Her Brand of Justice

Colt Brothers Investigation #5

by B.J. Daniels

Exploring her hidden past
May rob her of her future

Ansley Brookshire’s search for her birth mother takes her from the gated estate where she grew up to Lonesome, Montana. This is where she meets Buck Crawford. Determined to help, the gorgeous rancher introduces her to Colt Brothers Investigations. But someone wants the secrets surrounding her adoption to stay buried—and they’ll do anything to keep her from uncovering the truth…

From Harlequin Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Discover more action-packed stories in the  Colt Brothers Investigation  series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following

Book 1: Murder Gone Cold
Book 2: Sticking to Her Guns
Book 3: Christmas Ransom
Book 4: Set Up in the City
Book 5: Her Brand of Justice
Book 6: Dead Man's Hand

Genres: Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Romance, Harlequin

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2023

About the author

B.J. Daniels started her life in Houston, Texas, before her family moved to Montana at age five. She grew up in a cabin in the Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky and later on Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone. Because of her love for Montana, most of her books are set there.
Born into a storytelling family, all she'd ever wanted to do was write stories. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book, ODD MAN OUT. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels. When she isn't writing, she quilts, boats and. makes rope/fabric baskets. She always reads, loving to lose herself in a good book.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the 5th book in the Colt Brothers Investigation series. I have read all but the second book in this series before picking up this book. I do think you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. This book is a fast paced action packed suspenseful book with a touch of romance mixed into it. I really enjoyed the craziness of this book, and I loved getting to know Ansley. The beginning of this book was so great, and it pulled me right into the story. I loved the crazy twists and turns this book took me on. The ending was just ok, but I can see it setting us up for the next book. I guessed some of the reveals before they were revealed, but that did not upset me. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Intrigue) or author (B.J. Daniels) 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.

[gabreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn’t get enough of this book!

It was so engrossing from the very start. I really loved the mystery and all the twists and turns. I had to know who the birth mother was!

I thought the romance between Ansley and Buck was super sweet even if it was insta love. I love a protective hero & Buck is certainly that. Ansley was a tough cookie! She was not going to let anything or anyone get in the way of her learning the truth. I really admired that about her.

The ending was satisfying & I really really hope there’s a next one after that little tease at the end.

Rating: 4/5
🌶️ Rating: 2/5

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

HER BRAND OF JUSTICE
By B.J. Daniels
Came out May 23, 2023
☕️📚
This is book 5 of 6: A Colt Brothers Investigation
Book 1:Murder Gone Cold
Book 2:Sticking To Her Guns
Book 3:Christmas Ransom
Book 4: Set Up In The City
Book 5: Her Brand Of Justice
Book 6: Dead Man’s Hand comes out October 23,2023
This book can definitely be read as a standalone. But if you want to catch up before the sixth installment, you have plenty of time.

Following Ansley Bookshirie’s search for her birth mother is a real heart stopper! When she gets the help of Buck Crawford the spark start to fly.
This is the story of dysfunctional families. Along with mystery and romance. It’s a real page turner!

I highly recommend this entire series.

I was given this ARC by B.J. Daniels and Christie Conlee for my honest review.

[Donna Repsher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Brand of Justice, the fifth novel in B.J. Daniels' Colt Brothers Investigation series takes off like a house afire, and never lets up. If you're new to this series, the cast of characters is provided at the start, so I believe it can be read as a standalone, although I can't think of reason why you wouldn't want to read this excellent series from the very beginning. It gets 5 stars from this reader.

Ansley Brookshire, age 28, has recently discovered that she was adopted by uber-wealthy Maribelle and Harrison Brookshire, but as adoptive parents go, it's clear from the outset that they are the last people who should have ever adopted a child. Ansley grew up with every material thing her adoptive parents could provide--except for love, their time, and a close family bond. It's also clear that when Ansley Brookshire decides that she wants to find her birth mother, her adoptive parents, especially Maribelle, will do absolutely anything to prevent her from doing so--and the lengths they, and her finacee, Gage, go to to stop her investigation make this novel one heck of a twisty, complex, dangerous, mysterious and addictive read. Oh, and yes, there's also an unexpected romance thrown in too. Ms. Daniels doesn't miss a trick.

As the convoluted twists and turns of this novel begin, my guess is that you'll have a hard time putting this novel down--I know I did. And just when you think you've solved the mystery of Ansley's parentage, and why her adoptive parents so strongly want it to remain a secret, trust me on this, you'll be as surprised as I was when the truth is finally revealed. In short, Her Brand of Justice is an edge-of-your-seat, exciting read, and I'm happy to recommend it.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ansley Brookshire is determined to find her birth mother. Her powerful family isn’t at all happy about the situation. Ansley will find that looking for her biological family may be more than she thought. Buck Crawford is a former rodeo rider who became a state trooper. He recently quit his state trooper job after a near death experience. Buck’s not trusting his instincts with women but can’t seem to help be. After a near death experience with his ex-girlfriend he doesn’t trust his own instincts. As a former state trooper, Buck can’t shake the feeling of the woman he literally runs into needs help. It’ll take two strangers combining their determination for answers and to protect and bring about Her Brand of Justice.

Her Brand of Justice is the fifth book in B.J. Daniels Colt Brothers Investigation series. The book picks up where book for left off with the Colt Brothers finding out about a possible half-sister. Ansley Brookshire own her own very successful jewelry design business. She recently found that she was adopted and is determined to find her birth mother. Her very rich and powerful adopted family is dead set against Ansley finding the information. Buck Crawford doesn’t know what his future is supposed to be doing with his life after a near death experience because of his ex-girlfriend. His instincts tell him that he needs to protect the woman he just met but can he trust her. Her Brand of Justice brings together two people who are opposites together romantically and in a life threatening situation to find answers. Her determination to find answers brings her to Lonesome to Colt Brothers Investigation following the only clue she has and maybe finding her a family she didn’t expect. B.F. Daniels’s Her Brand of Justice takes a woman looking for answers into a world of danger, betrayal and suspicion from people who are supposed to love her but never have. Along with the man who wants to protect her from everyone and help her fight answers they’ll figure out who’s threatening her and secrets that are being hidden will be revealed. B.J. Daniels latest book in her Colt Brothers Investigation series has hidden secrets, passion, murder, betrayal and a woman determined to find answers and a stranger willing to help who may become more. Lives are on the line as the Colt Brothers their friend Buck Crawford and their client Ansley Brookshire go up against her powerful rich parents who don’t want her to find answers. Her Brand of Justice is a suspenseful story full of twists and turns and leads that lead to answers and surprises. It changes lives forever and brings a woman the answers and maybe the family she been wishing for. A must for Daniels fans and if you’ve read the rest of the Colt Brothers Investigation series you’ll want to pick up this book to continue the series and find out what happens and the new twists and surprises to come.

[Sarah Cudlipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's pretty much a guarantee that if you grab a book by B.J. Daniels, you're going to love it. And this book is no exception. But it is exceptional! This is the fifth book in the Colt Brothers series and while you don't have to read the other four first, I would strongly recommend it. Just because this entire series has been so phenomenal.

This one was all about Ansley and her search for her birth parents. A truth that someone out there doesn't want her to discover. And as with the other Colt Brothers Investigation books, from the moment it starts there is nothing but twists and turns along with fast-paced action throughout the book. There were consistently a lot of different things going on that kept me hooked and waiting in anticipation of the next big thing coming.

The romance was done amazingly well and I was rooting for Ansley right from the start. Not only to figure out the truth behind her birth parents and figure out why that truth has led someone to want to hurt her. But also for her to find the love she deserves. So if you're looking for some action-packed romance with a lot of heart and a lot of suspense, look no further than this one!

I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had infertility issues and I ended up taking fertility pills. I had boy/girl twins with my ex-husband who is 9 years older than me. I can’t imagine my life without them now.
Ansley is sure she’s adopted even though her parents never told her she was.Her adoptive parents are extremely wealthy.Maribelle is Ansley’s adoptive mother and I thought I had a lot in common with her at the start of the book.She wanted a baby and was married to a man who is 9 years older than her.Her husband talks down to her often so I could relate. I learned quickly that I really didn’t have things in common with Maribelle.In my heart the only reason why she wanted a baby is because that’s what she thought she was supposed to do.She paid $50,000 for Ansley and always had hired help take care of her and spend time with her.
Ansley wants to find her birth parents.She hires the Colt brothers to help her find her birth parents.She gets invited to a Colt family dinner and when she’s there her adoptive mother kills who we’ve been lead to believe is her birth mother.Her birth mother is eventually revealed and it’s revealed that Ansley has a twin brother.
This book is so good.It’s the 5th book in the series.It can be read as a stand alone book though.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of your seat thriller!

What could go wrong with a young woman just wanting to know about her birth parents? Adopted as an infant, Ansley never felt that she fit in with her parents, but she never expected that looking for her history would nearly get her killed!

Her search brings her to Lonesome, MT where she contacts the local PI company run by the Colt Brothers, which proves to be the ideal place to start asking questions. Buck, a long-time friend of the Colts, is enamored with Ansley after running into her, and though he can't explain his protective instincts towards her, he isn't about to let her face the multiple threats against her alone.

This is a twisty story full of secrets and scandals and I loved every bit of the non-stop action. It was easy to see how Buck and Ansley could fall in love along the way, and I was thrilled to witness their eventual HEA. I loved how the author gave us multiple points of view - from both good guys and villains - so we could see all the angles and truly get a big picture overview of what was going on. And I loved that just like this story was set up at the end of the last book, we're left with just a bit of a mystery about a new character for the next book.

This author is an instant one-click for me and this is one of the best books I've read so far this year. If you love romantic suspense or contemporary cowboys, you don't want to miss this fascinating story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[NotTheTea · Rating 3 out of 5]

🐎💎I was really loving the book until one of the maybe brother's wife demanded hosting a dinner for her. Like why? Will you host dinner for every other client who may or may not be related to your husband? And also I'm not liking how they're implying that Ansley is lying or something. She's here to find her family not specifically your family. It isn't her fault if the evidence points to you.

🐎💎I really want Ansley to be Davy's twin🙈 But the story's not going there🙁 Ig it's Penny.

🐎💎The boys never wondered what happened to their mother?

🐎💎If the mother really wants to be found thn why she's not coming to them? Pretty sure the whole town knows about the investigation.

🐎💎Ehh why would you have sex if you're up for divorce especially if you're in love with someone else?

🐎💎I didn't like another twin out there twist.

🐎💎“Dad knew something was wrong with our mother, and yet they just kept having kids,” SOMEONE SAID IT.

🐎💎I'm unable to understand their reasoning behind any single action taken by these people in the past. So for me the end fell flat. But I love how it started, I love this author's writing style.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the “A Colt’s Brothers Investigation Series”. This is the 3rd book that I have had the pleasure of reading by B.J. Daniels. I am enjoying her romantic suspense series. Ansley recently learns that the parents that she thought were parents are in fact her adoptive parents. For some reason Ansley adoptive mother Maribelle along with her fiancée Gage are doing their best to prevent Ansley from locating her real parents. Ansley heads off to Lonesome Montana to the Colt Brother’s Investigation office to begin her search. Buck is all too ready to help Ansley in her search however he can. As the two work together the two are growing closer. There are twists, turns, mystery, mayhem, dangerous situations, drama filled action packed with great characters and a plot that had me at one time thinking I knew the mystery and finding out how wrong I was. This is most definitely worth reading and you will enjoy “Her Brand Of Justice” just as much as I have.

I received an ARC via NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Intrigue Mystery & Thrillers | Romance and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good romantic suspense book and read many of them. B. J. Daniels was a new-to-me author with Christmas Ransom, and it hooked me on her writing, so I was excited to read the next books in her Colt Brothers Investigation series. (I would not recommend reading these as standalone titles as the underlying mystery continues through the end of Her Brand of Justice.) While I had a few issues with the first book I read in the series, this one had my attention from page one, and it was pretty much unputdownable. I was mostly able to guess the who and the why, although I wasn’t 100% sure of either until the story’s arc, thanks to plenty of red herrings. The writing was solid, the characters were well developed, and the mystery was suspenseful; pretty much the romantic suspense trifecta. I am more than looking forward to what’s coming next from B. J. Daniels.

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4.5)

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Ansley figures out that she is adopted by her parents she does everything she can to find her biological family. So she heads to the Colt Brothers investigation and ends up finding our family sooner than she thinks. Buck Crawford finds Ansley interesting and also very familiar to his Colt friends and will help Ansley anyway that he can but it's clear the more they try to look into the adoption the more it seems someone watched it hushed up.

I really enjoy this book I pretty much called it from the beginning but it was so fun to read and see how they would actually turn out and if my guess is would turn out true. I enjoyed the little spark that was happening between Ainsley and buck. I enjoyed seeing how they piece things together to figuring out who were her parents and how she even get adopted when the whole process of it all seems pretty sketchy. If you like mystery books you'll enjoy this one like I did.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every book by this author! Her character are fantastic and the storylines never get old! Ansley knows she is adopted and can't figure out why her wealthy parents don't want her to find her biological birth mother. What's the big deal? She sets out on her own to find out but that leads to all kinds of danger and crazy situations she wasn't expecting! She meets Buck Crawford first thing and he's a friend of the Colt brothers who she was about to hire because they are private investigators. Someone wants the secrets of her adoptions to stay buried and they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep them that way! There are so many twists and that kept me reading far into the night! I can't wait for the next book already! Of course, reconnecting with the Colt brothers again was terrific too!

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never feeling like she fit in anyway
Ansley Brookshire wasn't shocked one day
To discover she'd been adopted but now
She wants to know her birth family, somehow.

This news has infuriated her adopted Mother
Who doesn't want her the truth to discover.
She's thwarting her efforts where she can
But Ansley has her own plan....

To Lonesome, Montana, Ansley travels to see
If there she can find clues or a detective, maybe?
A chance encounter, a photograph clue
Maybe the Colts will help her family to pursue?

However, someone else is on the case
And doesn't want the truth to surface.
Making this a truly intriguing read
As you're rooting for Ansley to succeed.

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ansley Brookshire is determined to find her birth mother, no matter what it takes. But there are people who do not want that to happen. Her own adoptive mother, for one. Some people will do whatever it takes to get what they want and to ensure secrets are kept.

Ansley’s search leads her to Lonesome, Montana, where she meets Buck Crawford and the Colt Brothers, who have decided to help her find her birth mother.

Twists, turns, danger, family dynamics, action, secrets, romance, and more!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and
opinions are my own.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Brand of Justice by B.J. Daniels is book #5 in the Colt Brothers Investigations series. This story is very intriguing. The two main characters Ansley Brookshire and Buck Crawford meet unexpectedly and have to face lots of danger before they get their Happily Ever After. I found these two characters to be strong, dedicated and caring. I was happy to find that some questions from the overall arc of the storyline were answered. There's lots of suspense to keep the reading turning the pages. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and hope the latest family question is answered.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book by B. J. Daniels! This series has been fantastic! I had a hard time putting this down! Ashley is looking for her birth mother! Her adoptive parents, especially her mom does not want her to find her!

When she finds a pic in the Colt Brothers PI business she is astonished. Does this pic hold the clue to her family?

As she rushes out Buck sees her and she seems familiar! Who could she be?

What follows is a bunch of twists and turns that keeps you on your toes guessing! I loved how I thought I had it figured out who wss her mom but nope I was WRONG! That is why I love this author so much!

[Tammy Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

B. J. Daniels
Her Brand of Justice

Ansley wants to find her real mother. In the process she ask the the Colt Brothers Investigation to help her. They do a blood test for DNA. Her adopted parents try to do all they could to stop her.
Buck Crawford was there to help her and protect her. The four Colt Brothers wife excepted her into the family while waiting for the DNA. Willie was the Sheriff and was trying to find out what happened to there father.
This was where they found answers while saving Ansley from her adopted parents and ex-fianceè and body guard of the adopted fathers.
This is fantastic story that is hard to put down. The characters are great with eachother and easy to follow.

[SOMDReigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story pulls you in right away. I liked the main characters and their interactions together. The lead in this book is a friend of the Colt Brothers but the Colt Brothers are very much in this book. Well written and keeps you turning the pages. Filled with twists, danger, action, secrets, family dynamics, and romance. The ending sets up for the next book in the series. A good addition to the Colt Brothers Investigation series. I recommend all the books in the series; which can be read as standalones but does continue the brothers quest to find out how their father died.

[Bill Escarre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ansley Brookshire is looking for her real mother and Maribelle Brookshire doesn’t want her to search or find out the truth. Maribelle is afraid that the truth will destroy her social image. The only clue Ansley has is a receipt for yarn that her first nanny remembers from a bag that had her baby blanket in. How can she find information that is over 28 year old on a single receipt from Lonesome Montana? Ansley needs help and the only PI in Lonesome is the Colt Brothers Investigation, so she heads to Lonesome to find her real mother.
B.J. Daniels creativeness keeps the reader guessing who’s Ansley’s mother and what extremes Maribelle will go to keep Ansley from finding out. Buck Crawford childhood friend of the Colt Brothers is between jobs and thinking about joining the PI business. When Buck first sees Ansley leaving Colt Brothers office, he is taken back by her beauty and can’t get her out of his mind. The Colt Brothers reluctantly get Buck and Ansley to work together to find her mother, every lead turns into danger.
Maribelle lack of motherly love strengthens Ansley’s drive to find her real mother. Ansley interaction with the Colt Brothers family opened her eyes to what a real family could have been, but why did her mother abandon her and why didn’t she try to find her.
Ansley isn’t going to stop her search until she finds some answers, Buck is going to do his best to keep her safe and help her find her mother. With each clue, hope and disappointment comes with dangers from every direction. Can Ansley find her mother so she can finally get the family she had dreamed about for so long?

[Patricia Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one.
Ansley is looking for her biological parents. Her adopted parents do not want her to do this, what ends will they go to stop her?
Her search leads her to Colt investigations and right into Buck.
Buck and Ansley are both enjoyable characters. Loved seeing them interact together.
Well written and some suspense. Definitely a good read.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this one.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way this author continues each story into the next book. This is another Colt brothers book. This time the mystery of the necklace found by Willie Colt in the truck of their late father is solved only to twist into another mystery! I am really looking forward to the next 'chapter' in the series! AND now there is another investigator in the company! A very close friend of the Colt brothers that may very well become a 'brother'!

[Jennifer Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ansley and Buck’s story. It was quick, fast paced and full of suspense. Lots of mystery was woven throughout this story, as Ansley tries to uncover the truth behind who her parents really are, and why her adoptive mother is so desperate to cover it up. Buck was the epitome of a rough and tough cowboy, and Ansley was determined to uncover the truth. These two together were great!

[Moira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. It kept me engaged and enthralled from start to finish. The uncovering of information throughout the investigation took Twista and turns leaving the reader wondering. I highly recommend the book and series and can't wait for book 6!

Although I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Karen Strang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ansley Brookshire discovers something that makes her realize she is adopted and she decides she wants to find her birth mother….something her adoptive parents are firmly against. She meets a former police officer who wants to help her but someone will go to great lengths to make sure she doesn’t find out…including murder! This book holds your attention & you don’t want to put it down!

[Charlotte L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow B. J. Daniel’s Does it again

Right from the start this book caught my attention and was hard to put down. How any woman could want a baby just because is hard to believe.
You will have to read to find out why a woman would do this. Then kill to keep a secret.
Enjoy the book as much as I did!!

[Linda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark haired dark eyed women that looked familiar was caught running from the Colt Investigations office.

Buck didn’t know why she looked so familiar but she did but she had bumped him as he was entering his old friend’s office. Little did he know he just started a new Colt Investigation case that was going to turn everyones world up side down.

[JoAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Brand of Justice is a very well written romantic suspense. A real edge of your seat page turner. I definitely recommend this one. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this romantic suspense. This is a new to me author. I enjoyed the mystery and twists this story wove through. I liked the law enforcement angles and the danger coming from those so close to our heroine, though that part was also painful to see. There is a short steamy scene.

[Carl Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating

All b.j. Daniel books start with first sentence holding my interest. And goes through last page holing my interest. A of action, i dont want to put the book down. Very good story.