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Courageous Cain
Death only strikes once. Love traps you forever.
At least that’s what Josie Shepherd believes. She’s spent her entire life avoiding commitment and entanglement, moving from place to place, dodging anything permanent. Especially relationships. Just her and the dog – free spirits.
Until she stumbles across the body of a murdered woman and straight into the sights of a serial killer. But this killer isn’t like most. He has something special and knows exactly how to use it to get close to Josie.
A deputy with his own traumatic past is the only one who can help her. And the one thing that can save her is what Josie fears most—love.
At least that’s what Josie Shepherd believes. She’s spent her entire life avoiding commitment and entanglement, moving from place to place, dodging anything permanent. Especially relationships. Just her and the dog – free spirits.
Until she stumbles across the body of a murdered woman and straight into the sights of a serial killer. But this killer isn’t like most. He has something special and knows exactly how to use it to get close to Josie.
A deputy with his own traumatic past is the only one who can help her. And the one thing that can save her is what Josie fears most—love.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2015
4 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Davis
14 books112 followersDJ Davis is a Colorado writer with mountains in her DNA. The rugged high country and rich history of the state set the scene for her characters. She’s the author of several novels and short stories. When she’s not writing or photographing the wildlife, she frequently disappears into the wilderness with her husband and dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 31, 2021
Overall a good story. Strong and very likable MC’s. It’s so refreshing to find two MC’s that are amazing on their own, but even better together. Josie takes care of herself, she’s been doing it forever. She fixes her own car, pays her own way, and doesn’t stay in one town for very long. Her best friend is her dog, Fletcher.
I wasn’t sold on Josie’s ability to “communicate” with the dogs in the kennel. When she meets Cain, the mastiff mix, she quickly sees his pain through his vicious manor. I would have preferred her bond with Cain be real rather than this mystical power she has to “see” into his mind.
Gordon is such a wonderful leading man. He’s a deputy in the town Josie lands in. He has a huge birth mark on his face and body that has held him back from dating or even opening up to someone. He and Josie are quite a pair and I absolutely loved their sweet romance. There is a not so subtle connection between this vicious dog that no one wants to be around and Gorden. Josie finds a way to love them both.
No human relationship came close to what I shared with Fletcher. With him there was no pressure to be something I wasn’t. There were no lies or scheming or cheating. Human love almost always comes with strings.This story is about dogs, it’s about a murderer, it’s about two lonely, wounded people coming together.
I wasn’t sold on Josie’s ability to “communicate” with the dogs in the kennel. When she meets Cain, the mastiff mix, she quickly sees his pain through his vicious manor. I would have preferred her bond with Cain be real rather than this mystical power she has to “see” into his mind.
Gordon is such a wonderful leading man. He’s a deputy in the town Josie lands in. He has a huge birth mark on his face and body that has held him back from dating or even opening up to someone. He and Josie are quite a pair and I absolutely loved their sweet romance. There is a not so subtle connection between this vicious dog that no one wants to be around and Gorden. Josie finds a way to love them both.
“Because you did the same thing for me. You looked beyond the marks to his soul. You saw what everyone else said was ugly and unlovable, and you loved him anyway.”Overall a sweet romantic thriller. There are some issues with the plot and the writing wasn’t at all polished, but I still enjoyed the time I spent with these characters.
September 15, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It is written in a down to earth story telling manner that feels like a breath of fresh air. I went through an emotional roller coaster while reading. I don't often honestly laugh while reading a book, but this one made me do just that. I despised the bad guy, cried for Cain, and now want a mastiff in my life. The author took her time setting up a town with people that were believable. Characters were well thought out and flavorful. The story had the right amount of intrigue and suspense as well as the keep you guessing element without being annoying about it.
Only fault and reason for the four stars: the cliched elements. IE virgin card, over bountiful happy ending.
Only fault and reason for the four stars: the cliched elements. IE virgin card, over bountiful happy ending.
July 13, 2016
I loved it. It is now one of my all-time favorites. I checked and the author only has 3 books published so I am eagerly awaiting more.
January 29, 2018
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
4.5 stars.
A quote:
“I was terrified of falling in love. Gordon was terrified no one would ever love him. What a pair we made.” (Loc. 2854)
A beautiful story about humans and dogs close relationship, with a gorgeous wounded beta hero and one of the most unassuming heroines I’ve ever read.
The writing is excellent and Gordon and Josie’s characterization superb; we see Gordon through the heroine’s keen point of view, both as a sure and confident officer and a sweet, shy man, with some insecurities.
From the wounded hero perspective, Gordon is a unique character, an adorable man full of contrasts. DJ Davis’ talent makes us forget he is just a fictional character and brings to life a large, gentle and kind man, who captivates the reader with his mix of strength and vulnerability (he even blushes…).
The suspense part is creepy, perhaps a bit contrived when we consider the police performance, the dogs world is symbolical and intense.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Champagne Book Group, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
4.5 stars.
A quote:
“I was terrified of falling in love. Gordon was terrified no one would ever love him. What a pair we made.” (Loc. 2854)
A beautiful story about humans and dogs close relationship, with a gorgeous wounded beta hero and one of the most unassuming heroines I’ve ever read.
The writing is excellent and Gordon and Josie’s characterization superb; we see Gordon through the heroine’s keen point of view, both as a sure and confident officer and a sweet, shy man, with some insecurities.
From the wounded hero perspective, Gordon is a unique character, an adorable man full of contrasts. DJ Davis’ talent makes us forget he is just a fictional character and brings to life a large, gentle and kind man, who captivates the reader with his mix of strength and vulnerability (he even blushes…).
The suspense part is creepy, perhaps a bit contrived when we consider the police performance, the dogs world is symbolical and intense.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Champagne Book Group, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
March 20, 2016
**SPOILER FREE**
The emotions this book will take you through is unbelievable! Glued to it... yep right from page 1! Easily to put down once you're finished reading... nope, it keeps pulling you back. And that's more so once you have completely completed this book! The plot of the story is remarkable! The skills the author presents behind the cover will floor you!
*Received for an honest review*
The emotions this book will take you through is unbelievable! Glued to it... yep right from page 1! Easily to put down once you're finished reading... nope, it keeps pulling you back. And that's more so once you have completely completed this book! The plot of the story is remarkable! The skills the author presents behind the cover will floor you!
*Received for an honest review*
February 3, 2018
Courageous Cain by D.J. Davis is a top-notched thriller. Having the story start with the villain’s perspective really ramped up the scary in this story but also made it a compelling read. Before that opening scene had finished I was concerned about the woman he set his sights on without even knowing her name. I had from then on a “Go-get-him” towards Cain (didn’t know his name at this point either).
From there the suspense never lets up. The plot is tightly written with engrossing scenes. The characters are genuine and well- developed. The possibility of second chances is deeply ingrained in the story as well as the intrigue and suspense. Courageous Cain is a story that stays with you long after you close the last page. Impressive, remarkable are the words that come to mind for the first book for me to have read by D.J. Davis. Highly recommend.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
From there the suspense never lets up. The plot is tightly written with engrossing scenes. The characters are genuine and well- developed. The possibility of second chances is deeply ingrained in the story as well as the intrigue and suspense. Courageous Cain is a story that stays with you long after you close the last page. Impressive, remarkable are the words that come to mind for the first book for me to have read by D.J. Davis. Highly recommend.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
May 31, 2016
I felt this story was very well written. The details of the town and the people made me feel like I was standing right there watching the whole story unfold. I laughed and cried, I cheered for Josie and yelled at the bad guy! I had a hard time getting anything else done, I HAD to see how it ended. LOL Great job for this first time author, I can't wait to see what D.J. Davis puts out next!
May 4, 2017
The romantic in me loved the sweetly developing romance.
The dog lover in me wants to be the main character.
The mystery lover in me loved watching the plot unfurl.
And the scardy-cat in me is afraid I'm going to have nightmares for months...
...but it'll be worth it!
The dog lover in me wants to be the main character.
The mystery lover in me loved watching the plot unfurl.
And the scardy-cat in me is afraid I'm going to have nightmares for months...
...but it'll be worth it!
October 14, 2020
Wow. The story ended up somewhere I didn't see coming ... and I was pleasantly very surprised. I will definitely remember this one.
Our heroine, Josie .. she's down to earth. She likes to run; she can't stay still. She likes dogs. She's got commitment issues thanks to being raised by her cynical grandmother ... but she's also has a deep internal strength thanks to her grandfather.
With her relationship commitment issues ... also comes with her commitment issues with staying in one place. That's where we find our story beginning. A breakup, thus it's time to move and start anew again. Not your typical heroine.
Her only constant is her dog, a border collie named Fletcher. See, our girl Josie has a special connection with dogs. And they all love her. She loves them too.
So it isn't surprising that the next town she finds herself in .. connects her with her new favorite job: working at a local kennel in a small Colorado town.
Oh, dear friends .. you know how small towns can be. Nice, slow, locals all up in your business .. serial killers.
Enter Deputy Gordon, our Hero ... our broken Hero.
The story starts out at a steady pace... the push and pull between our two main characters was interesting (remember our commitment issue heroine??). But when the story takes off .. boy does it take off. And you will not be left disappointed.
I was in awe of our girl Josie by the end of this book. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
Our heroine, Josie .. she's down to earth. She likes to run; she can't stay still. She likes dogs. She's got commitment issues thanks to being raised by her cynical grandmother ... but she's also has a deep internal strength thanks to her grandfather.
With her relationship commitment issues ... also comes with her commitment issues with staying in one place. That's where we find our story beginning. A breakup, thus it's time to move and start anew again. Not your typical heroine.
Her only constant is her dog, a border collie named Fletcher. See, our girl Josie has a special connection with dogs. And they all love her. She loves them too.
So it isn't surprising that the next town she finds herself in .. connects her with her new favorite job: working at a local kennel in a small Colorado town.
Oh, dear friends .. you know how small towns can be. Nice, slow, locals all up in your business .. serial killers.
Enter Deputy Gordon, our Hero ... our broken Hero.
The story starts out at a steady pace... the push and pull between our two main characters was interesting (remember our commitment issue heroine??). But when the story takes off .. boy does it take off. And you will not be left disappointed.
I was in awe of our girl Josie by the end of this book. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
March 9, 2021
I enjoyed this book!
It got boring at times, so I was easily distracted. And the whole communication with dogs she had was weird.. but not weird enough to turn me off of the story.
I’d say the only thing I really disliked was how she was telling the story from her memory basically, and there were a couple times she foreshadowed in a way that ruined any element of surprise.
I absolutely LOVED that the main characters were normal people. The man had physical flaws that made him more real, and the girl was a normal girl. It was refreshing to read something where the main characters weren’t the ‘most gorgeous people in the world’
It got boring at times, so I was easily distracted. And the whole communication with dogs she had was weird.. but not weird enough to turn me off of the story.
I’d say the only thing I really disliked was how she was telling the story from her memory basically, and there were a couple times she foreshadowed in a way that ruined any element of surprise.
I absolutely LOVED that the main characters were normal people. The man had physical flaws that made him more real, and the girl was a normal girl. It was refreshing to read something where the main characters weren’t the ‘most gorgeous people in the world’
April 2, 2019
This story was an unexpected joy. I bought it on a whim when I happened on it, and I sank into it right away.
I love the main character's strong voice, her honesty about her damage, the hero's vulnerability, the nicely twisted murder mystery at the heart of the story. And, of course, the dogs. I love Cain. He could have a home with me any day.
Some small flaws mean that it isn't a 5 for me -- pacing issues at a crucial point, logic flaws, the dreaded "you're not like other girls" syndrome. None of them spoil what's a strong and absorbing story that kept me up until 5:30am to finish.
I love the main character's strong voice, her honesty about her damage, the hero's vulnerability, the nicely twisted murder mystery at the heart of the story. And, of course, the dogs. I love Cain. He could have a home with me any day.
Some small flaws mean that it isn't a 5 for me -- pacing issues at a crucial point, logic flaws, the dreaded "you're not like other girls" syndrome. None of them spoil what's a strong and absorbing story that kept me up until 5:30am to finish.
February 11, 2021
I absolutely loved this book.
The story was engrossing from the first page and I couldn't put the book down. The story was thrilling and it made me suspect everyone.
Everything was perfect: multidimensional characters, a truly scary antagonist, plot twists and action packed ending. But what I loved the most was the main characters relationship with dogs: Fletcher and Cain weren't just plot devices or background characters but actual important individuals to the story.
I really wish they could turn this book into a TV miniseries.
I can't wait to read more by D.J. Davis.
The story was engrossing from the first page and I couldn't put the book down. The story was thrilling and it made me suspect everyone.
Everything was perfect: multidimensional characters, a truly scary antagonist, plot twists and action packed ending. But what I loved the most was the main characters relationship with dogs: Fletcher and Cain weren't just plot devices or background characters but actual important individuals to the story.
I really wish they could turn this book into a TV miniseries.
I can't wait to read more by D.J. Davis.
January 25, 2021
The bond between dogs and humans (in a healthy and toxic way), the power of women when they don't even know how much they are capable of. Taboo, prejudices, traumas. Love the reverse of the typical main characters, here we have a ML with traumas that showed thow much that affected his personal life and self-esteem and a female lead that helped him realize that he is a treasure. U cried and laughed with this one, that's for sure!
March 23, 2018
As a dog lover, I enjoyed this book. The book was well written with interesting characters. Scary in parts but a cosy romantic tale of two fragile people and a love of dogs. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
July 9, 2017
Not my usual. I loved it!
November 17, 2018
Love
Great writing, story and connection with our pups. I also appreciated writing what you know, as in Colorado. Looking forward to more stories my friend!!
Great writing, story and connection with our pups. I also appreciated writing what you know, as in Colorado. Looking forward to more stories my friend!!
December 30, 2023
I like the protagnist in this book as a savvy smart independent woman. We need more mysteries that feature independent women not trust funders and women dependent on men. Its a refreshing read as she navigates her life completly on her own from fixing her car to leaving a place when she feels like it and moving on. She stands up for herself and speaks her mind to all. I liked her very much also for her love of her dog and the outdoors. The writer gave us a good mystery to try to solve and likable characters. Well done to the author. I look forward to the next in series. This is a protagnist all mystery readers will appreciate.
April 26, 2018
Exceptional serial killer thriller with great dogs and also romance
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I kind of stumbled across it and decided to read it because...well, dogs you know. This was a great mystery, a great serial killer story, a fun romance, and I loved the dogs.
Josie Shepherd never stays in one spot too long. She just left Estes Park, Colorado and drove in her battered Jeep to Rockglen, Colorado with her best friend, Fletcher, a Border Collie.
She grew up with no mother or father around, raised by a disabled grandfather and an abusive grandmother. So she is Leary of commitments.
She finds a job at the local kennel, which is a great fit for her, and starts meeting some of the locals including Deputy Gordon Wolfe, who has some major issues of his own to overcome.
The story takes place in 1986 and Josie, quite an athlete, stumbles over one of the victims of the "Kennel Killer" while she's out running one day.
The writing style was clear and concise. The dialogue is believable. The setting is beautiful. Take some time and read this excellent book.
I received this book from Champagne Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I kind of stumbled across it and decided to read it because...well, dogs you know. This was a great mystery, a great serial killer story, a fun romance, and I loved the dogs.
Josie Shepherd never stays in one spot too long. She just left Estes Park, Colorado and drove in her battered Jeep to Rockglen, Colorado with her best friend, Fletcher, a Border Collie.
She grew up with no mother or father around, raised by a disabled grandfather and an abusive grandmother. So she is Leary of commitments.
She finds a job at the local kennel, which is a great fit for her, and starts meeting some of the locals including Deputy Gordon Wolfe, who has some major issues of his own to overcome.
The story takes place in 1986 and Josie, quite an athlete, stumbles over one of the victims of the "Kennel Killer" while she's out running one day.
The writing style was clear and concise. The dialogue is believable. The setting is beautiful. Take some time and read this excellent book.
I received this book from Champagne Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews