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Ranger Shield Security #3
Deception & New Direction
Ruthie Campbell, hiding a dark past under a new identity, finds sanctuary as a receptionist at a security and private investigations firm in Georgia. But when her old life catches up with her in the form of a dangerous stalker and a family set on revenge, Ruthie is forced to confront the secrets she’s tried to leave behind. With Jack Hutchinson, a stubborn yet protective former Army Ranger, inserting himself into her life, sparks fly as they navigate growing tension, danger, and undeniable chemistry. As threats loom closer, Ruthie must decide whether to trust Jack and fight for a future free of her past—or risk losing everything.
314 pages, Paperback
Published July 22, 2025
3 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Allison Bettes
7 books26 followersRomantic Suspense Author
My books are a thrilling blend of romance, mystery, and suspense — think Cupid Meets Crime Scene.
My journey into the world of romance and suspense started when my grandma handed me her well-worn copies of Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts novels — I was hooked.
My day job is a scientist, but I'm also a mom to both 2-legged and 4-legged children.
My books are a thrilling blend of romance, mystery, and suspense — think Cupid Meets Crime Scene.
My journey into the world of romance and suspense started when my grandma handed me her well-worn copies of Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts novels — I was hooked.
My day job is a scientist, but I'm also a mom to both 2-legged and 4-legged children.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 20, 2025
Kidnappings and bank robberies might get shrugged off a little too easily here, and the writing sometimes felt uneven—but the sparks of romance and threads of found family gave it heart. A few witty one-liners even managed to make me laugh. Overall, more amusing than gripping.
July 4, 2025
4.5⭐️ 2.5/5🌶️
This might be my favorite of the series yet! Incredibly honored to have been given an ARC of this book!
In the third book of the Ranger Shield series we follow Jack and Ruthie’s stories. Jack and Ruthie are hands down my favorite characters!
Ruthie had a tough upbringing with a shit family, so by the time she settled in with Ranger Shield she was well within her badass era. She’s sassy, closed off, loyal, a people pleaser, and she loves pink! A girl after my own heart.
Now on to Jack…oh this sexy MMC. He is the greenest of green flags! Jack is not only suuuuper hot, but he’s patient, understanding, and absolutely loves Ruthie.
If you want a romantic suspense, this is the book for you. These characters are relatable, fun and there’s just the right amount of spice!
This might be my favorite of the series yet! Incredibly honored to have been given an ARC of this book!
In the third book of the Ranger Shield series we follow Jack and Ruthie’s stories. Jack and Ruthie are hands down my favorite characters!
Ruthie had a tough upbringing with a shit family, so by the time she settled in with Ranger Shield she was well within her badass era. She’s sassy, closed off, loyal, a people pleaser, and she loves pink! A girl after my own heart.
Now on to Jack…oh this sexy MMC. He is the greenest of green flags! Jack is not only suuuuper hot, but he’s patient, understanding, and absolutely loves Ruthie.
If you want a romantic suspense, this is the book for you. These characters are relatable, fun and there’s just the right amount of spice!
July 15, 2025
If you're into action-packed romances with protective leads and swoony tension, Deception & New Direction delivers. This third installment in Allison Bettes’ Ranger Shield Security series follows Jack (one of the guys that works at Ranger Shield security) and Ruthie. While their story had some fun tension and familiar tropes I enjoy, I did find myself a little confused (some timeline jumps or storylines that didn't go anywhere) and thrown off.
The book had definitive Stephanie Plum vibes (Janet Evanovich fans, unite!), which kept me going. This book is a solid pick for anyone who loves their love stories with a bit of danger.
Deception & New Direction releases July 22! Book 4 comes out in September 2025.
The book had definitive Stephanie Plum vibes (Janet Evanovich fans, unite!), which kept me going. This book is a solid pick for anyone who loves their love stories with a bit of danger.
Deception & New Direction releases July 22! Book 4 comes out in September 2025.
June 24, 2025
ARC REVIEW
GOD I ABSOLUTELY LOVE JACK AND RUTHIE. Please i don’t know who i wanted more they were both just such badasses. Jack telling ruthie she was it for him the second she called him a shitwhistle. GOD I LOVE A SIMP. Ruthie getting hurt, but still wanting to do things for herself ugh there’s nothing i love more than an independent woman that will let a strong man help from time to time. Jack and Ruthie match each other so well I just love them sooo bad
GOD I ABSOLUTELY LOVE JACK AND RUTHIE. Please i don’t know who i wanted more they were both just such badasses. Jack telling ruthie she was it for him the second she called him a shitwhistle. GOD I LOVE A SIMP. Ruthie getting hurt, but still wanting to do things for herself ugh there’s nothing i love more than an independent woman that will let a strong man help from time to time. Jack and Ruthie match each other so well I just love them sooo bad
July 3, 2025
Jack and Ruthie - best Sass and banter !!! Love these two and the build up to when they finally kiss …. And have sex ahhhhh I love loved it !!! ❤️❤️❤️
July 18, 2025
I’ve been waiting for Ruthie’s story since book one, and Allison Bettes did not disappoint!
Ruthie is living a quiet, carefully constructed life—until her past comes crashing back in, along with Jack Hutchinson, the broody, loyal Army Ranger who sees right through her walls. From the moment Jack steps onto the page, the tension—both romantic and suspenseful—starts to simmer, and it never lets up.
This book blends mystery, danger, and romance so well. The pacing was spot-on: fast and intense when the action ramps up, and slower, more reflective when it needed to be. I loved watching Ruthie come into her own and seeing Jack support her every step of the way. Their chemistry felt natural and deep, and their connection had me rooting for them from the start.
It was so satisfying to finally see Ruthie and Jack find happiness together after all they’ve been through. And now? I’m counting down the days until we get Archer’s story—because if it’s anything like this one, I’m in for another emotional ride!
Ruthie is living a quiet, carefully constructed life—until her past comes crashing back in, along with Jack Hutchinson, the broody, loyal Army Ranger who sees right through her walls. From the moment Jack steps onto the page, the tension—both romantic and suspenseful—starts to simmer, and it never lets up.
This book blends mystery, danger, and romance so well. The pacing was spot-on: fast and intense when the action ramps up, and slower, more reflective when it needed to be. I loved watching Ruthie come into her own and seeing Jack support her every step of the way. Their chemistry felt natural and deep, and their connection had me rooting for them from the start.
It was so satisfying to finally see Ruthie and Jack find happiness together after all they’ve been through. And now? I’m counting down the days until we get Archer’s story—because if it’s anything like this one, I’m in for another emotional ride!
July 22, 2025
She did it again ladies and gents! I thought I knew what was gonna happen, I really did! But that twist? Hot damn. Didn’t expect it - thought we liked that guy…darn conniving characters will get you!
Now that I have officially gotten those feelings out of the way, we must talk about Jack and Ruthie! I have loved them from the beginning - how can you not? We have gotten to love Ruthie from the beginning and her pink loving self that you fall in love with! And Jack? Well, that sassy smirk will get him a long way in life 😂
Plus, we have all our favorite characters from the first two books and Hank? He’s a hoot - I love me a sassy, opinionated grand parent! His views of Archer and Jack never got old!
Speaking of the characters from the first two books, this is an interconnected standalone. You don’t need to read the first two, but as always I highly recommend you do because they are great and you will love them just as much as this one!
You will love Deception & New Direction if you love
🐾 Sister’s Best Friend
🐾 Forced Proximity
🐾 Office Romance
🐾 He Falls First
🐾 Found Family
Now that I have officially gotten those feelings out of the way, we must talk about Jack and Ruthie! I have loved them from the beginning - how can you not? We have gotten to love Ruthie from the beginning and her pink loving self that you fall in love with! And Jack? Well, that sassy smirk will get him a long way in life 😂
Plus, we have all our favorite characters from the first two books and Hank? He’s a hoot - I love me a sassy, opinionated grand parent! His views of Archer and Jack never got old!
Speaking of the characters from the first two books, this is an interconnected standalone. You don’t need to read the first two, but as always I highly recommend you do because they are great and you will love them just as much as this one!
You will love Deception & New Direction if you love
🐾 Sister’s Best Friend
🐾 Forced Proximity
🐾 Office Romance
🐾 He Falls First
🐾 Found Family
July 22, 2025
I love suspense, and I am always looking for new authors. Allison Bettes is a new to me author, and I will be reading more of her. This is the third book in the Ranger Shield Security series; it easily can be a standalone. I do plan to catch up on past couples.
The story starts with action, and continues from there. Jack and Ruthie are a couple meant to be, but it is her sass, trying not to swear, and witty comebacks that endeared me to her. She is fiercely independent, as she could never really count on her family. Jack breaks down her walls, and teaches her it is ok to ask for help. The slow burn to the first kiss as they dance around each other, the attraction they both know is there, leads to plenty of tension. Then there is her family…
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
The story starts with action, and continues from there. Jack and Ruthie are a couple meant to be, but it is her sass, trying not to swear, and witty comebacks that endeared me to her. She is fiercely independent, as she could never really count on her family. Jack breaks down her walls, and teaches her it is ok to ask for help. The slow burn to the first kiss as they dance around each other, the attraction they both know is there, leads to plenty of tension. Then there is her family…
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
June 18, 2025
𝑰 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒅𝒐𝒈𝒔.
Ruthie has a past she’s tried hard to keep buried until a mysterious delivery of roses to her workplace forces her to finally confront it.
Jack has found himself falling for his sister’s best friend, but Ruthie always pushes him away.
When Ruthie’s secret was revealed, my heart broke for her. The trauma she endured from a toxic family to the chaos of kidnappings and shootings was a lot of her to handle but she did a great job with staying strong.
I love their friend group. The way they support each other and their loyalty was great. I loved that Ruthie adopts greyhounds, and the story behind that.
Huge thanks to Allison Bettes for the copy of this book!
Ruthie has a past she’s tried hard to keep buried until a mysterious delivery of roses to her workplace forces her to finally confront it.
Jack has found himself falling for his sister’s best friend, but Ruthie always pushes him away.
When Ruthie’s secret was revealed, my heart broke for her. The trauma she endured from a toxic family to the chaos of kidnappings and shootings was a lot of her to handle but she did a great job with staying strong.
I love their friend group. The way they support each other and their loyalty was great. I loved that Ruthie adopts greyhounds, and the story behind that.
Huge thanks to Allison Bettes for the copy of this book!
July 19, 2025
Jack and Ruthie were everything I wanted them to be. They were the couple I was looking forward to the most. Jack fell first and boy did he fall hard!
From the moment they met, Ruthie knew Jack was going to be trouble. He got under her skin so deep but she couldn’t afford to truly explore anything with him because she had a past that was supposed to stay hidden. I loved Jack and his swoony ways. He was determined to break down every wall she had. Their banter was so good. He loved her feistiness and how she kept him on his toes. I loved how determined he was to win her heart. This was a beautifully written story. I cannot wait to read what’s next!
From the moment they met, Ruthie knew Jack was going to be trouble. He got under her skin so deep but she couldn’t afford to truly explore anything with him because she had a past that was supposed to stay hidden. I loved Jack and his swoony ways. He was determined to break down every wall she had. Their banter was so good. He loved her feistiness and how she kept him on his toes. I loved how determined he was to win her heart. This was a beautifully written story. I cannot wait to read what’s next!
August 1, 2025
It’s Jack and Ruthie…. Need I say more?? Fine!
She’s a firecracker (that’s what he calls her) but more like a grenade in hells (also a nickname) and he’s Veteran who likes to play with fire. It’s steamy, slow burn, high stakes and everything you want in banter/ witty humour!!
If you’re not familiar with Allison’s series then you ought to be because this is the best one yet. Although they can all function as stand alones that connect and intertwine as they please, you’d be missing out if you only read one of them!!
She’s a firecracker (that’s what he calls her) but more like a grenade in hells (also a nickname) and he’s Veteran who likes to play with fire. It’s steamy, slow burn, high stakes and everything you want in banter/ witty humour!!
If you’re not familiar with Allison’s series then you ought to be because this is the best one yet. Although they can all function as stand alones that connect and intertwine as they please, you’d be missing out if you only read one of them!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2025
This story is sass, more sass, & nonstop banter from start to finish. Ruthie & Jack will have you laughing out loud with their antics—& the team’s, too. The sexual tension crackles, building fast and hot. The camaraderie and deep bonds within the team make every moment feel like you're part of something special. Just when you're wrapped up in the fun, suspense hits with a sharp twist, & the team pulls together in the best way.
September 16, 2025
Ruthie has been my favorite character from this whole series. We first meet her in book one as a side character and I was looking forward to her story the most. The banter between her and Jack was my favorite part. This book was the spiciest of the romances, but the suspense and action elements did not disappoint either.
July 10, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
🌶
💙 Insta Love
💙 Ex-military
💙 Found Family
💙 Family drama
💙 He falls first
This was my favourite book in the series!
I love that Jack has a sweet side despite being alpha and Ruthie is sassy while having a heart of gold.
I was rooting for them from the start and couldn't put it down.
🌶
💙 Insta Love
💙 Ex-military
💙 Found Family
💙 Family drama
💙 He falls first
This was my favourite book in the series!
I love that Jack has a sweet side despite being alpha and Ruthie is sassy while having a heart of gold.
I was rooting for them from the start and couldn't put it down.
August 8, 2025
Perfect for lovers of: plot twists, steamy romance, and action/intrigue!!! I love getting to know these characters and their friendships, too!
October 15, 2025
✨ When he’s taking every opportunity it’s he can to show her they’re meant to be…
💭 When this came up on Kindle Unlimited I was excited to get to read the next in the series. The story finds Jack joining his teammates after his final tour of duty. Ruthie is a receptionist at Ranger Security. Jack is immediately smitten and quickly decides that Ruthie is the one for him, and he’s willing to play the long game.
While the resolution felt a little fast for me, this was a quick and easy read. I also love found family stories, and you get that here in spades.
☑️ For fans of: best friend’s brother, he falls first, workplace romance, with all the forced proximity
💭 When this came up on Kindle Unlimited I was excited to get to read the next in the series. The story finds Jack joining his teammates after his final tour of duty. Ruthie is a receptionist at Ranger Security. Jack is immediately smitten and quickly decides that Ruthie is the one for him, and he’s willing to play the long game.
While the resolution felt a little fast for me, this was a quick and easy read. I also love found family stories, and you get that here in spades.
☑️ For fans of: best friend’s brother, he falls first, workplace romance, with all the forced proximity
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews