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A Texas Ranger with everything to lose…

Going undercover to keep the former wife of a Texas crime boss alive is risky business for Texas Ranger Bryce Johnson. Kylie Scott may have evidence that could put her ex-husband's family away forever. If she lives long enough to testify.

For five years, Kylie managed to stay off the mob's radar. With her cover blown, the former model is forced to flee the close-knit community that had embraced her. On the run again—this time with the seductive lawman who's risking his career to protect her—Kylie battles her powerful desire for Bryce. If they survive, do they stand a snowball's chance at a future together?

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published June 21, 2016

20 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

Angi Morgan

105 books178 followers
ANGI MORGAN's new series, BODYGUARDS IN HEELS, is a lot of her favorite reads. A little magic, a little suspense, a little comedy and a whole lot of love.

Angi is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly best seller. Her first book, Hill Country Holdup, went on sale the very night it won the prestigious RWA Golden Heart award.

She drags her dogs –and husband– around Texas for research road trips so she can write off her camera. They now have a map with highlighted roads they’ve traveled. Every detour somehow makes it into a book.

She loves to chaat with fans at: AngiMorganAuthor.com @AngiMorganAthr Facebook: Angi's Friends

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
4,811 reviews126 followers
July 8, 2016
Good combination of romance, suspense and action. Bryce has been looking for the ex-wife of a Texas crime boss for three years. Now that he thinks he has found her, he's gone undercover to get close enough to her that he can convince her to help put her husband away for good. Kylie has hidden successfully for five years, but Bryce's arrival has her wanting to run again. She's haunted by the memory of the attack that killed her friends and nearly killed her.

I really liked both Bryce and Kylie. Bryce is the Ranger who is usually behind the computer, doing the research that helps to track down the bad guys. His search for Kylie has been a personal challenge for him, and now that he thinks he has found her, he wants to be the one to talk to her. He has never been part of an undercover assignment before, and his nerves are pretty obvious. I really liked how he tried to break the news of her discovery gently, before realizing that he needed to be far more direct. His protectiveness comes out as he tries to convince her to put herself under the protection of the Rangers.

Kylie has made huge changes in her life since the shooting that almost killed her. She went from a very public life to living as quiet a life as she possibly could. She ended up in the little town of Hico purely by accident, but found the kind of life she really wanted. I loved seeing how she has made a home for herself and found the family she always wanted in the friends that she made there. She loves making a difference in the lives of the teens she helps. When she realizes that she has been found, all she wants to do is run again. She is terrified of putting her new friends in danger.

I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. Bryce's attempts to get her attention were pretty sweet, as that is something he's never in his life tried to do. He believes he is failing miserably until the day that she comes to him for help with something at her house, and he realizes that she is flirting with him. Kylie noticed him when he was cutting the grass and getting sunburned. She had recently made the decision that it was time to start living again, and Bryce seemed to be the perfect first step. She was stunned to discover that he is a Ranger and knew who she was. She has a great deal of trouble believing that anyone can protect her, and she doesn't want to risk his life. I loved seeing the way that Bryce seemed to be able to read her so well and was able to stop her from running. The attraction between them built as Bryce worked to build up her trust in him. I liked seeing Kylie start to open up to him about her fears. Bryce has a few secrets of his own, and I loved the scenes with his parents. There is still conflict between them as Bryce wants to protect her from whoever is after her, and Kylie wants to get as far as she can from those she loves to keep them safe. It all comes together in the end, and the epilogue was great.

The suspense and action were really good, as Bryce tries to find out who is after Kylie and why. Kylie is convinced it is her ex and that he wants to kill her because she left him. An attack that nearly destroys Kylie's house has them both wondering if they have missed something important, as what happened doesn't really make sense. There's also a great scene in front of a judge that seems to reinforce Kylie's assertion that she doesn't know anything that would help in the case against her ex. There's also a twist to that scene that adds to the danger she's in. An interesting conversation with his boss has Bryce working independently to bring a resolution to the case. The trap he sets with Fred has a couple unexpected twists to it. I liked how Kylie tries to save herself while at the same time believing that Bryce will do whatever he must to save her. The final confrontation is intense with terrific teamwork as it all comes together.
Profile Image for Paula Brandon.
1,272 reviews39 followers
July 4, 2020
I haven't given good ratings to most of the works of this author, and would have not bothered to read another one of her books, but this one was sitting in my collection, picked up on the cheap from an op shop many moons ago, likely long before I knew that this author didn't write very good books. Gunslinger is no exception.

Texas Ranger Bryce Johnson tracks down Kylie Scott, who is the ex-wife of Texas crime boss Xander Tenoreno. She went into hiding five years prior after surviving a shooting that killed her friends. She has always believed that Xander was behind the shooting and still wants her dead. Anyway, all Bryce really achieves is alerting others to Kylie's location and true identity, and launch an attack on her house. You'll find, as the book progresses, that Bryce is completely useless at his job. Kylie believes this is the work of Xander, unaware that Xander's Texas crime boss rival Daniel Rosco has a reason to be going after her.

You see, after getting out of hospital after nearly being killed five years ago, Kylie waited until the family was away, headed to their house to get her stuff back, bribed a guard to let her in and then took off with a random black Cadillac. Because that wouldn't stand out, right? She wound up in Hico, Texas, simply because the car ran out of gas. She kept the car in her garage all this time. Instead of, you know, maybe getting help from the townsfolk she loves to strip it and sell it for parts. Or, you know, dumping it in the middle of nowhere, Texas. But, no, she's kept it, because it's a "reminder" of her former life.

Why?

Much less the fact IT WAS A NEW CAR and not actually a part of her former life!!!

Basically, the whole premise is built off character decisions that are stupid and make no sense. Kylie had absolutely ZERO reason to hold onto this car, but the author has her do this because otherwise the plot wouldn't exist: Daniel Rosco is after the vehicle because it has an incriminating USB drive in there.

Why would a Texas crime boss keep an incriminating USB in one of his own cars? Why not in a safe box in a bank? Or why even keep it at all?

See what I mean about character actions making no sense?

This also applies to Bryce Johnson. He has spent three years trying to track Kylie down, even though it was decided five years ago that she did not have any evidence she could provide against her ex-husband. (Which is why she was allowed to escape in the first place and not placed in protective custody.) But yet he's seemingly decided she must have evidence somewhere and is determined to make her part of a case against Xander Tenoreno. Tracking Kylie down is what exposes her and puts her in danger. Needlessly, I might add. It's so hard for me to get on board with a romance where it's the direct actions of the "hero" that put the heroine in danger.

Stupidity abounds from start to finish. When Kylie decides to abscond early in the book to keep others safe, she does it in the middle of the day, during a program she runs, where there are tons of people around to notice she's missing (and actually puts a few of them in danger anyway by cluing them into her plans). Instead of, you know, ducking out in the middle of the night while everybody's asleep.

Or how about that court hearing where she's all of a sudden been charged with stealing a car, but the judge throws the charges out saying they're unlawful. He then asks her to stay behind, and shoves her into an office where her ex-husband lies in wait. Kylie manages to escape. Does she tell authorities that Xander is in the courthouse? Does she alert anybody in the courthouse that they've got a corrupt judge in their midst?

No. Nope, nope, nope. Because that would make sense. She does, however, use the judge's throwing out of her charges as a reason why Bryce shouldn't still be following her.

I was practically banging my head against the desk at this stage.

There's also a bizarre bit about a whiskey bottle that she's kept for five years because it's a reminder of previous life, telling Bryce not to drink it. It is also a reminder of her former life! (Despite being found in the car that was new and turns out didn't even belong to her husband.) If it was that important to keep the bottle, she couldn't just pour the contents out or something?

I'm probably just nitpicking at this point, but practically every chapter had me shouting to myself, "Why the fuck would they do that??? It makes no sense!!!"

Despite Bryce doing his best to get Kylie killed through his incompetence, she agrees to the plan he has to lure Daniel Rosco to Hico with the cadillac. They'll evacuate the street, or something, and trap Rosco and his thugs. Except, you know, Daniel already knows where the car is! I mean, that's why Kylie's house was shot up in the first place, wasn't it???? So, obviously, we know the plan is going to go horribly wrong.

None of what went on here made much sense to me. Not only was the plot in shambles, but the action sequences are clumsily and confusingly described. People will pop up from nowhere, move from here to there...it was all pretty spotty.

Depressingly, this isn't even the author's worst.
1,843 reviews18 followers
May 27, 2021
This is one of those books that you just can't put down. Once I started reading it I couldn't stop.

Sissy's husband was abusive and part of the Mob. When she left him he took everything away from here. She had been a fashion model and he took it all. He tried to leave her penniless but she ended up taking something from him that he didn't know she had until 5 years later when he found out she was going by an alias.

Check out the story it is so good.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,563 reviews55 followers
June 22, 2016
The fantastically tantalising Texas Rangers Elite series goes from strength to strength. This time the unassuming Bryce gets his woman!!

Bryce may be the undisputed font of knowledge when it comes to organised crime but he's never had to go undercover before. He is waaaaay out of his element. He's used to crunching data and sifting through info -not mowing lawns and trying to attract the attention of a certain neighbourly hottie, who may or may not be the ex of a shady gangster!

Kylie may have a seriously strange security set up but when you are on the run from the Tenoreno family you take these things seriously. She may be a former model but she is definitely flying under the limelight radar. She works with troubled kids and has a job at the library and could not be happier!

There are twists and turns and just when you think you have it sussed - BLAM- another twist! Kylie is wonderful as the reformed starlet who is now much more comfortable in her own skin. Bryce has a few skeletons in his wardrobe and I think that's why he so easily understands Kylie's need to just be herself. It's fast paced but you still get all the little details that make these such a great series. The entire town of Hico is like another character but Fred especially is a deviously simple character who is also hiding a bit of a white hatted past!!! Bryce's family is also great and you get that whilst they are all close, they have enough independence to do what they need to.

They can be read as stand alones but do work better if you read them in order. Fantastic stories - I want more!!!!
Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
July 4, 2016
Mafia families, teen bride, death and destruction - the prologue gets the story into a fast and fiery start, with gun blazing and blood on the street. The tone, the speed, and the action never cease. It is constant, fatal, and riveting.
Bryce, with his sun burned back, eye glasses, and excitement of the first undercover mission, is a complete hunk. His kindness, considerate, gentlemanly, personality made me sigh. He is a person to be admired, his easygoing nature, his loyalty, the way he got along with everyone, just made him even more likable.
Kylie had finally found home. That is all her heart had wanted, and now that it is hers, her past was back in the present, and threaten to take it all away. My heart went out for her, she didn't ask for pity or sympathy, she was a true survivor, not a victim, but you still wanted to take care of her, and make the world a little bit easier for her to live in.
Their gravitation towards each other, was so natural. Like they had always known each other, being there for each other, and supported each other. There's so many moments in the story, between Kylie and Bryce, that their allure, adoration for each other is obvious, palpable, and so tender.
The absolutely adorable couple, who obviously were meant to be together, are in the middle of a nasty mafia family dispute. The guns are blazing, the danger is ceaseless. Death and torture are nothing to those after them, and only a miracle, or a ranger, can save them from the situation they are in. Raging tale, filled with action, cutthroat moments, and fiery battles.
~ Four Spoons
Profile Image for Ann Stoudt.
99 reviews1 follower
Read
January 5, 2023
Going undercover to keep the former wife of a Texas crime boss alive is risky business for Texas Ranger Bryce Johnson. Kylie Scott may have evidence that could put her ex-husband’s family away forever. If she lives long enough to testify. For five years, Kylie managed to stay off the mob’s radar. With her cover blown, the former model is forced to flee the close-knit community that has embraced her. On the run again—this time with the seductive lawman who’s risking his career to protect her—Kylie battles her powerful desire for Bryce. If they survive, do they stand a snowball’s chance at a future together?
1,323 reviews23 followers
March 19, 2018
I just love Angi's books that she writes! This one is another in the group of Texas Rangers and they are just so good. I look forward to reading all of the books in this series. Angi hit a grand slam with this book.
687 reviews4 followers
August 31, 2017
Part of a series but can be read on it's own. Will read more from this author & series.
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,908 reviews42 followers
June 18, 2016
Arc copy for an honest review.
His first undercover job and he is praying not to mess it up, Bryce is most often the one behind a desk with a computer. Kylie isn't what she at first appears, connected to the Tenorino family through marriage, she fled in fear for her life and hid.
This is a great addition to the Texas Rangers series, filled with tension, fear and some violence. There is also a twist to Kylie's story, all is not what everyone thought it was. With the suspense and threats building from the start, Bryce is determined to keep her safe. The attraction between them is strong. Another fast paced read with an interesting background and some really good characters. I loved Fred and the locals, how they had taken Kylie on as one of their own. Plus Bryce's family, quite a story on their own, I would have liked a bit more of that.
This series compels you to keep going and read the next book, especially as the main story line focus follows through to each book.
Well worth the expense of getting the whole series to read, they do need to be read in order to get the full benefit.
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,530 reviews45 followers
June 20, 2016
Lots of excitement in this 3rd book in the Texas Rangers: Elite Troop series! Will an undercover op turn ugly when the witness is exposed and in danger again?

Texas Ranger Bryce Johnson is in Hico, TX on his first undercover assignment. He is positive Kylie Scott is the ex-wife of a notorious crime boss and just might have the information they need to put the rest of the family away for their crimes.

Kylie Scott has been safe for 5 years in the close-knit community where she found shelter, but now that her location has been found, she’s in danger again.

Will Bryce be able to keep her safe until they figure out who tried to kill her, and why? And when they start to have feelings for each other, will it mess up the case, or will they get a happily ever after out of it?
Profile Image for Kathryn Linke .
2,116 reviews24 followers
June 21, 2016
4.5 Stars

This is the third book in the Texas Rangers: Elite Troop series, and this was by far my favorite book so far. This book is a great mix of romance, suspense,heat, action and adventure.

The characters in this book are interesting, and believable. I really liked the hero and heroine Kylie and Bryce's characters. They had a great chemistry and I enjoyed their shared banter throughout the book.

The additional characters from the town of Hico, were great. I especially liked Fred, with his selective hearing loss and Bryce's parents.

Once again this book is a well written and engaging read. I look forward to continuing the story with the next book and discovering how this series ends.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,469 reviews52 followers
June 5, 2016
**SPOILER FREE**


No surprise of how good this book is! I mean look at who the author is! This author is completely amazing! Her work is to die for! I'm not all the big on romances by any means, but I do step out of my comfort to read them from time to time, especially by Angi Morgan. Not only is she giving you a romance but she throw a wrench it with some suspense! Each of her books has it's own story plot and characters that you'll love but don't take my word for it! Once you start these book by Angi you will fall in love and find yourself reading as much of her books as you can!

*Received for an honest review*
891 reviews5 followers
June 22, 2016
Was given this book and promised a honest review

Texas Ranger Bryce Johnson. Kylie Scott, two great characters. Bryce promised Kylie he would take care of her, protect her. And dang it if he did not.
The book had a great story line, fast paced to the point that I could not put it down, because I needed to know what would happen. Lots of action for both of them as Kylie tries to stay alive and protect her friends from her ex husband, but there are curves in the book that can throw you for a loop. All in all I loved the book.
1,411 reviews16 followers
July 12, 2016
this is a very good story, you are pulled into the story till the end, it you like suspense stories you will like this book. Angi writes very good stories. i was given the book in exchange for an honest review, but i love the stories she writes
1,411 reviews16 followers
June 23, 2016
I enjoyed the book very much. if you like suspense and romance you will like the story I was given the book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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