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Saltwater Cowboys #3
Cape Corral Keeper
They agreed to marry. But they never agreed to fall in love.
When Cape Corral Fire Chief Dillon McGrath saves a woman wearing a wedding dress from drowning, he knows he’ll have a great story to tell the guys at the station later. He never expected to get personally involved in the woman’s plight to stay alive.
Gracie Loveland had no choice but to run only moments before saying “I do” to her manipulative fiancé. Staying would have ultimately meant her death at the hands of the cruel man. Desperation, along with a dormant feistiness, surfaces as she fights to survive.
Only one plan might keep Gracie safe and help Dillon preserve the island’s wild horses. The idea seems crazy, but Dillon and Gracie can think of no other options. However, a foe from Gracie’s past is closing in, determined to get what he wants regardless of whose life he destroys in the process.
When Cape Corral Fire Chief Dillon McGrath saves a woman wearing a wedding dress from drowning, he knows he’ll have a great story to tell the guys at the station later. He never expected to get personally involved in the woman’s plight to stay alive.
Gracie Loveland had no choice but to run only moments before saying “I do” to her manipulative fiancé. Staying would have ultimately meant her death at the hands of the cruel man. Desperation, along with a dormant feistiness, surfaces as she fights to survive.
Only one plan might keep Gracie safe and help Dillon preserve the island’s wild horses. The idea seems crazy, but Dillon and Gracie can think of no other options. However, a foe from Gracie’s past is closing in, determined to get what he wants regardless of whose life he destroys in the process.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2020
684 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
338 books1,664 followersChristy 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 18, 2021
There is quite a bit of excitement and danger in this book. I liked Gracie from the start even though she didn’t really act all that nice, but I could understand why. The more I learned about her, the more sorry I felt for her. Dillon was a gentleman, and I appreciated the way he dealt with Gracie.
There were bad guys and bad guys. I am still a little puzzled about some of the ending as a few things didn’t feel right about how some things turned out. I mean it added for some drama, but some things just didn’t seem to ring true.
There are some prayers and mentions of church, but there’s not a whole lot of Christian things in the story.
Some of the kisses (between a married couple) were a little more descriptive than I liked, and I didn’t like that Dillon was divorced.
There were bad guys and bad guys. I am still a little puzzled about some of the ending as a few things didn’t feel right about how some things turned out. I mean it added for some drama, but some things just didn’t seem to ring true.
There are some prayers and mentions of church, but there’s not a whole lot of Christian things in the story.
Some of the kisses (between a married couple) were a little more descriptive than I liked, and I didn’t like that Dillon was divorced.
October 23, 2020
What is more interesting than seeing a woman fall off a boat with her wedding dress on? Nothing. Christy Barritt’s story, Cape Corral Keeper, starts with this exciting moment. Then Barritt is off. The action is non-stop. A real wedding. A woman on the run from a crazy man. Mother-in-laws. The romance heats up between the hero and heroine too. A little off for me, but most novels that have the characters falling in love pretty quickly makes me doubt their relationship and their romance anyways. This is the third book in this series, and I know of one more story that is headed reader’s way. What else can Barritt image up for her characters? They are always in trouble and running for their lives. Onto the next one.
I received a complimentary copy of Cape Corral Keeper from Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Cape Corral Keeper from Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
November 1, 2020
I’m really enjoying these new books by Christy Barritt. It’s fun to envision this island where horses run free and where there aren’t any paved roads. I love the whole cowboy theme and the larger than life personalities they each have.
With this one, I have fallen deeper in love with the characters. Dillon and Gracie’s story is so sweet and touching.
Christy Barritt has stayed true to her style of writing. I feel like each time I pick up one of her books I’m captured and not released until I finish the book, but then I want it to continue because I’ve gotten to know all the characters in the series and want to be a part of their lives.
Also, true to Christy Barritt’s style, we don’t really know the true BAD guy until the end. UGH!
I always think I’ve got it, but then this author throws us for a tale-spin and it’s someone else. She also packs so much in each of her stories. There is suspense, action, drama, as well as sweet bits of romance and wonderful life lessons. They are never “churchy” or pushy but when you’re finished reading you come away with ah-ha moments.
If you LOVE “who-done-it” stories with mystery, suspense, action, and a bit of relationship tension plus romance mixed in, you will love this book!
Christy Barritt is an author who knows how to keep you reading and reading and reading until you’ve realized you’re done and waiting for the next book to be released. She spins her tales with so many twists and turns it will keep you hooked until the very end!
I was captured from the very first line, and I know you will be too. Now I want to know if there will be any other adventures on this sweet little island. I’m ready for more!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
With this one, I have fallen deeper in love with the characters. Dillon and Gracie’s story is so sweet and touching.
Christy Barritt has stayed true to her style of writing. I feel like each time I pick up one of her books I’m captured and not released until I finish the book, but then I want it to continue because I’ve gotten to know all the characters in the series and want to be a part of their lives.
Also, true to Christy Barritt’s style, we don’t really know the true BAD guy until the end. UGH!
I always think I’ve got it, but then this author throws us for a tale-spin and it’s someone else. She also packs so much in each of her stories. There is suspense, action, drama, as well as sweet bits of romance and wonderful life lessons. They are never “churchy” or pushy but when you’re finished reading you come away with ah-ha moments.
If you LOVE “who-done-it” stories with mystery, suspense, action, and a bit of relationship tension plus romance mixed in, you will love this book!
Christy Barritt is an author who knows how to keep you reading and reading and reading until you’ve realized you’re done and waiting for the next book to be released. She spins her tales with so many twists and turns it will keep you hooked until the very end!
I was captured from the very first line, and I know you will be too. Now I want to know if there will be any other adventures on this sweet little island. I’m ready for more!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 31, 2020
My favorite book of the series! OK maybe I say that about all of them, but I loved how the story started and developed.
I struggled a little bit with the feasibility of the ending, but all in all an enjoyable book. This series has been a nice distraction!
Looking forward to what's next for Cape Corral!
I struggled a little bit with the feasibility of the ending, but all in all an enjoyable book. This series has been a nice distraction!
Looking forward to what's next for Cape Corral!
August 31, 2023
Eeeeppp! Epic Marriage of Convenience story! With suspense! It really doesn’t get better than this!!!
From the nail-biting opening scene that left me with a ton of questions to the hair-raising conclusion — I was enthralled! And the meet-cute is equal parts angsty and funny which sets the tone for the whole book.
Love the way the author handled the marriage of convenience angle and the way Dillon and Gracie work their way from adversaries to lovers. All while trying to thwart a vile villain!
Oh — and hello — cowboy alert! And an island full of wild horses for them to protect. Hence the series title: Saltwater Cowboys. This is the third book in the series though it can easily be read as a standalone, but, trust me, you’ll want to read all these cowboys’ stories!
I enjoyed listening to the audio edition narrated by Stacey Glemboski courtesy of Chirpbooks and am getting ready to download Seagrass Secrets (#4) ’cause I just can’t stay away from this beautiful island and all that cowboy allure!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/08/31/c...
From the nail-biting opening scene that left me with a ton of questions to the hair-raising conclusion — I was enthralled! And the meet-cute is equal parts angsty and funny which sets the tone for the whole book.
Love the way the author handled the marriage of convenience angle and the way Dillon and Gracie work their way from adversaries to lovers. All while trying to thwart a vile villain!
Oh — and hello — cowboy alert! And an island full of wild horses for them to protect. Hence the series title: Saltwater Cowboys. This is the third book in the series though it can easily be read as a standalone, but, trust me, you’ll want to read all these cowboys’ stories!
I enjoyed listening to the audio edition narrated by Stacey Glemboski courtesy of Chirpbooks and am getting ready to download Seagrass Secrets (#4) ’cause I just can’t stay away from this beautiful island and all that cowboy allure!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/08/31/c...
October 26, 2020
Speed marriage
Dillon rescues Gracie from drowning in her wedding dress--she had run from her wedding to avoid marrying a bad man. Twelve hours later Dillom & Gracie are married in a union of convenience, both declaring they never intended to love again. Guess what! Yeah, they fall in love. This is another "speed book" by Christy Barritt. The next one in the series will be out soon. I think the author has some spatial difficulties. When Gracie is trying to find a way to survive in the wild waves in a small boat, she squints to see the island "in the distance." Then the distance is described as "100 feet". That is one third the distance of a football field, and the width of my front yard. That close to the island she could have walked on the shallow floor to safety. I have limited vision, but I don't have to squint to see across my yard. Aside from her spatial issues, the author does well to crank out a book every 4 to 6 weeks. Waiting for the next one.
Dillon rescues Gracie from drowning in her wedding dress--she had run from her wedding to avoid marrying a bad man. Twelve hours later Dillom & Gracie are married in a union of convenience, both declaring they never intended to love again. Guess what! Yeah, they fall in love. This is another "speed book" by Christy Barritt. The next one in the series will be out soon. I think the author has some spatial difficulties. When Gracie is trying to find a way to survive in the wild waves in a small boat, she squints to see the island "in the distance." Then the distance is described as "100 feet". That is one third the distance of a football field, and the width of my front yard. That close to the island she could have walked on the shallow floor to safety. I have limited vision, but I don't have to squint to see across my yard. Aside from her spatial issues, the author does well to crank out a book every 4 to 6 weeks. Waiting for the next one.
October 21, 2020
I think this is the best book so far in this new series by a prolific mystery author who knows how to deliver an exciting, suspenseful story and keep readers guessing. This novel begins with an intriguing incident, where a woman in a fancy wedding gown is stranded in a stolen boat alone and far from shore. Her rescuer gets much more than he bargained. How their lives quickly become entwined, even though her foes try to take her out, makes for an enjoyable tale. The quick pace and surprising twists increase the delight. I recommend this to all who love suspense. All the author’s books offer clean reads along with plenty of intrigue. The horses on this island refuge and the interesting setting add to the pleasure of joining the great characters in compelling account. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
November 1, 2020
In this third installment of the Saltwater Cowboy Series, we learn more about the life and past of Dillon McGrath. Fire Chief McGrath rescues a nearly drowned woman wearing a wedding dress out in water, near a stolen boat. While she is hesitant to trust anyone with her story, Gracie knows that if her fiance finds her, she will be trapped in a marriage she doesn't want -- or dead. Completely out of character for him, when Dillon hears her outlandish story, he comes up with an even more outlandish solution. What next ensues, is a villan that is known and a villan that is not known, both on Gracie's trail, while Dillon tries to keep her safe, all while not falling for her. I received a copy of this book for free, but the opinions are all my own.
October 20, 2020
A Must Read
I read. A lot. I read a lot of books by Christy Barritt. If you’re an avid reader you know that one of your favorite authors’ names on a book is all it takes to entice you to buy it. That’s how it is for me with Mrs. Barritt. Her books never disappoint! Her settings and characters are so realistic that I even pulled up a map to see if there was a Cape Corral! Sadly, I can’t visit in person, but I certainly can in my imagination with each book in this series!
Gracie is in trouble. Big trouble. Dillion has a big heart, but he guards it like Ft. Knox. A marriage of convenience should be okay, right? Well . . . You’ve got to read this!
I read. A lot. I read a lot of books by Christy Barritt. If you’re an avid reader you know that one of your favorite authors’ names on a book is all it takes to entice you to buy it. That’s how it is for me with Mrs. Barritt. Her books never disappoint! Her settings and characters are so realistic that I even pulled up a map to see if there was a Cape Corral! Sadly, I can’t visit in person, but I certainly can in my imagination with each book in this series!
Gracie is in trouble. Big trouble. Dillion has a big heart, but he guards it like Ft. Knox. A marriage of convenience should be okay, right? Well . . . You’ve got to read this!
October 26, 2020
Each Cape Corral book has been unique and enlightens readers to the island, its wild horses and those who protect them and the residents as well. Unfortunately, there are darker forces bringing evil to the community. Strange events bring Dillon and Gracie together. It takes all they have plus more allies to fight against the danger.
Christy Barritt, gifted master storyteller, has another enjoyable hit with the fictional island town and saltwater cowboys and the unique challenges. Happiness is knowing their are more books in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
Christy Barritt, gifted master storyteller, has another enjoyable hit with the fictional island town and saltwater cowboys and the unique challenges. Happiness is knowing their are more books in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
November 12, 2020
Dillon & Gracie were so relatable for me
I could so relate to Gracie in this story! When I ready this, "She’d never forgotten the irony of her name. She’d been named Gracie, and she was the least graceful person to walk the earth. That’s how it felt most days, at least." It was like it took the words right out of my mouth! I am the most ungraceful Grace ever!
Gracie does get her happily ever after with Dillon, but it wasn't easily won. Someone is out to take her out of the picture, but the suspect list keeps growing. This one by Christy Barritt kept me turning the pages until the very last page!
I could so relate to Gracie in this story! When I ready this, "She’d never forgotten the irony of her name. She’d been named Gracie, and she was the least graceful person to walk the earth. That’s how it felt most days, at least." It was like it took the words right out of my mouth! I am the most ungraceful Grace ever!
Gracie does get her happily ever after with Dillon, but it wasn't easily won. Someone is out to take her out of the picture, but the suspect list keeps growing. This one by Christy Barritt kept me turning the pages until the very last page!
December 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this third installment of Christy Barritt's Saltwater Cowboy series. Like I've come to expect from Barritt's books, it grabbed me from the very first sentence and didn't let go until the thrilling conclusion. It begins with a woman wearing a wedding dress falling off a boat and almost drowning. Talk about an exciting beginning! I had to know this woman's story. There was a great sense of urgency, a feeling of impending danger always lurking just around the corner. It made for a fast paced and hard to put down read.
If you're a fan of romantic suspense, check out this series. Each book can standalone, but it'd still recommend starting with book one.
If you're a fan of romantic suspense, check out this series. Each book can standalone, but it'd still recommend starting with book one.
March 29, 2021
Excellent series
I just finished reading the third in the series of Saltwater Cowboys and so enjoyed it to the the point that I only got 4 hours sleep last night trying to finish it. I wasn’t to happy with myself this morning at 6:30am. Same with book 1 & 2, but I read them on the weekend so I got to catch a little more sleep. I would highly recommend these books to anyone who loves suspense with romance thrown in. Great characters and so descriptive about the scenery and horses. I give all three books I have read so far 5 stars.
I just finished reading the third in the series of Saltwater Cowboys and so enjoyed it to the the point that I only got 4 hours sleep last night trying to finish it. I wasn’t to happy with myself this morning at 6:30am. Same with book 1 & 2, but I read them on the weekend so I got to catch a little more sleep. I would highly recommend these books to anyone who loves suspense with romance thrown in. Great characters and so descriptive about the scenery and horses. I give all three books I have read so far 5 stars.
October 20, 2020
Barritt does suspense with a coastal cowboy twist in the latest installment of Saltwater Cowboys. If you like runaway brides, cowboys, wild horses, mysterious people/stalkers, and enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end - this is the book for you! You will enjoy this book, even if you haven't read any of the series. Each is a stand-alone book. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
October 31, 2020
Dillon is not only a fearless firefighter, but he is also a sexy cowboy. He doesn’t live in the Wild West, but on the east coast where wild mustangs run free. Very usual and dangerous circumstances brings the Washington DC heiress, Gracie, and Dillon to the alter within hours of meeting.
The story has its moments, however it is way to sappy. Plus, I like a PG-13 and this is strictly G Rating. I won’t be continuing with this series.
The story has its moments, however it is way to sappy. Plus, I like a PG-13 and this is strictly G Rating. I won’t be continuing with this series.
November 17, 2020
CAPE CORRAL KEEPER is a runaway bride story like none other. Reality is suspended in some places, but the story is fast-paced and flowed well. I enjoyed getting to know Gracie and Dillon.
Ms. Barritt is on of my favorite cozy mystery/romantic suspense writers and while this is book three in the series, they all stand alone. i can't wait to read the next book!
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Ms. Barritt is on of my favorite cozy mystery/romantic suspense writers and while this is book three in the series, they all stand alone. i can't wait to read the next book!
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
January 30, 2022
Loved it
This book was not only the who's the bad guy we've come to know and love from Christy, but with the suspense came some fun. Not that this is the first of those situations in her books but I really enjoyed it. I don't do spoilers so you'll have to read it yourself. On to the next in the series. Thank you Christy for your wonderfully clean suspenseful romances. You are truly an awesome writer. I can't thank you enough for the months of entertainment. God bless you.
This book was not only the who's the bad guy we've come to know and love from Christy, but with the suspense came some fun. Not that this is the first of those situations in her books but I really enjoyed it. I don't do spoilers so you'll have to read it yourself. On to the next in the series. Thank you Christy for your wonderfully clean suspenseful romances. You are truly an awesome writer. I can't thank you enough for the months of entertainment. God bless you.
October 21, 2020
I had an Advance Readers Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Christy Barritt has another winner with this book. I really enjoyed the intrigue, marriage of convenience and struggle for control of a family fortune that are featured in the plot of this book. Great addition to this series.
October 21, 2020
Excellent
I just loved Gracie and Dillon's story. This is the best of this series so far, though the others are excellent as well. I love the whole concept of the island and am definitely rooting for the cowboys, the community and the wild horses to win their fight against tourist development.
I just loved Gracie and Dillon's story. This is the best of this series so far, though the others are excellent as well. I love the whole concept of the island and am definitely rooting for the cowboys, the community and the wild horses to win their fight against tourist development.
November 29, 2020
A wonderful addition to the Saltwater cowboys’ series. The main characters, Dillion and Gracie, are interesting and fun to get to know. The story line, at first, is unbelievable when their marriage occurs but it truly adds to the wonderful plot that unfolds. I love the turns that the story takes and the amazing support of the people on the island for each other. I highly recommend this book.
December 2, 2020
Love has nothing to do with it
Dillon knows Gracie isn't being totally honest when he rescues her from the waters around Cape Corral, but he also didn't see himself getting married to protect her either.
Christy Barritt continues to provide mysteries with assorted thrills and chills set on an island/wild horse preserve off the coast of North Carolina.
Highly recommended!
Dillon knows Gracie isn't being totally honest when he rescues her from the waters around Cape Corral, but he also didn't see himself getting married to protect her either.
Christy Barritt continues to provide mysteries with assorted thrills and chills set on an island/wild horse preserve off the coast of North Carolina.
Highly recommended!
October 20, 2020
Oh my goodness!!
This series gets better and better! Seriously! This third book makes you want to pack your bags and move to Cape Corral! Wild horses, mystery, and learning to trust, is just the top topics of this wonderful book.
This series gets better and better! Seriously! This third book makes you want to pack your bags and move to Cape Corral! Wild horses, mystery, and learning to trust, is just the top topics of this wonderful book.
October 20, 2020
The story of Dillon and Gracie grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go until the last. I found the mystery intriguing and challenging and of course I loved the glimpses of the couples from the previous books. I think Dillon & Gracie may just be my favorites...so far.
October 23, 2020
Another page turner
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good light hearted romance. Dylan the strong handsome hero and Gracie, the strong willed klutz are a good match in this runaway bride story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good light hearted romance. Dylan the strong handsome hero and Gracie, the strong willed klutz are a good match in this runaway bride story.
October 28, 2020
The Fire Chief's Rescue
Another amazing story by one of my favorite authors! No matter what kind of romantic suspense story she writes, they're all great stories. I am not typically a cowboy story lover, but this series in Cape Corral, NC., is most unusual.
Another amazing story by one of my favorite authors! No matter what kind of romantic suspense story she writes, they're all great stories. I am not typically a cowboy story lover, but this series in Cape Corral, NC., is most unusual.
November 4, 2020
My favorite in this series
This was my favorite book of this set. I really enjoyed the others but this one has sooooo many dynamics. I didn't want it to end! Looking forward to the next book. Also, I want to visit this island!!
This was my favorite book of this set. I really enjoyed the others but this one has sooooo many dynamics. I didn't want it to end! Looking forward to the next book. Also, I want to visit this island!!
November 9, 2020
Cotton and Cowboy Boots.
Christy found a new way to spin her story! It is fun and different. Cape Corral has found a new heartbeat and will be wrapped in plaid cotton and cowboy boots!
Christy found a new way to spin her story! It is fun and different. Cape Corral has found a new heartbeat and will be wrapped in plaid cotton and cowboy boots!
November 15, 2020
Just for fun
Interesting storyline, if a bit over the top. Cowboys, horses, ocean, danger, and a runaway bride. Loved the characters, but thought it could have been written better. I’m a big fan of Barritt’s. This one was just not my favorite, but it was a fun read.
Interesting storyline, if a bit over the top. Cowboys, horses, ocean, danger, and a runaway bride. Loved the characters, but thought it could have been written better. I’m a big fan of Barritt’s. This one was just not my favorite, but it was a fun read.
November 16, 2020
Outstanding
She runs away from her wedding and ends up in a small town and is taken in by a law enforcement officer. He vowed he would never marry again. So how does he end up married?
She runs away from her wedding and ends up in a small town and is taken in by a law enforcement officer. He vowed he would never marry again. So how does he end up married?
November 17, 2020
Fun Story
Wow. this is a fun story and right from the beginning. It keeps the reader interested to find out what a determined and mischievous lady is going to do next. Very enjoyable.
Wow. this is a fun story and right from the beginning. It keeps the reader interested to find out what a determined and mischievous lady is going to do next. Very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews