Guarding her 24/7 …just became his most important mission.
To discover what real life is about, Outrider Joseph "Irish" Monahan left the army. But the former Delta Force soldier still needs his military skills. A masked stalker is attempting to murder Tessa Bolton, and Irish is assigned to be her bodyguard. Though the fiercely independent nurse resists his protection, Irish won't back down…or abandon his mission to catch the killer and keep Tessa alive.
Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
Filled with mystery, heart and just the right amount of romance! Elle James has not lost her touch one bit with the third book in her always exciting Outriders Series. HELD HOSTAGE AT WHISKEY GULCH quickly delves into the heart of a mystery and held my attention whole-heartedly throughout. The ending was a tad too abrupt for my liking and I would have liked for loose ends to have been tied up a little more, but overall a great addition to the series and left me hungry for the next book!
I adored Irish and his determination to protect Tessa after seeing her in danger. He's sweet, down-to-earth and just what she needs in her life.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who likes an action packed, fast paced mystery with a healthy dose of romance mixed in to the mix.
The author delivers another engaging story in the series. A story that will keep you wondering “whodunit”. If you are new to the series, rest assure that it’s a stand alone. The story centers around former Delta Force Joseph/Irish Monahan and nurse Tessa Bolton. Irish has moved to town to work at Trace Travis’s ranch as well as be part of his newly formed security company. One made up of former military men. When Tessa’s life is in danger, Irish, who has been attracted to her for a while, volunteers to be her bodyguard. As the danger intensifies, so do the feelings between them. But while Tessa is happy to have him around, she also fears he’s only there to protector and nothing else. Besides, she just survived domestic abuse from her ex-husband and is not interested in another relationship. To solve the mystery they have to find out who is out to kill her and why. The story was engaging from beginning to end. The main characters were well developed and if you have read the previous stories, you’ll get a chance to visit with those characters as well. A good addition to the series. Looking forward to what else this talented author has in store for us. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Elle James is my go-to author when I am in the mood for a fast pace, quick read, action romance. This book, the third in the series does not disappoint. Endearing characters, a mystery, serial killer, and action throughout along with the budding romance between an ex Delta Force soldier and a nurse.
Tessa Bolton grew up in Whiskey Gulch, was a cheer leader who dated her boyfriend, the quarterback, Randy, throughout high school. After graduation from college, they were married. You would have thought that she knew him quite well after all that time, but she had been blind by always looking for the best in people and not seen that he was a bully, until he started hitting her. She divorced him, came back to Whiskey Gulch and not trusting her judgement, has kept to herself. Then she gets attacked while running on a trail, but manages to get away. Joseph “Irish” Monahan, ex Delta Force, retired from the military to start a "normal" life, with dreams of a wife and children. He came to Whiskey Gulch to work at Trace Travis's ranch and start up body guard service. He and Tessa have crossed paths often on the running trail. He has been attracted to her from first sight and when he hears what happened to her, he decides to protector her. Soon they learn that there is a serial killer attacking her cheering squad, and she is the last one left. Will they find the murderer, before he gets Tessa?
Humorous banter, developed and likable characters and a fast paced, entertaining, well-written make this an enjoyable read. I read an ARC as part of the author's review team. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
What a great read. Irish and Tessa are so endearing. Irish is a beautiful character. Total alpha male, a strong moral code and sensitive and caring. Tessa is such a strong character. She survived a bad situation and took control to become the person she wanted to be. The bond between these two character is magnetic. The storyline is a rollercoaster ride, and as much as I tried to figure out who the evil was hunting Tessa it was a shock that I had completely missed the clues. Whiskey Gulch is a warm and welcoming town that you can't help but wish you loved in. If it was allowed if sink into the magical world and take up running just to meet Irish!! Elle James is a fantastic author with a long list of first rate books that never fail to disappoint, and this story is no different. The characters she creates become our friends, people we care about and have a vested interest in seeing their love grow as we ride the rollercoaster of emotions and excitement with them. Beautiful story. Fantastically written. Definitely recommend. Way more than 5 stars
What was a simple daily exchange while running/jogging on a trail led to being a white knight in shining armor by protecting Tessa Bolton. Irish wasn’t a stranger to facing a challenge and he was willing to do everything in his power to protect Tessa.
The story started off with a bang and the pace throughout the book held up to the fast pace set by the author. I was immersed in the story early on, plenty of suspense and building promise of romance. Whiskey Gulch is a small town which I have a little bit of knowledge of. The town I live in is a bit bigger than Whiskey Gulch but from my knowledge of the surrounding towns, the townspeople’s reactions were exactly what I have experienced and expected. The description of the characters were done in such a way that you felt you knew them.
The love story, to me, developed organically. It showed a woman who was finding her voice so to speak and a man who was looking to start his civilian life which also meant opening his heart. Personally, I think these characters are written perfectly and relatable. Tessa could even be a role model for those in her situation. Speaking of Tessa’s past, I feel Elle James wrote it with empathy for those who have the same past. I also feel that it was written in a way to show what the future could look like.
Do I recommend this book? Most definitely. Is there anything I would change? Not within this particular book but I do hope we see these characters in the next book, Set Up at Whiskey Gulch, scheduled for release at a later date.
I received a complementarily copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it. I love this author and I purchased a copy at the publisher's website.
WOW what a ride!!!! I was guessing throughout the book to figure out who, what and why! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. My poor e-reader was smokin'!
Ms. James is a fantastic author. She is one of my top five authors who is a must read. Her stories are intense. The plot flows beautifully and I feel like I am right there in the middle of everything. The characters just come alive.
The plot just drew me right from the first page. The mystery and suspense just kept building and building. There was no way my poor pea-brain could figure out the culprit. I was as shocked at Tessa at the reveal.
While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior ones to understand and enjoy this one.
There is a sexy scene so just a word of caution. If you don't care for that sort, I would just skip over it as I wouldn't pass this story up!
How could you not fall in love with Irish? He is tender, strong and loyal. Tessa has only been out of an abusive marriage for 6 months. She is regaining her strength and takes a run every morning. The highlight of her morning run is running into Irish. One morning a man steps out onto the path and tries to assault Tessa. She has no intention of being a victim again. After her escape, she goes directly to the sheriff's office. Irish is there talking to the sheriff and decides that he will be Tessa's protector. She really wants to stand on her own, but when a man breaks into her house in the middle of the night, she figures she can lean on Irish a bit. When Tessa learns that several of her classmates have also died mysteriously, she realizes that she is the target and not just a random assault. Can Irish and Tessa find the killer? Will Tessa be able to trust enough again to love someone?
I really enjoyed this book. Great story with wonderful characters and a pleasing storyline full of mystery, suspense, action, and romance. Irish is a former Delta who’s ready to start his civilian life, enjoy some quiet, and find that special someone. Tessa is an RN recovering from a horrible divorce, swearing off men, and now has someone after her. After a chance meeting, the course of both their lives changes. Tessa realizes she needs protection and accepts Irish’s help while still wanting to hold on to her independence and starting over. After her attack, Irish decides to become her personal bodyguard and their attraction grows into more as they unravel the mystery and find their HEA. I have not read the previous books in the series, but had no trouble keeping up with the characters or storyline in this book.
*Thank you to the author for the ARC, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.
Do you believe in love at first sight? Neither did they until it happened to them. Irish left the military so he could get married and start a family. Tessa was through with men. Never again would she let a man run over her. This story is full of mystery and suspense. It has a few twists and turns with some romance on the side.
Tessa is a nurse. She recently divorced her abusive husband. Now someone wants her dead. The only one she trusts right now is Irish, who she hardly knows. They have come across each other jogging, but she senses he's a good person. She has put her life into his hands.
Irish is new to Whisky Gulch. He recently retired from the military. Now he works for Trace as a ranch hand. Trace wants to start a security service. Irish is all for that so he can put his military training to use. His first assignment is the lady he passes on the jogging trail every morning.
Wow!! What an explosive beginning!! Action packed, fast pace, great story and just enough romance to top it off. Ms James definitely outdid herself. I have never read this series I will for sure purchase the first two. It has me very intrigued. Tessa, a nurse who moved back to Whiskey Gulch after divorcing her abusive husband to start a new a new life. Irish an former Delta Force turned bodyguard is assigned to protect Tessa as she was attacked during one of her daily run by a masked stalker. An investigation was launched and found that the stalker is killing off the cheerleaders and Tessa was one of them. Irish will do everything he can to keep her safe and bring the attacker to justice. I can't wait for the next installment. I received a free copy of this book and chose to voluntarily leave a review.
Irish and Tessa have been passing each other in the morning while jogging by the river. One morning Tessa is attacked and Irish is assigned to protect her as it becomes obvious that someone is targeting her. It's not a random attack. This is a who-done-it story with romance mixed in. The story had several suspects and kept me guessing until the killer was revealed. The story was fast-paced and held my attention. I had to know who was trying to kill Tessa.
I really liked Tessa, she is strong and independent. She knows when to ask for help. Irish is strong and chose to leave the military in order to have a life. He would not let himself get involved with a woman while in the service and now he wants a life that includes a wife and kids.
I am looking forward to the next story in this series.
Before I started this book, I had to read the previous 2 books in the series and I found the first 2 books had a different kind of "rhythm" than Book 3.
It took me a bit longer to finish Held Hostage at Whiskey Gulch, as within the first 4 chapters I felt like shaking Tessa and to tell her to stop apologizing for things. Once I got through those chapters I eventually got into the book and started enjoying it.
I had a soft spot for Irish since book 1, where all he wanted was to work with animals and find someone to love and seeing his love blossom for Tessa and doing everything possible to protect her, show the type of character that all Special Forces guys are.
Even though I didn't give this a 5 star review I still recommend that this book be read.
Part of a series this is book 3 which tells us about Tessa and Irish. Tessa is a nurse who was part of the cheerleading squad, homecoming queen and dating high school quarterback in her high school days. During the high school grad party one of the seniors is murdered and no one has been found to this current day. Irish has left his former life as a Delta Force operative and has been hired by a Security agency hidden up by two others from Whiskey Gulch. Irish becomes Tessa’s bodyguard after she is attacked and after further investigation it appears that several other cheerleaders over the past few years may have been murdered. Throw in Tessa’s ex along with others from the town as possible culprits it becomes a race to keep Tessa safe. I received an ARC copy of this book for review.
Tessa is just out of an abusive marriage and goes on a run each morning as a way of taking care of herself. She meets Irish as he finishes his run, and she starts hers, except one morning, she is attacked and barely escapes. When she gets to the police station, she finds Irish there, and he becomes her protector. He wants to protect her yet doesn't want to crush her spirit. She is trying to be independent, but after the attacks, she admits to feeling better when he is around. They work to figure out why she is being stalked and by whom. He gets the help from Trace, and his security start up to figure out who is after her and why. It is a mystery until the very end, and despite all their precautions, he nearly loses her. But with help, he saves the day and finds his happily ever after.
All in one. Intrigue, Suspense, Steam and Romance. Love the ride Elle took us on. The strong woman who came from an abusive relationship and learned to love herself but still worked on trusting herself. The retired Delta Special Forces who wants a family and a relationship, but doesn't want to push. I will say the first time I met the deviant I was pretty sure he would be the killer. This book also made me think - though I am not sure that was the direct intention. Read it and think of your past.... This was a win provided me everything I needed to escape and enjoy. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.
Some times the good old days back in high school doesn’t play out well for some. They might be carrying the hurt and anger on with them through life. That’s what happens in this story with Tessa being one of the victims from a previous high school acquaintance. Joseph “Irish” Monaghan, former Delta Force soldier and now newest member to Travis Trace & Matt Hennessey’s new startup personal security business, has his first assignment as a protection detail for Tessa after it is apparent she is being targeted. This story has the right amount of intrigue, action, suspense and romance. Great addition as third installment to the Outriders Series.
3. Book 3: Held Hostage at Whiskey Gulch 4 Stars I purchased a copy of the Harlequin Intrigue Texas-set novel Held Hostage at Whiskey Gulch (The Outriders Series Book 3) by Elle James and this review was given freely. Intense and sinister from the beginning, this is a murder mystery with a touch of steam and the promise of a happy ending. When her sense of security is shattered by a stalker, newly divorced abuse survivor, Tessa Bolton RN accepts the protection of Trace Travis’s new ranch hand and security company employee she has been admiring, former Delta Force soldier Joseph “Irish” Monahan.
Irish left the forces to begin his life, to finally have everything he has denied himself whilst serving his country, if that is not endearing enough he takes his time with Tessa. Even knowing she is his 'one', that she owns his heart and soul, he respects that she needs time...swoon! Tessa is determined to regain her independence, to live the life she wants, but is wise enough to accept Irish's help in keeping her safe when it becomes clear she has been targeted. Driven, sassy when needed but not too proud to accept help...you have to admire her. Fantastic!
Irish met Tessa while jogging in the hills, he always met her as he finished his run and she was starting hers. Irish was ready to start his life after leaving his Delta Force team and Tessa was regaining her life after her marriage. Tessa found trouble on her run that day and if not for Irish looking out for her and becoming her bodyguard Tessa would have become a victim that day. Read the story to find out if Tessa and Irish can avoid trouble and find happiness or if trouble finds Tessa. It’s a good book that I would recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A chance meeting between Irish and Tessa turns into a body guarding gig. Someone is targeting Tessa and Irish will protect her. It was an interesting storyline to follow to try and figure it out, and it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages as fast as I could. I loved where Irish was in his life and when he decided to go after what he wanted, but using baby steps. I loved the dress description "bold and powerful", that described this story to a tee.
I was in the mood for a fast paced thriller with a sweet romance. This book delivered! I read it in one sitting simply bacuse it pulled me in and wouldn’t let me stop until the end. The relationship was a quick combustion that showed how each each of them were willing to learn what the other needed and how to give it. One of those couples in a book that when done, would like to visit them again to see how their relationship progresses over time. I totally suggest this book for a great read. Kate Z
Tessa has come home to Whiskey Gulch after leaving a disastrous marriage. Working as a nurse, she has begun to find herself again. She sees Irish Monahan daily on their jogs, passing each other along the way. One day, she is attacked when turning for home. Irish sees her at the police station, and vows to help her. As they work together to find the attacker, they find that an ugly fate has befallen many young women that have a lot in common with Tessa. Almost too late, Irish is able to save her so that they can explore their growing attraction.
This is another great book by one of my favorite authors. Tessa is being chased by a masked assailant and Irish, a former Delta Force, is protecting her. This book has a lot of action, suspense, romance and angst. I loved it. It's a page turner and I hated to put it down for anything. It grabbed my attention on page one and kept me hooked til I finished it. I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review and I loved it. I recommend it to everyone.
This was an interesting romantic suspense. This is about a guy named Joseph “Irish” Monahan. He was in the military. He is a former Delta Force soldier. A stalker is attempting to kill a woman named Tessa Bolton. When Irish and Tessa meet after attempts have been made on her life by a stalker Irish becomes her bodyguard. There is suspense in the story about who is going after Tessa. The heat between Irish and Tessa is 🔥. I liked both Irish and Tessa together.
I've read so many Elle James books and this is the first one to get a rating below five. I did finish the book as fast as I could so I could get to the next book in the series. I really can't describe why I didn't like this book. I just didn't like it. There wasn't just a sex scene, it was all about sex. I didn't like Tessa at all. This book wasted a good male character.
Irish and Tessa make a great team. When she is targeted with an assault he is right by her side until the person can be found. Going back through old town history they find that 3 of her high school friends had been attacked and killed before her. Time is running out when she is taken. Irish is hot on their heels to rescue her from the man who took her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Suspense, mystery, and a love that although doesn’t come easy, will be so worth it in the end! A former military hero and a feisty heroine who has to learn to trust again. Amazing story with characters that I found quite relatable. Elle James has such a way with words that I felt every single emotion! A must read!
I was lucky enough to get an ARC Copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to review it. I am a big fan of Elle James, and this book meets my expectations. This is a well written story with awesome characters. Elle James does not disappoint when she gives you a story. I enjoyed this one, and I really think you will also. I will encourage everyone to get this one.