Velvet and Valor

by Kelly Myers

She believes in happy endings. He's forgotten they exist.

Los Angeles film producer June Mayweather creates stories that make you laugh, cry—and believe in people again. At the airport curb, June is shoved into a waiting limo by men demanding something she can’t even name, and suddenly survival is her only project.

Axel Sawyer—ex-Army Ranger turned Platinum Security bodyguard—has seen too much darkness to trust tomorrow. He hides the scars behind a quick grin and a don’t-get-attached rulebook…until he’s assigned to protect the stubborn, brilliant producer who refuses to surrender her career or her hope.

Safe houses become impossibly close quarters. A cover story turns into real chemistry neither of them can ignore. With a ruthless fixer closing every exit and a citywide hunt underway, Axel and June have one learn who wants her and why—before LA becomes the scene of their final cut.

Velvet and Valor is a steamy, high-stakes bodyguard romance in the Platinum Shadows of LA world—ex-military protector × sassy, razor-smart producer; forced proximity; secret agendas; found family; guaranteed HEA.

Dive into this heart-pounding standalone or binge the series.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Carole Anderson]

Well that was a wild ride! The book took off, plenty of action, hilarious banter between all the characters and a romantic suspense story to boot!
June is a Producer/partner at Benchmark Studios - luckily for her as she takes on all the action and hits with a cool head nary a panic attack in sight. She has been mistaken for a dubious courier and has fallen in with the wrong group of criminals. Along comes Axel from Platinum Security to save her, save the day, get the bad guys (with June’s help) and tie everything up with a nice bow, ensuring her ongoing safety.
But Axel has a dark side to his personality - a remnant from his days in the military and June is attempting to shine a light over his moving forward with his new job. And so we get taken along on their journey and witness their drama, their redemption and a happily ever after for them.
I haven’t read prior books in this series from the author and I didn’t feel as if I was missing any pertinent points, but I am keen to start at the beginning now and revel in the antics of this diverse and fast-paced world.
This was an angsty, laugh out loud tale filled with panoramic scenes and a wonderful cast of characters that kept me entertained and satisfied the feel-good side of me.
I’ve enjoyed the respite these hours of reading has gifted me and I thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.

[Misty]

First off, if you're into bodyguard romances, this one's got everything you want. Axel is your classic brooding ex-military guy who's all business until he meets June, and she is NOT having any of his overprotective nonsense. She's a producer with a job to do, and some threat isn't going to make her hide in a corner. I loved that about her.

The chemistry between them was explosive. Myers really knows how to build that tension where you're just waiting for them to finally admit what's obvious to everyone. The banter is fun and feels natural, not forced like some romance novels where the dialogue makes you cringe.

What surprised me was how much I got into the suspense part. Usually in romantic suspense, one side feels weaker, but this actually kept me guessing. The threat is real, the stakes feel high, and there were a couple of moments where I genuinely didn't know how they'd get out of it.

My only complaint is that some of the action scenes ran a bit long for my taste, but if you love that stuff, you'll probably eat it up. And the spice level is definitely there without being overwhelming.

Overall, this was exactly what I needed - a fun, fast-paced read with a satisfying ending. If you're looking for something to binge in a day or two, grab this one. Just maybe don't start it before bed because you won't want to put it down.

Received ARC from BookSprout for honest review.

[Leslie]

Steamy Romantic Suspense
Axel Sawyer has a primal raw energy. Sleek, almost majestic at times, but lethal even though he acts like a bit of a goof who does not take life seriously. June Mayweather’s whole life has been turned upside down with a snap of a finger. Axel would be freaking out more than her under the same circumstances. He is used to people trying to kill him, but in the Army he had the support of US Arsenal of Democracy and his squad mates. She just has him and he has to be enough because she is one awesome woman, who he is not going to let down. He wants her bad, but that would be unprofessional and he cannot make this about him. They are in a heap of trouble.
This is a steamy fast paced Platinum Security romance. Lots of action, danger and suspense, but also spiced up with humorous banter. June and Axel’s chemistry is off the charts. On paper they are so different, but they click as Axel tries to protect June from danger. This can be read as a standalone, but all the books in this series and Kelly Myers’s first Platinum Security series have interconnecting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise DeJonge]

June is a movie director/producer who is just trying to get her small indie company the “big fish”. June says she doesn’t want to be a huge Hollywood production, but just something that is worthy of some trophy. Strange things start happening when she tries to schedule her Uber. Frustrated and occupied with her phone, June bumps into someone and causes a bloody lip. The rest of her day becomes similar to a type of action film and she is the star.

Axel, former military trying to find his purpose in life, helps a friend who owns a security company. He is assigned a “mission” that involves finding and protecting the “client”. Axel suffers from PTSD and has a penchant for using humor in difficult situations. Will he become the dashing hero or just another costar?

Seriously, this book would make a great action movie. I loved the nonstop threat of danger, interspersed with passion. Great storyline, and flow. The characters are described so well that you will be able to visualize each one. Look out Hollywood, there is a new role for both Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson.

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

[Judy]

This is a great addition to the Platinum Security Shadows of LA Series where June finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time after leaving the airport then getting a ride in a car service that becomes a chase through traffic involving dangerous men. Axel has been sent to rescue and protect June and their wild car chase is almost like her movies she produces! Axel has recently left the military and has his walls up protecting his true self so when his feelings start to shift to June all bets are off. Axel protects June with ruthlessness and pride and once they become more their enemies can use that against them. It’s beautiful to see how Axel lets his walls down and June protects and does what’s necessary to help Axel end the danger forced upon them. One incredible team! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pico1]

A wonderful suspense story that is also an excellent story of two people falling in love. June is a producer of art house movies who is accidentally mistaken for a courier of something illicit and is kidnapped while leaving Los Angeles airport after a trip. Axel works for Platinum Security in Los Angeles, and is assigned to try and free her, and then protect her. From the moment that his assignment starts, through the entire book, it is filled with excitement, daredevil acts, and clever dialog which sometimes made me laugh. Axel and June ultimately have their happy ending, but getting to it is a perilous journey with a lot of twists and turns. They are smart, articulate and the relationship that develops between them is believable. I received a free copy of the book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Aspen G]

Velvet and Valor is an action-packed thrill ride filled with humor, danger, suspense, and steam. Retired Army Ranger Axel is precocious, daring, and wild—hiding a truly suffering soul underneath. June is—well, she is bossy and controlling but also completely unaware of her surroundings most of the time. She is impulsive and bold while also being being caring and sweet. That she truly sees Axel and his softer side is beautiful, and he falls so freaking hard for her! They give into their feelings with wild abandon, and their chemistry is off the charts. The twists and turns in the plot are engaging and keep you on your toes. The audiobook is on point with narrators who deliver dynamite performances. Loved the extended epilogues!

[Myria]

June helps movies come alive on the big screen yes her company isn’t a big one but it’s a job she loves until a chance encounter at the airport sends her life into something fit for the next action film except this is real life and she could die but what’s a action movie without a heart throb hero and June finds hers the form of platinum security’s newest recruit Axel just home from serving his country and straight into saving her life and well maybe she’ll just save his life right back so they can have a happily ever after if they can stop the bad guys first. Ohh let the action commence

[Fleur]

June and Axels first meeting is totally out of the box mayhem but suits them as trouble finds them everywhere. Between them you get plenty of laugh out loud moments, along with flirting which at times is soo bad it's good however it's seeing Axel start to find his place due to June that had me falling for these two. The danger is always there and when it attacks, it leads to some nail biting moments and awesome fight scenes.

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

[Kandiemarie]

This is the fourth book in the Platinum Security: Shadows of LA. Axel and June's journey is an action packed romance. I was hooked from the first paragraph and couldn't find it in me to put it down until I finished it. The witty banter and dialogue had me in fits and giggles. The steamy scenes had me blushing. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat. It's another fascinating story from Kelly Myers. Highly recommend reading and can't wait to see what else Myers brings out.

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

[Karen Lathbury]

Fast paced first chapters, and made me laugh with the humor. June is taken at the curb at the airport by men who think she is someone she’s not. A chase happens and she is rescued by Axel, bodyguard for Platinum Security. This is a good read, mixture of danger, heat and a dose of humor. I like Kelly Myers and always enjoy reading her books.

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

[Danee]

This is the story of June and Axel. He's a former soldier struggling with PTSD after his tour and doesn't know what to do to get through life. Everything changes when he starts working for a friend's security company and gets June as a client. A delightful story that I definitely recommend.



I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Kelley]

This is book 4 in the series and will contain some spoilers of the previous books in the LA series. Kelly Myers knows how to keep you glued to the pages starting on page 1 to the very end. Suspense, spice, danger, and a love connection... what's not to like? She will make you wish you had a reason for a sexy body guard from Platinum Security.

[Niki]

June is returning to town after a festival where she had hope get a new film set up. When she is put in a car and held hostage until being rescued by Axel. He takes her to a safe house where their feelings for each other turns in to a whole lot more then either of them bargained for.

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

[Pauline Frost]

A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. Axel is given a job to find and rescue June after a call to Platinum Security shows she isn't where she should be. High speed chase on highways, guns involved along with knife fights keep you turning the pages to find out how it all started.

[Narelle]

Axel becomes June's saviour after he rescues her from her kidnapping. With forced proximity, ex-military turned bodyguard and danger, this is also a steamy read where the guy gets his girl.

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

[Mandy Sawyer]

When the funny guy gets all serious you know there’s trouble. This Alpha knows how to get out of a sticky situation. A brilliant performance.

[Jamie]

Wow, what a wild ride! Velvet and Valor is packed with nonstop action, hilarious banter, and just the right amount of romantic suspense. June, a producer at Benchmark Studios, finds herself mistaken for a courier and thrown into a dangerous mess. Luckily, Axel from Platinum Security steps in—strong, brooding, and determined to keep her safe. Together, they face off against criminals, share plenty of witty exchanges, and find an undeniable spark that keeps you turning the pages.
Even without reading the earlier books in the series, this one stands perfectly on its own. The story has the perfect mix of danger, humor, and heart. Axel’s dark past and June’s fearless personality make them such a fun, balanced duo. It’s angsty, fast-paced, and full of moments that made me laugh out loud. Kelly Myers delivers another feel-good, action-filled romance that’s impossible to put down!