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The Coltons of Red Ridge #11

Colton's Christmas Cop

A rookie cop’s mistletoe mission

Layla Colton would do anything for her family’s company—even marry a man she doesn’t love. But when she’s framed for a crime she didn’t commit, Layla has more to worry about than wedding bells. Officer Hunter Black and his K-9 companion are on the case. Can they rescue Layla from the deadly shadows threatening to engulf Red Ridge?

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 18, 2018

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About the author

Karen Whiddon

193 books132 followers
Karen Whiddon spun fanciful tales for her younger brothers as early as the age of eleven. Growing up in the Catskill Mountains of New York, then the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, she found enough magic in the rugged peaks to keep her imagination fueled for years.

Now making her home in North Texas, she shares her life with her hero-like husband and three doting dogs. She writes paranormal tales for Harlequin Nocturne including the popular Pack series and romantic suspense stories for Harlequin Romantic Suspense.

She's also written Fae novels for Lovespell and a long time ago, she wrote five Precious Gem Romances for Kensington publishing. These she now owns again and has put them up for sale on Amazon.com among other places

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5 stars
62 (52%)
4 stars
30 (25%)
3 stars
22 (18%)
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3 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Paula Brandon.
1,304 reviews42 followers
December 23, 2019
Fairly ho-hum romantic suspense tale in which executive at Colton Energy, Layla Colton, is suddenly arrested for the stalking and sexual harassment of a co-worker! Former colleague, Hunter Black, is now a police officer, and he's on the case. He doesn't believe Layla is guilty. Layla is particularly shocked, as she is the ultimate professional, and bends over backwards to gain the approval of her father (her boss) and do what's best for the company. This includes agreeing to an engagement with an older man she doesn't love in order to secure a lucrative business deal.

Yikes.

When Layla also suddenly finds herself the target of an enemy who seemingly wants to kill her, she winds up staying with Hunter at his apartment, where Hunter risks getting too close to a woman in his official investigation.

As is all too typical with the Romantic Suspense line, this is too long for the amount of plot actually contained within it, and is also book 11 (BOOK 11!!!) in a mini-series in which the ongoing story involves a serial killer who is murdering about-to-be grooms. This has everybody on edge, and is a reason why Lacey and her fiance have put a pause on their engagement. (Not to mention neither seems to like the other.)

11 books. That's just insane.

Of course, the identity of said serial killer is not resolved here. The mystery here is who is setting up Lacey with the fake stalking texts and emails and video surveillance, and who wants her dead. It's not terribly compelling, as it comes as almost an afterthought, with the author seemingly more interested in all the food our h and H eat. Thanksgiving is coming up, so there's a lot we learn about how Hunter plans and prepares for that.

While there is a scene in which Hunter and Lacey get a Christmas tree, this book would have been better off being called Colton's Thanksgiving Cop.

While the plot was blah, I suppose the romance was all fine and dandy, except for the fact that Lacey was engaged to another man for nearly the entirety of the book. Sure, Lacey doesn't have any interest in her fiance, and he only sees her as a potential trophy wife, but Lacey's actions still make her a cheater. Indeed, Hunter sleeps with Lacey knowing she's engaged. The behaviour from both of them was appalling! And pretty soon, I was really beginning to really dislike Lacey. She keeps going on and on and on about making changes in her life, but she does nothing, and certainly doesn't call off the engagement!

The book tries to suggest that Lacey's fiance is the gross, lecherous, amoral party in the proceedings, but Lacey is no better! In fact, she gets pissy with Hunter when he's the one who draws the line in the sand and won't hook up with her again until she ends the engagement! And she continually refuses to do so! What the hell is wrong with this woman? This in turn made me think Hunter perhaps needed to grow a backbone. One plot element that is introduced is some pain Hunter apparently has around photography, but this is never elaborated upon and subsequently dumped without resolution. Strange, considering that 281 pages should give the author ample time to resolve it.

Hunter was too beta. Lacey was a fool I wanted to throw a book at. Mystery and suspense was on the low side. An extra star for Hunter's K-9 companion Goose, who was adorable.
Profile Image for Eva Millien.
3,115 reviews43 followers
November 6, 2018
Layla Colton is engaged to marry a man she doesn’t love and she’s being framed for a crime she didn’t commit. Can Officer Hunter Black and K-9 partner protect Layla from an unknown enemy or enemies? Layla and Hunter are strong, captivating characters that effortlessly draw readers into their story as they to catch several different bad guys. The romance between Layla and Hunter is one of suspense, sweetness and passion as they fight their sizzling attraction and the emotional turmoil ensures that readers can really connect to them and their situation.

The plot is fast paced and full of intrigue that keeps anticipation building throughout with several surprising twists and turns that leave readers guessing until the very end. As a cop, Hunter has to gather the evidence but using his trusted K-9 partner and his gut instincts he knows where to look for that evidence. The adorably cute pooch with the friendly work loving attitude adds undeniable charm and delight to this holiday romance while family adds strife and tension. Readers can’t help but enjoy this heartwarming holiday read.
Profile Image for Toth Jo-Ann.
675 reviews14 followers
February 13, 2019
This is first time I've read Karen's book. I loved Layla Colton. Her character is relatable to alot of people. I also liked Hunter Black. The love he had for his dog Goose you could sense from the pages. I loved how it started with a mystery to solve. Sorry I'm not telling. But I like how Karen brought all of the characters of the Red Ridge police dept to life without changing anything. Its fun to see how a author takes a on going mystery and finally solves it. In this instant its the Larson twins mystery. Its interesting to see how she solved it by the use of Hunter Black. I also liked the way she brought Layla and Hunter to life with there story. I'm looking forward to the final episode Demi Colton's story. As for this one its got great action and a few mysteries are solved. Which makes it more fun to see this multi author series come to a close.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,227 reviews50 followers
November 13, 2018
It's becoming clear to Layla that while she is doing everything she can for her father's company even marrying a marrying a man for work reasons shes isn't appreciated. Then she's accused of stalking and harassing an employee where police are involved but the evidence are only electronic and can be altered. In comes Officer Hunter Black with his unique K9 that is able to find more evidence that could help her but finds that there might be more at work when a couple attempts at her life leaves Officer Black to want to protect her.

This book comes with everything you like in a mystery, suspense, romance novel. I loved that connection between Layla and Hunter. I loved seeing them work together and him helping Layla open her eyes to what was really going on when it came to her part in her job. Shes given so much to the company and is even willing to marry a man she doesn't care about to save the company and it just might not be worth it any more. She's able to better her self and really think about the things she likes and maybe even consider a carreer change after being with her fathers company. I was clearly not a fan of her father after reading what was going on in her life and how things played out. I liked seeing a bit of that christmas spirit thrown in with Layla and Hunter. She was raised in a family that doesn't care much for holidays and it was sweet seeing her and Hunter try to make something of this holiday. In this book it wasn't only Layla that come to terms with family and stuff Hunter had his own set of issues to deal with the people who he cares for this holiday season. But I'm going to stop there because I don't want to ruin the book for you. I'm just going to say that this is a pretty great book I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Cunningham Sandra Chamber.
275 reviews
December 6, 2018
A Good Book. I don't know if I would read it again.

“Would you like a sandwich?” she asked. “I made a couple ahead of time.” “No, thank you. Not yet.” He looked at her, his gaze clear and unclouded. “I’m in a little bit of pain.” Which meant whatever they’d given him earlier had worn off. Immediately, she moved toward him. “Did they give you some meds for home? I can get you a glass of water so you can take them.” “Wait.” He held up his hand. “I want to talk to you first. Will you sit with me?” That sounded ominous, like his next sentence might begin with It’s not you, it’s me. Gingerly, she sat. Her stomach churned and she braced herself, instinctively anticipating bad news. “I realized something important today when I saw that maniac holding a gun to your head.” All she could do was nod encouragement. “I can’t even begin to envision a life without you in it,” he said. “When I thought I might lose you, all the color leached out of the world.” He swallowed hard, clearly struggling to find the right words to convey whatever he was trying to say. He moved slightly and flinched, revealing his pain. “I’ve never felt such agony—grief, really—in my life.” The hurt he struggled to hide made her ache. More than anything, she wished she could somehow ease that, take it away. “Let me get you something so you can take a pain pill,” she urged. “In a minute. It’s not that bad.” She nodded and stayed put. Though she knew it would be better for him to take something and get ahead of the pain, it was also his choice. “I’m trying to ask you something important, Layla. Without medication, so you can’t say I’m not clearheaded.” He took a deep breath. “We’ve just about for certain caught the Groom Killer. Once he’s charged, this town can start having weddings again.” Whatever she’d thought he might say, that wasn’t it. She forced herself to hold still and waited to hear the rest. “I don’t have a ring, but I’m asking if you’ll marry me.” He shifted and then grimaced at the pain the movement brought. “I can’t even get down on one knee, but Layla Colton, will you do the honor of agreeing to become my wife?” Instead of answering, she started to cry. Clearly concerned, he made two attempts to push himself up and go to her, succeeding the second time. Though he moved awkwardly, he sat down next to her. “That’s not the reaction I was hoping for,” he pointed out gently. “But I get it. You just got out of one engagement and you need some space and time to—” “Hush.” She shushed him with a soft kiss. “Don’t you be trying to put words in my mouth. I’m crying because I’m so happy. I love you with all my heart, Hunter Black. And yes, I will definitely agree to become your wife. But first, let me get you some water so you can take a pain pill. We’ll talk about this more once you’ve had some rest.” He laughed. “Does that mean we’re engaged?” Though she’d already pushed to her feet and headed toward the kitchen, she pivoted back and kissed him again. “As long as you promise to let Goose be in our wedding, yes. We are engaged.” Goose perked up at the sound of her name and whined. Hunter ruffled her fur and smiled at Layla. “Now I know I definitely picked the right woman,” he said. “Was there ever any doubt?” And Layla went to get him his water. There’d be plenty of time to make plans. Right now, Hunter needed to heal. And she’d do her best to help him do exactly that.
Profile Image for Margie.
1,714 reviews26 followers
November 3, 2018
Layla Colton is a Vice President at Colton Energy, the company owned by her father. She is a workaholic so doesn't have much of a social life. Thus she is more than shocked when she is working very late at the office and suddenly finds herself handcuffed and arrested for stalking and threatening an employee, Mark Hutton. She always behaves professionally around the employees. She tries to tell the arresting police officers that this has to be a mistake. She doesn't even like Mark Hutton and has been building a case for HR to fire him for his incompetency. This just can't be happening to her. While being processed at the police station she sees former Colton Energy employee and now K-9 officer Hunter Black. Hunter is very surprised to see Layla being brought into the police station in handcuffs. He asks for the information and evidence for the arrest. Hunter decides to look into the matter. He finds himself attracted to Layla. While attempting to prove Layla's innocense Hunter ends up Layla's protector following some threatening incidents.

Colton's Christmas Cop by Karen Whiddon is part of the Coltons of Red Ridge series. I haven't read all the books in the series but I have really liked all the ones I have read, including this one. The K-9 in this story is an adorable Basset Hound who makes the story so much more entertaining. Goose is just a real sweetheart and yet is also one of only a few K-9s in the country who is trained for electronic storage detection. Both Layla and Hunter are also very likeable characters who I really enjoyed meeting and seeing them realize their HEA. I must also note that this story doesn't concentrate all that much on Christmas although some of it takes place early in the Christmas season. I would define it more as a Thanksgiving story. There's lots more about Thanksgiving in this story than there is about Christmas and those scenes are very entertaining. I enjoyed this book and plan to read more stories in this series.
Profile Image for Marcia.
1,980 reviews33 followers
November 8, 2018
Layla Colton, abandoned by her mother at the age of 4, has hungered for her father's affection and approval, even allowing herself to be used as a sacrificial lamb, to save the family company, Colton Energy. Much older Hamlin Harrington has agreed to infuse the company with funds, if she will become his bride. Her half siblings have tried to talk her out of it. She shouldn't have to earn their father's love, by marrying a man she not only doesn't love but is disgusted by. But her job was her life.

While working late at the office one night she is arrested by the police, accused of sexual harassing an employee, one who she had been preparing to fire. Taken to the police station, she is spotted by
Hunter Black, former VP at Colton Energy, before quitting and entering police academy. He is part of police K9 unit and doesn't believe that Layla is guilty. After her life is threatened, he brings her back to his home, where she becomes smitten with his dog, Goose, a basset hound, one of only 4 dogs in country trained for electronic storage detection, done through scent. Hunter opens Layla's eyes to really look into her life and what is going on at CE. Can he keep her safe? Is she being targeted by the Groom Killer, or does she have another enemy?

The series, each book written by a different author, is gripping. The author of this volume infused her characters with depth and appeal. The plot is interesting, and the narrative well written. I found the part about electronics detection dogs fascinating. I received a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.





Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,673 reviews44 followers
November 5, 2018
Action packed adventure! With the next book in The Coltons of Red Ridge series, we get one step closer to figuring out who the Groom Killer is, and go along for the ride of finding another happily ever after in the process. Interesting characters, a full plot and lots of action to keep our attention!

Layla Colton might have agreed to take one for the team and marry the influential man her father thinks will be able to rescue their family business, Colton Energy from financial ruin, but when she realizes there's more at play here than she thought, she just might change her mind! Now being set up for a crime she didn't commit, Layla has to rely on someone else to rescue her!

Red Ridge K-9 officer Hunter Black isn't sure what to make of the charges being flung at Layla, but he happens to be with her a couple of times when something sinister goes down, so he knows she's not safe on her own. He's going to take her under his wing and do everything he can to uncover who's behind the plot to ruin her!
Profile Image for Nancee.
2,643 reviews65 followers
March 10, 2019
I know I liked the dog in this one as well as the main characters .. new author for me ..
the basis for these mysteries is ridiculous: a killer who only kills off engaged men.
Basically reading these because they are K-9 books.
My opinion is that these “series” books are only as good as the author who writes them,
therefore wide range of ability is evident.
I will keep this for awhile .. just in case I find more (cheap!) to read in this Coltons of Red Ridge series.
Unfortunately I did not write a review immediately after reading this so can’t remember how I rated it.
Profile Image for Romantic Intentions Quarterly.
186 reviews
October 10, 2018
Plot: Framed for a crime she didn’t commit, the wealthy scion of a powerful but beleaguered family enlists the help of a rookie cop – and his K9 partner – to safeguard her, and her business. At Christmas.

Holiday Cheer: Low.

Verdict: O come, they told me.

This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #3 - October 2018
Profile Image for Nibrock.
1,799 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2019
I love the dogs in this series. Layla is targeted by someone who wants her out of the picture... Hunter is the cop on duty when she get into trouble. The sparks fly between them even though they are from opposites sides of town.
Profile Image for Netta.
1,034 reviews14 followers
May 5, 2020
Wow! What a cute and thrilling Christmas romance/mystery! Hunter and Layla are just too cute and his need to protect her is poetic justice. I loved it!
Profile Image for Donna.
1,385 reviews
February 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this addition to the series. Some romance, some action, some suspense, and new information about the Groom Killer. Need to read the final book now!
Profile Image for Book Him Danno.
2,399 reviews86 followers
July 26, 2018
Finished Colton's Christmas Cop by Karen Whiddon as the release date is closer I will post my review.
Thank Netgalley for the Advance copy for my honest Review.

3 1/2 stars
Profile Image for Jess Holden .
593 reviews9 followers
August 19, 2018
Colton's Christmas Cop by Karen Whiddon is the eleventh book in the Colton's of Red Ridge Series by Harlequin Romantic Suspense. This book is wrote as a standalone but I preferred reading the rest of the series in order. Layla Colton and Hunter Black are the exact reasoning for opposites attract. Layla has a one tract mind and believes in blind family loyalty. Hunter has realized the cost of following others so blindly and refuses to leave Layla to the wolves.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews