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Westen #2
Close to the Edge
After facing death as an undercover narcotics cop, Gage Justice has come home to heal. His recuperation is cut short by his father’s unexpected diagnosis of cancer and subsequent death. Now he’s honoring one of his father’s last wishes by taking over as the sheriff of his boyhood home, Westen, Ohio. Biding time until his father’s term is finished, he fights boredom more than crime in the sleepy little town—that is until one sexy little teacher-turned-Private-Investigator literally falls into his arms.
Bobby Roberts is looking for adventure. After giving up her own dreams to raise her two sisters after the death of their parents, she’s been trapped in a schoolroom for nearly two decades. The suffocating claustrophobia of the classroom has set her on a new career path. She arrives in Westen, complete with brand-spanking-new PI license, a handgun and a simple case—investigate a lien on property of a dead man.
Little does she realize her “simple little case” will lead her into the world of one sexy sheriff and the path of a murderer intent on keeping them both from discovering his secrets or stopping his plans that could destroy Westen.
Bobby Roberts is looking for adventure. After giving up her own dreams to raise her two sisters after the death of their parents, she’s been trapped in a schoolroom for nearly two decades. The suffocating claustrophobia of the classroom has set her on a new career path. She arrives in Westen, complete with brand-spanking-new PI license, a handgun and a simple case—investigate a lien on property of a dead man.
Little does she realize her “simple little case” will lead her into the world of one sexy sheriff and the path of a murderer intent on keeping them both from discovering his secrets or stopping his plans that could destroy Westen.
358 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2014
342 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Ferrell
40 books263 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Suzanne Ferrell discovered romance novels in her aunt’s hidden stash one summer as a teenager. From that moment on she knew two things: she loved romance stories and someday she'd be writing her own. Her love for romances has only grown over the years. It took her a number of years and a secondary career as a nurse to finally start writing her own stories.
The author of 20 novels and an Amazon best-seller for both her series, the Edgars Family Novels and the Westen series, Suzanne's books have been finalists in the National Reader's Choice Awards--SEIZED (2013) and VANISHED (2014). Suzanne was also a double finalist in the Romance Writers of America's 2006 Golden Heart with her manuscripts, KIDNAPPED (Long Contemporary Category) and HUNTED (Romantic Suspense).
Currently working on more books for her Edgars Family series (KIDNAPPED, HUNTED, SEIZED, VANISHED, EXPOSED, UNMASKED and SHANGHAIED, part of a pre-WWII spy-chaser spin-off series) and the Westen Series (Close To Home, Close To The Edge, Close To The Fire, Close To Christmas, Close To The Mistletoe, Close To Santa’s Heart and Close To Danger), Suzanne hopes to bring readers more passionate and suspenseful books to fill your reading moments.
Suzanne's sexy stories, whether they are her on the edge of your seat romantic suspense or the heartwarming small town stories or historical suspense novels, will keep you thinking about her characters long after their Happy Ever After is achieved.
You can Find Suz at:
Website: http://suzanneferrell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanneferre...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuzFerrell
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/suzferrell/
The author of 20 novels and an Amazon best-seller for both her series, the Edgars Family Novels and the Westen series, Suzanne's books have been finalists in the National Reader's Choice Awards--SEIZED (2013) and VANISHED (2014). Suzanne was also a double finalist in the Romance Writers of America's 2006 Golden Heart with her manuscripts, KIDNAPPED (Long Contemporary Category) and HUNTED (Romantic Suspense).
Currently working on more books for her Edgars Family series (KIDNAPPED, HUNTED, SEIZED, VANISHED, EXPOSED, UNMASKED and SHANGHAIED, part of a pre-WWII spy-chaser spin-off series) and the Westen Series (Close To Home, Close To The Edge, Close To The Fire, Close To Christmas, Close To The Mistletoe, Close To Santa’s Heart and Close To Danger), Suzanne hopes to bring readers more passionate and suspenseful books to fill your reading moments.
Suzanne's sexy stories, whether they are her on the edge of your seat romantic suspense or the heartwarming small town stories or historical suspense novels, will keep you thinking about her characters long after their Happy Ever After is achieved.
You can Find Suz at:
Website: http://suzanneferrell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanneferre...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuzFerrell
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/suzferrell/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 25, 2017
A solid 3 and half stars.
I sort of enjoyed the first one in the series but wasn't blown away by it. I thought I'd give the second one a try, it was on special offer and I actually mistook it for another book where a guy named Gage was a local deputy. Anyway, that's water under the bridge.
Bobby Roberts is 38 (yeah, I know a grown up) and is starting a second career as a PI after raising her two younger sister and a career as a teacher. As an aside (yes another), how refreshing to read about someone who doesn't love being a teacher. Her first job, for her sister the lawyer, is to investigate how a recently deceased farmer called Gil gave the bank a lien on his farm. His nephew who inherits Gil's estate claims that Gil had a rabid distrust of banks, didn't have a bank account and would never have given a lien.
Things don't start well when the local sheriff, Gage, catches Bobby dumpster diving behind the bank looking for evidence of several letters which her sister sent to the bank and have been unanswered. Gage is more than a little attracted to the curvy woman until he sees the gun in her handbag on the car seat. Bobby can't find her permit to carry and Gage arrests her and locks her up in the jail. He knows he is going overboard but he is surprised by the lust she inspired in him.
I really enjoyed the story - Gage and Bobby discover that the bank lien is part of a series of suspicious happenings in Westen. Someone has been setting fires, at first Gage and the fire inspector think its kids or an arsonist but soon events point to something more sinister. When Gage escorts Bobby to see the loans manager at the bank they find his dead body and the mystery deepens.
The thing that stopped me from giving the book four stars is that to start with Gage was was shaping up to be a prize alphahole - pushing Bobby around, letting her get into dangerous situations and not helping, then behaving badly. Luckily, that dissipated and by the end I really liked both Bobby and Gage.
I've tagged this as detective because it isn't really a thriller or suspense - probably mystery romance?
Off to find book three - will it be one of the deputies? Or will it be one of the townspeople? Don't want to name names in case that lets people know who is behind all the goings on!
I sort of enjoyed the first one in the series but wasn't blown away by it. I thought I'd give the second one a try, it was on special offer and I actually mistook it for another book where a guy named Gage was a local deputy. Anyway, that's water under the bridge.
Bobby Roberts is 38 (yeah, I know a grown up) and is starting a second career as a PI after raising her two younger sister and a career as a teacher. As an aside (yes another), how refreshing to read about someone who doesn't love being a teacher. Her first job, for her sister the lawyer, is to investigate how a recently deceased farmer called Gil gave the bank a lien on his farm. His nephew who inherits Gil's estate claims that Gil had a rabid distrust of banks, didn't have a bank account and would never have given a lien.
Things don't start well when the local sheriff, Gage, catches Bobby dumpster diving behind the bank looking for evidence of several letters which her sister sent to the bank and have been unanswered. Gage is more than a little attracted to the curvy woman until he sees the gun in her handbag on the car seat. Bobby can't find her permit to carry and Gage arrests her and locks her up in the jail. He knows he is going overboard but he is surprised by the lust she inspired in him.
I really enjoyed the story - Gage and Bobby discover that the bank lien is part of a series of suspicious happenings in Westen. Someone has been setting fires, at first Gage and the fire inspector think its kids or an arsonist but soon events point to something more sinister. When Gage escorts Bobby to see the loans manager at the bank they find his dead body and the mystery deepens.
The thing that stopped me from giving the book four stars is that to start with Gage was was shaping up to be a prize alphahole - pushing Bobby around, letting her get into dangerous situations and not helping, then behaving badly. Luckily, that dissipated and by the end I really liked both Bobby and Gage.
I've tagged this as detective because it isn't really a thriller or suspense - probably mystery romance?
Off to find book three - will it be one of the deputies? Or will it be one of the townspeople? Don't want to name names in case that lets people know who is behind all the goings on!
April 4, 2013
Wow....Suzanne Ferrell is an extremely gifted writer. Everything I have read by her has been a fantastic read! She has a gift with creating characters we love, an amazing sense of what works in a romantic suspense story, builds up the story and then delivers with a surprise culprit. Not only does the story flow well but is super sexy!
Close To The Edge...is exactly like it's title....it keeps the reader close to the edge!
Close To The Edge...is exactly like it's title....it keeps the reader close to the edge!
March 26, 2013
LOVE this series… I laughed; I cried and I was on the edge of my seat during the suspenseful parts.
When the heroine Bobby and the hero Gage meet while she is dumpster diving you know you’re in for some funny reading. Bobby is a woman who raised her two sisters and worked to put them through college finally breaking out on her own to become a PI. She shows up in Weston on her first case and right off the bat tangles with the Gage the Sheriff who locks her up in in jail.
Gage Justice took over his father’s term of Sheriff after his father died. He didn’t have any plans to stay in the small town afterwards. But he is also fiercely protective of the town and his deputies. He finds himself attracted to the little ex school teacher and soon finds himself along with Bobby embroiled in suspicious activities going on in the town.
As with small towns there is always a great cast of supporting characters. Many we came to know from the first book are back in this one and pull together when the going gets tough.
This was such a feel good book and at times very emotional. I am looking forward to many more books in this series.
When the heroine Bobby and the hero Gage meet while she is dumpster diving you know you’re in for some funny reading. Bobby is a woman who raised her two sisters and worked to put them through college finally breaking out on her own to become a PI. She shows up in Weston on her first case and right off the bat tangles with the Gage the Sheriff who locks her up in in jail.
Gage Justice took over his father’s term of Sheriff after his father died. He didn’t have any plans to stay in the small town afterwards. But he is also fiercely protective of the town and his deputies. He finds himself attracted to the little ex school teacher and soon finds himself along with Bobby embroiled in suspicious activities going on in the town.
As with small towns there is always a great cast of supporting characters. Many we came to know from the first book are back in this one and pull together when the going gets tough.
This was such a feel good book and at times very emotional. I am looking forward to many more books in this series.
November 10, 2014
Close to the Edge is the second book in the Westen Series for Suzanne Ferrell, and she doesn't disappoint. Gage, was introduced in the first book in the series. As the new sheriff, he's determined to finish his father's term and then leave the small town life behind. There's just too much 'togetherness' and everybody knowing everybody elses business for him.
Bobby Roberts ends up in Westen trying to help her sister out with a simple case. Her first job as a Private Investigator. Her past profession, a school teacher, really added to her repertoire of skills as a detective.
The story of these two and the development of their relationship all seem to revolve around Bobby's arrival in Westen. Together, they have to put the puzzle together to save the town from one of their own.
Suzanne Ferrell has written a tight, well plotted out story. Her characters draw you in with their 'realness'. I can't wait to start the next book in the series.
Bobby Roberts ends up in Westen trying to help her sister out with a simple case. Her first job as a Private Investigator. Her past profession, a school teacher, really added to her repertoire of skills as a detective.
The story of these two and the development of their relationship all seem to revolve around Bobby's arrival in Westen. Together, they have to put the puzzle together to save the town from one of their own.
Suzanne Ferrell has written a tight, well plotted out story. Her characters draw you in with their 'realness'. I can't wait to start the next book in the series.
April 22, 2015
Suzanne Ferrell Westen Series
I found the stories below to be filled with action and passion. Stories set in a small town which will take you on an enjoyable adventure of love and life.
Close To Home (Westen Series, #1)
Close to the Edge (Westen Series, #2)
Close to the Fire (Westen Series, #3)
These stories had all of the characteristics that I like to discover when finding a good book to read:
• One or more HOT alpha males
• Hot chemistry between heroine/hero
• Good story line
• Danger
• Secrets
• Good backup characters
• Action
• Drama
• Suspense
• Romance
I will most definitely be looking forward to reading more from Suzanne Ferrell.
Covers: 8/10
Writings: 9/10
Heroines: 9/10
Heroes: 9/10
Humor: 7/10
Hotness: 8/10
Romance: 7/10
I found the stories below to be filled with action and passion. Stories set in a small town which will take you on an enjoyable adventure of love and life.
Close To Home (Westen Series, #1)
Close to the Edge (Westen Series, #2)
Close to the Fire (Westen Series, #3)
These stories had all of the characteristics that I like to discover when finding a good book to read:
• One or more HOT alpha males
• Hot chemistry between heroine/hero
• Good story line
• Danger
• Secrets
• Good backup characters
• Action
• Drama
• Suspense
• Romance
I will most definitely be looking forward to reading more from Suzanne Ferrell.
Covers: 8/10
Writings: 9/10
Heroines: 9/10
Heroes: 9/10
Humor: 7/10
Hotness: 8/10
Romance: 7/10
April 7, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It was my First Suzanne Ferrell book, and I fell in love with Bobby and Gage. He is such a macho male, and take no nonsense, his the kind of man we all want. Bobby, is so honest and doesnt take crap, that shes the kind of woman that makes us proud of our womanhood. When I finished this I immediately downloaded the next one and proceeded to only go to bed at 03.30am. So yes.....finished that one too. Thank you Suzanne Ferrell.
April 29, 2015
I thought the first book couldn't be beat, but I loved this book! Gage is awesome, he has humor, confidence, sexy, kind and Bobby is such a strong heroine even though she shows her vulnerabilities. I love that they were both pushing forty and not a real young couple. The romance is sweet and the suspense is great! Can't wait to read more from this author.
March 28, 2016
Great book and great second career for Bobbie.
Her youngest sister is finished with med school and her other sister is a lawyer. Bobbie is tired of teaching so she starts a second career as a P.I. At the request of her lawyer sister, Bobbie travels to a small town to check some bank records. And ends up in jail!
Her youngest sister is finished with med school and her other sister is a lawyer. Bobbie is tired of teaching so she starts a second career as a P.I. At the request of her lawyer sister, Bobbie travels to a small town to check some bank records. And ends up in jail!
October 7, 2018
This was another page turner in the Westen series. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough. I loved Bobby’s and Gage’s story and how they ended up working together. This book still shows how a small town comes together to offer help, when it’s most needed. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
June 9, 2017
:) Didn't want to put it down!!!
October 7, 2017
Love with a side of murder
Gage has one foot in Westen and the other is headed for the city. He's only staying in Westen to fulfill a promise to his father, but he believes the sleepy town has nothing for him and intends to leave when his term ends. What Gage didn't count on was Bobby and her investigation. Both have Gage viewing Westen and his life in a different light.
Bobby put her dreams on hold to take care of her sisters after their parent's death. Both are now grown up and Bobby is searching for adventure and a challenge. What better way than become a PI. She didn't expect her simple investigation to turn into a murder mystery with a side of drugs and arson. The most challenging of her adventure is Gage. She didn't come to Westen to find love, but Gage is making her fall hard. Question is, does he feel the same?
Gage has one foot in Westen and the other is headed for the city. He's only staying in Westen to fulfill a promise to his father, but he believes the sleepy town has nothing for him and intends to leave when his term ends. What Gage didn't count on was Bobby and her investigation. Both have Gage viewing Westen and his life in a different light.
Bobby put her dreams on hold to take care of her sisters after their parent's death. Both are now grown up and Bobby is searching for adventure and a challenge. What better way than become a PI. She didn't expect her simple investigation to turn into a murder mystery with a side of drugs and arson. The most challenging of her adventure is Gage. She didn't come to Westen to find love, but Gage is making her fall hard. Question is, does he feel the same?
October 5, 2017
I enjoyed the story but could have done with more story and less romance.
I enjoyed the story but could have done better with more story and bit less romance.
Easy to read though.
I enjoyed the story but could have done better with more story and bit less romance.
Easy to read though.
December 28, 2014
Second in the Westen series about the citizens and residents of a small Ohio town. Gage Justice is now the sheriff of the town, having been appointed to fill the spot after his father dies. Gage is very clear on his role: he is a caretaker who can't wait for the regular election to come along so he can get back to his "real life" in a much bigger city.
When a new person comes to town and begins asking questions about a recent event in town, the sheriff meets her and becomes interested in her investigation, as well as the lady herself. They are both rather private, rather prickly and don't give or share trust easily. The lady, however, seems to have put a mirror up to the town. The Sheriff seems to have not seen a lot of what has been happening in the town. These two together will solve the mystery and place themselves and their new relationship in danger.
This is a much better story than the first Westen saga, and Ferrell has done it again!
When a new person comes to town and begins asking questions about a recent event in town, the sheriff meets her and becomes interested in her investigation, as well as the lady herself. They are both rather private, rather prickly and don't give or share trust easily. The lady, however, seems to have put a mirror up to the town. The Sheriff seems to have not seen a lot of what has been happening in the town. These two together will solve the mystery and place themselves and their new relationship in danger.
This is a much better story than the first Westen saga, and Ferrell has done it again!
April 23, 2013
I LOVED THIS SECOND ONE TOO. THE SMALL-TOWN HAD LOTS OF MYSTERY IN THIS ONE, MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS BOOK. I REALLY LIKED ALL THE CHARACTERS GAGE & ROBERTA (BOBBY) HAD GREAT CHEMISTRY TOGETHER (YOWSA!). WESTEN OHIO MAY BE A SMALL-TOWN BUT IT IS BIG IN SO MANY IMPORTANT WAYS, LIKE LOVING AND CARING ABOUT ONE ANOTHER. I WAS HAPPY TO SEE CLINT, EMMA ( NEW BABY TO BE), THE TWINS, MS ISABELLE, HARRIET, THE DEPUTY AND LORNA DOONE (CLOSE TO HOME BOOK#1) ARE DOING JUST FINE. THEY ALL SEEM REAL WHILE I'M READING I TOTALLY JUST EMERSE MYSELF INTO THE BOOK. I HOPE MS FERRELL WILL BE WRITING ANOTHER SAGA IN THE WESTEN SERIES, LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. PERFECT MIX OF HOT SEXY-SEX AND WHO-DONE-IT. ZOWIE!
August 7, 2019
Enjoyable read
Good characters and a fairly intricate plot send the story racing along to a satisfying conclusion. Well worth reading.
The only downside is the Kindle formatting which has way too many physical paragraph breaks in the middle of sentences, and the odd missing paragraph breaks between speeches by different characters. Both are distracting and take you out of the flow of the story. Using OCR to produce a Kindle book from a physical book still requires a proofreader to clean up errors like this. It is a shame to spoil the end result.
Good characters and a fairly intricate plot send the story racing along to a satisfying conclusion. Well worth reading.
The only downside is the Kindle formatting which has way too many physical paragraph breaks in the middle of sentences, and the odd missing paragraph breaks between speeches by different characters. Both are distracting and take you out of the flow of the story. Using OCR to produce a Kindle book from a physical book still requires a proofreader to clean up errors like this. It is a shame to spoil the end result.
December 3, 2013
OK, book 2 definitely had more action than the first in this series. Gage and Bobby had an instant attraction, but figured it was best to ignore it. That failed. Based on past experiences and lots of baggage it really isn't a good idea for either of them to get involved. This book starts off with tension and keeps adding it. For an easy and entertaining read, this one will charm you. You can finish it in a day (as long as you put chores and work on hold). It's total entertainment.
July 18, 2021
Great read.
Even though it's only the 2nd book I'm loving this series.
Great characters, great story line and keeps you guessing.
Even though it's only the 2nd book I'm loving this series.
Great characters, great story line and keeps you guessing.
April 26, 2015
CLOSE TO THE EDGE
Loved Close to Home, this book was even better. Gage was rather a dark horse in the first book, you knew he was protective, loyal and aloof. In this book he shines, once he spots Bobbi in the trash you know what's coming. Just sit back and watch (read) the show. Great story.
Loved Close to Home, this book was even better. Gage was rather a dark horse in the first book, you knew he was protective, loyal and aloof. In this book he shines, once he spots Bobbi in the trash you know what's coming. Just sit back and watch (read) the show. Great story.
September 2, 2019
Glad I found this series!
A book to enjoy! A great plot, the perfect small town, humor, romance and more fun, loyal friends to take care of each other. Bobby (Roberta) Roberts is so lovable and hilarious at the same time and Gage is the sexiest grumpy sheriff ever. So well written I loved every page !
A book to enjoy! A great plot, the perfect small town, humor, romance and more fun, loyal friends to take care of each other. Bobby (Roberta) Roberts is so lovable and hilarious at the same time and Gage is the sexiest grumpy sheriff ever. So well written I loved every page !
June 7, 2014
What an amazing heartwarming wonderful story I loved it Gage and Robbie are so good for each other and I loved catching up with the characters from Weston I do so hope there will be more books in this series I am loving it.
November 11, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed Close to the Edge! There is just something about small towns that get me! This story had the perfect combination of laughs, spice and suspense!!! Can't wait to read the next installment!
November 8, 2017
Not every guy meets his lady love while is is dumpster diving! Gage and Bobby get off to a very rocky start, that even includes time behind bars. This couple somehow find true love, along with some laughs and mystery. Rating 4.25
May 20, 2018
A Homerun!
Wonderful book. Great characters, suspense, humor and reeeally scintillating, steamy romance!!!.
Can't wait to read the next one. And I do mean that as I am going to buy right now. Bye
Wonderful book. Great characters, suspense, humor and reeeally scintillating, steamy romance!!!.
Can't wait to read the next one. And I do mean that as I am going to buy right now. Bye
January 15, 2021
My Musings
I enjoyed this exciting contemporary romance with plenty of action and suspense with engaging characters and a good plot. I am so glad I found this series on Kindle Unlimited. Happy ☺reading 📚!
I enjoyed this exciting contemporary romance with plenty of action and suspense with engaging characters and a good plot. I am so glad I found this series on Kindle Unlimited. Happy ☺reading 📚!
June 13, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ferrell gave us a terrific look at the town and its quirky characters, as well as a good look at the romantic pair, a start to their relationship, and a nice dose of humor before getting to the suspense. The suspense was also well done.
June 22, 2021
Bobbi comes to town!
Gage takes over for his dad as sheriff and Bobbi comes to town. Once again Suzanne Ferrell brings the mystery, excitement, and romance in Close To The Edge. I love the town of Westen were neighbors know everybody and life is slower!!
Gage takes over for his dad as sheriff and Bobbi comes to town. Once again Suzanne Ferrell brings the mystery, excitement, and romance in Close To The Edge. I love the town of Westen were neighbors know everybody and life is slower!!
March 19, 2022
Great story
Fun and keeps you to the end. Great story totally recommended. Reading the rest of the series . ugh why does m review have to have so many words I already summed up my thoughts. No more reviews from me
Fun and keeps you to the end. Great story totally recommended. Reading the rest of the series . ugh why does m review have to have so many words I already summed up my thoughts. No more reviews from me
January 30, 2015
4.5* Really loved the characters in this book. Can't wait for Deke!
March 31, 2015
Good story. lovable characters and story.. Fast read.
October 8, 2015
Another Great Book
This is the second book in this series I have read and I recommend both book 1 and this book. I will be adding both to my read again list.
This is the second book in this series I have read and I recommend both book 1 and this book. I will be adding both to my read again list.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews