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Rook: Atlas Security Services - Book 1

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Jaxon

My days of following orders are long gone. So when Roman Sloan asked me to join the crazy band of misfits at his new security firm, I told him there was something wrong with his head. Clearly there's something wrong with mine since somehow I still ended up the latest recruit at Atlas Security.

My time in the military left me with trust issues that mean I don't play well with others, so I've got my doubts this gig is going to work out. For now I'm working solo and it gives me an outlet for my boredom. Not to mention a reason to mess with the hot young detective who hates my guts.

Detective Porter is all glares and threats on the outside, but deep down… yeah, deep down, I'm pretty sure he actually wants to arrest me. Could be fun though. I'm not opposed to handcuffs and the uptight detective definitely has some extra tension to burn off.

Unfortunately, the man is either completely resistant to my charms, or worse than that, he's straight. Still, watching the way his face turns red every time I flirt has me seeking him out more than I should. And when a new case comes my way that gives me every opportunity to do just that? Of course I'm diving right in.

Except this case might be a little more than I can manage on my own and I'm going to have to learn the hard way if I can trust a team to have my back again. It's too late to back out now, I've placed my bets and all that's left is to see where the cards fall.



Detective Nathan Porter

Jaxon Mitchell is the bane of my existence. The P.I. and his agency popped up out of nowhere, and for some reason, the infuriating man has set his sights on me. And he seems determined to ruin everything I've worked my tail off for.

I didn't become the youngest detective in the department by accident. I keep my nose down, follow the rules, and I get results. Those things alone have gotten me where I am, and I refuse to let some meddling P.I. mess everything up. But there he is, every time I turn around, flashing those smiles as he solves another one of my cases like he's done me a favor.

The man is reckless and allergic to rules. I deal with criminals all day, every day, but somehow Jaxon Mitchell is the one man I can't handle.

So when my latest case becomes personal, the last person I want to see nosing around is the insufferable P.I. who sees just a little too much. But there he is, just like always, ready to unravel all of my deepest secrets.



Rook is a steamy MM opposites attract/enemies to lovers contemporary romance novel around 90k words. This is book 1 in the Atlas Security Services series and can be read as a standalone. This is a spinoff from the Smoke & Mirrors Tavern series and while it is set in the same world, this book is about humans so there is no on page magic or monsters. Due to mature content, this book is not recommended for anyone under 18.



This is a story about a detective and a private investigator - there are mentions of assault, abduction, drugs, rape and death in the cases they are working. There are fight scenes and crime scenes, but no on page murder or rape. If you are sensitive to any of these topics, this story may not be for you.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2023

8 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Ember Morgan

14 books10 followers
Ember is a writer of LGBTQ steamy romance with quirky characters, a little humor, and all the found family vibes.

After getting her start writing urban fantasy, Ember couldn’t resist the pull of romance and the happily ever after. Fantasy writing will always have a special place in Ember’s heart and most of her stories still include at least a little magic and mayhem. She’s a firm believer that demons, dragons, and vampires make the best book boyfriends/partners, but she’s been known to dabble with humans from time to time as well.

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5 stars
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13 (36%)
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews361 followers
November 12, 2023
Rook and Nate's Story . . .

Jaxon Mitchell (“Rook”) had lots of trust issues due to his former military service that almost cost him his life. So he is surprised when retired military Roman Sloan (“Atlas”) asks him to join his new Atlas Security and Investigations firm. Roman knows Rook is a loner, but his new team is built on guys who deserved another chance to prove how good they truly are. His new team was made up of mostly outcasts, but Roman saw their worth and gave them the opportunity to do what they excelled at. For now, Roman kept Rook for the investigation part of the business and assigned others to work the more personal one-on-one assignments directly with the clients as bodyguards and such. Unfortunately, to keep himself occupied when business was slow, Rook enjoyed flirting with the good-looking police detective who disliked him and never hesitated to file a complaint with Roman. And Dylan had just told Rook the case Roman offered him would be a partnership with the detective he loved to torment! Okay then… with a huge smile, he agreed to take the case he almost passed up!

Detective Nathan Porter is a “by-the-book” type who has worked hard to be the best he can be. He is the youngest detective in the department and has earned his reputation as being one of their best. So when he is assigned to work a case with Rook, who flirts with him and makes solving cases look easy, he is not sure he can trust the man. Will their relationship improve as they get to work together and see the “real” person they are working with? Will they build the trust they will need to handle a difficult case as dependable partners who truly do have each other’s backs?

This is a well-paced story line that infuses humor throughout as the reader sees the camaraderie developing among the team members who must rely on each other for survival at times. These characters have difficult jobs, and they have their own lives to keep in balance. I enjoyed this story and look forward to continuing the series and getting to know the characters who have overcome much to prove themselves and move beyond what they have struggled through to get there. The author’s writing will easily pull the reader in and keep you caring.
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
1,921 reviews15 followers
November 10, 2023
4.5 stars. A very enjoyable plot with enough twists to keep it interesting throughout. I haven't read any of the original series but that didn't feel as if I was missing anything important. I really liked both MCs, their reasons for their actions were very realistic and their flaws were as fitting as their strong points. The other characters in Atlas were interesting and I look forward to more of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
9,375 reviews140 followers
November 11, 2023
This is a well written enemies to lovers romance with strong characters in Rook and Porter. The author does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She brings an action packed story with a bit of anxiety, humor and romance. It moves fluidly and is a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
4,887 reviews18 followers
November 13, 2023
Exciting beginning to a series. Jaxon, a Veteran is done with following orders. So, why does he join Atlas Security and Investigations? He's left with trust issues and missing the excitement of a mission.He has a curious mind and enjoys finding solutions to unsolved cases. Detective Porter is not charmed by Jaxon. He is the youngest Detective in his department. He has a lot to prove and he's worked hard for his position. He is not amused Jaxon always pops up on his cases. They are forced to work together because the cases are ugly and involved. Their styles and demeanors are opposite and maybe complimentary. Excellent content, if a bit dark. Jaxon and Porter are a fun couple in that they keep us on our toes. Looking forward to more stories in this series by this author. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,999 reviews25 followers
November 10, 2023
Rook, a former military member with trust issues, reluctantly joins Atlas Security and Investigations at the request of Roman Sloan. He prefers to work alone and clashes with Detective Porter, who seems to harbor hatred towards him. Despite Porter's resistance, Rook enjoys flirting with him, even though he is unsure if Porter is straight.

As a new case arises, Rook and Porter are given opportunities to work together. However, as the case proves challenging, they must determine if they can trust each other and navigate the complexities of their relationships. The book is romantic, funny, with some angst, and action-packed and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
1,014 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2023
This is a great beginning of this series, Atlas Security Services. Jaxon has served his time in the military and has run out of trust for most people. Getting a job working investigating cases he crosses the path of Detective Nathan Porter. Rolling the rules is what he does and Jaxon goes out of his way to avoid them.

I loved the dynamics between the two strong men. It didn't hurt that the heat they generate is an inferno. They couldn't be more different but they get the job done! Come on book two!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nathan.
1,074 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2024
sad gay origin stories

Two misfits among a crew of misfits bond over their maverick ways, annoy the each other and finally let each other in.

Lots of long, rambling conversations and unlicensed therapy, a sassy queen of a office manager, a dip into a BDSM club (part of the investigation, sure Dylan) where new kinks are unlocked, and a heap of homophobia in both the past (growing up in hostile families) and present.

Set in the same universe as the Contractor’s Curse, but this is a bunch of normies (so far—so we think).
3,031 reviews19 followers
November 13, 2023
This is, I hope, the first book about the Atlas Security Service. The couple at the center of this story is Jaxon and Nathan but all of the characters introduced are interesting. Jaxon and Nathan clash constantly and Jaxon pushes a lot of Nathan's buttons but in the end these combatants go from enemies to lovers in a compelling story filled with action, humor, some angst and heat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelly Simpson.
615 reviews17 followers
November 10, 2023
This really wasn't my cup of tea as I don't normally read gay romances but this had my favourite Trope enemies to lovers so thought I would give it a try.
12 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2024
A must read!

I love the characters that Ember Morgan brings to life. They’re not perfect but just right. I loved her Smoke and Taverns series and couldn’t wait to dig into this one.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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