Heavy Artillery Husband

Colby Agency: Family Secrets #2

by Debra Webb, Regan Black

Husband and wife reunite in USA TODAY bestselling authors Debra Webb & Regan Black's sizzling Colby Family Secrets series!

When someone tries to kill security expert Sophia Leone on a dark road, she's rescued by her husband—a US army general she thought died a year ago. Suddenly, Frank Leone is back, very much alive, and insisting that someone is trying to kill Sophia. Convicted of treason before his supposed death, Frank claims a shadow group is behind everything. Now Sophia must put her life in the hands of the handsome desperado she married for better or worse thirty years ago…the man she never stopped loving.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Harlequin, Romance, Crime

240 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 15, 2016

About the author

DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 180 novels, including reader favorites the Finley O'Sullivan and Devlin & Falco series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel.

With more than ten million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.

Reviews

[Books and Spoons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story, for so many reasons. First of all, such a different kind of setup from most books. They have a thirty year marriage behind them, and she thought he was dead. And not only dead, but killed himself after being convicted of treason. And now he's back, saying she and their daughter are in danger.
The action, hunt for the true criminals, to undercover the secrets, betrayals, the criminal web is non stop. The suspense is high, everyone is connected, and connected to the high level in the military. It left me breathless, hanging on to each word as it spelled out. The speed of the tale, the constant new recoveries of leads, and the vigilant hunt for the truth and justice, just loved it.

And then, the relationship, romance. There's no question of the chemistry, or connection, knowing each other, after thirty years together. And it is all still there, like it was just last week when they departed.
But there's also so much anger, sadness, fear, trust issues, that they have to build the foundation again, to be able to find a common ground and move on. And after everything that has happened, is that even possible?!
I enjoyed reading about a 'grown up' romance, when people in romance novels are finally older, or close to my age, it is a rare treat these days. They played so well with each other, as a team, knowing each other and even sensing their thoughts and jitters. They are truly equal with each other, they are both smart, trained, and capable. And when you add these two into the setup they were in, I would recommend not to start reading the story very late at night, if you have an early wake up call the next day..
Endless instability, menace, and peril, crimes committed one can barely fathom, and only days to solve the twisted mystery, to avoid even bigger downfall, and to get justice to those who deserve it, and the truth to all who are willing to listen. The suspense and intrigue will leave you gasping, and looking forward for more. And the romance, the bittersweet reunion, the love you vowed that would never die, is there really a second chance, after everything is said and done?
~ Five Spoons!

[Linda Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a five hour read this book had just a little bit of everything in it and kept you wondering and guessing. I enjoyed all the aspects of this book and I found it very enjoyable.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy Artillery Husband is a book in the Colby Agency: Family Secrets series by writing team Debra Webb and Regan Black. I enjoyed this book so much that I started researching other books that this author combo had created. This was my first book by either these authors and my first book in the series. The book stood alone. However it definitely made me want to go back and read the story about their daughter and quite frankly I’m already looking for books by both of these authors.

This writing team created one of the best female leads I have read in quite some time. There is a fine line when creating a strong female. You have to balance her strength without her going off and making flat out stupid decisions to prove she is strong and stubborn. I absolutely did not see this happen in this book.

The book was also different in that the main couple had been married for several years. She thought he was dead. And not just dead but that he had killed himself after being a traitor to his country. They had both worked for the government. The emotions in the book where as intense as the suspense; and trust me that's saying a lot. The book also delved into the family dynamics.

I don't want to ruin any of the book for you but one of my absolute favorite scenes whether you think it's realistic or not, was when he gets caught in the hotel hallway and she comes to his rescue.
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.

[Sparkymom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read any of the Colby family books, but that did not hinder my enjoyment of this story. It features Frank and Sophia who have been married for many years. Their daughter is now on the verge of her own marriage. The only problem is that Sophia was led to believe that Frank killed himself over a year ago after his estrangement and conviction of treason. Now Sophia has been attacked and Frank has reappeared out of the blue. Sophia should be happy her is alive, but she discovers she is more angry than anything. In order to prove his innocence and put an end to his hiding, Frank has no choice but to work together with Sophia. They are both in danger, and the emotional danger may be even greater than the physical.

I liked both Frank and Sophia. A spunky fighter attitude made Sophia a force to be reckoned with, and Frank's sacrifices for his family's safety showed how much he loved them. The story kept the action moving and the suspense at a premium. I appreciated reading a story about a slightly more mature couple.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

[Tessa -Poised Pen Productions · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEAVY ARTILLERY HUSBAND (Colby Agency: Family Secrets)
By: Debra Webb, Regan Black
Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue
240 pages
On a dark road and all alone, someone tries to kill security expert Sophie Leone- until her husband comes to the rescue...the only problem is… her husband died over a year ago.
This begins another thrilling, fast-paced, action- packed, page turner of a story from the dynamic-duo writing team of Debra Webb and Regan Black. I loved this. It was fun, suspenseful, and steamy with a swoon worthy romance. It you have never read books by these two authors you are missing out. I highly recommend this book.

[Anna McFadden · Rating 3 out of 5]

after receiving an anonymous note telling her that her and her daughter lives were in danger, Security Expert Sophia Leone was on her way to met the informant when she was ran of the road down deep embankment that was ment to kill her only to her husband US Army General Frank Leone to rescue her. the only problem with that us that Frank died over a year ago. Sophia saw the body. Frank was convicted of treason that he claims is behind everything, but in order to prove it he knows he needs his wives help if only Sophie can get over his lies and the hurt he cause for the live of his country. Can Sophie get over the hurt and not only help Frank clear his name but take back the man she never stop loving and put their family back together

[Susan Macbean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debra never fails to amaze with her writing and the senerios she puts her characters in awesome. As I was reading this book I could not put it down. Thethings taht happen to this couple are awesome and the way they work together is great. And since I am still off I can go thorough a book in one day

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these book it had a little bit of everything in it romance and action. I look forward to reading more by these two authors.

[Linda Klages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists & turns but finally a happy ending. Easy to read - recommend it and others in series.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

HI #1632 = 4+ stars

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun one! Unique plot that grabbed right from the get-go. Very enjoyable.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my fav stories

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read - quick and very satisfying.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Colby Agency

Love all the Colby Agency Books. I’ve read everyone. Good storyline. Keeps you guessing. I always that there are recurring characters.

[Books and Spoons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited to tell you my thoughts about this book, that I think I need to take a deep breath first.
I love this story, for so many reasons. First of all, such a different kind of setup from most books. They have a thirty year marriage behind them, and she thought he was dead. And not only dead, but killed himself after being convicted of treason. And now he's back, saying she and their daughter are in danger.
The action, hunt for the true criminals, to undercover the secrets, betrayals, the criminal web is non stop. The suspense is high, everyone is connected, and connected to the high level in the military. It left me breathless, hanging on to each word as it spelled out. The speed of the tale, the constant new recoveries of leads, and the vigilant hunt for the truth and justice, just loved it.

And then, the relationship, romance. There's no question of the chemistry, or connection, knowing each other, after thirty years together. And it is all still there, like it was just last week when they departed.
But there's also so much anger, sadness, fear, trust issues, that they have to build the foundation again, to be able to find a common ground and move on. And after everything that has happened, is that even possible?!
I enjoyed reading about a 'grown up' romance, when people in romance novels are finally older, or close to my age, it is a rare treat these days. They played so well with each other, as a team, knowing each other and even sensing their thoughts and jitters. They are truly equal with each other, they are both smart, trained, and capable. And when you add these two into the setup they were in, I would recommend not to start reading the story very late at night, if you have an early wake up call the next day..
Endless instability, menace, and peril, crimes committed one can barely fathom, and only days to solve the twisted mystery, to avoid even bigger downfall, and to get justice to those who deserve it, and the truth to all who are willing to listen. The suspense and intrigue will leave you gasping, and looking forward for more. And the romance, the bittersweet reunion, the love you vowed that would never die, is there really a second chance, after everything is said and done?
~ Five Spoons!

[John W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debra Webb and Regan Black’s readers will not be disappointed with the authors’ new release HEAVY ARTILLERY HUSBAND. The return of Colby Agency adventures delivers mystery, romance, and weaves the importance of family relationships into Webb and Black’s action packed storyline. Readers meet the female protagonists, Sophia Leone mother of Frankie Leone, providing her backstory including why she has been at odds with her daughter for the last year and details of her husband’s fall from grace. Webb and Black surprise their readers with details of unfolding events affecting the Leone family. The authors’ grab their readers interest as they bring back from the dead their male protagonist, Frank Leone. Frank returns just in time to save Sophia’s life.

The storyline’s pace and intrigue jump into overdrive. Webb and Black masterfully provide readers an inside look to at what Sophia and Frank have been through during the time Frank was convicted of treason and supposedly took his life. The authors made the effort to share Sophia and Frank’s feeling for each other with their readers. They continue to build suspense around who benefited from framing Frank and who is trying to kill Sophia and their daughter Frankie.

Webb and Black introduce subplots and create both good and bad support characters providing backstories as they enter the storyline. The authors keep their storyline moving forward adding twists and turns and action as readers turn the pages to find out what happens next. The authors give readers believable characters that bring the story to life. Readers become part of the investigation as the story uncovers secrets, betrayals, criminal activity at the highest levels of the military and corrupt officials. Webb and Black build suspense and intensity on every level keeping readers on edge as HEAVY ARTILLERY HUSBAND delve into family relationships, romance, trust issues, and justice. Readers are holding their breath as the authors deliver their surprise ending.

[John W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debra Webb and Regan Black’s readers will not be disappointed with the authors’ new release HEAVY ARTILLERY HUSBAND. The return of Colby Agency adventures delivers mystery, romance, and weaves the importance of family relationships into Webb and Black’s action packed storyline. Readers meet the female protagonists, Sophia Leone mother of Frankie Leone, providing her backstory including why she has been at odds with her daughter for the last year and details of her husband’s fall from grace. Webb and Black surprise their readers with details of unfolding events affecting the Leone family. The authors’ grab their readers interest as they bring back from the dead their male protagonist, Frank Leone. Frank returns just in time to save Sophia’s life.

The storyline’s pace and intrigue jump into overdrive. Webb and Black masterfully provide readers an inside look to at what Sophia and Frank have been through during the time Frank was convicted of treason and supposedly took his life. The authors made the effort to share Sophia and Frank’s feeling for each other with their readers. They continue to build suspense around who benefited from framing Frank and who is trying to kill Sophia and their daughter Frankie.

Webb and Black introduce subplots and create both good and bad support characters providing backstories as they enter the storyline. The authors keep their storyline moving forward adding twists and turns and action as readers turn the pages to find out what happens next. The authors give readers believable characters that bring the story to life. Readers become part of the investigation as the story uncovers secrets, betrayals, criminal activity at the highest levels of the military and corrupt officials. Webb and Black build suspense and intensity on every level keeping readers on edge as HEAVY ARTILLERY HUSBAND delve into family relationships, romance, trust issues, and justice. Readers are holding their breath as the authors deliver their surprise ending.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy for an unbiased opinion.
This is the second book in the series, Colby Family: Family Secrets, and is the story of Sophia and Frank Leone. They had been married for 30 years when Sophia learned that her husband had killed himself after being wrongfully convicted of being a traitor. Just from that statement alone, I knew this book was going to be fantastic.
This happened a year ago, and took place in the first book in the series, Gunning for the Groom. But don’t worry if you have not read it because these authors do such a fantastic job of explaining the background, you will not feel as if you missed a thing.
When someone tries to kill Sophia, a security agent, her husband Frank, a U.S. army general, comes to her rescue. And, thus, the excitement begins. This book is non-stop action as the couple try to outrun their enemies while trying to figure out who the enemies are.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The main characters in this book are fully developed people with good and bad traits. Sophia is a very independent woman who started her own security company after her husband “died.” In spite of that, she admits that she, very much ,missed him and the support he gave her during their marriage.
Yet, in spite of her great love for Frank, and her relief to find him alive, she is very angry that he left her without letting her know what was going on. She has a very difficult time forgiving him.
Sophia is also extremely smart and intuitive about putting together a puzzle to solve a mystery. In fact, Frank admits that she is better at it than he is.
But most of all, I love that Sophia and Frank are, obviously, older than the average hero and heroine in most romances. Yet, they are still very active!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I want to say that I really enjoyed this book. Because we get to look inside Sophia and Frank Leone thirty-year marriage. Frank Leone, was a General in the Army, we get to see what his mission was, and why he went undercover.

In the meantime, other things come into play such as Frank has been convicted of treason and he committed subside while he was in prison. Debra Webb, and Regan Black are such a great writing team. They take us on the hunt for the true criminals, to undercover the secrets, betrayals, the criminal web that is span. But they don’t stop there the suspense keep you turning the pages to found out who is behind everything or is there some high level ranking personal in the military.

We found out that Frank is not dead but very much alive and fighting to keep his wife and daughter safe from this group that calls themselves Hellfire. You will get to see how these two people work as a team. Even thou there is a lot of question that need to be answers they still have chemistry, and knowing each other, after thirty years of being together. But there is so much anger, sadness, fear, trust issues, that they will have to build the foundation that they had again. Will they be able to pick up the piece of their life together with everything that has happen?

Debra Webb and Regan Black’s readers will not be disappointed with this new release HEAVY ARTILLERY HUSBAND. If you enjoy reading intrigue and suspense with romance, then you have to read this one.

[Melody-rose Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me the mark of a good series is when you care so much about the characters that you have to read the next book. That is why I'm so glad that I read Heavy Artillery Husband from Debra Webb's and Regan Black's Colby Agency series. I loved this book because the hero and heroine were more mature adults. Who says love ends at 29?

Heavy artillery husband answers questions that Gunning for the Groom poses. What happened to General Leone? Where is He? Why did he disappear? Is he really a traitor?

I liked how Misses Webb and Black resolved the complex relationships introduced in the prequel. I got to know the characters, understood how they felt, and cheered them on as the Leone family moved through betrayal. Suspenseful, great characters. I had to give this 5*s!!!!

[Frankie · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like a Heroine who takes a lover weeks/months(?) after the supposedly love of her life dies (even though he really isn't dead but she doesn't know it at the time) and said husband is okay with that because he forgives her for "moving on" with her life, well then by all means pick up this book. For me, it was a pass.... I liked Sophia in the previous book for Gabi & Aiden's story as she came across as a caring, loving and protective mother. In this story, she is a nagging witch to her husband - a husband who has stayed true & loving to her for their entire 30+ year marriage and during their separation in which he tried to protect her. A fact that she seems to constantly forget. Had Sophia not taken a lover and stayed true to her husband, I would have loved the story - especially as this was a mature couple.

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had great suspense, and action. I also loved that it was a second chance romance.

Sophie was on a dark road, when a car hits her, and pushes her off the road. Her husband comes to her rescue, but her husband is dead. Her husband died a year ago. He was on a special mission, and is now working undercover. When he finds out his wife is a target, he will do anything to protect her. Can they work as a team to bring the bad guys down?

This was a fast paced, suspense filled romance.

Sample from chapter 6 - On a surge of need she pressed up on her toes and fused her mouth to his. Her husband, the love of her life and her soul mate, was right where he belonged at last. People didn't get second chances as precious as this one. She wouldn't squander it.

[Toni]

I am old enough that I believe love doesn’t end at 30 and novels with older heroines make me cheer. Heavy Artillery Husband, is one such novel. Webb and Black craft a believable reunited lovers story, and gasp! the lovers are in their 50s. The novel contains all the fast paced suspense and well-developed mystery that are hallmarks of both Webb and Black. The hero and heroine are believable together and their past history makes their story so much richer. The tie backs to the previous book in this mini-series are fun; it is nice to see the mother / daughter relationship back on strong footing. Once again Webb and Black have hit it out of the park. I look forward to their next collaboration.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second book of Colby Agency: Family Secrets we start in Chicago with Sophia there with her friends Victoria and Lucas. The story picks up fast as when Sophia leaves to go back to the hotel she has a note waiting for her. She doesn't want to believe who the note is from because she saw him being buried. She at first doesn't want to do what the notes say but decide to. When she is on the road to go to the meeting she is run off the road into a ditch..The next thing her supposedly dead husband is helping her out of the car. They go on the run trying to take down Hellfire and someone who was supposed to be a friend. There are many roadblocks to get everything taken down but eventually they take down the bad man!

[Jo Ann Reinhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? Debra Webb and Regan Black have done it again with Heavy Artillery Husband.
When Sophia's life is threatened she finds herself being rescued by the man she loved for thirty years, a man she believed to be dead! The man who had dedicated his life to his country but had been brought up on charges of treason!
And this begins the race to clear his name and bring down the ones responsible while keeping his family safe.
This book was fast paced and exciting with an amazing cast of characters that you are introduced to in Gunning For The Groom, the first book in the Colby Agency Family Secrets series.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did not disappoint. It was a fast pace book. Once I started I couldn't put it down. I read it on my lunch hours. I just wish they were longer I didn't want to go back to work. I wanted to find out what happened. Lots of intrigue,suspense and love. The best combination in a good book. I liked that the main characters had history and with everything against them they came through together. I would highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read other Colby Agency books. Debra Webb is a great writer. Keep up the good work.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that from the very start there is something to keep the readers on their toes wondering what's going on. I loved that rather then just letting the big strong man aka her husband do all the work she managed to help out in certain situations. Its countless times that I come across a book were the women leave things up to the man to help them out to take care of things but I liked that for the most part she didn't and did what she had to do in certain situations. I managed to finish this book within a day and I really enjoyed it!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Colby Agency Family Secrets series.

This book tells the story of Sophia finding out that when her life is threatened, she finds herself being rescued by her husband of 30 years that she believed to be dead. Among all of the feelings of hurt, the race to clear his name and stay alive takes precedence. This is another fast paced thriller that you can't put down.

[Harlequin Books]

"Webb and Black’s latest features a more mature couple, which is not only refreshing, but should be a draw to readers" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).

Miniseries: Colby Agency: Family Secrets

[Maureen Hubley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was only a 2 book series but it was great. I new series by this author starts in September.