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Triple-D Ranch #1

In Hot Water

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In her new romantic action adventure, Terry Odell spins her popular Blackthorne, Inc. series off into a new world of adventures filled with mystery and suspense. The Triple-D Ranch novels are set against the backdrop of a Colorado cattle ranch, where cowboys find love and danger while they're working the range.

He needs a cook, she needs a place to hide…

Derek Cooper has left the violent life of an Army Ranger and a covert ops agent for Blackthorne, Inc. in favor of the more peaceful life of a cowboy, running the family cattle ranch in the Colorado mountains. However, when he rescues a stranded motorist, he has no idea this blonde pixie is going to bring violence to his doorstep—or work her way into his heart. Unable to resist helping her discover why she's in danger ends up with him unable to resist her … period. When they discover a potential bioterrorism plot, they'll have to put their attraction on hold while they search for a way to prevent it.

Sabrina Barton believes in second chances, and she's running a vocational culinary school to prove it. But when her brother dies in a mysterious hit-and-run, and she's beset by an unsettling series of accidents, she can't believe in coincidences. She goes in search of the one man her brother told her to seek if she ever needed help. Trouble is, the letter with that advice was delivered at her brother's funeral, more than ten years after he wrote it. Will cattle rancher Derek Cooper be able to help her? And will she be able to resist this handsome cowboy who seems to be no stranger to violence?

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2016

About the author

Terry Odell

63 books218 followers
Terry Odell was born in Los Angeles and after living several decades in Florida now makes her home in Colorado. An avid reader (her parents tell everyone they had to move from their first home because she finished the local library), she always wanted to "fix" stories so the characters did what she wanted, in books, television, and the movies. Once she began writing, she found this wasn't always possible, as evidenced when the mystery she intended to write rapidly became a romance.

However, her entry into the world of writing can be attributed to a "mistake" when her son mentioned the Highlander television series on a visit home. Being the "good mother" she began watching the show and soon connected with the world of fanfiction, first as a reader, then as a critique giver, and then, one brave weekend, she wrote her first short story.

Things snowballed (if one can use that analogy in central Florida!) and soon she was writing her first original novel. Much later, she mentioned something about a recent Highlander episode to her son, and he said, "Oh, I've never actually watched the show, I just thought the concept was cool." Little did he know what he'd started.

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5 stars
585 (49%)
4 stars
364 (31%)
3 stars
149 (12%)
2 stars
54 (4%)
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20 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,095 reviews20 followers
October 15, 2016
This is a story full of mystery with mystery people showing up you never know what to expect. The author pulls you in from the first page giving you a compelling read of danger, heart stopping suspense and bone chilling excitement as one lady goes on the run for her life why men are out hunting her to find out what she knows it could be life or death for her and her new friends. When you have a much older brother you haven’t seen in years and never really knew you feel guilt for not having stayed in touch when he dies. Your beliefs are so different with so many years between you, you feel lost at his funeral. You might go by his place pick up a few things that may let you get to know your brother better and go home. Once you get home you find a letter that was written from him years ago when he was in the army telling you if you every in trouble go to this person. Funny how sometimes just saying words seem to make things happen. In Sabrina case after reading her letter strange things happen making her wonder if someone is after her but why. She feels she is on the run for her life running to the man her brother said to go many years ago. On her way things just keep seeming to happen to her when the smart mouth man showed up to give her a tow when someone hits her car she is a little taken back. They bait each other both being attracted to the other but not wanting to give in. Both were totally shocked the next day when she shows up on his doorstep with an amazing story. This is really were the story takes off with explosion, terrorist, guns, bullets flying all around one scared little women and one very alpha male who has seen his side of danger giving it up because of the demons that are following him. Now he finds his self right in the middle of saving one women and finding answers.

Pamela Almand’s narration was wonderful as she takes you through the paces giving you an outstanding build up that keeps you on the edge of your seat why holding your breath wondering what the devil will happen next. She really puts lots of emotion into this listen giving you a true feel for what each character is feeling. There are no background noises or any place where the volume is higher than the last chapter. She gives you a clean and clear listen. If any breaks where taken you could not tell. Her male voices are strong, alpha, demanding and at times unsettling just like the author wanted. Her female voices are at times are very strong but you can hear the fear, excitement and at times the strength. She really does an amazing job bring the story to life, keeping you hooked as you hold your breath expecting the worse. You have no trouble know just what each character is feeling the narrator really brings their emotions to life with her voice. This is the first I have listened to anything by her and really am looking forward to listening to more of her work.

The author does an amazing job with showing the uneasiness of Sabrina as well as her strength. Not knowing where to turn when her life starts falling apart round her she takes a chance running to someone she has never met hoping he can help her work out the puzzle. Maybe she is wrong but what if she is right and someone is after her. What in the world could her brother have been mixed up in and why did they seek her out or is this something that has nothing to do with him. Sabrina was a great character full of compassion for the underdog as she helps teens start over giving them new life. She must work out the clues going though her brothers belongings before her understudies go down the wrong road again getting into trouble they won’t be able to get out of.

Derek is just trying to get by taking over his father’s ranch trying to keep his head above water as he tries to outrun the demons from his past life. His sister is something else you will just love her along with the men on the ranch they keep the story interesting as the excitement t builds you are left with your mouth hung open a few times. His ranch hands are they just plain cowboys or are they more than meets the eye? Derek is a great character he always gives a helping hand and if he doesn’t his sister is there to give him a push. He is a little bit of a mystery as well as his ranch. He is very alpha and is not afraid to defend what is his taking out the bad guys is right up his alley. He is handsome, tough, with a heart that makes women fall for him every time.

I loved the excitement at every turn the story really takes off from the first few pages never leaving a dull moment. Beware things are not always as they seem. My heart went in my throat a few times holding my breath waiting for the end to come. The buildup is thrilling leaving you with chills at times. The author gives just the right amount of romance with two people on opposite side of their beliefs for guns and violence as they come together to save a country. With things as they are in today’s world it isn’t hard for this to be a believable story. These two have a powerful attraction but have so much going against them. You will find a few laughs and chuckles along with some very powerful chemistry between these pages. I loved how the author ended the story she really had me on the edge until I closed the last page. It was one thrilling exciting ride. I am so looking forward to the next installment of this series.
24 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2016
I wasn't sure what to expect, it did sound like same old, same old.
I was lucky enough to be given an Audible copy to read & review but was given no compensation.
Derek has left the Rangers to become a Ranger.
Sabrina is running from some un-known bad guy and searching for Derek.
BUT....
It was not predictable, or boring and the Narrator did an awesome job with all the voices and characters
Sabrina was not at all what I expected, she is selfless and yet realises she has been selfish in many ways where her brother is concerned.
Yes she is attracted to Derek (who wouldn't be) but it flows and evolves in a very natural way and even gets a nice little bit of steamy happening very tastefully.
Sabrina also has her inner demons to battle and is not at all happy when guns and violence enter her life.
The way she handles all this, I thought, was quite realistic and really interesting to read.
Derek, D-man, hotness personified, whatever you want to call him is another well rounded, well written character.
Working his family farm after retiring from the Army Rangers, his story also un-folds with it's own demons and scars in a realistic manner.
His loyalties and work ethic along with his un-willingness to get back into that old life but the fact that he will help out for a good cause goes well together with Sabrina and her battle to get to know her brother and what he was involved in that has put her in danger.
There is some humour, some sadness, that bit of steam and excitement and it all comes together to make a read that kept me listening right to the end.
I really enjoyed it and will certainly be keep an "ear" out for the next instalment.
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,517 reviews41 followers
February 12, 2016
A well written book with good characters and an interesting story line. It's hard for me to see how this will work out as a series, but that doesn't stop me from hoping that the author can figure that out for me.
Profile Image for Cindy Ann Evans.
30 reviews8 followers
July 30, 2024
I couldn't connect with the characters. Nothing really seemed to click.
The story was a little rushed.
Took me days to finish reading because my heart wasn't into it.
Profile Image for Marcia.
1,792 reviews28 followers
February 9, 2017
This is the first book that I have read from this author and is the first book in a new series that builds on an earlier series. Blackthorne seems to be a very popular name for Westerns and has been used by several different authors. Ms Odell's Blackthorne, Inc seems to be a secret security company that sometimes works with the government.

Sabrina Barton was adopted. She was not close to her older "brother", a former Army Ranger, but after he is killed in a "hit and run", her apartment is broken into, her car is trashed, and she starts receiving threatening e-mails. She finds in her coat pocket a letter written to her from her brother 10 years ago, telling her that if she's ever in trouble, she should go to her brother's friend and military buddy, Derek Cooper.

Derek Cooper was a Army Ranger, followed by a covert ops agent for Blackthorne, Inc. and now is running the family cattle ranch in the Colorado mountains. Frightened, Sabrina goes to Derek. He is struggling just to keep the ranch out of the red, but when another Blackthorne agent shows up at the ranch, Derek and his ranch hands rally around to keep her safe. It seems that her brother had been investigating potential bioterrorism.

Derek and Sabrina are attracted to each other, but she lives in the city and is part owner in a cooking school and he has his ranch, so they fight the attraction, but with increased danger their feelings for each other grow. There is quite a bit of action and danger. However I found Sabrina's behavior annoying, putting herself, Derek and others in danger by behaving like, for lack of a better word irrational "liberal", with her insisting on returning to her apartment and fear of touching a gun that could save her life. And locking a gun in a gun safe and storing bullets in another part of the house, is stupid.

I read an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Beth.
1,074 reviews7 followers
March 9, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review

This one was not for me. I need more romance and less suspense, but that is just me. Sabrina's brother dies and weird things start happening. Her house and his get broken into. She was given a letter from her brother that told her to find his friend Derek if she feels in trouble. So she heads out to find Derek in Colorado. There was so much going on in this book I had to stop and think, wait, we are still on Day One. A lot happens in a span of a few days. Sabrina finds out her brother was involved in some serious stuff involving some bad people. Derek was in the military with her brother and enlightens Sabrina on what they were involved with when he realizes Sabrina might be in some serious trouble. Then a side story is thrown into the mix with one of Sabrina's students. Just a lot going on. The romance was a very small part which with the cover I would have thought more romance.
26 reviews16 followers
January 24, 2022
Not much of a romance

This book was tedious to read! It didn’t have much romance at all even though it is a HEA although I can’t really see them working long term. I really ended up not like the heroine at all by the end. Sabrina has an over the top fear of guns and hates them. There was no real reason for her issue and her brother was a former soldier so it was just weird. She was snappy, impatient and all together irritating character that I don’t know why the hero liked at all. The book had a lot going on with the story about the virus going on and the romance was a distance (very distant) sub story. By the end of the book I was just ready for it to be over.
784 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2023
I just didn’t feel it. There was no romance or connection between these two.
It was just to long and so stretched out the story line.
I skipped about 50%.
2,082 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2022
Sabrina Barton was in the foster care system before being adopted. She had lost touch with her adopted brother, John, was several years older than her, and left to join the Rangers when she was 12. When he's killed in a hit and run, she goes to San Francisco from her home in Albuquerque for his funeral. When John left the Rangers, he joined Blackthorne - a private security firm. At the funeral, a note John had written years earlier, was left in her coat pocket. It told her to seek out Derek Cooper if she were ever in trouble. When she returns home, she discovers her apartment has been searched, and then her car is vandalized. She quickly heads north to Colorado and Derek. When her car is sideswiped in a storm, she's rescued by Derek, but it's not until the next morning that they truly meet. As soon as the two are together, more things start happening, that all apparently have to do with a biological threat John was investigating for Blackthorne. The two set out to solve the mystery, but are infected with the illness along the way, as they fall in love.

2022 - 52 book challenge #11 - a book with less than 2022 Goodreads ratings - has 214.
Profile Image for Tracie Simister.
739 reviews32 followers
October 31, 2016
I gave this Book a rating of 4 ✩’s
Title: In Hot Water: A Triple-D Ranch Romantic Suspense
Series: Triple-D Ranch
Genre: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Cowboy romance
Author: Terry Odell
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on: Feb 10, 2016

I voluntarily reviewed a Courtesy Advanced Reader Copy of this book
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Main Character’s Descriptions:
Derek Cooper is an ex-army ranger and Blackthorne agent now he just wants the quiet life of a cowboy
Sabrina Barton runs a culinary school to give people second chances
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Summary Paragraph:
A spin off from the Blackthorne Inc Series.
Sabrina Barton’s brother dies in a weird hit and run. Then she has a series of accidents happen to her. WTH is going on.
Derek gets dragged into rescuing Sabrina.
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What I liked/Didn’t Like: Loved this spin-off it was amazing to read how they find who is causing her accidents as well as how they fall in love


2,131 reviews36 followers
January 20, 2017
After her foster brother is killed, Sabrina Barton suffers several incidents that have her running to Derek Cooper, former Army Ranger and Blackthorne operative. Derek is now running the family ranch and no longer is involved in Blackthorne business. Derek must protect Sabrina and discover who is behind the attacks on Sabrina and the country. This was a marvelous mystery with wonderful characters and a story that will grab you and not let go until you finish the book. Ms. Odell’s writing style keeps you engaged until the very end. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. I have already purchased the second book in this series and can’t wait to begin. “In Deep Trouble,” book two of the Triple D Ranch series, brings us two characters from this first book, Cecily and Bryce – I just love books that have continuing characters. Enjoy!! (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Staci.
7 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2017
This is the first book I have read by Terry Odell and for the most part it was well written and interesting . However for me, I primarily read romance stories , sometimes up to 3 a night ( I love to read). The romance in this really didn't happen until towards the end of the story. The story took place over 3-4 days into the characters life, however there were at times I felt myself getting bored with the story line and how it seemed to drag in parts. That being said, I am optimistic and will follow Terry Odell so I may take in other books to come or that do exist . I am anxious to see if there are follow up books coming for the lead characters Derek and Sabrina or perhaps some of the other characters
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review.
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,514 reviews25 followers
January 22, 2017
I really enjoy reading romance books and when you add in a mystery, which includes a lot of suspense, it's a win-win. Sabrina has her own cooking school in Albuquerque, but when she receives a letter written by her deceased brother telling her to look up Derek Cooper, she finds herself in Colorado. The action continues from there and doesn't let up. This book will keep you turning the pages well into the night. We also get to meet Derek's former Army Rangers (Bryce, Tim, and Frank) that work for him now at the Triple D. I can't wait to read their stories too. If you love a great romantic suspense book, then this book is a must read.
Profile Image for Mary.
10 reviews
June 14, 2017
I have enjoyed reading all of Terry Odell's books and In Hot Water is no exception.

Sabrina Barton is a culinary instructor who had a series of events happen to her after the death of her brother. She turns up on Black Op turned Rancher Derek Cooper's doorstep hoping he may know why. Derek Black Op instincts kick in and he decides to do what he can to not only get her answers but to protect her.

I enjoyed the twists and turns and the new characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews24 followers
February 2, 2017
This is a well written, action packed, suspenseful and romantic story. The storyline is exciting and full of drama. The characters are intriguing, there's something mysterious about each one. I couldn't wait to get to the end to find out what happened, but I also knew would want to keep reading about the lives of all the people. It is an amazing book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest opinion of it.
Profile Image for Julianne Macneil.
3,576 reviews26 followers
January 5, 2018
i reviewed this book as part of an arc program. I loved it! it was a suspenseful story with the undertones of romance. Sabrina finds a letter from her dead brother that was left in her pocket at his funeral and it says to contact Derek Cooper, an old ranger buddy if she ever has trouble. After a few instances of vandalism and a car accident she goes to Derek. While there, the are approached by a man who worked with her brother with reason to believe she is in danger. Well done Terry!
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,543 reviews40 followers
January 21, 2022
THIS BOOK WAS FIRST PUBLISHED FEB. 16, 2016, WHILE READING IT TURNED INTO SOMETHING THAT I'VE DEALT WITH FOR THE LAST 2YRS (all of us have). I WONDERED DID THE AUTHOR HAVE A PREMONITION OF WHAT WAS TO COME IN 2020. SCARY. I KNOW I WOULD'VE ENJOYED THIS MORE HAD I READ IT IN 2016, BUT NOW, NOT SO MUCH. IT WAS A LITTLE LENGHTY AND REPETATIVE AND WORDY IN SPOTS. BUT THE STORYLINE WAS REALLY PRETTY GOOD. ;D
Profile Image for Teresa Reitnauer.
835 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2022
Terry Odell is a new author to me. The storyline was action-packed. Sabrina Barton seeks out help from Derek Cooper after she finds herself in trouble. She discovered his name from a mysterious letter found in her coat at her brother's funeral. Most of the setting was at a Colorado ranch. Working together to solve clues her brother left to stop a virus from spreading. It was an enjoyable read with a HEA.
451 reviews
January 20, 2022
Cooking up some serious trouble.

Sabrina's brother's death brings danger and unanswered questions to her door. A fifteen year old letter her brother wrote to her that was left in her coat pocket during his funeral, leads Sabrina to Derek at his Triple D Ranch. Will the danger that follows her to Derek lead to answers or will it daily in Derek's death?
40 reviews
Read
February 22, 2022
A hefty serving of excitement

Strange title, but a good read. Sabrina, a chef and teacher, is on the run and looking to find Derek, someone her deceased brother trusted and who might have answers concerning his death. Serves up plenty of mystery, intrigue and action that doesn't let up. Dig in ... you won't disappointed.
582 reviews
February 25, 2022
More suspense thriller than a romance

This book was a little drawn out. It has more thriller and suspense aspects than romance. It does have a happily ever after ending. But I likebthrillers and suspense so story was good. Some of plots were in line with current issues in the world.
Profile Image for Stephanie Bolen.
2,017 reviews29 followers
January 10, 2024
Don't know when this was written

But some PTSD from 2020 is gonna be stirred up, just fyi. It has less cohesion than a 24 plot. They trauma bond pretty quick. It's the Speed trap all over again. A live in school outside of the city where city kids can learn life skills is a great idea.
311 reviews
April 14, 2024
Nice concept

A fresh take on the damsel-in-distress plot, her brother was recently killed by a hit-and-run driver, she starts having trouble and needs help. Who but her brother's friend to run to? I enjoyed the fresh approach to this novel and the writing is strong and clear. Would definitely like to read more of this series.
1,096 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2017
I received a free book and voluntarily chose to review it. Loved it. Sabrina is a very strong woman. She has to be with all that is going on in her life. This is a very good romance and the suspense wouldn’t let me put the book down.
125 reviews
June 18, 2017
Triple good read

Sabrina and Derek meet because of a long lost letter from Sabrina's brother and the intrigue starts right when they meet. The characters are well written and have great chemistry. Off to get the next one in the serties
1,958 reviews
April 30, 2018
Fun read

I have enjoyed many of Ms O’Dell’s books in the past (especially the Blackthorne series) and this is one more to add to the list. Nothing deep, complex or gruesome-scary - just interesting enough for a good afternoon entertainment - and a lovely romance.
20 reviews
January 12, 2022
In Hot Water is hot...hot...hot!

Outstanding story line. Characters are deeply developed, kept me reading and on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the romance as well. Powerfully written!
Profile Image for Lynn Evans.
2 reviews
January 22, 2022
A very good story.

Couldn't Stop reading until I find finished it A very good story. I liked the characters. It was well written. Enjoyed it ! Terry Odell is an excellent author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

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