In Hot Pursuit - Geri Krotow (HRS #2111 - Nov 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 5)
            Colton 911 (Book 11)
            Coltons (Book 122)

On the run for their lives…and straight toward a killer.

Sergeant Flynn Cruz-Street's estranged half-brother is a threat to society. To catch him, Flynn must join forces with JAG paralegal Vikki Colton. Vikki proves to be a brilliant investigator, and what starts as a reluctant partnership soon blossoms into an irresistible attraction. But as they work tirelessly to track down the dangerous criminal, Flynn and Vikki must resist the sparks between them…or risk losing their very lives.

Terrific combination of romance and heart-pounding suspense. Vikki is a JAG paralegal sent to the local army base to question two people. First, she needs to talk to the husband of the latest ReVitaYou victim and find out what he knows about his wife's use of the supplement. Then she has to connect with MP Flynn Cruz-Street and find out if he knows where his half-brother, Landon Street is. Landon is the scientist who created ReVitaYou, and the authorities need to know what the ingredients are.

The action starts immediately as Vikki arrives to see a grief-crazed Captain Joseph attack Flynn because of his relationship to Landon. The captain escapes, leaving both Vikki and Flynn in danger of a future attack. Vikki, whose investigative techniques can be a trifle intense, rubs Flynn the wrong way by implying he knows where Landon is. Their initial interactions are a bit antagonistic, and it doesn't help that they are ordered off base (together) for their safety. I liked how they decided that working together was the way to go and discovered that their methods meshed well.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Vikki and Flynn. Despite their rough start, they do work well together. That work is complicated by the intense attraction that they feel for each other. They need to maintain their professionalism, but their chemistry is hard to resist. Each of them also have prior relationships that make it difficult to trust the feelings that grow between them. It was occasionally frustrating to see the push and pull as the growing strength of those feelings cause one or the other to retreat when things get too intense. I ached for them both at the end when insecurities pulled them apart. I liked the conversation Flynn had with his mom that opened his eyes to how he needs to live his life. Vikki had a similar conversation with her sister Sadie. I loved seeing Flynn grab onto hope and go after Vikki. I loved the ending and the depth of their love.

The suspense and action in the story were intense. From the opening shots, as Captain Joseph tried to kill Flynn to the surprise twist at the end, I could not put the book down. There were two main missions in this book. The first was to catch Captain Joseph, and the second was to find and capture Landon Street. Captain Joseph was not only grief-crazed; he was also well-trained. It seemed as though Flynn and Vikki would escape one attack only to be confronted with another one a short time later, with one genuinely terrifying one that could have ended very badly. The final confrontation with him was a nail-biter but ended the threat.

At the same time, Flynn and Vikki did everything they could to try to find Landon. Though the man has always had problems, Flynn is confident that he never intended to kill anyone. He's also under no illusion that Landon is innocent of other crimes. An unexpected event brought Landon out of hiding, and I was glued to the pages until it was all over. Though this is one more piece to the puzzle, it isn't over yet. Trouble from Sadie's past reappears as the next and final book of the series is set up.

Detective on Call - Regan Black (HRS #2103 - Sept 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 3)
            Colton 911 (Book 9)
            Coltons (Book 118)

Two bitter rivals unite to track a deadly killer

Detective Emmanuel Iglesias does his duty at all costs, even if that means going up against Pippa Colton. The stubborn attorney insists her client is innocent, but Emmanuel knows that his case is rock-solid. That is, until Pippa becomes a target herself. Is the real killer still at large? As their mutual distrust turns into an undeniable attraction, the murderer becomes bolder -- and more menacing…

Another fast-paced, intense entry in the Colton 911: Grand Rapids series. Pippa Colton is an attorney who was hired to prove that her friend's mother was wrongly convicted of murder. It isn't a popular position as the woman is rude, mean-spirited, and just plain nasty to those around her. Because of Pippa's work, she has been receiving death threats. One of her brothers, Griffin, asked his friend Emmanuel Iglesias to keep an eye on Pippa. That creates some tension because Emmanuel is one of the detectives whose work convicted her client.

Though Pippa and Emmanuel know of each other, they don't meet until he shows up at her home to investigate a break-in. Pippa doesn't hide her dislike of him, but Emmanuel has no intention of backing down from doing his job. He also has his promise to Griffin to keep. I enjoyed seeing the two stubborn people butt heads as Pippa tried to get him to leave, and Emmanuel insisted on staying. Neither one expected the feelings that stirred - Emmanuel feeling protective and Pippa feeling safe while he's there. There were also sparks of attraction that each tried to ignore.

Both Emmanuel and Pippa have a strong sense of justice. Even though they are on opposite sides of this case, both are determined to find the truth. I liked that they respected each other's abilities and dedication. As they are thrown together by Emmanuel's determination to keep Pippa safe, the sparks of attraction grow stronger, and the attraction quickly deepens to something more. I loved watching them get to know each other, from simple things like cooking together and watching television to understanding how the other's mind works. I loved the ending, especially Emmanuel's nervousness. Pippa's reaction was terrific.

The suspense of the story was fantastic and kept me hooked from start to finish. It opens with Pippa's difficulties being allowed to meet with her client and the revelation to the reader that someone is working against her. There is a mention of the threats she received just before discovering that her home was broken into and vandalized. Emmanuel's arrival and assistance starts the dialogue between them about the case she is working on. Though Emmanuel is confident in his investigation, the points she makes raise some questions in his mind. As he and Pippa join forces in their quest, the person behind the attacks ramps up the efforts to stop her. Though the identity is revealed to the reader early on, it takes more work by Emmanuel and Pippa to suspect the truth. The tension increases the closer they get and the more desperate the killer becomes. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages until it was all over, and Pippa was safe.

There was also some progress made in the series story arc involving a deadly drug, a pyramid scheme, and an unscrupulous loan company. More people suffer serious side effects from the drug, including a couple more deaths, amplifying the need to find those responsible. Pippa joins her siblings at Colton Investigations in setting up a sting against the loan company. There are some intense moments as the trap is sprung and later as they bargain for information. I look forward to seeing how they use what they learn in future books.

Suspect Under Siege - Jane Godman (HRS #2099 - Aug 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 2)
            Colton 911 (Book 8)
            Coltons (Book 117)

Enemies are surrounding her…

Can he protect her growing family?

Dr. Abigail Matthews has separated herself from her con artist dad. When his latest scheme threatens her chances to adopt her foster daughter, Abigail will do anything…even rely on a man she can't trust. Griffin Colton is a crusader for justice, but his family thinks that Abigail is harboring a dangerous secret. Despite the odds stacked against them, an attraction burns bright and they forge a strong defense. But some threats still find a way to get inside…

Fantastic mix of romance and suspense in the second book of this series. Abigail made her first appearance at the end of the first book, Family Defender. She is the daughter of the man at the head of the ReVitaYou vitamin scam, though she parted ways with him long ago. She discovered some horrifying information about the vitamin and took it to Colton Investigations. They were initially suspicious of her, suspecting that she might be involved in her father's scam. As this book opens, Abigail learns that her plans to adopt her foster daughter, Maya, are held up due to accusations against her. Terrified that she could lose her daughter, Abigail goes to Griffin Colton for help.

Griffin is the Colton brother that isn't a Colton by blood. Adopted by them after his mother's death, Griffin has never felt like he fits in with the family. It's not that they treat him any differently, it's just the way he sees himself. Remembering his own experiences, Griffin became an adoption attorney and has one of the state's best reputations. His kindness and compassion are evident from the beginning.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Abigail and Griffin develop. Griffin is wary of Abigail because of her father, and she senses his distrust. But Griffin can also see the depth of love Abigail has for Maya and steps up to help. From the start, the accusations against Abigail make little sense. First, she is accused of tampering with a study she's in charge of, then being mixed up in ReVitaYou, and finally suspected of murdering her boss. Through it all, Griffin is by her side as they try to get to the bottom of the accusations. I loved how Griffin stepped up to foster Maya when CPS wanted to take her away from Abigail. There were some fantastic scenes with Griffin and Maya that had me laughing out loud. It didn't take long for both Abigail and Maya to find a place in Griffin's heart.

There was also no denying Griffin and Abigail's attraction and how quickly it turned to love. The love between them also affected Griffin's relationship with his family, and I loved seeing those changes. They were most apparent during the hospital scene and how easily Griffin accepted their help. The only real issue that came up was Griffin's insecurity over trusting his feelings, but Abigail's love overcame those. I loved the ending and seeing how happy they are.

The suspense of the story was great. The Coltons' initial suspicion was understandable given Abigail's profession, but they also quickly realized that she was a victim, not a suspect. I liked how Griffin was immediately suspicious of the actions taken against Abigail, finding their timing suspicious. Some interesting connections turned up linking the accusations to the ReVitaYou investigation, adding to the questions they already had. The intensity ramped up when someone attacked Abigail and threatened Maya. I wasn't surprised by who it was, but the motivation had some surprising elements to it. The final confrontation was terrifying for Griffin and Abigail and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over. The book finished with one sibling's plan to infiltrate the money side of ReVitaYou as a lead-in to the next book.

Family Defender - Tara Taylor Quinn (HRS #2095 - July 2020)

Series: Colton 911: Grand Rapids (Book 1)

             Colton 911 (Book 7)

             Coltons (Book 114)

Struggling to protect his heart…he must also protect his growing family

Former FBI agent Riley Colton tends to keep to himself…except for the time he gave in to Charlize Kent. Now that single passionate night produced a surprise Riley never imagined -- a baby! His paternal and investigative instincts kick in when their growing family comes under fire. As sparks fly, Riley and Charlize work together to track and capture a criminal…who will stop at nothing to destroy everything they hold dear.

Good book. There are six Colton family members: Riley, his two sets of twin sisters, and an adopted brother. There is also a younger foster brother who is the catalyst for the mystery that runs through the series. Riley is the oldest, who at thirteen years old became the surrogate caretaker for his first set of sisters, adding the second set two years later. His parents were socially and politically active and often left Riley in charge of his siblings. After his parents' deaths, he took over raising them. Now, at the age of forty-three, he has no intention of ever being a husband or father. He is done with all of it.

I have to admit that Riley grated on my nerves at the beginning. He seemed to be in a constant state of self-pity over having had to care for his siblings. Yet, they all work together in some way with the family investigation business. There are also frequent scenes of the things he still does to take care of them - preparing snacks for their meetings, having pre-prepared meals in his freezer for any of them to take, etc. He fights and denies that caring nature through most of the book.

As the book opens, Riley is fighting the memories of a one-night stand three months earlier. Unlike other short-term women (he doesn't do relationships, period), he hasn't been able to get Charlize off his mind. Despite that, he doesn't intend her again until fate intervenes. Her aunt is connected to a case he is working on, and on his way to see her, Riley witnesses an attack on Charlize. His protectiveness is aroused in spite of himself, especially once he finds out she is pregnant with his baby.

Charlize is an independent woman who, knowing Riley's feelings, is ready to raise the baby independently. She would rather have Riley involved, both with the baby and her. She fell in love with him immediately but knows that her "fantasyland" isn't likely to come true. However, with the threats against her, she is happy to accept Riley's protection.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Riley and Charlize. The connection was there between them from that first night, though Riley tried to deny it, and is still there when they meet again. Riley freaks out at the news of his impending fatherhood though he does accept responsibility. He begins by planning minimum participation for heartbreaking reasons. As they spend time together, Charlize starts to see the caring man beneath the surface that Riley shows the world. I liked seeing Riley's changes, especially over the days that Charlize stayed at his house. But he still can't see the possibilities for a future when the danger is over, and she leaves. A visit from one of his sisters sparks an eye-opening conversation. At the same time, Charlize decides to go after what she wants. I loved the scene at the end, as she reminded him that love is not perfect because life is not perfect.

The suspense of the story was terrific also, with two mysteries. The first is when the Coltons' foster brother, Brody, contacts Riley to say he's in trouble. Brody got involved in a pyramid scheme using borrowed money. Now he's on the hook to pay back the loan, and Brody can't reach anyone in the company. As Riley and the other members of the family investigate, Brody disappears. Riley delves deeper into the ReVitaYou program and discovers disturbing irregularities, combined with a product that makes some people sick. There's a twist at the end that leads into the next book and the continuing search for the ringleader and Brody.

The second mystery is more immediate. As a social worker, Charlize occasionally encounters violent clients. In this case, someone first tries to run her down, which is when Riley gets involved. While she isn't panicked by the attack, Charlize is somewhat concerned. The intensity ramps up when someone takes a shot at her. It was obvious to me who was behind it, but they needed proof. The final confrontation was intense and kept me glued to the pages until it was over.

Colton books are always good for family unity also. Riley is clearly the head of the family, but he also respects the others' thoughts and opinions. After all his years of going on about never being a father, it was funny to see him plotting how to drop the pregnancy bomb on them. I was impressed by their reactions. I'm looking forward to getting to know the rest of them during the other books.

Family Under Fire - Jan Godman (HRS #2068 - Dec 2019)

Series: Colton 911 (Book 6)
            Coltons (Book 100)

An unexpected family

A once-in-a-lifetime reunion in danger…

After a bitter breakup, FBI agent Everett Colton never expected to see his ex-girlfriend, Alyssa Bartholomew, again. Suddenly, tragedy reunites them -- and makes them guardians of an orphaned baby girl. Everett suspects that her parents' deaths were anything but innocent. When his instinct for danger proves correct, it's his job to protect the child he's grown to love…and the woman he never forgot.

A good mix of suspense and second chance romance. Four years after breaking up, Everett and Alyssa were brought together when they became co-guardians of a baby girl. Everett believes that her parents' deaths were suspicious, and threats against baby Kennedy soon prove him right.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Everett and Alyssa. As it turned out, neither got over their breakup, with subsequent attempts at relationships never measuring up to the memories of what they had. Neither was blameless in the breakup, with events from the past affecting their relationship. Alyssa lost her father when he was stabbed to death. Her fear of Everett getting hurt in his job as an FBI agent exacerbated her fear of losing someone she loved. At the same time, Everett is wracked with guilt over something that happened in his previous job, and he keeps tight control over his emotions because of it. Thrown together to raise baby Kennedy, I loved seeing them adjust to being instant parents while at the same time trying to figure out their own relationship.

I liked both Everett and Alyssa. Alyssa won my heart when she immediately accepted the responsibility of raising Kennedy. She's understandably nervous about being with Everett but will do whatever necessary for the baby. Everett also got points when he stepped up in spite of his doubts. I loved seeing how their care for Kennedy brought them together. An added four years of experience and maturity helped move their relationship along. I especially liked seeing Alyssa's attitude toward Everett's job change as she experienced his protectiveness toward her and Kennedy. Everett was a slightly harder nut to crack, but it wasn't long before his control over his emotions began to slip. I ached for him when he finally opened up to Alyssa about what had caused his withdrawal and loved her support of him. I liked the sparks that flew between them, the feeling of family that both felt immediately, and how they combined to show them that they belonged together.

The suspense of the story was terrific. We first met Sean and Delilah Dodd, and his sister Claudia, in Caught in the Crossfire, where they were caught and arrested for cattle rustling and murder. This book begins with the deaths of Sean and Delilah and Everett's suspicions about it. While Sean and Delilah earned their arrest in the previous book, this book showed that there were at least a few redeeming qualities about them. These traits added to Everett's questions and motivated his investigation. Things became more complicated when he and Alyssa began receiving threats against Kennedy's life and attempts on theirs. There was a steady increase in the tension with each threat or attack and Everett's determination to put an end to them. Suspicion as to who was behind them came quickly, but the problem was finding the evidence. The final confrontation was intense. Everett and Alyssa's cool heads kept me on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how they were going to handle it. I loved Everett's quick thinking and how it all turned out.

Caught in the Crossfire - Linda O. Johnston (HRS #2016 - Nov 2019)

Series: Colton 911 (Book 5)
            Coltons (Book 99)

From hunting cattle rustlers

To being hunted by a killer

Investigating cattle rustlers seems like a typical day on the job for Deputy Sheriff Casey Colton. But when ranch hand Melody Hayworth insists on working the case with him, he's reluctant to involve a civilian. Fighting their growing bond while tracking lawbreakers proves no easy task. And as Casey and Melody stumble across a corpse, they're caught in a criminal's crosshairs. The deputy's new mission? Protect Melody and find the killer before it's too late.

Good book with a nice blend of suspense and romance, leaning a little more on the romance side. Having recently solved one cattle rustling case, Casey is picked for another one. A local rancher and bigwig is missing some of his very valuable Angus cattle and wants it investigated immediately. He assigns one of his ranch hands to stick with Casey and provide any needed assistance. Casey isn't thrilled to involve a civilian, especially a female one.

There are sparks between Casey and Melody from the start, and neither one is happy about it. Casey was left at the altar by his fiancée and is not interested in pursuing any new relationships. Melody is recently divorced from a man who constantly put her down, causing her to doubt her judgment. She isn't interested in letting a man into her life, but she also won't be sidelined. Though Casey is initially reluctant to take Melody along on his investigation, she makes a good case that her knowledge of the ranch would be an asset. With it being just the two of them, they had plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. Neither planned to talk about their pasts, but their growing closeness made it happen anyway. It was interesting to see how they reacted to each other at times, their responses influenced by their pasts. Though the sparks flared hot enough at one point for them to give in, both still resist the thought of anything more. While I appreciated that there was no quick declaration of feelings, there were moments of frustration that Casey, especially, was going to let his fears come between them. I liked the realistic ending as both of them faced their fears and sought to move forward.

The suspense of the story was good. The value of the cattle was a good incentive for their theft, and for the desire of their owner to get them back. I found the electronic tagging of the animals interesting and how that enabled them to be tracked. I was a bit skeptical of the length of time it took Casey and Melody to catch up, as two people on horseback should have been able to move faster than people who also had to herd cows, but it worked for the story. Things got complicated when Casey and Melody found one of the cattle dead, and the body of a ranch hand nearby, making them realize that the danger is a bit greater than they had previously thought. One clue that they found gave Casey one suspect, but he wasn't sure about it. The final confrontation was intense, with both Casey and Melody in extreme danger. Both kept their heads as they faced the rustlers, though Casey's shock and anger were obvious. The resolution was terrific with help coming from an unexpected source.