Rating: 4.5 Stars

The legendary B J Daniels hits it out of the ballpark yet again with her latest nail-biting romantic suspense novel, Christmas Ransom.

Davy Colt might have traveled all over as a rodeo star, but he has never managed to forget the small town of Lonesome – or the girl he had left behind. While Davy’s ambitions had compelled him to leave everything that was familiar to him behind to conquer the world, Carla Richmond had been perfectly happy to stay put and her hard work and dedication to her job had seen her climb the corporate ladder and enabled her to keep working in the town bank as a loan officer. Davy’s rodeo days might be behind him, but his job as a private investigator does have its fair share of excitement – as he discovers when there is a robbery at the bank and Carla is taken hostage!

Years might have passed since Davy and Carla had been in a relationship, but the former rodeo star would move heaven and earth to ensure that not a single hair on his ex’s head is hurt. When the kidnapper escapes with bagfuls of cash leaving a distressed and terrified Carla behind, Davy vows to protect her from the dangerous perpetrator who is still at large. As the two of them find themselves in close proximity after all these years, never forgotten feelings and barely repressed emotions quickly come rushing back to the surface and succumbing to desire soon proves inevitable. But will it be second time lucky for Carla and Davy? Or will their unexpected chance at happiness come at too high a price?

B J Daniels writes captivating romantic suspense novels that must be devoured in one heart-pounding sitting and she has done it again with Christmas Ransom. As always, B J Daniels expertly blends nerve-shredding tension with non-stop action, breath-taking suspense and emotional romance that will keep readers engrossed all through the night.

A writer who never lets her readers down, B J Daniels continues to prove to be one of the most gifted writers of romantic suspense with Christmas Ransom.

This is a good book. The two main characters is Carla and Davy. They have known each other all their lives. They dated in high school. Broke up and went to college and the rodeo. Carla works at a bank. There is a robbery while she is at work. She lands up in the hospital with a concussion. She wakes up and Davy is beside her in a chair waiting till she wakes up. They start to figure out why someone wants her dead. When it finally ends they realize they love one another.

Christmas Ransom (Colt Brothers #3). By B.J. Daniles. 2022. Harlequin Intrigue (ARC eBook).

Davy Colt is back home from the rodeo circuit for Christmas when the Lonesome Bank is robbed. Carla Richmond, who works at the bank, becomes a suspected accomplice by the FBI, but Davy believes Carla is in danger. Davy enlists his brothers who are P.I. at Colt Investigation to find out who the robbers are, as he works to protect Carla. I’ve read several Buckhorn, Montana books by Daniels, but this is the first I’ve read set in the small town, Lonesome. Christmas Ransom can be read as a stand alone and is overall an engaging read as the villians’ plans continue to unravel.

Davy Colt is back for a visit at Christmas. He’s a rodeo star who isn’t looking to change his life. Davy is still in with the girl he left behind. Carla Richmond gave up her life to come home and take care of her ill mother. She’s risen at her hometown bank. Carla life comes under When there is a bank robbery at the local bank can this rodeo star safe the woman, he never stopped loving. What happens when a bank robber targets the woman who supposedly turned him down for a loan. Will a Christmas Ransom bring two high school sweethearts together again.

Christmas Ransom is the third book in Colt Brothers Investigation series by B.J. Daniels. A couple of high school sweethearts maybe reunited when danger comes into their worlds. A woman who is at the fast track at her hometown bank. A day off and a quick trip to her office just may work to her disadvantage when a robbery takes place. A criminal with a grudge just may take a turn and have a woman fighting to survive. Christmas Ransom takes a few surprising turns as these former lovers are brought back together through danger, suspense and attraction that never went away. A man who is determined to keep his current lifestyle soon finds that maybe things aren’t as good as he thought. A woman who is content with her life just may find that things are more complicated than she thought when the man she can’t forget comes back into her life. B. J. Daniels’ Christmas Ransom continues the story of the Colt Brothers who have a started a Private Investigation business to continue looking into the death of their father. This book centers around the third brother and his high school sweetheart as they’re reunited at the holiday season by danger and trying to figure out who robbed the local bank and why one of the robbers would like to revenge for a supposed slight. A must read for any B.J. Daniels fan and a wonder story with intrigue, suspense, love and a reunion, also the continued mystery of what happened to the Colt father. This reader can’t wait for the next story in this wonderful series by a master of romantic suspense genre. I’d read this book whether its Christmas time or not

I love BJ Daniels! This was a really good one, jut wish I would have had time to read the first two as I really like reading in order but wanted to read this Christmas one. It was very fast paced which this author is good and just very well written. I am a little surprised that there is a bit more spice in the intrigue than there use to be as I preferred it the old way, but I will read anything by this author.

Carla and Davy were high school sweethearts. When he decided he want to be a rodeo star, she broke up with him.

Now it's years later, he is back in town and would like to reconnect. Carla got a degree and works as a loan officer at the bank. The bank gets robbed and she is almost taken hostage. The robber escapes and is after she and Carla are scared he will come back and finish the job.

Davy never wants to leave her side, but spending all that time together opens the path for the old feeling to resurface.

It's an intense suspense story, of a robbery gone wrong with just the right amount of romance, to keep you flipping the pages, while still keeping you on your toes.

thanks to Netgalley for the book, all opinions are my own

Carla was at the wrong place and time when she showed up at her job for something she had forgotten the previous day and landed herself in a hostage situation left injured. Davy is a guy from her past who went from rodeo star to PI and he's going to do his best to make sure Carla is saved and figure out who is behind this before Carla losses her life.

I really enjoyed this book I pretty much devoured it just didn't stop reading till the very end. I loved getting to know the past of the two characters as well as their perspectives. But even more so the villain of the story and seeing what led to what happend and his side of the story which made this book all the more interesting. There was plenty of close calls and wondering when the villains would strike next and how. Then there was also the cops who were looking into the case believing that Carla might be involved so it made things even more complicated. There was just so much to enjoy about this book and if you love mystery suspense novels check this book out.

What a delightful second chance romance this proved to be
Complete with intrigue and mystery!
An action packed story, fraught with danger
But discovering who from is proving stranger.

A bank robbery, a tattoo, a hostage and more
A returning rodeo star, a lost love, a chance to explore?
Possibilities, potential but dare they take the risk
But if they don't, what will they have missed?

Keeping each other safe and out of harm's way
Trying to survive to live another day.
With a family determined to discover
Who threatens one of their own brothers.

An edge of your seat romantic thriller
Involving a desperate serial killer.
What makes it worse is not knowing just who
Poses the danger or just what they'll do.

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
What a action packed read - and this is my honest review.

Christmas Ransom by B.J. Daniels, book three in the Colt Brothers Investigation series, is a second chance romantic suspense. This romantic suspense is a bit unusual as the villain was pointed out from the beginning, along with motive, reasons, and desperation behind the robbery. Davy Colt and Carla Richmond were high school sweethearts who went in different directions after graduation; Davy to the rodeo and Carla to college. Despite wanting to leave their small town behind, Carla ended up returning to take care of her sick mom, and becoming a loan officer at the local bank; while Davy travel with rodeo, occasionally visiting his family in town. When Carla is accidently caught in a bank robbery, on her day off, recognizing one of the robbers became her almost death sentence; especially as he tried to take her hostage. Jud, one of the bank robbers, was doing what he thought he had to in order to stay alive, keep his girlfriend Jesse alive, and get himself out of trouble. As often happens, things only went from bad to worse for Jud. Threatening Carla was the biggest mistake Jud could have made; especially with Davy back in town. Davy was not going to leave town until he knew that Carla was no longer in danger. Davy believes she is an innocent victim and is set on protecting her and finding the robber. Meanwhile Jud, and Jesse are determined to kill Carla so she can’t identify them, and get away with the money.

I will say that the FBI agents sent to help with this case seem inept with few people skills. These agents believe Carla knows more than she is telling them, don’t believe what she does tell them, and suspect her involvement in the case. Davy knows better, and will go to the ends of the world to protect Carla. Watching them work together brought them closer together; reigniting the feeling they once had, which never left. I highly recommend Christmas Ransom to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

When I started this book I had one of those moments where I felt like the synopsis does not match the book. Which gave me a few false expectations. I stopped, re-read the synopsis, and started again. So really, this was more like going in to a book blind. I always enjoy BJ Daniels work, so I knew no matter what, I'd enjoy the read. And I did. I was just led in a different direction with the synopsis.
Also, I'd like to add, that I realize that a synopsis not being a good fit for the book isn't necessarily at the fault of the author, as they rarely write their own blurbs when a book is traditionally published.

Now, on to the book!
There were many twists and turns that kept me guessing. I was happy with this beautiful reunion story filled with suspense. If you enjoy watching love reunite, and a good mystery, I recommend Christmas Ransom. Just go in knowing that it isn't exactly what the blurb details.

Typical Daniels. Some danger, a lot of tension, interesting characters, and a romance. Two who have a past and start to look at the future . All is well that ends well.

This is a Second Chance Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in A Colt Brothers Investigation series. I really loved the characters, and the chemistry they had between them. The mystery was really good, and I was living for the mystery in this book. There was so much action in this book. The Christmas in this book was not really there, but that did not bother me. I really did not like the police in this book because I felt they were not looking into everything, but everything came to light by the end of the book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Intrigue) or author (B.J. Daniels) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

I was hooked on this story from the start. Davy was a wonderful hero and I felt for him as he was dedicated to protecting Carla while trying to guard his heart as well. I liked Carla’s independent nature while also recognizing that she was in danger. The villain was revealed at the beginning of the story but this is still an engaging, suspenseful mystery as you never knew what was coming next. I was rooting for these two to overcome the past and have their HEA. A good and recommend read!

So in CHRISTMAS RANSOM B. J. Daniels treats us to a bank robbery crime story that is filled with some very psychotic and unsavory characters. The bank robber himself is a sloppy mess of a human being. But there are others that hang out on the fringe, equally bad but more subtle than the robber himself. Honestly hard to separate the wheat from the chafe in this fast-paced drama with a side of romance thrown in for good measure.

It all stems from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. That’s the dilemma Carla faces. Almost taken as a hostage by one of the bank robbers, Carla’s memory is stilted. Bits and pieces are surfacing but with each one she seems to be putting herself in more peril. The robber just might be a local guy. He might be looking to silence her. And the FBI are harboring suspicions that include Carla as a part of the crime. After all as a bank officer she certainly was privy to inside information that would be useful in this crime. Perhaps her injuries were because something had gone wrong during the actual holdup. So many questions and while the authorities chase down facts Carla is left vulnerable.

Davy and Carla had a past. Davy left Carla to pursue his rodeo career. Both seemed to have moved on. But now Davy is back home and quickly realizing that Carla is still in danger if the robbery culprits worry over what she remembers about the event and perhaps even prior to it. Minds are funny. They can play games with memories and when injured as in a concussion, can take time to finally sort out to the actual truth.

Davys brothers have given up their rodeo days. Settled down with careers in investigations and law. As a family these men will join to help ferret out the facts in this case. In the meantime it looks like Carla and Davy will be spending some time together. That’s makes Carla uneasy, opens some old wounds. And for Davy it means putting his rodeo on hold for a while.

The case seems to hinge on Carla’s memory of a tattoo J, a heart, and a second J. Not much to go on but B. J. Daniels challenges all of us armchair detectives to see just how the facts will be uncovered. We know who the robber is. But the case of characters includes some very devious folk. Fans of B.J. Daniels is just going to love this new book about justice. CHRISTMAS RANSOM has it all. Crime, passion, love and hopefully a rewarding ending.

Good book, but let me start by correcting some things from the synopsis. Davy is NOT a former rodeo star. When the book opens, he has come home to spend the holidays with his brothers before returning to the rodeo circuit. Nor has he gotten a PI license. It is correct that he never stopped loving his high school sweetheart, Carla.

Ten years earlier, after graduation, Davy told Carla he was going on the rodeo circuit rather than going to college with her. He wanted her to marry him and come along. But Carla didn't want to give up her dreams either and gave Davy an ultimatum: her or the rodeo. Both were broken-hearted but went their separate ways. After college, Carla returned to Lonesome to take care of her mother and took a job at the local bank. After her mother's death, Carla stayed on, choosing her career and stability.

Fast forward to the present day. Carla has never forgotten Davy and her feelings for him. She sometimes wonders what would have happened if she'd gone with him. When she runs into one of his brothers, she asks about Davy, which gets back to him. This motivates him to pay her a visit at the bank, hoping they may try again. Unfortunately for Davy, the meeting doesn't go well, as Carla is still entrenched in place, and he is still a rodeo cowboy. It looks like history repeats itself, as neither one seems interested in compromising. That changes when Carla is injured during a bank robbery, and Davy is determined to protect her.

The story's suspense is a little different than usual, as we know who the bad guys are from the beginning. The villain's motivation is clear, as well as how desperation leads to stupid decisions. The villain's psychotic girlfriend complicates matters. Carla sees something during the bank robbery that puts a target on her back, and Davy is determined to keep her safe. Carla is at a disadvantage because the FBI agents investigating the case believe it was an inside job and fixate on Carla as their prime suspect. Despite the information she provides the agents, they seem uninterested in pursuing any other line of investigation.

While Davy's PI brothers go to work looking into the information Carla knows, Davy and Carla set out to do some investigating of their own. The villain's girlfriend is incredibly determined to stop Carla permanently, and the number and intensity of the attacks on Carla escalate throughout the book. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that kept me glued to the pages until it was over. I admit that I would like to have seen the FBI agents with egg on their faces over their incompetence, but they seem to get off easy.

I liked seeing the rekindling of Carla and Davy's relationship. Davy freely admits to his brothers that he never stopped loving Carla. Unfortunately, Carla fights her feelings from the start. She feels guilty about how she treated him back in the day but is still convinced there is no future for them. Davy won my heart with his tender and determined care for her, while I wanted to shake Carla for being so stubborn. But when it was time for Davy to return to the rodeo, Carla had a decision to make. Does she go with Davy or play it safe? For Davy, is it time to quit the rodeo or stick it out a few more years? Each battles pride and heart before realizing that love is the most important thing they have.

The series mystery involves getting to the truth behind their father's death. They suspect a cover-up by the former sheriff but have no proof. Very little was addressed in this book. The final brother, Willie, joins the sheriff's department at the end here, putting him in a position to investigate further.

Christmas Ransom by B.J. Daniels begins when a local low grade criminal amps it up and decides to rob a bank in his hometown of Lonesome, Montana during the Christmas season. In the process, he attempts to kidnap the executive loan officer and sets off a series of events that changes the lives of so many in Lonesome, Montana.

Davy Colt has been in love with Carla Richmond for over a decade, and their breakup devastated them both. Davy wanted Carla to ditch all responsibility and go on the rodeo circuit with him. Carla wanted to have a "normal" life with a real job, the house with the white picket fence and stability. Davy just couldn't do it. As much as he loved Carla, he felt his destiny was riding those broncs.

Now a decade later, Davy is back in town to spend the Christmas holidays with his brothers and loved ones, when he sees Carla assaulted by a robber in a Santa suit who attempted to take her as a hostage. The thief leaves her injured on the ground before making a getaway with his cohorts. Frantic to make sure that Carla is well, Davy spends his time by her bedside until she is released from the hospital, then attempts to keep her safe in one of the Colt family residences.

After Jud, the bank robber who left Carla injured, does away with his cohorts, he and his shady girlfriend, Jessie hide the stolen cash and devise a way to make Carla Richmond pay for making their lives difficult before and after the robbery. Jud and Jessie have no idea what lengths Davy and the Colt brothers will go through to keep Carla safe, but readers will find out.

The very first sentence in Christmas Ransom by B.J. Daniels had me biting my nails to the nubs. This author knows so well how to engage her readers with her well thought out storyline with its exciting twists and turns and the characters that make you want to know them better, become family even. This second chance romance made my heart sing while the heist and goings on around the crime, kept me on the edge on my seat. A typical B.J Daniels perfect read! I have been away from this genre for a bit, but I am so glad that I am back and full force into reading this amazing series from this stupendous author. B.J Daniels deserves accolades for keeping her books fresh and exciting in a world of average.



P.S. There is a FBI Agent named Robert Grover, who you will hate as much as the criminals in this. Go grab this book.



~KIMBERLY~

Christmas Ransom, Colt Brothers Investigations book 3 by B. J. Daniels, begins when youngest brother and rodeo star Davy Colt returns to Lonesome, Montana, to spend the holidays with his brothers and their families. Davy also stops off to see his former love, Carla Richmond, at the bank where she serves as chief loan officer. While not rekindling an old romance, the visit certainly brought buried feelings to the surface.

The following day, and Carla’s day off, she returns to her office to ascertain having secured certain files. Bad timing! While in the bank, there is a trio of Santa suit clad robbers who take over the bank. One comes through the offices and find Carla there, then pushes her to the lobby and roughly places her face down with the others. But then Carla sees what she shouldn’t have when she slightly raises her head as the one who had roughed her up scratches under the beard and mask, revealing an unusual neck tattoo. Because of this, next thing Carla knows she is being jerked up and edging backwards with her attacker to be taken hostage. However, the other robbers argue the fact, forcing him to drop her, but he doesn’t leave without brutalizing her with kicks and punches before they flee.

When Carla comes to in the hospital, she finds Davy snoozing in the uncomfortable visitor’s chair. He barely leaves her side while in the hospital, and then takes her home with him to protect her after threats have been made and from the FBI agent that thinks she was the inside man.

This is an intense mystery with twists and turns. It also serves as a character study for those involved as the story unfolds. I very much enjoyed this book and am happy to have found a new author to follow. I do recommend this book!

3.5 stars

I love a good romantic suspense book, and I read a lot of them. B. J. Daniels was a new-to-me author, but this book won’t be the last one of hers I read. There were some significant frustrations with the main characters in this story as I felt Carla was a bit too stubborn for her own good many times. While I could understand her hesitation to rekindle her relationship with Davy based on his previous lack of desire to settle down, he grew up emotionally throughout the story. He became more willing to budge from his former stance on love and marriage and to compromise while she remained beyond stubborn to the point that she came across as selfish. I’m a characters girl, so this distracted me from what I thought was an otherwise intriguing plot. I just know that when I found my HEA, not even the strong desire to stay close to my family was enough for me to give up on the relationship.

Overall, the writing was solid, and I truly enjoyed having the villain’s POV because it showed the downward slide of his morality (which was barely there, to begin with). It was a nice change of pace, and I thought the author did a good job developing him into a genuinely evil character from a morally ambiguous one in the beginning. Sometimes I like to be surprised by who the villain is, but giving the reader omniscience isn’t a turnoff when it’s done well. And in this case, it was. All in all, I am looking forward to catching up with the previous books in the series and reading what’s to come from B. J. Daniels.

I'm withholding this review in solidary with the HarperCollins Union members currently on strike. I support their right to a fair contract.

Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC.

Davy Colt blows back into town and leaves Carla weak in the knees. But someone is determined to kill her and Davy has appointed himself as her protector.
Daniels delivers a romance wrapped up in a gritty scenario. I was taken back by the violence in the story and I’m glad to say the perps got what was coming to them.
One of the best scenes was on a snowy sled. I loved the prospect of a second chance romance.
The Colt brothers are a had some bunch but they are stubborn. Davy and Carla have to work out their differences before they can me together. But can they survive more heartbreak?