Bluegrass State of Mind

Bluegrass, Book 1

By: Kathleen Brooks

Narrated by: Eric Dove

Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

See where the USA Today best-selling Author Kathleen Brooks began!

This is the first book in Kathleen Brooks' Best-Selling Bluegrass Series.

McKenna Mason, a New York City attorney with a love of all things Prada, is on the run from a group of powerful, dangerous men. McKenna turns to a teenage crush, Will Ashton, for help in starting a new life in beautiful horse country. She finds that Will is now a handsome, successful race horse farm owner. As the old flame is ignited, complications are aplenty in the form of a nasty ex-wife, an ex-boyfriend intent on killing her, and a feisty race horse who refuses to race without a kiss. Can Will and McKenna cross the finish line together, and more importantly, alive?

©2011 Kathleen Brooks (P)2013 Kathleen Brooks

Can’t consider this one steamy

The storyline was great and the small injection of suspense was an added touch. I only wish there was a bit more passion mixed in since I felt the story could have been so much better with that addition. The narrator also did a very nice job with the characters but his voice for the prince was superb. It was hard not to imagine Antonio Banderas for that personality. The second story in the series is about the prince so even though I am certain the passion will be lacking, thanks to the narrator, I will have to purchase that book as well.

Skip this one

What did you like best about Bluegrass State of Mind? What did you like least?

The southern atmosphere and the town togetherness was what I liked the best. I'm a southern girl I like the small town life and southern hospitality of this place. What did I like the least, hmmm...I had a hard time listening to the dialogue, it just felt too forced to me. Also, I didn't really like the main character's little fashion comments and high-end label dropping all the time, it was a weird addition to the story.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something that's actually suspenseful (hopefully).

Did Eric Dove do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Yes, he did. I thought he was a bit of a strange choice for this since the story follows a woman's perspective, but he wasn't a bad narrator. He definitely changed his voice for different characters, so you can tell who is who for the most part.

Did Bluegrass State of Mind inspire you to do anything?

Maybe watch some horse races, although that might also be because the Kentucky Derby was only a few weeks ago...

Any additional comments?

I feel pretty let down, this booked seemed fairly well liked but I just thought it was kinda dumb. It was over-the-top cheesy (I can't tell you how many times I rolled my eyes) and pretty predictable. When I picked it out to read, I was in the mood for something suspenseful but with some romance in it. This didn't hit the spot. Several things bugged me about the book - first, this woman sure doesn't act like she's in fear for her life or hiding away. Sure, she leaves NY quickly, but she doesn't really do much to cover her tracks. I mean, her first stop is Hershey Pennsylvania because she wants some chocolate? No. Second, the relationships...there's no build-up or getting to know each other very well, it's like, bam! I love you! You don't get to see the attraction or love build, you just read " three weeks later" blah, blah, blah. So yeah, anyway, that was just kind of a downer to me. Then, I kept waiting for something to happen with these dangerous people she witnessed doing this awful thing, but really? Nada. No, really. Someone shows up somewhere once and doesn't even do anything dangerous, he was just there. It was very anticlimactic. I did like the idea of this town and the way they all support each other and the different characters have potential to be interesting, but the writing of the dialogue isn't great, so you kind of have to just push through it. Honestly, I'm kind of surprised I finished it. I hate to finish a review like this, nothing sounds positive at all...how about I sum it up like this: This book has potential and if you don't read an insane amount of books (like I do) and have really great reads to compare it to. You might actual find this book "cute," if that's the case, but I wouldn't recommend this many (probably more accurately, any) people I know.

Disjointed at Times

What did you like best about Bluegrass State of Mind? What did you like least?

I like the story, the plot, the mystery. I couldn't understand why a male narrator was chosen for a book with a female main character and primarily female supporting characters. While the dialogue was at times well done, many more times it was boring and a bit trite. Really though, the descriptions of the sex scenes were not necessary and a bit too graphic for this old lady. The romance could have been beefed up and sex played down.

Would you be willing to try another book from Kathleen Brooks? Why or why not?

Probably not, although I admit I might be missing something good (better).

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

He was a little sing-songy, but pace was OK.

Was Bluegrass State of Mind worth the listening time?

Not really.

Any additional comments?

I think the character of Kenna has potential for future books, maybe with a bit more continuity and less description of body parts.

Cliff Hanger

Wow! Now I have to get the next book. I want to know about the wedding. And the ex's and the new town gossip. This book is like a small town real life. If you have never lived in a small town you must read this book. Or as I do Listen to it. Great performance from Eric Dove. And the story is real captivating. I am hooked. Time to download next book.

love Kathleen

I love Kathleen and this series I read it all but now I'm enjoying the audio to refresh my memory!!

Pretty good just not great

I enjoyed the story but I don't much care for the insta-love theme. I've already started the second book and insta-love seems to be THE theme. The danger was felt but at times Kenna was TSTL. Too much was unrealistic but still a fun read. Obviously, I've started the second book in the series. The narrator did a fine job with a lot of different voices and accents, not great with young women but his older women are a hoot.

Recommended

One of my favorite stories. I write this review after re-reading again for the first time in a couple years. When I originally read it, it was new on the market and remember thinking this is a author to watch. I was so right.

Keeneston, KY is an ideal small town. The people care about each other, if maybe a little to invasively. The police are there to care for and protect the citizens. A bit of something always going on. A bit like a large family.

Highly recommended.

great start!!!!!

Well I got this book because I was looking for a good western story and oh I got so much more. the romance and drama and danger, absolutely love every minute of it and I couldn't stop listening. can't wait to hear more.

Bluegrass State of Mind

As a romantic suspense this had some humor that made me feel like rolling on the floor. Not a good idea since I was driving. I know so many people like the characters, bless their hearts.

Hearing this story was amazing

Hearing the story when I read this series so long ago has been amazing. I fell in love with the town and heard about Will and Makenna again all because of the Romance Package.

Plus I was so pleased to hear Eric G. Dove again and he was prefect for this story. Hopefully he has done all of the series.

I even had to share my love for Kathleen Brooks and Eric Dove to my book loving friends.