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Cedar Tree #6
Like Arrows
An assignment has just turned interesting for GFI investigator Malachi Whitetail. When a shy, mousy woman walks into his local diner, it takes him a minute to recognize her as an employee of the real estate office he’s been monitoring. Not a believer in coincidence, Mal decides a closer look at the short brunette might be warranted. It will be the first, but certainly not the last time, he finds himself coming to her rescue.
Kimeo Lowe leads a pretty quiet existence, which is why, when she ends up a witness to a crime, her curiosity into her boss’s suspected shady dealings gets kicked into high gear. She may not be the most sociable of people, but she’s always been independent and industrious, so when an opportunity to dig a little deeper arises, she doesn’t think twice. It would seem that this time she’s bitten off a bit more than she can chew, and when a freakishly tall Native American Adonis intervenes not just once, she decides sleuthing may be best left to professionals. But it’s a bit too late.
Just when life has settled into a comfortable routine, Kim finds herself dealing with not just one, but two threats on her life. With every turn there are new challenges to face, and Mal is not about to let her face them alone. Not even when he turns out to be no match for her most dangerous enemy.
Kimeo Lowe leads a pretty quiet existence, which is why, when she ends up a witness to a crime, her curiosity into her boss’s suspected shady dealings gets kicked into high gear. She may not be the most sociable of people, but she’s always been independent and industrious, so when an opportunity to dig a little deeper arises, she doesn’t think twice. It would seem that this time she’s bitten off a bit more than she can chew, and when a freakishly tall Native American Adonis intervenes not just once, she decides sleuthing may be best left to professionals. But it’s a bit too late.
Just when life has settled into a comfortable routine, Kim finds herself dealing with not just one, but two threats on her life. With every turn there are new challenges to face, and Mal is not about to let her face them alone. Not even when he turns out to be no match for her most dangerous enemy.
Unknown Binding
First published December 17, 2015
144 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Freya Barker
85 books1,908 followersUSA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 9, 2015
Absolutely LOVED this book! Can be read as a stand-alone. I would recommend it to any KA fans out there. Freya has a similar type story-telling style in that she tells detailed stories involving friends, food, and love! Such a warm and fuzzy feeling after reading this beautiful book!
Mal and Kim are going down as one of my all-time fave couples! Perfect blend of heart-string pulling romance and sexy steam! ;)
Mal and Kim are going down as one of my all-time fave couples! Perfect blend of heart-string pulling romance and sexy steam! ;)
April 27, 2018
3.5 stars
I liked this one - a nice romantic suspense. The h has some serious body and food issues. The betrayal by her ex and bff was traumatic - even I flinched when h caught them in the act. While the H and h are instantly attracted to each other, the relationship is somewhat slow to build. I got a very minor KA-vibe with the H, the circle of co-workers/friends, the possessiveness, etc. It does have an epilogue that made me happy.
Why not 4 or rounded stars? The story is developed and the characters are fleshed out - there are some typos and minor editing issues - that were noticeable to me. Overall - an enjoyable read though.
I liked this one - a nice romantic suspense. The h has some serious body and food issues. The betrayal by her ex and bff was traumatic - even I flinched when h caught them in the act. While the H and h are instantly attracted to each other, the relationship is somewhat slow to build. I got a very minor KA-vibe with the H, the circle of co-workers/friends, the possessiveness, etc. It does have an epilogue that made me happy.
Why not 4 or rounded stars? The story is developed and the characters are fleshed out - there are some typos and minor editing issues - that were noticeable to me. Overall - an enjoyable read though.
April 19, 2020
I've been uber picky recently about my books. This series is awesome. The stories are great. The writing is very good. The books are LONG so there is no rushing through the story. The narration is spot on. I thought I wasn’t a fan of Tanya Eby but she killed it reading these books. Noel Harrison also did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. Did I have a favorite book in the series… nope, they were all great.
The last two book in this series were off the charts good. The plot deviated from the usual twists and turns to give the subject matter and plot full time to mature. With several topics being woven in and out of the book, it worked very well. Really I could just re read this whole series while I have it checked out of the library. Ms. Barker is a FAAB (Fav Author Auto Buy) for me. Enjoy ~
The last two book in this series were off the charts good. The plot deviated from the usual twists and turns to give the subject matter and plot full time to mature. With several topics being woven in and out of the book, it worked very well. Really I could just re read this whole series while I have it checked out of the library. Ms. Barker is a FAAB (Fav Author Auto Buy) for me. Enjoy ~
December 1, 2019
So, my first piece of advice when it comes to reading the Cedar Tree Series...buy all the books at once. They are so good you will just want to keep reading. Welcome to Mal and Kim's story. Freya never lets me down. Kim is feisty, fierce, but not what society thinks is "beautiful". An investigation has brought her "dark horse" into her life. Yuppers Mal is strong, protective, kind...and a little controlling. This is such a great read. Also, bonus....we get to encounter the rest of the Cedar Tree family.
January 8, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
“I’m reminded of something my ana sani used to say. Something about words being like arrows and once you let them find their mark, their power may come back to haunt you.”
“He stands by my feet, looking at me like a starving man and I’m the last slice of bread in the basket.”
You think you can tell from the outside what a person represents? What their life is like? You think you know by just one look? Well feast your eyes as my fat ugly ass walks away with my amazing boyfriend. And in case you were wondering? He’s hung like a stallion and knows how to use it.”
“You know, we grow up learning that women are the complicated gender, when really it’s the men. They have this whole tough outer layer that they hold up in display, but it’s only there to hide the same fears, insecurities and struggles inside. Don’t get me wrong – they have a very different way of looking at the world at times and seem to be able to compartmentalize things better, but when it comes down to it they are as emotionally fragile as we are.”
“Whatever happens, if this moment, right here, is all we’ll have, it’s still the happiest I’ve had.”
My Review:
Like Arrows taps into and explores several interesting, current, and highly relevant issues for women – including but not limited to chronic and hidden illnesses, distorted body image, food issues, dieting, dysfunctional families, familial resentments, infidelity, mixed-culture relationships, and plus size bias. There were lots of feels along with Ms. Barker’s trademark quirky characters and witty banter. Both main characters were sensitive and complicated individuals with scarred souls, and despite each having lived a lifetime of personal pain, succeeded in bringing out the best in each other for an all-out rescue. I found this a more angsty story than some of her previous books, due to the heavy issues addressed, but still an enjoyable read with hits of sensuality and humor interspersed. I adore this series and the continuing story of her feisty and over 40 characters, with each book also able to stand alone is just perfection.
“I’m reminded of something my ana sani used to say. Something about words being like arrows and once you let them find their mark, their power may come back to haunt you.”
“He stands by my feet, looking at me like a starving man and I’m the last slice of bread in the basket.”
You think you can tell from the outside what a person represents? What their life is like? You think you know by just one look? Well feast your eyes as my fat ugly ass walks away with my amazing boyfriend. And in case you were wondering? He’s hung like a stallion and knows how to use it.”
“You know, we grow up learning that women are the complicated gender, when really it’s the men. They have this whole tough outer layer that they hold up in display, but it’s only there to hide the same fears, insecurities and struggles inside. Don’t get me wrong – they have a very different way of looking at the world at times and seem to be able to compartmentalize things better, but when it comes down to it they are as emotionally fragile as we are.”
“Whatever happens, if this moment, right here, is all we’ll have, it’s still the happiest I’ve had.”
My Review:
Like Arrows taps into and explores several interesting, current, and highly relevant issues for women – including but not limited to chronic and hidden illnesses, distorted body image, food issues, dieting, dysfunctional families, familial resentments, infidelity, mixed-culture relationships, and plus size bias. There were lots of feels along with Ms. Barker’s trademark quirky characters and witty banter. Both main characters were sensitive and complicated individuals with scarred souls, and despite each having lived a lifetime of personal pain, succeeded in bringing out the best in each other for an all-out rescue. I found this a more angsty story than some of her previous books, due to the heavy issues addressed, but still an enjoyable read with hits of sensuality and humor interspersed. I adore this series and the continuing story of her feisty and over 40 characters, with each book also able to stand alone is just perfection.
November 27, 2015
I have read all of Freya Barker's books in the Cedar Tree series and Like Arrows was freaking amazing. The story was fast passed and easy to read. I Was hooked from the first page to the last.
I always find her characters to be intriguing and special. Kimeo is very relatable. She represented so many women who are made to feel bad about their bodies. She did not fit what was and is considered the norm. She was conditioned to feel bad about her size and what she ate. This broke my heart. The ones who should have loved and nurtured her put her down. They judged her by their standards. Kimeo is stronger and they never broke her spirit.
Malachi is sexy, hot and working on correcting his past mistakes. We see his strength and his confusion on his feelings about Kimeo. She was supposed to be just part of the job. No strings. The laugh was on him. He felt deep and that scared him into saying and doing things that hurt her. Through everything I saw and felt the attraction between them.
I love how that grew and we get to see something beautiful develop.
I was so happy to see the friendship between Kim and Emma. Kim needed this friendship and the friendship of all the couple's in this series.
Freya Barker gave us a wonderful story with drama and suspense. I was not disappointed and it was a great addition to the series.
I always find her characters to be intriguing and special. Kimeo is very relatable. She represented so many women who are made to feel bad about their bodies. She did not fit what was and is considered the norm. She was conditioned to feel bad about her size and what she ate. This broke my heart. The ones who should have loved and nurtured her put her down. They judged her by their standards. Kimeo is stronger and they never broke her spirit.
Malachi is sexy, hot and working on correcting his past mistakes. We see his strength and his confusion on his feelings about Kimeo. She was supposed to be just part of the job. No strings. The laugh was on him. He felt deep and that scared him into saying and doing things that hurt her. Through everything I saw and felt the attraction between them.
I love how that grew and we get to see something beautiful develop.
I was so happy to see the friendship between Kim and Emma. Kim needed this friendship and the friendship of all the couple's in this series.
Freya Barker gave us a wonderful story with drama and suspense. I was not disappointed and it was a great addition to the series.
March 16, 2020
I'm in the minority here
Safe, he was a manwhore, liked them stacked, everyone surprised to see him with the h. The h was celibate for twelve years. This story seemed more about her and her body image and being plus sized and everything else was second. I didn't like the H much. He called her fat twice and his apology was lame. He was a pushy jerk towards her, embarrassed her in a restaurant. I hate when his friends have to say to her, he really is a good guy and deserves a chance. If she wants to keep her medical situation a secret she can, he had not earned a right yet. Too many things bothered me and I just couldn't like him. Some ow drama. He also leaves her when she needed him most.
Safe, he was a manwhore, liked them stacked, everyone surprised to see him with the h. The h was celibate for twelve years. This story seemed more about her and her body image and being plus sized and everything else was second. I didn't like the H much. He called her fat twice and his apology was lame. He was a pushy jerk towards her, embarrassed her in a restaurant. I hate when his friends have to say to her, he really is a good guy and deserves a chance. If she wants to keep her medical situation a secret she can, he had not earned a right yet. Too many things bothered me and I just couldn't like him. Some ow drama. He also leaves her when she needed him most.
February 2, 2018
KA wannabe that just got tedious
December 17, 2015
"Thoughts are like arrows: once released, they strike their mark. Guard them well or one day you may be your own victim." - Navajo
Oh if only more people in this world gave a moment's thought to that statement, what a better place it would be! That quote is an apt and wonderful opening statement for this book and rings true from beginning to end.
I have made no secret of my love for Malachi Whitetail since he was first introduced to us earlier in the series, and I was so excited to get my grubby little paws on his story! Like Arrows is everything I could have possibly hoped for and I loved every minute of it. When Mal was introduced in Against Me, my direct quote about him was "give me a damaged, brooding bad boy and I am definitely interested- throw in stunning Native American looks, a sense of humor, honor, and a hint of vulnerability, and I am a goner!" All of that holds true in Like Arrows and I found even more reason to love him.
Mal has a rough past and although he has put the worst of it behind him, he still feels as though he doesn't deserve many of the good things in life as his penance for the poor decisions he made previously. He has a difficult time trusting, but slowly with the help of his brother Caleb and his pseudo-family in the GFI crew, he has been opening up a bit more. The birth of his nephew Mattias was a turning point for him, and the toddler's unconditional love for his "Unca" is clearly returned.
Kimeo's life has been no walk in the park either. A lifetime of verbal abuse from many people that she cared about has led to trust and self image issues including a severe aversion to eating in public. She may try to be invisible and blend into the background, but she still has a spirited inner fire that comes out especially when Mal gets her riled up- which he has a spectacular talent for I might add. His inner caveman makes him act like an ass on several occasions early on, and I would definitely would have kicked him in the nuts for his comments had I been in her place. Kim had no problem getting in his face about it despite a sizable height difference, and that just served to intrigue him more. She has an unexpected inner strength, and it is a trait that she will need to draw on more than she realizes as life continues to kick her in the teeth every time she is starting to feel like she is starting to see happiness in her future. It isn't bad enough that danger stalks her due to her employer's poor decisions, but then she is faced with another challenge that makes a killer on the loose gunning for her pale in comparison. In the midst of that, Ms. Barker skillfully tied Mal's past to his present in different and sometimes unexpected ways.
Mal senses the depth of the trauma inflicted on her by her "loving" mother and sister even before she tells him the whole story and works tirelessly to change how she views herself, but making Kim see herself through his eyes is a long uphill battle after so many years of being cruelly demeaned. Her family completely disregarded the possibility that a medical condition could be responsible for her weight, and instead they instilled a fear of eating in her while constantly berating her about being lazy and fat. Emma turns out to be a wonderful friend and a voice of reason for Kim, ultimately helping her see her own self worth. As a large and curvy girl myself, her history definitely resonated with me in a way that the slim folk of the world may not fully understand.
Like Arrows is a story of redemption and hope winning out in the face of fear with the love and support of good people for both Mal and Kim. For every humiliating or gut-wrenching moment, there was an equal one of love or humor to offset it. Mal claims he is not a romantic, but some of his words and actions had me just melting into a big pile of mush right alongside Kim. Her dog Boo was a wonderful character all his own as a goofy, furry pile of love in the form of a Great Dane that looks like a cow and who is her only source of love and comfort at the start of this story aside from one friend she dared to allow to get close. As she became more comfortable with the Cedar Tree family, I loved her backbone that emerged and the way she handled various confrontations to find closure or battled to disregard the opinions of others.
If you have not read any of the Cedar Tree books yet, I urge you to start with Like Arrows. It can be read as a standalone and it is hands down my favorite of the series to date.
Oh if only more people in this world gave a moment's thought to that statement, what a better place it would be! That quote is an apt and wonderful opening statement for this book and rings true from beginning to end.
I have made no secret of my love for Malachi Whitetail since he was first introduced to us earlier in the series, and I was so excited to get my grubby little paws on his story! Like Arrows is everything I could have possibly hoped for and I loved every minute of it. When Mal was introduced in Against Me, my direct quote about him was "give me a damaged, brooding bad boy and I am definitely interested- throw in stunning Native American looks, a sense of humor, honor, and a hint of vulnerability, and I am a goner!" All of that holds true in Like Arrows and I found even more reason to love him.
Mal has a rough past and although he has put the worst of it behind him, he still feels as though he doesn't deserve many of the good things in life as his penance for the poor decisions he made previously. He has a difficult time trusting, but slowly with the help of his brother Caleb and his pseudo-family in the GFI crew, he has been opening up a bit more. The birth of his nephew Mattias was a turning point for him, and the toddler's unconditional love for his "Unca" is clearly returned.
Kimeo's life has been no walk in the park either. A lifetime of verbal abuse from many people that she cared about has led to trust and self image issues including a severe aversion to eating in public. She may try to be invisible and blend into the background, but she still has a spirited inner fire that comes out especially when Mal gets her riled up- which he has a spectacular talent for I might add. His inner caveman makes him act like an ass on several occasions early on, and I would definitely would have kicked him in the nuts for his comments had I been in her place. Kim had no problem getting in his face about it despite a sizable height difference, and that just served to intrigue him more. She has an unexpected inner strength, and it is a trait that she will need to draw on more than she realizes as life continues to kick her in the teeth every time she is starting to feel like she is starting to see happiness in her future. It isn't bad enough that danger stalks her due to her employer's poor decisions, but then she is faced with another challenge that makes a killer on the loose gunning for her pale in comparison. In the midst of that, Ms. Barker skillfully tied Mal's past to his present in different and sometimes unexpected ways.
Mal senses the depth of the trauma inflicted on her by her "loving" mother and sister even before she tells him the whole story and works tirelessly to change how she views herself, but making Kim see herself through his eyes is a long uphill battle after so many years of being cruelly demeaned. Her family completely disregarded the possibility that a medical condition could be responsible for her weight, and instead they instilled a fear of eating in her while constantly berating her about being lazy and fat. Emma turns out to be a wonderful friend and a voice of reason for Kim, ultimately helping her see her own self worth. As a large and curvy girl myself, her history definitely resonated with me in a way that the slim folk of the world may not fully understand.
Like Arrows is a story of redemption and hope winning out in the face of fear with the love and support of good people for both Mal and Kim. For every humiliating or gut-wrenching moment, there was an equal one of love or humor to offset it. Mal claims he is not a romantic, but some of his words and actions had me just melting into a big pile of mush right alongside Kim. Her dog Boo was a wonderful character all his own as a goofy, furry pile of love in the form of a Great Dane that looks like a cow and who is her only source of love and comfort at the start of this story aside from one friend she dared to allow to get close. As she became more comfortable with the Cedar Tree family, I loved her backbone that emerged and the way she handled various confrontations to find closure or battled to disregard the opinions of others.
If you have not read any of the Cedar Tree books yet, I urge you to start with Like Arrows. It can be read as a standalone and it is hands down my favorite of the series to date.
November 22, 2015
Kimeo Lowe leads a pretty quiet existence, which is why, when she ends up a witness to a crime, her curiosity into her boss’s suspected shady dealings gets kicked into high gear. She may not be the most sociable of people, but she’s always been independent and industrious, so when an opportunity to dig a little deeper arises, she doesn’t think twice. It would seem that this time she’s bitten off a bit more than she can chew, and when a freakishly tall Native American Adonis intervenes not just once, she decides sleuthing may be best left to professionals. But it’s a bit too late. Just when life has settled into a comfortable routine, Kim finds herself dealing with not just one, but two threats on her life. With every turn there are new challenges to face, and Mal is not about to let her face them alone. Not even when he turns out to be no match for her most dangerous enemy.
Freya has done it once again. I have falling for Mal. Loved him and Kimeo. I couldn't put it down. This is why I love Cedar Tree. If anyone deserved to have some one to love her it would be Mal. I broke my heart to see what happened to her. But once you get the ladies of Cedar tree involved you might want to stand back and let them protect their family Thanks Freya!
Freya has done it once again. I have falling for Mal. Loved him and Kimeo. I couldn't put it down. This is why I love Cedar Tree. If anyone deserved to have some one to love her it would be Mal. I broke my heart to see what happened to her. But once you get the ladies of Cedar tree involved you might want to stand back and let them protect their family Thanks Freya!
December 9, 2015
4.5 'KA feels' STARS!!!!!
It's been a bit since I think I've been this surprised from a book. And I love it!!!
I want me a Mal ❤️
That HAIR tho **sigh**
It's been a bit since I think I've been this surprised from a book. And I love it!!!
I want me a Mal ❤️
That HAIR tho **sigh**
February 1, 2021
Another great book in the series! Malachi is a bit of a jerk in the beginning but he also has a chip on his shoulder from past regrets. I liked the man he became when he fell for Kim. Poor Kim. This girl has been put through a lot. Her whole life seemed to be defined by her weight, no thanks to her family and friends treatment of her. I liked seeing both of these two being each other more joy and confidence into each others lies. The gang was all there again, and we got another great suspenseful storyline.
December 17, 2015
Reviewing on behalf of Triple B's Book Blog.
Like Arrows is the sixth book in The Cedar Tree series by Freya Barker although each book can be read as a standalone.
Yet again this lady has written a book about two characters that right from the get go draw you into their story, has you wanting to keep turning the pages and cussing when you get interupted!!
Where to start..........
I know let's start with the completely panty melting Malachi Whitetail!
My, my, my, he is one hot, freakin' tall Native American who is working hard to make up for a not so stellar past.
The case he's working on sees him crossing paths with Kimeo Lowe, a short, mousy, brunette woman who works for the real estate office that he is investigating. After she walks in to his local diner he decides that he should take a closer look into the shy woman and not for the last time in their story he finds himself coming to her rescue.
Kimeo, although leading a fairly quiet life and not being the most sociable of people, has a strong sense of independence and when something doesn't quite add up with her boss she decides to look into things a little closer. Unfortunately this leads her into trouble, which quickly has her realising she may have just bitten off more than she can chew.
Kimeo, oh my goodness! Freya amazes me with her ability to make the reader feel everything that the character feels. Kim is the ultimate in this, someone who so many 'real' woman can relate to. The people that should have built her up and cherished her growing up and throughout her life have been the ones to do the most damage. The medical proffesionals have dismissed her health concerns continually, making her doubt herself and her body more.
As I've come to expect with a Freya book, Mal and Kim have many twists and turns in their story and what makes the story even better is the fact we get to hear more from the other characters from Cedar Tree too.
The emotions I went through reading their story OMG! I smiled, I laughed, I chewed my nails with anxiety, I (almost) had to go grab a cold shower (more than once!), I cried (big ugly snot bubble tears) I wanted to slap Mal and scream at him, I wanted to shake her too at times but most of all at the end of their brilliant story I had a brand new favourite couple from Cedar Tree!
Just one last thing...........where do I get myself a Malachi????
Like Arrows is the sixth book in The Cedar Tree series by Freya Barker although each book can be read as a standalone.
Yet again this lady has written a book about two characters that right from the get go draw you into their story, has you wanting to keep turning the pages and cussing when you get interupted!!
Where to start..........
I know let's start with the completely panty melting Malachi Whitetail!
My, my, my, he is one hot, freakin' tall Native American who is working hard to make up for a not so stellar past.
The case he's working on sees him crossing paths with Kimeo Lowe, a short, mousy, brunette woman who works for the real estate office that he is investigating. After she walks in to his local diner he decides that he should take a closer look into the shy woman and not for the last time in their story he finds himself coming to her rescue.
Kimeo, although leading a fairly quiet life and not being the most sociable of people, has a strong sense of independence and when something doesn't quite add up with her boss she decides to look into things a little closer. Unfortunately this leads her into trouble, which quickly has her realising she may have just bitten off more than she can chew.
Kimeo, oh my goodness! Freya amazes me with her ability to make the reader feel everything that the character feels. Kim is the ultimate in this, someone who so many 'real' woman can relate to. The people that should have built her up and cherished her growing up and throughout her life have been the ones to do the most damage. The medical proffesionals have dismissed her health concerns continually, making her doubt herself and her body more.
As I've come to expect with a Freya book, Mal and Kim have many twists and turns in their story and what makes the story even better is the fact we get to hear more from the other characters from Cedar Tree too.
The emotions I went through reading their story OMG! I smiled, I laughed, I chewed my nails with anxiety, I (almost) had to go grab a cold shower (more than once!), I cried (big ugly snot bubble tears) I wanted to slap Mal and scream at him, I wanted to shake her too at times but most of all at the end of their brilliant story I had a brand new favourite couple from Cedar Tree!
Just one last thing...........where do I get myself a Malachi????
December 3, 2018
This story is about Malachi, (Caleb's younger brother), who has also joined the GFI investigative team. There is never a dull moment in Cedar Tree, Mal crosses paths with Kimeo who works for a real estate agent that meets foul play and Gus and his team have been watching his dealings. And right from their very first meeting, Mal puts his foot right in it and immediately gets on the wrong side of Kimeo.
Kimeo, at first appears very shy, Mal calls her Mouse, but there is a wonderful resilient, strong side to Kimeo that Mal eventually sees in her.
Once again our leads have their issues, Kimeo is fighting a history of not living up to her Mother's (and sister's) expectations and the mental affects of that. Mal's past has not always been on the right side of the law and he has unresolved issues with the death of his sister.
So this story is full of suspense, drama, super hunky & gorgeous moments, that just make this story another winner in the Cedar Tree series. Love the whole series and what really appeals to me is that most of the lead characters in the series are 40 or over and are just very real people.
Kimeo, at first appears very shy, Mal calls her Mouse, but there is a wonderful resilient, strong side to Kimeo that Mal eventually sees in her.
Once again our leads have their issues, Kimeo is fighting a history of not living up to her Mother's (and sister's) expectations and the mental affects of that. Mal's past has not always been on the right side of the law and he has unresolved issues with the death of his sister.
So this story is full of suspense, drama, super hunky & gorgeous moments, that just make this story another winner in the Cedar Tree series. Love the whole series and what really appeals to me is that most of the lead characters in the series are 40 or over and are just very real people.
December 15, 2015
4.5 stars
After reading Like Arrows by Freya Barker I have now added a new author to my "To be read" list. Kimeo and Malachi's story sucked me in from the start. I love how she had these characters evolve in a way that brought them together as a strong couple with flaws, but who complimented and boosted each other up. I loved that this story was not your typical Romantic/Suspense/"Damsel in Distress" novel! there were other subplots and the characters were well developed. If you want a book that has some unexpected twists, love, heartache and eventually a HEA ending then pick up Like Arrows!
Trigger: Illness subplot
After reading Like Arrows by Freya Barker I have now added a new author to my "To be read" list. Kimeo and Malachi's story sucked me in from the start. I love how she had these characters evolve in a way that brought them together as a strong couple with flaws, but who complimented and boosted each other up. I loved that this story was not your typical Romantic/Suspense/"Damsel in Distress" novel! there were other subplots and the characters were well developed. If you want a book that has some unexpected twists, love, heartache and eventually a HEA ending then pick up Like Arrows!
Trigger: Illness subplot
December 28, 2015
I've read some great books by very good indie authors over the last two years but if I want a very pleasant time I pick up on Freya Barker. Her books are different in that the characters aren't gorgeous, with film star looks, but common or garden folk like the majority of us . She makes her characters come alive with credibility. This book is no exception and with the little twists, red herrings and feints she has created a very interesting story line as well. Steamy, yes but not over done. A very good read to keep up Freya's very high standard
December 23, 2015
I found my new book boyfriend in Malachi at least until Freya releases her next book lol the suspense and the connection between Mal and Kim keep me so hooked I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more from this author.
December 17, 2015
I love all of Freya's books but this one just became my new favorite. Malachi and Kimeo's story is beautifully written and full of heart. This story will make you laugh, shed a few tears, and fall in love. It has grit, suspense, and grabs your attention from the very first. Definitely recommend!
December 28, 2015
This book was rich in Characters but short in tension. This was a lovely and sweet romance with mature flawed characters. It was a good story but would have been great if there was more tension. This is the first book I have read in the series and the book was a solid standalone work.
February 9, 2016
How long?
My only question is how long do I have to wait for the book in this series? I want to pack up and move to Cedar Tree!
My only question is how long do I have to wait for the book in this series? I want to pack up and move to Cedar Tree!
April 10, 2020
Another beautiful Freya Barker romance between two people who’ve been hurt in the past and subsequently built walls to protect themselves from getting hurt again.
However...
Spoilers
1. Was disappointed reading the book hero here call the heroine fat and dismissed her as someone he would never think of going out with - not once but twice - in the first few chapters. Even though he apparently didn’t mean it, it was just horrible. Thankfully the author redeems him pretty quickly but I felt disappointed with his initial words.
2. The hero has apparently gone on a couple of dates with the heroine of the next book, but thankfully they didn’t do more than kiss. (Ugh, I was initially worried about a repeat of the Gus - Katie situation. Phew! )
3. Hero finally pulls his head out of his ass and pursues the heroine whole - heartedly after his shock realization that yes, you CAN be attracted to a different type of body. (Am being sarcastic here.)
However...
Spoilers
1. Was disappointed reading the book hero here call the heroine fat and dismissed her as someone he would never think of going out with - not once but twice - in the first few chapters. Even though he apparently didn’t mean it, it was just horrible. Thankfully the author redeems him pretty quickly but I felt disappointed with his initial words.
2. The hero has apparently gone on a couple of dates with the heroine of the next book, but thankfully they didn’t do more than kiss. (Ugh, I was initially worried about a repeat of the Gus - Katie situation. Phew! )
3. Hero finally pulls his head out of his ass and pursues the heroine whole - heartedly after his shock realization that yes, you CAN be attracted to a different type of body. (Am being sarcastic here.)
September 7, 2019
3.5, solid story, a little suspense. The hero was an ass at the beginning about the heroines looks, but he redeemed himself. I liked that she didn't have to change her appearance to get his attention.
November 1, 2016
Like Arrows is a story of healing, love, and mild suspense that delivered a story of two people I could root for whole-heartedly.
I picked this one up based on the blurb and didn't realize that it was number six in the ongoing Cedar Tree series of romantic suspense books. I'm happy to report that I did better than muddling my way through thought it was quite obvious that the hero was introduced and had a story line that started much earlier in the series just like all the broader cast of characters were from previous books.
The story opens with a heartwrenching prologue set in Las Vegas involving the heroine, Kimeo Lowe, then moves forward into the present when Malachi Whitetail is working a case for the investigation firm he works for of a realtor and notices the man's secretary come into the diner. Shortly after, he is around when two dangerous events occur with Kimeo in the middle. For the first time in his life, Mal is attracted and he's already screwed things up royally with this woman who he now is on protection detail because someone is killing off anyone dealing with land purchases from that realty office. And can hastily, cruel words be replaced in Kim's mind so that she'll believe him when he says she is the most precious and beautiful woman and he wants her?
Kimeo Lowe sees herself as fat. Her beautiful, tall slender mother and sister made it clear they thought so as did a cheating boyfriend so when she catches the handsome and fit, Mal, saying the same thing, she is not surprised, but the pain is as fresh as ever. And who does she get stuck with when odd things are going on with her boss who is now missing?
But slowly, Kim realizes he's not just a jerk and also starts to see herself differently as she makes real friendships in the Cedar Tree community. And her health issues that everyone says is an excuse and her imagination may be actually diagnosed for the first time- if she can survive whoever is after her because they thinks she knows more than she does about the landsales her boss was involved in.
I thought I was getting a good romantic suspense set in southern Colorado and believe me, I did get that. But this story was also full of so much more. Kim Lowe struggles with a mysterious illness that even the specialists have told her doesn't exist and she's making it up, she's been overweight all her life and only her dad treated her well, and as a result she has played the mouse her whole life. My heart hurt for this woman.
And the author wasn't afraid to have the hero, who looks like a Native American god, have his own bad past (ex-gangmember who stayed away from family and friends and a man torn by anger and grief) so that he's not in a good place and says unforgivable words about Kim in her hearing. Oh sure, he lied and had his reasons, but it was pretty messed up. I wasn't sure if I'd ever like him for that, but the author redeemed him for me and for Kim. Mal was struggling just as much as Kim and he needed her as much as she needed him.
I don't want to get into spoilers, but this pair had more to get past than a dangerous murder mystery, Mal's words, or Kim's body issues. They were really put to the test though and it was neat how it would either make or break them without being improbable or felt contrived.
The suspense part of the story was the catalyst for things and kept it exciting, but was secondary to the characters' individual stories and the romance. The explanation and who is there from the beginning. Okay, except that surprise twist at the end.
So this story set in small town Southern Colorado with its deeper themes, rocky romance, and danger was a hit for me. I will definitely be going back for the earlier books in the story and can't wait to move forward with Neil's story which was building up in the background of this one. I would recommend these books for the romantic suspense lover, but think it best to start at the beginning.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I picked this one up based on the blurb and didn't realize that it was number six in the ongoing Cedar Tree series of romantic suspense books. I'm happy to report that I did better than muddling my way through thought it was quite obvious that the hero was introduced and had a story line that started much earlier in the series just like all the broader cast of characters were from previous books.
The story opens with a heartwrenching prologue set in Las Vegas involving the heroine, Kimeo Lowe, then moves forward into the present when Malachi Whitetail is working a case for the investigation firm he works for of a realtor and notices the man's secretary come into the diner. Shortly after, he is around when two dangerous events occur with Kimeo in the middle. For the first time in his life, Mal is attracted and he's already screwed things up royally with this woman who he now is on protection detail because someone is killing off anyone dealing with land purchases from that realty office. And can hastily, cruel words be replaced in Kim's mind so that she'll believe him when he says she is the most precious and beautiful woman and he wants her?
Kimeo Lowe sees herself as fat. Her beautiful, tall slender mother and sister made it clear they thought so as did a cheating boyfriend so when she catches the handsome and fit, Mal, saying the same thing, she is not surprised, but the pain is as fresh as ever. And who does she get stuck with when odd things are going on with her boss who is now missing?
But slowly, Kim realizes he's not just a jerk and also starts to see herself differently as she makes real friendships in the Cedar Tree community. And her health issues that everyone says is an excuse and her imagination may be actually diagnosed for the first time- if she can survive whoever is after her because they thinks she knows more than she does about the landsales her boss was involved in.
I thought I was getting a good romantic suspense set in southern Colorado and believe me, I did get that. But this story was also full of so much more. Kim Lowe struggles with a mysterious illness that even the specialists have told her doesn't exist and she's making it up, she's been overweight all her life and only her dad treated her well, and as a result she has played the mouse her whole life. My heart hurt for this woman.
And the author wasn't afraid to have the hero, who looks like a Native American god, have his own bad past (ex-gangmember who stayed away from family and friends and a man torn by anger and grief) so that he's not in a good place and says unforgivable words about Kim in her hearing. Oh sure, he lied and had his reasons, but it was pretty messed up. I wasn't sure if I'd ever like him for that, but the author redeemed him for me and for Kim. Mal was struggling just as much as Kim and he needed her as much as she needed him.
I don't want to get into spoilers, but this pair had more to get past than a dangerous murder mystery, Mal's words, or Kim's body issues. They were really put to the test though and it was neat how it would either make or break them without being improbable or felt contrived.
The suspense part of the story was the catalyst for things and kept it exciting, but was secondary to the characters' individual stories and the romance. The explanation and who is there from the beginning. Okay, except that surprise twist at the end.
So this story set in small town Southern Colorado with its deeper themes, rocky romance, and danger was a hit for me. I will definitely be going back for the earlier books in the story and can't wait to move forward with Neil's story which was building up in the background of this one. I would recommend these books for the romantic suspense lover, but think it best to start at the beginning.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2015
Pure Beauty.
Like Arrows.
Pure fucking beauty that spoke to my soul, even got me to shed a tear and we all know I’m the unemotional one of this blogging partnership, the one who is all `yeah it was emotional ` while my bestie is a sobbing wreck telling me I have no heart or soul! I think the reason this story touched me so deeply is I`ve been Kimeo, without giving away huge spoilers because nothing is worse than a review that does that, I`ll just say that the lack of control over aspects of your life due to medical issues if you`ve lived it hits deep, body issues and how society dictates and judges hits deep, but when an author is as talented as Ms Barker is at real, REAL characters, people you can see yourself actually knowing.... People you can see YOURSELF in, combined with hot as fuck and romantic then to it`s very core you have a special and haunting story that stands out from the crowd.
If you`ve read From Dust then you know already that darker and emotional is in Freya`s repertoire, if you are familiar with the Cedar Tree series you`ve met Mal, you know some of his history and difficult past so may be expecting that different tone to this one, but when you add Kimeo and her story into the mix it`s heart-breaking perfection. Every ingredient is in here that we’ve come to expect, snappy sassy dialogue, recurring characters, family made by choice as well as blood with strong loyalties, hot as fuck sex, real issues not sugar coated or dismissed yet done with such sensitivity and class that it adds to the story while not taking away any of the fantasy we read these alpha romances for and did I remember to mention the hot as fuck sex?!?!?!?!?!!
Freya really puts a lot into the cultivation of her characters and in this book especially the heroine. She is a woman that you can relate to in some ways if not all ways. We all have our physical drawbacks and a person in our lives that makes us feel inadequate but when it’s those who should love and support us unconditionally that do this then the damage is worse. When Kim finds her backbone I was cheering in my head and twirling pompoms!
“It`s no wonder you two have to put up with each other, with personalities that ugly, it`s no wonder I`m the one standing here with a good man, a decent man-“ I lean in for more emphasis, “-and yes, a gorgeous man at my side. There isn`t a man worth his salt who would put up with such ugliness.” Mal tugs at my hand but I`m not done. “You think you can tell from the outside what a person represents? What their life is like? You think you know by just one look? Well feast your eyes as my fat ugly ass walks away with my amazing boyfriend. And in case you were wondering? He`s hung like a stallion and knows how to use it.”
Mal has his demons as we already know and as the relationship unfolded I was thinking they could fix each other, this is gorgeous, then right at the last quarter of the book a twist gets thrown in that had me unable to put the book down, turning the pages in horror, crying (never, never happens) and thinking no HEA was going to be, WTF is going on, NOOOOOOOOO…………………….I should have trusted Freya because we get a HEA and it`s beautiful.
Real.
Warts and all.
Life, Karma, Beauty.
Total fucking perfection.
“I love all of you Malachi. Each part, every nuance, the dark, the light, the protective, the vigilant, the tender, the wounded-I love them all. Each separately and all combined. There isn`t a part of you I want to hide from or want hidden from me. I love you.”
(I normally call dibs on all of Freya`s boys but for this one I’m calling dibs on Boo!)
Like Arrows.
Pure fucking beauty that spoke to my soul, even got me to shed a tear and we all know I’m the unemotional one of this blogging partnership, the one who is all `yeah it was emotional ` while my bestie is a sobbing wreck telling me I have no heart or soul! I think the reason this story touched me so deeply is I`ve been Kimeo, without giving away huge spoilers because nothing is worse than a review that does that, I`ll just say that the lack of control over aspects of your life due to medical issues if you`ve lived it hits deep, body issues and how society dictates and judges hits deep, but when an author is as talented as Ms Barker is at real, REAL characters, people you can see yourself actually knowing.... People you can see YOURSELF in, combined with hot as fuck and romantic then to it`s very core you have a special and haunting story that stands out from the crowd.
If you`ve read From Dust then you know already that darker and emotional is in Freya`s repertoire, if you are familiar with the Cedar Tree series you`ve met Mal, you know some of his history and difficult past so may be expecting that different tone to this one, but when you add Kimeo and her story into the mix it`s heart-breaking perfection. Every ingredient is in here that we’ve come to expect, snappy sassy dialogue, recurring characters, family made by choice as well as blood with strong loyalties, hot as fuck sex, real issues not sugar coated or dismissed yet done with such sensitivity and class that it adds to the story while not taking away any of the fantasy we read these alpha romances for and did I remember to mention the hot as fuck sex?!?!?!?!?!!
Freya really puts a lot into the cultivation of her characters and in this book especially the heroine. She is a woman that you can relate to in some ways if not all ways. We all have our physical drawbacks and a person in our lives that makes us feel inadequate but when it’s those who should love and support us unconditionally that do this then the damage is worse. When Kim finds her backbone I was cheering in my head and twirling pompoms!
“It`s no wonder you two have to put up with each other, with personalities that ugly, it`s no wonder I`m the one standing here with a good man, a decent man-“ I lean in for more emphasis, “-and yes, a gorgeous man at my side. There isn`t a man worth his salt who would put up with such ugliness.” Mal tugs at my hand but I`m not done. “You think you can tell from the outside what a person represents? What their life is like? You think you know by just one look? Well feast your eyes as my fat ugly ass walks away with my amazing boyfriend. And in case you were wondering? He`s hung like a stallion and knows how to use it.”
Mal has his demons as we already know and as the relationship unfolded I was thinking they could fix each other, this is gorgeous, then right at the last quarter of the book a twist gets thrown in that had me unable to put the book down, turning the pages in horror, crying (never, never happens) and thinking no HEA was going to be, WTF is going on, NOOOOOOOOO…………………….I should have trusted Freya because we get a HEA and it`s beautiful.
Real.
Warts and all.
Life, Karma, Beauty.
Total fucking perfection.
“I love all of you Malachi. Each part, every nuance, the dark, the light, the protective, the vigilant, the tender, the wounded-I love them all. Each separately and all combined. There isn`t a part of you I want to hide from or want hidden from me. I love you.”
(I normally call dibs on all of Freya`s boys but for this one I’m calling dibs on Boo!)
February 2, 2016
ERIN'S REVIEW
5 STARS
I absolutely FLOVE this series! I am amazed at the stories this author is able to write. She continues to write outstanding stories about real people and real love. I love her characters. They are down to earth and very relatable. You will fall instantly in love with Malachi and Kimeo. Kimeo does not have a very high opinion of herself and struggles with her image. She has given up on finding her “one”. Malachi has a very rough past and is finally getting his life on the right path. Their relationship starts out very rocky as Malachi can’t keep his foot out of his mouth. But once they get past the rocky stage, they find a love for the ages. I loved this book and can’t wait to see what Cedar Falls has in store next!
TRACY'S REVIEW
5 STARS
Kimeo has always been told that she doesn't look the way she should. That she was always over weight and never really not good enough. As years went on she started believing it to be true. One shitty moment in life took her on a new path. A path that was never supposed to include Mal, the incredibly hot GFI investigator. Mal never a forever in his life, so when he first met Kim he did everything he could to stay away, including lying about how he really viewed her. Those thoughts were heard by Kim. Now Mal has to do everything he can to prove he thinks so much more of her. Will Kim really believe what he is saying or will she fall back on her insecurities?
This was a good book, which normally is 4 stars for me. What made this 5 was the huge connection I felt with Kimeo. Freya Barker did an amazing job portraying how some of us imperfect women really view ourselves. Like Kim, we just need that one person to make us start to believe we aren't as perfect as we should be. And that maybe just one person can make us see just how perfect we really are.
LEEANN'S REVIEW
5 STARS
Let me start by saying that if I could give this more than 5 stars, you can bet your bottom dollar I would.
With every new book in this series it just gets better and better and Like Arrows was no different. I absolutely loved this story.
It is about a woman, Kim who suffers from insecurities that I think most women suffer through at some point I their lives. She is a beautiful woman inside and out but she just can't see it.
Malachi is a loner. He keeps himself to himself and that is how he likes it. Other than his Cedar Tree family, no one really knows him. Until he meets Kim.
This couple bring true meaning to the saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade".
Freya Barker has sent this couple to hell and back, but they stand strong and eventually they learn to stand together.
There are a few suprise in this book and the identity of the villain is a bit of a shock.
The changes that occur in both Malachi and Kim throughout the story are astounding. The begin small but by the end you can see how they have come to accept their place in the world and in each others lives.
I am glad I had a few hours free when I started reading this book as once I started I couldn't put it down. I already liked Malachi from his role in the previous books in this series, but Kim was a breath of fresh air and just what the Cedar Tree gang needed to balance them out.
Love, love, loved it!!
5 STARS
I absolutely FLOVE this series! I am amazed at the stories this author is able to write. She continues to write outstanding stories about real people and real love. I love her characters. They are down to earth and very relatable. You will fall instantly in love with Malachi and Kimeo. Kimeo does not have a very high opinion of herself and struggles with her image. She has given up on finding her “one”. Malachi has a very rough past and is finally getting his life on the right path. Their relationship starts out very rocky as Malachi can’t keep his foot out of his mouth. But once they get past the rocky stage, they find a love for the ages. I loved this book and can’t wait to see what Cedar Falls has in store next!
TRACY'S REVIEW
5 STARS
Kimeo has always been told that she doesn't look the way she should. That she was always over weight and never really not good enough. As years went on she started believing it to be true. One shitty moment in life took her on a new path. A path that was never supposed to include Mal, the incredibly hot GFI investigator. Mal never a forever in his life, so when he first met Kim he did everything he could to stay away, including lying about how he really viewed her. Those thoughts were heard by Kim. Now Mal has to do everything he can to prove he thinks so much more of her. Will Kim really believe what he is saying or will she fall back on her insecurities?
This was a good book, which normally is 4 stars for me. What made this 5 was the huge connection I felt with Kimeo. Freya Barker did an amazing job portraying how some of us imperfect women really view ourselves. Like Kim, we just need that one person to make us start to believe we aren't as perfect as we should be. And that maybe just one person can make us see just how perfect we really are.
LEEANN'S REVIEW
5 STARS
Let me start by saying that if I could give this more than 5 stars, you can bet your bottom dollar I would.
With every new book in this series it just gets better and better and Like Arrows was no different. I absolutely loved this story.
It is about a woman, Kim who suffers from insecurities that I think most women suffer through at some point I their lives. She is a beautiful woman inside and out but she just can't see it.
Malachi is a loner. He keeps himself to himself and that is how he likes it. Other than his Cedar Tree family, no one really knows him. Until he meets Kim.
This couple bring true meaning to the saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade".
Freya Barker has sent this couple to hell and back, but they stand strong and eventually they learn to stand together.
There are a few suprise in this book and the identity of the villain is a bit of a shock.
The changes that occur in both Malachi and Kim throughout the story are astounding. The begin small but by the end you can see how they have come to accept their place in the world and in each others lives.
I am glad I had a few hours free when I started reading this book as once I started I couldn't put it down. I already liked Malachi from his role in the previous books in this series, but Kim was a breath of fresh air and just what the Cedar Tree gang needed to balance them out.
Love, love, loved it!!
December 23, 2015
I have been dying to get Mal’s story since he came into the series in Caleb’s book and it did not disappoint. Joe’s book has always been my favorite but I am thinking Mal and Kim’s may have taken his book’s place as my favorite in the series.
Mal did annoy me a tad in the beginning with the things he said a couple of times, I got why he said it but it just didn’t seem like him. Especially after a certain scene in the last book. But he completely and totally redeemed himself. Luckily his words hit like arrows but his actions hit harder than those words.
Kim was hands down an awesome heroine and my favorite so far. She earned that when she put a certain meddling loud mouth in her place by letting her know that what went on with her and Mal was none of her business. She was strong without being a raving bitch and instead of putting her man “down” she stood up for him while not allowing the annoying busy bodies to bad mouth him. That was very refreshing.
I can also relate to her health issue, not quite to the extent of her issues but I know that doctors have real issues when it comes to thyroid disease for some reason. It seems like they don’t take it seriously when a patient tells them something is off, unless the bloodwork tells them it is and if one test doesn’t say something is off they brush it off. I have had to fight with a doctor over my thyroid meds and it is not fun, funny though just going to a different lab proved me right all along. So while I haven’t had to go through what she has I know the frustration is real. It can also lead to many more complications and undetected issues like in Kim’s case, which is why doctor’s should really take this a lot more seriously IMO.
I really hated Kim’s family. I think the only thing I didn’t care for was their part in the story especially the abrupt change in them at the diner, I just wasn’t buying it. Also I am not the type to forgive very easily so I couldn’t relate to letting them back in, in anyway, as fast as it seems Kim was willing to. But they weren’t relevant for long so it didn’t take away from the story for me with them being all up in their business.
Also damn but Drew was kind of a creepy asshole there for a bit. lol! I don’t know what to think about him at this point, he totally creeped me out there before he finally backed off.
Also the little surprise connection at the end was kind of interesting. I am all about the bad guys getting redemption so maybe we will see more of him in the future.
Then of course there was Neil and the glimpse at where his story is going and while I wasn’t crazy about Kendra’s connection with Mal, I can’t wait to read Neil’s story.
Mal did annoy me a tad in the beginning with the things he said a couple of times, I got why he said it but it just didn’t seem like him. Especially after a certain scene in the last book. But he completely and totally redeemed himself. Luckily his words hit like arrows but his actions hit harder than those words.
Kim was hands down an awesome heroine and my favorite so far. She earned that when she put a certain meddling loud mouth in her place by letting her know that what went on with her and Mal was none of her business. She was strong without being a raving bitch and instead of putting her man “down” she stood up for him while not allowing the annoying busy bodies to bad mouth him. That was very refreshing.
I can also relate to her health issue, not quite to the extent of her issues but I know that doctors have real issues when it comes to thyroid disease for some reason. It seems like they don’t take it seriously when a patient tells them something is off, unless the bloodwork tells them it is and if one test doesn’t say something is off they brush it off. I have had to fight with a doctor over my thyroid meds and it is not fun, funny though just going to a different lab proved me right all along. So while I haven’t had to go through what she has I know the frustration is real. It can also lead to many more complications and undetected issues like in Kim’s case, which is why doctor’s should really take this a lot more seriously IMO.
I really hated Kim’s family. I think the only thing I didn’t care for was their part in the story especially the abrupt change in them at the diner, I just wasn’t buying it. Also I am not the type to forgive very easily so I couldn’t relate to letting them back in, in anyway, as fast as it seems Kim was willing to. But they weren’t relevant for long so it didn’t take away from the story for me with them being all up in their business.
Also damn but Drew was kind of a creepy asshole there for a bit. lol! I don’t know what to think about him at this point, he totally creeped me out there before he finally backed off.
Also the little surprise connection at the end was kind of interesting. I am all about the bad guys getting redemption so maybe we will see more of him in the future.
Then of course there was Neil and the glimpse at where his story is going and while I wasn’t crazy about Kendra’s connection with Mal, I can’t wait to read Neil’s story.
August 25, 2022
I've loved and felt an empathy with the gals from the Cedar Tree series - Freya's characters are so very real and face troubles and issues that we all know happen in real life - but while reading LIKE ARROWS I really felt a connection with Kimeo.
There's a few reasons for this I suppose - any and all of which I'm not gonna count out in this review as her issues are a huge part of the story - but I know that there are a lot of people who will understand where our heroine is coming from and the challenges she faces on a daily basis.
Kim was so very down to earth, pulled into a mess that was not her own making and that's where she first got the interest of Malachi. Now there's an alpha character who knows how to take care of someone - both physically and emotionally - though Kim was as good for him as he was for her!
Now, there's one thing I've got to admit - the first couple of times that Mal came across Kim in person I could happily have gutted the bugger - regardless of what his intentions were!!! - but as hoped, he did redeem himself and I have to say that he's now one of my top 2 leading men from the CT series.
So much emotion and feeling was experienced throughout the read.
We had action and adventure and intrigue that left us not knowing what the hell was gonna happen. A couple of scenes where I could only cheer Kim on and wish that she had that strength and belief in herself always!
There was the much loved appearance of family (choice & Blood) and friends - the camaraderie, care and affection between that group of people is heartwarming.
The heat, attraction, passion and sexual tension between our main characters was intense.
All in all LIKE ARROWS was one helluva read and I absofuckinlutely adored it!!!
If you're already a fan of the Cedar Tree series you'll love this latest instalment. If you haven't yet visited their little corner of the fictional world you'll be able to read this wee treasure as a standalone BUT to fully enjoy all that is Cedar Tree and Freya Barker, I'd suggest you take the time to read the previous books in the series before you pick up Malachi & Kimeo's book.
I rate LIKE ARROWS 5 stars - but this still isn't enough in my opinion!! *****
There's a few reasons for this I suppose - any and all of which I'm not gonna count out in this review as her issues are a huge part of the story - but I know that there are a lot of people who will understand where our heroine is coming from and the challenges she faces on a daily basis.
Kim was so very down to earth, pulled into a mess that was not her own making and that's where she first got the interest of Malachi. Now there's an alpha character who knows how to take care of someone - both physically and emotionally - though Kim was as good for him as he was for her!
Now, there's one thing I've got to admit - the first couple of times that Mal came across Kim in person I could happily have gutted the bugger - regardless of what his intentions were!!! - but as hoped, he did redeem himself and I have to say that he's now one of my top 2 leading men from the CT series.
So much emotion and feeling was experienced throughout the read.
We had action and adventure and intrigue that left us not knowing what the hell was gonna happen. A couple of scenes where I could only cheer Kim on and wish that she had that strength and belief in herself always!
There was the much loved appearance of family (choice & Blood) and friends - the camaraderie, care and affection between that group of people is heartwarming.
The heat, attraction, passion and sexual tension between our main characters was intense.
All in all LIKE ARROWS was one helluva read and I absofuckinlutely adored it!!!
If you're already a fan of the Cedar Tree series you'll love this latest instalment. If you haven't yet visited their little corner of the fictional world you'll be able to read this wee treasure as a standalone BUT to fully enjoy all that is Cedar Tree and Freya Barker, I'd suggest you take the time to read the previous books in the series before you pick up Malachi & Kimeo's book.
I rate LIKE ARROWS 5 stars - but this still isn't enough in my opinion!! *****
January 5, 2016
Just when I thought the Cedar Tree Series by Freya Barker couldn't get any better, the woman goes and writes Like Arrows. Malachi has been an supporting character in the past books and always a bit of an enigma. I love Ms. Barker's writing style and her characters. She doesn't write about millionaires and debutantes. She writes about real people with life experience and physical limitations. Her women are strong and feisty, some have disabilities and all have warm and loving hearts. Her men are the epitome of the alpha male: strong, protective, loyal, and sexy. She writes real people, with real bodies, real problems, and real love. Her stories are suspenseful and sexy. Malachi and Kimeo's story is no different.
I think I loved this story because I relate to Kimeo. She has fought a weight problem all of her life. No diet or exercise program changed anything. She always thought it was a medical condition but after repeated doctors and specialists, nothing was found. Her father loved her for who she was, no matter her size. Her mother and sister on the other hand ridiculed her until the day she left home. Even her ex-boyfriend used her weight as a reason to cheat with her best friend.
When a case throws her into Malachi's path, she refuses to see the truth about the man. She
couldn't fathom a handsome sexy man wanting her. Malachi fights his own demons, the loss of family members in his past makes him feel as if everyone he cares for leaves. He is a perfect addition to Cedar Tree, his brother Caleb used to be my favorite of the series but now, I'm pretty sure I have to go with Malachi. He's protective, caring, funny, and sexy as sin. Through the twists and turns of the plot, he shows Kimeo that he can be trusted with her most precious commodity, her heart.
While Ms. Barker gives excellent background in her books, this series enhances each book. She illustrates the deep connections between all of the couples and their undying friendships. I loved this book, this series, and this author. I cannot wait to see what she has up her sleeve for her next book.
I think I loved this story because I relate to Kimeo. She has fought a weight problem all of her life. No diet or exercise program changed anything. She always thought it was a medical condition but after repeated doctors and specialists, nothing was found. Her father loved her for who she was, no matter her size. Her mother and sister on the other hand ridiculed her until the day she left home. Even her ex-boyfriend used her weight as a reason to cheat with her best friend.
When a case throws her into Malachi's path, she refuses to see the truth about the man. She
couldn't fathom a handsome sexy man wanting her. Malachi fights his own demons, the loss of family members in his past makes him feel as if everyone he cares for leaves. He is a perfect addition to Cedar Tree, his brother Caleb used to be my favorite of the series but now, I'm pretty sure I have to go with Malachi. He's protective, caring, funny, and sexy as sin. Through the twists and turns of the plot, he shows Kimeo that he can be trusted with her most precious commodity, her heart.
While Ms. Barker gives excellent background in her books, this series enhances each book. She illustrates the deep connections between all of the couples and their undying friendships. I loved this book, this series, and this author. I cannot wait to see what she has up her sleeve for her next book.
February 5, 2017
Malachi is a private investigator. He is currently working on a case involving an Estate Agent who appears to have some dodgy dealings going on. His past is far from perfect but with the help of his family he works hard to redeem himself but what led him to go off the rails still haunts him. He doesn't find it easy to open up or show his emotions.
Kimeo works for the very same Estate Agent Malachi is investigating. She is hardworking but keeps more or less to herself, except for one best friend. All her life she has been led to believe that she is worthless because of the way she looks. She becomes more self conscious after being betrayed in the worse possible way by someone she really trusted.
She is entrusted with some confidential material just before she witnesses a murder and this is where her strength of character shines through. Malachi is one of the case investigators. He is intrigued by her quiet demeanour but starts on the wrong foot with Kimeo by making some unkind comments which she just so happens to overhear. Nevertheless, he takes her under his wings as she now find herself in danger. The dealings her boss is involved in brings the attention of a ruthless murderer to her door. When Malachi finds himself attracted to her he becomes intent on uncovering the reasons for her lack of confidence.
Just when everything appears to fall into place, something else surfaces. Kimeo is faced with some personal revelations, leaving her at a loss. As hard as it is, Malachi does his best to support her. Can he get to the bottom of her issues? Will Kimeo ever be able to face her insecurities? Will she overcome the latest revelations? This story brings home the reality and cruelty of the effects of society's perception on what is considered to be beautiful and perfect and the struggles one has to go through on a daily basis. The emotions are raw and palpable. I would fully recommend this book to 18+ readers who like a novel which makes the characters real!!
I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kimeo works for the very same Estate Agent Malachi is investigating. She is hardworking but keeps more or less to herself, except for one best friend. All her life she has been led to believe that she is worthless because of the way she looks. She becomes more self conscious after being betrayed in the worse possible way by someone she really trusted.
She is entrusted with some confidential material just before she witnesses a murder and this is where her strength of character shines through. Malachi is one of the case investigators. He is intrigued by her quiet demeanour but starts on the wrong foot with Kimeo by making some unkind comments which she just so happens to overhear. Nevertheless, he takes her under his wings as she now find herself in danger. The dealings her boss is involved in brings the attention of a ruthless murderer to her door. When Malachi finds himself attracted to her he becomes intent on uncovering the reasons for her lack of confidence.
Just when everything appears to fall into place, something else surfaces. Kimeo is faced with some personal revelations, leaving her at a loss. As hard as it is, Malachi does his best to support her. Can he get to the bottom of her issues? Will Kimeo ever be able to face her insecurities? Will she overcome the latest revelations? This story brings home the reality and cruelty of the effects of society's perception on what is considered to be beautiful and perfect and the struggles one has to go through on a daily basis. The emotions are raw and palpable. I would fully recommend this book to 18+ readers who like a novel which makes the characters real!!
I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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