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DEA Special Agents Series #2
Deadly Noel
RETURNING HOME CAN BE DEADLY...
Texas DEA Special Agent Sara Hanrahan has returned to her small, northern Minnesota hometown on a dangerous assignment. She doesn't expect to encounter a deputy who represents every reason she left home years ago.
IT'S A PLACE WHERE DARK SECRETS MUST BE KEPT
Given her family's dark past and the secrets she must keep, her assignment is fraught with danger...and also means she must deal with the deputy whose family tried to destroy her own. There couldn't be a more unlikely relationship.
But perhaps some very special mistletoe and a little boy's heart full of hope can help even the most impossible dreams come true.
Texas DEA Special Agent Sara Hanrahan has returned to her small, northern Minnesota hometown on a dangerous assignment. She doesn't expect to encounter a deputy who represents every reason she left home years ago.
IT'S A PLACE WHERE DARK SECRETS MUST BE KEPT
Given her family's dark past and the secrets she must keep, her assignment is fraught with danger...and also means she must deal with the deputy whose family tried to destroy her own. There couldn't be a more unlikely relationship.
But perhaps some very special mistletoe and a little boy's heart full of hope can help even the most impossible dreams come true.
- GenresRomance
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2023
684 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Roxanne Rustand
101 books569 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 25, 2024
I truly enjoyed DEADLY NOEL (DEA Special Agents Book 2) by Roxanne Rustand. Sara's character, despite her challenging past, is beautifully portrayed as kind and compassionate. Here are the elements I particularly enjoyed:
Intriguing Undercover Plot: Sara's undercover mission in her hometown, investigating a drug ring while her father was an accused murderer, added depth and tension to the story. Her romantic involvement with the deputy sheriff, who was unaware of her true identity, made for a captivating subplot.
Heartwarming Character Development: Sara's kindness and her efforts to befriend the lonely and socially outcast were beautifully portrayed. She changed the life of a bullied little boy and befriended two lonely women.
Sensitive Portrayal of Agoraphobia: The way agoraphobia was handled in the story was exceptional. The trauma behind the condition was highlighted and presented with care, avoiding negative stereotypes.
Compassion for Animals: Sara's dedication to her retired police dog was inspiring. When Nathan informed her about an investigation that could lead to the dog's euthanasia due to being considered dangerous, her resolute response was admirable. Additionally, her insistence that the dog deserved better care than being left outside all day and night was touching.
Believable Relationship Development: The relationship between Sara and Nathan developed naturally and believably, adding to the story's charm.
Subtle Christian Messages: The Christian messages were woven in gently, making the story refreshing and not preachy.
Stand-Alone Appeal: This book, while part of a series, stands well on its own.
It's a wonderful read that leaves you with a warm and hopeful feeling.
Intriguing Undercover Plot: Sara's undercover mission in her hometown, investigating a drug ring while her father was an accused murderer, added depth and tension to the story. Her romantic involvement with the deputy sheriff, who was unaware of her true identity, made for a captivating subplot.
Heartwarming Character Development: Sara's kindness and her efforts to befriend the lonely and socially outcast were beautifully portrayed. She changed the life of a bullied little boy and befriended two lonely women.
Sensitive Portrayal of Agoraphobia: The way agoraphobia was handled in the story was exceptional. The trauma behind the condition was highlighted and presented with care, avoiding negative stereotypes.
Compassion for Animals: Sara's dedication to her retired police dog was inspiring. When Nathan informed her about an investigation that could lead to the dog's euthanasia due to being considered dangerous, her resolute response was admirable. Additionally, her insistence that the dog deserved better care than being left outside all day and night was touching.
Believable Relationship Development: The relationship between Sara and Nathan developed naturally and believably, adding to the story's charm.
Subtle Christian Messages: The Christian messages were woven in gently, making the story refreshing and not preachy.
Stand-Alone Appeal: This book, while part of a series, stands well on its own.
It's a wonderful read that leaves you with a warm and hopeful feeling.
October 23, 2023
Deadly Noel by Roxanne Rustand
DEA Special Agents Series Book Two
Sara Hanrahan is a DEA special agent living in Dallas, Texas. Her next assignment takes her back to her hometown in Minnesota. A small town where the people remember the past and know everyone’s business. Where her mother still lives, only she stays hidden from the world for twenty-five years. Sara’s gentle father had killed a man and then hung himself.
Deputy Nathan Roswell was suspicious of the jumpy woman and her German shepherd from their first meeting on the street. Had she taken the same path as her brother Kyle? He’d surely keep an eye on her.
Loved this story. Great characters, like Josh, a young boy, and Leon, who is young of mind. Lots of twists and turns and danger.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
DEA Special Agents Series Book Two
Sara Hanrahan is a DEA special agent living in Dallas, Texas. Her next assignment takes her back to her hometown in Minnesota. A small town where the people remember the past and know everyone’s business. Where her mother still lives, only she stays hidden from the world for twenty-five years. Sara’s gentle father had killed a man and then hung himself.
Deputy Nathan Roswell was suspicious of the jumpy woman and her German shepherd from their first meeting on the street. Had she taken the same path as her brother Kyle? He’d surely keep an eye on her.
Loved this story. Great characters, like Josh, a young boy, and Leon, who is young of mind. Lots of twists and turns and danger.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
February 15, 2024
This DEA #2 given to us by Roxanne Rustand, a really good suspense novel that takes place in Minnesota. Agent Sara H returns to her hometown to investigate a manufacturing company that has given investigators data that drugs are being shipped from the company. She is their to get information and relay when new shipments are due to arrive. She hopes to give herself a cover by getting a job with the company although they are known for never hiring outsiders. She and her dog,, Harold take night runs to sit on the outskirts of the land surrounding the plant to keep an eye on late night visitors. In the process she runs into the town's new deputy who has a hint that she is doing something more than nightly runs.
It is a good mystery, I have enjoyed a few of Rustand's suspense series while reading this winter. Give it a try!
It is a good mystery, I have enjoyed a few of Rustand's suspense series while reading this winter. Give it a try!
November 6, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the DEA Special Agents series. I am adding Roxann Rustand to my favorite authors list. Special agent Sara Hanrahan has returned to her hometown to do surveillance in a suspected drug pipeline case. Not only is she doing her job but is also trying to form a closer bond with her mother and is working through events from her childhood when her father was accused of murder. Add a handsome deputy, some nefarious suspects, a young boy who needs some friends and a dose of confidence among with a mentally challenged man who just needs a little support and you have a wonderful Christmas read.
January 14, 2025
Sarah went back to her hometown to find the drug dealers, instead she found Nathen,the local sheriff.
Sarah was sent back to her hometown on an assignment to find if rummers of drug dealers working out of a local business . She got involved with the local sherif that may have ties to the drug dealers. She was fighting to stay at a distance but that was hard because Nathen was open and honest and loved his town. He even started looking into her fathers death many years ago. But the the new murders started and they were pulled in different directions. Great story great mystery.
Sarah was sent back to her hometown on an assignment to find if rummers of drug dealers working out of a local business . She got involved with the local sherif that may have ties to the drug dealers. She was fighting to stay at a distance but that was hard because Nathen was open and honest and loved his town. He even started looking into her fathers death many years ago. But the the new murders started and they were pulled in different directions. Great story great mystery.
February 25, 2024
great read!
Can’t believe how well DEADLY NOEL kept my interest! Along with the other books in this series (I have not been reading them in order) I honestly can’t say which I’ve enjoyed the most. They all have been really good! I read this one in two days—along with doing house work, cooking and also making two trips to town, which is an hour each direction🥴so I’ve been double busy. Wish I could have made the book last longer as I will be sad when I’ve read them all. But had to keep going back👍
Can’t believe how well DEADLY NOEL kept my interest! Along with the other books in this series (I have not been reading them in order) I honestly can’t say which I’ve enjoyed the most. They all have been really good! I read this one in two days—along with doing house work, cooking and also making two trips to town, which is an hour each direction🥴so I’ve been double busy. Wish I could have made the book last longer as I will be sad when I’ve read them all. But had to keep going back👍
November 8, 2024
Deadly Noel
Sara is back where she grew up on assignment for the DEA. Nathan is the Deputy of the area, disappointing his family because he refuses to take over the family business. There is a gulf between them when she is found out. They bust the drug dealers and ring out her father didn't kill his boss then commit suicide, he was framed and murdered. They finally come together and decide to marry. Great story.
Sara is back where she grew up on assignment for the DEA. Nathan is the Deputy of the area, disappointing his family because he refuses to take over the family business. There is a gulf between them when she is found out. They bust the drug dealers and ring out her father didn't kill his boss then commit suicide, he was framed and murdered. They finally come together and decide to marry. Great story.
December 22, 2023
I loved this book. Several mysteries in a small town
Meeting a guy when you’re trying to be undercover is hard. Figuring out who the bad guys are and not giving away who you are. WOW. Not only is the she a great agent but shows her kindness and compassion for others. How could he not fall in love with her. And you will too!
Meeting a guy when you’re trying to be undercover is hard. Figuring out who the bad guys are and not giving away who you are. WOW. Not only is the she a great agent but shows her kindness and compassion for others. How could he not fall in love with her. And you will too!
January 27, 2024
Harold is my favorite
Nathan is the sheriff and Sara is a DEA agent. She is there to investigate the town business, and to see if she can find out who killed her Dad's boss. She befriends a intellectually handicapped man, and through her endeavors she changes the attitude of the whole town.
Nathan is the sheriff and Sara is a DEA agent. She is there to investigate the town business, and to see if she can find out who killed her Dad's boss. She befriends a intellectually handicapped man, and through her endeavors she changes the attitude of the whole town.
October 12, 2025
I read this on the heels of finishing Lisa Phillips First Responders series, so I think that heavily influenced my opinion of it (it is a "meh" book compared to Lisa Phillips).
Even though it is book two in a series, I didn't have any problems following along. And it is a super quick read, if you are looking for that in a book, you may want to give this a try.
Even though it is book two in a series, I didn't have any problems following along. And it is a super quick read, if you are looking for that in a book, you may want to give this a try.
December 19, 2025
The 2nd Book I've Read by this Author
This is the 2nd book that I have read by this author, and I am ready to read more. She was recommended by another author, and I am so glad I tried her books! The book is filled with suspense and unsolved mysteries. It was extremely hard to even lay the book down! Great stories, great characters, intriguing, and full of suspense.
This is the 2nd book that I have read by this author, and I am ready to read more. She was recommended by another author, and I am so glad I tried her books! The book is filled with suspense and unsolved mysteries. It was extremely hard to even lay the book down! Great stories, great characters, intriguing, and full of suspense.
January 16, 2024
Deception at its finest
This is a well written story with plenty of action and intrigue. Sara returns to her hometown while working undercover as a DEA agent. Will she find what she’s looking for?
This is a well written story with plenty of action and intrigue. Sara returns to her hometown while working undercover as a DEA agent. Will she find what she’s looking for?
January 21, 2024
Great story!
Just as good as the first book in this series. Clean romance, good mystery & suspense, violence isn't graphic as in most suspense novels now. Characters were great, especially Harold & Josh. Couldn't read a better novel than this one! C
Just as good as the first book in this series. Clean romance, good mystery & suspense, violence isn't graphic as in most suspense novels now. Characters were great, especially Harold & Josh. Couldn't read a better novel than this one! C
February 10, 2024
sara is a dea agent now and has to go to the town she grew up in but left because of the murder her father was said to have done and then the hanging in the jail. she is getting the evidence together but decides she is going to have to work with the local police man. good story
November 16, 2024
Murder, Drugs, and Cover ups!
Love these stories! Mystery until the very end, keeps you guessing. Clean, no swearing, prayer and reliance on God. How real life should be. Small town life and real life problems, holds your attention and interest with laughter and tears. Loved it!
Love these stories! Mystery until the very end, keeps you guessing. Clean, no swearing, prayer and reliance on God. How real life should be. Small town life and real life problems, holds your attention and interest with laughter and tears. Loved it!
March 2, 2025
What A Great Read!
I really enjoyed each of the characters in this story. I loved the twists and turns of the story, past and present. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Thank you for the great read!
I really enjoyed each of the characters in this story. I loved the twists and turns of the story, past and present. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Thank you for the great read!
November 12, 2023
Deadly Noel
This was a great, suspenseful story with plenty of action, romance, and intrigue along with a town full of enjoyable and challenging characters.
This was a great, suspenseful story with plenty of action, romance, and intrigue along with a town full of enjoyable and challenging characters.
December 27, 2023
so cute!
I thought this book was super cute. The characters were great and the mystery was fun to follow. I think my only complaint was I wish there was a little more at the end!
I thought this book was super cute. The characters were great and the mystery was fun to follow. I think my only complaint was I wish there was a little more at the end!
December 28, 2023
Absolutely wonderful book! I enjoyed reading it. The book was hard to put down. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
January 14, 2024
Very good book
If you like solving stuff, with a little romance sprinkled thru...Two careers, and he doesn't know about hers. A well written story you will surely enjoy.
If you like solving stuff, with a little romance sprinkled thru...Two careers, and he doesn't know about hers. A well written story you will surely enjoy.
February 5, 2024
Great read
March 4, 2024
great Book
The author did a wonderful job writing this book. She kept me wanting to keep reading so I could find out who was responsible.
The author did a wonderful job writing this book. She kept me wanting to keep reading so I could find out who was responsible.
April 17, 2024
suspense
Another page turner suspense. I wondered why the beginning was slow but the tempo of suspense and action does pick up later. Good story to the end.
Another page turner suspense. I wondered why the beginning was slow but the tempo of suspense and action does pick up later. Good story to the end.
May 12, 2024
exciting
This was a good story. I liked all of the background in the way the characters moved together. I liked how it all ended as well.
This was a good story. I liked all of the background in the way the characters moved together. I liked how it all ended as well.
June 2, 2024
Deadly Noel
Good book. I enjoyed the light, clean and fun book. It was read quickly and the plot was good. Thanks’
Good book. I enjoyed the light, clean and fun book. It was read quickly and the plot was good. Thanks’
July 12, 2024
Wonderful
From page 1, I fell into this book. The characters came alive and grabbed my heartstrings. It's a must to read. Beautifully written
From page 1, I fell into this book. The characters came alive and grabbed my heartstrings. It's a must to read. Beautifully written
August 10, 2024
Nathan and Sara
These two were too cute together as you read this story. You cannot put this book down until you finish reading and go back and read parts again. Enjoy.
These two were too cute together as you read this story. You cannot put this book down until you finish reading and go back and read parts again. Enjoy.
June 24, 2025
This “Deadly” series by Roxanne Rustand has kept me reading through the night! I’m on book 3 now! Suspenseful with a great underlying storyline is the great theme
August 12, 2025
Very exciting from the first page to the end!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews