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Protectors of Cade County #1
Federal Agent Under Fire
She’d fought for her lifebut the terror continues.
For five years FBI agent Blake Garrett has fixated on a serial-killer case. Now the madman has attacked Marissa Lane. She escaped with her life…and some clues that could help Blake. Yet she is still the object of the killer’s obsession. And Blake is torn between the unquenching need to catch his prey and a deep desire to protect the woman he can’t possibly keep.
For five years FBI agent Blake Garrett has fixated on a serial-killer case. Now the madman has attacked Marissa Lane. She escaped with her life…and some clues that could help Blake. Yet she is still the object of the killer’s obsession. And Blake is torn between the unquenching need to catch his prey and a deep desire to protect the woman he can’t possibly keep.
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 8, 2018
82 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Julie Anne Lindsey
171 books1,464 followersJulie Anne Lindsey- Hatcher is an award-winning and bestselling author of cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s published more than sixty novels as herself & under the pen names, Bree Baker, Jacqueline Frost & Julie Chase, for various publishers, including Kensington, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Crooked Lane Books. When she's not writing the stories that keep her up at night, Julie stays busy in Kent, Ohio with her three amazing kids and shamelessly enabling friends. Today she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to change the world.
Be sure to check out NOT QUITE BY THE BOOK, Julie's latest work of contemporary fiction, written under her birth name, Julie Hatcher.
Be sure to check out NOT QUITE BY THE BOOK, Julie's latest work of contemporary fiction, written under her birth name, Julie Hatcher.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 6, 2019
A 2.5 rounded up to 3 because I've had a glass of wine and feel generous. It's a pretty generic romantic suspense/serial killer tale that doesn't deliver any surprises (we know who the killer is from the get-go), but does have a few genuinely spooky moments to at least make it worthwhile.
Blake Garrett is the FBI Agent who returns to his hometown when a serial killer who got away from him five years earlier attempts to abduct Marissa Lane while she is hiking. She escapes. Of course, Blake swears to protect her, and the two develop non-professional feelings for one another.
There are plenty of tropes at work here. Blake has a dozen or so brothers/family members who all work in law enforcement and will likely get books of their own in the future. And Blake and other law enforcement conveniently fall for every diversion the serial killer, Nash Barclay, leaves for them in order to get to his prey. Shouldn't experienced law enforcement be a tad more savvy than what is shown here? Blake and Marissa make for likable leads, if a bit bland.
But I like a little more, well, intrigue, in my Intrigue stories. It's decently paced, reasonably spooky, but extremely predictable and cliched.
Blake Garrett is the FBI Agent who returns to his hometown when a serial killer who got away from him five years earlier attempts to abduct Marissa Lane while she is hiking. She escapes. Of course, Blake swears to protect her, and the two develop non-professional feelings for one another.
There are plenty of tropes at work here. Blake has a dozen or so brothers/family members who all work in law enforcement and will likely get books of their own in the future. And Blake and other law enforcement conveniently fall for every diversion the serial killer, Nash Barclay, leaves for them in order to get to his prey. Shouldn't experienced law enforcement be a tad more savvy than what is shown here? Blake and Marissa make for likable leads, if a bit bland.
But I like a little more, well, intrigue, in my Intrigue stories. It's decently paced, reasonably spooky, but extremely predictable and cliched.
February 11, 2018
This is the 1st time I've read her book. I really enjoyed this book for I got to meet Marissa and Matt. He has been on the hunt for a serial killer for 5 yrs. I like Marissa she is one tough cookie. I like that the author made her able to take care of herself despite the fact that she was small in size. I also like how she shows us the mind of a serial killer, in a small way, she doesn't delve in it to a point were we lose the story but enough for us to understand his thinking. Its a great story that has you turning the pages to see what is happening next. It was a great story and I'm looking forward to the next the book. Matt was neat. He had his flaws he wasn't perfect. He made mistakes which the author did an excellent job of portraying. Its a book worth reading.
February 27, 2018
I am a fan of Julie Anne Lindsey and her writing style. She has an ability to bring readers to the point of nail biting suspense as well as make them swoon for the characters hoping for the Happily Ever After readers love.
This story off face pace pulling reader happily along as Blake and Marissa try to find a killer who wants to see her dead.
The characters stay true to who they are from beginning to the end of the story. Read will fall in love with smart tough as nails Marissa who has a soft side for her family and Blake who can't seem to understand how he could fall in love with someone who fast.
The story is well written and a must read by the pool during spring break. it is a quick fast read that will sastify mystery and romance readers.
I can't wait to read what Julie Anne Lindsey has up her sleeve next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Harlequin Intrigue for the advance copy
This story off face pace pulling reader happily along as Blake and Marissa try to find a killer who wants to see her dead.
The characters stay true to who they are from beginning to the end of the story. Read will fall in love with smart tough as nails Marissa who has a soft side for her family and Blake who can't seem to understand how he could fall in love with someone who fast.
The story is well written and a must read by the pool during spring break. it is a quick fast read that will sastify mystery and romance readers.
I can't wait to read what Julie Anne Lindsey has up her sleeve next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Harlequin Intrigue for the advance copy
February 4, 2018
After a near abduction on an early morning trail jogging excursion, Marissa lands herself right in the middle of a serial killer investigation. As the only one who got away, she is the key witness for the FBI agent heading up the case, Blake Garrett. With the serial killer intent on circling back to Marissa, Blake knows she's in grave danger and is quickly learning he'll do anything to ensure the strong woman's safety.
What an amazing, action-packed, start to a new miniseries by Julie Anne Lindsey! I absolutely fell in love with not only our hero Blake, but his entire family!
Coming from a family of law enforcement, Blake's sense of duty and justice runs deep and true. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and tends to blame himself for every victim he can't save. Coming back to his hometown where serial killer Nash Barclay eluded him five years earlier means he has one last chance to finally finish the case he could never solve. Finding out he actually has a witness instead of a dead body this time is the break he was hoping to get. Meeting Marissa instantly intrigues him, not only on a professional level but also a very personal one. She's strong, obviously resourceful and she's intent on tagging along to bring Nash down. Vowing to keep his distance but protect her in the process is his duty. A duty that quickly spirals out of control as they work the case together with Nash taunting them at every turn.
I found Marissa to be a very likable heroine not only because of her sweet, small town personality, but also because of her steadfast need to remain strong in the face of fear. This is not a heroine who falls apart at the drop of the hat. She holds herself emotionally together and she holds her own in a fight, even those stacked against her. I loved her need to lean on Blake when she felt she couldn't shoulder anymore and in turn his innate need to protect her.
As far as the budding romance between characters, Lindsey manages to create a relationship with simple acts of touching and scorching looks. Built on the emotional connection and not the physical, Federal Agent Under Fire doesn't give readers a sex filled, angsty roller coaster, but I found it a page turner nonetheless. The superb character development and continuous action diverted this reader from the lack of physical engagement that I normally enjoy. Along with the fleshing out of future books featuring Blake's entire family, which I sincerely hope readers get to enjoy, I am eagerly anticipating the next case that comes to this small towns doorstep.
Federal Agent Under Fire is an exceptional page turner from beginning to end! I couldn't put it down!
I give Federal Agent Under Fire by Julie Anne Lindsey 4.75 stars!
What an amazing, action-packed, start to a new miniseries by Julie Anne Lindsey! I absolutely fell in love with not only our hero Blake, but his entire family!
Coming from a family of law enforcement, Blake's sense of duty and justice runs deep and true. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and tends to blame himself for every victim he can't save. Coming back to his hometown where serial killer Nash Barclay eluded him five years earlier means he has one last chance to finally finish the case he could never solve. Finding out he actually has a witness instead of a dead body this time is the break he was hoping to get. Meeting Marissa instantly intrigues him, not only on a professional level but also a very personal one. She's strong, obviously resourceful and she's intent on tagging along to bring Nash down. Vowing to keep his distance but protect her in the process is his duty. A duty that quickly spirals out of control as they work the case together with Nash taunting them at every turn.
I found Marissa to be a very likable heroine not only because of her sweet, small town personality, but also because of her steadfast need to remain strong in the face of fear. This is not a heroine who falls apart at the drop of the hat. She holds herself emotionally together and she holds her own in a fight, even those stacked against her. I loved her need to lean on Blake when she felt she couldn't shoulder anymore and in turn his innate need to protect her.
As far as the budding romance between characters, Lindsey manages to create a relationship with simple acts of touching and scorching looks. Built on the emotional connection and not the physical, Federal Agent Under Fire doesn't give readers a sex filled, angsty roller coaster, but I found it a page turner nonetheless. The superb character development and continuous action diverted this reader from the lack of physical engagement that I normally enjoy. Along with the fleshing out of future books featuring Blake's entire family, which I sincerely hope readers get to enjoy, I am eagerly anticipating the next case that comes to this small towns doorstep.
Federal Agent Under Fire is an exceptional page turner from beginning to end! I couldn't put it down!
I give Federal Agent Under Fire by Julie Anne Lindsey 4.75 stars!
March 1, 2018
This story resonated with me as coming from my own family of law enforcement, it depicted somewhat accurately a theme that through the years I have heard over & over again on my dining room table. That aside, Blake & Marissa are two characters that I instantly fell in love with. I love strong heroines and a protective hero. This one is a must read.
March 20, 2018
I love it when a new author to me turns out to be a hit. Julie Anne's debut Intrigue book proved she has earned her place in the lineup of great authors writing the intense romantic suspense for Intrigue. Her style to tell the story is mesmerizing, it has wit and humor, depth and fervor, with her words she draws clear, vivid images of the vigorous hunt for the serial killer. The Garrett family and the brothers, in particular, are solid characters with depth and strength that raise my interest and I am already looking forward to learning more about them and their destinies in the future installments of the series.
The FBI agent Blake Garrett is the oldest of the brothers. He is dedicated, energetic, loyal, and focused. His career is important to him but family is everything. His solid characteristics made him stand out, he is kind, sweet, considerate man under the shield of a warrior.
Marissa Lane is a strong and smart heroine whose toughness was impossible not to admire. She is an adrenaline junkie, with a successful career, yet her greatest wish is to be a mom.
The connection between Blake and Marissa was a tangible force in the story. It was natural, real, and tight. It was filled with passion and earnestness, yet the focus on their minds was on the case, proving them to be smart and capable, yet able to fall in love and show their feelings. The attraction was endearing, the passion unquestionable, the conclusion not rushed yet played out just perfectly.
The chase over the mountains and difficult terrain for the serial killer, the sociopath who enjoyed the attention of the law enforcement, who loved to play and torture his victims, whose brutal crimes had caused too many lives was fierce and dangerous. The built up of the case is subtle yet powerful, taking it to a crescendo that left had me gasping.
Absolutely marvelously intense beginning to a suspense series and introduction to an author, that I will be keeping an eye on and can easily recommend for everyone to follow up on.
Entertaining, sharp, and vigorous romantic suspense
~ Five Spoons
The FBI agent Blake Garrett is the oldest of the brothers. He is dedicated, energetic, loyal, and focused. His career is important to him but family is everything. His solid characteristics made him stand out, he is kind, sweet, considerate man under the shield of a warrior.
Marissa Lane is a strong and smart heroine whose toughness was impossible not to admire. She is an adrenaline junkie, with a successful career, yet her greatest wish is to be a mom.
The connection between Blake and Marissa was a tangible force in the story. It was natural, real, and tight. It was filled with passion and earnestness, yet the focus on their minds was on the case, proving them to be smart and capable, yet able to fall in love and show their feelings. The attraction was endearing, the passion unquestionable, the conclusion not rushed yet played out just perfectly.
The chase over the mountains and difficult terrain for the serial killer, the sociopath who enjoyed the attention of the law enforcement, who loved to play and torture his victims, whose brutal crimes had caused too many lives was fierce and dangerous. The built up of the case is subtle yet powerful, taking it to a crescendo that left had me gasping.
Absolutely marvelously intense beginning to a suspense series and introduction to an author, that I will be keeping an eye on and can easily recommend for everyone to follow up on.
Entertaining, sharp, and vigorous romantic suspense
~ Five Spoons
March 24, 2018
Blake is on the hunt for a serial-killer and it seems like his chase has come at a lull. Marissa Lane managed to escape from the man who might have ties to Blakes serial killer. With a few more attempts at capture a cat and mouse games seems to be on and Blake will do anything to keep Marissa safe.
If you like a good mystery suspense novel with a bit of romance in it then this book might just be fore you. I honestly loved that the romance bit didn't over power this novel, I mean things are tense and the killer keeps making himself known there really isn't time for romance. I loved that there was plenty going on to keep things interesting. I loved that Marissa didn't make herself a easy victim, there was strong and did everything she could to get out of the killers grasp and even when she was pretty torn down she refused to let anything slow her down. I loved that she also didn't just wait for Blake to come and save her and really thought of ways to get out of sticky situations. Overall this was a pretty great book I really enjoyed it.
If you like a good mystery suspense novel with a bit of romance in it then this book might just be fore you. I honestly loved that the romance bit didn't over power this novel, I mean things are tense and the killer keeps making himself known there really isn't time for romance. I loved that there was plenty going on to keep things interesting. I loved that Marissa didn't make herself a easy victim, there was strong and did everything she could to get out of the killers grasp and even when she was pretty torn down she refused to let anything slow her down. I loved that she also didn't just wait for Blake to come and save her and really thought of ways to get out of sticky situations. Overall this was a pretty great book I really enjoyed it.
March 18, 2018
This is the first book by julie that I have read but it will not be my last. Marissa and Blake have many adventures in this story. I was up all night reading this book. It was filled with mystery and romance, and, oh, such wonderful lawmen. Thank you to the publishers in Net Galley for allowing me to read this wonderful story.
Read
April 3, 2018Miniseries: Protectors of Cade County
August 2, 2019
Ms. Lindsey knows how to spin a tale of mystery and suspense, although I admit I figured out most of the plot twists before they happened. However, that did not take away from the pleasure of reading this book. I have read West's story and Cole's story previously. I would rate the book a 4.3.
February 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Blake has been on the hunt for a serial-killer for years. He had finally given up, and started working on other cases when the case had grown cold. He was called back to his home town when Marissa Lane was almost kidnapped. I liked Marissa right away. She was little but she was fierce. She fought Nash with everything she had. After the attack, she met with Blake the lead investigator. He looked at her small size and asked how did she get away. She said would you like me to demonstrate? Other fellow police offices chuckled. After that first meeting, the two became a team. Nash kept targeting both of them. I loved the action and suspense throughout the book. I also loved the chemistry, and romance between Blake, and Marissa. Blake’s whole family was in law enforcement. It was nice to see a family work so well together. You could tell they loved one another, and had each other’s backs. This was a great book from start to end.
June 2, 2018
This is the first book in a new series that I just started reading by a new author that I hadn't had the pleasure of reading her other books. Protectors of Cade County started off with such a good storyline and great introduction of characters. FBI Agent Blake Garrett and Marissa Lane are the first characters in this wonderful story. I loved every moment in this book and this was one of these books that had me at the edge of my seat. I wanted to figure out what was going to happen Marissa. She was being stalked and she didn't even know it. That's the scary part someone following you for days, weeks maybe even months looking for the perfect time to kidnap you. That's a very scary thought. Then you have Blake an FBI Agent that had been tracking a serial killer but then he stopped. Now the serial killer is back and this time he is means to hit Blake where it hurts. Marissa wants to be safe and to her that's being with Blake and his brother's. They are going to have to watch their backs and make sure that they keep Marissa safe anything can happen.
I totally recommend this read! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
I totally recommend this read! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
April 23, 2018
Riveting danger, an intriguing backstory and a sexy lawman to save the day ... what more could we ask for? With her first story in the Harlequin Intrigue line, Julie Anne Lindsey does not disappoint! She comes in strong with a sassy heroine, a conniving villain and a gun-touting cop determined to bring justice once and for all! It was fast paced, attention grabbing throughout, and had a sweet happily-ever-after. Really enjoyed!
Photographer Marissa Lane wasn't expecting to become the victim of an attempted abduction when she went out for a run one morning, but she finds herself smack dab in the middle of the return of a fugitive serial killer to the area!
FBI agent Blake Garrett has never forgiven himself for letting this monster get the slip on him 5 years ago, and not a day has gone by that he hasn't been hunting for him. Finally the end of this nightmare might be near ... but first he has to keep Marissa safe as the psycho starts playing hunting games!
Photographer Marissa Lane wasn't expecting to become the victim of an attempted abduction when she went out for a run one morning, but she finds herself smack dab in the middle of the return of a fugitive serial killer to the area!
FBI agent Blake Garrett has never forgiven himself for letting this monster get the slip on him 5 years ago, and not a day has gone by that he hasn't been hunting for him. Finally the end of this nightmare might be near ... but first he has to keep Marissa safe as the psycho starts playing hunting games!
November 18, 2020
Love this author!
There are actually four books with the Garrett Brothers, so I recommend reading the in this sequence:
1. Federal Agent Under Fire (Blake)
2. The Sheriff’s Secret (West)
3. Shadow Point Deputy (Cole)
4. Marked by the Marshall (Ryder)
I read them in 3-4-1-2 sequence and they all work great as stand-alone books, but the above sequence will help out.
All the books are great - likable characters, believable characters and the women aren’t all the types who whine or constantly fail to follow basic instruction. No - they’re all smart, strong, have common sense, are independent thinkers and totally fall for the Garrett brother who’s assigned to protect them, all four brothers’ being a member of some law enforcement agency (Local / federal, depending on the brother).
Great to get to know the whole family - even Uncle Henry!
The stories are fun - believable, scary, action-packed and also quick reads because you can’t put them down! Sleep is overrated anyway. Enjoy!
There are actually four books with the Garrett Brothers, so I recommend reading the in this sequence:
1. Federal Agent Under Fire (Blake)
2. The Sheriff’s Secret (West)
3. Shadow Point Deputy (Cole)
4. Marked by the Marshall (Ryder)
I read them in 3-4-1-2 sequence and they all work great as stand-alone books, but the above sequence will help out.
All the books are great - likable characters, believable characters and the women aren’t all the types who whine or constantly fail to follow basic instruction. No - they’re all smart, strong, have common sense, are independent thinkers and totally fall for the Garrett brother who’s assigned to protect them, all four brothers’ being a member of some law enforcement agency (Local / federal, depending on the brother).
Great to get to know the whole family - even Uncle Henry!
The stories are fun - believable, scary, action-packed and also quick reads because you can’t put them down! Sleep is overrated anyway. Enjoy!
January 28, 2024
Blake Garrett comes from a long line of Policeman and medics. He is an FBI Agent and has been on the trail of Nash who is a Serial Killer. Nash finds his victims, studies their likes and dislikes, buys them wedding gowns and then kills them.
When Nash strikes again, he strikes in Blake's home town. His brother is the Sheriff, and he calls Blake to come home and help solve this crime.
This was an awesome story that had me on the edge of my seat and I finished the whole book in a little over a day.
When Nash strikes again, he strikes in Blake's home town. His brother is the Sheriff, and he calls Blake to come home and help solve this crime.
This was an awesome story that had me on the edge of my seat and I finished the whole book in a little over a day.
October 1, 2021
Man this book is sooo good. I pride myself on trying to figure out what happens next, and this book did an amazing job at keeping me guessing. Instead of trying to figure out who the bad guy is, you are trying to guess his next move! This is a different direction for other books I've read and I reallg enjoyed it!! Also who couldn't connect with two amazing Main characters and side characters! Looking for a good suspenseful romance than look no further:)
November 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this romantic suspense. I voluntarily chose to review this and I've given it a 4.5* rating. First off lets just say, there is a lot of violence and dead bodies. In this case, it's a serial killer. There's a lot of action, a lot of false leads and a lot of man hours trying to track him down. This was pretty intense and it's something that could happen to a lot of us. Be aware when you go out alone, like for a daily run. We all need to do that more.
February 19, 2021
This book is actually very good. The main characters have chemistry and even less sex scene, i love that the woman really care for the hero and show her support for him. she was a brave woman and got hurt so many times by the serial killer
June 18, 2018
I enjoyed this book--both the suspense story line, which I thought was solid, and also the relationship between the two main characters. Where it lost me was the gag-inducing ending.
May 12, 2019
A quick read.
June 18, 2019
I really liked this book.
December 15, 2022
What’s a great mystery!! I loved this book, it had everything. Mystery, a serial killer, a hot FBI agent and a strong woman. This one really had me on the edge of my seat.
November 2, 2024
Great read!
August 13, 2024
Strong female lead. Not much mystery, but good thriller.
Read
April 3, 2018Miniseries: Protectors of Cade County
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews