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There was a sense of unreality to the morning. It was ten years to the day that they’d been rescued by the Delta Team, and sent home from Afghanistan, broken and bruised in so many ways.

It seems only appropriate that Olivia is involved in a devastating automobile crash. Sure. Why not? Seems appropriate for her life. She’s injured, but she fights through the pain to rescue as many people as she can. In the midst of the drama, she meets a firefighter who sweeps her off her feet, so to speak.

Fire Chief Connor Kelly is more than just a pretty set of abs. He doesn't have time for a new relationship because the Lockhart BBQ Fest is going on, but something draws him to Olivia. She has strength of heart, something he admires, and it isn't long until he's wondering if he can persuade her to stay in Lockhart.

She’s afraid that he’s with her out of pity, because of her amputation, but it doesn’t seem to bother him. They both serve the community and it isn’t until things start to get serious that they realize they have a tragic connection.

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2022

161 people are currently reading
79 people want to read

About the author

J.M. Madden

70 books930 followers
NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author J.M. Madden writes compelling romances between 'combat modified' military men and the women who love them. J.M. Madden loves any and all good love stories, most particularly her own. She has two beautiful children and a husband who always keeps her on her toes.

J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She'll respond.

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5 stars
460 (67%)
4 stars
148 (21%)
3 stars
55 (8%)
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16 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.7k reviews545 followers
October 17, 2022
The opening to this book was brutal! I hated all that Olivia and her people had to go through. Then for her to get into the accident on the same day? I swear, if it wasn't for bad luck, she'd have no luck.

I really liked how Connor stepped up to help Olivia by giving her a place to stay and then taking her around to the BBQ fest. You could see sparks flying from them right away and I'm glad that they gave in and explored things. I also loved how Connor didn't give a rats ass about Olivia's leg.

OMG..the drama at the BBQ fest was so crazy! From the person running the festival, to a spousal dispute, to people that were just plain crazy, you wouldn't expect any of that stuff to happen!

The ending to this one was great, both of them deserved to find all the happiness they could.
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,356 reviews172 followers
July 14, 2022
5 STARS for the Prologue alone! A heart wrenching depiction of the Afghanistan war in 2012. The author gives us a bird's eye view of an attack on a FOB base where a critical trauma team of doctors and nurses were housed to treat the wounded. This story is about Lt. Olivia Grant who is a trauma nurse. She survived the attack, but lost part of her leg along with the emotional scars.

Then we go 10 years later where she is involved multiple car accident. She's left concussed and bruised but she meets Fire Chief Connor Kelly on the scene and the two form a bond.

J.M. Madden is still the queen of military romances..
Profile Image for Michellelovesreading.
1,612 reviews183 followers
August 15, 2022
Cute

This was a good read,I would read it again. I enjoyed reading this book it only took me a day.
949 reviews
July 18, 2022
This book begins with an unbelievably realistic attack of a hospital on a Marine base in Afghanistan. J.M. Madden skillfully describes the attack as doctors and nurses are attacked, beaten, injured and murdered. Even the wounded marines are slaughtered.

Olivia Grant, a young nurse on the base, is one of the few survivors. However, she must leave the Marines with some serious injuries. After months of rehab, she is now a traveling nurse.

Now, ten years later, Olivia is on her way to a new post in Texas. In Lockhart, while driving around, Olivia is injured in a huge car crash. She chooses to ignore her pain and help others who are injured. It is here that she meets Wyatt, the chief of the Lockhart Fire Department.

Olivia’s injures require that she stay a day or so in Lockhart. She needs to rest and allow someone to take care of her for a few days. Wyatt takes her to his firehouse where she can sleep alone in his private bedroom.

During this time there is a huge BBQ Fest that has been set up by the fire department. Olivia and Wyatt spend a lot of her time at the festival and at the fire house where they get to know each other.

Wyatt and Olivia are immediately drawn to each other and instantly fall in love. They have a lot in common. They are both caring, giving people who have devoted their lives to helping people.

This is an absorbing romantic suspense book about two very strong, independent characters!


Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews30 followers
July 19, 2023
In the prequel of this book we learn of the horrific events at an outpost named Nightshade, those events have cemented a friendship between three of the survivors, Olivia, Baylee and Rex.

This book is Olivia's story, and it opens on the anniversary of the most horrific day of her life. A truck hits the rear quarter panel of her SUV, when her vehicle comes to a stop, she evaluates her condition. She couldn't see much outside with the airbags deployed the windows were all shattered though. Her shoulder hurt more than usual, and she was pretty sure she has some broken ribs, but the rest of her seems okay. She maneuvers herself out of her vehicle to see what she can do to help, even as she fights a flashback. She starts triaging the victims and putting bystanders to work.

She helps even as paramedics arrive, trying to free a child from a vehicle. She insists on helping with the little girl and once she was safe, Olivia passes out.

It was the Chief's arms she fell into, and he gets her settled with Kim Caldwell a paramedic who had just pulled in. As they pull away he thinks he might just check on her once things settle.

Waking up in the hospital, Olivia isn't pleased. She wants out and even with the Chief there she was determined to find what she needed on her own. Unfortunately, she couldn't find anything.

The next day starts with breakfast and Olivia finally learns the name of her benefactor, Connor Kelly, Fire Chief. She works her way through some phone calls and then they go to the event grounds.

Of course, with the BBQ Fest going on there are no rentals available anywhere close, so Olivia resigns herself to waiting everything out. Plus, her contract site had issue that was forcing them to push back her dates as well.

I love the slow and steady growth of the attraction between Olivia and Connor. I also loved that they have another connection, one that could have broken them but only made them stronger.

I am already reading the next book in this crossover series.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,489 reviews54 followers
July 14, 2022
...a firefighter holding a match...

...and Olivia's heart is toast!
She never expected love, she didn't think it was possible with her past but Connor blows through every wall she has built to the woman hidden below. He doesn't even see the sarcastic, veteran, amputee persona that she hides behind, he sees her and I love him for that.
Olivia has had some horrific experiences, she carries permanent scars both inside and out, but she wears them as armour, surviving each day but not really living. Your heart hurts for the strong but fearful woman living a half life, she doesn't know any other way to protect her heart from more loss. Connor terrifies her because he makes her feel again, which leaves her a little bewildered, thankfully he is strong enough to catch her as she falls and ease her into love.
I loved this first book in the Nightshade series, it had horrifically brutal moments but these are followed by hope and by achingly beautiful moments as Olivia and Connor discover each other. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Lisa Gibbs.
802 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2022
This book evoked a lot of emotions in me. The first few chapters alone had me tearing up and angry at what happened to Olivia and her coworkers in Afghanistan 10 years ago. They were rescued by Delta team but not before they lost so much.

This is a love story and true to form Ms. Madden pulls your heartstrings and writes memorable characters that you just can't forget. Ms. Madden writes about veterans who have been mentally or physically changed by war. Olivia is no different. She is strong and resilient she deserves a happy ending. She finds hers when she is in a horrible traffic accident. Fire Chief Connor Kelly comes to her rescue in more ways than one. He sees her for who she is and accepts her completely.

I hope to see more stories about the two other people at the beginning of the story who went through hell and survived with Olivia because they too deserve a happy ending.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,284 reviews
August 11, 2023
The beginning of this book was really intense. It was truly brutal. Thankfully the whole book was not at that same level of intensity.

Next, I had the thought that if Olivia didn't have bad luck, she would not have had any luck. I was so glad that her bad luck took a 180°.

I doubt that Connor or Olivia would have thought that particular incident at the start of the BBQ fair would change their lives. This was most definitely an instalove story, and I did not mind it one bit.

I loved the way Connor and Olivia connected. I so appreciated that he was not bothered by her leg at all. I liked that Olivia felt such a level of comfort both with Connor and the town of Lockhart.

Even knowing what was going to happen with Jessamy took nothing away from the story. There were a few little twists and a couple of major ones that I did not expect at all.

This was an entertaining, fast paced romance with a sweet, uplifting HEA.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,782 reviews52 followers
July 11, 2022
Olivia and Connor, a contract nurse and a fire chief. Both know how to analyze a situation and handle things quickly. Olivia has that special something that all main characters have in a Madden book, she’s combat wounded. She’s quick, feisty, capable and lonely - the same could be said for Connor, except he has the fire station to solve the loneliness. I really enjoyed this book and had no idea where it was going at first. We learn about Olivia, her wounds and her team in the prologue. Then we are in a emergency situation with a car accident with Olivia as a victim. The first third of the book is intense and full of action then we get to slow it down. She stays in town during a BBQ festival and really gets to know Connor. This is a great start to a new series. I had the privilege of reading an early copy and wrote this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,535 reviews49 followers
May 16, 2022
Now the emotions I went through when reading the prologue had me wanting to put the book down because it was gut-wrenching. Not horrible but with where my mind was I couldn’t take anymore darkness.

I pushed on and I would saw the storm came before the calm. Olivia was still fierce when faced with trying situations and but others needs before her on. Present until her body said it needed rest and Connor was there to catch her before she fell, literally.

Things went up from there, at times I even shed a tear or two. Their hearts were huge and the connection the two of them had was bigger that what brought them together. Defining moments that would bring the hardest soul to their knees. Selfless souls merged into one.
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,278 reviews35 followers
August 1, 2022
The prologue of Rescuing Olivia may make you gasp at its intensity. JM Madden certainly was able to make me feel the danger, death and destruction that surrounded the surgical team and patients of FOB Nightshade. Olivia Grant lived the tragedy and came out the other side, alive but not whole. Fast forward ten years, she's involved in another tragic event; an multi vehicle traffic accident. At the scene Fire Chief Connor Kelly is astounded by Olivia's take charge demeanor despite the injuries she's obviously suffered. Astonishment turns to admiration for the pint sized dynamo and he angles to get to know her better despite the fact she's just passing through his small town. They spend an extraordinary few days together and quickly develop feelings but is it too fast?
235 reviews
July 19, 2022
What a great story and addition to the Operation Alpha world

Have your kleenex ready, the start if the book was so suspenseful and heartbreaking but gave a great starting point to the whole story. Once in the present, I loved how strong and resilient Olivia is; her leadership, the take control of life threatening situations was so well written. Conner seemed to understand Olivia, gave her the room she needed to be stron but also the tenderness that reminder her of her feminine side. I was excited to see Truck and Mary briefly, as well as Ghost. I hope Bailee and Rex also get their stories, the whole station as well as DRAKE!
Profile Image for Katrina.
271 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2022
This was such a cute book! It's set in the Susan Stoker world of books, which she was kind enough to continue even after Amazon shut down its world collaborations. Thank goodness she kept it going because some of these authors are writing cracking stories.

I was a big fan of the lead characters. It's so rarely the femal lead that is an ex-servicewoman, but the trauma and challenges they face are sometimes compounded by the lack of awareness. I loved that Olivia was an amputee, and Connor addressed the issue directly throughout the story. I'd love to read Baylee's story and I hope that is a planned future novel by the author.

I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
438 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! It was a perfect combination of sexy hero saves the day and tough as nails heroine finding her way. The chemistry between Olivia and Connor was sizzling. They were thrust together during a multi-car pileup and despite the circumstances they clicked. Things seemed to settle while Olivia hung out at the fire station to recover, but the BBQ festival brings more drama than either of them could imagine. I was hooked on this book from start to finish and devoured it in one sitting.
Profile Image for Belinda .
1,327 reviews9 followers
July 12, 2022
The Prologue is gripping and tense. Olivia went through hell and back and has a permanent reminder to show for it. On the 10th anniversary of that horrible night she is involved in a multi car accident and meets Fire Chief Connor. Madden has written an emotional story full of action, tragedy, mystery and courage. . Maddens description of what happened in war torn Afghanistan is spot on. I will admit I cried during some of the scenes especially when she sees one of the men from the Delta Team that saved her ten years prior. An excellent read.
Profile Image for Cecly Ann.
Author 21 books28 followers
July 1, 2022
The impactful beginning of this novel and the author’s knowledge of combat with its gory details, would turn off some readers, me, I enjoyed every last word.
And then we get to the meat of Conner and Olivia’s story and the narrative flows effortlessly off the page.
This is a deep happy ever after for everyone.
Profile Image for Janice.
3,087 reviews
July 15, 2022
On the 10th anniversary of Olivia and the surviving members of her team were rescued by a Delta Team she was involved in an accident. As a nurse, even though she was injured, she started triaging the other victims of a drunk driver. During the triage she found a deceased young mother trapped in a car; Fire Chief Connor Kelly helped rescue the toddler trapped in the backseat.
201 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2022
Excellent

Olivia was a medic nurse. The first part of this story was very sad. Olivia and her good friend was working in a medic hospital in Afghanistan., they were attacked and most the people where gunned down and killed. Olivia had her leg broke in two places and ended up losing it. Her best friend wax taped and had several knife wounds. Good story.
1,900 reviews9 followers
July 18, 2022
Falling in Love!

Rescuing Olivia: WOW! Olivia was one strong women who had been through a lot in 10 years. Then an accident happen and was stranded in a small town.with lots of hot men! 1 specific one with beautiful blue eyes... They had a strong connection. I truly enjoyed their story!
500 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2022
Rescuing Olivia

I have read other books by J.M. Madden and got into reading them so I knew that this was going to be another one I would love. I hope that she does a book on Baylee and Rex I need to know how their story goes and how they find their special someone I'm hooked, and seeing the guys Ghost but mostly Truck and Mary with him.
712 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2022
Rescuing Olivia

The romance in this story is superb. Olivia is rescued in Afghanistan and later becomes a traveling nurse. I won't say anything more about that but the loving is hot! I was a bit disappointed in that the ending left a lot unexplained.
I would read more about these guys eagerly.
4 reviews
August 2, 2022
Amazing read! 5 stars all around great story line and emotional!

Amazing read and emotional storyline. The.prologue alone.had my heart beating so fast like I was there! Such emotion leading into an amazing story with delta making An appearance was just perfect !! Can't wait for.more in this series!

532 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2022
TRAGEDY OVERCOME

The horrors of war and the resulting changes to those involved, some changes for the better and some definitely not. Learning to move on, to move forward, to be engaged more fully in life, in living life, in loving.
Rescuing Olivia is a gripping story that immediately wraps around the reader, not letting go until the very last words. So very highly recommend.
111 reviews
September 28, 2022
Heartwarming!

I was intrigued when I saw this book and even more so when I read the blurb. I must say I feel this book fulfilled it’s promise. The nurse and fire fighter were engaging and I loved them. There was some angst as it did deal with a veteran and the issues of war. Thank you, J M Madden and Susan Stoker you are the best!
412 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2023
AMAZING

I have never read this author before. But if all her work is as awesome as this , then I'm hooked! This book showed amazing character development, spot on usage of technical information and a way with telling this story that touched my heart & soul. Beautifully written. Wow, just wow!
Profile Image for Madm007.
1,161 reviews6 followers
November 6, 2024
Excellent Highly Charged Journey

Loved this whole story beginning from the very first page to a very emotional happily ever after. So realistic it was easy to forget it's fiction. Nail biting, happy sighs, and bits of humor throughout. Even a couple of eye rolls and hmphs added in. No shortage of feels in here.
Connor and Olivia true fictional heroes indeed. Now on to read more goodness in the Nightshade saga.
Profile Image for Gina Wooldridge.
426 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2022
Great Story

Olivia and Conner are perfect for each other . The story was fast paced and full of twists and turns and lots of emotions . I hope there are other books in this series .
Profile Image for Catheryn.
1,411 reviews31 followers
September 12, 2022
Quick read, insta love.

The prologue to this story, honestly could be its own book. Wow.

The love story that follows is very sweet. I like the relationship between Olivia and Tucker. The both have experienced loss and are healing from it.

Great story and quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews