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He never lets anyone in.

Slade “Digger” Garrison doesn’t get close. Not when it comes to women. But there’s just something about the sultry voice in his ear during every op he and his team take on. So when the spunky tech genius who helps keep him and his teammates alive goes missing, Slade is tasked with being the one to find her and bring her home. He isn’t quite sure what to expect, but the one thing he knows…the woman they all call Shadow is trouble with a capital T.

But she’s different.

Shadow is a lot of things to a lot of people, but mainly, she’s a daughter looking for revenge. When a dream turns her reality into a dangerous nightmare, her father assigns one of his men as her personal protector. There’s just one problem with that plan. A lot of problems, really. But one main one she isn’t quite sure how to handle. Because Digger...the leader of the elite Tac-Ops hostage rescue group…yeah, he’s the one man on the team she’d looked forward to meeting the most.

It turns out, she’s…everything.

Thrust together by a firestorm of bullets, explosions, and murder, Shadow and Digger are forced to hide away from the rest of the world. The more time they spend together, the more they realize their not quite as opposite as they seem. And though it’s not what either of them had planned, it’s not long before they shift from co-workers, to friends, and then so much more.

But when the worst happens, and both Shadow and her father are taken against their will, it seems as if the dream Digger was only just beginning to believe in was just that. A dream.

With help from Baker Rawlins, and the rest of the Tac-Ops team, he’ll stop at nothing to find the woman he loves before it’s too late.

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2025

668 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Anna Blakely

59 books999 followers
Author of the exciting R.I.S.C. Series, Anna Blakely brings you stories of love, action, and edge of your seat suspense. As an avid reader herself, Anna writes what she loves...strong, Alpha heroes and the intelligent, independent heroines they love.

Anna's dream is to create stories her readers will enjoy, and characters they'll fall in love with as much as she has. She believes in true love and Happily Ever After, which is what she will bring to you.

Anna lives in rural Missouri with her husband and children, as well as several rescued animals. When she's not writing, Anna enjoys reading, watching action and horror movies (the scarier the better), and spending time with her amazing family.

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5 stars
874 (66%)
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331 (25%)
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98 (7%)
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17 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
573 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2025
The story itself was good. But I cannot give a 4 or 5 rating due to all of the editing problems. There were not just grammatical and spelling problems, but procedural problems as well.

One problem that I have seen before I believe is some kind of incompatibility with Kindle and the book format. At the beginning of several chapters are a series of letters that have no meaning. Such as: UBD-PQT TB .....

For spelling mistake examples: "Alic" instead of "Alice" and "eeither" instead of "either." In several instances there were words left out. There were also occasions when extra words were added.

Toward the end of the book, it was stated that Stanton pulled a pistol from his pocket. Three pages later he pulled a pistol from his pocket. Since he only had one gun, there was no way he would repeat what he had already done.

Bones accused Slade of picking up a tail when they left the hospital after the bombing. Since Slade was in the backseat with Shadow, there was no way he could have been driving.

Problems with editing messes up the flow of reading. I know I am picky, but it is habit. I read assigned papers and dissertations for years. I was always marking mistakes to be corrected. Even though I am retired, I still can't get away from making note of mistakes.

I did like the characters of Slade and Alice. It seemed that a lot had been brewing between the two for a long time even though they had never met in person. I have enjoyed reading the series.

I skipped the teaser at the end for the next book in the new series. I would rather read that book fresh. I will go back and read the teaser if necessary when the new book comes out.
Profile Image for Terri Lynn.
75 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2025
Anna Blakely's "Slade's Vow" completely captivated me from the haunting prologue to the satisfying conclusion. The story of Slade "Digger" Garrison and the mysterious tech specialist known as Shadow had me on the edge of my seat while simultaneously melting my heart.

What makes this book stand out is the perfect balance between the sizzling romance and the high-stakes suspense. The chemistry between Slade and Shadow develops beautifully as they're forced into hiding together. Their transition from colleagues to something much deeper feels natural despite the extraordinary circumstances surrounding them.

The backstory involving Shadow's past is brilliantly woven throughout the narrative, giving her character real depth and making her quest for justice emotionally compelling. Blakely doesn't shy away from darker themes, but handles them with sensitivity while maintaining the tension.

The action sequences are meticulously crafted, and the tight-knit dynamics of the Tac-Ops team add another layer to the story that makes you invested in every character. Baker Rawlins and the other team members shine in their supporting roles, making me eager to read more books in this series.

If you enjoy protective alpha heroes, strong and capable heroines, and romance that develops under high-pressure situations, "Slade's Vow" delivers on all fronts. Anna Blakely has crafted a page-turner that deserves a place on every romantic suspense lover's bookshelf!
Profile Image for JP.
188 reviews
August 18, 2025
Yet another terrible FMC

Why can’t we get an FMC who doesn’t make me want to throw the book at the wall?

I liked Shadow from the previous books, but now I’m hoping I never have to read about her again in any future books.

She’s Darwin Award worthy, witless, and spoiled. True sass should be more than just being mouthy, impetuous, and stubborn for the mere sake of being stubborn. She acted like a spoiled teenager and rarely used that supposedly big brain of hers. And I cringed every time she pathetically threw herself at the MMC. I absolutely could not stand her by the end of the book.

And can we permanently dispose of “let’s go off to a remote cabin alone to keep her safe” as a cheap plot device? These guys are supposed to be elite operators and they just keep making the dumbest mistakes and decisions. How could they not check their car for a tracker?? How did they not realize they keep falling for ruses? How could they run off to the hit guy’s house with no plan and leave the FMC with just her dad for protection??

Also, this author REALLY, REALLY needs to pay a proofreader…so many easy-to-catch errors in this and nearly all of her other books.
Profile Image for Yvonne S.
249 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2025
Could have been better

With Slade’s Vow, book four in Anna Blakely’s Tactical Operations series, I’ve reached the end of the run. Let’s just say: it wasn’t terrible, but I doubt I’ll pick up another book by this author.

We’ve gotten to know Slade Garrison (aka Digger) and Alice Owens (aka Shadow) over the course of the series, and this installment finally gives us their story. Shadow has gone missing, and her father (and Digger’s boss), Rafe Owen, assigns Digger to find and protect her. Shadow is tracking the powerful man who killed her mother twenty-six years ago, and she’s surprised when Digger locates her. The action kicks off immediately when someone shoots at them, prompting Digger to take her back to the Tac-Ops office to regroup with the team and plan her protection. Though they’ve never met, the two were drawn to each other just from the sound of the other’s voice. When they finally meet, the attraction deepens, but Digger, not one for relationships, resists.

I appreciated that this final book broke slightly from the formula of the previous three, which followed a predictable pattern: kidnapping, rescue, falling in love, another kidnapping, and then the HEA. In Slade’s Vow, Shadow isn’t kidnapped, she’s actively hunting her mother’s killer and is dragged back home by Digger.

That said, the writing in this book didn’t measure up to the earlier installments. While the storytelling was still present, the novel suffered from numerous proofreading issues and clunky sentence construction. Add to that the plot holes and lapses in logic, and the flaws became hard to ignore.

For example, Shadow sets out to confront a powerful senator (Michael Stanton) on her own, but at the first sign of danger, she would’ve been killed if Digger hadn’t intervened. The fact that Digger easily overpowers her—before she even knows who he is—already signals that her mission is doomed. She simply doesn’t have the skills. Later, while in the safehouse, Digger hears a noise followed by the alarm. He rushes out to investigate, and Shadow asks, “Where are you going?” Seriously?

One of the bigger issues was the lack of logic in the suspense. Stanton, who killed Shadow’s mother, hires someone to eliminate her rather than doing it himself, which is understandable, given his presidential campaign and need to appear squeaky clean. But at the climax, when Shadow and her father are captured, Stanton suddenly decides to do the killing himself, with no explanation for the change of heart. That scene was riddled with problems: no sign of Stanton’s men or cohorts, Shadow provoking him just to get slapped (as expected), and dialogue that made no sense. For example:
“Then what are you waiting for, Stanton?” Shadow popped off to the murdering SOB. “Why all the grandstanding? Are you really that hard-up? Let me guess. The missus just doesn’t do it for ya anymore, is that it?”
This exchange had nothing to do with the context, and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what Stanton’s wife “not doing it for him” had to do with anything.

My biggest frustration, though, was Shadow repeatedly throwing herself at Digger. She started out strong and independent, but that portrayal quickly unraveled, undermining her character arc. There were more issues, but I’ll stop there.

All in all, the series wasn’t a bad read, but the lack of steam, logic, and polish in this final installment let it down.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,231 reviews34 followers
May 14, 2025
At the end of Beckett's Desire, Anna Blakely dropped a bombshell that perfectly sets up Slade's Vow. That was six months ago so the wait seemed interminable but darn if it wasn't worth it. This book has all the danger, intrigue, suspense and white hot romance you could ask for. Slade Garrison, the stoic leader of the Tac-Ops team, is given the most important assignment of his career. Finding and protecting the team's overwatch, Shadow. She's hellbent on exacting revenge on her mother's murderer. He's got to keep her in check. What ensues will have at the edge of your seat in anticipation what will happen next. Her target is equally invested in silencing her as she is in outing him.meanwhile, she and Slade's attraction is palpable whenever they're near one another. Despite his best efforts to keep her at arm's length, his need for her wins out. Great finish to this book and th next is set up perfectly.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,412 reviews8 followers
July 5, 2025
Loyalty and family

Slade/Digger and Alice/Shadow. Man this book covers some ground! Digger is the team lead and last to find his HEA of the four man team. Shadow is the tech and voice behind the team, but no one has ever met her. The ending of the last book shared a huge secret into her past abs who she is. Now she is in danger, but not backing down as the danger is coming from a 26 year old crime she witnessed. Their chemistry is immediately clear, but they have to get past some past traumas before they act on it. The team is involved in solving the danger and let in on her big secret with Owens. The danger comes to a head in a major moment and then we get a sweet ending. I thought the series might be over, but we got a teaser for another book for two of my favorite siblings from book one! Alex (Avery’s sister) and Colt (Garrett’s brother). We get to find out Colts real job and I can’t wait to see how the team reacts!
Profile Image for Lana Humphress.
126 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2025
Oh so good

OMG, you won’t believe the shocking news! Slade Digger Garrison is caught off guard when his boss, Rafe Owen, calls him in, Turns out, that Shadow has gone rogue—she’s on a revenge kick! But here’s the jaw-dropper: Rafe reveals that Shadow is his daughter! Can you imagine?

So, Digger and Shadow, after being found, have to stick together and go on the run, dodging gunfire, dodging bombs, and even murders. It’s crazy how they start to see they’re more alike than they thought, and they go from being just an operator and a voice in the ear to real people with a bond.

With the awesome Baker Rawlings and the whole TAC-OPs crew, they’ve got to find Shadow and Rafe before it’s too late. The stakes are high, and the action is wild—this is one rollercoaster you won’t want to miss!
572 reviews8 followers
May 17, 2025
Digger and Shadow

Alice "Shadow" Owens is on the hunt for the man she believes murdered her mother when she was a little girl. Slade "Digger" Garrison has been sent to retrieve and protect her. When Digger catches up with her, she's in serious trouble. After he gets her out of her current situation, they are on the way back home. Things quickly go downhill when the Tac-Ops team realizes a powerful man is out to shut Shadow up...permanently. Slade finds himself in a sticky situation he is sent with Alice to a safe house. They have been hiding the fact that they have feelings for each other from everyone, including themselves. When the bad guys catch up to Alice, can Slade and the team get to her in time? Or will they lose their chance at happily ever after? Get this book and find out. Sorry, no spoilers
162 reviews2 followers
Read
June 24, 2025
Finally learning Shadow’s story broke my heart, but I loved watching her seek her revenge and justice for her mother. Slade’s story was equally heartbreaking and certainly explained some about his disposition and his outlook on love and life. They each have had feelings for the other, even without having met in person or Slade really knowing anything at all about Shadow. Being thrown together allowed them to explore, then fight, then give in to those feelings and then danger struck, threatening their new and fragile relationship. The team came together with Baker Rawlins to help Shadow and Rafe who were working to handle the situation themselves, and Shadow and Rafe finally found a resolution. Great story with lots of excitement and action and an unexpected twist toward the end!
Profile Image for Reading Addict.
1,087 reviews21 followers
May 23, 2025
I'm so disappointed in Slade's Vow. The story is good however, there were so many grammatical and proofreading errors that it detracted from my enjoyment of Slade and Shadow's (aka Alice) story. It has a good, engaging storyline but my brain just couldn't shut off from reading incorrect names, missing conjunctions and missing letters. Slade's Vow stands alone in the series however you will see multiple characters from previous books mentioned. It was told from dual POV. I hope that the author updates the file so that future readers do not have issues that I had with what is a good romantic suspense story.
813 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2025
There simply is not enough ...

Of, Anna Blake's, work for me to read!
Once again, I was completely engaged by this author's writing. It's totally captivating from one moment to the next, and never expecting what happens, but you know it's definitely coming.
I loved this novel, just as when I read Anna Blakely's first book, about a million years ago.
Cannot wait for Coulter's book, January, sigh so far away!
Highly recommend, the entire series, let alone this book and any book written by this author!

Karen
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,253 reviews12 followers
May 15, 2025
Awesome

Space / Digger Alice/ Shadow voice he new voice he had dreams about but the face was so much better than the dreams. She saw he face new his voice watch over him many times but never had they meet. Draw to him drawn to her their last wasn't connected but yet the same losses. Together they came together to fight and bring her demon down. Instead they hearts come together . the danger was so real and her quest for revenge was hanging . I can't wait to read more
Profile Image for Beatrice.
64 reviews
June 17, 2025
very good book

Of all the books in this series, I like this one the best. It touched me when the unsuspecting realizes love is available to them. Slade and Alice, (I like using real names :), find a way to come together in the most of unusual and terrible of circumstances way.
Even though these books can be read as stand alones, I do recommend you start with the first one. You will not be sorry to read any book of Anna Blakely.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,496 reviews66 followers
May 19, 2025
Another heart racing, edge of your seat journey for Digger and Shadow! Can Shadow and Digger find the answers to what she has spent her life trying to find out or does the search put her in more danger? Filled with secrets and lies, murder and mayhem join in to see if Digger can keep her safe without losing his heart to the beauty he’d only ever heard in his ear or do they lose it all?
1,865 reviews9 followers
July 1, 2025
The Last One to Fall!

Clare's Vow: WOW! Slade was the serious one of the team besides being the leader and all the guys use to tease him because they never saw him smile or react to any women! Then his boss asked him to fine his daughter who also happens to be the one female that guides them through their missions. He also was asked to protect her. It was a fantastic story!
Profile Image for Angie.
776 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2025
Shadow & Dig

So Shadow has one hell of story to tell..

If you find inconsistencies in a series irritating, this is bumpy read. My biggest peeve was Slade’s backstory, after hints in previous books especially his convo with Bones about not letting Evie slip away, there’s no missed opportunity or lost love in his past. Grammatical errors are very distracting
Profile Image for Hope .
342 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2025
Short read with a good amount of romance and suspense. Quite predictable since the blurb says it all but i still enjoyed it.

Safe imo. No mention of their dating history, h briefly tells him that's she's not a long term kinda gal but it's not really explained. No ow/ om drama
Profile Image for Sue.
4,369 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2025
There's plenty of action, suspense, traitors and everything in between. Shadow (Alice Owens) is after the man who killed her mom when she was 6 years old. The Tac-Ops team are about to find out who Shadow really was. HEA.
763 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2025
Shadow and Slade

Two people who work together yet have never met find each other and a hot romance they didn’t expect. Slade is grumpy and Shadow/Alice is the voice in his ear that breaks through all his barriers.

Love this team and these two had a great story.
Profile Image for Cheryl A.
629 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2025
What a great read by Anna Blakely one of my favorite military, mystery, romance authors. I love to read this genre and I can say this was a really good one. I have read two books in this series and now we get to know who “Shadow” is and we get Slade Garrison’s story to find his HEA.
Profile Image for Lorraine Anton.
2,982 reviews11 followers
June 20, 2025
Great

Slade and Shadow (Alice)
I enjoyed reading the fourth book in the tactical Operation series.

I loved the characters, plot and storyline.

Drama, danger, suspense, sex, love and so much more.

Read it
458 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2025
5🌟

This book like all the others in the series was great to read. I love Shadow and getting to see that other side to her was fantastic.
190 reviews1 follower
Read
May 16, 2025
Excellent

Shadow was in the room the night her mother was killed. The gunman looked her right in the eyes. Years later Shadow remembered the eyes. Good story.
1 review
June 2, 2025
wrong book delivered. The content was for Shelter for Danni and not Slade's Vow. Amazon cannot assist with downloading the correct book.
Profile Image for Beth Jones.
689 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2025
Great read

This book is a romantic suspense novel about Slade "Digger" Garrison and Alice "Shadow" Owens getting together with each other. This book is a great story. HEA
805 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2025
Chandra's Review

I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read! 🤗🤗👏👏
4,889 reviews8 followers
June 13, 2025
Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
262 reviews
June 23, 2025
Good!

Really like this series and author! Romance suspense action and happy endings. You won't be disappointed! On to the next series. Happy reading😊
Profile Image for María.
257 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2025
Good story, I enjoyed it! Looking forward to the last book of the series.
Profile Image for Lisa Stainker.
18 reviews
August 7, 2025
An absolutely heart warming story. Anna Blakely gave us the story of a miserable soul who found light when he connected with his mate. This is a beautiful story of healing love and justice!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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