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Colby Agency #19
Situation: Out of Control
The newest addition to the Colby Agency team was assigned the most difficult mission: use all means necessary to eliminate a ruthless mercenary who'd infiltrated the firm, starting with the man's daughter Jayne Stephens. But Heath Murphy did the unthinkable and got involved with his target--a woman off-limits, a woman he had to protect from her own flesh and blood.
As the snow swirled in the remote Colorado mountains, Heath and Jayne had become unlikely partners and lovers. But who would be left standing once dawn broke?
As the snow swirled in the remote Colorado mountains, Heath and Jayne had become unlikely partners and lovers. But who would be left standing once dawn broke?
250 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2004
About the author
Debra Webb
559 books2,505 followersDEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 180 novels, including reader favorites the Finley O'Sullivan and Devlin & Falco series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel.
With more than ten million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
With more than ten million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 21, 2011
So I bought a trashy romance novel for the first time ever. The trash factor was not all that great. . . one sex scene. However, it had a really nice cheesy plot line that made reading it a quick and fun read. It's like all the fun of a Mary Higgins Clark mystery novel with a bit of suspense, a lot of snow, and some straight out plot twists. If you are in it for a trashy romance novel, this is not it. . .
June 26, 2018
I bought this book over three years now and I have finally gotten around to reading I. I didn’t realise it was part of series until I picked it up for reading. Now there are fifty-six books in the series and unfortunately I ended up purchasing books 19 and 20 without knowing they were part of a series much less such a long one. Fortunately for me I could follow the story. The book can easily be read as a stand-alone, but I believe reading the earlier books would provide pertinent information regarding some of the events, which took place in this installment. Situation Out of Control is book number 19.
This installment introduces Heath Murphy and Jayne Stephens. Heath, a former police officer, is a recent recruit for the Colby Agency. This makes him the perfect candidate for his current assignment, which involves tracking and capturing the elusive Howard Stephens whom it was believed wanted to destroy the agency. Under normal circumstances, Heath would look forward to the challenge of his new assignment. However, the fact he had to get close to his target’s daughter and deceive her in the process did not sit well with him. To further add insult to injury being on this assignment would force him to relive a tragedy from his past, which may put the assignment in jeopardy.
Jayne Stephens lives in Colorado and is a mountain and search rescuer. When not involved in search and rescue she works as a back country trail guide. Jayne and relationships do not go hand in hand. She felt that the men she became involved with could not handle her success and thirst for adventure and so they ended up leaving her. She did not believe in love and she felt she did not need a husband to make her complete. The appearance of Heath Murphy, however, would have her rethinking her stance on love and relationships.
An easy read which had my attention from the first page. From the moment I began reading I figured I would enjoy this story. The irony of it is it that the suspense factor did not occur until near the end of the story, but what kept my interest was the developing relationship between the protagonists and the actions of the supporting cast.
I enjoyed their interactions. The attraction between them sizzled, and I liked that they were not quick to jump into the carnal aspect of the relationship. Heath had a hard time with his attraction to Jayne, which came has no surprise. His struggles where this was concerned leapt off the pages. Throughout my reading experience I was curious about what Jayne’s reaction would be when the real reason behind Heath’s presence in Colorado came to light. I admired his determination to conquer his fears.
I admired Jayne’s independent streak and her success in what one would consider a man’s world. However, beneath that tough exterior lay a little girl at heart. This was demonstrated in her behavior, when she connected with her father, which was a rare occurrence. Despite her attraction to Heath she was determined to give him a hard time, which did not go has planned.
I emphatised with Jayne when she was faced with the hard cold facts. Especially, with the scene at the end. I was not shocked but Jayne would have been devastated.
Although I enjoyed the story, there were moments of disappointment. The book ended on an abrupt note. After all the buildup which had my anticipation meter going wild, the end was mediocre. Everything happened so quickly and it was over in the blink of an eye leaving me with a lot of questions.
1. What happened to Howard Stephens?
2. The person responsible for Heath being on this case, what is his agenda? It is evident he has one but, the real reason he was so invested in capturing Howard Stephens was not revealed.
3. It would have been nice to see how Jayne coped with the aftermath.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Despite the disappointing ending, this was not a bad read.
This installment introduces Heath Murphy and Jayne Stephens. Heath, a former police officer, is a recent recruit for the Colby Agency. This makes him the perfect candidate for his current assignment, which involves tracking and capturing the elusive Howard Stephens whom it was believed wanted to destroy the agency. Under normal circumstances, Heath would look forward to the challenge of his new assignment. However, the fact he had to get close to his target’s daughter and deceive her in the process did not sit well with him. To further add insult to injury being on this assignment would force him to relive a tragedy from his past, which may put the assignment in jeopardy.
Jayne Stephens lives in Colorado and is a mountain and search rescuer. When not involved in search and rescue she works as a back country trail guide. Jayne and relationships do not go hand in hand. She felt that the men she became involved with could not handle her success and thirst for adventure and so they ended up leaving her. She did not believe in love and she felt she did not need a husband to make her complete. The appearance of Heath Murphy, however, would have her rethinking her stance on love and relationships.
An easy read which had my attention from the first page. From the moment I began reading I figured I would enjoy this story. The irony of it is it that the suspense factor did not occur until near the end of the story, but what kept my interest was the developing relationship between the protagonists and the actions of the supporting cast.
I enjoyed their interactions. The attraction between them sizzled, and I liked that they were not quick to jump into the carnal aspect of the relationship. Heath had a hard time with his attraction to Jayne, which came has no surprise. His struggles where this was concerned leapt off the pages. Throughout my reading experience I was curious about what Jayne’s reaction would be when the real reason behind Heath’s presence in Colorado came to light. I admired his determination to conquer his fears.
I admired Jayne’s independent streak and her success in what one would consider a man’s world. However, beneath that tough exterior lay a little girl at heart. This was demonstrated in her behavior, when she connected with her father, which was a rare occurrence. Despite her attraction to Heath she was determined to give him a hard time, which did not go has planned.
I emphatised with Jayne when she was faced with the hard cold facts. Especially, with the scene at the end. I was not shocked but Jayne would have been devastated.
Although I enjoyed the story, there were moments of disappointment. The book ended on an abrupt note. After all the buildup which had my anticipation meter going wild, the end was mediocre. Everything happened so quickly and it was over in the blink of an eye leaving me with a lot of questions.
1. What happened to Howard Stephens?
2. The person responsible for Heath being on this case, what is his agenda? It is evident he has one but, the real reason he was so invested in capturing Howard Stephens was not revealed.
3. It would have been nice to see how Jayne coped with the aftermath.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Despite the disappointing ending, this was not a bad read.
March 30, 2017
Enjoyed this book!
PLEASE NOTE:
I did give details and quotes so keep this in mind when reading this review! Loved this book and Heaths and Jaynes connection! When Cole researched Jayne, he knew Heath was the perfect person to not only invade her life, but be able to get her to put her guard down and get to "know" him better! While then bringing her father out of hiding!
Awesome book!!!!
Colby agency has someone feeding information to one of their enemies. Cole sends Heath to protect Jayne Stephens and locate her father, Howard Stephens.
Heath lost his fiancé when he wasn't able to protect her when they were climbing. He is hating this assignment because of his past, and currently not liking Cole and his attitude.
When Heath shows up out of the blue, he is there to protect Jayne as the Colby Agency attempts to find Steven. Her father warms her to not trust any new people in her life. But as Heath is there and he continues to follow Jayne and spend time with her to "write his article". They slowly became friends and both know there is an undeniable attraction they have for one another!
SOME OF MY FAVORITE LINES....
#1 Jayne took a deep breath and gave her head a little shake. “Look, Murphy, why don’t I just tell you the truth, okay?” Her heart started to pound when her brain caught up with her mouth. She’d always preferred honesty. Never had learned to hold her tongue the way she should. But this startled even her. “I don’t know you...I don’t trust you. And I have no intention of sleeping with you.”
He shrugged, the movement drawing her attention like a fly to honey. “As for the sleeping together thing, I can’t say I hadn’t thought about that myself.” He paused just long enough for the words to send a bolt of heat scorching through her. “But I would never compromise my principles. Good night, Ms. Stephens.”
When Heath calls Cole and asked once again to be reassigned. Cole explains:
#2 "He won’t take the risk. For nearly twenty years he’s kept his daughter out of what he does, anonymity protected him as well as her. A group of mercenaries wreaking havoc in Aspen, Colorado, would draw far too much unwanted attention. Stephens’s dirty little world depends upon complete secrecy. He needs it. He plans to keep it by taking care of this business personally and quietly.”
Heath had known there was more to his selection for this case than his climbing skill and lack of involvement in the agency’s past. “But what makes you so certain he won’t bring a half-dozen mercenaries with him?” “He won’t take the risk. For nearly twenty years he’s kept his daughter out of what he does, anonymity protected him as well as her. A group of mercenaries wreaking havoc in Aspen, Colorado, would draw far too much unwanted attention. Stephens’s dirty little world depends upon complete secrecy. He needs it. He plans to keep it by taking care of this business personally and quietly.” “How can you be so damned sure?” Heath wasn’t afraid for himself, his concern was for Jayne’s welfare. She was totally innocent in all this. “Trust me, Murphy. I am dead certain and I’m relying on you not to let me down. If you fail, there will be no hope for Jayne. There’s no turning back now. The damage is already done.”
After she gives into to herself of her not needing anyone, she decides to throw caution to the wind and enjoy Heath Murphy for as long as he's there.
#3 "Why don’t I draw you a bath,” he offered, his voice far too soft, too intense. This was not a good idea. If she was smart she’d give him an unequivocal no. She looked him dead in the eye and said exactly what she felt. “I’d love it.”
#4 “You’re beautiful, Jayne, and I’d like nothing better than to climb into that tub with you, but it would be a mistake. I, for one, have already made enough of those for one lifetime.”
#5 HEATH HAD NEVER shampooed a woman’s hair before. He liked it. He liked it a lot.
The both enjoyed one another yet she gets a phone call that brings on "morning after" regrets. But it didn't come with the usual regret one may feel. After her first glorious night with Heath, they know they have a connection.
The regret she feels is when Jane's father spills all the details about Heath, where the cameras are, and why he's there to get to him and eludes that he doesn't care for her.
Once Heath talks with her and explains to Jayne who her father really is, she kicks him out but in her heart knows that some of what Heath is saying is true!
She remembers Leberman son she played with as a child!
As Heath promised her earlier on, he's here to protect her and he won't leave Jayne!
They are needing to go and "rescue" someone, Heath goes and ends up having no problem on the climb when he has to protect Jayne. He ends up protecting her and rescuing her!
Finally Coles plan is going perfect, he was surprised it took Heath that long to bed Jayne" and he knew as soon as her father saw them together he would come out of hiding. Cole is a bit aggressive and seems like a jerk the entire time! He denies Heath pain medicine and seeing Jayne just so he can get what Jaynes dad had said to him.
PLEASE NOTE:
I did give details and quotes so keep this in mind when reading this review! Loved this book and Heaths and Jaynes connection! When Cole researched Jayne, he knew Heath was the perfect person to not only invade her life, but be able to get her to put her guard down and get to "know" him better! While then bringing her father out of hiding!
Awesome book!!!!
Colby agency has someone feeding information to one of their enemies. Cole sends Heath to protect Jayne Stephens and locate her father, Howard Stephens.
Heath lost his fiancé when he wasn't able to protect her when they were climbing. He is hating this assignment because of his past, and currently not liking Cole and his attitude.
When Heath shows up out of the blue, he is there to protect Jayne as the Colby Agency attempts to find Steven. Her father warms her to not trust any new people in her life. But as Heath is there and he continues to follow Jayne and spend time with her to "write his article". They slowly became friends and both know there is an undeniable attraction they have for one another!
SOME OF MY FAVORITE LINES....
#1 Jayne took a deep breath and gave her head a little shake. “Look, Murphy, why don’t I just tell you the truth, okay?” Her heart started to pound when her brain caught up with her mouth. She’d always preferred honesty. Never had learned to hold her tongue the way she should. But this startled even her. “I don’t know you...I don’t trust you. And I have no intention of sleeping with you.”
He shrugged, the movement drawing her attention like a fly to honey. “As for the sleeping together thing, I can’t say I hadn’t thought about that myself.” He paused just long enough for the words to send a bolt of heat scorching through her. “But I would never compromise my principles. Good night, Ms. Stephens.”
When Heath calls Cole and asked once again to be reassigned. Cole explains:
#2 "He won’t take the risk. For nearly twenty years he’s kept his daughter out of what he does, anonymity protected him as well as her. A group of mercenaries wreaking havoc in Aspen, Colorado, would draw far too much unwanted attention. Stephens’s dirty little world depends upon complete secrecy. He needs it. He plans to keep it by taking care of this business personally and quietly.”
Heath had known there was more to his selection for this case than his climbing skill and lack of involvement in the agency’s past. “But what makes you so certain he won’t bring a half-dozen mercenaries with him?” “He won’t take the risk. For nearly twenty years he’s kept his daughter out of what he does, anonymity protected him as well as her. A group of mercenaries wreaking havoc in Aspen, Colorado, would draw far too much unwanted attention. Stephens’s dirty little world depends upon complete secrecy. He needs it. He plans to keep it by taking care of this business personally and quietly.” “How can you be so damned sure?” Heath wasn’t afraid for himself, his concern was for Jayne’s welfare. She was totally innocent in all this. “Trust me, Murphy. I am dead certain and I’m relying on you not to let me down. If you fail, there will be no hope for Jayne. There’s no turning back now. The damage is already done.”
After she gives into to herself of her not needing anyone, she decides to throw caution to the wind and enjoy Heath Murphy for as long as he's there.
#3 "Why don’t I draw you a bath,” he offered, his voice far too soft, too intense. This was not a good idea. If she was smart she’d give him an unequivocal no. She looked him dead in the eye and said exactly what she felt. “I’d love it.”
#4 “You’re beautiful, Jayne, and I’d like nothing better than to climb into that tub with you, but it would be a mistake. I, for one, have already made enough of those for one lifetime.”
#5 HEATH HAD NEVER shampooed a woman’s hair before. He liked it. He liked it a lot.
The both enjoyed one another yet she gets a phone call that brings on "morning after" regrets. But it didn't come with the usual regret one may feel. After her first glorious night with Heath, they know they have a connection.
The regret she feels is when Jane's father spills all the details about Heath, where the cameras are, and why he's there to get to him and eludes that he doesn't care for her.
Once Heath talks with her and explains to Jayne who her father really is, she kicks him out but in her heart knows that some of what Heath is saying is true!
She remembers Leberman son she played with as a child!
As Heath promised her earlier on, he's here to protect her and he won't leave Jayne!
They are needing to go and "rescue" someone, Heath goes and ends up having no problem on the climb when he has to protect Jayne. He ends up protecting her and rescuing her!
Finally Coles plan is going perfect, he was surprised it took Heath that long to bed Jayne" and he knew as soon as her father saw them together he would come out of hiding. Cole is a bit aggressive and seems like a jerk the entire time! He denies Heath pain medicine and seeing Jayne just so he can get what Jaynes dad had said to him.
February 26, 2018
Good book. I recommend this book.
Read
January 2, 2026i really enjoyed this book as i love the colby agency books and i love mystery & suspense. the only issue i have is i do not need a lot of pages describing their lovemaking
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews