COLTON’S K-9 RESCUE The Coltons of Owl Creek Book 12 by Colleen Thompson
This is the 1st book I have read by this author, but certainly will not be the last. Malcolm and his dog Pacer are part of a search and rescue team. Giselle is the sister of his fiancé that passed away. When he hears there is a fugitive that had devastated his family in the past, Malcolm took off tracking him. He runs into Giselle who is living up on the mountain away from everything. They team up to work together to find the fugitive. This story has suspense, a great dog, drama, intrigue and angst. This is 4 stars.

This is my first time reading a book by this author. I am a big fan of romantic suspense. This is an awesome read that is fast-paced, action packed adventure, suspenseful, great characters, romantic and a plot that held me captive. Giselle and Malcolm have something in common. Both have had tragedies in their lives. Giselle is a celebrity ghostwriter and the sister of Malcome’s late fiancée; the two often shared camaraderie between the two of them. With a killer on the loose that has been after Malcolm’s family the two band together along with Malcolm’s trusty K-9 companion. As Giselle and Malcolm continue to work together to find the killer who has brought tragedy to both their families they are finding themselves being attracted to each other and their feelings growing stronger.

Will Malcolm and Giselle be able to track down the killer and get the closure that they need and is there romance in the site?

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Harlequin Romance Harlequin Romantic Suspense and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Good conclusion to this Colton series. Malcolm works on the family ranch and volunteers with the local search and rescue and his K9 companion, Pace. When he hears that the fugitive who terrorized his family is sighted on the mountain, he and Pace go out on their own to find him. However, the first person they found was Giselle, Malcom's almost sister-in-law. Malcolm and Giselle have avoided each other since the tragic death of his fiancée and her sister, Kate.

I enjoyed watching Malcolm and Giselle's relationship develop as they worked together to find the killer. Both are weighed down by their grief and survivor's guilt, determined to ignore the sparks that flare between them. The author did a terrific job of showing their conflicting emotions as attraction battled grief. I could feel both characters' pain when memories overcame them and rooted for them to find healing together. I loved Malcolm's support and encouragement of Giselle as she also battled to regain her confidence after a problematic professional setback. I also liked the resolution of that issue.

The suspense of the book was excellent. Two storylines run throughout the book. The first is Malcolm's ongoing search for those responsible for Kate's death. It has been three and a half years since the accident, but he hasn't given up. Things look up when he gets information that leads to the identity of the boat's driver.

The second storyline runs throughout the series as the Coltons and law enforcement pursue a cult leader and serial killer who has terrorized his family. His "off-the-record" search starts with encountering Giselle and their attempt to warn a neighbor about Markus Acker. The action intensifies throughout the book as Acker's attacks escalate. The occasional section from his point of view shows his growing desperation. The final confrontation was an intense, edge-of-the-seat scene that kept me glued to the pages until it was over.

Two of my favorite characters were Malcolm's dog, Pacer, and the puppy Giselle adopted. Besides being Malcolm's SAR partner, Pacer provides emotional support when Malcolm's grief overwhelms him. Scarlett is an enthusiastic beagle puppy that turns out to be unsuited for service dog training. I loved seeing her and Giselle connect and the effect Scarlett had on Giselle's grieving. There were some amusing scenes involving Scarlett, one of which was one in which she was instrumental in saving the day.

I loved the last chapter and how it wrapped up the series for all of the couples.

Colton's K-9 Rescue is a great book. I loved Malcolm and Giselle's story and how the tracking dogs fit perfectly into the story. This book is great for those who believe in second chances for both humans and dogs. The way the author weaved the answers to so many different questions into the story was magnificent. I highly recommend this book.

If there is a dog on the cover I am going to stop and read the blurb. I am glad I did. Thought this is book 12 and I have not read the previous, there was enough info to help me understand. Additionally the authors writing entices me to read the previous books which is rare for me. Colton's K9 was a pleasant surprise with the freshness. It kept me turning the pages. It squeezed out emotion dealing with a dead fiancé (in Malcom's case) and dead sister (in Giselles case) You are immersed in the country and in the chase for a killer. Thank you for the advanced copy! I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions! #ColtonsK9Rescue #ColtonsofOwlCreek #ColleenThompson #HarlequinSuspense @NetGalley

This is my first romance by this gifted storyteller and it definitely won’t be my last! Not only did the gripping suspense keep me on the edge of my seat, the unlikely, seemingly impossible, romance between two wounded souls who share a tragic past was achingly poignant and stunningly profound.

Malcom Colton thought he'd never again see his almost sister-in-law, Giselle Dowling. When a tip comes to his SAR group about a fugitive cult leader, it’s more than personal, and Malcom and his K-9 head into the wilderness searching for Marcus Acker. In the midst of the search, Malcom stumbles upon Giselle, alone in a remote cabin in the area Acker was last spotted.

The case reveals some leads to a decades-old incident that bonds Malcom and Giselle, who insists on doing what she can to help. As clues are followed, threads unravel which lead back to the past. But Malcom's family is on alert. Acker has targeted the Colton family before and they’re all in danger.

The Idaho mountain backdrop is picturesque, cold and unforgiving, but the Colton family is fierce and loyal. From the riveting suspense to the shocking twists, I was eager to see how this all worked out. With themes of family, redemption, and second chances, this one is sure to please any lover of romantic suspense.

In Colton’s K-9 Rescue, the twelfth book in The Coltons of Owl Creek series, Malcolm Colton, a determined investigator with his K-9 partner, Pacer, crosses paths with Giselle Dowling, his late fiancée’s sister, during a perilous search. Both haunted by guilt and grief from a shared tragic past, they must confront lingering emotions, unravel dangerous secrets, and face a determined killer. With vivid descriptions, suspenseful twists, and heartfelt moments, Colleen Thompson crafts a compelling romance filled with resilience, healing, and unexpected challenges.

Good story

Let me preface by saying this is the first book in the Colton family series that I have read, so it took me a bit to put the pieces together. Once past that, it was a good mystery, with a dash of romance thrown in. Both Giselle and Malcolm are still grieving Katie after 3 years, killed in a tragic accident. Katie was Malcolm’s wife and Giselle’s sister, so feelings that start to grow are awkward.

The book moved along a bit slowly for my taste, and I was easily pulled away from the story. I would definitely read future books by the author, but perhaps not this series.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

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

This was an okay read for me. I had a little trouble getting into the dead girlfriend’s sister with the same man vibe. The mystery/thriller side of the story was well written but Giselle and Malcom had such an unusual reintroduction that it was kind of off putting.

Rating three stars as I enjoyed the suspense portion of the book.

Malcome has had more tragedies than one person should be able to handle. While he is hunting a killer alone, he comes across Giselle who is his late fiance's sister. They weren't really friends and poked at each other constantly getting on both of their nerves. But they banded together when the killer strikes again to someone Giselle is close to. They have many run ins with the killer and the story is very suspenseful. The storyline with the cute puppy is sweet but she is really going to be a handful. I love how close the Colton family is and that they band together through thick and thin. Overall, they story is very good. It was hard to put down as I had to see what would happen next.

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

I love a romance with a dog on the cover because I am a big dog lover. I really loved Pacer and the puppy litter scenes in this story. They were a nice uplifting break from the case and suspense.

This story is good and has a great amount of suspense in it. I enjoyed a more unique backstory and I liked the lead male character. I didn't completely connect with the female lead but she grew on me once she fell in love with the puppy.

The pacing is good throughout and I enjoyed the whole story. I would be interested in reading other books by this author!

Exciting and fast-paced romantic suspense. This was my first adventure with the Coltons of Owl Creek. I would like to read the previous ones. Lots of interesting characters. It was interesting to see the growth of the main characters. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Colleen Thompson's book is a captivating read that left me eager for more. It masterfully weaves together themes of lost love, a determined tracking dog, a serial killer on the loose, and the spark of new romance – all essential elements of a compelling story. The protagonist, Malcolm, has been trapped in grief since his fiancée's tragic accident three years ago. While he hunts down a serial killer, he unexpectedly encounters her younger sister, Giselle, who has secluded herself in a cabin for years. As they navigate their initial awkward reunion and begin working together, tensions rise as they battle to stay alive while grappling with their evolving feelings. This thrilling story is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance for this eARC this is my honest opinion.

3.5 stars!

Malcolm Colton, a search-and-rescuer, teams up with Giselle Dowling, a celebrity ghostwriter with whom he shares a tragic past, to stop a serial killer threatening his family. As they get closer to the killer, their rekindled romance blooms amidst danger. With the help of Malcolm's K-9 team, they hope to bring justice and a promising future.

I have to admit, I usually gravitate towards thrilling books rather than suspenseful romance novels. But let me tell you, if there's a dog on the cover, I simply can't resist giving it a shot. I'm a total sucker for dogs in both books and real life, so please bear with me.

I enjoyed this book! It was a refreshing change of pace to dive into a whole new genre and just kick back and enjoy the ride. The main character is dealing with a lot in his life, but having a loyal k9 partner by his side adds an extra layer of excitement. The story is filled with suspense, a touch of romance, and vividly described settings that truly transport you into the world of the book. And of course, after finishing it, you can't help but hope for a happy ending for all the characters involved.

If you're a fan of books that feature dogs as sidekicks, enjoy a mix of suspense and romance, and like a little bit of spice thrown in, then this is the perfect read for you. It's a feel-good book that's easy to get lost in and will leave you with a smile on your face. So go ahead, give it a try!

Thank you, Harlequin - Romance | Harlequin Romantic Suspense for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was not aware when I requested this from NetGalley that it would contain the dreaded dead-ex trope which is one that I avoid like the plague so my review is a little biased based n that fact because it always seem that heroine is 2nd best or the one he settles for.

Unfortunately nothing changed here because heroine is the little sister of his dead ex fiancée who died tragically 3 years prior and he is still mourning her. Additionally, I found the heroine immature and aggravating at times when she made stupid decisions but the suspense was interesting.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review.

Book 12 of the Coltons of Owl Creek, Idaho did not disappoint! This is Malcolm Colton ‘s story. Malcolm is a Search and Rescue member along with his K-9 partner Pacer hunting a fugitive terrorizing his family. Three years ago his fiancé was killed in a boating accident and he comes face to face with her sister. As they work together to accept her death and also try to stay alive, there is plenty of action and suspense to keep the story moving!