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This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B07CKDPQD2

AN ALTERED MISSION.
Her mission was clear: go undercover to infiltrate a Russian organization. But when the MI6 agent discovers that two former CIA operatives are being held captive, rescuing them becomes paramount for her.

A PERSONAL VENDETTA.
Grateful for the rescue, he has one goal: kill the enemy who threatens his family. Obtaining the confidential files people are dying for is secondary.

A JOINT ENDEAVOR.
With both the CIA and MI6 after the hidden documents, the two must team up to uncover the truth. While working together, desire ignites and danger intensifies. Suddenly, they are torn between passion and duty. Each with a mission to complete and a heart to protect, will they be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice for their careers?

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2018

110 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

About the author

Heather Slade

114 books1,334 followers
USA Today best-selling author of shamelessly sexy, edge-of-your seat suspense.

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Learn more about my series here:
Butler Ranch: https://oashort.com/s/gr_br
Wicked Winemakers First Label: https://oashort.com/s/gr_ww1
Wicked Winemakers Second Label Label: https://oashort.com/s/gr_ww2
K19 Security Solutions Team One: https://oashort.com/s/gr_k19ss1
K19 Security Solutions Team Two: https://oashort.com/s/gr_k19ss2
K19 Shadow Operations Team One: https://oashort.com/s/gr_k19so1
K19 Allied Intelligence Team One: https://oashort.com/s/gr_k19ai1
K19 Allied Intelligence Team Two: https://oashort.com/s/gr_k19ai2
Royal Agents of MI6: https://oashort.com/s/gr_mi6
The Invincibles Team One: https://oashort.com/s/gr_inv1
The Invincibles Team Two: https://oashort.com/s/gr_inv2
The Unstoppables Team One: https://oashort.com/s/gr_uns1
Cowboys of Crested Butte: https://oashort.com/s/gr_ccb

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5 stars
193 (71%)
4 stars
58 (21%)
3 stars
17 (6%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
881 reviews10 followers
June 10, 2018
This book had a little of everything, love, secrets, betrayal, hope, rescue, revenge and closure but the constant underlying theme was of family either through blood or work bond. The characters in this book live closely with danger. They are either pulling someone out of it or finding themselves in it.

If you are not familiar with the series having all of the characters pop in and out at various times can be a little confusing. For those that have been following the series many questions will be answered and some will be a complete surprise.

Once you get past some of the reunions and you get down to the action its fast paced and constant. What I find sometimes a bit hard to understand with authors is when they write a strong female character than suddenly make them act like a brainless flighty teenager. If the character is able to read a dangerous situation and utilize their skills to not only save themselves but a target why must they suddenly become a bit brain dead when it comes to someone they maybe attracted too. Isn’t it observe, process and then make a decision not go full hormonal teenage airhead and over react?

Other than that the book the strong connection between all of the characters are felt there is an emotional investment and some of the characters will filter through you mind long after the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm.
1,257 reviews109 followers
June 10, 2018
When Doc Butler aka Kade returned from the dead, everyone was shocked and relieved. His family rejoiced upon his return, but no one else came close to Kade's happiness when he saw his daughter Quinn. Top top it all, he finally found the one he was seriously falling in love with. But that feeling of bliss was over when his ex-wife appeared in the picture.

Merrigan "Fatale" Shaw had saved lives and countless more while working with M16, but there is only one person that really mattered to her. Too bad she couldn't act on her feelings because that would be conflict of interests with her line of work, with that man working as a CIA operative. She'd never want to interfere a family that's been reunited, would she?

This book had me in knots, but in a good way. The Return is a perfect book to end a series (or is it really the end?) and the characters really left a lasting impression on the readers, specially me. I loved how Heather Slade put all the elements of suspense, mystery, action and thriller in one explosive book. I didn't mind the lots of names and aliases contained herein, what I loved was how the story was delivered and executed. Kudos to Slade for this one helluva series!
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
June 28, 2018
The great plot was well written and the characters were so well developed that as I turned each page the chemistry between the characters kept me totally hooked until the very last page!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chanel.
1,833 reviews
October 5, 2022
It’s certainly wasn’t a big surprise to know Kade still alive. Plus I had read the K-19 books before this series. Story was predictable with lots of action and way too many characters. I had a hard enough time keeping track of their regular name, no less their code name.
Profile Image for Debbie Watson.
349 reviews
June 13, 2018
This was the first book I read by this author and all I can say is I'll definitely be reading more of their books. Just the right amount of suspense and romance!
73 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2018
The Return is the last book in the Butler Ranch Series. I’ve read the entire series as well as every other book Heather has published and have rated them all with 4 or 5 stars. I highly recommend reading the entire series from the beginning, it is excellent.
Unfortunately, I can only give The Return 3 stars. I can’t consider this book to be a stand-alone. I was confused in the beginning and I read the series. There really wasn’t much background information and I was not familiar with some of the characters who played an important role in the story. I felt that the whole story was anticlimactic. When Kade was reported to have been killed in the line of duty it was so heartbreaking; the family was grief-stricken and throughout the series it was shown how his death affected the people who knew him and loved him. I enjoyed getting to know his parents and siblings and the woman he left behind. In The Return his reappearance was sort of ho-hum, so now Kade’s back. When he pops up he is in love with this woman we never heard of which is ok, he met her on his top-secret missions. We never see that love develop, I didn’t feel anything. When his siblings fell in love it was so romantic and engaging. The action that dominated the story did not hold my interest. There are some surprises which I won’t divulge in effort not to be a spoiler.
The reviews were very favorable so maybe it was just me. If you decide to read the book I recommend that you read at least a few of the early episodes first, you will enjoy them.
I still plan to read any book that Heather writes because her books have been stellar. Her characters are spot on and she weaves a great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,656 reviews17 followers
June 11, 2018
Merrigan “Fatale” saved Kade “Doc” Butler’s life and he is grateful and feels a strong attraction to her. But his life is complicated by his ex-wife who keeps clinging to the past, a daughter who didn’t know until recently that he was her father, and an ex-father-in-law who keeps trying to bring them all back together as one happy family. Merrigan worries that Kade is just grateful for his rescue and really wants to be back with his family. Then Merrigan is kidnapped by another agent and it’s a race against time for Kade to save her and to prove that she is the love of his life and that he wants to spend the rest of it with her. Plenty of suspense in this action packed romance.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,086 reviews209 followers
June 9, 2018
Holy wow, Slade has outdone herself with this final book in the Butler Ranch series! For the past five books, we’ve been getting to know the members of the Butler family, all the while getting bits and pieces leading to the resolution of some pretty big mysteries. In The Return we get the rest of the answers and I was stunned by the biggest reveal towards the end. I feel like I’ve been hit in the head with a 2x4, run over by a semi AND have whiplash!

In each book, we’ve gotten to know one of the Butlers in detail, along with watching them get their HEA. We’ve also gotten to know secondary characters, as well as hearing a lot about the oldest brother, Kade, both through his family’s recollections and his operative brothers of K19. Through each book in the series we’ve gotten additional pieces of the puzzle but still been left with a mystery.

Finally, FINALLY, we get the answers!! If you’ve been following the series, let me tell you, the reveal is a one-two shocking punch! I was sure I knew how one plotline would work out, and I was right, but the other part I never saw coming. This all showcases Slade's writing talent in dropping breadcrumbs to follow so the reader can formulate some conclusions, but then holding back the ultimate bomb until the end, leaving us astounded when all is revealed.

Of course there’s a romance, and yes, it was poignant, tender and steamy, so your romantic heart won’t be disappointed. We also got to catch up with all of the characters we’ve come to know and love, and I'm sad to see this series end. Or is it the end? I sense a spin-off in the making, because we haven't gotten nearly enough from the guys of K19.

If you haven’t read this series, you’ll want to start at the beginning and read your way through. I promise, it’s worth it. And since all of the books are out, you won’t have to languish in agony awaiting the next release, as I did. If you’ve read the others, you will definitely want to grab The Return and finally get answers to all your questions. This is a sensational series by a gifted author that is well worth reading!

*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
270 reviews
June 5, 2018
This is the last book of the Butler Ranch series and boy oh boy, this ending is huge! The Return gives us a roller coaster ride all the way – thrills, deception, suspense, surprises and a good dose of romance of course. Kade returns after being held and tortured by a faction in Russia. Merrigan is the British MI6 agent who infiltrated the group that held him and ultimately rescued him. After 20 plus years in the CIA spy business, he is ready to make some changes and he has found the woman, Merrigan, he can truly give his heart to. But, after so many years of subjugating and compartmentalizing his emotions can he make the change required to how he operates. Kade and Merrigan, because of their occupations, both tend to focus on the mission and not the personal, so we are kept in suspense as to whether these two can figure it out!
I loved every page of this entire series. On The Return, I woke up in the middle of the night to get in some extra reading before my day started. Can’t wait for the first installment of Ms Slades M19 series that will follow the company that Kade and his partners started!

117 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2018
This book and whole series is excellent! Heather Slade never fails to write great stories and books that really grab you hard and fast. They are addictive and you hate to see them end. This series should probably be read in order so you have the full stories of all the Butler boys. This book has everything - suspense, intrigue, love, laughter and a HEA. Kade Butler is an operative who is rescued from a prison by a feamle collegue, Merrigan Shaw. They know each other from the past and are very attracted to each other. Kade's family welcomes him home with open arms as they thought him presumed dead these last few months. Lots of happy tears here. The plot thickens as all the government agencies try to find out what a rogue agent, Rory Calder, has hidden from 20 years ago. Now Calder has been killed and everyone wants his stash from the past. This book has a delightful combination of characters and is captivating, emotional and sizzling hot! It keeps you guessing the whole time. It is very well written and has a total surprise at the end. Well done and I would recommend it to all. I received an ARC fom Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
May 3, 2019
At the end of Mercer the ultimate surprise comes in the form of Kade. He's not dead and he has a lot of explaining to do. Especially to his daughter.

Finally understanding the 'Kade' sightings in the previous books, to the explanation of Lena's involvement beyond being Kade's ex-wife and Quinn's mother.

Now the goal is to keep his family safe and resolve the issue of the missing documents. Merrigan 'Fatale' has joined them here in the US to assist in that goal.

Of course there's going to be issues before the rest can be accomplished. The first happens even before Lena arrives.

As the family reunites, Leech, Lina's father and Quinn's grandfather takes a turn for the worse. Kade has to convince Merrigan to join them at the hospital in Germany, something she isn't sure she wants to do. Meeting Kade's ex-wife is not in her plans and it is definitely a complex situation.

So many complications, so much intricately woven suspense, lots of sizzling heat and much more!

I loved the way Heather took this series from the sabotage of the vineyards to a complicated tale of international suspense. All leading into to her K19 series, which I am already reading.
Profile Image for Ashley Rose.
6 reviews
June 18, 2018
It seemed as though Kade Butler was destined to always be the bachelor, choosing work and missions over his personal life. That is, until a crimson red bombshell saved his life in more ways than he could have ever imagined. As Kade works to rebuild his life at home after being reported dead for years, Merrigan is there to help him discover who he truly is and what his future holds.

Oh what a way to conclude the series! When I read the first novel of the series last summer and couldn't put it down, I was waiting for the grand finale to find out the much anticipated truth of what really happened to Kade Butler. Heather Slade intricately details how Kade's past and present will affect his future, leaving you anxiously turning the pages to find out what happens. One of her best yet!

The Return was a well-written novel of suspense, family, conflict and of course, romance. You just have to read this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
June 9, 2018
Fast-paced, action-packed finish to a great series!

As a standalone romance in an interconnected series, this book takes the reader on a wild ride through deception and danger, family ties, and long-buried secrets. Brilliantly written, it delivers a solid HEA while tying up all the loose ends from the series.

My only problem with the book was with the direction the author took with one of her characters. I was really hoping for a better resolution to this pivotal character, and am beyond disappointed that things went the way they did. The role that this person played in cementing the various family ties can not be understated, and I felt that the twist and subsequent conclusion was at odds with what we'd learned of this person in the previous books.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,561 reviews29 followers
June 12, 2018
ARC for honest review with no compensation given by Booksprout

The Return is book 6 in the Butler Ranch series by Heather Slade and what an amazing way to finally have all the answers to all the secrets and bring the family together again!!

This book is about the Return of the son the Butler family though was dead but was held in captivity and tortured for over two years by the Russians but with the help of a British MI6 agent Merrigan, Kade and a fellow agent are rescued. Now that Kade is home he has some major decisions to make about his life..will he be able to make peace with the past, find the love of his life and bring his family together again??

Suspense, mystery, page turner, romance, action, unveiling secrets with a shock that you will not see coming...what an amazing series!! Sad to see it end...

3,545 reviews14 followers
July 7, 2020
Kade is a fabulous romantic suspense by Heather Slade. As a newcomer to Ms. Slade's work I must confess I've enjoyed this series and Ms. Slade's story-telling abilities. Kade is finally free from being a captive and arrives in time to save his daughter's life. After being away from her for 14 years the reunion is his focus, with her and his family that has believed him to be dead. But always in his mind is the woman that freed him. Merrigan is happy for Kade and when she thinks he may get back with his ex-wife she steps back. Kade and Merrigan's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I enjoyed this book and this series and look forward to reading more from Heather Slade in the future. Kade is book 6 of The Butler Ranch Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews38 followers
June 10, 2018
As the series wraps up so does the action. Quinn receives the answer she craves. Everything else though is a cluster of crazy. This author does a wonderful job of mixing the story of Merrigan and Doc's passion for each other with the resolution of everything. No one is safe and no one is who they seem. Enemies may actually be protectors and well I am absolutely sure I left out a twist or two.


Great story about the K-19 team and one that definitely fits with the ones I have read. They are standalones even though there are characters and actions that are easier understood especially in this case fro0m previous books. Love these guys and was extremely glad when Quinn started to stand up for herself.
6,546 reviews27 followers
June 13, 2018
The last book in the Butler ranch series and boy were there some surprises in this I thought I had it all figured out but no there were even more twists and turns that had me questioning what I thought knew

Megan is the MI5 agent that led to the rescue of Kade the eldest Butler and the one who we have learnt about from all the previous books She was part of the operation that finally got him released from the Russians keeping him captive. Kade has decided that Megan is the one for him and that it is time for him to retire but after years of keeping secrets and locking down emotions will these two be able to learn to unconditionally love.

I was given a copy of this book but this is a true and honest review
Profile Image for Michelle Eriksen.
901 reviews11 followers
June 13, 2018
What a way to finish up the series and tie it all together. Kade has been in the background throughout this series, but as a lost member of the team. Thought dead, Kade’s return from being held captive comes as a bit of a surprise and relief to his family and friends.

Kade and Merrigan’s relationship is hot, sexy, and it leads to all kinds of adventure (I totally love the name Merrigan). There will be all kinds of unexpected twists and turns and a character that I absolutely hated, but that is what makes it such a great story. This book had me on so many emotional highs and lows that the pages just flew by and left me wishing it wasn’t the end of the series… I have a sneaking suspicion that we will be seeing some of these guys again in other books though.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,231 reviews34 followers
July 21, 2024
Kade's Return had all the feels, drama, intrigue, suspense and danger you could hope for. There's also the underlying story of a man who's put his calling and his country above all else has now finally and truly found love. It was all a matter of timing but until now Kade wasn't ready. Merrigan Shaw has saved Kade in more ways than one but convincing her that she is "the one" is not an easy task especially since his ex-wife keeps trying to once again insert herself in Kade's life. The K19 team has one more mission to complete before they can move on to what life holds for them next. When the identity of the operative who's remained a mystery is revealed it's a shock for all involved. Ultimately, though, Kade and Merrigan get their HEA.
Profile Image for Candace.
303 reviews
May 31, 2018
5 Candi Kisses and a hole lot of action....

This last book in a series has everything you look for in a great romantic suspense book. The author takes you on a ride that is sometime bumpy, sometimes smooth and all the time riveting...The story, the characters, the plot and all of the twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat, and just when you think you have it all figured out, BOOM, another shoe drops. As sad as I am to see this series end, I am so excited for the next series that this author is spinning off. Lord I am such a series whore.....I just love them all....Well done Ms. Slade, well done...

***No Spoilers***
Profile Image for Deb.
7,563 reviews36 followers
August 13, 2018
Well written with intricate and complex details, this book takes the reader on a journey into the murky world of espionage. The characters are believable. The writing is fast paced. The only thing was a few strange scenes about the lead and his on again/off again relationship with the woman he claims he cares for. He says he loves her but then doesn't think about her or contact her at certain times. Then the next thing is him saying he thinks about her all the time. So a few things I didn't like. For a smart, quick thinking man (as mentioned a few times in flashbacks), he was sure stupid about some things or so the author wrote him that way.
Profile Image for Kristina Rezac.
203 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2021
Everything that the Butlers have endured finally come to a head in Kade’s book. In this action packed journey we explore more of Kade and the partners of K19. This story helps in twine the Butler ranch, K19 and Royal Agents of MI6. Heather Slade is an artist and has created yet another masterpiece. A great reread and can be enjoyed any time. Kerrigan and Kade’s story are perfect for each other. And it also shows you the more gentle side of Merrigan and how she wrangled a Butler. And if you can’t get enough of the Butlers or Kade, catch her new Christmas special coming out of Butler ranch or read the K19 series where Kade is prominent and his family has sneak peeks too.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,412 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2025
Answers for all

Kade/Doc and Merrigan/Fatale. They are prominently featured in many of the books in the k19 world and I am thrilled to finally read their story. It had a great blend of intrigue, drama, romance, love, family, and grief. Seeing his ex-wife and the drama she brought to the group and her family in action versus reference was fascinating and really brought clarity to the books focused on Paps and Razor. The family for both are great and I loved how welcoming they were with the other partner no matter the odd nature of meeting or event. This was one of my favorites in this world.
Profile Image for Gerry.
1,980 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2018
Voluntary review of an ARC. What a wonderful end of a series. I always hate to see a series that I've become invested in end and that is certainly true of the Butler Ranch books. All the characters are fantastic as well as the plots in each book. The Return wraps everyone up very nicely with several surprises along the way. Plus the little segue into the K19 series to follow. Loved the book, loved the series, and I can't say enough good things about them. Take my advice and give this series a shot. You won't regret it.
Profile Image for Dawn Herrera.
704 reviews11 followers
June 13, 2018
Wow this was a story of intrigue, suspense, action packed, fast pace don’t want to put down book. Heather Slade’s The Return is one heck of a ride you definitely won’t want to miss this incredible story. There are spies M16 and CIA agents, that is just some of the draw. The characters have an undeniable connection and chemistry That you can feel coming off pages. I absolutely recommend this great book it is the final in the series and you won’t want to miss it. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,301 reviews12 followers
June 13, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A really engaging contemporary romance. 💞😮💞

This is a really interesting book. It's part of a series and it does help to read them in order. This book focuses on Cade and Merrigan/Fatale and both their professional and personal relationship. Cade has been on a case for years that has deeply affected his family and it's just recently been resolved. Now he has the time to decompress and focus on his future. Too bad it's never that easy...😉🙈💗
1,813 reviews11 followers
July 2, 2018
Loads of fast-paced action, adventure, suspense, mystery, drama, family and romance. I started at the end of the series! Needless to say I was a little lost since I didn’t read the previous books first but it was still an enjoyable read. Kade returns after being held captive and he’s in smitten with an agent that aided in his rescue. Merrigan is strong and bada$$ but Kade has baggage to deal with when he gets home. Well written with a terrific plot and wonderful characters. Worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
880 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2018
This is a great book full of action, drama, suspense, danger, secrets, family and romance. The characters are amazing and well developed. The plot is intriguing and will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat until the very end. I really enjoyed this book. Even though this is the last book of the series it is the first that I have read. Now I want to go back and read all the others in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debra Shutters.
732 reviews20 followers
January 26, 2025
I enjoyed reading this story !!!!! It starts wear the previous book Mercer"s Vow ended with Doc, Razor, Paps and Mercer are talking about K19 Security solutions the company that all 4 are owners of and how Kade and Leech were rescued after 2 years and one was a M16 operative code name Fatal her real name is Merrigan who Kade falls in love with. So much is happening and a couple of twist and turns that keep you reading to find out who everyone is and what is happening and how they deal with it. Love the ending. Look forward to reading more of Heather Books.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,303 reviews46 followers
June 1, 2018
This is the sixth and last book in the Butler Ranch Series. This romantic suspense takes you on a wild ride. Fast paced and full of action and agents from MI6 and the CIA are paired together on a mission. Danger, suspense and passion all rolled into one. Chemistry that's so explosive your kindle will have a hard time cooling down. Well written with complex characters and a page turning story line. I read a reader copy via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to write a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

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