Silos and Sabotage: Small Town Secrets

by Jo Grafford

All she remembers is a name and a face...and the feeling that her life depends on finding him.

When Ella Lawton arrives in Heart Lake, Texas, she’s suffering from amnesia and has no idea she's on a missing persons list.

As Lonestar Security’s newest recruit, Army Ranger Gage Hefner is doing his good deed for the day when he steps between a local hothead and the lovely, slightly disheveled target of his unwanted attention. The last thing he expects is for the woman to thank him with a bear hug. He’s never laid eyes on her in his life.

But she knows things about him that no other living person knows. Things that someone has clearly gone to great lengths to silence. He fears it’s only a matter of time before they return to finish the job.

If you enjoy clean romance, cowboys who make you laugh and swoon, and page-turning suspense, then the COWBOY BRAND OF JUSTICE SERIES is perfect for you!

Genres: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Romance

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2024

About the author

Jo 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.

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, which follows on from The Heart Lake series. Ella is in the middle of nowhere and doesn't know how she got there, to be honest she doesn't know alot. The last thing she remembers is being in hospital having a kidney transplant, yet she hasn't any bandages and it looks as though she's fully healed. Ending up in the local diner after a kind driver drops her off, all she wants to do is find the man her father told to find. When Gage saves a woman from the clutches of Bo, he never expected her to collapse on him. Especially as she dropped the bomb that she was looking for him, why he doesn't know her, never seen her before. This is a brilliantly written story that keeps you glued to it. I love a good mystery and throw in a hunky hero all the more compelling. Can these two work together to solve her father's death or will others have different ideas. Being back at Heart Lake and characters from both series making appearances helps build a very realistic story that has you judging and guessing who's behind all the mystery accidents and break ins. Jo never fails to bring us brilliant stories and this is definitely one of them. I can't wait for Rock's story next, make sure to add to your tbr list ❤️

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

PROTECTING ELLA

What an amazing addition to another intriguing story in the Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Ms. Jo Grafford. The story is about mystery, suspense, life and death danger, angst, love, and faith.

Ella Lawton isn’t exactly sure why she is fighting so hard to get to Heart Lake, but she knows she must find Gage Hefner. It is the last thing she remembers her father telling her to do. With the help of a grain truck driver, who knows who Gage is, he’ll drop her off at The Hitching Post. Unfortunately, trouble will also find her before Gage does.

Gage Hefner served with Mick Lawton and considered him a father figure. He knows about Ella, and how much her father loved and protected her. Since the murder of Mick, Gage has been searching for Ella, and had been concerned she is deceased—when she shows up in Heart Lake, he becomes her bodyguard and protector.

The story will have Gage coming into the Hitching Post and seeing Billy Bob Bolander harassing a woman—knowing she doesn’t want him and is frightened. He will see that Billy Bob leaves, and learn that Ella was looking for Gage—discovering she is alive but unwell. The story becomes a life-and-death situation. Why was Billy Bob threatening her, telling her he has someone that wants to see her? Where has Ella been for the past five years?

The town has an ongoing rivalry between two major families, the Bolander and the Radcliffe, where both families own granaries. It affects the people of the town and their families. How and why it affects Ella is the biggest part of this story. Secrets, lies, and deceit, all play a role, but who is the puppet master pulling the strings?

The story is a page-turning tale of the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. Threats will be made against Ella, and Gage will be in a fight to protect her from an unknown enemy. Gage and Lone Star Security will have to keep a twenty-four-seven watch on Ella—adding in Johnny Cuba when Gage can’t be with her. 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 individuals' trust and faith.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. Recommend it to anyone who loves a slow romance with a lot of suspense. The H and h don’t know each other but the H has been searching for 5 years for the murderer of the h’s father who was his commander and he is the executor of his will. The h has been searching for the H because her father told her if she needed help go to him. She knows his name but not what he looks like. She is told by a truck driver who rescued her from the side of the road that she could find him at the dinner. Before she finds him she is poisoned and when the H comes to her rescue she falls into his arms telling him that she has been looking for him. He doesn’t know who she is. He calls for an ambulance and gets her to the hospital. At first the staff fighting for her life are not sure that she will survive but in the end she recovers. The H knew that the h had followed him across the southern US by a slip of paper that she had in her pocket, but not the why. As the h recovers the H and h connect. The h learns that the H has been looking for her father’s murderer and that she is rich, that he is the executor of her father’s will. Although he has been protecting her she can hire the firm he works for to help him. Thus begins the search for the answers as to who murdered her father and who wanted her killed also. The story will keep you reading and one event leads to another and in the end the reasons and the people responsible for the murder and attempted murder are a surprise. The H and h learn the complete story of her past. The h finds out that she has a living mother and that she is loved, that the reason she separated from her daughter was for her safety. The mother finds out the reason her husband separated from his family and learns that she is still loved by her brother-in-law. They get married for love and in an effort to take the site off the h, that the murderer would go after them. In the end the murderer is caught and incarcerated. Along the way there is a lot of excitement. The H and h get their HEA. Enjoy your read.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella Lawton is trying to get to Heart Lake and find Gage Hefner. Her father told her to find Gage, a former Army Ranger, and he would be able to help her. She is on the run and hiding from a man who finally finds her in the local diner. When a stranger tells the man to leave her alone, or else, he introduces himself and she has finally met Gage. Gage has no idea who the young woman is until she introduces herself. When he realizes that she is ill, he takes her to the local hospital and it appears that she has been poisoned. She is confused about her past and believes that she is still recovering from transplant surgery. As Gage, who has signed on with Lonestar Security, becomes her protector, he discovers that she is the daughter of his friend and former commanding officer. He has been trying to find the person who murdered her father and with her memories slowly returning, perhaps they will finally find out who killed him and why. Ella is introduced to relatives that she was unaware existed and involving two family businesses. As the threats continue, will Gage and Lonestar be able to keep her safe and expose her father’s killer? Exciting, twisted mystery! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silos and Sabotage is one of Jo Grafford's best suspense stories yet. You keep thinking you know who is causing all the trouble just to find out there are more suspects. From the beginning of the story to the end you see Ellie's life unfold right before your eyes. She had thought the only family she had was her father that was killed in her hospital room 5 years ago. He had told her to find Gage. The story of Gage and Ellie is such a sweet story of the protection he feels she needs and has made it his job to provide. He gets Johnny, another of the Lone Star guys to watch Ellie during the day for Gage to go to work. Johnny makes the story so much more funny where he invites himself by sounding pitiful not having anyone to go home to or go out with so he gets Ellie to let him tag along. And if three is a crowd, Gage brother Rock showing up gives them one more. Rock too gets a job with Lone Star security as a forensic artist so they can get descriptions they need of suspects or crime scenes. This book could best be explained as a great suspense story with a sprinkling of humor and a once in a lifetime love.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corruption and secrets

Ella has no memory of the last five years.... but it appears she has been living a lie for the last twenty-nine. Everyone has lied to her, even her hero of a dad, but does it still count as a lie when it is the only thing that has kept her safe, kept her alive and kept her hidden. Gage thought he had come to Heart Lake to find his friend and mentors killer, but when Ella drops in his lap, his priorities change. Not only are they searching through evidence of the attempt on her life, but also sorting through thirty years of secrets, lies, disputes and local tales, trying to uncover any pieces that may connect together and even begin to show them some of the picture. Only then will they find answers to their many, many questions.
We met Gage in the first book of the series, he was a little lost and a lot lonely, here he finds his "one" and she steals his heart before she even regains consciousness! Theirs is a dark, twisted and dangerous tale of deception, deceit and corruption.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from page 1 to the very end! I could not put it down! Read it so quickly! Ella and Gage are a strange phenomenon, at first…There’s this missing woman, who has been missing for 5 years, and she gets dropped off by a truck diner in the downtown diner in Heart Lake. She can only remember two words: Gage Hefner. Lo and behold, there is one man in the diner and when he turns and looks at Ella, she can’t believe her eyes! It’s him. Everything her daddy had told her he looked like-he had! She calls out his name and he comes and sits by her. The next thing you know, she has flittered like a feather onto his chest and her heart is barely beating. Thus begins Silos and Sabotages and it just gets better and better. Had to read parts of it out loud to my husband! It is SO full of mystery, emotion, scheming, scoundrels, and of course, lots of good guys from Lonestar Security, plus Luke Rawlings and Gil Remington!! ♥️🥰😍♥️

[Kimberly Bowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo Grafford has written a whodunit that is quite difficult to solve and has done it with amazing characterization, scene description, and story development! Ella Lawton arrives in Heart Lake but doesn't realize she has forgotten five years of her life. She knows there are people she's afraid of and people she trusts but she doesn't know the reasons. Gage Hefner has never met Ella but knows her from serving in the military with her father, a man who was murdered in cold blood. Together they work to keep Ella alive, try to help her remember those five lost years, and try to figure out who killed her father and for what reason. Can they solve the mystery in time or will more people die before justice can be meted?

Grab this book and prepare to be hooked from the very first to the very last page! I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves Christian fiction and suspense!

I received an ARC from the author; however, the review is my own opinion and done of my own volition.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Jo Grafford and this does not disappoint, this is book two in the Cowboy Brand of Justice series. Ella is out in the middle of nowhere, and doesn't know how she got there. All she knows is she wants to find Gage Hefner. The last thing she remembers is her kidney transplant from five years ago. She finds Gage, and a whole lot more. Her memories slowly return, and she remembers seeing her father get murdered. Gage works for Lonestar Security, and they have a bodyguard for her. They murder of her father has never been solved, so they are taking a more through look. Can they solve the murder? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!!

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this new spin off series going back to heart lake.
Ella and Gage were so good together.It was so swoony how he was overprotective of her.
Gage is shocked when a mystery woman he doesn't know knows who he is.He ends up saving her.
Ella doesn't remember the last last five years,but she knows who Gage is.
As they unravel the mystery together they fall in love.There are people who want Ella
dead.Lonestar security steps in to protect Ella.
There are so many twists and turns,a few surprises,shocking secrets,danger,enemies,family,great friendships,romance and a happily ever after.
I 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.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Cowboy Brand of Justice series definitely grabbed my attention from the opening chapter and held it to the end. It also had me scratching my head trying to figure out who the murderer was since there seemed to be so many possible suspects and a lot of what unraveled took me completely by surprise. The romance between Ella and Gage was sweet and kept clean with him being her perfect protector throughout. I also enjoyed the character of Johnny since he added the comic relief to a rather intense book. I’m excited about upcoming books, with the already hint of Gage’s brother Rock’s story next but I hope Johnny the new Lonestar PI gets his own book too.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gail Midgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Jo has done an incredible job of grabbing the readers from the start and taking us on the ride of our lives! There are so many twists and turns that you’ll stay on the edge of your seat wondering what’s next. The story is full of action and drama with a plethora of emotions involved from the very first encounter of Gage and Ella with him trying to keep her alive! Be prepared to stay up late because you won’t be able to put it down. It has great characters which need books of their own. The suspense will keep you guessing till the end. Grab your copy now and see how Gage and Ella reach their HEA! WINNER 🥇🏆

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Jo Grafford book. Her books never disappoint me. This one in the series takes us back to Heart Lake, where we have been before. This time there are many, many twists, turns and mysteries, a strong faith element, also some light moments thrown in. I am glad I read the first book, but it could be a stand alone, just having some of the same people from before adds to it, I believe. I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion. Thank you, Jo Grafford, for the opportunity to be on your team. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, Haystacks and Hoaxes.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s been looking for him for five years but had never met him. He found her on the side of the road exhausted and dehydrated and having lost the previous five years of her memories. Someone is after her, but she doesn’t even know who she is. With feuding families, murderous intent, and seeking to solve her father’s murder, Gage and Ella have their work cut out for them all while seeking to protect Ella. Well written with red herrings and many secrets, this is a delightful romantic suspense. Looking forward to the next in series.

Received an ARC and this is my honest unsolicited review.

[Teri Easterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC.

The story is interesting with lots of plot twists. Some of the twists are a little far fetched, but tie together in the end. I began to have suspects about halfway in, but most were eliminated as more characters came on board to help solve the 5-year-old murder case central to the story. Gage and Ella’s story is the catalyst and framework for the investigation that goes over several months. A large cast of supporting characters add some humor, side romance, and intrigue along the way.

Heart Lake is an Interesting place with a high tech security company assisting a small-town sheriff take care of very rich and middle-class folk.

I enjoyed the story.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s good to be back among friends in Heart Lake. I would like to see the author’s story board for this story, but that might scare me. Anyone who can come up with all these twists, turns and “off-kilter” characters might need intervention. You will need pencil and paper to keep up with who’s a suspect, who’s been eliminated as a suspect, who is related to whom, and who you hope isn’t related. I LOVED this book. I hesitate to state that it might be my favorite of the stories taking place in Heart Lake because there have been so many good ones, but it will rank high. I will be impatiently waiting for the next Heart Lake book.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful trip to Heart Lake, as
Jo Grafford leads us on through her latest book SILOS AND SABOTAGE.

This is the second book in this series, it really picks up the thread of people's lives and how they best fit a town.

Gage is helping in Heartland sheriff's office.
The last thing he expected was for a strange beautiful woman, to throw herself into his arms, as if she was a long time lost friend. He had no idea who she was.

Ella arrived in town, missing 5 years of her life.
Gage was the man with the answers???


Please start with book 1 in this series.
It really is worth reading them in the authors release schedule.


🇳🇿💜📚

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silos and Sabotage

Former Army Ranger Gage Hefner has found his way to Heart Lake and the Lonestar Security group as their newest recruit in order to find out more about the death of his former commanding officer and friend. Ella Lawton has made her way to Heart Lake in search of a man she has never met. She only knows his name is Gage Hefner and what he looks like. She is in danger but she doesn’t know why nor does she know who is friend or foe. Upon meeting Gage she calls him by name and passes out. Their story is full of the suspense and danger from the beginning to the end and interlaced with sweet romance.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Jo Grafford.
Ella finds herself on the side of the road with no memory of who she is, where she’s going or why she’s there. She instinctively knows she’s in danger, then remembers a name, Gage Hefner, and knows she will be safe with him.
Gage works with Lonestar Security. He happens to be in the diner when Ella is in trouble, she passes out. He can’t figure out why she told him she recognized him and had been looking for him.
Life takes some strange and interesting turns.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this romantic suspense in Heart Lake, Texas where Gage Hefner of Lonestar Security rescues Ella Lawton from a man trying to kidnap her from the local diner. When the man runs away and Ella faints, Gage gets her to the hospital and finds out that Ella had been drugged. When she survives, Gage finds out that she had been looking for him and that she has amnesia for the last five years after seeing her Dad murdered in front of her. They fall in love as they investigate the death of her Dad and what happened to Ella. The suspense is intense and the case isn't solved until the end of the story. I highly recommend this clean romantic suspense. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so great! The beginning hooks you right away! Ella wakes up in the middle of nowhere and doesn't know where she is or who is! How frightening that would be! I can't even imagine. She only knows she's looking for a man named "Gage" but doesn't know why. When danger surrounds her and suddenly "Gage" happens to be in the same place she is, she can't explain to him why she needs him but thank goodness he saves her! Gage will do everything he can to help Ella figure out who is after her and why she needs him. This story keeps you riveted from page one to the end. I loved it! There is a lot of action, and the reader can't wait to find out how all the pieces fit together!

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella can’t remember much about the past years of her life. Except that she must find someone named Gage.
Once meeting Ella, Gage will do anything to keep her alive and avenge the death of her father. As the two of them work to solve her dad’s murder, sparks immediately fly. Gage doesn’t only want to be her protector but also one day her husband. When more secrets to Ella’s past unfold, Gage is always a steady person for her.
This was a great mystery/ romance story. I loved the interconnectedness with so many relationships within the story and how Gage truly was a protector of Ella.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Ella and Gage's story!! When Ella comes to Heart Lake, TX, she's lost her memory of the last several years. The only thing she knows is if she can find a man named Gage, he'll be able to help her put the pieces together. The only thing is, when she and Gage meet, Gage doesn't know her. He's never met her before! However, now that he and the people he works for at Lonestar Security are on the case, they'll definitely do their best to keep her safe and put the puzzle together. Along the way, Gage learns he needs to guard his heart, too!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

All she knows is that she's looking for him. Alone, with no clue where she is or even why she's in danger.
He steps in when he finds a guy harassing her at the diner. He was expecting her to know who he is or to collapse in his arms. Someone's trying to kill her but why? Who is she? What is she running from and how does she know him?
Hang on tight, there's a lot of twists in this story. Best read in order for the greatest understanding of the characters that overlap.
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silos and Sabotage has it all: a missing heiress, an amnesiac heroine, a modest hero, potential villains galore, snappy dialogue and a happily ever after ending. On top of that, there’s a side of comedy, a romance, and a continual thread of faith. The supporting cast alone, especially Johnny, is reason enough to read this book. If you like clean, faith-filled romance with a dash of suspense, read this book! It’s book two in the series but can stand alone though why deprive yourself? I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion Jo Grafford has written another best seller! This is a fast-paced mystery/suspense/romance. It starts with a question then goes on zoom from there! The characters and the storyline are believable. I'm glad I'm retired because I couldn't put this page-turner down until I read to the end. Great job Jo Grafford... I'm looking forward to Haystacks and Hoaxes.

I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of the author, Jo Grafford. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to get sucked into a great book! Ella’s life has been a fog for 5 years. The last thing she remembers is being in the hospital getting a kidney transplant and seeing her dad killed. Her dad’s last words have her searching for Gage Hefner retired military Ranger now working for Lonestar Security. Ella’s dad Mick was Gage’s commanding officer and a friend. Lots of twists in this one drama of two rival families, Ella discovering her mom isn’t dead, lost love and lost family members appearing! This is a great one!

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story with so many twist and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the engaging plot that kept me trying to put all the pieces together only to keep me guessing at what was around the corner. Pair that with fun and witty characters that make you laugh and you have a book you can’t put down. The romance is sweet and tender adding the perfect spark to the plot. I’m so excited for the next book! I would love to see Rock and Johnny have stories of their own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella has lost her memories for the last 5 years. All she knows is that she needs to get to HeartLake to find Gage Hefner. She gets there and finds Gage, but collapses because she's been poisoned with a horse tranquilizer. Ella's dad was Gage's commanding officer in the Army Rangers and also a friend. He was murdered 5 years ago and Ella disappeared. Gage has to keep her safe while they figure out who killed her dad and who is trying to kill her.

Very good! Fun banter, suspense, twists and turns. Some things are not as they appear. Very well written!

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding, suspenseful story! The main character, who has a memory loss of 5 years, is trying to find the missing pieces to her memory. She doesn't know who to trust, but she does know the name of a man who was a friend of her father.
The story is full plot twists, suspects, humor, family conflicts. A fantastic book!
I was provided with a copy of the story by the author. This is my honest opinion. I highly recommend this book!