Sergeant O': Wounded Heroes

by Tess Summers

She called him the most infuriating patient she’d ever had. He heard “handsome”. ER nurse Jade Beaumont has zero patience for cocky cops who think rules don’t apply to them—especially Sergeant Brian O’Shaughnessy. He’s smug, stubborn, and far too good at getting under her skin.
Then he takes a bullet saving her sister, and suddenly he’s her patient. He doesn’t want her help. She doesn’t want his attitude. But proximity has a way of blurring lines, and what starts as verbal sparring turns into something hotter than either of them saw coming.
When a leaked photo turns their private connection into small-town gossip, Jade’s career and Brian’s reputation are suddenly on the line.
He’d risk his life for anyone.
But will he risk his heart for her?

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2025

About the author

USA Today and Amazon best-selling author, Tess Summers is a former business woman and teacher who always loved writing but never seemed to have time to sit down and write a short story, let alone a novel. Now battling MS, her life changed dramatically, and she has finally slowed down enough to start writing all the stories she'd been wanting to tell, including the fun and sexy ones! Married over twenty-five years with three grown children, Tess is a former dog foster mom who ended up failing and adopting them instead. She and her husband (and their six dogs) split their time between the desert of Arizona and the lakes of Michigan, so she's always in a climate that's not too hot and not too cold, but just right!

Reviews

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all from this creative author, it was easy to attach myself with the storyline, and these characters.

I absolutely love that this is a secret high school crush that turns into a HEA for these two! Secrets never stay secret in a small town, so when Brian blatantly kisses (and claims) Jade, and then escapes Haven Springs with her to rehab from his injury on the Cape - the chatter and speculation begins! What was supposed to be Jade taking care of Brian's injury (she's a nurse), turns into a steamy and entertaining "temporary" affair, that we all know isn't going to stay temporary for long.

It was super fun to have Adam and Lainey in this storyline as well, as I fell in love with them in the first book of this series. (Lainey is Jade's sister) The twists and turns of their HEA journey kept me interested from the first chapter to the final one. Love that kind of read!

I encourage you to get this one, and Callahan, and drop into this world, where you aren't going to want to leave until you've finished the last page! It's best to read in order for the best experience, IMO. Once done here, please visit the catalog of this creative author for more engaging reads. Worth your time.

I received an ARC (thank you) and happily leave my thoughts.

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian and Jade made such a good couple. I was really drawn into their story from the beginning and I loved the characters and how their relationship evolved over the course of the book. This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Callahan first. You meet the characters and get the backstory for Sergeant O in the first book. I loved both books in the series and I am looking forward to Alan’s story next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Francine Polich-Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sergeant O
Sergeant O My! Brian O’Shaughnessy is the good cop that’s a sexy bad boy, who gets under Jade Beaumont’s skin and soon finds himself in her heart and she in his. These two are meant and made for each other. They’ve grown up together in small town Haven Springs and have secretly crushed on each other for a long time. They nettle each other every chance they get. Of course, all that is just foreplay for what soon explodes into a hot and heart filled affair. Brian is wounded in the rescue of Jade’s younger sister after she is kidnapped by her sleazy landlord. Jade is Brian’s nurse in the ER of the Haven Spring’s hospital. The fun starts when Brina refuses to let Jade be his nurse, because he’s trying to keep his privates private, since those sexy hospital gowns don’t quite do the trick. Once he’s released from the hospital he’s trying to avoid the press and soon he and Jade are sneaking out of Haven Springs, but not before they manage to give the Haven Spring’s gossip mill some fodder to chew on. An ill-advised kiss in front of a jealous bank teller, with an axe to grind, goes viral with a picture release of that kiss. The small-town gossip mill churns at full speed and since gossip typically ends up getting most of the story wrong, Brian finds himself in the position of setting the story straight.
Brian and Jade are the perfect match. Their chemistry ignites a hot romance that nearly gets extinguished but soon enough Brian’s grand gesture makes everything right. This was a fun read with an HEA.

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Brian, stop fumbling!
Sergeant Brian O’Shaughnessy is a by-the-book kind of guy because his dad is the chief of police and his boss. Brian doesn’t even date; he keeps his one-night stands to out-of-town encounters because Haven Springs residents are up in everybody's business. Brian has crushed on Jade Beaumont since High School, but he believes Jade is wife material; therefore, she’s off limits until he’s ready for marriage. Brian’s a bonehead if he thinks that’ll work!
Everything changes when Brian is shot while saving the life of Lainey, Jade's sister. Jade, an ER nurse, is assigned to care for Brian until he freaks because he doesn’t want Jade to see his junk. Brian's requests all come out as snarky demands, which continually hurt Jade's feelings. But somehow, they agree to escape the mass media attention that has surrounded them since the shooting by sharing a cabin at the shore. There, Brian and Jade share a hot relationship and get to know each other. Brian may be a great cop, but he really puts his foot in his mouth all the time with Jade. Brian and Jade eventually get their ‘happy ever after’. This story and the Wounded Hero series are filled with kind, sexy protectors, lovely, smart ladies, snotty town gossips, and troublemakers. I love the small-town cozy atmosphere. Linda

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you grow up in a small town, everyone knows your business and it can be hard to take a chance on love. The lead characters in Sergeant O experience this first hand. Jade has crushed on Brian since high school but as the brainy wallflower she doesn’t believe she has a chance. Meanwhile Brian has also admired her since she returned to work in the hospital after college but doesn’t feel that he is worthy. They both have been burned by prior relationships and find it hard to trust.

I didn’t just read this book, I devoured it in one sitting. I related well to both main characters and their insecurities. Once they take a chance on a temporary fling though, you realize how appropriate this title is.

The world building is top notch and quite reflective of our current society where photographs can be misconstrued and individual privacy can be disregarded in favor of the latest trending headline. How one handles that spotlight can make all the difference.

I enjoyed the update on characters from the first novel in this series but the book reads well on its own. Looking forward to the next book.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic Page Turner
Brian and Jade have each secretly crushed on each other since highschool. Brian has convinced himself she is out of his league and he has nothing to offer her especially now in his incapacitated state. He is the protector. The man people rely on when they are in trouble. He is not supposed to be the one in need of help. Brian makes it clear he is not interested in Jade, but his flirtiness confuses her. Usually she is at work and she can laugh it off , but now they are playing house for ten days she is vulnerable and imagining what it might be like if they dated. Its good though, that he is has made it plain to her that he is not interested. Because she would have to turn him down if he asked her out. Getting involved with him would only end in disaster. This is a fun read that I devoured in a day. The chemistry is off the charts even if Brian and Jade do not want to give into it at first and then only agree to a fling. As gossip abounds in the small town of Haven Springs pictures prove they can tell so many stories and the truth is always best. Cannot wait to read about Alan and Jessica next.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

[D.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

SGT Brian O'Shaughnessy has always had a thing for nurse Jade Beaumont. Unbeknownst to Jade, Brian always takes the prisoner details that would have him seeing her in the Emergency Room. When Beian is shot in defense of Jade's little sister Lainey, Jade becomes his nurse. When Brian wakes up and sees his crush is his nurse, he has her removed. Jade has always thought Brian was hot, but thinks he is a flirt and a workaholic. When the news finds out about Brian being shot, the town is flooded with news reporters wanting a story. Brian takes refuge at Jade's place. When a chance to get away to the beach comes up Brian and Jade go together. Once out of the small town, they act on the attraction. Both agree to keep it casual when they return home but both are catching feelings. When the reporters find them and print pictures of them together, it becomes the talk of their home town. Brian, running scared refuses to admit his feelings and pushes Jade away. So, Brian must decide if he is willing to lose the woman he loves. Overall, this was a fast and engaging read. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.

[HBGG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting for the second book in the Wounded Heroes Series and it didn't disappoint. It was an easy, quick read and ended just as readers would hope. We get to watch Brian, a police officer, (from Callahan) finally get a chance for a girl he held an attraction for since high school. Jade is a nurse who has watched Brian from afar for years. She treats him in the emergency room when he is shot during the efforts to save Laney (her sister) who was kidnapped by her landlord.
This is their story of accepting their feelings for each other and rising above small town gossip and grudges.
I felt this story lacked a strong back story (as Callahan had) but it was a fun read. I am happy to see Alan is our next hero in the third installment of this series. It seems that Tess is giving us more characters that will then lead to additional releases. I sure hope so!
The dedication of this book is very touching too.

[SEG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess honestly never disappoints with her books! Sergeant O was another great read,that I finished in a day. I cannot wait till the next one honestly.
In the small town of Haven Springs, Brian and Jade had went to high school together with each of them thinking they were out of each other‘s league. Years later, they are “around” each other again as she is an ER nurse and he is a cop and he brings patients in to her hospital. Serious flirting and chemistry goes on from there. Neither one of them think that they have a chance together because of the hours they work and previous serious relationships have left them just to their work and they each think it’s for the better. Until something serious happened to Jade’s sister that puts Brian in the line of fire Jade does a favor for her sister, and helps get Brian out of town for rest. Is it love in the air for these two? You’ll have to read to find out!

[Vievie2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the cozy charm of Haven Springs, Brian O’Shaughnessy and Jade Beaumont share a lifetime of memories, unspoken feelings, and a connection that has always run deeper than either dared admit. When fate brings them together again after Brian is wounded rescuing Jade’s sister, their teasing banter and smoldering tension finally spark into something real and irresistible. But love in a small town comes with complications, and when one impulsive kiss ignites a storm of gossip, their hearts are put to the test. Through passion, pride, and a few tender heartbreaks, Brian and Jade discover that some loves are worth fighting for, and that finding forever often begins with the one person who’s been there all along. Absolutely adored this story!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wounded Heroes Series

Jade Beaumont is an ER nurse. When Sergeant Brian O'Shaughnessy is brought into the ER with a bullet wound to his leg saving her sister Lainey she ends up being his nurse.

They've known each other forever growing up in the small town of Haven Springs and have been secretly crushing on each other for years.

Of course it's a media circus when he gets out and he and Jade end up going out of town to a beach house owned by a friend. While there they get close and let their feelings come out. Ten days was the goal but it's cut short when a picture of them shows up in the Haven Springs paper.
They deny everything but just being friends and her helping him but can they really deny their feelings?

4.5 stars

[H S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. ⭐️ Brian gets shot protecting Jade’s sister and is admitted to the hospital where Jade is briefly his nurse. He doesn’t want her to be his nurse because of his crush on her, she also has also always been interested in him but doesn’t think he feels the same. His injury is the perfect way for Brian to get more time with Jade - from staying at her house to avoid the media frenzy and then convincing her to take vacation time and go with him to Cape Cod! Who can resist a vacation for the perfect start for a steamy, vacation fling. When the media and Jade’s job get wind of their relationship, will they realize their feelings are more than just a fling? Their chemistry is excellent and the interweaving of other characters is well done. Fun storyline and great reading!

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian and Jade are at odds. He is th e local police offer injured whilst protecting her sister. Jade is a nurse at the hospital he is admitted to and, thinking she owes him something, asks to nurse him. He doesn't want that and she won't tolerate him being difficult. The couple have been attracted to each other for some years., which is the underlying cause of them rubbing against each other. It has it's humourous and practical side as well as its romantic. It is town nominated hero trying to avoid town gossip, but it doesn't stay that way as things heat up between them. The head and the heart moments.

[Julia 248 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels great to be back in Haven Springs. Right from the start Brian & Jade hide their feelings to protect their hearts but their connection is too strong & hot. In today’s world social media can toss a person’s life in chaos and that’s what happens to them. While many of the characters are also in Callahan, this story can stand alone. I love Sergeant O’ and after you read the book, you’ll know what I mean. LOL Yet another book I had to read in one sitting! Can’t wait for Alan & Jessica’s story next!!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade and Brian, listen to your heart

A nice story about nurse Jade and officer Brian. They have known each other forever, she had a crush on Brian. But Brian is a flirt, and Jade doesn't want to get involved because she's sure he's a playboy. But then he gets shot rescuing her sister from a kidnapping, and she treats him in the ER. When he's released from the hospital, she ends up taking him out of town to escape the reporters camped at his house.

Things get complicated as they try to resist the irresistible attraction. HEA, lovely story, good read, I recommend it.

[Amber Novak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Wounded Heroes series and is Brian and Jade's story. The two are more alike than they realize, both are workaholics and work non-stop, both are fiercely loyal to family and friends, and both don't think they have time for a personal life. But fate has a way of giving you what and exactly who you need when you need exactly when you need them. A little drama, a lot of family, a perfect amount of love, and a HEA make this a great entry in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book! Jade is an ER nurse. A cop came in the ER, was shot, on duty, in the leg. Because it’s a small town everyone knows one another. Brian, the cop, saved Jade’s sister, Lainey, from a kidnapping. Brian has all the press after him and wants to go into hiding. He convinced Jade to join him saying he needs her to change his wound. I received a free book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sergeant O’ - Wounded Heroes, book #2

A romance between two people who were already attracted to one another, but think the other person is too good to be a match for them. It's a great story, with banter, laughter, and a bit of small town drama. Jade and Brian are two delightful characters, and you really want them to be together. I loved them as a couple and recommend this fun read!

I received an arc of this book and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sergeant O by Tess Summers is the second book in the Wounded Heroes Series.
Every book is about another couple and can easily be read as a stand alone. Anyway, there are a few cross overs and the books are best read in order.
Brian and Jade are perfect for each other. The cocky bad boy cop and his toatl opposite.
A beautiful story that I was unable to put doen. The writing is great and I loved the characters and story, 4,5 beautiful stars.

[Loreli Jessee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this exciting book. It’s so captivating and hard to put down. I loved the relationship between Jade and Brian, so many twists and surprises. I loved the tension, drama, how they worked together, I was riveted from the start and didn’t want to put it down, cause I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I loved how their families played such a large roll in their lives.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sergeant O’ by Tess Summers is the story of Brian and Jade. In a small town…everyone knows everyone. Jade has always liked him. She’s an ER nurse. He’s a Sergeant with the police. But, when he collapses after saving her sister, things change. Not all for the best!

This was an angsty, surprising, snarky, intriguing read! Liked both of these characters and the denial they have about…well, everything! Enjoyable read with likable characters!

[GMW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian & Jade have been attracted to each other since high school - both thinking that there's no way they have a chance with the other. They've both been in relationships that ended badly since then. Jade works as an ER nurse & see Brian often when he's bringing prisoners into the ER for treatment. After Brian gets shot in the line of duty their relationship develops as Jade cares for him while he is recovering. Lots of steam & small town drama - but they get their HEA.

[Maureen Metcalfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another good one from Tess. The usual basics and ending, but you're still wondering until close to the end, how they are going to actually arrive at the conclusion. There are more sex scenes than I would like, but as I usually do, I just skim over them, without it detracting from the book, and you're missing out on an enjoyable read if you don't read just because of that. can't wait for the neck installment.

[Pebbles Lacasse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sergeant ‘Oh baby!’

A sexy sergeant without a clue. A helpful nurse with attitude. Together, there should be fireworks, but stubbornness gets in the way. The feelings run deep, but neither is strong enough to face the truth. Will they get together or will their differences keep them apart?

So good! I love Test Summer’s books so much. Her stories are amazing and never let me down. This one falls right into that category: this is a must read book.

[Tiffany Hannick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. It is the second book in the series and although it can be read as a standalone there are parts that make more sense when you have read the first book. Jade and Brian have intense chemistry yet they are both very cautious when it comes to the heart. You have to read to find out if that cautiousness is going to be their downfall or not. You will find this book is a wonderful escape from reality.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Jade and Brian. I liked the way they both had feelings for each other before the start of their relationship. There are several hurdles they have to cross before they can find their happiness. I enjoyed the plot and liked the banter they had. Overall it was a good story I read in a couple hours.

[Liz Sadowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade and Brian’s story a real page turner, as these two try and figure out where their crazy relationship is headed. How they have to work through all the twist and turns life throws at them is a really interesting feel good read. It’s also great to keep up with other characters from the previous book.

[LeAnna Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Brian was in a shooting with a suspect, he requested Jade to be his nurse. After he was discharged he couldn’t return home so his brother took him to Jades house. They end up going on vacation together to the beach to get away from the media circus. One thing lead to another and they fell in love.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites who make sexy fun

Sergeant O' is the second book in the Wounded Heroes Series. Jade Beaumont is an ER nurse who has a rather irritating patient, Sergeant Brian O’Shaughnessy. He has been injured after being shot saving her sister and ended up in Jade's care. These two are oil and vinegar, but once you shake them up they become delicious.

[CAH - malphrusc · Rating 5 out of 5]

sergeant o

This was a super fun read full of mixed signals ..the storyline was interesting and kept you cheering for these two to get it all figured out! Love this series of standalones that intersect just right without being co-dependent….if you haven’t read Callahan…grab it now to enjoy with this one!