Assistant District Attorney Melanie Merritt is attacked in the parking garage of her work building after a long night. Fortunately, she’s competent enough to manage an escape, though she does take some injuries in the fight to live. Waylon Wright swoops in, insisting on protecting her, despite the fact she declines his offers to do so. I found that interesting because cops shouldn’t bully people into taking them on as 24/7 protection. As the story develops you slowly discover their previous relationship with each other and why he is so pushy about it becomes more apparent. However, considering everything was on the downlow, I don’t understand why the other cops let him do it.

It is only after they start investigating this attack that they are informed that a man she previously prosecuted for being a serial killer, and had successfully put in jail, was out on a technicality. Not only that, three other people, including two jurors, were dead after they were attacked as well. Here begins the cat a mouse game with the killer, who is in a halfway house at his request, so he has a solid alible despite their security system being an absolute piece of garbage.

Did I mention he has a genuine cult at his disposal? Well, he does, so we get to see, ever so slightly, into the cult dynamics when Waylon goes in to interview them after an investigative journalist they were supposed to meet (but they were too busy getting it on) gets kidnapped out of her seedy motel room. Melanie goes to interview the serial killer while he is at it but doesn’t get too much out of him other then a hint that the journalist might already be dead and that Waylon might have a hot young thing getting it on with him while she is interviewing him. After collaborating they realize that the Sand Angel killer has had contact with his cult and has arranged one of his members to try and seduce Waylon, probably trying to drive in that wedge.

The author does a pretty good job using various methods to try and keep up the suspense and keep the reader guessing. They are even run off the road at one point with Waylon ending up in hospital.

Character wise, I didn’t mind either Melanie or Waylon. They both do things that are kind of irksome, but in my opinion, it just makes them seem like they are more real. Melanie is incredibly career driven and afraid of getting into a genuine and serious relationship because all previous relationships have shown her that people are not to be trusted with her heart. Waylon is a classic modern day police cowboy, dead set on protecting the woman he accidentally fell in love with while having a no strings attached, physical relationship with her over a long period of time. Melanie rejected him when he attempted to move their relationship into a more traditional format, and he tried to respect her decision to call it off…until her life was threatened. Then he gets a little pushy.

Melanie does have a point when she explains part of the reason she called off their arrangement. She argues that it’s a conflict of interest if any of his cases come across her desk to prosecute. In classic lawyer form, she even has concrete examples of when such a relationship bit a prosecutor in the butt and resulted in them losing their job. Waylon is sure there is a way around that problem.

So as the reader, you get the thriller of the mystery and suspense of trying to figure out who is killing people and the messy suspense of Melanie and Waylon trying to figure out what they want when it comes to their relationship with each other. All in all, it was an action packed read that I could put down and pick back up at will. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more Juno Rushdan novels!

God, save me from prickly heroines! I just don't care for a woman who says down when the hero says up or black when he says white. It gets really annoying. Melanie can't be close to anyone, they always let her down. Cry me a river. Why a guy would get mixed up in that I'll never understand, but here we are. Focused, driven, career orientated and not looking for anything but sex when she wants it. Waylon made the mistake of having "feelings" after three years serving as her stud. Take him out and shoot him. Steadfast, honorable and true, Waylon believes that he can make a relationship with Melanie work, and he is not about to give up. I'm hard on this heroine - true. The plot turned out to be very good and the action from the halfway point was excellent. I just wish I could have rooted for Melanie form the beginning.

Laramie, WY Assistant District Attorney Melanie Merritt is attacked by a crazy copycat, or was it the nutjob, the Sand Angel Killer, she put away for life over three years ago in her other life in Denver, CO. Laramie Police Department detective Waylon Wright is going to protect her whether she likes it or not. Deep down, she really does like it and him, a lot.

My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

All I can say is hang on to your hat as your read this fast-paced romantic suspense story that is filled with danger and action. The romance between Waylon and Melanie is interwoven with the story of finding not only her assailant but also a killer. I loved this story - from the characters to the suspense to the twists in the storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin - Romance and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A thrilling romantic suspense from the very first pages! Assistant District Attorney Melanie Merritt has had a tough week and breaking up with Detective Waylon Wright still weighs heavily on her mind and heart. He is an amazing man, but their careers are a conflict that she can’t ignore. When she is the victim of a vicious attack, she is barely able to escape with her life. She knew when he heard about her attack that Waylon would show up and try to take over, and of course he did. Waylon is furious when he realizes that Melanie had to fight so hard for her life, but so blessed that she survived. He intends to protect her until they find the person responsible. She is furious when she learns that the vicious killer she had sent to prison had been released and she hadn’t been notified. When he seems to have an alibi for the time of the attack, she learns that others who helped put him in prison have been murdered. No matter his alibi, she knows he was the one who attacked her, but who else has he involved in his reign of terror? When Melissa is abducted, only the air tag she carried might lead him to her, but will he be too late? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This was an okay read for me. I liked the mystery/suspense part of the book but the characters were just okay in my opinion. A Killer freed and people started showing up dead. Lots to investigate while staying alive in the process.....oh and throw in a rekindled romance.

Quick read and good story foundation.

Terrific combination of romance and suspense. Waylon, a police detective, and Melanie, an assistant district attorney, spent three years in a secret relationship. However, Melanie ended their relationship when Waylon wanted to make it public. She feared that an open relationship would jeopardize her career and future plans because of the appearance of a conflict of interest. Waylon mostly accepts it but is still in love with her.

When Melanie experiences a brutal attack leaving work, Waylon's protective instincts take over. He will stick to her like glue until her assailant is caught. Melanie resists at first before realizing that she really does need his help. Their forced proximity leads to a rekindling of their attraction and strengthening of their feelings for each other. However, the obstacles to their relationship still exist, and it takes some out-of-the-box thinking to find a way to make it work.

The story's suspense is outstanding and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. The details of the escalating attacks lead to a serial killer case that Melanie thought was closed. Unfortunately, the murderer was released because of a technicality, making him the top suspect. The twists and turns kept me guessing to the end, with a resolution I didn't see coming.

(4.5) If you like to be entertained and carried along through the pages then you will enjoy Wyoming Double Jeopardy. I did have a little angst with Assistant DA Melanie or M&M as Detective Waylon calls her, but it all made sense by the time I finished. Waylon provided the swoons for sure and there are some twists that through a wrench in the works, so unexpected for sure! Way to go. I enjoyed this suspenseful second chance romance. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #WyomingDoubleJeopardy #CowboyStateLawmen:DutyandHonor #JunoRushdan #HarlequinIntrigue #NetGalley

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This book is a thrilling mix of mystery, action, and second-chance romance. Set in Laramie, Wyoming, the story follows Detective Waylon, a former Army Ranger, and Melanie, a determined assistant district attorney known as “The Closer.” Their past relationship ended due to Melanie’s career ambitions, but when a serial killer known as the Sand Dune Angel terrorizes the town, they are forced to work together. The novel is filled with twists, well-developed characters, and intense chemistry, blending suspense and romance seamlessly. While there are some darker themes and moments of violence, the book remains engaging and tastefully written, making for an exhilarating read.

This was my first Juno Rushdan book, and it reminded me so much of all the cowboy books that I grew up reading that were written by wonderful authors like Diana Palmer and Linda Lael Miller. There was so much action that I was never bored, so many angles that my brain had a field day puzzling my puzzler.

And it was never just action for the sake of action or drama for the sake of drama. I hate that. Everything written had a purpose and kept you on the hook to see how the ending would go. I absolutely fell in love with the writing style and the story itself. The characters were great and were someone that I could actually cheer for. I will most definitely be reading more of this author's books. I highly recommend.

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Juno Rushdan for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and are completely honest.

Wyoming Double Jeopardy by Juno Rushdan was another excellent installment in her Cowboy State Duty and Honor Series. Waylon and Mel are SO explosive together that you know they're meant to be if they can just see past the things they are convinced will keep them apart. First, they have to keep Mel alive long enough to worry about a future, and that's going to be no easy task for Waylon. Facing down a suspected serial killer will require all their wits as they try to stay one step ahead of him before he finally zeroes in on Mel. She's determined to end his reign of terror and bring him to justice, no matter the cost to herself. Waylon is determined to make sure when all is said and done, he earns a second chance with the woman he's loved for years.

If you haven't started this series, you won't be disappointed with Wyoming Double Jeopardy!

An exciting page turner. There is a second-chance romance with lingering issues to overcome. Strong woman with hangups. Lots of action and some surprises. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Engaging and action packed from the opening scene!

I have read a few of Juno Rushdan’s books, but none in this Cowboy State Lawman: Duty and Honor Series, and it delivered exactly what I wanted from a suspense romance. There was a good mystery, mixed with great chemistry between our leading characters and plenty of action to keep assistant DA Melanie Merritt alive and catch those responsible for a string of brutal killings.

Fasten your seatbelts --- this ride is going to fast and furious!! Wow, Ms. Rushdan keeps you on the edge of your seat in the high energy, fast pace romantic suspense. You will NOT be disappointed in this second chance romance!!

From the opening chapter to the very end, the Sand Dune Angel serial killer will keep you guessing with all the twists and turns and "how'd he do it" questions. To avoid any spoilers, I won't say too much on the plot, but I will say it was well written and kept the reader, me, engaged the entire time. I couldn't put it down!

I enjoyed the main characters, Detective Waylon, a former army ranger -- which total has a cowboy name that I just LOVED for him -- and Melanie, assistant district attorney in Laramie, Wyoming. Melanie, known as "The Closer" for her victories in closing cases moved from Denver, Colorado to Wyoming. Coming in with goals to achieve and ultimately District Attorney title, her and Waylon meet in the small town bar with a no strings attached agreement. One night turned into three years, and the book starts off with her "breaking" it off due to being scared that her relationship could prevent her from achieving her goals and dreams. I admire Melanie's work ethic and can-do attitude. She wasn't going to let someone just hand the dream on a silver platter and planned to earn every bit of her career. Waylon, total swoon worthy man, comes from a humble background and is a total alpha male in the best way possible. The way he desires to protect Melanie and also loves her deeply just gives you all the feels. Their chemistry was well written and you can feel the desire but in a deeper way that was not lust.

Ms. Rushdan did a great job providing background on each character and to really give some depth to come to know and understand each point of view. Excellent story with the perfect amount of suspense and intrigue, no profanity or crude language, and the perfect amount of romance, angst and plot. There is an intimate, open bedroom scene BUT tastefully written and much of what was going on was implied and not detailed or graphic, which I do appreciate. Trigger warning -- the case does revolved around a serial killer, and some of the things described can be creepy in a sense and descriptive that some may not like, and there are non-main characters that die throughout the book. The violence is not overly graphic but it is at times a little intense, however I do not feel like it takes away from the overarching story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance | Harlequin Intrigue for the advanced copy of this book. All my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Waylon Wright is a detective that is in love with Melanie Merritt the local ADA. She wants the relationship to stay uncover due to their jobs. After a break-up some try's to kill Melanie and Waylon is going to make sure she is safe. After her brutal attack she realizes the attack stems from a conviction she made while in Denver. When Waylon and Melanie travel to Denver to interview the man that is supposed to be in prison, they find he is now out. The killer has an alibi for the current murders and as they work the case, they realize he is not working alone.

Waylon and Melanie rush to find the Sand Angel Killer before he gets them first. Second chance story wrapped up with suspense and mystery.

I found this novel fast paced and action packed. I thought there was a perfect mix of romance and suspense! Had such a good time reading this book, thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for this arc.

A mystery with a bit of suspense. Melanie is an ADA who put away a notorious serial killer. When she is attacked and the killings start again, she discovers that the killer she put away has been released on a legal technicality. Complicating things are her feelings for Waylon, who she had a relationship with, and let go. He will not let the relationship go without a fight and a fight it is to the very end. I enjoyed the pace and the twists to this story

The action in this book starts from the first page and never lets up. Melanie Merritt, assistant DA, has a target on her back and detective Waylon Wright is determined to keep her safe. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Harlequin Intrigue (Apr 2025)
Series: Cowboy State Lawman: Duty and Honor #5

Waylon is a smart, strong, cowboy turned lawman who is still in love with his ex girlfriend Melanie. Problem is, she’s an assistant district attorney and her prosecuting cases Waylon worked on could be a conflict of interest. They kept their red-hot-in-the-bedroom relationship a secret for several years, but when Waylon wanted to take it to the next level, Melanie panicked, thinking that she needed to make a choice between their careers and love.

When we meet Melanie and Waylon, they are broken up. When she is attacked at work and nearly killed, Waylon steps in to both protect the ADA and find out who wants her dead. But all signs point to a case Melanie thought long closed and a serial murderer who has found his way out of prison on a loophole. They are working on their second chance to get it right in love too before time runs out on their careers or even their lives.

Wyoming Double Jeopardy has exactly what I want in a category from the Intrigue line: Hyper fast pace. Sizzling chemistry. Intriguing crime. Big stakes. A hero who is tough on the outside, kind and steadfast on the inside. A heroine who is self assured and driven, while making decisions that not only fit the plot, but what a real woman like this would choose.

This is a hero who believes that it’s his job to act as a true partner to his heroine, even if that means making sacrifices and changes to his life in order to be there for her. Really enjoyed their dynamic. The stakes were very high and the action scenes were top notch. Truly thrilling.
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LEO: MMC is a police detective, FMC is an assistant district attorney. No corruption or abuse of power themes

Setting: Wyoming, in/around Laramie, and also some scenes in Denver

BIPOC Characters: yes, FMC is South Asian

Steam/Spice Level: open door, in the bed, very steamy, great chemistry

POV/Tense: third person, dual POV, past tense
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ARC Provided by Harlequin Publishing. Expected Publication Date: Apr 1, 2025

Waylon Wright is a detective and has almost accepted the fact that he and Melanie can’t be together. Melanie is the ADA and she thinks that dating the detective will hurt her chances to become DA. When Melanie is brutally attacked in the parking garage, Waylon goes into protective overload. Even though this case is out of his jurisdiction, Waylon becomes her bodyguard. Can they find the killer before he strikes again?
On the edge of your seat from the very first page. Steamy. Second chance for love.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED THIS FOR NETGALLEY *