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In the Shadows Security #3

Guts & Glory: Hunter

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When what should be a simple assignment becomes a whole lot more...

For Hunter, what should be an easy job of finding another veteran’s long-lost brother has turned up nothing but dead ends. Even worse, it uncovered problems his team thought had long since been buried. Down to his last lead, he tracks down a woman who has his protective instincts kicking in for reasons he can’t fully understand. While her expressive dark eyes and generous curves catch his attention, it’s her fiery temper that holds it.

Back in her hometown, hiding from a man who almost destroyed her life, Frankie’s thrown off guard when a bossy bearded stranger shows up looking for information on the biker she’d rather forget. And he’s not taking no for an answer. With more to protect than herself now, she knows firsthand what can happen when you place your trust in the wrong person, but something about the former Green Beret has her not only letting him into her home but also her heart.

Hunter’s determined to complete his mission and keep Frankie safe—no matter the cost. Though he didn’t expect that cost to also involve his heart.


Note: Hunter is the third book of the Guts & Glory series, a six-book spin-off from my Dirty Angels MC series. While it’s recommended to read both series in order, each book can be read as a stand-alone. As with all my books, this has an HEA, no cliffhanger or cheating.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2019

1441 people are currently reading
415 people want to read

About the author

Jeanne St. James

83 books2,421 followers
JEANNE ST. JAMES is a USA Today and international bestselling romance author who loves an alpha male (or two). She writes steamy contemporary M/F and M/M romance, as well as M/M/F ménages, and has published over 60 books (so far). She also writes M/M paranormal romance under the name: J.J. Masters. Some of her books have been translated into French, German, Italian and Portuguese.

Want to read a sample of her work? Download a sampler book here: BookHip.com/MTQQKK

To keep up with her busy release schedule check her website at www.jeannestjames.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jeannestjames.com/newslett...

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5 stars
1,619 (62%)
4 stars
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226 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
Profile Image for BOOKLOVER_81.
2,358 reviews93 followers
May 5, 2024
When Hunter is tasked to find the half-brother of a friend, he didn’t expect that he will find his other half. The man he’s been tasked with finding is bad news all around, and he is dangerous. Hunter may not be in time to save Frankie and Leo.

Frankie is not a trusting woman, and she has too much to lose if anyone finds her. She’s tough, tiny, and a momma bear who will do anything to protect her home and her family. Hunter will discover this very quickly, and he won’t forget it.

I love this story, and the way that Frankie protects her family is exactly how I feel about mine. I love the Guts & Glory Series, and Hunter is just as great as the other two, Mercy and Ryder. These men are loyal, lethal, and very sexy. I give this story a 4.5-star review and can not wait for the next book in the series, Walker.

**Single Mom
**Hot tempered female lead
**3 yr old boy
**Crazy ex


Libby listen 🎶
Profile Image for  ~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~.
1,193 reviews7 followers
July 7, 2022
So I'm a little biased here with the HERO of this story, but that doesn't make what was put on these pages any less poignant or intense...but I'm crushing on Hunter kinda hard right now. Reminds me so much of a male I'm blessed to know in RL.🖤

That aside, this book is the best one in this series so far, IMO. Way too intense. Passionate with a lot of sweet moments with Hunter and little Leo. He and Frankie are definitely Yin & Yang. So their encounters and how they relate to one another was amazing to watch. A little heartbreaking at times too. Especially when we are given a clear picture on what makes Hunter tick and why. As well as Frankie and what is driving her.

This one has an interesting plot device that makes this one flow organically. But I do love how majority of this book was centered on Hunter and Frankie as individuals and how they related to one another amidst their personal fears, and issues.

If you only read one book in this series I suggest you read this one. And I say this with complete confidence, knowing I have yet to read the remaining 3 in this series 😊
Profile Image for Eleanor.
1,227 reviews29 followers
October 22, 2020
4 Hunter & Frankie Stars

Hunter is the third book in the In the Shadows Security Series by Jeanne St. James. Hunter is looking for a long lost brother of a friend. But he ends up finding something else instead. First, I suggest reading the Dirty Angels series before the In the Shadows Security series. Though the books are standalones, St. James continues to build into the Shadow Valley world and you see reoccurring characters.

Wanting something that might never happen can weigh down a person, destroy any appreciation for everything they did have, no matter how small or insignificant it seemed.

Hunter and Frankie 's story is far from a fairy-tale but their story was jammed pack full of the feels. The chemistry between the two was of the charts. I wanted know what was going to happen next therefore I was glued to this book.

“I’m sorry.” Regret colored his apology. “I’m sorry I can’t be who you want me to be. I told you before and I’ll tell you again, if it could be anyone, it would be you, Frankie.”

We had the whole team in this at one point and it was great reading all the secondary characters. This makes a book so much better for me. I highly recommend this book.

https://realtastypages.com
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews545 followers
June 14, 2022
I found this one interesting because it was fun to watch Hunter fall for Frankie and be all messed up because of it. He thought his past would always hold him back, but he learned that when push comes to shove, a person realizes what is important and not to throw away something good.

I loved how Frankie didn't just roll over when Hunter appeared, she fought him hard at times, gave in at others and really made him work when he finally realized what he wanted. She was perfect for him, Leo became an extra bonus.
Profile Image for Nile Princess.
1,591 reviews174 followers
January 8, 2023
4.5 Loved Hunter and Frankie! Given how they met, and the fact that she had a temper, I thought she would be annoying but she turned out to be a great character and they were well suited. Hunter was HAWT! Alpha and demanding, without being an a-hole. And Leo was too cute. Really enjoyed.
Profile Image for Rose Belle.
851 reviews13 followers
January 13, 2023
The book was not a bad addition to the series. It was hot, sexy, had a decent storyline, and a fast-moving plot. My issue with it? I just could not get into the characters at all. Neither female or male main character was interesting to me at all. I have no idea why.

Hunter was given a job to track down Slade's half-brother. His search took him to Frankie, a victim of said brother. She's fiery yet sensual with a lot issues to work through...so does Hunter for that matter. Hunter uses her as a starting point to track down the guy, and they end up falling for each other.

The story was solid, and I liked how Hunter was able to share his PTSD issues with Frankie. His character felt more fleshed-out than say, Guts & Glory: Mercy, in that manner. But like I said, I just couldn't quite get into the couple. That's not to say that YOU won't, though. So, if you've enjoyed this series or this author, you'd probably really like this book.

In the Shadows Security
-Review for Guts & Glory: Mercy (Book 1)
-Review for Guts & Glory: Ryder (Book 2)
-Review for Guts & Glory: Hunter (Book 3)
-Review for Guts & Glory: Walker (Book 4)
-Review for Guts & Glory: Steel (Book 5)
-Review for Guts & Glory: Brick (Book 6)
18 reviews
April 7, 2020
The story begins when Hunter agrees to help Slade, a DAMC member and fellow veteran find a brother he didn't know existed. Hunter is running out of leads and the trail is going cold until he gets a tip about a woman that may have the information he needs. By the time he sets out to find her, all their Intel points to the fact that Slade's brother has ties to a rival MC and has done prison time for almost killing the woman Hunter is looking for.

Frankie has been through hell and back. She takes every precaution to protect what she holds most dear to her. Having been in hiding since escaping her abusive ex, she's willing to do whatever is necessary to keep her family safe. Once Hunter finds Frankie, the sparks fly! ( Hunter & Frankie's introduction is one of my favorite book scenes ever! ) Hunter will need to put his own issues aside and prove to Frankie that he is there to help and protect her. But, can he gain her trust? What starts out as a search for Slade's brother has turned into something so much more. There is little doubt that both characters come to the table with their own issues. One thing is for certain, these two deserve to find their happy ever after!

Hunter is the third book of the Guts & Glory series and can be read as a stand-alone. However, I would recommend that you start out with the Dirty Angels MC series. This is where these bad boy alpha's were first introduced. The back story is worth the read. The DMAC series remains my favorite series to date. I was over the moon when I heard that In The Shadows Security was coming out! Jeanne St James never fails to come through with her amazing gift to tell a story like no other! I cannot wait to see what comes next! This was a 5 star read!
Profile Image for Deb B.
1,852 reviews16 followers
December 24, 2020
Jeanne St James has turned out to be one of my automatic go to authors.
Her books are for me some of the best of the best. They have a bit of everything and are full of emotion. The characters have real depth and develop deep abiding love with their chosen partners. I thoroughly enjoyed every book in the DAMC series and In the Shadows is proving to be just as strong a series. Absolutely love every word. These are not sweet soft romances, though there are moments of that ... these are dark and gritty and dirty.
Frankie and Hunter have violent pasts that have shaped them into who they are now and the now people are absolutely perfect for each other. Loved every word.

july 2020 - a reread of the down & dirty and the guts & glory boys as well as the dark knights and blood fury. thoroughly enjoy this authors work
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books91 followers
December 20, 2020
I borrowed Guts & Glory: Hunter from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

Hunter is part of the In the Shadows Security Team and he is very good at finding people and has earned his name. The problem comes when a fellow veteran asks him to find a long lost brother and keeps running into dead ends until he finds Frankie, a woman hiding from the man he seeks.

Frankie lives in her hometown under a new name and works to take care of her son, Leo. She has a temper, is very attractive and devoted to her young son. She brings out protective feelings in Hunter as he stays to protect her.

I loved how the group from In the Shadows Security helped each other and treat each other as family.
Hunter and Frankie's story along with Leo is full of hot interactions, suspense and danger and of course a happy ending.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,267 reviews218 followers
January 22, 2020
5 star review of Guts & Glory: Hunter (In the Shadows Security #3) by Jeanne St James

Audio Review

The third in the series and was just as entertaining as the first two. This one is narrated by Stephen Dexter and Ava Lucas. I was engrossed in the storyline from the first to the last chapter and couldn’t wait to see what Ms.St James had in store for Hunter and Frankie.

Stephen Dexter and Ava Lucas did a great job with the narrating and they certainly brought the characters to life for me.

The story was extremely well written, raw and gritty and I was fully invested in Hunter, Frankie and Leo’s story. I loved that Hunter, the man who didn’t believe that he deserved happiness, the man who had closed himself off from life, found love and a family in a small town.

It was also great to see a few familiar faces pop up and that added to my enjoyment of the story.
I really liked Hunter, he ticked the boxes for me, not as much as Ryder from the previous book but certainly a man who I fell fall. I loved how feisty, sassy and all in Frankie was with Hunter, she drew out his vulnerable side whilst he challenged her. The two of them together had off the charts chemistry.
All in all a great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Shirl.
1,024 reviews46 followers
September 28, 2020
Just when you think you've taken all the trash out more pops up. Warriors... not just any Warrior but Shade found out he has a half brother who followed Dad's foot steps and joined him in a bad club. He's like his Dad in more ways than just the MC. He likes to beat up on women.
Hunter being part of Diesel's company, In The Shadows Security, it's his job to find Taz, Shades half brother. He has the name Hunter because he can find anyone. Just his job but he a ways gets his man. This one he's having trouble with. Since Taz has been in and out of jail he checked with everyone he's known to hang with. Finally he comes to the last person who had him locked up. A young lady who he beat up and put in the hospital and reports show he caused her to miscarriage.
Frankie is hiding in plain sight...kinda. New name but living where she grew up and since the man who put her in the hospital a few years ago doesn't know where she grew up, she feels safer there than any where else. Until a stranger shows up and is watching her. Let's just say she and Hunter start off on the wrong foot.
Since Hunters time is limited and they need to draw out Taz, to me they make a few bad choices that take things from bad to worse. When the one thing that makes life worth living is taken from Frankie she has to decide what to do. Hunter is why that happened but since he is not ready to put roots down he isn't there to protect her. See what happens when he makes up his mind.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.1k reviews166 followers
September 16, 2019
Take a fiery and fiesty female that longs for roots and add a hot alpha male with a rolling stone mentality and you know that you are going to experience an epic story filled with lots of emotions, sparks, tension and steam. I loved Hunter and Frankie. These complex characters are intense. They are each carrying their own baggage. Baggage that has helped shape them into who they are today. I liked how neither one of these characters was looking for love, but it found them anyway. Frankie's son Leo was adorable and his scenes with Hunter will warm your heart. The story is filled with plenty of drama, action, danger and excitement. A excellent read and a great addition to this terrific series. I am by my own choice posting a truthful review.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
September 27, 2019
Hunter has put his past service as a Green Beret to good use and become part of the Shadow Security team. He is trying to track down a teammates brother and is running out of leads until his investigation leads him to Frankie and neither of their lives will ever be the same.

From the moment that Frankie sees Hunter she knows he is trouble. All she wanted was to keep a low profile and ensure that her past stays where it belongs so that she can protect the people she loves but he has her wanting more. They both have pasts they must deal with but when all is said and done will it bring them closer or tear them apart?

This story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster filled with intense heat, suspense and great characters.


Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,160 reviews16 followers
October 6, 2019
4.5 stars

One of the best things about this author is her ability to make every character feel like friends. Hell, more than friends, they are family. I've been with this author since DAMC was created and then followed along for this spinoff. I'm hooked.

It always amazes me how an author can keep the timeline straight. I enjoyed Frankie's sass and Latina temperament. I loved watching the banter had with not only his brothers but with Frankie "short for Frances (this made me laugh)" as well. Add in the scenes with Leo and it was over for my ovaries. Thank goodness I'm past that stage in life.

Was this my favorite of the series? No. Was it still amazing? YES. I recommend this book and series to anyone and everyone. I can't wait for Walker's book in December.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,869 reviews179 followers
September 13, 2019
While working a job to help one of his "brothers" find a man who just may be a relative, Hunter finds so much more. Frankie has made it her mission not to be pulled back into the life of the biker she doe snot want to have ties to as she has so much more to have taken away. The abusive past makes Hunter change directions. He is no longer looking for the man, he is now trying to save Frankie from him. But when chaos ensues, will it be the job or the woman that Hunter puts first. I love the dynamics of the characters in this book. Love finds you - even when you are not looking for it.
Profile Image for LaToya (Readingbythebayou).
895 reviews45 followers
October 8, 2019
Finding his roots!

I am loving this Guts and Glory series. Hunter is one of the Shadows and like the rest of them he has a past. Being a former Green Beret he's a force to be reckoned with. When he's tasked with finding Slade's brother the last thing he's looking for is love. Frankie is a spitfire and she catches his attention in a big way. These two are off the charts hot together. Their story is filled with plenty of heat, action and tender moments. A phenomenal read and great addition to the series.
Profile Image for domestic_godess_reads.
744 reviews26 followers
September 10, 2019
Holy jalapeños!! This was one HOT read! Book 3 of the In The Shadows Security series features Hunter. While on a job Hunter meets the feisty Frankie and her young son Leo and sparks fly! We also get a bit of a cross over from the Dirty Angels series ( which is amazing) and the Brothers in Blue series ( also amazing). Each book in this series is fantastic, you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,946 reviews16 followers
Read
May 5, 2020
Hunter is chasing the last person of an MC group, he's interviewing the victims. He's sitting in his beloved Range Rover and all of a sudden he's being attacked by this whirlwind of a spitfire, breaking his lights, and denting his baby. Frankie does not "think before she acts" and she gets in trouble for it. The attraction is there and its combustible. The dialogue is hilarious, especially when they are having sex and he said "Why are you having a conversation"? and Frankie replies "Because you kept calling my name, I figured you'd rather talk". Hilarious. Hunter has issues, big ones, that he won't admit. She's falling for him and she says the darndest things to him like "I think I just dropped like a dozen eggs, so you might have to double up on the condoms tonight to be safe. I'm not responsible for my fertility right now."

The story is intense and the journey is fabulous, you will never be disappointed in a Jeanne St. James book. I absolutely love this series and this author.
Profile Image for Shatire.
460 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2020
Hunter got more than he planned when he agreed to help Slade, a fellow veteran and member of the DAMC, find his long lost half-brother. Trouble for him came in the form of a tiny terror named Frankie. She's a fierce mama bear hiding out from an abusive ex. Hunter finds himself connecting with Frankie and her son a deep level, but what will he do when he finds out the connection between Frankie's ex and Slade's brother?
First, I suggest reading the Dirty Angels series before the In the Shadows Security series. Though the books are standalones, St. James continues to build onto the Shadow Valley world and you see reoccurring characters. At the very least, reading Slade and Crow's stories will give you great backstory into the situation.
Second, I love that the mean are such alphas, but the women don't take any s**t. They're not afraid to challenge their men. Frankie and her bat are no exception. I highly recommend reading both series, your sure to fall in love with Shadow Valley, PA.
Profile Image for Raven61.
1,135 reviews8 followers
August 23, 2020
Love this series - highly recommend!

For mature readers only (18+ years old) due to subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language, adult intimate scenes and violence, such as assault, attempted murder, kidnapping, and death.

This series is a spin off from the Dirty Angels MC series. It is not a MC series, but it does contain reoccurring characters and overall themes, so I also recommend reading it in series order. Otherwise the story universe and characters might not be as defined or as satisfying, and there will definitely be spoilers.

Hunter and Frankie’s story is well-written. Jeannie St. James’ stories always seem to capture raw human emotion and paint a picture that plays out vividly in the reader’s mind.
Profile Image for Tanya.
879 reviews17 followers
June 18, 2021
Hunter is a former green beret, and he clearly has his own issues. When put on job by Slade, one of the Mc brothers, to find his long-lost brother he just found out about. Hunter ends up meeting Frankie. At first, things start with lots of damage. I love how spicy, stubborn and strong she is. Frankie had a whole history, and Hunter falls hook line and sinker for her but, of course, won’t let himself admit it. He leaves when the job is done even though they didn’t get the result they wanted. I couldn’t believe he walked away, but he has serious commitment issues. As well as past ghosts haunting him. He comes when needed to finish what was started. Unfortunately for most of the shadows and Hunter, things go south, and the situation is too fast for him to wait on them. But he makes some good decisions, and his girl Frankie saves his neck at the last minute. After realizing he can’t live without them, he has them move to join him, and of course, it all ends happily.

The author did a great job showing the reader sides of Hunter we haven’t seen before. I realized he is a much more complicated character. Frankie was a joy to read about. She is so stubborn and so outspoken. The author did a great job adding some suspense to this book but not making the text too crazy. However, I definitely laughed when Frankie took a bat to Hunter's ranger rover. This book was sweet, and it was nice to see the single big man come around to a woman and a kid.
Profile Image for Suzi Vanderham.
135 reviews28 followers
February 7, 2020
Ms. St. James does it again with a Hot & Steamy read from her Guts & Glory series. I just love how we get a family of characters in this group really have their personalities shine in their cover books! Hunter is like the rest of the Shadows team as a former solider fighting his own battle scars, but his humor is just outstanding when talking to our survivor heroine, Frankie. Believable story line filled with lots of passion as one expects.

And again, the narration was ON POINT! Stephen Dexter's portrayal of Hunter is so dang good - especially when he is on a mental tirade about whatever Frankie is saying, doing, or making him feel. I think there are are least 4 parts where I just had to pause from laughing (specifically red-hot poker rambling!). Ava brought all the drama and emotion to Frankie's strong female lead - and I may have had my heart shatter a few times when she did an amazing voice for 3 year old Leo. OMG - All the Feels for the Little Guy!!! Great work team & will be adding Stephen to my priority narrators list alongside Ava's already front row standing.
Profile Image for Jenna.
106 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2020
Jeanne did it again! I know these are always HEA but the In The Shadows Security guys are so hard headed and so dead set against falling in love it makes my heart race in anticipation until the very end! Hunter and Frankie are both strong and bold people and the fire burns hot between them. They both struggle with letting someone in but quickly realize that each other is exactly what they need. Frankie is a spot fire for sure and Hunter is absolutely the kind of man she and Leo need. Another great book! I’m obsessed with this series and these men.
Profile Image for Ferbooks.
1,784 reviews13 followers
April 29, 2020
Another bombshell👊

Jeanne St. James never disappointed. There is nothing like a badass dude and and strong willed women with amazing chemistry between them, there is always fire works in and out of the bedroom. The story is intriguing with the right amount of suspense and steam to keep you on the edge of your seat. As expected, the story is beautifully written, has loveable and and the ending was awesome. Frankie demonstrated that she can put her actions where her mouth is. She and Hunter is a perfect match. I'm off to start Walker's story.🤓❤👌
Profile Image for Jenny.
608 reviews16 followers
July 30, 2020
This was SO good!!

I loved this book. (POSSIBLE SPOILERS)......I never realized how emotional it would be too. I cried several times. I loved the way Hunter and Frankie’s relationship developed. —And how he was with her son Leo-omg!! They had such an amazing intense chemistry immediately and they were totally hot together too. But it was really a beautiful (and for a brief time heartbreaking) love story. When Hunter realized how he really felt about them- it was just such an incredible moment.
Profile Image for Kim Otis.
1,065 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2021
Holy Hotness Frankie is a powerhouse of determination to protect herself and her son! Hunter got more than he planned when he agreed to help Slade, member of the DAMC, find his long lost half-brother. (That man is bad news all around)! Thank God he found Frankie at the right time and place. All of Jeanne St. James' men are loyal, lethal and very sexy, all of her women and beautiful, strong and faithful. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, Walker. These books are definitely one-clickable.
705 reviews7 followers
August 10, 2022
Hunter finds his HEA

Hunter is the third 'Shadows Security Agent' to find his HEA. The team are searching for the last of the Warriors MC gang who has gone underground. The search leads Hunter to stakeout out this man's past partners, until he finds Frankie. She is in hiding from this violent, abusive man and terrified he discovers her secret.

All these security agents are ex military, each having traumas and memories they have to live with every day. Hunter is no exception. He just had to learn to let someone in.
852 reviews7 followers
January 14, 2023
Frankie and Hunter

In looking for Slade’s brother Hunter found the last woman the brother had put in the hospital. Frankie had been pregnant and Taz wanted to cause her to loose the baby.
Now they lived in her home town and Hunter wanted to end her fear of Taz finding them.
Hunter’s PTSD made him fearful of a relationship but knowing she and Leo would be in danger as long as Taz could find them, they tried to flush him out.
Great story about the demons people can have being helped by finding someone who fit.
902 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2023
Branches of a Rotten tree

This story is mostly about discovering home for Hunter. Frankie is a real firecracker who destroyed his car with a bat... Most the story is the couple getting to know each other , but when the trap to catch her ex boyfriend doesn't get anything and Hunter leaves ... Well the end convinces Hunter his need to be free is not true where Frankie and Leo are concerned... He needs them to be free. I actually kinda wanted a bit of Frankie and the sisterhood, and maybe a bit more of Slade and his nephew... Maybe in a future story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews

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