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The Precinct: Task Force #6
Yuletide Protector
His Star witness receives threats instead of Christmas cards
As the lone surviving victim who can put her attacker away in prison, heiress Bailey Austin becomes the key to the D.A.'s case against a notorious criminal. As lead detective, Spencer Montgomery must prep her for trial. But he becomes her personal protector when she starts receiving terrifying "gifts" meant to scare her away from testifying.
Spencer is a cop on the fast track to making captain one day, if he can keep his emotions in check. But as the stalker's threats escalate, he can't deny that Bailey has thawed his icy heart. Her courage touches him in ways no other woman has, and reminds him that she's more important to him than any investigation.
As the lone surviving victim who can put her attacker away in prison, heiress Bailey Austin becomes the key to the D.A.'s case against a notorious criminal. As lead detective, Spencer Montgomery must prep her for trial. But he becomes her personal protector when she starts receiving terrifying "gifts" meant to scare her away from testifying.
Spencer is a cop on the fast track to making captain one day, if he can keep his emotions in check. But as the stalker's threats escalate, he can't deny that Bailey has thawed his icy heart. Her courage touches him in ways no other woman has, and reminds him that she's more important to him than any investigation.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 19, 2013
34 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Julie Miller
295 books370 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
USA TODAY Bestselling author Julie Miller writes breathtaking romantic suspense. She's won a National Readers Choice Award and two Daphne du Maurier Awards among other prizes. She was also honored to receive a Career Achievement Award from RT BookReviews and has been a finalist for many national and international awards. Her books have appeared on the USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, Amazon and BookScan Top 100 Romances bestseller lists.
Writing about Kansas City cops, Julie has crafted bestselling, award-winning books for Harlequin Intrigue. In addition, Ms. Miller publishes romantic suspense books with a military twist. Millions of copies of her books have been sold in print and digital formats around the world.
USA TODAY Bestselling author Julie Miller writes breathtaking romantic suspense. She's won a National Readers Choice Award and two Daphne du Maurier Awards among other prizes. She was also honored to receive a Career Achievement Award from RT BookReviews and has been a finalist for many national and international awards. Her books have appeared on the USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, Amazon and BookScan Top 100 Romances bestseller lists.
Writing about Kansas City cops, Julie has crafted bestselling, award-winning books for Harlequin Intrigue. In addition, Ms. Miller publishes romantic suspense books with a military twist. Millions of copies of her books have been sold in print and digital formats around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 22, 2013
Fantastic wrap-up to the Task Force miniseries. We met Bailey in an earlier series where she and Spencer clashed and again in this series as the victim who didn't end up dead. Now she is the only one who can identify the rapist and testify against him. There are a lot of people who aren't sure that she's up to it and fear that she will chicken out. She's determined to do it and makes sure that Spencer knows it. With the rapist's accomplice still on the loose Spencer's job is to make sure Bailey stays safe. When she starts receiving threats it's his job to stop them. There's an attraction between them that he tries to resist, fearing that it will distract him from protecting her. Can he protect her and his own heart?
I loved Bailey's courage. In spite of the terrible trauma she had been through she is determined that she will go through with her testimony and put the rapist away for good. Thanks to counseling and her own will she has become a stronger and more mature woman. She's no longer satisfied just being a member of her wealthy family and wants to make her own way in the world. She is frustrated by the way everyone is convinced that she won't go through with her testimony. She is with Spencer at the police station when she runs into the rapist and he and his lawyer try to intimidate her. He makes sure she knows what to do to protect herself and also lets her know to call him if she ever feels nervous or that something is wrong. When she has to take him up on that offer almost immediately she is surprised by her need for the comfort and security he provides. I loved the way that she accepts the caring he demonstrates and also tries to return the same to him. She feels the way he fights what is growing between them and senses that there is something behind it. The support that she offers him also helps her. The confidence that he has given her helps her fight back at the end.
Spencer has kept his emotions bottled up ever since the day he allowed his feelings for a witness blind him to what was happening with her. She ended up dead and he blames himself. The changes he sees in Bailey since the rape have made him more aware of her as a woman. He resists the things he feels for her because he is afraid of failing her. As the threats against her escalate he becomes more determined to protect her. I loved seeing how he can't stop himself from getting personally involved, to the point where he is even able to tell her about the woman who died. His fears are somewhat reduced by her support and understanding of those fears. I also liked the way that Spencer was so sensitive to Bailey's fears and able to help her through them. I really liked the way his partner, Nick (Tactical Advantage) sees the changes in Spencer and encourages him to pursue them. The ending was immensely satisfying as both Spencer and Bailey got exactly what they needed.
I loved the wrap-up of the mystery itself. The increasing tension as the threats escalated kept me riveted as I waited to see the identity of The Cleaner. The various pawns that she used were fairly obvious, but their methods were not always apparent at the time. I liked seeing various members of the task force as they made their appearances and we got a chance to catch up with them. The final showdown was suitably intense and I was glad to see that my suspicion of The Cleaner's identity was correct.
I loved Bailey's courage. In spite of the terrible trauma she had been through she is determined that she will go through with her testimony and put the rapist away for good. Thanks to counseling and her own will she has become a stronger and more mature woman. She's no longer satisfied just being a member of her wealthy family and wants to make her own way in the world. She is frustrated by the way everyone is convinced that she won't go through with her testimony. She is with Spencer at the police station when she runs into the rapist and he and his lawyer try to intimidate her. He makes sure she knows what to do to protect herself and also lets her know to call him if she ever feels nervous or that something is wrong. When she has to take him up on that offer almost immediately she is surprised by her need for the comfort and security he provides. I loved the way that she accepts the caring he demonstrates and also tries to return the same to him. She feels the way he fights what is growing between them and senses that there is something behind it. The support that she offers him also helps her. The confidence that he has given her helps her fight back at the end.
Spencer has kept his emotions bottled up ever since the day he allowed his feelings for a witness blind him to what was happening with her. She ended up dead and he blames himself. The changes he sees in Bailey since the rape have made him more aware of her as a woman. He resists the things he feels for her because he is afraid of failing her. As the threats against her escalate he becomes more determined to protect her. I loved seeing how he can't stop himself from getting personally involved, to the point where he is even able to tell her about the woman who died. His fears are somewhat reduced by her support and understanding of those fears. I also liked the way that Spencer was so sensitive to Bailey's fears and able to help her through them. I really liked the way his partner, Nick (Tactical Advantage) sees the changes in Spencer and encourages him to pursue them. The ending was immensely satisfying as both Spencer and Bailey got exactly what they needed.
I loved the wrap-up of the mystery itself. The increasing tension as the threats escalated kept me riveted as I waited to see the identity of The Cleaner. The various pawns that she used were fairly obvious, but their methods were not always apparent at the time. I liked seeing various members of the task force as they made their appearances and we got a chance to catch up with them. The final showdown was suitably intense and I was glad to see that my suspicion of The Cleaner's identity was correct.
October 20, 2017
Another great read by Julie Miller 4-1/2 stars. I had a few minor issues so I did not give it 5 (I got really tired of reading the word coat (used 53x + jacket 31x, a bit too much internal thinking they could not be together before even trying, & I wanted the villains to suffer more..sorry must be bloodthirsty!)
I love Julie's books & all the series of the Kansas City police & love catching up with characters from previous books. Spencer has been in several so it was nice to finally get his story. I liked Bailey & her attempts to be someone more & better after her rape.
Wanted to smack her family though (her mom is a piece of work).
Spencer felt himself bristling on Bailey’s behalf. The young woman was gearing up to testify against her rapist—to face the man who’d nearly killed her—across the short distance of a courtroom. And her mother was worried about matchmaking and society fund-raisers?
Overall, a good read that I enjoyed.
I love Julie's books & all the series of the Kansas City police & love catching up with characters from previous books. Spencer has been in several so it was nice to finally get his story. I liked Bailey & her attempts to be someone more & better after her rape.
Wanted to smack her family though (her mom is a piece of work).
Spencer felt himself bristling on Bailey’s behalf. The young woman was gearing up to testify against her rapist—to face the man who’d nearly killed her—across the short distance of a courtroom. And her mother was worried about matchmaking and society fund-raisers?
Overall, a good read that I enjoyed.
December 11, 2013
I loved this series of books. Each book was a stand-alone, so it didn’t matter if you read them out of order or not.
This book was very well written. I loved the emotions, action, suspense, and romance.
Bailey was brutally raped. She is the only victim that can testify against him. She comes from a wealthy family. It seems like everyone is handling her with kid gloves. No one thinks she is strong enough to stand trial. I was amazed at how strong, and brave she was. Bailey was facing her own emotions, and night mares of being rapped. She was determined to put the person responsible, for hurting so many woman, including herself, away in prison. When the reporters flashed her pictures across the tv, and newspapers stating she was going to testify, her life was threatened. The rapist had another person, the police called the cleaner, which was never caught. Now the cleaner was after Bailey.
Spenser was the detective head of the task force that was responsible for catching the rapist. Spenser was there to keep Bailey safe, and protect her. The two were drawn to one another, but both Bailey and Spenser was fighting their own demons. Spenser had lost a person he was supposed to protect a few years ago. He never wants to go through that pain again. He still carry’s the guilt of losing someone he loved. Can Bailey, and Spenser help to heal one another, and stay alive?
This book was very well written. I loved the emotions, action, suspense, and romance.
Bailey was brutally raped. She is the only victim that can testify against him. She comes from a wealthy family. It seems like everyone is handling her with kid gloves. No one thinks she is strong enough to stand trial. I was amazed at how strong, and brave she was. Bailey was facing her own emotions, and night mares of being rapped. She was determined to put the person responsible, for hurting so many woman, including herself, away in prison. When the reporters flashed her pictures across the tv, and newspapers stating she was going to testify, her life was threatened. The rapist had another person, the police called the cleaner, which was never caught. Now the cleaner was after Bailey.
Spenser was the detective head of the task force that was responsible for catching the rapist. Spenser was there to keep Bailey safe, and protect her. The two were drawn to one another, but both Bailey and Spenser was fighting their own demons. Spenser had lost a person he was supposed to protect a few years ago. He never wants to go through that pain again. He still carry’s the guilt of losing someone he loved. Can Bailey, and Spenser help to heal one another, and stay alive?
November 30, 2013
I very much enjoyed "Yuletide Protector" the last book in "The Precinct Task Force" Series. We meet Bailey in one of the first books in the series. She is raped by "The Red Rose Rapist". Bailey is the only one to survive the rape attacks. The rapist wears a mask. Bailey recognized him from his voice and eyes. Spencer, a cop, protects Bailey. A Lot happens before the trial. We also find out who "The Cleaner Up" person is, after she kidnaps Bailey. Ending is all happy.
January 4, 2016
Good suspense story by Julie Miller.
January 3, 2022
An exciting ending to The Precinct: Task Force miniseries. It was such a huge payoff for me as a writer to finally be able to give these two longtime supporting characters their own story. Spencer and Bailey first appeared in PROTECTING PLAIN JANE and my Rich Girl Killer miniseries. So yeah, they've been waiting a long time and have endured a lot to get to their HEA. ;)
On the downside, I remember finishing this story battling some health issues that took me right up to the deadline. Coming back to it now with fresh eyes, I'm embarrassed to say that I found some mistakes that made it through to publication. Yikes! (Sharp readers will probably notice them, too.)
On the downside, I remember finishing this story battling some health issues that took me right up to the deadline. Coming back to it now with fresh eyes, I'm embarrassed to say that I found some mistakes that made it through to publication. Yikes! (Sharp readers will probably notice them, too.)
June 1, 2019
This book was a good book and was full of suspense. It is found under the Intrigue from Harlequin. I found myself getting a little scared which meant the author did her job with her writing of the story. Julie hit the ball to the outfield with this.
November 24, 2013
Strong characters and non-stop action keep you turning the pages on Julie Miller's newest Intrigue. Our heroine has more than one reason to be looking over her shoulder and thinking about her protector makes her feel much more than safe. To seek his protection is she willing to risk her heart?
Loved reading this story and watching a woman finding her strength and her hope for a "happy ever after".
Loved reading this story and watching a woman finding her strength and her hope for a "happy ever after".
December 5, 2013
A detective on the fast-track can't afford to let his attraction to his witness careen out of control, and especially because of his past. An heiress needs to prove she can do things on her own, so depending on a man isn't exactly her priority. Except that the rapist she helped put behind bars forces her to do just that. And The Cleaner seems intent on making sure she isn't alive to testify. A gripping tale by Julie Miller.
November 30, 2013
Yuletide Protector is the sixth and last book in "The Precinct Task Force" series. The only surviving victim of "The Red Rose rapist" is ready to testify against the rapist. Before it goes to trail a lot happens. She needs protecting. "The Cleaner Up" goes after Bailey. Spencer is a cop and protects her. They still get at Bailey. A K-9 dog tracks them down. Very good book.
October 14, 2019
Umm... what to say? Well, the police sure do suck in this particular precinct. She, the ONLY witness, wasn't protected 24/7? Umm, this was a serial killer... the main suspect ( and the person who had been identified & caught in the act of an attempted rape ) has been released on bail... managed to talk to her IN THE POLICE STATION and no-one did anything... she was allowed to go home, go to an interview, go to the gym without someone looking out for her? When even if the accused wasn't going to go after her, the character identified as 'The Cleaner' undoubtedly would. Sighs tremendously. And then it just ended. Yeah, there was death etc. But... what about the court case? What about everyone else who was complicit?
I think that I am so irritated by this series id due to the fact that all of the bones are there for something to really get into... but the meat is missing. It is like tofu that hasn't been marinaded...
Ah well, the search continues.
I think that I am so irritated by this series id due to the fact that all of the bones are there for something to really get into... but the meat is missing. It is like tofu that hasn't been marinaded...
Ah well, the search continues.
January 29, 2018
Reread
July 27, 2019
3.5*
August 12, 2020
Awesome
I just finished reading this book and it was awesome from beginning to end! The characters are interesting and the dynamic between them was captivating!
I just finished reading this book and it was awesome from beginning to end! The characters are interesting and the dynamic between them was captivating!
November 9, 2024
In The Crosshairs
Bailey and Spenser...She's the victim. He's the Detective. Can he keep her safe? Tension, danger, betrayal. On edge action 24/7. Enjoy!
Bailey and Spenser...She's the victim. He's the Detective. Can he keep her safe? Tension, danger, betrayal. On edge action 24/7. Enjoy!
March 29, 2015
First time getting faces to the characters in a HQN book, but I felt like it.
Julie Miller never disappoints, great suspense and packed action.
So were reaching the date of the trial against the Rose Red Rapist, in which Bailey is the star witness. She will testify to put Brian Elliot behind bars forever. But the Cleaner isn't going to let that happen and starts sending threats to Bailey. Sorry for her, Spencer will do anything to protect the woman who has awaken some feelings he's no sure he wants to have again.
Spencer lost a loved one in a similar scenario, that person was a witness too and was under his proteccion, but she ended up dead. So he can't compromise this case being too personal with Bailey. Or even thinking on loving her. But he can't resist the brave woman she is.
I kept wondering who was the Cleaner until the end. I even suspected that reporter, Vanessa.
Really liked Bailey, whoever was in her place would never want to see the face of her abuser or even talk about the rape in front of a bunch of people but she doesn't want to be "the poor rich girl", like she quotes. She want's to make a difference and don't let anyone control her live for her.
Of course, loved Spencer too. Who can´t resist a protector like him. Normaly, I always like more the male protagonist than the female, but this time I did it equally.
November 29, 2013
Uh Huh… the criminal justice system does not work that fast.
Lessee… our h was victimized by the serial creep du jour about a year ago apparently. An unspecified amount of time has passed since the creep was arrested trying to victimize the h in the last book. He's now going to trial? Eh?
And then there's the Cleaner. They know she's female and…every female the creep has an association with isn't being watched?
Of course, after the DA assures the h that nobody will know her identity 'til the trial, she's in the hall outside the viewing room when the creep leaves (and he is bailed out around the time she's viewing him? So it must be a matter of days since the last book. Strange…). Errr… would not the wise thing have been to keep her in until way after he's left? Further…no safe house? She's being threatened here…
The H/h were decent enough; just that the whole setting had me scratching my head.
Lessee… our h was victimized by the serial creep du jour about a year ago apparently. An unspecified amount of time has passed since the creep was arrested trying to victimize the h in the last book. He's now going to trial? Eh?
And then there's the Cleaner. They know she's female and…every female the creep has an association with isn't being watched?
Of course, after the DA assures the h that nobody will know her identity 'til the trial, she's in the hall outside the viewing room when the creep leaves (and he is bailed out around the time she's viewing him? So it must be a matter of days since the last book. Strange…). Errr… would not the wise thing have been to keep her in until way after he's left? Further…no safe house? She's being threatened here…
The H/h were decent enough; just that the whole setting had me scratching my head.
October 6, 2014
Great rap-up for the task force's series.... Spencer and Bailey's romance was the perfect finally... We got all our question answered and it was amazing how the writer got me thinking to the very end....
We got to know who the Cleaner is... And it was one of the woman I suspected... The mystery was intense till the end and I was as always hoocked to Mrs Miller's mystery.....
The romance was as beautiful as ever... Bailey was obviously perfect for Spencer, he came off as cold and buisness like in the previous book and when we got to know why he was like that in this one, my heart went out to him but I'm glad Bailey was able to tame his heart and they were amazing as a couple....
I hope I get to read more of Mrs Miller's book in the future cause she writes killer mystery books
We got to know who the Cleaner is... And it was one of the woman I suspected... The mystery was intense till the end and I was as always hoocked to Mrs Miller's mystery.....
The romance was as beautiful as ever... Bailey was obviously perfect for Spencer, he came off as cold and buisness like in the previous book and when we got to know why he was like that in this one, my heart went out to him but I'm glad Bailey was able to tame his heart and they were amazing as a couple....
I hope I get to read more of Mrs Miller's book in the future cause she writes killer mystery books
Read
November 22, 2015End of the Task Force subseries of the Precinct. The rapist has been identified and the only mysteries left are: who is the accomplice cleaning up after the Rose Red Rapist? and will Bailey Austin, the only victim to survive be able to testify against the accused? Detective Spencer Montgomery, head of the task force, has taken on the task of protecting Bailey until the trial begins. He is also attracted to her, but a memory from his past leads him to steer clear of the beautiful heiress so far out of his league.
The story ends abruptly, with a solution that I saw coming. However, there are a few unanswered questions: Why is the reporter Vanessa Owens so prominently figured in all of the series if she's not going to be a subject of a story at some point?
The story ends abruptly, with a solution that I saw coming. However, there are a few unanswered questions: Why is the reporter Vanessa Owens so prominently figured in all of the series if she's not going to be a subject of a story at some point?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2013
In Miller’s romantic intrigue novel, Bailey Austin survived being raped by the Red Rose Rapist and is now the DA’s number one witness in the case. Lead detective, Spencer Montgomery must prepare her for the pending court day but keep her alive as well. The suspected rapist may be known but his accomplice is still on the loose and threatening to silence Bailey if she testifies. As the stalker’s threats grow darker, he can’t fight the attraction that flares each time he looks at Bailey. This dedicated cop and courageous woman teach each other about love and trust as they fight the descending darkness.
A strong addition to The Precinct: Task Force series.
A strong addition to The Precinct: Task Force series.
March 10, 2014
I loved this book. It is part of a long series by Julie Miller and I love series books. I love reconnecting with known characters. While this is part of a series it can easily be read as a stand a lone book. The characters are complicated and both have issues that they need to work through. Their issues are best overcome with each other. Julie Miller doesn't disappoint this was an engaging and quick read because you don't want to put it down. I can't wait for the next installment.
Read
December 29, 2014"TOP PICK! Miller's conclusion to the intriguing Rose Red Rapist storyline is picture perfect as she neatly wraps up multiple plotlines and brings justice to all the rapist's victims in this viscerally compelling tale." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars
Miniseries: The Precinct: Task Force
Miniseries: The Precinct: Task Force
July 27, 2015
Yuletide Protector by Julie Miller is a fast paced read. I enjoyed the story. Yuletide Protector has fantastic characters, action and suspense. I look forward to reading more from Julie Miller in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
November 14, 2020
Reread.
December 19, 2013
Loved it! What an ending.
October 19, 2014
Read in French. Really, really good.
February 16, 2015
Julie Miller has set the bar high so every one can follow.
December 23, 2014
Superb book. Although guessed the accomplice.
January 7, 2015
I liked it now I'm going to have to check out the other books in the series!
Read
December 29, 2014Received TOP PICK! 4 1/2 stars rating at RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: The Precinct: Task Force
Miniseries: The Precinct: Task Force
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews