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Mercy Ridge Lawmen #1
Her Child to Protect
Nothing can stop her
…from saving two lives.
When she arrives at a murder scene, Deputy Della Howell is not pleased to find her recent ex already on the job. She’ll work the case with Sheriff Barrett Logan but will keep the secret she’s certain Barrett isn’t ready for—she’s pregnant with his child. But as the dueling cops investigate, familiar sparks reignite between them…just as they fall prey to a very tenacious killer.
From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
…from saving two lives.
When she arrives at a murder scene, Deputy Della Howell is not pleased to find her recent ex already on the job. She’ll work the case with Sheriff Barrett Logan but will keep the secret she’s certain Barrett isn’t ready for—she’s pregnant with his child. But as the dueling cops investigate, familiar sparks reignite between them…just as they fall prey to a very tenacious killer.
From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2021
165 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Delores Fossen
645 books810 followersThank 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 29, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Her Child to Protect in the first book in the Mercy Ridge Lawmen series. It tells the story of Sheriff Barrett Logan of Mercy Ridge Texas, and Deputy Sheriff Della Howell of Culver Crossing. Della and Barrett received an anonymous text regarding a dead body. They both arrived at the crime scene to the dismay of the other. They have not spoken to each other since Della ended their relationship two months ago. Talk about awkward. To compound the situation, Della has a secret she needs to disclose to Barrett, but she is not sure of how to approach the situation. Their discovery of the body forces them to work together to unravel a complicated mystery where everyone is a suspect and they a target of the killer.
The story featured well developed characters to whom the reader could relate. Barrett has some serious issues from his past, which could have a negative impact on the way he handled the case, I admired his professionalism in this regard. Never once did he allow his issues with the main suspect cloud his judgement.
I Loved Della's portrayal in the story. Smart, dedicated and brave, which made her good at her job. Now that she has some one else other than herself to think about her protective instincts emerged.
I did not buy into their relationship in the initial stages. Instead of chemistry, I felt tension between them, which I could understand given the circumstances. Things changed when Della's secret came to light pushing Barrett's protective nature to the forefront.
The author did an excellent job with the suspense arc. It had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story. The story had a few twists, but the one which surprised me the most involved the connection of the current events had to a cold case and the facts that emerged.
I loved the fact that there were many suspects, which made it difficult to determine who was behind the murder and the attempts on Barrett and Della's lives.
I had a good time with this installment, It was my first time experiencing the author's work and I would definitely read more of her books. Readers who enjoy romantic suspense (heavy on the suspense and light on the romance) featuring well developed characters should pick up a copy of Her Child to Protect,This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The story featured well developed characters to whom the reader could relate. Barrett has some serious issues from his past, which could have a negative impact on the way he handled the case, I admired his professionalism in this regard. Never once did he allow his issues with the main suspect cloud his judgement.
I Loved Della's portrayal in the story. Smart, dedicated and brave, which made her good at her job. Now that she has some one else other than herself to think about her protective instincts emerged.
I did not buy into their relationship in the initial stages. Instead of chemistry, I felt tension between them, which I could understand given the circumstances. Things changed when Della's secret came to light pushing Barrett's protective nature to the forefront.
The author did an excellent job with the suspense arc. It had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story. The story had a few twists, but the one which surprised me the most involved the connection of the current events had to a cold case and the facts that emerged.
I loved the fact that there were many suspects, which made it difficult to determine who was behind the murder and the attempts on Barrett and Della's lives.
I had a good time with this installment, It was my first time experiencing the author's work and I would definitely read more of her books. Readers who enjoy romantic suspense (heavy on the suspense and light on the romance) featuring well developed characters should pick up a copy of Her Child to Protect,This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
May 15, 2021
This first book in a new series by Delores Fossen is thrilling from beginning to end. I have read several books by this author so I expected that this book to be enjoyable and I definitely was not disappointed. When deputy Della Howell approaches a crime scene, she does not expect to run into Sheriff Barrett Logan as they normally work in different towns.
Della and Barrett are former lovers. What is more is that Della is pregnant with his child. Della had been trying to figure out a way to tell Barrett, and also trying discover the role he will spend in their child's life. However, a murder has taken place and Della and Barrett are forced to work together despite their past.
One thing I love about this book is it gives readers the cast of characters in this book, as each of the Logan brothers will have their own stories. In fact, we learn that Barrett had a difficult childhood and was more of a father to his two brothers. Barrett and his brothers suffered a tragic loss two decades previously, and because of this they are estranged from their mother Alice. Alice is trying to repair her relationship with her sons and this proves problematic for Barrett.
The murder scene Barrett and Della are at has more than one clue. One is a huge clue that really forces them to act quickly, especially as it soon becomes clear that Della's life is in jeopardy. It had been two months since Barrett and Della were together and now that she is facing danger Barrett is determined to stay close.
Considering the fact that Della is pregnant, certain questions beg to be answered. How will Barrett feel about the baby? Is there any chance for their relationship to be healed? What dangers will Della face that could threaten her pregnancy?
What a fabulous book! I loved the drama that was going on as well as the tension in just about every scene. Barrett's past and present continued to collide with Della and the news he is unaware of. Knowing that this book is a romance clues the reader in that they will fall for each other, but this book shows the journey and that is what made it such a good read. I am eager to read the next books in this series.
Many thanks to Harlequin Intrigue and to NetGalley for this ARC for review.
Della and Barrett are former lovers. What is more is that Della is pregnant with his child. Della had been trying to figure out a way to tell Barrett, and also trying discover the role he will spend in their child's life. However, a murder has taken place and Della and Barrett are forced to work together despite their past.
One thing I love about this book is it gives readers the cast of characters in this book, as each of the Logan brothers will have their own stories. In fact, we learn that Barrett had a difficult childhood and was more of a father to his two brothers. Barrett and his brothers suffered a tragic loss two decades previously, and because of this they are estranged from their mother Alice. Alice is trying to repair her relationship with her sons and this proves problematic for Barrett.
The murder scene Barrett and Della are at has more than one clue. One is a huge clue that really forces them to act quickly, especially as it soon becomes clear that Della's life is in jeopardy. It had been two months since Barrett and Della were together and now that she is facing danger Barrett is determined to stay close.
Considering the fact that Della is pregnant, certain questions beg to be answered. How will Barrett feel about the baby? Is there any chance for their relationship to be healed? What dangers will Della face that could threaten her pregnancy?
What a fabulous book! I loved the drama that was going on as well as the tension in just about every scene. Barrett's past and present continued to collide with Della and the news he is unaware of. Knowing that this book is a romance clues the reader in that they will fall for each other, but this book shows the journey and that is what made it such a good read. I am eager to read the next books in this series.
Many thanks to Harlequin Intrigue and to NetGalley for this ARC for review.
July 6, 2021
Trigger warning: Shooting, Bombing
Della Howell and Barrett Logan heat up this book with non-stop action and heartfelt romance.
An impulse buy and an impulse read for this lover of pregnancy romantic suspense. And because moi also loves everything Delores Fossen writes, starting with Mommy Under Cover.
This one started right in the middle of the action, with someone's murder; the male protagonist's estranged mother being a prime suspect and the tussle with whose jurisdiction it falls on. Barrett or Della's. And the big reveal of her pregnancy of two months!
This story was so interesting, allow me to just count out the elements. This is the first book I read where the male protagonist practically raised his younger brothers, all of whom are in law enforcement, as is his ex lady love, who is fast friends with his estranged mother.
But there is also so much tragedy and grief in this one. Along with so much action. There's bombings, shootouts, car chases, etc., and not a moment of rest. While Barrett is revealed to be about 35 years old there's no indication of Della's age, not that it matters, seeing that the suspense is tight-knit with not a single guess from the beginning till the end about who the actual suspect might be, until it is revealed.
About pregnancy romantic suspense, what I feel adds to the suspense is when she will tell him about the baby and the drama that usually follows; I always feel that this aspect adds to the element of suspense in itself. And add to it the danger and the constant police procedural feels make these my favourite! You will love it if you like non-stop action and the sweetest of endings.
Della Howell and Barrett Logan heat up this book with non-stop action and heartfelt romance.
An impulse buy and an impulse read for this lover of pregnancy romantic suspense. And because moi also loves everything Delores Fossen writes, starting with Mommy Under Cover.
This one started right in the middle of the action, with someone's murder; the male protagonist's estranged mother being a prime suspect and the tussle with whose jurisdiction it falls on. Barrett or Della's. And the big reveal of her pregnancy of two months!
This story was so interesting, allow me to just count out the elements. This is the first book I read where the male protagonist practically raised his younger brothers, all of whom are in law enforcement, as is his ex lady love, who is fast friends with his estranged mother.
But there is also so much tragedy and grief in this one. Along with so much action. There's bombings, shootouts, car chases, etc., and not a moment of rest. While Barrett is revealed to be about 35 years old there's no indication of Della's age, not that it matters, seeing that the suspense is tight-knit with not a single guess from the beginning till the end about who the actual suspect might be, until it is revealed.
About pregnancy romantic suspense, what I feel adds to the suspense is when she will tell him about the baby and the drama that usually follows; I always feel that this aspect adds to the element of suspense in itself. And add to it the danger and the constant police procedural feels make these my favourite! You will love it if you like non-stop action and the sweetest of endings.
June 4, 2021
Good start to the new series with a second chance romance. Barrett is the sheriff of Mercy Ridge, a small town in Texas. Della is a deputy in Culver Crossing, a neighboring small town. They had a "friends with benefits" arrangement that worked well for them for a long time. Two months earlier, Della ended the relationship as she is ready for marriage and family, and Barrett is adamant he will never marry or have kids of his own. Complicating matters, Della just discovered that she is pregnant with Barrett's baby.
In the opening scene, Barrett received an anonymous text reporting a dead body near the border of the two towns. Shortly after he arrives on the scene, Della arrives, having received an identical text. Neither is particularly happy to see the other, but they'll work the investigation together and try to keep their personal issues out of it. That may be easier said than done. They find one dead body with a knife in his chest at the scene and one injured woman covered in blood. In addition to being the lover to the dead man, the woman also is Barrett's estranged mother. Barrett may have long-standing issues with Alice, but he has difficulty believing her capable of murder.
Barrett and Della's investigation quickly uncovers multiple people with the means and motivation to kill the victim. Could it be a local rancher whose ethics and activities already spawned several investigations? Perhaps it is the "other woman" who refuses to give up the man she loves and loudly blames her rival for his affections? Or maybe the private investigator who is badly in debt and has questionable ties to another suspect? To make things worse, someone seems determined to stop Barrett and Della from investigating - permanently. Multiple attempts on their lives added intensity and kept me glued to the pages. Twists and turns and tangled threads of leads kept me guessing until close to the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter to the end. While the mystery of the killer was resolved, there are ongoing questions about another character that will likely continue through the series.
I enjoyed seeing the progress of the relationship between Barrett and Della. Caught on the horns of a dilemma, Della knows she needs to tell Barrett about the baby, but she doesn't know how he'll take it. Barrett's issues have roots deep in his past. Twenty years earlier, Alice walked out on her three sons and her husband. Barrett's father killed himself, with Barrett finding his body. Though his grandfather moved in to raise the boys, Barrett also felt responsible for them. Though they turned out well, Barrett believes he would be a terrible father. Della didn't want to end her relationship with Barrett, but she saw no other way to achieve the future she wanted. This pregnancy was not her preferred way of doing things, but there was no doubt she wanted this baby no matter how Barrett reacted.
Barrett's reaction impressed me. There were no angry words or accusations, just a little bit of stunned surprise. I liked his acceptance and growing pleasure in his impending fatherhood, with the scene at Della's ultrasound being especially moving. Della's pregnancy brought out a very protective side to Barrett, who tried to balance his protectiveness with respect for her abilities as a cop. The requirements of the case make it difficult for them to address their issues, but it quickly becomes evident that the attraction between them is as strong as ever. While Della knew the depth of her feelings for Barrett, it took him a while to realize his. I loved the ending and seeing him all-in on his new future.
A big part of this book was also the relationship of Alice with her sons, especially Barrett. He understandably feels a great deal of anger and resentment over her actions even twenty years later. It amazed me that he could put those feelings aside and treat her objectively while investigating the murder. He also spent far more time in her company, and I sensed a slight softening in his attitude by the end of the book. It was easy to see that Alice regretted her past actions and did not expect forgiveness. Her efforts at the end demonstrated her love for Barrett and added to his changing feelings for her.
In the opening scene, Barrett received an anonymous text reporting a dead body near the border of the two towns. Shortly after he arrives on the scene, Della arrives, having received an identical text. Neither is particularly happy to see the other, but they'll work the investigation together and try to keep their personal issues out of it. That may be easier said than done. They find one dead body with a knife in his chest at the scene and one injured woman covered in blood. In addition to being the lover to the dead man, the woman also is Barrett's estranged mother. Barrett may have long-standing issues with Alice, but he has difficulty believing her capable of murder.
Barrett and Della's investigation quickly uncovers multiple people with the means and motivation to kill the victim. Could it be a local rancher whose ethics and activities already spawned several investigations? Perhaps it is the "other woman" who refuses to give up the man she loves and loudly blames her rival for his affections? Or maybe the private investigator who is badly in debt and has questionable ties to another suspect? To make things worse, someone seems determined to stop Barrett and Della from investigating - permanently. Multiple attempts on their lives added intensity and kept me glued to the pages. Twists and turns and tangled threads of leads kept me guessing until close to the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter to the end. While the mystery of the killer was resolved, there are ongoing questions about another character that will likely continue through the series.
I enjoyed seeing the progress of the relationship between Barrett and Della. Caught on the horns of a dilemma, Della knows she needs to tell Barrett about the baby, but she doesn't know how he'll take it. Barrett's issues have roots deep in his past. Twenty years earlier, Alice walked out on her three sons and her husband. Barrett's father killed himself, with Barrett finding his body. Though his grandfather moved in to raise the boys, Barrett also felt responsible for them. Though they turned out well, Barrett believes he would be a terrible father. Della didn't want to end her relationship with Barrett, but she saw no other way to achieve the future she wanted. This pregnancy was not her preferred way of doing things, but there was no doubt she wanted this baby no matter how Barrett reacted.
Barrett's reaction impressed me. There were no angry words or accusations, just a little bit of stunned surprise. I liked his acceptance and growing pleasure in his impending fatherhood, with the scene at Della's ultrasound being especially moving. Della's pregnancy brought out a very protective side to Barrett, who tried to balance his protectiveness with respect for her abilities as a cop. The requirements of the case make it difficult for them to address their issues, but it quickly becomes evident that the attraction between them is as strong as ever. While Della knew the depth of her feelings for Barrett, it took him a while to realize his. I loved the ending and seeing him all-in on his new future.
A big part of this book was also the relationship of Alice with her sons, especially Barrett. He understandably feels a great deal of anger and resentment over her actions even twenty years later. It amazed me that he could put those feelings aside and treat her objectively while investigating the murder. He also spent far more time in her company, and I sensed a slight softening in his attitude by the end of the book. It was easy to see that Alice regretted her past actions and did not expect forgiveness. Her efforts at the end demonstrated her love for Barrett and added to his changing feelings for her.
May 3, 2021
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Her Child to Protect begins the Mercy Ridge Lawmen series with a tense, intriguing romance with twists, turns, and suspects galore… in addition to an unexpected, unplanned pregnancy for two lovers who have gone their separate ways, or at least Della tried.
Barrett and Della are both law officers in bordering, very small rural towns. They’d had a relationship that Della had called a stop to. Barrett had no intentions of marrying or ever having children. And while Della could survive without the first, she knew that she eventually wanted children and felt it was better for them both to simply cut the ties and get on with living her life, perhaps finding a man who could offer love, marriage, and children one day. Until she discovered this fateful morning that she was indeed pregnant with Barrett’s child. Talk about complications. And the events that will shortly unfold won’t make this situation any easier for either of them.
Cold, untraceable texts were sent to Barrett and Della claiming a possible murder… but no positive proof or name. The spot they were sent to was the exact border between the two small towns where each were police officers in those bordering towns – Barrett the Sheriff, Della a Deputy. Another complication. What they discover will set in motion an intense hunt for a killer, leading them down false trails with the goal, it seems, of implementing one particular person for this crime, Barrett’s estranged mother. What follows neither could have predicted as twists and turns, lies, and traps are engaged to make this crime far more complicated than either expected.
Her Child to Protect drew me in from the start, and it is a roller coaster of a story full of danger, intrigue, assumptions, and two people who really did belong together even though one of them was far too stubborn and set in the past to see that fact. I adored Barrett with his grumpy attitude. I did. I love nothing more in a story than watching a strong, stubborn man discover just how wrong he is about so many important aspects of his life. There is sadness in Barrett’s past, yet when events happened he was only a child tasked with helping to raise his younger brothers. There is anger, held tight to the chest and perhaps, justifiably so. What was fascinating for me was seeing Barrett accept Della’s pregnancy, not denying it but slowly coming to accept and take part in the life of this child they’d created. And while doing that, Barrett began to second guess his reactions to his mother. Oh, there are no sudden hearts and flower moments for them, but there might be a softening as this case draws them all into extreme danger and odd choices.
There are vile villains, surprise suspects, danger, and puzzles to sort out in Her Child to Protect. There is also a lovely romance between two stubborn people that is about to subtly change, with eyes opening, and hearts softening. I liked Della so much, she’s made a choice that wounded her heart while trying to protect it at the same time. This unexpected baby is not how she wanted children but she will love, protect, and cherish this child no matter what the future holds with Barrett. Della is grace under fire, and I loved watching her try to protect her heart while holding out hope for what Barrett might do. I’d thought I had figured out the actual bad guy… but by the story’s ending, I was sorta right and way off course. I also love when a story can toss a surprise my way, one that makes absolute sense. In all, I had a blast with this opening story in the Mercy Ridge Lawmen series from an author who is an auto-buy for me. If you love a mystery to fit puzzle pieces into, a friends with benefits relationship that turns into more, and a complicated rural community with lots of surprises then you’ll want to pick this one up… right now.
I own a Kindle edition of Her Child to Protect.
Her Child to Protect begins the Mercy Ridge Lawmen series with a tense, intriguing romance with twists, turns, and suspects galore… in addition to an unexpected, unplanned pregnancy for two lovers who have gone their separate ways, or at least Della tried.
Barrett and Della are both law officers in bordering, very small rural towns. They’d had a relationship that Della had called a stop to. Barrett had no intentions of marrying or ever having children. And while Della could survive without the first, she knew that she eventually wanted children and felt it was better for them both to simply cut the ties and get on with living her life, perhaps finding a man who could offer love, marriage, and children one day. Until she discovered this fateful morning that she was indeed pregnant with Barrett’s child. Talk about complications. And the events that will shortly unfold won’t make this situation any easier for either of them.
Cold, untraceable texts were sent to Barrett and Della claiming a possible murder… but no positive proof or name. The spot they were sent to was the exact border between the two small towns where each were police officers in those bordering towns – Barrett the Sheriff, Della a Deputy. Another complication. What they discover will set in motion an intense hunt for a killer, leading them down false trails with the goal, it seems, of implementing one particular person for this crime, Barrett’s estranged mother. What follows neither could have predicted as twists and turns, lies, and traps are engaged to make this crime far more complicated than either expected.
Her Child to Protect drew me in from the start, and it is a roller coaster of a story full of danger, intrigue, assumptions, and two people who really did belong together even though one of them was far too stubborn and set in the past to see that fact. I adored Barrett with his grumpy attitude. I did. I love nothing more in a story than watching a strong, stubborn man discover just how wrong he is about so many important aspects of his life. There is sadness in Barrett’s past, yet when events happened he was only a child tasked with helping to raise his younger brothers. There is anger, held tight to the chest and perhaps, justifiably so. What was fascinating for me was seeing Barrett accept Della’s pregnancy, not denying it but slowly coming to accept and take part in the life of this child they’d created. And while doing that, Barrett began to second guess his reactions to his mother. Oh, there are no sudden hearts and flower moments for them, but there might be a softening as this case draws them all into extreme danger and odd choices.
There are vile villains, surprise suspects, danger, and puzzles to sort out in Her Child to Protect. There is also a lovely romance between two stubborn people that is about to subtly change, with eyes opening, and hearts softening. I liked Della so much, she’s made a choice that wounded her heart while trying to protect it at the same time. This unexpected baby is not how she wanted children but she will love, protect, and cherish this child no matter what the future holds with Barrett. Della is grace under fire, and I loved watching her try to protect her heart while holding out hope for what Barrett might do. I’d thought I had figured out the actual bad guy… but by the story’s ending, I was sorta right and way off course. I also love when a story can toss a surprise my way, one that makes absolute sense. In all, I had a blast with this opening story in the Mercy Ridge Lawmen series from an author who is an auto-buy for me. If you love a mystery to fit puzzle pieces into, a friends with benefits relationship that turns into more, and a complicated rural community with lots of surprises then you’ll want to pick this one up… right now.
I own a Kindle edition of Her Child to Protect.
April 27, 2021
Barrett Logan is the Sherriff in Mercy Ridge. He has just received a cryptic message and is on his way to what he believes could be a crime scene.
Della Culver is a deputy in Culver Crossing, the adjacent county and has also received the same message as Barrett. She is also on the scene. What makes things difficult is that two months ago, Della and Barrett ended their relationship. A relationship that now has Della harbouring a secret. Now they will have to work together to solve a complicated situation where everyone around them seems to be a suspect and the killer has targeted them both as well. Can they beat the clock and find the killer? How long can Della keep her secret hidden?
What a riveting novel by Delores Fossen. It has mystery, suspense, action and buried secrets. Throw in family drama and you will find you can not put this book down. As this is the first novel in the series, we are also introduced to Barrett’s brothers who are also lawmen. I love when I find a new series to read, and I am excited already for the next book. This was a solid five-star rating for me and my thanks goes to Harlequin Publishing, Delores Fossen and Netgalley for a advanced copy to read and review. All opinions are unbiased and entirely my own.
Della Culver is a deputy in Culver Crossing, the adjacent county and has also received the same message as Barrett. She is also on the scene. What makes things difficult is that two months ago, Della and Barrett ended their relationship. A relationship that now has Della harbouring a secret. Now they will have to work together to solve a complicated situation where everyone around them seems to be a suspect and the killer has targeted them both as well. Can they beat the clock and find the killer? How long can Della keep her secret hidden?
What a riveting novel by Delores Fossen. It has mystery, suspense, action and buried secrets. Throw in family drama and you will find you can not put this book down. As this is the first novel in the series, we are also introduced to Barrett’s brothers who are also lawmen. I love when I find a new series to read, and I am excited already for the next book. This was a solid five-star rating for me and my thanks goes to Harlequin Publishing, Delores Fossen and Netgalley for a advanced copy to read and review. All opinions are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 29, 2021
Her Child to Protect is the first in the Mercy Ridge Lawmen series. This one is Della and Barrett's story. It's kind of a second chance romance that puts the couple back together when Barrett's mother is accused of murder. Della is also keeping a secret from Barrett. She is pregnant with his child.
I ultimately enjoyed the story, The romance was steamy and the mystery was engaging. There is a LOT of action in the book and it kept me on my toes. I did get a sense throughout the book that I was missing some back story, but it didn't bother me too much. I'm not sure if it's a spin-off from another series. I definitely recommend this one.
April 27, 2021
3.5 stars rounded down. Her Child to Protect is the first book in the Mercy Ridge Lawmen series which introduces us to the Logan siblings. They are all lawmen, close to each other and angry with their mother for something that happened when they were young. This is Barrett's story. Barrett and Della had a friends with benefits relationship. She is a police officer in the neighboring community. When she broke off the relationship two months earlier, she did not realize that she was pregnant. In this book, she and Barrett are involved in the same case, forcing them to work together. When the person who killed two men already begins to target them, the case becomes personal.
I enjoyed the character development in this story. Barrett has a lot of baggage which made me shake my head a few times, but he did his job, no matter what his feelings. Della was also a good cop, but has to balance her job and its dangers with protecting her child. There seemed to be a lot of things being shot and blown up with no one being killed which was good, but there was a lot of angst. I did enjoy this story, but there were a couple of things that bothered me First, the cover looks like Della is very pregnant, but at the beginning of the story, no one knew she was pregnant and she was not showing. The second niggle I had was at one point, Alice's house was set on fire and she was told she couldn't go back to it, yet later in the story, she is home, sleeping in her bedroom. Just a couple of inconsistencies that bothered me. Overall, this was a fast moving romance story with crime, policing and some family drama. I am looking forward to seeing what is in store for the other Logan brothers as well as to see what happens with their relationship with their mother. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoyed the character development in this story. Barrett has a lot of baggage which made me shake my head a few times, but he did his job, no matter what his feelings. Della was also a good cop, but has to balance her job and its dangers with protecting her child. There seemed to be a lot of things being shot and blown up with no one being killed which was good, but there was a lot of angst. I did enjoy this story, but there were a couple of things that bothered me First, the cover looks like Della is very pregnant, but at the beginning of the story, no one knew she was pregnant and she was not showing. The second niggle I had was at one point, Alice's house was set on fire and she was told she couldn't go back to it, yet later in the story, she is home, sleeping in her bedroom. Just a couple of inconsistencies that bothered me. Overall, this was a fast moving romance story with crime, policing and some family drama. I am looking forward to seeing what is in store for the other Logan brothers as well as to see what happens with their relationship with their mother. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
June 5, 2021
This is the first story in a new romantic suspense series by Delores Fossen, featuring the officers of Mercy Ridge and the neighbouring (sometimes rival) forces. Don’t be fooled by the somewhat inappropriate cover purporting to be Deputy Della Howell as, when the story begins, she is only two months pregnant and it really isn’t showing. That aside, when she gets a text alerting her to a possible murder she rushes to investigate but discovers that her ex, Sheriff Barnett Logan, had the same text and got there before her. Discovering one man who has been stabbed to death and a woman who has been knocked out would be bad at any time but when the woman turns out to be Della’s friend and Barnett’s estranged mother , then add into the mix that Barnett is the father of Della’s child and doesn’t know about its existence and you just know nothing is going to be straightforward!
This is a story packed with family drama, angst, mystery and intrigue. It has a family of lawmen, brothers who have each other’s back, but there’s also a determined killer with both Della and Barnett in their sights. Get ready for explosive action, deadly danger and shocking revelations in this action packed romantic suspense. It is a good read but, like the cover, there are a few continuity errors in the pre-release copy I read which detracted from my enjoyment of the story – they will hopefully have been corrected in the final published version, in which case I’d add another star to my rating! I’ll be interested in seeing how this series develops.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
This is a story packed with family drama, angst, mystery and intrigue. It has a family of lawmen, brothers who have each other’s back, but there’s also a determined killer with both Della and Barnett in their sights. Get ready for explosive action, deadly danger and shocking revelations in this action packed romantic suspense. It is a good read but, like the cover, there are a few continuity errors in the pre-release copy I read which detracted from my enjoyment of the story – they will hopefully have been corrected in the final published version, in which case I’d add another star to my rating! I’ll be interested in seeing how this series develops.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
May 1, 2021
This was a cliff hanger. A great book...have pre ordered the next book in the series!
June 24, 2021
Non stop action
I didn't know what to expect when I first started this story. Thought it might be like other guess what I'm having your baby stories. But this story was original and kept me guessing as to who the true culprit was. Amazing story!
I didn't know what to expect when I first started this story. Thought it might be like other guess what I'm having your baby stories. But this story was original and kept me guessing as to who the true culprit was. Amazing story!
June 20, 2021
Who Is The Killer
This was a great book. I was trying to guess the killer and was so surprised. This story kep you guessing until the end.
This was a great book. I was trying to guess the killer and was so surprised. This story kep you guessing until the end.
May 18, 2023
Again DF is a solid three stars. Her books certainly have interesting, unique premises but the execution is chaotic? As someone else reviewed: this book has so many characters. The final reveal was a shock more so because I just couldn’t keep up with so many names. There’s plenty of action for Intrigue lovers. When the author seemed at a lost for what comes next, bombs literally go off.
Overall I liked it but not a angsty banger that I expected, especially with that cover.
Overall I liked it but not a angsty banger that I expected, especially with that cover.
June 18, 2021
Good read
This mystery is well written, fast paced, and keeps you reading. It has lots of action, quite a bit of violence, some sex, and romance, but was a pretty short read. Definitely recommend.
This mystery is well written, fast paced, and keeps you reading. It has lots of action, quite a bit of violence, some sex, and romance, but was a pretty short read. Definitely recommend.
June 15, 2021
Finally a true romantic suspense story. Loved it. Plenty of action to keep you reading. The main characters work their way through many issues while supporting each other. How refreshing.
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April 2, 2021Categories
Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Mercy Ridge Lawmen (Book #1)
Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Mercy Ridge Lawmen (Book #1)
May 20, 2021
HER CHILD TO PROTECT, Mercy Ridge Lawmen Book 1 by Delores Fossen is a wild, action-packed adventure about a hot, sexy small-town sheriff, Barrett Logan, and his ex-lover, Deputy Della Howell.
They are thrown together by a murder involving Barrett’s estranged mother AND Barrett discovers Della is pregnant with his child. As they investigate, familiar sparks reignite between them…just as they fall prey to a very tenacious killer. Delores Fossen’s Harlequin Intrigues give a full impact of danger, suspense, Wild West shootouts, villains, not to mention a family of sexy and lethal lawmen and the women they sworn to protect. Yee Haw!
They are thrown together by a murder involving Barrett’s estranged mother AND Barrett discovers Della is pregnant with his child. As they investigate, familiar sparks reignite between them…just as they fall prey to a very tenacious killer. Delores Fossen’s Harlequin Intrigues give a full impact of danger, suspense, Wild West shootouts, villains, not to mention a family of sexy and lethal lawmen and the women they sworn to protect. Yee Haw!
May 9, 2021
Exes Reunite to Stop a Killer
I just love how Delores Fossen can turn out a terrific murder mystery and wrap it around a satisfying romance. Shetiff Barrett and Deputy Della reunite 2 months after she ended their "with benefits" relationship in this 2nd chance romance to stop a killer. But along the way they have to sort through the mysteries from their past. Della's newly discovered pregnancy makes things desperate. Barrett begins to wonder if there was more between their relationship than casual sex. Is he too late to make it go right? A terrific action-mystery.
I just love how Delores Fossen can turn out a terrific murder mystery and wrap it around a satisfying romance. Shetiff Barrett and Deputy Della reunite 2 months after she ended their "with benefits" relationship in this 2nd chance romance to stop a killer. But along the way they have to sort through the mysteries from their past. Della's newly discovered pregnancy makes things desperate. Barrett begins to wonder if there was more between their relationship than casual sex. Is he too late to make it go right? A terrific action-mystery.
May 2, 2021
I loved ❤ this book's storyline. I loved ❤ the action in this story. I loved ❤ the suspense in this story. I loved ❤ chemistry in this story. I loved ❤ Della's character. I loved ❤ Barrett's character. I loved ❤ the ending. I loved ❤ this story had me hooked from beginning to the end. Awesome job Ms. Fossen.
May 2, 2021
4.5 Stars
Romantic suspense fans know that they are in very good hands when they pick up a Delores Fossen novel and she is back with a hair-raising and engrossing new tale of passion and jeopardy: Her Child to Protect.
When she is called to a murder scene, Deputy Della Howell doesn’t just find a dead body, but also her ex Sheriff Barrett Logan! Having to work together after a recent break up is certainly no picnic, but Della has more than a murder case to worry about as she has just found out that she is pregnant with Barrett’s baby. Barrett doesn’t know that Della is carrying his child and she is worried that this secret might be one which he isn’t exactly ready for. However, thrust together by circumstance, Della soon realizes that the clock is ticking and that she might not be able to keep her pregnancy a secret for much longer.
As sparks begin to fly between the two of them, never forgotten feelings quickly come rushing to the surface, but Della and Barrett cannot afford to let their emotions get in the way of their job. With a dangerous killer on the loose, the clock is ticking and the two cops must put their inconvenient attraction behind them and focus on the job at hand. Yet, that soon proves to be far easier said than done…
With a ruthless murderer watching their every move, can Della and Barrett nail this killer and start focusing on their future together? Or are they about to lose everything just when they are about to become a family?
Delores Fossen’s brand of nail-biting suspense and red-hot romance is simply unbeatable and she is back with a first rate page-turner I found absolutely impossible to put down: Her Child to Protect. A high stakes tale of secrets, danger and seduction, Her Child to Protect ups the ante and blends heat and heart in a mesmerizing romantic suspense tale that will keep readers engrossed all through the night!
Romantic suspense fans know that they are in very good hands when they pick up a Delores Fossen novel and she is back with a hair-raising and engrossing new tale of passion and jeopardy: Her Child to Protect.
When she is called to a murder scene, Deputy Della Howell doesn’t just find a dead body, but also her ex Sheriff Barrett Logan! Having to work together after a recent break up is certainly no picnic, but Della has more than a murder case to worry about as she has just found out that she is pregnant with Barrett’s baby. Barrett doesn’t know that Della is carrying his child and she is worried that this secret might be one which he isn’t exactly ready for. However, thrust together by circumstance, Della soon realizes that the clock is ticking and that she might not be able to keep her pregnancy a secret for much longer.
As sparks begin to fly between the two of them, never forgotten feelings quickly come rushing to the surface, but Della and Barrett cannot afford to let their emotions get in the way of their job. With a dangerous killer on the loose, the clock is ticking and the two cops must put their inconvenient attraction behind them and focus on the job at hand. Yet, that soon proves to be far easier said than done…
With a ruthless murderer watching their every move, can Della and Barrett nail this killer and start focusing on their future together? Or are they about to lose everything just when they are about to become a family?
Delores Fossen’s brand of nail-biting suspense and red-hot romance is simply unbeatable and she is back with a first rate page-turner I found absolutely impossible to put down: Her Child to Protect. A high stakes tale of secrets, danger and seduction, Her Child to Protect ups the ante and blends heat and heart in a mesmerizing romantic suspense tale that will keep readers engrossed all through the night!
July 27, 2024
This was a great start to a new series with action, suspense, and a second chance romance. One line was overused throughout the book that was a little annoying, but the story itself was great. Della just found out she was pregnant, and she seemed to be running from bullets adding more stress. So, I can understand being worried about her baby. I just wished the author could have come up with more adjustives for the baby, than reading baby over and over. Even a nickname would have been better. Other than that, the book was great. I never would have guessed the person behind all the attacks. It was sweet how close Barrett (father of baby) and Della got throughout the book. He was a sheriff from Mercy Ridge, and Della was a deputy in a near-by town, Culver Crossing. The two were working a case together. Barrett was very protective of Della and her unborn baby. It was crazy all the stuff they went through during the story. I lost count on how many times they nearly died. It was definitely a book that kept me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading the next book.
April 5, 2021
This first book in the series, introduced us to the Logan siblings, all honorable lawmen.
This story belongs to the oldest, Sheriff Barrett Logan. A man that when his mother left three young boys, even though he was only 12 years old, ended up helping to raise them. After that experience, marriage and kids are not things he wants.
Neighboring town deputy Della Howell is his former lover and the deputy that shows up at the same crime scene as him.
As they try to unravel the crime, the danger intensifies as does the realization that the attraction has not ended . But what happens when the pregnancy is revealed?
Will Barrett be willing to be part of the child’s life? Will they survive the danger? And if they do, will they get their HEA?
This was a quick read, with an interesting plot.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Harlequin Intrigue. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This story belongs to the oldest, Sheriff Barrett Logan. A man that when his mother left three young boys, even though he was only 12 years old, ended up helping to raise them. After that experience, marriage and kids are not things he wants.
Neighboring town deputy Della Howell is his former lover and the deputy that shows up at the same crime scene as him.
As they try to unravel the crime, the danger intensifies as does the realization that the attraction has not ended . But what happens when the pregnancy is revealed?
Will Barrett be willing to be part of the child’s life? Will they survive the danger? And if they do, will they get their HEA?
This was a quick read, with an interesting plot.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Harlequin Intrigue. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 1, 2021
I enjoyed Her Child to Protect and like all the main players for characters in the story. I definitely want to read the next one in the series. The only downside of this book was the never-ending number of times we were told she had to protect the baby. Multiple times in every chapter, as though we forgot it from the chapter before. They always had to protect the baby, but that never stopped Della from going out to be Barrett's backup. It was odd. Other than that, I really enjoyed the story and the intrigue plotline.
August 1, 2021
Wow! This book had so many twists and turns. Also had alot of different suspects. Barrett and Della are forced to work together so soon after she broke up with him, but she has found something out she needs to share with him. They are trying to see who is trying to kill them, also who is after his mom. I had no clue who was behind all this. I was thinking it was someone totally different. This is my kind of book and story!
February 22, 2022
Non-stop action
I liked the thrilling action in the story. The relationship of the boys and their mother was hard to imagine since I am a mom, but I guess it made sense. There are plenty of possible suspects to keep you wondering who the real bad guys are. A definite thriller from start to finish.
I liked the thrilling action in the story. The relationship of the boys and their mother was hard to imagine since I am a mom, but I guess it made sense. There are plenty of possible suspects to keep you wondering who the real bad guys are. A definite thriller from start to finish.
July 5, 2023
Bullets, bedlam, many baddies and a baby.
A mother who deserted her sons, a family all working in the town's police department, a couple who couldn't seem to get their emotions sorted out and a town trying to survive.
A good read with constant action, a family divided,gunfight in the streets and evil vanquished. Worth a read.
A mother who deserted her sons, a family all working in the town's police department, a couple who couldn't seem to get their emotions sorted out and a town trying to survive.
A good read with constant action, a family divided,gunfight in the streets and evil vanquished. Worth a read.
June 15, 2021
Too many characters and too much happening to police. It seems as though the police was incompetent. I skipped to ending just to see instigator of the case was. There was really no romance and too much rehashing Barrett and Della previous relationship.
July 25, 2021
I was looking forward to the new series by Delores Fossen, but found the story to be dragged out. It starts out with a bang, but this is just followed by a lot of gunfight and attacks, but not much movement or development in the story.
Hoping the second book improves the storyline.
Hoping the second book improves the storyline.
August 3, 2021
This novel provides lots of suspense as the main characters try to solve a murder and avoid the hired hitmen who are trying to kill them. I enjoyed seeing how the lawmen managed to solve the murder.
September 30, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story! It drew me in to find out what is happening and it has a lot going on that kept me reading to find out who did it how it turns out was not who I suspected I highly recommend this book!!!!!
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