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Redleg Security #2
Forbidden Hero
Things that awaken my inner rage monster (in no particular order):
- The F-nugget who thought it would be fun to try to kidnap me. Throwing me in a trunk? Rude!
- My oldest brother - For insisting I need constant babysitters since I’m in danger. Oops! Did I say babysitters? I meant bodyguards.
- Same brother again - For having a ridiculously hot best friend, then assigning him as my primary bodyguard and telepathically forbidding him from dating me, even though I’m starting to suspect that he’s seriously crushing on me. (The best friend is crushing, not my brother. Don't be weird.)
- My brother’s best friend (i.e.: my new bodyguard) - For having a jaw so chiseled it could probably slice through a huge block of aged cheddar, and yet, not letting me lick it. (His jaw, not the cheddar. Now you’re waking up my rage monster.)
- My bodyguard’s stupid rules - For forbidding me from flirting with him, touching him more than necessary, and kissing him again. Even though he started it!
- Wine - For having calories.
- My ex-husband - For breathing.
- The law - For prohibiting st*bbing.
- My heart and bodyguard - Both for making me fall in love again… the audacity!
Author’s Note:
Forbidden Hero is a stand-alone romantic comedy mixed with a romantic suspense and is the second book in the Redleg Security series. Each book in the series features a different couple's love story and happily ever after. Although it's not necessary to read all books in the series, for those who love reading all books in order, start with "Heartbreak Hero" to avoid any minor potential spoilers for side plots that may overlap from book to book.
This novel is written in alternating first person point of view and contains steamy open-door scenes, profanity, a strong heroine with mild anger issues due to her bumpy past, a hero who will make you laugh one minute and swoon the next (especially when he helps her reclaim her body). There's page-turning action and all the feels, along with a healthy dose of humor. There is an HEA, no cheating, and no "other woman" drama.
Tropes are: Brother's Best Friend, Secret Relationship/Forbidden Love, and Friends to Lovers with a dash of forced proximity.
Since this is an action-packed, suspenseful, bodyguard novel, it features some content that sensitive readers may like to know about before reading. More details about these topics are available after the Dedication in the front of the e-book and will be posted to my website by publication date.
- The F-nugget who thought it would be fun to try to kidnap me. Throwing me in a trunk? Rude!
- My oldest brother - For insisting I need constant babysitters since I’m in danger. Oops! Did I say babysitters? I meant bodyguards.
- Same brother again - For having a ridiculously hot best friend, then assigning him as my primary bodyguard and telepathically forbidding him from dating me, even though I’m starting to suspect that he’s seriously crushing on me. (The best friend is crushing, not my brother. Don't be weird.)
- My brother’s best friend (i.e.: my new bodyguard) - For having a jaw so chiseled it could probably slice through a huge block of aged cheddar, and yet, not letting me lick it. (His jaw, not the cheddar. Now you’re waking up my rage monster.)
- My bodyguard’s stupid rules - For forbidding me from flirting with him, touching him more than necessary, and kissing him again. Even though he started it!
- Wine - For having calories.
- My ex-husband - For breathing.
- The law - For prohibiting st*bbing.
- My heart and bodyguard - Both for making me fall in love again… the audacity!
Author’s Note:
Forbidden Hero is a stand-alone romantic comedy mixed with a romantic suspense and is the second book in the Redleg Security series. Each book in the series features a different couple's love story and happily ever after. Although it's not necessary to read all books in the series, for those who love reading all books in order, start with "Heartbreak Hero" to avoid any minor potential spoilers for side plots that may overlap from book to book.
This novel is written in alternating first person point of view and contains steamy open-door scenes, profanity, a strong heroine with mild anger issues due to her bumpy past, a hero who will make you laugh one minute and swoon the next (especially when he helps her reclaim her body). There's page-turning action and all the feels, along with a healthy dose of humor. There is an HEA, no cheating, and no "other woman" drama.
Tropes are: Brother's Best Friend, Secret Relationship/Forbidden Love, and Friends to Lovers with a dash of forced proximity.
Since this is an action-packed, suspenseful, bodyguard novel, it features some content that sensitive readers may like to know about before reading. More details about these topics are available after the Dedication in the front of the e-book and will be posted to my website by publication date.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2022
1085 people are currently reading
5852 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Walker
17 books448 followersBe sure to follow me on BookBub so you don't miss out on news about my sales or releases: https://tinyurl.com/JackieWalkerBookBub
You can also sign-up for my newsletter or follow me on my socials by viewing my link tree: https://linktr.ee/authorjackiewalker
***
Jackie brings you stories featuring her signature blend of comedy, spice, suspense, multi-faceted characters, and romantic, heartwarming moments. A voracious romance reader herself, Jackie writes stories featuring the four
Ss: Suspense, Swoons, Steam, and Sarcasm.
Her heroines are badass, and her heroes are easy on the eyes and heavy on the charm. She loves writing characters with real emotions, flaws, and mental health issues and is known to send them to therapy where they belong. Let’s normalize that shit.
When she is not writing stories about swoony heroes and the women who get to play with them, she is avoiding life with an audiobook in her ears or taking care of her army of cats and peacocks or hanging with her teenage son (who also speaks fluent sarcasm).
You can also sign-up for my newsletter or follow me on my socials by viewing my link tree: https://linktr.ee/authorjackiewalker
***
Jackie brings you stories featuring her signature blend of comedy, spice, suspense, multi-faceted characters, and romantic, heartwarming moments. A voracious romance reader herself, Jackie writes stories featuring the four
Ss: Suspense, Swoons, Steam, and Sarcasm.
Her heroines are badass, and her heroes are easy on the eyes and heavy on the charm. She loves writing characters with real emotions, flaws, and mental health issues and is known to send them to therapy where they belong. Let’s normalize that shit.
When she is not writing stories about swoony heroes and the women who get to play with them, she is avoiding life with an audiobook in her ears or taking care of her army of cats and peacocks or hanging with her teenage son (who also speaks fluent sarcasm).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
August 4, 2022
This is book two in the Redleg Security series. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Though it can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA, readers will benefit from reading book one first to better understand both Sammy’s relationship with her brother and Sawyer’s relationship with Leo and the Redleg team. Also, there may be potential spoilers to book one in books two because of overlapping plot points.
Sawyer is a perfect hero. He is charming and flirty despite his rough childhood. I adore his soft heart and his confidence in his feelings when it comes to Sammy. I also love his security with his own manhood. He doesn’t hesitate to let Sammy dominate him in the steamy scenes because it is what she needs to move forward from her traumatic past. Honestly, I loved everything about Sawyer. 100% yummy.
Sammy has a past that included childhood abuse as well as domestic abuse with her ex-husband. Her traumatic history has shaped how she reacts to her environment, her relationships, and to her own feelings. She gains strength over the course of the book and heals as Sawyer surrounds her with his love.
The story itself has some action and suspense. It wouldn’t be a book by this author if it didn’t include laughs, sarcasm, snarky dialogue, and witty banter. I especially enjoyed the scenes between the guards at Redleg and how they pick on each other. Both MCs break the fourth wall frequently to address the reader. Sammy’s frequent internal monologues occasionally were a little overwhelming to me, pulling me out of the story. The steamy scenes are extremely hot. They may be the hottest that this author has written. At the same time, I really enjoyed the emotional connection between Sawyer and Sammy in these scenes and how much trust was an integral part of their relationship. This was an enjoyable read and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
TW/CW: Both MC have a history of child abuse. Heroine has a history of domestic violence which included physical, emotional, and sexual assault, which is discussed and is an important part of the book. As a romantic suspense, there are a few moments of violence, including gun violence, related to the plot.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
Sawyer is a perfect hero. He is charming and flirty despite his rough childhood. I adore his soft heart and his confidence in his feelings when it comes to Sammy. I also love his security with his own manhood. He doesn’t hesitate to let Sammy dominate him in the steamy scenes because it is what she needs to move forward from her traumatic past. Honestly, I loved everything about Sawyer. 100% yummy.
Sammy has a past that included childhood abuse as well as domestic abuse with her ex-husband. Her traumatic history has shaped how she reacts to her environment, her relationships, and to her own feelings. She gains strength over the course of the book and heals as Sawyer surrounds her with his love.
The story itself has some action and suspense. It wouldn’t be a book by this author if it didn’t include laughs, sarcasm, snarky dialogue, and witty banter. I especially enjoyed the scenes between the guards at Redleg and how they pick on each other. Both MCs break the fourth wall frequently to address the reader. Sammy’s frequent internal monologues occasionally were a little overwhelming to me, pulling me out of the story. The steamy scenes are extremely hot. They may be the hottest that this author has written. At the same time, I really enjoyed the emotional connection between Sawyer and Sammy in these scenes and how much trust was an integral part of their relationship. This was an enjoyable read and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
TW/CW: Both MC have a history of child abuse. Heroine has a history of domestic violence which included physical, emotional, and sexual assault, which is discussed and is an important part of the book. As a romantic suspense, there are a few moments of violence, including gun violence, related to the plot.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
July 31, 2022
OMG 🥵🥰
So this is second book I’ve read by this author. Going to be completely honest in saying I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first book in this series. Not sure if it was because I hadn’t read the books that introduced Sue and Leo or if I was just to busy in life but I couldn’t quite get into
the book until the end. But this book… OMG!! 🥵 🥰Jackie Walker HIT IT OUT OF THE PARK and had me hooked!! Found myself sneak reading at work, randomly waking up at 2am to pee then staying up reading for 2 hours… this is all over two days. Without giving any spoilers the back life stories of Sawyer and Sammy is what make these two and help them click so well. With what life hand either one of them it’s amazing to see the people they have become. Sammy is such a strong women, I’m an so impressed with her character. She has her moments that she works through, but let’s be real with the crap she has been through she deserves to have some moments! Love the little jokes and movie references from Sawyer, he gave me a several 😂 Moments. They both deserve their HEA and it was a well written one at that!! The epilogue had me blushing, fanning my face, and giddy. I have a hunch/hope of who the next story is going to be and if that’s the case I will say I’m going to have a hard time waiting until fall for their story.
I do think you would want to read first book to understand Sammy and her brother Leo aka Sawyer’s best friend. I will now be rereading the first book (heartbreak hero)and this one again… had me hooked, that good!
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
So this is second book I’ve read by this author. Going to be completely honest in saying I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first book in this series. Not sure if it was because I hadn’t read the books that introduced Sue and Leo or if I was just to busy in life but I couldn’t quite get into
the book until the end. But this book… OMG!! 🥵 🥰Jackie Walker HIT IT OUT OF THE PARK and had me hooked!! Found myself sneak reading at work, randomly waking up at 2am to pee then staying up reading for 2 hours… this is all over two days. Without giving any spoilers the back life stories of Sawyer and Sammy is what make these two and help them click so well. With what life hand either one of them it’s amazing to see the people they have become. Sammy is such a strong women, I’m an so impressed with her character. She has her moments that she works through, but let’s be real with the crap she has been through she deserves to have some moments! Love the little jokes and movie references from Sawyer, he gave me a several 😂 Moments. They both deserve their HEA and it was a well written one at that!! The epilogue had me blushing, fanning my face, and giddy. I have a hunch/hope of who the next story is going to be and if that’s the case I will say I’m going to have a hard time waiting until fall for their story.
I do think you would want to read first book to understand Sammy and her brother Leo aka Sawyer’s best friend. I will now be rereading the first book (heartbreak hero)and this one again… had me hooked, that good!
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
September 4, 2022
I also read the second one. Kendall unlimited is great for these quick romance reads. This one is about a bodyguard and the person he’s supposed to be guarding. Obviously they have immediate chemistry and a little bit of forbidden tone to their relationship. That’s what the second one is about, too.
August 31, 2022
Another notch on the old bedpost in my ongoing quest to read every bodyguard romance I can. This had some worthwhile plot points like the inclusion of therapy for the FMC, but tbh the MMC could have used some therapy as well. I don't think he had truly dealt with his military service or near death experience. It was nice to read a story where the FMC took charge in the bedroom, up to and including a spicy epilogue where a flared base came in handy for the MMC. You don't see much of that in many of these stories that feature a muscled ex-military bad boy type. So bravo to the author for that.
Things I am less enamored by are the eye roll inducing puns and jokes that made parts of this book incredibly painful. These characters read super duper young even though they are not. Yet the humor will be from like Gen X/Boomer territory. Gallagher? That felt old when I was young and I am no spring chicken. I also cannot fathom how a private security team gets away with kidnapping, assault, storming of an airport, etc. It is really hard to suspend disbelief when you read about private citizens armed to the teeth literally flash banging someone's apartment and disappearing them. And no one notices. Ma'am, let's be real.
The plot was nothing earth shattering, your standard FMC being stalked. I appreciated that in at least one instance she was able to rescue herself. But of course at the end she was kidnapped AGAIN because of course she was. I really really really really really dislike when the FMC does something stupid to get herself in trouble. It was a little worse because not only did the FMC do something incredibly dumb, but a woman from the security team also does. It is not a good look for the end of the book. Two women doing something they know they should not do and one of them gets paid to be better but because they were having a 'girls night' somehow all sense goes out the window. *deep sigh*
I honestly don't get the whole 'forbidden' aspect of dating your brother's friend, especially as these two didn't seem especially close. Listen, if I want someone them being nominally friends with my brother would mean less than nothing to me. But then again, I can't think of single person who is friends with my brothers that I would realistically date. The tragedy of having brothers with bad taste. At any rate, although this is hyped as a 'forbidden' romance, the reasoning for it seems pretty flimsy so if you need that to light your rockets I don't think you would get off the landing pad with this one.
I give the author 2 stars and if Goodreads allowed half stars I would probably bump to 2.5. Not enough for me to continue with the series, but I wasn't angry enough to delete it from my kindle. I also struggle rating anything with modern military or cops high because the whole time the MMC is telling me this tragic story about him nearly dying overseas I am like why the hell were you there in the first place. Use of a military backstory is a shortcut for authors to create camaraderie among men and I think it's a bit lazy at times. Let's have stories with men bonding in other ways perhaps and have less of a focus on Gallagher and bad puns and more work developing good male friendships sans bloody imperialism. Let me enjoy my smut without having to think about why you are covered in scars from a war that never should have been fought.
Things I am less enamored by are the eye roll inducing puns and jokes that made parts of this book incredibly painful. These characters read super duper young even though they are not. Yet the humor will be from like Gen X/Boomer territory. Gallagher? That felt old when I was young and I am no spring chicken. I also cannot fathom how a private security team gets away with kidnapping, assault, storming of an airport, etc. It is really hard to suspend disbelief when you read about private citizens armed to the teeth literally flash banging someone's apartment and disappearing them. And no one notices. Ma'am, let's be real.
The plot was nothing earth shattering, your standard FMC being stalked. I appreciated that in at least one instance she was able to rescue herself. But of course at the end she was kidnapped AGAIN because of course she was. I really really really really really dislike when the FMC does something stupid to get herself in trouble. It was a little worse because not only did the FMC do something incredibly dumb, but a woman from the security team also does. It is not a good look for the end of the book. Two women doing something they know they should not do and one of them gets paid to be better but because they were having a 'girls night' somehow all sense goes out the window. *deep sigh*
I honestly don't get the whole 'forbidden' aspect of dating your brother's friend, especially as these two didn't seem especially close. Listen, if I want someone them being nominally friends with my brother would mean less than nothing to me. But then again, I can't think of single person who is friends with my brothers that I would realistically date. The tragedy of having brothers with bad taste. At any rate, although this is hyped as a 'forbidden' romance, the reasoning for it seems pretty flimsy so if you need that to light your rockets I don't think you would get off the landing pad with this one.
I give the author 2 stars and if Goodreads allowed half stars I would probably bump to 2.5. Not enough for me to continue with the series, but I wasn't angry enough to delete it from my kindle. I also struggle rating anything with modern military or cops high because the whole time the MMC is telling me this tragic story about him nearly dying overseas I am like why the hell were you there in the first place. Use of a military backstory is a shortcut for authors to create camaraderie among men and I think it's a bit lazy at times. Let's have stories with men bonding in other ways perhaps and have less of a focus on Gallagher and bad puns and more work developing good male friendships sans bloody imperialism. Let me enjoy my smut without having to think about why you are covered in scars from a war that never should have been fought.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2023
Can I just say I hate when characters break the fourth wall and talk to the reader? Now that that’s out of the way.
I enjoyed this book. I liked how the characters acknowledged from early on that they both had feelings for eachother (and for a while as well from Sawyer’s POV, would have been interested to see when Sammy started developing feelings).
Their relationship progression and Sawyer was perfect with how supportive and slow he was with the relationship knowing her past abuse.
I still didn’t get the reason for Craig’s dad’s involvement and why he cared so much to kidnap her but alas.
I enjoyed this book. I liked how the characters acknowledged from early on that they both had feelings for eachother (and for a while as well from Sawyer’s POV, would have been interested to see when Sammy started developing feelings).
Their relationship progression and Sawyer was perfect with how supportive and slow he was with the relationship knowing her past abuse.
I still didn’t get the reason for Craig’s dad’s involvement and why he cared so much to kidnap her but alas.
August 1, 2022
Jackie Walker continues her Redleg series with a steamy, passionate but sweet friends to lovers, big brother's best friend trope.
Sammy is a very well balanced heroine. She's got a traumatic past and is in therapy for it (Bravo!!! Too many authors traumatize characters and never get them actual help). She's not going to be a victim anymore and she trying to take control of her life. She's also a very stubborn, strong willed, brazen woman who doesn't let people boss her around. The entire book, Sammy felt very real and relatable, like someone I could be friends with.
Sawyer is the most precious of alpha cinnamon rolls! How Jackie Walker manages to make him both is astounding. On the one hand, he's an ex Army Ranger badass turned personal security. He's strong, authoritative, and just the right amount protective. He's also very aware and conscious of Sammy's past, and takes care to let her lead the way when it comes to intimacy. It's a delicious submission from an otherwise dominating man that just melted my heart!
While this is a suspense thriller of a romance, it wouldn't be a Jackie Walker book without a boatload of humor! I laughed so hard I cried a few times! But I also was hit hard in the feels for the heroine and all she's had to overcome, and our hero, for the struggles he's endured as well.
This is a beautiful, fun read for the close of summer! It moves quickly and keeps you turning page after page well into the wee hours of the morning.
Disclaimer: This was an ARC read, free in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Sammy is a very well balanced heroine. She's got a traumatic past and is in therapy for it (Bravo!!! Too many authors traumatize characters and never get them actual help). She's not going to be a victim anymore and she trying to take control of her life. She's also a very stubborn, strong willed, brazen woman who doesn't let people boss her around. The entire book, Sammy felt very real and relatable, like someone I could be friends with.
Sawyer is the most precious of alpha cinnamon rolls! How Jackie Walker manages to make him both is astounding. On the one hand, he's an ex Army Ranger badass turned personal security. He's strong, authoritative, and just the right amount protective. He's also very aware and conscious of Sammy's past, and takes care to let her lead the way when it comes to intimacy. It's a delicious submission from an otherwise dominating man that just melted my heart!
While this is a suspense thriller of a romance, it wouldn't be a Jackie Walker book without a boatload of humor! I laughed so hard I cried a few times! But I also was hit hard in the feels for the heroine and all she's had to overcome, and our hero, for the struggles he's endured as well.
This is a beautiful, fun read for the close of summer! It moves quickly and keeps you turning page after page well into the wee hours of the morning.
Disclaimer: This was an ARC read, free in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 21, 2024
This is the second book in a series and while I really liked the first book, I think I liked this one even more. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite sub genres and the way the author combines tense situations and seriously funny moments is just the best. I really liked Sammy, she felt so authentic and easy to relate to and Sawyer was her perfect counterpart with touch her and die vibes. They both had issues and trauma in their pasts but that helped them understand each other so well and allowed them to build a strong foundation together and they were perfect together. The audio version is narrated by CJ Bloom and Robert Hatchet and they brought Sawyer and Sammy to life in the best way. If you like sweet and spicy romance that will make you laugh out loud and plenty of suspense this was so fun
January 28, 2025
Sawyer is the perfect book boyfriend. He gives Sammy anything she needs to be comfortable and confident. Any. Thing. It's an easy claim of the book boyfriend cap, but I'm here for it!
This one continued off the last book in all the best ways. Time jumps forward a bit, and then we get to see these two blossom together, and it's so satisfying. They both deserved it!
And those unmentionable a-holes that were an issue? They get theirs, too. Solid conclusion to that bit of the story, thank goodness!
I can't wait until the next book, especially with how this one ends for a certain someone. I need more info and to see this character get their HEA!
Highly, highly recommend the audiobook for this one. The narrators knocked out of the park.
This one continued off the last book in all the best ways. Time jumps forward a bit, and then we get to see these two blossom together, and it's so satisfying. They both deserved it!
And those unmentionable a-holes that were an issue? They get theirs, too. Solid conclusion to that bit of the story, thank goodness!
I can't wait until the next book, especially with how this one ends for a certain someone. I need more info and to see this character get their HEA!
Highly, highly recommend the audiobook for this one. The narrators knocked out of the park.
July 19, 2023
Love Sawyer and Sammy
Sawyer and Leo are best friend, and Sawyer is also friends with Leo’s sister Sammy. Sawyer and Sammy are attracted to each others but don’t want to cross that line because of Leo and her past. Danger comes for Sammy and Sawyer and Red Leg security is there. With the close proximity their attraction is getting harder to fight. Can they be together? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing book. Love Sawyer and Sammy the supporting characters are amazing. The action and twist and turns are exciting. The spice is awesome. Check your trigger warnings
Sawyer and Leo are best friend, and Sawyer is also friends with Leo’s sister Sammy. Sawyer and Sammy are attracted to each others but don’t want to cross that line because of Leo and her past. Danger comes for Sammy and Sawyer and Red Leg security is there. With the close proximity their attraction is getting harder to fight. Can they be together? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing book. Love Sawyer and Sammy the supporting characters are amazing. The action and twist and turns are exciting. The spice is awesome. Check your trigger warnings
March 8, 2024
Immaculate. I woke up early just so I could read some before work. Perfection.
January 16, 2025
OMG YES! This series is Chefs kiss! Read it.
December 4, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ I didn’t really like the insta-love trope or the fact that the characters were talking to the reader but the plot line was really good
March 15, 2024
Sammy & Sawyer
I enjoyed this addition to the Redleg series...it tied into book 1 really well and tied into the storyline from that book and the characters we met.
I appreciated how Jackie handled Sammy's past and the issues it caused in her life as she tried to move forward. She handled it with care and in a honest and raw way.
I also really loved that while it wasn't something he'd done before, Sawyer was 100% on board letting Sammy take charge during intimate moments as she worked to heal from her past. Made him even more swoony in my book.
We got some lighter bits of humor thanks to Sawyer and Sue, and that really helped balance the book as it did deal with a lot of heavy.
I am really excited to continue the series...I know whose book is next but to be honest I really want Big Al and Madeline's story!
I enjoyed this addition to the Redleg series...it tied into book 1 really well and tied into the storyline from that book and the characters we met.
I appreciated how Jackie handled Sammy's past and the issues it caused in her life as she tried to move forward. She handled it with care and in a honest and raw way.
I also really loved that while it wasn't something he'd done before, Sawyer was 100% on board letting Sammy take charge during intimate moments as she worked to heal from her past. Made him even more swoony in my book.
We got some lighter bits of humor thanks to Sawyer and Sue, and that really helped balance the book as it did deal with a lot of heavy.
I am really excited to continue the series...I know whose book is next but to be honest I really want Big Al and Madeline's story!
February 13, 2024
OMG! I absolutely loved this book! Sawyer and Sammy are great people apart but put them in the same room and they are bumped up ten notches. The internal dialogue in both of their brains are hilarious!
I listened to this audiobook and was a little hesitant on the narrators at first but as it went they were spot on for Sawyer and Sammy. Loved the whole thing!
I listened to this audiobook and was a little hesitant on the narrators at first but as it went they were spot on for Sawyer and Sammy. Loved the whole thing!
August 10, 2022
I was ready to give this book 4 stars (the FMC annoyed me with her mind games: I agree we should keep this a secret for now... boohoo, you're keeping me a dirty secret... whiplash) but otherwise great banter and bonus star for victim getting therapy.
Then I hit the 85% mark and I lost my shit.
S P O I L E R. R A N T.
My real life pet peeve is feminists who make all females look like crazed, bra-burning vigilantes. Kri broke SO FUCKING MANY protocols which resulted in the FMC being kidnapped.
You know how I know that? Because we watched the MMC meticulously follow the rules like
✔️ the car before getting in (she would have noticed the slashed tire)
✔️ taking backup when explicitly ordered by her boss (Sawyer didn't stomp his feet and claim mistreatment when they had to travel in 2 vehicles)
✔️ making unnecessary stops WITH YOUR PRINICPAL (did they fucking need subs when her life is in danger????)
✔️ not calling backup (there are so many alerts for a flat tire so zero excuse when she didn't dial the office)
✔️ being manipulated by her client (ooh, the boys are poopy heads and they're taking away our rights!!)
I want strong FMC in my books. Smart. Take no shit. Sammy is a touch too selfish and manipulative for my liking. But it fits with her background so I brushed it off. But then she and Kri combine their selfishness into TSTL territory and ruined the end of the book for me.
Kri doesn't want to be told to calm down or treated as less than the other employees but the male employees would be fired for less. And her? She'll probably get her own book. Ugh!! Is it sad that I hoped she died when they got ambushed? Kill her off and bring in a female agent who doesn't think being a female is an excuse to get leeway for being a shit employee.
Then I hit the 85% mark and I lost my shit.
S P O I L E R. R A N T.
My real life pet peeve is feminists who make all females look like crazed, bra-burning vigilantes. Kri broke SO FUCKING MANY protocols which resulted in the FMC being kidnapped.
You know how I know that? Because we watched the MMC meticulously follow the rules like
✔️ the car before getting in (she would have noticed the slashed tire)
✔️ taking backup when explicitly ordered by her boss (Sawyer didn't stomp his feet and claim mistreatment when they had to travel in 2 vehicles)
✔️ making unnecessary stops WITH YOUR PRINICPAL (did they fucking need subs when her life is in danger????)
✔️ not calling backup (there are so many alerts for a flat tire so zero excuse when she didn't dial the office)
✔️ being manipulated by her client (ooh, the boys are poopy heads and they're taking away our rights!!)
I want strong FMC in my books. Smart. Take no shit. Sammy is a touch too selfish and manipulative for my liking. But it fits with her background so I brushed it off. But then she and Kri combine their selfishness into TSTL territory and ruined the end of the book for me.
Kri doesn't want to be told to calm down or treated as less than the other employees but the male employees would be fired for less. And her? She'll probably get her own book. Ugh!! Is it sad that I hoped she died when they got ambushed? Kill her off and bring in a female agent who doesn't think being a female is an excuse to get leeway for being a shit employee.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2022
Okay, this is my first book by the author and there’s so much to love. It’s hilarious, it deals openly with trauma and mental health, it’s steamy with a little suspense.
But here’s the rub: I cannot get past how Sammy is such a damn hypocrite. She completely blows past sawyers boundaries and then is pissed when he “keeps her his secret”. SHE SUGGESTED IT to get him to have sex with her and then is upset when he did exactly what she asked?!?!? Ugh. She wants to be treated like an adult and make her own decisions but she has absolutely no respect for his. I can’t stand it. It brings out MY rage monsters.
But here’s the rub: I cannot get past how Sammy is such a damn hypocrite. She completely blows past sawyers boundaries and then is pissed when he “keeps her his secret”. SHE SUGGESTED IT to get him to have sex with her and then is upset when he did exactly what she asked?!?!? Ugh. She wants to be treated like an adult and make her own decisions but she has absolutely no respect for his. I can’t stand it. It brings out MY rage monsters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2022
Okay, I am going to leave this here and just say... Sawyer... oh delicious, delicious Sawyer.
:) the banter is on fire (as per ushe), the characters are hilarious. Her Comedic Suspenses are so good.
Sammy is fierce, and I love her evolution from bruised to fierce and strong. I mean she is always fierce, but I love seeing her find her strength when she didn't know she had it.
Sawyer is so sassy and on point, and I want to tie him to the bed.
The spice is oh SOOO spicy... 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Can't wait for the rest of the Redleg men (and women).
:) the banter is on fire (as per ushe), the characters are hilarious. Her Comedic Suspenses are so good.
Sammy is fierce, and I love her evolution from bruised to fierce and strong. I mean she is always fierce, but I love seeing her find her strength when she didn't know she had it.
Sawyer is so sassy and on point, and I want to tie him to the bed.
The spice is oh SOOO spicy... 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Can't wait for the rest of the Redleg men (and women).
November 12, 2022
DNFed this book at 7%. I questioned if I was going to be able to make it through even in the prologue. The writing is honestly so cringe worth. From the 36 year old MMC saying “heeby jeebies” when overhearing his friend having sex to the FMC saying her ovaries popped out eggs when we smiled giving a new meaning to the phase “what’s popping”, I just couldn’t.
July 10, 2025
Loved 75% of the book - fun banter, decent spice, great therapy, and a self-aware MMC.
Hated 25% - when she wasn't being a badass, the FMC was manipulative and self-destructive. Some sophomoric humor, plot holes, and security "reaches" really brought the book down for me.
Hated 25% - when she wasn't being a badass, the FMC was manipulative and self-destructive. Some sophomoric humor, plot holes, and security "reaches" really brought the book down for me.
December 9, 2022
The writing is so bad. I couldn’t get passed 50 pages let alone finish it. Why can’t authors understand that we don’t want relatable and quirky. We want a good plot line and characters. Every other line was a quirky thought.
February 16, 2025
Horrendous. DNF @30%. The reviews were so good I thought surely this was a banger, but I was in fact, mistaken.
I am possibly just not the intended audience for this, but the inner monologue here is atrocious. I could not take it. 100 pages of "they're so hot, I can't even take it"
I am possibly just not the intended audience for this, but the inner monologue here is atrocious. I could not take it. 100 pages of "they're so hot, I can't even take it"
November 1, 2022
I couldn't finish this book. The characters kind of "talking" and making jokes to the reader got old very quickly. I found Sammy to be annoying at times.
April 26, 2023
It had a good potential, but i just Could not stand fmc at all, i was so many times so close to dnf
February 19, 2024
Forbidden Hero is book two in the Redleg Security series and is the heroine with anger issues, former army ranger hero, touch her and die vibe, he falls first, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, secret relationship, bodyguard romance of Sammy and Sawyer.
Sammy was in an abusive marriage for many years, her husband even went as far as to have her fake her death to isolate her from her friends and family. However, Sammy has finally managed to escape with the help of Sawyer, her brother’s best friend, and is back in the safety of her family and under the protection of Redleg Security. Two years on and Sammy continues to deal with PTSD, her therapist has her working through her demons, and she is making great progress until it becomes apparent someone is after her again. It brings back all the old feelings of living in fear again and while Sammy feels like she is beginning to spiral there is light at the end of the tunnel in the form of her bodyguard Sawyer. Even though Sammy has sworn off relationships since her car crash of a marriage she finds herself attracted to Sawyer, and as the chemistry between the two builds to a beautiful crescendo she uses all her womanly wiles to get hesitant Sawyer to break. Is her past coming back to haunt her? Will Sammy and Sawyer finally give in to the lust building between them?
Sawyer, an ex-Army ranger protective alpha, who with his brothers in arms form Redleg Security. Back during his time in the Army, Sawyer was seriously injured and had it not been for Leo’s (Sammy’s brother) quick thinking administering vital first aid Sawyer may well have passed away that fateful day. Whilst waiting to be rescued, Leo told stories of his family to take Sawyer’s mind off the pain and it was at this moment that Sawyer’s obsession with Sammy began. The years that followed had Sawyer fall in love with Sammy, however, with her seemingly being happily married he would never act on his feelings so kept them hidden. Fast forward to present day and he has been tasked with protecting her after threats are made against her. Despite him laying down ground rules out of respect for his friendship with her brother and his need to keep her safe, Sammy however sees these rules as a challenge and sets about breaking Sawyer down one rule at a time. As the chemistry builds and their relationship becomes something they can no longer deny, they face the dilemma of whether to keep it a secret or to come clean and face the music.
The fabulous CJ Bloom and Robert Hatchet embodied Ms Walker’s characters perfectly and brought her words to life in the most wonderful way.
Ms Bloom’s performance as the tough yet vulnerable and sometimes unhinged Sammy who has many layers and is still dealing with the trauma of her past while also using her wily ways to get what she wants was spectacular. CJ’s charmingly sweet lilting tone was perfect to bring Sammy to life and had me captivated from beginning to end.
Mr Hatchet’s characterisation of the ex-army ranger turned security operative who is a protective alpha, loyal to his band of brothers, and will stop at nothing to keep the woman he has loved in secret for years was faultless. Robert’s smooth as a well-aged whiskey tone was perfect to showcase Sawyer’s ability to switch from swoony cinnamon roll one minute to hard alpha the next and keep the banter going throughout.
Overall, I loved this audiobook. Jackie Walker knows how to write the perfect balance of suspense, spice and oh so swoony love stories that have you on the edge of your seat, your heart racing and your ladies parts doing all kinds of crazy things. I fell hard and fast for Sawyer and Sammy and found myself rooting for them from early on. I was completely charmed by them and enraptured from the first word to the very last, a perfect addition to what is shaping up to be a sensational series.
If you love a good heroine with anger issues, a former army ranger hero, touch her and die vibe, he falls first, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, secret relationship, bodyguard romance with plenty of banter, band of brother vibe, with a super swoony hero who can switch from a cute cinnamon roll to steamy hot alpha in a nano second, and a hero who can go from being a totally unhinged crazy person to a hot, sexy temptress who stops at nothing to get what she wants, then you need this audiobook burning up your earbuds immediately!
Sammy was in an abusive marriage for many years, her husband even went as far as to have her fake her death to isolate her from her friends and family. However, Sammy has finally managed to escape with the help of Sawyer, her brother’s best friend, and is back in the safety of her family and under the protection of Redleg Security. Two years on and Sammy continues to deal with PTSD, her therapist has her working through her demons, and she is making great progress until it becomes apparent someone is after her again. It brings back all the old feelings of living in fear again and while Sammy feels like she is beginning to spiral there is light at the end of the tunnel in the form of her bodyguard Sawyer. Even though Sammy has sworn off relationships since her car crash of a marriage she finds herself attracted to Sawyer, and as the chemistry between the two builds to a beautiful crescendo she uses all her womanly wiles to get hesitant Sawyer to break. Is her past coming back to haunt her? Will Sammy and Sawyer finally give in to the lust building between them?
Sawyer, an ex-Army ranger protective alpha, who with his brothers in arms form Redleg Security. Back during his time in the Army, Sawyer was seriously injured and had it not been for Leo’s (Sammy’s brother) quick thinking administering vital first aid Sawyer may well have passed away that fateful day. Whilst waiting to be rescued, Leo told stories of his family to take Sawyer’s mind off the pain and it was at this moment that Sawyer’s obsession with Sammy began. The years that followed had Sawyer fall in love with Sammy, however, with her seemingly being happily married he would never act on his feelings so kept them hidden. Fast forward to present day and he has been tasked with protecting her after threats are made against her. Despite him laying down ground rules out of respect for his friendship with her brother and his need to keep her safe, Sammy however sees these rules as a challenge and sets about breaking Sawyer down one rule at a time. As the chemistry builds and their relationship becomes something they can no longer deny, they face the dilemma of whether to keep it a secret or to come clean and face the music.
The fabulous CJ Bloom and Robert Hatchet embodied Ms Walker’s characters perfectly and brought her words to life in the most wonderful way.
Ms Bloom’s performance as the tough yet vulnerable and sometimes unhinged Sammy who has many layers and is still dealing with the trauma of her past while also using her wily ways to get what she wants was spectacular. CJ’s charmingly sweet lilting tone was perfect to bring Sammy to life and had me captivated from beginning to end.
Mr Hatchet’s characterisation of the ex-army ranger turned security operative who is a protective alpha, loyal to his band of brothers, and will stop at nothing to keep the woman he has loved in secret for years was faultless. Robert’s smooth as a well-aged whiskey tone was perfect to showcase Sawyer’s ability to switch from swoony cinnamon roll one minute to hard alpha the next and keep the banter going throughout.
Overall, I loved this audiobook. Jackie Walker knows how to write the perfect balance of suspense, spice and oh so swoony love stories that have you on the edge of your seat, your heart racing and your ladies parts doing all kinds of crazy things. I fell hard and fast for Sawyer and Sammy and found myself rooting for them from early on. I was completely charmed by them and enraptured from the first word to the very last, a perfect addition to what is shaping up to be a sensational series.
If you love a good heroine with anger issues, a former army ranger hero, touch her and die vibe, he falls first, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, secret relationship, bodyguard romance with plenty of banter, band of brother vibe, with a super swoony hero who can switch from a cute cinnamon roll to steamy hot alpha in a nano second, and a hero who can go from being a totally unhinged crazy person to a hot, sexy temptress who stops at nothing to get what she wants, then you need this audiobook burning up your earbuds immediately!
July 31, 2022
Forbidden Hero is the next entry in Walker's Redleg Security series, and it does not disappoint. It features our heroine, Sammy, who is a tough as nails survivor (along with her little monsters), and our hero, Sawyer, a sexy, charming, and hilarious alpha, and former Army Ranger, who isn't afraid to be vulnerable for our heroine. The small snag, because there's always one, comes from the fact that Sawyer is the best friend of Sammy's older brother, and now her bodyguard.
This is a standalone novel, and while you don't have to read the first book in the series to enjoy it, I will say it definitely makes it even better if you have. The first book provides some additional backstory for the main characters in this book and there's an absolutely hilarious callback, that fans of the author will love.
This slow-burn of a novel starts a couple years after the previous Redleg book with Sammy being kidnapped shortly after a super steamy surprise kiss with Sawyer. Fortunately she's no damsel waiting to be saved and works to escape the attempt and get to safety. This prompts her brother and his Redleg Security family to put her under bodyguard protection with her brother, Leo, and his best friend and Sammy's not-so-secret crush, Sawyer, splitting guard duty. Throughout the first part of the book Sammy slowly comes to realize that her interest in Sawyer may not be quite as one-sided as she thought, and decides she's going to do something about it.
A bit of late night flirting, followed by Sawyer making rules to stop Sammy from flirting with him, and a whole lot of Sammy torturing Sawyer by breaking his silly rules, and we have more than a slow burn, we have a raging inferno of desire between the two. They engage in a secret relationship since Sawyer won't risk being pulled off duty as her body guard, and he's terrified of what his best friend will do to him if he finds out. Some of the steamiest scenes I've ever read from this author occur in this book, all while they're trying to find out who wanted to abduct Sammy and why.
The suspense in this one had me anxious to get through the story, and I may have stayed up into the wee hours of the early morning finishing it. I had some theories going in, that changed and shifted as I read, but ultimately the author kept me guessing until the end exactly what was going on. Despite the suspense keeping me on edge, I really appreciated the well timed and much needed comic relief, often delivered courtesy of our hero, througout the book. I just hope the one sort of loose end from the story is tied up nice, tight, and happy, which knowing this author, it will be. One thing I particularly want to note, I really appreciated the author's treatment of difficult topics with both a content/trigger warning at the beginning as well as just the general sensitivity in the way they were handled in the story.
I loved seeing such a tough relatable heroine finally get her HEA with what I think might be my new favorite hero out of all of Walker's books. I can't wait to read what comes next for the Redleg guards!
Tropes include: Brother's Best Friend, Secret Relationship
This is a standalone novel, and while you don't have to read the first book in the series to enjoy it, I will say it definitely makes it even better if you have. The first book provides some additional backstory for the main characters in this book and there's an absolutely hilarious callback, that fans of the author will love.
This slow-burn of a novel starts a couple years after the previous Redleg book with Sammy being kidnapped shortly after a super steamy surprise kiss with Sawyer. Fortunately she's no damsel waiting to be saved and works to escape the attempt and get to safety. This prompts her brother and his Redleg Security family to put her under bodyguard protection with her brother, Leo, and his best friend and Sammy's not-so-secret crush, Sawyer, splitting guard duty. Throughout the first part of the book Sammy slowly comes to realize that her interest in Sawyer may not be quite as one-sided as she thought, and decides she's going to do something about it.
A bit of late night flirting, followed by Sawyer making rules to stop Sammy from flirting with him, and a whole lot of Sammy torturing Sawyer by breaking his silly rules, and we have more than a slow burn, we have a raging inferno of desire between the two. They engage in a secret relationship since Sawyer won't risk being pulled off duty as her body guard, and he's terrified of what his best friend will do to him if he finds out. Some of the steamiest scenes I've ever read from this author occur in this book, all while they're trying to find out who wanted to abduct Sammy and why.
The suspense in this one had me anxious to get through the story, and I may have stayed up into the wee hours of the early morning finishing it. I had some theories going in, that changed and shifted as I read, but ultimately the author kept me guessing until the end exactly what was going on. Despite the suspense keeping me on edge, I really appreciated the well timed and much needed comic relief, often delivered courtesy of our hero, througout the book. I just hope the one sort of loose end from the story is tied up nice, tight, and happy, which knowing this author, it will be. One thing I particularly want to note, I really appreciated the author's treatment of difficult topics with both a content/trigger warning at the beginning as well as just the general sensitivity in the way they were handled in the story.
I loved seeing such a tough relatable heroine finally get her HEA with what I think might be my new favorite hero out of all of Walker's books. I can't wait to read what comes next for the Redleg guards!
Tropes include: Brother's Best Friend, Secret Relationship
February 15, 2024
Amazing Story & Narration🎧Captivating & Steamy!
Forbidden Hero
Redleg Security, Book 2
By: Jackie Walker
Narrated by: CJ Bloom, Robert Hachett
Jackie Walker turns up the heat for her second novel set in her “Redleg Security” series, an exciting and entertaining romantic comedy meets romantic suspense that has the perfect balance of drama, humor, mystery, action, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. This book is Sawyer and Sammy’s story, and it is a brother’s best friend, off limits romance. Sawyer is Leo’s best friend, and they served together before working at Redleg Security. Leo saved his life while on a mission and his talking about his younger sister, Sammy, and thoughts of her also kept Sawyer alive. Sammy was stuck in an abusive relationship that was so bad that her husband faked her death and took her away from her family. It was a relief to them when they found out she was alive and Sawyer helped her get away. Two years later, she continues to deal with PTSD, but is getting help to rid the demons from her past and her mind. But then someone is after her again, is it her past coming back to haunt her, someone connected to her abusive ex or is it something else? Her brother and Sawyer are on top of it, as well as the rest of the Redleg team. Sawyer always had feelings for Sammy, but out of respect for her brother and his best friend, he would never step over the line, despite those feelings. Sammy was not ready for another romantic relationship since her ex, but she feels the chemistry between her and Sawyer and she feels she is ready to move forward with those feelings. Except Sawyer was hesitant, but they could only deny that chemistry for so long, especially when they were spending time together as he guarded her. These two were great together and for each other, the witty dialogue and their back-and-forth banter were hysterical and a great way to lighten things up to balance out the more serious and intense storylines. This book captivated my attention from start to end, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Jackie Walker, thank you for another amazing story, the laughs and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 CJ Bloom and Robert Hachett were the perfect cast to bring these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each their own voice and personality, making it easy to follow along and tell who was who. I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters would sound. You could feel how much heart they put into their work as they captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feel every single one. They set the perfect tone for the story, handled the witty dialogue effortlessly, landing the humor naturally and with ease. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their performance elevates this already amazing story to another level. Thank you for another fabulous listen.
Forbidden Hero
Redleg Security, Book 2
By: Jackie Walker
Narrated by: CJ Bloom, Robert Hachett
Jackie Walker turns up the heat for her second novel set in her “Redleg Security” series, an exciting and entertaining romantic comedy meets romantic suspense that has the perfect balance of drama, humor, mystery, action, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. This book is Sawyer and Sammy’s story, and it is a brother’s best friend, off limits romance. Sawyer is Leo’s best friend, and they served together before working at Redleg Security. Leo saved his life while on a mission and his talking about his younger sister, Sammy, and thoughts of her also kept Sawyer alive. Sammy was stuck in an abusive relationship that was so bad that her husband faked her death and took her away from her family. It was a relief to them when they found out she was alive and Sawyer helped her get away. Two years later, she continues to deal with PTSD, but is getting help to rid the demons from her past and her mind. But then someone is after her again, is it her past coming back to haunt her, someone connected to her abusive ex or is it something else? Her brother and Sawyer are on top of it, as well as the rest of the Redleg team. Sawyer always had feelings for Sammy, but out of respect for her brother and his best friend, he would never step over the line, despite those feelings. Sammy was not ready for another romantic relationship since her ex, but she feels the chemistry between her and Sawyer and she feels she is ready to move forward with those feelings. Except Sawyer was hesitant, but they could only deny that chemistry for so long, especially when they were spending time together as he guarded her. These two were great together and for each other, the witty dialogue and their back-and-forth banter were hysterical and a great way to lighten things up to balance out the more serious and intense storylines. This book captivated my attention from start to end, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Jackie Walker, thank you for another amazing story, the laughs and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 CJ Bloom and Robert Hachett were the perfect cast to bring these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each their own voice and personality, making it easy to follow along and tell who was who. I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters would sound. You could feel how much heart they put into their work as they captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feel every single one. They set the perfect tone for the story, handled the witty dialogue effortlessly, landing the humor naturally and with ease. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their performance elevates this already amazing story to another level. Thank you for another fabulous listen.
October 13, 2022
Check TW✅
Brothers' Best friend✅
Found Family✅
Sexual Awakening✅
Plot 4✨
Spice 5🌶️
Falling in love with his best friend's little sister was never Sawyer's mission. All he wanted was a family to call his own and someone to not give up on him. Even though he loved her he missed his chance to get his girl before he knew it she was gone from his world for good. Imagine his surprise when she is found three years later, ALIVE and even sexier than he remembers.
Fleeing from her abusive husband was no easy task but Sammy knew she had to get out or else her fake death would become very real. Two years after escaping her now ex Sammy is still trying to get all her emotions (monsters) in check and move on with her life. She doesn't need any more complications especially hot, muscled, sex on a stick, and completely off-limits complications like her brother's best friend.
Sawyer has almost crossed the line of no returns too many times to count since Sammy has been back in his life. His willpower is about to be tested even further when he becomes Sammy's bodyguard to keep her safe from someone out there wanting to harm her.
Who is stalking Sammy?
Can Sammy and Sawyer fight their growing feelings?
Can Sawyer help Sammy heal in ways that she never knew she needed or wanted?
I would recommend reading the first book before reading this book, but you don't have to. The way Sawyer cares for Sammy and has cared for her all these years will make your heart flutter. He is a cinnamon roll of a character, and I am here for it. I felt very frustrated for Sammy throughout this book because all she wanted was to make her own decisions and live her life on her terms. I found myself rooting for her to take back her life, even if it would put her in a bit of danger. Don't get me started on the spice in this book🥵😱...watching Sammy find herself sexually was everything and more!!!! While I love a character that cracks jokes and has a sense of humor most of Sawyer's jokes and voices went over my head and had me struggling a little bit throughout the book. Saying that I did enjoy this book and will be reading the third instalment when it comes out.
Brothers' Best friend✅
Found Family✅
Sexual Awakening✅
Plot 4✨
Spice 5🌶️
Falling in love with his best friend's little sister was never Sawyer's mission. All he wanted was a family to call his own and someone to not give up on him. Even though he loved her he missed his chance to get his girl before he knew it she was gone from his world for good. Imagine his surprise when she is found three years later, ALIVE and even sexier than he remembers.
Fleeing from her abusive husband was no easy task but Sammy knew she had to get out or else her fake death would become very real. Two years after escaping her now ex Sammy is still trying to get all her emotions (monsters) in check and move on with her life. She doesn't need any more complications especially hot, muscled, sex on a stick, and completely off-limits complications like her brother's best friend.
Sawyer has almost crossed the line of no returns too many times to count since Sammy has been back in his life. His willpower is about to be tested even further when he becomes Sammy's bodyguard to keep her safe from someone out there wanting to harm her.
Who is stalking Sammy?
Can Sammy and Sawyer fight their growing feelings?
Can Sawyer help Sammy heal in ways that she never knew she needed or wanted?
I would recommend reading the first book before reading this book, but you don't have to. The way Sawyer cares for Sammy and has cared for her all these years will make your heart flutter. He is a cinnamon roll of a character, and I am here for it. I felt very frustrated for Sammy throughout this book because all she wanted was to make her own decisions and live her life on her terms. I found myself rooting for her to take back her life, even if it would put her in a bit of danger. Don't get me started on the spice in this book🥵😱...watching Sammy find herself sexually was everything and more!!!! While I love a character that cracks jokes and has a sense of humor most of Sawyer's jokes and voices went over my head and had me struggling a little bit throughout the book. Saying that I did enjoy this book and will be reading the third instalment when it comes out.
February 16, 2024
Forbidden Hero is book 2 of the Redleg Series and the first book I have read/listened to by Jackie. I know, I know I should have read book 1 but I enjoy listening to audio books because I enjoy visualizing as the narrators speak the book just as much as reading and this worked out great for me!
Tropes:
• Best friend’s little sister
• Former military
• Kidnapping
• Age gap
• Bodyguard
• Friend’s to lovers
Sawyer is so hilarious, must be all the caffeine he consumes each day! Sawyer has been in love with Sammy for years, falling in love with her just from the words her brother would say while serving overseas. She was his beacon without even knowing.
Sammy found herself in an abusive relationship with a man that faked her death just to get her away from her family. Sammy was able to get away from him with Sawyer’s help!
Two years later and she is still trying to cope with her past and the abuse she suffered at her husband. Sammy doesn’t think she will ever have a normal relationship again but Sawyer isn’t giving up this time.
Sammy finds herself being thrown in a trunk of a car and fears the worst but fights to get herself free and her protective brother and a man that she has always had feelings for become obsessive with keeping her safe.
Sammy and Sawyer give in to the attraction they both have but Sawyer knows Sammy needs slow and he is more than happy to give that woman anything she needs just to have her to himself after all this time.
Sammy keeps finding herself in harms way but she knows that Sawyer will never give up and will find her as long as she keeps herself alive long enough to tell him that she loves him!
Definitely going to go back and read book 1 and then all the ones that come after! This is a great series!
CJ Bloom and Robert Hachett are the narrators to this book and I absolutely love both of them. CJ Bloom is one of my favorite female narrators and she if full of spunk just as I would vision Sammy to be. Robert Hachett is witty and funny and pulls off Sawyer to a tee!
Tropes:
• Best friend’s little sister
• Former military
• Kidnapping
• Age gap
• Bodyguard
• Friend’s to lovers
Sawyer is so hilarious, must be all the caffeine he consumes each day! Sawyer has been in love with Sammy for years, falling in love with her just from the words her brother would say while serving overseas. She was his beacon without even knowing.
Sammy found herself in an abusive relationship with a man that faked her death just to get her away from her family. Sammy was able to get away from him with Sawyer’s help!
Two years later and she is still trying to cope with her past and the abuse she suffered at her husband. Sammy doesn’t think she will ever have a normal relationship again but Sawyer isn’t giving up this time.
Sammy finds herself being thrown in a trunk of a car and fears the worst but fights to get herself free and her protective brother and a man that she has always had feelings for become obsessive with keeping her safe.
Sammy and Sawyer give in to the attraction they both have but Sawyer knows Sammy needs slow and he is more than happy to give that woman anything she needs just to have her to himself after all this time.
Sammy keeps finding herself in harms way but she knows that Sawyer will never give up and will find her as long as she keeps herself alive long enough to tell him that she loves him!
Definitely going to go back and read book 1 and then all the ones that come after! This is a great series!
CJ Bloom and Robert Hachett are the narrators to this book and I absolutely love both of them. CJ Bloom is one of my favorite female narrators and she if full of spunk just as I would vision Sammy to be. Robert Hachett is witty and funny and pulls off Sawyer to a tee!
March 9, 2024
When Forbidden Hero was first released, I was right there downloading my copy. I LOVE the Redleg Security books… in fact, I anxiously waited for them after I discovered the Love and Laughter Series. So, I am not here to write a review about the story/writing for Forbidden Hero. I’m here to give you my thoughts about the audiobook.
Let me be honest. I have a love/hate relationship with audiobooks. I have loved reading a book only to hate the audiobook. I have loved an audiobook only to be frustrated that it takes me so long to get through the story. I read extremely fast, so audiobooks can simply feel too slow. That said, it is a rare pleasure to find an audiobook that pulls me into the world of the story in a way that the passage of time becomes nothing to me. This phenomenon lies firmly on the shoulders of the narrator(s).
Forbidden Hero is one of these rare diamonds of audiobooks, for me. Robert Hatchet and C.J. Bloom have a commanding understanding of the characters of Sawyer and Sammie.
Robert’s voice, while warm, contains an edginess that seems perfect for an ex-Ranger who works in security with his brothers-in-arms. His diverse accents for Sawyer’s voices, and the way he can sound edgy and still vulnerable gave me goosebumps.
CJ seemed to channel Sammie with such a perfectly snarky voice that keeps you from feeling any weakness… even as Sammie struggles with massive trauma. Her performance brings such strength to Sammie’s character and truly performs the growth and perseverance of Sammie’s journey.
I could see this couple’s story like it was a movie in my imagination just a strongly as I did when I read the book. I almost never experience this level of visualization with audiobooks and I will look for other books narrated by these voice actors… just like I do for some of my other favorite narrators. Jackie Walker’s decision to cast Robert Hatchet and C.J. Bloom will not leave you disappointed at all.
Let me be honest. I have a love/hate relationship with audiobooks. I have loved reading a book only to hate the audiobook. I have loved an audiobook only to be frustrated that it takes me so long to get through the story. I read extremely fast, so audiobooks can simply feel too slow. That said, it is a rare pleasure to find an audiobook that pulls me into the world of the story in a way that the passage of time becomes nothing to me. This phenomenon lies firmly on the shoulders of the narrator(s).
Forbidden Hero is one of these rare diamonds of audiobooks, for me. Robert Hatchet and C.J. Bloom have a commanding understanding of the characters of Sawyer and Sammie.
Robert’s voice, while warm, contains an edginess that seems perfect for an ex-Ranger who works in security with his brothers-in-arms. His diverse accents for Sawyer’s voices, and the way he can sound edgy and still vulnerable gave me goosebumps.
CJ seemed to channel Sammie with such a perfectly snarky voice that keeps you from feeling any weakness… even as Sammie struggles with massive trauma. Her performance brings such strength to Sammie’s character and truly performs the growth and perseverance of Sammie’s journey.
I could see this couple’s story like it was a movie in my imagination just a strongly as I did when I read the book. I almost never experience this level of visualization with audiobooks and I will look for other books narrated by these voice actors… just like I do for some of my other favorite narrators. Jackie Walker’s decision to cast Robert Hatchet and C.J. Bloom will not leave you disappointed at all.
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