Peril (Blood Ties, #3.5)

Blood Ties #3.5

by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti

One Last Kiss by Kat Martin was originally published as a Zebra ebook in 2021.

IN THE PATH OF A KILLER . . .
When a cop killer resurfaces in Denver, enlisting the help of a pair of local lowlifes, it marks the beginning of a violent crime spree that will wreak havoc and endanger lives. Law enforcement is on alert from the first sighting of the cold-blooded trio. To take down this brutal gang, only those willing to risk everything they hold dear stand a chance . . .

First, a pair of Denver police officers facing each other for the first time after one night of abandon find themselves working together to stop an ambitious bank heist.

In Wyoming, a string of robberies marks the gang's arrival, and the local sheriff springs into action when the criminals discover his estranged fiancée can identify them.

Finally, in the mountains of Colorado, the gang takes shelter on a peaceful guest ranch, where a fiercely protective rancher is hellbent on roping the fugitives up for good. Trusting their sharply honed instincts, three rugged men will fight to stop the rampage before the women they'd die for become the next victims . . .

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Anthologies, Romance, Mystery, Novella, Suspense, Contemporary Romance

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2023

About the author

Kathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)

Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.

Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.

Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.

"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."

"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peril includes three romantic suspense novellas written by three authors with a common thread of the antagonists: Redemption by Alexandra Ivy, Rescue: Hero Style by Rebecca Zanetti, and One Last Kiss by Kat Martin.

Redemption is largely set in Denver, Colorado. Tessa Ralston is part of the cold case unit in Wisconsin, but when she receives a tip that the man who killed her partner when she was a patrol officer in Denver is back in town. She goes there and is partnered with Ian Sullivan, a Denver detective, and a man she had a one-night stand with before leaving Colorado.

As always, Ivy does a remarkable job with characterization and world-building. The writing flowed well with plenty of suspense and some surprises along the way. Themes include murder, domestic abuse, office politics, romance, trust, and family relationships.

Rescue: Hero Style is set in Redemption, Wyoming and the criminal gang commit a string of robberies. Ella Riverton works at the bank and is trying to get over the fact that the man she was engaged to left six weeks ago and broke off their engagement in a note. Caden Scott, the sheriff, is that man. Caden arrives back in town about the same time as the gang arrives. While dealing with that, he is also trying to get back with Ella.

While the characterization and world-building are great, Caden is an alpha male and doesn’t seem to listen to Ella. The chemistry was there, but Ella seemed to need more time to work through her feelings than Caden was willing to give her. The story moved at a good pace with plenty of action and suspense. Themes include romance, love, post-traumatic stress syndrome, robbery, assault, death, greed, and more.

One Last Kiss is set on a ranch near Coffee Springs, Colorado and continues the story of the criminal gang and features Liberty (Libby) Hale and Sam Bridger. Libby’s great-uncle Marty raised her after her parents died in a car accident. He made a codicil to his will that requires her to spend one month working as an employee at Bridget Ranch before she can get her inheritance.

Once again, the characterization and world-building are great. Martin is a superb storyteller who kept the suspense level high and provided me with gripping and emotional scenes. The chemistry was palpable between Libby and Sam. The criminal gang is back and their crimes have escalated in this one. Themes include grief, anger, resentment, robbery, death, romance, assault, and much more.

Overall, this fantastic trio of novellas has three wonderful couples facing a gang of criminals in very different situations. It’s emotionally-charged, suspenseful, and entertaining. Readers who enjoy romantic suspense will likely enjoy this book.

Kensington Books – Zebra, Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy, and Rebecca Zanetti provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 23, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

---------------------------------------------
My 4.21 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peril anthology
A cop killer plans a bank robbery in Denver, escapes and travels through Redemption, WY where a number of robberies occur. On the run again, the fugitive goes back to Colorado trying to escape capture.

Redemption by Alexandra Ivy
Pike, Wisconsin 4.5. Or series spin-off. Romantic suspense. Police procedural. Closed door.
Tessa Ralston is working cold cases in Pike, WI when she gets word that a cop killer is on the way back to Denver. She jumps on a plane and heads home to catch this criminal once and for all. Ian Sullivan is very happy to have Tessa back in Denver. He will partner with Tessa on the case and hopefully convince her to also heat up their past relationship and give it another try.

Suspenseful and action packed. A couple twists are eye opening for Tessa and spin her world around.

Rescue: Hero Style by Rebecca Zanetti
Redemption,WY series. Romantic suspense.
Caden has PTSD and nightmares. When he has one with Elle in his bed, he’s afraid he will hurt her, so he leaves to get training on dealing with his issues. Unfortunately he didn’t tell Elle all the details. She felt abandoned and left him. Now that he’s back, they need to deal with the misunderstandings if there is any hope of reconciliation. Meanwhile, a few new people in town are stirring up trouble and Elle seems to be in the middle of every time.

Emotional conflict, sheriff car stolen, coffee shop and diner robbed, dynamite charges going off and the CattleMan Club that Caden is sure is more than just helpful new citizens.
Plus, Harvey is a wild wolf but shows up in strategic places. He may be following Elle?
Definite unanswered questions in this story but the romance wraps successfully.

One Last Kiss by Kat Martin
Blood Ties: The Logan’s, #3.5. Romantic suspense.
Libby is an heiress. But in order to get her money, she needs to spend 30 days at a ranch. Working! Her Louboutins will never survive.
Sam was brought up with good manners. He can’t believe he made Libby carry some of her own luggage up to her room. But the will rules are strict and he’s to treat her like any other employee. It’s going to be a struggle to ignore his own attraction to the beautiful woman.
But is not all horses and hay bales on the ranch. Someone doesn’t want Libby to succeed. They want her dead.


I received a copy of this book from NetGalley

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining collection of three intertwined, fast paced, romantic suspense novellas, whose unique connection is the criminals.
Ms. Ivy's contribution is a second chance romance with intelligent, likable characters, sizzling chemistry, the warmth of family, an unexpected twist, and a happily ever after ending.
Ms. Zanetti's entry is steamy with a wounded war hero, a likable female protagonist, relationship drama, action, suspense, a heartwarming romance, and a happily ever after ending.
Ms. Martin's contribution is the first entry in her outstanding Logan series, and was previously published. It is steamy with likable, engaging characters, sizzling chemistry, a beautiful, vividly described setting, intrigue, suspense, and a happily ever after ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the authors, and Kensington books, who kindly provided me with an ARC of this excellent novel. This is my honest opinion.

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting concept, three interwoven romantic suspense stories. I thinkI liked it overall, but I will break down he three stories since my feelings definitely differed between them, The first story Redemption is about two cops one whose partner died years ago and the cop killer escaped so she moved away and took a position in cold cases. The other always liked her but has spent his time moving up to detective. When he cop killer comes back to town she returns so they can team up and hunt him down. I did think it didn’t fully resolve, but when I realized the stories are interlocking I got that a little bit more. These characters were not bad at all and the story was well done. The third story (yup I’m skipping around) One Last Kiss wasn’t bad. It is a romance taking place on a ranch which isn’t my personal favorite, but it was really well done. In this story the protagonist inherits quite a bit from her uncle if she works at the ranch for a month. Each of these two stories were probably 4 stars for me. The second story, Rescue Hero Style was not for me at all. If you like that “caveman” level protective alpha guy who ignores things like consent this one may be for you. For me personally that we’re in love it doesn’t mater if you say no I’m going to ignore you and we’ll be together forever is repellent not romantic. The story got a little better near the end but this one would be 2 stars from me. Again, this is based on my personal taste and you may enjoy it more than me.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting concept. One gang of baddies and encounters three different authors. I loved the stories, all three of them, especially since these are three of my favorite Romantic-Suspense authors.

Redemption - Alexandra Ivy: 4-Stars
This was an interesting story and I enjoyed it a lot. When Deke Mitchell returns to Denver, CO he is looking for an easy score and enough money to disappear. He didn't count on Tessa Ralston and her desire to see him in jail for the murder of her partner five years ago. What Tessa didn't count on, but hoped for, was that the detective who stole her heart would still be available. Ian Sullivan is determined not to let Tessa leave again, but if she does, he's going with her.

Rescue: Hero Style - Rebecca Zanetti: 5-Stars
Rebecca Zanetti has created a fascinating cast of characters and I really hope this story is the beginning of a new series for her. Ella Riverton was left with nothing more than a note breaking her engagement to town sheriff Caden Scott. Caden suffered PTSD and needed to get his head straight and now he's back and Ella is not going to just take him back. When strangers show up at the bank where Ella works and the diner is robbed, Caden is on alert especially when one of them is hitting on Ella and things get explosive.

One Last Kiss - Kat Martin: 5-Stars
Loved this story about Poor little rich girl, Liberty Hale, is being forced to spend a month as an employee at a working dude ranch in Colorado as part of the terms of her uncle's will. Liberty is not a happy camper until she gets a look at the ranch owner, Sam Bridger. Sam's ranch is a working ranch, but he takes in guests during to summer to make a little extra money. Libby's great uncle was a dear friend of Sam's father and a good friend of Sam's. Not all his guests are there for the experience. Some are there to hide. When Liberty is threatened, Sam knows that he and his friends are her best chance to survive. There is no other alternative because Sam is in love with her, and he is going to make sure she knows that.

My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Redemption by Alexandra Ivy

This story introduces the recurring characters–the gang–so of course we spend a little more time with them, especially the gang’s boss. He even gets his own chapters.

Against him, a couple of cops. Almost literally a couple actually. It’s second chance, and Tessa and Ian spent one night together before the tragedy that made her leave–the death of her partner by the gang’s boss’s hands. She’s back because he’s back, and she’s planning on putting him in jail for his crimes. Except there might be things she didn’t know about his late partner.

The investigation isn’t too badly written, though there’s a bit of deus ex machina going on. The final scene is short but with enough action that it’s a good climax.

As for the romance, I’m still wondering how one night a couple of years ago, then a few days spent together looking for a criminal, become a forever love that pushes both of them into re-thinking their career. Not buying it. There was a lot of attraction though, and the few intense scenes work well, as the couple of domestic scenes.

It felt more like a prologue than a full story, but it wasn’t too bad.

**Rescue: hero style by Rebecca Zanetti

This story is set just after the previous one, and we meet with another member of the gang that we haven’t seen yet. Another member becomes more important, and he’s the kind of creep that makes one’s skin crawl. It’s small town, it’s couple reconciliation, and it’s connected to another short story by the author–published in another anthology.

It starts in medias res, with Caden and Ella having broken up, so we never see how they were together. We only get memories. I’ll admit that I had no interest in them getting back together, and Caden was a bit too forceful for my taste. The romance didn’t do it for me.

The couple itself was interesting though. There was some thoughts about what one can bring to a relationship, the value of both partners. Compromises, respect, trust…

The most fascinating part was the strange club. Maybe bikers, maybe ex-military, we never get answers, but the club’s members are something else for sure.

But with that, the gang’s shenanigans, a few hints at off page stories about side characters, there was too much crammed in one short story.

**One last kiss by Kat Martin

Libby is forced to work at a ranch if she wants her heritance. But of course she falls for the sexy cowboy. It was the best romance in the collection. Sam and Libby are quick with their prejudices, but they also realize quickly how wrong they are about each other. Love happens quite fast, but it was still mostly believable.

The suspense part was meh. Mr Creep is back full force, and the author shoehorn the gang’s need for Libby’s wealth and commodities to add a little thrill toward the end. But really, the suspense part takes a back seat.

**Conclusion

Though it was interesting to connect the stories through the villains, their arc didn’t make much sense. The boss keeps disappearing; sometimes they change their name, sometimes they keep their real name while they’re wanted for bank robbery and murder. They obviously don’t know what keeping a low profile means.

The stories themselves would benefit from some plot tightening, but they aren’t badly written. A beach or weekend read, if you enjoy romantic suspenses.

Quickie

- Series: collection of interconnected stories (linked to other books by the authors)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #second chance #workplace romance #small town romance #opposites attract
- Triggers: violence and death, attempted assault
- Main couples: Tessa Ralston & Ian Sullivan / Ella Riverton & Caden Scott / Liberty Hale & Sam Bridger
- Hotness: 2/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + I loved how the stories connected
- – short-ish stories means fast love

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption by Alexandra Ivy

Great novella of a couple getting a second chance. It has some pretty strong emotions considering its length. The chemistry rang true between the hero and heroine although it is not saturated with smexy times. I was taken aback a few times as there were some very nice twists that I never saw coming. I really enjoyed the mystery side of this story.



Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h not a virgin; H not a manwhore; five years separation - nothing said whether either of them were with anyone else during that time
Triggers no apparent triggers
Steam 2 /5; some make outs but no sex

Rescue: Hero Style by Rebecca Zanetti

I didn’t know that I could love a second chance romance as much as I did this one! The hero made a decision that affected their relationship and this story picks up afterwards. It is angsty but oh so sweet because the heroine makes him really work for it. I loved it! She was feisty and determined despite her heartache. He was just as determined to win her over again. This also had a lead up to danger and drama making this feel like a fuller story than what it actually is.



Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; couple separated for 6 weeks but not due to outside influences
Triggers no apparent triggers
Steam 3 /5; lightly explicit; she forgets that she had stopped taking birth control after he left and they have sex


One Last Kiss by Kat Martin

I really liked that this hero misjudged the heroine and soon learned what she was really made of. That’s a trope that I enjoy every time I come across it. Ms. Martin did a great job of bringing this couple together in a believable fashion for such a short book. I loved the way the common thread that ran through each book was resolved in this one.



Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h not a virgin; H not a manwhore
Triggers attempted rape
Steam 2 /5; lightly explicit; condom used

[Dali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peril is an anthology by authors Rebecca Zanetti, Kar Martin & Alexandra Ivy. It includes three short stories that tie into each other via a gang of criminals.

Tropes:
✔️ law enforcement
✔️ romantic suspense
✔️ strong willed heroines
✔️ committed alpha heroes

I love anthologies for a plethora of reasons, the main ones being that I get to meet new authors while also getting more of the author(s), characters and series I love. They’re perfect to read over lunch or with an afternoon coffee. The only problem is that I can’t seem to get enough.

In this collection I love that we get three novellas with strong willed heroines and determined alpha heroes tied in through a gang of thugs that blow through town in a whirlwind of mischief and chaos forcing each couple to work together and through their problems.

REDEMPTION by Alexandra Ivy
I’ve only ever read her paranormal short stories but Redemption was exciting and hart stopping with its jaw dropping reveal at the end.

RESCUE: HERO STYLE by Rebecca Zanetti
Rebecca Zanetti is one of those authors who I’ll read whatever she writes. Rescue: Hero Style is a second chance short story that follows Caden Scott, the town’s sheriff and Ella who works at a bank and is a front row witness to the thugs’ disruptions.

Suffering from PTSD Caden breaks off his engagement with Ella because he feels he’s a danger to her. But after working through his problems and getting a handle on them he comes back to plead for a second chance only to be disrupted by thieves. Can he protect her from danger and convince her to be his forever?

Besides this being a thrilling romance, I LOVED having the Cattle Club back with Austin and Harley (the wolf). I really, REALLY hope Rebecca expands on this universe.

ONE LAST KISS by Kat Martin
As with Alexandra Ivy, I’ve only ever read Kat’s short stories. I really enjoyed how she wrapped up the overall arc regarding the crew of ciminals.

★ I received an ARC of this title from the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am
★See all my book edits on Instagram

[Rolé - Hooked By That Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three fast-paced stories that will quench your thirst for romantic suspense.

Peril is a collection of three stories written by three outstanding romantic suspense authors. I certainly have nothing but love for these talented women. The stories share a connection through the villains that make an appearance in each one.

Redemption by Alexandra Ivy starts us off. It is related to the Pike, Wisconsin series. Tessa is a detective working on cold cases with Rachel, whose story can be found in Unstable. She is hot on the heels of the man who had murdered her partner in cold blood several years before. A valuable tip takes her back to Denver and into the sphere of Ian Sullivan, a fellow police officer with whom she has shared one night of passion. They find out they work well together in more ways than one. The story takes us through interesting twists and turns, leading to an unexpected development at the end.

Following this is Rescue: Hero Style by Rebecca Zanetti. Ella is bank manager in the small town of Redemption, Wyoming. She is trying her best to carry on with her life after her fiancé had broken things off with her in a note and then left town. Little did Ella know that the villains from the first story had made their way to her town to rob the bank. Caden, sheriff of Redemption and the missing fiancé, came back just in time for the fireworks to start. He had his work cut out for him to win Ella back. I loved the back-and-forth between Caden and Ella and their journey to trust each other again.

And the suspense concludes with One Last Kiss by Kat Martin. It is the prequel novella that starts off the Blood Ties: The Logans series. Libby can only claim her inheritance from her uncle if she complies with his stipulation to spend time on a ranch in Colorado. Sam Bridger was fond of Marty Hale, but he isn’t excited to babysit Marty’s niece for a princely sum of money that would go a long way to help the ranch. Their attraction grew as they spent more time together and things came to a head after an incident on a camping trip with a group of tourists on the ranch.

Each of these stories effectively combines romance with exciting action and suspense to create stories that will capture and hold your attention. These three authors have previously collaborated in a similar manner to create the equally thrilling Pivot. I can recommend both books if you love romantic suspense.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I’d already read Kat Martin’s piece of this tale, the two before it tied everything together wonderfully. We span a few groups of characters, a few locales, and some second chances at love along the way. My favorite may have been Rebecca Zanetti’s story, though, because I felt every bit of sadness and misery and anger and love that Ella did along her recovery. But is it really recovery when the guy who broke your heart is the one determined to patch it back together? And can he be trusted?

If you’re looking for some great reads by authors who worked together to weave a story that keeps you engaged from one style to the next, this is definitely for you!

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read Rescue: Hero Style by Rebecca Zanetti

3.5 stars

This collection of three romantic suspense stories is cleverly put together, telling the story of a violent gang on a crime spree. Each author writing in this collection has written a story of these criminals entering a new town, and encountering their characters in three intertwined romantic suspense stories. I’m a die-hard Zanetti fan, so I dove right into the middle part of the book and read Rescue: Hero Style, which is the second novella in the Redemption Wyoming series, and which actually works well as a standalone. But I will go back and read the rest of the book at some point to see where it began and how it ends.

Caden and Ella were in love and engaged to be married when Caden suddenly up broke up with Ella and left town. Six weeks later and Ella is still broken-hearted and trying to figure out how she’s meant to move on when Caden arrives back in town, determined to get his girl back.

I love a second-chance-romance, and this is a great set-up. Having had such a brief separation, the feelings are all still so strong, but Ella is still nursing her well-deserved anger and refusing to give Caden the time of day. He had a good reason for leaving, and he knows he did wrong, he owns his behaviour and apologises, and is determined to make amends. But he’s also a massive alpha and refuses to take no for an answer.

“Listen. As much as I like your caveman routine, I’m not in the mood for it right now.”
“Well, darlin’,” he drawled. “That’s unfortunate, because that’s what you’re going to get.”

At the same time, Caden is an ex-military man and now the Sheriff of Redemption, and he’s sucked straight into the mystery of the new bad guys in town, and it gets personal when one of them takes a liking to Ella. So there’s lots of possessive protectiveness, which is always fun to read.

There’s fun alpha moments, epic grovelling scenes, steamy sex, and so much love between these two, and it’s an exciting ride watching them come back together.

“I’m holding you to this promise,” he whispered. “Mine forever, Ella.”

I really enjoyed this read. It’s a short one, but has a solid story, and I enjoyed getting to see more of the mysterious Cattle Crew, and the girls in town, with hints dropped for future books of this series, and I cannot wait to read more.

3.5 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Branita J · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories weren't long enough! 3 novellas with a common denominator, a group of bank robbers. My favorite was about Redemption, Wyoming. Though, each story was good. I've always liked Kat Martin, but the other 2 authors complimented her well. Each story is a thriller with action and of course romance, throw in some steamy sex scenes and you've got a winner. If you like quick stories that pack a punch, then you will love this book. I recommend picking up a copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peril is the second anthology from Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy, and Rebecca Zanetti, featuring intertwining tales. The first was Pivot, which I reviewed last week. In Peril, a group of bank robbers tie the stories together.

REDEMPTION – Alexandra Ivy (Book 4.5 in Pike, Wisconsin) This story offers a second chance at a missed romantic opportunity. You know, the one that got away. We meet Tessa Ralston is a police officer who lost her partner Colt and moved to Pike, Wisconsin. When she gets a tip that the criminal who killed her partner, she heads back to Denver. Detective Ian Sullivan has never forgotten Tessa and while he wants to capture their cop killer, he’s also ready to make his move. I loved the characters and the twists Ivy threw at us. While the chemistry was sizzling, the romance was served on the side. 4 cups

RESCUE: HERO STYLE – Rebecca Zanetti (Redemption Wyoming Novella #2) This tale offers a second chance at romance with plenty of suspense. Caden Scott, the town’s sheriff, has PTSD and instead of talking it through with his fiancée, he left without a word. Now he is back, and Ella is having none of it. I loved Ella’s spunk and respected her whys. I also felt for Caden, even if he messed up. Zanetti had some great secondary characters and really pulled me into the story. When a series of robberies occur and trouble arrives. Scott will need to win the girl back, save the town and protect her. I loved this story and really hope we get book one of the Redemption Wyoming series. 4.5 cups

ONE LAST KISS – Kat Martin (Blood Ties: The Logans #3.5) This tale delivers the conclusion to the anthologies while delivering a sweet & sizzling romance. Liberty “Libby” Hale is a makeup model whose world gets turned upside down when her Uncle Marty, the man who raised her, dies. In his will, he stipulates she must spend a month on a ranch in Wyoming working to inherit. I loved this city girl meets cowboy romance. Sam Bridger, cattle rancher, is taken aback when the city princess fits right in on the ranch. When a guest at the ranch causes trouble, it forces the two to face their growing attraction. Suspense, danger and swoons delivered an engaging read. I am curious to try the Blood Ties series. 4 cups

These anthologies that weave the same suspenseful thread are great reads and the perfect way to explore a new series. It isn’t necessary to have read the series mentioned to enjoy these stories. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Donna Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti and Kat Martin come together once again to write thrilling stories they weave together about murder, redemption and love.
REDEMPTION - ALEXANDRA IVY
This story begins in Pike, Wisconsin. Tessa Ralston is a police officer who lost her partner Colt five years ago when she worked in Denver…and she blames herself. Now she lives in Pike and works on cold cases. When she learns that the man who killed him, Deacon Mitchell, has surfaced in Denver, she flies to Denver to try to stop him and finds out her partner will be Detective Ian Sullivan, a man she had the hots for when she worked at the Denver Police Department; and the feelings were mutual. They both realize the feelings are just as strong as they were.
Deacon shows up in Denver to cause more trouble and he enlists two other criminals to help him, Vince and Max. Tessa and Ian try to stop them. When they learn that Colt wasn’t who they thought he was, they are both disappointed. When Tessa gets shot in her shoulder and “Deke” gets away again, Ian is just happy that she is okay and professes his love for her. Ian is willing to leave Denver and move to Pike just to be with Tessa, and has his letter of resignation ready. But Tessa gets an offer to work in the cold case department in Denver and wants to stay to be with Ian. So they live in Denver and have their happy ever after!
RESCUE: HERO STYLE - REBECCA ZANETTI
Ella Riverton has been in love with Caden Scott for what feels like forever. But Caden just broke things off with no explanation. She doesn’t want to give him a second chance, but when Ella is in trouble, Caden realizes he can’t live without her and doesn’t give her a choice!
Ella works in the bank in Redemption, Wyoming. When R.J., a man who used to go to school with Ella shows up, she doesn’t have a clue that he’s casing the bank for a robbery and that he’s in cahoots with…Deacon Mitchell, Vince and Max! R.J. kidnaps Ella and uses her as a hostage in his plan to escape, but Caden shows up with some help with a couple of friends and R.J. ends up dead and Ella is rescued. The other three criminals get away again!
Caden convinces Ella that he loves her and wants to marry her and have a family with her. Another happy ending!
ONE LAST KISS - Kat Martin
Liberty “Libby” Hale is a makeup model. When her parents were killed she went to live with her Uncle Marty. When Marty dies he leaves her an inheritance, but she has to live at the Bridger Ranch in Colorado for one month to claim her inheritance. Sam Bridger thinks Libby’s a spoiled little princess who won’t last a month on the ranch, but he’s going to treat her like any other person working the ranch, per Marty’s request. No special treatment.
Deacon, Vince and Max show up again. Vince takes Libby hostage and plans to rape her, but Big John arrives and with one blow, Vince is dead. Libby has fallen in love with Sam and Sam loves Libby, so she ends up staying in Colorado with Sam and they have their happy ever after!

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peril😳

Redemption - Alexandra Ivy

Tessa returns to Denver when she receives a tip about a “cop killer” returning. Not wanting to risk losing this lead she leaves Pike immediately. But one thing she hasn’t counted on is bring teamed up with the one man who turns her into a pile of mush….Ian😳 Ian is being teamed up with Tessa and now that she’s back in Denver, he’s determined to make her his, even if it means he follows her to Pike🥰

Rescue: Hero Style - Rebecca Zanetti

Ella is nursing a broken heart, after her fiancé breaks it off with her. She’s moved it and hasn’t seen or heard from him in weeks. She decides to go out with her bestie and suddenly the man she’s trying to drink away shows up.

Caden is back after working through his demons but he realises he pushed the one good thing in his life away and now he’s going to have to work to get his girl back. As sheriff he is duty bound to protect Redemption especially when a string of robberies is occurring in his small town but he also needs to protect Ella, at all costs - she is his future😍

One Last Kiss💋- Kat Martin

Libby’s uncle dies and in his will he makes a stipulation that for her to inherit she needs to go live on a ranch for a month and work as an employee. Libby reluctantly does and is instantly attracted to Sam, the owner of the ranch😍

Unfortunately, bad luck seems to follow Libby and puts her and some of the other guests in danger😢

All enjoyable stories that I would recommend. I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and willingly leave my honest review❤️

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes three novellas that are surprisingly connected by the criminals. They all include romance and I think my favorite was the one by Alexandra Ivy, the one that is a second chance at romance trope. The other two are distinguished by their steam (Rebecca Zanetti) and the setting (Kat Martin). I enjoyed all three and enjoyed how they were definitely interlinked. One story would not have been complete without the others, so all three are a must read. The characters were well-developed but not all were likable or relatable. I enjoyed getting to know the protagonists and became anxious that the villains would never get caught, as they moved from one location and story to the next. This is a clever way to present a story and fun to read although the steam was not to my liking. I just skipped the sizzle and continued on with the plot which was intriguing and well-crafted.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peril by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy and Rebecca Zanetti is a series of three novellas in the same print book. Each story follows the prior story and is linked by a series of crimes. However, for me the best parts are the hot men who work to save the women they are in love with from those criminals. The plots bring us from Colorado to Wyoming and back to Colorado again.

The first novella, Redemption by Alexandra Ivy, identifies our criminals and has a second chance romance. The second novella, Rescue: Hero Style by Rebecca Zanetti has lots of action and introduces us to the CattleMan Club (They are not just cowboys). The final novella, One Last Kiss by Kat Martin has a rich girl who has to work for her inheritance, but falls for the cowboy who saves the day.
I did enjoy all three novellas even though I missed the linking criminals at first. Interesting premise and interesting read. Peril by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy and Rebecca Zanetti is a good read.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book by three authors and the theme of a cop killer runs thru all three stories. In Denver a police detective is on the case along with a former Denver police office who's partner was killed. They get close to catch the cop killer and his crew; but the get away with money from a bank robbery. In Wyoming a sheriff is investigating a string of robberies and finds that his ex-fiancé can identify the robbers. In Colorado the gang is laying low at a guest ranch. Of course, the gang is not capable of really laying low! In a final attempt to get away they kidnap a woman and the Colorado ranch is not letting them get away this time.
All stories are action packed and great reads.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three intertwined romantic suspense stories are in this book. I enjoyed each story in this book but especially the one by Rebecca Zanetti. I hope these authors release another book todether.

[Blender · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Three Romantic Supense stories that are perfect for those lunchtime escapes. Lots of strong willed heroines and the steadfast alpha hero’s who love them. These authors deliver an action packed punch.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books, Zebra in exchange for honest review.

[Les Romantiques · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Peril is an anthology by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy and Rebecca Zanetti. The stories are contemporary and there’s a common thread linking them together. Each novella is also linked to existing series by each author.

The three stories are connected by a group of outlaws led by Deacon “Deke” Mitchell, a notorious criminal who is involved in diverse traffics and a cop killer to boot. They are going to be on the run and confronted to all the heroes.

Redemption by Alexandra Ivy
This novella takes place in the universe of the Pike, Wisconsin series of which I reviewed all the books and of which the last volume, Desperate Acts, was published in February 2023. The heroine, Tessa Ralston, works on cold cases with Rachel Evans, the heroine of Unstable, the series’ third volume (review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
The story begins when she learns the person who killed her previous partner when she was a cop could presently be in Denver. Feeling guilty, she had decided to leave the town. Once there, she meets the hero, Ian Sullivan, with whom she had a brief affair just before leaving.
Ian as for him can’t wait to see her again. He had always been attracted by her and her leaving saddened him a lot especially as he would have liked for them to begin a relationship. That’s why he asks to team up with Tessa.
When Tessa and Ian meet again, they realize the attraction is still present. I liked the deep respect they have for each other. Their relationship is simple – mind you, it’s a novella, it’s better for it not to drag on – and smooth. The main question is for the future as they don’t live at the same location. Two solutions were possible and each of them was ready to make a sacrifice, a point that pleased me a lot.
On the suspense side, even if we know the bad guy is going to escape in order to be in the three stories, we have action and a big twist. You have to admit Alexandra Ivy knows how to maintain the suspense.

Rescue: hero style by Rebecca Zanetti
This story is part of the series I’ll call Rescue, itself a part of the universe of Deep ops of which I reviewed all the titles. For now, all the volumes in this series are novellas published in anthologies: Pivot (review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) and Lone wolf (review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ). I don’t know yet if she will keep this format for the next stories, especially as Rebecca Zanetti introduces a new group of bikers whose past we don’t know but who have certainly worked for the government. Wait and see.
As for the current story, the novella begins with our heroine, Ella Riverton, who tries to recover from her breakup with her fiancé, none other than our hero, Caden Scott. He left her for reasons that are explained in the book and he’ll have a hard time winning her back. Caden is also the town’s sheriff and he is going to be confronted with Deke’s group.
There’s no balance between the suspense and the love story. Here the relationship takes the most place, perhaps because it’s a reunion and it’s better to avoid too much ease. There is still some action and the beginning of a solution for the suspense.
I find that Rebecca Zanetti carried on the common thread very well. Everything was believable in relation with what happened in the first story and she picks up again really well the characters previously mentioned. The love story is well done and I liked the interaction between our heroes. The author also gives us a glimpse of the future diverse couples and I admit that I can’t wait to discover some of them.

One last kiss by Kat Martin
The novella is linked to her Blood ties, the Logan trilogy, with the appearance of the hero of the series’ first volume. It is the story I liked the less out of the three, because I didn’t really understand why Deke’s group was precisely there and also because I didn’t really believe in the couple’s HEA.
Liberty “Libby” Hale has just lost her uncle, a rich man who took her under his wing after her parents’ deaths. He left her an inheritance but she will only be able to have it on one condition: spend two weeks on a ranch in Colorado, working for Sam Bridger, our hero. We learn as the story goes on that this time is meant to have her rediscover a simple world, without her usual comfort and luxury. We can say indeed that she has the behavior that goes with her way of life. I found her shallow and unlikeable at the beginning. Fortunately, she’s not basically mean.
Here the accent is neatly put on the romance: the heroes’ meeting, the time needed to learn to know and appreciate each other, the heroine’s evolution. I believed in this evolution and I don’t doubt the attraction between them, but I don’t believe in their HEA because of the decision that is taken. Of course, this opinion is quite subjective, others will perhaps have another.
On the suspense side, the common thread is solved here and I really liked how it ends for Deke and his group.

To conclude, I found this anthology was a success, the common thread was well managed by all the authors. And cherry on the cake, we can read these stories independently from their respective series.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another compilation, another ARC requested because I can’t not read every Rebecca Zanetti story I can get my hands on. Especially the one included here. While I’ve had luck with the stories I’ve read by Alexandra Ivy, my experience with Kat Martin has been hit or miss. These stories are interconnected to a certain extent so I decided it would be best to read them all and see how it goes.

Redemption by Alexandra Ivy

From what I can tell, the MFC in this story is from this author’s Pike, Wisconsin series. It seems it could be a great introductory novella to a new series, too. This short story has a great flow, good chemistry, and likable characters. Seeing as both Tessa and Ian are police officers and they teamed up after receiving a tip that the guy who killed Tessa’s partner is back in town, this story is very cop-centric. Something that is harder for me to swallow the last few years and some problematic things pop up.

Ian and Tessa haven’t seen each other for 5 years and it seems they weren’t particularly close before she left town, although they were both harboring feelings for the other. I usually don’t have a problem with insta-love, especially in novellas, but it seemed these two jumped from near strangers to marriage in half a heartbeat and that seemed strange to me. ~ 3 stars

Rescue: Hero Style by Rebecca Zanetti

This short story takes place in the same universe as this author’s Rescue: Cowboy Style short story. (You don’t have to have read that to read this.) From what I can tell, these are prequel novellas to a new series called Redemption Wyoming. I am super excited about this series and delving into the world of the Cattleman Club, so I was a bit disappointed this story doesn’t deal directly with them. They still make an appearance, but they are not the main characters. That being said, I still enjoyed the story and getting to know the people in town better.

Ella and Caden have good chemistry, but this is a second-chance romance with Caden having broken their engagement a couple of months prior and there is not the right kind of grovel for me. Caden had a good reason to leave the way he did. I fully understand him not having his head on straight and thinking he was doing right by Ella. But once he returned with a new outlook, he was a bit too dismissive of Ella’s reluctance to jump back to where they left off. Yes, she was digging in her heels and being stubborn. I’d even say a bit too stubborn. Yet there was no wooing to be seen.

There was enough with the mysterious robberies and the snippets of tenderness between the couple to keep me engaged. ~ 4 stars

One Last Kiss by Kat Martin

Libby is a poor little rich girl, having lost her parents when she was young and been raised by a rich uncle. He adored her and she him, but when he passes away he puts conditions on her inheritance. Not because she’s a bad person, but because she needs to expand her horizons. Of course, she’s not happy to be sent off to a ranch in the middle of nowhere, but she’s ready to do what needs to be done. Sam, the owner of said ranch, has his reservations. Libby quickly dispels any doubts that she can pull her weight, which makes the attraction between the two even harder for them to resist.

The bank robbers that have made an appearance in each story show up on the ranch, of course. And that’s my only real issue with this story. Even if I put aside the “bad feelings” about the guys everyone seemed to ignore and not talk about with each other, when things come to a head and good triumphs over evil, the story is abruptly over. It was very disconcerting. Technically the HEA is there and feelings are expressed, but it just ended oddly for me. ~ 4 stars

Summary: These are all quick reads. You really don’t have to read them all, the way the bad guys tie into the plots doesn’t require that. All in all, I found this book to be entertaining.

Overall Rating = 3.66 stars

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

French & English reviews

*Cette chronique est basée sur un NetGalley ARC en échange d'un avis neutre et honnête*

Un concept original avec trois nouvelles en l'apparence séparées qui sont en fait liées par une bande de malfrats qui vont perturber la vie des différents personnages ... Et j'ai adoré !

REDEMPTION by Alexandra Ivy

Une auteure que je connaissais mais dont je n'avais pas lu de livres depuis un moment ! J'ai beaucoup aimé l'intrigue (je m'attendais pas aux révélations de la fin !) et la tension entre les deux personnages principaux ... J'ai adoré =D

RESCUE : HERO STYLE by Rebecca Zanetti

Mon préféré alors que j'avais tellement peur de ne pas aimer le trope de la seconde chance ... Et finalement j'ai adoré ! L'intrigue était top (j'ai adoré voir les malfrats à travers les yeux d'Ella alors qu'elle ignorait le danger qu'elle courait ... Mais moi oui =)), j'ai bien aimé la romance MAIS le gros point fort, ce sont les personnages secondaires !! (Je suis hyper curieuse concernant le Cattle Club ! J'adorais avoir un livre avec Austin ! Et j'espère qu'on en aura un >< Et coup de coeur pour Harley =))

PS : et bien sûr, après ça j'ai découvert qu'il y avait une autre nouvelle dans le même univers mais pour une raison inconnue, je suis passée complètement à côté de l'anthologie Lone Wolf !

ONE LAST KISS by Kat Martin

La conclusion de toute l'intrigue avec les braqueurs de banque ... Et peut-être celle que j'ai moins aimé notamment à cause de l'héroïne à qui j'ai moins accroché ... Mais la conclusion de l'intrigue était top

Bref, une anthologie originale parfaite pour se distraire que je recommande pour les fans de romance à suspense !

PS : to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


* This review is based on an NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. *

An original concept with three apparently separate novellas that are in fact linked by a band of thugs who will disrupt the lives of the different characters ... And I loved it!

REDEMPTION by Alexandra Ivy

An author I knew but hadn't read in a while ! I really liked the plot (I didn't expect the revelations at the end !) and the tension between the two main characters ... I loved it =D

RESCUE: HERO STYLE by Rebecca Zanetti

My favorite when I was so scared of not liking the second chance trope ... And ultimately I loved it! The plot was great (I loved seeing the thugs through Ella's eyes while she was unaware of the danger she was in ... But I was =)), I liked the romance BUT the strong point, it is the secondary characters !! (I'm super curious about the Cattle Club! I loved having a book with Austin! And I hope we will have one >< And I've totally a crush on Harley =))

PS: and of course, after that I discovered that there was another short story in the same universe but for some unknown reason, I completely missed the Lone Wolf anthology !

ONE LAST KISS by Kat Martin

The conclusion of the whole plot with the bank robbers ... And perhaps the one that I liked less, in particular because of the heroine to whom I was less attached ... But the conclusion of the plot was great !

In short, an original anthology perfect for entertainment that I recommend for fans of romance suspense !

PS : to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D

[Antonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for giving me a chance to read Peril by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy and Rebecca Zanetti in exchange for my honest review.
The three short interconnected stories all left me with a lukewarm aftertaste.

Firstly, regarding Redemption by Alexandra Ivy, what should be a high stakes chase to find the cop killer, never delivered and the tension between Tessa and Ian based on their passionate past never escalated to a passionate night -or even scene- but to a proposal at the hospital after a bank robbery with hostages turned sideways. I mean, I expected to see more of the tension turn to passion between the duo of protagonists and not seeing it left me feeling robbed of it.

Secondly, Rescue :Hero Style by Rebecca Zanetti, had the oppurtunity to redeem the rough and stale start of the book, but instead condemned it even more for me. What should be a small town second chance romance with a badass Caden deciding to fix himself before hurting Ella more and then asking her to forgive him and give him a second chance, was so overruled by the smallest hint of accidental pregnancy, I almost dnf'ed the book there and then. I did appreciate the fact that the MMC tried to fix himself for the FMC (there's not enough of this kind of fictional man out there unfortunately) but it was probably the only redeeming factor of this story.Other than that, I appreciated that the FMC was reluctant to give him the chance he wished for, due to her past trauma, but was instead disappointed when she gave him the second chance but not due to him deserving it, but because he saved her from mortal danger, which made me feel angry for the robbed redemption arc Caden could have gotten.

Lastly, Kat Martin's One Last Kiss, was a story of forced proximity between a reformed city girl and a gentleman rancher slowly fall in love, was totally overruled by a rushed conclusion to the general book with a guns blazing showdown with not enough tension for the reader to care. I mean , how can you turn a gentleman and soft lover Sam to a man losing his cool in the middle of a hostage situation is beyond me.

The stories albeit interconnected didn't follow familiar to the reader charaters, but just presented the reader with a recurring villain trio spreading terror and causing mayhem on their path. Instead of exploring more charaster dynamics on an already familiar setting in a more linear way of narative, the three stories had t start from zero and get the reader to invest in new characters and new dynamics from the very beginning. I mean why not tell the story of Ian's brother,Stricker as a secondary story or even Austin as a third closing act ?
Finally, in my opinion, the stories could have been developped a lot better but I suppose when you have a limited amount of pages to tell a story from start to finish, a lot of the developping details get cut in the revising and editing process.

I wasn't 100% satisfied by the stories, but they all had characters and tropes and quotes I enjoyed, but that wasn't enough for me to give more than 3 stars as a rating.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW: My review covers REDEMPTION by Alexandra Ivy and RESCUE:HERO STYLE by Rebecca Zanetti.

REDEMPTION (Pike, Wisconsin 4.5 ) by Alexandra Ivy

REDEMPTION by Alexandra Ivy is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense thriller set in the author’s Pike, Wisconsin series. This is police officer Tessa Ralston, and SWAT Team member Ian Sullivan’s storyline.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives REDEMPTION focuses on a cold case wherein, five years earlier, Tessa’s former partner Colt Maddox was killed in the line of duty. Deke Mitchell, the person responsible was still at large but had been seen in contact with his ex-girlfriend in Denver Colorado, and our heroine is determined to take down the man who all but destroyed her life. Ian Sullivan, a member of the Denver SWAT Team, and former co-worker of Tessa Ralston before everything went to h*LL, believes Tessa is the one woman who stole his heart but working together to bring in a killer means up close and personal for our story line couple. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Tessa and Ian, and the potential fall-out when secrets and lies reveals a dark betrayal for our story line couple.

REDEMPTION is a story of betrayal and revenge, secrets and lies, second chances and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and revealing; the romance is subtle; the characters are desperate and determined. We are reintroduced to Rachel and Zach (Unstable 3).

•••••••


RESCUE: HERO STYLE by Rebecca Zanetti

RESCUE by Rebecca Zanetti is a contemporary, adult, romance suspense thriller focusing on the small town of Redemption,Wyoming, the Cattle Club guys, a group of former US Military men, a series of robberies and explosions, and a vindictive thief taking aim at our story line heroine. This is sheriff Caden Scott, and bank teller Ella Riverton’s story line.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives RESCUE follows in the wake of the return of Sheriff Caden Scott. Caden left Redemption to enter into the race for Governor but never mentioned his plans to the woman he loved. Upon his return, Caden discovers he is going to have to grovel to win back the heart of the woman he loves but Ella wants nothing to do with the man who broke her heart until she finds herself facing down the barrel of a gun, and a man who is demanding more than she is willing to give. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Ella and Caden, and the potential fall-out as Ella finds herself a hostage in a bank robbery gone wrong.

RESCUE is a story of second chances, desperation, obsession and forgiveness. The fast paced premise is captivating; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic and dynamic.

I am not sure if the author has future plans for any of the other characters but the Cattle Club guys are looking for love.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Glittergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how authors are making anthologies more interesting these days. This has a story that's told in three parts, each progressing from where the last one left off. I'm pretty sure each story is set in the individual author's series. I am familiar with Rebecca Zanetti's books and I know her's was. This is romantic suspense that deals with bank robbers on a spree. The first takes place in Denver written by Alexandra Ivy. The second takes place in Redemption Wyoming by Rebecca Zanetti. The last story is by Kat Martin and is Colorado where all the bad guys are captured. I was pressed for time as this ARC review is way after publication so I skipped the first story and went on with the last two. I really enjoyed this book and the individual author's voices. Really good romantic suspense novellas.

The first story is Redemption written by Alexandra Ivy. It sets up the anthology and is about a group of guys who rob a bank in Denver Colorado.

The second story is Rescue: Hero Style, in a small town in Wyoming. Here we meet Ella Riverton who's grown up here but many considered her trailer trash. Her father took off with the town librarian leaving Ella and her mother to fend for themselves. Now Ella is grown and works in the bank. She has a broken heart because 6 weeks before, her fiance left her a note breaking up with her and left town. Caden Scott is the town sheriff and he took a leave of absence, but no word as to where he went. He comes back to town after attending a PTSD Survival Camp and finds Ella drunk at the local watering hole The Cattle Club. He insists he take her home. This begins their journey to reconciliation while ending up dealing with some non-professional bank robbers. They have one of the former residents in their crew who helps them rob the the bank Ella works at. Caden and the guys from the Cattle Club help track the robbers and save Ella from one of them.

The last story is by Kat Martin, One Last Kiss. Here we meet Sam Bridger who owns a cattle ranch that opens to guests in the summer. His old friend Bert Strieber last request was to give his grand-niece, Liberty Hale a job there for one month to remind her of where she came from. Bert raised her from 12 years of age after her parents died. Bert was rich and she lived well. In order for her to receive her inheritance after Uncle Bert dies she has to work for one month at Sam's ranch. Sam sees a spoiled little New York princess when she steps of the private plane. It takes some adjusting but she settles in and does her job. It seems her memories from her childhood are coming back being on the ranch like she was raised. When she attracts the attention of one of the robbers pretending to be fishermen at the ranch, Sam steps in. They end up having a hostage situation when the robbers try to make a getaway.

This was a wonderful set of stories that I really enjoyed. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and original anthology format and while it may have been done in the past (heck, maybe it's a thing now) it is the first time that I have experienced it. I have read several anthologies where the authors are given a certain prompt and all of the stories have "something" to do with or something surrounding that particular prompt. THIS anthology however had three particular characters (along with their character traits and their history) and the three stories had these three men and their actions flow through each story - in the order of each story. Three stories linked and interwoven throughout and creating an overall story arc.

The first story is by Alexandra Ivy and does a great job of introducing us to the "bad guys" (well, Deke in particular). The story itself was okay. I've read Ms. Ivy before so she was not a new author for me. The only issue that I had with it was the relationship with the two MC's took the insta-love concept to a whole new level. One night together (the night before she left Denver for Wisconsin) and then years apart. Then when the case is completed they decide to move together and make it sound like it's a forever thing. Kind of fast, but.......

The second story was by Rebecca Zanetti. That was my favorite of the three. I liked the world she was building in Redemption, Wy and I have the feeling that this is a world that is going to be expanded in other stories (at least I hope it will be). In this story, Deke is absent for the most part and we get meet and focus on the other guys in the gang.

The third story, well, lets just say that it was my least favorite. Actually, I really didn't like it much at all. We have a socialite being sent to a dude ranch to work for the summer before she can claim her inheritance. She was not a very likeable character, even though she does seem to redeem herself in the end. The problem I had with it was that the story and the plot just didn't seem to work. Without going into spoilers, I can not really give details, but we get to see our merry band of criminals again, but the why they are there and the how they try to leave are just WAY, way out there. Another case of insta-love but I guess, it's a novella and there isn't much time for anything else.

I did enjoy the continuing theme with the bank robbers and I especially loved meeting the characters of Redemption.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Three short books in one but all with a connecting story line. So you can read them at your pace. I have read two of the authors (Martin and Zanetti) pretty avidly but all short stories were very well written.

The first book is by Ivy and follows Tessa and Ian. Tessa is now a cold case detective in Wisconsin but she got her start in Denver. As a rookie, she watched her partner get murdered and now she has the opportunity to return to Denver to catch his killer. Ian is now a detective in Denver and knew Tessa when she was rookie. They had one night of passion before Tessa left. Neither have forgotten the other or that night. Now they work together to catch a killer while rekindling heir relationship. Of course there are some plot twists along the way.

The second book is by Zanetti and follows Ella and Caden. Caden is sheriff of their small Wyoming town and was Ella's fiancé until he broke it off with her and fell off the radar for a few weeks. Now he is back in town after "fixing" himself and wants their relationship back on track. Ella is having none of it. Unfortunately, when Ella can identify most of the gang robbing banks and gets on their radar, she needs Caden help to stay safe.

The final book in the series is written by Martin and follows Sam and Libby. Sam owns a ranch in Colorado and as part of her late Uncle's will, Libby has to spend a month on the ranch to inherit. Sam is predisposed to think Libby is spoiled and not fit for ranch life but he is pleasantly surprised as she starts to fit in. Libby never realized how much of her young life she suppressed until she got out of the city. She grew up on a farm before her parents passed and she went to live with her uncle. She is loving the life and starts to really connect with Sam. Unfortunately, two of the guests staying at the ranch take a liking to Libby and decide to cause problems. As part of the group robbing banks, people and stores, they have nothing to lose, especially when Libby becomes their escape plan.

Overall three very well written books. I think my favorite was probably the one written by Zanetti just because I really enjoy her writing style and humor. A good plot/storyline flowed through all of the books. I would recommend if you a book with more than your traditional romance.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peril by Kat Martin
Blood Ties: The Logans #3.5

Three authors tackled the story of bad guys on the run that end up in three different towns creating trouble and putting three young women at risk before the criminals are finally dealt with.

REDEMPTION by Alexandra Ivy
Tessa Ralston has spent five years investigating cold cases while following the trail of the killer that took the life of her police partner in Denver. When a tip comes in that Deke will be in Denver, she soon flies out of Wisconsin to Denver hoping to bring Deke Mitchell to justice. Detective Ian Sullivan is eagerly waiting for Tessa’s arrival as he still has feelings for her and hopes they might get a second chance for a HEA. First, though, they have a killer to find and bring to justice…if they can.

RESCUE – HERO STYLE by Rebecca Zanetti
Ella Riverton is getting over Caden Scott at the Cattle Club when he reappears. Caden has determined that Ella and he are meant to be together and is ready to make it happen only to have Deke and his criminal cohort show up in town, make life more difficult and put Ella at risk. In this one I became curious about the men who run the Cattle Club and wondered if Ms Zanetti might have a series out about them in the future.

ONE LAST KISS by Kat Martin
This starts out as a lost/spoiled little rich girl being sent to learn what is important by working to inherit what her uncle has for her. It sounded familiar and I felt I had read it before, and I had. It was just as good this time as the last and saw Libby remembering parts of her past while learning what she really valued in life as she fell in love with Sam Bridger. In this novella the remaining bad guys are finally receive their comeuppance with the aid of some interesting characters that I would gladly read about in spinoff stories of their own.

The three stories segue together nicely with a satisfying conclusion and all three stories in the collection were a joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the book – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Rebecca Zanetti, so I was quickly drawn into this romantic suspense. The three stories were woven together nicely despite the three different authors and I hope to read more about the background characters introduced in each.
What worked:
1. The main characters in each story were excellent. Police officer Ian's long-simmering feelings for former colleague Tessa threaten to complicate their chance to finally catch a murderer and his accomplices. I loved Ian's character and his obvious devotion to Tessa and creating a future with her.
2. In the second story Ella is trying to get over her former fiancé, Caden, when he returns to town to reclaim her and the life he seemingly deserted six weeks before. This is complicated by the arrival of the criminals from the first story.
3. In the third story, the criminals turn up at a ranch where heiress Libby is working for ranch owner Sam. Libby and Sam quickly fall for each other only to have the three men complicate matters when they threaten Libby and the other guests.
4. I love the side characters, especially the Cattle Club members in the second story. They turn up in other stories and I am looking forward to Rebecca Zanetti's full-length novels about a few characters, especially Tara and Austin. I'm also hoping for a story about Striker from Alexandra Ivy's story and Big John from Kat Martin's story.
5. The wolf that showed up in Zanetti's story was another great side character who added levity to the tense situations.
6. I liked that all three authors were able to write the same characters without changing them from story to story.
What didn't:
1. The ending was unclear. Instead of an epilogue for Kat Martin's story, the next page was chapter 17 and the epilogue from Zanetti's story.
2. The men were a little possessive and there were times when I wished the women did a little more to save themselves.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.