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Cavanaugh Justice #34

Cavanaugh on Call

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A detective and his mysterious new partner must crack an impossible case in USA TODAY bestselling author Marie Ferrarella's thrilling new novel!

Detective Bryce Cavanaugh already has one tough investigation--an elusive home-invasion team on a dangerous crime spree. And his enigmatic fellow cop Alexandra "Scottie" Scott keeps throwing him curves. She's relentless at taking charge--and running down leads. But getting the stunning blonde to reveal her secrets is a challenge Bryce just can't resist.

Scottie prefers to solve cases and save those close to her on her own. Keeping one step ahead of Bryce's hardheaded persistence is difficult enough. But tension-filled nights and high-adrenaline days are only fueling the passion between them and putting an inescapable target on their backs!

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 9, 2017

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About the author

Marie Ferrarella

1,230 books276 followers
Marie Rydzynski-Ferrarella
aka Marie Charles, Marie Michael, Marie Nicole, Marie Ferrarella

Marie Rydzynski was born on March 28 in West Germany to Polish parents. She moved to America at the age of four. For an entire year, Marie and her family explored the eastern half of the country before finally settling in New York.

Marie swears she was born writing, "which must have made the delivery especially hard for my mother." From an early age, Marie's parents would find her watching television or tucked away in some private place, writing at a furious pace. "Initially, I began writing myself into my favourite shows. I was a detective on '77 Sunset Strip,' the missing Cartwright sibling they never talked about on 'Bonanza' and the 'Girl from U.N.C.L.E.' before there was a 'Girl from U.N.C.L.E.,' not to mention an active participant in the serialized stories of 'The Mickey Mouse Club.'" Marie began to write her first romance novel when she was 11 years old, although she claims that, at the time, she didn't even realize it was a romance! She scribbled off and on, while dreaming of a career as an actress.

Marie was only 14 when she first laid eyes on the man she would marry, truly her first love, Charles Ferrarella. During her days at Queens College, New York, acting started to lose its glamour as Marie spent more and more time writing. After receiving her English degree, specialising in Shakespearean comedy, Marie and her family moved to Southern California, where she still resides today.

After an interminable seven weeks apart, Charles decided he couldn't live without her and came out to California to marry his childhood sweetheart. Ever practical, Marie was married in a wash-and-wear wedding dress that she sewed herself, appliqués and all. "'Be prepared' has always been my motto,"the author jokes. This motto has been stretched considerably by her two children, Nikky and Jessi, "but basically, it still applies," she says.

In November of 1981, she sold her first novel for Harlequin. Marie, who now has written over 150 novels, has one goal: to entertain, to make people laugh and feel good. "That's what makes me happy," she confesses. "That, and a really good romantic evening with my husband." She's keeping her fingers crossed that her reader's enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoyed writing them.

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5 stars
53 (58%)
4 stars
24 (26%)
3 stars
11 (12%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Veda.
346 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2017
I have been reading about the Cavanaugh family since the first book came out, and they just keep getting better and better. I have really enjoyed meeting each new family member, and seeing what is in store for them. Love the suspense, and mystery that comes with each new book. Really love the family get together so I can find out how the the members of the family are doing.
And I am left wondering who is next, and is there more family out there to discover.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,840 reviews130 followers
July 26, 2017
Very good book. Scottie transferred from Homicide to Robbery when she became convinced that her missing half-brother is involved in the series of robberies that were happening. Known in the department for preferring to work alone, she's not too happy to be paired with Bryce. Working alone would give her the chance to find Ethan without interference from the sharp-eyed detective, but he won't cooperate. Bryce is intrigued by his new partner. She's beautiful, but she's also the prickliest and most solitary cop he's ever known. He's determined to break down her walls.

I loved both Scottie and Bryce. They were so different, but in the end, so right for each other. Scottie had had a miserable childhood, one that has created a bone deep independence and a wariness of getting too close to anyone. She is also fiercely loyal to her only remaining family member. I loved her faith in Ethan and her certainty that if he's involved in the robberies, it's not by choice. Bryce is a Cavanaugh. His childhood was one of a normal, happy family. He's easygoing and open, secure in the love and support of his family. I loved his humor and patience.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Bryce was intrigued from the moment he met Scottie. Her beauty snagged his attention, but her attitude was a challenge he couldn't resist. I loved his teasing attempts to get her to open up and his realization that there was something deeper driving her determination to solve the case. Scottie was not happy when she realized that Bryce was stirring up feelings in her that she didn't want. She was determined to not to give in, but she really didn't stand a chance. I loved their banter as Bryce pushed and Scottie resisted. It was a bit heartbreaking to see her reaction to the close family ties she saw in the Cavanaughs. I loved her take-charge attitude during the baby episode. I loved her subsequent invitation to one of Andrew's get-togethers and Bryce's determination to keep her from missing it. I always love seeing outsiders' reactions to those events. Bryce's persistence pays off, and I loved the changes in Scottie as she begins to believe in him. There's a little bump in the road when she finally opens up about Ethan, but they get past that pretty quickly and become an even stronger team. Both of them are a bit wary of expressing their feelings until a dangerous situation shows them that life can be short. I loved the ending, with both showing a little vulnerability and their love shining through it.

The suspense of the story was good too. Scottie's worry about her brother and his possible involvement laid the groundwork for the question of did he or didn't he? As the search goes on, it looks more and more like Ethan is involved. Scottie's withholding of information adds some stress to the search, as Bryce senses that there is something more going on. Scottie's intense desire to find the truth helps move the case along, and finally telling Bryce the truth strengthens their teamwork. I loved how the clues started coming together. The final confrontation was intense, and I was on the edge of my seat until it was over. As always, Cavanaughs have each other's' backs.

As always, other Cavanaughs are present in the story in some way. I loved how the family teasing was such an eye opener for Scottie when she was coerced into going to Malone's with Bryce. The baby delivery scene was funny as was the hospital scene afterwards. I always love the nurses' reactions to Cavanaugh invasions. Andrew and his parties are a staple of the books, as is his way of seeing to the heart of those who attend. I always look forward to appearances of previous characters and this was no exception. I can't wait to see who is next.
Profile Image for Marcia.
1,943 reviews32 followers
September 28, 2017
I have not read any of the previous books in the series, but was still able to read it easily as a stand alone. Alexandra (Scottie) Scott, had an alcoholic/ druggie mother and raised her half brother, Ethan. She worked hard to get on the police force and kept her brother, Ethan, in line after he had acted out as a teen and now has a sealed juvie record.. She doesn't trust and does not "play well" with other, which does not make for a good policeman. Nevertheless, she has worked herself up to homicide detective and that consumes her life. One morning she see an article about a string of robberies that suspiciously sound like acts that got her brother into trouble years ago. When she can't reach him, she has herself transferred to Robberies, so she can find him before the bureau detectives do. She had not reckoned what it meant to be a detective Bryce Cavanaugh's partner. Unlike her partner in Homicide, Bryce believes in partners working together and does not let her run solo on the case. Will Scottie lie to her partner and sabotage the case to save her brother? Can Bryce get through to his new partner that there is a camaraderie among the detectives that she needs to become a part of? Can he brake down her walls and help her save her brother?

I was really put off by the cover art. Anyone who carries, especially a detective would never have his finger in the trigger unless he was ready to shoot and certainly not while also holding a cellphone to his ear. I also did not find the character of Scottie to someone who would succeed in a career that depended on working with others, when she was so closed off. She would have been better as an undercover agent. Still the story is well written and keeps the reader's interest.
Profile Image for Jen_C.
1,112 reviews56 followers
November 10, 2017
Scottie does not represent law enforcement in a very positive light. Especially in the beginning of the book but also later when she rushes in without backup. She made this book less likable for me. I don't think these issues would bother me so much in the past, but in light of current events I really would like to see characters be a bit more professional and follow procedure. I have loved the Cavanaugh Justice series but in the last few books I notice a lot of repetition and it can seem like you are reading the same story with just a different name plugged in.

Good story and overall I think most readers will enjoy it. Maybe my expectations make me a bit harder to please... but there you have it.

Sample quotes:
“He takes a little getting used to,” Bryce confided as if he could read her thoughts. As do you, probably, Bryce added silently.
“No more than anyone else,” she replied with a vague shrug. “Everybody’s got their rules and quirks.”
“What are yours?” he asked as they got back to their desks.
“I’ve just got two,” she told him simply. “Rules, not quirks,” she clarified. “Do a good job and never mix work with home. Can we get to work now?” she asked.

“Why do you react to everything I say to you as if I was either challenging you or trying to reduce you to the status of some kind of mindless rookie? I’m not trying to insult you, or belittle you, or make you feel as if I regard you as anything less than a very capable police detective. One I would like to get to know because, like it or not, as long as we’re partners, I expect you to have my back and I damn well intend to have yours. That kind of thing depends on a certain amount of predictability when it comes to one another’s actions—and that comes from getting to know one another.”
Impatient, Scottie curbed her desire to shift from foot to foot. “Finished?” she asked.

“Look, if you wanted a chatterbox who never stopped talking and didn’t have a thought in her head that she didn’t immediately share with the world at large, then maybe you should ask Handel for another partner,” she told him, annoyed. Part of her was tempted to get out of the car and walk, but that was pointless.
“You do know that there’s a happy medium between being a chatterbox and a monk who’s taken a vow of silence, right?” Bryce asked.

“Do you never not argue?” Bryce sighed as he shook his head. He was clearly going to have his hands full dealing with her. Somehow, he didn’t mind it.
“Wait, there’s too many negatives in that question for me to sort out properly and my head hurts.” He spared her a look, doing his best not to allow the smile he couldn’t suppress to curve the corners of his mouth. “Funny, mine does, too,” he told her. “I just figured it was a side effect from dealing with you.”






Profile Image for Jess Holden .
575 reviews10 followers
June 27, 2017
I absolutely adored Scottie and the conviction she has for her family! This book kept me intrigued trying to figure out who had Ethan from the moment Scottie realized someone had to have taken him from his apartment. Someone who works so hard to over come something like he had wouldn't have just fallen back into the same path. She had to much faith in the person he had become for him to let her down like that.

Bryce was wonderful. The every loving family man as well as the cop whom had sworn an oath to protect and serve. Bryce is def one of my favorite Cavanaugh men. He is trust worthy, loyal, and extremely respectful, well unless he feels you are hiding something from him. Then he may just a little bit pushy.

Bryce and Scottie together trying to solve the break ins as well as trying to find Ethan became an unstoppable team. They were attached at the hip, Bryce could pretty much read Scottie even before she knew what she was going to do herself.
34 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2019
Received a signed copy from the author in a contest. I have not read any of her other books. I liked the picture of the Cavanaugh family and how that differed from Scottie's. They each had ways of helping family members and ways of making a difference when it is not always easy.

I liked both the suspense and the romance of this book and enjoyed the read. May read more of the series, but this was a nice, easy HEA read. Thanks, Marie.
1,882 reviews20 followers
October 3, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. Alexandria Scott otherwise known as Scottie left Homicide and went to Robbery to help solve all the recent break ins they have been having. Her new partner Kerry trying to learn more about. But she likes to keep her personal and professional life separate.
69 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2017
I don’t read the blurb when I see Marie Ferrarella’s name on the cover of a Mills and Boon book. I know I’m going to get a good story, with a satisfying hero and heroine at its heart. They’ll fall in love in a way that seems natural and unbelievable, with nothing contrived. They’ll also be involved in an interesting plot with twists and turns, suspects and red herrings, and reading it will be a great way to spend an evening or two.

When it’s one of her Cavanaugh books, so much the better. We’ll get a continuity with characters we’ve met before, in a place we’ve become familiar with. There’ll be a good, old-fashioned feel-good family at the centre of everything, a family which somehow restores my faith in human nature, just as it heals the main characters.

A family like the Waltons, with crime. And, of course, Uncle Andrew’s get-togethers. From page one, I eagerly anticipate the party that will bring the outsider in from the cold and show them what they’re missing.

Cavanaugh on Call, the latest in the series, did not disappoint. We have a heroine who, for understandable, if mistaken, reasons, is wary of getting too close to anyone else, who has secrets and trust issues which need to be addressed before she can become whole. And we have a Cavanaugh who can help her on her journey, if she’ll just let him.

Bryce Cavanaugh is a good man, but not unbelievably so, and he is a perfect fit for our heroine.

What I like about Ms Ferrarella is that, even after 200 books, each story has an individuality. Yes, some elements appear in each (Uncle Andrew’s party, for instance), but even they are never quite the same each time. Each character is well rounded and fun to get to know. In fact, my only real complaint about the Cavanaugh books is, they don’t come frequently enough.

In this one, there were a few editing mistakes – typos mainly, and the odd confusion about a name or detail which could have been weeded out with a little more care, but they didn’t distract me for long, and they didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the whole.

Which leaves me just one more thing to say to Ms Ferrarella: more Cavanaugh, please.
69 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2017
I don’t read the blurb when I see Marie Ferrarella’s name on the cover of a Mills and Boon book. I know I’m going to get a good story, with a satisfying hero and heroine at its heart. They’ll fall in love in a way that seems natural and unbelievable, with nothing contrived. They’ll also be involved in an interesting plot with twists and turns, suspects and red herrings, and reading it will be a great way to spend an evening or two.

When it’s one of her Cavanaugh books, so much the better. We’ll get a continuity with characters we’ve met before, in a place we’ve become familiar with. There’ll be a good, old-fashioned feel-good family at the centre of everything, a family which somehow restores my faith in human nature, just as it heals the main characters.

A family like the Waltons, with crime. And, of course, Uncle Andrew’s get-togethers. From page one, I eagerly anticipate the party that will bring the outsider in from the cold and show them what they’re missing.

Cavanaugh on Call, the latest in the series, did not disappoint. We have a heroine who, for understandable, if mistaken, reasons, is wary of getting too close to anyone else, who has secrets and trust issues which need to be addressed before she can become whole. And we have a Cavanaugh who can help her on her journey, if she’ll just let him.

Bryce Cavanaugh is a good man, but not unbelievably so, and he is a perfect fit for our heroine.

What I like about Ms Ferrarella is that, even after 200 books, each story has an individuality. Yes, some elements appear in each (Uncle Andrew’s party, for instance), but even they are never quite the same each time. Each character is well rounded and fun to get to know. In fact, my only real complaint about the Cavanaugh books is, they don’t come frequently enough.

In this one, there were a few editing mistakes – typos mainly, and the odd confusion about a name or detail which could have been weeded out with a little more care, but they didn’t distract me for long, and they didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the whole.

Which leaves me just one more thing to say to Ms Ferrarella: more Cavanaugh, please.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews