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The Protectors of Riker County #1
Small-Town Face-Off
He’s a lawman. She’s a criminal’s daughter. But they have two things in common—a child, and a desire for justice . . .
Bound to protect and serve, sheriff Billy Reed has tried to let his career be enough. But he could never forget Mara Copeland, the woman who left their Alabama town without a goodbye and hurt him without warning. Now she’s back with criminals on her trail and a child in her arms. His child . . .
Mara didn’t trust the future she and Billy could’ve had. He’s a lawman and she was born into a world of ruthless criminals. Still, he’s the man she can turn to. He’ll do anything to protect their daughter, but will love be reason enough to forgive Mara and bring their family back together?
Bound to protect and serve, sheriff Billy Reed has tried to let his career be enough. But he could never forget Mara Copeland, the woman who left their Alabama town without a goodbye and hurt him without warning. Now she’s back with criminals on her trail and a child in her arms. His child . . .
Mara didn’t trust the future she and Billy could’ve had. He’s a lawman and she was born into a world of ruthless criminals. Still, he’s the man she can turn to. He’ll do anything to protect their daughter, but will love be reason enough to forgive Mara and bring their family back together?
- GenresRomanceRomantic Suspense
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
44 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Tyler Anne Snell
186 books127 followersTyler Anne Snell spends her days plotting murders, creating mysteries, and weaving sexual tension, romance, and can't-live-without-you love throughout each. When she isn't writing romantic suspense she's reading urban fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and falling even more in love with Netflix.
Tyler lives in South Alabama with her same-named husband, their mini lions, and a burning desire to meet Kurt Russell.
Visit her: www.tylerannesnell.com
Tyler lives in South Alabama with her same-named husband, their mini lions, and a burning desire to meet Kurt Russell.
Visit her: www.tylerannesnell.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 29, 2018
I liked this book, but I hated the heroine, Mara Copeland! She's another one of those dreaded heroines who keeps the existence of her child a secret from the father, in this case, a handsome, caring, upstanding sheriff, Billy Reed. It's a trope I particularly dislike, especially when the heroine is never found accountable for her actions, which was the case here. Everybody is just, "Oh, I suppose you had your reasons. Isn't Alexa cute?!?" Even Billy's best friend and mother trot this line out.
No, no, no, no, no, no!!!
Mara's behaviour was disgusting. She hid Alexa from Billy for TWO YEARS because she thought he would lose her job over her, all over the words from a couple of people she hardly knew! Instead of, you know, having a conversation with Billy, she runs out on him in the middle of the night, leaving only a note, and never once contacting him for TWO YEARS. A little extreme, no?
You see, Mara's father Bryan was a drug kingpin who brought a deadly drug to town called Moxy, and a lot of people were dying of overdoses. (I tend to think some of the blame lies with the person doing the drug. You can't place ALL the responsibility on the drug supplier. But that's another debate entirely). Three years ago, Mara helped Billy to bring her father down, which is how they got involved. But that apparently didn't stop her being the town pariah, even after Bryan went to jail. So, thinking she's doing Billy a favour (!) she hops town.
Mara reappears on Billy's doorstep and does the "Surprise! You're a father!" thing because news has gotten out that Bryan left one last stash of drugs and money buried somewhere in Riker Country, and former associates of Bryan's are falling out of the woodwork, threatening Mara and daughter Alexa in order to find their whereabouts, despite the fact that Mara doesn't have a clue.
I liked the story. It was fast-paced and suspenseful. I liked Billy. He was pretty much perfect. Which is what made it SO hard to understand or even empathise for one moment with Mara's odious, selfish actions. When you're with someone as seemingly perfect and understanding as Billy is, and you STILL feel it necessary to believe the words of strangers and take off WITHOUT A SINGLE WORD TO THE MAN YOU SUPPOSEDLY LOVE?!? Sorry for the caps, her actions are still making me seethe!
I tend to believe, even if you've been knocked by a guy who you think is no good and won't be there for the baby, even in that worst case scenario, you need to tell him and hear those words from him yourself. Paternity is not a decision you make on somebody else's behalf. It really riles me up. Particularly here, where Mara didn't have one good damn reason to do so. Even more frustratingly, she barely even faced any recriminations from Billy. Ultimately, he just adopts the same attitude as everybody else, "Oh well, I guess you had your reasons." And a little of what amounts to a wiggle of the finger and, "Don't do that again, young lady."
The secret paternity trope simply doesn't work for me, and Mara was a particularly poor example of it, due to lack of any good or even logical reason for it. So I really didn't like her. Without the trope, this could have been a 4 star story. Like I said, it kept me reading, and the edge of suspense was maintained throughout. And if Billy does want to spend forever with a knuckle-head like Mara, at least he's getting his happy ending!
No, no, no, no, no, no!!!
Mara's behaviour was disgusting. She hid Alexa from Billy for TWO YEARS because she thought he would lose her job over her, all over the words from a couple of people she hardly knew! Instead of, you know, having a conversation with Billy, she runs out on him in the middle of the night, leaving only a note, and never once contacting him for TWO YEARS. A little extreme, no?
You see, Mara's father Bryan was a drug kingpin who brought a deadly drug to town called Moxy, and a lot of people were dying of overdoses. (I tend to think some of the blame lies with the person doing the drug. You can't place ALL the responsibility on the drug supplier. But that's another debate entirely). Three years ago, Mara helped Billy to bring her father down, which is how they got involved. But that apparently didn't stop her being the town pariah, even after Bryan went to jail. So, thinking she's doing Billy a favour (!) she hops town.
Mara reappears on Billy's doorstep and does the "Surprise! You're a father!" thing because news has gotten out that Bryan left one last stash of drugs and money buried somewhere in Riker Country, and former associates of Bryan's are falling out of the woodwork, threatening Mara and daughter Alexa in order to find their whereabouts, despite the fact that Mara doesn't have a clue.
I liked the story. It was fast-paced and suspenseful. I liked Billy. He was pretty much perfect. Which is what made it SO hard to understand or even empathise for one moment with Mara's odious, selfish actions. When you're with someone as seemingly perfect and understanding as Billy is, and you STILL feel it necessary to believe the words of strangers and take off WITHOUT A SINGLE WORD TO THE MAN YOU SUPPOSEDLY LOVE?!? Sorry for the caps, her actions are still making me seethe!
I tend to believe, even if you've been knocked by a guy who you think is no good and won't be there for the baby, even in that worst case scenario, you need to tell him and hear those words from him yourself. Paternity is not a decision you make on somebody else's behalf. It really riles me up. Particularly here, where Mara didn't have one good damn reason to do so. Even more frustratingly, she barely even faced any recriminations from Billy. Ultimately, he just adopts the same attitude as everybody else, "Oh well, I guess you had your reasons." And a little of what amounts to a wiggle of the finger and, "Don't do that again, young lady."
The secret paternity trope simply doesn't work for me, and Mara was a particularly poor example of it, due to lack of any good or even logical reason for it. So I really didn't like her. Without the trope, this could have been a 4 star story. Like I said, it kept me reading, and the edge of suspense was maintained throughout. And if Billy does want to spend forever with a knuckle-head like Mara, at least he's getting his happy ending!
October 22, 2017
A fierce and sharp story with dynamic characters, potent emotions, forceful suspense with deadly action, and an energetic, twisty plot that had me glued to my kindle, hanging on to each word!
Sheriff Billy Reed is a charismatic leader, he is stern yet fair, he is supportive, kind, considerate man. He has the loyalty of his deputies, and with a strong, solid hand keeps the town on the right path.
Mara Copeland has lived her life in the shadow of her father's sins and crimes. She has a heart of gold, she only wants what is best for her loved ones and she is willing to risk her life to save a fellow man or give up her happiness if that means the other's success. No, she is no doormat, she truly is a strong, capable woman, just that noble, humble, and kind.
The spark between Mara and Billy is like fireworks. The bond they had before she ran away is as strong as ever. The attraction is combustible, barely can they hold it in control. Billy's reaction to the child she never told him about, is mature and reasonable. The big, burly sheriff fawning over a baby-girl is definitely a swoon-worthy moment, melting my heart and making me smile.
The danger lurking around Mara, the threats, the attacks, and the mystery of the hidden stash is sneaky, devious, and deadly. Mara has to face her past demons to be able to save herself and her child, to be able to leave the past behind and find a future where they all can live harmoniously. If only they manage to solve the puzzle in time if only she can keep herself alive long enough for Billy to rescue her.
An entertaining, intense, and engaging story with a great balance between the mystery and passion. While Mara and Billy are being distracted by their churning emotions and old feelings coming to the surface, the malicious intentions of the culprits creep into the town making havoc, putting their lives at risk and dangering any and all hopes their had for the future.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Sheriff Billy Reed is a charismatic leader, he is stern yet fair, he is supportive, kind, considerate man. He has the loyalty of his deputies, and with a strong, solid hand keeps the town on the right path.
Mara Copeland has lived her life in the shadow of her father's sins and crimes. She has a heart of gold, she only wants what is best for her loved ones and she is willing to risk her life to save a fellow man or give up her happiness if that means the other's success. No, she is no doormat, she truly is a strong, capable woman, just that noble, humble, and kind.
The spark between Mara and Billy is like fireworks. The bond they had before she ran away is as strong as ever. The attraction is combustible, barely can they hold it in control. Billy's reaction to the child she never told him about, is mature and reasonable. The big, burly sheriff fawning over a baby-girl is definitely a swoon-worthy moment, melting my heart and making me smile.
The danger lurking around Mara, the threats, the attacks, and the mystery of the hidden stash is sneaky, devious, and deadly. Mara has to face her past demons to be able to save herself and her child, to be able to leave the past behind and find a future where they all can live harmoniously. If only they manage to solve the puzzle in time if only she can keep herself alive long enough for Billy to rescue her.
An entertaining, intense, and engaging story with a great balance between the mystery and passion. While Mara and Billy are being distracted by their churning emotions and old feelings coming to the surface, the malicious intentions of the culprits creep into the town making havoc, putting their lives at risk and dangering any and all hopes their had for the future.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
October 18, 2017
Small-Town Face-Off is one of those books where you read until your eyes are too blurry to continue then wake up in the morning and grab it off the nightstand to finish...even before coffee! It's a fun read that was engaging from the very beginning for me. Now for the specifics; I love a book that gives me a list of major characters and a synopsis of their roles. It serves as an introduction and also helps me have a reference to look back at if I forget names. Secondly, I love easy, down-to-earth names. Perhaps it is my age, but I just like when I can pronounce the names in my head. The author, Tyler, has made sure I got both of these in her book.
The story begins with a sheriff (Billy) that isn't too easy to love at the beginning but later makes you love him. He's a bit rough around the edges but has the capacity to protect and serve his town as well as his family. Then Mara shows back up in his life and the intrigue begins. Billy must simultaneously wrestle with his resurfacing feelings for Mara while trying to rid his county of a new drug that is as addicting as it is lethal.
As the story unfolds we learn about Mara's father and the issues she faces dealing with his criminal past. The reader is taken on a journey of danger and mystery while waiting to see how Billy will deal with Mara's secret that she has kept from him since she left him after their first encounter. And, of course, there is that wonderful undertone of love...will it happen? will it be better left undisturbed?
Then there are the other characters. Some you want to get to know better, some you hope gets tossed under the jail, and some that you like to think could be you! The supporting characters help draw in the reader because it's so easy to picture someone you know exactly like these characters.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy...the blurry eyes will be worth it!!
The story begins with a sheriff (Billy) that isn't too easy to love at the beginning but later makes you love him. He's a bit rough around the edges but has the capacity to protect and serve his town as well as his family. Then Mara shows back up in his life and the intrigue begins. Billy must simultaneously wrestle with his resurfacing feelings for Mara while trying to rid his county of a new drug that is as addicting as it is lethal.
As the story unfolds we learn about Mara's father and the issues she faces dealing with his criminal past. The reader is taken on a journey of danger and mystery while waiting to see how Billy will deal with Mara's secret that she has kept from him since she left him after their first encounter. And, of course, there is that wonderful undertone of love...will it happen? will it be better left undisturbed?
Then there are the other characters. Some you want to get to know better, some you hope gets tossed under the jail, and some that you like to think could be you! The supporting characters help draw in the reader because it's so easy to picture someone you know exactly like these characters.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy...the blurry eyes will be worth it!!
October 18, 2017
Billy Reed is one sexy sheriff, with a heart of gold and a soft spot for the woman who walked away without a word. What is Mara doing back in town? And why did she never tell him he had a daughter?
Is the drug dealer's daughter working on the wrong side of the law? Who is the mysterious Beck? Join Billy, Mara, Suzy, and the good folks of Riker County to find out. I liked these characters, and can't wait to see what comes next from the creative mind of Tyler Anne Snell.
One sitting, solid writing. I've been a Harlequin fan since way before young Tyler was born, and to discover she wrote what I had been reading for years had me going all fan-girl silly. I read her first book because she is my son's friend. I've read every one since because Tyler tells stories. Good stories. Stories that have you meeting, getting involved with, and jumping into the lives of her characters.
Is the drug dealer's daughter working on the wrong side of the law? Who is the mysterious Beck? Join Billy, Mara, Suzy, and the good folks of Riker County to find out. I liked these characters, and can't wait to see what comes next from the creative mind of Tyler Anne Snell.
One sitting, solid writing. I've been a Harlequin fan since way before young Tyler was born, and to discover she wrote what I had been reading for years had me going all fan-girl silly. I read her first book because she is my son's friend. I've read every one since because Tyler tells stories. Good stories. Stories that have you meeting, getting involved with, and jumping into the lives of her characters.
April 17, 2019
Terrific second chance story with enough action and suspense to keep me turning the pages. Billy is a tough but fair sheriff who has the respect of his deputies and the people of the county. Two years earlier he was responsible for bringing down a local drug lord thanks to the help of the man's daughter. While working together, Billy and Mara grew close, in spite of their vastly different lives. Then Mara left him, with no warning and no explanation. Though he tried to move on with his life, he has never forgotten her. The last thing he expected was for her to show up on his doorstep, asking for his help to protect the daughter he didn't know about.
Mara had left Billy and Riker County behind in an attempt to separate her world from those she loved. She couldn't bear for her past to cause them trouble. But now trouble has found her. Someone believes that she knows where her father hid a stash of drugs and money and will do anything to get his hands on them. Billy is the only one she can trust to help her, but will he forgive her for the secret she kept?
I liked both Billy and Mara. Billy is a good man, a little rough around the edges, but with a kind heart. I liked the way that he is protective of his people, putting them before his own needs and comfort. Mara is a strong and independent woman, but she also carries a lot of guilt over the things that her father did. She gave up her own chance of happiness to do what she thought was right.
I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Billy and Mara. His shock at her reappearance was real. Finding out he was a father left him stunned. I loved that he accepted it without any big blowup of anger or accusations, but he also expected an explanation when they finally had a chance to talk. One thing was evident from the moment Mara came back - the sparks between them were as strong as ever. Both Billy and Mara fought against their feelings for as long as they could. Billy didn't need the distraction while he tried to put an end to the resurging drug problem. He was also reluctant to trust that she wouldn't leave again. Mara needed to find a way to separate herself from her father's actions if she wanted to believe she was worthy of being loved by Billy. Billy's big moment at the end was sweet.
The suspense of the story was terrific and kept me hooked all the way through. The drug problem that Billy thought had ended with Mara's father's arrest was making a comeback. Then Mara arrived with trouble right behind her. Though she had nothing to do with his drug deals and was partly responsible for his arrest, someone out there believed that Mara knew where her father had stashed money and drugs. Billy was determined to keep Mara and their daughter safe, but whoever was after her was just as determined. It seemed that no matter what Mara and Billy did, the bad guys were right on their heels. I was glued to the pages with each attack, as they escalated in danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Billy raced to rescue Mara.
Mara had left Billy and Riker County behind in an attempt to separate her world from those she loved. She couldn't bear for her past to cause them trouble. But now trouble has found her. Someone believes that she knows where her father hid a stash of drugs and money and will do anything to get his hands on them. Billy is the only one she can trust to help her, but will he forgive her for the secret she kept?
I liked both Billy and Mara. Billy is a good man, a little rough around the edges, but with a kind heart. I liked the way that he is protective of his people, putting them before his own needs and comfort. Mara is a strong and independent woman, but she also carries a lot of guilt over the things that her father did. She gave up her own chance of happiness to do what she thought was right.
I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Billy and Mara. His shock at her reappearance was real. Finding out he was a father left him stunned. I loved that he accepted it without any big blowup of anger or accusations, but he also expected an explanation when they finally had a chance to talk. One thing was evident from the moment Mara came back - the sparks between them were as strong as ever. Both Billy and Mara fought against their feelings for as long as they could. Billy didn't need the distraction while he tried to put an end to the resurging drug problem. He was also reluctant to trust that she wouldn't leave again. Mara needed to find a way to separate herself from her father's actions if she wanted to believe she was worthy of being loved by Billy. Billy's big moment at the end was sweet.
The suspense of the story was terrific and kept me hooked all the way through. The drug problem that Billy thought had ended with Mara's father's arrest was making a comeback. Then Mara arrived with trouble right behind her. Though she had nothing to do with his drug deals and was partly responsible for his arrest, someone out there believed that Mara knew where her father had stashed money and drugs. Billy was determined to keep Mara and their daughter safe, but whoever was after her was just as determined. It seemed that no matter what Mara and Billy did, the bad guys were right on their heels. I was glued to the pages with each attack, as they escalated in danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Billy raced to rescue Mara.
September 26, 2017
I got the chance to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Tyler and I could not put it down. I read the prologue before bed one night and read the entire remainder of the book in a single sitting the next day. If the rest of the series was already out, I would've immediately downloaded the next book and continued reading- my poor husband would have had to fend for himself for the rest of the weekend. I love the characters and the setting. I have worked in law enforcement for almost ten years so I am always critical of how law enforcement agencies are portrayed in novels, but I was pleased with every aspect of this story. The characters were very relatable and I felt like Tyler was writing about some of the people that I know. The descriptions of the inner workings of small towns and their inhabitants ring very true. Small town law enforcement is often a twenty-four/seven commitment and Tyler has captured that as well as the sense of duty that most members of rural law enforcement have. Can't wait to read the next installment in the series!
October 20, 2017
Tyler Anne Snell does it again! She brings you into a mysterious romance with a twist of a chilling father-daughter-cop showdown.
I would read until my eyes could no longer stay open, and then immediately start reading the next day. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery, romance, and thrilling twists and turns.
I would read until my eyes could no longer stay open, and then immediately start reading the next day. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery, romance, and thrilling twists and turns.
October 25, 2017
Who can resist a southern gentleman? In Tyler Anne Snell's newest series Protectors of Riker County you'll meet Sheriff Billy Reed. In (book 1) Small Town Face-off gorgeous Sheriff Billy Reed who thinks the only woman he has every really loved left him and never looked back 2 years ago shows up on his doorstep one rainy night. Needing his help and wanting him more than she wants to admit, she has a surprise that will change everything. When dangers from her past threaten she knows there is nowhere else to turn except to the sheriff for help.
Check out The Orion Security Series also by Tyler Anne Snell.
Check out The Orion Security Series also by Tyler Anne Snell.
October 18, 2017
Couldn't put this book down!! From the start Tyler pulls you into the world of small town law enforcement and a community rocked by drugs. Our now Sheriff Billy Reed gets a blast from his past with a little more than he bargained for, trouble on her heels and a surprise in her arms. Definitely a page turner!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2017
Perfect balance of romance and suspense. Storyline is original and intriguing. The characters feel like friends (or enemies)! Hard to put down. Definitely recommend.
October 3, 2017
Sheriff Billy Reed is an exceptional man.. Determined to protect his town and those he loves, he will do anything he needs to. From the moment he found out about his daughter, he was a father and a great one at that.. From romance to suspense to characters you love, this book has everything!!
August 29, 2019
This is one of those books that will keep you up late turning the pages. It’s hard to put down. This is a second chance romance, with action and suspense. Mara had left Billy a few years ago. When someone threatens her and her daughter she packed up and ran back to Billy, the one person she knows that will protect her and the daughter they shared, but he didn’t know about. It was sweet seeing him bond with his daughter. Billy is the town sheriff, and is tough as they come. He would do anything to protect his new little family. Loved this story, and all the characters.
October 8, 2018
want a good romantic suspense series this is it
December 12, 2018
This book was good an bonus it happened to be a Christmas story too but it not labeled as that lol
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June 6, 2021good
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November 2, 2017Miniseries: The Protectors of Riker County
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November 2, 2017Miniseries: The Protectors of Riker County
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