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Kelli & Merin #1
Thunder
She wants her, but she has a job to do.
Get it done, and get out of town. Kelli Jameson is tasked with finding a missing teen accused of a crime he’s never been held accountable for. Neither the town’s authorities nor the residents are forthcoming with information.
She finds a reluctant ally in teacher Merin Burke, but Merin has secrets of her own. Attraction flares between them, but giving in to it would come at a cost.
Will they make it through the storm that’s about to break lose?
Get it done, and get out of town. Kelli Jameson is tasked with finding a missing teen accused of a crime he’s never been held accountable for. Neither the town’s authorities nor the residents are forthcoming with information.
She finds a reluctant ally in teacher Merin Burke, but Merin has secrets of her own. Attraction flares between them, but giving in to it would come at a cost.
Will they make it through the storm that’s about to break lose?
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2023
159 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Winkes
99 books212 followersBarbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with lesbian characters at the center. She has always loved stories in which women persevere and lift each other up. Expect high drama and happy endings.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 25, 2023
I took a chance. I’ve been wanting to read a book by this author for a long time. Enjoyed it for so many reasons.
Kelli Jameson is a private investigator sent to a small town to assist in the disappearance of a young man. But Lucas Gavin is not just anybody. As the entitled son of wealthy parents, Lucas received no consequences for his crime of rape. Prejudiced minds in the tiny town, corrupt officials, bribed law enforcement equals zero power for the regular townsfolk. So everyone is wondering if someone took justice in their own hands. It’s a great set up and the book delivers. As some reviewers mention, the story starts slowly but then it takes hold in a big way and I was hooked. There are good twists which had me guessing wrong but kept me turning those pages.
Upon arrival to the town, Kelli meets Merin Burke, a local High School teacher, who of course knows both Lucas and Erica, the girl who was raped. She is also kin to one of Erica’s best friends, Fiona. There is big time chemistry and an undeniable pull between Kelli and Merin, an angsty, in the rain longing kind of attraction. Merin is in a marriage of convenience with her male best friend and terrified of what might happen if she chooses differently now. The author keeps a good balance between the mystery and the growing romance.
The book ends one story but the final chapter leads to more possibilities so I’m jumping right into Rain which features Kelli and Merin again.
Both Thunder and Rain are on KU.
Kelli Jameson is a private investigator sent to a small town to assist in the disappearance of a young man. But Lucas Gavin is not just anybody. As the entitled son of wealthy parents, Lucas received no consequences for his crime of rape. Prejudiced minds in the tiny town, corrupt officials, bribed law enforcement equals zero power for the regular townsfolk. So everyone is wondering if someone took justice in their own hands. It’s a great set up and the book delivers. As some reviewers mention, the story starts slowly but then it takes hold in a big way and I was hooked. There are good twists which had me guessing wrong but kept me turning those pages.
Upon arrival to the town, Kelli meets Merin Burke, a local High School teacher, who of course knows both Lucas and Erica, the girl who was raped. She is also kin to one of Erica’s best friends, Fiona. There is big time chemistry and an undeniable pull between Kelli and Merin, an angsty, in the rain longing kind of attraction. Merin is in a marriage of convenience with her male best friend and terrified of what might happen if she chooses differently now. The author keeps a good balance between the mystery and the growing romance.
The book ends one story but the final chapter leads to more possibilities so I’m jumping right into Rain which features Kelli and Merin again.
Both Thunder and Rain are on KU.
September 18, 2023
Private investigator Kelli Jameson arrives in town to try and find the missing son of a wealthy family. The son was found innocent after a well publicized rape case. Whispers around town are asking if the judgement is true or bought by his parents? High school teacher Merin Burke is the aunt to one of the girls who used to be close to the victim. Kelli asks Merin for her help in dealing with the teenagers. Kelli cannot deny her growing feelings for Merin but Merin has a complicated life in her ultra conservative town.
Winkes’ mysteries are little gems of well designed whodunnits. They are packed full of action, lies and deceptions. Choosing a setting of conservative middle America adds to the personal drama between the main characters. Although the matters of the heart moves at lightening speed, there is a wonderful build up of tension. The ending leaves you with a mysterious segue way into the next book in this series.
Winkes’ mysteries are little gems of well designed whodunnits. They are packed full of action, lies and deceptions. Choosing a setting of conservative middle America adds to the personal drama between the main characters. Although the matters of the heart moves at lightening speed, there is a wonderful build up of tension. The ending leaves you with a mysterious segue way into the next book in this series.
February 12, 2023
Barbara Winkes definitely knows how to keep us readers on our toes and take us on rollercoaster rides. It’s what she did with me in her Crossing Lines series and she did exactly the same here.
When Kelli arrives as a private investigator in a small town to find a missing you man it looks like this won’t take long. What she knows is that he was accused of a crime but was discharged. But then she has to realise that finding him is more difficult than she thought. Most of all because no one in this whole town wants to tell Kelli truth. No matter where they stand, they don’t wanna cooperate.
The only somehow cooperative person is the teacher Merin, but even she is very reluctant at first. Her niece being somehow involved in the whole circumstances leaves her a bit torn though. The thing about this story is that I don’t wanna give anything away and I fear if I write more here about the story I will reveal something. And one of the things that makes this story so great is the many surprises. There are so many things I didn’t see coming and I was like wow ok that makes sense now.
I’m also glad that this book only seems to be the first book of another series because when I arrived at the end I thought no this can’t be. ☺️☺️ So and now I definitely won’t say more than check this story out. Once again I’m in awe of Barbara Winkes story telling and so glad I read this.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
When Kelli arrives as a private investigator in a small town to find a missing you man it looks like this won’t take long. What she knows is that he was accused of a crime but was discharged. But then she has to realise that finding him is more difficult than she thought. Most of all because no one in this whole town wants to tell Kelli truth. No matter where they stand, they don’t wanna cooperate.
The only somehow cooperative person is the teacher Merin, but even she is very reluctant at first. Her niece being somehow involved in the whole circumstances leaves her a bit torn though. The thing about this story is that I don’t wanna give anything away and I fear if I write more here about the story I will reveal something. And one of the things that makes this story so great is the many surprises. There are so many things I didn’t see coming and I was like wow ok that makes sense now.
I’m also glad that this book only seems to be the first book of another series because when I arrived at the end I thought no this can’t be. ☺️☺️ So and now I definitely won’t say more than check this story out. Once again I’m in awe of Barbara Winkes story telling and so glad I read this.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2023
Intense Mystery
Kelli is only in town to find a missing teen who has been wrongly accused of a crime. Meeting Merin, a teacher who becomes a useful ally, they strike up a connection that means things are no longer as simple as just doing a job for Kelli.
Such a great mystery, with lots of secrets to uncover as Kelli starts investigating the disappearance and trying to work out where she should be looking for the missing teen. I loved how Merin was wary of helping Kelli to start with, as it really built on all the uncertainty surrounding the story about what the truth could possibly really be. Without help from those in town that knew the young man Kelli was trying to find, everything would have taken so much longer, as that insight was valuable to her case. They needed one another for very different reasons and it was that attraction to Kelli that eventually had Merin giving in to helping her.
I adored how well Merin and Kelli suited one another, and even if rocky to start you could just tell Merin was going to struggle to fight against everything holding her back from helping. She was a good person and her morals and conscience would have had her giving in after a while anyway. It was Kelli's calm nature and determination to find the truth that really seemed to have the influence in the end. I really felt for Kelli though. Getting to know Merin left her in a difficult position in deciding what she'd do after the case was finished, and her struggle with her feelings for Merin was intense.
Really enjoyed the story and can't wait for the next part of the series!
Kelli is only in town to find a missing teen who has been wrongly accused of a crime. Meeting Merin, a teacher who becomes a useful ally, they strike up a connection that means things are no longer as simple as just doing a job for Kelli.
Such a great mystery, with lots of secrets to uncover as Kelli starts investigating the disappearance and trying to work out where she should be looking for the missing teen. I loved how Merin was wary of helping Kelli to start with, as it really built on all the uncertainty surrounding the story about what the truth could possibly really be. Without help from those in town that knew the young man Kelli was trying to find, everything would have taken so much longer, as that insight was valuable to her case. They needed one another for very different reasons and it was that attraction to Kelli that eventually had Merin giving in to helping her.
I adored how well Merin and Kelli suited one another, and even if rocky to start you could just tell Merin was going to struggle to fight against everything holding her back from helping. She was a good person and her morals and conscience would have had her giving in after a while anyway. It was Kelli's calm nature and determination to find the truth that really seemed to have the influence in the end. I really felt for Kelli though. Getting to know Merin left her in a difficult position in deciding what she'd do after the case was finished, and her struggle with her feelings for Merin was intense.
Really enjoyed the story and can't wait for the next part of the series!
February 16, 2023
Intriguing good mystery
A missing person and a problematic town, are two things Kelli Jameson hoped weren’t together when solving a case. Her plan of getting there, solving the mystery and getting out as soon as possible went down. When an unexpected and unwilling ally comes along to help, she’ll find more than what she came for.
The story is so good, and the mystery plot is very intriguing and well-developed. I love all the twists and turns. Barbara is great at writing mysteries.
I enjoyed the development of the intriguing plot, Barbara did an excellent job with that but I must admit, for me, the romance felt a bit forced at the beginning.
I can’t say much without giving it away but if you like a good mystery, this is worth the read.
That ending left me wanting more, and I look forward to the sequel.
I received an ARC for an honest review
A missing person and a problematic town, are two things Kelli Jameson hoped weren’t together when solving a case. Her plan of getting there, solving the mystery and getting out as soon as possible went down. When an unexpected and unwilling ally comes along to help, she’ll find more than what she came for.
The story is so good, and the mystery plot is very intriguing and well-developed. I love all the twists and turns. Barbara is great at writing mysteries.
I enjoyed the development of the intriguing plot, Barbara did an excellent job with that but I must admit, for me, the romance felt a bit forced at the beginning.
I can’t say much without giving it away but if you like a good mystery, this is worth the read.
That ending left me wanting more, and I look forward to the sequel.
I received an ARC for an honest review
June 28, 2024
I guess you could say that I'm having such a Barbara winks marathon, because I just couldn't stop once I found out that there's a gem in here I can't wait until I find the next one she got me hooked up fr despite the fact that this book is not half as good the other books I've read by her, it still good enough that I want to pick up the second one.
My problem is the actual police investigation and legal aspect of this book is quite blur, and I truly hate that so much I think it has a real potential but guess this is one of those book that you just have to get the story out of your system before you forget or move to the next big thing
My problem is the actual police investigation and legal aspect of this book is quite blur, and I truly hate that so much I think it has a real potential but guess this is one of those book that you just have to get the story out of your system before you forget or move to the next big thing
March 2, 2024
I appreciate what this book was trying to be and trying to do, but it just isn't fully realized. It reads more like an outline of a book made with sentences than an actual story. It is very staccato and bare of detail. There are no scenes created. Hell, we have no idea what the main character even looks like. It was just boring until the last 30%. It was a short read so I pushed through but wouldn't recommend
December 7, 2024
i didn't like the mystery so it made the romance part difficult to stomach. i may give the author another try later but this one just wasn't for me.
August 15, 2023
I was surprised a few times as I read this story. Winkes did well to hold me in suspense. No, no spoilers ever.
Winkes writes this in first person from the perspective of the two main characters in the story and in the present tense, which I can imagine is not an easy task. But I feel that she was successful in it. The combination of dialogue and narrative helped to develop the personalities of the MCs.
However, I felt the development of the relationship between the MCs to be a little lacking, in that I didn’t feel that it was shown clear enough. It felt to me that it happened off page, which is not to say that the story didn’t move forward, it just didn’t feel like it was as important as the suspenseful plot. And perhaps that was essential to the story. Just sayin’.
Winkes writes this in first person from the perspective of the two main characters in the story and in the present tense, which I can imagine is not an easy task. But I feel that she was successful in it. The combination of dialogue and narrative helped to develop the personalities of the MCs.
However, I felt the development of the relationship between the MCs to be a little lacking, in that I didn’t feel that it was shown clear enough. It felt to me that it happened off page, which is not to say that the story didn’t move forward, it just didn’t feel like it was as important as the suspenseful plot. And perhaps that was essential to the story. Just sayin’.
February 16, 2023
I really like the way Barbara writes. She gets you into a story and then takes you on a twisty turning road. She has so many surprises written into this one, you won’t know what’s around the next corner until you get there. Her characters stories are intriguing, I even stopped a few times while reading and said, “Hmmmmmm, that’s an interesting twist.”
But that’s how Barbara writes a story. She keeps us on our toes until she brings us to the end of her mystery. This is another gem, don’t pass it up!
But that’s how Barbara writes a story. She keeps us on our toes until she brings us to the end of her mystery. This is another gem, don’t pass it up!
February 17, 2023
So. Darn. Good!
Barbara Winkes never disappoints, and “Thunder” is true to form. The plot, the relationships, the characters, all so complex and compelling. I couldn’t refrain from being drawn in by Kelli and Merin, their story percolating mostly in the background be always present. And Kelli’s insights about her current mission and the community where it all takes place, are so very en pointe. I gobbled up this book as fast as I could, and now I can’t wait for “Rain”.
Barbara Winkes never disappoints, and “Thunder” is true to form. The plot, the relationships, the characters, all so complex and compelling. I couldn’t refrain from being drawn in by Kelli and Merin, their story percolating mostly in the background be always present. And Kelli’s insights about her current mission and the community where it all takes place, are so very en pointe. I gobbled up this book as fast as I could, and now I can’t wait for “Rain”.
July 11, 2023
Exciting, Thrilling, Magical
Two marvelous ingredients: a mystery and a romance, which is exciting, Thrilling, and magical. This story hold a great mixture of ingredients that kept me reading from start to finish, unable to put it down. Tomorrow I go on to book 2!!! This was not a cliffhanger, no, but I do want to know what happens next for Kellie & Merin. Please try this, it's great.
Two marvelous ingredients: a mystery and a romance, which is exciting, Thrilling, and magical. This story hold a great mixture of ingredients that kept me reading from start to finish, unable to put it down. Tomorrow I go on to book 2!!! This was not a cliffhanger, no, but I do want to know what happens next for Kellie & Merin. Please try this, it's great.
February 27, 2023
One of her best
This is one of Barbara Winkes' best books, which us saying a lot.
Merin and Kelli meet as Kelli is investigating a missing young man, an (alleged) rapist, in Merin's small town. Not the best setting for a romance, but not all romances are care-free.
I'm excited that there is a sequel to this.
This is one of Barbara Winkes' best books, which us saying a lot.
Merin and Kelli meet as Kelli is investigating a missing young man, an (alleged) rapist, in Merin's small town. Not the best setting for a romance, but not all romances are care-free.
I'm excited that there is a sequel to this.
March 5, 2023
A Conspiracy of Evil
A boy disappears after he’s found not guilty of raping a girl. Kelli Jameson is sent to find him by her boss. Neither the town nor the police have held the boy responsible. With help from a high school teacher, Merin Burke, it’s time to bring the secrets into light. A thriller and a romance.
A boy disappears after he’s found not guilty of raping a girl. Kelli Jameson is sent to find him by her boss. Neither the town nor the police have held the boy responsible. With help from a high school teacher, Merin Burke, it’s time to bring the secrets into light. A thriller and a romance.
February 19, 2023
This story started out a little slow for me but it picked up quite nicely. I became very engaged and didn't want to put it down. I have enjoyed all of this author's books that I've read and this is no exception. I can't wait for the second part of Merin and Kelli's story!
March 6, 2023
The story started strong and got weaker towards the end. It has an open ending. Unanswered questions and unclear resolution. Outside of the written critic the story was well express, good editing and more.
March 16, 2023
Omg wow must read
Omg wow what a fantastic storyline I loved the main characters their journey through it all together and separately was phenomenal what a gripping story I couldn't put it down. Every story Barbara Winkes writes is pure gold a MUST READ congratulations
Omg wow what a fantastic storyline I loved the main characters their journey through it all together and separately was phenomenal what a gripping story I couldn't put it down. Every story Barbara Winkes writes is pure gold a MUST READ congratulations
December 24, 2023
small town mayhem
I want the protagonists to be stronger mentally, but the story intrigue is great. I like the wife & husband subtexts and can’t wait for the continuation of the story of Kelli & Merin!
I want the protagonists to be stronger mentally, but the story intrigue is great. I like the wife & husband subtexts and can’t wait for the continuation of the story of Kelli & Merin!
January 3, 2024
3.75 stars
honestly this book was perfect for me! a fast paced book, the fmc being a detective, a mystery AND sapphic representation. what a brilliant book to start the new years with.
the only reason this didnt get 5 star is because this book was the equivalent of what i imagine ali hazelwood books to be, a bit of light hearted romcom fun not a true piece of literature.
honestly this book was perfect for me! a fast paced book, the fmc being a detective, a mystery AND sapphic representation. what a brilliant book to start the new years with.
the only reason this didnt get 5 star is because this book was the equivalent of what i imagine ali hazelwood books to be, a bit of light hearted romcom fun not a true piece of literature.
February 21, 2023
Love it
I really enjoyed this book it was different I loved the characters the story line it kept me in thought And I'm so glad that there's going to be another book I can't wait.
I really enjoyed this book it was different I loved the characters the story line it kept me in thought And I'm so glad that there's going to be another book I can't wait.
July 26, 2023
3.5
at certain points in this book it felt like i’d missed several chapters and large amounts of information
at certain points in this book it felt like i’d missed several chapters and large amounts of information
Read
August 5, 2023A short novel, part 1 of a duology.
Prose a bit clunky, plot a bit clunky. But I want to know what happens.
Prose a bit clunky, plot a bit clunky. But I want to know what happens.
November 1, 2023
Kelli is about to dive into a case that makes her sick, but is that all she's getting into? If she can just find Lucas and go home, if she doesn't lose her job first.
January 10, 2024
So good!
December 29, 2025
A relatively good story just couldn’t get to grips with the main character.
June 25, 2025
4 stars. What a tale! I’m impressed how much Winkes was able to flesh this out and make it feel so developed and full while keeping the page length so short. It worked. The writing is great, the plot was layered and engaging and I liked how everything unfolded. I also liked the characters and the romance.
Kelli and Merin were both fascinating and I loved the chemistry and connection between them. Merin’s life in particular was interesting as she’s in a lavender marriage for most of the book. Her husband has a boyfriend on the side and yet Merin is too scared to explore her sexuality fully until she meets Kelli. It was so good. Great mystery, I liked the small town setting, and the ending had me super excited to get to book two.
Kelli and Merin were both fascinating and I loved the chemistry and connection between them. Merin’s life in particular was interesting as she’s in a lavender marriage for most of the book. Her husband has a boyfriend on the side and yet Merin is too scared to explore her sexuality fully until she meets Kelli. It was so good. Great mystery, I liked the small town setting, and the ending had me super excited to get to book two.
April 14, 2023
An incredible tour of small town lives and minds…
A beautifully written story of Kelli and Merit’s journey to solve the mystery of a missing youth and the corruption in the town in which Merit lived and worked. It appears the community looked the other way when entitled young men felt they could get away with anything … and did. Despite these horrific obstacles, Merit discovered who she is and found a new home with Kelli. A very good read with lots of twists. I enthusiastically and heartily recommend this and any other works by Barbara Winkes. Thank you
Peace
A beautifully written story of Kelli and Merit’s journey to solve the mystery of a missing youth and the corruption in the town in which Merit lived and worked. It appears the community looked the other way when entitled young men felt they could get away with anything … and did. Despite these horrific obstacles, Merit discovered who she is and found a new home with Kelli. A very good read with lots of twists. I enthusiastically and heartily recommend this and any other works by Barbara Winkes. Thank you
Peace
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews