Season of Angels

Heart Lake #8

by Jo Grafford

A waitress pretending to be somebody she’s not, and the hottie police chief who’s attracted to trouble…and her! Tiva Nez has been a hot mess since the day she was born, so it’s just her luck to find herself posing as a single mom to protect the two people in the world she loves the most. No, Christmas is NOT the most wonderful time of the year. She would give anything to skip it. Everyone knows Police Chief Adriel Montana is married to his job. He lives to serve his people on the reservation, including the sassy waitress who refuses to officially date him despite privately paying him in kisses every time he rushes to her rescue — which is pretty often. Can the hope and joy of the holidays bring the singlest, most unavailable couple in Heart Lake any closer to happily-ever-after? Welcome to Heart Lake! A small town teaming with old family rivalries and the rumble of horses’ hooves — faith-filled romance that you’ll never forget.

HEART LAKE
Winds of Change
Song of Nightingales
Perils of Starlight
Return of Miracles
Thousands of Gifts
Race of Champions
Storm of Secrets
Season of Angels
Clash of Hearts

BORN IN HOMETOWN HEROES A-Z
A – Accidental Hero
B – Best Friend Hero
C – Celebrity Hero
D – Damaged Hero
E – Enemies to Hero
F – Forbidden Hero
G – Guardian Hero
H – Hunk and Hero
I – Instantly Her Hero
J – Jilted Hero
K – Kissable Hero
L – Long Distance Hero
M – Mistaken Hero

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Christmas

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2022

About the author

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.

Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.

Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favourite!

Police Chief Montana has been a constant throughout this series, he is gruff and stern but he loves his people and the Rez, and it shows. He may have a firm hand when it comes to the law but he also has a huge heart which we have seen again and again. However, here we really see his softer side and I love how playful and teasing he is with both Tiva and Max, he knows she is wary and scared but still doesn't hesitate to put himself out there. Adriel Montana loves completely and for that you cannot resist loving him too.
A great book which I read on Kindle Unlimited, each new book in the series becomes my favourite and this one is no exception.

[𝕸𝖎𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖊𝖑 𝕮. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Utter trash. Sorry, but it's true.
I wish I had this book in a physical copy so that I could personally throw it in a trash compactor and watch it grind to bits.
Good thing it was free on amazon. I wouldn't waste a penny on this abomination.

There's so much going on that it hurts.
The author is not good at explaining things, the book starts off weird, we don't see any love actually developing between Adriel and Tiva, everything between them is rushed and WEIRD, and this book has NOTHING TO DO WITH CHRISTMAS (besides mentioning it like, twice, and saying that there was a tree in Adriel's house and in a restaurant).

I tried really hard to like this book, but I could not. I regret reading it. The writing is truly POOR.

If it was possible to roll my eyes for 4 hours straight, I would have. I found myself rolling my eyes at the wording and quotes from this book SO many times.

"She smiled at his reassurance that they were still dating." 🙄 🤦🏻‍♂️

"Adriel!" The joy in Tiva's voice required no acting.
She hadn't seen or heard his approach, and it was crazy good to have him here. 🙄 🤦🏻‍♂️

The good rating on Goodreads (4.76 ⭐️) was totally misleading; the writing, story, action, and romance were all extremely dull and horribly written.
This book is so shallow and cringey.

Also, I was annoyed by Tiva's constant self doubt and her low confidence. We get it, now shut up.

There was no reason for Tiva and Adriel to get married right away. Trix just shows up and says they should get married..? And then they do?! Wth. Makes zero sense.

The action, as previously mentioned, was horrible and not explained well in the end. Tiva gets shot in the bike stunt at the end and was okay because of the bullet-proof vest she was wearing, but then the scene just cuts to the prologue where everyone was at a blasted Christmas party. Wth. I guess a helicopter just whizzed above them and caught the bad guys??? We'll never know (or care).

Bye-bye. The end. Whoopee. 🤦🏻‍♂️
Never reading another book by this author. Time to read some better Christmas books.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Season of Angels is a visit back to Heart Lake and the rez that is just outside it. We see our old familiar friends Adriel, Marco, Tiva, Marcus and Aiyanna. We meet Tiva's twin Trix that is running the new Inferno gang. They have found out there is meth labs in the hills outside of the rez. They know the Feds are planted in the gang to help bring the Inferno gang down again, and maybe this time they will not be able to get out early or get away to avoid being arrested. But how would that be possible?

Adreil has been in love with Tiva for awhile, but she keeps putting him off. When a group of the Heart Lake teenagers come to the rez to have a catered meal at Aiyanna's steakhouse after a big fancy dressed event, Adreil stops the cars as they come through and find out that one of the biggest drug dealers in Heart Lake is also the son of one of the new council members that also is a big lawyer for several of the old gang. When Trix comes through and Adreil talks to her and finds out she is with the drug dealer he calls Tiva and tells her to go get Marcus and get to his cabin for safety. When he arrived she has not made it yet but arrives shortly. She says she seen Trix before she left. Trix talked to her about what she was doing to help the Feds and that Tiva needs to marry Adreil so she and Marcus will be safe. Ariel is ecstatic over that idea. And the day of their wedding they had Marco and Aiyanna, Paco and his family, Maw Maw, Trix and Will. After the wedding they go in a separate room and talk over what needs to be done and finds Trix has been tricked and the man that is saying he is a Fed is really one of the head in the gang and the other new council member and partner in the law firm. They make their plans and the raid is on.

I received an advanced copy of this book for review. I love this series and the storyline is always a twist and turn around every corner. I give this book a 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 review!

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Police Chief Adriel Montana has been attracted to Tiva Nez for years. She left the reservation for several of those years, but has returned with her nephew, Max. Her twin, Trix left at the same time but has not returned, until now. Tiva is working as a waitress at the Longhorn Grill which is owned by Adriel’s sister. She and her twin once raced with a motorcycle gang, but she was unaware the gang was running drugs. She left and came home to keep Max safe. Why is Trix returning now when gang activity has increased in the area. Is Trix still involved, does she now want Max back and are they in danger? Adriel moves Tiva and Max into his home for their own protection, and the “family” time they spend together brings them closer. When Adriel proposes a dirt bike race to raise money for the reservation, will he be able to run the race while keeping them safe? When a man from Trix’s past arrives, what will happen now? A suspense filled addition to this heartfelt series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation, from the author, for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always heartwarming to be back in Heart Lake, especially during the Christmas season. Rez Police Chief, Adriel Montana has been half in love with Tiva Nez for a long time. Tiva has had so many problems all her life and she doesn't feel worthy of Adriel, but she'll admit that he sure makes her wish she were! She will do anything to take care of the two people she loves the most, even though that can be difficult. When Tiva's twin sister comes to town and brings the news that something big is going down in the area that will affect all of them, their lives all change. There is a lot of action in this book, as there is in all of the books in this series! Motorcycle gangs, FBI stings, dirty agents, you name it! Wonderful characters and heart felt emotions make this a truly fantastic book! I couldn't get enough of it. I loved the returning characters too.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is another in the Heart Lake series. In this story, Police Chief Adriel Montana is determined to bring hope to the reservation. He also wants to get closer to the waitress, Tiva Nez that has been in his sights. He is known for being "grumpy" but Tiva brings out the more pleasant side of his personality. When he senses that she is in danger, he is determined to protect her and her young son.

This story uncovers more secrets that threaten to bring danger to Heart Lake. Working together, they can protect the town and the people that live there.

This can be read as a standalone book but has wonderful character development for more characters you get to know throughout the series. It is also a clean and wholesome story with suspense, drama, friendship and love.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Tiva and Adriel's story! Tiva's built her life on a lie. She's only let a few people in on a bit of her life. Now, she needs someone she can trust with everything. She thinks Adriel is the one man she can trust, but what if she's wrong? It's not just her life that will be in danger if she is. She doesn't want to ruin Adriel and his career, either. Adriel knows that there's nothing Tiva can tell him that will change how he feels. He'll do anything to keep her and Max safe. He knows they're a package deal, and he's ready to take it all on. Such a great book in this wonderful series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book because I got to find out more about the characters I liked from the previous books. This book was full of suspense and romance. I really liked Adriel Montana, the grumpy police chief. His character was a lot of fun and underneath that grumpiness was a sweet, old teddy bear. It was fun to see if Tiva could manage to bring out the best in him.

I liked that this book was full of page turning excitement that just kept building until the last page. It had my heart pounding a few times. The added secrets and Tiva's twin sister, Trixie returning to the rez made the book very interesting. I also liked how the title played into the story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[MerryMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another winner in this series. Great characters, spiritual and uplifting elements, suspense, and sweet romance. I loved everything about it.

Adriel Montana isn't just the Chief of Police on the rez; he genuinely cares about everyone who lives there, wants to keep them safe and make their lives better. Tiva and her identical twin sister Trix mostly raised themselves while living with their grandfather on the rez. Neither one of them has a great reputation and maybe they weren't always on the right side of the law. Tiva and Trix kept me hoping they'll both survive and find love and redemption -- and wondering if they have any more secrets to reveal.

I received an advanced copy of this book and this review is my honest opinion.

[Denise Boldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Season of Angels is a beautiful story of second chances. This story builds on characters from previous books in Heart Lake series which gives the reader insight into their lives which is a nice bonus to Grafford’s series. Grafford’s descriptive writing is her superpower. She fills her stories with descriptions of her scenes, characters and moments. “A December breeze was whistling down the mountains, lifting his dark hair from his shoulders and plastering several strands of it across his eyes.” She also has a special ability to bring across understated conversations and narration that makes the reader smile and gives extra depth to her stories. I highly recommend this author and this series.

[Lorie - Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I plan on reading the rest of the series. I was hoping at the end of this book it would have told the story of Will and Trix to see if they plan on raising Max as their biological son, but I guess I will have to read Clash of Hearts to see if the story continues.

In the next book, Decker Kingston jumps at the opportunity to become the first person who’s not from a founding family to serve on the city council.

Fashion boutique owner Chanel Remington is excited about starting her first day as a newly elected council member, one of Heart Lake's founding families.

If you haven't read any of this series, check out Heart Lake (12 book series) Kindle Edition, I highly recommend it. Enjoy and happy reading.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, well, I love Jo Grafford's books! You know you are in for a good story. The characters are so believable, and some are just downright evil. Sometimes I get into the story and wonder why did I pick it up, but by the time I reach the end, I hate to leave the book. This is one of those stories. Good to realize it is good vs. evil, and faith is in the story elements as well. This had some heart stopping moments in the ending that I did not see coming. Fantastic!

I was provided this story by the author. This review are my thoughts. I highly recommend it and give it more than 5 stars!

[lanaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is one of my favorites of the Heart Lake Series!! This one is about the rez sheriff Adriel getting his love story, when he falls in love with Tiva, Trix’s twin sister. Trix was the one who was doing all the motorcycle trick riding for the Inferno gang, or was she? And who had a baby boy? Trix or Tiva? I can’t say anything hardly, without giving away secrets and you know I don’t do that! 😉😉. You are going to HAVE to get this book and read it and enjoy it for yourself!! It’s a goodie!! You don’t want to miss out on this episode!! Thank you, Jo, for another great “ride”! I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve been reading this series, you know all about the grumpy police chief on the rez, Adriel. He is grumpy around everyone except for single mom Tiva who works at his sisters diner. When running the police check point, Adriel sees Tiva’s twin Trix coming back to the Rez. He knows this can only mean one thing…trouble! Adriel is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Tiva safe, even if it means protecting her from the infamous inferno gang. This was a great Christmas read full of suspense, Christmas spirit and love.

* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely clean romantic suspense. This author seems to have mastered a wide variety of characters and situations. In Season of Angels we are reintroduced to Tiva and Adriel. Adriel has been biding his time as he courts Tiva until circumstances force his hand. Finding themselves married so quickly should have diminished the punch of this story. Thank goodness it did not. The book keeps the cast of characters met in a previous book and gives them more depth. Great story. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rez Police Chief Adriel has been in love with Tiva for a long time, but it isn’t until Tiva’s twin returns and her life is in danger that Adriel gets the chance to show it. Adriel and the Heart Lake mayor work together to raise money to rebuild the poorer part of the rez that was wrecked by a tornado. The Inferno gang is back and gaining strength. Read the book to see how all these things tie together. If you are new to the Heart Lake series, I encourage you to start with book 1. Even though there are no cliff-hangers, the characters develop and return in subsequent books.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Season of Angels has edge of your seat intrigue and heart stopping danger. I love this well written book and all the twists and turns I have come to expect from this series! Start reading early or expect to still be reading after bedtime. It is impossible to find a place in the book to take a break. It is awesome just how many secrets Ms. Grafford manages to reveal. Police chief Adriel Montana manages to concoct a scheme to finally bring hope to the reservations poorest population. This is a beautiful Christmas story.

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariel and Tiva had great chemistry. They sure loved kissing! Without Tiva, Adriel was a pretty grumpy lawman as he tried to keep up with the lawlessness coming onto his reservation. He cared greatly about his people, and many homes on the reservation needed repairs, and a lot of the residents needed hope. The combination of a great fundraiser and a sting operation helped to take care of many of the needs with the added bonus of making a lot of arrests. Add to that family drama and loyalty, plus romance and humor, and you have a great read. I enjoyed it thoroughly all the way through.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story set at Christmas time. The rez is in desperate need of repairs that are taking forever since the tornadoes. Adriel decides to do something about it. With the help of many others, he sets up a bike race on the rez which coincidentally will help the feds with another sting on the Inferno. This is Tiva and Adriel’s story with updates about other characters. This will hold your attention with the well written characters and storyline.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to this series by Jo Grafford.
Police Chief Adriel Montana isn’t a fan of Christmas. Tiva’s sister is back on the rez which always means trouble. Tiva doesn’t feel she’s worthy of a relationship with Adriel, but he disagrees. She calls him cranky, maybe she can help his disposition. To protect her son/nephew, she withholds very dangerous information.
I received this book for free for my unbiased review.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! I can't believe all that happened in this story. So many surprises about Tiva & her sister. It's hard to know who is telling the truth with some of the other people in the story. How can Tiva & Adriel get their happily ever after? This is one you won't want to miss if you are reading this series from the beginning. I can't wait for the next book. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary opinion.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Season of Angels

Another book of action with the Grumpy Chief of Police, Adriel, and the waitress he has been secretly crushing on, Tiva, getting to spend more time together. When Tiva’s twin sister comes through the Reservation check point, Adriel knows there is trouble ahead for Tiva. Making sure Tiva and her nephew were safe from harm becomes more of a priority for him. Their story is a story worth reading.

[Kathy Winchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adriel and Tiva’s story is such a great addition to the series! Full of intrigue and surprises, this story continues the tale of Heart Lake and the fight to unite a community. Engaging characters drive a plot full of secrets and misinformation to an unexpected truth and a couple of happily ever afters. Don’t miss this series, starting at book 1! If you’re already caught up, don’t miss this great addition…Highly Recommend!
I received an ARC for an honest review, which I have given.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and highly recommend it and all the books in this series. Each book is full of action where good versus evil and the characters are interesting. In this book Police Chief Montana finally gets up the nerve to date Tivia, a waitress who is raising her nephew, Max, to protect him from the Inferno gang she used to be part of. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiva is a single mom working as a waitress on the reservation. Adriel is the police chief. Adriel is the only one that knows the truth. Tiva's son is actually her nephew. Her twin sister's son. They are working to protect their family from gang members.

Adriel steps in to help them.

Really good book on working together and things not always being what they seem. Overcoming prejudices and turning your life around.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book finds us back on the rez in Heart Lake. Adriel, police chief on the rez, suspected something was going on when Tiva's twin sister, Trix, was driving a car onto the rez with a known drug dealer in it. This is where the story starts getting interesting.

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great Series

I'm really enjoying this series and all the characters and their stories. I totally enjoyed Adriel and Tiva's story. I'd been waiting for their story and it didn't disappoint. Lot's of intrigue, suspense as well as romance. These two needed each other. A really great read.

[Michele Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot get enough of reading Jo Grafford’s stories. They are so intricately written and perfectly plotted that the story seems real. This one isn’t any different. Adriel will do anything to protect Tiva. The suspense and twists kept me reading well into the night.

I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Res and finding new life

Full of action and twists on these characters, bringing your reading pleasure to peaks. This story of the police chief makes his character pop off the pages. More in depth background and current Inferno and Res situations which sped relationships full circle. Loved this book!

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story in this fantastic series and just in time for Christmas!

Even though Rez Police Chief Montana is dedicated to his job, he can't help his attraction to waitress Tina Nez.

But Tina has a secret and she is having a hard time trying to keep everything together!

Intrigue, wonderful characters and a journey to a happy ending makes this story perfect!