Justified Fear

by Melissa Schroeder

Fearing the bad dudes after her seems normal, but her real fear is trusting a man with her heart.

Keely Templeton has rotten luck. At least lately, everything seems to be going wrong. First, she finds her now ex screwing his secretary--in their bed. Then, she loses her job on the mainland. Now, she's running for her life in the jungles of Hawaii. It was supposed to be the night that her private chef business took off, instead, some bad dudes showed up and killed everyone in the house, except her. Climbing up a tree and hiding from bad dudes seems like a good plan, until it starts raining. But in one instant, everything changes when a hot guy shows up to rescue her.

Ryan Morrison joined TFH Team Bravo after years with the LAPD. He'd left there were scars--both physical and mental. But there is one thing he is certain his partner Maya. They have been together for years, and when they find Keely hanging from a tree, his whole world changes. Coaxing the gorgeous woman out of the tree takes a little work. Once he does, he is utterly and completely enchanted with her. Still, there's suspicion that she might have been in on the killing.

Once there are more attempts on her life, the team realizes that she had nothing to do with the attack and she might be the intended victim. Ryan takes on the job of protecting her, and their attraction goes from simmering to full on heatwave in the blink of an eye. As the danger ramps up, they must delve into her past to search out the stalker. But for Keely, facing her past is easier than admitting her love for man who could destroy her.

Author We're back with TFH and they are up to their usual antics. There's snarky banter, bets flying around the office, and wedding plans in the making. There is also a lot of food talk (Keely IS a chef) and an adorable rescue dog who might be the love of Keely's life.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2025

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder has had almost 90 short stories, novellas, and novels published in the last 15 years.

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Reviews

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVED IT!!!

Justified Fear is the second book in the TFH Team Bravo series. All I can say is hold on tight as you dive deep in the story of Keely Templeton and Ryan Morrison. These two are a couple for the ages, and I do mean that as they will carve themselves into your heart as they worm their way into your brain, taking up permanent residence. I loved both Keely and Ryan, along with the entire story-line. It is filled with danger, intrigue, snark, banter, funny moments, and a lot of mouth watering foodie talk, along with a dog you want to rescue yourself. I loved this book and and can't wait to read the next in this fantastic series.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fearing the bad dudes after her seems normal, but her real fear is trusting a man with her heart.

Keely Templeton has rotten luck. At least lately, everything seems to be going wrong. First, she finds her now ex screwing his secretary--in their bed. Then, she loses her job on the mainland. Now, she's running for her life in the jungles of Hawaii. It was supposed to be the night that her private chef business took off, instead, some bad dudes showed up and killed everyone in the house, except her. Climbing up a tree and hiding from bad dudes seems like a good plan, until it starts raining. But in one instant, everything changes when a hot guy shows up to rescue her.

Ryan Morrison joined TFH Team Bravo after years with the LAPD. He'd left there were scars--both physical and mental. But there is one thing he is certain about: his partner Maya. They have been together for years, and when they find Keely hanging from a tree, his whole world changes. Coaxing the gorgeous woman out of the tree takes a little work. Once he does, he is utterly and completely enchanted with her. Still, there's suspicion that she might have been in on the killing.

Once there are more attempts on her life, the team realizes that she had nothing to do with the attack and she might be the intended victim. Ryan takes on the job of protecting her, and their attraction goes from simmering to full on heatwave in the blink of an eye. As the danger ramps up, they must delve into her past to search out the stalker. But for Keely, facing her past is easier than admitting her love for man who could destroy her.

This contemporary multicultural romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Hawaii, and characters, Ryan Morrison, TFH Team Bravo, and Keely Templeton, a chef, who are resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with justified fear, mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice, with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, romantic suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, danger, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with justified fear and an explicit multicultural romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is widely dangerous, lustful, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The TFH Team Bravo series and it Keely and Ryan’s story. When Keely found her boyfriend in there bed with his secretary she walked away only to lose her job as well and ended up taking a job as a private chef in Hawaii only for everything to go wrong when gunmen enters the house and killed everyone else except Keely because she managed to escape and is now on the run through the jungle trying to survive especially as trust is now her biggest issue. Ryan used to be with the LAPD but now he works for TFH Bravo Team and when he found Keely hiding in a tree he had to coax her down which was not a easy thing only to find that it completely changed his life. When a attempt is made on Keely’s life yet again they know that she is the target so Ryan decided that he would be the one to protect her and nothing was happening on his watch because he will keep her safe in any way that he can regardless of what he had to do or the situation and consequences involved. The attraction and chemistry between Keely and Ryan is strong and intense and also wuite explosive between them but before they can go any further and think of a future they must find and eliminate the threat before it is too late. I really loved this book with all it’s drama, suspense, danger, mystery, friendship, protectiveness, family, action, trust issues, hope, love and situations that will have you turning the pages because you need to know what will happen next and be unable to put this book down as it is so addictive. I can’t wait to read more books in the future.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

On one hand, I was immediately engaged in this story. There was tension, suspense, intrigue, and danger. I did not put the book down until the last page. Ryan and Keely's attraction was intense, as much as they both tried to resist it. I even managed to tone down my irritation at Keely feeling like Ryan didn't want her, that she was only a job to him.

On the other hand, the mystery was so convoluted, it was difficult to come up with a reason for what was happening. It all came together toward the end, but when everything came to light, it just seemed rather bizarre.

I never had any feeling that Keely was in danger after Ryan and Maya found her. It was mentioned, speculated about, was an issue with Riki, but it didn't seem like it was the driving force behind the situation.

It waa great to revisit some of the previous TFH crew along with a brief appearance from Rome. It made me want to re-read some of the previous books. This was an entertaining read. I felt like I would have rated it higher if it seemed like Keely waa actually being stalked or in danger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book received via Booksprout.

[Anima · Rating 3 out of 5]

TFH, Task Force Hawaii has three specialty divisions with a tight knit crew from every type of law enforcement. When you read a book from either series there are cameos from other characters and some fun ribbing proving the close connections. Ryan, and his canine partner Maya, have an instant connection with a victim. Keeley is a personal chef with another traumatic incident from her teens and an overbearing exNFL father. I’ve enjoyed Schroeder’s books in the past and I’ve read almost all of her books. But I have to say I wasn’t feeling the threat on Keely’s life that was implied. Most of their story pertains to the developing relationship between Ryan and Keeley, and the threat took a back seat. It seemed almost forgotten until the last few chapters. As a reader I can learn more about a character through conversations, but there were a few that had me rereading them because of the awkward style. It was a good book, entertaining, but I wasn’t feeling the excitement or the rush I normally feel with her books. I wrote this review voluntarily after reading an advanced copy.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keely really goes through a lot in this one. From a job gone wrong at the start, to being at the center of a long term crazy thing. The job gone wrong was so crazy, it was amazing that she was able to keep a cool head to keep herself safe. From there her run in with TFH in the aftermath brought Ryan into her life. The two of them were cute together, even at the start when both didn't want to acknowledge the attraction with all that was going on. It didn't take too long before that was out the door and things were heating up between them.

Ryan did a good job of dealing with Keely's family and his co-workers about how things developed between them. Keely's family was interesting to say the least and it would have been easy to be bull-dozed over by them.

Things were figured out in the end and they were a bit crazy! But now Keely is safe and she and Ryan can start to build a life together.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan Morrison came to Task Force Hawaii after moving to the islands from California. He looked like a blond surfer, but was part of Team Bravo with Search and Rescue, using his dog Maya as his partner. He met Keely Templeton when the dinner she was serving as private chef was invaded by gunmen. Luckily she was on a break and escaped the gunmen. She ran into the woods, avoiding capture and feral pigs by climbing trees. Ryan and Maya found he as she fell from tree-top onto Ryan...She was half Hawaiian with a former NFL player for a father and her mother's oil money...and was staying at her grandmother's house on Oahu...but was she a suspect or a potential victim??? You will need to read this thriller to see what happens...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUSTIFIED FEAR pulls us back into the world of TFH Team Bravo in a major way. You could almost call Ryan and Keely’s first meeting a “meet-cute” if it weren’t for such tragic circumstances. From the very start, this story keeps you on the edge of your seat. The mystery surrounding those tragic events will have you trying to figure out the reason and who’s behind it all until the climax. Between the excitement and suspense building from that, and the quickly developing feelings between Ryan and Keely, you’ll find a thoroughly captivating tale that’s hard to put down. Add in the charm of Ryan’s partner Maya and the usual antics of the TFH teams, and you have an entertaining story from start to finish. The teasing glimpse at the end is sure to leave you eagerly awaiting what’s coming next.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Team Bravo for the steamy and suspenseful read!
I fell in love with Keely’s determination to get through her private dinner duties despite the temperature hot conditions and a bartender who won’t take “not interested” for an answer. Keely takes a break outside to cool off when the proverbial poop hits the fan sending her racing in to the woods. Enter Ryan from Bravo team of Task Force Hawaii along with Maya, his search and rescue dog and you’ll almost swoon as Keely literally falls in to Ryan’s lap. From that moment on, the stage is set for an attraction that won’t be denied as the suspense ramps up as TFH tries to put the pieces of the puzzle together. How will it all play out? You have to read to find out and don’t expect to put the book down until you turn the last page!

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Keely and Ryan meet it is not the best of times but their lives will be forever changed. Keely needs protection and Ryan is just the man to provide it. As the two spend more time together feelings begin to show but can Keely put her heart on the line or will she let it all slip away?
Keely and Ryan are a great couple. Their attraction burns hot and it was nice to see their relationship take shape. Their story has a nice mix of drama and emotions. I loved the banter and interaction of all the characters. Their story moves at a good pace and pulled me in to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The job opportunity as a chef in Hawaii is exactly the fresh start that Keely needs however when she becomes the only survivor when the house where she is working is attacked it doesn’t turn out that way. She manages to escape and is hiding in a tree when Ryan and his partner find her.

Needing a fresh start of his own Ryan found a place and people to call home at Team Bravo. When he comes across Keely his first order of business is to determine if she was an innocent victim who needs protection or the person responsible and the feelings he has for her are a complication he wasn’t expecting.

Intrigue, twists and an unexpected love as Keely and Ryan take us on a suspenseful and romantic adventure.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is quite an unusual opening and introduction. Keeley's woes and wherefores are further heightened when she is hired as a private chef. She is caught up within the danger of escaping by fleeing the house after those in are killed. Climbing a tree to hide from the bad guys is probably not how she would expect to meet Ryan, the sexy ex police and now protection service officer.
This storyline certainly has its moments and is centred around the whole situation of who, why and when. The author is certainly a creative writer and gains the reader's attention with drama, humour, emotion and romance, set against the dramatic backdrop of murder.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samina Rajiwate · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story. Keely is cooking for a dinner party. She steps out for air, when the shooting starts. She runs into the forest when she hears the gunmen looking for her. She is hiding in a tree when she hears a new voice calling for her. She falls from the tree and lands on Ryan, who is a member of TFH team Bravo. The attraction between them is instant. But Keely is a victim in a crime and Ryan does not want to take advantage of her. Keelys life is in danger. Can Ryan keep her safe? Loved reading their story. Thanx.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to know Keely and Ryan, seeing things develop between them and how they handled everything. There was a lot going on in this and I have to say I was not sure the who or the why at all reading this, I thought TFH did very well considering, I also enjoyed seeing the different dynamics in this, seeing characters I have enjoyed spending time with before again and I just loved Maya, what a little scene stealer she was, I really did love the bond her and Keely had and the way Ryan interacted with her too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

He finally....stops running

It's a puzzle that makes no sense, the pieces are either double sided, excess and irrelevant or have disappearing pictures. And for the first time Ryan is invested in a personal way - he is as surprised as anyone, but there's something about Keely that fills a hole in his heart he didn't even know he had. It makes no sense because it is totally and utterly, completely crazy and irrational....which makes it difficult to pin down.
A great addition to the TFH Team Bravo series, I love that although we are on Team Bravo we still get to "check in" with the whole TFH Family.

[Jarylynn Schlegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keely the daughter of a professional football star and well known mother has had her share of trouble. And now it seems to have found her again. Doing what she loves best and cooking for a living she found herself in a situation where she was scared and hiding to prevent being killed. TFH task force was brought in and found her. Now they just needed to figure out if this was a random act or if Keely was truly in danger and Ryan was determined to keep her safe. What a great addition to the series and could still be a standalone. I can’t wait to see who’s story is next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D.K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series. Ryan Morrison and his partner Maya are part of a search and rescue team. When they are called out to search for Keely Templeton, a chef who is missing after an attack at a private event she was working, Keely falls into his lap figuratively. The attraction between them is instant but Ryan must keep focus as it is unclear if Keely is still endanger. As the pieces of the puzzle come together, it never gives a clear picture. But one thing is clear, Ryan will do anything to keep her safe. Overall, this was a good read and I cannot wait for the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody knew that something so far from her past was going to catch up with her, but Keely is lucky that she has the full back up of two teams behind her.
Literally falling onto Ryan was the best thing to happen to her.
She may have an awesome family, but that just got bigger.
I love the way that Maya adopted her instantly.
It just shows what a beautiful person she is.
It's just a pity she became the wrong person's addiction, before the right person had a chance to come into her life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pamela Lunder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book! I just loved Keely! She is so sweet and sensitive but she is also strong and can hold her own. From the first moment I met her on the pages, I loved her. Ryan is the perfect man for her. Quiet and reserved but so protective. I loved his partner, Maya. Loved how protective she is as well! Melissa brought this book alive for me. Her writing just keeps getting better and better. So much mystery on who the bad guy is. So much feelings with family and Keely and Ryan. So much tension with other members of the team. I can not wait for book three!.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justified Fear draws you in from the very first page as Keely goes on the run for her life in the dense Hawaiian forest reserves. Ryan and his canine partner, Maya, are called in to help and the attraction to Keely is immediate for both. I loved how the story unfolded as you never knew who the assassins were after or why they were hired. Every step forward for Ryan and Team Bravo led to three steps back and the author kept you guessing until the very end. Keely was a very strong character, but I didn't care for when she kept second guessing why Ryan was interested in her.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the TFH Team Bravo series by Melissa Schroeder and this is Ryan Morrison (TFH Team Bravo), Canine partner Maya and Keely Templeton (Personal Chef) story. He met when the dinner she was serving as private chef was invaded by gunmen. She escaped by running into the woods and climbing a tree. Ryan and Maya found her when she fell from tree-top onto Ryan. ow this is where their story begins. So sit back and enjoy all the twists and turns in this story. You won't be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Selina Durio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great installment in the Task Force Hawaii world. Ryan was one of the Team Bravo members that seemed most closed off. To read him literally fall at first glance was fun. The story itself unfolded in such a way that figuring out the true culprits and all the interconnections was fascinating.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, that story had everything right there, but we had a twisty ride to get to figure that out! Along the way, Ryan and Keely resisted, and failed to resist, each other. Theirs was a gradual build up, that encountered a few set-backs, but the pull brought them back to each other. Tonnes of chemistry, lots of feelings, and, of course, family, friends, and the sweetest German Shepard, helping them figure things out along the way <3

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good and will definitely have you engrossed from the beginning until the end and have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Its compelling and action packed filled with suspense and chemistry and romance. This is TFH Team Bravo book2 and wowsa your in for a wild ride with Ryan and keely's story. I throughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of suspense, intrigue, too many unknowns that keep you guessing until the end. Melissa brings us another great mystery set in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands and weaves an unexpected romance between two unsuspecting people, neither looking for love, but can’t deny it when the chemistry is off the charts. A great read to get lost in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very big fan of this author and this book did not disappoint at all. Absolutely loved it from start to finish. It was a very entertaining and suspenseful read which had twist and turns and plenty of drama. It was a fast read, because I had to keep reading to find out what was next. Loving this new series and can’t wait to get my hands on the next book. Counting down the time it comes out. Definitely another 5 star read by this absolute fantastic author. Grab your copy today. Happy reading

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turning story with suspense, action, drama and more. Keely found her boyfriend cheating and then lost her job so she leaves and takes a job as a private chef in Hi. Intruders enter during her break and killed everyone. She escaped into the woods and Ryan a member of TFH Team Bravo finds her hiding. He provides her protection and they grow close. Enjoyed their story. Received a free copy.

[Lyne Carroll]

Loooooved it !

Highly captivating read, with all the right amounts of suspense, action, drama and steam.
Made me smile and swoon :)
The leading characters made an instant connection at first meeting and it quickly evolved into this beautiful slow burning chemistry... :)

I have only one complaint: the story is too shot lollll

Highly recommended book and series: can't wait for the next installment !!!

I received a copy of this book and leaving an honest and voluntary review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the story, maybe more than any of the Hawaii stories adjacent to this world. Ryan is sweet and cute with his need to protect her but not cross any lines. The mystery and suspense is well thought out engaging. Keely is brave and smart and such a happy sunshine person. I enjoy this setting and learning more about TFH.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of TFH Team Bravo story of Keely Templeton and Ryan Morrison. Wow now that is an adventure with a whole lot of action, mystery, and drama that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I loved this wild adventure love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.