A gripping romantic thriller from Amazon bestseller Stella Marie Alden
Two alphas. One murder investigation. Zero chance they play nice.Sheriff Kade O’Malley doesn’t believe in coincidences. When an experienced hiker vanishes on The Long Trail, the signs point to something more than a wrong turn. She’s ex-Navy—tough, smart, and not the type to disappear without a trace.
Briana Gainsborough came to the mountains to escape betrayal and figure out what’s next. She didn’t expect to be followed. She didn’t expect to run. And she definitely didn’t expect Kade—the silent, watchful sheriff with a battlefield past and a habit of noticing everything she’d rather keep hidden.
They’re both used to being in charge. Both stubborn, sharp-tongued, and not great at asking for help. What begins as a search spirals into a murder investigation—he’s the law, and she’s the prime suspect. The last thing they should do is fall into bed.
He’s not here to play hero. She’s not looking to be saved. But with every cutting remark and every smoldering look, boundaries blur—and the danger closing in isn't just from outside.
If they want to make it out alive, they’ll have to stop butting heads long enough to trust each other—and survive the fire neither of them is ready to walk away from.
Heat. Sass. Stand-alone. No cheating. Keep-you-up-all-night romance.
Amazon Best Seller Stella Marie Alden loves Zumba, yoga, watercolor painting, and all genres of romances.
Her first book, ‘How to Train Your Knight’, won Romance Writers of America coveted Molly and Show me the Sparks Contests, and placed in four others. Truly remarkable, considering she’s only been writing for three years.
Growing up in Vermont, she loved to make up stories. Crayons fought each other over size and placement in their cardboard box and imaginary friends crowded the house. Her brother often complained. “Tell her no one’s here, Mother.".
Her career paths have varied. She’s been a librarian, a classical clarinetist wanna-be, recording studio engineer, broadcast electronics repairman, and now she architects software programs.
She lives in Bergen County, NJ with her life-long hero and their two cats. Her two girls are grown but ever supportive. You go Mom!
I started my love affair with KADE when he first graced the pages of HUNT…as Kelly’s grumpy brother. There was just something about this man who drew me back to the pages time and time again. Kade was—and is—a remarkable specimen of a man. Trust me…when you open the dictionary to the word ‘Hero’ don’t be surprised if you see a picture of Kade! (And he’s damn fine looking to boot!) I don’t know how she does it, but Stella Marie Alden has a true gift at weaving amazing stories with the most unique characters and situations. The storyline in Kade was truly inspired; the characters were off the flipping chart; the plot had some twists and turns that literally had your head spinning;and that HEA journey was gut wrenching. Five stars just feels so inadequate. Just ‘not right…not right.’
I cannot encourage you enough to pick up a copy of this book today. It deserves to be selected and read ASAP! Get ready for one helluva ride that will keep you flipping those pages as fast as you can. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was completely mesmerized by it!) ❤️❤️
Remember…love comes in many forms. I’m so glad that Stella shares her love with us through these incredibly terrific books!
Although this is the latest in the Axel Wulf series from Stella Marie Alden, this can be read as a stand alone story, some of the characters from the other books also appear in this book, but you can still enjoy this book without their back stories, however I would recommend both this, and the Suds and Sam detective series as they are all great, fun, fast paced, saucy, action-packed, non-stop romps, perfect for when you want a break from the humdrum of day-to-day life. Unusually in this story our two main characters, Kade and Briana (Bree) do not meet up until you’re almost 20% through the book, but when they do meet, although Kade’s initial assessment of her is that she is a termagant, sparks start flying! Kade wears many hats including as an ex-Marine, a temporary Sheriff, a volunteer fireman and a tracker. It is mainly for his skills as a tracker that he is called upon to assist in the search for a lost hiker, Briana. Unusually Briana has been missing for five days when Kade is called in by the State Police to assist. At the start of the search he is unclear as to the reasons Briana may have gone missing and her mindset, as he is given conflicting accounts of her state of mind, that she is a batshit girl who just wandered off after an argument with her best friend, an emotional suicidal wreck in need of psychiatric help, as described by her family or an ex-Navy pilot in over her head. He just wants to find her and then figure out what has been going on, when they do meet the story really takes off! A great read, an opportunity to switch off from everyday life and get lost in a fast paced, rollercoaster, I received this book as an ARC.
This book is soooooo amazing! Really quick read, packed with action, hilarity and romance, Ms Alden has hit the nail on the head…once again. We met Kade in Hunt’s book and in spite of him being a grump, I was still intrigued and thrilled he was getting his own story, and what a story! It starts off with a bang and speeds you through to a well earned happily ever after. Kade is still a little cranky but he is a tad more mellow…not much though. Briana is tough and brave and a little weird…in a good way. These two would never make it with ordinary partners…good thing they’re a little extraordinary. Great mystery, and happily, visits from Hunt and Wulf. I’ll admit I was hoping for a glimpse of Lucky…maybe next time. Oh, and I want a Becca…that dog is the BOMB! Read this book, you won’t regret it, and if you’re not already a fan…why not?! Start from the first books and work through them, you will not be disappointed!
Kade by Stella Marie Alden is book number five of the Axel Wulf Series. What a wild ride! It’s a quick read filled with passionate moments, dangerous people, and whodunits. Briana Gainsborough and Sheriff Kade O’Malley are the two main characters. They met when Briana was a Navy pilot, and she flew into a hot zone to rescue Kade from enemy combatants. They both wondered what happened to the other over the years. They are strong, determined, alpha people, and I like that they both want and need control. Now, Briana is being hunted as she is hiking on a forest trail. She doesn’t know who, and readers come to find out that one of the men is in law enforcement. Throw in Briana’s toxic family, and the bomb is seconds from exploding. The story has an HEA, interesting people, a mysterious plot, and enough passion to keep readers turning the pages. You cannot go wrong investing in an Alden story; they are read and reread worthy every time. I did receive a free copy for my honest review.
This book was packed with twists, turns, and non-stop suspense. I was hooked from the very first page. Sheriff Kade O’Malley, a broody, ex-military sheriff was tasked to track a missing woman in the wilds of Vermont. And then there’s Briana Gainsborough, the missing woman who happens to be an ex-Navy pilot. She is an absolute force—fierce, determined, and totally unstoppable as she hunts down the men coming after her. Her overbearing, overprotective family adds some serious drama to the story. The chemistry between Kade and Briana? What started as undeniable insta-lust slowly unraveled into something deeper. If you love edge-of-your-seat suspense with strong characters and hot, steamy moments, this one’s for you! Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am providing an honest and unbiased review. Despite receiving it for free, I have purchased the ebook version of this book, along with the previous installments in the series, for my Kindle.
This is an exciting, suspenseful book. I loved that Kade and Briana, the two main characters, were both strong and a good match. Briana was an ex navy pilot that was camping and had someone chasing her to do harmful things to her. There were so many people that muddied up the waters who were either after Briana or trying to hurt her. Kade was a temporary sheriff in the small town who went into the mountains to find Briana. It was so interesting how they knew each other from the past. I loved that Kade was determined to help Briana even if she didn’t want it. It was scary watching Briana being hunted. There was also a twist that I didn’t fully expect. I strongly encourage you to read the book.
Wow! Another ace start from Stella. Bree is camping in the woods, minding her own business when things begin to go wrong. Kade is a volunteer firefighter, the sheriff and runs Search and Rescue. A busy man. Bree's family report her as lost, the message they received is weird. They are still treating her like a little girl instead of a great pilot and all round alpha! Can Kade find her? Loved Herman! The chemistry between them is electric but who's trying to get rid of her and why?
Grabs on the very first page and never lets up. Kade and Briana are a perfect match. They both served, they both have issues and they're both tough. When Sheriff Kade is called in to search for a missing hiker he had no idea the danger that would follow them home. With the help of his friend FBI Agent Hunt the hunt for a killer is on. This story pulls you in on the very first page and never lets up. I was hoping for Kade to have a story and it did not disappoint. I think this is my favorite book in the series. I read an arc and this is my honest opinion.
Brilliant story, filled with excitement, danger & suspense and which includes such wonderful dialogue between Briana and Kade. When Kade is tasked with searching for a missing hiker, little does he realise once she has been found that the danger to Briana isn’t over yet. Kade is extremely protective and is determined that nothing will happen to her if he can help it. There are a few twists and turns which kept me invested in the story. I loved the dog! Don’t miss this book. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Just loved this latest book in the Wolf series. It’s full of thrills and spills, not to mention the odd steamy and spicy scene! This time round it’s Sheriff Kade and ex navy pilot Briana’s story. When Kade is tasked with tracking down a missing woman little does he know it’s the woman who saved his life during a military op. Someone is stalking her and at the same time, framing her for murder. It’s up to Kade with help from characters from other books (Agent Hunt) to work out who the real killer is before it’s too late. A fantastic, great flowing story. Recommend highly.
This was an exciting read. It has a lot of suspense and an action packed book. Brianna is running for her life after she finds out her ex was murder. Enter Kade to find her and a few other characters from other books that to help also. An interesting read that will have the pages turning. Definitely a must read. I received this as an arc and I am leaving my honest review
Absolutely loved this book. Kade is acting sheriff and when he gets a call for a missing hiker things take a trun has someone is trying to kill Briana the hiker, Briana finds herself in danger but people thinks she's crazy expect Kade. will he be able to save her in time or will the killer get to her first?
This book was as amazing as I thought it would be. Well worth the wait. The characters were so real and well thought out that I wouldn't be surprised to see them at the store the next time I go. I am looking forward to the next book Stella Marie Alden writes. I know it will be awesome.
This book is a wild ride. I was hooked from the 1st page. I loved Briana's character. She is a strong woman, a pilot, and smart. But she also knows how to accept and ask for help. After being lost and then found by Kade, the sheriff, she finds herself being set up for murder. Kade is torn between the evidence and the story Briana is telling him. The banter between the two had me laughing out loud. There are twists, mystery, suspense, and an adorable dog. I ended up reading this twice. It has everything, you won't be disappointed.
This is Bree and Kades story. Bree is an ex Navy pilot who needed an escape from life for a minute. She has wanted to hike the Long Trail so she heads out. She soon realizes that she is being followed. In the meantime, her family, having not been able to contact her, contact Sheriff Kade to report her missing. Kade heads out to track her and realizes he knows her. Action and adventure ensues. As with Stella books, there is a lot going on that keeps the story fun and exciting. The characters are great and smart and very well written. I loved this one! Highly recommended!
Oh my it started nerve racking right away, what a horror scenario. Love it. She was a bit unhinged at times, but still a super tough woman. It was very scary at times, especially during the hike all alone. Kade was a nice guy who did everything he could to safe and help her. Hunter was also in the mix and his wife, who is also Kades sister. All in all a really great and courageous story about a former pilot with a bit PTSD and a man who try to safe her constantly.
This series keeps getting better with each book. I love the banter between Kade and Brianna as they battle their own ghosts. Kade realizes Brianna is the ex-Navy pilot who saved his life in Afghanistan. Now it is his turn to save her from a psycho killer. An awesome read!
Worth the wait! Enjoyed the characters as well as the plot. I always enjoy seeing the characters from previous books in the current one. Please, keep the books coming!
Kade and Briana are Stella Marie Alden’s latest couple. This book has Alpha personalities, over the top family, banter, stalking, tracking, hunting, guns, darts, killing, drones and Becca the dog🩷🐾🐕. If you liked Wulf and Hunt, Kade should be your next read.
This was seriously a run for your life great book . I hardly know where to start. I think I'll start with the fact that Stella Marie Alden is an overachiever in the best possible ways when it came to writing this book ! I loved it. She kept her promise when she said in the information "Keep-you-up-all-night romance", I tried to stay up as late as I could but at 1 a.m I had to stop at 69 percent on my kindle and go to sleep. I hated to do it but had to get up at 6 a.m. First chance I got the next day I finished the story sitting on the edge of my seat til the end. Then I didn't want it to end, although I loved how it ended, with a following Epilogue. I personally think that tough Briana/ Bree had everyone beat when it came to getting in your face comments and hilarious comments and some of her inner thoughts and "Counselor" was even more hilarious. . She was as bold as brass and I loved her ! Hated her controlling family. It's like, give this woman a break, she's family. She's got enough on her plate. I also thought that Sheriff Kade O’Malley was perfect for this story and for Briana. He was the only one who could stand toe to toe with her. But that didn't mean that he was always going to win, lol. More than one man,, wanted to run for the hills when she frustrated them. Kade wasn't impressed or intimidated by others, and wasn't afraid to confront Briana's family either ! Griff, from the State police was one nasty piece of work. I hated his incompetence, and sloppy ways as did many others in law enforcement, including Kade. Kade hated that Griff was in charge of anything and I enjoyed some of the hilarious things he said or did behind Griff's back. Slow him down if he could ?You betcha ! There will be plenty of hot sex but also tenderness also between Kade and Briana. As well as, many times of a lack of trust between them. They aren't used to trusting anyone but themselves and they have been burned plenty by others. I'm Keeping this one to savor again.
Stella takes us all on another wonderful and crazy ride with the story of Briana and Kade. She’s an ex-Navy pilot who saved his life and is now hiking in the woods after losing her job. Kade’s the local temporary sheriff and the two meet when it all hits the fan. Someone’s stalking Briana in the woods and things are getting a bit dangerous for her. Kade is sent out to find her when her family reacts to a very non-Briana like text they receive from her phone. Kade finds her but it’s a crazy ride of murder, stalkers, and unraveling the truth will be quite the adventure. As always, our duo has chemistry that’s off the charts and shenanigans are definitely involved. Kade’s brother in law Hunt even gets involved in the race to find Briana innocent and the truth about what really happened in the woods. In the end, it all comes together perfectly, the bad guys get caught and our good guys get their happily ever after! I absolutely love Stella’s books and I can’t wait to read what she comes up with next!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Murder, mystery and suspense wrapped up in a romance In Stella Marie Alden’s world, love strikes at the oddest times. Kade (Alex Wulf Series Book 5) is no exception to this romantic suspense rule. Kade and Brianna are very much alike and if it weren’t for the murder-mystery surrounding Brianna, their love match would have been much more obvious. As both of these characters are take-charge and wait for no one, their struggle to understand and figure out what really happened becomes a what brings them together. Although, the alpha in Kade finds himself urgently needing to protect Brianna despite where all the evidence points; right at Brianna. Overall, they journey to solving the mystery and murder leads to a life of love and an HEA neither ever expected to find. If you ask me, that just made it all the more satisfying! And better yet, if you haven’t been reading the series, there’s no need to start at the beginning! Jump in here and see for yourself how entertaining a read Kade is and then binge everything Stella Marie Alden! I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
This book by Stella Marie Alden was exciting from the start. Brianna is evading a serial killer that is hunting her while, Kade, the local sheriff and head of the search and rescue team, searches for her. Once he finds her, the action just picks up speed. The stalker follows Bri back to civilization as she tries to convince the authorities and her family that someone was out there hunting her. I liked how Brianna and Kade had briefly met while in the military and shared a connection before they both left the service. Once they reconnected, they both felt the attraction and connection and quickly grew close. I loved, how strong Brianna was and how Kade respected her skills while also wanting to keep her safe. This book had everything I have come to love in a book by Ms. Alden. There were colorful characters, cameos from characters in previous books, plenty of action and steam. This book was entertaining and well written. I received an advanced copy of this book from the Author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the fifth book in the Axel Wulf series. Kade is the sheriff and when an ex-military hiker gets lost in the woods, he suspects there is more to the story. Briana wanted to go on a hiking trip with her best friend, but her friend told her she was sleeping with Briana's boyfriend. Briana got mad and decided to go hiking alone. When she didn't return, her family got worried and reported her missing. When Briana's boyfriend turned up murdered close to her campsite, she is the prime suspect. Kade is determined to find Briana and get to the bottom of the story. i loved reading Kade's story. His sister and her boyfriend Hunt make an appearance in this book too.This was a fast paced book with action and steamy scenes. Another great one in this series.
Both Kade and Brianna are strong headed characters. Both are veterans; Kade is sherif, volunteer fireman and rescuer of lost hikers in the mountains. Brianna is former Navy Pilot, we meet her hiking and being followed in the mountains. Worse, she is being hunted! After five days missing, a rescue team is called in. This book is fast paced, very well written, has strong and interesting characters, and some very wrong ones! It has humor, heat, adventure and suspense, of course some bone chilling twists, and the best dog ever. I enjoyed reading it, a lot! I can recommend this book and other books from this author!
Before I forget, I received an ARC and I gladly and voluntarily wrote this review after reading👍
The beginning jumps back and forth in time from his and her perspective. It was not necessary in my opinion. I almost stopped reading. But the story grabbed me when it stayed in the present and continued forward. I really enjoyed the story. There is intrigue, murder, attempted murder, betrayal from her friend as well as from her family). While the couple discover the identity of the murders, they fall in lust and love. There is support from his family and friends but plain mania craziness from her family. Both H and h served in the military with honor and together they tracked the ones who did the killing. It turned out to be a good read. I am glad I stayed with it until the end. Recommend you enjoy this one too.
I read this book when it came out and completely forgot to leave a review - MY BAD!! As with all books Stella Marie Alden this is another winner for me. Lots of action, danger and romance. Out heroine Bree who is determined to save herself whilst Kade is equally determined to save her. Minding her own business she goes on a camping hike to get over her cheating boyfriend but it doesn't turn out to be a quiet time. She is stalked by a killer, accused of murdering her ex and her family bring a shrink as they think her combat stress is clouding her judgement. Meanwhile, Kade tries to rescue her and the local police are after her too. Not forgetting the adorable dog who steals the show. I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily leave this honest (late) review.
I cannot tell you how exciting it is when this author releases she has another gem for us to read. It is truely panick mode - clear the To Do List, get the family prepped and ready for the week then finally find a quiet corner and a hot beverage. it is with the best intentions - the hot beverage but it is totally forgotten about by the end of the first line - 100% devoted to the book. It is worth the temporary chaos every time! This is Kade and Briana's story. This story contains everything you want - adventure, humour, witty banter, perfect characters and of course some steamy bits. Axel and Hunt join the mix for added fun. Enjoy!
I haven't gotten much done the last two days as I could not stop reading Kade. First I love that Stella is current on what is happening in the real world. There is Herman the IA and Bree is homeless because she lost her pilot job with USAID. Becca is the well trained, affectionate tracking dog. Kelly and Hunt are there from her last book and Wulf has an important role too.
Bree and Kade have an old connection from years back. Stella starts the story by going back and forth in time over a week to describe how the drama began. The characters are well crafted and complex. Bree and Kade are two tough warriors that complement each other. They are perfect together. Such an exciting, action-packed book that the fans know Stella will write. Thanks Stella!!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.