While on a wilderness reality show, an adventure guide with a painful past and a fallen music superstar discover fierce passion…and killer competition.Shep Kingston can survive a week in the woods with nothing but a pocket knife and the clothes on his back. But navigating everyday social interactions? That’s a struggle. If only people were like his dog. Loyal. Well-trained. Quiet. With Puck, Shep … Puck, Shep knows where he stands. People—especially women—are complicated. Guiding a bunch of spoiled celebrities into the North Carolina mountains is his idea of hell. Until a beautiful, off-limits rock star makes it feel more like heaven. Joss says what she means…and shows Shep exactly what she wants.
Joss Wynter plays sold-out stadiums, not insane survival games. Except she’s no longer the adored lead singer of Scarlet Glitterati. Tragedy turned fans against her and Joss into tabloid fodder. Her manager claims TV’s hottest reality competition will relaunch her image. Joss has doubts but won’t let anything distract her from winning. Not even the rugged local guide with song-inspiring sex appeal. Shep is unlike any man she’s ever met. Direct. Honest to a fault. Unexpectedly tender. As the show’s challenges intensify, so does the attraction between them.
But the cameras aren’t the only ones watching. A deadly opponent lurks in the shadows, playing a dangerous game. And all too willing to kill for a win.
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Loved, loved, loved! Shep is an amazing character. He’s flawed, real, and incredibly sexy. Joss is a strong woman who is wonderfully accepting.
Trying to revive her music career Joss agrees to appear on a reality show for the publicity. The show is about “celebrities” braving the wilderness. That’s where Joss and Shep meet. Shep is the guide for the cast and crew and he’s responsible for getting them through the trip safely so Joss needs to be off limits. Easier said than done. Then strange events begin happening making it clear there is more going on than just a survival trip. With their lives on the line try to make their way back home.
This is a nicely written book and the story has the perfect blend of romance and suspense. I highly recommend this one.
Great read especially how Shep,s autism affected his relationships
Shep and Joss have a rocky start, but soon they discover that there is more than meets the eye. I loved that Joss allowed Shep to be himself and fell in love with him because of it. And Puck, Shep’s dog was amazing – he almost stole the show!
This story had a good mix suspense, danger, humor and love.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.
Striking Edge by Kelsey Browning is a unique and intriguing story that will have you turning pages from beginning to end. As always, Browning writes fantastic characters and an interesting plot that makes you feel as those you are part of the story!
Shep Kingston is asked to guide several celebrities on a mountain trek as part of a reality show. As much as he loves being in nature, he isn’t a fan of people. Joss Wynter is one of the participant’s of the show and is hoping to get her life back after a tragedy has struck and she finds herself under scrutiny from her fans.
As Striking Edge unfolds, there are several twists and turns that are so unpredictable and just when I thought things couldn’t get crazier they did. I wanted the story to end for Shep and Joss quickly. Browning really put them through the ringer!
Mixed in with all the obstacles of what Joss and Shep went through we saw moments of their romance budding and how each of them were healing from their pasts bit by bit. I really enjoyed the honest and raw moments between these two characters. While it wasn’t the smooth romance of many novels I have read, it was Joss and Shep’s individual romance that could only be theirs and that was so cool.
If you are looking for a romantic suspense story that is outside of the ordinary but also captivating give Striking Edge a read.
4.5 Stars
I was eagerly awaiting this book because I’ve been so intrigued by Shep in the previous books in the series. I really enjoyed this one. I loved Shep. He’s not the typical hero, but he’s so much more. I loved Shep and Joss together. Watching how Joss understands Shep and treats him warmed my heart. I also loved Shep’s service dog Puck. He’s one smart cookie. This had everything that I enjoy in romance; heat, heart, humor, and some suspense. The suspenseful parts had me on the edge of me seat because things got awfully dicey for the characters. I loved the ending so much. It shows how much the characters care for one another. This is another winner by Kelsey Browning and great addition to the Steele Ride series.
I have been waiting for Shep Kingstons story in this series and man was it worth the wait. Shep is such a sweet soul, I am so happy that Joss was so well written, she is the perfect match for Shep.
This book is so well written, the characters are well developed the scenes make you feel like you are right there in the middle of the action and it has just enough twist in the plot that you just keep turning the page.
I must say that this is one of the few books where I actually wished I could jump in to the story just so I could slap the bad guy.
If you love a good action suspense story with a bit of steam between the male and female protagonists then this book is for you.
I’m at a loss as to where to begin to review this story…there are so many tremendous components to the overall arc of the book that a review which would do justice to the characters (two and four legged alike) would very well be pages long. I will say that the three ladies who drive this series are geniuses at bringing out deep emotional attachment to the characters from their readers.
Between Shep, Joss, and yes definitely Puck there are no shortage for pulling at the heartstrings moments which also give you pause to stop, think and feel about the lives of individuals with special needs and the bottomless well of compassion and devotion those who love them give.
The story itself is intriguing, fast paced and suspenseful…the secondary characters have well defined personalities (read quirks) and provided the perfect amount of filler to give the story the type of multilayers that provide the perfect balance to the overall storyline.
The Kingston and Steele families are priceless, one could only wish to belong to such loving and devoted ones!
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the author. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Striking Edge was great from beginning to end, with an interesting storyline that kept me turning pages. I absolutely loved Shep and his dog Puck! Shep is my favorite Kingston so far, and I’m glad that Joss crossed paths with him. Their relationship was refreshingly honest and I loved the special moments they shared.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
One of the best books I have read and my favorite in this must-read series set in the mountains of North Carolina with unforgettable characters you want to root for. This fast-paced and suspenseful drama had me completely immersed in all that was happening from the first page to the end.
I love all of the Steeles and the Kingstons but Shep Kingston, an adventure guide on the Autism spectrum and his service dog, Puck, have a special place in my heart. I enjoyed Shep’s attraction, undeniable chemistry, heartwarming and emotional romance with Joss Wynter, music superstar who agrees to be on a wilderness reality show to improve her image after her bandmates were killed in an accident.
Striking Edge is a must-read for fans of this genre and even though it is the fourth book in the Steele Ridge: Kingstons series, it can be read as a standalone. Ms. Browning blew me out of the water with this book and I look forward to reading more by this gifted author.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and unbiased review. I enjoyed it so much, I purchased a copy for my keeper library.
I don’t have words for all the emotions I felt in this book—it is so good. Shep is such a special man. I don’t think I have ever met a character like him in a book before. He has what was called Asperger’s, but it is moderate. He is honest, doesn’t understand slang, has trouble being around people, and doesn’t like to be touched. I felt so bad for Joss as she has lost her way after a terrible accident with her band. She is in Steele Ridge to film a reality show Do or Die with two other celebrities. I loved how Joss understood Shep, and how well they got along together. The other two celebrities are very selfish and I love the names Shep gives them. Shep’s dog Puck is the bright spot in this book. You will fall in love with him. Things get crazy and scary in the woods. Someone is trying to kill some of the group. I was on edge for awhile. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
Every so often, a book comes along with a hero who captures my heart and won’t let go. Someone whose voice I can hear, whose face I can see, whose soul I can feel. Shep Kingston is in that class of heroes. Not because he’s handsome (I assume he is from the authors description), or because he’s witty or because he is charismatic…because he really isn’t. And that’s not a flaw, complaint or insult. Shep is honest, hardworking, somewhat closed-off and real. He shows us the real face of a highly functioning man with Aspergers.
Joss herself is flawed, and emotionally damaged following a tragedy in her life. I’m not sure if that helps her to understand Shep, or if she just has a kind and giving soul herself. All I know if that from their first interaction, I was immediately hooked.
As a fan of romantic suspense, I’m always looking more for excellent storytelling of the underlying mystery, rather than the element of surprise. I want the author to give me a trail of clues to follow so I do uncover the identity of the bad guy, not throw me a complete curveball and a “gotch” at the end. Kelsey Browning excels in this area. She has laid out an interesting and page-turning mystery, taking in a wilderness-based reality show setting. Even if reality shows aren’t your bag (they honestly aren’t mine), I think fans of romantic suspense are in for a treat.
I wanted Shep Kingston’s book from the moment I first met him. As Shep is on the Autism spectrum, I knew it would take a special woman to accept him as he was and not want to change him. Imagine my surprise when Joss Wynter, shows up and seems to get Shep pretty much from the moment they first meet.
When Shep and his beloved service dog Puck must go out into the wilderness to help a group of celebrities in the wilderness for a reality television show, he has no idea this job will be a life changer. Let me just say Shep’s in your face statements cracked me up many times. He says pretty much exactly what he is thinking when he thinks it, and doesn’t always get slang and jokes, but he has perfect radar when it came to sizing people up. I loved the nicknames he gave the various celebrities and people working on the show.
Joss really wasn’t want I expected from a rock star. Yes she had major guilt issues because of how her bandmates died, but she was so very down to earth and accepted everything as it happened out in the woods. She also connected with Shep’s dog Puck very quickly which let me know immediately she was a wonderful person. She worried just as much about Puck throughout the story as she did about Shep. I loved while sometimes she was a bit shocked by Shep’s directness, she had no issue explaining her ideas and needs to Shep.
When Shep, Joss and Puck end up alone in the wilderness for a while, I loved how easily they worked together and were able to express their wants and needs for each other. Shep had unfortunately had a horrible first marriage where is ex-wife didn’t get his needs and Shep hadn’t ever been with a woman who understood him as Joss did. Their chemistry was off the charts hot and yet there was still a sweetness to them too. I totally and completely fell in love with them as a couple to more time they spent together and worked together to get out of what turned into a dangerous situation. Kelsey Browning kept me on the edge of my seat figuring out who was behind the attacks in the forest. I figured out the person behind everything, but not the reason why and the anger and hatred from this person was horrible. The fact that this individual attacked Puck along the way about killed me. Seriously had me gasping out loud while reading and made me shed a few tears.
Striking Edge was a wonderful addition to the Kingstons series of books in Steele Ridge. I totally believe you can read this story as a stand alone, as I have all the books on my kindle, but have a few still to read. I do have every intention of going back to read all books I’ve missed as I’ve fallen in love not only with Shep, but the entire Kingston family. Striking Edge is a wonderful romantic suspense story and I highly recommend it to fans of the genre.
Rating: 5 Stars (A)
Review copy provided by publisher
This book was definitely an edge of your seat page turner! An enjoyable story with a very interesting relationship. Shep has Aspergers Syndrome which put him on the autistic spectrum. He doesn’t always understand what someone means by their words, does not like to be touched and being around people is very difficult, unless it is his family. Having Puck his dog for support helps. Having worked for years with children with Aspergers I felt like I was reliving some of this again. Joss is a musician who lost her band in an accident.
The relationship between Joss and Shep becomes special as they deal with the scary things happening in the woods.
An emotional story that is also heartwarming.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions expressed are my own.
Shep Kingston faces challenges with personal and by social interaction. Luckily he has help dealing with the stress and anxiety. His companion dog, Puck, is his lifeline. His employer forces Shep to take reality show contestants into the wilderness. The upside – he meets a woman who changes his life. The downside – it makes them all the targets of a dangerous enemy. Striking Edge captured my attention from the first page. Sheppard Kingston is an amazing character. It was easy to care about him. I admired him for his wilderness skills and his complete honesty. He understands his situation and faces it. Joss Wynter is a music super star who is here to win Do or Die. She wants to improve her public image. She lost her band in a tragic accident and blames herself. Shep and Joss have gotten off to a rocky start, but they form a close bond. I enjoyed watching them interact. They make a great couple. I wanted them to have a future. It was good to be back in Steele Ridge and to see familiar characters. Kelsey Browning did a great job writing complex characters. These two are good for each other. I liked how they relate to each other. I love reading about the Steeles and the Kingstons.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
O.M.G!! I LOVE this story!! Edge of your seat excitement and suspense, While also being sweet, heartbreaking and at times funny. Shep and Joss were such an interesting couple to get to know and love. I also loved that the suspense kept me guessing right up to the reveal. AWESOME!!
Absolutely fantastic! A well written emotionally deep romance. The storyline is flawless, funny, witty, enjoyable, and very interesting. The story flows smoothly and moves along at a brisk pace with a few ups and downs and a mix of emotions on every page. The chemistry between them is intense and their sex scene is beautifully written and HOT!
“I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.”
Wow! This book has so much going for it. Kelsey Browning’s characterization is always superb, but Shep and Joss really reign supreme in complexity and empathy without patronizing. Browning has taken Shep, a man on the Autism spectrum and given him a woman who sees down deep into him in a way that nobody ever has before. Joss is a famous musician fighting her own demons. Their relationship is truly amazing in the perceptiveness that Joss shows in relating to him. She somehow intuitively knows (at least some of the time) what he means and needs. Of course, there are times of misunderstanding and hurt feelings, but that just makes it all the sweeter when they get it right. The honesty he can’t help but give her offers moments of pain and hilarity almost at the same time.
Their relationship is a big part of the book, but Striking Edge is also a Suspense. There are numerous scary and mysterious sections of the story that keep you on the edge of your seat as you flip the pages as quickly as you can read. Browning surprises me with every book. There is always something I didn’t expect from her…and it keeps me coming back for more. An awesome book!