Day in the Knight

by Tarina Deaton

Even the darkest night turns to day—especially when a protector refuses to let you face it alone.

Security specialist Tinker Knight lives by three protect the defenseless, don’t take life too seriously, and keep relationships short, simple, and unattached. But one impromptu, drunken lecture from quiet, unassuming Abby Day about the origins of his motorcycle club’s mascot has him breaking rule number three before he even realizes it.

Abby’s life is simple. Work. Her son. Her friends. Weekends at the aquarium naming fish. In a word, boring… until her (soon to be ex) best friend pretends to be her and agrees to a date with the tattooed, bearded biker with the mischievous smile.
Stepping out of her comfort zone is one thing—surviving a melt-your-bones kiss, followed by a disappearing act, is another. Who knew tough guys were so skittish.

When her simple life is upended, she reaches out to the only person she can think of. All she needed is a phone number. Tinker decided she needs him .

He already ghosted her once and trust doesn’t come easy, but when it comes to protecting people, Tinker doesn’t hesitate. He becomes a steady, surprisingly calming force in the middle of her chaos… right up until a secret from his past shakes her fragile faith in him.

But when danger threatens her family, Abby doesn’t have to wonder who’ll show up.

Because Tinker Knight may run from feelings—but he never leaves the defenseless unprotected.

A steamy, emotional protector romance for fans of biker-adjacent heat, grumpy-soft heroes, and heroines who discover just how strong they are.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2026

Reviews

[thehotmesslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Day in the Knight by Tarina Denton is the 4th book in the Leonidas Corporation series and focuses on the characters Tinker and Abby. Christian ‘Tinker’ is a complicated character. Having dealt with trauma in his life, he doesn’t do commitment, but when he meets Abby, he thinks that she could be the one, that is until he learns that she is a single mother and ghosts her, something that Abby isn’t going to fall for, especially when she has to put her son first. That is until her life gets a little bit complicated and the one person she can think of to help is Tinker.

I like that Abby doesn’t just fall back into routine with Tinker and that he actually has to redeem himself for the way he treats her (even though it wasn’t on purpose and there is a little bit of background to why he does what he does.) The fact is that Tinker is a great character, he is caring and understanding and protective of Abby and her child, even when fighting his own demons. There is definitely a lot of chemistry between Tinker and Abby which makes them great together and the addition of other character’s also brings the story together. Overall, a really good read!

ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊

More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and fell hard for all the characters. Christian who is know as Tinker for his love of tinkering with cars and motorcycles. He is one hot sexy security specialist, biker and man whose protector instincts is high. Oh he is also know as a ladies man.
Abby is w wonder art teacher who’s a single mum and is gorgeous, with a heart larger than herself.
When these two meet at a party it instant attraction, but it is not until Christian and the VACA arrive at Abby’s school with a little girl called Melanie, a victim of abuse that these two start there journey. Oh the humour between them is brilliant and yes Tinker ghosted when found about Will but does he make it up. Fate brings them together when Olivia arrives in Abby’s life. Trust me this story will pull you in. Oh let’s not forget Sue and Graham Snr.
I loved the honesty between them, the spice, chemistry and drama is spot on. Even when Tinkers past comes to light. Patience and strength all the way. Oh yes there is tears but the relationship is amazing.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fourth installment in the Leonidas Corporation series, though it didn't quite take the top spot as my favorite of the bunch. This time around, the spotlight is on Tinker Knight, and it was great to see him finally get his "happily ever after" with Abby and her young daughter.

What to expect: Unlike the first three books—which felt like high-octane, Indiana Jones-style adventures—this story leans much more into domestic drama. The stakes are more personal and emotional than global or tactical. While the globe-trekking missions took a backseat to the relationship dynamics of a single-mom romance, the story was still very well-written and it was rewarding to see a different side of Tinker. Even though there wasn't the boots on the ground adventure of its predecessors this book still flowed well. Over all this is a book with a lot of heart rather than adventure so it has a totally different feel to it I must say I personally prefer the more boots on the ground kind of read but I still enjoyed this one.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fourth book in the Leonidas Corporation series, although I can’t say it was my favorite. This time around it’s Tinker Knight who gets his happily ever after with single mom Abby. This story was much more of a domestic drama than the adventurous, globe trekking type the first books were. That isn’t to say it wasn’t a good read. It was. I just think I prefer the series when the characters are having more Indiana Jones adventures. The story flowed well and held my interest. The only real complaint I had was the main character’s name, or in this case nickname. Every time I read the name Tinker I got a vision of Tinkerbell. The name just didn’t seem very masculine to me. A personal reaction, but one sort of got in the way a bit.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars.

I have totally fallen for Tinker and Abby, what amazing people they were, I enjoyed learning about their pasts and seeing them grow during this story. I wanted to hug them both at different times reading this, I really liked how they dealt with things and how no matter what life through at them, they found a way back to each other. They had amazing support throughout this, there was light and dark to the story and it all flowed well for me. Some parts of this story spoke to me on a personal level, but even without that I know I would have felt a connection to these two. I believed in their connection and chemistry, that they had a future together and in them as a family. I thought the surprise romance in this added another layer to the story, I hope there will be more stories from this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Day in the Knight
By Tarina Deaton

This was well worth the wait and I loved Christian/Tinker's VACA group helping kids who need a protector who stands by them during their fight for justice. Abby is mom and art teacher so when her friends convince her to go out little does she now that a conversation with Tinker and a short history lesson of a suit of armor named Ned that will bring them together.

But when a young girl shows up at her doorstep wanting to stay she'll need all her friends to help find out why. Her ex husband had a daughter she didn't know about who needs her help after her mom passes away. She'll find out how a group of bikers help kids who need protecting as well as meeting Tinker again.

There will be bumps along the way but this fourth book of the series is all heart and the protecting of children who need a knight in shining armor by their side.

Thank you to Net Galley and the author for a wonderful book to read and voluntarily review.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story, there is something to laugh about and something to cry about with the characters, sharing their sad and happy tears.
This story may raise feelings of anger, injustice, helplessness, and low tolerance for some people's oversight of any kind of abuse, a one-track mind. But it's good to know there are those who fight and help selflessly for the vulnerable.
I like witty, sweet, struggling, and emotionally intelligent interactions with good questions, receiving answers, not always right away.
Abby's unconventional family grows exponentially. There's a lot to admire.
Tinker's confusion about some things is endearing.
Great colleagues/found family.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Security specialist Tinker Knight lives by strict rules — protect the defenseless, keep life light, and never get emotionally attached. But after a drunk night and an unexpected connection with Abby Day, a single mom whose life is steady and simple, he finds himself breaking his own rules. Their chemistry ignites quickly, but past ghosts — especially Tinker’s secret history and his tendency to pull away — threaten to keep them apart. When Abby’s family faces danger, Tinker’s instincts to protect force them both to confront their feelings and fears. Tinkers large unconventional work family adds such warmth and color to the story.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book. This is the first book I’ve read by this author.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 of The Leonidas Corporation series. For maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.

'A steamy, emotional protector romance for fans of biker-adjacent heat, grumpy-soft heroes, and heroines who discover just how strong they are.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. Another great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Usherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tinker Knight may run from feelings—but he never leaves the defenseless unprotected."

This book really got me in the feels. Not only is it a biker romance, but protecting children, or people in general, is a huge deal for the club.

Tinker and Abby shared one amazing, life altering kiss, but then, without an explanation, Tinker disappeared.

Now, in desperate need of help, Abby reaches out to the one person she knows won't deny it. Tinker.
She reaches out to him, despite him ghosting her, and begs for his help, and he gives it.

This story is a wonderfully crafted second chance romance with a roller coaster of emotions and twist and turns.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotional story of two people working through their personal issues to find a future forged in love. Tinker and Abby have an instant chemistry but Tinker is not a man of commitment to relationships due to his trauma. When danger threatens Abby he is all in. This was less action packed but so full of heart. I liked how Abby made Tinker work to redeem himself. Perfect blend of humor, heart, chemistry and finding a family of love.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gazelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby is a single mom and teacher that hasn't had the best luck with love. Tinker is so much more than the grumpy, biker, mechanic and operator. Tinker is one of the biggest supporters of kids who are dealing with trauma through the VACA. I loved that we get to really understand Tinker as he heals/unpacks his past. I also loved that Abby was such a strong loving woman who knows her own worth. You get adorable children, character growth, laughs and serious topics too. Check your TW if discussing topics bothers you. I'm loving this series.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in The Leonidas Corporation series and I applaud the author for tackling such heavy topics. The handling of the sensitive subject matter was very tactful and it helped bring necessary background to Tinker and what made him into the man he is. And Abby coming from the other side. It was great watching them work through their own issues and meet in the middle to create the family they both deserved. Solid 5 stars!

[Clayr Catherall · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve read the previous books in the series you know Tinker is a bit of a “Ladies’ Man”. Well you get to see a whole new side to him in this story. He wasn’t a relationship kind of guy but when he meets Abby, he can think of nobody else. Even when he realises she’s a single mum.

This story was a little different from the first three books but just exciting to read. I adore these characters and I’m looking forward to reading more about them.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really loving this series and I'm so grateful to have found this author, it definitely won't be the last book I read from her.
This book will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
While there wasn't as much action as previous books, the drama and past trauma will keep readers captivated. Hence I gave all the stars.
Both main characters were inspiring and loved them both together and apart.

[Nancy Fholer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Day in the Knight

I love this author and this series. I love HEA endings. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I love how this author develops her characters. You get a little more background and insight into the characters with each book. I like seeing what makes each one tick.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really starting to love this author. Tinker and Abby were so awesome. After he ghosts her, he realizes that he needs her in his life. And when he goes to make things right, she mates him with for it. I love that this author writes these stories with depth and emotion. I really enjoyed this one so much. It was heartwarming and fun.

[Alibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book drew me in quickly. A great found family story. It is a bit of a bumpy journey for Abby and Tinker/Christian, as they have things in their past molding their present, but they find their way. Christian has a big heart with lots of love to give and he found the right family to shower that love on.

[Tami Fidler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new-to-me author, and I had the best time reading this book. So, I will for sure be reading more from this author going forward. I loved the dynamics between Tinker and Abby, and their chemistry was fantastic. I am looking forward to re-reading this book.

[susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story line, and the characters were really relatable. I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read