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Crystal Creek #8

Never Kiss Goodbye

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A cowboy haunted by his past. A woman stalked by a deadly secret.

Pregnant and on the run, Lily Harkin will do anything to protect her unborn child, but no one can know her secret – a secret so horrific it could destroy her and anyone she meets.

Bronc rider Josh Merrick can’t forget the mistake that cost a woman her life. When he finds a frightened, pregnant woman hiding in an abandoned horse trailer, he doesn’t just want to shield her. He sees this as his chance to right the wrong that haunts him day and night.

Josh can’t fight the love he feels for this sweet and gentle woman, but realizes her dark past isn’t far behind. In one terrifying moment, they face a danger that not only reveals a chilling truth, but pulls them into a battle for their lives and a fight against an enemy whose hold on them comes at a price they’d never imagined.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2021

112 people are currently reading
136 people want to read

About the author

Laura Haley-McNeil

59 books279 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Miriam Jacob.
238 reviews
February 23, 2021
Bronc rider Josh Merrick is haunted by his chilling past that cost a woman her life. Girl on the run, Lily Harkins has to protect her unborn child at any cost. Lily's secret is so devastating that it can destroy her and anyone associated with her. When Josh finds Lily hiding, he sees this as his God-given chance to right the wrong that haunts his every waking hour. Josh feels a tender, compassionate love for sweet, gentle Lily, whose dark, sordid past torments them both incessantly. It is something they cannot escape from, try as they might. This book is written in Laura Haley-McNeil's own inimitable style. I highly recommend it to all readers, who like to watch the way the true drama of life unfolds in all its horrific reality.
Profile Image for Jerrye  Tellmeagreatstorylove.
819 reviews16 followers
February 23, 2021
Never Kiss Goodbye by Laura Haley-McNeil

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Laura Haley-McNeil brings readers the eighth in her Crystal Creek series that tells the story of Josh Merrick and the woman on the run he finds and becomes determined to protect.

The tough times we face in life are meant to break and then build us into people that can help others through the same tough times. Josh Merrick is in just such a position once again when he finds the terrified and pregnant Lily Harkin hiding in the back of a horse trailer. Not sure why she is on the run until he gets a good look at her face, bruises marring the beautiful structure. Unsure what else to do, he offers her a place to stay for the time being at his aunt’s ranch, Crystal Creek, until Lily can decide what to do going forward. Lily reluctantly accepts his kind offer, praying Glen won’t find her. But getting Lily to the ranch is the easy part; getting her to stay and accept their help will be a constant battle. As Josh gets to know Lily better and finally hears her story, he become suspicious of the manner of her family’s sudden deaths. Could there be more to the accident that was originally decided? Perhaps if he can find more answers for Lily, she will feel comfortable and safe enough to want to stay. Especially as every day in her presence brings him closer to losing his heart. Lily is afraid to stay on the Ranch with the threat of Glen finding her. She can’t let him hurt anyone else but she won’t go back to him for fear he will kill her baby. Josh and his family have welcomed her in and given her so much but can she really stay here forever? As more is revealed about Glen and her family, Lily will have to make some hard decisions and be brave enough to face her past and it’s demons. Especially if she wants to have a future with Josh. This story was really well done with it’s suspense and it’s intriguing plot lines. I’m not the biggest fan of stories where a married person falls for another but was okay with this one given the situations. Lily had been manipulated into her marriage and was already planning on seeking a divorce to protect herself and her baby so I was less against her and Josh getting together in the story. I loved that Lily was able to find much more than a home at the ranch, she was also able to find justice for her family and a peace in her heart regarding her faith. Josh was able to lay aside the burden of guilt he carried from his past and has a chance to find a new love with Lily. The only issue I had with the book was that it seemed a little rushed in it’s telling of Lily and Josh’s own personal histories. Perhaps this was covered in earlier books but as I haven’t been able to read them yet, I do not know. Otherwise, this story was really nicely written and complete in itself. I will certainly recommend it to others in the hope they will enjoy it as well.

I received this temporary, complimentary E-book free of charge from Huerfano Press via BookFunnel in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
2,654 reviews12 followers
February 1, 2021
Sweetly intense…

Josh Merrick pulled open the door to the horse trailer in back of the Coliseum to show his dog Tank that there were no surprises waiting in there but he was wrong. Instead of an empty trailer his light shone on a frightened young woman who was covered with bruises and obviously hiding. She was tiny, pregnant, and looked like she needed help in spite of her insistence that she was fine. There was no way that Josh would leave her on the streets of Denver with no protection and nowhere to go. He failed one woman and lived to regret it. He won’t fail this one!

Lily has learned not to trust men, courtesy of the husband she is running from, but she has to think of her unborn child and the cowboy’s ranch will at least give her a place to stay for the night. He doesn’t seem to recognize her but she must be careful to protect her identity. A slip to the wrong person could give her husband a clue to her location.

Even though I was pretty sure where the plot was heading, the path it took had some intense moments and some sweet romance. I received an advanced reader copy but my review is honest and voluntary. This is a great cowboy romance!
784 reviews9 followers
February 1, 2021
Well folks, this is an absolutely amazing story that is full of so much truth and reality that it takes your breath away. The storyline is gut wrenching in the harsh truth of spousal abuse, but also tenderly accurate in second chance romance. The characters are well defined and as realistic as if they were sitting at your table. Lily has faced more in her life at 22 than most people would if they lived to be 100. Josh is the quintessential good old home boy that has also faced some hard times. Can these two face the storm of her husband, Glenn, if he shows up in Colorado? When I started reading this book, I couldn't stop and kept reading until I finished the final page at 2:00 am! Totally gripping with a very touching end. Just WOW! A great read! (As a sideline I happen to live in Jackson Hole, which is the entire valley, and Jackson is the town. It's fun to see how authors depict our town and I have lived here 55 years. We do have the billionaires and movie stars, but many of them do great things to help this small community in which they live , sometimes side by side, with just us normal people!)

I received an ARC copy from the author. This is my voluntary, honest, and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
864 reviews12 followers
February 24, 2021
This is my first book by Laura Haley-McNeil and WOW! A real page turner as we get to know frightened, pregnant Lily and kindhearted, bronc riding Josh. Lily is on the run from an abusive husband and very frightened that he would find her. Josh found her sleeping in a trailer and brings her to the safety of Crystal Creek. Lily is always trying to figure out how to leave and support herself and her baby. Josh keeps telling her she is safest where she is. What about her abusive husband? Does he know where she is? This is one fantastic book that you are sure to love!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
9,375 reviews140 followers
February 2, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters in Josh and Lily. He rescues her from her abusive husband, taking her to his aunt's ranch. In time they find hope and love. The author does a great job developing their story and pulled me in with all the suspense and moves the story fluidly with her vividly painted scenes. I loved reading their story and would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Teresa.
465 reviews12 followers
February 11, 2021
Loved this!! I liked that Glenn came back and put all of that story together and then because of whatever illness, he died while she was defending herself. Now she could move on with her life without worrying. I also liked how her grandmother became a part of her life. Loved it!! Laura Haley-McNeil nailed this!!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author, but my review is my own opinion. I love her books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elaine Coghlan .
1,490 reviews14 followers
February 8, 2021
Never Kiss Goodbye~Crystal Creek bk 8 by Laura Haley-McNeil
A beautifully, written story by Laura, she has managed to bring the characters of Josh and Lily to life, while reading to feel that you are there too.
Josh Merrick a bronc rider had just finished for the night when his dog leads him to an old trailer behind the stadium. There he finds Lily Harkin, hiding there alone and pregnant and her face was bruised where her husband Glen had hit her(so she run away ), so he took her to his aunt's ranch.
There is so much going on in Never Kiss Goodbye you will not get bored and it is easy to follow. There are some sad parts, regarding her family, a grandmother who disowned the family a long time ago Will Glen find Lily?
So will Josh and Lily get a happy ending? please purchase the book to find out, you will not be disappointed, I wasn't!
Thank you, Laura, for the advance copy this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Pam Merrill.
309 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2021
Josh finds Lily hiding in a horse trailer and talks her into going to his Aunt's ranch. Will they be able to keep her safe? Will she tell them why she is running? And interesting story about an abused woman with lots of twists and turns to hold your interest. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4,512 reviews38 followers
February 23, 2021
Never Kiss Goodbye is a gut wrenching, heartwarming, second chance romance. How can it be both? Lily's past is gut wrenching and still stalking her. Meeting Josh and second chances are heartwarming. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this amazingly well written book. The author has done a superb job with the characters and the story line. I was up way too late because I could not put it down.
1,279 reviews10 followers
February 23, 2021
Never did Lily expect to be found and Josh never expected to find something in the abandoned horse trailer parked under a tree. But both things happened!
Finding trust after being hurt so badly is a difficult thing to do. But stick with it! Open your heart and get a grip. Good things are bound to happen.
GREAT story of hurt, anger, rage, forgiveness, and love.

275 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2021
This book is a page-turner from the very first. Lily is running from an abusive spouse; Josh has healing to do from a painful moment in his life. Will they both find the safety and peace they need at Crystal Creek? The characters are well developed and the story line is engaging.
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,354 reviews24 followers
February 19, 2021
Great romantic suspense. I liked how Josh’s kindness helped Lily to open up and to trust that people would help her with her situation. I also liked how his kindness helped her to be brave and stand up for herself with her abusive husband. I liked how it was both a romance and a suspense novel. I also liked how it ended and that things turned out alright for everyone.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
49 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2021
A warning should come with this book . . . you will lose sleep until you’ve finished reading this story! Josh, a bronc rider who competes in rodeos, finds Lily in an abandoned trailer. He is able to convince her to go somewhere safer . . . to his aunt’s house. They both have experiences in their past, which makes their relationship difficult. This is a sweet story with Lily running from an abusive marriage, and Josh helping her become the independent woman she wants to be. There is quite a bit of suspense in this book, which is why I had difficulty getting my normal sleep! I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and think you will too. Just a good clean romance, with mystery and suspense. I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,635 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2021
This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page. It has drama, suspense and romance to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Lily and Josh's story will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved it!
2,422 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2021
This is a great story full of so much heart and emotion. Josh is such a great guy and exactly what Lily needs when she needs it most.
Profile Image for Linda Lavoie.
1,186 reviews12 followers
February 23, 2021
Absolutely must read, addictive and heartbreaking at moments storyline. At last, a long story that get you at the first page and make you live the emotions, passion and misunderstandings of two people broken by their past Josh & Marie Lily for different reasons ❤️ Amazing story filled lots of secondaries characters that give a family flavour & with drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Laura did a great job transmitting their feelings through her words.
I have received an Arc and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,720 reviews50 followers
February 23, 2021
Never Kiss Goodbye is Book 8 in the Crystal Creek Series. Laura Haley-McNeil has written an exciting wonderful story. Lily is running from her abusive husband, Glen. Josh finds her hiding in a trailer and deicides to help her. I couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to find out if Glen finds Laura it if Josh is able to keep her safe. The story builds to such a satisfying climax with an epilogue that pulls everything together. I received an arc for my honest review.
453 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2021
I was a volunteer ARC for this book. This was the first book of the Crystal Creek series that I have read. I felt pulled into the book immediately and didn’t want to put it down. Lily and Josh’s story was great. There was suspense that made you just keep reading. I felt pulled into the book that I felt I was right there with the characters. Can’t wait to read more of the Crystal Creek series!
Profile Image for Bonny Rambarran.
1,521 reviews21 followers
February 23, 2021
She has run away from her abusive husband, she’s pregnant and is hiding in a trailer close to a rodeo. Wakes up and there is a man and dog there. He absolutely refuses to leave her there (she knows who he is from previous rodeos) and takes her to stay with his aunt at her ranch. And the story gets better and better every page — fear, love, more fear that her husband will find her . . . AMAZING story that you will NOT want to put down.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
827 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2021
Lily ran from an abusive husband. Josh and his dog Hank found her sleeping in an abandoned trailer at the back of the rodeo grounds and takes her to his aunt's ranch. Protective, understanding and encouraging, he builds her up. She fears her husband will find her. Book is full of suspense, fear, and hope. Will Lily be able to escape her husband? Will she be able to start a new life without fear? Highly recommend this good clean read.

Received an ARC in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
February 23, 2021
🐎🐎ONE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURE🐎🐎
Blazing bronc's boo! Laura knocked the brakes off this incredibly tantalizing, ground breaking, boot-stomping, rock-my-world tempest with this phenomenal rollercoaster, bursting through the chute, hitting the mark and making bank, launching this bad boy to staggering heights. Lured into a devious scheme full of riveting drama, gripping intrigue, underlying currents, brutal tactics, cruel deeds, spiraling danger, electrifying suspense and nailbiting encounters converge, noting the heartrending struggles and titillating triumphs, while attentive to the stunning twists and shocking turns unfolding, broken barriers and paltry perimeters solidify as determination soars, wrapping this little number up sleek, shiny and tight. The attraction and chemistry ignites with such intoxicating intensity, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affection, drawing our characters closer, uniting them to one another perfectly. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Fabulous job Laura, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
4,145 reviews22 followers
February 24, 2021
Well, I have to say I always love picking up a story by this author, but this one is simply amazing. It's a beautifully crafted story written with such compassion and emotion, I just couldn't put it down. The story captured my attention from the start, and I was totally engaged all the way through. The author did such a great job with being able to make the emotions and feelings really come through, I felt as if I was right there experiencing it all for myself. I have not read any of the other Crystal Creek series, but after reading this, I definitely want to go back and remedy that! Josh and Lily both come from a broken past and because of that, the relationship that develops between them is a rocky one. Josh helps Lily heal emotionally and become an independent woman. Josh also has some healing of his own to do. The twists and turns of the story kept me flipping the pages well into the night - I just couldn't put it down. A really wonderful, touching story with amazing characters that I would definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,275 reviews
March 15, 2021
Never Kiss Goodbye by Laura Haley-McNeil
Crystal Creek Series Book Eight
Josh Merrick was a rodeo star, although with as humble as he was, you'd never know. After a win one night, his dog, Tank, took off...and found a woman. After convincing her to come with him...no easy task...he took her with him to his aunt's home. She'd be safe at Crystal Creek Ranch. And by the looks of her, she needed a safe haven.

Lily Marie Harkin was on the run. She had to keep moving because he'd find her...and she just couldn't be under his thumb another day. She had another life to protect besides her own. The handsome blue-eyed cowboy seemed safe, but then again, so did another man four years ago.

Josh had lost someone he cared about, he had to convince Lily not to take off. To trust him to protect her. Trust wasn't something that came easy for her anymore. Wonderful characters and an excellent story-line.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,295 reviews70 followers
March 1, 2021
Lily is pregnant and on the run when Josh and his dog find her hiding in an abandoned trailer. He convinces her to come with her and he brings her to his aunt's ranch. He is upset when he sees the bruises on her face but she refuses to say anything other than she had an accident. Lily only plans to stay a short time but Josh and his aunt manage to convince her to stay longer. Its not long before things between her and Josh start to change. Soon both him and his aunt learn who she is and what she is running from. Will they be able to help her take care of the threat? Can Josh and Lily have a happy ending together?

This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
18 reviews
March 18, 2021
This is the story of Josh, the gorgeous bronc rider and Lily, a young woman with a tumultuous past she is currently running from, who unexpectedly meet. Josh offers Lily a place of refuge, which she finally accepts after some persuasion from this stranger she's only just met. As life becomes more bearable for Lily in her new "safe" place, she comes to even enjoy it and the people who live there. Until the trouble she was running from rears its ugly head once again, threatening her life. Then it's up to her and her newfound "family" to figure out what to do next. Find out what happens by reading this thrilling, yet touching and romantic, novel by Laura Haley-McNeil, who always has wonderful character development, great plots, and happy endings! Highly recommended! I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2,682 reviews20 followers
February 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book with its sexy cowboy and strong heroine. Lily was a remarkable woman and I liked how brave she was to leave her abusive husband to save her baby. It was scary what her husband, Glenn did and I was so glad Josh found her hiding in a trailer and convinced her to go to Crystal Creek Ranch.

Josh worked at the ranch when he wasn't riding in rodeos and trying to make it to Nationals. I liked that he was trying to overcome his own past demons when someone he had loved was in an abusive relationship that had not turned out so well.

I could not put this book down because of the characters, the pacing of the story, and the suspense. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Jackie.
1,627 reviews7 followers
April 15, 2022
sweet story

Poor Lilly has suffered tremendously. So much loss and pain. First losing her family and then abuse at the hands of her husband. This clean story starts with Josh and tank (his dog) finding Lily hiding in a horse trailer at a rodeo competition. He sees her bruised face and skittish temperament and just knows. He offers her a ride and a place to stay that’s safe at his aunts ranch. She doesn’t trust anyone. After all she has been through with her horrible husband. I loved Josh. He is so sweet and always looking out for her. Once he started looking into how she met her husband and her families death. You just knew there was so much more depth to his evilness. Glad karma got her due and that they got their HEA.
1,230 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2022
This sweet and clean contemporary romance and suspense novel maintained my attention throughout. Josh, a rodeo star finds a pregnant, abused young woman hiding and offers shelter at his aunt's ranch. Although Lily, who grew up on a ranch, initially accepts this hospitality to heal, she constantly seeks to run. Not wanting to be a burden, she puts aside common sense and safety, most probably to maintain her independence. This back and forth becomes tedious after a while, wondering will she or will she not bolt? Against all odds, this handsome rodeo star and she soon develop feeling for one another as they unravel a mystery of her past. An overall interesting read for someone who enjoys this genre.
1,568 reviews7 followers
April 30, 2022
real sweet

A great cast of characters that come together so well. The ending left a lot out though. Did she end up having a relationship with her grandmother. Did she sell the home in Boston. What happened to her family’s money. Did she inherit from her 1st husband. Where were she and josh living after they married.
So yes the ending was romantically sound. All of these and possibly more questions remain unanswered. Did the authour think we would not be interested. Such a shame.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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