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The Coltons of Red Ridge #2

Colton's Deadly Engagement

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A Coltons of Red Ridge story…

A cop and his false fiancée track a serial killer

After yet another groom-to-be is murdered in Red Ridge, K-9 cop Finn Colton comes up with a plan. He’ll fake an engagement to Darby Gage—to bait a criminal and investigate his suspect “fiancée.” But after brutal attempts on both their lives, Finn worries that he’s endangered the woman he’s falling for. Can he protect Darby and convince her to make their engagement real?

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 2018

68 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

Addison Fox

144 books374 followers
Addison Fox can’t remember a time when words weren’t a part of her life. In addition to being an avid reader, she loves writing novels about strong-willed and exciting heroes and heroines – individuals who are meant for each other and who deserve their happy ever after. After she makes them work for it, of course!

First published in 2010, Addison has written across romance genres including paranormal, contemporary and romantic suspense. A romantic at heart, she’ll take her heroes any way she can get them – from ancient warriors to computer geeks to sexy cowboys. She’s not picky - but she is deeply grateful her readers are willing to come along for the ride.

Addison lives in New York. You can find her at her home on the web at www.addisonfox.com or on Facebook (facebook.com/addisonfoxauthor) and Twitter (@addisonfox).


The House of Steele series for Harlequin Romantic Suspense launches in July with THE PARIS ASSIGNMENT.

And two new stories in the Alaskan Nights series will be out - FROM THIS MOMENT ON (Penguin eNovella, July) and JUST IN TIME (Aug).

Addison lives in Dallas. She loves to get email from readers.

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Paula.
545 reviews7 followers
December 5, 2020
Darby Gage’s ex-husband was murdered by the Groom Killer. The Groom Killer is killing men who are to be wed and is bringing fear to couples who are in love in Red Ridge. K-9 cop Finn Colton at first believed Darby to be a prime suspect. Now he needs her help to draw out the killer by asking her to pose with him as a couple in love. But instead, Finn may have attracted the attention of another dangerous threat… a jealous secret admirer/stalker. This was a very enjoyable romantic suspense story with likable characters and good suspense. I truly loved the three wonderful, adorable, and brave dogs that were featured in this story—Penny, Lotte, and Lucy. While the secret admirer storyline wraps up in this one, the Groom Killer storyline is still ongoing and will continue through the upcoming books in the series.
Profile Image for Paula Legate.
Author 17 books25 followers
September 14, 2019
This is one of those books that you keep expecting someone to jump out and say “BOO!” The suspense was excellent! This is the second book, in The Coltons of Red Ridge Book series. I think it could be read as a standalone. With that being said book 1, was also an excellent book! Chief of Police, Finn Colton and his team are working hard to find the Grooms Killer. Two grooms were murdered right before they were to get married. So far, they only have 2 suspects. At the same time finn is being sent gifts from a stalker. Could the gifts, and stalker be the grooms killer? I have to saw the stalker gave the book a creepy feel to it. This is one book that is hard to put down.
Profile Image for Amelia.
794 reviews20 followers
January 24, 2018
The anticipation kept building of how several occurrences would turn out in the second book of the Coltons of Red Ridge miniseries, as there were more questions than answers related to most situations. I always enjoy a story where the unknows have me guessing what is actually going on, and this story definitely has lots of mysteries to solve. From who is killing future grooms to the real motive for numerous unexpected incidents, I was kept in the dark until some clues pointed me in the right direction, while other revelations will take longer to learn in this compelling miniseries. The storyline in COLTON’S DEADLY ENGAGEMENT certainly pulled me in from the very beginning, and each new disclosure cleverly imagined by Addison Fox only added to my enthrallment.

When a second man is found murdered in the community where Finn Colton is the police chief, he begins to worry about the citizens of Red Ridge, South Dakota. The two killings have similarities, most noticeably being that both victims were to be married very soon. Yet with few clues, Finn knows he will be spending many hours investigating what is called the Groom Killer murders.

There are several people who could possibly be suspects, and one is the ex-wife of the first man killed. Finn needs to find out more about Darby Gage, so he decides they should pretend to be interested in each other and start dating, which may let him discover some facts about her plus it might grab the attention of the murderer. She reluctantly goes along with his suggestion because he makes it beneficial for her, too. Finn realizes he must keep his full concentration on locating the Groom Killer, but the tempting Darby makes it difficult whenever they are together. What he does not know is that his scheme is drawing unexpected danger to both of them.

COLTON’S DEADLY ENGAGEMENT is packed with secrets, emotional entanglements, and unpredicted threats. Though part of a miniseries, this story works well on its own as the author gave enough background information to let me know the reason for any happenings. What was divulged in the story was often enlightening, and I am eager for more pieces of the puzzle to become known. Addison Fox made her contribution to the Coltons of Red Ridge miniseries very entertaining, as there was much more taking place besides the murder investigation. Family matters are the focus from time to time, and the relationship of Finn and Darby is also a big part of the book. Then there are the scenes where some adorable dogs take center stage, and I especially liked the moments where these noble animals were interacting with different people. Finn is a K-9 cop, and I loved the way in which he showed his respect for his partner. Darby had not intentionally become a dog owner, so I admired how she made the best of the circumstances given her. I really liked Finn and Darby, as both are honorable people and give their assistance when someone needs it. Their conversations are candidly frank, and they proved their intelligence over and over again. COLTON’S DEADLY ENGAGEMENT is a constantly riveting story with engaging characters.

I voluntarily reviewed the book and all comments are my honest opinion
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
April 9, 2019
Reviewed at Lovin'A Cowboy Romance

COLTON’S DEADLY ENGAGEMENT starts off with the gripping scene of yet another murder of a soon-to-be groom in the small town of Red Ridge, South Dakota. The Groom Killer has struck again and now the concern becomes is the killer escalating their crimes or is there a potential serial killer on the loose. The two main and only suspects are female… which brings an interesting question to mind. Is the killer going after any groom and not just the one man both women had in common? Are the growing anonymous gifts left for the chief of police, Finn Colton a slap in the face from the killer or something far different but equally dangerous?

Setting himself up as a decoy target for The Groom Killer, Finn will set out to find answers and keep one of his suspects even closer as he unravels the facts that keep pointing in her direction. Being seen around town as a couple in love and anticipating an engagement Finn and Darby will discover far more than clues to the crime, they’ll find an attraction between them that is too powerful to deny.

COLTON’S DEADLY ENGAGEMENT is full of tension, fast-paced action, a subtle sub-story, twists and turns galore and a bit more information about the suspects in this murder. Darby is a strong, stubborn and capable woman who has been handed a rough life. Finn’s suspicions of her make sense yet they also feel so off from the start. I enjoyed how their slow-burn romance was a give and take of opinions, feelings, and conclusions on both sides. Loved the K-9 dogs as well, I will always get a greater enjoyment of a story when dogs (or any pet) are involved in the storyline – it’s more realistic to me.

The second story in The Coltons of Red Ridge series gives us a bit more to work with on solving the murder mystery, and a very enjoyable couple to watch as they fall in love along the way. I enjoyed myself and I’ve already downloaded the next story in the series to dive into. If you love a good Mystery or Suspense as well as an engaging Romance then you’ll enjoy this story or the entire series. I’d definitely recommend this one to any reader who enjoys a good love story with some suspense and puzzles to figure out as well.

I own a Kindle edition of this story.
Profile Image for Cunningham Sandra Chamber.
277 reviews
November 2, 2018
A great read, but could have had a little more passion include. Here is a highlight from the book.

“The rabbit died.” Finn’s eyes widened, his shock clear as he stopped midway to tucking his napkin on his lap. “We’re having a baby?” Darby glanced at the dog that even now lay next to the stove, her gaze pointed upward at the meat loaf sitting in a pan on top. “I meant Lucy, silly. We had a successful breeding. The vet confirmed it today.” “Wow. Of course. That’s great.” Something flickered deep in his gorgeous blue eyes. Did he think she was pregnant? Darby wondered if she should say something, nearly discarding the words before she admonished herself. That was the old Darby. The woman who held back or felt like she couldn’t express her true self. All that had changed since Finn had come into her life. It had been reinforced again a month ago when that deranged woman had attacked her in Finn’s apartment. Life was meant to be lived. And part of living was saying what you wanted and what mattered to you. Finn mattered to her. Their future mattered to her. “Would you like to have a baby?” she asked. “Wouldn’t you?” “Of course—” Darby broke off, trying to find the right words. “I mean, for a long time I’d put it out of my mind. I wasn’t with anyone and dwelling on it wasn’t going to get me very far. But now? With you? With how I feel about you?” She nodded. “I think about it.” “I think about it, too. I see the way you are with Lora and all I can imagine is you holding our baby.” “I imagine it, too.” Finn laid his napkin down and got up out of his chair. He came around the side of the table, dropping to his knee. Something dropped out of the bottom of her stomach as the gesture registered.
3,547 reviews14 followers
November 6, 2019
Colton's Deadly Engagement is a fantastic romantic suspense by Addison Fox. Ms. Fox has delivered a book that is well-written and loaded with phenomenal characters. Finn is the Chief of police in Red Ridge and now has two murdered grooms. Darby is the ex-wife of the first groom that was murdered. Finn and Darby's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover and look forward to reading more from Addison Fox in the future. Colton's Deadly Engagement is book 2 of The Coltons of Red Ridge Series but it can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. There is one thread still dangling though.

I read a print copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,833 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2019
Nice Read

A really enjoyable experience.Mystery,suspense,thrills and just the right amount of action and romance.Let's not forget the laughter,I didn't want this story to end.Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,385 reviews
January 6, 2022
Another very entertaining story in this series. Finished it in one day, so it really held my interest. The couple get their happily-ever-after but the identity of the groom murderer remains a mystery.
Profile Image for Rebecca Delio.
1,117 reviews5 followers
August 2, 2018
Wonderful Story

I have followed this series for some time and have not always read the books in order but it didn't matter You can read them anyway but the stories are wonderful....
Profile Image for Nibrock.
1,737 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2018
A quick and light hearted romance. A bit of suspense/mystery.
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,805 followers
Read
April 28, 2018
"Fox’s latest romance is heartfelt and full of genuine characters. With crisp storytelling, strong conflict and steady pacing, readers will be drawn into the latest Colton family storyline. Finn is a tough, sexy alpha hero with heart and Darby is equally tough and full of sass. Their banter is snappy and engaging and their chemistry heats up the pages. Add three adorable German Shepherds and this second novel in the Coltons of Red Ridge series is sure to please" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).

Miniseries: The Coltons of Red Ridge
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