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The Coltons of Red Ridge #8
His Forgotten Colton Fiancee
"I'm engaged to
you
?"A Coltons of Red Ridge story When Quinn Colton is injured in an explosion, undercover FBI agent West Brand is devastated. Not only is she unable to recognize him, her secret fianc', but everything the two of them hold dear is in danger. Together, they investigate the incident that caused her amnesia and track a killer. But can West convince Quinn that their happily-ever-after is still on the horizon?
- GenresRomantic Suspense
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 23, 2018
78 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Vanak
136 books506 followersBonnie Vanak fell in love with romance novels during childhood. While cleaning a hall closet, she discovered her mother’s cache of paperbacks and started reading. Thus began a passion for romance and a lifelong dislike for housework.
After years of newspaper reporting, Bonnie became a writer for a major international charity. She travels to destitute countries such as Haiti to write about famine, disease and other issues affecting the poor. When the emotional strains of her job demanded a diversion, she turned to her childhood dream of writing romance novels.
She lives in Florida with her husband Frank and two dogs, where she happily writes books amid an ever-growing collection of dust bunnies.
After years of newspaper reporting, Bonnie became a writer for a major international charity. She travels to destitute countries such as Haiti to write about famine, disease and other issues affecting the poor. When the emotional strains of her job demanded a diversion, she turned to her childhood dream of writing romance novels.
She lives in Florida with her husband Frank and two dogs, where she happily writes books amid an ever-growing collection of dust bunnies.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 16, 2018
There are an increasing number of questions in the latest Coltons of Red Ridge story, and many of the revealed answers came as a complete shock. Bonnie Vanak had me continuously trying to guess what was actually going on in the town where several Coltons are looked down upon, and I always enjoy a story where my deductions could be spot-on or totally in the wrong direction. I was also caught up in the relationship between a strong-willed caterer and a forlorn FBI agent. HIS FORGOTTEN COLTON FIANCEE is riveting because of dangerous escapades, countless uncertainties, and an intriguing plot.
Although FBI agent West Brand has been assigned to work with the K-9 unit of the Red Ridge police department, his main reason for coming to the South Dakota town was to learn the location of an alleged serial killer. Someone is murdering local men who are about to get married, and his investigation had him interacting with Quinn Colton, a relative of the woman at the top of the suspect list. Now they are engaged, but fear has the couple keeping the good news a secret. When a bomb blast leaves Quinn with no memory of most of her past history, including her relationship with West, he knows that the only way to keep the woman whom he loves safe is to discover the person responsible for the violent event.
The ongoing mystery of whether Demi Colton is really the Groom Killer is shrewdly entangled with another baffling incident that involves Quinn. Unanticipated peril is always a threat to her because she cannot recall relevant details about the explosion. Bonnie Vanak tosses in a clue here and there as to what led to the event, yet it takes some thorough investigating to prove the truth. What is eventually learned is a carefully thought-out set of circumstances. While there are some resolutions, not every puzzle gets solved, leaving more dilemmas for future books in the series.
West is a dedicated agent and does not let his emotions interfere with his cases. But being around Quinn makes him realize that he wants more out of life than work and trying to get over the past. The author developed some very challenging situations for him and Quinn to overcome, and a few times I had doubts about them finding a workable solution. Their conversations are backed with sincerity even when not everything can be disclosed, and there was much realism when it concerned her loss of memory. Every scene captured my attention, as I felt connected to West plus Quinn and wanted to know how a particular event would affect them. HIS FORGOTTEN COLTON FIANCEE is engagingly believable.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of the book, and all comments are my honest opinion - 4.5 Stars
Although FBI agent West Brand has been assigned to work with the K-9 unit of the Red Ridge police department, his main reason for coming to the South Dakota town was to learn the location of an alleged serial killer. Someone is murdering local men who are about to get married, and his investigation had him interacting with Quinn Colton, a relative of the woman at the top of the suspect list. Now they are engaged, but fear has the couple keeping the good news a secret. When a bomb blast leaves Quinn with no memory of most of her past history, including her relationship with West, he knows that the only way to keep the woman whom he loves safe is to discover the person responsible for the violent event.
The ongoing mystery of whether Demi Colton is really the Groom Killer is shrewdly entangled with another baffling incident that involves Quinn. Unanticipated peril is always a threat to her because she cannot recall relevant details about the explosion. Bonnie Vanak tosses in a clue here and there as to what led to the event, yet it takes some thorough investigating to prove the truth. What is eventually learned is a carefully thought-out set of circumstances. While there are some resolutions, not every puzzle gets solved, leaving more dilemmas for future books in the series.
West is a dedicated agent and does not let his emotions interfere with his cases. But being around Quinn makes him realize that he wants more out of life than work and trying to get over the past. The author developed some very challenging situations for him and Quinn to overcome, and a few times I had doubts about them finding a workable solution. Their conversations are backed with sincerity even when not everything can be disclosed, and there was much realism when it concerned her loss of memory. Every scene captured my attention, as I felt connected to West plus Quinn and wanted to know how a particular event would affect them. HIS FORGOTTEN COLTON FIANCEE is engagingly believable.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of the book, and all comments are my honest opinion - 4.5 Stars
November 21, 2018
The best one yet....Here is a highlight from the book....
“You’re a good man, West Brand. Your father would be proud of you,” Quinn said softly. “All this time, you’ve held that inside, not wanting to get close to anyone because you didn’t want to lose them.” West nodded. Damn perceptive of Quinn. He thought about a quote he’d read once in high school, one that stuck with him at his family’s funeral. “Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not. And often times, we call a man cold when he is only sad.” West recited the quote from Longfellow. Once he’d thought himself that man. Viewed by other K-9 officers as distant and even cold, when all this time he held secrets in his heart—a past where a killer had destroyed his entire family. No longer. He had reconciled his past and found a new beginning. “West, would your father want you to be happy?” He thought about his father, could almost see him giving the thumbs-up. Go for it. “Yeah. Dad would want me to settle down, marry.” The tightness in his chest eased a little. There would always be an empty spot in his heart and he’d always miss his family, but he was ready to live again. “Have a family and take risks. Life is about risks.” West got down on one knee, kissed her hand. “Quinn Colton, I ask you again, will you marry me?” Eyes bright with tears, she nodded. “Yes.” “I can’t promise I’ll tell you everything, Quinn. It won’t be easy.” “As long as there are no big secrets between us.” He rose and pulled her up against him. “We’ll have to keep our engagement a secret. There’s still a groom killer running loose.” “I don’t mind secrets, as long as I’m in on it.” “I’ll tell you another one. I’m leaving the Bureau.” Gaze steady, he regarded her. “I talked to Finn about a permanent job here in Red Ridge.” Her breath hitched. “Oh, West. Really? I thought the FBI was your life.” “I like Red Ridge. Seems like a nice place to settle down.” He grinned. “Quiet, kind of dull...” Quinn laughed. “The Bureau was my life.” He caught her hand, kissed the knuckles. “But it’s about damn time I paid attention to my heart—you.” She rubbed his hand against her cheek. “I want children.” “Two kids.” He held up two fingers. “No more.”
“You’re a good man, West Brand. Your father would be proud of you,” Quinn said softly. “All this time, you’ve held that inside, not wanting to get close to anyone because you didn’t want to lose them.” West nodded. Damn perceptive of Quinn. He thought about a quote he’d read once in high school, one that stuck with him at his family’s funeral. “Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not. And often times, we call a man cold when he is only sad.” West recited the quote from Longfellow. Once he’d thought himself that man. Viewed by other K-9 officers as distant and even cold, when all this time he held secrets in his heart—a past where a killer had destroyed his entire family. No longer. He had reconciled his past and found a new beginning. “West, would your father want you to be happy?” He thought about his father, could almost see him giving the thumbs-up. Go for it. “Yeah. Dad would want me to settle down, marry.” The tightness in his chest eased a little. There would always be an empty spot in his heart and he’d always miss his family, but he was ready to live again. “Have a family and take risks. Life is about risks.” West got down on one knee, kissed her hand. “Quinn Colton, I ask you again, will you marry me?” Eyes bright with tears, she nodded. “Yes.” “I can’t promise I’ll tell you everything, Quinn. It won’t be easy.” “As long as there are no big secrets between us.” He rose and pulled her up against him. “We’ll have to keep our engagement a secret. There’s still a groom killer running loose.” “I don’t mind secrets, as long as I’m in on it.” “I’ll tell you another one. I’m leaving the Bureau.” Gaze steady, he regarded her. “I talked to Finn about a permanent job here in Red Ridge.” Her breath hitched. “Oh, West. Really? I thought the FBI was your life.” “I like Red Ridge. Seems like a nice place to settle down.” He grinned. “Quiet, kind of dull...” Quinn laughed. “The Bureau was my life.” He caught her hand, kissed the knuckles. “But it’s about damn time I paid attention to my heart—you.” She rubbed his hand against her cheek. “I want children.” “Two kids.” He held up two fingers. “No more.”
January 8, 2019
Its been interesting reading this series. For each member of the family is a different author. Not bad but its complex to keep the story going. I liked how this one worked. Gof we meet Quinn Colton and secret fiancee West Brand. These are just part of the players we have the cops and a PI who is helping the cops. We have mystery bad guys. What makes it neat is Bonnie throws her own twist into the mix that works and it makes a great story. I like Quinn and West. I liked how you are drawn into the further drama of what is going on. Boy I can't wait to find out who is the groom killer that sure has me curious! But she finishes this story so well that I can't wait to see which Colton is on the block to be secretly engaged boy talk about a big wedding in the end!
August 15, 2018
This series is why I keep reading Harlequins - that and they're about the only paperbacks where I live. But basically it's a fun series of HEA meets on the trail of the Groom Killer. This time the couple kept their engagement too secret and when the heroine gets amnesia, the hero not only has to find a bomber, but also recapture the lady's heart! Nice blend of mystery and romance.
May 9, 2019
Reviewed at Lovin'A Cowboy Romance
His Forgotten Colton Fiancée packs a powerful, suspenseful punch and brings even more secrets and assumptions to The Coltons of Red Ridge series. When one of the K-9 police officers is wounded in a previous story West Brand was sent in as a loaner K-9 officer until the officer recovers. He’s also sent in as an undercover FBI agent trying to discover if the Colton relatives working within the law enforcement in Red Ridge are, in fact, hiding Demi Colton or know where she is in hiding. He’s been sent in to investigate not only the police officers in question but Demi’s half-sister Quinn as well. He never thought that he’d end up falling in love with a woman he’s investigating but there is no denying the sense of rightness when they are together. She is his haven, the place he can come to and leave the job behind. And he’s keeping a very big secret from her. Eventually, that’s going to come back and bite him where it hurts the most – his heart.
When Quinn is injured during a bomb blast leaving her with temporary amnesia the questions start coming fast and furiously. And West’s suspicions as to what Quinn really knows rise to new heights. She has no memory of him, of loving him or of agreeing to be his wife. And she has no idea of what she may have seen right before the blast, like the suspect’s face. Now, not only is the investigation on the line but their future together as well.
I enjoyed His Forgotten Colton Fiancée. It’s a story that is at times heartbreaking, intense, satisfying and moves some threads woven into the series along just a bit. But, mostly, this one is about West and Quinn and a bomber. There are a few unexpected twists, I picked up on one clue rather quickly and waited for that to play out. I had a good time with this one and would recommend this story and the entire series to any Romantic Suspense or small town Romance reader.
I own a Kindle edition of this story.
His Forgotten Colton Fiancée packs a powerful, suspenseful punch and brings even more secrets and assumptions to The Coltons of Red Ridge series. When one of the K-9 police officers is wounded in a previous story West Brand was sent in as a loaner K-9 officer until the officer recovers. He’s also sent in as an undercover FBI agent trying to discover if the Colton relatives working within the law enforcement in Red Ridge are, in fact, hiding Demi Colton or know where she is in hiding. He’s been sent in to investigate not only the police officers in question but Demi’s half-sister Quinn as well. He never thought that he’d end up falling in love with a woman he’s investigating but there is no denying the sense of rightness when they are together. She is his haven, the place he can come to and leave the job behind. And he’s keeping a very big secret from her. Eventually, that’s going to come back and bite him where it hurts the most – his heart.
When Quinn is injured during a bomb blast leaving her with temporary amnesia the questions start coming fast and furiously. And West’s suspicions as to what Quinn really knows rise to new heights. She has no memory of him, of loving him or of agreeing to be his wife. And she has no idea of what she may have seen right before the blast, like the suspect’s face. Now, not only is the investigation on the line but their future together as well.
I enjoyed His Forgotten Colton Fiancée. It’s a story that is at times heartbreaking, intense, satisfying and moves some threads woven into the series along just a bit. But, mostly, this one is about West and Quinn and a bomber. There are a few unexpected twists, I picked up on one clue rather quickly and waited for that to play out. I had a good time with this one and would recommend this story and the entire series to any Romantic Suspense or small town Romance reader.
I own a Kindle edition of this story.
August 12, 2022
Of all the books in this series that I’ve read, this is my least favourite. I found the main characters to be somewhat unidimensional. Quinn was a likeable enough character but I never really sympathized with her, even after the head injury. West was so secretive and suspicious that I never warmed to him nor did I find his comments about loving Quinn to be convincing. As a result, I had a really difficult time buying into their romance. Also, the mystery surrounding the elusive Demi seemed to be wearing thin in this book.
Overall, this was just an ok story. I’ll continue the series because I’m curious to see how it all ends.
Overall, this was just an ok story. I’ll continue the series because I’m curious to see how it all ends.
August 5, 2018
Really Good
Hold on to your hats.Here's one fast moving excellent read.Mystery,suspense and thrills with a solid love interest.I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.
Hold on to your hats.Here's one fast moving excellent read.Mystery,suspense and thrills with a solid love interest.I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.
October 30, 2018
A fun romance. When Quinn loses her memory of West, can he help her remember their love?
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August 2, 2018Miniseries: The Coltons of Red Ridge
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews