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Target: Timberline #1
Single Father Sheriff
The unsolved case that once tore a sheriff's town apart had resurfaced, threatening both his baby girl and a beautiful witness…
When two children go missing, every parent's worst fear becomes Sheriff Cooper Sloane's reality. The single father doesn't have a minute to waste, and only a single Kendall Rush. Her return to Timberline stirs up a lot of town chatter, since she was at the center of a similar case twenty-five years ago. Despite Kendall's tragic past, Cooper is more than willing to play the bad guy. But he couldn't prepare himself for her vulnerability, or determination. As the kidnapper's taunts turn horrific, Cooper and Kendall must stop this sick game before it hits even closer to home…
When two children go missing, every parent's worst fear becomes Sheriff Cooper Sloane's reality. The single father doesn't have a minute to waste, and only a single Kendall Rush. Her return to Timberline stirs up a lot of town chatter, since she was at the center of a similar case twenty-five years ago. Despite Kendall's tragic past, Cooper is more than willing to play the bad guy. But he couldn't prepare himself for her vulnerability, or determination. As the kidnapper's taunts turn horrific, Cooper and Kendall must stop this sick game before it hits even closer to home…
- GenresRomantic SuspenseRomance
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 19, 2016
14 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Carol Ericson
338 books125 followersBest-selling, award-winning romance author, Carol Ericson, has written more than 65 books, mostly romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue. Also indie pubbed, Carol is working on a spicy popstar romcom series about five members of a boyband. A California girl and graduate of UCLA, Carol lives near the beach with her husband and their giant dog. For more information about Carol’s books, please visit her website at www.authorcarolericson.com and follow her on Instagram @author.carol.ericson
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 13, 2016
Kendall Rush returns to Timberline, Washington, to sell her aunt’s house after her aunt’s death. Twenty-five years ago Kendall’s sister was kidnapped in this house. Kendall’s sister and the kidnapper, along with two other kidnapped children, were never found. Now there is a kidnapper once again at large in Timberline, and Sheriff Cooper Sloane thinks Kendall might be able to help in the investigation.
This was an enjoyable enough read. The main characters were likable and had good chemistry. I enjoyed the secondary cast, as well, with many potential suspects for the kidnapper. The suspense was well done, and the dreary rainy weather provided a fitting atmosphere for the story. The only thing that bothered me was how little time Coop spent with his young daughter, Steffi, considering that there was a kidnapper of children on the loose. I’d have thought he wouldn’t want his daughter out of his sight. Still, this was an entertaining time-passer.
This was an enjoyable enough read. The main characters were likable and had good chemistry. I enjoyed the secondary cast, as well, with many potential suspects for the kidnapper. The suspense was well done, and the dreary rainy weather provided a fitting atmosphere for the story. The only thing that bothered me was how little time Coop spent with his young daughter, Steffi, considering that there was a kidnapper of children on the loose. I’d have thought he wouldn’t want his daughter out of his sight. Still, this was an entertaining time-passer.
February 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this book that had twist and turns, action, suspense and romance. The ending was one that I never saw coming.
Kendall Rush retuned to Timberline, Washington to sell her aunt's house after her aunt past away. Timberline is a town that only holds bad memories for Kendall. 25 years ago Kendall's twin sister was kidnapped, and never found. The kidnapper attempted to kidnap both twins, but Kendall managed to get away. She has lived with the guilt of being the one that got away.
25 years later, kids are being kidnapped, and it may be linked back to her sisters kidnapping. strange things start to happen, and someone is trying to scare Kendall. The sheriff thinks she may be able to help in the investigation. Sheriff Sloane, and Kendall build up a friendship that zings with chemistry throughout the story. Throughout the danger he is there by her side. Can the two work together to find, and save the kids that have gone missing? Can he also protect his own 5 year old daughter from the grips of a kidnapper?
Great book.
Kendall Rush retuned to Timberline, Washington to sell her aunt's house after her aunt past away. Timberline is a town that only holds bad memories for Kendall. 25 years ago Kendall's twin sister was kidnapped, and never found. The kidnapper attempted to kidnap both twins, but Kendall managed to get away. She has lived with the guilt of being the one that got away.
25 years later, kids are being kidnapped, and it may be linked back to her sisters kidnapping. strange things start to happen, and someone is trying to scare Kendall. The sheriff thinks she may be able to help in the investigation. Sheriff Sloane, and Kendall build up a friendship that zings with chemistry throughout the story. Throughout the danger he is there by her side. Can the two work together to find, and save the kids that have gone missing? Can he also protect his own 5 year old daughter from the grips of a kidnapper?
Great book.
July 17, 2016
I am a longtime fan of author Carol Ericson, and her new “Target: Timberline” series gets off to a great start with “Single Father Sheriff”. Cooper Sloane never imagined that accepting the position of sheriff in the rural community of Timberline, Washington would lead to so many changes in his life. With his wife’s passing away, he was left with the care of their young daughter, Steffi. Torn between duty and parenthood, he juggles them both as best he can. Coop’s easygoing demeanor belies his sharp instincts and powers of observation—he is as dedicated a lawman as he is a dad. When Kendall Rush returns to Timberline to settle her aunt’s estate, she is haunted by the still-unsolved kidnapping of her twin sister, Kayla, when the girls were just five years old. Two other local children were also taken, and the case became known as the “Timberline Trio”. Twenty five years later, several other children are now missing, and the cases are eerily similar. As strange and dangerous events begin to target Kendall, Coop becomes her protector. The attraction between them is immediate and sparky, but they both know that Kendall wants to leave Timberline behind in her rearview mirror as soon as possible. Kendall’s life lies in Arizona—could Coop and his daughter be part of an unexpected new future—one filled with happiness? The case hits all too close to home when Steffi becomes a victim of the kidnapper--will they all survive to find out if a dream can come true? Lovers of romantic suspense will enjoy this well-paced story.
Review Copy Gratis Author
Review Copy Gratis Author
October 7, 2017
I chose this book to read right now because I am in the middle of a rather challenging British Literature course, and I needed something to read in between Beowulf and Paradise Lost that required very little brain power. This book definitely qualified.:) The mystery/thriller aspect of the story, though not terribly complex, is good fluffy fun. The romantic storyline, however, is pretty cringe-worthy. When I finally reached the "long-awaited" love scene, I actually found myself rushing through just to get it overwith and get back to the thriller plot (which is very unlike me), because I just felt no genuine connection between the characters at all, and the scene itself was so assembly-line, there was nothing hot about it for me. The cliche turns of phrase are rampant THROUGHOUT the book and...yes, cringey is the only word.:) If you're looking for complete fluffy distraction, this could work for you and there is some good atmosphere in the rainy little town (that is actually a thinly disguised Forks and our heroine has even escaped to live in Phoenix...pretty sure the author is a former Twi-head), but I've seen similar category romantic suspense with a lot more to offer overall.
January 29, 2017
Kendall has returned to Timberline to clean up her Aunt Cass' house and put it up for sale..But while going through things and being back to the scene of heartbreak weird things start happening..as a child her twin sister and two other children were kidnapped and never before seen or heard from....While Kendall is cleaning the sheriff comes by to ask her questions that bring bad memories back to her...At a party once she leaves she finds what she thinks is a body in a back of her truck..this is the first of many incidents that happen...is she cursed? is the kidnapper back to take her? Kendall and Coop become close during all this..than his daughter is kidnapped..While looking for her Kendall is kidnapped...Once all the kids and she is rescued there is a twist..and this twist is good.. You will no believe who the kidnapper is this day and time..you will be shocked and surprised..well I was!! Great book
April 25, 2021
Kendall was five when her twin sister Kayla was kidnapped right out of her bed from their home in Timberline. Kendall tried to save her sister but just could not overpower the adult. She was only five. The kidnapper also took to other children and none of them were recovered. They have become known as the Timberline Trio.
Twenty five years later Kendall has come home to take care of her Aunt's things and her house and hopefully find out what happened to her sister. Three other children have been kidnapped. As I was reading this book I felt like I was there and going through her grief with her. The book has several twists and turns and I didn't have any idea how it would end.
This is the first book in the series and I had to go out and find the other three so I could finish it off. Check out the book you will be glad you did.
Twenty five years later Kendall has come home to take care of her Aunt's things and her house and hopefully find out what happened to her sister. Three other children have been kidnapped. As I was reading this book I felt like I was there and going through her grief with her. The book has several twists and turns and I didn't have any idea how it would end.
This is the first book in the series and I had to go out and find the other three so I could finish it off. Check out the book you will be glad you did.
October 17, 2017
I generally read thses Harlequin Intrigue novels to relax, clear my mind etc....this one I rather liked. Somewhat original in plot.
December 21, 2024
Great read! I did have an inkling who the culprit was but there were so many possibilities, I wasn't sure.
March 7, 2017
Very good book. Lots of plot twists. About the kidnapping of children in a small town. A surprising end.
August 7, 2021
Kendall Rush returns to her hometown of Timberline twenty-five years after the kidnapping of her twin sister, who was part of the "Timerbline trio", three kids who were kidnapped and never seen again. She arrives around the same time another two children have gone missing. She starts being tormented by reminders of the kidnappings, such as a ribbon left for her that resembles the one her sister wore. She is assisted by hunky Sheriff Cooper Sloane in finding out who is harassing her, and whether it could be connected to the original kidnappings.
I have a like/dislike relationship with Carol Ericson's books. Sometimes she can deliver a simple, exciting action tale, thriller or mystery. Other times she can release dreck that makes you ponder how on earth it got past an editor and into the publishing world. Her bizarre over-focus on what the h and H are eating and drinking drives me batty. And she is one of the worst in the Intrigue staple at properly explaining everything that has gone on in her books. Sometimes, she doesn't even bother to resolve a thing!
Single Father Sheriff is above average, probably because it doesn't involve the h and H running from a vague terrorist threat. This is the start of a four-part mini-series and does a good job of setting up an overriding mystery while also have this one work well enough as a standalone mystery. I was interested in the "why" behind everything, and the pace kept things exciting and interesting! I was also very interested by the fact that Kendall isn't afraid to admit she doesn't like kids. (Cooper is a single father). Normally, in all category romances, the h has a hidden maternal side just waiting to blossom. Not so here.
But I didn't really feel the romance. Although Kendall has some good insights into Cooper's guilt over his first wife's suicide (which I don't think he's over, but that's another story), that could be attributed to the fact she's a psychologist, not because of any deep connection between them. Because otherwise, all they really talk about is food! But that's par for the course for a Carol Ericson book. And the title is a bit of a misnomer. Cooper's daughter Steffi spends 75% of the book staying with a friend. The fact our H is a single father has little bearing on the plot!
Everything wraps up for the most part. I've actually read books three and four in this series, but I can't remember a lick about them, but according to my reviews of them, everything got wrapped up, so I guess that's a good thing! Carol Ericson certainly does small town mysteries better than she does the terrorist action plots.
I have a like/dislike relationship with Carol Ericson's books. Sometimes she can deliver a simple, exciting action tale, thriller or mystery. Other times she can release dreck that makes you ponder how on earth it got past an editor and into the publishing world. Her bizarre over-focus on what the h and H are eating and drinking drives me batty. And she is one of the worst in the Intrigue staple at properly explaining everything that has gone on in her books. Sometimes, she doesn't even bother to resolve a thing!
Single Father Sheriff is above average, probably because it doesn't involve the h and H running from a vague terrorist threat. This is the start of a four-part mini-series and does a good job of setting up an overriding mystery while also have this one work well enough as a standalone mystery. I was interested in the "why" behind everything, and the pace kept things exciting and interesting! I was also very interested by the fact that Kendall isn't afraid to admit she doesn't like kids. (Cooper is a single father). Normally, in all category romances, the h has a hidden maternal side just waiting to blossom. Not so here.
But I didn't really feel the romance. Although Kendall has some good insights into Cooper's guilt over his first wife's suicide (which I don't think he's over, but that's another story), that could be attributed to the fact she's a psychologist, not because of any deep connection between them. Because otherwise, all they really talk about is food! But that's par for the course for a Carol Ericson book. And the title is a bit of a misnomer. Cooper's daughter Steffi spends 75% of the book staying with a friend. The fact our H is a single father has little bearing on the plot!
Everything wraps up for the most part. I've actually read books three and four in this series, but I can't remember a lick about them, but according to my reviews of them, everything got wrapped up, so I guess that's a good thing! Carol Ericson certainly does small town mysteries better than she does the terrorist action plots.
July 17, 2016
Single Father Sheriff
Kendall Rush returns to her hometown of Timberline to sell the house she inherited from her aunt. Two children have been kidnapped and the Sheriff, Cooper Sloane thinks their disappearance is related to Kendall. Twenty five years earlier, her twin sister was kidnapped along with two other children.
The FBI doesn't seem to be as convinced of the connection as Coop. Then Kendall becomes the object of what seems like pranks. Sloane and Kendall believe they are the work of the kidnapper, again, the FBI doesn't believe it.
As the pranks escalate, so does the attraction between Coop and Kendall. He wants to keep her safe, she wants to sell the house and go back to Phoenix, where her past doesn’t haunt her at every turn. There are plenty of characters in town to consider for the role of the kidnapper. As Coop and Kendall consider each of them, more tragedy strikes – upping the stakes even more.
This book is the first in a series about Timberline, Washington. If the rest of the books are as good as this one, it’s a series everyone will enjoy. Carol Ericson is a great at character development and manages to make Timberline as important as the people. I thought this was a page turner and didn’t want to put it down. The action and romance were well balanced – the attraction between Coop and Kendall started in the beginning of the book as did the action and both escalated with each chapter.
I would definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait to read the next book in the Timberline series.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kendall Rush returns to her hometown of Timberline to sell the house she inherited from her aunt. Two children have been kidnapped and the Sheriff, Cooper Sloane thinks their disappearance is related to Kendall. Twenty five years earlier, her twin sister was kidnapped along with two other children.
The FBI doesn't seem to be as convinced of the connection as Coop. Then Kendall becomes the object of what seems like pranks. Sloane and Kendall believe they are the work of the kidnapper, again, the FBI doesn't believe it.
As the pranks escalate, so does the attraction between Coop and Kendall. He wants to keep her safe, she wants to sell the house and go back to Phoenix, where her past doesn’t haunt her at every turn. There are plenty of characters in town to consider for the role of the kidnapper. As Coop and Kendall consider each of them, more tragedy strikes – upping the stakes even more.
This book is the first in a series about Timberline, Washington. If the rest of the books are as good as this one, it’s a series everyone will enjoy. Carol Ericson is a great at character development and manages to make Timberline as important as the people. I thought this was a page turner and didn’t want to put it down. The action and romance were well balanced – the attraction between Coop and Kendall started in the beginning of the book as did the action and both escalated with each chapter.
I would definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait to read the next book in the Timberline series.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2016
What a great book to begin a new series by Carol! She can always reel me in with the first chapter. This time it's a kidnapping that happened 25 years ago in a small town in the Pacific Northwest and when one of the sisters of the victims comes back to sell her aunt's house, she finds that two children have already been kidnapped again and the town is on edge. Kendall can't believe she has to go through this nightmare again but she's glad that the new sheriff, Cooper Sloane, is doing everything he can to find the children. I kept thinking how hard it would be for Kendall to go back to the house where her sister was kidnapped because Kendall actually saw the kidnapper when she was 5 and has never forgotten it. She just wants to sell that house and get out of town but the new kidnapper seems to thwart her every move and not let her forget! Coop's young daughter was darling in this book also! Carol has great characters and wonderful storylines. I am looking forward to the next book already!
June 15, 2016
Beginning of a great new series.
Read
August 1, 2016Miniseries: Target: Timberline
Read
August 1, 2016Miniseries: Target: Timberline
August 13, 2016
Very good book that kept your interest throughout. The more you read it was difficult to put the book down. Full of suspense and excellent plot.
October 23, 2016
Wish it would've been longer.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews