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The Girl in the Mountains
The only thing newspaper journalist, Benjamin Strickland, has ever cared about is his career. It doesn't matter how many failed relationships or broken hearts he leaves in his wake---it's all worth it to get the next latest scoop. So, for Ben, his latest story about the mysterious girl on the island of Oyster Key is just another step closer to winning the coveted Pulitzer.
While searching for her, he's knocked unconscious and captured. When he opens his eyes, he sees something he can't explain. A woman he can't explain.
He spends the next few weeks as her prisoner and develops feelings he can't begin to understand. The problem is, Ben still wants his Pulitzer, but writing a story about this beautiful, mystical girl with blue hair and brown skin could not only lead to a complete change of her way of life but also, possibly, her death.
However, Ben has never put anything before a story...no matter how far he has fallen, and no matter that he gets caught up in a love he could have never written even in his wildest headline.
Readers' Note: The Girl in the Mountains was originally released as "With A Kiss, I Die..."
While searching for her, he's knocked unconscious and captured. When he opens his eyes, he sees something he can't explain. A woman he can't explain.
He spends the next few weeks as her prisoner and develops feelings he can't begin to understand. The problem is, Ben still wants his Pulitzer, but writing a story about this beautiful, mystical girl with blue hair and brown skin could not only lead to a complete change of her way of life but also, possibly, her death.
However, Ben has never put anything before a story...no matter how far he has fallen, and no matter that he gets caught up in a love he could have never written even in his wildest headline.
Readers' Note: The Girl in the Mountains was originally released as "With A Kiss, I Die..."
Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2021
157 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 8, 2024
2.5⭐️ I’ll forgo rehashing all of the integral parts of the plot because the story has to be read in its entirety to be fully understood. Therefore, the following are my impressions of the book as a whole body of work.
Primarily, the majority of this story moves as slow as molasses, although there is more excitement in the latter part of the book. Quirky or just plain strange are descriptions I would give this tale. There are quite a few dangling threads that are left hanging unfortunately. More importantly, there are certain significant questions that are begging for answers. Short shrift is made of the ending. It is a most unsatisfying story and has an unimaginable, curious and questionable ending. If ever a book REQUIRED an epilogue, it would be this book.
This is one of my favorite authors. What in the hell happened? I am supremely disappointed.
Primarily, the majority of this story moves as slow as molasses, although there is more excitement in the latter part of the book. Quirky or just plain strange are descriptions I would give this tale. There are quite a few dangling threads that are left hanging unfortunately. More importantly, there are certain significant questions that are begging for answers. Short shrift is made of the ending. It is a most unsatisfying story and has an unimaginable, curious and questionable ending. If ever a book REQUIRED an epilogue, it would be this book.
This is one of my favorite authors. What in the hell happened? I am supremely disappointed.
December 20, 2023
First and foremost, this was very well written and sucked me in from the start. I genuinely wanted to figure out the little mystery that is Roux. I didn’t like Ben at first, but as all main men in these romance novels, he grew on me. Though he did get quite sappy towards the middle. And I’m still not fully convinced that it wasn’t all just crazy lust. But they’re cute together so I can ignore that.
That being said, I still have so many questions. A lot of the final wrap up left a lot of things open to the readers own explanations. Which I don’t love.
But all in all, I enjoyed this and would recommend it! Spice levels aren’t huge but they were enough.
4/5 ⭐️s
💙💙💙
That being said, I still have so many questions. A lot of the final wrap up left a lot of things open to the readers own explanations. Which I don’t love.
But all in all, I enjoyed this and would recommend it! Spice levels aren’t huge but they were enough.
4/5 ⭐️s
💙💙💙
June 20, 2021
Yessss
I did but like Ben at all in the beginning. Abigail is trash too. I felt so ms y emotions if those who tried to exploit out girl, but I’m glad she held her ground. Well done k.
I did but like Ben at all in the beginning. Abigail is trash too. I felt so ms y emotions if those who tried to exploit out girl, but I’m glad she held her ground. Well done k.
September 27, 2021
Great Read
This was one of the best, well written, and entertaining novels I've read in awhile. Loved it from beginning to end. Ben and Roue's love story is in a way pure and innocent. Most books don't need a sequel but I would like to know what happened to our lovers.
This was one of the best, well written, and entertaining novels I've read in awhile. Loved it from beginning to end. Ben and Roue's love story is in a way pure and innocent. Most books don't need a sequel but I would like to know what happened to our lovers.
November 21, 2021
looooveedd
I love this author books it’s always something different could never put the book down ugh my heart roux , Ben a must read
I love this author books it’s always something different could never put the book down ugh my heart roux , Ben a must read
May 29, 2023
4 1/2 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ on the highest level but was missing something!!!!
I loved this story so much but I couldn’t give the full 5 stars as I have many questions and observations. 1) In the first 2 books, the descriptions were so vivid and so clear, you knew what you were reading and relating to, but here it was half ass done and nothing to be wowed about. 2) Again in the first 2 books, every details, legends, folklore was explained, researched and written in a way that us the readers could again understand in the simplistic way possible, but here in this book, nothing was touched on except at the end regarding Ben’s coma. Nothing was mentioned regarding Roux physical attributes. 3) then in the other 2 books, the story had so much ancient history and was woven so intricately within the story, that you could feel yourself a part of it. Here, nothing was given except for the cave and all. 4) Again in the other 2 books, there was a whole beginning, middle and finale where all was explained and an epilogue was produced. Here nothing. No explanation as to what Rebecca did prior, how would Alvin jr. react, how would society eventually finds out and embraced her; and there was no finale or epilogue or more detailed information regarding the rock and everything else; and lastly, nothing was explained as to what would happened since now Alvin jr is aware of certain factors and how his mother played a role in this .
That said, I absolutely loved Roux. Beautiful, innocent, caring, and pure, she was perfect. I thought Ben was an excellent mate for her.
Abigail was so selfish and devious.
I was glad that I pushed through and read this book till the end…. Loving it!!!!!
I loved this story so much but I couldn’t give the full 5 stars as I have many questions and observations. 1) In the first 2 books, the descriptions were so vivid and so clear, you knew what you were reading and relating to, but here it was half ass done and nothing to be wowed about. 2) Again in the first 2 books, every details, legends, folklore was explained, researched and written in a way that us the readers could again understand in the simplistic way possible, but here in this book, nothing was touched on except at the end regarding Ben’s coma. Nothing was mentioned regarding Roux physical attributes. 3) then in the other 2 books, the story had so much ancient history and was woven so intricately within the story, that you could feel yourself a part of it. Here, nothing was given except for the cave and all. 4) Again in the other 2 books, there was a whole beginning, middle and finale where all was explained and an epilogue was produced. Here nothing. No explanation as to what Rebecca did prior, how would Alvin jr. react, how would society eventually finds out and embraced her; and there was no finale or epilogue or more detailed information regarding the rock and everything else; and lastly, nothing was explained as to what would happened since now Alvin jr is aware of certain factors and how his mother played a role in this .
That said, I absolutely loved Roux. Beautiful, innocent, caring, and pure, she was perfect. I thought Ben was an excellent mate for her.
Abigail was so selfish and devious.
I was glad that I pushed through and read this book till the end…. Loving it!!!!!
November 11, 2023
Absolutely Awesome
What a wonderful story and it makes awesome start for the series which will easily steal your heart. It's a powerful combination of secrets and excitement that's full humor and romance plus fun. I know this will be a unique series! With stories that will bring a smile to your face with lots of emotions. The characters are awesome and their emotions burns up the pages with it's chemistry. There are plenty feisty women who is so independent and some who are not but it makes you cheer them on anyway. Reading this story is a pleasurable experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat with this couple its so amazing and they make you want to read the other stories in the series.The stories are about romance and this is what make them binge worthy and what will be amazing to read. If each one is like this one they will make you turn every page until the end. I really enjoyed these characters they are so amazing and great together. When you add in the drama along with tons of emotions plus some intriguing twists and turns then you have a story that's full of feelings and so awesome. The couples aren't searching for forever, but the chemistry is so fantastic that it turns into a great love that's strong with each other. These relationships are lots of love and heartache that all work out for good! Even the secondary characters are so extraordinary that it takes such imagination to make this book a beautiful story to read. This story is truly captivating and with it being humorous and exciting in nature I Highly Recommend Reading it. This is a five stars story that I know I will read more than once!
What a wonderful story and it makes awesome start for the series which will easily steal your heart. It's a powerful combination of secrets and excitement that's full humor and romance plus fun. I know this will be a unique series! With stories that will bring a smile to your face with lots of emotions. The characters are awesome and their emotions burns up the pages with it's chemistry. There are plenty feisty women who is so independent and some who are not but it makes you cheer them on anyway. Reading this story is a pleasurable experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat with this couple its so amazing and they make you want to read the other stories in the series.The stories are about romance and this is what make them binge worthy and what will be amazing to read. If each one is like this one they will make you turn every page until the end. I really enjoyed these characters they are so amazing and great together. When you add in the drama along with tons of emotions plus some intriguing twists and turns then you have a story that's full of feelings and so awesome. The couples aren't searching for forever, but the chemistry is so fantastic that it turns into a great love that's strong with each other. These relationships are lots of love and heartache that all work out for good! Even the secondary characters are so extraordinary that it takes such imagination to make this book a beautiful story to read. This story is truly captivating and with it being humorous and exciting in nature I Highly Recommend Reading it. This is a five stars story that I know I will read more than once!
July 17, 2022
Ben Was Sweet
*****Spoilers*****
It was okay. The setup was believable and Roux was too as someone grown up around but not mingling as much with society. She didn't get turns of phrase or sarcasm as first but was more literal with her words. For someone who hadn't spoken to anyone since her mother died 6 years prior and not having experienced treachery and the like, she was open in that way. Ben was much less cynical than I expected him to be when I read the synopsis. Ben's finances seemed to just kind of be a thing of nothing all of a sudden after he spent months in a coma when he'd just quit his job and spent a lot of time with Roux. Ben was so much of a surprise that I wasn't surprised when he fell first and hard.
I was dissatisfied that there was no explanation given for Roux's blue hair. The different eyes was something else but I was really curious about it. There's also the fact we learn that Roux's father was a president but there's no interaction between Roux and her brother though she gets a short time with her father's wife who seemed tame for someone that wanted vengeance and swore Roux would die. Not only that, but Gallo just fades and there's no conclusion there.
*****Spoilers*****
It was okay. The setup was believable and Roux was too as someone grown up around but not mingling as much with society. She didn't get turns of phrase or sarcasm as first but was more literal with her words. For someone who hadn't spoken to anyone since her mother died 6 years prior and not having experienced treachery and the like, she was open in that way. Ben was much less cynical than I expected him to be when I read the synopsis. Ben's finances seemed to just kind of be a thing of nothing all of a sudden after he spent months in a coma when he'd just quit his job and spent a lot of time with Roux. Ben was so much of a surprise that I wasn't surprised when he fell first and hard.
I was dissatisfied that there was no explanation given for Roux's blue hair. The different eyes was something else but I was really curious about it. There's also the fact we learn that Roux's father was a president but there's no interaction between Roux and her brother though she gets a short time with her father's wife who seemed tame for someone that wanted vengeance and swore Roux would die. Not only that, but Gallo just fades and there's no conclusion there.
November 13, 2024
Ehhh and yes and no and yes ?!?!
The male character is just a bit too realistic 😂🙊 (maybe I’m triggered who knows? 👹). This book really capitalizes or unintentionally illuminates this sort of fetishization and exoticism black /brown women are reduced to through the white male gaze. Additionally, how society has taught us to accept these lacking depth men simply because “he finds us beautiful and that makes you a different being in his eyes” and that’s enough for us to fall in-love with him? (I’m giving triggered ain’t I?) like it is giving Disney’s racist portrayal and false-story telling of Pocahontas.
Well at first I didn’t think that deep into the little book, but then now in reflection I’m like WHAT IN THE WORLD??? (Have I t become too “woke”? Is this womanist rage?😂💀)
And that makes me question with how this story devlopes if it’s truly authentic.
The FMC has such depth, knowledge and groundedness and then you have a MMC who is just, white, adventurous, superficial, and because of a women he becomes “more”.
It’s just… ehhhh, no, maybe?
Anyways. 😂
The male character is just a bit too realistic 😂🙊 (maybe I’m triggered who knows? 👹). This book really capitalizes or unintentionally illuminates this sort of fetishization and exoticism black /brown women are reduced to through the white male gaze. Additionally, how society has taught us to accept these lacking depth men simply because “he finds us beautiful and that makes you a different being in his eyes” and that’s enough for us to fall in-love with him? (I’m giving triggered ain’t I?) like it is giving Disney’s racist portrayal and false-story telling of Pocahontas.
Well at first I didn’t think that deep into the little book, but then now in reflection I’m like WHAT IN THE WORLD??? (Have I t become too “woke”? Is this womanist rage?😂💀)
And that makes me question with how this story devlopes if it’s truly authentic.
The FMC has such depth, knowledge and groundedness and then you have a MMC who is just, white, adventurous, superficial, and because of a women he becomes “more”.
It’s just… ehhhh, no, maybe?
Anyways. 😂
June 7, 2025
I gave this book 4 stars because the writing was very good. The author portrayed yearning and gentle, sweet romance quite well. The MMC and FMC were really humorous as well.
The ending was very odd though and took such an unexpected turn it was actually unsatisfying (even though the FMC and MMC end up with a happily ever after).
There were also parts that were left unexplained. The story seemed to be supernatural in nature but in the end just wasn't, even after all the odd happenings. Even the explanation of her blue hair was 'Oh you know those crazy genetics!'. 🤨
Lastly, there is only ONE (not enough) spicy scene and it wasn't that great. This was due to it not being very descriptive, or long enough, and the FMC being so utterly naive about sex...which is an ick trope for me. Makes the FMC seem childlike and I don't want spice and that being anywhere near each other.
The ending was very odd though and took such an unexpected turn it was actually unsatisfying (even though the FMC and MMC end up with a happily ever after).
There were also parts that were left unexplained. The story seemed to be supernatural in nature but in the end just wasn't, even after all the odd happenings. Even the explanation of her blue hair was 'Oh you know those crazy genetics!'. 🤨
Lastly, there is only ONE (not enough) spicy scene and it wasn't that great. This was due to it not being very descriptive, or long enough, and the FMC being so utterly naive about sex...which is an ick trope for me. Makes the FMC seem childlike and I don't want spice and that being anywhere near each other.
October 23, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this but I still have so many questions after reading this. Like how did Roue get back home to the mountain? How was Ben in the hospital for 3 months and no one new? Especially since he was a semi famous reporter. Why set up the tension with Abigail’s story and then have it literally go no where? Also, you expect us to believe the Roue was with that man for 90 days and he did nothing?
December 18, 2022
Didn’t care for it
This is the third book by K. Alex Walker I have read and, unfortunately, I did not enjoy it. I forced myself to finish it. I still like that the author uses mythology from civilizations of color as a base, but this story never captured my attention. I didn’t like the MLC. Maybe he was a product of his time, maybe because he was a white man - I don’t know, but even after his “enlightenment” I still couldn’t find any affection for him.
This is the third book by K. Alex Walker I have read and, unfortunately, I did not enjoy it. I forced myself to finish it. I still like that the author uses mythology from civilizations of color as a base, but this story never captured my attention. I didn’t like the MLC. Maybe he was a product of his time, maybe because he was a white man - I don’t know, but even after his “enlightenment” I still couldn’t find any affection for him.
June 13, 2022
What a beautiful story! Can't believe I had this gem in my waiting list for so long. What a gift!!! I will definitely read it over and over again! I had hoped there would be some explanation for some things eg her hair colour, her eyes etc though it wasn't satisfactorily answered none of it mattered. Ben and Roux were so beautiful together I never wanted the story to end.
September 21, 2021
3.5 stars
Just an FYI, it appears to be the same story as With a Kiss, I Die by Elle Alexander. I realize the author is a co-author on that book as well. Both were entertaining and the readers get a HEA.
Just an FYI, it appears to be the same story as With a Kiss, I Die by Elle Alexander. I realize the author is a co-author on that book as well. Both were entertaining and the readers get a HEA.
July 9, 2022
DNF
I read 33% of this and had to stop. I read two other books came back to this one and still couldn't finish. I have read other books by this author and really enjoyed them , but for some reason I couldn't get into this one.
I read 33% of this and had to stop. I read two other books came back to this one and still couldn't finish. I have read other books by this author and really enjoyed them , but for some reason I couldn't get into this one.
February 16, 2025
Different But Good
I really enjoyed this book even though Ben is a colonizer. Roux was absolutely adorable. I loved her genuineness. I was disappointed that she was not some magical being. I was expecting some type of paranormal. However, it was still a very good book.
I really enjoyed this book even though Ben is a colonizer. Roux was absolutely adorable. I loved her genuineness. I was disappointed that she was not some magical being. I was expecting some type of paranormal. However, it was still a very good book.
June 10, 2025
I've read many of this authors books but this one was lacking. the ending left so many unanswered questions. skimmed thru the book after they ended up in NYC because it just dragged on. This book needed an epilogue to clear up the unanswered questions.
October 6, 2021
It is tedious. I want to root for Roux, but I feel nothing for her. The conflict is bland. There is no stakes in it.
March 11, 2022
Started off slow but turned out to be a great book. Lots of twists and deception. A creative and imaginative storyline. Great writing.
April 12, 2022
3.75 - 4 stars.
Loved it. Did do a bit of skim reading because I got impatient but sacrificed my 8 hours of sleep to complete.
Loved it. Did do a bit of skim reading because I got impatient but sacrificed my 8 hours of sleep to complete.
December 4, 2022
Love her books...
I love her books. I can't stop reading them. Thanks for making me smile and laugh. Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
I love her books. I can't stop reading them. Thanks for making me smile and laugh. Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
December 29, 2022
Great book
I loved this book it was kinda a slow burn but it was good we’ll written and worth the Tim reading. I was hoping for some kids in the end but hey
I loved this book it was kinda a slow burn but it was good we’ll written and worth the Tim reading. I was hoping for some kids in the end but hey
February 24, 2023
Sweet Story
Ben and Roux is such a sweet story. You want to root for them and hope the first f their happiness.
Ben and Roux is such a sweet story. You want to root for them and hope the first f their happiness.
June 6, 2024
3.5✨
April 17, 2025
Such an amazing book I loved every second of witnessing the two main characters fall in love this author has become one of my favorites
July 23, 2025
Quick and cute! I loved seeing this romance unfold! It was perfect!
October 15, 2025
it was a STRETCH …..
But entertaining. Different. Worth a read if you ever in a reading stump. Sci-fi / romance / interracial. The last few chapters was really trying
But entertaining. Different. Worth a read if you ever in a reading stump. Sci-fi / romance / interracial. The last few chapters was really trying
July 15, 2021
Pure Love ❤️
This book was well written and had a good storyline. I highly recommended this romance novel well written. A must-read book!!!
This book was well written and had a good storyline. I highly recommended this romance novel well written. A must-read book!!!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews