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The Detroit Love Duet #1
Set the Pace
Jasper Storm was the bad boy next door.
Reckless.
Dangerous.
Trouble—with a capital T.
Regardless of how other people perceived him, he was my hero. He protected me. Shielded me. Kept me safe. And I would have done anything for him.
Fate tore us apart—leaving a world between us, and both our hearts broken.
Now Jasper is Detroit's white knight, a reckless rogue turned sexy savior, pulling the city and himself out of destitution.
Everything he does is fast. He talks fast, f*cks fast, and drives fast.
I know I should keep my distance. That I should stay away. There's too much history between us. Too much left unsaid.
Yet I can't resist him.
Just being near him is a thrill—his perfect body, our incredible explosive chemistry, the enticing danger that follows him everywhere he goes.
But then the city turns against us, and we can't hold on.
When it’s us against the world—will our love survive?
Reckless.
Dangerous.
Trouble—with a capital T.
Regardless of how other people perceived him, he was my hero. He protected me. Shielded me. Kept me safe. And I would have done anything for him.
Fate tore us apart—leaving a world between us, and both our hearts broken.
Now Jasper is Detroit's white knight, a reckless rogue turned sexy savior, pulling the city and himself out of destitution.
Everything he does is fast. He talks fast, f*cks fast, and drives fast.
I know I should keep my distance. That I should stay away. There's too much history between us. Too much left unsaid.
Yet I can't resist him.
Just being near him is a thrill—his perfect body, our incredible explosive chemistry, the enticing danger that follows him everywhere he goes.
But then the city turns against us, and we can't hold on.
When it’s us against the world—will our love survive?
420 pages, Paperback
Published February 19, 2016
About the author
Kim Karr
56 books4,561 followersReader * Chocolate Lover * Writer * Coffee Lover * Romantic * Beach Lover * Yoga Beginner
Kim Karr is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of eighteen novels. Best known for writing sexy contemporary love stories, she enjoys bringing flawed characters to life.
Her romances are raw, real, and explosive.
Her characters will make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel.
And her happily-ever-afters are always swoon worthy.
From the brooding rock star to the arrogant millionaire. From the witty damsel-in-distress to the sassy high-powered business woman. No two storylines are ever alike.
Get ready to fall in love.
Kim Karr is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of eighteen novels. Best known for writing sexy contemporary love stories, she enjoys bringing flawed characters to life.
Her romances are raw, real, and explosive.
Her characters will make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel.
And her happily-ever-afters are always swoon worthy.
From the brooding rock star to the arrogant millionaire. From the witty damsel-in-distress to the sassy high-powered business woman. No two storylines are ever alike.
Get ready to fall in love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
February 21, 2016
3.5-4 Stars
I'm a huge Kim Karr fan. When she releases a new book, I jump on it, no second thoughts. So when I saw the blurb and cover for this pretty, suffice it to say I was utterly giddy with excitement to get my grubby little hands on it! What? I'm a cover whore, mkay! And that, my friends, is one lick worthy cover. Add into that the fact that the blurb made this sound too delicious to pass up, and it was a no brainer!
Was it everything I thought? Well...not quite. But it was a heck of a start.
Jasper Storm
Jasper is a self made man who once came from nothing. After tragedy struck his family, he was determined to make his dreams come true. Twenty years after that horrible night, he's exactly where he's always wanted to be: about to finally launch the company that will bring the struggling city and his hometown of Detroit around. He's designed and built his dream car and now along with his best friends and partners, he wants to build the company that will manufacture them. There's just a few things standing in his way; the return of his best friend that he hasn't seen since the night twenty years ago, murder and a whole slew of dark secrets.
Jasper is a character I was intrigued by right away. What can I say? I have a weakness for those manwhores, and Jasper is no angel in that respect. He drives fast, he fucks fast, and he moves on from his one night stands even faster. But the one woman that threatens his cool resolve is the one that brings up every dark memory of his past.
Charlotte Lane once saw Jasper as her everything. They were the best of friends until everything changed. Now she's back in the town she grew up in hoping to unravel the secrets that still continue to haunt her. But Jasper is not exactly happy to see her and their secrets just may be more than either of them could handle.
As much as I wanted to love this book, I found myself struggling with certain parts. Jasper ran hot and cold way too much with Charlie. On the one hand, I could understand it given their past. On the other, he was always so quick to jump to the worst conclusion of her and treat her like dirt in the process. Charlie's quiet understanding of this treatment certainly didn't help matters. I wanted her to show a bit of backbone, but it was almost like she was determined to play the martyr and it didn't always work.
Their relationship is a slow burn, which I definitely enjoyed. There's nothing better than that delicious burn of built up sexual tension, and these two had it in spades. But their relationship did sometimes take the back burner to the mystery and secrets unraveling throughout the story. The murder mystery and the secrets unraveling is what had me turning the pages with fervor. The suspense was thick and I was hungry for any crumb of information that would help me wrap my mind around what was going on.
Set The Pace was not quite what I expected in terms of romance. I really found the romance to take the backseat to the suspense and mystery here, but then again, that's not necessarily a bad thing. As for the ending? Holy mother of all cliffhangers! I wanted to rip my hair out and then stalk down Kim and demand she give me the next book immediately! Oh my god it was PAINFUL! I can't wait to see how everything unfolds with the conclusion because the set up is delicious as hell!
While slower paced than I had expected and the heroine was not my typical preference, I still enjoyed this one. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to stalk the author incessantly for news on the release of book 2.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Graphic is stock purchased and created by me for DGR blog. Please don't share without permission
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There's this need inside me that I can't fight-the need to stay close to her. It's as if somehow she snuck over that wall I've spent my whole life building so high and is getting inside of me.
I'm a huge Kim Karr fan. When she releases a new book, I jump on it, no second thoughts. So when I saw the blurb and cover for this pretty, suffice it to say I was utterly giddy with excitement to get my grubby little hands on it! What? I'm a cover whore, mkay! And that, my friends, is one lick worthy cover. Add into that the fact that the blurb made this sound too delicious to pass up, and it was a no brainer!
Was it everything I thought? Well...not quite. But it was a heck of a start.
Jasper Storm
Jasper is a self made man who once came from nothing. After tragedy struck his family, he was determined to make his dreams come true. Twenty years after that horrible night, he's exactly where he's always wanted to be: about to finally launch the company that will bring the struggling city and his hometown of Detroit around. He's designed and built his dream car and now along with his best friends and partners, he wants to build the company that will manufacture them. There's just a few things standing in his way; the return of his best friend that he hasn't seen since the night twenty years ago, murder and a whole slew of dark secrets.
There never was any other way, though.
That...I'd known all along.
Jasper is a character I was intrigued by right away. What can I say? I have a weakness for those manwhores, and Jasper is no angel in that respect. He drives fast, he fucks fast, and he moves on from his one night stands even faster. But the one woman that threatens his cool resolve is the one that brings up every dark memory of his past.
Charlotte Lane once saw Jasper as her everything. They were the best of friends until everything changed. Now she's back in the town she grew up in hoping to unravel the secrets that still continue to haunt her. But Jasper is not exactly happy to see her and their secrets just may be more than either of them could handle.
As much as I wanted to love this book, I found myself struggling with certain parts. Jasper ran hot and cold way too much with Charlie. On the one hand, I could understand it given their past. On the other, he was always so quick to jump to the worst conclusion of her and treat her like dirt in the process. Charlie's quiet understanding of this treatment certainly didn't help matters. I wanted her to show a bit of backbone, but it was almost like she was determined to play the martyr and it didn't always work.
Their relationship is a slow burn, which I definitely enjoyed. There's nothing better than that delicious burn of built up sexual tension, and these two had it in spades. But their relationship did sometimes take the back burner to the mystery and secrets unraveling throughout the story. The murder mystery and the secrets unraveling is what had me turning the pages with fervor. The suspense was thick and I was hungry for any crumb of information that would help me wrap my mind around what was going on.
Set The Pace was not quite what I expected in terms of romance. I really found the romance to take the backseat to the suspense and mystery here, but then again, that's not necessarily a bad thing. As for the ending? Holy mother of all cliffhangers! I wanted to rip my hair out and then stalk down Kim and demand she give me the next book immediately! Oh my god it was PAINFUL! I can't wait to see how everything unfolds with the conclusion because the set up is delicious as hell!
While slower paced than I had expected and the heroine was not my typical preference, I still enjoyed this one. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to stalk the author incessantly for news on the release of book 2.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Graphic is stock purchased and created by me for DGR blog. Please don't share without permission
Find me on:
February 21, 2016
LIVE AMAZON http://amzn.to/1TswyyL
4.5-5 BRILLIANT STARS
What a brilliant story! I loved Set The Pace. This book is so much more than just a romance. It had everything I needed and more. There is mystery, suspense and twists that will keep your interest. I was hooked from the first page, and honestly I didn't expect to like it so much!!
The plot was very intriguing, and the mystery kept me guessing. The romance developed slowly but it was perfect for the story. Both Jasper and Charlotte have to deal with their past, since they were friends before, now they they’ve reconnected they have to work on developing their relationship again.
“Is this what they call friends to lovers?” I laugh. “I’m not entirely sure , but if I had to guess I’d say yes.”
Jasper is a perfect character to swoon over and Charlotte is so down to earth, they make an amazing couple. They have a strong bond and you can feel it throughout the story. Also the fact that the reader is given dual POV’s, makes the story that much more enjoyable, because you can see and learn things about both characters.
This is the best book I have read from Kim Karr! She has done an amazing job with this book. The story was a little slow in some parts in my opinion, but the mystery is perfect!!The ending is cliffhanger and I really need the next book now to see what will happen!!If you are looking for a romance with mystery this is the perfect read for you!!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
4.5-5 BRILLIANT STARS
What a brilliant story! I loved Set The Pace. This book is so much more than just a romance. It had everything I needed and more. There is mystery, suspense and twists that will keep your interest. I was hooked from the first page, and honestly I didn't expect to like it so much!!
The plot was very intriguing, and the mystery kept me guessing. The romance developed slowly but it was perfect for the story. Both Jasper and Charlotte have to deal with their past, since they were friends before, now they they’ve reconnected they have to work on developing their relationship again.
“Is this what they call friends to lovers?” I laugh. “I’m not entirely sure , but if I had to guess I’d say yes.”
Jasper is a perfect character to swoon over and Charlotte is so down to earth, they make an amazing couple. They have a strong bond and you can feel it throughout the story. Also the fact that the reader is given dual POV’s, makes the story that much more enjoyable, because you can see and learn things about both characters.
This is the best book I have read from Kim Karr! She has done an amazing job with this book. The story was a little slow in some parts in my opinion, but the mystery is perfect!!The ending is cliffhanger and I really need the next book now to see what will happen!!If you are looking for a romance with mystery this is the perfect read for you!!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
March 3, 2016
Title: Set the Pace
Series: The Detroit Love Duet, #1
Author: Kim Karr
Release date: February 21, 2016
Cliffhanger: Yes
HEA
I finished reading this book two weeks ago. Two. Weeks. I've been putting off writing this because I wanted to be fair, but wasn't entirely sold on how to approach this review. On one hand, I can stand back and appreciate the thought behind the original story and the detail put into the mystery. It was unpredictable and well developed. However, I just can't get around the fact that it didn't succeed in holding my attention from beginning to end.
The first half went pretty smoothly, we're introduced to an interesting set of characters. Jasper and his two best friends are trying to obtain land that will enable them to begin their plan for rejuvenating the city of Detroit. The city is absolutely destitute after declaring bankruptcy and he hopes to use his innovative automotive company to create more jobs and realize his dreams of producing his own automobiles. It's a winning situation for everyone, but with his bad boy and womanizing reputation, he has a battle ahead to convince the public to put their trust in him.
I thought Jasper and his friends had a lot of depth to them and their history and personalities were intriguing. They grew up together on "the wrong side of the tracks" after his father died in a tragic factory accident. He struggled desperately with his mother to make ends meet, and vowed that he would make something of himself through his one true passion-cars and speed. He became addicted to the rush he got with speed, the adrenaline and the high he got calmed the storm in him. It was the only thing that gave him that peace, that is, until fate brought his other childhood best friend Charlotte back to him.
Charlotte is now working for a blog and is in town with her boss and co-worker covering Jasper's bid for the abandoned land he needs on 8 mile road. But is anyone knew her ulterior motive for coming back to town...or even who she really is, she may be in danger. She became the town pariah after the horrible accident that took Jasper's father's life. Rumors and gossip were spread and she was despised and hated. But no one knows the truth of the past. Who is trustworthy, and who is corrupt? Charlotte is determined to find out and clear her family's name.
Jasper and Charlotte were as close as you can get in childhood. They were like two halves of a whole and Jasper took on the role of protector. But that's been shattered by distrust and suspicion. There was some nice tension as Jasper worked through his preconceptions of her.
It's foolish to think closing the distance between us and pushing her up against that door is the right way to handle the indecision battling within me. But it's more foolish to think it isn't. So I stride toward her as fast as I can. Once I reach her, I yank her to me and then I press my lips to hers. Sweet. Delicious. The craving I can no longer deny.
I really enjoy the childhood best friends to lovers trope, but in this case, I felt that I needed to see more time spent in the present seeing their romantic feelings grow. The progression was overshadowed by the murder mystery of the story and I needed more to become invested in their emotions for each other. I think this is the main issue I had, however, this won't be the case for everyone.
The mystery was unpredictable and it had me guessing throughout the book, it just didn't get my heart pounding in suspense like I would have wanted. Maybe it's a case of my own personal issues, wrong time/wrong book but my interest started to lose steam in the second half of the story. Like I said, from an objective standpoint I can see the appeal of this book, and the writing was skillfully done. But on a personal level I struggled with the romance of the story.
The book ends in a very tense cliffy, so anyone who's looking to avoid that should probably wait until the second book in the duet is released. After reading that ending, I already know I'm on board to find out how this story's puzzle pieces all fit together. I need all my loose strings tied tight. And the secondary characters were done so well, I would even be sold on reading their stories. Overall, I was satisfied with the unique and original story. If you're looking for a good murder mystery, this could be the book for you.
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May 13, 2016
20 years ago Jasper's beloved dad died in a horrible auto-plant explosion in Detroit.
That day was also the day 8-year-old Jasper saw his best friend Charlotte for the last time.
After fighting against all odds, with no money, an alcoholic/mentally absent mom etc., Jasper is now the proud owner of Lightning Motors, together with his best buddies.
Their love of cars made them start a new car company - a huge thing for this dead city.
And their new factory is supposed to be built in the exact same place where the explosion killed so many people twenty years ago.
Charlotte is back in town, working for a journalism blog, covering the events surrounding Jasper's company's launch. Her colleague Eve is there to write the story. Only she's digging for dirt, she doesn't want to write about boring cars, but about the man behind it all....
Jasper has hated Charlie for 20 years. She left him on the worst day of his life. No one knows exactly why, only that her dad must've had something to do with the explosion.... he was one of the owners, after all.
Now Jasper & Charlotte meet again .... will the past stand in their way?
Or can they forget all the hurt and mistakes?
And what about the cut break lines that caused Jasper's accident three years ago?? Sabotage? Attempted Murder?
What's with Detroit's new Mayor Alex? Good guy? Bad guy?
And who is dead and why? And who killed her?????
Can everybody in Jasper's inner circle of friends be trusted??
Sex, lies, deceit, and murder.
There's sooo much happening in the first third of the book alone - I could write so much more without spoiling much.....but I will stop here with my 'summary' ☺☺
WHAT WiLL HAPPEN TO CHARLOTTE & JASPER????
WiLL THE TWO OF THEM GET THEiR HEA?
WiLL EVERBODY SURViVE???
I'm not telling you that of course...
OK, yes - there might be a tiiiiny little - aka HUGE - Cliffy, maybe even two, if that's possible ☺☺☺
════════════════════════════��════
Every time a new Kim Karr book arrives on my kindle, I'm totally excited.
You never know where the story will take you, you just know that it will most likely be amazing!
And Jasper & Charlotte's story was just perfect!
Of course we have a bit of a Cliffy :/ All the more reason to read book #1 again, before the second one comes out!
Jasper Jackson Storm is such an amazing guy... sexy, bad boyish, adorable, talented.....
He came from a pretty good middle class family. But when his dad died, everything fell apart. He got into lots of shit when he was a teenie...but with the help of mentor Hank, he was able to turn his love of cars into a real career.
He's really made something out of almost nothing.
And poor Charlie....she knows that as soon as she's back in Detroit the fingers will start pointing at her.
People hate her, just because she's her father's daughter.
But she's in town to finally prove that it wasn't her dad's fault!
I just loved those two.
The little back-in-time scenes we get - or when they tell us tiny little moments from their childhood - it's sooo adorable, the way those two eight year old kids were best friends, protector and protectee... Just adorable!
But now they're grown-up....time for more grown-up games!!!! ☺☺☺
We have LOTS of sexy scenes and suspensy and frustrating and exciting and moving scenes!
This was a perfect first book in a 2-book series - and I would love for Hollywood to come knocking on Kim's door. I would love to see this on TV or on the big screen!!!
I loved every word of the story!!
SET THE PACE was such a beautiful & suspensy & exciting & sexy & moving Romance! A hopeful love song for the city of Detroit! It's a story about friendship & disappointment & truth & lies & danger & the past & the future, about hope & love ..... and now I so want to take a ride in 'The Storm' with Jasper!☺
♡
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May 11, 2016
5 "WHY THE FUCK DID I WAIT THIS LONG TO READ THIS?" stars
Storm, my man...
cause , this was just...
fast paced, action packed, mystery crime drama with a whole lot of steam-uped passion between the friends to lovers intertwined plotline... Fuckin awesome!!!
freaking loved the characters in this, they were ALIVE, they were real and palpable, with as humanly realistic and authentic descriptions as one could imagine for a fictional characters to have...and I LOVED them, especially Jasper Storm and Charlotte Lane's chemistry...from long lost friendship over the off the charts attraction towards the passionate relationship that is marching its way through the hardship of doubts, mistrust, betrayal, crime, set-up, making them vulnerable, yet strongh in each other in the most vivid, expressional tale of "make it or brake it" life path!
this was simply, a very good written book...yes, it ends up with a cliffy, which I hate, of course, but it also stirs me to the edge of my seat in expectation of the next installment...
and yes this was definitely my CATCH...and yes, it fucking took me a long night to come and pick it up!!! LOL
"I drove all night to get to you...
Is that alright...
I drove all night...
I drove all night by Roy Orbinson (covers by Cindy Lauper, Celine Dion)
Oh, hell yeah...I can say that the book made it worth the wait...
so, book #2 I am coming to get YOU!
March 1, 2016
My first thought when opening this book: ‘God, it seems really long to be part of a duet.’
My very next thought: ‘OMG, it’s over?!’
Jasper and Charlotte were childhood friends. Until one night tragedy struck and the auto-plant blew up, killing Jasper’s father and making Charlotte’s father the most hated man in Detroit. Twenty years on and Jasper is set to start building a factory that could change the whole of Detroit and Charlotte has returned on a mission of her own. When they face each other again after decades apart they discover an intense attraction between them that is going to go either really well, or really badly. But all of that becomes unimportant when Charlotte’s secret is made public and Jasper finds himself suspect number one in a shocking crime.
One of the things that has made Kim Karr one of my favorite authors is the way she packs seemingly inconsequential little details in her books which later come back to bite you in the ass. Set The Pace was no different. You will definitely need to keep your wits about you because things that were mere mention become shocking twists and the questions that arise lead to answers you won’t see coming.
Jasper was ever the temperamental bad boy manwhore. On the outside he seemed to not care about much but the turmoil he felt on the inside with Charlotte’s return was tangible. His confusion and penchant for being a hot head made him run hot and cold but it also translated in some very passionate scenes. Charlotte has a bunch of insecurities to deal with and it makes her seem skittish and afraid but she possesses a lot of inner strength and determination. The romance between them is a slow burn which makes the tension all the more exciting and coupled with the visceral reactions they have to each other, it makes for some hot interactions.
Karr has such a unique voice that is strongly apparent in her writing and every story she touches turns into something totally original. She takes her time to set out every avenue of her plot line and every stolen glance and passionate kiss between her characters without it ever becoming the least bit boring. She has a way of including the reader that makes every character feel like family and every enemy your personal nemesis. I was hanging on every word and trying to decipher the ‘whodunnit’ in this fast-paced book without ever guessing correctly.
All in all this book was well set out, fast paced with loads of action and twists and a hot little romance brewing in the background. Loved it!
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
February 6, 2016
Dousing a fire with gasoline
I've come to expect Kim Karr to blow my mind…every time. And she does. I know going in that I need to pay attention and not get distracted or I might miss IT . You know, that one hint, that little glimpse of a clue that might not mean anything now, but everything later. It's always a mind-blowing rush to navigate the twists and turns as I anticipate a certain outcome. But still, even though I consider myself to be a pretty good profiler after watching numerous episodes of Criminal Minds, she still surprises me. And in between all the secrets and suspense, there's the sweet and sexy. A Kim Karr book is like date-night, where you get wined, dined, and then you get lucky later. (wink-wink)
Set the Pace was an exciting read. I was intrigued by the idea of the Storm and how it took over Detroit. I fell for Jasper right along with all the other women that drooled over his chocolate hair, chocolate eyes, and other...assets. As he reminisced with me about the girl next door, I felt his pain. I saw the events unfold through the eyes of a child, and I felt his confusion and disappointment. It just made me curiouser and curiouser to know what happened. I was glued to my kindle as I turned each page, expecting the answer to be on the next one…then the next one. I guessed and gasped. I worried and waited. I mused and melted. I giggled and glared. I suggested and sighed. And then… WUT?
I've come to expect Kim Karr to blow my mind…every time. And she does. I know going in that I need to pay attention and not get distracted or I might miss IT . You know, that one hint, that little glimpse of a clue that might not mean anything now, but everything later. It's always a mind-blowing rush to navigate the twists and turns as I anticipate a certain outcome. But still, even though I consider myself to be a pretty good profiler after watching numerous episodes of Criminal Minds, she still surprises me. And in between all the secrets and suspense, there's the sweet and sexy. A Kim Karr book is like date-night, where you get wined, dined, and then you get lucky later. (wink-wink)
Set the Pace was an exciting read. I was intrigued by the idea of the Storm and how it took over Detroit. I fell for Jasper right along with all the other women that drooled over his chocolate hair, chocolate eyes, and other...assets. As he reminisced with me about the girl next door, I felt his pain. I saw the events unfold through the eyes of a child, and I felt his confusion and disappointment. It just made me curiouser and curiouser to know what happened. I was glued to my kindle as I turned each page, expecting the answer to be on the next one…then the next one. I guessed and gasped. I worried and waited. I mused and melted. I giggled and glared. I suggested and sighed. And then… WUT?
February 22, 2016
☆ I received an ARC via Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
This is the second Kim Karr I've picked up to read, and I have to say, it definitely grabs at your attention with its infectious plot premise, its characters, and beguiling writing that captivates you from start to finish.
I swear, the friends to lovers theme was what locked me in, along with the badboy race car driver included, and from then on I was hooked on this read.
Set the Pace has everything from hot sex, deceit, lies, and danger in the mix; along with, second chances to make things right, earn back friendships, and reveal what happened all these many years ago on that tragic day.
It was quintessentially about love and trust and far you're willing to go to protect that bond.
An adrenaline filled read that will have you sizzling on all cylinders!!
Question is....
This is the second Kim Karr I've picked up to read, and I have to say, it definitely grabs at your attention with its infectious plot premise, its characters, and beguiling writing that captivates you from start to finish.
I swear, the friends to lovers theme was what locked me in, along with the badboy race car driver included, and from then on I was hooked on this read.
Set the Pace has everything from hot sex, deceit, lies, and danger in the mix; along with, second chances to make things right, earn back friendships, and reveal what happened all these many years ago on that tragic day.
It was quintessentially about love and trust and far you're willing to go to protect that bond.
An adrenaline filled read that will have you sizzling on all cylinders!!
Question is....
March 2, 2016
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
First and foremost, let me just say that the cover of SET THE PACE by Kim Karr is absolutely stunning!!! And secondly, it’s no secret that I am a HUGE KIM KARR fan and so after reading the blurb, I was sold and couldn’t wait to dive into this story.
If you ever read a Kim Karr book, then you should know to always expect the unexpected. I swear Ms. Karr never fails to surprise her readers with all the twist and turns. She definitely sets the pace as she hooks readers with her adrenaline high octane romantic suspense/mystery. While this book had the romance aspect, I did find that it took a backseat since the suspense/mystery was the biggest element in the story line of Charlotte and Jasper.
Once you read the prologue of Set the Pace then you would understand me when I tell you that you cannot put this book down. Ms. Karr has set up a story that was absolutely gripping, sexy, and suspenseful. Readers are left begging for more as secrets, truths, and revelations begins to unfold. And if you toss in the hot sexual tension brewing between Charlotte and Jasper, then you will understand why this story is such an adrenaline rush because the past and present begins to collide. So if you are looking for a book that was beautifully written and had a sexy storyline to match, then SET THE PACE is a must read. All there is left to say, is to buckle up and hold on tight, prepare yourself for a heart-pounding adrenaline high octane romantic suspense as danger and hearts are headed in a collision course.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Kim Karr
First and foremost, let me just say that the cover of SET THE PACE by Kim Karr is absolutely stunning!!! And secondly, it’s no secret that I am a HUGE KIM KARR fan and so after reading the blurb, I was sold and couldn’t wait to dive into this story.
If you ever read a Kim Karr book, then you should know to always expect the unexpected. I swear Ms. Karr never fails to surprise her readers with all the twist and turns. She definitely sets the pace as she hooks readers with her adrenaline high octane romantic suspense/mystery. While this book had the romance aspect, I did find that it took a backseat since the suspense/mystery was the biggest element in the story line of Charlotte and Jasper.
Once you read the prologue of Set the Pace then you would understand me when I tell you that you cannot put this book down. Ms. Karr has set up a story that was absolutely gripping, sexy, and suspenseful. Readers are left begging for more as secrets, truths, and revelations begins to unfold. And if you toss in the hot sexual tension brewing between Charlotte and Jasper, then you will understand why this story is such an adrenaline rush because the past and present begins to collide. So if you are looking for a book that was beautifully written and had a sexy storyline to match, then SET THE PACE is a must read. All there is left to say, is to buckle up and hold on tight, prepare yourself for a heart-pounding adrenaline high octane romantic suspense as danger and hearts are headed in a collision course.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Kim Karr
February 5, 2016
Can't wait to introduce everyone to Jasper and Charlotte!!!
April 4, 2016
5 +++ 'FORGET ME NOT' STARS!!!
“So you want to be a player, but your wheels aren’t fly. You have to hit us up, to get a pimped-out ride.”
Oh.My.God!!! SET THE PACE PLUS KIM KARR EQUALS PERFECTION!!! Roller coaster ride of emotion...thrilling...jaw dropping...mind boggling...panties wetting...oh I could really name some and more but it pales in comparison to what I just read. Those were an understatement because this book is SO DAMN MUCH MORE AND I SOOOOO LOVE IT!!!
Oh wow!!! Until this very moment I'm still on a high because this book really exceeds my expectations and so far among her works this is my favorite. I was drawn with the blurb and nothing prepared me for what I experienced reading the book. I thought I knew it all, I thought it was just all and the same. But hell!!!
I was so damn wrong because it's definitely not what I think it would be.
The storyline is just perfect and was written flawlessly. Every single detail showed it was done meticulously. The characters each of which with different traits but all possesses a unique charisma. Each of which you wanted to have their own story right there and then.
Will Fleming, Jake Crown, Drew Kates, and
Jasper Storm.
"Four boys who live similar lives. Each with a single mother who can’t cope with life, who can’t seem to figure out how to raise a growing boy, who turn it all off and turn the other way. That is what brings us together, but it is our mutual love of cars that bonds us."
and then there's Charlotte Lane....
"She was a tomboy who liked to play with me. A cute little girl with an upturned nose and rosy cheeks whose fair skin got sunburned way too easily. A little girl who didn’t have a mean bone in her body. And that little girl with eyes like the sky was my best friend."
- fuck—she isn’t a little girl anymore. She’s incredibly beautiful in the most wholesome way."
And I am really in awe. I was reading this with my heart racing...my adrenaline rush keeps going that I was so wide awake until the wee hours. I keep on guessing what may happen next...I keep on even solving the mystery...keep picking up the pieces wanting to piece it back together. And because in Kim Karr's fashion, I was just thrown to that twists and turns I did not expect that I just keep on biting my nails because I do not know anymore...I do not have an answer and I just keep on reading because aside from the fun and hot scenes there's no denying the thrill...the excitement..and the adrenaline rushing scenes this book has that just got me.
And that ending???? What the hell???? I want the next book like NOW because seriously I want answers...I WANT MORE!!!
*ARC kindly provided in exchanged for an honest review*
“So you want to be a player, but your wheels aren’t fly. You have to hit us up, to get a pimped-out ride.”
Oh.My.God!!! SET THE PACE PLUS KIM KARR EQUALS PERFECTION!!! Roller coaster ride of emotion...thrilling...jaw dropping...mind boggling...panties wetting...oh I could really name some and more but it pales in comparison to what I just read. Those were an understatement because this book is SO DAMN MUCH MORE AND I SOOOOO LOVE IT!!!
Oh wow!!! Until this very moment I'm still on a high because this book really exceeds my expectations and so far among her works this is my favorite. I was drawn with the blurb and nothing prepared me for what I experienced reading the book. I thought I knew it all, I thought it was just all and the same. But hell!!!
I was so damn wrong because it's definitely not what I think it would be.
The storyline is just perfect and was written flawlessly. Every single detail showed it was done meticulously. The characters each of which with different traits but all possesses a unique charisma. Each of which you wanted to have their own story right there and then.
Will Fleming, Jake Crown, Drew Kates, and
Jasper Storm.
"Four boys who live similar lives. Each with a single mother who can’t cope with life, who can’t seem to figure out how to raise a growing boy, who turn it all off and turn the other way. That is what brings us together, but it is our mutual love of cars that bonds us."
and then there's Charlotte Lane....
"She was a tomboy who liked to play with me. A cute little girl with an upturned nose and rosy cheeks whose fair skin got sunburned way too easily. A little girl who didn’t have a mean bone in her body. And that little girl with eyes like the sky was my best friend."
- fuck—she isn’t a little girl anymore. She’s incredibly beautiful in the most wholesome way."
And I am really in awe. I was reading this with my heart racing...my adrenaline rush keeps going that I was so wide awake until the wee hours. I keep on guessing what may happen next...I keep on even solving the mystery...keep picking up the pieces wanting to piece it back together. And because in Kim Karr's fashion, I was just thrown to that twists and turns I did not expect that I just keep on biting my nails because I do not know anymore...I do not have an answer and I just keep on reading because aside from the fun and hot scenes there's no denying the thrill...the excitement..and the adrenaline rushing scenes this book has that just got me.
And that ending???? What the hell???? I want the next book like NOW because seriously I want answers...I WANT MORE!!!
*ARC kindly provided in exchanged for an honest review*
March 4, 2016
3.5 Stars
This was my very first Kim Karr book. And, to be honest, I picked it for the cover; I didn’t even bother to read the blurb before hand. Sometimes, doing that can get you in trouble. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised. Romance, set within a murder mystery plot, is right up my alley.
This book gets up to speed fairly quickly. As we meet Charlotte and Jasper, we realize their joint history is tainted with tragedy and hurt feelings. Told in dual POV, you see how much their past has affected their current lives and helped put them on a direct collision course with their issues and each other.
At around twenty percent, the mystery plot is revealed and from then on you can’t help but spin theories in your head to try and figure out all the answers. For me, it was the mystery and suspense that set the driving pace in the book and it’s what had me hooked for more.
As the romance heats up, though, the pace of the book slows and the mystery is put on the back-burner while the characters explore their feelings for one another. For me, I would have liked to have seen both interwoven throughout the book to keep the pace and emotion constant.
I read this as a buddy read with the Canaries Goodreads group and had so much fun trying to guess plot points with them that this book just flew by. This book hangs on a really steep cliffy, but I’m so invested in the mystery that I plan on reading the next book.
This was my very first Kim Karr book. And, to be honest, I picked it for the cover; I didn’t even bother to read the blurb before hand. Sometimes, doing that can get you in trouble. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised. Romance, set within a murder mystery plot, is right up my alley.
This book gets up to speed fairly quickly. As we meet Charlotte and Jasper, we realize their joint history is tainted with tragedy and hurt feelings. Told in dual POV, you see how much their past has affected their current lives and helped put them on a direct collision course with their issues and each other.
At around twenty percent, the mystery plot is revealed and from then on you can’t help but spin theories in your head to try and figure out all the answers. For me, it was the mystery and suspense that set the driving pace in the book and it’s what had me hooked for more.
As the romance heats up, though, the pace of the book slows and the mystery is put on the back-burner while the characters explore their feelings for one another. For me, I would have liked to have seen both interwoven throughout the book to keep the pace and emotion constant.
I read this as a buddy read with the Canaries Goodreads group and had so much fun trying to guess plot points with them that this book just flew by. This book hangs on a really steep cliffy, but I’m so invested in the mystery that I plan on reading the next book.
May 9, 2016
Kim Karr definitely ‘sets the pace’ with this exciting read.
Childhood friends, sabotage, suspense, murder and some sweet romance are the main ingredients to this story. Jasper & Charlotte grew up together and were best friends until a tragedy ripped their lives apart. Charlotte’s family left town and they never saw each other again.
Until now.
Jasper and his three best friends have successfully achieved Jasper’s long time dream with the creation of a car called Storm. They have plans for expansion and are about to move forward with these plans when a shocking discovery is made which could throw everything they have worked hard at in jeopardy. Why is this happening now and does someone have some sort of vendetta?
Charlie (Charlotte) has recently returned to Detroit to clear her fathers name. That tragedy that happened many years ago was not accident and she is determined to get to the bottom of it However, someone is out to stop her but who is it?
When Jasper sees Charlie again it is a shock at first but then the memories come flooding back to him and before too long she is all he can think about. He can’t seem to stay away from her.
‘Every time I look at you. Every time you walk into the room. Every single time I see you, I want you. Even when I’m not with you, you’re all I can think about.’ - Jasper
With all this romance going on and some shady things happening in the background this makes it a very thrilling read. I am really excited to read the conclusion to this story as the ending was one of those WTF moments that will have you hounding Kim for the release date. Well played!
Childhood friends, sabotage, suspense, murder and some sweet romance are the main ingredients to this story. Jasper & Charlotte grew up together and were best friends until a tragedy ripped their lives apart. Charlotte’s family left town and they never saw each other again.
Until now.
Jasper and his three best friends have successfully achieved Jasper’s long time dream with the creation of a car called Storm. They have plans for expansion and are about to move forward with these plans when a shocking discovery is made which could throw everything they have worked hard at in jeopardy. Why is this happening now and does someone have some sort of vendetta?
Charlie (Charlotte) has recently returned to Detroit to clear her fathers name. That tragedy that happened many years ago was not accident and she is determined to get to the bottom of it However, someone is out to stop her but who is it?
When Jasper sees Charlie again it is a shock at first but then the memories come flooding back to him and before too long she is all he can think about. He can’t seem to stay away from her.
‘Every time I look at you. Every time you walk into the room. Every single time I see you, I want you. Even when I’m not with you, you’re all I can think about.’ - Jasper
With all this romance going on and some shady things happening in the background this makes it a very thrilling read. I am really excited to read the conclusion to this story as the ending was one of those WTF moments that will have you hounding Kim for the release date. Well played!
February 20, 2016
*I received an ARC for my honest review*
Jasper Storm - He Suffered tragedy at a young age and was forced to grow up with a not so Ideal life. Now all grown up and sexy as sin he is trying to build a car and rebuild the city of Detroit at the same time, but will seeing his best friend Charlotte for the first time in years change everything he has worked so hard for?
Charlotte - She's no stranger to that lonely feeling and all she wants to do is go back to Detroit and help clear her father's name. Will seeing Jasper her childhood friend get in her way of finding out the truth?
In true Kim Karr fashion this story is filled with twists and turns, none of which I can say because I do not spoil stories. I was left trying to figure out some of the mystery and somethings I thought I had it figured out, but of course was wrong.
I will say this, there is a cliffhanger, I mean duh it is Kim Karr. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride.
~Alison
Jasper Storm - He Suffered tragedy at a young age and was forced to grow up with a not so Ideal life. Now all grown up and sexy as sin he is trying to build a car and rebuild the city of Detroit at the same time, but will seeing his best friend Charlotte for the first time in years change everything he has worked so hard for?
Charlotte - She's no stranger to that lonely feeling and all she wants to do is go back to Detroit and help clear her father's name. Will seeing Jasper her childhood friend get in her way of finding out the truth?
In true Kim Karr fashion this story is filled with twists and turns, none of which I can say because I do not spoil stories. I was left trying to figure out some of the mystery and somethings I thought I had it figured out, but of course was wrong.
I will say this, there is a cliffhanger, I mean duh it is Kim Karr. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride.
~Alison
February 28, 2016
FORGET ME NOT
Wasn't expecting when I picked up this book from KU, how much i was going to enjoy it. It had been quite a while since I've read anything from this author. It's a childhood to lovers to story, suspenseful with murder mystery. Slow burn buildup chemistry between these childhood friends. I was not aware it was a duet series, so it left me screaming WTF at that ending "I need the conclusion of book 2" and hoping it does not take long for the release.
Wasn't expecting when I picked up this book from KU, how much i was going to enjoy it. It had been quite a while since I've read anything from this author. It's a childhood to lovers to story, suspenseful with murder mystery. Slow burn buildup chemistry between these childhood friends. I was not aware it was a duet series, so it left me screaming WTF at that ending "I need the conclusion of book 2" and hoping it does not take long for the release.
March 24, 2016
Jasper Storm has always been about adrenaline and speed. His life has been challenging, he has suffered loss and tragedy, and has lived life on both sides of the poverty line. But as an adult he has coped with fast cars and women and strong ambition. He is strong, stubborn, in control, and driven to succeed. His business success just keeps building with each new project and he is about to take on one that is most important to him and his city. He has his life right where he wants it. And then his past walks right back up to him.
Charlotte Lane was his childhood best friend. But one night she was gone...right when he needed her most. And neither of their lives were ever the same. She has not been home to Detroit for twenty years, but now she has returned with her own agenda. She is caring, sweet, insecure, and a bit needy. But she is also tenacious and is looking for answers.
Their lives are crossing again and their past comes crashing back just as they were about to start new beginnings. There are questions and a gradual forthcoming of answers. New events intertwine their lives even more. And suddenly they are thrust into a big mess with no clear answers, motives, or suspects.
This book is multi-layered and full of mysteries past and present. It involves Jasper and his three best friends and business partners for their company Set The Pace: Drew, Will, and Jake. They became his new family. Charlotte used to be. And their real family dynamics all have checkered pasts. And one big past event has had repercussions not only on their lives, but also on Detroit as a whole.
Jasper and Charlotte are two people with a strong connection, past hurts, secrets, and an undeniable chemistry and attraction. They find themselves thrust into a situation of betrayal, tragedy, mystery and foul play. It is hard to tell who they can trust and what to believe. The past and present are tied and twisted. There are multiple antagonists and unclear agendas.
But at the heart of it is Jasper and his world that is spinning out of control. And his reconnection with the one girl who ever meant anything to him, but ended up hurting him. But she is also the one woman who has the ability to keep up with him or alternately bring him to his knees. Trust is difficult with so much baggage. They will have to face their pasts, deal with their chaotic present, and fight for their futures.
Is their deep connection and new passion and feelings enough to make them take a leap of faith?
I loved Jasper and Charlotte and totally felt their strong bond despite the previous distance and hurt. I liked getting dual points of view especially since there were secrets and pain on each side. The city of Detroit itself mirrored both the destruction and devastation, and the hope of new beginnings also seen with this couple. This was a fast paced story full of tension, mystery, heartbreak, danger, passion, and strong emotions. I was totally intrigued from the beginning and my brain was working overtime trying to put all the pieces together to try to figure it out. We see this couple begin to work together to try to help each other. But does their presence in each other's lives just hurt the other more not only personally, but also with public perception? And there are still so many more questions.
What really happened in the past and who is really responsible? Who is out to get them? What do they want? And will they survive it unscathed?
I cannot wait for the next installment in this exciting duet Turn it Up!
Beta copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Charlotte Lane was his childhood best friend. But one night she was gone...right when he needed her most. And neither of their lives were ever the same. She has not been home to Detroit for twenty years, but now she has returned with her own agenda. She is caring, sweet, insecure, and a bit needy. But she is also tenacious and is looking for answers.
Their lives are crossing again and their past comes crashing back just as they were about to start new beginnings. There are questions and a gradual forthcoming of answers. New events intertwine their lives even more. And suddenly they are thrust into a big mess with no clear answers, motives, or suspects.
This book is multi-layered and full of mysteries past and present. It involves Jasper and his three best friends and business partners for their company Set The Pace: Drew, Will, and Jake. They became his new family. Charlotte used to be. And their real family dynamics all have checkered pasts. And one big past event has had repercussions not only on their lives, but also on Detroit as a whole.
Jasper and Charlotte are two people with a strong connection, past hurts, secrets, and an undeniable chemistry and attraction. They find themselves thrust into a situation of betrayal, tragedy, mystery and foul play. It is hard to tell who they can trust and what to believe. The past and present are tied and twisted. There are multiple antagonists and unclear agendas.
But at the heart of it is Jasper and his world that is spinning out of control. And his reconnection with the one girl who ever meant anything to him, but ended up hurting him. But she is also the one woman who has the ability to keep up with him or alternately bring him to his knees. Trust is difficult with so much baggage. They will have to face their pasts, deal with their chaotic present, and fight for their futures.
Is their deep connection and new passion and feelings enough to make them take a leap of faith?
I loved Jasper and Charlotte and totally felt their strong bond despite the previous distance and hurt. I liked getting dual points of view especially since there were secrets and pain on each side. The city of Detroit itself mirrored both the destruction and devastation, and the hope of new beginnings also seen with this couple. This was a fast paced story full of tension, mystery, heartbreak, danger, passion, and strong emotions. I was totally intrigued from the beginning and my brain was working overtime trying to put all the pieces together to try to figure it out. We see this couple begin to work together to try to help each other. But does their presence in each other's lives just hurt the other more not only personally, but also with public perception? And there are still so many more questions.
What really happened in the past and who is really responsible? Who is out to get them? What do they want? And will they survive it unscathed?
I cannot wait for the next installment in this exciting duet Turn it Up!
Beta copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2016
Set the Pace is SO much more than a friends turned lovers romance. Let me tell you, I was excited to read this book because I adore this author’s work. However, when I got into the meat of the story, HOLD THE PHONE, I was hooked. It is no secret that I am a suspense junky. I am a problem solver by nature and enjoy the thrill of mystery and suspense.
Jasper Storm has turned his life around after growing up with the tragedy of losing a parent in the worst disaster Detroit has seen in the last 20 years. He is out to realize his dreams and make change where there was once devastation. When ghosts from his past keep reappearing, he questions whether those dreams will ever be realized.
Charlotte Lane is one of the before mentioned ghosts. Formally Jasper’s best friend, she blows back into town trying to make a better name for herself than what she was left with 20 years ago. Broken by a lifetime of neglect, Charlotte is hoping to put some ghosts of her own to rest.
These characters were well developed instantly allowing the reader to connect with the characters giving the reader an emotional connection that made this story work well. Emotions and adrenaline run high with little reprieve making Set the Pace hard to put down.
Sex, lies, deceit, murder, speed: Set the Pace is SMOKING HOT. I could not get enough of this story and will be author stalking like a mad woman waiting for the next morsel of deliciousness.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of The Read Report. **
Jasper Storm has turned his life around after growing up with the tragedy of losing a parent in the worst disaster Detroit has seen in the last 20 years. He is out to realize his dreams and make change where there was once devastation. When ghosts from his past keep reappearing, he questions whether those dreams will ever be realized.
Charlotte Lane is one of the before mentioned ghosts. Formally Jasper’s best friend, she blows back into town trying to make a better name for herself than what she was left with 20 years ago. Broken by a lifetime of neglect, Charlotte is hoping to put some ghosts of her own to rest.
These characters were well developed instantly allowing the reader to connect with the characters giving the reader an emotional connection that made this story work well. Emotions and adrenaline run high with little reprieve making Set the Pace hard to put down.
Sex, lies, deceit, murder, speed: Set the Pace is SMOKING HOT. I could not get enough of this story and will be author stalking like a mad woman waiting for the next morsel of deliciousness.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of The Read Report. **
February 27, 2016
That cliffhanger!!! I need book 2 NOW!
August 12, 2017
No estoy muy segura de la nota que darle. Como veis me ha llevado un montón de tiempo leerlo porque no he acabado de conectar con él. Me tenía intrigada saber quién era el que había provocado todo (¡hijo de puta ahora lo sé!) pero al libro en general le sobran un montooooooooon de páginas. Pero un montón en serio.
Todo el mundo parece un borde de mierda en este libro, sobre todo los amigos de Jasper. Que asco de verdad, con él, son todo sonrisas y risas pero con Charlotte he visto paredes más agradables que ellos. Sobre todo Jake, todavía no sé porque pero no me fío de el. Toda esa charla que le dio al principio y esa frase de mierda de "eres una necesitada" EL QUE ESTÁ NECESITADO ERES TÚ PERO DE UNA BUENA HOSTIA! Dios de verdad que asco de gentuza. Lo dicho, en este libro no hay nadie bueno: madres cabronas y abandona hijos, hermanos/algo por el estilo que son unos hijos de puta egoístas y caprichosos, padres no muy buenos también... vamos una desgracia es todo el libro...
Ahora quiero saber cómo sigue la historia, veremos si son capaces de sacar a Jasper de todo este embrollo. Y por cierto: tampoco me fío del policía que lleva el caso. NO ME FÍO DE NADIE!!! Jajajajaja
Todo el mundo parece un borde de mierda en este libro, sobre todo los amigos de Jasper. Que asco de verdad, con él, son todo sonrisas y risas pero con Charlotte he visto paredes más agradables que ellos. Sobre todo Jake, todavía no sé porque pero no me fío de el. Toda esa charla que le dio al principio y esa frase de mierda de "eres una necesitada" EL QUE ESTÁ NECESITADO ERES TÚ PERO DE UNA BUENA HOSTIA! Dios de verdad que asco de gentuza. Lo dicho, en este libro no hay nadie bueno: madres cabronas y abandona hijos, hermanos/algo por el estilo que son unos hijos de puta egoístas y caprichosos, padres no muy buenos también... vamos una desgracia es todo el libro...
Ahora quiero saber cómo sigue la historia, veremos si son capaces de sacar a Jasper de todo este embrollo. Y por cierto: tampoco me fío del policía que lleva el caso. NO ME FÍO DE NADIE!!! Jajajajaja
Want to read
May 11, 2016This sounds awesome. Can't wait to read this one!!!!
February 21, 2016
My Thoughts:
Set the Pace is the first book in a new duology by Kim Karr. As a huge fan of Ms. Karr's Connections Series, I am always excited to read something new of hers. Set the Pace, is a passionate, thrilling, and suspenseful read that deals with sex, lies, deceit, and murder.
Charlotte "Charlie" Lane dreams of being a successful journalist. She also wants to return to Detroit and prove her father's innocence, after he was blamed for the horrific factory explosion and many deaths of his automotive company. Her father was destroyed by this event, and also the abandonment of his wife, who ran off and left him and Charlotte to be with his business partner.
Now twenty years later, Charlotte returns to Detroit after landing a journalism job blogging for The Detroit Scene. As a photographer her first assignment is to cover Jasper Storm with writer Eve Hepburn. Jasper, along with his three best friends and business partners, Will Fleming, Jake Crown, and Drew Kates, are trying to get their new business venture, Lightning Motors, off of the ground.
However, first they want to purchase the piece of land that held the old automotive business that took his father's life. This will be a fresh start for Jasper, as well as the citizens of Detroit. Lighting Motors promises to bring in an abundance of jobs and economic growth to one of the poorest cities in the United States. Life takes a turn for the worse, when Eve Hepburn turns up dead on the very land that Jasper and his business partners are trying to buy.
Immediately afterwards, Jasper becomes a person of interest in Eve's murder due to being the last person to see her during a one night stand. Charlie, also finds herself smack dab in the middle of the murder investigation. As Charlie and Jasper reconnect, and friendship turns to passionate romance, will these two be able to clear Jasper's name and find Eve's killer before he is arrested for a crime that he didn't commit?
Set the Pace started out fairly slow, as Ms. Karr took the time to fully develop Charlie and Jasper's characters, as well as the history of their childhood and present. As the story reached the midpoint, the pacing started to pick-up as the romantic connection between Charlie and Jasper intensified. These two were so hot together, and the sex scenes were perfect. Erotic, sensual, passionate, and beyond explosive is how I would categorize those intimate moments between the main characters.
With the murder mystery, as well as Charlie investigating in order to clear her father's name, I became intrigued. I enjoy a good mystery, and love trying to put the pieces of the puzzle and the players in the game together correctly, to see how everything fits. By the 70% mark, I could not put the book down, and needed to know how it would all end. Well, be prepared...We are given an epic cliffhanger!
My Rating:
I need book 2 in this duology now!!! I am dying over here. The cliffhanger has ramped up the suspense, anticipation, and need to get to the rest of the story! I give, Set the Pace, by Kim Karr, 4 Childhood Friends to Passionate Lovers, Web of Deceit, Suspenseful Murder Plot, and Racing Pulse Filled Stars!
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit http://www.abookishescape.com
Set the Pace is the first book in a new duology by Kim Karr. As a huge fan of Ms. Karr's Connections Series, I am always excited to read something new of hers. Set the Pace, is a passionate, thrilling, and suspenseful read that deals with sex, lies, deceit, and murder.
Charlotte "Charlie" Lane dreams of being a successful journalist. She also wants to return to Detroit and prove her father's innocence, after he was blamed for the horrific factory explosion and many deaths of his automotive company. Her father was destroyed by this event, and also the abandonment of his wife, who ran off and left him and Charlotte to be with his business partner.
Now twenty years later, Charlotte returns to Detroit after landing a journalism job blogging for The Detroit Scene. As a photographer her first assignment is to cover Jasper Storm with writer Eve Hepburn. Jasper, along with his three best friends and business partners, Will Fleming, Jake Crown, and Drew Kates, are trying to get their new business venture, Lightning Motors, off of the ground.
However, first they want to purchase the piece of land that held the old automotive business that took his father's life. This will be a fresh start for Jasper, as well as the citizens of Detroit. Lighting Motors promises to bring in an abundance of jobs and economic growth to one of the poorest cities in the United States. Life takes a turn for the worse, when Eve Hepburn turns up dead on the very land that Jasper and his business partners are trying to buy.
Immediately afterwards, Jasper becomes a person of interest in Eve's murder due to being the last person to see her during a one night stand. Charlie, also finds herself smack dab in the middle of the murder investigation. As Charlie and Jasper reconnect, and friendship turns to passionate romance, will these two be able to clear Jasper's name and find Eve's killer before he is arrested for a crime that he didn't commit?
Set the Pace started out fairly slow, as Ms. Karr took the time to fully develop Charlie and Jasper's characters, as well as the history of their childhood and present. As the story reached the midpoint, the pacing started to pick-up as the romantic connection between Charlie and Jasper intensified. These two were so hot together, and the sex scenes were perfect. Erotic, sensual, passionate, and beyond explosive is how I would categorize those intimate moments between the main characters.
With the murder mystery, as well as Charlie investigating in order to clear her father's name, I became intrigued. I enjoy a good mystery, and love trying to put the pieces of the puzzle and the players in the game together correctly, to see how everything fits. By the 70% mark, I could not put the book down, and needed to know how it would all end. Well, be prepared...We are given an epic cliffhanger!
My Rating:
I need book 2 in this duology now!!! I am dying over here. The cliffhanger has ramped up the suspense, anticipation, and need to get to the rest of the story! I give, Set the Pace, by Kim Karr, 4 Childhood Friends to Passionate Lovers, Web of Deceit, Suspenseful Murder Plot, and Racing Pulse Filled Stars!
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit http://www.abookishescape.com
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June 12, 2016Forget Me Not
Wasn't expecting when I picked this book up from KU. It's childhood friends to lovers story, suspenseful with murder mystery. Very slow burn buildup chemistry between these childhood friends. I wasn't aware it was a series, so it left me screaming WTF! Ending. I need the conclusion of book two and hoping it doesn't take long to release.
Wasn't expecting when I picked this book up from KU. It's childhood friends to lovers story, suspenseful with murder mystery. Very slow burn buildup chemistry between these childhood friends. I wasn't aware it was a series, so it left me screaming WTF! Ending. I need the conclusion of book two and hoping it doesn't take long to release.
March 8, 2018
Great mystery and romance......
I felt in the mood, and boy did this hit the spot. I loved both characters. I loved their childhood connection & the mystery and suspense was spot on. The need for speed in this book is real.
Charlotte and Jasper had known each other since 8. They were childhood friends until something tragic happens to Japers Dad and others at a plant fire they all worked in. Charlottes Dad suffered from it and took off w/ his daughter.
Charlotte is back to find the truth, she believes her father innocent.
Jasper is a race car driver, builder, all around Detroit car man. His father was killed in the plant fire.
Needless to say, sparks fly when these 2 see each other. Together, they become a team to uncover the truth, but it’s a wonderful read to see them get to that place.
The supporting characters are amazing. (I’m so late to this book, I really hope she has follow up stories on some of them?) anyway, I’ve got part 2 to get too.
Recommend.
I felt in the mood, and boy did this hit the spot. I loved both characters. I loved their childhood connection & the mystery and suspense was spot on. The need for speed in this book is real.
Charlotte and Jasper had known each other since 8. They were childhood friends until something tragic happens to Japers Dad and others at a plant fire they all worked in. Charlottes Dad suffered from it and took off w/ his daughter.
Charlotte is back to find the truth, she believes her father innocent.
Jasper is a race car driver, builder, all around Detroit car man. His father was killed in the plant fire.
Needless to say, sparks fly when these 2 see each other. Together, they become a team to uncover the truth, but it’s a wonderful read to see them get to that place.
The supporting characters are amazing. (I’m so late to this book, I really hope she has follow up stories on some of them?) anyway, I’ve got part 2 to get too.
Recommend.
March 4, 2016
Charlotte and Jasper knew each other when they were children and they were JJ and Charlie to each other…but now things aren’t as simple. Charlie comes back to town to try and clear her fathers name and Jasper isn’t sure he can forgive her for leaving him without warning. But when murder rocks the Detroit hometown they must both set aside their past hurts, if they want even a chance of seeing a future together. Because someone is out to paint both of them as murderers, someone is sabotaging not only Jaspers dreams but his and Charlottes very lives.
“What Charlie and JJ shared can never be taken away. Never.”
Kim Karr definitely sets the pace in this story….and that pace is an off the charts pace; a thrilling read that doesn’t let you take a breath before throwing in another twist and whirlwind story line. Murder, mystery, sabotage, love, friendship combine together to create one hell of a read in this book.
“The girl I always took care of. The girl I shouldn’t turn away from. The girl that needs me now. The girl I can’t turn away from regardless of my situation.”
I loved both Charlie and Jasper in this book; they both have suffered terrible pasts yet they are both willing to try and overcome them and try to rekindle not only the friendship they had before but maybe turn it into something more.
“I beg because I can see her goodness. Her innocence. Her fear. But most of all, I can see her sadness and I want to take a little bit of it away.”
Charlie certainly wants someone to want her and never leave her but everything she has been through and yet still remaining determined to clear her dads name and try to show Jasper how much he means to her which shows such strength. Jaspers strength shines throughout; strength to succeed, strength not to give up, strength to not let everything going wrong cripple him. I loved how protective he becomes of Charlie as well.
“Every time I look at you. Every time you walk into the room. Every single time I see you, I want you. Even when I’m not with you, you’re all I can think about.”
This story really doesn’t follow one path, it’s a romance, it’s a mystery, it’s murder and deceit; several stories woven together that fit perfectly, to create a thrilling read for every need of every reader.
~Bethany
“What Charlie and JJ shared can never be taken away. Never.”
Kim Karr definitely sets the pace in this story….and that pace is an off the charts pace; a thrilling read that doesn’t let you take a breath before throwing in another twist and whirlwind story line. Murder, mystery, sabotage, love, friendship combine together to create one hell of a read in this book.
“The girl I always took care of. The girl I shouldn’t turn away from. The girl that needs me now. The girl I can’t turn away from regardless of my situation.”
I loved both Charlie and Jasper in this book; they both have suffered terrible pasts yet they are both willing to try and overcome them and try to rekindle not only the friendship they had before but maybe turn it into something more.
“I beg because I can see her goodness. Her innocence. Her fear. But most of all, I can see her sadness and I want to take a little bit of it away.”
Charlie certainly wants someone to want her and never leave her but everything she has been through and yet still remaining determined to clear her dads name and try to show Jasper how much he means to her which shows such strength. Jaspers strength shines throughout; strength to succeed, strength not to give up, strength to not let everything going wrong cripple him. I loved how protective he becomes of Charlie as well.
“Every time I look at you. Every time you walk into the room. Every single time I see you, I want you. Even when I’m not with you, you’re all I can think about.”
This story really doesn’t follow one path, it’s a romance, it’s a mystery, it’s murder and deceit; several stories woven together that fit perfectly, to create a thrilling read for every need of every reader.
~Bethany
March 3, 2016
5 FORGET ME NOT STARS!!!
Whoa. I cannot believe this is the first novel I have read by Kim Karr. Why did I wait so long?! Set The Pace was BRILLIANT! I was entranced from beginning to end. I couldn’t stop. I loved it. So. Damn. Much.
Set The Pace made me feel like I was in a high speed race the entire time. There were twists. There were turns. It was beautiful. It was sexy. It was an emotionally gripping friends to lovers romance. I felt all of the feels! Masterfully written, I felt like I was living this story with Jasper and Charlotte. I was completely captivated.
Jasper. **THUD** yeah, that was my body hitting the pavement at the sight of him. He talks fast. He drives fast. He fucks fast. Heartbreaker. Soul shaker. Devastatingly handsome. Sex personified. I felt like I was swimming in a pool of lust! And I wanted to devour every inch of him. And Charlotte? Sweet Charlotte. Adorable. Beautiful. Loyal. My god. I felt for her in so many situations. She’s had a difficult life. Alone. Unwanted. A black sheep. But then she found her way back to Jasper. Put these two together, and it was like a storm. Raging. Powerful. Amazing. God damn. The chemistry between these two sent a bolt of lightning right to my hot spot. I couldn’t look away. And so many times. So. Many. Times. Their words punched me right in the heart. I felt their love for each other. I really, really did.
This story was definitely a roller coaster! It was funny. Mysterious. Suspenseful. Sexy. While certain occurrences came to light, others were left in the dark. And do not even talk to me about that ending. My god. THAT ENDING! I swear my heart and guts felt like they crashed. And burned. Obliterated. I am dying. DY-ING for the conclusion of Jasper and Charlotte’s love adventure. I will be counting down the days until the next book, Turn It Up, arrives on my kindle! I am addicted to Kim Karr’s writing! What a ride!!
May 8, 2016
My pace couldn't get to the end fast enough
Completely drawn in from start like someone dropping the flag for go and I eagerly raced to the end just to find out how it would all play out.
Captivated from the off, as you get to know the character and his life, Jasper with his manwhore ways the sadness of the town disaster and a day that changed his world losing his best friend and father and the introduction to his inventions success with his car along with his best friends and also successors.
Charlotte or Charlie was the girl next door, Jaspers best friend and in the blink of an eye she was gone and hatred replaced his fondness of her.
Charlotte returns to her home town, a town where her family name is mud since that fateful day and the moment she is revealed shit really hits the fan and although Jasper tries to hate her he only sees the girl he once called his best friend.
Charlotte
I do what I always do when I feel this way, search for the stars. Count them.Trace them. Stare at them
"Are you looking for the big dipper? His voice is warm like molasses. chemistry. Its here and I can feel it.
Its a steady paced read told in dual pov's, great characters, lovers of good detective story's and books filled with mystery will love it. There's crimes to be solved, missing persons,murder and a whole lot of heat.
A really good read for thrill seekers and I'm looking forward to book two.
Arc gratefully recieved for honest review
BBBf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends.com
Completely drawn in from start like someone dropping the flag for go and I eagerly raced to the end just to find out how it would all play out.
Captivated from the off, as you get to know the character and his life, Jasper with his manwhore ways the sadness of the town disaster and a day that changed his world losing his best friend and father and the introduction to his inventions success with his car along with his best friends and also successors.
Charlotte or Charlie was the girl next door, Jaspers best friend and in the blink of an eye she was gone and hatred replaced his fondness of her.
Charlotte returns to her home town, a town where her family name is mud since that fateful day and the moment she is revealed shit really hits the fan and although Jasper tries to hate her he only sees the girl he once called his best friend.
Charlotte
I do what I always do when I feel this way, search for the stars. Count them.Trace them. Stare at them
"Are you looking for the big dipper? His voice is warm like molasses. chemistry. Its here and I can feel it.
Its a steady paced read told in dual pov's, great characters, lovers of good detective story's and books filled with mystery will love it. There's crimes to be solved, missing persons,murder and a whole lot of heat.
A really good read for thrill seekers and I'm looking forward to book two.
Arc gratefully recieved for honest review
BBBf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends.com
February 15, 2016
Hold on to your seat Kim Karr is going to take you on one heck of a ride. Set the Pace blew me away. I did not want to put it down. I think I made it till about 4 am before I finally crashed with my tablet in hand and then I started reading right when I woke up just a few hours later before the coffee was even ready.
Set the Pace is a fascinating sexy read full of twist and turn, lies, and deceit that will have you on the edge of your seat. The depth in which this story was written was just amazing. It also comes with a little history lesson on Detroit which was rather interesting. Jasper and Charlie have an undeniable chemistry that makes it easy to connect with the character.
The secondary character, WOW !! There are so many that play a roll in this story, but each character good or bad has been beautiful written and will defiantly keep you on your toes.
I am biting my nails waiting for Turn it Up
I owe almost all of Kim Karr books and I am ashamed to say this is the first book I have ever read. I have some catching up do and I'm excited to say I cannot wait.
Christy
Radical Reads Book Blog
ARC providing in exchange for my honest review
Set the Pace is a fascinating sexy read full of twist and turn, lies, and deceit that will have you on the edge of your seat. The depth in which this story was written was just amazing. It also comes with a little history lesson on Detroit which was rather interesting. Jasper and Charlie have an undeniable chemistry that makes it easy to connect with the character.
The secondary character, WOW !! There are so many that play a roll in this story, but each character good or bad has been beautiful written and will defiantly keep you on your toes.
I am biting my nails waiting for Turn it Up
I owe almost all of Kim Karr books and I am ashamed to say this is the first book I have ever read. I have some catching up do and I'm excited to say I cannot wait.
Christy
Radical Reads Book Blog
ARC providing in exchange for my honest review
February 22, 2016
4.5 Stars
I'm not even joking when I say I'd sell my left kidney for book 2 right now. I can just hear the 'WTF's', the 'Nooooooooo's' and the 'You can't end a book like that's'.
The idea, of childhood best friends get separated at a young age only to meet up again in adulthood, is nothing new, but what this book does give us is one hell of a mystery. To me, nearly every single character was under suspicion which meant one heck of a gripping story.
The storyline is not something I can explain and certainly not one I would attempt to do for fear of giving anything away, however I will say that Jasper starts out as your typical fictional bad boy. He's a player and a hot one at that. The chemistry between him and Charlotte is there from the start. I loved that he was a bit of a jerk towards her and I loved Charlotte's vulnerability.
If I'm perfectly honest, something for me affected the flow towards the final 20% of the book. The story became a little difficult to follow at this stage, but what is clear is that I am absolutely dying to read the next book.
I'm not even joking when I say I'd sell my left kidney for book 2 right now. I can just hear the 'WTF's', the 'Nooooooooo's' and the 'You can't end a book like that's'.
The idea, of childhood best friends get separated at a young age only to meet up again in adulthood, is nothing new, but what this book does give us is one hell of a mystery. To me, nearly every single character was under suspicion which meant one heck of a gripping story.
The storyline is not something I can explain and certainly not one I would attempt to do for fear of giving anything away, however I will say that Jasper starts out as your typical fictional bad boy. He's a player and a hot one at that. The chemistry between him and Charlotte is there from the start. I loved that he was a bit of a jerk towards her and I loved Charlotte's vulnerability.
If I'm perfectly honest, something for me affected the flow towards the final 20% of the book. The story became a little difficult to follow at this stage, but what is clear is that I am absolutely dying to read the next book.
February 21, 2016
What a ride!!!! Five stars. Full review to follow.
5.0 stars!
Title: Set the Pace (The Detroit Love Duet, #1)
Author: Kim Karr
Release Date: January 21, 2016
Series: Two book series/cliffhanger
Fasten your seat belts and get ready for one hell of a sexy ride with Jasper and Charlotte. Set the Pace (The Detroit Love Duet, #1) had me on the edge of my beach chair reading this book while on vacation. Leave it to Kim Karr to make me forget my trip and suck me into a world of sex, lies, murder and mayhem. This friends-to-lovers romantic suspense book has a multi-layered plot loaded with twists and turns and a whole lot of sexy! Set the Pace is unputdownable. Turn it Up (The Detroit Love Duet, #2) will release in May. I need this book now!!
This review appears on www.kindlecrack.net, www.facebook.com/kindlecrack, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest, Google+ and Twitter. A review copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
5.0 stars!
Title: Set the Pace (The Detroit Love Duet, #1)
Author: Kim Karr
Release Date: January 21, 2016
Series: Two book series/cliffhanger
Fasten your seat belts and get ready for one hell of a sexy ride with Jasper and Charlotte. Set the Pace (The Detroit Love Duet, #1) had me on the edge of my beach chair reading this book while on vacation. Leave it to Kim Karr to make me forget my trip and suck me into a world of sex, lies, murder and mayhem. This friends-to-lovers romantic suspense book has a multi-layered plot loaded with twists and turns and a whole lot of sexy! Set the Pace is unputdownable. Turn it Up (The Detroit Love Duet, #2) will release in May. I need this book now!!
This review appears on www.kindlecrack.net, www.facebook.com/kindlecrack, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest, Google+ and Twitter. A review copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
March 3, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/3/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Jasper Storm was the bad boy next door.
Reckless.
Dangerous.
Trouble—with a capital T.
Regardless of how other people perceived him, he was my hero. He protected me. Shielded me. Kept me safe. And I would have done anything for him.
Fate tore us apart—leaving a world between us, and both our hearts broken.
Now Jasper is Detroit's white knight, a reckless rogue turned sexy savior, pulling the city and himself out of destitution.
Everything he does is fast. He talks fast, f*cks fast, and drives fast.
I know I should keep my distance. That I should stay away. There's too much history between us. Too much left unsaid.
Yet I can't resist him.
Just being near him is a thrill—his perfect body, our incredible explosive chemistry, the enticing danger that follows him everywhere he goes.
But then the city turns against us, and we can't hold on.
When it’s us against the world—will our love survive?
Blurb:
Jasper Storm was the bad boy next door.
Reckless.
Dangerous.
Trouble—with a capital T.
Regardless of how other people perceived him, he was my hero. He protected me. Shielded me. Kept me safe. And I would have done anything for him.
Fate tore us apart—leaving a world between us, and both our hearts broken.
Now Jasper is Detroit's white knight, a reckless rogue turned sexy savior, pulling the city and himself out of destitution.
Everything he does is fast. He talks fast, f*cks fast, and drives fast.
I know I should keep my distance. That I should stay away. There's too much history between us. Too much left unsaid.
Yet I can't resist him.
Just being near him is a thrill—his perfect body, our incredible explosive chemistry, the enticing danger that follows him everywhere he goes.
But then the city turns against us, and we can't hold on.
When it’s us against the world—will our love survive?
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