Abigail Mueez knows all about being something you’re not. Everyone knows she works security in Washington D.C., but that wasn’t exactly the truth. There are many layers of deception in Abby’s life from her job to the man she’s with—a man she doesn’t have time to fall in love with when her life and so much more was on the line. Too bad she didn’t tell her heart that.
He knew there was more to Abby than everyone else saw, but he never asked. He had his own secrets to keep. But then the President called and all deceptions fell to the side as more than just their truths are laid bare. With bullets flying and lives at stake, could he and Abby do the scariest thing possible—become the couple that would set the town of Keeneston on fire?
Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass, Bluegrass Brothers®, Forever Bluegrass®, and Shadows Landing Series feature small-town charm with quirky characters while her Women of Power Series shows that behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her! Then hang onto your seat for the wild and mysterious ride in the thrilling Web of Lies Series and a little magic in the Moonshine Hollow Series.
Kathleen is from Kentucky, where she graduated from Centre College and then later received her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Kathleen still resides in Kentucky with her family and houseful of animals.
(Paige Turner Bookworm Series- complete) Adventures of a Bookworm Misadventures of a Bookworm The Adventurous Bookworm
(Moonshine Hollow- complete series) Moonshine and Murder Moonshine and Malice Moonshine and Mayhem Moonshine and Mischief Moonshine and Menace Moonshine and Masquarades
(Web of Lies- complete) Whispered Lies Rogue Lies Shattered Lies
(Women of Powe-complete) Chosen for Power Built for Power Fashioned for Power Destined for Power
⚠️⚠️ SPOILER AHEAD ⚠️⚠️ Oh my god!! Ms. Kathleen Brooks, you did it again with this one! I stayed up till 3 in the morning (even knowing that I have to be at work the next morning) to finish up the book. I did not want to put it down. I had a feeling that Abby will be with Dylan, both are badasses to the core (even though I personally feel that Abby is the badass of badasses among the cousins). The fight scenes were awesome, but you took 6 chapters in before we found out who Abby will be partnered with. That's sly! I had to control myself from skipping to the last page. It's so hilarious that Nemi in a baby sling and I knew that Ahmed will breakdown when it came to Abby walking down the aisle. From the moment I opened the book to the very last page of the epilogue, I was thoroughly entertained. Now new mystery emergers while we can safely see who won the bet for Abby's HEA. Can't wait for the next Forever Bluegrass book, the next Shadow Landings book, and the new series. Thank you once again for another awesome read. I've been waiting forever for Abby's book because she's Ahmed's.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Another great tale from Kathleen Brooks! I love reading about this little Kentucky town with all the characters and adventures! This one was no disappointment! Great addition to Keenestown tales! Great read!Love
I'm so happy I could burst. Reading this book was truly like Christmas morning and my birthday all rolled into one!! I honestly feel like a kid again LOL. It's not necessarily imperative you read all the previous books in this series first, HOWEVER it will give you a better understanding of who all the players are. Not to mention you'll understand some of the more hysterical parts in the book *wink*. FINALLY we get to see Abby and Dylan's story, and oh boy was it worth the wait! One humongous scumbag... check ✔! One insanely overprotective father with the skills to kill someone without getting caught.... check ✔! An entire town filled with ex special forces operatives, gun toting, and rolling pin hitting grannies .... check ✔.... And oh SOOOOOO much more! Commence the excitement!!!! If you haven't yet read the other books... I HIGHLY recommend you check them out!!!! You will find books filled with action, suspense, lots of laughs, a truly "unique" southern town with many connections to royalty, models, judges, presidents, and others... Lots of family, and a highly amusing ongoing betting pool on babies, marriages and more! I for one can't wait to see who the next book is about 😉💗. Bravo Ms. Brooks, may this series continue for MANY years to come!
It was nice being back in Keeneston again. I liked the story, tough for me personally Abby and Dylan were too much alike and I wished they had partners who were more versatile (plus we would get more books this way).
Can't wait for Wyatt's book and how his story will be playing out.
Some secrets were solved, some not - while I liked the panty droppers - they are getting old now. Hopefully it will not be one of the kids having another secret relationship.
Forever Notorious is the eleventh book in the Forever Bluegrass series (Bluegrass Book #25) by Kathleen Brooks. ‘Bluegrass’ combines romance and suspense, with a touch of Southern charm. A few years ago a friend recommended this author, and her many series, to me - as she had devoured every book and absolutely loved them, singing the author’s praises from high from the hilltops. So, being an avid reader who loves discovering new authors and enticing reads, I took my friends recommendations seriously, and started amassing Ms. Brooks many books, with the plan to have a huge binge session/buddy read with my friend. But with so many books on my TBR, and new, exciting ones releasing every week, I always seemed to get pulled into other books- as these just kept piling up. Since part of my yearly reading challenges for the past few years has been to dust off my TBR pile/s and read the books that have been languishing there the longest, I decided to finally dive in and get the series read. While I did ‘enjoy’ the books for the most part- I didn’t fall madly in love with them as my friend promised that I would. But that’s ok, I am really happy that she loves them as much as she does. But for me, they were just an ‘okay’ read. With plenty of small-town drama, intrigue, angst, chemistry, humour, community, family, friendship, charm, mystery, tension, danger, emotion, and suspense- the stories are about finding love unexpectedly and love conquering all. The books can all be read as standalones if you wanted, without feeling ‘lost’ or like you are missing big pieces of the picture. This is because each instalment introduces its own ‘couple’- providing plenty of romance, a dash of suspense, and some sweet development to make your heart flutter. But I have to be honest, I found there were a few issues which detracted from my overall enjoyment of the stories/series. Such as the ‘wordiness’ which really slowed the flow of the storyline at times, as there was such an overwhelming amount of detail which didn’t really ‘add’ to or propel the story in any way, except to perhaps distract from the plot. I love details, normally- but not when there are pages of descriptions, as things tend to ‘bog’ down and the flow/pace/plot gets lost amongst the detritus- and also leads to some ‘wandering’ storylines. There were also many loose ends, for me- threads that were left hanging, or not fully woven into the storyline- which I found a bit frustrating. I really wanted to love this series as much as my friend did…. but instead, I was left a little disappointed. Happy reading! 📚💙
Not Worth It Unless You Read The Whole Series Prior
I had a lot of problems with this book. First and foremost, is that this book really isn't a story about only Abby and Dylan. This is a book that is about everyone in the series prior to this book in addition to having a very non-featured storyline of Abby and Dylan. As a reader who came into the series with this book, and disregarded the author's note to read any other book prior to this one, I was for the most part lost during the majority of the storyline. Sadly, the romance and plot line that actually shows Abby and Dylan falling in love is not part of this book. This book only covers the part where they get over their own obstacles to be able to love the other openly. (You you may say, it's your own fault for not understanding the story better because the author said that you should read the preceding books, and you would not be wrong. However, romance series books are individually standalone and the level of backstory that you need to really get invested in this book is so much higher than in any other series I have read. This book is not standalone in any sense of the phrase).
I was initially very excited to read this book because the most military stories do not include a female operative who is as strong as Abby is. I was really excited to see a woman being extremely badass. However, because this book was about everyone and oh yeah, also Abby and Dylan, you hardly get to see how awesome Abby is. Not only that, but Dylan does not seem to trust in Abby's ability because he leaves her out. This book was very disappointing, especially in regards to the romantic aspect, and I regret purchasing it.
There is just no denying it.... I am a huge fan of Ms. Brooks books and this book did not disappoint! Strong characters, small town charm, and just the right amount of humor. Keenston is a place I wish existed and the people of Keenston are people I wish really existed. Each book is a standalone, but are connected in such a way that it feels like I get a trip to my favorite place to see my favorite people with each installment.
Abby is the daughter of the most feared man that really has a soft center under all the tough facade. Having a real relationship is hard with an overbearing and over protective dad that believes nobody will ever be good enough for his baby girl.
Dylan is the man that has not just her back in battle, but has her heart too. Their love has been kept a secret for a very long time and all it takes is for their secret to be exposed... Secret jobs, that is, to bring light to a relationship they both wanted, but couldn't have.
Spies and military elite merge into a story that crabs on and does not let go until the HEA that is meant to happen. There is humor, heat, and suspense... With the help of family and friends that are always up for action... You are in for a great time from start to finish.
This book deserves more than 5 stars! You will love it...
Abby is finally hitting the pinnacle of her career..she’s out there saving the world and fighting her own people at the same time..she isn’t missing anything...or is she. Dylan is on yet another assignment, handling business for his country..that is until his life is thrown into a tailspin when he saves a familiar face during a mission. Can they leave their careers behind? Is love worth it?
Kathleen always weaves a wonderful tale full of intrigue, but most of all, laughter, friendship, and love. This book was no different. She tells the tale and struggle of a woman trying to make her mark in a male dominated world. Shows us how you can have a loving family and still manage to feel disconnected. Most importantly, through her stories you can find facets of yourself and how you (and our book characters) can overcome them as well.
Every book allows you to catch up with our wonderful town of Keeneston..and it’s inhabitants..you’ll be happy to know that the Rose sisters are still alive 😄. This was another great book..well worth the read..and re-read.😉
I do think that if you are going to read this, it really helps to read the series. But then again, why wouldn't you go back to the beginning with the Bluegrass books and start with Risky Shot - the first book in Keeneston. This town has many books written about it - spanning generations. I have reread most of them multiple times. I couldn't wait for this book about Abby. I was not disappointed. Kathleen keeps it exciting enough that you don't want to put it down - and yet soft enough that it doesn't trigger stress or PTSD....so perfect amount of suspense with the terrorism and fighting....and who doesn't want to read about a priest who protects the town (you have to read to hear what this priest does). So many wonderful pieces of this book. Yeah, you could read it by itself without the rest of the books - but why would you? Kathleen, you did it again - and this review is rambling a little because....well, I stayed up to finish and had to get up early for work. Yes, it was THAT good!!!!
I've loved the Forever series. It was non-stop excitement. In Forever Notorious, I loved learning how the love story for Abby & Dylan developed. I loved how their relationship evolved. I cracked up every time Abby's father, Ahmed and Dylan got together. I love the humor that continues with all of Keeneston. Every time I read a Keeneston story, I am so sad to learn that the town is just make believe. I want to get in my car on the weekend and drive to the Cafe and have lunch with the Rose Sisters. Just as I thought we had come to the conclusion of the "panty droppers", I find the saga continues! I loved the way Kathleen wet my appetite at the end for the next book and most of all I loved the characters from the Web of Lies series making an appearance. I love Kathleen's foreword regarding the love and support she received from her father for her writing and how she has been able to deal with his loss because of the support of family, friends and fans. Thank you for another wonderful love story!
I will not give any spoilers, who Abby ends up with, but this is a great book.
When two worlds collide it makes the chemistry between one couple extremely dangerous. When Abby tries to live her life through her career it's really lonely. She realizes, after an event changes her life, that maybe her career isn't everything.
If you have not read any of Kathleen’s books, please, please do!! Once you start her books, start with the Blue Grass State Of Mind, there is no way to stop.
Each one of her books just makes want more between the Rose Sisters, The Davies Family, The Mueez Family, Prince Mo, and Princess Danie, the lists goes on. The characters are so well written that you love them.
This book does answers questions that us, readers, want to know yet leaves more questions.
Hopefully, you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
Abby: This girl is such a bad*** from the very beginning of this book. I mean I know Amhed is her dad, but goodness. She makes the tomb raider look like a barbie doll. Dylan: The way he is with Amhed trying to get permission to date his daughter was absolutely perfect. He wasn't afraid at all and was not going to back down. And completing the list of things to accomplish to get permission was so freaking funny. Not only taking one baby to mommy and me yoga but two at once. Then teaching Aniyah to shoot was the icing on the cake. But why did no one notice she needed glasses until now? The couple not named toward the end of the book I am sill trying to figure out who it is. I am thinking maybe Poppy or Zinnia? With maybe Talon or Lucas???
I absolutely love this series. I know I say that with every review but It is so true. Just enough action, love, steam, and comedy to make a perfect series. If this hit Netflix i'm telling yo I would binge it.
OMG Kathleen Brooks you have soo done this book justice. Absolutely brilliant, heart touching, fantabulous.
The dedication was beautiful and you father would be absolutely proof of this one. He must have been laughing along with us when we were reading this.
Abby and Dylan. (Sigh) Both at the peak of their careers, when it's put into jeopardy when one of Abby's missions does not go to plan. Dylan is there to save the day and also risks his job to protect Abby. True love.
There is so much comedy and laugh out loud moments involving Ahmed, the Rose sisters, Ryans FBI friends and You can't forget Aniyah.
Soo much is revealed involving Father Ben and and the Rose sisters neices. There is action, drama, lots of tears, suspense and a whole lot of Keeneston drama.
Awaiting notoriously for the next installment. Thank you Kathleen for an epic journey.
I have really enjoyed this series with the Keeneston Families, I believe this is one of my favorites. Dylan has always been the mysterious one and I guess the draw of finding out exactly who he worked for... well, I guessed wrong I thought he was working for the President, but instead it was him at all. Abby we knew had to be badass, right? Because of her father and who he was, but she was really badass. She turn out to be the first woman CIA Operative. Dylan and Abby and grown up together, they shared a kiss in high school. That each of them never forgotten. So every time there was a town or family event or emergency, they spent a little time together. But there jobs didn’t allow for relationship,until one of there lives was in danger. Excellent story.
I love this series so much! Everything about this book was absolutely perfect! Dylan and Abby together was so sexy, romantic and satisfying! I loved the adventure and suspense and how everyone gets involved! I love that amidst all the drama there is laughter, family and friend's love and loyalty for each other. I really really enjoy the updates of the character's lives from previous books all of which I have read! Like I said previously a perfect story!!!! Thank you Kathleen for a great epilogue that has me wondering about what wonderful surprises you have in store for us.... Maybe in the next book we'll find out who the new "panty dropper" couple is! 😊
Abigail, daughter for the infamous Ahmed (Final Vow) reveals what she actually does for a living as does Dylan... you won't be disappointed and follows in line with the major professions seen in Keenston. I loved the challenges that Ahmed gave to Dylan to gain his approval - Mommy and Me class was very amusing.
I have yet to listen to a single Kathleen Brooks novel that I didn't love. On the same note, Eric G. Dove is a go to narrator for me. He is very talented and draws you into the story line.
I love the strong women that are depicted by K.B. At times, Abigail struggled to let the men in her life protect her but eventually accepts that she is stronger with a team.
Abby and Dylan's story was quite interesting. Their was the usual mayhem and lives being in danger. Abby and Dylan were each keeping the professional lives a secret from each other. When a mission brings them together, they will have to choose to be together or continue on in their careers. Dylan doesn't hesitate and so begins their story. Ahmed was ridiculous in only the way that he could be in trying to keep them apart. Dylan played his games and did a great job of keeping it cordial. Abby was kind of ridiculous at times with her competitive spirit, but she did back up her confidence. Some mysteries were solved, while another one comes out. Their story was a quick, easy read and I am ready for the next one.
Forever Notorious introduces Abigail Mueez, a woman with many secrets, and the man who has his own hidden truths. As their worlds collide in a high-stakes situation involving the President, their chemistry is undeniable, and the danger they face only brings them closer together. With bullets flying and lies unraveling, Forever Notorious is packed with heart-pounding action and a romance that ignites. The romance between Abby and her love interest is filled with passion, mystery, and intense emotions. Brooks skillfully balances the suspense with a deep connection between the characters, creating a captivating and fast-paced story. Forever Notorious will have readers hooked from start to finish, blending thrilling action with a romance that feels both real and exciting.
Warning a few spoilers...this book was just amazing!!! So many things were revealed that make me happy!!! I love seeing a totally different side to Abby and Dylan!! There’s just too many to list. Can’t wait to find out what Sophie, Sydney, and Mila’s babies will be and how their husbands handle being a dad, who the other panty droppers are, who Draven’s love interest is, and who else is sneaking around!! I believe Aniyah is one of my favorite characters. She brings so much life to Keeneston...oh and now she’s a badass! Kathleen Brooks keep them coming because they get better and better!!! If you’re new to Kathleen’s books, you must go get caught up from the first book, Bluegrass State of Mind!
We have waited so long for this book to come out it seems. For anyone who is not familiar with this series.... Hurry up and go buy the first book and get started.
Those of us who have been following the series Abby has been a force to be reckoned with and in this book we get to find out many of the secrets that Ms Brooks has been teasing us with through the series and of course find out that there are more secrets yet to be discovered.
Abby, Dylan and the Keenston gang has me laughing until the tears were flowing a couple of times and on the edge of my seat at others. What an outstanding story .
First off I love this series of books and have since will and Kenna’s story Which seems like so long ago. It’s exciting to see Abby and the love of her life get there HEA. Visiting Kensington is like visiting family you are pulled in and want to be able to place a bet at the cafe and have lunch with all your friends. finally seeing what Abby has been up to and who that man is that stole her heart was so amazing and watching him stand up to Amhed was so much fun. He is so perfect for Abby and she for him. You have to read this but if you haven’t visited Keensington start at the begging you won’t regret it.
I have waited for Abby's book and especially after all the teasers about "BLANK". There was all kinds of opinions as to who he was. This book took me from the minute I started it to the very last sentence. This book had me in tears at the dedication to laughing out loud moments several times during the book and in true Kathleen fashion lots of OH MY GOD moments! You will LOVE who blank is and the conversations between him and Ahmed are fantastic. The panty dropper and the pregnancy's and of course the action. Cannot wait for the next one! Fantastic job by the author especially during a very trying time for her and her family. I know her father is VERY proud of her and this book.
I knew I needed time to read this, but I couldn't wait any longer.... Abby and Dylan's story, wow, so worth waiting for, but not sure I'm going to make work later today!! Following the previous Keeneston family escapades this story doesn't disappoint. Two of the town's own, feeling like blackheads, never able to share their lives, emotions, careers or adventures, finally find trouble and each other. This edition made me laugh so hard, (farting tazer), Ahmeds antics, the puppy, i'll stop. Brilliant writing, brilliant, funny, sexy characters, cannot wait for the next insight - Kathleen Brooks thank you for an amazing series.
This is Dylan and Abby's story. When Abby is on assignment trying to figure out what a would be terrorist is planning, she is helped out by Dylan's team. While Dylan and Abby have been fighting their feelings for each other for years, is now finally their turn to be a couple? Or, will Ahmed be too overprotective to let her finally have a relationship. As the whole town of Keenestown turns out to help again, we get to enjoy the drama and suspense that comes with the amazing atmosphere the town has to offer. Another wonderful installment in the Forever Bluegrass series! Thank you Kathleen for this wonderful journey!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's a captivating, romantic, hilarious & suspenseful story. Abby & Dylan, grew up together. After one kiss, they realised how they felt. But, life & work took them in different directions. Now, Abby & Dylan are highly trained & bad-assed. Abby, received orders to take down a evil sociopath, who wants to take over the world. With the help of Dylan & the town of Keeneston, they work together stop this monster & his brain washed followers. The emotions, the humor & their chemistry pulled me in, & the suspense kept me hooked, till the end!!!
I loved (Final Vow) so now that I got to read Abby story who was created from two cool,smart, badass parent was everything I need from this book. Abby was the true meaning to the day "daddy little girl" And she was . The love and pride in which Ahmed had for his daughter was just beautiful to read . Plus the fact Dylan was just a prideful of her accomplishment was just wonderful to read .the story was very fun action pack and Keeneston town never let me down. And her being a woman didn't stop her from being great and handling thing that men always get to do with still being a woman .
Not wanting to give away Abby’s HEA guy...but she is as bad ass they come...yet good to her core...and she knows who her HEA is...but their time to stop “saving the world” has not come yet...but then events happen and finally he is there to not only rescue her but be her partner in saving their town...and no, Daddy does not scare him...only amuses him...he too is as bad ass they come. I totally recommend this book— and the series. You can look up the order of the books under Kathleen Brooks Bluegrass series...you will love the series and all the people who dwell in Keeneston.
I love the stories about the Keeneston families. I've read most of the stories about the other cousins and their roads to family and home (as well as how their parents met). Brooks often tackles tough topics in the books, at least in the earlier ones.
This is Abby's and Dylan's story about their young love which neither acted upon, but yet as they became adults with clandestine jobs (Special Forces and CIA), they recognized they still had chemistry and wanted the same thing. Maybe this time they should give it a try and make it work.
Another wonderful read...don’t read next to sleeping family members
In the book we finally find out what Abby has been doing since she left her not so quiet little hometown of Keenston. We also find out who Abby’s special someone is. This story has tricks, turns and keeps you on the edge of your seat while still making you laugh out loud. I accidentally sent Ike up my husband laughing as I read. Meant to only read a few chapters. Instead I finished the whole book.
I’ve been in love with Kathleen’s writing since Kenna and Will’s book first reeled me in almost 10 years ago, but this book was one of her best by far. I loved every moment - especially the lead up to revealing Abby’s future husband (I may have screamed “YES! I KNEW IT!! Looking back, the signs were definitely there from the start it was him and not option B). I highly recommend not only this book, but all the books leading up to it.