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Rugged Fox is a small town romantic suspense with a silver fox hero and a single mother who has given up on finding pleasure with anything other than her toys.

A new town. A new job. A new love?!

That last one certainly wasn’t part of the plan. Retirement left me floundering and unsure how to adjust to civilian life. So when my former teammate called with an employment opportunity, I was eager to take him up on it. A security company in a small town, what could possibly go wrong?

A lot of things apparently. Starting with the fact that everyone was up in everyone else’s business. So when my introduction with Kati Whitlock—a sexy single mother who was about to be our first client—takes a wild turn, the whole town knows about it within minutes.

Why did Easton Welch have to be ruggedly handsome?

I had enough on my plate. I was raising a teenage son on my own. I was an ER nurse with long crazy shifts and to top it all off, I had someone tormenting my life. Hiring the new security company was supposed to make life easier. Until Easton showed up on my doorstep. Now I had to add stay away from the attractive man to my list.

To make things worse, my past refused to stay where it belonged. With it now threatening my future, I will have to decide if I can trust another man with both my heart and my son.

Willow Creek Security is a new company, in a new town filled with men who served together. Easton will have to navigate overprotective townspeople to prove that he has what it takes to both protect and care for the woman who everyone loves.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2024

645 people are currently reading
143 people want to read

About the author

Elizabella Baker

85 books937 followers
Elizabella Baker has always dreamed of being a writer. As an avid book lover who has read thousands of books, she finally decided to pursue that dream and become a published author. She published her first book in January 2021.

Elizabella is a mother of two and a fan of all things romantic. She enjoys spending time with her family and making as many memories as she can.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,566 reviews81 followers
October 3, 2024
Rugged Fox is a sexy, small town, age gap romance. I have read just about all of Elizabella's books and
absolutely love her storytelling with alpha men who love hard and fast.
He and his mates from the military start over in a new town as security when one mail box becomes something even more deadly this group of men step up and protect what is theirs.
I love the wit, banter and humour as well as the suspense as the hunt the culprits. Be sure to grab any book of Elizabella's as you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Ashley  ADirtyRead.
309 reviews24 followers
September 9, 2024
We have 2 adults in their 30s and 40s 🖤
She is a single momma, he works at the new local security company. She and her son have been targeted by a gang (his "donor" was the leader) and things are getting annoying.

Her first encounter with the handsome man wasn't ideal (she's just in a shirt) and living in a small town, by lunch everyone knows and we have a few nosey bettys shipping the couple 😅

Both of them are awkward so it's funny to watch a mom who doesn't date a man with silver in his beard trying to figure out how to talk this pretty lady. His friends give him a hard time for sure.

Her son is a teenager and loves that his mom could finally be happy with someone. 🥹 The set up of this world is giving close family vibes. I can't wait until the second book comes out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,135 reviews105 followers
July 12, 2024
4.5 stars

An excellent start to a new series, a small town will all the gossip and love a small town can give. A swoonworthy silver fox, a worldly teen who loves his mom, and Kati who is lucky enough to be in their orbit.

Willow Creek Security is ready to go, the building, the guys, and their first case. Easton and Kati’s first meeting is perfect, and Easton’s awkward response. There is a real danger, plenty of laughter, and I am ready for the next book.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Janice.
3,073 reviews
November 12, 2025
Kati hires the firm Easton works at to protect her son.
Profile Image for Jayne Wheatley.
660 reviews12 followers
July 28, 2025
A good read tho for me not enough angst, the security team didn’t really do much.

Kati a feisty single mum / nurse, super independent she’s used to doing everything for and her 15yr old son, with the support of her best friend.
After a few issues due to her sons father being head of a dangerous gang she seeks help from a security company and finds a support group she didn’t even know she missed out on having before.
Easton was her liaison at the security firm and they had an instant connection and had sexual tension. He seamlessly integrated himself into of Kati and Lucien’s life, embracing the fact she was now his future along with her son.
Lucien is definitely one of my new favourite characters, he was such a mature kid who had been raised with love and respect. He’s way older than his years, and his mum’s biggest supporter, wanting what’s best for her.
I didn’t get the security company tho, there was several issues
1- she was single mum and nurse so money wasn’t plentiful
2- no payment was mentioned for the security system fitted
3- 6 security men was working her case again the expense for that would be huge.
4- there wasn’t particularly much that occurred with the gang verse security company. It lacked a true conclusion to the issue the book was based on.
5-it wasn’t realistic Lucian would just say he’s not my dad and gang member to simply accept and leave ending the issue. For me as a reader I needed the security company to end it , to catch him in the act would have been a more satisfying ending .
Profile Image for Marie.
5,241 reviews54 followers
July 10, 2024
Easton didn't need to steal her heart....


...she handed it over willingly.

The whole town of Willow Creek stole my heart! They have huge hearts, are super protective and just the right amount of crazy! Kati is awesome, the chaos that surrounds her and the "less than ideal" first, second and third times she meets Easton are hilariously relatable. The subject matter may be serious but Ms Baker manages to inject plenty of fun, laughter and sweetness to balance out the serious and the danger. All the guys at Willow Creek Security are super hot and endearing in their own way and I really like that Easton struggles just as much as Kati, with their initial attraction leaving him stuttering and staring like a teenage creeper. But as much as I enjoyed all these characters my favourite by far is Lucien - the most amazing kid, I cannot wait to see him grow through the rest of the series. He is wicked smart, has a great sense of humour, is thoughtful, courteous and confident in his own skin, he also loves and respects his mum and has no problem showing it.
A great first book in the series, I cannot wait for Lyla's book, she is so sassy and feisty, initially I hoped she and Hendrix would get together as they are both so brash and inappropriate, but the more I hear about Lex....he may be the one who needs her!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Stephanie Harkness.
187 reviews
July 22, 2024
Willow Creek doesn’t disappoint!

Le sigh! After all the build up of Willow Creek, Easton and Kati exceeded the hype! Often the first in a new series can get bogged down in the process of introducing a new world and new characters, and not really take off until book two. Well, Elizabella just blew that right out of the water! The reader just flows into this series like it is already an old friend. Intriguing characters, fascinating small town, mere mention of Wes and his crew to tie in her other series. All perfection!

Easton lived and breathed his Marine career. No time or inclination for a wife or family. Now that he is retired, he is floundering a little. Until a military buddy convinces him to join the security company he is opening in the small town of Willow Creek. You meet all the usual small town quirky characters. Then you meet Kati, a single mom of a teenage boy who is having some issues with a gang trying to recruit her son. As Easton and his team investigate and set up protection for Kati and Lucien, many secrets are unburied and Easton finds himself falling for Kati and her son. Not going to give too many spoilers away. I will say this first book in the series is incredible and you MUST read it now! Then you can join me on pins and needles while waiting for book two! 15/10 recommend!
Profile Image for reader_dreamer_4life.
939 reviews30 followers
December 30, 2024
Loved, loved, loved this small town, age gap, suspenseful romance story.

A group of retired marines have decided to move to the small town of Willow Creek and start up a security company.
When single mother Kati is in need of some security she reaches out to Willow Creek Security.
Enter...
Alpha and OTT protective Easton. Not only was the instant lust and tension between these two top tier, I loved how they initially became bumbling teenagers around each other at times.
Particularly, Easton a 49 year ex-marine. So funny!
Easton and Kati, once they gave into their desire were such an effortless couple who fit together so perfectly.
While I adored their relationship two other relationships were beyond heartwarming....
Kati and her 14 year old son Lucien.
&
Easton and Lucien.
Lucien was such a mature and no hold back teenage character which I loved. His little conversations, moments of support, banter with everyone, and even little warnings to Easton made for such a great read.

The secondary characters.... The team..... Have me excited for what's to come..
I loved the humorous banter, the brotherhood and whole we protect what is ours vibe.

The only downfall for this book.....
I have to wait for Book 2!!!! I can't wait for more this team and world.
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,081 reviews67 followers
July 4, 2024
What a fantastic start to a new series I am sure will be everyone's favourite. I was enthralled with the storyline, and characters as well as the banter, chemistry, the embarrassing first meeting and ever so-charming MMC Easton.
Rugged Fox is the perfect title for this book since the MMC Easton is just that a rugged, sexy man who gives his heart to everything he does. Easton, a retired marine now works for Willow Creek Security. Kati a single mother of a teen boy and an ER nurse needed protection due to a situation from her past. Here is where the sparks begin. Easton's first meeting with Kati was not at all what he expected and left him with a smile on his face and a red-faced Kati. There were awkward and sexy times between the two of them which made this story one that was impossible to put down. Add in the pushy and protective best friend, Layla, and the man of the house Lucien, who wanted his mother to be happy and loved.
I can see this series is going to be one that will be filled with nosy neighbours, gossiping women of the town and sliver foxes who are there to protect the woman they care for. I am looking forward to reading Owen's book next.
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,190 reviews72 followers
June 21, 2024
Oh, I can see that I’m really going to like this series! Silver foxes with maturity but also some teenage awkwardness when the right woman comes along, humor and clear affection for each other, a refusal to let anyone go it alone, and some sibling-esque antics? Count me in!

As for the women of this town, I’m already a huge fan. I’m pretty sure we’ll be seeing more of three women, or so I’m really hoping. As for this installment, Easton and Kati are going to grab you, hold your interest and hopes for a happy ever after, and also remind you that another grumpy bossy guy isn’t too far away. That’s right. You’ll recognize a few names and sort of think that maybe some sort of “hey, you’re here” type of situation will come up later in the series. Until that point, get ready to love all the small town mayhem that comes with these guys and women. I already can’t wait to find out what happened to the woman Owen is now on the hunt to find.
2,729 reviews33 followers
July 6, 2024
This was the first of a new series and it was such a great story.

Nurse Kati had a 14 year old son Lucien to a gang leader and was being targeted when she asks for help from Easton and his team.

The drama and suspense was really great as the intensity ramps up. Not knowing where it comes from causes quite the mystery but Easton and his team are on it.

I enjoyed the romance that built slowly between Easton and Kati but it was Lucien that added the depth to the romance. Their connection was well done and genuine.

This was kind of a quirky small town setting, with fun characters that were all in each other's business but in a fun way. This made me laugh quite a few times and I loved that facet of the story.

Well written with a great plot. Can't wait for more in the series.
Profile Image for ♡♡.
211 reviews
May 11, 2025
There’s just something about an overprotective man who’d burn the world down to keep you safe… and if that man just so happens to be a silver fox who’s basically never dated? Oh honey, sign me the hell up.

Even though this book was on the shorter side, it was smooth like butter. Super easy to read, didn’t feel rushed, and gave me all the cozy, heart-thumping feels without dragging drama just for the sake of it.

Their dynamic? Chef’s kiss. The chemistry was on point, and the plot held its own too—simple, but with enough flavor to keep me hooked. Honestly, this book belongs on my comfort shelf right next to fuzzy blankets and hot tea. It gave what it needed to give, without making me roll my eyes or side-eye the characters for acting a fool.

Highly recommend if you're in the mood for a quick, low-drama romance with a protective silver fox who knows how to handle business—and his woman.
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,235 reviews34 followers
July 8, 2025
I discover Elizabella Baker based on one of my favorite author's recommendation. I'm glad I followed it up. I really enjoyed the characters, the small town vibe and the story woven around them. I loved that Easton Welch found love and a family, something he'd never thought was for him, at nearly 50 years old. Single mom Kati Whitlock and her son Lucien were just darn likeable. Their relationship is stron and loving. He's fourteen going on thirty at times but he loves his Mom and is not shy about showing her affection. Kati's been on her own most of her life but it's time for a new chapter to begin. When her past rears its head Easton and Willow Creek Security take on the challenge of keeping Kati and Lucien safe. Easton's continuing close proximity has them both finally acknowledging what's happening between them. An HEA is in their future and the whole town gets involved. Perfect!!
Profile Image for Shannon Fissel.
144 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2024
If there is one thing I love it is a silver fox, so imagine my delight in finding out that this author was going to have a whole series full of them. Excited doesn't begin to cover it, and let me tell you, she did not disappoint! The small town of Willow Creek is simply chock full of charm and to say I am hooked is kind of a no brainer, lol! So very much looking forward to getting to know this town more and see each of the Willow Creek silver foxes get their own HEA. Not to mention following along to find out just who is behind the newspaper and blog, such a fun additional bit of mystery!
This is a new to me author that I am so very happy to have found :)
P.S. the letters from Willow Creek are "chef's kiss" and the crumb cake recipe from Wickedly Delicious is just that! IYKYK
January 4, 2025
Hmmm I enjoyed this one enough that I read it in one day, but it wasn’t the best romantic suspense I’ve ever read. I loved that the characters were more mature / older than the average MCs. Them being in their 30s /40s meant they knew what they wanted in life and went after it. We get a wonderful brotherhood, quirky small town characters, some romance and spice. The suspense part was a bit lacking to me. The plot was a bit far fetched and solved way too easily in the end. This was not suspense of the nail biting variety ;-). Just enough action to keep the story interesting.
I enjoyed it, but I’m not sure I’ll continue the series.

Safety:
- No OW/OM
- No cheating
- No separation / no third act break up
742 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2025
Cute romantic suspense.

When silver fox and former military soldier, Easton is asked to join his buddies in a security company, in small town Willow Creek, his first job is to protect ER nurse Kati and her son Lucien from criminal elements. This is a good romantic suspense, albeit very typical. A couple of cons are that ALL the guys are in their late 40's and don't have wives or relationships. H-m-m-m, curious. And most all the town's residents are sweet, loving, and helpful busibodies that know everyone's business and have no problem giving their two cents worth. It would drive me CRAZY!!! But if you like small town stories, this is for you. Be warned this is an open door book. I want Lyla's book!
Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
693 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2025
this was a good plot line and if elizabella wanted to, I believe this could have been more complex and longer.
however for a shorter book the story was well connected with romance and intrigue. I think this book is one of the first that I have listened to where the author had written in a good, sensible, mature minded kid. most stories are trying to keep the child/teen in line.
the medium pace of the book saw the adage of chemistry and denial, which comes with small town romances and it was a little world building as well. we got to meet the rest of the alphas in the team and the little taste of book 2 peaks through .
Raven did a good job with her narration and John Lane...no.1 click everytime. brilliant 👏
740 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2024
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. I have always enjoyed Ms Baker's stories, the exciting, fast paced, suspense-filled, on the edge of your seat moments that are executed with a flair and the wonderful characters that you just can't help but love. So I knew I was in for a treat and indeed I loved every heart stopping and emotional moment and was sad when I reached the end. The ending had me teary eyed and smiling happily at the HEA that Easton, Kati and Lucien found in each other and I hope we see more of the happy family in the other books in the series. This series is definitely looking to be one not to be missed and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
1,929 reviews22 followers
July 8, 2024
This book was a great start to this new series. I loved Easton and Kati but I enjoyed reading about all the other characters as well, especially Kati’s son Lucien and her best friend Lyla. The story had lots of suspense and drama and the chemistry between Kati and Easton was on fire. As this is a small town romance/suspense I especially enjoyed all the older townspeople and their nosey ways. Everyone knew everything that was happening to Kati and Lucien and also as the relationship progressed between Kati and Easton but they were all very caring and looked out for each other. I know I am going to love this series and all the drama and stories yet to come.
Profile Image for Teresa Reitnauer.
964 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2024
This book starts a new series that sets a high bar. At 50 years old, Easton Welch gave up on marriage and family when he served in the Marines. After his retirement, he and his teammates begin a new business in a small town. Fifteen years earlier, Kati Whitlock slept with the leader of a gang. However, it produced the best thing in her life, her son. Presently, she has decided to hire the new security company in her small town because of her troubles. From the first meeting, their attraction for each other builds. This is a great read that I highly recommend. I received a copy, and I'm voluntarily giving my honest review.
438 reviews7 followers
July 15, 2024
What a brilliant start to what I am sure will be an excellent series. I have followed Elizabella Baker for a while now and have loved all her books and her foray into writing Small Town Romance certainly appears to be a success. The characters were brilliant, Kati is such an independent heroine and Easton a totally swoonworthy Silver Fox. There were plenty of fantastic small town characters and a lot of humour in this book (particularly when the two first meet!) Romance, excitement and a great plot, this book certainly has it all. I cannot wait to read the next instalment and find out more about the rest of the team
Profile Image for Melissa.
254 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. This was a quick read and while I did enjoy it, it was very insta-love. They went from meeting to "in love" in less than a month. I did enjoy the overall plot and found it extremely interesting. The story moved at a good pace. I really enjoyed Lucien and his part of the story. He was a little mature and responsible for a 14-year old boy, but overall I enjoyed his character.

I am hoping Lyla gets her own book. She needs someone strong who can keep up with her craziness. I will be reading more from this author. The book was a cute, quick, enjoyable read as long as you suspended some disbelief about the insta-love.
Profile Image for love2read.
90 reviews
July 2, 2024
This is a story about a single mom (Kari), her teenage son (Lucien) and a sigh-worthy silver fox (Easton). The connection between Kari and Easton was charming and it was fun watching them act like love struck teeny boppers. Their story takes place in a small town in Texas where everyone is all up in Kari and Easton's business. Their interactions with the town characters is both fun and heartwarming. I loved the drama, the tension, and the laugh out loud humor. What a great story and a wonderful introduction to this silver fox series! This is an awesome book and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Heather Wray.
629 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2024
Age gap love at its best.
Kati a feisty single mum used to doing things alone suddenly finds support and a support group she didn’t even know she wanted.
Loved how Easton seamlessly made himself part of Kati ad Lucien’s life, embracing the small town and their quirks to get himself a life partner he never expected to have.
Lucien is definitely one of my new favourite characters. He’s way older than his years, and his mum’s biggest supporter, what’s not to love.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,079 reviews48 followers
February 23, 2025
Loved it!
Kati and her son Lucien have always survived alone with the help of her best friend and the small-town friends who have looked out for her. But when mysterious property damage keeps occurring, Kati realizes she needs help from the new private security company that’s set up shop in town. Enter recently retired Marine Easton, who catches Kati at her absolute worst and still manages to be charmed by her. Together, they fight the gang members who want to hurt teenage Lucien and fall in love in the process.
1,098 reviews
June 16, 2025
A good read about people who find love in their almost 50 and mid 30s. Kati has a son with criminal sperm donor, and it's finally become problem for her. Easton just start working in a newly build security company, and Kati was his first client.

From the beginning Easton was just mesmerized by Kati, and after a while he ask her out. They build their relationship pretty fast, and Easton easily fall in love with her and her son. Long story short, this book is your non-typical story (as they found love in later age), it contains low drama, pretty straight to HEA.
Profile Image for Nicole.
55 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2025
What a great small-town HEA for the “mature” crowd! I do love a silver fox and the retired marine MMC pushing 50 is right my alley. Pair him with the FMC single mom of a teenage boy and I’m IN! The situations were so real (as in awkward) and the banter, or sometimes lack of, felt authentic. While the plot drama of baby daddy and gang threats felt a little rushed at times, it did move the story along and help round out the characters. Kati showed her mama bear independence and Easton questioned his commitment to only love the Marines. I’m excited to read the rest of series and more from Baker!
Profile Image for Barbara Lack.
1,650 reviews20 followers
June 19, 2024
This is an awesome book in Elizabella Baker’s new series. This new series is all silver foxes. I could relate so much better to these older characters. No wishy washy feelings. They are a cute couple. Easton is definitely all alpha male, but with a soft center. Lucien is a cool teenager. Kati was juggling a lot and she’s a strong mama bear. I liked the quirky town a lot. I look forward to the next book in the series.
218 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2024
EB has done it again!!!
Former military ✔️
Protective ✔️
Silver fox ✔️
Danger ✔️
HEA ✔️ ✅️
Get ready to fall in love with older heros in a small town. A single mom at her whits end with pranks calls on the new security in town to help. However that one call may lead to her and her sons HEA. But the danger is still lurking will they get a chance at love before it's too late? Welcome to Willow Creek and the new silver fox security team you won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Jenn O'Leary.
1,035 reviews22 followers
July 3, 2024
Rugged Fox is the first book in Elizabella Baker's new Willow Creek Security Series.
This is an exciting, sexy, fun read with some amazing characters.
Kati is a strong, sassy, single mom to Lucien, and she meets Easton who works at Willow Creek Security when she is in need of some assistance.
I loved the back and forth between these two, and quirkiness of the town.
I can't wait for more of this series!
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