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Bridles and Bribery
Some threats are easy to ignore. This one isn't.
Jillian Phillips hopes the terrifying ransom demand for her unborn child is some kind of cruel joke. She’s newly married, pregnant, and now the target of a faceless enemy known only as The Profit. To make matters worse, her husband disappears during a business trip.
No one believes the chilling deadline she’s been given is real. Not the police. Not her friends. With nowhere else to turn, she hires Lonestar Security, a firm run by tough-as-nails former rodeo champions. Together, they race against a ticking clock to track down her missing husband and save her family.
One-click this heart-pounding story of love under siege!
Jillian Phillips hopes the terrifying ransom demand for her unborn child is some kind of cruel joke. She’s newly married, pregnant, and now the target of a faceless enemy known only as The Profit. To make matters worse, her husband disappears during a business trip.
No one believes the chilling deadline she’s been given is real. Not the police. Not her friends. With nowhere else to turn, she hires Lonestar Security, a firm run by tough-as-nails former rodeo champions. Together, they race against a ticking clock to track down her missing husband and save her family.
One-click this heart-pounding story of love under siege!
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2024
471 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Jo Grafford
167 books665 followersJo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 30, 2024
Bridles and Bribery is a very suspenseful introduction to a new series. Ms. Grafford writes edge of your seat, heart pounding suspense. It won’t be a problem if you have not read the other series in Heart Lake, but if you have read them you will be delighted to see some familiar faces. I love Jillian and Dave’s story. Dave’s mother turns out to also be a delight. I did not sleep until I finished this exciting new book!
September 1, 2024
Another great book by Jo Grafford, recommend it to anyone who loves mystery in their romance. Story takes place in Heart Lake where her last series took place with new H and h, but with some characters from her previous series. The book opens with the h’s sister very unkindly telling her sister she must be truthful with her soon to be husband regarding the fetus she is carrying. The h is fearful if she does he will call off the wedding which is about to occur. When she tells him he tells her he already knew that the baby wasn’t hers, that he was aware of what a surrogate mother was. He was fine with it because he was marrying her because of who she was, a kind, loving, generous, caring woman who loved him. Soon after the ceremony the H leaves in response to a call from the mother of a high school classmate who is being sued. She has fears because she believes that her husband was murdered and she fears for herself. She wants him to handle the case because he is a very successful defense attorney in Heart Lake. She tells him she will send a private jet to pick him up. On the plane 3 armed men take him hostage, but before they know it he escapes from the plane when it on the tarmac. His escape is successful. He meets with the woman and she gives him a bundle of papers to use to prove her innocence in regard to illegal betting. Her son is a famous jockey riding his own horse. The mystery then gets more complicated. After he has left a ransom letter is dropped on their front porch. He hears about it after he has escaped and calls home to let his new wife know that he is safe. He proceeds to go through all the paperwork his client has given him. He has left his pregnant wife at home with his mother, telling her that she and his mother can have fun decorating their new home which has very few furnishings. But before they can get started they find out that it might not be safe for them outside the house. The H hires security to guard the home and his wife and mother. The relationship between mother and son is not very good, but the h develops a good relationship with her mother in law and she grows close to her daughter in law. When a ransom note comes regarding the yet unborn baby life becomes even more tense. In the end the H finds what he believes to point to the person responsible for the threats only to find out that he is wrong. In the end after the H with his high school best friend and another friend who is a famous jockey escaped an explosion does the truth come out and the guilty person is arrested. The h delivers their son and the H and h have their HEA. Enjoy reading this exciting book. You may be up reading later than you normally do.
August 31, 2024
WAIT AND TRUST
What an amazing start to another intriguing series by Ms. Jo Grafford. The story is about mystery, suspense, life and death danger, angst, love, and faith. What starts as a marriage for two older people, each who never had married before, turns into a mystery phone call, begging for help. The two main characters will be newlyweds, Dave and Jillian Phillips.
Dave Phillips is a criminal attorney in the small town of Heart Lake, Texas. He lost his father as a teenager, and when he was ready to enter college, his mother moved to Europe. Dave went to Heart Lake High School, where he played football, and has been best friends with the now retired town sheriff, Gil Remington. Dave’s mother, Eloise, will return to Heart Lake to attend her son’s wedding.
Jillian Harris refused to move away from Heart Lake, like her parents and sister. They are distant to her, and have a way of belittling her every chance they get. Coming to her wedding isn’t any different, and if anything, her older sister, Julie, is especially cruel. Jillian never finished college and works as a receptionist in the ER. She needed to pay off bills and had signed on to be a surrogate for a couple using a location in Dallas. But for unknown reasons, they canceled the contract, agreed to allow her to keep the fee and now she is going to have a baby, which Dave gladly welcomes as theirs.
The story will have a call for help from a former classmate’s mother. Jordan’s mother, Jan Jacobson begs Dave to please help them. Someone has murdered her husband and made threats against them and Triple J Ranch. With the blessings of Jillian, his mother, and the promise from Gil to protect them, he goes. Only things go from bad to worse.
The story is a page-turning tale of the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. Threats will be made against Jillian and her baby, and Dave will have to literally fight for his life, and even go into protection. Gil and Lone Star Security will have to keep a twenty-four-seven watch on Jillian and Eloise. I liked the characters and their interactions along with the suspense of the story. The Christian elements within the story are never preachy, only enhancing the trust and faith the individuals have.
What an amazing start to another intriguing series by Ms. Jo Grafford. The story is about mystery, suspense, life and death danger, angst, love, and faith. What starts as a marriage for two older people, each who never had married before, turns into a mystery phone call, begging for help. The two main characters will be newlyweds, Dave and Jillian Phillips.
Dave Phillips is a criminal attorney in the small town of Heart Lake, Texas. He lost his father as a teenager, and when he was ready to enter college, his mother moved to Europe. Dave went to Heart Lake High School, where he played football, and has been best friends with the now retired town sheriff, Gil Remington. Dave’s mother, Eloise, will return to Heart Lake to attend her son’s wedding.
Jillian Harris refused to move away from Heart Lake, like her parents and sister. They are distant to her, and have a way of belittling her every chance they get. Coming to her wedding isn’t any different, and if anything, her older sister, Julie, is especially cruel. Jillian never finished college and works as a receptionist in the ER. She needed to pay off bills and had signed on to be a surrogate for a couple using a location in Dallas. But for unknown reasons, they canceled the contract, agreed to allow her to keep the fee and now she is going to have a baby, which Dave gladly welcomes as theirs.
The story will have a call for help from a former classmate’s mother. Jordan’s mother, Jan Jacobson begs Dave to please help them. Someone has murdered her husband and made threats against them and Triple J Ranch. With the blessings of Jillian, his mother, and the promise from Gil to protect them, he goes. Only things go from bad to worse.
The story is a page-turning tale of the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. Threats will be made against Jillian and her baby, and Dave will have to literally fight for his life, and even go into protection. Gil and Lone Star Security will have to keep a twenty-four-seven watch on Jillian and Eloise. I liked the characters and their interactions along with the suspense of the story. The Christian elements within the story are never preachy, only enhancing the trust and faith the individuals have.
August 31, 2024
Bridles And Bribery is the first in the new series Cowboy Brand Of Justice. Much more adventure and suspense than the previous Heart Lake series but, it takes place in Heart Lake. We have Gil, the previous sheriff of Heart Lake. Bliss, Gil's pregnant wife. Dave, the big time criminal lawyer in town and best friend of Gil. Jillian, the pregnant ER receptionist at Heart Lake Medical Center that Dave met when Gil was admitted and now they are married. Add Eloise, Dave's mother that lived in Italy and has been married 5 times. Lonestar Security added for protection and it sounds like another Heart Lake story but you would be wrong. You will need to pump up the adrenalin. There is so much energy going on immediately at the start of the book that doesn't seem to slow down to the end.
How can a wedding between Dave and Jillian start out so wrong? They are married on the top of his law office building he owns in town in a family wedding. Since his Mom and her parents and sister are all in town for the wedding, they have a surprise at the townhouse for Jillian waiting along with the wedding reception. When Dave and Jillian arrives she sees baby gifts. They are having her a baby shower since both families are there. But when Dave's phone will not stop buzzing she tells him to answer it. After Jillian is sent a strange text message, Gil interrupts Dave on the phone to show him and he is talking about the same type of issue with the mother of a schoolmate of his from Dallas. Dave is asked to come to help them tonight! They are suppose to leave for Hawaii on their honeymoon tomorrow!! This is just the beginning of strange things that will keep happening over and over.
How can a wedding between Dave and Jillian start out so wrong? They are married on the top of his law office building he owns in town in a family wedding. Since his Mom and her parents and sister are all in town for the wedding, they have a surprise at the townhouse for Jillian waiting along with the wedding reception. When Dave and Jillian arrives she sees baby gifts. They are having her a baby shower since both families are there. But when Dave's phone will not stop buzzing she tells him to answer it. After Jillian is sent a strange text message, Gil interrupts Dave on the phone to show him and he is talking about the same type of issue with the mother of a schoolmate of his from Dallas. Dave is asked to come to help them tonight! They are suppose to leave for Hawaii on their honeymoon tomorrow!! This is just the beginning of strange things that will keep happening over and over.
September 1, 2024
I found myself at first thinking how in the world can a 49 year old woman, Jillian Harris, who is 5 1/2 months pregnant be marrying a 53 year old man, Dave Phillips, neither having been married before and the baby is not his but as the story develops, the answer is so sweet and remarkable. Dave’s emotional support to Jillian was so heartfelt and emotionally touching. This book has several surprises in store for the reader and some very interesting and entertaining characters. I think everyone who reads this book will instantly love the characters of Dave and his best friend Gil, gentlemen who found the loves of their lives later in life, are totally devoted to them and are both soon to become fathers for the first time. Jillian and Dave’s mom, Eloise, make an unlikely pair but find a friendship and kinship while secluded together with Eloise bringing lots of humor and interesting banter to the book. The mystery of The Prophet that is to be solved is intriguing and kept me turning the pages to see who was behind all the notes and mayhem. The culprit took me by surprise! Great job on that mystery, Jo Grafford. An intriguing clean romantic mystery but do be aware that there is mention of murder, suicide and several attempts at murder yet all ends in a happy ending.
I received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book but was given no monetary compensation. I read for the enjoyment and voluntarily review so that others may know what to expect and authors may be helped by critique and encouragement.
I received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book but was given no monetary compensation. I read for the enjoyment and voluntarily review so that others may know what to expect and authors may be helped by critique and encouragement.
August 31, 2024
Great start to a new spinoff series!! The book starts off with a desperate call and a threatening text message. In the midst of trying to track down the mysterious Prophet, danger lurks ever closer. In the midst of the suspense, you also meet the people of the town. Eloise is Dave's mom. She hasn't been back to Heart Lake in 30 years - since Dave's dad died. Eloise is a hoot! She is a take charge person who doesn't back down. The book is about Dave and Jillian, but there are so many great supporting characters that you will absolutely fall in love with!
Dave and Jillian have just gotten married. They head back to their house for a surprise wedding and baby shower with family. Jillian is pregnant through surrogacy, but the couple backed out so she is about to be a single mom. She and Dave fall in love and get married. Dave receives a desperate call from the mom of a former classmate. At the same time, Jillian receives a threatening text. So Dave knows he needs to fly to Dallas and take the case. The Prophet is stalking them for some reason. His mom stays with Jillian and Lonestar Security protects them until they can figure out what's going on and who is stalking them.
Dave and Jillian have just gotten married. They head back to their house for a surprise wedding and baby shower with family. Jillian is pregnant through surrogacy, but the couple backed out so she is about to be a single mom. She and Dave fall in love and get married. Dave receives a desperate call from the mom of a former classmate. At the same time, Jillian receives a threatening text. So Dave knows he needs to fly to Dallas and take the case. The Prophet is stalking them for some reason. His mom stays with Jillian and Lonestar Security protects them until they can figure out what's going on and who is stalking them.
August 30, 2024
A great beginning to this series by one of my favorite authors. When Jillian Harris, a woman of a certain age, signed up to be a surrogate, it was a way for her to finally have a child and pay off her enormous debt. Having never been married and with no hopes of being so, imagine her shock when she meets and falls in love with local attorney David Phillips. Learning that the surrogacy couple had released her from her contract now leaves Jillian with the child she had so long desired. She is sure people in their town talk about her pregnancy and engagement to Dave after only five months of dating, but they are happy and looking forward to their child and marriage. When Dave is called away on an emergency case, for a friend, events begin to spiral out of control and they begin receiving threats from a source called “The Prophet”. Who is this individual or is there more than one bad actor? Will Dave, with the assistance of former Sheriff Gil Remington and Lonestar Security, be able to end the threats while keeping their families safe? Loved the ending! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
August 31, 2024
Bridles and Bribery is the first book in The Cowboy Brand of Justice - Small Town Secrets series. It opens with Jillian Harris waiting for her wedding to Dave Phillips to start. Two things are immediately obvious... Jillian doesn't have a good relationship with her family, and she is pregnant. However this is not a "shotgun wedding".
This later-in-life romance is swoony - at least until both Dave and Jillian receive anonymous threats from The Prophet. Is The Prophet dangerous or is it a hoax? The suspense kept me turning the pages until I finished the story. (Who needs sleep?)
This story takes us back to Heart Lake, Texas and we reconnect with several characters from the Heart Lake series. It's fun to think back to that series and how it interconnects with this new series, but it's not necessary to have read the Heart Lake series as Bridles and Bribery is a stand-alone story. I recommend this clean, inspirational, Christian story with a loving happily-ever-after.
I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of Jo Grafford, the author. This review is my honest opinion, given voluntarily.
This later-in-life romance is swoony - at least until both Dave and Jillian receive anonymous threats from The Prophet. Is The Prophet dangerous or is it a hoax? The suspense kept me turning the pages until I finished the story. (Who needs sleep?)
This story takes us back to Heart Lake, Texas and we reconnect with several characters from the Heart Lake series. It's fun to think back to that series and how it interconnects with this new series, but it's not necessary to have read the Heart Lake series as Bridles and Bribery is a stand-alone story. I recommend this clean, inspirational, Christian story with a loving happily-ever-after.
I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of Jo Grafford, the author. This review is my honest opinion, given voluntarily.
August 27, 2024
How hard it would be to finally get married after many years of being single and then right after the wedding, having to be separated due to imminent threats against your wife's unborn child and the husband's old high school friend's suspicious death which is somehow tied to the case? Jillian and Dave Phillips are in for the fight of their lives! They've waited their whole lives for each other and after finally finding each other, why is danger at their doorstep? Jillian is pregnant with a surrogate child and Dave can't wait to finally be a father but as they are packing for their honeymoon, plans go awry when a cryptic ransom request shows up for the unborn child. This new series by this author starts off fantastic! I devoured every word! There are old friends showing up from a previous series and it's fun to reconnect with them but even if you haven't read those books, you can quickly fall in love with all these great characters! They are smart, lovable and oh so delicious! Already I can't wait to read the next book!
August 28, 2024
What a brilliantly written book this is, we're back in Heart Lake fir a new series of stories featuring some of the characters from previous books. Jillian has always been the one in her family to stay in their hometown an ER nurse, pregnant and now getting married to the man she's been dating for a month. Dave couldn't believe his luck when Jills agreed to marry him so they're older than most newly weds but does it matter, so they've only dated for a month as long as they are both happy who cares. But when they are drawn into an unexpected criminal case on their wedding day everything is thrown up in the air. Now newly married and being in seperate places doesn't bode well. This is a story full of intrigue, mystery, self doubts and friendship. With every turn of the page the story unfolds more and more but still more unclear. Jo has given us a superb first book and I'm certainly looking forward to more in this series ❤️ 📖❤️
October 2, 2024
Much to others dismay including her own family she is getting married. AND she is getting married after a short dating period. AND she is pregnant. But when you know ya know, ya know? But what’s worse is that he had to leave right after the wedding and right after someone threatened her. Dave is doin all he can to save his family.. including staying away from them.
I love this new spin off of all the heart lake series. The lawyer in town is well known for his big bank account and his big heart. His chosen to give both to his new fiancé. After such a big and triumphant ending to heart lake this book shakes things up a bit and introduces autism in a character which I really enjoyed seeing him blossom. I hope he gets his own book!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines
I love this new spin off of all the heart lake series. The lawyer in town is well known for his big bank account and his big heart. His chosen to give both to his new fiancé. After such a big and triumphant ending to heart lake this book shakes things up a bit and introduces autism in a character which I really enjoyed seeing him blossom. I hope he gets his own book!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines
August 27, 2024
Wow! What a great book to start a new series! I read it straight through!! It was so interesting, exciting, had great characters with great conversations! The buddy of Gil Remington, Dave, finally gets his love of his life! It starts with the wedding and I found it to be pretty humorous,. You could think it was sad, the way their families were bickering, etc., but it really was funny, until!!…right after the wedding Dave gets a frantic, strange call from an old school buddy’s mom saying that her husband had been murdered, and it was NOT a suicide and she needed him NOW to protect her from the latest internet meme called the Prophet. I can’t possibly tell you all of the adventures in this book, so, if you want to get totally engrossed in a book-get this one ASAP!! You’re going to love it!! And, it’s still in Heart Lake!! 💙🩵💙 I was on the advanced reader team and this review is my own.
August 27, 2024
This is a new series that features some old friends from the previous series centered around Heart Lake. The story opens with the happily ever after but quickly transitions to danger and suspense. I appreciate how this author makes the hero and heroine a united front in facing all foes. There’s plenty of conflict but it’s outside this stable core of the couple and their support network, which leaves a reader feeling hopeful. The story continually points to the source of all strength, Jesus, and how He cares for us in all circumstances. In short, when I open a book by Jo Grafford I know I will be uplifted even while being entertained. I don’t need to read a blurb or check reviews; it’s an automatic YES every time. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
September 5, 2024
Bridles and Bribery
An exciting beginning to the new Cowboy Brand of Justice series. This book features the story of Dave and Jillian. No one expects to spend their wedding night sending their husband to the airport for an unknown period of time but Jillian felt the need to support Dave and encourage him to pursue the case. Jillian has received a ransom note for her unborn child from someone who calls themselves “The Prophet”, to be paid on her due date. Other threatening notes are being found with one ending in death. With Dave out of town, she has to turn to Lonestar Security and Dave’s friend for her safety. Danger abounds. Will Dave be able to discover the identity of “The Prophet” before anyone else dies?
An exciting beginning to the new Cowboy Brand of Justice series. This book features the story of Dave and Jillian. No one expects to spend their wedding night sending their husband to the airport for an unknown period of time but Jillian felt the need to support Dave and encourage him to pursue the case. Jillian has received a ransom note for her unborn child from someone who calls themselves “The Prophet”, to be paid on her due date. Other threatening notes are being found with one ending in death. With Dave out of town, she has to turn to Lonestar Security and Dave’s friend for her safety. Danger abounds. Will Dave be able to discover the identity of “The Prophet” before anyone else dies?
September 16, 2024
We are back in Heart Lake with more suspense,mystery,danger and romance.
Jillian and Dave fall in love and get married after a whirlwind romance.
Danger finds them on their wedding day.Jillian gets a ransom demand for her unborn baby.
Then she gets one for Dave.They hire Lonestar security and Dave's best friend joins forces to help them.
Then Dave goes missing.
There are so many twists and turns,danger around every corner.
There is also lots of romance,friendships,babies,family,humour,tears,faith and a very satisfying happily ever after.
Could not put it down.Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I recieved an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Jillian and Dave fall in love and get married after a whirlwind romance.
Danger finds them on their wedding day.Jillian gets a ransom demand for her unborn baby.
Then she gets one for Dave.They hire Lonestar security and Dave's best friend joins forces to help them.
Then Dave goes missing.
There are so many twists and turns,danger around every corner.
There is also lots of romance,friendships,babies,family,humour,tears,faith and a very satisfying happily ever after.
Could not put it down.Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I recieved an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
Although this is the first in a new series, many of the characters are from the Heart Lake series, and it is based in Heart Lake. Dave is a criminal defense attorney and friends with Gil, the retired sheriff and newest Lonestar Security partner. Jillian is a nurse and is pregnant through a surrogate agency. At 5-1/2 months, she and Dave are getting married. The synopsis explains about the Prophet who is issuing threats. There’s a surprise as to the mother and son that Dave has been hired to help. As with the Heart Lake series, there is romance, drama, a Christian element, a conclusion, and a sneak peak of who the next one in the series will be about.
August 27, 2024
Fantastic story! I love the characters, so many of the characters were my favorite from Jillian and Dave to Eloise, Edward, Gil and Jordan. I was on the edge of my seat with all the twist turns. So much action packed into the story that there is no lag or chance of being bored. With each page the story kept throwing more leads as to who was responsible to only pull the rug out from under you. It was brilliant and I never saw it coming! New found love mixed with family and friends that fight and love to protect the ones they hold dear is endearing and has you wanting more of these great stories!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
September 3, 2024
I love all things Jo Grafford and this does not disappoint, this is book one of The Cowboys Brand of Justice series. Jillian Harris marries Dave, a criminal attorney; after one month of dating. They both grew up in Heart Lake; Dave grew up on the lake, Jillian grew up on the other side of town. Jillian (age 49) is pregnant via surrogacy. On their wedding night, Dave is called away by one of his former classmates Mom (Jan); to investigate the death of her husband. Jillian starts getting messages from "The Prophet" are these real threats? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!
September 4, 2024
We thought Dave was finally getting his happily ever after......
Dave has been an important cast member throughout the last few books in the Heart Lake series, and at the end of the last one we thought he and Jillian had finally found their long awaited happily ever after....but somebody has other plans. Dangerous, life threatening plans that could cost them everything.
This is a fantastic introduction to this new spin off series, it's dark, dangerous, fast paced and high action, but it also has plenty of love, happiness and beautiful babies! I look forward to more books with this awesome cast, including Gage who I am hoping finds his soul mate next.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Dave has been an important cast member throughout the last few books in the Heart Lake series, and at the end of the last one we thought he and Jillian had finally found their long awaited happily ever after....but somebody has other plans. Dangerous, life threatening plans that could cost them everything.
This is a fantastic introduction to this new spin off series, it's dark, dangerous, fast paced and high action, but it also has plenty of love, happiness and beautiful babies! I look forward to more books with this awesome cast, including Gage who I am hoping finds his soul mate next.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
October 30, 2024
Jillian's and Dave's story was such a fun read about finding love later in life. Both of them have never been married and get married in their late 40's or 50's. However, marriage is anything but what they expected as Dave is forced on a business trip on their wedding night. This story was full of many twists, turns and suspense. It showed that love can conquer all and not to judge people based on what you see or hear from other people.
This was a great book for the start of a new series and I loved seeing some of the characters from Jo's Heartlake novels in this book. Highly recommend this new series.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest reveiw. All opinions are my own.
This was a great book for the start of a new series and I loved seeing some of the characters from Jo's Heartlake novels in this book. Highly recommend this new series.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest reveiw. All opinions are my own.
January 18, 2025
Unimpressive.
First time reading this author - meh. First, this was Book 1 in a series, but it felt like this was part of a continuing series. Next, we know nothing about MC's, but book starts out with them getting married - after knowing each other only a month. FMC is 6 months pregnant via surrogacy - & she is 49 years old! Who in the world would want a 49 YO surrogate? She did it because she needed the money. MMC is 53 & a rich lawyer who says he doesn't want a prenup. This really is fiction. MC's spend most of the book apart. Not very suspenseful mystery. Won't be continuing the series.
First time reading this author - meh. First, this was Book 1 in a series, but it felt like this was part of a continuing series. Next, we know nothing about MC's, but book starts out with them getting married - after knowing each other only a month. FMC is 6 months pregnant via surrogacy - & she is 49 years old! Who in the world would want a 49 YO surrogate? She did it because she needed the money. MMC is 53 & a rich lawyer who says he doesn't want a prenup. This really is fiction. MC's spend most of the book apart. Not very suspenseful mystery. Won't be continuing the series.
November 5, 2025
Hooked on the Series
I love most all Jo Gafford books, but this series is proving to be one of my favorites. I love her humor and her characters. The plots are filled with action and fun! The books are clean but readers definitely know that the romance is real. I give most all books 5 stars because of the good, clean fun with just enough faith to show the values of the author. The books are, for the most part, free of “too stupid to live” moments or high anxiety, overly emotional introspection. The books do what they are supposed to do—entertain in a heartwarming manner.
I love most all Jo Gafford books, but this series is proving to be one of my favorites. I love her humor and her characters. The plots are filled with action and fun! The books are clean but readers definitely know that the romance is real. I give most all books 5 stars because of the good, clean fun with just enough faith to show the values of the author. The books are, for the most part, free of “too stupid to live” moments or high anxiety, overly emotional introspection. The books do what they are supposed to do—entertain in a heartwarming manner.
August 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and just didn’t want to put it down. (Had to though, needed to sleep). Such wonderful new characters to add to the Heart Lake community. I loved Dave and Jillian’s story. Her family is something else. Glad they left. There is the right amount of danger, suspense and love in this story. Jordan is a great person and I hope to see more of him. Dave always makes it a point to keep God present in his life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
August 27, 2024
A couple faces multiple obstacles to enjoying their HEA. Between members of their own family, to former school friends and someone called The Prophet will they be able to celebrate their wedding? When will they be able to start their lives together or will they never get the chance? Who's responsible for everything? This book is the first book in a new interconnected series that is also connected to other series through the characters.
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
August 29, 2024
Great beginning of a new series by Jo Grafford.
You will recognize characters from other series in this intriguing story.
Dave and Jillian are postponing their honeymoon while he goes to help an old friend who has been contacted by The Prophet. Before he leaves Jillian receives a message from The Prophet threatening her unborn child. After Dave leaves she gets another one, then one threatening Dave.
Now nobody can contact Dave and his flight is missing.
Lots of twists and turns in this one.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
You will recognize characters from other series in this intriguing story.
Dave and Jillian are postponing their honeymoon while he goes to help an old friend who has been contacted by The Prophet. Before he leaves Jillian receives a message from The Prophet threatening her unborn child. After Dave leaves she gets another one, then one threatening Dave.
Now nobody can contact Dave and his flight is missing.
Lots of twists and turns in this one.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
August 30, 2024
Loved this book!! On their wedding day, a dangerous game of cat and mouse starts, and Jillian, Dave, and their unborn child is caught in the web of the Prophet. The more ensnared in his game they become, the more they and their friends dig for what's really going on and who is behind it. When everything comes out, after twists you won't see coming, the ending will blow you away!! Love how Dave, Jillian, and their friends lean on God to guide them!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
August 30, 2024
This book is an excellent start to a new series set in Heart Lake, TX. It's great to catch up with Dave and Jillian who are passionately in love and just beginning their marriage, but the book stands alone if you haven't read other books by Jo. Dave's mother Eloise is a hoot and brings a lot of sass and humor. The story is full of action and intrigue and just as you figure out what's going on, everything changes. Highly recommend. I received an advanced copy of this book, and this review is my honest opinion.
September 2, 2024
I loved being able to visit Heart Lake again. I seem to use the word WOW a lot when describing Jo Grafford’s books. She has not only given us romance (since both are “older”, it might have given me hope, if I was looking), danger, and mystery. We got to visit with Gil and the guys of Lonestar Security. As a fan of Sean Connery and the 007 movies, I love the gadgets, but I digress. I’m fairly sure you will not see all the twists and turns that are coming your way. I totally enjoyed this book and am glad I only have to wait a month to visit Heart Lake again.
September 1, 2024
Ms. Grafford is a great writer. Her books are well written and clean for all ages to read. This book is no exception. It keeps you wanting to turn the next page and climb right in the story. Dave and Jill marry, and he has to leave town to help a client. Things just go downhill from there for the newlyweds. I know I would not want to go months without being able to see my new husband knowing his life and that of my unborn baby is in danger.
You will not regret grabbing this first book of the series and getting comfy so you can read it.
You will not regret grabbing this first book of the series and getting comfy so you can read it.
September 2, 2024
Jillian comes from A dysfunctional family that does not support her. They
put her down about everything she does.
Jillian needed money. She decided she was gonna be a surrogate. In the meantime, she met the love of her life and decided to get married within a month, that did not go over well with her family. Neither her nor Dave, her husband-to-be cared. Dave was determined to keep her away from her negative family. Find out all the crazy things that happened between the two of them. I received a free book and I am voluntarily leaving review.
put her down about everything she does.
Jillian needed money. She decided she was gonna be a surrogate. In the meantime, she met the love of her life and decided to get married within a month, that did not go over well with her family. Neither her nor Dave, her husband-to-be cared. Dave was determined to keep her away from her negative family. Find out all the crazy things that happened between the two of them. I received a free book and I am voluntarily leaving review.
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