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Burlap and Barbed Wire #5
Trusting Drew
A death-bed promise turns lethal.
Lily Smith is kidnapped and held captive to prevent her from participating in a beauty pageant her best friend begged her to enter. But she is no passive little miss to let someone else determine her future. Unfortunately, during her flight, she hits her head on a rock and can't remember her own name, let alone why she is running through the Colorado mountains barefoot with no coat.
Drew Kipling rides to the rescue of the pretty woman who needs to get warm and have her injuries taken care of. When she can't remember her name, he vows to protect her, until she knows who she can trust.
What will they find at the pageant? More trouble or the love of a lifetime? Maybe both.
Join Lily and the Kipling family as they take New York City by storm and show them the cowboy way is the only way to catch a scoundrel.
Lily Smith is kidnapped and held captive to prevent her from participating in a beauty pageant her best friend begged her to enter. But she is no passive little miss to let someone else determine her future. Unfortunately, during her flight, she hits her head on a rock and can't remember her own name, let alone why she is running through the Colorado mountains barefoot with no coat.
Drew Kipling rides to the rescue of the pretty woman who needs to get warm and have her injuries taken care of. When she can't remember her name, he vows to protect her, until she knows who she can trust.
What will they find at the pageant? More trouble or the love of a lifetime? Maybe both.
Join Lily and the Kipling family as they take New York City by storm and show them the cowboy way is the only way to catch a scoundrel.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2019
174 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Penick
50 books444 followersI started writing late in life. I've always been a reader, devouring Nancy Drew books in grade school right on through to today. But writing is new to me and I am having a blast.
I have four series, all small town contemporary romance.
My Lake Chelan series is centered around a remote town in eastern Washington and all the challenges and shenanigans that go on there. Many of the characters in that series are volunteer firefighters. My father was a volunteer firefighter and walking into a station still smells like home to me. So I am having a lot of fun incorporating my memories into new stories.
My Burlap and Barbed Wire series at this point is Colorado Cowboys all from one family of cattle ranchers living in the Rocky Mountains at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. Writing a family of siblings finding love has been a lot of fun.
My Saddles and Secrets series code named Wyoming Wranglers is focused on a rescue ranch for geriatric horses. Someone is causing problems and the local sheriff dept. is trying to find the culprit.
My Helluva Engineer series is a nod to my alma mater. The mineral engineers journey across the mountains to help find the gold mine that has recently started contaminating the Rockin' K ranch. Why it's started having poisonous runoff after two hundred years of dormancy, is the real question.
All my books are stand alone so you don't have to read them all or even in order, although it might be more fun to do so.
Join with me as I tell my stories, weaving real tidbits from my life in with imaginary ones. You'll have to guess which is which. It will be a hoot!
I have four series, all small town contemporary romance.
My Lake Chelan series is centered around a remote town in eastern Washington and all the challenges and shenanigans that go on there. Many of the characters in that series are volunteer firefighters. My father was a volunteer firefighter and walking into a station still smells like home to me. So I am having a lot of fun incorporating my memories into new stories.
My Burlap and Barbed Wire series at this point is Colorado Cowboys all from one family of cattle ranchers living in the Rocky Mountains at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. Writing a family of siblings finding love has been a lot of fun.
My Saddles and Secrets series code named Wyoming Wranglers is focused on a rescue ranch for geriatric horses. Someone is causing problems and the local sheriff dept. is trying to find the culprit.
My Helluva Engineer series is a nod to my alma mater. The mineral engineers journey across the mountains to help find the gold mine that has recently started contaminating the Rockin' K ranch. Why it's started having poisonous runoff after two hundred years of dormancy, is the real question.
All my books are stand alone so you don't have to read them all or even in order, although it might be more fun to do so.
Join with me as I tell my stories, weaving real tidbits from my life in with imaginary ones. You'll have to guess which is which. It will be a hoot!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 29, 2019
I really enjoyed this romantic suspense. I have read all the previous books in the series thus far and enjoyed them all. This book was a bit different because it took place in New York City as well as Colorado. Having both settings was a nice change.
When Drew comes across Lily while out on a morning ride he isn't prepared. Not only for finding a hurt woman on the snowy forest floor, but also for the feelings of protectiveness Lily brings out of him. I don't want to give away too much as this is a suspense and part of your reading enjoyment is watching the drama unfold. I will say that I was kept guessing throughout the book. While there is danger and a bit of intrigue, there was also family interactions which brought humor and more depth to the story. I love the Kipling family. They are so loyal and protective of their group. Another aspect of the family I truly enjoyed was their warm and trusting, and welcoming nature. Also, each sibling has their own personality. If you haven't read any of the other books in the series yet, I recommend you should.
So, getting back to the story......Drew and Lily are thrown together and over a few weeks span of time, they fall in love. Unfortunately, neither knows how to make the relationship work. Once the drama is over, Drew and Lily will have to go their own way; one to Colorado, the other to Montana. How can they make the relationship work? That said, while there is a happy ending for them, Drew and Lily's story ends without a clear decision as to where they will end up. As long as they are together, neither cares. I'm sure we'll get to see more of them in the next book which will feature the youngest of the Kipling siblings and the only sister. From the first book, I have my suspicions as to where the author might go with that book. But I'll keep that to myself.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
When Drew comes across Lily while out on a morning ride he isn't prepared. Not only for finding a hurt woman on the snowy forest floor, but also for the feelings of protectiveness Lily brings out of him. I don't want to give away too much as this is a suspense and part of your reading enjoyment is watching the drama unfold. I will say that I was kept guessing throughout the book. While there is danger and a bit of intrigue, there was also family interactions which brought humor and more depth to the story. I love the Kipling family. They are so loyal and protective of their group. Another aspect of the family I truly enjoyed was their warm and trusting, and welcoming nature. Also, each sibling has their own personality. If you haven't read any of the other books in the series yet, I recommend you should.
So, getting back to the story......Drew and Lily are thrown together and over a few weeks span of time, they fall in love. Unfortunately, neither knows how to make the relationship work. Once the drama is over, Drew and Lily will have to go their own way; one to Colorado, the other to Montana. How can they make the relationship work? That said, while there is a happy ending for them, Drew and Lily's story ends without a clear decision as to where they will end up. As long as they are together, neither cares. I'm sure we'll get to see more of them in the next book which will feature the youngest of the Kipling siblings and the only sister. From the first book, I have my suspicions as to where the author might go with that book. But I'll keep that to myself.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
May 22, 2019
4*
Drew’s works in the police department and is happy he’s got time off after covering his colleagues sick time. Riding in the woods he’s surprised to find a woman hurt with no memory.
Lily can’t remember her name or why she was in the forest with no coat & shoes. All she knows is she needs a sheriff. Gradually her memories start returning but will she like what she discovers/uncovers?
Drew’s family play an important role in helping unlock the truth.
This series is so special in the ways the family is so important to each other, I especially enjoy the characters mentioned in each book and watching them grow.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Lovely series.
Drew’s works in the police department and is happy he’s got time off after covering his colleagues sick time. Riding in the woods he’s surprised to find a woman hurt with no memory.
Lily can’t remember her name or why she was in the forest with no coat & shoes. All she knows is she needs a sheriff. Gradually her memories start returning but will she like what she discovers/uncovers?
Drew’s family play an important role in helping unlock the truth.
This series is so special in the ways the family is so important to each other, I especially enjoy the characters mentioned in each book and watching them grow.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Lovely series.
May 22, 2019
Romance and suspense are blended beautifully in this entertaining read. The storyline held my attention and the characters were extremely likable. A wonderful cast of secondary characters adds that little bit extra to an already excellent book. I loved Drew and Lily! This is my truthful, voluntary review.
May 26, 2019
This is the fifth book in this intriguing series, and is Lily and Drew’s turn. Lily is kidnapped but she manages to escape. Drew is a cop who is out on a horseback ride when he stumbles across Lily. This is a well written story which is fun, romantic, and with suspense which lead to an all round entertaining read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author, whose work I recommend for all.
May 21, 2019
Her cowboy bodyguard
This is one of those "just one more chapter" books. Just enough romance seasoned with a healthy dose of intrigue. If this is your first book in this series, you really want to back and read the rest.
This is one of those "just one more chapter" books. Just enough romance seasoned with a healthy dose of intrigue. If this is your first book in this series, you really want to back and read the rest.
June 9, 2019
A wonderful book
This book had everything. A great heroine and hero, a great first meeting, super romantic, a villain, murder, kidnapping, a mystery, just enough sex.
And the HEA was to die for. One of the best HEA's I have ever read!
I would definitely read this book again!
This book had everything. A great heroine and hero, a great first meeting, super romantic, a villain, murder, kidnapping, a mystery, just enough sex.
And the HEA was to die for. One of the best HEA's I have ever read!
I would definitely read this book again!
March 19, 2021
We get our Police Officer's story this time around! WOOHOO! Who are Ronald and Lily? How do they know one another? Where does Drew run into Lily at? What has happened? What do we learn about them as the story progresses? Lily's story surprised me! What happens to Ronald? How does everyone feel about it? Why is Lily going to New York? Oh my, what events happen to Lily and a few other ladies? What sorts of challenges do Drew and Lily's families face throughout the course of the story? This read was so suspenseful right up until about the last 10% of the story! Read and see what I mean. You will want to read this series from the beginning!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
July 13, 2021
Lots of romance and drama. Great read.
I was roped in from the start of this story. There was no lull within this book either. I loved it. The different stories behind the characters was great.
I was roped in from the start of this story. There was no lull within this book either. I loved it. The different stories behind the characters was great.
May 25, 2019
This a great suspenseful romance with lovable characters that will keep you turning the page until the very end. Drew & Lily are a great couple that you can't help but fall in love with.
May 29, 2019
Beautiful, Inspiring Love Story as all of Shirley Penick books have been. The story of Drew Kipling and Lily Smith is so original in content that it will make you not want to put this book down until you are finished. Cowboy/Cop Drew Kipling finds an injured woman on his day off away from what had a long 10 stretch of work, while riding on his families ranch. Lily is injured and cold and can't remember anything - hoping this kind Cowboy can help her.
July 19, 2021
Couldn't put it down
I have always loved a good "cowboy" story and this did not disappoint. I was hooked from the get go and highly recommend it.
I have always loved a good "cowboy" story and this did not disappoint. I was hooked from the get go and highly recommend it.
March 14, 2021
Drew is one brother who doesn't work the ranch unless he's not on duty. He's a lawman who is there to protect those around him. When he goes for a ride and comes upon a woman who is in bad shape he picks her up and takes her to one of the cabins to get her cleaned up and find out who she is and why she's there. Lily has no idea who she is and she is really scared, however, the police officer who rescued her is not scared of. Drew helps her and makes her feel safe. She knows something isn't right, but when she does get her memory back she's about to be in danger because someone wants her dead. A promise to a friend has her needing to finish fulfilling it, but Drew isn't about to let her go alone. With the help of his family can they save Lily before it's too late and he loses her forever?
July 27, 2019
Wow
I really enjoyed reading 📚this book.Mystery,suspense and thrills with plenty of action thrown in,let's not forget the great love 💘interest.
I really enjoyed reading 📚this book.Mystery,suspense and thrills with plenty of action thrown in,let's not forget the great love 💘interest.
March 15, 2021
Now I read the series one after another. They are good reads and it's about cowboys !!
This one starts on a rescue in the snow. There is a tiny bit of suspense in this story cause Lily has no memory from who she is and why is she in the woods. And it's very interesting...
Now back to their love story. They do fall in love but how can they be together cause he the sheriff and she a witness so can they make it...
This is a cowboy love story of course they make it and he will do anything for his girl !!
This one starts on a rescue in the snow. There is a tiny bit of suspense in this story cause Lily has no memory from who she is and why is she in the woods. And it's very interesting...
Now back to their love story. They do fall in love but how can they be together cause he the sheriff and she a witness so can they make it...
This is a cowboy love story of course they make it and he will do anything for his girl !!
July 12, 2019
Oh this book left me speechless!
January 26, 2020
Trusting Drew: By Shirley Penick
I really love this book Trusting Drew By Shirley Penick , if you like romance, mystery and action you will enjoy this book ,I really hope you read it . I recommend 18 and up .
I really love this book Trusting Drew By Shirley Penick , if you like romance, mystery and action you will enjoy this book ,I really hope you read it . I recommend 18 and up .
April 11, 2021
I liked this book very much, in fact I read it in one day. I have read every book in this series except for the last one, which is next. The only problem I had was with the editing. There were so many typos & grammatical errors (many of which consisted of poor possessive use, ie. it’s vs. its) that I kept being brought out of the story itself to focus on what was intended to be written instead of what was actually written. I find it extremely distracting to be popped out of a good story to determine the meaning of a sentence crucial to events when the grammar on the page is inscrutable. My personal pet peeve. The previous books in the series weren’t this bad, which makes me wonder if a new editor was in place. I hope the last one is better.
August 14, 2020
Beauty Is more than Skin Deep
Long title, beauty agents winner Lily was doing a special promise to a dead friend. I she knew how much trouble that would be she would have passed it by. Drew would not have saved Lily had she not agreed to a Wednesday. Two people meet and a story starts Some of the time it peat and repeat so I moved on. The story was fun, sad and dramatic. It is up to the reader if you want take a peek inside. So have a good relaxing time away with Lily and Dreaw.
Long title, beauty agents winner Lily was doing a special promise to a dead friend. I she knew how much trouble that would be she would have passed it by. Drew would not have saved Lily had she not agreed to a Wednesday. Two people meet and a story starts Some of the time it peat and repeat so I moved on. The story was fun, sad and dramatic. It is up to the reader if you want take a peek inside. So have a good relaxing time away with Lily and Dreaw.
July 21, 2020
4 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed this book.
I thought the reason for the whole suspense was a bit farfetched but all in all an enjoyable read with likable characters. Zack has been mentioned in every one of the books so I think he'll turn out to be the father of Drew's little nephew.
I thought the reason for the whole suspense was a bit farfetched but all in all an enjoyable read with likable characters. Zack has been mentioned in every one of the books so I think he'll turn out to be the father of Drew's little nephew.
May 14, 2021
What an exciting book! This book has more action than the previous books. Even though this is Drew's story everyone is highlighted and abilities promoted.
February 9, 2024
This book was kindly sent to me by Give Me Books PR in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Saddle up and grab your fanciest pair of heels for some pomp and pageantry in New York City.
Enjoying his first day off in weeks, deputy sheriff Drew Kipling comes across an injured woman who’s been running through the mountains barefoot and wearing next to nothing in the cold Colorado autumn. After taking a severe bump to the head, the woman has no idea who she is or what led her to be out in the woods, but all she knows is that she was looking for a cop. Drew takes the woman under his wing to look after he as she recovers from her injuries and attempts to regain her memory, and once he enlists the help of the rest of the Kipling family, it’s not long before Lily’s memories come flooding back. Turns out, Lily’s headed to New York for the Miss America pageant after being named Miss Montana, but there’s a conspiracy afoot that is trying to stop her from competing. With the Kipling family in tow, Lily and Drew head to New York to compete, protect and look for answers, all the while giving into their attraction for one another. But it turns out, this conspiracy is bigger than just Lily, and the whole pageant could be ruined if the culprit isn’t caught.
Drew is the one Kipling who we’ve seen and learnt about the least throughout this series, due to him not being on the ranch a lot like everyone else, so it was exciting to finally get to know his character. Shirley had pretty much a blank slate with him and she delivered on another great Kipling sibling who I couldn’t get enough of.
Lily was such a fun character, especially once she got her memories back and we learnt who she really was. And while I felt like we didn’t spend long on the “who is Lily” mystery, and that she got her memories back relatively quickly, I did really enjoy everything that unfolded with her. And together, Drew and Lily was such a sweet, swoony and fun couple, with a nice serving of spice and a sprinkling of angst, all whilst they worked to solve the bigger pageant conspiracy.
After four books where Shirley weaved a small mystery in as a secondary plot, it was really enjoyable to have the mystery come to the forefront and be part of the main plot. I didn’t really know where Shirley was going to take things, but I loved the mix of high-stakes sabotage and somewhat comedic conspirator reveal.
I was a little worried about this book taking place away from the ranch, because one of the things I love about this series *is* the ranch setting with the entire family, but it was fun to have almost the whole Kipling family join Drew and Lily in New York. Despite the change it setting, there was still all the fun family vibes and dynamics, while giving all these characters something fun and interesting to do with their reconnaissance at the pageant as they came together to protect Lily. I still missed all the fun of Rockin’ K, but it was a nice change after four book on the ranch.
Unfortunately, I could not vibe with the ending of this book. It felt like Shirley completely changed her writing style for the final few chapters where Drew and Lily try to figure out their life together after the pageant - it was too rushed and just felt a little off compared to previous books. After absolutely LOVING Shirley’s writing style in all the previous books, it was such a change and a bit of whiplash, and honestly makes me worry for how the final book, Emma’s, would pan out.
With one book to go, I’m sad to be finishing up my time with the Kipling family. If you’re ready for a fun and swoony cowboy romance, then it’s time to fall in love with small -town life, ranch life, and the cowboys of Rockin’ K!
Saddle up and grab your fanciest pair of heels for some pomp and pageantry in New York City.
Enjoying his first day off in weeks, deputy sheriff Drew Kipling comes across an injured woman who’s been running through the mountains barefoot and wearing next to nothing in the cold Colorado autumn. After taking a severe bump to the head, the woman has no idea who she is or what led her to be out in the woods, but all she knows is that she was looking for a cop. Drew takes the woman under his wing to look after he as she recovers from her injuries and attempts to regain her memory, and once he enlists the help of the rest of the Kipling family, it’s not long before Lily’s memories come flooding back. Turns out, Lily’s headed to New York for the Miss America pageant after being named Miss Montana, but there’s a conspiracy afoot that is trying to stop her from competing. With the Kipling family in tow, Lily and Drew head to New York to compete, protect and look for answers, all the while giving into their attraction for one another. But it turns out, this conspiracy is bigger than just Lily, and the whole pageant could be ruined if the culprit isn’t caught.
Drew is the one Kipling who we’ve seen and learnt about the least throughout this series, due to him not being on the ranch a lot like everyone else, so it was exciting to finally get to know his character. Shirley had pretty much a blank slate with him and she delivered on another great Kipling sibling who I couldn’t get enough of.
Lily was such a fun character, especially once she got her memories back and we learnt who she really was. And while I felt like we didn’t spend long on the “who is Lily” mystery, and that she got her memories back relatively quickly, I did really enjoy everything that unfolded with her. And together, Drew and Lily was such a sweet, swoony and fun couple, with a nice serving of spice and a sprinkling of angst, all whilst they worked to solve the bigger pageant conspiracy.
After four books where Shirley weaved a small mystery in as a secondary plot, it was really enjoyable to have the mystery come to the forefront and be part of the main plot. I didn’t really know where Shirley was going to take things, but I loved the mix of high-stakes sabotage and somewhat comedic conspirator reveal.
I was a little worried about this book taking place away from the ranch, because one of the things I love about this series *is* the ranch setting with the entire family, but it was fun to have almost the whole Kipling family join Drew and Lily in New York. Despite the change it setting, there was still all the fun family vibes and dynamics, while giving all these characters something fun and interesting to do with their reconnaissance at the pageant as they came together to protect Lily. I still missed all the fun of Rockin’ K, but it was a nice change after four book on the ranch.
Unfortunately, I could not vibe with the ending of this book. It felt like Shirley completely changed her writing style for the final few chapters where Drew and Lily try to figure out their life together after the pageant - it was too rushed and just felt a little off compared to previous books. After absolutely LOVING Shirley’s writing style in all the previous books, it was such a change and a bit of whiplash, and honestly makes me worry for how the final book, Emma’s, would pan out.
With one book to go, I’m sad to be finishing up my time with the Kipling family. If you’re ready for a fun and swoony cowboy romance, then it’s time to fall in love with small -town life, ranch life, and the cowboys of Rockin’ K!
January 26, 2022
Drew and Lily's story is intriguing and suspenseful. When her memory returns and her life details fall back into place, dangerous situations crop up. With a rancher posse of body guards and back up, it's bound to be interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
May 30, 2021
This was rather dull in comparison to the others. It felt like the author was trying too hard to sex it up. Part of the appeal of this series was the almost innocence of the people involved. The language used whilst describing the sex & language spoken just jarred. It didn't feel natural. Somewhat as if if were typed through eyes hidden behind fingers in coyness...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews