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Dakota Peace
Dakota Peace
She went looking for peace, but trouble found her.
After a traumatic call, emergency dispatcher Natalia Brynner flees the city, desperate for some distance from her stressful life. Her peace is short lived when a flat tire strands her on the other side of South Dakota with nothing but her high heels and a speeding ticket. State Trooper Travis Wilkins offers to keep her company while she waits for a new tire, but the quick fix turns into an overnight stay which turns into an extended stay. She soon finds herself in the middle of a foster child’s kidnapping case helping the handsome law man. His presence doesn’t quite settle her anxious heart. With the support of her new friends and her blossoming relationship, Natalia starts to believe she could finally experience a peaceful life … until an armed madman threatens it all.
After a traumatic call, emergency dispatcher Natalia Brynner flees the city, desperate for some distance from her stressful life. Her peace is short lived when a flat tire strands her on the other side of South Dakota with nothing but her high heels and a speeding ticket. State Trooper Travis Wilkins offers to keep her company while she waits for a new tire, but the quick fix turns into an overnight stay which turns into an extended stay. She soon finds herself in the middle of a foster child’s kidnapping case helping the handsome law man. His presence doesn’t quite settle her anxious heart. With the support of her new friends and her blossoming relationship, Natalia starts to believe she could finally experience a peaceful life … until an armed madman threatens it all.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2020
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99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 26, 2023
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Current day
Main characters:
Natalia Brynner, dispatcher
Travis Wilkins, state trooper
Cole Wilkins, Travis's brother
Rosemary, owner of Prickly Pear Bistro
Marcus, sweet little foster child
I’m not at all sure why this considered Christian fiction. Oh, it was clean, but there is nothing about God, Jesus, the gospel or salvation. Prayer and church are basically only mentioned parenthetically. So, like I said, although clean, it does not entail anything particularly Christian.
Natalia was a dispatcher who had the harrowing experience of being on duty when a policeman was killed. Her way to deal with this trauma was to drive nonstop through the state until a state trooper (Travis) pulled her over six hours later. Ending up in Alkaline, South Dakota with a car that needed fixing, Natalia was offered a room in the local bistro owner's home. Not wanting to return to her dispatcher position, she stuck around Alkaline, picking up a waitress job and getting to know Travis pretty well.
Meanwhile, a kidnapped child (Marcus) ended up with Natalia because she had a fostering license. Marcus became the crux of everything else in the book, which was sweet.
A little far fetched in places, but an easy read.
Current day
Main characters:
Natalia Brynner, dispatcher
Travis Wilkins, state trooper
Cole Wilkins, Travis's brother
Rosemary, owner of Prickly Pear Bistro
Marcus, sweet little foster child
I’m not at all sure why this considered Christian fiction. Oh, it was clean, but there is nothing about God, Jesus, the gospel or salvation. Prayer and church are basically only mentioned parenthetically. So, like I said, although clean, it does not entail anything particularly Christian.
Natalia was a dispatcher who had the harrowing experience of being on duty when a policeman was killed. Her way to deal with this trauma was to drive nonstop through the state until a state trooper (Travis) pulled her over six hours later. Ending up in Alkaline, South Dakota with a car that needed fixing, Natalia was offered a room in the local bistro owner's home. Not wanting to return to her dispatcher position, she stuck around Alkaline, picking up a waitress job and getting to know Travis pretty well.
Meanwhile, a kidnapped child (Marcus) ended up with Natalia because she had a fostering license. Marcus became the crux of everything else in the book, which was sweet.
A little far fetched in places, but an easy read.
February 22, 2020
As with any debut novel you start reading having no idea exactly what to expect. I was more than pleasantly surprised as I found myself compelled from beginning to end to find out what was coming next. I was quickly connected with characters and cared about them. At no point in the book did I find myself wishing the author would move things along, the pace of the story was perfect. All the themes I needed were there too: drama, relationships, suspense, romance, and the ability to apply a few real-life lessons as a bonus. Excellent book. Highly recommend.
September 9, 2020
Dakota Peace is a joy!
Megan Kinney has written a book that is a joyful triumph. From the realistic portrayal of law enforcement to the sweet ending, Dakota Peace is a wonderful tale. I highly recommend it!
Megan Kinney has written a book that is a joyful triumph. From the realistic portrayal of law enforcement to the sweet ending, Dakota Peace is a wonderful tale. I highly recommend it!
July 5, 2023
Story of a police dispatcher who cannot face her past. She runs into a policeman in a small town who has trouble with his past. Together they protect a young boy from a terrible home situation. It's exciting, intriguing, and a look inside two high-stress jobs and the people who do them.
Really good book. I enjoyed it a lot.
Really good book. I enjoyed it a lot.
July 15, 2021
Heartwarming story
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Nettie needs to get away from everything she knows. While escaping, she gets pulled over for speeding and running a stop sign. Officer Wilkins, Travis feels sympathy for her when he finds out she was the dispatcher who gave out the last call for a fellow officer that morning. She gets a flat as she drives off and Travis drives her into town and helps get her situated. They get involved in a child kidnapping and Nettie agrees to foster 3 year-old Marcus for a couple of weeks while she figures out what she wants to do with her life. The relationship grows quickly and a rekidnapping causes all kinds of harm. I thought the reactions and decisions of the characters rang true. I especially liked the positive talk of psychiatric help.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Nettie needs to get away from everything she knows. While escaping, she gets pulled over for speeding and running a stop sign. Officer Wilkins, Travis feels sympathy for her when he finds out she was the dispatcher who gave out the last call for a fellow officer that morning. She gets a flat as she drives off and Travis drives her into town and helps get her situated. They get involved in a child kidnapping and Nettie agrees to foster 3 year-old Marcus for a couple of weeks while she figures out what she wants to do with her life. The relationship grows quickly and a rekidnapping causes all kinds of harm. I thought the reactions and decisions of the characters rang true. I especially liked the positive talk of psychiatric help.
October 31, 2025
I read this book for my IRL book group. It was an ok book. Predictable at the least. I did enjoy reading a book set in South Dakota where I live but I was disappointed with the name Ms. Kinney chose for the town she ended up staying in. The rest of the towns mentioned in the book were names of real towns. Why chose a name like Akaline, which is not a town in SD, rather than picking a town with a real name and making parts of it fictional. I was a bit hung up on that. Being a former police dispatcher, I can tell you, those parts of the book were real, accurate and moving. I, too, have had a first responder pass away while on duty when I was working. It never gets easier and the feelings and depiction of the situation was spot on. I will be honest, I skimmed the last 75 pages of the book because I knew where it was going. I read the epilogue and called it good.
February 17, 2020
I couldn’t stop reading this book! I spent the better part of two days happily racing through the pages to find out what would happen at the end. Then, as it is with all good books, I wished it wouldn’t end and spent the next several days in a bit of a depressed state wishing I had more and wondering about the characters as if they were real. The author does a splendid job of making the characters come alive and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I was given an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for sharing my honest opinion.
I was given an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for sharing my honest opinion.
July 27, 2020
Natalia Brynner flees the city. A flat tire strands her in Alkaline, South Dakota. State Trooper Travis Wilkins offers to help her. She finds herself in the middle of a foster child's kidnapping case. Can she find peace? Or will an armed madman threaten it all?
A couple things caught my attention. I'm from Yankton, South Dakota, and we've fostered many children. When I got into the book, I found the author is a really good writer. The story flowed flawlessly. Characters, sprinkled with a touch of mystery, were interesting. Dakota Peace, a horse, added to the adventure. Very good read. I loved it!
A couple things caught my attention. I'm from Yankton, South Dakota, and we've fostered many children. When I got into the book, I found the author is a really good writer. The story flowed flawlessly. Characters, sprinkled with a touch of mystery, were interesting. Dakota Peace, a horse, added to the adventure. Very good read. I loved it!
February 6, 2020
Such a beautiful love story! This couple grabbed my heart and had me rooting for them, despite all that came between them. And the supporting characters were well-drawn and pivotal to the plot. The author makes the story come alive, so much so that I could easily see this as a movie! You'll be on the edge of your seat sometimes--and if you read it before bed, you'll put in a late night, I promise. Just one more page... I highly recommend this clean, but very exciting novel.
I was given an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I was given an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2020
This is the third contemporary book I've read this year - I'm generally a history-only gal - but I really enjoyed Dakota Peace. The setting is part of its charm. You don't find too many books set in the Black Hills. Megan Kinney does a great job of bringing that setting to life. The hero and heroine are believable and likable, but not perfect, so also relatable. And that cover ... honestly! ... that cover would suck anyone into the book. Impressive debut novel for this author. I look forward to reading more from her.
February 14, 2021
Cowboys And Horses
I am not certain why this story was named Dakota Peace, but there is symbolism and it is a pretty name. The intro said the story was not a cookie cutter formula. There was some formula, but thank goodness not much. The errors in the kindle edition were few. I was prepared to stop reading when the story started to become about cowboys, Indians, brothers, horses, and an angst-riddled young woman, but the author returned to the story, which was a good thing. It is worth reading.
I am not certain why this story was named Dakota Peace, but there is symbolism and it is a pretty name. The intro said the story was not a cookie cutter formula. There was some formula, but thank goodness not much. The errors in the kindle edition were few. I was prepared to stop reading when the story started to become about cowboys, Indians, brothers, horses, and an angst-riddled young woman, but the author returned to the story, which was a good thing. It is worth reading.
March 9, 2021
Hmm. She's got a free book on her website that's supposed to be the prequel to this story (Dakota Family), but the retelling of those incidences in this book don't match it.
This story wasn't properly edited. There are many errors in spelling and word choice and a few in context—inconsistencies in this book and within this and the prequel. If that bothers you, you *will* miss out.
The story is good, and the characters are well done.
Along with the sweet romance, there's a bit of suspense and action.
This story wasn't properly edited. There are many errors in spelling and word choice and a few in context—inconsistencies in this book and within this and the prequel. If that bothers you, you *will* miss out.
The story is good, and the characters are well done.
Along with the sweet romance, there's a bit of suspense and action.
August 30, 2024
What a wonderful story. I enjoyed the setting of South Dakota which I have visited several times. Kinney writes heartfelt characters in Nattie and Travis. I liked that Travis is a Lakota law enforcement officer. But Marcus stole my heart. The boy caught in a difficult family situation drew me in for a huge hug.
This is a page-turner that you will read long into the night. There is suspense and relationship tension in different storylines.
The romance is done well and the happily-ever-after is realistic.
I heartily recommend this novel. I will be reading Caleb's story next.
This is a page-turner that you will read long into the night. There is suspense and relationship tension in different storylines.
The romance is done well and the happily-ever-after is realistic.
I heartily recommend this novel. I will be reading Caleb's story next.
February 9, 2020
I was given an advanced copy of this book to read for the launch party. I could not put this book down! It is captivating and meaningful. As a nurse and wife of a corrections officer I can relate to the issues presented in the book. The author does an amazing job of discussing the struggles of EMS & law enforcement as well as those of a traumatized person. I loved the book and wait for Megan to write more!
February 14, 2020
This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page. It has action, suspense and romance and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. The author brought the story to life with her words, I could see the scenery and feel the emotions. If you like clean romantic suspense books you will love this book. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 15, 2020
Travis knew the area, he also knew the foster system, felt he had to keep patrolling for the abducted boy. Natalie was a dispatcher, and was the one doing the calls when an officer was shot. Trying to cope she drives, and with one mishap after another. Then to realize maybe this place with a bistro, Rosemary and a State Trooper might bring her peace.
Surprised by the deep of this with the emotion and nightmares she had, and needed space to heal. Good characters.
Surprised by the deep of this with the emotion and nightmares she had, and needed space to heal. Good characters.
April 26, 2020
I really liked this book. Interesting the whole way thru. A 911 dispatcher took a bad call and she got really distressed about it after driving to another town for his funeral. Had a flat tire . Stayed for a few days ended up waitressing at a place. A little boy was kidnapped . The town was looking for him .She met a cop whom she liked . Decided to stay in the town longer than she expected. Dont want to say much more and spoil it all. Bad news & good news at the end.
February 10, 2021
Dakota Peace
Interesting title - Dakota Peace is a horse, he is a an important part of this story. Travis is his owner, Travis is a state trooper in a relatively small town. He stops a young lady, Natalia is, for speeding then helps her in many ways. She is dealing with a form of PTSD. A kidnapped child and many other circumstances have an effect on their developing relationship. A great story. Thank you Megan.
Interesting title - Dakota Peace is a horse, he is a an important part of this story. Travis is his owner, Travis is a state trooper in a relatively small town. He stops a young lady, Natalia is, for speeding then helps her in many ways. She is dealing with a form of PTSD. A kidnapped child and many other circumstances have an effect on their developing relationship. A great story. Thank you Megan.
August 4, 2021
Natalia is a 911 operator. She receives a bad call of an officer being shot and it affects her to the core. She gets in her car and drives for hours until she gets a flat and is pulled over by a state trooper named Travis. She arrives in a small town and circumstances make her stay. She goes to work at the small town cafe, becomes a foster parent, and falls in love. The book is busy but a good read.
September 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this book the only thing that would have made it better is if the characters were Christian. It's a clean book, but nothing in it points to it being Christian. That surprised me since I don't normally download books unless something made me think it was Christian. But it was a great book otherwise.
Edited to add: I just checked and the book is listed as being sold in Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance (Kindle Store), which is why I thought it would be Christian.
Edited to add: I just checked and the book is listed as being sold in Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance (Kindle Store), which is why I thought it would be Christian.
January 20, 2020
Dakota Peace captivated me from the beginning. The characters were interesting and relatable. The story was fun to follow. I loved the South Dakota backdrop, it added character to the book. I had trouble putting it down! I would definitely recommend it!
I was provided an advance copy in exchange for my opinion.
I was provided an advance copy in exchange for my opinion.
February 9, 2020
Wow! This book's suspense kept me up at night, reading well past my bedtime. The love story was sweet, too. I work in healthcare and with foster care and have family members in law enforcement, and the author skillfully portrayed each area so it was believable. I will read this book again.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for sharing my honest opinion.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for sharing my honest opinion.
February 18, 2020
Loved this book -- the characters are multi-dimensional, the conflicts are believable and relatable, and the romantic thread is sweet and swoony. I'm a bit of a sucker for dads too, so I loved seeing men in this story who were willing to and wanted to be single dads to help children in need.
Can't wait to read more from Megan!
Can't wait to read more from Megan!
March 9, 2020
Loved this book!!!
Dakota Peace held my interest from beginning to end! Actually, I couldn’t put it down.
I love how the author describes the scenery of South Dakota. I felt like I was out there with Travis & Natalia.
It’s one of those books where you think about the characters after you have finished reading it.
Dakota Peace held my interest from beginning to end! Actually, I couldn’t put it down.
I love how the author describes the scenery of South Dakota. I felt like I was out there with Travis & Natalia.
It’s one of those books where you think about the characters after you have finished reading it.
April 14, 2020
A wonderful story of healing
And asking for help when you think the world did overwhelming. Natalia was on dispatch when an officer died and she ended up doing his last call on his memorial day. Travis was a state trooper that had troubles when he was younger to but made something of himself because of his adoptive dad.
And asking for help when you think the world did overwhelming. Natalia was on dispatch when an officer died and she ended up doing his last call on his memorial day. Travis was a state trooper that had troubles when he was younger to but made something of himself because of his adoptive dad.
April 15, 2020
Marcus' New Home
Natalie was the dispatcher when an officer was killed on duty. It shook her so badly that she ran away from her home and life there. She though that she'd never be able to do that again. A State Trooper came into her new life along with so many new friends and changed it forever.
Natalie was the dispatcher when an officer was killed on duty. It shook her so badly that she ran away from her home and life there. She though that she'd never be able to do that again. A State Trooper came into her new life along with so many new friends and changed it forever.
April 19, 2020
Highway Patrol Dispatching Foster Children
The book was very interesting. It takes place in an area we are very familiar with. It is well written and gives insight into what a dispatcher does and the emotional trauma for having to deal with tough call. I would recommend the book as it is a good story also educational.
The book was very interesting. It takes place in an area we are very familiar with. It is well written and gives insight into what a dispatcher does and the emotional trauma for having to deal with tough call. I would recommend the book as it is a good story also educational.
September 4, 2020
What a wonderful story. I could not put it down. I loved all the characters and wanted to jump right in the story to join them. The book kept my interest all the way through. For a new author, Megan writes like she has done forever. Don't miss out on this new author and her stories. If you do, you are going to miss out on a good thing.
February 6, 2021
Great First Book
Megan Kinney, you definitely wrote the story you had done so much research for. Strong characters complete with both strengths and weaknesses. Enough excitement with the kidnapping and the subsequent fights with the main villain. Interesting information about adoptions of children with Native American heritage. Romance woven throughout.
Megan Kinney, you definitely wrote the story you had done so much research for. Strong characters complete with both strengths and weaknesses. Enough excitement with the kidnapping and the subsequent fights with the main villain. Interesting information about adoptions of children with Native American heritage. Romance woven throughout.
March 7, 2021
Excellent Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There was enough mystery to hold your interest without being graphic. The story line was informative & compelling while also very touching & realistic. I can't wait to read more by this author as her writing is without offensive language & filled with life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There was enough mystery to hold your interest without being graphic. The story line was informative & compelling while also very touching & realistic. I can't wait to read more by this author as her writing is without offensive language & filled with life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews