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Montana Mavericks: What Happened at the Wedding #3
An Officer and a Maverick
The Curious Case of Detective Dreamy
Rust Creek Ramblings
By now, you've all heard about Lani Dalton, everyone's favorite Ace in the Hole bartender. Observed singing and dancing fully clothed in the park fountain on the Fourth of July, she was hauled off to jail dripping wet by dashing detective Russ Campbell. Readers, what would you do if you found yourselves in the strong arms of the law?
Since then, Lani's been reluctant to revisit the Case of the Spiked Wedding Punch. Because helping the arrestingly handsome Russ crack the case could risk breaching family confidentiality—and Lani never breaks a promise! So why does Russ keep showing up at the Ace? We at The Gazette would never kiss and tell, but reports of Lani and Russ's mutual distrust are greatly exaggerated…
Rust Creek Ramblings
By now, you've all heard about Lani Dalton, everyone's favorite Ace in the Hole bartender. Observed singing and dancing fully clothed in the park fountain on the Fourth of July, she was hauled off to jail dripping wet by dashing detective Russ Campbell. Readers, what would you do if you found yourselves in the strong arms of the law?
Since then, Lani's been reluctant to revisit the Case of the Spiked Wedding Punch. Because helping the arrestingly handsome Russ crack the case could risk breaching family confidentiality—and Lani never breaks a promise! So why does Russ keep showing up at the Ace? We at The Gazette would never kiss and tell, but reports of Lani and Russ's mutual distrust are greatly exaggerated…
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 18, 2015
16 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Southwick
445 books50 followersA four time National Readers Choice award finalist, Teresa Southwick is the author of more than 65 romance novels. She's also been a finalist for Romance Writers of America's prestigious Rita Award and a winner of Romantic Times Book Reviews Magazine's Reviewer's Choice award for best Silhouette Romance.
Teresa grew up in Southern California, one of six children--four of them boys. That gave her a lot of experience with the male point of view and has served her well in her writing career. Living in Las Vegas which she considers just a little east of her childhood stomping grounds, she loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at www.teresasouthwick.com.
Teresa grew up in Southern California, one of six children--four of them boys. That gave her a lot of experience with the male point of view and has served her well in her writing career. Living in Las Vegas which she considers just a little east of her childhood stomping grounds, she loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at www.teresasouthwick.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 12, 2015
Very good book, one that was funny, frustrating and emotional. Lani has had her eye on Russ for a couple months, ever since he started helping out the town sheriff when he was shorthanded. But he never seemed to pay her any attention - until the Fourth of July and the big wedding reception in the park.
Lani is generally pretty straightforward, and not one to break the rules. The night of the wedding reception, after having some of the punch, she found herself a little the worse for wear. Russ had just come to her aid, when they both noticed two of her brothers getting into a fracas with another man. Lani has inside knowledge on her brother that tells her getting in trouble with the law would not be a good thing for him, so she goes to work distracting Russ. Fueled by the punch, her antics are pretty funny, especially when she manages to get both herself and Russ locked inside one of the town's jail cells. There she discovers that Russ isn't as indifferent as she thought.
Russ had returned to Montana after several years in Denver. He left Denver with his trust in other people badly damaged, after discovering the his partner was on the take and that his fellow officers didn't appreciate him turning in one of their own. On top of that, his fiancee didn't stick around to support him. He's drawn to Lani, but really doesn't want to be, especially since he can see that she is hiding something from him.
When the sheriff asks Russ to investigate the problem with the spiked punch, he also suggests that Russ ask Lani to help, since she knows everyone. This enforced togetherness has the intensity of their attraction heating up, but also emphasizes their obstacles. First, neither was really looking for a relationship. Russ because of the earlier mentioned failed relationship, and Lani because she'd recently had her heart stomped on by a guy who was just using her. Second, Russ's past makes it very hard for him to trust Lani fully. They have moments when they are fully in sync and everything is looking wonderful, and then something happens to mess it all up. I loved seeing things progress to where Russ finally opened up to Lani about what had happened to him, but when her family loyalty keeps her from returning that trust, things go bad in a hurry. It was hard to see the pain that both of them were in thanks to their rift, and I kept hoping they would find a way through it.
One of the strongest themes in the book is the love and loyalty found among family and friends. There were some fun scenes involving Sunday dinners with both families and the dynamics found among the various members. I thought it was great to see how well they fit in with each other's family. Lani's niece's comments were especially fun. There was also tremendous support shown for Russ by his family. I particularly enjoyed seeing the way that Lani's brothers Anderson and Travis teased her, but were there for backup when they felt she needed their support. I especially loved the way that Anderson went to Russ, when he discovered what had caused the trouble in the first place. One of the best scenes in the book is at the end, when it seems everyone has something to say about Russ. I loved how that turned out.
The mystery of the spiked punch is ongoing. Knowing that such a thing has happened has put most of the town on edge, wondering if it could happen again. Russ and the sheriff are frustrated by their inability to find out who did it. I'm looking forward to seeing how it progresses through the rest of the series.
Lani is generally pretty straightforward, and not one to break the rules. The night of the wedding reception, after having some of the punch, she found herself a little the worse for wear. Russ had just come to her aid, when they both noticed two of her brothers getting into a fracas with another man. Lani has inside knowledge on her brother that tells her getting in trouble with the law would not be a good thing for him, so she goes to work distracting Russ. Fueled by the punch, her antics are pretty funny, especially when she manages to get both herself and Russ locked inside one of the town's jail cells. There she discovers that Russ isn't as indifferent as she thought.
Russ had returned to Montana after several years in Denver. He left Denver with his trust in other people badly damaged, after discovering the his partner was on the take and that his fellow officers didn't appreciate him turning in one of their own. On top of that, his fiancee didn't stick around to support him. He's drawn to Lani, but really doesn't want to be, especially since he can see that she is hiding something from him.
When the sheriff asks Russ to investigate the problem with the spiked punch, he also suggests that Russ ask Lani to help, since she knows everyone. This enforced togetherness has the intensity of their attraction heating up, but also emphasizes their obstacles. First, neither was really looking for a relationship. Russ because of the earlier mentioned failed relationship, and Lani because she'd recently had her heart stomped on by a guy who was just using her. Second, Russ's past makes it very hard for him to trust Lani fully. They have moments when they are fully in sync and everything is looking wonderful, and then something happens to mess it all up. I loved seeing things progress to where Russ finally opened up to Lani about what had happened to him, but when her family loyalty keeps her from returning that trust, things go bad in a hurry. It was hard to see the pain that both of them were in thanks to their rift, and I kept hoping they would find a way through it.
One of the strongest themes in the book is the love and loyalty found among family and friends. There were some fun scenes involving Sunday dinners with both families and the dynamics found among the various members. I thought it was great to see how well they fit in with each other's family. Lani's niece's comments were especially fun. There was also tremendous support shown for Russ by his family. I particularly enjoyed seeing the way that Lani's brothers Anderson and Travis teased her, but were there for backup when they felt she needed their support. I especially loved the way that Anderson went to Russ, when he discovered what had caused the trouble in the first place. One of the best scenes in the book is at the end, when it seems everyone has something to say about Russ. I loved how that turned out.
The mystery of the spiked punch is ongoing. Knowing that such a thing has happened has put most of the town on edge, wondering if it could happen again. Russ and the sheriff are frustrated by their inability to find out who did it. I'm looking forward to seeing how it progresses through the rest of the series.
November 11, 2018
Eh, does what it says on the tin. Quick and cute romance\western story. Wanted the literary equivalent of potato chips and got it. Characters were interesting enough, and it had some unexpected turns. Major plot points left open ended, which was annoying, but may be because it's probably first of a series. Not one I would re-read, but good enough that Is read another by the same author.
June 10, 2018
Loved this series!
July 1, 2019
Spiked punch
This is a fun and interesting story with many twists and turns. The characters were complex and likeable. Fun story.
This is a fun and interesting story with many twists and turns. The characters were complex and likeable. Fun story.
August 24, 2015
This story has me chuckling from the beginning, I really enjoyed the authors' humorous way to write the story.
Lani and Russ both haven't been lucky in love, and are avoiding a relationship. The attraction is there, but Russ had gone to lengths to avoid doing anything about it.
Until the night of the wedding, when Lani does everything she can to get arrested, to save her brother, with some interesting results.
That wedding reception has surprising effects on a lot of the town folks. The punch at the reception was spiked, and people were acting out of character.
The sheriff asks Russ to help to solve the case of spiked punch, and says Loni is the best person to help him.
To be able to do so, they start to pretend to be dating, but that pretense seems awfully real...
I loved the family loyalty, and the close relationship the siblings have. The way Loni's dad, the lawyer, interrogate Loni, was pure entertainment.
Russ and Loni had their hands full, with their jobs, the investigation, and with each other. The connection between them was believable, and the talk of the town. They work on their issues, slowly learn to trust each other, and find a way to communicate with each other. They are fun, adorably sweet, and passionate.
The town folks are not shy at all to get involved in each others business, in any matter. And everyone has their opinion about the spiked punch nearly everyone drank.
Humorous, warm, and delightful story! I enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the next installation in the series, maybe we finally find out, who made the whole town to act so crazy
~ Four Spoons
Lani and Russ both haven't been lucky in love, and are avoiding a relationship. The attraction is there, but Russ had gone to lengths to avoid doing anything about it.
Until the night of the wedding, when Lani does everything she can to get arrested, to save her brother, with some interesting results.
That wedding reception has surprising effects on a lot of the town folks. The punch at the reception was spiked, and people were acting out of character.
The sheriff asks Russ to help to solve the case of spiked punch, and says Loni is the best person to help him.
To be able to do so, they start to pretend to be dating, but that pretense seems awfully real...
I loved the family loyalty, and the close relationship the siblings have. The way Loni's dad, the lawyer, interrogate Loni, was pure entertainment.
Russ and Loni had their hands full, with their jobs, the investigation, and with each other. The connection between them was believable, and the talk of the town. They work on their issues, slowly learn to trust each other, and find a way to communicate with each other. They are fun, adorably sweet, and passionate.
The town folks are not shy at all to get involved in each others business, in any matter. And everyone has their opinion about the spiked punch nearly everyone drank.
Humorous, warm, and delightful story! I enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the next installation in the series, maybe we finally find out, who made the whole town to act so crazy
~ Four Spoons
August 18, 2015
This is the third book to the series and first I have read. I have enjoyed it and want to go back and read the books I have missed.
Lani Dalton was feeling good. She saw her brothers throwing a fist and The detective Russ Campbell heading to go arrest Anderson. Lani decided to distract him so she got in the fountain and started to spray him with water and staying out his reach till she fell and took him down too.
Lani works on her family ranch and part time at the local bar. She was only drinking the punch at the wedding in the park on the fourth of July. She has had a bad relationship and is weary but not that night.
Russ Campbell has come back to Montana and is a police detective in a neighboring area. He helps out some in Rust Creek Falls when needed. He has a problem trusting women. He knows Lani is keeping some secrets about that night she locked him in the jail.
Russ has been asked to work more in Rust Creek Falls to find out who wanted the town drunk. He has also been asked to work with Lani because people will talk to her and she knows everyone in town.
There is a couple of love scene and the first one is right at front of the story. Lots of drama, a community of characters that are back from last year about rebuilding the town after the flood.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of An Officer and a Maverick.
August 17, 2015
Lani has a secret that isn't hers to tell so when she managed to get herself arrested by by Russ she wasn't about to tell her reasoning why. She'd rather get herself in trouble then betray her brothers trust. Meanwhile Officer Russ is trying to investigate a case that was spread town wide when a event managed to get people drunk enough to things they wouldn't. Not taking the chance that something like this can happen again, this time no one was hurt but who knows what would happen next time? Problem is the one person who everyone trust enough and can help him is the lovely Lani and that one night of passion they had can make things a bit complicated.
Overall I thought this was a enjoyable, short story. I wish there was more but if your pressed for time and need a great little romance to keep things entertaining for a bit then this book would be for you. I loved how loyal Lani was risking her own happiness for another just not to betray a families trust. I'm very curious bout her brother though and want to know more about him and his story of what is going on. Maybe even a bit of knowing more in depth novella on Russ's story of what happened before he ended up where he is now.
Overall I thought this was a enjoyable, short story. I wish there was more but if your pressed for time and need a great little romance to keep things entertaining for a bit then this book would be for you. I loved how loyal Lani was risking her own happiness for another just not to betray a families trust. I'm very curious bout her brother though and want to know more about him and his story of what is going on. Maybe even a bit of knowing more in depth novella on Russ's story of what happened before he ended up where he is now.
October 1, 2015
"An Officer and a Maverick" by Teresa Southwick is part of the Maverick series 'What happened at the wedding.' Someone's poisoned the waterhole....well, more like the punch bowl at the wedding. People in town are acting strange and Lani Dalton is included. Russ Campbell is working security that night and when a fight breaks out which includes Lani's brother Anderson she does her best to distract the law. So much so that she gets herself arrested, thrown in jail, locks herself and Russ in the jail cell then hides the key, then they both get hot and heavy while having sex in the cell, before the sheriff comes back to release them. This is all in the beginning of the book! Much more to this story. If you haven't read any of the other books in this series I highly recommend them, but you will not need to read them in order to follow the story.
Read
January 12, 2016"It’s all about loyalty and trust for the disillusioned couple in this Mavericks of Montana tale. The quirky small town provides Big Sky realistic surroundings, the spiked wedding punch case provides entertainment and the back-and-forth banter enlivens" (RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: Montana Mavericks: What Happened at the Wedding
Miniseries: Montana Mavericks: What Happened at the Wedding
September 22, 2015
3 1/2 stars
November 9, 2015
great, loved the chemistry between lani and russ
September 2, 2016
SE2425 Sep15 Who spiked the wedding punch? Lani Dalton pulls detective Russ Campbell into the town fountain to help her brother, Anderson. The hunt is on to find who spiked the punch.
January 20, 2017
I enjoyed this funny story of two seemingly different people falling in love. The heroine is the kind of girl I'd want for a friend. The book provides good escape after a trying day.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews