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Colorado Trust #1
Evidence of Trust
With a killer on the loose in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this workplace romance could be deadly.
Joel Morgan is a top special investigator in the National Parks system - because he never gets distracted and always gets his guy. On the hunt for a poacher in the Rocky Mountain National Park, he finds himself thoroughly frustrated when sexy, head-strong Brittany Lucas complicates the hell out of his investigation. The constant desire to kiss her smart mouth shut has him missing details that put them both in danger.
Sparks fly as they battle for the upper hand, but he'll have to put his growing feelings aside and do his job when the killer upgrades from murdering animals to targeting Britt.
Joel Morgan is a top special investigator in the National Parks system - because he never gets distracted and always gets his guy. On the hunt for a poacher in the Rocky Mountain National Park, he finds himself thoroughly frustrated when sexy, head-strong Brittany Lucas complicates the hell out of his investigation. The constant desire to kiss her smart mouth shut has him missing details that put them both in danger.
Sparks fly as they battle for the upper hand, but he'll have to put his growing feelings aside and do his job when the killer upgrades from murdering animals to targeting Britt.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2014
798 people are currently reading
2049 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Joy Netzel
81 books262 followersWisconsin native Stacey Joy Netzel fell in love with books at a young age, so for her the graduation to writing them was natural. A member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and Wisconsin Romance Writers (WisRWA), she credits her parents for encouraging her dreams of becoming a published author, as well as the very talented friends she’s made in WisRWA since joining in 2004. Her Christmas anthology, MISTLETOE RULES, took 1st place in WisRWA's 2010 Write Touch Readers' Award. Check out her romantic suspense Colorado Trust Series, Trust in the Lawe, Shattered trust, and Shadowed Trust. Other titles include: Lost In Italy, Ditched Again, Welcome to Redemption Series, Chasin’ Mason, Dragonfly Dreams, If Tombstones Could Talk.
An avid reader and big fan of movies with happy endings, Stacey lives in Wisconsin with her husband and three children, a couple horses and some barn cats. She works part-time as a travel agent, and in her limited free time she enjoys gardening, canning, and visiting her parents in Northeastern Wisconsin (Up North) at their cabin on the lake.
An avid reader and big fan of movies with happy endings, Stacey lives in Wisconsin with her husband and three children, a couple horses and some barn cats. She works part-time as a travel agent, and in her limited free time she enjoys gardening, canning, and visiting her parents in Northeastern Wisconsin (Up North) at their cabin on the lake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
May 9, 2016
Evidence of Trust
3.5 Stars
Someone is slaughtering animals in the Rocky Mountain National Park and special investigator Joel Morgan, is sent in to stop the poacher. A wrangler on a local ranch, Britt Lucas, has the magic touch when it comes to horses, but balks at obeying authority figures. Despite their sizzling attraction, Britt and Joel get off on the wrong foot and are wary of growing close and trusting one another. However, their personal issues may have disastrous consequences as the poacher has turned stalker and set his sights on Britt.
The story is reminiscent of Nora Roberts’ Montana Sky with a pretty good stalker plot and an engaging heroine. Where the two books differ is in their heroes as Joel Morgan, unlike Ben McKinnon, is exceedingly unlikeable.
Whereas Ben is arrogant, he never crosses the line into obnoxiousness. Joel, on the other hand, is not only opinionated and egotistical, he is also a judgmental, hypocritical jerk. Although he does mellow as the book progresses and admits his mistakes with Britt, this never quite compensates for his initial self-importance.
Like Willa Mercy in Roberts’ book, Britt has a mile wide stubborn streak and tendency to leap before she looks. Nevertheless, she is quite charming and her horse whisperer type skills make her all the more endearing. Joel and Britt have great sexual tension but it takes too long for them to act on it and by they time they do, their relationship has lost momentum.
The strength of the story lies in the poacher/stalker plot. The mystery and investigation are well-written and the tension builds toward an exciting climax. There are some solid red herrings interspersed throughout but once the smoke clears, the identity of the villain is very clear.
In sum, Evidence of Trust is a good mystery/romance and I recommend reading it despite my issues with the hero.
3.5 Stars
Someone is slaughtering animals in the Rocky Mountain National Park and special investigator Joel Morgan, is sent in to stop the poacher. A wrangler on a local ranch, Britt Lucas, has the magic touch when it comes to horses, but balks at obeying authority figures. Despite their sizzling attraction, Britt and Joel get off on the wrong foot and are wary of growing close and trusting one another. However, their personal issues may have disastrous consequences as the poacher has turned stalker and set his sights on Britt.
The story is reminiscent of Nora Roberts’ Montana Sky with a pretty good stalker plot and an engaging heroine. Where the two books differ is in their heroes as Joel Morgan, unlike Ben McKinnon, is exceedingly unlikeable.
Whereas Ben is arrogant, he never crosses the line into obnoxiousness. Joel, on the other hand, is not only opinionated and egotistical, he is also a judgmental, hypocritical jerk. Although he does mellow as the book progresses and admits his mistakes with Britt, this never quite compensates for his initial self-importance.
Like Willa Mercy in Roberts’ book, Britt has a mile wide stubborn streak and tendency to leap before she looks. Nevertheless, she is quite charming and her horse whisperer type skills make her all the more endearing. Joel and Britt have great sexual tension but it takes too long for them to act on it and by they time they do, their relationship has lost momentum.
The strength of the story lies in the poacher/stalker plot. The mystery and investigation are well-written and the tension builds toward an exciting climax. There are some solid red herrings interspersed throughout but once the smoke clears, the identity of the villain is very clear.
In sum, Evidence of Trust is a good mystery/romance and I recommend reading it despite my issues with the hero.
April 6, 2014
Read this as a free arc.. Cute modern western romance with a suspense mystery. Colorado was beautifully described..Worth the read
Want to read
April 13, 2020💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/12/2017)! 💝
March 28, 2014
Evidence of Trust by Stacey Joy Netzel
Colorado Trust Series Book 1
Brittany Lucas chose to spend one last summer working for Mark Jennings on his Colorado ranch. Her father wasn't happy with her choice, then again she never could please the man. And she needed to get away from Daniel, the man who left her behind when he got his promotion. Instead, she gets to deal with the conceited, arrogant, incredibly handsome jerk of a ranger.
Ranger Joel Morgan is looking for the poacher who is mutilating animals inside the park. What he doesn't expect to find is the woman who brings his past back to him and not in a good way. The spoiled little rich girl with all her high tech camping equipment and fancy horse. Has his past messed up his vision of the present? Is Britt really anything like his mind wants to make her to be?
Pride is getting in the way for any romance between Britt and Joel. Along with past hurts. They need to focus on the here and now and catch the poacher. A dangerous person who may be after more than animal trophies to sell. This book definitely held my attention from start to finish. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
**Sexual content & language
**Review copy provided by author
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Colorado Trust Series Book 1
Brittany Lucas chose to spend one last summer working for Mark Jennings on his Colorado ranch. Her father wasn't happy with her choice, then again she never could please the man. And she needed to get away from Daniel, the man who left her behind when he got his promotion. Instead, she gets to deal with the conceited, arrogant, incredibly handsome jerk of a ranger.
Ranger Joel Morgan is looking for the poacher who is mutilating animals inside the park. What he doesn't expect to find is the woman who brings his past back to him and not in a good way. The spoiled little rich girl with all her high tech camping equipment and fancy horse. Has his past messed up his vision of the present? Is Britt really anything like his mind wants to make her to be?
Pride is getting in the way for any romance between Britt and Joel. Along with past hurts. They need to focus on the here and now and catch the poacher. A dangerous person who may be after more than animal trophies to sell. This book definitely held my attention from start to finish. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
**Sexual content & language
**Review copy provided by author
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
August 5, 2016
When I first got this book, I battled to get into it and so left it for a while. I then read Book 6 of the series which I enjoyed so I decided to give Book 1 a go again. It took about 20% of the book before I really got into it and enjoyed it. The tension between the characters was nicely built up and there were a few twists which I did not expect.
Now to get the rest of the books to complete the series...
Now to get the rest of the books to complete the series...
April 9, 2014
I'm in love with a country boy!!! ahhh!!! review to follow.
January 3, 2016
Hello park ranger!
Enjoyable romantic suspense with a hate to love relationship. My favourite.
Enjoyable romantic suspense with a hate to love relationship. My favourite.
May 28, 2021
Don't live your life for safety live it for love
Joel and Britt first met on a cold winter night at the state park and their fist encounter was full of judgement. But when they were forced to sleep together in one tent their connection changed on a whole new level. Joel was in town to find out who is killing the wild animals and selling the heads for money. Meanwhile Britt has a stalker trying to scare her and hurt anyone she love 2 or 4 legged.
Joel and Britt first met on a cold winter night at the state park and their fist encounter was full of judgement. But when they were forced to sleep together in one tent their connection changed on a whole new level. Joel was in town to find out who is killing the wild animals and selling the heads for money. Meanwhile Britt has a stalker trying to scare her and hurt anyone she love 2 or 4 legged.
October 27, 2014
3.5 Stars I rounded up to 4 because it was free and I really enjoyed the story :)
I was definitely captivated by the story in this book right from the beginning. I also really enjoyed the authors writing style.
Although I'm pretty sure I knew who the bad guy was from the second time he entered the book, there was a plausible other option in the story. This book had so much going for it, the plot was intriguing, the supporting characters were good, there was great suspense, action and mystery, and there was romance with a little steam.
My only real issue here was I didn't quite find the emotional connection with the two main characters that I would've liked. Don't get me wrong they were likable (and I was glad for their HEA), but I found their relationship had a bit too much drama at times. The fact that it took almost the whole book for them to figure out their feelings didn't really work for me either.
This was a quick, entertaining, and intriguing read.
I was definitely captivated by the story in this book right from the beginning. I also really enjoyed the authors writing style.
Although I'm pretty sure I knew who the bad guy was from the second time he entered the book, there was a plausible other option in the story. This book had so much going for it, the plot was intriguing, the supporting characters were good, there was great suspense, action and mystery, and there was romance with a little steam.
My only real issue here was I didn't quite find the emotional connection with the two main characters that I would've liked. Don't get me wrong they were likable (and I was glad for their HEA), but I found their relationship had a bit too much drama at times. The fact that it took almost the whole book for them to figure out their feelings didn't really work for me either.
This was a quick, entertaining, and intriguing read.
February 17, 2016
Joel Morgan comes to Estes National Park on special assignment as a park ranger to investigate the killing of animals in the park. He meets Brittany Lucas while she is camping alone in a restricted area of the park and she offers no Evidence of Trust when he calls her a spoiled rich girl. This starts a story with snowstorms, a bad guy killing and mutilating animals in the park, threats, fires and unexplained accidents. Both Joel and Brittany's characters are well developed and it is revealed they both have trust issues from their pasts and in the end they share the Evidence of Trust to catch the person responsible for all the trouble in the area. Evidence of Trust is a great romance, a good mystery and a fun summer read.
May 14, 2022
TRIGGER WARNING FOR EXTREMELY GRAPHIC KILLINGS OF ANIMALS
Other than that, fairly generic romantic suspense. Some grammatical errors. Debatably also some syntactical ones but they do give a sense of being colloquial phrasing - ways of speaking that don't translate out of area, perhaps.
Very instalove-y. A whole lot of sweeping problems under the rug. with whom you've only been on one date is a terrible idea IMHO. Changing your entire life for them is no better. Why this shit is continuously romanticised, I have no idea.
A hard pass if you're sensitive to animal cruelty. Otherwise... eh. It's ok.
Other than that, fairly generic romantic suspense. Some grammatical errors. Debatably also some syntactical ones but they do give a sense of being colloquial phrasing - ways of speaking that don't translate out of area, perhaps.
Very instalove-y. A whole lot of sweeping problems under the rug. with whom you've only been on one date is a terrible idea IMHO. Changing your entire life for them is no better. Why this shit is continuously romanticised, I have no idea.
A hard pass if you're sensitive to animal cruelty. Otherwise... eh. It's ok.
April 5, 2019
It took me a long time (too long probably) to warm up to Joel. He came across as so judgmental and egotistical right off the bat, and although his past is hinted at (mom left, ex-girlfriend left), we never get a full picture of why he acted the way he did. Brittany is a little better developed, a strong independent heroine (which I like), and the mystery is good, with a few twists. The climax was a little predictable, but I love it when a hero is vulnerable/hurt.
May 7, 2015
This is a well written novel with a fast and coherent pace. The chemistry between Joel and Britt is believable, and the angst and struggles they experience add to the story perfectly.
Only left wondering one thing: How did Britt even get into working at the ranch to begin with? Chicago is quite a ways from the wild west...
Only left wondering one thing: How did Britt even get into working at the ranch to begin with? Chicago is quite a ways from the wild west...
October 5, 2018
Meh!!!!!
I only read about 50 percent of the book, it was dull and a bit predictable. The two main characters have some serious emotional issues and a whole lot of honesty issues rolled in as well, I wanted to slap both of them .
I was hoping for some action and romance but I couldn’t get into it long enough to finish this book.
I only read about 50 percent of the book, it was dull and a bit predictable. The two main characters have some serious emotional issues and a whole lot of honesty issues rolled in as well, I wanted to slap both of them .
I was hoping for some action and romance but I couldn’t get into it long enough to finish this book.
April 13, 2015
3.5 Stars
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August 16, 2020Evidence of Trust is the first book in Stacey Joy Netzel's Colorado Trust series. In it we meet two dynamic and complex characters--Brittany Lucas and Joel Morgan. From the start, it is evident that a chemistry connects these two complex characters. Both are wounded. Brittany's wound stem from a sense of betrayal by her father and ex-fiancé. Joel's wounds stem from a sense of betrayal from the desertion of his mother in his youth and a girlfriend. Brittany works at a ranch training horses and taking visitors on horse back rides through the Rocky Mountain National Park. Joel, a special investigator for the National Park Service is brought in to uncover the identity of a poacher whose actions are escalating. Will Joel and Brittany get together? What role does the poacher play in uniting them? Who is the poacher? To discover these answers you have to read this suspense romance.
Netzel does a remarkable job with literary devices such as dialog, POV and descriptive language. I enjoyed how she tells the story through a dual POV of Brittany and Joel. Their dialog helps to endears the reader to them as well as gain insight into their backstories. Through her descriptive scenes, the reader is transported into each scene in order to fully enjoy them. If you are looking for a captivating and suspense filled romance then I recommend this HEA.
Netzel does a remarkable job with literary devices such as dialog, POV and descriptive language. I enjoyed how she tells the story through a dual POV of Brittany and Joel. Their dialog helps to endears the reader to them as well as gain insight into their backstories. Through her descriptive scenes, the reader is transported into each scene in order to fully enjoy them. If you are looking for a captivating and suspense filled romance then I recommend this HEA.
June 5, 2017
This is a really fun read. The mystery is very good, the plot is well laid out and develops nicely throughout. The characters are complex. Brittany is on a final summer at the Ranch before taking a place at her father's company in the city. She needs to decide which life she wants to pursue. Then she meets Ranger Joel Morgan, new to town, just on assignment to work the case. He has to decide if continuing to move around will always be the path he wants to follow. These two meet and seriously dislike each other at first. This makes for a bit of a unique relationship development. But they come to lean on each other and slowly acknowledge their attraction. I was rooting for their happily ever after from the start, and the author kept me in suspense on who the bad guy was. Great pacing on this one, a new author for me, I will definitely look to pick up more books in this series.
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July 29, 2021It's funny because I've read some reviews where the reader didn't like the MMC Joel, stating that he was hard to like and that the FMC Britt was well developed and easy to relate to. I found the opposite to be true. Britt's behaviour at the beginning of the story doesn't make sense to me. She omits information because she's upset. Okay, but you are withholding information from a ranger that could clear you from suspicion. To me, she seemed petty and juvenile in her behaviour and I didn't understand or like it. Joel was doing his job. What's not to get?
Other than that, I really enjoyed the story. There is a lot of suspense mixed in to this love story which gives it a lot of depth. Very happy to have read it.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the story. There is a lot of suspense mixed in to this love story which gives it a lot of depth. Very happy to have read it.
April 22, 2018
Joel is a ranger, looking for a poacher in the park near a ranch where Brittany is working. She doesn’t tell him where she works because he assumes she’s a spoiled rich woman. Eventually, all becomes clear, and they both show their broken hearts to the other.
Joel also figures out who the poacher is, but only with lots of discussion of suspects, especially with Brittany, who’s received threats from the man.
Interesting story, with a balance of mystery and romance. I like the people, and the way many could be the poacher, but it makes sense who it finally is.
Good book.
Joel also figures out who the poacher is, but only with lots of discussion of suspects, especially with Brittany, who’s received threats from the man.
Interesting story, with a balance of mystery and romance. I like the people, and the way many could be the poacher, but it makes sense who it finally is.
Good book.
October 1, 2018
Este pequeno cativou-me desde o início; senti logo uma simpatia imensa por Britt e Joel e, admito, o facto de a ação decorrer no Colorado foi um plus, sinto imenso interesse por aquele estado e adoro ler livros que decorram lá.
Gostei muito da forma como o relacionamento dos protagonistas começou e se desenvolveu e o final foi uma coisa mesmo fofa. Se dúvida que vou ler mais desta série ;)
Gostei muito da forma como o relacionamento dos protagonistas começou e se desenvolveu e o final foi uma coisa mesmo fofa. Se dúvida que vou ler mais desta série ;)
August 18, 2017
Great story with two very strong characters who are butting heads from the start and can't stand each other. Both have had bad relationships with lovers and family causing major issues with trust. Things change as they work to catch the sick poacher mutilating wild animals and learn more about each other in the process. I loved this and look forward to more stories from Joy Netzel.
October 26, 2018
I couldn’t put it down...
This is a book I absolutely could not put down. The suspense of each chapter had me glued to every word. Brittany and Joel’s story is one that I absolutely recommend to anyone to read the story line kept me guessing and enthralled to the very end! I loved this book!!!
This is a book I absolutely could not put down. The suspense of each chapter had me glued to every word. Brittany and Joel’s story is one that I absolutely recommend to anyone to read the story line kept me guessing and enthralled to the very end! I loved this book!!!
October 27, 2018
Animals being slaughtered in the National Park,the sheriff Joel, is sent in to investigate. Coming across Britt who is camping. She has a domineering father, and the sheriff, isn’t use to anyone not following his orders.sparks fly, bring up past memories. Enjoyable story to read, twist of mystery and romance.
November 5, 2018
First time reader for this author but it was good book. It got 4 stars because Brittany was so pigheaded. She didn't want to listen when people were telling her things for her own good. Relationship could have been a little more detailed than a few days.
I never suspected who the poacher was so that made it an interesting read also.
I never suspected who the poacher was so that made it an interesting read also.
May 3, 2019
A contemporary romantic suspense novel in which Joel Morgan, a ranger chasing a poacher finds the woman of his dreams, Brittany, but will she be amenable to this?
With a first meeting that begins with contention, can they get over it and learn to trust each other?
Especially when Brittany doesn't take Joel's warnings to heart and the poacher is targeting her.
With a first meeting that begins with contention, can they get over it and learn to trust each other?
Especially when Brittany doesn't take Joel's warnings to heart and the poacher is targeting her.
September 16, 2017
Poaching of moose and other animals in mountains of USA. Rangers trying to stop. Horse Farm for holiday riding with some horse taming by the horse whisperer.
Bit chick lit even though billed as a suspense story, the suspense was very light.
Bit chick lit even though billed as a suspense story, the suspense was very light.
December 2, 2017
A Great Modern Western Romance
This is a great example of a modern western and it's a fantastic romance as well. I grew up around horses and certainly understand home anyone could love them and all wildlife. Definitely recommend.
This is a great example of a modern western and it's a fantastic romance as well. I grew up around horses and certainly understand home anyone could love them and all wildlife. Definitely recommend.
March 3, 2018
Loved it!
OMG I absolutely loved this book! Loved everything about it! This is my first book by Stacey and it will not be my last. I can't wait to read the next book in this serious!
OMG I absolutely loved this book! Loved everything about it! This is my first book by Stacey and it will not be my last. I can't wait to read the next book in this serious!
October 27, 2018
Good name for this book.
This story is full of mystery, suspense and romance. You read about the beautiful country they are in and the magnificent animals they are working with. But it still has a good romantic tale throughout the book.
This story is full of mystery, suspense and romance. You read about the beautiful country they are in and the magnificent animals they are working with. But it still has a good romantic tale throughout the book.
October 30, 2018
This was my first book by this author and I’m delighted to say I really enjoyed it. Well written storyline with intrigue to keep you guessing. The main characters were interesting and believable. All in all, a book worth reading and if this is any indication, the entire series should be good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews