Two wounded souls, one small town, and a chance to heal. In Jubilee, hope has a way of finding those who need it most.
Don’t Back Down by Sharon Sala
Series: Jubilee, Kentucky #1
Publish Date: March 07, 2023
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Series: Jubilee, Kentucky #1
Publish Date: March 07, 2023
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Don’t Back Down by Sharon Sala kicks off the Jubilee, Kentucky series with a fast-paced romantic suspense full of heart and danger. Former soldier Cameron Pope returns home for peace but finds himself pulled into a desperate search for his missing niece. This story blends raw emotion, small-town connections, and a gripping mystery that makes for an unforgettable start to the series.
My Review
Sharon Sala kicks off her Jubilee, Kentucky series with a bold, emotional story that’s as gripping as it is heartfelt. In Don’t Back Down, we meet Cameron Pope—a former Army man who’s returned home hoping for peace, only to be pulled into a deeply personal crisis when his young niece goes missing.
This book hits fast and hard. Cameron’s love for his family runs deep, and his determination to protect them becomes the story’s emotional anchor. But what elevates this book beyond a typical small-town suspense tale is the return of Rusty Caldwell, a resilient FBI agent—and the one woman from Cameron’s past he never truly got over.
The romantic tension between Cameron and Rusty feels earned. Their shared history is complicated, but Sala handles it with nuance and maturity. You root for them not just because of their chemistry, but because of their respect for one another.
Also, can we talk about Ghost? Cameron’s dog isn’t just a background detail—he adds real warmth to the story and serves as a reminder of Cameron’s loyalty, intuition, and gentle strength.
With strong pacing, emotional stakes, and characters you can believe in, Don’t Back Down delivers a perfect mix of suspense and heart. It’s a fantastic start to what I expect will be a binge-worthy series.
Rusty Caldwell, the FBI agent called in on the case, is every bit as compelling as Cameron. She’s sharp, intuitive, and grounded. She’s also the woman who once meant everything to Cameron—until life took them in different directions. Rusty brings strength to the page, not just in her role as an investigator but in how she navigates her history with Cameron. There’s no damsel here—just a woman doing her job with focus and heart.
Ghost, Cameron’s canine companion, deserves a mention of his own. Loyal, protective, and ever-aware, Ghost adds a comforting presence throughout the story. He also serves as a gentle mirror to Cameron’s quiet strength.
Jubilee Locals, including law enforcement, family friends, and Rusty’s colleagues, round out the cast without pulling focus. Sala does a fantastic job of creating a town you’d want to visit—even in the midst of crisis. The sub characters aren’t just there to move plot—they feel like real people who’d show up with a casserole or a shotgun, depending on the day.
Want to Read It?
This book hits fast and hard. Cameron’s love for his family runs deep, and his determination to protect them becomes the story’s emotional anchor. But what elevates this book beyond a typical small-town suspense tale is the return of Rusty Caldwell, a resilient FBI agent—and the one woman from Cameron’s past he never truly got over.
The romantic tension between Cameron and Rusty feels earned. Their shared history is complicated, but Sala handles it with nuance and maturity. You root for them not just because of their chemistry, but because of their respect for one another.
Also, can we talk about Ghost? Cameron’s dog isn’t just a background detail—he adds real warmth to the story and serves as a reminder of Cameron’s loyalty, intuition, and gentle strength.
With strong pacing, emotional stakes, and characters you can believe in, Don’t Back Down delivers a perfect mix of suspense and heart. It’s a fantastic start to what I expect will be a binge-worthy series.
“Money does not establish class. Behavior does.”
This quote is simple, but says so much about the moral core of this story—and the kind of justice this town needs.
Character Spotlight
Cameron Pope is the kind of hero who earns your admiration quickly. A decorated Army veteran with a deeply loyal heart, Cameron returns to Jubilee hoping for quiet days and reconnection with family. But when his niece goes missing, he doesn’t hesitate—his sense of duty is unwavering. What’s refreshing about Cameron is that he’s not portrayed as emotionally closed-off. He feels deeply, loves fiercely, and still carries old wounds that make him relatable, not untouchable.Rusty Caldwell, the FBI agent called in on the case, is every bit as compelling as Cameron. She’s sharp, intuitive, and grounded. She’s also the woman who once meant everything to Cameron—until life took them in different directions. Rusty brings strength to the page, not just in her role as an investigator but in how she navigates her history with Cameron. There’s no damsel here—just a woman doing her job with focus and heart.
Ghost, Cameron’s canine companion, deserves a mention of his own. Loyal, protective, and ever-aware, Ghost adds a comforting presence throughout the story. He also serves as a gentle mirror to Cameron’s quiet strength.
Jubilee Locals, including law enforcement, family friends, and Rusty’s colleagues, round out the cast without pulling focus. Sala does a fantastic job of creating a town you’d want to visit—even in the midst of crisis. The sub characters aren’t just there to move plot—they feel like real people who’d show up with a casserole or a shotgun, depending on the day.
Series Notes
Don't Back Down serves as a strong introduction to the Jubilee, Kentucky series. While it stands alone in its narrative, the foundations laid here enrich the subsequent installments, offering deeper insights into recurring characters and overarching themes.Why You'll Want to Read It
If you're drawn to stories that intertwine suspense with deep emotional connections, Don't Back Down delivers on all fronts. Sharon Sala crafts a narrative that keeps readers engaged with its blend of mystery, romance, and the exploration of second chances.Final Thoughts
Don't Back Down is a masterful start to the Jubilee, Kentucky series, offering readers a story that's both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Sharon Sala's ability to weave complex characters into a suspenseful plot ensures that this book is not just a read but an experience.Join the Conversation
Have you read Don’t Back Down? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s discuss your favorite moments and characters from the book.Want to Read It?
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Read My Review on Goodreads
If you’re new to the series or reading out of order, here’s how I recommend diving in:
If you’re new to the series or reading out of order, here’s how I recommend diving in:
- Don’t Back Down – (Current Review)
- Last Rites – A must-read to understand key family dynamics.
- Heartbeat – Deepens the emotional arc of the Pope brothers.
- Left Behind -A small-town officer finds unexpected family and a second chance at love when a child is left in his care.
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