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Saltwater Cowboys #2

Breakwater Protector

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One secret will tear them apart. The other will pull them closer.

Lizzie McCreary needs to disappear. As danger stalks her, she escapes to windswept Cape Corral with her eight-year-old son, Preston. The isolated island offers her a desperate hope for safety.

Saltwater cowboy Dash Fulton isn’t looking for love. Yet when he rescues a woman and boy from the woods, he immediately feels a bond with the two. He can sense the pair are harboring secrets. The question is, what are they?

Dash has secrets of his own, and pressure continues to mount for him to come clean. But as he’s caught up in the peril surrounding Lizzie and Preston, his own problems become a low priority. He can’t let anyone hurt the sweet single mom and her precocious son.

As more details come to light, will wounds from the past ultimately drive Lizzie and Dash apart? Or will the man chasing Lizzie destroy any hope for the future?

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2020

703 people are currently reading
146 people want to read

About the author

Christy Barritt

338 books1,664 followers
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

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5 stars
609 (65%)
4 stars
249 (26%)
3 stars
62 (6%)
2 stars
8 (<1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
3,925 reviews1,763 followers
July 18, 2021
I'm quite enamoured with this Saltwater Cowboy series -- love the setting and all the wild horses and the dreamy guys lined up to be heroes in future books. :-) Breakwater Protector is the perfect reading escape for a hot summer afternoon.

And though it's the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. There is a bit of an island mystery that is developing and looks like it won't be fully solved until the end of the series, but you won't feel lost diving into this book if you haven't read Saltwater Cowboy. Barritt is a pro at keeping readers current without bogging the story down.

Love the way this mystery develops -- all stalkerish spooky. Lizzie is so out of her element and I felt every panicky second as her fear amps up. Dash can sense that something is off when he rides to the rescue (literally...be still my heart!) but Lizzie is tight-lipped and wary. Her son, Preston, is the exact opposite though and the more he's around the boy, the more he's intrigued by the mother.

Lizzie isn't the only one harbouring secrets -- Dash has been keeping one buried for months. Even from some of his closest law enforcement and fire fighting buddies and as emotions run high among the islanders, he's afraid his secret is on the verge of being revealed.

Cue your favourite suspense-y background music track and settle into your comfiest sleuthing armchair and get ready for a captivating page-turning adventure.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Stacey Glemboski and I enjoyed every breathtaking moment!
Profile Image for Rebekah Morris.
Author 119 books266 followers
January 11, 2021
Having enjoyed the first book in this series, I was interested in knowing more about one of the other characters. Dash was the kind of guy you’d want in your corner if things were tough. Lizzie was a likable character, though I was rather confused as to why she went to the island instead of to the police. Preston was just fun. The kind of boy who makes friends with everyone, isn’t shy about anything, asks questions when he wants to know things, and doesn’t seem to know about awkward silences.
I enjoyed the mysteries and was glad that the bad guy wasn’t as bad of a bad guy as I was expecting.
While the characters went to church, and there were some mentions of prayer, it didn’t feel like the Christian aspects of the story were very strong.
There were kisses that were more descriptive than I really like, and I got tired of hearing what Lizzie smelled like. Lizzie and her son also spent a few nights at Dash’s house because of danger when there was no other safe place for them to go. Nothing happened.
Profile Image for Kelly Bridgewater.
1,206 reviews62 followers
October 23, 2020
Another story on the island filled with wild horses. Christy Barritt invites readers about to the world of mystery, mayhem, and romance surrounding a world of unique and different characters. Like always, Barritt crafts unique elements of mystery that occurs to the characters and allows them to capture the characters unaware and allow them to find some way to hunt for romance and justice all within a mid-sized novel. Another good novel to spend a couple of hours with.

I received a complimentary copy of Breakwater Protector from Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Profile Image for Hunter Q Lee.
495 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2020
This deserves ten stars.

This book deserves ten stars. Dash and Lizzie show us that a person's real identity is not determined by the money they have. It is determined by who they are on the inside. In their heart.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
October 18, 2020
BREAKWATER PROTECTOR is the second book in this series, but it stands alone. Dash and Lizzie both have secrets, but they seem to be the non-dangerous sort....at least until it becomes obvious someone is stalking Lizzie--but who? Why?

There is a good faith message, some familiar characters and a setting I'd love to visit. If you love romantic suspense, grab a copy now.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.


Profile Image for Marylin.
1,306 reviews45 followers
October 6, 2020
Another book, set in the sweet town of Cape Corral and written by the amazing storyteller, Christy Barritt.
In this story, we meet another one of the Saltwater Cowboys. We found out that the two main characters both have secrets in their lives. This created tension, and mystery between Dash and Lizzie. However, the question is, will keeping these secrets, be what causes them apart or together?
I love reading Christy Barritt’s books. They are always packed full of suspense, action, twist, and turns. This one is no different. It was so suspenseful I had no idea which person was the true bad guy. But believe me, when I say, he was CREEPY! That’s what makes this author’s books so great. Each of her books are stories you truly don’t want to read alone, late at night.
My heart was racing and my mind was going fast trying to figure out how it was all going to end. I stayed up way too late to finish it, but it's all worth it! This story will keep you on the edge of your seat until you do finish it. From the very first chapter to the very end, believe me when I say, “Hold on to your hat!”
If you LOVE mystery, suspense, action, horses, cowboys, and a bit of romance mixed in, then you will love this book!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kim.
717 reviews14 followers
October 7, 2020
Breakwater Protector is another win for author Christy Barritt and for fans of inspirational suspense. Intense action begins with paragraph one and maintains throughout the book.

Mystery surrounds both Lizzie McCreary, new to Cape Corral, and officer Dash Fulton. She is protecting herself and her son, Preston. Dash is protecting his secrets, even from his friends.

Secrets have a nasty way of revealing themselves and causing more harm than good. Perhaps both will learn how sharing those with trusted people lessens burdens and strengthens friendships.

This was a pleasant fall read with some hot tea and cooler weather. I look forward to soon reading the next edition in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books414 followers
October 8, 2020
Lizzie McCreary has escaped to Cape Corral with her eight-year-old son, Preston. Someone has been threatening her, and she hopes this remote island will provide a safe hiding place. Only whoever seeks to harm them seems to have found them there. Fortunately, one of the saltwater cowboys on this wild horse haven comes to her rescue. Dash Fulton also has secrets, but his motives are altruistic, even though he keeps them hidden. Now the two are thrown together in what may be a fight for Lizzie’s life. And the sparks around them may come from more than whichever enemy continues to strike. This exciting story keeps the pages flying since you won’t want to put down the book until you’re done. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,176 reviews45 followers
October 28, 2020
4.5 stars

I'm loving this series, the island of Cape Corral, and all the residents, human and horse alike. Breakwater Protector is the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone.

Like I've come to expect from Christy Barritt's books, the suspense and intrigue starts right off the bat and continues to build until the exciting conclusion. Breakwater Protector was great, even better than the first one in this series. I was completely invested and reading as fast as I could. At one point I thought I had everything figured out, but there were some twists that really surprised me. I love when I can be shocked like that.

I'm excited to see what kind of suspense awaits in the next book.
Profile Image for Kevin.
802 reviews20 followers
October 7, 2020
Dash and Lizzie: Keepers of secrets

Dash Fulton and Lizzie McCreary both have secrets that they're keeping. The few things that aren't secret are that she and her son are in some kind of trouble and the undeniable attraction between the two of them.

Author Christy Barritt keeps the story moving forward on Cape Corral as Dash tries to figure out who is after Lizzie and her eight-year-old, Preston. There are a couple moments where I think some earlier foreshadowing would have been of benefit for the eventual reveal, but nothing major as to be a distraction.

Highly recommended!
195 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2020
In this second installment of the Saltwater Cowboy Series, Dash comes to the rescue of a young woman and her son who are in a very precarious position in the woods. In Dash's role as island law enforcement and protector of the wild horses on the island, he doesn't usually face such uncertain circumstances, but he's up to the challenge! Dash is willing to cast aside his own past and secrets to try to help Lizzie and Preston. Someone is stalking Lizzie and her son, and clues in different directions made me unsure if my haunch (as to who) was correct. Another "can't put it down" mystery by author Christy Barritt. I received a free copy of this book, but the opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Robyn Seitzler.
216 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2020
Hard to Put Down

You know, ever time I begin to read a new series by Christy Barritt I wonder if it will be as good as the others. Silly me! I’m not sure she knows how to right anything that will not keep my attention and have me begging for more!
Saltwater Cowboys is fantastic! I have loved Lantern Beach. Now I add Cape Corral to my wish-I-could-visit list.
Dash and Lizzie and Preston’s stories are full of danger and daring, anger, hurt, and beginning love - plus, the horses don’t hurt. Grab your copy and get ready for a ride!
944 reviews9 followers
November 12, 2020
Another exciting romantic suspense that explodes when Dash hears Lizzie's cry for help and rescues both her and her son at the last minute. As both Dash and Lizzie try to put things in perspective, keep their secrets hidden, and avoid a romantic relationship, it seems fate has other plans. Who's after them? I liked the role Lizzie played as "an accomplished woman and champion single mother." And will Preston, Lizzie 's son ever be able to stay our of trouble? A delightful romance interwoven with danger, secrets, and suspense. I highly recommend this clean romantic suspense.
59 reviews
February 5, 2021
This was another good read by Christy Barritt. Her books flow good without a lot of garbage thrown in. I would also recommend her books for anyone that wants to read a book that has a bit of romance along with mystery. They are clean, free from bad language, and sex scenes. In this book, she shows that you don't have to give birth to a child to make them your own. Also for a man to make another person's child their own, as well. They show that money shouldn't define who a person is, as well. Pick it up and read it for light reading.
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,887 reviews
June 13, 2021
Good, clean, romantic suspense

Single mom, Lizzie McCreary, and her son, Preston, are n hiding in the small coastal town of Cape Corral. They become friends with a Park Service officer, aka Saltwater cowboy, when he rescues them from a wild boar and quick sand. Both Lizzie and Dash have secrets and are hesitant to follow through on their mutual attraction. Meanwhile, a bad guy is in town stalking Lizzie and Preston…can Dash and his team keep them safe? Good story but could have been a little shorter….seemed to drag in spots.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,002 reviews21 followers
October 9, 2020
False masks

Christy Barritt is great with atmosphere and characters that attract you and who "come alive". She begins with excitement and the intrigue builds throughout the story. The romance between Lizzie and Dash is instant but on rocky ground. Preston adds humor and warmth with his constant chatter and bond with Dash. I love the setting and hope to visit the beautiful east coast islands.
1,041 reviews11 followers
October 15, 2020
Fast read

In Breakwater Protector, Lizzie is hiding out with her son on Cape Corral. Someone has followed her with evil intent. Enter saltwater cowboys Dash Fulton, who has secrets of his own. When I saw his name it reminded me of the little cowboy actor Dash Riprock in a couple episodes of Beverly Hillbillys. But this Dash is a hero, among other things. Only one dead body in this one. Episode three will be out soon, maybe next month.
144 reviews
October 29, 2020
I love this series. The idea of saltwater cowboys in this series adds a lot to the storyline. The two main characters, Dash and Lizzie, each have secrets that they are keeping from each other. These secrets help to keep the reader wanting to keep reading to find out what they are. I love how Christy Barritt keeps the reader on the edge of the seat with suspense throughout the book. Always, a touch of romance which warms my heart as I read. Highly recommend this book and the series.
Profile Image for Debbie.
283 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2020
Barritt does it again - combines action, suspense and mystery with a touch of romance. You have to be careful, though, or you might also learn something while reading this book. Did you know that you could find quicksand at the beach?? I didn't! Twists and turns in this story will keep you reading to the very end. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
1,654 reviews11 followers
October 8, 2020
Exciting

Oh I am so enjoying this series. This book, like the first in series, is a stand alone but with an on going background story affecting life on the island. Dad and Lizzie both have secrets, both receive threats and her son is in danger from unknown stalker. Well written story that keeps you interested.
Profile Image for Holly.
708 reviews21 followers
October 25, 2020
Loving this series!
Dash is a hero with a secret that he fears will destroy what he has on Cape Corral. When Lizzie McCreary and her son, Preston, need rescuing he's the man for the job.

I did start getting some ideas of who was after Lizzie, but didn't have all the whys figured out.

This was an enjoyable read with great characters. Looking forward to more from this series!
Profile Image for April Perry.
41 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2020
Another great read by Christy! Adventure, mystery, suspense and romance all bundled into one story and I couldn't put it down! Who are Dash and Lizzie really? Will they or won't they admit their feelings for each other? And who on earth keeps causing trouble for Lizzie on this beautiful island getaway. Read to find out more!
248 reviews3 followers
October 26, 2020
This is the second in this series and equally as fascinating. The place she has created is as much a character in the story as the people. The mystery and the “why” of Lizzie’s absolute terror makes for a page-turner of a book. Who is after her? Why? Of course, a sweet, slow-moving romance added to the fun. This author creates wonderful characters! On to #3!
222 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2020
A Saltwater Cowboy: Who Knew?

Dash worked with the forestry service to protect the wild horses and humans on Cape Coral. Lizzie and her son Preston had escaped to Cape Coral, but tried to not let anyone know who they were because someone was stalking her. As usual Christy Barritt combines suspense and romance with a very deft hand.
41 reviews
December 8, 2020
The love story was so sweet. The suspense and mystery kept me reading every free minute i could find. Sometimes when there are children in a story, it feels forced and those characters are not fully developed. Preston was a shining star for me in this book. He was so incredibly likable, this made the book jump on a favorite list for me.
Profile Image for Stacy.
1,359 reviews8 followers
December 29, 2020
A short quick read. Next in the Saltwater Cowboys series set on fictional Cape Corrall. I was able to read this one for free from my Kindle Owners Lending library program, which is going away in January. So not sure if I will continue with this series. They are getting a wee bit repetitive and it's like they need to be a certain word count, so often the same thing is repeated, just worded a little bit different (if that makes sense).
13 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2021
Christy Barrett: Author Extraordinaire

Christy Barritt is a stellar author. I can honestly say that I've enjoyed evrything that have read by her. Her mystery series are thrillers with believable characters, clean romance and plenty of excitement. I recommend that you read each series in order.
65 reviews
January 25, 2022
Awesome

I am really enjoying this series! The characters are the greatest. In this book you have no way to know what's going to happen. The suspense was definitely there. I could hardly stand to put the book down. Thank you Christy, you are a very talented writer. God bless you and please keep them coming.
142 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2024
Dash is a law enforcement officer for the Forestry Division on an island off the coast of North Carolina. Lizzie is a single mom who is trying to escape a dangerous situation. They're both hiding secrets but are drawn together as they face some life threatening problems. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Melissa Stands.
112 reviews
October 9, 2020
A terrific addition to the Saltwater Cowboys series. Getting to know Dash and meeting Lizzie and all that they’re running from and to. Great suspense and a great romance. As always, I’m eagerly anticipating Christy Barritt's next novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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