I've finished "Next of Kin" the 1st book in her Rebel Ridge series by Sharon Sala.
Product Description
Beth Venable has seen too much. Witness to a major mob hit, she's placed in protective custody until the trial. But after her third safe house is riddled with bullets, she goes off-grid to save herself. What the FBI can't do, her kinfolk will.
The beautiful but forbidding Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky welcome Beth back, dirt roads and rustic shacks a world apart from L.A. But her homecoming — even her blissful reunion with strong, silent Ryal Walker — is made bittersweet by the fight she's brought to the clan's doorstep. Hidden in a remote cabin with the man she's always wanted, Beth begins to dream of a new life: her old one. But after so long, with such dangers stalking her … impossible.
But love can distill life down to its essence: an elixir of pure hope, nerve — and the will to survive.
About the Author
Sharon Sala is a native of Oklahoma and a member of Romance Writers of America. She is a NYT, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, WaldenBooks mass market, Bestselling author of 85 plus books written as Sharon Sala and Dinah McCall. She's a 7 time RITA finalist, Janet Dailey Award winner, 5 time National Reader's Choice Award winner, 4 time Career Achievement Award from RT Magazine, 4 time winner of Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence.
Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Mira; Original edition (January 31, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778313123
ISBN-13: 978-0778313120
My Review:
While staying at a her friend Sarah's house Beth Venable witnesses a murder taking place next door. When the mobster finds out there was witness he puts out hit and kills Sarah. Beth is placed in protective witness protection but the mobster seems to find out which safe house she is taken too. After the third house has been breached she decides family would be able to keep her safe.
Ten years ago when Beth was seventeen years old her and her family left Rebel Ridge abruptly. It tore her and Ryal Walker the only man she has ever loved apart. She never knew the real reason why they left but assumed her parents didn't want her and Ryal together. She places a frantic call to her Uncle and he sets her up with his network of trucker friends to transfer her home to safe and sound where her family can keep her safe.
Beth's grandmother Lou asks Ryal to help protect Beth and they decide to use his grandfather's rustic old cabin up in the Appalachian wilderness as their hideout. Ryal is now 35 years old and has never married. He has never forgotten about Beth and all his letters he sent her in Los Angeles came back unopened. We find out they are fourth cousins and even though there is bad blood between their families he is determined to keep her safe.
As they spend their days in the rustic cabin they finally have a big talk and realize they were both victims in the event that happened seventeen years ago. Beth is the last to know a big family secret that involves her parents.
This book was very suspenseful, thrilling, high-octave action packed romantic suspense with a bitter sweet romance.
4/5
