(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Still reeling from the unexpected sale of the land she and her horses live on, horse rescuer Kelsey Blaine is frantic when she comes home to find her possessions already boxed up and her house being bulldozed without any notice. Normally calm and kind, Kelsey becomes furious and impulsively cuts a privacy fence to confront the culprit–her mysterious neighbor, Joe.
Joe Kilcoyne is in a desperate place. He guards his secrets and hides from the world for a reason. He's the hottest topic of speculation around Whiskey River, but no one has ever dared to get close to him. That is, until fiery Kelsey comes barging straight into his life.
The last thing Joe needs is for Kelsey to breach his defenses and make him confront his past. But when her sunny, open, and determined personality collide with a haunted man with no idea how to reconnect with the world, the sparks that ignite shock them both.

*3.5 stars*

This was a well-written novel, featuring a "wounded hero" and a female MC who comes to rescue him from it all...

"Crazy Joe" (as the locals in Whiskey River like to refer to him as), is Kelsey's landlord. One day she finds out that not only has he sold the property she lives in and she has to move - not just herself, but the horses she has rescued and cared for as well. In a fit of anger, Kelsey goes to confront Joe.

Joe has a secret past that he will do pretty much anything to keep under wraps. Kelsey...well, you're gonna have to read it...let's just say antagonism between the pair leads to something far more happy...


Paul
ARH

Whiskey River Rescue is an extremely typical romance story, with the protagonists who hate each other at the beginning, but as we know love and hate are very close friends and usually under the hatreds spark is full grown love wildfire.

And as usual it all starts with misunderstanding, with full charge into battle without even listening the explanations. Truth, the land on what Kelsey and her rescue horses live is sold and her house is demolished, but if she had listened before she declared war on her neighbor, she would have ... but its good that she did not listened, since then she would not have met Joe/Declan, they would not have found each other, Kelsey would not have helped him and Declan would have stayed in his dark place and millions of kids around world would have lost their favorite character.

Kelsey, with her big heart, and with her gentle hand on damaged animals, and her cunning ability to find open windows, she finds her way to Declan, helps him find his way out of his funk, then they fall in love (of course) and rescue the beloved character ... and they lived happily ever after.

This book was ok, but it had one big mayor flaw ... it was too predictable.

A little on the short side but still a good read. Well developed characters and a good plotline. A nice heart war!ing read.

When I picked up "Whiskey River Rescue," I was expecting a romance. And it was… The pages were filled with the love story of Kelsey Blaine and Joe Kilcoyne. I expected a quiet and enjoyable read; and I got it. What I did not expect was for the history to hit me in the gut and weep with unshed tears.

The title of the book is the name of the fictional horse rescue foundation that Kelsey Blaine runs. Reading about the abused animals in the story was already heartbreaking because I know that those happen in real life.

But what really broke my heart was the background story of Joe Kilcoyne. Though I knew that he was a fictional character, it was not hard for me to imagine that there are boys like him in the real world. The author Justine Davis did a very good job in making him three-dimensional and also finishing the story without any loose ends.

Still, I wish that the book was longer; that it was not classified as romance but as women's literature where books were tend to be longer so that I can learn more about Joe Kilcoyne.

A great read! Whiskey River Rescue is Rated M for Mature due to sexual content and abuse.

I have been reading and following Justine Davis since her very first novel and for a very good reason--she never disappoints. That simple fact has never been more true than in Whiskey River Rescue, and, as I expected, it was another 5-star read.

Our heroine, Kelsey Blaine, has a heart as big as Texas, and her mission is rescuing abused and ignored horses via her own organization, Whiskey River Rescue. Once the horses have recovered, she attempts to find them loving homes. The daughter of a wealthy and prominent attorney mother, and a good, honest military father who died way too young, she's living on a shoestring budget in a 2-room cabin and on 3 acres for the horses, which are part of a larger 25-acre ranch, all her money aside from basic expenses (rent, utilities) going to the horses she so loves--no computer, no cell phone, no television. Although her mother would gladly help her, she wants to stand on her own. When the old man who owns the property tells her he's sold it and that she'll somehow need to find another home for herself and her horses, she heads into town to do just that. When she returns, it's to find workers bulldozing her cabin, her belongings having been removed and boxed up by strangers, and she's livid. When she discovers that the person who bought the land is "Crazy Joe," a total recluse whose land adjoins the ranch, she storms his castle on hill, filled with righteous indignation.

Thus begins this offbeat relationship, in part torn from the headlines of several years ago, which I have no doubt Ms. Davis, whose career in law enforcement is mentioned in her biographical notes, noticed, and was as appalled by as I was when I learned of it. All I will say is that the story she created around that particular case is utterly engrossing, filled with emotion, and in two words--simply brilliant.

While I won't give away more than that hint, I will freely admit that the reason I've been a fan of Ms. Davis' books for decades is that she knows just how to push my buttons when it comes to my love and compassion for wounded warriors, broken victims of physical and emotional abuse both young and old, sufferers of PTSD, social anxiety, agoraphobia, as well as abused animals. In this amazing, deeply moving and emotional novel, she pushes every button I possess.

I cannot imagine any reader who wouldn't be touched by this novel on some level. Although the backstory is both dark and terrible, it's truly a novel filled with hope and redemption, and it's one that you'll not soon forget. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of novel and received no compensation for doing so. The opinions expressed are my own.

Kelsey finds out that her landlord has sold her property without ample notice. It is all done so suddenly and out of the blue, that she has no other option than to confront her landlord in order to save the rescue horse operation she runs. Her landlord and neighbor is Crazy Joe who keeps to himself and doesn’t take being intruded upon well. Yet this tumultuous beginning gives way to an unusual relationship between two people with completely different personalities.

Kelsey is a character that is really easy to fall in love with. She has a bright and sunny disposition to go along with her hardworking and self-respecting nature. Joe on the other hand is someone who takes time to grow on you. His reclusive nature and the barriers that he has up in place indicates a tortured past giving the readers time to get used to him. The relationship between these two is absolutely adorable. I liked the fact that they took time to really get to know each other first.

The plotline is pretty much predictable but the content keeps you engrossed. The lead characters are well developed to make the readers feel invested in their lives. The language and narrative of the author feels like a style that is developed over the years even though this is the first time that I am reading a book by this author. The book has a lot of drama and some romance making it an entertaining read. The only thing off putting was the way too clichéd moments in the book.

Book received from NetGalley.

A local recluse buys the land that Kelsey Blane has her horse rescue on which leads to her jumping to a few conclusions and forcing her way into the recluse's life. I just loved the grumpy curmudgeon living in the tower. There is quite a bit of drama in this short romance book. The romance doesn't really come about until the end, there is quite a bit of build up. It was a cute quick read. Even though it's the 7th book in the series, I didn't have an issue reading it out of order.

Kelsey Blaine has dedicated herself to rescuing abandoned and abused horses. This is why she established Whiskey River Rescue. When she finds that the property where she stables her horses has been sold, she's upset and angry. She goes to confront the new owner and what she finds shocks her. Declan Kilcoyne is a man so damaged by life that he's become a recluse. He's built a fortress where he avoids contact with the outside world. Kelsey draws his attention and he can't stop wanting her, but can he overcome the past? The emotional impact of Whiskey River Rescue is amazing. The characters are well written. I cared for them and I was pulled into their relationship. I couldn't stop reading. I wanted to know if they could had a future. I enjoyed the small town setting filled with caring people. Justine Davis wrote a touching romance that was filled with unexpected twists.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read. My comments are my honest opinion.

I loved Whiskey River Rescue, which brings together horse rescuer Kelsey Blaine and reclusive author Declan Kilcoyne aka Declan Bolt aka Crazy Joe. Declan has survived a truly appalling childhood which has led him to withdraw from society, trusting only a handful of people. Despite this, his success as an author means he's been able to help out dozens of worthy causes including the rescue horses that Kelsey is working to rehabilitate. Kelsey's childhood has been the complete opposite of Declan's though she lost her father when she was young. She's got a strong relationship with her mother and is passionate about her rescue horses. It is Kelsey's horses that bring these two together and her experience with them that helps her draw Declan out. I loved this story. There were moments when I shared Kelsey's grief and also her anger. The story consumed me and I was quite sad to part ways once I reached the end. Recommended.

I've always enjoyed the way Justine Davis handles wounded heroes, and this book was no exception. "Tortured Past" doesn't even begin to describe our Hero. Deliciously Beta yet, still very tempting, 'Crazy Joe' is pretty easy to fall in love with, despite (maybe because of) his reclusive and asshole tendencies.

Kelsey was a nice heroine - strong when she needed to be, compassionate as well. She is patient and hardworking; it's easy to respect her.

The story features a horse rescue operation, which considering how many times I've seen that go badly wrong, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it was handled. Never cloyingly sweet, as it so easily could be.

The pacing and unfolding of information is one of this story's strongest suits and I don't want to give anything away, so I'm going to stop here.

I highly recommend this one, and can already tell I'll be giving it a second read in the near future.

I enjoyed the rest of the Whiskey River series, so I was excited to read another installment in the series. This one ranks right up there with the rest of them.

When Kelsey Blaine finds out the land she rents and runs her horse rescue on is sold, she doesn’t quite know what she will do. She doesn’t know where she will live or where to move her horses. Full of anger, she confronts her neighbor, known by everyone in town as Crazy Joe, to find out what’s going on. Little did Kelsey know she would soon form a friendship with Joe and learn his secret. Kelsey might be good with horses, but she is just as good helping Joe move beyond the traumatic past that has held him back for a long time. And with just a little bit of help, Joe might be able to trust someone enough to fall in love.

This book is an emotional read and touches on some sensitive subjects, so be sure to have kleenix ready. I highly recommend it.

This is a powerfully moving story of hope, love, patience and healing. I loved it.

Kelsey Blaine runs a horse rescue centre on land she’s renting from her neighbour. She’s distraught when he tells her he’s sold the land, she’s not sure where she can move the horses to or where she’ll live. When she returns to her home to discover workmen have already emptied it of her belongings and are knocking it down - the final straw, she angrily goes to confront the person she believes is the new owner of the land, someone known locally as ‘Crazy Joe’. He’s a reclusive person who has never been seen to interact with the small town community of Whiskey River. That’s the start of a brilliant story which starts with antagonism, leads to understanding and develops into trust and love- sorry don’t want to give any other spoilers away, you really need to read it for yourself!

The story involves horses and people healing after horrendous abuse and loss. It is a story where Kelsey’s determination, love and hope in the face of adversity are key to breaking down personal barriers, overcoming fears and learning to trust and love. The traumatic childhood experiences, their impact on attitudes, behaviours and relationships are heart rending and the author brings them to life so emotively. This is a story that will stay with me and one that I have no hesitation in highly recommending - though you may need some tissues handy at times!

Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review.

I enjoyed the story that I was given – Kelsey has the patience of a saint (which she needs working with rescue horses) and that comes in handy when dealing with Declan. I was a little disappointed with the ultimatum she gave him at the end because I felt that it came a little too soon. I’m not sure why she chose that exact moment to feel like she had to make him get out and meet people. It wasn’t something that had been brewing and you would have thought that she would ease him into it better after how well she’d handled him up to that point.
My biggest problem though was that we didn’t get more of Declan’s story. I had a lot of questions about his mother and his childhood and I think that more time could have spent sharing details … like why did he have a horse at all? Why would a person who treated him the way she did let him have anything that gave him happiness? Why did she let him go to school? Why wouldn’t his teachers know that he was being mistreated? How did he manage to take care of himself as a runaway at 13? And that's just the start.
Davis does a great job of making sure that you understand Delan even without all those questions answered but it does take away from it a little. He’s a complicated man and one who needs a more involved story to fully be appreciated, I think. Maybe even 2 or 3 :) He touched me as a character - I loved seeing him open up to Kelsey and making a connection with someone who could help him step out of his comfort zone. I just wanted even more …

Sweet read yet tiresome main characters. I enjoyed it although it is quite dull at times. Kelsey's life is too perfect and she came across as very condescending although I think it was meant to be understanding. I love grumpy men who are recluses but Declan was just too much.

First impression, and first reactions aren’t always the right ones -Kelsey learned that rather quickly. When her home and the rescue horses that she lovingly rehabilitates was in danger she didn’t think twice about confronting the man responsible. The fact that he is a recluse who wants no contact with other humans is totally beside the point, she’s going to give this jerk a huge piece of her mind.

And so begins the rather unusual, rocky and sweet relationship between Kelsey and “Joe” Declan. To be frank, I don”t really want to say too much about this actual story line because I believe I’ll end up giving away spoilers that are better read firsthand for the impact that they give, and the tone of this story.

What I am willing to say is that this is a story that will make you feel emotions, just about every emotion possible. You’ll hurt for the man Declan has become because of his past and you’ll be encouraged by the love that he has found – if he can be brave enough to reach out for it, and that’s not going to be easy for this man. Kelsey is exactly the type of woman he needs, a compassionate woman who sees beneath the surface to the heart of soul of creatures and humans. It was an honor to join them on their journey to something better for each of them.

Whiskey River Rescue is part of the Whiskey River universe, and you’ll discover many familiar settings and people here… if you’ve read the original series – if not, then you’ll find a well populated small town with interesting secondary characters. Either way, it’s a win for the reader.

I absolutely loved this story, it touched my heart and I came away well satisfied and hoping for more from this town and the newly introduced secondary characters I met this time around. Who knows what may come in the future, but I’ve my fingers crossed for more. If you’re in the mood for a story that will bring out your emotions with an interesting couple then this is one that should be on your reading list.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

I really loved this story. It's full of emotion and the relationship that develops between Declan and Kelsey is beautiful. He's a reclusive writer who survived a horrific childhood and doesn't really know how to love or trust. She works as a horse rescuer. Her tenderness, kindness, brutal honesty, and persistence slowly tear down the walls Declan has built around himself. The story is very well done and I recommend this one to everyone.

Whiskey River Rescue by Justine Davis is like getting a bonus in the Whiskey River Series. I thought that Tule Publishing had finished that series but here is another one. Unlike the others which had a lighthearted air about them this one is much more mysterious. Not that it is not good just different from the rest of the series.

It has been a while since I have read anything by Justine Davis but mysterious, flawed, tortured souls are her forte. She has certainly given the reader one with “Crazy Joe”. Mysterious and not very forth coming in sharing any of his plans even when it affected Kelsey Blaine or the rescue horses. Not the easiest meeting between these two but as the story progresses, so does a romance of sorts. Quite an unusual, intriguing book.

Kelsey, horse rescuer finds out the land she lives has been sold, to her neighbor Crazy Joe the recluse. No one has ever interacted with Joe until Kelsey, but that is the way he wants it. Kelsey soon gets to know Joe and all of the trauma that he has gone through in his life. Their friendship develops into so much more.

Kelsey is a very strong willed person and will not back down. Joe has lived a horrific life and I loved how Kelsey helped him with is demons from the past. A great story that I read in one evening. I highly recommend.

This was the first book, which I received via NetGalley, for an honest, voluntary review, that I have read by Ms. Davis. I really enjoyed this book and the message that it sent.
Kelsey is a woman who puts others, especially the horses that she saves, before herself. When she finds out that her landlord sold his property and finds her house demolished (all in the same day), she is understandably upset. She sets out to confront the man who bought the land; the man everyone in town calls Crazy Joe.
Crazy Joe is given the moniker because he is never seen outside his house. He likes anonymity and has a secret. After Kelsey and Joe keep running into each other (what she thought happened to her house isn't what actually happened), Joe just wants her to leave him alone. She is persistent though, and tries to knock down some of his walls.
This is the message that I believe the author is trying to send: don't give up on yourself or others. If you don't fight for what you want, no one else will either. Kelsey learned the truth and wanted Joe - not his real name- to open up, and to help him with some painful truths of his past.
When you read this book you will find out whether Joe can open up to Kelsey and see a true friendship/relationship develope. You will also see what it means to never give on yourself or someone who needs help but doesn't want to admit it.
Great book!

It's been a while since I've read anything by Justine Davis. She wrote one of my favorite books, Avenging Angel which was published in 12/2002. That was a very long time ago. And then she slowed down her writing for personal reasons and I kind of didn't keep up with her.

I was so excited when I found this new story by her. I knew I had to read it. The story is a little less then 200 pages but I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I knew right away that I was going to like the story. Even if in the beginning I didn't know what I thought about Joe.

He's not a easy hero to like. But as you read the story you'll understand why. As more and more layers of the story open up you find out what's gone on in his past. I spent a lot of this book either wanting to cry for him or yell at him.

Fun, right?

All I can tell you is that Whiskey River Rescue is well worth the read.