First in the Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor series, in which FBI agent and fire marshal Sawyer Powell end up working together. Not by choice: theFirst in the Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor series, in which FBI agent and fire marshal Sawyer Powell end up working together. Not by choice: they were lovers as teens but haven't seen each other since the night Liz was badly burned trying to rescue horses from a barn that was on fire. Now, 15 years later, they are brought together by what appears to be a serial arsonist who is attacking numerous businesses and people in their small hometown.
Question 1: Can they identify the perpetrator and why he is trying to kill people? Question 2: Will they ever confront their feelings for each other and become a couple again?...more
First in the Saddle Ridge Justice series, in which Sheriff Duncan Holder intends to keep his pregnant ex, a deputy sheriff safe even as she seeks the First in the Saddle Ridge Justice series, in which Sheriff Duncan Holder intends to keep his pregnant ex, a deputy sheriff safe even as she seeks the killer of her father and solves his murder.
But soon it becomes clear that Joelle herself may be in the crosshairs of whomever has been wreaking havoc in their county as the body count climbs but the questions remain unanswered.
Question: Will Duncan succeed in keeping Joelle safe even as doing her job keeps her in danger? And will they acknowledge their feelings for each other and not just the baby they have vowed to parent together?...more
First in the Marshals of Mesa Point series, in which Deputy Sheriff Audrey Newcastle is being stalked and everyone thinks is the person who has been aFirst in the Marshals of Mesa Point series, in which Deputy Sheriff Audrey Newcastle is being stalked and everyone thinks is the person who has been abducting and murdering deputies around the country. US Marshall Duke Remington is back in town to see to his grandparents, recently seriously injured in a car crash that has left both of them in comas. And now he is confronting the woman he fell in love with at age 16, even though she appears to have dumped him. But did she, really?
It's clear that Duke doesn't want to leave things as they were years earlier, but will Audrey allow him to really know her secrets and why she cut things off between them? It's really not what they are supposed to be focusing on, not with a killer on the loose who has already killed a local teen. What will they do now that it's clear both he and she are in danger?...more
Another in the Conard County: The Next Generation series in which Deputy Sheriff Elaine Paltier is intent on helping her autistic daughter be the bestAnother in the Conard County: The Next Generation series in which Deputy Sheriff Elaine Paltier is intent on helping her autistic daughter be the best she can be. When people trying to see what those weird red lights in the sky could be start to overrun her little town, she has her hands full. And even more so when the brother of her late husband suddenly comes home, presumably to see his mother, Elaine's mother-in-law. But Elaine suspects it's more than that.
And finally CIA operative Devlin Paltier comes clean, after he suspects he's being targeted and that this may now be placing Elaine and her daughter in danger, too. What is he going to do about it? Even more important, what is Elaine going to do about it?...more
Another in the Hudson Sibling Solutions series, in which forensic anthropologist, Brooke Campbell, discovers that more than one person may have murderAnother in the Hudson Sibling Solutions series, in which forensic anthropologist, Brooke Campbell, discovers that more than one person may have murdered the people whose bones she is unearthing in a deep cave. When someone starts following her, she turns to the last person she wants help from: security professional and rancher-to-be Zeke Daniels.
They know each other from past scary experiences, but Brooke is determined to protect her heart and deny Zeke any opportunity to restart what they once had. But the situation that becomes increasingly dangerous forces them together in order to survive. Will it also mean they finally admit their feelings for each other?...more
Another in the Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor series, in which detective Waylon Wright loves ADA Melanie Merritt, even though she has called theiAnother in the Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor series, in which detective Waylon Wright loves ADA Melanie Merritt, even though she has called their secret relationship quits. She has to if she's to protect her career and becomes the DA.
But first, they have to figure out how a criminal she sent to prison for life has somehow managed to get out and is now murdering other people. Their names are tattooed on his arm and her name is there, too.
So, the question becomes can they find and capture him before he can do further harm or will he finally kill Melanie as he has promised to do?...more
Second in the New Orleans Nights series, in which psychologist Antoinette Deveraux is asked to hypnotize a young child after she is rescued from a higSecond in the New Orleans Nights series, in which psychologist Antoinette Deveraux is asked to hypnotize a young child after she is rescued from a high-rise fire. Detective Sam Long wants to know if the child can provide him clues to identifying the arsonist. But what is discovered brings the criminal much closer to his bayou family members than he wants to consider.
Then there's the attraction between Antoinette and Sam that neither feels will go anywhere. Not that she doesn't want it to. But Sam has convinced himself that he's not marriage material and rather than hurt Antoinette, he is determined to push her away. Until he can't.
But will he be too late to save her when she happens upon the people who caused the previous fire after she's been dropped off in a mini-island in the middle of the bayou and a storm is coming her way? Intriguing characters throughout....more
First in the New Orleans Nights series, in which psychologist Joshua Martane becomes too close to his patient, a young woman found near death who has First in the New Orleans Nights series, in which psychologist Joshua Martane becomes too close to his patient, a young woman found near death who has no idea who she is or why she was found where the police discovered her.
As Joshua tries to help "Maggie" recover her memory, both discover that their past experiences continue to prevent them from moving forward until a series of events that increase her danger also place him in the cross-hairs of the criminal intent on killing Maggie.
But when her memory suddenly returns, the discovery that her wealthy father is not dead also serves as a fence around Maggie and what she wants. Or will she break free at last? And will Josh show her how he really feels about her or hold off in order not to be hurt again?...more
How is Poppy Holliday going to celebrate Christmas when she knows her family still blames her for her sister's death and the body they've been lookingHow is Poppy Holliday going to celebrate Christmas when she knows her family still blames her for her sister's death and the body they've been looking for for years has now been found? When she finally explains to her partner, police agent Rhett Wallace insists that she take it easy, not go off half-cocked like usual, but that's what she keeps doing, putting herself in danger as they get closer to what really happened to Poppy's sister and who might have been involved.
The question remains, however, will they succeed in their quest to find and apprehend the killer or will one or both of them end up dead, too?...more
Going home for Christmas isn't what Morwenna wanted to do, but duty forced her to do so. What she doesn't know is how her boyfriend at their advertisiGoing home for Christmas isn't what Morwenna wanted to do, but duty forced her to do so. What she doesn't know is how her boyfriend at their advertising agency ends up doing with Double D Debbie in Cancun while Morwenna is fighting snowdrifts in the mountains. But what's even worse is who the man really is that her family finds in the drifts near their cabin? He claims he's a cop chasing a bad guy, but where's his uniform and ID or gun? And when another man shows up and claims he's a cop, who should the family believe, even though the actions of Gabe seem to suggest he's a good guy.
How this all gets resolved makes for a thrilling ride up and down the mountain slopes, endangering one after another of Morwenna's family....more
Being abused and used has forced Tabitha Wilson to lose all trust in anyone, especial men, until her DEA contact, with whom she has shared informationBeing abused and used has forced Tabitha Wilson to lose all trust in anyone, especial men, until her DEA contact, with whom she has shared information about the drug lord who has kept her captive, goes missing. To find Michael, Tabitha has to trust detective Doug Olsen.
But can Doug and his colleagues find and arrest the drug lord before he kills again? And will Tabitha be his next victim when she's twice targeted?...more
Another in the Rangers of Big Bend series, in which Ranger Wyatt Spalding comes upon several cows that have wandered into the park, because of a brokeAnother in the Rangers of Big Bend series, in which Ranger Wyatt Spalding comes upon several cows that have wandered into the park, because of a broken fence line. Also there are several dead cows and Isabel Cruz, whose family he was close to a decade earlier, before each of them when their own way into adulthood. Isabel is now a large animal veterinarian and helping her brother run the ranch they will inherit from their grandfather when he passes.
But their meeting again raises all manner of emotional issues in addition to Wyatt's desire to keep Isabel safe when it becomes clear that someone is bent on ruining their ranch by killing cattle and burning down a barn. Who did it and why becomes the question, even as they suspect the man who appears and claims he is yet another Cruz brother.
Merged review:
Another in the Rangers of Big Bend series, in which Ranger Wyatt Spalding comes upon several cows that have wandered into the park, because of a broken fence line. Also there are several dead cows and Isabel Cruz, whose family he was close to a decade earlier, before each of them when their own way into adulthood. Isabel is now a large animal veterinarian and helping her brother run the ranch they will inherit from their grandfather when he passes.
But their meeting again raises all manner of emotional issues in addition to Wyatt's desire to keep Isabel safe when it becomes clear that someone is bent on ruining their ranch by killing cattle and burning down a barn. Who did it and why becomes the question, even as they suspect the man who appears and claims he is yet another Cruz brother....more
One of the Bachelor Bodyguards series, in which the daughter of a judge, one Bella Holmes needs protection from a drug dealer, currently in jail, but One of the Bachelor Bodyguards series, in which the daughter of a judge, one Bella Holmes needs protection from a drug dealer, currently in jail, but not interested in staying there. So, Tyce Jackson, one of the Parker Protection Agency bodyguards is assigned to protect her--even though he used to be undercover trying to take down people in the drug dealer's den of criminals.
Tyce doesn't have a lot of respect for what he considers a princess, but Bella quick disabuses him of his prejudices even as the two are attracted to each other--though no one could imagine that he's her type at all.
As danger gets closer, that isn't all that's in danger. Think Tyce's heart.
Merged review:
One of the Bachelor Bodyguards series, in which the daughter of a judge, one Bella Holmes needs protection from a drug dealer, currently in jail, but not interested in staying there. So, Tyce Jackson, one of the Parker Protection Agency bodyguards is assigned to protect her--even though he used to be undercover trying to take down people in the drug dealer's den of criminals.
Tyce doesn't have a lot of respect for what he considers a princess, but Bella quick disabuses him of his prejudices even as the two are attracted to each other--though no one could imagine that he's her type at all.
As danger gets closer, that isn't all that's in danger. Think Tyce's heart....more
What would you do if your newborn baby was stolen, leaving your arms empty and your heart bereft? In this title in the Badge of Honor series, that's wWhat would you do if your newborn baby was stolen, leaving your arms empty and your heart bereft? In this title in the Badge of Honor series, that's what Cora Reeves has confronted for the past 5 years. When the PI she hired to find her daughter is killed, she turns to Sheriff Jacob Maverick whose own father died in the fire at the hospital that was the scene of the baby's abduction. He vows to help Cora, even though the case seems cold.
As the two of them work together, they slowly begin to uncover clues, but Cora can't believe that her ex-husband might be involved. And when she realizes that one of her kindergarten students may actually be her daughter, she is hopeful. But the question her therapist has asked her isn't one she can answer: what will she do if her daughter is part of a happy home?
Merged review:
What would you do if your newborn baby was stolen, leaving your arms empty and your heart bereft? In this title in the Badge of Honor series, that's what Cora Reeves has confronted for the past 5 years. When the PI she hired to find her daughter is killed, she turns to Sheriff Jacob Maverick whose own father died in the fire at the hospital that was the scene of the baby's abduction. He vows to help Cora, even though the case seems cold.
As the two of them work together, they slowly begin to uncover clues, but Cora can't believe that her ex-husband might be involved. And when she realizes that one of her kindergarten students may actually be her daughter, she is hopeful. But the question her therapist has asked her isn't one she can answer: what will she do if her daughter is part of a happy home?...more
Another in the Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series which was just that--it kept me up all night to find out what happens to Allison James following Another in the Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series which was just that--it kept me up all night to find out what happens to Allison James following her escape to FBI agents after a horrific five years as the wife of a late drug kingpin and his family. When her preferred handler and protector is in an accident that puts him in the hospital, the man who replaces him is US Marshal Jax Stevens. Ali knows him from ten years earlier when they were in love. But he allowed his need to take advantage of the job of a lifetime to leave her when she refuses to go with him to Seattle, where his family resides. After all, she's helping her father take care of her mother. Family is important to her, too.
Now, at one of the most fearful times in her life, she has to trust that Jax will keep her safe from the people who wish her the worst kind of harm. But can he do it when at nearly every turn, it seems she's likely to be killed. She wants Jax to go away, if only so that he won't also be killed. But he's determined to finish this job and get Ali to the courtroom where she is the key witness against the drug family and its leader.
Love has to be set aside, or does it? And what happens if Jax is successful delivering Ali to the courtroom? What will happen next for them--personally?
Merged review:
Another in the Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series which was just that--it kept me up all night to find out what happens to Allison James following her escape to FBI agents after a horrific five years as the wife of a late drug kingpin and his family. When her preferred handler and protector is in an accident that puts him in the hospital, the man who replaces him is US Marshal Jax Stevens. Ali knows him from ten years earlier when they were in love. But he allowed his need to take advantage of the job of a lifetime to leave her when she refuses to go with him to Seattle, where his family resides. After all, she's helping her father take care of her mother. Family is important to her, too.
Now, at one of the most fearful times in her life, she has to trust that Jax will keep her safe from the people who wish her the worst kind of harm. But can he do it when at nearly every turn, it seems she's likely to be killed. She wants Jax to go away, if only so that he won't also be killed. But he's determined to finish this job and get Ali to the courtroom where she is the key witness against the drug family and its leader.
Love has to be set aside, or does it? And what happens if Jax is successful delivering Ali to the courtroom? What will happen next for them--personally?...more
Another of The Riley Code series in which different members of the Riley clan is at risk. In this case, it's Grace Ann Riley, nurse extraordinaire, whAnother of The Riley Code series in which different members of the Riley clan is at risk. In this case, it's Grace Ann Riley, nurse extraordinaire, who is still suffering PTSD after her last out-of-country deployment. Now she's the subject of a mystery assaulter intent on bringing her down in a way that will make her father, indeed her entire family, look bad in the eyes of both the military and the public.
But Derek Sayer, the lawyer she's had a friends-with-benefits relationship, is intent on protecting her, but now he, too, is in the cross hairs of the person or person intent on killing Grace Ann.
To make matters more complicated, their previous "casual, no-strings-attached" relationship takes a more serious turn that Grace refuses to admit until she can't deny it any longer. But can Derek convince her they have a future together?
Merged review:
Another of The Riley Code series in which different members of the Riley clan is at risk. In this case, it's Grace Ann Riley, nurse extraordinaire, who is still suffering PTSD after her last out-of-country deployment. Now she's the subject of a mystery assaulter intent on bringing her down in a way that will make her father, indeed her entire family, look bad in the eyes of both the military and the public.
But Derek Sayer, the lawyer she's had a friends-with-benefits relationship, is intent on protecting her, but now he, too, is in the cross hairs of the person or person intent on killing Grace Ann.
To make matters more complicated, their previous "casual, no-strings-attached" relationship takes a more serious turn that Grace refuses to admit until she can't deny it any longer. But can Derek convince her they have a future together?...more
Except for a major boo-boo, I would have given this story 5 stars. Why the reduction to 3? The title implies the male protagonist is a Navy SEAL. He iExcept for a major boo-boo, I would have given this story 5 stars. Why the reduction to 3? The title implies the male protagonist is a Navy SEAL. He isn't. He's a spec ops Army RANGER! Did the publisher not so inform the cover artist? Or did they not care? When I read there was a Navy SEAL in the story, I was interested. When it became clear, early in the book that this was not the case, it didn't keep me from reading (after all, I'm not against Army Rangers), but it implied I should watch out for other errors--in spite of the excellent presentation of an abused female protagonist who is struggling to get her house and her life in order even as she continues to be threatened.
The relationship between Brett, also an injured and struggling military man, and Anna kept me reading and hoping that their respective lives would be made safe and end on a positive note. What a shame that the shadow of other errors continued to plague me as I moved through the story.
Publishers should be aware that readers catch errors and that said errors have consequences for our trust that they won't screw up the stories we want to read.
Merged review:
Except for a major boo-boo, I would have given this story 5 stars. Why the reduction to 3? The title implies the male protagonist is a Navy SEAL. He isn't. He's a spec ops Army RANGER! Did the publisher not so inform the cover artist? Or did they not care? When I read there was a Navy SEAL in the story, I was interested. When it became clear, early in the book that this was not the case, it didn't keep me from reading (after all, I'm not against Army Rangers), but it implied I should watch out for other errors--in spite of the excellent presentation of an abused female protagonist who is struggling to get her house and her life in order even as she continues to be threatened.
The relationship between Brett, also an injured and struggling military man, and Anna kept me reading and hoping that their respective lives would be made safe and end on a positive note. What a shame that the shadow of other errors continued to plague me as I moved through the story.
Publishers should be aware that readers catch errors and that said errors have consequences for our trust that they won't screw up the stories we want to read....more
Another in the Fortress Defense series, in which bodyguard Jack Hale's phone is called by Katlin Andrews right before her car is chased and run off thAnother in the Fortress Defense series, in which bodyguard Jack Hale's phone is called by Katlin Andrews right before her car is chased and run off the road by someone trying to kill her. But who? Too bad she can't say, as she's lost her memory and has no clue who she is or what might have caused someone to try to do her in.
Jack knew her brother, killed in the Middle East, and promised to keep her safe. He intends to keep that promise, even if it means he can't act on what else he wants to do after kissing her. But first, he needs to find out who's trying do kill Kat. To do so, he enlists the assistance of the rest of his Fortress Defense bros and a legit detective even though the police chief looks like he might be dirty.
What a surprise when her memory returns after she's abducted and tossed in a basement that feel eerily familiar. But will she get out or end up dead like the lawyer boss she'd been working for?
Merged review:
Another in the Fortress Defense series, in which bodyguard Jack Hale's phone is called by Katlin Andrews right before her car is chased and run off the road by someone trying to kill her. But who? Too bad she can't say, as she's lost her memory and has no clue who she is or what might have caused someone to try to do her in.
Jack knew her brother, killed in the Middle East, and promised to keep her safe. He intends to keep that promise, even if it means he can't act on what else he wants to do after kissing her. But first, he needs to find out who's trying do kill Kat. To do so, he enlists the assistance of the rest of his Fortress Defense bros and a legit detective even though the police chief looks like he might be dirty.
What a surprise when her memory returns after she's abducted and tossed in a basement that feel eerily familiar. But will she get out or end up dead like the lawyer boss she'd been working for?...more
Never expect to survive a plane crash, especially if it's brought down by a bom! But that's what happens to Maddy Kane on her way to testify against aNever expect to survive a plane crash, especially if it's brought down by a bom! But that's what happens to Maddy Kane on her way to testify against a killer of her client.
When she manages to get out of the wreck and survives the shock of finding the pilot and the US Marshall accompanying her dead, she is found by Will Gannon a healing former Delta Force medic. He helps her survive as they flee the people intent on killing Maddy. But their danger doesn't end when she goes to court to testify.
How this ends begs for a sequel to see how Maddy and Will plan to live their lives--hopefully, no longer alone.
Merged review:
Never expect to survive a plane crash, especially if it's brought down by a bom! But that's what happens to Maddy Kane on her way to testify against a killer of her client.
When she manages to get out of the wreck and survives the shock of finding the pilot and the US Marshall accompanying her dead, she is found by Will Gannon a healing former Delta Force medic. He helps her survive as they flee the people intent on killing Maddy. But their danger doesn't end when she goes to court to testify.
How this ends begs for a sequel to see how Maddy and Will plan to live their lives--hopefully, no longer alone....more
One of the Montana Heat series, in which we follow Alina Cooke, now a Pharm D with a half-ownership in a local pharmacy and DEA agent Jay Bennett who One of the Montana Heat series, in which we follow Alina Cooke, now a Pharm D with a half-ownership in a local pharmacy and DEA agent Jay Bennett who happens to be best friends with Alina's two brothers. Although Alina is happy her brothers are both happily married now, she had always assumed she would walk down the aisle before they did. To assuage her feelings, she goes to the bar for a drink and ends up the next morning next to Jay. In his bed.
She knows Jay is not the man she should want. His work is too dangerous--just like her brothers'. But when she is forced off the road and nearly dies, her fears that it was just an accident are pooh-poohed by her brothers and Jay, who are convinced she's been targeted. But why? As they go about their work bringing down drug dealers, Alina discovers that her partner in the pharmacy may somehow be involved in the increase in drug thefts occurring around town and when she looks at their records, she's shocked to learn that what he has been doing may now implicate her if she calls the cops. Before she can do so, she's faced with her own death at the hands of his accomplices. How can she reach Jay when he's on another job? Will she never be able to tell him she loves him?
Fast-paced from first page to last and totally in touch with today's drug problems.
Merged review:
One of the Montana Heat series, in which we follow Alina Cooke, now a Pharm D with a half-ownership in a local pharmacy and DEA agent Jay Bennett who happens to be best friends with Alina's two brothers. Although Alina is happy her brothers are both happily married now, she had always assumed she would walk down the aisle before they did. To assuage her feelings, she goes to the bar for a drink and ends up the next morning next to Jay. In his bed.
She knows Jay is not the man she should want. His work is too dangerous--just like her brothers'. But when she is forced off the road and nearly dies, her fears that it was just an accident are pooh-poohed by her brothers and Jay, who are convinced she's been targeted. But why? As they go about their work bringing down drug dealers, Alina discovers that her partner in the pharmacy may somehow be involved in the increase in drug thefts occurring around town and when she looks at their records, she's shocked to learn that what he has been doing may now implicate her if she calls the cops. Before she can do so, she's faced with her own death at the hands of his accomplices. How can she reach Jay when he's on another job? Will she never be able to tell him she loves him?
Fast-paced from first page to last and totally in touch with today's drug problems....more