Cursed Fox

Willow Creek Security #4

by Elizabella Baker

Cursed Fox is a small town romantic suspense with a tortured silver fox hero and a single mother trying to save her son.

One threat was about to change my whole life.

Years ago, I escaped Willow Creek with the plan to never return after my ex-husband left me in ruin. Now I’m in need of help and my boss wasn’t available leaving me with only one option. Willow Creek Security. Oh, and a man who resurrected my dead libido.

Lex was going to be my downfall.

For years I was positive I was cursed. People I cared about tended to die way too soon and their deaths haunted me. I was convinced I didn’t deserve the good life my friends found in the small town of Willow Creek, so it was time to move on. But now an old friend needs my help and instead of leaving the town behind, I’m seeking their expertise.

Can I save Nancy, or will she be another person I lose?

Genres: Romance

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.





⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ Just a heads up…. This review does have some little spoilers.⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️










➕ What I liked :


A curvy heroine.

Older main characters.
(Age is never really mentioned… but the heroine has adult children that are both 20+…. so at least around 40 or 40+ but from some info in the book it seems like the heroine and hero are both 45+.)


Somewhat interesting plot.

Quite interesting side characters.

Bearded hero.

Kind of interesting hero.

Small town romance.

Found family vibes.







➖ What I disliked:


The heroines somewhat contradicting personality… she was strong/capable and had confidence and then some for the most part….. But also had no problems with making the first move on the hero… but she still was somewhat insecure about her body and kind of body shamed herself or/and said/thought directly and indirectly small little negative things about her body… it would have been nice if she was actually confident about that to (her body.)


In some parts of the plot there is a little too much telling and not enough showing.

It is too predictable and obvious who the bad guy is.


For being the ages these main characters are in the book (40+/45+) they have a careless attitude about STDs … No use of condoms and no talk about the heroes past lovers before having sex.

Kind of odd approach about PTSD… it is not so easily managed or healed etc.
It takes years and some people never really heal from PTSD even with years and years of therapy… depending on the severity of their trauma and other problems or co-occurring conditions. (Some Vietnam veterans still continue to suffer from PTSD even after so many years has gone by.)

The hero had trauma from his childhood…. Then he was a soldier and was tortured plus all other trauma in war… and he was also forced into a horrible and impossible situation...that either would have been the end of his life or/and his comrades or that he would have revealed information that most likely would have got others killed and made him a traitor.



Too much of the relationship and attraction between the main characters was based on the physical and there was not enough time/focus spent on the emotional development of the relationship.


How the bad guy/villain was written both in a almost cartoon/comic like way and also in a stereotyped/clichéd way …. like his appearance (body size/shape and/or his height etc. etc.) had anything to do with him being a bad/horrible person etc. (The bad guy/villain was described as greasy… having a beer belly and slouchy posture… and a “train wreck with saggy skin” etc. etc.)
And there was also a weird thing with the bad guys offspring....when they say/think the bad guy/villain looks nothing like the handsome older men (silver foxes) on book covers they see in book-stores 🤨🧐Such a strange thing to think in the situation they were in that was fraught with danger etc. … and to think that way about that particular/specific person even if they are unhinged and awful/vile is so odd and rather disjointed.



𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭-𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲/𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐭𝐜.
(It is illogical that the bad guy/villain would have waited as long as he did to sabotage and harass and also try to hurt and kill the heroine and her children .
It is also never explained why the bad guy/villain was or became the way he was?… And that he was first more or less the “golden boy/town darling” of Willow Creek and then all of a sudden everybody disliked/hated him??
Yes, because he showed his true colors when cheating on the heroine and leaving his family penniless etc. but it is still odd with the total 180?

And Yes he was a narcissist among other things… but was he a bully that liked/enjoyed stepping on other people or what?? Or something else?
And also why did the heroine and her ex-husband get married? Was there a teenage pregnancy? And that was why the people in Willow Creek wanted them to marry??🤨 🤔?
It did not seem like they ever truly loved each other or knew each other at all and like they did not talk about hopes/dreams and their future together….. And also if the heroines ex-husband did not want children why did he not either divorce the heroine much much earlier or/and use condoms or have a vasectomy??
And even if the heroines ex-husband was good at hiding his true self and manipulating the heroine...she must have seen some signs rather early on that showed who he really was… her friend did and she never liked him.
The heroines ex-husband was a vile and horrible person… but did he just do what he did because he wanted to? Liked it? Was spoiled and entitled? Or was he “just” a vile and horrible person for no reason?? Or was there other things and "reasons" for his awful and horrible behavior? It is never hinted at or explained so his behavior just seems strange and out of nowhere and their marriage seems so odd and built on almost nothing but negativity and hate from the beginning to the end ??)


Formulaic character description/visual appearance and choice about the hero.
(Tall, very muscular/fit and handsome hero)

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Baker continues to give us series and stories that will leave you emotionally charged and wanting more. Cursed Fox is book four in her Willow Creek Security series and it is my favourite so far. The storyline and characters grab your attention right from the start. Cursed Fox is a small town, suspense-filled romance where you can't help but fall for Asher. The crossover between this series and the guys from Wes's security group was a bonus.
Asher is a quiet, grumpy and sexy ex-military guy who believes he is cursed. Everyone seems to die around him and this is one reason he keeps to himself. He feels he doesn't fit in with the whole Willow Creek vibe and wants to leave. He is a tortured soul who needs to find the right person who can heal his soul and give him a different outlook on life. When he is asked to help Wes out, he jumps at the chance to leave Willow Creek. What he didn't expect was to be responsible for the safety of Nancy, Wes's office manager, well, when you read this book, we find she is much more. I loved the way she put Wes in his place and this is one of the things that attracts Asher to her. Danger looms over Nancy's head as well as her son's, but who is responsible and why?
Ms. Baker throws twists and turns at us at every turn of the page. She pulls us in with the push/pull relationship between Asher and Nancy. The banter that they share had me laughing, but it was the character growth of both of them that had me enthralled with this book.

[Stephanie Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking the curse

Breaking the curse

Lex has believed he is cursed ever since his parents died when he was young. Like most of the men of Willow Creek Security, he carries the mental scars of war and is having a hard time transitioning to civilian life. His night terrors leave him feeling broken and sure he has no right to find a place to belong or a life to love.

Nancy is the heart that keeps the operators of W.J. Protective Services in line and keeps the company running. We have a nice little cross over when Nancy needs help but doesn’t want the men of her company to know about it! So Wes calls Maverick and the rest as they say, is history!

Someone is threatening Nancy’s family. In the process of finding out who, Nancy manages to slip beneath the armor Lex has erected around his heart. This story had some interesting twists, and it is always fun to see old friends from other series.

I am SO happy to see Lex get his lady. Of all the guys, I feel like he had the most demons to overcome. And when you read why, your heart will break. Ms Baker pulls no punches in regards to what our military goes through on deployments. She also makes sure there is no stigma with getting help when you need it.

Lex and Nancy made my heart hurt with their pasts, then made it sing with their future. 12/10 recommend!

[Lydia Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE IT!

One of my favorite things about this book is the return of Wes' crew. I love them all. This is Nancy, and Lex's story. Lex is a troubled soul, and is on his way out of willow creek when he gets contacted about protecting Nancy. We know Nancy as the Office Manager of Wes' company. AKA she runs everything for him. It takes a long while for Lex to open up, and it's clear that he has his issues with PTSD, and it's hard to hear all he's been through. We learn a little more about Nancy who has always had a small role in Wes' company stories. She used to live in Willow Creek, and left with her tail between her legs when it turns out her ex husband was cheating on her, and he drained his bank accounts. She has two children, one being a NFL player. The reason she is using these services is because someone is threatening both her, and her son. It turns out to be exactly who I thought it was tbh. Anyhow she didn't want it to get out that she was in danger to her teams so she was recommended to use Willow Creek Security(which is funny I didn't realize they were close). This story has many ups and downs, and its clear Lex has been through hell and back, but of course there is a happy ending.

[Shari Jahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy is Wes’s right hand woman. She runs his business better than he ever could. When she comes to him with a problem he does the best thing for her and gets Lex to come and help her. He is not part of his team but he is one of his most trusted friends and works for another one of the Guardian Teams.

Lex is leaving Willow Creek. There is nothing there for him. He needs action and to keep his demons at bay. When his phone rings and he is asked to help Wes’s business manager he does not hesitate to jump in his Jeep and hit the road.

Lex says he is cursed. His family was killed when he was a teen. He also was captured while he served his country. He will never be able to live with what he was forced to do. His teammates can’t get him to listen to them when they tell him it is not his fault. Will the love of a great woman be what he needs to take the steps he needs to make in order to heal? Helping Nancy becomes just the thing that Lex needs to help beat back the demons that haunt him nightly.

This story was very interesting and I loved the character development! This couple is one of my new favorites! You will be shocked by the outcome of the twists and turns in this book!

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what I like most about this series? It isn’t that each story is long enough to make you feel complete, yet short enough that you don’t find yourself a zombie the next day due to not sleeping. It’s not even the fact that these men and women aren’t all under the age of 30 (or 40…or even 50 in some cases). Not even that we get Wes and some vulnerability this installment. Nope. It’s that we actually get INSIDE the heads and hearts of both men and women so easily. Honestly.

Lex was a mystery. We knew it was bad. We don’t know just how much misery he’s been through until now though. And Nancy is a dynamo who he desperately wants, but knows he’ll destroy. But she’s a force to be reckoned with when she puts her mind to it. And Lex is lucky to be the man she feels is worth her efforts. Because these two are perfect together and the fact that they can build something great with the heartache they’ve both endured? Yeah, that’s got me thinking Lex might be my favorite of this series. So far, anyway.

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. Fast paced, zero angst romance with some action and suspense that kept me engaged. My heart broke for Lex and his belief he was cursed because of the trauma he went through as a child and the PTSD from his capture whilst deployed. It does bring across the point that you should seek help for your trauma and mental health. Nancy has gone through so much with her ex and has come out stronger and fighting for her kids. I liked how their relationship progressed, from 'bodyguard-client' to friendship to finally giving in to the attraction. And being matured, they are more honest with their feelings and what they want out of the relationship so no wishy-washy time wasting. Also loved how the other characters- Maverick, Wes, Easton, Maisie, etc. made an appearance, which added to the close knit family feel of the team.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up until Cursed Fox, Lex has been a bit of an enigma. He's th elast of his old Marine teammates to join Willow Creek Security. And yet, he's already planning on leaving. Lex takes being stoic to a whole new level. Meeting Nancy loosens something in him. She doesn't put up with him and his attitude. She actually gets him to talk and reconsider his self perception. Tensions mount as the threats to Nancy's son escalate and suddenly she's in danger. Lex knows that he will do anything and everything to protect the woman he now considers his. Of course Elizabella Baker throws in a twist just to keep thing interesting. I loved that Lex and Nancy find each other at a later stage in their lives. Her no nonsense positivity and absolute fearlessness make her perfect for a man who shoulders more guilt than any human should have to bear.

[Rebecca Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wasn't to say I have been waiting for this book! I fell in love with grumpy silent Lex from the start of Willow Creek. EB never disappoints yall! So buckle up buttercup it's time to get a baked good at Wickedly Delicious and watch another couple fall in love.
Lex feels like he is cursed and about to walk away from Willow Creek and his team. He believes that he is too broken for this small town. Wes gives him a call and needs his help. What Lex feels like is he last hurrah may be what he needs. Nancy has been Wes 's right hand woman from the start. She has given all to her kids. Now she must rely on the silent broody may to help her. Get ready because Willow Creek never disappoints.

[love2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read Lex's story. He was suffering from PTSD due the horrific death of his parents and his experiences while serving in the Marines. But OMGosh when I realized who the Nancy was in his story...took this one to a whole other level! Brilliant! It turns out that Nancy grew up in Willow Creek but was forced to leave because of her ex-husband's indiscretions. Her kids are all grown up now, but her son is receiving threats from an unknown source. Bring on Lex with his team and a little assistance from some old friends to help resolve the issue.
With a mix of some favorite characters from the past, this is a quick and fast paced read with a HEA that I sure hope you will take the opportunity to enjoy! I know I did!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I guess we're both a work in progress"

Lex had one foot out of the door when he was sent on a job, a job that not only changes his life, but his hopes, his dreams, his future and one that challenges his survivors guilt. Guilt he has been carrying and adding to since he was a teenager, at this point it's a miracle he can function at all! But despite his guilt, his gruff demeanor and his one word answers, I like Lex. You know exactly where you stand, he didn't hesitate to put his life on hold to help Olivia and he does it again for Nancy. But Nancy is so much more and together they realise that blaming themselves and carrying that guilt doesn't help anyone. If they want a future they have to look forwards not back. A great addition to the series, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lex works for willow Creek Security
Nancy works for Wes’s Security company as an administrative assistant.
Maverick is Lex’s boss.

Nancy and Lex meet after he is assigned to be her bodyguard by Wes. In the beginning their was tension
and being unhappy about the threats that Nancy’s son Jimmy is getting.
Lex is a troubled soul with PTSD issues and feels he is cursed and ready to move on from Willow Creek,
but Nancy helps him work through stuff and she herself has been through a lot.
Can Lex and Nancy figure out the mystery and keep her and her son safe?
Can they have a Happily Ever After? You will have to read the book.

This book has suspense, danger, some drama and twists and turns.

Great Job Elizabella Baker!!!!!

[Alexa Jaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

Cursed Fox by Elizabella Baker is an action packed small-town romantic suspense book that will have you mesmerised from beginning to end.

Lex and Nancy! A surprising combination for me, but such a great one. And getting to revisit a conversation with old friends well that was something special! Wes might even manage a smile...

Dark clouds are looming... the threat seemed untraceable. Lex is worried yet another of those important to him may be taken from him. Nancy has faith in her teams, but plans never go to plan, how will this one end?

I highly recommend this book. I was stuck in my seat, holding on tight as this one unravelled. It's so exciting!

What are you waiting for?

Happy Reading!

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story that had emotion, trauma and action packed.

When Nancy's nfl son was getting threatening letters, she asked her boss for help and Lex an operative was sent to help.

I liked the relationship that develops between Lex and Nancy. Later in life relationships have a real connection and these two sure had it.

Lex has his emotional scars that he carried and walls built so high. But Nancy wasnt letting him keep them up. But it was Nancy that was breaking them down.

Just an amazing book that i loved each part of it. They were so well suited and that team spirit I loved was still there as well. Highly recommended!

[Stacy Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lex has decided to leave Willow Creek he doesn't think the
town will keep him busy enough to quiet his mind.
Before he can tell his boss he's decided to leave, his boss calls with a job.
Can this job change his mind, will his life change.
I love Nancy she's strong and keeps things running at the office. But when she asks her boss for help
he doesn't think he can personally take it on so he calls in a favor from outside their agency. Nancy doesn't want anyone she works with to know what's going on. So.. enter Lex.
This story has mystery, danger and lots of banter.
I was given a copy and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Heather Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

When he finally decides he’s leaving Willow Creek Security his boss asks him to take on a job he can’t say no to.
Loved Nancy she is the sunshine to Lex’s grumpiness and the epitome of every single parent that has given their all for their children. Couldn’t help the chuckle at Lex’s reaction to first meeting Nancy, how the mighty fall. Throw in an unhinged unexpected villain and you’ve got another great read in this series.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Carolyn Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time, it's grumpy Lex’s turn in the spotlight; and he certainly has his demons. Enter Nancy, all sunshine and cheer, the perfect foil to Lex’s brooding intensity. Their chemistry crackles from the first page, making for a compelling emotional journey.

Elizabella Baker skillfully weaves together romance, suspense, and just the right dash of excitement to keep you turning the pages. And for longtime fans, it’s a treat to reconnect with Wes and familiar faces from Charlie Team.

A satisfying blend of heart-pounding action and heartfelt romance - this one delivers on all fronts.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love reading about moody, alpha males and strong women then this is the book for you. Lex and Nancy were great characters and when Nancy and her family are threatened Lex is assigned to protect them at all costs but through it all Nancy breaks down the walls that Lex has built around himself and helps Lex begin to overcome his PTSD. This was a fast paced story so you will get caught up in all the drama and throughout you get to catch up with some of favourite characters from previous books. It is always great spending time in Willow Creek.

[Teresa Reitnauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lex decided Willow Creek was not a place for him. However, before leaving, he was assigned a protection job. One more job and then he would go. Nancy asked her boss for help, but he farmed it out to someone else. A broken veteran and single mother forced together to find the person threatening her family. They are a perfect fit for a couple. Can he break his curse? Can she break down his wall around his heart? A beautiful love story in a suspenseful situation.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lex and Nancy

This book is lex we have a cross over with Wesley who also runs a security with bravo team and Charlie team and Nancy works for him, when she needs help Wesley asks his friends for help (because she doesn't want to have the teams help) and lex goes to help (think it's only 20 minutes away a town or two over)
Aaron is next but not out yet.
So think I will read Wesley series

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy has had her hands full with taking care of her boys and all the people who work for Wes . They have become her family and now she needs their help but she doesn't want a lot of the teams to know. You can guess how that turned out. Lex is charged with protecting her . He thinks he is cursed but she sees right through him. Nancy and Lex are perfect for each other. I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was exciting to get to return the Wes' team and have Nancy finally get her happy ending. Watching Nancy break down Lex's walls that he built up while Lex helped Nancy deal with her past, just gave all the feels.

This book had everything you could need - a protective alpha hero, strong heroine, suspense, humor and emotions to be worked through along with a necessary happily ever after.

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lex has always been a complicated man, but his bond with Olivia offered glimpses of the softer side beneath the tough exterior. Then came Nancy who completely shattered his walls. The honesty between them is refreshing and deeply moving. The unwavering love and respect shared among the men is just as powerful. With moments that are both heart-wrenching and intense, this story tugs your heart.

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading

I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series and Lex’s story is no exception. I was looking forward to learning more about him since he helped Olivia. Still book is well paced to keep you reading. I did get a little lost with all of the additional characters from Wes’s team but now I want to see if they have their own stories for me to enjoy.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Willow Creek Security series is Lex and Nancy's story. This story captures your attention right from the start and keeps you reading until the end. With action and a surprise twist I didn't see coming, it's the perfect addition to the series! Plus I was glad to see Nancy finally got her happily ever after! An amazing story!!!!!

[Paige Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

Cursed Fox is a good addition to the series, it is filled with a lot of loopholes and holes in the storyline in general. I do think the relationship was too explosive from the beginning without much friendship prior to them dating. I still didn't understand why her ex acted the way he did but it added the drama that the book needed

[Lisa Stainker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Excellent! A heart warming story of a man strong enough to carry the world on his shoulders and an even stronger woman able to heal the pain in his soul. Love those sexy Silver Foxes! Way to go Elizabella Baker!

[Annemarie Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and all the interactions between Wes and Maverick. Lex is a great alpha male and Nancy has always been a favorite throughout all the different series’ I was happy Nancy finally got her book and her HEART

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in this series. This book lets you know what vets go through after the war. When he's asked to protect Nancy, he was scared he would lose her too. She's his saving grace. There's threats to her and her kids, some danger, heat and a HEA.

[Jenn O'Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed Fox is an exciting fast paced, romantic suspense, and book 4 in the Willow Creek Security Series.
I absolutely loved Lex & Nancy's book! I could NOT put this down.
This was another fantastic read and I can't wait for more!