Night of Mercy

Heart Lake #11

by Jo Grafford

Don’t kiss a friend. No workplace romance. Never date a cowboy. And whatever you do, don’t fall for a guy in a uniform! Prim Midraven has been following her mother’s dating advice for years. You should be able to trust a professional matchmaker, right? Which doesn’t explain why Prim is still single and lonely. When her best friend, Deputy Shep Whitaker, organizes a volunteer K-9 search and rescue team at the poverty-stricken reservation where she works, she ignores her mother’s advice (for once) and signs up as his first volunteer. His only volunteer, as it turns out, which is why she can’t simply quit on him after her better judgment kicks in. Sure, he checks every box on the list of things she’s supposed to be avoiding in a relationship, but no biggie. They’re both adults, and they’re both professionals. What’s the worst that can happen while working with him on a strictly volunteer basis for a few weeks? Apparently, a few things she never considered — like getting caught in the crosshairs of a dangerous enemy together. Oh, and accidentally falling for her hunky friend in uniform. It’s way past the point where her mother would advise her to cut her losses and run. So why is her heart telling her to stick around long enough to find out where this spark of attraction leads?

BOOKS IN THE HEART LAKE SERIES
Winds of Change
Song of Nightingales
Perils of Starlight
Return of Miracles
Thousands of Gifts
Race of Champions
Storm of Secrets
Season of Angels
Clash of Hearts
Mountain of Fire
Night of Mercy

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2024

About the author

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.

Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.

Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.

Reviews

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primrose "Prim" Midraven, P.A. at the reservation clinic meets Shep Whitaker, Deputy with the Heart Lake Police Department, outside The Longhorn Grill. Shep is there hoping to sign up volunteers for a search and rescue team - only problem is that Prim is the only volunteer. No one else showed up.

Prim was concerned about training for the SAR team. Would the close training conditions lead to a romantic relationship? If so, she felt she could lose her best friend.

As far as Shep's job as Deputy, he was given the assignment of trying to figure out why members of the mafia gang, The Dallas Kings, were hanging around Heart Lake and the reservation. Was it just drag racing as some claimed? Or was it something more sinister?

There's more to this story than the developing relationship between Prim and Shep. For instance, new information about the Hawling/Remington feud. And why were the bodies of two white people found buried on reservation land?

Jo Grafford has written another clean romance with plenty of suspense. This story was a page-turner.... I was up way past my bedtime reading to the end. Now I'm anxious for the next book in this series.

I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of the author, Jo Grafford, but this review is my honest opinion given voluntarily.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book of best friends-to-more with animals, friends, criminal activity, and a hold-onto-your-seat suspenseful ending! Worth more than 5 stars!
I love this series; Jo Grafford brings excellent storylines to life in each of the books.
I was provided with a copy of the book and this review is my honest opinion. I feel like I can't do the book justice, but it hits all the feelings I want a book to give me.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading, keeps you interested. Recommend it to anyone. It’s the story of Deputy Shep Whitaker and P.A. Prim Midraven who have become best friends after she came to the reservation to serve in the reservation clinic. Prim volunteers for the search and rescue team that Shep is starting for the reservation. She is his only volunteer. He starts her out with physical training so she can run with the dogs as they track for the lost. She also learns how to work with the dogs. Shep eventually gets her own dog to train. Shep is concerned about what is happening on the reservation because of the gangsters that are hanging out with Levi and Mato Paddock. Levi, the father owns a large garage where he repairs race cars and supposedly races them. When he invites Shep to bring his dogs and Prim with her dog to check out his garage Shep finally figures out what is happening based on the smell in the garage. He relayed the thoughts to the Sheriff of the reservation and he has him checking the cars as they come in to and leave the reservation. The sheriff relayed the information to the FBI who then setup for the capture of all the gangsters with the incriminating evidence. Meanwhile Levi with the help of Mato sets up to gather evidence on the gang to give to the FBI, only it doesn’t all go as planned. Mato kidnapped Prim to save her from getting killed and brings her to his father in a cave. When Levi puts his plan into play he ends up trapping them in the cave with the evidence he has collected. In the end with the help of the dogs they find Prim and the Paddocks who are arrested. HEA comes for Prim and Shep.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read most of the books in the series and every time I read a new one, it draws me back in to Heart Lake and the neighboring Indian reservation.

Deputy Shep Whitaker is an officer in the Heart Lake police department. He has ties to the reservation, though, and wants to take care of his people. He lives with an uncle and is training his two dogs as K9 search and rescue dogs. He invites people to sign up as volunteers to be training for search and rescue missions. Prim Midraven is the only person who shows up to volunteer. She and She are friends and she doesn't realize that he wants more than friendship. She doesn't want to lose her friend if the romantic relationship doesn't work out, though. Is it worth the risk?

Then there is danger in the town involving souped up racing cars and it is coming from the reservation. What kind of evil is lurking nearby and will it infiltrate all that is good?

This story is full of suspense, danger and lots of swoon-worthy romance. It is also a clean story without sex or foul language.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night of Mercy: Sweet, Small Town Romantic Suspense is an enchanting and heartwarming tale that will leave readers swooning. From the moment I opened the book, I was captivated by the charming characters and the intriguing storyline.


This book has the perfect blend of romance and suspense. The chemistry between Prim and Shep is palpable, and their journey to finding love is both heartwarming and filled with thrilling moments.
The small-town setting adds to the charm of the story Jo Grafford beautifully paints the picturesque scenes of the town, giving readers a sense of belonging and warmth. The secondary characters are also well-developed and add depth and humor to the story.

I especially enjoyed the way the author tackles the themes of friendship, trust, and taking risks. Prim's growth and transformation throughout the story are inspiring, and the lessons she learns along the way are universal.

Night of Mercy is a delightful escape into a small-town world filled with romance, suspense, and heartwarming moments.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primrose Midraven, a physician’s assistant, has accepted a job caring for the health needs of the local reservation. She also volunteers with the local Search and Rescue program with Deputy Shep Whitaker and his dogs Rook and Bishop. As the attraction between Shep and Prim flourishes, he admits that he encouraged her to volunteer so as to spend time with her. Although Shep’s family is from the reservation, he is employed by Heart Lake P.D. Is there a time when he might return to police work on the reservation? There are concerns with the vacant property and garage located next to the Longhorn Grill, which is owned by the Chief of Police’s sister, Aiyanna. Aiyanna has complained of the noise, dust and the drag racing cars that speed to the garage. As Shep investigates, he begins to understand what might be taking place at the garage. When he is unable to locate Prim, is she in danger from his investigation? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prim loves her job at the clinic, she loves her life in Heart Lake, if she could just get past her insecurities from her previous relationship. Shep is a deputy and also a K9 instructor, he's looking to start a volunteer search and rescue team on the rez. The only problem is he only wants one particular volunteer, since she helped with his last rescue he couldn't get her out of his mind. Didn't matter to him that they are best friends he loved everything about her. She was fiesty, smart, gorgeous with just the right amount of curves and not shy of speaking her mind. The trouble was she didn't see what he see's. Bringing her into the search and rescue team he hoped it would give her some self belief and conquer her fears. Can these two build a more personal relationship or has he put her in harms way. This is yet another brilliant book in this series and yet can be read as a single book. I received this as an ARC copy and this is my own honest opinion and review of the book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Lake Night of Mercy is another spellbinding story of trouble around Heart Lake and the rez. Could the mafia be coming into Heart Lake in the form of high end cars used for road racing to cover up what? That is what Shep and Prim are training for is to be search and rescue using K-9 dogs in the event something happens where they can help. They are working on a volunteer basis but actually break the case in the race cars zooming around the rez and the garage of the Paddocks. What can a lowly country criminal have to do with the mafia?

Back in Heart Lake there is an abundance of journalists that has invaded their fair city. Story has got out about the unmarked grave of a woman that was very wealthy that was on her way to an asylum out west when she was intercepted and lived the remainder of her life on the rez. They are saying someone in Heart Lake may be the heir to her fortune. Could this be possible?

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Prim and Shep's story! Prim considers Shep her best friend, which is just another strike against him according to her mother. When Prim signs up to be a volunteer with Shep's new search and rescue endeavor, she's sure it's not going to change their relationship. After all, she's not about to lose her best friend, and according to her mother, nothing else between them would ever work. Since her mother is a professional matchmaker, Prim thinks she should know. However, when Shep decides to take their relationship to the next level, Prim is reluctant to tell him no, since she wants to do the same. When trouble comes, Shep proves he's not about to let anything or anyone come between him and Prim, not trouble and not her mother. Love the faith both show in each other and their relationships with God. Such a great book!!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Prim moves to the rez as a PA at the clinic she becomes best friends with Sheriff Shep Whitaker. But Shep wants to become more than friends. He gets Prim to sign up to join the new search and rescue group he's putting together so he can spend more time with her. Little did he know they would soon have a case together when a grave is uncover in the field beside the diner.
But the biggest thing they have to worry about is why gang members are coming to town and what is going on at the big new garage that was built. Then things get worse when Prim disappears and Shep calls in everyone he knows to help find her.
This relationship gets off with an exciting start and brings true feelings out quickly. I loved the friendship Prim and Shep had at the start and enjoyed watching them move to something more.
With lives on the line and mysteries to be solved, this story keeps your attention.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

What a wonderful story! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really hated to see it end. It is told in a dual POV format. That is a favorite of mine. Seeing into both of the main characters' thoughts really help me to better understand them and connect with them. It really makes for a more enjoyable read for me.

Primrose (Prim) is a PA at the local reservation's clinic. Her best friend is Shep, who is a deputy for the local police department. Prim has a few issues due to her ex's treatment of her weight. Shep on the other hand adores her curves. Can Shep get past her defenses to show her that he is a good man who loves her no matter what?

I loved the mystery and suspense that the author brought into this story. It really made for one intriguing story!

This is a sweet, clean romance (just a few kissing scenes). I highly recommend this to anyone!

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good story! I love this series and it's going to be ending soon which is sad for me! Another dangerous situation has come to the rez (the reservation) and what's to be done? Shep and Prim are going to help in any way they can! I loved both of these characters. Prim is the PA at the clinic and always overworked but so sweet. Shep is a law enforcement officer and dedicated to his career. I enjoyed his two dogs! They are best friends first but I liked how, after training for the search and rescue team, they became more! As with all the books in the series, there is danger and I enjoyed this suspense angle! The dogs and the secondary characters were extra fun in this installment!

[MerryMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deputy Shep Whitaker falls hard for Prim Midraven, PA at the clinic on the reservation, and they work really well together on the newly formed volunteer K-9 search and rescue team. Years ago, Shep moved in with his Uncle Caleb to help him after a rodeo injury. Even with his injury, Caleb helps out with the K-9s and "makes a killer venison stew." Shep and Prim barely have time to sit down for peach tea before secrets begin to be revealed. And how do Prim and her mother Summer Midraven know Bliss Hawling, a famous archeologist originally from Heart Lake? And I think there's more to learn about Uncle Caleb, too. Highly recommend this book and the next one to come. I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Jo.
Full of danger and suspense,but also lots of romance.
Prim and Shep are best friends.Shep ticks all her mum's who not to date list
When Shep needs volunteer's for his search and rescue team Prim signs up.She is the only one.
When they end up helping with a mystery they put themselves in danger.
As they spend time together they realise their feelings for each other.They eventually get to their sweet happily ever after.
A great read with the usual humour,emotions,danger,suspense,
romance,friendships,family,small town support and a happily ever after.
Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I recieved an advanced review copy of this book for free from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prim is the PA at the clinic on the reservation. When she broke up with her fiancé, she moved from New York City to Heart Lake, TX to get away from her match-making mother and find a slower life. She is friends with Shep who is part of the Heart Lake police department. He is a canine officer and starting a volunteer search and rescue task force for the reservation. Prim is the only one to sign up as a volunteer. They have always been friends, but as they train together, they become closer. When the mafia comes to the reservation to launder money, Prim works with Shep to figure out what's going on. A bit slow starting as characters are introduced, but then it ramps up and things really move fast. Very well done.

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Jo Grafford book. I couldn't put this book down. Read it in one evening. A PA on a reservation is best friends with a deputy. He starts a search and rescue team and she volunteers to be on it and learn how to train a dog and help him in his quest to keep the rez free of crime. The twists and turns in this romantic mystery story are great. Definitely worth 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book and this is my own honest opinion. Thank you Jo Grafford for this opportunity. Am hoping that book #12 in the Heart Lake Series, Echoes of Home, will not be long in coming out.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!

Loving this series; it keeps getting better. Prim and Shep are best friends. She came to cheer him on for his new K-9 sign up class to find she’s the only one to show up. Of course, she signs up. Unfortunately, their first case puts them both in the crosshairs of very dangerous people. Loved the camaraderie and teasing between them and the suspense kept me reading through lunch. Don’t get me started on her mother’s dating rules. As a professional matchmaker, she should know better. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Received an ARC and this is my honest, unsolicited review.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shep and Prim are friends from the first page but quickly transition to more. Shep’s stoic masculinity is an appealing contrast to Prim’s sweet femininity. Their relationship works from the outset. The real story is the crime taking place on the reservation. I enjoyed reading about Prim’s personal growth as they investigate. Shep helps her confidence by being open in his admiration. What’s better than a strong man making himself vulnerable for the one he loves? Of course, we have a happily ever after ending but it isn’t without peril! Great story!!! I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my opinion.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shep works for the Heart Lake PD and Prim is a PA on the reservation. Shep talks Prim into signing up for a SAR unit he’s developing. They’ve been friends for a long time, but she’s hesitant to move their relationship any further, not only because of her mother’s multiple match-maker warnings, but also due to the experience with her ex. There’s more than a romance to the book as it seems there is a drag race track being built in the area. Both Shep and the rez police chief think there is a lot more going on than just drag racing, and they are right. Read the book to find the real reason behind the hot cars.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to this outstanding series by Jo Grafford.
Shep is a handsome, single deputy on the reservation police force.
He is trying to start a search and rescue team but getting little interest. Prim is the white PA at the clinic on the reservation and agrees to join his team. They are good friends with an obvious attraction but she’s convinced that if they date it will ruin their friendship.
Can their budding relationship grow when danger arrives in town?
Will the secrets that have been hidden for decades tear them apart?
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with lots of action! Make sure you set aside lots of reading time, it will pull you right in. Shep is a deputy working in Heart Lake right outside of the reservation, Prim is a PA working in the clinic on the reservation. The two have been friends for years and Shep wants to move their friendship to a relationship. The chemistry between the two is sizzling. When Shep starts a search and rescue volunteer group Prim is the only one to volunteer. Now Shep can make his move! Something is going on at the reservation when known Dallas mafia guys and sports cars appear as a well as some construction.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense and romance!

Suspense and romance rolled up into one great book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Prim and Shep drew me in from the start of the book and I loved following their relationship as they worked together to investigate strange happenings on the reservation. As a dog lover, the role played by the intelligent K9s and the gorgeous St. Bernard was a bonus. I recommend this book and others by Jo Grafford.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prim is the PA – and only medical personnel on the Commanche reservation. Shep is a deputy police officer. They are best friends, and Prim is afraid she will lose Shep as a friend if they move into a closer relationship. Shep finally convinces her they will remain friends. Prim joins Shep’s canine search and rescue team. Then the fun – and drama begins.

This is a very well-written story with very real and likeable characters, an exciting plot, and Christian values.

I received a free advance copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Jo Grafford, and this does not disappoint!! Prim is a Physician Assistant on the Comanche Reservation. Her best friend is Deputy Shep Whitaker, who has two German shepherds used for search and rescue. Shep is launching the Reservations first ever search and rescue recruitment of volunteers. Prim is the only one to volunteer. Does Prim and Shep's friendship turn into anything more? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Jo Grafford!!!

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night of Mercy

Really enjoyable book full of suspense and danger. Prim and Shep had been paired together in a previous story when they were on a search and rescue team. They became fast friends but her matchmaker mother has warned her from falling for anyone in uniform or a best friend. No problem for Prim since she has just gotten out of a harmful situation with her ex fiancé. Shep has been asked to lead a search and rescue team for the reservation so Prim signs up. She is the only volunteer. Read of their developing relationship and the dangers they face along the way.

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book! I am so glad that the author extended the series to include Shep. Shep and Prim had such a great friendship, and adding kisses to their relationship made it even more exciting – because did they ever like kissing! I loved their banter, as well as how they handled their training for search and rescue. Add in a mystery and some suspenseful times, and you have a truly wonderful story. I laughed; I swooned! So much fun!

[Kathy Winchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Each story grabs and keeps you until the end. Which you want to get to and know how the story works out. But you don’t want to get there because it’s over. Great plot with intrigue, compassion, family, and a big HEA! Amazing characters who lend their knowledge and spunk to each book in the series. Prim and Shep are the perfect romance happening in spite of all the world throws at them. Do Not Miss This Story! I received an ARC, with this being my honest review.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fantastic, page turning story from Jo Grafford. Shep and Prim take us on a journey from best friends to more with mystery and danger along the way. I loved the dogs in this one and hope to read a little more about Pink. A wonderful, clean book I highly recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night of Mercy is Christian suspense at its best! I devoured this well written book in just a few hours. I love Shep, Prim, the dogs and the recurring characters. There is a lot of drama and tension on the reservation as it appears that there may be a mafia connection with a reservation family. Ms. Grafford writes the best suspense and keeps me riveted to her books! The dogs are an added bonus. I love that sometimes even lowly criminal types make some redeeming decisions!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Res has something going on

The Res has more problems! How can this family seem to be so bad? What illegal problem did they bring to the Res? Now the Chief needs help and who better than Shep and his K9. His best friend,hopeful girlfriend, now has the PA job at the Res Clinic. How tangled will everything get?
Once again this series draws one in and adds a delightful read for you. It's a great read which will capture your interest till the last page.