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Shepherd Security #2
Operation: Recruited Angel
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.
Madison Miller served ten years in the United States Army and planned to make it her career. But she separated after a mission went horribly wrong in the Middle East. For two years, Madison was a happy civilian who didn't have to question if women or children would blow themselves up to take out those who were there to help them. Nor did she have to make the call on whether to neutralize a threat or not, based solely on her instincts.
Madison thought she'd dealt with the ghosts from her past. When Shepherd Security approaches her with a job offer that she can't refuse, she realizes that she was wrong.
Shepherd Security accepted two cases they need a female Operator to complete. A LinkedIn search brings them to Madison Miller. Convincing her to take the job is their first hurdle. Her rushed training on the male-dominated team is the next. For Cooper, acting as her Supervisory and Training Officer, his biggest problem will be keeping his interest in her professional. She's beautiful, intelligent, more than capable–an attractive spitfire he can't resist.
Warning, this story is realistic, with adult language and content on the way to the HEA. This is book 2 in the Shepherd Security series. Even though the story does continue from book to book, each is a stand-alone story and can be read without reading the prior book(s), but they are best enjoyed in order.
Madison Miller served ten years in the United States Army and planned to make it her career. But she separated after a mission went horribly wrong in the Middle East. For two years, Madison was a happy civilian who didn't have to question if women or children would blow themselves up to take out those who were there to help them. Nor did she have to make the call on whether to neutralize a threat or not, based solely on her instincts.
Madison thought she'd dealt with the ghosts from her past. When Shepherd Security approaches her with a job offer that she can't refuse, she realizes that she was wrong.
Shepherd Security accepted two cases they need a female Operator to complete. A LinkedIn search brings them to Madison Miller. Convincing her to take the job is their first hurdle. Her rushed training on the male-dominated team is the next. For Cooper, acting as her Supervisory and Training Officer, his biggest problem will be keeping his interest in her professional. She's beautiful, intelligent, more than capable–an attractive spitfire he can't resist.
Warning, this story is realistic, with adult language and content on the way to the HEA. This is book 2 in the Shepherd Security series. Even though the story does continue from book to book, each is a stand-alone story and can be read without reading the prior book(s), but they are best enjoyed in order.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2018
1366 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Kay
28 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
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.
December 3, 2018
Another great read
The first female operative is hired, and she is the perfect mix of strong and capable while inside being vulnerable and self doubting. I thought the author nailed what a woman experiences internally when vying to be seen as equal. The relationship between Cooper and Madison develops slowly as they both fight what they feel is an inappropriate attraction. I really enjoy all the characters and I feel invested in all of their lives. I'm normally used to and prefer sexual encounters to be more explicit rather than implied but the lack of this didn't detract from the story. I'm looking forward to the next books.
The first female operative is hired, and she is the perfect mix of strong and capable while inside being vulnerable and self doubting. I thought the author nailed what a woman experiences internally when vying to be seen as equal. The relationship between Cooper and Madison develops slowly as they both fight what they feel is an inappropriate attraction. I really enjoy all the characters and I feel invested in all of their lives. I'm normally used to and prefer sexual encounters to be more explicit rather than implied but the lack of this didn't detract from the story. I'm looking forward to the next books.
October 25, 2020
DNF @ 8%
The writing is just not for me. Two instances that stood out were:
1. A female was criticised, repeatedly, for refraining from announcing her pregnancy early because of her past miscarriages. Maybe it came from a good place, but to criticise her more than once and whine about it, even when knowing the reasons, the male characters just came off as jerks. It’s her body, her decision, don’t make it all about yourself.
2. Body-shaming another female character. It was not as funny as the male characters thought it was.
This book just made me mad.
The writing is just not for me. Two instances that stood out were:
1. A female was criticised, repeatedly, for refraining from announcing her pregnancy early because of her past miscarriages. Maybe it came from a good place, but to criticise her more than once and whine about it, even when knowing the reasons, the male characters just came off as jerks. It’s her body, her decision, don’t make it all about yourself.
2. Body-shaming another female character. It was not as funny as the male characters thought it was.
This book just made me mad.
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July 31, 2023
New Female Security Team Member
I very much enjoyed the first book of this series; this book felt completely different. But not in a bad way, though! The security team actually assists the first book’s heroine. In this one, the heroine is a new hire for the. The testosterone-driven security team needs a female for some specific cases, so they decide to add one to the team. She is a skilled operative, a former FBI agent with a troubled professional past. Much of the first part of the book didn't feel like romance or even an action book. Instead, it was all about how she was trained and integrated into the team, with a few hiccups along the way—of course! The book does have a romantic element, though that feels underplayed, and the scenes mostly stop at the bedroom door. When she finally got into the field, the cases were over quickly. I wish both the cases and the romantic aspect got more “screen” time. I love seeing everyone, including the heroine, from the first book in this one. She's come a long way! I loved how the few females in the group bonded so well; the prior heroine, in particular, was so protective of the new girl … completely understandable if you know her history. I love it when female coworkers are actually collegial in books, not backstabbers! While you don't need to have read the first book to understand this one, you will appreciate the team and their world more if you've read or listened to that book first. If you enjoy books about security teams or paramilitary activities, you will probably find this book as enjoyable as I did.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
I very much enjoyed the first book of this series; this book felt completely different. But not in a bad way, though! The security team actually assists the first book’s heroine. In this one, the heroine is a new hire for the. The testosterone-driven security team needs a female for some specific cases, so they decide to add one to the team. She is a skilled operative, a former FBI agent with a troubled professional past. Much of the first part of the book didn't feel like romance or even an action book. Instead, it was all about how she was trained and integrated into the team, with a few hiccups along the way—of course! The book does have a romantic element, though that feels underplayed, and the scenes mostly stop at the bedroom door. When she finally got into the field, the cases were over quickly. I wish both the cases and the romantic aspect got more “screen” time. I love seeing everyone, including the heroine, from the first book in this one. She's come a long way! I loved how the few females in the group bonded so well; the prior heroine, in particular, was so protective of the new girl … completely understandable if you know her history. I love it when female coworkers are actually collegial in books, not backstabbers! While you don't need to have read the first book to understand this one, you will appreciate the team and their world more if you've read or listened to that book first. If you enjoy books about security teams or paramilitary activities, you will probably find this book as enjoyable as I did.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
June 13, 2023
I feel like a broken record once again. While I didn’t hate this book….didn’t really love it either.
You could skip to 40% in the story and not miss a single thing! The first part of the book is very detailed and all about the training that Madison goes under to become an Operative. Sorry, but I do not need THAT much detail.
Love the plot, the romance and the action that takes place within the storyline – but started skimming pages due to the amount of “filler” – just my opinion. I am looking for the action and plot twists and the bad guys – not page after page of clothing, people, and location descriptions.
Cooper and Madison make a good couple both on and off the ops. Liked how they grew together and formed a tight bond. Love the team(s) of Shepherd Security and I am assuming that everyone will get their own story, just not sure I will be reading them all.
You could skip to 40% in the story and not miss a single thing! The first part of the book is very detailed and all about the training that Madison goes under to become an Operative. Sorry, but I do not need THAT much detail.
Love the plot, the romance and the action that takes place within the storyline – but started skimming pages due to the amount of “filler” – just my opinion. I am looking for the action and plot twists and the bad guys – not page after page of clothing, people, and location descriptions.
Cooper and Madison make a good couple both on and off the ops. Liked how they grew together and formed a tight bond. Love the team(s) of Shepherd Security and I am assuming that everyone will get their own story, just not sure I will be reading them all.
October 7, 2025
This book is different from other RS I've read. The first 40% of the book is introducing Madison to Shepard Security (and I suppose the reader as well) - how they operate, the rules, getting reading to be field qualified, etc. It wasn't until about 40-45% that she starts going on the first mission. And it wasn't until 75% until there is any actual romance between Madison and Cooper. Some people might find the book boring due to this 🤔 but I didn't mind. I wouldn't say you can skip the book either, though, because while they focus on different couple each books, all the members of the team are featured and there are plot lines that move along and run though them all. I sort of liken this more to a TV pilot - where we see the new character join a team, learn how it all works, the dynamics, etc. While we know a bit of them from book 1, more is learned with each book.
January 28, 2021
Madison is the first female operative hired by Shepherd Security. It was an interesting story to perceive how the other operatives related to her and how she thought of herself as an agent. Loved reading about her perspectives and how they impacted on her. The relationship between Cooper and Madison, evolves gradually because relationships are frowned on by the company, so they fight the attraction in between getting ready for 2 ops. I also enjoyed finding out what happens when the operations finish i.e. when they go home to their normal life!!
Everyone has a past that comes back to haunt them and Madison is no different, but it's how she handles it and the backup from her team that make the biggest impact on her and how she deals with the fallout from the operations themselves. An excellent read and am looking forward to book 3.
Everyone has a past that comes back to haunt them and Madison is no different, but it's how she handles it and the backup from her team that make the biggest impact on her and how she deals with the fallout from the operations themselves. An excellent read and am looking forward to book 3.
May 29, 2023
First Operative - Female
ShepherdSecurity2
I finished it!
It was sometimes a slog, but I made it to the end. Ms Kay has a handle on beginning, middle and end, she just needs to shore up her character building. I missed the arc for both protagonists; that could be my failing.
I wanted more depth and insight, and so the story seemed somewhat stilted to me. I did not feel “lost” in the series - this is the first I’ve read of Shepherd Security - so that was an interesting benefit of the shallow world building.
Now I have to decide if I’m going forward in the series, or just let this book stand alone...
ShepherdSecurity2
I finished it!
It was sometimes a slog, but I made it to the end. Ms Kay has a handle on beginning, middle and end, she just needs to shore up her character building. I missed the arc for both protagonists; that could be my failing.
I wanted more depth and insight, and so the story seemed somewhat stilted to me. I did not feel “lost” in the series - this is the first I’ve read of Shepherd Security - so that was an interesting benefit of the shallow world building.
Now I have to decide if I’m going forward in the series, or just let this book stand alone...
April 23, 2019
A glimpse I the life of special forces
I enjoyed seeing the lives of these men and women who put their selves in harms way to bring down evil and save others from the same. The storyline puts the "real" into the characters during their assignments but also puts a human side to each character. They may do heroic things but unlike the movie heroes they may go home to a home life in between assignments and try to feel normal for awhile. Great read. Looking forward to the next book.
I enjoyed seeing the lives of these men and women who put their selves in harms way to bring down evil and save others from the same. The storyline puts the "real" into the characters during their assignments but also puts a human side to each character. They may do heroic things but unlike the movie heroes they may go home to a home life in between assignments and try to feel normal for awhile. Great read. Looking forward to the next book.
February 3, 2020
Nice addition of the female operator to the Shepherd Security team - and Madison doesn't disappoint. Love that she is a strong female, not waiting to be rescued by the male operator's...well played Ms Kay.
I do like my sex scenes a little more descriptive and to last longer than half a page, the use of tame euphemisms not really my cup of tea ...but the story is strong, and both books in this series don't follow the same path - which I love, as too many series have the exact same formula
Looking forward to book 3
I do like my sex scenes a little more descriptive and to last longer than half a page, the use of tame euphemisms not really my cup of tea ...but the story is strong, and both books in this series don't follow the same path - which I love, as too many series have the exact same formula
Looking forward to book 3
July 10, 2021
Army vet Madison Miller didn’t plan to be in a similar environment two years later, but she is. She had every intention of turning the job down and walking away… but she didn’t, partially because John Cooper is such a sexy and effective closer. Cooper knew he should’ve walked away but they need a female op, Madison is it and much more.
As Madison’s status rises at work, neither she nor Coop can help falling. Not a bad read except points off for spelling and grammatical errors.
Rating: 3.7 5stars
As Madison’s status rises at work, neither she nor Coop can help falling. Not a bad read except points off for spelling and grammatical errors.
Rating: 3.7 5stars
June 12, 2024
I really love this series
I really love reading the series. The characters are very real, the plot is very good. In this particular book which I have not found in the others the, I'm going to think it's the editing, is all off. Something happened in this book where in one section whole sentences were repeated over top of each other, and just a whole bunch of disruption in the flow. But that is not normal with these books I think I just got a bad one. So now I'm going on to read book three.
I really love reading the series. The characters are very real, the plot is very good. In this particular book which I have not found in the others the, I'm going to think it's the editing, is all off. Something happened in this book where in one section whole sentences were repeated over top of each other, and just a whole bunch of disruption in the flow. But that is not normal with these books I think I just got a bad one. So now I'm going on to read book three.
August 18, 2024
Cooper is part of a organization, Shepherd Security, that handles jobs the government cannot or won't touch. They have no rules to follow but the ones stated in their handbook. One of them is no fraternizing with each other. Cooper is the type to follow every letter of every rule, until the new recruit, Angel shows up. She is as tough as the men and is hired as a op and field person. This book is really good, so good that I had to buy book three. It will keep you on your toes and to what will happen next.
January 5, 2019
Loved it
This book was much more than I expected and nice to have a decent length as well. Not over the top sex, a nice love story within a very good security environment. All the security team integrate really well and no doubt will feature in their own stories over time. Thank you Margaret for many hours of reading. (Have tried very hard to not put any spoilers in this feedback)
This book was much more than I expected and nice to have a decent length as well. Not over the top sex, a nice love story within a very good security environment. All the security team integrate really well and no doubt will feature in their own stories over time. Thank you Margaret for many hours of reading. (Have tried very hard to not put any spoilers in this feedback)
April 14, 2019
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED SUSPENSEFUL THRILLER
The first book set the tone for an ongoing series of intense adventures. Here we have the characters being portrayed in more detail about the men and women working for Shepherd Security and also the introduction of a new operative. This is a pretty intense read as the new member goes through training and finally takes her place within the organization. Once again, this second book sets the tone for future missions.
The first book set the tone for an ongoing series of intense adventures. Here we have the characters being portrayed in more detail about the men and women working for Shepherd Security and also the introduction of a new operative. This is a pretty intense read as the new member goes through training and finally takes her place within the organization. Once again, this second book sets the tone for future missions.
November 21, 2019
You can fight it, but love will win. I enjoyed Cooper and Madison’s romantic growth and attempts at avoiding it. It was also a great book to show and build more of how this company works. Loved the time spent with Doc, Joe and Shepherd. More units were introduced and I can’t wait to read about Garcia and how this foray back into undercover goes. This book has non stop action and lots of emotion. Quite a fun read!
March 2, 2020
This KU library selection is a great standalone addition to the Shepherd Security series. Alpha Team needs a female operator, like yesterday, for two ops that are coming up. Madison’s name comes up in a deep search, she’s former military, now working in the tech field. They lure her away and a crash course in field work and protocols begins. The first op is a success, as is the second. But they’re a warm up for the dangerous ops to come. Book three is up next, Garcia’s story
July 15, 2023
This is book 2 in Kay's Shepherd Security series. Great characters and storyline that captivate from start to finish. This focused on Cooper and Madison’s story and came thru realistically. Emotional and suspenseful and overall just great! I can't wait to read / listen to more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read.
March 19, 2024
Cooper and Madison
I loved this one! Mr Rule Maker and Follower, Cooper, is seriously considering breaking the no fraternization rule when he sets his eyes on their new hire, Madison. She has a lot to live up to being the first female operative at Shepherd Security. I loved how her feelings were explained and not ignored. I also love Dr Lassiter and the way he takes care of everyone’s mental health. This one is action packed, suspenseful and a joy to read.
I loved this one! Mr Rule Maker and Follower, Cooper, is seriously considering breaking the no fraternization rule when he sets his eyes on their new hire, Madison. She has a lot to live up to being the first female operative at Shepherd Security. I loved how her feelings were explained and not ignored. I also love Dr Lassiter and the way he takes care of everyone’s mental health. This one is action packed, suspenseful and a joy to read.
December 7, 2025
This is my first book by this author, and she’s very detailed-oriented. She’s very exact about who does what and how everything comes together. I felt the romance was very much a backseat to Shepherd’s Security, training, and the different undercover operations they were involved in. Everything was painstakingly explained, down to the pages and pages of paperwork. In fact, the first hint I got that there was a romance was way after 50% of the book. Despite this, it’s still a good read.
February 3, 2019
Action Packed
After reading the first book in this series I wanted to read the next. I wasn't disappointed. It's very well written with some great characters, action enough to keep you on the edge. It is a bit of a long read so make sure you have your snacks ready before you start.
After reading the first book in this series I wanted to read the next. I wasn't disappointed. It's very well written with some great characters, action enough to keep you on the edge. It is a bit of a long read so make sure you have your snacks ready before you start.
June 9, 2019
Rules are meant to be broken
Shepherd Security hires its first female operator. By the book Cooper decides to be her training officer. Madison is ever conscious of her role as the first female on the team and is determined to ignore her attraction to Cooper. Cooper breaks first and they have to navigate their secret relationship as well as a dangerous enemy. A good quick read.
Shepherd Security hires its first female operator. By the book Cooper decides to be her training officer. Madison is ever conscious of her role as the first female on the team and is determined to ignore her attraction to Cooper. Cooper breaks first and they have to navigate their secret relationship as well as a dangerous enemy. A good quick read.
August 3, 2019
Another 5 star read! This book shows the struggle Cooper the ultimate rule follower has with his attraction to Shepherd Security’s newest recruit.
This is book 2 in the Shepherd Security series and can be read alone but I highly recommend reading the series in order, as there are continuing storylines in the series. This book does touch on the crime of child pornography but is not explicit.
This is book 2 in the Shepherd Security series and can be read alone but I highly recommend reading the series in order, as there are continuing storylines in the series. This book does touch on the crime of child pornography but is not explicit.
September 1, 2019
A Must Read!
Can't think of enough adjectives to describe this book! Lost sleep to finish. Margaret Kay is a gifted and talented author who writes about characters and stories too real not to be happening in our world today. Being a patriotic person has only endeared me more to her books. Forever an admirer!
Can't think of enough adjectives to describe this book! Lost sleep to finish. Margaret Kay is a gifted and talented author who writes about characters and stories too real not to be happening in our world today. Being a patriotic person has only endeared me more to her books. Forever an admirer!
Read
September 24, 2019A Good story line with well done plot and characters_______BUT........
The editing for word use, English grammar and sentence construction is terrible, to the point of distracting the reader from the author's clearly well done work. If this was some type of "machine/electronic" editing it sure didn't work very well at all. A disappointing purchase.
The editing for word use, English grammar and sentence construction is terrible, to the point of distracting the reader from the author's clearly well done work. If this was some type of "machine/electronic" editing it sure didn't work very well at all. A disappointing purchase.
February 10, 2021
A fantastic story
This was an awesome story, and a series that you certainly won't want to miss! With lots of action, suspense, intrigue, intense situations, and of course a forbidden love, what's not to like?!?
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was an awesome story, and a series that you certainly won't want to miss! With lots of action, suspense, intrigue, intense situations, and of course a forbidden love, what's not to like?!?
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
June 6, 2023
Operation: Recruited Angel. _#2
1st book I've read by this author and I have to admit it was very good. It was interesting, intriguing and captivating. I couldn't put it down. Each time I thought I would finish it later I would read another page then I ended up reading until the end.
1st book I've read by this author and I have to admit it was very good. It was interesting, intriguing and captivating. I couldn't put it down. Each time I thought I would finish it later I would read another page then I ended up reading until the end.
June 20, 2023
Awesome series
This is a fantastic book in a really great series. Each book has adventure, on the edge of your seat moments and romance! You will fall in love with each character in the books. Each could be read alone but don't. They all inner twine with each other. Fantastic book by a fantastic author!!
This is a fantastic book in a really great series. Each book has adventure, on the edge of your seat moments and romance! You will fall in love with each character in the books. Each could be read alone but don't. They all inner twine with each other. Fantastic book by a fantastic author!!
June 28, 2024
Recruited Angel
This is a continuing story, it can be read as a standalone though. The difficulties of military members and other law enforcement people are brought out and given the attention they deserve.
All these characters seem like real people that I can care about and worry over.
Margaret Kay has a way with words. I get caught in her story telling web!
This is a continuing story, it can be read as a standalone though. The difficulties of military members and other law enforcement people are brought out and given the attention they deserve.
All these characters seem like real people that I can care about and worry over.
Margaret Kay has a way with words. I get caught in her story telling web!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews