REVIEW: Deadly Colton Search by Addison Fox

Deadly Colton Search by Addison Fox is the tenth book in the Harlequin Coltons of Mustang Valley series. I really like the Colton family. They are so open and giving and protective of their own. This is showcased by Ms. Fox in this story. She does a great job of painting this picture as well as telling Nova’s and Nikolas’ story.

Nova Ellis is on the run after she overhears her boyfriend and baby daddy, Ferdy Adler, discussing a drug deal. She has a destination in mind. When her mother was dying from cancer she confessed to Nova that her father is Ace Colton. That’s her goal now – get to Mustang Valley, Arizona and investigate if this is true. Maybe he can help her get settled if he really is her father. Then again maybe not since he is on the run after being accused of shooting Colton family patriarch, Payne Colton. The Mustang Valley police found the gun that was used to shoot Payne Colton in Ace’s condo. The possible motive is that it has been proven he is not the eldest Colton sibling but the baby that was switched at birth. The family believes in his innocence though. When Nova finally arrives in Mustang Valley she stops in the office of the local P.I. Nikolas Slater. She doesn’t know what prompts her to do this but she finds Nikolas to be quite helpful. He arranges meetings with the Colton family members for her and offers her a place to stay. Nova is surprised at the warm welcome she receives from the Coltons. Can she finally stop running? Is she putting this family at risk if Ferdy is still after her? All she knows for sure is that she feels safe with Nikolas.

Nikolas Slater is a darn good P.I. He gets the job done even if he slides a little into some gray areas during his investigations. He has been hired by Payne Colton’s ex-wife, Selina Barnes Colton, to find Ace. He doesn’t care for Selina and questions her true motives but he has a job to do. So when Nova Ellis walks into his office and tells him she believes Ace Colton is her father he knows he has to be careful and not cross any lines. There’s just something about Nova that makes him feel protective of her. And attracted to her which isn’t good because he doesn’t plan to ever settle down into a permanent relationship or get married. He doesn’t believe he could be a good husband. He will keep Nova safe at any cost though.

Ms. Fox sets a good pace in this book and moves along the overall storyline arc of the series. We know for sure who switched the babies at birth but not who and where the Colton heir is. We still don’t know who shot Payne Colton yet though. I am hoping to get more answers to the mystery in the next book in this series, Hunting the Colton Fugitive by Colleen Thompson.

Book Info:

Publication: May 1st 2020 | Harlequin Romantic Suspense | Coltons of Mustang Valley #10

A woman asks questions…

…and finds answers that threaten her unborn child

Young and pregnant, Nova Ellis arrives in Mustang Valley, determined to find her missing father, Ace Colton. In her search, she uncovers that Nik Slater—the PI she’s just hired—is looking for the very same man. Immediately, Nova falls for Nik’s protective nature, a man who cares for her and her baby. But will unexpected danger and long-kept secrets draw them together…or shatter their dreams?