Shelter for Allegra

by Emily Gray

Detective Allegra Morelli bleeds blue. The only woman in a family of law enforcement, love and a relationship are the last things on her mind, especially when she has to prove herself against a hostility-driven police sergeant. Besides, the only male attention she’s looking for is from her loyal, retired K-9 German Shepherd, Toby. That is until she meets a protective stranger who awakens all of her dormant desires and makes her believe she can have the kind of love she never thought she’d find.


Texas Ranger Liam O’Neal is investigating the disappearance of his confidential informant and a dangerous new drug making its way through the Lone Star state. He and a fellow Ranger soon discover the cases are far more complicated than anyone thought and deadly, too. As bodies start piling up, Liam works every lead with the help of the most captivating detective he’s ever met. He also can’t keep from hoping she’ll allow the sparks building between them to turn into something more.

But when an unexpected threat against Allegra appears, both realize their time together might be cut short. Will Liam be able to save her before it’s too late?


261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2021

About the author

Emily Gray is a bestselling author of romantic suspense and contemporary romance. Originally from Virginia, she decided she was tired of dealing with cold weather and moved with her family to the Florida sunshine. She’s spent her life constantly thinking up stories in her head and finally decided it was time to put them on paper. Her debut novel, The Marine, was published in 2016 as part of her Heroes & Warriors series. All her stories focus on strong, passionate heroes and kick-ass heroines who don’t need saving. She’s sure to provide them all with the HEAs they deserve once she’s thrown in an obstacle or two so her characters realize finding love is worth every struggle they encounter.

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Reviews

[Ashleyjo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strong female detective and gentleman Texas Ranger work on a case together and find quick love. Entire book takes place over a couple of weeks, but the relationship is very believable.

So far as romance goes, the book was the sweet stuff to swoon over. He respects her strength and nurtures her as a woman. He was the epitome of that book boyfriend niche of hot guy in uniform that treats his woman like a queen. She’s strong but not butch or cold. His ex was briefly mentioned, but I appreciated that neither character had any angst hangups - they immediately yielded to everything they felt. Upfront and honest. I’d give the romance 4 sweet stars.

The suspense, however, is a different story. The bad guy is obvious - no suspense, and I wanted to slap the characters for being so “smart” but obliviously stupid. It felt like the author wrote the relationship and then just plugged in the suspense around the criminal investigation. Very lame. Very unbelievable actions on both the bad guy’s part and the FMCS part. For example, any woman knows you don’t just go off to seclusion with the bad guy. You scream, you fight, you do something not to leave public. Anyway, that just went against common sense and her training as a police officer. Suspense gets 1 boring star.

The end sealed the HEA, but the suspense was really just left open. One bad guy caught didn’t really solve or say anything as to the larger problem, which was left unaddressed .

I’ll round it out to 2 1/2-3 stars.

Read if you’re focused on a sweet romance without angst. Don’t read if you like heavy plot with great suspense.

[Rayleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book. Emily Gray is a new author for me but I was blown away with the well thought out storyline and what wonderful characters. Also who doesnt like a visit from Dax Chambers :D .... hope the brothers get books too

[Ginny Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam is a Texas Ranger and he works with Dax. Allegra comes from a family of blue. She has worked her way up to Detective. Her Sergeant wants her gone.
Allegra has a German Shepherd named Toby. He is usually very protective around men but the first time he met Liam, he wasn't aggressive at all.
Now Liam and Allegra are working together to find who is bringing in the new drug. They are also developing a relationship. The person responsible might be closer than they think.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelter for Allegra by Emily Gray kept me interested from the start to the finish. Allegra Morelli is a detective in the Violent Crimes division of the Pasadena Police Department. Texas Ranger Liam O’Neal is in Pasadena to investigate the spread of a new drug.

Liam ends up renting a short term apartment that is right next to Allegra’s place. One of the highlights of this book is when the reader is introduced to Allegra’s retired K-9 dog, Toby. One of the most funny repetitive comments made by Allegra to Liam is “you are ruining my dog”. Toby is very comfortable around Liam. Toby does get to take down a criminal in an impressive manner. When Liam hears about it he says amusedly, “That dog doesn’t understand the word retired”.

Emily Gray has written some multi-layered characters. Allegra is portrayed as a strong female in a male law enforcement family, with a gift of being able to put pieces of info together that helps solve crimes. Liam comes across as a lawman with a great deal of experience and ability in getting arrests. Texas Ranger Daxton Chambers, (one of Susan Stoker’s Badge of Honor characters), is one of Liam’s colleagues who help solve the case.

Looking forward to reading the next book in this Protect and Serve series about one of Allegra’s brothers, Matt, a SWAT member, and her best friend, Bailey, a paramedic.

[Joanne Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found a new favorite author

Another gripping story in Police and Fire: Operation Alpha series. This story kept this reader's attention throughout, well written, well rounded characters made for a very satisfactory read. I would recommend this book and this author giving both the highest rating.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. As soon as I finished I started searching for more books in the series. It was well written and definitely worth reading.

[Monique Mousseau Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

First time reading anything by Emily Gray and was blown away! Ally and Liam meshed together so well. Loved that Dax was involved as well. So invested in the other characters that I now need to read her other books!

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Allegra Morelli is the only woman in a family of law enforcement officers, love and a relationship are the last things on her mind, especially when she has to prove herself against a hostility-driven police sergeant.
Texas Ranger Liam O’Neal is investigating the disappearance of his confidential informant and a dangerous new drug making its way through the Lone Star state.
Allegra is not looking to fall in love, but as soon as she meets Liam, you know they’re going to be a great couple. They have a wonderful connection at work, which spills over into a personal relationship. Allegra has become an independent and strong woman mostly due to her work and knows what she wants. Her brothers and father are in different types of law enforcement but they treat her as one of the boys and are very protective of their sister.
This is an action packed suspenseful romance. Emily Gray is a new author for me, but will definitely be looking out for the next book in the series.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time for this author and she did a fantastic job. Plenty of suspense, danger, heat and loved the K-9. This is an edge of your seat read not knowing what is going to happen next. You won't be disappointed in my opinion. HEA.

[Shelley Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Emily Gray did a great job writing an action-packed story with characters you’ll fall in love with. Allegra is a strong heroine who bleeds blue and comes from a cop family. She’s not looking to fall in love, but as soon as she meets Liam, you’re automatically rooting for the two of them! They have a great connection, and I loved their banter. They had me smiling a lot. I enjoyed this book so much. My favorite of Emily Gray’s so far.

[Gina Wooldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author for me

I loved this story and the reminder of what Dax and Mack went thru. The story was well written and kept me on the edge of my seat . I love stories where the alpha is strong enough and confident enough to admit what he wants and his feelings and is not afraid to wait for his happy ending.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelter for Allegra: Police and Fire Operation Alpha: Protect and Serve Book 1 is by Emily Gray. This is a new author for me and I am very pleased with her writing. Susan Stoker gave permission for Emily to use some of her characters for her stories and Emily did a good job with them.
Allegra Morelli is a Detective in Violent Crimes. She came from a cop family. Her Father had been Assistant Police Chief of Pasadena before his retirement, her brother Matt was a SWAT member, her brother Gus was a member of the Pasadena police department, and her older brother Dante was a US Marshall. Detective Morelli had been in Narcotics before being transferred to Violent Crimes. Her boss, Sergeant Blackwell, did not like her because she was a woman and she was a Morelli. He took every chance to belittle her; but all he did was make himself look weak. She has a retired K-9 dog names Toby.
When Liam O’Neil, a Texas Ranger, came to the department looking for help with a drug case, he was warmly welcomed by everyone except Blackwell and partnered with Allegra. He was trying to link a case he had with a new drug coming into smaller towns near Pasadena. His case also involved missing teen. They begin to pool their resources. Will they pool their attraction to each other as well?

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally intended this to be my "I'll read a chapter before bed each night" book.... boy, was I wrong!! I got through the first chapter and just had to keep reading!! Author Emily Gray does a fantastic job pulling in so many different types of characters and developing relationships you get so invested in! I got completely pulled in by the suspenseful case in the story and the whirlwind, but somehow practical, romance! This book is perfect to kick off the Protect & Serve Series - I can't wait to read more!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I really loved this story was hooked from start to finish it was really good totally recommend reading it and the author

[CHANDRA RENEA FIELDS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chandra's Review

I truly enjoyed this book it was intriguing, sexy, loving and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read!👏🏾👏🏾🤗🤗

[Peggy Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second book by Emily Gray ...Not Dissed !!!

So now I will be waiting for " the next installment " of fabulous storytelling in TWO new series by Emily Gray.
And, since they are both Operation Alpha Family, you are guaranteed to love both series.
Allegra and her retired K-9 and Liam, both law enforcement officers, though different branches, are thrown together to tackle the case of a new lethal drug that is killing young people. Allegra is also fighting sexual discrimination and hatred within her department.
Trouble is lurking for her. Can Liam save her or will he lose the woman he has fallen hard for before their life together has really begun ? Grab this first book in the " Protect & Serve" series. You'll be hooked.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Allegra Morelli the only female in a family of law enforcement officers and her faithful companion Toby, a retired k9 German Shepard, are content with the life they lead. Texas Ranger Liam O'Neal has been sent to find his informant.. Together they work the case to find the missing pieces. This story was fun to read and left me looking for the next segment of the Morelli family

[Roni Denholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced romantic suspense book with an appealing hero and heroine. Emily Gray does a great job of depicting the mystery investigation. I loved the dog in the story too! It's a very suspenseful book which had me rapidly turning pages. It's the first book I've read by Ms. Gray but IU will definitely read others!

[Mary Boehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved by man and dog

Ally and Toby takes walks and one time they run into a guy that Toby is good with. Liam puts the good kind of love into Ally and their jobs.

[Shadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Ally and Liam’s story had me reading nonstop. Even though I figured out who the bad guy was fairly early I still enjoyed this book .

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Read this in one night because I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next in this author’s series.

[Rebecca Delio · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT STORY

This was a very exciting story, I enjoyed all the characters and especially Toby the dog. I have read other books by this author and will continue to do so.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and really hope she writes Matt's story