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Changing of the Guards #3.5
Lily and her Mercenary
Lily Andrews
knew exactly twenty-six ways to remove glitter from classroom surfaces but had absolutely zero ideas on how to remove the unconscious, bleeding man from her fire escape. Yet there he was—all six-foot-something of muscle and menace—sprawled outside her apartment window at 3 AM on a Tuesday. The smart thing to do would be to call the police. The kindergarten teacher in her wanted to help. The woman who hasn't dated in two years noticed that beneath the blood and bruises, he was devastatingly handsome.
Ryker O’Toole was a man who never showed mercy to anyone
But one night, while on assignment, he was knocked out until his phone buzzed in his pocket. With a groan, he pulled it out and squinted at the text from his brother MISSION COMPROMISED. STAY HIDDEN.
No shit he thought as he tried to sit up on what appeared to be a couch covered in... was that a unicorn print blanket? His hand instinctively reached for his concealed weapon, finding nothing but bandages and the cotton of borrowed sweatpants.
“Looking for this?” A soft voice came from the doorway. A petite woman with honey-brown hair held up his Glock, dangling it from two fingers like it was a dead mouse. “I unloaded it. The bullets are in my cookie jar. The dinosaur-shaped one.”
Ryker stared at her. Who the hell disarms a mercenary and puts the ammunition with their baked goods?
His assignment that’s who.
Ryker O’Toole was a man who never showed mercy to anyone
But one night, while on assignment, he was knocked out until his phone buzzed in his pocket. With a groan, he pulled it out and squinted at the text from his brother MISSION COMPROMISED. STAY HIDDEN.
No shit he thought as he tried to sit up on what appeared to be a couch covered in... was that a unicorn print blanket? His hand instinctively reached for his concealed weapon, finding nothing but bandages and the cotton of borrowed sweatpants.
“Looking for this?” A soft voice came from the doorway. A petite woman with honey-brown hair held up his Glock, dangling it from two fingers like it was a dead mouse. “I unloaded it. The bullets are in my cookie jar. The dinosaur-shaped one.”
Ryker stared at her. Who the hell disarms a mercenary and puts the ammunition with their baked goods?
His assignment that’s who.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2025
87 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Aquila Thorne
35 books159 followersBorn in Southern Ontario, Aquila was raised on the outskirts of a small town. With nothing to do, she took to reading historical romance novels and vowed to write a book of her own one day. Fast forward 28 years and she did just that with her first Contemporary Romance titled Moonlit Night and a Series to follow. She still lives in that small town where she was born, her escape is within the pages of her writings
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 19, 2025
Do you love a man that yearns? Well you won’t get that here. What you will get is a man in a tree whoo-ing like an owl. She then beats him in the head with a frying pan…LMAOOO
✨ T r o p e s | T r i g g e r s ✨
Kindergarten Teacher | Bodyguard
Slow Burn
Thriller
Low Spice
✨ T r o p e s | T r i g g e r s ✨
Kindergarten Teacher | Bodyguard
Slow Burn
Thriller
Low Spice
July 26, 2025
I loved this book so much lily and Riker are my favorite couple. This was such a good book.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 31, 2025
I LOVED this book! It was so funny in certain moments, heartfelt in others, good twists and turns and drama too.
My favorite 3 scenes in the book:
1. When he hit the bear with the frying pan.
2. When he started making owl noises in the tree. And his brother overhearing him on the phone 🤣🤣🤣
3. The bus scene with the kids helping fight
I really liked how they drug Mabel along. It made me laugh each time when they would say something about her tagging along and the look the cat would give. Then how Royal fell in love with the cat so much he wants to get one too.
I am an ARC and Beta reader for Aquila Thorne. I have read and enjoyed all of her books. She never fails to deliver humor, drama, twists&turns, while making her books such easy reads you can’t help but come back for more.
My favorite 3 scenes in the book:
1. When he hit the bear with the frying pan.
2. When he started making owl noises in the tree. And his brother overhearing him on the phone 🤣🤣🤣
3. The bus scene with the kids helping fight
I really liked how they drug Mabel along. It made me laugh each time when they would say something about her tagging along and the look the cat would give. Then how Royal fell in love with the cat so much he wants to get one too.
I am an ARC and Beta reader for Aquila Thorne. I have read and enjoyed all of her books. She never fails to deliver humor, drama, twists&turns, while making her books such easy reads you can’t help but come back for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing! Lily was an absolute bad ass! Ryker himself is fine af! I love the connection these two have! Highly recommend!
July 29, 2025
A Heartwarming and Action-Packed Addition to Aquila Thorne’s Series
This is a wonderful complement to Aquila Thorne's Changing of the Guard series. While it can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading Savior, the first book in the series, to gain deeper insight into the world and its characters. Doing so enhances the emotional impact and gives greater context to the storyline.
I absolutely adored the character of Lily — a kindergarten teacher with such warmth and authenticity that I personally connected to every aspect of her character, especially given my own background in the field. From the moment the aquarium excursion began, I was completely hooked. That scene was not only brilliantly written but also hilariously relatable, setting the perfect stage for Lily and Ryker’s relationship to unfold.
Ryker, the mercenary love interest, is the perfect match for Lily. Strong, protective, and unexpectedly charming, he brings just the right amount of tension and depth to the romance. And of course, the inclusion of Mable the cat adds the perfect quirky touch to an already endearing story.
The plot strikes a fantastic balance — there's action, drama, mystery, and romance, all laced with genuine humor. The kindergarten trip to the aquarium stands out as a comedic highlight and a pivotal moment in the blossoming romance.
This book is a delightful mix of heart, laughter, and suspense. If you’re after a light yet emotionally satisfying romantic read, this one ticks all the boxes — especially if you enjoy strong female leads, lovable animals, and a protective hero who’s rough around the edges but golden at heart.
This is a wonderful complement to Aquila Thorne's Changing of the Guard series. While it can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading Savior, the first book in the series, to gain deeper insight into the world and its characters. Doing so enhances the emotional impact and gives greater context to the storyline.
I absolutely adored the character of Lily — a kindergarten teacher with such warmth and authenticity that I personally connected to every aspect of her character, especially given my own background in the field. From the moment the aquarium excursion began, I was completely hooked. That scene was not only brilliantly written but also hilariously relatable, setting the perfect stage for Lily and Ryker’s relationship to unfold.
Ryker, the mercenary love interest, is the perfect match for Lily. Strong, protective, and unexpectedly charming, he brings just the right amount of tension and depth to the romance. And of course, the inclusion of Mable the cat adds the perfect quirky touch to an already endearing story.
The plot strikes a fantastic balance — there's action, drama, mystery, and romance, all laced with genuine humor. The kindergarten trip to the aquarium stands out as a comedic highlight and a pivotal moment in the blossoming romance.
This book is a delightful mix of heart, laughter, and suspense. If you’re after a light yet emotionally satisfying romantic read, this one ticks all the boxes — especially if you enjoy strong female leads, lovable animals, and a protective hero who’s rough around the edges but golden at heart.
December 27, 2025
Ryker’s Adult Babysitting Academy
Lily is way too trusting. Her open heart is what makes her special. She’s not naive or dumb, she’s loving and kind. I appreciate the difference. She is smart. She is talented. She can easily be taught things she didn’t know she needed and excel at them.
This book is the back story to the ending of the previous book. Lily is Mia’s sister. These events were going on during the same time as the previous book. It gives us a look into both sisters’ battles to be together again.
I really like that we got to see how much they still loved each other. It didn’t matter the circumstances or how much time had passed, Lily & Mia are sisters. That’s all that has ever mattered to them.
Blue Dolphins are fierce! Lily has them trained well for any possible event. These kids are amazing! Tommy is probably my favorite with his snow globe skills.
Ryker has lost it. What starts out as a gig for the Clan, almost instantly became more.
Of all the rings to defend yourself against a bear attack, a feral cat and a cast iron pan never crossed my mind. LOL
I liked the book. It felt reminiscent of the first in the series. Lily is just as strong as Wren.
Declan would be furious. Royal is right.
I really hope Royal gets his own cat in the future book. I just have to read that play out!
Suggested reading order to date:
1. Savior
2. Salvation
3. Sanctuary
4. Lily & Her Mercenary
5. Eden & Her Mercenary
6. Blindsided
7. Christmas at Wolf Creek
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lily is way too trusting. Her open heart is what makes her special. She’s not naive or dumb, she’s loving and kind. I appreciate the difference. She is smart. She is talented. She can easily be taught things she didn’t know she needed and excel at them.
This book is the back story to the ending of the previous book. Lily is Mia’s sister. These events were going on during the same time as the previous book. It gives us a look into both sisters’ battles to be together again.
I really like that we got to see how much they still loved each other. It didn’t matter the circumstances or how much time had passed, Lily & Mia are sisters. That’s all that has ever mattered to them.
Blue Dolphins are fierce! Lily has them trained well for any possible event. These kids are amazing! Tommy is probably my favorite with his snow globe skills.
Ryker has lost it. What starts out as a gig for the Clan, almost instantly became more.
Of all the rings to defend yourself against a bear attack, a feral cat and a cast iron pan never crossed my mind. LOL
I liked the book. It felt reminiscent of the first in the series. Lily is just as strong as Wren.
Declan would be furious. Royal is right.
I really hope Royal gets his own cat in the future book. I just have to read that play out!
Suggested reading order to date:
1. Savior
2. Salvation
3. Sanctuary
4. Lily & Her Mercenary
5. Eden & Her Mercenary
6. Blindsided
7. Christmas at Wolf Creek
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 22, 2025
Riker and Lily 🥰
Lily Andrews is a kindergarten teacher. Her life is pretty boring, set in a routine. Until Riker O’Toole showed up. Him and his twin brother Royal are commissioned by Declan MacGallan to look after her. Matheson, Mia’s nemesis, wants to use her as a bait to get to Mia, her sister she didn’t see since Lily was 3 years old. But Riker can’t her out of his mind and sighs. So he stalked her every where she goes. Until one night, hiding in a tree, impersonating an owl, fell on her balcony protecting her from supposedly Matheson’s man. He explains to her that he is there , protecting her, as a grown up babysitter. And after that all hell’s break loose. Would he be able to protect her? Will she makes him loose all his control and fall for her?
If you read the previous series, the Basov Bratva, you had a glimpse of Riker and Royal. This is a spinoff of that series. It’s really funny, unpredictable and entertaining! Full of action and steamy scenes. The interactions between the brothers are sarcastic and profound , you can feel the love for each other’s. And the chemistry between Lily and Riker is beautiful and heartwarming! Many scenes are hilarious!!! The bear, the hiding in the tree, the aquarium field trip with Riker helping her with her students. It’s a short story, so easy to read. I can’t wait to see what’s next in Royal’s book since he is the cold headed one of the two. This is a must read!!! 5 ⭐️
Lily Andrews is a kindergarten teacher. Her life is pretty boring, set in a routine. Until Riker O’Toole showed up. Him and his twin brother Royal are commissioned by Declan MacGallan to look after her. Matheson, Mia’s nemesis, wants to use her as a bait to get to Mia, her sister she didn’t see since Lily was 3 years old. But Riker can’t her out of his mind and sighs. So he stalked her every where she goes. Until one night, hiding in a tree, impersonating an owl, fell on her balcony protecting her from supposedly Matheson’s man. He explains to her that he is there , protecting her, as a grown up babysitter. And after that all hell’s break loose. Would he be able to protect her? Will she makes him loose all his control and fall for her?
If you read the previous series, the Basov Bratva, you had a glimpse of Riker and Royal. This is a spinoff of that series. It’s really funny, unpredictable and entertaining! Full of action and steamy scenes. The interactions between the brothers are sarcastic and profound , you can feel the love for each other’s. And the chemistry between Lily and Riker is beautiful and heartwarming! Many scenes are hilarious!!! The bear, the hiding in the tree, the aquarium field trip with Riker helping her with her students. It’s a short story, so easy to read. I can’t wait to see what’s next in Royal’s book since he is the cold headed one of the two. This is a must read!!! 5 ⭐️
August 20, 2025
This is a wonderful complement to Aquila Thorne's Changing of the Guard series. While it can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading both Savior and Salvation, the first two books in the series, to gain deeper insight into the world and its characters. Doing so enhances the emotional impact and gives greater context to the storyline.
I absolutely adored the character of Lily — a kindergarten teacher with such warmth and authenticity that I personally connected to every aspect of her character, especially given my own background in the field. From the moment the aquarium excursion began, I was completely hooked. That scene was not only brilliantly written but also hilariously relatable, setting the perfect stage for Lily and Ryker’s relationship to unfold.
Ryker, the mercenary love interest, is the perfect match for Lily. Strong, protective, and unexpectedly charming, he brings just the right amount of tension and depth to the romance. And of course, the inclusion of Mable the cat adds the perfect quirky touch to an already endearing story.
The plot strikes a fantastic balance — there's action, drama, mystery, and romance, all laced with genuine humor. The kindergarten trip to the aquarium stands out as a comedic highlight and a pivotal moment in the blossoming romance.
This book is a delightful mix of heart, laughter, and suspense. If you’re after a light yet emotionally satisfying romantic read, this one ticks all the boxes — especially if you enjoy strong female leads, lovable animals, and a protective hero who’s rough around the edges but golden at heart.
I absolutely adored the character of Lily — a kindergarten teacher with such warmth and authenticity that I personally connected to every aspect of her character, especially given my own background in the field. From the moment the aquarium excursion began, I was completely hooked. That scene was not only brilliantly written but also hilariously relatable, setting the perfect stage for Lily and Ryker’s relationship to unfold.
Ryker, the mercenary love interest, is the perfect match for Lily. Strong, protective, and unexpectedly charming, he brings just the right amount of tension and depth to the romance. And of course, the inclusion of Mable the cat adds the perfect quirky touch to an already endearing story.
The plot strikes a fantastic balance — there's action, drama, mystery, and romance, all laced with genuine humor. The kindergarten trip to the aquarium stands out as a comedic highlight and a pivotal moment in the blossoming romance.
This book is a delightful mix of heart, laughter, and suspense. If you’re after a light yet emotionally satisfying romantic read, this one ticks all the boxes — especially if you enjoy strong female leads, lovable animals, and a protective hero who’s rough around the edges but golden at heart.
July 30, 2025
This book had so much potential, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The premise was intriguing, and I was genuinely excited to see where the story would go. However, the execution left a lot to be desired.
There were several grammar mistakes throughout the book, which pulled me out of the story more than once. Even more frustrating were the sudden developments or actions that happened with little to no explanation—characters making choices or events unfolding without proper context or buildup. It often felt like I was missing key pieces of information, which made it hard to stay engaged.
Overall, it felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped. With some tighter editing and more attention to detail, this could have been a much more compelling read.
There were several grammar mistakes throughout the book, which pulled me out of the story more than once. Even more frustrating were the sudden developments or actions that happened with little to no explanation—characters making choices or events unfolding without proper context or buildup. It often felt like I was missing key pieces of information, which made it hard to stay engaged.
Overall, it felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped. With some tighter editing and more attention to detail, this could have been a much more compelling read.
August 20, 2025
Ryker is my favourite!! Lily starts off as an assignment for home and he fell fast and hard for Lily and I loved every second of it! Lily is no push over and gives as good as she gets and it makes Ryker fall even harder for her!
Absolute hilarious parts with completely heartwarming moments with the perfect balance of spice and emotion.
I’ve read almost everything from this author and this might be my favourite book! I ate it up and read this so quickly, but also never wanted it to end! I’m looking forward to reading the next book and hopefully get some appearances from Ryker and Lily as well as some other former characters from books past!
Absolute hilarious parts with completely heartwarming moments with the perfect balance of spice and emotion.
I’ve read almost everything from this author and this might be my favourite book! I ate it up and read this so quickly, but also never wanted it to end! I’m looking forward to reading the next book and hopefully get some appearances from Ryker and Lily as well as some other former characters from books past!
August 9, 2025
This is an amazing story of an unexpected love between two amazing people. She is the sweetest person ever and is in trouble because some evil man is trying take her. So her sister's brother-in-law sent the twins to go watch over her but Ryker just could not keep his distance from her. As a result, he end's up blowing his cover and she found out that she’s being hunted by this man that wants her for no reason other than to just draw her sister out well yeah they wind up going completely remote and one thing leads to another and in the end they’re extremely happy.
August 14, 2025
OMG this was a AWESOME book.
Lily was just a kindergarten teacher. She taught kids with glue, glitter and a lot of love. Ryker had no idea why they are protecting her from afar. She was beautiful and he was falling hard. Then one night during surveillance she found out what he was doing. She didn't believe him, but did take him on the class field trip. Lucky she did because they came for her.
After that it is a series of playing cat and mouse, with a cat. Just when they thought they were out of the woods, BAM someone else shows up. This was a great read
Lily was just a kindergarten teacher. She taught kids with glue, glitter and a lot of love. Ryker had no idea why they are protecting her from afar. She was beautiful and he was falling hard. Then one night during surveillance she found out what he was doing. She didn't believe him, but did take him on the class field trip. Lucky she did because they came for her.
After that it is a series of playing cat and mouse, with a cat. Just when they thought they were out of the woods, BAM someone else shows up. This was a great read
July 23, 2025
It was a funny setting and a funny story at the beginning with a bit of mystery and danger. Lily was such a nice and tough woman, and even he was a mercenary she wasn't afraid of him. It was a slow burner in regards of the relationship, but not regarding actions. All in all it was a nice solid story, but at the end I missed an explanation or better a why he was there, other than that they made a nice couple.
July 26, 2025
3.5⭐️
Lily and Her Mercenary by Aquila Thorne is a quick, easy read with a smooth writing style that makes it easy to get lost in the story. While the plot felt a bit overly simplistic at times, I really enjoyed the main characters—Lily and Ryker had a genuine connection and believable affection that carried the book. If you’re looking for a light, fast-paced romance with likable leads, this one is worth checking out.
Lily and Her Mercenary by Aquila Thorne is a quick, easy read with a smooth writing style that makes it easy to get lost in the story. While the plot felt a bit overly simplistic at times, I really enjoyed the main characters—Lily and Ryker had a genuine connection and believable affection that carried the book. If you’re looking for a light, fast-paced romance with likable leads, this one is worth checking out.
November 11, 2025
The story was very cute, but the writing style was rushed.
For a short book, I was expecting it to be fast-paced. But this story had so many twists and turns, and the adventure kept happening, which made the writing seem rushed. I don’t know how to say it… It was one of those stories that needed either more pages to fit the adventure or some of the scenes removed to fit more descriptions, making the story feel less rushed.
For a short book, I was expecting it to be fast-paced. But this story had so many twists and turns, and the adventure kept happening, which made the writing seem rushed. I don’t know how to say it… It was one of those stories that needed either more pages to fit the adventure or some of the scenes removed to fit more descriptions, making the story feel less rushed.
August 5, 2025
4.25⭐️3.25🌶
This is a total Opposites attract trope and when I say that, I mean it! This was great! I found humor in the situation and loved the banter between Lily and Ryker, they really did make a great pair. There was a bit of danger and mystery with some twists. It is a slow burn but worth it! I definitely want to read more by this author.
This is a total Opposites attract trope and when I say that, I mean it! This was great! I found humor in the situation and loved the banter between Lily and Ryker, they really did make a great pair. There was a bit of danger and mystery with some twists. It is a slow burn but worth it! I definitely want to read more by this author.
August 6, 2025
Lily and her Mercenary
This one is full of thrills and suspense, not knowing when the dangers coming and So Sweet! I adore Mía and Ryker. These two were meant to be together. I laughed hard at the funny parts, cried when they were sad and whooped when a bad guy was killed! Thank again for sharing. I haven’t stopped reading since Declan.
This one is full of thrills and suspense, not knowing when the dangers coming and So Sweet! I adore Mía and Ryker. These two were meant to be together. I laughed hard at the funny parts, cried when they were sad and whooped when a bad guy was killed! Thank again for sharing. I haven’t stopped reading since Declan.
September 26, 2025
Lily is introduced to us in the third book in the Changing the Guard series. She’s Mia’s sister. We knew that Royal and Ryker were guarding her to keep her away from the person chasing Mia.
This book tells Lily’s back story and how she and Ryker become a couple. It even gives us the rest of her story and her and Ryker’s HEA. Read this from Kindle Unlimited.
This book tells Lily’s back story and how she and Ryker become a couple. It even gives us the rest of her story and her and Ryker’s HEA. Read this from Kindle Unlimited.
July 27, 2025
I enjoyed Lily and Rykers characters. I do wish that this would have been longer. I feel like I would like to have seen more details and a longer time line for them. I also would have like some more spice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2025
While the plot has great potential, the writing itself feels written by ai. There are giant plot holes, no depth, and zero buildup. The characters aren’t written well and I just couldn’t grasp who any of them were.
July 28, 2025
DNF 56% I was lured here by the tree scene, but the rest isn’t living up. It’s just kinda ridiculous. It’s a short book, but by the time we got to the sex scene I just wasn’t interested in the couple.
August 10, 2025
I have loved every book of Aquila Thorne’s that I have read. This book though, I have already read twice and I loved it both times! It kept me hooked and was hard to put down especially for the second half of the book. I highly recommend it but be sure to read the series in order!
August 27, 2025
This is a lovely story about Lily and Ryker, who obsessively stalk her. The story moved fast for me, and I was missing a little spice between the characters. Otherwise, it was a fan, easy read, and interesting plot.
September 8, 2025
I Loved this book just as much as her other books. And will read again. Tho heads up for anyone that hasn’t read her other books yet there is a bit of over lap at the end of this with Sanctuary: An Irish mafia, fake marriage romance (CHANGING OF THE GUARDS Book 3). But totally worth the read.
November 24, 2025
Lily and Ryker’s story. Lily is a school teacher who due to some family stuff finds herself in trouble. Ryker is to watch over Lily but things take a turn when he sees her. Can he protect her and himself? Has some heat and danger. Is part of a series.
August 17, 2025
DNF @ 45%
August 22, 2025
Completely engaging
I couldn’t put it down! The storyline was amazing and I felt like I was right there with the characters. Great read!
I couldn’t put it down! The storyline was amazing and I felt like I was right there with the characters. Great read!
August 25, 2025
I enjoyed reading Ryker and Lily's story I just wished it involved a little more to the plot. overall a great quick read.
September 8, 2025
130 pages and it was meh. Struggled for this to keep my attention. Felt like comedy at times but then tried to be serious. And I don’t think the author really knew what she was aiming for.
Read
October 8, 2025No
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews