Bookstore owner Kerry Emerson finally seems to be back in control of her life. Her failure of a marriage firmly in her rearview mirror and her recent business expansion a success, she is in charge of her own future. One that is looking better than ever. The sight of the tall man, with the familiar salt and pepper goatee pushing open the door of her store, sets her hair on end. He doesn’t exactly … exactly bring good memories.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Damian Gomez is just looking for a decent cup of coffee when he walks into the small store offering books and brew. The pretty, feisty woman behind the counter is an unexpected surprise. Not at all unpleasant, especially since her finger that used to hold a wedding ring is now bare.
Her wild hair, boho style and silvery grey eyes suddenly hold a lot of promise.
But when his office is pulled into an international investigation into the trafficking of rare books and manuscripts, the straight-laced SAC realizes he has to keep his distance from the woman who might well be involved.
Easier said than done, since fate seems determined to throw them together.
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She is finally getting her life back on track after a divorce. Her bookstore is doing well and then he walks in. He was glad to see her.but when he gets involved with a case of rare books. He tries to pull back as she may be involved. What will happen? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Having already read Cabin 12, I found it easy to get into this, which is actually Cabin 12’s predecessor. Unfortunately, I didn’t like it as much as Cabin 12.
In the prologue, Kerry is rescued by an FBI agent after she was kidnapped. Damian, the agent who rescued her, felt for her, even found her attractive, but the wedding ring on her finger made him automatically put her in a box that he threw away. Now, 2 years later, he walks into a bookstore that serves coffee, and who is the owner/cashier? Kerry of course. Unfortunately for our hero, Kerry’s greeting is less than cordial, and it takes Damian a few to recognize her. But once he does, he’s hooked. Too bad she’s not all that receptive to his interest.
Luckily for them both, a case that has landed in Damian’s lap intersects with Kerry and her bookstore, so soon they’re in contact. The case has a lot of twists and turns, and is pretty interesting, although a bit too long and drawn out. Kerry and Damian’s relationship heats up and stays pretty hot once they give in to their attraction. Now if only they can make it through all the action the case brings to their doorstep.
As I said before, I liked the case and the mystery. It’s very well detailed and suspenseful, and is really my favorite part of Keeping 6. The relationship between Damian and Kerry isn’t anything particularly noteworthy. Typical growly alpha male dealing with a feisty woman. It’s the woman though, that I had such a hard time with and the main reason for 3 rather than 4 stars. I absolutely could not stand Kerry! I know she was supposed to be feisty and independent, but instead of those things, she came across as bitchy and judgmental. Add that the fact that this story was too long leads me to 3 stars. Still, it’s well-written and the case and the mystery is really compelling.
Love this new series. An excellent romantic mystery. Great characters and an amazing alpha hero. Cannot wait for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fate seems determined to throw them together.
Kerry and Damian made me keep a smirk on my face while reading this, it was so entertaining with a good dose of mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A new series called Rock Point, but this is also a new Author to me. A well-written story and I know I want to read the next book. Bookstore owner Kerry Emerson and FBI Special Agent in Charge Damian Gomez’s story has danger, drama, suspense, a villain and a romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kerry has been through some tough times in her life. Being kid knapped was one of them and with a whining husband who was self-centered wasn’t making things better. FBI Special Agent Gomez was captivated from the moment he first laid eyes on Kerry but seeing that she was married he chalked it up to infatuation and put her out of his mind. The next time he sees Kerry she is no longer married but owns a book store that sells rare editions and manuscripts. Gomez next case involves trafficking stolen rare books and leads him right back to the woman he had put out of his mind but the problem is his heart is still in the game. Will he be able to handle the case, keep Kerry safe this time around and his heart out of bound? I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Even though this is only the 2nd book by Freya Barker I have read, I already know how much I like her writing style. I am a huge fan of the small town setting with a hot law enforcement officer, a sassy heroine with an interesting plot and this one had all that.
The story definitely started off with a bang. I had a feeling that there was a back story and this was a continuation of another series but it did not confuse me at all. This story definitely kept me interested throughout.
FBI Special Agent Damian Gomez was a great hero of this book. He was the agent who rescues Kerry two years prior, unfortunately he did not leave a positive impression and this sort of carries into the present. When he first sees Kerry, even bruised and bloody, he felt a connection with her but unfortunately the wedding ring on her finger deters him from acting on his attraction. Fast forward two years, he is given another chance when he happens to pop in for coffee and lo and behold there she is behind the counter. At first he tries to ignore his feelings toward Kerry, but this all changes when her life is put in danger.
Kerry Emerson is a sassy, strong and business savvy heroine of this story. She is a successful bookshop owner who dabbles in buying and selling rare books. She has moved on from a failed marriage and happy with the life she has now, even though she does feel lonely. As much as I loved how independent Kerry was, I wasn’t too fond of how she reacted to Damian in the beginning. I totally understand she had a horrible marriage and she did not want to go back to that, but her attitude was just too much. She was rude and a bit snippy with him and so stubborn but eventually she did warm up to him and saw the great guy he was.
The suspense plot was pretty interesting. Kerry becomes involved in a criminal investigation related to stolen rare books. Her bookstore is broken into and her life was put in danger in a couple of instances. Damian’s protective instinct is kicked into high gear. The storyline keeps you guessing throughout book on who the “baddie “ is, what is in that missing box and how these two headstrong characters will reach their HEA.
All in all, this was a great read, I am looking forward to reading more from Freya Barker.
Freya Barker has a real talent for creating characters that you immediately warm to. Without having met these characters before, having not read the earlier books linked to them, I didn’t find any difficulty in immersing myself in their story. Both Kerry and Damian are extremely likable characters and their developing relationship was refreshingly unique.
When I saw that Kerry was a bookshop/cafe owner, I had flashbacks to another hugely popular series and whilst initially wary by the similarities between settings, I was relieved to find that this was not the main focal point of the story. That instead went to the ongoing drama that Kerry found herself embroiled in thanks to her interest in buying and selling rare books. When she unexpectedly finds herself the target of criminals, she assumes she is the victim of an isolated incident but when she realises what has been targeted she becomes aware that her business is linked to a rare book which is wrongly assumed to be in her possession.
Having met before when Kerry was kidnapped (a story which was covered in another book by the author), Damian continues to be captivated by her and when he finds out that she is connected to his investigation once again, he is torn, as he was before, between his job and his personal life. Kerry, having been married when Damian first met her was, is now divorced and Damian struggles to reason between his heart and his head where she is concerned. Clearly, it was a struggle that didn’t take much consideration as he and Kerry quickly start acting on the spark that they clearly share.
As the story progresses, readers are taking on a mysterious journey as Damian and his team and professional acquaintances try to find out who is behind the attacks on Kerry. What Damian doesn’t know, at first, is that the answers to all of his questions fall closer to home than he could have ever expected.
This was another interesting story from Freya Barker. However, it did seem very long winded, despite the captivating storyline. I’m afraid I did find myself skimming over some pages and I lost focus on occasion. For me, the story would have been a bigger hit had it been a little less drawn out. That said, the story and especially its conclusion was unexpected and a real treat to read and enjoy.
I’m ashamed to say that I’ve had this author’s books on my TBR list for way too long. Finally, last week on vacation I had an opportunity to read some things I “wanted” to read and I can’t tell you how happy I am that Keeping 6 was one of them.
Being of the older generation, it was so refreshing to close the cover on a book and say, hey, even at my age, love is sexy. Even at my age, I can be desired and viewed as perfect in that someone special’s eyes.
Sexy, mature FBI agent…check! Strong willed, bad-a$$, divorcee who knows what she wants…check!
Keeping 6 is full of action and adventure, so it’s not your typical contemporary romance and I guarantee you Freya Barker is going to be an automatic one-click author for me starting now!
When I first saw the cover I was intrigued. The title had me thinking. After reading the book, I am impressed by the author’s ability of inviting me in this new world and making it so easy to stay for a while. The story is a balanced mix of suspense and romance, fast paced all the way thru. Damian’s family is hilarious, enjoyed seeing their close-knit relationship. Loved the fact that Kerry and Damian are mature characters that I can relate to, their relationship is fast developing but feels real. The other thing I liked is that I didn’t have a clue who the main bad guy was until almost the end, so had me turning the pages to find clues. It ends with a HFN which is satisfying. Looking forward to more in the future books in the series.
Wow!!! This was my first book by Ms. Barker and HOLY WOW!!!!!
I admired Kerry so much through out the book!! She was strong and determined and feisty!!! I love to read books that have a strong female heroine who gives the hero a run for his money….which she did with Damian…..
Damian….oh my………he was the perfect combination of hot ALPHA man who took care of the women he loved!!!
Keeping 6 is a fine example of romantic suspense and I immediately one clicked Cabin 12…..I’m diving in now!!!
Really a well written story, enjoyed it totally , just the right amount of heat to keep your attention. I really love the characters in this story, the development and intensity of their connections is amazing. Great story , a great read, check it out, its well worth it.
A hot FBI agent and a sassy bookstore owner . Kerry and Damien have a chance meeting about two years ago when she was kidnapped unfortunately she was part of the investigation and also married at the time. He may have been curious but he did not pursue her. As luck would have he has now once again crossed paths with sassy, independent gypsy gal.
Kerry oh yes she remembers Mr. Tall Dark and Arrogant , he rescued her from the warehouse two years ago and then proceeded to put her in a van to get her out of harms way. He certainly could use some charm school. Now here they are once again as fate would have it! We have mystery, crime, danger and oh yes that attraction is still there! They have quite the witty sexually charged banter!
Kerry was easy to like she is funny , independent, strong willed and out spoken . Damien well he takes some warming too. Yes he may be that strong, sexy alpha male but his gruffness can make him appear unobtainable but he grows on you! lol Freya has once again given me characters that I just fall for !
Great read!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Keeping 6 is the first book I have read by this author and will definitely not be the last! This was an amazing read, I could not put this book down. I loved the storyline and the characters in this book. It had just enough mystery and had me guessing until the end!
This book kept you in your toes all the way through. Made you think of who was up to no good. I liked the bond between Damien and his family. Also the relationship between Kerry and Damien and how protective he is of her 🙂
Kerry has had a troubling past and now that she is free from trouble and pain or so she thoughts. She sees Damien walking by her new store. She is instantly mad that she doesn’t remember her at first but, soon he is showing up more than she would like. At least that’s what she keeps telling herself, I loved this story of a bookstore owner and a cop and all the ups and downs surrounding her work and her potential love life. This book had me watching out for what would happen next with her and Damien and what would come of her store and all the mystery in the book that I hoped would be solved fast but not fast enough. This book was a great read for it had love and whole lot of crime to solve and it took an interesting turn too.
OMFG!! WHAT DID I JUST FINISHED READING!?! FREYA BARKER is a First time AUTHOR for me and She Had Me at the Very First moment I started Reading!!! It’s a Very Sexy Suspenseful Thriller Storytelling and gives you ALL THE FEELS of a Mysterious Movie!!
Damian and Kerry’s story starts unexpectedly meeting under criminal history but didn’t go any further since she was married. Fast-forward 2 years now divorced, Kerry finds herself independent and owns a Book store/Coffee shop when All too familiar salt & pepper hair with a goatee to match walks into her store. FBI Special Agent Damian Gomez, just trying to find a decent cup of coffee when he sets eyes on the Silvery Grey ones looking at him when recognition dawns on him. Noticing the bare finger that housed a gold band and a Fiesty woman owner.
By accident, FBI Damian must investigate International book trafficking and Kerry’s Bookstore is on the list. He finds himself overprotective of Kerry and crossing over the lines between his job & the strong magical pull of Fate!
I’m Not going to Spoil KEEPING 6 for you because you NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!! It has So Many Twists and Turns that will leave you Speechless AND Upside-down that makes you want to Throw your tablet across the room (just Not too Hard)!! And the Sexual Chemistry is off the Charts HOT and leaves you Breathless!! Not your mention, throw in some Best Friends and family members that are nosey in their lives!! The Banter between the characters themselves plus the friendships/ family members are Hilarious!! A MUST READ BOOK & YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!
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DAMIAN
Wide gray eyes, the color of morning mist, stare up into mine. Just for a moment I find myself sinking in those clear pools, the promise of passion at their depths, but when I see the trickle of blood running down the side of her neck, I shake myself free.
The suspect’s knife left a sizable gash. Her face is bruised and swollen, and from the tight way she holds her body, I suspect the rest of her is as well.
“Kerry?”I prompt her, earning me a small nod. “I’m Special Agent Damian Gomez. Hang tight, we’ve got an ambulance on the way.”
Kerry and Damian were older than the usual romance characters, and they had more life experience. This made their story even better in my opinion. Kerry was prickly at times, but that stemmed from the fact that she had previously been married to a very controlling, manipulative man. Sometimes she fought the things that were in her best interests, but that didn’t faze Damian for the most part. Damian was the stereotypical FBI agent at the beginning of the story, and I enjoyed watching him change over time as his feelings for Kerry grew. I enjoyed the mystery and changed my mind several times regarding the identity of the “inside” person participating in the situation surrounding Kerry. This was a very well-written and engrossing story, and I’ll be happy to read more from this author.
Kerry and Damian’s story kept me on my toes. Lots of twists and turns that had me finishing this story quickly to see what happens. Lots going on, but it all works. This book has strong characters. I loved the twist at the end!!! Well done to Freya. This is my first book from this author and I will love to read more!!
Kerry Emerson’s life has changed so much in the past two years but now she is in a great place having expanded her bookstore business and opening a second store. Yet all of that is at risk when he walks into the store reminding her of how far she has come.
Special Agent Damian Gomez remembers Kerry from the past but is more excited about the lack of a wedding ring on her finger than anything else after recalling what a jerk her ex was.
Unfortunately for Damian he finds himself drawn into a new case about the theft of 1st edition books and could Kerry be at the center of it?
This was a great book filled with lots of mystery and romance!
I hated what Kerry went through in the past but I was so happy that she was able to take that and follow her own dreams of opening a bookstore and then being able to expand it. I loved the sexual tension between her and Damian and you knew things were going to get heated fast!
Special Agent Damian Gomez was great and initially he was a little torn with his job and Kerry but soon he realized where to put his effort.
It blew my mind how Kerry was seen as a suspect after so many things happened to her but I was wondering if it was deflection since we knew somebody was guilty on the inside. I had my guess but then I discovered I could be wrong as the person was all of a sudden doing good things. I was so happy to be surprised!
I had a feeling about Marya and I was right on that one and I am glad that it wasn’t worse for her.
The action towards the end was awesome and I was surprised at how everything went down!
So happy for Damian and Kerry!