Jayden

Heroes at Heart #5

by Maryann Jordan

Jayden may have always been the quieter twin, but deep inside lay the heart of a protector. Helping a young woman stranded on the side of the road, he recognized her as someone he had seen before… and not been able to help. This time, he jumped in to take care of her car, befriending her in the process.Ruby Mantle worked hard just to get by. The weight of the world was on her shoulders, and she was wary of the large man who came to rescue her. But, soon, she learned that Jayden was everything she ever wanted but was afraid to hope for. Allowing love to bloom as their friendship grew, life began looking up for them. But, when her past reared its ugly head, Jayden stepped in to protect her once more. A Heroes at Heart novel. These men, raised in the loving foster home by the benevolent Miss Ethel, discovered there lies a hero in all of us. Based loosely on the fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood.Scenes in the book are similar to what you would find in an R-rated movie. 18+ readers only.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

50 pages, ebook

First published April 2, 2019

About the author

As an Award Winning and International Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo Best Selling Author, I have always been an avid reader. I joke that I "cut my romance teeth" on the old historical romance books. I’ve written as a hobby for over 30 years. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma's Home was created.

My first novel, Emma's Home became an Amazon Best Seller in 3 categories within the first month of publishing. Its success was followed by the rest of the Fairfield Series and then led into the Love's Series. From there I have continued with the romantic suspense Alvarez Security Series and now the Saints Protection & Investigation Series.

My books are filled with sweet romance and hot sex; mystery, suspense, real life characters and situations. My heroes are alphas, take charge men who love the strong, independent women they fall in love with.
I worked as a counselor in a high school and have been involved in education for the past 30 years. I recently retired and now can spend more time devoted to my writing.

I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters.
When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

I love to hear from readers, so please email me!
authormaryannjordan@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/authormaryann...
www.maryannjordanauthor.com

Reviews

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story! A great addition to a favorite series!!
Jayden is a standalone story in the Heroes at Heart series. Each story follows one of Miss Ethel’s boys, the foster children she took in.
The stories also have a small connection to a fairytale and this one has a bit of a take on Little Red Riding Hood.

“I promise I’ll never do anything to make you fear my size,” he vowed.
She blinked and looked up at him, a crinkle between her brows. “Jayden, I’ve never been afraid of you. I always think of you as my protector.”

Jayden is an amazing and thoughtful hero. He goes the extra steps to do what he is able to when he sees Ruby needs help. And Ruby is a strong heroine who has always been the one who does for others but has to find it in herself to accept the helping hand that Jayden offers.

I loved everything about this book, this series and these awesome characters!
-5 Stars!-

[Deanie Nelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jayden and Ruby are a cute couple, and I like the addition of her grandmother and Jayden's foster mom being friends. Their relationship is cliched, but this is a (loose) fairy tale retelling, so I'll let that slide. Once again, the supporting characters in this book are great, and I like to see how the couples from the previous books are progressing in their relationships.

[SB*needs low angst books* · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Sweet take and twist on the story of Little Red Riding Hood. The heroine was a little naive for my taste but this was supposed to be a take on a fairy tale so I excused that as such. So over all a nice little romance.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance tale is full of suspense, tension, sexy and soooooooooo much more.

You won't be disappointed reading this series.

All Maryann's series are interconnected.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new fave. 😊

[My Love of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything by Maryann Jordan and I always get excited when I see there will be a new book. This story had everything that I look for in my stories, it definitely did not disappoint.
Jayden is always willing to step in and help those in need and is always wanting to protect others, but that is how Miss. Ethel raised her boys to be. When he sees someone trying to start their lawnmower he of course wants to help, but his isn’t wanted so he moves on but his heart doesn’t, and he feels something he can’t explain. When given the chance to help this same person he gives it all his got. Once he learns more about this person everything starts to make sense.
Ruby has been on her own for a while, having to work and make decisions at a young age she is used to doing for herself and not one who takes help. But when she finds herself stranded on the side of the road she doesn’t have a choice but to let someone help. Once she warms up to the person she finds she can’t be without them. This is such an amazing story and I can’t wait to see what this author bring us next

[Lisa Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayden Chapman has an identical twin brother and both were raised by their foster mother, Miss Ethel. She instilled in her boys a love of reading and a knack for remembering quotes from great literature that meant something to them. He is a mechanic and runs his own shop. One of the foster children that Miss Ethel had also works there. Jayden is a protector and his favorite fairy tale was Little Red Riding Hood. Well when he meets Ruby, she is wearing a red hoodie that is too big for her frame and he mistakes her for a teenager at first.

Ruby is an extremely hard worker, she is taking care of her grandma and works two jobs to pay the bills and her grandma's medical bills that aren't covered by insurance. She never went to college but she works very hard. She is with a man who is an alcoholic and verbally and sometimes physically abusive.

This is a sweet story of love and how it can change a person's life. All of Miss Ethel's boys are protective and strong and incredibly handsome and Jayden is no different. Ruby needs help but she is stubborn and full of pride. She doesn't want a free ride. This story has action and heart as I have come to expect from the Heroes at Heart series. The damsel in distress is not weak. The characters are very realistic and they have flaws. I love Miss Ethel and all of the sage advice she gives through quotes.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect "Little Red Riding Hood" story

I really hate people who think abuse, whether physical or verbal, is OK. I know it is easy to tell someone to just walk away but sometimes it's not that easy. They don't have the right support to help them or they are just not strong enough to do it on their own until something really bad happens. I am so glad that Ruby finally broke up with him but as it happens a lot, he comes back again only angrier.

Jayden has always been a protector of those who need help or can't protect themselves. When he meets Ruby she definitely needs his help but begs him to just leave or it will be worse later so he reluctantly leaves but feels guilty. They meet again when she is stranded on the side of the road when her car breaks down. Being the person he he, Jayden has her car towed to his shop and fixes it for free because he can sed she is struggling financially. As they get to know each other better, he learns that her last relationship was abusive so he has a long way to go to show her she can trust him as he shows her how she should be treated. Can he prove to her that he only wants the best for her and Granny? What happens when he gets her fired from her waitress job? When her ex comes back wanting to apologize and asks for another chance, what happens when she says no she has moved on?

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these fairy-tale based stories by Maryann. Definitely a different twist. I also love the fact that she delves into the originals as well as the revised versions of these tales.

In this one, Jayden finds frustration as well as love when he takes a different route home from dinner at Aunt Ethel's.

Ruby is trying to mow the lawn at her grandmother's in preparation for her return home from rehab, unfortunately the lawn mower isn't cooperating.

Jayden sees her struggling, her red hooded jacket had caught his eye. When he stops to see if he can assist, he is surprised. This wasn't a child as he first thought, but a beautiful woman. Unfortunately he has to back away when a man appears in the doorway. He doesn't want to make things worse for this woman.

However fate does smile on him when he encounters this woman again.

Jayden really has to work at getting Ruby's trust. She has been let down in many ways by the only boyfriend she's had. Plus he has to prove to her that his help comes without strings.

Ruby's grandmother is a wise woman, and it's her influence that allows Ruby to accept the help she needs.

A heartfelt story with plenty of emotion, love and just enough sizzle to the relationship.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayden

WOW! This was an intriguing and heartfelt story. Jayden was feeling lonely but he was happy for all his brothers who had loved ones. He talks with Miss Ethel and she suggests he take a new way home since his normal route was under construction. He passes by a house and noticed a girl in a red hoodie struggling. He stopped to help her but realized that he scared her and felt helpless when another man came out of the house. He felt bad he couldn't help her. After a month, he got his second chance. Ruby felt like her life was not getting a break. She worked hard but thought about the guy who stopped to help her. After that, she broke up with Kevin - he was bad news all around. Her granny didn't like Kevin and was very happy she broke it off with him. The romance between Jayden and Ruby started when her car broke down. As they say, the rest is history. Their journey to happily ever after was not easy, especially when Ruby's ex decided he needed more money from her. Once he was taken care of, these two worked on their happily ever after. I love the Epilogue where these two get married and have 3 children. As usual, FANTASTIC job Maryann! I would highly recommend this book. Can't wait for the next book in this series.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayden is the next installment in Maryann Jordan’s Heroes at Heat series and it was another great addition. Jayden is a protector and we see that early on with some of his backstory that we are given at the start of the book. In the story, Jayden notices a woman, Ruby, needing help on his way home. He stops and offers to give help but ends up leaving without helping. This bothers him but he knows it would have been worse if he stayed. Eventually, he runs into Ruby again and she needs help with her car on the side of the road. Once again, Jayden stops and offers to help and this time Ruby lets him help. This sets the stage for our characters coming together and they are perfect for each other. I love the sly ways Jayden helps her out and helps her see all that she has to offer. I love the friendship among the other ladies and how easily Ruby fit in. Not only is their romance, but there is some drama in regards to Ruby and her past but it ties the story together. Overall, it was an amazing read and I look foreword to the next in the series. I received an authors copy and I have left an honest review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading all the Heroes at Heart but I was specially excited to finally get to read Jayden's story. Maryann Jordan has a special knack for taking Fairy Tails whether they are the original ones written to help provide a solution to a moral dilemma or the more well known versions that were adapted for children. She weaves these two differing styles into the storyline between the Hero of the book, in this instance Jayden and Ruby in her bright red hoodie. Somehow each Hero is not only well mannered (thank you Miss Ethel) but also has a strong sense of the need to protect those that are prayed upon by people out to harm them, all done in a manner that keeps the reader interested. I love the lessons that are taught but also the assumption that there are still good people in this world that can be counted on to help even when they are not asked. I'll leave it up to you to learn which Fairy Tail this story is about. Do yourself a favor and get this book and if you have not read the other Heroes at Heart books then you need to immediately rectify that error.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming ♥️

I fell in love with this series at the outset and have come to treasure each new release. These books just make my heart feel good. This charming modern day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood comes complete with heroine named Ruby, a riding hood in the form of a hoodie, a kindly grandmother, a bad guy named Wolfe  and Jayden as the hero/protector. As with all fairytales, Jayden ends with an HEA that will tug at your heartstrings just a little.

Ruby Mantle is hard working, just barely making ends meet woman with a warm caring heart. She's had to rely solely uopn herself for so long that she doesn't know how to do it any other way. Jayden Chapman is a honest small business owner, a twin and part of a lucky group of men raised together as brothers by a gentle woman named Miss Ethel. He has always been the protector of that group even while growing up. A chance encounter puts Ruby on his radar and he can't get her out of his head. Serendipity gives him the chance to help her out more than once. Along the way he bolsters her by teaching her that he says what he means and feel without artifice. She can trust him because he will be there for her.  

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is part of a series about a group of foster boys who were taken in by a loving woman, Miss Ethel. Now adults, they have become honorable men with big hearts and a love for reading, especially the Grimm tales.
Jayden, one of the twins who came to live with Miss Ethel, now owns his own garage. He is the protector, and when he sees a woman in need, he tries to help but in order to protect her , leaves her alone.
Ruby Mantle has had a series of bad luck , and is struggling working many jobs in order to take care of her grandmother and herself.
Little did she and Jayden know that an accidental meeting would bring them back together and that their lives would change forever.
While Ruby doesn’t feel worthy , pretty or loving, all Jayden wants to do is help her.
It’s a sweet story about friendship, family, hope, trust, self-discovery , overcoming insecurities, empowerment and love.
Another touching and thoughtfully written story by this talented author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayden met Ruby when he spotted her struggling with a lawn mower and stopped to help, then again when her car broke down. Jayden is a gentle giant and is always looking out to help people where as Ruby is shy with self esteem problems. They have instant connection and chemistry that grew stronger as they got to know each other. Jayden and Ruby have lost so much in there lives and have gone through so much. There are twists and turns that you don't see coming along with heartache, sadness, loss, emotional pain and danger. Maryann is an amazing author and her books are so well written with so much compassion even though there are difficult subject. I love this series so much and even though you could read these books as standalone they are better to read as a series which will give you all there background history and tell you what an amazing women Miss Ethel is and how she has helped them to flourish and become the men that they are today. I definitely recommend you read these books and you will not be disappointed.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy Of This Book.

[Sue Dayoub · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Miss Ethel’s boys!


Jayden is the next in the Heroes in Heart series. As always Maryann’s hero’s and heroines are sweet yet strong and this is true of Jayden and Ruby.
Jayden along with his brother Jaxon where foster children living with Miss Ethel, the sweetest lady around. There the love of reading especially the classics with Little Red Riding Hood being Jayden’s favorite though he preferred when the woodsman saved the girl.
Ruby has had a rough couple years losing both her parents and now living with her grandmother to help take care of her after the grandmother falls and breaks her hip. Ruby works 2 jobs to take care of herself and grandmother and when she really sees that her boyfriend is becoming abusive she breaks up with him.
Jayden is a rescuer just like the woodsman and Ruby needs some saving.
I loved this book Jayden is sweet and wants yo take care of everyone. Ruby is the same but Her past doesn’t want to stay there and puts her in danger you’ll want to turn those pages quickly to see if Jayden can save her again!

[Dawn Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayden is book five in the Heroes at Heart series and boy can I say it was one fantastic addition to this already exciting series. Maryann Jordan just does an incredible job of bring these stories and these characters to life. This was a story with action, love of family and caring friends and definitely some sizzle. Jayden Chapman is a man with a big heart and a deep love for his family he is happy watching all his brothers find the women they love. But He feels that finding love may not be in the cards for him. Ruby Mantel is a hard working woman who is taking care of her grandmother and just trying to make ends meet, then she finds herself on the side of the road with a broken down car, when the handsome Jayden stops to lend her a hand. This is where this story will grab you and won’t let go till the end. For me I think this may just be my favorite of the series. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this great book, hope you will enjoy as much as I did. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been impatiently waiting for Jayden's story and let me tell you, this book in no way disappoints! We get to see more of Jayden and Jaxon's back story and can understand what drives them as adults. I loved that snippet to show what helped shape them into the men that they are. Jayden has always been this man that will what he can for other people, even strangers. And he truly doesn't like to see good people struggling, especially when he can help in some way. Ruby is the perfect match for him. She is in a bad situation and is struggling with everything on her plate. But she is such a sweet woman that you can't help but love her. And knowing how hard she tries to make ends meet while still taking care of her family is heart breaking but truly shows her strength of character. I loved it! They are both beyond great characters and they mesh in exactly the way you would hope two people would! Another great read!!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another great addition to the heroes at heart series. I like the series because each book is a standalone, but I'd definitely recommend reading the whole series. You just understand so much more. This is Jayden and Ruby's story. I love how Ruby is a strong female character. She may be shy, but she's still strong. She's used to making her own decisions and taking care of herself, but she does know when she really needs the help. Jayden is a protector. Jayden walked away the first time, but he wasn't about to make the same choice again. Maryann Jordan wrote another fantastic book! I love how she draws a reader in, and you are able to experience the character’s emotions. You won’t want to put the book down once you start! I highly recommend reading this book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Larrissa Parde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story!!

Oh my! I absolutely loved Jayden and Ruby! It truly was a beautiful story, Little Red Ridinghood updated! Jayden is a protector and getting the chance to meet and help Ruby was the start of something wonderful. I love these Heros at Heart books because they are just sweet and loving ( still hot and sexy but different) and regular every day people. You don't have as much of the solving the mystery type stories like in other Maryann Jordan books but they are great stories. They are real life and real issues. I enjoy her books in general because I always feel a 0art of the story. Her books are so well written and the characters are developed and deep and you aren't wondering what they are thinking or why they did this or that! If this is your first of 46th MaryAnn Jordan book you will enjoy it!

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
This is book 5 in the Heroes at Heart series and it features Jayden and Ruby. I absolutely LOVE Miss Ethel! I love the tight family unit Miss Ethel has bred in these men since they were young boys. The techniques she used to help these boys were brilliant and I do believe she’s a little magical herself. The fairytale twist in the story was completely fitting. Jayden is a very honorable man, not to mention sexy and alpha-to-the-core. The sex was completely awkward because Ruby’s self-esteem is so damaged that it interferes with every kiss, every touch and every compliment he gives her. She is intimately and socially stunted.

This story did have great flow and amazing characters. The last chapter with the two and three year unlabeled epilogues were FANTASTIC! I can’t wait to read more from this very talented author.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayden is the next book in the Heroes at Heart series by Maryann Jordan. Each book is a standalone, but the characters reappear in each book. I truly enjoyed reading the other books in this series. Jayden is a protector and when he first meets Ruby he has a difficult choice to make. He wants to help her, but she tells him to go. He walks away knowing that if he stayed it could make it worse for her. He later on sees her broke down on the side of the road and he stops to help. Ruby reluctantly lets him help her this time. They start to get to know each other and they are perfect for each other. I don't want to give too much away, but their story is captivating! I received this book from the author to read and review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayden and his brothers of the heart were proud of what they had accomplished in their lives and their willingness to help others with the love and encouragement from Miss Ethel. That's why when she told Jayden to take the long way home, he did. On that drive home, Jayden encountered Ruby who needed help but due to her insistence he moved on without helping. But fate was on his side and Jayden and Ruby crossed paths again and this time he was able to help.

Jayden and Ruby develop a friendship and that friendship turns into something more the longer they spend time together. Ruby is just believing that her live has changed for the better when her ex re-enters the picture insisting on seeing her. Will he ruin everything or can Jayden and Ruby make things work?

[Elizabeth Kemper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Treasure of the Heart

Ruby has to work hard. With only her grandmother as her family and a lazy, abusive boyfriend she has to fight for whatever she needs. Then Jayden Chapman comes into her life. A former Marine and owner of his own mechanic shop, Jayden falls hard for the hard-working, delicate beauty. Once she divests herself of her worthless boyfriend, Jayden can show her what a real relationship should be. With the spectre of insecurity and a possibly dangerous ex hanging over Ruby, Jayden works hard to win her over. And, with the help of family and friends, and his own hard fought, supportive presence, he provides just what she needs, when she needs it. Great happily ever after.

[Evelyn Wark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!. Jayden's story is an absolute pleasure to read. The world would be so much better if more men were like him and cared about others even strangers. This series should not be missed and it's wonderful to catch up with all of 'Miss Ethel's' boys as Jaydens story unfolds and he meets Ruby. Like Jayden life hasn't been easy for Ruby but that changes when they meet and they both feel a connection to the other. It's great to see the love and devotion Ruby has for Granny, very similar to Jayden and his brother's with Miss Ethel. A definite must read and you will enjoy every written word.

Another cracking read from Maryann Jordan.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of this series. The characters are ordinary guys and girls, they all have one thing in common...they have huge hearts and love Miss Ethel! The last book was Jaxson and Morgan. Now it’s Jayden’s turn. I adore this guy he’s got a huge heart and is a born protector. When he gets the chance to help Ruby it changes his life. Ruby works hard and hasn’t had the easiest of lives but she’s got a beautiful heart. Putting these two together was perfect. Loved their connection and the way it evolved was compelling. Once I started I didn’t stop. Highly recommend this book and series. Can’t wait for Ashers book now

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read the other stories in this series yet, but something about Jayden & Ruby's story pulled me in & I had to read it right away! Altho the men & women from earlier books play a part in the story, I wasn't lost & it is a complete stand alone. I love the relationships between the brothers & their women! They are a very close knit family, and Ruby (and her Granny) fit right in to that dynamic.

Jayden has such a huge heart of gold, I loved getting to know him! And Ruby is strong & independent, even while she needs a helping hand. They fit very well together & I highly enjoyed their story!! : )

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this group of foster brothers. They turned into some great men. Jayden just instantly grabs your heart even from an early age. He has the heart of a hero and his protectiveness of those he cares about will win anyone over. Ruby breaks my heart, but at the same time the strength of her warms my heart and makes me proud. It makes it even more special watching Jayden be in her corner. Watching Ruby blossom and gain self confidence is something inspiring. It's not all sunshine and roses along the way, but where they end up makes it all worth it. I loved the ending of this book so much. It is heartwarming to read and beautiful.

[Cullen]

Jayden and Ruby's story

Jayden is leaving Miss Ethel's when she tells him to go a different route. Hopefully to miss any holes. He goes because of course you do as Miss Ethel tells you. Along the way he sees a kid fighting with a lawn mower. As he gets closer he sees It is a woman. He tries to help but she sends him away. Jayden can't get her out of his mind. He should have done something. A few days later while riding his bike he sees a car off the road.and stops to help. It is his Ruby. This time she isn't away
It is always a joy to be back with Miss Ethel's boys. Each story is uniqje . The love between couples and "brothers" is something to see.

[Barbara Kaminsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. This is the 5th in the series and based loosely on Little Red Riding Hood. As with all the others Jayden has a heart of gold and just needs the right woman to be his soul mate. Ms Ethel has done wonders with her boys. Just goes to prove families are made not just born into. In This story we see Jayden's need to step in to help someone in need when the past threatens to interfere. In the end Jayden and Ruby are perfect for each other. I love all of Maryann Jordan's books and I'm sure this is a book and a series that will be read many times.