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Red Starr #4

Untold Devotion

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Searching for the truth finally unlocks multiple secrets in this exciting continuation of the Red Starr series by USA Today best-selling author Kennedy Layne.... Searching for the truth... Kane "Gunny" Taylor has spent over a year searching for answers in his sister's death. That time has culminated in the form of a land, air, and sea rescue operation conducted to save the lives of abducted schoolchildren in her honor. He thought he would find peace in this mission, but what he found was so much more. Unlocking secrets... Jade Amherst knows only too well the meaning of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She's been held captive for over 17 months, and she's counted every day, hour, and minute that passed. The rescue mission seemed surreal, the reason behind it so poignant, and the man who led the operation all too real - only she couldn't move forward without putting her past behind her. Untold devotion... Gunny finally returns home after being gone for far too long, another successful mission behind him and a potential future with a beautiful woman who was so much more. He should have known better than to think things would be easy. Jade's past comes back with a vengeance, and another hostage situation ensues. Will they be as fortunate a second time around? Red Starr HRT is a paramilitary hostage rescue team that was originally formed years ago by two retired marine master sergeants. Upon the death of Catori Starr's husband, Brendan "Red" O'Neill, she took a much needed hiatus to deal with her guilt and all consuming grief. Two years later Starr is clawing her way back and ready to lead a fresh team of five cherry-picked former Force Recon marines. Red Starr HRT takes cases the FBI and other agencies won't touch, from domestic assignments bordering on the gray edges to missions abroad against savage terrorist regimes. Follow along as Kennedy Layne conveys each of their stories as they work together on high-risk rescues that lead them down perilous paths of passion, intrigue, and suspense....

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First published January 26, 2016

80 people are currently reading
214 people want to read

About the author

Kennedy Layne

235 books664 followers
Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.

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5 stars
145 (54%)
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92 (34%)
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26 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Debra Johnson.
11k reviews180 followers
July 6, 2025
Purch Amazon Nov. 15, 2016
Finished Reading April 5, 2017

Untold Devotion (Red Starr, #4) by Kennedy Layne
An Adult Action/Adventure Mystery/Suspense Contemporary Romance. (Military)
4.5 Stars.
This is one of my favorites of the Red Starr series so far. There seems to be more action and suspense in this one. The technical talk of weapons etc., is not overdone and easier for my simple brain to follow without zoning out then some of her other books.
The world build and ALL the characters are well defined. I swear my brain often thought I was Jade!
There are a few spots that started to drag just a little bit for me. Then bam..... it was back to full on action. Sometimes it was of the 'Steamy' romance type action. Other times it was 'Kick' butt action.
I can so easily see Bruce Willis or The Rock in these books. Kicking butt and screw taking names baby! And the ending! Oh, now I got to read the next book in this series. It is an Imperative Priority!

Purchased from Amazon November 15, 2016
Profile Image for Meiwilli.
1,647 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2016
Finally! Some paramilitary action...very short lived, but some. This turned out to be a complicated Krasken Mobile mess with red herrings falling out of everywhere. Gunny and Jade's relationship is a carbon copy of each of his three subordinates who've found the love of their life right down to their intimacy in and out of the bedroom. No stars for originality and though the series has been littered with typos and editing issues throughout, those issues are more prevalent in this book. Jade was painstakingly annoying and this long, drawn out plot, unbelievable. I did like Gunny's friend Jackson and his ranch.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Fitzgerald.
753 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2017
This is the 4th book in the series.

In this book, we finally get the person in charge of the team's book. As we know from the other books in the series, our hero's sister was killed and he wants answers to his why questions. He feels he can have closure if only he has answers. So far he's lived up to the promise he's made with the person who owns the team to not run off and find our answers by himself. Its been hard and frustrating, but he's a man who lives by his word.

Our heroine finds herself some place she's never thought she'd ever be - held captive by people she trusted. In fact, what stuns her are the children she's placed with and since they had been taken, she's done everything in her power to protect them from the guards.

When a rescue mission is held, both our heroine and the kids think they are dreaming. However, once the team gets in there, it kicks our heroine out of her shock and she organizes the kids to get them all out as quickly as possible. Once they are out, the children are returned to the parents they were taken from and moved on.

Our team and the heroine both arrive back in the states. However, the hero and heroine now take some time for themselves to explore the feelings they are finding for the other. However, when trouble follows them back home, they make a run for it while trying to figure out who is after them. They move around while still trying to manage a relationship. Will they both find closure or will the bad guys win?

I liked this one because again, there's was a lot of action and it was pretty original. It wasn't something I was expecting especially when the bad guys come after them again on US soil. This really made you get to know the hero well and get to like him other than the guy who seems to have ice in his veins for everyone. It really is an interesting read that's also a page turner.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
August 20, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/7/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
Searching for the truth...

Kane "Gunny" Taylor has spent over a year searching for answers in his sister's death. That time has culminated in the form of a land, air, and sea rescue operation conducted to save the lives of abducted schoolchildren in her honor. He thought he would find peace in this mission, but what he found was so much more.

Unlocking secrets...

Jade Amherst knows only too well the meaning of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She's been held captive for over seventeen months and she's counted every day, hour, and minute that passed. The rescue mission seemed surreal, the reason behind it so poignant, and the man who led the operation all too real--only she couldn't move forward without putting her past behind her.

Untold devotion...

Gunny finally returns home after being gone for far too long, another successful mission behind him, and a potential future with a beautiful woman who was so much more. He should have known better than to think things would be easy. Jade's past comes back with a vengeance and another hostage situation ensues. Will they be as fortunate a second time around?
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,423 reviews8 followers
January 6, 2025
Unexpectedly life happens

Gunny’s story did not disappoint. Jade and he have an odd first meeting and definitely not the normal get to know you, but it was perfect for Thais Tory and those characters. I did not see the twist coming of who all was involved, but the why was not shocking. The team had several big news things taking place and I am torn bc I want Starrs story, but pretty sure Trigger is next. Great blend of team action and dynamics with the mission intrigue and the romance. I have not read any other series from this other but I would love to know more about the Crest character as well!
Profile Image for Felice Foster.
894 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2018
Red Starr

I've been looking forward to Gunny's story since book one of the series. This did not disappoint. Gunny and Jade was made for each other.
374 reviews2 followers
December 24, 2018
I 💘just love this series !!

Hot and steamy romance plus plenty of action !!! Makes me wish I had 1 for myself .😍 😘 😁
645 reviews
March 17, 2019
Enjoyable and interesting characters capture the attention of readers. Romance, rescues, and the crimes committed by corporate beings are prevalent in this story.
4,879 reviews10 followers
October 16, 2022
okay read

A bit of a laborious plot that took time to tell. Was an okay read and characters were intelligent but somehow never really came over as appealing.
Profile Image for Kim.
475 reviews11 followers
January 31, 2016
This book brought a little conclusion to the mission that the team has been on since the beginning of the series. But there is still a lot more to come about Starr's missing husband. I really liked Gunny and Jade. I do wish we had gotten a little more about them at the end though. I don't know it just didn't seem like the best conclusion to the romance part of their story.

I have to say that I am not sure how things will turn out with Starr's quest to find out what happened to Red, but I kind of hope one of my suspicions comes true. I doubt it but I can still wish and as long as she gets her HEA at the end I will be happy.

I will be doing a re-read of this entire series before the next book or waiting until the last book and do a continuous read of the series. Honestly I was a little lost after reading so many books in between this one and the last book in the series. I really think I would have enjoyed this one more with a refresher because the plot in this series is complex enough that you can really miss some important things if it isn't fresh on your mind....well for my overloaded mind anyway.
3 reviews
January 26, 2016
Action, conspiracies, hot scenes and a team that's got your back!
I loved this story and it's got to be my favourite in this series so far! It started with one hell of a bang for the opening scenes and carried on with more intrigue, uncovering of conspiracies and some "what the hell" moments which I didn't see coming. Then there's Gunny. I've always had a soft spot for tough, dedicated warriors who are short on words and yet convey a wealth of banked emotion. Gunny and Jade were well matched and there were some smokin' scenes with the two of them. I know I'd want Gunny on my side and it was great to see this relationship develop at the same time as being tracked by the bad guys and trying to uncover the truth.
The revealing of more clues, or are they red herrings, for the story arcs running through this series has me on tenterhooks for the next book. I have my theories and can't wait to find out more.
Profile Image for Vickie Chaisson.
1,194 reviews10 followers
March 12, 2016
Untold Devotion

Kennedy Layne has once again written a great books about the alpha men who give their life for their country and the women who love them. This is the story of Jade and Kane and their rocky road to love. Kane rescues Jade from a Nigerian hell hole and brings her home to America to keep her safe and to bring the people to justice who put her there and killed his sister. This is another book of peril, power, evil and the people who put their lives at risk to bring peace home. Kennedy Layne is an expert at writing a story you can't put down. My favorite line in the book is "all give some and some give all". In one sentence Kennedy honors every man and women whose has fought and died for their country. I thank them all for their service and thank Kennedy for writing a series of books that remind us of them.
223 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2016
HRT - I always read this as Hormone Replacement Therapy... It's not a bad thing as after reading Miss Layne's offerings you go through the ringer with emotions!

Gunny, my big bear I've been waiting for your moment and wasn't disappointed! Jade is the rescued girl and I loved her, her spirit, determination and resolve help her be the survivor she is.

As always the read is full of action, nail biting moments, a little bit of humour to break the emotional times up a little. Great storytelling and can's wait for the next instalment!

2,519 reviews16 followers
January 27, 2016
Great series

I just luv Ms Kennedy's books...This is no exception. Red Starr is an intriguing and action packed series. Each Alpha has their own story but underlying is the owner Catorri Starrs own quest to find out what happened to her husband's and their original team. Gunny is plagued by his sister's death and in avenging this by rescuing the hostages and Jade he subdivision Hea. Hot and steamy as well as action packed this book is a great read. A definite must read series.
Profile Image for Michele bookloverforever.
8,336 reviews39 followers
January 27, 2016
heroic rescue frees an abandoned captive and 17 children why did her company report her dead on falsified DNA? why are they still trying to kill her? good story, good characters,. looking forward to the next sequel. what's up with trigger and will Starr be able to finally locate her husband's body? why is her CIA contact out of touch ?? much skullduggery, greed, murder, blackmail, and evil involved all around.
1,246 reviews10 followers
February 17, 2016
Gunny's story.

This continues the mission Red Starr was hired to do. Funny and the crew are asked to bring home 87 girls abducted 17 months ago. Unknown to them a woman named Jade was with the girls. No one knew she was there and it had been reported that she had died in the initial raid. It is now up to Gunny and his team to keep her safe until they figure out who wanted Jade out of the way. Great story and can't wait until the next one.
Profile Image for Toi.
4,271 reviews
April 2, 2016
Another Great Book From Kennedy Layne

Gunny is out to bring those responsible for the death of his sister to justice, along with the HRT team they rescue the school girls taken hostage and find Jade. Will they finally find out why all the things happened to the site, and the Red Starr Team. Gunny and Jade are thrown together and end up going dark, will they get an HEA? Plus Gavin Crest makes a guest appearance.
61 reviews
February 6, 2021
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. All of Kennedy's books grab you and immerse you in the story. Loved it. I am looking forward to Starr's story. There are a few authors I read and my husband just knows I am checked out until I finish the book. Kennedy is one of those authors.

Love you Kennedy. Keep on writing your stories.
Profile Image for Trish-Sunshine Reads.
499 reviews
February 4, 2016
This is a really fantastic series. I do love how Kennedy does the research necessary to make the story as authentic as possible. The characters worked together and got me really into the story.
The side glimpses of the other characters stories yet to come is just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat and anxiously waiting for the next book.
405 reviews
March 4, 2016
Some mysteries solved??

First assignment went ....well, you need to read this as we connect with Starr and her team in finding the taken children in Nigeria... Kennedy writes so well I feel as if I were one of the team. I'm looking forward to hopefully another book in this series, we need to bring Red home.
728 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2016
Untold Devotion

Gave it a five star rating. Great story, Gunny got to know why his sister died and who was responsible. He also found Jade in this rescue. Love it can't wait for the next book.
4 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2016
Series just Keeps getting better.

Red Starr does not disappoint. Each book has a great story and characters you will not forget. Don't miss this series.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
978 reviews
March 7, 2016
Another winner in the Red Starr series. Have loved Gunny from the very first book, and was not disappointed with his story.
145 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2016
Loved this whole series. This book has betrayal, kidnapping, dishonesty and corporate espionage along with forbidden love. Had me crying out in outrage at the mis justices done to all in this book.
Profile Image for Mandy C.
236 reviews16 followers
June 26, 2016
Love this series!

Another winner! Have been waiting to read Gunny's story and it had the restrained, simmering passion that I anticipated! Didn't let me down!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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