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Top Secret Deliveries #9
Cavanaugh's Secret Delivery
This Cavanaugh detective guards his ready-made family
A brand-new Top Secret Deliveries thriller
Delivering a stranded woman’s baby? All in a day’s work for Detective Dugan Cavanaugh. But the new mother is investigative reporter Toni O’Keefe, who’s hot on the trail of the drug cartel Dugan is tracking. Now with infant Heather and Toni in the cartel’s lethal sights, Toni’s fragile trust in Dugan is their only shot to get Cavanaugh justice!
A brand-new Top Secret Deliveries thriller
Delivering a stranded woman’s baby? All in a day’s work for Detective Dugan Cavanaugh. But the new mother is investigative reporter Toni O’Keefe, who’s hot on the trail of the drug cartel Dugan is tracking. Now with infant Heather and Toni in the cartel’s lethal sights, Toni’s fragile trust in Dugan is their only shot to get Cavanaugh justice!
- GenresRomanceRomantic Suspense
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 14, 2018
56 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Marie Ferrarella
1,228 books277 followersMarie Rydzynski-Ferrarella
aka Marie Charles, Marie Michael, Marie Nicole, Marie Ferrarella
Marie Rydzynski was born on March 28 in West Germany to Polish parents. She moved to America at the age of four. For an entire year, Marie and her family explored the eastern half of the country before finally settling in New York.
Marie swears she was born writing, "which must have made the delivery especially hard for my mother." From an early age, Marie's parents would find her watching television or tucked away in some private place, writing at a furious pace. "Initially, I began writing myself into my favourite shows. I was a detective on '77 Sunset Strip,' the missing Cartwright sibling they never talked about on 'Bonanza' and the 'Girl from U.N.C.L.E.' before there was a 'Girl from U.N.C.L.E.,' not to mention an active participant in the serialized stories of 'The Mickey Mouse Club.'" Marie began to write her first romance novel when she was 11 years old, although she claims that, at the time, she didn't even realize it was a romance! She scribbled off and on, while dreaming of a career as an actress.
Marie was only 14 when she first laid eyes on the man she would marry, truly her first love, Charles Ferrarella. During her days at Queens College, New York, acting started to lose its glamour as Marie spent more and more time writing. After receiving her English degree, specialising in Shakespearean comedy, Marie and her family moved to Southern California, where she still resides today.
After an interminable seven weeks apart, Charles decided he couldn't live without her and came out to California to marry his childhood sweetheart. Ever practical, Marie was married in a wash-and-wear wedding dress that she sewed herself, appliqués and all. "'Be prepared' has always been my motto,"the author jokes. This motto has been stretched considerably by her two children, Nikky and Jessi, "but basically, it still applies," she says.
In November of 1981, she sold her first novel for Harlequin. Marie, who now has written over 150 novels, has one goal: to entertain, to make people laugh and feel good. "That's what makes me happy," she confesses. "That, and a really good romantic evening with my husband." She's keeping her fingers crossed that her reader's enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoyed writing them.
aka Marie Charles, Marie Michael, Marie Nicole, Marie Ferrarella
Marie Rydzynski was born on March 28 in West Germany to Polish parents. She moved to America at the age of four. For an entire year, Marie and her family explored the eastern half of the country before finally settling in New York.
Marie swears she was born writing, "which must have made the delivery especially hard for my mother." From an early age, Marie's parents would find her watching television or tucked away in some private place, writing at a furious pace. "Initially, I began writing myself into my favourite shows. I was a detective on '77 Sunset Strip,' the missing Cartwright sibling they never talked about on 'Bonanza' and the 'Girl from U.N.C.L.E.' before there was a 'Girl from U.N.C.L.E.,' not to mention an active participant in the serialized stories of 'The Mickey Mouse Club.'" Marie began to write her first romance novel when she was 11 years old, although she claims that, at the time, she didn't even realize it was a romance! She scribbled off and on, while dreaming of a career as an actress.
Marie was only 14 when she first laid eyes on the man she would marry, truly her first love, Charles Ferrarella. During her days at Queens College, New York, acting started to lose its glamour as Marie spent more and more time writing. After receiving her English degree, specialising in Shakespearean comedy, Marie and her family moved to Southern California, where she still resides today.
After an interminable seven weeks apart, Charles decided he couldn't live without her and came out to California to marry his childhood sweetheart. Ever practical, Marie was married in a wash-and-wear wedding dress that she sewed herself, appliqués and all. "'Be prepared' has always been my motto,"the author jokes. This motto has been stretched considerably by her two children, Nikky and Jessi, "but basically, it still applies," she says.
In November of 1981, she sold her first novel for Harlequin. Marie, who now has written over 150 novels, has one goal: to entertain, to make people laugh and feel good. "That's what makes me happy," she confesses. "That, and a really good romantic evening with my husband." She's keeping her fingers crossed that her reader's enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoyed writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 4, 2019
Good book though not as intense as previous books until the end. The book opened with some excitement as Dugan discovered a woman in labor as he was leaving Malone's. The woman is wary but accepts his help when he produces his police credentials. But Dugan doesn't get to stick around as he's called away to a murder scene just as the ambulance arrives. Later, he's dismayed to find out that she gave him a fake name, so he has no way to follow up on her and the baby. Two months later, Dugan is stunned to find the woman in the Chief of D's office. It turns out that Toni is an investigative reporter who is doing a story on the same drug cartel that Dugan is working to shut down. Toni has information that is useful to Dugan's investigation, and Dugan is ordered to make Toni part of his team.
Sparks flew between Dugan and Toni from the beginning. There is no doubt about the attraction, but Dugan also has to reconcile his protectiveness toward Toni with her work as an investigative reporter. Toni is fiercely independent and doesn't take well to Dugan's restrictions. He's furious when she puts herself into danger to draw out a cartel member, but she is determined. I liked seeing how their relationship developed as they worked together. Dugan is a nice guy with a good heart and love of family. I loved watching him fall just as hard for baby Heather as he did for Toni. There are some really sweet scenes with him and the baby. Toni is a bit wary, as Dugan is nothing like any man she has ever known. It was fun to see her surprise at how comfortable he is with Heather. There is the usual invitation to one of Andrew's family parties. It was a nice change to have one where the non-Cavanaugh person doesn't have to be dragged kicking and screaming, though Toni was a bit cautious at the beginning. I liked that their growing attraction and feelings took place over a realistic amount of time. Both were hesitant to vocalize their feelings, and it took a little outside encouragement to get them past that hurdle. I loved Dugan's big moment at the end. There is just enough awkwardness and vulnerability to emphasize how important she is to him.
The suspense of the story was good. Going after the drug cartel isn't a quick process, and we get a good look at the day-to-day slog of following leads. The investigation is somewhat personal for Toni and is the motivating factor for some of the risks she takes. The intensity starts to pick up when Toni uses herself to draw out a cartel member and gets caught in the middle of a shootout. This puts a target on her back. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Toni found herself at the mercy of a killer. I loved her "mama bear" reaction and Dugan's timely arrival.
Sparks flew between Dugan and Toni from the beginning. There is no doubt about the attraction, but Dugan also has to reconcile his protectiveness toward Toni with her work as an investigative reporter. Toni is fiercely independent and doesn't take well to Dugan's restrictions. He's furious when she puts herself into danger to draw out a cartel member, but she is determined. I liked seeing how their relationship developed as they worked together. Dugan is a nice guy with a good heart and love of family. I loved watching him fall just as hard for baby Heather as he did for Toni. There are some really sweet scenes with him and the baby. Toni is a bit wary, as Dugan is nothing like any man she has ever known. It was fun to see her surprise at how comfortable he is with Heather. There is the usual invitation to one of Andrew's family parties. It was a nice change to have one where the non-Cavanaugh person doesn't have to be dragged kicking and screaming, though Toni was a bit cautious at the beginning. I liked that their growing attraction and feelings took place over a realistic amount of time. Both were hesitant to vocalize their feelings, and it took a little outside encouragement to get them past that hurdle. I loved Dugan's big moment at the end. There is just enough awkwardness and vulnerability to emphasize how important she is to him.
The suspense of the story was good. Going after the drug cartel isn't a quick process, and we get a good look at the day-to-day slog of following leads. The investigation is somewhat personal for Toni and is the motivating factor for some of the risks she takes. The intensity starts to pick up when Toni uses herself to draw out a cartel member and gets caught in the middle of a shootout. This puts a target on her back. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Toni found herself at the mercy of a killer. I loved her "mama bear" reaction and Dugan's timely arrival.
March 21, 2024
3.25 stars. This had way more surprising humor then I would've thought considering it was often quite frustrating and not in a good way most the time 😅 it was intriguing and kept me interested throughout though. But I feel like it should've had an epilogue to tie up more loose ends.
July 8, 2018
"Cavanaugh's Secret Delivery" begins with Detective Dugan Cavanaugh leaving a bar (not drunk) and stumbling upon a woman giving birth in a car with a gun next to her. He helps her through the delivery and then, when the ambulance comes, he is called out to a murder of his confidential informant and must leave. With only her name, Scarlet, which he learns is a fake, he is afraid he will never see her or the baby he delivered again.
However, at work 8 weeks later, he finds that he has a new assignment- to allow a reporter, Toni O'Keefe work with him on the drug ring he is trying to take down. Shockingly, Toni is Scarlet- the woman he never thought he would see again. As he allows her to go with him on the case, constantly worrying about her and her baby, feelings begin to develop between the two of them.
Overall, it was well written and the story flowed well. The suspense of having the drug lords after Tori was intense and gave the book some extra oomph. However, there's a lot of sexism and misogyny that I personally found gave the book some unnecessary irritations. For instance, all anyone wants to know about her is her attractiveness after Cavanaugh starts working with her- and people are constantly talking about what she should do as a mother (would they do the same for a father?). Additionally, at a family gathering, it's only the women who are taking care of baby Heather (but there are also loads of men there so the distinction seemed unnecessary). While these might be minor points to some people, for me, it made the overall tone much less pleasant, particularly with regards to the relationship.
On the other hand, it is fast-paced, flows well, and has some elements of thriller/suspense. The romantic scenes are few and spaced far apart to make way for the main plot and nothing happens until a fade-to-curtain type scene about 80% of the way through. There's good resolution at the end plus some highly intense scenes. I think it's a solid book, but I wish we could have done without the sexism.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
However, at work 8 weeks later, he finds that he has a new assignment- to allow a reporter, Toni O'Keefe work with him on the drug ring he is trying to take down. Shockingly, Toni is Scarlet- the woman he never thought he would see again. As he allows her to go with him on the case, constantly worrying about her and her baby, feelings begin to develop between the two of them.
Overall, it was well written and the story flowed well. The suspense of having the drug lords after Tori was intense and gave the book some extra oomph. However, there's a lot of sexism and misogyny that I personally found gave the book some unnecessary irritations. For instance, all anyone wants to know about her is her attractiveness after Cavanaugh starts working with her- and people are constantly talking about what she should do as a mother (would they do the same for a father?). Additionally, at a family gathering, it's only the women who are taking care of baby Heather (but there are also loads of men there so the distinction seemed unnecessary). While these might be minor points to some people, for me, it made the overall tone much less pleasant, particularly with regards to the relationship.
On the other hand, it is fast-paced, flows well, and has some elements of thriller/suspense. The romantic scenes are few and spaced far apart to make way for the main plot and nothing happens until a fade-to-curtain type scene about 80% of the way through. There's good resolution at the end plus some highly intense scenes. I think it's a solid book, but I wish we could have done without the sexism.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
July 11, 2018
I do enjoy a good Cavanaugh story, even if they are a bit predictable with how things will move forward, this one delivered few punches and twists as the suspenseful side of the tale unfolded.
The fight against the cartel is tedious work with few big busts between the vigorous investigation and gathering of the leads. I liked how the timeframe is spread out to be more realistic and at the same time giving a chance for the romance to develop and the feelings between the protagonists take root.
I really enjoyed both of the main characters, Dugan Cavanaugh and Toni O’Keefe had an interesting energy between them. The connection from the roadside delivery to being partners of a sort was not smooth, yet the sparks were flying, the attraction is obvious, and they have the time to let the feelings simmer and grow. I loved how much Dugan cherished the baby Heather, they together provided a couple of heart-melting moments.
Toni was a tough journalist who didn't seem to have a sense of fear, making her act even a bit foolhardy at times. But she is a caring, loving mother and friend, and her need to be like her fearless father is understandable, as her history is revealed and we get to know more about her.
Dugan is a compassionate, smart, dedicated detective who loves babies and his family. I loved how while being so alpha and protective, he had this relaxed smoothness about him that set him apart. He was obviously comfortable just being himself, a very attractive quality in a person.
A good, entertaining, character-driven story with a solid balance of romance and suspense with few surprises and up close battles that turn deadly...
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
The fight against the cartel is tedious work with few big busts between the vigorous investigation and gathering of the leads. I liked how the timeframe is spread out to be more realistic and at the same time giving a chance for the romance to develop and the feelings between the protagonists take root.
I really enjoyed both of the main characters, Dugan Cavanaugh and Toni O’Keefe had an interesting energy between them. The connection from the roadside delivery to being partners of a sort was not smooth, yet the sparks were flying, the attraction is obvious, and they have the time to let the feelings simmer and grow. I loved how much Dugan cherished the baby Heather, they together provided a couple of heart-melting moments.
Toni was a tough journalist who didn't seem to have a sense of fear, making her act even a bit foolhardy at times. But she is a caring, loving mother and friend, and her need to be like her fearless father is understandable, as her history is revealed and we get to know more about her.
Dugan is a compassionate, smart, dedicated detective who loves babies and his family. I loved how while being so alpha and protective, he had this relaxed smoothness about him that set him apart. He was obviously comfortable just being himself, a very attractive quality in a person.
A good, entertaining, character-driven story with a solid balance of romance and suspense with few surprises and up close battles that turn deadly...
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
August 2, 2018
3 1/2 STARS!
Unexpected delivery! With a dip into the Top Secret Deliveries series, we get to go along for the ride of yet another sexy Cavanaugh cop as he tries to rid the streets of the bad guys. The story started off exciting, and the characters were an interesting pair, but sadly this was not a favorite for me by this author. I'm sure we'll see another great one next time, but this one fell flat for me with too little plot development.
Detective Dugan Cavanaugh is more than happy to assist when he finds a woman about to give birth on the side of the parking lot with no assistance. He manages to calm her down and delivery her baby before getting them on their way to the hospital with a promise of stopping in to check on them.
Investigative reporter Toni O'Keefe didn't exactly plan this crazy birth going the way it did, but she's super thankful for Dugan's help. When they finally get a chance to connect again, it's beneficial because she just so happens to have a lot of info on the drug cartel he's trying to bust. Will he be able to use the info she can give him and still keep her and her little family safe?
Unexpected delivery! With a dip into the Top Secret Deliveries series, we get to go along for the ride of yet another sexy Cavanaugh cop as he tries to rid the streets of the bad guys. The story started off exciting, and the characters were an interesting pair, but sadly this was not a favorite for me by this author. I'm sure we'll see another great one next time, but this one fell flat for me with too little plot development.
Detective Dugan Cavanaugh is more than happy to assist when he finds a woman about to give birth on the side of the parking lot with no assistance. He manages to calm her down and delivery her baby before getting them on their way to the hospital with a promise of stopping in to check on them.
Investigative reporter Toni O'Keefe didn't exactly plan this crazy birth going the way it did, but she's super thankful for Dugan's help. When they finally get a chance to connect again, it's beneficial because she just so happens to have a lot of info on the drug cartel he's trying to bust. Will he be able to use the info she can give him and still keep her and her little family safe?
July 3, 2018
It was at the side of the road that Detective Dugan met investigative reporter Toni going though labor and helped her deliver the child. Now they see eachother again and Toni is making sure to put herself in the sights of the wrong people to help get close to help the detective to get closer to cracking down on a dangerous cartel. But now that shes within sights Dugan got to make sure that she and her child stays safe.
I really enjoyed this short yet fast book that really packed a punch with loads going on. I loved that Toni wasn't the type of person to back down when faced with a challenge, she seemed like a fearless sort. I loved that even when Dugan was trying his best to keep her safe she refused to let him stop her from what she was doing. I loved seeing the connection between both the characters. I loved that there was so much going on that there it became hard to put this book down. Overall this was a pretty great suspenseful book and I really enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed this short yet fast book that really packed a punch with loads going on. I loved that Toni wasn't the type of person to back down when faced with a challenge, she seemed like a fearless sort. I loved that even when Dugan was trying his best to keep her safe she refused to let him stop her from what she was doing. I loved seeing the connection between both the characters. I loved that there was so much going on that there it became hard to put this book down. Overall this was a pretty great suspenseful book and I really enjoyed it.
July 12, 2018
An emergency birth in a car, an intrepid reporter, a drug cartel investigation, and the man at the center of it all is Dugan Cavanaugh, yet another scion of the widespread and apparently fecund Cavanaugh clan, of Marie Ferrarella’s best-selling, long-running Intrigue series. The standard here is as high as in all of these works, a seeming impossible feat given how many Cavanaugh stories we have had across the past twenty years and more, but it is nevertheless true. With wit, tenderness, a clever eye for suspenseful plotting and the anticipated but not predicted last minute climax, Ferrarella has once again delivered an action-packed, fast-blooming romance between two well-suited people – here, Dugan and the indomitable Toni O’Keefe – that we know will last long after the adrenaline wears off. These Cavanaugh stories never disappoint.
4 1/2 stars.
This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #2.
4 1/2 stars.
This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #2.
August 22, 2018
This one starts fast, with a surprise delivery on the way from the bar to the car, then the execution of a CI before Detective Cavanaugh can get mom and baby in the ambulance.
Then, there's a lull. Stick with it. It just has to build a little.
Just when you begin to wonder if Ferrarella has lost the magic and has no more truly fab Cavanaughs to drool over, grab a snack a d settle in. It takes off again and doesn't let up until the end that leaves ya alternately sighing, giggling and shaking your head at this pairing.
Throw in almost getting caught in a shooting between rival cartels, a bit of mystery, a man as smitten with the mom as he is her infant, a determined, headstrong journalist bent on Denting the cartel that almost took down one of hers with their dope dealing and you have one thrilling tale.
Then, there's a lull. Stick with it. It just has to build a little.
Just when you begin to wonder if Ferrarella has lost the magic and has no more truly fab Cavanaughs to drool over, grab a snack a d settle in. It takes off again and doesn't let up until the end that leaves ya alternately sighing, giggling and shaking your head at this pairing.
Throw in almost getting caught in a shooting between rival cartels, a bit of mystery, a man as smitten with the mom as he is her infant, a determined, headstrong journalist bent on Denting the cartel that almost took down one of hers with their dope dealing and you have one thrilling tale.
July 31, 2018
Wow I need more Cavanaugh Family books. This family is warm, the personification of protect & serve, hilarious, and generally awesome.
The characters did suffer the standard lack of/insufficient communication that is common in many romances but it's not bad.
I liked that Toni's nanny saw through the communication issues and called them both on it.
The world of cartels brushes against this world and the author portrayed the underbelly with a skill that raises questions of if the author has personal experience.
You get drawn in from the screams of a woman in labour and it holds you until the last words. Prepare to miss out on events or work while reading this because once you get in, you're not going to want to put it down until you're done.
The characters did suffer the standard lack of/insufficient communication that is common in many romances but it's not bad.
I liked that Toni's nanny saw through the communication issues and called them both on it.
The world of cartels brushes against this world and the author portrayed the underbelly with a skill that raises questions of if the author has personal experience.
You get drawn in from the screams of a woman in labour and it holds you until the last words. Prepare to miss out on events or work while reading this because once you get in, you're not going to want to put it down until you're done.
July 22, 2018
This was my first glimpse into the Cavanaugh family. This family is huge, and so loving to everyone. Toni is not used to having help from anyone other than Lucy, so the Cavanaugh's are a little overwhelming in a good way. Even with this story being part of 2 different series you didn't have to read either to know what was going on with this one. It was a pretty fast read, the suspense kept you wondering what was going to happen next.
July 20, 2018
Special Partner's!
Cavanaugh's Secret Delivery: WOW! Wow! Wonderful, suspenseful and great romance. Great writing and dialog. Another fantastic story in the series. Keep up the great writing Marie Ferrarella!
Cavanaugh's Secret Delivery: WOW! Wow! Wonderful, suspenseful and great romance. Great writing and dialog. Another fantastic story in the series. Keep up the great writing Marie Ferrarella!
June 24, 2018
Love it
July 22, 2018
Being part of 2 miniseries, I kind of expected Mystery Mom to show up again. Very good book, with all the family involved yet again!
August 2, 2018
Best book ever!!!!!!!
Marie Ferraella @ Her best! Well written,well imformed. A page turner. I love Her whole series!! Can't wait for next 1...
Marie Ferraella @ Her best! Well written,well imformed. A page turner. I love Her whole series!! Can't wait for next 1...
November 11, 2024
I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 4 because it didn't grab my interest.
June 3, 2018
Cavanaugh's Secret Delivery is the 3rd book The top secret deliveries 2018 and the 38th book in the Cavanaugh's Justice series. I also love a good Cavanaugh book. Even though this book is part of two different series you can definitely read it as a stand alone book. Dugan is another Cavanaugh working for the district that gets saddled with a partner he doesn't want. You would think this family would realize every time that happens that family member ends up with a life partner. I loved the twist and turns to out smart the drug cartel and bring Cavanaugh Justice.
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July 2, 2018Miniseries: Top Secret Deliveries
August 5, 2018
A mostly enjoyable read in a long-running series. Took me a while to remember I had read previous books. The beginning was a little hard for me to get into, but I like the characters and the flow improved by the end. Some of the phrasing was awkward and typos were jarring at times, but a good story.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews