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Conard County: The Next Generation #54
Conard County: Code Adam
He's a small-town detective
Who doesn’t need help from a big-city cop
Newly promoted within the Conard County Sheriff’s Department, Guy Redwing wants Valerie Brighton to stay away from his first case. But the missing child he’s searching for is Valerie’s niece, and Valerie is an experienced investigator. As they race against the clock to find the two-year-old girl, their mutual distrust turns to respect—and grows into an attraction that takes them both by surprise…
Who doesn’t need help from a big-city cop
Newly promoted within the Conard County Sheriff’s Department, Guy Redwing wants Valerie Brighton to stay away from his first case. But the missing child he’s searching for is Valerie’s niece, and Valerie is an experienced investigator. As they race against the clock to find the two-year-old girl, their mutual distrust turns to respect—and grows into an attraction that takes them both by surprise…
- GenresRomanceRomantic Suspense
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2023
17 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Lee
372 books141 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Rachel Lee is a New York Times best-selling author and the winner of Six Romantic Times magazine Reviewers' Choice Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, and is a five-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America's RITA® Award. She has penned a wide variety of novels in several genres including fantasy, romantic suspense, and romantic comedy. She resides in Tampa, Florida.
Rachel Lee is a New York Times best-selling author and the winner of Six Romantic Times magazine Reviewers' Choice Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, and is a five-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America's RITA® Award. She has penned a wide variety of novels in several genres including fantasy, romantic suspense, and romantic comedy. She resides in Tampa, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 30, 2023
Terrific book with excellent suspense as well as tackling two emotional subjects. The story opens with a two-year-old girl kidnapped from her home during the night. The Conard County detective assigned to the case is Guy Redwing, newly promoted to the rank of detective. Complicating matters for him is the arrival of the missing girl's aunt, Valerie, a detective from the city. Guy isn't thrilled to have her involved, but the important thing is to find little Lizzie.
Initially, there is tension between Guy and Val. She is raring to go, while Guy is methodical in ensuring he efficiently uses their resources. Guy also has a little bit of a chip on his shoulder because of the prejudice he experiences as a Native American. He wonders if Val looks down on him because of it. Fortunately, that is not Val's issue - she is simply frustrated by the case's slow progress. I liked seeing them work together and come to respect each other's abilities. Neither expects the sparks of attraction that flare between them as they spend hours together. I liked Guy's protectiveness and understanding as he watched her balance professionalism with a family member's fear.
There were some intriguing scenes as Guy's Native American friends helped with the search, exposing Val to culture and beliefs she had no experience with. I found her sensitivity admirable, and loved her open-mindedness and willingness to learn. The feelings they developed for each other happened quickly, thanks to the circumstances, but there are obstacles to overcome. Guy worries about Val being accepted by his family and receives some excellent advice from one of his tribal elders. Val is concerned about how they'll carry out a relationship when she's back at her job. I liked the realism that there are no simple answers to either question and that both are committed to doing what they must to make it happen. I hope to see more of them in future books because I'd like to know how their romance progresses.
The story's suspense kept me turning the pages late into the night. With Lizzie's parents divorced, did one of them do something heinous in a fit of anger or despair? Or does someone have a grudge against one of them? I loved how the people of Conard County pulled together to search for the child. I could also feel everyone's frustration as they ran into dead end after dead end. There is a hint at the beginning as to who is behind it, and in the last half of the book, the perp's point of view becomes part of the story. Grey Cloud's involvement provides a turning point, and the intensity increases. I was on the edge of my seat as the pieces finally came together. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Guy and Val's suspicions proved correct.
I loved my visit to Conard County and seeing old friends. Both the "old" and "new" sheriffs play important parts in showing the dedication of local law enforcement. Pastor Molly, Kell McLaren and his K-9 Blue, and Maude and Mavis from the diner are just a few of the characters from previous books that make appearances here.
Initially, there is tension between Guy and Val. She is raring to go, while Guy is methodical in ensuring he efficiently uses their resources. Guy also has a little bit of a chip on his shoulder because of the prejudice he experiences as a Native American. He wonders if Val looks down on him because of it. Fortunately, that is not Val's issue - she is simply frustrated by the case's slow progress. I liked seeing them work together and come to respect each other's abilities. Neither expects the sparks of attraction that flare between them as they spend hours together. I liked Guy's protectiveness and understanding as he watched her balance professionalism with a family member's fear.
There were some intriguing scenes as Guy's Native American friends helped with the search, exposing Val to culture and beliefs she had no experience with. I found her sensitivity admirable, and loved her open-mindedness and willingness to learn. The feelings they developed for each other happened quickly, thanks to the circumstances, but there are obstacles to overcome. Guy worries about Val being accepted by his family and receives some excellent advice from one of his tribal elders. Val is concerned about how they'll carry out a relationship when she's back at her job. I liked the realism that there are no simple answers to either question and that both are committed to doing what they must to make it happen. I hope to see more of them in future books because I'd like to know how their romance progresses.
The story's suspense kept me turning the pages late into the night. With Lizzie's parents divorced, did one of them do something heinous in a fit of anger or despair? Or does someone have a grudge against one of them? I loved how the people of Conard County pulled together to search for the child. I could also feel everyone's frustration as they ran into dead end after dead end. There is a hint at the beginning as to who is behind it, and in the last half of the book, the perp's point of view becomes part of the story. Grey Cloud's involvement provides a turning point, and the intensity increases. I was on the edge of my seat as the pieces finally came together. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Guy and Val's suspicions proved correct.
I loved my visit to Conard County and seeing old friends. Both the "old" and "new" sheriffs play important parts in showing the dedication of local law enforcement. Pastor Molly, Kell McLaren and his K-9 Blue, and Maude and Mavis from the diner are just a few of the characters from previous books that make appearances here.
June 29, 2023
Good read from Rachel Lee. Difficult subjects to write about, but she does it well. The romance part was a bit too quick for me, especially with a complete stranger. Regardless of the quick I love you's, it was a good read. I liked the characters and the heart wrenching plot. Looking forward to reading the next installment of this series.
September 17, 2025
Terrific book with wonderful characters! I loved the action and suspense. I loved the plot and the surprise twists. This was an excellent book and I can't wait to read more from this series! An absolutely perfect story!
November 20, 2023
2.5 STARS it was a classic missing kid case but the romance was a bit half baked.
November 29, 2023
GREAT STORY
I really enjoyed this book and was surprised that people still had prejudice against the Indian Nation. For me I find them fascinating .
I really enjoyed this book and was surprised that people still had prejudice against the Indian Nation. For me I find them fascinating .
January 9, 2024
This is a fast-paced Harlequin Intrigue. I enjoyed it, but wished the author had spent more time on the romance.
Read
June 2, 2023Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
Miniseries
Conard County: The Next Generation (Book #57)
Miniseries
Conard County: The Next Generation (Book #57)
Read
June 2, 2023Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
Miniseries
Conard County: The Next Generation (Book #57)
Miniseries
Conard County: The Next Generation (Book #57)
January 1, 2024
Not the best Rachel Lee book, abrupt ending. And why this title? Wasn't any mention of a code name or even Adam in the book
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews