Stalwart Ridge Security: Ballard

by Esther E. Schmidt

Stalwart Ridge Security, where protecting the client comes before unraveling the mystery. Each book is an interconnected story featuring a new couple where suspense bleeds into the next story in this completed series.

Ballard - Falling for the woman who saved my life wasn’t part of the plan when I agreed to a fake relationship in order to gain justice.

Helena - Locking those who broke the law behind bars is my job as a deputy sheriff. This time it’s personal, making it more deadlier for all involved.

Fighting for survival while saving Stalwart Ridge Security becomes a deadly choice for both Ballard and Helena. Trusting the wrong person could mean losing everything, especially their last breath. A dangerous challenge for a born and raised protective mountain man, the strong-willed woman he’s assigned to, and the chemistry which will bind them through the forced proximity the assignment demands.

90 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

Esther E. Schmidt is an USA Today bestselling author who loves to write MC (biker) series, Mafia Romance series, PNR series, contemporary romance series, and more. She's a graphic designer that also loves to write. She released her first series "Areion Fury MC" in October 2015. Esther lives in The Netherlands with her family, three daughters, and a crazy iguana. She loves to write about bad boy Alphas with a heart for only one woman. To make it a bit interesting, that woman needs to be a badass herself.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book of the Stalwart Ridge Security series, and this reader is incredibly sad to see it end. However, Ms. Schmidt has done the series proud by giving us an outstanding conclusion with Ballard’s story. While it’s not strictly mandatory, I highly recommend reading the books in order, as the overarching storylines overlap and each book picks up right where the previous one left off. After finishing book two, I just knew this one was going to be a goodie—and it did not disappoint! There are twists and turns I never saw coming that had me reading into the wee hours of the morning just to finish it in one sitting. I literally couldn’t put it down.

Ballard and Helena’s story is simply magnificent. Her tragic past and his current life-altering injuries leave these two facing not only deeply personal struggles, but also a barrage of suspenseful events and murders happening all around them. I can’t recommend this trio of books enough. Each installment features a primary couple, but the character dynamics and high-stakes suspense involve all six main characters throughout the series. And, of course, each book has those humorous moments thrown in that only Ms. Schmidt can deliver.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Katie Kavanagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the final book in this series and what an incredibly series. I highly recommend reading the first two books to understand where this book starts off and how everything is linked together in all 3 books. This book is Ballard and Helena's story and I was so excited to get my hands on this book especially the way book 2 ended. Helena goes to Ballard asking for help and at first due to what happened to Ballard, he was not happy and did not want to be bothered by anyone. Ballard and Helena both went through traumatic events in their lives that changed them in different ways, Ballard more recently then Helena. Helena did not put up with Ballard's moody behavior and gave it right back to him. Ballard was able to make Helena forget everything with just a kiss. This book as more twist and turns that will keep you addicted. I could not out this book down because I needed to see how it would end. I highly recommended this book and the other 2 in this series, you will not be disappointed at all.

[Dani Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ballard and Helena had a connection that kept me turning the pages. I liked how their relationship came together while everything else was happening around them. Nothing felt rushed, and their chemistry fit naturally into the story. Ballard is protective without being overbearing, I liked that about him. He's the kind of character who shows what he feels through his actions. Helena was just as enjoyable to read. She's strong, capable, and doesn't back down when things get difficult, the suspense and danger kept things interesting, the emotional moments, tension, and the steamy scenes all fit well with the story, it was just right.
Esther E. Schmidt did a great job with this one. The story flowed well, the characters were easy to connect with, and I found myself wanting to see what happened next, can't wait to read more. I enjoyed this book and would suggest giving it a read, it's a great story.
Thank you, Esther E. Schmidt. Wonderful work :)
5 Stars!

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion to 3 books, all have been brilliant. Lots of twists, convoluted relationships, greed and jealousy. Witty banter and heart stopping incidents that I felt characters might just not survive. But the connection between these two is beautiful, despite language issues conversation and understanding is managed. Gently and with compassion not nastily. Spice is definitely there but again handled with due care. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading, the complexities to plot have been surprising and interesting. A different but awesome new genre for this author and I think readers will love it just as much as I have.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedHappily Ever AfterInspirationalOriginalPage-turnerRomanticRealisticSteamyTwistedUnpredictableWittyWonderful characters

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this trilogy! Full of action & suspense. Each book is focused on a new couple but everyone is part of the stories. You definitely need to read the first two books. Ballard and Helena work great together. She doesn’t put up with his brooding and stands strong. Ballard will do whatever it takes to protect her, but will it be enough?

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Stalwart Ridge Security series and Ballard & Helena’s story. What an amazing series this was and sad to see it end!! This series will have you hooked from book one. There was so many twists and turns that you’ll want to binge read the series. I can’t wait to see what Esther has next for us!

[Latifa Morrisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stalwart Ridge Security: Ballard is the final book in the series and is Helena and Ballard's book. Please read the previous two before this one. This series has been such a joy to read and the way each book flows together is immaculate. Excited for whatever is next.

[Mel Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG another exciting installment from Stalwart Ridge Security, things are heating up, enemies closing in and an unlikely savior could be in the midst. Ballard and Helena another exciting story full of suspense, love and excitement.
What more can happen.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series
Loved Ballard and Helenas heartstopping broken beautiful action packed love story
Ready for more
Gimme

[Fiction Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Reads fast and easy.
No cheating.
No ow/om drama.
No Virgins
No separations oncetogether. .
Epilogue- 5 years.
HEA-Married with kids and pregnant.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book. I really enjoyed it

[Lynne Garlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my freaking GOD!!!! Okay, so I make no secret of my love for this author, she is on my list of authors who I will pre-order/one click. Without reading the blurb! Whatever she shares with us, hits the spot every damn time. And Ballard?! Sweet Jesus! This hit way more than even I anticipated!!
This is book three in the Stalwart Ridge Security series and if you have read the previous book, well you know how that ended! If you didn’t, WTF?!!
Anywho, this picks up where book two ended and I am busy picking my heart and my jaw up off the floor! And that was pretty much me as I moved through this book. Holy shit! The twists, turns and WTF moments blew my mind. The full extent of Helena’s past broke my damn heart but she is unbelievably strong. Ballard may be an asshole and have his own issues but together they work.
Gah!!! Just go and one click this book!!!!