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scoutmomskf's review against another edition
5.0
Terrific book. The suspense and action started immediately and rarely let up throughout the book. Culhane and Alexis were sheriff's deputies until six months earlier. When a new sheriff took over, he fired both of them. They made no secret of their suspicions about his honesty. Alexis went on to start a business as a bounty hunter. Culhane filed a wrongful termination suit against the sheriff and actively worked to find evidence against the sheriff. At the same time, Culhane and Alexis were romantically involved and have continued seeing each other whenever possible.
This brings us to the start of this book. Culhane and Alexis spent the previous night together, but he was gone when she awoke. Culhane had awakened earlier to the news that he was wanted for questioning in his wife's murder. As far as he knew, their marriage was annulled years ago, and he suspects a recent visit to her apartment was a setup. He knows one person who might have some answers and heads to the café in Buckhorn to talk to Leo, the cook. He leaves without waking Alexis and suspects she'll be hot on his heels. He's right, and after hearing the news, she's ready to take him in. But three newcomers to the café change their plans drastically.
A lot is going on in that café on that quiet Sunday morning, and we get to see it all. The tension is palpable as the three bank robbers have their demands and hair-trigger tempers. As the intensity builds, there may be a connection between why the robbers are there and Culhane's quest. I was on the edge of my seat as bullets flew, and an innocent woman was kidnapped. Culhane has a bit of a white knight complex and insists on attempting a rescue, with Alexis refusing to be left behind.
The rest of the book is a roller coaster of action as Culhane and Alexis look for his not-quite-ex-wife, Jana. He needs to find her alive to prove his innocence. In the meantime, his former employer is equally determined to stop Culhane. The further into the book, the more we learn how crooked the sheriff is and the lengths he'll go to protect himself. There are some not-so-surprising connections among various players and at least one that surprised me. But when Alexis ends up at the sheriff's mercy, Culhane knows it's time to make an end to it. I liked how he handled it and loved seeing how it went down. I thought he and Alexis were in the clear, but I should have known better. There was one loose end unaccounted for, and an unexpected twist put Alexis back in the crosshairs. Culhane's instincts and Alexis's cool head brought that to a satisfying ending.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Culhane and Alexis evolve. Culhane has made his anti-marriage, anti-kids opinion very clear. His treatment by his father after his mother's death, followed by his so-called marriage with Jana, left him determined to remain single. Unfortunately, Alexis needs more from him, and she knows she's unlikely to get it. I loved watching the two together. Culhane has a smart mouth on him, a rapid-fire wit, and a protective streak. He gets a great deal of enjoyment out of pushing Alexis's buttons. Alexis is intelligent, independent, and fearless, a perfect match for Culhane. She also has no trouble pushing back against his blarney.
Because they worked together for so long as deputies, their teamwork here is smooth and barely requires discussion. As the danger to them grows stronger, Culhane discovers that his previously deep-seated convictions about relationships are undergoing unexpected changes. I loved his surprise at his growing feelings and his realization that convincing Alexis of his change of heart won't be easy. I loved his big moment at the end, aided and abetted by his late father's lawyer. The last chapter was terrific, and I loved seeing the changes they experienced.
This brings us to the start of this book. Culhane and Alexis spent the previous night together, but he was gone when she awoke. Culhane had awakened earlier to the news that he was wanted for questioning in his wife's murder. As far as he knew, their marriage was annulled years ago, and he suspects a recent visit to her apartment was a setup. He knows one person who might have some answers and heads to the café in Buckhorn to talk to Leo, the cook. He leaves without waking Alexis and suspects she'll be hot on his heels. He's right, and after hearing the news, she's ready to take him in. But three newcomers to the café change their plans drastically.
A lot is going on in that café on that quiet Sunday morning, and we get to see it all. The tension is palpable as the three bank robbers have their demands and hair-trigger tempers. As the intensity builds, there may be a connection between why the robbers are there and Culhane's quest. I was on the edge of my seat as bullets flew, and an innocent woman was kidnapped. Culhane has a bit of a white knight complex and insists on attempting a rescue, with Alexis refusing to be left behind.
The rest of the book is a roller coaster of action as Culhane and Alexis look for his not-quite-ex-wife, Jana. He needs to find her alive to prove his innocence. In the meantime, his former employer is equally determined to stop Culhane. The further into the book, the more we learn how crooked the sheriff is and the lengths he'll go to protect himself. There are some not-so-surprising connections among various players and at least one that surprised me. But when Alexis ends up at the sheriff's mercy, Culhane knows it's time to make an end to it. I liked how he handled it and loved seeing how it went down. I thought he and Alexis were in the clear, but I should have known better. There was one loose end unaccounted for, and an unexpected twist put Alexis back in the crosshairs. Culhane's instincts and Alexis's cool head brought that to a satisfying ending.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Culhane and Alexis evolve. Culhane has made his anti-marriage, anti-kids opinion very clear. His treatment by his father after his mother's death, followed by his so-called marriage with Jana, left him determined to remain single. Unfortunately, Alexis needs more from him, and she knows she's unlikely to get it. I loved watching the two together. Culhane has a smart mouth on him, a rapid-fire wit, and a protective streak. He gets a great deal of enjoyment out of pushing Alexis's buttons. Alexis is intelligent, independent, and fearless, a perfect match for Culhane. She also has no trouble pushing back against his blarney.
Because they worked together for so long as deputies, their teamwork here is smooth and barely requires discussion. As the danger to them grows stronger, Culhane discovers that his previously deep-seated convictions about relationships are undergoing unexpected changes. I loved his surprise at his growing feelings and his realization that convincing Alexis of his change of heart won't be easy. I loved his big moment at the end, aided and abetted by his late father's lawyer. The last chapter was terrific, and I loved seeing the changes they experienced.
yellorose's review against another edition
4.0
I finished this book in one sitting. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It was a plus that it could be considered a holiday book as the setting is in the holiday season. I would like to know more about Culhane and Alexis as well as ….. read it to find out who.
lynn_adams's review against another edition
2.0
I love the cover but unfortunately that's just not enough. I wish I enjoyed this one and the first two but I guess this series just isn't for me. I think they're well written and the stories are good but I find my mind wandering a lot.
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