Eagle Warrior

Apache Protectors: Tribal Thunder #2

by Jenna Kernan

Could protecting her mean protecting the enemy?

As a former US Marine, Turquoise Guardian Ray Strong is no stranger to high-risk situations. But when he is assigned to protect Morgan Hookea single mother and daughter to the Apache who killed a mass gunmanRay suspects there is more to his mission than meets the eye. Is Morgan an innocent bystander, or the keeper of her father's secrets and blood money? Despite his better instincts, Ray feels a powerful attraction to Morgan. Motivated by love and the loss of his own parents and best friend, Ray will do anything to keep her out of the hands of unseen enemies.

Apache Protectors: Tribal Thunder

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Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 17, 2017

About the author

Thank you for finding me on GoodReads.

Find my social media links here: https://linktr.ee/jennakernan

Here's a bit more about me...

Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Jenna Kernan has written over forty novels, most recently penning domestic thrillers. Her debut thriller, A Killer's Daughter, won the bronze medal in popular fiction from the Florida Book Awards in 2021. Jenna’s 2022 domestic thriller, The Ex-Wives, won the gold medal in the same category. The Nurse, was released in 2023, The Patient's Daughter released in 2024, and The Fake Mother in 2025. Her thrillers are intense, unsettling, and gripping with unexpected twists and turns.
Jenna began her writing journey penning historical romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Find them here: https://www.jennakernan.com/books-1
A member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Florida Mystery Writers and Novelists, Inc. and a natural redhead living with her husband on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Jenna has recently increased her sunblock to SPF 50.

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Reviews

[Paula Brandon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like the first book in this mini-series, Turquoise Guardian, and while this second entry was better than that, it was still pretty terrible! The plot, what there is of it, has Morgan Hooke under the protection of Ray Strong, because her father shot and killed the mass shooter from the first book, and accepted $200,000 for the task. Now everybody and their uncle wants to get their hands on the cash, putting her and her daughter's life at risk!

The two of them must find the money, because Morgan's father dies of cancer before he can reveal the location. Luckily, despite being severely ill with cancer, Morgan's father was able to set up an elaborate scavenger hunt months prior, involving trekking into the wilderness and climbing up cliff faces! Are you getting an idea of how contrived and stupid all of this is? Meanwhile, the additional danger is that eco-terrorists could be after Morgan because they're worried that her father told her who hired him.

Of course, answers like that are not forthcoming! No, that would be too much to ask, I think!

This was lacking in several respects. For one, a believable plot! There's a distinct lack of any real action, and it's completely absent any sort of climax. I prefer it when an Intrigue book ends with a bit of heart-stopping excitement! Here it's basically, "Oh, Morgan's not in danger anymore." How convenient! And how unexciting!

Most criminal of all in this book was the horrendous editing. I came across grammatical errors in just about every chapter! Did the editor of this one have a few too many wines or something? I've mentioned some of the errors in comments while I was reading. Words missing from sentences, words added to sentences, points of view changing mid-paragraph, quotation marks for dialogue appearing when nobody is speaking, or quotation marks for dialogue missing when it sounds like people are speaking! I was gobsmacked. This is supposed to be a professional product! Basically, it was a boring story lacking in credibility, and badly written to boot.

The idea that there are two more books in the series to slog through is quite depressing!

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An attention grabber! This fast paced book takes us from one danger to another as a tribesman tries to keep a mother and daughter safe from the fallout after the mass shooting and retribution that occurred previously on the reservation. I really enjoyed the connection between the main characters, and think this might be my favorite book yet in this series! It was exciting yet sweet as they ran from danger while falling in love at the same time!

Morgan Hooke claims to have had no idea that her father was going to kill the man who committed the mass shooting at the mine, but the authorities aren't sure they can believe her. She's a single mother with a daughter to support, and she could definitely put the money they think he was paid to good use!

Former Marine Ray Strong is brought in by one of his fellow Turquoise Guardians to keep her and her daughter safe. Ray has his own demons that he's outrunning, so he's not one to condemn someone without having all the info. He steps up to protect them as danger surfaces, and can't deny the powerful attraction that rears it's head during their close quarters!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna Kernan's one of a kind characters and unique, compelling storytelling in Eagle Warrior makes for an entertaining reading experience. This thrilling new story will have you wanting more!

Eagle Warrior, the second book in the Tribal Thunder series, is intense, riveting and suspenseful from the start. The author breathes life into her characters through detailed prose and realistic engaging dialogue.

Ray Strong and Morgan Hooke are wonderful main characters. Though Ray and Morgan don't connect from the start, the chemistry is there below the surface. Eventually as they get to know each other and the danger surrounding them gets thicker, these two will get so attached that one thing leads to another. Will they give in to their growing attraction? And if so, will it last?

Highly Recommended
5 Stars

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, second in the series that began with Turquoise Guardian. In that book a gunman killed multiple people at a mining company, apparently as some kind of ecoterrorism. At the end of that book, Morgan's father had killed the shooter, been captured and jailed. Investigators believe that Morgan may have been aware of her father's plans, and knows what happened to the money he was paid. Others are not so sure, and the leader of the Turquoise Guardians sends Ray to watch over Morgan and her daughter. He is supposed to keep them safe, and also discover what she knows.

Morgan and Ray meet when he saves her and her daughter from an intruder who is looking for the money that her father supposedly received. She is not very happy about his presence, but she'll accept it to keep her daughter safe. She's also not happy about the sudden attraction she feels for him. She's been burned once, by her daughter's father, and she's not interested in repeating past mistakes. Ray also feels the attraction, and though he'd like to take advantage of it, he feels that it would be a bad idea. Whatever else he feels, he is determined to keep Morgan and Lisa safe.

I liked both Morgan and Ray. Morgan is strong, compassionate, loving and smart. Though unhappy at the necessity, she accepts Ray's help for the sake of her daughter. She tries hard to keep him at a distance, but as they work together to discover the truth, she finds herself drawn to him more and more. I loved her determination to find the money, and her insistence that it isn't hers. I also enjoyed seeing how she let down her walls as she got to know Ray, and was able to share her painful past with him. Ray is the bad boy of the group of Guardians. Thanks to the actions of his past, he feels that he is not good enough for any woman, let alone Morgan. I ached for him and his belief that he doesn't deserve to be loved. Part of his determination to protect comes from his guilty feelings over the death of his friend during the war. I loved his protectiveness and how it grew to be more, even though he tried to resist it. I liked that Morgan wasn't going to settle for less, and that she showed Ray that he was far better than he thought he was, and exactly what she wants in her and Lisa's lives.

The suspense of the story is very good. The main theme of this book is the search for the missing money. The action got progressively more intense as Ray and Morgan came closer to finding it. I loved seeing the clues they followed and how they figured out each one. The final confrontation was one that had me on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how it was going to turn out. I loved Morgan's ingenuity, and worried about how quickly Ray would find her.

Continuing from the first book, we discover a little more about what the eco-extremists have in mind, though details are still lacking. There are also more questions raised about just which side the leader of the Guardians is on. I'm really looking forward to the next two books and how it will all end. I have also enjoyed the tidbits of Apache tradition that have been included in the story.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it's another awesome book by Jenna Kernan! The characters are relatable as they try to deal with the baggage from their pasts so they can move forward. This is another action packed book, which I love. The authorities are not sure that they believe Morgan didn't know that her father was going to kill the man who committed the mass shooting at the mine (in the first book Turquoise Guardian). Good thing Ray likes to have all the facts before he condemns someone. He is brought in to keep Morgan and her daughter safe. Along the way he falls for Morgan. It's an emotional journey and I can't wait to see how it will all come together in the end! Awesome book

[Lynn Grier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eagle Warrior by Jenna Kernan
The second book to the series is another suspense thrill ride. Ray Strong a Turquoise Guardian is assigned to protect Morgan Hooke and her daughter. Innocent of her fathers secrets and possible hiding of blood money. While, the two are drawn together, can Ray keep her out of harms way as they go thru this wild ride together. Edge of your seat reading and full of suspense and romance. Enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend reading this series. Jenna Kernan is a 5 star author and you will enjoy!
Received ARC copy and much appreciated.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another winner for Jenna. She writes a nice steady-paced story and I enjoy that. This story involves the "bad boy" of the Apache Protectors...but there is a side to him that most don't see. He is caring and protective but show it. He believes he doesn't deserve love and happiness in his life...........but the right woman came into his life to show him he is good and he is deserving. I enjoyed reading Eagle Warrior and look forward to the next in this series.

[Maureen Hubley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of this series was great. Can't wait for Dylan's story.

[Larena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contemporary Romantic Suspense


Arizona

Ray Strong is a former US Marine who is also a Turquoise Guardian. He is also no stranger to high-risk situations. Ray suspects there is more to his latest mission than meets the eye when he is assigned to protect Morgan Hooke, who is a single mother and also the daughter of the Apache that killed a mass gunman. He has to figure out if Morgan is an innocent bystander or the keeper of her father’s secrets and blood money. Ray feels a powerful attraction to Morgan despite his better instincts. Ray is motivated by the loss and love of both his parents and his best friend. He will do anything to keep Morgan safe and out of the hands of unseen enemies.



This is proving to be an intriguing and engrossing series. It will take readers on a roller coaster of a ride and have them wanting to find out just how everything ends. The characters are well written and make for a story that readers can relate to as the characters deal with all the baggage and issues that their pasts have left them with. It will also have readers hoping that everything works out for both Ray and Morgan. Readers will be on the edge of their seats having to wait a few months for the next book to come out. This series is building the suspense very well and keeps the reader guessing just who is behind all that is happening and who is involved with them. It will be interesting to see how the series ends.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book from Jenna, I was not required to give a favorable review. These were 2 really great stories. I love how each brought such vivid stories to life. The first story Eagle Warrior brought so many of the traditions and beliefs of the people it was written about. You see a mother trying to protect her daughter, a father trying to make sure that his daughter & granddaughter will be financially stable when he passes and a warrior, ex military guy who is requested by the tribe shaman to protect the mother and daughter. The second book deals with something that people only thinks happens at the border with Mexico but they don't realize that their is also a drug pipeline coming through the Canadian/American border also. This one includes murder, intrigue and people doing the wrong thing. But each of the characters in both stories show that their are strong women out there an there are the men that will stand behind them and beside them to give the chance to prove themselves.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked the tiny details, tempted at 4 or 5 stars, but I have to draw a line. I liked the mystery, finding hidden clues, fast thinking on her feet, all the red herrings. Too bad about the money. As usual per this line of books, grammar and editing are bad, but I don't hold it against the plot.

[Michelle Boyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have serious problems with books that try to "borrow" from American Indian cultures for their own gains. Setting aside some of the "crap" surrounding Kernan's discussion of Apache warriorhood...and that was hard for me...the plot is dull. Characters are not deep or interesting. Just not for me.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in Jenna Kernan’s Apache Protectors: Tribal Thunder series is another hit! While it works as a great stand-alone book, I highly recommend reading the series in order. That way you really get to know many of the characters and watch them interact with each other through the books. My favorite series are ones where the characters play a part in all of the books so you get to know them early on and watch their relationships grow. This is one of those series. Also, while the main conflict and romance wraps up in each book nicely, there are underlying stories that travel through the series and will probably only be solved in the last book. This is another winner!

[Becky Van Daniker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna Kernan has once again bought us another exciting thrill ride! Ray Strong is a former U.S. Marine who is also a Turquoise Guardian. He is no stranger when it comes to high risk situations. When he is assigned to protecting Morgan Hooke and her daughter, he begins to suspect that there is more to their situation than meets the eye.

Morgan Hooke is the single mother of a ten-year-old daughter and also the daughter of the Apache man who killed many people at the Lilac Copper Mine. Does she know about her father’s secrets and blood money or is completely innocent? This is something that Ray has to figure out while also feeling an immediate attraction to her.

Ray is motivated by the loss of both his parents and best friend. He will go above and beyond just to keep Morgan safe and out of harms way.

Like the previous novel, this is fast-paced. I read this in one sitting! The pages just kept on flying because there was so much suspense and I needed to know what occurred next. I laughed, cried, cheered, and all of the other emotions. The characters were relatable and felt as if I were literally right there in the story with them. We finally have some answers answered, but then new questions also arise. This is building an incredible suspense series and I cannot wait to see where it goes next. Readers will find themselves wanting the next book right away!

This book does contain some language, violence, and some sexual content, but it was quick (only a page or two that can easily be skipped) and not constant.

Highly recommended!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked this 2nd book of the Tribal Thunder series. In this fast action book, Ray Strong is assigned to watch over Morgan and her daughter by the Turquoise Guardian. But is she innocent or an accomplice. Also enjoyed the use of characters from the previous books. I received this book as part of the review crew, but would have purchased anyway because i like Jenna Kernan's books.

[charmaine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

An amazing read.Full of surprises,a sit on the edge of your seat thriller.Lots of suspense and mystery.Next book in the series please.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is pretty predictable with simple language and simple characters. The plot seems to move rather quickly (characters only knowing each other a short time before life-changing decisions are made...). I do like that it is a glimpse into life and law operations on tribal lands. This was a quick, satisfying read.
(This book was won in a giveaway from Goodreads)

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Apache Protectors: Tribal Thunder

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Apache Protectors: Tribal Thunder

[Lisa DeWaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. Not just another romance novel. It was a great story filled with action and emotion that kept my attention. Makes me want to read more books in this series. Ray Strong is a former marine who is brought in to keep an eye on Morgan Hooke and her daughter because her father is in danger after there has been a mass shooting at the reservation. He tries to find out if she knew about the shooting or if she is hiding something. It's a great love story that is also a fast paced and action packed. The writer grabs your attention and keeps it until the very end. This book is the second in a series and I'm definitely going to go back and read the first. Recommended.