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The Deputy
Eighteen months after the loss of his wife, Deputy Jasper Goodspeed wasn’t ready to move on. He’d learned to get up every morning, do his job, and smile when necessary. But enjoying himself wasn’t on his list of things to do.
On the evening of his first murder investigation, he was halfway through a night of drinking himself into oblivion. Forgetting was a good thing, if only for one night a month.
Living on an isolated island with a population of three hundred, crime was almost non-existent. Drunk and disorderly and rambunctious kids were the norm. Murder, especially one witnessed by the deputy’s best friend and his visiting sister, Poppie, was a once in a lifetime occurrence.
As rare as it was, Deputy Goodspeed didn’t need a partner. Certainly not one as stubborn and willful as Poppie. Her ability to make him genuinely smile was intriguing and utterly frustrating.
While he tries to ignore his growing feelings for Poppie, Jasper’s friends and family attempt to convince him she’s just what he needs to bring a little sunshine into his dreary existence.
The Deputy is the first book in a four book series following Jasper Goodspeed as he learns to forgive himself and embrace life with someone new.
On the evening of his first murder investigation, he was halfway through a night of drinking himself into oblivion. Forgetting was a good thing, if only for one night a month.
Living on an isolated island with a population of three hundred, crime was almost non-existent. Drunk and disorderly and rambunctious kids were the norm. Murder, especially one witnessed by the deputy’s best friend and his visiting sister, Poppie, was a once in a lifetime occurrence.
As rare as it was, Deputy Goodspeed didn’t need a partner. Certainly not one as stubborn and willful as Poppie. Her ability to make him genuinely smile was intriguing and utterly frustrating.
While he tries to ignore his growing feelings for Poppie, Jasper’s friends and family attempt to convince him she’s just what he needs to bring a little sunshine into his dreary existence.
The Deputy is the first book in a four book series following Jasper Goodspeed as he learns to forgive himself and embrace life with someone new.
- GenresRomance
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2023
854 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Fenty
73 books33 followersLeigh Spends her days with cute, sexy guys. Unfortunately, they’re on paper. But still, not a bad way to spend your day. She also writes about strong, independent women who can hold their own against these irresistible guys. She’s not a pure romance writer because she breaks the rules a bit. But that’s the fun part. Leigh’s stories have adventure, family relationships, and the struggles life throws at you sometimes. But boy always meets girl. They tussle a bit while they figure out what they really want. Then find their happily ever after, even though it might not be what they thought it was going to be.
But the most amazing thing about this is, she does it all with a dog on her lap. Her muse may not be one of her book boyfriends. But a cute dog is the next best thing.
But the most amazing thing about this is, she does it all with a dog on her lap. Her muse may not be one of her book boyfriends. But a cute dog is the next best thing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 2, 2024
The Deputy
Jasper Goodspeed is Deputy to the sheriff, James Goodspeed. If the names sound...similar...it's because they are father and son. Estranged. Poppie Jensen comes to the island to visit her brother, Lewis. Poppie witnesses what turns out to be a murder, which brings her into contact with the Deputy. Finding the murderer throws them into close proximity long enough to cause Jasper to consider a relationship but he's not quite ready due to still mourning his wife's death. It seems alcohol is looked upon as the panacea for all bad things that happen, throughout the book. Having personal experience with an alcoholic, this aspect of the book was disturbing to me. The story would been fine without the supporting actor, Alcohol.
Jasper Goodspeed is Deputy to the sheriff, James Goodspeed. If the names sound...similar...it's because they are father and son. Estranged. Poppie Jensen comes to the island to visit her brother, Lewis. Poppie witnesses what turns out to be a murder, which brings her into contact with the Deputy. Finding the murderer throws them into close proximity long enough to cause Jasper to consider a relationship but he's not quite ready due to still mourning his wife's death. It seems alcohol is looked upon as the panacea for all bad things that happen, throughout the book. Having personal experience with an alcoholic, this aspect of the book was disturbing to me. The story would been fine without the supporting actor, Alcohol.
May 7, 2024
The H is still dealing from the loss of his wife 18 months earlier. I felt his feelings and how he dealt with it were appropriate.
There was some good banter between the H/h. The h was visiting her brother for the first time in 6 years. I wish there was more interactions between the two.
Story has suspense, violence, surprises, very small touch of romance in the air, and is clean, not even a kiss in sight.
The villain made the sheriff and deputy look like Barney Fife at times. There is a theme of alcohol in the story.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, and clean. The relationship with the H/h is just starting to build and the story ends. I'm sure will be dealt with in book 2. (ljb)
There was some good banter between the H/h. The h was visiting her brother for the first time in 6 years. I wish there was more interactions between the two.
Story has suspense, violence, surprises, very small touch of romance in the air, and is clean, not even a kiss in sight.
The villain made the sheriff and deputy look like Barney Fife at times. There is a theme of alcohol in the story.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, and clean. The relationship with the H/h is just starting to build and the story ends. I'm sure will be dealt with in book 2. (ljb)
October 3, 2023
I enjoyed the narration of John Walker
Struggling with the loss of his wife, Deputy Jasper Goodspeed. He gets up every morning, to do his job, and smile when necessary. In the evening he just wants to drink himself in to oblivion. His quiet easy life on the Island changes when a murder, is witnessed by the deputy’s best friend and his visiting sister. Poppy is stubborn and makes him genuinely smile. Can his friend Jasper and family convince him she’s just what he needs
Struggling with the loss of his wife, Deputy Jasper Goodspeed. He gets up every morning, to do his job, and smile when necessary. In the evening he just wants to drink himself in to oblivion. His quiet easy life on the Island changes when a murder, is witnessed by the deputy’s best friend and his visiting sister. Poppy is stubborn and makes him genuinely smile. Can his friend Jasper and family convince him she’s just what he needs
February 9, 2024
Fun , flirty and a good read!
This is a very slow burn romantic suspense story with the hero and heroine a little different from the run of the mill.
He is still grieving his wife's death, eighteen months before, and she is funny feisty, and aware he's not ready for anything more than friendship.
Add murder, a hurricane, great food and a close knit community and you have an entertaining story!
This is a very slow burn romantic suspense story with the hero and heroine a little different from the run of the mill.
He is still grieving his wife's death, eighteen months before, and she is funny feisty, and aware he's not ready for anything more than friendship.
Add murder, a hurricane, great food and a close knit community and you have an entertaining story!
January 20, 2023
This author never disappoints, and The Deputy is the start of a new series you won't want to miss.
The scenery, the characters, the storyline... There is nothing about this book that I didn't love. Well, except maybe for the fact that I have to wait for Book Two. 😉 But that wait won't be too long.
The scenery, the characters, the storyline... There is nothing about this book that I didn't love. Well, except maybe for the fact that I have to wait for Book Two. 😉 But that wait won't be too long.
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May 7, 2023The Deputy by Leigh Fenty
A we!I written story with excellent characters, intrigue, relationships, excitement and making positive changes. Poppies was visiting her brother, met the grumpy deputy and they sparred with one another. A murder, capture,kidnapping and hurricane, proved they could be more than friends. Really enjoyed. Will read more by this author.
A we!I written story with excellent characters, intrigue, relationships, excitement and making positive changes. Poppies was visiting her brother, met the grumpy deputy and they sparred with one another. A murder, capture,kidnapping and hurricane, proved they could be more than friends. Really enjoyed. Will read more by this author.
November 9, 2023
4.5 stars
Very enjoyable book! Highs and lows, murder and may ham, with a sassy lady and sexy deputy! What more can you ask for? Leigh Fenty writes books that are nice to curl up with on a cold evening! The characters are dynamic and her books are fun to read. Definitely highly recommend this one!
Very enjoyable book! Highs and lows, murder and may ham, with a sassy lady and sexy deputy! What more can you ask for? Leigh Fenty writes books that are nice to curl up with on a cold evening! The characters are dynamic and her books are fun to read. Definitely highly recommend this one!
July 2, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it was a fairly decent read. However, I don’t think I will be finishing the series because it couldn’t hold my attention long enough. I did struggle about halfway through the book to get to the end so I’m just gonna count that as a win and move on into the next book in my Kindle.
January 20, 2023
The start of another wonderful series by this author.
Like all of Leigh Fenty's books, The Deputy is filled with interesting, lovable characters in a not-your-typical storyline, which makes it all the better.
I'm really looking forward to the next in the series!
Like all of Leigh Fenty's books, The Deputy is filled with interesting, lovable characters in a not-your-typical storyline, which makes it all the better.
I'm really looking forward to the next in the series!
May 19, 2023
The Deputy
I have been anticipating this story for a short time? Glad it finally arrived. I really enjoyed the plot, was full of fun and adventure. Cany wait if there is a follow up.
I have been anticipating this story for a short time? Glad it finally arrived. I really enjoyed the plot, was full of fun and adventure. Cany wait if there is a follow up.
May 20, 2023
A fun story
This was really an enjoyable book to read. The characters were so funny and playful. Yet when they needed to be a unit they could pull together. Everyone should enjoy reading this one.
This was really an enjoyable book to read. The characters were so funny and playful. Yet when they needed to be a unit they could pull together. Everyone should enjoy reading this one.
January 25, 2024
Poppie and Jasper
Two people that are totally opposite are just too much together. So different but still have the “gee haw” to match. Some hair raising in it too. One thing you need to have is Kleenex to dry you tears from laughing. Enjoy
Two people that are totally opposite are just too much together. So different but still have the “gee haw” to match. Some hair raising in it too. One thing you need to have is Kleenex to dry you tears from laughing. Enjoy
June 23, 2024
Although getting into it was a little slow, I enjoyed the book. It has more mystery than romance. I got it on Audible, and it's a solid 3.5. The person who read the book was ok. I'd get the book and read it on your own.
October 23, 2024
Aww
That was awesome. It was a totally fun read. It was funny, sad, emotional, with action. I loved it! I think the thing that I liked the most is they didn’t rush the grieving process.
That was awesome. It was a totally fun read. It was funny, sad, emotional, with action. I loved it! I think the thing that I liked the most is they didn’t rush the grieving process.
October 24, 2024
Delightful read. It was a melding of sorrow and humor. The deputy seems like he cannot get a break. However when Poppie arrives on the scene it seems that the bad stuff is got their focused on Jasper. I like it that Jasper has a cat and a tiny dog. It’s a hoot.
March 2, 2025
An excellent read!
What an unusual setting and wonderful storyline! Poppie and Jasper had me laughing and almost in tears once. it has suspense, action, romance and comedy. I can't wait to read the next book of the series. Very hard to put down.
What an unusual setting and wonderful storyline! Poppie and Jasper had me laughing and almost in tears once. it has suspense, action, romance and comedy. I can't wait to read the next book of the series. Very hard to put down.
May 19, 2025
Good Book
I really liked this book, but I love a couple that banters.
The storyline flows easily.
You can set the book down and pick it up; you go right back to a island off the coast of Maine.
I really liked this book, but I love a couple that banters.
The storyline flows easily.
You can set the book down and pick it up; you go right back to a island off the coast of Maine.
July 5, 2025
Fun book
This book was fun and funny. The characters were interesting and the setting of the story was very unique. There were a few missed errors in the book, but not so many that they were distracting. Worth the read
This book was fun and funny. The characters were interesting and the setting of the story was very unique. There were a few missed errors in the book, but not so many that they were distracting. Worth the read
November 24, 2025
Survival
Her first visit to her brother’s tiny island is far from uneventful and then there’s the deputy. So much fun and danger in this story. The banter and chemistry between them is very real and entertaining. The people are awesom and I am downloading book 2 now!
Her first visit to her brother’s tiny island is far from uneventful and then there’s the deputy. So much fun and danger in this story. The banter and chemistry between them is very real and entertaining. The people are awesom and I am downloading book 2 now!
September 24, 2023
I don’t see these characters “developing “ with a series. The banter w/protagonist and friends sister was irritating. Audio book narrator flat and off many times. New England accents ok…
December 3, 2023
Nice book about good characters. I gave it a 5 because it was a pleasure to read and it left me with a good feeling!
January 26, 2024
Book review
A fun book to read. Not too cheesy to be a good story. Characters were believable. A good lead-in to the next book in the series.
A fun book to read. Not too cheesy to be a good story. Characters were believable. A good lead-in to the next book in the series.
February 13, 2024
Review of The Deputy
I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense novels. She is an amazing writer.
I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense novels. She is an amazing writer.
March 8, 2024
The Deputy
Very good book. It was funny, mystery, couldn't put it down. Had every it u would in a story. Can't wait to read the next one
Very good book. It was funny, mystery, couldn't put it down. Had every it u would in a story. Can't wait to read the next one
March 12, 2024
Jasper
This is a new author to me. I enjoyed the story and getting to know the characters. Lots of action.
This is a new author to me. I enjoyed the story and getting to know the characters. Lots of action.
March 25, 2024
Love this book. Gonna read the series
April 18, 2024
This was a fun book
I really enjoyed this fun book. It was fun but different. I hope the next book is as great to read as this one.
I really enjoyed this fun book. It was fun but different. I hope the next book is as great to read as this one.
May 9, 2024
Poppie and Jasper
New author for me — Wow, good story, heroic sheriff, Poppie the annoying sister of his good buddy.
the entire town is a gigantic family.
New author for me — Wow, good story, heroic sheriff, Poppie the annoying sister of his good buddy.
the entire town is a gigantic family.
May 28, 2024
Love Poppy
I liked the inter reaction between the Sheriff and Poppy . No sex is needed for the relationship. Loved the family theme.
I liked the inter reaction between the Sheriff and Poppy . No sex is needed for the relationship. Loved the family theme.
June 6, 2024
Great Read!
Sucked you in. I did not want to put it down. Well written and kept you wondering what would happen next.
Sucked you in. I did not want to put it down. Well written and kept you wondering what would happen next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews