Rescued Hearts: An Alpha Male and Hostage Contemporary Romance

by Trace Justice

Sofia Reyes thought the worst day of her life was losing her father—until masked gunmen storm her family’s hardware store and take her hostage. Trapped and terrified, it’s the calm, commanding voice of SWAT negotiator Tony Martinez that becomes her anchor. He talks her through the chaos... and steals a piece of her heart.
Tony lives by one never get personally involved. But Sofia shatters every boundary he’s built. When the cartel that murdered her father resurfaces, Tony becomes her protector—and the line between duty and desire disappears fast.
As they unravel the truth behind the attack, their connection deepens through late-night stakeouts, steamy self-defense sessions, and a passion neither of them can deny. But when Sofia is kidnapped again, she’ll have to use everything Tony taught her to survive.
This time, she’s not just fighting to stay alive—she’s fighting for the future they never thought they could have.
Because sometimes, love doesn’t save you. It turns you into someone who can save yourself.

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2025

Reviews

[Caroline Reichardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic story about a swat officer, Tony, and a hardware store owner, Sofia. Sofia is taking care of customers when men start coming in that look strange to her she is about to hit the alarm button and one of the men grab her wrist and stop her. They men ask about a safe that Sofia knows nothing about so they start tearing the store apart. Someone called the cops cause the police surround the store. Hostage negotiator,Tony, takes over and tries to talk them out to no avail. The man holding on to Sofia won’t give up Tony has to shoot him. Sofia tries to be strong but faints anyway. Sofia leaves the hospital and Tony drives her to her apartment and finds that it’s been ransacked. Sofia is taken into protective custody to a safe house where Tony trains her on survival techniques. Sofia’s uncle abducts her and turns her over to Veronica, mafia head. Sofia signals Tony where she is but to hurry using the computer inventory system her father set up. She has Veronica convinced that she is getting her father’s information while sending Tony messages. When the power to the building is cut Sofia breaks free and helps the swat team to capture the men and Veronica. I love the happily ever after of this story after being through so much terror. I would like to recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book but am leaving this review on my own.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a start to the story, drama from the outset. A suspense story with a love affair thrown in.
Sophia runs her father’s store which is targeted by criminals and she plus some customers are used as hostages. Tony as the trained negotiator becomes involved and upon their release the attraction between Tony and Sophia is mutual. During the investigations Tony tries to keep his distance especially when targeted with keeping Sophia safe but fails when Sophia starts to push him.
A great story full of intrigue and suspense around just what Sophia’s father uncovered before he died.
Well worth reading, a well written story which keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an action packed rollercoaster ride full of suspense, murder, stalkers, kidnappers and betrayal. It is also a challenging storyline that this new author entices his readers to keep reading just to see what will happen next. Two damaged and broken hearts for different reasons manage to come together kick butt, take names and put the bad guys in jail and create a found family they both needed. Really well done for a new author who should be on your author list.

[Antoinette Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author Trace Justice has hit it out of the ball park with this exciting new book! It is fast pace, pager turner! The heat between Tony and Sophia is felt on every page! Had me cheering them on from start to finish.

[Gwen Hight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rescued Hearts

A good story about Sofia and Tony he is a detective and she is in danger because of her dead father's investigation The culprits are caught and the pair find happiness

[Vic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a bit too rushed and quick.

[Country Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace Justice is a new author to me and I have to say I’m pretty impressed.

Sofia Reyes and Swat Negotiator Tony Martinez meet when armed men take over her store and she’s held hostage. Neither were prepared for the instant connection they feel. And Tony finds himself conflicted over his sense of duty and his feelings for Sofia. But the harder they fight their growing attraction the stronger it becomes. And the more danger Sofia finds herself in. Can Tony protect the woman that’s stolen his heart?
I really enjoyed the drama, suspense, and the sparks that come with this story!
"Thank you for writing this story.