Sandy M’s review of Headed for Trouble (McKay Family, Book 1) by Shiloh Walker
Contemporary Romance published by St. Martin’s Paperbacks 29 Dec 15
When I open a Shiloh Walker book, the anticipation I go through waiting for that zing! to hit me when her characters become someone who won’t let me put the book down until I get to the last page is palpable. It happens every time. This time it’s Neve and Ian when they make eye contact for the first time and then can’t wait to get naked. That intensity never leaves them, but we see a loving and gentle Ian, a Neve who needs her family, and a family who is happy their lost lamb has come home.
Though Neve was trouble back when her siblings tried to take care of her after their parents died, it was only because she wanted the attention. Taking off as soon as she was old enough, it’s been nearly ten years and Neve is in trouble again, enough so she knows only her family can help. Before she can face them, though, she stops off at a local bar where she meets the sexy Ian Campbell in a kilt.
Ian has his own issues, a good portion of which is why he’s in the United States instead of Scotland. He’s manager of his best friend’s – Brannon McKay – bar, with the hope the place one day will be his own. The beautiful woman who walks into his world causes him to want things he’s never thought of or wanted before. Their banter at the bar is fun and gives you a look at what their relationship could be, at least partially. Sparks are zinging left and right, and when Ian is finally of work that night, they can’t keep their hands to themselves. And I love those early scenes between them – passionate, intense, hungry. All of that eases, however, when Ian learns who Neve is.
But that doesn’t keep all those feelings at bay very long. Even though she’s his best friend’s sister, Ian still wants Neve. She brings out all of his protective instincts. He knows there’s some very wrong in her past, but he’s a patient man. Neve has to face the past of her family life, but it’s not quite what she believes it will be. Both her brother and sister have plenty of guilt between them when they think back on the time their younger sister needed them but they weren’t there for her. I love family ties like this, and Shiloh Walker is one of the best at putting them on paper.
Soon Neve’s secret is out, which she’s both happy and upset about. Her old life is now partially off her chest, but she doesn’t want that terrible trouble encroaching on her siblings’ lives, knowing they could be drastically hurt. As they all wait for the shoe to drop, we get to know all these intriguing characters – and their future heroes/heroines. They’re one charming and amusing bunch. This is Shiloh Walker at her best, and I love every last word and can’t wait for the next book.
Grade: A
Summary:
SHE’S A SMALL-TOWN GIRL WITH BIG DREAMS.
Nine years ago, Neve McKay fled her small Southern town and disapproving family to seek a career in the big city. Now she’s finally coming home-and hoping for a fresh start. But the relationship that shattered her world still haunts her. And even among her nearest and dearest, she doesn’t feel safe. . .CAN THIS BAD BOY BE THE ANSWER TO HER PRAYERS?
Ian Campbell is a pure Scottish muscle-as hard and handsome as they come. But when Neve walks into his bar, his heart melts. . .and he vows to have this gorgeous and somewhat vulnerable woman in his life-for better or for worse. What is Neve’s tragic secret? And how can Neve expect Ian to protect her, when doing so could put his own life at risk? The only thing Ian knows for sure is that he will do whatever it takes to keep her out of harm’s way-and in his loving arms. . .
Read an excerpt.
