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Challenging Luke

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It was supposed to be one night. No names. She would sneak away and never see him again.

Imagine her surprise when he’s calling her name across the hotel lobby the very next day.

Monica Cole was in Rome for one reason and one reason only. To protect the company, she poured her heart and soul into. But when she meets a stranger at the bar, she figures one night of fun couldn’t hurt as long as he was willing to play by her rules. Unfortunately, the reason for her visit coincides with his.

Luke Matthew and his friends were ready for a change. Their company needed a home base, and to stop living in hotels. But first, they needed to take one simple job in Rome. That quick assignment turns into much more when he meets Monica. She’s the woman he didn’t realize he needed in his life. Too bad she’s also connected to his team’s assignment.

Can he protect her from her past or will he lose her before they ever get a chance to be together?

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2024

152 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Elizabella Baker

103 books942 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
259 (71%)
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82 (22%)
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16 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,237 reviews107 followers
May 12, 2024
4.5 stars

When two of my favorite author's worlds collide, I am one happy reader. I have been reading Ms. Stocker for years, Ms. Baker for a couple now. And now I have all my favorite friends in one series.

Luke and Monica (loosely connected to Charlie Team) are in Rome. They have a HOT night together, no names, only to discover they might be in Rome for the same reason. The security company Luke now works for has been formed by twenty men from the military and every alphabet agency, and they have been friends for years. Add in Tex and some of the men from Ms. Stokers' protection series—Wolf is one of them!

I am excited to see what comes next, as this first book is a high bar! Hooked from page one, the danger, the mystery, and Monica getting her own story. We meet her in Ashlynn’s Savior by Ms. Baker (Charlie Team 1). A great start, and a new team to meet.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Jenn O'Leary.
1,080 reviews23 followers
May 13, 2024
Challenging Luke is Book 1 in Elizabella Baker's new Kringle Security Series.
Monica and Luke meet in Rome and have one hot night together. Monica said no names as she didn't plan on seeing him again.
However, the next day she is surprised when he calls her name across the hotel lobby.
It turns out they are both in Rome for the same reason.
This was a fun, exciting and spicy read!
Profile Image for love2read.
110 reviews
April 29, 2024
I just started reading Susan Stoker’s books late last year and this will be my first visit to Operation Alpha world. I love it when an author writes books/series to include characters I have met in previous stories, but this takes it to a whole other level. Anyway, about this book…Is this Monica, the best friend of Ashlynn with Bentley from the Charlie Team and Trista with Falcon from Team Bravo? Heck yeah it is!!! Then E.B. adds in the legendary Tex along with Navy Seals Wolf, Abe and Dude from Susan Stoker’s Seals of Protection series! Wow, just wow.
This book introduces us to seven ex-military men that have been friends for twenty years and now are coming from various branches of law enforcement (CIA, FBI, DEA, NYPD, Marshall Service etc.) to become equal share owners in a new security company.
Luke is on a mission in Rome and Monica is there to personally tell a scammer where he could shove his business proposal. They share one night of passion with no names exchanged until their reasons for being in Rome collide. I was hooked from page one!
I do suggest reading Ashlynn's Savior just so you get the back story on Monica. While it is not necessary it does make for a more fun read.
What a fantastic introduction to a new team!
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,151 reviews68 followers
May 27, 2024
I can always count on Ms. Baker to deliver a suspense-filled, intriguing storyline that I just can't put down. Challenging Luke is full of heat, chemistry, and fantastic banter, with danger thrown in to make it easy to pull you in. Challenging Luke is a fantastic start to Ms. Baker's new series Kringle Security.
Monica is a strong, independent CEO and does not back down from anything or anyone. A chance meeting with Luke was not on her list when she traveled to Rome. Luke is a part owner of a private investigation company and happens to be in Rome investigating the man Monica is visiting. One hot and steamy night, no personal information is shared, between Luke and Monica. Little did they know that their lives were going to be intertwined and danger was just around the corner.
I loved the inclusion of a couple of Charlie Team members, a series by Ms. Baker. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I have an idea that Ryker will have us swooning over him.
Profile Image for Shari Jahn.
382 reviews11 followers
June 16, 2024
Monica Cole is a workaholic woman who knows what she wants and will not be happy until she gets it. She has been working as the CEO in a Billion dollar company for years and has bought in to be a partner. This is what she has wanted forever. She gets to work early every morning and stays until everyone else has already left for the day. She can’t have anyone think she doesn’t work as hard as everyone else especially her partner who is also her best friend’s dad.

Luke was hired to watch the movements of Alexander Fletcher. The night before he is to follow Alexander, he meets a beautiful woman in a bar and has the night of his life. The next day he is shocked to find out the woman he was with last night is also the person that Alexander Fletcher is meeting with today.

This story has some great twists and turns and some serious heat! Loved this first book in the Kringle Security Series!
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,231 reviews73 followers
April 27, 2024
Okay, there’s a lot to love here. First, Monica is tied to some folks in Wes’s sphere. Second, Luke and his friends are sure to bring us some excellent stories (Luke already has here, so I have high expectations for the rest). Third, we get some Tex intervention. And fourth. Fourth, we get time with Wolf again! Yeah, that Wolf. Okay, back to Luke and Monica.

The danger, the mystery, and the amusement of Luke trying to not scare Monica off make for a read that is sort of a can’t miss out on. They’re evenly matched and she knows how to agitate him in the best ways. They’re also both smart and stubborn, and she has faith when it all goes sideways. They bring us a whole new crew to like, and woman I want to know more about, and the likelihood of an excellent series to come. I’m totally here for the humor, the suspense, and the love that is surely waiting for every man and woman we meet!
93 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2024
Love love love. I love elizabella baker I've been reading her books for over 2 years. I love Susan stoker also so it's exciting she is now involved with her universe. It's cool to see Monica get her happy ending. If anyone remembers she is ashlyn from book ones best friend.This story is crazy. It starts out in Rome where Monica is meeting with a sketchy guy. The night before she sleeps with the male lead Luke. At the time they didn't know who eachother was. The chemistry from the beginning is on fire. It's nice to see some familiar characters from other books from Susan stoker and her other writers. This sketchy guy was involved with the horrible man who worked with ashlyns father in book one. He is a horrible person and he is the villain of the story by far. gets crazy but the chemistry is 10000 percent worth it. I'm excited for the rest of this series.
2,852 reviews35 followers
May 8, 2024
Oh how I loved this book! Luke and Monica gave me more than a few laughs with their banter and fun times.

This was about Monica a CEO of a company that had had more than enough strife but trouble was coming for her again when Luke and his company of Team mates protect her.

I enjoyed the over protective Luke and the often fiesty Monica that wasn't giving in a easily as Luke wanted. But their banter was just hilarious at times. I handbrake had so much fun with a book in a while.

Despite the seriousness of the trouble brewing they still had time to be themselves. Their connection was strong and honest and a joy to read about.

So well done ii can recommend this book highly. If this is how the new series is going to be, I can't wait!!
Profile Image for Marie.
5,489 reviews54 followers
May 23, 2024
"It all started because of one drunken night at a bar....."

I love Luke and his Kringle Security Team, a great tale behind the company name and a fantastic mix of personalities and backgrounds within the guys.
Luke is very Alpha, but I really like that he fully embraces Monica's quirks and stubbornness and relishes each and every verbal sparring match with her.... it's their love language! But Monica is also wise enough to realise there are times to resist Luke's overbearing, growled commands and a time to gracefully accept any and all protection.
I love that we finally get Monica's story, this is a great crossover with Charlie Team to launch this new series.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
456 reviews9 followers
April 28, 2024
What a book! And what a great start to what is clearly going to be a wonderful series. Monica and Luke make a great couple, Monica is sassy and clever, and really manages to sort out the grumpy Luke! I am so looking forward to reading about the other six men in Kringle Security. An absolute page turner of a book with catch ups with characters from previous books (including a very amusing phone call with the brilliant Wes!)
I recommend this book unreservedly and cannot wait until the next book in the series
Profile Image for RomanceReader1.
813 reviews
May 30, 2024
𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐆!!!

𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑤𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑔𝑜𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 ᴍᴏɴɪᴄᴀ 𝑖𝑛 ᴀsʜʟʏɴɴ sᴀᴠɪᴏʀ 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟.... 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑔𝑜𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ᴏɴᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴋɪss: ᴀ ᴄʜᴀʀɪᴛʏ ᴀɴᴛʜᴏʟᴏɢʏ ғᴏʀ sᴜɪᴄɪᴅᴇ ᴀᴡᴀʀᴇɴᴇss... 𝑊ℎ𝑜 𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑤𝑒'𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒?!!!!

𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂 & 𝑳𝒖𝒌𝒆𝒔' 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑙.

𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑡𝑜 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ʀʏᴋᴇʀs' 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦....




ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴄ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪs ɪs ᴍʏ ᴠᴏʟᴜɴᴛᴀʀʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ.
Profile Image for Alexa Jaye.
403 reviews15 followers
March 9, 2025
Surprises aplenty!

Book 1 for Kringle Security... Challenging Luke. I say it everytime I pick up an Elizabella Baker book... they are fun, thrilling and suspense filled from the very first page.

Monica and Luke made me laugh, cry and giggle. Just when you think everything is fabulous, everything goes topsy-turvy and you'll be left holding on to your seat for dear life.

If you love your ex-military suspense spicy romance, thriller/mystery style - then this is definitely the book for you.

What are you waiting for?

Happy Reading!
756 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2024
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. New Kringle Security series was exciting and amazing and I'm looking forward to more of the series. Fast paced, suspenseful plot, with well developed likeable characters (with cameos from cross over Bravo team and Charlie team series), steamy sizzling moments between Luke and Monica and a touching HEA. The 2nd epilogue is a peek into Ryker and Amelia's story so can't wait!
Profile Image for Barbara Lack.
1,676 reviews21 followers
April 28, 2024
What an exciting and thrilling ride. I was so happy Monica finally got her own book. She’s sassy and doesn’t back down. Perfect for Luke who is definitely an alpha male. I loved the back and forth dialogue they had. I can’t wait for the other 6 men to get their books. I love the way the author wraps up the story with an epilogue and then has a second one setting the scene for the next book. The writing is masterful and was very entertaining.
236 reviews4 followers
April 28, 2024
Are you ready for another great series from EB? Cause this first book in the series delivers! Dribble Security is made of men who have served our country and are ready to have a permanent home base. Can a chance encounter lead to a HEA? Elizabella weaves a story filled with action, adventure, love, new faces, and some characters we love from both her book and Susan's. So snuggle in your new book boyfriend.
1,934 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2024
Amazing

Monica and Luke meet in Rome. She is there to get a guy off her back and take no for an answer. Luke and his friends have started a security company and he happens to be in Rome to check out the same guy.
Luke and Monica just happen to live close by each other back in the states and have started dating.
Someone is targeting Monica. Caden, who works with Luke, has contacted Tex and has procured a tracker.
Unfortunately, the tracker is needed.
Will Luke find her?
Profile Image for Suzanne Ault.
320 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2024
Welcome to Operation Alpha world. Elizabella brings in characters from Susan's world along with some favorites from Wesley 's world. Together with new amazing characters from Kringle security it a fast past world of intrigue. Love that we get another cast of characters to fall in love with. Strong women and Alpha males with HEA endings.
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
2,059 reviews34 followers
April 26, 2024
The start to Kringle Security is definitely a winner. You get suspense, danger, banter & sizzling sexy times. How can you not love anyone from Operation Alpha team or Wesley's team when they make an appearance. You will LOVE it! You have laugh out moments & enjoy the sass & banter between Luke & Monica. Leaves you wanting more! Honest Review!
Profile Image for Tanya.
53 reviews
April 26, 2024
I absolutely loved this book, you honestly can't go wrong with this author. Luke and Monica's chemistry was off the charts. She was strong and independent but always needed Luke. The book was fast paced and I could not put it down, I read it all on one day. I enjoyed having the previous characters from her books in it as well. I can't wait to read her next one!
Profile Image for Heather Wray.
636 reviews5 followers
May 15, 2024
I do like a read from this author, and this debut with a new series in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha world was a great read.
We’ve met some of the characters in other series however, it was great catching up, and also seeing the hard working Monica get her own HEA.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Teresa Reitnauer.
985 reviews6 followers
May 16, 2024
This edge-of-your-seat page-turner keeps the reader turning the page to see what happens next. A simple fact-finding mission turns into a bodyguard situation. A one-night stand turns into more. The danger escalates throughout the story, a great beginning to a new series. After receiving a copy, I'm voluntarily giving my honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
949 reviews15 followers
May 19, 2024
Holy smokes! What a great start to a new series. I read it in a day. I couldn’t put it down. Luke and Monica have major chemistry. Was only supposed to be for a night. But one night turned into more. There’s also suspense that keeps you guessing and on your toes. A definite series you do not want to miss.
Profile Image for Judy.
2,112 reviews13 followers
May 22, 2024
love the Special Forces Operation Alpha family. And this one doesn't disappoint me at all. Being the first one in a new series is really set the bar high for the ones coming after. Luke and Monica are in for a the ride of their lives( literally) ,but if they hang on what a future they'll have together. I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Sue.
4,426 reviews5 followers
April 29, 2024
This author writes exciting books and this is no exception, especially her first book in the Special Forces world. There's danger, kidnapping, fires and plenty of heat. Can't wait for Ryker and Amelia's story. HEA.
201 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2024
Excellent

Monica met Luke at charity event. Monica was CEO of a big company, when Monica got kidnapped Tax got involved and so did Wolf and his team. Loved this book, can't wait for Rykers story.
104 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2024
Great

So excited to read this. Love the connections to Charlie Team, especially Ash and Bentley. It also brings in Bravo with Falcon and Trista. It’s great that it also finished what was started in Ashlynn’s Savior
Profile Image for Cassandra.
Author 4 books281 followers
November 9, 2024
Luke and Monica start off this new series, and their story doesn't disappoint. Plenty of action, romance, and a surprise twist make for the perfect book. Yet another series I know I'm going to love!!!!
1,932 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2025
Great!

What a good read! Challenging Luke is an action packed, thrilling book. I liked how the story moved right along; the heat was sizzling, and the bad guys go to prison. Entertaining.
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,377 reviews8 followers
May 1, 2024
Nice story the series has potential. Liked the characters and storyline
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,571 reviews66 followers
May 2, 2024
If you love witty banter, strong men and women, heart racing, page turning excitement and steamy chemistry then this book is for you! I loved everything about this all of the feels romance!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews