Colton P.I. Protector is the fifth book in the ongoing Coltons of Red Ridge family saga from Harlequin Romantic Suspense! You can pick up a digital edition today and find it on store shelves next week!

He’s claiming redemption—and the woman he wants
A riveting Coltons of Red Ridge romance

A sudden attack and a dognapping leave K-9 trainer Danica Gage shaken to her core. Even more surprising is her rescuer: P.I. Shane Colton. Years ago her family stole Shane’s freedom, but now Danica needs him to catch a criminal. And she must fight the urge to run into his arms…because wanting him could be a deadly mistake.

I’m so delighted to be part of this series. Shane Colton and his K9 partner, Stumps were so much fun as heroes. I love writing dogs as characters and with Danica being a k9 trainer, this book was full of research that only underscored my love of canines. Dogs have given us so much love and joy my entire life and I hope that shows on the page with Danica, Shane and Stumps.

“Regan Black weaves quite a tale. We are sent on a roller coaster ride watching the suspense unfold surrounding the threat to Danica’s beloved K9’s she trains, the serial killer on the loose in Red Ridge” 5stars, Catlou, goodreads review

Enjoy an Excerpt Colton P.I. Protector

In her office at the Red Ridge K9 Training Center, Danica Gage finished the reports for the day and shut down her computer. From the kennels, she heard the faint whining of the newest arrivals, two Belgian Malinois puppies. At three months old, they were beginning their journey to become working dogs. Danica loved this first stage when the goal was to teach a dog basic obedience and uncover the inherent strengths.

Whenever new dogs arrived, they were often lonely from leaving their mother and littermates and uncertain about the new surroundings. This pair was no exception. The staff always scheduled an overnight trainer to supervise and ease the transition. Working these shifts, just her and the dogs and the expansive quiet of the South Dakota nights, gave Danica a deep sense of peace and purpose.

The puppies had been snuggled together when she’d been in the kennels half an hour ago to give a fully-trained protection dog named Nico one last walk for the night. Also a Malinois, he was solid black and all the more intimidating for it. At this stage of his precise training, he was allowed only limited contact with a few members of the staff while he waited for the assignment of a permanent handler. Danica hoped it didn’t take long. Nico was one of the smartest dogs she’d had the privilege to support and he needed to get to work. With his inherent pride and defensive drive, the dog would be an asset to any handler or security team.

She opened the door between the offices and the kennels and the whining turned to a keening plea. She smiled as the puppies scrambled to the front gate. Other dogs nearby woke to the noise, but only one or two gave any verbal reaction when they saw Danica. The puppies, however, were wide awake and ready to go. Typical of their breed, this pair was bright and eager, their intelligent eyes gleaming from dark-masked faces. The tan fur still had plenty of puppy-fluff in it and on the rare occasions when they were still, she indulged in petting the soft coats.

She gave the command to sit, something dogs were expected to do whenever a trainer came to their kennel. Both puppies hesitated, but were too excited to completely comply. At this point, seeing them hesitate at the command was a sign of progress. They wriggled through the first available space as the gate opened and she let them rush out at her. After slipping a lead over each fuzzy head, she ushered them past the row of other dogs in various states of curiosity and out into the backyard.

Outside she let the puppies off their leads and gave the command to relieve themselves. Not a difficult command for them to obey and she praised them repeatedly. The positive reinforcement paved the way for successful training. She let them romp and wrestle, burning off a little energy so they’d sleep well until morning. Once the puppies were tucked in after this outing, Danica had a mystery novel waiting for her in the office that she was eager to dive into.

The night was clear and cool and stars dotted the midnight-velvet sky above the dense trees that backed the training center. Born and raised in Red Ridge, she never tired of the quiet, removed atmosphere. The modest city had every convenience and Danica felt safe here, and apart from the troubles of more populated areas.

More than a few of her friends had raced out of Red Ridge almost as soon as high school graduation was over. She didn’t understand it. Danica’s roots were inexorably tied to this northwestern corner of the state. She’d known at an early age that her affection for and loyalty to the area would weather any storm, be it a flood of the typical minutiae of life in a small city, a winter blizzard or the current drama of a murder spree that had started with her brother.

Pick up your copy today at Amazon | Harlequin | or your favorite bookseller!

Let’s Party!

I’m celebrating release day for Colton P.I. Protector -also my 5th novel with Harlequin Romantic Suspense- with fun games and giveaways at my Facebook fan page! Come on over and join us today!