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Badge of Justice #1
Redemption at Hawk's Landing
A missing sister, a murdered father and a dangerous reunion years in the making.
The last place Honey Granger wants to be is Tumbleweed, Texas—the judgmental town that made her childhood a living hell. But when Sheriff Harrison Hawk informs her that her alcoholic father has been murdered, she reluctantly joins his investigation. The sexy sheriff has long suspected Honey’s father in his sister’s disappearance and vows to solve both mysteries. But keeping his professional distance from the vulnerable blonde proves nearly impossible. He’ll guard her 24/7 until her life is out of danger. But how will she feel if Harrison proves her father was a murderer?
The last place Honey Granger wants to be is Tumbleweed, Texas—the judgmental town that made her childhood a living hell. But when Sheriff Harrison Hawk informs her that her alcoholic father has been murdered, she reluctantly joins his investigation. The sexy sheriff has long suspected Honey’s father in his sister’s disappearance and vows to solve both mysteries. But keeping his professional distance from the vulnerable blonde proves nearly impossible. He’ll guard her 24/7 until her life is out of danger. But how will she feel if Harrison proves her father was a murderer?
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2017
213 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Rita Herron
321 books938 followersUSA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 12, 2019
Good mystery with some decent plot twists. Honey Granger returns home after the murder of her father. He was the no-good town drunk, who was the prime suspect in the disappearance of Chrissy Hawk, and that suspicion eventually drove Honey out of town. It is now 18 years later, and the murder of Honey's father also opens the cold case of Chrissy's disappearance. Honey is reunited with Harrison Hawk, who she once had a crush on, and who was Chrissy's older brother. He is now the sheriff, and they end up working together. Honey becomes the target of somebody who wants her to leave town, so Harrison must protect her.
Rita Herron generally delivers an involving mystery, and that's no exception here. Honey is an interesting, strong character, having built herself up from nothing after leaving town. Coming back to town is difficult for her, because a lot of townsfolk still hate her. In particular, Harrison's mother! She's so vile and vitriolic to Honey, I began to get frustrated with Honey just tolerating the constant abuse, and then feeling guilty whenever she stands up for herself. I would have told Harrison's mother to f*** off and Honey's otherwise strong character indicated she would have done the same. Instead, she just assumes she should accept being called a slut, tramp and whore by Harrison's mother because she's still suffering after Chrissy's disappearance. Frankly, Harrison's mother could have done with a good slap!
Harrison's a bit bland, and his comment that it would have been helpful if Honey had remembered a certain fact earlier (that would have helped with solving the killings), made me want to slap him too! You're the sheriff, Harrison! What the f*** have you been doing the last 18 years, huh? Then, once the mystery is solved, we have a black moment that goes on for faaaaaarrrr too long. With a romantic thriller, I like the mystery and romance to resolve in a fairly short space of time. But that's a personal preference, I guess.
It's a good mystery, if a bit repetitive (something scary happens to Honey, and she calls Harrison to rescue her), and can be easily read as a standalone.
Rita Herron generally delivers an involving mystery, and that's no exception here. Honey is an interesting, strong character, having built herself up from nothing after leaving town. Coming back to town is difficult for her, because a lot of townsfolk still hate her. In particular, Harrison's mother! She's so vile and vitriolic to Honey, I began to get frustrated with Honey just tolerating the constant abuse, and then feeling guilty whenever she stands up for herself. I would have told Harrison's mother to f*** off and Honey's otherwise strong character indicated she would have done the same. Instead, she just assumes she should accept being called a slut, tramp and whore by Harrison's mother because she's still suffering after Chrissy's disappearance. Frankly, Harrison's mother could have done with a good slap!
Harrison's a bit bland, and his comment that it would have been helpful if Honey had remembered a certain fact earlier (that would have helped with solving the killings), made me want to slap him too! You're the sheriff, Harrison! What the f*** have you been doing the last 18 years, huh? Then, once the mystery is solved, we have a black moment that goes on for faaaaaarrrr too long. With a romantic thriller, I like the mystery and romance to resolve in a fairly short space of time. But that's a personal preference, I guess.
It's a good mystery, if a bit repetitive (something scary happens to Honey, and she calls Harrison to rescue her), and can be easily read as a standalone.
December 4, 2017
Honey Granger has to face all her childhood nightmares, the town's discrimination, and her teenage crush as she arrives in her hometown to bury her estranged father. The time has not been enough to heel the wounds of the past, and with sheriff Harrison Hawk as her protector, she faces the new accusations, the new attacks against her property, and the threats against herself.
The old feelings towards Harrison spark to life, the attraction between them is palpable, a force to be reckoned with, but forbidden and off-limits on both of their minds.
Honey is a smart, capable, successful, and kind. Everything she has learned, gained, and established she has done on her own. She left the hateful small town as soon as she turned 18, and hasn't looked back. Now forced to face her past, her emotions are turbulent, as is her attraction towards Harrison.
Harrison's family has lived in the state of mourning ever since his sister disappeared and his father left the family without saying goodbye. The guilt, the remorse of past actions weight heavy on his and his brothers'' minds. His hands are filled with the current and old investigations, there is no room for romance, not to mention with Honey, the girl his mother has hated since their childhood. But someone is determined to get Honey out of town, and are not afraid to use lethal force to accomplish their goal.
The story with its drama, trouble, and turbulence enticed me from the start. I liked the romance, I felt the attraction between Honey and Harrison was true, even though at the same time I wished there would have been a bit more bonding time for them before the conclusion.
The investigation and the revealed secrets were riveting, the danger and threats were vehement, I felt invested in the characters and the bond between the brothers was intriguing, sparking an interest to read their stories as well, even though I did not like their mother, nor did she convince me of her change through the tale.
I do wish the culprit wouldn't have been who they were - I will not get into that more because I don't want to give away the story, I just thought the world had moved past that old stereotype. But overall, I found this story as entertaining, flowing, and fluent romantic suspense.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
The old feelings towards Harrison spark to life, the attraction between them is palpable, a force to be reckoned with, but forbidden and off-limits on both of their minds.
Honey is a smart, capable, successful, and kind. Everything she has learned, gained, and established she has done on her own. She left the hateful small town as soon as she turned 18, and hasn't looked back. Now forced to face her past, her emotions are turbulent, as is her attraction towards Harrison.
Harrison's family has lived in the state of mourning ever since his sister disappeared and his father left the family without saying goodbye. The guilt, the remorse of past actions weight heavy on his and his brothers'' minds. His hands are filled with the current and old investigations, there is no room for romance, not to mention with Honey, the girl his mother has hated since their childhood. But someone is determined to get Honey out of town, and are not afraid to use lethal force to accomplish their goal.
The story with its drama, trouble, and turbulence enticed me from the start. I liked the romance, I felt the attraction between Honey and Harrison was true, even though at the same time I wished there would have been a bit more bonding time for them before the conclusion.
The investigation and the revealed secrets were riveting, the danger and threats were vehement, I felt invested in the characters and the bond between the brothers was intriguing, sparking an interest to read their stories as well, even though I did not like their mother, nor did she convince me of her change through the tale.
I do wish the culprit wouldn't have been who they were - I will not get into that more because I don't want to give away the story, I just thought the world had moved past that old stereotype. But overall, I found this story as entertaining, flowing, and fluent romantic suspense.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
May 18, 2019
This was an excellent book. I really like both the hero and heroine. Honey grew up in a small town where everyone treated her like trash because of who her father was. Her mom had left years ago. After High school she left and never looked back, and made something of herself. I should have said everyone treated her like trash but one friend, who ended up going missing. Her absent left a hole in Honey’s heart. Everyone thought her father had something to do with the little girl going missing. It was sheriff Harrison Hawk’s little sister that went missing. His family had never stopped searching for answers. He got called to a scene of a dead body. He cursed when he realized it was Waylon Granger that was dead. Honey’s father. He had to call her and give her the news. Once Honey came back to town, she was threatened, and attacked. I loved the action and suspense. Hawk was there to protect her. The two worked together to find out who killed her father, and who took his sister years ago. The Who did it, left me opened mouth shocked! I love it when a book can surprise me like that. I loved this book!
September 9, 2018
Eighteen years ago, 10 year old Chrissy Hawk disappeared one night in the small town of Tumblewood, Texas. Her 4 older brothers, who were supposed to be watching her, have all felt guilty and all ended up in careers related to the law. Harrison is now the sheriff, Lucas joined the FBI, Dexter opened his own detective agency and Brayden became a lawyer. Several months after she disappeared, their father went looking for her and was never heard from again. Their mother blames Waylon Granger for her disappearance, though there never was any evidence that he was involved, and also blamed his daughter Honey, because Chrissy was infatuated with Honey and Honey was kind to her. Honey was kind to most people, as she was treated so badly by the townspeople, because her mother had run off leaving her behind with her alcoholic father. As soon as she could, she left Tumblewood, hoping never to see it again and severed contact with her father.
The book starts out with 2 young teens finding the body of Granger, and Sheriff Harrison Hawk has to contact Honey and begin his investigation of the murder, with his mother and brother as possible suspects. Honey has been living in Austin, a partner in a very successful house renovation company. Her plans to get and get out as quickly as possible, taking care of her father's remains and his property are dashed when she receives threats from an unknown assailant. Harrison is not only going to find what happened to his sister but is also not going to let anything happen to the first woman who he has ever felt anything for.
I like that the book begins with a Cast of Characters which is always helpful. The characters are well developed and the scenario intriguing. The story moves at a nice pace and I read it all on one hot summer afternoon.
The book starts out with 2 young teens finding the body of Granger, and Sheriff Harrison Hawk has to contact Honey and begin his investigation of the murder, with his mother and brother as possible suspects. Honey has been living in Austin, a partner in a very successful house renovation company. Her plans to get and get out as quickly as possible, taking care of her father's remains and his property are dashed when she receives threats from an unknown assailant. Harrison is not only going to find what happened to his sister but is also not going to let anything happen to the first woman who he has ever felt anything for.
I like that the book begins with a Cast of Characters which is always helpful. The characters are well developed and the scenario intriguing. The story moves at a nice pace and I read it all on one hot summer afternoon.
November 28, 2017
Honey had no intention in going back to her hometown where she clearly wasn't wanted around by the cruel towns people and her drunkard father who was also blamed for the disappearance possible death of a local girl. But when her father is found dead, a clue points to her father kidnapping that child long ago keeps her staying a bit longer. Harrison the brother of that missing child is now sheriff and is helping out Honey after she finds that clue to his sisters disappearance as well has someone trying to run her out of town getting a bit more deadlier as they come close to finding more information.
I didn't know much when going into this book when I first started to read it. Didn't read the description just went in blindly and found myself pleasantly surprised in how much I was enjoying this book. I enjoyed it so much I just couldn't put it down. I loved that there was plenty going on to keep things interesting. I loved each clue that popped up or every possible deadly encounter that happened that kept me hooked. I feel like I've read a book like this before which lead me to figure out who the killer/kidnapper was but I still found this book enjoyable.
I didn't know much when going into this book when I first started to read it. Didn't read the description just went in blindly and found myself pleasantly surprised in how much I was enjoying this book. I enjoyed it so much I just couldn't put it down. I loved that there was plenty going on to keep things interesting. I loved each clue that popped up or every possible deadly encounter that happened that kept me hooked. I feel like I've read a book like this before which lead me to figure out who the killer/kidnapper was but I still found this book enjoyable.
November 27, 2018
From the cover: A missing sister, a murdered father and a dangerous reunion years in the making.
The last place Honey Granger wants to be is Tumbleweed, Texas—the judgmental town that made her childhood a living hell. But when Sheriff Harrison Hawk informs her that her alcoholic father has been murdered, she reluctantly joins his investigation. The sexy sheriff has long suspected Honey’s father in his sister’s disappearance and vows to solve both mysteries. But keeping his professional distance from the vulnerable blonde proves nearly impossible. He’ll guard her 24/7 until her life is out of danger. But how will she feel if Harrison proves her father was a murderer?
I usually don't write this for a Harlequin intrigue book but I loved it! I liked the characters and how they interacted with each other. I found the lead characters believeable. The mystery, who done it, was good. The story moved along quickly. I liked how the author brought everything together. I liked this probably because it seemed the emphasis in the book was the mystery, not too much on the romance.
The last place Honey Granger wants to be is Tumbleweed, Texas—the judgmental town that made her childhood a living hell. But when Sheriff Harrison Hawk informs her that her alcoholic father has been murdered, she reluctantly joins his investigation. The sexy sheriff has long suspected Honey’s father in his sister’s disappearance and vows to solve both mysteries. But keeping his professional distance from the vulnerable blonde proves nearly impossible. He’ll guard her 24/7 until her life is out of danger. But how will she feel if Harrison proves her father was a murderer?
I usually don't write this for a Harlequin intrigue book but I loved it! I liked the characters and how they interacted with each other. I found the lead characters believeable. The mystery, who done it, was good. The story moved along quickly. I liked how the author brought everything together. I liked this probably because it seemed the emphasis in the book was the mystery, not too much on the romance.
October 3, 2017
Honey Granger has had a rough childhood growing up with a despicable father and a judgemental town that looked down on her. When her father is murdered, Harrison (the town's Sheriff) asks her to come back to town and here on begins the story of finding out who murdered her father and what happened to his missing sister of years ago. While in general I liked the plot and characters, I did feel Sunny's pain growing up with a town that always despised her for the way she dressed (she was poor) and for her drunk Father (her mother left her when she was young). Harrison's mother in particular was such a bitch and I was upset for a while at Harrison for not sticking up for her when they were teens. His sister was the only one to do so and I just felt her pain. All in all, I found the writing & characters flowed well - even though the romance was lackluster which I tend to expect from all the Intrigue series.
July 25, 2020
Who did it? I'll never tell!!!
Great book! Harlequin is a master of romance and intrigue. This story is centered around missing children that occurred in the town over many years. It also involved the town drunk and his daughter who lived in the wrong side of town. The daughter left almost 20 years ago because the townspeople treated her badly and never returned until notified of her father's death. Her father had been accused in the death of one of the children but never arrested. As she cleaned out her childhood home, ago he was assaulted in an attempt to make her leave. The characters are interesting and plot is well developed and we'll written. I enjoyed this book and will look for more by Rita Herron.
Great book! Harlequin is a master of romance and intrigue. This story is centered around missing children that occurred in the town over many years. It also involved the town drunk and his daughter who lived in the wrong side of town. The daughter left almost 20 years ago because the townspeople treated her badly and never returned until notified of her father's death. Her father had been accused in the death of one of the children but never arrested. As she cleaned out her childhood home, ago he was assaulted in an attempt to make her leave. The characters are interesting and plot is well developed and we'll written. I enjoyed this book and will look for more by Rita Herron.
August 4, 2020
Redemption at Hawk's Landing (Badge of Justice)
Honey was the one girl in town that everyone loved to pick on, at least that was the way it felt to her. Everyone knew that her mom had left when she was seven and her dad was an abusive drunk, and no one wanted to help her, so when she turned eighteen she was out of there so fast that all she could see was the dust in her review mirror. Now, and was back in town to bury her father, and someone was trying to kill her. Now, Sheriff Harrison Hawk needs to try to keep alive her alive long enough to find out who it is and why. 👍GREAT 👍Read!!!!!
Honey was the one girl in town that everyone loved to pick on, at least that was the way it felt to her. Everyone knew that her mom had left when she was seven and her dad was an abusive drunk, and no one wanted to help her, so when she turned eighteen she was out of there so fast that all she could see was the dust in her review mirror. Now, and was back in town to bury her father, and someone was trying to kill her. Now, Sheriff Harrison Hawk needs to try to keep alive her alive long enough to find out who it is and why. 👍GREAT 👍Read!!!!!
April 5, 2022
This book checked all of my 'must haves' in a book. Great plot, mysteries after mysteries which kept me interested in the book until the very end. The romance was amazing, from not seeing each other in many years to meeting again as grown ups. This book gave me all kinds of emotions while I was reading; angst, frustration, want, happy tears etc. I absolutely loved that despite her heart-wrenching past she made something of herself and grew up to be a woman she can be proud of. Hands down an amazing book.
June 21, 2018
Sheriff Harrison Hawk is doing everything he can to protect Honey Granger even though everyone suspects her father in his sisters murder. Someone obviously wants her out of the town that she returned to because of her fathers murder. She escaped the town and her abusive alcoholic at eighteen. Harrison cant resist Honey. He knows she has done well for herself. Will Harrison solve the murder and get the girl or will the folks in Tumbleweed run her off?
August 7, 2020
I just finished reading Rita Herron's Redemption at Hawk's Landing. I always enjoy stories where the hero and heroine have complicated entwined pasts. If you've read any of my own book's, you'll see that theme from time to time. Overall the story was well paced, had a realistic ending, and believable characters. I enjoyed so much I purchased the other three books in the series, and can't wait to dive into the next one.
December 10, 2022
MYSTERY AND ROMANCE
Years ago I was a Harlequin reader but got bored with it. There was nothing that engaged my mind. Now there is and I'm Intrigued!
I've enjoyed reading about Honey, Harrison and the mystery that brought them together and kept them apart. I want to know more!
Book #2 about Hawk's Landing is next on my reading list!
Sara
Years ago I was a Harlequin reader but got bored with it. There was nothing that engaged my mind. Now there is and I'm Intrigued!
I've enjoyed reading about Honey, Harrison and the mystery that brought them together and kept them apart. I want to know more!
Book #2 about Hawk's Landing is next on my reading list!
Sara
February 4, 2018
It isn't written brilliantly. It could do with tighter editing and more mature dialogue. However, it is an enjoyable story. I don't quite understand why she's so forgiving. There is an Insta-Love aspect. It does work.
December 2, 2018
I loved it! I really liked how it was a mystery with a hint of romance. I also love the characters and how they changed in the end. The mystery part gave off a "Of Mice And Men" feel that I did not see coming. It was a nice surprise. It was a great twist and kept me reading. I love it!
October 19, 2021
This is a very interesting but really cool murder mystery book. I enjoyed how much detail it had in the book to describe what was happening. I like how it gave a perspective from a couple people within the book.
January 20, 2024
This was a beautiful written tale, it had the perfect balance of everything. The mystery aspect, the history which was on it's own very gripping and relatable. And the romance was just the cherry on top
November 19, 2017
3.5 stars
Suspense element was good and romance was unbelievable.
Suspense element was good and romance was unbelievable.
July 31, 2018
good book good series
March 4, 2019
Rita Herron
Redemption at Hawk's Landing is a very good book. I never expected the ending and can't wait to start the next book in the series.
Redemption at Hawk's Landing is a very good book. I never expected the ending and can't wait to start the next book in the series.
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July 22, 2019Recommend. I love how the Hawk brothers all stick together.
June 28, 2021
Loved the book. Disappointed in the inconsistencies.
December 5, 2021
Good
Iba e read
I have read several of Rita Herron stories, while it was good, it is my least favourite story.
Iba e read
I have read several of Rita Herron stories, while it was good, it is my least favourite story.
April 11, 2022
A fabulous start to an intense, emotional and heartfelt series!
December 6, 2017
Honey has always been the source of scorn in her hometown due to suspicions surrounding her family and accusations from the townspeople. She left as soon as she could and worked hard to prove she was more than what everyone thought. She had no desire to ever return until her father's death draws her back home. Now that she's back, Harrison plans to take advantage of the situation and investigate her father's possible involvement in his sister's disappearance years ago. Honey finds him attractive, but his mother has been the primary source of venom directed at Honey. Harrison is attracted to Honey as well, and when she become the focus of hateful attacks, Harrison intends to protect her regardless of what his mother thinks or what her father might have done.
The story had nice chemistry and plenty of action. The name Honey distracted me a bit though because I couldn't stop thinking about my favorite childhood series, Trixie Belden, and the only other character named Honey I've ever encountered.
I received an ARC from Net Galley.
The story had nice chemistry and plenty of action. The name Honey distracted me a bit though because I couldn't stop thinking about my favorite childhood series, Trixie Belden, and the only other character named Honey I've ever encountered.
I received an ARC from Net Galley.
November 28, 2017
The story is what you expect from Harlequin. Conflicted love interest, female lead find love in the unexpected place, everyone is shocked, Sheriff comes to her rescue they fall in love and the story ends. Nothing really stood out in the story and everything happened readers would expect.
I guess I was hoping for more but instead found cliches from the names to the different characters to the very last page of the book.
The author ability create a picture and paint it for readers is what set this book apart from other Harlequin fast books. Would I pick it up and read it again. No.
I guess I was hoping for more but instead found cliches from the names to the different characters to the very last page of the book.
The author ability create a picture and paint it for readers is what set this book apart from other Harlequin fast books. Would I pick it up and read it again. No.
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December 1, 2017Miniseries: Badge of Justice
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December 1, 2017Miniseries: Badge of Justice
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews