Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Coltons of Owl Creek #1

Colton Threat Unleashed

Rate this book
His dogs are under attack...and so is the mother of his unborn baby.

Who’s sabotaging Sebastian Cross’s elite dog training facility? Or is his longtime friend, veterinarian Ruby Colton, the real target? The ex-marine and feisty vet work together to find the culprit and prevent further carnage...until one night of passion leaves Ruby pregnant. Sebastian’s PTSD and Ruby’s fierce independence mean neither wants marriage and family. But deadly danger has a way of changing lives...and love.



Mills & Boon Romantic Suspense — Danger. Passion. Drama.

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 4, 2024

31 people are currently reading
38 people want to read

About the author

Tara Taylor Quinn

374 books1,459 followers
Tara Taylor Quinn began her love affair with Harlequin when she was fourteen years old and picked up a free promotional copy of a Harlequin Romance in a hometown grocery store. The relationship was solidified the year she was suspended from her high school typing class for hiding a Harlequin Romance behind the keys of her electric typewriter. Unaware that her instructor loomed close by, Ms. Quinn read blissfully on with one finger resting on the automatic repeating period key. She finished the book in the principal’s office. Forced to leave her romances in her locker after that, Ms. Quinn’s typing skills improved - a fact for which she is eternally grateful.

With over 80 original novels, published in more than twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestselling author with more than seven million copies sold. She is a winner of the 2008 National Reader's Choice Award, four time finalist for the RWA Rita Award, a finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the Bookseller’s Best Award, the Holt Medallion and appears regularly on the Waldenbooks bestsellers list. Ms. Quinn writes for Harlequin and MIRA Books. Reviewer, Cindy Penn, wordweaving.com says, “Amazing character development is the hallmark of author Tara Taylor Quinn’s work. Indeed, Taylor’s profound observations of human nature and intimate understanding of values and priorities lends extraordinary psychological depth to all her work.”

Tara Taylor Quinn was born and raised in Ohio. Though she wrote her first story at the age of seven, her professional writing career began ten years later when she was hired as a stringer with the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Wright State University and graduated from Harding College in Arkansas with a degree in English and Journalism. She published several magazine articles before turning to writing as a full-time occupation.

Ms. Quinn is a Past President of the Romance Writers of America and served for eight years on the Board of Directors of that association. She has a wide range of experience as a public speaker and workshop presenter for writers groups around the country.

When she’s not home with her owners, Jerry Lee and Taylor Marie, or fulfilling speaking engagements, Tara loves to travel with her husband, stopping wherever the spirit takes them. They’ve been spotted in casinos and quaint little small town antique shops all across the country..

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
80 (62%)
4 stars
36 (27%)
3 stars
10 (7%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,394 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2024
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Coltons of Owl Creek series. I really enjoyed this book, and I enjoyed getting to know these characters. Some of the characters were in other Coltons series, so I remember some of the characters for those series. The two main characters in this book are loners, and I love how their romance slowly unfolded. The suspense was so good, and I was living for the action and suspense in this book. I loved all the dogs in this book. Great Read. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Romantic Suspense) or author (Tara Taylor Quinn) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,657 reviews
January 14, 2024
Colton Threat Unleashed by Tara Taylor Quinn, book one in the Coltons of Owl Creek series, is the story of two loners who connect by sharing similar goals and push past their fears to create a possible future together, while dodging threat after threat from an unknown attacker. Ruby Colton, a very independent woman from a large family, owns the local veterinarian clinic, and is a loner with no interest in marriage. Sebastian Cross, a former Marine owns of an elite dog training facility, is also a loner, and due to his PTSD , has no interest in getting married and having children. These two friends will soon be dealing with the consequences of an unexpected night spent together comforting each other, leaves Ruby pregnant. Determined to continue their friendship, Ruby decides to be a single mom; only things become complicated when a dangerous person is not only creating havoc at the dog training facility, but appears to also be targeting Ruby. Sebastian is determined to keep her safe as their feelings grow, complicating their situation. As they and Ruby’s brothers work to find the person causing the destruction, Ruby and Sebastian discover that together they are stronger than being alone. I highly recommend Love Colton Threat Unleashed to other readers and look forward to reading the next story in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Liz F.
96 reviews4 followers
December 24, 2023
Can two self proclaimed loners find common ground and push past their fears to create a possible future together while dodging threat after threat from an unknown attacker?

I liked how no matter what, they are determined to figure it out. The dogs are precious and I can’t wait to read more about the Coltons!
2,020 reviews3 followers
December 24, 2023
Colten Threat Unleashed is a well written romantic suspense. I throughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to suspense fans. I received an advance book from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
Profile Image for April B..
275 reviews13 followers
February 26, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Tara Taylor Quinn for the opportunity to read the eARC of Colton Threat Unleashed!

Action, romance and a surprise pregnancy.. what's not to love?

Sabastian Cross is an Ex Marine living with PTSD and trying to live a happy quiet life running a dog training center called Crosswinds but his life is turned upside down when Crosswinds is being sabotaged and in the cross hairs is his friend and facility vet Ruby Colton, after a one night stand Ruby is pregnant and it becomes clear that Sabastian needs to get to the bottom of the problem and fast! The story is strong with plenty of action to keep to me entertained and flipping pages!

I will post my review on Netgalley, Amazon and Goodreads
1,607 reviews28 followers
January 15, 2024
Colton Threat Unleashed by Tara Taylor Quinn
(The Coltons of Owl Creek Book 1)
His dogs are under attack
…and so is the mother of his unborn baby.
Who’s sabotaging Sebastian Cross’s elite dog training facility? Or is his longtime friend, veterinarian Ruby Colton, the real target? The ex-marine and feisty vet work together to find the culprit and prevent further carnage…until one night of passion leaves Ruby pregnant. Sebastian’s PTSD and Ruby’s fierce independence mean neither wants marriage and family. But deadly danger has a way of changing lives…and love.
This is Sebastian Cross and Ruby Colton's story.
Clearly, he hadn’t been thinking. Sitting in his office, Sebastian watched her through his window. Weeks had passed and still he watched with too much interest as the beautiful veterinarian left the kennel where she’d been seeing to a pregnant dog after her regular office hours at her clinic in town and headed toward his house.
As if sensing his current unrest, the golden retriever mix—and Sebastian Cross’s personal canine companion—grabbed a stuffed octopus and brought it over to shove it in Sebastian’s hand. He and Oscar had started Crosswinds together, training search-and-rescue dogs, like Oscar, for people all over the country.
Him calling Ruby in the middle of the night, afraid the heavily bleeding canine was going to die on him.
Shamelessly using Oscar as a distraction, Ruby spoke with real joy to the boy wagging his tail and licking her chin, avoiding the big mountain man with his shaggy dark blond hair and beard. She related to animals so much better than she did to people. Understood them. Fully accepted and embraced their unconditional love as her top need in life.
Steadying the dog with her tone of voice as she told him, “Good boy, stay,” she checked his left hindquarter and left shoulder—both areas from which she’d had to remove shrapnel that fateful night two months before. Thankfully, neither had suffered muscle damage.
If you like Suspense books you will love this book.
I recommend this book.
Colton Threat Unleashed by Tara Taylor Quinn is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Tara Taylor Quinn.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Marcia.
1,909 reviews31 followers
March 10, 2024
This is a new Colton series. What a prolific family! There was not a Cast of Characters at the beginning of the book as is often found in Harlequin books, but that's ok, because it is the first and it's mostly family.

Veterinarian Ruby Colton and ex Marine Sebastian Cross are both loners, despite she being one of six siblings, in addition to 4 close cousins and he an only child. But her parents have a weird relationship, that's more a business arrangement than a marriage- at least from the outside. His parents were over achievers and he was left alone most of the time he was growing up, except during the summer when he came to his parent's cabin in Owl Creek, where he spent most of his time with the Colton siblings especially Wade. But he had to leave the Marines when his parents both died suddenly and he has been struggling with PTSD. He decided to start a business on the cabin's property, Crosswinds, training search and rescue dogs and PTDS dogs for people around the country. Ruby is the dogs' vet. One night Oscar, Sebastians's dog is hit by shrapnel from gunfire. Ruby comes to tend him and the very emotional night leads to Ruby being pregnant. Neither of them ever planned on marrying, but she is not willing to terminate. And then more incidents occur, escalating in violent against both Crosswinds and Ruby. Who and why? Will Ruby and Sebastian realize what they have in each other before it is too late?

Very exciting story, with wonderful characters and of course the dogs. It looks like this series is going to be very intriguing. I was gifted with an advanced reader's copy by the publisher, via NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased, honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Susan.
171 reviews10 followers
January 21, 2024
Sebastian and his lovable Golden Retriever, Oscar, train search and rescue dogs at a place they started called Crosswinds. Ruby is the beautiful veterinarian that saved an injured Oscar from a shrapnel injury. She also takes care of the other animals he trains and donates treatment to PTSD dogs he provides for veterans. Did I mention she is his best friend's little sister and they had quite a night two months ago?

This is the first book in a series set in Owl Creek.

I really related to Ruby. She loves dogs above all else and relates better to them than she does to people. She understands them and their unconditional love is ranked up there with the top gift in life.

This book tackled PTSD as part of Sebastian's story and the importance of getting help from canines and the people around you. I love that the story was not only an intriguing romance but also one that informs the public about a real issue for veterans or anyone dealing with PTSD.

It also deals with two people who aren't looking for love because they haven't met the right person until they meet each other and heal each other. All of this while tackling a mystery or who the stalker is and who is taking aim at the puppies and other dogs. As a dog lover, there was nothing more that I wanted than to see them get who was trying to hurt the dogs.

No spoilers but I know as a dog lover I would want to know. No dogs are permanently harmed in the book.

Good and unexpected ending. Love that Oscar was able to have a part in it as well!
3,524 reviews40 followers
January 7, 2024
This first book in a series written by various authors, introduces the readers to the Coltons of Oak Creek. The first Colton to get their story is Ruby Colton, a very independent woman, who owns the local veterinarian clinic. A woman who is a loner and has no interest in marriage.
Sebastian Cross, former Marine and now owner of an elite dog training facility is also a loner and due to his PTSD , has no interest in getting married and having children.
These two friends are in for an unexpected turn of events when the night they spent together comforting each other, leaves Ruby pregnant.
While determined to continue their friendship, and Ruby deciding to be a single mom, things get complicated when a dangerous person is not only creating havoc at the dog training facility, but it appears is also targeting Ruby?
Can Sebastian keep her safe while their feelings seem to be in constant turmoil?
In the end , will they not only find who is causing havoc but also realize that together they are stronger?
The story was engaging and the characters well developed and likable.
Looking forward to the rest of the stories in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Harlequin. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
2,482 reviews42 followers
January 23, 2024
A thrilling romantic suspense as Sebastian Cross investigates who is targeting Crosswinds, his dog training facility. After retiring from the Marines, Sebastian established his facility to train both service and search and rescue dogs. He has been left with a severe case of PTSD and plans a life with only his dogs for company. That is until that one night…a night he spent in the arms of Ruby Colton after they had worked to protect his dogs. Ruby is the veterinarian for his facility and a dear friend, but he can’t risk a relationship with her or any woman due to his PTSD. That is before he learns that their one night has had lasting consequences. Ruby is stunned by the news that she is expecting, and while processing the news, she must deal with her extended and protective family. After an attack at Crossroads, this time seemingly directed at Ruby, who is the target? Is it Sebastian or Ruby? Will Sebastian realize, in time, that he doesn’t have to live his life without love, without Ruby? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,203 reviews51 followers
February 16, 2024
Sebastian cross has a dog training facility and it appears someone is sabotaging it. But when a few incidences seems to in line with veterinarian Ruby visiting it's a question on who is the target. And the close calls are the last thing Ruby needs to be worried about when she finds herself pregnant after one night with Sebastian.

I really enjoyed this book there was plenty going on to keep me hooked. I enjoyed getting to know Sebastian and Ruby and seeing the brief aftermath of their night together and how they were eventually going to deal with being parents in the future. But then it seems like something on the side is going on leading to plenty of confusion wondering if Ruby has something to do with the many close calls when it comes to Sebastian's job. There were plenty of confusion going on leaving readers wanting more and finding out who was behind the stuff and why. Overall I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Renee.
258 reviews7 followers
April 10, 2024
2 stars only bc I finished. A random one-night stand between a veterinarian and dog trainer finds her pregnant……they try to convince themselves that they will just co-parent all the while dealing with someone trying to murder them. The suspense plot seemed to be an afterthought and the villain was very random. Cliche writing and cheesy dialogue…..

I will try another book by TTQ because she seems to be a well-loved longtime HQ author.

Each book in the series is written by a different author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kerrific Kerr.
460 reviews17 followers
April 3, 2024
I very practical romance with all the great things you always expect from Harlequin. The Coltons are a great family, make sure you check out their full collection of books.
265 reviews
June 26, 2025
I am loving this Colton series. Ruby and Sebastian's story. I can't ait to read the rest of this series!!!
Profile Image for Susan.
4,800 reviews125 followers
January 17, 2024
Terrific start to the new series. The story opens with a bang as Sebastian deals with another vandalism attack at his dog training facility. While handling that, he is distracted by the presence of Ruby, his friend, and the vet who takes care of his dogs. He can't forget the night they spent together after his dog was injured, and they found comfort in each other's arms.

Sebastian and Ruby are two independent people who are loners. Sebastian's PTSD has made him determined to avoid putting anyone in danger from his episodes. Because of being an only child, he is accustomed to depending on himself, and with his parents gone, he has no one. Ruby is part of a large family, but the chaos of her life left her preferring animals to people. She has no interest in marriage or a family for herself. So she is shocked when she discovers she is pregnant from that one night with Sebastian.

Once Ruby gets past the shock and denial stage, she realizes she is happy about the baby. She knows Sebastian's feelings on marriage and family and plans to raise the baby on her own, with the support of her family. She knows she needs to tell Sebastian. There is a little confusion around that confession, thanks to some remarks from one of Ruby's brothers. Sebastian doesn't know what to do with the news once he accepts it. His first reaction was to pull back.

But as the weeks went on and they worked together to protect the dogs, Sebastian became more invested in becoming a father. I liked watching the changes he and Ruby experienced as they spent more time together, each learning to lean a little on the other for support. It takes a while for each to come to terms with their feelings for each other, and nearly losing each other to realize they are better together than apart.

The suspense of the story was excellent. The escalating attacks at the dog training facility kept Sebastian and Ruby on edge. I ached for both of them as their beloved dogs were constantly threatened. The trouble intensified with attacks on Ruby herself, leaving Sebastian determined to protect her. I could feel their frustration at the lack of progress in catching the perpetrator, and I understood Sebastian's need to draw him out. When I thought everything was resolved, an unexpected twist again put Ruby in danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I was glued to the pages until it was over.

I enjoyed meeting the other members of the Colton family and look forward to reading their stories. I liked Wade, Sebastian's best friend, and ached for the pain he experienced from his time in the Marines. It's going to take someone special to help him. I also liked Fletcher, who leaves his police job in Utah to come home and help with the investigation.

#netgalley
Profile Image for Hsiau Wei.
1,759 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2024
"Colton Threat Unleashed" by Tara Taylor Quinn, the first book in the Coltons of Owl Creek series, follows Ruby Colton and Sebastian Cross, two independent loners who find themselves unexpectedly connected after a night together results in Ruby's pregnancy. Despite their initial reluctance towards commitment, they navigate their feelings for each other while facing threats from an unknown attacker targeting Ruby and Sebastian's dog training facility. As they work together to protect themselves and their dogs, their bond strengthens, leading them to realize they are stronger together. The suspenseful plot keeps readers engaged as they root for Ruby and Sebastian's safety and budding relationship amidst escalating danger. The book also introduces intriguing secondary characters, hinting at future stories within the series.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.