Born to Die

McIntire County #2

by Winter Austin

Trouble's on the run in rural Eider, Iowa, and Deputy Cassy Rivers's heart is in the line of fire. Two years ago, she barely escaped a harrowing experience at the hands of a maniac - and not without scars. Now a series of random robberies leads to the brutal death of a fellow officer, and she must put her trust in the one man who broke her heart.

FBI agent Boyce Hunt knows commitment isn't for men with pasts like his. He left Cassy once to protect her from the blackmail and manipulation he faces from his mother's criminal enterprise. But when they reluctantly partner up to capture the modern Bonnie and Clyde terrorizing McIntire County, their attraction flames to life once more, pulling Boyce between two loyalties.

Will they risk their hearts again, even if it means losing everything?

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Fiction, Ebooks

ebook

Published August 15, 2023

About the author

As a Note, I do not use AI in any way to write my books. Lots a sweat equity goes into my writing, not computer generated.

Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a flat “nope.” Having returned to her hometown, Winter has stepped into the chaotic world of a full-time wife, mom, author, and employee.

A lifelong Mid-West gal, Winter rediscovered her love of her beloved Iowa with its hot summers and snowy winters. She grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around the table or a campfire. Since becoming a published author, she learned a mindset of a glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller author. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic thrillers. Combining her love of all things rural, agricultural, and military, she’s turned her small town life upside down.

Reviews

[Marisa Corvisiero · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best romantic suspense novels I've read this year. This is a must read. I love this author's voice and how she weaves a plot like it should be everyone's business. She does not disappoint!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born to Die follows on from the amazing Atonement the first book in The McIntire County Series and follows Deputy Cassy Rivers. We met her in the first book of the series when she came to town to help her sister, but her story is a few years on.
These books are standalone stories, but I would recommend reading them in order otherwise you are missing out on so much as the characters and their stories intertwine between books.
Cassy’s past has left her with scars but it’s her heart that is jeopardy as she partners up with the man who broke it.
FBI agent Boyce Hunt had to walk away to save the one he loved. His past is not a happy one and his mother is behind it all, but can he walk away twice. Loyalties are about to be tested.
This is a tale of murder and mayhem, power, mystery suspense, violence, manipulation, control, family, and some romance. It is a great story that gets inside your head. Winter has done a great job with the plot and its twisty turns that keep the pages turning. It is one tale you cannot put down.
The story is told from dual the POV which we all know I love because you get to learn more about the characters that way. Not only that but we get to see more of the others in this small town.
This is a must read and I look forward to what comes next.

[La Toya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born to Die is the second book in The McIntire County Series. This book can be read as a stand-alone. In this book, we follow Cassy Rivers. We first got to know Cassy in the first book Atonement. Cassy is investigating a series of robberies that led to the death of a fellow officer. She finds herself having to work with FBI agent Boyce Hunt, the man who broke her heart. This is such an engaging story. There are plenty of twists and turns. The author keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out the case. I really enjoyed getting to know more about Cassy. The interactions between her and Boyce draw you in. Another great mystery by Winter Austin.

[Sheri Secord · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it was full of suspense, mystery and love. Some violence so I wouldn't recommend for young readers. There is a lot of familial controversy not to give anything away. I would recommend if you like thrillers

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the series and I highly recommend you start at the beginning of the series , not only is it a brilliant read but you’ll not enjoy the full experience of this series as characters and incidents intertwine .

Nicolette Rivers , our marine sniper from Atonement , is now living a good and happy life but her sister Casey is the deputy in Elder but she bears the scars physically , mentally and emotionally from her run in with the serial killer from Atonement, she is a tough cookie though and faces her fears head on .

There’s a new “war” to fight now , random robberies , a dead officer , blackmail etc and the. To top it all there’s matters of the heart involved when she has to work side by side with her d flame FBI agent Boyce Hunt , these 2 have some unfinished business as it is and their flame is smouldering and despite all that’s going on their passion. Is rekindled …..

Expect the unexpected, you’ll be kept on your toes throughout this read of that I can assure you 🥰📚
We get to know more of Cassie and who she is and what makes her tick which was nice because we only met her in Atonement and she played a vital role .

There was a moment where I swear my heart stopped ! Cassie and Hunt are held up in her home and all I could of was her past trauma and how it would effect her and her reactions but fear not this Amazonian warrior took the bull by the horns , a real and true survivor! You left me in awe girl !

Another brilliant, hair raising and nail biting read ❣️📚can’t wait to read the next instalment .

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed book one I was looking forward to being back in McIntire County, and I was just as gripped with this story as I was with the previous one. I would personally recommend reading these in order as the characters do crossover. This storyline concentrates on Deputy Cassy Rivers who is left with the scars from barely escaping a harrowing experience. She is now working in rural Eider, Iowa and is investigating a series of random robberies which results in the brutal death of a fellow officer. Unfortunately the man she must work with and trust is the one who broke her heart, FBI agent Boyce Hunt, however the pair must now work together to capture the modern day Bonnie and Clyde. Boyce left Cassy to protect her from his mother’s criminal enterprise and the blackmail and manipulation that he faces, but working together they can’t deny their mutual attraction. This romantic suspense had me hooked throughout. The characters and the setting were brought to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the storyline. I liked ‘catching up’ with previous characters, as well as meeting the new main characters, Cassy and Boyce who’s chemistry really came across in the narrative. An enjoyable and engaging read, and I look forward to book three.

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good mystery series, and this gave me everything I wanted and more. Winter Austin is a genius when it comes to writing mystery books, she pulls you into the story right from the very beginning and starts making you doubt every single character that you read about, wondering who the killer may be. This book was fantastic, in the fact that it had me guessing throughout the story who the suspects were, and questioning if the suspects could be involved in both the bank robberies, the murder of the police officer as well as the small-town robberies. I loved getting to know Cassie more as well as getting an inside look into the inner workings of Boyd's mind. I was so happy to see that we get to continue the story of our two lovebirds from the first book in this series as well as meet some new characters that had not been introduced as of yet. The intensity of this storyline was amazing, I am so excited to get started on the next book and see what lies ahead for our characters that we have learned to love. If you're looking for a good mystery novel with suspense, romance, angst, family drama and so much more, this is the series for you!
@Brandy Rymer
09/2023

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born to die is the second book in the McIntire Series, and a followup to Atonement. This is another romantic suspense centered around a strong lead female, and touching on real life issues such as PTSD. Deputy Cassy Rivers narrowly escaped a lunatic two years prior and a string of thefts reunites her with an old flame. Enter Boyce Hunt, a fellow officer that just so happens to be her ex. Working a case with your ex has to be absolutely awkward and a struggle in itself. Can the two get along and solve the case? Will feelings of resentment deter the outcome? Maybe the old flame will be rekindled? Born to die can be a stand-alone book since it does not follow the same characters from Atonement, but there are interlinking details that pull you back to book 1, so I recommend grabbing them in order (so far). I liked this one just as much as the first book, and I can definitely see the story developing more into book three!

[Micalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born to Die is the second book in the McIntire County book series and another great romantic suspense/mystery from Winter Austin. This book is its own case/story but we do meet Cassy and Boyce in Book one, Atonement, which is the story of Cassy’s sister, Nicolette, and Con. We hear a continuance from book one of their life over the past two years but we get plenty of suspense, twists, and turns concerning Boyce and Cassy. Cassy and Boyce have a history and a bitter one at that because she got hurt and he ran away when she needed him the most claiming his job would get in the way and ruin a case they were building on his mother. So struggling with her own mental health and PTSD she is shocked to find him re-entering her life to aid a murder/bank robbery case in McIntire County. Can she find it in her head to solve this case, and in her heart to trust him again? Winter has written another winning novel in my book.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

When one of her own gets taken out Deputy Rivers is put on the case. Add to that a bunch if robberies taking place and they have to call in the big guns, her former flame Detective Hunt. He thought he was doing her a favor by leaving her when he started being blackmailed, but they're about to be to be in close quarters once again. Will they keep things strictly professional or risk another broken heart? I have read these books somewhat out of order, but they are all worth reading. It was great to see Deputy Rivers grow as a character and she has grown a lot. I also like the take the author puts into how agent Hunt's mind works. I have lined myself up to read book 4, but first I must go read these to get a better understanding of everything that has gone on. This is a great whodunit and will keep you guessing as you turn the pages.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series, even though I'm only 2 books in, is quickly becoming my favorite series of this year to read. I do highly recommend that you read these books in order. There is a lot of context in Atonement that will help make this book much more understandable.

I love that I'm kept guessing the "whodunit" right up until the end! There are twists and turns that are unforeseen, which makes this story even more engaging. The character development is on point so much so that you might feel like you're a part of the family.

I'm really looking forward to the next books in this series!!

[Darian - Books With A Chance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read book one of this series, although I feel they can be read separately since we are told what does happen in book one and book two reads as a great stand alone, I feel I should go back and read the first to get a better chemistry between Cassy and Boyce. I do like them together and I did like the romance, but I felt like something was missing and I that’s on me for not reading the first one. Saying that I really enjoyed the story, you’re hooked right from the beginning. It’s a nice mystery with suspense and I like the added family drama from both characters. I wasn’t suspecting Boyce��s mother to try to come around Cassy, I do wish there was a little more drama with the FBI but there are other murders to be solved. I really liked Cassy’s character; I’ve seen other reviewers say she has had great character growth since the first book. I feel she’s kind of badass, she went through so much in book one, leaving her with PTSD, it’s nice that we see how she is still scared of going into the woods, but she’s working through it and still trying to do her job and she’s doing a great job at it as well.

[Katie Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is quickly becoming one of my must read authors. I just recently found this author and I’ve been completely entranced so far. The stories have kept me on my toes and this one was another amazing story. The characters are so easy to connect with, they pull you into their world completely. I will say that I recommend reading the series in order as there’s overlapping characters and such. This book has everything you are wanting in a thriller story. This author knows how to keep readers guessing and coming back for more. Five big stars and I can’t wait for more!

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassy is trying to forget her past and the trauma she went through two years ago. Kidnapped by madmen, escaped leaving with some scars. Her ex Boyce comes back into town to help her department with a string of robberies. Cassy is cold towards Boyce, I mean who wouldn’t be with what he did. But they end up having to work together, as Boyce thinks the robberies and the murder of one of her follow police men is tied together. Boyce wants to try and get cozy with Cassy again. But she has a sister, brother in law and a nephew to protect. Such another amazing read by Winter!

[Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start, I really really love when series branch out into other characters stories and link them. It's such a treat to read books that delve a little deeper the further they go.

Another series following the Eider police force after the events of book 1. Nic's PTSD was triggered, she was put in danger by a lunatic, and she has been working her way through the aftermath ever since. We meet Detective Cassy Rivers in this addition to the series. The Eider PD is active again with a series of random robberies occurring, and a fight to find the thieves once they suffer the loss of a fellow officer. Losing an officer gets the FBI called in, and it just so happens to be the man who broke Cassy's heart that shows up to lead the charge.

Agent Boyce Hunt broke her heart the first time in order to protect her from his mother and the criminal enterprise she runs, knows she can't possibly be interested in being around him again, and has given up on the prospect of finding happiness. Cassy is still struggling with her feelings about the past, floundering when being put into rotation with the ex love of her life, and grieving the loss of her fellow officer. Will they be able to focus on the case, or is their history and chemistry going to keep pulling them harder?

Suspense, chemistry, danger, family dramas, and flames of passion abound in this book. I'm looking forward to continuing to learn more as the series continues.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review
Thank you to Corvisiero Literary Agency for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

I was so happy when I found out that this second novel in the McIntire County series focused on Nic’s sister Cassy! Since reading the first novel I have wanted to learn more about the mysterious sister that showed up out of the blue to help Nic solve the case she was currently working on.

This book fast forwards into the future where Nic is retired from her work and she and Con are married with a kid. Cassy is the focus of this novel. She has a case to solve that brings Agent Asshole a.k.a Agent Boyce Hunt back to the small town of Eider, Iowa. The story is told from both the POV of Cassy, and the POV of Agent Hunt. I really appreciated this because I have wanted to learn more about both characters since they appeared in the first novel.

We get to see these two characters drawn closer together and learn about the past between them that keeps getting brought up between both novels. In the first novel we learned a lot about Nic and Cassy’s past. In this novel we get to learn about Hunt’s past and why he is the way he is. We finally get to see him show some real feelings towards Cassy, rather than the “let’s have sex and then I’m leaving” tactic that Hunt always has with her that leaves Cassy broken and lost.

I liked that Nic and Con were still part of the story as well as Nic and Cassy’s parents. Readers get to see how the family is coping after the events of the first novel. I also love that we get more insight on the people who live in the town. Readers get a chance to learn more about characters that were mentioned in the first book.

I did feel like this book was a little slower that the first novel. I felt like the events were dragged on and there was a little too much happening. I also felt like Winter Austin did not explain well enough why the suspects were doing what they were doing. As far as the plot and the writing goes, I think it could have used a little work. I was rather happy, however, that I was unable to guess who the suspects were until farther into the book. I felt like it was revealed way too quickly in the first novel who the suspect was.

Overall, this book was very enjoyable. I recommend it to anyone looking for a thriller or mystery novel to read.



Rating





Author Bio

Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: "were you born in the winter?" with a flat "nope." Having recently changed her address back near her hometown, Winter has stepped into the chaotic world of a full-time wife, mom, author, coach, and employee. With her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter has translated that into writing deadly romantic thrillers. Combining her love of all things rural, agricultural, and military, she's turned her small town life upside down.

 This review was originally posted on little-book-wyrm

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before you read this book, please be aware that it's a sequel! I went into the book not knowing that, but with all the subtext and hints to a previous story concerning The Priest, I asked Winter if there was indeed a book prior to Born To Die and there is! Atonement! I'm kind of interested to read it, as well, because Nicola sounds so, so interesting. She certainly seems to have a story to tell (well, it's been told to be fair). However you can read this as a stand-alone, I just think there's a better reading experience for you if you read Atonement first, because you'll be able to understand a bit more (I assume) why Cassy is the way she is.

Born To Die was a great read. Cassy and Boyce were such intriguing characters, clearly both characters who had been hurt at some point in their past, but I liked their chemistry. I liked how they put aside whatever went on in Atonement and worked together (kind of) to try and solve the murders and robberies featured in Born To Die.

I whizzed through Born To Die. It was a really decent crime read, and I liked getting to know all of the characters, and the plot was intriguing - I was dying to know who was behind it all, and why. It had great characters, a great plot and the story skipped along at a really great pace. I really enjoyed the book, and I can't wait to go back and read Atonement and fill in any missing gaps!

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the publisher

Not having read book one in the series, Atonement ,  I was left with a lot of gaps in the story which was a hindrance since this is a romantic suspense and things that played out in the first book do have an effect on this one.  The characters are multifaceted and we learn about them little by little.  Cassy and Boyce have a history, both are in law enforcement, but it goes deeper than that.  Cassy and Boyce both have scars, literally, but also scars that can't be seen.  Watching their interactions with each other as well as with others in her family and in the police department, sheds a lot of light on their situation, but not enough.  It does give a basis for some of the relationships and why they're spotlighted a certain way.  There are mysteries to be solved and lots of twists and turns to the story.  As burglaries, murders and mayhem continue to escalate in sleepy and normally quiet Eider, Iowa, there's a tenseness to the town but especially to law enforcement and the FBI.

There were times my heart was racing due to the violence and malevolence that was tangible.  How have incidents been ratcheted to murder and who's behind them?  Are the evil happenings in town related?  While the police and FBI try to solve the robberies and murders there are secrets, fear, anger, flashbacks, camaraderie, friendships, family issues to resolve, nicknames, tears, sadness, hurt, anxiety and disbelief.  There is some loving and ultimately love and an unexpected happily ever after.  There is closure with the loose ends tied up nicely.

Austin is a new to me author.  I plan to read the first book in the series and hope there will be more.  It's been quite  a while since I've read this genre and Austin incorporated a lot of emotions both in the characters and what she drew out from me as well.

Favorite Quote: Of all the people in her life, Con was the only one who had never judged her harshly for her irrational behavior when it came to Boyce.  A kindred spirit, Con knew what it was like to love someone who was quite possibly the most unlovable person on earth.  But there was no way Cassy could tell him her suspicions, because he would say something to Nic, and then the "I told you sos" would come out.

[Amy Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibraian – I Dig Good Books

So, you’ve finished book one I’m hoping and now you’re thinking about reading book two, yes? What are you waiting for? Are you waiting for me to tell you whether or not it’s worth your reading? Yes? Well, sit back, and get comfortable!

One thing I’m quite pleasantly surprised with was the length of these stories. I expected them to be a quicker read but they definitely aren’t quick. They take a little longer to read but don’t drag. The length of the story allows for the story to be fully told, without sacrificing the story. The details and descriptions aren’t jeopardized just to get a little shorter of a read. On the flip side, the author wasn’t overly winded. There weren’t any extra details that weren’t needed. There wasn’t any “over sharing” to increase the page count.

These stories are standalone stories but I wouldn’t recommend reading them as such. I would recommend reading them all together, one after another. They each feature a different main character but the supporting characters remain the same from book to book. These characters have great chemistry. They are the types of character’s that I’d like to be friends with in real life. They have charisma, they have attitude, they have depth. They are anything but boring and will keep you grasping for more pages.

So far, this story is my favorite. The female lead character has spunk but isn’t over bearing. She has a heart bigger than anyone and that is her weakness. She wants love but doesn’t want to share her heart again. She is incredibly strong and wouldn’t be one I’d want to cross. She’s loyal to the core and if she has your back, you have a supporter for life.

This series just keeps getting better and better. I fought sleep trying to get this book done. I just had to know what happened and had to know what the future held for the characters. Book three is calling my name, sleep will have to wait tonight ! Please, go buy book one if you haven’t, buy this one, and get cozy. Stay tuned for my take on book number three!


*A Copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassy has been through hell the past few years, the trauma of her abduction by a madman but when she is sent to cover a spate of robberies and a murder the last person she expected to see is the only one she has to protect her heart from or she will spiral further into her head.

Boyce Hunt left the woman he loved to protect her but her can't explain that to her, seeing her two years ago and by abducted and tortured was nearly the breaking of him. Although an FBI agent he has a past of criminality and destruction that he hopes does not taint him any further, sent to help on a case of robberies and death he know walking back in Eider will match him the one person he does not want to hurt anymore.

Can they work together without both of them getting attached and do there job or will they come crashing down again?

This is the second book in the series and follows the other River's Sister Cassy. Cassy first shows up in the first book Atonement, when Agent Hunt agrees you find the dynamic between them is frosty but there is always hint of them thawing as the story went on. Now in this book it delves deeper into the relationship and the hidden past of Hunt and the totally devastation him leaving caused Cassy which is brilliant to read.

I would say that this book can be read as a stand alone but I would definitely read the books in order as in the first book you understand the nature of why Cassy is so traumatise by that event and how Boyce and her rekindled the relationship. This book is full of thrilling turns and twists and as you follow with the investigation you slow uncover the clues as they do.

I love that Boyce is just as vulnerable as Cassy as in the first story you did not get to see the full extent of his character and this delves more into his history and past and how this has shaped him to be how he is and what he has done to protect the ones he loves.

If you are looking for a fast pace, murder, mayhem with suspense, violence and action this is the book for you and if you have not read the first book in this series I suggest you do and Can't wait for the next instalment.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the McIntire County Series. I do recommend reading them in order as the characters that appear in this story have links to the first story. This is an action packed romance Suspense. It is full of danger, secrets, lies, and of course heartbreak and romance.
In this book we are with Cassey. Cassey is trying to recover from an incident in the past that has left her physically and mentally scared. However she refuses to allow that to stop her or for it to be a weakness. With some robberies happening Cassey and her partner are on the case to capture the culprits, but things take a turn for the worse when the body of an officer is found in the woods. Are the two connected in some way or is it a coincidence?
When Boyce Hunt arrives to help with this case it tips Casseys world upside down. After suffering heartbreak at the hands of Boyce before she isn't prepared to let him get close again.

Boyce knows he hurt Cassey and he didn't want to. He was just trying to protect her from the threats that come with having a mother as a criminal. But now they are forced back together to solve this case.
What happens when they realise their attraction still burns as strong as before? Will they risk their hearts again?

This is a fast paced story and the danger they face will have you on the edge of your seat. The main characters have both got issues they need to work through and their growth throughout this story was great to see. Its obvious they want to be together but they need to deal with their own issues and learn to trust again before they can move forward.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star’s
Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin


Born to Die is the second book in The McIntire County Series and follows from the first book Atonement but is a couple years out. Although this series can be read as standalones and each book is about a different set of characters, I would recommend reading this series in order as the characters overlap and you get to know the characters better us each book is just as good as the last. I literally read this in one afternoon because I got so caught up in the story, I couldn’t put it down. This is another intriguing Suspense Romance. This is Cassy and Boyce’s story. We met Cassy in the first book and we know she is Nic's sister. Cassy has secrets from her past that left scars but what hurts the most is her heart and now its in jeopardy again as she’s been partnered up with Boyce the same man that broke her heart years ago. Boyce thought he was doing the right thing by walking away as he was doing it to save her from his mother who is behind his awful past. These two are teamed up to investigate a bunch of robberies that have taken place. Can she open her heart to him again? Can they move past their pasts ? I don’t want to give anything away. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m ready for the next book in this series and look forward to many more books by this author.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born To Die is the second book in The McIntire County Series. It is a gripping romantic suspense book that centers around the character of Detective Cassy Rivers. We first met Cassy in Atonement, the prequel to this book. If you have not yet read the first book, I highly recommend that you do as there are details that will overlap. Cassy is the sister to Nic Rivers who was the main character in the prequel, Atonement. She is still dealing with the aftermath of barely escaping from her life two years ago. Now faced with the tragic death of a fellow officer and a string of robberies she must ask the help of her ex against her best wishes. This man broke her heart and has left her with trust issues. What she does not realize is that her ex, Boyce, had very good reasons for doing so. As Boyce and Cassy work side by side the attraction between them grows and things heat up in more way than one.

This book was another well written story with a strong female character who persevered and battled through her own demons. The relationship between her and Boyce was an interesting dynamic that kept me reading so I could see how it all played out. The two clearly had feelings for each other but because of how it ended, Cassy had trust issues. Boyce had his reasons for leaving and did so to protect her, but she still felt betrayed. This book had action, suspense, drama, lies, secrets, betrayals, passion, and romance. I look forward to reading the next book in this fantastic series!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Born to Die is the second intriguing book in the McIntire County series by Winter Austin. I am loving this series so far- only two books in and I am already anticipating what else is to come. This is another entirely engrossing romantic suspense that has all the clever, suspenseful, and gripping touches that I have come to expect from Ms. Austin. It follows on from the first book, Atonement, and even though the stories ‘follow’ different characters- there are overlapping/linking details that make this series even more intriguing- so I highly recommend reading the first book before embarking on this instalment.
We met Casey Rivers in the first book, as she is the sister of the (then) FMC Nic (Nicolette) Rivers. Two years have passed since the events in Atonement and now Deputy Rivers has a string of robberies and the death of a colleague on her hands. Things take a bit of a complicated turn when the situation requires her to team up with an FBI Agent who just happens to be her ex. Mmmmm, awkward much. So get set, as things are about to get interesting…
Bring on Book #3!
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Winter Austin!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin. I am loving this series and I can't wait for the next. This author is quickly becoming one of my very favorites. This can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading them in order to get to know all the characters. This is Cassy's story. Cassy is a Deputy in Elder, Iowa and there is a new case that is creating havoc in town. They are going to have to call in Special Agent Boyce Hunt to come back to Elder to help with the case. Cassy is not happy with that because Boyce broke her heart to the point she doesn't think she will ever try again. Due to Cassy's past she is very shattered and that past left her broken to the point she never wanted to try again but she trusted Boyce and gave him her heart and all he did was love her and leave her. Boyce has demons in his past as well, such as his mother is a criminal, and he doesn't want Cassy to get hurt by that. He loves Cassy but knows she deserves better than him. Will he be able to convince Cassy he won't hurt her ever again and will they be able to find the criminal before more murders occur? Read this wonderful romantic suspense to find out!

[Rebeca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the McIntire County series and links back to the first. For this reason, I would recommend reading the first book prior to this one. In this book we follow Cassey and Boyce working on a case involving a dead officer. This is a well-written novel with plenty of suspense, secrecy, danger and romance.
Cassey is strong, attempting to overcome an incident in her past which continues to affect her but is determined not to allow it to hinder her.
Boyce is an interesting character with a surprising background which has caused him to hurt Cassey (unwillingly) in their shared history.
The pair are thrown back together in order to solve the case of the dead officer, and things between them are rocky. The chemistry is there, you can practically feel it sizzling on the page, and I was rooting for them since the moment they ‘reconnected’.
I really enjoy books which have great character development, and this book has that. The growth that you see in both Cassey and Boyce as they work through their issues was exactly what I hoped to encounter, and it added to my enjoyment of the plot.
This was another great read from the author, and I look forward to more!

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, suspense, and heartbreak.

I recommend reading the below before this story
Atonement (McIntire County #1)

This is Cassy and Boyce’s story. Cassy came to Eider to be with her sister. After learning the past truths of her family, she stayed in the small town. Now she is a Deputy and working on a series of robberies. When the robberies escalate to death she has to figure out if they are the same people or to different sets of people. When the man she fell in love with but tossed her aside strolls into town to help she is not happy. She will have to work closely with him. Can these two solve a case and work together or will the past hurts keep them from solving the case before someone gets hurt? Will Boyce finally come clean with the past and claim his woman or will the reason he left her in the past make sure that never happens?

I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

[Shadel ayerbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin a great romance suspense

Deputy Cassy Rivers' heart is in danger as trouble is on the loose in rural Eider, Iowa. She narrowly escaped a terrifying ordeal at the hands of a lunatic two years ago, but not without scars. She now needs to put her trust in the one man who destroyed her heart after a string of random thefts results in the violent death of a fellow officer.Boyce Hunt, an FBI agent, is aware that individuals with a past like his shouldn't commit. He once parted ways with Cassy in order to shield her from his mother's criminal enterprise's extortion and manipulation. However, their attraction rekindles as they grudgingly work together to apprehend the current Bonnie and Clyde terrorizing McIntire County, separating Boyce between the two loyalties.

Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Trouble's on the run in rural Eider, Iowa, and Deputy Cassy Rivers's heart is in the line of fire. Two years ago, she barely escaped a harrowing experience at the hands of a maniac - and not without scars. Now a series of random robberies leads to the brutal death of a fellow officer, and she must put her trust in the one man who broke her heart. FBI agent Boyce Hunt knows commitment isn't for men with pasts like his. He left Cassy once to protect her from the blackmail and manipulation he faces from his mother's criminal enterprise. But when they reluctantly partner up to capture the modern Bonnie and Clyde terrorizing McIntire County, their attraction flames to life once more, pulling Boyce between two loyalties.
Will they risk their hearts again, even if it means losing everything?"
This is the second book from the series, I have not read the 1st one but thinking about going back and reading the first one to know the characters more. This was fabulous read, great characters, story, and suspense. Loved the whole book and also a quick read. Cant wait to read the next one in the series. I give this book 4 stars.