Marrying the Marshal

U.S. Marshal Caleb Logue is assigned to protect Judge Allie Hayworth from the killers sent out by Francis William Ashford. The fellon on trial in Hayworth's court room. Caleb finds out that Allie has deceived him. She had his son, Cal, after walking out on him 9 years ago. Boy, is he ticked. Well, 2 witness's against Ashford end up dead. Twelve men were brought in to protect the Judge and her son from Ashford's threats. Including Caleb's brother Adam. Seems Adam is constantly eating, especially the ice cream. Cal finds out that Caleb is his father and now he is mad at his mother for lying to him. The dialogue between Cal and his little friends is humorous. And would you believe that Cal wants a rooster for a pet? Ashford's threat is always in the background but most of the story is dealing with Allie's emotional trauma [I call it whinning] at the death of her cop father. Of course Caleb always seems to put his foot in his mouth and Allie jumps on his choice of words to raise a barrier. [very immature woman for a Judge]. Not enough action for me which made the story syrupy -- yet it was still a good read. Goes with the set! No Mystery! Caleb was an A-OK character -- Allie could take a hike for all I cared - give me a woman who will grit her teeth and meet adversity.

When U.S. Marshal Caleb Logue receives his newest assignment, he asks for something else. There is no way he can take this one. Unfortunately for Caleb, he's the only one available right now. Exactly how is Caleb supposed to protect the woman who broke his heart nine years ago? They were both still in school when Allie dropped the pregnancy bomb on Caleb. In shock, looking at the end of his career plans, Caleb was still determined to make things right. He took a couple days to think things through and went to the place Allie rented with flowers a ring, just to find it completely empty! A couple days later, Caleb received a Dear John letter from Allie, telling him she had lost the baby and moved away. Now a judge, Allie needs protection from the creep currently on trial. Always the professional, Caleb shows up, along with his marshal brother and the rest of his crew, to protect Allie. Needless to say, Caleb ends up in shock when he finds Allie has a son, with his eyes! Nine years ago, Allie made the decision to leave Caleb after his less than enthusiastic response to her pregnancy. Even though her mother and friends supported her, she always felt they didn't agree with her decision. Of course, that wasn't the only reason Allie left. There is no way she will be able to live with Caleb knowing his career is a dangerous one. Allie's father also had a dangerous career, and she was devastated when he was killed in the line of duty. There is no way Allie will be able to live through that again, nor would she even consider putting her son through that trauma. So when he shows up as the head marshal in charge of her protection for the duration of her current trial, Allie is stunned. How will Caleb react to the news of his son? How will the child react to having a father? Will Allie ever be able to let go of her father's death and take a chance on a relationship on Caleb? Will Caleb be able to forgive Allie for keeping his son away from him for nine years? MARRYING THE MARSHAL is a fantastic romance. Laura Marie Altom once again brings us two wounded people who have to let go of their fears and angers before they can ever have a chance at a relationship. These types of stories are my "comfort reads" and Laura Marie Altom never disappoints. This one is no exception as we travel along the rocky road of romance along with Caleb and Allie. Of course, we also get to find out how the rest of the Logue family is doing too--just an added bonus to me. If you're in the mood for a light, entertaining read with the heartfelt sigh at the end, don't miss this one! I can't wait to read to rest of the U.S. MARSHALS series!

An elated Caleb Logue plans to ask his pregnant girlfriend Allie Hayworth to marry him. However when he shows up with the ring, he finds she is gone. She left him a note saying she lost the baby and before that him. He is stunned to say the least and his father, a former US Marshal and now small town Oregonian sheriff, searches for Allie, but fails to find her. Nine years later his superior assigns Portland based Deputy US Marshal Caleb Logue to protect Judge Allie Hayworth over his objections. When Caleb arrives he is stunned to see her with her eight years old son Cal. After recovering from the initial shock that left him paler than the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, Caleb needs to know why and demands time with his child. Allie has hated Caleb since she felt he abandoned her once she informed him she was pregnant, but feels guilty not telling him of his son. Though irate, he still loves her and wants to be Cal's father. First he must keep her safe from a real threat while persuading her that they belong together as a family. Though a little communication nine years ago would have meant no story, fans will enjoy this second chance at love suspense thriller. The story line contains two interrelated subplots: the real threat to the judge and the efforts of Caleb, once he somewhat calms down, to convince his beloved to accept him in the lives of her and their son. Caleb and Allie come across as real people with their human mistakes. Laura Marie Altom provides a warm character-driven family drama with just the right amount of external suspense to enhance the novel. Harriet Klausner