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Heart Lake #3
Perils of Starlight
A policeman who exclusively works the night shift to hide his scars, a lovely detective determined to solve a cold case, and the trail of clues that just might lead to love…
Newly promoted Police Sergeant Luke Hawling is determined to rid his county of its growing drug problem, even if it means going head-to-head with the most feared motorcycle gang in the west. He has an old score to settle with them, anyway, for starting the house fire a few years earlier that nearly claimed his life. A chance meeting with a woman from the gang gives him an inside source, and he’s that much closer to making an arrest — a job that’ll go more smoothly if he ignores the spark of instant attraction between them.
Detective Willow Presley (no relation to Elvis…bummer!) has been sent undercover to Heart Lake to reopen an arson cold case. Her training has more than prepared her to deal with hardened criminals. However, her heart proves no match for the brooding, sarcastic police officer she’s seeking justice for.
Luke doesn’t believe any woman can ever love a beastly face like his, and she only has a few days to convince him otherwise before he discovers her true identity as the daughter of a hated Remington. Fortunately, she has plenty of faith, hope, and starlight on her side.
Welcome to Heart Lake! A small town teaming with old family rivalries, the rumble of horses’ hooves, and folks on both sides of the law and everywhere in between — faith-filled romance that you’ll never forget.
Newly promoted Police Sergeant Luke Hawling is determined to rid his county of its growing drug problem, even if it means going head-to-head with the most feared motorcycle gang in the west. He has an old score to settle with them, anyway, for starting the house fire a few years earlier that nearly claimed his life. A chance meeting with a woman from the gang gives him an inside source, and he’s that much closer to making an arrest — a job that’ll go more smoothly if he ignores the spark of instant attraction between them.
Detective Willow Presley (no relation to Elvis…bummer!) has been sent undercover to Heart Lake to reopen an arson cold case. Her training has more than prepared her to deal with hardened criminals. However, her heart proves no match for the brooding, sarcastic police officer she’s seeking justice for.
Luke doesn’t believe any woman can ever love a beastly face like his, and she only has a few days to convince him otherwise before he discovers her true identity as the daughter of a hated Remington. Fortunately, she has plenty of faith, hope, and starlight on her side.
Welcome to Heart Lake! A small town teaming with old family rivalries, the rumble of horses’ hooves, and folks on both sides of the law and everywhere in between — faith-filled romance that you’ll never forget.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2021
385 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Jo Grafford
167 books665 followersJo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 10, 2025
At the end of the story there’s a question.
“Like this book?"
My answer? Yes!
Luke, a cop whose face was burned when his house was set ablaze, and another cop named Willow, whose husband had been killed, are both trying to find "Inferno", the arsonist responsible for the incidents.
Suspenseful with many plot twists.
The story included a gentle Christ-focused theme. (The addition of one substitute swear surprised me. Could have left that out.)
Good book.
Edit…
For clarification…I have a thing about book covers. I want them to make sense. I want to figure out how the covers fit with a story.
In my earlier review today I had written about the barn on the cover confusing me: that it looked more like an Amish book than a suspenseful story about dirtbiking-undercover-cops trying to expose an arsonist in a drug running gang. Plus, there's no mention of a barn nor silo in the whole book, nor is the book "serene" in any way.
However, that kept bothering me. Why would a publishing company or author use a cover that doesn’t represent the book at all? So I looked at the other books in this short-story collection and now I get it. The books are called Heart Lake, Books 1, 2, 3 & 4. So, since every book in this series has a barn on their covers, I'm assuming they depict scenes from this "Heart Lake".
But still, the cover is simply nothing like the wow-factor suspense within.
“Like this book?"
My answer? Yes!
Luke, a cop whose face was burned when his house was set ablaze, and another cop named Willow, whose husband had been killed, are both trying to find "Inferno", the arsonist responsible for the incidents.
Suspenseful with many plot twists.
The story included a gentle Christ-focused theme. (The addition of one substitute swear surprised me. Could have left that out.)
Good book.
Edit…
For clarification…I have a thing about book covers. I want them to make sense. I want to figure out how the covers fit with a story.
In my earlier review today I had written about the barn on the cover confusing me: that it looked more like an Amish book than a suspenseful story about dirtbiking-undercover-cops trying to expose an arsonist in a drug running gang. Plus, there's no mention of a barn nor silo in the whole book, nor is the book "serene" in any way.
However, that kept bothering me. Why would a publishing company or author use a cover that doesn’t represent the book at all? So I looked at the other books in this short-story collection and now I get it. The books are called Heart Lake, Books 1, 2, 3 & 4. So, since every book in this series has a barn on their covers, I'm assuming they depict scenes from this "Heart Lake".
But still, the cover is simply nothing like the wow-factor suspense within.
October 30, 2023
Not a bad story, but kinda glossed over. You read something and then are left with a feeling that you missed something. It needs more depth to make it pop and bring out the emotions and passion. Having ridden dirt bikes (a lot) I still had a hard time envisioning the choreography of the riding stunts, especially in the snow and cold. And there was never any mention of what the other bikers were riding. I'm going to assume they weren't on street machines. A good work over and a tad more realism could make a decent offering out of this story.
August 31, 2021
Perils of Starlight is another amazing story centered around Heart Lake. This time Luke is made to take 2 weeks mandatory vacation. He had been working on the cold case of the night Rick Cross, the second in command of the gang Inferno was blew up and Luke's house was set on fire. Rick was the informant Luke was using to try to capture the Inferno gang. But, it had been 3 years and no luck. Luke always believed the two events were connected and he had scars on half his face to remind him of what happened.
Deputy Wheeler calls Luke on his vacation near midnight to let him know a top came in that they were going to have a race up at the mines and he was going to go see what he could find out from the gang members. What he finds is Striker, a beautiful woman known all over the biker world for her ability to ride dirt bikes. She starts telling him that she is Rick's widow and wants to solve his death to get justice for him. She also knew Luke was out for justice as much as she was. She finally tells him that she was an officer from another county working on the cold case too. She knew what was happening in the gang so they decide to work together. Their best cover was to act like they were dating, which is what Luke really wanted. But, his initiation into the gang almost stops him from getting to finish what he started 3 years ago.
Deputy Wheeler calls Luke on his vacation near midnight to let him know a top came in that they were going to have a race up at the mines and he was going to go see what he could find out from the gang members. What he finds is Striker, a beautiful woman known all over the biker world for her ability to ride dirt bikes. She starts telling him that she is Rick's widow and wants to solve his death to get justice for him. She also knew Luke was out for justice as much as she was. She finally tells him that she was an officer from another county working on the cold case too. She knew what was happening in the gang so they decide to work together. Their best cover was to act like they were dating, which is what Luke really wanted. But, his initiation into the gang almost stops him from getting to finish what he started 3 years ago.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2021
I've been waiting for Luke's story because I love, love damaged heroes! I want them to have their happily ever after's and am go glad that Willow came along with her darling little girl, Nova, to give Luke his! Luke was burned in an arson fire a while ago and even though he's a police officer, he works the nightshift because he's not comfortable with his scars. He likes to "be in the shadows". He knows it was perpetrated by someone in the motorcycle drug gang but his snitch was killed so he doesn't know how he's going to get justice. Along come the wife of the snitch, Willow, and she's much more that he bargained - she's a cop too...he just doesn't know it! The sparks are flying between them and I loved how sweet Willow was to Luke - she looked past the scars! They go undercover to take down the drug gang and there is lots of action! Nova was super cute and I really enjoyed her presence in the story, along with Willow's sister. Such a great story!
September 4, 2021
Perils of Starlight: A Sweet, Inspirational, Small Town, Romantic Suspense Series by Jo Grafford is book 3 of Heart Lake series. This is Luke and Willow's story. Luke has been in the previous two stories as a secondary character. Luke has a story which needed to be told. Jo Grafford has created the perfect person for Luke to fall for. The story has adventure, suspense, romance, and relationships. Willow and Luke both are looking for justice and the reasons are related. Jo Grafford does a wonderful job of showing the growth in Luke and Willow as well as the Sheriff and Willow's brother-in-law. You can read this book as a stand alone. I have enjoyed the previous books and look forward to the next story.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2023
Perils of Starlight is a page turning, cowboy romantic holiday suspense story in the small town of Heart Lake, with intriguing heroes and villains, twist and turn plot and a believable resolution. Not your typical Beauty and Beast retelling between Police Sergeant Luke Hawling, who exclusively works the night shift to hide his scars, and the lovely Detective Willow Presley (no relation to Elvis…bummer!), who has been sent undercover to Heart Lake to reopen an arson cold case. While her training has prepared her to deal with hardened criminals; her heart proves no match for the brooding, sarcastic police officer she’s seeking justice for. At Christmas Willow's heart is overflowing at the enchantment of her most favorite place in the world.
August 24, 2021
Loved Luke and Willow's story!! Luke is a wonderful man, though scarred by a fire. When he meets Willow, different sparks start to fly! For three years, Luke has been trying to solve the arson case where he was burned. He's close, but he needs proof. Willow has been working undercover to solve the case of who killed her husband, and knows that person is also responsible for the fire that almost killed Luke. She has a plan, but will that plan work, or will it backfire on her and cause even damage??
Such a great book! I love the way things come together!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
Such a great book! I love the way things come together!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
November 13, 2021
Awesome! Loved Willow and Luke's story. Willow lost her husband to gang violence, and was now in the gang to uncover the one responsible. Luke had been targeted the same night Willows husband had been killed. Only difference is Luke lived through the horrendous fire that was meant to take his life. Both are playing a dangerous game of finding the killer! I read this every chance I got. It was fingernail biting suspense at its finest. If you like clean, edge of the seat stories, you can't go wrong with 'Perils of Starlight'. I highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
August 26, 2021
Back to Heart Lake and so glad to read Luke's story! Since a fire that had almost killed him, he felt half man, half beast by the person that starred him back in the mirror. The scars from the fire were a constant reminder.. reminder he was going to find the culprits, the Vipers and seek retribution.
But then he ran into Willow, who had her own agenda with the same vicious Viper gang. She has secrets he has yet to know.
Suspenseful, amazing characters, villains and a winding road to romance that is well worth every page!!
But then he ran into Willow, who had her own agenda with the same vicious Viper gang. She has secrets he has yet to know.
Suspenseful, amazing characters, villains and a winding road to romance that is well worth every page!!
August 27, 2021
Perils of Starlight
Luke is a cop that is referred to as the vampire because of his night shifts. He was injured in a fire leaving him with facial scars and is still after the thugs that set the fire that almost killed him. Willow lost her husband the same night Luke was injured. Her husband was one of Luke’s informants. She is now an undercover cop with the gang her husband was with that is headed up by her brother in law. What happens when Willow and Luke team up to bring the gang down?
Luke is a cop that is referred to as the vampire because of his night shifts. He was injured in a fire leaving him with facial scars and is still after the thugs that set the fire that almost killed him. Willow lost her husband the same night Luke was injured. Her husband was one of Luke’s informants. She is now an undercover cop with the gang her husband was with that is headed up by her brother in law. What happens when Willow and Luke team up to bring the gang down?
August 24, 2021
Justice
Luke finds more clues to what happened with the gang,but most important he finds a partner to bring them down. The wife of his snitch is more than he knew and much more than he dreamed. The cold case of his fire and snitch being killed finally will become hot again. A great read ,page turning with bits of humor to release the stress and actions of the characters. A definite 5 star continuing series.
Luke finds more clues to what happened with the gang,but most important he finds a partner to bring them down. The wife of his snitch is more than he knew and much more than he dreamed. The cold case of his fire and snitch being killed finally will become hot again. A great read ,page turning with bits of humor to release the stress and actions of the characters. A definite 5 star continuing series.
August 26, 2021
This is the third book in the Heart Lake series and focuses on Luke, the deputy who was seriously burned and prefers the night shift to keep away from people. But he has always wanted to find the people responsible for burning his home and almost killing him. He is joined by the widow of his informant who was killed the same night he was burned. This book was hard to put down. There is romance and excitement in these books and I highly recommend this series.
August 31, 2021
Heart Lake is becoming a frequent place to visit with old friends. Jo Grafford has given us a dramatic romance with more than a few twists and turns. Willow and Luke are both driven to solve who set the fire that burned Luke and his home and who killed Willow’s husband. That is a question that will compel you also. This is one that you want to have enough time to read because you aren’t going to want to put it down, sleep can just wait.
August 24, 2021
Twists, turns and romance
What's not to like in this story of ending a drug gang's reign of terror, seeking justice for loved ones and unexpected romance? Well developed characters, good plot development and risking everything for love and justice make this a book well worth reading that will keep you on the edge of your seat,.
Received ARC and this is my honest review.
What's not to like in this story of ending a drug gang's reign of terror, seeking justice for loved ones and unexpected romance? Well developed characters, good plot development and risking everything for love and justice make this a book well worth reading that will keep you on the edge of your seat,.
Received ARC and this is my honest review.
August 26, 2021
Luke & Willow experience lots of danger in this story dealing with a motorcycle gang dealing drugs. How their relationship develops is also interesting, critical & dangerous. Lots of surprises near the end. This one is so captivating I could not stop reading it till I finished it. Excellent writing!! I received an ARC. This is my voluntary review.
August 28, 2021
Excellent story that has you on the edge of your seat. The building romance is sweet and dangerous. The story takes you on a mission with a biker gang and drugs. With all the action and secrets this book keeps you flipping through the pages. A great read!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
November 24, 2021
Sometimes we just know. Luke just knew about Willow, aka The Striker. Between undercover cops, gang bikers, houses burning down, and so much more, you stay on the edge of your seat until the end.
What an adventure! I'll definitely finish this series. This was a great story with real characters in terrifying situations. It works out for Luke and Willow in the end.
What an adventure! I'll definitely finish this series. This was a great story with real characters in terrifying situations. It works out for Luke and Willow in the end.
October 29, 2022
Motorcycle Gang and Two Cops
Luke is a cop with half his face criss crossed by burn scars. The Striker is a female motorcyclist well known for death defying feats on her cycle. The Inferno is a well known biker gang dealing drugs in the Heart Lake region. No Grafford has written a thrilling and chilling suspenseful novel with both a touch of romance and of terror.
Luke is a cop with half his face criss crossed by burn scars. The Striker is a female motorcyclist well known for death defying feats on her cycle. The Inferno is a well known biker gang dealing drugs in the Heart Lake region. No Grafford has written a thrilling and chilling suspenseful novel with both a touch of romance and of terror.
March 3, 2023
Nontraditional roles in this book
Great suspense story with characters determined to see justice done. This was my fifth read in interlinked series by this author who introduces future characters in future books. It was interesting that the heroine was the champion dirt bike performer in this book.
Great suspense story with characters determined to see justice done. This was my fifth read in interlinked series by this author who introduces future characters in future books. It was interesting that the heroine was the champion dirt bike performer in this book.
October 24, 2023
Fast paced, lots of secrets slowly revealed. Great twists in the end. Only one questionable event. It seemed like Luke got his scars from trying to save his cabin, which I thought was rather idiotic, no people or pets, just property and he was grievously injured and badly scarred. But, it was still a great read.
October 15, 2024
I did not enjoy this one as much as I have the others in the series. But I don’t think it’s because it’s not well written or a good story. This one is set with a lot of gang activity and specifically a biker gang with a lot of dirtbike competitions. huge amount of the writing is describing stunts and such on the bikes. And that’s just not my thing. So it made it less enjoyable read for me.
November 22, 2024
Interesting and Pleasant Surprise
I loved how the author wrote this story. The characters are so well crafted! I didn’t really want to put the book down. Pacing and plot were fantastic. It’s a clean read which still grabs the reader. Can’t wait to read the next book! I’d recommend this one to any reader who enjoys clean, suspenseful romance.
I loved how the author wrote this story. The characters are so well crafted! I didn’t really want to put the book down. Pacing and plot were fantastic. It’s a clean read which still grabs the reader. Can’t wait to read the next book! I’d recommend this one to any reader who enjoys clean, suspenseful romance.
December 29, 2024
The injuries from riding the dirt bikes should have stopped most people from functioning. The story is good. You just have to suspend reality a bit. But, what was really excellent was the use of prayer and angels protection. This was an exceptional way to bring the power of asking God for help and His answering. Liked this addition to the story.
August 25, 2021
Two police officers with an agenda
First agenda. Go undercover. Second agenda. Catch the bad guys. Third agenda. Don’t fall in love. And with God’s help the star of the show is kept safe. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING BOOK. Jo Grafford keeps on getting better with each book!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
First agenda. Go undercover. Second agenda. Catch the bad guys. Third agenda. Don’t fall in love. And with God’s help the star of the show is kept safe. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING BOOK. Jo Grafford keeps on getting better with each book!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
August 29, 2021
Great book
Did not want to take a break while reading this book. The story is so inspiring and I absolutely love the way Go Grafford puts God in the middle of all of her books. Puts a smile on my face and a good feeling in my heart every time!
Did not want to take a break while reading this book. The story is so inspiring and I absolutely love the way Go Grafford puts God in the middle of all of her books. Puts a smile on my face and a good feeling in my heart every time!
September 3, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book! It is a book about a policeman and a woman who is playing the part of a gang member, but is really a police person too! They work together and stop the gang and they are all arrested! I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance!
September 4, 2021
Perils of Starlight
Another great book in this series by Jo Grafford on small towns and the people that live in them. Luke lived in Heart Lake in a cabin on the mountains. This story is of heartbreak,mystery and intrigue. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Another great book in this series by Jo Grafford on small towns and the people that live in them. Luke lived in Heart Lake in a cabin on the mountains. This story is of heartbreak,mystery and intrigue. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
September 9, 2021
Good plot, plenty of action
This book had plenty of suspense and the plot was good, but the romance was a bit shallow. More time could have been used for Luke and Willow’s relationship to develop. I liked the spiritual aspect to the story as well.
This book had plenty of suspense and the plot was good, but the romance was a bit shallow. More time could have been used for Luke and Willow’s relationship to develop. I liked the spiritual aspect to the story as well.
September 27, 2021
Luke was a fascinating main character with his facial scars. Interesting plot with motorcycle gangs and crazy stunts. A fun read. Maybe a bit on the frothy, shallow end, but it kept me reading until the end. I've enjoyed this series and look forward to more.
November 20, 2021
A great read
This is a clean romantic suspense story, that I had a hard time putting down. Strong, troubled characters to love, a compelling plot with several twists as well as laughter and romance. A sweet read!
This is a clean romantic suspense story, that I had a hard time putting down. Strong, troubled characters to love, a compelling plot with several twists as well as laughter and romance. A sweet read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews