Colton Cowboy Hideout

The Coltons of Texas #7

by Carla Cassidy

New York Times bestselling author Carla Cassidy kicks off another gripping Colton romance in cowboy country!  

 

After years in hiding, Josie Colton has her life back. But to settle a family promise, she must find an old clue buried at the Colton Valley Ranch. She enlists the help of ranch foreman Tanner Grange—in exchange for working as his twin toddlers' new nanny. On their search, the single dad soon begins to lasso Josie's heart. 

 

Tanner agrees to assist Josie and is alarmed by how the Colton beauty fits so perfectly into his life. He's got his hands full investigating the disappearance of his boss and caring for his little girls. When it's clear someone will kill to stop Josie from uncovering the clue, Tanner vows to protect her…for life!

Genres: Harlequin, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Westerns

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 5, 2016

Reviews

[Susan]

Good book. At the end of the previous book, A Baby for Agent Colton, Josie's father had asked his kids to find a pocket watch that he had buried on his cousin's property near Dallas. Josie has taken on this project herself, and shows up at Colton Valley Ranch to fulfill her promise. She arrives just in time to discover that his cousin Eldridge has mysteriously disappeared and she's stuck on the ranch while the investigation goes on. Ranch foreman Tanner has been assigned to help her. When his nanny quits without notice, Josie volunteers to take care of his girls while she's there.

I liked Josie. She's had a rough life, but has come out of it pretty well. Her father murdered her mother, so Josie and her six siblings ended up in foster care, but not together. She was moved around some. Then when she was twelve she witnessed a murder, but the killer threatened her family if she told anyone. When she was seventeen she finally had the courage to go to the police, and was put into Witness Protection to save her life. She only left WP a month earlier and has been reconnecting with her family since then. She's been at a bit of a loss about what to do with her life now. She is determined to find the watch and bring closure to that part of her life. She didn't expect to be so drawn to Tanner and his girls.

I liked Tanner, too. Tanner is the single father of twin girls. He is the ranch foreman and really likes his boss, Eldridge Colton, though he's not so fond of the rest of the family. He and his ex-wife had split up right before her death, leaving Tanner with sole custody of his kids. He has no intention of getting involved with anyone, as his last experience wasn't so great. He blames himself for not knowing how unhappy his wife was with the isolated life on a ranch, and thinks that he's unsuited for marriage. He's attracted to Josie, but doesn't want to do anything with it.

I liked the development of their relationship. The attraction is strong from the beginning. One of the things that really draws them together is Josie's care for his daughters. I loved seeing how quickly she connected with them. Besides her attraction to Tanner, Josie loves how wonderful Tanner is with the girls. Each evening after the girls go to bed, Tanner and Josie sit and talk and discover how much they have in common. Josie quickly falls for Tanner, even though she won't be staying. It was interesting to see how quickly she began to daydream of a future with Tanner. As much as she loves her siblings, she really dreams of a family of her own, and starts to see Tanner, Lily and Leigh as that family. When she and Tanner share an explosive kiss, those dreams skyrocket. Tanner is equally drawn to Josie, but is far more resistant. He sees Josie as very young and without the experience yet to know what she really wants. He thinks she would soon regret tying herself to such an isolated life and doesn't want to risk his heart again.

My heart ached for both, as Josie really put her heart on the line by confessing her feelings. She knows her heart and that her feelings are real, but she can't get Tanner to see it. I wanted to shake Tanner for painting Josie with the same brush as his ex-wife when they are nothing alike. It was heartbreaking to see Tanner reject Josie's feelings, even though he shares them. When the mystery is solved, he lets her go home without saying anything. I loved his big moment at the end, as he finally allows himself to believe in their love.

The book has two separate mysteries running through it. The first is the search for Matthew Colton's watch, which is solved by the end of the book. The second is the disappearance of Eldridge Colton. This one is not solved, and I expect with continue through the rest of the series. Josie had arrived at the ranch fairly confident that she could find it quickly and get home. Unfortunately, when she and Tanner went to the location where it was supposed to be, they were attacked by a man with a gun, who also wants the watch. Tanner insists that Josie not go looking on her own, and that they wait a few days before they try again. A few days later, her room is searched, making them realize that the man isn't going to give up. After Josie has her big confrontation with Tanner, she makes the boneheaded move of looking on her own so that she can leave right away, and gets into trouble with the man with the gun. Tanner arrives to save the day, and Josie's brother Trevor arrives the next morning. Opening the box brings an unexpected surprise, but brings closure to that part of Josie's life.

The ongoing mystery of Eldridge's disappearance will be quite interesting. There are any number of possible suspects, from his kids, stepkids and current wife, to staff members and business rivals. We do get to briefly meet the members of this branch of the Colton family, and I must say that I wasn't impressed. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.

[Paula Legate]

I have really enjoyed this series. This is one of those series I enjoyed each book. The books are all standalone's, so the series can be read out of order.
I really enjoyed Josie in this book. Her life started out in foster care, then she was placed in witness Protection. In the last book she found her sister, and brothers. It seems her whole family is in some sort of law enforcement. Their mother was murdered by their father, so all the siblings was sent to different foster homes. The father was a serial killer, now living out the rest of his life in prison. The only way any of his kids would agree to see him is to get clues as to where he buried their mother. They all want closure. Each child would go for a visit and get one clue. At the end of the last book, they figured it out. Now he wants to be buried with a pocket watch, and it was Josie sent to find it.
She went to a ranch and only planned on staying a short time. Plans changed when she was attacked the first time. There was another person that wanted the watch, and would kill to get it. Tanner worked as the ranch foreman, and was there to protect her. I loved how the relationship between Josie, and Tanner grew. Tanner had twin girls that just stole my heart. Tanner's nanny just quit, without a notice. Josie agreed to step in and watch the girls until he could find a replacement. she fell in love with the twins more each day. Two sweet babies, who wouldn't?

Each time she got close to finding the watch, she got attacked. You will have to read to see how it all plays out. I loved the suspense, and action in this book.

[Cheryl]

I am a fan of cowboy stories. Thus the reason I wanted to read this book. Plus, I am familiar with this publishing line from Harlequin. This book is part of a series, The Coltons of Texas. I have not read the other books in this series but this one can be read as a stand alone novel. Although I thought this was a charming read, that is all it was for me. I did not feel the strong, intensity connection between Josie and Tanner. Even when they had sex, I had no reaction either way. In addition, the mystery side of the story also was not as entertaining as I would have hoped it to be. Yet, this is a quick read. I did learn some about the Colton family and I might try another one of these books in the series.

[Monica Cardoza]

This was the perfect read to loss myself in. I love connecting with the characters and seeing the love just flourish between characters. Tanner and Josie were perfect for each other but they were going to have some obstacles to overcome. He had been hurt before and he didn’t want to feel that ever again but when love appears sometimes you have to go with the flow. Just because the first marriage didn’t work out doesn’t mean that this relationship is not the one. She had been in witness protection for a very long time and hadn’t been around her family. She knew what she felt not only for the precious twins but for the stubborn man that thought she was too young for him. When love is involved as long as the two people that are in love are consulting adults age is just a number, at least that is my belief. Tanner and Josie are going to have to be strong in order to overcome their obstacles but in the end their happily ever after will happen. There will be some sparks flying between them some in a good way and some in a bad way. They are going to have to keep each other safe but in the end an argument happens and someone is now in danger.

Colton Cowboy Hideout was a great read. I loved the storyline and what I loved the most was how it’s going to continue. It left me in a cliffhanger because a Colton is missing and no one knows if he is dead or alive. I want to know what happened to him and who was responsible. Now as for Tanner and Josie they were perfect for each other. Then his little twin girls were adorable especially when they called Tanner, “Daddy-Love”. I thought that was just adorable. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review

[Linda]

Very good contemporary cowboy romance, part of a series with no cliffhanger. Good addition to the series with characters that you care about. Tanner was the perfect match for Josie and she was just what he and the twins needed. The on-going manipulations of her father led into the suspense within the novel and the contents of the box was the final humorous insult for an evil man.

[Jessica Morgan]

Not a lot of surprises in the book. Nice to return to the same settings and a continuation of the series, but no real shocking wrap up of events.

[Leslie]

Have loved this series, and this was one I was waiting for to read! So glad they didn't give up on one another'

[Denise Bonham]

Good story the last of a series and finished rather well.
Introducing a new series about Colton cousins.

[Donna Repsher]

I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review and here it is: 4 stars.

I'm a Carla Cassidy fan and was delighted to have a chance to read and review this latest entry in the Colton family series, which introduces a new branch of the family, a large number of intriguing new characters and a new mystery--what happened to family patriarch Eldridge Colton, as well as the romance between Josie Colton and Tanner Grange, the ranch foreman, who is also the father of two adorable 18-month old twin girls.

Josie is on a mission. Her father is in prison. He's a convicted a serial killer and he's dying. His dying wish is to be buried with a pocket watch he'd buried on the Colton Ranch property years earlier, and Josie is tasked with retrieving it. She's had a terrible life, and was raised in a number of foster homes, since her father killed her mother, and after 7 years in the witness protection program, has only recently learned that the danger to her and her siblings is over. She's managed to reconnect with them and is now trying to figure out what to do with her life. Sadly, the timing of her visit is unfortunate due to a couple of things--the disappearance of family patriarch, Eldridge Colton, resulting in the police telling her to stay put on the ranch and the sudden and abrupt departure of the nanny to Tanner's children, a task that Josie is happy to take on until she's allowed to leave, especially since she's quite taken with Tanner, and absolutely adores his two adorable daughters. There's certainly no shortage of suspects in Eldridge's disappearance, and when Josie and Tanner attempt to dig up her father's watch, they're stopped at gunpoint by a mysterious stranger, and that's just for starters.

If there's one thing you can rely on in a Carla Cassidy novel, it's being drawn into the emotions, plot and action in her novels, and this one is no exception. My only complaint is that Tanner is a bit too slow on the uptake where his attraction to Josie is concerned, and that Josie is a little too eager for their very brief association to become a whole lot more.

[Sparkymom]

I have enjoyed many of the Colton family books and really hoped Josie would get her own happy ending after having been in hiding for so long trying to protect her family. Josie is suddenly free to do anything she wants, but she has no idea what that is. She wants to get to know her siblings but doesn't yet feel like she fits in. Throughout this series the r Colton siblings have been sent on wild goose chases by their father who is in prison. The final test is finding a watch he his long ago. Josie wants to take on this task for her family, so she travels to a distant uncle's ranch where it is supposed to be hidden. Shortly after her arrival her uncle disappears and foul play is suspected. She is not allowed to leave, so when the ranch foreman's flighty live in nanny unexpectedly quits, Josie steps in to help. She and Tanner, the foreman, get along great, and their attraction is quickly evident. Josie is young and inexperienced, but she knows exactly what she wants. Tanner won't let himself fall for Josie. He feels he is much too old for her and would just hold her back. In the midst of their budding relationship, Josie continues to search for the watch. Her search proves to be more dangerous than she anticipated since someone else has been waiting a long time to get his/her hands on it. Tanner is willing to give his life to keep her safe, but he doesn't want to give her his heart.

This was a sweet story with great characters. I especially enjoyed the little twins. They were so cute, and their pet names were adorable. Josie had a little girl lost quality that was appealing, and Tanner was a great dad.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

[Books and Spoons]

Danger, apparent kidnapping, gunfights, and twins on a ranch, while Josie is trying to fulfill her serial killer father's last wish, by digging up an old watch hiding somewhere on the enormous ranch.
Josie is young, but she has lived a rough life with many unfortunate and unexpected turns. She comes off as a bit emotional and overdramatic, her feelings get involved fast and furious, and she has no doubt that Tanner doesn't answer to them. I admired her self-esteem and belief in herself, or just stubbornness, in a face of constant rejection from Tanner.
The new Colton family doesn't have much space at all in the story. The members are barely introduced, but what little is forthcoming of them, isn't very flattering.
The kids stole the show, the twins are adorable and gave many smiles as the story progress.
Tanner and Josie are stuck in very tight quarters, while the investigation is going on. They forced closeness gives them an opportunity to get to know each other and share with each other about their lives. It is genuine and natural, and they form a bond that sparks deeper feelings in their hearts.
The story was passionate and emotive. The danger, life-threatening moments, game in sporadically, and often because Josie didn't think and plan her actions against the known risk.
Even with the high emotions from Josie, I found this story a bit shallow and tame. I was left wanting more, more action, more on Tanner's development of his feelings, more edge and depth to the elements. But it gave an intriguing link to the new Colton family, where the mystery of the father's disappearance isn't solved yet.
~ Three Spoons

[Jessica]

Josie has had a horrible upbringing and is now starting to get the life that way taken away from her. Seeking her fathers approval and trying to at least do his father last dying wish, she is seeking for a watch with a hidden map to a treasure. Little did she expect for others to be seeking it as well or at the very least could have ties to what happened to her in a past and is seeking a way to end her. Tanner is the one who is going to help her but will protect her as well it seems since a couple of mishaps keep happening. Until they can find the watch, she'll watch Tanner twins and give him a hand since he's helping her out. Of course time together will bring up feelings.

I loved this book it was fast paces, suspenseful, I loved that there was plenty going on. There was that attraction between the two characters I loved, and loved the dual point of view to go with that they were thinking. I liked getting that aspect to know what is truly going on in their mind and why the characters made certain choices. I loved the back stories that came with the characters especially Josie. Poor Josie just couldn't catch a break! I loved the relationship between Josie and the twins, it was sweet to see the overall family aspect of the book and not that it faded into the background like most books that I come across. I loved that there was plenty of drama to keep things interesting, I loved that not everything just stayed quiet because soon as things were seeming good something ended up happening. Overall a really great book, I really enjoyed it!

[Rhonda]

4 STARS

It introduces a whole new bunch of new Coltons and a new mystery. Good start and ending.

Josie Colton is out of witness protection now and as come to Colton Valley Ranch to settle a family promise. She has not met these Colton cousins. She has some clues that lead to a treasure her father buried years ago.

When Josie and ranch forman Tanner Grange start to go find the old watch. Her cousin's disappears and a trail of blood leads out the window. Lots of suspects.

Josie is asked by the sheriff to stay around for awhile. When she heads to find the first clue someone steps out and shoots Josie.

Lots of drama, characters, mystery with charming twin girls that brings smiles to everyone. There is one love scene.

I like Carla Cassidy's books and will continue read her.

I was given this ebook to read for free from NetGalley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give Colton Cowboy Hideout a honest read.

[Amary Chapman]

Another winner in the fantastic Colton series.
Josie Colton arrives on her uncle's doorstep in search of a favor. He grants it only to disappear leaving a bloody trail behind. She is in search of her father's watch, the 'last request' of a convicted murderer. She follows his instructions only to be surprised by a man with a gun demanding the watch.
So now Josie is not allowed to leave, due to her being a suspect in the uncle's disappearance. She stays at his home and becomes involved with Tanner, the ranch foreman and father of a pair of motherless twins. And this a quick overview.
There is plenty of intrigue, jealousy, and loving interaction between many of the characters.
I received a free copy for my honest opinion...I loved it.

[Jo]

It was nice to see Josie Colton make another appearance in the Coltons of Texas series. This time she is trying to find something that her father burried years ago. What should have been a one day thing turns into days as the owner of Colton Valley Ranch disappears and someone tries to kill Josie. Josie really has not plan for her life out of hiding until she meets Tanner Grange and his adorable daughters. I loved both Tanner and Josie. They are perfect as the two main characters that find a HEA. A good addition to the series with some great hooks for future stories.

[Chrissy]

Once again, another great book in this series.... I also enjoy these books and the Colton's.. Josie and Tanner are so good together... I loved how the sparks fly's between them, I love the suspense of the book. I loved Tanner's little girls... Just over all a great book.... I can't wait for the next one...

I received this book from NetGally in exchange for a honest review........

[Harlequin Books]

"The danger intensifies around Tanner and Josie, along with their attraction, which makes Tanner more determined to protect Josie and his daughters at all costs. Tanner and Josie will engage readers with their sweet, heartwarming romance" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).

Miniseries: The Coltons of Texas

[Dawn Filler]

Great book with lots happened but focus always on lead characters. Fast pacing and good suspense. Wish we knew what happened to Eldridge at end or which book in series is for that mystery. Already ordered several books in Coltens of Texas series. This book was worth reading!

[Nibrock]

A fun and fast paced story. The hero has low self-esteem and it come out very clear in his internal ramblings. This is the end of one plot line/arc/series and the beginning of another.

[Rose]

Another great title by CC. The romance happened a bit quick, yet this is very sweet with a nice suspense.

[charmaine White]

Nice Read

A seat on the edge of your seat read.There s something happening from the very beginning to the end.I'll be looking for the next installment.