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Grady Ryan is happy doing the job he loves in the rural town of Deepwater Valley. His mother is more determined than ever to marry him off, but he has neither the time nor the inclination to look for wedded bliss.

When Lara Williams moves into town with her daughter, to take up the veterinary practice, Beth sees her chance to hone her matchmaking skills. Fate keeps throwing Lara and Grady together when her wayward daughter needs the heavy hand of the law and more than ramps up the heat between them.

But Grady knows Lara is hiding something and he intends to find out what it is before he gets in too deep.

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2014

187 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

Ann B. Harrison

71 books276 followers
I swear I was born with a book in my hand and that is how I spent most of my childhood. That was fine until I got older and the voices in my head demanded to be heard and I started to write.
The voices are no quieter but there are less of them.

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5 stars
133 (45%)
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93 (32%)
3 stars
45 (15%)
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15 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,087 reviews3,017 followers
December 20, 2014
4.5s

Thirty nine year old Grady Ryan was in charge of the local police station in his home town of Deepwater Valley; apart from his time in Sydney at the Police Academy, he had lived there all his life. The Ryan farm was well known in the area – his mother Beth was the town’s local organiser; she took everyone under her wing and was greatly loved by the townsfolk. When Beth knew there was a new vet arriving in the town, she was determined that her eldest son, Grady would be paired up with her.

Lara Williams had had a rough few months; her decision to leave Sydney after her divorce and bring her daughter Joanne to the little town of Deepwater Valley was a tough one, but one she believed would be the best for both their futures. Her veterinary skills were second to none, and as the town had been without a vet for several months, she had no trouble procuring the job. But she didn’t expect to have to rescue her troubled daughter the very day they arrived. And from a police cell no less…

As Lara and Jo began to settle into the small town routine; Lara in the vet clinic and Jo at the local school, Lara was in despair for her confused and tormented twelve year old daughter. The effects of the past seemed deeper than she had realized. But the friendliness of Beth; of Grady and his siblings meant Lara and Jo began to feel part of the community - until suddenly things went horribly wrong…

Grady found his feelings deepening for Lara, but he also realized there was something Lara was hiding; something that was causing danger to mother and daughter and he was determined to get to the bottom of it before anyone was hurt.

Grady is book one in the Outback Heritage series, and I really enjoyed it. A romantic suspense novel with a mixture of family, friendships and love; it also has a tense plot that concludes in a satisfying way. I look forward to the next in this series by Aussie author Ann B. Harrison and have no hesitation in recommending Grady to all lovers of this genre.

With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Helen.
2,908 reviews67 followers
August 7, 2021
Who doesn’t love a good small town romance, with strong caring heroes, I love them and this one is so very good. I loved meeting Grady Ryan sheriff of Deepwater Valley his home town and the beautiful Lara Williams who is a vet, new to town with her young daughter Jo, they are starting a new life.

Grady is happy with life at the moment he loves being sheriff and his big family although his mother Beth is determined to get him married off after all he is thirty nine, there has been no one that has caught his eye, that is until the new vet arrives with her wayward daughter. It is not long before sparks are flying between them but Grady knows that Lara is holding something back that could be dangerous.

Lara has moved to town to become the new vet with her daughter Jo, it is not long before Jo causes a few problems and Lara is meeting up with the sheriff, Grady, she likes this man but her past is a worry that keeps her thinking. Lara loves Grady’s family and is soon making lots of friends but when someone new comes to town there is trouble and Lara and Jo could very well be in danger.

This is a great romance two fabulous characters who deserved to find love and happiness but Lara’s past must be put to rest first before this can happen and Grady is the man to save the day I loved how caring and loving he is, he is fabulous with twelve year old Jo and Lara has been through so much and now she has someone who will truly love and care for them. I do highly recommend this one and I am looking forward to reading the rest in the series and being back in Deepwater Valley.
Profile Image for Patty.
22 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2015
Grady was a fantastic read! I was hooked from the start. Lara encounters Grady and tension and sparks start to fly! Lara's daughter Joanne is not making it easy for Lara and Grady to connect as she's stirring up all kinds of trouble. Just when things start to work out, Lara is forced to confront her past and a dangerous secret must be revealed...it had me turning the pages.

Grady is the first book in the Outback Heritage series and I can't wait to find out how it will continue.
9 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2014
Great start to the new series cant wait for book 2
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,553 reviews88 followers
July 22, 2019
As one starts to delve into this book, one wonders whether it is Lara or Jo that needs Grady most. Lara is in hiding and despite trying to keep a low key presence, she quickly comes under the scrutiny of the local sheriff. As much as Grady has vowed never to get involved with anyone again, Jo's repeated offenses bring him into contact with Lara and he finds himself becoming more and more involved in their troubled lives. As the suspense builds in this story, Grady is the only one that can ultimately help them, but to do so means putting aside his relationship with Lara to follow the letter of the law. The plot is well developed and the romance between Grady and Lara built slowly. However, it is his relationship with Jo that really touches the heart. I read this book as part of the “A Cowboy Kind of Night” box set, which I received as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Val Woolley.
386 reviews4 followers
July 23, 2019
Brady Cooper is sheriff of Cooper Crossing has been called to one of the shops a young girls has stolen has stolen cigarettes he finds her and takes her to the office.Jo is the daughter of Lara the new vet has just moved there trying to escape the mob who think she as money her husband has stolen now divorced.lara is having problems with jo her daughter with bad behaviour Brady try’s to help their relationship blossoms not telling him her connection with the mob they find her things happen bring her And Brady together sorting out their differences with a happy ending
Profile Image for Lorie - Bookaholic.
366 reviews19 followers
May 6, 2023
A definite must

Nothing like a suspenseful small town romance!

Grady Cooper wasn't looking for love, but if he were to marry, it would be to a woman he helt instant attraction to, who was trained just right, and hardly any hassle to date.

Lara Williams is the town's new vet and her wayward daughter Joanne has troubles of their own. How long can they keep their past a secret before all hell breaks loose?

But happiness comes to Cooper's Crossing. Can Grady, Lara, and Jo be one happy family?

I'm looking forward to reading the whole series. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,678 reviews26 followers
February 4, 2019
I loved this book about Grady and Lara, along with her daughter, Joanne. Lara moves her daughter to a small town in hopes of getting their lives back together. Grady’s mom hopes to set Grady and Lara up, but their first meeting doesn’t get off on the right foot, lol. If you love suspense and romance, then this will be the perfect book. I stayed up all night reading this book because I had to see what was going to happen. I can’t wait to read more books in this series.
Profile Image for Phyllis Lopez.
1,116 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2021
Sweet, Exciting and Awesome.

Grady Cooper Town Sheriff and bachelor. Hiss mother loves too match make and he had no chance when the new Vet came to town. She had a evil ex and a troubled 10 year old to deal with. Can Grady and Lara survive her ex-husband the criminal and his Mom? Will he win over the troubled teen? You will have to read to find out. Loved it.
113 reviews9 followers
September 19, 2021
Writing's ok. Not bad. Some continuity & editing issues, as well as Ill defined POV switches in some places. Story is appropriately detailed, but somehow, it just doesn't quite pull off the interactions with all of the characters, all the time.   Just seems to be something missing. I think it needs polishing. But, I still want to know the outcomes of the rest of the family in the series.
1,909 reviews18 followers
November 27, 2022
Great!

Really delightful! Second chance for 2 people, both damaged emotionally by earlier partners. They are nervous about trying again and Lara has an ex-husband in prison who has threatened her. Grady is sheriff of Cooper’s Crossing and Lara is afraid of what he might find out about her. Great town and funny, good, gossipy people live here!
300 reviews
April 22, 2020
First book I read from Ann and I loved it.

An enjoyable love story with just the right amount of suspense. You quickly form an attachment to these characters and look forward to them finding their HEA.

This book prompted me to go on the hunt for more material by Ann.
Profile Image for Mary.
942 reviews9 followers
September 23, 2020
Lara's Lawman

Lara and her daughter moved to town to get away from everyone who knew about her husband's arrest and jail time. Her daughter's mis-deeds brought them both to his attention the very first day. Could Grady find out her secret in time to save her life?
6 reviews
April 22, 2023
Definitely worth the read!

If you love romance, mystery, good friendships, and great family dynamics this is the perfect book. The storyline will keep your attention from beginning to end. I can't wait to read more Cooper's Crossing stories.
Profile Image for Barbara Olaewe.
191 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2023
Great Grady!

Such a sweet and exciting story. A bit of police drama, a struggling mom and her child, come together to create a Great story. A shorter book but packed with action. I really liked this book. A page turner for sure. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Alisa Lawry.
353 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2019
Unfortnatley I just didn't connect with this author or her writing style.
2,841 reviews20 followers
February 23, 2020
Review of Grady: Cooper's Crossing

This was a great book. My first book by Ann B. Harrison. I plan on buying more from her. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
840 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2020
Good story

Lara and Grady have an interesting story. They get off on the wrong foot, get things straightened out. But they go south again. Read to get the details.
Profile Image for Donna Keller.
291 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2020
Starting over

Starting over is hard and it’s really hard when you are running away from the mob. A great cowboy story with the truth and love winning out.
Profile Image for Linda Rae Williams.
286 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2020
Good story

It has an actual plot. It isn't drawn out just to make it longer. Love western romance and this is a good one
Profile Image for Anna.
106 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2021
The eBook version needs some editing as does the whole story.
51 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2021
Romance to make your heart sing

Loved this story, it has great characters, romance, intrigue, suspense and lots of excitement in between. Great read, highly recommended.
Profile Image for Barbara Cuyler.
Author 3 books2 followers
October 28, 2020
This book had potential, but there were a lot of inconsistencies in it. On two occasions the characters start out drinking coffee but then a reference to drinking tea appears a few paragraphs down. In one scene Lara wears a swimsuit under her clothes for the picnic, but that evening after they get back to her house, Grady finds a bra and panties under her clothing. The age of Lara's daughter Joanne at the time that her father was arrested and the number of years he served for his crime don't seem to mesh either.

In addition, a lot of the dialogue is boring or stilted. Also, Lara's reason for hiding evidence made no sense.

The author missed out on writing a scene that would have added a lot to the character development and would have helped the reader feel closer to Grady and Joanne. Instead she glossed over the fact that when Joanne acted up in school and Grady went there to talk to her, he offered to let her take care of his horse.
Profile Image for Robin Leigh.
Author 2 books5 followers
February 13, 2015
What a delightful way to end the year, delving in to the life of rugged and troubled Grady, eldest son of a meddling but loving mother who wants nothing more than to see her large brood settled and happy on their Outback land and community, and she will do anything to see that happens. Including throwing her son the Sheriff into a relationship with their small town’s lovely new vet, who is escaping a painful past with her tween daughter. So of course Grady’s first introduction to the pair is to arrest young Jo, who is acting out as a result of her father’s criminal and abusive past that haunts the girl and her mother. Grady’s generous heart is pulled in too many directions as the attraction between he and Lara grows, but the child still cannot seem to find her footing and continues to get into serious trouble, further complicated by his discovery that Lara holds the key to keeping her recently released ex-husband at bay, which jeopardizes both she and her daughter. Grady cannot and will not allow them to come to harm, not on his watch and not with his heart! Another Ann B. Harrison romance in “Grady/Outback Heritage” that kept me rapt from beginning to end, and set the end of my year so right!
Author 3 books20 followers
January 4, 2015
Great read from Ann Harrison, as always. I loved all the characters, especially Beth, Grady's pushy, overbearing, Cupid-acting but loveable mum. It's fuelled with all sorts of drama from the start, and had me quickly turning the pages. I'm looking forward to book two in the Outback Heritage series!

Copy was given to me by the author for an honest review. I love this brilliant Aussie author!
4,416 reviews28 followers
November 23, 2019
Grady is the first book in the Cooper's Crossing series written by author Ann B.Harrison.
Profile Image for Cindy Pearson.
927 reviews
July 14, 2023
Romance

Wow Ann I loved reading about Grady, Lara and Jo....lots of ups and downs....look forward to reading the other books.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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