The Marshal

Black Hawke Security #6

by Juliette N. Banks

I never thought I’d leave the US Marshal service, but a Navy SEAL and US Marine twist my arm. Now I’m working with a bunch of special forces in the private sector.

I’m not exactly welcomed with open arms by everyone. Army Ranger, Cole doesn’t want me there. Worse… he’s Caylee’s brother.

My ex.

We never should’ve split, and I want her back.

When my dangerous work and personal life blur, and Caylee’s life is threatened, we have to work together… and that could mean life or death.

THE MARSHAL is a spicy, second-chance military romance with action and suspense. If you love former military and special ops alphas who fall for sassy heroines, then you’ll love the Black Hawke Security series. Each book can be read as a standalone and has a happy ever after.

Genres: Steamy

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2025

About the author

Juliette N. Banks is a romance author who has taken the genre by storm with her steamy contemporary (mafia and billionaire) and paranormal romances.

If you're looking for sexy books with alpha heroes you'll fall in love with, then grab one of Juliette's free books and adopt a new book boyfriend today!

Juliette has a vast background in consumer marketing and was previously published with Random House. She lives in New Zealand with Tilly, her Maine Coon kitty, and travels frequently.

Reviews

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake, ex Deputy US Marshal, is the new guy on the block in the Black Hawks Security and not Cole's favorite, after he dated his sister Caylee before. Now he wants her back, but his shameful family secret is a huge boulder between them. The chemistry is of the charts and plenty of spice. Entwined in their love story is a child trafficking case. It took a kidnapping for Jake to finally wake up. A spicy romance I finished in a day.

[Doroteja · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was intense and spicy. I loved it. Only thing I would say is to be very cerful with the triggers. I didn't read them and was slightly uncomftorble with some chapters. But it was sooo good writting.

[Kim Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a little more time until I decided to read this. Honestly, I didn’t know what to feel when I heard this one was going to be released, mainly because Jake was a brand new character we get introduced to in the last book and I felt like there should have been others who got their books first before him. Then to top it off, it was a second chance romance and I’m not a big fan of those unless the plot pulls me. This one kind of did, but I think I was more annoyed that we weren’t getting a book of someone who’s been there all this time and instead about a character who shows up out of the blue. This story ended up not being bad, I liked it better than the last one I think but I couldn’t get past Jake’s blatant secrecy of his family and not wanting to talk about them. As someone who is very much into my family and proud of them, this bothered me. I know it bothered Caylee too, and rightly so. It’s questionable after you’ve been dating someone a while and they go out of their way to not introduce their family or do outings and things with them. It does make you wonder and show that you are definitely hiding something. It’s crazy too because Jake is so loving and sensual when him and Caylee sleep together but you feel like you only get half of him. I didn’t feel like I really knew him, despite the fact that as the reader we know everything that goes on, thoughts, dreams and desires. It felt like I was living his life with a veil on and I didn’t care too much for that. Then the fact that he ends up just stringing Caylee along for his own selfishness making her think she’ll get to know him on a deeper level but it never happens and everything is so hush hush. I get the missions need to stay quiet but I feel like I knew more about that than Jake. It’s not like he was a bad person, he just dealt with shame and mental bullying from his parents that he feels like the reason they are estranged is because they blame him for what happened like he doesn’t already carry it all. In a way I did sympathize with him but at the same time, Caylee needed to know what was going on. All his actions bothered me but yet the story was good and it kept me hooked. Of course he doesn’t wake up and realize how much Caylee means to him until the very end when her life is in danger. Unsurprisingly, it was enough to finally get him to open up and talk about his shame, guilt and what he is put through. Then on top of that, the mission Jake is put on was hard to read about, especially when you get the suspect’s point of view. It was disgusting and so uncomfortable which is also the other reason this stayed a 4 for me. Juliette really knows how to push a reader’s limits. I’m just glad there wasn’t too much of it, but what you do get is a few point of views that have you gasping and clutching your pearls but also really makes you squirm, and not in a good way. I have no doubt the other book that has questionable morals from a different series will also do the same, maybe even more so. The subject for the mission that Jake is put on is triggering, even for me even though I haven’t experienced it and hope I never do. It was hard to read and I wish I could have skipped over those chapters but they were vital to the plot and opens up to just how sick the suspect is. The mission itself doesn’t last very long but it has an impact and luckily it gets taken care of in the span of 2-3 chapters, unlike the last books. I think in this case, Juliette wanted to focus on the mission but wanted to put more thought into Jake and Caylee’s relationship, especially with how rocky it was due to his family issues. I do appreciate that Juliette put more effort and thought into that rather than another mission but for Pete’s sake! She could have not let it drag out and cause the frustration on my part with Jake. Cole’s attitude and animosity about Jake didn’t help either. I didn’t like that here Jake is trying to make an impression in his new job but Cole continuously makes it harder for him. Once you pass the hurdle of Caylee almost getting killed, the book got so much better. Jake was happy, he opened up and stopped being so closed off. It felt like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulder. It’s just too bad it happens too late in the story. It was an overall good book, intense moments, hairs standing on end just from what the suspect was doing but it also did have annoyances, frustrations and uncomfortable subjects making this a 4. Liam’s book seems more spicy and playful. I am curious how that will turn out.

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Marshal” is the sixth book in the “Black Hawke Security Series.” It is a steamy second chance love, military romance with spice and tons of suspense and action. If you love former military and special ops alphas who fall for sassy heroines, then you’ll love the Black Hawke Security series. Jake Murphy is an ex US Marshal and now works for Black Hawke Security. Caylee Zimbardo is a dental assistant and is Cole’s sister. Her brother is not happy about their relationship….Jake has a lot of family baggage that he has never shared with anyone. “This burden is mine to carry with me in this life and a shame so deep that I could never share it with a romantic partner. Not to mention our family is very private about our business.” Will he eventually open up to her before it is too late for their relationship? Will he take that leap and give them a chance?

A thoroughly enjoyable read from one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. You will fall in love with Jake and Caylee, hoping that everything with work out for them. The sexual tension starts from the moment they meet and only gets stronger - it is HOT. Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Jake and Caylee.

“Her attraction to me is on display in her eyes and the way she holds herself, flicking her hair over her shoulder. I’m not hiding mine, either.”

“His sexy laugh against my neck is not doing anything to help. I try to turn in his arms, but he’s too strong, and that makes him even sexier to me.”

The book has so many twists and turns - from page to page, chapter to chapter, you will not be able to put it down! The story is intriguing from the start and I could not put it down. A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. To be quite honest, you will not be able to put this book down - I cannot wait for the next book in this series. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[Neena · Rating 4 out of 5]

TROPES:
❤️ Second chance love
❤️ Former US Marshal
❤️ Paramilitary private security
❤️ Hot and steamy
❤️ Takes a punch for her
❤️ Car chase & suspense (& see Ryder from The Bodyguard back in action)

Jake Murphy (age 31) is a Deputy US Marshall. After his cousin went missing as a child he wanted to do something to help missing kids. He’s decided to join BHS where he gets re-acquainted with his ex who happens to be his co-worker, Cole.
Caylee Zimbardo (age 29) is a dental assistant. She is also Cole’s sister. She dated Jake but they broke up since were always arguing. While she’s falling hard for him, she also thinks he's a lost cause.

This book has spice, action and romance similar to the other BHS books. Jake’s banter with Cole along with all the other BHS couples was fun to read.

Liam (the Pilot) is next, and we get a tiny glimpse of his naughty heroine at the end.

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake And Caylee
Jake is a former US Marschal and the newest addition to Black Hawke Security. Due to family trauma he used to work with NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children) and on his first day with BHS he’s thrown into a new case with an FBI undercover agent. Just met his ex, who turned out to be Cole’s sister, his attention is divided. He has a secret about his parents that has formed him since his puberty and he’s too ashamed of to tell anybody, not even Caylee. Until it looks like he might lose her forever, forcing him to make a choice. A thrilling story, giving a chilling picture of still existing child trafficking and what guilt and shame imprinted by parents can do to a child, lingering and defining adult life. Enjoyed it (lacked a bit of humor…)

[Michelle Alleyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better with each book! I was not disappointed, not that I thought I would because I love her writing! Jake and Caylee’s romance takes you on a wild journey of intrigue, danger and action. The drama is non stop. The story is so relatable on so many levels and causes you to stop and think. I love how Juliette dealt with such a sensitive topic and how it was handled. In the midst of the chaos and drama, Jake and Caylee eventually made their way back to each other in spite of Jake’s family issues. The intimate scenes were spicy and hot 🥵 and I finished the book with a smile on my face. 😊

[Caitie Wooters · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a spicy, second-chance romance with some action and suspense. Caylee and Jake “dated” months ago, and now they’ve run into each other again. The first time didn’t work out so well, but Caylee is ready to try again. Jake, not so much. Until Caylee is kidnapped and he has to rescue her.

The pace of this book is great, and I like how Jake works through his family issues to help himself let go and move on so that he and Caylee can have a real relationship.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marshall will keep you gripping each page as you turn them because the storyline is so great. I wanted to jump in the book and shake Jake to make him realize what he needed to do for himself and Caylee. Their chemistry is off the charts and their denied love for each other makes you want to shake them.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and Caylee have a past together. One that may just keep them from their epic love story. She has to overcome her reluctance and mistrust and Jake well he has issues that require more than a tissue but near death experiences and late night confessions can lead to fairy tale like happily ever afters.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from Juliette ! I love this series… great characters, and plots. The BHS security team are all ex military and very good at their jobs , and being tough guys! But then they also all have a softer side to show with their ladies and their families. Lots of banter as to be expected in a group of alpha males!! Can’t wait for The Pilot !!

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combustible chemistry between Jake and Caylee keep you turning the pages. As you figure out what drives Jake you can’t help but root for him to get the girl. Add in a tough personal case and you won’t be able to put this book down. High on the list of favorites from Juliette.

[Heather Brown- maddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combustible chemistry between Jake and Caylee keep you turning the pages. As you figure out what drives Jake you can’t help but root for him to get the girl. Add in a tough personal case and you won’t be able to put this book down. High on the list of favorites from Juliette.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me flipping to the next page so fast ...I could not read it fast enough! The hurdles in their way seem insurmountable. You will be cheering for Jake and Caylee the whole way through!

[Terri Dye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marshal is a fantastic read! It's a steamy and delicious HEA but also an action filled, thought provoking book. I've loved all of this series so far but this one is my favorite.

[Brenda Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page Turner

I really enjoyed this story. I actually feel another book is needed for these two. There are some loose ends that needed to be addressed.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐
Not my favourite book in this series.

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

swoons-ville ;ppppp