What do you think?
Rate this book
The Coltons: Return to Wyoming #2
Her Colton Lawman
Catch up with the crime-fighting Coltons!
Witnessing a murder plunges Nina Owens into nerve-shattering danger. Police chief Flint Colton is sure the perp is taking down witnesses, so the handsome cop orders Nina into protective custody…in his home! And while she's grateful to him, Nina just can't shake her deep distrust of police. But all that falls away when Flint's scintillating kiss awakens something deep within her.
As Thanksgiving approaches with Dead River quarantined, the search for a missing child puts Nina and the killer on a collision course. She knows Flint is haunted by a past failure to save a witness…and that he'll put himself in the line of fire before he ever lets her down.
Witnessing a murder plunges Nina Owens into nerve-shattering danger. Police chief Flint Colton is sure the perp is taking down witnesses, so the handsome cop orders Nina into protective custody…in his home! And while she's grateful to him, Nina just can't shake her deep distrust of police. But all that falls away when Flint's scintillating kiss awakens something deep within her.
As Thanksgiving approaches with Dead River quarantined, the search for a missing child puts Nina and the killer on a collision course. She knows Flint is haunted by a past failure to save a witness…and that he'll put himself in the line of fire before he ever lets her down.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2014
39 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 3, 2016
Nina Owens owns a diner in the small quarantined town of Dead River. She hates cops.
Police Chief Flint Colton is attracted to the cheerful and pretty Nina, but has always noticed that she is a bit cold with him, so he never pursued this attraction in any way.
One night when Nina is driving some food over to a sick neighbor, she witnesses a woman being strangled to death. When she reports the murder to the police, Flint wants her to go into protective custody. The murdered woman turned down the offer of protective custody (she was the witness to a murder) and now she's dead. Instead of doing the logical, obvious thing and accepting Flint's offer, Nina is an idiot and decides that she doesn't need protective custody, even though the murderer saw her witness everything AND she lives alone. But when Flint goes to drop her off at her house, they find the house in flames, burned down by the murderer in an attempt to kill Nina.
Nina finally accepts the fact that she needs protective custody, and goes to live with Flint at his house. He sleeps on the sofa, she sleeps in the bedroom. But how long will that arrangement last?
…
Flint Colton is the sweetest, kindest, most patient, and most understanding hero I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. Nina is very difficult. She hates cops because her father was a cop and he beat her mother regularly. When Nina was 25, he finally beat her mother to death. Other cops, his friends, always covered for him and he was never punished for the beatings. When Nina would call the cops, she was in effect calling her dad's close friends. So her opinion of policemen is pretty low.
However, after getting to know Flint she realizes that not only is she physically attracted to him, but he is a nice person and an honorable one. When she finally decides to have sex with Flint, she just has sex with him and then has him spend the rest of the night on the couch. I was like: o.O I just thought that was mean. And then she refuses to have sex with him again for weeks.
Then, after she has a run-in with the bad guy and has a near-death experience, she has sex with Flint again. Okay. Good. But
But seriously, he is an amazingly patient and sweet guy to put up with all that shit. Back-and-forth, sex-and-then-no-sex, etc. etc. She would drive any man NUTS. But Flint is so flippin' patient and understanding with her – I was swooning right and left. What a great guy. Nothing makes my heart skip a beat than a man who knows how to be patient and kind. He says swoon-worthy stuff like:
"You decide what you need and don't need from me and that's exactly what you'll get."
And "I've always told you whatever you need, whenever you need it, I'm here for you," he said.
Even when she pushes him really hard by being difficult and sending mixed messages, even after she rejects him when he's poured out his heart to her, even when he has really good reasons to be angry with her, he NEVER loses his temper or yells at her or says mean things. <3 <3 <3 Men with no temper are the hottest! Nothing turns me on more than a man with a really, really long fuse. I adored the way that he dealt with her. He was just amazing. <3 <3 <3 All the hearts!
In short, a sweet romance book about a woman who is afraid to trust a cop she is attracted to, and a man with infinite patience who falls in love with her. Sweet. 4 ROMANCE STARS, 3 REAL STARS.
Harlequin Romantic Suspense November 2014
Police Chief Flint Colton is attracted to the cheerful and pretty Nina, but has always noticed that she is a bit cold with him, so he never pursued this attraction in any way.
One night when Nina is driving some food over to a sick neighbor, she witnesses a woman being strangled to death. When she reports the murder to the police, Flint wants her to go into protective custody. The murdered woman turned down the offer of protective custody (she was the witness to a murder) and now she's dead. Instead of doing the logical, obvious thing and accepting Flint's offer, Nina is an idiot and decides that she doesn't need protective custody, even though the murderer saw her witness everything AND she lives alone. But when Flint goes to drop her off at her house, they find the house in flames, burned down by the murderer in an attempt to kill Nina.
Nina finally accepts the fact that she needs protective custody, and goes to live with Flint at his house. He sleeps on the sofa, she sleeps in the bedroom. But how long will that arrangement last?
…
Flint Colton is the sweetest, kindest, most patient, and most understanding hero I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. Nina is very difficult. She hates cops because her father was a cop and he beat her mother regularly. When Nina was 25, he finally beat her mother to death. Other cops, his friends, always covered for him and he was never punished for the beatings. When Nina would call the cops, she was in effect calling her dad's close friends. So her opinion of policemen is pretty low.
However, after getting to know Flint she realizes that not only is she physically attracted to him, but he is a nice person and an honorable one. When she finally decides to have sex with Flint, she just has sex with him and then has him spend the rest of the night on the couch. I was like: o.O I just thought that was mean. And then she refuses to have sex with him again for weeks.
Then, after she has a run-in with the bad guy and has a near-death experience, she has sex with Flint again. Okay. Good. But
But seriously, he is an amazingly patient and sweet guy to put up with all that shit. Back-and-forth, sex-and-then-no-sex, etc. etc. She would drive any man NUTS. But Flint is so flippin' patient and understanding with her – I was swooning right and left. What a great guy. Nothing makes my heart skip a beat than a man who knows how to be patient and kind. He says swoon-worthy stuff like:
"You decide what you need and don't need from me and that's exactly what you'll get."
And "I've always told you whatever you need, whenever you need it, I'm here for you," he said.
Even when she pushes him really hard by being difficult and sending mixed messages, even after she rejects him when he's poured out his heart to her, even when he has really good reasons to be angry with her, he NEVER loses his temper or yells at her or says mean things. <3 <3 <3 Men with no temper are the hottest! Nothing turns me on more than a man with a really, really long fuse. I adored the way that he dealt with her. He was just amazing. <3 <3 <3 All the hearts!
In short, a sweet romance book about a woman who is afraid to trust a cop she is attracted to, and a man with infinite patience who falls in love with her. Sweet. 4 ROMANCE STARS, 3 REAL STARS.
Harlequin Romantic Suspense November 2014
September 13, 2017
This is book two in a trilogy. Oops. When it begins, several story strands are already in motion:
The town of Dead River is under quarantine because of a mystery virus that is killing people.
Jimmy Johnson seduced Molly Colton and took off with all her money, plus a family heirloom ring, and is now on the run.
Hank Bittard has killed someone and is now on the run.
Because of the quarantine, neither vigilante can get out of town.
So, by the end of this book, are any of these plot strands resolved?
Nope. None of them.
So what the fuck is the point in reading it?
Answer: None, really.
The plot has diner owner Nina Owens witnessing the murder of Jolene Tate, which everybody believes is Hank Bittard, because the victim was his ex-lover. When Nina's house is burnt down, she moves in with police chief Flint Colton for protection. He's haunted by his failure to protect a witness in the past. She distrusts police officers because her father was a cop who beat his wife, and his police buddies would cover up for him.
In the end, it's not Hank Bittard who killed Jolene Tate. It was just some dude who we've never met before, nor has ever once been mentioned once throughout the entire fucking book, before his identity is revealed.
This junk rambles on for another 30 pages after the killer is captured, because Nina walks away from love with Flint because she has always decided she's a one-woman, no-family kind of girl. Her reasons? I'm not entirely sure. She keeps saying she won't let her past keep her from being happy, so this stubborn viewpoint is completely non-sensical. In fact, Nina spends the whole book fucking around with Flint's feelings, so I wouldn't have been too distressed if a killer or a killer virus wiped her from the earth!
Unfortunately, she gets her happy-ever after.
Meanwhile, Dead River is still in the grip of a deadly virus, with a thief and a killer still on the loose.
So, really, nobody wins - including the reader!
The town of Dead River is under quarantine because of a mystery virus that is killing people.
Jimmy Johnson seduced Molly Colton and took off with all her money, plus a family heirloom ring, and is now on the run.
Hank Bittard has killed someone and is now on the run.
Because of the quarantine, neither vigilante can get out of town.
So, by the end of this book, are any of these plot strands resolved?
Nope. None of them.
So what the fuck is the point in reading it?
Answer: None, really.
The plot has diner owner Nina Owens witnessing the murder of Jolene Tate, which everybody believes is Hank Bittard, because the victim was his ex-lover. When Nina's house is burnt down, she moves in with police chief Flint Colton for protection. He's haunted by his failure to protect a witness in the past. She distrusts police officers because her father was a cop who beat his wife, and his police buddies would cover up for him.
In the end, it's not Hank Bittard who killed Jolene Tate. It was just some dude who we've never met before, nor has ever once been mentioned once throughout the entire fucking book, before his identity is revealed.
This junk rambles on for another 30 pages after the killer is captured, because Nina walks away from love with Flint because she has always decided she's a one-woman, no-family kind of girl. Her reasons? I'm not entirely sure. She keeps saying she won't let her past keep her from being happy, so this stubborn viewpoint is completely non-sensical. In fact, Nina spends the whole book fucking around with Flint's feelings, so I wouldn't have been too distressed if a killer or a killer virus wiped her from the earth!
Unfortunately, she gets her happy-ever after.
Meanwhile, Dead River is still in the grip of a deadly virus, with a thief and a killer still on the loose.
So, really, nobody wins - including the reader!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2014
Loved this book. The action and suspense were nonstop right from the beginning and the relationship between Flint and Nina was great. As the book starts, Dead River is still under quarantine, the murderer is still on the loose, and the man who stole a priceless heirloom ring is also still missing. Flint has his hands full trying to keep peace in the town while searching for the fugitives. The only mental breaks he gets are when he stops at the diner for a meal and can indulge himself by being near Nina, who he's been attracted to since he came back to Dead River.
Nina and her diner are among the most popular in town. She's always cheerful, has a kind word for everyone, and looks out for her employees. She's also a very private person about her past. She's attracted to Flint, but because of issues in her past, won't allow herself to fall for a man in law enforcement. But when she witnesses a brutal murder, and her house is burned down as a warning, she has to accept Flint's protection.
Forced into each other's company, Flint and Nina really get to know each other over the next several weeks. I loved watching Nina's distrust start to dissolve as she learned more about Flint. Because of her experience seeing the dysfunctional relationship between her parents, she has resolved that she will never marry and have a family of her own, but her attraction to Flint is hard to resist. Staying with him gives her a taste of what could be, but she's still afraid to trust completely. I really liked seeing her doubts put to rest by a comment from a little boy. I also liked seeing her relationships with her friends. She is such a warm and loving person that I was really rooting for her and Flint to make a go of it. I loved her excitement over her Thanksgiving plans. The aftermath showed just how much other people loved her.
Having Nina live with him was a dream come true for Flint. His attraction to her has been a big part of him for a year, and this is his chance to get to know her. He also knows that he has to be extra vigilant, and not allow himself to be distracted. Before he came home to Dead River he had lost a witness he had been assigned to protect, and that failure haunts him. As he overcomes her initial coolness, Flint begins to dream of what it would be like to have Nina in his life permanently. I loved seeing how determined he was to take care of her, not just protect her. He was very attuned to her moods, and it was sweet to see him try to cheer her up on those rare occasions she was down. He was so ready to settle down with her, but overcoming her fears was going to be a real challenge.
The suspense of the story had me riveted throughout. Nina's witnessing of the murder and loss of her house to arson, started things out with a rush. Seeing Flint and his men working so hard to find him, and running into so many obstacles, had me wondering if they would ever catch a break. The hijacking of the school bus and confrontation with the murderer was intense, but had an unexpected twist to it. The issue of the virus is ongoing, and the stress is getting to everyone. The realism of people's actions and reactions was awesome, and made me feel as though this could really happen. I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing how it all turns out.
Nina and her diner are among the most popular in town. She's always cheerful, has a kind word for everyone, and looks out for her employees. She's also a very private person about her past. She's attracted to Flint, but because of issues in her past, won't allow herself to fall for a man in law enforcement. But when she witnesses a brutal murder, and her house is burned down as a warning, she has to accept Flint's protection.
Forced into each other's company, Flint and Nina really get to know each other over the next several weeks. I loved watching Nina's distrust start to dissolve as she learned more about Flint. Because of her experience seeing the dysfunctional relationship between her parents, she has resolved that she will never marry and have a family of her own, but her attraction to Flint is hard to resist. Staying with him gives her a taste of what could be, but she's still afraid to trust completely. I really liked seeing her doubts put to rest by a comment from a little boy. I also liked seeing her relationships with her friends. She is such a warm and loving person that I was really rooting for her and Flint to make a go of it. I loved her excitement over her Thanksgiving plans. The aftermath showed just how much other people loved her.
Having Nina live with him was a dream come true for Flint. His attraction to her has been a big part of him for a year, and this is his chance to get to know her. He also knows that he has to be extra vigilant, and not allow himself to be distracted. Before he came home to Dead River he had lost a witness he had been assigned to protect, and that failure haunts him. As he overcomes her initial coolness, Flint begins to dream of what it would be like to have Nina in his life permanently. I loved seeing how determined he was to take care of her, not just protect her. He was very attuned to her moods, and it was sweet to see him try to cheer her up on those rare occasions she was down. He was so ready to settle down with her, but overcoming her fears was going to be a real challenge.
The suspense of the story had me riveted throughout. Nina's witnessing of the murder and loss of her house to arson, started things out with a rush. Seeing Flint and his men working so hard to find him, and running into so many obstacles, had me wondering if they would ever catch a break. The hijacking of the school bus and confrontation with the murderer was intense, but had an unexpected twist to it. The issue of the virus is ongoing, and the stress is getting to everyone. The realism of people's actions and reactions was awesome, and made me feel as though this could really happen. I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing how it all turns out.
October 30, 2014
Great book. I loved that there was enough suspense romance in the book to keep things interesting. I loved the connection between Nina and Flint. I loved that Nina remained optimistic even when things didn't seem to go right. I loved the amount of love and care Nina had for Billy. I can't wait to see what happens next. What's great about this series is that each book is stand alone but I would recommend reading each book in order because the last book is just as great at this one. Overall this is a great book and I recommend you lovely readers to check it out.
November 5, 2014
4 STARS
This is a series that the stories are written by different authors continue the overall story arc. This one has a couple of plot lines going on. The major plot line is their is a virus in the small Wyoming town of Dead River that is killing people. The town is in quarantine. They can not get in or out of the area. They do not know why or how the virus is passed around or what will cure it.
The Colton's grandmother is one of the first to get the virus and she has been in a coma.
There was a jail break and a dangerous man Hank is on the loose.
Another man stole the Colton family heirloom ring and Colton's cousins money.
Her Colton Lawman is Flint and Nina's story. There has been a murder in town and Nina witnesses it. Now she is in danger.
Flint Colton is the Chief of police. The town is running scared. He has two criminals is searching for. He knows they can't get out of town.
He needs to find them before the quarantine is lifted. Flint moved back home for personal reason but also to help his brother to get well. He is single.
Nina owns the local café. Her business is way down but still has people to come in. She is happy and friendly to everyone but Flint. She never plans on marrying. The only man she has been attracted to is Flint.
This is has so much drama, suspense and danger. There are a few love scenes that I skipped over. It is a very busy plot. I keep hoping that some of the bigger plot lines will get closer to solving them. It draws you into the plot right off the bat. You can feel the tension in the characters and town.
I first thought this plot of a town quarantine was over the top. Then in the news is about ebola virus killing so many in Africa. And people are having hard time getting out. Made the plot more real. It would be scary to not know if your exposed.
I will keep reading this story line I want to know who survives, where the virus came from, do the bad guys get away or got. What is going to happen next to Dead River, WY.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In exchange I agreed to give honest review of Her Colton Lawman.
November 22, 2014
This is a series. I have read other books in the series and really enjoyed. This book however I didn't really care for. I loved the characters. They seemed real, and pulled me into this storyline. This book had a lot going on in one story line. The whole town was in a quarantine. No one can come into the town, and no one can leave. They have a virus that has caused people to die. The whole town is scared and on edge, nerves are thin, and tempers quickly flare. The small town sheriff is attempting to find two men. One escaped from jail. He was in jail for murdering a lady in cold blood. The other guy stole a family air loom, and is wanted for theft. Flint needs to find the convicts and get them behind bars before the banned is lifted. Nina witnesses a murder , and flint puts her in protective custody. I did love the friendship that slowly built between the two, and grew into more.
I know this is a series, and I know a lot of series style books end in cliffhangers. I felt like this book was a waste of time. The two main things that was going, the virus, and flint searching for the convicts never came to a completion. When you boil it down, this book has a lot of suspense to it, and is a really sweet romance. It left questions unanswered. I just really hate cliffhangers. Life has so many questions we will never have answers too. When I read a book, I want everything tied up and finished by the last chapter.
I know this is a series, and I know a lot of series style books end in cliffhangers. I felt like this book was a waste of time. The two main things that was going, the virus, and flint searching for the convicts never came to a completion. When you boil it down, this book has a lot of suspense to it, and is a really sweet romance. It left questions unanswered. I just really hate cliffhangers. Life has so many questions we will never have answers too. When I read a book, I want everything tied up and finished by the last chapter.
November 12, 2014
This review first appeared on my blog http://loriscreativity.blogspot.com/2...
Like: Hearing more about Gram Dottie.
Dislike: The Slow beginning.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this book. Sure it wasn't as good as the first book, but I really did enjoy Her Colton Lawman and it was a good addition to the series. I really like the pace of the first book, with this book I think it started off a little slow, but after the first few chapters the pace started to pick up.
Honestly this book surprised me, I was expecting a cheesy cop protects woman, woman falls in love, they have amazing sex and want to be together forever type book, but it wasn't like that. Sure it had a few predictable moments, but overall I don't think it was cheesy at all.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I think I'll buy the next and last book in the series.
Thank you Harlequin via Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!
Like: Hearing more about Gram Dottie.
Dislike: The Slow beginning.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this book. Sure it wasn't as good as the first book, but I really did enjoy Her Colton Lawman and it was a good addition to the series. I really like the pace of the first book, with this book I think it started off a little slow, but after the first few chapters the pace started to pick up.
Honestly this book surprised me, I was expecting a cheesy cop protects woman, woman falls in love, they have amazing sex and want to be together forever type book, but it wasn't like that. Sure it had a few predictable moments, but overall I don't think it was cheesy at all.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I think I'll buy the next and last book in the series.
Thank you Harlequin via Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!
Read
January 12, 2016"Appealing, sympathetic characters in the tough Flint and aloof Nina are the highlight of this story. The well-crafted plot will keep readers engaged" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars TOP PICK!).
Miniseries: The Coltons: Return to Wyoming
Miniseries: The Coltons: Return to Wyoming
December 30, 2021
This is the 4th book I read by Carla Cassidy. I enjoyed this book's storyline. I really liked the action in this story. The food mentioned in this story, sounded delicious 😋. I really liked Nina's character. My heart broke 💔 for Nina. I really liked Flint''s character. I really liked the ending.
November 11, 2014
Originally reviewed for Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy.
Her Colton Lawman is book two in the Harlequin Divergent Series, The Coltons Return to Wyoming. Book one, A Secret Colton Baby, was written by Karen Whiddon.
What is a Divergent Series?? It's series written by multiple authors. In the past I have read some of these by well known authors and have had fun with them. Each of those books would share the theme but you could most definitely tell the difference in the writing. In Harlequin's series, it's about the story and the authors seem to blend well. Making the readers unaware that it's written by different authors. That sometimes makes it difficult because when you go to find the previous books, you look under the author's name.. and you got it, no past books. This can lead to some confusing thoughts, because you KNOW that there is some back story there. I am not sure if I like this trend and yet.. There are times when it's distracting. Because, yes the stories blend well but there are important nuances missing.. So from now on when I read a Divergent Series, I will take it as a stand alone. That way it doesn't feel like it's missing something.
Her Colton Lawman tells the story of Theo Colton's older brother, Flint and sexy restaurateur Nina Owens and written by the oh so talented Carla Cassidy.
Nina Owens has escaped a brutal childhood and has little or no trust in cops. They did not do their job of protect and serve as far as she was concerned. Life was hard but she has managed to find her way and owns the Diner in Dead River. The thing about Nina, no matter how hard life gets she tries to find the joy in it. And being quarantined in town while everyone from the CDC on down tries to find a cure for the strange virus that is killing people makes it hard to find the joy. But she tries.. even when she witnesses a murder and becomes under the protection of sexy sheriff Flint Colton.
Flint Colton has had some hard knocks himself. He couldn't wait to get clear of Dead River as a young man but a bust gone bad in Cheyenne and his brother's injury brings him home. Now he has somehow managed to allow the folks of Dead River to appoint him Sheriff. He feels inadequate for the job but is willing to give his all. Even when moral hits an all time low. It's bad enough the town has been quarantined but there's an escaped murderer roaming the woods and the thief that stole his cousin's savings and family heirloom. One would think finding two people in a quarantined area would be easy... But finally it seems like they've caught a break.. Nina Owens witnessed a murder and Flint is sure it's their guy. I mean seriously how many murders can this small town have?
Rock meet hard place. These two characters are stubborn.. But it seems Nina manages to edge Flint out. He knows they could have something special and is willing to prove it to her. Nina on the other hand is sure there is no way she can ever trust a man in a forever kind of way, especially a member of the law.
There's a lot going on in Dead River and Carla Cassidy does a wonderful job of sharing the frustration that is beginning to set in. People are going stir crazy, they are afraid that if the murderer doesn't get them, the disease will so of course they get snappy and mean.
This was by far the best book of the series so far but I wanted to see some of Theo and Ellie. Since it's supposed to be a series there needs to be a connection and I felt that there was total disconnect. But that is one of the dangers of writing a divergent series. It's fun to see how well the authors work to world build and create a cohesive story.
All in all a really good book.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Her Colton Lawman, provided by netgalley
Her Colton Lawman is book two in the Harlequin Divergent Series, The Coltons Return to Wyoming. Book one, A Secret Colton Baby, was written by Karen Whiddon.
What is a Divergent Series?? It's series written by multiple authors. In the past I have read some of these by well known authors and have had fun with them. Each of those books would share the theme but you could most definitely tell the difference in the writing. In Harlequin's series, it's about the story and the authors seem to blend well. Making the readers unaware that it's written by different authors. That sometimes makes it difficult because when you go to find the previous books, you look under the author's name.. and you got it, no past books. This can lead to some confusing thoughts, because you KNOW that there is some back story there. I am not sure if I like this trend and yet.. There are times when it's distracting. Because, yes the stories blend well but there are important nuances missing.. So from now on when I read a Divergent Series, I will take it as a stand alone. That way it doesn't feel like it's missing something.
Her Colton Lawman tells the story of Theo Colton's older brother, Flint and sexy restaurateur Nina Owens and written by the oh so talented Carla Cassidy.
Nina Owens has escaped a brutal childhood and has little or no trust in cops. They did not do their job of protect and serve as far as she was concerned. Life was hard but she has managed to find her way and owns the Diner in Dead River. The thing about Nina, no matter how hard life gets she tries to find the joy in it. And being quarantined in town while everyone from the CDC on down tries to find a cure for the strange virus that is killing people makes it hard to find the joy. But she tries.. even when she witnesses a murder and becomes under the protection of sexy sheriff Flint Colton.
Flint Colton has had some hard knocks himself. He couldn't wait to get clear of Dead River as a young man but a bust gone bad in Cheyenne and his brother's injury brings him home. Now he has somehow managed to allow the folks of Dead River to appoint him Sheriff. He feels inadequate for the job but is willing to give his all. Even when moral hits an all time low. It's bad enough the town has been quarantined but there's an escaped murderer roaming the woods and the thief that stole his cousin's savings and family heirloom. One would think finding two people in a quarantined area would be easy... But finally it seems like they've caught a break.. Nina Owens witnessed a murder and Flint is sure it's their guy. I mean seriously how many murders can this small town have?
Rock meet hard place. These two characters are stubborn.. But it seems Nina manages to edge Flint out. He knows they could have something special and is willing to prove it to her. Nina on the other hand is sure there is no way she can ever trust a man in a forever kind of way, especially a member of the law.
There's a lot going on in Dead River and Carla Cassidy does a wonderful job of sharing the frustration that is beginning to set in. People are going stir crazy, they are afraid that if the murderer doesn't get them, the disease will so of course they get snappy and mean.
This was by far the best book of the series so far but I wanted to see some of Theo and Ellie. Since it's supposed to be a series there needs to be a connection and I felt that there was total disconnect. But that is one of the dangers of writing a divergent series. It's fun to see how well the authors work to world build and create a cohesive story.
All in all a really good book.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Her Colton Lawman, provided by netgalley
November 10, 2014
Life in Death River has almost halted because of a deadly virus that has taken lives but there is also a murder on the run and another woman is dead.
So it’s been a week since a murder escaped and a deputy was left seriously hurt. Dr. Lucas Rand has not been able to find a cure for this deadly virus that has killed people including his ex-wife. Flint’s grandmother has also caught this virus and is in coma but stable. CDC Dr. Colleen Goodhue was a virus expert but if she didn’t get to Death River in time the whole town could get infected and tragically more people could die. Then there is Molly’s asshat of ex-fiancé that stole the Colton family heirloom and he was somewhere in town. He had also stolen all of Molly’s money but she didn’t care about that all she cared was about her grandmother’s ring. There is so much going on in this small town that impossible not to want the best for all of them.
So there is another murder in Death River and this woman was the eyewitness to the murder that Hank Bittard committed. But the worst part is that Nina Owens, diner owner, witness this murder and found herself in the protection of the Chief of Police. Flint Colton knows that he needs to keep her safe but he can’t forget what happened in Cheyenne. He was placed to protect a woman and when they were walking into the courthouse someone shot her and she died. Now he knows that he can’t let that happen again.
They are both attracted to each other but they don’t make a move. She has been in Dead River for about three years and he has been home for less time than that. I knew from the beginning that there was something dark that happened to Nina. There was a reason why she didn’t trust cops but she left safe with Flint but she doesn’t trust him. I wanted to know what I had a hunch but I didn’t want to assume anything I wanted to know the truth from Nina. When I started reading this series I thought the plot was perfect and this series would just go forth on the escape murder and the virus but I was wrong. There was more things going on in this small town, Gemma was attacked. Gemma is the nurse at the clinic and also Flint’s sister. There grandmother had a bad relapse and the doctor from the CDC was detained yet again. Then there is the incident of the bus of kids that was hijacked.
Her Colton Lawman is an intriguing read. Nina was a woman that was caring, loving and did whatever she could for her employees. She was a brave woman. Her loved showed in her Thanksgiving Holiday lunch for the town all she wanted was the town to come and celebrate forget for at least one day that there was a virus, that there was a murder out lose she wanted to hear people talking and laughing. Then there is Flint a hard working man that deserves love. I also want to see if maybe something can happen between Patrick and Grace. I was hoping that either one of the fugitives would have been found. But there was a small miracle at the very end. Thank you Ms. Cassidy for the epilogue!!
I can’t wait to read Gemma’s book next, Colton Holiday Lockdown and hope that the town can go back to normal.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
So it’s been a week since a murder escaped and a deputy was left seriously hurt. Dr. Lucas Rand has not been able to find a cure for this deadly virus that has killed people including his ex-wife. Flint’s grandmother has also caught this virus and is in coma but stable. CDC Dr. Colleen Goodhue was a virus expert but if she didn’t get to Death River in time the whole town could get infected and tragically more people could die. Then there is Molly’s asshat of ex-fiancé that stole the Colton family heirloom and he was somewhere in town. He had also stolen all of Molly’s money but she didn’t care about that all she cared was about her grandmother’s ring. There is so much going on in this small town that impossible not to want the best for all of them.
So there is another murder in Death River and this woman was the eyewitness to the murder that Hank Bittard committed. But the worst part is that Nina Owens, diner owner, witness this murder and found herself in the protection of the Chief of Police. Flint Colton knows that he needs to keep her safe but he can’t forget what happened in Cheyenne. He was placed to protect a woman and when they were walking into the courthouse someone shot her and she died. Now he knows that he can’t let that happen again.
They are both attracted to each other but they don’t make a move. She has been in Dead River for about three years and he has been home for less time than that. I knew from the beginning that there was something dark that happened to Nina. There was a reason why she didn’t trust cops but she left safe with Flint but she doesn’t trust him. I wanted to know what I had a hunch but I didn’t want to assume anything I wanted to know the truth from Nina. When I started reading this series I thought the plot was perfect and this series would just go forth on the escape murder and the virus but I was wrong. There was more things going on in this small town, Gemma was attacked. Gemma is the nurse at the clinic and also Flint’s sister. There grandmother had a bad relapse and the doctor from the CDC was detained yet again. Then there is the incident of the bus of kids that was hijacked.
Her Colton Lawman is an intriguing read. Nina was a woman that was caring, loving and did whatever she could for her employees. She was a brave woman. Her loved showed in her Thanksgiving Holiday lunch for the town all she wanted was the town to come and celebrate forget for at least one day that there was a virus, that there was a murder out lose she wanted to hear people talking and laughing. Then there is Flint a hard working man that deserves love. I also want to see if maybe something can happen between Patrick and Grace. I was hoping that either one of the fugitives would have been found. But there was a small miracle at the very end. Thank you Ms. Cassidy for the epilogue!!
I can’t wait to read Gemma’s book next, Colton Holiday Lockdown and hope that the town can go back to normal.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
October 1, 2014
Her Colton Lawman is by Carla Cassidy and is one of The Colton’s Return to Wyoming. It is a romantic suspense. I really love the Colton series and haven’t read a bad one at all. I admire Carla for being able to keep up the excellence while she writes so many books about the same family. I just love this book. It is exciting and suspenseful. The romance is hard to get going which makes it more interesting.
Nina Owens owns and runs the Dead River diner here in Dead River. She is managing to keep it open despite the downturn in income due to the quarantine on the town. She is loved by many in the community because she is so selfless and generous to others. She still takes dinners to her employees who are off work sick even though they may have the dreaded virus that is keep the town in quarantine. However, no one in town knows anything about her past other than she roamed the area working in a variety of small cafes to learn how to run one. Then she settled in Dead River. On her way to take dinner to her employee Grace and her adorable son Billy, she witnesses the killing of Jolene Tate and sees the man who did it, although she sees only his masked face and eyes. She can’t recognize him but thinks he might be the escaped criminal Hank Bittard simply by his build; but she can’t be sure. Before she finished giving her statement, her house is on fire and burns down. She is put into protective custody as Jolene was the only witness to a murder committed by Hank and they think Hank burned her house down to warn her. Hank has been missing and is somewhere nearby because the town is surrounded by the CDC to keep it quarantined. The only other missing person is Jimmy who stole Flint’s cousin Molly’s heart, her bank account, and their grandmother’s wedding ring. All Molly wants back is the ring.
Police Chief Flint Colton is really stressed out and busy at this time. Two fugitives are loose, Hank Bittard and Jimmy. The town is under quarantine by the CDC because of a new virus they know nothing about except it is killing people. His infatuation with Nina Owens has to be put on hold until her protective custody is over. She is in his personal custody- at his house. His grandmother is one of the patients in intensive care and in a coma due to this virus. His sister, Gemma, is attacked and a bus load of kids is hijacked and Billy is kidnapped off the bus by one of the fugitives. His guilt over losing a lady in protective custody still haunts him. He barely has time to sleep much less carry on a romance, or does he? Can he solve any of the problems facing him or will he come up short?
This book is a great one and you can really escape into Dead River if you wish.
Nina Owens owns and runs the Dead River diner here in Dead River. She is managing to keep it open despite the downturn in income due to the quarantine on the town. She is loved by many in the community because she is so selfless and generous to others. She still takes dinners to her employees who are off work sick even though they may have the dreaded virus that is keep the town in quarantine. However, no one in town knows anything about her past other than she roamed the area working in a variety of small cafes to learn how to run one. Then she settled in Dead River. On her way to take dinner to her employee Grace and her adorable son Billy, she witnesses the killing of Jolene Tate and sees the man who did it, although she sees only his masked face and eyes. She can’t recognize him but thinks he might be the escaped criminal Hank Bittard simply by his build; but she can’t be sure. Before she finished giving her statement, her house is on fire and burns down. She is put into protective custody as Jolene was the only witness to a murder committed by Hank and they think Hank burned her house down to warn her. Hank has been missing and is somewhere nearby because the town is surrounded by the CDC to keep it quarantined. The only other missing person is Jimmy who stole Flint’s cousin Molly’s heart, her bank account, and their grandmother’s wedding ring. All Molly wants back is the ring.
Police Chief Flint Colton is really stressed out and busy at this time. Two fugitives are loose, Hank Bittard and Jimmy. The town is under quarantine by the CDC because of a new virus they know nothing about except it is killing people. His infatuation with Nina Owens has to be put on hold until her protective custody is over. She is in his personal custody- at his house. His grandmother is one of the patients in intensive care and in a coma due to this virus. His sister, Gemma, is attacked and a bus load of kids is hijacked and Billy is kidnapped off the bus by one of the fugitives. His guilt over losing a lady in protective custody still haunts him. He barely has time to sleep much less carry on a romance, or does he? Can he solve any of the problems facing him or will he come up short?
This book is a great one and you can really escape into Dead River if you wish.
January 22, 2018
The chilling undertones of the story based on the circumstances of the town are contrasted with the budding romance creating a unique and impacting mix. There are so many layers to this story that you’re always on your toes, wondering what will happen next and getting lost in this enchanting story. The passage of time is easily marked without rushing the reader or breaking the intensity of the story. I really appreciate the fact that the story takes place over weeks rather than days. That way you don’t feel like the relationship is a whirlwind based on a whim. This excitingly fast paced story definitely kept me coming back for more.
I found that learning about the characters’ pasts in such detail made the story seem more intimate and personal. Seeing both characters’ POV in the story not only developed the characters well and provided insight into the story at large but also made for some rather comical moments. Not only that, but the main characters were such inviting individuals that I found myself really wanting to know them and be a part of their story.
As a whole this was an intricately written and very well put together novel. It’s an easy, quick read that both kept me on my toes and gave a healthy dose of romance.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I found that learning about the characters’ pasts in such detail made the story seem more intimate and personal. Seeing both characters’ POV in the story not only developed the characters well and provided insight into the story at large but also made for some rather comical moments. Not only that, but the main characters were such inviting individuals that I found myself really wanting to know them and be a part of their story.
As a whole this was an intricately written and very well put together novel. It’s an easy, quick read that both kept me on my toes and gave a healthy dose of romance.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2015
This is book two in the series The Coltons: Return to Wyoming. I did not read the first. This takes place in a small town named Dead River. It's under quarantine due to an unknown virus that has killed one person so far at the beginning of the book. Other people are ill. No one knows what is wrong with them or how to cure them. Right around the same time a murder is committed in the small town and the killer goes on the run, but can't get out of the quarantined area. Yet he eludes the police. Also Flint (lead male) young cousin is left standing at the alter. Missing is her heart, money and family ring. Also this guy cannot get out of the area. Nina (owns a restaurant in the town) witnesses a murder. She has to go into protective custody. The only place is at Flint's house (he's the chief of police). Wow a small town with two murders, a jerk of a guy that steals, and an unknown virus. Seems a great deal in a little book-then you add the romance. The two main characters, Flint and Nina, are both stubborn. Nina doesn't trust or like cops, yet there she is staying with him, beginning to like him and having sex with him. But she declares it will go back as before as soon as the killer is found. Flint has always wanted more from her since the first time he saw her. Oh well romance in the air. No real ending to this book. Flint catches one killer.
October 16, 2014
After few other Carla Cassidy books that I have skipped, this one have kept me on edge, just like my other favourite from her, Return to Bachelor Moon.
Only a bit disappointed at the end, the crime was not yet solved, cannot wait to read the next book on this series.
Only a bit disappointed at the end, the crime was not yet solved, cannot wait to read the next book on this series.
July 18, 2015
Do you know how many times the word creep was used in this book? afreakin'lot. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. Often the dialogue was unrealistic to me. It really sounded scripted. It wasn't the worst thing I've read but it I definitely did not like it.
September 19, 2024
Extremely Boring
I Struggled to able to get through the first 20 pages,
I really dislike when a writer has to Repeat a topic so many times in In just a few pages such as Jimmy's Crime was mentioned No less than 4 to 5 times within the 20 pages. The dead river virus was mentioned much more! Im not sure what the writer was going for,if it was for the drama effect she really missed her mark. I wanted to scream "yeah, we got it the first dozen times now get on with the story"
I also found the Style This writer has was completely boring! Reminded me of "see dick run" from first grade.
I had to call it quits at page 21. I. An only torchure myself so much. I don't believe that I will be reading anymore from this writer or finishing this book. Moving on
I Struggled to able to get through the first 20 pages,
I really dislike when a writer has to Repeat a topic so many times in In just a few pages such as Jimmy's Crime was mentioned No less than 4 to 5 times within the 20 pages. The dead river virus was mentioned much more! Im not sure what the writer was going for,if it was for the drama effect she really missed her mark. I wanted to scream "yeah, we got it the first dozen times now get on with the story"
I also found the Style This writer has was completely boring! Reminded me of "see dick run" from first grade.
I had to call it quits at page 21. I. An only torchure myself so much. I don't believe that I will be reading anymore from this writer or finishing this book. Moving on
January 31, 2020
This was just okay. It's your typical romance. However, there were several issues going on and only 2 issues were resolved at the end. That is strange to me. I liked some of the characters well enough. The writing was sometimes repetitive. Basically the end was "Well, hopefully someday these issues get resolved"
June 11, 2025
3 book series, worth reading all three
May 25, 2018
A great story that will have you wanting to move to a small town. With a virus that has the town in quarantine and two criminals on the lose what can go wrong plenty. But what comes out of all this is two people that are in love.
April 24, 2017
3.5 stars. I am in the minority here. I may have expected too much. I love Carla Cassidy's books and if she wrote a pamphlet on basket weaving I'd probably buy it so, although this is not a favorite, I will look forward to future books. I would say others will really enjoy this, it just hit a few pet peeves for me... as described in my updates.
Nina was hard to like at times for me. I was glad when Flint called her on her mixed signals
If she was truly one of the bravest people on earth, then why was she so afraid of Flint’s love and of her love for him?
“What I want to know is what kind of games you’re playing with me, Nina. You’ve been giving me mixed messages since the moment you moved in here. I thought we finished it all when you moved out and told me you want your life back.”
Quotes:
“Can I help with anything?” “Absolutely. Sit at the table and stay out of my way. If we’re going to make this little arrangement work well, then the first rule is that I’m the sole captain of the kitchen.
“Nina, I meant what I told you earlier. Day or night, if you are afraid, you call me, and I’ll come running. I don’t want you to ever be alone and afraid again.” She reached up and placed her palm against his cheek, her eyes filled with curiosity. “Are you really as nice as you seem, Flint Colton?” “What you see is what you get with me, Nina.”
“You might not be able to cook, Flint Colton, but you sure know how to please a woman,” she said.
“Trust me, the pleasure was all mine,” he said with a half laugh.
“Now it’s time for the awkward after-sex talk.”
"Do we really need to go there?” he asked, wondering what on earth there was to talk about while they still basked in the warmth of utter fulfillment.
It haunts me and what haunts me even more is now that you’re under my protection, I’m somehow going to fail you, too.” His voice rang with a hollowness that his heart had owned for so long. Nina reached for his hand. He took hers, clinging to it as if it were a pathway through the jungle of his emotions.
“It’s time to let go, Flint. You did the best you could, but circumstances weren’t completely in your control. It’s way past time for you to forgive yourself.”
He squeezed her hand. “I couldn’t forgive myself if I allowed anything to happen to you.”
“Nothing is going to happen to me,” she replied with a firm commitment he wanted to believe. “Flint, whatever happened in Cheyenne has nothing to do with what’s happening here. You’re a good chief of police working under incredibly stressful circumstances. It’s amazing you and your men have managed to keep the peace as well as you have in a town gone crazy.”
“I’m not sure what I’m going to do when you aren’t here with me anymore,” he said truthfully.
“You’ll get him, Flint. I have every confidence in you. And now I’m heading to bed.” She left the sink, and to his utter surprise stopped next to him and dropped a soft kiss on his forehead. “On your worst day you couldn’t be a failure, Flint Colton”. Flint reached up and touched his forehead where the warmth of her lips lingered. He knew at that moment she was his special woman, the one he wanted by his side through the rest of his life. His love for her was undeniable, and his desire to have her as part of his life forever was an aching need inside him. Now all he had to do was catch a killer, trap a thief and get whoever assaulted his sister, and in his spare time try to convince a woman that her place in life was not being alone, but rather sharing life with him.
“This is ridiculous. You should have done something to stop me.”
He grinned. “As I recall, one of the first rules laid down was that you were captain in the kitchen, and my only power in here was to sit at the table and keep my mouth shut until it was time to eat.”
“There should be exceptions to rules,” she replied.
“I wasn’t willing to go there”.
Nina was hard to like at times for me. I was glad when Flint called her on her mixed signals
If she was truly one of the bravest people on earth, then why was she so afraid of Flint’s love and of her love for him?
“What I want to know is what kind of games you’re playing with me, Nina. You’ve been giving me mixed messages since the moment you moved in here. I thought we finished it all when you moved out and told me you want your life back.”
Quotes:
“Can I help with anything?” “Absolutely. Sit at the table and stay out of my way. If we’re going to make this little arrangement work well, then the first rule is that I’m the sole captain of the kitchen.
“Nina, I meant what I told you earlier. Day or night, if you are afraid, you call me, and I’ll come running. I don’t want you to ever be alone and afraid again.” She reached up and placed her palm against his cheek, her eyes filled with curiosity. “Are you really as nice as you seem, Flint Colton?” “What you see is what you get with me, Nina.”
“You might not be able to cook, Flint Colton, but you sure know how to please a woman,” she said.
“Trust me, the pleasure was all mine,” he said with a half laugh.
“Now it’s time for the awkward after-sex talk.”
"Do we really need to go there?” he asked, wondering what on earth there was to talk about while they still basked in the warmth of utter fulfillment.
It haunts me and what haunts me even more is now that you’re under my protection, I’m somehow going to fail you, too.” His voice rang with a hollowness that his heart had owned for so long. Nina reached for his hand. He took hers, clinging to it as if it were a pathway through the jungle of his emotions.
“It’s time to let go, Flint. You did the best you could, but circumstances weren’t completely in your control. It’s way past time for you to forgive yourself.”
He squeezed her hand. “I couldn’t forgive myself if I allowed anything to happen to you.”
“Nothing is going to happen to me,” she replied with a firm commitment he wanted to believe. “Flint, whatever happened in Cheyenne has nothing to do with what’s happening here. You’re a good chief of police working under incredibly stressful circumstances. It’s amazing you and your men have managed to keep the peace as well as you have in a town gone crazy.”
“I’m not sure what I’m going to do when you aren’t here with me anymore,” he said truthfully.
“You’ll get him, Flint. I have every confidence in you. And now I’m heading to bed.” She left the sink, and to his utter surprise stopped next to him and dropped a soft kiss on his forehead. “On your worst day you couldn’t be a failure, Flint Colton”. Flint reached up and touched his forehead where the warmth of her lips lingered. He knew at that moment she was his special woman, the one he wanted by his side through the rest of his life. His love for her was undeniable, and his desire to have her as part of his life forever was an aching need inside him. Now all he had to do was catch a killer, trap a thief and get whoever assaulted his sister, and in his spare time try to convince a woman that her place in life was not being alone, but rather sharing life with him.
“This is ridiculous. You should have done something to stop me.”
He grinned. “As I recall, one of the first rules laid down was that you were captain in the kitchen, and my only power in here was to sit at the table and keep my mouth shut until it was time to eat.”
“There should be exceptions to rules,” she replied.
“I wasn’t willing to go there”.
April 14, 2016
I really loved reading reading the previous book, A Secret Colton Baby by Karen Whiddon in this series and knew that I had to read the next one as soon as possible. While this book can be read as a standalone story, I would recommend that you read the series in order since circumstances and events have a backstory that is best understood if you have read the previous books.
In Her Colton Lawman by Carla Cassidy, the town of Dead River is still under quarantine after the outbreak of a mysterious virus that we saw in the previous book and when the local diner owner Nina Owens, witnesses a murder, the Police chief Flint Colton has no choice but to put her in witness protection and no place is as safe as his home. With a murderer on the lose and sparks flying between these two, the situation is both explosive and dangerous.
This book had me sitting in attention right from the start. The events create a thrilling, dark and foreboding picture where danger threatens at every corner and caught in its clutches are the hero and heroine. I loved both Flint and Nina and their romance develops smoothly and feels real.
The plot is conceived and executed expertly by Carla Cassidy who never disappoints in her romantic suspense stories as I have witnessed multiple times while reading her books in the past. Here too, she creates a frank, suspenseful and danger laden picture which had me frightened and praying for the protagonists but always eager to know what happened next.
The time shift between events is smooth and handled like a pro. The story is fast paced, crisp and thoroughly entertaining.
All in all, Her Colton Lawman is an entertainer and lovely romantic suspense where I was kept guessing until the very end. 4.5 out of 5 to it and recommended to all romantic suspense lovers.
I received the book from the publishers via Netgalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
Read this review and others on: http://www.njkinnysblog.com/
In Her Colton Lawman by Carla Cassidy, the town of Dead River is still under quarantine after the outbreak of a mysterious virus that we saw in the previous book and when the local diner owner Nina Owens, witnesses a murder, the Police chief Flint Colton has no choice but to put her in witness protection and no place is as safe as his home. With a murderer on the lose and sparks flying between these two, the situation is both explosive and dangerous.
This book had me sitting in attention right from the start. The events create a thrilling, dark and foreboding picture where danger threatens at every corner and caught in its clutches are the hero and heroine. I loved both Flint and Nina and their romance develops smoothly and feels real.
The plot is conceived and executed expertly by Carla Cassidy who never disappoints in her romantic suspense stories as I have witnessed multiple times while reading her books in the past. Here too, she creates a frank, suspenseful and danger laden picture which had me frightened and praying for the protagonists but always eager to know what happened next.
The time shift between events is smooth and handled like a pro. The story is fast paced, crisp and thoroughly entertaining.
All in all, Her Colton Lawman is an entertainer and lovely romantic suspense where I was kept guessing until the very end. 4.5 out of 5 to it and recommended to all romantic suspense lovers.
I received the book from the publishers via Netgalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
Read this review and others on: http://www.njkinnysblog.com/
March 30, 2017
Liked this / so different than the first
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews