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McIntyre Search and Rescue #4
Dark and Dangerous
Ruth owns a tavern in a small town at the foot of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Jack is a retired assassin who wants to settle down and build a life for himself after completing his last job. But the Russian mafia whose leader he took out has other plans for him. Jack has been on the move for the past six months, always managing to stay one step ahead of the mob. When he stops one night in Ruth's tavern, he finds himself drawn to her, not just to her beauty, but to her strength. Jack's determined to hang around this small town and become the man he thinks Ruth deserves. When the inevitable showdown happens, Jack will literally put himself between Ruth and the mob to make sure she doesn't pay the price for his past.
Dark and Dangerous is book 4 in the McIntyre Search and Rescue series. Action, suspense, and lots of romance. HEA guaranteed. Can be read standalone.
Dark and Dangerous is book 4 in the McIntyre Search and Rescue series. Action, suspense, and lots of romance. HEA guaranteed. Can be read standalone.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2024
595 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
April Wilson
50 books1,019 followersI write about alpha protectors who fall in love hard and unconditionally, through the good and the bad. My characters are strong, sexy, and slightly damaged... because no one is perfect. All of my novels have happy-ever-after endings. What else would you expect from a die-hard romantic? I'm the author of the McIntyre Security Bodyguard Series of contemporary romance novels.
I live in Ohio with my daughter and more than a few dogs and cats. When I'm not writing, I'm reading romance novels and watching movies with happy endings. I'd love to hear from you! You can e-mail me at aprilwilsonwrites@outlook.com. Or, visit my website: aprilwilsonauthor.com.
Thanks!
I live in Ohio with my daughter and more than a few dogs and cats. When I'm not writing, I'm reading romance novels and watching movies with happy endings. I'd love to hear from you! You can e-mail me at aprilwilsonwrites@outlook.com. Or, visit my website: aprilwilsonauthor.com.
Thanks!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 28, 2024
This book was definitely not what I expected. This book focuses on Ruth, the owner of the tavern in town and a friend of Hannah McIntyre. When Jack, a former special forces team member and currently #1 on the Russian mob's hit list, passes through town he inadvertently both falls for Ruth and brings the mob to her front door - literally.
The book moves fast, and a little on the insta-love side. There's not too much character development. We're told more than shown that Ruth is independent with trust issues (she gets over it pretty fast), and that Jack is a man on the run from the mob who is yearning to settle down. It's kind of confusing because the showdown with the bad guys lasts like 10 minutes, so I'm not really sure why Jack kept running from them when he and his team could have stood their ground at any time. There is also a weird, dangling subplot with a traitor on his team that is never explained.
I think if this had been listed as a standalone set IN the McIntyre Search & Rescue Universe instead of as part of the series I'd have enjoyed it more. I spent a lot of the book wondering where the S&R team was, and disappointed that they barely make an appearance. It was also really weird that Jack had 3 special forces guys living in the town already and never once tapped them for an assist. Kind of a missed opportunity to bring it into the McIntyre/S&R world.
The book moves fast, and a little on the insta-love side. There's not too much character development. We're told more than shown that Ruth is independent with trust issues (she gets over it pretty fast), and that Jack is a man on the run from the mob who is yearning to settle down. It's kind of confusing because the showdown with the bad guys lasts like 10 minutes, so I'm not really sure why Jack kept running from them when he and his team could have stood their ground at any time. There is also a weird, dangling subplot with a traitor on his team that is never explained.
I think if this had been listed as a standalone set IN the McIntyre Search & Rescue Universe instead of as part of the series I'd have enjoyed it more. I spent a lot of the book wondering where the S&R team was, and disappointed that they barely make an appearance. It was also really weird that Jack had 3 special forces guys living in the town already and never once tapped them for an assist. Kind of a missed opportunity to bring it into the McIntyre/S&R world.
February 13, 2026
Excellent
This was such a great story. I really liked Ruth, like her strength, her independence and her character. Jack was a great character also. This story had a nice pace to it and I enjoyed the adventure, action and his romance with Ruth.
This was such a great story. I really liked Ruth, like her strength, her independence and her character. Jack was a great character also. This story had a nice pace to it and I enjoyed the adventure, action and his romance with Ruth.
June 24, 2024
Too Short
While I’m glad Ruth gets a book, I feel like this was an afterthought and therefore rushed. Then there’s the part where Ruth is painted like the damsel when we all know she’s a badass. I feel like when the mafia showed up she’d be shooting back not hiding in the bathroom. Also, while Jack doesn’t know about Killian and the rest of the crew; Ruth does, so why wouldn’t she call them knowing what skill set they have. They could’ve come to her house while they waited for Jack’s team to show and been intertwined in the plot to expose the mole. Lastly, why was Lenny a mole?
While I’m glad Ruth gets a book, I feel like this was an afterthought and therefore rushed. Then there’s the part where Ruth is painted like the damsel when we all know she’s a badass. I feel like when the mafia showed up she’d be shooting back not hiding in the bathroom. Also, while Jack doesn’t know about Killian and the rest of the crew; Ruth does, so why wouldn’t she call them knowing what skill set they have. They could’ve come to her house while they waited for Jack’s team to show and been intertwined in the plot to expose the mole. Lastly, why was Lenny a mole?
July 26, 2025
good read
I love all the McIntyre books. But I have to say as much as I liked Ruth as a side character in other stories. I was not a fan of her in her own story. Look I totally get the uber independent can take care yourself vibe she has going on. But to the point of self destruction and being rude to other is kinda much. She is a grown woman and made the decision to get involved with a man only knowing his name for a ONS. Then complains when he brings trouble to her town. He didn’t intend to do it and he stayed to help and protect her. But she treated him crappy over stuff she chose not to know before sleeping with him. Then he stays and protects her. At one point she still makes comments to him about she only agreed to the ONS because he wasn’t staying and now here he was still there. And how she didn’t want a relationship. Then when he saves her and gets things settled. He leaves to get things squared away and leave a note behind explaining. Now after all her multiple comments. She didn’t even deserve the note cause it would have been explanation enough that he followed her wishes. But she proceeds to play woe is me and is sad that he left and making it out to be that he is bad for leaving. Then he comes back after making sure everything is safe and she treats him like dirt again. Making the numerous years retired veteran navy seal washing dishes and ignoring him. Punishing him, when he did nothing wrong in my opinion. Maybe she was hurt that she cared more than she wanted to but that’s on her not him.
I love all the McIntyre books. But I have to say as much as I liked Ruth as a side character in other stories. I was not a fan of her in her own story. Look I totally get the uber independent can take care yourself vibe she has going on. But to the point of self destruction and being rude to other is kinda much. She is a grown woman and made the decision to get involved with a man only knowing his name for a ONS. Then complains when he brings trouble to her town. He didn’t intend to do it and he stayed to help and protect her. But she treated him crappy over stuff she chose not to know before sleeping with him. Then he stays and protects her. At one point she still makes comments to him about she only agreed to the ONS because he wasn’t staying and now here he was still there. And how she didn’t want a relationship. Then when he saves her and gets things settled. He leaves to get things squared away and leave a note behind explaining. Now after all her multiple comments. She didn’t even deserve the note cause it would have been explanation enough that he followed her wishes. But she proceeds to play woe is me and is sad that he left and making it out to be that he is bad for leaving. Then he comes back after making sure everything is safe and she treats him like dirt again. Making the numerous years retired veteran navy seal washing dishes and ignoring him. Punishing him, when he did nothing wrong in my opinion. Maybe she was hurt that she cared more than she wanted to but that’s on her not him.
June 22, 2024
Ruth owns a tavern in a small Colorado town. Jack is a retired hit man that the Russian mob is after. While passing through town he stops in Ruth’s tavern for a drink and fins himself wanting Ruth. When the mob catches up with him before he leaves town, he must protect Ruth.
This book is part of a series that is a spin off of the McIntyre Security series. While I do like the series, this was my least favorite book so far. The entire storyline seemed rushed. Love at first sight, running from the mob, show down with the mob all in less than 200 pages. I think this book could be skipped in the series because it doesn’t really cross over any of the characters. While I recommend the series, I would pass on this book.
This book is part of a series that is a spin off of the McIntyre Security series. While I do like the series, this was my least favorite book so far. The entire storyline seemed rushed. Love at first sight, running from the mob, show down with the mob all in less than 200 pages. I think this book could be skipped in the series because it doesn’t really cross over any of the characters. While I recommend the series, I would pass on this book.
June 21, 2024
Dark and Dangerous by April Wilson
This is Ruth and Jack’s story. Not a lot happens in Bruce Colorado so when Jack shows up in Ruth’s tavern he gets noticed. Ruth notices him which hasn’t happened in a long time. Jack stays which isn’t good as he has the Russian Mafia after him. Jack stays as he is interested in Ruth but then he stays and the Mafia finds him. One of the men on his team has to be a mole as there is no way the Mafia would find him otherwise. Their story involves guns, dead guys but they get their HEA at the end. I can’t wait for the next book that April writes. They are all 5 Star.
This is Ruth and Jack’s story. Not a lot happens in Bruce Colorado so when Jack shows up in Ruth’s tavern he gets noticed. Ruth notices him which hasn’t happened in a long time. Jack stays which isn’t good as he has the Russian Mafia after him. Jack stays as he is interested in Ruth but then he stays and the Mafia finds him. One of the men on his team has to be a mole as there is no way the Mafia would find him otherwise. Their story involves guns, dead guys but they get their HEA at the end. I can’t wait for the next book that April writes. They are all 5 Star.
June 23, 2024
D and D
Dark? Not so much, Dangerous? A bit. Not the usual April Wilson book. Story is good even if predictable. It felt rushed, and incomplete. For fans of Ms. Wilson I expect disappointment. While a good read, it's definitely not a great one. Characters seem shallow. Mention of Mike and Lexi returning goes nowhere. Guess that leaves room for another book?. Definitely hoping April takes more time for reader to get to know the folks she presents.
If I could give 2 ratings, I would give a 4 for writing due to typos and grammar errors, and 2 for the story. It's a good premise but missing the heart I want to read.
Dark? Not so much, Dangerous? A bit. Not the usual April Wilson book. Story is good even if predictable. It felt rushed, and incomplete. For fans of Ms. Wilson I expect disappointment. While a good read, it's definitely not a great one. Characters seem shallow. Mention of Mike and Lexi returning goes nowhere. Guess that leaves room for another book?. Definitely hoping April takes more time for reader to get to know the folks she presents.
If I could give 2 ratings, I would give a 4 for writing due to typos and grammar errors, and 2 for the story. It's a good premise but missing the heart I want to read.
June 26, 2024
Jack fell in love and Ruth went tumbling after
I like Jack. He's smitten with her from the beginning and has that inner struggle if he should pursue Ruth. He knows what he wants and makes no bones about it. Ruth is the kind of woman I think all girls want to be, independent, beautiful, is loved by family and smart. She however needs a little push in the right direction towards love. Who better than a guy who knows her to be strong and isn't afraid to let her be who she is . Nothing sexier than a guy who doesn't want to change you. This was a great read. Can't wait for the next book
I like Jack. He's smitten with her from the beginning and has that inner struggle if he should pursue Ruth. He knows what he wants and makes no bones about it. Ruth is the kind of woman I think all girls want to be, independent, beautiful, is loved by family and smart. She however needs a little push in the right direction towards love. Who better than a guy who knows her to be strong and isn't afraid to let her be who she is . Nothing sexier than a guy who doesn't want to change you. This was a great read. Can't wait for the next book
April 11, 2025
Pretty good read. It’s a little different from the previous three books while still sharing the same themes. I was surprised at how many chapters were dedicated to Ruth’s and Jack’s relationship. Usually in these retired warrior books, the protagonist saves the girl and then the book ends with them living HEA after knowing each other for only a few days. However, in this book, and the series as a whole, the writer takes time with the relationships and the dynamics of what it means to fall in love. The protagonists take months to get to know one another before committing to a life long relationship. I like that aspect of the series and the writer’s style.
June 25, 2024
Cole and Ruth will not disappoint!
Ruth has been hurt before, she’s not going down the relationship path again. She doesn’t need a man, but she can have fun with one. When the tall, dark, sexy stranger offers her one night because he has to leave town that is perfect for her. Her heart will stay in tact.
But things don’t go according to plan and now her life is in danger and he will stop at nothing to protect her.
April Wilson does it again. You won’t be able to put it down!
Ruth has been hurt before, she’s not going down the relationship path again. She doesn’t need a man, but she can have fun with one. When the tall, dark, sexy stranger offers her one night because he has to leave town that is perfect for her. Her heart will stay in tact.
But things don’t go according to plan and now her life is in danger and he will stop at nothing to protect her.
April Wilson does it again. You won’t be able to put it down!
June 26, 2024
another 5 star from a 5 star author
April never fails to deliver with her books.
Ruth - owner of the busy tavern in town
Jack - a retired assassin
Ruth is a strong independent woman who doesn’t need a man. She’s been let down by them before, but when Jack, who is just passing by, catches her eye and the attraction is so strong a one night stand wouldn’t hurt, would it?
There is one particular part in the book when I was like, no April won’t do that and thankfully she didn’t. I won’t spoil it but I’m hoping Ruth’s brother Micah gets his own book!
April never fails to deliver with her books.
Ruth - owner of the busy tavern in town
Jack - a retired assassin
Ruth is a strong independent woman who doesn’t need a man. She’s been let down by them before, but when Jack, who is just passing by, catches her eye and the attraction is so strong a one night stand wouldn’t hurt, would it?
There is one particular part in the book when I was like, no April won’t do that and thankfully she didn’t. I won’t spoil it but I’m hoping Ruth’s brother Micah gets his own book!
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December 17, 2024Great!
I chose this rating because this was a really good book. I enjoyed pretty much all of the characters. This was a book of determination, compassion, kindness, protection, awareness, involvement, and finding the love of your life and taking a chance. I enjoyed Jack and Ruth story. The author did a great job putting these characters together. When push came to shove he (Jack) went to war to protect his woman. I love it. Great read! I recommend this book to all romance readers.
I chose this rating because this was a really good book. I enjoyed pretty much all of the characters. This was a book of determination, compassion, kindness, protection, awareness, involvement, and finding the love of your life and taking a chance. I enjoyed Jack and Ruth story. The author did a great job putting these characters together. When push came to shove he (Jack) went to war to protect his woman. I love it. Great read! I recommend this book to all romance readers.
May 29, 2025
When You Know
Jack and Ruth. Ruth has been a favorite of mine for this series and I am glad she got her HEA. Lots of potential violence and actual violence in this story with mob, dark op military actions, and dv. Jack is on a mission and then it takes a turn when he meets Ruth. The community comes together in multiple ways and we ge to see more of Micah. Jacks team shows up and I loved seeing them in action, with Ruth, and when they returned. I hope that we see more of them in this town and series!
Jack and Ruth. Ruth has been a favorite of mine for this series and I am glad she got her HEA. Lots of potential violence and actual violence in this story with mob, dark op military actions, and dv. Jack is on a mission and then it takes a turn when he meets Ruth. The community comes together in multiple ways and we ge to see more of Micah. Jacks team shows up and I loved seeing them in action, with Ruth, and when they returned. I hope that we see more of them in this town and series!
June 21, 2024
Wow.......just wow
You just know when you read an April Wilson story it's gonna be epic, and this story is no different. The depth and emotion just blows you away. And don't get me started on the chemistry.....I felt like I was in a sauna with the beautifying from the pages.
Such an addictive read, so powerful and compelling.
5 stars just aren't enough to do this masterpiece juztice
You just know when you read an April Wilson story it's gonna be epic, and this story is no different. The depth and emotion just blows you away. And don't get me started on the chemistry.....I felt like I was in a sauna with the beautifying from the pages.
Such an addictive read, so powerful and compelling.
5 stars just aren't enough to do this masterpiece juztice
June 22, 2024
Looking for love in the right place!
Ruth and Jack are so perfect together! He’s charismatic, passionate, patient, and protective without smothering her. She’s entranced by his charm, his intensity, and he’s absolutely gorgeous! Jack fits well into her life and he finds a niche for his talents with the SAR team. Their chemistry is hot and their relationship is seamless. April Wilson writes great stories that pull you in and pulls at the heartstrings!
Ruth and Jack are so perfect together! He’s charismatic, passionate, patient, and protective without smothering her. She’s entranced by his charm, his intensity, and he’s absolutely gorgeous! Jack fits well into her life and he finds a niche for his talents with the SAR team. Their chemistry is hot and their relationship is seamless. April Wilson writes great stories that pull you in and pulls at the heartstrings!
June 22, 2024
An amazing episode to a fantastic series!
This is a really unexpected but explosive, exciting and nerve racking suspense story. This Author has always given her all to bring everything to her series. You never want to stop reading until the last page but then it starts, how fast can we get the next story? Thank you, April Wilson for an epic series that adds to the your McIntyre family!
This is a really unexpected but explosive, exciting and nerve racking suspense story. This Author has always given her all to bring everything to her series. You never want to stop reading until the last page but then it starts, how fast can we get the next story? Thank you, April Wilson for an epic series that adds to the your McIntyre family!
June 23, 2024
Dark and Dangerous
Wow, April Wilson you did it again! Everything you write is awesome! I always wondered about Ruth but you satisfied my wondering. Dark and Dangerous is a MUST read, I’m not giving anything away because I want you to read it - you won’t be sorry ❤️. The entire series of McIntyre and the spin offs are not only worth reading but buying too. Thank you April Wilson.
Wow, April Wilson you did it again! Everything you write is awesome! I always wondered about Ruth but you satisfied my wondering. Dark and Dangerous is a MUST read, I’m not giving anything away because I want you to read it - you won’t be sorry ❤️. The entire series of McIntyre and the spin offs are not only worth reading but buying too. Thank you April Wilson.
June 26, 2024
Jack and Ruth ❤️
What was meant to be a one night stand turns into a fight for their lives.
I love that Jack loves Ruth's independence and her strength and that he doesn't want to take anything away from that. He recognizes how important her bar is to her and supports her. His character really shines when he isn't too proud to do whatever she tells him even when she's punishing him for hurting her.
What was meant to be a one night stand turns into a fight for their lives.
I love that Jack loves Ruth's independence and her strength and that he doesn't want to take anything away from that. He recognizes how important her bar is to her and supports her. His character really shines when he isn't too proud to do whatever she tells him even when she's punishing him for hurting her.
June 21, 2024
Another great story
How lucky is Ruth, Jack, a dark and mysterious man, sits at the end of her bar every evening, but with him comes danger. Will they let their guards down
and accept their fate..
April Wilson Another wonderful story, I can't wait for you to write more... Thank you
How lucky is Ruth, Jack, a dark and mysterious man, sits at the end of her bar every evening, but with him comes danger. Will they let their guards down
and accept their fate..
April Wilson Another wonderful story, I can't wait for you to write more... Thank you
June 21, 2024
Fantastic book!
April Wilson is one of my favorite authors. Every single book she writes is filled with great storylines, characters to fall in love with and a happily ever after that will leave the reader thinking about the book long after finishing the last page. I absolutely loved this book.
April Wilson is one of my favorite authors. Every single book she writes is filled with great storylines, characters to fall in love with and a happily ever after that will leave the reader thinking about the book long after finishing the last page. I absolutely loved this book.
June 27, 2024
Love love love
April never let's us down with yet another fabulous story in the Mcintrye search and rescue series....just the right amount of intrigue, mystery and of course rescues I mean romance...actually I mean both 🤣 loved it, couldn't put it down and now waiting ever so (im)patiently for the next installment!!! But perfection takes time so I'm willing to wait ✋ 😊
April never let's us down with yet another fabulous story in the Mcintrye search and rescue series....just the right amount of intrigue, mystery and of course rescues I mean romance...actually I mean both 🤣 loved it, couldn't put it down and now waiting ever so (im)patiently for the next installment!!! But perfection takes time so I'm willing to wait ✋ 😊
June 27, 2024
Loved it.
I love strong independent women and we find these characteristics in Ruth. She meets her match in Jack, a retired assassin. Their chemistry is off the chart. They were just made for each other. There’s drama and suspense which adds to a compelling read.
Another wonderful book, April.
I love strong independent women and we find these characteristics in Ruth. She meets her match in Jack, a retired assassin. Their chemistry is off the chart. They were just made for each other. There’s drama and suspense which adds to a compelling read.
Another wonderful book, April.
July 6, 2024
very dangerous
Once again April does it with Ruth and Jack’s story. Jack is running from his past life until he comes upon Ruth’s bar and is ready to make and stand with his past and start a new life hopefully with Ruth. Ruth has had men in the past that just didn’t get her but there is something different about Jack, something that makes her want to take a chance on.
Once again April does it with Ruth and Jack’s story. Jack is running from his past life until he comes upon Ruth’s bar and is ready to make and stand with his past and start a new life hopefully with Ruth. Ruth has had men in the past that just didn’t get her but there is something different about Jack, something that makes her want to take a chance on.
September 2, 2024
a sweet read!
This book was a good read. Jack was so smitten with Ruth as soon as he sees her. Ruth keeps sneaking glances and is interested but she’s scared. Grab this book and settle in for a HEA! You won’t regret it! If this is your first novel by April Wilson, check out her others!
This book was a good read. Jack was so smitten with Ruth as soon as he sees her. Ruth keeps sneaking glances and is interested but she’s scared. Grab this book and settle in for a HEA! You won’t regret it! If this is your first novel by April Wilson, check out her others!
October 30, 2024
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book. Super easy read, but was a bit too short. Would have liked to have seen Jack and his team’s characters develop more. I liked that Ruth was a strong female character, but would have preferred it not been her who made the “dumb mistake” during a shootout as it downplayed her. I liked Jack’s strong confidence and his support in letting Ruth be Ruth.
June 22, 2024
Worth waiting for
Like Ruth's wait for a lasting love, waiting for April's new books are well worth it. The story is well written with a story that while complete on it's own contain enough interesting characters I'd love to see again.
Like Ruth's wait for a lasting love, waiting for April's new books are well worth it. The story is well written with a story that while complete on it's own contain enough interesting characters I'd love to see again.
June 22, 2024
Another great masterpiece from April Wilson. The McIntyre SAR series is on fire. Ruth's a strong willed woman who doesn't need a man. Jack Merchant enters the picture and things change. I love this story so much. A dark stranger, strong woman and HEA. Yes!!!!
June 22, 2024
20 Stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jack and Ruth's story will keep you reading nonstop until the end. Ruth is a strong independent woman and Jack understands and respects her limits and boundaries.
Jack and Ruth's story will keep you reading nonstop until the end. Ruth is a strong independent woman and Jack understands and respects her limits and boundaries.
June 23, 2024
Great!
This series keeps going strong with book 4 Dark and Dangerous. I’m thrilled to see Ruth, such a strong woman, get the kind of partner she deserves in Jack. I’m intrigued to see what is next for McIntyre Search and Rescue as there was no clear lead-in at the end.
This series keeps going strong with book 4 Dark and Dangerous. I’m thrilled to see Ruth, such a strong woman, get the kind of partner she deserves in Jack. I’m intrigued to see what is next for McIntyre Search and Rescue as there was no clear lead-in at the end.
June 23, 2024
another winner
I love the journey April has take us on starting with Vulnerable . Love how Jack and Ruth’s story evolves. April continues to keep her readers invested in her characters.
I love the journey April has take us on starting with Vulnerable . Love how Jack and Ruth’s story evolves. April continues to keep her readers invested in her characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews