Alpha Warrior

Long Mountain Heroes #1

by Aimée Thurlo

Nick Blacksheep was an outsider to all: the police force, his community and the women he kept at arm's length. Experienced in modern warfare, the tall Navajo's imposing spirit recalled the intensity of his ancestors. His heart incapable of wounding, Nick was the fiercest protector beautiful Drew Simmons could have ever imagined--or desired.With contract killers on her tail, the small-town librarian needed a cop who was true to his word. Though Blacksheep promised to safeguard Drew, he couldn't have expected her compassion to thaw the ice in his veins. Now his greatest duty isn't to himself, but the woman he welcomed into his home.

Genres: Harlequin, Native American, Romance, Romantic Suspense

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Aimee and David Thurlo are the authors of the Ella Clah mysteries, the Sister Agatha mysteries, the Lee Nez vampire novels all set in New Mexico. David grew up on the Navajo Indian Nation, and Aimee, a native of Cuba, lived in the southwest for forty years.

Aimée passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of February 28, 2014, after a brief struggle with cancer and related complications. She was attended by her husband of 43 years, David. Aimée was 62 years old.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ~ When Drew was nearly abducted, she was forced into protective custody. She's a small town librarian who after budget cuts takes a job working for the local police department in their records department. She's heard of Nick through the PD grapevine, not only does he have a rep for getting his man, but he's also a bit of a loose canon. But Drew's instincts tell her that Nick's a man she can count on. Nick's amazed at the determination of the would be kidnapper-killer to get his hands on Drew. There's not a clue as to who wants her out of the way, and even less of a clue as to why. But as the killer seems to be right on every move they make, they realize that someone within the department must be involved. This former marine doesn't believe in tomorrow, he's investing his energy on living today, but his strong need to protect Drew has him beginning to wonder about what could be.

I really enjoy Ms. Thurlo's writing voice. The plot was quite involved with the mystery of who being equal to the mystery of why. Nick and Drew have wonderful chemistry and I enjoyed Nick's pursuit. Drew is a person who has a desperate need to belong to someone, some place, some thing. She envies Nick's connection with his brother, the force, and his Navajo roots. They are both strong characters, and though Nick is a bit of an adrenaline junkie and Drew enjoys the peace of her library, they balance each other. This was a very enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading Nick's brother Travis' story next.

[Teri-K · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first time I read this I gave it 2 stars. Then I grabbed it from the library and read it again, thinking it was new-to-me, and gave it four stars. What can I say, I'm a mood reader. lol

The characters weren't the most well-rounded I've read and the solution to the mystery was a little bit "HUH?" Still, I quite enjoyed reading it during a stressful time when I needed to have some fun and escape. So I'll give it three stars, for now. Who knows what next time?

[Wminbc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this one up at the local second hand shop for 0.69$ and it was very good. I really enjoyed Nick and his brother...the heroine was very capable and even though the whole virgin thing in the late twenties is a stretch, it seemed to work. The one intimate scene is very discrete and restrained, but the sexual tension was well worth the read.
I haven't read any of the Intrigue series, but I am sure that I would like too...if anyone knows of some of these with a bit higher steam factor, I would love the recommendations.

Otherwise, I will the local shop again and pick up 10 or so since under 10$ worth of books would be a good resource on hand for the upcoming winter!
Cheers!

[Linda Klages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting storyline - will read more from this author.

[Robin Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first line reads: "Wherever Nick Blacksheep went, trouble usually followed."

Good opening line, cuz we all love those bad boys, right? Nick Blacksheep is a detective and veteran of the Afghan war, whose memories and nightmares of the things he saw and went through in Afghanistan have left him scarred, physically and emotionally. Drew Simmons has just gotten her dream librarian job, but while waiting for the position to start she’s also taken a position in the records dept. at the police station to make ends meet. She lost her father – a police officer – at a young age, and lived with her uncle, the former Chief of Police, and she is determined that she will never allow herself to get involved with anyone in law enforcement. Those men are married to their jobs, and she does not want to live the life of a police officer’s wife. But suddenly her life is in danger, someone is after her, and she has no idea who or why. Nick rescues her from the first abduction attempt, and finds himself then assigned to protect her.

The heat between Nick and Drew is obvious, but they are both intent on fighting it. Or rather, Drew is…Nick seems eager to give in to it, but only with his body, not with his heart.

This is a Harlequin, so we all know how it is going to end, but with the constant attempts on both Drew and Nick’s lives, it’s a thrilling ride.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Blacksheep is a detective assigned to protect Drew Simmons. Someone is trying to kill her. Why? Who? They can't find a safe place. Someone know every place they stay at. This is an exciting mystery. Nick has a lot of baggage from the military he is still dealing with so he wants no relationships. Drew knows Nick only does 1 night stands so she has to guard her heart.
I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it.

May 15, 2021 Re-read
Every bit as good as when I read it in 2016!

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Long Mountain Heroes

[Cherisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Harlequin Intrigue title: ex-Marine cop ordered to guard temp city worker (wanted to be librarian but no job).

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a quick romance read, very enjoyable. I like Aimee Thurlo's native american characters, especially the elders. Lots of action in this, too.

[Donna Chaplin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book. Hoping for one about Travis.

Enjoyed the book. Hoping for one about Travis. Made me keep turning the page. Really enjoy her books. Keep up the good work.

[Maggie Shanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A librarian with a danger problem meets a cop with an attitude problem and wow, their mysterious cases are intertwined!

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Long Mountain Heroes