All But The Fall

Sun River Ranchers #1

by Kim Turner

She’s running from the past…He’s running to her… Stunt man Aaron Decker has his hands full raising his daughter, running his ranch and jumping horses for a living. The new job on the set of a western has its perks; it’s close to home and offers him a sizeable paycheck. But what he doesn’t expect is to fall hard for beautiful nurse consultant, Jenna Wilder.

Putting a violent marriage behind her, Jenna Wilder is raising her son, writing scripts, and has sworn off ever falling in love again. So why can’t she keep her mind off the soft-spoken stuntman? With Aaron, she dreams of a life she thought wasn’t possible.

But when Jenna’s past returns, Aaron must gain her trust to free her from the grips of her ex-husband’s vengeance. And no matter the risk, he will stop at nothing to protect the woman who holds his heart.

386 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2018

About the author

Kim Turner writes western historical and contemporary romance, and discovered her passion of writing at the age of eight. Kim graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and later completed her Master's Degree in Adult Education. Working as a registered nurse educator & Quality Analyst for over thirty seven years, she enjoys studying the medical treatments of the old west and keeping up with the latest western movies and television series. While she loves reading anything from highlanders to pirates, she claims to have an unquenchable thirst for the American cowboy when choosing her reads. Kim lives south of Atlanta with her husband and calls her greatest accomplishment the birth of one daughter and the adoption of another from China-neither of which came easy. Kim is a member of Georgia Romance Writers. Kim's motto: IT'S ALL ABOUT A COWBOY AND THE WOMAN HE LOVES.

Reviews

[Caitlyn Lynch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very much in two minds about how to review this book. On one hand, the premise - a cowboy stunt rider and a nurse on the set of an Old West TV series - was really unique, and some of the research was superbly done and obviously written from experience, like all the medical stuff and everything to do with the care and training of horses.

On the other hand, I don’t think the author has ever been on the set of a TV series, and definitely has no idea how hedged about with safety and regulations everything to do with stunts is. To begin with, there would be ASPCA representatives on site ensuring the animals’ safety and well-being. And no way would everything about how one stunt was to be done would be left entirely to the discretion of one stunt rider and his horse.

Some parts of the romance in this book were charming; I really liked all the main characters and Aaron and Jenna’s chemistry together was off the charts. Their respective children, Lily and Mason, were adorable, and we saw just enough of Aaron’s brothers to be intrigued about what might happen in their own stories as the series progresses.

On the other hand, what started off as a fairly standard romance, albeit with a unique premise, abruptly switched at around the halfway point of the book into a romantic suspense, and the sudden shift in tone was really jarring. It also strained my belief that the FBI were looking for Jenna’s ex, who was clearly stalking her… but they didn’t even suggest putting her into protective custody or putting agents on her as a protective detail? Instead, they just let Aaron and his brothers set up a gunfight and wander in afterwards to tidy up. I really, really didn’t buy it; the whole thing just seemed contrived to build up the showdown.

I received an ARC of this book for review, and noticed a lot of errors in the form of misplaced or missing punctuation. Generally, I assume these will be fixed in the final release version, but I always check the sample to be sure, and in this case they clearly hadn’t been fixed. On the second page, for example:

“The Bounty Hunter was predicated to do well and word had it. That it would be picked up by the networks for several seasons.”

Why is there a sentence break in the middle there? This should have been picked up by a basic proofread, and there are similar punctuation errors on almost every page.

I reserve one star reviews for absolute trash fire books filled with misogyny, racism and the like, but there is no way I can give this more than two. I certainly expect a book from a reputable small publisher like Wild Rose Press to have better quality editing than this.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.

[Sherrie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love...love...love this story. Once again, Kim meets my expectations and her cowboys are the best! Great writing and looking forward to more from her.

[Judy Esposito · Rating 5 out of 5]

All But the Fall (Sun River Ranchers Book 1)

I loved this first book in this new series by Kim Turner. A well written story with a wonderful storyline, strong characters I enjoyed getting to know and two adorable little children, kept me entertained each evening before bed time. Lots of twists and turns with this steamy romance and a little suspense as our couple works towards a HEA. This one I'll read again. Looking forward to book 2. JudyE

[Scherry at The Novel Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book still involves Cowboys, this contemporary romance is new for author Kim Turner, who generally writes historic western romance novels. But I must say that she nailed this new genre! I loved it and I'm looking for more in this series!

That being said, there were several editing problems (very uncharacteristic with her other novels) and I'm hoping the publisher can do something about that. I won't take away stars for that because sometimes things like that just happen. As for the story, the fantastic characters, and the heart-racing plot, I give a big thumbs up to Kim Turner. She goes well beyond a typical romance novel by adding suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And the research regarding the nursing and medical field as well as the research regarding the care of horses was right on target.

The main characters, Jenna and Aaron, had a chemistry that could not be denied and they were the perfect match for helping each other with trust issues and a devotion to each other that really warmed my heart. But now I want more about the other brothers, Jeremiah and Gabe, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that this author will give us at least two more books in this series.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved All But The Fall! Kim Turner has again created an amazing story full of characters that I've thought about since I finished reading! The story drew me in as I met stuntman Aaron and his daughter Lily, and nurse Jenna and her son Mason. Jenna is the nurse on the television set of a new Western and Aaron, along with his brothers, is the horse expert and stunt double for the star of the show. The story sweeps Jenna and Aaron through beautiful Colorado vistas and into their hearts, dreams, and steamy desires!

I'm looking forward to more books in the Sun River Ranchers Series!!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything I look for in a great reading experience. Creative storytelling, charismatic characters and a large extended loving family with multiple siblings that the author can feature in upcoming books. I loved the small town ranch atmosphere and the love-at-first-sight connection between Aaron and Jenna and the cherry on the sundae comes in the form of two adorable children that will melt your heart throughout this larger-than-life hold-your-breath drama. I find the most joy in reading when I know there are plenty of other things I should be doing but I just can’t tear myself away from an awesome book like this one. I read an early copy of this book from The Wild Rose Press through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

[Jane Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim Turner creates a world where the characters come to life and grab your heart not letting go until the end. The book leaves you hoping there will be another to continue the saga of the characters and their town.
This wonderful story has all of my favorite things, cowboys, tough and rowdy men, a strong hero and heroine and suspense.
All But The Fall is a book that when you aren’t reading it, you are wondering what the characters are up to and you have to get back to the story as soon as possible.
I’ve read every book written by Kim Turner and I always look forward to her next wonderful book adventure.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was really good. I’m not much of a cowboy romance person (though I’ve admittedly been going through a streak lately) but I’ll read anything that Kim Turner has put out. The story of Jenna trying to create a new life for her and her son and Aaron just trying to achieve his dreams and be a good father is something we can all relate to. Their romance is one that’s relatable and exciting. And the story isn’t without its drama and mystery. And, yes, there are a few typos in the final but it happens. Those didn’t take away from the story at all. There were no consistency issues and the storyline was on point. I can’t wait to read more from this new series.

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Montana, This is a story about family, love, and friendship, plagued by a brutal past. Love story, suspense, and adventure all wrapped into one made this a great book.

[Nicole McCaffrey]

Cannot wait for more of this series. This was a page turner!

[Hillary Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was great but the narrator was ok

[Emily Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story! However, the narrators voice was the best! So calming

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron Decker is a stuntman on a new TV series filming near his home in Wyoming. Jenna Wilder has taken the job as nurse on set along with historical medical adviser. He's leary of set romances. She's leary of getting involved again. Will their pasts keep them apart? Can he keep her safe from danger. Will she be able to resist the stuntman? Or will it be All But the Fall into love.

A suspenseful story of two people don't want to fall in love because of their pasts, but can't resist the pull between them. A incorrigible little girl who repeats come hysterical comments. Secrets that lead to danger, sabotage and an ex-husband wanting revenge. Aaron Decker is determined to keep the woman he's falling in love with safe. She doesn't want to put his family in danger but can't seems to forget about the rancher/stuntman who's captured her heart. They teach each other that it's All But the Fall, when being in love with each other.

Kim Turner's All But the Fall is her first modern romance. She drew from her own experience wanting to be a writing making the female lead a nurse like she is. I listened to it in audio form and Dawson McBride as always did a wonderful job. There was humor, suspense and surprises. If you get the chance check out her two historical books and upcoming book in the McCades of Cheyenne series. I can't wait for the next in the Sun River Ranchers books and getting to know the rest of the Decker men and their friends better.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim Turner can't only write Western historical romance, she captivates you with this contemporary romantic suspense! Add single dad and hints of western ranch life into this story, and it's the perfect genre for me! Aaron Decker is a stuntman for a TV show. Jenna is the nurse on the set. And from there we have our story. Hot chemistry, both single parents, a ranch to run, a dangerous ex to run from, it's not only entertaining, but the story is complex and realistic. I love books like this. The well developed plot pulls you in and lets you live the story with the characters. Jenna is an incredibly strong woman, willing to do anything to protect her son and her heart. Aaron is so loving and gallant, she can't help but fall for him. But is their love enough? Is danger ever present? Will Jenna have to run again? This book had me on the edge, and just when I thought it was going to break, another twist comes in. Loved every minute of this story and am waiting to hear the next in the series.

I can't say enough good things about Dawson McBride. This man has a voice that has a little rasp, but is still smooth as melted chocolate. And with that, he can do believable female voices! He is perfect in this narration and I enjoyed it immensely.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to the second book in the series (Gabe or Jeremiah?). In addition, I always like finding a new author to add to my “watch for” list. The story is about stunt man and rancher Aaron Decker, his five-year old daughter Lily and his brothers. The three brothers work together on the ranch and Aaron takes side jobs as a stunt man on movie and television shows. While working on the latest “Bounty Hunter” episode, he meets Jenna Wilder and her son Mason. Jenna, now divorced, is working as a nurse consultant on the show. Aaron learns that Jenna is running from her abusive ex, a powerful man who almost killed her and would stop at nothing if he knew about his son, Mason. Aaron and Jenna begin to fall in love, but Jenna knows that at any moment she may need to take Mason and run. As several suspicious incidents occur, Aaron convinces her that she needs to stay and fight. A thrilling romance as the entire family and friends will take on the evil man who has threatened Jenna and her son. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I have to say it won't be my last the writing flowed well there was enough drama and suspense to keep me enthralled and the Decker family was the kind of family we all want to be part of

The story centres around Aaron Decker and Jenna Wilder. Aaron is a single father to Lilly who works the family ranch with his two brothers Gabe and Jeremiah They supplement their income by working on a tv show "Bounty Hunter". There he meets Jenna who is the nurse consultant for the same show she is a single mother to a son Mason. The attraction between them is instant but Jenna won't allow her self to get too close after all she may need to run at a moments notice as her ex who almost killed her is still after her and he would never stop if he found out she bore him a son. Whe her past finally catches up it will take Aaron and his family and friends to convince her to stop running and to keep her and her son safe. Will they finally get a hEA you will need to read to see.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, this is another great story from Kim Turner!
Her stories are always so exciting to read as they are so full of drama, intrigue and mystery. Not only do they take you deep into her characters minds and personalities, making them seem almost real and totally believable, she give you a warm genuine sense of love and understanding of the emotions that she puts her characters through. Jenna and Aaron's story is such a wonderfully romantic tale that focuses on learning to trust again and let someone in and be there for you after being treated so badly before.
The writing and storytelling of this book is so good that I guarantee that you will find yourself get utterly lost in the story, it's one I won't forget for a long time for sure. It absolutely warmed my heart and made me swoon so much for Aaron as he is such a hottie.
Great story from a very talented author!

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

All But the Fall is my first read from Kim Turner and I can’t wait for book two! This was a wonderful. Aaron and Jenna are perfectly matched, though they are reluctant to believe so in the early stages of their relationship. The storyline is easy to follow, and the plot and world building is well done. I liked the support cast (some of which will obviously feature in coming books) and who wouldn’t want to live with such beautiful surroundings. I highly recommend this first of what will surely be a fabulous series.

[Linda Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not how you fall but how you land

Jenna survived the near fatal beating by her husband then divorced and fled with the aid of her father in law hoping to never see him again. She's now a ER nurse and just got a job as a nurse and consultant on a TV series, The Bounty Hunter. This story is about her pain and fear and how Aaron the stuntman not only makes her believe she can live again but also love again. This story is packed with, romance, action and suspense. I loved the characters and I've picked my favorites for book two.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Turner is a new to me author...I’m hooked! Her story perfectly balanced romance with suspense, with the lead into the most suspenseful parts whetting the appetite in the attention grabbing style of a gifted writer. As the flow of suspense built, the twists and turn of events were executed seamlessly keeping me riveted to the edge of my seat...there were revelations when least expected along the way that kept the momentum flowing, and me off balanced. The characters had depth, their stories were profound and deeply touching...an emotional investment quickly developed, driving the need to see how they would reach their HEA.

The best type of story is where the reader does not know where the writer is headed, the element of surprise unforeseen, of which this author has perfected. I’m hoping that there will be more stories to come, with Gabe and Jeremiah each getting their own story.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Tabitha Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get ready for a wild ride. Kim Turner's All But the Fall will take you to the edge of suspense and back again. As romance blooms between Jenna and Aaron, you will find yourself falling in love with each and every character. The concept of a nurse working on a film set falling for the stuntman is a new concept that I found intriguing. The characters were well-developed and realistic. I did find myself a bit frustrated with Jenna's character when it came time for the crisis. I understand why it was written the way it was, but it made her character weaker than I would have liked. She ended up redeeming herself in the end, but for those few chapters, I was miffed at her decisions.
From the medical aspect of the novel, Turner's descriptions and terminology were incredibly on point, leading me to believe there was either an exorbitant amount of research done or the author has worked as a nurse before. I enjoyed the amount of fear that both Aaron and Jenna expressed during their individual traumas. It felt real and genuine.
The settings are described well enough that you can feel the chill in the air and see every moment of the stunts Aaron performs.
The biggest issue I had, and this is a completely personal one, is the fact that the family prayed over their meals and then proceeded to use curse words, drink alcohol, and engage in sexual activities while unmarried. For some people, this is not a problem. But it is for me. I am not detracting anything from my review for this since it is a personal opinion of mine, and I understand that a large part of the population engages in these same routines.
All in all, All But the Fall was a very good book. I loved the protective nature of Aaron and his brothers. The conversations between Gabe and Aaron made me think of my own brother. Gabe is so suspicious, and I hope he gets his own book so we can learn more about his past. The fact that Aaron wants to make a home for foster boys because of his past was endearing and applaudable. Sarah and Amos are heroes in my eyes. They took in three troubled boys and gave them a home where they were able to thrive. The actions of Turner's characters are inspirational.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Mari's Struggle is Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron and his brothers all work together on their ranch. Aaron has a daughter named Lily, and he is also a stunt man on movies and shows. While working as a stunt man he meets Jenna who also works for the show as a nurse consultant. Jenna also has a son named Mason and she escaped an abusive ex who hurt her very much. Jenna and Aaron start to fall in love but Jenna is still on the run and if her ex finds her she will have to pick up and go. Aaron starts to crack her walls and gets her to stay and fight instead of running. Great read and I can’t wait to read more.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.