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When the battle stops the warrior will fall.
Red Squadron’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist, Saxon Berg, hides the grief and rage at his sister’s murder under jokes, quick wit, and snark. The last thing he wants is for his bosses to find out he is chasing his murderous former brother-in-law. When he finds him, he is going to destroy everything and everyone the man loves, and nobody is going to stop him. Every year on April twenty-fourth, when missions allow, he throws himself a pity party and gets flat ass drunk to deal with the pain, losing his baby sister caused. This year, fate has thrown him a curveball he never saw coming.
Vincenzo Mancuso is running hard from his uncle’s enemies. As heir to one of the founding families of the ‘Ndrangheta mafia. He knows if he is caught, his family will pay the price. Help comes in the shape of a blond warrior who appeared out of nowhere, kicking ass, taking names, and helping him escape. He has been looking for a bodyguard just like him. One who isn’t afraid of the danger that comes with wearing his family name. But why the hell did he have to be one that made him want things he shouldn’t? Wanting him would be a death sentence… but Saxon may just be worth it.
Sometimes the line between right and wrong is stark and bleak, and sometimes Fate doesn’t even take it into consideration, when she sends the one made just for you. But in an uncertain world, only one thing is guaranteed—when the battle stops the warrior will fall.
Red Squadron’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist, Saxon Berg, hides the grief and rage at his sister’s murder under jokes, quick wit, and snark. The last thing he wants is for his bosses to find out he is chasing his murderous former brother-in-law. When he finds him, he is going to destroy everything and everyone the man loves, and nobody is going to stop him. Every year on April twenty-fourth, when missions allow, he throws himself a pity party and gets flat ass drunk to deal with the pain, losing his baby sister caused. This year, fate has thrown him a curveball he never saw coming.
Vincenzo Mancuso is running hard from his uncle’s enemies. As heir to one of the founding families of the ‘Ndrangheta mafia. He knows if he is caught, his family will pay the price. Help comes in the shape of a blond warrior who appeared out of nowhere, kicking ass, taking names, and helping him escape. He has been looking for a bodyguard just like him. One who isn’t afraid of the danger that comes with wearing his family name. But why the hell did he have to be one that made him want things he shouldn’t? Wanting him would be a death sentence… but Saxon may just be worth it.
Sometimes the line between right and wrong is stark and bleak, and sometimes Fate doesn’t even take it into consideration, when she sends the one made just for you. But in an uncertain world, only one thing is guaranteed—when the battle stops the warrior will fall.
168 pages, ebook
First published July 29, 2021
85 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Annabella Stone
58 books990 followersAnnabella Stone and Bella Stone are the alter egos of a wife and mom, who was lucky enough to find happy ever after with her own personal hero.
Annabella loves to write Military Romance and Romantic Suspense where warriors love harder when bullets fly. She believes in love at first sight and wants everyone to have the happy ever they deserve. Even if they have to dodge bullets and fight with everything that they are to get it.
Born and raised in Ireland, Annabella has a Grá for a good story and the breakfast blaa, but funnily enough, prefers Jack Daniels to Irish whiskey. Having lived across 7 countries and 3 continents over the last thirty years, she loves to explore new places and cultures. In her world, coffee is king, and she is 100% sure it deserves it's own food group.
Annabella is owned by a pack of malamutes, whom she loves to both work and show. If you can't find her at the computer writing, chances are she and her woofers have escaped to enjoy at day at a dog show, or they are on a mountain trail with the dryland rig or the sled, depending on the time of year.
Annabella's motto is "Live life like a malamute who found the gate open, but take the time to enjoy the sights while you're running."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 2, 2021
I really want to rate this book higher...
I really enjoy this series. I wanted to give it 5 stars, but the proofreading and editing sucks!!! It seems like all books written by this author, while the concept is highly entertaining and interesting, the lack of proper editing distracts from the enjoyment of all the books!! I really wish the author would invest in an editor. Please, Ms. Stone, edit all your books!!!
I really enjoy this series. I wanted to give it 5 stars, but the proofreading and editing sucks!!! It seems like all books written by this author, while the concept is highly entertaining and interesting, the lack of proper editing distracts from the enjoyment of all the books!! I really wish the author would invest in an editor. Please, Ms. Stone, edit all your books!!!
September 3, 2021
It’s time for another Red Squadron coupling in what’s turning out to be an all-gay black ops task force. Saxon, the explosives specialist, and his friend-with-benefits, Rick, are the leading men in this sixth book of the Tags of Honor series. The plot involves the Taliban, the ‘Ndrangheta mafia in Naples, an abduction, infils and extractions. Amidst the action, Saxon and Rick must assess their feelings for each other and determine if they are ready to take their relationship beyond occasionally hookups. There’s lots of potential with exciting action and likable characters, but I’m sorry to say this book falls short in a couple of areas.
Punctuation and grammar are not only important, they’re essential in the written word. They have always been a problem in Annabella Stone’s books, but I just can’t anymore. The incomplete sentences, misused words, and incorrect punctuation are too annoying and distracting to stay present in the story. Extra commas are everywhere dividing sentences unnecessarily, and multiple times I’ve spotted sentences with three sets of quotation marks – one at the beginning of the quote, one at the end, and one in the middle of the sentence for some inexplicable reason.
One aspect of this series that I like most is the tight brotherhood – a chosen family – between the teammates. Their camaraderie, teasing banter, and snark have always been fun, and their extreme care for each other is heartwarming. The dynamic feels different this time around, though. Instead of some lighthearted remarks to diffuse the tension during ops, the team interaction verges into immaturity. As they race in a truck to rescue Rick from the mafia, two characters are setting up a Grindr profile for Saxon. As they infiltrate a compound, they’re cracking jokes about who has the prettiest ass. At one point, Saxon pouts when he can’t stand with his friends because he feels left out. Maybe this is how special forces behave, I don’t know, but I would expect demeanor more in keeping with the life-or-death nature of the situations. It doesn’t feel realistic.
I’m saddened that I didn’t enjoy Saxon more. My favorite in the series was the first book, Zenko. Unfortunately, the series has declined since then. The task force missions are not as complex and tense as they were and the antics overpower the love story. The blurb on Goodreads, by the way, is completely wrong. Saxon's love interest is a different person and the plot is totally different. I have to wonder if it was written for a different book. This novel just wasn’t for me, but if you’ve loved this series and can look past the things I've mentioned, you might enjoy Saxon more than I did.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
Punctuation and grammar are not only important, they’re essential in the written word. They have always been a problem in Annabella Stone’s books, but I just can’t anymore. The incomplete sentences, misused words, and incorrect punctuation are too annoying and distracting to stay present in the story. Extra commas are everywhere dividing sentences unnecessarily, and multiple times I’ve spotted sentences with three sets of quotation marks – one at the beginning of the quote, one at the end, and one in the middle of the sentence for some inexplicable reason.
One aspect of this series that I like most is the tight brotherhood – a chosen family – between the teammates. Their camaraderie, teasing banter, and snark have always been fun, and their extreme care for each other is heartwarming. The dynamic feels different this time around, though. Instead of some lighthearted remarks to diffuse the tension during ops, the team interaction verges into immaturity. As they race in a truck to rescue Rick from the mafia, two characters are setting up a Grindr profile for Saxon. As they infiltrate a compound, they’re cracking jokes about who has the prettiest ass. At one point, Saxon pouts when he can’t stand with his friends because he feels left out. Maybe this is how special forces behave, I don’t know, but I would expect demeanor more in keeping with the life-or-death nature of the situations. It doesn’t feel realistic.
I’m saddened that I didn’t enjoy Saxon more. My favorite in the series was the first book, Zenko. Unfortunately, the series has declined since then. The task force missions are not as complex and tense as they were and the antics overpower the love story. The blurb on Goodreads, by the way, is completely wrong. Saxon's love interest is a different person and the plot is totally different. I have to wonder if it was written for a different book. This novel just wasn’t for me, but if you’ve loved this series and can look past the things I've mentioned, you might enjoy Saxon more than I did.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2022
Watching the man he cares more about than he wants to admit get taken almost right in front of his eyes, Saxon Berg becomes a man on a mission with the help of his team. Rick Jones is being used as a pawn in someone's games and it's up to Red Squadron to figure it out. The plot to attack Diego Garcia keeps resurfacing. Every time in a different iteration. Rick's abduction may be tied to it so the team is having to work on two fronts to sort out the intel and the tangos.
Great suspense, intrigue and drama surround this duo. Figuring out feelings and then accepting them isn't always easy but getting an HEA makes it all worthwhile.
Great suspense, intrigue and drama surround this duo. Figuring out feelings and then accepting them isn't always easy but getting an HEA makes it all worthwhile.
September 10, 2022
Boom Boom
Saxon & Rick are all that and a big ole bag of chips. Finally, have a couple that makes it through years of separation, granted both are in denial that they want more than casual sex. It’s not insta love but long term pull that becomes undeniable. Saxon being blind to his own investment in Rick was hilarious, especially when Luc was tormenting him trying to drag out an admission. The way these guys band together just never gets old - Little things like giving a minute before briefing, not demanding details, understanding duty & sacrifice, they live up to the code of Tag of Honor Every. Single. Time.
Saxon & Rick are all that and a big ole bag of chips. Finally, have a couple that makes it through years of separation, granted both are in denial that they want more than casual sex. It’s not insta love but long term pull that becomes undeniable. Saxon being blind to his own investment in Rick was hilarious, especially when Luc was tormenting him trying to drag out an admission. The way these guys band together just never gets old - Little things like giving a minute before briefing, not demanding details, understanding duty & sacrifice, they live up to the code of Tag of Honor Every. Single. Time.
April 21, 2023
So the Goodreads description of this book was completely wrong and at first I was so confused as to who Rick was since the description mentioned Vincenzo and a search for his sister. I was first thinking that maybe Rick was a ghost team member and those were his birth name and new name. But no one from ghosts was mentioned so I went and checked the Amazon description and man did things make soo much more since after reading the correct one! Ahhh Saxon & Rick I love them! I love Sax nickname Boom Boom. The glitter attack, the camaraderie the bond the boys share, I love this series more with each book!
July 29, 2021
My new favorite of the series
Annabella has done it again. I absolutely loved Saxon and Ricks story. I love her entire Tags of honor series,my favorite has changed with each new book. I love the fact that these tough military warriors are brought to their knees by love and Saxon is no different. Reading how Rick goes from a casual hook up to his finally admitting he is his and claiming him is a ride you need to take. You will not be disappointed with their story or any of the others in this series.
Annabella has done it again. I absolutely loved Saxon and Ricks story. I love her entire Tags of honor series,my favorite has changed with each new book. I love the fact that these tough military warriors are brought to their knees by love and Saxon is no different. Reading how Rick goes from a casual hook up to his finally admitting he is his and claiming him is a ride you need to take. You will not be disappointed with their story or any of the others in this series.
August 6, 2021
I really like Saxon and Rick, they are a friends-with-benefit couple so there is a history here unlike Zenko or Drax's stories. Both are likable and the story is as usual fast-pathed and energetic. I would have like to see more of Saxon's background and family.
What stops me from giving 5* is the introduction of again a new team. I start to loose track of whose who and it feels the autor is juggling too many storylines at the same time. The teams are great but I think her writing could benefit of finishing one team before jumping to the next one.
What stops me from giving 5* is the introduction of again a new team. I start to loose track of whose who and it feels the autor is juggling too many storylines at the same time. The teams are great but I think her writing could benefit of finishing one team before jumping to the next one.
May 27, 2022
So wonderful.
The more I read this series and this universe the more I love it. Rick and Sax have been long time friends with benefits, but when someone begins targeting Rick they both realize there is more there than just sex. Sax's team is tasked with protecting Rick while he and Sax figure out their future and the team figures out the bigger plot behind the hit on Rick.
I always adone the banter and brotherhood between the teams in these books. It makes for delightful and page turning reading.
Highly recommended.
The more I read this series and this universe the more I love it. Rick and Sax have been long time friends with benefits, but when someone begins targeting Rick they both realize there is more there than just sex. Sax's team is tasked with protecting Rick while he and Sax figure out their future and the team figures out the bigger plot behind the hit on Rick.
I always adone the banter and brotherhood between the teams in these books. It makes for delightful and page turning reading.
Highly recommended.
August 6, 2021
Love the storyline, characters, and series but please, please, please do something about the simple, silly, stupid misspelled words and grammatical errors throughout the book. They detract from the flow of the story and honestly, in this day and age of spell check and grammar check programs, there is really no excuse for them.
You are a good storyteller and writer but you seriously need better proofreading software or people.
You are a good storyteller and writer but you seriously need better proofreading software or people.
August 21, 2021
Saxon and Rick . good couple.
Well wasn't surprised that boom, boom fell in line with the others. Getting bit by the love bug. starting out as fuck buddies but moved to more when Saxon witnessed Rick being kidnapped. Have to say Rick father is a major a hole. The attempted pay for hire to get Rick out if the way. The length that red Squadron went to for their brothers is pretty cool. Good story.
Well wasn't surprised that boom, boom fell in line with the others. Getting bit by the love bug. starting out as fuck buddies but moved to more when Saxon witnessed Rick being kidnapped. Have to say Rick father is a major a hole. The attempted pay for hire to get Rick out if the way. The length that red Squadron went to for their brothers is pretty cool. Good story.
July 10, 2022
I loved it. More twists and turns, some action and suspense. Two guys who start off as no strings but over time have found feelings creeping in, then one is grabbed off the street while the other is watching but to far away. This kick starts a mission and feelings move into high gear. Answers and more questions as is the norm for these series that also cross over into each other at times and during missions. But I'm enjoying them all.
March 3, 2024
Love and Betrayal
When Rick gets kidnapped, Saxon and his team come to the rescue. The betrayal is the face of Rick's father with the intention of murder and treason. Red Squadron needs to shut down his plan for treason and free another high profile prisoner. Saxon and Rick realised the relationship has moved beyond friends with benefits and moved on to love. The two are stronger together and they will not fail.
When Rick gets kidnapped, Saxon and his team come to the rescue. The betrayal is the face of Rick's father with the intention of murder and treason. Red Squadron needs to shut down his plan for treason and free another high profile prisoner. Saxon and Rick realised the relationship has moved beyond friends with benefits and moved on to love. The two are stronger together and they will not fail.
July 31, 2021
Tags of Honor
I love reading her books. I really enjoyed reading Saxon’s story. I am looking forward to Peanuts story next. I like the fact that all the characters are in each of the books from the first to the last. I like how she brings in her other characters from the Ghost team.
I love reading her books. I really enjoyed reading Saxon’s story. I am looking forward to Peanuts story next. I like the fact that all the characters are in each of the books from the first to the last. I like how she brings in her other characters from the Ghost team.
March 21, 2022
Love me...love me not...
Thank goodness we have Reeses story coming up soon! Rick and Saxon have been together for a good while as friends with benefits. Trying to change things has been an up hill battle what with bad guys trying to kill someone! Talk about a come to Jesus moment.... nothing like facing reality to make a person humble!
Thank goodness we have Reeses story coming up soon! Rick and Saxon have been together for a good while as friends with benefits. Trying to change things has been an up hill battle what with bad guys trying to kill someone! Talk about a come to Jesus moment.... nothing like facing reality to make a person humble!
August 26, 2023
Red Squadron book 5
Excellent book loved reading this fifth in the series, absolutely rocking action intrigue suspense and emotion and laughs along the way. Again not for everyone but this was intense action and I recommend to anyone who loves these guys to read more, I enjoyed every action packed page. Thanks
Excellent book loved reading this fifth in the series, absolutely rocking action intrigue suspense and emotion and laughs along the way. Again not for everyone but this was intense action and I recommend to anyone who loves these guys to read more, I enjoyed every action packed page. Thanks
July 30, 2021
Bit of a miss
I've enjoyed this series overall they actually have been auto buys for me since the first book Zenko but this one was disappointing. The story was choppy and the abundance of grammatical errors was distracting.
I've enjoyed this series overall they actually have been auto buys for me since the first book Zenko but this one was disappointing. The story was choppy and the abundance of grammatical errors was distracting.
August 1, 2021
Another wonderful story. I loved Saxon and Rick together and really enjoyed the other members of Red Squadron and glad that Rick's horrible father got what he deserved. If only this played out in real life for a certain former president. Can't wait for Reese's story.
August 22, 2021
Great action, great connections and a wonderful storyline brings Saxon and Rick's story to life. Watching the two go from occasional hookups to a committed relationship while dodging bullets and bringing the squadrons together was fabulous. One of my favorites in the series.
September 29, 2022
Second chances
Saxon and Rick are friends with benefits. Rick wants more but Saxon doesn't think he is relationship material. When things go fubar Saxon has to rethink his feelings.
I am loving reading all these books.
Saxon and Rick are friends with benefits. Rick wants more but Saxon doesn't think he is relationship material. When things go fubar Saxon has to rethink his feelings.
I am loving reading all these books.
July 31, 2021
What is with Chapter 17????
I was getting into it, Saxon and Rick were starting to feel real then nothing, other than 6mths later. Thats it!!!!
I was getting into it, Saxon and Rick were starting to feel real then nothing, other than 6mths later. Thats it!!!!
November 26, 2021
❤️❤️❤️
December 11, 2021
Great story but ignore the blurb; it has zero to do with this book, not even the right love interest. This is Saxon and Rick’s story.
June 15, 2022
Good
I have followed all the series . I liked this story but it wasn't the greatest storyline. While there was an arrest it wasn't really satisfying.
I have followed all the series . I liked this story but it wasn't the greatest storyline. While there was an arrest it wasn't really satisfying.
January 4, 2024
A great addition!
Two unique soldiers, each with unique skills and backgrounds find their way to their HEA thru the chaos. Don't miss it!
Two unique soldiers, each with unique skills and backgrounds find their way to their HEA thru the chaos. Don't miss it!
April 5, 2024
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
May 5, 2025
My rating: five stars. The series just gets better, and better! Onto book 6
December 31, 2021
4.5 hearts
Let me start to say that I have been following this author since the Panther series and have been hooked ever since 🙂
When I saw Saxon being released, I realised I missed Roman’s book and I got to spend a spend a wonderful afternoon/ evening/night reading his book and after that, Saxon’s.
Back to Saxon, this book had me laughing out loud because of the antics of the Red Squadron team including their significant others.
While we as readers are experiencing the awakening of Saxon, his realisation on feelings, and what a relationship could be like, we also see that Rick is already a bit further.
These men are together already when the story starts just not in an official relationship and then disaster strikes, so to speak.
I love the tentative steps they take which is completely opposite of how they act in their jobs and with their friends and was very entertaining to see (read).
Saxon’s protectiveness of Rick, despite constantly claiming he isn’t his man, is funny yet very touching, and I have to say, I dare you to not fall in love with either or both these man.
For me personally, the best part is the interaction with the team all together; the parts we get in how they are a choosen family and how they integrate with each other.
If you are familiar with Annabella Stone’s work you will have a blast connecting the little dots and hints appearing in this story.
For me, when I noticed I didn’t want to stop reading even though it was in the middle of the night, it was for me a sign that I really liked this book.
A slight thing I do want to mention is the tagline in the blurb, to me it doesn’t fit into the story so it made me confused on why it is there, there is no talk about 4 days or anything.
There are quite some big gaps between the releases in the different series and I really would like to read Dalton’s story after reading Roman, and now I want to read Joe McCarthey’s story also 🙂
So to Annabella Stone I can only say, keep them coming please.
Let me start to say that I have been following this author since the Panther series and have been hooked ever since 🙂
When I saw Saxon being released, I realised I missed Roman’s book and I got to spend a spend a wonderful afternoon/ evening/night reading his book and after that, Saxon’s.
Back to Saxon, this book had me laughing out loud because of the antics of the Red Squadron team including their significant others.
While we as readers are experiencing the awakening of Saxon, his realisation on feelings, and what a relationship could be like, we also see that Rick is already a bit further.
These men are together already when the story starts just not in an official relationship and then disaster strikes, so to speak.
I love the tentative steps they take which is completely opposite of how they act in their jobs and with their friends and was very entertaining to see (read).
Saxon’s protectiveness of Rick, despite constantly claiming he isn’t his man, is funny yet very touching, and I have to say, I dare you to not fall in love with either or both these man.
For me personally, the best part is the interaction with the team all together; the parts we get in how they are a choosen family and how they integrate with each other.
If you are familiar with Annabella Stone’s work you will have a blast connecting the little dots and hints appearing in this story.
For me, when I noticed I didn’t want to stop reading even though it was in the middle of the night, it was for me a sign that I really liked this book.
A slight thing I do want to mention is the tagline in the blurb, to me it doesn’t fit into the story so it made me confused on why it is there, there is no talk about 4 days or anything.
There are quite some big gaps between the releases in the different series and I really would like to read Dalton’s story after reading Roman, and now I want to read Joe McCarthey’s story also 🙂
So to Annabella Stone I can only say, keep them coming please.
December 2, 2023
I have been waiting for this book. I love the series so much and wait impatiently for each new story. I will say that this doesn't have the same flow and ease that the other books have. I like the story, but feel like something is missing and we don't get to delve into the characters as much as we do in the previous stories.
July 14, 2024
Hopeful
Saxon gets his guy. Rick, a man Sax has been involved with for a couple of years, is kidnapped right in front of him. Saxon and Red Squadren fight to get him back and figure out why he'd been targeted. With a great storyline and some fun pranks by the team . Red Squadren gets another team member.
4/5 stars
Saxon gets his guy. Rick, a man Sax has been involved with for a couple of years, is kidnapped right in front of him. Saxon and Red Squadren fight to get him back and figure out why he'd been targeted. With a great storyline and some fun pranks by the team . Red Squadren gets another team member.
4/5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews