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Protected by Duval (Police and Fire: Operation Alpha)
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 17, 2026
If you love Angela from the show "Bones", you are so going to love this read!!
But first "Duval" - McCrae is such the strong silent type, gruff and grumpy in all the right ways. Not only a Texas Ranger, but S.W.A.T. as well. Rugged in his own way, with a few shadows of his own.
Noelle, another strong silent type, single mother, daughter, survivor. She lives for her art and her daughter. Her art..... beautiful in its own twisted way.
I truly enjoyed reading this book, Author Reina Torres always has a special way of pulling the reader into her stories.
In this one, I found such depth of emotion throughout the main characters that really bring this story to life for me.
They both have those infectious mothers, so full of spirit and good natured humor. Good family and great friends/coworkers, the interaction between characters create a beautiful flow.
The emotions that are exposed throughout this read creates a real world feel to it, it pulled this reader in so much so that I was cheering and crying along with the characters in the book.
I love the way that Noelle describes her art and how she looks at people. She sees so much more than what the world normally sees.
I like how emotional trauma is addressed and seen for what it truly is and how it affects everyone regardless of age.
An absolutely wonderful read! 5*
But first "Duval" - McCrae is such the strong silent type, gruff and grumpy in all the right ways. Not only a Texas Ranger, but S.W.A.T. as well. Rugged in his own way, with a few shadows of his own.
Noelle, another strong silent type, single mother, daughter, survivor. She lives for her art and her daughter. Her art..... beautiful in its own twisted way.
I truly enjoyed reading this book, Author Reina Torres always has a special way of pulling the reader into her stories.
In this one, I found such depth of emotion throughout the main characters that really bring this story to life for me.
They both have those infectious mothers, so full of spirit and good natured humor. Good family and great friends/coworkers, the interaction between characters create a beautiful flow.
The emotions that are exposed throughout this read creates a real world feel to it, it pulled this reader in so much so that I was cheering and crying along with the characters in the book.
I love the way that Noelle describes her art and how she looks at people. She sees so much more than what the world normally sees.
I like how emotional trauma is addressed and seen for what it truly is and how it affects everyone regardless of age.
An absolutely wonderful read! 5*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Protected by Duval brings us Noelle, who is different and so refreshing. I enjoyed their initial meeting, where it got creepy but funny creepy as she admired his bones... lol.
Duval is grumpy and detached... or is he? I loved watching him melt for both Noelle and CeeCee. Your heart absolutely melts for CeeCee and breaks for the loss she has endured. When Duval bends over backwards to make everything possible and easier for them, it leaves a wide smile on your face.
The investigation that brings them together takes its own turn and toll as you devour both their growing feelings and the case. Then unexpected danger strikes, leaving you gripped as you wait for this SWAT team to do what they do best for one of their own.
Both the family and the team add so much warmth to the story, making Protected by Duval an entertaining, heartfelt, and suspenseful read.
Duval is grumpy and detached... or is he? I loved watching him melt for both Noelle and CeeCee. Your heart absolutely melts for CeeCee and breaks for the loss she has endured. When Duval bends over backwards to make everything possible and easier for them, it leaves a wide smile on your face.
The investigation that brings them together takes its own turn and toll as you devour both their growing feelings and the case. Then unexpected danger strikes, leaving you gripped as you wait for this SWAT team to do what they do best for one of their own.
Both the family and the team add so much warmth to the story, making Protected by Duval an entertaining, heartfelt, and suspenseful read.
July 15, 2026
He doesn't stand a chance!
McCrae loses his heart to Noelle the moment he meets her, she is in the most unusual room he's ever seen, but it's Noelle that draws his eye. His life is never going to be the same again and meeting Ciela seals his fate. I love seeing a softer side to the hardened McCrae, I'm not a big fan of how pushy and interfering his mother is, but seeing the more human and unsure side of McCrae as he navigates helping a traumatised little girl, will melt your heart.
This is an unusual case and whilst it is implied they get the perp, we don't actually get confirmation or an idea of what happened or his reasons why he killed her, which feels a little unfinished or like we were missing the interview scene after his arrest.
I really enjoy the San Antonio SWAT series and look forward to the next team member finding their HEA.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
McCrae loses his heart to Noelle the moment he meets her, she is in the most unusual room he's ever seen, but it's Noelle that draws his eye. His life is never going to be the same again and meeting Ciela seals his fate. I love seeing a softer side to the hardened McCrae, I'm not a big fan of how pushy and interfering his mother is, but seeing the more human and unsure side of McCrae as he navigates helping a traumatised little girl, will melt your heart.
This is an unusual case and whilst it is implied they get the perp, we don't actually get confirmation or an idea of what happened or his reasons why he killed her, which feels a little unfinished or like we were missing the interview scene after his arrest.
I really enjoy the San Antonio SWAT series and look forward to the next team member finding their HEA.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
July 19, 2026
Duval and Noelle
Duval and Noelle met in a very unique way. They were both in the most unusual room he had ever seen. Noelle has a very unusual talent. She can draw faces from the "inside out". She sees a person's bone structure first and can draw their faces from there. Duval discovered there was a person who was no longer among us. Noelle was called in by the Rangers to see if she could help with identification. During this process, Duval and Noelle spent quite a bit of time together. Along the way, they meet each other's families . Both of their mothers got along beautifully. Noelle has a daughter who captured Duval's heart without even trying. They have some hurdles to overcome to get the HEA they deserve. Get this book ASAP and find out what happens. Sorry, no spoilers.
Duval and Noelle met in a very unique way. They were both in the most unusual room he had ever seen. Noelle has a very unusual talent. She can draw faces from the "inside out". She sees a person's bone structure first and can draw their faces from there. Duval discovered there was a person who was no longer among us. Noelle was called in by the Rangers to see if she could help with identification. During this process, Duval and Noelle spent quite a bit of time together. Along the way, they meet each other's families . Both of their mothers got along beautifully. Noelle has a daughter who captured Duval's heart without even trying. They have some hurdles to overcome to get the HEA they deserve. Get this book ASAP and find out what happens. Sorry, no spoilers.
July 14, 2026
McCray “Duval” King is a S.W.A.T officier with the Texas Rangers.
Noelle Garcia is a reconstruction bone artist.
Ciera is Noelle’s daughter.
Duval and Noelle meet, when he seeks her out to help on a case of a body found on his family’s farm.
There is an attraction and chemistry with a slow burn to explosive..
Noelle does bone reconstruction of the skull and finds out who the body belongs to, but by doing so she puts a target on her back with the murder.
Can Duval keep her, her family , his family safe?
Will the find the murder and get justice for the girl’s family?
This book has action, suspense, danger, twists , turns and emotions.
Great Job. Reina Torres !!!!!
Noelle Garcia is a reconstruction bone artist.
Ciera is Noelle’s daughter.
Duval and Noelle meet, when he seeks her out to help on a case of a body found on his family’s farm.
There is an attraction and chemistry with a slow burn to explosive..
Noelle does bone reconstruction of the skull and finds out who the body belongs to, but by doing so she puts a target on her back with the murder.
Can Duval keep her, her family , his family safe?
Will the find the murder and get justice for the girl’s family?
This book has action, suspense, danger, twists , turns and emotions.
Great Job. Reina Torres !!!!!
Review of advance copy
Duval is a Texas Ranger and an alpha. Nicole is a Body Reconstruction artist. When a body is discovered on Duval’s family land Nicole is brought in to draw and reconstruct the person’s face. When Duval goes to take Nicole a badge he meets her daughter Ciela who suffered a traumatic incident when she was younger. As the story unfolds so does Dual, Nicole and Ciela. Both families play a pivotal role in bringing them together. When danger strikes and a killer is revealed can Duval and his team save Nicole? You don’t want to miss this book. 5+ stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Duval who's a Texas Ranger comes looking for Nicole who's an artist that works with bones to rebuild the face to find out who the victim is and return them to their families. When bones are found on his mom's farm he asks for her help. When Nicole's identity is reveled and now the murderer knows about her is she safe? Danger, suspense, falling in love and finding a new future and family.
August 6, 2026
Protected by Duval
Nicole had an unusual job drawing skulls, rebuilding skulls for ice taxation purposes. Duval is in need of finding a specialist to identify a found skeleton. When they meet each other neither anticipated how the actual outcome could possibly turn out. Very interesting start to finish!
Nicole had an unusual job drawing skulls, rebuilding skulls for ice taxation purposes. Duval is in need of finding a specialist to identify a found skeleton. When they meet each other neither anticipated how the actual outcome could possibly turn out. Very interesting start to finish!
August 6, 2026
Love the Stories but..
I really like Ms. Torres’ stories and this series and the characters I have become so invested in. However the spelling errors and some of the grammar issues do take away from what could be such an awesome read. It was why I had to take a break from her stories for a while. The story is 4 stars. The grammar and spelling errors are 3 stars.
I really like Ms. Torres’ stories and this series and the characters I have become so invested in. However the spelling errors and some of the grammar issues do take away from what could be such an awesome read. It was why I had to take a break from her stories for a while. The story is 4 stars. The grammar and spelling errors are 3 stars.
Review of advance copy
Noelle’s Art is Bones. So much so that being different is how she feels. When Duval seeks her out for help, he didn’t expect to find his future.
Love story, single mom with a traumatized kid. A murder victim whose identity isn’t the only thing that needs to be found.
Love story, single mom with a traumatized kid. A murder victim whose identity isn’t the only thing that needs to be found.
Review of advance copy received from Publishers Weekly
Duval and Noelle are both very interesting characters and I really enjoy them together. The San Antonio SWAT family was great to revisit along with meeting Noelle and Duval's. Great storyline with romance, mystery and emotion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Protected by Duval: WOW! Lots of excitement! Duval never thought that he would find someone like his buddies have. He thought that know one would put with his career. Then he met the beautiful artist. Wonderful writing and dialogue.
July 14, 2026
McCrae and Noelle are so great together! They meet when Noelle is asked to help on a new case. Loved that she had a unique profession. There's lots of danger and suspense. And Noelle's daughter, Ciela is so cute! Can't wait for the next book!
July 23, 2026
Muy Caliente!
It’s fast-paced, witty, spicy, and thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. The chemistry between the McRae and Noelle burns hot!!!! Thanks Reina! Can't wait for the next one!
It’s fast-paced, witty, spicy, and thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. The chemistry between the McRae and Noelle burns hot!!!! Thanks Reina! Can't wait for the next one!
July 27, 2026
It was just OK
July 30, 2026
I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews