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The Law in Lubbock County #1
Sheriff in the Saddle
To uphold the law
…will she take down her ex?
The town wants her to arrest her former boyfriend for a murder on his ranch—but Sheriff Leigh Mercer refuses. The newly elected law enforcer doesn't have evidence against bad boy Cullen Brodie. In fact, the search for the killer draws them passionately close again…and into relentless danger. Not only could Leigh lose her job for not collaring Brodie…but they could both lose their lives.
…will she take down her ex?
The town wants her to arrest her former boyfriend for a murder on his ranch—but Sheriff Leigh Mercer refuses. The newly elected law enforcer doesn't have evidence against bad boy Cullen Brodie. In fact, the search for the killer draws them passionately close again…and into relentless danger. Not only could Leigh lose her job for not collaring Brodie…but they could both lose their lives.
248 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 9, 2022
69 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Delores Fossen
651 books815 followersThank you for finding me on Goodreads!
Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:
I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.
Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:
I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 2, 2022
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Law in Lubbock County series. This book is filled with action and suspense, and I did not guess who was behind the murders until right before the reveal. I loved the characters in this book, and the two main characters fit together as well. This book had me wanting to keep reading because all the drama and action had me really wanting to see how it ended. There were a lot of hospital visits in this book. I can wait until the next book in this series to come out. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Intrigue) or author (Delores Fossen) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
May 11, 2022
Sheriff in the Saddle by Dolores Fossen is a murder mystery rife with suspense and misdirection from start to finish. With equal measure the second chance at romance for Cullen and Leigh lent the story a softer edge. The cast of characters was varied and superb, the action fast and furious, and the passion burning. An excellent story to loose yourself in as at the very end the culprit comes as a shock.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
July 3, 2022
Wow - this is action packed from the start to the end,
With Sheriff Leigh Mercer attending a murder at the home of her former boyfriend!
The victim is his latest ex, and for others he's an immediate suspect
But this Sheriff follows the evidence and that she needs to collect.
The pace never slackens at any point in this book
It has you on edge as at each page you look.
There are so many suspects, just who can they trust?
No matter the rumours, find the true killer she must.
Their fathers hate each other and want them apart
Should they follow their wishes or follow their heart?
With so much danger, both their lives are at stake
Staying together, protecting each other, is this a mistake?
A Romeo and Juliet kind of romantic suspense
With constant peril, the atmosphere is tense.
Can these two thwarted lovers find love once more
Or will the killer succeed in adding them to his score?
A great read that kept me enthralled all the way
I couldn't put it down till I'd finished it today!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review
With Sheriff Leigh Mercer attending a murder at the home of her former boyfriend!
The victim is his latest ex, and for others he's an immediate suspect
But this Sheriff follows the evidence and that she needs to collect.
The pace never slackens at any point in this book
It has you on edge as at each page you look.
There are so many suspects, just who can they trust?
No matter the rumours, find the true killer she must.
Their fathers hate each other and want them apart
Should they follow their wishes or follow their heart?
With so much danger, both their lives are at stake
Staying together, protecting each other, is this a mistake?
A Romeo and Juliet kind of romantic suspense
With constant peril, the atmosphere is tense.
Can these two thwarted lovers find love once more
Or will the killer succeed in adding them to his score?
A great read that kept me enthralled all the way
I couldn't put it down till I'd finished it today!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review
May 16, 2022
Sheriff in the Saddle was a fun, fast-paced Intrigue that starts out with a bang, or maybe I should say a thud. There's a dead body, and sheriff Leigh is thrown into her past lover's lair to figure out the whodunit.
Leigh is trying to separate herself from the legacy of her father, the prior sheriff, and she's finding it difficult to get everyone, including her deputies, to see her as the sheriff. When she's faced with her former lover, the ex-boyfriend of the victim, she refuses to arrest him. He wasn't guilty, but someone was, and she was going to need his help to figure out who.
Cullen was calm, cool, and collected, even knowing his ex was dead in his bathroom, until Leigh walked through the halls of his home again. She was the one who got away, but their family feud had kept them apart, and nothing had changed there. What had changed was Leigh. She was no longer a girl from his high school. She was all woman, and a woman he wouldn't mind making part of his future. First, he had to clear his name.
Things get ugly when they discover another injury on Cullen's ranch, followed by an attempt on their lives on the road. Deception and affairs lead Leigh and Cullen to suspects they'd never expect, and they'll need help to solve this mystery.
One thing the author did extremely well in this intrigue was spread the suspicion out evenly over all the suspects, and that's very difficult to do. No one stood out as the guilty party until the very end because it could have been any of them. It's not fiction if you don't have to suspend some reality, though. 'A windshield so darkly tinted you couldn't see the driver' is certainly going to require some suspension of reality, but in the end, the book was well-written and perfectly paced for a small-town sheriff romance. I am certainly looking forward to the next one!
Leigh is trying to separate herself from the legacy of her father, the prior sheriff, and she's finding it difficult to get everyone, including her deputies, to see her as the sheriff. When she's faced with her former lover, the ex-boyfriend of the victim, she refuses to arrest him. He wasn't guilty, but someone was, and she was going to need his help to figure out who.
Cullen was calm, cool, and collected, even knowing his ex was dead in his bathroom, until Leigh walked through the halls of his home again. She was the one who got away, but their family feud had kept them apart, and nothing had changed there. What had changed was Leigh. She was no longer a girl from his high school. She was all woman, and a woman he wouldn't mind making part of his future. First, he had to clear his name.
Things get ugly when they discover another injury on Cullen's ranch, followed by an attempt on their lives on the road. Deception and affairs lead Leigh and Cullen to suspects they'd never expect, and they'll need help to solve this mystery.
One thing the author did extremely well in this intrigue was spread the suspicion out evenly over all the suspects, and that's very difficult to do. No one stood out as the guilty party until the very end because it could have been any of them. It's not fiction if you don't have to suspend some reality, though. 'A windshield so darkly tinted you couldn't see the driver' is certainly going to require some suspension of reality, but in the end, the book was well-written and perfectly paced for a small-town sheriff romance. I am certainly looking forward to the next one!
June 27, 2022
Will Leigh and Cullen live to see their second chance?
This is part murder mystery, part killer-on-the-loose, and part second-chance romance. In this author's capable hands, all the parts work beautifully together to create an exciting, edge-of-your-seat thriller filled with compelling characters and plenty of flying bullets.
The mystery was on point throughout, with exquisite pacing, a thorough investigation that left no stone unturned, and a family feud that runs deep. I really loved the interactions between Leigh and Cullen, especially the way they worked together right from the start. At the worst moments, their barely-tangible trust was the only thing keeping them alive and it was that inherent trust that solidified the foundation for their romance.
All the secondary characters were vividly portrayed, and the identity of the killer was saved for the very last possible moment. Justice prevails on the way to a very satisfying HEA. My only complaint - and it's admittedly tiny - is that other than the title, there's nary a saddle in sight and not one character at any point is on horseback. Sheriff yes, saddle no.
Once I started reading this, I couldn't put it down. If you love a romance soaked in intrigue, this is the book for you. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This is part murder mystery, part killer-on-the-loose, and part second-chance romance. In this author's capable hands, all the parts work beautifully together to create an exciting, edge-of-your-seat thriller filled with compelling characters and plenty of flying bullets.
The mystery was on point throughout, with exquisite pacing, a thorough investigation that left no stone unturned, and a family feud that runs deep. I really loved the interactions between Leigh and Cullen, especially the way they worked together right from the start. At the worst moments, their barely-tangible trust was the only thing keeping them alive and it was that inherent trust that solidified the foundation for their romance.
All the secondary characters were vividly portrayed, and the identity of the killer was saved for the very last possible moment. Justice prevails on the way to a very satisfying HEA. My only complaint - and it's admittedly tiny - is that other than the title, there's nary a saddle in sight and not one character at any point is on horseback. Sheriff yes, saddle no.
Once I started reading this, I couldn't put it down. If you love a romance soaked in intrigue, this is the book for you. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 28, 2022
Terrific blend of suspense and second-chance romance. Leigh and Cullen were high school sweethearts pulled apart by a family feud. They are brought together by a murder on his ranch.
Leigh was recently elected sheriff, replacing her retired father. But Jeb has trouble letting go and constantly sticks his nose into what is no longer his business. She also has problems with one of her deputies, who thinks he should be sheriff. When she's called to Cullen's ranch because of a murder, she faces her biggest challenge so far - solving the murder and resisting her attraction to Cullen.
Despite the presence of an ex-girlfriend's body in his home, Cullen remained outwardly cool and calm. The tension increases when Leigh arrives. He knows it looks suspicious to have Alexa's body there. He can't deny his attraction to Leigh, but he can't do anything about it until the murderer is caught.
The suspense kept me hooked from the beginning. There's a dead body and an injured ranch hand, and Cullen is the most logical suspect. But Leigh doesn't fall for the obvious, and instinct tells her that Cullen is innocent. The action starts immediately when they are attacked on the road back to town, and the assailant gets away. Delving deeper into Alexa's actions before her death leads them to some unexpected suspects. Whenever I thought I had figured out whodunit, something would happen to make me question my decision. I didn't figure it out until right before the final confrontation. It was a nail-biter and kept me glued to the pages until it was over.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Leigh and Cullen develop. They are older and less inclined to be influenced by their fathers' feud. That feud is evident when Cullen's father, Bowen, accuses Leigh of planning to railroad his son for the murder. Then Leigh's father harangues her for not arresting Cullen on the spot. I liked that Leigh stood up to them and made up her own mind. Part of that is her instinct telling her that Cullen is innocent, though she worries slightly that her attraction to him might affect her judgment. Instead, she recruits Cullen to help her get to the truth.
I liked seeing Leigh and Cullen work together. That time allowed them to get to know each other as adults and build the trust they needed to survive. The sparks of attraction are evident, as are their growing feelings. I liked that Cullen respected Leigh's abilities as sheriff, while at the same time, his protectiveness was unmistakable. I liked that because the book spans just a few days, there's no rush to a marriage proposal, just a request for a first (then second, third, and fourth) date. I laughed at the two fathers' comments and their effect on Cullen and Leigh.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
#netgalley
Leigh was recently elected sheriff, replacing her retired father. But Jeb has trouble letting go and constantly sticks his nose into what is no longer his business. She also has problems with one of her deputies, who thinks he should be sheriff. When she's called to Cullen's ranch because of a murder, she faces her biggest challenge so far - solving the murder and resisting her attraction to Cullen.
Despite the presence of an ex-girlfriend's body in his home, Cullen remained outwardly cool and calm. The tension increases when Leigh arrives. He knows it looks suspicious to have Alexa's body there. He can't deny his attraction to Leigh, but he can't do anything about it until the murderer is caught.
The suspense kept me hooked from the beginning. There's a dead body and an injured ranch hand, and Cullen is the most logical suspect. But Leigh doesn't fall for the obvious, and instinct tells her that Cullen is innocent. The action starts immediately when they are attacked on the road back to town, and the assailant gets away. Delving deeper into Alexa's actions before her death leads them to some unexpected suspects. Whenever I thought I had figured out whodunit, something would happen to make me question my decision. I didn't figure it out until right before the final confrontation. It was a nail-biter and kept me glued to the pages until it was over.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Leigh and Cullen develop. They are older and less inclined to be influenced by their fathers' feud. That feud is evident when Cullen's father, Bowen, accuses Leigh of planning to railroad his son for the murder. Then Leigh's father harangues her for not arresting Cullen on the spot. I liked that Leigh stood up to them and made up her own mind. Part of that is her instinct telling her that Cullen is innocent, though she worries slightly that her attraction to him might affect her judgment. Instead, she recruits Cullen to help her get to the truth.
I liked seeing Leigh and Cullen work together. That time allowed them to get to know each other as adults and build the trust they needed to survive. The sparks of attraction are evident, as are their growing feelings. I liked that Cullen respected Leigh's abilities as sheriff, while at the same time, his protectiveness was unmistakable. I liked that because the book spans just a few days, there's no rush to a marriage proposal, just a request for a first (then second, third, and fourth) date. I laughed at the two fathers' comments and their effect on Cullen and Leigh.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
#netgalley
June 29, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
The book just proves why this author is one of my all-time favorites. The e-reader was smokin' hot with the speed in which I was turning the pages. The plot was fast and smooth. It kept me guessing the entire time. The chemistry between Leigh and Cullen was there but both knew that the identity of the killer was pivotal to getting things between them settled.
I had many guesses as to who, what and why. Of course, Ms. Fossen knows how to write a fantastic story that weaves it's web over me the reader. The only disappointment, the end of course!
I can't wait for the next installment to this series!
The book just proves why this author is one of my all-time favorites. The e-reader was smokin' hot with the speed in which I was turning the pages. The plot was fast and smooth. It kept me guessing the entire time. The chemistry between Leigh and Cullen was there but both knew that the identity of the killer was pivotal to getting things between them settled.
I had many guesses as to who, what and why. Of course, Ms. Fossen knows how to write a fantastic story that weaves it's web over me the reader. The only disappointment, the end of course!
I can't wait for the next installment to this series!
June 24, 2022
Fossen knows how to write about Texas and law officers. Sheriff in the Saddle offers a bunch formsmunresder looking for a good romance that also includes murder, mystery, and years of undercurrents of tensions.
The villain was not too hard to discern after several chapters, although the author tries to throw readers off the scent. The chapters are short and the action never ending. The heat between Cullen and Leigh is part of the signature of a Harlequin book.
See how justice is served in Dark River.
Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the early copy.
The villain was not too hard to discern after several chapters, although the author tries to throw readers off the scent. The chapters are short and the action never ending. The heat between Cullen and Leigh is part of the signature of a Harlequin book.
See how justice is served in Dark River.
Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the early copy.
July 15, 2022
SHERIFF IN THE SADDLE by Delores Fossen, Book 1 of The Law in Lubbock County
Sheriff Leigh Mercer’s job is in jeopardy when she refuses to arrest her ex, Cullen Brodie when a body was found on his ranch. SHERIFF IN THE SADDLE is another Delores Fossen’s exciting romantic suspense filled with drama, heart-racing action, a vengeful killer, and a feud between two families, not to mention the investigation drawing Leigh and Cullen passionately close again.
Sheriff Leigh Mercer’s job is in jeopardy when she refuses to arrest her ex, Cullen Brodie when a body was found on his ranch. SHERIFF IN THE SADDLE is another Delores Fossen’s exciting romantic suspense filled with drama, heart-racing action, a vengeful killer, and a feud between two families, not to mention the investigation drawing Leigh and Cullen passionately close again.
June 16, 2022
This book is a super beginning to this new series by Delores Fossen. The characters are very likable. The bad guys are perfect foils for the good guys. The tension and suspense kept be turning the pages until the end. Just the way I like a suspense book to be. I loved all the action. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
August 2, 2022
Lots of action. Way too soapy. Unbelievable.
Hope to not read any more by this author.
Hope to not read any more by this author.
July 6, 2022
Sheriff Leigh refuses to believe that her former boyfriend Cullen is behind a murder even when it happened in his house. Everyone is ready to blame him without a thought but Leigh believes there is something more especially since the more they look into it the more daring the suspect is.
I enjoyed this book there was so much going on. I love when a book can keep me actively guessing and this book was perfect for that. There was plenty of encounters with the person behind the murder and clearly that person doesn't want to get caught trying to take Leigh and Cullen out and I loved seeing each moment and how it ended up turning out. I enjoyed the romance between the two. I pretty much enjoyed everything about this book was such a fun ride.
I enjoyed this book there was so much going on. I love when a book can keep me actively guessing and this book was perfect for that. There was plenty of encounters with the person behind the murder and clearly that person doesn't want to get caught trying to take Leigh and Cullen out and I loved seeing each moment and how it ended up turning out. I enjoyed the romance between the two. I pretty much enjoyed everything about this book was such a fun ride.
July 11, 2022
Great story and I'm getting ready to pre-order the next book in the series ".MAVERICK JUSTICE".
July 4, 2022
It is to be the party of the year. But someone ends up dead and the host is the most likely suspect. Even as the new sheriff investigates the case, she must get to the truth and ignore her personal feelings about the people involved. But can she find the killer before the body count climbs even higher? Find out in the first novel in Delores Fossen’s new Law in Lubbock County series, Sheriff in the Saddle.
Sheriff Leigh Mercer has mixed feelings about being called out to the Triple R Ranch. It’s been a minute since she’s been here, and her last visit wasn’t in a professional capacity. That time she was in the arms of handsome rancher Cullen Brodie, and although they haven’t been an item for a while, she wouldn’t mind kissing him again.
Tonight, however, she’s been called out because Cullen’s former girlfriend, Alexa, has just been founded murdered in his home. If they had been the only two people there, Cullen would be Leigh’s only suspect, no matter how attracted she is to him. But the house had been filled with people all night for the extravagant engagement party Cullen had thrown for his best friend, Austin Borden, and his fiancé, Kali Starling.
To complicate matters further, there’s the matter of the ranch hand Jamie who was found knocked out cold behind the bushes. As Leigh and Cullen drive over icy roads to the local hospital to check on him, someone goes after them, using their vehicle for target practice until Leigh’s police cruiser winds up smashed against a tree. Suddenly, this is no open-and-shut case, no matter how badly the town council wants it to be. Alexa is no longer the only target, and now Leigh and Cullen must figure out who wants them dead before they’re both laid out in the morgue alongside his former girlfriend.
Delores Fossen always delivers fast-paced, exciting stories with great characters and a bit of sizzle. But she really outdoes herself with Sheriff in the Saddle. This book is chock full of possible suspects, and everyone has a motive. As death threats, political intrigue, car chases, shoot outs, and even arson are employed, the identity of the killer is kept a well-guarded secret up until the thrilling conclusion. This novel races out of the gate not only on all cylinders, but with turbo thrusters that will have readers white knuckling the book until the last page is turned.
Originally published at JathanandHeather.com.
Sheriff Leigh Mercer has mixed feelings about being called out to the Triple R Ranch. It’s been a minute since she’s been here, and her last visit wasn’t in a professional capacity. That time she was in the arms of handsome rancher Cullen Brodie, and although they haven’t been an item for a while, she wouldn’t mind kissing him again.
Tonight, however, she’s been called out because Cullen’s former girlfriend, Alexa, has just been founded murdered in his home. If they had been the only two people there, Cullen would be Leigh’s only suspect, no matter how attracted she is to him. But the house had been filled with people all night for the extravagant engagement party Cullen had thrown for his best friend, Austin Borden, and his fiancé, Kali Starling.
To complicate matters further, there’s the matter of the ranch hand Jamie who was found knocked out cold behind the bushes. As Leigh and Cullen drive over icy roads to the local hospital to check on him, someone goes after them, using their vehicle for target practice until Leigh’s police cruiser winds up smashed against a tree. Suddenly, this is no open-and-shut case, no matter how badly the town council wants it to be. Alexa is no longer the only target, and now Leigh and Cullen must figure out who wants them dead before they’re both laid out in the morgue alongside his former girlfriend.
Delores Fossen always delivers fast-paced, exciting stories with great characters and a bit of sizzle. But she really outdoes herself with Sheriff in the Saddle. This book is chock full of possible suspects, and everyone has a motive. As death threats, political intrigue, car chases, shoot outs, and even arson are employed, the identity of the killer is kept a well-guarded secret up until the thrilling conclusion. This novel races out of the gate not only on all cylinders, but with turbo thrusters that will have readers white knuckling the book until the last page is turned.
Originally published at JathanandHeather.com.
August 7, 2022
Delores Fossen can always be relied on to deliver high quality romantic suspense and her latest novel, Sheriff in the Saddle, is a high-octane action-packed page-turner I couldn’t bear to put down.
Sheriff Leigh Mercer has got a lot to prove. With her father being the town’s former sheriff, she is perpetually in his shadow and she needs to show all those who doubt her that she is more than worthy of wearing the badge. Leigh is used to tough cases and doesn’t balk from a challenge, but her latest case could be her toughest one yet. A dead body has been found at the Triple R Ranch, the home of her former boyfriend Cullen Brodie. Worse, the finger of suspicion is pointing squarely in his direction. Is Cullen a murderer? And can Leigh keep her personal and professional life separate in the most important case of her career?
Cullen has got a lot to deal with. Not only has he been left reeling from the discovery of a dead body on his ranch, but he also finds himself in very close proximity to his ex, Leigh. The two of them might have split up, but the chemistry between them still sizzles. With this investigation thrusting the two of them together, resisting temptation quickly proves impossible, but with a killer on the loose, Leigh and Cullen must watch their backs and stay focused because there is a dangerous criminal out there willing to do whatever it takes to keep them from getting to the truth.
With their lives in danger and the stakes at an all-time high, will Leigh and Cullen manage to put the murderer behind bars and give their relationship another try? Or will this investigation end up costing them everything?
Delores Fossen’s Sheriff in the Saddle is an exciting, enjoyable and engrossing romantic suspense novel that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. An expert when it comes to blending a powerful love story with a tantalizing nail-biting mystery, Delores Fossen has outdone herself with this fast-paced, intensely passionate and brilliantly paced romantic suspense novel.
Delores Fossen gets it right every single time and she has penned another winner with her latest novel, Sheriff in the Saddle.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sheriff Leigh Mercer has got a lot to prove. With her father being the town’s former sheriff, she is perpetually in his shadow and she needs to show all those who doubt her that she is more than worthy of wearing the badge. Leigh is used to tough cases and doesn’t balk from a challenge, but her latest case could be her toughest one yet. A dead body has been found at the Triple R Ranch, the home of her former boyfriend Cullen Brodie. Worse, the finger of suspicion is pointing squarely in his direction. Is Cullen a murderer? And can Leigh keep her personal and professional life separate in the most important case of her career?
Cullen has got a lot to deal with. Not only has he been left reeling from the discovery of a dead body on his ranch, but he also finds himself in very close proximity to his ex, Leigh. The two of them might have split up, but the chemistry between them still sizzles. With this investigation thrusting the two of them together, resisting temptation quickly proves impossible, but with a killer on the loose, Leigh and Cullen must watch their backs and stay focused because there is a dangerous criminal out there willing to do whatever it takes to keep them from getting to the truth.
With their lives in danger and the stakes at an all-time high, will Leigh and Cullen manage to put the murderer behind bars and give their relationship another try? Or will this investigation end up costing them everything?
Delores Fossen’s Sheriff in the Saddle is an exciting, enjoyable and engrossing romantic suspense novel that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. An expert when it comes to blending a powerful love story with a tantalizing nail-biting mystery, Delores Fossen has outdone herself with this fast-paced, intensely passionate and brilliantly paced romantic suspense novel.
Delores Fossen gets it right every single time and she has penned another winner with her latest novel, Sheriff in the Saddle.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 18, 2022
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Sheriff in the Saddle begins The Law in Lubbock County series with such tension and a dead body. Yeah, that’ll get my attention immediately! And the pool of suspects is wide, varied, and vicious – every last one of them. When Cullen discovered the body of his ex-girlfriend in his bathroom he had no idea of the danger heading directly for him – or for the girl who got away to be knocking at his door, investigating him for murder. It doesn’t take long for Leigh to rule out Cullen as the culprit but someone sure wants to make him look like the murderer, and that long list even includes her father… the reason she and Cullen had broken off their relationship years ago.
As with any story that involves a mystery I’m not going into much more detail than what you’d find in the cover description. But, oh my goodness was this ever a story that kept me glued to the pages and second-guessing myself throughout! I should have stuck with my first gut reaction but it was an amazing ride to get to the ending of Leigh’s and Cullen’s story.
I loved this couple, they fit, and the reason that they had broken up before was carefully woven into their current situation. There are twists and turns in Sheriff in the Saddle, some you will not see coming at you until you are hit with the aftershocks. We get the chance to meet Leigh’s brother who will have his story told next. I loved every moment in this world, actually wasn’t quite ready for that end to come along. Sometimes a story has everything in it that is the reason you read a certain sub-genre of romance – and that was certainly true for me. I loved this story, and cannot wait to get back to this world.
And if you love a really good, solid story with a mystery that makes you work for the solution, a couple who are believable in every way, and a vile, nasty villain to eventually catch… then this one is perfect for you.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
Sheriff in the Saddle begins The Law in Lubbock County series with such tension and a dead body. Yeah, that’ll get my attention immediately! And the pool of suspects is wide, varied, and vicious – every last one of them. When Cullen discovered the body of his ex-girlfriend in his bathroom he had no idea of the danger heading directly for him – or for the girl who got away to be knocking at his door, investigating him for murder. It doesn’t take long for Leigh to rule out Cullen as the culprit but someone sure wants to make him look like the murderer, and that long list even includes her father… the reason she and Cullen had broken off their relationship years ago.
As with any story that involves a mystery I’m not going into much more detail than what you’d find in the cover description. But, oh my goodness was this ever a story that kept me glued to the pages and second-guessing myself throughout! I should have stuck with my first gut reaction but it was an amazing ride to get to the ending of Leigh’s and Cullen’s story.
I loved this couple, they fit, and the reason that they had broken up before was carefully woven into their current situation. There are twists and turns in Sheriff in the Saddle, some you will not see coming at you until you are hit with the aftershocks. We get the chance to meet Leigh’s brother who will have his story told next. I loved every moment in this world, actually wasn’t quite ready for that end to come along. Sometimes a story has everything in it that is the reason you read a certain sub-genre of romance – and that was certainly true for me. I loved this story, and cannot wait to get back to this world.
And if you love a really good, solid story with a mystery that makes you work for the solution, a couple who are believable in every way, and a vile, nasty villain to eventually catch… then this one is perfect for you.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
July 5, 2022
Attention grabbing from start to finish! The kick off to The Law in Lubbock County series is an intense reunion of former loves in the middle of a crime scene. The pace is fast, the drama is high and the storyline is addictive. I highly enjoyed their reconnection!
Leigh is the new sheriff of Lubbock County and watching her step into leadership is refreshing. She has a lot going against her in the form of her former sheriff father who won't back off, her deputy who still acts like her dad is the boss and an ex taking center stage in her newest and most difficult crime scene.
Cullen is goodhearted and sincere and watching him try to get to the bottom of the murder that has occurred on his ranch while reconnecting with the one that got away is satisfying.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a drama filled bit of intrigue as danger is lurking around the corner when they least expect it.
Leigh is the new sheriff of Lubbock County and watching her step into leadership is refreshing. She has a lot going against her in the form of her former sheriff father who won't back off, her deputy who still acts like her dad is the boss and an ex taking center stage in her newest and most difficult crime scene.
Cullen is goodhearted and sincere and watching him try to get to the bottom of the murder that has occurred on his ranch while reconnecting with the one that got away is satisfying.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a drama filled bit of intrigue as danger is lurking around the corner when they least expect it.
July 13, 2022
I understand that this is a romance novel and can be forgiven for many things. All the same, I was bothered by the sheriff (Leigh) working the murder case with one of the potential suspects (Cullen). Yes, it is clear to the reader that he is the hero in the story and cannot be the killer, but it's not clear to the characters in the novel.
All Leigh has to go on is her "gut instinct" that he is innocent and she immediately starts treating him like her police partner when he isn't even a cop. There may have been no evidence to arrest him, but also there was nothing to exonerate him when Leigh first began working with him.
If the killer hadn't gotten caught in the act of trying to kill again and if the case was solved with evidence like most real life cases are, Cullen's involvement could have undermined the evidence being admissible in court.
All Leigh has to go on is her "gut instinct" that he is innocent and she immediately starts treating him like her police partner when he isn't even a cop. There may have been no evidence to arrest him, but also there was nothing to exonerate him when Leigh first began working with him.
If the killer hadn't gotten caught in the act of trying to kill again and if the case was solved with evidence like most real life cases are, Cullen's involvement could have undermined the evidence being admissible in court.
December 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, it was a good start to a series.
Leigh is the new sheriff, following in her Dad's shoes, although he seems to want to interfere with how she does things.
Her former boyfrienf Cullen is having an engagement party for two of his friends, he finds his ex fiance dead in his bedroom. He calls the sheriff department amd Leigh comes out along with her deputies.
Who would want his ex fiance dead? Why hurt one of his ranch hands as well?
The more Leigh and Cullen investigate this crime, the more in danger thay are in. Can they find the killer before they are next.
Great plot and characters.
This was my 1st Delores Fossen and it won't be my last.
Leigh is the new sheriff, following in her Dad's shoes, although he seems to want to interfere with how she does things.
Her former boyfrienf Cullen is having an engagement party for two of his friends, he finds his ex fiance dead in his bedroom. He calls the sheriff department amd Leigh comes out along with her deputies.
Who would want his ex fiance dead? Why hurt one of his ranch hands as well?
The more Leigh and Cullen investigate this crime, the more in danger thay are in. Can they find the killer before they are next.
Great plot and characters.
This was my 1st Delores Fossen and it won't be my last.
December 12, 2024
First in the Law in Lubbock County series, in which Sheriff Leigh Mercer isn't sure who to believe when she is tasked with finding out who killed Cullen Brodie's ex-girlfriend at a party he held for friend Austin and his fiance. Then one of Cullen's ranch hands is injured, too, and things get dicey fast.
Life for Leigh and Cullen go from bad to worse when the town council is persuaded to question whether Leigh should remain as sheriff and other people also die but then both Leigh and Cullen and other police officers are soon in danger because the killer can't seem to be stopped. Who is going to win this particular war? And who is going to die in the process?
Life for Leigh and Cullen go from bad to worse when the town council is persuaded to question whether Leigh should remain as sheriff and other people also die but then both Leigh and Cullen and other police officers are soon in danger because the killer can't seem to be stopped. Who is going to win this particular war? And who is going to die in the process?
September 19, 2022
Extremely well written story that starts with a bang and never stops until the end...and that is also explosive. Enjoyed the relationship between the main characters and their difficult parent. The h was no doormat nor was she a victim; the H was no ogre nor was he a demon. The way the author wove their previous relationship into the current mysteries and used it to build current trust and teamwork was remarkable.
My only comment is that, at times, Ms Fossen's stories contain almost TOOOOOooo much action. It's either that or my lack of sleep was interfering.
My only comment is that, at times, Ms Fossen's stories contain almost TOOOOOooo much action. It's either that or my lack of sleep was interfering.
July 6, 2023
What a great start to this series! Leigh is the Sheriff but some do not like that she is. They think it was handed to her because of her dad.
She is called out to Cullen's house as there is a dead body there. Cullen was Leigh's first.
While the investigation starts she believes Cullen when he says he didn't do it. Besides the death there us a ranch hand hurt.
Every time they try to investigate they are being fired upon.
This kept me on the edge of my seat! I was totally wrong who was behind it all but it made sense who it was when you find out! On to the next one!
She is called out to Cullen's house as there is a dead body there. Cullen was Leigh's first.
While the investigation starts she believes Cullen when he says he didn't do it. Besides the death there us a ranch hand hurt.
Every time they try to investigate they are being fired upon.
This kept me on the edge of my seat! I was totally wrong who was behind it all but it made sense who it was when you find out! On to the next one!
August 22, 2023
Delores Fossen writes suspenseful novels, and this one is no exception. As the story begins, a woman is murdered and the hunt begins for her killer. Ms. Fossen does a good job of keeping the reader guessing who the killer is until the last of the story. The sheriff is a woman who has problems getting some of the male characters to take her ability to do her job seriously. This book is the first one in a series, and I have the second book saved on my Kindle waiting for me to read. I'm looking forward to seeing what the author does with the characters in it.
January 8, 2023
Sheriff Leigh Mercer has her first murder since becoming sheriff. Her ex-boyfriend's find his ex-girlfriend dead in his house. The town thinks she needs to arrest Cullen and she thinks he is innocent. Someone wants to pin the murder on Cullen and also some of Cullens friends seem to have information on the murder that they are not talking about to anyone. Leigh's dad the former sheriff is sticking his nose into the investigation and a deputy thinks she is in over her head.
June 17, 2022
The first book in a new series by Delores Fossen was non-stop action and mystery. There's quite a cast of characters and enough angst between them all that the killer was not obvious
Fast paced with a bit of romance . A fun and quick read.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and I am voluntarily submitting a review.
Fast paced with a bit of romance . A fun and quick read.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and I am voluntarily submitting a review.
June 12, 2022
So glad I had the cast of characters to help me with this one. I loved the intrigue, but the romance was a bit slim. Leigh was a great sheriff forced into this murder investigation. Cullen was her high school ex. I guess the chemistry never faded.
July 31, 2022
This is a shining example of a fantastci romantic suspense! Delores Fossen showcases her talent as a diverse writer--not just of humorous romances, but western romantic suspense. A real page-turner!
October 31, 2022
I enjoyed reading this story! Love how strong Sheriff Leigh is and how she handles everything and the chemistry between her and Cullen. I was drawn in to keep reading to find out what is happening and how it ends. I highly recommend this book and author!!!!!
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May 18, 2023She is the sheriff the town wants her to arrest her former boyfriend because they think that he killed someone on his ranch she doesn't have any proof of this and the town is mad because she didn't arrest him
February 14, 2025
a murder brings them back together
Cullen finds his ex dead in his bathroom. This results in Leigh, now a sheriff and a former love, coming back into his life. Problem is someone is trying to kill Leigh.
Good story.
Cullen finds his ex dead in his bathroom. This results in Leigh, now a sheriff and a former love, coming back into his life. Problem is someone is trying to kill Leigh.
Good story.
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