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DEA Special Agents Series #1
Deadly Vendetta
HE HADN’T KNOWN ABOUT HIS ESTRANGED SISTER’S LITTLE GIRL. NOW HE’S ON THE RUN TO KEEP HER ALIVE.
DEA Agent Zach Forrester’s troubled sister refused all contact for years. Now she’s at his door, frantically claiming she and her daughter witnessed a murder. Begging him to keep Katie safe, she shoves the child into his arms and vanishes.
Was this just another fabrication? When a bomb explodes in his home two days later, the threat is clear. He takes Katie into hiding until he can trace the men who are after her. He knows the perfect place: a dusty little Colorado ranching town where strangers are noticed with suspicion and won’t get past the watchful eyes of the locals. He hopes.
He doesn't expect to discover that the only love of his life is still there. He’d jilted Dana years ago to keep her safe, but has never stopped regretting the choice he had to make. Dana remembers her heartbreak all too well.
As danger escalates and threatens everyone she loves, she must decide. Who can she trust--the local deputies or the man who betrayed her long ago?
And are second chances ever possible with a man who broke her heart?
DEA Agent Zach Forrester’s troubled sister refused all contact for years. Now she’s at his door, frantically claiming she and her daughter witnessed a murder. Begging him to keep Katie safe, she shoves the child into his arms and vanishes.
Was this just another fabrication? When a bomb explodes in his home two days later, the threat is clear. He takes Katie into hiding until he can trace the men who are after her. He knows the perfect place: a dusty little Colorado ranching town where strangers are noticed with suspicion and won’t get past the watchful eyes of the locals. He hopes.
He doesn't expect to discover that the only love of his life is still there. He’d jilted Dana years ago to keep her safe, but has never stopped regretting the choice he had to make. Dana remembers her heartbreak all too well.
As danger escalates and threatens everyone she loves, she must decide. Who can she trust--the local deputies or the man who betrayed her long ago?
And are second chances ever possible with a man who broke her heart?
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2023
1114 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Roxanne Rustand
101 books565 followersRoxanne is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author of forty romantic suspense, mystery, and heart-warming, emotionally charged relationship novels in the clean & wholesome, as well as inspirational romance genres.
She got her first horse at the tender age of six and grew up riding bareback with wild abandon throughout her small Minnesota town year-round. It was like giving a child car keys!
She showed horses for many years, and later, she and her husband raised quarter horses and thoroughbreds until their kids came along.
She's living her childhood dream, living on an acreage in the country with her husband, three horses (all beloved elderly pasture ornaments, now), a golden retriever, a Mountain Cur rescue, and six fluffy barn cats. It's a much smaller menagerie than when their three kids were still at home!
Ranches, animals, and small-town life frequently find their way into her books.
To connect...
https://www.roxannerustand.com
https://bookbub.com/authors/roxanne-r...
https://amazon.com/author/roxannerustand
https://www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
She got her first horse at the tender age of six and grew up riding bareback with wild abandon throughout her small Minnesota town year-round. It was like giving a child car keys!
She showed horses for many years, and later, she and her husband raised quarter horses and thoroughbreds until their kids came along.
She's living her childhood dream, living on an acreage in the country with her husband, three horses (all beloved elderly pasture ornaments, now), a golden retriever, a Mountain Cur rescue, and six fluffy barn cats. It's a much smaller menagerie than when their three kids were still at home!
Ranches, animals, and small-town life frequently find their way into her books.
To connect...
https://www.roxannerustand.com
https://bookbub.com/authors/roxanne-r...
https://amazon.com/author/roxannerustand
https://www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 18, 2023
I started Deadly Vendetta when I went to bed around 9 and I was still reading at 1:30 when I made myself put the book down and go to sleep! I kept saying just one more chapter...
Zack grabs the reader right away with his love and concern for a niece he didn't know he had. And Katie grabs you from the get-go! The danger is nonstop, as Zack tries to protect his niece from the men who believe she's a threat.
Dana is great as the heroine--I love stories about vets and horses! And I love her courage, whether it's raising her two step-children or helping Zack. The story has drama, intrigue, romance, and fast-paced action. Readers of romantic suspense will love it!
Zack grabs the reader right away with his love and concern for a niece he didn't know he had. And Katie grabs you from the get-go! The danger is nonstop, as Zack tries to protect his niece from the men who believe she's a threat.
Dana is great as the heroine--I love stories about vets and horses! And I love her courage, whether it's raising her two step-children or helping Zack. The story has drama, intrigue, romance, and fast-paced action. Readers of romantic suspense will love it!
February 16, 2024
This is the first book I have read from this author. It did keep me interested, although, I knew from the beginning how it would end. This is not one of the "cliff hanger" type of books that I normally read. It has very little action and intrigue, but it was a nice read. I will read more from this author, I am sure.
September 27, 2023
Where do you go when you are running for your life with a 3-year-old?
Katie, a 3-year-old witness to a murder. Zach, an undercover DEA agent, on the run with her, returns to a ranching town where he briefly lived during his senior year of high school. Dana, his first love, is now a vet, now widowed, raising her 2 step kids after her husband is killed.
Zach’s house was bombed the day Katie is thrust into his arms. Danger everywhere. Zach keeps moving to keep Katie and himself safe. He returns to a ranching town where strangers are noticed. His boss has put him on 3-month medical leave while he heals from injuries from the bombing. Lots of twists and turns with a growing romance between Zach and Dana.
I enjoyed the comedy of Zach buying geese and peacocks as an alarm system. I live in the country on a small farm, so I get it. Everyone has a rifle and a dog. No one will sneak up on peacocks. For animal lovers, there are puppies and ponies.
The plot is typical. A broken past, misunderstandings, meeting as adults. Dana is a strong, independent woman. Kudos to the author for that. Zach can’t share why he is there with anyone to keep Katie safe. That leads to confusion, of course. The bad guy is bad, bent on revenge toward Zach and ready to kill Katie, who witnessed him killing someone.
The final scene is a race to save the kids, who have been kidnapped by the bad guy. Dana sneaks in Zach’s SUV and takes surprising action to save her son, Alex, Katie and Zach. Zach is capable and efficient. Now that his cover is blown, he can be the DEA agent he is. One of the best.
In the end, the book wraps up nicely. Characters are likable. Plot is fast-moving. Bad guy is dealt with. Zach and Dana feel like they could be friends of mine. All 3 kids are endearing. And who doesn’t love puppies?
The author is turning into a favorite of mine.
Katie, a 3-year-old witness to a murder. Zach, an undercover DEA agent, on the run with her, returns to a ranching town where he briefly lived during his senior year of high school. Dana, his first love, is now a vet, now widowed, raising her 2 step kids after her husband is killed.
Zach’s house was bombed the day Katie is thrust into his arms. Danger everywhere. Zach keeps moving to keep Katie and himself safe. He returns to a ranching town where strangers are noticed. His boss has put him on 3-month medical leave while he heals from injuries from the bombing. Lots of twists and turns with a growing romance between Zach and Dana.
I enjoyed the comedy of Zach buying geese and peacocks as an alarm system. I live in the country on a small farm, so I get it. Everyone has a rifle and a dog. No one will sneak up on peacocks. For animal lovers, there are puppies and ponies.
The plot is typical. A broken past, misunderstandings, meeting as adults. Dana is a strong, independent woman. Kudos to the author for that. Zach can’t share why he is there with anyone to keep Katie safe. That leads to confusion, of course. The bad guy is bad, bent on revenge toward Zach and ready to kill Katie, who witnessed him killing someone.
The final scene is a race to save the kids, who have been kidnapped by the bad guy. Dana sneaks in Zach’s SUV and takes surprising action to save her son, Alex, Katie and Zach. Zach is capable and efficient. Now that his cover is blown, he can be the DEA agent he is. One of the best.
In the end, the book wraps up nicely. Characters are likable. Plot is fast-moving. Bad guy is dealt with. Zach and Dana feel like they could be friends of mine. All 3 kids are endearing. And who doesn’t love puppies?
The author is turning into a favorite of mine.
October 19, 2023
Good Writing Could Use More Christian Character Building Moments
I thought the writing was exceptional but I was disappointed that it lacked any real Christian connection. Yes there was no swearing or inappropriate connections and mentions of prayer but to bill it as a Christian Novel is a stretch in my years of reading. To this amazing Author.. in the future please take a little bit more time to bring Jesus, His Example and His Teachings into your character composition, inter-personal relationships, personal growth opportunities, etc. Your readers need more Christ in their lives and in your blessed gifts/work! Thank you for sharing your God-Given talents with us and please Honor Him more in your writings! What a place to plant the seed of Gods love and Forgiveness in your future writings. Bless you!!
I thought the writing was exceptional but I was disappointed that it lacked any real Christian connection. Yes there was no swearing or inappropriate connections and mentions of prayer but to bill it as a Christian Novel is a stretch in my years of reading. To this amazing Author.. in the future please take a little bit more time to bring Jesus, His Example and His Teachings into your character composition, inter-personal relationships, personal growth opportunities, etc. Your readers need more Christ in their lives and in your blessed gifts/work! Thank you for sharing your God-Given talents with us and please Honor Him more in your writings! What a place to plant the seed of Gods love and Forgiveness in your future writings. Bless you!!
October 20, 2023
When is it best for a Christian to tell a lie?
DEA special agent Zach was shocked when his sister, a troubled addict, dropped off her frightened three-year-old daughter into his care and disappeared. His dangerous work had always precluded family.
It was bad timing. His undercover work had made him a target, and his boss had mandated a three-month break in hiding.
That’s how Zach found himself and little Katie secretly renting a country cottage in Colorado, in the town where he’d met the girl of his childhood dreams.
But trouble stalked him, and soon he was using all his skills to protect those he loved.
This romantic crime thriller will engage you fully with characters you come to know and care about and action that will keep you reading into the night.
Roxanne Rustand clearly states this is Christian writing. It’s clean. The violence is present, but not graphic. Her messages live not through any preaching but through her characters, who make seemingly good choices that go very wrong. Honest confrontations are necessary, though painful, and the power of gentle steadfastness wins over the torque of reactionary hostility.
DEA special agent Zach was shocked when his sister, a troubled addict, dropped off her frightened three-year-old daughter into his care and disappeared. His dangerous work had always precluded family.
It was bad timing. His undercover work had made him a target, and his boss had mandated a three-month break in hiding.
That’s how Zach found himself and little Katie secretly renting a country cottage in Colorado, in the town where he’d met the girl of his childhood dreams.
But trouble stalked him, and soon he was using all his skills to protect those he loved.
This romantic crime thriller will engage you fully with characters you come to know and care about and action that will keep you reading into the night.
Roxanne Rustand clearly states this is Christian writing. It’s clean. The violence is present, but not graphic. Her messages live not through any preaching but through her characters, who make seemingly good choices that go very wrong. Honest confrontations are necessary, though painful, and the power of gentle steadfastness wins over the torque of reactionary hostility.
September 23, 2023
Deadly Vendetta by Roxanne Rustand
DEA Special Agents Series Book One
Zach Forrester, a DEA agent, has suddenly become the caretaker of the niece he never knew he had. His sister Janet had dumped Katie off and left. And then…an explosion and another threatening letter. He had to get off the grid for a while to protect Katie. So he was heading to the one place he said he’d never go to again—Fossil Hill, Colorado.
Dana Hathaway had dreams. Now, she lived a life trying to stay above water. With bills from her college years to pay, her veterinarian business to run, and a ranch to run and make payments on. The last thing she needed was an old flame from high school to reappear. Especially considering how he so quickly disappeared fifteen years ago!
Wow! I enjoyed this story. Fast-paced, has excellent characters, an edge-of-the-seat storyline, and is a good read.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
DEA Special Agents Series Book One
Zach Forrester, a DEA agent, has suddenly become the caretaker of the niece he never knew he had. His sister Janet had dumped Katie off and left. And then…an explosion and another threatening letter. He had to get off the grid for a while to protect Katie. So he was heading to the one place he said he’d never go to again—Fossil Hill, Colorado.
Dana Hathaway had dreams. Now, she lived a life trying to stay above water. With bills from her college years to pay, her veterinarian business to run, and a ranch to run and make payments on. The last thing she needed was an old flame from high school to reappear. Especially considering how he so quickly disappeared fifteen years ago!
Wow! I enjoyed this story. Fast-paced, has excellent characters, an edge-of-the-seat storyline, and is a good read.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
November 25, 2023
This story drew me straight in as Zach, a DEA agent, is suddenly caring for his estranged half-sister's 3 year old niece Katie. Katie and her mother witnessed a murder, and Zach and Katie are on the run from the bad guys after an explosion happens at Zach's condo.
Zach and Katie head to a town in Colorado, where Zach and his mother lived his senior year of high school. He encounters Dana, the girl he fell in love with his senior year of high school. Dana, a vet, is raising her two stepchildren and taking care of her ranch. I loved Zach and Dana's growing romance in this story after they meet up again. Zach is determined to protect those he loves as danger comes his way.
Deadly Vendetta is a nonstop, action-packed story with twists and turns, romance, danger, secrets, and more.
Zach and Katie head to a town in Colorado, where Zach and his mother lived his senior year of high school. He encounters Dana, the girl he fell in love with his senior year of high school. Dana, a vet, is raising her two stepchildren and taking care of her ranch. I loved Zach and Dana's growing romance in this story after they meet up again. Zach is determined to protect those he loves as danger comes his way.
Deadly Vendetta is a nonstop, action-packed story with twists and turns, romance, danger, secrets, and more.
April 30, 2025
he left her after prom, she never knew why, they both loved each other
her mom made the police run him and his mom out of town
he became dea agent
she married and raised his 2 kids alone after he died. she is a vet
his sister left her 3 yr old daughter with him. someone is after her
his house gets bombed
he takes the girl and moved back to the town where the vet is
he didnt think they would find him there
but they did
they kidnapped the girl and the vets son
he and the mom rescued them
they got together
i would read more from this author
her mom made the police run him and his mom out of town
he became dea agent
she married and raised his 2 kids alone after he died. she is a vet
his sister left her 3 yr old daughter with him. someone is after her
his house gets bombed
he takes the girl and moved back to the town where the vet is
he didnt think they would find him there
but they did
they kidnapped the girl and the vets son
he and the mom rescued them
they got together
i would read more from this author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2025
When his sister leaves her daughter at Zach's home, he has no idea of the troubles that lay ahead. An explosion set the scene of the next four months as he tries to find his sister, while keeping Katie safe.
Amnesia and hiding out in his old home town while trying to stay undercover, brings him back to his old flame Dana. So much action and prevention to uncover the grounds of the attacks kept me in suspense as they tried to search for the truth.
A new to me author and one I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Amnesia and hiding out in his old home town while trying to stay undercover, brings him back to his old flame Dana. So much action and prevention to uncover the grounds of the attacks kept me in suspense as they tried to search for the truth.
A new to me author and one I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
October 16, 2023
Interesting story
This was a very good story and the first one I have read from this author. I enjoyed reading it but I was disappointed that it claimed to be a Christian story as the only signs of Christianity were using prayer as if God was Santa and, apart from that, no other signs at all.
However, now I know this author doesn’t write Christian stories, I would definitely read more as this one was a well written and well thought out interesting story.
This was a very good story and the first one I have read from this author. I enjoyed reading it but I was disappointed that it claimed to be a Christian story as the only signs of Christianity were using prayer as if God was Santa and, apart from that, no other signs at all.
However, now I know this author doesn’t write Christian stories, I would definitely read more as this one was a well written and well thought out interesting story.
September 19, 2023
This was a novel that kept my interest all the way through. I became so attached to the characters especially Katie. I just wanted to hug her many times. Not knowing who the bad guy was other than his notes or calls kept my heart pounding in overtime. Very intriguing and a must read for any suspense fan!
This was an owned copy and I wrote the review of my own free will.
This was an owned copy and I wrote the review of my own free will.
September 20, 2023
Delightful!
Roxanne Rustand's stories really are purely addictive. I just discovered her books last week and I've now read at least ten of them. It's so refreshing to read books without bad language (so not necessary!) Her storyline keeps you turning the pages quickly. Like I said...truly delightful!
Roxanne Rustand's stories really are purely addictive. I just discovered her books last week and I've now read at least ten of them. It's so refreshing to read books without bad language (so not necessary!) Her storyline keeps you turning the pages quickly. Like I said...truly delightful!
September 29, 2023
Dreams
I recommend this book and story. Author did a good job of writing it. A man's sister shows up with his 3 year old niece he didn't know he had. Tell him he had to protect Katie. Because
they had seen a murder. Wil he be able to protect her?Not knowing what the man looked like. What will happen to his sister?
I recommend this book and story. Author did a good job of writing it. A man's sister shows up with his 3 year old niece he didn't know he had. Tell him he had to protect Katie. Because
they had seen a murder. Wil he be able to protect her?Not knowing what the man looked like. What will happen to his sister?
January 11, 2024
This wasn’t bad in the beginning. But the end was rushed and kind of lost the narrative in my opinion. A lot of unlikely events happened very quickly to get this wrapped up and to a HEA. I personally never got that invested in the pair and their happy ending seemed contrived. I just think the romance part could’ve been better. And again, the ending was too rushed.
February 8, 2024
zach is home on medical leave when his sister showes up and hads her daughter katie over to him and says to protect her she witnessed a murder. when his place explodes he takes the little girl and goes to a town he used to live in. dana is his ex that he thinks will not be living there anymore but she is. dana tries to help . good story
January 2, 2025
Fun quality read
This book has a solid plot, an entertaining (but not overdone) romance, and a good one of intrigue. Although the actions of Zach and his team may not have aligned with the daily realities of such positions, the veterinarian aspects were well researched.
Clean read with no distasteful see scenes or foul language.
This book has a solid plot, an entertaining (but not overdone) romance, and a good one of intrigue. Although the actions of Zach and his team may not have aligned with the daily realities of such positions, the veterinarian aspects were well researched.
Clean read with no distasteful see scenes or foul language.
May 4, 2025
Enjoyable Story of Second Chances
This is my first book by this author. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were interesting and relatable. The hero had believable flaws, as well as integrity. The story itself was a clean read which made the experience truly enjoyable for me. If you enjoy clean, suspense romance, like me, then do give it a try!
This is my first book by this author. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were interesting and relatable. The hero had believable flaws, as well as integrity. The story itself was a clean read which made the experience truly enjoyable for me. If you enjoy clean, suspense romance, like me, then do give it a try!
September 15, 2023
Great read!
The story was a bit cheesy, but very entertaining. The story and characters touched caused many emotions within me. Just what I was looking to read. It had just the right amount of romance, suspense, and joy!
The story was a bit cheesy, but very entertaining. The story and characters touched caused many emotions within me. Just what I was looking to read. It had just the right amount of romance, suspense, and joy!
September 16, 2023
Outstanding read!
This was my first read by Roxanne Rust and but it certainly won't be my last. I'm not one for giving away the storyline so instead l just recommend that you read this book.
This was my first read by Roxanne Rust and but it certainly won't be my last. I'm not one for giving away the storyline so instead l just recommend that you read this book.
January 19, 2024
A really great book!
Loved all of this. Clean romance, no cursing, and a great story line. Loved the characters, especially the kids.
Can't wait to read another book by this author.v
Loved all of this. Clean romance, no cursing, and a great story line. Loved the characters, especially the kids.
Can't wait to read another book by this author.v
March 3, 2024
A Very Compelling Book!
Such a good book with a great storyline with likable characters that keep you turning the pages while dark secrets unfold. A lot of twists and turns keep you guessing until the ending. A great clean book of romance and mystery.
Such a good book with a great storyline with likable characters that keep you turning the pages while dark secrets unfold. A lot of twists and turns keep you guessing until the ending. A great clean book of romance and mystery.
August 9, 2024
Zach and Dana
Had not seen each other in years and years. It was not on a good note either. Zach was in town with his niece. Cutie pie but that baby girl life was rung out like a river. Plus it went down hill fast. Read and enjoy!!!!
Had not seen each other in years and years. It was not on a good note either. Zach was in town with his niece. Cutie pie but that baby girl life was rung out like a river. Plus it went down hill fast. Read and enjoy!!!!
November 5, 2024
Deadly Vendetta
This author is a great storyteller, fluid, entertaining and informative with emotion thrown in. Great story about an old high school romance renal owning and the blending of a family in the aftermath of crime and violence.
This author is a great storyteller, fluid, entertaining and informative with emotion thrown in. Great story about an old high school romance renal owning and the blending of a family in the aftermath of crime and violence.
February 21, 2025
A Great and Exciting Read!
I very much enjoyed this book, it was grabbed my interest from the very beginning and kept it all the way to the exciting end. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Thanks for the excellent read!
I very much enjoyed this book, it was grabbed my interest from the very beginning and kept it all the way to the exciting end. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Thanks for the excellent read!
May 26, 2025
Clean Suspense
But they did have one swear word (a). I loved how Zach took Katie and kept up hope that his sister would show up. I also liked Molly, although Alex was harder (teen boy). I didn’t like kids being in danger. I loved the end!
But they did have one swear word (a). I loved how Zach took Katie and kept up hope that his sister would show up. I also liked Molly, although Alex was harder (teen boy). I didn’t like kids being in danger. I loved the end!
June 28, 2025
Great read
I like the book, could not put it down. I will be looking to see if my library carries this author and if they don't I will be making requests to have them order books by her. Thanks
I like the book, could not put it down. I will be looking to see if my library carries this author and if they don't I will be making requests to have them order books by her. Thanks
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July 5, 2025Absolute page turner
I recommend this book to anyone interested in romantic suspense. It's clean reading too. The two main characters couldn't have more conflict to keep them apart.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in romantic suspense. It's clean reading too. The two main characters couldn't have more conflict to keep them apart.
September 10, 2023
Deadly Vendetta
Great suspense, drama, romance, intrigue, and mystery in this book. The setting made me feel I was on a ranch in Colorado.
Great suspense, drama, romance, intrigue, and mystery in this book. The setting made me feel I was on a ranch in Colorado.
September 15, 2023
A exciting clean romance
Roxanne Rustand, the author, wrote a novel that was both exciting and interesting. A clean novel doesn’t have to be boring to be read. Recommended
Roxanne Rustand, the author, wrote a novel that was both exciting and interesting. A clean novel doesn’t have to be boring to be read. Recommended
September 17, 2023
Great Book
This book was amazing! I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. You will love it too!
This book was amazing! I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. You will love it too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews