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Texas Trilogy #3
Beyond Control
When Victoria Langford got engaged, she told herself to give love a chance. Six months later, she's on the run from her angry, abusive ex-fiancé with her four-year-old daughter and nowhere to go.
Seventy miles north of Dallas, the Iron River Ranch is pretty much nowhere. That’s what its new owner, Josh Cain, wanted when he came back from Afghanistan. Big skies, quiet nights, no trouble.
One look tells Josh the pretty redhead with the adorable little girl will give him trouble of the most personal kind. But he’s seen trouble before, and he doesn't scare easy. Not when “accidents” start happening around the ranch. Not when Tory’s best friend back in Phoenix is abducted and brutalized. Not even when it looks like their current problems are only the tip of the iceberg.
But if he gets too close to fierce, determined Tory, Josh knows his nights are going to be anything but quiet. And that’s one possibility no amount of training can prepare him for . . .
Seventy miles north of Dallas, the Iron River Ranch is pretty much nowhere. That’s what its new owner, Josh Cain, wanted when he came back from Afghanistan. Big skies, quiet nights, no trouble.
One look tells Josh the pretty redhead with the adorable little girl will give him trouble of the most personal kind. But he’s seen trouble before, and he doesn't scare easy. Not when “accidents” start happening around the ranch. Not when Tory’s best friend back in Phoenix is abducted and brutalized. Not even when it looks like their current problems are only the tip of the iceberg.
But if he gets too close to fierce, determined Tory, Josh knows his nights are going to be anything but quiet. And that’s one possibility no amount of training can prepare him for . . .
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
About the author
Kat Martin
186 books2,791 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she singed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she singed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
May 28, 2018
5 Safe Haven Stars
I love me some Kat Martin books. My first taste of her work was when I got her books in the BOSS INC series. I loved all 3 of them. So when I seen this one on netgalley I knew I wanted to read it. I am so glad I got to read this book. Beyond Control was so good. I loved every single minute of it. Josh was amazing. He was protective, sweet and sexy! A former sniper in the Marines Josh was a total badass. Plus I have a weakness for men in uniforms! I could just picture him in his dress blues and fatigues .......yum!
Sorry I think I drooled a little. Anyways Tory was great too. I love how smart and brave she was. She didn't take stupid risk, or run blindly into danger. She did what she had to, to protect her daughter, herself and the man she loved. Josh and Tory had major chemistry. The sexual tension was just rolling off the pages. The plot was very good. I like the domestic abuse trope, because it does happen in real life. I love anything that brings light to the problem of domestic abuse. Plus I love when the domestic abuse trope has a strong heroine to show that women do have power and can fight back. I love that Tory was able to lean on Josh for protections and still be strong in her own right. This book had a ton of action, but it had sweet down times too, where it built up Tory and Josh's relationship. Tory's ex Damon (the bad guy abuser) was super evil and gave me the creeps. Overall this book kept me on the edge of my seat, gave me all the feels and made me want to go back and read the first two books in this series. I loved it!
https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...
I love me some Kat Martin books. My first taste of her work was when I got her books in the BOSS INC series. I loved all 3 of them. So when I seen this one on netgalley I knew I wanted to read it. I am so glad I got to read this book. Beyond Control was so good. I loved every single minute of it. Josh was amazing. He was protective, sweet and sexy! A former sniper in the Marines Josh was a total badass. Plus I have a weakness for men in uniforms! I could just picture him in his dress blues and fatigues .......yum!
Sorry I think I drooled a little. Anyways Tory was great too. I love how smart and brave she was. She didn't take stupid risk, or run blindly into danger. She did what she had to, to protect her daughter, herself and the man she loved. Josh and Tory had major chemistry. The sexual tension was just rolling off the pages. The plot was very good. I like the domestic abuse trope, because it does happen in real life. I love anything that brings light to the problem of domestic abuse. Plus I love when the domestic abuse trope has a strong heroine to show that women do have power and can fight back. I love that Tory was able to lean on Josh for protections and still be strong in her own right. This book had a ton of action, but it had sweet down times too, where it built up Tory and Josh's relationship. Tory's ex Damon (the bad guy abuser) was super evil and gave me the creeps. Overall this book kept me on the edge of my seat, gave me all the feels and made me want to go back and read the first two books in this series. I loved it!
https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...
May 21, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Woman and child on the run from an abusive ex is a trope that Kat Martin has used before and uses again here, very effectively. Aside from being a tad repetitious, "Beyond Control" is a top notch thriller with a very hot romance.
Josh Cain is back in Texas after being wounded and discharged from the Marines. As a sniper, her was one of the best. Now, all he wants is peace, the kind of peace he has found on his place, Iron River Ranch outside Iron Springs, Texas. He is slowly transforming the old place and loves the hard work and the horses he is training.
When Tory Ford shows up, out of gas and with an adorable little girl in tow, Josh just knows his peace is going to be gone. She is there to apply for the stable hand job, but Josh has another "position" he would rather she take. And, he doesn't need that in his life right now. She is determined to get and keep this job because she is on the run from an abusive ex who has tracked her everywhere she has fled to. The Iron River Ranch is perfect for her and her daughter. The work is hard, but the payoff is safety.
But safety is just an illusion because it looks like Josh has enemies too and when Tory's best friend is kidnapped, she knows in her heart that Damon, the ex, is responsible. Together, Josh and Tory must face both their enemies and the growing passion between them. Peace and Safety and Love are worth fighting for. 4 1/2-Stars
Woman and child on the run from an abusive ex is a trope that Kat Martin has used before and uses again here, very effectively. Aside from being a tad repetitious, "Beyond Control" is a top notch thriller with a very hot romance.
Josh Cain is back in Texas after being wounded and discharged from the Marines. As a sniper, her was one of the best. Now, all he wants is peace, the kind of peace he has found on his place, Iron River Ranch outside Iron Springs, Texas. He is slowly transforming the old place and loves the hard work and the horses he is training.
When Tory Ford shows up, out of gas and with an adorable little girl in tow, Josh just knows his peace is going to be gone. She is there to apply for the stable hand job, but Josh has another "position" he would rather she take. And, he doesn't need that in his life right now. She is determined to get and keep this job because she is on the run from an abusive ex who has tracked her everywhere she has fled to. The Iron River Ranch is perfect for her and her daughter. The work is hard, but the payoff is safety.
But safety is just an illusion because it looks like Josh has enemies too and when Tory's best friend is kidnapped, she knows in her heart that Damon, the ex, is responsible. Together, Josh and Tory must face both their enemies and the growing passion between them. Peace and Safety and Love are worth fighting for. 4 1/2-Stars
May 17, 2018
Once you start reading Beyond Control by Kat Martin, you won't be able to stop until the last page. The story begins with a terrifying situation, which immediately draws you in and makes you grit your teeth and hold your breath. And that heart-pounding start is just the beginning of a whirlwind story that will keep you on the edge of your seat one minute as the danger escalates and blushing the next as the sweet love story unfolds between Tory and Josh.
What I love most about Beyond Control is the similar stories between Tory and Josh's horse, Satan's Star (or Star as Tory insists on calling him). Physical and emotional scars from past abuse take time, love, and patience to heal, and I enjoyed reading how one helped the other and vice versa.
And we can't forget about Ivy, Tory's young daughter. She enters Josh's life as skittish as a colt and just as wary as Tory, but it is amazing how a little kindness, integrity, and gentleness can go a long way toward healing those invisible wounds we often carry on the inside.
The romantic dynamics between Josh and Tory get a bit steamy at times but are overall quite sweet and exhilarating in their passionate honesty. I have to admit, I found both characters a bit too perfect in their physical attributes, but I'm okay with that. Their internal flaws and initial lack of trust more than make up for their physical perfections.
One aspect that some might find difficult to read include a few scenes of domestic violence and some other disturbingly violent scenes. The antagonist is truly an evil bad guy who will make you furious at his psychopathic behavior. I'm still fuming! Brava to Kat Martin for creating such memorable characters and scenes that make me love the main protagonists even more as they battle such overwhelming adversity.
I'm a quick reader, but I rarely read a book this quickly (a day and a half). I would have finished sooner, but life and those pesky obligations kept interfering. I am definitely going to pick up more books by Kat Martin.
What I love most about Beyond Control is the similar stories between Tory and Josh's horse, Satan's Star (or Star as Tory insists on calling him). Physical and emotional scars from past abuse take time, love, and patience to heal, and I enjoyed reading how one helped the other and vice versa.
And we can't forget about Ivy, Tory's young daughter. She enters Josh's life as skittish as a colt and just as wary as Tory, but it is amazing how a little kindness, integrity, and gentleness can go a long way toward healing those invisible wounds we often carry on the inside.
The romantic dynamics between Josh and Tory get a bit steamy at times but are overall quite sweet and exhilarating in their passionate honesty. I have to admit, I found both characters a bit too perfect in their physical attributes, but I'm okay with that. Their internal flaws and initial lack of trust more than make up for their physical perfections.
One aspect that some might find difficult to read include a few scenes of domestic violence and some other disturbingly violent scenes. The antagonist is truly an evil bad guy who will make you furious at his psychopathic behavior. I'm still fuming! Brava to Kat Martin for creating such memorable characters and scenes that make me love the main protagonists even more as they battle such overwhelming adversity.
I'm a quick reader, but I rarely read a book this quickly (a day and a half). I would have finished sooner, but life and those pesky obligations kept interfering. I am definitely going to pick up more books by Kat Martin.
January 9, 2021
Victoria (Tory) Langford is a woman on the run with her daughter, trying to find a safe place where her abusive and controlling ex-fiancé can't get to them. Retired marine Josh Cain reluctantly hires Tory as his stable hand, finding himself drawn to her he tries to keep things professional but when he realises the trouble she is in won't let her runaway.
Really wish Ivy had been in more scenes.
Damon, Tory's ex was creepy and for the get go he is a character one dislikes.
I am a little surprised the author had the heroine getting
Overall an enjoyable read, it just didn't have the intensity I was hoping for. I may re-read at some point.
Potential Triggers:
Really wish Ivy had been in more scenes.
Damon, Tory's ex was creepy and for the get go he is a character one dislikes.
I am a little surprised the author had the heroine getting
Overall an enjoyable read, it just didn't have the intensity I was hoping for. I may re-read at some point.
Potential Triggers:
June 4, 2018
I have read and loved all 3 in this series but I think Josh's story is my favorite. So much action and suspense in this one. Love the H & h. Despise the ex....MEAN! I love how KM always combines animals, domestic & wildlife, in her books. She paints the scenery to be so beautiful. As always we get romance, sex ,action/adventure and a little humor.
May 29, 2018
Loved this book! This story had me glued to my seat as I read page after page, needing to know what happened next. A perfect blend of a great suspense and a beautiful romance.
Josh, the kind, strong owner of the Iron River Ranch was just looking for a quiet place to land after his time in Afghanistan. Somehow he knows the peace of the ranch is at risk when Victoria Langford rolled up on his ranch applying for a job she clearly isn't qualified for. Trouble is surely following this lovely single mother. After seeing the desperation in her eyes he can't turn her away so he agrees to give her a try. When strange occurrences begin happening around the ranch both Josh and Victoria know that her past has caught up with her. Josh is determined to not let her run again and they make a plan to face this thing together.
This is definitely one for the must read list. I highly recommend it.
Josh, the kind, strong owner of the Iron River Ranch was just looking for a quiet place to land after his time in Afghanistan. Somehow he knows the peace of the ranch is at risk when Victoria Langford rolled up on his ranch applying for a job she clearly isn't qualified for. Trouble is surely following this lovely single mother. After seeing the desperation in her eyes he can't turn her away so he agrees to give her a try. When strange occurrences begin happening around the ranch both Josh and Victoria know that her past has caught up with her. Josh is determined to not let her run again and they make a plan to face this thing together.
This is definitely one for the must read list. I highly recommend it.
July 31, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Kat Martin is one of my favourite authors and this book is true to her style of romantic suspense. An exciting intense story line that action, suspense, romance, and an nasty villain. Tori is on the run from a controlling, abusive ex-husband with her young daughter in tow. She applies for a job at Josh's ranch and he is reluctant to take a chance on her. He agrees to a trial period and Tori's persistence and hard work as well as her devotion to her daughter Ivy win him over. But he knows she lives in fear of her ex-husband finding them and after a fire on the ranch and a visit by a group of bikers, he feels the need to protect her and Ivy.
I really enjoyed the story and thought they made a great couple.
I really enjoyed the story and thought they made a great couple.
May 26, 2018
Thank you NetGalley, Kensington and the author for a free advanced copy.
I absolutely take no joy in giving bad reviews. While I love suspending reality, this bordered on the ridiculous. I will say, I truly enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy.
I absolutely take no joy in giving bad reviews. While I love suspending reality, this bordered on the ridiculous. I will say, I truly enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy.
November 13, 2019
Victoria is on the run from her abusive ex fiance Damon who had put her into hospital.She reaches texas and starts to work on Joshua's farm.They didn't count on the budding attraction that is growing between them.Joshua foils all attempts of Victoria to run away with each new thing that Damon does.Will she escape him?And will she ever find her shot at true love?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2018
I read this in two sittings. Solid romantic suspense. Topical. Chilling. Highly recommend. Sweet love story. *sniff sniff* I was rooting for them so hard I made myself crazy.
June 2, 2018
A riveting, intense, emotional, ardent, sweet story that enticed my mind, touched my emotions and scared the daylights out of me.
Ever read a romantic suspense story with such vivid images, such a fear factor, that after you finish reading it late at night you go around making sure your windows are locked, and that you are safe inside? Yeah, Beyond Control did that to me, and that does not happen often.
The danger and attacks in the story are coming from more than one source, leaving the protagonists into the dire crossfires, personal attacks, fighting for their lives. No one is safe and collateral damage is not an issue, anything goes. The violence is vivid, and the brutal attacks towards women are detailed, drawn with clear and graphic lines, that enhance the storytelling but can trigger someone unexpectedly. The story is told from multiple points of views, in the third person, and the culprits get his chance to show his wicked, evil mindset as well, his thoughts and actions giving me the chills.
The whole ensemble is filled with fascinating, likable characters, and they contribute to the story, even a secondary love interest is part of the tale.
The hero and heroine, Victoria Langford and Josh Cain, are both complex, deep, well thought out and drawn characters that were easy to like and cheer for. Their stories were heartbreaking yet they had that unwavering will to survive, to make things better, to learn from the past mistakes, and thrive. The adoration and attraction between them were palpable, I loved watching them fall deeper each day, protecting each other, helping each other, and getting to know each other while learning to live with their inner demons and past mistakes. There were openness and honesty, fear and hesitation, even mixed messages and messed up minds, but there was never doubt about their feelings for each other.
With fierce and sharp suspense, brutal and savage attacks and action, adorable and ardent romance, life stories that had me sighing and my eyes burn with tears, the author tells a story that touched my heart and my emotions. While being entertaining and engrossing romantic suspense, the story was also inspiring and compelling, the domestic abuse scenes shattered my heart, but made me want to take action to provide a safe haven for the victims.
A delightfully enticing, exciting, entertaining, and horrid action-packed thriller, just perfectly balanced romantic suspense
~ Five Spoons
Ever read a romantic suspense story with such vivid images, such a fear factor, that after you finish reading it late at night you go around making sure your windows are locked, and that you are safe inside? Yeah, Beyond Control did that to me, and that does not happen often.
The danger and attacks in the story are coming from more than one source, leaving the protagonists into the dire crossfires, personal attacks, fighting for their lives. No one is safe and collateral damage is not an issue, anything goes. The violence is vivid, and the brutal attacks towards women are detailed, drawn with clear and graphic lines, that enhance the storytelling but can trigger someone unexpectedly. The story is told from multiple points of views, in the third person, and the culprits get his chance to show his wicked, evil mindset as well, his thoughts and actions giving me the chills.
The whole ensemble is filled with fascinating, likable characters, and they contribute to the story, even a secondary love interest is part of the tale.
The hero and heroine, Victoria Langford and Josh Cain, are both complex, deep, well thought out and drawn characters that were easy to like and cheer for. Their stories were heartbreaking yet they had that unwavering will to survive, to make things better, to learn from the past mistakes, and thrive. The adoration and attraction between them were palpable, I loved watching them fall deeper each day, protecting each other, helping each other, and getting to know each other while learning to live with their inner demons and past mistakes. There were openness and honesty, fear and hesitation, even mixed messages and messed up minds, but there was never doubt about their feelings for each other.
With fierce and sharp suspense, brutal and savage attacks and action, adorable and ardent romance, life stories that had me sighing and my eyes burn with tears, the author tells a story that touched my heart and my emotions. While being entertaining and engrossing romantic suspense, the story was also inspiring and compelling, the domestic abuse scenes shattered my heart, but made me want to take action to provide a safe haven for the victims.
A delightfully enticing, exciting, entertaining, and horrid action-packed thriller, just perfectly balanced romantic suspense
~ Five Spoons
June 18, 2018
4.5 Stars
This is the third book in the series but was easy to pick up with out knowing the other two stories. Victoria is on the run with her young daughter and she runs to a small town rancher, Josh, who wants nothing to do with this woman and her secrets. He decides to give her a chance, knowing she will fail.
Tory can be just as stubborn as Josh. She is determined to earn her keep. Danger stalks both of them. While things are swirling, their hearts start to become involved as well. There is no way Josh is letting Tory go.
I enjoyed the pacing of the story. Loved Tory and her daughter. Great frenemies to lovers romance with a great setting.
Happy to have read this author.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
This is the third book in the series but was easy to pick up with out knowing the other two stories. Victoria is on the run with her young daughter and she runs to a small town rancher, Josh, who wants nothing to do with this woman and her secrets. He decides to give her a chance, knowing she will fail.
Tory can be just as stubborn as Josh. She is determined to earn her keep. Danger stalks both of them. While things are swirling, their hearts start to become involved as well. There is no way Josh is letting Tory go.
I enjoyed the pacing of the story. Loved Tory and her daughter. Great frenemies to lovers romance with a great setting.
Happy to have read this author.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
May 30, 2018
Tori Ford would dearly love to stop running. Her ex is on a mission to find her, though, and she's got her little girl to protect. Maybe a horse ranch off the grid in Texas would be safe, for a little while at least… though the owner, Josh Cain, is sexy enough to pose a serious threat to her peace of mind!
Tori as a battered woman on the run was absolutely believable in her paranoia, and I'm glad the author didn't neglect the childhood trauma suffered by Ivy. Josh’s ranch was a wonderful sanctuary for them, and there were some lovely subtle parallels in the slow rehabilitation of an abused horse learning to trust humans again.
The only thing that bothered me in this book was that there were too many subplots. The terrorist plot felt as though it was shoehorned in to boost the word count; I'd far rather have had more interaction between the three leads, particularly Josh and Ivy building a relationship, which was something that was almost completely omitted. We got some of Josh’s perspective and him ‘telling’ us that feed grown find of Ivy, but there was really no interaction between them to justify that emotion, which made it hard to believe in. It would have been so easy to have Josh sheepishly bringing home a pony with some sort of feeble excuse, and then teaching Ivy to ride; watching the two of them together would have been yet another reason for Tori to fall for him.
Though I enjoyed the romance and the bits with Tori’s ex and his psychosis were very well written, the extraneous subplot at the expense of real character-building mean I can’t give this five stars. It’s well-written enough to be a solid four, though.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Tori as a battered woman on the run was absolutely believable in her paranoia, and I'm glad the author didn't neglect the childhood trauma suffered by Ivy. Josh’s ranch was a wonderful sanctuary for them, and there were some lovely subtle parallels in the slow rehabilitation of an abused horse learning to trust humans again.
The only thing that bothered me in this book was that there were too many subplots. The terrorist plot felt as though it was shoehorned in to boost the word count; I'd far rather have had more interaction between the three leads, particularly Josh and Ivy building a relationship, which was something that was almost completely omitted. We got some of Josh’s perspective and him ‘telling’ us that feed grown find of Ivy, but there was really no interaction between them to justify that emotion, which made it hard to believe in. It would have been so easy to have Josh sheepishly bringing home a pony with some sort of feeble excuse, and then teaching Ivy to ride; watching the two of them together would have been yet another reason for Tori to fall for him.
Though I enjoyed the romance and the bits with Tori’s ex and his psychosis were very well written, the extraneous subplot at the expense of real character-building mean I can’t give this five stars. It’s well-written enough to be a solid four, though.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
June 11, 2018
ARC REVIEW
Texas Trilogy #3, This can be read as a stand alone, the events in this book are loosely connected to previous events but everything that is needed to know for this book is explained. Josh Cain is a retired Marine sniper who left the war behind him and is done with violence and destruction. Victoria Langford is a single mother on the run from her abusive ex-fiance. After months of running, of having Damon tracking her down and harassing her everywhere she tried to settle Victoria found Iron River Ranch and Josh. Josh knew immediately that the young mother and her daughter were running from something and despite his promise to avoid violence he hires Tory on to work as a ranch hand. I love Josh and Tory it was one of those romances where they fight it at first and then agree to a no strings attached even though they both know at that point it's to late for that and when Damon shows back up Josh isn't so willing to let either Tory or her daughter go.
Quite a bit happens in this book on top of Tori's psycho ex someone is trying to kill Josh, they have already murdered two of his friends and now Josh must work with Taggart and the FBI to track down those behind the attacks. Meanwhile they are still trying to to stop Damon from getting to Tory but they have just hit the tip of the iceberg when it comes to just how truly evil and to what lengths Damon will go to get at Tory.
Overall, this was definitely one of my favorites. I knew from the first introduction to Josh in the previous books that his story was going to be good, but then again I do love a good sniper hero and to quote Sally Can't Dance from the movie Con Air, "Ooh. Men in uniform." I love Kat Martin's writing style, this book has good pacing and I love the characters. I really liked where she went with the Damon storyline it was unexpected and a nice touch. The romance between Josh and Tory was one of my favorite parts. Josh being stubborn about it and Tory being reasonably hesitant, especially after her last relationship, but the instant attraction followed closely by lust and then love inevitably to follow.
Texas Trilogy #3, This can be read as a stand alone, the events in this book are loosely connected to previous events but everything that is needed to know for this book is explained. Josh Cain is a retired Marine sniper who left the war behind him and is done with violence and destruction. Victoria Langford is a single mother on the run from her abusive ex-fiance. After months of running, of having Damon tracking her down and harassing her everywhere she tried to settle Victoria found Iron River Ranch and Josh. Josh knew immediately that the young mother and her daughter were running from something and despite his promise to avoid violence he hires Tory on to work as a ranch hand. I love Josh and Tory it was one of those romances where they fight it at first and then agree to a no strings attached even though they both know at that point it's to late for that and when Damon shows back up Josh isn't so willing to let either Tory or her daughter go.
Quite a bit happens in this book on top of Tori's psycho ex someone is trying to kill Josh, they have already murdered two of his friends and now Josh must work with Taggart and the FBI to track down those behind the attacks. Meanwhile they are still trying to to stop Damon from getting to Tory but they have just hit the tip of the iceberg when it comes to just how truly evil and to what lengths Damon will go to get at Tory.
Overall, this was definitely one of my favorites. I knew from the first introduction to Josh in the previous books that his story was going to be good, but then again I do love a good sniper hero and to quote Sally Can't Dance from the movie Con Air, "Ooh. Men in uniform." I love Kat Martin's writing style, this book has good pacing and I love the characters. I really liked where she went with the Damon storyline it was unexpected and a nice touch. The romance between Josh and Tory was one of my favorite parts. Josh being stubborn about it and Tory being reasonably hesitant, especially after her last relationship, but the instant attraction followed closely by lust and then love inevitably to follow.
January 6, 2020
Good storyline even if some of it seemed repetitive from the two previous books. I enjoyed the story and the romance. I got a bit irritated that the child Ivy seemed to spend most of her time with the sitter who always seemed to be available on the spur of the moment as Tory and Josh ran off here or there.
April 23, 2018
This book was awesome!! It was a quick page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat. The emotional journey that Tory goes through from the abuse to finding acceptance with Josh was something that will stay with me for a long time. I now need to go back and read the others in the series. I highly recommend this book.
May 11, 2018
I promise that I am not exaggerating when I say that I could not put this book down. From the onset, my heart went out to this young widow with a small child who thought that she found her second true love. I know what it feels like to be swept up in an all-consuming love affair, and I also know what it feels like when things start going terribly wrong. Unfortunately for Tory, her new fiancee is a closet psychopath who takes pleasure in abusing her. My heart sank to hear how he would stalk her and managed find her no matter where she ran. So when her resources were all but depleted and she found safety on Iron River Ranch, I couldn't help but sigh in relief.
As I waited for the crazy ex to find her, I luxuriated in the sensual descriptions of Josh Cain and fanned myself after every heated encounter between him and Tory. Just when I thought that Martin couldn't possibly come up with another way to describe how rugged and manly Josh looked in a T-shirt and jeans, she proved me wrong. She was also able to emulate the inner workings of the male mind when she would describe how tempting Tory looked in her bedazzled jeans and figure-hugging tops. I swear, there is only one or two not good looking people in this book. But looks aside, you become invested in the characters.
I like the pace of the story and the subplot that comes in, which makes you question just how diabolical a person can really be. Martin does a great job of throwing a wrench into the works just when you think you have things all figured out. The love scenes were blush-worthy yet tasteful. (Although I wonder if Martin has children since I don't know many 4-year-olds that never wake up in the middle of the night looking for mom.) I almost wanted to say that the choice to include love scenes of another couple was maybe a little gratuitous, but I think that Martin wanted to shed some additional light on the struggles of a particular population in our country. I would say more but I don't want to ruin the surprise of another great coupling.
Some might think it's a bit on the nose, but I love the story arc of Tory's relationship with Josh's dangerous horse, Satan's Star. I like how Martin uses the horse's issues to parallel those of the humans around him. I just like animals in general, so I always got a cozy feeling when the horses were in the scene.
I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy romance and/or suspense novels. It definitely makes me want to read the other two books in the trilogy.
As I waited for the crazy ex to find her, I luxuriated in the sensual descriptions of Josh Cain and fanned myself after every heated encounter between him and Tory. Just when I thought that Martin couldn't possibly come up with another way to describe how rugged and manly Josh looked in a T-shirt and jeans, she proved me wrong. She was also able to emulate the inner workings of the male mind when she would describe how tempting Tory looked in her bedazzled jeans and figure-hugging tops. I swear, there is only one or two not good looking people in this book. But looks aside, you become invested in the characters.
I like the pace of the story and the subplot that comes in, which makes you question just how diabolical a person can really be. Martin does a great job of throwing a wrench into the works just when you think you have things all figured out. The love scenes were blush-worthy yet tasteful. (Although I wonder if Martin has children since I don't know many 4-year-olds that never wake up in the middle of the night looking for mom.) I almost wanted to say that the choice to include love scenes of another couple was maybe a little gratuitous, but I think that Martin wanted to shed some additional light on the struggles of a particular population in our country. I would say more but I don't want to ruin the surprise of another great coupling.
Some might think it's a bit on the nose, but I love the story arc of Tory's relationship with Josh's dangerous horse, Satan's Star. I like how Martin uses the horse's issues to parallel those of the humans around him. I just like animals in general, so I always got a cozy feeling when the horses were in the scene.
I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy romance and/or suspense novels. It definitely makes me want to read the other two books in the trilogy.
April 17, 2018
Where do I start?
I couldn't put this book down! Kat Martin introduces characters to strong women in her series who have lost their way while protecting the ones they love. The characters are strong, human, and loving. Readers will not be able to put this book down.
Now that I have read this entire series I can't wait to go back and start once again. That's right I want to go back and reread the series not because I was lost but because I want to living in Kat Martin's world she had created just a little longer.
Kat Martin has the ability to bring readers into a life or death story that is filled with dangers, romance, and characters who will come alive.
The author brings characters from the other two stories into Beyond Control connecting the stories in so many ways.
The character develop has the perfect blend when the romance begins it doesn't take away from the story but only adds.
Kat martin Beyond Control is the perfect read for those who need suspense, action, story and romance to end a long summer day. Readers are going to fall in love with Kat Martins Characters Tory and Josh before they even know what hit them.
I don't think I will every get enough of Kat Martin and her amazing series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Zebra for the advance copy of Kat Martin's Beyond Control
I couldn't put this book down! Kat Martin introduces characters to strong women in her series who have lost their way while protecting the ones they love. The characters are strong, human, and loving. Readers will not be able to put this book down.
Now that I have read this entire series I can't wait to go back and start once again. That's right I want to go back and reread the series not because I was lost but because I want to living in Kat Martin's world she had created just a little longer.
Kat Martin has the ability to bring readers into a life or death story that is filled with dangers, romance, and characters who will come alive.
The author brings characters from the other two stories into Beyond Control connecting the stories in so many ways.
The character develop has the perfect blend when the romance begins it doesn't take away from the story but only adds.
Kat martin Beyond Control is the perfect read for those who need suspense, action, story and romance to end a long summer day. Readers are going to fall in love with Kat Martins Characters Tory and Josh before they even know what hit them.
I don't think I will every get enough of Kat Martin and her amazing series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Zebra for the advance copy of Kat Martin's Beyond Control
April 14, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) I am happy to say that I felt that Kat redeemed herself from last book. Not that I had disliked but I really liked the first book in this series, second just ok but didn't care for heroine, but this I was happy with. I love those Cain brothers, this was Josh's book and I really encourage you to read them all from the beginning if not I feel that you are missing out. Anyway, back to this one, we meet Tory who is running from an abusive ex, who feels that because he put a ring on her finger she was his property. Tory also has a little girl who she needs to protect and unfortunately this little is terrorized of men. Josh reluctantly hires Tory as his stable hand only because he feels that something is going on..That's it folks you need to read for more..I hope we get to know what happened to Rowe? She wasn't mentioned in this one and I was happy Brittney finally got herself the man she was crushing on..Enjoy!
April 24, 2018
An Marine sniper turned ranch owner and a woman and child in trouble equal a lot of trouble, fascinating times and serious loyalty!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2018
Release Day Review! Beyond Control (The Texas Trilogy #3) Kat Martin!
When Victoria Langford got engaged, she told herself to give love a chance. Six months later, she's on the run from her angry, abusive ex-fiancé with her four-year-old daughter and nowhere to go. Seventy miles north of Dallas, the Iron River Ranch is pretty much nowhere. That’s what its new owner, Josh Cain, wanted when he came back from Afghanistan. Big skies, quiet nights, no trouble. One look tells Josh the pretty redhead with the adorable little girl will give him trouble of the most personal kind. But he’s seen trouble before, and he doesn't scare easy. Not when “accidents” start happening around the ranch. Not when Tory’s best friend back in Phoenix is abducted and brutalized. Not even when it looks like their current problems are only the tip of the iceberg. But if he gets too close to fierce, determined Tory, Josh knows his nights are going to be anything but quiet. And that’s one possibility no amount of training can prepare him for . . .
The final book in the Texas Trilogy is one thrilling read that kept me hanging on the edge of my seat.
Josh and Victoria are two strong, compelling characters that easily draw readers in and they have a strong chemistry that tells readers that this couple belongs together. But the relationship for this couple takes quite a bit of work as Josh holds out which leads to lots of emotional turmoil that has readers empathizing with the characters even while they feel the passion that burns between them. The plot is fast paced and keeps readers thrilled with lots of adrenaline pumping suspense and the story is also full of surprising twists that keeps them guessing as Victoria’s dangerous past stalks her. Be prepared to lose your heart to a four year old little girl as she adds emotional impact and depth to the story.
Once again, Kat Martin has brought another wonderful romance to vibrant life with her well written words and her captivating characters are full of depth and make quite the impact on readers as they feel as if they are part of the story. Altogether, the trilogy is one that readers that holds readers captive from the beginning of the first one all the way to the end of the last one.
Beyond Control is the 3rd book in the Texas Trilogy.
Beyond Control is available in print or ebook at:
Amazon iBooks GPlay Kobo B&N IndieBound Bam
Hudson Target WalMart
can be found at:
Website Facebook Twitter G+ Pintrest YouTube
BookBub Goodreads Amazon
When Victoria Langford got engaged, she told herself to give love a chance. Six months later, she's on the run from her angry, abusive ex-fiancé with her four-year-old daughter and nowhere to go. Seventy miles north of Dallas, the Iron River Ranch is pretty much nowhere. That’s what its new owner, Josh Cain, wanted when he came back from Afghanistan. Big skies, quiet nights, no trouble. One look tells Josh the pretty redhead with the adorable little girl will give him trouble of the most personal kind. But he’s seen trouble before, and he doesn't scare easy. Not when “accidents” start happening around the ranch. Not when Tory’s best friend back in Phoenix is abducted and brutalized. Not even when it looks like their current problems are only the tip of the iceberg. But if he gets too close to fierce, determined Tory, Josh knows his nights are going to be anything but quiet. And that’s one possibility no amount of training can prepare him for . . .
The final book in the Texas Trilogy is one thrilling read that kept me hanging on the edge of my seat.
Josh and Victoria are two strong, compelling characters that easily draw readers in and they have a strong chemistry that tells readers that this couple belongs together. But the relationship for this couple takes quite a bit of work as Josh holds out which leads to lots of emotional turmoil that has readers empathizing with the characters even while they feel the passion that burns between them. The plot is fast paced and keeps readers thrilled with lots of adrenaline pumping suspense and the story is also full of surprising twists that keeps them guessing as Victoria’s dangerous past stalks her. Be prepared to lose your heart to a four year old little girl as she adds emotional impact and depth to the story.
Once again, Kat Martin has brought another wonderful romance to vibrant life with her well written words and her captivating characters are full of depth and make quite the impact on readers as they feel as if they are part of the story. Altogether, the trilogy is one that readers that holds readers captive from the beginning of the first one all the way to the end of the last one.
Beyond Control is the 3rd book in the Texas Trilogy.
Beyond Control is available in print or ebook at:
Amazon iBooks GPlay Kobo B&N IndieBound Bam
Hudson Target WalMart
can be found at:
Website Facebook Twitter G+ Pintrest YouTube
BookBub Goodreads Amazon
May 27, 2018
Beyond Control by Kat Martin is the 3rd book in her Texas Trilogy series. As normal with a Kat Martin book, this was an exciting intense story line that had a bit of everything; action, suspense, romance, great couple, and an evil villain.
Victoria Langford (Tory) is on the run with her 4 year old daughter, trying to be one step ahead of her ex-fiancée, who is abusive, controlling and obsessed with her. Her ex will go to any length to find her and get her back to Phoenix. Tory has suffered badly, and in her last escape from him, she used a stun gun to enable her get away again. She ends up in Texas , and when she sees an ad for a ranch hand, Tory applies.
Josh Cain, our hero, is a former marine who is rebuilding his ranch, and needs help. Josh has two disabled ranch hands who are also former marines, and when he meets Tory, he turns her down, telling her he wants a man for the job. Tory claims she is hard worker and begs him to give her three days to prove her worth. Josh will give in, knowing she would be gone in three days.
Tory does prove her worth, especially since she manages to win over Satan, the horse no one can handle. There is something about the way Tory talks to Satan, whom she starts calling Star, and slowly the horse allows her to be closer. Josh gets a neighbor to help with Tory’s daughter, so that she can work more. Josh also senses that Tory is running away from someone. This will bring him closer to Tory and her cute daughter, who doesn’t trust men, as she has seen her mother beaten often.
When Tory’s best friend is beaten and shot, she will tell Josh the truth about her violent ex, who will never stop looking for her. I will say that her ex was a nasty villain, and every time the chapter revolved around him, and the beatings he gave others, I found myself very tense, reading quickly to get past that chapter. He was very evil, and bad to the bone. When at the hospital, Josh will see the ex and threaten him to leave Tory alone. But the villain has no qualms of killing others, and both Tory and Josh will find themselves es in danger.
When things start happening that threatens Tory, Josh, who is falling hard for Tory, will force himself into her life to help her, even if he is afraid of commitment. Their slow built romance will heat up, but Tory knows she loves Josh, but she fears that he will be in danger because of her ex. The action in this story is non-stop, and always in the forefront, with the romance being sweet and sexy, but not overtaking the story line. Tory and Josh were such a great couple; I loved them together, as well as the daughter and I hoped that they would find a way to stay together .
It was nice to see Josh’s family again, and the friends his brother, Linc had to help him find a way to stop the ex, as well some great secondary characters. I do not want to give any spoilers, as there are a number of tense situations and twists.
If you enjoy action, suspense, intense thriller and a sweet wonderful romance, then you need to read Beyond Control. Kat Martin has written another wonderful addition to this series, which kept me glued to the book, which I finished in one day. I suggest you read this series, but Beyond Control does read very well as a standalone.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Victoria Langford (Tory) is on the run with her 4 year old daughter, trying to be one step ahead of her ex-fiancée, who is abusive, controlling and obsessed with her. Her ex will go to any length to find her and get her back to Phoenix. Tory has suffered badly, and in her last escape from him, she used a stun gun to enable her get away again. She ends up in Texas , and when she sees an ad for a ranch hand, Tory applies.
Josh Cain, our hero, is a former marine who is rebuilding his ranch, and needs help. Josh has two disabled ranch hands who are also former marines, and when he meets Tory, he turns her down, telling her he wants a man for the job. Tory claims she is hard worker and begs him to give her three days to prove her worth. Josh will give in, knowing she would be gone in three days.
Tory does prove her worth, especially since she manages to win over Satan, the horse no one can handle. There is something about the way Tory talks to Satan, whom she starts calling Star, and slowly the horse allows her to be closer. Josh gets a neighbor to help with Tory’s daughter, so that she can work more. Josh also senses that Tory is running away from someone. This will bring him closer to Tory and her cute daughter, who doesn’t trust men, as she has seen her mother beaten often.
When Tory’s best friend is beaten and shot, she will tell Josh the truth about her violent ex, who will never stop looking for her. I will say that her ex was a nasty villain, and every time the chapter revolved around him, and the beatings he gave others, I found myself very tense, reading quickly to get past that chapter. He was very evil, and bad to the bone. When at the hospital, Josh will see the ex and threaten him to leave Tory alone. But the villain has no qualms of killing others, and both Tory and Josh will find themselves es in danger.
When things start happening that threatens Tory, Josh, who is falling hard for Tory, will force himself into her life to help her, even if he is afraid of commitment. Their slow built romance will heat up, but Tory knows she loves Josh, but she fears that he will be in danger because of her ex. The action in this story is non-stop, and always in the forefront, with the romance being sweet and sexy, but not overtaking the story line. Tory and Josh were such a great couple; I loved them together, as well as the daughter and I hoped that they would find a way to stay together .
It was nice to see Josh’s family again, and the friends his brother, Linc had to help him find a way to stop the ex, as well some great secondary characters. I do not want to give any spoilers, as there are a number of tense situations and twists.
If you enjoy action, suspense, intense thriller and a sweet wonderful romance, then you need to read Beyond Control. Kat Martin has written another wonderful addition to this series, which kept me glued to the book, which I finished in one day. I suggest you read this series, but Beyond Control does read very well as a standalone.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
June 25, 2018
This is the first book I've read by this author and boy does she make an impression! Loved the story line...my heart broke for Tory and Ivy; everything they went through and are still going through. Their fears were real, especially when it came to Josh. Tory had such determination even though she had no idea what she was doing when it came to working on the ranch.
A few things I didn't care for: they kept shoving Ivy off to the neighbor. I think Josh should have done more with Ivy to build their relationship. Why didn't they think she was at risk being with the neighbor? Josh was determined that Tory is never out alone, but Ivy is with an elderly lady nearly constantly? The additional drama from their previous mission just felt unnecessary. There was enough going on already with the story, adding in this was just overkill.
A few things I didn't care for: they kept shoving Ivy off to the neighbor. I think Josh should have done more with Ivy to build their relationship. Why didn't they think she was at risk being with the neighbor? Josh was determined that Tory is never out alone, but Ivy is with an elderly lady nearly constantly? The additional drama from their previous mission just felt unnecessary. There was enough going on already with the story, adding in this was just overkill.
April 15, 2018
Tory is on the run with her 4 year old daughter Ivy. Her abusive ex boyfriend Damon almost beat her to death and will not give up looking for her. She has finally landed at a remote ranch in Texas, way off the grid, hoping Damon won’t be able to track her again. Joshua Cain, ex marine and owner of the ranch reluctantly hires Tory.
This book was part of a series but could be read as a stand alone. Joshua is a true romantic hero who fights his attraction to Tory. I loved watching the relationship between them develop. This was a very enjoyable read and I recommend it to readers of romantic suspense. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
This book was part of a series but could be read as a stand alone. Joshua is a true romantic hero who fights his attraction to Tory. I loved watching the relationship between them develop. This was a very enjoyable read and I recommend it to readers of romantic suspense. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
April 18, 2018
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Beyond Control by Kat Martin that I read and reviewed.
This book was pretty good. Even though Beyond Control was the third book in a trilogy it was a stand alone. I enjoyed the book for the most part. It did move a bit slow in some parts for me but it was a good read.
I am giving Beyond Control four out of five stars.
This book was pretty good. Even though Beyond Control was the third book in a trilogy it was a stand alone. I enjoyed the book for the most part. It did move a bit slow in some parts for me but it was a good read.
I am giving Beyond Control four out of five stars.
June 18, 2018
Tercer y último libro de la serie. Ya conocimos a Joshua Cain, el hermano menor de Lic; ex- marine que después de volver de Afganistán lo único que desea es un poco de tranquilidad y trabajo de campo para espantar sus pesadillas.
La damisela en problemas de ésta historia es Victoria Bradford; ella junto con su hija Ivy llevan varios meses huyendo del ex-prometido de Tory quien no tiene otro propósito que hacerle pagar por haberlo dejado. Encontrando trabajo y refugio en el campo de Josh es lo que ambas necesitan para reconstruir nuevamente su vida.
No es solamente un ex resentido y loco que anda suelo, hay verdaderos asesinos a sueldo y muchos accidentes y coincidencias para no se tomadas en cuenta. Una linda historia, llena de suspenso, me gustó muchísimo la construcción del malo; Damon es realmente un psicópata y asesino en serie en potencia, sin duda uno de los mejores malos. Esperaba un poquito más de interacción entre Ivy-Josh-Tory; es claro que terminan siendo un familia pero no se evidencia claramente el momento mágico en la historia; o al menos yo esperaba un poquito más de desarrollo.
Historia muy bien logrado con algunos personajes anteriores y otros nuevos que es una muy buena opción para disfrutar de un momento en el campo lleno de suspenso y romance con un hermoso final feliz.
July 5, 2018
Another great read for me from Kat Martin.
September 3, 2018
I kept feeling a sense of dejavu while reading this book and I finally figured out why. This book reads like a worse version of Catherine Anderson’s book Star Bright.
January 7, 2019
Great writing, good story.
August 9, 2020
Ooo, big strong man save me! I'll save you but I'm too scared to have any feelings, I have unresolved issues. But, big strong man, I'm pretty. Oh ok.
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