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Christmas at the Carlisles #1
Colorado Abduction
A city slicker like Burke had no business being on her Colorado ranch.
But Carolyn Carlisle knew she needed him. Not only was the Carlisle Ranch a target for sabotage just weeks before Christmas, but also her family had been threatened and danger lurked around every corner. Carolyn was used to being in charge, but incredibly sexy FBI agent J. D. Burke had other ideas. He was domineering, stubborn and vowed never to let an assignment turn personal. Still, with the enemy just as elusive as the agent's penetrating gaze, Carolyn secretly hoped Burke would let down his guard and act on their intense chemistry. Even if one amazing night ended up breaking her usually hardened heart.
But Carolyn Carlisle knew she needed him. Not only was the Carlisle Ranch a target for sabotage just weeks before Christmas, but also her family had been threatened and danger lurked around every corner. Carolyn was used to being in charge, but incredibly sexy FBI agent J. D. Burke had other ideas. He was domineering, stubborn and vowed never to let an assignment turn personal. Still, with the enemy just as elusive as the agent's penetrating gaze, Carolyn secretly hoped Burke would let down his guard and act on their intense chemistry. Even if one amazing night ended up breaking her usually hardened heart.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
19 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Miles
310 books65 followersCassie grew up in a small town at the very tip of southern Illinois. A tomboy, she spent most of her time outside and got into big trouble for breaking the trellis while climbing out her second-story bedroom window.
When her family moved to L.A., major culture shock ensued. She discovered that grapefruits grew on trees, television offered more than two channels, and all the other girls had breasts. While hiding out and waiting for her chest to develop, she read voraciously, raiding her mother's bookshelf for Mickey Spillane when she finished all her Nancy Drew novels.
Another move took her family to Denver, the place Cassie still calls home.
She graduated from North Central college outside Chicago, got married, and returned to Colorado where she worked in personnel at the Denver Post and lived in a mountain cabin without running water. Upon learning she was pregnant, a return to civilization seemed prudent. She settled in Denver, raised two amazing daughters, and started writing for Harlequin. After her divorce, she took a break from romance and wrote straight suspense.
During her frantic years as a single mom, writing books and working odd jobs to supplement her income, she hardly had time to breathe, much less to dream. Then something remarkable happened. She fell in love with a tall, sexy man who was an aerial photographer and the author of tough-guy mystery novels. Fortunately, he loved her back. She found her real-life hero, inherited three more grown kids and three grandchildren.
Cassie started writing romance again, loving every minute of a life filled with laughter, crazy road trips, sailboats, and journeys to Oregon with long walks on rocky beaches.
Not too long ago, the love of her life developed inoperable pancreatic cancer. With supportive friends and family standing by, he died at home.
Cassie now lives alone, surrounded by beautiful memories. She has no regrets and considers herself lucky to have found her soul mate, the man with whom she shared a perfect love.
Pseudonym/s: Kay Bergstrom
When her family moved to L.A., major culture shock ensued. She discovered that grapefruits grew on trees, television offered more than two channels, and all the other girls had breasts. While hiding out and waiting for her chest to develop, she read voraciously, raiding her mother's bookshelf for Mickey Spillane when she finished all her Nancy Drew novels.
Another move took her family to Denver, the place Cassie still calls home.
She graduated from North Central college outside Chicago, got married, and returned to Colorado where she worked in personnel at the Denver Post and lived in a mountain cabin without running water. Upon learning she was pregnant, a return to civilization seemed prudent. She settled in Denver, raised two amazing daughters, and started writing for Harlequin. After her divorce, she took a break from romance and wrote straight suspense.
During her frantic years as a single mom, writing books and working odd jobs to supplement her income, she hardly had time to breathe, much less to dream. Then something remarkable happened. She fell in love with a tall, sexy man who was an aerial photographer and the author of tough-guy mystery novels. Fortunately, he loved her back. She found her real-life hero, inherited three more grown kids and three grandchildren.
Cassie started writing romance again, loving every minute of a life filled with laughter, crazy road trips, sailboats, and journeys to Oregon with long walks on rocky beaches.
Not too long ago, the love of her life developed inoperable pancreatic cancer. With supportive friends and family standing by, he died at home.
Cassie now lives alone, surrounded by beautiful memories. She has no regrets and considers herself lucky to have found her soul mate, the man with whom she shared a perfect love.
Pseudonym/s: Kay Bergstrom
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 27, 2009
Carolyn Carlisle, CEO of her family's beef exporting company, quickly returns to the family ranch when her younger brother informs her the barn's been burnt down. Thankfully, her horse, Elvis, is safe, but she doesn't get the feeling her brother's marriage is equally so.
She overhears the spouses arguing and minutes later Nicole storms off on horseback. Carolyn hears shots, jumps on Elvis and goes to investigate. Nicole's bodyguard has been shot and Nicole is nowhere to be found.
Looks like kidnapping and Carolyn knows there's only one outcome - contact the FBI.
Two and a half hours later the calvary arrives, presided by the tall, dark, handsome, and taciturn Special Agent J.D. Burke. He exudes confidence and take-charge attitude and Carolyn knows they're bound to butt heads. She's not wrong...And she's not disappointed.
Well, girls (and occasional boy), I didn't think it was possible, I was despairing in fact, but I did it. I got meself a winner here! Yes! *pumps fist into the air* Yes!
This book was one of the best (Jenna Ryan's stuff is till my favorite) Harlequin Intrigues I've read. Great plot, great pacing, great suspense, great tension, great UST, great characters, great interaction, great chemistry. I absolutely loved it.
The author veered from the usual Intrigue patterns of a sometimes obtuse and TSTL damsel in distress with emotional baggage and a hero with even more emotional baggage.
The main suspense plot did somewhat involve the heroine, her sister-in-law has been kidnapped, but the main conflict didn't center around her. Also, Carolyn was 33 years old, a mature woman that knew what she wanted, knew how to get it, and though she appeared rather unapproachable, stoic, stubborn and cold at the beginning, she had a pretty good reason. As the only woman on a cattle ranch, she had to learn to take charge at an early age, as a powerful CEO she had to prove herself on a daily basis. And that "take charge don't take orders" attitude just didn't go away as soon as the sexy FBI agent showed up.
But despite her nature, she knew when to back off, she knew when she was out of her depths, and knew when to let the big boys do their thing. I liked her from the start. She established and marked her territory, never raising her voice, never stopped being polite, but she made herself understood and heard.
And Special Agent J.D. Burke respected that. These two were two peas in the pod, which explains Carolyn's initial thought they would soon butt heads.
I loved Burke. For once we got a leading man without a painful past. Okay, there had been some pain, but that didn't prevent him from shutting off emotionally, it didn't make him shun commitment. Actually he was the first to say the C-word and the first to say the L-word. You gotta love a guy like that.
There were actually two villains in this story, two separate cases for the FBI to solve, and while one of them was solved to satisfaction (even with some bullets flying), the other was a real doozy. And that's the only complaint I have about this story. The rather abrupt ending and a whopper of a twist just before it. But since this is the first in a miniseries (the next two books, Bodyguard Under the Mistletoe and Secluded with the Cowboy coming in November and December), I guess I'll get my answers eventually. Along with, hopefully, some more details about Carolyn and J.D.
Yes, this one was definitely a winner. Out of the HI norm, wonderful characters, gripping suspense, lots of action, realistic portrayal of law-enforcement procedures, with perfectly placed humorous inserts to tone down the tension a bit when needed.
"Unputdownable" and a 5-star keeper!
She overhears the spouses arguing and minutes later Nicole storms off on horseback. Carolyn hears shots, jumps on Elvis and goes to investigate. Nicole's bodyguard has been shot and Nicole is nowhere to be found.
Looks like kidnapping and Carolyn knows there's only one outcome - contact the FBI.
Two and a half hours later the calvary arrives, presided by the tall, dark, handsome, and taciturn Special Agent J.D. Burke. He exudes confidence and take-charge attitude and Carolyn knows they're bound to butt heads. She's not wrong...And she's not disappointed.
Well, girls (and occasional boy), I didn't think it was possible, I was despairing in fact, but I did it. I got meself a winner here! Yes! *pumps fist into the air* Yes!
This book was one of the best (Jenna Ryan's stuff is till my favorite) Harlequin Intrigues I've read. Great plot, great pacing, great suspense, great tension, great UST, great characters, great interaction, great chemistry. I absolutely loved it.
The author veered from the usual Intrigue patterns of a sometimes obtuse and TSTL damsel in distress with emotional baggage and a hero with even more emotional baggage.
The main suspense plot did somewhat involve the heroine, her sister-in-law has been kidnapped, but the main conflict didn't center around her. Also, Carolyn was 33 years old, a mature woman that knew what she wanted, knew how to get it, and though she appeared rather unapproachable, stoic, stubborn and cold at the beginning, she had a pretty good reason. As the only woman on a cattle ranch, she had to learn to take charge at an early age, as a powerful CEO she had to prove herself on a daily basis. And that "take charge don't take orders" attitude just didn't go away as soon as the sexy FBI agent showed up.
But despite her nature, she knew when to back off, she knew when she was out of her depths, and knew when to let the big boys do their thing. I liked her from the start. She established and marked her territory, never raising her voice, never stopped being polite, but she made herself understood and heard.
And Special Agent J.D. Burke respected that. These two were two peas in the pod, which explains Carolyn's initial thought they would soon butt heads.
I loved Burke. For once we got a leading man without a painful past. Okay, there had been some pain, but that didn't prevent him from shutting off emotionally, it didn't make him shun commitment. Actually he was the first to say the C-word and the first to say the L-word. You gotta love a guy like that.
There were actually two villains in this story, two separate cases for the FBI to solve, and while one of them was solved to satisfaction (even with some bullets flying), the other was a real doozy. And that's the only complaint I have about this story. The rather abrupt ending and a whopper of a twist just before it. But since this is the first in a miniseries (the next two books, Bodyguard Under the Mistletoe and Secluded with the Cowboy coming in November and December), I guess I'll get my answers eventually. Along with, hopefully, some more details about Carolyn and J.D.
Yes, this one was definitely a winner. Out of the HI norm, wonderful characters, gripping suspense, lots of action, realistic portrayal of law-enforcement procedures, with perfectly placed humorous inserts to tone down the tension a bit when needed.
"Unputdownable" and a 5-star keeper!
November 22, 2012
What kind of ending is that?
It felt like there's a chapter missing.
Sorry, but because of the half-assed resolution this won't get better than 2 stars from me. I felt well and truly let down.
It felt like there's a chapter missing.
Sorry, but because of the half-assed resolution this won't get better than 2 stars from me. I felt well and truly let down.
March 9, 2013
Ummm totally confused. I'm not sure where to begin but this book ended so wierdly that it just takes away from the story.
The story: Carolyn Carlisle went home to her family's ranch and business. Where a lot of mischief has been happening but upon arriving her sister in her sister in law Nicole gets kidnapped. Enters J.D Burke, special negotiator for the FBI. As the investigation develops and more clues are coming to light. Carolyn and J.D relationship are becoming more than just the victim's family and special agent on duty.
I liked the hero and heroine in this story. Both were strong willed people, who are used to getting things done their way. Which can cause alot of conflict in some but was nicely rounded out.
But the confusing part was the ending after the action the author just left us hanging. And left us guessing on what might happen next. But i truly despised the ending and Nicole.
Thats why its a two star book for me, I was heading towards a 3 maybe 4 but that ending messed me up. But other than that the characters are well developed. The story keeps you on your toes. And the relationship between the hero and heroine felt a little rush but since it was during a kidnapping investigation, I could accept it. It an okay read damn ending ruined it for me. Had my hopes up for a nice reunion but got a bomb instead.
Smh
Happy Reading!!! :)
The story: Carolyn Carlisle went home to her family's ranch and business. Where a lot of mischief has been happening but upon arriving her sister in her sister in law Nicole gets kidnapped. Enters J.D Burke, special negotiator for the FBI. As the investigation develops and more clues are coming to light. Carolyn and J.D relationship are becoming more than just the victim's family and special agent on duty.
I liked the hero and heroine in this story. Both were strong willed people, who are used to getting things done their way. Which can cause alot of conflict in some but was nicely rounded out.
But the confusing part was the ending after the action the author just left us hanging. And left us guessing on what might happen next. But i truly despised the ending and Nicole.
Thats why its a two star book for me, I was heading towards a 3 maybe 4 but that ending messed me up. But other than that the characters are well developed. The story keeps you on your toes. And the relationship between the hero and heroine felt a little rush but since it was during a kidnapping investigation, I could accept it. It an okay read damn ending ruined it for me. Had my hopes up for a nice reunion but got a bomb instead.
Smh
Happy Reading!!! :)
May 7, 2013
This was a freebie I downloaded because I liked the idea of the FBI agent-since I'm a fan of all the American TV Series involving federal agents. I'm a fan of sweet romance so maybe this book wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but I kept reading because I was intrigued by the whole mistery behind the kidnapping, and it sort of reminded me of a Criminal Minds episode.
However, I have to say that I was extremely disappointed by the ending. There are too many questions left unanswered and it felt as if some plot points hadn't been completely developed when the author decided to write The End. I understand there are more books in the series, but checking out the blurbs I don't think we will get the answers to the questions in the next books.
I also didn't like the immediate chemistry between Burke and Carolyn. Within two days they managed to fall in love like teenagers and promise each other eternal love, in the middle of a kidnapping? He was described as a tough FBI agent and she as a stubborn, strong woman but after they sleep together the first time they suddenly turn mellow and mushy. Somehow this didn't convince the ultimate romantic and hopeless dreamer in me. It just didn't feel right.
All in all the story had potentials, but to me it felt as if it could've been developed better. And with a better ending.
However, I have to say that I was extremely disappointed by the ending. There are too many questions left unanswered and it felt as if some plot points hadn't been completely developed when the author decided to write The End. I understand there are more books in the series, but checking out the blurbs I don't think we will get the answers to the questions in the next books.
I also didn't like the immediate chemistry between Burke and Carolyn. Within two days they managed to fall in love like teenagers and promise each other eternal love, in the middle of a kidnapping? He was described as a tough FBI agent and she as a stubborn, strong woman but after they sleep together the first time they suddenly turn mellow and mushy. Somehow this didn't convince the ultimate romantic and hopeless dreamer in me. It just didn't feel right.
All in all the story had potentials, but to me it felt as if it could've been developed better. And with a better ending.
October 31, 2011
This was a freebie ebook that started off well but ended poorly. The ending felt very rushed and had many loose ends. I did discover later that it is the first story in a trilogy but this information didn't improve my impressions about the ending. There were simply too many threads started that needed even some minor resolution for the ending to feel satisfactory. I don't plan to continue with the trilogy.
December 15, 2015
A Harlequin/Mills & Boon Western romance - not my usual reading fare but I must have downloaded it for free when I first got my Kindle. Carolyn Carlisle's sister-in-law is kidnapped from the family ranch, but Carolyn's attention is distracted by the gorgeous FBI guy who comes to investigate.
This was a much better story than I expected, and I enjoyed it until the end when it suddenly stops without the kidnappers being caught. Nothing was resolved except the romance.
This was a much better story than I expected, and I enjoyed it until the end when it suddenly stops without the kidnappers being caught. Nothing was resolved except the romance.
December 5, 2011
Following the story of a kidnapped sister-in-law with the pleasure of ramance mixed in was very well done, especially for a freebee. Loved the main characters. A pleasure to read. I would recomend.
Read
June 12, 2012so so weird
June 21, 2016
Two-haiku review:
Kidnapping on ranch
She's worried for sis-in-law
He's FBI guy
Didn't really care
No chemistry at all here
Disappointing end
Kidnapping on ranch
She's worried for sis-in-law
He's FBI guy
Didn't really care
No chemistry at all here
Disappointing end
April 29, 2014
It was gonna be the usual 3 star rating till i got to the end, SO ANNOYED WITH IT!
November 13, 2017
When things start happening around the ranch our heroine who is at the headquarters of the family business flys home to see what can be done. Upon her arrival, her brother and sister in law have a fight and the sister in law runs off and gets kidnapped. The heroine calls the FBI in to get her back. That's when we meet our hero. Upon the investigation the her and heroine find they are attracted and want to spend every day together. When everything comes about we have winners and looses.
The plot to the story was good and kept you guessing, but it felt like it was a long and drawn out story that would never finish. I liked how both our hero and heroine were driven to succeed and stubborn but they also knew when to behave like a human being with emotions. The characters were likable and you felt for the main looser of the whole story.
The plot to the story was good and kept you guessing, but it felt like it was a long and drawn out story that would never finish. I liked how both our hero and heroine were driven to succeed and stubborn but they also knew when to behave like a human being with emotions. The characters were likable and you felt for the main looser of the whole story.
December 31, 2020
Excellent book in the 3 book series Loved it. Great story.
April 15, 2018
A kidnapping leads to several stories, it's more investigation than romance and the first of at least 3 stories revolving around the kidnapping of Nicole.
January 27, 2014
Colorado Abduction is about a young, sexy and brilliant CEO of Certified Cetified Organic Beef (Carolyn Carlisle) and a hot and sexy Hostage Negotiator (J.D. Burke) who was in charge of investigating the circumstances surrounding the abduction of Nicole Carlisle (Carolyn’s sister-in-law).
This was an entertaining and suspenseful read. I enjoyed this story as it had all the elements needed to make this a fantastic read. It had the right balance of romance, mystery, suspense and action. I was pulled in from the very first page. I had a hard time putting it down as it had me turning the pages as I was quite eager to find out what was going to happen next. This is a story that is filled with quite a few twists and just when I thought I had t figured out whom the villain is, Ms. Miles adds another twist which had me thinking WTH is happening here.
If I had to choose who is my favourite character then Carolyn would win hands down. She is a strong willed and no nonsense individual. She was not afraid to face danger especially if it meant protecting those who are close and dear to her. From the moment she crossed paths with J. D. I could tell that they were made for each other. J.D could be arrogant; however he also had a sensitive and patient side to him. It was clear that J.D is attracted to Carolyn but he tried to fight it as he feared that giving into his feelings would affect his ability to effectively investigate the abduction of Nicole.
My least favourite character is Sam Logan who also happens to be Carolyn’s ex-boyfriend. He disliked the Carlisle family because of their wealthy status and he hated Carolyn more because she had chosen not to marry him. It was easy to connect to the characters as they felt quite real.
This is my first time reading this author’s work and I was quite impressed. I found this an easy read and the plot was easy to follow. My only disappointment is the way in which the book ended. After that great build up the end was quite a letdown. Guess I am going to have to read the remaining books in the series to get my questions answered.
As stated earlier this is a great read and I would recommend it to lovers of romantic suspense.
This was an entertaining and suspenseful read. I enjoyed this story as it had all the elements needed to make this a fantastic read. It had the right balance of romance, mystery, suspense and action. I was pulled in from the very first page. I had a hard time putting it down as it had me turning the pages as I was quite eager to find out what was going to happen next. This is a story that is filled with quite a few twists and just when I thought I had t figured out whom the villain is, Ms. Miles adds another twist which had me thinking WTH is happening here.
If I had to choose who is my favourite character then Carolyn would win hands down. She is a strong willed and no nonsense individual. She was not afraid to face danger especially if it meant protecting those who are close and dear to her. From the moment she crossed paths with J. D. I could tell that they were made for each other. J.D could be arrogant; however he also had a sensitive and patient side to him. It was clear that J.D is attracted to Carolyn but he tried to fight it as he feared that giving into his feelings would affect his ability to effectively investigate the abduction of Nicole.
My least favourite character is Sam Logan who also happens to be Carolyn’s ex-boyfriend. He disliked the Carlisle family because of their wealthy status and he hated Carolyn more because she had chosen not to marry him. It was easy to connect to the characters as they felt quite real.
This is my first time reading this author’s work and I was quite impressed. I found this an easy read and the plot was easy to follow. My only disappointment is the way in which the book ended. After that great build up the end was quite a letdown. Guess I am going to have to read the remaining books in the series to get my questions answered.
As stated earlier this is a great read and I would recommend it to lovers of romantic suspense.
August 28, 2011
Blurb from Goodreads
A CITY SLICKER LIKE BURKE HAD NO BUSINESS BEING ON HER COLORADO RANCH
But Carolyn Carlisle knew she needed him. Not only was the Carlisle Ranch a target for sabotage just weeks before Christmas, but also her family had been threatened and danger lurked around every corner. Carolyn was used to being in charge, but incredibly sexy FBI agent J. D. Burke had other ideas. He was domineering, stubborn and vowed never to let an assignment turn personal. Still, with the enemy just as elusive as the agent's penetrating gaze, Carolyn secretly hoped Burke would let down his guard and act on their intense chemistry. Even if one amazing night ended up breaking her usually hardened heart.
My Review
Well Mills and Boons has changed since I last read them. Carolyns sister in law is kidnapped after an arguement with her brother and the actions starts from there. Before this the range had a deliberate fire and some other property damage, was someone warning them and now took it to another level?
Carolyn is a business woman who is as stubborn as she is head strong but finds herself attracted to the agent in charge.
To be honest the thriller part of the story is really good and I kept reading as I was intrigued to find out what happened. However the old mills and boon attraction crept in and whilst fine in the old books - during a high profile kidnapping would you really be thinking about how the agent would be in bed or him her? That did annoy and put me off a bit but the action of the murders and attacks definately made up for it.
My biggest complaint has to be the unanswered questions. Why the sudden change in the wife, what was said and discussed and more importantly why wasn't the reader kept in the loop? After doing a bit of searching there are another two books to the series so who knows maybe they revisit it in them and give us the answers. Maybe it is a selling point? As this book is free for download from Amazon maybe this is the authors ploy. I don't think I will be buying them though just yet however if they became free or very discount price I would certainly get the next two. 3/5 for me
A CITY SLICKER LIKE BURKE HAD NO BUSINESS BEING ON HER COLORADO RANCH
But Carolyn Carlisle knew she needed him. Not only was the Carlisle Ranch a target for sabotage just weeks before Christmas, but also her family had been threatened and danger lurked around every corner. Carolyn was used to being in charge, but incredibly sexy FBI agent J. D. Burke had other ideas. He was domineering, stubborn and vowed never to let an assignment turn personal. Still, with the enemy just as elusive as the agent's penetrating gaze, Carolyn secretly hoped Burke would let down his guard and act on their intense chemistry. Even if one amazing night ended up breaking her usually hardened heart.
My Review
Well Mills and Boons has changed since I last read them. Carolyns sister in law is kidnapped after an arguement with her brother and the actions starts from there. Before this the range had a deliberate fire and some other property damage, was someone warning them and now took it to another level?
Carolyn is a business woman who is as stubborn as she is head strong but finds herself attracted to the agent in charge.
To be honest the thriller part of the story is really good and I kept reading as I was intrigued to find out what happened. However the old mills and boon attraction crept in and whilst fine in the old books - during a high profile kidnapping would you really be thinking about how the agent would be in bed or him her? That did annoy and put me off a bit but the action of the murders and attacks definately made up for it.
My biggest complaint has to be the unanswered questions. Why the sudden change in the wife, what was said and discussed and more importantly why wasn't the reader kept in the loop? After doing a bit of searching there are another two books to the series so who knows maybe they revisit it in them and give us the answers. Maybe it is a selling point? As this book is free for download from Amazon maybe this is the authors ploy. I don't think I will be buying them though just yet however if they became free or very discount price I would certainly get the next two. 3/5 for me
October 11, 2014
This is not the first time I have read the book ‘Colorado Abduction’. I first read it in April 2014 – only a few months ago – but I have been wanting to read it again ever since. In looking for something easy and appealing to read for my slowly un-fogging brain I hit upon this book.
Colorado Abduction is the first book in the Christmas at the Carlisles series and part of the Harlequin Intrigue set. For me it is a wonderful mix of the types of books I simply love; Western Romance and Romantic Suspense. Heaven!
Carolyn Carlisle, CEO of Carlisle Certified Organic Beef is brought back home to the family ranch run by her brother when news of sabotage reaches her. On her return though, Carolyn finds that security has been hired, but even with that, her sister-in-law Nicole is kidnapped and the bodyguard with her shot. Calling in the FBI, Carolyn hopes that the situation will be sorted soon. Enter tall, dark and handsome FBI agent in charge and hostage negotiator JD Burke. The attraction between Carolyn and JD is hot but the middle of an investigation isn’t the right time for either of them, or so they tell themselves. The investigation into the sabotage and kidnapping is continued by the FBI but when ransom demands are received and it looks like there may be a mole in the ranch, Carolyn and JD must learn to work together to get Nicole back to her husband.
Second time around and I still I absolutely loved this book. The characters and the storyline were well rounded and interesting. The story was intriguing and I certainly felt involved with the book; I cared about the characters. I loved the characters of Carolyn and JD – I just wish the ending had been continued on a bit as it was left rather open. There are two other books in the series however which continue the stories of other minor characters from this book. Maybe they will have a few hints of JD and Carolyn.
I would certainly recommend this book to others; it was an easy read and one which I couldn’t put down.
Colorado Abduction is the first book in the Christmas at the Carlisles series and part of the Harlequin Intrigue set. For me it is a wonderful mix of the types of books I simply love; Western Romance and Romantic Suspense. Heaven!
Carolyn Carlisle, CEO of Carlisle Certified Organic Beef is brought back home to the family ranch run by her brother when news of sabotage reaches her. On her return though, Carolyn finds that security has been hired, but even with that, her sister-in-law Nicole is kidnapped and the bodyguard with her shot. Calling in the FBI, Carolyn hopes that the situation will be sorted soon. Enter tall, dark and handsome FBI agent in charge and hostage negotiator JD Burke. The attraction between Carolyn and JD is hot but the middle of an investigation isn’t the right time for either of them, or so they tell themselves. The investigation into the sabotage and kidnapping is continued by the FBI but when ransom demands are received and it looks like there may be a mole in the ranch, Carolyn and JD must learn to work together to get Nicole back to her husband.
Second time around and I still I absolutely loved this book. The characters and the storyline were well rounded and interesting. The story was intriguing and I certainly felt involved with the book; I cared about the characters. I loved the characters of Carolyn and JD – I just wish the ending had been continued on a bit as it was left rather open. There are two other books in the series however which continue the stories of other minor characters from this book. Maybe they will have a few hints of JD and Carolyn.
I would certainly recommend this book to others; it was an easy read and one which I couldn’t put down.
August 14, 2017
This was a really good book. Both The action and the sizzling connection between Carolyn, and Burke moved at a fast pace. It was real close to Love at first sight. The book is about Carolyn’s farm being targeted. Her barn was burned, and her sister in law was kidnapped. The FBI was called in to find the people responsible. Burke was the man in charge of the FBI team sent to help. Carolyn was use to always being in charge of her home, and ranch, so at first she, and Burke butted heads. The ending of this book threw me off. I was not expecting the outcome to end like it did. One couple found love, while another couple was being ripped apart throughout the book. It made for an emotional good read.
Sample from chapter17
“Last night was Amazing. We have some kind of connection. I can’t explain it.” “Then don’t” He maneuvered his horse beside her and held out his hand. “Lean over here and kiss me.” “As if that will make everything all right?” “You know it will.” She reached toward his hand. Before she could grasp it, he turned his head sharply. “Carolyn, get down.” She heard the gunfire. Then a thud. She was hit. Her breath was gone. It felt like all the air had been squeezed out of her lungs. Breathe, damn it. She gulped frantically but couldn’t get air. She was losing consciousness. She slumped. Her feet came out of the stirrups. Falling, falling… Burke was there. He caught her before she hit the ground. Ducking behind Elvis, her horse, He cradled her against him.
Sample from chapter17
“Last night was Amazing. We have some kind of connection. I can’t explain it.” “Then don’t” He maneuvered his horse beside her and held out his hand. “Lean over here and kiss me.” “As if that will make everything all right?” “You know it will.” She reached toward his hand. Before she could grasp it, he turned his head sharply. “Carolyn, get down.” She heard the gunfire. Then a thud. She was hit. Her breath was gone. It felt like all the air had been squeezed out of her lungs. Breathe, damn it. She gulped frantically but couldn’t get air. She was losing consciousness. She slumped. Her feet came out of the stirrups. Falling, falling… Burke was there. He caught her before she hit the ground. Ducking behind Elvis, her horse, He cradled her against him.
December 14, 2012
This is the first book in the Christmas Carlisles series. Published in 2009 by Harlequin Intrigue, written by Cassie Miles.
Carolyn returns to her family ranch after a series of vandalism attacks. She walks in on her brother, Dylan, and his wife, Nicole having an argument. Nicole storms off and before she gets too far is kidnapped. Carolyn calls in the FBI. Her first encounter with sexy agent J D Burke gets off to a rocky start. Both of them want to be in control. For the sake of Nicole, they work together instead of against each other.
The premise had promise, but the story just never came together right. The chemistry between Burke and Carolyn just didn't ignite. A romance under those circumstances wasn't too plausible to start off with. The former boyfriend and his cult was also an unstable plot line. There were too many holes.
Then the very unsatisfying conclusion blew any chance the story could have been salvaged. Christmas was mentioned once and then blown off because no one was in the mood with a kidnapping in the family. Overall a C -
Carolyn returns to her family ranch after a series of vandalism attacks. She walks in on her brother, Dylan, and his wife, Nicole having an argument. Nicole storms off and before she gets too far is kidnapped. Carolyn calls in the FBI. Her first encounter with sexy agent J D Burke gets off to a rocky start. Both of them want to be in control. For the sake of Nicole, they work together instead of against each other.
The premise had promise, but the story just never came together right. The chemistry between Burke and Carolyn just didn't ignite. A romance under those circumstances wasn't too plausible to start off with. The former boyfriend and his cult was also an unstable plot line. There were too many holes.
Then the very unsatisfying conclusion blew any chance the story could have been salvaged. Christmas was mentioned once and then blown off because no one was in the mood with a kidnapping in the family. Overall a C -
October 14, 2010
Heroine has come home to family ranch after a fire at the stables to help, when her brother & his wife quarrel, wife goes out for horseback ride to cool off, and doesn't come back. She's been kidnapped. This is when she learns about other harassment & vandalism troubles the ranch has been having that the brother hasn't told her about. Hero is FBI agent heading the team that comes out to handle the kidnapping.
I just read a book about FBI hostage negotiators, so some of the plot was improbable, but handled well, once that disbelief got suspended. I was perfectly happy to suspend it. It didn't go too far over the edge. I enjoyed the book, especially since I'd just read that non-fiction book...
I just read a book about FBI hostage negotiators, so some of the plot was improbable, but handled well, once that disbelief got suspended. I was perfectly happy to suspend it. It didn't go too far over the edge. I enjoyed the book, especially since I'd just read that non-fiction book...
August 11, 2016
Fast paced action and plenty of stubbornness make this book part love story, part thriller. The main focus is on the kidnapping and the consequent investigation which made it a more interesting read than other Mills & Boone books. I liked both Carolyn and Burke's characters. They're strong willed and independent with fierce drives. As such, the story moves along at a rapid pace. Anybody looking for an easy read that still raises plenty of intrigue will enjoy it.
April 18, 2014
A sweet Romance with a touch of Mystery and Intrigue.
The characters are well developed. Two strong willed characters meet head on to make fireworks burst out of the pages.
The Author's style of story telling is simple with smooth flow of narration. Perfect Pace.
A sudden ending left me confused and wanting more.
The characters are well developed. Two strong willed characters meet head on to make fireworks burst out of the pages.
The Author's style of story telling is simple with smooth flow of narration. Perfect Pace.
A sudden ending left me confused and wanting more.
August 20, 2014
I really enjoyed this read (when I actually got time to read it). It had mystery,romance, suspense, and I thought a surprising ending.It pretty much got a hold of me from the beginning and had me routing for the main characters right from the beginning. It kept me guessing all the way through.I'll be looking for more of her books in my TBR pile here soon.
August 24, 2013
I liked this book, I liked the suspense and excitement, I liked the characters and how they blossomed, it was just a shame that it ended the way that it did! I was left feeling a little confused at the ending!
September 3, 2013
It was OK but the end with the brothers wife was bad and totally implausible...come on, they would have all of theirs asses in jail, especially after all the money they spent (helicopters and etc.)if the "victim" of abduction acted like that...
July 14, 2011
This was a freebie that was good enough to rope me into buying the other two books in the series. I really enjoyed this.
April 5, 2014
I Like... I Like...
June 14, 2014
The story line was good, but not my kind of book.
July 3, 2015
Good story and well-written.
But the ending was terrible and felt like it was rushed.
But the ending was terrible and felt like it was rushed.
dnf
September 30, 2015Wow, these shorties are so BOOM BOOM. DNF
November 26, 2015
Not bad. I think the main characters fall in love a bit soon, you don't really get to know him.
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