Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed Stalking Colton's Family (Coltons of Colorado, Bk 4) (Harlequin Romantic Suspense, No 2179) on + 2608 more book reviews
Terrific book that sucked me in from the start and kept me hooked to the end. Rachel is the brand-new DA for the town of Blue Larkspur, Colorado. Over the last few months, she has met the challenge of balancing her work life with her life as a single mother. As the daughter of the corrupt judge, Ben Colton, Rachel feels the extra burden of ensuring that all her cases are as air-tight and transparent as possible. Like her eleven brothers and sisters, Rachel goes the extra mile to put distance between herself and her notorious father. On the personal side, she often thinks of baby Iris's father, a fellow lawyer she met at a conference. She never told him about the baby because she later found out he was engaged and didn't want to complicate his life.
James needs to leave Denver and lands a new job in Blue Larkspur. A woman he dated turned out to be a stalker, and nothing he has done has stopped her. He hopes that moving away will put him out of reach. An added incentive to taking the position in Blue Larkspur is the hope of reconnecting with Rachel, whom he has not forgotten.
I loved the first encounter between James and Rachel. Both were in a hurry and literally ran into each other, ending up on the floor. Rachel was shocked to see James, while he was thrilled to see her. When she learns James has moved to town, she knows she must tell him about Iris and makes arrangements to have dinner with him. But when their dinner is interrupted, her confession is put on hold. I could feel Rachel's nervousness as the time drew nearer. Her second attempt involved inviting James to her home, where James received the shock of his life. As they discuss the events that led up to this moment, they discover that outside forces kept them apart.
Determined to make up for lost time, James throws himself into fatherhood. I loved how he immediately stepped up and insisted on being part of Iris's life. There were some sweet scenes of the learning process, and I enjoyed the hints of vulnerability as James faced situations far outside his experience. Though wary at first, Rachel quickly realizes James's desire to be a real father to Iris. And as James and Rachel spend more time together, with and without Iris, the sparks between them continue to grow.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between James and Rachel develop. James is all-in, his initial attraction developing into stronger feelings as he gets to know Rachel. I especially enjoyed how some of their interactions seemed like scenes from a courtroom with their lawyerly language but very personal actions. As strange and dangerous events occur, his protective instincts are aroused, and he is determined to protect Rachel and Iris. He also worries that he may have brought danger to their doorstep. Rachel feels herself falling for James but tries to keep some distance between them. She has trust issues with men thanks to her father, and taking that last step proves very difficult. It takes nearly losing him forever for Rachel to let go of her fears and open herself up to risking her heart. The ending was terrific.
The suspense of the story was terrific. On the one hand, we have James's stalker issue. Though he hoped to have escaped it, we learn early in the book that his stalker has not given up. On the other hand, DA Rachel lives with the constant threat of retribution from the criminals she prosecutes. One case in particular links to her father and causes a great deal of stress for her and her family. As attacks on Rachel escalate, James is convinced that his stalker is behind them, while Rachel believes they are related to her current case. I loved James's protectiveness and determination to keep her safe. When the final confrontation came, I loved Rachel's cool head as she tried to talk the culprit out of their plans. James's fear for her safety was evident, and I loved how they worked together to protect Iris. I was glued to the pages until it was all over. Of course, while one problem was dealt with, the other continued to evade resolution. I can't wait to see how it progresses over the following books.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was seeing more of Isadora (Isa) Colton, the widowed mother of the Colton siblings. I've been impressed with her strength as her story has unfolded. Since the first book in the series, it has been evident that the police chief, Theo, has a special place in his heart for Isa, though she seemed oblivious to it. I loved seeing Rachel turn Isa's advice not to let the past interfere with the future around on Isa herself. I look forward to seeing how that relationship progresses.
James needs to leave Denver and lands a new job in Blue Larkspur. A woman he dated turned out to be a stalker, and nothing he has done has stopped her. He hopes that moving away will put him out of reach. An added incentive to taking the position in Blue Larkspur is the hope of reconnecting with Rachel, whom he has not forgotten.
I loved the first encounter between James and Rachel. Both were in a hurry and literally ran into each other, ending up on the floor. Rachel was shocked to see James, while he was thrilled to see her. When she learns James has moved to town, she knows she must tell him about Iris and makes arrangements to have dinner with him. But when their dinner is interrupted, her confession is put on hold. I could feel Rachel's nervousness as the time drew nearer. Her second attempt involved inviting James to her home, where James received the shock of his life. As they discuss the events that led up to this moment, they discover that outside forces kept them apart.
Determined to make up for lost time, James throws himself into fatherhood. I loved how he immediately stepped up and insisted on being part of Iris's life. There were some sweet scenes of the learning process, and I enjoyed the hints of vulnerability as James faced situations far outside his experience. Though wary at first, Rachel quickly realizes James's desire to be a real father to Iris. And as James and Rachel spend more time together, with and without Iris, the sparks between them continue to grow.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between James and Rachel develop. James is all-in, his initial attraction developing into stronger feelings as he gets to know Rachel. I especially enjoyed how some of their interactions seemed like scenes from a courtroom with their lawyerly language but very personal actions. As strange and dangerous events occur, his protective instincts are aroused, and he is determined to protect Rachel and Iris. He also worries that he may have brought danger to their doorstep. Rachel feels herself falling for James but tries to keep some distance between them. She has trust issues with men thanks to her father, and taking that last step proves very difficult. It takes nearly losing him forever for Rachel to let go of her fears and open herself up to risking her heart. The ending was terrific.
The suspense of the story was terrific. On the one hand, we have James's stalker issue. Though he hoped to have escaped it, we learn early in the book that his stalker has not given up. On the other hand, DA Rachel lives with the constant threat of retribution from the criminals she prosecutes. One case in particular links to her father and causes a great deal of stress for her and her family. As attacks on Rachel escalate, James is convinced that his stalker is behind them, while Rachel believes they are related to her current case. I loved James's protectiveness and determination to keep her safe. When the final confrontation came, I loved Rachel's cool head as she tried to talk the culprit out of their plans. James's fear for her safety was evident, and I loved how they worked together to protect Iris. I was glued to the pages until it was all over. Of course, while one problem was dealt with, the other continued to evade resolution. I can't wait to see how it progresses over the following books.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was seeing more of Isadora (Isa) Colton, the widowed mother of the Colton siblings. I've been impressed with her strength as her story has unfolded. Since the first book in the series, it has been evident that the police chief, Theo, has a special place in his heart for Isa, though she seemed oblivious to it. I loved seeing Rachel turn Isa's advice not to let the past interfere with the future around on Isa herself. I look forward to seeing how that relationship progresses.