Stranded with the Suspect - Cindi Myers (HI #1771 - Mar 2018)

Series: Ranger Brigade: Family Secrets (Book 6)
            Ranger Brigade (Book 10)

They’re both undercover…

And in way over their heads.

To arrest a powerful cult leader, Officer Simon Woolridge needs evidence former group member Andi Matheson doesn’t know she has. But the pregnant heiress is being targeted by two killers -- and hiding even more secrets. Now as she and Simon go on the run through a ferocious Colorado blizzard, her resourcefulness ignites a passion the cynical agent never saw coming…and a trap they have only one shot to survive.

Exciting conclusion to the series. Andi Matheson (aka Asteria) has been part of the series from the beginning, as the Prophet's lover and most ardent supporter. She is a former socialite who gave up everything to join "The Family." Her blindness to Metwater's character irritated me, especially in the previous book (Missing in Blue Mesa). But as her history was revealed, I began to understand what drove her to where she was and ache for all she had been through. Underneath the fanatical supporter was a loving, caring woman who was looking for a way to care for her baby and find a way to give them a better future.

Simon has also been part of the Ranger Brigade from the beginning. He has come across as a cold, by-the-book officer who looks down on the members of the Family. He is determined to bring down Metwater and believes that Andi has the evidence that will enable him to do so. I often suspected that Simon had a thing for Andi, in spite of his attitude, and as the story progressed, I saw an entirely different side of him. Hiding under the grouchy, uptight cop was a caring, protective man whose experiences have affected the way he looks at the world.

I enjoyed the development of Andi and Simon's relationship. The book began with their usual adversarial standoff, as Simon insisted that Andi knows more than she's letting on, and Andi adamant in her belief in Metwater's innocence. It was interesting to see him admit the effect she had on him and made him want to protect her. I also liked how Andi, seeing him out of his uniform and usual environment, suddenly realized his appeal. Forced together to avoid the threats against Andi's life, both Simon and Andi discover that there is more to each other than either had suspected. I loved seeing Simon begin to appreciate Andi's strength and determination, as she endured everything without complaining. I liked the way that Andi broke down Simon's walls and saw the good and caring man that he didn't believe existed. I loved seeing tough-guy Simon turn sweet and tender as they gave in to their need for each other. The ending was fantastic. I loved how Simon offered himself and his imperfections and Andi's awesome response.

The suspense of the story was incredible and kept me glued to the pages. Throughout the series, there has been the suspicion that there was more to The Prophet and his actions than was immediately obvious. In the previous book, his mask had slipped completely, revealing a dangerous man. In this book, Andi is caught in the middle between a desperate Metwater and the equally desperate Russian who wants to use her as bait. The intensity continued to build with each threat or attack. I never knew from which direction it would come, keeping me up late as it all played out. The final confrontations were intense with some surprising twists and turns as all was revealed.

Missing in Blue Mesa - Cindi Myers (HI #1765 - Feb 2018)

Series: Ranger Brigade: Family Secrets (Book 5)
            Ranger Brigade (Book 9)

A cult, a missing infant…

And a fearless lawman

To prove her sister’s murder, Michelle Munson infiltrates the cult led by “Prophet” Daniel Metwater. Having endured a tough life in foster care, she’s fiercely independent and distrustful of police. But when her baby disappears, she knows she’s come too close to learning Metwater’s secrets, and turns to Ranger Ethan Reynolds for justice. Facing down harrowing danger in Colorado’s wilderness, the resolute lawman fights to protect Michelle…and open her heart.

Very good book. The action and suspense began immediately. Michelle (aka Starfall) joined the "Family" as a way to find proof that Metwater and his brother murdered her sister. As the book opens, she has snuck into his motorhome, looking for that proof. Her determination leaps off the page, as does her fear when Metwater discovers her. As she escapes his violent attack on her, she literally falls into Ethan's arms.

Ethan and other members of the Ranger Brigade have arrived at the camp to question Metwater and his followers about a car-theft ring operating in the area. They are convinced that he knows something about it. That investigation takes a backseat for Ethan as he steps up to help Michelle.

Michelle is very wary. Her experiences with law enforcement have not been good and she doesn't trust them. She has built up a hard shell of independence and standoffishness. When her nine-month-old son goes missing, she turns to Ethan and the Rangers for help. She is stunned when he actually believes her claims in spite of Metwater's attempts to discredit her. I loved the strength that she developed over the years and her determination to take control of her life and give Hunter the life she didn't have.

Ethan is a great guy. He's protective and caring and lives to make things easier for those he cares about. There are some great scenes with his mom, as both learn to deal with life without his father. His protectiveness runs up against his mom's growing independence, and he's a bit clueless about how to handle it. I loved watching Michelle try to explain things to him.

There were sparks between Ethan and Michelle from the beginning. Though wary at the start, it doesn't take long for Michelle to realize that Ethan is one man that she can trust. I loved seeing her hard edges soften a little as she gives up a bit of her fierce independence and allows him to take care of her. She slowly discovers that relying on someone for help doesn't make you weak, but instead can make you stronger. For Ethan, Michelle quickly became more than just a case to him. I loved how he struggled a little to balance his protectiveness with her independence, but there was no doubt in him that she had found her way into his heart. The ending was sweet, with his confession and her response.

The suspense and action in the book were great. Over the course of the series, we have seen Metwater's mask start to slip. His attack on Michelle and his threats against her son were chilling. Of course, this makes him the prime suspect when Hunter disappears. The Rangers' efforts to find Hunter build in intensity as the leads they uncover point more closely to Metwater's involvement. From the rescue of Hunter to the confrontation with Metwater, I was on the edge of my seat as Ethan and Michelle battled for their lives. I can't wait for the next book and to see how it all turns out.

Soldier's Promise - Cindi Myers (HI #1759 - Jan 2018)

Series: Ranger Brigade: Family Secrets (Book 4)

She’s undercover to expose a cult leader. He’s on a mission to save his family.

Officer Jake Lohmiller can’t believe the dark-haired, self-contained woman who earlier caught his eye was able to get the drop on him. Or that Carmen Redhorse is an undercover Ranger Brigade sergeant investigating the same Colorado cult his mother and sister are in. When a sniper opens fire on the encampment, the two join forces to bring down a killer. But even as the danger -- and the death count -- escalates, Jake sees the possibilities of teaming up with the smart, sexy cop on a permanent basis. If they can make it out alive…

Good continuation of the series. Jake is a Fish and Wildlife officer working undercover to expose a ring of cactus smugglers. He is also using the time to check up on his mother and sister who are part of the Family cult. He wasn't happy when a woman from the cult was able to sneak up on him and hold him at gunpoint. Carmen is a member of the Ranger Brigade who has been undercover with the cult. The Brigade has been investigating the cult for some time. Carmen's job is to make sure the members are safe and healthy.

When someone starts shooting at the camp, and a cult member ends up dead, Jake and Carmen decide to work together to find the killer and stop him. I loved the teamwork between Carmen and Jake. She has more experience in law enforcement than Jake does, but he has no problem with following her lead when necessary. The suspense of the story begins immediately and continues to build intensity throughout the story. There are several possibilities that must be considered. Jake's investigation into the smuggling of endangered cacti turns up a connection to the "Family" causing him more worry about the safety of his mother and sister. The leader of the cult claims that he is in danger from the same people. As Jake and Carmen delve deeper into their investigation, it becomes clear that someone doesn't want their interference. Everything comes to a nervewracking head when the bad guy takes Carmen and Jake's sister hostage in an effort to stop Jake. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over. While Jake's case is resolved, the issue of the cult leader remains. Each book has brought out more information about him, but nothing yet that will shut him down. There were some instances I felt a little sorry for him, but mostly I thought he was controlling and creepy. I'm looking forward to seeing how his part ends up.

From the moment they met there was an instant attraction between Jake and Carmen. Neither one tries to hide it, but there are also some issues between them, including trust and family expectations. Jake is used to doing whatever necessary to blend in during his cases which makes Carmen wonder if she sees the real Jake or an assumed identity. They also have differing experiences with family, which have influenced who they are. Jake's experience with a flaky, drug-addicted mother caused a rift which he is now trying to mend. Carmen's family is close, with her mother trying to "encourage" Carmen to do things Carmen isn't interested in. She loves her family, but a little goes a long way, and she works hard to maintain her independence. I liked the way that Jake and Carmen were able to talk honestly with each other about their pasts and their dreams for the future. I loved how, in the end, Jake realized that he needed Carmen's love and faith in him to be the man she believes in. And Carmen realized that she didn't have to prove herself to Jake; that he loved her just the way she was.