Rising Storm

Bluegrass Brothers #2

by Kathleen Brooks

Katelyn Jacks was used to being front and center as a model. But she never had to confront the Keeneston Grapevine! After retiring from the runway and returning to town to open a new animal clinic, Katelyn found that her life in the public eye was anything but over. While working hard to establish herself as the new veterinarian in town, Katelyn finds her life uprooted by a storm of love, gossip, and a vicious group of criminals.

Marshall Davies is the new Sheriff in Keeneston. He is also right at the top of the town’s most eligible bachelor list. His affinity for teasing the hot new veterinarian in town has led to a rush of emotions that he wasn’t ready for. Marshall finds his easy days of breaking up fights at the local PTA meetings are over when he and Katelyn discover that a dog-fighting ring has stormed into their normally idyllic town. As their love struggles to break through, they must battle to save the lives of the dogs and each other.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Fiction, Chick Lit

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2012

About the author

Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass, Bluegrass Brothers®, Forever Bluegrass®, and Shadows Landing Series feature small-town charm with quirky characters while her Women of Power Series shows that behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her! Then hang onto your seat for the wild and mysterious ride in the thrilling Web of Lies Series and a little magic in the Moonshine Hollow Series.

Kathleen is from Kentucky, where she graduated from Centre College and then later received her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Kathleen still resides in Kentucky with her family and houseful of animals.


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Book Order:
(Bluegrass Series-complete series)
Bluegrass State of Mind
Risky Shot
Dead Heat

(Bluegrass Brothers Series®-complete series)
Bluegrass Undercover
Rising Storm
Secret Santa, A Bluegrass Series Novella
Acquiring Trouble
Relentless Pursuit
Secrets Collide
Final Vow
All Hung Up, Novella
Bluegrass Dawn, Novella
The Perfect Gift, Novella
The Keeneston Roses

(Forever Bluegrass Series®-complete series)
Forever Entangled
Forever Hidden
Forever Betrayed
Forever Driven
Forever Secret
Forever Surprised, Novella
Forever Concealed
Forever Devoted
Forever Hunted
Forever Guarded
Forever Notorious
Forever Ventured
Forever Freed
Forever Saved
Forever Bold
Forever Thrown
Forever Lies
Forever Protected
Forever Paired
Forever Connected
Forever Covert
Forever Burning
Forever Lasting
Forever Country
Forever Remembered

(Bluegrass Fire Series-ongoing)
Spark

(Shadows Landing-complete series)
Saving Shadows
Sunken Shadows
Lasting Shadows
Fierce Shadows
Broken Shadows
Framed Shadows
Endless Shadows
Fading Shadows
Damaged Shadows
Escaping Shadows

(Shadows Landing: The Townsends- ongoing series)
Face-Off
Targeted
Rescued
Heated
Escaped
Fractured
Claimed

(Paige Turner Bookworm Series- complete)
Adventures of a Bookworm
Misadventures of a Bookworm
The Adventurous Bookworm

(Moonshine Hollow- complete series)
Moonshine and Murder
Moonshine and Malice
Moonshine and Mayhem
Moonshine and Mischief
Moonshine and Menace
Moonshine and Masquarades

(Web of Lies- complete)
Whispered Lies
Rogue Lies
Shattered Lies

(Women of Powe-complete)
Chosen for Power
Built for Power
Fashioned for Power
Destined for Power

Reviews

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rising Storm is my first read from Miss Brooks. I have to say it is beyond my expextation. I like the sarcastic humor in it. The story has little suspense and it blends really nice.

The chemistry is hot but not graphic on the sex. Don't worry, you still can fell the chemistry between the characters. The banter is also fun. Like I said, sarcastic humor.

Overall a very enjoyable read.

4 stars

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book, I loved how funny it was but also how serious it can be. Marshall is the Sheriff and has to deal with a lot. So when he thought he had a good thing and turns out Katelyn kind of runs away. Well, then he wasn’t sure what to expect.

I loved the connection and the wit oh the wit really kept me interested the Mud Lilies lordy be they are the grandmothers you want because they keep it real.

Just a good filler book for me I needed something light and this was exactly that.

I loved, loved Eric’s performance he is a favorite of mine!

[Cj Millar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do enjoy all of Kathleen Brook's books, however they tend to have a few major flaws that I feel need to be pointed out in all honesty. The plots are often incredibly far fetched (from dog fighting rings to mass murder conspiracies, I've never seen so much center around one small town - and I've lived in several!). Some of the date were wrong (she mentioned Keenland Yearling Sales but had the wrong dates). And worst, typos, misspellings, and error abound. This is probably the most frustrating part, and initially I thought perhaps it was an error when the book was converted to an ebook, but after reading numerous stories, I found that it was JUST Kathleen Brook's books with this many glaring errors.

I love the characters, the town, and didn't even mind the far fetched story because I found it fun and enjoyable. I just wish that the books didn't feel so rushed-to-published with all the errors and oversights. I will read the entire series, and any of the Bluegrass books for that matter, whenever new ones come out because I do enjoy them. Just know that if errors and typos irk you, then these books will frustrate you to no end. If you like this kind of book but want to avoid the errors, The Lone Star Cowboy series starting with Blame It On Texas, by Tori Scott is a similar read with a more plausible story and typo free!

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marshall and Katelyn are the couple I thought would be book one. Now with the second book we get their story and we see a slew of town gossip, planning and love. The Wyatt’s are my new favorite and Mrs. Wyatt is the bet. The dogs stole my heart and brought me to tears since there is dog fighting. The dad component was a big ho hum, but the Davies family and the Wyatt’s were all stars. The ending was a surprise with who all was involved in the fighting ring. Bob was a fun dog. Miles got my attention with his stools worrying Marshall and Ahmed got my heart with his concern about his worth and actions…also his fight to save an unknown dog was all the feels. Great read!

[Thereadingbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Davies brothers are all top of the line maleness. Handsome, ex military muscle, brains, and good looks. This book introduces Marshall, the new Sheriff of Keeneston and the most eligible bachelor in town- officially named so by the local newspaper.

Katelyn Jacks is a former model from New York City who returns to Keeneston to open her own veterinary clinic. But how is she going to get the town to take her seriously when the town sheriff thinks of her as a rich ice princess?

Katelyn and Marshall have a liason following his brother’s wedding. Katelyn slips out and has been avoiding him for months. When dogs start turning up badly hurt, Katelyn and Marshall must work together to end the cruelty and find those responsible.

There was some romance,suspense and of course humor. The humor sometimes made you laugh out loud.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marshall and Katelyn's story

Loved this story even if I was a bit confused at the beginning. The more you read the better it got.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 Stars

I swear these books just keep getting better and better, with each one I read I wonder if this will be the one that lets me down but, Rising Storm by Kathleen Brooks is an awesome read and has no chance of letting me or anyone else down!

Katelyn Jacks moved to Keeneston, Kentucky to be close to her grandparents and to open a veterinarian clinic. She’s a hotel heiress who refuses to have anything to do with her father’s lavish lifestyle, an ex-model, and a caring veterinarian who’d like to be known for her doctoring skills and nothing more. Unfortunately Keeneston is a small town and the rumor mill abounds plus it seems Sherriff Marshall Davies has it in for her.

Marshall Davies is happy to be back home full time and working at sheriff. After a stint in the military and owning a successful private security business he enjoys his work but hates dodging the Belles (a group of former debutantes who’d like nothing more than to marry any of the Davies brothers). He’s considerate, kind, and willing to help everyone in town with the exception of Katelyn. For some unknown reason he never has anything nice to say to or about her at all.

Katelyn and Marshall have a liason following his brother’s wedding. Katelyn slips out and has been avoiding him for months. When dogs start turning up badly hurt, Katelyn and Marshall must work together to end the cruelty and find those responsible.

Other than the fact that Katelyn hides from Marshall, I really love her character. She’s smart, calm under pressure, and she’s caring. Despite coming from money, despite being an ex-model she really is down to earth and that makes her even more endearing. She’s human though and she just can’t seem to get past her childhood crush on Marshall or the way she gives in when he’s around. She’s tried, she’s dated other men including the mysterious Ahmed but unfortunately nothing works. Seems she wants Marshall; heart, body, and soul.

There were times I wanted to bop Marshall upside the head for being a world class jerk. He’s smooth at whiskey to everyone else but he treats Katelyn so horribly at times. We find out that he has some pretty preconceived and untrue notions about Katelyn but that doesn’t really excuse his behavior in my book. I will say that as time went on, he grew on me and he does manage to redeem himself but damn I wanted to “bitch slap” him across the room a few times!

As will all of Kathleen’s books we get to see the crazy but loveable town folks as well as check in with the couples from the previous Bluegrass books. I just love when authors manage to do this and in this book, it’s done well on several occasions. I also adored Katelyn’s grandparents, they were simply hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud at some of the outrageous things they did.

In addition to a crazy mixed-up love/hate romance, this book also deals with the horrible “sport” of dog fighting and all the other crimes that come along with it. I know this doesn’t sound like something you would want to deal with in a romance book but I think that’s why I’ve enjoyed this series so much. I love when authors manage to mix in “real life” issues without sacrificing the romance. Rising Storm is an excellent example of what I’ve begun to call conscientious romance. These are romance novels that make you think but still satisfy the readers need for a happily ever after!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I m wondering why I didn't put down my reviews, in fact, I did think I did it. Anyway, here is my think when I revisited the series again in June 2017.

When the girls r completed, I move on to the boys, Cade then Marshall. I don't think it's good when I read this time but here is something that caught my mind. Mrs Wyatt always catch Marshall in naked, Mrs Wyatt enjoy white face with red lip, I thought about Japanese lady. It's seems that rose sisters are not much active in the books but Ahmed was.

It's really sad when he tried to dating K but there are no spark n he just said that he might did som many bad things that no love around him, it's sad especially when u knew about his story in later. I love him so much, he afraid Bob, LoL, can't get the love he has, however, he did have friends, the men but the most r the girls, Kenna, Dani then K, it the later Tammy too.

I also found out something annoying that Brooks missed something, she told us Noddle is middle age man in Kenna's book but when he shot in this books, he became much more younger because he was paired with the Doctor whom taken some role in the later. Mrs Wyatt is a lady in her 80s, but we knew that when The daughter of Marshall growth up n found the treasure of the family later, the man she choose to be her grand-grand daughter in law, Mrs Wyatt was in her 11x. I guess nobody care about it but me did.

[Musing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rising Storm by Kathleen Brooks, was once again, a book I really wanted to love. I have adored the characters in this series. They have been funny, loveable, and gutsy - especially the heroines. If you enjoy cute, predictable books, you will love this series.

Katelyn and Marshall were fun to read. Especially reading normally unflappable Marshall caught with his pants down. Good times!

I just started to find a few unbelievable bumps that caused distraction. The quick healing from what could be fatal gunshot wounds, the speed in which characters 'fell in love' and the sweet, sweet HEA's. I need stronger tension and more believable storylines to keep me engrossed.

However, do not discount reading this series. Deep and important issues are given air time, with clever handling, dashes of humour and compelling resolutions. The comedic, ever-knowing, warm, "I want them for myself" Rose sisters have completely won me over. The Davies' family all, are incredible characters, and I can't wait to read about Cy!! Wowser! Bring his story on!!!

[Agnieszka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rising Storm is the second book in the Bluegrass Brothers series and the fifth of the Bluegrass books. It centers around Marshal's and Katlyn's story and is built up very similar like the previous one just the theme is different. Here it is about dog-fighting and all the problems and crimes it causes. Even the perp seems to be similar.

It is still very fun and thrilling and I enjoyed the reading (both times) but not as great as the previous books.
I'm so glad most of the errors I reported after reading it for the first time got cleaned up - it's so much more enjoyable to read a book without typos :-)

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the read and the love story, and also liked that the frisky business was kept behind the scenes, and not flaunted like you see in so many books today. Not the best book I'd ever read, but entertaining, and the premise was something new to me.

[Jennie Seaman · Rating 3 out of 5]

*TRIGGER WARNING: DOG FIGHTING*

So I enjoyed this book. Marshall might be my favorite man so far from Keeneston. But the dog fighting was just way too graphic for me. Also I'm really tired of heroines in books just assuming the worst of everyone...

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Rising Storm is the second book in the Bluegrass Brothers series and fifth book in the Bluegrass series by Kathleen Brooks. ‘Bluegrass’ combines romance and suspense, with a touch of Southern charm.
A few years ago a friend recommended this author, and her many series, to me - as she had devoured every book and absolutely loved them, singing the author’s praises from high from the hilltops. So, being an avid reader who loves discovering new authors and enticing reads, I took my friends recommendations seriously, and started amassing Ms. Brooks many books, with the plan to have a huge binge session/buddy read with my friend. But with so many books on my TBR, and new, exciting ones releasing every week, I always seemed to get pulled into other books- as these just kept piling up.
Since part of my yearly reading challenges for the past few years has been to dust off my TBR pile/s and read the books that have been languishing there the longest, I decided to finally dive in and get the series read. While I did ‘enjoy’ the books for the most part- I didn’t fall madly in love with them as my friend promised that I would. But that’s ok, I am really happy that she loves them as much as she does. But for me, they were just an ‘okay’ read.
With plenty of small-town drama, intrigue, angst, chemistry, humour, community, family, friendship, charm, mystery, tension, danger, emotion, and suspense- the stories are about finding love unexpectedly and love conquering all.
The books can all be read as standalones if you wanted, without feeling ‘lost’ or like you are missing big pieces of the picture. This is because each instalment introduces its own ‘couple’- providing plenty of romance, a dash of suspense, and some sweet development to make your heart flutter.
But I have to be honest, I found there were a few issues which detracted from my overall enjoyment of the stories/series. Such as the ‘wordiness’ which really slowed the flow of the storyline at times, as there was such an overwhelming amount of detail which didn’t really ‘add’ to or propel the story in any way, except to perhaps distract from the plot. I love details, normally- but not when there are pages of descriptions, as things tend to ‘bog’ down and the flow/pace/plot gets lost amongst the detritus- and also leads to some ‘wandering’ storylines. There were also many loose ends, for me- threads that were left hanging, or not fully woven into the storyline- which I found a bit frustrating.
I really wanted to love this series as much as my friend did…. but instead, I was left a little disappointed.
Happy reading! 📚💙

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger in this book is animal abuse.
Love all of the Bluegrass series. The town is quirky and the characters range from young to old with lots of animals in the plots. This one features Katelyn who grew up in town till she was sent to boarding schools. Her dad is rich ahole and her mom has been married many times, trading up to make sure she has lots of money and things. Neither parent cared for her but her grandparents love her dearly.
She worked hard with scholarships, modeling and puts herself through vet school then came home to open vet clinic. She loves what she does but many people treat her badly including Marshall Davies (5 yrs older than her) and the new Sheriff who grew up seeing her as the spoiled rich girl.
He goes out of his way to torment her and she avoids him, till a night at a party leads to a one night stand. Marshall starts discovering she is more than her gave her credit for and wants to date her but she wants to forget it ever happened.
Meanwhile there is a dog fighting ring and people start finding blood and dead animals on some of the secluded forest areas. Someone is training fighting dogs. Katelyn the vet has sewn up a few and the whole town is horrified at this animal abuse. The characters from previous books are part of the story as are the gossipy town folks. Highly recommend!

[Sydney Marchese · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are my ultimate guilty pleasure. Let me tell you the town gossip, family drama and over the top action were on point for this one!!
I can’t say Katelyn and Marshall are my favorite couple but I can appreciate the dedication they had to saving these dogs.
The fact that her grandparents kept walking in on them banging gave me so much delight. And the last 50 pages!! Oh bot you will not want to put it down. It may not be the most groundbreaking writing but it’s clear enough for me to picture like an action film. With the same amount of impossibleness but don’t worry the Davies brother are highly trained assassins and it always come in handy. If you thought Cade kicked some ass, you’ve got to see Marshall. Pretty sure he bodied 8 people in a matter of a minute and saved three dogs!! Oh and let’s not forget the 5 1/2 minute miles he ran in the woods to get to her. I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time.
And then the cherry on top?? The grandparents shoot those motherfuckers. So supremely satisfying this book I can’t lie. Even the yelling at the end for the love confession. It’s hard to hate it.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Brooks is amazing! These Bluegrass books just get better and better.

The Davies brothers are all top of the line maleness. Handsome, ex military muscle, brains, and good looks. This book introduces Marshall, the new Sheriff of Keeneston and the most eligible bachelor in town- officially named so by the local newspaper.

Katelyn Jacks is a former model from New York City who returns to Keeneston to open her own veterinary clinic. But how is she going to get the town to take her seriously when the town sheriff thinks of her as a rich ice princess?

Who new that quaint, quiet small town Keeneston, KY would be invaded by the ugly world of drugs, weapons deals, and dog fighting?

What happens between Katelyn and Marshall while facing the danger of this underworld is full of surprises. Brooks brings in humor, danger, romance and the Southern traditions of a small town. Great reading, each book you read makes you long for the next one.

[Macy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Someone explain to me why they continued listening to a book about a Sheriff who sexually assaulted the other main character because he was attracted to her and needed to "get her out of his system"? And if youre not sure it was rape than his desire to have been awake and gone from his own home so she could wake up and feel badly about herself said it all. He's a SHERIFF and knew she was wasted. Marshall should have arrested himself. Sorry ladies, but we deserve better than this nonsense. He raped her and then looked forward to torturing her by stalking her to "get her out of his system" I am done with this or any author that thinks using rape as fodder for attraction and has the main character who is a sheriff stalk the very woman he raped calling it attraction. Ugh. WTF??? I am so disgusted and horrified. Shame on the author and anyone who enjoyed this needs to reset their moral compass.

[NotTheTea · Rating 3 out of 5]

🐕🩺We're not in Victorian era!!! Wth with these Belles and everyone treating Davidsons as royalties?


🐕🩺And here is "I was supposed to do the rejecting, not you" H.


🐕🩺Marshall just want Katlyn to fawn over him like everyone else while he chastises her everytime he sees her. Pulling the pigtail was never cute in my book.


🐕🩺Wait, he really had sex with her while she was shitfaced drunk. Twice!


🐕🩺Playboy reputation shouldn't bother a girl. Ok Marshall.


🐕🩺"Katelyn is a sweet woman. She won't say yes if she thinks you're either playing the field or if she’s getting in the way of an already budding relationship" Oh my! I think I need to read Kenna's book. That line felt like it was wrenched from my mind.


🐕🩺If a girl sleep around thn it even hurt their business? Like people are revolting against Katlyn for that? I've never read a single book where a manwhore has issues because of his manwhoreness.


🐕🩺The mystery didn't end? Oh well!

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!!

Rising Storm brings another dose of romance and suspense, this time following Katelyn Jacks, a former model-turned-veterinarian, and Marshall Davies, Keeneston’s sheriff and one of the town’s most eligible bachelors. Their playful banter and undeniable attraction set the stage for a romance filled with sparks, but their budding relationship is quickly overshadowed by a dangerous dog-fighting ring operating in town.
The blend of small-town gossip, action-packed suspense, and emotional depth works beautifully here. Marshall is a swoon-worthy hero—protective, charming, and just cocky enough to make things interesting. Katelyn is a strong, determined heroine, and their dynamic is a mix of humor, tension, and tender moments. The subplot involving the dog-fighting ring adds an emotional punch, raising the stakes without overshadowing the romance. The pacing is strong, and while the villains are a bit one-dimensional, the heart of the story shines through.

[Brittany Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh goodness so amazing

This was such a great book. Kathleen has done it once again. Marshall just keeps finding himself in some...interesting situations with Mrs. Wyatt. He is probably the biggest gossip in the Davies family so I loved how he was the basis of the gossip in town this time and how everyone kept interfering. The appearance of Mr. Jacks and his interactions with the Rose Sisters was hilarious. I laughed out loud throughout the entire story. Without giving any spoilers away, I will say I did not see the very end coming in D.C.. Another homerun by Kathleen!!

[Crystal L Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Romance blooms amid fast paced action. I also like how it illustrates the way people tend to form misconceptions when they make assumptions about others. It deals with the cruelty of dog fighting . There is also a lot of humor in the struggle to express emotions. It is an excellent read.

[Sierra Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book # 2 or 5. I love this entire series, but this is the one that made me want to cry the most, so far. Who knew people could be so cruel? Do Marshall and Katelyn have a chance, especially after their rocky start?.?. Happy reading!!

[johnanimalantics.net, Margaret G Conlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super

Another book completed. This time Marshall and Katelyn will be forever together. I’m sure I’ve read this book before but couldn’t remember some points of it. Once again, I’d recommend this book. Good plot, good action and love, what more could you ask for,

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marshall thinks Kaitlyn is a privileged ice princess. Kaitlyn thinks Marshall is an overbearing, opinionated jerk. They must put their personal feelings aside and work together to take down a dog fighting ring.

[Christina Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a town

Still loving the characters in this town. The top hero and heroine characters are so fleshed out. Typical angst. Getting caught in the buff once is laughable but three times is roll on the floor lmao.

[AmandaJR · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fun

This was a fun read. Lots of laughs from the grandparents...I want to be them when I’m older, lol. I honestly didn’t know who would be the bad guys until it was revealed, but it was an exciting ride.

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won’t read a book about dog fighting

I loved every book in the series up to this point. I gave this one several chapters but I just won’t read a book about harming animals and dog fighting

[Laurie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough subject but also lots of laughs

Although the book broaches a difficult subject, it's still laced with humor, romance and more. I really enjoyed this one and thought it would make a great movie!

[Teresa Lovin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

There are bad guys and good guys and the storyline is very entertaining. The town every one lives in is in Kentucky and everyone knows everyone. They take care of the people they care about and always a happy ending.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all of her books and have LOVED them . I missed this one somehow . This was a very hard read for me as I am a huge dog lover ( have three of my own ). I just couldn’t handle to dog fighting scenes , made me almost not finish the book , but I did . Still love her as an author .