Falling for the Lawman

by Claire McEwen

They made a great team…

But how long can they last?

Shelter Creek deputy Adam Sears wasn’t pleased about his temporary new partner. Anxious to catch some poachers, wildlife officer Gracie Long took too many unacceptable risks. Yet after learning Gracie had been through a trauma, Adam was determined to make this relationship work. But as a single father of two young kids, can he trust his family with someone so reckless once the assignment is over?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Childrens

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published August 24, 2021

About the author

Claire McEwen lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When not dreaming up new stories, she can be found digging in her garden with a lot of enthusiasm but, unfortunately, no green thumb. She loves discovering flea-market treasures, walking on the beach, dancing, traveling and reading, of course!

Reviews

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Heroes of Shelter Creek" is one of my all-time favorite contemporary romance series. Author Claire McEwen skillfully creates engaging characters, gives them real-life personal issues to overcome, and then adds story lines set in beautiful Northern California which focus on wildlife welfare and environmental preservation. These characters are passionate about the work they believe in, and they are just as heartfelt in their care for the people in their lives. In Book Six, "Falling for the Lawman", Shelter Creek Sheriff's Deputy Adam Sears is still coping with his anger over his wife Tanya's abrupt walk-out on him and their two children, Jack and Penny, almost a year ago. After ten years in the sheriff's department, Adam is taken aback when he is made partner to an officer from the State Department of Wildlife who is conducting a bear poaching investigation. Gracie Long is an experienced and successful poacher hunter. Having recently survived a brutal attack by one of the poachers in her sights, she is well aware of just how dangerous her work is. Used to working alone, Gracie must accept the decision of her superiors to have her partner with another law enforcement officer on this case. Adam is a by-the-book, follow-the-rules kind of guy. Gracie operates on the spur of the moment, and follows her own instincts. Much to their surprise, they make a terrific team. Working side-by-side, they get to know one another, and a professional relationship begins to grow into something more. Watching Gracie spend time with his kids, Adam begins to hope for a happy future with them together as a family. Are the differences between Adam and Gracie too great, or can loving hearts learn to trust and accept change? I highly recommend the "Heroes of Shelter Creek Series". I have read all of the books, loved them all, and look forward to more books in the series.

Book Copy Gratis Author

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, clean romance. Children and horses are also involved. I enjoyed their activities of ziplining, catching a poacher and more, but I never especially connected with this couple. Wonderful small town, friends, and relatives kept it interesting. Nice flow to the story. Thanks to the author for providing a copy for my voluntary review.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read most of the stories in this series and all can be read as standalone but so much better in order. There is a lot of history about the town and characters in each book. As the same people reappear in each book it's nice to know each couple's history. All of the books are a clean read but the way the author writes and with all the details about the town, people, animals, and each couple you really don't miss not have steamy sex scenes.
I was kind of surprised the main character in this book was Deputy Sheriff Adam Sears as he was in the first book as a happy married man or what seemed to be. Now he is a divorced single father of his two kids. Jack who is almost a teenager at thirteenth and little Sara at just seven. His ex-wife left them all to be with an old flame of hers. It's been a really hard year for the kids, as their mother keep making promises she doesn't keep and Adam has had to figure out how to be both mother and father.
Now on top of everything going on in his life his boss, Captain Dean Carson is making him work with a wildlife officer. Gracie Long is looking for bear poaches. At their first meeting he doesn't like her attitude and she doesn't like having a babysitter. She was attacked by a poacher she was arresting and almost killed. Since them her boss will not let her work only.
As these two face the problems with tracking down the bad guys and learning to trust each other they have a lot to deal with. The more they find out about the other, they more they start to care. Both have problems and secrets.
Both have a strong attraction to each other. With lots of twist and turns and help from family and friends can both Gracie and Adam find what they both need the most. Love and understanding. Will getting to know his kids help or hurt Gracie ? The kids are the best.
This is a fast-paced book and you will find it hard to put down. This is a book anyone who loves animals
especially horses will love. One can't forget Rio, Bodie, Comet and Peter Parker !!! Smalls towns and how they pull together when needed.
I hope you get a copy you will not be able to put it down. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam and Gracie’s story is a sweet, clean romance with a touch of angst and suspense. They both enforce the laws, he as a deputy in the Sheriff’s office and she as a wildlife officer. Neither is expecting love to be the result of working closely together in order to catch poachers. Their investigation gets off to a rocky start as both of them fight for control. Her unorthodox methods and bending the law to achieve results doesn’t sit well with by-the-book Adam who is rather set in his ways. He goes about his job with determination, forethought and caution, always aware that he has two kids who rely on him, especially now their mother has left the family to find herself. Gracie is just as determined as Adam, but she is used to thinking and making decisions on the spot. She is also used to traveling the country and working alone, but a vicious attack during an arrest has left her feeling shaky at the oddest times and her superiors have demanded that she not work alone. Out in the field, observing wildlife and investing incidents of poaching suddenly fires up Adam’s outrage and quest to find the poachers. The time they spend together even leaks into their time off and they both discover the other has many layers, a few flaws and admirable traits. The attraction between becomes something more, and the fact that Gracie and his kids like each other and get along nudges Adam into thinking they can be something more. Is there a happily ever after on their horizon or will Gracie be leaving as soon as their investigation is done? Is Gracie ready for love, a relationship that involve kids and a change in her lifestyle and priorities? Is Adam ready for another relationship so soon after his divorce? Discover the answers to these questions as you read this charming and engaging book.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Shavona Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anytime I read a book by Claire McEwen I know I will learn something. She must spend countless hours researching her subjects. Her in depth descriptions are enlightening as well as entertaining. We have all heard of poachers. I always associated poachers with the wild west of the 1800's and never gave a thought that we have them in present day. Nor did I give a thought to wildlife officers. God bless those brave men and women that spend hours in the wild to catch a poacher willing to destroy a beautiful animal just to make a few bucks. Gracie is a wildlife officer that prefers to work alone. However, working alone has risks as Gracie found out when she was brutally attacked by a poacher she was tracking. Left for dead she is discovered by a hiker. Her physical wounds have healed but she still suffers from PTSD. She is afraid to admit that for fear her job will be in jeopardy. Reluctantly she pairs up with Adam Sears to track someone killing bears. Adam's calm persona is an unexpected blessing for Gracie. Instead of turning her in after witnessing one of her panic attacks he offers to help her find a way to deal with the trauma. Adam is a single dad and the more time he spends with Gracie the more he falls for her and his kids adore her. Are they enough to make her want to stay in one spot and trust again? Beautifully written.
Thank you to Claire McEwen for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am freely sharing my opinion.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

I am packing my bags and moving to Shelter Creek!!! I adore the characters in this town. While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior stories to enjoy this one. I would highly recommend reading them though as they are truly wonderful heartfelt stories.

Gracie Long comes to Shelter Creek in working for the Dept of Wildlife. She is trying to capture poachers especially bear poachers. (This was a heart breaker!) She is assigned a babysitter (Gracie's words) in the form of Deputy Adam Sears. She is suffering from PTSD after being attacked on the job and left for dead by a poacher. Adam isn't looking forward to his new assignment. He is newly divorced and trying to balance all the parenting and job duties. He feels that he is being demoted.

These two struggle in the beginning to find the work balance and to bring the low-lifes to justice. Add in the mix of Adam's two children (especially the youngest Penny) and you have a story that will delight.

This is a clean romance that anyone would enjoy! I hope the series doesn't end as there are a few more heroes that need to find their perfect partner (namely Dean!)

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Shelter Creek with another thoughtful, clean romance. This time the story belongs to deputy Adam Sears. If you have read the previous books in the series, you met him on an early story.
Adam is a “by the book” person whose personal life was turned upside down when his wife divorced him and left town. Leaving him and their two young children behind.
When he is assigned to work with Gracie Long, a wildlife officer, he is less than pleased. Gracie is a thrill seeker, currently searching for bear poachers. But after her last assignment send her to the hospital, not only is her boss concerned, but she also has lost some of her confidence.
Though at first these two opposite characters are budding heads, as the story progresses , we not only see feelings developing but also they both start to view life a little differently.
But will fears, their past, and lack of trust keep them from taking a chance of finding their HEA?
This story was a good addition to the series. Though each book is a stand alone, I would highly recommend everyone to read the previous books for a better reading enjoyment.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

They thought being forced to work together was a punishment. Gracie is adventurous, likes to take risks, and bend the rules while Adam is more by the book and careful especially now that he has primary custody of his children. I don't know that I would have their courage to get close to wildlife that could attack if they feel threatened and deadly poachers that don't care that they are breaking the law especially after Gracie almost died at the hands of one. I loved reading about the adventure course with zip lining Gracie got Adam to do, how they worked together to complete it, and where they first admitted to romantic feelings for each other. There are plenty of rocky moments in their relationship as Adam and Gracie both have issues. He thinks Gracie and his kids need therapy but I think he would benefit too. Adam's daughter Penny with her love of animals and immediate kinship with Gracie was adorable. It was great to catch up with the characters from the previous books in the series. I can't wait to see who Adam's tomboy sister Sara falls for.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed returning to Shelter Creek for this last book in the series. I liked that characters from previous books had small parts in this book so I could catch up on their lives.. I really liked Adam who was taking care of his two children since his wife left. I liked that he was all work and followed the rules until Gracie showed up and changed his life and opened his eyes to enjoy life and have some fun along the way. I liked that Gracie had a job that I would typically think a male would have. She was a brave character and I enjoyed her strength and how she realised she needed help to overcome something that had happened to her. I liked how she treated Adam and his two children and I really enjoyed Adam and Gracie falling in love. I found it fascinating thinking about poachers and poaching and those poor animals. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed the first five books in Claire McEwen's Heroes of Shelter Creek series. Falling for the Lawman, book 6, returns to Northern California this time dealing with evidence of poaching. Wildlife Officer Gracie Long begins working with Shelter Creek Deputy Adam Sears. Adam isn't happy about his temporary assignment. He is already dealing with changes in his personal life. He is now a single parent of two--Penny and Jack. His ex-wife is doing a less than stellar job of co-parenting, making life difficult. I like the setting of this series (I live in Northern CA), the fact that the books highlight work done to protect animals and keep them healthy and safe, and the likable characters. I really like that the books are clean reads and they follow the lives of several characters. For me this was another 5 star read!

[Karen Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

FALLING FOR THE LAWMAN is Claire McEwen’s 6th book of the Heroes of Shelter Creek. A slow-burn romance between Deputy Adam Sears and wildlife officer Gracie Long, assigned together to catch poachers with a supporting cast of characters from previous books of the series. I liked the way the characters are portrayed as strong yet flawed heroes and heroines on emotional journeys to find their happily-ever afters. Claire McEwen always connects with her readers through uplifting stories, engaging characters, families, friendships, and community as well as to stress the importance of preservation of the environment and its wildlife. FALLING FOR THE LAWMAN is a heartwarming and adventurous tale of love surrounded by the beautiful California wilderness. I received this copy from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adams wife Tanya has left him and their two small children. She keeps promising them that she is coming to visit and then she has reasons for not showing up. The children are always being put on the back burner as far as she is concerned.

Gracie has been hunting poacher's for a while by herself but because of an incident that happened to her not too long ago on the job her boss thinks she needs someone with her. She goes to the local police dept and is assigned Adam as her partner. This is where things start to get interesting. He doesn't want to do things her way and she is used to being on her own and doing it the way she wants.

Loved the book. Sorry that the story ended. I really enjoyed the characters and can't wait to read future books

[Kate Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the Heroes of Shelter Creek series, in which wildlife officer Gracie Long is intent on catching a poacher going after bears, even though she has yet to recover from the assault she barely escaped with her life. As a result, her boss insists she pair up with a lawman, in this case, Sargeant and deputy sheriff Adam Sears. His caution rubs Gracie the wrong way, just as her insistence on doing things her way is really irritating to Adam, a single father of two children.

But those feelings rapidly morph into something far scarier for the two of them, even though Gracie also falls hard for his kids. It's clear everyone else sees Adam and Gracie as a pair perfect for one another, but when will they admit it? After Adam's ex-wife shows up? Keep a tissue box handy.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for the Lawman by Claire McEwen.

We are back in Shelter Creek with yet another fabulous story.
Falling for the Lawman is exceptional and very well written, I love this series and when reading ,I feel part of the community and of course I'm there too.

Here we have Gracie whose job it is to catch poachers,and Adam, the single father of two who is assigned to partner Gracie while tracking the poachers in Shelter Creek.

Will our adorable Gracie fall in love with our Lawman?Will they catch the poachers?and will they have a HEA?

This book needs to be purchased to find these answers. I highly recommend Falling for the Lawman, and of course the rest of the series.

Thank you,Claire, for another fantastic story, I am totally in love with these characters.
5*+

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single dad Sergeant, Adam is assigned to accompany Gracie, a wildlife officer who catches poachers. She is resentful as she likes to work alone but her boss wants her to work with a local officer after her recent attack while on duty. Adam is equally reluctant as he is already busy looking after his two children, working as a police officer and helping out on the family ranch when he can. As they work together, they both let their walls down and become close. Gracie also becomes close to Adam's children. This is a heart warming story reconnecting with other much loved characters in Shelter Creek. Read an ARC for an honest review.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heading back to Shelter Creek always feels like a visit home! With book six in the series Claire McEwen brings together two scarred people and helps make them whole again in FALLING FOR THE LAWMAN. The characters are approachable and easy to like and their back stories each bring a depth to the plot that plays out well throughout. Fast paced and hard to put down!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance filled to the brim with heart and emotions as this small town brings love alive.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroes of Shelter Creek is one of my favorite series and Falling for the Lawman is a wonderful return to the town of Shelter Creek. Adam and Gracie's story is heartwarming, full of wonderful characters, drama, angst, some suspense, and romance. I loved the wildlife conservation aspect of the story and how passionate Gracie was about her job. I truly enjoyed this story from the first page to the last and didn't want it to end. The ending was perfect and Gracie and Adam got their HEA. Hoping for many more books in the series!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, can I just keep reiterating how much I love this town and its inhabitants? All my favorite characters make appearances and add their quirky personalities to the show. I love how everyone operates and how their dialogue is written. Gracie is the complete opposite of Adam and it’s hilarious to see each of them react to that. The issue they are trying to solve is well written with the trauma Gracie is trying to get over. All of it weaves together to make an entertaining and page turning story. Thank you to the author for a wonderful story.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam was busy being a Sheriff Sargeant, and single dad and Gracie was fighting/healing her demons from a recent savage attack from a poacher - when they are thrown together as a team to locate a bear poacher - the sparks fly and they have much to learn from each other on their HEA bumpy road. I read a paperback and thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Western Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Heroes of Shelter Creek (Book #6)

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. I really liked the relationship between Gracie and Adam and the children. Reading about how she dealt with her trauma was very interesting. I learned a lot about poaching as well.

[NJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about a wildlife officer trying her best to overcome the trauma of an attack and a deputy trying to raise two children without a mother. Great book!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam and Gracie were perfect together. I really enjoyed their sweet romance and all of their special moments together. As always, I loved returning to Shelter Creek and catching up with all of the characters. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Deputy Adam Sears, a single father of 2 is not happy when he finds out he has to temporarily partner with Wildlife Officer Gracie Long. She’s not happy either. She had a very back attack and trauma from a man who left her for dead. She wants to prove she can still do the job she loves. Adam decides to help her get past it. They work well together. The more time they are together, the more the chemistry is fire hot. Will they find the poachers they are looking for? Will she be able to do her job? Will they both walk away from each other? Will they let the past go, he was hurt by his wife and he has trust issues? She needs to let go of her past and injuries. Will she walk away from the man and children she loves for a job she thought she needed? A worthy read. Thank you Claire McEwen