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He’s a warrior with a shattered future.
Will past mistakes prevent his accepting
the one woman who might mend his broken soul?
Kellen Brooks is a broken man. Leaving his position in Special Forces three years earlier, he fought hard to build a new life and heal his damaged body. Working for his close friend, Boone Macklin, gives him purpose and a reason to focus on the future. Nothing else matters except soothing his wounded soul and reclaiming the family ranch.
Bethany Hutchison is determined to reach her goal of being accepted into law school. Working as a paralegal in a prestigious firm, combined with hours of classwork, takes all her time. Other than daily runs, nothing else could fit into her already packed schedule.
Kell’s early morning runs on the high school track, strengthen his recovering body and clear his mind. Nothing interferes with each day’s goal, until a beautiful, leggy blonde sprints onto the track, stealing his breath.
As their fragile connection builds, an unexpected danger threatens to destroy whatever future they may have. Friends of Kell’s are being targeted, and now the assailants are after Beth.
Kell, book four in the Macklins of Whiskey Bend Contemporary Western Romance series, is a stand-alone, full-length novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.
Will past mistakes prevent his accepting
the one woman who might mend his broken soul?
Kellen Brooks is a broken man. Leaving his position in Special Forces three years earlier, he fought hard to build a new life and heal his damaged body. Working for his close friend, Boone Macklin, gives him purpose and a reason to focus on the future. Nothing else matters except soothing his wounded soul and reclaiming the family ranch.
Bethany Hutchison is determined to reach her goal of being accepted into law school. Working as a paralegal in a prestigious firm, combined with hours of classwork, takes all her time. Other than daily runs, nothing else could fit into her already packed schedule.
Kell’s early morning runs on the high school track, strengthen his recovering body and clear his mind. Nothing interferes with each day’s goal, until a beautiful, leggy blonde sprints onto the track, stealing his breath.
As their fragile connection builds, an unexpected danger threatens to destroy whatever future they may have. Friends of Kell’s are being targeted, and now the assailants are after Beth.
Kell, book four in the Macklins of Whiskey Bend Contemporary Western Romance series, is a stand-alone, full-length novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.
242 pages, Paperback
Published January 27, 2022
106 people are currently reading
1386 people want to read
About the author
Shirleen Davies
98 books920 followersShirleen Davies grew up in Southern California. She attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.
Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.
Write to her at shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Visit her at https://www.shirleendavies.com
Comment at her blog https://www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/ShirleenDavi...
Twitter her at http://twitter.com/shirleendavies
Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.
Write to her at shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Visit her at https://www.shirleendavies.com
Comment at her blog https://www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/ShirleenDavi...
Twitter her at http://twitter.com/shirleendavies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 19, 2022
This was such a good book with suspense and romance. Kell had lost half his team when they were getting out of a rescue. Since Kell was hurt so bad, he left the military. You could see how much better he was being back in his home town in Montana working with his best friends he grew up with. Unfortunately Kell’s father was a real piece of work and had sold the family ranch while Kell was away fighting even though his father knew he wanted to buy the land. Something is starting to happen to the four men from his squad that had lived and Kell needs to figure out what is happening. In the midst of this Kell is attracted to a beautiful woman that runs the school track when he does. Even though he didn’t want to get involved with Bethany, he was very attracted to her. She had gotten out of a bad relationship and didn’t want to get involved with anyone, but destiny had other plans! I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
January 31, 2022
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Kell is book 4 in the Macklins of Whiskey Bend by Shirleen Davies and as always a great read by an amazing author!
Kell, Special Forces warrior who lost half of his team on a mission that severely injured the rest of his team and lead to leaving the service with a medical discharge. Now three years later after numerous surgeries he works hard a building his life and heal his body with the help of his friend, Boone Macklin.
Until he meets Beth, paralegal, fellow runner and they have a connection until something or someone sets out to destroy what might be their future…
Intrigue, romance, emotional, twists, turns, mystery and more…great series and can’t wait for the next book!!
Kell is book 4 in the Macklins of Whiskey Bend by Shirleen Davies and as always a great read by an amazing author!
Kell, Special Forces warrior who lost half of his team on a mission that severely injured the rest of his team and lead to leaving the service with a medical discharge. Now three years later after numerous surgeries he works hard a building his life and heal his body with the help of his friend, Boone Macklin.
Until he meets Beth, paralegal, fellow runner and they have a connection until something or someone sets out to destroy what might be their future…
Intrigue, romance, emotional, twists, turns, mystery and more…great series and can’t wait for the next book!!
January 23, 2022
Awesome story. Kell was an Army Ranger he went out on a medical discharge. He worked hard to recover and went back to the town he grew up in. There is action, mystery, intrigue, suspense and romance all wrapped up in this book. Beth and Kell meet on the high school running track. She works at the towns biggest law firm. Kell has known the Macklins all his life. Unfortunately, there is danger following Kell. Ms. Davies is one of the best authors that keeps your interest & turning pages. I received a complimentary copy of the book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading her future books.
January 16, 2022
Kell has a lot of demons. A mission gone wrong, injuries to himself and his army team, all leave him an almost broken man. Enter Beth who sparks something in Kell that he thought was lost forever. Its a sweet story with just enough drama to keep the reader from thinking this is just a happily ever after. I've enjoyed this series and am hoping the reminder of Kell's team have their story coming soon.
January 29, 2022
Shirleen Davies has hit a home run with this book! Kell’s story is book four in her "Macklins of Whispering Bend" series. This is a contemporary western, romantic suspense. Even though this is part of a series, it is not necessary to have read the other books before you read this book. However, when you finish this book, you will absolutely want to read them!
Kell, a former Army Ranger who now works full time on his friends’ ranch, and Beth, a paralegal who is working part time on getting a law degree, are both very busy people. However, the one thing they make time for is their daily runs. It is during these runs, that Kell meets Beth.
Even though both Beth and Kell are immediately attracted to each other, neither of them is ready to have a full time relationship. Beth needs to concentrate on achieving her goal of law school. And, Kell has not completely recovered physically and mentally from his injuries. However, they cannot stay away from each other. So, they begin a short, no-strings-attached affair.
Unfortunately, Kell discovers that someone is trying to kill him and the rest of his former squad members. Meanwhile, Beth’s life is also in danger. The suspense is action-packed as Kell works to keep everyone safe as he attempts to find out what is going on.
Kell, a former Army Ranger who now works full time on his friends’ ranch, and Beth, a paralegal who is working part time on getting a law degree, are both very busy people. However, the one thing they make time for is their daily runs. It is during these runs, that Kell meets Beth.
Even though both Beth and Kell are immediately attracted to each other, neither of them is ready to have a full time relationship. Beth needs to concentrate on achieving her goal of law school. And, Kell has not completely recovered physically and mentally from his injuries. However, they cannot stay away from each other. So, they begin a short, no-strings-attached affair.
Unfortunately, Kell discovers that someone is trying to kill him and the rest of his former squad members. Meanwhile, Beth’s life is also in danger. The suspense is action-packed as Kell works to keep everyone safe as he attempts to find out what is going on.
January 20, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this 4th book in the Macklins of Whiskey Bend series. The main character Kell has returned home after time in the Special Forces during which he was injured and his parents sold the family ranch without consulting him. He returns instead to work alongside the Macklins and start building a new life for himself as he moves on from rehab after his injuries. Bethany has moved to Whiskey Bend determined to focus on working towards her goal of getting into Law School after discovering her boyfriend was married and had been lying to her. The two meet and despite neither looking for a relationship find they enjoy spending time together and are attracted to each other though both have reservations. Kell finds himself being drawn back to a situation connected to his time in Special Forces which brings danger and suspense to the story. Once again Shirleen Davies has given us characters with a back story that continues to affect their choices and decisions that they need to work through, plus some drama and danger to keep our attention throughout the story. A very enjoyable read.
January 28, 2022
Army Ranger Kellen "Kell" Brooks had painstakingly put his life back together after his last mission went horribly wrong and left him seriously injured. He's joined his close friends the Macklins on their family ranch after his father betrayed him and sold their family land while he was away serving his country. Pretty paralegal Bethany Hutchison caught his eye while they both were running on the high school track, but he's unsure if he has anything to offer Beth who is determined to succeed in life and fulfill her dreams after escaping a disastrous relationship. Circumstances and an undeniable attraction keep throwing the two together and they found their chemistry explosive. But dangers from their pasts especially Kell's begin to rear ugly heads and their romantic futures and more are placed in serious jeopardy. Will they be able to overcome and build a future?
This book is full of twists, turns and sweet/sexy moments that will keep a reader enthralled from start to finish. Although part of a series, this book stands alone. Great job and I'm definitely going to read the rest of the series.
This book is full of twists, turns and sweet/sexy moments that will keep a reader enthralled from start to finish. Although part of a series, this book stands alone. Great job and I'm definitely going to read the rest of the series.
January 25, 2022
An exciting suspenseful read about Kell and Bethany who meet at the high school running track. He can't forget her; and when he meets her again, they connect. Both have goals and a few secrets. Suddenly Kell's friends are being targeted, and Kell and his former Special Forces buddies are trying to figure out what's going on. Will it be too late before they do and more lives under attack? A romantic suspense with plenty of action. I found Kell's 'should he/should he not' hot-and-cold treatment of his and Bethany's relationship without telling her why he breaks off with her was annoying. Glad they had their HEA. Note: though this is labeled a "Sweet Contemporary Cowboy Romance", there are a few fade out bedroom scenes. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
January 27, 2022
Kell was forced to retire from the Special Forces after he was injured in a mission that went wrong. He's working on a ranch and doing the best he can to get by will lie trying to find a way to reclaim his family ranch that his dad sold behind his back.
Bethany is working at a law firm and doing whatever it takes to achieve her dream of law school. Her days are jam packed but she makes time for a run at the school track.
One day, Bethany spots Kell at the track and is interested in him but she doesn't have time for a relationship. Kell has too many demons in his past but Bethany peeks his interest. But when Kell's past catches up to him putting Bethany and his loved ones in danger, Kell will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of who is after him and the survivors of his unit and to keep everyone safe.
This was a good book with a HEA.
Bethany is working at a law firm and doing whatever it takes to achieve her dream of law school. Her days are jam packed but she makes time for a run at the school track.
One day, Bethany spots Kell at the track and is interested in him but she doesn't have time for a relationship. Kell has too many demons in his past but Bethany peeks his interest. But when Kell's past catches up to him putting Bethany and his loved ones in danger, Kell will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of who is after him and the survivors of his unit and to keep everyone safe.
This was a good book with a HEA.
January 23, 2022
Three years ago Kellen Brooks not only lost a great friend but was so injured that he either had to retire from Special Forces or take a desk job. Now he is working for Boone Macklin, a close friend of his on Boone’s ranch while striving to continue the healing of his body. He has been going to the high school track to increase his stamina and endurance. Bethany Hutchison has a goal of being accepted into law school and work for the law office she is currently working at as a paralegal. After meeting on the track, life becomes dicey as an unexpected danger comes targeting Kell and the three surviving members of his team As with Shirleen Davis’s books, there is suspense and action that makes it impossible to put the book down till the very end.
January 26, 2022
This was a very suspenseful story with some seemingly unrelated events that turn out to be related to some that Kell and his squad learned while they were still in the Army. It takes a while into the story before we find out what had happened but that just adds to the suspense.
Kell was injured on his last mission as an Army Ranger and has spent three years recovering. Beth was betrayed by a man she was dating and moved to Whiskey Bend to start over. They do say you find love when you aren't looking for it and that's certainly the case for these two characters. Both of them were very likeable and I couldn't help but root for them to find their HEA. This was a great story.
Kell was injured on his last mission as an Army Ranger and has spent three years recovering. Beth was betrayed by a man she was dating and moved to Whiskey Bend to start over. They do say you find love when you aren't looking for it and that's certainly the case for these two characters. Both of them were very likeable and I couldn't help but root for them to find their HEA. This was a great story.
January 27, 2022
This was so good!
Kellan and Bethany were just so cool together. Kellan was trying to get back his life after injury in the Special Forces three years before when he meets Bethany out running on the track he was.
This is dramatic, suspenseful and fast paced. It really grabbed my attention from the start and never really let go. I loved their connection and also the team spirit and what he had with his mates. It was a unique set of guys and all so different.
Well written as only Shirleen Davies writes, it was a great story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
Kellan and Bethany were just so cool together. Kellan was trying to get back his life after injury in the Special Forces three years before when he meets Bethany out running on the track he was.
This is dramatic, suspenseful and fast paced. It really grabbed my attention from the start and never really let go. I loved their connection and also the team spirit and what he had with his mates. It was a unique set of guys and all so different.
Well written as only Shirleen Davies writes, it was a great story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 28, 2022
There was instant attraction with Kell and Beth and they probably jumped into bed too soon. Beth was recently burned by a cheating man and as a result had sworn off love for a while. She was a lot more calm about things with Kell than I would be. He gives off mixed signal, wanting to be with her yet overwhelm by his feelings and afraid that she'll get caught in the crossfires of a situation from his past. There was plenty of suspense as Kell and his ranger teammates have to worry about an enemy taking them out and those they care about. I liked Zane and Cliff and hope they get their own stories.
January 29, 2022
I have read enough of Shirleen Davies’ books to know that when I pick one up, I can expect to be entertained. Kell was no exception. Forced to retire from the army because of injuries he received in a skirmish, he was working hard on his friends’ ranch, trying to heal both physically and mentally. One morning, an attractive woman caught his eye as he was running on the high school track. From that point on, his life was changed.
This book has it all – intrigue, romance, and action. All the characters are multidimensional and realistic, so you feel as though you want to hang out with them. It kept my interest from the start. Davies knows how to tell a good story!
This book has it all – intrigue, romance, and action. All the characters are multidimensional and realistic, so you feel as though you want to hang out with them. It kept my interest from the start. Davies knows how to tell a good story!
February 5, 2022
Intrigue and indecision plague a returning soldier when he returns to his home in Whiskey Bend. Kell now is a part owner of the Macklin Brothers ranch, since his father had sold their family ranch while he was deployed. When he sees a beautiful woman running at the high school track, he's intrigued enough to watch for her. He meets her, but is really indecisive about being with her. Beth is hurt by his actions and tries to get along without him. Unfortunately, Kell has also brought home trouble from his last mission. When that trouble explodes on Beth, he finally decides to take the leap with her.
January 23, 2022
Kell takes up work at the Macklin ranch after leaving army forces. He is taken with Beth who he sees when running. Eventually he asks her out to dinner but is a little put off when he finds out she works for the lawyer who helped sell his inheritance. Beth is off men after being misled in a previous relationship. However, their attraction to each other is hard to resist. Some trouble turns up from Kell's past that threatens Beth so Kell backs away. A sweet heart-warming addition to this series. Read an ARC for an honest review.
January 26, 2022
Kell sees Beth when he's running and is sure he's met her before. He's still recovering from the injuries he sustained in his last mission, three years ago, where out of eight men only four returned.
Beth knows who he is as she met him at the ranch before he left on his last op.
He rescues her from her drunk ex and they have a meal together, but he doesn't want to put her in danger after being shot at, and one of his team has been murdered.
Who's after him and his remaining team? Is it something to do with their last mission or something else?
As usual Shirleen has us guessing.
Beth knows who he is as she met him at the ranch before he left on his last op.
He rescues her from her drunk ex and they have a meal together, but he doesn't want to put her in danger after being shot at, and one of his team has been murdered.
Who's after him and his remaining team? Is it something to do with their last mission or something else?
As usual Shirleen has us guessing.
January 27, 2022
Kell is recovering from the injuries that caused him to retire from being a army ranger. Returning home to work on his best friend ranch and try to move forward. His daily routine of running the track he meets Beth who also uses running as a stress reliever. Their attraction to each other is instant. The action starts behind the scenes when Kell and his surviving former teammates are forced to confront what they discovered. Beth becomes a pawn in the cat and mouse game Kell and his teammates are dealing with. Action, attraction, romance all rolled into one. Great read.
January 27, 2022
Kell had everything that kept me glued to the book from the first to the last page with characters you want to know more about, action, suspense, danger, and a sweet romance. Ms. Davies knocked me off my feet with this book and I was disappointed I had to say goodbye to my book friends when I got to the end. If you enjoy can't-put-down contemporary cowboy romance, don't miss Kell, book four in the Macklins of Whiskey Bend series. I can't wait to read more from this gifted author. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
January 27, 2022
I loved it! Amazing story-line with a touch of mystery, a bit of intensity, and, finally love enters Kell’s life. Having been medically discharged from the Army Rangers, Kell settled into life with his bro-family in Whiskey Bend, Montana. Because his father had sold the home ranch while he served overseas, he settled on the Macklin Ranch to do the work he loved with the men he considered brothers. Thanks to this author and her great writing, I loved the book.
February 2, 2022
I enjoyed this book and this series. Kell and Beth meet while on the running track. Then Kell sees her at a bar and introduces himself and asks for a dance. Beth and Kell get to know each other and they start to date.
Kell has a dark past one that puts Beth in danger so he breaks it off with her. He has to find a way to end the past from catching up with him but it's more dangerous than he first thinks. The men in his old unit are dying and he knows why.
Kell has a dark past one that puts Beth in danger so he breaks it off with her. He has to find a way to end the past from catching up with him but it's more dangerous than he first thinks. The men in his old unit are dying and he knows why.
February 25, 2022
I enjoyed this book and this series. This book is exciting and mysterious. It's about Kell and Beth. Two people enjoying a second chance.
Kell is out of the armed services and coming home. He has a damaged leg but he gets around fine. He meets Beth on the track field of the high school running. They enjoy each others company until his past catches up to them and put both of them in danger.
This book also updates you on several stories that came before.
Kell is out of the armed services and coming home. He has a damaged leg but he gets around fine. He meets Beth on the track field of the high school running. They enjoy each others company until his past catches up to them and put both of them in danger.
This book also updates you on several stories that came before.
January 27, 2022
This is a great addition to a great series. I found it to be interesting and engaging but could have used a little more action. Kell & Beth's journey is not the typical love story which made it more interesting. At times I wanted to smack Kell, but he eventually straightened up. I was left with some questions that I really wanted answers to, but it by no means distracts from the story.
February 18, 2022
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. A story about Kell and struggles he and his friends deal with. Beth meets Kell and even with his struggles he is going through he ends up protecting her from evil. A standalone read but plenty of action to keep you turning the pages.
January 19, 2022
What a fantastic read! This is the fourth in the Macklin series and the best so far. Two people with different goals and heavy baggage find each other and realize by doing so they've found their HEA. Plenty of action, drama and suspense to keep you reading right to the end.
January 21, 2022
I loved this story. Once I started reading I stayed up late to finish.
Well written and great characters equal an awesome read. You don't want to miss this.
I was given an advanced reader copy and I voluntarily leave this review.
Well written and great characters equal an awesome read. You don't want to miss this.
I was given an advanced reader copy and I voluntarily leave this review.
January 27, 2022
Really Great Series
I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters. It's always great to visit Whiskey Bend and this book didn't disappoint. I loved Kell and Beth's story. A captivating read with intrigue as well as romance. I anxiously await the next book.
I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters. It's always great to visit Whiskey Bend and this book didn't disappoint. I loved Kell and Beth's story. A captivating read with intrigue as well as romance. I anxiously await the next book.
January 28, 2022
A broken man, broken trust, family ranch sold behind his back and an attractrion that is very strong. A woman who could heal him but will he give her a whole chance. Danger from the past.
This story is so intense in feelings, danger and attraction.
I received this ARC for an honest review
This story is so intense in feelings, danger and attraction.
I received this ARC for an honest review
February 4, 2022
Great reading
Great reading about Kell and Beth. Kell had a medical discharge and noe he finds out one of his team died in a car crash with drugs involved which he was sure was wrong. He wants to find answers. He running a ranch with friends and meets Beth.
Great reading about Kell and Beth. Kell had a medical discharge and noe he finds out one of his team died in a car crash with drugs involved which he was sure was wrong. He wants to find answers. He running a ranch with friends and meets Beth.
February 15, 2022
Kell went to the Macklin Ranch a broken man but with help from the Macklin men and Beth, Kell can heal and put his life back together.
If you read any of the Macklin brother books, you know a happy ending is out there for Kell. But watching it happen is what makes it a great story.
If you read any of the Macklin brother books, you know a happy ending is out there for Kell. But watching it happen is what makes it a great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews