Stranger in Cold Creek

The Gates: Most Wanted #3

by Paula Graves

A mystery man has come to a small Texas town to hide out…until his cover is blown It wasn't an accident—it was an ambush. And the minute John Blake rescues Deputy Miranda Duncan from a murder attempt, the Gates undercover operative is committed to keeping her safe. But he's here in Texas to lie low, not to seduce a tough, resourceful cop. If only he can discover who's after her and whether or not he is the true target. As Blake and Miranda investigate, their closeness deepens with each secret shared…until both fall into an unsuspected killer's trap. Blake's temporary stay in Cold Creek may become all too permanent. But if they survive, Blake knows he can't walk away from the woman who upended his life. Plus a bonus short story by USA TODAY bestselling author Delores Fossen

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Harlequin

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 16, 2016

About the author

I was raised in Alabama, so I know we Southerners don't hide our crazy people—we showcase them. Eccentric people make for the best stories, and we Southerners do love our stories. The need to tell stories has been a driving force in my life from childhood.

As a girl, my favorite books were mysteries and romances. When I realized there were books that featured both romance and mystery, I knew I'd found my calling. Now I get to play both matchmaker and murderer and get paid for it. Could there be a better job anywhere?

I love to hear from readers, so don't be shy! You can email me through my website, follow me on Twitter, or like my Facebook page and interact with me there: http://on.fb.me/MS3ldp And of course, you can always talk to me here on Goodreads!

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I look forward to chatting with you!

Reviews

[Paula Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I have to take back a statement in a previous review that Paula Graves was my least favourite Intrigue author, because this is pretty darn good! The plot has John Blake in the very small town of Cold Creek, hiding out due to a battle with Del McClintock in the previous book, fearful that McClintock is still out for his blood. He winds up rescuing Deputy Miranda Duncan from a deliberate car smash, followed by a shootout, near to the house he is renting.

John worries it could be related to him, but when Miranda's house is trashed, it seems more likely that it's related to her, plus the fact she was the closest thing to a friend of Delta McGraw, who is officially listed as missing.

While this does have some connections to the previous books involving the tiresome Blue Ridge Infantry, it can generally be read as a standalone. Good thing, too, as it's an efficient, tightly plotted romantic suspense tale. Paula Graves doesn't seem to include love scenes in her books (which makes me think she should probably be writing for the Love Inspired brand instead), so it's all very chaste and tends to lack passion when it comes to the romance. However, this keeps events going at a steady pace, and has quite the suspenseful finale. Quite amazing, considering how terrible the climaxes have been in some of Graves' other efforts!

All in all, a pleasant surprise.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the series. I hope there are many more books coming!

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this last book in this series we get acquainted by John that was helping Dallas in the last book..he was shot and helping them get away...he is in Texas recuperating from this injuries when he hears a crash outside his house..he goes out and finds the pretty deputy Miranda injured..he helps her from there on out....Someone is trying to kill her but John is afraid they are after him....It turns they are after her but in the end someone is after John too....this couple help each other..A great read..

I have to say I LOVED all 9 books in this series but I was hoping the last book would be about Alexander Quinn..I wanted to know what caused him to be the way he is....

[Harlequin Books]

"Graves inserts a fair amount of action and intrigue in her latest, which also contains likable characters and a multilayered mystery. This spinoff series gets better and better with each book" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).

Miniseries: The Gates: Most Wanted

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Gates book

Glad to get some closure on John Bartholomew's story. Happy to see BRI stragglers are being swept up. Good suspenseful story with multiple mysteries. Miranda and John make a nice couple. Another winner for Paula Graves.

[Roxann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always seem to like 'The Gates' books. This is one from The Gates: Most Wanted. I really enjoyed this book. I liked both main characters. The mystery/suspense part of the story was very good.

I look forward to more from the Gates.

[Maureen Hubley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sure hope there are a couple more books in this series. I loved the characters in this one and the story was great.

[Theresa Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story - grabs your attention from the start. Love the intrigue!

[Harlequin Books]

received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: The Gates: Most Wanted

[charmaine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Starts off running and just keeps going from the first page to the last.A really action packed read with a good ending.

[Anaëlle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder mystery. Secrets. Slow-burn. Twist
Loved it.