Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
War doesn't forge heroes, it reveals them!

Former Navy SEAL and communication specialist for The Four X’s Group—a paramilitary organization he runs with his brothers, Remi *Zipper* McKinley has slammed the lid shut on the box he stuffed his heart into. He chained that puppy up, slapped on a padlock, and tossed the key away with prejudice. Never again will he allow flowery words and empty promises to dictate his future. Love, feelings, and happy ever after are not for him. The only thing a wife brings is pain, betrayal, and a bank balance with a big fat zero. Been there, done that, and he’s got the damn t-shirt.

For Serena Wayland the chance of vacationing on safari within her budget was too good to pass up. Her first clue something was wrong was when the destination changed, her second when her friend and traveling companion disappeared, and her third when she was abandoned by her guides in Uganda. Unless those gorillas watching her every move, have a phone and will let her use it—she’s up a certain creek and paddles didn’t come as part of her package deal.

A favor for a friend sends Remi on the trail of a missing woman, the one he finds is not on his list. But his honor won’t allow him to leave Serena to fend for herself. He’s everything she ever desired. She’s everything he never knew his soul needed. But can Serena convince Remi she’ll protect his heart as fiercely as he protects his country?

A woman in need, a man in pain and the only thing which can truly save them—the courage to face the greatest risk of love.

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2024

344 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

About the author

Bella Stone

24 books149 followers
Bella Stone is the MF Pen name for Annabella Stone, all books published under this name are MF/MMF.

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorbellas...
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bellastonea...
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj0B...
All Author:
https://allauthor.com/author/bellastone/
BingeBooks:
https://bingebooks.com/author/bella-s...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
610 (72%)
4 stars
181 (21%)
3 stars
38 (4%)
2 stars
5 (<1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie Harkness.
187 reviews
August 30, 2024
Remi and his brothers run XXXX Group. They have all had horrible divorces, and are leery of trusting women again. Hence the name of their company: four X’s.

Remi had it pretty bad. Not only was he injured with a TBI, his ex-wife told him the children he thought were his, weren’t. He built up his walls so high, no woman could break them down. On the eve of his older brother, Gunnar’s wedding, he is called to help rescue two women. Melissa, the sister of his friend, and her roommate Serena.

Serena and Melissa went off on what they thought would be a safari adventure to see mountain gorillas in Uganda. Serena ends up going to see the gorillas alone when Melissa misses the boat. When the boat sinks, Serena is abandoned in the forest.

Remi decides to go to Uganda himself to find Serena after Melissa is found and brought to safety. Once she is found, she accompanies the team back to their home base, and Gunnar’s wedding. The usual antics ensue when the Tags of Honor, Red Squadron, Nemesis and Ghost teams get together. Including, yes, and epic glitter war! IYKYK.

More roadblocks are thrown up into the path to their HEA. But this time, the tables are turned. The hero is the one who gets himself in trouble and needs rescuing.

Don’t want to give too much away. But this one was a stunner. Such a fantastic and heartbreaking backstory for Remi! And Serena is his perfect match. I loved this story, and highly recommend this one! 15/10 recommend!
451 reviews9 followers
December 9, 2024
Terrible

## How on Earth did this book get these great reviews? Did we even read the same book? There were a dozen plot holes at least. It was ridiculous. Nothing was clear. Why were the girls targeted in the first place? Who was after them? Why? They kept mentioning human trafficking but weren't sure. The traffickers would just pick 2 new victims if that were the case, not leave the jungle in Uganda to follow them to Italy. Nothing made sense. In addition to that, it was obvious that English was not this author's first language. The grammar, the run on sentences....it was incredibly distracting. Sorry, but I can't recommend this book. The frustration isn't worth it.
Profile Image for EvaReadsWithDog.
211 reviews5 followers
September 3, 2024
I was so much looking forward to Remi’s story since book 1 where we officially met the four McKinley brothers and oh boy, it didn’t disappoint!
There’s a vibe, something special about Serena that makes Remi get out of his bat cave and go search for her when she goes missing in a jungle in Uganda.
Their story has it all.. it’s fast paced, emotional and full of action. All characters are beautifully written with Bella’s unmistakable sense of humor. Her stories make me feel like… home.
There are a couple of gorillas, a jungle, steamy moments, snarky comebacks, a glitter war, huge consumptions of coffee and monster drinks, the brotherhood, family and found family. Oh, and matching socks don't matter ;-) I enjoyed every single word from the first page to the last.

Thank you Bella for another uniquely beautiful story.


Profile Image for Chandra Luna.
1,843 reviews13 followers
January 8, 2026
Remi by Bella Stone is a pulse-pounding, emotionally rich romance that proves the greatest battles aren’t always fought on the field—but in the heart.

Remi “Zipper” McKinley has every reason to believe love is a lie. A former Navy SEAL, communications specialist for the Four X’s Group, and survivor of a marriage that shattered his trust, his body may still bear the scars of war, but it’s his heart he’s locked down tight. Betrayal, a traumatic brain injury, and learning that the children he loved weren’t his built walls so high even he forgot what was on the other side. Love, commitment, and forever? Not happening. Not again.

Serena Wayland never planned to become a survival story. What was supposed to be an affordable safari adventure turns into a nightmare when her friend disappears, her guides abandon her, and she’s left alone in the Ugandan jungle—armed with nothing but courage, grit, and a tree branch to face gorillas and the unknown. Serena isn’t reckless; she’s resilient. Brave. Quietly strong in a way that doesn’t demand attention but earns respect.

When Remi is sent to help find a missing woman, he doesn’t expect Serena. He definitely doesn’t expect the instant, soul-deep pull that has him breaking every rule he’s lived by. Honor won’t let him leave her behind—but his heart doesn’t want to either. Serena sees the pain behind Remi’s walls, even as she believes he’s far out of her league. Remi sees everything he never knew he needed—and is terrified of losing.

Bella Stone delivers a story that’s fast-paced, emotional, and layered with her signature humor and heart. The jungle rescue sets the stage, but it’s the quiet moments—the banter, the shared coffee, the brotherly chaos, and yes, the infamous glitter war—that make this story feel alive. The found family of the Four X’s brothers and their extended teams adds warmth, laughter, and depth, reminding readers that healing often happens in community.

What makes Remi especially powerful is the role reversal—this time, the hero is the one who needs saving. When danger strikes again, Remi is forced to confront the truth he’s been running from: love is the risk worth taking. Serena won’t beg, won’t settle, and won’t play emotional tug-of-war. She loves him—but she knows her worth.

With action, humor, steam, tenderness, gorillas, jungle survival, brotherhood, and a hero learning that locking your heart away isn’t the same as protecting it, Remi is a deeply satisfying continuation of the Four X’s Group series.

If you love military romance with emotional depth, strong heroines, found family, and a hard-earned happily ever after, Remi will grab your heart, shake it loose, and leave you smiling long after the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
168 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2026
Gunnar McKinley may be the head of the Four X’s Group, their paramilitary organization, but his brother Remi is the heart. Having to leave the Seals with a Traumatic Brain Injury after a heli crash. Remy runs the war room and his ADHD keeps his mind running almost as fast as his computers. Only the Ghosts have someone as capable in their TOC. Remi can find anyone or anything, plan missions and keep the teams safe out there but he can no longer go himself on combat missions. The only thing Remi wishes for now is a little help in the war room as he is getting snowed under.
Serena Wayland and her roommate and best friend Marissa Ricci finally get to plan a vacation together and find a safari in Uganda within their budget. Things certainly don’t go according to plan. Serene is lost and abandoned in the jungle and Marissa’s brother, an Italian military operator, knows she is in trouble. Deployed and unable to help, he reaches out to his friend Marco at the Four X’s. Remi sends a team after them, pulling Marissa out of danger but goes himself after Serena, only finding her two days later after a six hour hike through the jungle. Sure human trafficking is involved, the team brings both women back to the headquarters to keep them safe, only 48 hours before Jorga and Gunnar’s wedding. Keeping Serena with him for a week makes it hard to let her go. Not even sure if she is safe back in Rome.
Fast action, hard hitting military romantic suspense at it’s finest from an author who knows. I own dozens of her books and am thrilled she has branched out into audio. Pick this one up if you are an audiophile
1,649 reviews15 followers
September 27, 2024
First few chapters were amazing. We meet the two friends and then they get separated on their vacation. Then we have their rescue, which was funny and suspenseful.

What I wanted to be a part of was the two women going over what they each had endured. But we don't get that, it's not discussed. They are supposed to be the best buds but they are hardly together in the rest of the story.

She thinks he is married, but they kiss and then later on he tells her what his ex-wife did to him. Guess she forgot for a bite she thought he was married - lol.

As with most Military stories, we have crude words and descriptive sex, outside of marriage heat level 5 out of 5. I did feel a connection to this couple, and they certainly had a very bumpy road to HEA. They made love like rabbits and no mention of birth control.

Story has a mixture of suspense, violence, humor, twists and great main and secondary characters.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance, plenty of steam, and only one typo I found, but wasn't really looking. Story is standalone but does have crossover characters from book 1.

I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
Profile Image for BookwormSally.
155 reviews
January 11, 2026
Yet another fast paced, action-packed story with a large side of sexual chemistry and a dash of love. Again, I listened to this whole book in 1 day.
Serena and Marissa have been friends and coworkers for 2 years, but this is the first time they have been granted leave at the same time. They want to make the most of this time off together and decide to book a holiday. They end up booking to see the gorillas in Uganda. Unfortunately, when they go out on a day trip to the jungle, to see the gorillas, the 2 girls managed to get separated. If losing Marissa wasn’t bad enough, the boat Serena is on starts to take on water. They manage to get to land before it totally sinks and make their way into the jungle. When Marissa’s brother Alvarez finds out where the girls have gone on holiday, he tells his friend Midas, who calls the McKinlay brothers to ask if they can help find the girls. Thankfully, when the girls get separated, Marissa manages to make her way back to their accommodation where The XXXX’s Group pick her up on camera and arrange for a team to go and collect her. When there is no news on Serena’s location, Remi ‘Zipper’ McKinley chooses this as his mission to go and find her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aspen G.
1,716 reviews5 followers
January 27, 2026
Remi is action-packed, emotional, sassy, and filled with passion! Serena is a bold and vivacious woman with a zest for life and incredible instincts. I LOVE the scene where she and Remi meet—it’s quite dynamic! Her sassiness and self-worth leap off the pages, and it’s amazing and beautiful how clearly she sees Remi. Remi carries so much trauma from his past—both physical and emotional—and he is such an intense person. Watching him open up and shift as he rescue and then gets to know Serena is awesome! His growth arc over the novel really shines. I adored Gunner and Jorja’a wedding, and the succeeding antics of the family and friends. With a beautiful blend of feelings and plot twists, this story is fast paced and fun from start to finish. The duet narration is incredible and really elevates this experience to the next level. The narrators performances are dynamite—their voices easy to listen to and filled with passion, emotion, and so much more. This is a great audiobook! Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,232 reviews34 followers
August 31, 2024
Remi "Zipper" Mckinley thinks he has his heart in lockdown after the ending of his soul shattering marriage. Finding Serena Wayward taking in the middle of the Ugandan jungle taking on gorilla with just a tree branch has him ready to hand over his heart then and there. You're going to love both Serena and Remi. She's brave, resolute, smart, resilient and beautiful. She also feels that Remi is so far above her that he couldn't possibly want more than a fling. Remi is fighting an internal battle. He wants Serena but fear caused by his relationship history keeps him pulling back. She loves him but won't play his games of on again, off again. She understands his hesitance and his pain but she's not his ex. An unexpected consequence sends him reeling. Serena being in danger finally has Remi to owning his feelings. But is it too late?
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
November 9, 2024
Serena Weyland and Marissa decided they needed a vacation and were thrilled their boss approved the same weeks for both of them, they decided on a bargain safari, though the check-in process seemed a little shady. Things are great until the friends are separated on their planned excursion. Marissa misses the boat, Serena doesn’t but before long she’s abandoned by guides… in the jungle!

Team computer guru Remi *Zipper* McKinley readily agrees to help locate Marissa and Serena for a teammate. Getting the run-around from their hotel kicks Remi’s gut into suspicion and he finds they’re going to great lengths to erase evidence of the pair ever arriving. Just as Marissa’s recovered, Remi realizes Serena hasn’t. After thumbing through the scant info on hand, Remi decides this is the one mission he’s going on.
Rating: 4.5stars
681 reviews8 followers
August 31, 2024
Another strong female brings down a wounded guy.

Serena may come over as a silly one in the first chapter but it becomes very clear that she is someone who is not giving up. Yes, she needs Remi to save her first but then she saves him.

Remi needs to unpack his baggage and distrust, I do wish his ex will meet Serena one day, it won't be pretty. I love how Serena is just letting him be himself, no demands to change but support and acceptance.

The book has the right mix of love story, banter between the four brothers and suspense. Compared to other books by this author, the actual action is - unfortunately - on the lower side. I love when she writes things which goes boom and this is a missing here.

I would have loved to see more of Remi's relationship with his dad though.
1,074 reviews
September 1, 2024
awesome

I loved this book so much.

I’ve adored these characters since they made a pre series surprise appearance and each book so far has been great.

Fantastic heroines who are just the right match for each brother with complex feelings, danger and intrigue.

I loved how spunky Serena was in the face of everything that was thrown at her, and how she absolutely stood up for herself when Remi (idiot!!) let her down so badly.

Remi was a fabulously complex character who I loved learning more about.

I think if I could have had anything it might have been a resolution to his feelings about his relationship with his father (though that may come later in the series)

Overall though I loved this book and devoured it cover to cover
149 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2024
Remi (;The Four X ‘s Group Book 2)

Loved Remi and Serena’s story. Of all the brothers, Remi has been through the toughest situation with a lying X trying to palm another man’s kids as his after her affairs while he was away on military missions. Suffering a traumatic TBI put an end to his career and a lying ex put his faith in humanity at a very low state. Serena and her friend book a safari in Uganda and wind up with potential human traffickers and Remi and his brother Talon are called into rescue them. Once recovered the women are taken back to the 4X compound in La Spezia in time for oldest brother Garrett and Jorjia’s wedding. From there the attraction between Remi and Serena becomes tense…..and we are part of their what happens next. Great series
739 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2025
Seems a little disjointed to me.

I go back and forth with this book - the cover picture has Remi looking like a soldier all sexy and mature, but some of the dialog had him and Serena talking and acting really young. And a glitter fight? I wish we knew more of her background and what happened with her job and Marrisa. And if the mafia families were responsible for the last crisis, what was the reason for the original Uganda crisis? What happened to Marissa when they split up at the dock? That never was explained. Remi and Serena hadn't even met yet. There are too many questions and not enough background lead-in. And I want a hospital family scene too. Sorry, but it's not a book I can recommend. 2.5 stars.
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,912 reviews42 followers
August 29, 2024
What a woman Serena is! Honestly she is freakin amazing, so strong and determined and independent up to a point. I'm not sure many would cope the way she did. Remi is awesome and even when fighting his feelings he knows deep down it's a lost cause but he locked down hard after what happened last time. Action packed, full of excitement and suspense. Some surprising scenes and some wonderful moving ones. I just devowered this story barely putting it down and only if I had too. Banter and fun as well as the serious stuff and the romance, characters to fall in love with and want more from, can't wait to see who's going to be next.
Profile Image for Sara.
2,381 reviews14 followers
September 9, 2024
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept me glued to my kindle to the very end. I love this series with the four McKinley brothers and the connection to several other series by the author.

Remi captured my heart in the first book and I was eager for him to find his happily ever after. He found her in a sassy American who he rescued from a jungle in Uganda. She is perfect for him and keeps him in his toes.

This book has so much to entertain readers; action, humor, emotions, danger and plenty of steam.

I’m eager for book for the two reminding McKinley brothers - Talon and Colt.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
217 reviews4 followers
August 30, 2024
It's time to visit Italy and the XXXX group and see them fall in love. Remi lives on monsters and his computer cave but when a team mate's sister and her bff goes missing, he decides to go back in the field. Serena is on vacation when it's goes horribly wrong and is saved by Remi, but is this a start of a love story or a fling? Will Remi open his heart again when it's been broken beyond repair or will let his ex wife' betrayal keep him from a HEA? This book will keep you hooked from the first page. It's hard not to fall in love with the operators.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.2k reviews19 followers
September 28, 2024
This was Remi and Serena’s story. Serena Wayland the chance of vacationing on safari within her budget was too good to pass up. Her first clue something was wrong was when the destination changed, her second when her friend and traveling companion disappeared, and her third when she was abandoned by her guides in Uganda. A favor for a friend sends Remi on the trail of a missing woman, the one he finds is not on his list. But his honor won’t allow him to leave Serena to fend for herself. It was an intriguing and suspenseful read. And voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Beatrice Zibell.
50 reviews
September 16, 2024
A sweet story of a sassy woman in trouble and a hero to the rescue who locked away his heart. Action, suspense, romance and of course the by now iconic glitter war are characteristics of Bella's books and will keep you glued to the pages. I didnt see the unexpected turn at the end of the book coming.
I love that there are beloved characters from across Bella's world of Operators appear in the book and there is a hint of a sneak peak for another couple which is sure to have their story soon.
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,111 reviews14 followers
September 21, 2024
A true make your heart feel full love story, humor, action and romance and happy ever after!

Serena was desperate for a vacation with her best friend. Reminds has the business with his brothers to protect those that need It. He also is protecting his heart from being taken as self or betrayed. This is action packed for search and rescue. Vulnerability, steamy and romantic - what more would you want? Fairytale happy ending - got it. A perfect book to share with you BFF
2,343 reviews16 followers
September 9, 2024
This was Remi’s story and another great addition to the series, the plot was great and I loved the brothers banter, Serena was the perfect match for Remi she had plenty of sass but was not afraid to stand up for herself either. Loved when all the teams got together and we had our next instalment of the glitter war. Looking forward to reading Colt’s story next.
Profile Image for Debbie Bolay.
902 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2024
💘💖💘 Remi and Serena 💘💖💘 Serena decided to go on a last minute trip with a friend..... then things went wrong. Remi went to find them, and found Serena. Remi had sworn off women. I love Bella Stone books and this was no exception! Love this book, series and author! Put on your TBR now!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kurtins R.
1,168 reviews11 followers
September 10, 2024
I really enjoy Annabella Stone's stories, and Remi is no exception.
This story is about a strong women mending a damaged man's heart and it is done really well. Lots of action and banter and feelings.
Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Kevin.
62 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2024
Just love this book! Bella Stone never disappoints.

Love this series and the hot hot heroes. The heroines are tough but lovable and have minds of their own making the story line very interesting and adventurous. Thank you Bella for another great story of the XXXX group. 🔥😸🎉💜
Profile Image for Sarah.
282 reviews5 followers
October 30, 2024
Loved this book

Bella Stone continues to provide us with great stories. Loved Remi and Sarena. I loved the discussion about the songs and ADD. Gave me a new perspective on how others dealing with it think.
Profile Image for karen blush.
61 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2024
Fabulousness Personified!

I loved it. Even was surprised a time or two! Can't wait for the next story! The Brothers are so good together and add in terrific women and you have some awesome reading!
Profile Image for Mary.
112 reviews
December 27, 2024
Absolutely Wonderful Story

I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was good from the beginning to the end and kept me on my toes trying to figure out what’s next. I definitely recommend reading this book ASAP! The love story between Remi and Serena was worth reading.
1 review
April 8, 2025
Character

Remi’s character touched me because being a grandma of a special needs grandson, Remi’s struggles made him seem so much realistic. I like that Ms. Stone’s characters are not perfect people , they help the reader become more immersed in their stories. Loved this book. 👍
240 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2025
Such a great romance book

So glad I read this book. Think Remi and Serena are now my favorite couple. Love all the snarky chat between the brothers and their friends. Loved the way Remi and Serena fell for each other. A great story!
322 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2025
Awesome From Beginning to End!

Love Remi and Serena, this couple is something else. The McKinley family is absolutely adorable, the way they give each other a hard time is a hoot. This series is so worth reading, love the action and love the family dynamics!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.