Missing Witness at Whiskey Gulch

Becker Jackson retired from Delta Force after a helicopter crash which left him with PTSD and is now working for the Outriders. He stops in a shop his mother told him about when he told her he was moving to Whiskey Gulch to buy her a gift and meets Olivia Swann, who is the artist his mother was gushing over. He’s suddenly flirting with her, and by the time he leaves she realizes she’s agreed to dinner with him. But then her sister appears in fear of something she’s seen so they make plans to leave, and next thing you know her sister has been kidnapped. Meanwhile, Beck, thinking he’s been stood up though not giving up, plans to head to his boss’s home, gets a call from Olivia for help. And the mystery begins. And I assure you that my synopsis does NOT do justice to the beginning of the amazing book Elle James has written. Her book has emotion, mystery, action, humor and pretty much everything you want or need to make you toss your hubby out of the room so you can keep turning pages to see what happens next, then immediately put it into the “Read Me Again” pile!

This book is love at first sight. The one thing I love about Harelquin books is how quckly you can read them. Beck and Olivia start off in lust and end up in love after rescuing her sister and thwarting the bad guys. It's fun to watch a "new" guy join a team that is already a cohesive group. However, in this case, Beck was in the military and served on the same team as some of these guys. One thing I liked about Olivia is that no matter how scared she is, she projects calm and strength. I love seeing a woman in control.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it. While this is a part of a series and the prior characters (especially the men) make multiple appearances, you don’t have to read the prior ones to fully understand and enjoy this story. I would highly recommend them though as they are some really great stories! This was written in a dual POV format. I prefer that as I can better understand and relate to the character then. Becker (Beck) has just left the Delta Forces and is going to work for The Outriders. The group of former military specialists use their government trained skills in protecting people back home. Beck stops at a pottery store in Whiskey Gulch to purchase something for his mother. He meets the artist covered in mud up to her elbows and spatters on her cheeks. His is smitten. Olivia is tongue-tied when the handsome man walks into her shop. She agrees to have dinner with him even though she has virtually given up on men. Olivia doesn’t show up for the dinner date as her sister is kidnapped right from the house. Olivia calls Beck to ask for his help in locating her younger sister (who witnessed a murder.) Can Beck and Olivia get past their attraction to locate her sister? This is a slightly sexy read that has a lot of action, suspense and mystery.