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He’s a bodyguard with an alpha mentality. They call him intense and stealthy. She calls him off-limits. We call him Mercer Bryant.

Mercer Bryant made a promise—one he intends to keep—even if it kills him. He would do anything for his partner. Keeping secrets and fulfilling promises goes with the territory. His current mission: discreetly protect Quinn Sullivan at all costs. As a former CIA operative, Mercer knows his way around violent and undercover operations. Protecting the independent and fiery Quinn keeps him on his toes. But, she wants nothing to do with him or his mission.

Hellbent on keeping his promise, Mercer takes on the enemies responsible for his partner’s disappearance—but there is more on the line. Keeping Quinn safe means letting down his guard and letting her into his heart. Suddenly, Quinn sees Mercer for more than just the man next door. Now, she needs to accept that there is only one man to keep her alive: Mercer Bryant.

Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2023

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About the author

Heather Slade

130 books1,336 followers
USA Today best-selling author of shamelessly sexy, edge-of-your seat suspense.

Find me here:
Amazon: https://oashort.com/s/gr_hs_a
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Learn more about my series here:
Butler Ranch: https://oashort.com/s/gr_br
Wicked Winemakers First Label: https://oashort.com/s/gr_ww1
Wicked Winemakers Second Label Label: https://oashort.com/s/gr_ww2
K19 Security Solutions Team One: https://oashort.com/s/gr_k19ss1
K19 Security Solutions Team Two: https://oashort.com/s/gr_k19ss2
K19 Shadow Operations Team One: https://oashort.com/s/gr_k19so1
K19 Allied Intelligence Team One: https://oashort.com/s/gr_k19ai1
K19 Allied Intelligence Team Two: https://oashort.com/s/gr_k19ai2
Royal Agents of MI6: https://oashort.com/s/gr_mi6
The Invincibles Team One: https://oashort.com/s/gr_inv1
The Invincibles Team Two: https://oashort.com/s/gr_inv2
The Unstoppables Team One: https://oashort.com/s/gr_uns1
Cowboys of Crested Butte: https://oashort.com/s/gr_ccb

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5 stars
189 (69%)
4 stars
58 (21%)
3 stars
20 (7%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,163 reviews211 followers
April 11, 2018
This is the fifth book in the Butler Ranch series and in it we get the romance of Kade's daughter, Quinn, and her protector, Mercer. Unknown to Quinn, Mercer and his team members have been her shadow since she was a teenager. Before Kade disappeared and was presumed dead, he put in place a plan to protect both his ex-wife and Quinn by enlisting the help of his retired Marine Corps brothers. It may be inevitable that Mercer would fall in love with Quinn after being involved in her life as a silent observer, but he crosses the line from professional to personal by sending her flowers for her twenty-first birthday, starting a chain of events that quickly spirals out of control.

I’ve read the other books in this series as they’ve been released, so I was eager to read this one and volunteered to read an early copy, as well as preordering my own. I knew this book would be good, because we were getting closer to big secrets about good-guy Kade and bad-guy Calder, being revealed, but Ms. Slade really upped her game on this one! She's been a crafty one, teasing us along with bits and crumbs throughout the other books, but this story really got to the meat of the mystery. It was complex, intense, deep and involved, and my eyes were glued to the page from beginning to end!

Two minor things I feel need mentioning. The romance between Quinn and Mercer is resolved but there’s a definite cliffie at the end that now has me fit to be tied! I’m dying to read The Return, and I want it yesterday!! My other issue is I felt the story for Quinn and Mercer ended too abruptly, immediately after their conflict resolution, and it would have given my romance-reading heart a happy smile to have a little glimpse of them being settled together, which I think could have been done without revealing anything significant from the next book.

Normally, I would knock off stars for these two things, but this was definitely five-star writing in spite of these issues. From the involved plot and riveting storyline that was her most complex to date to the heart, heat and emotion between Mercer and Quinn, it was an excellent read. I was also suitably impressed with the maturity, strength and depth of Quinn's character, despite her young adult age. Obviously I’m a fan of Ms. Slade's, but this is, hands down, her best work yet, and definitely worth a 1-Click, so grab it today. Then mark your calendar for The Return, because you'll want to know how everything surrounding Kade and the Butler Ranch resolves.

*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
1,217 reviews
May 3, 2018
Loved this story! It had captivating characters, a well thought out storyline, heart pounding suspense, heartache, doubts and fears for Quinn and a tender love story. Mercer Bryant, head of a security firm called the K19 Solutions, has been watching over and protecting Quinn Sullivan for years. He watched her grow up from a young girl to the beautiful women she is now and along the way he fell in love with her;, but she was forbidden and he had to keep his distance. Until the day he crossed the line. Quinn has been alone her entire life, her only family she had were her friends from boarding school. Her own mother was always traveling or unavailable for her. She didn't even call her for Quinn's 21st birthday . As Mercer and Quinn grow closer to one another, Quinn learns that her birth was the result of her mother being raped by a former K19 agent that turned rogue. As the story unfolds, Quinn learns more secrets from her past and feels nobody wanted her because of the rape. This was an emotional read. I highly recommend this book.
I have read other books by this author and was not disappointed. This is another 5 star read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,576 reviews10 followers
June 28, 2018
As you can see from the above there have been changes in the cover and the actual title of this latest story by Heather Slade.  No matter what the title or cover, it is one excellent story that will keep you absorbed in it form page one to the very last and want you needing more of her stories to read.  This is the fifth book in the Butler Ranch Series and focuses on Mercer, ex-Marine and gorgeous alpha male, and Quinn, his partner Kade's daughter.  Kade has been apparently kidnapped and he set things up so that if anything happened to him mercer and his other buddies form the marines would look out for his ex wife and Quinn.  Mercer has been keeping watch over Quinn for years now and has started to fall in love with her.  When danger becomes apparent, will mercer come to Quinn's rescue and what about Kade?  Proximity between these two certainly raises the temperature in the room when I was reading the story. With plenty of suspense, drama, danger and love developing make sure your fans/air con are set to max cool and that you switch off your phone and enjoy!!  Beautifully written with well developed characters and a fascinating storyline.  I'm looking forward to heather's next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.  Definitely Recommended!
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,199 reviews27 followers
May 15, 2018
The first four books in this series are wonderfully-written interconnected standalone romances with a bit of background intrigue tied to the Butler family history. In this fifth book, that history comes to the forefront as the mysterious events from the earlier books are seen from the viewpoint of the behind-the-scenes characters. It’s brilliantly written, almost like watching a director’s commentary as the curtain is lifted and we learn what was really happening all along. Even though I’ve read the earlier books, I’m planning to reread them to connect the dots with the new information I learned from this book.

This book is a romance as well, with the intense and undeniable chemistry between Mercer and Quinn propelling them both to a love so strong it changes history along the way. His devotion to her is practically poetry in motion, even while Quinn struggles to maintain her trust in him and in her instincts as more and more of the truth about her life, and his involvement in it, is revealed.

I was thoroughly captivated by this story, especially since I’d read each of the earlier books. It does work as a standalone, though, as enough information is given that one does not have to have read the earlier books to know what’s going on and who all the players are. It’s a mesmerizing story, both for the overall mystery and intrigue, and for the sweeping love story that will make you cry before making you cheer. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
April 27, 2019
This series has many twists and turns. Every book drops a bomb shell or three. In Naughton we met Quinn, she is Lena's daughter and according to her birth certificate Kade's.

Mercer is part owner of K19 a security company, one that Kade had been part of. Before Kade left on his last mission he assigned people to protect his family, all of them. Mercer's assignment is Quinn. Even though he has watched over her since she was a teen, he sees her as the woman she has become and he is falling hard for her. It's worse now that he is her neighbor living just down the hallway.

Quinn's friends Aine and Ava drag her to a party and she is anxious to leave when she spots Mercer. She's about to call a car service when he offers her a ride home.

As we follow Quinn and Mercer we travel through the timeline of the previous books and see how Quinn's life was affected by those events. It also explains the 'Kade' sightings and how K19 is involved.

So many surprises as more things become clear and others far more complicated.

I laughed, cried, screamed and couldn't put this book down until I turned the final page.
Profile Image for Dawn Herrera.
704 reviews11 followers
May 14, 2018
The Truth by Heather Slade is a great story with suspense, mystery and romance. This was a well written book it was a real page turner. I absolutely loved this book it was intriguing and had some espionage. This was a book that just kept you hooked and wanting more. The characters are some really fun and quite enjoyable people with strength, independent and maybe a bit lonely.
Quinn has almost always been on her own and this year on her 21st. birthday is no different. Feeling a bit down at a party for her she decides to leave and she runs into her very handsome neighbor. Mercer made a promise to his good friend and that was to keep Quinn protected without her knowing, he has been watching her for a while and he feels more for her then he should. This is where the story gets interesting. This is the 5th book in this series and I have to admit that this is probably my favorite because of the characters. I absolutely recommend this wonderful book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
6,447 reviews20 followers
May 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this suspenseful romantic story! I loved the story-line and characters. This is the first book in this series that I have read and definitely want to go get the first four to read. Heather Slade did a good feeling in back information from the other four so that I did not feel lost. However, this story has a lot going on in it and remembering all the characters, their name and code name, it was a little complicated and I had to flip back some. I loved the developing relationship between Mercer (Eighty-eight) and Quinn. The chemistry and passion between them was hot. I liked Mercer and thought he was a wonderful man and get Quinn's frustration with him and her situation. Although something were resolved by the end of the book it still leaves on a bit of a cliff hanger which is frustrating. However, I am eagerly waiting to read "The Return" to find out more. I did enjoy the action, suspense and mystery in this story.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.*
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews38 followers
May 25, 2018
Buckle your seat belt for this book you are in for a wild ride. This story is amazing and although I haven't read any of the previous books in the series I was able to catch right up. The main part of the story, which is I'm sure what goes through the previous books in the series, is awesome sauce. The suspense and his in and out and dodging them is well done. The characters are numerous and keeping all of their names and code names straight takes work but I love them all. They all have their quirks and nuances that keep the story going. As for these two? I love how their story develops and how they grow. It's so emotional and exciting and they are sexy and human and have their own little weaknesses that they help each other work through.

I haven't read this author before but man I have got to go back and read the books before this one and the ones that follow as well. Great writing and characters, awesome world building and excitement and intrigue.
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,334 reviews34 followers
July 21, 2024
Heather Slade ties up all the loose ends and answers most all of the questions about the mysterious Kade and his ghost like appearances in the first three Butler Ranch books. There are quite a few surprises. Quinn Sullivan may appear to live a happy-go-lucky life but underneath it all she's a lonely young woman who's estranged from her family. What she doesn't realize is that she's been under constant protection for a decade. Mercer Bryant is the head of her detail and despite his best attempts he's developed feelings for his charge. An accidental encounter puts him on her radar and things develop quickly even though he feels like he's crossed a line he shouldn't. Quinn's quest for answers leads her back to the West Coast and to her childhood haunts. It also puts her in harm's way. The K19 team continues the hunt for their nemesis in order to tke him down once and for all but not before things go sideways for Quinn.
75 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2018
This was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time! It has everything going for it: great plot, excellent characters, intrigue, and very sexy and believable H/h. I loved Quinn and Mercer; they had amazing chemistry as well as appealing personalities. The secondary characters were portrayed so well and were all believable. The Truth is part of the Butler Ranch series and is technically a stand-alone but there are a lot of questions resolved from the previous books in the series. I’m not going to be a spoiler and talk about the plot specifically. I highly recommend this book it is so well-written and kudos to Heather Slade for the excellent editing which I believe could make or break a book. I can’t wait for the next book in this great series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelly Crowley .
238 reviews
June 7, 2020
I find it interesting that on goodreads this book is listed as number 5, yet on the author's Amazon page it is listed as number 4. Anyway. I guess Naughton was the last book about the wine industry. Again never resolved. Stop with the cliff hangers and calling the books stand alones, they're not. A little to obvious about Kade being alive. It took most of this book for Quinn to let Naughton know who she is even though at the end of the last book she called him Uncle Naughton. Granted she had to hide and be protected, but don't end the previous book with Quinn saying I'm your niece Uncle Naughton and then wait most of the next book for the same scene. Of course Merecer is her bodyguard, so in typical story fashion they fall for each other. Just make the relationships a little longer, instead of 2 weeks oh we're engaged, next day we're married. Try an actual relationship.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,475 reviews10 followers
April 23, 2025
Anything for her

Mercer/Eighty-eight and Quinn. This story is full of details and vivid action and emotion that I saw mentioned or referred to in so am by of the alter books. Doc sounds amazing and the loyalty he has in these men and his family is out of this world. Quinn and her five are solid here and it shows why their strength and their friendship handled all the upcoming hurdles. Mercer and Quinn have a sweet relationship and I loved the back and forth about trust and confidence. The ending is fast and has a wonderful example of perfect timing. I was shocked about Laird. He is so kind in the alter books, but he was quite rude to Quinn, which didn’t make sense. Questions about where certain characters have been and why still are out there, but whether or not Kade/Doc is alive is well answered.
Profile Image for Teresa.
98 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2018
This is the first book in this series that I have read and if this is the quality of writing then I have to read the rest. OMG, you couldn't get any better than this. It's not only a hot read and I fell in love with the hero but the emotions that the heroine created within me was overwhelming at times.
So, so strong is Quinn, but she doesn't know the half of whats been going on in her life even though she's the one living it. And her hero is none other than her protector, Mercer. He has been slowly falling in love with Quinn as he has watched over her since he joined the team that will ultimately be her savior.
It's fast-paced, exciting and definitely worth the read. I cannot wait for Book 6: THE RETURN.
Profile Image for Kate.
718 reviews18 followers
April 25, 2018
The Truth by Heather Slade is a mystery, suspense, romance that will have you turning pages into the night. I found this book to be full of intrigue, espionage, and romance. Quinn has just turned 21 but there is sadness because she has not been contacted by her mother and she really has no sense of family other than her 4 friends. She does find romance in the form of a neighbor, who is actually her protector. Will Mercer tell her the truth about her life and remove all the mystery that she has been living?

I received this book as a gift and I always review every book that I read. I found the plot and the characters to be complex. Initially, I was slightly confused about who was who because the characters had a "real" name and also a code name. Other than that, I enjoyed the book.
Profile Image for Tamarae.
223 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2018
A sweet, sexy, romantic, suspenseful and mysterious story of Quinn and Mercer. Mercer is a sexy, strong and talented ex-military man who is hired to protect Quinn without her knowledge. Quinn is sweet, sexy and maybe a bit naive. She finds herself falling for her neighbor Mercer whom she eventually learns is her hired protector. But who does she need protection from and will the protector become the sexy predator? Does love beget these 2 sexy folks or is it thw wrong time?

A great read from a stellar author. I have only read one other work from Heather Spade but I have to say I love her style, character development and finesse. You won't regret reading The Truth!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Misty Goan.
2,809 reviews13 followers
May 13, 2018
A well written entertaining standalone within a series full of drama and intrigue, that flows smoothly and keeps you engaged. It is suspensful, has mystery, secrets that become uncovered, a page turner, but best of all romance. Quinn is being protected without her knowledge by Mercer, who her father hand picked. Mercer has realized she has grown to a women and sends her 21 Rose's. Now that he is more emotionally involved can he keep her safe when trouble comes her way with the unveiling of secrets. A definite must read but I am going to invest in the first four of series to gain some back story I feel will make it even better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Meg.
87 reviews
May 15, 2018
I so enjoyed this book. It has a brilliantly developed plot and story that is loaded with spine tingling suspense and danger and fascinating intrigues. Feelings run deep and keep the reader heavily involved. So many questions in the series are masterfully answered here. All of the characters are complicated and relatable. The growing relationship between Mercer and Quinn captures the reader's heart. It is sweet and passionate, sometimes full of angst, but always the love shines through.
I volunteered to review an arc of this book, and I am glad that I did. It does not disappoint. As usual with Heather's books, I had to purchase it. It and the whole series are not to be missed. I am eagerly awaiting the final book, The Return.
3,149 reviews18 followers
April 11, 2018
Great Addition to the Butler Ranch Story!!!

This story takes place in parallel to previous stories. I would recommend reading these in order – but you will enjoy them, so it will be no hardship.

Quinn has had no close family as she was shipped off to boarding school early for her own protection. The man who was her father left behind a team who promised to protect her. Mercer, the youngest member of that team finds that he is no longer guarding her for professional reasons, but due to his personal feelings for her.

Danger and intrigue mix with temptation and romance in this thrilling installment of this series.

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
277 reviews
May 12, 2018
Again, I am absolutely blown away by this series. Just when I thought I might have it figured out, things change again. We have met Quinn a little bit in the previous book. But now we find out her story as well as more about Lena and Kade’s past. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t go on more. We also meet Mercer, who was one of Cade’s business partners in their security firm. Mercer was hand-picked by Kade to protect Quinn, all without her knowledge. Of course, Mercer and Quinn meet and we find that his intentions toward Quinn are not just as her protector. It is a wild ride! You will LOVE it!
6,764 reviews27 followers
May 15, 2018
First timer with this author but now I am going back to read previous books

Quinn has just turned 21 and little does she know that for most of her life she has been watched Her father ut an operation in place to keep her and her mother safe before he disappeared. Mercer and his team have been watching over Quinn since she was a teenager but after sending flowers for her 21st things change between her and Mercer, after all he called her precious There will be twists and turns and suspense and drama before this couple get their HEA

I was given an ARC of this book but this is a true and honest review
3,562 reviews15 followers
June 26, 2020
Mercer is a splendid romantic suspense by Heather Slade. Ms. Slade has given readers a treat with this well-written story furnished with a cast of characters that is superb. Quinn is alone, her mother doesn't bother with her and she has no other family. Mercer is part owner of K19 Security Solutions. He's watched over Quinn for years and kept her safe. Their story is packed with action, drama, humor, sizzle and suspense. I enjoyed this book and look forward to my next book by Heather Quinn. Mercer is book 5 of The Butler Ranch Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
Profile Image for Michelle Eriksen.
904 reviews11 followers
April 5, 2018
Each book in the Butler Ranch series has left is with a few questions unanswered. The Truth will shed a little light on some of them and leave you with a brand new list to ponder. I love Mercer, what’s not to love really, he so protective and yummy and he loves Quinn like nobody’s business.

I have to admit to waking my husband by yelling at my kindle at one point and saying “Are you kidding me” way to loud when one of the many twists caught me by surprise. Well played Miss Slade, but please hurry and let us know where this series is going next. :)
Profile Image for poppy.
4,590 reviews28 followers
May 9, 2018
I just loved this book it the best one yet in the series as far as I am concerned. This is Quinn's story she is Kade's daughter and has been going about her life not that she has had much of one she has been protected from a distance by Mercer and his team since her Dad disappeared. But on her twenty-first birthday, Mercer sends her flowers crossing the line from professional as he has developed feelings for her since she became an adult.This was a super addition to the series I just could not put it down and would recommend this series to all
Profile Image for DENICE.
1,447 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2018
SOMETIMES THE TRUTH IS HEARTBREAKING

I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ADVANCE READER COPY OF THIS BOOK

A suspenseful read that keeps you on the edge of your trying to figure out what is going to happen next. The angst of the main female character leads her to making bad decisions out of anger and then regretting her words. Trying to find herself, you can see her grow, albeit slowly, and finding an inner strength that leads her into peril. Love and deception to save her life, makes you wonder. The truth of her parentage is one of the mysteries and the main truth of her parentage.
Profile Image for Ann Holden.
1,191 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2018
After reading this, I know I will have to read the first four in this series. Mercer breaks a few rules along the way, but he loves Quinn in spite of his efforts to keep her at arm’s length. The characters are well developed, especially Quinn. Sure she has a lot of money, but she her mother doesn’t seem to want her. Mercer has been her protector for a long time and he loses a little perspective.
Well written, the story flows smoothly, keeping the reader engaged and interested.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,756 reviews30 followers
May 13, 2018
ARC for honest review with no compensation given by Booksprout

The Truth is book 5 in the Butler Ranch series by Heather Slade and what I thought was bringing this full circle...only has more secrets to unfold...

This story is about Quinn Sullivan, Kade's daughter and the man Kade hand picked to protect her should anything happen to him. Now that trouble has come calling and some secrets are revealed can Mercer keep her safe??

Suspenseful, mystery, page turner, romance, secrets still to be unveiled, can't wait for the next book in this series! What an awesome series!!!
Profile Image for Kristina Rezac.
242 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2021
Mercer is a guardian angel. You finally get a better glimpse of K19 and their secret interactions with the Butler family. Things starting coming to ahead for the Butler family. You also find out more of Quinn and her background along with how Kade and Lena’s past. The series definitely starts building and gets ready. It also helps answer a lot of motif behind some of the sinister acts. The only question when things close in, can Mercer and Quinn make it or are they doomed before they start? Hold on to your emotions and get ready for Mercer and Quinn’s story!
Profile Image for Gerry.
2,074 reviews4 followers
April 9, 2018
Voluntary review of an ARC. Very possibly Heather's best book ever. Such wonderful characters. Mercer is truly a beautiful man, not just physically but also in action and deed. Quinn was introduced in previous books, but only peripherally. Now we have her complete background explained and some questions about Kade answered. The Butlers are not the main focus of this book and Quinn's story runs parallel to some of the series. I very much enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.6k reviews166 followers
April 13, 2018
Could be read as a standalone but there is an underlying story that plays a part in this series that has been slowly evolving during the course of theses books. So for full reading pleasure and a full picture I recommend reading all the books and in order. Mercer and Quinn's romance is full of mystery and suspense, action and danger. It is an entertaining, engaging and very enjoyable read. I am posting a totally honest, voluntary review after reading this book.
Profile Image for Dana.
46 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2018
I really like Mercer and how protective he was of Quinn. It was really sweet that over time he had really come to see her as a woman and fall in love with her. This book flowed very well and is the best written of all of her books I have read so far. It kept me turning the pages and keeping me up late into the night! Great job, Heather!
Loved this one. HEA with no Cliffhanger.
I was given an ARC for this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews