Like Arrows

what a unique story. Interesting plot. Good dialogue kept the story moving.

I've only read one other book from this author, and am now wondering why that is, Because this book was wonderful! This is the 6th book in the Cedar Tree series, and can be read as a stand alone ( as it was for me, and now I'm definitely going back to read the rest!) Kim is a woman with some serious self esteem issues, finding herself in a situation out of her control thanks to her employer, Mal is a man with a rough past investigating her boss. They definitely start out on the wrong foot when Mal is overheard saying some hurtful things he didn't mean. As things progress and Mal steps in to protect Kim we get a beautiful love story that I couldn't put down!

4.5 stars!!

I think I’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating. If you want a story that contains REAL characters living real lives, pick up a book by Freya Barker. You won’t get fluffy, “perfect” characters and to me, it’s refreshing to read realistic fiction now and then! In this particular story, Kim has very low self-esteem that is primarily caused by her weight, with other surrounding factors. She’s been put down and degraded all of her life so she tries extremely hard to just be invisible…but she’s not invisible to Malachi.

We get to know Kim and her struggles as she battles her fears and strives to find out what is truly wrong with her health-wise. Along the way, she meets Malachi, an investigator who has been checking into her boss. He takes an immediate liking to Kim and when he realizes she could be in danger, he takes it upon himself to ensure her safety. They don’t have the best start but Malachi soon makes up for his mistakes and they become a very strong couple. Both of these characters are so very lovable!!! They’ve both had their own hardships in life and make a great team! Add the rest of the Cedar Tree family to that and you have a fantastic story! They are caring, loyal, honest people that look out for their own…people that you want to know in real-life. It doesn’t take long before they “adopt” Kim into their family. These people are the true definition of family.

“…what binds me here to these people, to my chosen family, is love. And guess what,…love is much much thicker than blood.”

ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

opy received via Netgalley in exchange for review

4.5 stars

Like Arrows really surprised me, I think this is my favorite in the series although I still need to read book 4 & 5. Kimeo is a very relatable character, she is an overweight woman that has struggled her whole life and been made to feel bad about it. To top it all off she has been feeling ill for some time and doctors give her bullshit answers as to why. Thankfully Kimeo doesn't have a broken spirit but she does have a lot to work through. 

Malachai is the big, sexy, beautiful man that takes over Kimeo's life after she witness's a crime. Mal is out to solve the case but wants to protect Kimeo too. Mal is confused by his feelings so he lashes out. I was a bit worried for a minute because Mal says some really hurtful things to Kimeo and I'm still not sure I like him for it. But Kimeo isn't a wilting flower and all his words just fire her up and make her fight back. As the story progresses Mal is pretty swoon worthy in his pursuit of righting wrongs with Kimeo and making her his.As the suspense plot progresses Kimeo is also still seeking answers on her illness. I thought this was well done and added a lot of heart to the story. I was also really surprised by the turn of events with her sister and mother and it was a nice twist.

You can definitely tell with each book Ms. Barker puts out she grows as a writer. I will definitely go back and read books 4 & 5. Well Done!

I liked this one better than the last one. But a little editing needs to be done on this story - minor things, mainly. The one part I had trouble with was how quickly Kim was able to throw off 40 years of conditioning and start to love herself so quickly. Don't get me wrong, I liked her and Mal together and loved how he had to make up for his big mouth, but it seemed like she got "over it" really quickly.

How do you overcome your biggest obstacle in life? Kim has been told that she is fat & disgusting as this hasn't done anything for her picture of herself. She is happy to hide in baggy clothes and to be as quiet as a mouse. But that is all about to change, she is running for her life and she has a hot man Malachi by herself. Can she believe that he wants her for herself not matter what her hangups are? A great story that is so relevant  to most of us woman as we always worry how others see us. A well written story that had me from the very beginning.

Rich in Characters but a little short on tension.  This was a good romance.  I liked the people in the book.  I loved that the story was about flawed, older people..  It missed being a great romance because the tension was lacking.  Yes, there were lots of obstacles for the couple to overcome but I didn't feel the edge that is required for a truly satisfying ending.

Like Arrows was such a fantastic read!!  This is my first book by Freya Barker and I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read her!!  This is the sixth book in the Cedar Tree Series, but can be read as a standalone.  I am going to be 1-clicking the prior books this series because I am completely hooked!! 

Kimeo has lead her life as a wallflower.  She has dated losers and hasn't had good luck in the friend department either.  She suffers from a medical condition that had been constantly misdiagnosed.  Needless to say her self-esteem has really taken a hit.  She basically goes to work, comes home and tries to stay out of everyone's way.  

Malachi is a private investigator who has been investigating Kim's boss.  Through this investigation Mal's curiosities are peaked when he observes Kim.  Luckily for Kim, Mal ends up saving her when she unknowingly gets tangled up in her bosses dealings!  From that point on Kim is on Mal's radar and I just loved what Freya Barker had envisioned for these two!!!

I completely loved this book!  It was told in both Kim and Mal's point of view.  Being that both characters were complex and not the greatest communicators, it was great for the reader to know both either thoughts.  My heart hurt for Kim and I just wanted to give her a hug, she has seriously been put through the wringer.  Mal made me a little nervous at first because he seemed jerky and Kim really couldn't handle another rejection, but Mal's awesomeness completely took over!!!  I also enjoyed all of the mystery/suspense that this book held.  Like Arrows is completely a 5 star book and I am definitely putting Freya Barker on my "must read" list!!

We want to thank Freya Barker, Bookbuzz and NetGalley for providing us this ARC in exchange for an honest review

a friend loaned me this book.   It is an awesome read the chemistry, story, everything.

I absolutely FLOVE this series! I am amazed at the stories this author is able to write. She continues to write outstanding stories about real people and real love. I love her characters. They are down to earth and very relatable. You will fall instantly in love with Malachi and Kimeo. Kimeo does not have a very high opinion of herself and struggles with her image. She has given up on finding her “one”. Malachi has a very rough past and is finally getting his life on the right path. Their relationship starts out very rocky as Malachi can’t keep his foot out of his mouth. But once they get past the rocky stage, they find a love for the ages. I loved this book and can’t wait to see what Cedar Falls has in store next!

Review by: ERIN

Would love to read more from this author!!

This is the first one in the series I have read and will not be the last.  I would highly recommend this book

Freya does an excellent job of creating relatable characters. I enjoy the journey of going from the underdog to finding the strong woman within, with a great man by her side to boot!

Overall, I really liked this story and the characters. The suspense and danger was steady and kept the story clipping along. I did get a little tired of her being laughed at and snide comments from others. I would think being around 40 that Kim would have learned to ignore them. Some seemed a little excessive, and cost a star, but I would still highly recommend this story and think you will like it if you like a touch of romance and a girl who is a little short and plump getting her HEA.

Great and awesome book. I had really loved and enjoyed reading this book.I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

Malachi is a private investigator. He is currently working on a case involving an Estate Agent who appears to have some dodgy dealings going on. His past is far from perfect but with the help of his family he works hard to redeem himself but what led him to go off the rails still haunts him. He doesn't find it easy to open up or show his emotions.

Kimeo works for the very same Estate Agent Malachi is investigating. She is hardworking but keeps more or less to herself, except for one best friend. All her life she has been led to believe that she is worthless because of the way she looks. She becomes more self conscious after being betrayed in the worse possible way by someone she really trusted. 

She is entrusted with some confidential material just before she witnesses a murder and this is where her strength of character shines through. Malachi is one of the case investigators. He is intrigued by her quiet demeanour but starts on the wrong foot with Kimeo by making some unkind comments which she just so happens to overhear. Nevertheless, he takes her under his wings as she now find herself in danger. The dealings her boss is involved in brings the attention of a ruthless murderer to her door. When Malachi finds himself attracted to her he becomes intent on uncovering the reasons for her lack of confidence. 

Just when everything appears to fall into place, something else surfaces. Kimeo is faced with some personal revelations, leaving her at a loss. As hard as it is, Malachi does his best to support her. Can he get to the bottom of her issues? Will Kimeo ever be able to face her insecurities? Will she overcome the latest revelations? This story brings home the reality and cruelty of the effects of society's perception on what is considered to be beautiful and perfect and the struggles one has to go through on a daily basis. The emotions are raw and palpable. I would fully recommend this book to 18+ readers who like a novel which makes the characters real!! 

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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