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PI Julie Collins #2
Hallowed Ground
Grisly murders are rocking the small county of Bear Butte where Julie Collinshas spent the last few months learning the PI biz. She takes a case involvinga missing Native American girl who could be the innocent pawn in her parents'child custody dispute, or a hostage in a fight to keep a casino from opening.Original.
476 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2006
72 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Lori G. Armstrong
21 books279 followersLori Armstrong is the two-time winner of the Shamus Award given by the Private Eye Writers of America and a New York Times bestselling author of contemporary western erotic romance, written as Lorelei James. Her books have won the Willa Cather Literary Award and have been nominated for the High Plains Book Award and the Daphne du Maurier Award. She lives in western South Dakota - See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/L...
Series
* PI Julie Collins
* Mercy Gunderson Mystery
Series
* PI Julie Collins
* Mercy Gunderson Mystery
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 9, 2015
Martinez <3 Major swooning in this book.
March 24, 2017
After being enthralled with Blood Ties, the first Julie Collins book, I immediately purchased and consumed Hallowed Ground. Armstrong continues her strong character development, excellent dialog and shed more light on the potential romance between Julie and sexy biker Tony Martinez.
As Julie makes the change from working for the sheriff to being partners in long-time friend, Kevin Wells's private investigation company, not much changes for her. She's still thrown into a case trying to find out what happened to a murdered young woman. Though often too tough for her own good, we get to see how big her heart really is when she takes on a case. She feels for the victims, both living and dead, and won't give up until she finds the truth. Chloe Black Dog's missing child case is a minor side story in a huge drama unfolding in the Black Hills. As Julie digs to find the girl, she uncovers way too many other problems that put her and everyone involved in mortal danger.
In Hallowed Ground, Julie is still the difficult, hard drinking woman who's not afraid to through a fist when the need arises. She's found her match in El Presidente of the Hombres motorcycle club. Tony isn't intimidated when she gets in his face. Instead he finds her fascinating. I loved watching their attraction slowly growing into so much more. One of my favorite scenes in any book is when these two fall into each other's arms after yet another horrible situation they've both had to endure.
Armstrong writes the kind of books that keep a reader up all night because they can't quit reading. I loved this book. I envy Julie's ability to stand up to any fight. I want this scary, sexy biker. I'd love to hang with them all.
As Julie makes the change from working for the sheriff to being partners in long-time friend, Kevin Wells's private investigation company, not much changes for her. She's still thrown into a case trying to find out what happened to a murdered young woman. Though often too tough for her own good, we get to see how big her heart really is when she takes on a case. She feels for the victims, both living and dead, and won't give up until she finds the truth. Chloe Black Dog's missing child case is a minor side story in a huge drama unfolding in the Black Hills. As Julie digs to find the girl, she uncovers way too many other problems that put her and everyone involved in mortal danger.
In Hallowed Ground, Julie is still the difficult, hard drinking woman who's not afraid to through a fist when the need arises. She's found her match in El Presidente of the Hombres motorcycle club. Tony isn't intimidated when she gets in his face. Instead he finds her fascinating. I loved watching their attraction slowly growing into so much more. One of my favorite scenes in any book is when these two fall into each other's arms after yet another horrible situation they've both had to endure.
Armstrong writes the kind of books that keep a reader up all night because they can't quit reading. I loved this book. I envy Julie's ability to stand up to any fight. I want this scary, sexy biker. I'd love to hang with them all.
February 1, 2017
Julie is still reckless and an asshole but you get to see a different side of her. In Hallowed Ground you see more of her heart, not that it was not visible in the first book, Blood Ties but it's more pronounced in this one.
She isn't the only one you get to see a different side of, a more caring, human side of Martinez is also shown which just makes him sexier if that is at all possible.
A bit of Kim's background is spotlighted and we also see some interactions between Julie and her father. He is a complete and utter jackass. I wished bad things would happen to him as well as Kim's dad. Anyway moving along to the plot.
Like in the first book Julie is tasked with finding someone, in this case a little girl and that's where the similarities end. This one was filled with twists and turns that I didn't necessarily see coming which made for an extremely enjoyable read. I really liked how the author crafted this book. It kept me engrossed and flipping pages to see what would happen next.
If you enjoy mysteries with a dash of romance give this book and series a try.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
She isn't the only one you get to see a different side of, a more caring, human side of Martinez is also shown which just makes him sexier if that is at all possible.
A bit of Kim's background is spotlighted and we also see some interactions between Julie and her father. He is a complete and utter jackass. I wished bad things would happen to him as well as Kim's dad. Anyway moving along to the plot.
Like in the first book Julie is tasked with finding someone, in this case a little girl and that's where the similarities end. This one was filled with twists and turns that I didn't necessarily see coming which made for an extremely enjoyable read. I really liked how the author crafted this book. It kept me engrossed and flipping pages to see what would happen next.
If you enjoy mysteries with a dash of romance give this book and series a try.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
February 7, 2017
Murder, friendships tested and forged, a smart-mouthed PI, witty banter, heart, determination, and one HOT client; what's not to love about this book. Lori Armstrong has a talent that I've rarely come across in a novel. With a unique ability to weave a compelling mystery that not only keeps you guessing, Lori Armstrong also gives you an in-depth, compelling look into the characters' lives while leaving wanting nothing but more, more, more.
January 27, 2021
Standing on hallowed ground, I didn’t feel the measure of peace I’d expected. Or experience a sudden realization that my hatred for this sacred place had been misguided.
There was no catharsis for me. I knew in my heart there wouldn’t be any until I found out who had murdered my brother.
May 19, 2017
A most excellent 5 star read! nobody gets beat up like Julie gets beat up
January 20, 2016
Another fabulous read! It is about 5 months after the last book and Julie has given up her job at the Sheriff's office and become a full partner in Kevin's PI buisness. Kevin for his part, hasn't been around much as he is trying to spend as much time as he can with his girlfriend Lilly. When Martinez walks in and ask for Julie to take on a case for him, she can't say no. Not that she wants to tell him no to anything. Martinez has asked Julie to look for Harvey's 5 year old niece. Harvey is Martinez main enforcer for the Hombres. Julie agrees to take on the case, but feel there is things that aren't quite ringing true, especially when she talkes to the little girl's dad. It becomes even more complicated when someone puts him in the hospital in a coma.
Once Julie talks to the little girl's mom, Julie finds out she is way over her head as she finds out that a mobster from the East is involved. Julie starts through a minefield of possible explosions between the mob, the Hombres, the ranchers mad at the Native Americans and at least 20 other people that is mad at Julie for something or other. She gets hit, her brakes cut, shot at, threatned and numerous other abuses against her person. But with Martinez there kissing it all better it may be all worth it. But with a disk floating out there that could put one mob boss's son behind bars and three people turn up dead the stakes couldn't get any more dangerous to find the little girl before the bad men find her first.
This book is gritty and extremely messy with human emotions. Julie is a hard drinking, smoking mess of a woman, but somehow you still end up liking her for all of her weakness. Afterall, when our book opens, she is half living will Kell, a guy the complete opposite of her, thinking she is in love with Kevin her best friend from her childhood, but lusting after Martinez for all she is worth. Once Martinez makes his move though, then Julie's heart tells her what she must do. If you are expecting love scenes though ala Lorelie James you will be dissappointed, but if you like a gritty, emotional read with some real depth and a really great mystery then you will love this book. I would read the first one though in order to get the character development that is going on.
Once Julie talks to the little girl's mom, Julie finds out she is way over her head as she finds out that a mobster from the East is involved. Julie starts through a minefield of possible explosions between the mob, the Hombres, the ranchers mad at the Native Americans and at least 20 other people that is mad at Julie for something or other. She gets hit, her brakes cut, shot at, threatned and numerous other abuses against her person. But with Martinez there kissing it all better it may be all worth it. But with a disk floating out there that could put one mob boss's son behind bars and three people turn up dead the stakes couldn't get any more dangerous to find the little girl before the bad men find her first.
This book is gritty and extremely messy with human emotions. Julie is a hard drinking, smoking mess of a woman, but somehow you still end up liking her for all of her weakness. Afterall, when our book opens, she is half living will Kell, a guy the complete opposite of her, thinking she is in love with Kevin her best friend from her childhood, but lusting after Martinez for all she is worth. Once Martinez makes his move though, then Julie's heart tells her what she must do. If you are expecting love scenes though ala Lorelie James you will be dissappointed, but if you like a gritty, emotional read with some real depth and a really great mystery then you will love this book. I would read the first one though in order to get the character development that is going on.
March 19, 2017
After being enthralled with Blood Ties, the first Julie Collins book, I immediately purchased and consumed Hallowed Ground. Armstrong continues her strong character development, excellent dialog and shed more light on the potential romance between Julie and sexy biker Tony Martinez.
As Julie makes the change from working for the sheriff to being partners in long-time friend, Kevin Wells's private investigation company, not much changes for her. She's still thrown into a case trying to find out what happened to a murdered young woman. Though often too tough for her own good, we get to see how big her heart really is when she takes on a case. She feels for the victims, both living and dead, and won't give up until she finds the truth. Chloe Black Dog's missing child case is a minor side story in a huge drama unfolding in the Black Hills. As Julie digs to find the girl, she uncovers way too many other problems that put her and everyone involved in mortal danger.
In Hallowed Ground, Julie is still the difficult, hard drinking woman who's not afraid to through a fist when the need arises. She's found her match in El Presidente of the Hombres motorcycle club. Tony isn't intimidated when she gets in his face. Instead he finds her fascinating. I loved watching their attraction slowly growing into so much more. One of my favorite scenes in any book is when these two fall into each other's arms after yet another horrible situation they've both had to endure.
Armstrong writes the kind of books that keep a reader up all night because they can't quit reading. I loved this book. I envy Julie's ability to stand up to any fight. I want this scary, sexy biker. I'd love to hang with them all.
As Julie makes the change from working for the sheriff to being partners in long-time friend, Kevin Wells's private investigation company, not much changes for her. She's still thrown into a case trying to find out what happened to a murdered young woman. Though often too tough for her own good, we get to see how big her heart really is when she takes on a case. She feels for the victims, both living and dead, and won't give up until she finds the truth. Chloe Black Dog's missing child case is a minor side story in a huge drama unfolding in the Black Hills. As Julie digs to find the girl, she uncovers way too many other problems that put her and everyone involved in mortal danger.
In Hallowed Ground, Julie is still the difficult, hard drinking woman who's not afraid to through a fist when the need arises. She's found her match in El Presidente of the Hombres motorcycle club. Tony isn't intimidated when she gets in his face. Instead he finds her fascinating. I loved watching their attraction slowly growing into so much more. One of my favorite scenes in any book is when these two fall into each other's arms after yet another horrible situation they've both had to endure.
Armstrong writes the kind of books that keep a reader up all night because they can't quit reading. I loved this book. I envy Julie's ability to stand up to any fight. I want this scary, sexy biker. I'd love to hang with them all.
February 18, 2011
I can't believe, I am so into a mystery series instead of my typical romances.
Lori knows how to keep the reader guessing and keep all her books original and fresh.
And Tony....Give me a Bad Boy like him anyday....sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Lori knows how to keep the reader guessing and keep all her books original and fresh.
And Tony....Give me a Bad Boy like him anyday....sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
December 6, 2013
A definite 5 star keeper. I couldn't put it down!
February 9, 2021
Overall a good read. The book kept my interest, and I kept thinking when is this girl going to learn that the men involved in her life really don't have her best interest? When is the girl going to learn that she is more than just a tough girl? She is tough and she keeps taking the hits that no girl should have to take. She has friends, and she is beginning to trust these friends. In the next chapter in her life will Martinez the presidente of the Hombres' biker club be the best man for her physical, emotional, mental and sexual needs? This mystery revolves around finding a little girl that is Harvey's niece, and he and his sister don't exactly get along. Is this about a kidnapping or is this just two Casino's trying to run each other off. Many twists and turns. I stated in the last novel that I read by Lori G. Armstrong is that the amount of violence was disturbing but I found myself reading another one of her novels with Julie Collins as the PI. Her writing is good to keep my interest. Will I read another one? I don't know yet. I am taking a break
February 21, 2017
Julie Collins is a hard headed tough girl, this book opens where she has quit her job at the county sheriffs office and is now one half of Wells/Collins Private Investigators.
Julie is having difficulty coping with the business as Kevin her partner in crime and long time friend is awol caring for his dying girlfriend and only ventures into the office when Julie has gone home. Until one day in walks the local MC El Presidente, Tony Martinez, he wants Julie to take on a case regarding a missing child.
Julie as always goes hell for leather into the case but her smart mouth and a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time gets her into too much trouble with some bad men. But as the story continues Julie discovers her attraction to Martinez is more than meets the eye, with a "yeah" moment after a tragedy which Julie comforts the big man.
I enjoyed this book as it opened up the characters alot more, you get to understand the relationship between Julie and her father, the complex friendship with her and Kevin and then there is also the budding relationship of her and Martinez. I also like the way the story twists and you think you have the killer/ killers pegged Lori Armstrong goes and twists its another way. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Julie is having difficulty coping with the business as Kevin her partner in crime and long time friend is awol caring for his dying girlfriend and only ventures into the office when Julie has gone home. Until one day in walks the local MC El Presidente, Tony Martinez, he wants Julie to take on a case regarding a missing child.
Julie as always goes hell for leather into the case but her smart mouth and a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time gets her into too much trouble with some bad men. But as the story continues Julie discovers her attraction to Martinez is more than meets the eye, with a "yeah" moment after a tragedy which Julie comforts the big man.
I enjoyed this book as it opened up the characters alot more, you get to understand the relationship between Julie and her father, the complex friendship with her and Kevin and then there is also the budding relationship of her and Martinez. I also like the way the story twists and you think you have the killer/ killers pegged Lori Armstrong goes and twists its another way. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
March 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Better than the first, but I can only say this on reading both.
We get to see the softer side of both Julie and Martinez in this installment. Martinez hires Julie to look for a missing girl Chloe. And with the absence of Kevin, whilst he's looking after Lilly, Julie finds that Martinez keeps appearing when the case heats up and he saves her from some tricky situations. During this nightmare, they realise they have more in common than lust. The race to find Chloe heats up and their shattered pasts lead them closer together when they realise the darkness in them is mirrored in the other, but from different reasons.
Can't wait to see what's next for the town, the PI's and of course the El Presidente.
We get to see the softer side of both Julie and Martinez in this installment. Martinez hires Julie to look for a missing girl Chloe. And with the absence of Kevin, whilst he's looking after Lilly, Julie finds that Martinez keeps appearing when the case heats up and he saves her from some tricky situations. During this nightmare, they realise they have more in common than lust. The race to find Chloe heats up and their shattered pasts lead them closer together when they realise the darkness in them is mirrored in the other, but from different reasons.
Can't wait to see what's next for the town, the PI's and of course the El Presidente.
March 14, 2017
Hallowed Ground: Julie Collins Book 2
Julie is back in book 2 and bad-assed as ever. Julie mixes work with pleasure and takes on a case for Tony Martinez, smoking hot El Presidente of the outlaw biker club The Hombres. A child is missing and Julie is hired to find her. Julie’s knack for finding dead bodies reveals a tangled web of murders in South Dakota. With her new love interest Martinez, Julie sets out to solve a string of grisly murders and to find an innocent child before the bad guys get to her.
I cannot say enough positive things about this series! Julie is one of my all-time favorite characters and I know she can be yours as well!
Julie is back in book 2 and bad-assed as ever. Julie mixes work with pleasure and takes on a case for Tony Martinez, smoking hot El Presidente of the outlaw biker club The Hombres. A child is missing and Julie is hired to find her. Julie’s knack for finding dead bodies reveals a tangled web of murders in South Dakota. With her new love interest Martinez, Julie sets out to solve a string of grisly murders and to find an innocent child before the bad guys get to her.
I cannot say enough positive things about this series! Julie is one of my all-time favorite characters and I know she can be yours as well!
February 13, 2017
Julie Collins is an interesting character. She seems like a woman desperate for attention. Julie who is a private investigator in Hallowed Ground which is a book about a missing child. Julie takes the case even though she is unsure about it. The case quickly spirals out of control as she is threatened. The book moves very quickly and is intense. It should also be mentioned that this book picks up where Blood Ties left off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2017
This Julie Collins book was so much better than the first. While Julie was still her sarcastic closed off self, we get to see a softer side of her that makes her more dementional. Lori Armstrong has a way with characters that makes them come to life on the page. I am very much looking forward to the next book.
February 16, 2017
This book kept me guessing right up to the very end!!! In the second installment of this series Julie's case takes her on the hunt for a missing little girl. This case is full of twists and turns and leads Julie to places she never expected. I LOVED Hallowed Ground.....and I can not wait to dive into the next book!
February 26, 2017
The ongoing story of Julie as she moves into full time PI work is suspensful and engaging. Frombaccepting a job from the one person she knows her partner would refuse. She is a determined to finish the job she was hired for but oh my the perils that she encounters least of all a hot steamy romance with a bad boy. This keep me turning the page and looking for more of her and Tony.
March 18, 2017
I love how the author really brings the characters to life and creates vivid imagery. I was fully engaged from start to finish. LOVE Martinez, who hires Julie to find a missing girl. I was on pins and needles the whole time. Looking forward to reading book 3.
March 23, 2017
Second book in the Julie Collins series. You just have to love Julie for her fight, smart mouth and her heart. I love what is going on between Julie and Martinez. Great book that keeps you hooked until the end!!
January 19, 2018
Love this series
Julie is one tough P.I. Her love life is a mess. Her new boyfriend is one scary dude and her business partner/best friend is involved with another woman. And people are trying to kill her.
Julie is one tough P.I. Her love life is a mess. Her new boyfriend is one scary dude and her business partner/best friend is involved with another woman. And people are trying to kill her.
November 23, 2017
I enjoyed the book more thean the first.
October 26, 2017
loved it. shes making the best out of bad situations.
great read
great read
February 15, 2018
Love the characters in the first two books!
March 9, 2018
4.0 overall stars
Couple 4.5 (But what about Kevin?)
Plot 4.0
Story 4.25
Sex 3.75
Series 4.5
Couple 4.5 (But what about Kevin?)
Plot 4.0
Story 4.25
Sex 3.75
Series 4.5
June 25, 2019
This is the book where Julie started to grow in me.
January 4, 2022
Not really enamored of the main character/detective. Hard drinking, smoking, swearing just not likable.
August 3, 2022
Fantastic Read!!
This book had lots of twists and turns. Loads of excitement and action. I loved the characters Julie and Martinez the most.
This book had lots of twists and turns. Loads of excitement and action. I loved the characters Julie and Martinez the most.
March 18, 2017
Really enjoyed this one! Julie's character improved in depth but remains her mouthy and brash self. The pull between her and Martinez is really intriguing. Can't see how their relationship plays out.
January 12, 2018
I am really enjoying this series. Julie Collins is not a lady (cough, cough, cough) to be messed with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews