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The Precinct #11
Beauty and the Badge
When girl next door Beth Rogers pounded on Detective Kevin Grove's door in the middle of the night, she awakened not only the cop, but also the die-hard protector. His spunky neighbor had uncovered scandalous secrets about a murder and someone was threatening to silence her…permanently.
After one heartbreak too many, Kevin was ready to call it quits. With his brawn and tough-guy looks, no woman had been able to see the caring soul that lurked beneath. But with one look into Beth's frightened eyes, the true-blue hero couldn't turn her away. Now, with every step leading them closer to danger, the safest place was in each other's arms.
After one heartbreak too many, Kevin was ready to call it quits. With his brawn and tough-guy looks, no woman had been able to see the caring soul that lurked beneath. But with one look into Beth's frightened eyes, the true-blue hero couldn't turn her away. Now, with every step leading them closer to danger, the safest place was in each other's arms.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 11, 2009
40 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Julie Miller
295 books368 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
USA TODAY Bestselling author Julie Miller writes breathtaking romantic suspense. She's won a National Readers Choice Award and two Daphne du Maurier Awards among other prizes. She was also honored to receive a Career Achievement Award from RT BookReviews and has been a finalist for many national and international awards. Her books have appeared on the USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, Amazon and BookScan Top 100 Romances bestseller lists.
Writing about Kansas City cops, Julie has crafted bestselling, award-winning books for Harlequin Intrigue. In addition, Ms. Miller publishes romantic suspense books with a military twist. Millions of copies of her books have been sold in print and digital formats around the world.
USA TODAY Bestselling author Julie Miller writes breathtaking romantic suspense. She's won a National Readers Choice Award and two Daphne du Maurier Awards among other prizes. She was also honored to receive a Career Achievement Award from RT BookReviews and has been a finalist for many national and international awards. Her books have appeared on the USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, Amazon and BookScan Top 100 Romances bestseller lists.
Writing about Kansas City cops, Julie has crafted bestselling, award-winning books for Harlequin Intrigue. In addition, Ms. Miller publishes romantic suspense books with a military twist. Millions of copies of her books have been sold in print and digital formats around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 26, 2010
Beth is shocked when someone attacks her in her home. She hasn't done anything. She doesn't work for a top-secret organization. Her family isn't rich. So why would someone attack her? Good for her, that she's thinking all this while running toward her new neighbor's house, he appears to be the only one still awake after midnight. Well, he and his monster of a dog.
One look at Kevin Grove's face and Beth starts thinking that maybe she shouldn't have come ask for his help. The guy looks like a thug. But is a police detective instead. And though Kevin doesn't want to get involved too deeply with Beth's case, he simply cannot help himself. Here's a guy who doesn't learn from his mistakes.
Another winner by Julie Miller. Great suspense, great intrigue, sweet romance, and wonderful characters. It was wonderful to see the hero having a few hang-ups about his appearance and character instead of the heroine. It was a nice role-reversal, without descending into parody or humor. Nicely done, the reader cannot help but empathize with Kevin and keep his/her fingers crossed for a HEA to lighten the guy's burden.
In this instance the suspense plot was pushed into the background, but since it didn't "sparkle" like the usual Miller intrigue, I certainly didn't mind. Besides, the budding relationship between Kevin and Beth was a nice little treat.
One look at Kevin Grove's face and Beth starts thinking that maybe she shouldn't have come ask for his help. The guy looks like a thug. But is a police detective instead. And though Kevin doesn't want to get involved too deeply with Beth's case, he simply cannot help himself. Here's a guy who doesn't learn from his mistakes.
Another winner by Julie Miller. Great suspense, great intrigue, sweet romance, and wonderful characters. It was wonderful to see the hero having a few hang-ups about his appearance and character instead of the heroine. It was a nice role-reversal, without descending into parody or humor. Nicely done, the reader cannot help but empathize with Kevin and keep his/her fingers crossed for a HEA to lighten the guy's burden.
In this instance the suspense plot was pushed into the background, but since it didn't "sparkle" like the usual Miller intrigue, I certainly didn't mind. Besides, the budding relationship between Kevin and Beth was a nice little treat.
May 29, 2023
A re-read for me. I wanted to revisit my holiday books. Det. Kevin Grove is still one of my favorite heroes ever!
August 27, 2017
I loved this book. Beth and Kevin captured my heart. I loved the way Beth always second guessed herself. I could see myself doing that if I was in her situation. I loved the way Kevin protected Beth. Kevin was a rough guy, that didn't want to help. But Beth melted his heart little by little. This was one of my favorite books, and I can see myself rereading this book latter on. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did! I love books with lots of action, and romance,this book had the perfect blend of both!
Here is a sample from chapter 5.
Another whisper of movement, darker than snow, stopped her in her tracks. Black coat. Black stocking cap. Dark eyes. A faceless figure walking straight down the middle of the driving lane. Toward her. Her jeep was right there, four cars away. But the dark figure kept coming. She could get inside, lock her doors.
No. Not enough time. Beth quickly reversed course. The footsteps followed. "Help" Fear poured into her veins. She broke into a jog, shouted through the echoing steel and concrete. "Help me!" Ignoring crosswalks and warning signs, she zigzagged through the cars and ran straight for the railing at the edge of the garage. The footsteps grew louder, moved faster. Beth hoisted herself up the railing, swung her legs over. The shadow rushed up behind her as she dropped down onto the other side.
Here is a sample from chapter 5.
Another whisper of movement, darker than snow, stopped her in her tracks. Black coat. Black stocking cap. Dark eyes. A faceless figure walking straight down the middle of the driving lane. Toward her. Her jeep was right there, four cars away. But the dark figure kept coming. She could get inside, lock her doors.
No. Not enough time. Beth quickly reversed course. The footsteps followed. "Help" Fear poured into her veins. She broke into a jog, shouted through the echoing steel and concrete. "Help me!" Ignoring crosswalks and warning signs, she zigzagged through the cars and ran straight for the railing at the edge of the garage. The footsteps grew louder, moved faster. Beth hoisted herself up the railing, swung her legs over. The shadow rushed up behind her as she dropped down onto the other side.
May 27, 2017
Kevin is my favorite kind of hero-protective, take charge, and a softie at heart. Beth is independent and smart, but doesn't hesitate to admit when she needs help. And Daisy! She was too adorable with her patchy fur and exuberant personality! Beauty and the Badge had a steamy romance and solid mystery I found myself engrossed with from start to finish! I'd recommmend this book to anyone who likes light romantic suspense.
September 4, 2012
A pretty decent short romantic suspense. It suffers from being so short in that there isn't really time in this length of book to have both a fully realized romance and a fully realized mystery. So they fell in love in about 4 days. Shrug. It is what it is. Decently written. The involvement of the heroine in the mystery was over the top. I don't think the bad guys would have done quite so much to her in such a short time considering what the actual mystery was.
The best parts of the book were the meet and the fact that the hero was an ugly man who had been used by pretty women in his past and so had a fairly poor opinion of his attractiveness.
The best parts of the book were the meet and the fact that the hero was an ugly man who had been used by pretty women in his past and so had a fairly poor opinion of his attractiveness.
June 17, 2020
Kevin, you big hearted goof, I love you so much.
March 2, 2017
This book seemed like a big favourite with people on a forum I stumbled across. It IS from Harlequin and I haven't had much luck with those, but - seeing that it's only 200 pages - I gave it a go.
It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be: there was no melodrama, no TSTL heroine and no "alpha-hole" hero. I actually liked the hero and his insecurity about the way he looked.
I didn't really care about the mystery and actually skipped the chapters from the villain's POV... Oh well :p
I'm currently sick and Beauty and The Badge was a great little brain candy.
Edit: Okay so I just realised that there WAS a massive TSTL moment for the heroine:
Someone broke into her house and knocked her out when she came home early. When she woke up, she went to her neighbour (Kevin the cop) for help. Stuff happens, they get closer, he promises nothing bad is going to happen to her. Later that night she's in her bed (and alone in the house) when she hears a scratching noise against the house. Instead of calling the police or Kevin, she snuggles under the covers and goes to sleep because Kevin promised nothing bad was going to happen to her.
I repeat, Kevin was nowhere near her house at that time, she just assumed a violent burglar would honour Kevin's promise to her....
It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be: there was no melodrama, no TSTL heroine and no "alpha-hole" hero. I actually liked the hero and his insecurity about the way he looked.
I didn't really care about the mystery and actually skipped the chapters from the villain's POV... Oh well :p
I'm currently sick and Beauty and The Badge was a great little brain candy.
Edit: Okay so I just realised that there WAS a massive TSTL moment for the heroine:
Someone broke into her house and knocked her out when she came home early. When she woke up, she went to her neighbour (Kevin the cop) for help. Stuff happens, they get closer, he promises nothing bad is going to happen to her. Later that night she's in her bed (and alone in the house) when she hears a scratching noise against the house. Instead of calling the police or Kevin, she snuggles under the covers and goes to sleep because Kevin promised nothing bad was going to happen to her.
I repeat, Kevin was nowhere near her house at that time, she just assumed a violent burglar would honour Kevin's promise to her....
July 12, 2011
As far as Harlequin titles go, I can honestly say this one was
pretty darned good. I generally avoid the category's because I like long, drawn out stories, and while BatB can't claim the drawn-out bit, it was still a well written book. Even with a limited amount of pages Ms Miller manages to convey an entire story, including some history for both her characters...so not only do we get an interesting, if not wholly original, mystery, as well as a good dose of romance, but we get a chance to know her characters as well!
The heroine was decent...pretty average, but the Hero, otherwise known as the badge, has helped me realize that I like less then perfect, (not to mentionnon whore-ish) heroes... He was awesome! So much so, that I'm going on the hunt for more of Ms millers heroes to see if I can find anymore :)
So altogether a 3 & a half star read.
December 21, 2016
I love a good beauty and beast story and that's what this was. Kevin is a big hulking (in the best possible way) guy who's horrible ex used him like a kleenex.
Beth is 12 years younger than Kevin and when things go haywire at work and she's attacked in her home, she knocks on his door (process of elimination, he's the only one with lights on).
She was a good sensible heroine and he was a great hero with a squishy soft side. And a dog to match.
This is clearly part of a series but I read it as a standalone with no issues.
I've put another book by Miller on my TBR list.
Beth is 12 years younger than Kevin and when things go haywire at work and she's attacked in her home, she knocks on his door (process of elimination, he's the only one with lights on).
She was a good sensible heroine and he was a great hero with a squishy soft side. And a dog to match.
This is clearly part of a series but I read it as a standalone with no issues.
I've put another book by Miller on my TBR list.
December 9, 2009
An easy and quick read. Loved the hero, who was a bit different and not your standard alpha hunk. A good solid storyline with a touching romance between to deserving people.
November 7, 2014
I LOVED this one. Absolutely adorable.
July 18, 2013
once again Julie Miller out did her self. thanks for the read
September 17, 2013
** 3 1/2 stars **
Read
February 17, 2021I just finished Julie Miller's Beauty and The Badge, part of Harlequin's Intrigue series (my favorite!). I do love a wounded hero. And who doesn't love a man who loves his grandmother?
Kevin Grove is a cop whose neighbor, Beth, comes to him for help when she's attacked in her garage. And despite his desire to the contrary, he comes to her aid and begins investigating the attack. But first he has to figure out who and why she was attacked. It's Beth's job at a pharmaceutical company that holds the clue.
The story had some nice plot twists and kept me engaged from start to end. Can't go wrong when picking up a Julie Miller Intrigue.
Kevin Grove is a cop whose neighbor, Beth, comes to him for help when she's attacked in her garage. And despite his desire to the contrary, he comes to her aid and begins investigating the attack. But first he has to figure out who and why she was attacked. It's Beth's job at a pharmaceutical company that holds the clue.
The story had some nice plot twists and kept me engaged from start to end. Can't go wrong when picking up a Julie Miller Intrigue.
February 11, 2018
Awesome.
Kevin is kind, protective and ...... ugly. Why should every hero is handsome and super hot? Kevin gave (heroism) another meaning. Everyone read this book will definitely fell in love with Kevin.
I gave 4 stars because the characters made me happy and warm. I LOVED Kevin and Beth, they were absolutely adorable.
Kevin is kind, protective and ...... ugly. Why should every hero is handsome and super hot? Kevin gave (heroism) another meaning. Everyone read this book will definitely fell in love with Kevin.
I gave 4 stars because the characters made me happy and warm. I LOVED Kevin and Beth, they were absolutely adorable.
July 30, 2018
Całkiem fajny romansik, z moim ulubionym motywem brzydala i pięknej dziewczyny. No i oczywiście urocza Deisy, mieszaniec mastiffa tybetańskiego i pitbulla. Czytało się szybko i chociaż domyśliłam się wszystkiego po kilku stronach, nie specjalnie mi to przeszkadzało.
July 8, 2020
Awesome
I just finished reading this book and it was awesome from beginning to end! The characters are interesting and the dynamic between them was captivating! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I just finished reading this book and it was awesome from beginning to end! The characters are interesting and the dynamic between them was captivating! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
October 31, 2022
The Bulldog & The Toucher!
Whew, Beauty and the Badge is one of my favorite Julie Miller books. It has non-stop action, mysteries, edge of your seat danger, and serious heat! Awesome read!
Whew, Beauty and the Badge is one of my favorite Julie Miller books. It has non-stop action, mysteries, edge of your seat danger, and serious heat! Awesome read!
February 20, 2018
HI #1176 = 3.5 stars
March 27, 2020
A nice read.
January 9, 2022
I like the heroine was the one chasing his man and finally HEA
July 11, 2024
I thought this was a romantic novel 👀 but there was only one juicy scene and it was rushed and not very spicy.
December 29, 2014
synopsis:
beth heads home late one night and surprises an intruder in her house. when she stumbles next door to her new neighbour to use the phone, he drives her to the hospital, after calling in his squad. kevin has been burned by someone who almost took his career with the kcpd away from him, but he still takes care of beth and believes her story. when the case that kevin is working on coincides with beth's case, kevin does his best to make sure that beth is safe, while trying to keep his distance from her.
what i liked: that beth didn't care about what kevin looked like, she just liked him. i liked that their relationship built through talking, even if it did take place in a short period of time. i liked that even though kevin had been betrayed by someone, that didn't stop him from risking his heart again.
what i didn't like: kevin's insecurity about his looks. the only thing that i could find that described him was "big and battered". that doesn't sound like he's hideous looking to me.
beth heads home late one night and surprises an intruder in her house. when she stumbles next door to her new neighbour to use the phone, he drives her to the hospital, after calling in his squad. kevin has been burned by someone who almost took his career with the kcpd away from him, but he still takes care of beth and believes her story. when the case that kevin is working on coincides with beth's case, kevin does his best to make sure that beth is safe, while trying to keep his distance from her.
what i liked: that beth didn't care about what kevin looked like, she just liked him. i liked that their relationship built through talking, even if it did take place in a short period of time. i liked that even though kevin had been betrayed by someone, that didn't stop him from risking his heart again.
what i didn't like: kevin's insecurity about his looks. the only thing that i could find that described him was "big and battered". that doesn't sound like he's hideous looking to me.
May 9, 2015
*3-3.5 STARS*
This was a cute Harlequin Romance. I liked the mystery and the interactions between Beth and Kevin. My only real issue with this one was the ending. Their relationship was wrapped up in a few sentences. I felt like it deserved more than that. All the time spent in developing the plot and mystery let the romance part of this fall by the wayside. I wish that it had been developed more, so I had to take some points off for that.
Otherwise, I did like the story and the characters. I may even try more books in this series.
This was a cute Harlequin Romance. I liked the mystery and the interactions between Beth and Kevin. My only real issue with this one was the ending. Their relationship was wrapped up in a few sentences. I felt like it deserved more than that. All the time spent in developing the plot and mystery let the romance part of this fall by the wayside. I wish that it had been developed more, so I had to take some points off for that.
Otherwise, I did like the story and the characters. I may even try more books in this series.
August 6, 2016
I usually read these short little Harlequins for the romance so I don't really care about the storyline or what the h does for a living. That's why I didn't like this one. It was mostly focused on the heroines job, there was barely any romance, was really boring and had to skim to get to the end. As im writing this I cant even remember what happened to the couple.
March 27, 2013
I enjoyed the romance between Beth and Keith, but the case was lacking. Aspects of it didn't seem to make sense to me, but maybe that's because I read it so quickly. And yay for reintroducing Alex Taylor!! Can't wait to read more about him.
February 18, 2015
3.5 Stars
Good story with likable characters, but the mystery/suspense was pretty predictable. Sex was really tame (PG-13) with very little detail. It was entertaining, but not something I would read again.
Good story with likable characters, but the mystery/suspense was pretty predictable. Sex was really tame (PG-13) with very little detail. It was entertaining, but not something I would read again.
November 12, 2012
This was a fun read. I think the elderly neighbor could have played a bit more into the story just to add intrigue or humor. All in all it was well thought out with defined characters.
September 18, 2013
3.5 stars
August 9, 2016
This book was good. I read it very quickly, I liked the story and the characters and Iwould potentially read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews