Monk

by Tamsen Schultz

Second chances can be deadly when the past won't die.Former Spec Op soldier, Collin “Monk” Wilde, never planned to set foot in Napa Valley again. The fairytale illusion of his childhood hid a twisted violence he wouldn’t wish on his worst enemy. As the sole heir to the family fortune, though, he now has employees and a centuries-old family legacy to consider. And then there’s Helia Shaw. The woman he never even tried to forget. But he’s not the only person popping up from her past.

As one of the valley’s premier event planners, Helia isn’t at all surprised to see old acquaintances returning. There are worse places to live than the iconic wine country. But when an ex-boyfriend is killed, followed by a second brutal murder of someone she knows, the police start circling. She may not need Collin by her side, but she definitely wants him and isn’t about to let him go a second time.

Bucolic Napa Valley is hiding a dark and deadly secret, and a battleground is taking shape amongst the prosperous vines, charming inns, and famous restaurants. Helia and Collin might be unwitting warriors in the upcoming war, but if they can cut the head off the serpent Collin’s father released on the valley, they might just have a chance at the future they both desperately want.

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

About the author

Tamsen Schultz is the author of several romantic suspense novels and American Kin (a short story published in Line Zero Magazine). In addition to being a writer, she has a background in the field of international conflict resolution, has co-founded a non-profit, and currently works in corporate America. Like most lawyers, she spends a disproportionate amount of time thinking (and writing) about what it might be like to do something else. She lives in Northern California in a house full of males including her husband, two sons, three cats, a dog, and a gender-neutral, but well-stocked, wine rack.

Reviews

[R.A. Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

I won’t spoil the story, but it seems at times that each book by Tamsen Schultz is better than the previous one. In the case of Monk, this is very true. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and could not put it down until I finished the book. I have enjoyed the Falcon’s Rest MC series so far. Every book has been awesome. Monk however just goes above and beyond.

Monk, (I just cannot call him Collin) clearly has a history and it doesn’t take long to realize his demons are not far below the surface. Helia, a childhood companion, is an open and honest person. It is quick to see she is very much his match. The mystery surrounding the things that follow will have your imagination flowing quickly. Get ready for a real adventure.

Murder, romance, and secrets that no one expects combine to create a need for most of the MC to show up to help Monk and Helia. The brotherhood demonstrates why they are so close, and why it matters. Between sorting out the possible killers, another possible murder and a ‘ghost’ in the house you will quickly realize that you cannot stop reading until the end. The relationship between the couple is great, but even better is the relationship between friends and newcomers. It kept my adrenaline flowing, warmed my heart and had me guessing for a long time! Ms. Schultz has created a book that you don’t just want to read but need to read.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monk is another great instalment in Tamsen Schultz's Falcon's Rest MC series. This time it follows Monk, aka Collin, who has got his nickname after getting a reputation for not getting involved with women. It's not because he's not into women, but more because of his early experiences due to his abusive father. This is one women who he has always been into, but he hasn't seen her for 15 years. Now his father is dead, he's back where he grew up and again spending time with childhood sweetheart Helia.
Like most of Schultz's books, Monk is a good mix of romance and suspense. This one also has a murder or two to sort out and it had me gripped all the way though. I didn't manage to solve the mystery before Monk, Helia and the rest of Falcon's Rest manage to get to the bottom of things. The characters are always very intelligent and considered in what they do and the way they speak. Possibly a little too much so occasionally, but it does make a nice change to have such 'grown up' people populating the story.
I love this series, just as much as I've loved her previous series. I'm looking forward to finding out what's next for Falcon's Rest MC.

[Joseph and Sandra Oconnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Tamsen Schultz for a while now and I just love her books!! This series is great it started actually with the end of The Mystery Lake series with the book Vindictive. That began the Falcon Rest MC series with Noah or Mantis as he is known to his friends. They just keep getting better and better! This is the story of Monk. He is drawn home because his father passes away and he needs to go home to Napa Valley and settle things. Of course he runs into his childhood friend Helia Shaw who still works with her parents on the neighboring vineyard. The people in Helias life are getting killed and Monk is determined to keep her safe. They need to solve these secrets that seem to be swirling around both of them and Monk is sure has to do with his father who was an evil man!! Another five star read. I most certainly recommend this book and author! I want to thank Tamsen Schultz for my honest review.

[Jenny Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collin and Helia

FMC: Helia Shaw
MMC: Collin ‘Monk’ Wilde
Spice: 🌶️.5
Pages: 341
Tropes: ex-Military MMC, Second Chance Romance, Romantic Suspense, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Traumatic Past
Setting: Napa Valley, CA

Thoughts: I really liked this book. It was full of twists and mysteries. I liked how quickly Helia and Collins were able to reconnect. Even after 17 years they had a bond that couldn’t be broken. I loved the found family element of the book and the surprise of Kendall. While Collin’s background was traumatic, I appreciated the way he didn’t let his trauma hold him back. I thought Helia and Collin were a good match, Helia challenged Collin in the best way and Collin tempered Helia’s spontaneous nature. Overall, I really liked this book and I can’t wait for the next installment!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching, suspense, family, greed and oh so much more. Monk has a lot to unpack and Helia is just the women to help. As much as I hurt for Monk I was in awe of Helia. Smart, generous with feelings, friendships and family. Add in the made family of Falcon's Rest and the surprise that pops up and the surprise in the epilogue and I am still rubbing my breastbone trying to assuage the ache both bad and good. There is humor in the unlikely of places. Absolutely loved this one and as everyone knows I flip through the steam, but I understood. (Trying not to do spoilers) Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #Monk #Falcon'sRest #TamsenSchultz #DevilsGatePress #Bookfunnel

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monk is the 4th book in the Falcon's Rest MC series, but can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Monk and Helia's second chance at love story is set in the beautiful Napa Valley. It's a winning combination of emotions, romance, suspense and family found, with cameo appearances from Monk's brothers and their partners. I thoroughly enjoyed the ups and downs, twists and turns on their road to a HEA and especially the intro of a fascinating new side characters. Can't wait to find out what's in store for the next brother! I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Tina G Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamsen has done it again - Monk takes you down a road that you didn't expect to travel. Helia stands by his side as he faces his past. Tamsen's words speak deeply ..."As the doubts and distrust and pain of his past slid away with each touch... not washing away the past, but quieting it, giving it permission to let go."

This is stand alone book but if you read the rest of the Falcon's Rest MC books, it adds layers to the story. I highly recommend you add this book to your library and read it as soon as you can.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fresh Entry to the Series

As always this author does not disappoint with her ability to create characters you want to know and situations that are unique and add to a worthy suspense plot. I love the addition of Kendall to the mix and am so glad Monk got his HEA. Bringing Napa Valley into it was a lovely addition as well. Highly recommend. As an aside, you can enjoy this without having read the prior series, it really is a stand alone book as far as plot, but you will enjoy it more if you have read the previous books.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monk was another great installment in the Falcon's MC series and is certainly a standalone. This is more of a childhood best friend, second chance romance between Monk, aka Collin and Helia. I felt sorry for Monk especially when you hear about his past and what he had to endure as a child. Monk comes back to his childhood home only to find so much nefarious stuff happening. I enjoyed the 'found family' as well. I don't want to say more. Read and enjoy!

[Caron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family By Choice
Monk, the fourth in Tamsen Schultz’s Falcon’s Rest series, is all about how family helps out. When all the “brothers” show up, it is a slam dunk for the family. Helia and her parents, although not having seen Collin for such a long time, picks right back up with him, again telling me how real family operates. I finished this one in one day, could not put it down!
Thank you for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[JustJeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another engaging story, with in-depth characters, suspense, drama and romance. This author never disappoints. From the beginning of the story I was easily caught up in the characters’ lives and the dramatic flowing plot. I look forward to the next book in her series. Highly recommend this author. I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. As expected, Tamsen Schultz once again writes an exciting and engaging romantic suspense story. This is one of a series, but each can be read as a standalone. Of course, you will want to read them all. Great characters. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

[Lisa Nalbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!
I loved the characters, setting, found family, and all the second chances..for romance, righting old wrongs, and working through traumatic experiences. Can't wait for the next book in Tamsen Schultz's Falcon's Rest Series.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collin Monk never dreamed of the problems that he would encounter by returning home. There is a lot of suspense and danger to keep you intrigued. Love every book 📖 by this talented author. Don’t miss out.

[NL Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was great. I am really enjoying this series and can't wait for the next one. The twists, the chemistry, the plot, everything works together to keep you reading way past your bedtime!!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book . Monk is not good with ladies but he finds love. Lots of twists very interesting. Can’t wait for the next book

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The twist and turns kept me on my toes all night long. This book had it all.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining book with interesting, colorful characters, lots of suspense, a romance, and a happy ending. I enjoy the way Tamsen Schultz writes, and I enjoyed this book.

[cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really unusual plot. Part deep friendship, a complex mystery, an interesting setting, a crazy smart tween, and a HEA ending. Definitely hope there are more books forthcoming in this series!!