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The Sheriff's Baby
When the mother of his unborn child is threatened,
a lawman must match wits with a cunning killer
A frantic call for backup brings Sheriff Duncan Holder to the home of his pregnant ex, a deputy haunted by her father’s unsolved murder. Now Joelle McCullough is the target of a kidnapping plot that’s only the beginning. When the twisting trail to the truth erupts in violence, Duncan will do whatever it takes to keep Joelle and their unborn baby safe. Even if that means going up against a killer leaving a string of dead bodies who won’t stop until a final revenge is carried out…
From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
Discover more action-packed stories in the Saddle Ridge Justice series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:
Book 1: The Sheriff's Baby
Book 2: Protecting the Newborn
Book 3: Tracking Down the Lawman's Son
Book 4: Child in Jeopardy
a lawman must match wits with a cunning killer
A frantic call for backup brings Sheriff Duncan Holder to the home of his pregnant ex, a deputy haunted by her father’s unsolved murder. Now Joelle McCullough is the target of a kidnapping plot that’s only the beginning. When the twisting trail to the truth erupts in violence, Duncan will do whatever it takes to keep Joelle and their unborn baby safe. Even if that means going up against a killer leaving a string of dead bodies who won’t stop until a final revenge is carried out…
From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
Discover more action-packed stories in the Saddle Ridge Justice series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:
Book 1: The Sheriff's Baby
Book 2: Protecting the Newborn
Book 3: Tracking Down the Lawman's Son
Book 4: Child in Jeopardy
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2024
153 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Delores Fossen
638 books815 followersThank you for finding me on Goodreads!
Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:
I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.
Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:
I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 16, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE SHERIFF’S BABY (Saddle Ridge Justice Book #1) by Dolores Fossen is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat first book in a Harlequin Intrigue series featuring a law enforcement family in Texas. While each book stands alone with its own romantic suspense plot, there is an overarching mystery involving the murder of the McCullough sibling’s father and the disappearance of their mother, so I will read the series in the order published.
Sheriff Duncan Holder receives a frantic call for backup in the middle of the night for assistance for Deputy Joelle McCullough, who is on leave due to her pregnancy. Five months ago, Joelle’s father was murdered while Duncan and Joelle were together and she has avoided him since out of guilt even though she became pregnant that evening, also. Joelle is the target of a kidnapping plot. With suspects tied to the illegal sale of babies and possible ties to her father’s murder, Duncan and Joelle are continually in danger coming at them from all sides. Will Duncan be able to protect Joelle and discover who is trying to take her and their baby away?
This is a very fast-paced plot with twists happening at every turn of the page. Ms. Fossen does a great job of keeping all the suspects in play and keeping me guessing right up to the climax. Joelle and Duncan are fighting their attraction, but the danger has a way of clearing up any reservations or guilt and the chemistry takes over. There is one steaming sex scene in the shower, but it is later in the book and felt natural in the progression of their romantic reconnection. The mystery involving Joelle’s murdered father and missing mother is unresolved, but the main romantic suspense plot for this book is resolved. Joelle has two older brothers and a younger sister, so I am assured of more exciting books in this series.
I highly recommend this exciting romantic suspense/police procedural/mystery mash-up and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
THE SHERIFF’S BABY (Saddle Ridge Justice Book #1) by Dolores Fossen is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat first book in a Harlequin Intrigue series featuring a law enforcement family in Texas. While each book stands alone with its own romantic suspense plot, there is an overarching mystery involving the murder of the McCullough sibling’s father and the disappearance of their mother, so I will read the series in the order published.
Sheriff Duncan Holder receives a frantic call for backup in the middle of the night for assistance for Deputy Joelle McCullough, who is on leave due to her pregnancy. Five months ago, Joelle’s father was murdered while Duncan and Joelle were together and she has avoided him since out of guilt even though she became pregnant that evening, also. Joelle is the target of a kidnapping plot. With suspects tied to the illegal sale of babies and possible ties to her father’s murder, Duncan and Joelle are continually in danger coming at them from all sides. Will Duncan be able to protect Joelle and discover who is trying to take her and their baby away?
This is a very fast-paced plot with twists happening at every turn of the page. Ms. Fossen does a great job of keeping all the suspects in play and keeping me guessing right up to the climax. Joelle and Duncan are fighting their attraction, but the danger has a way of clearing up any reservations or guilt and the chemistry takes over. There is one steaming sex scene in the shower, but it is later in the book and felt natural in the progression of their romantic reconnection. The mystery involving Joelle’s murdered father and missing mother is unresolved, but the main romantic suspense plot for this book is resolved. Joelle has two older brothers and a younger sister, so I am assured of more exciting books in this series.
I highly recommend this exciting romantic suspense/police procedural/mystery mash-up and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
March 9, 2025
I have to say I wish this book was better written , the idea of it was good the execution was not . At times it just felt like this author just repeating some facts over and over . Wished I could say it was good I am not really excited to read the next one I say two thumbs down .
September 26, 2025
Was this a romance? Maybe in the last 20%.
This story reads like a police drama and then throws in romance towards the end. I was very surprised by the interaction between Duncan and Joelle. Had it not been mentioned several times, I would have never guessed that Duncan and Joelle even kissed let alone made a baby. There was not a lot between them and he never acted with any affection towards her until the end. He wasn't mean to her but he acted like her coworker. This book just didn't feel like a romance.
Not a successful romance but an entertaining police drama. This story was action packed and kept me guessing who the 'bad guy' was. The conflict is not completely resolved, because it spans the whole series. But we do find out who the immediate bad guys are in this book. I didn't find anything too repetitive. They did have several conversations trying to put all the evidence together.
Overall, the only part that I didn't understand was Duncan's behavior to Joelle and Joelle's family behavior to Duncan. It was very strange.
This story reads like a police drama and then throws in romance towards the end. I was very surprised by the interaction between Duncan and Joelle. Had it not been mentioned several times, I would have never guessed that Duncan and Joelle even kissed let alone made a baby. There was not a lot between them and he never acted with any affection towards her until the end. He wasn't mean to her but he acted like her coworker. This book just didn't feel like a romance.
Not a successful romance but an entertaining police drama. This story was action packed and kept me guessing who the 'bad guy' was. The conflict is not completely resolved, because it spans the whole series. But we do find out who the immediate bad guys are in this book. I didn't find anything too repetitive. They did have several conversations trying to put all the evidence together.
Overall, the only part that I didn't understand was Duncan's behavior to Joelle and Joelle's family behavior to Duncan. It was very strange.
January 19, 2025
This is the first book in the Saddle Ridge Justice series. This story has suspense, mystery and intrigue which Delorses Fossen is a natural at it. Sheriff Duncan Holder received a call that ex Joelle McCullough was targeted for kidnapping. Does this anything to do with her father murder. Can Duncan keep his ex and their unborn baby safe. There is so many twist and turn that you can’t put the book down. 5 star all the way.
January 19, 2025
This book quickly swept me in and kept me reading. Very engaging mystery. I am confused about what was keeping Joelle and Duncan apart. Strong family presence which I always enjoy. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
December 27, 2024
It was a very interesting story. I found it mostly told the a mystery story than a love story. I found the love story was a small part of the big mystery story. I’m hoping the next books are more about love than a mystery.
February 24, 2025
There were more descriptions in this book than I needed. It repeated a lot of things over and over and over. Bottom line: I'm simply not a Harlequin romance reader, whether or not it is considered Harlequin Intrigue.
November 15, 2024
Entertaining, Wonderful characters, Scary, Page-turner, Romantic, Unpredictable, Haunting, Happily Ever After, Action-packed
January 18, 2025
So good to have this series by Delores Fossen to read. I love her books. I have been saving them as they came out so I could read them together..
Joelle hears someone at her property that should not be there..She calls for back up and her ex shows up!
They both work for the police.
This all sets off Joelle and Duncan running and trying to stay safe from kidnappers that are trying to kill them and get their baby.
I held my breath several times and couldn't turn the page fast enough to see what happened next.
I had no idea who was behind all the kidnappings and killings til it was revealed..I loved that.I like to be shocked...
A fast paced great story line book that was hard to put down. On to the next one!
Joelle hears someone at her property that should not be there..She calls for back up and her ex shows up!
They both work for the police.
This all sets off Joelle and Duncan running and trying to stay safe from kidnappers that are trying to kill them and get their baby.
I held my breath several times and couldn't turn the page fast enough to see what happened next.
I had no idea who was behind all the kidnappings and killings til it was revealed..I loved that.I like to be shocked...
A fast paced great story line book that was hard to put down. On to the next one!
September 9, 2025
First in the Saddle Ridge Justice series, in which Sheriff Duncan Holder intends to keep his pregnant ex, a deputy sheriff safe even as she seeks the killer of her father and solves his murder.
But soon it becomes clear that Joelle herself may be in the crosshairs of whomever has been wreaking havoc in their county as the body count climbs but the questions remain unanswered.
Question: Will Duncan succeed in keeping Joelle safe even as doing her job keeps her in danger? And will they acknowledge their feelings for each other and not just the baby they have vowed to parent together?
But soon it becomes clear that Joelle herself may be in the crosshairs of whomever has been wreaking havoc in their county as the body count climbs but the questions remain unanswered.
Question: Will Duncan succeed in keeping Joelle safe even as doing her job keeps her in danger? And will they acknowledge their feelings for each other and not just the baby they have vowed to parent together?
February 11, 2025
great book
Lots of action but it helped move the story along. You have pregnant women getting kidnapped, attacks, and other nefarious activities.
Delores Fossen writes good fast paced books!
Lots of action but it helped move the story along. You have pregnant women getting kidnapped, attacks, and other nefarious activities.
Delores Fossen writes good fast paced books!
April 12, 2025
loved this story
Just enough suspense and cheering for the couple to get a happy ending. But several times it held in suspense if it was going to happen or not! Definitely recommend
Just enough suspense and cheering for the couple to get a happy ending. But several times it held in suspense if it was going to happen or not! Definitely recommend
Read
October 2, 2024Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Western Romance
Miniseries
Saddle Ridge Justice (Book #1)
Miniseries
Saddle Ridge Justice (Book #1)
Read
October 2, 2024Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Western Romance
Miniseries
Saddle Ridge Justice (Book #1)
Miniseries
Saddle Ridge Justice (Book #1)
November 16, 2024
Great start for this series of law men and women. Will be moving onto the next in this series by this great author.
March 10, 2025
The story it self was solid,I don't care for the writing style,an at times,it felt redundant.I will read the other books in the series,hoping it will get better.
April 20, 2025
Another awesome book in this series! Delores Fossen is an awesome author!
June 11, 2025
Great Story
As usual, this story was exciting.
The characters Duncan and Joelle, were perfect for storyline.
Best, part while reading really wasn’t sure who the culprit was!!
As usual, this story was exciting.
The characters Duncan and Joelle, were perfect for storyline.
Best, part while reading really wasn’t sure who the culprit was!!
June 19, 2025
Another great book that I’ve read. Had me wanting to know more as I read.
December 11, 2025
A very good read with a convoluted mystery.
December 2, 2025
Going to keep this short and sweet. This one is missing the romance until the last little bit. I mean, she's having his baby and they barely communicate. But if you enjoy action and mystery in a police drama story- I think you'll enjoy this one! It's what kept me turning the pages.
2.5 Stars ⭐️
2.5 Stars ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews