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The Ghost Protectors #1
To Love a Ghost
After playing his part in Operation Perth in Afghanistan, former Australian Special Forces Commando Cade Kelly was officially declared dead. Recruited by Rock and Grif to join their elite team of Black Ops Operators, The Ghost Protectors, he has built a new life for himself as the team’s top intel analyst. A spur of the moment decision to spend his down time in Brazil lands him in the middle of a cartel revenge war. Cade has lived and died by the gun before, he’s not afraid of war. But the man he rescues, that man, makes him wish for the one thing he swore he would never have again—love.
Dragged into his father’s cartel world of drugs, blood, and money, for most of his life, Felipe *Rio* Oseguera González has been looking for a way out. He had it beaten into him to never trust a cop—even if you are paying him. But with his life on the line, the only one he can trust is the badass blond commando with the big ass guns. Rio knows better than anyone that freedom isn’t free, it always demands it’s price in blood. Even so, he’s grabbing this opportunity with both hands and if he has his way, he might just persuade this ghost that sometimes the dead can have a happy ever after too.
Death and vengeance may make them run… but can love get them out of this war alive?
Dragged into his father’s cartel world of drugs, blood, and money, for most of his life, Felipe *Rio* Oseguera González has been looking for a way out. He had it beaten into him to never trust a cop—even if you are paying him. But with his life on the line, the only one he can trust is the badass blond commando with the big ass guns. Rio knows better than anyone that freedom isn’t free, it always demands it’s price in blood. Even so, he’s grabbing this opportunity with both hands and if he has his way, he might just persuade this ghost that sometimes the dead can have a happy ever after too.
Death and vengeance may make them run… but can love get them out of this war alive?
234 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2020
307 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Annabella Stone
65 books995 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 53 reviews
November 27, 2020
2 stars
I enjoy a good, fast-paced story but man, this book was like the Indy 500. The writing itself is technically not bad, but there was so much jumping around that I had to reread more than a few sentences out loud to comprehend what was going on, which really screwed with the story flow. Also, I'm not sure what POV each chapter is suppose to be from, because in one paragraph I'm reading Felipe's thoughts, and in the very next, I'm reading how Cade wants to doink the crap out of Felipe.
I like Felipe and Cade as characters, and wished that the book had focused more on them versus trying to introduce a ton of side characters with all their accompanying backstory. Storyline was interesting but is very convoluted at times, which isn't helped by the writing itself.
Overall, was kind of a pain to finish reading, but I hope the author has improved since writing this book!
I enjoy a good, fast-paced story but man, this book was like the Indy 500. The writing itself is technically not bad, but there was so much jumping around that I had to reread more than a few sentences out loud to comprehend what was going on, which really screwed with the story flow. Also, I'm not sure what POV each chapter is suppose to be from, because in one paragraph I'm reading Felipe's thoughts, and in the very next, I'm reading how Cade wants to doink the crap out of Felipe.
I like Felipe and Cade as characters, and wished that the book had focused more on them versus trying to introduce a ton of side characters with all their accompanying backstory. Storyline was interesting but is very convoluted at times, which isn't helped by the writing itself.
Overall, was kind of a pain to finish reading, but I hope the author has improved since writing this book!
April 11, 2023
A not too annoying read with a bit of an instant connection and very fast... well, it's not fast pace as much as a bunch of events squeezed together.
I can't really comment on the realistic factor of the whole deal and really, why would I? Why would anyone? This is fiction and the secret op stuff is just the spice that should make this romance into part action flick. If throwing in a bunch of gun names and the characters speaking in Tango Delta code languge during an 16 hours long planning sess with other secret ops dudes is what makes this realistic, sure, why not. Though I would definitely prefer they tone down the patriotic BS. As someone not from America (and somewhat normal and reasonable person) I find their need to stuck their noses into every country's business to be... disgusting? I am not up to date on the real situation but America is way too invested in fighting everyone - I mean, what else would they do with the shirt ton of guns and military equipment they produce do? Though I would not protest if they at least told the truth - covering their actions by some "we're saving Americans, why, we're saving everyone" BS is just plain wrong. People are selfish. America probably has a lot of reason, selfish ones, to do the shirt they do. And glorifying this just rubs me the wrong way. Especially since this particular team is some kind of 'reporting directly to the president unassailable pillars of money and superb equipment' deal.
May try more books, though this read was mostly average in terms of enjoyment.
I can't really comment on the realistic factor of the whole deal and really, why would I? Why would anyone? This is fiction and the secret op stuff is just the spice that should make this romance into part action flick. If throwing in a bunch of gun names and the characters speaking in Tango Delta code languge during an 16 hours long planning sess with other secret ops dudes is what makes this realistic, sure, why not. Though I would definitely prefer they tone down the patriotic BS. As someone not from America (and somewhat normal and reasonable person) I find their need to stuck their noses into every country's business to be... disgusting? I am not up to date on the real situation but America is way too invested in fighting everyone - I mean, what else would they do with the shirt ton of guns and military equipment they produce do? Though I would not protest if they at least told the truth - covering their actions by some "we're saving Americans, why, we're saving everyone" BS is just plain wrong. People are selfish. America probably has a lot of reason, selfish ones, to do the shirt they do. And glorifying this just rubs me the wrong way. Especially since this particular team is some kind of 'reporting directly to the president unassailable pillars of money and superb equipment' deal.
May try more books, though this read was mostly average in terms of enjoyment.
April 11, 2021
KU Read...2.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
Not entirely a standalone. Its obvious that its part of a series, so many people & backstories to keep track.
That being said Cade & Rio were a decent pairing. Not hot chemistry but closer to instalove feels. Cartels, spec ops form the background but Shaun & Zenko show up. Its like suddenly there is way too much going on with stuff I don't know.
Its got but doesn't make sense.
Not entirely a standalone. Its obvious that its part of a series, so many people & backstories to keep track.
That being said Cade & Rio were a decent pairing. Not hot chemistry but closer to instalove feels. Cartels, spec ops form the background but Shaun & Zenko show up. Its like suddenly there is way too much going on with stuff I don't know.
Its got but doesn't make sense.
November 28, 2020
Loved the plot idea, but it needs to be rewritten or have major editing done.
Between the sudden PoV changes between characters, background to certain events that's missing while other events have too much background it's a bit of a mess.
Between the sudden PoV changes between characters, background to certain events that's missing while other events have too much background it's a bit of a mess.
June 29, 2021
Substantial editing needed. - Avoid this work!
The subject of this work was a good idea!
The plot, the MC and minors development and consistent behavior were poorly written! This was a poor effort by both writer and editor!
The subject of this work was a good idea!
The plot, the MC and minors development and consistent behavior were poorly written! This was a poor effort by both writer and editor!
December 8, 2020
Once again, Annabella Stone blew me away. This is the first book in the Ghost Protectors book but it is a definitely connected to Delta Force: Team Panther; Tags of Honor; And Task Force Ambra. I love how all of these series are all interconnected in some way or form. That is what makes each of the books so good because not only do we get a new view point on how they are all connected but we also get to constantly revisit and learn more about former characters as well.
Cade has not always worked for Ghost. As a matter of fact he was brought on as part of the team after his former team was attacked and he was almost killed. Though he is very much alive a platt of him did die that day and he never expected to open his heart up to anyone again. With his new life with Ghost and as Cade, he has become very good at his job. He can get intel on most everything but like everyone, Cade needs a weekend away for some R&R to get his head together. What Cade never expected though was for his weekend of hooking up turning into so much more.
Felipe grew up with his grandparents until he was in his late teens. He had a very happy childhood with them until his two half brothers showed up and kidnapped him in order to take him to the father he never wanted anything to do with. Now years later Felipe is still trying to get out from under his fathers thumb and his criminal ways. Felipe has went so far as to work for the CIA to try and bring him down but that has not happened yet. Unfortunately for Felipe another thing he cannot do is be himself or he does and his father finds out then he would most likely be killed. So he has to hide the fact that he is gay.
While on his R&R, Cade goes to a club and he meets a man that has totally captured his attention. At first things seem to be going good until at the last second “Rio” decides to not hook up with Cade. So Cade ends up back in the bar at the hotel he is staying at. This leads to something unexpected happening, a group of people storm the bar and hotel and start killing people. Cade immediately calls Ghost to help him not only get out but to come and back him up. While waiting to escape, Cade realizes that there is another man close to him that has not been hit and low and behold it is “Rio”.
After going to the club to find someone for a one night stand and then deciding to not go through with it, Felipe finds himself in another bar but unfortunately this one ends up in gunfire. Cade, the man he was with earlier ends up saving Felipe’a or AKA Rio’s life.
This is where the story really gets interesting. This is where Felipe’s family, life, and the fact he is an informant comes to light and this is where Cade knows he cannot see Felipe again but cannot forget him either.
What happens when a little after a year passes and Cade and Rio still cannot forget about one another? What will happen when Rio’s family becomes increasingly more dangerous to him? Will Cade and Rio ever get a chance to build something together?
I loved this boom! It was another amazing read by Annabella Stone! And as always, I cannot wait to see what she will come up with next! Such an incredible author with books that draw you in and will not let you go! Definitely a highly recommended read!
Cade has not always worked for Ghost. As a matter of fact he was brought on as part of the team after his former team was attacked and he was almost killed. Though he is very much alive a platt of him did die that day and he never expected to open his heart up to anyone again. With his new life with Ghost and as Cade, he has become very good at his job. He can get intel on most everything but like everyone, Cade needs a weekend away for some R&R to get his head together. What Cade never expected though was for his weekend of hooking up turning into so much more.
Felipe grew up with his grandparents until he was in his late teens. He had a very happy childhood with them until his two half brothers showed up and kidnapped him in order to take him to the father he never wanted anything to do with. Now years later Felipe is still trying to get out from under his fathers thumb and his criminal ways. Felipe has went so far as to work for the CIA to try and bring him down but that has not happened yet. Unfortunately for Felipe another thing he cannot do is be himself or he does and his father finds out then he would most likely be killed. So he has to hide the fact that he is gay.
While on his R&R, Cade goes to a club and he meets a man that has totally captured his attention. At first things seem to be going good until at the last second “Rio” decides to not hook up with Cade. So Cade ends up back in the bar at the hotel he is staying at. This leads to something unexpected happening, a group of people storm the bar and hotel and start killing people. Cade immediately calls Ghost to help him not only get out but to come and back him up. While waiting to escape, Cade realizes that there is another man close to him that has not been hit and low and behold it is “Rio”.
After going to the club to find someone for a one night stand and then deciding to not go through with it, Felipe finds himself in another bar but unfortunately this one ends up in gunfire. Cade, the man he was with earlier ends up saving Felipe’a or AKA Rio’s life.
This is where the story really gets interesting. This is where Felipe’s family, life, and the fact he is an informant comes to light and this is where Cade knows he cannot see Felipe again but cannot forget him either.
What happens when a little after a year passes and Cade and Rio still cannot forget about one another? What will happen when Rio’s family becomes increasingly more dangerous to him? Will Cade and Rio ever get a chance to build something together?
I loved this boom! It was another amazing read by Annabella Stone! And as always, I cannot wait to see what she will come up with next! Such an incredible author with books that draw you in and will not let you go! Definitely a highly recommended read!
December 3, 2020
Overall I liked this story, and I enjoy the worlds that the author creates; they're heavily detailed so you know the research has gone into it, and you really have to concentrate as there's always a lot happening with a number of protagonists, and at the heart is a solid romance. I did enjoy Cade and Rio's story and I got swept up in the chaos and action that Annabella Stone always brings to the table, it really is a thrill ride, but I've a couple of niggles; firstly there's sometimes too much detail/backstory on supporting characters that takes the focus of our MCs and their journey. I know we need some of that detail to follow the story but I felt if led off into avenues that it didn't need to. Secondly was the editing, which I hate remarking on, but it did spoil the read a little for me. Words like 'hanger' when it should read 'hangar' etc. It's just a shame seeing errors in the basic grammar when there's such heavy detail on the technical/militaria terms and equipment.
Saying this though, I will continue to read this series and others by the author as I adore this world and like nothing better than seeing tough alpha males-and they don't get much tougher than Annabella's men- fall in love.
Saying this though, I will continue to read this series and others by the author as I adore this world and like nothing better than seeing tough alpha males-and they don't get much tougher than Annabella's men- fall in love.
January 27, 2021
When an op goes completely wrong Cade Kelly goes from presumed dead to part of The Ghost Protectors, but it is not until a quick and simple vacation time in Brazil turns his entire life upside down. One night with a stranger turns into a connection that leads him to be in the middle of a drug cartel revenge war and Rio is along for the ride. But will one night of passion turn into a connection that he cannot let die? Or will Rio's true identity be the nail in the coffin to finding happiness and love. There is nothing better than watching a special operative fall to his knees because he has fallen in love, but it is the rest of the story that makes that fall from grace even better. Once again Annabella Stone creates characters the reader cannot help but fall in love with and storylines that they do not want to see end. A great way to start off a new series.
February 26, 2022
There is a lot going on in this plot, also lots of characters from cross over series. Having only read a couple of odd books from this author I found this hard to follow at times, that isn't to say it's not good or that I didn't enjoy it, because I did. But I do suggest to other readers to maybe start with first series and work through to this, some things might be clearer for doing that. Series and characters that inter link can't be classed as able to read alone, not as far as I'm concerned. The characters are easy to like, get to know. There is plenty of action and suspense and an original storyline with several twists. I like the concept of a Ghost ops unit though at least one aspect I felt a bit unbelievable, some things though are more run of the mill with these type of books. For the most part I found it to be a really interesting and gripping read.
September 14, 2021
Starting a new series sometimes is hard. Even if it a spinoff from a different series.
Two men from opposite sides of a coin.one a military man the other an abused son of a cartel leader.these two meet. Heat develops and feeling are born. They meet up by fate or at least by happen stances. Care is wounded and has been drugged up. He is able to crawl to where Rio is staying and talks him into taking him back to his base. Rio does it but isn't happy. here the groups finds out Rio has been burned by his handler. The team leaders talk Rio into joining there merry group. Which he does because he has no love lost the for is dad or brothers. Their relationship starts out a little rocky but they will push through so they can get their happy ever after.
Two men from opposite sides of a coin.one a military man the other an abused son of a cartel leader.these two meet. Heat develops and feeling are born. They meet up by fate or at least by happen stances. Care is wounded and has been drugged up. He is able to crawl to where Rio is staying and talks him into taking him back to his base. Rio does it but isn't happy. here the groups finds out Rio has been burned by his handler. The team leaders talk Rio into joining there merry group. Which he does because he has no love lost the for is dad or brothers. Their relationship starts out a little rocky but they will push through so they can get their happy ever after.
November 26, 2020
4.5 stars
From the first book of Annabella’s I read, Jonahs Compass, I have been addicted to her stories. They are just reads when they come out.
I love the realism of the stories and once these guys find their soul mate they fall fast and hard.
Cade hasn’t been interested in love due to his past and I surly don’t blame him. Well until he meets Rio. Rios freedom doesn’t come cheap and he knows it. So when love comes crashing into him, he will protect it at all cost.
I loved seeing old friends and the extent they will go to protect who is theirs and meeting the new Ghosts. Bring on the second book. I need more Ghosts. Lol.
From the first book of Annabella’s I read, Jonahs Compass, I have been addicted to her stories. They are just reads when they come out.
I love the realism of the stories and once these guys find their soul mate they fall fast and hard.
Cade hasn’t been interested in love due to his past and I surly don’t blame him. Well until he meets Rio. Rios freedom doesn’t come cheap and he knows it. So when love comes crashing into him, he will protect it at all cost.
I loved seeing old friends and the extent they will go to protect who is theirs and meeting the new Ghosts. Bring on the second book. I need more Ghosts. Lol.
November 1, 2022
I enjoy Ms Stone's books, I really do! They are a fun, non stop action, OTT testosterone, and a sweet romantic read. I have already posted about this, but I swear to God if Allie, who is a kick ass soldier and pilot, is referred to once more as wielding a skillet and running after her lovers I'm going to stop reading these. I get this is MM romance so we need men, but it would be nice to see a few more women and to not take the one woman who is more than a mere mention and make her a 1950s caricature would be appreciated. Just because she's now home popping out babies doesn't mean she can't still be badass. Honestly wish she was still fighting with her men.
November 26, 2020
Love this book was so good ,and had some moments which had me chuckling cade defiantly has some shall we say alpha moment and he has some sweet funny moments I have to say I think he was my favourite out of the two. That is not saying I did not like Rio too it was good see how they interact with each other and the connection happens more or less straight away even when they did not want it to. The way the story moves along is good and I loved seeing some of the other characters so worth reading sorry if if not much information haha don’t want to give anything away .
December 3, 2020
Book one was much anticipated. I love that the previous characters tie into this new series. Overall I loved this first story in the Ghost Protectors. However, as much as I love all these military guys and their stories, I felt Cade and Rio’s connection was lacking. There was so much going on that I felt their romance was rush and overshadowed by the drama. I would love to see a novella with these two on their own away from the drama. I’m definitely a fan of this author. I’m looking forward to book two.
April 18, 2023
Cade was introduced in both Team Lynx and Team Panther series. It was great to finally see him in his element. His turn to find the one that makes his soul happy. I was on a brief hiatus catching up on some MF books that I needed to get done when I returned to this book. The first book had me confused who the heck Lachie was and the whole way through I’m like who the hell is he?!? . Right before the ending of the first chapter I was like 🤦♀️ he’s a ghost hello. Felt a little dumb, my hiatus definitely through me for a loop there 🤣
January 8, 2023
To Love a Ghost is my first read from this author and I would pick up more from her in the future and will be catching up with this series. I've read M/M stories before and have struggled with connecting with the characters and the story.
So while it took me a few chapters to get going in this as there was a lot going on with the characters. So much detail and description.
Overall a great story and really enjoyed it.
So while it took me a few chapters to get going in this as there was a lot going on with the characters. So much detail and description.
Overall a great story and really enjoyed it.
March 25, 2023
Lack of editing/proofreading was a constant irritant
I enjoyed the story and rooted for the characters, but there were so many typos and other errors on every page that kept pulling me out of the story. I hope the author invests in a service in the future, because though I want to read about Grif, Allie and Rock, and Shaun and Zenko, and Creed and his 2 partners, I don't know if I can stand wading through that many errors again, sadly.
I enjoyed the story and rooted for the characters, but there were so many typos and other errors on every page that kept pulling me out of the story. I hope the author invests in a service in the future, because though I want to read about Grif, Allie and Rock, and Shaun and Zenko, and Creed and his 2 partners, I don't know if I can stand wading through that many errors again, sadly.
March 3, 2021
High suspense
Wow this is a edge of the seat suspense book that is a must read. When two the are from different lives and work. You can see the bond they have to bring down the same terror. If you love high action and suspense book then you will fall in love with new series. Can't wait to see who falls next of the ghosts
Wow this is a edge of the seat suspense book that is a must read. When two the are from different lives and work. You can see the bond they have to bring down the same terror. If you love high action and suspense book then you will fall in love with new series. Can't wait to see who falls next of the ghosts
August 7, 2022
To love a Ghost
I stumbled upon this authors work one night and I’ve yet to stop! Seriously, I had to force myself to stop a few times. Lol Who doesn’t love a soldier who fights hard for their country, life, love and family? The books I’ve read have cross over and interconnected characters just an fyi for those readers who NEED the entire back story.
I stumbled upon this authors work one night and I’ve yet to stop! Seriously, I had to force myself to stop a few times. Lol Who doesn’t love a soldier who fights hard for their country, life, love and family? The books I’ve read have cross over and interconnected characters just an fyi for those readers who NEED the entire back story.
December 19, 2020
Very entertaining
Plenty of action, teamwork, sex, love, and most importantly funny. Rio and Cade have a great amount of chemistry and complete each other.There were some parts for me that were hard to follow but not enough that I couldn't enjoy this book. I thought it was great!
Plenty of action, teamwork, sex, love, and most importantly funny. Rio and Cade have a great amount of chemistry and complete each other.There were some parts for me that were hard to follow but not enough that I couldn't enjoy this book. I thought it was great!
June 16, 2021
Amazing!
All the characters of both previous series joining this one. A job well done. I strongly recommend starting with Jonah's book and getting through that series then zenkos book for that series as this will make more sense. Not necessary though. Enjoy!
All the characters of both previous series joining this one. A job well done. I strongly recommend starting with Jonah's book and getting through that series then zenkos book for that series as this will make more sense. Not necessary though. Enjoy!
July 15, 2021
Confusing point of views!
The book was very good, but hard to follow when the point of view kept switching from one character in one paragraph to another character in the next paragraph! Should have used page breaks to separate the point of view between the characters!
The book was very good, but hard to follow when the point of view kept switching from one character in one paragraph to another character in the next paragraph! Should have used page breaks to separate the point of view between the characters!
March 27, 2022
really liked this book
For a first book in a new series, this book was not bad. Lots of action, a little confusing with all of the characters from other series but all in all great read.
For a first book in a new series, this book was not bad. Lots of action, a little confusing with all of the characters from other series but all in all great read.
March 28, 2022
DNF at 50%. Nothing more annoying than having to re-read sentences more than once all throughout the book to try and make sense of what's going on. Also, very insta-love. You'd think both men would be a bit more distrustful given their backgrounds...
Read
November 20, 2022Couldn't really get into it. I didn't like the dialogue or the way the story was flowing it was kind of all over the place. It was so much going on i feel like I didn't get any actual Cade & Felipe that wasn't sex. DNF for me.
February 1, 2023
Recon
Felipe (Rio) had spent most of his adult life trying to escape his cartel family. Cade had been recruited by a special ops unit Ghost. Neither were really looking for love, just a one night fling. What they got was a little more in-depth. I enjoyed their story.
Felipe (Rio) had spent most of his adult life trying to escape his cartel family. Cade had been recruited by a special ops unit Ghost. Neither were really looking for love, just a one night fling. What they got was a little more in-depth. I enjoyed their story.
Read
November 27, 2020It is confusing AF and can't read as standalone. Since it's my 1st book by her and never read her previous series related to this, I can't enjoyed this at all.
November 27, 2020
Editing....
Love the series and this author remains an auto buy, but this release needed another pass in editing. This was not the strongest storyline.
Love the series and this author remains an auto buy, but this release needed another pass in editing. This was not the strongest storyline.
February 2, 2021
❤️❤️❤️
March 3, 2021
2.5~2.75
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews