The Veteran

King's Security #2

by A. Rivers

My home is trashed, my roommate is dead, and the police think I was the intended target.

No one should have a grudge against a meditation-loving yoga teacher, but my bank-robbing father’s associates seem to believe that I know where he hid his missing fortune... and they’ll do anything to get their hands on it.

Gruff giant Kade Campbell is determined to protect me, but I don’t want him in the firing line. The rugged former special forces soldier may be a badass—and able to give me butterflies like nobody’s business—but he isn’t immune to bullets.

I’ve lost almost everyone I’ve ever cared about, and Kade’s life isn’t a price I’m willing to pay for my own safety. But he’s just as stubborn as I am, and soon our lives aren’t the only things on the line—our hearts are too.

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Suspense, Contemporary Romance

250 pages, ebook

First published March 14, 2023

About the author

A. Rivers writes steamy romance books with take-charge heroes and strong heroines who aren't afraid to fight the odds for love. On the rare occasions when she ventures out of the writing cave, you can probably find her face down in a book, cuddling her pets, or planning her next overseas adventure with her husband.

If you'd like to keep up to date with her books and news, subscribe to her newsletter today!

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

I couldn’t be invested in this story.
As much as I tried to continue reading, neither the storyline nor the characters managed to pull me in.
Dnf @ 30%

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking forward to see who would catch Kades eye since I've read book 1 and Sage did not disappoint. That girl has suffered so much and the hits keep on coming. And Kade has had enough. Despite not wanting to get involved, she means too much to him, not to make sure that the bad guys don't get their hands on her. He's determined to make sure the danger that is after her, is eliminated once and for all.

Sage has had a huge crush on Kade for a while now. And she wants to know why's he pushing her away. But thanks to the danger surrounding her, they finally fall into each other's arms, and find the peace that they were looking for.

This story was fast paced, sweet and swoony, and you can't help but root for our MCs to not only stop the bad guys, hut live out their lives happy and together.

[Johanna Bordeaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

pleasant enough but smart heroine is an idiot

Alexa Rivers is very good at keeping a story moving and, while there’s no big twists or surprises, her characters are likable and different. However the heroine, Sage, seems fairly intelligent for a book like this until she thinks things through and does the dumbest thing possible. Really disappointing.

[Brooke · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to Sage’s story as I loved her in the first book but unfortunately this one just was not for me. Sage is supposed to be in hiding yet her bodyguards keep taking her out in public where she keeps getting spotted by the bad guys. Then she decides to go off on her own at one point as well. Kade was fine if not a bit generic at times and the romance between them was cute but it feels like it’s missing some context from the first book.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Playing read

Had potential to be so much better than it was. Safe had been so strong throughout but then author decided to make her carry out a stupid act. Kade was a mixed character and came off as fairly middle of the road. Loved the storyline just not done of the execution.

[Bookgyrl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first book in the series and was interested in Kade/Sage. However, I thought Sage was sometimes TSTL (too stupid to live).
You are in danger and you post on social media?

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The King’s Security series and it is Kade and Sage’s story. Sage witnessed her father’s murder and helped put the bad guys responsible behind bars but now they have broken out and are coming for her so she is in serious danger as her roommate is dead and Sage needs help to keep her safe and alive until they are once again brought to justice. Kade is a former special forces soldier and he has been assigned to protect her and keep her safe and even though he is attracted to her he has too much baggage and demons to bring anyone into his life but he is still determined to make sure that she stays safe and alive because anything else is not a option and he can’t let her down so until the threat can be dealt with he will stay by her side to make sure that nothing happens to her. The attraction and chemistry between Kade and Sage is so strong but he is determined to keep her at a distance especially with danger just around the corner watching and waiting for the right time to strike but the more time that they spend together it becomes harder but will they be able to let there guard down and trust each other enough to get everything done so that they can hopefully get a future together and get the happy ending that they both deserve. There are twists and turns along with danger, suspense, drama, loss, hope, love and situations that have you turning the pages and unable to put this book down as it was so well written and totally addictive and I can’t wait to read more books in the future.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sage has a sad past. Her father was a bank robber who was killed by his partner's because he hid the money. He also played a part in her mother dying: they were fighting and she fell and hit her head. Sage was able to escape by hiding in the back yard of a neighbor and calling for help. She testified against the partners and they were all sent to prison. However, there was a riot at the prison and now they are coming to get her because they believe that she knows where the money is.

The good thing is that Sage has Kade on her side. He is a former special forces soldier who is also a partner in King Security. Sage is also friends with Willow, whose boyfriend is also one of the partners. Kade doesn't feel like he's good enough for Sage, but he also wants to protect her and doesn't feel like anyone can do it as well as he can.

What follows is action, adventure and a few scary situations. You'll want to smack both of them upside the head at least once. I didn't feel like what happened with Kade in the past was worth the self-loathing that he felt, but he also didn't have anyone to tell him otherwise at the time, so it was pretty deeply ingrained. I did love how even though she felt responsible, Sage didn't dwell on the people in her life who had been hurt because of the situations that she found herself in.

[Nickie Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance and suspense!

Sage went thru trauma at the young age of 15, when she lost both parents at the same time. On that fateful night, Sage overheard her parents arguing, when she went to check on them. Her mother’s feet got tangled on a cord, fell backwards, and hit her head on the stone floor. Her mom died instantly. Everything happened so quickly. There was a commotion at the front door, her father yelling at her run and not look back. She hid behind a shed, and overheard two men threatening her father about some stolen money. After that there was a gunshot. Sage never looked back. Until the trial, she had to enter the Witness Protection System.

Years later, Sage has gotten her life in order. Until it begins to unravel again and her past has come back haunt her. The men that killed her father escaped the prison they were serving time for. Now they’re coming for her, thinking she knows where the money her father stole is hidden. Kade Campbell, from King’s Security, has volunteered to keep her safe until the police recapture the criminals. These two have always had feelings for each other, but it’s never gone beyond that.

This not only exciting to read but also romantic. Truly enjoyed reading it.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sage, the female lead, was a witness to her father’s murder 8 years ago, when he tried to abscond with the entirety of a heist and his co-robbers killed him. Having testified to put them in prison, Sage is now their target when they stage a jailbreak - they’re sure she knows where the money is! Kade, the male lead, is her best friend’s partner’s business partner in a security firm and assigns himself as her primary bodyguard. Whilst she is attracted to him, Sage doesn’t want him at risk for protecting her but he’s more than determined to keep her safe…

This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and an interesting romantic suspense tale. I enjoyed Sage’s happy, gentle resilience underpinned by a core of determination and strength. I enjoyed Kade’s protectiveness and his willingness to provide her with as much control as possible. I enjoyed the relationship development and the plot outside the romance as well.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kade and Sage were both fighting the same battle..coming to terms with the past. Kade thinks he is not good enough for Sage because he has killed and beat men with his hands. Kade doesn't realize that his past made him the man he is...good, protective, logical man. Sage has lived a pain-filled life - an accidental loss of her mother, the murder of her father, the threat on her life, loss of a bodyguard and the loss of her friend - she blames herself.

They both play the wouldas, coulda, shoulda game and come away with what they started with - it was meant to happen. Sage focuses on positivity and balancing energies..whereas Kade is a logical planner , a rule follower. But when Sage's past come for her, Kade has to be who he thinks coukdnt be loved but is pleasantly surprised when Sage is more than the "wild child" persona that Kade has labeled her as.

Loved the story and characters and looking forward to the next book.

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

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage Nichols’ parents keep fighting. Luckily, she is leaving for college in a couple of months. Her father accidentally pushes her mom. Her mom trips and hits her head. Then, men with guns appear and her dad tells Sage to run. She hides in the back of the neighbor’s house and calls the police. Turns out her father helped rob a bank and was trying to double cross the others. Her father is killed. Sage loses both her parents that day. She ends up testifying against 3 of the men and they are now in prison.

It is now eight years later. Sage comes home to her townhouse and the front door is ajar. She calls the police. Her roommate has been killed. While at the police station making her statement, they find out there was a riot at the prison and two of the guys Sage helped put in prison have escaped.

Can Kade and King’s Security keep Sage safe? Will they find the escaped convicts? Can Kade and Sage get over the guilt that others dying is not their fault? Will they end up exploring the attraction between them?

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this fun series and is the perfect mix of suspense and dram with a hot as hell alpha thrown into the mix

Eight years earlier Sage saw her father killed by his accomplices after he tried to rip them off after a robbery and was instrumental in their jailing Now they have escaped and they are sure she knows where the proceeds of that robbery are. They have ransacked her home and killed her roommate she knows she needs help enter Kade a co owner of King's security and he is tasked with her care. She doesn't want him in danger especially as they start to have feelings for one another With her trying to force him away to keep her safe and Kade determined to protect her and his heart because he knows he is to damaged for her can they have a future and can the in fact survive

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! A brooding, hot, bodyguard…ahh, yes please. A sweet, forgiving, wild child…most definitely. Put these two together and what do you have? Something amazing! Sage has had tragedy in her life. Both past and present. But she does not let that get her down. She works through it. Kade feels he doesn’t deserve someone like Sage in his life. Because of something that happened in his past. But Kade realizes how wrong he is. Sage doesn’t run away from him. She things he’s amazing. And Kade doesn’t turn his back on Sage. When she doesn’t want him to get hurt. Once these two figure out they need one another, it’s beautiful. There’s some suspense, a little mystery and major chemistry in this book. Plus we get a little Willow and Ronan too. I loved this second book in the King Security series and hope there’s more to come.

[Gemma Honeyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good romantic suspense story. There is bad guys and a sweet sunshine heroine who needs protection, a very protective broody hero, forced proximity and some heapings of drama sprinkled through to keep things interesting and some super sweet moments!

Sage had witness her dads murder 8 years ago and now the bad guys had broken out and were after her. Kade steps in to be her bodyguard to protect her.
Kade and Sage had a little moment together in the first book so they already have some feelings going on for each other but Kade is the typical broody, damaged Hero who thinks he doesn’t deserve this sunshine wild child so he had sort of pushed her away. But the danger, the close proximity brings them closer together so they can realise how perfect they are for each other.

[SpeedReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action, drama & romance!

• Story/Plot: 📖📖📖📖 /5
• Characters: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
• Drama/Angst: 😰😰😰
• Steam: 🔥🔥
• POV: Dual
• HEA? ✔️
• Would I re-read? ✔️

The FMC is a witness to her father’s murder years earlier after he tried to keep he and his partners in crime’s robbery proceeds. She testifies and is the key witness that puts the partners away. They break out and come after her, convinced she knows where the loot is at.

The MMC is hired to protect her and whilst they each are attracted to one another they keep each other at arm’s length until they can’t any longer.

This was a great story that makes me want to go back and read the first in the series!

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

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the King's Security series by A. Rivers and this is Kade Campbell (ex special forces/part owner of King's Security) and Sage Nichols story. They meet when her room-mate was murdered and her place trashed. Kade is assigned to protect her. During the trial of the men who killed her father she discovered that he had robbed a bank and kept the money. There is a prison break and two of the men escaped and believe she knows where the money is hidden. So now Sage is in protective custody with Kade, their chemistry is off the charts. Can he keep her safe? Will they let their attraction go any further and get their HEA?.

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

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

The sheer stupidity of the FMC and other characters.

Who in the FUCK would post to social media when they are in protective custody!? In fact why did she still have her phone!?

Also if someone comes into your workplace and asks about a co-worker or your boss DO NOT TELL THEM ANYTHING.
DO NOT show them how to follow them of social media or even say where you think they might be. Either give them nothing or photograph the person asking, send it to them and then call the person to verify identity. Don’t just assume that because the person said they were friends or family that they are telling the truth.
ESPECIALLY if it is a man or men asking about a female coworker

And If they say they are police get their badge number and verify with the police station

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage is a little bit different than others but based on her background growing up its no wonder. Kade doesn't think he deserves forgiveness and that he is a monster. Which led him to change priorities to make up for the one mistake that cost A life. When Sage's based rears his ugly head it forces her to deal with secrets forgotten and Kade has a chance to save a life and experience love. Though they both must be able to let their guards down and help each other experience a life they never knew was possible.

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

[Ash Juillet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this book.

This had a lot of action and suspense rather than romance, but it still helped the characters develop throughout the course of the book. As this was the second book in the series, it made sense on its own, but there were still references to the previous book. It didn't really confuse me, but there were still some instances where I wondered if reading the first book before this would have been better. Nevertheless, I have downloaded the first book and will be reading it soon.

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

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Such a great book!
Sage had a violent past where she lost her parents and the men have escaped from jail and are after her again. That's when Kade steps in with his security company to keep her safe.
Non stop action, danger and suspense really carry this story along at break neck speed.
I loved Kade who had his own self worth issues but his Protector persona is foremost out front. Sage was a victim but didn't act that way, fiesty and works hard to get by but their chemistry really was wonderful.
So well done, I loved the team spirit and the tense situations they get themselves out of. Such a great book, really!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sage's past has returned and due to the danger she is in the attraction between her and Kade becomes undeniable we he decides he is the one to protect her. They are perfect for each other as they balance each other out so you are rooting for them from the get go.
I really liked how Kade didn't know all of what Sage had been through and as he learns mor he understands her more and admires all she has been through as that girl should be an emotional wreck but forges a happy path through life. There is the perfect mix of attraction, danger, mystery and anxiety on when the bad guys will strike next.

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

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked The Veteran, it's shorter than 300 pages, and it doesn't have a lot of angst which is a relief after the last few books I've read, the couple actually COMMUNICATES which is something I'm thankful for.

Sage who is the FMC is exactly like her name, she's all spirituality, crystals, yoga, meditation, palm readings, herbal tea, and inner peace, I honestly aspire to be like her, she's seriously a spiritual baddie and she owns it.

Kade is all caveman and alpha male but not the overwhelming kind, he loves Sage, would die to protect her, and is protective of those he loves, he would be the ideal real-life boyfriend.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is Kade and Sage’s story. When Sage comes home and finds her apartment trashed, and her roommate dead, the police think she is the intended target. Kade is ex-special forces, and he works for King’s Security, and he is determined to protect and keep Sage safe. This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, danger, suspense, intrigue, twists, and love, which leads to an entertaining and thrilling page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Veteran is book 2 in the King's Security series. This is Kade & Sage's story, we saw glimpses of their attraction in book 1 so it was nice to get their full story. Sage had a traumatic past and when her past comes back to haunt her, Kade steps up and offers protection. During this time, they get to know each other better and their feelings become stronger. This was a great edition to this series, and I am hoping we get Zeke's story next and possibly we have already been introduced to his love interest.

[Evy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was again a great story. I loved the brooding chemistry between Sage and Kade. Like she said he is a sweet marshmallow! They are both hurt souls and they make the perfect match. There was some action, tension, suspense and romance involved, I love it.
If I have to give 1 downside it’s why she would react to the message of Mick, I was frustrated along with Kade.
I’m also curious to read Zeke’s story and what the tension between him and Kade is all about… to be continued:Jippie!

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

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sage has lived with the death of her mother at the hands of her father for years and seeing him killed in front of her by the dangerous men that he doubled crossed after they robbed a bank. Now her life is serene until the dangerous men break out of jail and Kade steps in to protect her since he works for Kings Security. Kade is attracted to Sage but things because of his past life he is not good enough for her. This is loaded with danger, suspense and romance once Kade gives into his attraction.

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

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage witnessed her father’s murder and she helped put the criminals away. But when break free and danger emerges, she enlists Kade to keep her safe. He’s ex special forces and has plenty of demons of his own. But he vows to keep Sage safe. As they break down each others walls and learn to trust one another sparks ignite. Can these two find their HEA amongst the danger and drama. Strap in for a suspenseful ride.

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

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy of more than 5 stars

The author has absolutely smashed it out of the park with Kade & Sage’s story. Right from the very first page I was completely immersed in the story & honestly couldn’t put the book down until I had finished it. Their story is steamy, opposites attract & romantic suspense all wrapped up into one awesome 5 star read. I highly recommend giving this story a read.
I have added the author to my favourites list & can’t wait to see what the author delivers next.

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

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Veteran 💗

Thank you, thank you, thank you Alexa!

I really enjoyed “The Veteran” I loved Sage and Kade together he was very supportive of her as a person even though he didn’t believe in the same things she did. I especially loved his nickname for her - you’ll have to read the book to find out his name for her!

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves to read about a gorgeous bodyguard and the one he protects and falls for. And all of Ms Rivers books.
I can’t wait to read the Spy.

I received an ARC and I’m leaving my honest and voluntary review.