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The Coltons of Red Ridge #3
Colton K-9 Bodyguard
He broke her heart years ago and now he’s back to save her life…
K-9 officer Micah Shaw never thought tracking a serial killer would lead him to discover the woman he once loved near death. Vulnerable and under siege, Bea Colton needs him now more than ever. When her bridal shop is hit and she crosses the killer’s path, she never thinks that her rescuer would be the man who’d left her. Their relationship fell apart, leaving them both with bitter memories. Back in each other’s lives again, their love reignites. But their second-chance attraction is an all-too-deadly distraction: one that could kill!
K-9 officer Micah Shaw never thought tracking a serial killer would lead him to discover the woman he once loved near death. Vulnerable and under siege, Bea Colton needs him now more than ever. When her bridal shop is hit and she crosses the killer’s path, she never thinks that her rescuer would be the man who’d left her. Their relationship fell apart, leaving them both with bitter memories. Back in each other’s lives again, their love reignites. But their second-chance attraction is an all-too-deadly distraction: one that could kill!
- GenresRomantic Suspense
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2018
100 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Lara Lacombe
76 books172 followersLara Lacombe is a recovering research scientist turned college professor who now spends her days writing and wrangling a toddler. She lives in Texas with her family and two entitled cats, and loves chocolate and her Crock Pot. She uses Facebook to procrastinate--stop by Lara Lacombe Books if you'd like to chat!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 1, 2021
The Groom Killer strikes again leaving a dead body in Bea Colton’s bridal shop, where Bea herself is subsequently attacked. K-9 officer Micah Shaw (who also happens to be Bea’s ex-boyfriend) is on the case along with his canine partner Chunk. This was an enjoyable enough read although I would have preferred more suspense and investigation. The story seemed to focus more on the second-chance romance between Micah and Bea. I did adore lovable Chunk. The Groom Killer still hasn’t been caught and that story remains ongoing.
June 11, 2022
A decent romance completely ruined by leaving too many plot strands up in the air at the end.
Micah Shaw is a K-9 officer who finds his ex, Bea Colton, in her bridal shop with a head injury, after she was attacked by someone lurking in a back room. In the bridal shop, a dead body is discovered, who seems to be the latest victim of The Groom Killer. It is thought that Bea might become the killer's target because she could identify the killer (though she saw nothing), and Bea, of course, insists that Micah be her bodyguard.
Micah and Bea broke up after he went to war, each receiving a letter from the other. It's clear from the get-go that all is not on the up and up with the letters they received. I found myself quite caught up in the feelings they were experiencing in finding out about all the years they lost together because of another's machinations. It was that rare case where I was just as invested in the romance element, and was fine with the romance being the focus.
However, it is not acceptable to leave as many plot strands dangling as what happens here. I understood that I wasn't going to find out who the Groom Killer was, since this was only book 3 of a 12 book series. That annoys the crap out of me, but I was going to let it go because the romance was so involving. But there's a major subplot involving two bodies found at the latest Groom Killer victim's home that is abruptly dropped and never mentioned again. And the epilogue suggests a completely different plot direction for the next book.
Sorry, not acceptable.
This would have been a far better book if it had had no connection to the Groom Killer story at all. Micah and Bea's second chance love story would have been sufficient on its own. The reader is only cheated when so much other plot stuff goes unanswered.
Oh, yeah, and Micah saying he'll leave his K-9, Chunk, in the car when the weather isn't hot? Nope, nope, nope. It's clear the author has never owned dogs before. No loving or responsible dog owner would leave their dog in a car unattended, no matter what the weather.
Micah Shaw is a K-9 officer who finds his ex, Bea Colton, in her bridal shop with a head injury, after she was attacked by someone lurking in a back room. In the bridal shop, a dead body is discovered, who seems to be the latest victim of The Groom Killer. It is thought that Bea might become the killer's target because she could identify the killer (though she saw nothing), and Bea, of course, insists that Micah be her bodyguard.
Micah and Bea broke up after he went to war, each receiving a letter from the other. It's clear from the get-go that all is not on the up and up with the letters they received. I found myself quite caught up in the feelings they were experiencing in finding out about all the years they lost together because of another's machinations. It was that rare case where I was just as invested in the romance element, and was fine with the romance being the focus.
However, it is not acceptable to leave as many plot strands dangling as what happens here. I understood that I wasn't going to find out who the Groom Killer was, since this was only book 3 of a 12 book series. That annoys the crap out of me, but I was going to let it go because the romance was so involving. But there's a major subplot involving two bodies found at the latest Groom Killer victim's home that is abruptly dropped and never mentioned again. And the epilogue suggests a completely different plot direction for the next book.
Sorry, not acceptable.
This would have been a far better book if it had had no connection to the Groom Killer story at all. Micah and Bea's second chance love story would have been sufficient on its own. The reader is only cheated when so much other plot stuff goes unanswered.
Oh, yeah, and Micah saying he'll leave his K-9, Chunk, in the car when the weather isn't hot? Nope, nope, nope. It's clear the author has never owned dogs before. No loving or responsible dog owner would leave their dog in a car unattended, no matter what the weather.
February 17, 2020
This was quite an emotional second chance romance. Micah and Bea had planned to marry once he finished boot camp. But something went wrong and they broke up. Years later, they met again when Bea was attacked in her bridal shop. Micah, who was then a police officer, responded with his K-9 partner, to find Bea unconscious. When Micah later questioned Bea, she explained she had heard a noise in the back of the shop so she went to see what it was. That was when she was attacked. They later found that the Groom Killer had left another victim in one of the fitting rooms. With the Groom Killer still on the loose, business in the bridal shop had not been good lately but another murder had her thinking she should close her shop. Micah told Bea she had to have round the clock protection until they found her attacker. She told him she would only agree to it if he was her protector. That was awkward and turned out to be hard on both of them. Micah tried to be professional around Bea, but it wasn't easy. I felt sorry for this couple because of their pasts and was happy they got a chance to get some answers.
Was it a cliffhanger? I'm not sure, but I do know I wasn't happy with the ending. A couple of things were tied up but a couple of other things were not. I didn't realize the search for the Groom Killer was ongoing throughout the series.
Was it a cliffhanger? I'm not sure, but I do know I wasn't happy with the ending. A couple of things were tied up but a couple of other things were not. I didn't realize the search for the Groom Killer was ongoing throughout the series.
December 31, 2019
This was a sweet second chance romance combined with action and suspense. Bea and Micah Shaw dated in high school. They had plans of getting married after he finished bootcamp. Something happened, and they broke up. Years later he was back from the Army working with the Police Department with his K-9 partner. I loved his dog Chunk. He was trained to smell blood, and he was very good at his job. He found and lead Micah to Bea after she had been attacked. The two never expected to meet like that. Bea was very thankful Chunk found her when he did. Micah stepped into protect her becoming her personal body guard after that, until her case got solved. The two got to know one another again. I really enjoyed this book. It’s part of a series, but I read it as a standalone.
February 22, 2018
The hunt continues for whoever is killing grooms in the third book of the Coltons of Red Ridge continuity series, while a couple get the chance to discover if they can have another opportunity at a relationship. Lara Lacombe has created intriguing developments linked to the mysterious killings in a community, where several Coltons are trying to solve the crimes while one is even a suspect. The author adds many new details to what has been revealed so far, and the list of unknowns just keeps mounting along with some resolutions. COLTON K-9 BODYGUARD is an enthralling story of unexpected suspense and touching romance. I have become very caught up in the events happening in Red Ridge, and the many characters that have been introduced have also grabbed my interest.
With most engaged couples in Red Ridge fearful of a person called the Groom Killer, only a few weddings have been occurring lately. This has resulted in the bridal shop owned by Beatrix Colton not doing much business, and it will not until the individual responsible for murdering two men the day before they wed is caught. One night as Bea is closing the store, she hears a noise and is soon attacked.
Luckily for her, two local cops are checking out the area after receiving information about an unrelated crime. Micah Shaw and his K-9 partner, Chunk, find Bea, and he questions her after she gets needed help at the hospital. She and the former Army Ranger have history, but their relationship ended badly. With more murders taking place, Micah worries that Bea may be in danger, so he ends up watching over the woman whom he has never completely forgotten.
Just when there seems to be a promising lead in the Groom Killer case, the actual facts do not always make Micah happy. He wants the killings to stop, and his frustration is intensifying. This tension along with being forced to be around Bea is making the cop feel uneasy at times, but he still pushes forward with his investigation. I really liked Micah with his no-nonsense attitude, plus he was very loyal to those for whom he cared. The way in which he reacted with Bea, even when they had differences was admirable, and I so hoped these two would finally speak about the past. Lara Lacombe cleverly builds the anticipation of how their relationship will proceed, and my anxiety over their possible responses kept building. Bea is portrayed as a woman determined to take charge of her life, and I enjoyed seeing her make a point.
Several surprises occur in COLTON K-9 BODYGUARD, and I was certainly shocked at one unforeseen incident. While more answers are hopefully forthcoming, I did learn some key truths. Another aspect of the story that is highly interesting is Chunk and his many contributions to the police force. I was really entertained by his antics and lovable personality. The author definitely kept me engrossed, and the next book is set up perfectly.
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion - 4.5 Stars
With most engaged couples in Red Ridge fearful of a person called the Groom Killer, only a few weddings have been occurring lately. This has resulted in the bridal shop owned by Beatrix Colton not doing much business, and it will not until the individual responsible for murdering two men the day before they wed is caught. One night as Bea is closing the store, she hears a noise and is soon attacked.
Luckily for her, two local cops are checking out the area after receiving information about an unrelated crime. Micah Shaw and his K-9 partner, Chunk, find Bea, and he questions her after she gets needed help at the hospital. She and the former Army Ranger have history, but their relationship ended badly. With more murders taking place, Micah worries that Bea may be in danger, so he ends up watching over the woman whom he has never completely forgotten.
Just when there seems to be a promising lead in the Groom Killer case, the actual facts do not always make Micah happy. He wants the killings to stop, and his frustration is intensifying. This tension along with being forced to be around Bea is making the cop feel uneasy at times, but he still pushes forward with his investigation. I really liked Micah with his no-nonsense attitude, plus he was very loyal to those for whom he cared. The way in which he reacted with Bea, even when they had differences was admirable, and I so hoped these two would finally speak about the past. Lara Lacombe cleverly builds the anticipation of how their relationship will proceed, and my anxiety over their possible responses kept building. Bea is portrayed as a woman determined to take charge of her life, and I enjoyed seeing her make a point.
Several surprises occur in COLTON K-9 BODYGUARD, and I was certainly shocked at one unforeseen incident. While more answers are hopefully forthcoming, I did learn some key truths. Another aspect of the story that is highly interesting is Chunk and his many contributions to the police force. I was really entertained by his antics and lovable personality. The author definitely kept me engrossed, and the next book is set up perfectly.
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion - 4.5 Stars
April 9, 2019
Reviewed at Lovin'A Cowboy Romance
COLTON K-9 BODYGUARD kicks up the pace a bit as the Groom Killer claims another victim and two lovers who were cruelly separated are reunited once again. The Coltons of Red Ridge series is quickly becoming an addicting reading experience for me. Sometimes coming late to the party means that I can binge-read this series that was released in 2018 pretty much back to back… and that makes me a very happy reader as I don’t have to wait for monthly installments of this suspenseful, multi-authored series.
As the evidence against and the search for Demi Colton intensifies yet another murder has taken place. This time the groom-to-be is discovered in an unusual location and conflicting clues are discovered. Micah and his K-9 partner, Chunk, make an alarming discovery while investigating a far different situation. When Chunk alerts the last thing Micah expected to find was his one-time love, Bea, unconscious on the floor of her bridal shop and his dog still alerting for even more trouble further into the shop. While on the surface it looks as though Bea interrupted the Groom Killer in action there are a lot of unanswered questions… mainly, how is Bea still alive if she encountered this serial killer. That question and so much more lead to Micah becoming Bea’s protective bodyguard as the search for a killer and answers intensifies.
In many ways, COLTON K-9 BODYGUARD is not only a continuation of the search for a killer but a second chance at getting it right for Micah and Bea. When Micah went off to the military he left behind a loving girlfriend who would have waited forever for him to return to their planned future. Life didn’t work out that way for them back then and the discovery of why is heartbreaking and easy to see even before this couple stumbles onto the truth. In the decade that Bea and Micah have been apart much has changed in their personalities, caused by the circumstances of their breakup. Neither is exactly the same person they once were and this couple has some ground to cover before their happy ending can happen. Watching them find their way back to each other while fighting constant threats of danger was an engaging journey. The villains in this story aren’t just the Groom Killer and that sad fact made Micah and Bea’s romance very poignant among the happiness of their reunion.
I enjoyed COLTON K-9 BODYGUARD very much. I liked Bea and Micah as a couple, adored Chunk to pieces and was further hooked on finding out who is the Groom Killer. There is a way to go before that discovery will come to light and I’m definitely enjoying the journey.
I own a Kindle edition of this story.
COLTON K-9 BODYGUARD kicks up the pace a bit as the Groom Killer claims another victim and two lovers who were cruelly separated are reunited once again. The Coltons of Red Ridge series is quickly becoming an addicting reading experience for me. Sometimes coming late to the party means that I can binge-read this series that was released in 2018 pretty much back to back… and that makes me a very happy reader as I don’t have to wait for monthly installments of this suspenseful, multi-authored series.
As the evidence against and the search for Demi Colton intensifies yet another murder has taken place. This time the groom-to-be is discovered in an unusual location and conflicting clues are discovered. Micah and his K-9 partner, Chunk, make an alarming discovery while investigating a far different situation. When Chunk alerts the last thing Micah expected to find was his one-time love, Bea, unconscious on the floor of her bridal shop and his dog still alerting for even more trouble further into the shop. While on the surface it looks as though Bea interrupted the Groom Killer in action there are a lot of unanswered questions… mainly, how is Bea still alive if she encountered this serial killer. That question and so much more lead to Micah becoming Bea’s protective bodyguard as the search for a killer and answers intensifies.
In many ways, COLTON K-9 BODYGUARD is not only a continuation of the search for a killer but a second chance at getting it right for Micah and Bea. When Micah went off to the military he left behind a loving girlfriend who would have waited forever for him to return to their planned future. Life didn’t work out that way for them back then and the discovery of why is heartbreaking and easy to see even before this couple stumbles onto the truth. In the decade that Bea and Micah have been apart much has changed in their personalities, caused by the circumstances of their breakup. Neither is exactly the same person they once were and this couple has some ground to cover before their happy ending can happen. Watching them find their way back to each other while fighting constant threats of danger was an engaging journey. The villains in this story aren’t just the Groom Killer and that sad fact made Micah and Bea’s romance very poignant among the happiness of their reunion.
I enjoyed COLTON K-9 BODYGUARD very much. I liked Bea and Micah as a couple, adored Chunk to pieces and was further hooked on finding out who is the Groom Killer. There is a way to go before that discovery will come to light and I’m definitely enjoying the journey.
I own a Kindle edition of this story.
November 6, 2018
I gave this book a three star review. Just to little passion include for me. But here is a highlight from the book...
She tilted her face up for his kiss. “No worries. I’m just glad you’re here now.” She closed the door behind them, and when she turned back to face him, Micah was struck by a wave of love so powerful it nearly brought him to his knees. Now. It has to be now. He fumbled in his pocket and dropped to his knees. Bea’s eyes widened as he took her hands. “I meant to make this special for you, but I can’t wait another minute.” His stomach danced with nerves, his heart pounding in his chest. “Micah?” She whispered his name, a hopeful question that made him nod. “I love you. I never stopped loving you. And I know I never will. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?” He held up the ring and she clapped her hand over her mouth. Her eyes darted from it to his face. “Oh!” Tears welled in her eyes and she knelt before him, then threw her arms around his neck. “I take it that’s a yes?” She pulled back and kissed him soundly. “Yes!” Another kiss, and then another. “Of course it’s a yes!” She leaned forward to kiss him again, but Chunk’s tongue swiped their cheeks before their lips met. They both turned to look at the dog who was sitting right next to them, tail thumping madly. “I suppose you can be the ring bearer,” Bea said with a laugh, reaching out to scratch behind the dog’s ears. Chunk closed his eyes and sighed, apparently accepting his new role. Micah took Bea’s left hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. She stared at it for a moment, turning her hand this way and that so the green stone sparkled in the light. “It was my mom’s,” he said. “My aunt took it after she died, probably because she knew my dad would pawn it for booze money. She left it to me, along with the house.” “It’s beautiful.” “I know it’s not a diamond,” he said, feeling suddenly shy. “I can get you one if you want. But I wanted you to have this first.”
She tilted her face up for his kiss. “No worries. I’m just glad you’re here now.” She closed the door behind them, and when she turned back to face him, Micah was struck by a wave of love so powerful it nearly brought him to his knees. Now. It has to be now. He fumbled in his pocket and dropped to his knees. Bea’s eyes widened as he took her hands. “I meant to make this special for you, but I can’t wait another minute.” His stomach danced with nerves, his heart pounding in his chest. “Micah?” She whispered his name, a hopeful question that made him nod. “I love you. I never stopped loving you. And I know I never will. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?” He held up the ring and she clapped her hand over her mouth. Her eyes darted from it to his face. “Oh!” Tears welled in her eyes and she knelt before him, then threw her arms around his neck. “I take it that’s a yes?” She pulled back and kissed him soundly. “Yes!” Another kiss, and then another. “Of course it’s a yes!” She leaned forward to kiss him again, but Chunk’s tongue swiped their cheeks before their lips met. They both turned to look at the dog who was sitting right next to them, tail thumping madly. “I suppose you can be the ring bearer,” Bea said with a laugh, reaching out to scratch behind the dog’s ears. Chunk closed his eyes and sighed, apparently accepting his new role. Micah took Bea’s left hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. She stared at it for a moment, turning her hand this way and that so the green stone sparkled in the light. “It was my mom’s,” he said. “My aunt took it after she died, probably because she knew my dad would pawn it for booze money. She left it to me, along with the house.” “It’s beautiful.” “I know it’s not a diamond,” he said, feeling suddenly shy. “I can get you one if you want. But I wanted you to have this first.”
September 2, 2023
With a groom killer on the loose Beatrix Colton's bridal shop has taken an hit, no one wants to walk down the aisle because their scared of making themselves a target. She's hoping the killer will be caught soon so her business can rebound, but that hope hits a little snag when she's attacked in her own shop and has to be assigned a bodyguard. Which she is none to happy about... especially because that means she will be spending an awful lot of time with her ex Micah.
From beginning to end this one held my attention, it's pages filled with anticipation, excitement, and plenty of sparks. This was my first visit to the series and I have to say it was quite an impressive visit, so much so, that I am thinking I'll need to revisit and catch up on what I missed in previous installments.
These two characters peaked my interest from their very first interaction, you could feel all the history between them being stirred up and I just knew there was going to be an passionate explosion at some point. They may have wanted to keep their distance from one another, but their hearts definitely didn't get the memo. I really enjoyed watching this one unfold and look forward to more in the series!! Highly recommend!
From beginning to end this one held my attention, it's pages filled with anticipation, excitement, and plenty of sparks. This was my first visit to the series and I have to say it was quite an impressive visit, so much so, that I am thinking I'll need to revisit and catch up on what I missed in previous installments.
These two characters peaked my interest from their very first interaction, you could feel all the history between them being stirred up and I just knew there was going to be an passionate explosion at some point. They may have wanted to keep their distance from one another, but their hearts definitely didn't get the memo. I really enjoyed watching this one unfold and look forward to more in the series!! Highly recommend!
December 24, 2018
I have become addicted to this series. Each author has done an excellent job of adding another layer to the story. In Lara's story we meet Micha Shaw and Bea Colton. There are secrets to be revealed and a mystery is a foot. I love the way Lara draws you into the story and adds her own twist to to story. I love the name of Micha's dog. Its kinda neat. I look forward to finding out who is the "groom killer". Its a great story and I look forward to reading the next book I find in this series. Its been fun finding paperbacks in this series.
July 23, 2018
The love story is cute, and it is a page-tuner. Easy to read but I found myself skipping some descriptive paragraphs (so not entirely engrossing). The "suspense" part isn't as well developed as it could have been, I guess.
Would recommend to any romance lover with a few hours to fill!
Would recommend to any romance lover with a few hours to fill!
August 29, 2020
Just one thing i hate from this book is when Bea made demand to Micah to share his feeling and angry because Micah could not do it. In my opinion Micah is a man and mostly they are good in action than talking.
August 6, 2018
A quick and easy romance. A bit of mystery.
June 2, 2019
Read this book quite quickly and enjoyed the read. Found this book ay my local library
October 27, 2021
Interesting story line but very disappointed that must read the next book to solve the murder mystery.
romantic-suspense
November 13, 202120
January 12, 2022
Enjoyed this story. Slowly working my way through the series - a good introduction to new-to-me authors.
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March 1, 2018Miniseries: The Coltons of Red Ridge
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