Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Wherever you go, I'm there for you...

I read that growing up in a cult can mess with self-preservation. That's why I cut the beautiful shrink some slack when I find out she's going back home to Utah.

Why would anyone return to a place that sucks out your life, your freedom, your very soul?

The urge to protect her, coupled with this mind-blowing chemistry, leaves me no choice. I show up on her flight, give her my most winning smile, and offer my bodyguard services.

After, I should've been prepared for goodbye. Instead, it ripped me in two.

Note: This full-length, standalone novel contains explicit language, no cheating, and a well-deserved, smoking hot, HEA.

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2018

412 people are currently reading
250 people want to read

About the author

Stella Marie Alden

69 books531 followers
Amazon Best Seller Stella Marie Alden loves Zumba, yoga, watercolor painting, and all genres of romances.

Her first book, ‘How to Train Your Knight’, won Romance Writers of America coveted Molly and Show me the Sparks Contests, and placed in four others.
Truly remarkable, considering she’s only been writing for three years.

Growing up in Vermont, she loved to make up stories. Crayons fought each other over size and placement in their cardboard box and imaginary friends crowded the house. Her brother often complained. “Tell her no one’s here, Mother.".

Her career paths have varied. She’s been a librarian, a classical clarinetist wanna-be, recording studio engineer, broadcast electronics repairman, and now she architects software programs.

She lives in Bergen County, NJ with her life-long hero and their two cats. Her two girls are grown but ever supportive. You go Mom!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
178 (46%)
4 stars
121 (31%)
3 stars
61 (16%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
April 28, 2025
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/26/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Debra Johnson.
11k reviews179 followers
February 23, 2023
Purchase Amazon August 27, 2019

Jack by Stella Marie Alden
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Crime, Romance
3.25 Stars

My least favorite of this series so far.
I liked Jack a lot, but Blakely drove me nuts. She is supposed to be a highly intelligent psychologist but has way to many TSTL moments.

The scenes were very jumpy and often felt forced, contrived in this one.
The pace was off.
There was no real humor.
The relationship between Blakely and Jack was unconvincing. I came off saccharine for who Jack is.

There were some good moments. It started off well. Suds and Lucky's characters are brought in & I liked what little bit we saw of them.
The adult intimate scenes ran the gamut from Steamy Hot to mediocre.
Same with the suspense/crime.

Since I have enjoyed every other book in this series so far I will continue.
The is actually a 2nd book in Jack and Blakely's story.
Hopefully it will be back on track.
Profile Image for Nikki.
360 reviews
September 30, 2018
I want to say I enjoyed this but i can't fully, I enjoyed reading parts of this like the connection between Jack and Blake and the uncertainty between them, the insta-love this time I didn't buy though, it felt forced and bullied and I really disliked Jacks way of bullying her into accepting his protection when she went to Utah and her as a character just accepting that, not even fighting or arguing just going ok that's fine.

Jack is meant to be a strong will, strong man who knows how to protect and to do his job well and he does for the most part but when he meets Blake he shows a slightly softer side and shows that he wants a future.

Blake is a seemingly put together strong independent woman but actually as the story unfolds you see she's nothing of the sort, she's a psychologist who is great at advising other people in what to do but not so much herself. As I read on she felt less independent and easily controlled, especially when Jack dictated what was going to happen she didn't argue or fight she just went along with it.

This story has a few subjects it covers; grief, young trauma, control, overpowering and bad childhood memories it felt a little empty though the story for me so I couldn't really connect to the characters at all.
1,102 reviews
September 19, 2018
Compared to other books by Stella Marie Alden, I was not that impressed with this story. Jack pretty much pushes himself into Blakely's life, and while she tries to push back, he mostly just stream rolls over her. Stella Marie Alden does do a really good job of explaining it away, and the lust at first sight line does work in a way to account for that. It honestly could be that I wasn't in the right mood to deal with a pushy bodyguard type romance story, and maybe if I read it again in a different mood I'd enjoy it more.

I will say that I love the cult angle from Blakely's past, and the book is written quite well in my opinion.

Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Christina Rybka.
1,129 reviews17 followers
September 19, 2018
Jack and Blakely are two people who are damaged by the past but can they come together and fight to be together. Jack is a bodyguard who is looking for something new and Blakely is a psychiatrist who is trying to find answers. Can they find the answers and each other. Loved Jack and Blakely great storyline with wonderful supporting characters.
Profile Image for PIONEER.
797 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2020
Yo, what the absolute shit-show of a female lead. She makes all the other infuriating female leads pale in comparison. How do I even fucking start with her?

She’s a shrink. A psychologist. Yet she’s the fucking traumatized one. I wouldn’t trust a shrink who legit suffers from trauma herself. I’m sorry, but if you can’t help yourself... I can’t trust you to help me—or others for that fact.

She’s incredibly dumb too. When we think doctor... we think smart. Well, considering the doctor who’s been in the news lately talking about a Covid "cure" and demon sperm... not all doctors are brilliant we see. Her dumbass thought it’d be a great idea to walk into a cult and stay alone in it. Wow. Are we gonna really try to excuse reckless and stupid behaviour for her trying to find her sister? And Jesus, she has zero awareness about the people around her. She does not care about anyone but herself. SHE wanted to see, so SHE decided it would be a good idea to NOT follow safety instructions and endanger EVERYONE around her. Including herself, of course, but no surprise there because she walks around with a fucking death wish apparently.

Jack really hit the nail on her: ”Try to communicate, talk, or just plain listen. Choose one. But you won’t, will you? You always do what you goddamn please and fuck the consequences.” Even if those consequences are other people. Who are only there to help you. But fuck them right? She, on multiple occasions, took shit into her own hands without telling anyone involved. She could be ruining plans. "Independent women" nowadays really do mean dumb huh? You know, there ARE really good ways to make a woman independent without ruining their maturity and intelligence.


She’s irrational, acting if Jack didn’t have “the right to” give it to her straight. And she barely acts like she’s in the wrong when it’s clear and simple. Is this what guys mean when they say women are infuriating, and not in the good way?


She says she could’ve handled herself, but girl, nothing you’ve done ever suggested you could handle anything but Jack’s d—Too far?

The author even acknowledges everything Blakely does wrong with what Jack says. But does that excuse her dumb actions? No.

I mean... I dunno what Jack’s on, but I wouldn’t want to be in a relationship with someone who puts others’ lives in danger for the sake of “wanting to see” when she could’ve waited until it was safe. Someone who’s obviously not qualified to handle her own mental state or anyone else’s. Isn’t there a saying you gotta help yourself before you help anyone else?

Jack’s on crack. Blakely’s on cocaine. Done. I really gotta make a "women-that-give-me-aneurysms" shelf now huh?
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews37 followers
September 22, 2018
The pace of the action is moderate at beginning. Then as you read it quickly escalates to fever pitch of fast action, suspense, danger and believe it or not, romance. This continues until three quarters of the way in then in an anticlimactic pause we are dealt with another personal drama between Blakely and Jack. Blakely is a psychologist and it determined to find out what happened to her older sister Faith. Blakely, her mother and sister were lived in a Mormon cult like group called The Church of Heavenly Bliss. At five years old, Blakely has memories she questions. She knows that her sister was fourteen and did not want to get married. Blakely does not know if she is still alive or not. When she tells Jack she is going to Utah to film a documentary at the cult location, Jack immediately goes into bodyguard mode and accompanies her. But Blakely does not tell him everything. The cult leader is David Young. Somehow Blakely traps herself back into the cult and Jack and the film crew have been dismissed. Jack has to figure out how to get her back without blowing his cover. In the interim, Jack setup a plan to get Blakely out and ends up legally marrying her. They also have to do a convincing job of consummating the marriage in order to satisfy David's dark urges. When Jack thinks it’s time to leave, that's when all heck breaks loose and Blakely, Jack, his two-man team of Lucky and Suds run the operation. Then Blakely again tempts fate against Jack's orders and tries to force David Young's hand. Again, Blakely has put the team and the film crew in danger. But it does not go down as planned. Blakely need evidence against David Young to find out about her sister. When Jack and Blakely are back at the safe house they get into an argument and there are misunderstandings. Jack does not wait for Blakely and leaves immediately back to New York. Blakely tries to reach out to Jack but he does not respond. Jack has taken another job in Washington D.C... Several weeks and a couple of positive pregnancy tests later she realizes she is alone and pregnant. She knows Jack will want to co-parent because of his father. She asks her friend Mel to get ahold of Jack and she told her not to worry she would figure everything out for her. Jack is enroute to Utah when Blakely comes on board the same plane and sits in the next seat from him. Neither one of them expected this and realize they have been set up by Mel. They talk but it is too late, they are on their way to Utah to get a divorce. But this is not the end of the story. This is a great book full of action, adventure, drama and romance. I highly recommend it. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kim.
238 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2018
Jack, a secondary character from the ‘Busted Play’ series, is a bodyguard assigned to protect ex-football star CJ Quinn and his family, but in reality, they're more like family to Jack than anyone ever has been. While assigned to protect Quinn's wife Mel, Jack is introduced to the beautiful and unbelievably smart Dr. Blakely Smythe. The two are instantly attracted to one another prompting Jack to follow Blake to Utah on a crazy mission to confront the demons of her past that include a suspiciously aggressive cult and the devious leader who runs it. But there's definitely more than meets the eye to this situation and the two are thrown into a dangerous sequence of events. With the danger running high things start to heat up between Jack and Blake and they practically set the sheets on fire. But Blake is absolutely set on uncovering the truth no matter what the risks. Will Jack be able to protect her from the cult and maybe even herself? Will their relationship last once the danger is gone?
This steamy novel is a must-read for anyone looking for hot scenes and high-risk action. Well written and absolutely charming, Stella has once again delivered a fantastic read that you just can't put down. I totally recommend this novel.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,204 reviews18 followers
September 19, 2018
This is one of my favorite books by Ms. Alden. Jack Taylor is a bodyguard for a football player living in New York. The football player’s wife helps a group of abused women, but since her family is moving to North Carolina Dr. Blakely Smythe is taking over. Jack is such a good guy and likes taking care of all people. This is one of the things I like about Jack. When Blakely goes back to Utah where her mother is a religious sect that Blakely escaped from, Jack goes with her to protect her. I loved how he calls in favors to protect Blakely and the extremes he goes to. It is so hard for me to understand how some women can be so brainwashed by a man. The two may have not got together in a normal way, but I was so glad to see them fall in love. Mel, the football player’s wife was good at helping to get the two together which I was glad to see. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Carma.
473 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2018
The latest novel by Stella Marie Alden is one that tells the story of Jack, bodyguard to CJ and Mel from Busted Play (and he is mentioned in countless other books along the way). Jack finally gets a story of his own when he meets Blakely, the new doctor taking over for Mel as she and CJ prepare to move their family to a new state. Blakely has a checkered past that Jack soon finds himself involved in, for her protection of course. Can they work together to save her life, from her past to ensure her future?

I have read a few novels by Ms. Alden and this one pretty much flows the same as the others. Quick reads with no real surprises. This one does touch on the cult lifestyle, particularly Mormon’s so that is interesting to learn more about. This read gets a 3 ½ star rating from this reader. I received an advance copy without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Marcellina T Reno.
251 reviews
September 20, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review. I really love this series of books. Jack is the bodyguard Slate relies on in the other books because of his gut instincts. He first sees Blakey in an intense situation and they hit it off. Blakey is a psychiatrist taking over for Melanie Quinn in her support group. Jack and Blakey have a haunting past with their families. Jack has to rescue Blake several times from herself and her impetuous actions. A miscommunication, stolen phone, and pride almost cost them their love. Thanks to meddling family members help these two find their way back to each other. They get their happy ending before Slate and Andy.
Profile Image for Miss E R Duncan.
180 reviews
September 20, 2018
Stella’s books never disappoint. This book follows CJ’s bodyguard Jack as he falls in love. Blakely and Jack meet at one of Mel’s meeting when he saves a women from being shot at. Blakely is going back to visit a cult that she escaped 20 years ago for a documentary and Jack makes sure that he is there to protect her. Blakely will do anything to find out what happened to her sister all those years ago and doesn’t realise how much danger she has put herself in when she agrees to stay with the cult, luckily she has Jack who does everything he can to save her. A great story full of drama and a happily ever after. I hope we get to hear more of Jack’s story in the future
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,921 reviews4 followers
September 24, 2018
Jack packs some heat, so hot!

Jack by Stella Marie Alden is an action packed, emotional thrill ride! I fell in book love with Jack immediately. He is so sweet and alpha at the same time. I loved how he immediately becomes enamored with Blakey. Her backstory is very interesting which adds to the overall intrigue and suspense of this book.
I was hooked from the beginning and I love how Stella Marie Alden kept me engaged by revealing important information in bits and pieces to keep my attention.
Overall another fantastic book by this author. I can’t wait to read the next one.
I read an ARC of this book via Bookfunnel and voluntarily share my review.
2,069 reviews13 followers
September 24, 2018
Lots of action in this story. Jack meets Blakely under less than desirable circumstances, yet sparks seem to fly. When Blakely decides to confront a cult in Utah, to try and discover what happened to her sister many years ago, Jack decides to go along as her bodyguard. There were some very deep issues abounding within the cult and Jack finally needed to come to her rescue. This is a very well-written story, with intrigue, danger, suspense, humour and steamy bedroom scenes. The characters are strong yet vulnerable and make you wish the book didn’t finish. I loved this story.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
843 reviews6 followers
September 24, 2018
Stella has written another exciting book that I could not put down till the last page. The novel involves Blakely a beautiful psychologist, Jack a bodyguard for a famous football player, a dangerous cult and lots of intense action. Jack is losing his job since his football player is retiring and no longer needs a bodyguard. He decides that Blakely needs his protection since she is intent on finding her missing sister. This book is superbly written, with drama, suspense, tension, danger, steamy sex and romance. If your looking for an excellent plot that will keep you at the edge of your seat “Jack” is for you. Give it a try.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Darcy.
2,148 reviews22 followers
September 24, 2018
I love the whole list of characters throughout the group of books. They can all be read as a stand alone but are so much better when all read in order. It was great to finally have Jack's story. He is such a fabulous character. He is such an alpha male that it is great to see someone who can handle him. Blakely is a very strong headed woman but knows how to handle herself. Jack and Blake together have this hot chemistry that doesn't stop. The story is has a lot of action that keeps you on the edge of your seat till the end. It is absolutely worth reading and doesn't disappoint. I voluntarily review an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for AnneKR.
872 reviews26 followers
September 27, 2018
Jack Taylor meets Dr. Blakely Smythe while on watch during his client’s wife’s abuse group meeting. Sparks immediately fly but things need to be put on hold when Blake tells Jack she needs to go out of town to Utah to do a documentary on a cult her mother is part of. Jack decides to go with her and finds out Blake is on a mission to bring down the leader. When Blake is in danger will Jack be there in time to save her?

The book takes you on a thrilling ride full of action, mystery, and chemistry between Jack and Blake. Looking forward to the next one!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader’s copy.
Profile Image for Judy Johnson.
839 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2018
I am never disappointed when I pick up one of Stella's books, this book, Jack, is no exception! Jack quickly become one of my favorite characters EVER! Tons of drama AND HEAT, with suspense , twists and turns, ups and downs, passion and chemistry abound, and a wonderful cast of characters to ensure you a H.E.A, which Stella ALWAYS provides. Starts a little bit slow, but don't give up, because then you'll certainly miss out on a fun, fast, really good read. Good story, better characters, told succinctly and leaves you completely satisfied at the end. No spoilers, just a solid recommendation to pick up this book and once you start, you really won't put it down until the end.
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,035 reviews256 followers
Read
October 3, 2018
DNF big time. Don’t pick on people’s religions.
Nope. Can’t do it. I’m not down for a book who makes fun of other people’s religions. Even if it’s a spin off cult to the main religion- you can tell the author is more about making fun of the main stream religion. I can’t and won’t support it.

I don’t care for the little digs.

If you’re going to do a religion cult book- try leaving the main stream religion alone and do some homework on how to write a better book that focuses solely on the cult itself. I know people from the main stream and I take offense to the dig when the guy calls them morons as a joke.
Profile Image for Mawgan Dipple.
1,694 reviews
September 20, 2018

Yet again Stella m alden hasn't disappointed me. Following on from the many hubby men and feisty women in her books we finally hear Jack's story. Bodyguard to cj but finding himself soon to move on to a different career he links up with the new shrink Blake who's taking over Mel's ladies group. Trying to find answers to a clouded past Blake flies to Utah to get them but Jack but fee!ing is she's in over her head. The quick and dynamic relationship bubbles up fast and falls just as quickly leaving both lovers guessing who's at fault. Great story love all these characters.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,714 reviews28 followers
September 24, 2018
Jack is at a crossed road in his life where his current job is about to cease and he doesn't know what to do next, this is where Blakely comes in, she is taking over the womens group his current boss's wife runs. They both feel a spark so he decides whether she wants it or not he is going to follow her as she does a documentary about her upbringing. This is fast paced once you get into it and has some great moments of tension, action and steamy times to keep you hooked. I wanted to get to know Jack a bit more so I do hope there is more of Jack at some stage in the future!! :D
Profile Image for Gerry.
1,968 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2018
Provided with a free ARC for an honest review. This is a very enjoyable romantic suspense story. Jack is a handsome muscular bodyguard with little relationship experience and a dysfunctional family background. Blakely is a psychologist who was raised in a polygamous cult and was separated from her mother at an early age. Her confrontation with the cult is quite dramatic. The romance is difficult for both characters but sweet to watch. My only complaint is the book is too short; I really hated to see it end. I really enjoyed it and recommend it.
Profile Image for Misty Goan.
2,809 reviews13 followers
December 4, 2018
A fantastic well written suspense that is full of danger, fast action, angst, unexpected twists, adventure, passion, and romance. It will have a misunderstanding and a few surprises with great interesting main characters great supporting characters. Blake a psycholgist and Jack a bodygaurad have both had emotional dysfunctional childhoods. When Jack finds out she is going to confront her past he decides to go with her to protector that will entail even calling in a favor or two. An amazing read. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.
Profile Image for Patricia Baxes.
3,050 reviews30 followers
September 24, 2018
Stella Marie Alden—You ROCK!! Ohmigod, Jack is totally amazing!! You gifted us with a kickass storyline; characters that are off the chart; plot twists and turns that keep you flipping those pages...and a HEA that can’t help but bring tears to your eyes. Thank you for a wonderful read! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and could not put it down until I finished it.) ❤️❤️❤️
2,013 reviews15 followers
September 19, 2018
I basically devoured this book. I read it in one day - I just had to finish it!!
There is so much happening in this book. What started out as a chance meeting between Blakely and Jack, soon had them travelling across the country for answers to Blakely's family. So many twists and turns. But what happened towards the end I don't think anyone could predict that.
Looking forward to the next amazing book from Stella.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Profile Image for Angie.
400 reviews8 followers
September 20, 2018
I can't imagine going through what Blakely and the other children at that compound went through.. I really loved the story between Jack and Blakely.... There were times when I wanted to shake Blakely and scream.. "Stop putting yourself in crazy positions and just listen to Jack"... but it all worked out for the HEA in the end... This is a fast and short read, but the story is not lacking.. It is worth the time to read..
Profile Image for CL Westbrook.
497 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2018
Jack is back and wow what a fabulous book. I love Jack. He is an enigma nut we see a different side to Jack in this book. He opens himself up and I love that.

This book has, danger, passion, possessiveness, love, romance and steamy hot sex. There's plenty of fun banter between playful friends as well as interesting and unfortunate events that get Jack's attention.

A must read that won't disappoint you xx
Profile Image for Sydney Hopke.
1,380 reviews18 followers
September 24, 2018
WOW! What a great story and so not what I was expecting. I love the books in this series but this is one of my favorites by far! The way Jack is wasn't surprising but Blakely has her own surprises that change everything. The heat is there in the way the interact with each other not just their romance. And the suspense has you on the edge of your seat, more then you would expect for a shorter read! It's a book that you have to read but not at bed time or you won't get sleep!
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,118 reviews50 followers
September 25, 2018
I really liked this read. Jack is a bodyguard and tags along with Dr. Blakely Smythe when so goes back to Utah to film a documentary on the cult she escaped from. When things don’t go as planned, will Jack be able to save Blakely? This is a fast-paced read with loads of drama and suspense. The story really draws you and Jack and Blakely are wonderful characters with steamy chemistry. I was hooked from beginning to end. A good read!
Profile Image for Dawn Herrera.
704 reviews11 followers
October 7, 2018
Jack by Stella Marie Alden was a well written book with suspense and romance with some ups and downs. The characters Jack and Blakey are strong, head strong, protective and sexy. It was a great read that kept me hooked till the end. There is mystery and some drama that keeps you intrigued and on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed this story very much and I highly recommend this great book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.