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South Island PD #1
Dark Blue
If Belle is going to get a speeding ticket, it might as well be written by the hottest cop South Island has ever seen. But Officer Jackson Calder isn't just a daydream in blue, he's the first man she ever slept with, and the only one she doesn't regret. One routine traffic stop, and Jackson's past is back to haunt him in the most bittersweet way imaginable. Too good for him and too good to forget, Belle became a fantasy after she left the island. Now that she's home for good in the Lowcountry, she's a living, breathing temptation he can't resist. He was her first, but that was just the beginning. It's being the last that counts. Book 1 in the South Island PD Series.
382 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2015
15 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
About the author
Ranae Rose
46 books717 followersI write what I know and love: adult romance with blue-collar heroes and real-life flavor. Tattoos, handcuffs and men in uniform are a few of my favorite things, and it shows in my thirty+ published books.
I live in the South with my man in uniform, who I married for the entertainment value. Just kidding - it was the handcuffs, err, true love. ;)
So far, our happily ever after includes a couple kids, German Shepherd dogs and a mutual appreciation of timely 'that's what she said' jokes.
When I'm not writing, I love reading, good coffee, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and whatever outdoor adventures I can find.
I also love hearing from readers, so don't be shy! If you've enjoyed something I've written, hearing from you would make my day.
I live in the South with my man in uniform, who I married for the entertainment value. Just kidding - it was the handcuffs, err, true love. ;)
So far, our happily ever after includes a couple kids, German Shepherd dogs and a mutual appreciation of timely 'that's what she said' jokes.
When I'm not writing, I love reading, good coffee, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and whatever outdoor adventures I can find.
I also love hearing from readers, so don't be shy! If you've enjoyed something I've written, hearing from you would make my day.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 6, 2015
Really enjoyed this one but holy crap was it long! Review coming soon...
October 10, 2015
I was very kindly provided with an ARC of Dark Blue by the author to read and review.
Belle Morrissey and Jackson Calder have been friends for years and living in the the small coastal town has given them a long time to grow up together, to ignore their attraction to each other. So when Belle announces her plans to move away to attend college, it forces a now or never situation between a young man and woman who are secretly head over heels for each other. With Belles desire to shed her viriginity with the one man she wants the most and Jackson's yearning to have the one woman he never thought good enough for him, will one night be enough to help them say goodbye forever? Or will fate step in and give them a second chance at love?
She’d never had much luck with love, and she always took the fallout of her attempts hard.
She didn’t want it to be that way with the one person who’d made her truly happy, even if it had only been for a night. She wasn’t sure she was ready to put herself in the line of fire for more heartache.
Taking a chance with Jackson would be gambling with some of her most precious memories … and hottest fantasies.
Belle was the woman we all wish we could be. Instantly charming, appealing and loveable, she's the girl next door personified. She had a witty sense of humour and amazing dress sense. How could you not love her?! Her downfall was her complacent sense of security and ability to date the suckiest men on the planet (don't we all at some point!). But she was a lady who learnt a lesson quickly and you would never see make the same mistake twice. The phrase of 'fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me' could of been written for her alone.
He was here for the possibilities she’d left unspoken – here because she drew him as the moon drew the tide.
She always had, and however they’d both changed over the years, that was still the same.
What he needed to know was whether there was any chance of picking up where they’d left off six years ago. Maybe it was a longshot, or maybe not.
He was going to find out.
Jackson was enough to make me sigh aloud, he was clearly fictional because he was just too amazing to ever be real, sadly! From the tattoos and handcuffs to his determination to make something of himself, Jackson was just unarguably delicious. At times he could let his past cloud his view of himelf, let it place such a heartbreaking doubt on his own self worth but that's what kept him so relatable and human.
Although the book has it's good fair share of angst and drama none of it was what you might expect. There's no 'third wheel' in the relationship, any miscommunication between Belle and Jackson is dealt with in such an adult and quick and calm manner. Everything they experience, feel and talk about is written in one of the most plausible ways I've ever known from an author. Not many have the talent to write characters who have the perfect balance of believabilty but still enough struggle to keep their story stimulating.
Mariah sighed, rolling her shoulders as if a burden had just been lifted from them. “Good. What else did you guys talk about?”
“Well, we’re going to Moreno’s for dinner tonight.”
“Nice. So, all it took for you to realize you’re definitely still interested in him was thinking that he might be dead."
I was incredibly heartbroken when Ranae finished up the Lock and Key series and for some ridiculous reason I wasn't anticipating enjoying the South Island PD series in quite the same way. Maybe because I had grown to love all the characters from the former, I'd been reading them for so long that they'd grown to feel like a form of family to me. But this opening book has blown me away, not only did I adore Belle and Jackson but the third party characters are just as magnificent as they always managed to be in the Lock and Key books. If I could give one thing I disliked about Dark Blue, it would have to be that when I reached the end it lists book two, Past Midnight, as being a year until release. I'm already hooked on this impeccable series and get an awful feeling it's going to be a long year, my only consolation is feeling certain it won't disappoint. If you've not picked up a Ranae Rose book yet then Dark Blue is the perfect place to start, I promise that you won't be disappointed either!
Ranae, more handcuff scenes please!
Belle Morrissey and Jackson Calder have been friends for years and living in the the small coastal town has given them a long time to grow up together, to ignore their attraction to each other. So when Belle announces her plans to move away to attend college, it forces a now or never situation between a young man and woman who are secretly head over heels for each other. With Belles desire to shed her viriginity with the one man she wants the most and Jackson's yearning to have the one woman he never thought good enough for him, will one night be enough to help them say goodbye forever? Or will fate step in and give them a second chance at love?
She’d never had much luck with love, and she always took the fallout of her attempts hard.
She didn’t want it to be that way with the one person who’d made her truly happy, even if it had only been for a night. She wasn’t sure she was ready to put herself in the line of fire for more heartache.
Taking a chance with Jackson would be gambling with some of her most precious memories … and hottest fantasies.
Belle was the woman we all wish we could be. Instantly charming, appealing and loveable, she's the girl next door personified. She had a witty sense of humour and amazing dress sense. How could you not love her?! Her downfall was her complacent sense of security and ability to date the suckiest men on the planet (don't we all at some point!). But she was a lady who learnt a lesson quickly and you would never see make the same mistake twice. The phrase of 'fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me' could of been written for her alone.
He was here for the possibilities she’d left unspoken – here because she drew him as the moon drew the tide.
She always had, and however they’d both changed over the years, that was still the same.
What he needed to know was whether there was any chance of picking up where they’d left off six years ago. Maybe it was a longshot, or maybe not.
He was going to find out.
Jackson was enough to make me sigh aloud, he was clearly fictional because he was just too amazing to ever be real, sadly! From the tattoos and handcuffs to his determination to make something of himself, Jackson was just unarguably delicious. At times he could let his past cloud his view of himelf, let it place such a heartbreaking doubt on his own self worth but that's what kept him so relatable and human.
Although the book has it's good fair share of angst and drama none of it was what you might expect. There's no 'third wheel' in the relationship, any miscommunication between Belle and Jackson is dealt with in such an adult and quick and calm manner. Everything they experience, feel and talk about is written in one of the most plausible ways I've ever known from an author. Not many have the talent to write characters who have the perfect balance of believabilty but still enough struggle to keep their story stimulating.
Mariah sighed, rolling her shoulders as if a burden had just been lifted from them. “Good. What else did you guys talk about?”
“Well, we’re going to Moreno’s for dinner tonight.”
“Nice. So, all it took for you to realize you’re definitely still interested in him was thinking that he might be dead."
I was incredibly heartbroken when Ranae finished up the Lock and Key series and for some ridiculous reason I wasn't anticipating enjoying the South Island PD series in quite the same way. Maybe because I had grown to love all the characters from the former, I'd been reading them for so long that they'd grown to feel like a form of family to me. But this opening book has blown me away, not only did I adore Belle and Jackson but the third party characters are just as magnificent as they always managed to be in the Lock and Key books. If I could give one thing I disliked about Dark Blue, it would have to be that when I reached the end it lists book two, Past Midnight, as being a year until release. I'm already hooked on this impeccable series and get an awful feeling it's going to be a long year, my only consolation is feeling certain it won't disappoint. If you've not picked up a Ranae Rose book yet then Dark Blue is the perfect place to start, I promise that you won't be disappointed either!
Ranae, more handcuff scenes please!
October 6, 2015
Dark Blue is filled with mystery, drama, fun, love and some great secondary characters. With all the negative news about cops it is really nice to read a book that highlights the difference between good and bad cops. Ranae Rose writes this with knowledge and respect. It doesn’t hurt that Jackson is hot in uniform and out. I really enjoyed the twists and turns and totally recommend this book.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
October 15, 2015
You know what you get with a contemporary romance by Ranae Rose.
What a great start to a new series I will definitely put on my watch list.
Jackson and Belle were relatable. I enjoyed how their HEA developed. There was a fair amount of steam but not to much t over power the story. The little "suspense" plot line fit in great with the series.
I will be reading the rest!
I received this book from the author and this is my honest review.
What a great start to a new series I will definitely put on my watch list.
Jackson and Belle were relatable. I enjoyed how their HEA developed. There was a fair amount of steam but not to much t over power the story. The little "suspense" plot line fit in great with the series.
I will be reading the rest!
I received this book from the author and this is my honest review.
October 12, 2015
Let me tell you that I was so excited that Ranae Rose had a new series and that I was given the opportunity to read the new series, South Island PD. This book is similar to her Lock & Key series, with yummy police officers.
There are quite a few things going on during the story, sometimes that can make the story very muddled, but not in this instance. It kept me turning the pages to find out what happened. Jackson and Belle were friends in high school that took it to the next step one night, the next day Belle left and didn’t return until almost 10 years later. The first thing Jackson does when he learns of her return….writes her a ticket for speeding!! He does arrive at her home that evening with flowers and eventually she agrees to dinner with him. This starts the beginning of what Jackson and Belle have both been dreaming of, the chance at a real relationship. However, they encounter quite a few trials that challenge the budding relationship.
From abusive cops, past hurts, green dildos, Jackson getting shot to Belle getting kidnapped; the action is definitely on in this story. In addition, you will find their love scenes, nice and steamy. The question is, can Jackson and Belle finally get their happily ever after; despite the challenges?
It is so easy to get so engrossed in the story that you cannot put the book down. That was definitely the case for me, I read it in two days!!! As usual, Ranae Rose creates characters that are engaging and fun.
Book 2 in the South Island PD book isn’t available until Winter 2016, so if you want some great reading along the same lines, check out Ranae Rose’s Lock and Key Series!! Awesome reads!!!
There are quite a few things going on during the story, sometimes that can make the story very muddled, but not in this instance. It kept me turning the pages to find out what happened. Jackson and Belle were friends in high school that took it to the next step one night, the next day Belle left and didn’t return until almost 10 years later. The first thing Jackson does when he learns of her return….writes her a ticket for speeding!! He does arrive at her home that evening with flowers and eventually she agrees to dinner with him. This starts the beginning of what Jackson and Belle have both been dreaming of, the chance at a real relationship. However, they encounter quite a few trials that challenge the budding relationship.
From abusive cops, past hurts, green dildos, Jackson getting shot to Belle getting kidnapped; the action is definitely on in this story. In addition, you will find their love scenes, nice and steamy. The question is, can Jackson and Belle finally get their happily ever after; despite the challenges?
It is so easy to get so engrossed in the story that you cannot put the book down. That was definitely the case for me, I read it in two days!!! As usual, Ranae Rose creates characters that are engaging and fun.
Book 2 in the South Island PD book isn’t available until Winter 2016, so if you want some great reading along the same lines, check out Ranae Rose’s Lock and Key Series!! Awesome reads!!!
October 5, 2015
Roses are red, violets are blue, this stalker loves green and even blue too...
Awesome new series by Ranae!! It takes place at one of my favorite locations, a warm ocean beach island :) There are hot and sexy men in uniform and a few creeps too! And now a bit about the story...
Belle has decided to return home, South Island is a paradise, why not live there year round again! Now that she has big city experience she was able to get a good job in her field. With all that experience though, she forgot about speed traps, and was pulled over just after crossing the bridge to the island. At least the cop was hot, but why did he sound familiar? And how could he know she got a ticket at 17? He wasn't old enough to be working then... But why he takes his sunglasses off it comes back to her, Jackson ... the one man no one else has measured up to. Wonder if writing her a ticket will give him negative points. Of course slowing down may just save her life someday...
Favorite passages:
- If she had to get pulled over, it might as well be by a hot cop. Silver linings and all that.
- Why did the right thing always feel so miserable?
- “By the time you realize what I smell like when I get home after twelve hours of sweating in Kevlar, it’ll be too late.”
- “You can’t answer phones or type, so unless you can use your feet like hands, I suggest you take the rest of the day off. You can make up the hours later.”
- “Be what you can for who you can.”
- It was like panning for gold – if gold was sea blue Chantilly lace.
- He didn’t agree, but he didn’t argue.
Awesome new series by Ranae!! It takes place at one of my favorite locations, a warm ocean beach island :) There are hot and sexy men in uniform and a few creeps too! And now a bit about the story...
Belle has decided to return home, South Island is a paradise, why not live there year round again! Now that she has big city experience she was able to get a good job in her field. With all that experience though, she forgot about speed traps, and was pulled over just after crossing the bridge to the island. At least the cop was hot, but why did he sound familiar? And how could he know she got a ticket at 17? He wasn't old enough to be working then... But why he takes his sunglasses off it comes back to her, Jackson ... the one man no one else has measured up to. Wonder if writing her a ticket will give him negative points. Of course slowing down may just save her life someday...
Favorite passages:
- If she had to get pulled over, it might as well be by a hot cop. Silver linings and all that.
- Why did the right thing always feel so miserable?
- “By the time you realize what I smell like when I get home after twelve hours of sweating in Kevlar, it’ll be too late.”
- “You can’t answer phones or type, so unless you can use your feet like hands, I suggest you take the rest of the day off. You can make up the hours later.”
- “Be what you can for who you can.”
- It was like panning for gold – if gold was sea blue Chantilly lace.
- He didn’t agree, but he didn’t argue.
October 14, 2015
Dark Blue is the first book in the new South Island PD series. It certainly set the tone for what is sure to be another highly addictive series from Ranae. Once again she has not only delivered an engrossing story of a second chance romance but also created such likeable characters in this action packed story. Belle was instantly relatable and Jackson is the definition of swoon worthy. So, how could you not root for these two to find their HEA? The road however to it isn't smooth sailing between the doubts and challenges. But Jackson is determination to win despite the obstacles in their way. As a result, I found it impossible for me to put this book down. I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series.
*** ARC provided by the Author in return for an honest review***
*** ARC provided by the Author in return for an honest review***
October 18, 2015
I feel like a drum roll is needed to introduce the main characters of this book.
Drum roll please... sexy, tattooed, and wears a uniform...Officer Jackson Calder! And not to be ignored...beautiful, strong, and can throw like a champ.... Belle Morrissey!
Jackson is a good man that stands up for people even if they can't do it for themselves. He is admirable and sweet, protective and loyal.
Belle has just moved back to the island. She is smart, protective, and has a huge heart.
This story has suspense, sexy time, green dildos (yep, you read that correctly), corrupt officers, stalkers, love, and trust.
If you enjoy reading about a man in uniform that will protect his girl at all costs then this story is for you!! Read it!
This can be read as a standalone - No Cliffhanger.
Drum roll please... sexy, tattooed, and wears a uniform...Officer Jackson Calder! And not to be ignored...beautiful, strong, and can throw like a champ.... Belle Morrissey!
Jackson is a good man that stands up for people even if they can't do it for themselves. He is admirable and sweet, protective and loyal.
Belle has just moved back to the island. She is smart, protective, and has a huge heart.
This story has suspense, sexy time, green dildos (yep, you read that correctly), corrupt officers, stalkers, love, and trust.
If you enjoy reading about a man in uniform that will protect his girl at all costs then this story is for you!! Read it!
This can be read as a standalone - No Cliffhanger.
October 7, 2015
I was lucky enough to get to read Jackson and Belle's story as an ARC reader before it went live. I must say that it was a very well written book. There was a lot of insight into the thoughts and fears of both Jackson and Belle. It was a sweet love story about two people who had one night of passion to only find each other again after 6 years. Jackson or Officer Calder pulls Belle over for speeding and promptly issues her a ticket. Belle is intrigued to find that her first lover still lives on the island and is now a police officer. Jackson decides to throw caution to the wind and seek Belle out. He was to try and pick up where they left off 6 years earlier. He know that his feeling for her are strong and wants to see where her head is at. Belle has been burnt and still guards her heart. She's afraid of losing the memory of the one person she truly had feelings for. Belle and Jackson decide to pursue a relationship not based on just sex. They overcome many obstacles and learn to link their lives together. I will say that I was a little disappointed that Jackson Calder was not more of an "alpha". He seemed to have a lot of introspection. I did like that there was no "manwhore" ways and women climbing out of the woodwork who had been with Jackson. Overall this was a good story and Ranae Rose has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
October 16, 2015
I'm writing my review a bit later than I would have liked but I just finished reading this story. First and foremost I have to say I loved this story. Jackson and Belle have a history that started years ago. Neither one has forgotten the other. Jackson was Belle's first before she left the island to complete her last year of college and start her adult life in the work force. The last thing Belle expected after returning to the island is to be pulled over and given a speeding ticket from the one guy from her past to never let her down. If she could receive a ticket from anyone, the sexy police officer she never forgot. So much goes down in this book after these two meet. OMG it was so good. I mean domestic disputes, green sex toy, shooting, stalker, and a awesome intense love story. What more could you ask for in a story? I'd have to give this story 5 stars, I really loved this story! I can't wait to read more from this new series that for sure.
(ARC provided by author in exchanged for a honest review)
(ARC provided by author in exchanged for a honest review)
October 28, 2015
I was absolutely hooked on Rose’s Lock and Key stories and was ecstatic to find out that she started up a new law enforcement series. Just like the other books I’ve read, Dark Blue has a strong, upstanding hero and a sharp heroine who is a great match for him. The history between them adds a nice emotional depth to the story and it brings a little bit of baggage into the relationship right away, helping to cement their feelings pretty quickly.
The first 80% or so of the story is about the two of them, laying the ground work of their relationship … and some HOT ground work it is :) It’s sweet and sexy and fluid as they move through their deepening feelings. I love that Rose then adds a little danger at the end, injecting some action and drama to the story. You know that things work out well for them, as romances do, but she had me biting my nails so I definitely say that’s a win.
Both Belle and Jackson have friends that could lead to great books so I am definitely looking forward to what Rose brings us next!
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
The first 80% or so of the story is about the two of them, laying the ground work of their relationship … and some HOT ground work it is :) It’s sweet and sexy and fluid as they move through their deepening feelings. I love that Rose then adds a little danger at the end, injecting some action and drama to the story. You know that things work out well for them, as romances do, but she had me biting my nails so I definitely say that’s a win.
Both Belle and Jackson have friends that could lead to great books so I am definitely looking forward to what Rose brings us next!
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
October 22, 2015
This book was amazing another winner from Ranae Rose! If you are looking for a great book to fall deep into and either really love a character or really really dislike one or two then this is the book for you. Jackson and Belle are amazing characters who rekindle a romance that began years before, they both have reasons to be cautious with a new relationship and decide to try and take it slow because of that. There are twist and turns that keep you reading, you won't want to put this book down. I highly recommend this series, if you like a great romance a little suspense, hot cops and even hotter love scenes then you should read this book!!! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in this series!!!
October 12, 2015
Page turning, heart pounding excitement...
"He was her first, but that was just the beginning. It's being the last that counts."
Belle has moved back home and isn't planning on going anywhere.
Jackson has never left even though he has grown and become someone even he's proud of being.
What happens when a chance encounter brings them back together. Can memories that have been dreamed about for many years really be true or have they been romanticized into a false reality? Would you take a chance of ruining those memories or leave the past in the past? Then throw in some action and drama, and what you get is a masterpiece...
Happy reading : )
"He was her first, but that was just the beginning. It's being the last that counts."
Belle has moved back home and isn't planning on going anywhere.
Jackson has never left even though he has grown and become someone even he's proud of being.
What happens when a chance encounter brings them back together. Can memories that have been dreamed about for many years really be true or have they been romanticized into a false reality? Would you take a chance of ruining those memories or leave the past in the past? Then throw in some action and drama, and what you get is a masterpiece...
Happy reading : )
June 3, 2016
Belle and Jackson have a sweet love story with some suspense thrown in. After not seeing each other for six years, they have a run in with each other. Belle is hesitant with being in a relationship with Jackson because of her ex. Jackson realizes he still feels something towards her and wants to see where things go. Meanwhile, Jackson has to deal with a unscrupulous cop and the consequences for Sanders's wife. Belle has to deal with a possible stalker while trying to maintain her independence from Jackson. Both end up in bad situations and have to learn to let the other in without
seeming weak. I was satisfied with the ending even though I would have liked it to be longer.
seeming weak. I was satisfied with the ending even though I would have liked it to be longer.
May 30, 2017
3 stars
This was an okay read. I honestly felt better connected to the side characters than I did the two main characters. It was a lot of telling, not showing, with a lot of really unnecessary information thrown in, which I quickly learned to skim over as best as I could. Well-written otherwise, good editing for grammar and all. Really wished I had had more background and insight to the two main characters, though, because I still feel like have no idea what either of their personalities were like.
This was an okay read. I honestly felt better connected to the side characters than I did the two main characters. It was a lot of telling, not showing, with a lot of really unnecessary information thrown in, which I quickly learned to skim over as best as I could. Well-written otherwise, good editing for grammar and all. Really wished I had had more background and insight to the two main characters, though, because I still feel like have no idea what either of their personalities were like.
July 28, 2019
Jackson and Bella have a sweet and relatable story that has some moments of danger, angst and drama. The story is well developed and has me interested in learning more of this island, police force and set of friends! It is a second chance romance, but it also plays towards a suspense/action type due to the two obstacles both characters are facing. The action was interesting and I enjoyed seeing the emotions and thoughts behind different characters views of the events.
June 11, 2016
Contemporary
I thought this was going to be an erotic romance, but it was a contemporary. Wish there was more heat, but it was a good story either way. The characters were good. The end was a little rush, but not so much you would be irritated. Worth reading. Will probably continue when the urge hits me.
I thought this was going to be an erotic romance, but it was a contemporary. Wish there was more heat, but it was a good story either way. The characters were good. The end was a little rush, but not so much you would be irritated. Worth reading. Will probably continue when the urge hits me.
September 29, 2015
Jackson is one sexy man, "he groaned, capturing her wrist and pulling her close. “What if I want to give you special treatment? I’ve got all kinds of ideas on how I could make that ticket up to you…” This is a great start to a new series I can't wait for Elijah's book.
November 4, 2015
As always great writing
This book has wonderful characters that are human and relatable. The book is well written and fun to read, and you are pulling for the characters to get their hea moment.
This book has wonderful characters that are human and relatable. The book is well written and fun to read, and you are pulling for the characters to get their hea moment.
October 5, 2015
I was lucky to get an ARC of this book, and it didn't disappoint, I love Ranae's writing, can never put her book down. I recommended everyone to read this book and all of Ranae's books.
October 5, 2015
I absolutely loved it. I loved the little twists and turns to the book. It is a book that won't dissapoint. I couldn't put it down.
October 21, 2015
I'm writing my review a bit later than I would have liked but I just finished reading this story. First and foremost I have to say I loved this story.
November 12, 2017
Story line was good but I found that the 'drama' was very predictable.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews