She’s hiding from memories that could tear her apart. He knows getting her to face her past is the key to the most important murder investigation he’ll ever handle. Ashley Walker was one of the lucky ones. Adopted when she was fourteen years old by a family who loved her as their own and stuck beside her through all she put them through. She can’t outrun the hell of her past, though. A hell … though. A hell that would haunt her forever.
Garret Hensley never imagined he’d be chasing the killer of the woman who’d set him on the path to law enforcement. She’d given him reason to believe in himself, to believe he could make a difference. And he suspected her giving heart was the reason her life had been cut so short. When the evidence leads him to Ashley Walker, he knows he has to ignore the feelings she stirs in him, because getting her to reveal the truth of her past is the key to finding a killer.
Serve and Protect was previously published under the same title but with a different publisher. Please check your ereader to be sure you haven’t already purchased it! It is book three in the series, but it is a stand-alone complete story and can be ready in any order within the series.
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This book about Garrett and Ashley was a real page-turner. The characters were excellently written. The story was riveting with lots of action. Ashley’s character was sweet and with everything she went through, understandably reserved. Garrett’s character was intense at times though he was a real gentleman. Their connection enhanced the story as it grew deeper. The twists included kept me on the edge of my seat. A most excellent read.
The basis of the storyline could be disturbing and cause triggers for some. Story is well written, the characters are real. And because it’s romance we get a lovely HEA to end with.
“Serve and Protect” was a riveting read. The fast-paced plot pulsed with intrigue, suspense, and romance. Moreover, the author’s use of vivid descriptions helped to create a thrilling tone. I found it to be a fascinating narrative.
This is a fantastic emotional read. I worked in the foster care system for a while and this book brings out the good and bad in the system. It’s heartbreaking and tissues will be needed. Detective Garret Hensley and librarian/writer Ashley Walker had a had childhood but thanks to a dedicated SoCal Worker have grown into amazing adults. When the Social Worker is murdered Ashley’s secrets will need to come out and danger is headed her way. This didn’t take long to read and I really enjoyed it.
I loved the characters and the story
This is a well written, excellent story full of romance and suspense.
The storyline was both realistic and heart-warming with a lovely sexy and sweet romance between the two main characters.
The historical child abuse in the story was very well handled and may be triggers for some.
Highly recommend.
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy romantic suspense novel Serve and Protect: A Small Town, High Stakes Romance (Heroes of Evers, TX Book 3) Ashley and Garrett by Lori Ryan and this review was given freely.
Haunting, suspenseful, action packed, emotional and intense with the dark themes of revenge, jealousy, mental illness, murder, suicide, and a pedophile, this novel is full of violence but also contains a happy ending. As the anniversary of her adoption by the Walkers approaches, the unfiltered and outspoken Evers librarian and romance author Ashley Walker reflects on her business successes and happy home life until a call from her childhood social worker, Alice Johnson, triggers her PTSD and plunges her into a murder mystery with Alice’s former neighbor, Branson Falls police detective Garrett.
18+ recommended for steamy scenes and violence.
The only thing I that interested me about this 3rd story was Evie. Ashley & Garrett didn’t grab my interest.
Amazing! That covers the story written by this author. Having read Books 1 and 2, I somehow overlooked this book when it came out. My error! This is a moving, emotional story-line. I smiled, got tearful and laughed out loud at the events in this book. A librarian with a horrific past, now sits writing sensual books while making the Library a welcome place for all; even the quilting group. Being a small town, there was a Sheriff but it was long miles away for a police office when help was needed. In this book the story vacillates from humor to murder; from kindness to kidnapping; and, from loneliness to finding love. I highly recommend this book for adults as there are several sensual scenes that are well written.
Ashley Walker is not your typical head librarian. She’s has more of a hip, wild child vibe going with a finger on the pulse of her community’s needs. She’s honest, straightforward, funny and has no filters. Garret Hensley, police detective, works and doesn’t do much else. Lately, he’s become discontented. He meets Ashley during a homicide in and suddenly his world is filled with color. She’s the one to finally give him the break needed to solve the crime but that proves costly to her. All he knows is that he’s in love with her and will not let her go ever.