Kim Law

While I’ve enjoyed previous romance novels by Kim Law, Caught Off Guard will always hold a special place in my (reading) heart since the character of Pam Shudark was based loosely on my mother.
I had won a book title naming contest and the prize was to have a character from this book named after a person. I chose my mother, who at the time had ALS and has since passed, because she was an avid reader later in life and I know she would have gotten a kick out of it, and as a wonderful way for show more her to live on.
While it made reading this book a little harder to read (and even this review to write), because of all the emotions, Thank You So Much, Kim, for this wonderful tribute.

Now onto the actual book review!

What I love about The Davenport Trilogy is that Law includes an engrossing political story along with all the steamy scenes. This one includes murder, blackmail, childhood emotional trauma, and family bonds. While Caught Off Guard is the last book in the trilogy, and it can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend starting with the first book, Caught on Camera.

Along with an engaging story that had me quickly turning the page to find out what would happen next, Law writes complex and flawed characters with a perfected finesse. Aubrey and Bennett have been friends with benefits for over 15 years, and Law quickly draws the reader into their past and present, and makes rooting for them feel like you would for your closest friends.

Even if Caught Off Guard didn’t have the highly fashionable, best cake baker, and sage advice giving character of Pam Shudarek in it, I would still highly recommend Law’s contemporary romances. show less

4.5 stars.

Montana Cherries by Kim Law is an emotional, poignant and ultimately uplifting novel of healing. Although there is also a romantic element to the storyline, the main focus is on Dani Wilde's struggle to come to terms with the wounds from her past.

Following her mother's death, Dani gave up her dream of attending college to return home and care for her younger siblings. Fast forward fourteen years, and she is on the verge of making her long awaited move to New York. She is finalizing show more her plans to leave in a few weeks when the cherry harvest is over and the last thing she needs is a relationship. So when good friend (and one-time lover) Ben Denton returns to the farm with his four year old daughter, Haley, Dani tries to keep her distance from both him and his daughter. But as they resume their once close friendship, their mutual attraction is impossible to ignore and they embark on a no strings fling. After a shocking family secret is revealed, Dani retreats from her loved ones in order to heal.

In the beginning, Dani seems to be happy, well-adjusted and eager to begin the next phase of her life. But as she continues to pack her belongings, she runs across a few items that bring up some unsettling feelings about her relationship with her mother, whom she has long idolized. Unable to face these distressing memories, she pushes them to the back of her mind and keeps busy with her family and the upcoming harvest. When the rest of her brothers return home to help with the annual harvest, Dani's foundation begins to crumble when she learns they have been keeping a huge secret from her. After their stunning revelation, she feels betrayed by her family but it is the disturbing memories that comes rushing back that destroy her. Although Ben is at her side every step of the way, Dani cannot consider a future with him until she takes the necessary steps to process the emotional damage from her past.

Ben also has a somewhat troubled past but he has come to terms with most of it. His main issue is learning how to care for his newly discovered daughter. He is definitely out of his depth, but with Dani's guidance, he and Haley finally begin to sort out their new relationship. Their relationship is fragile at first but he gradually gains Haley's trust and their scenes are quite touching.

The relationship between Dani and Ben is a nice blend of sweet and steamy. Despite their ten year separation, they easily pick up their friendship where it left off and they quickly put the lingering issue of their one night stand to rest. Their transition from friends to lovers is gradual and although they try to keep things casual, it is easy to see their growing affection for one another. It is also quite refreshing that Ben is willing to put his heart on the line for Dani.

Montana Cherries is a heartbreaking journey of self-discovery and healing. The storyline is quite unique and touches on a little about talked mental illness that has devastating and long reaching effects. Kim Law's research is extensive and her depiction of the actions of the person who has the disorder is incredibly accurate (unfortunately I have personal experience with someone who has this particular illness). All in all, a beautifully rendered and achingly realistic novel that will touch readers' hearts and remain with them long after the last page is turned. show less

I have a deep respect for Kim Law as a writer. She does not shy away from human complexities and deep rooted emotional scars. She shines a light on mental instability, depression and tragedies in subtle ways which makes them all the more profound. Harper and Nick have dealt with many obstacles. Nick managed to rise above a life of emotional neglect to make a success of his professional career but has yet to overcome his childhood and find the same success in his personal life. Harper is show more struggling with a devastating loss that sends her spiraling into a depression that has her questioning herself, her life and the accident that left her a widow. Montana Rescue strength lies in it's inspiring message and it's beautiful backdrops. Heart and soul I fell. show less

Montana Cherries by Kim Law
The Wildes of Birch Bay series #1. Contemporary romance. Alternating POV, 3rd person. Second chance troupe.
Dani Wilde dropped out of college to return home to Montana after her mother’s death. She raised her four younger brothers and took over running the family business. Now that all her brothers are adults, it’s finally her turn to live her dreams in New York. Before she leaves, her high school boyfriend moves back to town with a 4 year old daughter and Dani show more falls in love again. But New York is the plan for Dani, not Montana and a cherry farm.

This book runs through a lot of emotionally difficult issues. With different mother and family issues, mental health and career through the story lines as well as children of different generations, it’s best to have the box of tissues close by. Don’t be alarmed. It’s still a romance so will end well, but oh, the pressures, and sad memories had me in tears several times. There are joyful parts as well with adorable Haley and the rebuilding romance between Dani and Ben.
There are many emotional swings in this 370 page story. While there is much of the secondary character arcs that need resolution, ultimately I loved this romance and will continue to read more of the series. show less