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Cutter's Code #14
Operation Payback
She taught him the meaning of love…
But will his past ruin their second chance?
An abusive home drove Trip Callen into crime—then prison. Only Kayley McSwain recognized the goodness in Trip and stood by him as no one ever had. When Trip and Kayley are targeted by a vengeful criminal syndicate, the Foxworths and their remarkable dog Cutter offer them protection. But can Trip keep Kayley safe and uncover the threat to her life in time?
From Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Danger. Passion. Drama.
But will his past ruin their second chance?
An abusive home drove Trip Callen into crime—then prison. Only Kayley McSwain recognized the goodness in Trip and stood by him as no one ever had. When Trip and Kayley are targeted by a vengeful criminal syndicate, the Foxworths and their remarkable dog Cutter offer them protection. But can Trip keep Kayley safe and uncover the threat to her life in time?
From Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Danger. Passion. Drama.
- GenresSuspense
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2022
28 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Justine Davis
260 books207 followersAuthor biographies are supposed to give you all those statistics, books written, awards won, etc. and I will, I promise...but first let me tell you about this ornery little tomboy (back then, the boys had all the fun...) who was always the one to make up the stories the neighborhood kids would "play". For those who came of age in the computer game era, this is something that was done usually in the backyard, by any number of summer-bored children, with props where appropriate. (Did you know a 55 gallon drum tied to a picnic bench makes a very cool horse?) It wasn't until much later that this tomboy realized two things: A) not everyone made up stories in their heads all the time, and B) in real life, the boys that had already had all the fun now seemed to always be winning.
But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.
Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)
Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.
But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now, the official stats:
Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN
But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.
Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)
Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.
But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now, the official stats:
Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 6, 2022
Cutter the Belgian Tervuren super dog helps ex-con Trip reunite with sweetheart Kayley, while fighting bad guys from his past.
This was a terrific suspenseful romance with the now ex-con who inspired Quinn Foxworth to start the Foxworth foundation. All because Trip returned a locket he'd stolen when he got mixed up with baddies. Quinn arranged for Trip to get a reduced sentence served in minimum security. Pretty sweety Kayley had been Quinn's gf's roommate, but she kept her friendship with him going with cards, letters and once a month visits. The story begins with newly released Trip showing up on Kayley's doorstep. A neighbor to the Foxworth's, Cutter shows up, too, a decides Trip (& Kayley) need his help.
I love these and there's one more in the series. Hopefully it is Rafe & Charlie!
This was a terrific suspenseful romance with the now ex-con who inspired Quinn Foxworth to start the Foxworth foundation. All because Trip returned a locket he'd stolen when he got mixed up with baddies. Quinn arranged for Trip to get a reduced sentence served in minimum security. Pretty sweety Kayley had been Quinn's gf's roommate, but she kept her friendship with him going with cards, letters and once a month visits. The story begins with newly released Trip showing up on Kayley's doorstep. A neighbor to the Foxworth's, Cutter shows up, too, a decides Trip (& Kayley) need his help.
I love these and there's one more in the series. Hopefully it is Rafe & Charlie!
August 11, 2022
Liked all the ties with previous books .. hope Rafe & Charlotte’s story is next.
June 23, 2024
I have loved every book in this series, and this was no exception. This may be a book series, but each book can be read out of order. Several books I have read again.
This book tied the series together. Foxworth foundation started by Quinn helping to find a lost locket. It was the only item the little girl had of her mother who had passed away. The Foxworth mission is to help those who have nowhere else to turn to for help. The people who have fallen through the cracks of the justice system.
Without giving too much away, Trip paid a huge roll in giving the locket back. He has now paid his debt to society. As soon as he is free from jail, his first thought is to thank Kayley who always stood by him. When Trip and all he holds dear is threatened, the Foxworths jumped into to help him. I love Cutter. He is always there to protect those that need protecting. He is also a matchmaking dog. He loves to see people fall in love.
Each book in this series leaves me smiling. Have no idea what I’ll read when I finish this series.
This book tied the series together. Foxworth foundation started by Quinn helping to find a lost locket. It was the only item the little girl had of her mother who had passed away. The Foxworth mission is to help those who have nowhere else to turn to for help. The people who have fallen through the cracks of the justice system.
Without giving too much away, Trip paid a huge roll in giving the locket back. He has now paid his debt to society. As soon as he is free from jail, his first thought is to thank Kayley who always stood by him. When Trip and all he holds dear is threatened, the Foxworths jumped into to help him. I love Cutter. He is always there to protect those that need protecting. He is also a matchmaking dog. He loves to see people fall in love.
Each book in this series leaves me smiling. Have no idea what I’ll read when I finish this series.
August 15, 2022
Fun read but predictable
Cutter, up to his adorable antics, is always worth the read. Kayley's devotion to helping her young crush was inspiring but way too naive. Inserting herself into the prison network, making personal visits, AND giving her cell number up to another inmate made me cringe.
Trip's constant internal monologue on his sad life rolled out a bit too long for me but at least he got above it, finally.
And can Davis wet my appetite for a Rafe story any fiercer? I'm definitely feeling him here, with Kayley's focus on him. Not gonna say who I'm getting a vibe on, but I'll wait till I can toast to my fine instincts!
So OPERATION PAYBACK is a winner. Maybe it seemed naive to me, a native New Yorker, whose number somehow got into the Riker's Island (Correctional Facility) system and got lots of "fun" collect calls from strangers in or out of the jail. I got that Trip was a genuine good guy, but he was a close associate of a genuinely ruthless outlaw. She was seen by other lowlifes and it seemed a given that she would be targeted. Thank goodness for Cutter and Quinn's network.
All board for the next Cutter Op!
Cutter, up to his adorable antics, is always worth the read. Kayley's devotion to helping her young crush was inspiring but way too naive. Inserting herself into the prison network, making personal visits, AND giving her cell number up to another inmate made me cringe.
Trip's constant internal monologue on his sad life rolled out a bit too long for me but at least he got above it, finally.
And can Davis wet my appetite for a Rafe story any fiercer? I'm definitely feeling him here, with Kayley's focus on him. Not gonna say who I'm getting a vibe on, but I'll wait till I can toast to my fine instincts!
So OPERATION PAYBACK is a winner. Maybe it seemed naive to me, a native New Yorker, whose number somehow got into the Riker's Island (Correctional Facility) system and got lots of "fun" collect calls from strangers in or out of the jail. I got that Trip was a genuine good guy, but he was a close associate of a genuinely ruthless outlaw. She was seen by other lowlifes and it seemed a given that she would be targeted. Thank goodness for Cutter and Quinn's network.
All board for the next Cutter Op!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2022
Loved the characters in this story. The hero is an ex-con who just got out and his first action is to find and thank the one person who stood by him, the heroine. This story kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
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July 1, 2022Categories
Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction
Miniseries
Cutter's Code (Book #14)
Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction
Miniseries
Cutter's Code (Book #14)
July 30, 2022
Great Story
I really enjoyed this story very much it was great as was all the other books in this series. Cutter is the smartest dog and I hope he has a long life……
I really enjoyed this story very much it was great as was all the other books in this series. Cutter is the smartest dog and I hope he has a long life……
August 12, 2022
Love this series. The Foxworth are just the kind, helpful people you want to see in real life. Love Cutter. So smart.
October 2, 2022
I love the Cutter's Code books, and this was no exception. I love how the author finds new storylines for Cutter and the Foxworths rather than variations on the same theme. In some earlier books, we've learned how the Foxworth Foundation got its start helping people who have been let down by or fallen through the cracks of the justice system. It all started with the theft and recovery of a little girl's locket many years ago. In Operation Alpha, sixteen-year-old Emily brought a friend to the Foxworths for help, and we learned a little more of the story. In Operation Payback, we get the story of the man who stole, and ultimately returned, Emily's locket.
Trip has paid his debt to society, and now that he is out of prison, his first thought is to thank the person who stood by him while he was away. Kayley had been his girlfriend's roommate and, unbeknownst to him, had a massive crush on him. They became friends while he dated her roommate, with Kayley seeing a different side of him. When his girlfriend dumped him after his arrest, Kayley stayed his friend. I ached for Trip because of how he ended up going down the wrong path. An abusive home life made him feel accepted by a gang of criminals. Though he willingly participated in the robberies, he reached a point where his conscience started to bother him. That came too late, as he was arrested shortly after that. He never knew that the person responsible for his capture also arranged for other incarceration options.
Trip is so lost when he leaves prison that he can't think past seeing Kayley. He knows he doesn't want to end up back in prison. I loved how Kayley took him in and gave him a way to adjust. I loved Cutter's appearance in her yard and how he stood there staring at Trip before leaving. I knew right then that Cutter had found his newest mission. I could feel Trip's shock when he learned who Cutter belonged to and got the story of Foxworth's continued involvement in his life. When Trip discovers that his old crime boss has put out a hit on him, his first thought is to leave to protect Kayley. Kayley has other ideas and immediately drags him to the Foxworths, and the rest is history.
I loved watching Quinn and company do what they do best. Quinn and Hayley are out of the picture for most of the book, with Rafe providing most of Foxworth's support. Trip is immediately placed in a sort of protective custody at the Foxworth building, with Cutter in charge of watching over him. I loved Cutter's effect on Trip, from calming to bringing him out of his shell. The suspense builds as Trip and Rafe track down the threats and the person behind them. As the threats intensify, Trip worries about Kayley's safety. When the final confrontation came, I loved Trip's determination, willingness to accept help from Rafe and the others, and Cutter's superb acting and protection skills.
As much as I enjoyed the suspense portion of the book, the development of Trip and Kayley's relationship was my favorite. Kayley had always seen the good in Trip, even when he was running with the criminals. Trip doesn't understand why she is so kind to him when he can only see the mistakes he made. She is determined to help him in any way possible, including standing by him as he deals with his troubles. As a reader familiar with Cutter's matchmaking instincts (as are Rafe and the others), it was great fun to see Cutter "nudging" Trip and Kayley together at every opportunity. With them spending so much time together, coupled with Kayley's acceptance of Trip's past, it is no surprise that Trip finally realizes that his friendship with her has grown into more. The problem is getting him to believe in himself enough to accept her love in return. When he does, there is no holding back. In keeping with the Foxworth policy of not accepting payment for their service, only that the recipients pay it forward, I loved the solution Hayley found that would help them both.
I loved seeing characters from previous books. Quinn and Hayley appear only briefly, but their presence is always there. Liam and Ria help show Trip that he's safe, and Liam plays a significant role in the investigation and resolution. Gavin de Marco (Operation Notorious) lends his support. It warmed my heart when Emily showed up to see Trip. Rafe plays a central role in this book, as Quinn and Hayley leave him in charge. Rafe has grown and changed since the early books, and I can't wait until he finally gets his own story. There are further hints as to his future, but I suspect he isn't quite ready to face it.
Trip has paid his debt to society, and now that he is out of prison, his first thought is to thank the person who stood by him while he was away. Kayley had been his girlfriend's roommate and, unbeknownst to him, had a massive crush on him. They became friends while he dated her roommate, with Kayley seeing a different side of him. When his girlfriend dumped him after his arrest, Kayley stayed his friend. I ached for Trip because of how he ended up going down the wrong path. An abusive home life made him feel accepted by a gang of criminals. Though he willingly participated in the robberies, he reached a point where his conscience started to bother him. That came too late, as he was arrested shortly after that. He never knew that the person responsible for his capture also arranged for other incarceration options.
Trip is so lost when he leaves prison that he can't think past seeing Kayley. He knows he doesn't want to end up back in prison. I loved how Kayley took him in and gave him a way to adjust. I loved Cutter's appearance in her yard and how he stood there staring at Trip before leaving. I knew right then that Cutter had found his newest mission. I could feel Trip's shock when he learned who Cutter belonged to and got the story of Foxworth's continued involvement in his life. When Trip discovers that his old crime boss has put out a hit on him, his first thought is to leave to protect Kayley. Kayley has other ideas and immediately drags him to the Foxworths, and the rest is history.
I loved watching Quinn and company do what they do best. Quinn and Hayley are out of the picture for most of the book, with Rafe providing most of Foxworth's support. Trip is immediately placed in a sort of protective custody at the Foxworth building, with Cutter in charge of watching over him. I loved Cutter's effect on Trip, from calming to bringing him out of his shell. The suspense builds as Trip and Rafe track down the threats and the person behind them. As the threats intensify, Trip worries about Kayley's safety. When the final confrontation came, I loved Trip's determination, willingness to accept help from Rafe and the others, and Cutter's superb acting and protection skills.
As much as I enjoyed the suspense portion of the book, the development of Trip and Kayley's relationship was my favorite. Kayley had always seen the good in Trip, even when he was running with the criminals. Trip doesn't understand why she is so kind to him when he can only see the mistakes he made. She is determined to help him in any way possible, including standing by him as he deals with his troubles. As a reader familiar with Cutter's matchmaking instincts (as are Rafe and the others), it was great fun to see Cutter "nudging" Trip and Kayley together at every opportunity. With them spending so much time together, coupled with Kayley's acceptance of Trip's past, it is no surprise that Trip finally realizes that his friendship with her has grown into more. The problem is getting him to believe in himself enough to accept her love in return. When he does, there is no holding back. In keeping with the Foxworth policy of not accepting payment for their service, only that the recipients pay it forward, I loved the solution Hayley found that would help them both.
I loved seeing characters from previous books. Quinn and Hayley appear only briefly, but their presence is always there. Liam and Ria help show Trip that he's safe, and Liam plays a significant role in the investigation and resolution. Gavin de Marco (Operation Notorious) lends his support. It warmed my heart when Emily showed up to see Trip. Rafe plays a central role in this book, as Quinn and Hayley leave him in charge. Rafe has grown and changed since the early books, and I can't wait until he finally gets his own story. There are further hints as to his future, but I suspect he isn't quite ready to face it.
June 18, 2022
This book was about an ex-con, Trip Callen. Through Trip making an emotional decision to return a stolen item to its owner, this action brought him under the care of the Foxworth team. On release Trip goes to the one person who had visited him while in prison, Kayley McSwain. I enjoy how Justine develops such inventive ways of how Cutter finds new cases. This series has been outstanding from the first book.
July 27, 2022
One of my fave Cutter's Code books! If you love this series you'll definitely love this one and if you haven't read the series I highly recommend it! Trip and Kaley were a great hero and heroine. Both were very sympathetic characters. It seemed to me that Cutter was spotlighted more, which I love. He's such a great character. Makes you want a dog like him. It was a very hopeful HEA, showing that one mistake doesn't have to ruin your life. Loved it!
July 17, 2022
As usual, Ms Davis outdid herself! This is now one of my favorite Cutter’s Code books, and I’ve read and I own all of them. This book is so good I read it in 2 days! I couldn’t put it down! It’s a feel good story. As usual, I cannot wait to read the next Cutter’s Code story! I highly recommend this book as well as ALL of Justine Davis’s Cutter’s Code Books!
August 8, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like all of the author's book but the Cutter books have become favorites. Kayley gave Trip the support he needed to see he was capable of being a better person. He just needed to become more confident of the fact. I liked Rafe being in this one also. It is always good to hear about characters from previous books.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews