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Longview Ridge Ranch #3
Settling an Old Score
A past tragedy destroyed their love. A vulnerable newborn brings them back together.
Within moments of discovering a baby on his doorstep, Texas Ranger Eli Slater finds himself being held at gunpoint by his ex, Ashlyn Darrow. She claims she was tipped off that the still-gorgeous cowboy kidnapped her newly adopted daughter because of the bad blood that defines their past. They quickly realize Eli’s been set up and now Eli is determined to protect Ashlyn and her daughter. But regaining her trust will be as easy as ignoring the attraction even a lifetime apart can’t erase…
Within moments of discovering a baby on his doorstep, Texas Ranger Eli Slater finds himself being held at gunpoint by his ex, Ashlyn Darrow. She claims she was tipped off that the still-gorgeous cowboy kidnapped her newly adopted daughter because of the bad blood that defines their past. They quickly realize Eli’s been set up and now Eli is determined to protect Ashlyn and her daughter. But regaining her trust will be as easy as ignoring the attraction even a lifetime apart can’t erase…
251 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 9, 2020
94 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Delores Fossen
653 books815 followersThank you for finding me on Goodreads!
Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:
I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.
Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:
I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 23, 2020
3.5 Stars
Texas Ranger Eli has a shock when his old flame, Ashlyn, shows up in the middle of the night accusing him of kidnapping her infant daughter. That accusation is quickly thrown aside when shots are fired, and they realize they must band together to ferret out their mutual threat. There are several suspects on their list but is seems likely that it’s someone involved with the murder of Ashlyn’s best friend, Marta, three years earlier.
Ashlyn and Eli have a troubled history. Once young and in love, but life separated them, and they went their separate ways. However, they meet again under tragic circumstances ending with Ashlyn being shot and her friend murdered. Ashlyn blames Eli for that night, but since spending time together again she realizes it was unfair to hold him responsible.
Old feelings of attraction resurface as they fight off every new assault. Eli had a protective streak a mile long, and he was determined to protect Ashlyn and her newly adopted daughter, Cora. As their feelings spark again, he’s also determined to not let their second chance at happiness get away.
Settling an Old Score was packed full of action and danger from the get-go and hardly let up! It was a fun combination of danger, thrills, and romance, and I was pulled into the story right away. There were several suspects, and I wasn’t sure which was the real culprit until the end. I will say I did feel like I was missing some of the story, the whole night of Marta’s death and Ashlyn’s injury is alluded to, but not fully explained. Like it was maybe some of it took place in a previous book? Still, the story was a quick and entertaining escape from reality!
A copy was kindly provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Texas Ranger Eli has a shock when his old flame, Ashlyn, shows up in the middle of the night accusing him of kidnapping her infant daughter. That accusation is quickly thrown aside when shots are fired, and they realize they must band together to ferret out their mutual threat. There are several suspects on their list but is seems likely that it’s someone involved with the murder of Ashlyn’s best friend, Marta, three years earlier.
Ashlyn and Eli have a troubled history. Once young and in love, but life separated them, and they went their separate ways. However, they meet again under tragic circumstances ending with Ashlyn being shot and her friend murdered. Ashlyn blames Eli for that night, but since spending time together again she realizes it was unfair to hold him responsible.
Old feelings of attraction resurface as they fight off every new assault. Eli had a protective streak a mile long, and he was determined to protect Ashlyn and her newly adopted daughter, Cora. As their feelings spark again, he’s also determined to not let their second chance at happiness get away.
Settling an Old Score was packed full of action and danger from the get-go and hardly let up! It was a fun combination of danger, thrills, and romance, and I was pulled into the story right away. There were several suspects, and I wasn’t sure which was the real culprit until the end. I will say I did feel like I was missing some of the story, the whole night of Marta’s death and Ashlyn’s injury is alluded to, but not fully explained. Like it was maybe some of it took place in a previous book? Still, the story was a quick and entertaining escape from reality!
A copy was kindly provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2020
Not only does Texas Ranger Eli Slater find a baby on his doorstep, he is facing the barrel of a gun held by is ex, Ashlyn Darrow. She was told Eli kidnapped her newly adopted daughter, Cora, and Eli quickly assures her that he did nothing of the sort. So, what is going on? Who took Ashlyn's daughter, and why bring Cora to Eli?
The reason begins to become clear. What is more, however, is that Ashlyn and Cora need protection. Despite the difficult past Ashlyn and Eli shared, Eli steps up. With trust being a difficult thing for either to have, all while fighting the attraction that quickly reignited, safety and protection have a tenuous hold. With Ashyln's life at risk, will the pair get the opportunity to reexamine their feelings for one another, feelings that never truly died? What about the danger, will that ever let up long enough for them to get that chance?
Just like the first two books in this exciting series by Delores Fossen, Settling an Old Score doesn't miss one minute of action. The sizzling romance indeed gets its chance, but will it prove to be something that can bring long-term happiness? I loved being drawn into this story, whether the drama, danger or romance. It all blended together remarkably well, especially as Eli and Ashlyn are forced to face their past, while never being able to look away from the danger facing them. I am more than eager to read the final book in this series, His Brand of Justice, which is very high in my review queue.
Many thanks to Harlequin Intrigue and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The reason begins to become clear. What is more, however, is that Ashlyn and Cora need protection. Despite the difficult past Ashlyn and Eli shared, Eli steps up. With trust being a difficult thing for either to have, all while fighting the attraction that quickly reignited, safety and protection have a tenuous hold. With Ashyln's life at risk, will the pair get the opportunity to reexamine their feelings for one another, feelings that never truly died? What about the danger, will that ever let up long enough for them to get that chance?
Just like the first two books in this exciting series by Delores Fossen, Settling an Old Score doesn't miss one minute of action. The sizzling romance indeed gets its chance, but will it prove to be something that can bring long-term happiness? I loved being drawn into this story, whether the drama, danger or romance. It all blended together remarkably well, especially as Eli and Ashlyn are forced to face their past, while never being able to look away from the danger facing them. I am more than eager to read the final book in this series, His Brand of Justice, which is very high in my review queue.
Many thanks to Harlequin Intrigue and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 5, 2020
I love a good Harlequin Intrigue and Delores Fossen didn't let me down with Settling an Old Score! I loved Eli from the very beginning. He was down to earth, had common sense, but still a caring aura to him even as a Texas Ranger. Whether he was trying to dodge bullets or calming a worried mother, you could tell he cared.
You couldn't help but feel for Ashlyn when her daughter was kidnapped and left on the doorstep of the person she blamed for the death of her friend years ago. Eli also happens to be an old flame that she wasn't 'quite' over yet. (Read DEFINITELY still loves him) That said, NEVER mess with a momma bear's cub and Ashlyn didn't like finding Eli holding her cub.
Things go from bad to worse for Ashlyn and Cora immediately and she's left to rely on Eli to keep them safe while they figure out who is after Ashlyn and why they're setting Eli up to take the fall. Helped by his brothers and his devoted deputies, Eli follows the trail while trying to keep the woman he still loves safe. He knows the events that happened in their past was his fault, but as the thread is pulled, it becomes more obvious to the both of them that maybe those events had been out of their control, too.
There are a lot of bullets flying, a lot of people dying, and a lot of love happening in this intrigue. When the final twist comes you won't be expecting it! I loved the story and the idea that I found a new series to read in the Longview Ridge Ranch so I can read about all of the characters I've already fallen in love with.
You couldn't help but feel for Ashlyn when her daughter was kidnapped and left on the doorstep of the person she blamed for the death of her friend years ago. Eli also happens to be an old flame that she wasn't 'quite' over yet. (Read DEFINITELY still loves him) That said, NEVER mess with a momma bear's cub and Ashlyn didn't like finding Eli holding her cub.
Things go from bad to worse for Ashlyn and Cora immediately and she's left to rely on Eli to keep them safe while they figure out who is after Ashlyn and why they're setting Eli up to take the fall. Helped by his brothers and his devoted deputies, Eli follows the trail while trying to keep the woman he still loves safe. He knows the events that happened in their past was his fault, but as the thread is pulled, it becomes more obvious to the both of them that maybe those events had been out of their control, too.
There are a lot of bullets flying, a lot of people dying, and a lot of love happening in this intrigue. When the final twist comes you won't be expecting it! I loved the story and the idea that I found a new series to read in the Longview Ridge Ranch so I can read about all of the characters I've already fallen in love with.
August 20, 2020
3.5/5 stars
This is the third book on Longview Ridge Ranch Series. It tells the story of Eli and his ex-girlfriend Ashlyn whom he found outside his house one evening with her daughter, where they got attacked right after. The survived but are clueless, who would want them dead. Eli swore to protect Ashlyn and her baby by all means. Eli and Ashlyn work together to find the person plotting against them. I won't deny, there's a part in this book that I asked myself if Eli and Ashlyn are just horrible people or they cross a line they shouldn't be because there's way too much shooting going on. This book is fast-paced, action-packed, and has so many twists. Characters are alright, the plot is good. There’s a part that I found a bit repetitive, but It kept me interested from start to finish.
Thank you so much @HarlequinPublicityTeam and @HarlequinBooks for my gifted copy and including me on this tour
This is the third book on Longview Ridge Ranch Series. It tells the story of Eli and his ex-girlfriend Ashlyn whom he found outside his house one evening with her daughter, where they got attacked right after. The survived but are clueless, who would want them dead. Eli swore to protect Ashlyn and her baby by all means. Eli and Ashlyn work together to find the person plotting against them. I won't deny, there's a part in this book that I asked myself if Eli and Ashlyn are just horrible people or they cross a line they shouldn't be because there's way too much shooting going on. This book is fast-paced, action-packed, and has so many twists. Characters are alright, the plot is good. There’s a part that I found a bit repetitive, but It kept me interested from start to finish.
Thank you so much @HarlequinPublicityTeam and @HarlequinBooks for my gifted copy and including me on this tour
August 16, 2020
This is an action packed read from the very start! Eli Slater is a Texas Ranger and when he hears footsteps outside his home the last thing he anticipated was to discover a baby there! What makes it even more dramatic is when his gun totting high school ex, Ashlyn Darrow, turns up threatening to shoot him for kidnapping her adopted daughter. The men who kidnapped the child had told her it was on his orders but the two soon realise this was a set up – they’d hoped she would kill him. Their past attraction is still there but there’s been so much drama to drive them apart, can Eli convince her to let him keep her and Cora safe? As he investigates who kidnapped Cora this turns into a truly intriguing read with three main potential perpetrators behind it all but just who is trying to get Eli killed and Ashlyn out of the way? There’ll be lots of gunfire, plenty of surprises and dangerous encounters before this couple can have any chance at a second chance romance and then it can only happen if they both survive…..
This story is an edge of your seat suspense with so many twists and turns to keep you guessing! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and didn’t want to put it down until all was well again for the main characters. It is a story with the family of law men determined to keep Ashlyn and her daughter safe as well as bringing the criminals to justice. I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys a huge helping of mystery and intrigue served with their romance.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
This story is an edge of your seat suspense with so many twists and turns to keep you guessing! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and didn’t want to put it down until all was well again for the main characters. It is a story with the family of law men determined to keep Ashlyn and her daughter safe as well as bringing the criminals to justice. I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys a huge helping of mystery and intrigue served with their romance.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
July 16, 2020
I was very much looking forward to reading Settling an Old Score, the third title in Delores Fossen's Longview Ridge Ranch series, because I quite enjoyed the first book in the series, but from the very high intensity start of this novel, I felt totally lost, as if this story began in a book I didn't read somehow, and that feeling continued until the very end. While it's a quick, high intensity, action-packed, romantic suspense novel, I cannot in good conscience give it more than a 3-star rating.
As the novel opens, Texas Ranger Eli Slater hears a noise on his porch in the middle of the night and gets out of bed to investigate. What he finds is a small baby in a car seat, puzzled that there's no note, no one out there waiting to take a shot at him, at least until a car comes racing toward him, and a woman gets out, pointing her gun at him, and he recognizes her--it's Ashlyn Darrow, his former high school flame, and she's ready to shoot him for kidnapping her recently adopted baby girl, Cora, and so began my confusion.
Eli and Ashlyn have a troubled history. Her best friend, Marta, a drug addict turned police informant, was killed in the drug bust in which Ashlyn was also shot 3 times, making her unable to have children of her own, and although Eli wasn't the one who shot either of them, Ashlyn blames him for Marta's death. That's a whole lot of story we only get to hear second-hand, and it doesn't end there, not even close.
After Eli talks Ashlyn out of shooting him, brings her and her baby inside his home, and convinces Ashlyn that they were was set up, bullets start flying, and Eli calls for back-up, as both he and Ashlyn finally accept the fact that someone wants Eli dead and Ashlyn in prison or dead, but who is behind this and why? Thus began the rest of my issues with his story, which introduced far too many characters, far too many possible motives, far too many attempts at killing Eli and Ashlyn, far too many attempts to kidnap baby Cora, far too many secondary lawmen, far too many assorted hit men, far too many shootouts, home invasions, and far too many complications to follow in a story in which my main feeling was total character confusion.
In addition, Settling an Old Score is supposed to be novel of romantic suspense, and while there'an overabundance of mystery and suspense in this whodunit, where was the romance? To say it was given short shrift is putting it mildly. While I realize that there are word/page limits in the Harlequin Intrigue imprint, this story needed either a much longer novel or far fewer characters, possible motives and assorted suspects. It also needed quite a bit more romance between the two primary characters.
In short, Ms Fossen has again given us a really good story idea which was unfortunately crammed into too short a novel to truly give her main characters some real depth, and give the reader a chance to sort through all the off-screen backstory and events. It's not a bad read, it's well thought out and intense, but Ms. Fossen needed more space for this novel to really develop it's characters and plot.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
As the novel opens, Texas Ranger Eli Slater hears a noise on his porch in the middle of the night and gets out of bed to investigate. What he finds is a small baby in a car seat, puzzled that there's no note, no one out there waiting to take a shot at him, at least until a car comes racing toward him, and a woman gets out, pointing her gun at him, and he recognizes her--it's Ashlyn Darrow, his former high school flame, and she's ready to shoot him for kidnapping her recently adopted baby girl, Cora, and so began my confusion.
Eli and Ashlyn have a troubled history. Her best friend, Marta, a drug addict turned police informant, was killed in the drug bust in which Ashlyn was also shot 3 times, making her unable to have children of her own, and although Eli wasn't the one who shot either of them, Ashlyn blames him for Marta's death. That's a whole lot of story we only get to hear second-hand, and it doesn't end there, not even close.
After Eli talks Ashlyn out of shooting him, brings her and her baby inside his home, and convinces Ashlyn that they were was set up, bullets start flying, and Eli calls for back-up, as both he and Ashlyn finally accept the fact that someone wants Eli dead and Ashlyn in prison or dead, but who is behind this and why? Thus began the rest of my issues with his story, which introduced far too many characters, far too many possible motives, far too many attempts at killing Eli and Ashlyn, far too many attempts to kidnap baby Cora, far too many secondary lawmen, far too many assorted hit men, far too many shootouts, home invasions, and far too many complications to follow in a story in which my main feeling was total character confusion.
In addition, Settling an Old Score is supposed to be novel of romantic suspense, and while there'an overabundance of mystery and suspense in this whodunit, where was the romance? To say it was given short shrift is putting it mildly. While I realize that there are word/page limits in the Harlequin Intrigue imprint, this story needed either a much longer novel or far fewer characters, possible motives and assorted suspects. It also needed quite a bit more romance between the two primary characters.
In short, Ms Fossen has again given us a really good story idea which was unfortunately crammed into too short a novel to truly give her main characters some real depth, and give the reader a chance to sort through all the off-screen backstory and events. It's not a bad read, it's well thought out and intense, but Ms. Fossen needed more space for this novel to really develop it's characters and plot.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 9, 2020
Fast-paced suspense story with plenty of action and great characters!
Ashlyn Darrow couldn't believe what happened. Her beautiful adopted baby girl, Cora had been kidnapped. Two policemen broke into her house, used a stun gun on her and went to the nursery to take baby Cora. She heard them say they worked for Texas Ranger Eli Slater. There's bad blood between her and Eli Slater, although she once loved him. That was before... He got her best friend Marta Seaver killed in a shootout in an alley in town and Ashley took three bullets at that time. Thus the reason for the bad blood between them. She blamed Eli for everything that happened that night. Okay. That was then and this is now. She rushed to Eli Slater's house to confront him. But what she finds there shocks her. Eli is standing in his doorway with a baby car seat at his feet and when he recognizes her he immediately asks if she knows anything about the baby and if she is the one who left the baby on his doorstep. What? Turns out he was not responsible for kidnapping Cora and has gone into protection mode. They both realize there's something not right about this whole scenario and that is proven correct when bullets are fired right into the house. What a nightmare! Ashlyn prays Eli can keep her and Cora safe and that she can fight the attraction to him that has returned.
Texas Ranger Eli Slater is awakened by footsteps on his front porch. When he goes to investigate he finds a baby in a car seat in front of his door but no one else. Then a car speeds up to his house and out steps... Ashlyn Darrow! With a gun pointed at him. Whoa! What's that all about? After he gets the gun away from Ashlyn, gets her story and convinces her he had nothing to do with Cora's kidnapping, things turn to chaos fast. Shots are fired and the danger to Ashlyn and Cora drives him into super protection mode. He contacted his brother, Sheriff Kellan Slater who appeared to help. Two men dressed as policemen are attacking his house. Eli and Kellan want to catch them and question them as to who hired them but the gun battle ended in their deaths. There are so many questions here and Eli is determined to get answers and keep Ashlyn and Cora safe.
Settling An Old Score by Delores Fossen is the third book in her Longview Ridge Ranch series. Delores Fossen's stories are always chock-full of action and dangerous situations for the main characters. Check mark! Got that here in this story. This author does an excellent job of introducing credible suspects and leads the reader along to try to figure out the real culprit. Check. The Slater family sticks together and has each other's back. Check. I love the storyline here. The plot is fast-paced and the characters well-developed. This is a standalone story but I'm sure readers would enjoy the first two books in the series, Safety Breach and A Threat To His Family.
Ashlyn Darrow couldn't believe what happened. Her beautiful adopted baby girl, Cora had been kidnapped. Two policemen broke into her house, used a stun gun on her and went to the nursery to take baby Cora. She heard them say they worked for Texas Ranger Eli Slater. There's bad blood between her and Eli Slater, although she once loved him. That was before... He got her best friend Marta Seaver killed in a shootout in an alley in town and Ashley took three bullets at that time. Thus the reason for the bad blood between them. She blamed Eli for everything that happened that night. Okay. That was then and this is now. She rushed to Eli Slater's house to confront him. But what she finds there shocks her. Eli is standing in his doorway with a baby car seat at his feet and when he recognizes her he immediately asks if she knows anything about the baby and if she is the one who left the baby on his doorstep. What? Turns out he was not responsible for kidnapping Cora and has gone into protection mode. They both realize there's something not right about this whole scenario and that is proven correct when bullets are fired right into the house. What a nightmare! Ashlyn prays Eli can keep her and Cora safe and that she can fight the attraction to him that has returned.
Texas Ranger Eli Slater is awakened by footsteps on his front porch. When he goes to investigate he finds a baby in a car seat in front of his door but no one else. Then a car speeds up to his house and out steps... Ashlyn Darrow! With a gun pointed at him. Whoa! What's that all about? After he gets the gun away from Ashlyn, gets her story and convinces her he had nothing to do with Cora's kidnapping, things turn to chaos fast. Shots are fired and the danger to Ashlyn and Cora drives him into super protection mode. He contacted his brother, Sheriff Kellan Slater who appeared to help. Two men dressed as policemen are attacking his house. Eli and Kellan want to catch them and question them as to who hired them but the gun battle ended in their deaths. There are so many questions here and Eli is determined to get answers and keep Ashlyn and Cora safe.
Settling An Old Score by Delores Fossen is the third book in her Longview Ridge Ranch series. Delores Fossen's stories are always chock-full of action and dangerous situations for the main characters. Check mark! Got that here in this story. This author does an excellent job of introducing credible suspects and leads the reader along to try to figure out the real culprit. Check. The Slater family sticks together and has each other's back. Check. I love the storyline here. The plot is fast-paced and the characters well-developed. This is a standalone story but I'm sure readers would enjoy the first two books in the series, Safety Breach and A Threat To His Family.
July 31, 2020
Delores Fossen continues to thrill her legion of readers and win scores of new fans with the latest title in her nail-biting Longview Ridge Ranch series: Settling an Old Score.
A tragic accident had changed Texas Ranger Eli Slater’s forever and derailed any hope he might have had of spending the rest of his life with the woman he loved with all of his heart: Ashlyn Darrow. During that horrific shooting, Ashlyn had lost somebody very close to her and not only did she have to endure the grief and anguish of losing a much-loved family member, but she also had been given the earth-shattering news that she would never be able to carry a pregnancy to full term. As Ashlyn and Eli had found themselves drifting even further apart, their relationship came to an acrimonious end – but fate, it seems, is keen to bring the two together again…
When Eli is awoken in the middle of night, he reaches for his gun and heads out on the porch to investigate and arrest the foolish criminal who wants to burgle his house. But what Eli finds is not a burglar, but an infant. Somebody had abandoned a child on his doorstep. Initially, Eli thinks that this is an accident or some kind of cruel practical joke – until Ashlyn comes charging in demanding to know what on earth he is doing with her adopted baby, Cora. Ashlyn had been incensed when cops sent by Eli had barged their way into her house, used a stun gun and took her baby. Only, Eli had not sent anyone to Ashlyn’s house, but before he can explain himself gun shots ring out in his and Ashlyn’s direction.
A dangerous enemy with murder on his mind is determined to shut Eli up once and for all – and he is ready to use all the nefarious means at his disposal to achieve his aim: even Ashlyn. Eli, however, is not about to give up without a fight. He will unmask his blood-thirsty foe and will do whatever it takes to protect Ashlyn from harm. Forced in close proximity again, never forgotten feelings come rushing back to the surface, but will Eli and Ashlyn find the courage to give their relationship another try? Or will they end up being torn apart…forever!
When you pick up a romantic suspense novel by Delores Fossen, you know that you are in the hands of a virtuoso of the genre and in Settling an Old Score she has penned a chilling, tense and terrifying tale of vengeance, danger and desire that kept me turning the pages until two in the morning.
Delores Fossen deftly juggles nail-biting tension and hair-raising intrigue with intense emotion and sizzling sensuality in her latest Longview Ridge Ranch series, Settling an Old Score.
A tragic accident had changed Texas Ranger Eli Slater’s forever and derailed any hope he might have had of spending the rest of his life with the woman he loved with all of his heart: Ashlyn Darrow. During that horrific shooting, Ashlyn had lost somebody very close to her and not only did she have to endure the grief and anguish of losing a much-loved family member, but she also had been given the earth-shattering news that she would never be able to carry a pregnancy to full term. As Ashlyn and Eli had found themselves drifting even further apart, their relationship came to an acrimonious end – but fate, it seems, is keen to bring the two together again…
When Eli is awoken in the middle of night, he reaches for his gun and heads out on the porch to investigate and arrest the foolish criminal who wants to burgle his house. But what Eli finds is not a burglar, but an infant. Somebody had abandoned a child on his doorstep. Initially, Eli thinks that this is an accident or some kind of cruel practical joke – until Ashlyn comes charging in demanding to know what on earth he is doing with her adopted baby, Cora. Ashlyn had been incensed when cops sent by Eli had barged their way into her house, used a stun gun and took her baby. Only, Eli had not sent anyone to Ashlyn’s house, but before he can explain himself gun shots ring out in his and Ashlyn’s direction.
A dangerous enemy with murder on his mind is determined to shut Eli up once and for all – and he is ready to use all the nefarious means at his disposal to achieve his aim: even Ashlyn. Eli, however, is not about to give up without a fight. He will unmask his blood-thirsty foe and will do whatever it takes to protect Ashlyn from harm. Forced in close proximity again, never forgotten feelings come rushing back to the surface, but will Eli and Ashlyn find the courage to give their relationship another try? Or will they end up being torn apart…forever!
When you pick up a romantic suspense novel by Delores Fossen, you know that you are in the hands of a virtuoso of the genre and in Settling an Old Score she has penned a chilling, tense and terrifying tale of vengeance, danger and desire that kept me turning the pages until two in the morning.
Delores Fossen deftly juggles nail-biting tension and hair-raising intrigue with intense emotion and sizzling sensuality in her latest Longview Ridge Ranch series, Settling an Old Score.
September 25, 2020
Good second chance romance combined with intense suspense. The story started with a rush as Eli awoke to the sounds of footsteps on his porch. He investigates and discovers a baby left there. While processing that sight, a car comes tearing up to his house, discharging a very irate ex-girlfriend. Ashlyn accuses Eli of kidnapping her baby girl. Before they can fully resolve the situation, someone starts shooting at them. It quickly becomes apparent that they've been set up, and they need to find out who is out to get them.
Eli and Ashlyn have a history together. They were a couple in high school but drifted apart. Then Ashlyn got caught up in a police operation that ended up with her friend Marta dead and Ashlyn badly injured. Ashlyn blames Eli for Marta's death, which ended his hope for them getting back together.
I liked the rekindling of the feelings between Eli and Ashlyn. Eli has a protective streak a mile wide and won't let Ashlyn out of his sight. Though there isn't much relationship building described, Eli and Ashlyn are together 24/7, so it isn't hard to believe in their reawakening emotions. They try to resist the occasional flare of attraction, realizing that the timing is bad, but it soon becomes too strong to ignore. I ached for Eli, who is still haunted by the events of that night, especially what happened to Ashlyn. I liked that in the time they spent together, Ashlyn realized that Eli wasn't to blame for those events. I liked the ending and seeing them both let go of the past and admit their love.
The suspense of the story was fantastic. It began in the first few pages and didn't let up until the end. The antagonism between Eli and Ashlyn dissipated quickly once they realized they'd been set up. The investigation into who is behind the attacks turns up several suspects with motive and opportunity. As the attacks escalate, each new piece of information raises more questions than it answers. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as it all went down. A twist at the end took Eli and Ashlyn by surprise and confirmed one of my suspicions.
Eli and Ashlyn have a history together. They were a couple in high school but drifted apart. Then Ashlyn got caught up in a police operation that ended up with her friend Marta dead and Ashlyn badly injured. Ashlyn blames Eli for Marta's death, which ended his hope for them getting back together.
I liked the rekindling of the feelings between Eli and Ashlyn. Eli has a protective streak a mile wide and won't let Ashlyn out of his sight. Though there isn't much relationship building described, Eli and Ashlyn are together 24/7, so it isn't hard to believe in their reawakening emotions. They try to resist the occasional flare of attraction, realizing that the timing is bad, but it soon becomes too strong to ignore. I ached for Eli, who is still haunted by the events of that night, especially what happened to Ashlyn. I liked that in the time they spent together, Ashlyn realized that Eli wasn't to blame for those events. I liked the ending and seeing them both let go of the past and admit their love.
The suspense of the story was fantastic. It began in the first few pages and didn't let up until the end. The antagonism between Eli and Ashlyn dissipated quickly once they realized they'd been set up. The investigation into who is behind the attacks turns up several suspects with motive and opportunity. As the attacks escalate, each new piece of information raises more questions than it answers. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as it all went down. A twist at the end took Eli and Ashlyn by surprise and confirmed one of my suspicions.
August 18, 2020
From the eruptive start to the very last scene the fast-paced tale of action and intrigue is a wild ride of survival; to stay alive, to find out who is behind the attacks and to deal with the combustible attraction still simmering between Texas Ranger Eli Slater and his ex, Ashlyn Darrow.
A lot is going on in this story, the non-stop action, the deadly attacks, and the multiple suspects, the tension between the exes, the efforts to keep the baby safe... I took a deep breath and jumped right in the middle of a tale that kept going forward like a high-speed race that left very little room for anything else than to fight back and hope for the best.
Eli and Ashlyn had known each other since childhood and they have a romantic history from their high school years. Now in the mids of the mayhem brought to their doorsteps, facing a potentially deadly situation, the realization that the attraction still burns piping hot seems like a lifeline for both of them. There is no chance to deal with what happened before or develop a relationship while guns are blazing and madmen are lurking around every corner, yet the emotional connection is like a fierce, strong, palpable pull towards the other.
I loved the premises of the story. I liked the characters, the tale itself was intense and frenzied, the suspense, the whodunit was filled with intensity. What I wished would have gotten more attention was the ardent second chance love story between Eli and Ashlyn.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
A lot is going on in this story, the non-stop action, the deadly attacks, and the multiple suspects, the tension between the exes, the efforts to keep the baby safe... I took a deep breath and jumped right in the middle of a tale that kept going forward like a high-speed race that left very little room for anything else than to fight back and hope for the best.
Eli and Ashlyn had known each other since childhood and they have a romantic history from their high school years. Now in the mids of the mayhem brought to their doorsteps, facing a potentially deadly situation, the realization that the attraction still burns piping hot seems like a lifeline for both of them. There is no chance to deal with what happened before or develop a relationship while guns are blazing and madmen are lurking around every corner, yet the emotional connection is like a fierce, strong, palpable pull towards the other.
I loved the premises of the story. I liked the characters, the tale itself was intense and frenzied, the suspense, the whodunit was filled with intensity. What I wished would have gotten more attention was the ardent second chance love story between Eli and Ashlyn.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
July 21, 2020
Texas Ranger Eli Slater is woken up in the middle of the night when he hears someone on his doorstep. When he opens the door he finds a baby in a car seat and soon after that a car whirls into his driveway and a woman gets out wielding a gun. He comes face to face with his ex girlfriend Ashlyn Darrow. When he convinces Ashlyn to drop the gun, they quickly find themselves in a race against the clock to find out just who wants Ashlyn and Eli dead. Eli has vowed to do anything and everything to keep Ashlyn and her baby Cora safe.
Can this have something to do with a shooting gone wrong from their past? Eli, Ashlyn and local law enforcement, who happen to also be Eli’s brothers don’t waste anytime in trying to get to the bottom of this. There are more than a few suspects and in between more than one shoot out, they are all working round the clock to keep Ashlyn, Eli and Cora safe. Will they figure out who has paid the hired guns before it’s too late?
This was a fast paced novel full of suspense, twists and turns. I loved Delores Fossen’s writing style and even though this was the first book I read in the series, I did not have any problems filling in the back stories of the characters, and I would though like to go back and read the rest of the series. Thank you so much to the author Delores Fossen, Harlequin and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.
Can this have something to do with a shooting gone wrong from their past? Eli, Ashlyn and local law enforcement, who happen to also be Eli’s brothers don’t waste anytime in trying to get to the bottom of this. There are more than a few suspects and in between more than one shoot out, they are all working round the clock to keep Ashlyn, Eli and Cora safe. Will they figure out who has paid the hired guns before it’s too late?
This was a fast paced novel full of suspense, twists and turns. I loved Delores Fossen’s writing style and even though this was the first book I read in the series, I did not have any problems filling in the back stories of the characters, and I would though like to go back and read the rest of the series. Thank you so much to the author Delores Fossen, Harlequin and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 12, 2020
I expected to enjoy Delores Fossen's "Settling an Old Score," but it turned out to be even better than I had hoped. It was an intense, fast-paced read that grabbed my attention from the very first page and didn't let go until the end. There was plenty of drama, action, and suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat, and while I was certainly concerned for the characters' safety at times, I was never overly frightened. In addition, the investigation into who was behind the attacks on main characters Eli Slater and Ashlyn Darrow was very twisty, and I honestly wasn't sure who was guilty until the very end of the book.
There wasn't a whole lot of relationship building between former high school sweethearts Ashlyn and Eli, but because of the high-pressure situation and the fact that they were suddenly forced to spend every waking minute together after so much time apart, it wasn't difficult for me to believe in their reawakening romantic feelings for one another. Just as importantly, Ashlyn came to understand that she was wrong to blame Eli for his part in an incident several years earlier that ended with her friend Marta's death and serious injuries to Ashlyn herself.
Overall, I very much enjoyed "Settling an Old Score" and highly recommend it for all romantic suspense fans. I will definitely be picking up the other books in this series as soon as possible.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
There wasn't a whole lot of relationship building between former high school sweethearts Ashlyn and Eli, but because of the high-pressure situation and the fact that they were suddenly forced to spend every waking minute together after so much time apart, it wasn't difficult for me to believe in their reawakening romantic feelings for one another. Just as importantly, Ashlyn came to understand that she was wrong to blame Eli for his part in an incident several years earlier that ended with her friend Marta's death and serious injuries to Ashlyn herself.
Overall, I very much enjoyed "Settling an Old Score" and highly recommend it for all romantic suspense fans. I will definitely be picking up the other books in this series as soon as possible.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 6, 2020
A Texas Ranger and his Ex Face Danger to Protect an Infant
Texas Ranger Eli Slater had fallen into bed exhausted when he heard footsteps on his porch. When he went to investigate to his surprise a baby in a car seat was sitting by the door. Unsure what to do with this strange gift, he sees a car race into his driveway. The driver, Ashlyn Darrow, his ex, leaps out pointing a gun at him.
Eli manages to get the gun away from her, brings her and the baby inside, none to early when two men dressed as policemen start firing into the house. These are the same two men who kidnapped the baby. Eli would like to get their story, but the gun battle ends with them both dead. Now he and Ashlyn have to figure out who wants them dead and they must protect the baby, Cora.
If you like plenty of violence and a fast paced narrative this is your book. Starting with the first chapter it’s a non-stop race to find out who wants Eli and Ashlyn dead. In spite of the danger and non-stop action, Eli and Ashlyn feel old feelings being rekindled. While the romance is there, the emphasis is on finding the reason for the attack on them.
I received this book from Harlequin for this review.
Texas Ranger Eli Slater had fallen into bed exhausted when he heard footsteps on his porch. When he went to investigate to his surprise a baby in a car seat was sitting by the door. Unsure what to do with this strange gift, he sees a car race into his driveway. The driver, Ashlyn Darrow, his ex, leaps out pointing a gun at him.
Eli manages to get the gun away from her, brings her and the baby inside, none to early when two men dressed as policemen start firing into the house. These are the same two men who kidnapped the baby. Eli would like to get their story, but the gun battle ends with them both dead. Now he and Ashlyn have to figure out who wants them dead and they must protect the baby, Cora.
If you like plenty of violence and a fast paced narrative this is your book. Starting with the first chapter it’s a non-stop race to find out who wants Eli and Ashlyn dead. In spite of the danger and non-stop action, Eli and Ashlyn feel old feelings being rekindled. While the romance is there, the emphasis is on finding the reason for the attack on them.
I received this book from Harlequin for this review.
September 17, 2020
Settling an Old Score (Longview Ridge Ranch #3). By Delores Fossen. 2020. Harlequin Intrigue (ARC eBook).
Texas Ranger Eli Slater and new mother Ashlyn Darrow find themselves in a dangerous situation when Eli is awakened by footsteps on his front porch, a baby at his doorstep and a car speeding up his driveway. When Ashlyn, his ex, gets out of the car and pulls a gun on him, accusing him of kidnapping her adopted baby Cora, they quickly realize they’ve been set up. And then bullets begin to fly.
Settling an Old Score has lots of action and plenty of suspects to go around. Eli and Ashlyn, along with the Sheriff's office led by Eli’s brother Kellan, come together to unravel the truth and make sure Cora stays safe. Along the way Eli and Ashlyn’s feelings for each other resurface. A satisfying romantic suspense all the way!
*Harlequin Intrigue ACE via NetGalley
Texas Ranger Eli Slater and new mother Ashlyn Darrow find themselves in a dangerous situation when Eli is awakened by footsteps on his front porch, a baby at his doorstep and a car speeding up his driveway. When Ashlyn, his ex, gets out of the car and pulls a gun on him, accusing him of kidnapping her adopted baby Cora, they quickly realize they’ve been set up. And then bullets begin to fly.
Settling an Old Score has lots of action and plenty of suspects to go around. Eli and Ashlyn, along with the Sheriff's office led by Eli’s brother Kellan, come together to unravel the truth and make sure Cora stays safe. Along the way Eli and Ashlyn’s feelings for each other resurface. A satisfying romantic suspense all the way!
*Harlequin Intrigue ACE via NetGalley
August 11, 2020
Eli is surprised to find a child on his porch and even more so when he finds his ex pointing a gun at him. After its revealed that it was a plot to point the two against eachother now they must find out who is behind whats going on because clearly someone is out to get one of them.
There was so much going on and if you love a good action packed fast paced read then look no further. From the beginning of the book theres the altercation between the two and the confusion of what type of situation they got themselves into and wondering who was behind it. Then theres the whole attraction between the two so you know things might get a bit steamy for these two ex's during this high tension times. I just loves following along to what was going on and seeing as the tension grows with each action with each close call. Just a great read, I really enjoyed myself reading this book.
There was so much going on and if you love a good action packed fast paced read then look no further. From the beginning of the book theres the altercation between the two and the confusion of what type of situation they got themselves into and wondering who was behind it. Then theres the whole attraction between the two so you know things might get a bit steamy for these two ex's during this high tension times. I just loves following along to what was going on and seeing as the tension grows with each action with each close call. Just a great read, I really enjoyed myself reading this book.
July 18, 2020
Settling An Old Score has a great premise, and it's rather original to the genre, at least it is for me. In addition to that, the story is fast-paced and action-packed. It does stretch the suspension of disbelief, but a bit of escapism can be a good thing, especially in this new socially distanced world. My only complaint is that I felt a little like I was missing something, like maybe there was backstory I wasn't seeing. Admittedly, I haven't read the first two in the series, so maybe that's it. Nevertheless, the action and suspense were good and kept my attention, so I have to say it's worth the read, and I liked the author's writing style, so I will watch for whatever comes next.
July 20, 2020
I have not read much from this author but I am fixing that. Intrigue line of reading has me hooked especially since of late a good intrigue fills my need alot lately. So my heart goes pitter patter when this one has a Texas Ranger in it. Eli is the cause whom also has a surprise but also a dangerous one. A baby used as a object kinda chapped my bottom. Ashlyn is having to learn trust again but they way she has to will not be a easy rode. This also is a second chance romance mixed in this intrigue which makes this a gold mine of a find. The thing with these two they are ones that you find easy to stick with them to solve what it is going on.
August 3, 2020
SETTLING AN OLD SCORE is 3rd Longview Ridge Ranch adventure by Delores Fossen. It is an action-packed thriller involving Texas Ranger Eli Slater and his ex, Ashlyn Darrow. A past tragedy destroyed their love, but a vulnerable newborn brings them back together. From page one to the last, I am thrust into their wild adventure of dodging bullets to stay alive and stay one step ahead whoever wants them dead. Too many suspects, so few clues. Delores Fossen is an amazing writer, and SETTLING AN OLD SCORE is chock-full of pent-up attraction between Eli and Ashlyn, the drama, and the danger that I couldn’t put the book down.
July 27, 2020
An intense fast-paced easy-to-read suspense mixed with enemies to lovers and second-chance romance, yup it's a mouthful but oh so good. An engaging story from the beginning till the end and with a twist here and there, this book can be devoured easily in just one sitting and let's not forget to mention loveable characters that I can't not root for their happy ending.
Yes this book has a great interesting suspense story and a wonderful characters,
A perfect amount of suspense and romance and with a twist, I so recommend this book for a light suspense romance fans.
Yes this book has a great interesting suspense story and a wonderful characters,
A perfect amount of suspense and romance and with a twist, I so recommend this book for a light suspense romance fans.
August 24, 2020
Another in the Longview Ridge Ranch series, in which adoptive mother Ashlyn is led to believe that Texas Ranger Eli Slater has taken the baby. But when she confronts him, it's clear that both have been set up. But who? And why?
Getting to the bottom of this requires a lot of gunfire and almost as many deaths before the mystery is solved. What remains to be settled is how Eli and Ashlyn will resolve their respective acknowledgements that they love each other, even in the midst of all the carnage.
Getting to the bottom of this requires a lot of gunfire and almost as many deaths before the mystery is solved. What remains to be settled is how Eli and Ashlyn will resolve their respective acknowledgements that they love each other, even in the midst of all the carnage.
July 21, 2020
There were a lot of characters presented as possible bad guys. They kept bringing them into Police station for questions which got to be repetitive and unnecessary.
Although Eli and Ashlyn have a past history, the attraction is still there. That's the romance in this latest romantic suspense story but it's lacking. Overall an okay story, but not one of the author's best.
I received a free ARC eBook from net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Although Eli and Ashlyn have a past history, the attraction is still there. That's the romance in this latest romantic suspense story but it's lacking. Overall an okay story, but not one of the author's best.
I received a free ARC eBook from net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 16, 2020
This book started and ended with a bang...Ashyln comes to confront Eli thinking he stole her baby. It is all a set up...They were once a couple but due to a friend dying in the past Ashyln has always blamed Eli..Things start happening with loads of suspects. There is someone after them at every turn. I was shocked by who was behind it as I really didn't think the person was that hateful but turned out they were..It was a fast paced easy to read book. Kept my interest from beginning to end
July 7, 2021
This is the third book in Delores Fossen's Longview Ridge Ranch series. Like other books I've read by this author, there is plenty of action and a mystery to solve. The author writes well and is clever at creating false trails to keep the reader guessing about the identity of the trouble makers in the story. In this novel, Eli Slater is trying to keep his former lover and her adopted child safe from people who want to harm them. I enjoyed the story.
July 26, 2020
When widow Roz Martin is diagnosed with cancer, she has no-one to turn to.
Or that’s what she thinks— until she finds that her brother-in-law. He accepts, after all Roz is family and her kids need someone else to be there for them while Roz fights.
Can Paul step up to the challenge?
Or will the feelings that he has always had for Roz be too overpowering?
I felt for everyone in this book, but especially for Roz and her kids. I was wondering if Roz would pull through and the writing certainly kept me guessing.
My only criticism would be that I wish the diagnosis chosen wasn’t cancer, as this is too often the case with books where there’s an illness, it just seemed a predictable choice as cancer is the chosen diagnosis in many books.
There are so many conditions that could leave a person fighting for their life if complications arose and if something else was the health issue it would go a long way to raising awareness.
How about MS or ALS or Spinal Muscular Atrophy or something Roz was born with like Cerebral Palsy or Spina Bifida? Just to change the diagnosis and make her fight and the story a little different.
But the way the plot played out was good.
The Single Mom’s Second Chance is a quick and engaging book about fighting for what and who you want. It’s about conflicting loyalties and choosing between what’s right and maybe not so much. It shows the dilemmas we can be faced with when someone we value falls gravely ill. And the lives at stake, whether that’s an adult’s or child’s life.
This is the first I have reviewed in the series, amd I look forward to more.
Thanks to Kathy Douglass and publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
4 stars.
August 15, 2020
Settling an Old Score
I love how this reunited an old flame and created a new family. It makes you want to read the prequel to this story. Looking forward to the next book in the series next week. Definitely would like to read the prequel to the whole series with their father being killed.
I love how this reunited an old flame and created a new family. It makes you want to read the prequel to this story. Looking forward to the next book in the series next week. Definitely would like to read the prequel to the whole series with their father being killed.
December 5, 2020
This was a pretty good book. The story was well paced. The main characters were really exciting to follow during this mystery. I’m always iffy about second chance romances but this one was pretty good. It was a quick read and I just really enjoyed it. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
February 5, 2024
This story like the others is a good one, but I really am not a fan of the EX girlfriend in the series, like who hurt you to make you believe the absolute worst of the guy you claim to have feelings for???
April 3, 2025
A noise on the porch awakens Texas Ranger Eli Slater to find a baby and shortly after a gun pointed at him.
The lady holding the gun is recognized and it stirs up all kinds of feelings.
The dead body count stack up and the feelings grow for an interesting story.
The lady holding the gun is recognized and it stirs up all kinds of feelings.
The dead body count stack up and the feelings grow for an interesting story.
Read
August 1, 2020Categories
Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Western Romance
Miniseries
Longview Ridge Ranch (Book #3)
Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Western Romance
Miniseries
Longview Ridge Ranch (Book #3)
Read
August 1, 2020Categories
Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Western Romance
Miniseries
Longview Ridge Ranch (Book #3)
Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Western Romance
Miniseries
Longview Ridge Ranch (Book #3)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews