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Made #3

Salvation

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She is the key to my salvation.
The end to my freedom.


Not much gets past Special Agent Ally Rhodes, but there’s one case she hasn’t solved: the murder of her father. The decade-old cold case drives her to be the best at her job. She was told that he’d died in the line of duty during a convenience store robbery gone bad, but when she discovers a mysterious package on her doorstep with evidence proving otherwise, she’s left with more questions than answers. Needing one night of escape, she uncharacteristically opens up to a handsome stranger in a bar, a choice that could turn into a deadly mistake.

244 pages, Paperback

Published March 16, 2021

9 people are currently reading
1146 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Ellen

21 books1,057 followers
Melissa Ellen is an indie author of contemporary romance. She writes about modern-day couples that give you all the feels. A lover of both the big city and small towns, her stories are set in both. A Reason To Stay, book one of the Blackwood Series, was her debut novel.

She grew up as a bookworm, reading anything and everything, and still tries to read at least a book a week. She's always had an active imagination. Luckily, she now has time to put it to good use writing about the characters constantly swarming around in her head.

She went from designing buildings to crafting stories while living in Texas with her husband, son, their rescue dog, and her five chickens. Her number one goal in life is to own some land with a mini moo (tiny cow) and a horse. When she's not writing, you'll find her tackling her latest architectural design project, reading a good book, gardening, or spending time with her family.

Melissa Ellen's writing style is characterized by its relatable characters, emotional resonance, and ability to blend humor and heart into her stories. If you enjoy contemporary romance novels with depth, humor, and heartwarming themes, then Melissa Ellen's books are definitely worth checking out.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,880 reviews214 followers
March 24, 2021


Amazon / Apple Books / Nook / Kobo / Google Play

An FBI agent and an assassin don't sound like a good match, to put it mildly, but when Ally and Merrick first meet, the connection then becomes even hotter, no matter that she's his mark. Will Ally's search for answers about her father's cold case, and Merrick's less than legal profession spell the end of that hot connection?



Merrick didn't even realize he was looking for someone to bring his soul out from the dark place he'd been in for so long. But one look at Ally and suddenly he's seeing the light, regardless that she could also be the end of him. Breaking his steadfast rules for an FBI Agent? Out of his wheelhouse, but not when you consider how far and fast he'd fallen for Ally. The only question now is whether they can make it out of the mess they've found themselves in alive so they can grab that happiness they're searching for.



Salvation is hot, fast paced and suspenseful and I loved it. Putting two opposing forces like Ally and Merrick, an FBI agent and an assassin, together made for a fabulous combination. I can't wait for more of this world Melissa has created.



ARC via Valentine PR for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Angie S H aka Feelin A Little Bookish.
221 reviews7 followers
March 20, 2021
I normally don’t read books that have a law enforcement aspect to it (I’ve read 4 books in the last year that have law enforcement in it) but when I read the blurb, I was like okay, this sounds good.

When I started it two nights ago, I couldn’t stop. I had to stop reading at 50% or I wouldn’t have gone to sleep which then meant I would have been tired as hell the next day. It was THAT good.

FBI special agent Ally Rhodes is amazing at her job but there is one thing that holds her back every single time. Something she just can’t shake no matter how many people tell her to let it go. Doesn’t help that someone on her list of criminals to catch, says something to her that makes her think about who to trust.

One evening, she goes to a bar & meets Merrick. Sparks fly and the two hit it off right away. Merrick, however, isn’t your typical man. He’s got secrets of his own. With Ally being in trouble not too long after they meet, Merrick has no choice but to tell her the truth about who he is, help her find answers to her own questions and try to control his feelings for her.

I really enjoyed this book and although it’s part of a series, it didn’t feel like it. There were characters that made appearances who happen to be in the other books but it wasn’t confusing. Ally and Merrick need more books because I didn’t want their story to end. It was sexy, thrilling and adventurous.

Thank you Valentine PR for the eARC!
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
March 24, 2021
Merrick is the weapon he’s been made into: ruthless, cold, calculating. Is Ally just another job to him or could she upend his well-ordered world and turn out to be something so much more? Pairing a good girl with a badge and a bad boy who exists only in the shadows together seems like a textbook definition of ‘opposites attract’, but there was nothing textbook about this story. I loved that Ally was such a strong, capable woman with a passion for justice. We’ve watched her chasing the truth through the last two books, so I was dying to see her finally get her answers. And Merrick will do whatever it takes to complete his mission. But what really is his mission? Who hired him? And who was really behind everything that Ally’s been investigating? Saying that the author has a talent for gripping, addictive fiction is just the tiniest bit of an understatement. I simply HAD to know how the author was going to make their relationship work in the end. This pair has so many obstacles they have to get past in order to get close to a happily-ever-after, I was pulled into the story and couldn't put it down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,079 reviews207 followers
March 19, 2021
Holy wow, this book! How have I not found this author before this?! It seems I now have a lot of catching up to do, because if all of her books are as good as this one, I’ve really been missing out. I’m so excited to find another phenomenal storyteller in contemporary romance!

Ally Rhodes is an FBI agent and a strict rule follower. In her twelve years as an agent, there's one case she hasn’t been able to forget – the murder of her father, a New York City police officer. But her looking into the cold case after all these years sets off a series of events that may just cost Ally her life.

Merrick Jensen is a man who doesn’t exist. He takes the jobs he can live with, eliminating people who have done terrible things and don’t deserve to take another breath. When he meets Ally in a bar one night, something in her calls to him and brings all of his protective instincts to the surface. But it's all they can do to keep each other and themselves safe as Ally's investigation gets too close to the truth.

This story kept me on the edge of my seat as I flew through the pages. I gnawed my nails to nubs as my eyes ate up each scene, desperate to find out what happened next. I loved every second of the suspense, drama and steam! If you’re looking for a new-to-you indie author, look no further. This will be one of your absolutely best romantic suspense reads of the year!
Profile Image for  ❤️MaLu_Reads❤️.
422 reviews92 followers
April 3, 2021
Salvation (Made #3) by Melissa Ellen

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 STARS

Salvation is the third book in the Made series by author Melissa Ellen. The books can be read as a standalone, but it is best to read them in order, because of the characters. I have read book 1, Honor, and now, book 3, Salvation, but not book 2, Burden.

Salvation is a very well-written story with a very good plot and storyline, a book that once I started it, I couldn't stop reading. I couldn't put it down.
I love Melissa's style, I have read all of her books, besides Burden, and trust me, she is worth it.

Salvation tells the story of Ally & Merrick. Ally is an FBI agent who wants some answers about her father’s death that happened 12 years ago. One night stand and she might find something. Merrick is an assassin, but he could be the only one she can trust and help her.
Merrick is taken by surprise by Ally. From the first moment he saw her, he started to feel something for her. He wanted her. Ally was the light in the darkness that he was for so long, but she could also be his end, because of their profession.

What could be hotter than a relationship between an assassin and an FBI agent?!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,681 reviews98 followers
March 15, 2021
5 stars



Salvation was my first book by mails Melissa Ellen but it definitely will not be my last! I loved everything about this book!

Ally Rhodes knew she wanted to protect and serve from a young age, having grown up in the shadow of her NYPD officer dad. When her father is killed in the line of duty, it feeds Ally's need to serve, like he did, but also to find him justice. The explanation that it was a robbery gone wrong, a case of wrong place, wrong time never felt right so when a mysterious package shows up, she decides to trust what her instincts are screaming at her--risking her career and her life, she's on a mission to find her father's killer.

Merrick sees Ally in a bar and knows she's a game changer. He's incredibly taken with her and together they share a drunken night of passion. She's his salvation, she's also his next mark. Rule number one of being a paid assassin, never fall for your mark. He's never been a fan of rules though...

I loved this book! The story was fast paced and full of suspense and intrigue. Merrick and Ally were dynamite characters and I loved them together! I've already bought the other books in this series and can't wait to read more from this exciting voice!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
March 24, 2021
FBI Special Agent Ally Rhodes is very driven in her career which is attributed to having a father who was part of the NYPD as she grew up around law enforcement. She's just wrapping up a case when she receives something that finally gives her a hint that she was right about the official statement of her father's murder feeling off, so buckle up because Ally is going to take us on a wild ride even if it gets her killed. She meets Merrick at a bar, and they spend a super hot albeit drunken night together, but little did she know that wouldn't be the end of it. Salvation is a fast paced story with twists coming in hot, heat, action, and secrets that don't make friends so perfect in my eyes. I wish I could tell you every detail because I LOVED LOVED LOVED this story hard, but since that wouldn't be nice, I'll just settle for telling y'all to one click on this book! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,158 reviews73 followers
March 17, 2021
Fast paced, lots of tension and suspense, with tons of chemistry!

This is my first Melissa Ellen book and I look forward to reading more in the future.

Merrick is a paid mercenary with mad skills not only as a sniper, but also as a hacker. As a hired hitman his special skill set comes in handy working alone, especially since he works on the opposite side of the law. He's used to being alone, but when he meets Alley Rhodes and discovers she is a woman who dedicates her life to fighting justice and stays firmly in the lines of black and white, he is already gone for the woman regardless of what she does and saving her when she steps in the line of fire will become his salvation.

Salvation is hot, has a quickly paced plot with action and witty banter. Their good cop/bad cop duo when they are out finding clues is a ton of fun to read. Merrick knows how to turn up the heat, whether it's using his special skills in or out of the bedroom, and Alley knows how to keep him in line. I loved it.
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,657 reviews179 followers
March 21, 2021
This fast paced story was full of suspense from the start and will keep you on your toes until the very end!

Ally and Merrick meet at a bar and well one thing leads to another and they have one incredible night together and that is all it is supposed to be. Ally is a federal agent and she is dedicated to her job and the to the law. Merrick is a hitman, the complete opposite end of the law from Ally. However, he is drawn to her and Ally is drawn to him. The downside? Merrick’s latest target just so happens to be Ally.

I LOVED the chemistry between Ally and Merrick and the banter between them. I loved that they are on opposite sides of the law and it added a lot to their dynamic. Their story was full of suspense and I couldn’t stop guessing what was going to happen next.

If you’re looking for a romantic suspense with heat this is one to read!
Profile Image for Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm.
1,327 reviews18 followers
March 25, 2021
I seem to be on a trend to enjoy books with a female agent and the “bad guy” she loves. Salvation definitely fits this and is not short on steam or suspense.

Ally is a federal agent searching for answers regarding her father’s murder 12 years before. A one-night stand with Merrick uncovers a plot that puts her in the crosshairs of a dangerous man. But Merrick is no ordinary guy - he’s an assassin with a deadly secret. Before long, Ally’s life and career are in jeopardy and Merrick may be the only one she can trust.

I loved this story from the start. It pulled me in with the MCs amazing chemistry. Have to love a bad guy who’s brought to his knees by a woman. And the danger element was a bonus element.

* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,639 reviews
March 16, 2021
Melissa Ellen is definitely becoming one of my top favorite authors! Salvation was definitely a page turner that I couldn’t stop reading.

Alley & Merrick’s journey was full of twists and turns! I love every minute of it. I don’t want to ruin their story so go in and expect the unexpected!

I really hope there is more to come in this series!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
14 reviews
March 10, 2021
I loved being able to see Agents Rhodes perspective and continuation of the storyline. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I realized I had it wrong...which made me enjoy the twists all the more! The book hits all my sweet spots...sexy, thrilling, suspenseful, captivating, naughty and nice, mysterious.

No spoilers here, but if you enjoyed the reads of Honor and Burden, you will love this 3rd book in the Made series.

Highly recommend this read!
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,207 reviews220 followers
March 11, 2021
4.5 Star review of Salvation (Made #3) by Melissa Ellen

Over the past couple of years I have been reading quite lot of romantic suspense stories. Salvation is a well written, intriguing story that had me riveted from the first to the last chapter.

FBI Special Agent Ally Rhodes is determined to solve the murder of her father, even though it is a cold case. When fate steps in and a mysterious package turns up, all her previous thoughts are turned upside down. It seems all is not as it seems and determined to clear the cobwebs she decides on a night out.

Meeting Merrick, she is attracted to him and a passionate night ensures. Unbeknownst to Ally, Merrick is a paid assassin and he has been contacted about a million dollar hit and the target is Ally.

The chemistry between them is amazing and their banter witty. What happens when Ally finds out the truth? Will Merrick protect Ally or will he complete the hit? Will Ally solve the riddle of her father’s murder? The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat and the drama, suspense and intrigue made for an entertaining read.
Profile Image for Jenn Amy.
910 reviews82 followers
December 23, 2021
Melissa Ellen continues to blow me away with her romantic suspense writing! Salvation is the third book in her Made Series. I have really enjoyed the previous two books in the series but this one is most definitely the one that stands out the most for me. The writing is gripping, thrilling and suspenseful! I was completely invested from beginning to end. Just the premises of a love story between a FBI agent and an assassin alone completely intrigued me. Then you get into the story and learn the characters back stories, what makes them these fierce, passionate, strong and loyal individuals and I couldn’t help but route for their HEA. From the moment Ally meets Merrick, there is some intense sparks between them. Ally is adamant that she isn’t going to let anyone or anything derail her from her focus of re-opening her fathers cold case murder. However, she cannot ignore her attraction and feelings for the mysterious Merrick. He is a hired assassin, he has a dangerous background, and knows his way around a sniper. Ally isn’t quick to trust Merrick right away but she quickly changes her mind after several attempts on her life and he is always there right beside her as she fights off her attackers. My heart was pounding in anticipation from one scene to the next. The passion and romance up the ante even more and I couldn’t get enough of them! Connor Crais and Chloe Ryan do a fantastic job narrating this story. They both have strong, powerful voices that bring life to these characters so effortlessly. Connor has the protective alpha growl down perfectly, and Chloe’s emotional performance was just perfect! I definitely recommend this one!

*Audible review copy provided by Valentine PR in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,179 reviews35 followers
March 15, 2021
Salvation was my first book by mails Melissa Ellen but it definitely will not be my last! I loved everything about this book!

Ally Rhodes knew she wanted to protect and serve from a young age, having grown up in the shadow of her NYPD officer dad. When her father is killed in the line of duty, it feeds Ally's need to serve, like he did, but also to find him justice. The explanation that it was a robbery gone wrong, a case of wrong place, wrong time never felt right so when a mysterious package shows up, she decides to trust what her instincts are screaming at her--risking her career and her life, she's on a mission to find her father's killer.

Merrick sees Ally in a bar and knows she's a game changer. He's incredibly taken with her and together they share a drunken night of passion. She's his salvation, she's also his next mark. Rule number one of being a paid assassin, never fall for your mark. He's never been a fan of rules though...

I loved this book! The story was fast paced and full of suspense and intrigue. Merrick and Ally were dynamite characters and I loved them together! I've already bought the other books in this series and can't wait to read more from this exciting voice!
951 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2021
Salvation by Melissa Ellen is A Made novel and was thoroughly captivating from start to finish!

Oh Ally, I just wanted to give her the biggest hug! Sweet, dedicated, shouldering a heavy burden from tragedy in her past. She's inquisitive, intelligent, and effervescent.

And ooooooooh...Merrick!!! Instantaneous connection and I totally gravitated to him just like Ally did, whether it was what she wanted or not; it just happened! Sparks flying all over the place! Merrick is a tall drink of water, fierce, skilled, and charmed by Ally, I'd dare say smitten even, and it was beautiful to witness their relationship develop and evolve throughout the book.

There is drama, there is intrigue, there is a web of spies and lies that spans beyond this book and yet enhances the story you witness in this book and I was SHOOKETH with the twists and turns the story took me on!

I really enjoyed this, the fast pace leaving me hungry for each next morsel of detail and plot and chemistry, and I know you'll want to experience Ally and Merrick's journey too! It's worth it! So, what are you waiting for?!
1,838 reviews49 followers
March 24, 2021
This is my first Melissa Ellen book...wow!!! I loved this suspenseful romance that took you on an adventure of solving a mystery along with two people trying to find themselves.

Ally and Merrick are definitely not on the same life path. However, their chance meeting leads them on an adventure together. Each of them have trust issues but as they get to know each other they share their fears, their past and their desires. The story will take you on twists and turns and introduce you to an interesting cast of characters. Ally and Merrick are trying to determine who they can trust and realize very quickly they can only trust each other and a handful of others. The cast of characters help them solve the mystery and protect them when their lives are out in danger.

This is a great read. I requested an arc and I am leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,281 reviews20 followers
December 5, 2021
Wow! This story was emotional and action packed from the beginning.

Alley is an FBI agent who is also looking into the cold case of her father’s murder. When out one night, she meets Merrick who she has an instant connection with. But what she doesn’t know, that there is a price on her head because she’s getting too close to finding out the truth about her father’s death. Merrick also has a secret that he doesn’t share with her right away. The two end up working together to stop whoever is coming after Alley.

I loved how fearless and strong Alley is. She knew what risks she was taking looking into a cold case and was going to stop at nothing to find her father’s killer. Merrick’s role in the book was great. His past was interesting and led him to the man he was meant to be. Alley took his secrets in stride and didn’t hold anything against him. I loved their chemistry.

Connor Crais and Chloe Ryan did an amazing job bringing these characters and story to life. They have definitely become a favorite narrator duo of mine.
1,095 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2021
“Watch your back...””What makes you say that?” “A little birdie.”

This book will keep you on your toes!!! You aren’t sure who is on your side or against you until the very end. There is chemistry, uncertainty, suspense, steaminess, heartache...it has you questioning your own scruples.

“I was in too deep, but I couldn’t seem to care...She could easily be the end to my freedom...”

threats.revenge.vulnerable.guilt.mystery.

“Not all monsters could be put in prison. That’s were my job came in. To eliminate the evil in the world who would otherwise go unscathed.”

I LOVED everything about this book. Melissa Ellen is new to me and I can’t wait to read more of her work...starting with the previous books in the Made series!
4,330 reviews27 followers
March 25, 2021
I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Alley and Merrick have a story full of danger, mystery, drama, suspense, lust and love. She is an FBI agent on the search for answers about the death of her father. He is an assassin who has been given the job of getting rid of her. One meeting and they both know that there is something about the other that touches their soul. Their future could not be more unknown after that. I thought that this was a great story in the Made series. Alley and Merrick are on opposite sides of the law but cannot deny the chemistry between them. The characters will make this book very hard to put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,202 reviews72 followers
March 10, 2021
Ally is a FBI agent who really won’t be happy until she knows the real story behind her police officer fathers death. Merrick works for himself and takes one look at Ally and all bets are off. Ally and Merrick have amazing chemistry and great banter and work great together but should they be working together? Can she figure out who killed her father before it’s to late? This was a great layered story that was full of adventure and a few twists and turns. It definitely read as a smooth quick read.
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,395 reviews30 followers
March 15, 2021
I was hooked from chapter one on Merrick and Ally’s story! They shouldn’t have gotten involved with each other because their jobs were on opposite sides of the law. He is an assassin and she’s an FBI agent. But their chemistry could not be denied. I enjoyed how this story flowed and was so entertaining. It’s full of twists and turns. There’s drama, suspense, intrigue, adventure, romance and hot sex. This book has it all!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HiddenGems and this is my honest review
Profile Image for Melissa.
786 reviews9 followers
March 15, 2021
I have been looking forward to Agent Alley Rhodes story. She is trying to figure out who had her father (NYPD police) killed. What she thought was a robbery her father was killed in could be something else. Merrick is a hired hit man. He meets Alley at a bar and is drawn to her. They sleep together and the next day he finds out that Alley is his assignment. This is a suspenseful romantic story that will draw you in from the first page.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,326 reviews146 followers
March 22, 2021
This was a new to me author and one I'd definitely be interested in reading more from.
Although this was a quick, fast paced read, the story was well rounded out, answering any niggling questions you might have.
The plot and characters ensnared me from cover to cover, making it impossible to look away, and I binged the whole book in barely a few hours, so if you're a suspense lover short on time, this book will be right up your alley, with a loveable pooch to boot.
Profile Image for Debra Soehner.
1,278 reviews10 followers
March 6, 2021
Ally is a fbi agent on the hunt for who killed her father years ago and Merrick is a paid assassin. They meet in a bar and have a wild night but then Merrick is contacted about a million dollar hit put on Ally. Will he protect her or assassinate her? Will he help her find her father’s murderer? Great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for _booknerd.4ever_.
1,536 reviews11 followers
March 16, 2021
I was hooked from the very beginning. The plot was interesting and different. The storyline flowed smoothly throughout. I loved Ally and Merrick together. Their chemistry was explosive and very steamy. The characters were well developed and easily relatable. Twist and turns that I never saw coming. Action packed that had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the author’s writing style. I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy of this book.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
March 23, 2021
The third book in the Made series a well written story with a very good storyline I was not putting this book down until I had finished reading. What a story and ending to Special Agent Alley Rhodes, and Merrick Jensen's story. This is the first book in this series that I have read and I want to read the other books. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dena Akbar.
588 reviews73 followers
March 16, 2021
It is a really good book and It is really interesting.
Profile Image for Shirin Rasheed.
2,821 reviews41 followers
April 1, 2021
Salvation by Melissa Ellen is a fabulous read. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and you can't turn the pages fast enough. I read it in one sitting.

The Story line is engaging and entertaining and I Cannot Recommend it enough to all readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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