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Rex is done with the nurse stereotype. He loves his job and makes no apologies for it. When he’s set up on a blind date with a cop, he doesn’t expect it to go well. Good thing he didn’t make that bet. When his blind date walks in, something inside of Rex stirs. He’s… entranced. Maybe it’s a familiarity thing, because she helped him out of a flashback weeks before when he was involved in a robbery. Or maybe it’s just her calm spirit. Despite having low expectations for the date, he knows he wants more time with her. Lauren understands firsthand how people can be quick to judge based on stereotypes, so it’s refreshing to talk to someone who gets it. But while Rex seems like a great person, she can’t help but sense a darkness lingering beneath the surface—shadows that whisper of tragedy and pain. He is kind-hearted and willing to put others before himself, but Lauren wonders if he will ever fight for his own happiness.

234 pages, Paperback

Published July 8, 2023

27 people want to read

About the author

J.M. Madden

70 books929 followers
NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author J.M. Madden writes compelling romances between 'combat modified' military men and the women who love them. J.M. Madden loves any and all good love stories, most particularly her own. She has two beautiful children and a husband who always keeps her on her toes.

J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She'll respond.

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Marie.
5,343 reviews53 followers
August 13, 2023
'You're not a victim, you're a survivor'

Rex is an amazing guy, the atrocities he suffered at Nightshade alongside Olivia and Bree are heartbreaking and life changing. But he has found ways to cope, ways to manage his PTSD and the nightmares he has. However, it is fear that stops him moving on and living fully, fear that he might not be good enough, fear that he might be rejected for the abuse he suffered, fear that his lover may treat him differently if they knew...and that makes it a very lonely life! It is so lovely to see Lauren understand him and make allowances without judgement. They don't need words, they just click and understand each other with just a look. Seeing Rex relax and open his heart to the possibilities is beautiful and heartwarming.
I read this in Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
July 20, 2023
In the prologue of this book, we get to see the horrors experienced at the Nightshade outpost from Rex's point of view. This is important since these are the things that haunt him today.

As this book opens, Rex is at a convenience store reaching for a cup at the drink station when gunfire rips through the air. He reacts immediately by dropping to the floor and taking cover. Looking in the security mirror he could see two young men with weapons at the counter threatening the proprietor, Ahmed. They are not liking Ahmed's answers to their demands, but when one shoots Ahmed the other flees the scene. The other walks back toward Rex as he searches for some kind of weapon. More gunfire and Rex grabbed the wet mop and hit the shooter in the head knocking the gun away in the process. When the shooter gains his feet again, he runs out the door.

Rex has been shot but manages to bandage his head wound and gets to Ahmed who is in bad shape. He calls 911 and then proceeds to do his best to staunch the bleeding.

The responding officers clear the area and the paramedics take over. The female cop questions Rex then calls a paramedic over to him. He was doing fine until they tried to strap him to the gurney. The flashback overtakes him quickly and it's the female cop who recognizes what's happening and just talks to him until reality takes hold again.

In a twist of fate, his boss and friend Gen convinces him to go on a blind date with another of her friends Lauren. That date includes not only dinner and great conversation but a visit to an unusual pool hall.

These two clicked and while a second date hasn't been set the text each other. It's after a really hard night and not reaching either Olivia or Baylee that Rex calls her. He didn't realize he did until she answered. This leads to an invitation to breakfast and fur therapy.

With Lauren still on the search for Chew and still a bit leery of Rex's PTSD she still gives this all a try. Rex doesn't want to be seen as a victim either and this colors his responses to things. He does however have a much better handle on his PTSD than her ex every did.

I love the way this relationship develops, from easy conversation to hot and steamy. They engage the reader in every aspect of their lives.

I can't wait to read Baylee's story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
943 reviews
July 4, 2023
This book opens with a very realistic scene from the Nightshade attack ten years ago. Rex is one of the medical technicians at the military base. In the end, he is one of only a few people to survive the slaughter .by the Taliban. However his survival comes with a lot of pain after affects.

Rex was an eye witness to everything the Taliban had done. He watched as they tortured, brutally abused and ruthlessly killed them all. He too was brutally abused and shot. He returned home with PTSD and constant flashbacks.

Now, ten years later, after rehab and therapy, he is no longer consumed with all of these after affects. He has not a flashback for a couple of years.

Unfortunately, Rex, who is now a night shift nurse at a hospital, runs into a gas station for some snacks when he realizes that a couple of young men wanted to get into the safe. When the owner explains that the deposit was just taken to the bank, one of the robbers shoots the owner and steals money from the cash register. When he discovers Rex, he decides to shoot the witness before he escapes.

When the ambulance arrives and attempts to put Rex into the gurney, he has a flashback and refuses to get on it. When they lose their patience, Rex’s anxiety increases. That is when Lauren, one of the cops, realizes he has PTSD. She takes over from the ambulance personnel and calmly finds out the best way to take him to the hospital with no problems.

Coincidentally, some time afterward, a mutual friend of Rex and Lauren sets them up on a blind date. The couple discovers that they have a lot in common. They both have an awesome sense of humor, and they both work the night shift. And, since Lauren’s ex had PTSD, she understands Rex’s issues.

Their attraction is so strong that readers can practically feel the steam from their chemistry. It is fascinating to watch how much the love between these two caring, gentle and compassionate characters helps each other become better people.

As always, J.M. Madden has created another beautiful and heartwarming love story about a wounded veteran and the woman he loves.
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,352 reviews172 followers
July 12, 2023
As with the first book we get a heart wrenching depiction of the Afghanistan war in 2012. The author gives us a bird's eye view of an attack on a FOB base where a critical trauma team of doctors and nurses were housed to treat the wounded. This book gives us trauma nurse Lt Rex Neptune POV and story.

Ten years later Rex is working as a nurse in San Antonio. He has done well with his PTSD up until he is shot in a convivence story robbery gone bad. It's here he meets Officer Lauren Collins of the SAPD who helps him get through a PTSD episode. Later she is also the person a mutual acquaintance sets him up with on a blind date.

One of this authors strengths is showing us how the war affects everyone not just those who served. Lauren is a single mom after getting divorced from a soldier who didn't seek help for his PTSD and we see the impact of how his mood swings affected Lauren and their son. Rex was leery of starting a relationship due to his past and Laurel had already been through tough times with someone that served. But Lauren and Rex were two extraordinary people who immediately bonded and were stronger because of their past and were perfect for each other.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews546 followers
June 6, 2024
Now I like alpha heroes as much as the next gal, but there was something refreshing about Rex. Could he fight bad guys, yes but he so much more.

It sucked what he went through at the start, being so helpless when men and women he worked hard to get better were hurt more, then when he was almost raped, hard for a man to take. They never expect it, where as a woman, it's always in the back of your mind...that maybe, it might happen.

It was great to see Rex all the years later doing well in his life. Yet it totally sucked how one stupid kid knocked him off kilter. Rex was lucky Laura was there to see what was happening and helped out. Better yet was that a friend of both of them had been trying to set them up and finally both agreed.

Their time spent together was great! Both seemed to know it was more and Rex acknowledged Laura's son played a big part in her life. The drama at the end had me shaking my head at the stupid kid and that Rex really seems to have bad luck. At least it brought his relationship with Laura closer as both realized happiness isn't a given and when you have a chance, you need to grab it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,220 reviews
August 29, 2023
The initial chapters depicting what happened at Nightshade were intense. I think TW's definitely applied in that case. It hit home that there are truly evil, sadistic people existing on the planet.

I really liked Rex. He was kind and generous. I felt bad that he didn't believe his trauma waa as much of a trauma as Bayley's.

I did love the way he and Lauren interacted from the very beginning. The attraction, the caring, the trust, and support between the two of them was heartwarming.

I was impressed that Rex didn't just stay locked in a room somewhere. After Nightshade and the convenience store, that he found the strength to continue on with every day life was amazing. I thought the robbery added an extra edge to the story, not that it needed it.


I was pleasantly surprised that what I was expecting to happen with Lauren's ex didn't happen. Rex, Lauren, and Keegan were able to get their HEA.
Profile Image for Lisa Gibbs.
802 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2023
Wow, this series took off with an emotional start and this book was the same. Operation Nightshade was devastating, but three nurses survived. Nearly 10 years after the event, Rex works as a nurse in a San Antonio hospital. His life is about the turn upside down when the convenience store he is in gets robbed. Can he find love and light again after yet another attack?

This series is full of touching moments and ones that will bring you to tears. These characters have gone through hell, and they finally get their happy endings despite the scars and the PTSD that they will carry forever. I liked Rex and Lauren together, she is exactly what he never knew he needed or wanted. I look forward to Baylee's story next. Her story just may be the most devastating yet but her happy ending will be the most rewarding.
63 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2023
A wonderful addition to J M Madden's Nightshade series, the emotion in this book rivals Zeke's story, Embattled Minds, in her Lost and Found series.

Rex survives the Taliban overrunning Forward Operating Base, Nightshade, only to still be battling the ghosts of his memories as the tenth anniversary nears. When he meets a compassionate, understanding police officer in the midst of a gas station hold-up, his life takes a definite turn for the better. Having dealt with an ex-husband who couldn't manage his PTSD, Lauren is initially hesitant to start something with Rex. All works out for their HEA and Rex and Lauren grow stronger together.

I'm so looking forward to all the remaining stories in the Nightshade series J M Madden is an awesome military romantic suspense author and one of my very favorites!
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,254 reviews34 followers
July 17, 2023
Like Rescuing Olivia, the prologue to Rescuing Rex is heart pounding and brutal in the violence and intensity but it gives so much context to the story itself. Rex Neptune--you gotta love the name-- is not what you picture when you picture a nurse. Six feet two with rippling muscles, the stuff that dreams are made of. He's so darn good at what he does. He's caring, empathtic and friendly while being the consummate professional. Who would have thought a quick stop for a snack who bring back his nightmare but also put his future right in front of him. When Officer Lauren Collins, SAPD, responds to a robbery call the last thing she would have expected to find was a wounded man in the throes of a flashback. There's an upside to the call she finds a man that could become important in her life. These two forge a tenuous relationship but it strengthens by the day.
1,881 reviews9 followers
August 1, 2023
Rescuing Rex: WOW! Excellent story! It was very intense, full of surprises, and lots of heat! It is terrible what the men and women go through when serving our country. What Rex and his friends thought was just terrible but it made them stronger and people. Rex wasn't looking for romance because of his nightmares. Then he went to a convenience store to get snacks and drinks and was in hell again because kids wanted to rob the store and hurt people for money. R3x was hiding but was determined he would try to do anything for the owner of the store. Then the one kid saw him to another shot after Rex took a hit with a mop. Even was able to get to the owner and put pressure on his would until help got there. He saw how beautiful the officer who was helping him with the flashback back. It was a wonderful story!
583 reviews8 followers
October 9, 2023
This is the second book in the Nightshade series. The first chapter is hard to read, as it goes into detail about what Rex and his team went through. Rex was a nurse in the Army. He and his fellow nurses and friends were attacked at the FOB: Nightshade, in Afghanistan. He saw things he can never unsee. Fast forward 10 years. Rex is doing good, loves his job and has not had any flashbacks for years. That all changed when a robbery brought it all back. Luckily, there was a police officer there that recognized what was happening. She intervened and brought him back to himself. They end up going on a date, thanks to a mutual friend. Though both of them are cautious, things between them move forward. Before you know it, feelings are involved. Can they overcome the past and find the HEA they deserve? Get this book ASAP and find out. Sorry, no spoilers.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,770 reviews52 followers
July 3, 2023
The Nightshade incident was horrific, Taliban killed soldiers and let nurses live only to be wound them later. Three medical personal survived that night under horrific conditions and ten years later are still a support to each other. Rex, one of the survivors, met Lauren after witnessing a crime, as a cop she was able to recognize his needs. Their connection was intense and quickly became something important. Having the man be the one with needs is not a popular idea but Madden regularly creates characters, of both sexes, with trauma stemming from military experiences and giving support options. It was a pleasure to read this story as I was given as early copy, review given voluntarily.
Profile Image for Belinda .
1,319 reviews8 followers
July 3, 2023
Book 2 of Operation Nightshade is an emotional story of a mans journey after a horrific attack. We first heard of Nightshade in Rescuing Olivia where 3 nurses had to endure an attack by the Taliban and watch their fellow soldiers killed and tortured. Book 2 gives us Rex, a male nurse, who is still trying to heal from that 10 year old nightmare. Lauren comes into his life after a shooting incident and recognizes the signs of PTSD. I loved how Madden flipped the story and showed how a strong woman can step in and rescue the man and help him heal while still showing that he is just as strong. I look forward to Book 3. I received this ARC and voluntarily give my review.
Profile Image for Brenda.
55 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2023
This book captured my interest from the first paragraph till the very last page. J.M. Madden has once again delivered a book that was well worth the cost and my time. I have followed this author since her very first Lost and Found series book, and I have NEVER been disappointed with her books. This one is no exception. It gives us a look at a strong man coping with the post traumatic stress of torture at the hands of the Taliband. Lauren turns out to be just what he needs to find peace and acceptance after 10 years of living with his nightmares and guilt. This book is well worth it's price . The only problem is you won't want it to end.
Profile Image for A.
796 reviews
July 3, 2023
Rescuing Rex was a phenomenal story. Rex was a nurse in Afghanistan when the Taliban attacked his medical unit. It took him a long time to get over the trains and rejoin civilian life. He meets an amazing woman officer who responds to a robbery in the store he is in. Lauren is an amazingly strong single mom that gets Rex. Their romance is swoon worthy, and there is suspense that kept me turning pages. I couldn’t put it down. JM madden writes amazing characters, and I can’t wait to read more of her books!
1,934 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2023
This one gutted me. Soo many emotions and yet so good.
Rex was an Army nurse and was injured during one of the worst wars in Afghanistan. He is now working as a nurse in a Hospital in Texas.
Lauren is a police officer. She is also divorced and a single mom.
When Rex is injured during a robbery at a quik stop, Lauren is one of the police officers there after it happened.
Lauren and Rex are set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. They decide since they got along so well, to see where it goes.
Is there a future for Rex and Lauren?
Profile Image for Eve.
109 reviews
July 4, 2023
Just go on and break my heart! These two have been through so much that I started pulling for them from the very beginning. A wonderful HEA for two very deserving people.

A word of warning, though. The first chapter is extremely hard to read and can certainly be triggering for some people. The things that Rex experiences are nothing but heart breaking on multiple levels. With that said, it needs to be read in order to understand why he is the way he is now.
Profile Image for Madm007.
1,158 reviews6 followers
November 6, 2024
Love this 2nd book of the series, Operation Nightshade. So realistic and had my emotions all up in the air from the 1st book.
So happy these have HEAs, unlike true occurrences which often don't.
A female police officer and a male nurse, both in high risk jobs gave them the insight needed to understand and open up to the other, making their connection even stronger.
Now anxiously waiting to read the 3rd book.
1,111 reviews
January 14, 2025
This book is in dire needs of a good editor. Or just scrap it and re-do it. So many repetition, so many things happened in a short period I began to wonder if they live in a 24 hrs/day world or 40 hrs/day world.

Rex telling Lauren about his past, and on another chapter he retold the same thing but with "I have never told this to anyone before". Hello! Are you having PTS or having trouble with short term memory? You literally just tell her about it 2 chapters ago!

Anyway, what a let down.
Profile Image for Sue.
4,406 reviews5 followers
September 9, 2024
I think its a good thing to bring to light what military veterans go through when they serve. Most have trauma, PTSD or some just serve stateside and don't experience it unless there married to someone who does. This is the case with Rex, he went through hell. Thank goodness he has Lauren now to help him through. Plenty of heat and some danger. HEA.
Profile Image for Janice.
3,079 reviews
July 15, 2023
Rex loves his job as a nurse but when he goes on a blind date with a cop he doesn't have high expectations. To his surprise the cop is Lauren, the officer who responded to the armed robbery from the previous month.
Profile Image for April.
Author 12 books70 followers
July 31, 2023
I enjoyed this story as much as Rescuing Olivia. Great storyline and wonderful characters. I’m hoping for a #3.
99 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2024
The attack on the F.O.B. was horrifying, but helped put Rex’s state of mind in context. I adored Lauren from the moment she came on the scene, and loved watching them fall in love. Great story!
1,158 reviews13 followers
December 4, 2024
My rating 5 stars. This novel was my first introduction to this author. Madden took a very sensitive topic and put a face to it! Well done!
3,547 reviews14 followers
August 3, 2023
Rescuing Rex is an outstanding romantic suspense by J.M. Madden. Ms. Madden delivers another excellent read packed with fantastic characters. Rex is a nurse that left the military after his last deployment turned into a nightmare. When he stops for a snack before work, he ends up in the middle of a robbery. Lauren was the first cop on the scene and calms Rex through his PTSD until he's safely on his way to the hospital. Rex and Lauren's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I loved every page of this book and look forward to my next book by J.M. Madden. Rescuing Rex is book 2 of the Operation Nightshade Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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