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Mysteries of Angel Butte #4
Cop by Her Side
Does she put her trust in him…again?
Lieutenant Jane Vahalik is done with Sergeant Clay Renner. He messed up their romance when he dished out too much male swagger. She gets enough of that on the job to put up with it in her personal life—regardless of how hot Clay may be.
Then her niece is kidnapped, and suddenly he is the only cop Jane trusts to lead the search. The rush of attraction sizzling between them surprises her. So does his determination to prove she's wrong about him. It could be just the tense situation—or it could be Clay—but Jane's feelings for him are growing. Maybe they deserve a second chance….
Lieutenant Jane Vahalik is done with Sergeant Clay Renner. He messed up their romance when he dished out too much male swagger. She gets enough of that on the job to put up with it in her personal life—regardless of how hot Clay may be.
Then her niece is kidnapped, and suddenly he is the only cop Jane trusts to lead the search. The rush of attraction sizzling between them surprises her. So does his determination to prove she's wrong about him. It could be just the tense situation—or it could be Clay—but Jane's feelings for him are growing. Maybe they deserve a second chance….
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
15 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Janice Kay Johnson
290 books191 followersJanice Kay Johnson is the author of over a hundred books for children and adults. Her first four published romance novels were coauthored with her mother, also a writer who has since published mysteries and children's books on her own. These were "sweet" romance novels, the author hastens to add; she isn't sure they'd have felt comfortable coauthoring passionate love scenes!
Janice graduated from Whitman College with a B.A. in history and then received a master's degree in library science from the University of Washington. She was a branch librarian for a public library system until she began selling her own writing.
She has written six novels for young adults and one picture book for the read-aloud crowd. Rosamund was the outgrowth of all those hours spent reading to her own daughters, and of her passion for growing old roses. Two more of her favorite books were historical novels she wrote for Tor/Forge. The research was pure indulgence for someone who set out intending to be a historian!
Janice is divorced and has raised her two daughters in a small, rural town north of Seattle, Washington. She's an active volunteer and board member for Purrfect Pals, a no-kill cat shelter, and foster kittens often enliven a household that already includes a few more cats than she wants to admit to!
Janice loves writing books about both love and family — about the way generations connect and the power our earliest experiences have on us throughout life. Her Superromance novels are frequent finalists for Romance Writers of America RITA® awards. Along with her books for Harlequin, Janice has written the Cape Trouble series of romantic suspense novels, and is about to launch a new series, Desperation Creek, set in rural eastern Oregon.
Janice graduated from Whitman College with a B.A. in history and then received a master's degree in library science from the University of Washington. She was a branch librarian for a public library system until she began selling her own writing.
She has written six novels for young adults and one picture book for the read-aloud crowd. Rosamund was the outgrowth of all those hours spent reading to her own daughters, and of her passion for growing old roses. Two more of her favorite books were historical novels she wrote for Tor/Forge. The research was pure indulgence for someone who set out intending to be a historian!
Janice is divorced and has raised her two daughters in a small, rural town north of Seattle, Washington. She's an active volunteer and board member for Purrfect Pals, a no-kill cat shelter, and foster kittens often enliven a household that already includes a few more cats than she wants to admit to!
Janice loves writing books about both love and family — about the way generations connect and the power our earliest experiences have on us throughout life. Her Superromance novels are frequent finalists for Romance Writers of America RITA® awards. Along with her books for Harlequin, Janice has written the Cape Trouble series of romantic suspense novels, and is about to launch a new series, Desperation Creek, set in rural eastern Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 12 reviews
December 4, 2015
Good story with some fast paced action and a second chance at romance. Jane and Clay had dated briefly a few months before, until Jane overheard him discussing their relationship with "the guys" in a manner she found totally unacceptable. She had really liked him, and his chauvinistic comments hurt her and made her angry. Clay knew he had screwed up as soon as he said it, but he doesn't know how to fix it.
Then her sister is injured in a car accident and her niece disappears. With Lissa in a coma and unable to tell anyone what happened, Clay is in charge of the investigation. As they work together on the case, Clay looks at it as an opportunity to show Jane that he has learned from his mistakes. Jane isn't sure that she should trust him again, but she can't deny that her feelings for him are growing.
I liked Clay a lot. He was working from a bit of a disadvantage, as his example of how a man behaves was that of his father. He was definitely old school, the woman belongs at home raising the kids, and certainly not working in a field like law enforcement. With Jane not only being law enforcement but also higher ranked, Clay had a little trouble dealing with it all. I liked the fact that he realized right away that he was wrong, and took a good hard look at himself and his attitudes. Once he figured out where it had come from, he was determined to change. He hoped for a second chance with Jane, but wasn't very optimistic, given the way she has treated him ever since.
Jane has some self-esteem issues on the personal side of her life. Unlike her younger sister, Jane is shorter, curvy, and in her opinion, very ordinary looking. She hasn't had very many relationships, as most men looked at her as a friend rather than a romantic interest. Plus, as a police lieutenant, she seems to intimidate many of the men she knows. She had really liked Clay and thought that they had potential, until she heard him make those remarks.
Working together on the case involving her sister and niece, Jane begins to see a different side of Clay. He admits to his mistakes, explains where they had come from, and lets her know up front that he really wants a second chance with her. He stumbles a couple times, but he is obviously trying, and that means a lot to her. Jane has her own male-related issues, thanks to her father's relationship with her and her sister, and trusting men outside of work is something that is hard for her to do. The attraction between them adds another layer to the developing relationship. I loved seeing the fight between Clay's natural protectiveness and his pride and confidence in Jane's abilities. Jane also had to learn to accept that Clay could feel both. I loved seeing how it all came together at the end, and they were able to move forward together.
The mystery of the missing girl went throughout the book. It was really interesting to see how methodical Clay was in his pursuit of the clues. He had a bit of an uphill battle with Jane because of his suspicions about her brother-in-law and sister. She had spent so much of her life protecting her sister that she doesn't want to think she could be wrong. I didn't much care for her brother-in-law for most of the book, but he redeemed himself in the end. It was very nerve-wracking as the search went on and Brianna was nowhere to be found. The resolution was really intense and showed both Clay and Jane's strengths.
Then her sister is injured in a car accident and her niece disappears. With Lissa in a coma and unable to tell anyone what happened, Clay is in charge of the investigation. As they work together on the case, Clay looks at it as an opportunity to show Jane that he has learned from his mistakes. Jane isn't sure that she should trust him again, but she can't deny that her feelings for him are growing.
I liked Clay a lot. He was working from a bit of a disadvantage, as his example of how a man behaves was that of his father. He was definitely old school, the woman belongs at home raising the kids, and certainly not working in a field like law enforcement. With Jane not only being law enforcement but also higher ranked, Clay had a little trouble dealing with it all. I liked the fact that he realized right away that he was wrong, and took a good hard look at himself and his attitudes. Once he figured out where it had come from, he was determined to change. He hoped for a second chance with Jane, but wasn't very optimistic, given the way she has treated him ever since.
Jane has some self-esteem issues on the personal side of her life. Unlike her younger sister, Jane is shorter, curvy, and in her opinion, very ordinary looking. She hasn't had very many relationships, as most men looked at her as a friend rather than a romantic interest. Plus, as a police lieutenant, she seems to intimidate many of the men she knows. She had really liked Clay and thought that they had potential, until she heard him make those remarks.
Working together on the case involving her sister and niece, Jane begins to see a different side of Clay. He admits to his mistakes, explains where they had come from, and lets her know up front that he really wants a second chance with her. He stumbles a couple times, but he is obviously trying, and that means a lot to her. Jane has her own male-related issues, thanks to her father's relationship with her and her sister, and trusting men outside of work is something that is hard for her to do. The attraction between them adds another layer to the developing relationship. I loved seeing the fight between Clay's natural protectiveness and his pride and confidence in Jane's abilities. Jane also had to learn to accept that Clay could feel both. I loved seeing how it all came together at the end, and they were able to move forward together.
The mystery of the missing girl went throughout the book. It was really interesting to see how methodical Clay was in his pursuit of the clues. He had a bit of an uphill battle with Jane because of his suspicions about her brother-in-law and sister. She had spent so much of her life protecting her sister that she doesn't want to think she could be wrong. I didn't much care for her brother-in-law for most of the book, but he redeemed himself in the end. It was very nerve-wracking as the search went on and Brianna was nowhere to be found. The resolution was really intense and showed both Clay and Jane's strengths.
July 26, 2014
Janice Kay Johnson has become a favorite author in recent months, in large part because of her Angel Butte mysteries that are more cozy than blood-and-guts. In this fourth book in the series, we are reacquainted with Detective Lieutenant Jane Vahalik, a detective with the Angel Butte PD and Detective Sergeant Clay Renner, a county sheriff. In a previous book, they had a short-lived dating encounter that ended badly.
In this story, Jane's sister is badly injured in a car accident on a part of the county she didn't usually travel. Even worse that she's now in a coma, her 7-yr-old daughter, is missing. Where is she and who took her? Clay has his doubts about the veracity of the husband and his explanation of where Melissa was going. Jane is certain that Clay has it out for Drew, but isn't sure why. But, Jane, too, becomes aware of issues she has tried to bury for so many years.
Further complicating the search for Brianne is Jane's dawning realization that she has feelings for Clay, feelings he has never denied, but which she has rejected, thinking he has a caveman attitude toward women cops, particularly those that outrank him. How she deals with those feelings while trying to find out why her sister has been lying is revealed as a crime related to previous bad acts becomes clear, but only after sucking in this reader through to the final page.
In this story, Jane's sister is badly injured in a car accident on a part of the county she didn't usually travel. Even worse that she's now in a coma, her 7-yr-old daughter, is missing. Where is she and who took her? Clay has his doubts about the veracity of the husband and his explanation of where Melissa was going. Jane is certain that Clay has it out for Drew, but isn't sure why. But, Jane, too, becomes aware of issues she has tried to bury for so many years.
Further complicating the search for Brianne is Jane's dawning realization that she has feelings for Clay, feelings he has never denied, but which she has rejected, thinking he has a caveman attitude toward women cops, particularly those that outrank him. How she deals with those feelings while trying to find out why her sister has been lying is revealed as a crime related to previous bad acts becomes clear, but only after sucking in this reader through to the final page.
August 13, 2014
Could not put this book down! A most compelling read and addition to Janice Kay Johnson's fabulous The Mysteries of Angel Butte!
I'm so happy that Johnson decided that there were more stories to tell in The Mysteries of Angel Butte than the trilogy she originally intended. Book four, Cop by Her Side, focuses on one of the supporting characters that I wanted to know more about, Angel Butte Police Lieutenant Jane Vahalik. She's played a role in most of the investigations, from the discover of a backpack in the first book to being the first responder in a hostage situation in the third, Jane is someone who definitely jumps off the page. In the stories, it was evident that there had been some kind of relationship gone wrong between Jane and Sheriff Department's Sergeant Clay Renner, a former Army Ranger, but the details weren't known.
In Cop by Her Side we learn about what happened between Jane and Clay when they're thrown together during the abduction of her niece from Jane's sisters almost fatal car accident. At first glance a working relationship between them seems impossible as Clay appears to be an unrepentant chauvinist, while Jane not only holds higher rank than he does, but she's also someone who doesn't fade into the background. Soon it becomes apparent that Jane and Clay both carry scars from their parental upbringing that could derail any close relationships. However if they can overcome them, perhaps they might have a chance together. This story is fascinating on many levels and the interrelationships of the characters make this a most compelling read.
I've awarded this book five stars because from the very first page, I could not put it down and actually read (no could say devoured it) in just a few hours. I'm really looking forward to the fifth and final installment in this addictive series, This Good Man (publish date: Sept 1, 2014).
I'm so happy that Johnson decided that there were more stories to tell in The Mysteries of Angel Butte than the trilogy she originally intended. Book four, Cop by Her Side, focuses on one of the supporting characters that I wanted to know more about, Angel Butte Police Lieutenant Jane Vahalik. She's played a role in most of the investigations, from the discover of a backpack in the first book to being the first responder in a hostage situation in the third, Jane is someone who definitely jumps off the page. In the stories, it was evident that there had been some kind of relationship gone wrong between Jane and Sheriff Department's Sergeant Clay Renner, a former Army Ranger, but the details weren't known.
In Cop by Her Side we learn about what happened between Jane and Clay when they're thrown together during the abduction of her niece from Jane's sisters almost fatal car accident. At first glance a working relationship between them seems impossible as Clay appears to be an unrepentant chauvinist, while Jane not only holds higher rank than he does, but she's also someone who doesn't fade into the background. Soon it becomes apparent that Jane and Clay both carry scars from their parental upbringing that could derail any close relationships. However if they can overcome them, perhaps they might have a chance together. This story is fascinating on many levels and the interrelationships of the characters make this a most compelling read.
I've awarded this book five stars because from the very first page, I could not put it down and actually read (no could say devoured it) in just a few hours. I'm really looking forward to the fifth and final installment in this addictive series, This Good Man (publish date: Sept 1, 2014).
May 21, 2014
COP BY HER SIDE by Janice Kay Johnson
Jane and Clay had been a twosome until he started bragging to his buddies about her physical assets. When she heard his remarks, she backed off and wants nothing to do with him. They are both police officers and Clay is kicking himself for his stupidity because he really cares for Jane. He worries about her getting hurt as they help the citizens of their town. When Jane’s sister gets hurt and her niece disappears, Clay is on the job trying to figure out what happened and where the little girl could be.
Another good story from the pen of Ms. Johnson. Her stories never fail to keep my interest. It easy to read with interesting characters willing to give their all to get the job done. Clay learns something about himself and realizes that he does not want to pattern himself on his dad. He grows to be a better man. The mystery about Jane’s sister and her marriage will keep readers guessing as everyone hunts for the young girl.
Jane and Clay had been a twosome until he started bragging to his buddies about her physical assets. When she heard his remarks, she backed off and wants nothing to do with him. They are both police officers and Clay is kicking himself for his stupidity because he really cares for Jane. He worries about her getting hurt as they help the citizens of their town. When Jane’s sister gets hurt and her niece disappears, Clay is on the job trying to figure out what happened and where the little girl could be.
Another good story from the pen of Ms. Johnson. Her stories never fail to keep my interest. It easy to read with interesting characters willing to give their all to get the job done. Clay learns something about himself and realizes that he does not want to pattern himself on his dad. He grows to be a better man. The mystery about Jane’s sister and her marriage will keep readers guessing as everyone hunts for the young girl.
October 27, 2014
Rating 3.5 stars
June 18, 2022
Decent story line. Nice characters and glad to see Women in a man's world - slaying it!!
August 30, 2022
It was hard to leave these two characters.
December 30, 2014
I received this for an honest review from NetGalley.A fast paced romance with action through in the mix. Clay and Jane had a past but things didn't work out. However a case draws them together. Clay sees Jane in a different light then he did before. The same goes for Jane. Upon slicing the crime they grow close together.
I really enjoyed Cop By Her Side. This was my first time reading a Janice Kay Johnson novel. I'll will definitely reading more from her in the future.
4/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley
I really enjoyed Cop By Her Side. This was my first time reading a Janice Kay Johnson novel. I'll will definitely reading more from her in the future.
4/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley
August 26, 2014
This 4th installment in the Angel Butte series is a well balanced piece of romance and suspense. Janice Kay Johnson has offered readers a second chance at love story that is well plotted with interesting characters. It could stand alone well. Ms. Johnson's books are quite suspenseful, don't let the fact that it's a small town fool you. I found Cop by Her Side an easy read and a good one.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2014
Each new book by Janice Kay Johnson is an auto buy for me because I enjoy her mix of characters who always come across as authentic and a story that also feels real . The characters aren't cardboard cutout superheroes but real people who, as they sort out the situation / solve the crime, invariably learn something about themselves and others by the end of the story.
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September 10, 2016received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: The Mysteries of Angel Butte
Miniseries: The Mysteries of Angel Butte
Displaying 1 - 11 of 12 reviews