Behind The Texas Badge

"103 Texas peace officers recount their proudest moments, the most unusual calls they've handled, their worst days on duty, and what gets them through it all." --Introduction.

The bloodiest crime in Texas history, and only one man has the guts to solve it. Bank robbery. Jailbreak. massacre. Alone, any one of them would send good folks reeling. But when all three occur in the same night in the same small South Texas town leaving no eyewitnesses behind, it could be the end of the world. Saddler County Sheriff Dell Hoffman is charged with bringing the perpetrators of these horrific crimes to justice, but even the toughest and most cunning lawman in Texas has his limits. With nothing to go on but five bloody bodies, a cracked safe, and an empty jail, Dell works the fringes of his sleepy little western town—among the forgotten, the invisible, and those who often see without being seen. The more he learns, though, the more he wishes he could forget. In search of the truth, Dell finds himself pulled into a dark world of murder, deception, and brutality the likes of which he never imagined. Striking out on his own across the vast Texan prairie, he risks it all in search of justice. Will he solve the most heinous crime in Texas history? Or will Dell's drive for justice lead him to an even greater tragedy for both himself and those he cares for most?

Book One of the Lone Star Cowboys Series Logan Tanner shook the red dust of West Texas off his boots at the age of eighteen and hasn't looked back. Now he's faced with having to protect his twelve year old daughter Katie, and his sister Carol and her friend Megan Flynn. It's nearly more than one man can handle. Raised as a city girl, Megan has a dream of a few acres, a few champion Blue Heelers, and a small-town veterinary practice. The only thing standing between her and her dream is one stubborn, reluctant cowboy with an overprotective streak as wide as the West Texas prairie. But her stubborn streak is a match for his any day. And she's determined to prove it. Blame it on Texas is a story of the power of love to overcome any adversity, the strength of family and friendship, and the joy that comes with being part of something bigger than yourself. Praise for Blame it on Texas: "Blame it on Texas by Tori Scott was a great read, one that I enjoyed immensely. I was subjected to a lot of emotion as I read this novel, one I am finding out that Tori Scott is quite adept at dishing out to her readers. Toe-curling sexiness together with a lot of heartwarming characters with a hint of a secondary romance to follow, Blame it on Texas is a novel I would recommend for fans who love romances that makes you feel like you are part of the journey of the hero and heroine's way towards happily ever after."--Maldivian Book Reviewer (MBR) "The storyline is captivating and a real page-turner. I highly recommend this book."--RJ Parker "I usually limit ebooks to four stars for really really good. this one was great. I love love love Tori's writing. She sews a seamless quilt of love, conflict, and satisfying resolution. I can't really tell about the story without giving away some of the twists and turns. Just think bucking bronco going in multiple directions and giving you the five star ride!!! yippee!!"--Victoria Fredrix Be sure to read Carol and Jake's story in Book Two, Blue Moon Over Texas

Bull rider Nick Jackson has spent his entire life not knowing who he really is. Abandoned as a toddler and raised in foster homes, Nick is afraid to put down roots, to make commitments, to love, because life has a way of ripping those things away from you when you least expect it. Psychologist Jean Sutherland wants to help Nick discover his true identity and find his family, but not as a professional. Her interest in Nick is purely personal. She finds it difficult not to cross the line between her personal and professional lives, and nearly ruins them both in the process. Sometimes it's better to leave the past alone…

Book Two of the Lone Star Cowboys Series and the sequel to Blame it on Texas. Carol and Jake were high school sweethearts, but when she chose college over marriage, it cut Jake to the core. When they finally had a second chance at love, she chose to help her brother win custody of his daughter by moving to Dallas to live with them, leaving Jake once again. Now she's back, and Jake isn't sure he can give her another chance to break his heart. Carol Tanner moves home to Morris Springs, Texas, to be near the ones she loves. And that includes Jake Reilly, though she hasn't decided if she's going to forgive him yet. When Jake is injured and needs help, Carol moves into his house to take care of him, putting her reputation, and her life, in danger. Jake Reilly is always ready to lend a helping hand to his neighbors, but he finds accepting help a lot harder than giving it. Especially when that help comes from Carol, who had walked out on him twice--once right after high school and again two years ago. He isn't too likely to give her a third chance to break his heart. He has to face his own shortcomings when Carol's life is threatened, because one thing every cowboy knows is that you have to protect what's yours. Book Three in the Lone Star Cowboys series, The Bluest Eyes in Texas, is now available.

Bull rider Cooper Saunders has a shot at the PBR championship until a bull not only shatters his body and puts him in danger of never walking again, but it also tramples his spirit. Cooper is ready to give up on life, not wanting to be a burden on others, until his neighbors in Morris Springs, Texas, show him how much he has to live for. Physical therapist Nancy Phillips is not about to let Cooper give up, not after she worked so hard to get him back in shape for the finals. Now she must not only help him find the will to live, but also give him the motivation to get out of that wheelchair. With the help of newly-orphaned Becky McCallum and Nancy's friends in Morris Springs, Nancy shows Cooper how much he still has to offer, to his family, the community, and to her. The Bluest Eyes in Texas is Book Three in the Lone Star Cowboys series, with return appearances by many of the characters from Blame it on Texas and Blue Moon over Texas. Book Four, Beneath a Texas Star, is now available.

About the Book The Dark Side of the Badge: A Texas Tragedy exposes the history of the dark side of policing. Drs. Terry and Daphne Free integrate research combined with personal experiences in policing and bring to light stories that happen in policing that never make it to public light, including those stories behind the scenes. Those who are interested in policing will be able to avoid the pitfalls of agencies, and the public will realize the need to elect and hire qualified people in policework, which is of utmost importance. About the Author Both Drs. Terry and Daphne Free are Texas police officers with over twenty-six years of combined experience. They own and operate a martial arts school, security company, and a fire and environmental company. They also both hold Advanced Peace Officer certifications and doctorates in Organizational Leadership.

Books 11-13 in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series all in one place! Shelter for Blythe When she's already lost everything, she has nothing to lose by taking a chance on love. Blythe Coopman never imagined she’d be homeless, but a series of events has landed her on San Antonio’s streets…hungry, tired, and scared. Despite leaving the streets behind, Blythe and firefighter Sawyer “Squirrel” McClay discover old dangers still linger, threatening to end the couple’s new bliss before it’s barely begun. Justice for Hope She didn't usually rely on others, but this was one time she really wouldn't mind if her Texas Ranger boyfriend suddenly showed up. Hiding from her ex is exhausting enough, but for Hope Drayden, putting her seven-year-old son through a life on the run and living on the streets has been mentally torturous. But when a tragedy thrusts medical examiner Calder Stonewall and Hope together, Calder quickly proves he’s a man Hope can rely on. Which is a good thing…because she’ll need all his support, and love, to get through a threat they never saw coming. Shelter for Quinn When you've experienced a lifetime of rejection, how can you trust a chance at love? Freak. Witch. Ugly. Abomination. Having grown up with a port-wine birthmark on her face and neck, Quinn Dixon’s heard them all. Years of stares and insults from everyone from classmates to foster families have made her understandably reluctant to trust. John “Driftwood” Trettle was captivated by Quinn the moment they met. After months of skirting around their attraction, one pivotal evening finds John seizing the reins and refusing to be denied a chance to prove he’s worthy of Quinn’s time, her trust, and her love. To show her he’ll have her back, always, and defend her against anyone cruel or stupid enough to hurt his woman. But he can’t protect against an unknown threat. Even if it wears a familiar face… ** --- Read what others are saying about New York Times bestselling author, Susan Stoker: "Riveting action and characters you'll love!” Elle James, NYT Bestselling Author “Susan Stoker never disappoints. She delivers alpha males with heart and heroines with moxie.” Jana Aston, NYT Bestselling Author “No one does military romance like Susan Stoker!” Corinne Michaels, NYT Bestselling Author “Susan Stoker knows what women want. A hot hero who needs to save a damsel in distress…even if she can save herself!” CD Reiss, NYT Bestselling Author “When you pick up a Susan Stoker book you know exactly what you’re going to get…a hot alpha hero and a smart, sassy heroine. I can’t get enough!” Jessica Hawkins, USAT Bestselling Author “I love reading about men in uniform and Susan always delivers…the full package!” Kayti McGee “Susan writes the perfect blend of tough, alpha heroes and strong yet vulnerable heroines. I always feel emotionally satisfied at the end of one of her stories!” Meghan March, NYT Bestselling Author “One thing I love about Susan Stoker’s books is that she knows how to deliver a perfect HEA while still making sure the villain gets what he/she deserves!” T.M. Frazier, NYT Bestselling Author --- Read the entire Badge of Honor romance series, starting with thevUSAT bestselling start! Justice for Mackenzie Justice for Mickie Justice for Corrie Justice for Laine Shelter for Elizabeth Justice for Boone Shelter for Adeline Shelter for Sophie Justice for Erin Justice for Milena Shelter for Blythe Justice for Hope Shelter for Quinn Shelter for Koren Shelter for Penelope Topics: contemporary romance, series, romantic suspense series, mystery, bbw romance, funny romance, modern romance, urban romance, Texas, Texas romance, wealthy, USA today, USA today bestseller, homeless romance, city romance, smart romance, mystery, dogs in romance, lighthearted romance, hot romance, susan stoker, susan stoker romance, proposal, proposal romance, engagement, engagement romance, new york times bestseller romance, NYT romance, new york times romance, sexy, heartwarming, heart-warming, family, love, love books, kissing books, emotional journey, contemporary, contemporary romance, romance series, long series, long romance series, army, army series, former military, cop, police officer, policeman, cop romance, wealthy hero, firefighter, fireman, fireman romance, sassy, strong heroine, captivating romance, hot, hot romance, forbidden love, sparks, loyalty, swoon, contemporary, rescue, shelter, protect, justice, claiming, defending, disability, cult, discrimination, body image Other readers of Stoker's books enjoyed books by: Riley Edwards, Caitlyn O'Leary, Maryann Jordan, Dale Mayer, Lynn Raye Harris, Cat Johnson, Alexis Abbott, Meli Raine, Nicole Elliot, Lori Ryan, Meghan March, Kristin Ashley, Kris Michaels, Brittney Sahin, Sharon Hamilton, Catherine Cowles, Lexi Blake, Piper Davenport, Abbie Zanders, Lani Lynn Vale, and Kristen Proby.