The Hero Next Door

Lost and Found Columbus #3

by J.M. Madden

Brian Calvert is thrilled that his fellow Lost and Found teammates have found the loves of their lives, but it’s hard being one of the only guys without a significant other. Needing a change, he shifts to the new Lost and Found branch in Columbus, Ohio, searching for something he’s never had before. Then he attends a weekend wedding in Wyoming and meets someone. She’s radiant and amazing, and she’s raising a brilliant young man on her own. He feels a connection to them both, and for the first time, he regrets moving across the country. No, it was a good thing.

Now he doesn’t have to see the disappointment in her eyes when she realizes how broken he is.

Sage Harrison has dated attractive men before and she feels like she can usually hold her own, but the muscular blond hero from the wedding leaves her confused and wanting. In the few minutes they spent together, she could tell he wanted her, but he made no move to connect. Was it because she had baggage, namely her precocious, gifted, demanding child? And because her life was in flux? Unable to help herself, she kisses him, leaving them both hungry.

Unfortunately, he’s on his way back to his new life in Ohio.

When her ex tries to stake a claim on the child he’s barely even acknowledged, she has to find a way to fight him. Maybe the handsome neighbor next door can help her out…

This is a light forced proximity disabled veteran military romance with a stinking cute kid that knows too much!

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2024

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite of this authors work, didn’t feel connected to the characters. I may revisit as I’m a mood reader

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

FREE today (December 20, 2025) on Amazon.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful, heart-warming story about two damaged people who meet at a wedding and have an instant attraction to each other. They experience a spur-of-the-moment kiss that they are unable to forget.

Brian was seriously injured on a mission ten years ago. However now he enthusiastically works as a forensic accountant for Lost and Found in Columbus, a group that was founded by, and is now run by, recovered veterans. Sage is a divorced policewoman who also has a ten-year old son. Adam is a genius who is out of touch with his peers and his schoolwork.

Sage and Brian live next door to each other in Columbus which allows the three of them to form a strong connection with each other. When Sage injures herself at work, Brian moves into their house to help them cope. During this time, the three of them enjoy each other’s company, respect each other and work together like a family.


Readers will fall in love with Brian, Sage and Adam. Sage is an independent and hard-working mother who willingly accepts differences. Brian is a caring, generous, gentle man who will go out of his way to help anyone. Adam is a lonely genius who feels out of place with his peers. The author creates well-rounded characters who display many different emotions throughout the book. In the end, these three imperfect people realize that their love makes them the perfect family.

I highly recommend all of the Lost and Found books. They are heart-warming stories that honor the men and women who are injured while in the military.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a fun one to read. Brian seemed to be at lost ends and seemed to think moving to the new office would help change things for him...and boy did they. He was able to reconnect with a woman he shared a great kiss and her son, who was a rascal! Adam seemed to have an agenda all his own and it's a good thing he used his big brain for good and put Sage and Brian on a path to cross roads. Once both were aware they were neighbors, things clicked. While I hated that Sage got hurt on the job, it was nice that Brian was there to help. That really seemed to accelerate their relationship as they spent a lot of time together and Brian helped with things a person wouldn't for a long time.

Later Sage and Adam leaned on Brian for support as her ex showed up and she knew it wasn't with good intentions. It was nice to see that taken care of so quickly, which allowed this family to just live and do it happy, all the while planning for the future.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hero Next Door
By J. M. Madden

First off let me tell how much I lived this book it gave you all the feels with a little bit of Young Sheldon thrown in with Sage Harrison's son Adam. There was intrigue since both Sage and Brian worked in law enforcement with a few of the Lost and Found guys we know and love. Add in a dash of danger and a cute dog who protects her master from anxiety attacks. I can imagine how Adam will take on the world when he graduates from college at an early age. There's love, hope, sadness and a story that will wrap you up until you stay up very early in the morning to finish the book.

All this makes a fantastic book with many more hopefully to come from the men and women of Lost and Found Columbus.

Thank you to the author for giving me a chance to read The Hero Next Door.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Brian had to wait so long for his own book. We’ve known him a while as he’s worked for Lost and Found almost ten years. His story is interconnected with another author’s book but I never read it and found it not to be a problem. He and Sage hit it off instantly but first he connected with her son. The boy is uber intelligent, attending a special school for gifted children, and reads astrophysics books for fun. Yet, he has an innocence and childlike humor that is appropriate for his young years. He and Brian are like peas in a pod, all three of them really fit together perfectly. It was a quick story with a relationship that grew of friendship and grew to love. I was lucky to read an early copy and wrote my review voluntarily.

[Valerie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy to read about more of the Columbus Lost and Found Crew, hopefully there will be even more in the future. Brian has been lurking in the background of the Lost and Found books for a long time, in glad he finally got his own story in the new Columbus office. I loved how he hit it off with Sage's son, Adam, from the start. The fact that Sage is a police officer made the book even more exciting to me. I think the author did a great job of showing off Adam's intelligence while also reminding us that he is, in fact, a child still. As always, the author also did an excellent job of portraying the struggles that our veterans live with, while also making them out to be the desirable book boyfriends readers want.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian and Sage's story has all the feels. JM Madden gives us a beautiful story of two people who meet and have a connection but live worlds apart. Soon that changes and circumstances bring them together again. There's is a slow burn with each attracted to each other but not sure how the other one feels. Sage's son, Adam, is a darling. He is determined to get his two favorite people together. There is some mystery, some action but a lot of heart. This Lost and Found installment is a definite winner and a must read.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been patiently awaiting for Brian to get his story, and JM Madden did an awesome job writing it. I was pulled in from the start, and I tore right through the book! This book was just what I needed today! Brian and Sage were perfect for each other. It’s funny how being at the right place at the right time can change your life. Sage’s son Adam stole the show. It was so sweet to watch them fall in love and become a family. There is a suspenseful edge to the story that will keep you turning pages. I can’t wait to see what is next for the Buckeye Brigade!

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book with all the feels! Single mom with a wickedly smart boy. A wounded warrior finally finding his home and himself. Found family and blood family.
I couldn’t put this down. Once I started, Sage and Brian grabbed my heart and didn’t let go! Sage’s boy from a previous relationship is just the icing on top. They start out wondering how a relationship between them could work and discover the true meaning of family.

[Merle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, Brian Calvert gets his happy ending. After being a part of numerous stories, he takes it upon himself to shake up his life. He requests a transfer to the new Lost and Found office in Columbus, Ohio. A huge coincidence happens as he gets settled in his new apartment. He finds the incredibly brilliant son of a woman he met at a wedding. Turns out it's not really a surprise, but it works out for all three of them. When things get tough, they are there for each other.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original Lost and Found series, and all off shoot series, have been excellent reading, books that I have re-read many times, enjoying them every time. Brian and Sage's book is one I will read again as well. The main characters, Brian, Sage and her son Adam are well written, so I was really invested in their story. The storyline is kept my interest till the last page and left me looking forward to the next book. If you're looking for a book (or series) that can be enjoyed time and again, look no further. Enjoy!

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Buddy

Adam playing little matchmaker. I loved this story and how Brian embraced and treated him like a little human. They were best buds before anything.

This was another winner for me. A woman standing on her own and a man being secure enough in himself to let her. They compliment each other well.

Can't wait to see what's next.

[Madm007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian and Sage

Fell totally in love with Brian, Sage, and her genius son Adam.    

An excellent page-turner with drama, heart, and heat, often with humor mixed in.  

All Brian's naturally positive interractions with Adam bring on the happy tears and big heart feels for Sage -- and me.  He's the whole package of goodness, with his hotness to boot.  Sage is, of course, leary, and with good reason.  Always making sure Adam comes first.

Adam knows he's unique, he understands not everyone can accept his way, and he will be in college before he can legally drive.  Facts to him, so he susses out solutions which will work for him. He also knows his mom likes Brian - a lot.  He likes Brian - a lot!  What he does to facilitate their proximity, across country, blows my mind.  Yes, I know it's only fiction, but this kid adds the extras.  His logic being always adultishly spot on, and, without filter. (hehe)

Really well-written journeys tend to stay with you long after you've read them.  They burrow into the deepest part of your soul for whatever reason, and simply take up residence there.  

The happy sigh, HEA was exactly that.

Recommended, fast-paced, page turning romance with deep emotive drama and feelings.  Yet can't forget the funny bits either. 

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian and Sage make a great couple, and once they get going, their insecurities don’t stop them from trying and communicating. Adam supplies comic relief and yet is three-dimensional and interesting to read about. It’s a very beautiful love story with some tension and suspense to add a bit of drama.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Calvert is attending a wedding in Wyoming when he meets a precocious child and his divorced mother. But he is moving to Ohio, and she lives in Wyoming. Imgaine his surprise when he meets his new neighbors.

[Sharon]

Purchased in epub format from the author's web store.

[Dena Howard embree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Latest Hit!

Madden delivers another hit! Smooth story line, with believable and lovable characters. Once started, was unable to put it down.

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the characters. Glad the H didn't push away more than he did.

[Marie Vayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

nicely done

Have loved all the Lost and Found books by this author. always a great read, storyline, characters and a bit of drama. Had a hard time putting it down.

[Allena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters and storyline

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Great storyline. Loved the characters. Kept me hooked all the way through. Highly recommend this book!