Jaclyn "Jack" Morgan is an anomaly. That's the nicest thing that her parents ever gave her as a label. They are both nationally recognized with degrees in human psychology & psychiatry. They had great hopes for Jaclyn, but as she grew older, she also became more 'willful' and 'stubborn.' She would rather study martial arts instead of ballet. She liked ROTC instead of speech and debate. The more she excelled in the topics she liked, the more distance they put between themselves and their daughter.
When she joined Texas Law Enforcement and wore a badge, they made it known that she had crossed the line. She was a complete and utter disgrace. They no longer considered her their family.
That's when Jaclyn started to breathe free.
She joined the Texas Rangers San Antonio based S.W.A.T. team and felt like the rock of her parents' endless disappointment was finally off of her shoulders.
And the 'aw-shucks' farm boy that's on her S.W.A.T. team? Well, she wants to climb him like a tree and shake him down to the roots. When he finally lets her into his bed, she's not ready for the feelings that are starting to creep into her heart. Feelings are her parents' territory. They wield them like scalpels and that's why Jack has always been more about actions than feelings.
James "Blue" Bonner is thankful that his team didn't decide to call him "Farm Boy." It was also better than "Dudley Do-Right," but not by much.
He's lived a simple life. He's never been a stranger to work. He could get up before dawn and work until an hour way past when the cows came home. He still loved working on the family ranch, but he loved his work as an officer of the law. Becoming a Texas Ranger was always a dream of his since he was a little kid watching a parade down Main Street in Bandera, Texas, when two Texas Rangers rode by on their horses with their badges shining in the sunlight, he knew he wanted to be a Ranger.
He was ready for hard work. He was ready for long hours and tough calls.
He was NOT ready for a woman like Jaclyn Morgan. She was a revelation. She didn't just take life by the horns, she rode it into submission and hog-tied it. In short, he fell in love within an hour of meeting her.
The problem was that "Jack," and she insisted that he call her that, had no interest in love, or any emotion. She wanted to kick ass and only get names when she needed them for a police report. She had no interest in being anything more than his teammate and part-time bed buddy.
Maybe he would be okay with that. Maybe.
They weren't even supposed to cross that line given the rules and regulations of the Rangers. Getting involved with her could get them both in serious trouble.
Then why was he letting his heart override his head?
How was he ever going to get used to being Protected by Jack?
He wasn't sure, but he was more than willing to give it a try.
I finished this book and my first thought was, “that can’t possibly be it”. I returns it to KU and re-borrowed to check that it wasn’t a bug or glitch from my original download. It wasn’t. In a good book, where this one left off would be the start of character development. I understand the concept of ‘happy for now’ if sequels are planned that include the couple from this story specifically. I don’t believe that’s the intention here. The book feels incomplete, much more so than any other stories this author has ever written. Normally, she leaves a little mystery and an opportunity for our own imaginations to churn with ideas. This, is an honest to goodness cliffhanger. The relationship with the main characters isn’t solid in any way. They still know no details about each other’s families or details of past traumas. It’s a bit underwhelming to get the promise of such bright characters and have it end before any growth occurs. It feels like a waste to have spent valuable time reading a book that is woefully underwritten.
Hey there! Meet Jaclyn “Jack” Morgan, the awesome Texas Ranger and proud member of the San Antonio S.W.A.T. team. Then there's James “Blue” Boomer, aka Farm Boy – yep, he's also part of the same elite S.W.A.T. crew. These two work side by side, tackling all sorts of adventures, and even though there's a strict no-fraternization rule, sparks definitely fly!
Jack's got that tough, no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners attitude that makes her a total badass. And Blue? He's the sweetest, most caring guy ever—super kind, considerate, and incredibly patient. Honestly, their chemistry is obvious, even though they’re total opposites—it’s classic opposite-attract stuff!
The team’s got this kind of brotherly and sisterly bond, always looking out for each other no matter what. So, the question is: can Jack and Blue make it work? Could they find a way to a happy ending together? Who knows? Anything’s possible when you’ve got friendship, chemistry, and a whole lot of heart!
Jack AKA Jaclyn cop extraordinaire, talented and lethal, quiet, definitely a beautiful woman not to be underestimated, now with the Texas Ranger SWAT team, James AKA Blue is his nickname kinda hit it off as best anyone can with Jack, bad blood between her and her parents and her previous partner, patience and understanding is what Blue has when it comes to what he wants, and he wants Jack, can he handle the rough and tumble lady that is Jack, rules are meant to be broken and this duo everything you need, exciting, suspense, thrilling, and some romance, shhhhh don't tell anyone, thank you Reina Torres I really love this story, I'm hoping to see more of them, Dana Zamora
Jaclyn (Jack) had a rough upbringing with parents who wouldn't accept their daughters dream of being in law enforcement. She keeps this armor around her in order to keep others away and yet she is quick to help others in need as long as she can keep her feelings in check. When Blue shows a romantic interest in her she does everything to keep him away. Is he willing to accept her the way she is? Is she able to let down her guard? Only time and effort will tell.
Jaclyn aka Jack, did not have a good home life growing up. Her parents were always critical, especially her mother. This made her build walls around herself, so no one else would have the chance to hurt her heart. Blue, aka James, is a straight up great guy. He is drawn to Jack, and she is drawn to him. She fights her feelings tooth and nail, until she can't. They have a lot to work through to get the HEA they deserve. Get this book ASAP and find out what happens next. Sorry, no spoilers.
Blue and Jack seemed to be two people who would never get together because they both had communication issues for different reasons but I soon found out that Blue had tenacity and deter!I nation built in him from years of ranching. What others found off putting in Jack, her pricklyness and harsh mannerisms, just made Blue smile. These two intrigue me. However, the lack of an ending, A cliffhanger, is heartwrenching.
It’s a fine line between admiring Jack’s grit and being frustrated by how she treats Blue at the start. Their slow-burn dynamic keeps you hooked as Blue finds his footing and wins her over one moment at a time. With entertaining drama, heartfelt growth, and a romance that blooms beautifully, this story delivers a fun and fulfilling read.
Oh I love a badass FMC and with Jaclyn "Jack" Morgan we have that in spades. Partnering her with an aw shucks charming farmboy in James "Blue" Bonner was inspred. Texas Ranger Jack was standoffish at first, keeping her male colleagues at a distance, and Blue was keen to break through her defences, while embracing her strength and badassery. And break through he did, with subtlety and care. And when her ex partner starts causing problems he staands shoulder to shoulder with her.
I really enjoyed this story, . I loved the way both Jack and Blue showed how they would protect each other, making Jack a very different type of heroine and she made this story one which will stay with me!
Jack works in a male dominated workplace as a Texas Ranger. Blue is also part of the team working side by side with her. The force has a no fraternization rule that is getting harder to keep. There's a great chemistry between the two and their trying not to act on it. But it gets harder to do. Can they have a HEA or will it be just friendship?
After the first book I expected more from this one. Too,much of the book was just sex. There were several opportunities to flesh out the characters and the book that were dropped. The ending was too abrupt and rather left you hanging. Sorry Rains Torres, you write better than this. Also chapters 12 & 13 need some critical editing.
Being a female in a male dominated workplace is already hard. Having males in proximity that think the female has to submit to them is even worse. Jack works to fights to right these wrongs helping where she can. But sometimes its alright to feel too.
Loved this slow burn romance! Jaclyn "Jack" Morgan and James "Blue" Bonner are both on the SWAT team of the Texas Rangers. She has been misunderstood all her life. Will Blue be the man to see her as his equal match? Highly recommend!
Protected by Jack: Blue admired Jack and how she handle herself around the men on the team. She intrigues him a lot but they are not suppose to have relationships with other team mates. It was an exciting story!