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TAKEN: Sheppard & Sons Investigations: A Small Town Romantic Suspense
Can their love be real if her name and background are fake?
Meg ~
… Released on parole… Those three words sent me looking for a new town, but I never expected Weatherford, Texas to feel like home. I was getting mom-vibes from my boss and sexy looks from my boss’s son. I was making friends and learning what it felt like to be in a real family, but with every step closer to love and happiness, I risked cracking my mask and revealing my secrets. I wouldn’t repay the Sheppard family’s kindness by endangering their lives.
Jack ~
The second my eyes connected with Meg’s, I knew she was meant to be mine. I also knew she was hiding something. Lucky for her, I spent my entire life being raised, trained, and conditioned to protect. Meg would share when she was ready, and I was patient enough to wait, but I didn't have to. Being a PI made it easy to find out the truth for myself. I was determined to uncover the threat against her and keep her safe.
When Meg learns about his snooping, the betrayal sends her running… right into the duct-tape wielding hands of her worst nightmare. Can Jack reach her in time, or will she have to save herself? More importantly, is their love strong enough to overcome the lies?
This standalone, first in series, slow burn, small town, romantic suspense features an overprotective man and a woman with a hidden identity. They'll get their HEA, but only after redefining what it means to love. The intense action, and Meg's horrifying past, may not be for everyone. Use Read Sample to check the copyright page for details.
Meg ~
… Released on parole… Those three words sent me looking for a new town, but I never expected Weatherford, Texas to feel like home. I was getting mom-vibes from my boss and sexy looks from my boss’s son. I was making friends and learning what it felt like to be in a real family, but with every step closer to love and happiness, I risked cracking my mask and revealing my secrets. I wouldn’t repay the Sheppard family’s kindness by endangering their lives.
Jack ~
The second my eyes connected with Meg’s, I knew she was meant to be mine. I also knew she was hiding something. Lucky for her, I spent my entire life being raised, trained, and conditioned to protect. Meg would share when she was ready, and I was patient enough to wait, but I didn't have to. Being a PI made it easy to find out the truth for myself. I was determined to uncover the threat against her and keep her safe.
When Meg learns about his snooping, the betrayal sends her running… right into the duct-tape wielding hands of her worst nightmare. Can Jack reach her in time, or will she have to save herself? More importantly, is their love strong enough to overcome the lies?
This standalone, first in series, slow burn, small town, romantic suspense features an overprotective man and a woman with a hidden identity. They'll get their HEA, but only after redefining what it means to love. The intense action, and Meg's horrifying past, may not be for everyone. Use Read Sample to check the copyright page for details.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2024
65 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 29, 2025
Taken was absolutely perfect from beginning to end. This story has so much suspense and is action pact.
Meg is in hiding. She's testified against some bad people and was put in witness protection to keep her safe. She finds herself in a quaint little town where all the people are so sweet and lovable. Every single character in this town was just so sweet and kind. Meg applies for a job in a local coffee shop and meets the owner son, Jack. She can't take her eyes off him. There's an instant attraction she feels for him but knows that everything happening in her life right now takes priority and there isn't any time for love or relationships. But Jack recognizes something in her. The fear she shows, the constant looking over her shoulder, the sadness behind the smile. Him and his family has a PI company so he asks his dad and brother to do a little digging. He stays out of the research because he wants to do right by Meg and he ethically can't pursue her while working her like a job. He is persistent and she slowly, cautiously, starts to fall for him as he does her. But when she finds out that him and his family have been researching her and watching her, she is not happy. Not only that, but her mother was also just found dead, and the people she was hiding from, they missed parole and they've found her! Will Jack and his family make it to her in time?
The suspense and thrill in this story literally had me at the edge of my seat. The chemistry and build up of the relationship between Meg and Jack was so sweet and heartwarming. You can feel the intensity of the connection they shared. I cannot wait to jump into the next book in this series. This was a fantastic start to the series.
Meg is in hiding. She's testified against some bad people and was put in witness protection to keep her safe. She finds herself in a quaint little town where all the people are so sweet and lovable. Every single character in this town was just so sweet and kind. Meg applies for a job in a local coffee shop and meets the owner son, Jack. She can't take her eyes off him. There's an instant attraction she feels for him but knows that everything happening in her life right now takes priority and there isn't any time for love or relationships. But Jack recognizes something in her. The fear she shows, the constant looking over her shoulder, the sadness behind the smile. Him and his family has a PI company so he asks his dad and brother to do a little digging. He stays out of the research because he wants to do right by Meg and he ethically can't pursue her while working her like a job. He is persistent and she slowly, cautiously, starts to fall for him as he does her. But when she finds out that him and his family have been researching her and watching her, she is not happy. Not only that, but her mother was also just found dead, and the people she was hiding from, they missed parole and they've found her! Will Jack and his family make it to her in time?
The suspense and thrill in this story literally had me at the edge of my seat. The chemistry and build up of the relationship between Meg and Jack was so sweet and heartwarming. You can feel the intensity of the connection they shared. I cannot wait to jump into the next book in this series. This was a fantastic start to the series.
February 22, 2024
A good start to a new romantic suspense series
This was a debut release for a new author, and it was a worthy read. I’d classify it as a suspense action read with a bit of romance. The romance is of the clean variety, not the smutty kind (which to be frank is my usual go-to), so there are no open-door type scenes. The fmc has a history that includes SA, but even that is not mentioned in any graphic detail, so I’d consider this a safe read for most readers.
Meg finds herself in a small town in Texas running from a past we learn more about as the story progresses. She was given a new name and new identity by the FBI. She is fiercely independent. Jack is the son of the coffee shop owner she works for, and works for the family-run security company. He comes from a family with military and police backgrounds. He is instantly attracted to her, but she is terrified of getting close to anyone. She doesn’t make it easy on him. And when he uses his PI skills to learn her hidden history, he’s more determined than ever to protect her.
Overall this was a great read, especially for a new author. The family dynamics were well written, the small town vibe was great, the author was knowledgeable about the subject matter when discussing things like weapons and safety, etc. so it all felt believable. Editing definitely needs some cleaning up, as there were loads of easy to catch errors. But all in all, definitely an enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to book two!
This was a debut release for a new author, and it was a worthy read. I’d classify it as a suspense action read with a bit of romance. The romance is of the clean variety, not the smutty kind (which to be frank is my usual go-to), so there are no open-door type scenes. The fmc has a history that includes SA, but even that is not mentioned in any graphic detail, so I’d consider this a safe read for most readers.
Meg finds herself in a small town in Texas running from a past we learn more about as the story progresses. She was given a new name and new identity by the FBI. She is fiercely independent. Jack is the son of the coffee shop owner she works for, and works for the family-run security company. He comes from a family with military and police backgrounds. He is instantly attracted to her, but she is terrified of getting close to anyone. She doesn’t make it easy on him. And when he uses his PI skills to learn her hidden history, he’s more determined than ever to protect her.
Overall this was a great read, especially for a new author. The family dynamics were well written, the small town vibe was great, the author was knowledgeable about the subject matter when discussing things like weapons and safety, etc. so it all felt believable. Editing definitely needs some cleaning up, as there were loads of easy to catch errors. But all in all, definitely an enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to book two!
January 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book came in my Romance Reveal Box, and since it was my first box, I honestly was not sure how much I would enjoy it. It’s not exactly my usual kind of read, but I ended up being really pleasantly surprised.
This is the first book in the Sheppard & Sons Investigations series, and I genuinely enjoyed both the story and the main characters, Meg and Jack. The romance is very much on the safe side with no spice, which made it an easy, comfortable read. There is a mention of SA, but it’s handled carefully and never goes into graphic detail.
Overall, this was a solid start to the series, and I am definitely interested in continuing to see where these characters and this world go next.
This book came in my Romance Reveal Box, and since it was my first box, I honestly was not sure how much I would enjoy it. It’s not exactly my usual kind of read, but I ended up being really pleasantly surprised.
This is the first book in the Sheppard & Sons Investigations series, and I genuinely enjoyed both the story and the main characters, Meg and Jack. The romance is very much on the safe side with no spice, which made it an easy, comfortable read. There is a mention of SA, but it’s handled carefully and never goes into graphic detail.
Overall, this was a solid start to the series, and I am definitely interested in continuing to see where these characters and this world go next.
January 28, 2025
great story!
I love the people and the story line, the suspense and action is perfect, not too scary or graphic but I definitely couldn’t stop reading until it was resolved.
The only thing I didn’t like was the language- it wasn’t a lot but didn’t add anything extra to the dialogue and didn’t have to be a part of their normal vocabulary ( if it slips out in a stressful moment that is one thing)
One thing I especially loved is even when the story allowed them to sleep together, they didn’t! Thank you for that!
I have the next 2 books and can’t wait to begin reading them- alas I have family and work responsibilities so it will have to be later🤣
I love the people and the story line, the suspense and action is perfect, not too scary or graphic but I definitely couldn’t stop reading until it was resolved.
The only thing I didn’t like was the language- it wasn’t a lot but didn’t add anything extra to the dialogue and didn’t have to be a part of their normal vocabulary ( if it slips out in a stressful moment that is one thing)
One thing I especially loved is even when the story allowed them to sleep together, they didn’t! Thank you for that!
I have the next 2 books and can’t wait to begin reading them- alas I have family and work responsibilities so it will have to be later🤣
February 24, 2024
Moving from the Midwest to a small town in Texas, Meg has a hidden past. Jack, is ex-military and now local private investigator wasn’t expecting a new girl in town to sweep him off his feet, but he doesn’t know who she really is.
This book was captivating! Reading the story through Meg and Jack’s POV really portrayed what each character was going through. The romance, action, suspense, and small town community built with each page I read. I HIGHLY recommend and can’t wait for Eveline’s second book to this series!
This book was captivating! Reading the story through Meg and Jack’s POV really portrayed what each character was going through. The romance, action, suspense, and small town community built with each page I read. I HIGHLY recommend and can’t wait for Eveline’s second book to this series!
March 12, 2025
Megan and Jack
Wow, I'm pretty sure I forgot to eat while reading this because I just couldn't put it down. The plot, characters, and how deep this story delved into was great! This is the first book I've read by Evaline Rose but definitely not the last! And let's be real, reading from Meg's and Jack's POV was basically the best thing ever - I'm totally rooting for them! Can't wait to dive into more of those Shepherd men!
Wow, I'm pretty sure I forgot to eat while reading this because I just couldn't put it down. The plot, characters, and how deep this story delved into was great! This is the first book I've read by Evaline Rose but definitely not the last! And let's be real, reading from Meg's and Jack's POV was basically the best thing ever - I'm totally rooting for them! Can't wait to dive into more of those Shepherd men!
February 17, 2024
Wow! What an amazing read. I couldn’t put it down. I loved everything about this book - the plot, the characters, the writing nothing was missed. I loved reading through Meg’s and Jacks POV. You really get to love the characters and root for them! I cannot wait to read more from Eveline Rose!
Read
March 4, 2024[dnf @ 68%] i really want to finish it since i'm already at 68% however i really can't because the execution just makes me wanna sleep. it was kind of long-winded plus the characters were really bland and one-dimensional. i just can't...
August 5, 2024
For romantic suspense books I feel it’s best to have something intriguing happen about 30/40% into the book just to drawn readers back in. This book did not have anything happen until 83% into the book. Definitely more of an attempt at romance than suspense.
August 6, 2024
Couldn’t put it down
I picked it up thinking it looked like fun and then the story grabbed hold and wouldn’t let go. I loved all the men in the Sheppard family! Waiting to pick up book 2 because I have work to do and probably won’t do it once I start reading.
I picked it up thinking it looked like fun and then the story grabbed hold and wouldn’t let go. I loved all the men in the Sheppard family! Waiting to pick up book 2 because I have work to do and probably won’t do it once I start reading.
August 11, 2024
I read through the night on this one. The tension of being pursued kept my heart rate up but the true story was in the well developed characters. I loved the whole Sheppard clan! I appreciate that the FMC while hurt had such underlying strength. I want to read book two right away but I have some deadlines and I’m too old to read through the night.
February 16, 2025
Was a good book that would be good for someone to dip their toes in romantic suspense. Jack and Meg were really great together and the family aspect reminded me of Catherine Cowles’ books. It got cheesy at time but still really sweet but also had a deep emotional storyline too.
October 12, 2025
I like the overall plot of this book.
But, the dialogue was so hard to read. Like every other page is the FMC being like “sorry” “sorry I ruined our date”. I understand she went through some stuff, but come on.
But, the dialogue was so hard to read. Like every other page is the FMC being like “sorry” “sorry I ruined our date”. I understand she went through some stuff, but come on.
November 7, 2025
PI romance
Romantic tension with a PG level of spice. The characters are realistic, likeable, and endearing. The major action happens in the last 20-25% of the book but still flows fairly well with the plot.
Romantic tension with a PG level of spice. The characters are realistic, likeable, and endearing. The major action happens in the last 20-25% of the book but still flows fairly well with the plot.
January 1, 2026
At first it was hard to get into if I liked it or not, but after a few chapters in I couldn’t put it down. If you like romance/mystery/thriller you will enjoy it. Megan and Jack deserve each other. Finished in 3 days.
June 3, 2024
Great read
This book is a romantic suspense novel about Jackson "Jack" Sheppard and Megan "Meg" Hayes getting together with each other. This book is a great story. HEA
This book is a romantic suspense novel about Jackson "Jack" Sheppard and Megan "Meg" Hayes getting together with each other. This book is a great story. HEA
June 20, 2024
This is Book 1 in the SHEPPARD & SONS INVESTIGATION Series. And boy is it amazing!!
It was exciting, intriguing, adventurous, with secrets that had me hooked from the beginning to end!!
It was exciting, intriguing, adventurous, with secrets that had me hooked from the beginning to end!!
August 7, 2024
Brilliant
Loved everything about this book, the characters, the storyline were perfect, would
recommend this to anyone. Would read this again.
Loved everything about this book, the characters, the storyline were perfect, would
recommend this to anyone. Would read this again.
September 4, 2024
taken
Best book I have read in a long time. Loved all the characters. Made me smile and cry.
Great story line.
Best book I have read in a long time. Loved all the characters. Made me smile and cry.
Great story line.
April 7, 2025
This book was such a mindless whirlwind but man did I eat it up, I stayed up way too late reading this.
November 23, 2025
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
August 15, 2025
Best book ever I laughed and cried it was amazing. Loved the characters
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews