Kim McMahill

The Merriam Webster definition of fiction is, “something invented by the imagination or feigned; specifically: an invented story.” To me this means that fiction is limited only by the author’s imagination. As long as the story conveys its intended message and entertains the reader, almost anything goes.  One of my favorite movies is, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty . This story is riddled with implausible and unrealistic scenes, but to me it doesn’t matter—it makes me laugh, it makes me smile, it reminds me to live life, just don’t sit around and dream about what’s out there. So, the next time you pick up a novel go all in. Don’t worry about if something can really happen, just relax your mind and let yourself be entertained.

Fishing stories have become synonymous with exaggeration. No harm is ever intended, but after countless retelling of the story, it often morphs into something much more interesting and exciting than the original. The two-pound fish that took several minutes to reel in evolves into an eight-pound monster which battled valiantly for hours before succumbing to skill.  This is how many of my real-life adventures have infiltrated my adventure novels. I’ve explored numerous Mayan ruins tucked into steamy bug-infested jungles in several countries, yet I’ve always managed to avoid running into looters or ruthless kidnappers; I’ve pondered the current of the Rio Grande, but have suppressed the urge to jump into the churning mud and attempt an illegal border crossing; and I have ridden horseback down a terrifyingly-steep slope in which stopping was not an option as scenes from Man From Snowy River flashed through my mind, all without a single gunshot from a foreign enemy aimed at me or...

In nearly all novels, especially mine, there are multiple themes that determine the genre. All of the books I have written contain an element of romance or a love story, an epic adventure, and a third element which is the commonly expected elements of the genre the book is categorized under. I love the romantic element. It makes the characters more relatable and provides a strong motivation to do things that may be risky, extraordinary, poorly thought out, or outside the hero’s comfort zone. Watching a relationship progress provides pacing, a logical thread to tie the story together, and something to cheer for. Adventure just comes naturally. I grew up in an area where outdoor activities ruled. My family hunted, fished, hiked, camped, rode horses into the wilderness, and grew our own food, just to name a few. Not only are many of my stories set in my “backyard,” I’ve had the opportunity to travel and work across the U.S. and around the world. All of which have provided inspiration ...

I hope you have been enjoying these posts on my backlist. The next one, A Measure Of Madness (RISKY RESEARCH, BOOK 4) , is the last in the Risky Research series. I had a lot of fun writing this one because it takes the reader to Puerto Rico and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This installment of the Risky Research series delivers danger, betrayal, and a heroine who refuses to quit. It is available at all the major online book sellers including here on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Madness-Risky-Research-ebook/dp/B08TX7C1BZ/ . FBI Special Agent Devyn Nash has spent years chasing Coterie, a shadowy organization profiting from death and deception in the multi-billion-dollar diet and nutrition industries. When a high-profile fundraiser in Washington, D.C. exposes key members, Devyn seizes her chance to strike. But bringing down Coterie won’t be easy. In Puerto Rico, a joint FBI operation to capture the group’s elusive mastermind erupts in a violent shootout—leaving Devyn’s partner...

Continuing with my backlist is A Foundation of Fear (Risky Research, Book 3) . In this novel, FBI Special Agent Devyn Nash follows Coterie’s trail to Washington, DC where the dirty political side of the health and nutrition industries is exposed. High-stakes suspense, relentless action, and tangled loyalties drive this gripping installment of the Risky Research series. Keep reading for more. A series trailer was made for the first three novels and can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clZIRJ1s-Fo&feature=youtu.be. This novel is available at all the major online book sellers including here on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PVL4391 ) FBI Special Agent Devyn Nash has one mission—take down Coterie, a ruthless organization determined to dominate the multi-billion-dollar diet product industry. But when the Bureau’s plan to expose the shadowy network puts Devyn’s best friend—and her partner’s fiancé—directly in the crosshairs, the case turns personal. Inj...

Next on my backlist is A Taste of Tragedy (Risky Research, Book 2) . Book One in the series was set in the high mountains of Wyoming in the winter. To flip the script, Book 2 takes the reader on a wild ride in the desert southwest. Pulse-pounding, emotional, and filled with unexpected twists, this romantic suspense will keep you hooked until the final page. Keep reading for more on this novel. A series trailer was made for the first three novels and can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clZIRJ1s-Fo&feature=youtu.be. This novel is available at all the major online book sellers including here on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PWJ3RLD/ . Morgan Hunter built her reputation on ambition and sacrifice—there was nothing she wouldn’t do to get ahead. But when her latest campaign for a powerhouse food corporation reveals evidence that their so-called “healthy” products may be deadly, her climb to success comes to a screeching halt. As Morgan digs deeper, trou...

This week’s novel from my back list is A Dose of Danger. It’s the first novel in the Risky Research series. Each novel dives into the underbelly of the immensely lucrative diet and nutrition industries, a topic nearly every person in America has some experience with. Fast-paced, suspenseful, and laced with romance, A Dose of Danger delivers a gripping blend of danger, deception, and desire. A series trailer was made for the first three novels and can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clZIRJ1s-Fo&feature=youtu.be. This novel is available at all the major online book sellers including here on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Dose-Danger-Risky-Research-Book-ebook/dp/B07PYPQ9T5/ ).  Here’s more on the story. When researcher Grace Talbot stumbles onto what could be the breakthrough weight-loss discovery of the century, she expects scientific debate—not deadly pursuit. But the diet industry is worth billions, and powerful players will stop at nothing to con...

The idea for Shrouded in Secrets came from a documentary I watched many years ago on thirteen mysterious crystal skulls. At the time they were shrouded in mystery and myth, but modern technology now agrees that they are more modern than originally believed. Keep reading to learn more about this fast-paced, action-packed, globe-trotting thriller, laced with intrigue and romance.   It’s available through most of the major online booksellers or read more on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NMV5V1L/ A village slaughtered. A world wonder reduced to rubble. Priceless artifacts stolen without a trace. When a wave of ruthless attacks shocks the globe, CIA operative Cash Luker is thrust into the chase of his life. Haunted by his past yet driven by duty, Cash leads an elite international team against a shadowy network of terrorists determined to unite thirteen mythical relics—a power that could unleash devastation on an unimaginable scale. From remote jungles to glittering mus...

The plot for Deadly Exodus came to me in a dream. A group of people (not sure if I was there since most of my dreams feel like third person) huddled in the back of a really old Datsun pickup trying to sneak into Mexico. When I woke up, I thought about why Americans would be unable to get into Mexico and what was driving the desire. What came out of that bizarre dream was a heart-wrenching dystopian tale of survival and forbidden love, steeped in danger and tension, that will hopefully leave you breathless. Here’s a short blurb. It’s available through most of the major online booksellers or read more on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Exodus-Kim-McMahill-ebook/dp/B07NMV448G/ Their love is forbidden. Their lives are in danger. In a shattered America where men are hunted and relationships outlawed, Nyla has only one choice: defy the regime or lose everything. Protecting Ethan means risking her grandmother’s safety and abandoning her imprisoned mother, but Nyla refuses to su...

The inspiration for Big Horn Storm came from multiple places. Storm, Niki’s trusted steed, is loosely based on a horse we had when I was young, and I’ve spent a lot of time in the Big Horn Mountains on horseback and ATV. While helping my dad move cattle while riding Storm’s inspiration, he sent me over a steep hill after a small group of stubborn cows. The descent seemed terrifying at the time (though I’m sure it was not as scary as I remember) that helped me write Niki’s harrowing horseback escapes. The name Deuce is a longer story than I have room for here, but when I heard it, I knew I had to write a book with Deuce and a tough and handsome rancher. The novel is set against the rugged backdrop of Wyoming’s mountains. This pulse-pounding survival story blends danger, resilience, and a second chance at love in a world turned upside down . Here’s a short blurb. It’s available through most of the major online booksellers, including Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Big-Horn-Storm-Kim-...

When something excites me, I tend to fixate on it. Since the first novel in The Beartooth Chronicles, Refuge from the World , came out, I’ve been so thrilled about the series and focused on getting it out there that I have neglected my backlist. I’ve had fifteen novels published (twelve of which are still in print) and the final novel in The Beartooth Chronicles, Winter Resurgence , is coming late fall 2025. So, starting with my next blog post I’ll randomly post a bit about my other novels until I’ve mentioned them all. I hope everyone will enjoy learning a bit about my other work. Thanks so much for your continued interest and support. It's been an exciting journey.

The Merriam Webster definition of fiction is, “something invented by the imagination or feigned; specifically: an invented story.” To me this means that fiction is limited only by the author’s imagination. As long as the story conveys its intended message and entertains the reader, almost anything goes. One of my favorite movies is, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. This story is riddled with implausible and unrealistic scenes, but to me it doesn’t matter—it makes me laugh, it makes me smile, it reminds me to live life, just don’t sit around and dream about what’s out there. So, the next time you pick up a novel go all in. Don’t worry about if something can really happen, just relax your mind and let yourself be entertained.

Fishing stories have become synonymous with exaggeration. No harm is ever intended, but after countless retelling of the story, it often morphs into something much more interesting and exciting than the original. The two-pound fish that took several minutes to reel in evolves into an eight-pound monster which battled valiantly for hours before succumbing to your superior skill. This is how many of my real-life adventures have infiltrated my action-adventure novels.  I’ve explored numerous Mayan ruins tucked into steamy bug-infested jungles in several countries, yet I’ve always managed to avoid running into looters or ruthless kidnappers; I’ve pondered the current of the Rio Grande, but have suppressed the urge to jump into the churning mud and attempt an illegal border crossing; and I have ridden horseback down a terrifyingly-steep slope in which stopping was not an option as scenes from Man From Snowy River flashed through my mind, all without a single gunshot from a foreign enem...

Fishing stories have become synonymous with exaggeration. No harm is ever intended, but after countless retelling of the story, it often morphs into something much more interesting and exciting than the original. The two-pound fish that took several minutes to reel in evolves into an eight-pound monster which battled valiantly for hours before succumbing to your superior skill. This is how many of my real-life adventures have infiltrated my action-adventure novels. I’ve explored numerous Mayan ruins tucked into steamy bug-infested jungles in several countries, yet I’ve always managed to avoid running into looters or ruthless kidnappers; I’ve pondered the current of the Rio Grande, but have suppressed the urge to jump into the churning mud and attempt an illegal border crossing; and I have ridden horseback down a terrifyingly-steep slope in which stopping was not an option as scenes from Man From Snowy River flashed through my mind, all without a single gunshot from a foreign enemy aim...

Fishing stories have become synonymous with exaggeration. No harm is ever intended, but after countless retelling of the story, it often morphs into something much more interesting and exciting than the original. The two-pound fish that took several minutes to reel in evolves into an eight-pound monster which battled valiantly for hours before succumbing to your superior skill. This is how many of my real-life adventures have infiltrated my action-adventure novels. I’ve explored numerous Mayan ruins tucked into steamy bug-infested jungles in several countries, yet I’ve always managed to avoid running into looters or ruthless kidnappers; I’ve pondered the current of the Rio Grande, but have suppressed the urge to jump into the churning mud and attempt an illegal border crossing; and I have ridden horseback down a terrifyingly steep slope in which stopping was not an option as scenes from Man From Snowy River flashed through my mind, all without a single gunshot from a foreign enemy aim...

The Merriam Webster definition of fiction is, “something invented by the imagination or feigned; specifically: an invented story.” To me this means that fiction is limited only by the author’s imagination. As long as the story conveys its intended message and entertains the reader, almost anything goes. One of my favorite movies is, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. This story is riddled with implausible and unrealistic scenes, but to me it doesn’t matter—it makes me laugh, it makes me smile, it reminds me to live life, just don’t sit around and dream about what’s out there. So, the next time you pick up a novel go all in. Don’t worry about if something can really happen, just relax your mind and let yourself be entertained.

The Merriam Webster definition of fiction is, “ something invented by the imagination or feigned;   specifically :  an invented story.” To me this means that fiction is limited only by the author’s imagination. As long as the story conveys its intended message or in the case of my romantic suspense and adventure novels, entertains the reader, almost anything goes. One of my favorite movies is, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty . This story is riddled with implausible and unrealistic scenes, but to me it doesn’t matter—it makes me laugh, it makes me smile, it reminds me to live life, just don’t sit around and dream about what’s out there. So, the next time you pick up a novel go all in. Don’t worry about if something can really happen, just relax your mind and let yourself be entertained.

I always enjoy shining a spotlight on other adventure and romantic suspense authors. I crossed paths with Bonnie McCune quite a number of years ago and enjoy her work, so I wanted to give her and her latest release, Never Retreat, a shout-out. Here’s more on Bonnie and her work.  Bonnie McCune has been writing since age ten, when she submitted a poem about rain rushing down the gutter to the Saturday Evening Post (it was rejected). Her interest in the written word facilitated her career in nonprofits where she concentrated on public and community relations and marketing. She’s worked for libraries, directed a small arts organization, and managed Denver's beautification program.  Simultaneously, she’s been a free lance writer with articles in local, regional, and specialty publications. Her civic involvement includes grass-roots organizations, political campaigns, writers' and arts' groups, and children's literacy. F or years, she entered recipe contests and was a final...

Another adventure that has made it into a novel was an early Christmas morning drive into the mountains during a heavy snowfall around thirty years ago. My husband and I were still newlyweds and were trying hard not to disappoint either family, so we participated in my family’s traditional Christmas Eve Mexican Fiesta, and agreed to join his family at a cabin in the mountains of northern Wyoming in time to open gifts on Christmas morning.  We barely made it out of my parent’s place as the snow drifted in the lane, which should have been our first clue to abandon the expedition, but we were young, fearless, and accustomed to driving in bad weather. Heading out of town we quickly found ourselves ahead of the snowplows. After turning off the main highway the roads got progressively worse until we were driving through powder halfway up the grill of our four-wheel drive pick-up. The blowing snow froze to the windshield faster than the wipers could clean the glass, forcing my husba...

The Merriam Webster definition of fiction is, “ something invented by the imagination or feigned;   specifically :  an invented story .” To me this means that fiction is limited only by the author’s imagination. As long as the story conveys its intended message or in the case of my romantic suspense and adventure novels, entertains the reader, almost anything goes. One of my favorite movies is, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty . This story is riddled with implausible and unrealistic scenes, but to me it doesn’t matter—it makes me laugh, it makes me smile, it reminds me to live life, just don’t sit around and dream about. This is why I love fiction. So the next time you pick up a novel go all in. Don’t worry about if something can really happen, just relax your mind and let yourself be entertained.