A standalone romantic suspense featuring a tortured protective alpha hero seeking redemption, a fierce heroine who refuses to be a victim, and a love worth fighting for against impossible odds.
When Guardian operative Colt "Frost" Harrison overhears cartel members discussing a woman's abduction, he faces an impossible follow protocol and let her die, or go rogue and save her himself. Five years ago, he chose orders over a life—and someone died. This time, he's choosing differently.
Frost has no backup. No authorization. No time.
The woman zip-tied in that desert warehouse isn't what he expected. Former Army medic Magnolia Brooks cracks jokes about his scowl, keeps pace during the extraction, and drops two cartel vehicles without blinking. She's not a victim waiting to be saved—she's a warrior who fights back.
But as bullets fly and bodies fall, the truth behind her kidnapping surfaces. Some betrayals come from enemies. Others come from the people you'd die to protect.
Three days of captivity couldn't break her. A dozen cartel enforcers can't stop them. And the connection forged in blood and gunfire? That's the most dangerous thing of all.
Because some rules are made to be broken. Some people are worth losing everything for. And some choices—the ones that cost you everything but save what matters most—are the only ones worth making.
Ellie Masters is a USA Today Bestselling author and Amazon Top 15 Author.
In addition, she's a wife, military mom, doctor, and retired Colonel.
She writes romantic suspense filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy alpha men. Her writing will tug at your heartstrings and leave your heart racing.
Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.
When Colt "Frost" Harrison overhears a couple of men talking about a woman they have abducted, he has two choices; call it in and wait for backup or go rogue. The last time he had to make this decision someone died. Choice made, Frost finds himself rescuing Magnolia Brooks, a former army medic who is very handy with a weapon. With the Cartel on their heels decisions are made to protect Magnolia, decisions with a twist at the end. I love the Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialist series and this novella looks like it is leading us into a new chapter for the GHRS. Drama, action, betrayal and heat, with twists and turns, this is a book you will want to add to your collection or will encourage you to read the rest of these stories, as they are very difficult to put down once you start reading them.
A short story within the Guardian Hostage Rescue world, Frost tells the story of what happens when you hear something, you do something. Even though he's on leave, when Frost hears about a woman in danger, he can't abandon her. In the past he followed orders and someone died. Now he's not going to follow orders (i.e. not call in to GHRS) and hope someone lives. This is an insta-lust/love story, but in tense situations, things are intense. I realize a lot of this isn't 100% realistic, but I love it anyway. Maggie is a woman who can handle herself and still be vulnerable. I felt as if these two were just made for each other and loved their HEA. Although a stand alone, there are definite references to other characters and situations, so hey, if you haven't yet, check out the rest of the stories.
This book is a novella in the Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists world. FROST is on mandatory leave in Mexico. He's at a bar when he overhears some men talking about transporting a woman in 3 hours. He debated calling Guardian HQ, and decided it would take too long for them to get there, following protocol. The last time he followed protocol, someone paid the ultimate price for his decision. He knew knew he had to do something. Following the men, he discovered Maggie. He rescued her and takes her to his safe house. What follows is a series of events that leaves Frost and Maggie fighting for their lives. In the short amount of time they spend together, they develop feelings unexpectedly. In the aftermath, will they get the HEA they deserve? Get this book and find out. Sorry, no spoilers.
Frost works for Guardian Hostage Rescue. Maggie is a victim and hostage of the Cartel. Tyler is Maggie’s brother.
Frost is a short novella that puts him in Mexico on leave, when he over hears to men talking about a women has three hours before she is moved. Frost decides to rescue her without his team ( because of the time factor to mobilize a rescue). Frost meets Maggie, when he rescues her from being trafficked. They are fighting off the Cartel. Can they ( Frost, Maggie and Guardian ) keep Maggie safe? Can the have a Happily Ever After?
This book has suspense, danger, fast paced action, twists and turns.
This is a perfect book for someone who is not sure if Ellie’s guardian books are for them. It’s a small look into the world where men are protective and the action is gas pedal punched to the floor. It’s a very short read but is well written and reminds me of why Ellie is a master at sucking you in and keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Try it if you have a couple of hours to sit and I bet you will be looking for more books by this author.
Frost is a one-man operator when he shouldn’t be. It’s put him in hot water before. And he isn’t caring now when a life is in jeopardy. Maggie is a woman captured but she is not some woman who sits there and takes it. She’s a fighter because she has had to be in her life.
This short, fast-paced book brings all the wonderful elements of a Guardian novel into a really quick read. For Ellie Masters fans looking for something to binge on while out traveling for the holidays, this is perfect.
This is a great, thrilling novella to entice new readers into the world of Guardian HRS. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Frost and Maggie's story, and I'm sure new readers will love it too! A fast-paced thrilling storyline, Frost and Maggie are great together and can't wait to read more about them in the future. I received an ARC copy of this book, and I'm willingly leaving an honest review.
Frost goes rogue once again but makes a different choice. Maggie is that choice. After guilt, betrayal, action, danger and suspense, they discover they are what each other needs. I loved their story and look forward to the Guardian Angels.
Frost by Ellie Masters In this story we find Colt and he's overhearing the foreign combat team discuss a woman who will be transferred within three hours. He translates what they are saying while sitting at the bar. Love how he knows he's had two strikes and one more and the team will get rid of him. When he goes rogue it's a guarantee he's got three strikes. He uses extreme caution following them and trails them 1/4 mile sometimes without lights. He is so well trained that he can sneak up on them and kill them without them alerting others. He knows nothing about Magnolia but his team knows she's out there somewhere. He gets alerts on his phone and ignores them by not responding. He does read them. He is able to get her and he realizes she's been trained by the military and she has no idea who he is or why he is saving her. She knows the bad guys need her signature to turn over her mothers trust fund to them, along with her brothers signature. Maggie questions him as he takes them to a safe location for a bit of time. He has dug into her brothers background and he informs her of what is happening and why he is using her, selling her to the bad guys so he can get the rest of the money and walk away from it all. Fast pace, action, adventure, mysteries and romance. Love all the action, adult scenes, the strategies, movements on handling the weapons, the signals they both use, and how he's willing to give up his career to save her. So many options and decisions... Love this book kept me busy all afternoon and wouldn't mind reading more from the Guardians or other works by this author. Very well descriptive details I feel as if I am there at times.
Ahhh what to Say? Frost is a quick novella from Ellie Masters in her Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists series which grabs you right from page one and I devoured in one night (who needs sleep when you have a book to read my Ellie Masters).
Frost aka Colt, haunted by a time five years earlier when he obeyed orders and a women died, overhears a conversation about an abducted woman. Magnolia, Maggie, Mags a former Army medic is being held hostage by the cartel, "sold" by her brother to cover his gambling debts. Frost needs to decide, follow protocol bringing the team in or go it alone. If he follows protocol and reports her plight, she will die, it will take too long for the team to roll.
The conflict Frost feels, jumps of the pages and straight to your heart, it not really a surprise when he decides to go it alone. What I wasn’t really prepared for was Maggie, she was a real surprise. After being zip tied to a chair for 3 days, you don’t expect such a strong and capable FMC, but she really comes out fighting.
Frost and Maggie are dynamite together, the chemistry and tension between them is an explosion just waiting to happen. This is a fast paced, action-packed novella, with a fantastic ending which I am really hoping means we see more of this couple in the books to come.
This quick and fast paced novella was a great mouse bouche for a lazy day of reading.
This is another addition to the Guardian Hostage Rescue specialists series and it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
In this installment we meet Frost, one of the guardian specialists who happens to overhear a conversation between 2 men who admitted abducting a woman.
What to do he says? Report it to his team, or deal with it in his own… as time is of the essence, de divides to go on his own to rescue this woman.
What ensues is this high drama, high jinx, intense over the top story that I was totally ok with. In fact I devoured it! He had no idea what was in store when he finally meets this rogue assignment, but when he does sparks fly and it’s not just the gunfire around them. She’s nothing like he expected and in the midst of all the chaos, an undeniable attraction develops. As their rescue unfolds secrets are revealed making their story even more intriguing! What happens you’ll have to read and find out! Steamy, sexy and full of heart my only disappointment was it ended too soon! 4.5 stars!
A shorter story with all the feels I could really FEEL the emotions of guilt that Colt had about the death of Sofia. He obeyed orders years ago and that woman, that asset died. Never again he vowed to himself. So when he overheard those two men, talking about snatching a woman and laughing about it? He couldn't just let it go ! But he's on leave from his job as a Guardian and his boss, CJ is on the edge about him continuing. Turns out not only was Magnolia taken but so was her brother, Tyler. I really liked Magnolia. The name and the person. Yes, she demanded to be called Maggie but she was tough, funny and sharp. She hasn't forgotten any of her former Army Medic skills. She's sharp. I enjoyed how Colt and Maggie manage to work together as they run and have to fight. You could feel the military edge in the beginning because as they first escaped their words were precise, weighted and clipped. They were in a gun battle for crying out loud The story was intense, with some surprises and an ending that I liked.
Ellie Masters sure knows how to bring it even when it's a short novel. This was fast paced, action packed but also provoked emotion.
Guardian HRS operative Colt aka Frost is on leave when he overhears plans being made by Cartel members and acting on his own he finds Maggie tied to a chair about to be sold.
The action was top notch but also these characters discovered a lot about each other in the short time they were together. I was totally engrossed in the story and did not want it to end. Magnolia was a smart, ex soldier who gathered not just Colt's respect but his whole team especially CJ.
I really loved the ending. So well done. Truly a story I got into. Can't wait for more! So good!
An overheard conversation lead a Guardian special ops to find a woman who had been held hostage and was about to be taken to be sold to traffickers. The MFC was blindsided by her brother . Frost decided to intercept the transfer and takes her to a safe house . During that time her recognizes her military skills. Frost uses covert sources to find facts about why her brother did it and reveals the truth to her and that the Mexican cartel were involved . There is a magnetic pull towards each other as they fight side by side. The story has mystery, attraction, steamy scenes and military fighting precision. It flows and keeps the reader engaged. This was a short story which has other Guardian stories that follow it .
Oh, my goodness, look what Ellie Masters’ just did!
Frost always goes rogue and doesn’t follow command protocol but to his defense, he did what he felt was right. Maggie was fighting for her life and her brother’s life, or so she thought!
Frost overhears a conversation where a woman has been abducted and only has several hours left, he can’t walk away and do nothing, not after the last time he did that. Determined to help, Frost had no idea who he was saving but after reading this, I think they both saved each other!
Guardian Angels, that has a nice ring to it!!! Can’t wait to see what this series brings us!
FROST OVERHEARS ABOUT A WOMAN BEING HELD HOSTAGE FOR TRAFFICKING AND THEY ARE GONNA MOVE HER IN 3 HRS .. BUT IT WILL TAKE THE TEAM 6 HRS TO BE BOOTS ON THE GROUND SO HE DECIDES HE HAS TO INTERVENE, NO MATTER WHAT IT COSTS HIM ....
When Frost meets Maggie, and when he rescues her from being held hostage. Together they fight off the Cartel. Can they ( Frost, Maggie and the Guardians ) keep Maggie safe and remove the threats Is it possible for them to have a Happily Ever After?
This book has suspense, danger, fast paced action, twists and turns.
AS ALWAYS AN AMAZING READ FROM MISS Ellie Masters !!
While on leave from Guardian Hostage Rescue team, Frost overhears two cartel members discussing moving the woman to another location this evening...and knew they were trafficking female to Mexico or worse and no time to contact his team, so follows...finding Maggie tied to chair with papers they wanted her to sign...she is former military and wanted him to locate her brother before she would let him save her...but he's not there...so escape...but why are cartel members so dead set on regaining her??? You will need to read this quick, heart-throb action novella to see what happens...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
Colt/Frost and Maggie/Magnolia. A first time where CJ and a Guardian have to deal with breaking protocols . Loved their back connection and the tie in to events of the story. Magnolia is full of fire and capabilities. Her direct approach and ability to help fight the cartel during her rescue was impressive. Their connection was tangible, but the quick jump to bed during fire fight breaks was a bit ridiculous. Loved seeing Alpha and how CJ helped his man and Magnolia at the end. This is the second reference to an all female group and I am excited for those stories and hope to see some of how they work with Jenny, Jinx and more!
Right place wrong time or wrong place right time but either way Frost overhears something that sets his Guardian instincts on high alert. Question is does he follow protocol and await orders which got someone killed in the past or should he act first and seek forgiveness later. Well, this is an Ellie Masters story, so of course he follows instinct over duty and discovers that Maggie is in a lot of danger, more than she ever realised. Brilliant short story with drama, romance, betrayal as well as career and life altering decisions.
Frost is on leave pending a psych eval. He overhears two cartel members planning a woman’s abduction. Could be a career ending decision, but he can’t just let it happen. A trust fund, a brother in peril, and a decision whether to follow orders or save the woman.
Maggie turns out to be quite the force of nature herself. As a team they are able to set her free and then must deal with the cause, and what happens next. These Guardian stories never disappoint!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
A great short story that has an amazing twist at the end. Frost is haunted by an event in his past and when a situation arises that requires the same decision, he does what he thinks is right and not what protocol dictates. Maggie has always supported her brother so to find out he betrayed her is devastating. Together these two take on the cartel until the Guardians arrive. Their insta love story is so lovely and the ending is amazing with such a twist to add faith in CJ.
Excellent, action packed romantic suspense novella. While on a mandatory break from Guardian HRS Frost overhears cartel members talking about moving a woman within 3 hours. There’s no time for protocols. Maggie was taken hostage to sign over her inheritance. Turns out she’s a surprise and survivor. Wonderful characters and storyline. Unexpected twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by Ms Masters.
FROST is listed as a novella (in length), but it is a full scale, action packed story. True to Ellie Masters fashion. Heart pounding starts at page one and the action ensues. There's also a gut wrenching situation that is hard to forget. And rules? Make them, break them, keep them, ditch them. Love, love, love the characters. Frost and Maggie are worth a second novella, if Ellie Masters so chooses! Loved FROST!
Ellie delivers a thrilling, fast-paced rescue-turned-survival adventure in Frost. His guilt runs heavy, his attraction hits hard, and it spills off the pages with raw intensity. Magnolia is all strength, sass, and resilience as she keeps pace with Frost every step of the way. The heat of danger, the crackling chemistry, the emotional punches, and the hard-won, painfully beautiful HEA make this story absolutely fabulous.
Short and sweet. Sweet until it wasn’t. Frost is a Guardian on leave, mandatory stress leave. He is having a drink at the bar near where he is staying and overhears a conversation between two cartel men. They have a woman imprisoned for sale to the highest bidder so to speak. Her brother is involved as well but not in the way it appears. Frost decides to go solo and rescue Maggie which is against all HRS protocols.
This very short read has it all - danger, fighting for survival, courage, heat and connection. The writing style was concise and flowed easily which drew me in immediately. I was hooked from the beginning to end. I don't think Frost and Maggie will have another book but I hope they show up in the series. I am invested in their characters and I want more!
Although this was a novella, it was a complete, well developed story. I will be binging on the Guardian books very soon,
Frost overhears two henchmen talking about a woman about to be transferred in three hours and assumes they are human traffickers. He knows he can't get help quickly enough so follows and rescues her solo. Maggie is a former army combat medic and although surprised is happy to be cut free from a chair. Then the chase is on! They finally hold up in a former safe house and fight for their lives. And let's throw in a little sex. Really fast paced and edge of your seat. Short but oh so good!
I fell in love with Colt from the first page. His choice to go rogue whether right or wrong, was made.. The fight to save Maggie.. the gut-wrenching destruction of her world, the whole story just kept getting bigger and bigger to an ending that brought me to tears with happiness!! I absolutely loved this intense, hot, wonderfully happy, HEA! A couple who never deserved it more! It just made my week! Thank you for Colt and Magnolia ❤️
A great into novella into the Guardian world. I am an experienced Guardian so this story was a brief interlude. Chocked full of action and emotion. Frost and Maggie figure things out quickly but they aren’t done just yet. An exciting opening for new opportunities but patience will be key. Definitely “Fierce”.