Soldier's Return

Colton 911: Chicago #4

by Karen Whiddon

He risked his life for his country…
Now he’s putting his heart on the line for love

Carly Colton doesn’t know whether to be elated that Micha Harrison is still alive or furious that it took him two years to let her know. Profound grief once tore Carly’s life apart and now she’s finally moving on. But the wounded warrior is determined to win her back…and to protect her from the deadly stalker threatening her life.

Genres: Harlequin, Suspense

288 pages, ebook

First published March 4, 2021

About the author

Karen Whiddon spun fanciful tales for her younger brothers as early as the age of eleven. Growing up in the Catskill Mountains of New York, then the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, she found enough magic in the rugged peaks to keep her imagination fueled for years.

Now making her home in North Texas, she shares her life with her hero-like husband and three doting dogs. She writes paranormal tales for Harlequin Nocturne including the popular Pack series and romantic suspense stories for Harlequin Romantic Suspense.

She's also written Fae novels for Lovespell and a long time ago, she wrote five Precious Gem Romances for Kensington publishing. These she now owns again and has put them up for sale on Amazon.com among other places

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the fourth book in the Colton 911: Chicago series. I have read and review the first three books in this series before reading this book. This is my favorite book in this series so far that I have read. The love between Carly and Micha comes through so well. I love Micha's backstory shared in this book. I think soldier's getting hurt and dealing with all of that needs to be in more books. I enjoyed Micha's character so much. I felt the ending was a little to long because the book kept going after the mystery/suspense was finish. I did like that they wrapped up some of Micha's story. I loved the suspense in this book and the romance was done so well.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific second chance story. Carly's life hasn't been an easy one lately. Two years earlier, she lost her fiancé to the war in Afghanistan. She started to move on, and then her father and uncle were brutally murdered, and the case is still unsolved. To add insult to injury, for the past month or more, she's felt as though someone is stalking her. The last thing she expects is to have her dead fiancé show up on her doorstep.

Two years earlier, Micha was captured by Afghan insurgents, held and tortured for six months. The rescue mission sent to free him ended in a fiery crash, killing most of the crew and putting Micha into a coma and then months of rehab. When he finally got out, Micha felt too severely scarred to go back to Carly, but he wanted to make sure she was okay and had moved on. He never intended for her to see him, but once she did, he couldn't stay away.

What a reunion! Carly's reactions were mixed. Elation at first, but also hurt and anger that he took so long to tell her he was alive. The chemistry between them burned as hot as ever, but after giving into that first burst of heat, Carly pulls back. Losing him once nearly killed her; trusting him with her heart again was a risk she didn't want to take. Micha loves Carly even more now than he did before. She means everything to him. All he needs to do is show her that they still belong together.

I loved seeing the rekindling of Micha and Carly's relationship. When Micha learns that Carly may have a stalker, his protective instincts kick in. Determined to keep her safe, Micha sticks close to Carly. With all of that togetherness, it's no surprise that Carly's fears begin to fade. There are some terrific scenes of their improving relationship, from quiet evenings together to her standing up for him to her family. I loved how Micha shared his idea for future employment with her and Carly's enthusiastic support. One of the things I liked about both of them was how each knew just how far they could push the other when it came to tough decisions. I especially liked Carly's encouragement for Micha to repair his relationship with his parents. I loved the scene near the end where Carly takes a big step toward their future and Micha's reaction to it.

The suspense of the story kept me turning the pages throughout the entire book. From Carly's fear of a stalker to the bombing of Micha's car to the other attacks, the intensity steadily grew. The running question remained who was the target - Carly or Micha? Either way, Micha would do anything to keep Carly safe. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, from the attack on Micha (loved the teenagers) to the showdown at Carly's house. The action was intense, and the resolution well done. There were a few mentions of the ongoing investigation into the senior Coltons' murders, with a possibility that it is the work of a serial killer. It looks like Carly's psychologist cousin, Simone, is determined to stick her fingers into the investigative pie. I can't wait for her story.

[Jeriann Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carly and Micha Are So Good

Karen Whiddon's entry in the Colton 911 Chicago series shines. This second chance romance reunites Carly Colton with her fiance Micha Harrison 2 years after he was reported KIA in Afghanistan. Carly is unsure about forgiving Micha for staying away, although she understands his severe trauma and rehab he endured after 6 months in captivity. Micha knows Carly is the one for him, but is unsure if she's ready to forgive him. Someone is stalking her, so Micha changes his mind about a quick visit and stays to protect the woman he loves.

Terrific action, a great mystery, two empathetic characters and a wonderful love story make this a terrific read.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Sagas, Military Romance
Miniseries
Colton 911: Chicago (Book #4)