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Crime and Passion Stalk City Hall #1
The Code Enforcer
Having been made the laughing stock of her hometown by her cheating ex-fiancé, Investigator Markie Pearson has sworn off overly-confident, good-looking men. When Bryce Hawk strolls into town, Markie quickly realizes he's the classic example of a man she needs to keep at a distance.
Ex-Marine Bryce Hawk moves to small-town Wisconsin after his military career-ending injury. All he wants to do is hide in his mundane job as the city's code enforcer while he sorts out his life. What Bryce doesn't account for is Markie, that emerald eyed beauty, walking through his office door on day one. Too bad it's too, late. Women are not in his plans, nor will they ever be...especially Markie, the one who gets his dormant juices flowing while irritating him at the same time.
When the municipal code violators that Bryce is investigating are murdered, Bryce becomes Markie's number one suspect. Or, is he another target? Is she?
Ex-Marine Bryce Hawk moves to small-town Wisconsin after his military career-ending injury. All he wants to do is hide in his mundane job as the city's code enforcer while he sorts out his life. What Bryce doesn't account for is Markie, that emerald eyed beauty, walking through his office door on day one. Too bad it's too, late. Women are not in his plans, nor will they ever be...especially Markie, the one who gets his dormant juices flowing while irritating him at the same time.
When the municipal code violators that Bryce is investigating are murdered, Bryce becomes Markie's number one suspect. Or, is he another target? Is she?
- GenresSuspense
147 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2019
52 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Valerie J. Clarizio
33 books193 followersValerie Clarizio is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in romantic Door County Wisconsin with her husband. She loves to read, write, and spend time at her cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
She’s lived her life surrounded by men, three brothers, a husband, and a male Siamese cat who required his own instruction manual. Keeping up with all the men in her life has turned her into an outdoors enthusiast, of which her favorite activity is hiking in national parks. While out on the trails, she has plenty of time to conjure up irresistible characters and unique storylines for her next romantic suspense or sweet contemporary romance novel.
Links to the first books in each of my series:
Covert Exposure
Missing the Crown Jewels
Time WARped
The Code Enforcer
Talia & Ryan's Story
She’s lived her life surrounded by men, three brothers, a husband, and a male Siamese cat who required his own instruction manual. Keeping up with all the men in her life has turned her into an outdoors enthusiast, of which her favorite activity is hiking in national parks. While out on the trails, she has plenty of time to conjure up irresistible characters and unique storylines for her next romantic suspense or sweet contemporary romance novel.
Links to the first books in each of my series:
Covert Exposure
Missing the Crown Jewels
Time WARped
The Code Enforcer
Talia & Ryan's Story
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 28, 2021
An ex-marine turned City Code Enforcer, Bryce is suffering internally with his life-changing injuries. Keeping a safe distance from women not wanting to get emotionally involved. Until Markie, a police detective steals his heart. With her own emotional issues to overcome, both protagonists come with their fair share of baggage. Markie is in the midst of an intense murder case that entwines the troubled protagonists.
I loved the intensity between the main characters, Bryce’s inner struggle could be felt through the well-written story. I was rooting for him the whole time. I felt deeply for his struggle, which meant I was emotionally invested in the story. It drew me in and kept me turning page after page. I loved it.
I loved the intensity between the main characters, Bryce’s inner struggle could be felt through the well-written story. I was rooting for him the whole time. I felt deeply for his struggle, which meant I was emotionally invested in the story. It drew me in and kept me turning page after page. I loved it.
July 28, 2019
MURDER MYSTERY
An intense story about a City Code Enforcer, who appears to be framed for murder. Bryce is an ex-marine who suffered a severe injury and loss while on a mission. Now struggling to adjust to his loss and associated emotional issues, he also has to fend off the advances of two women he works with. Markie, the police detective, at first treats him like her only suspect while investigating a murder case. She also struggles with trust issues.
An intense story about a City Code Enforcer, who appears to be framed for murder. Bryce is an ex-marine who suffered a severe injury and loss while on a mission. Now struggling to adjust to his loss and associated emotional issues, he also has to fend off the advances of two women he works with. Markie, the police detective, at first treats him like her only suspect while investigating a murder case. She also struggles with trust issues.
December 20, 2023
I love a good romance with some mystery thrown in! The characters are so much fun, some you love, some you hate, and some that just shock the daylights out of you! I didn’t see this one coming until just before the end, and it was great collar for the cops. The romance had lots of ups and downs, and they both had to work through some ish, making it a bit of a nail biter. Will they work it out? Or will they move on?
May 16, 2019
The Code Enforcer by Valerie J. Clarizio
I really loved these characters and this plot. It seemed difficult enough with all the twists and turns. I am not a "soulmates" kind of reader, but I recognize the limits of an anthology and so enjoyed this one tremendously.
*I read this as part of the Love Under Fire anthology
I really loved these characters and this plot. It seemed difficult enough with all the twists and turns. I am not a "soulmates" kind of reader, but I recognize the limits of an anthology and so enjoyed this one tremendously.
*I read this as part of the Love Under Fire anthology
September 17, 2024
What a good read !! It may be a small book but it pulls a powerful punch !!! Fast and sweet read !!!! Totally enjoyed !!!
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November 9, 2022
A small town romance suspense story with off-the-charts CHEMISTRY!
Markie hadn't planned to fall in love with anyone ever again after being humiliated by her cheating ex, but in walked Bryce Hawk.
Bryce hadn't planned to not retire from the military, but a career ending injury made that decision for him. Hiding his injury from the woman he's grown to LOVE is becoming too difficult.
Trope:
Enemies to lovers.
Retail Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Code-Enforcer-...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
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Markie hadn't planned to fall in love with anyone ever again after being humiliated by her cheating ex, but in walked Bryce Hawk.
Bryce hadn't planned to not retire from the military, but a career ending injury made that decision for him. Hiding his injury from the woman he's grown to LOVE is becoming too difficult.
Trope:
Enemies to lovers.
Retail Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Code-Enforcer-...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-c...
GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
February 1, 2022
The Code Enforcer is page-turning romantic suspense by USA Today Bestselling Author, Valerie J. Clarizio.
Police investigator Markie Pearson is investigating the murder of a nun when she crosses paths with Bryce Hawk, the city zoning/property maintenance administrator at the crime scene.
Burned in the past, Markie has always thought the worst about Bryce since the guy’s so hot. Plus, it doesn’t help that each time she sees him he seems to constantly have women coming on to him.
Bryce, who’s equally attracted to Markie, knows what she thinks of him. But because of his secrets, he prefers that she hangs on to her false impression rather than run the risk of being rejected once she finds out what he’s been hiding.
Markie softens up on Bryce a little when she discovers he’s a marine veteran who’s most likely dealing with issues from PTSD, but when the clues point to Bryce as the killer, Markie is quick to judge, rather than deal with the attraction she feels for him.
Later, when Bryce’s life is endangered and she discovers one of his secrets, Markie finally admits that she’s fallen for the guy, despite the fact that he’s constantly battling internal demons.
This was a unique story with intriguing characters that you’ll definitely enjoy reading.
Will Markie be able to clear Bryce’s name? Will Bryce be able to reveal his secrets and trust that his issues won’t matter to a woman who genuinely cares about him?
You’ll have to read this heartwarming romantic suspense to find out!
I’ve worked with this author in a past boxset, which is how I came to be a fan of her work. This review is my honest opinion.
Police investigator Markie Pearson is investigating the murder of a nun when she crosses paths with Bryce Hawk, the city zoning/property maintenance administrator at the crime scene.
Burned in the past, Markie has always thought the worst about Bryce since the guy’s so hot. Plus, it doesn’t help that each time she sees him he seems to constantly have women coming on to him.
Bryce, who’s equally attracted to Markie, knows what she thinks of him. But because of his secrets, he prefers that she hangs on to her false impression rather than run the risk of being rejected once she finds out what he’s been hiding.
Markie softens up on Bryce a little when she discovers he’s a marine veteran who’s most likely dealing with issues from PTSD, but when the clues point to Bryce as the killer, Markie is quick to judge, rather than deal with the attraction she feels for him.
Later, when Bryce’s life is endangered and she discovers one of his secrets, Markie finally admits that she’s fallen for the guy, despite the fact that he’s constantly battling internal demons.
This was a unique story with intriguing characters that you’ll definitely enjoy reading.
Will Markie be able to clear Bryce’s name? Will Bryce be able to reveal his secrets and trust that his issues won’t matter to a woman who genuinely cares about him?
You’ll have to read this heartwarming romantic suspense to find out!
I’ve worked with this author in a past boxset, which is how I came to be a fan of her work. This review is my honest opinion.
June 18, 2019
“Investigator Markie Pearson thinks Bryce Hawk, the City's Zoning/Property Maintenance Administrator, is hot. Too bad he’s also suspect number one in her murder investigation.
Valerie J. Clarizio’s The Code Enforcer opens with a cute meet in one gruesome setting. I love how she infuses humor into her crime stories. Anyone who’s read her Nick Spinelli Mystery series can expect more of the same kind of quirky wit in The Code Enforcer.
Like the murders, the love story in The Code Enforcer is rife with its own mysteries. Both Markie and Bryce harbor secrets from their pasts. Hers keeps her focused on why she shouldn’t fall for hunky Bryce. His goes far deeper and will tug at your heart.
Read The Code Enforcer for its mystery, its quirky wit, and, above all, it satisfying love story. I highly recommend this good read.” Barbara Raffin, Award-Winning author of the St. John Sibling series
Valerie J. Clarizio’s The Code Enforcer opens with a cute meet in one gruesome setting. I love how she infuses humor into her crime stories. Anyone who’s read her Nick Spinelli Mystery series can expect more of the same kind of quirky wit in The Code Enforcer.
Like the murders, the love story in The Code Enforcer is rife with its own mysteries. Both Markie and Bryce harbor secrets from their pasts. Hers keeps her focused on why she shouldn’t fall for hunky Bryce. His goes far deeper and will tug at your heart.
Read The Code Enforcer for its mystery, its quirky wit, and, above all, it satisfying love story. I highly recommend this good read.” Barbara Raffin, Award-Winning author of the St. John Sibling series
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October 12, 2020This was a quick enjoyable romantic suspense read that had likeable characters in Bryce and Markie.
It demonstrated that often times we are harder on ourselves than others are, and that often appearances are hiding our true selves. Looking forward to reading the 2nd in the series, A Brush With Death!
It demonstrated that often times we are harder on ourselves than others are, and that often appearances are hiding our true selves. Looking forward to reading the 2nd in the series, A Brush With Death!
February 28, 2020
This story draws you in from the start and has you in it's grip until the very end. It has had you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Over this true to life story.
November 1, 2022
Valerie J. Clarizio’s ‘The Code Enforcer’, part of her ‘The Crime and Passion stalk City Hall’ series, is the first novel I have read by this author. It is, in many respects, a cozy mystery tale revolving around the unusual murders of several of the ‘clients’ of the City Planner and Property Maintenance Administrator cited in the title. Other than the victim’s infringement of property maintenance code, the only apparent connection between them is the Code Enforcer, Marine veteran Bryce Hawk, himself, thus making him the prime suspect in the investigation by detective assigned the case, Markie Pearson. The tone of the first few chapters make it pretty clear Pearson and Bryce feel a strong mutual attraction and will probably work together on the case, despite her considering him a potential suspect and him doing his best to hide an important personal secret.
The characters in the novel are well defined, curiously, especially the victims, which ensured reader engagement with the need to understand who and why they had been murdered. The tale had a constant pace throughout, up until the plot hatched near the end to flush out the real culprit. An interesting read, one which would appeal to readers who love romantic suspense and cozy mysteries.
The characters in the novel are well defined, curiously, especially the victims, which ensured reader engagement with the need to understand who and why they had been murdered. The tale had a constant pace throughout, up until the plot hatched near the end to flush out the real culprit. An interesting read, one which would appeal to readers who love romantic suspense and cozy mysteries.
March 21, 2023
An Engaging Tale of Secrets, Love, and Hope
The story begins with the shocking discovery of a murdered municipal code violator. Bryce Hawk is the city planner with the responsibility of enforcing the code and he found the body in her freezer. Markie Pearson, the police investigator, shows up to handle the case. Markie is drawn to Bryce, but gives him a bad time because she believes the good-looking man is a womanizer. She had been engaged and that relationship ended badly due to a cheating fiancée. As a result, she has trust issues and isn’t inclined to get involved with any man.
Bryce was wounded in the Afghanistan war, but he keeps his wounds a secret. He has establishments friendships with women, but nothing more than that. Due to his injuries, he lacks self-confidence and doesn’t believe any woman could look past his injuries. He is strongly attracted to Markie, but forces himself not to act on his desires. When more code violators end up murdered shortly after Bryce paid them a visit, he becomes the prime suspect.
The author, Valerie Clarizio, has expertly blended murder and romance in this well-plotted romantic suspense story with believable characters who have to overcome emotional and physical scars to find happiness. A great read!
The story begins with the shocking discovery of a murdered municipal code violator. Bryce Hawk is the city planner with the responsibility of enforcing the code and he found the body in her freezer. Markie Pearson, the police investigator, shows up to handle the case. Markie is drawn to Bryce, but gives him a bad time because she believes the good-looking man is a womanizer. She had been engaged and that relationship ended badly due to a cheating fiancée. As a result, she has trust issues and isn’t inclined to get involved with any man.
Bryce was wounded in the Afghanistan war, but he keeps his wounds a secret. He has establishments friendships with women, but nothing more than that. Due to his injuries, he lacks self-confidence and doesn’t believe any woman could look past his injuries. He is strongly attracted to Markie, but forces himself not to act on his desires. When more code violators end up murdered shortly after Bryce paid them a visit, he becomes the prime suspect.
The author, Valerie Clarizio, has expertly blended murder and romance in this well-plotted romantic suspense story with believable characters who have to overcome emotional and physical scars to find happiness. A great read!
August 20, 2024
This suspense mystery romance story was an intriguing story. Our main characters are ex-Marine Bryce Hawk and Investigator Markie Pearson. After being made a fool by her cheating ex-boyfriend Markie swears off on good-looking men. Bryce Hawk moved into town after being honorably discharge from the service because of his injury. He gets a job as a city's code enforcer. Bryce was checking out on a hoarder to see she complied with the city's orders to clean her house. While looking for her among the piles of stuff in her house, his foot went through the floor, and he grabbed the freezer when her body flopped out and landed on him. Markie who is investigating the scene thinks Bryce is the prime suspect. What occurs was an enjoyable story to read and I'd volunteer to review.
June 17, 2023
This was a cute read. While the story moved quick, the murder mystery portion was fleshed out nicely enough although still a bit rushed but the romance plot could have done with some more work to deepen the relationship and make it more realistic. I think overall the story could have used another 100+ more pages to add more details and depth to the plot as a way to really immerse the reader such as where in Wisconsin these characters lived and a whole lot more background about each to give it an overall more well rounded story. By adding more to it, I think this could be an even better story.
April 5, 2023
This contemporary romantic suspense novel is about Markie, a police investigator and Bryce, an ex Marine and now civilian building inspector. Bryce has become embroiled in a murder mystery as a suspect, as each of the murder victims were people he had to warn or fine for building violations. These two main characters have trust issues and Bryce is carrying emotional and physical baggage from his Marine days. This was an enjoyable, short story that kept me engaged. I was disappointed with the ending as it felt abrupt and I would have liked an epilogue.
October 22, 2019
I never got into this story. The relationships were all over the place. Who really liked who? The women all seemed to be chasing the same guy. He was busy trying to avoid any relationship. Felt like high school.
March 27, 2023
Good solid read. Both characters have a bit of baggage. The H more so, having suffered some major physical injuries as a war veteran and feels inadequate in the sense of a partner for an attractive woman.
October 9, 2019
Ridiculous
There was no meat in this story at all. Dont want to spoiler but seriously there was no plausible excuse for anything that ANYONE in this book did. Save your money.
There was no meat in this story at all. Dont want to spoiler but seriously there was no plausible excuse for anything that ANYONE in this book did. Save your money.
January 3, 2026
It was okay.
July 3, 2021
***** A very touching story
This extremely touching and page turning romance pulled me in immediately. I love a good romantic tale, but I particularly enjoy getting invested in appealing characters whose tough exteriors hide deep vulnerabilities. This book had that in spades!
Beautiful, red-headed Investigative Markie Pearson, covering the recent murder of a nun, runs into handsome-as-all-get-out Bryce Hawk, the City Zoning/Property Maintenance Administrator. Markie has seen Bryce around and can’t help feeling a strong attraction. But her defensiveness quickly jumps in and causes her to be clipped and almost rude to him. Bryce, who is very attracted to her, is used to receiving all sorts of female attention and is surprised and a little hurt by her response to him. When their sparring becomes a pattern, we wonder if things will ever turn around for them.
Then, as more murders occur, other complicated and unwanted relationships emerge, we slowly learn more and more about each of these two and their painful pasts. Touching and realistic insecurities abound, making us truly root for the two of them to make it together. But will that actually happen? You’ll just have to read the book to find out! Highly recommended.
This extremely touching and page turning romance pulled me in immediately. I love a good romantic tale, but I particularly enjoy getting invested in appealing characters whose tough exteriors hide deep vulnerabilities. This book had that in spades!
Beautiful, red-headed Investigative Markie Pearson, covering the recent murder of a nun, runs into handsome-as-all-get-out Bryce Hawk, the City Zoning/Property Maintenance Administrator. Markie has seen Bryce around and can’t help feeling a strong attraction. But her defensiveness quickly jumps in and causes her to be clipped and almost rude to him. Bryce, who is very attracted to her, is used to receiving all sorts of female attention and is surprised and a little hurt by her response to him. When their sparring becomes a pattern, we wonder if things will ever turn around for them.
Then, as more murders occur, other complicated and unwanted relationships emerge, we slowly learn more and more about each of these two and their painful pasts. Touching and realistic insecurities abound, making us truly root for the two of them to make it together. But will that actually happen? You’ll just have to read the book to find out! Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews