Waking Up Cuffed

Highland County Heroes #1

by Melissa Stevens

Warren wanted her, bad. Hayley had her career on her mind. Could they figure things out and make it work?

Officer Warren Hathaway has the hots for his new supervisor. He asked her out once, before she was his boss, and she turned him down. But damn, she's fine and he just can't keep her off his mind.

Sergeant Hayley Moreno is tempted by the tall, lean hunk of man, but her career is more important than any man, and sleeping with one of her officers, even if he's not directly under her supervision, will undermine her authority.

But can they figure it out?

Welcome to Highland County New Mexico. Where we take our heroes seriously.

Genres: Romance

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2019

About the author

Melissa Stevens has penned more than fifty novels and novellas to date. She was part of the Wicked After Dark anthology which hit #13 on the New York Times Bestsellers list and is working hard for a repeat performance.

With books coming out frequently, the best way to keep on top of what Melissa's doing is to sign up for her VIP Reader List at https://sendfox.com/melissastevens

Melissa lives in Arizona with her husband of more than twenty years and their children.

Reviews

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining story with strong characters in Warren and Hayley. The author does a great job building their relationship along with the steamy chemistry. She brings intrigue along with all of the emotions and delivers a terrific read. It's well written,moves fluidly and is an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

WAKING UP CUFFED is the first book in the Highland County Heroes series. Each is a stand-alone contemporary romance, but I think we’ve already been introduced to some of the next couples.

I would call this a slice-of-life romance. Warren and Hayley are coworkers. We spend 1/3 of our lives at work, so it makes sense that some people would meet that way. I like that they both respected one another, respected her position of authority, and took the relationship at the speed that worked for both of them.

I especially loved the short retelling of THE WOLF YOU FEED to explain Warren’s tattoo.

I’m looking forward to listening to the rest of the stories from Melissa Stevens in the Highland County Heroes series.

Narration: Bump Turgeson has a rich velvety voice that is very pleasant to listen to in this recording. There are some production bloopers (whistling wind in one chapter and volume up/down in another), but they are short lived and forgivable. Bump does need to work on his pauses, but his pronunciation and enunciation are beautiful. I’m looking forward to more of his work.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy via Audio BookCrave, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Title: WAKING UP CUFFED
Series: Highland County Heroes #1
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Listenability: NSFW
Received from: Melissa Stevens (as an Audible gifted copy)

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (1/31/2023)! 🎁

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Highland Country Heroes Series and it is Hayley and Warren's story and what a great start to a new series and a must read. Hayley and Warren work together in Law Enforcement and they have a instant attraction to each other and the chemistry is so strong and hot that you can feel it sizzling of the pages of this book but Hayley is all about her job and doesn't want to jeopardise what she has come to achieve but will the attraction get too strong for her and eventually give in to what they both feel or will she stick to her guns and miss out on something special only time will what the outcome will be. I love this book so much and Hayley and Warren are so perfect together that you find yourself hoping that they eventually got the happy ending that they both deserved. Melissa Stevens is a brilliant author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Troop 30487 LFL 173997 · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Audible Account Review

A easy minimal drama and suspense novel about two careeer Law Enforcement Officers avoiding romantic involvement because of their positions despite their attraction to one another. While I could see the story going in different directions, I was pleasantly surprised when it didn't follow the drama and suspense lines I imagined. Warren's dedication to seeking something more with Haley despite being turned down and keeping things professional until the situation changed was endearing.

Bump Turgeson did a great job narrating and has an incredibly sexy deep voice. However, I would have liked it better as a duet as his female character voice wasn't much different than the males and at times it took me a moment to figure out who was speaking.

I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a slow burn, easy going co-worker romance.

I received a free audible code through a Facebook group giveaway and am providing my honest review voluntarily

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This interesting and well-written book 1 in The Highland County Heroes Book Series has a great story and engaging characters. This is the first of many and each has a stand-alone contemporary romance, the next couples have already been introduced in this story. This is a realistically written story that brings the story to life and I could put myself into. Warren and Hayley are coworkers, like in life, it makes sense that some couples meet that way. They both respect one another, and he respects her position of authority. The book took the relationship at the speed that worked for both of them. I liked the THE WOLF YOU FEED story that explained his tattoo. I cannot wait to read the rest of the stories from Melissa Stevens in the Highland County Heroes series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming story is based at a police station in a smaller city/town about Police Sergeant Hayley and her subordinate, Officer Warren. They are attracted to each other but keep things professional and impersonal between them until Warren is promoted to Detective and they share equal rank. Their story is written about their everyday lives and it's a romantic read. Their romance happens quickly as they connect immediately after having known each other for close to a year through work. The characters are portrayed with good depth and real emotions, the story is about their day to day ordinary lives but it is a heartwarming story as these two really care for each other and highlights the danger that people in law enforcement have to deal with everyday. A very enjoyable read which I rate 4.5*.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When ethics meet love, who wins? Haley, police sargeant puts her job first. Warren crushing on Haley wants her. Haley refuses to engage because she is ethically professional and won't violate the chain of command. Warren makes detective then chain is removed, so they engage. This is a suspenseful engaging read. The author did a good job delving into the main characters and what's important in their lives. Can Haley and Warren have a successful partnership in the PD? Will co-workers give them any grief? Can they put aside their professional aspirations and have an equal partnership? Ms Stevens did her usual good job with her characters and her storyline. Nicely done! I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayley is a New Mexico police woman heading for Captain. She keeps herself to herself and doesn;t date any man in her division. Then Warren Hathaway comes into her department. She is as drawn to him as he seems to be to her but she stands her ground and keeps professional. Then a murder happens and because his report was exceptional he;s pulled in to help with the investigation. Shortly thereafter he;s asked to take a position as a detective. That is when he makes his move on Hayley. Now they need to navigate their way between their career choices and a murderer on the loose.
Fantastic story that will keep you enthralled as you read and try to figure out with them who the murderer is.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one didn’t do anything for me. I liked the characters but the story was similar to everyday life. I was thinking something more exciting would happen and a few things did. This is filled with a lot of suspense, drama and just a bit of romance. The characters seem to have little interaction until late in the book. It’s mostly admiring from afar.

Of the characters we meet I did like Warren the best. He seemed to be very thoughtful and kind. He was respectful towards Haley and had a good attitude.

This isn’t my first story by this author so I was kinda expecting something different. I like the idea of the book but it just didn’t interest me. I did listen to this on audio. This is my for audio by Bump Turgeson. He did a very nice job.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waking Up Cuffed
Highland County Heroes, Book 1
By: Melissa Stevens
Narrated by: Bump Turgeson

Waking Up Cuffed, the title says it all! This is the first book of Melissa Steven’s Highland County Heroes that I listened to and I was hooked on the series. Warren has been attracted to his boss, Hayley for a while, but working together stops them from being together. Once Warren is promoted, he takes the leap and their relationship begins. It’s a slow burn, and we get to meet some characters, like Hayley’s best friend Denni who we see in later books. Add in a murderer on the loose, the difficulty of a woman in a powerful position and grief from work, and you will enjoy this hot, romance. Narrated by Bump Turgeson, his voice is this county and he makes the characters alive and his own.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of this author's Demented Souls MC series and I was eager to read the start of this new series. It did not disappoint. The story is more romance than police action or mystery, but Warren and Hayley make it enjoyable. As Warren's superior and working in a man's world, Hayley has to be extra careful that her actions cannot be questioned. Even though they are both attracted to each other, they don't act on it. It was a slow build to get to the point where they can make it work, but so worth it. I also loved how the author showed they were a couple that faced danger every day, but it can happen to anyone at any time. It showed the importance of grasping happiness when it's within reach and don't waste a moment with secrets.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and I love getting right in on a new series as well. This is the first book in the Highland County Heroes series and it kicks off the series wonderfully. We get to first meet Officer Warren Hathaway and Sergeant Hayley Moreno. I think this is a great spin on the workplace romance where we have Hayley stressing about whether she should approach Warren as she is his supervisor. It made for an interested read with the back and forth between these two characters and their chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Highland County Heroes series. This is a new to me author and after this book I'd have to say I will be reading the other books in this series. I really liked Hayley and Warren's story. It was low drama which was fortuitous because I was in desperate need for a good story that didn't send my emotions on a rollercoaster ride. Warren and Hayley both have feelings for each other but she's his boss so they ignore their feelings. When Warren is promoted to detective, he sees it as his chance to be with Hayley. Will she risk it to be with him?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two cops playing with fire! 💞👮‍♀️❤️️👮💞

This book is so good and hot! 😍

Warren has had his eye on Hayley, his supervisor, for a while now but backed down when she refused a date because of their jobs. But that all changes when he gets roped in as a detective on a murder case. Hayley is no longer his supervisor and they both jump at the chance to... jump each other.😉 And then things get much deeper than either one thought they would, quickly. 💗🔥💕

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula Easton · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I listened to the audiobook and I am not a fan of this narrator. He stops at odd places and there is no real voice change for female characters.

As for the book itself I found it slow, overly descriptive and the most anticlimactic book I have ever read.

Don’t go in thinking that this title leads to anything exciting, it doesn’t!

I don’t see the point of the handcuffing or using this title when the scene is over before it even begins (3/4 though the book).

I will not continue with this series or follow this narrator.

I received this audiobook free for an honest review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayley is determined to make captain and nothing will get in the way or distract her, especially not a man, no matter how big the sparks fly. Warren is smitten with Hayley but can see shes career driven its not until he's drafted to her team that he sees a chance to get close to her. But with a murder to solve, will their relationship gp the distance? Well written slow burn headstrong characters, police romance with a mystery to solve. Engaging suspense filled and more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun start to the new series with Alex & Haley. With her as his boss, their chemistry still steams off the pages and when a murder occurs, he is assigned to the case as the detective and he gets to make the move to see if they can have a chance to be together. You can't deny their attraction towards one another, but it is interesting to see how they work around both the case and their work relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author. This story is about Warren and Hayley. Warren is a Olivier officer and Hayley is his Supervisor. Warren is smitten, even more so now that Hayley is his boss or supervisor but Hayley’s career is number one to her. Then, Warren becomes a detective and the work taboo is pretty much a non issue. Not a bad read. The. Hemistry between this couple was believable and the story enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing will draw you in after only a few pages and have you finishing the book in one sitting. There is the perfect amount of angst and romance to keep you hooked.
I loved how their relationship unfolded so we could see these amazing characters grow in ways you never expected. I would suggest picking up a copy asap, you will not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a couple books by Melissa Stevens in the past and remembered enjoying them. This one turned out to be the same. Once again, I was drawn into the storyline and loved the characters. There were a couple chapters, towards the beginning, that I was thinking I had the wrong author. They just didn't grab me and pull me in. I almost quit reading, but I am so glad I persevered!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hayley is qorking in a male dominated profession of police work. She holds her head high and does her job. She is tempted by the men she works with especially one in particular, however she does not want to ruin her career. Will they be able to work ot out and be together, or will she give up the chance at love?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Melissa Stevens; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Highland County Heroes Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Hayley & Warren; they are both police officers but after drinking to much wine that end up more than coworkers.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book is a amazing series that pulls you in from the start and keeps you tightly there. Hayley takes her career seriously and keeps a tight grip on her heart. Warren arrives in her department, and the draw to Hayley is strong, but nothing can happen while she is his boss. Waking up Cuffed is an intense read with a bit of suspense, heat and passion that you will not want to put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Will Decker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I kinda liked the story and the characters. However, there are some blaring holes in the plot and the editing is atrocious. Grammar errors, misused words, extra or missing words. A good proof reader/editor could do wonders for this book. For a romance, there is very little in the way of heat. Lots of angst between the MC's, but never any real spices. In fact, the entire story feels more glossed over than actually getting into the meat and potatoes.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Officer Warren Hathaway has a major jones for his supervising officer, Sargeant Hayley Moreno.

Hayley has worked hard to get where she is and no officer, Warren included, will derail that.

Long summer, police drama.

The heat between these two has been a medium boil, will itheu turn up the flames?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Warren and Haley's story! It's well written with a good plot and great characters. The chemistry between the two is great and believable. They have the hots for each other but she want let anything happen since she is his supervisor for now. However, he makes detective and things change. I enjoyed this fun story with a touch of danger.

[Vinessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The is a role reversal romance. She is in charge it took her for ever to gain her position on the force to finally be in charge but now she had another battle. He is tall dark and handsome. Only yeah she out ranks him. See how these two learn to navigate the in and outside of politics.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hayley has worked hard to get where she is which is problematic since she is attracted to Warren as she is his superior on the force. Warren is also attracted to Hayley but neither acts on their feelings. How long can they keep their feelings to themselves?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayley is a sergeant on the police force. She's Warren's superior at work, until he makes detective. There love blossoms between them. Good book, well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.