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Men of Wolf Creek #2
Lethal Lawman
Bestselling author Carla Cassidy dazzles us with her Men of Wolf Creek--heroes who live and love fiercely.
Marlene Marcoli made the mistake of falling in love and almost lost her life. Hoping to put her abusive marriage behind her, Marlene moves to Wolf Creek, Pennsylvania. But danger follows her once again when her apartment is vandalized. To make matters worse, the sexy detective working the case is distracting her beyond reason.
Detective Frank Delaney hasn’t been interested in dating since his wife died—until Marlene comes to town. Irresistibly drawn to the blonde, he’s got to find a way to make her trust him. And when Marlene’s life is threatened, Frank must race to protect her—if they both hope to have a second chance at love.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2014
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114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 27, 2014
Marlene has been back in Wolf Creek for a year after the end of her marriage. She is working with one of her sisters in the store they run together. When she isn't working she stays to herself. When her apartment is vandalized the first one on the scene is Frank Delaney, one of the detectives who is also working the case of her missing aunt. She finds him very sexy, but has no desire to get involved with another man. Her confidence in her ability to have a good relationship is nonexistent, so when he indicates an interest in getting to know her better, she shuts him down pretty quickly. But as she starts receiving threatening letters, then someone shoots at her, she accepts Frank's help in keeping her safe. Marlene's standoffishness at first makes her seem pretty unemotional until she starts to open up to Frank about her past. She confides things to him that she hadn't even shared with her sisters. She also finds herself looking forward to seeing him which is not something she ever expected to happen. I really liked the strength she showed as everything was happening to her. She never really fell apart completely, though she did have a couple mini-meltdowns that she quickly recovered from. I also liked the way that after she got shot at she started thinking about the way she had been living her life and decided it was time to make some changes. That included her relationship with Frank, where she had to decide how much or how little she wanted from him. I loved seeing her start looking at fulfilling the dream she'd had before her marriage now that she's decided to leave the past in the past.
Frank has been living a life filled with guilt and self-recrimination. Three years earlier his wife had committed suicide and he blames himself for not seeing how big her problems were. He will occasionally date, but hasn't gotten involved with another woman since then. Being the detective in charge of finding out who is threatening Marlene puts him in her company a lot. It isn't long before he discovers that she's not the ice princess people call her, she is just protecting herself. He is intrigued by her and wants to spend some time getting to know her, but she won't go on a date with him. I enjoyed his way of getting around that by taking food to her work to share with her rather than going out. It is during one of those non-dates that they are shot at and he takes her home with him to protect her. His feelings for her are growing stronger, but he knows that she has issues from her marriage and he is leery of getting involved with another woman who might be more emotional than he can handle. I was a bit irritated with him that he couldn't see the huge difference between Marlene and his late wife. I could see that he had really fallen for her but he was having a lot of trouble letting go of the past. When he finally did, he did it very well.
The ongoing mystery of Aunt Liz's disappearance hasn't really made any progress. There were a couple of check-ins to see what was happening with her, but the detectives are at a complete loss. They haven't been able to find any clues to go on. The epilogue was a lead in for the next book and it isn't looking good for the Marcoli family.
The mystery that was central to this book, of who was targeting Marlene was very well done. There were various clues, some of which worked and some that were dead ends. I was definitely invested in finding out "whodunnit" and was completely surprised by who it was.
Frank has been living a life filled with guilt and self-recrimination. Three years earlier his wife had committed suicide and he blames himself for not seeing how big her problems were. He will occasionally date, but hasn't gotten involved with another woman since then. Being the detective in charge of finding out who is threatening Marlene puts him in her company a lot. It isn't long before he discovers that she's not the ice princess people call her, she is just protecting herself. He is intrigued by her and wants to spend some time getting to know her, but she won't go on a date with him. I enjoyed his way of getting around that by taking food to her work to share with her rather than going out. It is during one of those non-dates that they are shot at and he takes her home with him to protect her. His feelings for her are growing stronger, but he knows that she has issues from her marriage and he is leery of getting involved with another woman who might be more emotional than he can handle. I was a bit irritated with him that he couldn't see the huge difference between Marlene and his late wife. I could see that he had really fallen for her but he was having a lot of trouble letting go of the past. When he finally did, he did it very well.
The ongoing mystery of Aunt Liz's disappearance hasn't really made any progress. There were a couple of check-ins to see what was happening with her, but the detectives are at a complete loss. They haven't been able to find any clues to go on. The epilogue was a lead in for the next book and it isn't looking good for the Marcoli family.
The mystery that was central to this book, of who was targeting Marlene was very well done. There were various clues, some of which worked and some that were dead ends. I was definitely invested in finding out "whodunnit" and was completely surprised by who it was.
May 6, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. The suspense, and mystery kept me glued to this book. I thought it was a beautiful story where two broken souls found peace, and healed as the story unfolded.
Marlene could have been the poster child for a battered and abused wife. More than a year later, she still carried around the pain, and hurt. Marlene kept everyone at arm's length. She didn't open up to anyone, not even her sisters. She was just waking up each morning, going to work, going home and going to bed. Just surviving each day.
Marlene's apartment got broken into and Frank was the first responding officer on the scene. She found him sexy, But knew she would never date again. Frank saw something in Marlene. He found her intriguing, and yes he thought she was sexy. Frank was another broken soul. He had been married before. He came home from work one day to find his wife dead. He still carried around the guilt and pain three years later.
As the story heats up, and someone tries to kill Marlene, Frank, and Marlene find solace in each other's arms. A friendship started to blossom, as they leaned on one another.
As Marlene was taking from one safe house to another, she started to heal from the abuse of her first marrage. She realized she had not been living, just surviving. Marlene wanted more from life. She had dreams. She just had to live long enough to make those dreams comes true. Marlene was trusting Frank to find the crazy person, that wanted to kill her. Frank started healing from his pain, with Marlene's positive energy. He too realized he wanted more from his life. The villain in this story was a nice surprise. I love it when I can't figure out who the bad guy is before the person is reviled in the story.
I give this book 4 stars. I did love this book, but hate how they left me hanging. Some series drives me nuts. I loved how the case with Marlene was solved. I hated how the case with her missing Aunt, is still nowhere close to being solved.
Marlene could have been the poster child for a battered and abused wife. More than a year later, she still carried around the pain, and hurt. Marlene kept everyone at arm's length. She didn't open up to anyone, not even her sisters. She was just waking up each morning, going to work, going home and going to bed. Just surviving each day.
Marlene's apartment got broken into and Frank was the first responding officer on the scene. She found him sexy, But knew she would never date again. Frank saw something in Marlene. He found her intriguing, and yes he thought she was sexy. Frank was another broken soul. He had been married before. He came home from work one day to find his wife dead. He still carried around the guilt and pain three years later.
As the story heats up, and someone tries to kill Marlene, Frank, and Marlene find solace in each other's arms. A friendship started to blossom, as they leaned on one another.
As Marlene was taking from one safe house to another, she started to heal from the abuse of her first marrage. She realized she had not been living, just surviving. Marlene wanted more from life. She had dreams. She just had to live long enough to make those dreams comes true. Marlene was trusting Frank to find the crazy person, that wanted to kill her. Frank started healing from his pain, with Marlene's positive energy. He too realized he wanted more from his life. The villain in this story was a nice surprise. I love it when I can't figure out who the bad guy is before the person is reviled in the story.
I give this book 4 stars. I did love this book, but hate how they left me hanging. Some series drives me nuts. I loved how the case with Marlene was solved. I hated how the case with her missing Aunt, is still nowhere close to being solved.
December 29, 2013
This was an okay book. It started out great, but about 40% of the way through, I wasn't sure if I liked it anymore or not.
This is one of those books I consider a light romance. There were absolutely no "intense moments of passion" HAHAHA! So, it is safe for my mother to read. By the end of the book, I was thinking I needed to check out the author. Something was quirky with her descriptions of kissing, believe it or not... Almost old movie like descriptions. Not that I cared, it was just different. BUT I bit the bullet & did not blow it by checking out the author first.
Sooo this cold non-emotional woman who refused to date, because she comes from an abusive relationship. Marlene (Old name) was getting threats. A who knows how old with premature gray at temples, hot police man Frank (also old name) was investigating the disappearance of her aunt & now the threats to Marlene. Someone was after her... Oooo but he thinks she's pretty & wants to date her. She doesn't. She's frigid. Doesn't date, period. It's not him it's her. He's guilted over his wife's suicide three years ago & realizes he doesn't want to be lonely anymore & Marlene is his best candidate to fix that.
Okay...*SIGH*...I checked out the author before I wrote this review & yes, she's an older author. Not old, just older. A different writing style of the earlier (what's his name...)AH! Fabio cover days!! Anyway. After reading some truly amazing books, I expected more. It had potential, but I think it was written for that older, more prudish reader group. I'm not saying it was bad, just saying it isn't a young-person-have-to-read-all-the-books-in-this-series-or-I'll-die book. It's a good, I'm sick in bed & have to pass time book. I started this morning and I'm done. Quick read. and an Okay read.
This is one of those books I consider a light romance. There were absolutely no "intense moments of passion" HAHAHA! So, it is safe for my mother to read. By the end of the book, I was thinking I needed to check out the author. Something was quirky with her descriptions of kissing, believe it or not... Almost old movie like descriptions. Not that I cared, it was just different. BUT I bit the bullet & did not blow it by checking out the author first.
Sooo this cold non-emotional woman who refused to date, because she comes from an abusive relationship. Marlene (Old name) was getting threats. A who knows how old with premature gray at temples, hot police man Frank (also old name) was investigating the disappearance of her aunt & now the threats to Marlene. Someone was after her... Oooo but he thinks she's pretty & wants to date her. She doesn't. She's frigid. Doesn't date, period. It's not him it's her. He's guilted over his wife's suicide three years ago & realizes he doesn't want to be lonely anymore & Marlene is his best candidate to fix that.
Okay...*SIGH*...I checked out the author before I wrote this review & yes, she's an older author. Not old, just older. A different writing style of the earlier (what's his name...)AH! Fabio cover days!! Anyway. After reading some truly amazing books, I expected more. It had potential, but I think it was written for that older, more prudish reader group. I'm not saying it was bad, just saying it isn't a young-person-have-to-read-all-the-books-in-this-series-or-I'll-die book. It's a good, I'm sick in bed & have to pass time book. I started this morning and I'm done. Quick read. and an Okay read.
July 25, 2018
Aunt Liz is ALIVE!!!, but now the family faces another crisis. Marlene has become the target of some fruitcake who calls themselves "the Avenging Angel". Is the "angel" and the kidnapper the same person?, will Marlene join Aunt Liz in the bunker? Most importantly WILL DETECTIVE FRANK DELANEY THAW THE "ICE PRINCESS" HEART? (Duh! It is a love story after all!)
February 11, 2024
5 stars
I was so surprised how much I actually loved this book. It had an awesome story line that kept me completely guessing until the end. This also had amazing characters who I was completely rooting for to get together after enduring such terrible pasts. All in all a completely awesome book, that I couldn't recommend more.
I was so surprised how much I actually loved this book. It had an awesome story line that kept me completely guessing until the end. This also had amazing characters who I was completely rooting for to get together after enduring such terrible pasts. All in all a completely awesome book, that I couldn't recommend more.
December 29, 2021
Is it me or if it wasn't for bad luck these Marcoli women wouldn't have any luck at all? *headdesk*
We have one more sister to go and it would appear that Aunt Liz's time is running out...
We have one more sister to go and it would appear that Aunt Liz's time is running out...
February 2, 2025
This is the 2nd book of the Wolf Creek series. I still need to read the 3rd and final book to discover if the first crime in book 1 has been solved.
January 13, 2014
For whatever reason, I just didn't find this quite as compelling as the first book in the series. Don't get me wrong, this totally deserves four stars, but I just didn't quite have the same breathless anticipation to turn each page as I did with the first book (and I'm still ARGHing over the same issue that I did in the first book - see the hidden spoiler to get my meaning).
Both hero and heroine definitely have had some sucky luck when it comes to relationships. Marlene's ex-husband is a total jerk. What I don't get, truly, is why she didn't confide the truth about her marriage to her sisters. Yes, I get being ashamed and all, but her sisters love her so much, I just found it dubious she wouldn't have confided the truth about what happened to her. Add in her abandoning all her dreams for a future because of this, and I just felt Marlene was a bit weak in some ways.
Frank...poor Frank. I loved him. He's a really good man.
The ongoing mystery about Aunt Liz is driving me batty. As far as I know, there haven't been any clues dropped about who might have taken her or why (although probably once the big reveal is made in book 3, it will be one of those DOH! of course it's X). I wanna know who done it!
The individual mystery of this book (outside of the ongoing search for Aunt Liz), as to who's trying to kill Frank and/or Marlene was great. I really got into it and was completely caught off guard when the big reveal happened as to who was behind it and why they were doing it. Man, oh man, the villain was a total psycho. Ms. Cassidy definitely creates some twisted ol' villains for her readers. I love it!
So, the mystery was really good. I didn't see the twists and turns coming, which is always refreshing, and I can't wait for book 3 in this series. Hopefully it won't be too much longer.
Thanks as always, Ms. Cassidy and Harlequin.
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Both hero and heroine definitely have had some sucky luck when it comes to relationships. Marlene's ex-husband is a total jerk. What I don't get, truly, is why she didn't confide the truth about her marriage to her sisters. Yes, I get being ashamed and all, but her sisters love her so much, I just found it dubious she wouldn't have confided the truth about what happened to her. Add in her abandoning all her dreams for a future because of this, and I just felt Marlene was a bit weak in some ways.
Frank...poor Frank. I loved him. He's a really good man.
The ongoing mystery about Aunt Liz is driving me batty. As far as I know, there haven't been any clues dropped about who might have taken her or why (although probably once the big reveal is made in book 3, it will be one of those DOH! of course it's X). I wanna know who done it!
The individual mystery of this book (outside of the ongoing search for Aunt Liz), as to who's trying to kill Frank and/or Marlene was great. I really got into it and was completely caught off guard when the big reveal happened as to who was behind it and why they were doing it. Man, oh man, the villain was a total psycho. Ms. Cassidy definitely creates some twisted ol' villains for her readers. I love it!
So, the mystery was really good. I didn't see the twists and turns coming, which is always refreshing, and I can't wait for book 3 in this series. Hopefully it won't be too much longer.
Thanks as always, Ms. Cassidy and Harlequin.
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2016
4-1/2 stars.
I really liked both main characters eventually. Marlene grew on me. I loved that once she took the time to reveal her past, process it and then spent days thinking through things, she forgave herself and made plans to move on. She realized therapy would be helpful and then embraced the good in her life and began to really live. I like when a person can let go and move forward. I also loved that she was not whiny or stupid about her protective custody even though she was bored and isolated by it. She made the best of it. I also loved that she never gave up after being kidnapped. She got creative and did her best to survive. Strength under pressure rather than being to stupid to live is AWESOME!
Frank was great for the most part. Respectful of her wishes but still pursuing her in his own way. He was so sensitive when she revealed her tragic past but rather than being too mushy, he also showed his alpha side wanting to rush out and kick her ex's butt...which would be more than well deserved. He did get scared and back off a bit and I hated his fear even though I understood it. I loved how once he realized he was wailing to move on, he did something perfect for HER that showed it. Him knowing what a pink bedspread meant to her personally showed that he listened and knew her. Yes, it is actually possible for a man to not only listen but to hear!!
Overall, a great read and great story.
“Honestly, Frank, I don’t know if it’s a good idea or not. I have somebody crazy trying to kill me. I’m discovering that it’s dangerous to trust people who have been in my life for years. Tonight I just want to be held in your arms. I want you to kiss me like you mean it, make love to me as if it matters. Just for tonight, because we both know things will change tomorrow.”
I really liked both main characters eventually. Marlene grew on me. I loved that once she took the time to reveal her past, process it and then spent days thinking through things, she forgave herself and made plans to move on. She realized therapy would be helpful and then embraced the good in her life and began to really live. I like when a person can let go and move forward. I also loved that she was not whiny or stupid about her protective custody even though she was bored and isolated by it. She made the best of it. I also loved that she never gave up after being kidnapped. She got creative and did her best to survive. Strength under pressure rather than being to stupid to live is AWESOME!
Frank was great for the most part. Respectful of her wishes but still pursuing her in his own way. He was so sensitive when she revealed her tragic past but rather than being too mushy, he also showed his alpha side wanting to rush out and kick her ex's butt...which would be more than well deserved. He did get scared and back off a bit and I hated his fear even though I understood it. I loved how once he realized he was wailing to move on, he did something perfect for HER that showed it. Him knowing what a pink bedspread meant to her personally showed that he listened and knew her. Yes, it is actually possible for a man to not only listen but to hear!!
Overall, a great read and great story.
“Honestly, Frank, I don’t know if it’s a good idea or not. I have somebody crazy trying to kill me. I’m discovering that it’s dangerous to trust people who have been in my life for years. Tonight I just want to be held in your arms. I want you to kiss me like you mean it, make love to me as if it matters. Just for tonight, because we both know things will change tomorrow.”
October 10, 2013
4 STARS
I believe this is the second book of the series. It keeps you guessing till the end on one case and longer case is still on going. It follows Cold Case, Hot Accomplice. Did not want to put the book down.
Main plot was good. Someone is making threats and attacks against Marlene Marcoli. She has been back in town for about a year and has kept a lot of secrets from everybody. She is thought of as a ice princess. She can think of no one who would like to kill her. At least in town.
The Plot that is in all three books is their Aunt who raised the 3 sisters has disappeared. She has the baked goods ready to deliver to the Dollhouse. Her purse and car are at her home. She is very dependable.
The Characters are likeable. Their are three half sisters that were abandoned by their mother to her sister one at a time and never heard of after she dropped the youngest off. Their are three police detectives that work together in the town of Wolf Creek.
Pacing was good and did not drag. Kept you wanting to know what was going on.
Lots of drama, action, mystery past of both Frank and Marlene, lots of suspects, lots of suspense and some plot twists. Don't want to wait long for the next book! Their is a love scene I skipped over.
I like reading books by Carla Cassidy and will continue to read her, especially the next one in this series.
I was given this ebook to read and review by NetGalley and Harlequin. The opinions are mine.
01/07/2014 PUB Harlequin Romantic Suspense ISBN:9780373278534 288
I believe this is the second book of the series. It keeps you guessing till the end on one case and longer case is still on going. It follows Cold Case, Hot Accomplice. Did not want to put the book down.
Main plot was good. Someone is making threats and attacks against Marlene Marcoli. She has been back in town for about a year and has kept a lot of secrets from everybody. She is thought of as a ice princess. She can think of no one who would like to kill her. At least in town.
The Plot that is in all three books is their Aunt who raised the 3 sisters has disappeared. She has the baked goods ready to deliver to the Dollhouse. Her purse and car are at her home. She is very dependable.
The Characters are likeable. Their are three half sisters that were abandoned by their mother to her sister one at a time and never heard of after she dropped the youngest off. Their are three police detectives that work together in the town of Wolf Creek.
Pacing was good and did not drag. Kept you wanting to know what was going on.
Lots of drama, action, mystery past of both Frank and Marlene, lots of suspects, lots of suspense and some plot twists. Don't want to wait long for the next book! Their is a love scene I skipped over.
I like reading books by Carla Cassidy and will continue to read her, especially the next one in this series.
I was given this ebook to read and review by NetGalley and Harlequin. The opinions are mine.
01/07/2014 PUB Harlequin Romantic Suspense ISBN:9780373278534 288
August 12, 2016
I really wanted to like this one because it had all the elements of a good suspense story---a woman returning to her small hometown to lick her wounds after her marriage ends, but finds herself being stalked and shot at. A handsome detective comes to her rescue as they try to unravel who is stalking her.
The best part of the book was Detective Frank Delaney. His wife had committed suicide years earlier and he has been dealing with guilt ever since. His character was the best developed and most sympathetic. The heroine had so much potential with all she'd been through, but by the middle of the book I had a hard time with her motives. She doesn't want a relationship, wait, yes she does, but it has to be her way or the highway. She was so confusing and her dialogue was really stilted and repetitive in several areas. The plot was somewhat predictable, but the ending saved it with the way Frank reacted and how sweet he was to her. For my gentle readers there was one brief sexual situation that was easy to skip over.
The best part of the book was Detective Frank Delaney. His wife had committed suicide years earlier and he has been dealing with guilt ever since. His character was the best developed and most sympathetic. The heroine had so much potential with all she'd been through, but by the middle of the book I had a hard time with her motives. She doesn't want a relationship, wait, yes she does, but it has to be her way or the highway. She was so confusing and her dialogue was really stilted and repetitive in several areas. The plot was somewhat predictable, but the ending saved it with the way Frank reacted and how sweet he was to her. For my gentle readers there was one brief sexual situation that was easy to skip over.
August 24, 2014
Overall, the book was pretty good. I just found Marlene soo annoying. I couldn't stand to what extent Marlene kept saying how each suspicious person "surely" could not be the one after her. One of these persons had a violent background but yet, he didn't seem like the one that was killing her. Another person who turned out to have a connection to Marlene's missing aunt, called Marlene but since Marlene previously never heard from this person, it had nothing to do with her. While we shouldn't talk to strangers, this person might have given some clue or some break to this case. While Marlene is shown as a mature woman, her complete dismissal of any possible suspect seemed very immature to me.
January 24, 2014
I really, really liked this book. The first book in the series was just okay; I didn't really identify with the main character. But the main character in this book, Marlene, was easier for me to like. Traumatized by a bad marriage, she doesn't want to ever get involved with another man. But lawman Frank Delaney, himself broken after his marriage ended abruptly, is just the man to get past her icy exterior and find the true woman beneath it.
There was plenty of suspense and excitemen, and I can't wait for the third book in the series.
There was plenty of suspense and excitemen, and I can't wait for the third book in the series.
January 25, 2014
Lethal Lawman is the second book in the Men of Wolf Creek series. The mystery of Aunt Liz missing and her nieces working with the police to try and find her started in book 1 which I have not read. Lethal Lawman is Marlene’s story and while continuing the search for Aunt Liz, it also has its own storyline that does give you closure. I don’t want to spoil anything but the author does an amazing job of sprinkling clues and building up to the finale...
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
February 4, 2014
In book two of Carla Cassidy's men of Wolf Creek series, the underlying mystery continues. I don't think that this book stands alone well, because of spoilers that are revealed in the course of the story. The series is good, however, with well written suspense and a good plot. The characters are compelling and the pacing quite even. I liked that Ms. Cassidy added some twists to the story and didn't telegraph the occurrences.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2015
Lethal Lawman review
Lethal Lawman is the second book in the Men of Wolf Creek series written by author Carla Cassidy. It's a very exciting romantic suspense story that definitely leaves the reader wanting more.
Lethal Lawman is the second book in the Men of Wolf Creek series written by author Carla Cassidy. It's a very exciting romantic suspense story that definitely leaves the reader wanting more.
July 11, 2015
Carla Cassidy has out done herself with her series of Men of Wolf Creek. I just got done Lethal Weapon and it was explosive for the first chapter to the very end of the last chapter. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
March 30, 2017
Enjoyed the sequel to the trilogy. Although try kept talking about how her prince would find her, thought for sure that when he found her - there would've been some line about her prince rescuing her!
Great series to read!
Great series to read!
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January 12, 2016Miniseries: Men of Wolf Creek
January 17, 2014
I can't wait to read the next book. I wish it was next month. :)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews