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Ace: Suspense Romance

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April Livingston is a bestselling author living a glamorous yet complicated life in New York City. Struggling with a tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship, she’s ready to escape her chaotic personal life. When she’s invited to a high-profile fundraiser, April’s curiosity gets the best of her. As she boards a luxurious yacht, she unwittingly stumbles upon something far more dangerous—a brutal murder. Forced into a harrowing escape, April finds herself on the run from a deadly Russian arms dealer who’s determined to tie up all loose ends.

Ace, a battle-hardened former Delta Force operator turned private security expert, is assigned to protect April at all costs. Ace is a man of few words, detached, and seeks assignments taking him out of the country—until he meets April, the woman who may just crack his steely exterior. The instant chemistry between them pulls him in, but with his history of avoiding relationships, Ace knows this could be a complication he doesn’t need.

As they race to stay one step ahead of those who want her dead, April uncovers long-buried secrets from her past, forcing her to confront a truth that could change everything. With danger closing in from all sides, and trust as fragile as their growing bond, Ace will stop at nothing to keep her safe—even if it means risking everything he has.

An explosive mix of heart-pounding action, magnetic romance, and shocking twists, this is a love story that proves when everything is on the line, even the most guarded hearts could be shattered.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2025

9 people are currently reading
6 people want to read

About the author

Shannon Hrimnak

9 books18 followers
Award-winning author Shannon Hrimnak was born in Germany and raised in El Paso, Texas, then moved to Phoenix after her first five years of marriage and enjoys the life she has established in the Valley of the Sun. She has been married to her amazingly encouraging husband for thirty-plus years and has raised two children and several four-legged fur babies. Her first grand-baby, born in July of 2022, is about the one thing she will drop anything for. New to empty nesting, her home is quiet but filled with her two loyal dogs left behind when the kids moved out. Now a new journey begins.

Her love of stories began in her forties when her mother suggested she read an eight-hundred-page book. Prior, she was an avid self-help reader. Never starting small, she picked up the book and couldn't put it down. Like most women, her obligations are stacked from dust to dawn. Reading about love and romance became an escape from real-life commitments in her busy life. That began a new journey, and it was the influence of many authors that awakened the path to finding her own stories.

She is an up-and-coming author of contemporary romance novels with a hint of suspense. She works alongside her husband in real estate and is learning to navigate the ways around a life of being an empty nester.

When she isn't working with her husband in the business, she spends her free time reading, painting, and living it up without kids at home, enjoying those Sunday night dance parties in the living room with just her and her husband.

She looks forward to the next phase in life with their first grandchild, and she hopes to give back to others what she receives when she picks up a book and smells the pages or turns on her kindle. She recognizes that each person lives their life full-out, and sometimes just picking up a glass of wine or whatever your drink of choice is and opening up your next favorite book is the best escape to unwind and find that special place where the mind can wander, and dreams can begin.

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5 stars
9 (20%)
4 stars
23 (53%)
3 stars
8 (18%)
2 stars
2 (4%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Ann Adolphson.
174 reviews15 followers
November 19, 2025
I was given an eARC of Ace by author Shannon Hrimank, and I am leaving this review completely voluntarily.

This story was such a fast paced, suspenseful ride, and I genuinely enjoyed every second of it. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The intensity builds so naturally that before I knew it, I was devouring page after page, unable to look away. The tension is so thick you could slice through it, and the slow burn between April and Ace had me absolutely feral. Every time they were alone together, I kept thinking, This is it. This is the moment. And somehow, each time the author pulled the moment back just enough to keep me aching for more.

April, who suddenly finds herself a witness to a brutal murder, is thrown into survival mode and forced into hiding an already terrifying situation made even more complicated by the emotional chaos that follows. Enter Ace, her assigned bodyguard, who brings this grounded, steady presence that contrasts beautifully with the whirlwind April is caught in. Watching her navigate all these intense emotions, uncovering secrets she never imagined, and trying to make sense of her new reality made her feel incredibly human and relatable. Some of the revelations she faces genuinely blindsided me in the best way.

Ace, on the other hand, is written with the perfect blend of protectiveness, restraint, and quiet intensity. He gives April the space she needs while still being the anchor she doesn’t realize she’s relying on. Their dynamic is a slow build, but the emotional payoff of every glance, every moment shared, and every inch of trust gained is so worth it.

If I had one tiny wish, it’s that I would have loved this story to be just a bit longer. The world, the suspense, the chemistry everything was so engaging that I wanted more time to sit with these characters. But even with its shorter length, it lands every emotional punch it aims for.

If you’re looking for a quick but gripping read packed with adrenaline, danger, protective-hero energy, and a delicious slow burn that keeps you on edge, Ace is absolutely one to add to your list.
Profile Image for Gil-Lana Mitchell.
37 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2025
ARC Reader Review


April, a writer who suddenly finds herself in the wrong place at the worst possible time, is an instantly compelling heroine. When she witnesses a murder, her entire life tilts off its axis, and Hrimnak captures her fear, resilience, and sharp instincts so well. She’s not a passive damsel—she thinks, reacts, and pushes through her fear with a quiet strength that made her easy to root for.

Enter Ace, a professional bodyguard with a protective streak sharp enough to cut steel. He’s controlled, intimidating, and clearly used to danger—but it’s the subtle softness underneath, the way he steadies April when the world is collapsing around her, that makes him unforgettable. Their dynamic crackles from the moment they meet: tense, wary, layered with attraction neither of them has time to explore…but can’t ignore either.

The plot moves quickly, kicking off with high-stakes action and never losing momentum. The suspense is tight, the danger feels real, and the forced-proximity moments between April and Ace add heat without overshadowing the tension of the situation.

If anything, I would’ve loved a bit more space for certain emotional beats to breathe, but overall the pacing and balance hit exactly right for a dark, romantic thriller.

A gripping 4-star read—intense, addictive, and loaded with chemistry.
37 reviews
November 23, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I really did. Thank you Shannon for my copy! The story itself was fast paced, which was expected of a book just over 200 pages.

April, a writer, meets Ace, a professional body guard if you will, when she witnesses a murder and immediately needs help before she is also murdered.

What neither of them expected was to find the person that made them feel alive. Their flirtation was cute, how both if them kind of skirted around the feelings they had.

April finding out Cooper is her father and the details the letter he sent her contained, I think was where the turning point started to happen.

So why 4 and not 5 stars?

Well, there were a couple points where the argumentative part of a conversation just felt blah. Like the piece was said by whoever was making a point and that was it.

The other reason was the “action”. So with this, its mainly just that Knight’s people are too efficient I guess. We only really get the murder in the beginning, a scene where men get onto the property where the safe house is, and when they finally get the main bad guy. All of these scenes could have been a bit more and yet they were over just as quickly as they started.

Overall a great book and I look forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Heather H.
514 reviews14 followers
November 15, 2025
This first installment of a new romantic suspense series was fast paced and intriguing. I can see myself wanting to continue the series and learn more about what happens with other members of Knight.

I did enjoy the suspense more than the romance and felt that aspect of the story flowed well. I would have loved to see more action spread throughout instead of the background info dump mid-story.

The romance felt lackluster. The chemistry needed to develop and build to fit the character traits better. It was very insta-love and Ace’s background would have left him focused on protecting April rather than letting his attraction possibly get in the way. April’s situationship would have caused her pause in trusting her heart to another man, and the trauma of what she witnessed + being uprooted and shipped across the country for protection feels like it should have taken precedence over insta-attraction.

All in all, the bones of the story are there and it’s a quick, easy read for closed-door romantic suspense readers.
22 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2025
Ace was one of those fast-paced reads that hooks you before you even realize you’ve blown through half the book. From the very beginning, I was glued to the pages. The heroine finds herself thrown into a situation that lands her in protective custody… with a hot ex-military man. Honestly? Who could ask for more?!

The story gives you a bumpy ride with just the right touch of slow burn. I loved that the romance was strong and emotional without relying on a ton of spice. The chemistry was there—oh, it was THERE—but it didn’t need explicit scenes to make the connection feel real.

And can we talk about the MMC? Amazing. Protective. Kind. A genuinely GOOD man. Shannon Hrimnak reminded us that we can absolutely fall in love with a hero who isn’t morally grey—and it was refreshing in the best way.

If you’re looking for a quick, gripping read with heart-pounding moments, sweet chemistry, and a hero you’ll want to claim for yourself, Ace is definitely worth picking up!
Profile Image for Jasmine .
16 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 Stars

A fast-paced romantic suspense that delivers on action but falls a little short on chemistry.

In Ace, best-selling author April is thrown into chaos after witnessing her boyfriend’s brutal murder and is forced into hiding under the protection of Ace, a former Special Forces operative with a dark past. The story is packed with tension, danger, and plenty of twists—I really enjoyed the action side of things; it felt cinematic and kept me hooked.

Where it lost me a bit was the romance. It felt too easy and rushed, leaning on the “love at first sight” trope rather than letting the relationship build naturally. I found myself more invested in the thriller elements than the emotional connection.

Still, if you’re looking for a quick, adrenaline-filled read with protective hero vibes, Ace delivers that.
Profile Image for Samantha Bennett.
84 reviews
November 25, 2025
I had the pleasure of receiving this book as an arc. This book is part of the Boulder Ranch series and is book 4. In this book you will follow Nash and Betty’s story. This one is an age gap so if that is your thing then you will love this one! Nash had me wanting shake him so many times throughout this book. My heart ached just as many times for Betty.
Betty has always dreamed of leaving her small town, but decided to take an offer to run a B&B. Nash is older than her and her brother’s best friend. He’s off limits, but Betty can’t help how she feels. One drunken night she confesses she’s had a crush on Nash since she was 10. She tries to avoid him after that, but cant when he’s staying at the B&B. If you want to know what happens between Betty and Nash then you need to read the book! You will love it!!!
Profile Image for Eloise Clayton.
49 reviews6 followers
November 20, 2025
Ace is a solid pick for fans of romantic suspense who want a fast‐moving story, high stakes, danger around the next corner, and a hero whose protective instincts drive the romance. it’s enjoyable, engaging, and delivers on the promise of romance and suspense.

The attraction between the leads is tangible from early on; the "magnetic romance" promise is delivered. The hero's protective instinct and the heroine's vulnerability and strength combine for a classic suspense-romance dynamic.

Go for it if you like: bodyguards, security firms, action-driven plots, hero takes lead, danger and romance.

Maybe skip (or adjust expectations) if you prefer: slow-burn emotional journeys, minimal action, or anti-hero/grey moral territory rather than clear protection dynamics.
Profile Image for Jessica Penley.
45 reviews
November 14, 2025
Ace: Knight Security Series Book-1
By Shannon Hrimnak

Forget the tinsel the Christmas, the danger is real.

*Warning: High-stakes danger and graphic violence
Glamorus author April Livingston trades her messy life of horror when she witnesses a murder on a luxury holiday yacht. Now shes the prime target of a ruthless Russian arm dealer.
Aprils only hope is Ace. He was a former Delta Force operator as cold/detached as the winter harbor. He's sworn to protect her life, but the magnetic volatile chemistry threatens to shatterthe walls around his hardened heart. Ace is a non-stop, thrilling, blend of international intrigue and sizzling suspense. This book uses the holiday setting to amplify both the fear and the passion.
**A must Read for fans who love reading their romance high-octone and their suspense unforgettable.
**Defentaly a thrilling holiday Book you wont put down**
Thank you so much, Shannon for giving me this opportunity to have been your ARC... Im super thrilled to see whats next in store
Profile Image for Yonne and Giselle.
9 reviews
November 20, 2025
This book is a fast-paced military romance that gets straight to the plot, which I appreciated. At the same time, I found myself wishing for a bit more detail in the storyline—and honestly, I wish the book had been longer. It’s an easy, quick read that’s very simple to follow.

You’ll find forbidden romance, a touch of action, and the classic “bodyguard falling for the assignment” trope. The whole experience felt cathartic, almost like being back in high school reading a cute Wattpad story.

If you’re searching for a quick read filled with yearning, tension, and forbidden longing, this one will hit the spot.
Profile Image for Candee.
43 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2025
Loved this book. Was definitely a slow burn. April has witnessed a murder and going into hiding and Ace is her bodyguard. April goes through so many different emotions and finds out some secrets in life that I wasn’t expecting. She finds out so much in such a short amount of time and Ace really gives her the strength she needs to figure out her emotions. I also really love that April is a writer and she writes military romance books such a cute detail. This book definitely a slow burn which if you don’t like slow burns you won’t like. This story is really cute and really well written.
Profile Image for Kelsea Wolf.
27 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2025
An action packed, closed door romance perfect for those who love a hero MMC that *yearns*. After our FMC witnesses her boyfriend / situationship’s murder - she’s whisked away to a safe house with former Special Forces Operative Ace for her protection.

The insta-love / insta-lust romance fell a bit flat for me, and it lacked some of the suspense I expected - however I really liked April and Ace as characters, enjoyed the action packed missions, and feel like we’ve been set up for a very exciting second installment in the series! A lot of groundwork has been laid for books to come!
Profile Image for Vianna Kolene Pangelinan.
38 reviews
November 14, 2025
✨ARC Review✨ This was definitely a fast paced type of romance, instant attraction, first look take your breath away type of attraction. There was the attraction, quirky moments, estranged father, special forces ex military group, illegal weapons dealer, wrong place wrong time, getting put in witness protection because of said estranged father, and the action. Which I personally would of loved to have dragged out a little bit aside from the swift in and out taking out the bad guys. But for a short romance it was good, like fast forward to the good parts fast.
Profile Image for Lisa.
16 reviews
November 18, 2025
This story pulls you in from the start as April is thrown into chaos after seeing her on-and-off boyfriend get murdered. April is a relatable character, and I enjoyed her witty banter with Ace. I loved that she was a writer, and her story followed her into her real life. I feel there was more suspense than romance in this story, and though the chemistry was there, it was a little slow. Overall, this is a great fast-paced suspense story, and I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to seeing what else this author has in store for us in the future.
13 reviews
November 19, 2025
In this action romance you are drawn in from the beginning with April, best selling author of military romance, having witnessed the death of her on again off again boyfriend. We are introduced to Ace, ex special forces, who brings her into hiding as her protection detail. I really enjoyed the action scenes, with wonderful set up and description. However, the romance feels to easy with a love at first sight, and much felt yearning from both April and Ace. Will they both make it through, this difficult time for April, and ultimately, make their relationship work?
Profile Image for Gisela Marengo.
72 reviews
November 20, 2025
I was given this book as an ARC by the author Shannon Hrimnak here is my honest and voluntarily review.

This is a fast paced suspense and intrigued book For readers who like their romance with a side of action, secrets, and protective heroes, it’s likely to hit a sweet spot. Ace and April’s relationship feels earned, and the external threats feel real, giving the story both heart and tension. I enjoyed this book from the first chapter.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader.
6 reviews
December 1, 2025
I was provided with an eARC reader of Ace. This book is the first in a series called Knight Security by Shannan Hrimnak.

I grew invested in the characters and the compelling story the entire time! There were some twists in this suspenseful romance that added to the complexity of the story as a whole. The action was exciting, and the romance was passionate. I couldn't put it down. I found myself connected to the characters and the story.

I would have liked a little more descriptive action in the final action scene, but nonetheless, I look forward to reading the next installment of the Knight Security!
Profile Image for Jessica Ungar.
53 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2025
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Ace by Shannon Hrimnak. The author’s writing style pulls you in and the book is an easy read. This book throws you right into action, but the action is short lived. After a few chapters of action the book focuses more on background and throws a few more chapters of action in at the end. For someone who likes slow burn military fade to black romance, this is a great book.
Profile Image for Scarlet.
97 reviews5 followers
November 16, 2025
💜Arc Review💜


🎖️Military Suspense Romance
💞 Bodyguard Trope


This book has quickly became one of my favorites. The connection between the April & Ace hits fast and hard. This is very much a slow burn but honestly it's so worth the wait. This is new to me, I'm not one to read Military Romance however this book had me in it's grasp till the end. I honestly can't wait till the second book to this series comes out. It's definitely a must read.
5 reviews
November 18, 2025
I really enjoyed the plot. It has forced proximity, LOTS of sexual tension very little spice. Makes for a great palette cleanser from darker romances or when you don’t feel like smut. The MMC is former military turned security “specialist” if you will. He is assigned to take care of the FMC after she witnesses a crime. Sparks fly from the get go but can they overcome their forbidden attraction?
Profile Image for Kendra Brown.
259 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2025
This is a fast paced, closed door romance. April witnesses a crime and ends up in protective custody with Ace as a bodyguard. It’s insta-love for them both, but she’s forbidden fruit to him. The book moves along really quick and kind of felt like it glanced over some scenes. Big action sequences and it was over on a flash. Overall a fun and easy read, but it left me wanting a little more from it.
57 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2025
This fast-paced and engaging story pulls you in from the start as Ace, a retired military man turned security specialist, takes on the job of protecting April—a woman who has just witnessed the murder of her on-again, off-again boyfriend. The danger surrounding April adds a gripping layer of tension, but it’s the chemistry between her and Ace that keeps the pages turning.

April is a relatable and heartfelt character. Raised by her mother and never knowing her father beyond an unopened letter from over twenty years ago, she carries a quiet depth that makes her journey all the more touching. As an author of military romance novels, she finds new inspiration in Ace, blurring the lines between her fiction and the real feelings growing between them.

For me, this book fits perfectly into the cozy romance category—filled with emotional tension and warmth but with limited spice. The writing flows smoothly, the plot balances suspense and tenderness, and the characters feel genuine. I’d recommend this story to anyone looking for a feel-good romance with just the right mix of heart, danger, and healing.
10 reviews
November 11, 2025
Loved this story line, the characters were equally developed and equally entertaining. I loved the lack of a third scene break up ( thank you Shannon) and the family sub plot was so sweet, left me teary eyed. This book was fast paced yet set up efficiently to get the best bang for your reader buck. Also so excited for Micheal’s story next will be added the next release to my endless tbr.
Profile Image for Karen Wheat.
63 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2025
Ace was so incredibbly good. It had action, suspense, and sprinkles of love too. Ace was what i picture a bodyguard hero to be but so much more tender. April is fisety and i loved it. I might have cried a little which always means it's a great book. I recommend this to everyone who enjoys an action book with the promise of love.
Profile Image for Jennifer Wycech.
992 reviews24 followers
November 25, 2025
This is a quick and interesting read. Fast paced and very intriguing the story offers suspense, tension, and emotions.

April suddenly finds herself thrust into survival mode after witnessing a horrible crime. She needs protection from the bad men that are after her, Ace is the man for the job. He is protective and intense. These two have chemistry that you can taste.

The writing style is captivating and easy to follow, keeping you in the edge of your seat and leaving you wanting more.
Profile Image for Chelsea Maynor.
10 reviews
November 25, 2025
Okay, y’all… this book hooked me from page one and kept reeling me in! Ace and April’s chemistry? Off the charts. If you’re a military romance fan, this one is a must-read.
Even with low smut, the tension and heat between them had me kicking my feet like it was a spicy read. 😂🔥
I don’t know how else to explain it!
Counting down the days till book two!

ADD this book to your romance book list!
Profile Image for Dariann Jones.
6 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2025
I love the story line and the fact that this will be a series! At the beginning - some of the conversation seems a bit forced, maybe? But by the end the dialogue seemed to flow a little more naturally. I like the set up for the next book as well and can’t wait to read Michael’s story!
Profile Image for Ida.
33 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️what a great easy read under 300 pages it wasn’t my typical spicy books
I read but a good easy romance mystery book that
Kept me intrigued and the mystery part kept me
Wanting to know what was next book had a great story line definitely worth the read
2 reviews
October 29, 2025
Totally enjoyed the new Knight Security Series. The journeys of the characters has kept me engaged and not wanting to put the book down. I am always left waiting for the next book to come out.
Profile Image for Cat.
18 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2025
Great quick read! Love the characters & story line! My book nerd heart loved it! Cannot wait to dive into book 2!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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