Wyoming Double Jeopardy: A Western Protector Lawman Suspense Romance

Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor #5

by Juno Rushdan

A cowboy detective is in a showdown with a killer to protect an assistant DA

Waylon Wright can almost accept that he and Melanie Merritt can’t be together. Dating a detective wouldn’t just destroy her hopes for career advancement; it might be the end of her job as an assistant district attorney. Then a brutal attack sends his cowboy instincts into overdrive. Finding her assailant may not be his case, but he won’t let her out of his sight. As the tough prosecutor lets down her guard just enough to get close to Waylon, the killer who wants her dead inches ever closer…

From Harlequin Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Discover more action-packed stories in the Cowboy State Duty and Honor series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following

Book 1: Wyoming Mountain Investigation
Book 2: Wyoming Ranch Justice
Book 3: Wyoming Undercover Escape
Book 4: Wyoming Christmas Conspiracy
Book 5: Wyoming Double Jeopardy
Book 6: Corralled in Cutthroat Creek

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Category Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Juno Rushdan is a veteran US Air Force intelligence officer and the award-winning author of romantic thrillers. Her books are action-packed, nail-biting page-turners with twists you won’t see coming. Critics from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, BookPage and Library Journal have called her work “heart-pounding James Bond-ian adventure”, “fast-paced”, “gripping”, “a thrill ride” that “will captivate lovers of romantic thrillers.” She is married to her own military hero and is privileged to have two rambunctious kids and a spoiled rescue dog. For a FREE book from Juno: http://bit.ly/JunoFREE. Be sure to follow her on BookBub for the latest on sales: bit.ly/BookBubJuno.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks]

Wyoming Double Jeopardy by Juno Rushdan
Cowboy State Lawman: Duty and Honor Bound series #5. Harlequin Intrigue romantic suspense. Spin off. Can be read as a stand-alone. This book does include a few characters from prior books and series, but they are mentions only.
Assistant District Attorney Melanie Merritt moved to Laramie, Wyoming for her career, and to get away from a boss that was harassing her and taking credit for all her work. She’s now known at the “closer”, successfully convicting her cases. A brutal attack she barely survives, reopens one of her previous cases due to a technicality. The Sand Angel killer is out and he has a hit list tattooed on his arm. 3 of the 6 are already dead and Melanie is on the list. Detective Waylon Wright will protect her, whatever it takes.

Suspenseful and totally compelling. I didn’t want to put it down. An automatic buy author.

Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor
Wyoming Mountain Investigation
Wyoming Ranch Justice
Wyoming Undercover Escape
Wyoming Christmas Conspiracy
Wyoming Double Jeopardy

Cowboy State Lawmen
Wyoming Winter Rescue
Wyoming Christmas Stalker
Wyoming Mountain Hostage
Wyoming Mountain Murder
Wyoming Cowboy Undercover
Wyoming Mountain Cold Case

[Anita]

God, save me from prickly heroines! I just don't care for a woman who says down when the hero says up or black when he says white. It gets really annoying. Melanie can't be close to anyone, they always let her down. Cry me a river. Why a guy would get mixed up in that I'll never understand, but here we are. Focused, driven, career orientated and not looking for anything but sex when she wants it. Waylon made the mistake of having "feelings" after three years serving as her stud. Take him out and shoot him. Steadfast, honorable and true, Waylon believes that he can make a relationship with Melanie work, and he is not about to give up. I'm hard on this heroine - true. The plot turned out to be very good and the action from the halfway point was excellent. I just wish I could have rooted for Melanie form the beginning.

Laramie, WY Assistant District Attorney Melanie Merritt is attacked by a crazy copycat, or was it the nutjob, the Sand Angel Killer, she put away for life over three years ago in her other life in Denver, CO. Laramie Police Department detective Waylon Wright is going to protect her whether she likes it or not. Deep down, she really does like it and him, a lot.

My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

[Vickie]

Waylon Wright is a cowboy detective and a swoonworthy hero. When his former lover, assistant DA Melanie Merritt finds herself in the crosshairs of a serial killer, Waylon puts on his protector hat and goes to work. Unfortunately, Melanie really doesn’t want his help but she definitely needs it. The dialogue between these two characters is brilliant, showing the strength and vulnerability of each character. The plot is complicated, with multiple red herrings and fake trails, all leading to a well-executed finale with a few surprises thrown in. I enjoyed the fast pace and the non-stop action accompanied by thrills that kept me reading this compelling book. I wanted Melanie and Waylon to have a happily ever after, but with their jobs being in conflict, I was puzzled about how that would happen. The author does a masterful job of weaving a riveting mystery and weaving all of the tangled threads together seamlessly. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story and especially getting to know the hero and heroine and their persistence in the face of imminent threats.
Disclaimer
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Marsha Whitfield]

Very good book/story line. Waylon Wright and Melanie Merritt had dated secretly in the past. She asked him to back off due to conflicting careers. He tried to comply but when her life is threatened, he steps back in to try and find out who is trying to kill her and why. Even when they figure out who is possibly behind these threats, they realize the perpetrator has been let out of prison on technicality and can't touch him until they have proof. Follow along and see how this ends. You won't be disappointed.

[GigiReads]

Sometimes, not often, I get a hankering for romantic suspense and this one scratched that itch. Super protective MMC and prickly FMC, road trip and forced proximity. The suspense part was appropriately suspense-y and had me side eyeing every secondary character. My big disappointment came from the fact that their relationship started before the book began.Second chances are mostly a hard pass for me but the writing and the character development was so good that it kept me reading.

⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥/5

tropes:
forced Proximity
second chance
road trip

[Susie (DFWSusie)]

Harlequin Intrigue (Apr 2025)
Series Cowboy State Lawman: Duty and Honor #5

Waylon is a smart, strong, cowboy turned lawman who is still in love with his ex girlfriend Melanie. Problem is, she’s an assistant district attorney and her prosecuting cases Waylon worked on could be a conflict of interest. They kept their red-hot-in-the-bedroom relationship a secret for several years, but when Waylon wanted to take it to the next level, Melanie panicked, thinking that she needed to make a choice between their careers and love.

When we meet Melanie and Waylon, they are broken up. When she is attacked at work and nearly killed, Waylon steps in to both protect the ADA and find out who wants her dead. But all signs point to a case Melanie thought long closed and a serial murderer who has found his way out of prison on a loophole. They are working on their second chance to get it right in love too before time runs out on their careers or even their lives.

Wyoming Double Jeopardy has exactly what I want in a category from the Intrigue line: Hyper fast pace. Sizzling chemistry. Intriguing crime. Big stakes. A hero who is tough on the outside, kind and steadfast on the inside. A heroine who is self assured and driven, while making decisions that not only fit the plot, but what a real woman like this would choose.

This is a hero who believes that it’s his job to act as a true partner to his heroine, even if that means making sacrifices and changes to his life in order to be there for her. Really enjoyed their dynamic. The stakes were very high and the action scenes were top notch. Truly thrilling.
______
LEO MMC is a police detective, FMC is an assistant district attorney. No corruption or abuse of power themes

Setting Wyoming, in/around Laramie, and also some scenes in Denver

BIPOC Characters yes, South Asian FMC

Steam/Spice Level open door, in the bed, very steamy within standard HQ spice levels, great chemistry

POV & Tense third person, dual POV, past tense

Standalone or Series? In a series, but easily read as a standalone. You will encounter previous series couples.
_____
ARC Provided by Harlequin Publishing. Expected Publication Date: Apr 1, 2025

[Sarah]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.

Assistant District Attorney Melanie Merrit is attacked in the parking garage of her work building after a long night. Fortunately, she’s competent enough to manage an escape, though she does take some injuries in the fight to live. Waylon Wright swoops in, insisting on protecting her, despite the fact she declines his offers to do so. I found that interesting because cops shouldn’t bully people into taking them on as 24/7 protection. As the story develops you slowly discover their previous relationship with each other and why he is so pushy about it becomes more apparent. However, considering everything was on the downlow, I don’t understand why the other cops let him do it.

It is only after they start investigating this attack that they are informed that a man she previously prosecuted for being a serial killer, and had successfully put in jail, was out on a technicality. Not only that, three other people, including two jurors, were dead after they were attacked as well. Here begins the cat a mouse game with the killer, who is in a halfway house at his request, so he has a solid alible despite their security system being an absolute piece of garbage.

Did I mention he has a genuine cult at his disposal? Well, he does, so we get to see, ever so slightly, into the cult dynamics when Waylon goes in to interview them after an investigative journalist they were supposed to meet (but they were too busy getting it on) gets kidnapped out of her seedy motel room. Melanie goes to interview the serial killer while he is at it but doesn’t get too much out of him other then a hint that the journalist might already be dead and that Waylon might have a hot young thing getting it on with him while she is interviewing him. After collaborating they realize that the Sand Angel killer has had contact with his cult and has arranged one of his members to try and seduce Waylon, probably trying to drive in that wedge.

The author does a pretty good job using various methods to try and keep up the suspense and keep the reader guessing. They are even run off the road at one point with Waylon ending up in hospital.

Character wise, I didn’t mind either Melanie or Waylon. They both do things that are kind of irksome, but in my opinion, it just makes them seem like they are more real. Melanie is incredibly career driven and afraid of getting into a genuine and serious relationship because all previous relationships have shown her that people are not to be trusted with her heart. Waylon is a classic modern day police cowboy, dead set on protecting the woman he accidentally fell in love with while having a no strings attached, physical relationship with her over a long period of time. Melanie rejected him when he attempted to move their relationship into a more traditional format, and he tried to respect her decision to call it off…until her life was threatened. Then he gets a little pushy.

Melanie does have a point when she explains part of the reason she called off their arrangement. She argues that it’s a conflict of interest if any of his cases come across her desk to prosecute. In classic lawyer form, she even has concrete examples of when such a relationship bit a prosecutor in the a$$ and resulted in them losing their job. Waylon is sure there is a way around that problem.

So as the reader, you get the thriller of the mystery and suspense of trying to figure out who is killing people and the messy suspense of Melanie and Waylon trying to figure out what they want when it comes to their relationship with each other. All in all, it was an action packed read that I could put down and pick back up at will. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more Juno Rushdan novels!

[Megan]

Fasten your seatbelts --- this ride is going to fast and furious!! Wow, Ms. Rushdan keeps you on the edge of your seat in the high energy, fast pace romantic suspense. You will NOT be disappointed in this second chance romance!!

From the opening chapter to the very end, the Sand Dune Angel serial killer will keep you guessing with all the twists and turns and "how'd he do it" questions. To avoid any spoilers, I won't say too much on the plot, but I will say it was well written and kept the reader, me, engaged the entire time. I couldn't put it down!

I enjoyed the main characters, Detective Waylon, a former army ranger -- which total has a cowboy name that I just LOVED for him -- and Melanie, assistant district attorney in Laramie, Wyoming. Melanie, known as "The Closer" for her victories in closing cases moved from Denver, Colorado to Wyoming. Coming in with goals to achieve and ultimately District Attorney title, her and Waylon meet in the small town bar with a no strings attached agreement. One night turned into three years, and the book starts off with her "breaking" it off due to being scared that her relationship could prevent her from achieving her goals and dreams. I admire Melanie's work ethic and can-do attitude. She wasn't going to let someone just hand the dream on a silver platter and planned to earn every bit of her career. Waylon, total swoon worthy man, comes from a humble background and is a total alpha male in the best way possible. The way he desires to protect Melanie and also loves her deeply just gives you all the feels. Their chemistry was well written and you can feel the desire but in a deeper way that was not lust.

Ms. Rushdan did a great job providing background on each character and to really give some depth to come to know and understand each point of view. Excellent story with the perfect amount of suspense and intrigue, no profanity or crude language, and the perfect amount of romance, angst and plot. There is an intimate, open bedroom scene BUT tastefully written and much of what was going on was implied and not detailed or graphic, which I do appreciate. Trigger warning -- the case does revolved around a serial killer, and some of the things described can be creepy in a sense and descriptive that some may not like, and there are non-main characters that die throughout the book. The violence is not overly graphic but it is at times a little intense, however I do not feel like it takes away from the overarching story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance | Harlequin Intrigue for the advanced copy of this book. All my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

[NICUnurse Stephanie]

As a self-proclaimed romantic suspense junkie, I’m officially a hard-core Juno Rushdan fan now. I found her about five and a half years ago, and so far, I haven’t found a book of hers that I didn’t devour in only a few hours. I always know her books will be full of action, suspense, twists, turns, and thrills, leaving me begging for more. Wyoming Double Jeopardy is the fifth book in her Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor series, and I am officially loving every fast-paced romantic suspense. Each one is technically an interconnected standalone within the series, but I highly recommend reading all of the books in the correct order to better understand the family connections and how the secondary characters and their personalities fit into each successive book.

Waylon and Melanie have undeniable chemistry despite her stubbornness regarding continuing their relationship. There’s a lot of confusion on Waylon’s part on top of the suspense, making him the more sympathetic main character. The plot was well thought out, and the twist definitely caught me off guard, which is a good thing in romantic suspense. There’s nothing worse than a good suspense being ruined by a very obvious villain.

With lots of twists and turns, this romantic suspense immediately sucked me in, and it didn’t let go until the final page. If you’re a true romantic suspense fan like I am, do yourself a favor and grab this one today!

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Susan]

Terrific combination of romance and suspense. Waylon, a police detective, and Melanie, an assistant district attorney, spent three years in a secret relationship. However, Melanie ended their relationship when Waylon wanted to make it public. She feared that an open relationship would jeopardize her career and future plans because of the appearance of a conflict of interest. Waylon mostly accepts it but is still in love with her.

When Melanie experiences a brutal attack leaving work, Waylon's protective instincts take over. He will stick to her like glue until her assailant is caught. Melanie resists at first before realizing that she really does need his help. Their forced proximity leads to a rekindling of their attraction and strengthening of their feelings for each other. However, the obstacles to their relationship still exist, and it takes some out-of-the-box thinking to find a way to make it work.

The story's suspense is outstanding and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. The details of the escalating attacks lead to a serial killer case that Melanie thought was closed. Unfortunately, the murderer was released because of a technicality, making him the top suspect. The twists and turns kept me guessing to the end, with a resolution I didn't see coming.

[Sharon Grow]

A thrilling romantic suspense from the very first pages! Assistant District Attorney Melanie Merritt has had a tough week and breaking up with Detective Waylon Wright still weighs heavily on her mind and heart. He is an amazing man, but their careers are a conflict that she can’t ignore. When she is the victim of a vicious attack, she is barely able to escape with her life. She knew when he heard about her attack that Waylon would show up and try to take over, and of course he did. Waylon is furious when he realizes that Melanie had to fight so hard for her life, but so blessed that she survived. He intends to protect her until they find the person responsible. She is furious when she learns that the vicious killer she had sent to prison had been released and she hadn’t been notified. When he seems to have an alibi for the time of the attack, she learns that others who helped put him in prison have been murdered. No matter his alibi, she knows he was the one who attacked her, but who else has he involved in his reign of terror? When Melissa is abducted, only the air tag she carried might lead him to her, but will he be too late? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Paula]

Wow, Wyoming Double Jeopardy (Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor Book 5) by Juno Rushdan begins with a scary life-threatening scene, only to continue revving up action and danger as the story progresses. Melanie Merritt is one tough assistant district attorney, but someone is out to kill her. Waylon Wright is on the case determined to protect and defend even if they are no longer together. One action packed emotionally intense story from that first scene until the very last one.

Several previous characters are also along to help catch this despicable criminal, but the focus is on Melanie and Waylon. I like how they have a history that must be respected. I am not sure why dating Waylon would be a no-no in the law enforcement world, but it does give a reason for their breakup. Still, he is a great man to have around. As always there are twisty turns in the story to keep the reader on their investigating solving skills toes along with the characters.

Romantic suspense readers should have Juno Rushdan’s books on auto-buy. Wyoming Double Jeopardy is just one heart-stopping reason why.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy]

Wow! This book was a wild ride of abject fear, deception and a hunt for an elusive serial killer.

ADA Melanie Merritt's life is in danger. A past case has come back to haunt her. Detective Waylon Wright offers to protect Melanie. He is law enforcement, but his need to protect her comes from a personal place as well. He has feelings for her. At first Melanie resists his help, but she soon comes to the realization that she needs him.

Melanie was a bulldog and was fearless, even when confronted with something horrific. Waylon was a true protector and seeker of justice. Fighting their feelings for one another is not going to be easy, but survival is more important for now.

I always enjoy a book by Juno Rushdan, but this may be my favorite one. Thrilling and addictive are two words that come to mind when I try to describe this book. You will definitely need your running shoes on, and you may need to watch cartoons afterwards as well. This book deserves much more than the five stars.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews]

Romantic Suspense at Its Best
Someone wants Melanie Merritt dead—and they won’t stop until she is. As an assistant district attorney, she helped put a dangerous man behind bars for life. So how is he walking free, and why is she suddenly a target?
Detective Waylon Wright has always loved Melanie, but she’s kept her distance, fearing a relationship with him could jeopardize her career. Still, when she’s attacked, Waylon won’t stay away. Protecting her isn’t just instinct—it’s personal.
Will he be able to keep her safe when the threat closes in? Will Melanie admit her feelings before it’s too late? And what sacrifices will they have to make for a chance at something more?
Wyoming Double Jeopardy is a gripping romantic suspense that had me hooked from page one. The chemistry between Melanie and Waylon, the relentless pacing, and the emotional stakes make this a thrilling read. I couldn’t put it down—and if you start before bed like I did, don’t expect to sleep. Juno Rushdan delivers another edge-of-your-seat story, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

[Joyce M. H.]

This is the 5th book in the “Cowboy State Lawmen Duty And Honor Series.” Wyoming Double Jeopardy is entertaining, drama filled, suspenseful, action-packed adventure, page turning, romantic, thrilling, awesome characters and a plot that kept me turning page after page. Waylon is a cowboy detective and Melanie is the assistant DA. Melanie and Waylon share a past; the two previously dated and went their separate ways. When Melanie is attacked in the parking garage Waylon is front and center and becomes her personal bodyguard. The person that attacked Melanie is someone from her past who has been recently released from prison. Even though finding the culprit who attacked Melanie is not Waylon’s case he has vowed to protect and keep her safe.

Will Waylon find the culprit before he attacks Melanie again and is there a second chance at romance for Waylon and Melanie?

I received an ARC via the author Juno Rushdan and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Katie Mettner]

Wyoming Double Jeopardy by Juno Rushdan was another excellent installment in her Cowboy State Duty and Honor Series. Waylon and Mel are SO explosive together that you know they're meant to be if they can just see past the things they are convinced will keep them apart. First, they have to keep Mel alive long enough to worry about a future, and that's going to be no easy task for Waylon. Facing down a suspected serial killer will require all their wits as they try to stay one step ahead of him before he finally zeroes in on Mel. She's determined to end his reign of terror and bring him to justice, no matter the cost to herself. Waylon is determined to make sure when all is said and done, he earns a second chance with the woman he's loved for years.

If you haven't started this series, you won't be disappointed with Wyoming Double Jeopardy!

[Michelle Cornish]

Wyoming Double Jeopardy delivers everything I enjoy about romantic suspense—tight pacing, undeniable tension, and characters you can root for. Waylon Wright is the perfect blend of rugged cowboy and dedicated detective, and watching him go into protective overdrive for Melanie Merritt had me hooked from page one.

Melanie’s struggle to balance ambition and vulnerability felt real and relatable. I appreciated how Rushdan crafted her as both tough and human—someone who doesn’t easily let her guard down but, when she does, it’s with a man who’s truly earned her trust. Their connection is laced with longing and complicated by the real-world pressures of their professions, which adds an extra layer of stakes to an already gripping plot.

[Cheryl]

(4.5) If you like to be entertained and carried along through the pages then you will enjoy Wyoming Double Jeopardy. I did have a little angst with Assistant DA Melanie or M&M as Detective Waylon calls her, but it all made sense by the time I finished. Waylon provided the swoons for sure and there are some twists that through a wrench in the works, so unexpected for sure! Way to go. I enjoyed this suspenseful second chance romance. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #WyomingDoubleJeopardy #CowboyStateLawmen:DutyandHonor #JunoRushdan #HarlequinIntrigue #NetGalley

[Lynda]

ARC review. Wyoming Double Jeopardy is the 5th book in Juno Rushdan’s Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor series. I really like anything Juno writes but Waylon and Mel’s story wrung me inside out. Juno’s details in her books make them some of my favorites. As Waylon strives to keep Mel safe the details had me mentally searching the characters to help keep Mel safe.The fast moving, action packed storyline did not disappoint. I expect that in Juno’s books. Waylon’s thoughts on why he can’t not love Mel and how far he’ll go to have her as part of his life touched my heart and soul and made this my favorite Juno Rushdan book yet.

[Emily C.]

Juno Rushdan has a talent for grabbing readers from the very first page, then launching them into a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster of action and suspense!
In WYOMING DOUBLE JEOPARDY, Melani Merritt is brutally attacked near her office, and in her relentless pursuit of the perpetrator, she teams up with Detective Waylon Wright. Together, they find themselves in the crosshairs of a ruthless serial killer—one who always seems to be a step ahead in this deadly game.
Buckle up, because WYOMING DOUBLE JEOPARDY delivers an electrifying, edge-of-your-seat thriller you won’t want to put down!

[Patricia]

Juno Rushdan is back with another chilling suspenseful page-turner.
Melanie thought she had put away a killer, but when she is viciously attacked, and learns that 2 other women have been killed, doubts arise.
Waylon has almost accepted that he and Melanie can't be together, dating a detective would not be good for her career hopes, but when she is attacked, nothing will keep him from her side to make sure nothing happens.
Just when you think you know who the killer is, a twist happens, that frankly left me gasping. Great read as always.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author, not required to give a positive review, my personal opinion is expressed in this review.

[Whispers From]

Waylon Wright is a detective and has almost accepted the fact that he and Melanie can’t be together. Melanie is the ADA and she thinks that dating the detective will hurt her chances to become DA. When Melanie is brutally attacked in the parking garage, Waylon goes into protective overload. Even though this case is out of his jurisdiction, Waylon becomes her bodyguard. Can they find the killer before he strikes again?
On the edge of your seat from the very first page. Steamy. Second chance for love.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED THIS FOR NETGALLEY *

[Denise Schenk]

Waylon Wright is a detective that is in love with Melanie Merritt the local ADA. She wants the relationship to stay uncover due to their jobs. After a break-up some try's to kill Melanie and Waylon is going to make sure she is safe. After her brutal attack she realizes the attack stems from a conviction she made while in Denver. When Waylon and Melanie travel to Denver to interview the man that is supposed to be in prison, they find he is now out. The killer has an alibi for the current murders and as they work the case, they realize he is not working alone.

[Kate Vale]

Another in the Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor series, in which detective Waylon Wright loves ADA Melanie Merritt, even though she has called their secret relationship quits. She has to if she's to protect her career and becomes the DA.

But first, they have to figure out how a criminal she sent to prison for life has somehow managed to get out and is now murdering other people. Their names are tattooed on his arm and her name is there, too.

So, the question becomes can they find and capture him before he can do further harm or will he finally kill Melanie as he has promised to do?

[Melanie]

A mystery with a bit of suspense. Melanie is an ADA who put away a notorious serial killer. When she is attacked and the killings start again, she discovers that the killer she put away has been released on a legal technicality. Complicating things are her feelings for Waylon, who she had a relationship with, and let go. He will not let the relationship go without a fight and a fight it is to the very end. I enjoyed the pace and the twists to this story.

[Tara Robinson]

Oh absolutely wow!! Ms. Rushdan grabbed my attention from the very beginning of the story!! Melanie Merritt brutally attacked in the parking garage!! Her past love Waylon Wright determined to protect her!! I love how Melanie is a fighter!! She doesn't give up!! I enjoyed reading this exciting, intriguing, intense, sitting on the edge of your seat, heart stopping, romantic suspense!! A roller coaster of a ride!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Joanne Dunn]

Engaging and action packed from the opening scene!

I have read a few of Juno Rushdan’s books, but none in this Cowboy State Lawman: Duty and Honor Series, and it delivered exactly what I wanted from a suspense romance. There was a good mystery, mixed with great chemistry between our leading characters and plenty of action to keep assistant DA Melanie Merritt alive and catch those responsible for a string of brutal killings.

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29)]

‘I want to be your rainbow, M&M.’

Waylon Wright, the last cowboy you’d expect to have his heart on his sleeve made a lasting impression on me in a previous book and now it’s his turn to face the fire when he ex-friend with benefits, ADA Melanie, is the target of a serial killer she put behind bars before she moved to Wyoming. This Intrigue has it all right out of the gate: suspense, all the feels and a HEA. A perfect gem!

[Karen Jones]

This series keeps improving. I was surprised by the hero in this book as he was a bit of a jerk in a previous book but he won me over pretty quickly. This is a well paced book and the mystery has several twists to keep it moving and the reader guessing. I didn’t understand Mel’s rationale for not being with Waylon until it was finally explained about half way thru. Once you’re three quarters through you won’t want to stop until the end. Definitely recommend.

[Laura R]

All I can say is hang on to your hat as your read this fast-paced romantic suspense story that is filled with danger and action. The romance between Waylon and Melanie is interwoven with the story of finding not only her assailant but also a killer. I loved this story - from the characters to the suspense to the twists in the storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin - Romance and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.