Colton K-9 Target - Justine Davis (HRS #2148 - Sept 2021)

Series: Coltons of Grave Gulch (Book 8)

Man's best friend
…is this cop's most trusted partner
 
New to the Grave Gulch Police Department, K-9 detective Brett Shea feels like an outsider among its many Coltons. Even Annalise, his dog's trainer, is a Colton! But when she's attacked by a man pretending to be her date, Brett vows to track down the criminal. Though he's sworn off forever love -- which is proving harder by the day -- Brett will protect her at any cost.
 
Terrific continuation of the Coltons of Grave Gulch series. In this book, Detective Brett Shea and his K-9 recently joined the Grave Gulch PD. He left his big-city department, looking for something to feel more connected to the people he serves. Brett didn't realize at the time that there were quite so many of the same family working for the department, from the chief down to the newest rookie. He's a little uncomfortable with all that family closeness, something he never experienced with his family. I ached a bit for Brett, who felt like an outsider among them, despite having Troy Colton as his partner. Brett's connection with the Coltons goes up significantly when he comes to Annalise Colton's rescue during an attack.
 
Annalise works as a dog trainer, including training some of the GGPD's dogs. Having watched several of her family members find true love over the past few months, she wants the same thing for herself. At the advice of a friend, she joined a local dating app and connected with an ER doctor who checks all her boxes. But when he cancels on the night of their first date (because of an emergency), she's attacked by a deliveryman he sent - only it's more than that. Annalise becomes the victim of a catfisher, a man who lures women and attacks them for various reasons. Fortunately for Annalise, Brett and his dog, Ember, were in the neighborhood and witnessed her fight against her attacker.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Brett and Annalise. Because Annalise works with Ember, she and Brett know each other already. Though neither has acknowledged it, sparks of attraction are already present between them. When Brett witnesses the attack on Annalise, his protective instincts kick in stronger than for any other woman he's helped. I loved how he stayed close that first night and invited her to stay with him in case the guy came back to finish the job. Shaken badly, Annalise accepts his offer. Over the next few days, they work together to try to catch her attacker. At the same time, all that togetherness ramps up the attraction between them, though both try to fight it. Brett isn't looking for a relationship. He doesn't believe in forever love because of what he witnessed with his parents, and he knows that's what Annalise is looking for. Annalise knows Brett's views and tries to convince herself it's just the situation that draws her to him.
 
There were some sweet moments between Brett and Annalise. I loved how he looked after her, built up her confidence when she felt down because of falling for the catfisher's tricks and involved her in the search. I liked seeing Annalise show Brett what family should be. When they give in to the attraction, both freak out a bit at the intensity of the connection and try to put some space between them. When something goes wrong with the attempt to catch the bad guy, both Brett and Annalise finally realize the depth of their feelings for each other. I loved Brett's big moment at the end.
 
I liked the suspense of the book. The main story involves catching the man who attacked Annalise. The underlying tension of worrying if the man would attack again pushed Brett and Annalise together. Each bit of evidence uncovered about other attacks gave Brett more ammunition for the sting operation he planned. The tension ramped up with the second attack and kept me glued to the pages waiting for the intense final confrontation.
 
The other suspense involved the ongoing story arc for the series. A corrupt CSI official, Randall Bowe, tampered with evidence in ways that suited his agenda, allowing a serial killer to go free. At the same time, he went into hiding to escape prosecution. The entire GGPD is under attack by protestors who hold them responsible. The intensity increases as the released serial killer, Len Davison, strikes several more times. Both fugitives make appearances in this book. Bowe contacts the chief of police with demands. Davison strikes again while Brett and others attempt to set up a trap to catch him. The frustration of the entire GGPD leaps off the page as the two continue to elude capture.
 
The author was an excellent choice for this particular book in the series. She has a wonderful touch with dogs in her books (see the Cutter's Code series). Brett's K-9 partner, Ember, and Analise's two dogs, jack and Apple, come alive in this story with a unique personality, lending an extra layer of realism to the story.

Rescued by the Colton Cowboy - Deborah Fletcher Mello (HRS #2144 - Aug 2021)

Series: Coltons of Grave Gulch (Book 7)

She's on the run with a baby
 
Only a cowboy can help her…
 
Fiercely loyal, Soledad de la Vega would do anything to help her loved ones. So when her best friend, Annie, is murdered, Soledad vows to keep little Lyra safe -- by running from a killer…and hiding out in Palmer Colton's barn. The cowboy has never really wanted a wife and kids of his own. Something about Soledad and Lyra, though, tugs at Palmer's heart like never before. Will he be able to keep his heart intact -- even as he keeps them safe from a deadly threat?
 
Good book. The story opens as Soledad prepares to help her best friend escape her abusive husband. Just when they think they've gotten away, Gavin appears behind Soledad's car and starts shooting, then rams the car with his SUV. Annie makes Soledad promise to take care of baby Lyra and keep her safe from Gavin if something happens to her - a prophetic request, as Annie dies of a gunshot wound. Desperate to escape, Soledad takes Lyra and runs into the woods, eventually hiding in a barn.
 
Palmer Colton is one of the few Grave Gulch Coltons not involved in law enforcement. He owns an 800-acre ranch where he raises cattle, sheep, and chickens. When he heads to the barn to check on a sick horse, he finds Soledad and Lyra and barely gets her story before Gavin shows up. Gavin pretends to be a cop with the GGPD, immediately making Palmer suspicious. I loved Palmer's immediate protectiveness and determination to keep the two safe.
 
I loved watching Palmer jump right into caring for Soledad and Lyra, something highly unusual for him. Palmer cherishes his solitude and rarely has anyone other than family in his home. After listening to Soledad's story and reasons for avoiding the police, he insists that he is their best option for staying safe.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Palmer and Soledad. Her sister is engaged to his cousin (Colton Bullseye), and Palmer has had a crush on Soledad for months. However, he is more than a little shy and never got up the courage to ask her out. Soledad noticed his interest at the engagement party and is equally interested in him. The main drawback for Palmer is that he has no intention of ever marrying or having kids, and he overheard Soledad talking about both.
 
I loved how Palmer did everything he could to make Soledad and Lyra comfortable in his home. The shopping scene was hilarious as he bought everything a baby could need while feeling entirely out of his element. Matters got a little tricky when he ran into his brother, Detective Troy Colton, while doing it and had to do some fast talking about who it was for. For a man who claims no interest in a family of his own, Palmer is fantastic with little Lyra. There are some awesomely sweet scenes between the two of them. The longer Soledad and Lyra remain in his home, the more Palmer starts to rethink his views on family.
 
Soledad could see herself falling for Palmer despite his views on a family of his own. With every day she stayed there, she lost a little more of her heart to him. She couldn't understand his resistance to a family since she could see how much he already cared for Lyra. While their feelings for each other grew, so did the sparks of attraction. Though she knew it could lead to a broken heart, Soledad couldn't resist giving in to the heat that burned between them. I liked watching each of them come to terms with their feelings and open up to each other about them. I felt terrible for Palmer when his date-night plans were so rudely interrupted, but he made up for it in the end.
 
The suspense of the story was good. It began with intensity as Soledad tried to rescue her friend Annie and then ran for her life to protect herself and Lyra. There were a couple of more intense moments early on as Gavin tried to get to Soledad. Then it became a waiting game as Gavin disappeared and the GGPD searched for him. There was a constant feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop, wondering if he would show up at the ranch again. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Soledad struggled to get Lyra to safety, and Palmer raced to be in time to save them.
 
One of my favorite characters was Palmer's dog, Jack. From the very beginning, he appointed himself Lyra's bodyguard and best friend. I can't count the number of times the two of them made me laugh at their antics. Jack also played a part in bringing down the bad guy at the end.
 
I also liked how the Coltons continue to support each other through everything that happens. Palmer doesn't fool anyone when he denies that Soledad and Lyra are with him, but they go along with it because she should be safe with him. I ached for Chief Melissa Colton, who has to deal with the fallout from the tampered evidence scandal, and for the rest of the GGPD, who work to regain the town's trust. I can feel everyone's frustration as both the escaped serial killer and the corrupt CSI chief remain at large.

Colton's Covert Witness - Addison Fox (HRS #2140 - July 2021)

Series: Coltons of Grave Gulch (Book 6)

When his witness comes under fire
This detective must protect her at all costs
 
Detective Troy Colton trusts assistant district attorney Evangeline Whittaker when she says she's witnessed a brutal crime…but why can't CSI find any evidence? To get to the truth, the cop must investigate why someone might gaslight the sole witness…while trying -- and failing -- to keep his professional distance. As the threats to Evangeline escalate, Troy realizes both their hearts and lives are at stake!
 
Terrific book.  Troy is a detective with the Grave Gulch Police Department and is dedicated to his job. Evangeline is an assistant district attorney for Grave Gulch and is just as devoted to her job. Several months earlier, the GGPD discovered that the head of their CSI division faked or ignored evidence according to his own agenda. This resulted in some innocent people going to jail and guilty ones going free, including a serial killer. Because she worked on the serial killer's case, using (unknown to her) corrupt evidence, Evangeline is currently on leave from her job.
 
For the past few weeks, Evangeline felt as though she were being watched, even in her own home. One evening as she walked to the local diner, she glanced down an alley and witnessed a couple arguing, then the man shooting the woman. Though she immediately called 911, when Troy and his partner arrived, there was no evidence that there had been a murder there. Though Troy's instincts tell him to believe her, others are not so sure. An escalating series of similar events makes Evangeline wonder if she's losing her mind. Meanwhile, Troy suspects that someone is gaslighting her and is determined to find out who.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Troy and Evangeline. Both of them tend to be workaholics with little interest in dating. Troy's dedication to his job stemmed from the unsolved murder of his mother when he was a child. Making sure that others don't suffer the same drives Troy's focus on every case. On the other hand, Evangeline suffers from a feeling of never being quite good enough, thanks to the emotional abuse of her father. Evangeline and Troy have known each other for years through their jobs and have noticed each other on a more elemental level but have done nothing about it. Troy's protective instincts flare up over the strange events, and he insists on providing close protection. Spending time in close proximity gives their attraction a chance to grow.
 
Neither Troy nor Evangeline wants to admit the feelings that grow alongside the attraction. Both fight to maintain a professional relationship, though it's clear they are losing the battle. But when Troy pushes Evangeline away, believing that he can't be his best as a cop and have a family too, Evangeline has to take a good look at her baggage. I loved when she decided to go after what she wanted. The scene at the police station was fantastic. I loved the conversation with Police Chief Melissa Colton, especially when she told Evangeline, "I hope you brought your boxing gloves" and "No mercy." Seeing Evangeline push against Troy's walls was very satisfying, as was seeing those walls crumble.  The epilogue was fantastic.
 
The suspense of the story was excellent. From the moment Evangeline started feeling like she was being watched, the question became by who, and why? With the serial killer still on the loose, could he be coming after the person who prosecuted him? Could it be Randall Bowe, the CSI chief who is still on the run? I ached for Evangeline because she reported attacks so many times, yet the evidence disappeared before the cops arrived. Though Troy believed her, other members of the force did not, and that created some tension between Troy and the others. I loved when they got a crucial bit of evidence and ran with it. But the person behind it all was desperate, and the final confrontation was a nail-biter. 

 

Guarding Colton's Child - Lara Lacombe (HRS #2136 - June 2021)

Series: Coltons of Grave Gulch (Book 5)

            Coltons

To keep her family safe
 
He'll risk everything, even his heart…
 
After losing his family, Dr. Stavros Makris could never imagine trusting again. So when Desiree Colton rushes her toddler, Danny, to the ER, Stavros must keep things professional with mother and son. But then a kidnapper targets Danny, and Stavros lets down his guard, forging an unbreakable bond with Desiree. As sparks fly between them, they work against the clock to protect the little boy from a criminal closing in…
 
Good book. Desiree Colton, whose son Danny's kidnapping in the first book of the series, Colton's Dangerous Liaison, began a domino effect of problems for the local police department, became much more protective of her son. When Danny ran a very high fever, she rushed him to the ER, where she met Dr. Stavros Makris. Unexpected sparks flew between them, which both tried to ignore. But when a kidnapper snatched Danny out of Desiree's arms right there in the hospital, it was Stavros's quick thinking that saved the boy. And when Desiree and Danny needed a safe place to stay, Stavros quickly volunteered his home.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Desiree and Stavros. Stavros was a good man with a tragic past. Several years earlier, his ex-wife kidnapped their daughter and tried to escape in a storm. She crashed the car, dying instantly, while Stavros's daughter was taken to the hospital, where she died in his arms. Since then, he has closed off his feelings until Desiree and Danny work their way past his walls. I loved watching Stavros with Danny, who connected with him right away. There are many sweet scenes of the two together where it's easy to see Stavros's stellar fatherly abilities.
 
The connection between Stavros and Desiree is very different. Desiree stirs feelings in Stavros that he hasn't felt in a long time, but he fights hard against them. He considers himself too broken to be any good to her. However, his ability to support and comfort her indicates that he's not as broken as he thinks he is. The more time they spend together, the more Stavros finds himself wishing for something he believes he can never have.
 
Meanwhile, though wary at first, Desiree falls fast and hard for Stavros. Besides the flames of attraction, Stavros's kindness and respect touch her deeply. In him, she sees everything she could want for herself and her son. I loved watching Desiree and Stavros together as her compassion helps him with his grief. I ached for Desiree as she dreamed of something more even though she knew he didn't want it. I ached for them both when the kidnapping threat was over, and Stavros walked away. I had to laugh at the tough love advice Stavros received and the effect it had on him. I loved the ending and the depth of Stavros's emotions when he went to Desiree.
 
The suspense of the story was terrific. Desiree's fear at finding Danny the subject of another kidnapping leaped off the page. Her desperation to find the kidnapper ran up against the police department's focus on a serial killer and their missing forensic scientist. Because of discrepancies in the department uncovered in the first book, the police have a nightmare on their hands, and these two fugitives are at the heart of it. There's an intense scene with the killer at the hospital that had me on the edge of my seat as it played out, and I could feel the department's frustration at his escape.
 
Meanwhile, Desiree's fear for Danny's safety continues to grow. I liked seeing how Desiree's work as a sketch artist for the police department played a big part in searching for the kidnapper. The final confrontation with the kidnapper was both a nail-biter and heart-wrenching as Stavros threw himself into Danny's rescue. There's a little bit of a lead-in for the next book as the manhunt goes on for the two fugitives.

 
 
 

Colton Bullseye - Geri Krotow (HRS #2132 - Apr 2021)

Series: Coltons of Grave Gulch (Book 4)

He'd been hired to protect her…
not fall back in love!
 
Acting as his ex's bodyguard pushes Stanton Colton beyond his limits. Thanks to Dominique de la Vega's determined investigative reporting, he's vowed to keep her safe…and guard his own heart. As Dominique delves deep to get her story, Stanton works to find out who's put a bullseye on her back. But can their rekindled attraction survive a threat on her life?
 
Emotional second chance romance combined with intense suspense kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end. Dominique and Stanton had a hot and heavy affair going two years earlier. Their attraction was off the charts, but so were their conflicts. Both put in long hours with their work, he with his security company and her as an investigative reporter. Stanton wanted more, and when he proposed marriage, he didn't listen when she said she wasn't ready. Instead, it was marriage or nothing, so she walked away, leaving both of them with broken hearts.
 
Two years later, Dominique pursues the story of a lifetime. Charlie Hamm, a prisoner she worked with, convinced her that he was innocent and was set up but was murdered in prison before she could help. The evidence against him was processed by the same rogue forensic scientist who manipulated other cases and has since disappeared. Dominique's investigation led her to the witness against Charlie, but before she could interview him, someone attempted to strangle her. The timely arrival of Stanton saved her. She didn't know yet that her father had hired Stanton to be her bodyguard while working on this story.
 
Though she doesn't like it, Dominique quickly comes to understand that she needs Stanton's protection. She stirred up a hornet's nest as her investigation gets closer to the head of a local drug cartel. Stanton takes his task seriously, but being this close to Dominique plays havoc with his emotions. Getting involved with her again just begs for another broken heart, Dominique wants to believe she's over him, but being together 24/7 shows how wrong she is. Neither expected the difference two years apart made. Stanton still wants to protect her but understands what drives her and supports her. Dominique becomes a little more open to taking reasonable precautions without giving up her independence. As they spend more time together, old feelings rekindle, but neither one says anything, too wary of another broken heart. I liked that each of them looked honestly at their own behavior and saw where they made mistakes. The question was, would they learn from those mistakes? I loved the ending, as roles reversed and Dominique tried to get through to Stanton. His big moment at the end was terrific.
 
The suspense stayed intense from beginning to end. Dominique's determination to get the truth about Charlie's case put her at odds with both the local drug cartel leader and the Grave Gulch PD. Dominique has not been shy about her opinion of the GGPD's refusal to work with her, nor has she backed off from linking the cartel to her investigation. At the beginning of the book, the attack opened her eyes to the target she placed on herself, which made it a little easier to accept Stanton's help. However, it doesn't stop her from pursuing her story, which keeps her in danger.
 
Further attacks make it plain that the cartel won't stop until she's dead. I liked seeing Dominique and Chief Colton agree that they're on the same side and exhibit some cooperation. The intensity ramps up when Dominique finally hears from her witness and sets up a meeting. Everyone agrees it's probably a trap but go for it anyway. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Dominique found herself at the mercy of the cartel leader. The resolution was fantastic - I loved how Dominique used what she learned from Stanton.
 
Some progress was made in the series plot of the rogue forensic scientist Randall Bowe. A little more comes out about what he did and those that were suspicious of his actions. There are also suspicions that there may be a corrupt cop or two on the force. I can't wait to see how this all plays out.

Colton Nursery Hideout - Dana Nussio (HRS #2128 - Mar 2021)

Series: Coltons of Grave Gulch (Book 3)

A stalker threatens the family he never knew he wanted
 
Travis Colton finds that a passionate night with his co-CEO, Tatiana Davison, rocks his world. Not long after, his life changes further when Tatiana confides her pregnancy…and the fact her life is in danger! To the surprise of relationship-averse Travis, he quickly develops undeniable feelings for the family he must keep safe. But when a stalker homes in, Travis must risk it all.
 
Terrific book. Travis stirred up his family at the end of the previous book, Colton's Killer Pursuit, when he announced that he'd hired Tatiana Davison as his co-CEO at Colton Plastics. He didn't know that her father is an accused serial killer that his law enforcement family members are desperate to capture. He has even more surprises ahead of him.
 
Sparks flew between Tatiana and Travis from the moment they met. After her successful interview, they celebrated with a little too much wine and wound up in bed together. The feelings she stirred up in him freaked Travis out, and he left as fast as he could afterward, planning to pretend it never happened. Tatiana would like nothing better, but she doesn't have that option. When she arrives for her first day of work, she also needs to tell Travis that she's pregnant. Though he immediately proposes, Tatiana turns him down flat. She's okay with being a single mom and won't marry without love.
 
I like Travis. He's a good man who has some unfortunate issues. He's the only member of his family not involved in law enforcement of some kind which leaves him feeling out of step. He has problems with his father, who always seems to expect the worst when Travis talks about his business. He also has significant trust issues thanks to a former girlfriend who lied to him about her feelings.
 
I also liked Tatiana. She is a smart, capable woman who became the CEO of the engineering side of Colton Plastics. I also ached for her. The police hound her for information about her father, the media won't leave her alone, and she has a stalker. She's torn between knowing that her father needs to be caught and not wanting to betray him. Finding out she's pregnant was a complication she didn't need, but she wouldn't change it for the world.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Travis and Tatiana. Travis does his best to avoid thinking about how Tatiana makes him feel but becomes very protective of her. This puts him at odds with his family, who don't trust her. When the stalking begins, Travis insists that Tatiana move in with him, which puts a strain on his need to bury his feelings. Tatiana feels safe with Travis, but she also feels guilty because she hasn't been completely honest with him. They grow closer the more time they spend together, and each of them has visions of what could be. However, when revealed, Tatiana's deceptions hurt and infuriate Travis, driving a wedge between them. It takes some advice from an unexpected source and nearly losing her to the stalker for Travis to admit his feelings and do something about it. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic.
 
The suspense kept me hooked from beginning to end. I felt terrible for Tatiana, who was hit with a double whammy. First, she had to deal with the knowledge that her father is suspected of being a serial killer, released from jail because of the GGPD's rogue forensic scientist. Then she faced the horror of having a stalker who is obsessed with both Tatiana and her father. Glimpses into the mind of the stalker increased the tension as I waited to see what he'd do next. I loved how Travis figured out who it was and was on the edge of my seat as the final confrontation went down. There's a nice lead-in to the next book, as Tatiana's father and the missing forensics scientist remain at large.
 
Plenty of family drama also plays a part in this book. Travis walks a fine line between Tatiana and his family as his protectiveness butts up against their suspicions. That family dinner was challenging, and Travis's feelings of being on the outside were powerful. He also had his problems with his father to deal with. I ached for him and how he felt a lack of support. I liked seeing them finally talk and clear the air. When all is said and done, the Coltons always have each other's backs. 

Colton's Killer Pursuit - Tara Taylor Quinn (HRS #2124 - Feb 2021)

Series: Coltons of Grave Gulch (Book 2)

Someone framed Everleigh Emerson.
 
And now they'll stop at nothing to kill her...
 
Everleigh Emerson just escaped wrongful conviction for murder. That doesn't mean she's safe. After Clarke Colton witnesses an attempt on her life, the PI convinces Everleigh to let him help her -- even if it means pretending to be her boyfriend. Everleigh trusts that Clarke wants to catch the killer who's after her. But can she trust the attraction that's growing between her and her protector?
 
Fast-paced story with plenty of action and romance. This book picks up where the previous book, Colton's Dangerous Liaison, left off. In that story, Everleigh was on trial for a murder she didn't commit, thanks to falsified evidence by a GGPD forensics worker. Everleigh's grandmother went to extreme measures to get the case reopened, and once it was, the truth came out. At the start of this book, Everleigh has just been freed and finished some grocery shopping. On the way to her car, she is almost run down by a speeding car. Clarke Colton pushes her out of the way.
 
Clarke is a PI who frequently works with the Grave Gulch Police Department. He spotted the inconsistencies in the evidence that imprisoned Everleigh and suspects that this attack has something to do with her husband's murder. That feeling intensifies when he takes her home, and they discover that her house was ransacked. Feeling unexpectedly protective, Clarke insists that Everleigh stays with him until they unravel the mystery.
 
I liked both Clarke and Everleigh. Clarke is a good man who, thanks to the past he shares with his family, is a stickler for law and order. He's also very independent, which is why he is a PI rather than a cop like most of his family members. At forty years old, Clarke is also pretty set in his ways, believing that he isn't cut out for commitment. The one time he tried, it didn't end well. Everleigh wants to rebuild her life. She spent eighteen years married to a man who constantly cheated on her, though she had no idea until he decided to divorce her. He loudly accused her of cheating on him, which made her a prime suspect in his murder. Everleigh is pragmatic and practical and just wants to move on with her life.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Everleigh and Clarke. Sparks of attraction flew between them from the beginning, which made neither of them happy. Clarke won't get involved with someone he's protecting, plus he refuses to do something that will only hurt Everleigh in the long run. Everleigh feels the attraction but doesn't trust her judgment after the mess with her late husband. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist temptation.
 
I loved watching Everleigh wiggle her way past Clarke's walls. Unlike the clingy, whiny women he dated in the past, Everleigh's easy acceptance of his long hours and frequent distraction speak to the loneliness he hadn't realized he felt. He worked hard to resist the pull, but it was a losing battle. For her part, being around Clarke was an eye-opening experience for Everleigh. His support and belief in her help her see that she is stronger than she knew and can take charge of what she wants her life to be now. The biggest thing holding her back is her reluctance to trust herself. I wanted to shake Clarke when he got scared and ran and cheered at the lecture he got from his little sister (the police chief). I loved seeing the light go on in his head and his heart. I ached for Everleigh and her feelings of rejection and loved her conversation with her grandmother. I loved the ending, with the sweet and unexpected way Clarke showed Everleigh how he felt. I laughed out loud at her response and thought how perfect they were for each other.
 
The suspense of the story kept me engrossed from beginning to end. It started with a bang thanks to the attempted hit and run and never really let up. Everleigh and Clarke's determination to get to the truth grew with each attack on her. I liked how they theorized that it had something to do with her husband's murder and their suspicion that it might be one of the women he slept with. The final confrontation was intense, with the killer determined to succeed. I loved Everleigh's calmness and attempt to talk her attacker down while Clarke looked for a way to end it. I loved how it ended.
 
There were a few mentions of the AWOL forensics guy and the GGPD's investigation and search. Questioning the man's wife provided a little insight into what drove him, but nothing else helpful. The book ended with a lead-in to the next book.

Hunting a Killer - Nicole Helm (HI #1977 - Feb 2021)

Series: Tactical Crime Division: Traverse City (Book 4)

A prison break
 
is a job for Tactical Crime Division's K-9 unit.
 
When K-9 handler Serena Lopez discovers her half-brother's a fugitive from justice, she must find him -- and his dangerous crew. It's a good thing that her partner is infuriatingly efficient and handsome lead agent Axel Morrow. But as smart and cunning as the duo may be, it's a race against time to catch the armed and dangerous criminals before they kill again.
 
Good mix of intense suspense and a long-building romance. K-9 handler Serena Lopez gets a shock when the Tactical Crime Division's latest case hits close to home. They must track down a trio of escaped prisoners, one of whom is her half-brother. Her partner for this op is the frustratingly calm and efficient Axel Morrow.
 
In the series's earlier books, I felt a certain amount of tension between Serena and Axel. That tension becomes more evident in this book as they work together to track the escapees. Serena is well aware of the effect Axel has on her, but a previous workplace relationship turned out badly, so she is wary of giving in to it. Axel is equally attracted to Serena and has his own doubts and conflicting emotions to deal with, which he does by burying them deep.
 
I liked watching the development of the relationship between Axel and Serena. They've worked together for four years, and their attraction has simmered for almost as long. The intensity of their situation brings the feelings they've hidden so long to the surface. They are also more in tune with each other than either expected, which creates a few uncomfortable moments. Serena learns of the tragic past that set Axel on his FBI path and drives his compulsions when it comes to murderers. She aches for the guilt he feels and sets out to help him overcome it. At the same time, Serena shares her half-brother's story and its effect on her and her family. Axel helps Serena see that she has her own guilty feelings to deal with. One of the things I liked best was the respect each one had for the other's abilities. Axel had his protective feelings toward Serena, but he didn't let it interfere with her doing her job. That became even more Important as they closed in on the fugitives. When it was all over, Axel and Serena had to decide what to do about their future. I loved Axel's confidence in the face of Serena's worry over what their teammates would say. I loved the scene after Axel got out of the hospital and his friend/teammate Max took him home. The epilogue with the post-case party was terrific.
 
The suspense of the story was excellent. From the moment they learned of the escape, I could feel the TCD's determination to capture the fugitives before they could cross the border. With Axel, Serena, and her dog Blanca in the lead, it was fascinating to watch their plan unfold. The closer they got, the more questions they had about what the fugitives were doing. The first confrontation raised concerns about what kind of outside help they received, while Axel and Serena overheard something alarming. After a break to treat injuries and rest a little, Axel and Serena intensified their pursuit and came up with a plan to separate the bad guys. An unforeseen twist put Serena at the mercy of a man with nothing to lose. I was on the edge of my seat as the scene played out, wondering what would happen. The turning point came from an unexpected source, but it was still a close call.
 
Another essential part of the story was the relationship between Serena and her sister, Opaline, another TCD member. In the earlier books, the tension between the two women is obvious. In this book, we finally learn that it is rooted in family issues, mainly dealing with their half-brother. The two women's attitudes are very different, and it isn't surprising that they clash. There is a very rough patch near the end, but Opaline comes through, which goes a long way toward redeeming her. 

 

Colton's Dangerous Liaison - Regan Black (HRS #2120 - Jan 2021)

Series: Coltons of Grave Gulch (Book 1)

The clock is running out to keep her safe

Can he intervene in time?

By-the-book police chief Melissa Colton prides herself on putting justice before all else. That means work first -- and no passionate affairs. But she finds herself severely tempted when teaming up with hotelier Antonio Ruiz to figure out who's tracking her. As the case yields more questions than answers, Melissa and Antonio must resist their growing attraction...and capture the criminal targeting them!

Terrific start to the new series. The book gets off to an intense start when a toddler disappears from a family wedding. The owner of the hotel, Antonio Ruiz, offers to do whatever he can to help. Police chief Melissa Colton is grateful for his help but wary also. She and Antonio have been at odds since they clashed over a murder case several months earlier.

Melissa is the police chief of the Grave Gulch PD. She worked long and hard for the position and still puts the job first. But there are times she finds herself wishing for a family of her own. However, experience has shown her that most men aren't willing to put up with her work's uncertainties, and Melissa won't slack off on her job for anyone.

Like Melissa, Antonio puts work before everything else. Twenty years earlier, he lost his wife and their child during childbirth and buried his grief in work. Unwilling to risk his heart again, Antonio settles for the occasional fling with like-minded women.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Antonio and Melissa. Both of them are determined, strong-willed people who also care about the people around them. The disappearance of little Danny in his hotel stirred up memories for Antonio, and he wanted to help. Perhaps, he was a little more forceful in his insistence than Melissa cared for, but he had good instincts. There was a fair bit of antagonism between them at first, thanks to his vocal opinions of the GGPD's abilities. But as they spent more time together, an unexpected attraction began to simmer beneath the antagonism. I liked seeing Antonio's opinion change as he watched Melissa and the others work. When the cases turned into personal attacks on Melissa, Antonio discovered an unexpected protectiveness toward her. It was pretty sweet to see how he tried to take care of her, something Melissa didn't quite know how to deal with. She spent so long struggling to prove herself that Antonio's ease with who and what she is scares her a little. She can see herself falling for him, but she knows his reputation. Meanwhile, Antonio realizes that thoughts of a future with Melissa don't scare him at all. There are a few bumps along the way, as both Antonio and Melissa have to learn how to give a little, but the ending was terrific.

The suspense of the story was outstanding. The kidnapping of little Danny was the opening volley in a battle that could destroy the GGPD. Danny's abduction was a desperate attempt to get the department to reopen a murder case against a young woman most people believe is innocent. Though Melissa stands by her people's work, she won't rest until she's positive everything is right.

This case mirrors the same complaint that Antonio had about the one he brought to their attention during the summer. The intensity ramps up with attempts against Melissa and Antonio's lives that he swears are the work of the man he accused. The escalation of the attacks made it seem like they couldn't catch a break in capturing Drew. The final confrontation with Antonio's wannabe partner was a nail-biter.

I ached for Melissa as the evidence in both cases began to look bad for her department. I liked her determination to get to the truth, no matter what, though it seemed that no matter what she did, there were more questions than answers. Melissa's methodical ways sometimes irritated the more impatient Antonio, but he quickly learned to trust her instincts. There were times when I thought I knew what was going on, only to have the story turn in a different direction. The twists kept me on my toes right to the very end. Though some questions were answered, others were not. It will be interesting to see how it plays out through the series.

Ultimate Showdown - Addison Fox (HRS #2115 - Dec 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 6)
            Coltons (Book 124)

Hunting a lethal criminal

Brings danger…and passion

When Lieutenant Tripp McKellar rescues crime scene investigator Sadie Colton from a kidnapper, she is eternally grateful. Though she's always been drawn to him, Sadie wants to keep their relationship strictly professional. As she works with Tripp to bring down the criminal who targeted her, she discovers that her attraction is mutual. But can true love bloom in the shadow of a deadly threat?

Good conclusion to the series. The action started from the first page as we catch up with Sadie, kidnapped by her ex-fiancé, the criminal mind behind the RevitaYou scheme. As a member of both the Grand Rapids PD and her family's private investigation firm, Sadie has been a part of the investigation team from the beginning. In an earlier book, Sadie discovered that the man she thought she loved used her to keep tabs on the investigation. Now he's trying to force her cooperation.

Tripp is a lieutenant with the GRPD and feels responsible for Sadie's kidnapping. Determined to find her, Tripp spends long hours going over everything he knows about Tate Greer and the crimes they have already linked him to. A hunch sends him off to investigate a likely prospect for a hideout, with backup close behind.

I loved how the story began with an intensity that sucked me right in. Sadie may be CSI now, but she was a street cop first. Disgusted with herself for falling for Tate in the first place, Sadie spends her time in captivity going over everything she remembers about her time with him. I loved following her thoughts as Sadie figured out where she was and contemplated an escape plan. I was on the edge of my seat when she took advantage of an opening and made her move, even though she knew she was on her own. I loved how Tripp arrived just in time.

Sadie and Tripp have been drawn to each other for a long time, though each tried to resist it. For Sadie, Tripp is her boss. The matter of her being engaged to another man for a while made her bury the attraction. For Tripp, there is the whole boss/employee problem. But deeper down, Tripp won't allow himself to care for another woman. He lost his fiancée and unborn child when a criminal out for revenge murdered them. He won't put another woman, or his heart, at risk again. But in the aftermath of the kidnapping and rescue, those buried sparks work their way to the surface.

I liked the development of the relationship between Tripp and Sadie. As Tate's attempts on Sadie's life escalate, Tripp takes keeping her safe personally. Together 24/7, they try to keep their interactions professional, but it is a losing battle. I liked watching them get to know each other. Tripp is a good man, respectful of Sadie's abilities, but also profoundly protective. He sees how her relationship with Tate impacted her self-worth and confidence and can't help trying to show her how he sees her. I ached for Sadie and seeing her try to fight her way back from Tate's actions. She and Tripp grew closer as they worked together, and the sparks between them continued to build. Tripp keeps himself under tight control, leaving Sadie to make the first move. And though their connection continues to grow, Sadie can tell that Tripp is holding back. I felt her frustration and hurt at the distance as she realizes the depth of her feelings, and loved that she stood up for herself and her needs. I liked seeing Tripp reach that moment when he realized that he allowed his past to dictate his future. The ending was great as he finally let go and opened himself to the feelings he couldn't deny. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up.

I loved the suspense of this final book in the series. After all of the work done in the previous books to bring the RevitaYou case to an end, it is down to finding Tate Greer and bringing him to justice. Tate is equally determined to escape and to have his revenge on Sadie. The escalation of his attempts, from kidnapping to fire to baiting a trap, kept me reading late into the night. I felt the frustration of the GRPD and Coltons as Tate slipped through their hands time and again. By the time the final confrontation came, I was glued to the pages, waiting to see how it would turn out. I loved Sadie's part as her determination to save her sister put her in the middle of a desperate situation. An unexpected twist brought it to a satisfying end. The follow-on capture of the last remaining player was beautifully done.