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When two undercover agents, former lovers, are forced to work together to take down a powerful sex trafficking ring, the stakes are high.

Quinn Carter, the determined police detective, has been gathering evidence for years and she won’t let her ex-boyfriend, Rider Bates, blow her cover. She has never forgotten how abruptly he ended their relationship. Can she trust him now?

Rider, a former Navy SEAL, has been hired to find a friend’s missing daughter. The first person he meets while undercover is his ex-girlfriend. Now, he is focused not only on rescuing his friend’s daughter but also keeping Quinn safe- even if she doesn’t want his protection.

Can they work together for a common goal or will their past tear them apart for good?

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

62 people are currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

R.J. Gray

53 books624 followers
RJ Gray is a USA TODAY bestselling author of Explosively Hot Romance. She is also an international bestseller. Residing on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu with her husband, two young sons and their rescue pup, RJ lives an active life. When not writing, her hobbies include whipping up delicious meals, capturing life's beauty with her camera and attending her children's multiple sporting events. Hobbies she shares freely about in her FB Group Gray's Bibliophiles.

Having spent the past fifteen years married to an active duty military bomb technician, and as a veteran herself, RJ has a passion for military and veteran causes. You will find these themes in many of her books.

You can find out more about RJ Gray on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRJGray

Feel free to contact her: AuthorRJGray@gmail.com

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5 stars
91 (61%)
4 stars
37 (25%)
3 stars
16 (10%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Moylan.
1,519 reviews
November 11, 2023
Rider is a warrior and one of the Valhalla guys who has just started his own security firm and he’d been a sniper who had taken out numerous bad guys during his military days. A call from an old military buddy and friend, Joel, causes him and his crew to go find a kid he had watched grow up. Poor Tricia. A few years earlier, he had helped the guy who gave him the security firm franchise when dealing with a kidnapper who wanted to ransom a girl. The kidnappers were human trafficker and sold drugs, etc. Rider had wanted to take them down. But the dude he worked for…

Four years undercover and Quinn still didn’t have what she needed to take the traffickers down. She knew that there were a couple of FBI agents undercover too. Her handler, Grace, kept trying to keep her grounded and going. But the traffickers were taking women and kids, hundreds of them and using them as prostitutes as well as for other things. Quinn wanted to bring justice for those she couldn’t save. But somehow, the bad guys always knew when there were going to be busts, etc. Rider goes in undercover to find Tricia and to stop these evil people. This of course, causes a few problems for Quinn’s undercover persona.

This book is crazy. Mischief, mayhem, horror, absolute awesome fight scenes, love, misunderstandings all abound as well as betrayal. The author makes you feel as if you there hiding behind a curtain, watching everything happen. Or at least that is how I felt. It was a beautifully written book and I wish they’d make it into a movie or show. ^_^.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,164 reviews
November 12, 2023
A captivating read that I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy, great characters and plot
This is a simply wonderful read and I am sure that you will find the characters to be a captivating read, the plot is wonderful and you will see that there is a simply captivating plot and when you read about Rider who has been employed to find a missing friend’s daughter.
Imagine how this ex-navy seal risks his life by taking up cases on behalf of others as in this where he is searching for a friend’s daughter, imagine how surprised he is when he runs into a woman from his past who should she speak out about his true identity may find himself and her in harm’s way.
Quinn Carter is a determined police office who has been looking into matters relating to missing and other cases and is taken by surprise when Rider Bates a man she knew from years before, their relationship had ended so abruptly years ago and now must trust that he will not blow her cover putting her at risk.
Rider cannot believe it how can he have successfully located the woman he has been looking for and now have the added problem of protecting Quinns true identity, a failure to do so could possibly cause them all to lose their lives.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Smith.
73 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2024
unrealized potential

This story has the potential to be six stars but only after some judicious and rigorous editing. It feels as if a different author wrote this book. Sentence structure at times is clumsy and there are long rhetorical paragraphs of needless bravado and self congratulations that seem totally at odds with the previous heroes. Right from the start it feels off kilter when Rider spots his long lost love stumble from a bar looking glassy eyed. He’s been hunting for her for years. Does he approach her? No, he rushes off to rescue his friend’s daughter, then miraculously manages to go under cover etc. Quinn’s response to his return to her life is as expected but somehow a bit of a let down. The second half of the book goes sooooo smoothly when they take down the syndicate which they couldn’t manage for the previous four years. Even the take downs are patchy and disconnected. Quinn doesn’t reunite with her sister?? The basic premise of the story is great, the plot line and twists are great but it is all sadly let down by the actual writing and cohesion of the story. Editors step up and make this the winner it could be.
Profile Image for Leisel.
750 reviews4 followers
November 29, 2023
This is the first book I have picked up from the Veterans of Valhalla series and I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will definitely be adding other books in the series to my forever growing TBR library.
As a new Author I really enjoyed the story telling adventure that RJ Gray took me on with this well devised and thought out plot. Nice balance of action, adventure, drama, suspense, enemies, fighting for survival and a good dose of rekindling romance for the two characters of Quinn (f) and Rider (m).
I found it an easy to read story that kept me riveted to the end but with enough moments to really push some emotional boundaries, in the form of investigating a sex smuggling ring which has its own testing concepts as a reader (possible trigger). Loved the characters and certainly that whole having a prior connection to one another brings out that protective gene Rider has towards Quinn.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,040 reviews
November 10, 2023
This was a second chance romance as they were together in high school, but Rider left to join the military and didn't ask Quinn to go along because he thought the life of a military spouse would be too hard. Once he finally decided to try and get her back, she had disappeared. Imagine his surprise when he went undercover to rescue a friend's daughter and found Quinn also undercover trying to bust the same operation. I liked both Rider and Quinn's characters. They both felt a moral obligation to try and stop the human trafficking operation even at their own risk.

Although this was not a really long book, the two didn't start out as strangers, so it didn't feel rushed when they went from zero to sixty once they reconnected.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,090 reviews16 followers
December 11, 2023
This is the13th book in the Veterans of Valhalla series by RJ Gray and what an addition it is. This is Quinn Carter (police detective/undercover) and Rider's (ex Navy SEAL/ex sniper/security firm owner) story. They both were in high school together but he left to join the forces, not wanting to put her through being a navy wife and him being sent on missions. The problem being, he didn't give her a chance to say yea or nay! This is a story that is suspenseful, action packed, betrayal and second chances. The characters are very engaging and believable. I thought for a moment that this was going to be a spin off the V of V series, because it was an awesome start! I have really enjoyed this series and this story is a great addition to it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa H.
764 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2023
Having been a hardcore Valhalla fan who LOVES this world, its almost bittersweet to the see the original run coming to an end.

This story of Rider and Quinn was enticing. There was a long ago love story that never really died, just got derailed. They both run into each other while both undercover, trying to take down a syndicate who is the worst of the worst.

I enjoyed the change in the stories this time. This was full of action, reconnecting, coming together, and finding the person they can't live without. THere is SO much action you can't believe how fast things happen in this book.

The story man, and even woman of Valhalla certainly shines through. RJ has been a fantastic as making this world approcable, a place we all want to live, and love we all dream of!!!
464 reviews
November 12, 2023
I loved it. Very exciting!

I found this to be a very powerful and thrilling read that grabs you from the first page. Plenty of action, suspense, danger and betrayal for everyone.

Rider is a complex man, with a need to protect those he lets into his life, professionally and personally. I liked him.

Quinn is unique, very loyal, not soft and squishy, but carved from her experiences and her career. She is the perfect complement to Rider.

As an introduction to Rider's new security firm, this story is full of intrigue and a terrific glimpse of the impressive adventures to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amy Reads Romance.
993 reviews11 followers
November 17, 2023
I have a soft spot for a good second chance romance, and this one fits the bill. RJ Gray has beautifully crafted another in the Veterans of Valhalla series, with Rider and Quinn finding each other incidentally years after he walked away and broke her heart. Will circumstance tear them apart again? Or will they get their happily ever after? With elements of suspense, danger, romance and of course plenty of steam, I was captivated from the gorgeous cover to the very last page. This is absolutely worth the one click.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
648 reviews6 followers
November 17, 2023
I just fell in love with the latest book in this series. It's Book 13 of The Veterans of Valhalla Series and it's a second Chance at love book.
This couple has chemistry in spades and a love that can't be denied even after years apart. Their getting to see each other again happens when they are both undercover working.
So this book has some action and also some delicious steaminess as well. I devoured it in on sitting and was on the edge of my seat in parts.
The HEA was perfect for them as well.
Fantastic book by RJ!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,188 reviews27 followers
November 18, 2023
I loved Rider: A Military Romance Book 13 of Veterans of Valhalla. Rider left Quinn broken p hearted years ago and then she disappeared. He’s tried to find her not realizing she’s been undercover trying to take down a trafficking ring. He knows what a mistake he made and he’ll do anything to make it right but Quinn has trust issues because of him. Now they have to work together but can Quinn trust him with her heart again? This storyline was great and there was drama, suspense and lots of steamy scenes. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,168 reviews58 followers
November 19, 2023
This is an amazing series. This story is a second chance between Ryder and Quinn. These two had history but had broken up long ago. Ryder is going in to help his friend Joel Mullen, save his daughter Tricia. Now Ryder and Quinn find they are working together undercover to take down sex traffickers. There are lots of gun fights, action, mystery, suspense, danger, death. As Ryder and Quinn connect again they find that they still have that spark, lots of steam, and just might get their second chance of happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
19 reviews
November 25, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. Rider is an ex-SEAL who owns a security business manned with other ex-SEALs. He is contacted by a close friend who had saved his life at the cost losing his own limbs. His friend's daughter has been abducted by human traffickers. Unbeknownst to him, Quinn, a police detective and Rider's old flame, has been working undercover in the syndicate responsible or the abduction. The suspense continues throughout their effort to rescue his friend's daughter.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes romantic suspense books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
352 reviews
November 13, 2023
This was a good book but quite a bit different than what I am used to from this author. Quinn and Rider were well suited and found their way back to each other after years of being apart. This story was packed full of action. They were working together to take down a big trafficking ring. The action was well written. The story was a bit repetitive in the romance department. Many sweet sentiments and praises of each other but not a ton of bedroom action. All in all, I'm a big fan of this series and this wonderful group of characters.
Profile Image for Zelda.
1,462 reviews
November 16, 2023
A second chance romance featuring Rider, a former SEAL turned security specialist and Quinn, a detective working undercover to crack a human trafficking ring. What I liked about this story: it’s not a terribly romantic romance—it’s based on common goals, partnership, and protectiveness. They’re focused, dedicated professionals who trust each other and are skilled enough to find a way to work around leaks in their pipeline. The action takes place over six or so months and it fast forwards in a few spots to get to a very satisfying ending. Enjoyed the cameos from the Valhalla crew.
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
2,900 reviews
November 21, 2023
This was a great story. I love this series. I love reading anything by RJ Gray. I couldn't put this story down. I couldn't wait to see what happened next for Quinn and Rider. They used to have a past before life took them in separate directions. Rider is shocked to see her again in the most unlikely place. Quinn has been undercover for three years trying to stop a trafficking ring. She didn't expect to run into Rider again. Will they be able to work together and find a way back to each other?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karon Price.
1,246 reviews34 followers
November 22, 2023
3 1/2 Stars

So I liked this story, but I didn't feel like it fit much into the Valhalla series. It felt more like a new spin off series. It was a bit of a suspense thriller, with a little romance thrown in. I thought the story was over at 75%, but then there was more, that just seemed thrown in to stretch out the story. The first mole was a surprise since we didn't even know this character and the second mole was super obvious, IMO. So it was a nice, decent story, but nothing special or outstanding.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cherie Alvaro.
1,752 reviews9 followers
January 11, 2024
The Veterans of Valhalla series is one of my favourite series. I love that there is a new volume and it didn't disappoint. This community is such an amazing concept. Former Navy SEAL Rider, goes undercover to find his missing friends daughter and finds his ex girlfriend also undercover. Working together to solve this crime will either break or make them. If you a new to this series I recommend starting at book 1.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,235 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2023
A suspenseful fast paced read. A little different from the regular Valhalla series as the kink club was not mentioned, but given the nature of the storyline, it made total sense and. I just wished that more details were flushed out more, like her estranged relationship with her sister. It was still a nice second chance romance between Rider and Quinn. I’d certainly recommend. I received an ARC copy.
500 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2023
Sex trafficking is usually one subject I stay far away from but because this is from the Valhalla series, I knew there would be a happy ending. While it isn't my favorite from the series and is actually quite a bit different from the others, I enjoyed the characters and their second chance situation with lots of steam!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,941 reviews31 followers
November 17, 2023
Rider and Quinn were once lovers but have not seen each other for years until he spots her on the street in Colorado where he and his military buddies have started their own security firm. He has a job to do and Quinn will have to wait but what he does not know is she has been undercover into the human trafficking and there is no way she will quit until she has those responsible behind bars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jeannette.
1,406 reviews
July 19, 2024
Quinn and Rider

This is a very good, well written, military romance. The characters are strong, interesting, and likable. Quinn and Rider have a history together but it was long in the past. Now they are both undercover and recognize each other, how will this play out? This is an action filled, drama driven story. If sex slavery, child kidnapping, and drugs are a hard stop for you, you may want to pass on this story.
Profile Image for Sue.
4,359 reviews5 followers
November 10, 2023
There is danger everywhere you turn. Rider has started his own security business with the men he trusts after getting out of the Navy. While at his new building he sees a blast from his past. They are trying to break up human trafficking rings. There's plenty of danger, moles and surprises. HEA.
Profile Image for Mandy.
808 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2023
Really like this story. Rider and Quinn have a history. When Rider and his team are searching for a kidnapped girl, they meet again while undercover. Loved the suspense and intrigue. Loved watching them reconnect.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
755 reviews6 followers
November 14, 2023
Rider and Quinn’s story is a real page turner. They were involved as teenagers, then Rider decided the military life wasn’t for Quinn and left, so she could follow her dreams of becoming a Detective. When fate puts them back together trying to bring down the Syndicate, the sparks fly. It’s a wonderful romantic plus feel good read to find out how this all turns out.

377 reviews3 followers
November 18, 2023
Scumptous, scary, hot: Rider finds Quinn

Love love this series. Rider finds a love he lost years ago. What we do not know is will Quinn allow old hurts to come between them. A great beginning. Add to that the desire to break up a human smuggling ring, a test of Rider's new company, and a healthy dose of danger.

A great book that you will not be able to put down!!!!
10.8k reviews125 followers
November 19, 2023
I've read a lot of books written by RJ Gray; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is part of the Veterans of Valhalla Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Quinn & Rider; she’s a undercover police detective; he’s a former Navy SEAL and her ex.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marybeth.
2,289 reviews21 followers
November 19, 2023
I do love this series! This is Rider and Quinn's second chance at love. This story is a little different from the previous books as the story takes place in many different venues. I enjoyed the reunion between Quinn and Rider and was glad for their HEA.

I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout, and this is my honest review.
2,300 reviews16 followers
November 20, 2023
Rider and Quinn. Shes a police officer undercover. Hes ex seal looking for a friends daughter. Not only are they both undercover but they are ex lovers. Now they must work together. She doesnt know if she can trust him. Absolutlly loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
434 reviews
November 21, 2023
The story of rider and Quinn had me hooked from page one. When they reconnected after his military service Quinn was working undercover to bring down a sex trafficking ring. She is a detective with a government agency and good at her job. They conquer so much to achieve their hea.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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