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Lawmen of Wyoming #1
Protected by the Lawman
The hat. The gun. And the will to protect.
Showing up to investigate a double homicide, Sheriff Phoenix Cade almost comes out of his boots when he sees the blonde--the only witness to the crime--covered in blood. He'd danced with her a few nights before and had every intention of getting her number until she threw up all over his shoes. Hell, his shoes would wash…
Ria Portman has spent the better part of six years convincing her family and friends that she could take care of herself. The accident took her sight, but it didn’t take her independence. There were a lot of things she’d learned over the years, especially regarding men. They said they could handle her disability, but truth was, they lied. When her assistant and client are murdered in her studio she will have to rely on one man—the one man who makes her want to trust again.
Phoenix is over his ex, but since he caught her cheating he’s compared relationships to playing with fire. It’s only a matter of time before a man gets burnt. Yet, Ria is different. She’s beautiful, smart, challenging, and doesn’t need him…even when she does. He should keep his head on straight because the killers want her dead and it’s his job to keep her safe. However, he’s realizing, a man in love becomes a giant. He’ll protect Ria with a force unlike any that has ever been seen before.
Showing up to investigate a double homicide, Sheriff Phoenix Cade almost comes out of his boots when he sees the blonde--the only witness to the crime--covered in blood. He'd danced with her a few nights before and had every intention of getting her number until she threw up all over his shoes. Hell, his shoes would wash…
Ria Portman has spent the better part of six years convincing her family and friends that she could take care of herself. The accident took her sight, but it didn’t take her independence. There were a lot of things she’d learned over the years, especially regarding men. They said they could handle her disability, but truth was, they lied. When her assistant and client are murdered in her studio she will have to rely on one man—the one man who makes her want to trust again.
Phoenix is over his ex, but since he caught her cheating he’s compared relationships to playing with fire. It’s only a matter of time before a man gets burnt. Yet, Ria is different. She’s beautiful, smart, challenging, and doesn’t need him…even when she does. He should keep his head on straight because the killers want her dead and it’s his job to keep her safe. However, he’s realizing, a man in love becomes a giant. He’ll protect Ria with a force unlike any that has ever been seen before.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2018
796 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Lee Carver
119 books347 followersRhonda Lee Carver is a bestselling author of contemporary western and romantic suspense, but she loves to write other genres too. She's known for writing stories that keep readers laughing, crying, gripping the edge of their seats, and screaming all in one book...like riding a virtual roller coaster. Whether she's creating sexy cowboys or tough guys, or sassy, independent heroines, readers are sure to find strong, powerful, memorable characters that are relatable.
By day, she taps into her creative, fictional world but at some point she transitions back into reality where she's a volleyball-stands cheerleader, homework virtuoso (at least she thinks so), amateur nurse to skinned knees, mediocre chef with some awesome microwave skills, pet-guru (all the strays show up at her house), and a Jackie of all trades for her kids who are the loves of her life. Yoga and chocolate keep her sane. Hallmark movies require cuddling up with tissues because she can be emotional. She adds a sprinkle of her own real-life adventures in each story she spins because a little truth never hurt anyone. She wouldn't give up one thing in her crazy, chaotic, ever-amusing life, except, she might do magic tricks for the bungalow on the beach she's had her eye on (GOALS).
Writing for Rhonda is like falling in love and finding a new best friend over and over again. Her characters will find a place inside your heart too.
Be sure to stop over at BookBub to get the latest on updates and sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rhond...
By day, she taps into her creative, fictional world but at some point she transitions back into reality where she's a volleyball-stands cheerleader, homework virtuoso (at least she thinks so), amateur nurse to skinned knees, mediocre chef with some awesome microwave skills, pet-guru (all the strays show up at her house), and a Jackie of all trades for her kids who are the loves of her life. Yoga and chocolate keep her sane. Hallmark movies require cuddling up with tissues because she can be emotional. She adds a sprinkle of her own real-life adventures in each story she spins because a little truth never hurt anyone. She wouldn't give up one thing in her crazy, chaotic, ever-amusing life, except, she might do magic tricks for the bungalow on the beach she's had her eye on (GOALS).
Writing for Rhonda is like falling in love and finding a new best friend over and over again. Her characters will find a place inside your heart too.
Be sure to stop over at BookBub to get the latest on updates and sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rhond...
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May 17, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/15/2019)! 🎁
January 23, 2018
3.25-3.50 RATING- I really enjoy reading story lines that feature a blind heroine so was excited to read the blurb for this one. Overall, it was an okay read. Nothing very memorable or exciting. I'm not sure that I've read anything from this author before but for some reason was expecting this to be a little more steamy than it was.
December 21, 2022
An enjoyable story with sexy Sheriff Cade and the lovely woman Ria. Ria had lost her sight, and she had very bad men looking to kill her.
This was a very intense story, and I loved it! Great characters. 5☆
This was a very intense story, and I loved it! Great characters. 5☆
May 9, 2023
Protected by the Lawman is book 1 in the Lawmen of Wyoming series by Rhonda Lee Carver. Sheriff Phoenix Cade caught a double homicide, and a key witness is blind. The first time Sheriff Phoenix Cade saw Ria Portman, he wanted to protect her. However, Ria Portman spent many years convincing her family she could care for herself and did not want Sheriff Phoenix Cade's protection. Will Ria say yes to Sheriff Phoenic Cade when they realize someone is out to kill her? The readers of Protected by the Lawman will continue to follow Sheriff Phoenix Cade and Ria Portman to discover what happens!
I have not read any books by Rhonda Lee Carver, and I was impressed with her writing style and the plot of Protected by the Lawman, which ensured I engaged with the story from the start. I love Rhonda Lee Carver's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Protected by the Lawman is well-written and researched by Rhonda Lee Carver. I like Rhonda Lee Carver's description of the settings of Protected by the Lawman.
The readers of Protected by the Lawman will learn one of the consequences of sustaining a head injury. Also, the readers of Protected by the Lawman will learn about the role of a marriage counsellor.
I recommend this book.
I have not read any books by Rhonda Lee Carver, and I was impressed with her writing style and the plot of Protected by the Lawman, which ensured I engaged with the story from the start. I love Rhonda Lee Carver's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Protected by the Lawman is well-written and researched by Rhonda Lee Carver. I like Rhonda Lee Carver's description of the settings of Protected by the Lawman.
The readers of Protected by the Lawman will learn one of the consequences of sustaining a head injury. Also, the readers of Protected by the Lawman will learn about the role of a marriage counsellor.
I recommend this book.
January 14, 2018
Phoenix is the sheriff. He decides to stop at the bar his buddy owns. He is teasing Phoenix about getting out more. Tate tells him if he dances with a woman, he will back off. Ria is blind. This happened by being in a car accident. Her sister tells her she needs to find someone. She can't believe when she is asked to dance.
Now Phoenix is taking her to his cabin to protect her from the men who will be coming after her. While she is held up there, they realize they are falling for each other. Now Phoenix just has to catch the bad guys so they can see if they can take this to the next level.
Now Phoenix is taking her to his cabin to protect her from the men who will be coming after her. While she is held up there, they realize they are falling for each other. Now Phoenix just has to catch the bad guys so they can see if they can take this to the next level.
January 28, 2018
Ria Portman never thought she would hear from Phoenix Cade after the night they shared a couple of dances and embarrassed herself after but after witnessing a double homicide of her assistant and a client who would show up to investigate but none other than Sheriff Phoenix Cade.
Phoenix Cade thought he would never see the woman who intrigued him that night at his friends bar until he walked into her house and found her the witness to a double homicide from that moment he promised himself he would protect her from the killer.
Protected by the Lawman was fast paced, romantic suspense that kept me turning the page. Ria is my favorite kind of heroine she was independent didn’t use her blindness as disability or for pity she was self reliant and smart. Phoenix was a protector but also understood Ria wanted to be self reliant. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop, they each had been burnt in a previous relationship and didn’t jump right in. An oh Phoenix stole my heart in one scene I know it took a lot from him to do it but he was a gentleman.
If you are looking for a awesome an old fashion romance with some suspense I recommend you pick up a copy of Protected by the Lawman, your favorite beverage and a nice comfy chair because you will not be able to put it down.
I received a free copy for my honest review!
Phoenix Cade thought he would never see the woman who intrigued him that night at his friends bar until he walked into her house and found her the witness to a double homicide from that moment he promised himself he would protect her from the killer.
Protected by the Lawman was fast paced, romantic suspense that kept me turning the page. Ria is my favorite kind of heroine she was independent didn’t use her blindness as disability or for pity she was self reliant and smart. Phoenix was a protector but also understood Ria wanted to be self reliant. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop, they each had been burnt in a previous relationship and didn’t jump right in. An oh Phoenix stole my heart in one scene I know it took a lot from him to do it but he was a gentleman.
If you are looking for a awesome an old fashion romance with some suspense I recommend you pick up a copy of Protected by the Lawman, your favorite beverage and a nice comfy chair because you will not be able to put it down.
I received a free copy for my honest review!
January 16, 2018
I requested and received and ARC of this book. I am reviewing of my own volition.
One of my favorite things about this book is the heroine. She's smart, tough, feisty and blind. Ria lost a fiancé because of her blindness, but not her ambition. She left the big city with her sister, to start over in her old family home.
When she meet Phoenix Cade, she doesn't know he's the sheriff every woman wants. All she knows is she attracted to him and she hopes never to run into him again after she embarrasses herself.
None of that seems important after two goons kill her assistant and a client at her home office. Saving herself by hiding on the shelf under her massage table, it was pure luck she wasn't discovered and killed.
One of the things the bad guys don't take into consideration is the acute senses of a blind person. Everything is more enhanced to make up for the lack of sight, so while she is unable to visually identify them she can give some definite insight into them.
The heat ratchets up a notch as Phoenix takes her into protective custody. His family cabin becomes the scene of their budding romance.
As the layers are pealed off this mystery, betrayal and heartbreak ensue.
Very well written with edge of your seat suspense, extremely hot make-out scenes and so much more.
One of my favorite things about this book is the heroine. She's smart, tough, feisty and blind. Ria lost a fiancé because of her blindness, but not her ambition. She left the big city with her sister, to start over in her old family home.
When she meet Phoenix Cade, she doesn't know he's the sheriff every woman wants. All she knows is she attracted to him and she hopes never to run into him again after she embarrasses herself.
None of that seems important after two goons kill her assistant and a client at her home office. Saving herself by hiding on the shelf under her massage table, it was pure luck she wasn't discovered and killed.
One of the things the bad guys don't take into consideration is the acute senses of a blind person. Everything is more enhanced to make up for the lack of sight, so while she is unable to visually identify them she can give some definite insight into them.
The heat ratchets up a notch as Phoenix takes her into protective custody. His family cabin becomes the scene of their budding romance.
As the layers are pealed off this mystery, betrayal and heartbreak ensue.
Very well written with edge of your seat suspense, extremely hot make-out scenes and so much more.
May 1, 2022
The couple: Phoenix (Cade) and Ria (Maria)
Romance genre: bodyguard; contemporary
Series: Lawmen of Wyoming
Length: 228 pages
Plot: After an accident that blinded her and led to her fiance dumping her, Ria's not really keen on partying out at bars. But her sister insists one night, and she meets the local sheriff, Cade, when he asks her to dance. That night ends early after she barfs on his shoes, but she meets him a couple of days later when he answers a call at her home; her assistant and one of her clients have been killed, and as the only surviving witness, she's in danger. Cade decides to take her to his family's cabin and protect her. He feels something for this woman, and thinks she feels something for him too, but they are both damaged by their pasts. Can they overcome their hurt and stay alive long enough to become something special to one another?
Commentary: I really enjoyed this story. Our heroine, Ria, was blind but was very independent. Sometimes it was too much! She needed help, and any reasonable person would have accepted, but she was sure that people were discounting her simply because she was blind. She was really prickly in some cases. There were several times when she assumed he was doing something for her because of her blindness when really it was because she was a witness in his case - she always jumped to conclusions though. I enjoyed most of their banter, though, and I feel like their relationship (prostitution ring/murder aside) developed fairly realistically. I also felt like the author put some thought into Ria's blindness, rather than having it simply as a characteristic that allowed for other people to move around in the plot.
Grammar/formatting: needed another round of proofreading for some small typos/mispellings, etc.
Next book in the series: Wanted by the Lawman
Romance genre: bodyguard; contemporary
Series: Lawmen of Wyoming
Length: 228 pages
Plot: After an accident that blinded her and led to her fiance dumping her, Ria's not really keen on partying out at bars. But her sister insists one night, and she meets the local sheriff, Cade, when he asks her to dance. That night ends early after she barfs on his shoes, but she meets him a couple of days later when he answers a call at her home; her assistant and one of her clients have been killed, and as the only surviving witness, she's in danger. Cade decides to take her to his family's cabin and protect her. He feels something for this woman, and thinks she feels something for him too, but they are both damaged by their pasts. Can they overcome their hurt and stay alive long enough to become something special to one another?
Commentary: I really enjoyed this story. Our heroine, Ria, was blind but was very independent. Sometimes it was too much! She needed help, and any reasonable person would have accepted, but she was sure that people were discounting her simply because she was blind. She was really prickly in some cases. There were several times when she assumed he was doing something for her because of her blindness when really it was because she was a witness in his case - she always jumped to conclusions though. I enjoyed most of their banter, though, and I feel like their relationship (prostitution ring/murder aside) developed fairly realistically. I also felt like the author put some thought into Ria's blindness, rather than having it simply as a characteristic that allowed for other people to move around in the plot.
Grammar/formatting: needed another round of proofreading for some small typos/mispellings, etc.
Next book in the series: Wanted by the Lawman
January 12, 2018
What an emotional and satisfying read this was.
This is the first book in a new series and this book hit it out of the park. I loved the characters, story line, the mystery and the sexy times.
Ria was a wonderful leading lady. Ria is blind but yet she doesn't let this stop her from doing anything. She is a little tired of her sister and parents babying her because she is a strong, capable and independent person. She runs a successful business, has some wonderful friends and is just an all around amazing person. An incident happens at her place of work and it puts her in path of the hot man she recently danced with.
I loved everything about Sheriff Phoenix Cade. I loved his dedication to family, friends and his job. I loved that there were references to him being a hard nosed man throughout the book yet you saw his softer side. I especially liked his interactions with Ria. Even from the beginning he never saw her blindness as a disability more so as a strength to the type of woman she is.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more.
This is the first book in a new series and this book hit it out of the park. I loved the characters, story line, the mystery and the sexy times.
Ria was a wonderful leading lady. Ria is blind but yet she doesn't let this stop her from doing anything. She is a little tired of her sister and parents babying her because she is a strong, capable and independent person. She runs a successful business, has some wonderful friends and is just an all around amazing person. An incident happens at her place of work and it puts her in path of the hot man she recently danced with.
I loved everything about Sheriff Phoenix Cade. I loved his dedication to family, friends and his job. I loved that there were references to him being a hard nosed man throughout the book yet you saw his softer side. I especially liked his interactions with Ria. Even from the beginning he never saw her blindness as a disability more so as a strength to the type of woman she is.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more.
January 16, 2018
Protected by the Lawman is an entertaining and well written read. This romantic suspense offers a gripping storyline and engaging characters. Ria and Phoenix have great chemistry and I just loved them together. I love a book that is created to showcase what I consider "reality based characters". Ria is smart, sexy, sweet, feisty and blind. Phoenix, is strong, tough and a hero to his core. I loved the steam and heat these two created and enjoyed the softness Ria brought out in Phoenix. A very pleasurable read that I highly recommend. I'm posting a voluntary review after reading an advance copy of this book.
January 16, 2018
I was given an ARC copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to review it. I loved it. Rhonda Lee Carver is one of my go to authors, I know when I see her name on a book I will get a great story. I do like a story where the characters have some flaws either physical or emotional, this one falls into that category. A well written story. I encourage everyone to get this book, it's worth your time and effort. A couple of plus factors, he's a cop and a cowboy everyone knows that alone makes for a great story.
January 13, 2018
Whenever I want to read a good cowboy type story, Rhonda Lee Carver is who I think of. Her stories are easily read and contain some really hot and steamy cowboy loving!
Ria is blind from an accident and when her assistant and a client are murdered in her home, Sheriff Phoenix Cade puts her under his protection. She's been on his mind every since they shared some dances at the local bar. But both have insecurities about relationships and they both struggle with their feelings while Cade struggles to keep Ria alive. The killers are after her and want her dead. Will they both come to terms with their feelings for each other before the killer finds her? A good book and I HIGHLY recommend this one to all you cowboy fans!
Ria is blind from an accident and when her assistant and a client are murdered in her home, Sheriff Phoenix Cade puts her under his protection. She's been on his mind every since they shared some dances at the local bar. But both have insecurities about relationships and they both struggle with their feelings while Cade struggles to keep Ria alive. The killers are after her and want her dead. Will they both come to terms with their feelings for each other before the killer finds her? A good book and I HIGHLY recommend this one to all you cowboy fans!
January 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this story! Loved Phoenix and Ria many twists and turns plus romance. I felt this was one of Rhonda Lee Carver best stories she has written. Read it and find what happens to these two characters and a great murder mystery too. You won't be disappointed!
January 16, 2018
This got a five star from me because of the suspenseful plot with well developed characters you relate to. Ria and Phoenix have hurdles to overcome but resolve so they can move on and live the life they want. A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start.
January 14, 2018
OMG, I couldn't put it down. There is nothing sexier than a man in uniform. Throw in a damsel in distress and you have the perfect story. Phoenix was through with women. Ria was through with men. When something threatens Ria, Phoenix takes her into hiding. Will the two stubborn and spirited people, learn to trust again, while trying to keep Ria alive? This is a must read.
January 14, 2018
The suspense had me quickly turning pages! In between all the suspense, murder mayhem and friends drama, an exquisite romance emerged. Gripping story throughout. Book gifted to me!
January 11, 2018
Ria and Phoenix
She's blind from an accident yrs ago, feisty, independent, capable, strong, & being hunted by killers.
He is strong, fiercely dedicated to protecting those that need it & will do anything to protect her. They have smoking hot chemistry and I loved this story's great characters and start to a new series! Great HEA! I received an ARC to read and review voluntarily.
She's blind from an accident yrs ago, feisty, independent, capable, strong, & being hunted by killers.
He is strong, fiercely dedicated to protecting those that need it & will do anything to protect her. They have smoking hot chemistry and I loved this story's great characters and start to a new series! Great HEA! I received an ARC to read and review voluntarily.
November 6, 2018
Sheriff Phoenix Cade is a natural protector. Ria May seem like she’s fragile on the outside but she’s a confident capable strong woman. She just happens to be blind due to an unfortunate accident.
Rhonda Lee Carver did a great job writing Ria’s character and described how a blind woman deals with everyday life She made me want to be Ria’s friend. Ria is such a wonderful positive person.
The instant chemistry between these two is fun to read. I loved reading about how they get to know each other. Plus who wouldn’t want a sexy sheriff protecting them. Must read.
Great start to a new series.
I can’t wait to read about more Wyoming Lawmen
Rhonda Lee Carver did a great job writing Ria’s character and described how a blind woman deals with everyday life She made me want to be Ria’s friend. Ria is such a wonderful positive person.
The instant chemistry between these two is fun to read. I loved reading about how they get to know each other. Plus who wouldn’t want a sexy sheriff protecting them. Must read.
Great start to a new series.
I can’t wait to read about more Wyoming Lawmen
March 25, 2019
I have been a lover of Rhonda’s cowboys since forever, so when I started reading this book I didn’t know what to expect. What I found out was that this book is amazing!! I was so emotionally invested in the plot of the story and the chemistry between Phoenix and Ria that I didn’t even miss the fact that there weren’t any cowboys in this book. We have a sinfully hot sheriff and some smoking hot sex scenes and an awesome storyline. It kept me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see “Who Done It”!! I even sometimes forgot that Ria was blind. Rhonda wrote this part extremely well. I love this book and can’t wait to see what’s coming next in this new series. I received an arc of Protected by the Lawman for an honest review and received nothing else as compensation.
November 5, 2019
This was a sweet and quick read about two people who have been hurt before but learn to trust and love again. I love that Ria does not let her blindness make her weak. She is a strong and independent woman. That's just what Phoenix sees when he looks at her too. While trying to protect her and solve his case the two grow closer and closer.
I love it when a story has a character with a disability. Love, romance, and sex are not limited to the able bodied. The flow of the story could have used a little more time and attention. Some of the transitions were not as smooth as they could have been, but overall this was an interesting read.
I love it when a story has a character with a disability. Love, romance, and sex are not limited to the able bodied. The flow of the story could have used a little more time and attention. Some of the transitions were not as smooth as they could have been, but overall this was an interesting read.
August 19, 2023
An okay read, although some aspects were left unfinished.
Like, who was snake?
What happened to marx?
What happened to Tammy?
What was the fallout from all the influencencal people being caught up in such a big scandal?
Like, who was snake?
What happened to marx?
What happened to Tammy?
What was the fallout from all the influencencal people being caught up in such a big scandal?
June 29, 2018
Eh
Not really a fan. The sex scenes were blah. Not sexy. At all. The story line seemed drawn out, then rushed.
Not really a fan. The sex scenes were blah. Not sexy. At all. The story line seemed drawn out, then rushed.
August 26, 2024
There should be a gave up option. I read 40% and gave up, it was annoying, thank god it was free 😵💫😵💫😵💫
February 3, 2018
Ria Portman never thought she would hear from Phoenix Cade after the night they shared a couple of dances and embarrassed herself after but after witnessing a double homicide of her assistant and a client who would show up to investigate but none other than Sheriff Phoenix Cade.
Phoenix Cade thought he would never see the woman who intrigued him that night at his friends bar until he walked into her house and found her the witness to a double homicide from that moment he promised himself he would protect her from the killer.
Protected by the Lawman was fast paced, romantic suspense that kept me turning the page. Ria is my favorite kind of heroine she was independent didn’t use her blindness as disability or for pity she was self reliant and smart. Phoenix was a protector but also understood Ria wanted to be self reliant. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop, they each had been burnt in a previous relationship and didn’t jump right in. An oh Phoenix stole my heart in one scene I know it took a lot from him to do it but he was a gentleman.
If you are looking for a awesome an old fashion romance with some suspense I recommend you pick up a copy of Protected by the Lawman, your favorite beverage and a nice comfy chair because you will not be able to put it down.
I received a free copy for my honest review!
Review by Mel
Phoenix Cade thought he would never see the woman who intrigued him that night at his friends bar until he walked into her house and found her the witness to a double homicide from that moment he promised himself he would protect her from the killer.
Protected by the Lawman was fast paced, romantic suspense that kept me turning the page. Ria is my favorite kind of heroine she was independent didn’t use her blindness as disability or for pity she was self reliant and smart. Phoenix was a protector but also understood Ria wanted to be self reliant. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop, they each had been burnt in a previous relationship and didn’t jump right in. An oh Phoenix stole my heart in one scene I know it took a lot from him to do it but he was a gentleman.
If you are looking for a awesome an old fashion romance with some suspense I recommend you pick up a copy of Protected by the Lawman, your favorite beverage and a nice comfy chair because you will not be able to put it down.
I received a free copy for my honest review!
Review by Mel
April 22, 2019
I Enjoyed Reading This Book OVER 18 READING
You have this Alpha male Sheriff from a long line of lawman and woman(a younger sister) but due to a bad marriage he is down on relationships. Friends are always trying to get him back to dating and this night at a friend's bad is no different. Finally his friend said if he would ask any woman of his choice to dance he and his wife would leave him alone. Maria (Ria) is a blind woman sitting at a corner table getting almost the same thing from her sister. He notices Maria the only woman that has caught his attention in sometime and ask her but doesn't stop with just one dance. Later called to a double murder with one witness, he finds Ria is the witness. Knowing she must be protected he moves her to his family Cabin which few know where it is. You get to go though the way the case is worked, the clues, how different people fit into the case. Prostitution, drugs, blackmail, murder and now they want Maria. Can he figure out who is doing this before it is to late? Can he stop the person others fear is to high up to be stopped? If he can manage to do it all, can he then convince Ria he really loves her and wants a life with her? Good to the end.
You have this Alpha male Sheriff from a long line of lawman and woman(a younger sister) but due to a bad marriage he is down on relationships. Friends are always trying to get him back to dating and this night at a friend's bad is no different. Finally his friend said if he would ask any woman of his choice to dance he and his wife would leave him alone. Maria (Ria) is a blind woman sitting at a corner table getting almost the same thing from her sister. He notices Maria the only woman that has caught his attention in sometime and ask her but doesn't stop with just one dance. Later called to a double murder with one witness, he finds Ria is the witness. Knowing she must be protected he moves her to his family Cabin which few know where it is. You get to go though the way the case is worked, the clues, how different people fit into the case. Prostitution, drugs, blackmail, murder and now they want Maria. Can he figure out who is doing this before it is to late? Can he stop the person others fear is to high up to be stopped? If he can manage to do it all, can he then convince Ria he really loves her and wants a life with her? Good to the end.
April 26, 2022
great read!
Loved the story. It packed a punch on mystery and intrigue making it addicting to just keep flipping pages. Ria has lost a lot but is strong and has adapted to her new life. But she has a fortress around herself to protect herself from getting hurt again. Especially after her ex. She may not love him anymore and be over the breakup but she carries baggage of not depending on others and doesn’t trust easily. Phoenix is a hardworking sheriff and glycerin his marriage imploded he has thrown himself into work. He too has thick walls to remain distanced after being cheated on despite knowing they both played roles in the relationships demise. He is so instantly attracted and drawn to ria but then is wrapped up in protecting her as a witness to murder. There are many ups and downs and plenty of angst surrounding the investigation and all the truths unearthed. I wasn’t fond of her icing him out. She knew it could have been cleared up with a conversation because she knew Phoenix was honest to a fault and didn’t mince words. But she ran and avoided dealing with it. It wasn’t fair to him for the two weeks of being ghosted. I’m glad he called her on her actions. Great ending!
Loved the story. It packed a punch on mystery and intrigue making it addicting to just keep flipping pages. Ria has lost a lot but is strong and has adapted to her new life. But she has a fortress around herself to protect herself from getting hurt again. Especially after her ex. She may not love him anymore and be over the breakup but she carries baggage of not depending on others and doesn’t trust easily. Phoenix is a hardworking sheriff and glycerin his marriage imploded he has thrown himself into work. He too has thick walls to remain distanced after being cheated on despite knowing they both played roles in the relationships demise. He is so instantly attracted and drawn to ria but then is wrapped up in protecting her as a witness to murder. There are many ups and downs and plenty of angst surrounding the investigation and all the truths unearthed. I wasn’t fond of her icing him out. She knew it could have been cleared up with a conversation because she knew Phoenix was honest to a fault and didn’t mince words. But she ran and avoided dealing with it. It wasn’t fair to him for the two weeks of being ghosted. I’m glad he called her on her actions. Great ending!
May 19, 2022
I've listened to the audiobook and the performance was wonderful!
This story is heartwarming. just a quick word of advice, if you're looking for steam, this isn't it. But the three chillies are not of concern when you have such a solid, heartfelt and well researched story with such endearing MCs. The female lead is blind and while reading, you get educated on this particular condition in an empowered, non-victim manner. All the strengths that come with losing the sense of sight are brought forth and set off against the parts that render you more vulnerable. I also love how willing the male MC is to treat her not only with respect and care but also a willingness to learn and to assist without smothering. Their entire relationship, offset to a backdrop of a criminal story that only didn't give me heart palpitation because I knew the romance was too sweet to get too dark and that there would be a happy ending. Having said that, I'd have liked for the supporting characters to be fleshed out a bit more to bring more life into them, which is why I've taken off one star. Still, this is an absolutely lovely, feelgood story that will warm your heart even on the coldest of nights.
This story is heartwarming. just a quick word of advice, if you're looking for steam, this isn't it. But the three chillies are not of concern when you have such a solid, heartfelt and well researched story with such endearing MCs. The female lead is blind and while reading, you get educated on this particular condition in an empowered, non-victim manner. All the strengths that come with losing the sense of sight are brought forth and set off against the parts that render you more vulnerable. I also love how willing the male MC is to treat her not only with respect and care but also a willingness to learn and to assist without smothering. Their entire relationship, offset to a backdrop of a criminal story that only didn't give me heart palpitation because I knew the romance was too sweet to get too dark and that there would be a happy ending. Having said that, I'd have liked for the supporting characters to be fleshed out a bit more to bring more life into them, which is why I've taken off one star. Still, this is an absolutely lovely, feelgood story that will warm your heart even on the coldest of nights.
May 31, 2022
"Protected by the Lawman" has a problem - two competing storylines (the crime investigation and the romance).
A multiple murder leaves a blind witness, Ria Portman, at risk of becoming the next victim. Local Sheriff Phoenix Cade investigates and takes her under his wing. Both are emotionally damaged after previous relationships went awry - it's only a matter of time before they fall for each other.
Many authors find it difficult to juggle the strands and, in this case, there is little or no attempt to keep the balls in the air - it's romance all the way except when the pesky criminals get in the way.
It's nicely done and has a lot of heart (except for a particularly crude sexual scene in Chapter 14 which seems deliberately inserted to take the book out of 'cosy' status). And there is some debate about how men and women see things differently which while, on the face of it makes sense, is ultimately ludicrous.
In the end the bad guys do everyone a favour and solve the crime themselves.
The murders were about prostitution and blackmail but, oddly, once the murders are solved there is no further mention of either.
2.5 Stars raised to 3 Stars.
A multiple murder leaves a blind witness, Ria Portman, at risk of becoming the next victim. Local Sheriff Phoenix Cade investigates and takes her under his wing. Both are emotionally damaged after previous relationships went awry - it's only a matter of time before they fall for each other.
Many authors find it difficult to juggle the strands and, in this case, there is little or no attempt to keep the balls in the air - it's romance all the way except when the pesky criminals get in the way.
It's nicely done and has a lot of heart (except for a particularly crude sexual scene in Chapter 14 which seems deliberately inserted to take the book out of 'cosy' status). And there is some debate about how men and women see things differently which while, on the face of it makes sense, is ultimately ludicrous.
In the end the bad guys do everyone a favour and solve the crime themselves.
The murders were about prostitution and blackmail but, oddly, once the murders are solved there is no further mention of either.
2.5 Stars raised to 3 Stars.
April 20, 2024
This is the first book of this series and from what I can tell this is a standalone story. This is a story of forgiveness, overcoming obstacles, knowing your own strength and learning to open your heart and trust again.
Ria and Cade are both very strong characters. I enjoyed Ria and her independence despite her disability. She is to be admired with all that she has accomplished as a blind woman. Cade is the Sheriff and he is just what you want in a leading man. He is drawn to Ria and compelled to protect her, even though she claims she doesn't need him to. Ria has no choice but to let him protect after her assistant and another man are killed. Now that the killers are after her, she has to learn to trust someone else to watch out for her.
Once these two are forced to be alone their relationship really starts to flourish. They were both burned by love and had no intention of letting anyone else get that close again. The more time they spend together the more open they are to trying again. They have an honesty that is refreshing and wonderful to read. I enjoyed the mystery, romance and overall story. ⭐⭐⭐
Ria and Cade are both very strong characters. I enjoyed Ria and her independence despite her disability. She is to be admired with all that she has accomplished as a blind woman. Cade is the Sheriff and he is just what you want in a leading man. He is drawn to Ria and compelled to protect her, even though she claims she doesn't need him to. Ria has no choice but to let him protect after her assistant and another man are killed. Now that the killers are after her, she has to learn to trust someone else to watch out for her.
Once these two are forced to be alone their relationship really starts to flourish. They were both burned by love and had no intention of letting anyone else get that close again. The more time they spend together the more open they are to trying again. They have an honesty that is refreshing and wonderful to read. I enjoyed the mystery, romance and overall story. ⭐⭐⭐
January 17, 2018
Have you ever had that feeling about a book where you just want to jump inside and be included?! This book is it! The Lawman had so much electricity and excitement going on you couldn’t put it down. Phoenix is done with woman and doesn’t plan on dealing with woman until his friend gets him to just try to dance once with a girl, little did he know this girl was going to keep him aware on all senses. Ria has been taking care of herself since her fiancé left her and she was determined to show her family that she was a strong woman and didn’t need anyone especially after the accident. Ria has been doing good with her sister near by and a thriving business…..well that is until she finds trouble in her home and business. Ria is surprised to see the one man that can help her is the one man she fled the other night. Without giving away too much of this story, Rhonda Lee Carver did a FANTASTIC job writing this story with the characters she had, you felt like you could step into her characters and feel how they felt and knew their pain. I really hope to read about these two in future books!!
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