The Recruiter

by Katie Mackenzie

Erin Gresham knows danger. She’s lived it, escaped it, and carries the scars to prove it. With her five-year-old son, Jamie, she’s starting over—safe but not unshaken. When a twist of fate leads her into the home of SGT James Cole, a Marine Corps Recruiter battling his own ghosts, she finds something unexpected: a man who understands fear, because he’s lived it too.
SGT James Cole has spent years outrunning the horrors of war, but the nightmares follow him home. Discipline and duty keep him grounded, but nothing quiets the guilt or the memories of the brothers he couldn’t save. Erin and Jamie are a light in the darkness, a glimpse of a life he never thought he could have.
But healing doesn’t come easy for a Marine trained to fight, or a woman learning to trust again. And when the past comes knocking, threatening everything they’ve built, James and Erin must face their greatest battle yet—the fight for each other.
The Recruiter is a raw and emotional journey of survival, love, and the courage to find home in the unlikeliest of places. A military/single mom/found family unconventional romance.

363 pages, Paperback

First published February 13, 2025

About the author

Katie Mackenzie doesn’t write the kind of romance that plays nice. If you’re looking for sugar-coated love stories where everything ties up in a perfect little bow—run. Now. She delivers the Happily Ever Afters readers need, not necessarily the ones they want, and she’s not afraid to break a few hearts (or a few characters) to get there. If a hero needs to fall, he falls. If a love story demands a little bloodshed—well, love hurts, doesn’t it?

A neuro-spicy author and special needs mom, Katie is a master of navigating chaos, whether it’s in her stories or real life. As a proud military wife, she knows all about embracing unpredictability—whether that means a plot twist or a toddler tantrum. Her survival toolkit includes iced coffee, a dark sense of humor, and a love for good food that borders on obsession.

When she’s not crafting love stories with bite, you’ll find her devouring books, seeking out the best eats, or advocating fiercely for her family. Katie’s stories are bold, raw, and just a little bit twisted—perfect for readers who like their love stories with sharp edges and aren’t afraid to get a little bruised along the way.

If you’re ready for romance that makes you feel something (even if it’s the sting of betrayal), Katie Mackenzie is your next one-click obsession.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow, "The Recruiter" by Katie Mackenzie really hit me in the feels! This book tells the story of a woman and her son who escape a terrible domestic violence situation. They spend a year in a shelter, and then things get tough when they have to live in their car. Just when it seems like things can’t get any harder, a Marine comes into their lives and decides to step up for them.

The connection between the Marine and the main character is filled with so much tension and emotion. It’s amazing to see how their relationship develops while they both navigate their struggles. Plus, the friendships she form with characters in the friend group add a beautiful layer to the story. It really shows how important a chosen family can be when you’re facing tough times.

I laughed, I cried, and I felt so connected to the female main character. Her journey of finding strength and healing is so relatable, and it makes you cheer for her every step of the way.

Overall, "The Recruiter" is an incredible read that I couldn’t put down. It’s a heartfelt reminder of how love and support can change everything. If you’re looking for a book that’s both emotional and uplifting, definitely check this one out!

[LaTara Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put down this book the second I started. Katie made it to where you were so engaged in the characters and their lives and wanted to know what happened at every turn. I loved every detail she included and how hooked I got. She has a habit of getting you so attached to characters and it makes you feel like you’re right there in the story. I highly recommend this book!

[J.J. J. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart

Thus is a story of past hurts, current growth and future plans that have hopes tied to them. Katie doesn't always give us a perfectly Hallmark ending we crave but the amazing true to life author she is gives us the ending the we need. This book saved my soul, revived parts of me I never knew needed it, then hurt my heart so eloquently I almost cried. Bravo Miss Katie!!

[Amanda Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. As we all know Katie is good at breaking hearts and making the tears fly out. This was so well written and it was definitely one those that couldn’t be put down. Beyond 5 stars for me. 🖤

[Nicole (Neeneer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Amazing

Mrs Katie Mackenzie!!!! This book was AMAZING!!!! I wasn’t expecting the ending but gosh… I loved this book so so much!