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Police Protector

(Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn #2)

Elizabeth Heiter (Goodreads Author)

4.01 · Rating details · 83 ratings · 24 reviews

She's become his whole world...and she's under fire

Ever since forensics analyst Shaye Mallory survived a police-station shootout, Detective Cole Walker has felt personally responsible for her wellbeing. Then another shooter takes aim at Shaye. Cole decides the only thing he can do is stay right by her side until he finds the man who wants her dead.

Cole knows that ...more

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Paperback, 256 pages

Published June 20th 2017 by Harlequin Intrigue

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Aug 05, 2018 Paula Brandon rated it it was ok

Like the previous book, Bodyguard With A Badge, this is pretty dull. The plot has forensic analyst Shaye Mallory shot at by a mystery gunman. The police officer she's had the hots for over the last couple of years, Cole Walker (who has previously protected her in a shootout), vows to protect her this time as well, and sets out to discover who may want her dead.

The plot doesn't consist of much more than Cole and his brothers, and his detective partner Luke Hunt, trying to decide which of Shaye's ...more

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Mar 16, 2018 Julie Miller rated it it was amazing

Loved this! Exactly my type of hero. I enjoyed how the relationship developed between two friends who doubted their suitability for anything more, but discovered that they were exactly what the other one needed. The action scenes were tense and totally kick-butt. Ms. Heiter is one of the best action writers I've read.

Highly recommend.
(Note: this is Book 2 in her The Lawmen: Bullets & Brawn miniseries for Harlequin Intrigue--and there is a subplot that goes through all three books) ...more

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Oct 04, 2017 Susan rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017-books-read, 2017-men-in-uniform-challenge, category-romance, other-uniformed-hero, romance, romantic-suspense

This book started with a bang (literally) and kept me hooked all the way through. A year earlier Shaye had gotten caught in the crossfire of a shootout at the police station. Afraid of it happening again, she quit her job in the digital forensics lab. Now she is back, determined to overcome the fears that kept her away from the job she loved. After a week on the job, she has just started to relax when she is shot at again. Cole is first on the scene to save her. Cole has a bad feeling about this This book started with a bang (literally) and kept me hooked all the way through. A year earlier Shaye had gotten caught in the crossfire of a shootout at the police station. Afraid of it happening again, she quit her job in the digital forensics lab. Now she is back, determined to overcome the fears that kept her away from the job she loved. After a week on the job, she has just started to relax when she is shot at again. Cole is first on the scene to save her. Cole has a bad feeling about this shooting. It appears random, but his gut tells him otherwise. He will do everything in his power to keep Shaye safe until the shooter is caught.

I really enjoyed the mix of romance and suspense. Cole had fallen hard for Shaye as soon as he met her, and the attraction was mutual. It was sweet to read their backstory, as they built a solid friendship over "chance" encounters before and after work. Cole missed her over the months she was gone and was thrilled when she came back to her old job. His protectiveness takes over when Shaye is shot at.

I liked Cole. He is protective of those he cares about, such as Shaye and his brothers and partner. He is determined and doesn't give up even when the investigation hits dead ends. He also frustrated me at times because he has a bit of an inferiority complex. He knows he is good at his job, but his lack of a college education makes him feel that he isn't good enough for Shaye.

I also liked Shaye. She allowed her fears to hold her back for a little while, but then took steps to get her life back. I loved that she went back to her forensics job determined to make a difference. She starts out the book still a bit tentative and understandably freaks when she's shot at again. But she doesn't allow the fear to linger. I loved seeing her determination to be part of the investigation and her refusal to be held back.

I liked the development of their relationship. They were already friends, and that friendship had developed into more. It was obvious to those around them, and I enjoyed seeing his brothers and friends give Cole a hard time about not pursuing it. Shaye is well aware of her feelings but is a bit hesitant about pushing herself toward Cole. With Cole providing constant protection for Shaye, their increased time together provides ample opportunity for their attraction to grow. Cole fears that his feelings could be a distraction that could put Shaye in more danger, but resisting just isn't possible. Shaye has some fears of her own. She isn't sure if she can handle being with someone whose life is always in danger. She also feels that Cole doesn't deserve someone who is such a scaredy-cat as she thinks she is. It takes nearly losing each other to make them realize that being apart is much worse than learning to deal with their worries about being together. The epilogue was fantastic and showed the romantic side of Cole's nature.

The suspense was really good. I could feel Shaye's fear when the gunman was shooting at her and her relief when Cole arrived. The frustration that Cole and the others experienced over the lack of clues was obvious, as there were several possible suspects. I enjoyed following the leads with them and trying to decide who was the most likely to be the shooter. The final confrontation was intense, and I was on the edge of my seat wondering how they were going to get out of it. I was really impressed with Shaye's presence of mind as she tried to delay the killer.

I liked the secondary characters of Cole's partner, Luke, and his brothers, Andre and Marcos. I loved the way that they all provided any backup that Cole needed, from watching over Shaye to confronting gang leaders and witnesses. I also loved the closeness of the three "brothers of the heart." There was a little more about the fire that played a part in their youth, but not enough to answer all the questions. I expect that the next book will do so. ...more

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Aug 09, 2017 Elizabeth Neal rated it it was amazing

Shelves: feelings-not-a-couple-before-book, h-h-in-life-before-romance, no-om-ow-drama, safety-gang-approved

**4.5 Stars**

From the moment Cole, a detective, and Shaye, a forensics expert, bumped into each other on her first day, a bond was created. Neither acted on the instant mutual attraction, even though both wanted to, they did form a very strong friendship. That included frequent visits during work, as their buildings were in close proximity, and daily meet ups before and after work. During one of the latter, Shaye was unfortunately caught in a shoot out as gang members opened fire on the police s **4.5 Stars**

From the moment Cole, a detective, and Shaye, a forensics expert, bumped into each other on her first day, a bond was created. Neither acted on the instant mutual attraction, even though both wanted to, they did form a very strong friendship. That included frequent visits during work, as their buildings were in close proximity, and daily meet ups before and after work. During one of the latter, Shaye was unfortunately caught in a shoot out as gang members opened fire on the police station, killing three. Shaye, understandably so, had trouble moving forward after that day, so sure she was going to die.

A year has passed since then and Shaye has finally decided to return to her old job, having quit the day after the shooting. As she's celebrating finishing her first week, without being in any danger, that changes while running an errand before going home.

Cole, though off duty, responds to the dispatcher regarding news of a shooting. See, he's close by as the location is near Shaye's house, which was his destination. Upon arriving, he immediately recognizes Shaye's car and this call is suddenly very personal.

Though Shaye declines police protection, determined to be stronger than she was a year ago, Cole insists on ensuring she's watched over, enlisting the help of his brothers, partner, and fellow cops when he can't personally be there.

As Cole and Shaye spend more time together, even becoming roommates as attempts on Shaye continue, their connection grows stronger, as does Shaye's realization that if she doesn't take a chance with Cole, she may never get another one if those after her get their way. The thing is though, Cole, believing Shaye deserves so much better than him, pushes her away, numerous times, and Shaye resigns herself to let her dreams for them go.

But Cole, starting to realize Shaye had some very valid points regarding him, and them, accepts that despite their differences, or maybe because of them, she's perfect for him. However, Cole may be too late in his epiphany because Shaye is missing.

What is holding Cole back from claiming Shaye as he longs to? Why does Shaye not see herself as worthy of Cole? Who is after Shaye and why? Will Cole rescue Shaye before losing her forever? Will Cole and Shaye get their HEA two years in the making? What really happened back when the men were younger? Was the fire an accident? Or intentional? Will they ever find out the truth about the night Marcos almost died?

One-click now and follow along as two people in love stop fighting what fate has planned for them. Though this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading them in order as they not only feature three brothers of the heart as the heroes, but there is also an overall secondary story throughout the trilogy regarding a traumatic part of their history. Also, for those curious about safety, there was no mention of either dating anyone else since they met two years ago, and honestly, with the way they feel about each other, even subconsciously, I don't see it happening regardless.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.** ...more

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Jun 04, 2017 Bec rated it really liked it

Shelves: book-magic-reviews, netgalley

Detective Cole Walker will do anything to keep Shaye Mallory safe after she's shot at by an unknown assailant. But the only way to do that is to make certain she's around people he trusts from now until the person that wants to hurt her is behind bars. Will Cole be able to do his job to the best of his ability; or will their strong attraction make him too distracted and prevent their chance at happy ever after?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Heiter, and what a fabulous book it was due to Detective Cole Walker will do anything to keep Shaye Mallory safe after she's shot at by an unknown assailant. But the only way to do that is to make certain she's around people he trusts from now until the person that wants to hurt her is behind bars. Will Cole be able to do his job to the best of his ability; or will their strong attraction make him too distracted and prevent their chance at happy ever after?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Heiter, and what a fabulous book it was due to its wonderful mix of suspense and romance, everything this couple go through against the bad guys and the nail-biting ending that kept me on the edge-of-my-seat wondering whether the main characters would come out on top against the bad guys. The way this story started had me feeling sorry for the heroine, as she's already been through so much and doesn't need to feel threatened all over again. Will Shaye be able to escape her situation?

As for the dialogue, it was thrilling and kept my eyes utterly focused on the story, because I was determined to know why someone was targeting Shaye. Is it because of her work as a forensic analyst or is it personal? Will she and Cole be able to figure out who is targeting her before another attempt on their lives? How far is Shaye willing to go to get the information they need? Moreover, the heroine is resilient and brave when it comes to everything she faces, especially her confrontations with the bad guy. I also liked how far she was willing to go to keep everyone she cared about safe when it seemed it wasn't only her life on the line in the end. She shows she's not afraid to do whatever it takes to take down the bad guy, even if her life is on the line.

While Cole, I was absolutely charmed by him and his police partner, Luke. They're the ultimate good guys that go above and beyond the call of duty, especially when it comes to protecting Shaye. Furthermore, Cole is smart, tough and I enjoyed how protective he was of Shaye because she's already been through so much already with what happened to her in a place where she should have felt safest. But what I liked most about Cole is that no matter how hard he tried to fight his attraction to the heroine he couldn't, even knowing that any distraction would put her in more danger.

Overall, Ms. Heiter has penned a really good romantic suspense in this book, where this couple's chemistry was entertaining in that will-they-or-won't-they finally go from platonic to physical intimacy and where the secondary characters advice had me wanting to discover if the main characters would listen to it. The way this story ended was riveting and kept me reading to see how things would turn out for the hero and heroine. Would they survive what the bad guy had in store for them? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up wonderfully, because of the surprise the hero has for the heroine that made her think she was in trouble with the hero's boss. I would recommend Police Protector by Elizabeth Heiter, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the friends to lovers trope or books by authors Elle James, Cindi Myers, Delores Fossen or Cynthia Eden. ...more

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Feb 03, 2018 Paula Legate rated it it was amazing

Shelves: action-romance, favorites, romance-suspence

I really enjoyed this book. It started off fast. Shaye Mallory had gone to Roy’s Grocery to pick up a few items to celebrate. She had gone a full week where no one had shot at her. It felt like a good reason for a celebration. As Shaye was about to load her groceries into the car, shot rang out. Her hero and secret crush Cole walker who was a police detective showed up after the call shots fired came across the radio. Shaye who was a Maryland’s Jannis County Forensics worked near Cole. She liter ...more

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May 25, 2017 Megan rated it liked it

Shelves: 2017-challenge-books, ammp-team-scottie-dog, jumanji-2017, may-2017, new-to-me-authors-2017, netgalley-read-in-2017, read-in-2017, rlftci-17-000-in-2017, tower-teams-v

This was a good suspense story, though I did find it unlikely that so much would be happening at the same time. The romance between the two characters was slow in the making, since they've known each other for two years, but still almost too fast in how quickly they progressed...at least for me. All in all, I thought this was a nice story. ...more

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Aug 02, 2017 Coral rated it really liked it

Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5

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Jun 20, 2017 Books and Spoons rated it it was amazing

Shelves: earc

Imminent and constant danger, explosive moments of deadly action, and the sweetest, adorable romance that had me smiling lured me into the story, and held the interest all through the tale, could not put it down until I was done.
The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn have won me over. I enjoyed this second installment of the series immensely.
The connection Cole Walker has with his brothers of heart, the men who he grew up with in the foster care system, is nothing short of amazing. The loyalty and suppo Imminent and constant danger, explosive moments of deadly action, and the sweetest, adorable romance that had me smiling lured me into the story, and held the interest all through the tale, could not put it down until I was done.
The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn have won me over. I enjoyed this second installment of the series immensely.
The connection Cole Walker has with his brothers of heart, the men who he grew up with in the foster care system, is nothing short of amazing. The loyalty and support they have for each other is admirable, mixed with the banter and teasing, and they are closer than many brothers with blood-tights.
Cole is a protector. He is an honest, solid man, with honorable character. He looks after those he cares about, he loves deeply, and he always aims to do his best. Impossible not to admire and love!
Shaye Mallory is determined to stand on her own again. A shooting at the parking lot took her courage previously, but only temporarily. She is back, she is determined, a force to be reckoned with, and another incident is not going to put her into hiding again.
Cole fell for Shaye with the first sight, two years ago. And the feelings were mutual. And it is really cute and all kinds of adorable that everyone around them is aware of their feelings, the gentle friendship that has formed between them. The attraction is palpable, yet they haven't taken the steps to make their friendship into something more. And now it might be too late. I liked that they had a good, solid foundation, friendship, to build the possible relationship on, making that much more authentic and believable.
The suspense is intense, vivid, and fatal. The frustrating lack of clues, the impossible task to find the leads, the fear of losing the battle, losing Shaye, it is tangible in the air. There is a satisfying balance between action, investigation, and romance in the story. It is well written and has a smooth flow in it, alluring the mind, and charming the reader. I can't wait read the book three in the series, I am hooked! Highly recommended series!
~ Five Spoons ...more

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Jun 19, 2017 Lynn Brooks rated it it was amazing

4 1/2 STARS!

Danger strikes when she least expects it! Yet again Shaye Mallory finds herself dodging for cover as someone comes out of the woodwork and starts shooting at her ... what happened to her quiet life?? With the second in this spin-off series, Elizabeth Heiter brings us Cole Walker's story. We met him in his brother Andre Diaz's book last month, and Shaye was instrumental in helping them save Juliette in that story as well. The characters mesh well and are all passionate about their wor ...more

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Jul 07, 2017 Katrina Epperson rated it it was amazing

What a wonderful story!! Yes, I love this series. This is the second installment in The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn series. The cover gives a hint at the story it contains. Shaye Mallory moved to the area a few years ago and it seems like she has been dodging bullets since shortly after her arrival. A year ago she was an innocent bystander during a shootout at the police station, the one place she should feel the safest. She has recently returned to her job as a forensic analyst and to celebrate s ...more

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Jun 16, 2017 MK rated it it was amazing

POLICE PROTECTOR: 2nd book in The Lawmen-Bullets and Brawn

When Detective Cole Walker comes into a situation that involves Shaye Mallory a women he's known for awhile he's gets protective after it. He won't let her out of his sight until it's been resolved.

Shaye Mallory is an analyst that works in the forensics lab. She's been helping Cole on some cases. What she doesn't expect is to get caught between the cross hairs of gunfire. But then hears Cole's voice relived to say the least something hap ...more

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May 22, 2017 Steve Avery rated it really liked it

Police Protector is the second installment in Elizabeth's newest Lawmen Series. This time out the focus is on the oldest Foster brother Cole Walker. The story picks up the bread crumbs from Bodyguard with a Badge, the backstory is revealed of a gang shooting at the police station. Elizabeth develops interesting secondary characters Shaye (victim of the shooting, computer hacker, Cole's love interest) and partner who has Cole's back, Luke Hayes. As in previous novel, family dynamic is an importan ...more

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Sep 22, 2020 Annie rated it it was amazing

I liked this book sooooo much more then the 1st one! It was the main characters that did me in. I loved that Shaye and Cole had this background together. They've known each other for 2 years and have been friends through it. The chemistry is great and well written. The characters, stubborn, smart and resilient. The brothers continued to be a plus for me. I was a little upset more details and investigation didn't go into the fire from their childhood. Cole has to be my favorite brother though. Hi ...more

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May 04, 2017 Chrystal Garrett rated it it was amazing

When you start a book with a girl getting shot at as she comes out of the grocery store and loosing her eggs in the parking lot... Then the super hot and amazing police detective coming to her rescue. This is totally the recipe for an amazing book. Aside from my responsibilities in the realm of adulting, I could NOT put this book down. There were gangs and criminals and love... I was done in 2 days! It kept my attention with romance and lots of suspense. Another great book by Elizabeth Heiter! I ...more

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Jul 19, 2017 RaeLatte rated it it was amazing

Every book from Elizabeth Heiter delivers action, suspense and romance. If you're looking for a great series or standalone read then pick up this book! Two people that on paper are polar opposite but together, in flesh and blood are absolutely perfect!

This slow burn is packed with enough on the edge of your seat reading that you won't want to put it down! ...more

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Aug 02, 2017 Gloria Brzny rated it it was amazing

this book was all action from the start to the end. it was great trying to find clues out. even when there were no suspects on the list. you still kept looking for clues, you might have missed. then the romantic sparks between Cole and Shaye also kept your attention . you keep hoping for a happy ending.

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Jun 20, 2017 Dee rated it it was amazing

Second in The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn series. The story of another brother, Cole, and the love of his life, Shaye. After Shaye survives a shoot out, Cole assumes bodyguard duty to protect her. Lots of twists and turns to find the villain, close to losing both their lives, the relationship must survive. Lots of tension to keep you reading this one through in one sitting.

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Jul 15, 2017 Rebecca Delio rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wonderful Story

I really enjoyed this book, the story was very good and very exciting, I have not read a lot of stories by this author but I will definitely start looking for more stories by her.....

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Jun 16, 2017 Frankie rated it it was amazing

This story kept me enthralled until I had to finish in one sitting. I just couldn’t put the book down! I loved Shaye & Cole, and the epilogue? I want me a Cole STAT!

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Jul 14, 2018 Riley rated it really liked it

4.5 stars

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Jun 23, 2017 Theresa Hurley rated it really liked it

Good story! Cole and Shaye were great!

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E. Brandl rated it liked it
May 25, 2019

Jane Stephens rated it liked it
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Kami rated it liked it
Apr 17, 2018

Dawn Clark rated it it was amazing
Aug 26, 2017

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Apr 26, 2018

Jul 02, 2017 Harlequin Books added it

Shelves: harlequin_intrigue, 2014-17

Miniseries: The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn ...more

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Lesley rated it it was amazing
Jul 06, 2017

Kara Betts rated it liked it
Jan 30, 2020

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About Elizabeth Heiter

Elizabeth Heiter

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Publishers Weekly bestselling author ELIZABETH HEITER likes her suspense to feature strong heroines, chilling villains, psychological twists, and a little bit of romance. Her research has taken her into the minds of serial killers, through murder investigations, and onto the FBI Academy’s shooting range. Her novels have been published in more than a dozen countries and eight languages; they've als ...more

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Quotes from Police Protector

“She saw a lone figure running across the dark parking lot toward her, a weapon in his hands. ...*Not again.* And this time she was all alone. No Cole Walker, heroic police detective and star in too many of her fantasies, to save her.” — 0 likes

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