Locked & Loaded

by Kelli Walker

Axel
I lived by the Navy. Defended the Navy. And one day, I knew I’d be buried by the Navy.
Until a yearning for something more slapped me across the face.
I packed my things.
Piled into my Jeep.
And headed to the one place I knew was safe.
My bones needed to rest.
My mind needed some ease.
And when a gorgeous red-headed angel walks into my life, I know exactly where to rest my head.
Right between those luscious tits of hers.
What I didn’t bargain for was her wit.
What I didn’t bargain for was her sass.
And when shadows from her past come back to haunt her, all I want is to keep her safe.
Even if it kills me.
Even if it devours me whole.

Maggie
I’ve been running my entire life.
Running from a past that haunts me in my dreams.
It took years to build the live I have.
A life I can be proud of every single day.
Then, he walks through those doors.
The towering mountain of a man with eyes like ice.
His winks steal my breath away.
His hands dwarf my thick curves.
And the more of him I taste, the more of him I want.
I didn’t plan for him.
I didn’t plan for this.
But when my nightmares become reality?
He’s the only person I want at my side.
Even if he doesn’t plan on sticking around.

Genres: Military Fiction

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2021

Reviews

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is hiding from her father who is trying to control or harm her. Axel is now out of the military and comes to town to start fresh, near a military friend. They meet and connect as only those fleeing from pain can. The pull is strong and they are great support and strength for each other. When the past comes calling, Axel brings his protective side and military friends to task. In turn, Maggie finds a family like she never could have dreamed of.
The characters are terrific, with great backstories and strength to go on. The storyline has it all, with drama, danger, surprises, deception, kidnapping, abuse, and more. Prepare to have every emotion worked hard to the point that you can not put this book down. Loved the tenderness that came out, which they both needed desperately. This tough friends family is so tight and wonderful that I can not wait to read the next book. Great party ending.

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

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has heated chemistry, intense drama and action right till the very end and what’s not to love about a sexy military man with protective instincts that has the hots for you. Axel is a navy seal and wants something more out of life so he resigned his commission and ends up at his seal mate Bronx ‘s place and hopes to find the peace he has found in Lily-Ann and then he meets a gorgeous read head Maggie that knocks him off his feet with her tough and spunky attitude and curves that drive him crazy and he wonder if she could be the one his been looking for and needs. Maggie has a trouble past and has finally stopped running and has worked hard to have a better life and than the most dangerously sexy guy walks through her door and she is shocked by how much she wants to get to know him but can she let anyone get close to her with her father harassing her constantly and danger lurking in the background is it wise to get involved. Alex can see that Maggie is hiding something and wants nothing more than to protect her from who or what ever it is but she has to let him in and trust him. Now that danger has finally come for Maggie can Alex and his seal buddies rescue her in time and do they get there HEA.

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

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series! I love how Kelli Walker writes on the ups and downs of trying to adjust to civilian life. This is the story of Maggie and Axel. Maggie is a friend of Sycamore and Lily-Ann. Maggie has had a troubled past. She is smart, sexy and a very strong woman. Axel decided about a year after Bronx got out of the Seals, to do the same. He is a love them and leave them kind of guy and doesn’t plan on setting down any roots any time soon. Both Maggie and Axel are damaged in their own ways, which is why they are so drawn to each other. When Maggie is being stalked by a clever and venomous man who will stop at nothing to get to her. Axel goes into full on protective mode.

There are twists and turns, drama, deception, resilience, healing and passion. Once again, Kelli Walker has got my emotions all over the place with this story as I am in awe of just how strong Maggie is and just how much Maggie and Axel need each other to heal, grow and change their ways! I cannot wait to read Book 3 to see what happens next with these guys! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

Biggest problem with this book: what happened to Lily and Bronx's baby? This is a year later than the first book and she was pregnant at the end of it. Nothing was mentioned about it. It's super weird.

There were editing issues and repeated phrases. Some of the wording was weird, and some of it just didn't make sense.

I'm really tired of promiscuous characters, like the men in this story. It's gross and overdone. Get more creative and more romantic.

2/5 - do not recommend.

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ultimate test of resilience
Locked and Loaded - An Enemies to Lovers Military Romance (Small Town Head Series) by Kelli Walker is yet another alpha military hero trying to find his way after resigning his commission. Ending up in a small town to stay with his SEAL brother and he finds an angel, a reason to stay, plant roots and build a life. Maggie has a troubled past and she has worked so hard to heal. To say this heroine is resilient is putting it mildly, and absolutely something to be admired and respected. It’s these traits that attract her to Axel.
The plot is exciting and full of danger for Maggie. The antagonist is clever and truly diabolical, venomous and out for a misperceived sense of justice. However horrendous the situation, Maggie is smart and strong while Axel and his band of SEAL brothers work tirelessly to find and rescue her.
Overall, this military romance doesn’t have much of an enemies to lovers feel to it, but it is still a good read. The characters are solid and the story is engaging, leading the reader as well as Axel and Maggie to a solid start full of healing, a real family and lots of love.
I received a free copy of this book vial Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

For The Love Of Forever -
Maggie went through hell growing up and thought she could leave the past where it was as an adult. When Axel retired from the SEALS, he didn’t know what the direction of his life looked like, however, the moment he laid eyes on Maggie, he knew she had to be part of his future. Unfortunately, just when they embarked on a relationship, Maggie’s past returned with a vengeance and took them on a wild and life changing ride. However, their determination and strength to defeat the devil incarnate, helped them overcome all the obstacles placed in their path to getting a happily ever after.

This was a really emotionally challenging story, as it dealt with quite a few serious issues. Fortunately, Kelli Walker did an amazing job to get the right balance of romance, drama, engaging banter, steamy encounters, action-packed adventures and heartfelt moments for the story. If you want to read a story that will make you want to read it again after you finish reading it, then I suggest you get this book immediately, as it was worth my time.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings us Axel and Maggie or Magnolia. After retiring from the Seals, Axel comes to see Bronx and Lily-Ann (from a previous book, "Hot and Bothered". Axel isn't sure what his plans for the future are, so he needed to see his friend. Maggie works for Syc, a friend of Lily-Ann's and the moment they see each other, there is instant chemistry. However, after an evening of sex, Axel leaves, leaving Maggie devastated. Maggie has had a horrible life, an unimaginable horrific childhood, which she has mostly kept to herself. However, her father has found her and is making threats to her and frightening her so much that she finally shares her story. Axel decides to move in with her to protect her and there attraction for each other keeps getting stronger and stronger. However, that isn't the end of her father. What will happen when Maggie disappears? How will Axel cope. Will he find her in time? This was a great read and I highly recommend it. I did receive an arc for an honest review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Small Town Heat series and takes place about a year after the first book. You can read this one without reading book one but you will see a lot of the characters from book one throughout this book. You meet Axel and some of the other guys in the first book and Axel heads to the small Texas town his buddy Bronx lives in. I loved Axel and Maggie's story. They are both damaged and in need of someone that understands them and will stick up for them. Axel has heard his buddy Bronx talk about his new life and love he's found after leaving the Navy and is starting to feel like there's more to life than the Navy. He meets Maggie and feels a strong pull to her but can he change his ways and stop running? Maggie has plenty of her own demons and dealing with her father who is harassing her. She won't let any other friends know what’s going on, will she finally let Axel in so he and help her or will she keep pushing him away like she does everyone else?

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

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are what you get when you mix sassy, feisty with stern, and discipline . Maggie is so sassy, have enough feistiness to share and she is on the run from dangerous people from her past. She just wants to live a normal life, no more running living without looking over her shoulder or hiding in the shadows. Axel is sexy as all get out Seal, 100% alpha, controlling and will not back down from a fight, will die to protect those he loves so meeting Maggie well that is a treat both are attracted to each other and the more time they spend with one another she realized he is just what she needs to feel safe, he likes her strength …well everything about her. When he is with her his ghost are as present when left alone trying to deal with all he has seen and done but when danger (her past)comes knocking at her door will he and his brother come for her, will they keep her safe and can she finally stop running?

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

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel is a character who was introduced in the first book in the Small Town Heat Series and this story was even better than the first book. Axel was surprised to find out that after following Bronx to the small town he now lives in with his love, Lilly-Ann he is smacked in the face with an instant connection when he meets Maggie who is an employee of Lilly-Ann's best friend, Syc. Maggie has been hiding a secret from all her friends and co-workers and when circumstances are revealed, Axel immediately steps up to protect her. This is a great story of a strong and decent man who falls in love with a woman who has a strength that she doesn't realize she has until she finds that her love of Axel gives her the strength. I have to mention once again that I have read this author many times before and have loved all her books but, the books in the Small Town Heat Series are her best yet.

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

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh start to new beginnings! This is about Axel and Maggie. A year after Bronx retired the military, Axel thought it was time for him to do the same and pay Bronx a visit. When he arrived to Texas to visit his old buddy, he was greeted with more than he expected. He then meets Maggie as she works for Sycamore, who happens to be Lily’s best friend. The girls decide to have a girls night out, but it is crashed when the boys come by and this is where Axel is introduced to his future Maggie.

Of course this story is not just about them meeting and living happily ever after, but of troubles thatcome to haunt Maggie. Axel, Bronx and others are determined to help her and boy do they!! Love this story.

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

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axel and Maggie's story is the second book in the Small Town Heat series by Kelli Walker and is another solid read. Axel has retired from the navy and moved to the small Texas town where his buddy Bronx lives. Bronx and Lily-Anne are in a committed relationship and after years of one night or short term relationships, Axel wants something more and then he meets Maggie. Strong, independent, beautiful, and with some baggage, Maggie has a tough time letting people in. But when her father keeps harassing her, Axel is there for her. This book is well paced, steamy, and has some drama. This can be read as a stand-alone, but with KU you can read there series for FREE.

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

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not so sure this is so much enemies to lovers themed. Maggie and Axel have a hot one night stand. He upsets her when he leaves as soon as they are done. Axel realizes that was not so cool. Soon after Maggie starts getting calls from her abusive father. She thought she hid away from him. Axel and Maggie get closer as he protects her from her father. Axel never thought he would find his true love in this small town. When the unthinkable happens Axel has to save Maggie so he can love her for the rest of his life. One Note if you are reading this series in order. In the previous book, Lily is pregnant at the end, but no mention of a baby in the rest of the series.

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

[Loreli Jessee]

This book is so emotional, it had me actually shedding tears. Maggie went through so much while growing up, I don’t know how she was able to be the awesome person she turned out to be. Axel was smitten as soon as he laid eyes on Maggie, he was exactly what she needed. So many great characters working together for a common goal, so awesome.

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

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Small Town Heat series featuring Axel and Maggie and their story takes place about a year after the first book. Maggie is a strong resilient woman who is working hard to overcome her troubled past. Axel comes to the town that he's heard so much about from his navy buddy Bronx after he leaves the navy. When he meets Maggie he feels a strong pull towards her I think he recognizes her brokenness. Maggie is dealing with the harassment from her father all by herself will she let Axel in so he can help her? I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this book to see what happens.

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

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. The second book in the Small Town Heat series is about Axel and Maggie. Both of them needed to start over and move on from their past, although for different reasons. She is just what he needs to shake things up. Their attraction to each other was intense. Maggie finds a security around him for valid reasons. When she needs him most, he has her back. There is drama, secrets, danger and determination but also friendship, acceptance, steam and love. This series just keeps getting better.

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

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel happens to be Bronx's friend. (Bronx was in the first book). Bronx has told him all about his new life in this small town. Axel finds Maggie who he thinks is his angel. Maggie has worked really hard to fix her troubled past. Axel is just as troubled as Maggie but they just might have found the one person who will have their backs. Maggie is still running from a father who is trying to destroy her life. Axel and Maggie have super hot chemistry and between the action, mystery, danger, kidnapping, abuse, passion and love this was a great story. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has had me crying, holding my breath and smiling too. I loved Axel and Maggie as characters and I loved seeing their connection and chemistry pull them together and not let go. There is pain, anger, darkness, guilt and grief in this, but there is also light, laughter, forgiveness, happiness and love. The story gripped me and held on tight, Maggie's nightmare is bad, so, so bad, but her strength, her fight for life, her friends who are her family and her love for Axel wrapped her up and lifted her to victory. I love this group of characters, Axel has stolen my heart and I cannot wait to read book 3, Barney's story next. This is such a good series!

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

[Bernie · Rating 2 out of 5]

another success in book 2
Axel, after deciding to leave the Navy, follows on Bronx's footsteps and drives to Hollandale. During a night out he meets Maggie and their relationship begins. He is not the type to need or regularly want a woman but Maggie pulls him in. She has issues and fears from way back, which interfere with her and Axel. Her abusive and manipulative father is lurking and determined to succeed.
A difficult and traumatic situation, dramatic changes are on the fringe of her friendships and only time will tell...

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

[Christina Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Locked And Loaded is the second book in Kelli Walker’s Small Town Heat Series.

It is a romantic suspense novel that was written from the first person point of view of both the heroine, Maggie and the hero, Axel. It is labelled as an Enemies To Lovers Military Romance, but the only truth to that statement is that it involves retired Navy Seals. The story was filled with intense characters, a compelling storyline and fiery passion. I read it in one sitting!

I loved Maggie and Axel together. Despite all the obstacle that have been thrown at them in life, they both still strive to care for and help others. Their connection was instantaneous and intense. When Maggie’s past stalks back into her life, will Axel be able to keep the love of his life safe? Read it to find out!

Locked & Loaded can be read as a standalone, but when read in order it provides the readers with a deeper understanding of the characters and the overall series storyline. I can’t wait to read Barney’s book.

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

[LeMiliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in Kelli Walker's Small Town Heat series, having read and enjoyed the first book I was looking forward to reading Axel's story, he's one of Bronx's friends, we met Bronx in the first book. The story could be read as a standalone but personally, I think books, where characters overlap, are best read in order.

This story is about Axel and Maggie, their romance is sexy and hot, they certainly have something great going on their chemistry is palpable. There is also enough action to keep the reader's interest too, as well as a happy ever after.

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Locked And Loaded is the second book in Kelli Walker's Small Town Heat series. Axel is a buddy of Bronx from book one. The relationship between Axel and Maggie is charged. When Maggie's past comes, can Axel protect her?

The romance is smexy and the action will keep you turning the pages. It does have a happy ending and can be read as a stand alone. I think the books are better with the back stories that build with each book. The plot never gets too heavy but has enough going on to sink your teeth into.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is navy all though him and he needs a break from it all when it slapped it in his face. One thing he did not expect was bumping into her and she is in danger. She is running from her past and hopes she will find the safe place she is looking for. What if her past arrives? Can he keep her safe? How will he do it? See how it will all end

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

[DENICE · Rating 4 out of 5]

AXEL AND MAGGIE

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.

Axel is one of Bronx’s Navy Seals. He has decided that he wants to leave the Seals and goes to live with Bronx and Lily-Ann. There, he meets Syc’s aide, Magnolia, Maggie. Maggie has a horrid past and Axel is known to run. This story has a lot of intrigue, kidnapping, abuse and people finding their inner selves. I loved the story and those who like a HEA will also love it.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel and Maggie are just amazing, absolutely amazing!!! So electric and that connection. Both relying on each other, one with demons and the other for protection and safety. Wow. I can't describe how good.
The book had it all. Lots of drama, a small mystery, intrigue, steamy romance and so intense. I loved this the best from Kelly Walker. Extremely good!

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axel and Maggie . . .

Axel has left the Navy as he has seen the effect on his friends. When he meets Maggie, her wit and sass draw his interest and he wants to protect her from her past. He might even choose to stick around this time.

[BusyM3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will keep you reading till the end. The story is full of suspense, romance, likeable characters. I enjoyed reading this book. Looking forward to read more.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about Axel and Maggie, they deal with things from her past. They have great chemistry and it had some great characters and was written well. No cliffhanger.

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

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way the author wrote this book was amazing, the realistic in depth dreams she wrote and the horror that maggie went through, and the way axel fought to get her back! My favorite so far.

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

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axel finds his future in Maggie. However Maggie is dealing with her unwanted past but Axel tries to help her through this. Their chemistry is steamy hot and burns with a passion, and they can't help falling for each other. I thought this romance was sizzling and so entertaining to read.

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