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The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn #1

Bodyguard with a Badge

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Take the shot…or take a chance?

FBI sniper Andre Diaz saved Juliette Lawson from a deadly hostage situation. But only hours later, he receives the surprise of his life when she takes him hostage in order to escape Quantico. Now the federal agent knows just how desperate Juliette is to stay hidden from her dangerous cop ex-husband.

Putting her trust in another law enforcement officer is difficult. Yet Juliette senses Andre is definitely one of the good guys. Perhaps he truly can protect her from the secrets she's been running from—unless her deadly past catches up with them both first.

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 22, 2017

20 people are currently reading
65 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Heiter

97 books849 followers
Publishers Weekly bestselling author ELIZABETH HEITER likes her suspense to feature strong heroines, chilling villains, psychological twists, and a little bit of romance. Her research has taken her into the minds of serial killers, through murder investigations, and onto the FBI Academy’s shooting range. Her novels have been published in more than a dozen countries and eight languages; they've also been shortlisted for the National Readers' Choice, Daphne Du Maurier and Booksellers' Best awards and won the HOLT Medallion and the RT Reviewers' Choice award.

Elizabeth graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English Literature. She’s a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America and Romance Writers of America. You can also find Elizabeth on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elizabeth.heiter.author , on Instagram at www.instagram.com/elizabeth_heiter/ and on Twitter @ElizabethHeiter.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
4,792 reviews123 followers
May 27, 2020
Fantastic story with intense suspense and a good romance. Andre Diaz and his team were called to a hostage situation where he saved a woman from being abducted and murdered. Imagine his surprise when later that day, she takes him hostage to help her get away unseen.

Juliette is desperate. She is certain that the men who tried to kidnap her were sent by her ex-husband, a cop with secrets to hide. All she wants is enough of a head-start to disappear again. She has been on the run from Dylan for three years and had hoped she was finally safe. She's afraid that if the FBI discovers who she really is, they'll turn her over to her ex.

Andre was intrigued by the pretty woman he saved and thought about asking her out. He changes his mind when he learns she is using a fake name, assuming that she is a criminal. Andre is convinced of it when she holds him at gunpoint. Yet, something tells him that there may be more to the story, so he takes her to his place.

Juliette knows that she needs to trust someone, and has a good feeling about Andre. Andre is wary as he listens to her story until he receives a phone call that backs up her assertions. Uncovering the truth by himself is unlikely, so he enlists the help of his brothers, Cole and Marcos, and his partner, Scott.

This story is full of twists and turns as Andre and the others try to unravel the truth. Did Dylan really accept a bribe to throw a murder investigation? The man's reputation in the department is squeaky clean, but Juliette is pretty sure about what she saw and heard. Further questions come up when Dylan appears to have an alibi for the shots fired at Juliette. Attacks continue to plague their investigation, as other possible suspects are uncovered. Cole, Marcos, Scott, and Andre walk a fine line between legal and illegal as they search for answers. Meanwhile, Juliette feels guilty over the risks that they take on her behalf. When the pieces finally start to come together, Juliette becomes determined to do anything to bring the threat to an end. The final confrontation is intense as she faces off against the man who wants her dead.

I liked the development of the romance between Juliette and Andre. The attraction between them is immediate but still felt realistic. Juliette is wary of jumping into a relationship with Andre too fast. She fell for her ex-husband quickly, and now has trouble trusting her judgment. I liked how Andre didn't try to rush a relationship but gave Juliette the space she needed to process her feelings.

Andre also has some personal issues going on from an event that happened when he was a kid. He is haunted by memories of a fire at the foster home where he, Cole, and Marcos lived. He remembers more about that fire, things that cause him to question what he has believed in the years since the fire. I loved the backstory of how they became brothers, and the depth of love and respect they had for each other. Neither Cole nor Marcos hesitated to put their lives and careers on the line to help Andre.
Profile Image for Paula Brandon.
1,257 reviews39 followers
June 10, 2018
Well, that was boring.

Andre Diaz is an FBI sniper who helps rescue Juliette Lawson from gunmen sent to kill her. In a rather ridiculous move, she kidnaps him at gunpoint to help her get out of Quantico, because she'll never be safe in police custody, as she's pretty sure it's her husband who hired the gunmen/assassins, and her husband is a decorated police detective. However, sparks have already flown between them, so she winds up being in the protective custody of Andre and his adoptive brothers. Then they all sit around a lot and chat a lot about what they're going to do, sending this reader to sleep! The only action comes when Juliette randomly decides to do something TSTL.

Bodyguard With A Badge is decently written, I suppose, but it was just so dull! Juliette, Andre and the others sit around his house talking about all the things they're doing and what others are doing, without ever really doing anything! The only times this gets even a little exciting is when Juliette makes a boneheaded move such as or . Trying to create suspense through having your characters act like complete numbskulls actively trying to get themselves killed is more infuriating than suspenseful!

The romance is a bit of a bust. This was a definite case of insta-love, so be warned if that's not your thing! Andre and Juliette are devoted to each other....just because, not through any connection I could feel between them. And there wasn't any sex! Give me a least a little bit of heat! As this is part of a mini-series, there's set up for an overarching mystery involving a fire in the adoptive brothers' past, but this can still be read easily as a standalone. If anything, the heavy presence of Andre's brothers was an unnecessary distraction. This was supposed to be Juliette and Andre's story!

The climax was reasonably suspenseful and well-done, but otherwise this one was just all talk and no action, and you know what that makes it - dull!
79 reviews6 followers
May 23, 2017
Love the start of this series. Elizabeth Heiter writes romantic suspense at it’s finest. Major suspense with a great love story. Juliette finds it hard to confide and trust an FBI agent while running from her ex-husband who is trying to kill her and is a cop as well. Well developed characters, great storyline, and many twists to keep you guessing!!
Profile Image for Julie Miller.
Author 295 books365 followers
March 17, 2018
I have been looking forward to Andre Diaz's story for a long time, ever since he showed up as a supporting character in Ms. Heiter's Lawmen series for Harlequin Intrigue. He leaped off the pages then, and he didn't disappoint as he became the hero in his own story. Heiter is such a good writer, with a vivid voice and talent for writing tense, amazing action scenes.

I'm looking forward to the next books in Ms. Heiter's The Lawmen: Bullets & Brawn miniseries, featuring FBI SWAT sharpshooter Andre and his grown-up foster brothers, Cole and Marcos.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,762 reviews147 followers
June 10, 2017
Andre, an FBI sniper, is a member of the HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) and his unit is being called out on another mission. He's not upset the call interrupted a nightmare involving a painful part of his past, but he does wish it didn't mean someone was in trouble. This one is marked as highest priority, and within minutes of receiving it, he's on his way and mentally preparing for his role. It doesn't take long before Scott, Andre's friend and partner, and Andre realize something is off. There's more than one gunman, not unusual sadly, but it seems as if they're looking for someone particular. Andre can only hope they don't...too late. The third, and final, perpetrator has her.

Juliette, an artist, can't believe her ex-husband, Dylan, found her. She was hoping after three years she might be safe. She'd been successfully hiding, working as a graphic designer, or so she thought. She knows this situation has two possible outcomes, they kill her, or take her back to Dylan, but either way, the results are the same. She loses, Dylan wins. When Juliette sees what is possibly her only chance at escape, she takes it. Thankfully, she has help she wasn't aware of and he takes the threat to her out. She prepares to run, again, knowing if they take her in for a statement, questioning, whatever, she's as good as back with Dylan anyway. Yeah, her ex is in law enforcement so she doesn't exactly easily trust anyone in that field. Though this guy, Andre, truly seems to care about those he helps.

After settling Juliette inside his boss's SUV, assuring her she's safe, Andre knows he'll be asking her out before too long. It's easy to see the attraction is mutual. That intention changes upon learning Juliette may not be her real name. Andre automatically assumes she's a criminal, or close enough to it, and that explains why there were three gunmen for one woman. When she holds him at gunpoint only hours later, his assumptions seem even more legitimate. And yet, he's offering to take her to his place, knowing she has nowhere else to go.

Juliette, knowing she needs to trust somebody, takes a chance and begins telling Andre her story. But she's interrupted by a phone call, one which backs up her claims...and her suspicion that Andre literally saved her life.

Andre, thankfully, believes her, but he also knows they can't do this alone. He enlists the help of his brothers, Cole and Marcos, and Scott, though Andre tried to protect him for the sake of his career, also offers assistance. But as they begin working the case, they start to question whether Dylan is after Juliette for sinister reasons, or to protect her from a more dangerous threat, one that truly wants her permanently removed for his own reasons.

As Andre works to keep Juliette safe, and ensure she isn't in trouble for the actions she took to escape the FBI, all while they both try to resist their intense attraction, he's also struggling with some issues of his own stemming from a house fire that happened at a foster home. Though Cole, Andre, and Marcos all escaped, Andre is beginning to remember more of what happened that day, and he can't help but question if it was intentional, and if so, why?

Who is after Juliette? Can Andre protect her? Will Juliette admit her feelings for Andre? Will she have enough faith in the man he is to know she can trust him? Can Andre convince Juliette that what they have is real and lasting? Will Juliette ever be truly free of her ex? Is there a HEA for them?

One-click now and follow along as two people, thrown together by dangerous circumstances, discover a love that will overcome any obstacle.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Profile Image for Katrina Epperson.
615 reviews
May 24, 2017
This is the first book of the author's new series and it was a wonderful way to start off. It is packed full of suspense and interlaced with a little romance. We are introduced to Juliette who has major trust issues, especially with law enforcement. Of course she has good reasons. She has been running from her ex-husband who's a police officer who has had the resources to find her, but this time it could turn deadly. When the marketing firm she works for is attacked she knows he's found her, but how to get out of this situation alive. Andre Diaz is a FBI sniper who literally saves her from the attack, but knows there's more to her story than she is willing to share. With a twist of events he suddenly find himself at her mercy and catch between the crossfire.
This is a wonderful story that is full of suspense. Juliette and Andre` will easily weave their way into your heart. The plot is fast paced and keeps the reader glued to the pages.
**I received this book from the author. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Steve Avery.
15 reviews8 followers
April 16, 2017
Jenny Milchman introduced me to the Profiler Series. Through 4 novels I followed Elizabeth Baine (who makes an appearance in this book) and at the end wanted more from the creative pen of Elizabeth Heiter. Bodyguard with a Badge is series of 3 novels focusing on 3 brothers Andrea, Cole and Marcus. This novel focuses on Andrea. As Dom (Furious) would say, it is all about family. I really liked the backstory of the unsolved arson of a foster home that separated the (above mentioned) three foster brothers. Present day, brothers are united with Andres to protect an ex-wife from a rogue cop, this is an engaging story line. Though a Harlequin imprint, the novel is more about the suspense than the romance. I highly recommend this novel and I am eagerly awaiting the release of next in Lawmen series with Cole and Shaye's story.
Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
May 30, 2017
I loved this story! From the very first scene, I was giddy with excitement to find out how the plot will play out. There's a perfect balance between the riveting action and the sweetest romance, both aspects were played off in an excellent fashion, making them believable, intense, and captivating.
FBI sniper Andre Diaz and his brothers of heart, Marcos, and Cole, have a rare connection between them. The brotherly love, care, and loyalty are thick and tight, there is nothing that would ever come in between them. Those three together was enough to make me swoon, I can't wait to read the stories for Marcos and Cole.
The intensity of the suspense and the mysteries behind the attacks keeps the energy high and vigorous through the story. As the suspects of the attacks are known, the tension is intensified by the culprit's close connection to Juliette Lawson, the eerie feeling of knowing they are coming after her again, and the fact that the brothers are dancing on the line of legal and illegal measures to keep Juliette safe.
All the characters in the story are appealing and charismatic, people I look forward to getting to know more about. Juliette and Andre's attraction is immediate, yet the connection has a believable quality to it. They are drawn to each other both mentally and physically, the growing feelings they have for each other are nearly palpable in the air. I loved how the budding relationship balanced the deadly, callous crimes. On the other hand, the story is vicious, but the developing emotions between Juliette and Andre brought joy and wonder of falling in love to the tale.
Cold-blooded, heartless acts of crime mixed with adorable and ardent romance and devoted and true bromance made Bodyguard With a Badge compelling, potent, and dynamic story that was impossible to put down before the end. Highly recommended!
~ Five Spoons
Profile Image for Chrystal Garrett.
43 reviews
March 31, 2017
I always look forward to new books by Elizabeth Heiter because they have yet to leave me disappointed. Bodyguard with a Badge was no different. I felt like I knew the characters - with an added bonus of bringing in somebody from the Profiler series. The inner struggles between the characters were easy to follow and involved me as the reader. Of course, the suspense of finding the bad guys and taking them down is the biggest part of the fun! This was a nice mixture of suspense and romance without getting too far into the bedroom scenes. Thank you for another great read, I'm looking forward to the next book - so much so that I may just go back and reread the first 3! :)
Profile Image for Coral.
776 reviews31 followers
July 20, 2017
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
Profile Image for Leslie.
504 reviews16 followers
September 13, 2017
Great beginning and somewhat comical, he rescues her from a hostage to take him hostage!
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,480 reviews40 followers
June 16, 2017
4 1/2 STARS!

Just when she thought she could stop running, danger strikes when she least expects it! Elizabeth Heiter is back with the first of three books in a spinoff to her popular "The Lawmen" series, "Bullets and Brawn". She brings us in hot in the middle of a hostage situation, and keeps the action and intrigue popping throughout. A well-developed cast of lawmen, friends and family work diligently to get to the bottom of the case and keep Juliette safe. I would have liked to see a tad more of their romance play out in the plot, but overall a great book! Looking forward to the next in the series!

FBI sniper Andre Diaz expects just another day on the job when he's called out to a hostage situation, but as things turn rocky, he steps in to rescue Juliette Lawson. She knows who is behind this setup, but she can't admit to it. When she tried to get help in the past, no one would believe that her cop of an ex-husband did what she said he did. She's desperate to get away from the questioning, but Andre never thought she'd urge him at gunpoint to get her away from Quantico!

Even though she's threatening him, Andre can tell she's not the bad guy here. She needs someone on her side for once, and based on the instant draw he feels towards her, he's going to be it! Can he and his connections keep her safe while they try to track down her ex?
971 reviews6 followers
September 22, 2020
Im not always a fan of instant love and that is the case with this book. I just don't buy that they are automatically in love. That being said I really liked the dybanimica between the brothers. Those characters I really got into. Juliette was just a little much for me. Running from the FBI bc her ex was a cop yet trusting and FBI agent who you took "hostage". Eh. Also the ending bothered me a little. They made sure this whole building was clear on the ex and then what they just decide to leave 1 guy in it without making sure the ex doesn't make his way into the building. That part was hard to swallow. I will be reading the next book though bc like I said I really enjoyed the brothers.
Profile Image for Lesley.
328 reviews5 followers
May 28, 2017
Another great book by Elizabeth Heiter.
1,367 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2017
Great short read. Enjoyed the story of Andre and Juliette!
Profile Image for MK.
1,603 reviews21 followers
Read
June 25, 2017
Awesome start to the 1st book in a new Series The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn;
Fantastic book. Full of suspense, and action...



When FBI Andre Diaz saves Juliette Lawson from a hostage situation
things get really interesting. But never expects what happens next. It shocks him to say the least.
What does he do?

Juliette Lawson has been running for what seems like forever. The instant Andre saved her something
happens between them. The only thing is she needs to hide, and takes matters into her own hands.
She can't start any life until the killer is caught. They know who it is, or they think
they do. How will they catch him?

Buy the book and find out.

Highly recommend; The Lawmen Series
Disarming Detective
Seduced by the Sniper
SWAT Secret Admirer
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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