Rescuing Aria

by Ellie Masters

Her past haunts her. His heart is locked away. But danger isn’t done with either of them.

After surviving a brutal kidnapping, heiress Aria Hollbrook wants nothing more than to reclaim her life—but her enemies aren’t finished. The only person standing between her and a deadly new threat is Jon Knutt, a hardened Guardian operative determined to keep her safe. Haunted by betrayal and the collapse of his longest relationship, Jon has sworn off emotional entanglements… until Aria breaks through his defenses with a courage he can’t ignore.

As danger closes in, Jon and Aria must navigate a web of secrets, power, and deadly ambition. Their only chance at survival is trusting each other—but trusting someone you can’t afford to lose might be the biggest risk of all.

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

Angsty, Steamy, Heart-Stopping, Pulse-Pounding, Can't-Stop-Reading Romantic Suspense.

Ellie Masters is a USA Today Bestselling author and Amazon Top 15 Author.

In addition, she's a wife, military mom, doctor, and retired Colonel.

She writes romantic suspense filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy alpha men. Her writing will tug at your heartstrings and leave your heart racing.

Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.

Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Never miss another release, sale, or exclusive. https://elliemasters.com/NewsletterSi...

Reviews

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a heaviness in my heart for the life that Aria had been dealt. And as the pages turned, even more heartache was revealed. But I love the strong spirit in the soul of Aria and the "making lemonade out of lemons" mentality. I love the connections that had been made, though tragic, and the friendships that resulted. And then came John. Bringing light to her dark. A sense of belonging. And John? A fierceness to his quiet. A strength to his gentleness. A lion in sheep clothing. A man to not be underestimated. I just really loved their story. A story that answered questions to previous book characters.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of Darkness ~ Into Love's Light 🔥

Ellie Masters' storytelling is the best and she takes me on a journey that digs deep within. I loved witnessing Aria Hollbrook's transformation from surviving a brutal experience to becoming strong and unwavering, scarred but beautiful in her resilience. Jon Knutt, the Guardian specialist, and Aria's connection is electric – their passion for each other feels truly special and blessed. Ellie Masters has crafted a tale that kept me engaged and always leaves me wanting more of her words. 🤓

[Maria Angie Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

What thrill ride!
This story is just the best escape!
Twisted suspense and mystery with wickedly delicious romance.
This is Jon and Aria’s story and it kept me glued up the pages as we go along on this rescue mission.
Fast paced, twisted and full of unexpected surprises this rescue mission called all the big guns as this rescue was plagued with complications.
Well paced, great characters this story was so much fun to read!

[Sue Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.... I loved the second book in the Delta Team series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jon and Aria's wonderful story.
The girls have created a lovely little business, which they all share a part of, under the watchful eye of their protectors!!
Shame you can't choose your family, and it takes Aria to be kidnapped a second time to find out the truth about hers!
Brilliant storyline with wonderful characters and loved the HEA.

[Pam Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth

Ellie Masters just keeps the winners rolling! Rescuing Aria deserves a standing ovation. Don’t want to give away any of the book but the storyline is one h*ll of a thrilling hairpin twist & turn ride that will leave you breathless. Don’t deny yourself the ride to uncover the truth, it’s amazing.

[Janice Stansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely cannot go wrong with a Guardian HRS story!

What a tangled web! Aria and Jon are perfectly hot together. And her father, didn’t see that coming! Love the candles, wish they had a shop near me! Couldn’t believe the things Jon did to get to Aria, Delta team is bad@ss!

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria and Jon explore their budding romance whilst keeping it secret from her overly controlling father who is trying to interfere and undermine both Aria and Ember in their business. However when things turn unexpectedly dangerous Aria is under threat of having her whole world turn upside down and Jon works hard to protect her. A slightly slower paced book than normal from the GHRS series but nonetheless enjoyable.

[Carina Hales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this book, and it delivered!

Slightly slower start than some of the other books in this series. I did enjoy the quiet spells and bonding time.

The action when it happened was good and enjoyable, I just love how the team pull together so have their own!

A good addition to the series and I look forward to reading more from this author

[Nickie Sale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescuing Aria is the 2nd book in Ellie Masters : Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists: DELTA TEAM and whilst it is very different from her other Guardian Hostage Rescue books, it is still a page turner that pulls you right in and has you holding your breath.

After Aria was rescued alongside Ember and Ryn, she has settled into a new life, opened a shop with Ember and Ryn selling their home-made candles. Jon, is still hurting from the breakdown of a long-term relationship, but as he spends more and more time in the shop his feelings for Aria grow. Aria and Jon are the epitomy of a slowwwwww burn, the wait was almost painful, but that first kiss was just pure joy to see.

Aria and Jon together is beautiful, Jon ever wary of what Aria has been through is gentle and loving with her, whilst also being passionate (yes steam ++ scenes) and protective of her, but still allowing Aria to be herself and pursue her dreams. In the background whilst you immerse yourself in the love story that is Aria and Jon, you can feel that something is simmering in the background just waiting, biding its time before exploding. That explosion when it arrives is huge and hits you hard, but the that initial explosion is tiny compared to what is around the corner.

Aria and Jon’s journey is beautiful, passionate and exactly what you need but it’s also journey which is peppered with heartbreak and healing. You also get some hints on what’s to come in future.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria Hollbrook was finally able to breathe after the candle shop, Little Matchstick Girl ,opened with partner Ember and artisan Ryn. Their signature scent mixes and specialty candles were a huge success. As all three rescues, Guardian HRS team members paid attention to the ladies...but Jon Knutt pays particular attention to Aria, although he's never made a move, not wanting to remind her of her captivity with Damien Wolfe and his Wolfe Pack, an experience she shares with Ember and Ryn. But the success garnered her father's interest, he wanted her to stop handmade candles, artisanal offerings and mass produce only 5-7 scents for high-end stores across the country. which was against anything she and partner Ember wanted...meanwhile Aria and Jon spending more time together without overtly dating, both overcoming their reluctance to let someone near...but when Aria declines her father's business plans for their shop, he demands a meeting which Jon attends with her...but Damien Wolf's pack attacked as leaving...capturing all, Aria, Jon and her dad Marcus...but could a lone Guardian HRS agent save Aria from a madman??? You will need to read this rollercoaster thrill ride to see what happens. I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family you choose

Jon and Aria. Aria is fascinating and Jon is somewhat intriguing and confusing. Part of a throuple in the outskirts of some stories, but then not, but also ready to move on, but also still stuck…The danger comes from several areas for Aria as Damian Wolfe is still around and her dad is not happy. Aria had a lot of emotional danger more than physical as Damian shared a lot of family truths and secrets that she didn’t know. We dads legacy was well quite different then she knew. The romance was sweet and for the most part vague except for the support. Ember and her store and partnership was my favorite relationship and so was seeing Ryn and her growth from the first book. The relationships mentioned as potentially starting were a bit concerning as these were young females who experienced trauma, 18 age I believe, and the two newest Guardians who would have to be mid to late 20s at best. Well written and easy to read. I am excited for more stories with the team and seeing what dynamics and other cases they get involved with!

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Delta Team series and follows on from the first book, concentrating on Aria Hollbrook and the life that she, Ember and Ryn have created after their rescue. Aria and Jon navigate their relationship while Aria tries to deal with her father who is railroading her over the future of the candle shop that the three of them have successfully opened. When threats resurface, startling truths are revealed when Aria is kidnapped again, with revelations that will destroy the world that Aria has known. Drama, action, suspense, twists and turns weave their way through this story, leaving you stunned. Yet there is also the quiet strength of the men and women of Guardian HRS that is shown in all that they do to protect those they love and care for, knowing that not all scars are on the outside. Another success by Ellie Masters and I hope we get to see more of Guardian HRS.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria , felt like she was finally able to breathe after the candle shop, Little Matchstick Girl ,opened with her partners Ember and artisan Ryn. Their signature scents, mixes, and specialty candles were a huge success...

As all three ladies having been rescued,
However Jon, pays particular attention to Aria,...
He's never made a move, he didn't want to remind her of her captivity ....
an experience she shared with Ember and Ryn....

Aria and Jon start spending more time together,.. not quite actually dating, but both overcoming their reluctance to let someone near...when Aria declines her father's business plans for her and her friends shop, he demands a meeting which Jon attends with her.... then everything goes upside down and they end up in the hands of her fathers madness and need to be rescued ...
this becomes a thrill ride ... the reader has to see what happens....

EXCITING thrilling and as we readers Love THE HEA

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon and Aria, oh wow. A beautiful couple who went through so much turmoil.

Kidnap victim Aria runs a candle shop with her best friend but when trouble comes the only one she wants at her side is Jon from Guardian HRS.

Jon is so protective and smart and very tuned in to people and places especially Aria. She is caring and changing from the spoilt Billionaire's daughter into a loving friend. But these two are so perfect for each other.

I enjoyed the suspense and the intensity from this plot. Danger, drama and some not nice villians but also some absolutely loveable characters.

The opening to the possibilities of new characters getting together was a perfect way to capture my interest and can't wait to see what Ellie has in store.

The writing was very easy read and an amazing story all round.

[Cathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Guardian HRS Delta Series.

This has been one of the best books I have read! Feeling the heartbreak for Jon and the lives that was moving without him broke me. We knew Jon’s story would be epic but, WOW!

Aria is picking up the pieces of her life and she finds that she wants to do this with Jon. Watching these two navigate around each other shows me that they are what will heal each other.

Jon and Aria find themselves in a dangerous situation when they are drugged and kidnapped. Waking up alone in a place new to them, panic rises in Aria but just wait until the secrets are revealed! Jon is tied down in the basement but is determined to find a way out to help save Aria and reach GHRS for a rescue.

Oh Ellie, please get us Ryn and Razor next or Storm and Hope, oh heck, I don’t care which one, just write faster…please!!!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Guardian HRS Delta Team. Rescuing Aria is the follow-up to Rescuing Ember. You'll be happy to know that all Delta team member are present throughout Rescuing Aria. Jon Knutt and Aria Holbrook are electric together and once they quit dancing around their attraction they lit up the pages. Building a thriving business, The Little Matchstick Girl, with Ember and Ryn is the new start in life they've all needed since they endured being kidnapped. Jon is Aria's self appointed proector, bodyguard and sounding board for Aria and if he has his way he'll be so much more. Ms. Masters tosses in some great action in a dangerous situation then couples that with some crazy twists, turns and surprises. Hang on cuz it gets to be a bumpy ride! Absolutely captivating reading.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful story even though in the beginning it is almost like the conclusion of a rescue. It was lovely to see Ember so happy. When it does take off, wow what a ride. I am amazed at how strong Aria is given her father’s power over her. Every part of her world with the exception of Jon is turned upside down and those she trusted betray her in the worst way and yet she never loses her humanity and always protects Hope. The description of the Little Matchstick Girl is so powerful, you can smell the scents through the page and the conviction of the women is amazing as is their imagination. A tale in two halves that carry a cautionary tale for everyone about the evils of power and what it is hiding.

[Elinda Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon and Aria's story was beautiful. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me on my toes. Jon has been attracted to Aria since Delta team rescued her. He's getting over the breakup of a long relationship. He is being cautious because he doesn't want to be hurt again. Aria is attracted to Jon and wants to be with him. The only problem is her controlling father. She has spent her entire life seeking his approval and never quite succeeding. When danger finds Aria again, Jon is determined to protect her. Things are revealed that shake Aria's world on it's foundation. Jon and Aria have a huge set obstacles standing between them and their HEA. Will their fledgling relationship be able to weather what lies ahead? Get this book and find out. Sorry, no spoilers.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria Holbrook is an heiress.
Jon Knut is on Guardian Hostage rescue team Delta.
Ryn and Ember are Aria’s friends.

Jon and Aria have known each other from her first rescue by Guardian, ( this still haunts her today).
Aria has been a survivor and is really resilient.
There is a definite attraction and chemistry between them and it is explosive.
I really did not see some of the twists and turns coming, but I loved them.

This book has edge of your seat suspense, danger, some twists and turns you don’t see coming.

Great Job Ellie Masters !!!?

[Donna Zug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria has already survived being kidnapped and thought she would be safe now. Jon has decided he needs to protect her. Their connection is blooming even though they want to fight it. But boy when they connect, they really connect.
"When he pulls me closer, our bodies slot together like we were always meant to find each other."
She is striving to bury her trauma and present a 'healthy' front for all to see. He is still processing a nasty breakup. Can they work through it, as well as all the plot twists our author throws at them? You will need to read this one.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent intense romantic suspense. This is Jon and Aria’s story. Aria was kidnapped by a trafficking organization. She and others were terrified. Jon works for Guardian HRS on Delta Team. They’re called in to rescue all those being trafficked. Aria comes from a wealthy background. There’s drama, fear, surprises, lots of action and new romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by Ms Masters.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is outstanding. Aria is trying to move forward from being kidnapped with the help of two other women who were with her as well. Little does she know that her life as she knows it is fixing to be turned upside down. This is number two in this series . GHRS is one bad group of men and women fighting for what's right and making a difference in people's lives. I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional read from the very beginning. This book was more about the connection between Aria and Jon. Then the action kicks in, it really kicks in. We see some new characters in this story and I believe they are here to stay, and I can already see each of their stories blossoming into something spectacular and eventually tethered and anchored. You always get a wild ride when you read an Ellie Masters book, and always, always the emotions of he main and supporting characters.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the follow-up to Ember's story. Aria and Ember were kidnapped and rescued together. Jon is a member of Delta team and is extremely attracted to Aria, but is concerned about moving too fast after her trauma. However once they stop tiptoe-ing around each other they make a heck of a couple. But Wolfe kidnaps her again and wow do a bunch of secrets get revealed. Loved it, but I say that about all Ms Masters' books. Ya gotta read 'em!!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a slower paced book compared to the usual GHRS books, but I so enjoyed it nonetheless. I loved Jon and all he did for Aria. What Aria survived is nothing short of a miracle but how she became so strong and resilient was amazing. You could really feel the love Jon had for her which made the book very enjoyable. I'm so looking forward to reading more of the Delta team!!

[Julie A.Kaplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot get enough of the Guardian HRS books. Rescuing Aria has all the components of a great Guardian story; ex-special ops alphas who don’t know the meaning of failure and have protection and loyalty written in their DNA. There is lots of action, twist and turns, HEA and of course 🔥🔥🔥🔥. You do not want to miss this one! I am so looking forward to the next installment of DELTA Team.

[Liz Sadowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book a little different from the rest in series. It deals more with Aria’s actual life and betrayal of what she holds dear. Jon is there through the whole process helping and supporting her choices. How they build their relationship to something strong and solid despite what life throws in their path is a wonderful page turning read.

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescuing Aria by Ellie Masters
Fantastic! I just love everything about this authors work. She captured the characters to perfection and leaves us feeling as if we are apart of them. You feel the pain and strength Aria had to endure. I love the protection that Jon gave to her. How they opened to each other.

[Lindy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A long journey to reveal truths...

Aria and Jon's journey continues as her father and a villian once-thought vanquished shows up again... A long journey through dangerous situations that
lead to evidence of legacy. Legacy that in it's own time will bring closure for Aria and finally a sweet HEA for her and Jon.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series!

All good things come to an end and sadly so did this series. It was the perfect final book which has me on the edge of my seat often. This author is wonderful and knows how to build the suspense!

LOVED it!