the story okay. But a few things are driving me nuts. First, The reason she left NYC was a little over the top for me.

Second-- More than that, though, is that the romance between the h/h feels so forced. They see each other for 5 minutes a few times and have one dinner together and all of a sudden it's serious?!?!? Please.

Third-- Mostly though, the writing drives me nuts. It's too formal to read. I feel like I can't relax with the characters. Plus she does one of my pet peeves, she info- dumps on us. A character starts speaking and "dumps" so much on us in one breath. It makes for an uncomfortable read. It doesn't feel natural. This author could really benefit from a good, not even great, editor.

I'm hoping it gets better-- I'll definitely finish it, but it's not an easy read. At least I like the characters though!!!! Well, when the heroine isn't acting like she's the best thing to happen to this town since sliced bread.

Um, and maybe the author could cool it with all the winking? It's annoying. And not cute. There are other ways to convey what she is trying to convey without the constant winking.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh and have you biting your fingernails anticipating what happens next, Bluegrass State of Mind is for you. Kathleen Brooks starts of the Bluegrass Series with a heartwarming tale of a good old boy town in Kentucky.

Kenna, a lawyer on the run for her life after seeing something she shouldn’t have comes into the small Kentucky town hoping to stay hidden and get the Assistant DA job. I love how the town rallies behind her and adopts her as one of their own.

Will, an ex-pro football player and horse breeder/rancher, is everything any woman could want. The perfect hero.

The “Fairy Godmothers of Kenneston Kentucky” literally had me laughing until I cried. They were hilarious and the perfect background characters for a book.

The story had me in suspense until the end. I can’t wait to read the next two in this series so I can figure out what happens. The author drew me into the book until I felt like I was friends with Will and Kenna too. I can’t wait to read Dani and Mo’s and then Paige and Cole’s books. I will definitely be grabbing them soon!

[Agnieszka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. This freebie was such a great recommendation for the author and for the entire Bluegrass series. I love it so much even the second time I've read it I was laughing so much as well as feeling the dreadful suspense even though I knew everything will be finally well.
The focus in this book is on the relationship of Kenna and Will but the entire community is introduced - at least the people you need to follow the story. And I must say I love the entire community especially the Rose sisters. I wish I had such 'fairy godmothers' in my life :-) Kenna's character development is wonderful and so smooth you don't even get a chance to follow the change and when you see the result you are amazed.
The pace is mostly very fast and the events don't let you put the book down a real page turner.
As soon as I finished the first book I started the next one - both times
:-)
Here is the Link to my German review: http://www.amazon.de/review/R1C9SK0M3...

[MB Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first in a series of 3 books. As a Kentucky girl, I loved this tale of life and love in a small central Kentucky town. McKenna is a strong, level-headed woman who despite facing the loss of her job, and threats to her life, decides to fight the institution that has wronged her. She flees New York City to a Southern town where her first love Will Ashton lives. In this small southern town, McKenna meets a group of people who adopt her as their own and help protect her and keep her safe. She reconnects with Will and despite misunderstandings and an overbearing ex-wife, romance between the two blossoms. This book is a must read, with enough action to keep you interested, and enough chemistry to keep you pulling for the young couple.

I loved this book and thought it was well written, interesting, and hard to put down. I bought the next two books in the series and found them just as interesting.

[Mel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Badly-written populist mind-drek. Seriously, how has she become a best seller on any list? The grammar and lack of editing was atrocious. (though I don't think her husband has a choice, but to do her editing). She obviously doesn't know the difference between was/were, showed/shown, farthest/furthest or the proper etiquette for introductions. She comes across as very trashy. It's incredibly challenging to believe a "lawyer" wrote this with her horrible writing. Does she speak like this? The way she speaks in this book certainly doesn't help Kentuckians to fight their backwater reputation. And what in the world is flick off? It's flip off. It's shown up, not showed up. Scraping the floor, not scrapping the floor. About the story. What story? The book is vapid. She kept dropping big name clothing ad nauseam. The main character behaved like a 12 year old with a crush. Oddly, the main character reminds me of the author so I did snicker when Whitley called her a "Squatty Little Tramp". However, the author behaves more like Whitney, but the description of Kenna is the author. None of the characters were fully fleshed out. All of the women behaved like empty headed ninnys who only gossiped and cared about, well, gossip. Oh, and named brand clothing. Oh okay, and men. When she mentions her first pair of boots she mentions Nine West which I had to laugh, because apparently that is a "big named brand" to Kentuckians. But then the author must have done some research, because she really broke out the big guns later in the book. I thought maybe I was reading about the Gotti's.
The events of the story are completely unbelievable. Everyone in the small town of KY is suddenly her best friend? Not likely. Kentuckians take years to warm up to strangers. If you're not from KY, (even when your family is), you're a stranger.
It was interesting to see how often the main character turned to food, junk food, and alcohol as a comforter.
I had read her books were pg-13. This book is easily a rated R and I would not recommend it even if it weren't.
The end of the book ends on a cliffhanger and the main character all but swoons. What happened to the tough lawyer she's supposed to be? Total drek, don't waste your time.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, let me say, who doesn't love a cowboy, especially if you're from Texas! And I am...born in Dallas, raised in California, but I say once a Texan...always a Texan.

I love the setting in Kentucky, a small town where McKenna and Danielle witness a crime. I must say that I wasn't expecting this to be a main part of this book. I've never been very politically inclined or savvy, so I was a little concerned when I read there is a senator in the plot. It appears that "politics" plays a part in so much in life, including work. I think I was only expecting cowboys, ranches or farms, and some hot loving. But I got much more than that.

I really liked all of the characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed the romance between McKenna and Will. I love love and romance.

[Gail Mitchell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not bring myself to finish this book.

[e_anne_b · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Who she ended up with was clearly not the correct choice. IMO. Why did the author write Will so blah? Not a fan. Also just blah storyline. Sorry not sorry