Abby is in search of the legendary Devil's Gold a quest her grandfather gave his life to. When her house is broken into, she's convinced that others are after the map her grandfather sent her before he disappeared. She approaches Gage Logan, well known renowned treasure hunter to help her succeed in her quest. At first Logan is reluctant but he ultimately decides to come on board, and they set off with a security team headed by logan's brother Edge.
Things are not what they seem. Her grandfather is barely alive but in the clutches of an evil cartel leader who is obsessed with using Abby to find the gold so he can possess it. He unfortunately is not the only danger that Abby and Logan will need to face in their quest. Of course, the chemistry between them is explosive and passion adds a rich vein to the danger and intrigue.
This book is quintessential Ms. Martin with its high voltage adrenaline packed romance.

The Last Mile by Kat Martin is a romantic adventure novel. This novel reads like a young adult novel with content not appropriate for young adults. It was an interesting read but I’m not sure who the target audience would be. I like the premise but the novel itself was confusing. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I didn't realize this was part of a series, but no worries, it worked well as a standalone.

Abigail Holland has a treasure map and the drive to find the treasure her grandfather never found. She enlists the help of Gage Logan (what a name! Seriously, I wanted to call him Logan Gage the entire book because that name didn't work for me). He's an adventurer who's been treasure hunting before.

There's an instant attraction here that they let simmer for a while, which was really great. The search for the gold is fraught with thieves and cartels and just about anyone who knew King Farrell knew about the Kings Gold so there are lots of suspects.

Gage has some baggage from a past expedition that keeps Abby at arms length, even though he really wants her. He just can't give up some idiotic sense of blame for his past, which keeps him from having a future. Abby shows she's the one who really has the spine with this couple, and I loved her for that.

Overall, a fun treasure hunt and a alpha romance with a dash of vulnerability, and it was all good. Looking forward to the next Logan brother's story.

An excellent new release from Kat Martin. It was exciting from start to finish. I loved getting to know Abby (strong character, completely bada$$) and Gage (haunted by his past, but still able to get the job done...even while trying to keep Abby at arms length). There's a few bumps and bruises along theway, but they work well together. And when things heat up between them...phew! Scorched my fingers as I swiped the pages. And who doesn't love a great treasure hunt with lots of danger and suspense?
Looking forward to more books in this series.

Many thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

The Last Mile is the latest release by Kat Martin and is the second book in the Blood Ties, The Logans series. It is a romantic suspense story about an epic treasure hunting adventure. This story is about the granddaughter of a treasure hunting legend, who is out to restore her grandfather’s good name by finding the legendary treasure called The Devil’s Gold. She with the help of an experienced treasure hunter set out to find the location of this elusive and deadly treasure. Will they succeed in their mission or will they meet with a grave end by those motivated by greed? Read The Last Mile to find out.

Kat Martin is truly a gifted writer for only one could craft such a story to where the reader can visualize it like they are there themselves. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a very detailed romantic suspense story.

A rip roaring treasure hunt romp

Abby Holland was left a treasure map and a gold ingot by her grandfather in his will. He knew that she had the adventuresome spirit to try to find the last treasure he'd been seeking.

She enlists the help of Gage Logan, explorer and treasure hunter, and they first head to the Superstition Mountains in Arizona before heading to their final destination, all the while fighting (and not not winning) their attraction to each other.

Fun treasure hunter suspense and steamy romance rolled into one.

I received this book from Kensington Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

Although part of a series this can be read as a standalone story. The connection if familial, but different locations so you don't have to read one story to enjoy and understand the next one.

When Abby's grandfather died he leaves his last map and tips/hints to locating the treasure. In his honor she decides to search for the millions in gold ingots with the help of Gage Logan.

They rely on each other to interpret the maps and perform a lot of research to get a positive result. They meet up with other friends of Gage's and enlist the assistance of Gage's brother in regards to security. They travel from Arizona to Mexico in their search. Can they retrieve the gold before fighting factions between cartels and government officials in Mexico explode? There's non-stop action, suspense and a lot of romance on their treasure hunt.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and I am voluntarily submitting this review.

This is the epitome of a summertime beach book. All of the ingredients are here: search for lost treasure, hot hero with a haunted past, somewhat reckless young woman who gets in over her head, wilderness treks and fights with baddies. It's an easy, fast read with little depth but will keep your attention. I enjoyed the first half, which takes place in the Superstition Mountains, the most (there's a spicy scene at a watering hole that is enjoyable). If you've read any of Kat Martin's books in the past you'll recognize the character and plot elements. She does a good job with pacing and includes some realistic details, so unbelievable aspects of the plot don't linger.

Two things that put a bit of a damper on my enjoyment: this is sort of an old-schoolish action/romance, which has its merits, but the h has to be rescued by the H one time too many. Also, the villainous secondary characters aren't subtle and there are no super surprising plot twists. The h's cousin is a weak mama's boy stereoype and (SPOILER ALERT..........................................) the h's preppy friend ends up being an amazingly massive jerk, but I saw that coming.

Bottom line: if you want to turn off your brain and get caught up in a fast-paced adventure for a few hours, this is a good choice for a beach read.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. Opinions are my own. Reviews posted to Goodreads, Bookbub, and Amazon as of 6/3/22.

I know that Kat Martin is a veteran author of dozens of romantic suspense novels, but I haven’t read any of them, so I decided I’d jump in with The Last Mile, a story that promised to combine the excitement and danger of a hunt for lost treasure with a romance between an Indiana Jones-type seeker of lost artefacts and a young woman who has been left a treasure map by her late grandfather, also a famous treasure hunter. Well, the story delivered on the excitement and danger part and the plot is well put-together, if somewhat predictable. The romance, though? A total non-starter. There’s as much chemistry between the leads as between a pair of dead fish, and some of the pronouncements by the alpha male hero reminded me why I so rarely read m/f romance any more. And don’t get me started on the amount of mental lusting – it starts in the first chapter and Just Does Not Let Up. Ugh.

Abigail Holland is being targeted by someone out to gain possession of the map left her by her late grandfather – renowned explorer and treasure hunter King Farrell – that supposedly shows the location of two hundred million dollars’ worth of gold – Devil’s Gold – that King had spent the last ten years searching for. As it appears someone is willing to kill her to get hold of the map, Abby is more certain than ever that the gold actually exists, and has made the decision to finance an expedition to carry on King’s work and find it. To that end, she approaches Gage Logan, one of the founders of Treasure Hunter’s Anonymous, and asks him if he’ll take the job on. Gage is sceptical – most in the treasure hunting community had grown impatient with King Farrell’s obsession – but eventually signs up. He’s not keen on Abby going along for the ride – he doesn’t take his clients on jobs – but Abby tells him she’s going anyway, and that if he won’t take her, she’ll find someone else who will. Gage reluctantly agrees that she can accompany him.

The storyline here falls into two parts, the first in which Abby, Gage and his team travel to Arizona following the map; the second takes them to greater danger in Mexico with its corrupt officials and drug cartels who all want a piece of the action (or all of it!). It feels like your standard Hollywood adventure movie with plenty of action and really creaky dialogue, but it’s entertaining enough. For some reason, Ms. Martin decides to include a third PoV (a cartel boss) late on, which is jarring and pointless, and the book as a whole is over-long, with a final section that really isn’t necessary where, completely our of the blue, the author turns a bland bit-character into a villain.

The Last Mile is an easy read, and I enjoyed the amount of detail the author provides as to the various locations Gage and Abby travel to, and to their thought-processes as they work through their ideas, the clues they’ve been given and the information they glean from various sources. It’s clear that this treasure-hunting lark is something that requires a lot of skill and attention. But oh, dear, the romance is dreadful and both leads have come straight out of central casting. Gage is your typical tall, dark and handsome commitmentphobe wracked by guilt over something that was in no way his fault and who therefore Will Not Love; Abby is a bit of a loner who has “never lusted for a man before”, is determined to focus on finding the treasure and will Not Allow Herself To Be Distracted, so Gage – no matter his off-the-charts hotness – is off limits. Gage doesn’t sleep with clients and doesn’t get involved with anyone, ever. But Abby Is Not Like Other Women – and he decides that, okay, hands off while they’re out on the search, but once back in Denver, all bets are off:

“I’ve dreamed of having you naked and spread open beneath me, dreamed of being inside you. Now that I know that’s what you want too, I promise you it’s going to happen.”

because

“I’m what you need, and we both know it.”

Ugh. Surely I can’t be the only one rolling my eyes and banging my head on the desk reading that?

I’m sorry Ms. Martin, but ‘Me, Tarzan You, Jane’ pronouncements are no substitute for having actual chemistry between your principals and neither is being constantly bashed over the head with page after page filled with lustful thoughts. The physical attraction we’re constantly told exists between Gage and Abby is at the forefront of everything they say, think and do, but I finished the book having no idea why or how they fell in love.

In the end, The Last Mile is just about average. The predictablity of the plot together with two-dimensional characters and a boring romance that totally lacks sexual tension means I can’t recommend it.

I really enjoyed this book! I’m a huge fan of Kat Martin’s books and she never disappoints.
When Abigail Holland awakes to the sound of a nighttime intruder, she knows exactly what he is after—the map she recently inherited from her grandfather. Whoever he is, the man is willing to kill for the location of a treasure King Farrell hunted for more than ten years. The Devil’s Gold has claimed hundreds of lives, and it was her grandfather’s obsession. With a killer pursuing her and her own family not to be trusted, Abby decides to take up the search herself. But she’ll need help to do it, and there’s no one better than renowned explorer and treasure hunter Gage Logan. Despite the instant chemistry between them, Gage is reluctant. Innocent people have been hurt on his watch before. But when Abby shows him a genuine gold ingot she found with the map, his curiosity is piqued. Before long they’re heading into the flash floods and brutal winds of the Superstition Mountains, straight into a passionate entanglement—and the dark heart of danger.
I absolutely loved the dynamics between these two. The pull, the chemistry, the longing. Sooo good. This book is a page turner and the mystery about the gold and the action is really good. I couldn’t stop reading. The characters are strong and well developed. Gage is an amazing character. A natural protector. Abby is smart and determined. It was really entertaining to see their word’s battles.
There are great sexy times (OMG the kisses were already explosive). The writing is flawless and addictive. I totally recommended it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Abby and Gage went on QUITE the adventure! Ms. Martin delivered another awesome romantic suspense that kept me reading WAY past my bedtime! Twists and turns kept me anxious and hopeful. Abby wasn’t giving up no matter what got thrown at her. Gage was the protector and her partner every step of the way.

Just what you’d expect from Kat Martin - adventure, action, and so much lust it’s amazing that the main characters are able to accomplish anything. Honestly, it’s got to be uncomfortable to be that turned on all the time. ;)

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Abigail (Abby) Holland inherited her grandfather's Victorian home and a map of a treasure better known as The Devil's Gold. King Farrell was once a great treasure hunter, but rumors circulate that he was insane. Abby knows better!

She believes that her grandfather found the gold and the map will lead her to it. She just needs help from Gage Logan, whom her grandfather spoke highly of. Gage is not just good at what he does, but he's also a known womanizer, never staying too long with one woman.

Gage believes that he is the reason for others being hurt on his watch, and although the chemistry between him and Abby is off the charts, Gage has rules. Although one rule about Abby staying behind is broken when she refuses.

As the two form a partnership to seek the gold, they find themselves battling more than just the weather elements, and somewhere along the lines the rules stop applying but can Gage stop battling himself when their partnership ends?

I enjoyed the fast-paced mystery of seeking a buried treasure of gold and the dangerous element involved not just with the hunt for treasure but the encounters Abby was met with. It kept me guessing who was behind it. There's a surprise reveal for Abby and the near ending caught me off guard. I wanted to wring Gage's neck because I didn't think he was being reasonable with his self-assessments. I found this to be an entertaining read!

I requested & received an ARC from NetGalley via Kensington Books and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Very good novel, Enjoyed it.

This book fell a little flat for me. I was really intrigued by the plot and excited for a thriller book with some romance tied in. However, for the majority of the book I just felt bored. I didn’t really feel like the story was unique and I lost interest and intrigue just past halfway. I skimmed through the last little bit and still felt as though I never missed anything.

I am not going to lie to you the second I see a Kat Martin book up for review I jump at the chance to review one of her books. Kat Martin most of the time is able to bring readers into the world she creates using characters that could almost be your neighbor or friend. The author ability to guide readers though her world of mystery, romance, where anything and everything can happen will keep readers wanting more from Kat Martin. This story will not disappoint readers.

The Last Mile is a mix of adventure, romance, and mystery wondering if they will find the famous lost of Arizona. Having lived here at least 20 years there are a few moments that will make native Arizona laugh a little because we know the history as well as the area backward and forwards.

This story has everything readers of Kat Martin love and a great story to introduce readers to Kat Martin. Yes it might be book 2 in a series but it can be read as a stand alone story.

Readers will not want to put the book down trust me!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of The Last Mile by Kat Martin.
4 1\2 out of 5

Abby's will be looking for a treasure that her Grandfather left her when he passed away. She gets with another treasure hunter Gage. Love is in the air.
I think every page had a reference to being hot and bothered by her or him. I know this author is a best seller but the sex got in the way of the story.
This was an ARC book from NetGalley, the publisher is Kensington Books.

King Farrell was a successful explorer. His granddaughter Abby was his biggest fan. Upon his death he left Abby the greatest gift – his notes and the map to his final, unfinished treasure hunt. Determined to see the hunt through , Abby goes in search of the only person she’s sure can help her.

Gage Logan is partner in a successful treasure hunting business. He’s intrigued with her proposition to partner with her on the hunt. Her only demand is that she be a part of his team. Events in his past have him hesitating, but he reluctantly agrees. But treasure hunting is a dangerous business. Someone else has their eyes on the treasure. As Gage and Abby make their plans Abby comes under attack. Even as Gage questions whether or not they should continue, Abby becomes more determined than ever to complete what her grandfather had started. Gage again questions the wisdom of bringing Abby with him even knowing she’ll head off on her own if he tries to leave her behind. With no good options, Gage, Abby and their team set off for Mexico, even as Gage feels the danger that follows them

What isn’t intriguing about a treasure hunt? Even better, the suspense starts on page one. Each chapter ratchets up the tension, adds to the mystery and introduces more questions about just what happened on King Farrell’s last exploration. The romance simmers throughout as neither Gage nor Abby are sure it’s a good idea for them to get involved. But close quarters and imminent threats keep them turning to each other. Kat Martin is one of my go to authors for great suspense, interesting characters and jut the right amount of romance. This book surely doesn’t disappoint

The Last Mile is the second book in the Blood Ties, The Logans series. It is a fast-paced suspenseful read with so many twists that it will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book pulled me in from the beginning and kept me riveted until the end. It is full of action, suspense and danger. Gage and Abby were wonderful characters with great chemistry. I would definitely recommend this book and this amazing series.

Oh, oh, oh! I love Treasure Hunter plots! Love, Love, LOVE! Hot, really hot, romance, nail biting suspense and a plot twist or two thrown in. "The Last Mile" is almost everything you could want in your Treasurer Hunter experience. But it just didn't live large like a Treasure Hunter plot should. All I can say is that it felt flat to me.

Abigail Holland has just lost her grandfather, Treasure Hunter King Farrell, who didn't return from his last adventure. She is grieving and more than curious about a map that is part of her inheritance. King was a legendary explorer and Abby always wanted to go with him on an expedition, but the timing was never right and now he's gone. But he left her a map to the Devil's Gold in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. A gold treasure that many have sought, and several died for, but none have ever found. Abby's map has others interested enough to break into her house looking for it.

Gage Logan is the head of Treasure Hunters Anonymous in the LoDo neighborhood of Denver. He has had a lot of success and has the wealth to prove it. Abby's grandfather spoke very highly of him, and she seeks him out to partner with her on the search for the Devil's Gold. Gage is intrigued, but he has a firm rule: no women on an expedition. He has his reasons, but Abby tells him: I go, or it's no go and I find someone else. When Abby shows him her map and a chunk of the gold, he's convinced. Gage still has his doubts, and he doesn't want to place another innocent woman in danger, but Abby has the fire and spirit to overcome his concerns. Not to mention the off the charts attraction simmering between them.

Their grueling trek into the Superstition Mountains is made even more dangerous because someone is following them. Using King's map they find the spot, but the journey to the gold is a long and winding path and it doesn't end in the Superstition Mountains and the passion between Gage and Abby is a danger all its own.
3 1/2-Stars

My thanks to Kensington, Publisher, and Kat Martin, author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.