Hunting the Colton Fugitive

The Coltons of Mustang Valley #11

by Colleen Thompson

Her business is finding criminals… but can she risk falling for a fugitive?

Capturing Ace Colton is the solution to bounty hunter Sierra Madden’s troubles. The bounty will pay off the vicious loan shark whose goons are after her. Too cynical to buy Ace’s protestations of innocence, Sierra tamps down her growing attraction. But when she’s the ultimate target, she might be forced to rely on the absolute last person she should trust.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Harlequin

283 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 14, 2020

About the author

Colleen Thompson began writing the contemporary romantic suspense novels she loves in 2004. Since then, her work has been honored with the Texas Gold Award, nominations for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, multiple reviewers' choice honors, along with starred reviews from Romantic Times and Publisher's Weekly. A former teacher living with her family and their latest rescue dog in the Houston area, Colleen can be found on the web at www.colleen-thompson.com.

Reviews

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunting the Colton Fugitive by Colleen Thompson is book eleven in the Coltons of Mustang Valley series. This series of novels written by various authors features the Colton Family of Mustang Valley, Arizona. This is a Mills & Boon Heroes novel.

Asa “Ace” Colton, the former CEO of Colton Oil, is pursued and caught by bounty hunter, Sierra Madden. Ace wants to clear his name and return to his family. Sierra wants to collect the generous bounty for Ace and settle her father’s debt. Ace understands Sierra’s motives and wants to protect her from the danger following her, and Sierra is starting to believe in Ace’s innocence. The two are still definitely at odds but attraction and passion are interfering with the animosity.

Ms. Thompson continues the string of unique, entertaining novels and maintains the continuity of the multi-author series. I missed some installments in the series, but the backstory was sufficient enough for me to catch up. Thompson’s characters are well-rounded and strong. The plot is engaging. The romance develops quickly but appropriately and the ending is satisfying. I enjoyed Hunting the Colton Fugitive and give it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

Be sure to read the final volume in the series: Colton’s Last Stand by Karen Whiddon. Also available in June 2020!

My thanks to HARLEQUIN – Romance (US & Canada) and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.FINALLY! We are up to Ace's book. There is so many things to figure out here and to share that I don't know where to begin. As y'all know Ace is on the run since he has been framed for his father's shooting. Only Payne isn't really his father since Ace was switched with the real Ace Colton at birth.

Are you with me so far? Things have been going crazy since the first boo in this series. I must say Ace did an amazing job of hiding right in Mustang Valley! No one thought to look for him there except bounty hunter, Sierra Madden. she finds pretty quickly but brings with her a set of new problems.

I love how Ace always wanted to be a father but thought he would never get the chance. He finds here that not only is he a father but about to be a grandfather as well. One things I was always certain of throughout this series is that Ace did not shoot Payne. Yes, he said some harsh things when his paternity came out but that was out of anger and hurt. Not because he wanted him dead. Payne is the only father Ace has ever known.

Sierra and Payne work well together even when they aren't trying to help one another. They both have a kindness in them that is hard to deny. add in their crazy attraction and you have an amazing book.

If you have been following my reviews of this series you know I always let you know about Payne's condition. Guess what? He wakes from his coma in this one! Only I'm not going to tell you what he says or does because it will spoil to much of the plot. I know that's mean but you must read this series. There is one more book and i will have that review up soon for you.
This review was originally posted on Wickedly Romance

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is the eleventh book in the Coltons of Mustang Valley series in the Harlequin Intrigue line over at Harlequin Books.

I have been a bit upset about this whole “Ace is not a Colton” storyline that has been a similar theme in many of the previous books. My favorite outcome would have been that Ace is really a Colton and it’s all a mistake. I am still hoping for this to be uncovered.

Basic premise: Bounty Hunter Sierra is hired by Ace’s step mom to bring him to justice.

I enjoyed the interplay between Ace and Sierra. They both are pretty bull-headed and it was amazing that they both made it through this story alive and in one piece. Ace warmed to Sierra a lot quicker than she did to him. I guess his months on the lamb gave him something to think about and when the right person was thrown into his path, he was ready for action.

I am still loving this Colton series. Like I said above, I have my ultimate wishes. I want Ace vindicated and I want his dad to wake up and know Ace is real son!

If you love a good romantic suspense, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ace Colton had been the CEO of Colton Oil until he became a suspect in his father's shooting. He went into hiding until he could clear his name and go back to his family. But before he could do that, he was found by bounty hunter, Sierra Madden. Sierra needed the money the bounty would provide, to pay her father's debt so she wouldn't believe his claims of innocence. While she was bringing Ace in, dangerous men were following Sierra. Even knowing she had his fate in her hands, Ace wanted to help and protect her. As she spent more time with him, Sierra began to doubt his guilt.

I liked how Sierra and Payne worked so well together. They were both kind and considerate of each other but did have their differences. Even so, there was attraction and heat between them.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

It’s always with great anticipation that I come to the final two stories in any “Colton” mini-series. It’s then that the pieces of the puzzle really begin to form a clear picture with the final story wrapping up all the loose ends. And that was no exception in ‘Hunting the Colton Fugitive‘, the eleventh story in the ‘Coltons of Mustang Valley‘ mini-series, and the next to the last book.

We’ll finally get Ace’s perspective of all that has happened to upend his world from discovering that he was switched at birth, losing his CEO position in the family company because of a stipulation in the company bylaws, and finally being accused of shooting his father, or the man who he believed to be his father, Payne Colton. The final straw came when an arrest warrant was issued and Ace went on the run after a false witness swore that he’d confessed to the shooting and the gun used was found hidden in his condo. Now we discover that Ace has been hiding, if not in plain sight very close by to everyone he loves… and his life is about to get even more complicated when Sierra uncovers his hideout bunker.

Sierra is a bounty hunter on a mission. She’s accustomed to always getting the runner she’s after, but this case has a bad taste from the very start. Yet she’s ignoring that gut instinct because she needs this huge payday desperately for personal reasons. Discovering Ace’s hideout and her own troubles collide rather quickly and soon they are both in a desperate search for the truth and a way out of their current situation.

‘Hunting the Colton Fugitive‘ was an emotion pack, fast-paced suspense/romance for me from the start. We know that Ace didn’t shoot Payne, yet it’s an almost perfect set-up for the newly non-Colton to take the fall for someone else. Sierra’s troubles come in the form of loan shark goons and the actual vile Ice Veins himself coming after money her deceased father owes. Talk about a case gone downhill fast. Soon both Ace and Sierra are on the run from villains out to end them and trying to discover who is framing Ace. Their sizzling chemistry from the very beginning adds another layer of complications in an already complex situation.

Sierra and Ace fit together from the start for me, and that feeling only increased as they face down troubles, betrayals, and victory together. Ace has a lot to discover about what’s been happening while he’s been in hiding – like discovering he has a daughter and a grandchild on the way. There are some threads closed in ‘Hunting the Colton Fugitive‘, others come closer to being explained, and Payne surprises just about everyone. I had such a good time back in this world for this couple’s story. If you’ve followed the series then this is one you do not want to miss. Now the final book is all that’s left to give us answers that have plagued us from the start – definitely wanting that experience.

I own a Kindle edition of this story.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did she take this job? A bounty hunter really can't be too picky and, yes, she really needed the money to pay her deceased father's gambling debt, but there's something off about Selena Barnes Colton's request that she find Ace Colton. She really really needs the money though. Vegas loan shark Ice Veins has threatened to do her body serious damage if she doesn't pay up in full. NOW! So when she discovers Ace Colton's hideout and he talks her into accepting payment from him instead of Selena she foolishly agrees. Ace needed to get to a place where he could safely use his cell phone to transfer the money to her. They donned disguises and headed out - right into the arms of Ice Vein's thugs. A fight ensued, shots were fired. They managed to get away and escape to a cash only "no tell" motel but the goons, along with Ice Veins found them. Things got ugly fast. Shots were fired, knives were thrashing - mayhem. Good thing Ace texted his cousin Sergeant Spencer Colton who arrived at the melee just in time. So now her bounty is in police custody and she's been paid but she just can't leave Ace in a bind. He has been framed for the shooting of Colton patriarch, Payne Colton. Sierra is determined to prove Ace's innocence. Then even though she is falling for Ace she has got to leave.

Ace Colton ran when faced with possible arrest for shooting Payne Colton, patriarch of the family. They had argued shortly before the shooting but Ace is innocent. He spends his time in his hideout on his laptop searching for clues to the shooter's identity. Then bounty hunter Sierra Madden breaks into his hideout. When he learns Selena Barnes Colton hired her he is concerned as to Selena's motives and is determined to find answers. What has really thrown him off though is the news Sierra imparted that he has a daughter named Nova who will soon give birth to his grandchild. There's so much going on in his life yet he can't get thoughts of Sierra out of his mind. He has no time for this but there's something about Sierra that attracts him.

Hunting the Colton Fugitive by Colleen Thompson is the eleventh book in the Harlequin series, The Coltons of Mustang Valley. The Colton family has faced so much danger and problems but Ace Colton seems to have suffered the most. He is running from the law after being framed for a shooting he didn't commit. I love that this author found the perfect match for Ace in Sierra Madden. Colleen Thompson has a solid plot and the pace is good. The story arc moves along in this book as we finally find out who shot Payne Colton and why. What's left is to find the Colton heir who was switched at birth with Ace. I'm sure we will get a satisfying conclusion in the last book in the series, Colton's Last Stand by Karen Whiddon.

[Jo Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ace Colton, falsely accused of shooting his father, is hiding out in a concealed bunker in the foothills of Mustang Valley. Even though his safe house is well-stocked and technically sound, he has spotty internet, and hasn’t had human contact in over a month. But he can’t turn himself in until he finds who set him up. Who is the false “witness” against him? And who planted the weapon in his condo?

Ace was already hurt and reeling from the news and DNA testing that proved he was switched at birth, and not even Payne Colton’s real first born. They fought when his father fired him as CEO of Colton Oil, as only a true Colton can run the firm.

But Ace doesn’t even care about his job or the heirship or the money anymore. Payne Colton is the only father he’s ever known, and whoever shot him, left him in a coma. The family is guarding Payne’s information, so Ace can’t find out if his dad has regained consciousness, or if he’s even still alive.

Las Vegas bounty hunter, Sierra Madden, is leery of the big-ticket job offer to track down a man who hasn’t as yet been charged with the crime, but it’s a contract she can’t turn down. The twenty-five thousand will bail her out of the last of her deceased father’s gambling debts. She’s got to pay off the debt quickly, because the feared bookie who holds the note has promised to take one of her legs in payment – and he has a reputation of making good on his threats.

Her dad taught her the family business well, so she tracks Ace down and gets past his security system. She knows better than to be attracted to her prey, but this guy is not only handsome, he makes her want to believe his story. But she must turn him in. He’ll have a fair trial, and she needs the money now.

Ace can’t believe this slender woman literally took him down. Even as they trudge through the night to where her car is hidden, he negotiates to outbid her ongoing contract. But when two dangerous Las Vegas thugs show up, they find they must rely on each other to survive.

This story is full of action. At one point, I didn’t see how Ace and Sierra could possibly get their HEA, but this talented author pulled it off. One surprise after another kept me flipping pages until the satisfying ending.

Although I haven’t read all of the previous books in this Colton series, I easily kept up with who was who, and with the important backstory that lead to this point, (although I may read more, as my interest is pinged on some of the siblings' stories). I will definitely pick up the last in the series, also coming out in June. I want to know how the missing Colton heir’s story works out.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout the Coltons of Mustang Valley continuity series, there have been numerous questions raised and though many explanations have been resolved, others remained unanswered. In the eleventh book, there is even more effort being put forth to find the truth about several key details linked to the shooting of the elder Colton, as the man who is the top suspect wants to find out what really happened on the night that changed his life so dramatically. Ace Colton had a bright future until made to look guilty of a terrible crime and then he went into hiding. Sierra Madden is determined to take him to the local police and let the authorities decide his fate. But when these two eventually meet up, very little goes as either of them planned. Colleen Thompson made the circumstances in her contribution not only enthralling because of suspenseful situations but also filled with powerful emotions.

As the CEO of Colton Oil, all seems to be going great for Ace Colton until he is accused of shooting his father, an act that he denies committing. Hopelessness led to him disappearing without a word, and he is currently trying to uncover any facts which would prove his innocence. But his hideout is located by a dogged bounty hunter named Sierra Madden, as the money for taking him in is needed for a troubling personal debt. Bringing in someone for money is her career choice, and whether the person is at fault or actually blamelessness is not her concern. Yet listening to Ace describe his predicament does have her hesitating about her next move.

There is definitely plenty of danger in HUNTING THE COLTON FUGITIVE, where threats are often unexpected and all too frequently deadly. I never knew what Ace and Sierra might have to face during many of the incidents that arose, as dilemmas were packed with much jeopardy which left me feeling worried about their well-being. What is taking place in the story is a clever mixture of peril connected to past occurrences and some new unanticipated developments. Many factors are affecting the lives of Ace and Sierra, causing them to be constantly challenged by shocking events. This couple are also feeling very conflicted when it comes to their emotions. They are both under much stress about what choices to make, and I was never sure what would be their final decision. Colleen Thompson skillfully interweaves many surprising reveals into her intriguing romantic story. Rating - 4.5 Stars

[Katie Mettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I just finished Hunting the Colton Fugitive and what a romantic suspense ride it was! For the first time in a long time, the romance was almost 50/50 with the suspense, which is really hard to find lately. In fact, the romance was woven into the book from start to finish and done as well as the suspense plot was. *Disclaimer--this is book 11 of this miniseries and I had no issue reading it without having read the other 10. Do I want to? Yes! But I could read #11 and know everything that was going on without having read all the others*

Ace Colton is on the run or rather he's holed up trying to prove his innocence that he didn't kill the man who raised him. Payne Colton was the man Ace always thought was his father, until he's sent an email saying otherwise. When they find his father in the boardroom, shot, they head directly to Ace as a suspect. Rather than sit around and wait to see if he's arrested, he takes off, trying to find the answers on his own.

Enter sassy Sierra, bounty hunter extraordinaire. She's eager to bring Ace in for his step-mother to collect the bounty she needs to pay off her father's debts. If she doesn't, she's going to lose a leg to 'Ice Vein'. (As an amputee, I'll admit that scene made me shiver) It isn't until she finds Ace, and has an instant and unexplainable connection with him, that she starts to wonder if he's being set up.

The two pair up to prove his innocence and explore the growing attraction between them. Of course, they have to do this while dodging bullets and men with knives. Ace's family is a complicated mess and so is Sierra's. She has a past she's not proud of and she knows that even though Ace might not be a Colton, he still grew up in a family that protects their own, unlike hers did.

Shoot-outs, revenge, and distrust abound as Ace, Sierra, and several of the Colton brood try to stop the real killer from taking the lives of several Coltons. The tense struggles and painful revelations bring Sierra and Ace closer, giving them a leg to stand on when their world rights itself again.

There are many surprises in this book for the reader, less so if you've read the rest of the miniseries, I suppose, but I really enjoyed the reveal to Ace of his unexpected family. Now I have to go back and read book 10! If you're looking for a miniseries to start that will keep you busy all summer long you definitely want to grab Hunting the Colton Fugitive and all of The Coltons of Mustang Valley Books!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure how long this series is but once again I find myself thrown into this Colton family drama and I'm loving it. I think I may have missed a book or two but I'll have to get ahold of them soon to catch up not that I need to since each of these books are standalone.

Ace is on the run suspected to be his fathers shooter not long after finding out that his father isn't his father at all but was switched at birth. Sierra is a bounty hunter who has come to claim him and his bounty so pay off her fathers debt but it seems the loan sharks are coming after her.

Things just go down hill for her and him and trust me your not gonna want to miss this newest installation to the series. This book kept me on my toes from the first page. I loved getting to konw the characters and learning of their family experiences. Then there was the whole mess that Sierra had to deal with when it came to her fathers debt and loan sharks coming to claim whats owed. Then there was the whole bigger mess that was taking place throughout the series of wondering who the child Ace was switched with was and who shot at the father and why. There is so much to keep the readers entertained and I recommend you lovely readers to check this book out.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunting the Colton Fugitive is the 11th book in the series, and another winner in my opinion. I have read quite a few of the books in the series, and enjoyed them all. Having been accused of shooting the patriarch of the family, after losing his job of CEO of the company while its reveals he is not the actual heir to the family throne, Ace has gone into hiding but now he has a bounty hunter on his tail. Can she find him, collect her money and pay off the people after her. What happens next will take you on a journey to prove his innocence and find the real culprit. I would recommend this book to others.

I received a Advanced Readers Copy from NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interwoven chaos steals the show! With the next to last book in The Colton's of Mustang Valley series, we are finally getting some insight into getting Ace back home and finding out who really shot his father. The intrigue was high and the characters held my attention throughout. I'm looking forward to the final book in the series to shed light on the remaining questions and finish up this great series.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a top notch mystery that spreads across several books as sibling after sibling tries to unravel the secrets and lies as they find their own happily ever after.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time in reading this author with the suspense having caught my eye in the first place. A little different is the bounty hunter is female which is refreshing. Sierra needs this bounty caught for financial reasons. Complications begin when she meets her bounty and it soon is clear he is speaking the truth. Ace is the key here to alot of what is going on that captures our attention with the drama that unfolds. She must do some saving herself which has us trying our best to help along the way. Intriguing is in this with not letting a reader wonder until you see where it ends.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
The Coltons of Mustang Valley (Book #11)

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent read. It was light and quick to read. The characters were likable and the overall plot was good. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book