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Kate Howard #1
High Heels and Handguns
For Kate Howard, former Army Special Forces Sergeant, life as a one-woman personal protection detail comes with challenges. Wearing civilian camouflage while guarding high-profile clients is a dangerous game of rock, paper, hollow point.
After an explosive and deadly end to her client’s reelection fundraiser, which left his young son in critical condition, Kate must accept help from an unwanted source: the soldier she loved and left in Afghanistan, bloody, broken, and barely alive.
Special Forces Officer Paxton Banks, Kate’s former captain—now an FBI agent—is assigned to investigate the attempt on her client’s life. After ten years, old emotions and new threats whip Kate's world into complicated chaos. But when other elected officials are threatened, Kate and Paxton must tamp down their fiery feelings to catch a madman hell-bent on revenge.
After an explosive and deadly end to her client’s reelection fundraiser, which left his young son in critical condition, Kate must accept help from an unwanted source: the soldier she loved and left in Afghanistan, bloody, broken, and barely alive.
Special Forces Officer Paxton Banks, Kate’s former captain—now an FBI agent—is assigned to investigate the attempt on her client’s life. After ten years, old emotions and new threats whip Kate's world into complicated chaos. But when other elected officials are threatened, Kate and Paxton must tamp down their fiery feelings to catch a madman hell-bent on revenge.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2020
230 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Heartman
3 books52 followersLisa Heartman is a coffee-swilling, sass-spewing, romance writer who believes love is messy and magnificent. She writes things she wishes she had said, and some she wishes she hadn’t, delighting readers with exhilarating stories and swoon-worthy characters in a world where danger and desire collide.
Read more at https://www.lisaheartman.com/about.html
Read more at https://www.lisaheartman.com/about.html
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 10, 2021
3.5 stars
Really liked this book. Kate and Paxton just made perfect sense together. Also really enjoyed the plot and how it wasn't just romance focused.
Really liked this book. Kate and Paxton just made perfect sense together. Also really enjoyed the plot and how it wasn't just romance focused.
April 12, 2021
A page-turner with mystery and suspense in this second chance romance. Well-written, funny, and tugging at the all-the-right heart strings, this is a solid first in a promising new series.
November 21, 2020
Very entertaining, with a bad ass female main character in action and romance. The characters are all very interesting, and the storytelling is great.
May 23, 2020
Excellent Story & Narration🎧 A Captivating Thrill!
High Heels and Handguns
A Kate Howard Novel, Book One
By: Lisa Heartman
Narrated by: Stephanie Nemeth-Parker
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the story grabbed my attention right from the start and held it captive straight to the end. Lisa Heartman is a gifted author, the storylines she created are interesting and original. Her characters are complex and nicely developed, they are likable and easy to relate to. I love that Kate Howard is her own person, strong and independent, a bit too independent because she comes off as a “one woman band” at times, playing only to her own tune. She is former military, special forces and is working independently in personal security and protection. After an attack on her client, she wants in on the FBI investigation and called in a favor to make it happen. Turns out her former Special Forces Captain, Paxton Banks is the lead on the case and who she will be working with. I loved the chemistry between them and how he could read her and know her next step. While she used more unconventional ways of finding things out he stuck to the rule book. I adored her neighbor Kyle, he was a great addition to the story, his carefree personality lightened things up too. There is never a dull moment in this book, the story is well plotted and the story flows naturally, it is a perfect blend of several genres and contains plenty of drama (relationship and crime), angst, mystery, thrilling suspense, action, heartfelt moments and romance. Lisa Heartman, thank you for this entertaining and enjoyable story, I am looking forward to checking out out more of your work.
I listened to the Audible edition, Stephanie Nemeth-Parker is a terrific narrator and voice artist. She does a nice job portraying the characters, bringing them to life, giving each their own voice and personality. She sets the perfect tone for the story, captures and projects the characters emotions into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen🎧
High Heels and Handguns
A Kate Howard Novel, Book One
By: Lisa Heartman
Narrated by: Stephanie Nemeth-Parker
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the story grabbed my attention right from the start and held it captive straight to the end. Lisa Heartman is a gifted author, the storylines she created are interesting and original. Her characters are complex and nicely developed, they are likable and easy to relate to. I love that Kate Howard is her own person, strong and independent, a bit too independent because she comes off as a “one woman band” at times, playing only to her own tune. She is former military, special forces and is working independently in personal security and protection. After an attack on her client, she wants in on the FBI investigation and called in a favor to make it happen. Turns out her former Special Forces Captain, Paxton Banks is the lead on the case and who she will be working with. I loved the chemistry between them and how he could read her and know her next step. While she used more unconventional ways of finding things out he stuck to the rule book. I adored her neighbor Kyle, he was a great addition to the story, his carefree personality lightened things up too. There is never a dull moment in this book, the story is well plotted and the story flows naturally, it is a perfect blend of several genres and contains plenty of drama (relationship and crime), angst, mystery, thrilling suspense, action, heartfelt moments and romance. Lisa Heartman, thank you for this entertaining and enjoyable story, I am looking forward to checking out out more of your work.
I listened to the Audible edition, Stephanie Nemeth-Parker is a terrific narrator and voice artist. She does a nice job portraying the characters, bringing them to life, giving each their own voice and personality. She sets the perfect tone for the story, captures and projects the characters emotions into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen🎧
November 17, 2020
An on your toes book
If you blink you might miss something.you want to laugh and cry at the same time I enjoyed this book so much. Kate and Paxton complimented each other so well and add a little Kyle and Maggie to the mix you have an all around excellent book will be reading more from this author
If you blink you might miss something.you want to laugh and cry at the same time I enjoyed this book so much. Kate and Paxton complimented each other so well and add a little Kyle and Maggie to the mix you have an all around excellent book will be reading more from this author
September 28, 2020
I picked up this romantic suspense after reading a Facebook group recommendation. It didn’t disappoint and I look forward to reading more about Kate Howard.
Kate never expected to see Paxton Banks again after disappearing from his life 12 years ago. She didn’t follow orders. She almost got him killed. Now he’s an FBI agent and he reluctantly needs her help finding a domestic terrorist that has made his crimes personal to her. But her heart can’t survive another run-in with Paxton. After all, she doesn’t do relationships, and “she will never live up to his expectations.”
Agent Paxton Banks does everything by the book. He’s a natural-born leader. He’s an all-or-nothing guy and Kate broke his heart when she walked away years ago. But this last mess of hers almost got an innocent man killed and he’s out. It’s done.
Boy, do Kate and Paxton know how to butt heads, but the sexual tension that built up over 12 years of being apart is off the charts. In addition, their work as a team to catch the killer is second nature to them after working together in the service. Yes, she’s reckless, hot-headed, and stubborn, but it works well with his steadfast and controlled take-charge attitude.
As for supporting characters, I really enjoyed Kate’s young and chatty, neighbor, Kyle, who reveals his less than above-board techno skills to help her out with her case. And of course, Kate’s wise-cracking best friend Maggie is an awesome seamstress making bullet-proof couture clothing for high-profile individuals.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, suspense thriller with a feisty heroine, a confident hero, and an intriguing bit of teamwork to catch the killer. I am a new fan of Lisa Heartman and her Kate Howard series. I can’t wait to delve into Kate and Paxton’s relationship and see what other dicey situations they can get themselves into.
Kate never expected to see Paxton Banks again after disappearing from his life 12 years ago. She didn’t follow orders. She almost got him killed. Now he’s an FBI agent and he reluctantly needs her help finding a domestic terrorist that has made his crimes personal to her. But her heart can’t survive another run-in with Paxton. After all, she doesn’t do relationships, and “she will never live up to his expectations.”
Agent Paxton Banks does everything by the book. He’s a natural-born leader. He’s an all-or-nothing guy and Kate broke his heart when she walked away years ago. But this last mess of hers almost got an innocent man killed and he’s out. It’s done.
Boy, do Kate and Paxton know how to butt heads, but the sexual tension that built up over 12 years of being apart is off the charts. In addition, their work as a team to catch the killer is second nature to them after working together in the service. Yes, she’s reckless, hot-headed, and stubborn, but it works well with his steadfast and controlled take-charge attitude.
As for supporting characters, I really enjoyed Kate’s young and chatty, neighbor, Kyle, who reveals his less than above-board techno skills to help her out with her case. And of course, Kate’s wise-cracking best friend Maggie is an awesome seamstress making bullet-proof couture clothing for high-profile individuals.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, suspense thriller with a feisty heroine, a confident hero, and an intriguing bit of teamwork to catch the killer. I am a new fan of Lisa Heartman and her Kate Howard series. I can’t wait to delve into Kate and Paxton’s relationship and see what other dicey situations they can get themselves into.
November 3, 2020
Fast paced, second chance at love
I cannot wait for another book with Kate and Paxton. Kate is tough as nails with a soft heart she doesn't want anyone to see. She and her former military commander are thrown together unexpectedly to work a case. You can feel the chemistry from the first mention in the book. The characters and story keep you engaged, wondering if they can solve and capture the responsible person all the way to the end. Highly recommend this book.
I cannot wait for another book with Kate and Paxton. Kate is tough as nails with a soft heart she doesn't want anyone to see. She and her former military commander are thrown together unexpectedly to work a case. You can feel the chemistry from the first mention in the book. The characters and story keep you engaged, wondering if they can solve and capture the responsible person all the way to the end. Highly recommend this book.
April 16, 2022
I genuinely liked the crime solving portion of the book. The male love interest was phenomenal! The female character struck me as a bit immature in her decision making. I would also appreciate more research behind the medical or anatomical aspects of the book. Those two reasons explain the four instead of five stars. Overall really enjoyed reading the story and would recommend!
December 29, 2020
I'm not usually a fan of romantic suspense, but I was hooked and reeled in by this novel's wonderful character development, a page-turning plot, and—huge kudos on this one!—storytelling that honored how things might actually happen. That is, you won't have those moments of saying to yourself things like: "an officer of the law couldn't get away with that" or "that's not how that firearm works" or "what a lucky break [eye roll]." The author did her homework, and it shows! But none of that takes away from the pacing and excitement. Rather, I was tempted more than once to shove aside all my other to-dos and just read, read, read.
What a marvelous debut novel from Lisa Heartman! I expect to see and read much more from her in the future.
What a marvelous debut novel from Lisa Heartman! I expect to see and read much more from her in the future.
October 27, 2021
This was an amazing book, I could not put it down. My wife recommended it to me, it was fantastic. I don't normally read romantic suspense books, but the suspense was incredible.
I think I'm going to start reading it again as it has been a few months since I've read it. My wife just reminded me of a funny scene with Kyle, he's my favorite character.
I can't wait for her next book. This would make an incredible movie series or possibly a great TV series.
I think I'm going to start reading it again as it has been a few months since I've read it. My wife just reminded me of a funny scene with Kyle, he's my favorite character.
I can't wait for her next book. This would make an incredible movie series or possibly a great TV series.
April 30, 2022
This was a solid, easy read from a talented new author. I (mostly) liked the characters- Paxton was super, so was Maggie- and Kyle quickly became my favorite- but Kate can be a bit much sometimes. The story moved along at a great pace- which makes for a fun read- you really want to just finish it to see what happens.
The book reminds me a lot of the Plum Series by Janet Evanovich- so if you like those books- you will definitely like this one.
Overall, I would definitely recommend. Looking forward to the next Kate Howard (and Paxton and Kyle hopefully) adventure!
The book reminds me a lot of the Plum Series by Janet Evanovich- so if you like those books- you will definitely like this one.
Overall, I would definitely recommend. Looking forward to the next Kate Howard (and Paxton and Kyle hopefully) adventure!
September 17, 2020
Lisa Heartman is a new author for me, but I loved High Heels and Handguns and will be watching for more of the series. There were great descriptions, an interesting story, good tension and likable characters.
I listened to the Audible version. Stephanie Nemeth-Parker is as new narrator for me, but she did a fabulous job. I would listen to her again in the future.
I listened to the Audible version. Stephanie Nemeth-Parker is as new narrator for me, but she did a fabulous job. I would listen to her again in the future.
February 1, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book and really enjoyed reading it. This book was written great and liked how kate and Paxton worked together. There was just the right amount of humor and romance. I'm looking forward to their next adventure
February 9, 2020
Captivating book
I choose this eating as this book was captivating. I did not want to put it down. Lisa drew you into the book the first page and then kept it going to the end. I hope to read more of her work in the near future.
I choose this eating as this book was captivating. I did not want to put it down. Lisa drew you into the book the first page and then kept it going to the end. I hope to read more of her work in the near future.
February 12, 2020
What a fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it. In South Africa it would be described as a Skop, Skiet en Donder with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. Absolutely fabulous Lisa. Eagerly waiting for the next one.
May 28, 2020
High Heels and Handguns is a fun novel! Perfect blend of action, romance, suspense, and badassery! I can't wait for a follow up!
I listened to the audio book, which is superbly narrated. I would definitely listen to more by this narrator.
I listened to the audio book, which is superbly narrated. I would definitely listen to more by this narrator.
October 27, 2021
Kate was a powerful woman that was fun to read. There was lots of suspense, the characters were well-thought-of. I enjoyed the the sex scene, it's the only one I've ever read, I didn't know this was romantic suspense but I was very happy with it at the end.
January 18, 2020
I loved this book by Lisa Heartman! I was given an advanced reader copy and read through it pretty quickly. The suspense on what was gonna happen next had me staying up late reading for 4 nights. I'm sad that I finished it but absolutely loved the happy ending. I hope Lisa writes more about Kate and Paxton because I quickly fell in love with their characters.
March 2, 2020
This book was recommended by a friend and did not disappoint. It had explosions, suspense, romance, comedy, and a whole slew of emotions. I will be looking for other books from Ms. Heartman.
April 3, 2020
Not what was expected
Couldn't put the book/reader down; even had to move to a quieter spot of the house so there were no interruptions! Well written. Enough heat, humor and angst that I look forward to more of these characters. Would even reread!
Couldn't put the book/reader down; even had to move to a quieter spot of the house so there were no interruptions! Well written. Enough heat, humor and angst that I look forward to more of these characters. Would even reread!
April 15, 2020
Surprised with this book and wish there were more books by this author as was very good.
July 6, 2020
Great Read
This is a great story filled with action, romance,and intrigue! The story has a nice easy flow,the characters are exiting and we defined. And the story wraps up nicely.
This is a great story filled with action, romance,and intrigue! The story has a nice easy flow,the characters are exiting and we defined. And the story wraps up nicely.
November 3, 2020
Read it
Love it.. All of it. The storyline and Kate friendship with Maggie. Paxton was delicious and how he care for Kate
Love it.. All of it. The storyline and Kate friendship with Maggie. Paxton was delicious and how he care for Kate
March 20, 2021
Loved it!
Love the chemistry between the characters and the hint of humor. I hope there’s another book to follow very soon.
Love the chemistry between the characters and the hint of humor. I hope there’s another book to follow very soon.
March 25, 2021
Great read !
This is a wonderful new author for me. Right from the beginning, I was caught up in the storyline and history of the characters. I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Heartman’s books..
This is a wonderful new author for me. Right from the beginning, I was caught up in the storyline and history of the characters. I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Heartman’s books..
Read
April 20, 2021This is a great book, I loved the story line and keep to pace to keep me interested. I can't wait to read the next one. Great detail!
September 8, 2021
What I really liked is that Kate is her own person, complete and whole. Well, as whole as most of us are.
The book would have been just as strong without the romantic element, which is a testament to the author's skill and storytelling abilities.
That the author built a good community of well-formed secondary characters very much adds to the book, but also builds the foundations for a potential series.
Hoping that the author gets to work on the next one, and soon.
The book would have been just as strong without the romantic element, which is a testament to the author's skill and storytelling abilities.
That the author built a good community of well-formed secondary characters very much adds to the book, but also builds the foundations for a potential series.
Hoping that the author gets to work on the next one, and soon.
July 1, 2022
Great book
Had wonderful characters and love a tough FBI guy. Get this book it is a great read. Wish there was a book two or maybe a Kate series would be great.
Had wonderful characters and love a tough FBI guy. Get this book it is a great read. Wish there was a book two or maybe a Kate series would be great.
February 11, 2020
Wow! Great suspenseful story! Rule breaking, attraction,and action made for a sensual and captivating book!
May 30, 2020
Kate and Paxton’s second chance love story was an entertaining read. They had amazing chemistry and I enjoyed watching them butt heads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews