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Badge of Justice #2
Safe at Hawk's Landing
She’s sworn to protect her students—he’s sworn to protect her
Charlotte Reacher found her calling teaching art therapy to teens. But when her attempt to stop a kidnapping leaves her wounded and unable to see anything beyond trauma and fear, she’s hesitant to trust the stranger who promises to keep her safe.
FBI agent Lucas Hawk knows Charlotte’s the only witness to the human-trafficking abduction that shook his Texas hometown. Determined to find the victims, he must convince her to work with him—even while resisting his growing desire for her. Every hour is critical for the kidnapped girls. And every breath Charlotte takes could be her last.
Charlotte Reacher found her calling teaching art therapy to teens. But when her attempt to stop a kidnapping leaves her wounded and unable to see anything beyond trauma and fear, she’s hesitant to trust the stranger who promises to keep her safe.
FBI agent Lucas Hawk knows Charlotte’s the only witness to the human-trafficking abduction that shook his Texas hometown. Determined to find the victims, he must convince her to work with him—even while resisting his growing desire for her. Every hour is critical for the kidnapped girls. And every breath Charlotte takes could be her last.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2017
About the author
Rita Herron
323 books954 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 25, 2019
Meh. I just couldn't fully lose myself in this story! The plot has FBI agent Lucas Hawk protecting Charlotte Reacher, after she is shot during a brazen attack in which human traffickers break into her art therapy studio and kidnap the three teenage girls she is working with. Charlotte's injuries leave her blind. While Charlotte adjusts to life without sight, Lucas hurries off to follow various leads as to the whereabouts of the traffickers and where they're taking the girls.
You would expect a plot involving young girls potentially being sold into sexual slavery to be gritty and exciting, or disturbing, but that isn't the case here. As stated in the plot description, it's just Lucas following various leads, and it gets repetitive. There are moments of excitement as the traffickers keep returning to try and finish off Charlotte, as they don't like to leave witnesses. But these are only sporadic.
One major element that stopped me from enjoying this more was Charlotte herself. Yes, she experiences quite the ordeal when she is left blind after being beaten and shot, but she was just a little too delicate for my liking. She trembles, shudders, cries, leans on Lucas for support, shakes, shivers, quivers etc etc, well, constantly. She keeps going on about how she needs to be strong for her students, but her actual actions don't really support this. And there's nothing more dull than a heroine who sits around at home (or stands on a sidewalk) basically waiting to be a victim while the hero goes off and does all the hard work.
By the end, it feels as if Rita Herron simply lost interest in what she was writing. All in all, a rare misfire for this author.
On a side note, another reviewer mentioned the fine booty of the cover model. I concur!
You would expect a plot involving young girls potentially being sold into sexual slavery to be gritty and exciting, or disturbing, but that isn't the case here. As stated in the plot description, it's just Lucas following various leads, and it gets repetitive. There are moments of excitement as the traffickers keep returning to try and finish off Charlotte, as they don't like to leave witnesses. But these are only sporadic.
One major element that stopped me from enjoying this more was Charlotte herself. Yes, she experiences quite the ordeal when she is left blind after being beaten and shot, but she was just a little too delicate for my liking. She trembles, shudders, cries, leans on Lucas for support, shakes, shivers, quivers etc etc, well, constantly. She keeps going on about how she needs to be strong for her students, but her actual actions don't really support this. And there's nothing more dull than a heroine who sits around at home (or stands on a sidewalk) basically waiting to be a victim while the hero goes off and does all the hard work.
By the end, it feels as if Rita Herron simply lost interest in what she was writing. All in all, a rare misfire for this author.
On a side note, another reviewer mentioned the fine booty of the cover model. I concur!
December 15, 2017
As with all Harlequin Intrigue books, this book is high on mystery and intrigue but the romance always takes a back seat which for some reason in this read, it was okay for me. I loved Charlotte & Lucas. I thought they had great chemistry and would have loved to have more backstory on each and their life afterwards.
PS: Nice booty on the H model on the cover.......
PS: Nice booty on the H model on the cover.......
January 1, 2018
Startling first pages to the story pulled me into this riveting, action-filled, emotional story. The plot for this story is well thought out and the premises of the story has so much 'meat' into it, I can't help but wish there would have been a chance to get more into the details, that things didn't have to feel so rushed to come to the conclusion as they at times with the category length novels do.
I really enjoyed the story of FBI agent Lucas Hawk and Charlotte Reacher, the art therapy teacher. The connection between them was palpable, it was natural and true. The feelings bloomed fast, took root, the danger they were in just tighten the bond they shared. I enjoyed the first book in the series and it was delightful that Harrison and Honey had such a prominent part of this story, as well.
Lucas has never entertained the thought of a relationship, yet looking at his brother's happiness has made him yearn for something more in life. Lucas is a good man, smart, kind, considerate, and protective. It takes just one look at Charlotte, and his convictions of bachelorhood start to change.
Charlotte grew up in the system, with a large birthmark on her cheek, giving the kids a reason to torment her. Her skin might be fixed by a surgery, but the wounds deep in her mind still get sore time to time. Especially with the new insecurities of her blindness her need to be independent and not lean on anyone for help is stronger than ever. I thought she took that need a bit too far in a couple of instances, but the uncertainty of her situation warranted some extreme reactions.
The suspense with the human trafficking, with the kidnapped girls, and the ring to hunt young 'merchandise' for sex slaves, really hit hard with the realistic storytelling. With the tangible fear, the urgency of the cases to save the girls as soon as possible while still potential to rescue them, and the knowledge that time was running out on these innocent souls to be saved, I admit, it had an emotional, heartwrenching effect on me, having me in tears and biting my nails, as the story unfolds.
With horrifying, gory crime ring on the lose, the Hawk brothers have a time sensitive case on their hands, with leads that no one wants to believe to be true. Gripping and enthralling suspense with the sweetest, tender romance on the side make a great addition to Hawk brothers series, entertaining and touching story at the same time
~ Four Spoons
I really enjoyed the story of FBI agent Lucas Hawk and Charlotte Reacher, the art therapy teacher. The connection between them was palpable, it was natural and true. The feelings bloomed fast, took root, the danger they were in just tighten the bond they shared. I enjoyed the first book in the series and it was delightful that Harrison and Honey had such a prominent part of this story, as well.
Lucas has never entertained the thought of a relationship, yet looking at his brother's happiness has made him yearn for something more in life. Lucas is a good man, smart, kind, considerate, and protective. It takes just one look at Charlotte, and his convictions of bachelorhood start to change.
Charlotte grew up in the system, with a large birthmark on her cheek, giving the kids a reason to torment her. Her skin might be fixed by a surgery, but the wounds deep in her mind still get sore time to time. Especially with the new insecurities of her blindness her need to be independent and not lean on anyone for help is stronger than ever. I thought she took that need a bit too far in a couple of instances, but the uncertainty of her situation warranted some extreme reactions.
The suspense with the human trafficking, with the kidnapped girls, and the ring to hunt young 'merchandise' for sex slaves, really hit hard with the realistic storytelling. With the tangible fear, the urgency of the cases to save the girls as soon as possible while still potential to rescue them, and the knowledge that time was running out on these innocent souls to be saved, I admit, it had an emotional, heartwrenching effect on me, having me in tears and biting my nails, as the story unfolds.
With horrifying, gory crime ring on the lose, the Hawk brothers have a time sensitive case on their hands, with leads that no one wants to believe to be true. Gripping and enthralling suspense with the sweetest, tender romance on the side make a great addition to Hawk brothers series, entertaining and touching story at the same time
~ Four Spoons
December 26, 2017
Charlotte is a art therapy teacher whose life was turned upside down when a couple of human traffickers come and take her students and leaving her blind. Luca Hawk is on the case and its a bit close for comfort because like these children his sister went missing but even worse these foster kids are going to be dealing with a whole lot worse if he don't get there in time. Lucas and Charlotte work together to help remember clues so he can piece together clues to find these kids.
I loved this book it was short, and suspenseful and was a pretty great read. Its the holiday season it like most I need a little escape and this book just did it for me. I loved seeing the connection between Charlotte and Lucas. I loved seeing them work together to get these kids back. It was sad to think these kids went though so much only to get kiddnapped but I loved that there was bits of Eve point of view to see what was going on from her perspective and seeing how strong she was. After everything she went through she wasn't going to let this situation get her down she was going to try her best to help herself and the others. I loved that Charlotte was such a strong character and wasn't willing to let her blindness slow her down she is a independent women who didn't want to rely on anyone. Overall I loved how everything went down in this book and how everything turned out in the end. It was a pretty great book and I enjoyed it.
I loved this book it was short, and suspenseful and was a pretty great read. Its the holiday season it like most I need a little escape and this book just did it for me. I loved seeing the connection between Charlotte and Lucas. I loved seeing them work together to get these kids back. It was sad to think these kids went though so much only to get kiddnapped but I loved that there was bits of Eve point of view to see what was going on from her perspective and seeing how strong she was. After everything she went through she wasn't going to let this situation get her down she was going to try her best to help herself and the others. I loved that Charlotte was such a strong character and wasn't willing to let her blindness slow her down she is a independent women who didn't want to rely on anyone. Overall I loved how everything went down in this book and how everything turned out in the end. It was a pretty great book and I enjoyed it.
January 8, 2018
Charlotte runs an art therapy program for at risk young girls. When her classroom is attacked and her students are taken, Charlotte risks her life to try and save the girls but ends up beaten and left behind. The result of her injuries in blindness which may or may not be temporary. While her blindness results in both fear and anger, Charlotte's first concern is her students.
Lucas ends up investigating the kidnapping and its possible links to a human trafficking ring. Charlotte is possibly the only person who can identify the perpetrators, so ensuring her safety is of utmost importance to him. Charlotte refuses to sit idly by and wait for everyone else to find the girls. She is determined to do everything in her power despite her limitations. The more time she and Lucas spend together, the closer they become. Neither wants to be distracted by their unavoidable attraction, but they can't resist the ultimate pull. For now, a stress release valve may be all they can be to each other, but once the girls are found, all bets are off.
Net Galley provided an ARC.
Lucas ends up investigating the kidnapping and its possible links to a human trafficking ring. Charlotte is possibly the only person who can identify the perpetrators, so ensuring her safety is of utmost importance to him. Charlotte refuses to sit idly by and wait for everyone else to find the girls. She is determined to do everything in her power despite her limitations. The more time she and Lucas spend together, the closer they become. Neither wants to be distracted by their unavoidable attraction, but they can't resist the ultimate pull. For now, a stress release valve may be all they can be to each other, but once the girls are found, all bets are off.
Net Galley provided an ARC.
January 8, 2018
Charlotte has taken four young girls to join her art class to help them express themselves as they are foster girls and need help opening up. When a group of men stormed into her classroom and hurt her and stole her students she tried to fight them but they shot her. When Lucas got the call he got to the scene and saw the most beautiful woman he has ever seen so when he went to the hospital he stayed all night until he had to go on the case and look for the missing girls. Charlotte is trying to be helpful but she is blind due to the accident and they know she is alive and they are coming for her. Charlotte is a very strong woman and will not let blindness stop her to get the girls back. Good story lots of danger mixed with kindness and compassion.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
April 20, 2019
Charlotte has taken four young girls to join her art class to help them express themselves as they are foster girls and need help opening up. When a group of men stormed into her classroom and hurt her and stole her students she tried to fight them but they shot her. When Lucas got the call he got to the scene and saw the most beautiful woman he has ever seen so when he went to the hospital he stayed all night until he had to go on the case and look for the missing girls. Charlotte is trying to be helpful but she is blind due to the accident and they know she is alive and they are coming for her. Charlotte is a very strong woman and will not let blindness stop her to get the girls back. Good story lots of danger mixed with kindness and compassion. - Reviewed by Linda
July 11, 2019
I just couldnt put this book down.
A blind person sees more than a seeing person. Their others senses really start working harder. As with Def people. Their other senses pick up the slack.
A blind person sees more than a seeing person. Their others senses really start working harder. As with Def people. Their other senses pick up the slack.
December 6, 2017
3.5 stars.
Nice book.
High on suspense and low on romance.
Nice book.
High on suspense and low on romance.
January 3, 2018
Good Read
A well written,fast moving enjoyable read.Thrills,mystery and suspense.This one has you guessing from the very first page to the last.
A well written,fast moving enjoyable read.Thrills,mystery and suspense.This one has you guessing from the very first page to the last.
February 5, 2018
Intriguing story. Enjoyable. Simply written. Explicit, infrequent sex. Didn't like the "miraculous" ending. Otherwise worth a read.
May 24, 2018
Good book i will have to check the other in the series out
March 19, 2019
Awesome book, great characters
December 15, 2019
Hawk brothers
I loved this book. It was very suspenseful and intriguing. I would recommend it to anyone who likes suspense and romance combined.
I loved this book. It was very suspenseful and intriguing. I would recommend it to anyone who likes suspense and romance combined.
April 11, 2022
there's so much happening, it's impossible to put this book down before the last page.
October 6, 2024
Hawks Landing. Justice
Loved this book.Could.not put down. Rita knows how to hold your attention
I have read all of her books. Great Author
Loved this book.Could.not put down. Rita knows how to hold your attention
I have read all of her books. Great Author
December 7, 2017
3 1\2 stars
I love Rita Herron All The Pretty Faces from the Graveyfall Series and I have read the first in the Badge of Justice Series so I feel I have a pretty good idea on the authors writing style.
Her Justice series has a great story line but everything feel very rushed which is understandable being it a Harlequin Intrigue series and they have a limited word count. The story moves along at a fast pace and the author is able to pull readers in right off the bat when Charlotte Reacher is hit so hard she loses her sight and has to trust those around her to keep her safe.
Human Trafficking is big this year in books but Rita Herron is able to pull at readers heart strings as well as give romance and suspense readers expect from Harlequin Intrigue series. I wish the story was long so really flush out the characters which is lacking in the first book and the second book.
Thank you to netgelley as well as the publishers Harlequin Intrigue
#SafeAtHawk'sLanding #NetGalley
I love Rita Herron All The Pretty Faces from the Graveyfall Series and I have read the first in the Badge of Justice Series so I feel I have a pretty good idea on the authors writing style.
Her Justice series has a great story line but everything feel very rushed which is understandable being it a Harlequin Intrigue series and they have a limited word count. The story moves along at a fast pace and the author is able to pull readers in right off the bat when Charlotte Reacher is hit so hard she loses her sight and has to trust those around her to keep her safe.
Human Trafficking is big this year in books but Rita Herron is able to pull at readers heart strings as well as give romance and suspense readers expect from Harlequin Intrigue series. I wish the story was long so really flush out the characters which is lacking in the first book and the second book.
Thank you to netgelley as well as the publishers Harlequin Intrigue
#SafeAtHawk'sLanding #NetGalley
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January 1, 2018Miniseries: Badge of Justice
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January 1, 2018Miniseries: Badge of Justice
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews