Audrey is a crime journalist who back home to be there for her mother who has dementia. While a couple of deaths seem to be connected Audrey is trying to get the scoop while sheriff Colton is trying to make sure she keeps her distance from the case. Thing is the more closer she gets into the details the most things in her family past might have some type of connection to whats going on and they really need to see who is behind the mystery that's going on and capture them before things get worse.

I liked this book. Personally it was a bit too slow for me it could be that I'm so used to mystery thrillers that have so much going on without a moments rest that this book ended up not as good. Not that this book was bad because it wasn't but that it was just at a slower pace then I'm used to. There was times where I lost interest but then would pick this book up and find myself enjoying it. I did like the mystery and how everything progressed in the book seeing the clues unfold and seeing how these two worked together. There was some obvious connection and its clear they had a past and it was nice to see that. What I do appreciate is that that connection between the two didn't overpower the book, I mean this book is a mystery not a romance and sometimes authors tend to go heavy on the romance and kinda randomly remember that the book was a mystery intrigue book and this book wasn't that which I appreciated. Overall pretty good book I enjoyed it.

In Self Defense by Debra Webb is the first book in the Winchester, Tennessee series. As I am originally from TN that meant I had to read this book. In Self Defense is also a second chance romance thriller. Audrey and Colt had a relationship in high school and she feels betrayed by him. This book is so full of suspense you almost miss the romance mixed in.

Audrey is an award winning journalist returning home to take over the local newspaper her father and uncle ran prior to his death. Past secrets are start to become known and it links Audrey to a childhood secret she would love to keep buried. Her high school boyfriend is also the local sheriff and brings a load of trouble when she tries to get the scoop on local news.

Colt has a lot riding on his shoulders, his the local sheriff, father of a troubled son, and his high school sweetheart just came back to town for good. Trying to keep his son on the straight and narrow path, battling with his ex-wife and now trying to keep Audrey safe.

In Self Defense is definitely a suspense, not much romance weaved into the plot. It did keep my interest on the suspense which is what kept me reading, a little more romance would have spiced it up a bit. The characters were hard to relate to, they fit the story line and made the suspense work. If readers are searching for a suspense novel, very light on the romance this would be a quick, easy read for them. However if they are wanting both suspense and romance, In Self Defense would probably not be the best fit for readers.

Secrets and intrigue nabbed my attention quickly! With the story line of two gruesome murders competing with the reunion of young love done wrong, there's never a dull moment in the first Winchester, Tennessee Thriller. I enjoyed it and look forward to more in the series!

Audrey Anderson has made a life for herself as a big city reporter in DC for the last decade, but now that her uncle is wanting to retire, she's returning home to take over the family newspaper business. The last person she wants to be interacting with is the man who broke her heart all those years ago, but with this latest burst of crime, it can't be helped.

Winchester, Tennessee sheriff Colton Tanner made the biggest mistake of his life when he hurt Audrey, and even though he wishes with all of his might that he could turn back the clock on her pain, he can't regret all that came from his dalliance. Working with her on this case brings back memories and showcases the attraction that neither of them can deny is running strong.

Found a new author inDebra Webb. Filled with suspense and romance. Can’t wait to read the other books in the series. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley.

The book starts off with a murder that hooks readers in right away keeping them focused on the story as it revels itself. The romance doesn't take away the story because most readers will focus on the mystery that needs to be solved. This is a second chance romance story that readers will focus on the mystery and less the romance that everyone knows front he start will end in Happy Ever After.

This book will be so hard to put down and a great start to the beginning of the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Harlequin Intrigue for the Advance copy of Debra Webb In Self Defense.

I am a fan of Debra Webb she can create a suspense to keep you turning pages at break neck speed.
The book opens with a murder in the Mennonite community. Colton and Branch are investigating. Colton is the local Sherriff and Branch is with the FBI. I didn’t realize this is part of a series. I recommend it already. Audrey has come home to take care of her mother with dementia and run her family’s newspaper. I am typically not a fan of journalists but Debra created a relatable character in Audrey.

They suspect the murder is a result of a Chicago mob. In addition to this mystery we have the mystery from Audrey’s past.

This book was complicated for me. Could I forgive Colton for betraying her even if it was 15 year ago? Their past was interesting. Colton and Branch were star football players and rivals. Colton and Audrey were a couple until one night he is drunk and betrays her.

Sexual content - think there was one physical scene. i was too wrapped up in the mystery :)
Violence - a few murders, and a man hunt


I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

I enjoyed this romantic suspense. The book is well written with a good plot and believable characters. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

This was a good suspense with a little romance, couldn't put it down. Characters and plot were enjoyable and well written.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance read

Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC of #InSelfDefense

Another wonderfully written romantic suspense by Debra Webb.

Crime journalist, Audrey Anderson, has returned to her hometown of Winchester to take over the family Newspaper business. With her days of days of investigating crime behind her, Audrey is focused on the newspaper publication and caring for her ailing mother. But when two out of town men end up murdered in her small town, Audrey finds herself working together with the county Sheriff, Colton Tanner, who happens to be her former boyfriend and love of her life. As things heat up, Audrey comes to realize that the recent murders may be related to a family secret that has been buried for the past two decades. She fears more than anything for those she loves and will do whatever it takes to protect them.

This book is laced with mystery and suspense. The characters are well crafted and support the plot well. While there is a romantic aspect to the storyline, it does not take center stage, it develops around the main plot and fits in nicely. 4 stars.

Audrey Anderson has returned home after having her career as a newspaperwoman blow up in her face. Her old high school sweetheart Colt Tanner is now the Sheriff in town. Audrey has never gotten over Colt betraying her. Now there are 2 murders in this quiet town and Audrey and Colt are both in the middle of the investigation. Audrey also has a secret that she has kept hidden for years.

This is a fast read. It has suspense and romance. The story will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.