What do you think?
Rate this book
Valerie Stonehold #1
Security for Hire
From the world of Para-Military
When they pull off her wig, it’s game over.
When three local bullies pick on Iron Hills dwarf Eiravel (Val) Stonehold, she naturally defends herself.
Why is she the only one who gets thrown out of the tavern after the brawl?
On her way home, two bumbling dragons in human form, Axl and Livius, accost her and hand her a letter.
What can the new Eternal Queen Julie possibly want with her?
As it turns out, the queen wants her body.
Rather, she wants her fighting skills. Diplomats often need bodyguards, and Julie thinks Val fits the bill. One Val knows little about the world beyond the Iron Hills.
She has to learn more about the outside world to be effective.
If she learns fast enough, she might save her employer’s daughter from being abducted.
Join Val as she leaves her beloved Iron Hills and learns about Avalon and Earth in the world of the Para-Military Recruiter.
Join Val as she encounters our favorite characters and new friends and enemies in this rollicking new series!
When they pull off her wig, it’s game over.
When three local bullies pick on Iron Hills dwarf Eiravel (Val) Stonehold, she naturally defends herself.
Why is she the only one who gets thrown out of the tavern after the brawl?
On her way home, two bumbling dragons in human form, Axl and Livius, accost her and hand her a letter.
What can the new Eternal Queen Julie possibly want with her?
As it turns out, the queen wants her body.
Rather, she wants her fighting skills. Diplomats often need bodyguards, and Julie thinks Val fits the bill. One Val knows little about the world beyond the Iron Hills.
She has to learn more about the outside world to be effective.
If she learns fast enough, she might save her employer’s daughter from being abducted.
Join Val as she leaves her beloved Iron Hills and learns about Avalon and Earth in the world of the Para-Military Recruiter.
Join Val as she encounters our favorite characters and new friends and enemies in this rollicking new series!
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2024
891 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Renée Jaggér
83 books68 followersA long time ago I was born in Los Angeles. That's where I spent many of my formative years. After I became an adult, I moved around for a bit before ending up in a small town in Oregon, very similar to Bailey's hometown. Greenhearth is fake, if you haven't already Googled that, but it's like many small towns with less than 1,000 people.
My pets...
I love animals, especially my two even if they do create havoc in my daily life. I have a cat, named Snowstorm, Storm for short. Then I have a rescue, Josephine. She's a Labradoodle - I think. It's hard to say but it's the best I can come up with.
What I'm working on...
I'm already working on the next book in the series - was working on it before Bad Attitude came back from editing. And now that it has released, need to stay on track with A Bit Aggressive.
For the latest and greatest about me and what I'm working on, check out my website: reneejagger dot com
My pets...
I love animals, especially my two even if they do create havoc in my daily life. I have a cat, named Snowstorm, Storm for short. Then I have a rescue, Josephine. She's a Labradoodle - I think. It's hard to say but it's the best I can come up with.
What I'm working on...
I'm already working on the next book in the series - was working on it before Bad Attitude came back from editing. And now that it has released, need to stay on track with A Bit Aggressive.
For the latest and greatest about me and what I'm working on, check out my website: reneejagger dot com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 12, 2024
Review of books 1 to 3 (no real spoilers but maybe a few hints as to how the story develops):
Well, this is one of those fairly light and easy to read urban fantasy series where I had to read more than one book before I felt I was ready to give a verdict.
I quite like the overall story and the main protagonist. Well most of the time at least.
Val is decidedly kick-ass and mostly a nice person. Sometimes she can also be a bit stupid, rash and judgmental. Especially in the third book.
As oftentimes with urban fantasy series there is a bit of underlying mystery surrounding the main protagonist suggesting some magical development in her future.
Also, as in many urban fantasy series there’s a bar involved where Val spends quite a bit of her time. It feels a bit unimaginative actually but what the hell? It works.
Val herself is also a dwarf… that suffers from gigantism. That is a twist I have not seen before. A giant dwarf.
As a dwarf she is, not too surprisingly, a blacksmith with a knack for magical items. As the story evolves so does her magical blacksmithing skills. This is were the authors hints of greatness in the future for Val. Not to spoil things but Excalibur is mentioned.
As I wrote, Val is kick-ass. Enough kick-ass that she takes on, or rather is ordered to but you have to read the book if you want to know more about that, jobs as a bodyguard.
She also gets saddled with a rebellious faerie also not by her choice. It is also not exactly the faerie’s choice. Just to add to the fun the arrangement is somewhat “binding”. I quite liked that part of the story although this is also the part where Val becomes somewhat stupid, rash and judgmental.
Overall it is a pretty solid urban fantasy story. As I wrote, not bad but not great either. All three books earned themselves a three star rating from me.
Well, this is one of those fairly light and easy to read urban fantasy series where I had to read more than one book before I felt I was ready to give a verdict.
I quite like the overall story and the main protagonist. Well most of the time at least.
Val is decidedly kick-ass and mostly a nice person. Sometimes she can also be a bit stupid, rash and judgmental. Especially in the third book.
As oftentimes with urban fantasy series there is a bit of underlying mystery surrounding the main protagonist suggesting some magical development in her future.
Also, as in many urban fantasy series there’s a bar involved where Val spends quite a bit of her time. It feels a bit unimaginative actually but what the hell? It works.
Val herself is also a dwarf… that suffers from gigantism. That is a twist I have not seen before. A giant dwarf.
As a dwarf she is, not too surprisingly, a blacksmith with a knack for magical items. As the story evolves so does her magical blacksmithing skills. This is were the authors hints of greatness in the future for Val. Not to spoil things but Excalibur is mentioned.
As I wrote, Val is kick-ass. Enough kick-ass that she takes on, or rather is ordered to but you have to read the book if you want to know more about that, jobs as a bodyguard.
She also gets saddled with a rebellious faerie also not by her choice. It is also not exactly the faerie’s choice. Just to add to the fun the arrangement is somewhat “binding”. I quite liked that part of the story although this is also the part where Val becomes somewhat stupid, rash and judgmental.
Overall it is a pretty solid urban fantasy story. As I wrote, not bad but not great either. All three books earned themselves a three star rating from me.
January 11, 2025
3.5/4 stars, Val is a unique character considered an oddity in her world because of her height, she has been bullied and ridiculed her entire life. A fight at a bar brings her to the attention of the Eternity Queen who offers her a job as a bodyguard for visiting VIP’s. The adventure begins with Val getting used to life in earth, her first job, making friends and Geraldine. The star is Gerry the car 😬😬😬
September 19, 2025
Valerie Stonehold is a character that exists in a few of the series from Jagger and Andrele set in the universe of paranormals. I was quite taken with her when I read the Waif books and those books made it pretty clear that there was already stories written about her. So I added it to my TBR.
Jagger has a way of drawing you into a story quickly, making you love the characters and engaging quickly. This one is no different. Val starts the story in the Iron Hills, a dwarvish settlement but she’s living a hard life. She’s a dwarf with gigantism (she’s average height for a human female) and she has alopecia. What’s a dwarf without a full head of hair? And when I say full head, I mean 365 degrees of head. She has lived a life of prejudice for being different. She’s also a dwarf with an ability to fight hard and even drift into berserker mode.
She is then picked up by the queen and made a VIP bodyguard in NYC. Much of the rest of the book includes fish out of water, learning about humans and the big city. Jagger is quite capable of making these charming. And for action, you have a bodyguard profession.
This is a really engaging book that I quite enjoyed. Will definitely read the rest of the series.
Jagger has a way of drawing you into a story quickly, making you love the characters and engaging quickly. This one is no different. Val starts the story in the Iron Hills, a dwarvish settlement but she’s living a hard life. She’s a dwarf with gigantism (she’s average height for a human female) and she has alopecia. What’s a dwarf without a full head of hair? And when I say full head, I mean 365 degrees of head. She has lived a life of prejudice for being different. She’s also a dwarf with an ability to fight hard and even drift into berserker mode.
She is then picked up by the queen and made a VIP bodyguard in NYC. Much of the rest of the book includes fish out of water, learning about humans and the big city. Jagger is quite capable of making these charming. And for action, you have a bodyguard profession.
This is a really engaging book that I quite enjoyed. Will definitely read the rest of the series.
May 5, 2025
Eiravel (Val) Stonehold is incredible
I just finished Human Julie’s stories! For those of you who have not read that set of sixteen books, I believe the name is Paranormal Recruiter, box set of 16 (awesome)!
This set of stories build off of those, so go read those, they are incredible!
Renee Jagger and team have put together another incredible story - a set of them if I am not mistaken. I read another of her series as well, all great.
Not sure how expansive this series will get, I am hoping I read the foreshadowing well and Anne buys Julie’s old home!
This book was great!
Eiravel is a great character!
So many of us are misunderstood and often humiliated by those that should be our community.
Val (Eiravel) dealt with it well and is adapting and being accepted in a very accepting city.
Not all of us have super powers, however, it is nice to see the bad guys get what they deserve!
In my life time (70 ish) I have seen karma come to many of those I felt deserved it, yet I personally was unable to do anything about it.
Thank you for the stories
I live them
Thank you!
I just finished Human Julie’s stories! For those of you who have not read that set of sixteen books, I believe the name is Paranormal Recruiter, box set of 16 (awesome)!
This set of stories build off of those, so go read those, they are incredible!
Renee Jagger and team have put together another incredible story - a set of them if I am not mistaken. I read another of her series as well, all great.
Not sure how expansive this series will get, I am hoping I read the foreshadowing well and Anne buys Julie’s old home!
This book was great!
Eiravel is a great character!
So many of us are misunderstood and often humiliated by those that should be our community.
Val (Eiravel) dealt with it well and is adapting and being accepted in a very accepting city.
Not all of us have super powers, however, it is nice to see the bad guys get what they deserve!
In my life time (70 ish) I have seen karma come to many of those I felt deserved it, yet I personally was unable to do anything about it.
Thank you for the stories
I live them
Thank you!
May 23, 2025
I very much enjoyed this first book of the 'Valerie Stronghold' Series.
Even though it's set in the same Worlds as the 'Para-Military Recruiter' series, it definitely has its own feel/texture/ character, with plenty of new faces, along with the old.
The main character, Val, who I think I'll come to love, as much as I do Julie Meadows, aka Julie Pendragon, is someone I'd definitely love to get to know more! Lol
I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to Val, as it explores the many and varied faces, of a woman who isn't quite in step with her peers!
I'm really loving the glimpses I'm getting of this, with her, and so I'll be going straight on to Book Two of this series: 'Shieldmaiden of the Modern Realm', so that I can find out even more about this very talented Dwarf, who suffers with Gigantism and, as if that's not enough, then Alopecia, too!
So, once I've read this second book, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think about it, too!
Even though it's set in the same Worlds as the 'Para-Military Recruiter' series, it definitely has its own feel/texture/ character, with plenty of new faces, along with the old.
The main character, Val, who I think I'll come to love, as much as I do Julie Meadows, aka Julie Pendragon, is someone I'd definitely love to get to know more! Lol
I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to Val, as it explores the many and varied faces, of a woman who isn't quite in step with her peers!
I'm really loving the glimpses I'm getting of this, with her, and so I'll be going straight on to Book Two of this series: 'Shieldmaiden of the Modern Realm', so that I can find out even more about this very talented Dwarf, who suffers with Gigantism and, as if that's not enough, then Alopecia, too!
So, once I've read this second book, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think about it, too!
September 9, 2025
Action Packed Moves
Valerie Stonehold lovvvvvve! Great action heroine that had a rough childhood fitting in and finding acceptance because she was different, tall for her dwarf kind and head to wear wigs to hide her lack of hair.
Happily as an adult, Val has powerful strengths that bring her to the notice of their Queen and into a job as a bodyguard. Val moves into NYC and actually makes a few human friends as she takes on her first magical client, a centuries old vampire with an important mission.
Little does Val realize how challenging and surprising this assignment will be, but her action packed moves and quick thinking will certainly come in handy if they both want to stay alive. Love the heroine and the assorted cast of characters, excited for hopefully more books in the series. An entertaining novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
Valerie Stonehold lovvvvvve! Great action heroine that had a rough childhood fitting in and finding acceptance because she was different, tall for her dwarf kind and head to wear wigs to hide her lack of hair.
Happily as an adult, Val has powerful strengths that bring her to the notice of their Queen and into a job as a bodyguard. Val moves into NYC and actually makes a few human friends as she takes on her first magical client, a centuries old vampire with an important mission.
Little does Val realize how challenging and surprising this assignment will be, but her action packed moves and quick thinking will certainly come in handy if they both want to stay alive. Love the heroine and the assorted cast of characters, excited for hopefully more books in the series. An entertaining novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
May 25, 2024
Fun new series - book 1 - set in the Para-Military World from a previous series. Good spinoff with some character overlap but not take over. New character in Val, who is both amazingly tough and sensitive based on previous issues growing up. Tons of action and violence (hey, she's a bodyguard so be prepared). I think this one will be really great if the authors keep the story line moving and don't bog down with too many useless side stories - which seems to routinely happen with similar Anderle series. Ready for Book 2 to see how this goes.
November 1, 2024
An interesting paranormal genre blend
Before I had finished 10% of the book I told people:
This is turning into a fun read, it has wereducks, werepigs, elves, dwarves, Orcs etc who all have smartphones!
Val is an Iron Dwarf with gigantism so her six foot height and beardless face has kept her from fitting in with her society. Without giving spoilers, she’s given a new job in the human world and discovers that some things she thought were faults may be her strengths.
The story is a fun romp with plenty of action throughout along with lots of fun, snarky attitude!
Before I had finished 10% of the book I told people:
This is turning into a fun read, it has wereducks, werepigs, elves, dwarves, Orcs etc who all have smartphones!
Val is an Iron Dwarf with gigantism so her six foot height and beardless face has kept her from fitting in with her society. Without giving spoilers, she’s given a new job in the human world and discovers that some things she thought were faults may be her strengths.
The story is a fun romp with plenty of action throughout along with lots of fun, snarky attitude!
April 8, 2024
Bodyguard extraordinary
Val lives in a dwarf town, but does not quite fit in, she is human size and has no hair. She has never felt like she belonged, but now thanks to the Queen, she is moving to New York to live among the humans and become a bodyguard for the VIPs. Another great start to a new series with awesome characters, action, humor and visits from favorite characters of the Para-Recruiter series. I can't wait for the next book.
Val lives in a dwarf town, but does not quite fit in, she is human size and has no hair. She has never felt like she belonged, but now thanks to the Queen, she is moving to New York to live among the humans and become a bodyguard for the VIPs. Another great start to a new series with awesome characters, action, humor and visits from favorite characters of the Para-Recruiter series. I can't wait for the next book.
June 10, 2024
fun and exciting
Enjoyed reading this start to new series. The characters are fun and likable. The storyline brought interesting views of the paranormal world created and includes intrigue and excitement. Val is learning her new bodyguard job, the human world, and more about other paranormals. There is action and intrigue at work and new friends to have fun with. Ready for book 2!
Enjoyed reading this start to new series. The characters are fun and likable. The storyline brought interesting views of the paranormal world created and includes intrigue and excitement. Val is learning her new bodyguard job, the human world, and more about other paranormals. There is action and intrigue at work and new friends to have fun with. Ready for book 2!
February 7, 2025
Amazing!!!!!!
I loved this book!!! High octain action all the way through, interesting characters....and what can I say about Val...? Kicking bad guys around while learning about humans...and vampire politics. A few potentially familiar characters of you have read others in this world but that's not a requirement! Definitely a series that will be added to my wishlist in its entirety!! Thanks both for another fantastic adventure
I loved this book!!! High octain action all the way through, interesting characters....and what can I say about Val...? Kicking bad guys around while learning about humans...and vampire politics. A few potentially familiar characters of you have read others in this world but that's not a requirement! Definitely a series that will be added to my wishlist in its entirety!! Thanks both for another fantastic adventure
July 31, 2024
Entertaining Read
Val is an atypical dwarf who is much taller than normal. As such she is subject to ridicule from other dwarves. Unfortunately for them she can beat them up. The Queen takes note and assigns her as a bodyguard for VIPs. I like the action, humor, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
Val is an atypical dwarf who is much taller than normal. As such she is subject to ridicule from other dwarves. Unfortunately for them she can beat them up. The Queen takes note and assigns her as a bodyguard for VIPs. I like the action, humor, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
September 13, 2024
Excellent Read
So many themes. I picked this up and did not want it to end. Drama, fighting, politics this story has it all. And underneath runs a story of compassion and understanding yourself.
A light hand is given to a thorny issue - self worth. I throughly enjoyed the journey.
I recommend this read.
So many themes. I picked this up and did not want it to end. Drama, fighting, politics this story has it all. And underneath runs a story of compassion and understanding yourself.
A light hand is given to a thorny issue - self worth. I throughly enjoyed the journey.
I recommend this read.
October 1, 2024
Security for Hire is the first book in this series, and I have to say, it's a good one. I'm certainly going to read more in this series when I can.
December 28, 2024
Even better the third time around
To the authors, please accept my apologies for being slack and not leaving a review after previous reads.
To the new reader, this book/series is so entertaining I own the entire series and am re-reading simply for the enjoyment of such well told tales.
To the authors, please accept my apologies for being slack and not leaving a review after previous reads.
To the new reader, this book/series is so entertaining I own the entire series and am re-reading simply for the enjoyment of such well told tales.
April 12, 2024
This a book that causes meals to be missed
When I started this book I was not sure how it was going to be but as I read it I got involved and basically read it in one sitting 😅 and am now waiting for the next one 🤞🤷♀️
When I started this book I was not sure how it was going to be but as I read it I got involved and basically read it in one sitting 😅 and am now waiting for the next one 🤞🤷♀️
April 24, 2024
A fun and interesting story
I enjoyed reading this story from the same thread as the paranormal recruiter. The tale was fast paced with good characters. I look forward to following Val in her continuing adventures
I enjoyed reading this story from the same thread as the paranormal recruiter. The tale was fast paced with good characters. I look forward to following Val in her continuing adventures
April 29, 2024
Security for hire
This is the first book I read by this author. The book keeps you interested sitting on the edge of your seat throughout the story. I love the characters you learn about family and friendship. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is the first book I read by this author. The book keeps you interested sitting on the edge of your seat throughout the story. I love the characters you learn about family and friendship. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 9, 2024
Love Valerie
Eiravel Stonehold is a great character. I loved the story, there was a good balance between action and character development. I look forward to reading more of Valarie’s adventures.
Eiravel Stonehold is a great character. I loved the story, there was a good balance between action and character development. I look forward to reading more of Valarie’s adventures.
May 23, 2024
Never Underestimate a Dwarf
This series starter is a winner. Val comes to New York City, and stuff (really neat stuff) happens. There is never a dull moment here. Dwarf Bodyguards' rule.
This series starter is a winner. Val comes to New York City, and stuff (really neat stuff) happens. There is never a dull moment here. Dwarf Bodyguards' rule.
May 27, 2024
Great new series
I really liked the characters. I enjoyed the paranormal recruiter series and was glad to return to that world. I also love the way Val learns about her own prejudices while dealing with others' prejudice towards her.
I really liked the characters. I enjoyed the paranormal recruiter series and was glad to return to that world. I also love the way Val learns about her own prejudices while dealing with others' prejudice towards her.
July 24, 2024
Good read
Good book, interesting characters. I really like Val, she is a great character/person to learn about and follow. I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the next.
Good book, interesting characters. I really like Val, she is a great character/person to learn about and follow. I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the next.
September 15, 2024
A great first book
Rather than following the dwarf trope of behavior and mien, the author throws in a little extra "pow" into his heroine. Loved the story and looking forward to the next book.
Rather than following the dwarf trope of behavior and mien, the author throws in a little extra "pow" into his heroine. Loved the story and looking forward to the next book.
November 11, 2024
Wow--unexpected!
So different from what I expected! I had to knock off a star for the beginning when Val was simply ridiculous and I could not fathom her over-reaction to the Queen's missive. Everything else clicked right along, though--fun stuff!
So different from what I expected! I had to knock off a star for the beginning when Val was simply ridiculous and I could not fathom her over-reaction to the Queen's missive. Everything else clicked right along, though--fun stuff!
December 25, 2024
Normally I don’t write reviews
I have to for this book. Wowza. Well written, lots of action, great character development and wonderful world building. The plot was action packed and I am now obsessed with Genevieve. No spoilers from me! Read this book!
I have to for this book. Wowza. Well written, lots of action, great character development and wonderful world building. The plot was action packed and I am now obsessed with Genevieve. No spoilers from me! Read this book!
January 12, 2025
Killer Book!
Very much enjoyed this book. It shows no matter how different a person is they can over come and succeed in life.
Very well balanced story. Can not wait to see what happens next.
Very much enjoyed this book. It shows no matter how different a person is they can over come and succeed in life.
Very well balanced story. Can not wait to see what happens next.
March 7, 2025
A brilliant read
A post operation read. Big mistake. My stitches pulled as I laughed out loud and shed a tear. Brilliant characters, especially the car. Lived it and about to start book two.😁
A post operation read. Big mistake. My stitches pulled as I laughed out loud and shed a tear. Brilliant characters, especially the car. Lived it and about to start book two.😁
April 3, 2024
Renee never disappoints
The story of Julia, Queen of Avalon, continues with Val Stonehold, bodyguard and jewelry designer. Julia hired Val to protect Anne, a vampire princess.
The story of Julia, Queen of Avalon, continues with Val Stonehold, bodyguard and jewelry designer. Julia hired Val to protect Anne, a vampire princess.
April 9, 2024
Great read
I liked it even better than the authors last series. I enjoyed the character building. Can’t wait for the next book.
I liked it even better than the authors last series. I enjoyed the character building. Can’t wait for the next book.
April 10, 2024
Couldn't put it down!!
Val has already done and is about to do amazing things. I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
Val has already done and is about to do amazing things. I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews