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High Mountain Trackers #1
High Meadow
An emergency call to pick up an injured stallion on the side of the road sends Alexandra Hart, the new owner of Hart's Horse Rescue, into action. A recent addition to the area, she is not impressed when the animal's taciturn owner shows up. With his less-than-stellar disposition, he’s the kind of man she normally avoids at all costs, unfortunately, he owns the ranch just down the road.
However, when the manhunt for a pair of escaped prisoners gets a little too close for comfort, Jonas turns out to be a better neighbor than she expected.
The Alex who shows up at his ranch to help with his prize stud’s recovery is not exactly who Jonas Harvey expected. This is the same bleeding heart he met on the side of the road. Worried she’s not up for the job, he’d prefer to keep a close eye on her but his High Mountain Trackers team gets called in to track down a group of domestic terrorists.
But the slip of a woman proves him wrong. On all fronts. Alex not only charms his horses but him as well, and when trouble comes calling she proves to be a worthy ally to boot.
However, when the manhunt for a pair of escaped prisoners gets a little too close for comfort, Jonas turns out to be a better neighbor than she expected.
The Alex who shows up at his ranch to help with his prize stud’s recovery is not exactly who Jonas Harvey expected. This is the same bleeding heart he met on the side of the road. Worried she’s not up for the job, he’d prefer to keep a close eye on her but his High Mountain Trackers team gets called in to track down a group of domestic terrorists.
But the slip of a woman proves him wrong. On all fronts. Alex not only charms his horses but him as well, and when trouble comes calling she proves to be a worthy ally to boot.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2022
532 people are currently reading
2400 people want to read
About the author
Freya Barker
82 books1,906 followersUSA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
July 1, 2025
*3.75* A solid romantic suspense. Nothing groundbreaking here, but still an enjoyable ride.
Alexandra is 45, Jonas is 50, it’s so refreshing to see two mature adults at the center of a story like this. The plot includes some suspense with escaped prisoners and a domestic terrorist threat.
Tropes:
Small town setting
Horse rescue
Grumpy/sunshine
Older characters
Former military
Dead ex
HEA
Their banter is subtle, the romance slow-burn, and the chemistry believable.
Alexandra is 45, Jonas is 50, it’s so refreshing to see two mature adults at the center of a story like this. The plot includes some suspense with escaped prisoners and a domestic terrorist threat.
Tropes:
Small town setting
Horse rescue
Grumpy/sunshine
Older characters
Former military
Dead ex
HEA
Their banter is subtle, the romance slow-burn, and the chemistry believable.
January 24, 2022
I was so excited to hear we were getting a new series. I love how this author creates a big cast of characters that can take you through several books in a series, so I love the idea of getting to know a whole new cast to fall in love with.
With this being the first book, we got to know our main characters more than the rest of the characters first. That's Jonas and Alex. This is set in Montana and it's riddled with suspense and romance.
Jonas is in his fifties, he's lived a whole lifetime already and he's on the second phase of his life and a new direction in his career. He's owns a ranch in Montana while keeping ties to his first career by forming a team called the High Mountain Trackers that happens to bring along his former brothers in arms.
Jonas has lived. He's past the game playing and is a straight shooter that can be a bit of an ass when his patience is short. Despite his cranky moments, I like the type of man he is. He's protective, he's loyal and doesn't hesitate to step up when danger is involved. I think by the end of this series, I will be saying that about all the High Mountain Trackers. That doesn't mean they are the same man. I can already see the different personalities come through this first book.
Alex is in her late forties I believe. She's also lived/seen/experienced a lot already in her life. I felt like she was a pretty straight shooter as well. She's a bit defensive at times and that is explained by the fact that she is new to the area and she is up against some prejudice of her being a female working with rescue horses. You could call this woman a horse whisperer and I loved seeing her shine.
I enjoyed Jonas and Alex's relationship. I loved seeing them both get a second chance at love and seeing them work so well together. I loved the setting where these characters are based at. In my second life, I want to be horse rancher in Montana. It looks like I get to live that dream through this series.
With this being the first book, we got to know our main characters more than the rest of the characters first. That's Jonas and Alex. This is set in Montana and it's riddled with suspense and romance.
Jonas is in his fifties, he's lived a whole lifetime already and he's on the second phase of his life and a new direction in his career. He's owns a ranch in Montana while keeping ties to his first career by forming a team called the High Mountain Trackers that happens to bring along his former brothers in arms.
Jonas has lived. He's past the game playing and is a straight shooter that can be a bit of an ass when his patience is short. Despite his cranky moments, I like the type of man he is. He's protective, he's loyal and doesn't hesitate to step up when danger is involved. I think by the end of this series, I will be saying that about all the High Mountain Trackers. That doesn't mean they are the same man. I can already see the different personalities come through this first book.
Alex is in her late forties I believe. She's also lived/seen/experienced a lot already in her life. I felt like she was a pretty straight shooter as well. She's a bit defensive at times and that is explained by the fact that she is new to the area and she is up against some prejudice of her being a female working with rescue horses. You could call this woman a horse whisperer and I loved seeing her shine.
I enjoyed Jonas and Alex's relationship. I loved seeing them both get a second chance at love and seeing them work so well together. I loved the setting where these characters are based at. In my second life, I want to be horse rancher in Montana. It looks like I get to live that dream through this series.
February 7, 2022
I was absolutely thrilled to learn about this new series and High Meadow was an incredible start to what promises to be an equally incredible series!
I love the way this author develops her mature characters. Jonas and Alex absolutely sizzled together from their first encounter until the end. Their age was never a blockade to their emotions nor their physical reactions to one another. When trouble arose, they dealt with it in a manner that’s expected for a hero and heroine of their ages. There was no slowing down when their chemistry ignited and it checked another one of my boxes along with Alex’s independence and Jonas’ protective/possessive ways.
This had a lot of action to keep the story moving with a mystery that had me anxious at times. It was wonderful to meet these secondary characters, some who I hope we’ll get more of. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the series gives us!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
I love the way this author develops her mature characters. Jonas and Alex absolutely sizzled together from their first encounter until the end. Their age was never a blockade to their emotions nor their physical reactions to one another. When trouble arose, they dealt with it in a manner that’s expected for a hero and heroine of their ages. There was no slowing down when their chemistry ignited and it checked another one of my boxes along with Alex’s independence and Jonas’ protective/possessive ways.
This had a lot of action to keep the story moving with a mystery that had me anxious at times. It was wonderful to meet these secondary characters, some who I hope we’ll get more of. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the series gives us!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
March 10, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
HIGH MEADOW (High Mountain Trackers Book #1) by Freya Barker is the exciting start to a new romantic suspense series. This series is set in Montana and features a group of ex-military men who served together and now are using their skills as a team called the High Mountain Trackers.
Alexandra “Alex” Hart has recently moved to Montana and started Hart’s Horse Rescue with a friend. Even though she has a less than favorable start with the man who runs a large ranch down the road, she is hired to help with his prize stud’s recovery from an injury.
Jonas Harvey is surprised when Alex shows up to help with his horse. He was expecting a man, not the woman from down the road. As he keeps a close eye on her work, he comes to admire her skill.
When two prisoners escape from U.S. Marshals during transport, the High Mountain trackers are hired to help find them. The prisoners are a part of a domestic terrorist group and no one in the area is safe. As the sparks fly between Jonas and Alex, the danger intensifies, and Jonas learns that Alex has his back and is a worthy ally.
When I see Ms. Barker’s name on a book, I know I am going to fall in love with a new mature couple who are meant for each other, even if they don’t know it at first. I just fall into her stories and do not get back up until “The End”. The suspense keeps you turning the pages and her H/h are realistic, believable and a couple you grow to love. I am always sad when these books end, but since most are tied to a series, I know more great stories will be coming. Freya Barker is an automatic “buy” for me.
I highly recommend this romantic suspense and this author!
HIGH MEADOW (High Mountain Trackers Book #1) by Freya Barker is the exciting start to a new romantic suspense series. This series is set in Montana and features a group of ex-military men who served together and now are using their skills as a team called the High Mountain Trackers.
Alexandra “Alex” Hart has recently moved to Montana and started Hart’s Horse Rescue with a friend. Even though she has a less than favorable start with the man who runs a large ranch down the road, she is hired to help with his prize stud’s recovery from an injury.
Jonas Harvey is surprised when Alex shows up to help with his horse. He was expecting a man, not the woman from down the road. As he keeps a close eye on her work, he comes to admire her skill.
When two prisoners escape from U.S. Marshals during transport, the High Mountain trackers are hired to help find them. The prisoners are a part of a domestic terrorist group and no one in the area is safe. As the sparks fly between Jonas and Alex, the danger intensifies, and Jonas learns that Alex has his back and is a worthy ally.
When I see Ms. Barker’s name on a book, I know I am going to fall in love with a new mature couple who are meant for each other, even if they don’t know it at first. I just fall into her stories and do not get back up until “The End”. The suspense keeps you turning the pages and her H/h are realistic, believable and a couple you grow to love. I am always sad when these books end, but since most are tied to a series, I know more great stories will be coming. Freya Barker is an automatic “buy” for me.
I highly recommend this romantic suspense and this author!
January 15, 2022
What a great book!! This author is new to me and I don’t typically read in this “age-bracket”, but DANG was this good. Taking place in beautiful Montana, on ranches no less, I was swept away with this story. I found myself chuckling and crying on several occasions. The characters are real and the chemistry was outstanding. I’m definitely looking forward to the next one. Well done.
January 23, 2022
Getting into any book from Freya Barker makes me feel like a kid on Christmas morning...the anticipation and excitement, the pure joy! Added to all that, the fact that this is the start of a new series from one of my most favourite authors? Absolute heaven! High Meadow is the first book in what I KNOW will be an EPIC series, High Mountain Trackers and it's set the bar VERY high!
Jonas Harvey, an ex Special Ops agent, has his hands full being the owner of stud farm High Meadow Ranch and lead of a group of his cohorts from the military who use their training to assist local police to find people in the rugged mountains of Montana. When his prize stud inadvertently gets loose, someone notifies the recently-arrived-to-the-area Alexandra Hart. She, along with her friend and business partner, Lucy, who owns Hart's Horse Rescue, butts heads with Jonas over said injured horse, the sparks LEAP off the pages!
Once again, Ms. Barker's writing grabs your interest from beginning to end with her unique, signature style, that has you completely, UTTERLY engrossed in the words on the page, somehow making the characters come to life! The best way to describe her style is that you feel like you are LIVING the story, not simply reading it! It's almost like the words created are a movie playing in your mind...you can hear, SEE and FEEL everything!!! THAT is the mark of an EPIC storyteller and Freya Barker is one of the BEST!!! If you HAVEN'T read any of her books, I STRONGLY urge you to take the leap...you definitely won't regret it! This would be the perfect book to jump in!
Jonas Harvey, an ex Special Ops agent, has his hands full being the owner of stud farm High Meadow Ranch and lead of a group of his cohorts from the military who use their training to assist local police to find people in the rugged mountains of Montana. When his prize stud inadvertently gets loose, someone notifies the recently-arrived-to-the-area Alexandra Hart. She, along with her friend and business partner, Lucy, who owns Hart's Horse Rescue, butts heads with Jonas over said injured horse, the sparks LEAP off the pages!
Once again, Ms. Barker's writing grabs your interest from beginning to end with her unique, signature style, that has you completely, UTTERLY engrossed in the words on the page, somehow making the characters come to life! The best way to describe her style is that you feel like you are LIVING the story, not simply reading it! It's almost like the words created are a movie playing in your mind...you can hear, SEE and FEEL everything!!! THAT is the mark of an EPIC storyteller and Freya Barker is one of the BEST!!! If you HAVEN'T read any of her books, I STRONGLY urge you to take the leap...you definitely won't regret it! This would be the perfect book to jump in!
January 29, 2022
Every time I pick up a Freya Barker book, I know what to expect.
A well written, multi-layered, richly detailed book that effortlessly draws me into the world she creates.
And that was exactly what High Meadow did.
I loved the gruff Jonas who hides a heart of gold. The sweeter, softer Alex who is strong and feisty when needed. The side characters that added to the story.
Suspense, mystery, and danger surround our couple and kept me turning the pages long after bedtime. Ms Barker writes a great plot with lots of twists and turns.
Add in a love story between the feisty animal rescuer and the no nonsense tracker?
Sign me up!
A fabulous read!
A well written, multi-layered, richly detailed book that effortlessly draws me into the world she creates.
And that was exactly what High Meadow did.
I loved the gruff Jonas who hides a heart of gold. The sweeter, softer Alex who is strong and feisty when needed. The side characters that added to the story.
Suspense, mystery, and danger surround our couple and kept me turning the pages long after bedtime. Ms Barker writes a great plot with lots of twists and turns.
Add in a love story between the feisty animal rescuer and the no nonsense tracker?
Sign me up!
A fabulous read!
March 15, 2022
This book was fun in so many ways. First the couple was older, Jonas 50, Alex never really said for sure, but she has a 23 year old son and grey sneaking into her hair, while freckles are taking over more of her skin. Love to see that just because you are older, there is no slowing a person down when love finds them. Second, loved both ranches, Jonas and his horses, along with Search and Rescue, while Alex had her rescue and helping animals get their heads on straight again. Both of them came with some fun friends/co-workers, Jonas more as his operation was bigger.
I really liked that neither Alex of Jonas shied away from their attraction and that they built their relationship around busy times for both of them, taking time to get together when they could. They both could depend on each other when trouble came and for a bit of respite when the world came at them fast.
Things did get more than crazy when troublemakers showed up around Alex's property. Even with the vast expertise that Jonas and his guys had, it was iffy. I was glad when things were cleared up and how things ended. It was the perfect ending for this couple. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I really liked that neither Alex of Jonas shied away from their attraction and that they built their relationship around busy times for both of them, taking time to get together when they could. They both could depend on each other when trouble came and for a bit of respite when the world came at them fast.
Things did get more than crazy when troublemakers showed up around Alex's property. Even with the vast expertise that Jonas and his guys had, it was iffy. I was glad when things were cleared up and how things ended. It was the perfect ending for this couple. I look forward to reading more in this series.
January 21, 2022
Great introduction to a new series!
This story has what we’ve all come to expect and love about Freya’s stories - a romance with a little mystery and suspense.
These two don’t meet at the best time. Jonas had just found his injured horse who had escaped his home and Alex thought he might be planning to put down his injured horse. She wanted to keep the horse opposed to him killing it. Little did she know that horse is the livelihood of Jonas’ horse farm and he had no intention of harming him. In fact, he hired Alex to rehabilitate him. Of course, he thought he was hiring a man…
Men, am I right?!?!
Good thing he later redeems himself from that comment!
Now add in a bunch of great supporting characters and two escaped prisoners and you have yourself an awesome story you won’t want to put down!
This story has what we’ve all come to expect and love about Freya’s stories - a romance with a little mystery and suspense.
These two don’t meet at the best time. Jonas had just found his injured horse who had escaped his home and Alex thought he might be planning to put down his injured horse. She wanted to keep the horse opposed to him killing it. Little did she know that horse is the livelihood of Jonas’ horse farm and he had no intention of harming him. In fact, he hired Alex to rehabilitate him. Of course, he thought he was hiring a man…
Men, am I right?!?!
Good thing he later redeems himself from that comment!
Now add in a bunch of great supporting characters and two escaped prisoners and you have yourself an awesome story you won’t want to put down!
January 21, 2022
Freya Barker has done it again. This new series takes place in Montana. Former spec-ops Jonas Harvey runs High Meadow Ranch and High Mountain trackers. Alexandra Hart opens her horse rescue a few miles from Jonas' ranch. When he needs help with an injured horse "Alex" comes to help. What ensues is a mutual attraction throw in some bad guys a whole bunch of other sexy ex-military cowboy trackers and this is the start of a great new series . Fanfreakingtastic....
February 2, 2022
I’m officially obsessed with this new series by Freya Barker!! Ex special-ops Cowboys! Plus a badass heroine! Come on now!
Alex has the dream job of running an animal rescue on a huge plot of land in Montana. Jonas is the owner of the ranch nextdoor. Oh and he’s a cowboy. And an ex special ops mountain tracker! And he has a whole team of badass dudes just like him hanging around. Enter a saucy friend, a cantankerous Dad, a charming son, a gaggle of rescue animals and some action packed drama. Makes for one hell-a-va ride!!!
I am never disappointed by the character development in Ms. Barker’s books and the action always has me flying through the pages. I am so looking forward to getting to know the rest of the High Mountain gang in detail!!
~Melanie💜
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
I’m sitting here, having just finished High Meadow and thinking about the what, and why I enjoyed it and trying to figure out how I want to put it into words. Let’s start out with our heroine, Alexandra, or Alex as she is called. A military widow, who raised her son half his life on her own, who has a soft spot for rescue animals, a woman I want to cheer for. Then Ms. Barker introduces us to her male lead character, Jonas, he’s retired special forces, runs a horse ranch and also a tracking outfit. He has taken in his military brothers and made it a family business that is right next door to Alex’s horse rescue. The story tells itself but let me tell you why I love Alex and Jonas and Freya Barkers writing of characters. Alex and Jonas are middle aged, are their bodies perfect? Nope, in fact, at one point Jonas mentions needing an ibuprofen for his knee. Alex, is forty-five, a little older but still strong. She describes Jonas, who is fifty as having chest hair, shot through with silver and his belly “not a six pack” This is real and I still found Jonas sexy as sin. Young girls can keep those twenty year old bucks who don’t know a dang thing, give me a fifty year old man, with some silver/gray hair who knows his way around a woman and is comfortable in his abilities. Freya gives us that with her writing, she always keeps her characters real and relatable. Then you add the story of action, excellent side characters and you’ve hooked me, line and sinker! I want to know everyone’s story now. I cannot WAIT for the rest of this series!
~Heidi💜
Alex has the dream job of running an animal rescue on a huge plot of land in Montana. Jonas is the owner of the ranch nextdoor. Oh and he’s a cowboy. And an ex special ops mountain tracker! And he has a whole team of badass dudes just like him hanging around. Enter a saucy friend, a cantankerous Dad, a charming son, a gaggle of rescue animals and some action packed drama. Makes for one hell-a-va ride!!!
I am never disappointed by the character development in Ms. Barker’s books and the action always has me flying through the pages. I am so looking forward to getting to know the rest of the High Mountain gang in detail!!
~Melanie💜
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
I’m sitting here, having just finished High Meadow and thinking about the what, and why I enjoyed it and trying to figure out how I want to put it into words. Let’s start out with our heroine, Alexandra, or Alex as she is called. A military widow, who raised her son half his life on her own, who has a soft spot for rescue animals, a woman I want to cheer for. Then Ms. Barker introduces us to her male lead character, Jonas, he’s retired special forces, runs a horse ranch and also a tracking outfit. He has taken in his military brothers and made it a family business that is right next door to Alex’s horse rescue. The story tells itself but let me tell you why I love Alex and Jonas and Freya Barkers writing of characters. Alex and Jonas are middle aged, are their bodies perfect? Nope, in fact, at one point Jonas mentions needing an ibuprofen for his knee. Alex, is forty-five, a little older but still strong. She describes Jonas, who is fifty as having chest hair, shot through with silver and his belly “not a six pack” This is real and I still found Jonas sexy as sin. Young girls can keep those twenty year old bucks who don’t know a dang thing, give me a fifty year old man, with some silver/gray hair who knows his way around a woman and is comfortable in his abilities. Freya gives us that with her writing, she always keeps her characters real and relatable. Then you add the story of action, excellent side characters and you’ve hooked me, line and sinker! I want to know everyone’s story now. I cannot WAIT for the rest of this series!
~Heidi💜
February 2, 2022
I’m officially obsessed with this new series by Freya Barker!! Ex special-ops Cowboys! Plus a badass heroine! Come on now!
Alex has the dream job of running an animal rescue on a huge plot of land in Montana. Jonas is the owner of the ranch nextdoor. Oh and he’s a cowboy. And an ex special ops mountain tracker! And he has a whole team of badass dudes just like him hanging around. Enter a saucy friend, a cantankerous Dad, a charming son, a gaggle of rescue animals and some action packed drama. Makes for one hell-a-va ride!!!
I am never disappointed by the character development in Ms. Barker’s books and the action always has me flying through the pages. I am so looking forward to getting to know the rest of the High Mountain gang in detail!!
Alex has the dream job of running an animal rescue on a huge plot of land in Montana. Jonas is the owner of the ranch nextdoor. Oh and he’s a cowboy. And an ex special ops mountain tracker! And he has a whole team of badass dudes just like him hanging around. Enter a saucy friend, a cantankerous Dad, a charming son, a gaggle of rescue animals and some action packed drama. Makes for one hell-a-va ride!!!
I am never disappointed by the character development in Ms. Barker’s books and the action always has me flying through the pages. I am so looking forward to getting to know the rest of the High Mountain gang in detail!!
January 23, 2022
The start of a new series always has me on edge, and excited and, as always, Ms Barker does not disappoint. Alex is a strong, no longer young but not yet old, woman who is confident in
her abilities with horses. She's a single mom who worries about her military son, especially after losing her husband in combat. She's starting fresh, in a new location, running her horse rescue with her friend. Jonas is an alpha silver fox who is starting to feel the vagaries of middle age, where the spirit is still willing and the body protests at the end of the day. He is working to build his horse breeding ranch and recruited his former Special Ops team, who also aged out, to form High Mountain Trackers, and elite team using all the special talents and knowledge acquired during their military careers to track and rescue, or recover, the lost, or the hiding. When Alex and Jonas cross paths the sparks, and the occasional bullets, fly. But as their interactions progress the sparks settle into a steady blaze. There are a lot of great secondary characters, including Jonas' dad, a crusty old rancher who vacillates between giving up and standing strong, as well as the other members of the team. Add in a couple of escaped convicts, some domestic terrorism, the FBI and Homeland Security, and things around the ranches heat up. Every gamut of emotions is present, from sadness to humor and from fear to elation.
Ms Barker has again brought us great characters in a good story, with enough spice to satisfy those that like the sizzle in their romantic suspense. I can't wait for the rest of the series!
her abilities with horses. She's a single mom who worries about her military son, especially after losing her husband in combat. She's starting fresh, in a new location, running her horse rescue with her friend. Jonas is an alpha silver fox who is starting to feel the vagaries of middle age, where the spirit is still willing and the body protests at the end of the day. He is working to build his horse breeding ranch and recruited his former Special Ops team, who also aged out, to form High Mountain Trackers, and elite team using all the special talents and knowledge acquired during their military careers to track and rescue, or recover, the lost, or the hiding. When Alex and Jonas cross paths the sparks, and the occasional bullets, fly. But as their interactions progress the sparks settle into a steady blaze. There are a lot of great secondary characters, including Jonas' dad, a crusty old rancher who vacillates between giving up and standing strong, as well as the other members of the team. Add in a couple of escaped convicts, some domestic terrorism, the FBI and Homeland Security, and things around the ranches heat up. Every gamut of emotions is present, from sadness to humor and from fear to elation.
Ms Barker has again brought us great characters in a good story, with enough spice to satisfy those that like the sizzle in their romantic suspense. I can't wait for the rest of the series!
February 21, 2022
I’m always excited to start a new series by Ms. Barker and this one started with a bang!
Jonas Harvey. He’s ex military and a rancher. He also owns High Mountain Trackers.
Don’t waste time questioning your good fortune when you should be enjoying it instead.
Alex runs a animal rescue and lives right down the road.
Boy do they collide at first site. The more time they spend together the more attracted they become.
The pragmatist and the visionary. Opposites attract, guess that’s what makes us work well.
Crazy going on in the background leads to some suspenseful tension. As always I love that this couple is older and more mature.
This is definitely going to be a wonderful series.
Jonas Harvey. He’s ex military and a rancher. He also owns High Mountain Trackers.
Don’t waste time questioning your good fortune when you should be enjoying it instead.
Alex runs a animal rescue and lives right down the road.
Boy do they collide at first site. The more time they spend together the more attracted they become.
The pragmatist and the visionary. Opposites attract, guess that’s what makes us work well.
Crazy going on in the background leads to some suspenseful tension. As always I love that this couple is older and more mature.
This is definitely going to be a wonderful series.
January 20, 2022
I love this authors books, but this start to a new series is going to be epic. There's plenty of action, suspence, humor, danger and prior military alphas. They are older not young pups these days. I like Jonas, silver fox with a bald head that is all alpha. The job they do is important and when he meets Alex, sparks fly. She runs a rescue farm and thats how they meet. But strange things are happening at her place and she needs help. Excellent read with a HEA. Can't wait for the next book.
February 21, 2022
Jonas has transitioned from his military career and now balances the responsibilities of his horse ranch as well as the team he has created with buddies he served with who help track the surrounding area if civilians or criminals need to be found.
Alex and her friend have recently opened an animal rescue near Jonas’s ranch. She meets Jonas when she comes to his horse’s aid and even though they may not have gotten off to the best start when she meets him again the situation is much different.
Alex’s past makes her cautious when it comes to Jonas, but it isn’t long before he helps her realize that some rewards are worth the risk. Romance, intrigue and two relatable characters start off this series and leave us wanting more stories set in this locale.
Alex and her friend have recently opened an animal rescue near Jonas’s ranch. She meets Jonas when she comes to his horse’s aid and even though they may not have gotten off to the best start when she meets him again the situation is much different.
Alex’s past makes her cautious when it comes to Jonas, but it isn’t long before he helps her realize that some rewards are worth the risk. Romance, intrigue and two relatable characters start off this series and leave us wanting more stories set in this locale.
February 22, 2022
Who are Jonas and Ama? Where are they from? Who are James and Sully? How do all four of these people know each other? What is High Meadow? Who and what are the High Mountain Trackers? What is or was the relationship between Jonas, James, Bo, Sully, and Fletch? Who is Alex? How does she know Lucy? What do the ladies do for a living? What happens when the FBI and DHS show up in the area? Why are they there? What things have happened that have raised concerns? Who is the General? I could not stop readin gonce I hit the half way mark of this book. Normally I write my reviews as I read. Oh goodness, I cannot wait for the next book in this new series!
February 19, 2022
Jonas and Alex meet in trying circumstances and it's the start of something wonderful for this older couple. With danger, intrigue surrounding them, these two strong characters hold their own. Well written and a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2022
High Meadow, book one in the new High Mountain Trackers series, has all the elements that make a fantastic romantic suspense story and Freya Barker definitely knows how to bring it all together with her memorable, mature characters and a storyline that will keep the pages turning.
Alex is the new neighbor working to get her new house therapy business off the ground and that is not any easy task being a woman working in a male dominated world and she definitely gets way more than she bargained for when she purchased the land in the mountains of Montana.
There is so much more to Jonas, the owner of High Meadow ranch than most realize. He may be gruff on the outside but he is loyal, smart and has good instincts which allow him to not only run a successful ranch but he and his fellow special ops, now retired service members, also run a well know business called High Mountain Trackers. They have saved many people on the mountains but now there is real danger knocking on their door that puts Alex, the woman who has his interest in serious danger.
Alex is the new neighbor working to get her new house therapy business off the ground and that is not any easy task being a woman working in a male dominated world and she definitely gets way more than she bargained for when she purchased the land in the mountains of Montana.
There is so much more to Jonas, the owner of High Meadow ranch than most realize. He may be gruff on the outside but he is loyal, smart and has good instincts which allow him to not only run a successful ranch but he and his fellow special ops, now retired service members, also run a well know business called High Mountain Trackers. They have saved many people on the mountains but now there is real danger knocking on their door that puts Alex, the woman who has his interest in serious danger.
February 14, 2022
Jonas and Alex was instantly attracted to each other but with both of them being single for so long was unsure if they should take the leap. Until they realize that there is no stopping their feelings and attraction. She was the strong women Jonas needed and he the strong man who is there for her in need but also gives her the space to be herself and live out her dreams. Once again, a mind blowing story from this author's pen, written about people like you and me, with ordinary lives so it feels as if you could be reading about your own life and insecurities. A page turner and five star read. I received an ARC copy and am leaving a voluntary review.
February 12, 2022
Another great book with characters that feel real and who have actually lived and had believable experiences. Alex is building her horse rescue and training business aided by her no nonsense business partner Lucy. Nearby Jonas is running a stud farm and search and rescue team with his old military team. When danger moves into the area they will all have to work together to protect themselves and their livelihoods. A great story that was hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2022
High Meadow is the first in a new romantic suspense series set in Montana, and there is a lot to enjoy here! Jonas and his former spec ops team now spend their days working his horse ranch and the occasional search and rescue job sent their way. Alex recently moved to the area and is trying to establish her large animal rescue business. Her first encounter with Jonas doesn't exactly go smoothly, but sparks fly and it doesn't take long for each of them to see there is more to the other than they initially realized.
Take a healthy dose of chemistry, an independent single mom trying to focus on building a business while worrying about her newly enlisted son overseas, a slightly grumpy former military man, and a fiercely loyal best friend with some secrets in her past, mix in potential homegrown terrorists on the loose in the area and some cranky federal agents who reluctantly seek the help of Jonas and his team, and you have the recipe for a great read! I enjoyed this first installment of the High Mountain Trackers series and I am looking forward to seeing the wonderful supporting cast of characters getting their turn in the spotlight/ hot seat in the future.
ARC received from author
Take a healthy dose of chemistry, an independent single mom trying to focus on building a business while worrying about her newly enlisted son overseas, a slightly grumpy former military man, and a fiercely loyal best friend with some secrets in her past, mix in potential homegrown terrorists on the loose in the area and some cranky federal agents who reluctantly seek the help of Jonas and his team, and you have the recipe for a great read! I enjoyed this first installment of the High Mountain Trackers series and I am looking forward to seeing the wonderful supporting cast of characters getting their turn in the spotlight/ hot seat in the future.
ARC received from author
January 21, 2022
Four favorite words...Freya Barker new series.
Prolific and admired author Freya Barker writes attention-trapping novels and snared me again with the beginning of her new series (new series...*squeal*), High Mountain Trackers "High Meadow".
Set in Libby, Montana, the High Meadow Horse Ranch was Jonas Harvey's home and business after aging out of his Special Ops unit. Raising and breeding horses felt good for a few years, and convincing his elderly long-widowed father to finally sell his Texas ranch and join him was better. Not only would his dad (Thomas) going to be close at hand, but Thomas could lend a hand running the horse ranch because Jonas now had extra work requiring his attention.
Jonas missed the challenge of his old job; horses were in his blood, but apparently so was tracking. Occasionally, local law enforcement who knew of his expertise asked for help finding lost hikers. He convinced four like-minded members of his former team to join him, and the family that had been built not born was also together again. High Mountain Trackers was in business.
Alex (Alexandra) Hart recently moved her own business, Hart's Horse Rescue, to Libby. With her son (Jackson) serving in Iraq and her husband long since killed serving in the military, she had no ties holding her to Billings. She and her friend (Lucy) rescue abandoned and abused horses and managed to acquire dogs and a donkey as well. New to the area, they would have to build the rehabilitation reputation of their farm. When one of Jonas' studs goes missing, it's quickly found, but gained a leg injury in a traumatic experience. Then Alex's expertise brought her and Jonas together.
Two dangerous prison escapees hiding in the area have local authorities hiring High Mountain Trackers to assist in their search so Jonas has to depend on Alex to soothe his troubled horse so it can be treated for its injury. The search hits close to home. Sightings and rifle shots have everyone on edge as the heat builds between Jonas and Alex. When Jackson showed up on a surprise two-week leave, he adds his own bombshell about his military career. Tensions mount into an explosive and surprising ending.
A new Freya Barker series! My excitement and adrenaline have crescendoed and crashed leaving me anxious for the next High Mountain Trackers book.
Prolific and admired author Freya Barker writes attention-trapping novels and snared me again with the beginning of her new series (new series...*squeal*), High Mountain Trackers "High Meadow".
Set in Libby, Montana, the High Meadow Horse Ranch was Jonas Harvey's home and business after aging out of his Special Ops unit. Raising and breeding horses felt good for a few years, and convincing his elderly long-widowed father to finally sell his Texas ranch and join him was better. Not only would his dad (Thomas) going to be close at hand, but Thomas could lend a hand running the horse ranch because Jonas now had extra work requiring his attention.
Jonas missed the challenge of his old job; horses were in his blood, but apparently so was tracking. Occasionally, local law enforcement who knew of his expertise asked for help finding lost hikers. He convinced four like-minded members of his former team to join him, and the family that had been built not born was also together again. High Mountain Trackers was in business.
Alex (Alexandra) Hart recently moved her own business, Hart's Horse Rescue, to Libby. With her son (Jackson) serving in Iraq and her husband long since killed serving in the military, she had no ties holding her to Billings. She and her friend (Lucy) rescue abandoned and abused horses and managed to acquire dogs and a donkey as well. New to the area, they would have to build the rehabilitation reputation of their farm. When one of Jonas' studs goes missing, it's quickly found, but gained a leg injury in a traumatic experience. Then Alex's expertise brought her and Jonas together.
Two dangerous prison escapees hiding in the area have local authorities hiring High Mountain Trackers to assist in their search so Jonas has to depend on Alex to soothe his troubled horse so it can be treated for its injury. The search hits close to home. Sightings and rifle shots have everyone on edge as the heat builds between Jonas and Alex. When Jackson showed up on a surprise two-week leave, he adds his own bombshell about his military career. Tensions mount into an explosive and surprising ending.
A new Freya Barker series! My excitement and adrenaline have crescendoed and crashed leaving me anxious for the next High Mountain Trackers book.
January 22, 2022
I’m sitting here, having just finished High Meadow and thinking about the what, and why I enjoyed it and trying to figure out how I want to put it into words. Let’s start out with our heroine, Alexandra, or Alex as she is called. A military widow, who raised her son half his life on her own, who has a soft spot for rescue animals, a woman I want to cheer for. Then Ms. Barker introduces us to her male lead character, Jonas, he’s retired special forces, runs a horse ranch and also a tracking outfit. He has taken in his military brothers and made it a family business that is right next door to Alex’s horse rescue. The story tells itself but let me tell you why I love Alex and Jonas and Freya Barkers writing of characters. Alex and Jonas are middle aged, are their bodies perfect? Nope, in fact, at one point Jonas mentions needing an ibuprofen for his knee. Alex, is forty-five, a little older but still strong. She describes Jonas, who is fifty as having chest hair, shot through with silver and his belly “not a six pack” This is real and I still found Jonas sexy as sin. Young girls can keep those twenty year old bucks who don’t know a dang thing, give me a fifty year old man, with some silver/gray hair who knows his way around a woman and is comfortable in his abilities. Freya gives us that with her writing, she always keeps her characters real and relatable. Then you add the story of action, excellent side characters and you’ve hooked me, line and sinker! I want to know everyone’s story now. I cannot WAIT for the rest of this series!
I was given an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.
I was given an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.
August 9, 2025
High Meadow
(High Mountain Trackers #1)
Written by: Freya Barker
First, I need to address the cover of this book! Absolutely, love this cover, look at it once and you feel like you are in Montana. You’re ready to find out who these men and women are and what Freya Barker has in store for us. I kid you not, every time Jonas’ was on the page I had the image from the cover and I could hear a voice, gravelly but with a lilt of the south and it made it so easy to get into the inner workings of High Meadow.
As the first book in this series, we get to experience a variety of characters and these men do not hold back! They were all in the same unit when they served their country and Jonas has made sure he has his brothers with him in his side business High Mountain Trackers. They spent years together and work together like a well oiled machine! Jonas takes the lead in this book, things are changing on his horse ranch and things are changing with him because the take no prisoners woman who runs Hart’s Horse Rescue has caught his eye and he is pretty sure he wants to catch her as well.
Alexandra (ALEX) has just recently moved to Montana and has opened her horse rescue. Not only does she work with horses, but any animal who needs to be rescued and taken care is now a part of her “family”. When she first met Jonas, he was rather grumpy, but their next meeting showed her the real Jonas and pretty soon, there were dinners, picnics and whispers.
It’s when there is news of two escape prisoners that may be in the area that Jonas and his men are called on to help track down these dangerous men. As they go out into the mountains and forests Freya Barker takes readers along, with her description of the beauty of the mountains, the land, the rivers we can imagine being there with them.
There are twists and not everyone we meet in this book one are trustworthy so when guns are fired, noises from the attic in the dark of night danger might be closer than everyone thinks.
Having read other books by Author Freya Barker I know I’m in for a good romantic suspense story with some steam on the side.
**** Adding an Audio Review***8
As much as I love reading this author’s books, I love just as much, if not more listening to them.
In this case narrators Ada Sinclair and Connor Crais did a most amazing job bringing Jonas and Alex to listeners. As I often do, I felt the narrators brought this story to life and remembering back to when I read High Meadow the first time.
I highly recommend not just the author Freya Barker, but this new series and these narrators made this a most enjoyable listen.
(High Mountain Trackers #1)
Written by: Freya Barker
First, I need to address the cover of this book! Absolutely, love this cover, look at it once and you feel like you are in Montana. You’re ready to find out who these men and women are and what Freya Barker has in store for us. I kid you not, every time Jonas’ was on the page I had the image from the cover and I could hear a voice, gravelly but with a lilt of the south and it made it so easy to get into the inner workings of High Meadow.
As the first book in this series, we get to experience a variety of characters and these men do not hold back! They were all in the same unit when they served their country and Jonas has made sure he has his brothers with him in his side business High Mountain Trackers. They spent years together and work together like a well oiled machine! Jonas takes the lead in this book, things are changing on his horse ranch and things are changing with him because the take no prisoners woman who runs Hart’s Horse Rescue has caught his eye and he is pretty sure he wants to catch her as well.
Alexandra (ALEX) has just recently moved to Montana and has opened her horse rescue. Not only does she work with horses, but any animal who needs to be rescued and taken care is now a part of her “family”. When she first met Jonas, he was rather grumpy, but their next meeting showed her the real Jonas and pretty soon, there were dinners, picnics and whispers.
It’s when there is news of two escape prisoners that may be in the area that Jonas and his men are called on to help track down these dangerous men. As they go out into the mountains and forests Freya Barker takes readers along, with her description of the beauty of the mountains, the land, the rivers we can imagine being there with them.
There are twists and not everyone we meet in this book one are trustworthy so when guns are fired, noises from the attic in the dark of night danger might be closer than everyone thinks.
Having read other books by Author Freya Barker I know I’m in for a good romantic suspense story with some steam on the side.
**** Adding an Audio Review***8
As much as I love reading this author’s books, I love just as much, if not more listening to them.
In this case narrators Ada Sinclair and Connor Crais did a most amazing job bringing Jonas and Alex to listeners. As I often do, I felt the narrators brought this story to life and remembering back to when I read High Meadow the first time.
I highly recommend not just the author Freya Barker, but this new series and these narrators made this a most enjoyable listen.
March 17, 2023
I've been waiting for this book, it combines two of my favorite things in books, cowboys and Freya Barker's romantic suspense. This book ticks all my happy reader boxes: great setting, strong female characters, protective alphas, horses, intrigue, suspense, and a more than satisfying HEA. And the best part is it's the start of her brand-new series, High Mountain Trackers.
Jonas Harvey owns High Meadow ranch. His main focus is breeding horses and managing his prize studs' social calendars. As a former Special Ops commander, he has convinced his teammates from the military to join him on the ranch. However, they miss the excitement of their former vocation so High Mountain Trackers is formed. The team focusses on search and rescue in the mountains of Montana and occasionally helping out law enforcement.
Alexandra Hart and her friend, Lucy, just moved to the area to start a horse rescue. When Alex is called to rescue an injured horse along the road, she butts heads with the owner, Jonas, and sparks fly. He's surly on a good day, and finding his prize stud hurt is not a good day. When he calls "Alex" the horse whisperer to help rehab the stud, he is totally unprepared for the Alex who shows up. Again sparks fly but in a slightly different manner.
As with all of Ms. Barker's books, her characters are mature and have experienced life. Bodies are not perfect but emotions are real and the years of game playing are far in the past. Alex is a military widow, who raised her son on her own, only to have him follow in his dad's footsteps. The possible danger Jonas could face with the trackers has her hesitant to jump in with Jonas but the man can be very persuasive.
Family is always an important element, and while Alex has her son and Lucy, Jonas has brought all his brothers in arms into the fold. Eventually, Jonas's dad comes to visit and along with the ranch manager, Ama, and the family dynamic is complete.
What follows is an intriguing story full of danger, suspense, meddling government agents, smarmy characters who seek to ingratiate themselves with the newcomers, hot cowboys, horses, and an HEA that gives the reader all the feels. Emotions and danger run high in the wilds of Montana but Ms. Barker's trackers are more than up to the job. I can't wait to see what is in story for the rest of the men of High Meadow.
Jonas Harvey owns High Meadow ranch. His main focus is breeding horses and managing his prize studs' social calendars. As a former Special Ops commander, he has convinced his teammates from the military to join him on the ranch. However, they miss the excitement of their former vocation so High Mountain Trackers is formed. The team focusses on search and rescue in the mountains of Montana and occasionally helping out law enforcement.
Alexandra Hart and her friend, Lucy, just moved to the area to start a horse rescue. When Alex is called to rescue an injured horse along the road, she butts heads with the owner, Jonas, and sparks fly. He's surly on a good day, and finding his prize stud hurt is not a good day. When he calls "Alex" the horse whisperer to help rehab the stud, he is totally unprepared for the Alex who shows up. Again sparks fly but in a slightly different manner.
As with all of Ms. Barker's books, her characters are mature and have experienced life. Bodies are not perfect but emotions are real and the years of game playing are far in the past. Alex is a military widow, who raised her son on her own, only to have him follow in his dad's footsteps. The possible danger Jonas could face with the trackers has her hesitant to jump in with Jonas but the man can be very persuasive.
Family is always an important element, and while Alex has her son and Lucy, Jonas has brought all his brothers in arms into the fold. Eventually, Jonas's dad comes to visit and along with the ranch manager, Ama, and the family dynamic is complete.
What follows is an intriguing story full of danger, suspense, meddling government agents, smarmy characters who seek to ingratiate themselves with the newcomers, hot cowboys, horses, and an HEA that gives the reader all the feels. Emotions and danger run high in the wilds of Montana but Ms. Barker's trackers are more than up to the job. I can't wait to see what is in story for the rest of the men of High Meadow.
February 12, 2022
High Meadow was a wonderful start to a brand new series by one of my go-to authors. I can always count on this author to give me a story that is exciting, romantic, and with amazing characters that you can’t help but fall in love with.
Alexandra Hart is the owner of Hart’s Horse Rescue who was called in to help with an injured horse owned by Jonas Harvey, the owner of High Meadow Ranch, and utilizing his military skills as ex-Special Ops, runs High Mountain Trackers. Their initial meeting is not quite ideal but when Alex starts working with one of Jonas’ horses on his ranch, they start seeing each other in a new light. As the two get to know each other, Jonas and his team are called in to assist in apprehending two prisoners who escaped. This definitely brings in the action and suspense that this author is also well known for.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Alex and Jonas’ story and looking forward to more in this series.
Alexandra Hart is the owner of Hart’s Horse Rescue who was called in to help with an injured horse owned by Jonas Harvey, the owner of High Meadow Ranch, and utilizing his military skills as ex-Special Ops, runs High Mountain Trackers. Their initial meeting is not quite ideal but when Alex starts working with one of Jonas’ horses on his ranch, they start seeing each other in a new light. As the two get to know each other, Jonas and his team are called in to assist in apprehending two prisoners who escaped. This definitely brings in the action and suspense that this author is also well known for.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Alex and Jonas’ story and looking forward to more in this series.
January 25, 2022
What a great start to a new series! It was great to meet a whole new cast of characters, and as always Freya layers each one with such depth.
This first book revolves around Jonas, a 50 yr old ex special forces turned Rancher. But don’t let that fool you, while he has made the ranch is primary focus, he also has a business with some of his former team members who have a tracking agency.
Alexandria, has recently purchased a ranch near by for rescuing animals as well as working with animals who have been traumatized to rehabilitate them. Of course Alex is call out to rescue one of Jonas’ horses and so it begins.
These two were amazing individually as well as a couple. Throw in some laughter, romance and suspense and you have a 5 star read from Freya. So glad we don’t have to wait long for the next book.
This first book revolves around Jonas, a 50 yr old ex special forces turned Rancher. But don’t let that fool you, while he has made the ranch is primary focus, he also has a business with some of his former team members who have a tracking agency.
Alexandria, has recently purchased a ranch near by for rescuing animals as well as working with animals who have been traumatized to rehabilitate them. Of course Alex is call out to rescue one of Jonas’ horses and so it begins.
These two were amazing individually as well as a couple. Throw in some laughter, romance and suspense and you have a 5 star read from Freya. So glad we don’t have to wait long for the next book.
February 20, 2022
Wow, High Meadows is a great start to a brand new series by Freya Barker. Jonas Harvey, a former soldier, runs a ranch and searches for missing persons on the side with his former teammates. In this particular case, the missing people are not very friendly and a danger to the landscape. Alexandra Hart has her own business rescuing animals. She is a neighbor of Jonas, but they don't meet until Jonas' stallion is injured. A small hint of enemies to lovers is the beginning of this story, but they both very soon feel a strong attraction to each other. Alex is a very straight person, nothing of princess behavior, more the boots and cape girl. Jonas is also a straight man, but he has a lot of errands to run at this moment. So Alex and he have to wait a bit to figure out their feelings. I really liked both characters. Both are cowboys rather than townies, they know that life is hard and can be very rough at times. What struck me most about this book is that the gender roles get a little mixed up. The female part is totally clear, with less skills maybe, but with a very strong will to fight for the man she loves. And the male part is the one with all the abilities, but he had to be saved. Oh, I loved this plot twist so much.
The suspenseful story is full of details and sends chills down my spine. I had to read this book in one day. No chance to stop in the middle, I had to know the ending as much as my heart must be pounding.
The writing style is so clear and always to the point, no unnecessary words but lots of real feelings and the fact that all the people in this book have everyday worries like you and me. Friends are often better family, but Jonas has both, really good friends and his father who made me both laugh and cry with his wisdom and tenacity.
So all I can say is please read this book if you like romantic suspense, otherwise you will miss out on a great book.
Freya Barker is my favorite author in this genre, and I can't wait for the next book.
The suspenseful story is full of details and sends chills down my spine. I had to read this book in one day. No chance to stop in the middle, I had to know the ending as much as my heart must be pounding.
The writing style is so clear and always to the point, no unnecessary words but lots of real feelings and the fact that all the people in this book have everyday worries like you and me. Friends are often better family, but Jonas has both, really good friends and his father who made me both laugh and cry with his wisdom and tenacity.
So all I can say is please read this book if you like romantic suspense, otherwise you will miss out on a great book.
Freya Barker is my favorite author in this genre, and I can't wait for the next book.
February 22, 2022
Freya Barker has once again written a five star read with incredible characters. The High Mountain Trackers are highly trained, ex-military. But like all of Barker's characters, they are not infallible. Alex and Jonas are regular people dealing with everyday issues with elderly parents, letting go of adult children and finding love at fifty. Add in suspense and domestic terrorists and High Meadow is a fantastic start to a new series from a talented author.
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