Wyoming Christmas Stalker (Cowboy State Lawmen, 2)

Rushdan is a master of the plot twist. All the clues were front and center and I still didn’t see the end coming. If you haven’t started reading Rushdan you should.

Wyoming Christmas Stalker is the second book in of the Cowboy State Lawmen Series by Juno Rushdan. Chief deputy sheriff Holden Powell was a minor character in book one so it was great to see that he has his own HEA in this book. However, it is one that almost didn’t happen. What a surprise to meet who he has fallen for in this story. Grace Clark’s brother is the sheriff. He has given Holden the benefit of the doubt about corrupt (told about but not part of the first book) Holden still feels he must always toe the line. Dating the sheriff’s sister would cross that line big time. I liked these characters. They had doubts, had been misjudged but overall they were trying to live above the negative in their lives. There is more than one suspect so I have learned that in a Rushdan book the obvious is usually not the villain. Such as was the case this time with a twist that you never see coming. The clues are there but until the connection is made, they don’t seem important. Of course, those signs certainly are important. An enjoyable book that could be read without having read the first book. Both books stand firmly on their own. If you enjoy romantic suspense then this is an author to put on you TBR List, staring with Wyoming Christmas Stalker. An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Chief Deputy Sheriff Holden Powell has been attracted to the sheriff's sister Grace since she arrived in town. When Grace witnesses a murder, Holden is concerned about her safety. That might not be the only danger that Grace faces. I received a free copy of this ebook from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. Even though Holden is concerned about how fearless and independent Grace is, I like seeing such a strong woman character. I also like seeing how honorable and caring that Holden is. The mystery of who the murderer is and who is behind the different threats Grace kept me guessing.

This is book two and is certainly a standalone. It's between Grace and Holden. Grace witnessed a homicide and Holden is the deputy sheriff handling the case. It's a fast paced story that will reel you right in from the beginning. Grace, is a strong willed character. Almost too much so where she put herself in danger without really thinking through consequences. For both though, it's more of a fresh start second chance romance. An enjoyable read nonetheless. I received an advanced copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

** 3 1/2 stars ** Next up in the series is Grace and Holden. Both are trying to escape the past and prove to everyone (and themselves) they are strong, honest, and worthy. When danger comes for Grace, that foundation they both started to build, starts to crumble. Sometimes it takes starting over to really see what is meant to be. Even though Holden is a literal hero, Grace is no wallflower. I think lessons could be learned from her character. She fights to the bitter end and never gives up. Even without the air of danger, this was a sweet story of second chances. Second chance at love and life. I will say I was surprised at the reveal of the killer. I totally fell for the obvious suspect. I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book.