What do you think?
Rate this book
FLINT: a Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists series Novella
She designed the bomb. Now she's the only one who can diffuse it.
Former Army EOD instructor Carolina Sutton has been haunted by the training accident that killed one of her students. But when that student's bitter squadmate weaponizes her bomb design for a terrorist attack, the FBI needs her expertise—and they send Guardian HRS operative Flint Morrison to bring her in.
Flint has his own ghosts and a mission he can't afford to fail. Track Carolina through the California backcountry, convince her to face her worst nightmare, and keep her alive long enough to disarm the devices only she can stop. He doesn't expect to find a woman whose strength matches his own—or to feel a connection that threatens his legendary control.
As bombs tick down across California, Carolina must overcome her guilt and trust the Guardian who's sworn to protect her. But with assassins closing in and each device more deadly than the last, the only thing more dangerous than the explosives might be falling for the man willing to die to keep her safe.
He'll take any bullet to protect her. She'll face any bomb to save lives. Together, they're explosive.
A high-stakes romantic suspense featuring forced proximity, protective hero, competent heroine, and enough heat to detonate your kindle.
Former Army EOD instructor Carolina Sutton has been haunted by the training accident that killed one of her students. But when that student's bitter squadmate weaponizes her bomb design for a terrorist attack, the FBI needs her expertise—and they send Guardian HRS operative Flint Morrison to bring her in.
Flint has his own ghosts and a mission he can't afford to fail. Track Carolina through the California backcountry, convince her to face her worst nightmare, and keep her alive long enough to disarm the devices only she can stop. He doesn't expect to find a woman whose strength matches his own—or to feel a connection that threatens his legendary control.
As bombs tick down across California, Carolina must overcome her guilt and trust the Guardian who's sworn to protect her. But with assassins closing in and each device more deadly than the last, the only thing more dangerous than the explosives might be falling for the man willing to die to keep her safe.
He'll take any bullet to protect her. She'll face any bomb to save lives. Together, they're explosive.
A high-stakes romantic suspense featuring forced proximity, protective hero, competent heroine, and enough heat to detonate your kindle.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2025
113 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Masters
364 books1,622 followersAngsty, Steamy, Heart-Stopping, Pulse-Pounding, Can't-Stop-Reading Romantic Suspense.
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.
Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Never miss another release, sale, or exclusive. https://elliemasters.com/NewsletterSi...
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.
Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Never miss another release, sale, or exclusive. https://elliemasters.com/NewsletterSi...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 30, 2025
Flint is a high stakes romantic suspense novella from Ellie Masters in her Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists series which grabs you right from page one. Carolina Sutton, a former Army EOD instructor, is haunted by a fatal training accident. When the FBI needs her expertise, Flint Morrison, a Guardian HRS operative, is sent to bring her in.
When a deadly bomb design is used in a series of attacks across California, the FBI turns to the one person who can stop them: Carolina Sutton. Flint has his own ghosts, but this is a mission he can’t afford to fail. Flint’s job is simple on paper: track her, protect her, and get her to the devices only she can defuse.
With a high stakes chase through the California backcountry, assassins closing in and bombs tick down, Carolina isn’t a damsel in distress, she’s a skilled, guilt ridden expert who must confront her past to save lives. Flint and Carolina have to quickly learn trust each other under the pressure and to survive against overwhelming odds. But neither expects the intense connection that forms, or how dangerous that connection might become when every second counts, two damaged people finding connection in chaos.
Flint and Carolina’s journey is classic Ellie Masters, intense action with equally intense emotional and physical chemistry. This is a fast paced, action-packed novella, with a fantastic ending which I am really hoping once again means we see more of this couple in the books to come.
When a deadly bomb design is used in a series of attacks across California, the FBI turns to the one person who can stop them: Carolina Sutton. Flint has his own ghosts, but this is a mission he can’t afford to fail. Flint’s job is simple on paper: track her, protect her, and get her to the devices only she can defuse.
With a high stakes chase through the California backcountry, assassins closing in and bombs tick down, Carolina isn’t a damsel in distress, she’s a skilled, guilt ridden expert who must confront her past to save lives. Flint and Carolina have to quickly learn trust each other under the pressure and to survive against overwhelming odds. But neither expects the intense connection that forms, or how dangerous that connection might become when every second counts, two damaged people finding connection in chaos.
Flint and Carolina’s journey is classic Ellie Masters, intense action with equally intense emotional and physical chemistry. This is a fast paced, action-packed novella, with a fantastic ending which I am really hoping once again means we see more of this couple in the books to come.
December 28, 2025
FLINT and Carolina
This is a fast paced, action packed novella but it packs a lot into a short amount of time. Flint is sent to the "back country" in California to track down a former EOD instructor. One of her students has gone off the rails and she is the only one that can stop whatever he has planned. Flint felt a connection to Carolina the minute he saw her picture. They both are carrying guilt over things in their pasts that are not their fault. Now they are in a race against time. They develop feelings quickly and are nervous but determined to see where things between them can go. I loved this story. Ellie Masters never disappoints. Definitely would recommend this book.
This is a fast paced, action packed novella but it packs a lot into a short amount of time. Flint is sent to the "back country" in California to track down a former EOD instructor. One of her students has gone off the rails and she is the only one that can stop whatever he has planned. Flint felt a connection to Carolina the minute he saw her picture. They both are carrying guilt over things in their pasts that are not their fault. Now they are in a race against time. They develop feelings quickly and are nervous but determined to see where things between them can go. I loved this story. Ellie Masters never disappoints. Definitely would recommend this book.
December 24, 2025
Flit works for Guardian Rescue Specialists
Carolina is an EOD expert and former military.
Flint and Carolina meet , when he goes to retrieve her where she is hiking, because she is and EOD expert.
One of her former students is leashing out to cause chaos and disaster with major bomb targets.
Flint and Carolina have an instant attraction and chemistry from a slow burn to explosive.
Can they Carolina , Flint , Guardian Hostage Specialists, FBI, law enforcement to overcome and defuse the
situation ?
Can they have a Happily Ever After?
This book has edge of your seat suspense, danger and intrigue some twists and turns.
Great Job. Ellie Masters !!!
Carolina is an EOD expert and former military.
Flint and Carolina meet , when he goes to retrieve her where she is hiking, because she is and EOD expert.
One of her former students is leashing out to cause chaos and disaster with major bomb targets.
Flint and Carolina have an instant attraction and chemistry from a slow burn to explosive.
Can they Carolina , Flint , Guardian Hostage Specialists, FBI, law enforcement to overcome and defuse the
situation ?
Can they have a Happily Ever After?
This book has edge of your seat suspense, danger and intrigue some twists and turns.
Great Job. Ellie Masters !!!
December 28, 2025
An instalove action adventure, this is a short story, that's full of heart. Both Flint and Carolina have lost someone so they have that in common and recognize they both are unwilling to ever put someone at risk again. I'm not sure if that makes them stubborn or stupid, but they are both willing to do whatever is necessary. Which is good since there is a crazed bomber on the loose. I loved the short story and how they acknowledged this was a fraught situation, but there was still an attraction there they wanted to pursue. Great story for someone to be introduced to what a guardian romance can be.
December 24, 2025
Fun, fast paced, and a real page turner, for a novella this read felt more like a full story.
Exciting and suspenseful, with plenty steam this story kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.
Flint and Caroline’s insta attraction had to be put on hold as unforeseen circumstances are working against them. Someone is sabotaging Caroline’s work with deadly results. Flints rescue sets in motion a sone pretty pulse pounding situations you’ll have to read to find out what they are!
4.5 stars!
Exciting and suspenseful, with plenty steam this story kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.
Flint and Caroline’s insta attraction had to be put on hold as unforeseen circumstances are working against them. Someone is sabotaging Caroline’s work with deadly results. Flints rescue sets in motion a sone pretty pulse pounding situations you’ll have to read to find out what they are!
4.5 stars!
December 30, 2025
Flint was an incredible, fast paced action story. Even though it is a novella, it had all the intensity, suspense and steam of a 300+ page book. I love all the books of Ellie Masters especially the Guardians HRS romantic suspense books. If you are looking for strong male and female characters who will go through hell to help and protect those who cannot protect themselves, look no further. I highly recommend Flint, you won't be sorry.
December 28, 2025
Another exciting and brilliant book! For a quick read this certainly packed a punch!
Carolina was so smart and brave, such a great character and a perfect match to Flint.
A really exciting and entertaining storyline which had me gripped from start to finish.
Despite being a novella I still felt I had the full reading experience and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Carolina was so smart and brave, such a great character and a perfect match to Flint.
A really exciting and entertaining storyline which had me gripped from start to finish.
Despite being a novella I still felt I had the full reading experience and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
December 30, 2025
Arc review. Flint by Ellie Masters is subtitled Short Read but wow what a masterpiece! Flint and Caroline were characters that drew you into their story. It was action packed and fast paced and short read never had time to enter my mind. This is a must read book.
December 24, 2025
A fast-paced, action-packed journey as Flint is sent to extract Carolina Sutton, the only person able to defuse the bombs that an ex pupil, Marcus Greer, has created. With men on their trail determined to kill her, Flint won't let anything happen to her. The chemistry that is between them having to wait, their feelings jump off the page and you feel the electricity. This short story has everything you would expect from Ellie Masters and more. If you haven't read any of her books, then this will show you some of what you can expect.
December 24, 2025
I loved Flint and Carolina’s story, it’s fast paced and full of chemistry. I wasn’t sure about the shorter reads but I’ve found I enjoy them very much. Caro has lost her confidence and Flint is just lost in his failures but together they find their purpose and romance .
If you like these short reads you’re ready for a full blown Guardian HRS but be prepared to buckle up and hang on. Ellie Masters never disappoints and her words grab you and your off.
If you like these short reads you’re ready for a full blown Guardian HRS but be prepared to buckle up and hang on. Ellie Masters never disappoints and her words grab you and your off.
December 26, 2025
Fate Intervention
Standing Ovation! Ellie Masters’s books are so addictive. If you haven’t read the Guardian series you are missing something amazing. Each book can be read singularly but so much more as they build on each other.
Standing Ovation! Ellie Masters’s books are so addictive. If you haven’t read the Guardian series you are missing something amazing. Each book can be read singularly but so much more as they build on each other.
December 25, 2025
Review of Flint
I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense novels. She is an amazing writer!
I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense novels. She is an amazing writer!
December 24, 2025
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
December 23, 2025
Flint and Caro's story is intense. I couldn't put it down until it was done. lots of danger and suspense, and action-packed.
December 24, 2025
Flint is a fast paced and action filled with you holding your breath at times, kind of read. Explosives expert Carolina Sutton finds herself in the challenge of a lifetime. Guardian HS Operative Flint Morrison is charged with tracking her down and getting her to her right place at the right time. You're going to love the instant attraction between these two. The sparks start to build even before they meet, when he first sees he hazel eyes in a photo. She's strong, disciplined and resolute bu carries a heavy burden of guilt. Flint has that in common with her. Despite their short time together he's in full on protective, "I've got your six" mode from the get-go. Very quick and exciting story to read. Ellie Masters chalks up another winner!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing book. So much action and suspense in this short read.
Bomb expert Carolina is targeted by a past student with bombs she has to defuse, but Guardian HRS operative Flint is sent out in the wilderness to find her.
Flint and Carolina had a real instalove relationship that started pretty much immediately. Flint was sent to protect her and took his job very seriously. But that danger and attraction accelerated everything between them.
So well done. Too short but a full story and characters I couldn't help but love. A plot that had me on the edge waiting to see what was to come. A highly recommended book!
Bomb expert Carolina is targeted by a past student with bombs she has to defuse, but Guardian HRS operative Flint is sent out in the wilderness to find her.
Flint and Carolina had a real instalove relationship that started pretty much immediately. Flint was sent to protect her and took his job very seriously. But that danger and attraction accelerated everything between them.
So well done. Too short but a full story and characters I couldn't help but love. A plot that had me on the edge waiting to see what was to come. A highly recommended book!
Read
December 24, 2025Incorrect term
Awesome book only critique is the use of the term trauma bonding multiple times incorrectly.
Trauma bonding refers to the unhealthy and toxic bond a victim of abuse develops toward their abuser due to the unequal power dynamics of the relationship which can cause victims of abuse to stay in abusive relationships.
Trauma bonding does not refer to bonds that trauma survivors may feel from the empathy of both experiencing and overcoming trauma. Unfortunately in this book the term is incorrectly used and can be confusing for readers. With so many people undergoing trauma 6 PTSD in today's world, it's important to use terms like this correctly.
Awesome book only critique is the use of the term trauma bonding multiple times incorrectly.
Trauma bonding refers to the unhealthy and toxic bond a victim of abuse develops toward their abuser due to the unequal power dynamics of the relationship which can cause victims of abuse to stay in abusive relationships.
Trauma bonding does not refer to bonds that trauma survivors may feel from the empathy of both experiencing and overcoming trauma. Unfortunately in this book the term is incorrectly used and can be confusing for readers. With so many people undergoing trauma 6 PTSD in today's world, it's important to use terms like this correctly.
January 5, 2026
This is a short read from the Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists series by Ellie Masters.
Caroline and Flint meet under strange and unusual circumstances.
Caroline, a former Army EOD instructor, was taking some time off from work as she does each year after the death of one of her students during a training accident.
Flint was sent in to find her so that she can help the FBI track down one of her students that has been sending bomb threats with riddles of locations to find them.
The connection between these two are perfect and just what you would expect from Ellie’s Guardian characters!
Caroline and Flint meet under strange and unusual circumstances.
Caroline, a former Army EOD instructor, was taking some time off from work as she does each year after the death of one of her students during a training accident.
Flint was sent in to find her so that she can help the FBI track down one of her students that has been sending bomb threats with riddles of locations to find them.
The connection between these two are perfect and just what you would expect from Ellie’s Guardian characters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Definitely a page turner. A Short read in one evening. But what a story! Fast paced, adrenaline rushing, pulse pounding. Felt the pain in the chest (I did not seek medical attention. I had to finish Flint! LOL). In the face of danger, Flint and Carolina couldn't help the attraction, but knew to lock it down, temporarily. I liked the cooperation of departments along with Guardian HRS. The Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists is proving to be an exciting series, and this novella does not disappoint. This was a short read but sure made my evening exciting!
December 22, 2025
A short but mighty book and when I say mighty, it is chock full of excitement, suspense, heat and a happy ending. Flint is sent to bring Carolina from the wilderness and their first sight of each other sets off emotions neither of them anticipated. What follows is a race against a monster who has perverted Carolina’s work in a gross act of revenge, but he has underestimated her and with Flints calming influence beside her, the villain is defeated. Carolina comes to terms with her past and she and Flint have a HEA. A compelling read that will capture your imagination.
December 29, 2025
Fast action, intense read!!! Flint was at Guardian HRS headquarters when CJ called him in to track and bring in former Army EOD instructor to stop a madman. Caroline Sutton now a wilderness guide and took off couple of weeks to remote mountains at the anniversary of student getting killed in a class...but even though FBI has bomber in custody, needs Caroline to see what changes he made to her designs and since followers of madman also tracking her, Flint needs to find her first, before another bomb goes off...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
January 2, 2026
Wilderness, Bomb-Defusing and Romance!!
Whew! Carolina Sutton, currently a wilderness guide, previously an EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) instructor. Someone is targeting her, and setting bombs she is best suited to defuse as a former student Marcus Greer has set them specifically for her.
Flint is sent into the backcountry to find her. He is not the only one there. They must trust each other to survive. Incredible story, backstory and resolution. Phenomenal.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Whew! Carolina Sutton, currently a wilderness guide, previously an EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) instructor. Someone is targeting her, and setting bombs she is best suited to defuse as a former student Marcus Greer has set them specifically for her.
Flint is sent into the backcountry to find her. He is not the only one there. They must trust each other to survive. Incredible story, backstory and resolution. Phenomenal.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
January 6, 2026
This book was the perfect short story to kick off my new yearly reading goals. I really enjoyed this one and being back with the GHRS team! Flint is tasked with tracking down Former Army EOD instructor Carolina Sutton and getting her safely back to help disarm multiple bombs. Flint and Carolina have a lot in common with regrets/loss that have led them to close off their hearts but when they meet, they can't deny the attraction. While racing against the clock they bond and decide if they make through, they may just have to see if the sparks they feel are sustainable.
December 22, 2025
A routine retrieval explodes into a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled mission as Flint and Caro fight against impossible odds. Their connection is instant, their attraction combustible, and the tension crackles—both in the action and between them. You feel every surge of emotion as nail-biting danger keeps you on edge. Add Flint’s flirtatious, dominant edge once the threat is handled, and it’s pure gold—intense, thrilling, and impossible to put down.
January 6, 2026
A short read that really packs a punch. An edge of your seat adventure. Carolina is a bomb defuser specialist who had a bad experience with a student that caused the death of another student. Now someone is setting bombs to go off in public places. Carolina is the only one who can defuse them because they are her original design. Flint is sent to find her. There the excitement begins and never ends. Romance too. Great little read! So entertaining!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Flint and Carl’s book is a really fast paced , page turning read! From the very first chapter it’s hard to put this book down. She’s a retired explosives expert who Flint is sent to protect from a deranged former student. How their relationship builds and they work together to defuse three bombs is a fantastic read. It may be a novella but it packs quite the punch!
December 23, 2025
Loved it! This is a nice quick read between Flint and Carolina. Carolina is an explosives expert that Flint was tasked to find. While short, it was still packed with action and suspense. This was a slow burn without a lot of steam but given the story line, it made total sense. Another great addition to the GHRS series.
December 24, 2025
Wow ! this story get's right into the action, '
Flint is the right man for this job and the moments
shared between him and Carolyn are so dream worthy
to find that connection of souls , it's definitely a swoon and hand holding story
when the characters find a special connection ..
Great story ..
Flint is the right man for this job and the moments
shared between him and Carolyn are so dream worthy
to find that connection of souls , it's definitely a swoon and hand holding story
when the characters find a special connection ..
Great story ..
December 27, 2025
This novella is a great introduction to anyone thinking of reading the Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists series that Ellie has written.
Please remember, this is a novella and so its a short fast paced story.
The usual GHRS stories are still fast paced but have alot more details in storyline!
Go on, give it a go, you know you want to!
Please remember, this is a novella and so its a short fast paced story.
The usual GHRS stories are still fast paced but have alot more details in storyline!
Go on, give it a go, you know you want to!
December 23, 2025
This is a short but exciting story. Flint is sent to retrieve Carolina from her wilderness hike as she is needed for her former bomb disposal work. More importantly she is being targeted because of her particular bomb design skills. Action packed, insta romance and full of tension.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews