What do you think?
Rate this book
Shepherd Security #1
Operation: Protected Angel
Angel Matthew’s day started like any other…until she ran into the armed man in the hallway at work. What came next was a blur, a hostage ordeal, a terrorist attack, explosions and gunfire, a fight for her life. Then she wakes with a head injury and finds herself in the custody of a group of armed men, who won’t disclose exactly who they are. One of them, the attractive and attentive Jackson is kind and Angel finds herself trusting him, falling for him.
Shepherd Security recruits only the best. They can protect someone in trouble like no other because they work in the shadows, invisible, and outside the system where the rules don’t apply–just the oath they took. They don’t exist. That’s also why they can break any suspect and can get answers out of anyone accused. That’s when they’re called in, when someone must be protected at all costs, or when answers must be obtained, by any means necessary. Sometimes it’s not clear, though, is the person in their custody a witness or the perpetrator, a friendly or a foe, innocent or guilty as sin? Angel Matthews fits into this category–where exactly needs to be determined.
Warning, this story is realistic, with adult language and content. It does contain one scene of violence and abuse, followed by healing and strength on the way to the HEA.
Shepherd Security recruits only the best. They can protect someone in trouble like no other because they work in the shadows, invisible, and outside the system where the rules don’t apply–just the oath they took. They don’t exist. That’s also why they can break any suspect and can get answers out of anyone accused. That’s when they’re called in, when someone must be protected at all costs, or when answers must be obtained, by any means necessary. Sometimes it’s not clear, though, is the person in their custody a witness or the perpetrator, a friendly or a foe, innocent or guilty as sin? Angel Matthews fits into this category–where exactly needs to be determined.
Warning, this story is realistic, with adult language and content. It does contain one scene of violence and abuse, followed by healing and strength on the way to the HEA.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2018
2251 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Kay
27 books107 followersMargaret Kay is a wife, a mother of two adult children, a grandmother, a pet lover who makes her own dog food from scratch, and a writer of Military Romance Novels.
Margaret's husband proudly served 8 years in the United States Navy. She's a veteran of more than a few deployments as the spouse who took care of the family while her military member served halfway around the world.
Margaret's husband proudly served 8 years in the United States Navy. She's a veteran of more than a few deployments as the spouse who took care of the family while her military member served halfway around the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
Want to read
December 5, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/20/2020)! 🎁
October 26, 2018
While this was very well written and action packed, it's a stretch to call it a romance. Did two people get together in it. Sure. Was that the main focus? Absolutely not. I found the romance aspect of the story to be the most unbelievable part. There is no way an operative at that level, in a secure facility, would have sex with a possible terrorist accomplice. There would be no "I just know she's innocent" gut feelings. He broke protocol on every level. He would NOT be keeping his job after that.
The story is suspenseful yet boring at the same time. I signed up for romance and kept pushing through thinking something more was going to happen, but sadly it did not. Shit, I even think that Shepherd and Angel had way more chemistry and connection from their limited interaction and wished it would have been them in the end. I'm ok with insta-love but I just didn't feel the chemistry at any point between Jackson and Angel.
The sex scenes are highly lacking here. There is little detail to them. Sadly, the rape was more graphically described than the consensual sex and I gotta say that sorta pissed me off. The author gives a violence warning so at least triggers are listed.
Sometimes I was confused by who the narrator was or who was speaking. It's all over the place and there are soooo many side characters and we hear from ALL of them. By the time I reached 70% I was doing some major skimming. Once everyone was safe again I didn't even stick around to skim through the "happily ever after" because I didn't care about Angel and Jackson and that's not what I want from a romance.
The story is suspenseful yet boring at the same time. I signed up for romance and kept pushing through thinking something more was going to happen, but sadly it did not. Shit, I even think that Shepherd and Angel had way more chemistry and connection from their limited interaction and wished it would have been them in the end. I'm ok with insta-love but I just didn't feel the chemistry at any point between Jackson and Angel.
The sex scenes are highly lacking here. There is little detail to them. Sadly, the rape was more graphically described than the consensual sex and I gotta say that sorta pissed me off. The author gives a violence warning so at least triggers are listed.
Sometimes I was confused by who the narrator was or who was speaking. It's all over the place and there are soooo many side characters and we hear from ALL of them. By the time I reached 70% I was doing some major skimming. Once everyone was safe again I didn't even stick around to skim through the "happily ever after" because I didn't care about Angel and Jackson and that's not what I want from a romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2018
LOVED the book!!!!!
Explosive off the pages!!! Fast paced and loved the evolution of the story. This is definitely going to be one author I will look forward to reading further books in the future. Amazon had the book on my kind of books to read. The plausible story line was believable and hit home. The writer pulled no punches in some of the scenes. I was very surprised with the plot--loved the characters. It was/is my kind of story/books I enjoy reading. I was happy to know after reading this story that it was the beginning of more books. The additional characters introduced throughout the book had me hoping there would be stories about those characters. Not to knit-pick, but there was/is a pet peeve of mine-----the word "your" throughout the book. The word "your" is an adjective to basically describe a noun and the word "you're" is a combination of a pronoun "you" (hence sometimes the subject of a sentence) and the " 're " is a contraction of the word "are" that is a verb. Now I understand there are typographical errors (as you can see throughout this review---uughh). I do apologize but I am pressed for time and I am reading and reviewing on a 7" Kindle (I am not writing a book).......but the word "your" is used instead of "you're" throughout the book--at least ten/fifteen times--if not more. I don't know who the editor or proofreader is for this writer, but I think someone slipped up. Thank you Amazon for the recommended book. I look forward to reading more books from both of these authors.
Explosive off the pages!!! Fast paced and loved the evolution of the story. This is definitely going to be one author I will look forward to reading further books in the future. Amazon had the book on my kind of books to read. The plausible story line was believable and hit home. The writer pulled no punches in some of the scenes. I was very surprised with the plot--loved the characters. It was/is my kind of story/books I enjoy reading. I was happy to know after reading this story that it was the beginning of more books. The additional characters introduced throughout the book had me hoping there would be stories about those characters. Not to knit-pick, but there was/is a pet peeve of mine-----the word "your" throughout the book. The word "your" is an adjective to basically describe a noun and the word "you're" is a combination of a pronoun "you" (hence sometimes the subject of a sentence) and the " 're " is a contraction of the word "are" that is a verb. Now I understand there are typographical errors (as you can see throughout this review---uughh). I do apologize but I am pressed for time and I am reading and reviewing on a 7" Kindle (I am not writing a book).......but the word "your" is used instead of "you're" throughout the book--at least ten/fifteen times--if not more. I don't know who the editor or proofreader is for this writer, but I think someone slipped up. Thank you Amazon for the recommended book. I look forward to reading more books from both of these authors.
May 17, 2021
This book should have hit my sweet spot, there are so many series I read like this that I love, yet this one didn't work for me. I made it to the end, but mostly because I wanted to see how bad things were going to be. There were things that were not believable at all and other things that had me rolling my eyes so hard, I'm surprised they aren't stuck up in my head. The one thing that I had a big issue with was Angel's concussion and how they had her looking at CCTV on computer screens to help find the bad guys. If you have a concussion, especially one as bad as her was supposed to be, there should be no screen time of any kind for quite a while.
The one thing that I did really liked and thought was done well was Dr. Lassiter and how he dealt with Angel and Sheppard in the aftermath. He had a quiet tone about him, but got them to listen to what he was saying. I even didn't mind when he ended up manipulating them (in a good way) to see things from the other's perspective.
This will be my last book in this series. I don't see how the issues that I had getting better and I don't want to give up my reading time to see if they do.
The one thing that I did really liked and thought was done well was Dr. Lassiter and how he dealt with Angel and Sheppard in the aftermath. He had a quiet tone about him, but got them to listen to what he was saying. I even didn't mind when he ended up manipulating them (in a good way) to see things from the other's perspective.
This will be my last book in this series. I don't see how the issues that I had getting better and I don't want to give up my reading time to see if they do.
January 21, 2024
Margaret has given us a bit of everything to make this a page turner. There is action, suspense, drama, danger, tension, angst, emotions, secrets, and a hell of a lot more. Twists and turns abound that you don’t see coming.
The action starts right from the beginning and keeps on coming. It is also a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but this is one series you will get addicted too. It did take me a while to get into the story and used to Margarets storytelling but once I did it is easy to enjoy the stories.
Make sure to start at the beginning as characters do cross over. The stories are told through multiple POV’s as you really get inside the characters heads and know what they are thinking and learn who they are better. These wonderful characters are well written, complex, and fully realised. These alpha men and women are saviours and will do anything to protect those who they love and those who need it to fight against evil and those who wrong others.
There is religious overtones which often had me wondering if I would continue, and the sexual references are left more to the imagination, but the stories soon outweighed all that.
The action starts right from the beginning and keeps on coming. It is also a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but this is one series you will get addicted too. It did take me a while to get into the story and used to Margarets storytelling but once I did it is easy to enjoy the stories.
Make sure to start at the beginning as characters do cross over. The stories are told through multiple POV’s as you really get inside the characters heads and know what they are thinking and learn who they are better. These wonderful characters are well written, complex, and fully realised. These alpha men and women are saviours and will do anything to protect those who they love and those who need it to fight against evil and those who wrong others.
There is religious overtones which often had me wondering if I would continue, and the sexual references are left more to the imagination, but the stories soon outweighed all that.
January 2, 2019
Connection - So Good
The storytelling had more narration than I've experienced in other novels in this genre. With that said, however, I found this experience satisfying.
A word of caution, first. This story does not avoid the dark difficult aspects of true villians. If you are fragile or need stories that don't get too gritty or real, then this book is probably not for you.
The tactical and operational aspects of a team of "operators" seemed real to me. Overall, the sense of team between the Security Team members and between the h and H was conveyed well. I liked this. The h and H were people I could root for and understand. I liked that the hero (H) was decisive and strong in his commitments.
For me, the mental/emotional connection is more important than the physical connection. So many authors in this genre give that part of a relationship short shrift, but not here. This author gives details to the foundational commitment between our h and H that are usually left to the imagination (while leaving details of sexual coming together more to the imagination). The love and caring of all characters came together for a very satisfying conclusion.
The storytelling had more narration than I've experienced in other novels in this genre. With that said, however, I found this experience satisfying.
A word of caution, first. This story does not avoid the dark difficult aspects of true villians. If you are fragile or need stories that don't get too gritty or real, then this book is probably not for you.
The tactical and operational aspects of a team of "operators" seemed real to me. Overall, the sense of team between the Security Team members and between the h and H was conveyed well. I liked this. The h and H were people I could root for and understand. I liked that the hero (H) was decisive and strong in his commitments.
For me, the mental/emotional connection is more important than the physical connection. So many authors in this genre give that part of a relationship short shrift, but not here. This author gives details to the foundational commitment between our h and H that are usually left to the imagination (while leaving details of sexual coming together more to the imagination). The love and caring of all characters came together for a very satisfying conclusion.
August 25, 2019
This Angel's got wings!
Definitely someone who knows military standards and how important they are. A terrorist bombing in Dubuque, Iowa? No one claims 'credit', but there was a witness. The group responsible knows that too, they beat the crap out of her, but she got out. They ambush the ambulance, then raid the hospital getting to get her before she talks. A local security specialist calls an elite team for help. They get her out, but aren't sure if she's friend or foe. So, they lock her down and proceed with caution, asking her what she knows. That said, one of their team lost his professionalism for the best reason ever, Angel. She helps them with clues, but troubles aren't done for her.
Definitely someone who knows military standards and how important they are. A terrorist bombing in Dubuque, Iowa? No one claims 'credit', but there was a witness. The group responsible knows that too, they beat the crap out of her, but she got out. They ambush the ambulance, then raid the hospital getting to get her before she talks. A local security specialist calls an elite team for help. They get her out, but aren't sure if she's friend or foe. So, they lock her down and proceed with caution, asking her what she knows. That said, one of their team lost his professionalism for the best reason ever, Angel. She helps them with clues, but troubles aren't done for her.
September 13, 2019
DNF - quit at 22%
I don’t know what it was, maybe the writing style, or the characters, or the way Angel was treated to that point, or the way the guys seemed so happy to be jerks towards her in the initial statement. but I just didn’t care for the story. I also didn’t care for the way the beginning started, first -in the now, then jumping back, then going back a little further, then jumping to present. I’ll pass on this series.
At my age, life is to short & my time to important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
I don’t know what it was, maybe the writing style, or the characters, or the way Angel was treated to that point, or the way the guys seemed so happy to be jerks towards her in the initial statement. but I just didn’t care for the story. I also didn’t care for the way the beginning started, first -in the now, then jumping back, then going back a little further, then jumping to present. I’ll pass on this series.
At my age, life is to short & my time to important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
July 6, 2020
Kinda found it hard to like any of the characters, which made it difficult to enjoy the book. Completely understand that there are people who have to interrogate suspects of terrorist attacks to determine if they are guilty, but personally I find it hard to respect anyone who treats a victim who has been through hell and almost raped like a convicted criminal when there is no actual evidence pointing to her being guilty... The girl was also very needy and annoying.
January 11, 2020
enjoyed the story, some good action included. fun wedding at the end. look forward to the next book in the series.
May 12, 2020
Protected Angel by Margaret Kay 5 Stars
I loved reading Protected Angel by Margaret Kay! It's emotional and real. You get the happy ever after but you have to work for it. I like how how honest she is about ptsd.
I loved reading Protected Angel by Margaret Kay! It's emotional and real. You get the happy ever after but you have to work for it. I like how how honest she is about ptsd.
February 25, 2019
Great book
What an amazing adventure.. We meet the shepherd security team in action from th opening paragraph. This an action packed, emotional rollercoaster of a book. At first we don't know if the lady rescued is good or bad just that she needs help. Angel is frightened Jackson is the only one she feels safe with. Jackson knows that get to g her to trust him and his team is the disordered business to figure out what she saw, to see if she's one of the terrorists or a witness. Doc scares the crap out of her with his icy stare and harsh orders. Garcia knows everything there is to know about her life. As she helps them with figure out what happened at the events center and who the leaders are she falls hard for jackson. Can he safe her a second time when she's in danger again?
What an amazing adventure.. We meet the shepherd security team in action from th opening paragraph. This an action packed, emotional rollercoaster of a book. At first we don't know if the lady rescued is good or bad just that she needs help. Angel is frightened Jackson is the only one she feels safe with. Jackson knows that get to g her to trust him and his team is the disordered business to figure out what she saw, to see if she's one of the terrorists or a witness. Doc scares the crap out of her with his icy stare and harsh orders. Garcia knows everything there is to know about her life. As she helps them with figure out what happened at the events center and who the leaders are she falls hard for jackson. Can he safe her a second time when she's in danger again?
January 28, 2021
HEA romance with a twisty plotline
No plot spoilers - although some of my review may make that impossible to promise.
There are significant potential triggers relating to rape and sexual abuse, I can't stress that strongly enough. In point of fact I felt the amount of detail to be somewhat gratuitous and borderline titillation because it felt like such an obviously plot device.
That, I think, is because the writing style is a little clumsy.
There are quite a few irritating instances of poor grammar, which makes the spoken word element of the book sometimes jarring to read.
There are numerous instances of where a decent editor and/or proof reader should have caught the incorrect words being used (who has an in suite bathroom?? Or what about someone being in route??) If you are going win write, for God's sake please ensure you use the correct wording. Also, speaking as a woman raised in the UK I have never heard anyone refer to a blowjob as a beejer. (The abbreviation BJ yes, but never a beejer. I can't recall the term the author uses for the same act, stating it is English slang but I can state it's not a common expression in the UK. Which leads me to think that the author has used some obscure reference material that holds no value in real life, which further means the author doesn't actually care what English readers may think.
The characterisation isn't the strongest, it's quite possibly one of the few books I've ever read where I would have been quite satisfied with the death of every male character, with a total disregard for humanity, empathy and simple common decency they are obnoxious and not likeable in the slightest. The female lead, Angel, is ridiculously trusting and has a backbone made of soup. I felt like slapping her and have no doubt I could never befriend a person with Angel's character traits in real life. Which means the book generated very little empathy for me.
There are some sex scenes and some swearing.
I don't regret purchasing the book but I won't be purchasing any more.
No plot spoilers - although some of my review may make that impossible to promise.
There are significant potential triggers relating to rape and sexual abuse, I can't stress that strongly enough. In point of fact I felt the amount of detail to be somewhat gratuitous and borderline titillation because it felt like such an obviously plot device.
That, I think, is because the writing style is a little clumsy.
There are quite a few irritating instances of poor grammar, which makes the spoken word element of the book sometimes jarring to read.
There are numerous instances of where a decent editor and/or proof reader should have caught the incorrect words being used (who has an in suite bathroom?? Or what about someone being in route??) If you are going win write, for God's sake please ensure you use the correct wording. Also, speaking as a woman raised in the UK I have never heard anyone refer to a blowjob as a beejer. (The abbreviation BJ yes, but never a beejer. I can't recall the term the author uses for the same act, stating it is English slang but I can state it's not a common expression in the UK. Which leads me to think that the author has used some obscure reference material that holds no value in real life, which further means the author doesn't actually care what English readers may think.
The characterisation isn't the strongest, it's quite possibly one of the few books I've ever read where I would have been quite satisfied with the death of every male character, with a total disregard for humanity, empathy and simple common decency they are obnoxious and not likeable in the slightest. The female lead, Angel, is ridiculously trusting and has a backbone made of soup. I felt like slapping her and have no doubt I could never befriend a person with Angel's character traits in real life. Which means the book generated very little empathy for me.
There are some sex scenes and some swearing.
I don't regret purchasing the book but I won't be purchasing any more.
July 28, 2023
The plot of this book was totally unbelievable. Don’t know why I kept reading, but I did. It makes absolutely no sense that a terrorist group about to set off bombs would suddenly grab this Angel and forget all their plans for a “blow job” - seriously? And it makes absolutely no sense that the good guys, would take her to an unknown location, keep her totally in the dark as to who they are and what they’re doing and only finally admit that she has no rights under the terrorist act. Why not just tell her that from the beginning? And how was it that one of the trained professionals who rescues her falls immediately in love - vows to leave the team he's made a career after a few days - and starts sleeping with her while she is still in the care of the government? Unbelievable! And then the bad guys are able to grab her from the good guys again, and the top bad guy who wears $22,000 suits can only think about getting the blow job he didn’t get before the bombs went off? This is disgusting. This isn't romance or love, just vulgar lust. I wouldn't recommend this book to anybody.
July 4, 2021
When domestic terrorists take over the event center where she works, Angel Matthews is a hostage. It’s unknown why her ambulance is targeted out of the dozen making the trek. While the alphabet agencies are tied up at the center, the emergency room where Angel’s getting treatment is attacked.
Shepherd Security is tapped to sort the hospital stand-off, it’s Ethan ‘Jax’ Jackson’s task to secure Angel. Even battered, bruised and abused, Angel seems to find comfort in Jax’ protective attention toward her. As the rest of the team is suspicious of the entire situation, Jax can’t detach and he and Angel fall hard for each other.
Angel’s blasé ‘another day at the office’ attitude pushed too far for her to be a sympathetic heroine (coupled with Jax made him seem… off). The villains weren’t necessarily memorable and the henchman telegraphed. Also, the read managed to feel rushed and slow at the same time. Overall, this outing was far less satisfying than expected.
Rating: 3.5stars
Shepherd Security is tapped to sort the hospital stand-off, it’s Ethan ‘Jax’ Jackson’s task to secure Angel. Even battered, bruised and abused, Angel seems to find comfort in Jax’ protective attention toward her. As the rest of the team is suspicious of the entire situation, Jax can’t detach and he and Angel fall hard for each other.
Angel’s blasé ‘another day at the office’ attitude pushed too far for her to be a sympathetic heroine (coupled with Jax made him seem… off). The villains weren’t necessarily memorable and the henchman telegraphed. Also, the read managed to feel rushed and slow at the same time. Overall, this outing was far less satisfying than expected.
Rating: 3.5stars
February 2, 2020
I gave the author a chance - bad decision!
I read one if this author’s book and didn’t particularly care for it. But I thought her writing was good with motives, etc., well thought out.
I decided to read another book. Bad decision!
This book was disgusting. The author described a world I know exists but don’t want to know anymore than I already do. It was disgusting.
I read one if this author’s book and didn’t particularly care for it. But I thought her writing was good with motives, etc., well thought out.
I decided to read another book. Bad decision!
This book was disgusting. The author described a world I know exists but don’t want to know anymore than I already do. It was disgusting.
December 16, 2018
An ad needs to be taken out: “Wanted: someone who will edit stories with lots of red markers because it’s needed.”
April 11, 2020
What a story. Anyone who likes secret ops will love this series. Without giving too much away the rape scene and description of treatment was particularly vivid and helpful.
June 30, 2023
More Violent Thriller Than Romantic Suspense
Audiobook Review:
When I chose this book at a book review site, I was drawn to the fact that it would be a military romantic suspense action-adventure story. Those were the tropes the author listed. However, it really isn't any of these. I would call it more of a paramilitary thriller with a strong romantic element. The book is surprisingly violent, which I was not expecting, both in the discussion of prior recent violence against the heroine and a rather long scene at the end where she and another are physically tortured, she is sexually assaulted, and they come very close to being killed. In fact, if forced sexual intimacy is a trigger for you, please do not read or listen to this book, as the book details this graphically. It's unclear throughout most of the book what precisely Shepherd Security is, and it frustrates both the heroine and the reader! I did like the hero of the book nearly right away. He's so protective and compassionate toward the very traumatized heroine. The other guys on the security team took a bit more for me to warm up to, but by the end of the book, I thought they were an amazing team. As a nurse, I found parts of the medical scene at the end laughable. That wasn't the author's intent, but when I read about the doctor fiddling with the IV and giving an IV injection, I couldn't help but roll my eyes and chuckle. In all my years as a nurse, I've never ever seen that happen! Although I was not prepared for the extreme violence in this book, especially perpetrated against a female, I found this to be a gripping, excellent read/listen. I know future books will come in the series, and I am certainly interested in reading or listening. As I said, I came to really appreciate the entire team and want to know more of what's in store for them. The narration was really well done, alternating between male and female narrators. Sometimes they even had mild special effects, like when the team was talking through coms, it sounded different from the regular narration.
TRIGGERS: on-screen physical and sexual assault
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
Audiobook Review:
When I chose this book at a book review site, I was drawn to the fact that it would be a military romantic suspense action-adventure story. Those were the tropes the author listed. However, it really isn't any of these. I would call it more of a paramilitary thriller with a strong romantic element. The book is surprisingly violent, which I was not expecting, both in the discussion of prior recent violence against the heroine and a rather long scene at the end where she and another are physically tortured, she is sexually assaulted, and they come very close to being killed. In fact, if forced sexual intimacy is a trigger for you, please do not read or listen to this book, as the book details this graphically. It's unclear throughout most of the book what precisely Shepherd Security is, and it frustrates both the heroine and the reader! I did like the hero of the book nearly right away. He's so protective and compassionate toward the very traumatized heroine. The other guys on the security team took a bit more for me to warm up to, but by the end of the book, I thought they were an amazing team. As a nurse, I found parts of the medical scene at the end laughable. That wasn't the author's intent, but when I read about the doctor fiddling with the IV and giving an IV injection, I couldn't help but roll my eyes and chuckle. In all my years as a nurse, I've never ever seen that happen! Although I was not prepared for the extreme violence in this book, especially perpetrated against a female, I found this to be a gripping, excellent read/listen. I know future books will come in the series, and I am certainly interested in reading or listening. As I said, I came to really appreciate the entire team and want to know more of what's in store for them. The narration was really well done, alternating between male and female narrators. Sometimes they even had mild special effects, like when the team was talking through coms, it sounded different from the regular narration.
TRIGGERS: on-screen physical and sexual assault
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
February 28, 2024
I honestly do not understand the raving reviews for this book. It started off well but it reads like a wattpad series. This is just a jumble of tangled information, details and loose ends.
And the fact the fmc is raped in the story by the bad guys was absolutely disgusting to read on page esp with zero content warning.
I get being adults and taking responsibility for your own triggers. 100%. And I know some authors are sick of warning and all that utter rubbish.
But stuff like what I read actually deserves a warning.
So many women have been raped and we all deserve a head’s up when an author injects a brutal rape scene into her book. It’s common decency. That’s all.
It wasn’t “triggering” for me in that sense but it was annoying af to me bc I prefer to NOT read books w on page, detailed rape.
But if the story has warnings for me, I can at least start it and be mentally prepared for it. Or just decide to skip.
And inaccuracy in medical terms too. Like, an IV doesn’t LEAVE a needle in your arm. You use a needle to start the iv and it leaves a catheter, the needle doesn’t stay in your vein. Littles things like that should be checked. It makes a difference for the reading experience.
Fmc does tons of lip biting and chewing, is a complete stubborn idiot, is needy af and whines & cries alllllll the time. All the time. I get the trauma. But she was horrible. Even after her rape, when a trauma specialist and therapist was there offering her help and explaining why, she was all “nope Im fine”. 🤦🏻♀️🥴And sure maybe that can be its own trauma response in some but her character was all over the place and changed her moods like a paper toilet seat cover in a public restroom.
MC was typical alpha hot guy who falls in love with her at first sight, is super caring for her only and was into the BDSM scene until he met her 🙄blah blah blah.
The author uses a copious amount of exclamation points.
MF ✅
Low spice ✅
Kindle unlimited ✅
Standalone ✅
Part of a larger series ✅
Hea ✅
And the fact the fmc is raped in the story by the bad guys was absolutely disgusting to read on page esp with zero content warning.
I get being adults and taking responsibility for your own triggers. 100%. And I know some authors are sick of warning and all that utter rubbish.
But stuff like what I read actually deserves a warning.
So many women have been raped and we all deserve a head’s up when an author injects a brutal rape scene into her book. It’s common decency. That’s all.
It wasn’t “triggering” for me in that sense but it was annoying af to me bc I prefer to NOT read books w on page, detailed rape.
But if the story has warnings for me, I can at least start it and be mentally prepared for it. Or just decide to skip.
And inaccuracy in medical terms too. Like, an IV doesn’t LEAVE a needle in your arm. You use a needle to start the iv and it leaves a catheter, the needle doesn’t stay in your vein. Littles things like that should be checked. It makes a difference for the reading experience.
Fmc does tons of lip biting and chewing, is a complete stubborn idiot, is needy af and whines & cries alllllll the time. All the time. I get the trauma. But she was horrible. Even after her rape, when a trauma specialist and therapist was there offering her help and explaining why, she was all “nope Im fine”. 🤦🏻♀️🥴And sure maybe that can be its own trauma response in some but her character was all over the place and changed her moods like a paper toilet seat cover in a public restroom.
MC was typical alpha hot guy who falls in love with her at first sight, is super caring for her only and was into the BDSM scene until he met her 🙄blah blah blah.
The author uses a copious amount of exclamation points.
MF ✅
Low spice ✅
Kindle unlimited ✅
Standalone ✅
Part of a larger series ✅
Hea ✅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
DNF at 22%. I could've gotten used to the multiple POVs that changed nearly every paragraph, but I couldn't stand how they treated the FMC during questioning, to the point of lying to her about her rights as a citizen and illegally detaining her without due process.
Jackson, the MMC, also touches the traumatized (and yes he already suspects she's been traumatized with more than just a concussion) FMC multiple times while she's sleeping. It may be innocent touches like her hair and cheek, but taken in this context it's totally off-base and inappropriate to touch a traumatized person in any way without first getting their consent. I don't care how 'soft' her skin looks.
The internal monologue of the male characters (who were supposed to be the 'good guys') when they looked at the FMC made me feel ick, basically just reducing her to an attractive body for most of the time. Especially Doc and Cooper's inner monologue about her nickname being like that of a stripper. That was totally inappropriate after they all suspected she might've been a victim of SA (which she later confirmed had been attempted but not completed, although not for lack of disgusting effort from the terrorists that held her hostage prior to her being 'rescued').
But hey, if you enjoy a book where every intrusive and inappropriate thought a male character has about the FMC is written onto the page, then maybe this book is for you.
I don't understand how this book has such a high rating on GR. Honestly, I've seen a similar premise and plot written way better than this by Suzanne Brockmann, so I'd recommend you go read her books instead.
Jackson, the MMC, also touches the traumatized (and yes he already suspects she's been traumatized with more than just a concussion) FMC multiple times while she's sleeping. It may be innocent touches like her hair and cheek, but taken in this context it's totally off-base and inappropriate to touch a traumatized person in any way without first getting their consent. I don't care how 'soft' her skin looks.
The internal monologue of the male characters (who were supposed to be the 'good guys') when they looked at the FMC made me feel ick, basically just reducing her to an attractive body for most of the time. Especially Doc and Cooper's inner monologue about her nickname being like that of a stripper. That was totally inappropriate after they all suspected she might've been a victim of SA (which she later confirmed had been attempted but not completed, although not for lack of disgusting effort from the terrorists that held her hostage prior to her being 'rescued').
But hey, if you enjoy a book where every intrusive and inappropriate thought a male character has about the FMC is written onto the page, then maybe this book is for you.
I don't understand how this book has such a high rating on GR. Honestly, I've seen a similar premise and plot written way better than this by Suzanne Brockmann, so I'd recommend you go read her books instead.
July 6, 2024
Very dark (rape triggers)
Turns out there is going to be 24 books this is book one, I have read many military/security type of books (and married a solder) and so far this is not in my top 5.
I found it very slow in parts, The female lead (angel) was very interesting loved her attention to detail and naming strangers and gun shooting, felt we should of got into that more in some way could have had some funny moments to lighting it up a little.
Also it does seem very common for series in security to lose the one they are protecting and she gets violated then they save her again, it can be very deep and dark with a better sweet happy ever after.(if there is many to the series it gets very dark on your soul)
I love to read all sorts love original storylines, can be difficult when you read lots.Plus authors do have a habit of making the women helpless when in truth it makes it better if she outsmarted and saves herself then turns to the men folk to help her solve the problem.
This is book one and very dark I will read the next because the characters was interesting but it depends on the storyline in next book and characters if I continue after.
PS....I did like the shrink and how he explained it's not sex, its power violence.well done to the author nicely delivered. (But I bet you to not let someone get raped in every book)
This book is not for the faint hearted there is love and action but it's not really a happy feel good book, it's more wow there is too many assholes in the world I want a gun feeling (don't get a gun, eat some chocolate)
Turns out there is going to be 24 books this is book one, I have read many military/security type of books (and married a solder) and so far this is not in my top 5.
I found it very slow in parts, The female lead (angel) was very interesting loved her attention to detail and naming strangers and gun shooting, felt we should of got into that more in some way could have had some funny moments to lighting it up a little.
Also it does seem very common for series in security to lose the one they are protecting and she gets violated then they save her again, it can be very deep and dark with a better sweet happy ever after.(if there is many to the series it gets very dark on your soul)
I love to read all sorts love original storylines, can be difficult when you read lots.Plus authors do have a habit of making the women helpless when in truth it makes it better if she outsmarted and saves herself then turns to the men folk to help her solve the problem.
This is book one and very dark I will read the next because the characters was interesting but it depends on the storyline in next book and characters if I continue after.
PS....I did like the shrink and how he explained it's not sex, its power violence.well done to the author nicely delivered. (But I bet you to not let someone get raped in every book)
This book is not for the faint hearted there is love and action but it's not really a happy feel good book, it's more wow there is too many assholes in the world I want a gun feeling (don't get a gun, eat some chocolate)
March 5, 2023
"Operation: Protected Angel" just tries to include too much and ends up not getting much right.
A highly organised terrorist group attack the Events Centre in Dubuque, Iowa, killing many and then they vanish.
There's an oddity, one woman, events manager Angela 'Angel' Matthews, not only survived but killed three of the attackers. She's badly concussed and 'in route' (?)to hospital when her ambulance, one of many, is ambushed - someone not only wants her dead they also have excellent information! Then the hospital is raided - she's a Jonah!
As events spiral out of control she's whisked away to an unknown location by Shepherd Security, a mysterious group of former soldiers and specialists.
And that the end of any discussion in the novel about her ability to take out not one, but three, terrorists.
One of her rescuers, Jackson, promptly falls for her (putting his BDSM ways behind him), and she follows suit (not with the DBSM though).
In the meantime the terrorists have disappeared and no trace can be found of them until Angel gets to work on video and audio files. It's very convenient and makes you wonder wth the American government and all its various agencies spends its money on?
The book continues on in much the same vein as a series of highly unlikely events come together to provide a suitably violent ending.
On one level it is a romance between two damaged people, on another it is a badly jumbled thriller - it had me baffled.
2.5 Stars, reduced to 2 Stars.
A highly organised terrorist group attack the Events Centre in Dubuque, Iowa, killing many and then they vanish.
There's an oddity, one woman, events manager Angela 'Angel' Matthews, not only survived but killed three of the attackers. She's badly concussed and 'in route' (?)to hospital when her ambulance, one of many, is ambushed - someone not only wants her dead they also have excellent information! Then the hospital is raided - she's a Jonah!
As events spiral out of control she's whisked away to an unknown location by Shepherd Security, a mysterious group of former soldiers and specialists.
And that the end of any discussion in the novel about her ability to take out not one, but three, terrorists.
One of her rescuers, Jackson, promptly falls for her (putting his BDSM ways behind him), and she follows suit (not with the DBSM though).
In the meantime the terrorists have disappeared and no trace can be found of them until Angel gets to work on video and audio files. It's very convenient and makes you wonder wth the American government and all its various agencies spends its money on?
The book continues on in much the same vein as a series of highly unlikely events come together to provide a suitably violent ending.
On one level it is a romance between two damaged people, on another it is a badly jumbled thriller - it had me baffled.
2.5 Stars, reduced to 2 Stars.
June 6, 2023
The author does warn that this book “does contain one scene of violence and abuse”, however I feel that it should be a Trigger Warning (rape) placed prior to the blurb. Readers should be fully aware of that trigger prior to purchasing this book.
This was an okay read for me. While I did not love it, I did not hate it either.
Angel Matthews gets taken as hostage and goes through a huge trauma before she can be rescued by the Shepherd Security team. Shepherd Security is the best of the best and will make sure that Angel is taken care of and that they find the person or persons responsible for what has transpired with Angel - a terrorist attack and attempted kidnapping.
Lots of real action, intrigue, healing, and then toss in some romance with a hint of a thriller and it was a pretty good read. There were a few times that I thought the storyline was off, but maybe that is just me. After Angels attack, I would think there would be more than just a few days before she would want to have sex with Jackson. But everyone is different – feels things different – processes things different.
Overall, a good read, kept my interest, kept waiting to see what would happen next within Shepherd Security and Jackson/Angel. On to the next book!
This was an okay read for me. While I did not love it, I did not hate it either.
Angel Matthews gets taken as hostage and goes through a huge trauma before she can be rescued by the Shepherd Security team. Shepherd Security is the best of the best and will make sure that Angel is taken care of and that they find the person or persons responsible for what has transpired with Angel - a terrorist attack and attempted kidnapping.
Lots of real action, intrigue, healing, and then toss in some romance with a hint of a thriller and it was a pretty good read. There were a few times that I thought the storyline was off, but maybe that is just me. After Angels attack, I would think there would be more than just a few days before she would want to have sex with Jackson. But everyone is different – feels things different – processes things different.
Overall, a good read, kept my interest, kept waiting to see what would happen next within Shepherd Security and Jackson/Angel. On to the next book!
September 5, 2025
3.25 STARS
This is a very hard book for me to review. Parts I absolutely hated and parts I felt a connection with and liked.
In the author's blurb at the end, does warn you this story has crude language, violence and abuse. Her warning needed to be clearer. There is an attempted rape and full-blown graphic rape scene and a graphic act. Somethings are handled with care.
The beginning I didn't feel a connection to any of the team, nor the relationship between the H/h. All seemed so unrealistic. The h suffers from 2 severe concussions and they are having her review pictures for 14 plus hours for days.
The way some of the villains acted was not your usual either. More concerned about getting a graphic sex act, than their purpose of completing their mission.
What saved this story was the Doc and his caring attitude in helping. The ending was heartwarming, after so much nastiness.
I still didn't feel a great connection with the H/h, but the secondary characters redeemed themselves.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, nice ending, no romance, lust, lovemaking outside of marriage heat level 4/5 for the MC, and 5 out of 5 for rape scenes. (ljb)_
This is a very hard book for me to review. Parts I absolutely hated and parts I felt a connection with and liked.
In the author's blurb at the end, does warn you this story has crude language, violence and abuse. Her warning needed to be clearer. There is an attempted rape and full-blown graphic rape scene and a graphic act. Somethings are handled with care.
The beginning I didn't feel a connection to any of the team, nor the relationship between the H/h. All seemed so unrealistic. The h suffers from 2 severe concussions and they are having her review pictures for 14 plus hours for days.
The way some of the villains acted was not your usual either. More concerned about getting a graphic sex act, than their purpose of completing their mission.
What saved this story was the Doc and his caring attitude in helping. The ending was heartwarming, after so much nastiness.
I still didn't feel a great connection with the H/h, but the secondary characters redeemed themselves.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, nice ending, no romance, lust, lovemaking outside of marriage heat level 4/5 for the MC, and 5 out of 5 for rape scenes. (ljb)_
February 12, 2022
Great Suspense & Romance Read that begins a new series!
I just finished reading Operation: Protected Angel (Shepherd Security Book 1) and really enjoyed it. It was a mixture of suspense and romance, full of a lot of action. It starts with Angel Matthews heading into work at the events center she works at, not knowing that a terrorist group is inside, taking hostages and killing people, when she is grabbed and ends up having to fight for her life to try & get away. Amid the sounds of gun fire and explosions going off, she awakes in a hospital & is running to try to escape and runs into Jax, a member of an elite group of off the grid, ex military men who work for Shepherd Security before passing out. Jax and his group have to try to find out if she is friend or foe and why she is being targeted and hunted down as feelings develop. If you like romance and suspense books you will love this! Beware, it does have a few graphic, violent, sexual scenes that could offend some readers or victims of assault.
I just finished reading Operation: Protected Angel (Shepherd Security Book 1) and really enjoyed it. It was a mixture of suspense and romance, full of a lot of action. It starts with Angel Matthews heading into work at the events center she works at, not knowing that a terrorist group is inside, taking hostages and killing people, when she is grabbed and ends up having to fight for her life to try & get away. Amid the sounds of gun fire and explosions going off, she awakes in a hospital & is running to try to escape and runs into Jax, a member of an elite group of off the grid, ex military men who work for Shepherd Security before passing out. Jax and his group have to try to find out if she is friend or foe and why she is being targeted and hunted down as feelings develop. If you like romance and suspense books you will love this! Beware, it does have a few graphic, violent, sexual scenes that could offend some readers or victims of assault.
February 29, 2020
Angel
This is a great KU library standalone series opener. While it has several mc's, for me Angel was the primary. Angela arrived at work one morning only to bump into a man with a gun and no badge. Before the morning was over, lives had been lost and Angela was in a coma from a serious head injury. Shepherd Security was called in to rescue and protect her from the terrorists who followed her ambulance, but a review of footage of the event raised questions about her background and training. And her loyalties. Who exactly is this woman?
I enjoyed the pacing of this story, the suspense, the loyalty and protectiveness of the team members, the discussion of options for treatment of physical and psychological injuries and more. I'll be moving on to book two, another KU library read.
This is a great KU library standalone series opener. While it has several mc's, for me Angel was the primary. Angela arrived at work one morning only to bump into a man with a gun and no badge. Before the morning was over, lives had been lost and Angela was in a coma from a serious head injury. Shepherd Security was called in to rescue and protect her from the terrorists who followed her ambulance, but a review of footage of the event raised questions about her background and training. And her loyalties. Who exactly is this woman?
I enjoyed the pacing of this story, the suspense, the loyalty and protectiveness of the team members, the discussion of options for treatment of physical and psychological injuries and more. I'll be moving on to book two, another KU library read.
August 17, 2020
Brave and courages
Angela 's world was turned upside down at an events center that she was responsible for overseeing. The place literally exploded around her and many others, but she was one of the lucky ones that survived and taken into custody and protected. Little did she know that she would fall victim to love with one ☝her rescuers. Ethan Jackson is just one of her heroes and eventually her lover and savior. She and the owner of Shepard Security Sam are taken to a private island for her safety, but soon realize that one of the Marshals is crooked and helping the enemy. They both endure evil atrocities; especially Angela by being raped and Sam getting shot in the belly before being rescued. They all have to deal with PTSD and have a brilliant doctor that helps them their demons. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and looking forward to the next story. Happy reading.
Angela 's world was turned upside down at an events center that she was responsible for overseeing. The place literally exploded around her and many others, but she was one of the lucky ones that survived and taken into custody and protected. Little did she know that she would fall victim to love with one ☝her rescuers. Ethan Jackson is just one of her heroes and eventually her lover and savior. She and the owner of Shepard Security Sam are taken to a private island for her safety, but soon realize that one of the Marshals is crooked and helping the enemy. They both endure evil atrocities; especially Angela by being raped and Sam getting shot in the belly before being rescued. They all have to deal with PTSD and have a brilliant doctor that helps them their demons. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and looking forward to the next story. Happy reading.
May 11, 2021
It was okay
The side characters were relatable and interesting. The main characters were okay, not always believable, but not terrible.
The story vacillated between stiff, wooden descriptions and genuinely deep thoughts. I wasn't sure what to make of the assault scenes and their aftermath. Pretty traumatic stuff, but I appreciated the deep dive into the recovery process (rather than moving forward as if it didn't happen like some books do).
I really hated the last part of the book. Drowning in over the top mushiness and a wedding ceremony that was way too detailed, reciting every word spoken when a simple "he said his part" would have sufficed. I skipped through it as quickly as I could.
I thought I would read the next book because I really did enjoy the characters, but that last scene did me in. Not sure if I will continue the series or not.
The side characters were relatable and interesting. The main characters were okay, not always believable, but not terrible.
The story vacillated between stiff, wooden descriptions and genuinely deep thoughts. I wasn't sure what to make of the assault scenes and their aftermath. Pretty traumatic stuff, but I appreciated the deep dive into the recovery process (rather than moving forward as if it didn't happen like some books do).
I really hated the last part of the book. Drowning in over the top mushiness and a wedding ceremony that was way too detailed, reciting every word spoken when a simple "he said his part" would have sufficed. I skipped through it as quickly as I could.
I thought I would read the next book because I really did enjoy the characters, but that last scene did me in. Not sure if I will continue the series or not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews