What do you think?
Rate this book
Challenging Jayce (Special Forces: Operation Alpha)
As a romance author, Kennedy knows all about happily ever afters. She just never thought they were for her. She was happier writing about her fantasies than living them out.
Until Jayce Pierce came along.
But Jayce is nothing like the book boyfriends she’s used to writing about. He’s grumpy, full of hate, and has a chip on his shoulder.
All Jayce ever wanted in life was a family he could take care of. But when his ex-wife cheated on him, he vowed to never make that mistake again.
Now fifteen years later, he was about to learn that everything he thought he knew had been a lie. He has a fifteen-year-old son named Michael who was raised by another man. And Michael’s life could now be in danger.
It will be up to Jayce to find what other secrets have been hidden from him and how he can keep his son from the consequences of his mother.
Until Jayce Pierce came along.
But Jayce is nothing like the book boyfriends she’s used to writing about. He’s grumpy, full of hate, and has a chip on his shoulder.
All Jayce ever wanted in life was a family he could take care of. But when his ex-wife cheated on him, he vowed to never make that mistake again.
Now fifteen years later, he was about to learn that everything he thought he knew had been a lie. He has a fifteen-year-old son named Michael who was raised by another man. And Michael’s life could now be in danger.
It will be up to Jayce to find what other secrets have been hidden from him and how he can keep his son from the consequences of his mother.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
33 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Elizabella Baker
56 books943 followersElizabella 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 13, 2025
It's not just sad. It's heartbreaking.
Throughout the series so far Jayce has been the dark, growly, grumpy one who is abrupt, rude and frequently an ass. Here we find out why, which is heartbreaking enough, but the fact that he has punished himself for it for the last 15 years...is devastating. Under the scowls and terse words is a man who loves deeply and completely, and the only way he can protect his very soft heart is to close it off completely. He is fanatical about not lying to people and trusts few, but he is fair - as evidenced with his treatment of Shaun. When the truth is finally revealed he may not like the guy, but he treats him with respect and gives him credit with Michael...and this makes me love him more. I also have to respect Shaun and his determination in this situation too.
Kennedy is perfect for Jayce and I love that she doesn't just break through his walls but she smashes them into rubble. She is strong, feisty, truthfully blunt and to the point - exactly what Jayce needs and she loves without reservation. I love that there is no subterfuge or games between them, it's refreshing, messy, hopeful, a steep learning curve and very, very beautiful.
Another fantastic addition to the series and this time we get Annie, Frankie, Fletch and Hollywood as our crossover into Susan Stoker's World, a lovely change to the more popular characters that are frequently used. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Throughout the series so far Jayce has been the dark, growly, grumpy one who is abrupt, rude and frequently an ass. Here we find out why, which is heartbreaking enough, but the fact that he has punished himself for it for the last 15 years...is devastating. Under the scowls and terse words is a man who loves deeply and completely, and the only way he can protect his very soft heart is to close it off completely. He is fanatical about not lying to people and trusts few, but he is fair - as evidenced with his treatment of Shaun. When the truth is finally revealed he may not like the guy, but he treats him with respect and gives him credit with Michael...and this makes me love him more. I also have to respect Shaun and his determination in this situation too.
Kennedy is perfect for Jayce and I love that she doesn't just break through his walls but she smashes them into rubble. She is strong, feisty, truthfully blunt and to the point - exactly what Jayce needs and she loves without reservation. I love that there is no subterfuge or games between them, it's refreshing, messy, hopeful, a steep learning curve and very, very beautiful.
Another fantastic addition to the series and this time we get Annie, Frankie, Fletch and Hollywood as our crossover into Susan Stoker's World, a lovely change to the more popular characters that are frequently used. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
April 27, 2025
Wow, A powerful and heartfelt story unfolds, filled with raw emotion and piercing truths. Jayce, burdened by deep wounds, is plagued by his grumpy, irritable, and cantankerous demeanor—a reflection of a heartbreak shattered by his ex-wife. She not only betrayed him but twisted everything he thought he knew about friendship, deception lurking behind a seemingly innocent facade. The pain runs even deeper when, after her tragic death, a shocking secret is ripped open—Jayce is the father of Shaun’s long-loved child, a secret hidden for fifteen agonizing years. The revelation of her treacherous lies cuts like a knife, exposing the depths of her betrayal. Fueled by fury and a desperate need for justice, Jayce and the relentless team from Kringle Security, alongside brave allies Annie, Frankie Sanders, Fletch, and Hollywood, fight with unyielding determination to protect what’s right and keep everyone safe from the darkness that threatens to consume them all.
May 13, 2025
ARC READER:
SOOO GOOD. Although I mean it's Elizabella. cannot go wrong with her.
This is Jayce, and Kennedy's story. They are great together. Jayce spent years thinking his ex cheated on him with his friend, and gotten pregnant, when it turns out it was his. He didn't find out until 15 years later when she died, and it was a surprise to the person considered dad the whole time. Kennedy is the son's Aunt. Who by the way NEVER liked her sister in law. It turns out this wasn't the only secret his ex was keeping, and it's now putting the family in danger. She was doing some bad things on the side. A lot of this book is about Jayce adjusting to learning he has been a parent for 15 years, and he didn't know it. The other part is figuring out why his family is in danger, and how they fix it. It was a shorter book than usual but it doesn't make it any less great.
SOOO GOOD. Although I mean it's Elizabella. cannot go wrong with her.
This is Jayce, and Kennedy's story. They are great together. Jayce spent years thinking his ex cheated on him with his friend, and gotten pregnant, when it turns out it was his. He didn't find out until 15 years later when she died, and it was a surprise to the person considered dad the whole time. Kennedy is the son's Aunt. Who by the way NEVER liked her sister in law. It turns out this wasn't the only secret his ex was keeping, and it's now putting the family in danger. She was doing some bad things on the side. A lot of this book is about Jayce adjusting to learning he has been a parent for 15 years, and he didn't know it. The other part is figuring out why his family is in danger, and how they fix it. It was a shorter book than usual but it doesn't make it any less great.
May 13, 2025
Elizabella Baker continues to deliver with another compelling installment in her captivating series. This time, the spotlight is on the enigmatic and grumpy Jayce, a character we've encountered in previous books. In this novella, we finally uncover the dark secrets Jayce has been hiding, and Kennedy proves to be the perfect counterbalance to his brooding nature. Feisty, determined, and unwilling to back down, Kennedy is relentless in her efforts to break through Jayce’s defenses.
Alongside Jayce and Kennedy’s story, readers also get the chance to reconnect with beloved characters from Kringle Security and Susan Stoker’s World, adding a rich layer of continuity and familiarity to the narrative. Though a quick read, this novella is packed with emotional depth and gripping moments that make it thoroughly enjoyable. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
Alongside Jayce and Kennedy’s story, readers also get the chance to reconnect with beloved characters from Kringle Security and Susan Stoker’s World, adding a rich layer of continuity and familiarity to the narrative. Though a quick read, this novella is packed with emotional depth and gripping moments that make it thoroughly enjoyable. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
May 20, 2025
His past still holds him back more than a decade later. Then truths come to light that change everything.
Loved how Kennedy saw more to Jayce than he presented to the world. She was the perfect foil to his grumpy a$$.
This was a shorter read, but packed with so much. You could feel the changes coming over Jayce as all he ever wanted started to fall in place. Michael too adds to this story as he is so well adjusted considering the revelations being thrown at him, but a wee bit his own person as well.
The villains got eliminated by not only the Kringle Security guys, but some of my favourite, well-loved characters from Susan Stokers books. So all round a totally great read and one to add to a TBR pile.
Austin’s story is hopefully be next.
I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Loved how Kennedy saw more to Jayce than he presented to the world. She was the perfect foil to his grumpy a$$.
This was a shorter read, but packed with so much. You could feel the changes coming over Jayce as all he ever wanted started to fall in place. Michael too adds to this story as he is so well adjusted considering the revelations being thrown at him, but a wee bit his own person as well.
The villains got eliminated by not only the Kringle Security guys, but some of my favourite, well-loved characters from Susan Stokers books. So all round a totally great read and one to add to a TBR pile.
Austin’s story is hopefully be next.
I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
April 24, 2025
Kennedy and Jayce shouldn’t work. Right? I mean, she’s a reminder of all he’s lost. He’s the guy who could rip away one of her favorite reasons for living. And the sparks definitely fly when they’re in the same space. Those sparks aren’t all about fiction and animosity though. At least, not the friction that animosity brings. Oh, no. They have something else brewing that refuses to be ignored.
This is fast, yet incredibly informative. It’s a novella, but brings some faces you might already know and the depth that a longer read would in the plot sense. And it also brings a whole lot of love, second chances, and healing. So I loved this and already can’t wait for Austin’s turn at figuring out how to make some happiness work for himself.
This is fast, yet incredibly informative. It’s a novella, but brings some faces you might already know and the depth that a longer read would in the plot sense. And it also brings a whole lot of love, second chances, and healing. So I loved this and already can’t wait for Austin’s turn at figuring out how to make some happiness work for himself.
May 18, 2025
Now we know why Jayce was always grump in previous books and I loved reading his story although it is somewhat heart breaking. The last 15 years have been full of so much deceit and lies and Jayce did not know what he was walking into when he received word that his ex had passed away and his former friend was trying to get in touch with him. The emotions were raw and real and the unfolding storyline was not what we were expecting of Jayce’s ex wife. I loved that in this book Jayce finally allowed a woman back into his life and Kennedy was just perfect for him. Although this was not a full length novel it was a great addition to this series and it gave us a great insight into Jayce and the reasoning behind his persona.
May 27, 2025
Jayce is a member of the Kringle Security Group. He is a grumpy loner that was done wrong about 16 years ago and has never allowed a woman to get close to him again. His wife cheated with one of his best friends and left him high and dry. Jayce receives a disturbing call all these years later and wants to talk. Jayce drops everything and drives the hour to go see his ex friend. He is surprised by a letter written by his ex wife that tells him that the son she claimed was his friends was really Jayce’s son. Shaun suspected that he was Jayce’s son but never knew for sure. This is a really quick read but worth every second! I loved the story and the romance between Joyce and Shaun’s sister. Great chemistry! Steamy!
June 4, 2025
Addictive, heartbreaking, well-written and emotional but one that you just can't put down.
We are finally given an insight into Jayce and his brooding character. From the suspense of finding out what his ex was up to, the discovery of a new family member, Jayce had a lot on his plate. We discover why he is the way he is, and it breaks my heart. But when Kennedy walks in, all hell breaks loose, and his life takes a turn for the better. Kennedy is a take no crap from anyone type of person. She not only gave Jayce a what-for, but she didn't let him get away with anything. She wanted to protect the ones she loves just like Jayce, and that is why they are perfect for one another.
The epilogue gave us a little teaser into Austin's story, which is the next one in the series.
We are finally given an insight into Jayce and his brooding character. From the suspense of finding out what his ex was up to, the discovery of a new family member, Jayce had a lot on his plate. We discover why he is the way he is, and it breaks my heart. But when Kennedy walks in, all hell breaks loose, and his life takes a turn for the better. Kennedy is a take no crap from anyone type of person. She not only gave Jayce a what-for, but she didn't let him get away with anything. She wanted to protect the ones she loves just like Jayce, and that is why they are perfect for one another.
The epilogue gave us a little teaser into Austin's story, which is the next one in the series.
May 13, 2025
Jayce works for Kringle Security.
Luke is Jayce’s boss.
Shaun is his former best friend.
Jasmine is Jayce’s ex wife.
Michael is Jayce’s son.
Kennedy is Shaun’s sister.
Jayce and Kennedy meet, when Jayce goes visit his former friend about his ex wife, Jasmine and finds out he has a teenage son.
The attraction and chemistry is igniting to explosive fireworks.
Can Jayce and his team keep Kennedy, Shaun and Michael from the mess his ex wife made and have a Happily Ever After? You will have to read the book to find out what happens.
This book has intrigue, some twists, turns N LOTS OF EMOTION AND DRAMA.
Great Job Elizabella Baker !!!
Luke is Jayce’s boss.
Shaun is his former best friend.
Jasmine is Jayce’s ex wife.
Michael is Jayce’s son.
Kennedy is Shaun’s sister.
Jayce and Kennedy meet, when Jayce goes visit his former friend about his ex wife, Jasmine and finds out he has a teenage son.
The attraction and chemistry is igniting to explosive fireworks.
Can Jayce and his team keep Kennedy, Shaun and Michael from the mess his ex wife made and have a Happily Ever After? You will have to read the book to find out what happens.
This book has intrigue, some twists, turns N LOTS OF EMOTION AND DRAMA.
Great Job Elizabella Baker !!!
June 24, 2025
not what I expected!
Wow. I was not expecting this plot line. Jayce is the quiet one. The one we never got to really know. Loyal to a fault. But completely closed down.
In this story we find out why. It wasn’t his time in the military that left him broken, it was his ex wife. And oh boyo did Elizabella come up with a right bi@t#h!!! I was so happy she was already dead, and I’m not normally a mean person!
Not going to give spoilers. Jayce and Kennedy’s story is one of found family, blood family and the power of those ties. I absolutely loved it. And Annie and Frankie! IYKYK.
12/10 recommend y’all. Can’t wait for the next one!
Wow. I was not expecting this plot line. Jayce is the quiet one. The one we never got to really know. Loyal to a fault. But completely closed down.
In this story we find out why. It wasn’t his time in the military that left him broken, it was his ex wife. And oh boyo did Elizabella come up with a right bi@t#h!!! I was so happy she was already dead, and I’m not normally a mean person!
Not going to give spoilers. Jayce and Kennedy’s story is one of found family, blood family and the power of those ties. I absolutely loved it. And Annie and Frankie! IYKYK.
12/10 recommend y’all. Can’t wait for the next one!
May 7, 2025
Short suspenseful and full of family emotion.
When Kringle Security operative, Jayce gets a letter that his ex had died and he had a15 year old son he didn't know about, he goes on a trip to meet Michael his son and Kennedy his son's Aunt.
I enjoyed the twists and turns through this, along with the family feel good moments. Poor Jayce sure had to tough and carried an attitude to justify that. But Kennedy saw through all that to the real heart of him. I liked the whole family dynamic and the slow build romance.
Great story and a wonderful feel good ending!!
When Kringle Security operative, Jayce gets a letter that his ex had died and he had a15 year old son he didn't know about, he goes on a trip to meet Michael his son and Kennedy his son's Aunt.
I enjoyed the twists and turns through this, along with the family feel good moments. Poor Jayce sure had to tough and carried an attitude to justify that. But Kennedy saw through all that to the real heart of him. I liked the whole family dynamic and the slow build romance.
Great story and a wonderful feel good ending!!
May 28, 2025
Wow!!!
Jayce has spent the last 15 years angry. It only grew more when he finds out his ex lied about his son.
Jayce has just found out his ex has passed and not only lied to him, but the man she left him for, his friend.
Kennedy moved in with her brother to help raise her nephew. When she meets Jayce for the first time, she really doesn't like him.
Jayce has found out some more interesting stuff about his ex and will now be heading to Mexico. He meets Annie and Frankie for help.
This is an amazing story. Can't wait to see where this series goes.
Jayce has spent the last 15 years angry. It only grew more when he finds out his ex lied about his son.
Jayce has just found out his ex has passed and not only lied to him, but the man she left him for, his friend.
Kennedy moved in with her brother to help raise her nephew. When she meets Jayce for the first time, she really doesn't like him.
Jayce has found out some more interesting stuff about his ex and will now be heading to Mexico. He meets Annie and Frankie for help.
This is an amazing story. Can't wait to see where this series goes.
April 29, 2025
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. A fast paced read, with the Kringle security team up in action protecting their own and taking down the danger coming for Michael. Though there wasn't a lot of plot development, the action, banter and bond between the characters, and chemistry between Jayce and Kennedy kept me turning the pages. Finished it in one afternoon and looking forward to Austin's story next.
April 30, 2025
Welcome back to Kringle security. EB does it again with an amazing story. The guys of Dribble have been friends for almost 2 decades and have each other backs no matter what. Grumpy Jayce cares only if he lays his head down and gas in his truck. One day his boss calls him on and his world is rocked again. What then leads him to a women they may heal his heart. As we know the road to love is not easy. Secrets will be revealed. Get ready for another amazing story.
May 21, 2025
Another one bites the dust! Woohoo! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Challenging Jayce (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) is Elizabella Baker's Book 3 in her Kringle Security Series is a high momentum romantic suspense thriller/protector romance read that draws you into the intrigue from the start.
Oh my! Clear your schedule because you will not be putting this book down before you are done! Oh, and remember to breathe.
The pace of the book is around 'he came, he saw, he conquered' speed. Jayce's attitude to the world is a surly grumpy impatient character, with a fairly well-founded excuse, and his ex did a number on him – What a piece of work!
Kennedy is a sweet, kind and adorable romance writer but make no mistake, don't mess with her family! Her brother and nephew are her world. Until…
What comes next is an intensely riveting action adventure with delightfully spicy interludes. Beware the twist as you hold tightly to your seat praying for the team's safety, clasping desperately on to the promised happy ending.
What are you waiting for?
♥️ Happy Reading ♥️
Challenging Jayce (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) is Elizabella Baker's Book 3 in her Kringle Security Series is a high momentum romantic suspense thriller/protector romance read that draws you into the intrigue from the start.
Oh my! Clear your schedule because you will not be putting this book down before you are done! Oh, and remember to breathe.
The pace of the book is around 'he came, he saw, he conquered' speed. Jayce's attitude to the world is a surly grumpy impatient character, with a fairly well-founded excuse, and his ex did a number on him – What a piece of work!
Kennedy is a sweet, kind and adorable romance writer but make no mistake, don't mess with her family! Her brother and nephew are her world. Until…
What comes next is an intensely riveting action adventure with delightfully spicy interludes. Beware the twist as you hold tightly to your seat praying for the team's safety, clasping desperately on to the promised happy ending.
What are you waiting for?
♥️ Happy Reading ♥️
April 25, 2025
Book three in the Kringle Security series is just what we needed to bring Jayce into the fold. Always grumpy Jayce gets blindsided with news he never saw coming. Fifteen years after getting cheated on by his ex wife he never thought he would open his heart again. But Kennedy a romance writer might just write his HEA! Great characters and old friends!
May 3, 2025
Inspite his brash & unflinching ways, Jayce does find his way into your hearts. Getting knocked over by life, he doesn't do nice but seeing him soften over his son & Kennedy definitely hits the spot. You get a simple direct man who does what he needs to protect his & what can be more sexy? Hot emotions, chemistry, banter, love & quick actions done brilliantly.
May 7, 2025
Challenging Jayce is book 3 in the exciting Kringle Security Series.
Jayce gave up on relationships and love after his ex-wife did a number on him.
15 years later, he finds out she hid a son from him.
Kennedy is his son's aunt, and these two butt heads from the moment they meet.
The tension between them is off the charts.
This is a short, suspenseful steamy read that I really enjoyed.
Jayce gave up on relationships and love after his ex-wife did a number on him.
15 years later, he finds out she hid a son from him.
Kennedy is his son's aunt, and these two butt heads from the moment they meet.
The tension between them is off the charts.
This is a short, suspenseful steamy read that I really enjoyed.
May 11, 2025
Jayce has sentenced himself to a life alone until a determined romance author named Kennedy shows him what happens when you learn to forgive. The pages fly by; hours pass quickly and then boom💥💥💥...it's over too soon! I highly recommend curling up in your favorite chair, grabbing a snack, and getting lost in this incredible story. You won’t regret it.
April 26, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. Jayce has to come to grips with what his ex wife did. In dealing with this injustice he finds love and has to open up when he never thought he could. I truly loved the character development and the way forgiveness played a part in this story.
April 30, 2025
Another great addition to this series, although I thought it was tame compared to some. Joyce received some news about his ex wife after 15 years and he's not happy. Some danger towards the end. HEA.
April 30, 2025
WOW…what an emotional, heart racing romance for both Jayce and Kennedy when the past meets the present in a bizarre turn of fate and a manipulative dead ex throws their lives into turmoil. Grab this all of the feels journey and enjoy!♥️♥️♥️
May 12, 2025
A terrific installment in this series! An amazing story of overcoming past hurts and finding true love. I loved Jayce and Kennedy! A wonderful book that proves this series is only getting better and better!
May 13, 2025
I loved reading this story. From betrayal of wife and best friend,
to years of secrets. Is there anyway to overcome what life has thrown at you.
Can you forgive. Mystery, emotional.
This story held me from start to finish.
I was given a copy and I voluntarily leave this review.
to years of secrets. Is there anyway to overcome what life has thrown at you.
Can you forgive. Mystery, emotional.
This story held me from start to finish.
I was given a copy and I voluntarily leave this review.
July 7, 2025
amazing
Love each story more and more. I wait in anticipation for each one. My heart broke for Jayce, Michael, and Shaun. Laughed at Kennedy’s ferociousness. And cheered for all of them. Wonderful and can’t wait for Austin’s!
Love each story more and more. I wait in anticipation for each one. My heart broke for Jayce, Michael, and Shaun. Laughed at Kennedy’s ferociousness. And cheered for all of them. Wonderful and can’t wait for Austin’s!
April 25, 2025
I loved Jayce. He’s all alpha and growly. Kennedy is super protective of her family. There’s a little suspense. It’s a quick read that will leave you happy.
May 26, 2025
Jayce and Kennedy's story. A quick read. The story could be fleshed out, and the characters need more substance.
June 25, 2025
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
July 27, 2025
Oh my his life is about to be turned upside down, will he be ok with it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews