Saving Eli

Heroes With Badges #3

by Amber Thielman

Bringing a criminal mastermind to justice was my intention. Falling in love with a cop was most certainly not.


Kasper Hill is a wife beater. A corrupt cop. A relentless, cruel man.

He might think he’s above the law, but I beg to differ. As a social worker, I don’t carry a gun. I don’t have mobster connections. But I have something he’ll never have—integrity and true courage.

When Kasper Hill’s wife ends up in the hospital, claiming she fell down the stairs, I swear to do whatever it takes to protect her and her young daughter from the monster in their house.

Knowing that Hill is two steps ahead of me, I search for a cop who is both ethical and fearless.

That’s when I meet Eli. Handsome, honest, and charming, he’s still recovering from his wife and son being killed in a home invasion, yet he’s willing to help me despite the detriment to his own career.

My gratefulness turns soon to more. It’s impossible to resist Eli. I want him. I need him. With him by my side, I feel like I can do anything.

Together, we dig up evidence on Hill. He’ll pay for what he did to his wife, and his young daughter will never again quiver in fear.

By making our move against dirty Hill, Eli and I are risking everything. If we fail to put Hill behind bars, he’ll crush us. But giving up is not an option. Eli and I will fight for justice until the very bitter end.

Saving Eli is a steamy first-responder romance novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A sexy cop, his sassy woman, no cheating, no cliffhanger, plenty of heat, and a guaranteed HEA!

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2020

Reviews

[zen_s · Rating 1 out of 5]

[1.25 star] book was bland and boring as shit. the police department was as useless as it can be that couldn't do anything about a dirty cop. also, the connection between the hero and heroine is like close to none. eight of out ten times they were at each other's home, they end up having sex, like... pff~ not reading this author's book anymore.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroes with Badges is a series you don’t want to miss!

Amber Thielman has outdone herself with this hero romance. It is almost too dangerous and too hot to handle....

Jamie is a social worker with the local hospital who has seen Detective Hill's wife one too many times in the ER for the case of "oops I fell down the stairs". She is very concerned for her and her daughters well being, but she is in a hard spot till Mrs. Hill makes the first move. Going down to the precinct to see my friend Danny may be the worst idea ever, since it puts her on Mr. Hill's radar, but it is where she meets Sargent Eli.

Eli is a sergeant at the police force and is tired of the wife beater Detective Hill. But he doesn't have proof and knows there is something much darker going on with the detective. Little does he know the whole thing will unravel soon and the dangerous Mr. Hill will really show his true colors.

Eli and Jamie are attracted to each other from the very first moment their eyes meet. Eli is a tad older than Jamie, but she is very mature and stubborn for her age. She has been hurt bad by her last boyfriend, so she doesn't have time for games. Good thing neither does Eli.

I love the chemistry between these two characters. They have a quick forming bond and are both very independent and strong personalities. The other characters in the book are interesting and I can't wait to learn more about them as the series progresses. Especially when a fire fighter one is next!!! Oh la la.

Overall this book is outstanding and well written. It has depth and real life situations that will make you feel as if you are in the story. It shows the darkness in the world that happens everyday and also gets into how hard it is to help when you always have a road block in your way. This book has violence and domestic abuse situations in it. It does have a happy ending but it is filled with danger and adrenaline. You will absolutely fall in love with these amazing and sexy "Heroes with Badges".

[Tabetha Slade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book free in return for an honest review.
Personally, I won't be reading any more of the series. Although I liked the story, I felt the relationship between Jamie and Eli was unnecessary and didn't really add anything to the actual plot.

I felt the prologue was more designed for a movie / TV episode script than for a book, like I could imagine that at the beginning of a Criminal Minds / NCIS episode. It didn't really set the scene for the story, just gave some information that may help you realise the ending around the middle of the book - if you really thought about it after a couple of sentences of dialogue (assuming you were reading the book in one sitting and had nothing else on your mind that made you forget about the prologue).

*Potential Spoilers ahead*
It seemed more like the title of this book should have been 'Saving Madison' as Eli didn't seem to need saving from anything, and he didn't really do the saving either. Yes, something bad had happened in his life previously but the characterisation we got of him didn't seem to show that he was in a bad way mentally.
The book starts out seeming as it there are some good cops that are going to take down a dirty cop, however really the good cops are too concerned about their careers and lives, than those negatively affected by the dirty cop. The only person that seems to want to (and does) do anything about it is a Social Worker; who doesn't really have the power/authority to do anything about it. - That seems to be where the relationship comes in, because just going into a police station (even when one of your friends works there) isn't enough to get anything done. You have to be having sex with an Officer and non stop bring up the situation for them to do anything about it.

[Stacey T · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot seemed like a winner, however, it lacked a realism to the story (yes, I know it's fiction.) The relationship that developed between the lead characters was too fast and never seemed to be more than sex and their dual desire to bring a bad cop down. I could not get past the lack of substance between them and their backgrounds were never more than a simple story told to each other briefly. Their back stories were supposedly what drove them to careers, personal loss and growth, and yet they were insignificant pieces to the story before the leads were swept back into sex. Spoiler: Once Hill had been arrested, he more than likely would have been killed prior to going to prison and at the very least, shortly after arriving in prison to keep him from turning over information about the criminal people he was working with. Also, the wife had the proof to destroy her abusive husband and never thought to use it as soon as she left him. Instead they waited for days after finding out that she might have evidence against him and ended up with her dead. I know the family ending wouldn't have happened the same but again just rang false for me.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

On MY! This book was everything and more than I expected. The title had me confused for part of the book but then the steps fell into place and I understood. Eli is a cop who has a tragic and painful past because his wife and seven year old son were brutally murdered in a crime that he is still trying to solve. Jamie is a social worker who finds herself thrust into the middle of a dangerous situation when she becomes the case worker for a woman who has been systematically abused by her Cop husband trying to pin anything on him has been impossible. When you have a book that brings tear of sorrow as well as joy to your eyes, makes you tingle when you seen the sexy but romantic involvement between the main characters and then has you holding your breath while on the edge of your seat through the twists, turns and mysteries you know you have a hit on your hands. This book has it all so do yourself a favor and read this book!

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

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional read:
It took me a bit to settle into this book, especially as in the beginning the timing was off and I found it jarring how time frames didn't match with the action portrayed. However the pacing soon settled and I found myself enjoying the book greatly.
Jamie is a social worker determined to get justice for and protect an abused woman and her child. When she meets Eli, a police officer, they end up bonding quickly despite their age differences. I enjoyed seeing them grow as a couple although it took me a while to feel the chemistry between them.
It was a little difficult to read this book at times due to the heavy subject matter of corruption and domestic abuse, however this was balanced out quite well with the romance aspects. Overall I liked the depth of emotion that was portrayed and the ending was wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helen Diedericks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie works as a social worker and has seen and experienced what it is like to be in the system. After being called to the hospital again because Kasper Hill abused his wife, she had enough. Deciding to bring him down, she puts herself in danger to save his wife and daughter from him.

Eli is a police officer, mourning the death of his wife and son after a home invasion. He meets Jamie, when she comes looking for Derek. Eli can't get the beautiful social worker out of his head, and Derek invites him to a barbecue where he and Jamie gets to know each other better. When Hill's wife decides to leave him, Jamie calls in Eli's help. But there is more to the story than they know, and Jamie finds out some heartbreaking facts about Eli's wife and son.

Will the two of them be able to bring down the bad cop and live to love another day?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annette Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a fantastic plot! Lots of unpredictable suspense, unexpected danger, and unbelievable evil. The characters are awesome a hot, sexy detective, a beautiful, caring social worker, a frighten child, her abused mom, and her dad an evil, dirty cop! Their emotions are so realistic you feel them, their abuse is heartbreaking, and you experience the pain from every kick and blow as it hits unprotected flesh. This author paints such a vivid picture of what every abused family feels, their desperation and anguish, the grief doctors and social workers go through trying to get them help, and the tragedy that is so often the result of too little help from the police. The betrayal is especially terrifying, when it is one of their own that is the one doing the abusing! It also shines a light on how broken our foster system is. I love this author and her books! I wish I could give it the ten stars it deserves!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, it was well written and fast paced and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to find out what would happen and if Jamie and Eli would be able to protect the abused wife and child of an officer that worked in Eli’s station, while trying to prove that same officer was also a dirty cop.

I liked the progression of the relationship between Eli and Jamie but it was sad to see the struggles and obstacles that people have to face in order to fight their way out and overcome a situation like this. The story made my heart ache in some places but made me smile in others.

With short chapters I found myself finishing this book quite quickly. I thought to myself, just one more chapter, just one more and before I knew it I was near the end and just had to see what happened.

I received this book through Voracious Readers Only, I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading other books by this author

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! A great story about finding love, finding closure and fighting for what is right. Jamie is a social worker and Eli is a cop. They are brought together when Tara Hill finally decides to get away from her abusive husband Kasper, who happens to be a coworker of Eli's. Determined to bring Kasper down, Jamie and Eli work hard to find a way to make him pay for his crimes. Only, they find out those crimes are worse than they thought. Given information by Kasper's wife, Tara, Eli will finally get closer on the murder of his wife and son. The truth will be painful but in the end, he will be able to move on and be there with Jamie to help provide a stable and loving home for a little girl, desperately in need of a peaceful home.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli knows that his former partner is evil. But until Jamie enters his life, he has no idea just how much the dirty cop is capable of, and has already done. Jamie is prepared to to fight until she puts Kasper Hill in jail where he belongs, but she needs help. Will Eli be everything - protector, friend and lover - she hoped for?

The romance angle in the book didn't exactly win me over. It was more like insta lust that struggled to mature into romance. Jamie & Eli were having sex every single time they interacted behind closed doors, and to me, that detracted more than added to the intimacy the author was trying to create between them.

That being said, the suspense & intrigue were winning points for me. They kept me reading and interested in seeing that everyone got a version of HEA.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book the characters where so real with such normal problems that I felt like they could be part of my life A wonderful read that is a first for me from this author and it won;'t be the last

Jamie is called in by her friend Rowan who is a nurse at the local hospital She has just had a woman admitted who has been abused as a social worker and ex foster child Jamie is hoping she will press charges But her husband is a detective and she isn't willing to Jamie is determined to bring him down and enlists the help of Eli a, police sergeant at the local precinct Eli has his own damage his family where killed in a home invasion and he can't forgive himself. As they work together feelings grow between them but can they have a future when they are both damaged.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A social worker and a detective come together to assist a wife and child of another cop, who is abusing her. Very touchy dealing with an abuser, but to have him also be a cop is a whole other level. He knows how to hide things, etc to stay one step ahead. The two embark on a quest to help while also putting their own jobs and lives on the line. Closeness blooms into more while the intrigue surrounds them, putting emotions in high gear. There are enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters, back stories, and the world they are in are fantastic. Loved the whole chemistry of this book and can not wait to start reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the Heroes With Badges Series. OMG what a brilliant book.
What do you get when you have two dedicated people who will do anything for truth and justice, throw in a well connected corrupt cop who beats his wife and scares the living daylights out of his daughter? You get a brilliant read!!!!
This is Eli and Jamie's story. They are such an amazing couple, they fight for justice, take in and foster a child and try to keep their feelings to themselves.
This book was well written, characters were also, the chemistry is off the charts. This one also contains lots of drama and in the end Karma can come back and bite the baddie!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, this author has the gift of giving a fabulous page turner...
A few minor niggles, spelling, wrong words etc but insufficient to ruin my reading pleasure, this story was so compelling. I initially assumed Eli was a woman in need of saving but turns out he was a cop & the heroine was his saviour. Brutally ugly to toe curling steamy it was a bit of a roller coaster ride with rife corruption & crime & a seemingly untouchable brutal criminal cop. The plot unravels & it's beyond comprehension what he got away with but the hero & heroine were in tune to take him down. Could they succeed? I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading something by this author and it certainly won't be my last. This was such a touching story and so full of emotion. Eli is a police officer and has many demons from his past to deal with. Jamie is a social worker who is dealing with a difficult case involving spousal abuse. You definitely won't be able to hold back the tears when reading this. A beautifully written story that will touch your heart. I really enjoyed it. I will be looking for more of books of this author to read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me angry in several sections, and was almost too much for me to read. As a victim of domestic violence when growing up myself, I was able to relate to the book. Eli is an amazing cop, who helped bring Detective Kasper to justice. The love Eli shows to the social worker and the little girl Madison in the end, even after finding out how his family died is amazing. Good book, I just wish the mother of the little girl had survived it would have made it an even better ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Seashell · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started this book I was pulled in by the story and characters right away. Unfortunately, by the time I had read the first half of the book, I was disappointed with how linear the story became. There are too many coincidences, too many things lining up and the ending is simply too perfect. Even when the characters go though difficulties, they don't question or doubt themselves, they just keep going. It was all too fairy tale and not realistic enough for me. I received a free copy of this book

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saving Eli was a good story with plenty of suspense. It was fast paced with a dirty cop, a compassionate social worker and a battered wife that has no protection from an ineffective system. Eli and the secondary characters were as expected. Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of Jamie. I understood her frustration, her feelings of guilt and wanting to help. However, throughout the book, I felt she had no faith in Eli. In every dangerous situation, she rushed in first and Eli was an afterthought.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entertaining from start to finish. There was so much going on, that you couldn't help turning the pages. The chemistry between Eli and Jamie was super steamy, and the way the treat each other was just plain sweet. Both are such great characters that you can't help but to love them. This was a very enjoyable read!

I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.

[Mandy Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, the emotional roller coaster this book took me on was phenomenal, such a well written story about such a hard subject, I couldn’t stop reading once I started, I cried alongside the characters and fell a little in love with both Jamie & Eli. Such strong characters with great moral compasses. Looking forward to the next in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written suspense book about domestic abuse and about Elie and the questions surrounding his wife and son's murder years ago. I can really relate to this story. Some parts are hard to read about what this family went thru. Jamie is a social worker and gets caught up in this case and also catches the eye of Eli who is a police officer. Kasper is purely evil and dangerous. Danger, life and death and some heat. HEA

[Penny Ellgass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It deals with the hard issuestuff of abuse, coruption, foster care, loss of loved ones but in a way that heals.
Friends, family and love are the ideals that shape this story. I love the characters of Eli and Jamie,and some of the others as well.
I would recommend this to others who like romantic supense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So there are so many things that I loved about this book. Being a social worker it was very relatable and the author did a good job in her storytelling. Alas I do not have a handsome first responder but this does help me escape!
Looking forward to reading more of this series.
I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey Tranter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this well written suspense story that pulls you in from page one. It’s a page turning and action-packed romance with the right amount of steam and the right balance of independence from both main characters.

The story delves into domestic abuse which can be extremely hard to read especially for anyone who has been in that situation.

I loved the epilogue to see how everything worked out a year later.

I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie is trying to bring down a wife beater and a dirty cop when she meets Eli another cop. With his help she will try to do just that. This is a freaking awesome book. Wow it sucks you in and holds you to the very last page. I can not wait to read more from Amber Thielman. Warning this could trigger some people of past trama.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbly written! The story-line is well written, captivating, engaging, emotionally deep, and absolutely amazing. Immediately this book will draw you in and immerse you into a world of excitement, action, drama, twists and turns, suspense, and mystery. The characters are strong and likeable; the chemistry between them is hot and undeniable. Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ginny Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli lost his wife and child when they were murdered. He is still looking for the killer.
Jamie is a social worker. Her work is very important to her. She has stopped at the precinct to see Dereck and meets Eli.
Jamie is working on a case of getting an abused woman and her child away from the woman's husband who happens to be a bad cop. He also works with Eli.
They need evidence to bring this man down. When they finally find it, will he go down? Will Eli get his second chance for a family?

[Helen (Blissfully Bookish Besties) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Eli is the first book I've read fron this author, but it won't be my last. The subject of abuse was handled with sensitivity, while still being hard hitting. I liked the two main characters, Jamie and Eli, they had great chemistry and I was routing for their HEA. With romance, suspense, and angst, Saving Eli was a winner for me.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in the real world

I’m so glad that Jamie from Her Temptations got a story, and Eli is just perfect! I liked how the author took the horrors that life throws at the characters, made them deal with them together, interspersed with proof that the characters were falling in love. It felt real, it was emotional and the ending was exactly what I hoped it would be.