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The Coltons of North Dakota #2
Guarding Colton's Witness
A boy’s life is in danger…
And they must unite to protect him.
A past tragedy taught social worker Matti Colton to maintain a professional distance with the kids she rescues. But when six-year-old Sam is shot after his parents’ disappearance, Dr. Ryan Palmer enters her life…and forces her to start questioning her strict boundaries. Together they give the traumatized boy a sense of security. When it becomes evident the child is being stalked by killers, the two team up to guard him from danger. And the wall Matti’s built around her heart begins to crumble. Now they’ll do whatever it takes to protect Sam…and each other.
From Harlequin Romantic Danger. Passion. Drama.
Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of The Coltons of North Dakota
Book 1: Colton's Deadly Evidence by Beth Cornelison
Book 2: Guarding Colton's Witness by Sandra Owens
Book 3: Colton's Inferno by Jennifer D. Bokal
Book 4: Colton's Secret Identity by Geri Krotow
And they must unite to protect him.
A past tragedy taught social worker Matti Colton to maintain a professional distance with the kids she rescues. But when six-year-old Sam is shot after his parents’ disappearance, Dr. Ryan Palmer enters her life…and forces her to start questioning her strict boundaries. Together they give the traumatized boy a sense of security. When it becomes evident the child is being stalked by killers, the two team up to guard him from danger. And the wall Matti’s built around her heart begins to crumble. Now they’ll do whatever it takes to protect Sam…and each other.
From Harlequin Romantic Danger. Passion. Drama.
Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of The Coltons of North Dakota
Book 1: Colton's Deadly Evidence by Beth Cornelison
Book 2: Guarding Colton's Witness by Sandra Owens
Book 3: Colton's Inferno by Jennifer D. Bokal
Book 4: Colton's Secret Identity by Geri Krotow
- GenresRomantic Suspense
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2026
About the author
Sandra Owens
43 books986 followersAn award winning author, Sandra Owens lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Her family and friends often question her sanity, but have ceased being surprised by what she might get up to next. She’s jumped out of a plane, flown in an aerobatic plane while the pilot performed thrilling stunts, has flown Air Combat (two fighter planes dogfighting, pretending to shoot at each other with laser guns), and rode a Harley motorcycle for years. She regrets nothing.
Sandra is a 2013 Golden Heart® Finalist for her contemporary romance, CRAZY FOR HER. CRAZY FOR HER is the first book in her bestselling series about the men of K2 Special Services. Book two, SOMEONE LIKE HER, is available now, and book three, FALLING FOR HER, is due out this fall. In addition to contemporary romances, Sandra writes Regency romances.
Learn more about Sandra at www.sandra-owens.com
Sandra is a 2013 Golden Heart® Finalist for her contemporary romance, CRAZY FOR HER. CRAZY FOR HER is the first book in her bestselling series about the men of K2 Special Services. Book two, SOMEONE LIKE HER, is available now, and book three, FALLING FOR HER, is due out this fall. In addition to contemporary romances, Sandra writes Regency romances.
Learn more about Sandra at www.sandra-owens.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 13, 2026
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Coltons of North Dakota series. I did not read the first book before picking up this book, but I did pick it up right after I finished it. I do think you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. I read this book by listening to the audiobook for this book, and I really enjoyed this audiobook. I got pulled into this book from the beginning, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book. The little boy in this book was just the best, and I just wanted to give him a big hug. I loved the romance in this book, and the ending was the best. I really enjoyed reading this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
August 30, 2026
Dr. Ryan Palmer is on call when six-year-old Sam is rushed into the emergency department after being shot. Ryan immediately feels a connection to the little boy and becomes protective of him. At first, though, he wonders if the woman who brought Sam in, Matti Colton, is somehow responsible for his injuries.
Matti quickly explains that she is a social worker who was with Sam when he was shot. Someone opened fire at the police station, and Sam was caught in the middle of it. While Matti is determined to protect Sam at all costs, she is also guarding her own heart - and for very good reason.
As it turns out, the danger doesn’t end with Sam’s arrival at the hospital. Someone is willing to go to any extreme to hurt this sweet little boy again. Matti and Ryan share a powerful determination to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Any time there is a child in a story, especially an innocent and vulnerable child, the story really grabs me. This book has a heartbreaking beginning, but it also starts with plenty of tension - and that tension never lets up. Sandra Owens does a wonderful job building an unbreakable bond between Matti, Ryan, and Sam while keeping the suspense moving.
I listened to this one as an audiobook, and the tension was palpable. I especially enjoyed watching Ryan and Matti come together as they fought to keep Sam safe. A touching romantic suspense with a little boy who absolutely steals the show!
Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Matti quickly explains that she is a social worker who was with Sam when he was shot. Someone opened fire at the police station, and Sam was caught in the middle of it. While Matti is determined to protect Sam at all costs, she is also guarding her own heart - and for very good reason.
As it turns out, the danger doesn’t end with Sam’s arrival at the hospital. Someone is willing to go to any extreme to hurt this sweet little boy again. Matti and Ryan share a powerful determination to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Any time there is a child in a story, especially an innocent and vulnerable child, the story really grabs me. This book has a heartbreaking beginning, but it also starts with plenty of tension - and that tension never lets up. Sandra Owens does a wonderful job building an unbreakable bond between Matti, Ryan, and Sam while keeping the suspense moving.
I listened to this one as an audiobook, and the tension was palpable. I especially enjoyed watching Ryan and Matti come together as they fought to keep Sam safe. A touching romantic suspense with a little boy who absolutely steals the show!
Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 28, 2026
I have read a Sandra Owen’s’ book previously under a different publisher. It had S&R dogs and was pretty good.
This one was okay but I was disappointed to see the moral standards dropped so much. I didn’t expect that in a Harlequin Romantic Suspense. The main characters drank various liquors and the sexuality was over the top as well as some crude language. Stars dropped quickly as this behavior showed up.
I did enjoy the Colton family banter, especially the phone messages.
I have now read Cal’s (3 stars) and Matti’s (2 stars) books so am a bit invested in this family’s story.
I know who the real crook is so that won’t be a big surprise. Will I buy and read the rest in this continuity ?
To be determined …. It was a slow read for me.
This one was okay but I was disappointed to see the moral standards dropped so much. I didn’t expect that in a Harlequin Romantic Suspense. The main characters drank various liquors and the sexuality was over the top as well as some crude language. Stars dropped quickly as this behavior showed up.
I did enjoy the Colton family banter, especially the phone messages.
I have now read Cal’s (3 stars) and Matti’s (2 stars) books so am a bit invested in this family’s story.
I know who the real crook is so that won’t be a big surprise. Will I buy and read the rest in this continuity ?
To be determined …. It was a slow read for me.
August 25, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down!
Sandra Owens writes character-driven romantic suspense that will thrill you, with a romance that is just as thrilling! You also won’t be able to stop yourself from falling in love with the entire Colton family.
This book is a standalone, but it is also part of a very popular continuity series from Harlequin about the Colton family – this branch of Coltons being from North Dakota. All the siblings serve in law enforcement and related fields. Mattie is a social worker, and she teams up with Dr. Ryan Palmer to protect a young six-year-old boy that got injured by a bullet.
The fun of this book is the banter and love between the siblings, watching the relationship between Mattie and Ryan unfold, and the sweet little boy who they will all do anything to protect. Mattie falls for Ryan, but he's a doctor, and her own parents are divorced because her physician father was so dedicated to his job that he neglected his family life, so the last thing she wants to do is fall for one!
But of course, Ryan is irresistible. So is the little boy, Sam, who Mattie also tries hard not to fall for as well.
You will love the amazing banter, family dynamics, and of course the plot, which is full of twists. Once I picked this book up, the rest of my life was lost forever, ha ha.
While this book is a standalone, The Coltons of North Dakota is a six-book series, with each book being released a month apart. Don’t miss the first book which came out last month!
Sandra Owens writes character-driven romantic suspense that will thrill you, with a romance that is just as thrilling! You also won’t be able to stop yourself from falling in love with the entire Colton family.
This book is a standalone, but it is also part of a very popular continuity series from Harlequin about the Colton family – this branch of Coltons being from North Dakota. All the siblings serve in law enforcement and related fields. Mattie is a social worker, and she teams up with Dr. Ryan Palmer to protect a young six-year-old boy that got injured by a bullet.
The fun of this book is the banter and love between the siblings, watching the relationship between Mattie and Ryan unfold, and the sweet little boy who they will all do anything to protect. Mattie falls for Ryan, but he's a doctor, and her own parents are divorced because her physician father was so dedicated to his job that he neglected his family life, so the last thing she wants to do is fall for one!
But of course, Ryan is irresistible. So is the little boy, Sam, who Mattie also tries hard not to fall for as well.
You will love the amazing banter, family dynamics, and of course the plot, which is full of twists. Once I picked this book up, the rest of my life was lost forever, ha ha.
While this book is a standalone, The Coltons of North Dakota is a six-book series, with each book being released a month apart. Don’t miss the first book which came out last month!
September 14, 2026
Everything a romantic suspense should be
Mystery, suspense, and romance—everything a romantic suspense should have. I’ve come to expect that combination whenever I read a Sandra Owens book, and Guarding Colton’s Witness delivers once again.
Mattie and Ryan are both very likeable, as are the Colton family siblings and parents. I especially loved the relationship and banter between Mattie’s siblings; they made me laugh more than once. But more than that, the way they protected and supported each other made my heart happy.
Ryan, an ER doctor, meets Mattie, a social worker, when she brings Sam, a young boy in her care, to the hospital after he suffers a gunshot wound. As Ryan becomes closer to both Mattie and Sam, he finds himself drawn into their lives—and into the danger surrounding Sam.
Sandra Owens writes characters I immediately fall in love with and creates stories that are captivating and easy to get lost in. Guarding Colton’s Witness is the second book in the Coltons of North Dakota series, with each book written by a different author. I love the idea of this huge family of badge-wearing siblings and a mayor, and I can’t wait to see how all of these stories interconnect.
Mystery, suspense, and romance—everything a romantic suspense should have. I’ve come to expect that combination whenever I read a Sandra Owens book, and Guarding Colton’s Witness delivers once again.
Mattie and Ryan are both very likeable, as are the Colton family siblings and parents. I especially loved the relationship and banter between Mattie’s siblings; they made me laugh more than once. But more than that, the way they protected and supported each other made my heart happy.
Ryan, an ER doctor, meets Mattie, a social worker, when she brings Sam, a young boy in her care, to the hospital after he suffers a gunshot wound. As Ryan becomes closer to both Mattie and Sam, he finds himself drawn into their lives—and into the danger surrounding Sam.
Sandra Owens writes characters I immediately fall in love with and creates stories that are captivating and easy to get lost in. Guarding Colton’s Witness is the second book in the Coltons of North Dakota series, with each book written by a different author. I love the idea of this huge family of badge-wearing siblings and a mayor, and I can’t wait to see how all of these stories interconnect.
September 9, 2026
Chole Ryan did a great job narrating the whole book. I have gotten used to duet/dual narration, but I would rather have a real voice narrating the whole book than none at all. I was so engrossed in the story, and the narrator did such a good job I didn't miss it. Mattie Colton is a social worker who places kids in foster homes. She got attached to a "client" before and it ended in heartbreaking loss, so she is determined to keep a distance in order to save herself pain. Dr. Ryan Palmer is all about work until he treats a boy in the hospital with social worker that makes him want more than what he has. As Ryan and Mattie try to comfort a traumatized boy, they can't keep their hearts from getting involved with him or each other. Suspense, danger, forced proximity and found family. While there are some serious moments there are also laughs while Mattie figures out what everyone else knew from the start that she belongs with Ryan and this precious boy they all love. This story gave me everything I needed to stay engaged and smile at the end. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series holds!
Read
August 14, 2026Another amazing, 5 star read from Ms. Sandra Owen’s. A must add to your Fall reading. Guarding Colton’s Witness is book 2 in the Colton’s of North Dakota series. I love the Colton’s. I love how believable the relationship is between the Colton siblings. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this one. It is a standalone. But, trust me you will want to. I also am eagerly awaiting the other ones. Guarding Colton’s Witness is sister, Matilda, Mattie Colton’s story. Loved her. And I absolutely loved Dr. Ryan Palmer. Little Sam’s story will break your heart. He had me crying. Not to worry though. This is a definite must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
GUARDING CARLTON’S WITNESS by Sandra Owens
Release date August 26, 2026
This is a multi author series. It’s the Colton’s of North Dakota series. This is book number two and boy that I love every page. This can definitely be read as a standalone. And Sandra really outdid herself on this one. I literally could not put it down!
This is Matilda/Maddie Colton story. She is a social worker and has a young boy named Sam in her Care. She meets Dr. Ryan Palmer in the ER and they get off to a little bit of a rocky start. This book really captured my heart. And I would like to adopt Sam myself.
Thank you, Sandra for another great read!
Release date August 26, 2026
This is a multi author series. It’s the Colton’s of North Dakota series. This is book number two and boy that I love every page. This can definitely be read as a standalone. And Sandra really outdid herself on this one. I literally could not put it down!
This is Matilda/Maddie Colton story. She is a social worker and has a young boy named Sam in her Care. She meets Dr. Ryan Palmer in the ER and they get off to a little bit of a rocky start. This book really captured my heart. And I would like to adopt Sam myself.
Thank you, Sandra for another great read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sandra Owens never disappoints. Her books are always filled with wonderful characters, amazing chemistry, danger, and plenty of suspense. This story also introduced a little boy whose heartbreaking circumstances quickly pulled at my heartstrings. He wormed his way into the main characters’ hearts, as well as my own.
This is the second book in a multi-author series, but I had no trouble jumping in and reading it as a standalone. It did leave me intrigued about where the overall series is headed and who is behind the crimes. I definitely have my theories!
This is the second book in a multi-author series, but I had no trouble jumping in and reading it as a standalone. It did leave me intrigued about where the overall series is headed and who is behind the crimes. I definitely have my theories!
July 29, 2026
Loved it all!
Sandra has a magical way of making her characters come alive. It never feels like reading with Sandra’s books. It feels like I have been invited to spend time with likeable loveable families and become immersed in their lives. The story had lots of fabulous moments. Dramatic scenes which had me on edge. Sandra’s signature humour and beautifully romantic. Loved it from start to finish. Matti Ryan and Sam are a dream family.
Sandra has a magical way of making her characters come alive. It never feels like reading with Sandra’s books. It feels like I have been invited to spend time with likeable loveable families and become immersed in their lives. The story had lots of fabulous moments. Dramatic scenes which had me on edge. Sandra’s signature humour and beautifully romantic. Loved it from start to finish. Matti Ryan and Sam are a dream family.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. Matilda aka Matti is a cps worker who had to take Sam away from his parents. They are at a police station when Sam gets shot in the leg, they go to the hospital where they meet Dr. Palmer aka Ryan. Sam is 6 and witnessed things that get people hurt. Together Ryan and Matti try to keep Sam safe. Matti's brothers also help. I'm trying not give too much away. But I definitely recommend this book.
August 30, 2026
I enjoyed listening to this one a lot. Matti and Ryan quickly become a strong unit to protect a little boy and you can see tension and chemistry brewing that’s going to lead to Ryan and Matti becoming more. They each try so hard to resist but as the story unfolds not only do they fall in love with each other but with the boy as well. The suspense in this one was also action packed so the combo of everything kept me hooked til the very end.
August 31, 2026
Guarding Colton’s Witness by Sandra Owens, narrated by Chloe Ryan. 6yr old Sam is being stalked by a killer and Matti a social worker along with her law enforcement family and the doctor that treated his gun shot wound are trying to keep him safe. Fast paced, action packed , Christian romantic suspense is a great read. Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for this eArc. This is my honest review. Released Aug 25, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
We are back in North Dakota where another of the Colton’s siblings finds love when they least expected. This time, the story belongs to social worker Matilda/Matti Colton. When Sam, a little six year old under her care is injured in a police station, she goes with him to the hospital where she meets ER physician, Dr. Ryan Palmer. Their first meeting was less than stellar, as he mistakens Matti for the child’s parent and accuses her for her “ lack” of parenting responsibilities.
As they get to know each other, and she takes Sam to her home while they wait to find out about the boy’s parents, their perspective of each other changes.
In the middle of the danger Sam is in, and now Matti because she’s taking care of him. Ryan becomes her guardian as feelings develop. But Matti never forgot the many holidays and birthdays her physician father missed and her mother’s advice to never marry a doctor.
Her internal conflicts puts her in a precarious position not only with Ryan but also with the little boy she’s come to love. A no no for her professional heart.
Can they overcome their differences? Will they survive the danger and the attacks on them? In the end, will Matti realize that Ryan is the one for her ? What will happen to the sweet child these two have come to love?
This second addition to the series is a stand alone. A story with an engaging plot and well developed and likable characters.
That said, the first book, Colton’s Deadly Evidence, is not only worth your time, but will also introduce you to the Colton clan. Siblings dedicated to serve in one for or another.
Looking forward to the next story in the series.
Lastly, the narrator, Chloe Ryan , brings the story to life.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio/Harper Collins Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
As they get to know each other, and she takes Sam to her home while they wait to find out about the boy’s parents, their perspective of each other changes.
In the middle of the danger Sam is in, and now Matti because she’s taking care of him. Ryan becomes her guardian as feelings develop. But Matti never forgot the many holidays and birthdays her physician father missed and her mother’s advice to never marry a doctor.
Her internal conflicts puts her in a precarious position not only with Ryan but also with the little boy she’s come to love. A no no for her professional heart.
Can they overcome their differences? Will they survive the danger and the attacks on them? In the end, will Matti realize that Ryan is the one for her ? What will happen to the sweet child these two have come to love?
This second addition to the series is a stand alone. A story with an engaging plot and well developed and likable characters.
That said, the first book, Colton’s Deadly Evidence, is not only worth your time, but will also introduce you to the Colton clan. Siblings dedicated to serve in one for or another.
Looking forward to the next story in the series.
Lastly, the narrator, Chloe Ryan , brings the story to life.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio/Harper Collins Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 26, 2026
Ryan, Mattie and Sam
I am in love with them all! Sandra Owens always write the best novels and this one is no different. I fell in love with Little Man immediately, was so emotionally involved in my story my husband ask why I was locked off. I was ready to kill his parents myself. And Ryan and Mattie just like 2 pieces of a puzzle. Loved it!❤️
I am in love with them all! Sandra Owens always write the best novels and this one is no different. I fell in love with Little Man immediately, was so emotionally involved in my story my husband ask why I was locked off. I was ready to kill his parents myself. And Ryan and Mattie just like 2 pieces of a puzzle. Loved it!❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
One of the VERY best written by Sandra! Nonstop suspense mixed in with all the drama of a crazy family. Mixed in with the insane suspense that kept me up til the wee hours reading!!!!! Throw in lots of giggles and some nice steamy romance - and you have yourself a stellar book!
August 31, 2026
A fast paced suspense! I love the found family aspect of this story! The narrator did a fantastic job bringing this story to life!
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
August 28, 2026
lovely one even didn’t know why to kill Sam. just because what he seen？
September 5, 2026
Fabulous feel good story! I so hope to see this family in future Colton books.
September 19, 2026
Great read. Well worth the money and time
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews