“A perfect dark cowboy romance. I loved Jake’s dominance and pure love for Conor. I loved the estate and ranch. I loved the swoony sexiness. 5 Stars.” ~ Pepper Winters, New York Times Bestselling AuthorI try to forget her. It’s impossible. Growing up together, Conor and I shared all our firsts. First love, first kiss, first… Not all our firsts. We were sixteen the night she was violently …
We were sixteen the night she was violently assaulted while I helplessly watched.
I’ll never forget the sounds of her suffering.
Or my inconsolable agony when she left Oklahoma.
Years later, she returns to honor our teenage pact.
Except the boy she loved is gone, replaced by a ruthless cattle rancher knotted with secrets.
She doesn’t know my dark cravings or the trails of sin that lead to her.
I don’t deserve her, but one truth remains.
She’s mine.
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So I went into this book blind and i was amazed. This is not your normal childhood friends turned lovers, seperated and found each other again. It has a dark side to this story.
One night changes everything for their families.. Greed and living the rich lifestyle will make you do crazy things including murder.
Conor and Jake had big plans. Go to college and then start their life together. That all got jacked one night.. What was supposed to a beautiful night turned into a fight for their lives. Things got crazy after this and justice was served.
I was a little unsure about Conor at first but she soon changed my mind. She has attitude and fight in her. She went through hell and survived. She lost her love, was beaten daily and sheltered by a monster but still came out of it. It changed her but she never forgot about Jake or Oklahoma. She wanted revenge.
Jake was changed that night as well. He found out things and between him and his brother, justice was served. He was just amazing! He helped Conor overcome her issues which included PTSD. It might not have been the proper way but it worked for them. It made them have trust in each other and heal from the past in order to move on. This book had me hooked! I couldn’t put it down!
This new brand of western had this New Yorker hooked!
Fantastically written this read was riddled with angst and triggers that literally took my breath away.
Triggers… ok, so you’ve been warned!
Personally, I was hooked by the end of page 1.
The complex and complicated story of Jake and Conor’s story was riveting, gritty and intense. Emotionally charged, raw and very brutal, this story of hot cowboys, young love and revenge(on steroids) was intriguing, suspenseful and just unputdownable!!
This is book 1 in the Trails of Sin series.
Each book is a different couple, and I cannot wait to see the magical powers of this author to see what direction each book takes.
Must be read in order.
Wow! What a book!! What a story! This is my first read from Pam, and I am currently wondering why it took me so long to pick up one of her books! Where has she been all my life? I really was captivated by this book, I devoured it. I didn’t sleep! I needed to know what was happening!
Jake and Conor’s story will rip your heart right out of your chest. It did for me. I cried a lot through this book. I cried for what happened to Conor. Cried for what happened after. I cried a lot. This book is so gritty, it’s real, it’s dark but it’s such a great read.
The characters are all so great. Jake is dark and brooding. He will protect his family at any cost. Conor is so sweet but broken. But she is also such a strong heroine.
I really loved this book, even with all the heartbreaking parts. The storyline consumed me and held me captive until the very end. This book is dark but it is also about healing, about trust, and true love. True love can survive even the roughest terrain. I so can not wait for the next story!
Saying that I was very suprised what I find out inside this book would be VERY, VERY BIG understatement!!!!
I rarely read blurbs on the cover so a lot of timtes I have no idea what book have inside.
Watching on the graphic I was sure that I will read some good book about hot cowboys…. well…. I always say don’t judge the book by it’s cover so I should punch myself HARD now!
I didn’t expected that Knotted will take my breath away and make my heart crushing so many times. Even if it wasn’t easy book, You’ll find there sweet and steamy moments. All story starts very innocent but page by page Pam takes us for mega speed ride. I love how author step by step sucks me by plot, characters, with keeping still a little secrets behind.
I love this book ,Knotted is really good one.
Love, Sacrifice & Vengeance
A dark romance that will show you just how much a man in love will sacrifice for the woman he loves.
Conor and Jake grew up together. Best friends along with Jake’s brother Jarret and Conor’s brother Lorne. They all lived on the ranch and in the same house. And then Conor and Jake fell in love.
She was just turning sixteen and he was seventeen. Young love that got ruined in one night. An act by evil men that would change everything.
Then, they were torn apart. He stayed away to keep her safe. She just existed and tried to move on.
Six years later, a pact brings them all back together. But this time, no matter the cost, he’s never letting her go,
This story will tear you up, then slowly piece you back together. Their story is dark yet beautiful. He loved her no matter what. And when she thought she was irrevocably broken, he helped her heal and overcome her ghosts.
Conor was strong and resilient, even when she felt weak. Jake was unrelenting and fearless. Their love was unstoppable. Love that transcends time and distance. A love that heals and comes without conditions. Their path was wrought with pain and heartache, but their union was filled with passion and endless love for one another. I will be looking forward to Lorne & Jarret’s stories.
The first book of the Trails of Sin Trilogy and I have mixed feelings about the book.
The first part of the book was really good. It was dark, very intense and incredible sad. My heart just broke for Conor. And she was so strong. She pulled through and focused on chasing her dream.
And I was curious to find out why.
I just wasn’t a fan of Jake and how he acts towards Conor and his ways of helping her. And the whole lead up to the next story was just weird.
DELICIOUSLY DARK, INSTANTLY ENGAGING, & UTTERLY ENTHRALLING!!!
Title: Knotted
Series: Trails of Sin
Author: Pam Godwin
Designation: Book 1 of Series, Full-Length, Standalone, NO Cliffhanger, #dark #secondchanceromance #contemporary #western #cowboys
My Rating: Five Deliciously Heartwrenching, Kindle-Throwing Stars*****
Wow! In my almost 70 years on this earth, I have never, ever had such a visceral reaction to a story and its characters as I did with Knotted, the first release in the intoxicating Trails of Sin Series by Pam Godwin. I’m a total wreck after having experienced every emotion possible – I was happy, angry, confused, apprehensive, surprise, shocked, anxious, hurt, frustrated, enraged, sad, heartbroken – and that was just in the first 6 chapters. Once I reached the end of Chapter 7, I was indignant and downright furious, shaking my fists in anger while screaming, “No, no, noooo!” at the top of my lungs. I almost threw my Kindle against the wall! Never have I wanted to strangle a character more than I did Jake Holsten. Jake is the male protagonist of this riveting drama and I literally despised him with a passion. I actually wanted to do him bodily harm, and I’m not even a violent person! By the end of Chapter 8, I was completely heartbroken, inconsolable, and sobbing uncontrollably which continued through the entire book. And it was FABULOUS, I LOVED every single second! So, now that I’ve told you how much I enjoyed Knotted, let me tell you why.
Knotted is a riveting, fast-paced, easy to follow, exceptionally well crafted, full length, standalone, contemporary cowboy family saga filled to the brim with pulse-pounding danger, heartwrenching drama, spine-tingling suspense, agonizing angst, steamy passion, and dreamy romance. The narrative is beautifully written in the first person with clearly defined his and her perspectives. The dialogue is smart, snappy, gritty, emotional, well executed, and flows effortlessly. But my favorite component of this moving tale is the cast of intriguing characters, and this is where Pam Godwin truly shines. Don’t get me wrong, I also enjoyed the world and conflict for this story, They were not only compelling but also frighteningly realistic. I’ve been reading a long time and can usually tell before finishing the first chapter whether a story is plot or character driven, and normally it’s always one or the other, one component being the strongest driving force, but not with Knotted. Both elements were strong, extremely well presented and developed. After reading only the first few pages, it was immediately apparent that Godwin is a master storyteller and skilled wordslinger. Her sultry, sensual prose is nothing short of mesmerizing, but it’s Godwin’s cast of instantly engaging, easily relatable characters that truly captured my heart. They literally exploded from the pages, ensnared my imagination, and held me prisoner from the first page till the last. I was immediately smitten with the male protagonist, handsome, dominant cowboy Jake Holsten. Granted, I did hate him for a few chapters, but he quickly won me over and regained my respect. And what do I even say about the beautiful, brave, determined, resilient Conor Cassidy, aspiring veterinarian and cowgirl extraordinaire? I think Conor may be my favorite heroine of all time. I related to this girl, identified with her, empathized with her, and my heart broke for her. Conor Cassidy is probably the most courageous female protagonist of any book I’ve ever read. These two characters complemented each other brilliantly, and their sexual chemistry was so hot it sizzled. Their soul-deep connection was obvious in the first few pages, one that could not be denied. The interaction between Jake and Conor was mesmerizing, almost magical. Some folks spend a lifetime dreaming about finding this kind of connection, and it does exist. I saw it with my mother and father, and it was truly a sight to behold. Jake and Conor were childhood sweethearts and had this kind of love but were torn apart in their late teens by a devastatingly violent event orchestrated by an unknown enemy, yet they never stopped loving each other. We all know the heart wants what the heart wants, and Jake Holsten wanted Conor Cassidy and nothing short of death would stop him from having her. Godwin literally ripped my heart out with Jake and Conor’s journey to find happiness and kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering and waiting to see what the future would hold for them. Through the entire book, I kept thinking there’s no way Godwin can pull this off and give this couple the happy ending they deserve, but she did and did it exceptionally well. An unexpected plot twist here, another there, a few painful secrets revealed, long overdue truths confessed, and voila! And it was all done perfectly!
So, did I like this book? I think you already know the answer but just for clarification, I loved it! Would I recommend it? You bet, and I am but only for adult readers. Knotted does contain explicit language, sex, and violence. It’s also a dark romance with a violent theme and not for the meek of heart. It may contain triggers for anyone sensitive to rape and abuse(neither inflicted by the hero). But what lies at the heart of Knotted is a heartachingly beautiful story, heralding a love so strong, it conquers all. Sigh… So dreamy! Knotted is the first release in the Trails of Sin Series. It’s my understanding that each book will be a standalone (but interconnected) and will feature one couple finding their happy ending. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! This was my first time reading the work of Pam Godwin but I can say with utmost certainty, it won’t be my last! I think the best compliment I can give an author, as well as the best testament to their work, is to read more of their books, and I was so impressed with Knotted, I raced back to purchase Buckled, the second book of the series featuring Jake’s twin brother Jarrett Holsten, and also preordered Booted, the third book of the series featuring Conor’s older brother Loren Cassidy, which is due to release September 18, 2018. And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Once I started reading, I could not stop. I was on the edge of my seat, white knuckling my ereader, my heart fluttering wildly in my chest as the pages flew as quickly as the time! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Running the gambit from sweet teenage romance to all grown up love with detours through the most horrendous circumstances has left me wrung out, exhausted and buzzing. First thing I did when finished was put Buckled and Booted on my wishlist!
Pam Godwin does not shy away from details. Be they good or bad, or sad or hot (so hot). Feelings described in ways that take your breath away. I could feel the ranch around me. And a few other things, hehe. But there’s no way I’d want to take that man away from Conor. They are meant to be. Truly.
After only having read a couple of chapters of Knotted my heart was ripped open. It was brutal, it was beyond intense and excruciating. That was all it took for me to be captured by Pam Godwin’s new book and her characters Conor, Jake, Jarrett and Lorne.
Knotted is all about loyalty and sacrifice. Love and losses. Forgiveness and acceptance. This group of people are family and best friends. They’ll do everything together and trust each other explicitly until a horrific trauma changes them all irrevocably.
Conor and Jake are childhood sweethearts and their love is pure and beautiful. When everything is taken away from them, Jarrett and Lorne they’ll do what’s necessary to protect each other no matter the costs. It’s dark and gritty. What’s not is Jake and his love for Conor. She’s repressing her past and her emotions but Jake is determined to bring Conor out of this numbness. His methods are tough but he does it because of love and guilt. I really enjoyed their journey back towards one another. It’s emotional and difficult but it had to be with what Conor had experienced.
I enjoyed Jake and Jarrett’s brotherly love and bond as much as Conor and her brother Lorne. Their fight for justice was entertaining and offered plenty of laughs and swoons. I’m invested in every character and I can’t wait to read Jarrett and Lorne’s books. The Trail Of Sin series is simply fabulous.
Wow this book was absolutely stunning!
Ms. Godwin shattered my heart and made me cry till my eyes were red and swollen.
But she also warmed my soul and made me believe in miracles.
This book brought out so much emotions from me,from highs to lows.
It’s emotional,powerful and beautiful!
Conor is one OF THE strongest heroines I’ve come across!
She’s smart,courageous,strong emotionally and mentally,she’s a fighter through and through!
She tough but yet has so much vulnerability to her.
She’s also loyal almost to a fault.
She never gave up on the people she loved even when she had good reason too.
Conor is fierce and a warrior!
Jake is the type of man most of us wish for.
Compassionate,protective,possessive and loves with his whole heart and loves unconditionally.
He’s a loyal boyfriend,loyal brother and loyal friend.
When a major tragedy strikes Conor and Jake their lives are turned inside out and upside down.
They will forever be changed.
But the devastation will run deeper and more powerful than any can imagine!
I loved this book so much!
The writing was perfection!
The plot was brilliant!
The characters were unforgettable!
Exactly what I want from a book.
An absolute must read for fans and followers of Ms. Godwin!
An absolute must read for those who love stunning twists and turns in their romance novels!
I’m so excited and thrilled to read more from this cast of characters and see how their stories unfold!
Where to begin! I enjoyed this book so much! I was hooked the moment I saw the cover and knew this was going to be a wonderful book!
Jake is a sexy cowboy who is so hard not to fall in love with, Seeing him change from a boy to a man doing what right made it a page turner. His love and protection of Conor is something you can only hope for in a relationship. And seeing why he does the things he has done to protect her is wow!
Conor is a tough girl and everything she has gone through makes her that much of fighter. She has a lot of hate, but her love for Jake never completely disappeared, and how she learned to let him again, was a crazy ride!
Pam Godwin does it again! She ripped my heart out and put it back together in a way I never imagined. Beautifully written. This is a story of two families that survived in the face of tragedy. Along the way, love is found and then ripped apart in the most harrowing way. The journey back to the passion and devotion that was once shared is brilliantly done. Dark, mesmerizing, sinfully sexy in a way only Pam Godwin can master.
Four Tissue Box Read!
A Twisted Tale of Love and Loss and all those moments in between.
This started out a bit slow for me and I almost stopped and moved on – I am such an impatient chit – I would have missed one of the best rollercoaster reads of the year
Four friends – two sets of siblings raised as a family- torn apart by an act that would forever haunt their lives
Connor – The feisty little sister and the sole heart that beat in Jakes’ chest. I absolutely loved how feisty and stubborn our heroine was. She was the kind and intelligent – but also tough with an inner fire that nothing seemed to extinguish – A great female lead
Jake – one of the wonder twins and Mr. stubborn to boot.
My heart broke for the characters in this story
I loved the way the author took me through the entire journey roping me in and dragging me through every moment – I chuckled at their happiness – swooned at the depth of their love – choked at the betrayal and gasped breathlessly at the exposure of the lies and deceit that destroyed so many innocent lives
A must-read for anyone who enjoys getting lost in a story
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
Buckled is the second book in Pam Godwin’s Trails of Sin Series. You need to read Knotted first. Events that occurred in Knotted are carried over into Buckled. They do not however have cliff hanger endings so they are full books that won’t make your heart stop when you finished because your hanging there waiting for more. I am not going to lie though I would be happy to have the next book in my hands right now.
I protect what’s mine. The ranch, my family, our buried secrets. Nothing will stop me from reassembling the life that went terribly wrong. Not the law. Not our enemies. Not even Maybe Quinn. The gorgeous, quarrelsome journalist shouldn’t have meddled. I shouldn’t have let her stay. But she’s hiring something in those deceptive blue eyes. Something deeper than her thirst for a news story. I make a deal with her to buy time. To unravel her lies. To play with her. To satisfy my darker appetites. When she buckles beneath my belt, I’ll send her away. Unless I buckle first.
Buckled is the story of Jarret and Maybe. Jarret is protected of his families ranch, his brothers and his best friends. He will do anything to protect them. One night though a hotter than sin girl comes looking for him and his twin and answers. She is a reporter. But reporters are nothing new to the Holsten twins. They have secrets. Buried secrets about and on their ranch. Now Maybe Quinn has entered their lives and you always keep your enemies close. In fact you keep them in your own house and want them more than your next breath. Jarret is the brother who is happy with his life and the women he spends time with. He never wants to settle down or get married. He just doesn’t do relationships. Maybe too though has been hurt badly. Everyone leaves her that she cares about. Now she is homeless, broke and looking for answers that the Holsten’s have. She’s not stopping until she gets them. What neither expects is the connection these two have, the sexual chemistry and a passion that lights up the sky. I have to say right here that the love scene in this book is just absolutely amazing. I can’t tell you why but I thought that it was beautiful written. So much so that I was right there in the moment with them. How amazing to have such a connection with someone and to be chased like Maybe is. I loved her and Jarret but never saw the secret she is carrying around coming in a million years. It’s a shocker. This book is equal parts what’s going on and one of the most passionately beautiful books I have read in a while. You do not want to miss this story. And can I just say what a cover!!! I loved it. And Maybe for a female character. I loved that too. Heck there is nothing that I didn’t love about this book. Go get it now and enjoy!! Your going to be just as addicted to this series as I am. I am so looking forward to Lorne’s story too!!!
Its the easy five star to give for Knotted. Finish it in one sitting, Pam Godwin sure didn’t hold punches right from the first chapter.
Connor and Jake grow up together. They are best friends. Lovers. First to each other. A future to each other. Until one night, the night that should be everything beutiful for them, become everything that would destroy them and their perfect world.
Knotted grip my heart from the first chapter. The evil of that night when she was attacked violantly and he couldn’t do anything to stop it. The detail feeling of someone so pure, so innocent, destroyer and hit bottom repeteadly. I cried for her braveness. I hurt for the wall she build to protect her self when the only man she ever love, dump her without a blink.
So many secrets. Layers. And healing time. Pam makes me crazy with opposites wants. First i tought i want details of that night, but when she gives me that, my stomach couldn’t handle it.
As always, Pam’s writing are clean, flow easily, captivating, and just won’t let go till the end. Bravo for all the women out there who had similar situation as Connor and stay strong and seeks help to fight their demons. Great job as usual, Pam. But i must warn you, this story is not for the fainted heart
REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
“We’re stronger than hellos and goodbyes and deeper than beginnings and ends.”
For my first read of Pam Godwin’s, I would say this was a definite win for me. Her descriptions are vivid and the pictures she paints with her words are fantastic! Her cadence was easy to follow and her words flowed so smoothly, making the movement almost feel rhythmic. So easy to read. I just had a really good time getting immersed in this story and the actions and consequences of everything going on around these central characters. I’m excited for the next two books because I have already fallen in love with the characters and their direction.
FIRST AND FOREMOST, I feel like I must note that the assault discussed in the synopsis was very brutal. Very descriptive. Very…..horrific. But, having said that, I feel like it set the tone for me as the reader to understand the depth of Jake’s devotion to Conor. As painful as it was to read and “live through it” with Conor, I couldn’t put it down and I couldn’t look away. I read it through one long, shocking, wide-eyed gasp. I knew at that moment, not only was this story going to be intense, but Jake’s love was going to prove to be the kind you swoon and blush over. I just knew it. Profound in every sense of the word, he was going to save her from her own demons – his way.
Her rock.
Her champion.
Her lover.
Her protector.
The confidence in Jake was beyond intense. He knew Conor was IT for him…his future. I loved seeing him reign in his desires and needs just to protect Conor, but when he got to let it out and let her know the truth of his heart? Oh goodness, that was sexy. He was so strong and so determined, but so persistent and so patient. Jake was the epitome of strength and sexy mixed together. There was conviction in his soul and love in his heart, and he wanted nothing more than to take care of Conor.
“I’m everything when I’m with her and nothing without her.”
Jake and Conor’s dynamic was very interesting to read – the truest of loves defying all odds. I love it when an author’s words can take me deep into the emotions the characters are feeling and dealing with, and Pam did that with finesse. I was completely caught up in it all and literally biting my nails throughout this entire book. Stomach-clenching good. Conor had some serious issues stemming from her assault, and the fact that Jake was the man that he was? This man put her first, no matter how difficult the decisions were. He also knew when to push Conor and when to change up his tactics. Jake really made this one amazing for me, but Conor stole the show with her strength and convictions. There was such a strength in her pain….in her self pity. In her retrospect. She was a neat character to learn and watch grow. Two very strong characters, with a story worth reading.
“Impatience is my enemy. Insatiable desire is my weakness.”
Surprisingly, I was expecting some deviously HOT and sexy times. I mean, she said this was dark and sexy…..so I was expecting that. Yet, I didn’t necessarily get that. (Don’t hate – remember my rating up there) Even though there were some hot times – I’m not denying that one bit, I felt like more heartfelt emotions are what I got – and that may have been because of Jake. He seriously had the patience of a saint. But, as naughty as Jake was, and as sexy as his thoughts were, he had nothing but respect and patience for Conor and everything that she went through. I really enjoyed their story and smiled throughout quite a bit of it. Whether it was Conor’s sass or Jakes persistence, I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough. I wanted to soak up their love. It was a beautiful thing to read.
I am not normally one to read suspense and action within my romances. Nothing against it, it just doesn’t always work for me. Well, leave to an author that knows her craft very well to change my mind. Pam was able to infuse this story with some sexy times, some suspenseful reality, some gut-wrenching pain, and a ton of pleasure….she had it all in this book! I started this at midnight….read until 3 am because I lost track of time, and then finished it the next day. I will be reading more of Pam’s work; no truer truths than that!! I loved her words.
“You don’t need me to fix you. You need me to sit with you in the sadness.”
~BEE
Pam Godwin left me in knots with this spectacular story. The perfect plot for the beginning of a new series that will keep you tied until the last page.
This book has it all: romance, sensuality, danger, emotion, love, hatred, angst and one (or three) hell of a very sexy alpha cowboy!
The plot in itself is amazing. There’s nothing left behind.
Coner and Jake share a love so intense, so big, that nothing comes between them. They are strong, mature, their personalities are fantastic and this is what I love in books.
They go through a lot of difficulties. There’s angst all over this story. But there’s also so much love and loyalty… this is the kind of book that will break your heart and wet your panties at the same time! Wicked!
I definitely loved this book and cant wait for Jarret and Lorne story!
Pam Godwin delivers again! When she said she was going to write about cowboys I couldn’t imagine what it would be. Dark, dirty, dangerous cowboys! The story is raw and hard to read at times. The first two chapters had me on a roller coaster of emotions. Sweet & lovey, shock, outrage, and denial to name a few. Pam Godwin’s writing will suck you in, leaving you paralyzed as you turn each page. She is the queen of dark!
The scene is set at Julep Ranch in Oklahoma. Connor & Lorne Cassidy have grown up on the ranch with Jarrett & Jake Holsten. They share an amazing bond together. But for Connor and Jake it goes a little further. Jake has been in love with Connor for as long as he can remember. Connor is sweet and kind. Her dream is to become a veterinarian and work on the ranch. Everything was great until one terrible night…..
As the blurb states:
We were sixteen the night she was violently assaulted while I helplessly watched.
I’ll never forget the sounds of her suffering.
Or my inconsolable agony when she left Oklahoma.
That night changed everything. Jake is devastated. He was supposed to protect Connor. He carries guilt about that whole night and his part in it. The fall out does not end with Jake. It is spread out. The effect is felt among all four of them. They all play a role in what will happen next to Connor.
Connor and her dad move away. Life as she knew it changes. But Connor is a fighter. I love the way Connor embraces her circumstances and life in general. She does have issues but she will not let them bring her down. Connor feels alone and has her moments, but she is determined. She is still pursuing her goal to become a veterinarian. But, there is unfinished business back in Oklahoma.
“Living here is slowly killing me. I need my family.”
Pam weaves a web that sucks us in. She will bring you to the brink before pulling you back. I didn’t think I’d make it past chapter two! This story has a lot to it. Mystery, suspense, love, erotic all packed into one tale. There is also a twist, or two!
If you haven’t read Pam yet I suggest you give her a try. From student/teachers to sex slaves, she has a little bit of dark for everyone!
“The right choice and the hardest choice are the same.”
Next up – Jarrett’s story in Buckled!
4.5 stars
I did the adult equivalent of hiding my face in my hands and holing up in corner…and that was just by chapter 4. Emotional rollercoaster doesn’t even begin to convey the utter devastation and range of humanity this book covers. At several points I had to put the book down to quell my own emotions. This is the first book in the Trails of Sin series, and my first time reading a Pam Godwin book. The cover makes you think it’s a standard cowboy romance, but don’t let the sexy rancher fool you, there is nothing standard about this book.
“For the first time in my life, I don’t know how to proceed with her.” Our main characters are high school sweethearts and best friends. But on Conor’s sixteenth birthday and her boyfriend Jake, along with Jake’s twin Jarret and her brother Lorne suffer an act of atrocity. Though years separate Jake and Conor, they still have to deal with the aftermath. This book is a seamless blend of love conquers all, high school lovers, alpha cowboy romance and that good will prevail. I don’t even have the words to properly convey how well the author stitched the plot together and gave us such heart rending insight into her characters world.
Our main characters are Conor, a vivacious sixteen year old girl…in love with her childhood friend Jake. Seventeen year old Jake has a twin brother Jarret and Conor has an eighteen year old brother Lorne. Together they make a foursome with a lot of history and fun. I was all smiles and happy remembrances of high school times and wishing I could be a bystander to their pasture fun; then the tides turn and these four youngsters have to deal with the fallout of a vicious rape of Conor and their own actions against the perpetrators. Not only do you get to meet some great people in this book, but you see how they deal with their grief, anger, and love. Each character’s actions were so well crafted and detailed that you were drawn into their story and understood their passion and desire; their anger and wrath; their joy and sorrow. I can’t even begin to pinpoint all the great details that went into their creation.
Jake and Conor are teenage sweethearts, and we’re all enjoying them making out on a ranch with all their teenage hormones. But when they reconnect, despite the tale of despair and distance the hormones are still out in full force. Jake works his sexy rancher magic on Conor to help her deal with her PTSD and fire up her dormant hormones. Twenty three year old Jake “has a devastating effect on the ovaries.” One of my other favorite quotes about our alpha rancher is “those jeans fit so low and provocatively around his hips I can see his religion.” Whew…is it too hot in here, or just me?
“The terrain of childhood shapes the soul, and the soul never forgets.” This book starts off sweet, but so quickly you get the details about the blurb and are drawn into this fast paced and amazing book. Ms. Godwin wrote one of the most glorious and emotionally draining books I have read in a long time. I honestly can’t even find the words to explain how well this book was written.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. While this book is does provide a happy ending, there are still lots tendrils of plot to tie up and I want to see more of Jarret and Lorne. The book forces you to think how you would react if someone you love has to deal with a tragic situation. “This is the fulcrum on which our past and future come together in a dance of spinning, fighting and forgiving.”
Star Ratings:
Plot = 5/5 Characters = 5/5 Heat = 5/5 Writing Style = 5/5 Overall Rating = 5/5
Pam Godwin delivers again! Jake and Conor’s story is a beautiful,heartfelt,heartbreaking and sexy masterpiece! Sexy cowboy who would do anything for the girl he’s loved his whole life even if it breaks her heart. This first book in Trails of Sin Series is definitely one you don’t wanna miss!