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The Coltons of Shadow Creek #8
Colton K-9 Cop
A cop confronts a deadly killer and explosive secrets in the latest chapter of The Coltons of Shadow Creek!
For bomb squad K-9 officer Donovan Colton, nothing about a failed car bombing in his Texas hometown makes sense. Why would anyone target quiet, secretive accountant Bellamy Reeves, and why does his canine partner instantly trust her? Donovan is searching for his own mysterious past, but he can’t resist solving the riddle that is beautiful Bellamy.
After experiencing a tragic loss, Bellamy knows how hard it can be to trust. Threatened by her former employer, she is reluctant to open up to dangerously sexy Donovan—or his adorable dog! But the harder Donovan works to keep her safe, the more Bellamy longs to let what’s between them turn into something more—even as their lives are poised to be blown apart…
For bomb squad K-9 officer Donovan Colton, nothing about a failed car bombing in his Texas hometown makes sense. Why would anyone target quiet, secretive accountant Bellamy Reeves, and why does his canine partner instantly trust her? Donovan is searching for his own mysterious past, but he can’t resist solving the riddle that is beautiful Bellamy.
After experiencing a tragic loss, Bellamy knows how hard it can be to trust. Threatened by her former employer, she is reluctant to open up to dangerously sexy Donovan—or his adorable dog! But the harder Donovan works to keep her safe, the more Bellamy longs to let what’s between them turn into something more—even as their lives are poised to be blown apart…
- GenresRomanceRomantic Suspense
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
144 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Addison Fox
144 books374 followersAddison Fox can’t remember a time when words weren’t a part of her life. In addition to being an avid reader, she loves writing novels about strong-willed and exciting heroes and heroines – individuals who are meant for each other and who deserve their happy ever after. After she makes them work for it, of course!
First published in 2010, Addison has written across romance genres including paranormal, contemporary and romantic suspense. A romantic at heart, she’ll take her heroes any way she can get them – from ancient warriors to computer geeks to sexy cowboys. She’s not picky - but she is deeply grateful her readers are willing to come along for the ride.
Addison lives in New York. You can find her at her home on the web at www.addisonfox.com or on Facebook (facebook.com/addisonfoxauthor) and Twitter (@addisonfox).
The House of Steele series for Harlequin Romantic Suspense launches in July with THE PARIS ASSIGNMENT.
And two new stories in the Alaskan Nights series will be out - FROM THIS MOMENT ON (Penguin eNovella, July) and JUST IN TIME (Aug).
Addison lives in Dallas. She loves to get email from readers.
First published in 2010, Addison has written across romance genres including paranormal, contemporary and romantic suspense. A romantic at heart, she’ll take her heroes any way she can get them – from ancient warriors to computer geeks to sexy cowboys. She’s not picky - but she is deeply grateful her readers are willing to come along for the ride.
Addison lives in New York. You can find her at her home on the web at www.addisonfox.com or on Facebook (facebook.com/addisonfoxauthor) and Twitter (@addisonfox).
The House of Steele series for Harlequin Romantic Suspense launches in July with THE PARIS ASSIGNMENT.
And two new stories in the Alaskan Nights series will be out - FROM THIS MOMENT ON (Penguin eNovella, July) and JUST IN TIME (Aug).
Addison lives in Dallas. She loves to get email from readers.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 28, 2018
If I wanted to read about a Colton, I'd read a book from the Romantic Suspense line! This is now the third time in recent memory that a book clearly ear-marked for the Romantic Suspense line has been shoe-horned into the Intrigue line. While Intrigue focuses on suspense over romance, Romantic Suspense focuses on romance over suspense. That was evident in this title, which didn't really have a lot of plot.
Bellamy Reeves becomes the scapegoat of an evil plan by Jensen Taylor, the heir of Lone Star Pharmaceuticals, where Bellamy works, to be the unstable employee trying to blackmail them over price-fixing for the annual flu vaccine. An attempt on her life via a car bombing brings Donovan Colton into her life. He's part of the Austin PD's canine unit. His faithful companion is Alex, a 5 year old black labrador. Donovan and Bellamy had a flirtation five years earlier, and the sparks fly as Donovan swears to protect Bellamy.
We just recently took in Diesel, a black lab, into our family, so that ultimately had me giving a higher score to this story than it probably deserved! Alex, the black lab in this story, was certainly a charming character, and I delighted in all the scenes he appeared, although he didn't really have much of a stake in the story. I pretended I was reading about Diesel. Bless his heart, he isn't the smartest doggo around, but he's 5 years old, like Alex in this book, and there was something fortuitous about that!
Anyway, I did enjoy the story, and Alex, so therefore the 3 star rating. But I didn't like Donovan. He has an ENORMOUS chip on his shoulder about being adopted by the Colton family. He was left abandoned in their barn as a baby. He thinks their love for him was only out of duty and has therefore never been close with any of them. It was a VILE attitude to have. They'd done nothing but love him selflessly, and he always shunned that and hated them because he wasn't a "real" Colton. To still have that attitude at 31 YEARS OF AGE really stunned me. What a selfish, baby-ish prat!
The relationship between Bellamy and Maggie was interesting and believable. She felt Maggie had abandoned the family after an accident that incapacitated their father, but we're shown that Maggie's actions were always about supporting her family. Everything she had done was to help Bellamy, but Bellamy had thought it came from a selfish place. Bellamy and Maggie's estrangement was effective, and their reconnection touching. Pity that Donovan was such a dick about his family.
As this is clearly a Romantic Suspense story and not an Intrigue story, the plot was very subdued, and the pacing very lackadaisical. I like a Romantic Suspense story just fine, as long as that's the line I'm actually reading! It's cheating your readers to give them a Romantic Suspense book in the Intrigue line! But Alex the black lab won my heart over, as did Bellamy and Maggie's sister relationship troubles. It overcame the simple plot and the fact that Donovan was a total selfish dick in regards to his adoptive family.
Bellamy Reeves becomes the scapegoat of an evil plan by Jensen Taylor, the heir of Lone Star Pharmaceuticals, where Bellamy works, to be the unstable employee trying to blackmail them over price-fixing for the annual flu vaccine. An attempt on her life via a car bombing brings Donovan Colton into her life. He's part of the Austin PD's canine unit. His faithful companion is Alex, a 5 year old black labrador. Donovan and Bellamy had a flirtation five years earlier, and the sparks fly as Donovan swears to protect Bellamy.
We just recently took in Diesel, a black lab, into our family, so that ultimately had me giving a higher score to this story than it probably deserved! Alex, the black lab in this story, was certainly a charming character, and I delighted in all the scenes he appeared, although he didn't really have much of a stake in the story. I pretended I was reading about Diesel. Bless his heart, he isn't the smartest doggo around, but he's 5 years old, like Alex in this book, and there was something fortuitous about that!
Anyway, I did enjoy the story, and Alex, so therefore the 3 star rating. But I didn't like Donovan. He has an ENORMOUS chip on his shoulder about being adopted by the Colton family. He was left abandoned in their barn as a baby. He thinks their love for him was only out of duty and has therefore never been close with any of them. It was a VILE attitude to have. They'd done nothing but love him selflessly, and he always shunned that and hated them because he wasn't a "real" Colton. To still have that attitude at 31 YEARS OF AGE really stunned me. What a selfish, baby-ish prat!
The relationship between Bellamy and Maggie was interesting and believable. She felt Maggie had abandoned the family after an accident that incapacitated their father, but we're shown that Maggie's actions were always about supporting her family. Everything she had done was to help Bellamy, but Bellamy had thought it came from a selfish place. Bellamy and Maggie's estrangement was effective, and their reconnection touching. Pity that Donovan was such a dick about his family.
As this is clearly a Romantic Suspense story and not an Intrigue story, the plot was very subdued, and the pacing very lackadaisical. I like a Romantic Suspense story just fine, as long as that's the line I'm actually reading! It's cheating your readers to give them a Romantic Suspense book in the Intrigue line! But Alex the black lab won my heart over, as did Bellamy and Maggie's sister relationship troubles. It overcame the simple plot and the fact that Donovan was a total selfish dick in regards to his adoptive family.
May 21, 2018
Good book with a sweet romance and exciting suspense. I loved the opening, where Bellamy met Donovan and Alex when Alex was just a puppy. It was a sweet and realistic moment, especially when it comes to puppies and Legos. I liked the connection that formed between Donovan and Bellamy so quickly and was sad that circumstances kept them from pursuing it.
Fast forward five years. Bellamy has recently lost both parents and is estranged from her sister. With the holidays approaching, she has buried her loneliness in her work. When she receives an odd email, she takes it to her company leadership, who immediately accuse her of wrongdoing and fire her. Even worse, her car explodes in the parking lot, with Bellamy barely escaping with her life. Imagine her surprise when the K-9 Officer team of Donovan and Alex arrived on the scene.
I liked both Donovan and Bellamy. Both felt like real people with believable problems. Bellamy is hurting over the loss of her parents and her problems with her sister. She's independent, and a bit stubborn, both of which contributed to those problems. I liked her devotion to her parents and their care, though she was a bit blind to just how much of an impact it had on her life. I liked that she had the backbone to stand up to those who tried to accuse her of wrongdoing and still could admit when she was wrong. I liked Donovan and his relationship with Alex. He has a much easier time relating to his dog than to his own family, haunted by the feeling that he doesn't belong. I was a little disappointed by the way that he pushes them away, believing that they only took him in out of duty, and not seeing that he was a choice, not a burden.
I liked the development of the relationship between Donovan and Bellamy. The connection that they had felt before was still there, and both of them felt it. That connection added to the protectiveness that Donovan felt for Maggie and his determination to keep her safe. Being together nearly 24/7 gave them plenty of opportunities to get to know each other. There were some very sweet scenes between them, some of them including Alex. It was interesting to see how each of them could see the other's family issues, but had trouble admitting their own. I liked how, as their feelings for each other grew, their attitudes toward their families also began to change. It still took a dangerous situation for them to realize just how strong those feelings had become.
The suspense was also good. The person and motivation behind the trouble are revealed early, but that doesn't diminish the intensity. From the email and explosion to the final confrontation, my attention remained on seeing how Donovan and Bellamy worked together to solve the mystery. There was also an interesting twist involving Donovan's past.
I'm not sure why this is part of the Coltons of Shadow Creek series. It takes place in a different town, with a different branch of the family. The Shadow Creek Coltons are only mentioned briefly.
Fast forward five years. Bellamy has recently lost both parents and is estranged from her sister. With the holidays approaching, she has buried her loneliness in her work. When she receives an odd email, she takes it to her company leadership, who immediately accuse her of wrongdoing and fire her. Even worse, her car explodes in the parking lot, with Bellamy barely escaping with her life. Imagine her surprise when the K-9 Officer team of Donovan and Alex arrived on the scene.
I liked both Donovan and Bellamy. Both felt like real people with believable problems. Bellamy is hurting over the loss of her parents and her problems with her sister. She's independent, and a bit stubborn, both of which contributed to those problems. I liked her devotion to her parents and their care, though she was a bit blind to just how much of an impact it had on her life. I liked that she had the backbone to stand up to those who tried to accuse her of wrongdoing and still could admit when she was wrong. I liked Donovan and his relationship with Alex. He has a much easier time relating to his dog than to his own family, haunted by the feeling that he doesn't belong. I was a little disappointed by the way that he pushes them away, believing that they only took him in out of duty, and not seeing that he was a choice, not a burden.
I liked the development of the relationship between Donovan and Bellamy. The connection that they had felt before was still there, and both of them felt it. That connection added to the protectiveness that Donovan felt for Maggie and his determination to keep her safe. Being together nearly 24/7 gave them plenty of opportunities to get to know each other. There were some very sweet scenes between them, some of them including Alex. It was interesting to see how each of them could see the other's family issues, but had trouble admitting their own. I liked how, as their feelings for each other grew, their attitudes toward their families also began to change. It still took a dangerous situation for them to realize just how strong those feelings had become.
The suspense was also good. The person and motivation behind the trouble are revealed early, but that doesn't diminish the intensity. From the email and explosion to the final confrontation, my attention remained on seeing how Donovan and Bellamy worked together to solve the mystery. There was also an interesting twist involving Donovan's past.
I'm not sure why this is part of the Coltons of Shadow Creek series. It takes place in a different town, with a different branch of the family. The Shadow Creek Coltons are only mentioned briefly.
March 17, 2018
Don't know if I'm missing anything by not reading the other books in the Coltons of Shadow Creek series. But I enjoyed this book. Always love my dogs. :) Loved the suspense in this one! From the explosive action (literally) to the heroine's life being erased--very tense and suspenseful.
November 18, 2017
Okay I admit I'm hooked on the Colton series. I keep an eye out for them in my local Walmart. This is a good installment. Both of the characters have enough depth to keep from being characters and help the story from being completely implausible. What might have been an 'oh sure' read becomes more believable when there's a dog to pull two people together as opposed to just the pretty unlikely accidental car explosion.
April 26, 2018
This romantic suspense started out with plenty of exciting action and an interesting plot but about midway it was mostly ruminating with little development or action until the conclusion. I skimmed most of the second half. I did like the dog. When Bellamy is leaving work she barely escapes when her car is blown up and detective Donovan and his police dog are called into work on the case.
October 30, 2017
The list of mysteries in the latest Coltons of Shadow Creek continuity grows longer and longer as the story progresses, while danger also escalates along with all the uncertainties. Easily read as a standalone, the book is about a woman who is puzzled by all the threats that keep happening in her life. When a police officer and his trusty dog begin to investigate the unexplained events, her reactions to them causes even more confusion. COLTON K-9 COP is about discovering whether the choices a person makes are for the best, or if they are only adding to the problem. Addison Fox has written a compelling story, where suspense and romance are cleverly entwined.
Even though the Christmas holidays are approaching, Bellamy Reeves is not in a very festive mood this year because her family situation has drastically changed. So instead of shopping on a paid day off, she is diligently working at the pharmaceutical company where she has been an accountant for thirteen rewarding years. Just as Bellamy prepares to leave, an email is received that raises some serious questions about where she works.
After her attempt fails when trying to sort out the matter of the disturbing email, Bellamy’s life takes an unexpected turn, especially when her car blows up and almost kills her. Luckily, Donovan Colton who has a K-9 partner that specializes in locating bombs is nearby and answers the call. The Austin cop and his trusty canine look for clues about whether the former workplace of Bellamy is connected to the danger surrounding her or if there is some other reason. And until he finds conclusive evidence and makes certain all is resolved, Donovan is not going to leave the area.
When I saw the cover of the book, I was thrilled because of my love for dogs, and the story definitely gave me a lot to like. Alex is dependable and smart when working, yet he enjoys a belly rub and plenty of head pats when things are all right. I smiled often while reading about this commendable working animal, as his love for being on the job is very obvious along with his devotion to Donovan. There is a genuine connection between Bellamy and Donovan from the first moment she is in peril, and their bond is intensified because of Alex. While both are caring individuals, they have pushed others away at times, thus causing them to feel alone. I truly liked this couple and wished for them to finally be happy. But first, they have to overcome several major personal issues.
As more and more information is given about what is really going on and who is responsible, I worried about Bellamy and if Donovan could keep her safe. The motivation behind the threats is believable and rather scary because of how many lives could be affected, and I could see this scenario actually occurring as Addison Fox brings realism to these intriguing moments. COLTON K-9 COP has dangerous incidents and heartfelt romantic entanglements.
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion
Even though the Christmas holidays are approaching, Bellamy Reeves is not in a very festive mood this year because her family situation has drastically changed. So instead of shopping on a paid day off, she is diligently working at the pharmaceutical company where she has been an accountant for thirteen rewarding years. Just as Bellamy prepares to leave, an email is received that raises some serious questions about where she works.
After her attempt fails when trying to sort out the matter of the disturbing email, Bellamy’s life takes an unexpected turn, especially when her car blows up and almost kills her. Luckily, Donovan Colton who has a K-9 partner that specializes in locating bombs is nearby and answers the call. The Austin cop and his trusty canine look for clues about whether the former workplace of Bellamy is connected to the danger surrounding her or if there is some other reason. And until he finds conclusive evidence and makes certain all is resolved, Donovan is not going to leave the area.
When I saw the cover of the book, I was thrilled because of my love for dogs, and the story definitely gave me a lot to like. Alex is dependable and smart when working, yet he enjoys a belly rub and plenty of head pats when things are all right. I smiled often while reading about this commendable working animal, as his love for being on the job is very obvious along with his devotion to Donovan. There is a genuine connection between Bellamy and Donovan from the first moment she is in peril, and their bond is intensified because of Alex. While both are caring individuals, they have pushed others away at times, thus causing them to feel alone. I truly liked this couple and wished for them to finally be happy. But first, they have to overcome several major personal issues.
As more and more information is given about what is really going on and who is responsible, I worried about Bellamy and if Donovan could keep her safe. The motivation behind the threats is believable and rather scary because of how many lives could be affected, and I could see this scenario actually occurring as Addison Fox brings realism to these intriguing moments. COLTON K-9 COP has dangerous incidents and heartfelt romantic entanglements.
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion
January 3, 2018
Harlequin Intrigue...it is what it is...a quick read.
Sometimes you just need to read something easy and yet interesting. This story has colton and his k-9 cop dog sniffing out more than bombs.
All in all, a good read.
Sometimes you just need to read something easy and yet interesting. This story has colton and his k-9 cop dog sniffing out more than bombs.
All in all, a good read.
October 5, 2024
I love k-9 partners. I see that this is the 8th book in a Colton series, but it was my first. I enjoyed the characters a lot. I found the actual plot of the book - about the heroine being set up with possible company sabotage - a bit convoluted at times.
September 20, 2017
Very good story
October 26, 2017
Really a 3.5 but I rounded up. Best part is the dog and Bellamy was an interesting heroine. Good family insights .. the criminal part was a bit lame (imho).
November 3, 2017
GREAT STORY
I really enjoyed this book, especially the dog, I love K-9 stories. I usually can't wait for t h e next one...
I really enjoyed this book, especially the dog, I love K-9 stories. I usually can't wait for t h e next one...
March 9, 2018
A quick paced romance. Full of corporate espionage, betrayals, and bombs... Good thing Donovan is a K9 officer and Alex, his dog, is great at smelling bombs!
March 9, 2018
read it then realized had read already and forgot to record it
April 3, 2018
Another great Harlequin Intrigue Book read. I love these books.
June 27, 2018
Found it a slower read at the beginning but got more interesting about half way through.
July 16, 2018
A fast read. Lots of romance, but it's a harlequin. The book includes good looking cops, a dog, bombs, corporate espionage, etc. Good read.
March 10, 2020
A cop. A dog. A woman. And crime. A good read; kept me entertained.
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December 30, 2017Received 4 stars @ harlequin.com (as of 12/30/17). To view reviews, go HERE> https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/...
Miniseries: The Coltons of Shadow Creek
Miniseries: The Coltons of Shadow Creek
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November 2, 2017Miniseries: The Coltons of Shadow Creek
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews