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Garrett Valor #1
Shadow Point Deputy
One deputy wants to keep her safe. Another one wants her dead.
Rita Horn doesn't know the identity of the uniform-wearing criminal targeting her. But Officer Cole Garrett vows to bring the rogue deputy – whoever he is – to justice. Strong, sexy and determined to protect, the heroic cop sparks feelings in Rita that she can't deny, even as the danger swells around them.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
54 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Julie Anne Lindsey
171 books1,474 followersJulie 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.
Be sure to check out NOT QUITE BY THE BOOK, Julie's latest work of contemporary fiction, written under her birth name, Julie Hatcher.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 10, 2021
When Rita Horn stops by the abandoned docks to feed the homeless cats, she witnesses a murder. Officer Cole Garrett becomes Rita’s protector/bodyguard now that she’s got the bad guys hot on her trail trying to kill her. This was a fast-paced romantic suspense story with lots of action throughout. I liked the sweet romance between Cole and Rita and how they took their relationship slowly and didn’t rush into things. A really enjoyable story that was a quick and easy read.
January 20, 2019
Didn't like the heroine. She was so stupid. Reading the word "cried" so many times in the book was annoying.
Their "relationship" was also dull.
Didn't bother finishing the book. By the time I was halfway through the book I just didn't care what happened to anyone in the book.
Their "relationship" was also dull.
Didn't bother finishing the book. By the time I was halfway through the book I just didn't care what happened to anyone in the book.
October 7, 2020
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November 26, 2018
To call this story riveting and intense doesn't do it justice. I loved every moment of the heartfelt suspense and growing romance between Rita Horn and Officer Cole Garrett, I think these stories are getting better with each book and considering it started with a Five Spoon BANG, that says a lot.
I adored that the attraction between Rita and Cole had been sizzling in their minds and fantasies for a while without them making a contact. But they had definitely noticed each other, and there is no doubt about the interest there, it is a palpable force that keeps them glued together during this time when Rita's whole world is exploding and Cole's time could be better used somewhere else within the investigation.
In a thriller-like style, the author pulls the story tighter, scarier, eerier each moment without making big gestures or grand twists in the plot. As I read the story, I was horrendously and constantly aware that there will be more destruction and possible death coming, and there is absolutely nothing that can be done to stop the wave of crimes and attempted murders coming at their way. The emotions were high, both in the story and in my mind, as the I bit my nails with teary eyes, hoping for the best, and trusting that Ms. Lindsey would guide us to the safer waters. This is the kind of suspense, gruesome and harsh, that seeps into your mind, and possible into your dreams the night after. It will keep you on the edge, and even push you over it a few times, but the sweet, ardent romance on the side is what balances the tale, and brings smiles at the end.
Julie Anne Lindsey's writing is the kind that reminds me of Linda Howard and Sandra Brown early works, of the books that made me fall in love with romantic suspense in the first place. Shadow Point Deputy is absorbing and intriguing, a fierce tale of intense suspense and the kind of romance that sweeps you off your feet.
~ Five Spoons!
I adored that the attraction between Rita and Cole had been sizzling in their minds and fantasies for a while without them making a contact. But they had definitely noticed each other, and there is no doubt about the interest there, it is a palpable force that keeps them glued together during this time when Rita's whole world is exploding and Cole's time could be better used somewhere else within the investigation.
In a thriller-like style, the author pulls the story tighter, scarier, eerier each moment without making big gestures or grand twists in the plot. As I read the story, I was horrendously and constantly aware that there will be more destruction and possible death coming, and there is absolutely nothing that can be done to stop the wave of crimes and attempted murders coming at their way. The emotions were high, both in the story and in my mind, as the I bit my nails with teary eyes, hoping for the best, and trusting that Ms. Lindsey would guide us to the safer waters. This is the kind of suspense, gruesome and harsh, that seeps into your mind, and possible into your dreams the night after. It will keep you on the edge, and even push you over it a few times, but the sweet, ardent romance on the side is what balances the tale, and brings smiles at the end.
Julie Anne Lindsey's writing is the kind that reminds me of Linda Howard and Sandra Brown early works, of the books that made me fall in love with romantic suspense in the first place. Shadow Point Deputy is absorbing and intriguing, a fierce tale of intense suspense and the kind of romance that sweeps you off your feet.
~ Five Spoons!
January 25, 2020
Julie Anne Lindsey, at the time this was published, was one of the newer authors for the Intrigue line. Some of the other new ones (Nichole Severn, Nico Rosso, Janice Kay Johnson) have delivered terrible first Intrigue books, but Lindsey has a good handle on pacing and suspense, even if her plots are pretty thin and disposable.
This one has Rita Horn witnessing a murder committed by a man in a business suit and a man in a deputy's outfit. She's protected by Deputy Cole Garrett, who insists that the deputy she saw is a fake. He must keep her safe from those who want to make sure the last witness is silenced forever.
Rita tended to annoy me. She was melodramatic, and always seemed to be crying and shaking. Cole and his brother West are practically babying her at times. As for Cole, he's about what you would expect for a hero in the Intrigue line....but completely interchangeable with his brother. His insistence in discussing private matters with Rita in front of his brother was quite bizarre.
I did an eye-roll at the revelation that Rita was a virgin. I understand the virgin trope in the Modern line, because that line is gross and out-of-touch. Not so in Intrigue, which is supposed to be a more realistic, down-to-earth line. It made Rita seem even more like a child than she already was, and it was kind of creepy. She sometimes came across as some sort of precious, untouched little girl and it was all a bit disturbing.
Identity of villain is completely arbitrary; no bad guys are on page. It annoys me no end when the main villain is somebody who's never even been mentioned before the point they're revealed as the bad guy! It's lazy.
But Lindsey does keep the plot constantly on the move, and despite Cole having a ranch, this generally avoids all the hiding-out-on-the ranch cliches that the Intrigue line so often doles out. As I always say, not being bored is a big part of enjoying a book!
This one has Rita Horn witnessing a murder committed by a man in a business suit and a man in a deputy's outfit. She's protected by Deputy Cole Garrett, who insists that the deputy she saw is a fake. He must keep her safe from those who want to make sure the last witness is silenced forever.
Rita tended to annoy me. She was melodramatic, and always seemed to be crying and shaking. Cole and his brother West are practically babying her at times. As for Cole, he's about what you would expect for a hero in the Intrigue line....but completely interchangeable with his brother. His insistence in discussing private matters with Rita in front of his brother was quite bizarre.
I did an eye-roll at the revelation that Rita was a virgin. I understand the virgin trope in the Modern line, because that line is gross and out-of-touch. Not so in Intrigue, which is supposed to be a more realistic, down-to-earth line. It made Rita seem even more like a child than she already was, and it was kind of creepy. She sometimes came across as some sort of precious, untouched little girl and it was all a bit disturbing.
Identity of villain is completely arbitrary; no bad guys are on page. It annoys me no end when the main villain is somebody who's never even been mentioned before the point they're revealed as the bad guy! It's lazy.
But Lindsey does keep the plot constantly on the move, and despite Cole having a ranch, this generally avoids all the hiding-out-on-the ranch cliches that the Intrigue line so often doles out. As I always say, not being bored is a big part of enjoying a book!
October 8, 2020
3.5/5 stars
November 2, 2024
I really like this book. It was a short read, but very well written and the author made the character seem very real. The next book in this series should be just as good I hope.
January 30, 2019
This novel is a genius combination of romance, mystery and suspense. If you want to get an emotional, thrilling read out of a novel, then this is it. Shadow Point Deputy entertained me from the get-go. It brought out the different factors and emotions of the situations portrayed brilliantly, without going overboard. Shadow Point Deputy is a novel that is a good read, because the emotions are perfectly balanced, and the story has many senses of intrigue.
Rita Horn, an innocent young lady who was feeding the stray dogs she fed on the daily, found herself caught up and witnessing the conclusion of a possible murder scene. She was chasing a stray dog who had blood on its paw, but she had soon found out that the blood Rita saw wasn’t dog blood, it was human blood. Rita, who may have seen a rogue officer as she was hiding behind a bush. She ended up fleeing the scene, which the officer she saw in the distance, ended up witnessing. The romance of the novel starts with a man named Officer Cole Garrett. He ends up having a crush on the women who believes she is being staked by the rogue officer. As they try and catch the rogue officer, and as he saves her form capture on multiple occasions, they begin to create a loving relationship with each other. The mysterious story and thrilling climaxes make up for what happens between Rita Horn and Officer Cole Garrett. Of all the mystery novels I have read, this novel was the best at bringing the right amount of mystery and making the novel interesting and entertaining throughout the novel. I highly encourage this novel for readers of this level, to be entertained and intrigued by a story of such magnitude.
Rita Horn, an innocent young lady who was feeding the stray dogs she fed on the daily, found herself caught up and witnessing the conclusion of a possible murder scene. She was chasing a stray dog who had blood on its paw, but she had soon found out that the blood Rita saw wasn’t dog blood, it was human blood. Rita, who may have seen a rogue officer as she was hiding behind a bush. She ended up fleeing the scene, which the officer she saw in the distance, ended up witnessing. The romance of the novel starts with a man named Officer Cole Garrett. He ends up having a crush on the women who believes she is being staked by the rogue officer. As they try and catch the rogue officer, and as he saves her form capture on multiple occasions, they begin to create a loving relationship with each other. The mysterious story and thrilling climaxes make up for what happens between Rita Horn and Officer Cole Garrett. Of all the mystery novels I have read, this novel was the best at bringing the right amount of mystery and making the novel interesting and entertaining throughout the novel. I highly encourage this novel for readers of this level, to be entertained and intrigued by a story of such magnitude.
October 9, 2020
3.5 Stars
The story follows Rita who sees the aftermath of a crime and than ends up under the protection of Cole as people start coming after her. I love that she was a cat lady & loved helping people. There was great chemistry and the plot moved fast! I realize I don't have a romantic suspense tag, I guess I use romance+thriller! It's not a genre I often read as the suspense sometimes does me in and this was juuuuust on the edge. I am so curious to read about the other characters in this world, and look forward to seeing their romances.
Read as a part of Who Picked This Book? Bookclub, See the live show on Nicole's Channel with her & JenJen chatting all about the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM7F0...
The story follows Rita who sees the aftermath of a crime and than ends up under the protection of Cole as people start coming after her. I love that she was a cat lady & loved helping people. There was great chemistry and the plot moved fast! I realize I don't have a romantic suspense tag, I guess I use romance+thriller! It's not a genre I often read as the suspense sometimes does me in and this was juuuuust on the edge. I am so curious to read about the other characters in this world, and look forward to seeing their romances.
Read as a part of Who Picked This Book? Bookclub, See the live show on Nicole's Channel with her & JenJen chatting all about the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM7F0...
November 18, 2020
Love this author!
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!
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!
September 26, 2020
This story was intense. It started out with Rita feeding stray cats after work. One of the cats wondered off, and she followed it. That’s when she found a man that had just been killed. Rita noticed a police officer walking away from the scene. Now she didn’t know who to trust. Officer Cole Garrett vows to protect Rita, and bring the fake officer to justice. There is nothing worse than a rogue cop, or someone who pretends to be an officer who is not. I loved the chemistry between Cole, and Rita. This was an excellent book with action, suspense, and romance.
January 31, 2019
I would give this book a 4.3 or 4.4.
I liked the chemistry between the hero and heroine. I would have preferred the heroine not to be so "scared" and immobile when things go wrong for them. She froze so many times during crisis moments, it was hard to believe she would face down the bad guy in the end. That is my chief criticism of the book.
I also appreciated that the author kept the sexual encounters to a minimum while still maintaining the sexual tension between the H/H.
I liked the chemistry between the hero and heroine. I would have preferred the heroine not to be so "scared" and immobile when things go wrong for them. She froze so many times during crisis moments, it was hard to believe she would face down the bad guy in the end. That is my chief criticism of the book.
I also appreciated that the author kept the sexual encounters to a minimum while still maintaining the sexual tension between the H/H.
January 23, 2019
I loved this book. Great read.
February 6, 2019
So enjoyed this story!! Highly recommend!!
February 12, 2019
story was slow and dragging for a lot of the book. At the end, it was rushed and under developed.
June 18, 2019
Lovely Story
I enjoyed the story of the Garrett brothers and the story in itself was very interesting. I. Can't wait for the next story of this family.....
I enjoyed the story of the Garrett brothers and the story in itself was very interesting. I. Can't wait for the next story of this family.....
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January 2, 2019Miniseries: Garrett Valor
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January 2, 2019Miniseries: Garrett Valor
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews