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Taking Charge #3

Sheriff: His Town. His Laws. His Justice.

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A strict, shirtless sheriff tangles with a wily woman harboring secrets and sin.

Violet Parker cannot believe her eyes. She has just arrived in a tiny town north of San Francisco and is staring at a ruggedly handsome man naked from the waist up. The sight of his muscled arms is enough to make her weak at the knees, and she's shocked when he introduces himself as the sheriff.

Cooper Dalton runs his town as he sees fit. A misbehaving female might find herself over his knee, and though he's drawn to the copper-haired, green-eyed young woman, his instinct tells him she's harboring a secret.

Violet is on the run from a dastardly detective determined to see her behind bars. He's hot on her trail and no-one is going to stop him.

If you love a take-charge hero and a heart-warming western romance SHERIFF is for you. Surrender to the steamy desire, the humor and excitement of this riveting love story. Discover the wild in Wild West, Click the link today.

Brought to you by Maggie Carpenter. USA TODAY Bestselling Author.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2018

213 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Maggie Carpenter

159 books327 followers
Award-winning and best-selling author Maggie Carpenter has published over 120 romance novels, and is the recipient of a number Spanking Romance Reviews awards spanning a variety of genres. Her readers describe her books as, romantic, funny, suspenseful, beyond a five-star read, exciting romance with a ton of surprises.

Her work includes a best-selling twelve-book contemporary cowboy series, Cowboys After Dark, (http://amzn.to/2ihCNtp), a warrior fantasy trilogy, Warriors After Dark, (http://amzn.to/2iE0cDa) contemporary love stories, and several Victorian romances. His Willful Bride was a #1 best-seller for several weeks and a BookBub Feature Deal. She is best known for her smart, witty, strong-willed women who bring unexpected challenge, mystery and humor into the lives of passionate, dominant men.

Maggie has a history in show-business both in front of and behind the camera, but moved from Los Angeles to live in the Pacific Northwest to pursue her writing. She is an equine enthusiast who rides every day, and writes until the wee hours of the morning when her eyes close only because they must.

This author loves to hear from readers. You can contact her through her website: www.MaggieCarpenter.com. To sample her work for free, go to, www.3FreeBooks.com.

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5 stars
101 (54%)
4 stars
55 (29%)
3 stars
25 (13%)
2 stars
5 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews.
1,314 reviews112 followers
March 24, 2018
First, I want to thank Maggie Carpenter for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Sheriff by Maggie Carpenter was a book right up my ally! Gotta love me some cowboys, scenes filled with spankings, bondage, etc. this book is not suitable for children! Rob Lang did an amazing job with the cover art and with his choice on the male model!

The prologue started off on the right note into the action of the book! Woman made up a story that made to take off her clothing at gunpoint and the other lady put them on her own body. It was the craziest story this woman came up with just cus she didn’t want to get caught doing something she wasn’t spose to be doing. The woman she was accusing of doing this was someone that the sergeant have been looking for a long time.
Profile Image for Pandora Spocks.
Author 24 books143 followers
February 25, 2018
I always look forward to the next Maggie Carpenter book, and with Sheriff, I was not disappointed.

Violet is a flawed heroine, on the run from the (questionable) law, when she runs into hot, shirtless sheriff Cooper. Will he give in to the desire she stirs up, and can he protect her from the man bent on destroying her?

Looking for a hot, Western, spanking romance? You'll LOVE this book! 5 Stars!!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
October 15, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/15/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,984 reviews175 followers
February 8, 2018
I’M ALREADY MARRIED TO THIS SHINY BADGE RIGHT HERE ON MY CHEST

Another great addition to the Taking Charge series where each book is a stand-alone and could be just about anything, from contemporary to historical, but is sure to please. Once again, Ms. Maggie Carpenter takes her readers on an amazing adventure in this western that includes secrecy, deception, commitment, trust, dominance, and submission. With a great cast of characters, including a shirtless sheriff, and a wily seductress, this tale will be sure to keep the pages turning as the details unfold.

Violet Parker has earned herself a reputation as a con-woman, a saint, a sinner, and it all depends on what side of the law her accolades come from. She is beautiful with sparkling green eyes and stunning red hair, and she has a silver tongue that can help her work her magic.

Detective Frank Connelly has made it his goal to arrest Violet Parker for her thieving ways, and he doesn’t care what it takes or how he does it, she will be arrested. She has been a menace in San Francisco and needs to be stopped. He has lost her twice; he won’t lose her a third time.

Sheriff Cooper Dalton is the law in Brownsville. He is a fair man, and while he expects law and order, he isn’t above redemption and forgiveness. Having been offered a second chance in life, he knows he isn’t alone, and honesty with a change will be granted to others. He is also known to spank a naughty woman when she gets out of line.

“He’s a fine man, the finest, and he’s fair, but he doesn’t let anyone sin and walk away unpunished.”

The plot will have Violet Parker leaving San Francisco and arriving in Brownsville, the last stop on the stagecoach line. The Sheriff makes it a point of always knowing who comes and goes on the stagecoach, and the new passenger is a stunning woman who gives her name as Rose Hamilton. He will escort her to the boarding house run by Ruby Elwood.

While Violet is shocked to see a man without a shirt, it is explained that he does that when it is a very hot day. She is hoping she can make this town her home and maybe new beginnings for her future. The Sheriff is an astute man and can sense there is more to Rose than she is saying. She will learn that he is willing to listen and not judge.

There is a unique chemistry between Rose and Cooper, and she will decide she must trust him when more strangers from San Francisco start showing up in Brownsville. As the story unfolds, and more of the truth about Violet unfolds, Cooper is determined to keep her safe and see that justice is properly served.

There are several key people in the story, including a young man from the largest neighboring ranch that wants to become a deputy and helps with solving one of the crimes and learning to be observant. When he catches an attempt on the bank, he will gain favor in Cooper’s opinion as to training him to be a deputy. Getting the criminal to talk is entertaining.

“If you like to eat, you’d better start talkin’ or I’ll have my deputy remove your front teeth—with his knuckles. This is my town! My laws! My justice. Besides, do you see any witnesses here? As far as I know, you lost your front teeth threatenin’ my life.”

Protecting Violet will mean relocating her, and that adds to some interesting D/s games between them including spankings and bondage. “She loved him, totally and completely. He had become the boss of her body and her heart.”

“Take my hand and let’s jump off the cliff together. I swear I’ll break your fall.”

The chemistry between Cooper and Violet is almost instantaneous, and when they do give in to their desires, they will sizzle together. Violet isn’t afraid to invite him into her bed, and that includes sex his way, with spankings, bondage, and exploration. Best of all, its fun to see justice served and the devil to get his comeuppance and the good ones their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Donna Louise.
798 reviews12 followers
February 12, 2018
ByDonna Lon February 12, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Ms Carpenter has outdone herself with this entertaining western.Its full
of danger,mystery,a sexy shirtless sheriff and a green eyed, beautiful
bewitching young lady with a heart of gold.The secondary characters
were also pivotal to the storyline,which added depth and warmth.I was
immediately drawn to Viiolet and Cooper and the setting.They had an
instant attraction which was realistic and believable.Passion sizzled
between them at first sight,they were so well attuned to each other.
Violet Parker arrived in Brownsville after fleeing from dastardly detective,
Frank Connelly.She was met by a shirtless,rugged Cooper Dalton who
is the sheriff of Brownsville.He keeps up to date on the wanted posters,
taking his job seriously.He is intrigued by Violet,he wants to know her story.
He escorts her to Ruby's boarding house with an order to behave or face
his type of Justice.Violet heart flutters to his threat of a spanking.Its not long
before she finds herself over his knees for deliberately steering the conversation
away from herself each time Cooper tries to question her.Cooper believes
everyone deserves a second chance as he was once given.Violet finds herself
happy in this peaceful town with its friendly town folks.Finally she puts her trust
in Cooper and tells him the truth as to why she fled San Francisco.She is happy
when he promises to protect her at any cost.Cooper and Violet share the same
fantasys .Cooper can't believe his luck when he finds her tied tied to his bed
begging to be spanked.Violet is overwhelmed,she has never had such strong
feelings for another man.They were sexually adventurous for the era,enjoying
each other without marriage.This book is full of tantalizing scenes,a strong
alpha male,a sassy good hearted female,danger,passion and fast paced from
beginning to the end.The story has many surprises and twists and turns and I
enjoyed the attention to detail of that era.

DONNA L
Profile Image for Anna Salamatin.
516 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2018
Violet Parker ran away from the orphanage at the age of 12 and never looked back. She learned to survive on the streets for years, even helping others in need sometimes going without herself. She’s been doing just that in San Francisco. Her mane of fiery red hair, sparkling green eyes added to her regal stature. ..Violet must now flee the city and the people she’s come to care about. The dastardly Detective Connolly who has been hunting her for 2 years is getting close to catching her again. He has a history of violating the women he takes into custody, but Violet fought back and escaped. Connolly wants revenge and has leveled false claims against her....So Violet boards a stagecoach and rides it to the last stop which turns out to be the tiny town of Brownsville.
Sheriff Cooper Dalton had once been a hired gun with the reputation of being one of the fastest and sharpest shooters in the West. But a strong-minded lawman had mentored him and turned his life around. He now used his God-given talents for good. The last thing he wanted or needed was the complication of a woman in his life. He was already married to his job.
But on this day when Sheriff Dalton meets the stage.... as he sees the passengers climbing out of the carriage.... he is focused on the beautiful stranger as she waits for her bag to be handed down..... both of their lives are about to change. And it begins today.
This is a love story set in the old west. I found the large cast of characters to be true to life and well developed. The story flows well and holds the reader straight through without drag or drops of any kind. I do recommend this to 18+ due to adult content.
Profile Image for Evelyn Dotson.
2,071 reviews17 followers
October 24, 2022
Violet is on the run from a very nasty detective. Just as he is about to catch her, she manages to once again, escape his hold. He is determined to grab her at any cost~ She has outwitted him, fought him off during an attack, and threatened him. She has committed crimes but for a good reason. Everyone who meets her, falls in love with her generous heart. She became an orphan at six and has lived on the streets since 12. When she is running from him, she boards a stagecoach for a town called Brownsville. Upon arrival, the first person she meets is Sheriff Cooper. Handsome, strong, and was once a gunslinger; he runs the town and the people HIS way; no exceptions. He does not dilly dally with any females either; but he has managed to keep the town safe. He has a funny way of making the women mind and Violet is all for it~ When the two get mixed up together with hijinks, laughter, and honesty-both their lives will change. But the detective just will not give up…what will happen? High heat, action, romance and many humorous places make this a great read~
575 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2018
An old western town. Cooper - a sheriff who applies his own brand of justice and likes to walk around shirtless when it's hot. Violet - a woman on the run with a heart of gold and a very gentle soul. Connelly - a detective on the wrong side of the law who is hell bent to have his revenge on Violet. These are the ingredients for a fantastic story which captivated me from the beginning to the very satisfying end.

Copper and Violet are giving off sparks from the first second they meet and it just gets more intense the better they get to know each other. I fell completely in love with the couple and I also wanted to wring Connelly's neck. I feel the story was the perfect mix of heat, romance, spankings and suspense.
646 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2018
Wonderful written DD western

As a kid I loved westerns and the handsome strong hero who saved the town from bad guys and won the pretty girl. Maggie Carpenter brought that hero to life again in Cooper Dalton. A man who hadn't been honest his whole life but became a man to be admired. He was the perfect partner for Violet(Rose). I enjoyed how page after page as their relationship grows we discovered the real woman. The plot had its twists and turns as we learn why and who Violet was running from. If you're looking for a sexy fun read about yesteryear this is the perfect book to add to your library.
I received an advance reader copy.
Profile Image for K.  Ramjohn.
2,548 reviews
April 1, 2018
Sheriff was an adventurous, charming, fast paced read that held my interest until the end. It was a western styled novel that was easy to read. I loved Violet from page one. Her cunning and street-smarts made her one of the most fun heroines I've read in a while. Cooper was the take charge, no nonsense dominant alpha who was well liked by all. I loved these two together. This story had it all. A crocked detective, a sassy heroine, a dominant sheriff, steamy scenes, mystery, suspense, romance and a HEA ending. This was a great read. It was my first book from this author but it won't be the last as I enjoyed it.
8 reviews
May 29, 2018
A delightful diversion!

Not just a book without excitement, special, unexpected twists and turns, and Happily Ever After, Ms. Carpenter's book will always remain in my heart. You see, this week I was shocked by a diagnosis of a benign tumor in my brain. Being a retired nurse, I am aware of the worst and best possible outcomes. I selected this book, and never gave a thought to my distress while reading it. Every comfort I needed was there . Thank you , Ms. Carpenter for being there for me. It speaks for your heart of the characters. I only write reviews for books that touch me, or impress me, and in no way am I seeking freebies, or compensation.
Profile Image for Carol.
231 reviews6 followers
February 22, 2018
Everyone deserves a second chance

Really enjoyed reading SHERIFF
The chemistry between Cooper and Violet like fireworks going off , meeting your other part of soul / mate before you realize it
Town stood for second chances
Where they paid it forward after someone helped them
What made Violet want to help others ?
Why was the detective so bent on getting Violet ?
Do you remember what Cooper did before he was Sheriff ?
Need ya read to read it hope you enjoy it as well
Amazing romance of love and family , chemistry 🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️
This was wonderful book to read
Profile Image for Lauren.
717 reviews
January 31, 2019
Not bad

I love westerns and a hot spanking alpha male. The dominating male and punishments seemed somewhat mild to me but it was still enjoyable to read. I go through phases of how intense I want a story to be with these themes. There was definitely instant love between the 2 main characters which I’ve never been a big fan of but I still enjoyed the story. The sex scenes were quick but still fairly steamy. This was a quick read for me but that is what I was looking for when I picked this up. Very few editing errors.
895 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2021
Gunslinger

This is a western historical romance but every now and then it almost seems to slip into present day... its a fast paced adventure that really turns out exciting with a gunfight in the church but no one dies in the story... because the gunslinger sheriff is a crack shot. There is a wee little jealous town girl but she soon moves on to the new deputy in training. I have to say the best sex scene is when he sends her to his house and she play acts being tied and blindfold... I liked the story.
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,800 reviews26 followers
April 16, 2018
This was a quick read with a little spanking. Cooper runs his town his way and yet is an honorable man. Violet's past was an intriguing one with Robin Hood tendencies. The trust and love that grows between these two is quick and forever. I loved their interactions and had moments of tears as stories were revealed. There are so many characters in town that it would be nice to visit here again.

I received a copy of this story through Candid Book Reviews, and this is my unsolicited review.
Profile Image for Annette.
3,169 reviews9 followers
April 16, 2018
Wow, this shirtless sheriff knows how to handle his....business. :) This is great, both characters are straight-forward and compassionate. They are very well matched and their connection will sweep you off your feet. As her dangerous past runs her down, she learns that she is no longer fighting alone. The plot has just the right amount of intense anticipation, drama, sensuality, humor and warms the heart. Love the supportive townsfolk too.

I was provided a free copy by Candid Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Debs.
1,189 reviews13 followers
May 3, 2018
Cooper and Violet's story was a western romance, but for me, it was missing the sexy feel good romance. While I love sexy scenes, there was so much given to spanking and instant love that I lost interest in what was supposed to be their romance. It felt rushed and it left me wanting more than reading words on a page. Thank you to Candid Book Reviews for gifting me "Sheriff". My opinion is my own.This is mine. 2.75 Stars!
Profile Image for Pansy.
2,208 reviews24 followers
May 26, 2018
A fun story.

This has been a most interesting series. First there was the contemporary cowboy finding his cowgirl. Then there was the James Bond type finding his spy partner in life. Now we visit "the old west." Considering the tone of the story, I suspect the latter half of the nineteenth century. There are stage coaches, cattle russlers, and gun slingers. A fun story, if not completely historically accurate. Though noted, the discrepancies did not detract greatly from the story. This is, after all, fiction.
77 reviews
May 26, 2020
Most unusual

A little hard to get going with the idea Victoria was a conartest The sheriff with out a shirt that was unusual
So was the town, yet I sort of had a hard time with this book. I am going to tell you to give it a read. I could be off as that's all I have done since stock at home. So by pass any thing I might've said that is off, give this one a check out. Have a good time with it if your stuck in the house.
Profile Image for Erin Carroll.
30 reviews
September 3, 2020
Such an amazing story. I loved reading about Violet and Cooper. Their love story is a true one; how they met and fell in love, the hard struggles that she had to go through to get to him. He just stepped in without any issues and noticed she needed help. I love his little town and all the people, they seen so nice and loving. But in the end it was about the girl on the run and the simply cowboy sheriff that is married to his job.
1,506 reviews10 followers
February 13, 2018
Another fabulous book by Ms. Carpenter. I absolutely loved this story and I want a sheriff of my own. I have a new book boyfriend and his name is Cooper. This story has everything you could want in a romance; heat, humor, love, and an HEA. It is one of those stories that will stay with you. The characters quickly work their way into your heart. Do not miss this lovely story.
471 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2022
Violet is running from the law in San Francisco, and decides it's time to leave. When she steps out of the stagecoach she is met by the shirtless sheriff Cooper and their hot romance begins. I loved the mystery surrounding Violet's life and how meeting the sheriff helps her to find out about her past. Great storyline with entertaining primary and secondary characters.
571 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2018
Sexy Sheriff

Violet was out running the local law only to find herself in with another lawman. What was she hiding, Sheriff Cooper had decided to find out. It was a sexy, edge of your seat story and romance. A few interesting twists and turns. I would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Angel.
404 reviews32 followers
February 13, 2018
Violet and the Sheriff

Violet, an orphan, from San Francico, flees to get away from danger. She lands in Cooper's town. Cooper knows something is up, but he isn't sure what. Read this to find out how the two them overcome their troubles to find their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Kemberlee Snelling.
488 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2018
Loved it

This is a sweet romance. Maggie Carpenter wrote a great historical cowboy romance. Violet is running from the law and meets Cooper the shirtless town sheriff and it’s love at first sight.
Profile Image for Dana Fernandez.
472 reviews16 followers
February 19, 2018
Awesome Book!

First book for me by Maggie Carpenter. I absolutely loved this book! Sheriff Cooper and Violet give us romance, humor, love, hot sexy times and a HEA. Will definitely be reading more by this author.
1,532 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2018
This was a fun little story. It has some drama, some steam, a great cast of characters, a bad guy, and a great HEA. Totally worth the time to read! I enjoyed book one, too, and now I'm going to search for book two that I somehow missed!
555 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2018
SHERIFF: His Town. His Laws. His Jjustise

This was a very well written I loved the characters and the excitement very enjoyable book .I very excited about reading more of your books.
20 reviews
April 4, 2018
I enjoyed reading Seriff: His Towb, His Laws, His Justice. It was very good from the beginning to the end .

I would recomment this book to friends.,, Good reading romance book . I think that you would enjoy reading it .
560 reviews4 followers
April 2, 2021
This story tore my heart out!

At the beginning of each chapter is an icon that brought to mind the last scene of The Searchers, an iconic Western starring John Wayne. This tale has the same impact of a classic Western with a beautiful love story wrapped around it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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