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Sweetwater Ranch #5

The Deputy's Redemption

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The woman fleeing a cold-blooded killer is no stranger to Deputy Colt McKinnon. Fourteen years ago, Elise Nichols was the love of his life. Now she's back in Sweetwater Springs—to be the star witness in an upcoming murder trial that could tear the Texas lawman's family apart.

With her explosive revelations certain to rock the town, Elise didn't expect to be welcomed home with open arms. Certainly not by the cowboy with the badge who once meant everything to her. But after being run off the road and shot at, she has no choice but to trust him. Even more dangerous is the desire that's reigniting, making Elise yearn for something she may not live to see.

Paperback

First published February 17, 2015

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About the author

Delores Fossen

717 books823 followers
Thank you for finding me on Goodreads!

Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:

I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.

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5 stars
145 (47%)
4 stars
101 (32%)
3 stars
49 (15%)
2 stars
8 (2%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
4,860 reviews131 followers
May 1, 2015
Very good story that had me hooked from the beginning. Elise has come back to Sweetwater Springs for two reasons. First, to renovate the ranch she inherited and start to raise cutting horses. And second, as the witness in the upcoming murder trial of Jewell McKinnon. She wasn't expecting a welcoming committee, but neither was she expecting to be run off the road and shot at.

Colt knew that Elise was back in town, but wasn't looking forward to seeing her again. They had been friends as kids and sweethearts as teens, but she couldn't wait to leave town for the city. Now she's back with evidence that could clear his mother of murder charges, but put his father in jail instead. Finding her running for her life puts him front and center to protect her.

Colt and Elise's first meeting was pretty rocky. Elise was convinced that he was the one who had been trying to kill her, and Colt was sure that Elise was setting him and his family up for trouble about the trial. It quickly became obvious that they were both wrong. Colt is determined to keep her safe while at the same time both try to resist the attraction that has flared up between them again.

I loved seeing the relationship that built between them. It started with mutual distrust, but an attraction that they couldn't deny. Both of them knew that giving in to it would be a very bad idea, but with Colt working to protect her it was only a matter of time. Once they got past the initial wariness, the heat between them continued to build. Colt knows that he shouldn't get involved with Elise because of her upcoming part in the trial, but his heart tells him that he has no choice. Elise is sure that whatever memories are locked inside her head will make it impossible for them to be together. I loved how the building trust between them made it easier for them to work together to find out who was targeting them. I also liked seeing that even Colt's family members made keeping her safe one of their priorities, even though she may be working against their father.

The suspense and action in the book were fantastic. There were multiple possibilities as to who was trying to have Elise killed and why, and each one had just as good a motive as the next. From the first attack on Elise to the final confrontation it was impossible to decide who had the better chance. There was the man who had been renting her property and his unhappiness about the way she ended his tenancy. There was also the woman and her brother who were angry at Elise because of the results of the background investigation she did on them. And there was also the fact that she was going to testify in a controversial murder trial. I really liked the way that Elise insisted on being involved in all aspects of the investigation and wouldn't just stay back where it was safe.

I liked the fact that each book in the series can stand alone, with its individual mystery solved by the end. I also liked that each one adds to the series mystery of who is actually responsible for the death of the missing man. I loved how each book has some new bit of information come out, building on each new book. By the end of this book I had a suspect in mind for the murder and I'm looking forward to seeing if I'm right.
Profile Image for Jonel.
1,717 reviews311 followers
April 4, 2016
This novel had me on pins and needles throughout. Fossen combines second chance romance, suspense, and action in an all-out fight to find the culprit before it’s too late. The many threads of intrigue and controversy combine into a myriad of possibilities, leaving readers to unravel the mystery while being caught up in the intense budding romance. I love how the overarching theme of the series winds its way through this story while intertwining with the intense theme of this novel itself.

Well developed, in-depth characters give a sense of 3-dimensionality to the story. The fact that they can be so real while fighting for their lives and livelihoods was enchanting. Fossen alludes to previous events in the series while also developing her main characters completely in the present. These characters became so real for me that I felt as if I actually knew them.

Fossen has created an action packed, very lifelike story to carry her Sweetwater series forward. I devoured it in a single sitting and still can’t stop thinking about it.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donna.
855 reviews44 followers
March 15, 2015
The Deputy’s Redemption is the fifth book in the Sweetwater Ranch series. Each book has a standalone story and a continuing story of who killed Mrs McKinnon’s lover. In The Deputy’s Redemption we have Colt and Elise’s story. Elise is back in town, 14 years later and is a key witness for the defense of Colt’s mother in the trial. Colt is a local Deputy and the story opens with him finding Elise running for her life in a snow storm. She thinks he is trying to kill her. However she soon changes her mind and they start fighting their attraction for each other. I had several favorite lines and scenes in this book. One of them is after their kiss she says it won’t happen again. “It’ll happen again” he argued. Colt and Elise have great chemistry.
Colt tries to protect Elise as someone is trying to kill her. There are plenty of suspects to keep you guessing and the suspense of who killed McKinnon’s lover is escalating.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
Profile Image for Brooke Blogs.
683 reviews204 followers
September 13, 2018
The Deputy's Redemption by Delores Fossen had lots of suspense, several suspects to keep me guessing, and enough heat and tension to light up the pages. This was the first book I've read from Delores and it definitely won't be the last!

I checked this book out of the public library to read. :)
2,326 reviews38 followers
February 17, 2015

4 stars

The suspense was good. Lots of suspects want Elise Nichols dead. romance was good, one love scene. Lots of action. Overall I want the main story answered.

This is the fifth Sweetwater Ranch book. They are all have to do with a mystery of who committed a murder years ago. The Prime suspect is Mrs. McKinnon. She has returned to face charges. The other suspect is Mr. McKinnon. The children are all in law enforcement and taken sides. The three boys side with their father and Mrs. McKinnon took her twin daughters to raise. So they and their step brothers believe she is innocent.

Elise has moved back to Sweetwater. She has come forward as a witness placing Mr. McKinnon at scene of the murder when she was nine. She was good friends with Colt but moved away from town when she was eighteen.

Colt McKinnon is a deputy in Sweetwater. He believes his father is innocent, but not his mother. Colt sees Elise running in the middle of the forest. Elise believes Colt is trying to kill her.

I really want to find out who the murder was. I missed reading the last two books in this series and I want to catch up and read them.

I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of The Deputy's Redemption.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,227 reviews50 followers
January 22, 2015
The suspense of wondering what was going to happen next. The mystery of who was after Elise will keep the readers on their toes. Overall I found this book fantastic. I loved watching the chemistry between Elise and Colt. I loved that there was the dual point of view. Now I've never read any of the previous books and at no point felt like anything was missing. So this for sure can be read as a stand alone but with how fantastic this book turned out to be I'll be sure to check out this previous books!
Profile Image for John Domenichini.
31 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2016
I read this so I can know what an all-out romance novel is like. It's probably mostly a matter of taste. l can suspend my disbelief in some genres relatively easily, but I couldn't do it here. There are a number of bad people, especially hired goons, behaving very crazy, heading straight into death, and generally acting very unlike normal people. And yet, I might be able to accept such behavior in an Ian Fleming book. So, basically my response is: it's not you, it's me.
Profile Image for Judio.
100 reviews
couldn-t-finish
July 4, 2015
Huff! No stars given because it deserves none. I couldn't finish this, mainly because of the plethora of huffs and the really shallow writing.
618 reviews
April 13, 2018
Colt McKinnon is a deputy who's mother is arrested for killing her lover. Elise Nichols was the love of Colt's life, but she left to go the city. She recently remembered that she saw Colt's father at the cabin the day of the murder, implicating him. His father has no memory as he was drunk and had a black out. There are many people not happy that Elise is back and is planning to testify. Someone tries to kill her and Colt ends up rescuing her. The fireworks heat up from there. The story is decent and the pacing is good.
1,323 reviews23 followers
December 6, 2018
One of my favorite books to read are the Harlequin books. This one was an Intrigue and I loved it. This author I had not read her work before and she is so good. I was really drawn into the story and loved how easy it flowed. I will be reading more of Delores work and she hit this one out into center field!
1,516 reviews15 followers
November 15, 2019
This book is an exciting contemporary mystery with romance; there’s guns blazing and fists flying; and, long ago feelings surface to keep things interesting. Who is doing the shooting; who is buried out by the barn; and, who is spraying graffiti? There isn’t a boring page in the book. I loved Colt, admired Elise and appreciated a couple dobermans. It’s a thrilling read.
167 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2024
Very good book in a series. Follow Deputy Colt McKinnon and Elise Nichols as they try to stay alive. She was supposed to be a star witness in his mother's trial for murder. Now she is back and in danger. Who is trying to kill her and will he be able to keep her alive. Also in the meantime, what will she remember when she is hypnotized to try and remember more. You will enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Angela Carter.
395 reviews13 followers
June 29, 2019
Colt is the type of deputy that's always in work mode. When he sees someone running in the woods only to discover that it's his ex Elise and she's in danger. He naturally sets out to protect her and mercy does she need protecting. This story is non stop action with a bit of romance.
224 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2024
Survival

It seemed this story jumped from trying to guess who was trying to Elise. When you think you figure it out. You’re probably wrong. Loved story line and characters. A must read
687 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2017
Interesting - enjoying the series and will read more from this author & series.
Profile Image for Anne.
204 reviews11 followers
February 4, 2022
Dang- this one kept me guessing from page one. It was none stop action! I feel bad for the family ranch though.
Shoot outs!!
Profile Image for Tiff.
474 reviews9 followers
October 25, 2022
Gotta read this series now!! Kept me on my toes!
Profile Image for Alima Livzletlivz.
767 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2015
The saga and the thrill at Sweetwater Ranch continue with the fifth book in the series “The Deputy’s Redemption” by Delores Fossen. The series can be read as stand alones, but reading them in sequence is so much more satisfying.

Deputy Colt McKinnon Sweetwater Springs comes face to face with a past that turns out to be a battle against danger and saving his family from death. Saving Elise Nichols in the dead of the night from a killer was not on his menu and neither is the attraction and love he had for all these years flare up and consume with a passion, a love dangerous enough to put his family at risk.

Elise Nichols grew up with the McKinnon family, and now fourteen years later returns to Sweetwater Springs as the star witness in Colt’s mother’s trial. Elise is not immune to the attraction and love she had for Colt all those years ago and having him safe her life only strengthens her love for him. But being the star witness with revelations that can tear apart the McKinnon family, and a killer stuck to her back, she has no hope of building on a desire that she may never live to see.

The McKinnon family gets under your skin, and you can’t but help read the series. Delores keeps the suspense going strong as she weaves a story around each member of the McKinnon family. She does a brilliant job of incorporating sub plots, without losing sight of the primary plot or its key elements. And so true with her writing, Delores doesn’t cut corners creating Colt and Elise, two strong characters, needing each other yet independent, fighting for justice in the face of danger, and courageous enough to accept their feelings in the midst of deathly chaos and follow their hearts.

"The Deputy’s Redemption" is another sizzling story of redemption of love, of forgiveness and acceptance and of a family that supports and protects their own, no matter what. With danger dogging every page, adrenaline coursing through every word, and with love and trust on the line, "The Deputy’s Redemption" is a must read.

Received a copy from Harlequin Intrigue via Net Galley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
February 24, 2015
Wild West meets today's Texas in gun blazing thrill ride, mixed with dysfunctional family, love from the past, and murder trial witness in danger of her life.
Colt and Elise have a history, they grew up in the small town Texas, and they had loved each other 14 years ago, before she left town. Now Elise is back, and bringing more trouble with her than anyone expected. They still feel the attraction, it is instantly fumed up again, and the pull for each other is strong. But the fact that Elise is a witness in a murder trial, where either Colt's mother or father most likely will be convicted of murder, brings tension into the budding relationship. Colt's family is warmly accepting her back, even though Elise only expected trouble from that front. I liked how openhearted they were towards her.
Everything between Colt and Elise happens really fast, it's like 14 years without contact never happened. The passion runs hot, and they aren't able to keep their hands off each other, even though danger seems to only a step away from them, where ever they go.
The action is full blast guns blazing, running non-stop, to stay alive. Every corner seems to bring more people who are after Elise, who are willing to risk anything to get her, dead or alive, making it a true wild west thrill ride.
Intriguing tale, indeed, with fast action and romance, and the story seems to go on into the next installment of the series
~ Four Spoons

http://booksandspoons.weebly.com/book...
Profile Image for Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog).
758 reviews186 followers
May 26, 2016
The Deputy's Redemption by Delores Fossen is the fifth book in her intriguing and must read Sweetwater Ranch series. I have been following this series and there is a background mystery running in all the books in this series apart from the separate mysteries that change per book.

In this book too, I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout. There is so much action, danger, suspense and intense romance happening in the story that I just could not keep the book down until I finished it.

Delores Fossen's writing style is fluid and she expertly builds and executes her mysteries while staying one step ahead at all times. I have come to love her writing and she is an author I will be following and recommend to everyone.

All in all, The Deputy's Redemption by Delores Fossen is another stunning romantic suspense in the must read Sweetwater Ranch series. Strongly recommended to all romantic suspense lovers, I give it 4.5 out of 5. Go read this book as well as the series!

I received the book from the publishers via Netgalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
Read all reviews on Njkinny's World of Books & Stuff
771 reviews8 followers
August 21, 2016
Feelings that were once buried arise again and anything is possible.

This is the fifth installment in the Sweetwater Ranch and this series is still having me guess who actually committed murder. In this story you have Elise who might have seen the murder will she be the one to put a father in jail and have the mother released. Colt and his family are going through a tough time now that their mother’s attorney is trying to pin the murder on their father. Elise could be the key but now someone is trying to kill her but who can it be. Colt is trying to protect Elise but while he is doing that he finds himself kissing her and all those feelings come rushing back. But if they are not careful someone might end up dead. They need to be very careful because it seems that Elise has many enemies and one of them or maybe more than that don’t want for her to talk.

The Deputy’s Redemption was an excellent read that I enjoyed immensely. I can’t believe that after these many books this series is still going strong. Ms. Fossen’s writing is impeccable, it’s flawless and it’s captivating. The characters were well written and I can’t wait for more of the McKinnon’s.

I totally recommend this read!!

Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
Profile Image for Jo .
2,681 reviews71 followers
February 16, 2015
Ok Delores Fossen!! Would you quite teasing us and finally solve the 20 year old murder!! I know we got closer this time. Elise did remember enough to clear one person but had nothing that pointed to the real killer. I do have one person I think might have done it now. Only time will tell if I am right.

Enough of my rant. I did like the story and two main characters. Colt McKinnon and Elise Nichols have a history. When they are thrown together romance rears it head again. Someone is trying to kill Elise and it is not hard to find more than one suspect. Colt is the one protecting her. That means they are together 24 seven. In addition to romance there is a lot of tension and danger throughout the story.

The plot is interesting, the two main characters keep setting off sparks and the story arc for the series is still developing. The Deputy’s Redemption can stand-alone but is much better if you start with book one. All of the books are quick reads so it would not take you long to catch up.

Harlequin published The Deputy’s Redemption by Delores Fossen in 2015.

I received an ARC of The Deputy's Redemption from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Paula Legate.
Author 17 books25 followers
March 5, 2015
This series is really good. The Deputy's Redemption is the 5th book in this series, and some of the questions are still unanswered as the series continues. The story centers around a murder that happened a long time ago. The murder investigation has torn the McKinnon family apart. The sons are siding with their father Roy, and the daughters are siding with the mother Jewel.

In this book Elise had just moved back to town. She has memory's of what happen the night of the murder, and is set to stand trial. Attempts on her life start. the action is very good in this book. The suspense is just as good. As a reader we are giving a big pool of suspects. It kept me guessing who was behind the attacks.

The romance between Elise, and Colt was sweet. The two first noticed each other when they were only nine. He became her Hero way back then, when he would kill spiders for her. It was a pleasure to see that attraction, and friendship grow throughout the story.
I've only read 2 out of the 5 books. So you could read them as standalones. I did, and was not lost. I may go back, and read the others. The two books that I have read, I really enjoyed.
1,112 reviews8 followers
December 20, 2014
I have read most of the Sweetwater Ranch series and really enjoy these characters, especially the brothers. Colt and Elise have known each other since they played together and teased each other as children. Though Elise has been gone for a few years, she has recently returned home to attempt to build up her family's old ranch. Unfortunately, it seems trouble has followed her. With a lawyer pushing her to testify against Colt's father, a former tenant vandalizing her property, and a criminal brother and sister team making threats, Elise has no idea what direction she should look too find the person responsible for the rising attacks on her life and Colt's. In the meantime, the chemistry between Colt and Elise fires back to life and proves to be a potent distraction. The ongoing story of Colt's mother's murder trial continues through this book and becomes even more complicated. I am really interested to see what happens as this storyline continues in the next book.

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for review.
Profile Image for H.A. Fowler.
Author 6 books34 followers
March 1, 2016
I'll confess, I don't think I've read any Harlequin or Silhouette romances, except those in the paranormal category. I've been a total snob that way. But the fact is, people like what they like, and they buy thousands of these category romances every month. I'm trying my hand at expanding my writing repertoire, and these seem to be a great place to tighten up my writing, learn to writer keener conflict, racier suspense and thriller elements, and QUICK rising steam in my stories.

This was the first one I've read so far, and it was pretty good. I'm not crazy about cowboy stories, but the suspense was so bam-bam-BAM, I wasn't at all focused on that. Excellent pacing job -- crammed a lot of nerves into a very short story. Ms. Fossen has a nice writing style, too. She might be writing a book that requires a particular formula, but it doesn't read formulaic at all. It's also a nice introduction to an up-coming series. I learned a lot!
Profile Image for Paula Legate.
Author 17 books25 followers
May 1, 2015
This series is really good. The Deputy's Redemption is the 5th book in this series, and some of the questions are still unanswered as the series continues. The story centers around a murder that happened a long time ago. The murder investigation has torn the McKinnon family apart. The sons are siding with their father Roy, and the daughters are siding with the mother Jewel.

In this book Elise had just moved back to town. She has memory's of what happen the night of the murder, and is set to stand trial. Attempts on her life start. the action is very good in this book. The suspense is just as good. As a reader we are giving a big pool of suspects. It kept me guessing who was behind the attacks.

Profile Image for Bonnie Drummond.
921 reviews19 followers
August 12, 2016
What a great series to read? If you want a really good Cowboy/Police series then you have to read Delores Fossen's series Sweetwater Ranch is for you. This series has got a lot of bad trouble that comes from Females needing to be protected, A Family that has 5 Rigidly Handsome Brothers, and the love from a Father that means a Loy to them and A Mother that left the family and took their twin sisters with her only to come back after years apart with a Stepson and a Murder Charge against her for killing the Sheriff that was the Ex sheriff of Stillwater; and was also her ex lover. I just got done book #5 of the Stillwater Ranch Series ( The Deputy's Redemption by: Delores Fossen can't wait to get the next book.
Profile Image for CoffeeTimeRomance andMore.
2,046 reviews160 followers
July 26, 2015
There is history behind everything Colt and Elise say and do together. A little bickering and a lot of heat provide a nice balance to the non-stop danger they find themselves in. They have a repertoire you only see in old friends who can so easily push each other’s buttons. It adds realism to their story that I find very appealing.

Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews