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The Coltons of Red Ridge #9
Colton's Twin Secrets
A K-9 cop and Colton nanny come under fire
A Coltons of Red Ridge romance
Officer Dante Mancuso pursues justice with only the company of his K-9 partner. But when tragedy strikes, the bewildered bachelor winds up with custody of his infant nieces. Desperate for help, Dante hires heiress Gemma Colton to help him care for the little girls. As they grow closer caring for the babies, shadows from their respective pasts threaten their growing bond.
A Coltons of Red Ridge romance
Officer Dante Mancuso pursues justice with only the company of his K-9 partner. But when tragedy strikes, the bewildered bachelor winds up with custody of his infant nieces. Desperate for help, Dante hires heiress Gemma Colton to help him care for the little girls. As they grow closer caring for the babies, shadows from their respective pasts threaten their growing bond.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2018
100 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Justine Davis
257 books218 followersAuthor biographies are supposed to give you all those statistics, books written, awards won, etc. and I will, I promise...but first let me tell you about this ornery little tomboy (back then, the boys had all the fun...) who was always the one to make up the stories the neighborhood kids would "play". For those who came of age in the computer game era, this is something that was done usually in the backyard, by any number of summer-bored children, with props where appropriate. (Did you know a 55 gallon drum tied to a picnic bench makes a very cool horse?) It wasn't until much later that this tomboy realized two things: A) not everyone made up stories in their heads all the time, and B) in real life, the boys that had already had all the fun now seemed to always be winning.
But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.
Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)
Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.
But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now, the official stats:
Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN
But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.
Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)
Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.
But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now, the official stats:
Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 22, 2018
What a good book! I haven't read any of the Colton books until this one. Colton's Twin Secrets can be read as a stand-alone, however reading it made me want to read the other books in the series. Dante Mancuso was a great hero. I thought his reactions were very realistic when he suddenly became responsible for twin babies. I really, really liked Gemma too. And of course, Flash. Loved this book!
February 28, 2021
Colton's Twin Secrets is the first novel I've read in the multi-authored The Coltons of Red Ridge series, and, since I've been a fan of author Justine Davis for decades, what an excellent read it was. Since I don't often stay awake until 7:00 a.m. because I simply couldn't put this novel down, it gets 5 stars from this reader.
K9 police officer, Dante Mancuso, our hero, was born on the wrong side of the tracks and into a family of career criminals. He leads a rather solitary life with his K9 bloodhound, Flash, and if you're a dog lover and a Justine Davis fan, you're already aware of her canine-centered Cutter's Code series, which I highly recommend, since the dogs in her books are as much characters in her novels as the hero and heroine, and that's certainly the case in this novel. The only career Dante ever wanted was that of becoming a police officer, preferring to live a life enforcing the law to his family's tradition of breaking the law.
Gemma Colton, our heroine, is the youngest daughter of the wealthy and powerful Colton family, scions of wealth, privilege and power, and she is in love with Devlin Harrington, also uber-wealthy and privileged, so she knows he's not after her money. While she's dreaming of a storybook life with him, at his father's behest, he's expected to produce an heir, preferably male, to keep his family's business enterprises in the family, and socialite Gemma doesn't seem to fit the maternal mold, and so he ends their relationship, leaving her shocked, angry, and hurt, and desperate to prove him wrong.
When Dante's lawbreaking brother, Dominic, and his wife, Agostina, are killed in a suspicious car crash, Dante's life is about to change in a major way. In their will, Dominic and his wife gave custody of their 6-month old, twin girls to Dante, who hasn't a clue what to do with them, and is in search of a nanny, and heiress, Gemma Colton, who is as unlikely a nanny candidate as he could hope to find, wants to prove her ex-boyfriend wrong so that he'll reconsider their relationship and take her back, and Dante's sudden emergency gives her the perfect opportunity to do so. While he agrees to give her a chance, having no other options, he doesn't have high hopes for Gemma's longevity as the twins' nanny, but soon Gemma moves into Dante's condo, and into his life, and what shocks them both is her ability to relate to, work with, bond with and love his adorable twin nieces, and Dante soon sees that there's a lot more to Gemma than what he's read about her in the society pages.
When it becomes clear that Dominic's car crash was no accident, and Dante becomes immersed not only in that case, but also in the case of the lawbreaking Larson brothers and the mysterious serial Groom Killer, the action in this novel heats up, and so does the relationship between Dante and Gemma, and their slow-growing attraction to one another is as perfectly paced, as the suspense in this novel, and things really heat up when Gemma and the twins become targets, and Gemma protects them with her own life, raising Dante's respect and admiration for her, as well as his attraction to her, and the feelings between them are becoming mutual in a way neither of them ever expected.
Few authors write romantic suspense novels as well as Justine Davis, and this novel is a fine example of that. As stated at the outset, I couldn't put this novel down because the characters and their affection and respect for one another were so compelling. It was, quite simply, an excellent read and I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel, which somehow got lost in my Kindle back in 2018, but better late than never. The opinions expressed are my own.
K9 police officer, Dante Mancuso, our hero, was born on the wrong side of the tracks and into a family of career criminals. He leads a rather solitary life with his K9 bloodhound, Flash, and if you're a dog lover and a Justine Davis fan, you're already aware of her canine-centered Cutter's Code series, which I highly recommend, since the dogs in her books are as much characters in her novels as the hero and heroine, and that's certainly the case in this novel. The only career Dante ever wanted was that of becoming a police officer, preferring to live a life enforcing the law to his family's tradition of breaking the law.
Gemma Colton, our heroine, is the youngest daughter of the wealthy and powerful Colton family, scions of wealth, privilege and power, and she is in love with Devlin Harrington, also uber-wealthy and privileged, so she knows he's not after her money. While she's dreaming of a storybook life with him, at his father's behest, he's expected to produce an heir, preferably male, to keep his family's business enterprises in the family, and socialite Gemma doesn't seem to fit the maternal mold, and so he ends their relationship, leaving her shocked, angry, and hurt, and desperate to prove him wrong.
When Dante's lawbreaking brother, Dominic, and his wife, Agostina, are killed in a suspicious car crash, Dante's life is about to change in a major way. In their will, Dominic and his wife gave custody of their 6-month old, twin girls to Dante, who hasn't a clue what to do with them, and is in search of a nanny, and heiress, Gemma Colton, who is as unlikely a nanny candidate as he could hope to find, wants to prove her ex-boyfriend wrong so that he'll reconsider their relationship and take her back, and Dante's sudden emergency gives her the perfect opportunity to do so. While he agrees to give her a chance, having no other options, he doesn't have high hopes for Gemma's longevity as the twins' nanny, but soon Gemma moves into Dante's condo, and into his life, and what shocks them both is her ability to relate to, work with, bond with and love his adorable twin nieces, and Dante soon sees that there's a lot more to Gemma than what he's read about her in the society pages.
When it becomes clear that Dominic's car crash was no accident, and Dante becomes immersed not only in that case, but also in the case of the lawbreaking Larson brothers and the mysterious serial Groom Killer, the action in this novel heats up, and so does the relationship between Dante and Gemma, and their slow-growing attraction to one another is as perfectly paced, as the suspense in this novel, and things really heat up when Gemma and the twins become targets, and Gemma protects them with her own life, raising Dante's respect and admiration for her, as well as his attraction to her, and the feelings between them are becoming mutual in a way neither of them ever expected.
Few authors write romantic suspense novels as well as Justine Davis, and this novel is a fine example of that. As stated at the outset, I couldn't put this novel down because the characters and their affection and respect for one another were so compelling. It was, quite simply, an excellent read and I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel, which somehow got lost in my Kindle back in 2018, but better late than never. The opinions expressed are my own.
November 27, 2018
It was okay. Here is a highlight from the book....
She smiled. “I don’t. He’s such a personality. Even with the drool.” He gave her a crooked grin. “You’re just a sucker for his sad-eye routine.” “Lucky for you, I’m a sucker for yours, too.” Caught off guard by the teasing, something sparked inside him, so powerful he had to look away for a moment. “Damn,” he muttered. “Not exactly the response I was hoping for.” His gaze shot back to her face. “What were you hoping for? That I’d say you make me feel things I’ve never felt before? And not just in bed, great as that is? That I’m so damned glad you walked into my life, and not just for the twins?” “That’s a lot closer,” she said, smiling now. He sucked in a breath. Hesitated. Aw, hell. Go for it. “How about...I love you?” Her eyes widened. Her lips, those eminently kissable lips, parted. “I know,” he said quickly, “it’s been less than a month, but—” He stopped. She was shaking her head. Damn, he’d blown it. She didn’t feel it, it wasn’t the same for her, she didn’t— “I love you, too,” she said a little breathlessly. “I just didn’t dare say it.” It took him a moment to get past the declaration to ask, “Didn’t dare? Why?” “Because I came here foolishly thinking I knew what love was, and that I was in love with Dev. And I made that clear, so I didn’t think you’d believe me after only three weeks.” “Why not? My entire life changed in ten seconds.” Her eyes widened, as if she hadn’t thought of it in quite that way. “And it made me a package deal, Gemma,” he added, waving at the girls. She grinned then, and it took his breath away. “News flash—you always were. Mr. Sad Eyes out there.” He grabbed her then, kissed her fiercely. It was a long time before he surfaced. He was looking down at her, savoring the color in her cheeks and the just-kissed look of her lips when the silence registered. He glanced warily at the suddenly docile twins. “Why are they being so quiet?” “Probably saving up for an explosion later,” she said with a wry smile. “Then let’s eat first. I don’t want to deal with that on an empty stomach.”
She smiled. “I don’t. He’s such a personality. Even with the drool.” He gave her a crooked grin. “You’re just a sucker for his sad-eye routine.” “Lucky for you, I’m a sucker for yours, too.” Caught off guard by the teasing, something sparked inside him, so powerful he had to look away for a moment. “Damn,” he muttered. “Not exactly the response I was hoping for.” His gaze shot back to her face. “What were you hoping for? That I’d say you make me feel things I’ve never felt before? And not just in bed, great as that is? That I’m so damned glad you walked into my life, and not just for the twins?” “That’s a lot closer,” she said, smiling now. He sucked in a breath. Hesitated. Aw, hell. Go for it. “How about...I love you?” Her eyes widened. Her lips, those eminently kissable lips, parted. “I know,” he said quickly, “it’s been less than a month, but—” He stopped. She was shaking her head. Damn, he’d blown it. She didn’t feel it, it wasn’t the same for her, she didn’t— “I love you, too,” she said a little breathlessly. “I just didn’t dare say it.” It took him a moment to get past the declaration to ask, “Didn’t dare? Why?” “Because I came here foolishly thinking I knew what love was, and that I was in love with Dev. And I made that clear, so I didn’t think you’d believe me after only three weeks.” “Why not? My entire life changed in ten seconds.” Her eyes widened, as if she hadn’t thought of it in quite that way. “And it made me a package deal, Gemma,” he added, waving at the girls. She grinned then, and it took his breath away. “News flash—you always were. Mr. Sad Eyes out there.” He grabbed her then, kissed her fiercely. It was a long time before he surfaced. He was looking down at her, savoring the color in her cheeks and the just-kissed look of her lips when the silence registered. He glanced warily at the suddenly docile twins. “Why are they being so quiet?” “Probably saving up for an explosion later,” she said with a wry smile. “Then let’s eat first. I don’t want to deal with that on an empty stomach.”
August 10, 2019
This book is part of a series, but I read it as a standalone. I thought the title was a little misleading. K-9 officer Dante Mancuso knew about his twin nieces. He just had no idea he was listed to be the guardian if anything ever happened to his brother or his sister in-law. I really enjoyed this book. I liked the twins, and I loved Dante’s 4-legged partner. He was sweet and had a big personality. Dante and Gemma, his nanny became a great team taking care of twin baby girls. This had a little action. All in all a good book.
July 16, 2018
I wasn't sure if I would like the heroine because she came across as a dimwit at first, but she grew on me and as the story progressed, I routed for her to get her HEA. This is a sweet & suspenseful story with two cute babies! What's not to love???
September 2, 2018
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the Netgalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
This is a round robin like series, with each book penned by a different author. The Colton family has a large presence in Red Ridge, some of the branches wealthy, some not so much and even some on the criminal side.
K9 office Dante Mancuso's family are all criminals, but that was not the life he wanted to live. He has worked hard to pull himself away from that life and only trusts his bloodhound partner, Flash. While working on a case, his brother, Dominic and sister-in-law, in the wrong place and the wrong time are killed in an auto "accident" and Dante finds himself the guardian of their 6 month old twin girls.
Gemma Colton, youngest daughter of wealth Fenwick Colton, has been dating wealthy Devlin Harrington, after having dogged many men who were really out for her trust fund or connection to her father. But he breaks it off, claiming it is because she has no maternal instinct. To show him she does, she volunteers to be the nanny for the twins. And finds out that her instincts were there all along, just the man was wrong. When the lives of Gemma and the twins are threatened, Dante realizes the gift his brother gave him, but can he keep them all safe and can he get over Gemma's wealthy background?
On the pro side, the characters were well developed and appealing, so the reader cares what happens to them and the scenario, intriguing. Since I have read some of the previous books, I am already familiar with some of the characters and "The Groom Killer", but new readers would be confused, so it would have been helpful, especially since the previous books were written by other authors, to have some sort of Cast of Characters or Prologue. That some many male characters had names begining with D, was very confusing. In addition, there was no secret about the twins, so the title, really doesn't work.
This is a round robin like series, with each book penned by a different author. The Colton family has a large presence in Red Ridge, some of the branches wealthy, some not so much and even some on the criminal side.
K9 office Dante Mancuso's family are all criminals, but that was not the life he wanted to live. He has worked hard to pull himself away from that life and only trusts his bloodhound partner, Flash. While working on a case, his brother, Dominic and sister-in-law, in the wrong place and the wrong time are killed in an auto "accident" and Dante finds himself the guardian of their 6 month old twin girls.
Gemma Colton, youngest daughter of wealth Fenwick Colton, has been dating wealthy Devlin Harrington, after having dogged many men who were really out for her trust fund or connection to her father. But he breaks it off, claiming it is because she has no maternal instinct. To show him she does, she volunteers to be the nanny for the twins. And finds out that her instincts were there all along, just the man was wrong. When the lives of Gemma and the twins are threatened, Dante realizes the gift his brother gave him, but can he keep them all safe and can he get over Gemma's wealthy background?
On the pro side, the characters were well developed and appealing, so the reader cares what happens to them and the scenario, intriguing. Since I have read some of the previous books, I am already familiar with some of the characters and "The Groom Killer", but new readers would be confused, so it would have been helpful, especially since the previous books were written by other authors, to have some sort of Cast of Characters or Prologue. That some many male characters had names begining with D, was very confusing. In addition, there was no secret about the twins, so the title, really doesn't work.
July 21, 2018
I have not read Justine Davis before, but I will now have to fix this lack in my reading list. Gemma is a socialite, born with a gold spoon in her mouth, that starts the book being challenged by a man who she thought was her almost fiance. The gentleman told her that they had to break up because she didn't have an ounce of maternal instinct. This was the gauntlet thrown and she had to prove she could be a mother.
Dante is a K9 cop who is partnered with a Bloodhound "Flash". We see him in the beginning at a crime scene working with "Flash" and finding key information that could solve a crime that they have been working for a while. Shortly after this scene - a car accident takes out electricity in the area of the police station and when Dante discovers that his estranged brother and his sister-in-law were killed in the accident he dashes to his home wondering where is nieces are to be found.
After a fretful first night Dante knows he needs help and somehow Gemma convinces him that she is the woman for the job. This is a very suspenseful cop thriller but has some great friendships and strong relationships for many of the characters. It leaves just enough question so that you are satisfied with the ending but wondering what will happen in Red Ridge next!
Dante is a K9 cop who is partnered with a Bloodhound "Flash". We see him in the beginning at a crime scene working with "Flash" and finding key information that could solve a crime that they have been working for a while. Shortly after this scene - a car accident takes out electricity in the area of the police station and when Dante discovers that his estranged brother and his sister-in-law were killed in the accident he dashes to his home wondering where is nieces are to be found.
After a fretful first night Dante knows he needs help and somehow Gemma convinces him that she is the woman for the job. This is a very suspenseful cop thriller but has some great friendships and strong relationships for many of the characters. It leaves just enough question so that you are satisfied with the ending but wondering what will happen in Red Ridge next!
September 20, 2018
4 1/2 STARS!
A life they never expected! With another trip to Red Ridge, we get the story of a cop out to track down the troublemaking Teflon Twins who gets sidetracked with a personal crisis and gets aid from none other than Gemma Colton. A little less intrigue in this one than we might have become used to in a Red Ridge story, but the adorable life with twin babies makes up for it with the heartstring pulling it brings. A really sweet one!
K-9 officer Dante Mancuso is used to life with just his partner Flash by his side, but when an accident happens, he finds himself suddenly the guardian of his infant twin nieces. He's a single guy with no immediate plans for settling down, so what does he know about babies? Absolutely nothing ... and panic is ensuing!
Heiress Gemma Colton is tired of being thought of as an air-head with nothing to offer, and she's determined to somehow find a way to prove that she can be a wife and mom like the best of them when she decides she wants to be. Dante's emergency gives her the perfect opportunity to step in and offer her services as the live-in nanny he desperately needs. Before long, she finds herself liking the baby girls and their sexy uncle a little bit too much!
A life they never expected! With another trip to Red Ridge, we get the story of a cop out to track down the troublemaking Teflon Twins who gets sidetracked with a personal crisis and gets aid from none other than Gemma Colton. A little less intrigue in this one than we might have become used to in a Red Ridge story, but the adorable life with twin babies makes up for it with the heartstring pulling it brings. A really sweet one!
K-9 officer Dante Mancuso is used to life with just his partner Flash by his side, but when an accident happens, he finds himself suddenly the guardian of his infant twin nieces. He's a single guy with no immediate plans for settling down, so what does he know about babies? Absolutely nothing ... and panic is ensuing!
Heiress Gemma Colton is tired of being thought of as an air-head with nothing to offer, and she's determined to somehow find a way to prove that she can be a wife and mom like the best of them when she decides she wants to be. Dante's emergency gives her the perfect opportunity to step in and offer her services as the live-in nanny he desperately needs. Before long, she finds herself liking the baby girls and their sexy uncle a little bit too much!
February 14, 2021
K9 officer Dante Mancuso worked hard to pull himself away from the criminal life of his family and only trusted his K9 partner. That was until the death of his brother and sister-in-law left him as guardian to their 6-month-old twin girls. He didn't know anything about babies and needed help fast.
Wealthy socialite, Gemma Colton, was seeing a man she thought she was going to marry. Until he broke up with her because he thought she didn't have an ounce of maternal instinct. To prove him wrong, she became Dante's live-in nanny. It's not long before she realizes she does have maternal instincts. She really likes caring for the babies - and their uncle, too.
When the lives of Gemma and the twins are threatened, Dante hopes he can keep them safe. The babies and Gemma have come to mean a lot to him.
Romantic suspense fans will like this book. The mystery kept me wondering how everything would turn out and the romance was wonderful!
Wealthy socialite, Gemma Colton, was seeing a man she thought she was going to marry. Until he broke up with her because he thought she didn't have an ounce of maternal instinct. To prove him wrong, she became Dante's live-in nanny. It's not long before she realizes she does have maternal instincts. She really likes caring for the babies - and their uncle, too.
When the lives of Gemma and the twins are threatened, Dante hopes he can keep them safe. The babies and Gemma have come to mean a lot to him.
Romantic suspense fans will like this book. The mystery kept me wondering how everything would turn out and the romance was wonderful!
September 4, 2018
Officer Dante and his K-9 Partner have always been team just the two of them that was until the death of his brother ended up leaving him with his brother's twin daughters. Gemma was just broken up with her last boyfriend because she just wasn't maternal enough so to prove him wrong shes willing to take on the task of watching out for Dante's girls as a nanny.
This had everything I like in a romantic, mystery suspenseful novel. There was enough heat between the two to keep things a bit steamy. There was enough mystery with the case Dante was working on to keep things interesting. And there was a few close calls from a person who doesn't want Dante to find get too close to who is behind things to keep the readers on their toes. This was such a great book I really enjoyed it.
This had everything I like in a romantic, mystery suspenseful novel. There was enough heat between the two to keep things a bit steamy. There was enough mystery with the case Dante was working on to keep things interesting. And there was a few close calls from a person who doesn't want Dante to find get too close to who is behind things to keep the readers on their toes. This was such a great book I really enjoyed it.
October 17, 2018
Buy Buy Buy.......
This one had it all. Romance, mystery, suspense. Passion, life and heart. Each page was one that kept my attention and kept me deeply involved in the story line as it developed. One thing I absolutely liked about this book, it had heart. Nothing was perfect, everything felt real. Each part of this one was one that you can find creative, warming, touching and thought provoking for its losses as well as the passion and romance. I sincerely liked the writers style. Perhaps a preface to catch others up on things would be good but it can be a stand alone not just part of a series. I was given this ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own. A sincerely enjoyable read. Regards, Anna
This one had it all. Romance, mystery, suspense. Passion, life and heart. Each page was one that kept my attention and kept me deeply involved in the story line as it developed. One thing I absolutely liked about this book, it had heart. Nothing was perfect, everything felt real. Each part of this one was one that you can find creative, warming, touching and thought provoking for its losses as well as the passion and romance. I sincerely liked the writers style. Perhaps a preface to catch others up on things would be good but it can be a stand alone not just part of a series. I was given this ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own. A sincerely enjoyable read. Regards, Anna
September 9, 2018
Another fun installment in the Red Ridge Groom Killer mystery! Okay, that's not the official series titles, but that's why I keep reading these! Who is the Groom Killer?
Aside from the lingering background arc, this is another nice little romance between a cop and a Colton. The heroine is an interesting character, a party girl with unexpected depths. Both she and the hero grow throughout the story as anyone would when suddenly responsible for 2 babies. Little implausible in that the whole story takes place in a week, but still a fun read and another couple finds their happily ever after. They better find this Groom Killer soon, or the whole town will be living in sin!
Aside from the lingering background arc, this is another nice little romance between a cop and a Colton. The heroine is an interesting character, a party girl with unexpected depths. Both she and the hero grow throughout the story as anyone would when suddenly responsible for 2 babies. Little implausible in that the whole story takes place in a week, but still a fun read and another couple finds their happily ever after. They better find this Groom Killer soon, or the whole town will be living in sin!
January 11, 2019
One thing about reading a series is you get to meet new authors. I really enjoyed the style of writing Justine Davis does. She builds a story not just jumping into it. I also like the way she makes you take a look at how people make assumptions about certain things. It was great getting to know Dante and Gemma. I loved the way she mixed the suspense with the romance. There was some neat plot twists in this stories. She also did a great job of showing why the two brothers led separate lives. It was a well written book and worth a read. I'm going to be looking for more books by Justine and the next in this series. I will also be looking for the paperbacks that began this series.
August 13, 2023
K-9 Officer Dante Mancuso never saw eye-to-eye with his brother, but the car accident that killed him and his wife has left Dante in charge of their 6-month-old twins and he has no idea how to cope.
A nanny is necessary and fast, so when rich girl Gemma Colton volunteers, he accepts, although he has no real expectation she'd last more than a day or two. After all, what does the heiress know about babies?
Well, she surprises him and herself while she learns and then discovers that what she felt for another man wasn't love. But can she trust what she feels for Dante and the babies? Or is she just fooling herself again?
A nanny is necessary and fast, so when rich girl Gemma Colton volunteers, he accepts, although he has no real expectation she'd last more than a day or two. After all, what does the heiress know about babies?
Well, she surprises him and herself while she learns and then discovers that what she felt for another man wasn't love. But can she trust what she feels for Dante and the babies? Or is she just fooling herself again?
July 30, 2020
Colton's Twin Secrets is the ninth installment in The Colton's of Red Ridge series, but it can be read as a standalone novel. I don't think I have ever read anything by Justine Davis before, but I really enjoyed her writing style and she did the series well.. This book had everything I look for in a book and it didn't disappoint, suspense, passion, humor, romance and a mystery. I will definitely be looking into more from this author and I can't wait to start the next book in the series.
Copy received by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Copy received by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 5, 2025
I actually give this book a 3.5 because the editing left much to be desired.
The story, although predictable, was very cute. Both Dante and Gemma were great characters. Their relationship grew too quickly but that is my only complaint.
I liked how people thought Gemma was a dumb socialite but she was actually a very intelligent woman with great organizational skills.
I loved Flash. What a character!
Apparently this is part of a Groom Killer series. It would be helpful if the books were labelled "Coltons series #4" on the cover, or whatever the series is actually called.
The story, although predictable, was very cute. Both Dante and Gemma were great characters. Their relationship grew too quickly but that is my only complaint.
I liked how people thought Gemma was a dumb socialite but she was actually a very intelligent woman with great organizational skills.
I loved Flash. What a character!
Apparently this is part of a Groom Killer series. It would be helpful if the books were labelled "Coltons series #4" on the cover, or whatever the series is actually called.
October 12, 2018
Colton's Twin Secrets by Justine Davis. K-9 Officer Dante Mancuso has custody of his infant nieces when his brother and sister in law are in a accident. Dante hires heiress Gemma Colton to help take care of the twin girls. He wasn't sure she was the person to be the nanny, since she grew up with money and some of her relatives are not of the best history. A very good story.
January 10, 2019
I ended up skimming through this one, mainly reading the scenes with the babies and the hero and heroine all together. I had no interest in the suspense, which was good because it wrapped up so easily and quickly it was almost a non-event. I wish there had been less suspense and more baby/hero goodness. Overall, it kept me reading, but I wasn't overly invested in these characters.
September 5, 2018
Wow
I really enjoyed reading this story.It held my interest from the very first page to the last.Mystery,suspense and thrills and all the action you could possibly want.
I really enjoyed reading this story.It held my interest from the very first page to the last.Mystery,suspense and thrills and all the action you could possibly want.
September 9, 2018
Best one so far
November 1, 2018
A quick and fun romance.
March 1, 2019
Some good banter.
September 17, 2022
Really enjoyed reading this story. Probably my favourite in this series - though I may have already said that once or twice.
February 13, 2024
Great book! I really enjoyed it.
March 10, 2019
Gemma Colton And Dante Mancuso.
Flash is DM’s bloodhound (85 lbs) K-9 partner. They work for Chief Finn Colton of Red Ridge (SD) police department.
The mystery part seems a bit thin and cartoonish but characters are solid. Good story.
Important: Good author!
Flash is DM’s bloodhound (85 lbs) K-9 partner. They work for Chief Finn Colton of Red Ridge (SD) police department.
The mystery part seems a bit thin and cartoonish but characters are solid. Good story.
Important: Good author!
June 20, 2018
Dante & Gemma were the PERFECT characters and I absolutely loved watching their relationship unfold! The storyline was interesting & I found myself unable to put it down!
July 8, 2018
Thank you Harlequin Romantic, I received a digital copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I liked this book it is sweet, funny and has drama and intrigue. The characters will captivate you. Dante Mancuso is a K9 officer. He's unmarried, and is the only one in his family to go straight and abide by the law. He and his K9 Flash are trying to find evidence to tie the Teflon Twins to their multitude of crimes. While searching a house Flash finds crucial evidence. However, before they can get out of the house bullets fly from the street and tires screech in the getaway. Then a horrendous crash is heard and the perp crashes into another car killing the occupants and gets away. To his horror Dante sees that the other car is none other than his own notorious brother and wife. Even if he is estranged from his lawless family seeing his only brother and wife dead is a shock. With greater shock he remembers they have twin six month old daughters. What will become of them? To his utter disbelief he finds out his brother left their care to him should anything happen to them. What is he going to do with two six month old babies! As he sits in the station house with two babies in carriers he panics to find a nanny. Gemma, a very very rich reportedly spoiled twenty something is searching for a way to prove to the man who broke up with her that she can be maternal When she hears about Dante needing a nanny she asks for the job. Dante looks at her like she's crazy. The rich girl standing in front of him with spike heels and clothes that do not come from any store he could even afford to walk by wants to take the job. She begs him to give her a chance. One the twins starts to give an ear piercing cry creating complaints from other officers. Gemma steps in and takes over. Getting a burp accompanied by some milk down her thousand dollar blouse that can't be cleaned she doesn't even notice she is so happy she did it. Smiling and talking to the babies while Dante checks up on her with people he trusts who just happen to be related to Gemma. Ok he gives her a chance but she has to move in with him can she do that? And what will she say about his apartment with two bedrooms and a den and a K9. This book has such a good feel to it. The communication between Dante and Gemma and what they endure keeping the babies safe and secure while a killer wants them all dead. Gemma proves to be of better character than her reputation suggests. She is proving she can be nurturing so her boyfriend will take her back. However, Dante's body and close proximity is quite disturbing and she doesn't know why. She loves the other guy right? Entertaining, keeps your interest and quick great read with some adult content.
July 19, 2018
It had an phenomenal story line with tremendous characters that really pulled you in and snatched your attention. You should check this book out you will not regret it one bit.
August 12, 2018
Colton's Twin Secrets by Justine Davis is the ninth book in the Colton's of Red Ridge series by Harlequin Romantic Suspense. This is a standalone novel in the series. It can be read alone but I have read them in order. This series is about a small town which has a serial killer on the loose killing grooms.
Dante and Gemma are from two totally different words. Neither one of them no what is coming when they do each other a favor and commit to raising Dante's twin nieces. These two are perfect for each other from day one. No matter how many twist and turns get thrown in the way they come out on top swinging. I absolutely adored them and the girls.
Dante and Gemma are from two totally different words. Neither one of them no what is coming when they do each other a favor and commit to raising Dante's twin nieces. These two are perfect for each other from day one. No matter how many twist and turns get thrown in the way they come out on top swinging. I absolutely adored them and the girls.
August 19, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well-written and polished. The elements came together well and the characters were well-developed. About the only thing that detracted was there were so many background characters with their own stories that I wasn't familiar with because I hadn't read any of the other books. It weighed things down from time to time and left me disoriented.
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