Ms. Demeanor

Mystery Christmas #4

by Danica Winters

A cold-case Christmas in Mystery, Montana

Yearning to be known as something other than Mystery’s ultimate bad boy, rancher Rainier Fitzgerald isn’t pleased when he stumbles upon the remains of a dead body. Especially when Officer Laura Blade catches him with a gun in his hand.

Spending Christmas chasing down a cold case with a man she’s not supposed to fraternize with isn’t granting any of Laura’s holiday wishes, either. But could her favorite time of the year be working its magic on Laura’s feelings? Or is Rainier truly transforming from a charismatic rogue to a hero worthy of her heart?

Genres: Harlequin, Romance, Mystery

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 16, 2017

About the author

Danica Winters is an Amazon bestselling author who has won multiple awards for writing books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and occasionally a touch of magic. Most recently, Danica was the winner of the Paranormal Romance Guild’s Paranormal Romantic Suspense Book of the Year Award and Chanticleer Media’s Paranormal Book of the Year for her novel Montana Mustangs.
When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana testing her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her thing). She always believes the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.

Reviews

[Paula Brandon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rainier Fitzgerald gets released from prison and immediately starts to get jiggy with it with his parole officer, Laura Blade. Threatening their happiness is a mighty tax bill generated against them by family enemy William Poe, who is still inexplicably walking around a free man despite evidence that he was getting his half-brother to commit crimes for him. There's also the matter of a dead body discovered on the ranch, opening up a cold case!

I think this gets 2 stars simply because it's better than the previous three books. Motivations of the "bad" guys are predictably obscure and flimsy, but at the least the romance works reasonably well. It's totally a case of insta-love, but unlike the heroines of the previous three books, Laura Blade actually seems to have her shit together, and isn't constantly blowing hot and cold towards Rainier. Rainier has a troubled past, including that stint in prison, but the book at least attempts to follow his journey from ex-con to a man who can take his place back in society. Their relationship certainly progresses much more believably than the all-over-the-map emotions of the previous books.

The plot is no great shakes. Even a little dull, really! I certainly wasn't on the edge of my seat. There was no real urgency to the 25-year-old dead body they find, and the save-the-ranch stuff belongs in a different category altogether! And what the hell was up with William's motive? He set all this in motion because he believes the Fitzgeralds stole the ranch from under his family? He's a tax accountant! Why would he want to run a ranch? On top of that, by all accounts, he's a rich man! He doesn't need a ranch! As you can see, Danica Winters' hasn't quite mastered the art of credible motivations over the course of the mini-series!

However, as I said, it's better than the previous three. You could read it as a standalone. Most of these books haven't been big on continuity anyway. This one doesn't elaborate much on the motives for murder of Alli Fitzgerald, Lisa Chase and Daryl Bucket from the previous books. Nor was I expecting it to, really. I've figured that's beyond this author's capabilities! But at least the series goes out on a (minor) higher note, with a well-maintained romance between the h and H.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Demeanor is the fourth book in the Mystery Christmas series and there continues to be trouble at the ranch.

Laura Blade picked Rainier Fitzgerald up from prison. She was his parole officer and used the drive to go over all the rules he had to follow now that he was out. He sure didn't want to go back to prison so he was not going to break any of her rules.

Rainier was the black sheep of the family but quite a charmer. He seemed to be his mother's favourite of all the adopted boys. He was a kind, protective man who fought for what is right. The reason for his imprisonment was completely understandable. I liked the Fitzgerald family and how they helped each other. It was great how they accepted Laura into the family as soon as they met her.

Laura and Rainier clicked immediately. They fought their attraction because Laura could lose her job if they got involved.

Laura was a wonderful woman. Even though she accepted the career her father wanted her to take, she was a tough, capable woman who was also kind and fair.

Nobody had told Rainier that the ranch was struggling or that Mr. Poe was making more trouble for the Fitzgeralds. As if the tension at the ranch wasn't high enough, a skeleton was found on the property.

I loved the closeness of the family, the tense crimes and the sexy romance.

[Books and Spoons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series, Mystery Christmas, has won me over from the book one. The dark and tense atmosphere at the ranch with the drama and trouble surrounding it is a great setting for the riveting series. The complex yet charming characters, the pained past of the adopted brothers, the odd and peculiar attacks and crimes against them - it all makes fascinating entertainment that kept me on the edge.
Ms. Demeanor is a story that can be read as a standalone novel yet having the information and being on the knowledge of the events from the previous stories in the series will give more foundation for the crimes and characters of this story.
The connection between Laura Blade and Rainier Fitzgerald is so natural that it does not surprise me that they bonded immediately, with sparks flying, and ready to swoon from the first accidental touch. Laura was part of the Fitzgerald family as soon as she arrived at the ranch, there was nothing awkward about it or pretentious, they embraced her like she belonged, accepting her as she is.
Rainier is the charmer of the brothers, his smile lights up the room, he is the sunshine for his adopted mother. But there is more to his story than that, of course. He is an ex-convict, on a parole with Laura as his parole officer. Rainier has a good, kind heart. He is protective and fierce, he has no ill intentions but he does fight for justice and what is right. He has humbleness and honesty that I admired, the reasons for his imprisonment understandable as the full story is disclosed.
Rainier's feelings, the instant attraction towards Laura, had a touch of sweetness and bundle of sincerity. Yes, it all developed fast, but it was believable, it was tangible, and it was adorable. But inappropriate? Umm... A bit of a tabu, even a problem when it came to Rainier breaking the law again...
Laura was a hoot. Her love for everything Christmas had me giggling. She might have chosen a career her powerful father pushed her into, she might be the black sheep of her family, but she was capable, tough, and firm when needed. Her heart is bigger than Montana sky, her kindness, consideration towards others, her generous spirit made it so easy for Rainier to fall for her, it was no wonder it took only one look.
It's not only that the ranch seems to be in financial trouble, the skeleton of an old murder victim is found on the property, and the problems Mr. Poe is causing to the Fitzgeralds are escalating, there is tension in the family because of Rainier's homecoming, and it all ignite into an explosive and intense Christmas Eve week.
If you are looking for an enthralling and compelling romantic suspense series with the rough and tough Montana cowboys who fight for justice and protect their own, Mystery Christmas miniseries will provide you just that with the addition of tight family bonds, steaming romance, and intense scenes with horrid crimes. An arresting and alluring conclusion to the fantastic series!
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

[Amber Daulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the fourth Mystery Christmas book, parole officer Laura Blade goes to pick up her newest recently released parolee from prison as a favor for her deputy friend, Wyatt. The parolee also happens to be Wyatt’s younger brother. When she meets Rainier, she never expected to actually like the man or fall into his family’s trouble.
After three years in prison for assault, Rainier Fitzgerald is finally free, but he’s worried about returning home. He’s always been the black sheep in the family, and he’s especially at odds with his policeman brother. Though most of his family welcomes him home, Laura seems to be the only person who understands him. But when Rainier accidentally finds a gun and a dead body on the ranch hours after he’s released from prison, his dreams and hopes for the future threaten to unravel all around him.
I love redemption stories about bad boys with a temper who learn from their mistakes. He’s by far my favorite of the four brothers. Rainier and Laura instantly clicked and romance bloomed quickly between them despite her job and his ex-con status. This book also wrapped up the overall series arc dealing with William Poe. It was great to see all the couples and the family back together at the end of the book.
Though I liked the story a lot, I don’t understand why it was such a horrible thing that Rainier found the body and gun. It’s not like he’s guilty of murder, but Laura threatened to throw him back in prison just for finding it. That just didn’t make sense to me.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this series. Though all the books are standalones, it’s best to read them in order to understand the overall story arcs. I definitely recommend them.
5 Stars

Disclaimer – I volunteered to read and review this book. Thank you, Danica Winters for sending me a print copy. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good conclusion to the series. In this book, we finally get to meet Ranier, the brother who has been "away." As it happens, he has been in prison for assaulting his biological father. The story opens as he is released, expecting that one of his brothers will pick him up. Instead, he is met by Laura, his parole officer, who is picking him up as a favor to his brother Wyatt. There are sparks between the two from the beginning, but a relationship between an ex-con and his parole officer?

Laura seems pretty uptight at the beginning. She hammers at him about all the rules he has to follow without appearing to care much about his feelings about going home. Meanwhile, Rainier is unsure about what his reception will be when he arrives back at Dunrovin. I ached for him because he had missed his family so badly. I was so happy to see his mom's and Colter's joy at his return, and his father's matter-of-fact, put Rainier to work attitude. But Rainier hadn't been home an hour when trouble found him, as he unearthed a gun and a human bone while helping his dad. What I didn't understand was how Laura immediately found that to be cause to send him back to prison. It wasn't like he had pulled a gun and shot someone. I was glad to see her back off since I thought she had overreacted. However, the incident did bring Rainier's lawman brother to the ranch and showcased the tension between the two men. I lost a little respect for Wyatt here because of his negative attitude.

While all this was going on, there was also a surprise visit from neighbor and nemesis William Poe. He shows up just to deliver a "misdelivered" tax bill from the county, showing that the Fitzgeralds owe thousands in back taxes on their ranch, with only a few days to come up with the money. The family is devastated at the thought of losing their home and livelihood. Laura is a bit suspicious and offers to ask her father, a high-priced attorney, to look into the matter. Laura has a stressful relationship with her father, who doesn't approve of her work, but she believes that he will do the right thing.

Meanwhile, the sparks and connection between Rainier and Laura continue to grow. Neither of them could deny what was between them. For people who seemed to be so different on the outside, there was quite a bit that they had in common. Both of them are protective, looking out/standing up for people who need help. Each finds the other incredibly attractive and want to believe the best of each other. I loved seeing them work together to discover the truth behind the taxes and the dead body. The more time they spent together, the closer they got. I especially enjoyed the way that the whole family made Laura feel welcome, even teasing her about her Christmas addiction. I liked how they came together at the end, realizing that their love and being true to themselves was more important than anything else.

The suspense of the story was very good, wrapping up the story arc that had carried through the series. From the beginning, we know that William Poe has it in for the Fitzgeralds, though we don't know why until the end of this book. There is definitely the sense that he has used underhanded methods to cause problems for the family, an idea borne out by the investigation conducted by Laura's father. The identity of the body on the ranch property comes as a huge shock, as does why it is there. The final confrontation with Poe is intense and answers a lot of questions that have come up during the books. The resolution was a relief to everyone.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rainier Fitzgerald has spent the last 3+ years in prison for punching his biological father, and he is finally being released from prison. He is expecting his brother Wyatt to pick him up, however he is surprised when Laura Blade appears instead, and she turns out to be his parole agent. Of course there is an instant attraction between them, but it is almost immediately strained when shortly after she returns him to Dunrovin, he finds a bone and a gun buried in the pasture. When Wyatt shows up to investigate, the tension between the brothers is apparent.

Laura is sympathetic to his plight, though concerned that Rainier is going to do something that will end up with him behind bars again. To add to this trouble, William Poe is back and causing more trouble. He knows that the ranch is in trouble financially, and that back taxes are owed or the property will go up for auction. Needless to say, this looks like it will be a bad Christmas for the Fitzgeralds, and you can’t help but root for them to overcome the difficulties…and stick one to him, because you really grow to dislike him over the related books.

I think Rainier and Laura’s relationship has become my favorite of the four, just because he has had to overcome so much and dang it, he deserves his HEA! Though, Colter does win the ‘best comment’ once again:

“Holy crap, I think I just felt my man card rip itself from my wallet.”

Though there was one slight change in this book; Wyatt didn’t walk in on Rainier and Laura…but Merle (good dad) did!! At least it wasn’t quite as embarrassing, but I did get a chuckle out of the situation. This was a difficult book for him though, so the levity was needed.

All in all, I’d have to say the 3rd and 4th books are tied for my favorites. Colter has the humor and Rainier has the angst, but I highly recommend all the books for romantic suspense fans! (And cross your fingers that there may be more in the future!)

ARC provided for review.

[Kym Grime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Ms. Demeanor, Danica Winters’ fourth book in the Harlequin Intrigue Mystery Christmas series, the most fun to read so far in the series, capturing my interest from the first page and never losing it. It launches right into hot bad boy Ranier, one of the Fitzgerald brothers, and the tantalizing, sassy and sophisticated Laura Blade whose cool attitude may not be enough to douse the spark that ignites between them immediately. She has sworn off relationships, and has a professional duty to help keep him out of trouble, so she resolves to keep things purely professional, which proves challenging to say the least.

Laura’s inner monologue, when offered home baked goods from Eloise, of worrying about the extra pounds she was sure to pack on her hips around the holidays, might as well have been my own, and seeing her work up the courage to approach her unapproachable, controlling father, when she knew he was the only chance the Fitzgerald’s had at saving the Dunrovin Ranch, as well as Ranier’s vulnerability when sharing about his rough upbringing, really brought the characters to life and created an emotional connection for the reader.

The Fitzgerald's fourth adopted son, Ranier, is released from prison right before Christmas and meets his parole officer, who hopes to keep him out of trouble. Of course, Ranier finds trouble before the day is done landing him back in front of the deputies, and with the possibility of a parole violation that would land him right back in jail. As Christmas approaches, the Fitzgeralds' continue to be terrorized by the bullying of William Poe, the threat of losing their ranch continues to plague them, and a mysterious dead body is uncovered that could put Ranier back in jail. There was great suspense built up and sustained throughout the book, and it was filled with lots of romantic tension, making it another great read by Ms. Winters.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this series from the beginning, I grew attached to the Fitzgerald family. Their values are strong and family loyalty is high. When son Rainier is sentenced to time in prison it takes a toll on everyone. As this book opens it is nearing Christmas and Rainier is coming home. What should be a joyous event is overshadowed by tension from many directions. What this family does not need is to discover a body on the property, especially with Rainier's parole officer present.
Laura Blade has her own troubles. Her relationship with her father is strained. When further troubles pile on to the Fitzgerald family, Laura knows her father is the only one who can help, but will he? For reasons she can't understand she is drawn to her client and puts her reputation on the line to help him and his family. She doesn't realize she may be risking her life.
Old secrets play a major role in the story. Can the end justify actions? At times the story is very dark, the decisions made questionable. Will this be the end for Dunrovin?
Can Rainier have a happy future as his brothers have found? You won't know until the very end.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the forth book in this series and they need to be read in order. Rainier Fitzgerald has been released from prison on parole. He is picked up by his parole officer Laura. Rainier is happy to be out of jail but he is not sure how he will be received at home. He is given all the rules he must follow by Laura on his way home to the ranch. However he isn't home for very long before he finds himself in trouble. Or at least what looks like trouble. He finds a buried body and gun while helping dig up pipes that need to be replaced. The last thing the ranch needs is more trouble. With all the has been happening at the ranch they are in trouble financially. Laura is willing to help him find out what has really happened and who is responsible. The more time Laura and Rainier spend together the closer they become. But how can they have anything romantic together while she is his parole officer? I can't get enough of these characters and I hope this isn't the last book in this series. This series is such a great read. It has romance, danger, mystery, and more. I highly recommend this book and series. I look forward to reading more books by Danica in the future.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas comes to Mystery, Montana! When bad boy Rainier returns home, it seems trouble is brewing before he even gets to say hello to everyone! With the last brother’s story, we get a few answers uncovered in the ongoing mysteries of Dunrovin Ranch. This family has been a pleasure to read about and get to know.

Rancher Rainier Fitzgerald just wants to live in peace and enjoy his freedom when he returns to his family ranch, but his pleasure is short lived when he stumbles upon the remains of a dead body on the ranch on his first day back! With an investigation kicking off on top of the rest of the trouble that has been happening while he’s been away, he isn’t looking forward to losing that bad reputation any time soon.

Laura Blade knows Rainier is the last man she should be attracted to, but she can’t seem to resist the rugged rancher. Will Christmas bring her a man in her stocking … or will the secrets they uncover make it impossible for her to be with him at all?

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

He was a bad boy even spending time in jail.

She was his parole officer.

But first meetings are sometimes are the most important.

Returning home after serving his time in jail, Rainier Fitzgerald soon finds himself in trouble when he finds a gun on his adoptive parent’s ranch. The gun leads to a dead body on the ranch while leads to more family trouble.

Along the way, the two of them find themselves falling for each other despite knowing they should stay away. It is Christmas season in Mystery, Montana with the Fitzgerald clan.

Another intriguing read in the series.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Demeanor 4.5/5 Stars!

This was an excellent wrap up to the Mystery Christmas series! While I wasn't that big of a fan of the romance between Laura and Rainier, I loved how the author wrapped the over all storyline of the series up. Going into this one, you knew the big bad and the whole nine yards. But it still kept you on the edge of your seat.

The Mystery Christmas series was my first ever Danica Winters books, and I'm happy to say that I'll be reading more books from her in the future! I have one or two more that I just got in the mail, and I'm looking forward to reading them in the near future!

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love this series, it can be read as a standalone but makes more sense if read in order because then you know the stories of the secondary characters. Rainier's story is full of inst love and lots of suspense.
Rainier is fresh home from a prison stay and has the hots for his parole office. The ranch has more problems and the bad guy in closing in. What will happen, will Rainier get his happy ending or?

I was given an advance copy for an honest review.

[Peggy Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went heads over tails for this book. If you read any of my reviews from Danica's previous books I love the way she writes. Her characters,storyline, time the book is set and many more things. I know that when I pick up one of her books it is a winner and I will be happy. Danica hit a grand slam with this book!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continues to be a great series, and I hope there are more books to come. This was an unlikely romance between Rainier who had just been released from jail and his parole officer. This also had a mystery running through the book.

[Linda McMullin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Totally forgot I read the first one in this series. It's not that it's horrible, I just think there are much better series out there if you are into this kind of stuff like Kat Martin's series for example.

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very fitting this author wrote a book called Miss Demeanor it should tell you something

[Marsha Whitfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good ending to four part series. Brings story lines throughout the series to a good ending, not leaving any open questions.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series. It is set in Mystery ,Montana with most of the action revolving around the Fitzgerald family and their dude ranch Dunroven. Murder and distruction seem to follow them and isn't over yet. Someone wants to destroy the family and take over the ranch. Rainier Fitzgerald is paroled from prison and is met by his parole officer Laura Blade. There is an insant attraction even tho she knows he has a reputation as a BAD BOY. She takes him home and reads hm the conditions of his parole. The next day he is helping his father fix a well that the pump is not working. digging with a tractor uncovers a body. While waiting for the polce to get there he sees something odd in the dirt he has piled up and when he wipes the dirt it away finds out it is a gun--Laura comes out at that moment and sees him holding a gun---that could get him back in prison . He drops it back into the dirt. He explains and his dad backs him up and laura belives him. William Poe hates all the Fitzgeralds and wants to destroy them and get the ranch from them. He thinks he has found the perfect way to so it. He is the county tax appraiser and made sure that the Fitzgerald's never got a copy of their tax bill untill it was so late that they were about to be forclosed on. The family rallies aroung their parents and work to find a way to save the ranch. Finally they find the answer to all that has been happening and the person responsible is taken done. if you enjoy a clean mystery and romance you will love this book . Danica has an easy style of writing that makes her characters believable and a story with heart. Alice Boni

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Demeanor opens up with an interesting paragraph which piqued my interest instantly. I wanted to know more about bad-boy cowboy, Rainier Fitzgerald and why he tried to kill his father. Of course, there's a logical explanation for his inward disposition. Soon he is found next to a corpse with a gun in his hand. Now it all comes down to proving his innocence. But what he hadn't bargained on is finding someone at his side, someone who believes in him. Though this broody rancher has plenty baggage, falling for the law in the form of no-nonsense officer Laura Blade, may have been irrational on his part but what he soon discovers is that Laura is the only one who gives his soul rest. When things get shaken up and serious decisions must be made, Rainier takes the rein protecting himself and the woman who has his heart captive. The race to find the true murderer makes this story gripping from start to end. With a twisty plot and edgy characters, Ms. Demeanor shines with mystery and intrigue and it truly shows Danica Winters talent as a writer.

Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the e-book from the touring host for an honest review.
Although the fourth in the series it is a stand alone book that gives enough detail so that you are not left in the dark. It's suspense is just enough to keep you guessing and the writing keeps your attention from beginning to end.
Both Laura and Rainer's characters kept you guessing on their choices. They both had their own struggles to overcome which made this book believable. The love of family and the support they received at the end made this a great read I can recommend.
This is the perfect book to read while curling in bed, nice and cosy with a touch of indulgence as you are drawn into the Fitzgerald's life. I found the twists a bit lacking, maybe even predictable but then we are not reading for the intellectual fun of it. The reason I said it is nice and cosy.
Love conquers all at the end and that's all that matters.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Mystery Christmas

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Mystery Christmas

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series and getting to know this family. Its a family that was brought together thru foster care then adoption. In this final book Rainer has come home from prison. He made a mistake and he has Officer Laura Blade to help him. The final mystery's as to what is happening at home are solved here. Its full of action and adventure. Its a page turner and I'm not going to spoil the grand finale for its real good. Its an awesome pg turner. J