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Finley Creek #4
If the Dark Wins
(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B0735KV36C)
She doesn't need a lover...
The last thing Dr. Lacy McGareth needs right now is the governor's far too charming younger brother distracting her. She needs to focus on her career and her friends and fixing the small ranch house that has been in her family for generations.
But that cowboy neighbor of hers is exceptionally good at getting through her defenses.
He wants to be more than a friend...
Travis Worthington-Deane had worked his butt off to build his ranch into one of the finest in Texas, but that doesn't mean he's all work and no play. He's more than willing to play with Lacy. To make her forget the nightmares that haunted her after she and her best friends had almost been killed.
To make her take a chance on him. Possibly forever.
Someone else needs her to smile just for him...
Someone with an axe to grind against those damned perfect Deane brothers. Someone far too close to Lacy. Someone who has far-reaching secrets he can't afford to get out. Someone whose grip on reality continues to deteriorate--rapidly.
Someone who demands more than Lacy will ever be able to give...
FIRST in the Finley Creek General Hospital Trilogy.
She doesn't need a lover...
The last thing Dr. Lacy McGareth needs right now is the governor's far too charming younger brother distracting her. She needs to focus on her career and her friends and fixing the small ranch house that has been in her family for generations.
But that cowboy neighbor of hers is exceptionally good at getting through her defenses.
He wants to be more than a friend...
Travis Worthington-Deane had worked his butt off to build his ranch into one of the finest in Texas, but that doesn't mean he's all work and no play. He's more than willing to play with Lacy. To make her forget the nightmares that haunted her after she and her best friends had almost been killed.
To make her take a chance on him. Possibly forever.
Someone else needs her to smile just for him...
Someone with an axe to grind against those damned perfect Deane brothers. Someone far too close to Lacy. Someone who has far-reaching secrets he can't afford to get out. Someone whose grip on reality continues to deteriorate--rapidly.
Someone who demands more than Lacy will ever be able to give...
FIRST in the Finley Creek General Hospital Trilogy.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2017
917 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
About the author
Calle J. Brookes
99 books381 followersWho is Calle Jaye Brookes?
Calle Jaye is fun, playful, ironic, professional and sophisticated. She’s super-educated in the field of fiction and would spend most of her time walking around in “Book World” (or”eBook World”).
Does she have slight control freak tendencies? Yep. Why else would she chose to self-publish?
In her day job she gets to read romance novels. In her night job she gets to write them!
Her favorite color is bold purple. She likes rock like Kid Rock, Shinedown, and Nickelback. Add in a bit of Anastacia and Adelle, too.
She collects rocks. Watches crime dramas. Abhors Lifetime Movies and Titanic (especially Leo…) and refuses to read or write about sparkly teen vampires.
She’s married to a cop she strongly suspects is a vampire. They’ve made vampire babies, too.
They live in Indiana with their vampire relatives and their vampire dogs.
Calle Jaye is fun, playful, ironic, professional and sophisticated. She’s super-educated in the field of fiction and would spend most of her time walking around in “Book World” (or”eBook World”).
Does she have slight control freak tendencies? Yep. Why else would she chose to self-publish?
In her day job she gets to read romance novels. In her night job she gets to write them!
Her favorite color is bold purple. She likes rock like Kid Rock, Shinedown, and Nickelback. Add in a bit of Anastacia and Adelle, too.
She collects rocks. Watches crime dramas. Abhors Lifetime Movies and Titanic (especially Leo…) and refuses to read or write about sparkly teen vampires.
She’s married to a cop she strongly suspects is a vampire. They’ve made vampire babies, too.
They live in Indiana with their vampire relatives and their vampire dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 6, 2017
Great series
I really love this series and also this author's PAVAD series. They are all auto buys for me. The characters are phenomenal, and I get totally invested in them and their families of birth and families of choice. I was even late for my workout this morning because I couldn't put it down. All of these books would be 5 stars from me if it weren't for a few things about the writing that always pull me out of the story. The first is typos like missing words or the wrong word where I have to figure out what it was supposed to say. There are always a few grammar issues here and there and way too much emphasis (italics) added. It seems like every other paragraph had something italicized. Often the emphasis is oddly placed and makes the sentence read weirdly. It drives me crazy. Finally, the characters all think in constant introspective questions. This I attribute to writing style. It's a bit overused for my preferences, but other people may enjoy it. It definitely hasn't stopped me from purchasing all of each of the two series. Honestly, errors in the mechanics of writing typically are a deal breaker for me, but these stories are so good I can't help myself. Ms. Brookes is as phenomenal romantic suspense writer and has eye catching covers; she just needs a good editor. I'd totally do it for free and be thrilled for the opportunity.
I really love this series and also this author's PAVAD series. They are all auto buys for me. The characters are phenomenal, and I get totally invested in them and their families of birth and families of choice. I was even late for my workout this morning because I couldn't put it down. All of these books would be 5 stars from me if it weren't for a few things about the writing that always pull me out of the story. The first is typos like missing words or the wrong word where I have to figure out what it was supposed to say. There are always a few grammar issues here and there and way too much emphasis (italics) added. It seems like every other paragraph had something italicized. Often the emphasis is oddly placed and makes the sentence read weirdly. It drives me crazy. Finally, the characters all think in constant introspective questions. This I attribute to writing style. It's a bit overused for my preferences, but other people may enjoy it. It definitely hasn't stopped me from purchasing all of each of the two series. Honestly, errors in the mechanics of writing typically are a deal breaker for me, but these stories are so good I can't help myself. Ms. Brookes is as phenomenal romantic suspense writer and has eye catching covers; she just needs a good editor. I'd totally do it for free and be thrilled for the opportunity.
October 14, 2019
This book is just downright silly. So many bad things happen to Lacy that it just gets preposterous. This book is part of a series (which I have not read) and in an earlier book, she is badly beaten and watched her friends get shot and stabbed. Then, 6 months later in this book, her shed is set on fire, she gets flowers & chocolate from a stalker, her car is vandalized, she's run down in a terrible car accident where she breaks her arm and bruises her ribs while her two friends are shot, she & her boyfriend Travis are attacked in her bedroom and she is thrown against a wall knocking her out and Travis is beaten up, then Travis is shot while they are cuddling in a hospital bed (seriously??) and she is dragged out of the hospital (by her broken arm no less) at gunpoint. So much drama and we are expected to think she's capable of romance in the middle of all this. A normal person would be in therapy for PTSD and afraid of her own shadow with all the times she's attacked. And Travis is supposed to be a self deprecating, sweet guy who jokes a lot but he is so pushy with her when it comes to wanting kisses and sex that it gets weird, not romantic. Back off already dude!!
October 6, 2019
I started this book as a standalone novel, but I found half way through the book that it was too confusing with all the different perspectives. I thought in reading the blub that it would just be Travis and Lacy, but there were a variety of others included. It just became too tedious for me to continue to follow. It shouldn't be that challenging to follow along.
I'm aware that this is part of a series and although it was not a good read for me, doesn't mean that it wouldn't be a good read for someone else. Maybe if I read the book in order of the series things would make more sense, but it just didn't as a standalone.
I'm aware that this is part of a series and although it was not a good read for me, doesn't mean that it wouldn't be a good read for someone else. Maybe if I read the book in order of the series things would make more sense, but it just didn't as a standalone.
November 10, 2019
I’M AT 16% AND STILL STRUGGLING WITH THE HUGE AMOUNT OF CHARACTERS, THEN 3 MORE WERE INTRODUCED. HOW MANY MORE WILL BE ADDED? THE WORST IS SOME OF THE CHARACTERS HAVE MORE THAN JUST ONE NAME. HELP! THEN IT’S OVER THE TOP REPETATIVE. :<
June 23, 2017
Loved this book, Very good romantic suspense. Now waiting for the next one.
October 30, 2019
This story just had too much drama in it. Every other page Lacy was in the middle of something violent. It was over-done and ruined what had the makings of a good romantic suspense story. Plus, I don’t think I have ever read a book with so many relatives. Everyone was related to each other and it was downright confusing. Though I will say, I just loved Travis, as he was such a great character and such a flirt. After reading this book, I have no desire to read anymore of this Series.
Want to read
September 25, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/25/2019)! 🎁
November 5, 2022
He’s a pig. She knew he was a pig. He talked to her very disrespectfully. She promised she wouldn’t let hormones rule, and yet she ignored all the warning signs. But it wasn’t him, someone else made her life a living hell. Contradictions abound, action that picks up as the story progresses, and so many family relations that the reader can’t track them all. In the end a love story for a couple and family.
June 28, 2017
If the Dark Wins
I loved Lacy's and Travis' story! It is probably in the top of CalleJ Brookes' books for me. Lacy was finally able to purchase the land and home that had been in her family for 5 generations. Travis owned all of the land surrounding hers and he wanted hers, too. Lacy was not willing to let him purchase the land, but as they got to know each other and she learned why he wanted it, they were able to come to a compromise. He would lease the acreage from her for his pet project.
Lacy's safety is threatened and Travis wants to be the one protecting her. Lacy is independent and not used to having a man taking care of her, but Travis is persistent. As things heat up with the threats, Lacy and Travis become hotter for each other, too.
I will be waiting impatiently for the next book in the series to see how love finds Travis' brothers!
I loved Lacy's and Travis' story! It is probably in the top of CalleJ Brookes' books for me. Lacy was finally able to purchase the land and home that had been in her family for 5 generations. Travis owned all of the land surrounding hers and he wanted hers, too. Lacy was not willing to let him purchase the land, but as they got to know each other and she learned why he wanted it, they were able to come to a compromise. He would lease the acreage from her for his pet project.
Lacy's safety is threatened and Travis wants to be the one protecting her. Lacy is independent and not used to having a man taking care of her, but Travis is persistent. As things heat up with the threats, Lacy and Travis become hotter for each other, too.
I will be waiting impatiently for the next book in the series to see how love finds Travis' brothers!
July 3, 2020
I admit, I agree with another reviewer that there were a lot of people related to each other... and not, but yet they were on some level or another? Sounds confusing right? I'm usually not bothered by that because I've read a lot of Ms. Brookes' stories, and know most of the characters' backgrounds, but it did get to be a bit too much. Also, because--again--I've read a lot of stories by this author, I'm a little concerned that these women have been put through a lot! I'm always willing to suspend reality for romantic fiction, but these women have been stalked and stalked again, shot at and actually shot, knifed, kidnapped, stranded in storms, beaten and concussed, left disabled, etc., etc. I'm always left thinking "what else could possibly happen to these poor women?"🤔 What keeps me reading is the thrill of if/how the perpetrator will be caught. I do love my romantic suspenses!
My favorite part of this book was definitely Travis Worthington-Deane. He was gorgeous, sexy, a flirt but also a perfect gentleman. I'm certainly interested in the other Deane brothers.
My favorite part of this book was definitely Travis Worthington-Deane. He was gorgeous, sexy, a flirt but also a perfect gentleman. I'm certainly interested in the other Deane brothers.
June 16, 2022
Clean mystery, well written. Ending is set up for next book. Not a resolution.
I enjoyed this book. It had many twists and turns even though you know from the beginning who is the source of the attacks and why. Very interesting exploration of the adverse side effects of medicines. All the main characters are likeable and you feel like you know them. The plot is somewhat formulaic in that it follows the same larger one shared by other books by this author but with tweaks to the actual scenes. A big plus for me was that I didn't have to endure explicit sex scenes nor foul language which I always skip over, and which makes me avoid additional books by any author who includes that type of thing.
I enjoyed this book. It had many twists and turns even though you know from the beginning who is the source of the attacks and why. Very interesting exploration of the adverse side effects of medicines. All the main characters are likeable and you feel like you know them. The plot is somewhat formulaic in that it follows the same larger one shared by other books by this author but with tweaks to the actual scenes. A big plus for me was that I didn't have to endure explicit sex scenes nor foul language which I always skip over, and which makes me avoid additional books by any author who includes that type of thing.
August 20, 2019
If the Dark Wins (Finley Creek #4) by Calle J. Brookes
Another well written and entertaining story in the Finley Creek universe. This is not a stand alone book. Most of the previous book's characters make an appearance and are integral to the plot. I am a fan of Calle J Brookes' writing and in the past have complained about the proof reading and editing issues, there were some in this book as well, but in the overall flow of this book it did not take me out of the story. A Nice Read. Solid 4 stars.
Another well written and entertaining story in the Finley Creek universe. This is not a stand alone book. Most of the previous book's characters make an appearance and are integral to the plot. I am a fan of Calle J Brookes' writing and in the past have complained about the proof reading and editing issues, there were some in this book as well, but in the overall flow of this book it did not take me out of the story. A Nice Read. Solid 4 stars.
November 8, 2019
Didn’t meet expectations
This book didn’t read as described. Great build up on romance between Travis and Lacy, mysterious events happening but really no investigation, why let the villain keep hurting people, selling and using drugs. More could have been said about his crimes instead they made him a lovesick evil puppy. So when he shows up with a gun, where was security? So the story falls off and becomes a weak romance. Enough of this author!!
This book didn’t read as described. Great build up on romance between Travis and Lacy, mysterious events happening but really no investigation, why let the villain keep hurting people, selling and using drugs. More could have been said about his crimes instead they made him a lovesick evil puppy. So when he shows up with a gun, where was security? So the story falls off and becomes a weak romance. Enough of this author!!
October 30, 2020
Finley Creek saga continues....:)
Book four in this amazing series involves Lacy, our favourite doctor who almost got beaten to death, earlier in the series, meets her match in cowboy Travis. So much happens in this book, that I don't quite know where to start! Suffice to say most of it centers around the Finley Creek Hospital.
Great suspenseful read and soooooo looking forward to what Calle has next in store for us!
Book four in this amazing series involves Lacy, our favourite doctor who almost got beaten to death, earlier in the series, meets her match in cowboy Travis. So much happens in this book, that I don't quite know where to start! Suffice to say most of it centers around the Finley Creek Hospital.
Great suspenseful read and soooooo looking forward to what Calle has next in store for us!
July 5, 2024
Awesome read.
Where to begin with this book. There is strength in the characters, strong friendships, New beginnings, having to get past fears and heartache. Learning to survive and also sadness. The characters are unique and the feels are real. I don't want to give spoilers and it gets better reading the more I read. I truly look forward to reading the next book and more by this author. Happy Reading!
Where to begin with this book. There is strength in the characters, strong friendships, New beginnings, having to get past fears and heartache. Learning to survive and also sadness. The characters are unique and the feels are real. I don't want to give spoilers and it gets better reading the more I read. I truly look forward to reading the next book and more by this author. Happy Reading!
July 13, 2019
Lacy and Travis, one heated argument after another, he wanted her land, and she kept saying no. To the tune of a million, then it came down to leasing her land . Which would help her to have money for the needed repairs. Travis is intrigue with her and when safety is an issue, he wants to protect her. Good plot, and how they finally straighten out what is keeping love from happening.
September 28, 2019
Breathtaking intrigue!
Great story! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. The characters are well defined and you feel as if you have known them for ages. The stories unfortunately reflect the headlines in the paper. A sad commentary, but at least in this book, the good guys win. Love your stories!!
Great story! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. The characters are well defined and you feel as if you have known them for ages. The stories unfortunately reflect the headlines in the paper. A sad commentary, but at least in this book, the good guys win. Love your stories!!
October 7, 2019
A wonderful read
This book was absolutely one of the best I have read & I read a lot.It was so full of excitement & family love.The characters were so great & pulled me into the story so that I was crying along with them.You definitely will not put this down until finished. I planned on reading for ahour & going to bed. Forget that.
This book was absolutely one of the best I have read & I read a lot.It was so full of excitement & family love.The characters were so great & pulled me into the story so that I was crying along with them.You definitely will not put this down until finished. I planned on reading for ahour & going to bed. Forget that.
October 21, 2019
This was an interesting story, but there were so many time I was confused by some of the people in the story. I was like "Who are they?" Characters kept refering about things that had happened like we should know about them. I felt like I had missed a book that told the story bout who these people are and what had happened to them. "Confusing Read"
February 11, 2020
Very good story, but....
I liked the story very much. But the characters and past events just come from nowhere with no explanation. You are at a loss to understand the connections. It may be that I have not read other books in the series and this isn't a stand alone book. However the story is still good.
I liked the story very much. But the characters and past events just come from nowhere with no explanation. You are at a loss to understand the connections. It may be that I have not read other books in the series and this isn't a stand alone book. However the story is still good.
July 13, 2021
Love this series!
Bad luck follows the people in this series. Good will overcome evil, but it may take awhile. But the experience makes one heck of a good story! This time it is the story of Travis Worthington-Deane and Lacey McGareth (who are connected to the Becks). The road to true love is very bumpy, but the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Enjoy!!
Bad luck follows the people in this series. Good will overcome evil, but it may take awhile. But the experience makes one heck of a good story! This time it is the story of Travis Worthington-Deane and Lacey McGareth (who are connected to the Becks). The road to true love is very bumpy, but the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Enjoy!!
April 2, 2022
Wow
The suspense was over the top!! Such a very strong love story. This series has a few too many characters to keep track of but it is a great continuing story. They aren't cliff hangers. Each story reaches a satisfying ending. It's just that the next ones keep it going. I missed book 3 so book 4 referenced actions that I missed but book 4 was still it's own great story.
The suspense was over the top!! Such a very strong love story. This series has a few too many characters to keep track of but it is a great continuing story. They aren't cliff hangers. Each story reaches a satisfying ending. It's just that the next ones keep it going. I missed book 3 so book 4 referenced actions that I missed but book 4 was still it's own great story.
January 17, 2019
Calls Brooks brings her characters alive in each book!
I could only give it a 4 this time which was not the author s fault. I read book's 1-4 in a couple of days. By the time I got to 4 I was ready for a change. So now I'll dive into something else for a change.
I could only give it a 4 this time which was not the author s fault. I read book's 1-4 in a couple of days. By the time I got to 4 I was ready for a change. So now I'll dive into something else for a change.
July 12, 2019
Loved it
Everyone of the books I have read from Calle make it hard to put down. You laugh, cry and feel all that the characters do. Lacey finally has her family ranch back but her neighbor wants to buy it. Travis is just a little bit over the moon when he meets her.
Everyone of the books I have read from Calle make it hard to put down. You laugh, cry and feel all that the characters do. Lacey finally has her family ranch back but her neighbor wants to buy it. Travis is just a little bit over the moon when he meets her.
October 6, 2019
I think I have found a new author to follow. Great read. Great characters. Mystery and suspense mixed perfectly.
Looking forward to following them all and other stories from the same author. Pick one up and you will see for yourself. Enjoy.
Looking forward to following them all and other stories from the same author. Pick one up and you will see for yourself. Enjoy.
October 6, 2019
Incredibly intense dark story
Wonderfully sculpted dark story of trust, love, deceit, and insanity. Story line amazingly believable, you become immersed in it. Wonderful true-to-life characters. Superbly written. A must-read!
Wonderfully sculpted dark story of trust, love, deceit, and insanity. Story line amazingly believable, you become immersed in it. Wonderful true-to-life characters. Superbly written. A must-read!
November 1, 2019
Ebook
She’s been attached and recovering. She a surgical resident just moved into her family home. He’s a rancher, her neighbor that needs her land for some experimental grasses he wants to grow. What grows is an attraction and he saves her from a stalker.
She’s been attached and recovering. She a surgical resident just moved into her family home. He’s a rancher, her neighbor that needs her land for some experimental grasses he wants to grow. What grows is an attraction and he saves her from a stalker.
November 7, 2019
Wonderful romantic suspense story
I really enjoyed going back to Finley Creek and getting Lacy and Travis’ story. The mystery here centered around a new drug being trialed at the hospital and a doctor obsessed with Lacy. The drug will be an ongoing thread in the next book.
I really enjoyed going back to Finley Creek and getting Lacy and Travis’ story. The mystery here centered around a new drug being trialed at the hospital and a doctor obsessed with Lacy. The drug will be an ongoing thread in the next book.
January 8, 2020
Travis is a hard working ranch owner. His attractive neighbor is DR Lacy McGrath. Recently she and her 2 friends were nearly killed. Travis is determined to woo and win the Dr. But another is obsessed with Lacy. Can Travis keep her safe form an unknown person?
September 18, 2020
Maybe if I’d read the previous books in the series it would have been less confusing but gave up at 16%. Too many characters that were not part of this story were referred to, too confusing to try and keep track of.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews