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Seriously Sweet St Louis #1

If I Belong With You

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Angel Undercover

Angel Morelli’s youthful looks make her the perfect police officer to go undercover at a local high school to bust a drug ring. Passing as a student is easy but keeping her feelings for her history teacher, Jake Weston, under control is a whole different story. She doesn’t believe he’s involved in trafficking drugs but until she can rule him out, she’ll keep her eye on him.

A devoted coach and teacher, Jake is struggling to accept his brother’s tragic death. When Angel walks into his classroom, he senses something different about her. He quickly discovers she isn’t a student at all! But why is she at his school? Could she be part of the drug ring that police have been trying to bust for months?

Staying close seems the best option and the most dangerous, at least where his heart is concerned.

Note: This book was originally published as Undercover Angel (as noted on the copyright page). It has been completely updated for your reading pleasure

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2000

112 people are currently reading
215 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia Rutledge

34 books19 followers
Cynthia Rutledge started writing after taking a class at a local community college. But her interest in the written word started years earlier when she was in her teens. At sixteen she wrote in her diary, "I don't know what I would do if I couldn't be a writer."

It took Cindy years to return to her first love---writing. Unlike some writers, Cindy wasn't interested in shorter works of fiction. She jumped feet first into book length fiction. She loves reading and writing romance because she believes in the power of love and in happily ever after. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.

Cindy hopes that once you read her books you'll be able to tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books and get to know her.

She now writes for Harlequin Special Edition and Montlake Romance under Cindy Kirk. Check out her website www.cindykirk.com, friend her on Facebook and follow her on twitter @cindykirkauthor

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5 stars
181 (49%)
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109 (29%)
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54 (14%)
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18 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Suzanne.
1,802 reviews
December 4, 2020
This is the first book in a new series - I didn't know much about the premise going in, but I liked it. Angel Morelli is an undercover police officer at a high school, working to uncover a drug ring. Everyone is a suspect, including the hot history teacher, Jake Weston.

I really liked the romance/friendship between Angel and Jake. I thought the romance was handled in a non-ikky way - which is important - given the student/teacher setup. Nice thinking there! There was also a lot to be said about forgiveness, and faith, but I didn't find it preachy at all.

I also thought that for a short book, it had a good amount of content. I didn't feel like things were rushed over - it was the perfect length for the story!

Thanks to the author and publisher for giving me an ARC to read and review!
Profile Image for Liz Noke.
64 reviews
November 19, 2020
I received an ARC of the book and am voluntarily reviewing it.

This book is totally different from all the other Cindy Kirk books I've read before. It's not just a romance, the main themes of the book are drug culture and faith. It's also set in a city, a city with high crime rates, so not your usual Cindy!

I am not religious however, I do understand how faith can help in times of grief. The two main characters in the book have both been touched by loss and faith helps them both.

I did enjoy the book but the end was rushed. I wanted at least one more chapter, maybe two, as Angel and Jake got to know each other more and not just jump straight to marriage.
Profile Image for Amanda .
204 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2020
Even though Angel Morelli had a rough childhood, she grew up to become a police officer. She goes under cover as a high school student to help investigate a drug ring.
Jake Weston is a high school teacher and coach. Who's dealing with his brothers death.
When Angel transfers in, there's a strong pull, but Jake has to repress the attraction due to being her teacher, and she's only in high school. Angel is attracted, but she can't let her feelings get in the way of being undercover.
This book is different from what Cindy usually writes, but she knows how to draw you in and make you feel like you know her characters. This book truly hit home and love the messages she uses to not only write her story, but to also influence the reader and reach deep inside. ❤ Love that their faith and beliefs led them to each other.

“I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.”
Profile Image for Jenn.
765 reviews11 followers
December 3, 2020
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it. This is a different read from the usual books Cindy Kirk writes. I really enjoyed the change up. I loved the addition of the Christian focus. While you can see the changes developing all around in this book, it definitely has you hoping for a happy ending.
887 reviews
August 30, 2011
"Undercover police officer Angel Morelli is investigating a drug ring but she's hit a snag: she's fallen head over heels for her handsome history teacher, Jake Weston, who's shaping up as a prime suspect in the investigation. Jake has noticed Angel as well, and wonders if she's the one who can make him believe in happy endings. The book also features Sal Tucci (aka the Crow), who is also featured in her novel "Judging Sara". Sal and Angel are working together. There's usually one nonbeliever and this time it's Jake's on-again, off-again girlfriend Amanda.

Rutledge does create some two-dimensional characters here, but Amanda is a one-dimensional atheistic character who doesn't really do much. Her plot involves the trafficking of meth in a small suburban town and her handling of this subject is good. There's a terrific subplot on the subject of forgiveness that's interwoven with the drug ring plot and is also handled very well. The "age difference" between Jake and Angel is amusing at first. However, I grew up with a Christian girl who, at 19, married a 27 year old, so it didn't seem that farfetched to me. It only seems odd from the teacher/student perspective."

Profile Image for Lauren.
9 reviews
July 3, 2009
AWwwwwwww, this is one of those sappy love stories that I love so much.
Profile Image for Robin.
Author 3 books29 followers
October 14, 2021
Better Than Expected

When I got this book, I chose it because the premise sounded to interesting to pass up. It reminded me of one of my favorite movies but with a more serious turn.
I have to say it was far better than I expected. I only put it down when I absolutely had to so I could get enough sleep.
I think Crow would be an interesting character to see in his own story. When he grumbled about Angel's preference, I immediately wanted to just give that guy a hug. Too many people think tattoos and a scowl mean the person wearing them is no good. I've found it's often the case that the person wearing them has a pretty interesting story to share.
If you enjoy clean, modern inspirational romance with relatable characters, a story that'll keep you turning pages, then try this one.
75 reviews
December 7, 2020
This story was an enjoyable read for me. I have enjoyed Cindy Kirk’s books and this one did not disappoint.
Angel Morelli was an undercover police officer. She portrayed an eighteen year old student although she actually was twenty-six but looked much younger. Jake Weston was a teacher and the Assistant Principal at Woodland Hills High School. He also was the coach of the boy’s baseball team. Angel’s partner and pretend boyfriend, Crow, were investigating an interstate Methamphetamine ring that seemed to point to someone involved at the high school.
Angel and Jake felt a strong connection but Jake knew that he couldn’t go there as she was a student. Angel had to look at Jake as a possible suspect. Jake did find out unexpectedly that Angel was his age and wondered what she was up to.
There are so many aspects of this story that draw you in. There is the mystery of who is involved with the drug distribution. Also we learn about Angel and Jake’s past mistakes and hurts and how it was impacting their lives. The people who come along side you and believe in you and because of that faith in you, change your life. In Angel’s case, she became a difference maker in helping other at-risk youth. I love how they handled forgiveness. Often it is beyond our ability to forgive someone who took something special from our life which is what Jake experienced.
Jake and Angel learned from one another, shared a faith and in the end were able to sort out misunderstandings and proclaim their love for each other. Thank you Cindy for another feel-good happily ever after story to enjoy! I highly recommend this book!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am happy to voluntarily review it.
190 reviews10 followers
January 26, 2021
High school story with a twist

I loved this thriller romance. Not only was it all exciting to read how Jake and Angel would end up together, but also to see some normally seen story points flipped. It was fun to see a lady undercover cop who could flirt with everyone and still keep herself totally in command. Angel is really cool, I loved her character. Jake is great too, doubting and unsure of himself, yet a kind soul.

And as mentioned in the note at the end, I like to read about how the characters become their best as the story ends because they grow up together.

Really loved this one.
Profile Image for Jenn Kendall.
67 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2020
I have read many books by Cindy so when I started reading this book I was surprised. As I continued to read I was pleasantly surprised with how different the story line was. Don’t get me wrong I have never read a book by Cindy that I don’t like but this was so different I just loved it! As Jake and Angel get to know each other they are both drawn to each other despite the circumstances that should be keeping them apart. You will love this sweet story of true love! I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
417 reviews
January 28, 2021
Fantastic New Series!

Author Cindy Kirk weaves awesome stories in unique series groups. This story is about Angel, an undercover cop and Jake, a teacher at the school where she is trying to investigate a drug ring.
Unlike her other series, this spent less time on developing the small town community, but instead had a strong underlying theme about faith.This was a quick, enjoyable story.
Profile Image for Jeanette Revie.
136 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2021
Losing a loved one is hard to deal with and can certainly test the reality of your faith. Jake and Angel both found that out the hard way. But if you're willing to listen and not let anger and hatred harden your heart, there is room for healing and growth. This was a good story of hope and forgiveness springing from brokenness. :)
48 reviews
April 25, 2022
Great story full of adventure

This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last. I loved the character development, interaction and back stories. The underlying Christian theme helped to explain the personalities and bring the characters to life. The plot was believable and well thought out. I'm looking forward to more Cindy Kirk books in my future.
Profile Image for Susan Gorman.
389 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2020
Cindy Kirk’s If I Belong With You is the first book in the author’s Seriously Sweet St Louis series.
The characters, storyline and setting are much different from author’s Good Hope and Jackson Hole books. I am drawn to the unique and appealing characters in Ms. Kirk’s novels. Angel Morelli and Jake Weston are two of Ms. Kirks the most compelling characters.
Angel Morelli is a police officer who is tasked with going undercover at a local high school to determine who is dealing drugs. She has information that some of the baseball team may be dealing drugs. Angel is a strong, savvy young woman who knows from experience how to infiltrate the group and sort out the players.
Jake Weston is the assistant baseball coach. He is having a difficult time coming to terms with his brother’s death. Angel senses that Jake is distracted—but finds him to be a nice, kind man-could he be the drug dealer? I liked that Angel had conflicting feelings for Jake. This story element blended perfectly with the themes of faith and forgiveness.
Cindy Kirk blends trust, faith and a bit of romance in If I Belong With You. The bible study scenes were superbly written. These pages provide insight into the characters of Jake, Angel, Mike, Emily and Jarvis by using descriptive dialogue. This chapter provide the author the opportunity to add in an element of intrigue to the plot as well.
If I Belong With You is a timely, thought provoking novel. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Lisa.
166 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2020
If I Belong with You helps you dive into and understand how addiction can affect everyone around the addict. The book centers around Angel Morelli and Jake Weston. Jake is the high school’s assistant principal, teacher, and baseball coach and Angel is an undercover police officer assigned to find out who is dealing drugs.
Angel enters the school as an 18 year old senior; however, she is actually 26 years old. Her undercover boyfriend, Crow, is helping her investigate a meth ring that seems to be run by someone at the high school
From the moment they meet, Jake and Angel have a strong connection; however, Jake had to keep her at arm’s length because she is a student. Angel has to keep Jake at arm’s length because he is a suspect.
This novel was one that kept me up reading and reading trying to find out who was involved with the meth ring, learning the mistakes of Angel’s and Jake’s past, and seeing how each character interacted with each other. Throughout the book, you will fall in love with everyone at Woodland Hills High School.
The question remains, will Jake and Angel work out their differences and find true love? You will have to read to find out how turning your life around and having faith in others can transform your life.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher, and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
65 reviews
November 3, 2021
Forgiveness through Christ

The author states that she doesn’t usually write books with a faith element, but I wish she wrote more. She easily weaved a relationship with God, forgiveness, and romance into the story, while still leaving a light suspense to how it would end.
Profile Image for Joann.
283 reviews13 followers
April 26, 2022
I love Cindy Kirk and her books. This story is a bit different from the other books I read written Cindy Kirk and I loved reading this story about an undercover police officer in a school setting. I look forward to the series. Thank you, Goodreads and Cindy Kirk.
402 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2022
Great clean suspense with a touch of romance

I enjoyed the perspective as the players each reacted to the struggles in life. I highly recommend this story for the young adult reader.
1,081 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2023
A really great book.

This book had so much drama and suspense. Some things really kept me guessing what was really going on. It had so much information about under cover cops. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
Profile Image for Dorry Lou.
866 reviews
May 29, 2020
This is a book I have had forever. I did not enjoy it very much.
Profile Image for Maria Carina.
55 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2020
This story is so timely -- what with people dealing with a crisis of faith and families struggling with addiction, it is just so appropriate to read about how people are dealing with this epidemic up close and personal.

There is a drug ring in the highschool Jake coaches at, and aside from dealing with that, he also lost his brother in an unexpected and violent way. He is not at a great point in his life, and this is even more challenged by this strange pull he feels toward the new transfer student, Angel.

Angel's childhood was not the best - orphaned, shuttled across several foster homes, she finally has found her niche in the world as an undercover cop. Little did she know that her life would turn upside down during her latest assignment. She also feels the same pull towards a teacher, and this is making her question if she is the right person for this undercover assignment.

This novel is so different from the feel good, visit old friends vibe I would get from a Cindy Kirk book. What is the same is how well it was written and how meeting these 2 people totally made my day. It was quite an experience following their story and I was so pleased to have been given the chance to do so.

Cindy's books are always well written, have the right amount of angst and heat and joy, and they are always such a pleasure to read.

**I received an ARC of this book, but this review is written willingly and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
Profile Image for Stephanie Herron.
741 reviews12 followers
December 15, 2020
A bit more religious than her previous books yet still full of engaging characters and a strong storyline. Forgiveness is easier for some than others and that is made very clear in the book. Angel and Jake each have reason for wanting to get rid of drugs. Angel walks a fine line with her attraction to Jake since she is not only posing as a student but is trying to figure out if he is involved.
207 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2021
The concept is brilliant

Cindy Kirk books are always beautifully written and the characters have great depth. I'm not really into religious books but this was enjoyable
4,374 reviews28 followers
June 11, 2021
Good

a book that's about a illegal drugs an how they are sold to students and dealers that are students and teachers.
13 reviews
May 4, 2022
Great Christian values portrayed

Ms. Kirk addressed a huge issue head on in this story. Drugs, betrayal, God's forgiveness freely offered, redemption. His love overcomes all things.
Profile Image for Sarah Gallini.
147 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2023
A nice clean romance book with a good storyline. Undercover cops, drugs and a redemptive story mix well in this book.
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,439 reviews22 followers
December 7, 2020
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing. This series is different from most books readers get from Cindy. I absolutely love when authors pivot and it comes out extraordinary.

Angel Morelli is an undercover officer at a high school trying to bust up a meth ring. Jake Weston is her History teacher that sees something different in Angel. He knows it’s wrong until her runs across her backpack and discovers she is actually 26 and not a student at all. Both have to tread lightly.

There is a slight religious undertone. Jake is gripping with forgiving his brother’s murderers. Angel has already navigated the path of forgiveness and can help.

Cindy has the ability to keep readers guessing right along with the characters. Is Jake a part of the meth ring? Will Jake ignore the feelings he has for Angel since to everyone else she is just a student? Can Angel stay impartial and crack the case? What will happen between them once the case is over? It’s all up in the air and Cindy masterfully brings it together.

Be on the look out for the next book in the series. It’s about Crow, Angel’s partner and I think it is going to rev up the heat.
Profile Image for Erica.
266 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2020
Angel is an undercover cop, trying to find out who is dealing drugs at  Woodland Hills High School.  She has a crush on her teacher, who thinks she is a student. Jake Weston is the Assistant Principal, Angel's History teacher and the baseball coach. He knows he would never cross the student/teacher line. He finds Angel's backpack, which unfortunately holds her real driver's license. Jake has some questions when he finds out they are the same age, and she has a picture with Tony, her cousin, a former substitute teacher. He knows Tony left around the time undercover cops showed up last time. He and the principal don't know about Angel this time. Angel finds out who the person is who is selling, and follows him. She finds bigger news, and then the place blows up ! No one is seriously hurt, just minor burns and injuries. Angel has to tell Jake the truth, and he finds out after talking to Tony, who admits Angel is a cop. He watches her receive an award, they talk, admit some things, say special phrases, and say yes to important questions. Up next is Crow and Sara in As if You were Mine.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
53 reviews
December 4, 2020
When I started reading If I Belong with You, I had to stop and check the cover for the author's name, twice, to make sure I was reading the right book on my Kindle – this one is so different from Cindy's usual books! This one left me guessing. I just wasn’t sure where it was going. I loved the growing relationship between Jake and Angel, and I loved their high moral standards. I thought it was funny that she questioned his morals for kissing her when he wouldn’t have done it if he hadn’t known she wasn’t actually a high school student. (I hope you can follow all those negatives!) I generally don’t like books where the people are keeping secrets from each other, but in this one, they HAD to. In this one, I didn’t want to smack them – I applauded them for doing what they had to do in spite of how difficult it was. I also love the Christian theme of forgiveness in this book and the elements of strong Christian faith. I wish there were more books with a strong Christian faith in them to show readers that Christianity doesn’t make you weird; it makes you stronger. I loved this book and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews

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