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The Jaded Warrior
He broke her heart. Now he might be the only one who can save her.
Nikki knew that getting involved with a retired Navy SEAL turned security expert was risky, but she never expected Luke to blow up her heart.
He walked away, leaving her with unanswered questions and a wound that will never heal.
When an attempt to help a friend takes a deadly turn, Nikki finds herself cut off from the outside world and trapped in a tight-lipped, isolated colony with no way out.
Her survival depends on the one man who walked away—the one she vowed never to trust again.
For Luke, this rescue isn’t just about survival. It’s a chance to rectify the biggest mistake of his life.
But saving Nikki means facing ruthless enemies … and the feelings he’s tried so hard to bury.
Some missions are worth the risk. Some loves are worth the fight.
Nikki knew that getting involved with a retired Navy SEAL turned security expert was risky, but she never expected Luke to blow up her heart.
He walked away, leaving her with unanswered questions and a wound that will never heal.
When an attempt to help a friend takes a deadly turn, Nikki finds herself cut off from the outside world and trapped in a tight-lipped, isolated colony with no way out.
Her survival depends on the one man who walked away—the one she vowed never to trust again.
For Luke, this rescue isn’t just about survival. It’s a chance to rectify the biggest mistake of his life.
But saving Nikki means facing ruthless enemies … and the feelings he’s tried so hard to bury.
Some missions are worth the risk. Some loves are worth the fight.
- GenresSuspense
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Jennifer Youngblood
516 books798 followersJennifer loves reading and writing clean romance. She believes that happily ever after is not just for stories. Jennifer enjoys interior design, rollerblading, clogging, jogging, and chocolate. In Jennifer’s opinion there are few ills that can’t be solved with a warm brownie and scoop of vanilla-bean ice cream.
Jennifer grew up in rural Alabama and loved living in a town where “everybody knows everybody.” Her love for writing began as a young teenager when she wrote stories for her high school English teacher to critique.
Jennifer has a BA in English and Social Sciences from Brigham Young University Hawaii where she served as Miss BYU Hawaii. Before becoming an author, she worked as the owner and editor of a monthly newspaper named The Senior Times.
She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family and spends her time writing and doing all of the wonderful things that make up the life of a busy wife and mother.
Jennifer grew up in rural Alabama and loved living in a town where “everybody knows everybody.” Her love for writing began as a young teenager when she wrote stories for her high school English teacher to critique.
Jennifer has a BA in English and Social Sciences from Brigham Young University Hawaii where she served as Miss BYU Hawaii. Before becoming an author, she worked as the owner and editor of a monthly newspaper named The Senior Times.
She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family and spends her time writing and doing all of the wonderful things that make up the life of a busy wife and mother.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 20, 2026
Another fantastic Navy SEAL romantic suspense novel from Jennifer Youngblood! I loved Nikki and Luke's story! They definitely have some ups and downs in their relationship. A lot has to do with their backstories and Nikki being hurt in the past, and Luke being a Navy SEAL and his training to protect and observe and know information.
Nikki ends up at a wellness retreat to help her friend who owns it. But her investigative reporter skills tell her that something is fishy, and it just isn't all adding up. As more strange thing start happening Nikki starts digging more and more to figure it all out.
I loved it! I was guessing and trying to figure out who the bad guy is. I didn't quite get it, but I was super duper close. I loved when Luke shows up undercover to check on Nikki and help her. The surprise was awesome. They make a great team and have a second chance to figure out their relationship and if it's worth continuing. *Hint...yes, it is!*
Poor Nikki at this retreat though, if I were her, I'd run far away. No thank you to dealing with the stuff going down there! Just saying!!! Hee Hee! But with Luke around, it's not too bad.
Content: Clean. Some moments of mild peril, mention of death. Nothing more than some kisses. No language. I would recommend this for older teens and up.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Nikki ends up at a wellness retreat to help her friend who owns it. But her investigative reporter skills tell her that something is fishy, and it just isn't all adding up. As more strange thing start happening Nikki starts digging more and more to figure it all out.
I loved it! I was guessing and trying to figure out who the bad guy is. I didn't quite get it, but I was super duper close. I loved when Luke shows up undercover to check on Nikki and help her. The surprise was awesome. They make a great team and have a second chance to figure out their relationship and if it's worth continuing. *Hint...yes, it is!*
Poor Nikki at this retreat though, if I were her, I'd run far away. No thank you to dealing with the stuff going down there! Just saying!!! Hee Hee! But with Luke around, it's not too bad.
Content: Clean. Some moments of mild peril, mention of death. Nothing more than some kisses. No language. I would recommend this for older teens and up.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
May 13, 2026
This book captured me from the very beginning. Nikki and Luke have so much chemistry between them that they sizzle. One minute they’re kissing passionately, and the next thing you know, they’re fighting like cats and dogs. When Nikki takes off for a week to attend a wellness retreat, Nick is concerned about her safety, but she feels perfectly safe. Until she doesn’t.
The Jaded Warrior is a captivating story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Just when you think you have things all figured out, something changes and throws the entire story into a different dimension. Jennifer Youngblood is an incredible writer and certainly one of my favorites. How could anything be better than romance with a splash of mystery and suspense? Adding the character’s faith in God and the belief that He has a plan for us made it extra special.
The Jaded Warrior is a captivating story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Just when you think you have things all figured out, something changes and throws the entire story into a different dimension. Jennifer Youngblood is an incredible writer and certainly one of my favorites. How could anything be better than romance with a splash of mystery and suspense? Adding the character’s faith in God and the belief that He has a plan for us made it extra special.
May 6, 2026
This navy seal certainly does appeal. A security expert since he retired . But of her ,did he get tired?
Even though he did her wrong ,he’s here to right with might . Luke left her bereft when he left her without answers ,but now when she’s facing attack ,he’s back… What are the chances?
When Nikki attempted to help a friend out ,it turned out with her cut off from everything and in great danger. Who she has to help her isn’t a stranger ,oh no . He’s her ex beau…
I literally squealed at this its bliss. He is here to make amends. She’s not sure she can even be friends ,but him she has to trust and try to hide the fact that he has her on her back with lust …
This book by Jennifer Youngblood is a must read. It had me turning the pages with greed. Great storyline ,simply divine interactions and ooh the attraction,it’s tense it’s it makes sense and here’s here to make recompense to her . I’d take it Nikki hon cos he got a mighty set of guns this ex marine . Like you’ve never seen.
Even though he did her wrong ,he’s here to right with might . Luke left her bereft when he left her without answers ,but now when she’s facing attack ,he’s back… What are the chances?
When Nikki attempted to help a friend out ,it turned out with her cut off from everything and in great danger. Who she has to help her isn’t a stranger ,oh no . He’s her ex beau…
I literally squealed at this its bliss. He is here to make amends. She’s not sure she can even be friends ,but him she has to trust and try to hide the fact that he has her on her back with lust …
This book by Jennifer Youngblood is a must read. It had me turning the pages with greed. Great storyline ,simply divine interactions and ooh the attraction,it’s tense it’s it makes sense and here’s here to make recompense to her . I’d take it Nikki hon cos he got a mighty set of guns this ex marine . Like you’ve never seen.
May 6, 2026
The Jaded Warrior is an edge-of-your-seat, twisted, suspenseful romance. Once again Ms. Youngblood proves she is a master of twisted plots. Nikki is in a lot of trouble when it turns out that Luke was correct about this yoga retreat being a bad idea. Nikki is miles from nowhere and has no electronics when things turn from calm to unsettled. What a time to realize that Luke's concerns were a warning - not a need to control her. Even when Luke shows up at this remote location, his efforts might not be enough to save Nikki. Watching this pair outwit the villains while falling in love is fascinating. Once again I was up too late because I could not put the book down. (Will I never learn to start Ms. Youngblood's books early in the day?)
May 7, 2026
Is a sweet, clean, opposites attract, ex Navy Seal Romantic Suspense with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- Just because I don’t go around expecting the sky to fall any minute does not mean that I’m naïve.” --- “Your fears. Maybe you should ask for some direction and guidance. It would be a shame for you to throw away something good just because you’re afraid.” --- faith meant walking those first frightening steps into the darkness before coming into the light. ---
What's Camille up to? Where is Sheridan? What's Mia up to? What are Camille, Silas, and Brooke hiding? Was Marilyn's land stolen from her? Was Marilyn's death and accident or murder? Did Camille fall into the quarry or was she pushed? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Nikki and Luke's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and listened to. I can't wait to read her next book.
Some of the lines I really like --- Just because I don’t go around expecting the sky to fall any minute does not mean that I’m naïve.” --- “Your fears. Maybe you should ask for some direction and guidance. It would be a shame for you to throw away something good just because you’re afraid.” --- faith meant walking those first frightening steps into the darkness before coming into the light. ---
What's Camille up to? Where is Sheridan? What's Mia up to? What are Camille, Silas, and Brooke hiding? Was Marilyn's land stolen from her? Was Marilyn's death and accident or murder? Did Camille fall into the quarry or was she pushed? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Nikki and Luke's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and listened to. I can't wait to read her next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Freelance reporter Nikki is fiercely independent. Not even security expert and former SEAL boyfriend Luke can tell her what to do. Nikki cares for Luke, but she finds him overprotective. When Nikki is offered an opportunity to do a story on a yoga resort owned by a friend, Luke has a gut feeling that it's a bad idea. He is concerned at the remoteness and that she might not be able to get help if she needs it. Nikki goes and soon realizes that all is not well at the resort. She is determined to stay and get the story. I received a free copy of this eBook from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is an eBook that I quickly devoured. It's suspenseful and has wonderful characters. I love Jennifer Youngblood's books, and this is a great romantic suspense series.
May 13, 2026
The Jaded Warrior was such a rewarding story, especially after getting a glimpse of Luke and Nikki in The Desperate Warrior. It was really satisfying to finally see their relationship unfold, and their story felt well worth the wait.
One of the things I appreciated most was how relatable the conflict between Luke and Nikki felt. Their struggles didn’t feel overdone or artificial; instead, they came across as honest and believable, which made their journey even more meaningful. I also loved the positive message in the way they were able to grow, work through their differences, and come out stronger on the other side.
The romance had a nice emotional payoff, and I enjoyed seeing the connection between them deepen as the story went on. Overall, this was an uplifting, engaging read with characters I was glad to revisit and a relationship that felt both real and hopeful.
One of the things I appreciated most was how relatable the conflict between Luke and Nikki felt. Their struggles didn’t feel overdone or artificial; instead, they came across as honest and believable, which made their journey even more meaningful. I also loved the positive message in the way they were able to grow, work through their differences, and come out stronger on the other side.
The romance had a nice emotional payoff, and I enjoyed seeing the connection between them deepen as the story went on. Overall, this was an uplifting, engaging read with characters I was glad to revisit and a relationship that felt both real and hopeful.
May 13, 2026
In The Jaded Warrior, Jennifer Youngblood delivers a gripping blend of romantic suspense that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. Set against the intriguing backdrop of an exclusive wellness retreat, the story quickly takes a tense turn as nothing is quite as it seems.
Nikki finds herself feeling increasingly suffocated by what she perceives as Luke’s need for control, creating emotional tension that adds depth to their relationship. Yet as unsettling truths begin to surface, Nikki is forced to question everything—including who she can truly trust.
With mounting suspense, unexpected twists, and a strong emotional core, this is a story that is hard to put down. Youngblood once again proves her ability to weave romance and intrigue into a compelling, fast-paced read.
Another success from a consistently engaging author.
Nikki finds herself feeling increasingly suffocated by what she perceives as Luke’s need for control, creating emotional tension that adds depth to their relationship. Yet as unsettling truths begin to surface, Nikki is forced to question everything—including who she can truly trust.
With mounting suspense, unexpected twists, and a strong emotional core, this is a story that is hard to put down. Youngblood once again proves her ability to weave romance and intrigue into a compelling, fast-paced read.
Another success from a consistently engaging author.
May 6, 2026
The Jaded Warrior
Warning! Start this one early enough to finish before bedtime! It is full of danger and suspense while still having a bit of romance. Nikki and Luke have a magnificent story with wonderful chemistry. Their long distance relationship has its problems. She is a travel righter from Alabama. Luke is an ex SEAL turned security specialist with an elite security group. When he learns Nikki is planning a trip to a wellness retreat with her best friend to write an article, he has a gut feeling things will not go well. She is more committed to writing her travel article for the retreat than listening to Luke. What happens when Nikki finds out she is in trouble over her head? I highly recommend you read the book to find out more.
Warning! Start this one early enough to finish before bedtime! It is full of danger and suspense while still having a bit of romance. Nikki and Luke have a magnificent story with wonderful chemistry. Their long distance relationship has its problems. She is a travel righter from Alabama. Luke is an ex SEAL turned security specialist with an elite security group. When he learns Nikki is planning a trip to a wellness retreat with her best friend to write an article, he has a gut feeling things will not go well. She is more committed to writing her travel article for the retreat than listening to Luke. What happens when Nikki finds out she is in trouble over her head? I highly recommend you read the book to find out more.
May 30, 2026
Luke and Nikki just love to argue and argue and argue. Nikki accuses him of being controlling. Luke accuses her of running away from any relationship. Nikki is going to a retreat that her college roommate, Camillie Luke does not want Nikki to go. He just has a feeling somethings not right. Nikki being the stubborn person that she is decided she was going to that retreat anyway. Camille wanted Nikki to write a story about the retreat. Nikki does a lot of traveling and she writes stories about the different places that she attends. Things are happening at the retreat that are not good. It seems like Luke knows when Nikki needs his help. This is a good clean faith based romance. I highly recommend any book that Jennifer Youngblood writes.
August 14, 2026
Fantastic edge of the seat Christian suspense.
I was dubious when I first started this book but didn’t take too long to get absorbed into it. So many twists and turns. Who do you trust when your ‘friends’ refuse to be honest. I loved the way Nikki stuck by Camellia, believing the best, despite the obvious play on their friendship, however sometimes we’re all a bit naive and don’t want to believe what’s in front of us. When problems arose Nikki turned to her Saviour for help and comfort. We all have areas in our lives that we struggle with so this is a reminder there is One who is stronger than us who has plans for those who trust Him. We have to wait on the Lord.
I highly recommend this book and I long to read others in the series.
I was dubious when I first started this book but didn’t take too long to get absorbed into it. So many twists and turns. Who do you trust when your ‘friends’ refuse to be honest. I loved the way Nikki stuck by Camellia, believing the best, despite the obvious play on their friendship, however sometimes we’re all a bit naive and don’t want to believe what’s in front of us. When problems arose Nikki turned to her Saviour for help and comfort. We all have areas in our lives that we struggle with so this is a reminder there is One who is stronger than us who has plans for those who trust Him. We have to wait on the Lord.
I highly recommend this book and I long to read others in the series.
Read
May 13, 2026Nikki is a travel writer. She has been dating Luke for several months. Luke is a former SEAL who works private security for Sutton. Nikki is going to a yoga retreat with her roommate from college. Luke is concerned about her going into the mountains of TN with no phone or internet. She gets made at him for being too controlling. When she gets there and accidents start happening, she wishes Luke were there. Luke arranges to be there and they investigate the strange happenings. When Luke is called away for work, Nikki must continue on alone. As the danger heats up, Nikki must learn to trust.
July 20, 2026
Better Than the Previous One
I liked this one better than book 5. The heroine prayed multiple times about all the things that mattered, not just in suspenseful moments. The book was stronger in the technical aspects. Overall, this one truly came across as an inspirational suspense romance. The plot kept me waffling about who committed the crime. I still struggled to agree with the heroine in her assessment of the hero. Dude is just trying to keep her safe. I think the ending was satisfying, though. Give it a try if you enjoy inspirational suspense romance.
I liked this one better than book 5. The heroine prayed multiple times about all the things that mattered, not just in suspenseful moments. The book was stronger in the technical aspects. Overall, this one truly came across as an inspirational suspense romance. The plot kept me waffling about who committed the crime. I still struggled to agree with the heroine in her assessment of the hero. Dude is just trying to keep her safe. I think the ending was satisfying, though. Give it a try if you enjoy inspirational suspense romance.
May 5, 2026
A book that grabbed my attention from the beginning and I didn’t want to stop reading. Nikki really likes Luke but thinks he is too much of an alpha male and wants to protect her too much. Luke is a bodyguard for Sutton Smith. He doesn’t want her to go to the yoga retreat, and she thinks he is overly concerned. There are so many twists and turns that you don’t see coming, a sweet and swoon worthy romance and an all-around great read that I enjoyed so much.
May 7, 2026
Luke is an overprotective boyfriend, former Navy Seal and Nikki is a free spirited journalist who does not want his protection. When she is invited to health retreat by an old friend, Luke cautions her. Things are strange at the spa and Nikki is happy when Luke shows up undercover. Friendships are tested and lies are told. Nikki's journalistic instincts takes her into a twisted lie. Very good.
May 9, 2026
I have been anticipating this book since the Desperate Warrior came out. We FINALLY get Nikki and Luke's story. Not only do you get to see thier relationship (clean romance a plus), but you also get a thriller with some pretty intense plot twists. I highly reccomend to someone who wants a book of playful banter between characters, a mystery to solve, a couple plot twists, a fast moving story line and a dash of a character's walk with God. You won't be disappointed.
July 5, 2026
Travel Writer and a former Navy Seal
Jennifer Youngblood has the ability to capture your attention keeping it to the end. Main character Nikki wants independence and a relationship, maybe. Former relationships have failed while one with Luke Ellis is destined to succeed. Throw in some intrigue that will keep you guessing who and why. The spoiled don’t always get what they want. Truth telling….agod says yes no matter what.
Jennifer Youngblood has the ability to capture your attention keeping it to the end. Main character Nikki wants independence and a relationship, maybe. Former relationships have failed while one with Luke Ellis is destined to succeed. Throw in some intrigue that will keep you guessing who and why. The spoiled don’t always get what they want. Truth telling….agod says yes no matter what.
May 5, 2026
Yay this is Nikki and Lukes love story Nikki is Jules cousin from the Desperate Warrier. Nikki is a travel writer she is dating Luke and falling for him but his controlling manner drives her crazy their chemistry is off the charts! Get ready for so many turns twists and surprises in this clean swoony read your head will spin in the best way possible!!
May 7, 2026
This book has entertaining characters with lots of mystery, suspense, action, and some romance. I enjoy that the characters have depth as the story unfolds. I like the length of the book so I could read it in one afternoon and evening. I enjoy that the romance is clean and that God is sprinkled into the story.
May 9, 2026
There are times when it is wise to take the advise of others. Nikki should have headed Luke's advice about not attending her friends retreat. She soon learns that there are neferous things happening and everyone at the retreat is in danger. The ending is not what I expected but very good. I was given an advance copy. This is my voluntary opinion.
May 20, 2026
Exciting story!
Nikki, A journalist, was asked by her friend to go to a retreat lodge to write a story about there services. Her on again off again boyfriend Luke didn't like the idea. Of course Nikki thought he was controlling her. She should have listened. Nothing was normal at this retreat. Very exciting!!
Nikki, A journalist, was asked by her friend to go to a retreat lodge to write a story about there services. Her on again off again boyfriend Luke didn't like the idea. Of course Nikki thought he was controlling her. She should have listened. Nothing was normal at this retreat. Very exciting!!
May 22, 2026
The Jaded Warrior
What a powerful hero romance book. Filled with suspense, mystery, intrigue and a relationship that is volatile. The twist of this story kept me reading until I finished reading it. It was hard to put it down even for a moment. The ending definitely had me stumped but it unfolds in the perfect plot.
What a powerful hero romance book. Filled with suspense, mystery, intrigue and a relationship that is volatile. The twist of this story kept me reading until I finished reading it. It was hard to put it down even for a moment. The ending definitely had me stumped but it unfolds in the perfect plot.
July 10, 2026
Whew!
Nothing like a little mystery and intrigue to keep you on your toes... or the edge of your seat! I love Luke and Nikki's passionate relationship: fight hard, love hard (without the spice, of course)! And I loved Luke making a way to be there for Nikki when she needs him. I had to laugh at the epilogue... full circle moment! Loved this story!
Nothing like a little mystery and intrigue to keep you on your toes... or the edge of your seat! I love Luke and Nikki's passionate relationship: fight hard, love hard (without the spice, of course)! And I loved Luke making a way to be there for Nikki when she needs him. I had to laugh at the epilogue... full circle moment! Loved this story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Part of an interconnected series with overlapping characters. Can be read as a standalone but better if read in order.
Overprotective Alpha male vs Independent female who runs when things get serious.
Sparks fly
He falls first
Suspicious job opportunity goes sideways
Overprotective Alpha male vs Independent female who runs when things get serious.
Sparks fly
He falls first
Suspicious job opportunity goes sideways
May 10, 2026
Nikki and Luke are a great couple in this story. He is a ex Navy Seal and she is a writer. Despite his warnings of a bad feeling about her next project, she gets in over her head. This is a sweet, clean romance.
May 11, 2026
exciting
This was an awesome story. There was a lot of tension and suspense and romance. Nikki’s character drove me a little crazy, but I do like how everything played out in the end.
This was an awesome story. There was a lot of tension and suspense and romance. Nikki’s character drove me a little crazy, but I do like how everything played out in the end.
May 15, 2026
Fears
Fears of commitment, of losing yourself, of being controlled, but in the end love conquered all their fears to bring forever in to play. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing till the end.
Fears of commitment, of losing yourself, of being controlled, but in the end love conquered all their fears to bring forever in to play. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing till the end.
May 6, 2026
Nikki and Luke are great characters. Their romance is filled with suspense with lots of twists and turns.
May 23, 2026
One thing
I really enjoyed it except for one thing. Jennifer puts in too much detail about clothes and times of explaining their feelings and background.
I really enjoyed it except for one thing. Jennifer puts in too much detail about clothes and times of explaining their feelings and background.
June 12, 2026
SUCH AN AWESOME SUSPENSEFUL , WITTY.LOVE STORY ...
ONE NEVER TRULY KNOWS THE LOVE THEY HAVE FOR ANOTHER TILL PUT TO THE TEST...
TRULY ENJOYABLE READING ..
ONE NEVER TRULY KNOWS THE LOVE THEY HAVE FOR ANOTHER TILL PUT TO THE TEST...
TRULY ENJOYABLE READING ..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews