Part-time bartender Erin Gardner is friendly to everyone who bellies up to her bar, including the local law enforcement and firefighters who keep her city safe. That’s where she meets game warden Conor Paxton, a regular who she asks to join a canoeing trip she’s leading for her university day job. When the trip leads to something more, Erin couldn’t be happier.Conor adores Erin, more than enough … than enough to help her continue to get over lingering self-esteem issues from her childhood. He’s thrilled he’s found someone who enjoys spending time in nature as much as he does.
Just when the couple thinks they’re on their way to a happily ever after, Erin finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. But there’s no way she’ll just lay down and die. She’s woman enough to save herself—and lead her man to her when she’s done.
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Extraordinary!! Connor and Erin’s story is an emotional journey of patience, healing and accepting yourself. This story became personal for me because I could relate to Erin and everything she dealt with. Connor was my hero, I wish more men were like him. The way he handled Erin’s issues was so heartfelt and loving, I swooned a little! The suspense really got my blood rushing and kept me sitting on the edge of my seat! Definitely a 10 star read!!
I love that in this series SS has brought together a set of characters with so called societal flaws (both real and perceived) and normalised them so beautifully so as to make the reader challenge what they see as a social norm and rethink their own thoughts and actions.
Erin is a lovely characters, but not without her own issues. Namely her weight. After having lost a lot of weight she struggles to see herself for what she is, and harks back to who she was before surgery, seeing her self worth as being tied to her weight.
Conor sees her for so much more and even when he understands what her deep dark secret is, tries so hard to help her understand that what he sees is beautiful, and he doesn’t mean from the outside. He sees the real Erin and loves her for who she is, not what she looks like.
A journey for both characters emotionally, with of course the requisite SS dive into dangerous territory for them (never an east road being a character in an SS novel…)
A great read
As a character,Erin Gardner really resonated with me. I walked her same journey both before and after her surgery. I loved how Conor Paxton assured, bolstered and supported her even before he learned he knew about her struggles with weight. The tenderness and gentleness he used with her was heartwarming. Through him, Erin finally get a sense of belonging and a group of friends who will be there for her, no questions asked. Something she’s never had before but somthing she will definitely need when danger comes calling.
“Justice for Erin” is the ninth book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series and even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. But be warned, you will want to go back and read the entire series. This is the story of Conor Paxton, a game warden and Erin Gardner who works at the university but is also a part time bartender at the local bar. She is kind and friendly to everyone at the bar but she prefers nature and the great outdoors to people. Needing a partner for a canoeing trip that she is leading for her university students, she ask Conor if he would be interested in going. The trip leads to more for Erin and Conor and they are both happy about that, until something happens that puts her life in danger. Conor will not rest until he finds Erin, he cannot lose her now. Erin will not just lay down and die but she is going to have to think fast to get out of this situation.
He is a Game Warden he has been talking to her for months at the bar she works at when she asks him to go with her on a trip he is thrilled they have a great time he wants to date her when its done so begins her learning about dating when she needs him he is there they both open up about their lives when he finds out about her issues he does all he can to help her see that food is love exciting action when she gets taken by someone the author does a great job about a sensitive topic they have sizzling romance get married and have kids
I have been going back and forth about reading / listening to this story. I am seriously over weight right now. I once had lost a lot of weight and felt great then after kids, the weight is back. It is depressing and repressive right now. I thought this story would bring up too many unwanted emotions. Instead, it has motivated me to try again.
Erin is so strong and even when faced with the unthinkable, fights to live and flourish. With all the support and hope in her future, hoe could she not.
Erin Mallon did another fantastic job bringing this story to life. I’m on to listen to TJ & Milena’s story again.
Susan always writes about emotionally damaged woman who have had to fight for some semblance of normality. Erin’s plight was close to home, with her fight against obesity. On top of this it appears as though her father walked out and left her with an abusive mother.
She knows Conor from the pub she works at part time. She gets the courage to ask him to join her on a camping trip and their relationship starts to blossom.
Conor is a strong alpha of a man with a warm heart and the ability to love Erin for who she is and not what she looks like. This story has angst, a serial killer and a slow burn love affair to keep you reading until the end.
I really liked this story. It has a lot of truth to it. You can tell the author did her research for people who have anxiety and depression related to food issues. And the complications of having gastric bypass on the mental psyche. Personally having survived an eating disorder, and being an RN most people don’t understand the delicate relationship with food a person like that can have and affect them socially. It changes how they interact with others and can even alter how they live their lives and scheduled things. I really loved Connor and Erins relationship. They both give and take and he doesn’t ever push her beyond what she is ready for. Her perseverance through her childhood and horrible mother. To then the craziness that ensues I’m the woods. Is awesome.
The lot of the story is like roses and sunshine – though Erin had quite a tough life so far – until the Camping Trip. I so did not expect THIS to happen. Well, I did expect something dramatical. Wouldn’t be a Susan Stoker book If there wasn’t something life-threatening involved, but holy-moly. Wow. The characters are just as amazing. Erin, always a little self-concious and Conor to much of a gentleman die his own good. Great.
What another great book from Susan. Well written, fast paced and keeps you hooked all the way through. Cant wait for the next one.
Oh my goodness, this was slightly difficult to read. Talk of self-hatred and struggling to see one’s worth is hard but this was beautifully written. I adore Erin and Conor was just perfect. I highly recommend this series.
Erin is a teacher at a college and also bar tends part time. She never had friends, her mother was horrible, and her father left when she was young. She plans to take some students to ride the rapids and asks Conor to join them. Conor is a game warden and has friends in the fire and police station. He falls head over heels for Erin but she has self esteem issues but while camping, he asks her out. They slowly start dating and when they plan a camping trip, she goes missing. Conor will do whatever it takes to find her and Erin finally realizes that Conor does love her and she can finally have her happily ever after.
Great story. Romance. Action. A woman who’s never been in a relationship and the man who’ll do anything for her. Steamy scenes.
Erin finds herself a man of Honor
Erin has had a difficult life. She’s had to put up with a woman who doesn’t deserve the title of mother, an eating disorder to the point of struggling with obesity and food and a father who disappeared when she was younger
Conor since coming to the Sloppy Cow, a new bar, he’s been attracted to the bartender Erin. But for some reason she doesn’t seem to appear to understand that he’s flirting with her. When she asks him to accompany her on a trip with some students, he instantly accepts, knowing this might be the only way to get to know her better
This story was a good one as it approached sensitive subjects with compassion and showed both sides of the same coin essentially, with different perspectives for Erin and Conor which I think was great Looking forward to TJ’s story next
Justice for Erin is the 3rd book by Susan Stoker I’ve read in a row and it was just as good as the others, even more so. This book will definitely resonate to those who have suffered with body issues. Erin is an amazing character, she has been struggling with her weight for years, and still struggling to really see how far she has come. Conor was just as wonderful, he actually sees the real Erin, not just her outward appearance but who she is in the inside. He is so patient with her, even though not really knowing what lingering issues she has, he knows from almost the very beginning that Erin is the one for him and will do whatever he can to show his love for her. Their love story really was beautiful.
Like in all of Susan Stoker’s books, there is always some suspense and danger involved and showcase the strength of her heroines. Erin’s ordeal was crazy! Definitely kept me on pins and needles. Another great story in this series.
There are not enough good things I could say about this book. This book hits so close to home for me it was hard to read in parts.
I loved everything about Erin. She was friendly, outgoing, adventuresome and just a fun person to be around. However, her mindset about her past weight is still on her mind and drives a lot of what she does.
I loved Conor and his reaction to her when he found out about her weight and what she has gone through to try and get healthier. She isn’t there yet, it always seems like the mind is the last thing to catch up when someone has lost a lot of weight. I loved his impassioned speeches he would give her.
Once again Susan takes on a tough issue, that of obesity. Erin has worked to overcome the issues that caused her weight and sought out solutions.
I really love the dynamic between Erin and Conor. He thinks she’s gorgeous but also notices that she watches what she eats and appears to have a sort of routine when it comes to eating.
As their love for the outdoors draws them together, Erin begins to fear her secret coming out. How can she refuse his invitation to his family holiday without hurting him. In the end she goes, but as he promised, when she became too uncomfortable they left.
Now you know things aren’t going to continue to go smoothly. The tension and fear when Erin goes missing will have you holding your breath and turning the pages faster.
The courage, ingenuity, acceptance and love in this book are absolutely inspiring.
A divine offering from the ever-fantastic Susan Stoker. I must say, I love this series. Each story is so unique, and each character profile filled out so thoughtfully. This book made me laugh, had me at the edge of my seat, and kept me up well past midnight as there was no way I was going to sleep without knowing how this story would end!
Justice for Erin is going to make a major difference to many who read this story. All of us can find parts of ourselves in this character and her story will touch our souls. Susan Stoker writes a story as compelling asthis one every time she sets words to paper. This series is a favorite of mine and Justice for Erin takes the prize. As she battled through her many demons from her past Conor is the perfect man for her. As he tries to understand the triggers that bring out pure panic in Erin and make things better he gets my boyfriend of the year award. This book combines strong writing and marvelous story telling on a tough subject that many deal with. I commend Susan Stoker for tactfully but truthful dealing with a subject many deal with.
Erin Gardner has a past. She used to way almost half a ton, and while she has worked hard to lose the weight, she she still suffers from major issues with self esteem and maintaining healthy eating habits without letting it completely control her life. She’s also kept this secret from her friends and co-workers who have no idea that she is constantly battling her demons.
Conor Paxton, game warden and outdoor enthusiast adores Erin and is thrilled when she asks him to accompany her on a canoe trip she is leading for her job at the local university. Conor uses their time together in the wilderness to learn all about the lovely Erin and show her that he is in it for more than just a one night stand . . .he is in it for her at whatever pace she needs him to go.
Conor’s patience and persistence pays off, and for the first time in her life, Erin is happy and comfortable in a relationship. However, just when things are looking like their happy ever after is on the horizon, Erin is in the wrong place at the wrong time and the clock starts ticking down on her chances at surviving a game to the death. Erin must rely on her intelligence and endurance as well as trust in Connor’s love and persistence to survive her deadly ordeal.
Susan Stoker did a beautiful job tackling an issue that many people today struggle with, which is weight issues and eating disorders. As a reader, I could totally identify with how Erin found comfort in food and lost herself to it in order to survive a verbally abusive childhood. Showing how Erin still struggled daily with her fears of letting food regain control of her life even though she had lost the weight was eye opening. Erin’s struggles and strength of character really shine in this story.
Conor is a guy that every woman needs in their life. He loves Erin for who she is and is supportive of her in every way from helping her see herself as beautiful and worthy to supporting her exercise and eating habits to help her stay true to what she wants herself to be . . .while always letting her know that while he finds her attractive that is not the only reason he wants to be with her.
Erin’s race to survive causes some seriously heart-pounding action in this book. It is something I never saw coming, yet found terrifying and thrilling as Erin worked to outwit the danger all the while placing her faith in Conor that he was doing everything in his power to find and rescue her from her harrowing ordeal.
As with each and every Susan Stoker book, the characters are well written and the storyline is completely unique to them. Justice for Erin is an incredible addition to the Badge of Honor series and not to be missed. 5 stars!
I love that Ms. Stoker’s characters all have overcome serious obstacles in life with grace, making them better for the fight. Erin has overcome somthing most of us struggle with and is stronger for it. Connor is a kind soul who just wants to look after her. Their story is of a new and growing relationship – of two people falling in love – with explosive action at the end. Great writing, intelligent characters and a fast paced story line, a definite must read.