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He's a cowboy with a sheriff's badge. And the last man she wants as a Protector.

Investigative reporter Genevieve Blake rolls into Hartley County, Colorado on a mission. She's determined to expose the Last Refuge Protectors as vigilantes and the local sheriff as corrupt. The last thing she needs is a distraction—especially in the form of a handsome stranger at the hotel bar. But when he smiles, she can't look away.

Owen Douglas has devoted his life to service, first as a Marine and now as sheriff. But his ideals don't keep him warm at night. The moment he sees the gorgeous woman sitting at the next stool, he wants her. He has no idea she's the reporter trying to take down him and his friends... Until the awkward realization leaves them both reeling.

When Genevieve witnesses a murder that same night, it's suddenly Owen's job to protect her. Whether either of them likes it or not. As Owen keeps Genevieve from becoming the killer's next victim, she starts to realize the sheriff is a better man than she ever imagined. And that true love can find you at the moment you least suspect.

This enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense features heart-pounding action, a heartwarming small town, and a white-hat hero with a secretly naughty side. Don't miss Owen and Genevieve's story!

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2024

1117 people are currently reading
309 people want to read

About the author

Hannah Shield

30 books364 followers
I write suspenseful romance with pulse-pounding danger, fun & flirty banter, and tons of heart (plus spice!). Both a Californian and a Texan in my past, I now live in the Colorado mountains with my family.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
Profile Image for Jen ♥.
1,772 reviews988 followers
April 15, 2024
3.5 ⭐


This was good, but the loose end at the end of the story made it look like it wasn't a standalone, though really it is. Apparently, the mystery will be resolved in the next book (or not?) and with a new couple.

Genevieve (32) went to Hartley because of a tip that there's a corrupt official in that town, and she thought it was Owen (32), the town's sheriff. She set up an interview with him but came a day earlier. They didn't know what the other looked like, and they met at a bar, talked all night, and almost ended up getting frisky, but Gen saw his ID. They both got surprised and assumed the worst about each other. Gen couldn't sleep the next morning, so she decided to go for a walk and ended up witnessing a murder. This is how she became a witness and was placed under Owen's protection.

Anyway, this was insta-love at its finest. The first 90% of the book happened within a span of 5 days (or 4?). A huge part of the story was finding out about the corrupt official, but a greater revelation was discovered when they figured out that a criminal organization is doing business in Hartley County.

The suspense was good, but I didn't like that there's no real closure in this book. It's still an open case that every protector in this series is hellbent on solving. It really seems like a huge case, so I'm not sure if the next book will be the end of it or if it'll be the greater plot in this whole series because there are two more men introduced in this book.

As for the romance, like I said, it was insta-love, but I loooove it. They felt something for one another in spite of knowing each other for a couple of days. They worked together seamlessly and are a good team. But I loved it even more that they're on the same wavelength. There's a tiny bit of push and pull because Owen's the sheriff and Gen is the witness. But, of course, that didn't last for long. He handed the investigation to someone else so there wouldn't be a conflict.

I loved the times they were together, maybe because every time it was soft and sweet. It's like they want to savor each moment and don't want to waste each opportunity. After all, she's a writer and lives in a different state. Yet, the tension and chemistry between them are palpable and off the charts. 🥰

Normally, I would hate any separation, but in this case, I feel like they really needed that space to figure things out on their own. Thank God, they both realized what they wanted and decided to go for it.

Overall, this was good, especially the romance aspect. Ngl, I'm disappointed that their ending is a HFN (in a relationship). I would've wanted a glimpse of their lives years later.

As for the suspense and the issue here, I didn't enjoy it that much, and the open-ended status of that case is something I'm not fond of. I don't like the sibling's ex trope; unfortunately, the next book will have that one. But I'm really invested in seeing how the plot will pan out, so I'm still going to read that. I might be uneasy that the FMC is the ex of the MMC's younger brother. I guess I'll just have to focus on the mystery and suspense aspects of the next book rather than the romance. 🤷‍♀️

This is still good, and I had fun reading it.


Book info:
- Small town romance
- Romantic suspense
- Insta-love
- Sheriff x Writer
- Murder
- Criminal Organization
- Death of loved one (past)
- No cheating, OPD
- Non-virgin MCs
- Separation (see note)
- HFN (in a relationship)


Note:
- Separation. Gen got a job offer in DC, and Owen encouraged her to take it. She did, and they were separated for two months, but they still communicated daily.



PS. River's book is the next one, sibling's ex trope, and second chance-ish
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heroesinbooks.
1,163 reviews347 followers
March 8, 2025
5 Genevieve and Owen Stars

I am so invested in this series and I had high expectations going into Book 3 which focuses on the Hartley Sheriff , Owen Douglas, and an investigative journalist, Genevieve Blake.

This book definitely delivered and it's exciting to read about life in Hartley as the story arc that runs through each novel gets more and more twisted and dark.

I have been smitten with Owen (32) , since book one - Hard Knock Hero. He is the Sheriff , a former Marine and all round good guy. He has his hands full with all the strange goings on in Hartley. He is a little on the periphery of his local friend group because some of the Last Refuge Protectors activities are not strictly legal. Romantically , he never meets local women to date as he cannot afford professional complications. The night before he is due to reluctantly meet and be interviewed by Genevieve Blake he stops off in a nearby town on his way home. His friend Dean works at the bar and it's there that he meets Jen (Genevieve). Neither realises who the other is. Owen is also known as Tex by those closest to him.

"Tex?" I asked. "That fits."
Mr Handsome has a soft drawl to his speech and some country boy swagger. The best I could tell as a certified city girl, anyway. He laughed.
"My old call sign. Dean here is an old buddy from the Marines, and I couldn't get rid of him. The man followed me here."


This book definitely clouds the waters of where Owen walks the line of legal and bending the rules. He is a very easy to love Hero. It took me a little longer to warm up to Gen but I did like her. She is a little aloof but with good reason.

The chemistry is pulsating between these two. There is some push and pull but the heart wants what it wants, and Gen and Owen want each other.



I pushed my nose into her blond locks and inhaled. She smelled like red wine, black pepper, and the best worst decision.

This is novel is very tense in places and it feels like each book goes a bit darker. The underlying story has my attention and I need to know more about Stillwater. Plus this one features a hot Sheriff who is an ex marine ... that's my romance catnip.



You could read this as a standalone but I think you would miss some of the finer plot points that thread in from the previous books.
Available on Kindle Unlimited, I read (320 pages) and listened. Good narration by Finnley Cole and Isabelle Turner with a listening time of 10 hours 2 mins.

HEA? More HFN but Gen and Owen are forever.
Cheating? No
Profile Image for Kristiej.
1,533 reviews101 followers
August 25, 2025
3.5 out of 5

This is the third book in the Last Refuge series and since I enjoyed the first 2 it was a given I’d be continuing.

Owen is the sheriff in the small town of Hartley Colorado. Gen is an investigative reporter who is planning on writing potential corruption in the political scene in Hartley and has an interview set up with Owen, an interview he’s not looking forward to at all. Because of the lateness of the evening and a snow storm, she’s unable to make it to the town and stops overnight at a diner/inn outside of the town. There she meets Tex, a cowboy type guy, starts talking and they really hit off, so much so she asks him up to her room where they plan a night of passion. But then she discovers his name isn’t Tex but Owen, the very man she has an interview lined up with. He’s equally shocked and dismayed to lear who really is. They have a mutual distrust, a big fight and she ends up kicking the sheriff out of her room while he’s only in his underwear.

Later on in the evening she witness a murder as she’s out for a walk, still wired from earlier events. And of course who shows up in an official capacity but Owen. In time they both realize they misjudged the other and begin working together and since their chemistry is still very strong, well, you can guess what happens. The entire book, though of normal length, takes place in only a few days. It’s high paced and more of a kind of continuation of the two previous books so I recommend reading them first.

This is a romance suspense and I always enjoy seeing how an author blends the two. In this case I’d say the suspense is higher and coming from a romance readers POV, I like the romance a bit higher. Still this is a good entry and I’m glad I read it. It’s available on KU and I’ve already downloaded the next book. This one gets a thumbs up. 👍
Profile Image for Mandy Grepares.
179 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2024
I was so excited to get my hands on Owen's book. He's Hartley's Sheriff and also a Last Refuge Protector. Genevieve comes strolling into
town on a story about corruption in Owen's turf. They meet without knowing who the other is and have this instant attraction. Gen witnesses a murder, and Owen becomes her Protector. They both quickly realize they had made wrong assumptions about each other. I loved that they owned up to their mistakes and gave their connection a chance at growing. This was a fast-paced story with a lot of twists and turns. We also get to see Owen's wild side in his story, and I'm obsessed. There's just something about a cowboy hat wearing sheriff that makes me weak in the knees!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,512 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2024
A wonderful storyline. The characters are great for each other. This is the third book in the series and I have been enjoying the stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,477 reviews13 followers
April 11, 2024
Very entertaining book

This book has more with the very entertaining characters in this series along with some new ones. There is a variety of characters, lots of mystery, action, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Beth.
781 reviews
September 8, 2025
Audio-Love this series. I’m hoping the last two books come out in audio.
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,043 reviews23 followers
April 10, 2024
Genevieve is a reporter writing a story about a corrupt small town sheriff department. After witnessing a murder she is under the protection of the man she’s investigating and attracted to.

Sheriff Owen has secrets but not the kind she thinks. There are some strange things going on in his town.
This author writes amazing stories that are interesting and entertaining.
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,117 reviews104 followers
April 10, 2024
Back in Hartley County, CO. I have been waiting on Owen’s story. He has a lot to tell us, he has been present in the prior books, but we do not know much about him. He served in the Marines and is now Sheriff, he has been part of the Last Refuge Protectors, not officially.

Genevieve is an investigative reporter with a story about a corrupt sheriff. As she arrives in Hartley she meets a handsome stranger. She also witnesses a murder. Now the two are connected, is this professional or personal?

Another edge of your seat, plenty of action, and suspenseful story, from Ms. Shield. Plenty of chemistry and mystery to keep me turning pages. I am looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
161 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2024
Who would have thought that we all needed Owen’s story. I always love reading about a character that has been introduced since the beginning. In most cases, it leads to such great character development that when you finish reading, you’re left wondering what the heck you can read next that will help to curb your withdrawal. And in all honesty, all of Hannah Shield’s novels has left me feeling this way. Now in Owen’s novel, we finally get to meet the reporter that has been plaguing the better part of Owen’s life and making it their personal job to ruin his career whether intentional or not. This makes their first meeting all the more interesting considering that they both have no idea how the other looks like. Throughout this series, we see Owen as the responsible sheriff who abides by the law and we were never really allowed in Owen’s life in a deeper sense as he was often left as a need-to-know. BUT that also makes learning about Owen much more entertaining. I loved seeing a different side to him and in a way that it wasn’t so completely off his character but still intriguing to learn about. In his story, you get to see the man beneath the uniform and it is all glory. I loved seeing how his relationship/friendship with the protectors had progress and seeing that it has become more than just being acquittances. It is all kinds of heartwarming really. Even his relationship with Genevieve, even if it was kind of fast paced, because of the public battles that they have had with each other through various things, it’s almost like they already know each other. She’s no damsel-in-distress and can hold her own but receiving a little help never hurts. Both Owen and Genevieve have reasons for disliking each other, but a crime scene puts them together and they both find that while they are not each other’s favorite person, they are also not the worst. And of course, they find out that they may just like each other’s presence. Home Town Knight, much like her series, provides suspense intertwined with romance to keep your heart going. As always, never a bad book from Hannah Shield.
Profile Image for Suzana.
691 reviews26 followers
March 28, 2024
*ARC provided by author and I'm leaving an honest review*

✔Contemporary
✔Romantic suspense
✔Military Romance
✔Small mountain town
✔Protector
✔A cowboy with a sheriff's badge and a former Marine
✔An investigative reporter
✔Enemies to lovers
✔Forced proximity
✔Strangers to lovers / hotel bar
✔Enough emotional baggage to fill a room
✔Fun cast of supporting characters
✔The murder mystery / danger they are thrown into
✔Engaging / riveting / gripping / gritty / addictive storyline
✔Off – the- charts chemistry
✔Page turner / suspenseful / fast paced
✔Passionate

Home Town Knight is the third book in Last Refuge Protectors series. This enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense features heart-pounding action, a heartwarming small town, and a white-hat hero with a secretly naughty side. Phenomenal must read, pure magic and masterpiece in can't-put-down way book. The characters were complex and realistic. Home Town Knight is an emotion-charged read with depth, edge and heart as well as thrilling, compelling, gripping, raw, edge of the seat page-turner and a wild ride.

Owen Douglas devoted his life to serving and protecting his town and people, first as a Marine, now as a sheriff in small mountain town Hartley County, Colorado. He is a natural protector. Investigative reporter Genevieve Blake has only one mission: to expose the Last Refuge Protectors as vigilantes and the local sheriff as corrupt. When Genevieve founds herself in danger, it's suddenly Owen's job to protect her. Trust doesn't come easy for either of them. They were drawn to each other from the very beginning. Both need to overcome a lot while they are surrounded by danger. I enjoyed their chemistry, pull, the tension and the ups and downs. Owen and Genevieve's story is heartachingly beautiful, a bit angsty, quirky, flirty, captivating and intense.

It is a wonderful love story with a romantic military suspense, small mountain town romance and enemies to lovers goodness.
Profile Image for Books_on_my_shelve.
236 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2024
❤️📖 This is the 3rd book in the Last Refuge Protectors series, release day April 10. 📖❤️

This time sheriff Owen Douglas gets his chance for his own HEA.
Well Owen doesn´t believe he will ever find that kind of relationship and love his parents had, so he concentrate on his carrier. He tries to find the balance doing his job and helping his new friends- the Protectors, what sometimes means look other way.
But for one day he wants to be only Owen, and he meets Gen, soon they find themself in her hotel room, but unfortunatelly as things get more passionate they find out their real identities- he is sheriff and she is a journalist, who thinks he is a dirty cop and he thinks about her to be a journalist on her mission to destroy another cop.
In this moment they become enemies, but the passion and chemistry is hard to resist and when Gen become a murder-witness, they are forced to work together. But it is in the end a good thing, because they get the time and chance to learn about each other and find they have many things in common. And maybe if thei give it a chance they find something more what they thought is impossible for them.
I loved their banter at the beginning, they didn´t forgive themself anything.
They both had a really hard past and it was nice they got their own chance to have a HEA, altought it took Owen little too long, but the Protectors boys made him realise his mistake (add a little jelousy and he was on his way to bring Gen back).

We get another great mystery and thrilling story, till the end you don´t know who is a bad guy and the reasons behind the murders. New characters are introduced and I love we met the old ones too and learn more about their life after their main stories.

I enyojed this story very much and recommend to read the whole series.
Profile Image for Woodatsi.
499 reviews8 followers
March 29, 2024
This is the third book in this amazing series by an author who's books I've become addicted to. In this one we get to follow Owen and Genevieve on their way to find their happy ending.

Owen is Last Refuge's town Sheriff, he first served as a Marine and after retirement decided to dedicate his life to his town and its citizens. He's got a lot of friends, amongst them the men of the Last Refuge Protectors whom he helps out from time to time even though it's sometimes not as legal as he'd like. When he meets Genevieve on one of his nights off, there's an instant attraction. They make it to the hotel room but before they can act on their chemistry, they find out each others identity and become instant enemies.

Gen is a reporter who's come to Last Refuge after receiving a tip that there's corruption in law enforcement. When she finds out who Owen really is, she's even more determent to bring the story out in to the open. She's hoping to get the Big Story that will launch her career.

When she witnesses a murder and finds herself in need of protection, Owen steps in. They find themselves thrown together to solve the murder and get to the bottom of things. Their attraction to each other is still flaring high and the more they get to know one another, the deeper their feelings grow. Both are trying not to give in but it's a lost cause.

This is an action packed story, we get twists and turns, a lot of chemistry between both MC's and we also get to see the Last Refuge Protectors and their partners do what they do best. We even get to meet some new members whom I hope we will get to know a lot better through their own stories.

I'm already looking forward to the next book which will be River, the hacker of the team.

*I kindly received a copy of this book by Booksirens, and I'm leaving an honest review.*
Profile Image for Anika.
666 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2024
In the charming town of Hart County, Colorado, investigative reporter Genevieve Blake arrives with a mission—to expose the Last Refuge Protectors as vigilantes and the local sheriff as corrupt. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she finds herself drawn to the handsome and enigmatic Sheriff Owen Douglas.

Sheriff Owen has no idea that Genevieve is the journalist aiming to uncover the secrets of him and his friends. Their initial encounter leaves them both stunned, and when Genevieve witnesses a murder later that night, Owen is thrust into the role of her protector.

Forced to work together, Owen and Genevieve embark on a dangerous journey as they uncover a sinister threat lurking in their town. As Owen shields Genevieve from danger, she begins to see the man beneath the badge—a caring and dedicated protector.

"Home Town Knight" is a gripping enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The chemistry between Owen and Genevieve is electric, and their journey from adversaries to allies is filled with heart-pounding action and unexpected twists.

Hannah Shield delivers another captivating installment in the Last Refuge Protectors Series. With well-developed characters, a heartwarming small-town setting, and a perfect blend of romance and suspense, this book is a must-read for fans of the series.

Each book in the Last Refuge Protectors Series stands alone with a complete story and a satisfying HEA. However, to fully immerse yourself in the series arc, reading the books in order is recommended. "Home Town Knight" is a delightful addition to this thrilling series, leaving readers eagerly anticipating more from Hannah Shield.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,832 reviews50 followers
April 9, 2024
This book was a real page turner. Owen and Gen are fascinating characters with white hot chemistry that can’t be ignored even when they are sniping at each other or bickering. A chance meeting in a bar almost leads to a very passionate night spent in each other’s arms until they discover each other’s true identity. Adversaries or enemies before they even met, it is hard to let go of their preconceived notions about each other. Then Gen is a witness to a murder and Owen as the Sheriff must protect her from the killer who saw her at the murder scene. I must say that I love the snark and the antagonism, the push pull nature of their relationship. One minute they are at each other’s throats, the next they are working together on the murder case that suddenly seems to be part of something much bigger, something insidious with tentacles that have a hold on the county Owen is doing his best to protect and serve. As the danger mounts, Owen, Gen a few other trusted allies like the Last Refuge Protectors must work together to protect the citizens and themselves. Of course that super hot chemistry can’t be contained and soon enough Gen and Owen realize they have more to protect and fight for than they thought….each other and the future they want together.

This book is fast-paced, intriguing and suspenseful with a big dose of spice. The close knit group of friends that have become the Last Refuge Protects makes this book, this series, even more compelling. Their specialized skills, camaraderie and trust in each other makes them a formidable force to reckon with or to have on one’s side. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

I would absolutely recommend this compelling book and the whole series.
Profile Image for Katiebugg11.
17 reviews
April 10, 2024
A HUGE Thank You to Hannah Shield for the incredible opportunity to receive an ARC copy and provide my honest review! ❤️

Home Town Knight is the 3rd installment of The Last Refuge Protectors Series and is my favorite so far! I absolutely love Hannah Shield’s style of writing and how she not only captures your attention from page 1, but keeps you on the edge of your seat through the entirety of the book!

Investigative reporter, Genevieve “Gen” Blake, receives an anonymous tip of corruption in Law Enforcement in Hartley Co, Colorado. Her mission to uncover the truth and get her big story takes an expected turn, leaving her needing protection from the one man she initially thought was corrupt, Owen Douglas.

Owen “Tex” Douglas, the Sheriff of Harley Co, Former Marine, is a natural protector. A fiercely loyal man, who’s dedicated to keeping his community and friends safe. After a murder takes place in his town, he'll stop at nothing to solve the crime and protect the sole eyewitness, Genevieve Blake. He enlists the help “off the record” from The Protectors, his friends, former military badasses with unique skills.

As the story unfolds, there are several twists and turns that uncover far more danger and corruption than anyone anticipated. Fast paced adventure along with suspense and betrayal will keep the pages turning. The electric chemistry and hefty dose of spice between Owen and Gen only burns hotter as the danger intensifies.

I’m eagerly waiting for Rivers story and to be reunited with the cast of The Last Refuge Protectors! I can’t get enough of Hannah Shields books! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
527 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2024
A hair higher than 4 stars

This third book in the Last Refuge Protectors series is my favorite so far, in spite of the heroine being a journalist. Nosy journalist stories are not my fave, after all. But the journalist element is not an obstacle for long. I liked Gen well enough and was perhaps a little in love with Owen. The latter was a bit of a surprise since I was on the fence about him in previous novels.

The suspense centers around Gen witnessing something that subsequently puts her in danger. It's up to Owen and the merry band of vigilante Protectors to keep her safe (don't worry, she's no delicate flower herself). I don't love the whole vigilante bit; I know they err on the side of breaking rules more than upholding them, but I'm not sure why they aren't at least a little legit. It does seem that Owen gets more done as a Protector than a sheriff. His tendency to allow civilians into investigations is a little... uncomfortable and odd, which is partly why I docked a half star.

The romance part is charming. It's sultry and sweet more than graphic, though the author doesn't skimp. Owen's willingness to own up to his budding relationship with Gen in public is a plus.

Book 4 is teased, and I'm ready for it. Bring it on, Ms. Shield!

I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Profile Image for Kim (Chipperbooks) .
1,304 reviews28 followers
April 9, 2024
Man, these are good!
Although these books are standalones, I would recommend reading them in order. And they are all great, so why not?

If you haven’t read any of the books then there may be spoilers, so you’ve been warned.

Owen is the town Sheriff and really tries to do the right thing. He has had to make some difficult decisions while being loyal to his town and those he loves. Off the record, his friends have created the group, The Protectors. Even though he collaborates with them, he tries to stay on his side and then somewhat ignore their side, as it’s not always legal. But Owen knows how screwed up the system is and sometimes you need people, outside of the law, to take care of things.

Genevieve is a reporter and she is on her way to this small town where she has evidence of a corrupt person; she thinks it’s the sheriff. She wants to research, prove, and expose the person for any crimes. But after only a couple hours in this town, she finds herself in danger and the very person she’s investigating is now in charge of keeping her safe.

Like the previous books, this is such a good read. I love the collaboration of the previous people in this book and the overall group vibe. These are so entertaining, steamy, and easy to read. I look forward to River’s book!.

I received an ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
April 10, 2024
"Every time I touched him I made bad decisions."

I loved this line! It so perfectly encapsulates the energy between Gen and Owen. She's a reporter investigating corruption in his county, and he's the sheriff who may or may not be the one she's targeting. Their meet-cute in a bar before they knew each other's names was deliciously hot and off-the-charts steamy, but of course the truth sneaks in way too soon and then all bets are off!

Until Gen witnesses a murder. Now Owen has to keep the witness safe, keep his hands off her, and somehow find the murderer as well as his motive. It's a wild ride over just a few days, and I absolutely loved every bit of it!

The chemistry between these two is incendiary and I for one was thrilled to watch their back and forth as they each battled their attraction, their trust, and their hearts. So much nail-biting action along the way, as our Last Refuge Protectors have to use every skill and resource they have to get to the bottom of the newly discovered conspiracy in their midst. This was a non-stop read for me and I could not have loved it more.

Owen and Gen's HEA is enhanced by a long-anticipated scene with another Hartley couple, and I honestly can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. Highly recommended for anyone who loves exciting contemporary romantic suspense. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Jenny Jackson.
1,269 reviews9 followers
April 21, 2024
Owen and Gen

This was a fast paced and exciting read. There was action and romance from the first page and a mystery to unfold right along with it. I loved the insta lust paired with the enemies to lovers plot. The romance was just as intense as the suspense and I found myself engrossed in the story pretty quickly.

Owen and Genevieve met in unusual circumstances. They were posed as enemies but that was based on lack of knowledge. Gen was in Hartley to investigate Owen, the town sheriff, for being entangled in a corrupt group influencing political leaders. It didn’t take long for Gen to realize Owen wasn’t the corrupt politician she was looking for, but with her now being the sole witness to a murder, their budding relationship was even more forbidden.

Gen and Owen made a great team, investigating the murder and Stillwater. Both were smart, brave people committed to finding the truth. I liked that they both brought something different to the investigation and after their initial hesitancy, they trusted each other implicitly.

Their feelings for each other grew quickly, but Gen’s stay in Hartley was always meant to be temporary. Their separation was heartbreaking, but ultimately the right choice. Their reunion was perfect and I loved the bonus epilogue with Owen’s grandparents.

I liked Gen’s friendship with Owen and the way she fit in with Owen’s friends and the town of Hartley. I hope we’ll see more of this couple as the series goes on.
2,300 reviews16 followers
April 10, 2024
Owen and Gen. Shes an investigative reporter and hes the Sheriff, ex Marine. The Sheriff shes going to expose as corrupt. While sitting at the hotel bar a hunk sits in the next stool. This was a stop on her way to the B&B she registered at. They talked and skimmed around information and then a bar fight broke out and two big burlry men fell right into her and knocked her to the floor but as she said earler, she could take care of herself, she kicked one of them in the stomach and shoeved him back. They were flirting and talking and she said she was a writer and he was wildgame enforcer, brawlers, and he told himself why not have a good time tonight since he had a meting with a bloodsucking journalist tomorrow. It started out a becoming the most amazing night together and when she lowered herslf to the floor between his legs her knee it something that feel out of his pants, a wallet, with an ID that said Sheriff Owen andddd the night just went to peices. She accuses him of knowing who she was and going to hold it over her at the morning meeting and he accuses her of knowing him and filming this as a sting operation. Woah buddy then slander slinging back and forth so LOL moments. OMG what a WOW story full of misunderstanding and LOL moments and intriguing ones too. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Judith Miguel.
Author 4 books36 followers
April 11, 2024
This series is really good!
Investigative reporter Genevieve Blake rolls into Hart County, Colorado, on a mission. She's determined to expose the local sheriff as corrupt. The last thing she needs is a distraction—especially in the form of a handsome stranger at the hotel bar. Sheriff Owen Douglas has no idea she's the reporter trying to take down him and his friends... Until the realization leaves them both reeling. When Genevieve witnesses a murder that same night, it's suddenly Owen's job to protect her. As Owen keeps Genevieve from becoming the killer's next victim, she starts to realize the sheriff is a better man than she ever imagined. And that true love can find you at the moment you least suspect.
Owen is such a great character! I fell in love with him almost immediately. Gen is fun and honest, and they really work together. It’s no exactly an enemies-to-lovers story, but they have same witty barbs. We get to see all the protectors from previous books and their partners and that it something I always enjoy.
This book is a great action-packed romance, with a few sexy times, and really strong emotional moments. I’ve read all this author’s books and I highly recommend all of them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,608 reviews62 followers
April 20, 2024
Home Town Knight is Book 3 of the Last Refuge Protectors series. It's a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, instalust to instalove, small-town, protector, romantic suspense novel.

Genevieve (Gen) is a sassy and feisty investigative reporter. Owen is an ex-marine and now a sheriff who can rock a cowboy hat. He is also a member of the Last Refuge Protectors. Gen is in town hoping to expose the Last Refuge Protectors as vigilantes and show that Owen is corrupt.

The two meet in a bar, and the attraction is instant until they realize who each other is... talk about killing the mood..

Later that night, Gen witnessed a murder and now Owen needs to protect her. She starts to realize that he's not the bad guy. Both admit that they may have judged the other too quickly. Sparks start to fly as Owen tries to keep her safe from the killer. This book had it all... love, drama, mystery, action, and steam.

Owen is completely swoon-worthy and a little naughty in a good way. Gen is a badas$ and happy to play with him.

We do end on a happy note for our couple after a lot of pulse pounding drama. The only thing is that the case still has some loose ends that need to be solved. I love this series, and this was no exception.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for findingthebook.
199 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐️

Owen is the sheriff of Hartley, he’s a young one at that so he has to look at his every move to make no mistakes to keep the judgment out of his way. Having a journalist accuse him of corruption is the last thing he needs and having her come to Hartley to question him is way worse. When he’s heading home back from vacation he decides to stop and relax at a hotel bar where his friend works at he meets “Jen” a girl that immediately catches his attention and they seem to click right away. When they both decide to take the step and go upstairs the unexpected happened.
Genevieve never thought she would be lusting over the guy she came to interview and get answers and bring out the truth about sheriff Douglas. But she is she freaks and kicks him out but not before ugly words where exchange. A horrible event makes them stick together and she sees some things that make her questions her thoughts about him and he sees that she is the girl he met at the bar, the chemistry between these two are undeniable but can they be able to keep to themselves safe until danger is out of the way?

I got into a bad slump half way through this book but after pushing through I got to parts that had me on edge and just wanted everyone to be safe and know the truth. I’ll be continuing this series later on. Happy Owen got a happy with someone as courages as he is.
Profile Image for Melanie S.
1,841 reviews35 followers
March 23, 2024
Trust is everything

Sheriff Owen loves serving and protecting his town, his people, and the special group of protectors at the unique Last Refuge resort. He doesn't love dirt-digging reporters with anti-law enforcement agendas. When corruption-sniffing journalist Genevieve comes to town to interview him, their encounter goes badly. Mutual suspicion is complicated by blazing insta-lust and murder most foul witnessed by Gen. Their forced association inflames their mutual attraction while it pushes them to bury the hatchet of mutual suspicion. The chilling manhunt for the murderer, the widening net of sophisticated criminal conspiracy, and the threat to Gem's life form the darkly fascinating background for the delicate dance of risk and trust between Owen and Gen. I enjoyed the tension, the ups and downs of their romance, and the hard-fought battle to bring suspicious minds and wounded spirits into harmony with blazing physical desires. Owen in particular is magnetic with his ironic self-awareness, his stubborn courage, and his determination to keep all his beloveds - town, friends, and woman - close and safe. The Last Refuge Protectors series gains another hero in this fine addition to the series. This is a voluntary, independent ARC review.
Profile Image for Jen ME Warrior.
128 reviews
March 30, 2024
This is the 3rd book in the Last Refuge series, all books can be read individually but you get much more from them if read in order.

Romantic suspense is my favourite romance genre, mainly because most of the angst is from outside the couple, I wasn't sure if this would be the case with this story.

In this book the two main characters start by absolutely loathing each other. However neither has met the other and they have a meet cute. Things turn nasty on both sides when Gen discovers Owen's identity. Both have reasons to distrust the other, but after she becomes an eye witness to a crime they have to work together to solve the mysterious killing. Can they get past their preconceptions to help each other find the truth?

I love Hannah's books. Personally I would class them as thrillers, but with a heavy side of romance. The chemistry between Gen and Owen is combustible from the start, but the depth of the story is what makes all Ms Shields stand out from many romantic suspense books. Twists, turns and lots of heat abound throughout.

5☆ and very much lookjng forward to both River and Dean's stories, which I'm hoping will continue the investigations into the 'big bad'.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,607 reviews13 followers
April 2, 2024
Home Town Knight is the 3rd book in the Last Refuge Protectors series. I could be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the books in order since all the characters from the previous novels have very important roles to play and it greatly helps to understand their backgrounds. Owen and Gen are both wonderful, relatably and loveable characters. Their physical attraction is instantaneous, yet their mistrust of each other professionally is deeply ingrained, making for a very interesting conflict when they are thrown together during a murder enquiry and she has to trust him to keep her alive. There is a lot of hair-raising action, plenty of suspisions and red herrings with the Protectors banding together once again for the explosive finale. Unlike the previous books, the romance takes a bit of a back seat to the mystery and suspense, there is 'just' a HFN for our couple and the suspense plot is not resolved, but will continue into the next book. Two reasons I can't wait for the next book in the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,524 reviews42 followers
April 7, 2024
He just wants to protect the people in Hartley, Colorado and she is there to investigate a corrupt cop. Genevieve Blake is an investigative reporter with credible evidence that something is very wrong in Hartley. Former Marine and Sheriff Owen “Tex” Douglas walks a fine line between protecting his citizens and assisting the Last Refuge Protectors. The Protectors, former military, established a secure ranch for those in need of a place to recover…to feel safe. The chemistry between Owen and Gen was explosive, but what felt so right turned out to be so wrong…he is the one she was to investigate! When she witnesses a murder, she can identify the killer, but the killer also knows who she is. They accept that their lives are often at risk as they search for the truth, but who can he trust to have his back? He is determined to keep her safe while he and the men from Last Refuge investigate just how much trouble has arrived in their town. Explosive passion and simmering suspense with characters you won’t be able to forget! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Rae Z.
501 reviews
April 11, 2024
It's not a secret that Hannah Shield is one of my favorite romantic suspense writers. Home Town Knight is yet another example of why that is. While the danger doesn't necessarily have the same physical presence and "face" as in the last story of The Last Refuge Protectors, the danger is just as prevalent.

Genevieve and Owen meet at a hotel bar, during which Genevieve is jostled in a tussle involving other patrons. Owen breaks the fight up, and they continue their evening... until they learn who each other truly is: he's the sheriff she's investigating following rumors of corruption, and she's the investigative reporter he doesn't want sniffing around. Appearances can be deceiving, and when Genevieve witnesses a murder later that evening, Owen comes to her rescue (whether she wants him to be there or not).

The relationship between these two smolders, and the Last Refuge Protectors all make an appearance in this book. At the risk of spoiling any of the good parts... just know this one is great and you should read it if you liked the first two!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leisel.
750 reviews4 followers
April 12, 2024
I've read a few of this Author's works and possibly this might be my favourite to date. I feel she has perfected her formula and ability to tell a tantalizingly sexy romance story that not only gives readers the sexual tensions and frustrations between the leading couple but also to construct a story that is gripping with mystery, drama, action and suspense to really keep readers glued throughout. I will admit I totally forgot I had a copy of this book in my library and regret being so slow at getting around to read it but heck I am so very glad I found it when I did because it was tremendously rewarding to finally reading it! The Author creates such 'delicious' characters that seemingly work so heatedly well together that really helps readers to make that much needed emotional connection with them.

I thought it was a really well developed plot, filled nicely with so many tropes that seems to provide enjoyment for all, but that is my word for it so it is up to you if you want to travel down this incredible journey and see for yourself.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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