The arsonist got away once. Now he's back and ready to burn down everything. High-octane romantic thrills from the author of Shadow Point Deputy.
Once ruined by his obsession to capture a fugitive, Marshal Ryder Garrett must now save his former fianc�e--and her baby--from the same arsonist. Though their reunion makes him realize he never stopped loving Kara Noble, Ryder doubts she'll give him a second chance. Before, his pursuit left him heartbroken. This time, it could get him, Kara and her daughter killed.
"This engaging, fast-paced tale, that pulled all the feels to the surface and scared the daylights out of me at times, turned out to be unputdownable with the detailed scenes, an intriguing villain, lovable protagonists, as well as the whole supporting cast and crew of the always there for each other Garrett family . . . A must-read series for all romantic suspense fans!" --Books & Spoons
Julie Anne Lindsey- Hatcher is an award-winning and bestselling author of cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s published more than sixty novels as herself & under the pen names, Bree Baker, Jacqueline Frost & Julie Chase, for various publishers, including Kensington, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Crooked Lane Books. When she's not writing the stories that keep her up at night, Julie stays busy in Kent, Ohio with her three amazing kids and shamelessly enabling friends. Today she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to change the world.
Be sure to check out NOT QUITE BY THE BOOK, Julie's latest work of contemporary fiction, written under her birth name, Julie Hatcher.
US Marshal Ryder Garrett's relationship with Kara Noble failed three years prior when he chose tracking sociopathic arsonist Timothy Sand over his relationship with her. He eventually hit rock bottom and ordered into mandated therapy. Kara tried to move on, getting pregnant to a new boyfriend, only to be dumped when he learnt about the pregnancy.
Timothy Sand still has a grudge against Timothy, and has now moved to his end game, and has dragged Kara into it, forcing Ryder to return home. While he once again engages in a match of wits with Timothy, he must prove to Kara that he won't fall into an obsessive pursuit like last time if he wants their second chance to work.
This got off to a great start, and the action and suspense was consistent throughout. Ryder and Kara's relationship was believably drawn. I understood fully why their relationship had broken down and what was needed to make it work. And that's because they actually talk about what broke them up! They actually communicate! They don't just talk about food and discuss their favourite colours. It all ends with a suspenseful, gritty and exciting climax.
What did draw me out of the story were a couple of moments that were so amazingly Too Stupid To Live that I almost dropped the book in sheer disbelief! Ryder gets a report that a car possibly belonging to Sands has been spotted at a bank. Kara demands that she go with? What the hell for? It makes no sense! She's previously been loathe to leave baby daughter Casey behind anywhere she goes. She says it's because they need to talk...except they don't. Similarly, Ryder just agrees to her accompanying him because this will show her he's changed. Of course, Sands gets the drop on them. And why wouldn't he if they're going to act so f***ing foolishly?
Then Kara decides that she must just simply collect sentimental value items from her home in case Sands burns it to the ground. Kara, honey, you know that a psychopathic arsonist is watching every move you make and is chomping at the bit to barbecue you! What the f*** are you doing leaving a safe location and ONCE AGAIN leaving your daughter behind? Of course, Ryder goes with her, Sands easily follows them and threatens Casey. I mean, seriously, if you're being stalked by a psychotic arsonist, just do the opposite of Ryder and Kara and you should be fine!
And why couldn't Ryder just shoot Sands when the opportunity was available?!?
Also, the scene where Tina heads to their cabin to give them a psychological profile of Sands was completely unnecessary, because she doesn't tell them anything they don't already know and
However, I realised that the alternative for the author would probably result in a standard Intrigue hiding-out-at-the-ranch story, and that's something I'd prefer to avoid! I'd much rather action and suspense, and this book managed to deliver that, along with a decent romance that easily had me understanding where both Kara and Ryder were coming from in regards to their relationship. Despite those TSTL moments and a lack of plot complications, this is Lindsey's best work so far and a strong recommendation for romantic suspense fans.
A heartbreakingly beautiful love story in the midst of the hunt for an eerily creepy killer arsonist who loves to torment his victims in an attempt to ease the pain in his own wicked soul. This engaging, fast-paced tale, that pulled all the feels to the surface and scared the daylights out of me at times, turned out to be unputdownable with the detailed scenes, an intriguing villain, lovable protagonists, as well as the whole supporting cast and crew of the always there for each other Garrett family. Yes, I love, admire, and am in awe of the Garrett's and their big, loyal hearts, that has so much room for love, always ready to aid and assist where needed. And Ryder, the heartbreak and hurt that he has gone through, the way he admits his own mistakes, owns them, works on them, and has been able to heal from it all, he just won me over from the start. His feelings for Kara are a tangible force and his willingness to work on Kara being able to trust his word again, giving her the space she needs, proving her that he has changed his ways and has his priorities straight made them feel so real, so actual and life-like with their issues, it was easy to relate to them, like them, and cheer for them. Forgiveness and acceptance are beautiful things, as Kara and the whole Garrett family demonstrate this and subtly teach valuable life lessons while hunting for the creepy criminal who moves like a shadow on the mountains. The arsonist and the scenes with the fire burning and danger all around are so well done with the palpable fear and dread in the details - if the killer does not catch you the fire might - trepidation and anxiety for survival, to catch the killer before he catches them, just shook me to my core and steeped into my dreams. Ah, I love it when the suspense is so strong and tight it keeps hold of your mind even after the story has come to a conclusion. Ms. Lindsey masterfully plays with the elements of the tale, mixing the intense romance with the harsh and frantic suspense so that the reader will fervently get involved with the story, wanting to rush to the end to find out what happens while savoring the moments of the adventure of two hearts finding each other while trying to survive the dire straits. A must read series for all romantic suspense fans! ~ Five Spoons!
There are actually four books with the Garrett Brothers, so I recommend reading the in this sequence:
1. Federal Agent Under Fire (Blake) 2. The Sheriff’s Secret (West) 3. Shadow Point Deputy (Cole) 4. Marked by the Marshall (Ryder)
I read them in 3-4-1-2 sequence and they all work great as stand-alone books, but the above sequence will help out.
All the books are great - likable characters, believable characters and the women aren’t all the types who whine or constantly fail to follow basic instruction. No - they’re all smart, strong, have common sense, are independent thinkers and totally fall for the Garrett brother who’s assigned to protect them, all four brothers’ being a member of some law enforcement agency (Local / federal, depending on the brother).
Great to get to know the whole family - even Uncle Henry!
The stories are fun - believable, scary, action-packed and also quick reads because you can’t put them down! Sleep is overrated anyway. Enjoy!
This is the fourth book and final book for this family of brothers. Ryder proves to be the most fun to read. It starts out with the ex Kara having a run in with a major bad guy that has caused them problems as a couple in the past. There is some neat tibits in this book to learn. It had a lot of action in the book that kept you turning the page to see what was happening next. It gives you a view into the mind of a person who lights fires. It sure opens your eyes in a way. I look forward to the next book she writes for they are always really neat. She really knows how to write a story that draws you into it. I will miss these 4 brothers that's for sure.
The horrible man that broke a man, then broke his relationship apart, now comes back to finish them off for good. Even tho I knew it would happy - I had a few moments where I was wondering ok what’s next can how will they find him/rescue her/end this happy