What do you think?
Rate this book
Jubilee, Kentucky #1
Don't Back Down
The first in a riveting and pulse-pounding new romantic suspense series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala.
Army veteran Cameron Pope arrives back in Jubilee, Kentucky, for the first time in years. He barely has time to catch his breath when he becomes embroiled in a race of life or death for his little niece and a deadly hunt for the human traffickers who are destroying the peace of his mountain town. When he's reunited with Rusty Caldwell—a woman from his past who he's never stopped thinking about—he wants to believe they can finally be together. But Cameron is shocked to find out that Rusty belongs to one of the rich families in Jubilee—the same rich folks who scorn the rural families living on the surrounding mountainside, in spite of knowing nothing about them. With their community in the crosshairs, Cameron and Rusty will have to find a way to end the feuding and take down the human trafficking ring if they're to have a chance at happiness.
Army veteran Cameron Pope arrives back in Jubilee, Kentucky, for the first time in years. He barely has time to catch his breath when he becomes embroiled in a race of life or death for his little niece and a deadly hunt for the human traffickers who are destroying the peace of his mountain town. When he's reunited with Rusty Caldwell—a woman from his past who he's never stopped thinking about—he wants to believe they can finally be together. But Cameron is shocked to find out that Rusty belongs to one of the rich families in Jubilee—the same rich folks who scorn the rural families living on the surrounding mountainside, in spite of knowing nothing about them. With their community in the crosshairs, Cameron and Rusty will have to find a way to end the feuding and take down the human trafficking ring if they're to have a chance at happiness.
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2023
407 people are currently reading
6464 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
279 books2,299 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews
February 7, 2024
4⭐
Series ~ Jubilee, Kentucky, #1
Publication date ~ March 7, 2023
Page Count ~ 366
Audio length ~ 10 hours 29 minutes
Narrator ~ Tim Lounibos
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ romantic suspense, assault, police procedural, FBI, veteran, references to r@pe & s8x trafficking
My mama heart was pounding right away when Rachel is knocked out and 3 year old, Lily, is kidnapped. Before the police even finish questioning Rachel, a search team, headed by Cameron and Ghost, is out looking for her.
After the hunt for Lily is over, we have the FBI trying to bring down a s8x trafficking ring, which is headed up by Rusty, Cameron's one night stand from 5 years ago before his deployment. When they see each other again they are all in right from the start and it was cute.
This fast paced thriller was jam packed with action from beginning to end. Ghost, the hero German Shepard, was my favorite character and Cameron was a close 2nd. I enjoyed my first experience with this author and will definitely be back for more of this series, but only if Ghost is there 😜
Narration notes:
His regular voice was perfectly fine, but his female voices were pretty rough.
*Thanks to Sharon Sala, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Series ~ Jubilee, Kentucky, #1
Publication date ~ March 7, 2023
Page Count ~ 366
Audio length ~ 10 hours 29 minutes
Narrator ~ Tim Lounibos
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ romantic suspense, assault, police procedural, FBI, veteran, references to r@pe & s8x trafficking
My mama heart was pounding right away when Rachel is knocked out and 3 year old, Lily, is kidnapped. Before the police even finish questioning Rachel, a search team, headed by Cameron and Ghost, is out looking for her.
After the hunt for Lily is over, we have the FBI trying to bring down a s8x trafficking ring, which is headed up by Rusty, Cameron's one night stand from 5 years ago before his deployment. When they see each other again they are all in right from the start and it was cute.
This fast paced thriller was jam packed with action from beginning to end. Ghost, the hero German Shepard, was my favorite character and Cameron was a close 2nd. I enjoyed my first experience with this author and will definitely be back for more of this series, but only if Ghost is there 😜
Narration notes:
His regular voice was perfectly fine, but his female voices were pretty rough.
*Thanks to Sharon Sala, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
March 8, 2023
Don’t Back Down by Sharon Sala
Jubilee, Kentucky series book 1. Contemporary romantic suspense. Second chance troupe.
Veteran Cameron Pope returns to his home town of Jubilee, KY just in time for he and his trained dog Ghost, to rescue his niece from human traffickers. The FBI gets involved since it wasn’t just one child missing and Rusty Caldwell flies in for some undercover investigation. Having met and fallen into each others arms before, Cam and Rusty reunite and work together to track down all the people involved in the kidnappings.
Compelling and involved, the story moves quickly uncovering one suspect after another while also tying extended family together.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Tim Lounibos. The story and performance is told in third person and flows quickly from romance to suspense and back. I liked the clear emotion and differences for characters you can clearly hear. I think the narrator does a better job as the male character but that’s as expected. The elderly female voices are a bit amusing to me. I found the story intense and gripping as a listener.
I sped the playback to 1.5 as this is my preferred speed that is closest to a midwest conversation.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
Jubilee, Kentucky series book 1. Contemporary romantic suspense. Second chance troupe.
Veteran Cameron Pope returns to his home town of Jubilee, KY just in time for he and his trained dog Ghost, to rescue his niece from human traffickers. The FBI gets involved since it wasn’t just one child missing and Rusty Caldwell flies in for some undercover investigation. Having met and fallen into each others arms before, Cam and Rusty reunite and work together to track down all the people involved in the kidnappings.
Compelling and involved, the story moves quickly uncovering one suspect after another while also tying extended family together.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Tim Lounibos. The story and performance is told in third person and flows quickly from romance to suspense and back. I liked the clear emotion and differences for characters you can clearly hear. I think the narrator does a better job as the male character but that’s as expected. The elderly female voices are a bit amusing to me. I found the story intense and gripping as a listener.
I sped the playback to 1.5 as this is my preferred speed that is closest to a midwest conversation.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
February 27, 2023
Army veteran Cameron Pope has come back to his small Kentucky town with his dog, Ghost. He quickly joins the hunt for his niece who was kidnapped after his sister was assaulted in her home. When not saving the day, he is pinning for a woman he had a one-night stand with years ago. He has been approached by the FBI to help the FBI to assist in a human trafficking ring.
Rusty Caldwell is an FBI agent who has been assigned to investigate the human trafficking ring. She just also happens to be the woman Cameron Pope had a one-night stand with years ago. She too, has not been able to get Cameron out of her mind.
They see each other again and the lust/insta love is still alive. They also happen to work well together as they begin to investigate, the action and tension ramps out and doesn't stop.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator. I found this book to be fast paced and entertaining. This is the first book in a new series. It is romantic suspense meets mystery and deplorable people. I enjoyed both Rusty and Cameron along with the side characters. I had to shake my head a few times at their insta love, but otherwise, I enjoyed this audiobook.
A fast-paced entertaining read with enjoyable characters. Ghost (dog) steals the scenes he is in and saves the day a time or two.
I look forward to reading/listening to more books in the series.
3.5 stars
#DontBackDown #NetGalley #SharonSala
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Rusty Caldwell is an FBI agent who has been assigned to investigate the human trafficking ring. She just also happens to be the woman Cameron Pope had a one-night stand with years ago. She too, has not been able to get Cameron out of her mind.
They see each other again and the lust/insta love is still alive. They also happen to work well together as they begin to investigate, the action and tension ramps out and doesn't stop.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator. I found this book to be fast paced and entertaining. This is the first book in a new series. It is romantic suspense meets mystery and deplorable people. I enjoyed both Rusty and Cameron along with the side characters. I had to shake my head a few times at their insta love, but otherwise, I enjoyed this audiobook.
A fast-paced entertaining read with enjoyable characters. Ghost (dog) steals the scenes he is in and saves the day a time or two.
I look forward to reading/listening to more books in the series.
3.5 stars
#DontBackDown #NetGalley #SharonSala
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 14, 2023
Fast paced. Gritting and gripping, this one delivers!
Thank you, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, for the advance reading copy.
This is the first book of a new romance suspense series which I feel would go a long way!
This is the story of Rusty and Cameron, an army veteran. Cameron’s little niece gets kidnapped and he’s got to save her. However, things don’t end there. He has to stop and take down a human trafficking ring that gets revealed when he tries saving his niece.
I would tell you not to expect the book to start with the romance right away (which I regretted doing so!). The romance is good when it happens. It’s the second half that has all the best parts of the book. I would say you can read this as a standalone as the ending wraps up pretty well.
Trigger warnings for assault and violence.
The writing is so good and the characters are quite realistic.
Thank you, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, for the advance reading copy.
This is the first book of a new romance suspense series which I feel would go a long way!
This is the story of Rusty and Cameron, an army veteran. Cameron’s little niece gets kidnapped and he’s got to save her. However, things don’t end there. He has to stop and take down a human trafficking ring that gets revealed when he tries saving his niece.
I would tell you not to expect the book to start with the romance right away (which I regretted doing so!). The romance is good when it happens. It’s the second half that has all the best parts of the book. I would say you can read this as a standalone as the ending wraps up pretty well.
Trigger warnings for assault and violence.
The writing is so good and the characters are quite realistic.
March 7, 2023
I'm hit or miss on Sharon Sala books. What I for sure don't like are human trafficking plots. Personal prejudice, I know, but it takes a very good author to get me engaged in this genre. Sharon Sala takes a light hand dealing with the issue, for which I'm grateful. She is more interested in the romance between Cam and Rusty which is warn and sweet and I just love when a couple work together to solve a mystery.
A chance "Strangers in the Night" meeting between Cameron and Rusty ended with him on his way to his second deployment to Iraq. Five years later this star-crossed couple has another meeting and all the cliches about Mountain Folk and Valley Folk intrude to make this a less than ideal meeting.
Army Special Forces veteran Cameron Pope and his partner a bomb sniffing German Shepard named Ghost are just settling into their new life as retired Army veterans when Cam's three-year-old niece, Lily, is kidnapped and Cam and Ghost rescue her. The FBI believes this kidnapping is linked to a human trafficking ring operating in the broader tri-state area around Jubilee, Kentucky (think Branson, MO at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains). Since Jubilee is a tourist destination for the music scene and the scenic mountains, strangers come and go and are rarely missed.
Rusty Caldwell has just finished a grueling undercover operation for the FBI and is looking forward to some down time, but the Bureau has other ideas. Rusty's uncle owns one of the major hotels in Jubilee and Rusty is assigned to visit and provide reconnaissance for the FBI team already in place. With the mistrustful feelings between the rich folks in the valley and the poor folks in the mountains Rusty is in an awkward position, especially when she meets up with Soldier Boy and the sparks fly, just like five years before. 3 1/2-Stars
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
A chance "Strangers in the Night" meeting between Cameron and Rusty ended with him on his way to his second deployment to Iraq. Five years later this star-crossed couple has another meeting and all the cliches about Mountain Folk and Valley Folk intrude to make this a less than ideal meeting.
Army Special Forces veteran Cameron Pope and his partner a bomb sniffing German Shepard named Ghost are just settling into their new life as retired Army veterans when Cam's three-year-old niece, Lily, is kidnapped and Cam and Ghost rescue her. The FBI believes this kidnapping is linked to a human trafficking ring operating in the broader tri-state area around Jubilee, Kentucky (think Branson, MO at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains). Since Jubilee is a tourist destination for the music scene and the scenic mountains, strangers come and go and are rarely missed.
Rusty Caldwell has just finished a grueling undercover operation for the FBI and is looking forward to some down time, but the Bureau has other ideas. Rusty's uncle owns one of the major hotels in Jubilee and Rusty is assigned to visit and provide reconnaissance for the FBI team already in place. With the mistrustful feelings between the rich folks in the valley and the poor folks in the mountains Rusty is in an awkward position, especially when she meets up with Soldier Boy and the sparks fly, just like five years before. 3 1/2-Stars
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
January 22, 2023
Sala writes a fine tale of romantic suspense in a small Kentucky mountain town where tight-laced clans abound, and outsiders are looked upon with suspicion. Five years ago, two strangers, 24-year-old Rusty Caldwell and 29-year-old departing soldier Cameron Pope share a night of passion before he ships out to Afghanistan without sharing names. The author would have you believe that for the next five years, they are both ruined for other people, but it is a romance novel so the reader must suspend belief and accept this truth.
Now five years later Cameron has returned home from the war to Jubilee, Kentucky. Along with his trusty dog Ghost, he’s thrown into a manhunt for his kidnapped young niece and right into the search for human traffickers. When the FBI sends help, he is suddenly reunited with the beautiful redhead he has not been able to forget for the last five years. Now they must put aside their strong feelings for each other and work to find the traffickers before they kidnap someone else.
For the most point, I enjoyed the book, the mystery, and the suspense. I did have a bit of trouble buying into the instant romance, however, if a Cameron Pope came into my life, I might throw all caution to the wind and go for it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I gave it three stars.
Now five years later Cameron has returned home from the war to Jubilee, Kentucky. Along with his trusty dog Ghost, he’s thrown into a manhunt for his kidnapped young niece and right into the search for human traffickers. When the FBI sends help, he is suddenly reunited with the beautiful redhead he has not been able to forget for the last five years. Now they must put aside their strong feelings for each other and work to find the traffickers before they kidnap someone else.
For the most point, I enjoyed the book, the mystery, and the suspense. I did have a bit of trouble buying into the instant romance, however, if a Cameron Pope came into my life, I might throw all caution to the wind and go for it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I gave it three stars.
June 20, 2023
Don't Back Down is the third book I have read by Sharon Sala and I am pretty confused about what I feel about her writing style. While reading this book I thought I had once again started a series midway until I saw on Goodreads that this book is the first in a new series. I guess I like it better when authors take time to build a backstory to their plot and characters (especially in a series) instead of jumping right in the thick of the action. The book was fast paced and it covered a lot of different story threads but it all seemed rushed and Cameron Pope and Rusty (Faith) Caldwell's 'one night stand' as strangers five years ago turning into a 'she/he is my soul mate love story' was unconvincing.
I received an e-Arc of the book from the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca and the author via NetGalley.
I received an e-Arc of the book from the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca and the author via NetGalley.
March 9, 2023
Army veteran Cameron Pope arrives back in Jubilee, Kentucky with his dog Ghost when his niece gets kidnapped. When he joins the hunt to find his niece, Cameron soon discovers there might have been more to her kidnapping and draws interest from the FBI to help them uncover a human trafficking ring in his own town.
Meanwhile, the agent he gets assigned to work with is none other than the very woman he has been pining for, for years.
This was an okay read for me. The premise while interesting is very surface-level as far as human trafficking goes, so while I do appreciate that it was easier to read about - I think in general it's a hard subject to write about on many levels. Party due to reality that is much darker than what the author touched on - which wasn't as impactful as it could have been.
There are a lot of characters in the book and it took a while for me to finally place all my ducks in a row as to who is who and have that stick with me. It kind of read like a movie.
The romance was super instalove, so while I adored Cam and Rusty - the romance felt a little cheesy but was probably not entirely the point of the book.
The audiobook was narrated by a male, which took me by surprise - but I think it worked, in the end, either way.
Overall. It was okay. I didn't hate it. My favorite part of this was definitely Ghost.
Meanwhile, the agent he gets assigned to work with is none other than the very woman he has been pining for, for years.
This was an okay read for me. The premise while interesting is very surface-level as far as human trafficking goes, so while I do appreciate that it was easier to read about - I think in general it's a hard subject to write about on many levels. Party due to reality that is much darker than what the author touched on - which wasn't as impactful as it could have been.
There are a lot of characters in the book and it took a while for me to finally place all my ducks in a row as to who is who and have that stick with me. It kind of read like a movie.
The romance was super instalove, so while I adored Cam and Rusty - the romance felt a little cheesy but was probably not entirely the point of the book.
The audiobook was narrated by a male, which took me by surprise - but I think it worked, in the end, either way.
Overall. It was okay. I didn't hate it. My favorite part of this was definitely Ghost.
September 6, 2023
The narrator ruined this book for me. His voices were so bad, especially his female ones. 🤦🏽♀️🙅🏽♀️ I pushed through hoping to really like the book but I don’t think I would recommend it.
February 1, 2025
DON’T BACK DOWN is the first book in the Jubilee, Kentucky series by Sharon Sala. Rusty Caldwell is an FBI Investigator and very good at her job. She has just been brought in to an investigation that deals with a sex trafficking ring. Army Vet, Cameron Pope fell for Rusty the first time they met. She is strikingly gorgeous, and smart and can banter with him very quickly. They see each other daily and the instant love is happening very fast. They also happen to work very well together as they begin their investigation, the action and tension ramps up and doesn’t stop.
Cameron and Rusty do have history. They met in a hotel five years ago and had a one night stand. They called each other Soldier Boy and Angel. It was just one night and there were no strings attached. They didnt even know each others real names. Imagine their surprise when they come face to face five years later. Compelling and fast paced, DON’T BACK DOWN moves quickly, uncovering one suspect after another while also introducing the extended family. Suspense is always fun because Sharon Sala doesn’t always tread in familiar suspense lines. We spin-off to follow different characters of the ring. DON’T BACK DOWN will stay with you for a long time after you finish reading it. Several times I found myself desperately wanting to keep reading, to find out what would happen next, but I was afraid to turn the page, scared of the possible fates awaiting these characters.
DON’T BACK DOWN is an awesome book! It is well-written with a great cast of characters. It was very hard for me to put down. It will keep you wondering what will happen next. I loved every minute of this story as well as the Pope family and hated to see it end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Cameron and Rusty do have history. They met in a hotel five years ago and had a one night stand. They called each other Soldier Boy and Angel. It was just one night and there were no strings attached. They didnt even know each others real names. Imagine their surprise when they come face to face five years later. Compelling and fast paced, DON’T BACK DOWN moves quickly, uncovering one suspect after another while also introducing the extended family. Suspense is always fun because Sharon Sala doesn’t always tread in familiar suspense lines. We spin-off to follow different characters of the ring. DON’T BACK DOWN will stay with you for a long time after you finish reading it. Several times I found myself desperately wanting to keep reading, to find out what would happen next, but I was afraid to turn the page, scared of the possible fates awaiting these characters.
DON’T BACK DOWN is an awesome book! It is well-written with a great cast of characters. It was very hard for me to put down. It will keep you wondering what will happen next. I loved every minute of this story as well as the Pope family and hated to see it end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 2, 2023
I love Sharon Sala, and this book didn't disappoint. It has action, mystery, love, and hot sex scenes. One of the things I loved about this book was that the couple got together without a lot of stressful back and forth. They knew they loved each other and went for it. I listened to the audiobook. Tim lounibos does a good job with the male voices but leaves a little to be desired with the female voices. There's also a few phrases that sound cheesy when said out loud but aren't so bad when read silently. The story itself was interesting and well written. A definite recommendation if you like a mystery thrown in with your romance.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Audio, and Sharon Sala for the opportunity to listen to this advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Audio, and Sharon Sala for the opportunity to listen to this advanced copy.
March 16, 2023
Characters have no depth, story is shallow, I think I read “she fell apart in his arms” more than ten times.
March 9, 2023
I really liked this and I loved Ghost, the dog. Great characters with a satisfying plot and a sweet romance. I threw myself into this one and it made me a nervous wreck.
I chose to listen to this as an audiobook and liked the narrator. I can’t wait to listen to book 2.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via NetGalley.
I chose to listen to this as an audiobook and liked the narrator. I can’t wait to listen to book 2.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via NetGalley.
November 24, 2024
Did Not Finish.
Cameron Pope is no Charlie Dodge. Rusty Caldwell is no Jade Wyrick. And to have one narrator voice all characters is painful. The exaggerated accents and ridiculous sayings are noise pollution to my ears. Narrator Tim Lounibos is no Adam Gold. To wait on a one-night stand for five years is as unrealistic as being a special agent in the FBI since college. I am surprised I made it about halfway through.
Cameron Pope is no Charlie Dodge. Rusty Caldwell is no Jade Wyrick. And to have one narrator voice all characters is painful. The exaggerated accents and ridiculous sayings are noise pollution to my ears. Narrator Tim Lounibos is no Adam Gold. To wait on a one-night stand for five years is as unrealistic as being a special agent in the FBI since college. I am surprised I made it about halfway through.
April 5, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for accepting my request to audibly read Don't Back Down.
Narrator: Tim Lounibos
Published: 03/07/23
I'm so excited, this is book one of a series. There were quite a few things I liked: The characters acted in the manner they were titled. A government employee, works undercover and was smart throughout the book. She has a partner, ex-something military who was smart. They worked well together. One said run -- they ran. There was no whining, stomping feet or undermining the story, the educated titles, or the reader. Please keep up the respectful writing. Also impressive was the familial dynamics. Again, well done. The families had issues. I was pleased to see Sala write average families, not extremes. Even the thug roles were well played and positioned.
The narrator did a great job, and I hope he stays with the series.
I found the story just creepy enough to be a good simple psychological mystery without all the gritty details of trafficking. I truly appreciated how Sala addressed the seriousness, and at one point how a person is picked.
I think there was some profanity, but I cannot remember and tossed my notes. I don't recall F words. If memory serves me, they were less offensive.
Overall, I liked this story, thought it was written well and recognize the author wrote a nice classy mystery. I would love for more authors to follow her lead, and if you know of any authors with her style send me their name.
Narrator: Tim Lounibos
Published: 03/07/23
I'm so excited, this is book one of a series. There were quite a few things I liked: The characters acted in the manner they were titled. A government employee, works undercover and was smart throughout the book. She has a partner, ex-something military who was smart. They worked well together. One said run -- they ran. There was no whining, stomping feet or undermining the story, the educated titles, or the reader. Please keep up the respectful writing. Also impressive was the familial dynamics. Again, well done. The families had issues. I was pleased to see Sala write average families, not extremes. Even the thug roles were well played and positioned.
The narrator did a great job, and I hope he stays with the series.
I found the story just creepy enough to be a good simple psychological mystery without all the gritty details of trafficking. I truly appreciated how Sala addressed the seriousness, and at one point how a person is picked.
I think there was some profanity, but I cannot remember and tossed my notes. I don't recall F words. If memory serves me, they were less offensive.
Overall, I liked this story, thought it was written well and recognize the author wrote a nice classy mystery. I would love for more authors to follow her lead, and if you know of any authors with her style send me their name.
June 29, 2025
I really liked Rusty. Ghost is the great dog addition to this tale. Rusty (Faith Caldwell) and Cameron Pope find one another after a five year separation. Cam is CEO of PCG, Inc. At end she resigns from FBI and marries CP. They live on Pope mountain near Jubilee, KY.
HEA ending.
HEA ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2023
Narrated by Tim Lounibos ⭐⭐⭐
Tim Lounibos normal talking voice is very sexy and soothing, but when he does other characters such as Danny (and I few females) he sounds ridiculous and over the top. When I would hear those voices it will pull me out of the story.
Story by Sharon Sala ⭐⭐⭐
The premise of this book is really good. Ex military, kick ass female agent, kidnapping and human trafficking, but the cheese factor was a little strong for me in between Cameron and Rusty. I'm dying to know if this is actually how American country men really speak to women?
American country man "I've been homeless in my heart until now. I can't wait to hold you"
If an Aussie country boy said that it would come out "You're a nice looking Sheila. How about shacking up? Maybe coming back to my pad for a quicky or a gobby?" 😆
Tim Lounibos normal talking voice is very sexy and soothing, but when he does other characters such as Danny (and I few females) he sounds ridiculous and over the top. When I would hear those voices it will pull me out of the story.
Story by Sharon Sala ⭐⭐⭐
The premise of this book is really good. Ex military, kick ass female agent, kidnapping and human trafficking, but the cheese factor was a little strong for me in between Cameron and Rusty. I'm dying to know if this is actually how American country men really speak to women?
American country man "I've been homeless in my heart until now. I can't wait to hold you"
If an Aussie country boy said that it would come out "You're a nice looking Sheila. How about shacking up? Maybe coming back to my pad for a quicky or a gobby?" 😆
March 21, 2023
What an awesome book! Very well written with a great cast of characters. A very hard book to put down. It keeps you wondering what will happen next. I loved every minute and hated to see it end.
Read
March 31, 2024When am I ever going to learn how truly awful Hoopla bonus borrows are?
April 20, 2023
Best book I’ve read in a while
December 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this book even though I felt that the love at first sight, missing for 5 years and still in love - love story very unbelievable. Very fast and exciting read.
January 21, 2025
There are a LOT of story lines but they all connect up and it’s a good story overall
November 26, 2023
Fast-paced with likable characters and a sweet dog. The plotting involved several different strands, but the author did a good job at introducing everything and then slowly bringing it all together.
I will give warning that this is insta-love. Some readers don't like that in a romance book, so if that's not your thing, be aware that this is about as insta as it gets. It worked for me in this book. All of the conflict comes from the suspense plot, not the romance, and I love that choice when it is done right.
I will give warning that this is insta-love. Some readers don't like that in a romance book, so if that's not your thing, be aware that this is about as insta as it gets. It worked for me in this book. All of the conflict comes from the suspense plot, not the romance, and I love that choice when it is done right.
August 3, 2024
Frankly the only thing I cared about in this book was Kentucky. But I will read the next in the series, because it’s also in Kentucky.
January 9, 2023
Oh my gosh, this book is amazing. The start of the book makes you want to continue. Then, the danger of what Rusty is doing and that she is an FBI agent draws you in. But it's not until her second mission that the book has you totally sucked in. This book has mystery, thriller, suspense, love, and romance. I cried, I laughed, I had oh my gosh moments where I had to stop and take a second to get my bearings. I had moments where I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to know what next. Let's just say I didn't see who was responsible coming at all, and I was totally shocked. I absolutely loved the ending and how everything was wrapped up. It doesn't make you sit and wonder what happened to everyone they give you the facts and finish the book beautifully. I'm so in love with this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Sharon Sala for allowing me to read it early. I'm so impressed.
April 24, 2023
DNF
Tapped out at Chapter 8.
There was too much duplication, especially the way the story is told from multiple perspectives at the same time. You literally read a sentence only to have it re-told again by another character.
The story itself was implausible and there was no suspense. Everything is spelled out like a “paint by numbers picture”.
Tapped out at Chapter 8.
There was too much duplication, especially the way the story is told from multiple perspectives at the same time. You literally read a sentence only to have it re-told again by another character.
The story itself was implausible and there was no suspense. Everything is spelled out like a “paint by numbers picture”.
April 2, 2023
3.5 rounded down. Don't Back Down is a romantic suspense story set in Jubilee Kentucky. This is the first book in a new series by Sharon Sala. The story opens with Cameron Pope getting ready to ship out with the army, when he meets a young woman with red hair that looks like an angel to him. They have one beautiful night together before he ships out, but that night lives on in both their memories. In the present, Cameron is back home in Jubilee, Kentucky with his dog that was an IED sniffer in Afghanistan. He saved Cameron's life more than once. Never officially trained, Cameron was allowed to bring "Ghost" home with him. He is a very talented dog who can follow a trail and defend his loved ones easily. Cameron gets word that his niece has been kidnapped by an escaped convict and he and Ghost set to work. They track the kidnapper and save his niece, but who was responsible for the kidnapping in the first place. It becomes evident that there is human trafficking going on in the area and the FBI have been quietly investigating those crimes trying to find who is at the top. They send an undercover agent to work with Cameron, and guess who it is. When Cameron and Rusty reunite, they are shocked, but quickly pick up where they left off. Will they be able to bring down the trafficking ring before anyone else is killed or disappears?
This was a quick read/listen that kept me entertained. Human trafficking is a very timely topic and this story combined women taken for the sex trade as well as children who were being sold to families. This is one of those stories that drops clues along the way and even though I thought I was following those crumbs, I still didn't figure out who the leader was until just before the reveal. I was sure I knew who the bad guy was, but kept changing my mind as the story went on. I enjoyed the way Cameron and Rusty worked together. They were in sync with one another and this helped to solve the crimes quicker. There were several secondary characters that played a role in this story and I am hoping that some of them will get more of a role in future books in this series. The narration of the audiobook was interesting. Tim Lounibos is identified as the "reader" and if he had read the story with expression that would have been wonderful. He performed the story using voices for the various characters and his female voices left much to be desired, especially the elderly ones. I still enjoyed the audiobook, but it took some getting used to. I recommend this book to those who enjoy Second chance stories and romantic suspense, but next book in this series, I think I will read rather than listen to.
This was a quick read/listen that kept me entertained. Human trafficking is a very timely topic and this story combined women taken for the sex trade as well as children who were being sold to families. This is one of those stories that drops clues along the way and even though I thought I was following those crumbs, I still didn't figure out who the leader was until just before the reveal. I was sure I knew who the bad guy was, but kept changing my mind as the story went on. I enjoyed the way Cameron and Rusty worked together. They were in sync with one another and this helped to solve the crimes quicker. There were several secondary characters that played a role in this story and I am hoping that some of them will get more of a role in future books in this series. The narration of the audiobook was interesting. Tim Lounibos is identified as the "reader" and if he had read the story with expression that would have been wonderful. He performed the story using voices for the various characters and his female voices left much to be desired, especially the elderly ones. I still enjoyed the audiobook, but it took some getting used to. I recommend this book to those who enjoy Second chance stories and romantic suspense, but next book in this series, I think I will read rather than listen to.
March 9, 2023
Don’t Back Down by Sharon Sala is the first book in her new romance suspense series, Jubilee, Kentucky. I am a fan of Sharon Sala, having read and loved her previous series; and this first book was great. The story started 5 years ago, when our heroine/hero met at a bar, and had a night of passion, as he was shipping out to Afghanistan. Both of them still dream about that night, sorry they didn’t give out their names.
We jump to 5 years later, Cameron Pope, has returned to Jubilee, Kentucky after completing two tours, and is happy to be home near his family. One night he gets a desperation call from his sister, Rachel, about her daughter being kidnapped. Cameron, with his service dog, Ghost, become embroiled to find his niece. Ghost, who spent years in Afghanistan with Cameron, managed to find her, and Cameron rescues little Lily.
Rusty Caldwell, our heroine, is a top-rated FBI agent, who solves a crime, and is currently recovering from injuries. She is approached by Agents who have been trying to stop human traffickers, and since she has family in Jubilee, she agrees to visit family members she has not seen in many years; using the guise of visiting while on leave to recover. When the FBI learns that Cameron is a Military Veteran, whose credentials were top notch, and they inform Rusty to work with him.
Cameron is shocked when he meets Rusty, as she was the woman he constantly dreamed of. Rusty, doing research, recognizes Cameron, and couldn’t wait to meet him again and work together. They both worked closely together, investigating a number of people in Jubiliee that were involved, but most of all to find the head honcho who was behind the human trafficking. Rusty, Cameron and Ghost made a fantastic team.
What follows is an exciting, tense story that held my breath throughout; with many people part of the human trafficking. Just when they think they have discovered the Boss, things change rapidly. Though this was an exciting mystery, I oved the romance between Cameron and Rusty; they made such a great couple, and the chemistry between them became ultra-steamy. Their romance throughout was a major part of this story. I loved Ghost, who was a fantastic dog, and a major part of the rescue/investigation.
Don’t Back Down was so very well written by Sharon Sala. I loved the characters, the town, and especially our couple, and dog. I can’t wait to see what Sala has next. If you like exciting suspense, and romance, I suggest you read Don’t Back Down.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
We jump to 5 years later, Cameron Pope, has returned to Jubilee, Kentucky after completing two tours, and is happy to be home near his family. One night he gets a desperation call from his sister, Rachel, about her daughter being kidnapped. Cameron, with his service dog, Ghost, become embroiled to find his niece. Ghost, who spent years in Afghanistan with Cameron, managed to find her, and Cameron rescues little Lily.
Rusty Caldwell, our heroine, is a top-rated FBI agent, who solves a crime, and is currently recovering from injuries. She is approached by Agents who have been trying to stop human traffickers, and since she has family in Jubilee, she agrees to visit family members she has not seen in many years; using the guise of visiting while on leave to recover. When the FBI learns that Cameron is a Military Veteran, whose credentials were top notch, and they inform Rusty to work with him.
Cameron is shocked when he meets Rusty, as she was the woman he constantly dreamed of. Rusty, doing research, recognizes Cameron, and couldn’t wait to meet him again and work together. They both worked closely together, investigating a number of people in Jubiliee that were involved, but most of all to find the head honcho who was behind the human trafficking. Rusty, Cameron and Ghost made a fantastic team.
What follows is an exciting, tense story that held my breath throughout; with many people part of the human trafficking. Just when they think they have discovered the Boss, things change rapidly. Though this was an exciting mystery, I oved the romance between Cameron and Rusty; they made such a great couple, and the chemistry between them became ultra-steamy. Their romance throughout was a major part of this story. I loved Ghost, who was a fantastic dog, and a major part of the rescue/investigation.
Don’t Back Down was so very well written by Sharon Sala. I loved the characters, the town, and especially our couple, and dog. I can’t wait to see what Sala has next. If you like exciting suspense, and romance, I suggest you read Don’t Back Down.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
March 9, 2023
Rusty and Cameron had a one night stand years ago and Cameron snuck out and went off to the Army. It has been years since they have seen each other but neither one has ever forgotten about the other. Now, life has brought them back together and they refuse to be separated any time soon! But, once again, life is throwing curve balls and they each have to come out of this investigation alive!
This is a bit overly dramatic and I did roll my eyes in places and I honestly believe it was the narrator. I just was not a big fan of Tim Lounibos. For instance, there are places a character cried and I could not understand him during these parts.
That being said…I did love Rusty, Cameron and the dog Ghost. Cameron is definitely a strong character with a soft heart. I fell for him hook, line and sinker. Plus, he owns the best dog in the book world, Ghost! Add in the human trafficking and the who did what to whom and this is a pretty good tale!
Need a thriller with great characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
This is a bit overly dramatic and I did roll my eyes in places and I honestly believe it was the narrator. I just was not a big fan of Tim Lounibos. For instance, there are places a character cried and I could not understand him during these parts.
That being said…I did love Rusty, Cameron and the dog Ghost. Cameron is definitely a strong character with a soft heart. I fell for him hook, line and sinker. Plus, he owns the best dog in the book world, Ghost! Add in the human trafficking and the who did what to whom and this is a pretty good tale!
Need a thriller with great characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
May 15, 2023
This is a Sharon Sala romantic suspense. So I know what I am going to get and I like where she takes me when I read one.
Of course, there is Insta love. Kinda hilarious really how Insta the love is, but you roll with it.
But suspense is always fun because she doesn't always tread in familiar suspense lines. We spur off to follow different characters. We get super competent regular folks. We get villains who think they are omnipotent, but they are not. Sometimes they get derailed by the dumbest things. In this one they chose the wrong person to grab the wrong kid and it set off a domino effect of fucking around and finding out.
Both the hero and heroine were total badasses. Which I always love.
A good listen.
Of course, there is Insta love. Kinda hilarious really how Insta the love is, but you roll with it.
But suspense is always fun because she doesn't always tread in familiar suspense lines. We spur off to follow different characters. We get super competent regular folks. We get villains who think they are omnipotent, but they are not. Sometimes they get derailed by the dumbest things. In this one they chose the wrong person to grab the wrong kid and it set off a domino effect of fucking around and finding out.
Both the hero and heroine were total badasses. Which I always love.
A good listen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews