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Bluegrass Security #1
Heart Thief
Enjoy this small-town steamy romantic suspense series by USA Today bestselling author PJ Fiala.
He's ex-military turned small-town security.
She's ex-Army with bills to pay and a keen ability to solve problems.
When crime picks up in his hometown, he reaches out for the best and gets stuck with out-of-town help that changes everything.
Retired and embittered military officer, Levi Jacobson is content running his small-town security business without anyone's help. After all, he can't trust anyone - especially women. But when the town suffers a slew of robberies and Levi can't figure out who's behind it before it gets worse, he hires help from out of town. A decision he might regret.
The last thing Sage Reynolds wants is to move to a tiny town to solve a series of burglaries. But with her bills piling up, she takes what she can get. Meeting her sexy, yet chauvinistic, new boss, Sage isn't sure if she's infuriated or intrigued. She's too busy being ignited by his attempts to be patronizing to focus on the way he makes her feel.
While Sage is determined to explore the way Levi makes her feel, Levi is determined to keep her at arm's length. But as the mysteries unfold, so does their resolve. Can they uncover the thieves before their hearts get stolen too?
Heart Thief is the first novel in the Bluegrass Security Romance Series, although all books in the Bluegrass world can be read as standalones. A steamy romantic story with a guaranteed happily ever after, it does have some strong language and exciting sexy times. Enjoy Levi and Sage!
He's ex-military turned small-town security.
She's ex-Army with bills to pay and a keen ability to solve problems.
When crime picks up in his hometown, he reaches out for the best and gets stuck with out-of-town help that changes everything.
Retired and embittered military officer, Levi Jacobson is content running his small-town security business without anyone's help. After all, he can't trust anyone - especially women. But when the town suffers a slew of robberies and Levi can't figure out who's behind it before it gets worse, he hires help from out of town. A decision he might regret.
The last thing Sage Reynolds wants is to move to a tiny town to solve a series of burglaries. But with her bills piling up, she takes what she can get. Meeting her sexy, yet chauvinistic, new boss, Sage isn't sure if she's infuriated or intrigued. She's too busy being ignited by his attempts to be patronizing to focus on the way he makes her feel.
While Sage is determined to explore the way Levi makes her feel, Levi is determined to keep her at arm's length. But as the mysteries unfold, so does their resolve. Can they uncover the thieves before their hearts get stolen too?
Heart Thief is the first novel in the Bluegrass Security Romance Series, although all books in the Bluegrass world can be read as standalones. A steamy romantic story with a guaranteed happily ever after, it does have some strong language and exciting sexy times. Enjoy Levi and Sage!
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2016
514 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Fiala
69 books824 followersI was born in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri named Bridgeton. During my time in Missouri, I explored the Ozarks, swam in the Mississippi River, played kickball and endless games of hide and seek with the neighborhood kids. Spending summers in Kentucky with my Grandmother, Ruth, are the fondest childhood memories for me.
At the age of thirteen, my family moved to Wisconsin to learn to farm. Yes, learn to farm! That was interesting. Taking city kids and throwing them on a farm with twenty-eight cows purchased from the Humane Society because they had been abused, was interesting. I learned to milk cows, the ins and outs of a breeding schedule, feeding schedule and the never ending haying in the summer and trying to stay warm in the winter. Our first winter in Wisconsin, we had thirty-six inches of snow in one storm and were snowed in our house for three days! Needless to say, I wasn’t loving Wisconsin.
I am now married with four children and three grandchildren. I have learned to love Wisconsin, though I still hate snow. Wisconsin and the United States are beautiful and my husband and I travel around by motorcycle seeing new sites and meeting new people. It never ceases to amaze me how many people are interested in where we are going and what we have seen along the way. At every gas station, restaurant and hotel, we have people come up to us and ask us about what we are doing and offering advice on which roads in the area are better than others and great rides others have been on if we are interested.
I come from a family of veterans. My grandfather, father, brother and two of my sons and one daughter-in-law are all veterans. Needless to say, I am proud. Proud to be an American and proud of the service my amazing family has given.
At the age of thirteen, my family moved to Wisconsin to learn to farm. Yes, learn to farm! That was interesting. Taking city kids and throwing them on a farm with twenty-eight cows purchased from the Humane Society because they had been abused, was interesting. I learned to milk cows, the ins and outs of a breeding schedule, feeding schedule and the never ending haying in the summer and trying to stay warm in the winter. Our first winter in Wisconsin, we had thirty-six inches of snow in one storm and were snowed in our house for three days! Needless to say, I wasn’t loving Wisconsin.
I am now married with four children and three grandchildren. I have learned to love Wisconsin, though I still hate snow. Wisconsin and the United States are beautiful and my husband and I travel around by motorcycle seeing new sites and meeting new people. It never ceases to amaze me how many people are interested in where we are going and what we have seen along the way. At every gas station, restaurant and hotel, we have people come up to us and ask us about what we are doing and offering advice on which roads in the area are better than others and great rides others have been on if we are interested.
I come from a family of veterans. My grandfather, father, brother and two of my sons and one daughter-in-law are all veterans. Needless to say, I am proud. Proud to be an American and proud of the service my amazing family has given.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 14, 2023
Mixed Signals
These two are awful when it comes to communicating with each other, but I love how the banter and tension build.
Of course, Levi’s jealousy needs a bit of an overhaul, too. 🙃 Sage Reynolds and Levi Jacobson definitely have some work cut out for them on the personal side, but when it comes to business, they do well together... sometimes. 😆
The mystery they work together to solve is a soft crime of random burglaries that appear to be done by kids. Compared to the tougher cases tackled in prior series, this really is mild, but it's also a nice change of pace. A palette cleanser, if you will.
I received an author's copy of the audio book, which I listened to while occasionally reading the book. The narrators are Troy Duran and Rose Dioro. I do like them, I just wish the author would switch up the narrators once in awhile. I am happy that the book is available in audio, very happy, I just find it hard to binge a series when all of the characters sound the same, so I space them out.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
These two are awful when it comes to communicating with each other, but I love how the banter and tension build.
Levi’s gut twisted when Dirks put his arm around Sage. He watched her face for signs of something between them. They could be friends with benefits or something, and that rankled, too.
-- Levi Jacobson
Of course, Levi’s jealousy needs a bit of an overhaul, too. 🙃 Sage Reynolds and Levi Jacobson definitely have some work cut out for them on the personal side, but when it comes to business, they do well together... sometimes. 😆
The mystery they work together to solve is a soft crime of random burglaries that appear to be done by kids. Compared to the tougher cases tackled in prior series, this really is mild, but it's also a nice change of pace. A palette cleanser, if you will.
I received an author's copy of the audio book, which I listened to while occasionally reading the book. The narrators are Troy Duran and Rose Dioro. I do like them, I just wish the author would switch up the narrators once in awhile. I am happy that the book is available in audio, very happy, I just find it hard to binge a series when all of the characters sound the same, so I space them out.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
February 25, 2019
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads
September 13, 2022
Wow, I wanted to like this book! I like stories of wounded warriors who make it back through difficulties. I thought that’s what this story would showcase, but it didn’t. It’s about two lonely people who totally miscommunicate in ways that are not comical nor heartwarming: they’re annoying.
It’s a romance with a little mystery of town robberies thrown in to add more pages. I think it’s because the romance is not sustainable. In chapter 19 (out of 39 chapters), readers will have worked out who is doing the pillaging and thieving, and will have figured out that it’s going to be heartbreaking. Except…it isn’t…because a few “how sad” sentences are thrown in about the thieves, then nothing. What happens to these poor folk? Who knows? Clearly, they were a device used by the writer to pad the storyline and move it along.
We’re given little views into the lives of a few of the townspeople; they all seem to be nice folk with lives that interest them. These people are just devices to add pages to the book, and they are left in the dust when the main characters leave town.
Levi Jacobson owns a security firm in a small town; he is curiously imprecise when describing how he makes money in such a tiny town – the business comes mostly from surrounding small towns. OK. Sage Reynolds has been hired by Levi sight unseen for a two-week job. He thinks he’s hiring a man. Hello? The name is “Sage,” not Casey or Lee or Pat or other gender-neutral name. Why would he assume “Sage” is a man? They have a real knock-down, drag-out fight over that. He wants her to leave. She threatens a discrimination lawsuit. Nice meet-cute. Yuck.
Upon meeting him, Sage wonders what his lips would feel like if she kissed him. There’s no lead up, just a misogynistic blowup between the two, then some lust. While working on the town robberies case, Levi kisses Sage, again out of the blue. All this kissing and lusting and yet there is zero chemistry between them. Yes, we’re told again and again that Levi is handsome, and Sage is beautiful. Yadda, yadda, yadda. It’s as if the writer cannot wait to get to the sex scenes. Even the sex is so-so. A lot of descriptive words, but no real chemistry between the two players. Maybe it’s because after he kisses her, Levi turns around and insults Sage. I’m not feeling the love here.
There’s a curious discrepancy concerning the reason for Levi being asked to join another security group as a partner. The two men who make the offer tell him they won’t lie to him, they “need the capital [he] can provide.” Yet two pages later, they tell Levi, “We have a support network in place, we have the financial resources…” and we’re told who those resources are. So, what is it? Do they need Levi’s money or not?
The book ends abruptly. One minute we’re in Levi’s small town and the next we’ve moved on to a new town, presumably in Kentucky. There is no buildup, no goodbye to the old town, nor hello to the new one. It’s just one paragraph in one town, then the next paragraph (albeit in the final chapter) in a new one. Weird.
I rated the book 2.5 stars and rounded down. The book feels like a draft; there’s not much substance yet. I went back and forth between rounding up or rounding down, because the writing style isn’t bad, but the story is weak. There’s scarcely a plot. Characters are moved around like plastic checker pieces. No chemistry between the two main characters. Lots of loose ends at the end, but oddly, I don’t have any wish to know more about those loose threads. As to the rest of the books in this series? A tip of my hat and a polite, “No, thank you.”
It’s a romance with a little mystery of town robberies thrown in to add more pages. I think it’s because the romance is not sustainable. In chapter 19 (out of 39 chapters), readers will have worked out who is doing the pillaging and thieving, and will have figured out that it’s going to be heartbreaking. Except…it isn’t…because a few “how sad” sentences are thrown in about the thieves, then nothing. What happens to these poor folk? Who knows? Clearly, they were a device used by the writer to pad the storyline and move it along.
We’re given little views into the lives of a few of the townspeople; they all seem to be nice folk with lives that interest them. These people are just devices to add pages to the book, and they are left in the dust when the main characters leave town.
Levi Jacobson owns a security firm in a small town; he is curiously imprecise when describing how he makes money in such a tiny town – the business comes mostly from surrounding small towns. OK. Sage Reynolds has been hired by Levi sight unseen for a two-week job. He thinks he’s hiring a man. Hello? The name is “Sage,” not Casey or Lee or Pat or other gender-neutral name. Why would he assume “Sage” is a man? They have a real knock-down, drag-out fight over that. He wants her to leave. She threatens a discrimination lawsuit. Nice meet-cute. Yuck.
Upon meeting him, Sage wonders what his lips would feel like if she kissed him. There’s no lead up, just a misogynistic blowup between the two, then some lust. While working on the town robberies case, Levi kisses Sage, again out of the blue. All this kissing and lusting and yet there is zero chemistry between them. Yes, we’re told again and again that Levi is handsome, and Sage is beautiful. Yadda, yadda, yadda. It’s as if the writer cannot wait to get to the sex scenes. Even the sex is so-so. A lot of descriptive words, but no real chemistry between the two players. Maybe it’s because after he kisses her, Levi turns around and insults Sage. I’m not feeling the love here.
There’s a curious discrepancy concerning the reason for Levi being asked to join another security group as a partner. The two men who make the offer tell him they won’t lie to him, they “need the capital [he] can provide.” Yet two pages later, they tell Levi, “We have a support network in place, we have the financial resources…” and we’re told who those resources are. So, what is it? Do they need Levi’s money or not?
The book ends abruptly. One minute we’re in Levi’s small town and the next we’ve moved on to a new town, presumably in Kentucky. There is no buildup, no goodbye to the old town, nor hello to the new one. It’s just one paragraph in one town, then the next paragraph (albeit in the final chapter) in a new one. Weird.
I rated the book 2.5 stars and rounded down. The book feels like a draft; there’s not much substance yet. I went back and forth between rounding up or rounding down, because the writing style isn’t bad, but the story is weak. There’s scarcely a plot. Characters are moved around like plastic checker pieces. No chemistry between the two main characters. Lots of loose ends at the end, but oddly, I don’t have any wish to know more about those loose threads. As to the rest of the books in this series? A tip of my hat and a polite, “No, thank you.”
March 4, 2021
Easy read but lacked adrenaline
OK so I liked this book. It was a nice easy read and the energy between the two main characters wad electric. But it lacked in action. When I've read other security books there has always been a dark and dangerous plot behind the romance this book didn't really have that.
The story was well written, the scenery picturesque and the characters likeable.
OK so I liked this book. It was a nice easy read and the energy between the two main characters wad electric. But it lacked in action. When I've read other security books there has always been a dark and dangerous plot behind the romance this book didn't really have that.
The story was well written, the scenery picturesque and the characters likeable.
January 10, 2023
Levi was heartbroken by an ex girlfriend so has given upon finding love. His injury from an IED means he is in constant pain and walks with a limp. He is grumpy when he learns his new employee is a female. Sage stands up for herself and puts Levi in his place. Working together allows them to feel things for each other. Troy Duran and Rose Diario do a great job with the narration.
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June 6, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (6/6/2021)!🎁
July 8, 2019
Insecurities abound when Levi and Sage meet but the chemistry they feel keeps them off kilter while trying to solve a series of robberies occurring in Sapphire Falls. Can they solve the mysterious crimes and keep their hearts safe or will they fall...An awesome beginning to this series!! Looking forward to the next book!!😍😍😍
December 26, 2024
Heart Thief is book one in the Bluegrass Security series by P. J. Fiala. After fifteen years in the Army, Sage Reynolds accepts a job in a small private security firm in Sapphire Falls to help her pay off her debts. However, her boss, Levi, hires her, assuming she is a man, and their first meeting needs to go according to plan. At first, Levi wants Sage to go, but he realises he needs her expertise. The readers of Heart Thief will continue to follow Sage and Levi to discover what happens.
I had not read books by P. J. Fiala before Hearth Thief, and I am so pleased that I found her books. I enjoyed P. J. Fiala's writing style and the way she portrayed her characters and their interaction with each other. I was engaged with Heath Thief from the first page and continued to the last page. Hearth Thief was well-written and researched by P. J. Fiala. I like P. J. Fiala's description of the settings of Hearth Thief, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book plot.
The readers of Heart Thief will learn what forensic analysis is and how it helps investigate computer crimes. They will also learn how to run a small security company in a small community.
I recommend this book.
I had not read books by P. J. Fiala before Hearth Thief, and I am so pleased that I found her books. I enjoyed P. J. Fiala's writing style and the way she portrayed her characters and their interaction with each other. I was engaged with Heath Thief from the first page and continued to the last page. Hearth Thief was well-written and researched by P. J. Fiala. I like P. J. Fiala's description of the settings of Hearth Thief, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book plot.
The readers of Heart Thief will learn what forensic analysis is and how it helps investigate computer crimes. They will also learn how to run a small security company in a small community.
I recommend this book.
September 2, 2019
This is the 1st book in a new series from this talented author. Levi is retired from the military and has started a security company in a small town. Sage is hired unseen, and when she turns up for work, Levi is a total chauvinist as he thought she was a man. Sage was in the army for 15 years and returned home to care for her ill dad, but when he passed she is financially forced to accept the job with Levi. This is a well written story which had me hooked and intrigued throughout, and I look forward to reading more in this addictive series.
February 8, 2025
Levi and Sage story was absolutely incredible. These two just made sense from the beginning. It was great to see how their relationship turned into something more. Especially after there first meet. I’ll definitely be coming back to this series. And read more of these incredible stories.
July 21, 2019
4 ½ solid stars for this first book in a new series, Bluegrass Security. Levi and Sage are both ex military at different points of their lives. Sage has had to start over after spending all her savings on caring for her ailing father, then paying off his debts upon his death. She agrees to take a 2 week job, sight unseen, to try and start building her nest egg again to open her own security company.
Levi has been hiding out in Sapphire Falls, Nebraska after his wife divorced him to marry his best friend while he was overseas. Taking an IED while deployed pretty much solidified his never being normal again. His body aches every day and he can’t get around as well as he once could. He is happy to have a new guy starting at his security firm for the next 2 weeks. Hmm maybe he shouldn’t have assumed Sage was a man.
Sage and Levi start off on the wrong foot but quickly realize they have a mutual attraction to one another. Sage isn’t looking for a relationship and neither is Levi, he is still living in the past. When thefts start occurring in their small town, the company is called upon to investigate and set up security cameras to try and catch the thief. Will they be able to work together effectively or will their attraction make things awkward?
When Dirks and Sam head into town as well, things start to get interesting. Dirks and Sage have history as do Sam and Levi. But it’s the former that has Levi’s emotions all up in arms. He can’t be falling for Sage, can he?
This is my first read by the author, though I have quite a few on all my TBR lists. Apparently this is a book that was previously published with the title “We’re going to make it” as part of the Sapphire Falls Universe series. I’m not sure if this was a publishing issue, looks to have been part of the kindle world era, or what. That being said I never read the previous so it was new and fresh to my eyes. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy without expectations. Overall, I loved the story line and can’t wait to read more about this new fabulous foursome and all their shenanigans. I’m hoping Chuck made the move with them from Sapphire Falls to make that a fivesome, I believe the description coming in the blurb from Sam’s book describes him so fingers crossed.
Levi has been hiding out in Sapphire Falls, Nebraska after his wife divorced him to marry his best friend while he was overseas. Taking an IED while deployed pretty much solidified his never being normal again. His body aches every day and he can’t get around as well as he once could. He is happy to have a new guy starting at his security firm for the next 2 weeks. Hmm maybe he shouldn’t have assumed Sage was a man.
Sage and Levi start off on the wrong foot but quickly realize they have a mutual attraction to one another. Sage isn’t looking for a relationship and neither is Levi, he is still living in the past. When thefts start occurring in their small town, the company is called upon to investigate and set up security cameras to try and catch the thief. Will they be able to work together effectively or will their attraction make things awkward?
When Dirks and Sam head into town as well, things start to get interesting. Dirks and Sage have history as do Sam and Levi. But it’s the former that has Levi’s emotions all up in arms. He can’t be falling for Sage, can he?
This is my first read by the author, though I have quite a few on all my TBR lists. Apparently this is a book that was previously published with the title “We’re going to make it” as part of the Sapphire Falls Universe series. I’m not sure if this was a publishing issue, looks to have been part of the kindle world era, or what. That being said I never read the previous so it was new and fresh to my eyes. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy without expectations. Overall, I loved the story line and can’t wait to read more about this new fabulous foursome and all their shenanigans. I’m hoping Chuck made the move with them from Sapphire Falls to make that a fivesome, I believe the description coming in the blurb from Sam’s book describes him so fingers crossed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2019
Sage has just moved to a new town, after accepting a job as a security consultant. She'll only be there for two weeks but, her boss, Levi, is truly a huge Chauvinist!!! That's okay, she's dealt with that in the 15 years she spent in the Armed Forces and, she'll take this jerk down, too!!! Well, maybe after she works with him for a while and, dreams of some friends with benefits action, if that's possible with a man who frustrates her to no end!
Levi is shocked when the security expert he hired, happens to be a whisp of a woman who dislikes him on sight!!!
Sage is happy to know that she is actually working with some great guys at the security firm and, some of her friends from the armed forces are also coming down to help. Levi is getting madder by the day as he watches Sage interact with the only woman he has actually had feelings for in decades!!!
Sage and Levi have two weeks to find the people guilty of all the robberies happening in town and, to deal with the feelings they are both denying are actually happening!!!
Loved this story!!!
Levi is shocked when the security expert he hired, happens to be a whisp of a woman who dislikes him on sight!!!
Sage is happy to know that she is actually working with some great guys at the security firm and, some of her friends from the armed forces are also coming down to help. Levi is getting madder by the day as he watches Sage interact with the only woman he has actually had feelings for in decades!!!
Sage and Levi have two weeks to find the people guilty of all the robberies happening in town and, to deal with the feelings they are both denying are actually happening!!!
Loved this story!!!
August 6, 2019
Heart Thief, Bluegrass Security is a fabulous contemporary romance by P.J. Fiala. Once I started this book I didn't want to put it down, so you've been warned. Ms. Fiala has provided a cast of characters that is outstanding and is my favorite thing about this book. This is a well-written smooth read. Levi is looking forward to the new guy he hired arriving to help him train Chuck. Sage has just finished paying her father's medical bills and his funeral, she's looking forward to working so she can eventually open her own business. Sage and Levi's story is loaded with drama, misunderstandings, humor, sexy bits and a little suspense. I loved every page of this book and look forward to my next book by P.J. Fiala. Heart Thief is book 1 of the Bluegrass Security Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from a third party. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from a third party. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 6, 2019
4.5 Stars
A great start to a new series by this author! The characters were well developed and the storyline is intriguing. This story centers around Levi and Sage and their convoluted romance. Levi started a security company in a small town where they don’t get much business but he stays afloat doing business in neighboring towns. He is in desperate need of a security expert and he thinks Sage fits the bill so he hires Sage site unseen, only when he meets Sage he can’t be more put off. She (and that is the issue with Levi) is ex-military and a total smart a$$ but she is a good fit for the team. But they have more in common than appears on the surface- both were hurt physically as well as emotionally therefore they don’t trust easily. They are hired to solve a string of robberies in town and they grow closer together. Can they work together to solve the case? Will Sage leave after her two week trial period? I look forward to reading about the other characters that were introduced in this first book.
A great start to a new series by this author! The characters were well developed and the storyline is intriguing. This story centers around Levi and Sage and their convoluted romance. Levi started a security company in a small town where they don’t get much business but he stays afloat doing business in neighboring towns. He is in desperate need of a security expert and he thinks Sage fits the bill so he hires Sage site unseen, only when he meets Sage he can’t be more put off. She (and that is the issue with Levi) is ex-military and a total smart a$$ but she is a good fit for the team. But they have more in common than appears on the surface- both were hurt physically as well as emotionally therefore they don’t trust easily. They are hired to solve a string of robberies in town and they grow closer together. Can they work together to solve the case? Will Sage leave after her two week trial period? I look forward to reading about the other characters that were introduced in this first book.
July 26, 2019
This is the first book in a new series. I felt bad that Sage had lost so much monetarily as well as emotionally. I know it was hard for her most of her adult life with being in the Army, proving herself in a man’s world, and feeling discriminated against since she was a woman. Levi sure didn’t make a good impression with Sage when he found out she was a woman and he thought she was a man. Levi does not trust women because of his past, so I can understand somewhat where he is coming from. I loved the military friends they both had that came to town. It is a very interesting story that I encourage you to read. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
June 19, 2020
Military romance but make it cute
Miscommunication is the name of this game. Sage and Levi have chemistry but at first it is hitting heads rather than a romance. They are working security together and starting to solve a case for the town at the same time. Both are retired military and both have some baggage that they must deal with.
The writing is descriptive and the story flows well. The characters are entertaining and keep the action moving from one scene to another. It is clear who the thieves are quite a bit before the end of the book and why, but it is still fun to see the team start to work together in this new series.
Miscommunication is the name of this game. Sage and Levi have chemistry but at first it is hitting heads rather than a romance. They are working security together and starting to solve a case for the town at the same time. Both are retired military and both have some baggage that they must deal with.
The writing is descriptive and the story flows well. The characters are entertaining and keep the action moving from one scene to another. It is clear who the thieves are quite a bit before the end of the book and why, but it is still fun to see the team start to work together in this new series.
January 1, 2020
From the cover of this book I assumed it would be an action-packed romantic suspense story. That was not the case, as there was no action, and very little suspense, though there was romance. Both main characters are former military with their baggage and past disappointments. I thought it was very strange how Levi kissed his new employee, Sage, right in the middle of the first case they investigated. At that point, I didn’t feel any chemistry between the two. The storyline didn’t hold my attention enough to continue the series.
July 3, 2022
This is a sink into cozy up read. Not to heavy, some heat, few twist and turns. Put that with great writing and It is one to read. Sage is a strong woman finding her place after leaving the military and losing her father. Levi has a small security business after his stint in the military and some personal demons to deal with. Together they can make a great team. Looking forward to reading more in the series. I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2020
Bluegrass Security by Author PJ Faila
This series each book better then the last - gotta love that.
The cast of characters you will fall for & want to know more.
Book 1: Heart Thief - Levi left the mitary but not without scares. He lucky to be alive but instead of grabbing it with gusto he is hiding out in a small town for peace & quiet & start a business. Sage hired on the spot starts off on the wrong foot with Levi. She hates small towns & ready to run & Levi not helping. These two definitely have coals ready to ignite good or bad "wait n see"
Book 2: Finish Line - Sam MacKenzie is one of the Bluegrass Security and he needs to get work done. He meets Stevie and sparks fly. He meets her again & discovers she is Detective Stephanie Jorgensen and working together or dying together could be in their future.
Book 3: Lethal Love - This was a moving story of Widow Nita whom is the local Hair Stylist & soon SPA owner. She has three grown children & some surprises she not even ready for. Chuck is the person whom everyone enjoys around - just a happy guy. He become a valuable team member to Bluegrass Security. His case or cases are high intense. Sitting on the edge of your seat! V3, S2
Really needs a Book 4/5 for Dirks & Regina's story - just saying!
#bookreviews
#truelove story
#escapefromreality
#enterpreneurs
#mafiacrimes
#stopanimalcruelty
#selfconfidencewithin
#survivors
#unconditionallove
#solvethemysteries
This series each book better then the last - gotta love that.
The cast of characters you will fall for & want to know more.
Book 1: Heart Thief - Levi left the mitary but not without scares. He lucky to be alive but instead of grabbing it with gusto he is hiding out in a small town for peace & quiet & start a business. Sage hired on the spot starts off on the wrong foot with Levi. She hates small towns & ready to run & Levi not helping. These two definitely have coals ready to ignite good or bad "wait n see"
Book 2: Finish Line - Sam MacKenzie is one of the Bluegrass Security and he needs to get work done. He meets Stevie and sparks fly. He meets her again & discovers she is Detective Stephanie Jorgensen and working together or dying together could be in their future.
Book 3: Lethal Love - This was a moving story of Widow Nita whom is the local Hair Stylist & soon SPA owner. She has three grown children & some surprises she not even ready for. Chuck is the person whom everyone enjoys around - just a happy guy. He become a valuable team member to Bluegrass Security. His case or cases are high intense. Sitting on the edge of your seat! V3, S2
Really needs a Book 4/5 for Dirks & Regina's story - just saying!
#bookreviews
#truelove story
#escapefromreality
#enterpreneurs
#mafiacrimes
#stopanimalcruelty
#selfconfidencewithin
#survivors
#unconditionallove
#solvethemysteries
December 25, 2022
Can you say miscommunication? How about no communication? I wanted to like this audiobook. I really did. The narration was good. The story I found to be frustrating.
Levi started out with extremely sexist behavior. He was rude and disrespectful. I don't know that I could have overcome his attitude as fast as Sage. Sage with all of her various experience seemed to lack confidence in anything other than her job. They both threw out so many mixed signals and jumped to so many conclusions. The whole situation was irritating.
Next we have the mystery where the culprits were obvious. Yet, it took forever for this crack team of security experts to figure it out.
Then we have the last silly move Sage made and at the end what I thought was a rather insulting statement from Levi regarding his feelings. But that's just what I thought.
The book left me with a number of unanswered questions. I hate when that happens. What happened to the people responsible for the robberies? What happened to Chuck? What was the point of introducing people in Sapphire Falls? Did Levi ever talk to Sage about his issues with women or relationships?
There was no build up of sexual tension. Levi and Sage seemed to come together almost in desperation as they ran hot and cold with one another. The ending was rather abrupt as well. I would give this 2.5 stars, 3 max.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed this audiobook received via StoryOrigin.
Levi started out with extremely sexist behavior. He was rude and disrespectful. I don't know that I could have overcome his attitude as fast as Sage. Sage with all of her various experience seemed to lack confidence in anything other than her job. They both threw out so many mixed signals and jumped to so many conclusions. The whole situation was irritating.
Next we have the mystery where the culprits were obvious. Yet, it took forever for this crack team of security experts to figure it out.
Then we have the last silly move Sage made and at the end what I thought was a rather insulting statement from Levi regarding his feelings. But that's just what I thought.
The book left me with a number of unanswered questions. I hate when that happens. What happened to the people responsible for the robberies? What happened to Chuck? What was the point of introducing people in Sapphire Falls? Did Levi ever talk to Sage about his issues with women or relationships?
There was no build up of sexual tension. Levi and Sage seemed to come together almost in desperation as they ran hot and cold with one another. The ending was rather abrupt as well. I would give this 2.5 stars, 3 max.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed this audiobook received via StoryOrigin.
December 28, 2022
Heart Thief
Bluegrass Security Series, Book 1
By: PJ Fiala
Narrated by: Rose Dioro, Troy Duran
Looking for a new romantic suspense series to listen to? Well, here it is! PJ Fiala starts her Bluegrass Security series off with a bang! I love small towns romances and she weaves her new story beginning in a small town. Sage is a nomad. Always on the move, trying to get out debt, she lands a two week job in security for Levi. He didn't expect a woman, and now she has to prove herself. After all, she needs the money and her skills will speak for themselves. But Levi doesn't see her for just that. His attraction to this woman is a feeling he hasn't had in years. Both with incredible baggage to bear, and a string of robberies they have to solve, we are treated to a suspenseful, exciting, slow burn story. And the ending is priceless! I am so excited for this new series and I can't wait for book 2!
Troy Duran and Rose Dioro are our story tellers, and this team understands and portrays Fiala's books perfectly! Duran plays the grumpy, alpha driver Levi to a "t". He finds his motivation and brings out all his emotions. Dioro has so much to work with in Sage. She has a lot of issues, and each layer is peeled back through her voice., I love this team and Fiala's books. It could not be a better match.
Bluegrass Security Series, Book 1
By: PJ Fiala
Narrated by: Rose Dioro, Troy Duran
Looking for a new romantic suspense series to listen to? Well, here it is! PJ Fiala starts her Bluegrass Security series off with a bang! I love small towns romances and she weaves her new story beginning in a small town. Sage is a nomad. Always on the move, trying to get out debt, she lands a two week job in security for Levi. He didn't expect a woman, and now she has to prove herself. After all, she needs the money and her skills will speak for themselves. But Levi doesn't see her for just that. His attraction to this woman is a feeling he hasn't had in years. Both with incredible baggage to bear, and a string of robberies they have to solve, we are treated to a suspenseful, exciting, slow burn story. And the ending is priceless! I am so excited for this new series and I can't wait for book 2!
Troy Duran and Rose Dioro are our story tellers, and this team understands and portrays Fiala's books perfectly! Duran plays the grumpy, alpha driver Levi to a "t". He finds his motivation and brings out all his emotions. Dioro has so much to work with in Sage. She has a lot of issues, and each layer is peeled back through her voice., I love this team and Fiala's books. It could not be a better match.
December 28, 2022
The story takes place in a small US town. It well represents the life and lack of privacy in a small town. Levi owns a security business and hires Sage as one of his employees. Initially he is unhappy about finding out “sage” is female. His chauvinistic tendency surfaces.(not a fan) However, he quickly changes his tune after seeing how talented she is. Additional guys are brought in for a special job. Turns out they all know each other from their military days. Romance and chemistry are between Levi and Sage. Sage is very insecure about Levi, and reads too much into his action and words. Levi is fighting his attraction to Sage, influenced by a past relationship.
Overall, this was an easy and quick read, which I enjoyed. I feel like the story called for more action in general, and more physical interaction between Levi and Sage. The story was well written, and characters well developed. I am interested in reading the next book in the series. The narrator was good, and voices were clearly defined per character.
I received a free copy of the audiobook, and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Overall, this was an easy and quick read, which I enjoyed. I feel like the story called for more action in general, and more physical interaction between Levi and Sage. The story was well written, and characters well developed. I am interested in reading the next book in the series. The narrator was good, and voices were clearly defined per character.
I received a free copy of the audiobook, and am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 10, 2023
This series starter introduced a bunch of characters — and I liked all of them more than Levi — at least at first. To me, this story had more of a cozy mystery with sexy times feel rather than a protector romance. Sage didn't need to be protected from anything, and it was obvious to me what the solution to the mystery was very early on. There wasn't an impending sense of danger or a need for anyone to be rescued.
It was good the story was told from two POVs, because hearing things from Levi's POV was the only thing that made the hole he dug for himself not impossible to get out of. The author did an excellent job with his characterization. It was easy to imagine Sage's frustration with him. I was slightly confused as to why Sage didn't slap Levi the first time he kissed her. He deserved that much! I did come around to liking him in the end.
The story is a quick read and fast paced. The characters grow, there are some steamy scenes, the mystery is solved, although I was left wondering what happened to the culprits.
Troy Duran and Rose Diano did a great job with the characters and narrative.
It was good the story was told from two POVs, because hearing things from Levi's POV was the only thing that made the hole he dug for himself not impossible to get out of. The author did an excellent job with his characterization. It was easy to imagine Sage's frustration with him. I was slightly confused as to why Sage didn't slap Levi the first time he kissed her. He deserved that much! I did come around to liking him in the end.
The story is a quick read and fast paced. The characters grow, there are some steamy scenes, the mystery is solved, although I was left wondering what happened to the culprits.
Troy Duran and Rose Diano did a great job with the characters and narrative.
April 4, 2022
Sage Reynolds had served in the military for 15 years and is used to spending her life on the road. She goes to Sapphire Falls because she is in debt had has no choice but to take a job with a new security firm but when she arrives she discovers that the boss is just a chauvinistic caveman. Desperate for help Levi hires Sage sight unseen assuming that she was a man, but as he needs an experienced security expert to stop a rash of burglaries, and so he is forced to hire her even though she distracts him. Forced to learn to trust each other, time is of the essence as the town's people are becoming restless. Can they solve the case and gain that necessary trust?
I enjoyed this story with the parallel tracks of the burglaries and the attraction between them both all mixed in to old friends and their impact on the future for them both. I loved the way she managed to solve everything and the real reason which was actually quite sad. Easy to read and understand, I definitely soon became addicted to the story. Contains some sexual content.
I enjoyed this story with the parallel tracks of the burglaries and the attraction between them both all mixed in to old friends and their impact on the future for them both. I loved the way she managed to solve everything and the real reason which was actually quite sad. Easy to read and understand, I definitely soon became addicted to the story. Contains some sexual content.
June 21, 2025
Levi hired Sage sight unseen only by her resume not realizing she was a woman. They but heads right off the bat because he tells her that he can't hire her because he thought he was hiring a man. Finally, he begrudgingly says she can work for just the two weeks needed to get through the festival. They are both fighting their attraction but finally give in. Then his friend Sam shows up along with her friend Dirks, who own a security company in Kentucky come to help them and convince them to come and be partners with them. Levi doesn't want to go back because his ex is there, and he can't get past the hurt she caused him years ago by sending him a Dear John letter and marrying one of his friends. He screws up so many times with Sage that he doesn't know if they will be able to work it out and she leaves in the middle of the night for Dirk's place. Will he close his business and follow to be with Sage? Will he be ever to get past the hurt his ex caused, and realize that not all women are like her?
April 8, 2020
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Missing the Spark by PJ Fiala is about Levi Jacobson and Sage Reynolds. He owns a small security firm in the small town of Sapphire Falls, and hires Sage, sight unseen, not realizing she's a woman.
Levi and Sage don't get off on the best footing, but they share some strong chemistry, and as they work together, they come to truly respect each other.
An enjoyable small-town read, with Levi and Sage's friends and co-workers providing a great supporting cast.
Read as part of Loving a Warrior: A Special Edition Military Romance Anthology, with stories by Samantha A. Cole, KaLyn Cooper, PJ Fiala, Maryann Jordan, Caitlyn O'Leary, and Abbie Zanders, amazing military authors, in a limited edition, print-only anthology of novellas for the Valley Forge book signing. It intersects with Erin Nicholas's Sapphire Falls series.
Missing the Spark by PJ Fiala is about Levi Jacobson and Sage Reynolds. He owns a small security firm in the small town of Sapphire Falls, and hires Sage, sight unseen, not realizing she's a woman.
Levi and Sage don't get off on the best footing, but they share some strong chemistry, and as they work together, they come to truly respect each other.
An enjoyable small-town read, with Levi and Sage's friends and co-workers providing a great supporting cast.
Read as part of Loving a Warrior: A Special Edition Military Romance Anthology, with stories by Samantha A. Cole, KaLyn Cooper, PJ Fiala, Maryann Jordan, Caitlyn O'Leary, and Abbie Zanders, amazing military authors, in a limited edition, print-only anthology of novellas for the Valley Forge book signing. It intersects with Erin Nicholas's Sapphire Falls series.
May 5, 2023
⏲️🎧 Quick-read fuss-free forever-love.
Super sweet with some sizzles and slow burn sexy-times all within a security firms start up in a sweet small town. A few things made me twinge - the typical misunderstandings and jealous confusion that could have been easily sorted out and the fact that the MMC took weeks to get his ass into gear and tell her he was coming for her! That kicked this one down a peg to two ⭐️ otherwise an ok read and even better listen. A N Y audiobooks with Troy Duran… YUM! 🫦
So yeah. Sadly not that original and an HEA I would have liked to have happened quicker.
Since it kicks off a strand of similar books about strong women and the security specialist who succumb to their sass -which I like. AND getting the audiobooks for free WITH more of Troy Duran - another like -I might try another one out.
Super sweet with some sizzles and slow burn sexy-times all within a security firms start up in a sweet small town. A few things made me twinge - the typical misunderstandings and jealous confusion that could have been easily sorted out and the fact that the MMC took weeks to get his ass into gear and tell her he was coming for her! That kicked this one down a peg to two ⭐️ otherwise an ok read and even better listen. A N Y audiobooks with Troy Duran… YUM! 🫦
So yeah. Sadly not that original and an HEA I would have liked to have happened quicker.
Since it kicks off a strand of similar books about strong women and the security specialist who succumb to their sass -which I like. AND getting the audiobooks for free WITH more of Troy Duran - another like -I might try another one out.
May 9, 2023
After his military career came to a premature end Levi decided to start a security business and hires Sage to join the team even though they have never met in person. Due to his past he is not happy when he finds out the man he hired is a woman and the sparks fly.
For family reasons Sage has left her military career in the past and is looking to finally create a home for herself. She thought this job was the perfect beginning but after their first meeting she believes he is a just another man who believes he is better than her.
Despite the fact that neither Levi nor Sage were looking for love and that they didn't get off to the best start they are exactly what the other needs in their life. I enjoyed the performance of the narrators as they brought out the feelings and personalities of the characters.
For family reasons Sage has left her military career in the past and is looking to finally create a home for herself. She thought this job was the perfect beginning but after their first meeting she believes he is a just another man who believes he is better than her.
Despite the fact that neither Levi nor Sage were looking for love and that they didn't get off to the best start they are exactly what the other needs in their life. I enjoyed the performance of the narrators as they brought out the feelings and personalities of the characters.
June 20, 2023
Heart Thief by PJ Fiala was a book I definitely enjoyed. I put it down to get water and use the bathroom that was about it. I stayed up all night reading it!!! Sage Reynolds is out of the military, a black belt in Jitsu and a surveillance specialist. Levi Jacobsen owns a security company and needs to hire someone to help train his other employee Chuck and work for the next two weeks over the Halloween Festival. So he hires Sage sight unseen. Things are rocky right from the start. Can they figure things out, while keeping the town safe and catching someone responsible for breaking into different properties all in and around the town? I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I received this book for an honest review. PJ Fiala is now an author on my list and can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!
Happy reading 📖!!
Happy reading 📖!!
July 28, 2023
I enjoyed this story with all of the characters within. The main characters were Sage and Levi.
Sage is ex-army and needs a job. She finds a job doing security for a business in a small town. It will only be a two week work and then she'll have to find something else. When she get there the boss man is not happy.
Levi is ex- military and he has started a security business that he runs. He lives in a small town. He is in need of more help and has hired a new person. They have been have problems with break- ins.When that person shows up he surprised.
This was a fun story to read or listen to. It had action, suspense and drama throughout. It had a few giggles within. The audio narrative did a good job.
I received a complimentary copy via Story Origin it was an audio copy. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Sage is ex-army and needs a job. She finds a job doing security for a business in a small town. It will only be a two week work and then she'll have to find something else. When she get there the boss man is not happy.
Levi is ex- military and he has started a security business that he runs. He lives in a small town. He is in need of more help and has hired a new person. They have been have problems with break- ins.When that person shows up he surprised.
This was a fun story to read or listen to. It had action, suspense and drama throughout. It had a few giggles within. The audio narrative did a good job.
I received a complimentary copy via Story Origin it was an audio copy. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
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