He’s a Texas lawman charged with protecting her. She’s a judge accustomed to controlling everything in her life and courtroom. When danger threatens, can these two opposites find a compromise?

District Court Judge Erin Finley Latham might come from wealth and power, but she’s worked her way to the top to become a no-nonsense, by-the-book judge. When two judges are murdered, and she’s threatened, Erin refuses to run or hide.

US Marshall Rance Parker is dismayed by his new assignment—to sequester and protect the lofty Judge Latham instead of hunting down the threat. Still, he interrupts Judge Latham’s court, shuts down the proceedings, and hustles her into protective custody, ignoring her protests. No cell phone, no detours, no packing, no calls. No.

Hiding Erin at a family cabin on their Destiny River property, Rance is surprised that Erin enjoys board games, cooking, and learning to fish. When Erin eyes the handsome, confident lawman, she feels less like a hostage and more like a woman enjoying the attention of an attractive man. Rance knows she’s out of his league, but can the magic of Destiny River convince him to try to win her heart once the danger’s passed?

Titles in the Destiny’s River series include:  Home to the Cowboy’s Arms ~ The Rancher’s Fake Fiancée ~ The Sheriff’s Mistletoe Bride ~ Under the Lawman’s Watch ~

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title: Under the Lawman’s Watch
Series:  Destiny’s River #4
Author:  Debra Holt
Published:  January 27, 2026
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Under the Lawman’s Watch is the fourth, and final, story in the Destiny’s River series.  I have enjoyed this series so very much, and I would frankly enjoy several more titles, but as we all know, all good things (including book series) eventually come to an end… and what an ending Erin and Rance’s story is!

Judges are being targeted; two have been murdered so far.  Rance is a U.S. Marshal returning from medical leave; he has been assigned to protect a local judge.  Now, he’d much rather be out working on the active investigation, so “babysitting” a judge is a bit of an annoyance.  But one doesn’t question assignments and remain a U.S. Marshal for long.  Sweeping into the courtroom in the middle of proceedings might have seemed like overkill to some people (Erin, for example), but Rance isn’t playing around when it comes to keeping this judge safe; she’ll just have to deal.

Erin has earned her reputation as the “ice queen of the courtroom”.  She’s by the book, expects certain behavior in her courtroom, and doesn’t shy away from the perception others have of her or how she came to hold her deceased father’s position on the bench.  When Rance burst into her courtroom, she was incensed, yet her logical mind went along with his actions, even as her emotional mind railed against them.  What neither of them expected was that during their time at a family cabin they would find anything in common beyond arguing with each other.  Or that soon this protection detail would morph into something much more personal.

I enjoyed everything about Under the Lawman’s Watch.  Erin and Rance are a believable couple in unexpected circumstances.  Watching their true personalities emerge, and seeing them open themselves up to romantic possibilities was an emotional and satisfying journey.  Their story is well-written, emotional, kept me engaged throughout, and ended this amazing series in a way that felt right.  If that sounds like your kind of Romance, then you’d love Erin and Rance’s story.  I would not hesitate to recommend their story or the entire series.  This is definitely a “reread” series for me, and while I’m sad to see it end… I had such a fantastic time with this family throughout the series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. I am choosing to leave a review to share my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon