High Exposure is author Kelly Borjas first novel.  It’s also the first book in the Jagged Edges series.  Not sure if it was the beautiful setting in the Colorado mountains that drew me in or the storyline of drug trafficking, not in a big city high crime area.  But drug trafficking in a small town, where everybody knew everyone else in town.  How can something that nefarious be kept hidden?  Is it just one or two people involved in this underworld activity?  Or is it a wider network of criminal activity with devastating consequences for everyone involved? 

That’s the story that Kelly Borjas tells.  Reporter Julia Stevens is on her last assignment, this time in Colorado.  After this assignment, Julia will be heading home to see her parents.  She has been traveling all around the United States and writing articles to highlight various communities and vacation spots.  This assignment seems more personal because it’s like where she grew up in Canada. 

Former DEA Agent Cade Haskins is returning home to Silverberg.  It’s time for a career change and now he will be able to help his family run their business.  His dad has been battling cancer and Cade wants to spend time with his parents and sister.  But when his friend, Special Agent, Ace Jenkins, enlists Cade’s help in tackling a potential drug ring in his hometown, how can he say no.  For now, Cade will be juggling the hotel business, showing a curious and persistent reporter around town, and acting as a confidential consultant for the DEA.  Both Julia and Cade have their secrets and both have an assignment that they need to carryout.  What could go wrong with that plan. 

It took me a little while to warm up to the Julia Stevens character, but she grew on me.  She had more substance than I initially though.  I enjoyed Cade Haskins and his family.  The Haskin’s family was the best part of the story.  I’ve never read a story about drug trafficking and found that aspect of the story interesting and horrifying.  Especially when you think of how many families are impacted by illegal drug trafficking.  Faith is a part of the story. 

While I enjoyed the characters and found the story interesting, I found myself frustrated with Julia and Cade.  They repeated the same miscommunication patterns over and over again.  Didn’t quite understand why Julia didn’t recognize that she was the target of someone intent on causing her harm.  Thankfully the characters do grow and learn.  I enjoyed the characters family relationships and friendships that developed in the story.  The descriptions of the beautiful Colorado scenery was a big part of the story. 

All in all, I enjoyed High Exposure by Kelly Borjas.  It had an interesting storyline, likeable characters and a beautiful setting.  If you enjoy mysteries, action, and romance, you may want to read High Exposure.  I look forward to reading Kelly’s future novels. 

I would like to thank Kregel Publications and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of High Exposure by Kelly Borjas.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.