Colton's Dangerous Liaison

The Coltons of Grave Gulch #1

by Regan Black

The clock is running out to keep her safe
Can he intervene in time?

By-the-book police chief Melissa Colton prides herself on putting justice before all else. That means work first—and no passionate affairs. But she finds herself severely tempted when teaming up with hotelier Antonio Ruiz to figure out who’s tracking her. As the case yields more questions than answers, Melissa and Antonio must resist their growing attraction…and capture the criminal targeting them!

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Harlequin, Romance, Contemporary Romance

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 24, 2020

About the author

Regan Black, a USA Today bestselling author, writes award-winning, action-packed romantic novels featuring kick-butt heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them. She and her husband currently enjoy the empty-nest life in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the rich blend of legend, romance, and history fuels her imagination.

Get a free read: http://reganblack.com/perks
All books: https://www.reganblack.com/all-books/
Amazon: http://bit.ly/2eYabBI

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Coltons of Grave Gulch series. I have been really wanting to start this series from the beginning for a long time, and I started picking up this series at book five. I have to say I loved learning more about Melissa, and there is a side storyline that has been in all the books I have read in this series. That side storyline is the storyline in this book, but it is not solved in this book. I really love the characters in this book and book series. This book is packed with action and suspense. I do feel the romance was good in this book, and it is so fun seeing Melissa fell in love. I have to say this is a book series that needs to be read in order because the case in this book keeps going into the other books in this series.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

You'll be second-guessing yourself throughout! With the first book in the brand new Coltons of Grave Gulch series Regan Black lays the groundwork for a situation that will continue playing out throughout the series at the same time as she delights her readers with a happily ever after. The book was slower paced than many from this author, but the mystery was spot on and the characters have us hungry for the series to continue.

Melissa is a take-charge woman in her job as police chief, but meeting the owner of the hotel at the forefront of a case makes her sit back and take notice of the other needs in her life.

Antonio easily captivated me and I was pulling for him throughout. He was a nice guy who had the bad luck of getting involved with a crook and it placed him in the position of being judged accordingly.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story strong in more than one mystery but also has a romance building behind the scenes.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton's Dangerous Liason by Regan Black is an excellent beginning to Harlequin's Coltons of Grave Gulch series. This book introduces characters who will be front and center in later books in the series. I really liked seeing heroine Melissa Colton and hero Antonio Ruiz together as a couple. Melissa is such a strong woman. She has to be that strong to be chief of police. Antonio has issues due to the death of his wife and baby. That tragedy froze his heart. Melissa thawed it out. I also liked how protective Melissa and Antonio were of each other. They were both in danger and this storyline was exciting and very entertaining to read. I look forward to the next book in the series which is Colton's Killer Pursuit by Tara Taylor Quinn.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIKED THIS STORY - set the scenes of what’s to happen here in Grave Clutch & what Melissa Colton will have to face - tho it does sound like she won’t only be married to her job but to possibly be married to her first true love! (<— if I’m remembering correctly!)

#coltonsofgraveclutch #Leslies2021Reads

[Tammy Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ready to begin The Grave Gulch Series. The Colton family has a lot happening all at once and they do there jobs fairly well. The Colton family are mostly in the Grave Gulch Police Department.
Chief Melissa Colton who has worked her butt off to get to where she is today. She is a by the book Chief.
Detective Troy Colton a cousin
Clark Colton
Desiree Colton cousin
Danny Colton 18 month baby cousin
Antonio Ruiz Hotel Owner
Drew Orr

Chief Melissa Colton had many things that where happening in her town she loved so much.
Danny her 18 month old cousin was kidnapped right out in front of everyone. Nobody saw what happened to him or who took him. Desiree was a worried mother screamed that her baby was gone. The Chief called in all the police officers had them secure the grounds and look for the little boy. She called in the K-9 dogs to follow the scent of him . Melissa got a text from the person who took Danny tell her that the Emerson case was wrong and when she look Everleigh case again and let her go that they could have Danny back. The hotel owner let them use a room to set up post. She wanted every guest questioned to see if they saw anything, Antonio let Melissa see the security tapes to see if they could find anything. They caught what the person was wearing but that was all but she couldn't see the face. Antonio went back and looked at the taped and watched the tape and figured out the persons walk. When they got ready to leave to got start questioning people he insisted he could tell it was a lady and by the way she walk. He insisted on going to find Danny.
Then there was looking over the Emerson case to see if they missed something. There was also things that where the same in the Emerson case that was in with the McPherson case when they took evidence.
Chief also look at the Paxton case and to see if there was anything missing or wasn't documented in the file. She talked to the one who did that case from CSI and there was things missing. When Orr knew that the Chief was looking into the case again he got in touch with Antonio and told him threatened him. Good thing he had a recorded line for that reason. Orr had done terrible things to Melissa and Antonio but the Chief was not afraid of him.
This was a new series that had a lot of suspense in it. It kept me on the edge of my chair. Regan's books are fantastic and you never loose your spot if you have to put it down.
I recommend Regan Black book because it has great characters that are good together and suspense and there is some romance in to balance it and it weaves it all together.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton's Dangerous Liaison is a romantic suspense story by Regan Black. Set in Grave Gulch, Melissa Colton is a dedicated police chief. When her cousin's toddler son is kidnapped at a wedding reception at the Grave Gulch Hotel, Melissa is forced to work with the hotel's owner, Antonio Ruiz. Antonio has been frustrated with the GGPD since the lack of results in a murder case involving businessman Drew Orr. When he tells the press that he still believes that Orr killed his girlfriend, he puts his life as well as Melissa's life in danger. Now for securities sake, they will need to hide out. Spending time together makes it hard to keep their attractions at bay. This enemies to lovers story is full of suspense, questionable police department investigations, strong family ties, and strong characters. Regan Black writes books that grab your attention and keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Her books are consistently good and I count on her as one of my go to authors.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many wonderful Books
By Regan Black.
This one Just Happens to be Another one...
You won't want to miss
Melissa Coltons Story.


Melissa Colton Chief of Police
Proud of her town.
Grave Gulch.

A child goes missing from the hotel were the wedding is taken place..
Not only is this just a child. But he's the Chief of Polices little cousin.

Time to get that child back home safe... the Owener of the hotel offers to help in every manner he can.


But not only is There a missing child...
There's a killer on the lose.
He's killed before.. to get what wants. Nothing will stop him.
He will take out The Chief of Police if he needs to.

More than one attempt.
To do what the killer needs to do.
Drive by Shootings, and more.
He's a bit on the crazy side...


The book was given to me as arc .
All thoughts in this Review are my own.
Thank you Regan Black...

[Mary Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton’s Dangerous Liaison
Regan Black

When her cousin’s little boy is kidnapped from the wedding reception little did Melissa know it would turn the police department into an upheaval, but also her life.
Antonio didn’t have much faith in the police department until he is drawn into the their upheaval. Then he’d do anything to protect Melissa.
Who is the target? Will they be able to stop the person responsible before it’s too late? Once again pulled in by the writing talent of Ms Black it is a can’t put it down until you find out. Strong characters with strong convictions to do the right thing. Twists and turns that have you wondering if they will ever figure out the reasons why everything is happening. Will there be a happy ending? Another great addition to the Colton family stories.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the new Grave Gulch series. Police Chief Melissa Colton is attending a wedding when the 18 month old son of her cousin is kidnapped in the middle of the reception. As the guests start searching for the boy, the owner of the hotel, Antonio Ruiz steps in to help. As the search goes on, details start to appear that another case she is working on is involved with this one. Will they find the boy before something bad happens? And is a killer still on the loose?

This was a great fast paced page turner with plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new off-shoot of the Colton's series. Welcome to Grave Gulch!

Melissa is the Police Chief in Grave Gulch. She is supposed to be the one who saves the day. But it seems that someone has it in for Melissa. Pairing up with Antonio goes against everything Melissa wants -the job comes far above any kind of romance. Pity her heart and Antonio are ganging up on her then!

Antonio never thought that he'd be pulled into an investigation, or that he'd soon be in the sights of the same person.

Drama, Action, Adventure and some simmering romance. Fabulous!

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Black has a knack for developing strong female characters with warm family ties that you can easily relate to. The book is an easy read with just enough drama to keep you turning the pages!
3.5 stars

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book in a new Colton's spin-off. Lots of great characters, interesting storyline, danger, action and adventure, suspense, and some yummy romance. I enjoyed this book very much.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific start to the new series. The book gets off to an intense start when a toddler disappears from a family wedding. The owner of the hotel, Antonio Ruiz, offers to do whatever he can to help. Police chief Melissa Colton is grateful for his help but wary also. She and Antonio have been at odds since they clashed over a murder case several months earlier.

Melissa is the police chief of the Grave Gulch PD. She worked long and hard for the position and still puts the job first. But there are times she finds herself wishing for a family of her own. However, experience has shown her that most men aren't willing to put up with her work's uncertainties, and Melissa won't slack off on her job for anyone.

Like Melissa, Antonio puts work before everything else. Twenty years earlier, he lost his wife and their child during childbirth and buried his grief in work. Unwilling to risk his heart again, Antonio settles for the occasional fling with like-minded women.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Antonio and Melissa. Both of them are determined, strong-willed people who also care about the people around them. The disappearance of little Danny in his hotel stirred up memories for Antonio, and he wanted to help. Perhaps, he was a little more forceful in his insistence than Melissa cared for, but he had good instincts. There was a fair bit of antagonism between them at first, thanks to his vocal opinions of the GGPD's abilities. But as they spent more time together, an unexpected attraction began to simmer beneath the antagonism. I liked seeing Antonio's opinion change as he watched Melissa and the others work. When the cases turned into personal attacks on Melissa, Antonio discovered an unexpected protectiveness toward her. It was pretty sweet to see how he tried to take care of her, something Melissa didn't quite know how to deal with. She spent so long struggling to prove herself that Antonio's ease with who and what she is scares her a little. She can see herself falling for him, but she knows his reputation. Meanwhile, Antonio realizes that thoughts of a future with Melissa don't scare him at all. There are a few bumps along the way, as both Antonio and Melissa have to learn how to give a little, but the ending was terrific.

The suspense of the story was outstanding. The kidnapping of little Danny was the opening volley in a battle that could destroy the GGPD. Danny's abduction was a desperate attempt to get the department to reopen a murder case against a young woman most people believe is innocent. Though Melissa stands by her people's work, she won't rest until she's positive everything is right.

This case mirrors the same complaint that Antonio had about the one he brought to their attention during the summer. The intensity ramps up with attempts against Melissa and Antonio's lives that he swears are the work of the man he accused. The escalation of the attacks made it seem like they couldn't catch a break in capturing Drew. The final confrontation with Antonio's wannabe partner was a nail-biter.

I ached for Melissa as the evidence in both cases began to look bad for her department. I liked her determination to get to the truth, no matter what, though it seemed that no matter what she did, there were more questions than answers. Melissa's methodical ways sometimes irritated the more impatient Antonio, but he quickly learned to trust her instincts. There were times when I thought I knew what was going on, only to have the story turn in a different direction. The twists kept me on my toes right to the very end. Though some questions were answered, others were not. It will be interesting to see how it plays out through the series.

[Carl H Spitzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series about a new branch of the family, A Coltons of Grave Gulch Novel. Melissa and Antonio have been climbing the ‘career ladder’ and are doing well at it. But as is frequently found in our fast-paced society it has left us with little time for family and friends. And they have concluded that they do not have time to get involved romantically, nor interest, as previous experiences have damaged their self-confidence about being in a relationship.
Melissa Colton is Chief of Police and there are other members of the local Colton family that are involved in law enforcement. When errors in the department’s work start popping up and point to the Rookie Colton having made the errors Melissa must find answers fast. Hotelier Antonio has reason to believe that a person he believes is innocent is being held in prison pending their court date and wants a complete review of the file that reached the conclusion that she is a murderer.
Melissa realizes that there may be problems in her department, and she must quickly find them. She feels that she is in control of her reaction to Antonio and invites him to work with her on her search. Someone is not happy about this development and Melissa and Antonio become targets of the killer.
I enjoyed reading the book and recommend it to even a casual reader.

Author provided Advance Readers Copy.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Colton’s Dangerous Liaison begins the Coltons of Grave Gulch series with a tense situation and an intense romance between two unlikely people considering Antonio’s opinion of the local police (of which Melissa is Chief).

Without giving away spoilers, Melissa’s and Antonio’s story starts off with an intense situation and rarely slows down until the conclusion of their story. I was easily caught up in what was happening in this small town and found the addition of several other mysterious events both intriguing and interesting.

There were times when I thought I knew what the focus of this entire series was going to be only to rethink that decision shortly afterward. For that reason, I believe that the Coltons of Grave Gulch series is going to be an exciting ride well worth taking.

This opening story brought enough questions to the forefront that need answers, and I’m certain we’ll get them… eventually. I completely enjoyed myself in this new Colton series and plan to stick around all the way through to the conclusion. If you love a good story that asks more questions than it actually answers (but not in an annoying way) or if you love putting together the puzzle pieces of a really good romance/mystery then you’ll want to get in on the beginning with Colton’s Dangerous Liaison.

I own a Kindle edition of this title.

I’m reading the Coltons of Grave Gulch (catching up actually) for the “Can You Read A Series in a Month” challenge for September 2021.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Colton's Dangerous Liason . I really enjoyed reading this story . It's full of action and suspense .
I couldn't put this story down . Police chief Melissa Colton has always put her career first . She longs for a relationship and family of her own . Along comes Antonio Ruiz . Melissa reopens some murder cases and soon finds both her and Antonio in the cross hairs of a killer . Together they must catch the killer and protect each other .
This is a fantastic story . Well written and sensational characters . I highly recommend reading .

[janelle beaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to the Grave Gulch series that Regan is in. Melissa is the police chief and Antonio owns the hotel and they don't see eye to eye on a lot of things. Antonio goes against everything Melissa wants and rubs her the wrong way. There's two murders, drama, action, suspense, and romance. Can Melissa solve the cases and get her police force back on track? It will be interesting to see where the next book takes us.

[Teresa Reitnauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome start to a new Colton series in Grave Gulch. Police Chief Melissa Colton has her hands filled with trouble in her police department. Being wrongly suspected, Antonio Ruiz has worries about the workings of the police department. His feelings change when his attraction for Melissa grows. The lovable characters are well-developed and realistic. The story-line is full of action, mystery, and steamy romance.

[Melissa May · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Coltons of Grave Gulch series.
It’s a great romantic suspense!
Interesting strong characters, suspenseful, fast paced and romantic.
Melissa is the police chief of Grave Gulch and she meets hotelier Antonio.
They encounter a lot of trouble and together they try to solve the case.
I think this is a very good book and I enjoyed reading it. I highly recommended it! I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion!

[Cathy Beckett · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book in Coltons of Grave Gulch. It was a pretty good read. It was fast paced and full of action.
Melissa Colton is the chief of police who is having to deal with a crooked CSI who is falsifying evidence and sending innocent people to prison.
Antonio Ruis is a self-made billionaire who has brought the incompetence of the crime lab to Melissa’s attention. Both Melissa and Antonio become targets of a murderer who has been running loose due to falsified evidence.

[Carolynarmstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very thrilling beginning for the next (Colton) family series, started reading as soon as I got it and I didn't want to put it down, but had to get a little sleep, finished it and read it again!!!!!!! Can't wait for the next one😀😀😁😀 Great Job MS.Black!

[Anita Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regan has a new series coming out tomorrow for ebook and Jan 12th for paperback. Get this book folks. You will not regret it. No spoilers from me but I will say that it has action, adventure, a little romance, amazing characters, and a great plot. I am looking forward to the next one.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this fast paced book by Regan Black. Police chief, Melissa Colton and her biggest critic, Antonio Ruiz, must work together to fine her kidnapped baby cousin. Stayed up for hours to finish it. I did receive this book as part of the review crew.

[Angela Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa maybe the chief of police but she's in just as much danger as the next person like the wealthy hotel owner Antonio when their thrown together in an emergency situation. Just the right amount of suspense with a dash of romance to keep you eagerly turning the pages.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Miniseries
The Coltons of Grave Gulch (Book #1)

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great beginning to this new series. I can't wait to read more about the Colton's.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Debra Shutters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story! I was drawn in from the beginning and could not put it down had to keep reading to find out what is happening and how it turns out! I recommend this book!!!!!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing and romantic story at the same time. Melissa is busy with her job and hasn’t got time for romance. Things might change when she needs Antonio to help her. Loved it.

[Jeri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Colton's Dangerous Liaison

I absolutely loved this book and I will recommend this book to anyone who loves romance novels. She is an amazing writer.

[Doris Ware · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book