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Unforgiven (Beartooth, Montana #1)

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 81 ratings · 22 reviews

In Beartooth, Montana, land and family are everything. So when Destry Grant's brother is accused of killing Rylan West's sister, high school sweethearts Destry and Rylan leave their relationship behind in order to help their families recover from tragedy.Years later, Destry is dedicated to her ranch and making plans for the future. Plans that just might include reuniting w...more

Paperback, 352 pages

Published November 20th 2012 by Harlequin HQN (first published July 31st 2012)

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Jan 28, 2013 Cherise rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-or-review-copy, romantic-suspense

After reading the short story, Fallen, that introduces us to the characters and storyline I was very anxious to read this book and to find out what happened to poor Ginny. I also was eager to know what was happening with those she left behind.

Reading more like a mystery/suspense novel than a romantic suspense book I was a little disappointed with how the author chose to play things out. She pretty much casts everyone, with the exceptions of Rylan and Gentry, in an unflattering light and added su...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Jane Stewart rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-suspense-with-romance

Weak 3 stars. Reminds me of a TV soap opera. Mostly a mystery with red herrings.

It sounds like a colorful cast of characters in a small town with a lot of secrets, but nothing grabbed me. The characters reminded me of those in other books. Wealthy father wants to give ranch to no good son who would sell it and gamble away the money. Father won’t give his ranch or love to his daughter Destry who is competent and loves working the ranch. The son’s girlfriend Ginny was murdered. Destry and her estr...more Weak 3 stars. Reminds me of a TV soap opera. Mostly a mystery with red herrings.

It sounds like a colorful cast of characters in a small town with a lot of secrets, but nothing grabbed me. The characters reminded me of those in other books. Wealthy father wants to give ranch to no good son who would sell it and gamble away the money. Father won’t give his ranch or love to his daughter Destry who is competent and loves working the ranch. The son’s girlfriend Ginny was murdered. Destry and her estranged lover Rylan investigate the murder and uncover some things. A number of people lied or did not come forward with what they knew. There are several red herrings. It was ok as a mystery, but nothing special. It was easy to put down. The best I can say is I didn’t skim parts or wish it would be over. It was a way to pass time.

There is a romance (Destry and Rylan) but we don’t see them meet or develop a relationship. That happened years ago. They broke up and Rylan left town. He just now returned eleven years later. There is no romantic development. It’s more of I’m sorry I was bad, I still love you, lets have sex. The one sex scene felt flat. I would have liked some interesting emotions or passion.

The worst part was the way the author jumped around and interrupted scenes. Instead of logical endings to scenes, many were cut in the middle of an action or conversation. Two examples follow.

A has just discovered that B is having an affair with a man who may be a murderer. A is driving to B’s house to talk to B. The scene stops and jumps to another character and place for 3 ½ pages and then goes back to A talking to B.

CAUTION SEMI SPOILER:
A asks a man if he is her biological father. He says no. Her next logical question should be who might he suspect, since he was close to her mother. But the scene stopped. I was annoyed.

DISCLOSURE:
This book was provided to me free of charge through the Amazon Vine Program in return for my writing a review.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 336 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: one. Setting: current day Montana. Copyright: 2012. Genre: mystery suspense with romance.(less)

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Dec 13, 2012 Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romances-a-la-kimberly

4 1/2 Stars

Even eleven years after the murder of Ginny West, the town of Beartooth, Montana still reels from the unknown, especially when suspected murderer , Carson Grant returns home. Carson and Ginny had been an item before her gruesome death and even though no evidence pointed directly to Carson, many in the small town believed he was getting away with murder. Carson's sister Destry was his staunchest supporter. At the other end of the spectrum was Rylan West, Ginny's brother and the love of...more 4 1/2 Stars

Even eleven years after the murder of Ginny West, the town of Beartooth, Montana still reels from the unknown, especially when suspected murderer , Carson Grant returns home. Carson and Ginny had been an item before her gruesome death and even though no evidence pointed directly to Carson, many in the small town believed he was getting away with murder. Carson's sister Destry was his staunchest supporter. At the other end of the spectrum was Rylan West, Ginny's brother and the love of Destry's life, who believed completely that Carson was to blame for his sister's death.

Not being able to live in Beartooth any longer with constant reminders of Ginny and her demise, Rylan leaves town and stays away for all this time, returning shortly before Carson, who was sent away by his influential father WT. Throughout this entire time, Destry has been holding down the fort, so to speak. She has been practically running her father's ranch , the W Bar G, even as WT dislikes the thought of Destry working the ranch. The two never saw eye to eye on that and many other matters and WT's cool indifference for his 28 year old daughter has left an ache in Destry, who often wonders what she has done wrong.

At Sheriff Frank Curry's behest, Carson is back in town to answer some questions about the eleven year old cold case and arrives with a surprise fiancee, which angers his father, WT. Once word gets around that Carson is back, old animosities that were carefully hidden for the passed decade, rise once again to create turmoil in the otherwise quiet town.

Separated after the murder, Rylan and Destry try to put aside their feelings for one another, as they both are still in love with the other, but that bone of contention called the murder of Ginny West, hangs overhead preventing the pair from finally being happy. Now with new evidence, Destry and Rylan attempt to sort out the facts of the murder and their relationship. Rylan still believes Carson is to blame but when said evidence says someone else is in the mix here, Rylan begins to doubt all himself and the belief that Carson is the murderer.

UNFORGIVEN is B.J. Daniels at her finest. I used to read mystery ad suspense solely in the past, but virtually gave up on them when they all became so predictable. Guess what? I'm back! B.J. Daniels had my head spinning with suspects, second guessing myself constantly at who done it. In addition, Ms. Daniels has a way of giving you the inside on all the players in Beartooth and making you a part of its community. I felt right at home with her colorful cast of characters like the general store owner, Nettie, who is the town gossip. You either love Nettie or you want to smack her, which I would have liked to have done several times. We all know someone like her. Every little back story added to the whole and I cannot wait for more. I highly recommend UNFORGIVEN by B.J. Daniels. I loved it and think you will as well.

~KIMBERLY~

4 Stars 1/2 STARS (Brilliant)
P(less)

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Dec 02, 2012 Virginia Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller, western

I am a longtime fan of romantic suspense author B.J. Daniels. I am excited about her new "Beartooth, Montana" series from HQN, which features longer-length books than B.J.'s signature Harlequin Intrigue series. "Unforgiven" is the first Beartooth, Montana title, and I loved it! The contemporary Western setting, the strongly-sketched characters and how their families intertwined and were influenced by long-held traditions of land ownership, and the intriguing mystery at the core of the story line...more

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Nov 21, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: guiltypleasures-shey

Shey's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 Stars

I am not a big reader of Harlequin books but I am of suspense and this book caught my eye right away. I don’t really know what the draw was but I think it had to do with the town being called Beartooth, Montana and set around the Crazy Mountains, but whatever it was I am glad that I read it. Also, I might add that I did read the first novella in the series FALLEN, it is very short and it does give you Ginny West’s point of view.

There we...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Rhonda rated it 4 of 5 stars

4 STARS

I was kept guessing right until the end. Unforgiven is a whodunit that happened 11 years ago. Everyone thought they knew who killed Ginny West.
Destry Grant has stayed on the family ranch helping her father run it since he was in a plane accident and now in a wheelchair. Destry is not close to her father, he always sees his late wife when he looks at her.
11 years ago when Ginny was murdered Destry had been making love in secret with Rylan West. She always felt guilty about that.
Rylan West...more 4 STARS

I was kept guessing right until the end. Unforgiven is a whodunit that happened 11 years ago. Everyone thought they knew who killed Ginny West.
Destry Grant has stayed on the family ranch helping her father run it since he was in a plane accident and now in a wheelchair. Destry is not close to her father, he always sees his late wife when he looks at her.
11 years ago when Ginny was murdered Destry had been making love in secret with Rylan West. She always felt guilty about that.
Rylan West has come back home to work on his family ranch after years away rodeo riding. He wanted to get justice for his sister and believed Carson Grant killed her.
Destry did not believe her brother was guilty of killing anybody let alone his girl friend Ginny. Destry and Rylan could not be together when they both had so very difference about Carson. Rylan threatened him when he tried to come to the funeral.
Carson's father told him to leave the area 11 years ago. Now WT wants Carson home.
WT has a lot of clout in the area especially the sheriff.
Thier has been found new evidence and the state DA has made it clear that Carson Grant return to his hometown or a warrent will be issued right away.
Carson came home is a sports car with his fiance. Carson wants his father to give him enough money to leave the country. His fiance is a showgirl from Las Vegas where he lived and worked.
WT wants Carson to stay home and run the ranch. He has no doubt that nothing will happen to his son. But he wants Carson's girlfriend to go away. WT wants Carson to inhierted the ranch when he is gone.
Carson owes a lot of money and plans to sell the ranch when he owns it someday.
Rylan hears that Carson is home and he heads out to make him pay and runs into
Destry on his way to the ranch. He still has feelings for her after all these years.
Someone is watching Destry sneaking up to the old cabin she is living in. Destry thinks she can take care of herself.
Thier was plenty of drama, suspenseful and romance.
Destry is a very strong character, she works hard, Loves and trusts both her brother and Rylan. Willing to risk her life to protect others.
I like reading B.J. Daniels book and will read more I am sure in the future.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest reviews from Netgalley.
11/27/2012 PUB Harlequin Imprint HarlequinHQN 352 pages(less)

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Sep 28, 2012 Judith rated it 4 of 5 stars

A beautifully crafted love story set in contemporary Montana and which tells the story of lovers who have been separated by tragedy and distance and time -- 11 years of time that has failed to dim the fire of their passion or their promise of a forever-kind of love. It is filled with the highs and lows of human emotion and also includes the web of friendship as well as the tenterhooks that bind people together--their human weaknesses, their foibles, their urges that take them in directions that...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books-read, romance, romantic-suspense

Excellent book. Eleven years after his sister's murder and the end of his romance with Destry, Rylan has returned to Beartooth. He's tired of living on the road. When Destry's brother Carson, who was suspected of Ginny's murder, returns, Rylan is determined to find the proof to put him behind bars. This puts him in conflict with Destry yet again, as she is still certain of Carson's innocence. I liked both Rylan and Destry. Rylan had some real tunnel vision when it came to Carson, he was so sure...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Sarah - Exploring All Genres rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: western-romance, romance, netgalley

The publisher provided me with a copy of the book to review via NetGalley.

Right from the beginning this book took hold of me, begging for my attention and throwing all kinds of interesting plot twists at every chapter.

The characters were very well developed not just their histories together but also as they made their way through the events of the story. You could see some change, others refusing to, while others made you question what they were doing at all. It didn't matter if they were minor...more The publisher provided me with a copy of the book to review via NetGalley.

Right from the beginning this book took hold of me, begging for my attention and throwing all kinds of interesting plot twists at every chapter.

The characters were very well developed not just their histories together but also as they made their way through the events of the story. You could see some change, others refusing to, while others made you question what they were doing at all. It didn't matter if they were minor characters or the main character, they all played important roles in the story even if it wasn't revealed until near the end. There were a few characters who roles were very small and yet I have several questions that went unanswered about them, the main one being Kate LaFord, I still want to know what she's all about. So I can only wait for the next book in the series to come out (which will be at the end of this month).

Overall my favorite part was the actual suspense when it came to solving Ginny's murder after eleven years. The reason I enjoyed it so much is because the story was ever changing, clues from the past that hadn't been present during the initial investigation popped up, new suspects came into the light while some older ones were believed innocent. The twists and turns kept me wonder, guessing who did it, and just when I thought I had it all figured out something new would op up and leave me trying to figure things out once more. It was this mystery that I loved and yet frustrated me at times because I just couldn't figure it out. In the end, when it was revealed who the murderer was I definitely kicked myself for not coming to that conclusion. Granted I at one time suspected that person but shifted my attention to another based upon certain events.

While some would consider this to be a romance novel I didn't think the romance aspect of it was strong enough for that classification. After all Destry and Rylan really can't be together because Ginny's murder has put a barrier between them. Yet it shows that love can endure through even the toughest of situations.

My one issue was that the ending, being the epilogue after the murder was finally solved, just seemed like a quick way to tie up several loose ends and didn't really flow well like the rest of the book did. In fact I feel like there should have been a couple more chapters instead of that single small epilogue to put all the pieces together.

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed with book, it was suspenseful, touching and kept me on my toes throughout all of it. I will definitely be looking for more from this author as those few books I have read by her really were great reads.(less)

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Jan 05, 2013 Trudy Powders rated it 5 of 5 stars

Once again we are transported to the beauty and the harshness of Montana.We meet the Grant and West familys.Torn apart by the murder of his sister,Ginny.Rylan and Destry resent each other but never stop loving each other.Rylan believes Destrys brother Carson killed his sister Ginny.As the story unfolds we meet the towns people and become involved in all their lives.This story is full of plot twists and turns.Eventually Rylan and Destry start to believe the other and begin to work together.Traged...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Dorine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, western

4 Blue Ribbon Review courtesy of Romance Junkies. Full review also available at my blog, TBR Mountain Range. The Wests and the Grants have been at odds with one another since the murder of Ginny West and the suspicion that Carson Grant was the killer, eleven years ago. Will Destry Grant and Rylan West ever have another chance at love when the murder is solved? Or will the murders continue, endangering them all?

Ginny West's murder has hung over the town of Beartooth, Montana like a cloud, oversha...more 4 Blue Ribbon Review courtesy of Romance Junkies. Full review also available at my blog, TBR Mountain Range. The Wests and the Grants have been at odds with one another since the murder of Ginny West and the suspicion that Carson Grant was the killer, eleven years ago. Will Destry Grant and Rylan West ever have another chance at love when the murder is solved? Or will the murders continue, endangering them all?

Ginny West's murder has hung over the town of Beartooth, Montana like a cloud, overshadowing hopes and dreams for eleven years. Rylan West had joined the rodeo to get away from the love he knew would never be his, when his sister's murder hadn't been solved, and his girlfriend's brother was the likely suspect. Carson Grant had been sent away by his father who feared he'd be arrested for the murder. Destry Grant had lost her first love, Rylan, and her older brother, Carson, at the same time, yet she stayed in Beartooth, making a life for herself on her family's ranch.

After eleven years, the young men have returned at the same time. One has tired of his wanderlust ‒ the other has been summoned by his father. When the murder case is reopened by the sheriff due to new evidence, none of them will rest well until the case is solved. Can they trust one another enough to work together to solve the mystery surrounding Ginny West's death? Or will the strain of distrust drive a permanent wedge between them all?

The multiple romantic entanglements within UNFORGIVEN suit the suspenseful plot perfectly, giving the reader time to develop suspicions and feel invested in the town's plight. There are quite a few very interesting secondary characters who kept me guessing as to who was lying and who was not. In truth, UNFORGIVEN read more like a thriller than a romantic suspense because it was edgier and more fast-paced, allowing the romance between Destry and Rylan to slowly progress. I was intrigued by the intertwining storylines that kept me from guessing “who done it”. I also felt that a faster pacing of the romance between Destry and Rylan would have been unrealistic, considering the circumstances of their previous relationship, in addition to the conflict happening eleven years later. This gives the reader a chance to get to know multiple characters within the town of Beartooth and hopefully, those secondary characters will make an appearance in future books. Also, there was at least one loose end that wasn't resolved that has me very curious for the next book, REDEMPTION.

I especially enjoyed the rapid-fire suspense toward the end of UNFORGIVEN. The mystery had been layered from the beginning, and although I had my suspicions of who the killer was, I was very surprised by the turn of events. The last one-third of the book was gripping, which made me race to the finish.

This is the first book by B.J. Daniels that I've read, but I'm sure I'll be adding a few more. Tightly woven, author B.J. Daniels' storytelling is the perfect pace for a modern western adventure. Readers who love stories about the rugged Montana landscape will surely enjoy the start of this series and look forward to what's next.(less)

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Jan 08, 2013 Melanie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

This was kinda disappointing. While the story itself has potential, it was seriously rushed, and not developed anywhere near close enough. It was basically a bunch of little stories that didn't really lead anywhere. The drama was seriously overdone, and flat out uncomfortable. At first, I thought that maybe I had been dropped in the middle of a series, but no, it is just written like that. It is set up, though, to be part of a series.

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Feb 27, 2013 June rated it 5 of 5 stars

I've enjoyed everything I've read by BJ Daniels, but I think this is my favorite. This was an amazing story. A cold case murder case that takes 11 years to solve. Destry's brother is accused of killing Rylan's sister. It caused a split in their relationship. Now 11 years later we meet a few more players. Suspense to the end. A very well written story. And there are a few extra surprises thrown in. Just the right length too. :) Looking forward to reading the next one.

The cover is beautiful too!!!

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Feb 07, 2013 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Quick, easy read. Kept my attention and while I thought I knew who the killer was (and I was right), the story had enough twists and turns to almost make me rethink whodunit. A book that can do that , well definately will be reading more from this author.

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Dec 01, 2012 Lori Howe rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This new series is going to be another hit for B.J. Daniels. The towns, the townsfolk, the twists the turns... all keep you reading and wanting to head to Montana to see the sights, if not stumble into a town that could be one of her models.

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Jan 29, 2013 Kristine Cassan added it

It was a little boring...I lost interest and just wanted to skip to the end.

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Jan 18, 2013 Bobi Tribble rated it 5 of 5 stars

So good hooked from page one and it keeps you Hooked cant wait for the next one

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Dec 12, 2012 Eileen rated it 4 of 5 stars

good murder mystery and a twist. Liked it very much.

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Mar 23, 2013 Cyndi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Finally. This book took waaaaaaay too long to read. It finally picked up speed in the last 30 pages. It was a decent filler story while I waited for new stories from my favorite series to be released....but I am in no hurry to get to book #2 by B.J. Daniels.

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Jan 01, 2013 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great read..Lots of romance and mystery..Kept me guessing to the end..

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Nov 04, 2012 Suzy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: daniels-bj

This is the first book I have read by Daniels. I will definitely be watching for more

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Feb 09, 2013 Larry Holshu rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned-books

Very good book. Well written. A must read for anyone who enjoys westerns and romance.

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May 21, 2013 Casie Boland rated it 5 of 5 stars

May 17, 2013 Hauser marked it as to-read

May 15, 2013 Natalie Williams marked it as to-read

May 15, 2013 Henry rated it 5 of 5 stars

May 12, 2013 Traci Smalley marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 11, 2013 Janell Hartzell rated it 5 of 5 stars

May 10, 2013 Pat rated it 4 of 5 stars

May 03, 2013 Leona is currently reading it

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About B.J. Daniels

B.J. Daniels' life dream was to be a policewoman. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award last year for romantic suspense.

She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels, Jem and Spot, and a temperamental tomc...more

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Books by B.J. Daniels

Crime Scene At Cardwell Ranch (Cardwell Ranch #1)

The New Deputy in Town (Whitehorse Montana #2)

Justice at Cardwell Ranch (Cardwell Ranch #2)

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