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Unbroken Heroes #1
The Hero She Needs
The last thing he expects to catch in his river is a billionaire heiress.
Loner Boone Hendrix left the military with ghosts that haunt him. He lives with his dog Atlas on a farm in Vermont. Alone. Just the way he likes it. Until he rescues a half-drowned, beautiful brunette from his river.
Gemma Newhouse is the daughter of the richest man in America, and from the abrasions on her wrists and her drugged state, she’s on the run from someone dangerous. She’s nothing like Boone expected—sweet, smart, and likes baking—and she ignites a fierce need inside him.
Being a member of a covert Ghost Ops team taught him deadly skills, and he’ll use them all to keep her safe.
Gemma can’t remember the last twenty-four hours. All she knows is that someone abducted her. Someone dangerous. Her only goal is survival and she’s used to taking care of herself. She’s a constant disappointment to her driven, successful parents. She doesn’t want a brilliant career, all she wants is to bake and make people smile.
Finding herself in Boone’s strong arms wasn’t on her plan. Nor was his rugged face, hard body, and gold-brown eyes. She sees how much he’s cut himself off from life, how he believes he’s broken.
Thrust together, she realizes this quiet hero will do anything to protect her. Despite the danger around them, they can’t resist their growing attraction, but her captors are hunting her…
And Boone is the only thing standing in their way.
Loner Boone Hendrix left the military with ghosts that haunt him. He lives with his dog Atlas on a farm in Vermont. Alone. Just the way he likes it. Until he rescues a half-drowned, beautiful brunette from his river.
Gemma Newhouse is the daughter of the richest man in America, and from the abrasions on her wrists and her drugged state, she’s on the run from someone dangerous. She’s nothing like Boone expected—sweet, smart, and likes baking—and she ignites a fierce need inside him.
Being a member of a covert Ghost Ops team taught him deadly skills, and he’ll use them all to keep her safe.
Gemma can’t remember the last twenty-four hours. All she knows is that someone abducted her. Someone dangerous. Her only goal is survival and she’s used to taking care of herself. She’s a constant disappointment to her driven, successful parents. She doesn’t want a brilliant career, all she wants is to bake and make people smile.
Finding herself in Boone’s strong arms wasn’t on her plan. Nor was his rugged face, hard body, and gold-brown eyes. She sees how much he’s cut himself off from life, how he believes he’s broken.
Thrust together, she realizes this quiet hero will do anything to protect her. Despite the danger around them, they can’t resist their growing attraction, but her captors are hunting her…
And Boone is the only thing standing in their way.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2023
2283 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
Anna Hackett
163 books2,922 followersI’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
May 16, 2025
The Hero She Needs is the first installment in Anna Hackett's Unbroken Heroes series, which offers a compelling mix of romantic suspense and adventure. This series features alpha males who are deeply loyal, committed to helping those in need, and determined to take down the bad guys. Despite their loving and respectful nature toward the women who win their hearts, these men often feel unworthy of love. Each man is taken by surprise when he discovers his soulmate, a revelation that brings both unexpected joy and new challenges.
When one of their own faces a serious threat, the entire group comes together, demonstrating their unbreakable bond as they confront and dismantle the menacing forces against them. The narrative is filled with exhilarating action sequences, sizzling chemistry between characters, and intense tension, all set within a gripping plot full of intrigue, drama, and peril.
I find myself completely engrossed in the experience of rereading this series, relishing each emotional twist and turn.
When one of their own faces a serious threat, the entire group comes together, demonstrating their unbreakable bond as they confront and dismantle the menacing forces against them. The narrative is filled with exhilarating action sequences, sizzling chemistry between characters, and intense tension, all set within a gripping plot full of intrigue, drama, and peril.
I find myself completely engrossed in the experience of rereading this series, relishing each emotional twist and turn.
February 9, 2025
I am not spending much time reviewing this book.
He's ex military, finds her in a river next to his house. He immediately feels the need to protect her.
She's the daughter of the richest man in the country. Has been kidnapped but managed to escape them. Hit her head and ended up in the river next to his house.
The book is a cat and mouse chase between the villains and the MCs. They fall in love. However, she's too forward, a bit slutty to my own liking. I mean he rescues her in the evening. Manages to patch her up and care for her. The next morning she's already attempting to kiss him senseless.
Ok, hold your titties woman. You're supposed to be traumatised and not salivating over the man who rescued you. And it goes on like that for the rest of the book. The old chap never even had a chance.
Anyway, the book is mediocre at best. The writing is boring. The plot so very predictable. Couldn't get to The End fast enough.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
46) "One of the MCs serves or has served in the military"
Squares Count: 19
25┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃40┃🔴┃59┃76┃44
10┃86┃04┃45┃47┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃42┃🔴┃24┃92┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃70┃15┃38
🔴┃31┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃80┃69┃52┃65┃54┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃95┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃41┃08┃🔴┃58
57┃94┃16┃56┃05┃60┃🔴┃26┃81┃🔴
97┃48┃79┃67┃53┃🔴┃06┃36┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃39┃66┃55┃27┃20┃63┃11┃83
He's ex military, finds her in a river next to his house. He immediately feels the need to protect her.
She's the daughter of the richest man in the country. Has been kidnapped but managed to escape them. Hit her head and ended up in the river next to his house.
The book is a cat and mouse chase between the villains and the MCs. They fall in love. However, she's too forward, a bit slutty to my own liking. I mean he rescues her in the evening. Manages to patch her up and care for her. The next morning she's already attempting to kiss him senseless.
Ok, hold your titties woman. You're supposed to be traumatised and not salivating over the man who rescued you. And it goes on like that for the rest of the book. The old chap never even had a chance.
Anyway, the book is mediocre at best. The writing is boring. The plot so very predictable. Couldn't get to The End fast enough.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
46) "One of the MCs serves or has served in the military"
Squares Count: 19
25┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃40┃🔴┃59┃76┃44
10┃86┃04┃45┃47┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃42┃🔴┃24┃92┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃70┃15┃38
🔴┃31┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃80┃69┃52┃65┃54┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃95┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃41┃08┃🔴┃58
57┃94┃16┃56┃05┃60┃🔴┃26┃81┃🔴
97┃48┃79┃67┃53┃🔴┃06┃36┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃39┃66┃55┃27┃20┃63┃11┃83
January 31, 2024
Not for me
3rd pov 😭
Its was kinda boring and cheesy and cringy, i was rolling my eye half of the time
Insta love
It gave me US military propaganda tbh, i felt like i was watching an episode of FBI
every times something traumatic happen to them its always followed by something sexual, He could have waited a while to make a move, H pushes away put in this situation he should have pushed away more
I should’ve DNFed
No cheating
No om/ow drama
No third act breakup
Hea
3rd pov 😭
Its was kinda boring and cheesy and cringy, i was rolling my eye half of the time
Insta love
It gave me US military propaganda tbh, i felt like i was watching an episode of FBI
every times something traumatic happen to them its always followed by something sexual, He could have waited a while to make a move, H pushes away put in this situation he should have pushed away more
I should’ve DNFed
No cheating
No om/ow drama
No third act breakup
Hea
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Gemma was abducted but successfully escaped, and Boone found her in a river close to his cabin. They worked together to find out why those mercenaries were after her. With forced proximity and mutual attraction, things eventually progressed faster than I would've expected. I think the timeline for the whole book was one week. This is a short one with 250+ pages, so the insta-lust and then insta-love were kind of expected. While running together to escape those bad men, they fell in love along the way.
This was okay, and I still enjoyed it. Gemma is a likeable FMC; she stands up for herself despite all the abductions and threats in her life. These things didn't deter her from having a backbone and becoming a fierce character an. She was equally brave, and I really like that.
Though I didn't appreciate her throwing herself at Boone in the first half of the book. I admire women who go for what they want, but lines have to be drawn at some point to avoid their attempts from bordering on desperate. 🤷♀️
It's not that Boone had no interest in her; he was attracted to her just as much. But like any other typical ex-marine with problems, he felt unworthy of her, which is why he pushed her away.
But of course, something happened that made them realize there's no point in denying their feelings and that life is short, so they decided to finally act on it.
I did admire their honest confessions, but I also felt secondhand embarrassment because they had an audience every time they talked about their feelings. It was really sweet, but I couldn't get out of my head that they were surrounded by people during these vulnerable and intimate moments. Obviously, this could be me case, and other readers might be fine with that.
Anyway, this was still fun for romantic suspense. I also enjoyed the bonus epilogue.
Book info:
- Kidnapping
- Forced proximity
- Survivor's guilt
- Billionaire heiress
- Romantic suspense
- Violence (a bit)
- Ex-marines
- Small town romance
- Insta-love
- Grumpy-sunshine
- HFN
- Bonus epilogue (2 yrs later, married and pregnant)
Gemma was abducted but successfully escaped, and Boone found her in a river close to his cabin. They worked together to find out why those mercenaries were after her. With forced proximity and mutual attraction, things eventually progressed faster than I would've expected. I think the timeline for the whole book was one week. This is a short one with 250+ pages, so the insta-lust and then insta-love were kind of expected. While running together to escape those bad men, they fell in love along the way.
This was okay, and I still enjoyed it. Gemma is a likeable FMC; she stands up for herself despite all the abductions and threats in her life. These things didn't deter her from having a backbone and becoming a fierce character an. She was equally brave, and I really like that.
Though I didn't appreciate her throwing herself at Boone in the first half of the book. I admire women who go for what they want, but lines have to be drawn at some point to avoid their attempts from bordering on desperate. 🤷♀️
It's not that Boone had no interest in her; he was attracted to her just as much. But like any other typical ex-marine with problems, he felt unworthy of her, which is why he pushed her away.
But of course, something happened that made them realize there's no point in denying their feelings and that life is short, so they decided to finally act on it.
I did admire their honest confessions, but I also felt secondhand embarrassment because they had an audience every time they talked about their feelings. It was really sweet, but I couldn't get out of my head that they were surrounded by people during these vulnerable and intimate moments. Obviously, this could be me case, and other readers might be fine with that.
Anyway, this was still fun for romantic suspense. I also enjoyed the bonus epilogue.
Book info:
- Kidnapping
- Forced proximity
- Survivor's guilt
- Billionaire heiress
- Romantic suspense
- Violence (a bit)
- Ex-marines
- Small town romance
- Insta-love
- Grumpy-sunshine
- HFN
- Bonus epilogue (2 yrs later, married and pregnant)
December 13, 2024
4.25⭐️
Boone is struggling with survivor's guilt after being the only man who came out alive while his team members didn't make it out during his last mission as a Ghost Op. This led to him living his life isolated in his cabin with his dog Atlas, feeling like he didn't deserve to experience the good things.
As he goes about minding his own business, he finds a woman floating unconscious and bruised in his river. He recognizes her immediately as Gemma Newhouse—the daughter of the richest man in America—and hopes to send her packing as soon as she wakes up.
But when he finds out that she's been drugged and kidnapped, barely managing to escape her captors, who were still looking for her, he realizes that letting her go now would be unsafe and they needed more information to come up with a better strategy to get her home. As the people looking for Gemma catch up to her trail, it's a race against time to get her out of harm's way and to safety. But those who want Gemma seem to always be one step ahead, stopping at nothing to get to her.
All Boone wants to do is make sure she gets back to her family safe, but along the way, the two find comfort in each other that neither had expected. They both try to deny it at first, thinking it must be the severity of the situation that's confusing their feelings, but the more time they spend together, the more they start forming a deeper bond and developing feelings.
For Gemma, who was so used to being betrayed, played, and exploited as a way to get to her father, trust didn't come easily. But watching Boone put himself at risk over and over again to save her life, with no other reason but to keep her safe, made her open up to him in a way she hadn't felt like she could before. He saw her for her and liked her for her and not who her father was and what he could gain from her.
For Boone, he had a lot of conflict in his mind over wanting to get closer to her because of his own past, the demons he still fought every day, and feeling like he didn't have anything to offer her or that he himself didn't deserve to be happy. But as time goes by, he slowly starts opening himself up to the possibility of having a real future with Gemma and reaching for some light and happiness in his life.
I liked how strong Gemma was, and even with everything going on, she didn't break, but she worked with Boone to get out of the situation. I admired her strength and resilience. I also loved Boone and how he fought anyone who tried to get to her.
I have to mention how much I adored Atlas and how he totally stole the show. The way he protected them both, especially Gemma through everything was so touching. He was the absolute best.
The book was filled with intense action with these two trying to escape the people who wanted to get to her, while trying to figure out why they wanted her in the first place. It kept me hooked and on edge the whole time with how many times they came close to being caught. I definitely liked the balance between all the suspense, action, and romance.
I loved Shep. His entry was awesome, and I'm happy that his book is next.
Boone is struggling with survivor's guilt after being the only man who came out alive while his team members didn't make it out during his last mission as a Ghost Op. This led to him living his life isolated in his cabin with his dog Atlas, feeling like he didn't deserve to experience the good things.
As he goes about minding his own business, he finds a woman floating unconscious and bruised in his river. He recognizes her immediately as Gemma Newhouse—the daughter of the richest man in America—and hopes to send her packing as soon as she wakes up.
But when he finds out that she's been drugged and kidnapped, barely managing to escape her captors, who were still looking for her, he realizes that letting her go now would be unsafe and they needed more information to come up with a better strategy to get her home. As the people looking for Gemma catch up to her trail, it's a race against time to get her out of harm's way and to safety. But those who want Gemma seem to always be one step ahead, stopping at nothing to get to her.
All Boone wants to do is make sure she gets back to her family safe, but along the way, the two find comfort in each other that neither had expected. They both try to deny it at first, thinking it must be the severity of the situation that's confusing their feelings, but the more time they spend together, the more they start forming a deeper bond and developing feelings.
For Gemma, who was so used to being betrayed, played, and exploited as a way to get to her father, trust didn't come easily. But watching Boone put himself at risk over and over again to save her life, with no other reason but to keep her safe, made her open up to him in a way she hadn't felt like she could before. He saw her for her and liked her for her and not who her father was and what he could gain from her.
For Boone, he had a lot of conflict in his mind over wanting to get closer to her because of his own past, the demons he still fought every day, and feeling like he didn't have anything to offer her or that he himself didn't deserve to be happy. But as time goes by, he slowly starts opening himself up to the possibility of having a real future with Gemma and reaching for some light and happiness in his life.
I liked how strong Gemma was, and even with everything going on, she didn't break, but she worked with Boone to get out of the situation. I admired her strength and resilience. I also loved Boone and how he fought anyone who tried to get to her.
I have to mention how much I adored Atlas and how he totally stole the show. The way he protected them both, especially Gemma through everything was so touching. He was the absolute best.
The book was filled with intense action with these two trying to escape the people who wanted to get to her, while trying to figure out why they wanted her in the first place. It kept me hooked and on edge the whole time with how many times they came close to being caught. I definitely liked the balance between all the suspense, action, and romance.
I loved Shep. His entry was awesome, and I'm happy that his book is next.
January 10, 2024
3.75🌟!
-on the run, forced proximity.
-ex military hero x baker heiress heroine.
-so many beautiful cameos.
-action packed.
-adorable pet.
-safe, KU, standalone and recommended.
-on the run, forced proximity.
-ex military hero x baker heiress heroine.
-so many beautiful cameos.
-action packed.
-adorable pet.
-safe, KU, standalone and recommended.
January 21, 2025
For a romantic suspense book, this was a light easy read with low stress. Pretty insta-lust/live and not a lot of character development or relationship development, but it was a good time.
January 2, 2025
It was okay!
December 4, 2023
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Boone
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - Gemma
5 ℋℯ𝓇ℴ 𝒮𝒽ℯ 𝒩ℯℯ𝒹𝓈 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝑟𝑜 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑠 𝐵𝑦 𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑎 𝐻𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑡𝑡
Well, Anna Hackett did it once again, a new series before the year ends and I just want the next book ASAP
Gemma, loves to bake anything and everything, it's her dream to open up a bakery and put a smile on someone's face. She just wants her parents support but they think it's a childish dream and believe she should be doing something more with her life. She never expects to find a man who will encourage her to fulfil her dream, and doesn't expect anything in return.
Boone, former Ghost Ops operative, lived through a nightmare and re-lives it every night. He loves his quiet life in Vermont with his dog Atlas. Boone doesn't believe he deserves happiness after the people he considered his brothers passed away. He believes his broken and damaged. He never expects his whole world to turn upside down when he rescues a woman who ended up in his river.
Gemma and Boone's chemistry was amazing and the steamy moments 🥵 Gemma did everything to break down his walls, they may have only knew each other for a few days but she became important to him, and when someone tries to kidnap her repeatedly he will do anything and everything to protect his woman.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Shep ♥️ can't wait for his book
...We caught up with some characters from the THS series which was amazing!!!
And Vander Freaking Norcross 🔥🔥🔥🔥 intense has ever! LOVE HIM!!!
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🧁🍩🧁🍩🧁
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Boone
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - Gemma
5 ℋℯ𝓇ℴ 𝒮𝒽ℯ 𝒩ℯℯ𝒹𝓈 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝑟𝑜 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑠 𝐵𝑦 𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑎 𝐻𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑡𝑡
Well, Anna Hackett did it once again, a new series before the year ends and I just want the next book ASAP
Gemma, loves to bake anything and everything, it's her dream to open up a bakery and put a smile on someone's face. She just wants her parents support but they think it's a childish dream and believe she should be doing something more with her life. She never expects to find a man who will encourage her to fulfil her dream, and doesn't expect anything in return.
Boone, former Ghost Ops operative, lived through a nightmare and re-lives it every night. He loves his quiet life in Vermont with his dog Atlas. Boone doesn't believe he deserves happiness after the people he considered his brothers passed away. He believes his broken and damaged. He never expects his whole world to turn upside down when he rescues a woman who ended up in his river.
Gemma and Boone's chemistry was amazing and the steamy moments 🥵 Gemma did everything to break down his walls, they may have only knew each other for a few days but she became important to him, and when someone tries to kidnap her repeatedly he will do anything and everything to protect his woman.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Shep ♥️ can't wait for his book
...We caught up with some characters from the THS series which was amazing!!!
And Vander Freaking Norcross 🔥🔥🔥🔥 intense has ever! LOVE HIM!!!
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🧁🍩🧁🍩🧁
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧
January 26, 2024
Boone and Gemma. Boone is ex military. Henna is an heiress who was abducted by she escaped.
Book simply written. I really don't get the girl kidding the guy and making moves 2 hours after waking up from a near drowning. The author could have held out a chapter.
Book simply written. I really don't get the girl kidding the guy and making moves 2 hours after waking up from a near drowning. The author could have held out a chapter.
August 9, 2024
3 stars
This reminded me of the Harlequin Intrigue novels. It was insta lovey but I still liked it. I like Anna Hackett's books, they just deliver on the chemistry between mmcs and the setting is always nice.
Think romance but make it with protective heroes, fbi, csi, hackers, police officers and fmcs is difficult situations that need saving sometimes, 😉 not all the times.
This reminded me of the Harlequin Intrigue novels. It was insta lovey but I still liked it. I like Anna Hackett's books, they just deliver on the chemistry between mmcs and the setting is always nice.
Think romance but make it with protective heroes, fbi, csi, hackers, police officers and fmcs is difficult situations that need saving sometimes, 😉 not all the times.
February 14, 2024
1.5 stars. Oof.
September 21, 2024
Immaculate vibes
February 17, 2024
FABULOUS BEGINNING TO A NEW SERIES!!!
Title: The Hero She Needs
Author: Anna Hackett
Series: Unbroken Heroes, Book 1
Designation: Contemporary Adventure/Adventure/Romantic Suspense (Can be read as standalone but includes cameos of characters from previously published books in other series. Each book features a different couple finding their HEA.)
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Multiple Explicit Love Scenes)
My Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
In 2009, I read a fantasy/paranormal romance novella published by Harlequin and written by a new, little-known author named Anna Hackett. I was impressed, as well as intrigued, and began following her career. I witnessed her raw talent grow and evolve into something truly extraordinary. I’m 72 years young and extremely selective about the books I choose to read, and I’m even more selective about the books I recommend. I, typically, do my due diligence for the books I purchase, but there are a few, select authors who are automatic one-clicks for me and Hackett most definitely ranks in my top five. I probably own every book she’s ever published , and I can honestly say I always get my money’s worth. And just because I’m a fan doesn’t mean an author doesn’t have to earn every star I give for the book’s rating. I’m actually much more critical of my favorite established authors. I expect more from them. Without a doubt, Hackett is one of the most versatile, reliable, consistent, prolific, and imaginative authors in the current self-publishing industry today, effortlessly crossing the paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, action/adventure, and contemporary romantic suspense genres. Her books are always engaging, realistic, and filled with nonstop action. And most importantly, they’re well written and exceptionally well edited with professional formatting, gorgeous covers, naturally flowing dialogue, and relatable characters.
In this book, The Hero She Needs, Hackett introduces a new series about a group of former, highly-skilled military Ghost Operatives who have experienced terrible loss and trauma and have all but given up on love and a happy life…until a brave, kickbutt heroine suddenly barrels into their life and kicks their alpha protective instincts into high gear.
This book features grumpy, recluse Boone Hendrix, a tortured hero suffering from PTSD, and his former war-dog Atlas, who now serves as Boone’s emotional support companion. The story kicks into high gear immediately when our heroine Gemma Newhouse, daughter of the wealthiest man in America, is found by Boone in the river near his home, almost drowned and near dead. After being abducted and drugged, she manages to escape her captors and is on the run, bravely fighting to survive. Fate intervenes when she falls into a rapidly flowing river and rescued from a watery grave by Boone. Boone decides to help the brave, feisty beauty who tumbled into his life but is determined to keep his distance and not become emotionally or romantically involved with Gemma. As the danger increases and foes revealed, Gemma & Boone must fight for their lives and rely on each other for survival but, most importantly, they must learn to trust each other and their feelings.
So, did I enjoy this book? Absolutely! I was immediately drawn into Boone and Gemma’s dangerous quest for survival and quickly became invested in their journey to a once-in-a-lifetime love. Boone has popped up in several books of Hackett’s other series and I was so happy to see him get his happy ending. And Gemma was the perfect complement to Boone’s character. Would I recommend it? You bet and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain some profanity and explicit sex scenes. I do love a dirty-talking hero who’s willing to do anything for his heroine! Will I read this author again? I think I’ve already answered this question but just to be clear: heck yeah! But just a quick warning for everyone…once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Title: The Hero She Needs
Author: Anna Hackett
Series: Unbroken Heroes, Book 1
Designation: Contemporary Adventure/Adventure/Romantic Suspense (Can be read as standalone but includes cameos of characters from previously published books in other series. Each book features a different couple finding their HEA.)
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Multiple Explicit Love Scenes)
My Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
In 2009, I read a fantasy/paranormal romance novella published by Harlequin and written by a new, little-known author named Anna Hackett. I was impressed, as well as intrigued, and began following her career. I witnessed her raw talent grow and evolve into something truly extraordinary. I’m 72 years young and extremely selective about the books I choose to read, and I’m even more selective about the books I recommend. I, typically, do my due diligence for the books I purchase, but there are a few, select authors who are automatic one-clicks for me and Hackett most definitely ranks in my top five. I probably own every book she’s ever published , and I can honestly say I always get my money’s worth. And just because I’m a fan doesn’t mean an author doesn’t have to earn every star I give for the book’s rating. I’m actually much more critical of my favorite established authors. I expect more from them. Without a doubt, Hackett is one of the most versatile, reliable, consistent, prolific, and imaginative authors in the current self-publishing industry today, effortlessly crossing the paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, action/adventure, and contemporary romantic suspense genres. Her books are always engaging, realistic, and filled with nonstop action. And most importantly, they’re well written and exceptionally well edited with professional formatting, gorgeous covers, naturally flowing dialogue, and relatable characters.
In this book, The Hero She Needs, Hackett introduces a new series about a group of former, highly-skilled military Ghost Operatives who have experienced terrible loss and trauma and have all but given up on love and a happy life…until a brave, kickbutt heroine suddenly barrels into their life and kicks their alpha protective instincts into high gear.
This book features grumpy, recluse Boone Hendrix, a tortured hero suffering from PTSD, and his former war-dog Atlas, who now serves as Boone’s emotional support companion. The story kicks into high gear immediately when our heroine Gemma Newhouse, daughter of the wealthiest man in America, is found by Boone in the river near his home, almost drowned and near dead. After being abducted and drugged, she manages to escape her captors and is on the run, bravely fighting to survive. Fate intervenes when she falls into a rapidly flowing river and rescued from a watery grave by Boone. Boone decides to help the brave, feisty beauty who tumbled into his life but is determined to keep his distance and not become emotionally or romantically involved with Gemma. As the danger increases and foes revealed, Gemma & Boone must fight for their lives and rely on each other for survival but, most importantly, they must learn to trust each other and their feelings.
So, did I enjoy this book? Absolutely! I was immediately drawn into Boone and Gemma’s dangerous quest for survival and quickly became invested in their journey to a once-in-a-lifetime love. Boone has popped up in several books of Hackett’s other series and I was so happy to see him get his happy ending. And Gemma was the perfect complement to Boone’s character. Would I recommend it? You bet and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain some profanity and explicit sex scenes. I do love a dirty-talking hero who’s willing to do anything for his heroine! Will I read this author again? I think I’ve already answered this question but just to be clear: heck yeah! But just a quick warning for everyone…once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
December 7, 2023
Good
Boone Hendrix is a military veteran, with PTSD and some very bad memories. He lives alone in Vermont, with his former war-dog Atlas, and is happy living by himself.
That is until he drags Gemma Newhouse out of the river, and saves her from the thugs who kidnapped her!
The daughter of a billionaire, Gemma doesn’t know why she’s been targeted this time, but the men on her tail aren’t giving up easily. Fortunately, she’s landed in the lap of a former Ghost-Ops operator, and he’s determined to keep her safe.
We first met Boone when he was helping out in the Billionaires series in the Hackettverse, and a few times when he cropped up in the Norcross and Sentinel Security series, so we’ve been waiting for a while to hear a little more about him and his scene stealing dog, Atlas. We learn a little about Boone’s past, and we get to meet a friend of his who is due his own story soon, and fans will enjoy learning that there are a few fun cameos from other Hackettverse series.
Like most of Anna’s books, it’s a fast paced read, with a little instalove, lots of action and adventure, and of course some romance and mystery. It’s a quick, enjoyable read, with lovable characters (yes Atlas, I mean you), and just enough tension to make it exciting without being too nerve-wracking!
This is a great read for romantic suspense fans, and of course Hacketteers (especially those who’ve been asking for Boone’s story).
Boone Hendrix is a military veteran, with PTSD and some very bad memories. He lives alone in Vermont, with his former war-dog Atlas, and is happy living by himself.
That is until he drags Gemma Newhouse out of the river, and saves her from the thugs who kidnapped her!
The daughter of a billionaire, Gemma doesn’t know why she’s been targeted this time, but the men on her tail aren’t giving up easily. Fortunately, she’s landed in the lap of a former Ghost-Ops operator, and he’s determined to keep her safe.
We first met Boone when he was helping out in the Billionaires series in the Hackettverse, and a few times when he cropped up in the Norcross and Sentinel Security series, so we’ve been waiting for a while to hear a little more about him and his scene stealing dog, Atlas. We learn a little about Boone’s past, and we get to meet a friend of his who is due his own story soon, and fans will enjoy learning that there are a few fun cameos from other Hackettverse series.
Like most of Anna’s books, it’s a fast paced read, with a little instalove, lots of action and adventure, and of course some romance and mystery. It’s a quick, enjoyable read, with lovable characters (yes Atlas, I mean you), and just enough tension to make it exciting without being too nerve-wracking!
This is a great read for romantic suspense fans, and of course Hacketteers (especially those who’ve been asking for Boone’s story).
December 18, 2023
I think this was the worst one yet. Why are they getting worse?
These characters' ability to think about sex and someone's attractiveness in life-threatening situations is so ridiculous that the only thing I can do is laugh. The way the heroine talked about the bad guys was hilariously bad. She sounded like a naive child. 'How can they sleep at night? They must have no conscience!' Yeah, no shit girl, where you living under a rock? Just ridiculous.
These characters' ability to think about sex and someone's attractiveness in life-threatening situations is so ridiculous that the only thing I can do is laugh. The way the heroine talked about the bad guys was hilariously bad. She sounded like a naive child. 'How can they sleep at night? They must have no conscience!' Yeah, no shit girl, where you living under a rock? Just ridiculous.
October 4, 2024
3/5⭐
Se me hizo corto, pero estuvo bastante bueno. La historia sigue a Gemma, hija de un importante empresario que es secuestrada. Durante su cautiverio, logra escapar de sus captores, pero termina cayendo en un río. Allí es donde la encuentra Boone, un exmilitar que vive en la montaña junto a su perro, Atlas. Desde el momento en que Boone la ve, su instinto protector se activa, y hará todo lo posible para protegerla y obviamente la atracción surgirá entre ellos dos.
Como mencioné, la historia fue entretenida. Tiene su cuota precisa de romance, algunas escenas spicy, además de algo de acción, persecuciones, disparos y todo todito. Para mí, el mejor personaje fue, sin duda, Atlas. ¡Soy fan del perritoooooo!
Se me hizo corto, pero estuvo bastante bueno. La historia sigue a Gemma, hija de un importante empresario que es secuestrada. Durante su cautiverio, logra escapar de sus captores, pero termina cayendo en un río. Allí es donde la encuentra Boone, un exmilitar que vive en la montaña junto a su perro, Atlas. Desde el momento en que Boone la ve, su instinto protector se activa, y hará todo lo posible para protegerla y obviamente la atracción surgirá entre ellos dos.
Como mencioné, la historia fue entretenida. Tiene su cuota precisa de romance, algunas escenas spicy, además de algo de acción, persecuciones, disparos y todo todito. Para mí, el mejor personaje fue, sin duda, Atlas. ¡Soy fan del perritoooooo!
October 30, 2024
Cuando conocí está novela me dio vibraciones similares a la de las historias de Tonya Burrows y Pamela Clare, y aunque no fue tan impresionante, admito que me entretuvo bastante y que se lee en un instante.
La lectura lo tenía todo para ser un suspense romántico perfecto pero creo que le faltó desarrollo en ciertos aspectos, además, la relación de los protagonistas se da de forma muy precipitada y eso le resta genialidad.
En general, me gustó mucho la idea, y también los personajes, creo que como lectura sencilla está bien.
2.75 Estrellas!
December 28, 2023
This was a quick read. I adored Boone. It felt a little rushed in the romance dept but aside from that I have no complaints. If you like a hero romance then definitely check this out. Plus… atlas (the dog) kind of makes the story. ❤️
December 11, 2023
Great story. Loved Gemma, Boone and Atlas. Can't wait to read more about Shep.
July 24, 2024
This surprised me by how much I enjoyed it. Fast paced, believable, and Atlas was easily the best character. 5 ⭐.
July 31, 2024
This story was a non stop wild ride. I love these men and how protective they are. This author writes the best military romance.
September 19, 2025
I should’ve known better from the Fabio-esque cover, but I really tried not to judge a book by its cover. Unfortunately, the inside didn’t do much to redeem it. Reading this felt like watching one of those “ReelShort” or “DramaBox” ads on TikTok. And can we retire the tired trope where every “curvy” FMC has to love junk food and giggle about being “so heavy” when the (predictably jacked) MMC picks her up. Pls and thank u
January 12, 2025
?.? | I got to take a break from this genre, ‘cause this did nothing to me, but I probably would have like it any other time.
May 7, 2025
3’75✨
Read
September 7, 2025A short and quick read. Quite fast paced but enjoyable. The relationship moved a little fast but kinda made sense given the circumstances. Protective hero we love. Woman in danger.
February 13, 2024
I love ex military books and especially Annas writing!
February 22, 2024
Fast paced, nicely written, insta lust/love romantic suspense. Predictable story with some action and easy to read. Great way to spend a few hours escaping. 3.5 stars.
July 15, 2024
I got about halfway through the audiobook and just lost interest.
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