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Crisis: Cattle Barge #1
Sudden Setup
Someone desperately wants her dead.
A stranger is her only hope.
Alone and on the run for the past two years, Holden Crawford knows helping Ella Butler will only bring him trouble. But not rescuing one of Cattle Barge’s wealthiest daughters isn’t an option and now he’ll risk everything to protect her. Once her would-be killers are caught and Holden knows Ella is safe, will revealing his darkest secrets bring them closer…or force her out of his life forever?
A stranger is her only hope.
Alone and on the run for the past two years, Holden Crawford knows helping Ella Butler will only bring him trouble. But not rescuing one of Cattle Barge’s wealthiest daughters isn’t an option and now he’ll risk everything to protect her. Once her would-be killers are caught and Holden knows Ella is safe, will revealing his darkest secrets bring them closer…or force her out of his life forever?
- GenresHarlequin
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 8, 2018
75 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Barb Han
365 books210 followersBARB HAN is a USA TODAY, Publisher's Weekly, and Amazon Bestselling Author. Reviewers have called her books "heartfelt" and "exciting."
She lives in Texas—her true north—with her adventurous family, and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or swimming in her own backyard.
Sign up to receive Barb's news and release announcements at www.BarbHan.com.
She lives in Texas—her true north—with her adventurous family, and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or swimming in her own backyard.
Sign up to receive Barb's news and release announcements at www.BarbHan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 14, 2019
Ella Butler is saved from a nasty fall after a rock is thrown at her head. Her rescuer is Holden Crawford, and he nurses her back to health in a small shack he is staying at on Ella's murdered father's property. He's been off the grid for two years following the murders of his girlfriend and father, for which he was framed. He fears that helping Ella will bring him back into the spotlight. But he can't resist her blah blah blah yada yada yada.
Just when I think I've read the most dull, boring, pointless Intrigue book ever (only as recently as Dropping the Hammer), something comes along to totally lower the bar. Sudden Setup is that book. This is an absolute pile of tosh. Absolutely sweet fuck all happens for about 95% of the book. I can't believe how boring it was! The two attacks on Ella that force her on the run happen off the page! There is NOTHING happening between the covers of this book.
You would think that would give it time to focus on the relationship between Holden and Ella. Well, yes, I suppose so. They talk, talk, talk and talk, talk, talk. They talk, talk, talk a little bit more. They keep lamenting about how much danger they're both in, but I certainly never felt it! Once they're on the "run", they're never in any danger! Ella's pursuer doesn't get anywhere near them! Then they just head to a new location courtesy of one of Holden's many convenient friends, and talk some more.
Despite all this chit chat, I can't say I got much of a feel for our H and h. He's taciturn and socially awkward because of being on the run and trying to stay off the grid. She's a heiress with a large profile who is passionate about causes close to her heart. She keeps throwing herself at him and he rejects her because he's "not good for her" and that "bad things happen to people I love". Yawn. If it's not that being rinsed and repeated, it's Ella thanking Holden yet again for rescuing her and helping her.
Many questions arose:
If Holden really wants to stay off the grid and not have Ella babbling about him, how about coming up with a false name and a good cover story and dutifully dropping her off at the front steps of the police, and not a few blocks away, before moving on? Instead he acts all enigmatic, refusing to give her a name or any information at all, which, you know, would make any normal person ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS. Which Ella does. He then drops her off blocks away from the police, conveniently enabling another attack (off the page) on Ella.
If Holden really is "all alone" and "cursed" etc etc, why does he have this seemingly neverending parade of friends who can he turn to in order to help him out? Ella's father happily lets him stay on his land. His friend Rose takes them both in. Another friend has a cabin he can stay in. Another friend has a sports utility vehicle he can borrow when convenient! I mean, really?!? I never believed Holden's solitary existence, the belief he had nowhere to turn, or the supposed danger he was in, because he actually had a pretty damn nifty support system behind him!
When Holden and Ella find the strongbox among Holden's father's belongings, why are they trying to smash it open or try combinations such as Holden's birthday? Days earlier they were given the numbers 1-9-6-4 by Rose. Wouldn't that mysterious number be a good thing to try as a combination?!? After nothing happening for well over 150 pages, I didn't need supreme TSTL behaviour from the leads on top of everything else!
Anyway, the conspiracy behind the murders of Holden's ex-girlfriend and father is wrapped up. A character who had never even been mentioned within the text at all (except for the Cast Of Characters bit at the beginning of the book WHICH I REALLY WISH THIS LINE WOULD GET RID OF) is behind the attack on Ella, to do with land and a charity she was supporting. It didn't make much sense. As for who killed Ella's father, that's a mystery to be solved in another book, because about the only thing that could make this shitty piece of shit even shittier is the fact I have to read another five books to find out what happened on that front.
Seriously, just don't even bother with this one!
Just when I think I've read the most dull, boring, pointless Intrigue book ever (only as recently as Dropping the Hammer), something comes along to totally lower the bar. Sudden Setup is that book. This is an absolute pile of tosh. Absolutely sweet fuck all happens for about 95% of the book. I can't believe how boring it was! The two attacks on Ella that force her on the run happen off the page! There is NOTHING happening between the covers of this book.
You would think that would give it time to focus on the relationship between Holden and Ella. Well, yes, I suppose so. They talk, talk, talk and talk, talk, talk. They talk, talk, talk a little bit more. They keep lamenting about how much danger they're both in, but I certainly never felt it! Once they're on the "run", they're never in any danger! Ella's pursuer doesn't get anywhere near them! Then they just head to a new location courtesy of one of Holden's many convenient friends, and talk some more.
Despite all this chit chat, I can't say I got much of a feel for our H and h. He's taciturn and socially awkward because of being on the run and trying to stay off the grid. She's a heiress with a large profile who is passionate about causes close to her heart. She keeps throwing herself at him and he rejects her because he's "not good for her" and that "bad things happen to people I love". Yawn. If it's not that being rinsed and repeated, it's Ella thanking Holden yet again for rescuing her and helping her.
Many questions arose:
If Holden really wants to stay off the grid and not have Ella babbling about him, how about coming up with a false name and a good cover story and dutifully dropping her off at the front steps of the police, and not a few blocks away, before moving on? Instead he acts all enigmatic, refusing to give her a name or any information at all, which, you know, would make any normal person ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS. Which Ella does. He then drops her off blocks away from the police, conveniently enabling another attack (off the page) on Ella.
If Holden really is "all alone" and "cursed" etc etc, why does he have this seemingly neverending parade of friends who can he turn to in order to help him out? Ella's father happily lets him stay on his land. His friend Rose takes them both in. Another friend has a cabin he can stay in. Another friend has a sports utility vehicle he can borrow when convenient! I mean, really?!? I never believed Holden's solitary existence, the belief he had nowhere to turn, or the supposed danger he was in, because he actually had a pretty damn nifty support system behind him!
When Holden and Ella find the strongbox among Holden's father's belongings, why are they trying to smash it open or try combinations such as Holden's birthday? Days earlier they were given the numbers 1-9-6-4 by Rose. Wouldn't that mysterious number be a good thing to try as a combination?!? After nothing happening for well over 150 pages, I didn't need supreme TSTL behaviour from the leads on top of everything else!
Anyway, the conspiracy behind the murders of Holden's ex-girlfriend and father is wrapped up. A character who had never even been mentioned within the text at all (except for the Cast Of Characters bit at the beginning of the book WHICH I REALLY WISH THIS LINE WOULD GET RID OF) is behind the attack on Ella, to do with land and a charity she was supporting. It didn't make much sense. As for who killed Ella's father, that's a mystery to be solved in another book, because about the only thing that could make this shitty piece of shit even shittier is the fact I have to read another five books to find out what happened on that front.
Seriously, just don't even bother with this one!
December 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the connection that Ella, and Holden had from the beginning. Holden was set up for a crime he didn’t commit. He has been on the run for two years trying to find a way to clear his name. He see’s someone knock Ella out. He has no choice but to take care of her, while she is unconscious. He can’t risk putting her in more danger. When she wakes up, he takes her close to the Police office. He finds out by watching the news that someone attempted to kill her a second time. He jumps on his motorcycle and heads back to find her. After that he was her body guard. This was an excellent book with twist and turns, and a good plot. I loved the action, suspense and romance. Both crimes had an ending. Holden’s name was cleared, and by chance they found out who was after Ella. This was the first book in a series, but there were no cliffhangers. Not sure about you, but I hate books with cliffhangers. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
April 9, 2018
Two people. One on the run wanted for murder. One being hunted. Can she trust him?
Holden has been off the grid for 2 years. No contact whatsoever with anyone. But he can't just leave Ella laying in the dessert. So he breaks his rules and helps her. Will this be his undoing?
Ella has lost her dad. And now someone is after her. She can't go back until they fund out who and why. But her attraction to Holden may be clouding her judgment. But they work well together and with him keeping her safe and her getting him to open up maybe they can solve more than one mystery.
The attraction is between the two is off the charts. But Holden can't risk her. Everyone he loves dies and he won't chance that. As the danger ratchets up their desire to find answers and maybe have a chance with one another does as well. Can they survive all that is headed their way??
Holden has been off the grid for 2 years. No contact whatsoever with anyone. But he can't just leave Ella laying in the dessert. So he breaks his rules and helps her. Will this be his undoing?
Ella has lost her dad. And now someone is after her. She can't go back until they fund out who and why. But her attraction to Holden may be clouding her judgment. But they work well together and with him keeping her safe and her getting him to open up maybe they can solve more than one mystery.
The attraction is between the two is off the charts. But Holden can't risk her. Everyone he loves dies and he won't chance that. As the danger ratchets up their desire to find answers and maybe have a chance with one another does as well. Can they survive all that is headed their way??
March 14, 2018
4 1/2 STARS!
An exciting kick-off to Barb Han's latest series! We're quickly thrust into the middle of the action as Holden rescues Ella and their stories begin to unfold. The mystery is kept alive throughout the book with us following snippets of clues to try to figure out alongside them who the immediate threat is to her, and to find out once and for all who set him up for a fall two years ago. The characters are easily likable and fairly well developed. The plot keeps us guessing up until the end!
Accidentally witnessing a murder attempt is not a position Holden Crawford wanted to be put in, but once it happens, he can't refuse helping the victim ... even though he recognizes her as being from one of the wealthiest families in Cattle Barge, TX and it could put him in the spotlight. Holden has been on the run for two years now for crimes he was accused of but didn't commit ... he's living his life under the radar and without contact with anyone, but for this woman, he's going to have to make an exception!
Ella Butler is woozy and unsure when she wakes up in a cabin with a strange man. He's not super forthcoming with answers, but he did rescue her when he didn't have to, so he can't really be a bad guy ... can he? When danger rears it's ugly head again when she tries to go to the authorities, he finds himself circling back to help her again and taking her on the run with him. As the story of his past comes out, they set out to find answers that will free both of their torments.
An exciting kick-off to Barb Han's latest series! We're quickly thrust into the middle of the action as Holden rescues Ella and their stories begin to unfold. The mystery is kept alive throughout the book with us following snippets of clues to try to figure out alongside them who the immediate threat is to her, and to find out once and for all who set him up for a fall two years ago. The characters are easily likable and fairly well developed. The plot keeps us guessing up until the end!
Accidentally witnessing a murder attempt is not a position Holden Crawford wanted to be put in, but once it happens, he can't refuse helping the victim ... even though he recognizes her as being from one of the wealthiest families in Cattle Barge, TX and it could put him in the spotlight. Holden has been on the run for two years now for crimes he was accused of but didn't commit ... he's living his life under the radar and without contact with anyone, but for this woman, he's going to have to make an exception!
Ella Butler is woozy and unsure when she wakes up in a cabin with a strange man. He's not super forthcoming with answers, but he did rescue her when he didn't have to, so he can't really be a bad guy ... can he? When danger rears it's ugly head again when she tries to go to the authorities, he finds himself circling back to help her again and taking her on the run with him. As the story of his past comes out, they set out to find answers that will free both of their torments.
March 13, 2018
If you like suspense than you will LOVE Sudden Setup! As always Barb Han has knocked it out of the ballpark from page 1, you are drawn into they mysterious life of the ruggedly handsome Holden Crawford after he finds the beautiful blue eyed Ella Butler left for dead in the wilderness of her father's ranch. Someone has murdered Ella's father the wealthiest man from Cattle Barge, and now is out to get Ella herself! Holden feels he owes it to Ella's dad Maverick Mike to take care of Ella and keep her safe from whoever is trying to kill her. Before being murdered Maverick Mike had put Holden up in a remote cabin on the far edge of his ranch, where he will be able to hide from the people who not only killed his girlfriend and his father but are after him also! Two years on the run, hiding from the world he now has a woman to look after that he suddenly finds himself sexually attracted too, keeping his hands off Ella while trying to save both their lives becomes harder and harder to accomplish. On the run trying to keep both Ella and himself safe Holden tries to figure out who is after Ella but who killed his father and girlfriend... As to not ruin the end of it I will part with this if you're looking for a book to escape in and is hard to put down from page 1 till the end this is the book for you! Personally I can't wait for Book #2 in the Cattle Barge Series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2019
Sudden Setup is a fantastic romantic suspense by Barb Han. Ms. Han has delivered a well-written book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and loaded it with a outstanding cast of characters. Holden has been on the run and hiding for two years after his father and girlfriend were murdered. While hiding on a far corner of his dad's friend's ranch, he's a witness to an attempt on Ella Butler's life. Ella and Holden's story is loaded with suspense, bits of humor, spice and action. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover and look forward to reading more from Barb Han in the future. Sudden Setup is book 1 of the Crisis: Battle Barge Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I read a print copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read a print copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 20, 2018
Barb does it again, I have read her books because let's face it, I am obsessed with her work. Barb knows how to keep her readers interested and want more. Sudden Setup is no different. It is very hard to find anything negative to say. It's also very hard to decide who is your book boyfriend when she releases another book and you fall in love with another character.
Sudden Setup will have you scream for more. You know that old saying "You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream"? Well in this case "You scream, I scream, we all scream for more." Sudden Setup is a sit on the edge of you chair shaking your leg, and saying OMG OMG OMG kind of book. I so recommend this one to all of you.
Sudden Setup will have you scream for more. You know that old saying "You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream"? Well in this case "You scream, I scream, we all scream for more." Sudden Setup is a sit on the edge of you chair shaking your leg, and saying OMG OMG OMG kind of book. I so recommend this one to all of you.
March 23, 2018
Holden has been in hiding for the past 2 years, when he witnesses an act that injures Ella Butler he risks all to save her. They go on the run - trying to find answers while their lives hang in jeopardy as unsavory characters pursue them. A strong attraction develops but obstacles arise in the form of fear from past loss.
An intriguing read as facts are sorted, relations are made in this thrilling suspenseful read.
An intriguing read as facts are sorted, relations are made in this thrilling suspenseful read.
June 8, 2022
I enjoyed this intriguing Romance. I bought this at a local store and I voluntarily chose to review this story. I've given it a 4.5* rating. Not for the under 18 readers. This story pulled me in very fast when the heroine practically fell into the hero's care. A lot of suspects keep you guessing who it could be until the end. I thought I figured it out towards the end but I was wrong.
May 24, 2019
Good 👍Read
Barb Jan delivers the goods again.Mystery,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of action.Your going to be sitting on the edge of your seat,wondering what's going to happen next.
Barb Jan delivers the goods again.Mystery,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of action.Your going to be sitting on the edge of your seat,wondering what's going to happen next.
March 5, 2018
Good but the book didn't disclose who killed her father.
March 11, 2018
Excellent book, I loved it. Perfect blend of romance and mystery. Look forward to the next one and can't wait to find out who killed her Dad...
April 22, 2018
Review in process. . . To come soon!
September 29, 2023
fantastic
Such a good story. It keeps you in suspense until the very end.I loved how it ended and so glad love finds a way.
Such a good story. It keeps you in suspense until the very end.I loved how it ended and so glad love finds a way.
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April 3, 2018Miniseries: Crisis: Cattle Barge
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April 3, 2018Miniseries: Crisis: Cattle Barge
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews