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Ex-Navy SEAL, Sean Murdock, is done with the Navy, done with being a bodyguard and ready to embrace construction as his new vocation. When he offers to ride shotgun with the local mobile veterinarian to deliver a horse to a client, he doesn’t expect the trip to turn into a rescue mission.

Gabbie Myers grew up on a ranch in Montana and knew from her first pony that she would become a veterinarian. Now she has a mobile practice that takes her all over the county and sometimes further. When one of the new construction workers at the Lucky Lady Lodge offers to go along for the ride to deliver a horse, she accepts, knowing she’s heading into notoriously survivalist territory. She’s happy to have someone along who knows one end of a gun from another.

At a truck stop to refuel, Gabbie hears pounding from the inside of an eighteen-wheeler’s trailer. The discovery of a teenaged girl inside, leads her and Murdock on a mission to free others trapped in the compound from which the girl escaped.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 27, 2022

589 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

Elle James

689 books1,209 followers
Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!

Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.

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5 stars
629 (69%)
4 stars
206 (22%)
3 stars
58 (6%)
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9 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,450 reviews495 followers
December 29, 2022
Murdock by Elle James
Iron Horse Legacy #8. Romantic suspense. Spin off of Brotherhood Protectors series.
Sean Murdock works construction with many of his ex Navy buddies. During down time, he agrees to help veterinarian Gabbie deliver a horse past a dangerous area. While on the road, they rescue a young girl that tells them about a group of children being held by a cult. Sean, his crew of ex warriors and Gabbie take on the mission to save the children.

Fast moving adventure where the ex SEAL’s, Delta’s etc save the day because of their stealth and experience and fall in love with the women they are protecting. At least this couple waited until day two to fall into bed for some steamy sex. 🤣.
Action packed.
Profile Image for Maria.
631 reviews29 followers
December 26, 2022
This is one of those books that beyond a simple story, hides an involving plot that will leave the reader speechless. I admit, I started reading this fast paced story expecting an amazing turn of the events but what left me so needy was the unexpected chemistry between both the hero and the heroine. I really loved the immediate sense of protection coming from Murdock in Gabbie’s regards. I highly recommend this book and its twisting plot. The 8th book in the Iron Lecacy Series will not absolutely delude you.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,203 reviews52 followers
February 11, 2023
The Chosen Way?

No, it's not Murdock's way and when he finds Gabbie and himself in danger he knows it is down to him to rescue them both...but Gabbie has other plans! Like the driven and feisty woman she is Gabbie defends those around her with everything she has, no matter the danger to herself and whilst that may win our heart....it takes twenty years off Murdock's!
The Chosen Way are a dark and dangerous group but Gabbie and Murdock bring a lightness to the investigation, they are determined, selfless and just 'click' as soul mates should.
897 reviews13 followers
December 27, 2022
Murdock
Elle James

Sean Murdock is finished with the fighting and is happy with rebuilding the lodge until Gabbie needs someone to ride with her to deliver a horse in an unsavory area. Little did they know how it would change their lives. A fast paced romantic suspense that has you turning the pages to find out how it will end. A definite 5⭐️read with great characters.
Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews68 followers
June 7, 2025
Murdock is quite happy with his job at the Lucky lady Lodge, He wants to keep anything similar to war out of his life. He ends up on Henry Patterson's ranch to listen to another proposition to go to work for Henry. He is riding for the first time since he was a teen. His horse bolts and he can't stop him. He is stopped by Gabby Meyer, the visiting vet, who at 5 ft, can't help teasing the 6 ft ex-Seal.
When Murdock learns that Gabby is going to deliver a valuable horse to a ranch in a rough area of the state, he volunteers to go with her for safety.
When they stop to refuel, Murdock heard a young girl in distress. They find her trapped in a locked trailer. They get her out and find she is running from a TCW camp. She and her sister had been kidnapped and were being trained as assassins. All she wanted was someone to know and help her ge her sister out.
Murdock and Gabby so their best to help her while Henry Patterson and his men ase trying to cut down the two hours it takes to get there. Can they get the girls out? What about the rest of the csptives.
3,545 reviews14 followers
December 27, 2022
Murdock is a fast-paced romantic suspense by Elle James. Ms. James returns us to the Iron Horse Legacy Series with this well-written book. This is a fairly quick read, but still satisfying. As always, I love the characters. Murdock is a former Navy SEAL and is now working as a carpenter at the Lucky Lady Lodge. After a meeting with Hank Patterson he finds himself on horseback on a freaked out runaway horse. Gabbie Myers is the local large animal vet and rescues Murdock before he's unseated. Gabbie and Murdock's story is packed with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I loved every page of this book and look forward to my next Elle James book. Murdock is book 8 of the Iron Horse Legacy Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,893 reviews27 followers
December 27, 2022
(4.5) I absolutely adored the HEA! I am so glad that's where Elle James went :) This book had the intelligent, stronger than she knew women, our Veterinarian, Gabbie and our retired Navy SEAL just wanting to do a little construction as opposed to all he went through in the war. There is intrigue, suspense, romance, with some heartbreaking moments. It is truly amazing what man can tell him self so he can keep on doing wrong. It was fast paced and all around win for me. The only reason I gave it a 4.5 (rounded up to 5) was the very beginning with Hank as they go out for the ride. It is just so not the Hank I have come to know or thought I knew. Maybe I missed something. Though I do love how it precipitated the meet up of Gabbie and Murdock, it just seemed a little off. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #Murdock #ironhorselegacy #ellejames #twistedpageinc #bookfunnel
6,539 reviews27 followers
December 27, 2022
Another well written story in this series about former special forces soldiers who have had enough of killing and all that their previous lives entails So they have taken up construction working on the the Lucky lady Hotel The only problem is that trouble seems to find them along with the women that complete them

This is Gabbie Myers and Sean Murdock story she is the local vet tasked with taking an expensive stallion to his new owner and to do that she has to head in to territory that is controlled by survivalists. Knowing she may need help she agrees when Sean a ex Navy Seal offers to ride shotgun for her after all she has just saved his life when his horse bolted on him. What neither expected is the mess that they end up involved in a mess that will take not only his construction team but also the Brotherhood Protectors to solve. Be prepared for an action packed ride as Gabbie learns just how strong she really is and Sean learns that love isn't a weakness at all
2,297 reviews18 followers
December 28, 2022
When Gabbie rescues Murdock from a runaway horse he is riding, his pride is a bit hurt and luckily that is all. He’s grateful to Gabbie, a veterinarian who happened to be out at Hank’s ranch checking on one of his horses. When Murdock finds out she has a trip planned to deliver a horse to a region that has seen a lot of trouble, he volunteers to go with her and keep her safe. Along the way they find out more about each other and a young teen in need of help. Now the two will work together along with the other members of the Brotherhood to help rescue a group who can’t help themselves.
A great read with a bit of steam, some suspense, surprises and great characters. I enjoyed these two, no drama, both strong and mature and don’t hide their feelings or attraction to each other. I also liked the ending and the future they have planned with each other.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
3,562 reviews40 followers
December 26, 2022
Former Navy SEAL Sean Murdock is happy to be working construction after his years battling the enemy.
Hank Patterson, owner and founder of Brotherhood Protectors believes Murdock would be a good .addition to his team. Even though Murdock declines the offer, when the feisty veterinarian that has grabbed his attention needs protection, while she delivers a horse worth 100K, he volunteers.
From that moment on this action packed story takes the readers through a rollercoaster ride. One which includes the discovery of human trafficking.
Will they be able to stop the traffickers? Will they survive their adventure?
This novella delivered an instant love, fast paced story. Leaving this reader wondering if Murdock will eventually say yes to Hank’s offer.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own
Profile Image for Miss Andrews.
463 reviews16 followers
December 26, 2022
I loved this instalment in the Iron Horse Legacy series by Elle James.
This was an addictive story that held me enthralled throughout the ups and downs of the rollercoaster ride I never wanted to get off.
I adored Gabbie and Murdock together. Their attraction instant and hot enough to burn my kindle.
I loved Gabbie’s independence and strength, and whilst I adore Murdoch’s alpha protectiveness, it was so heartwarming to see her stand beside her and allow Gabbie’s determination and strength to soar.
Watching the other guys from Iron Horse Legacy and Hank and Swede was so welcoming. It’s great to see previous characters and how they have developed.
Elle James has, without a doubt, given yet another first rate read. Her talent shines like a beacon through every page.
Highly recommend.
This book is worthy of so many stars it’s hard to count.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,555 reviews29 followers
December 27, 2022
A*R*C for honest review with no compensation

Murdock is book 8 in the Iron Horse Legacy series by Elle James and so enjoy seeing old friends from this series and from the Brotherhood Protectors.

Sean Murdock, ex-Navy seal working for the McKinnon family to rebuild the Lucky Lady Lodge and has been approached by Hank Patterson to join the Brotherhood Protectors. When he meets Hank at the family ranch they head out on horses to talk and check the range but his horse spooks almost throwing him when another rider comes to his rescue who happens to be Gabby Myers, ranch veterinarian. When she explains her apprehension at dinner about delivering a horse, Sean volunteers to be her protector, something he thought he would never do again.

What happens next will keep you on the edge… Suspense danger emotional nailbiting, child abductions, drama and more…
Profile Image for Anna Marie.
62 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2022
Another book by Elle James that I couldn’t put down. Murdock, Iron Horse Legacy Book 8, was excellent.
When Hank Patterson introduced Sean Murdock to his group of Brotherhood Protectors, Sean was not seeking employment. He was happy as a carpenter at Lucky Lady Lodge.
Until he meet Gabbie Myers, the lady veterinarian. Gabbie needed help delivering a horse to a dangerous survivalist part of town and Sean stepped right up to help her. Unbeknownst to Sean, this would be a rescue mission.
At a truck stop waiting to refuel, Gabby hears banging from a truck near them. When they investigate they find a teenaged girl locked inside. Listening to her story and finding out there are more girls imprisoned, Sean and Gabby are off on their dangerous rescue mission.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC from the author. All of the opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,671 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior ones to fully understand and enjoy this delightful tale.

This story is told in a dual POV format. I love getting to know the characters better by seeing into their thoughts. It really makes them more humanized and believable.

Gabbie is a veterinarian who comes to Sean Murdock's rescue when his horse bolts. To pay her back for saving him, he volunteers to go with her when she delivers a prized stallion to a location near a dangerous town of preppers.

Surprises abound here and to this reader's delight, hopefully the introduction to another great series with Murdock's friends!

This is a sexy read but if you aren't into that, I would just skip over those few pages so you can enjoy this story.
Profile Image for Lisa.
381 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2022
Murdock is a great addition to the Iron Horse Legacy series. Sean Murdock is a retired SEAL who opted to put down weapons and pick up tools and is helping on the renovation of the Lucky Lady Lodge. He meets up with Hank Patterson to discuss the Brotherhood Protectors, but the horse he’s riding gets spooked and takes off. Fortunately, pretty veterinarian Dr. Gabbie Meyers is there to assist him, so when she has to deliver a horse to a ranch in an area that is near a notorious prepper area, Murdock takes the opportunity to ride along as protection. Along the way they encounter an 18-yr old girl that leads them into something that has them calling for help. This is a great book that kept me turning pages and shooing my husband away to let me finish!
1,213 reviews
December 26, 2022
Sean Murdock is a former Navy Seal and now works for the Brotherhood Protectors.

Gabbie Myers’s is a large animal vet.

They met when, Gabbie had to take a horse to the Double Diamond owner
Raye Williams. Their was an attractions and protective instinct towards
Gabbie by Murdock.

Murdock and Gabbie ran into more than they expected; are they able to get the mission done ( the unexpected mission). Will they have a relationship?
You will have to read the book to find out what happens.

This book is a great addition to the series and it has suspense, intrigue,
romance, lots of emotion.

Great Job Elle James !!!!
Profile Image for Teresa .
1,912 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2023
Gabbie

I got very frustrated with this one, when Molly and parker got a team together to work construction hank helped her by getting a team with the trade that are not ready to join him yet ex military but good trusted people.First book in this new team was drake when they sit around the table to eat together gabbie was there they all talked about penny and who gabbie was she met the lads shared a meal and again when it was the chief her friends love story finding clues from her uncle. This book is the third one from the new to town team.But clearly this book starts like they haven't met before.
Profile Image for Margie.
1,714 reviews26 followers
December 24, 2022
Murdock by Elle James is book #8 in the Iron Horse Legacy series. No one would have thought that delivering a very expensive horse from the Double Diamond Ranch to Rayne Williams at Closed Way Ranch would be life threatening, but that trip was full of danger. Good thing ex-Navy SEAL Sean Murdock agreed to accompany veterinarian Gabbie Meyers on the trip. There's lots of action and suspense in this book. And... lots of bad guys. This is a great addition to the series.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,466 reviews26 followers
December 25, 2022
Sean Murdock is done with the military and guns, he now swings a hammer.
Visiting Hank he meets local vet Gabbie and ends up accompanying her to deliver a horse. Who knew they would have so much action along the way, let alone when they arrived. A whole lot more was going on than showing and breeding horses.
Murdock and the tam are on a mission to save people destined for a life they sure wouldn't want.
On their journey Sean didn't expect such strong chemistry and feelings for Gabbie.
Here's hoping they all survive and have their happy ending.
720 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2022
Former Navy Seal, Sean Murdock thought he put his days as a protector behind him when he left the Navy. Now working construction for Hank Patterson he couldn’t be happier. But Hank needs him to step up as a Brotherhood Protector and escort the town veterinarian, Gabbie to deliver a horse. How could Murdock say no to a ride along with the beautiful fiery redhead? He’s taken with her from the moment she saves his life. Little did he know the wild ride this protection detail would turn out to be.
“I voluntarily received this arc book for an honest review”

824 reviews12 followers
December 27, 2022
Sean Murdock, is an ex Navy SEAL who has moved to Montana to do construction on Hank Patterson's Ranch. He's done with killing, done with seeing the faces of some of those he has eliminated for the cause of his country. He still refuses to join the Brotherhood protectors until he ends up volunteering to help Veterinarian, Gabbie Myers make a delivery of a very expensive stallion.
Problem is this delivery ends up being a rescue operation neither ever expected.
Charming, fast paced story that is quite the thrill ride!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
December 28, 2022
After leaving his career as a Navy SEAL Sean is looking forward to the next stage of his life. Helping to renovate the Lodge is exactly what he needs but when he agrees to escort Gabbie as she transports a horse the trip takes a turn he never expected.

Gabbie is a veterinarian who was cautious about taking the trip alone, so Sean agrees to go with her. A strange noise leads to a rescue however she and Sean realize that the adventure has just begun.

Romance, surprises and suspense as Sean and Gabbie combine forces to help those who need it the most and find love along the way.
Profile Image for Donna Ferriola.
406 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2023
Murdock

This exciting adventure starts with Murdock, a retired SEAL, being rescued by Gabby, a horse veteranian. He agrees to go with her as protection as she delivers a horse worth $100,000. This is where their adventure begins when they save a teenager and find out she was held captive with other children in an compound. Patterson's group of men and Murdock's fellow workers, all retired military band together to free these children and take down these criminals. Along the way they also fall in love. It was an amazing story and I cannot wait to read the next release
Profile Image for Jennifer Smith.
73 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2023
horse manners

I lov d this story as I always do. My only concern is Hank Patterson acting quite out of character by taking an inexperienced rider out and then letting his own horse gallop off! No experienced or considerate rider would ever do that. Also the way he’s treated by Gabbie after his rescue is also distressing and disrespectful. If you wanted a rescue as shown then even if Hank were polite and just trotted which would still be too much for brand new rider, Little Joe could still spook at a snake and take off but at least Hank wouldn’t appear to be inconsiderate.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,131 reviews8 followers
July 10, 2023
Murdock

Another great story by Elle! I am just whipping through this series. This story is about Gabbie and Murdock. Gabbie is the vet and these two meeting was very interesting to say the least. As they were delivering a horse, they came upon a teenager who had escaped a compound. They came upon kidnapped kids. With Murdock's buddies and the Brotherhood Protectors, they were able to save the kids and also get their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Elle! I would recommend this book! On to the next.
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,633 reviews18 followers
December 26, 2022
Elle James writes exciting romance with strong military heroes and the women who love them. Murdock wanted an easy life after being a Navy Seal. Life had other plans for him. Gabby is a large animal vet that work with the animals at Hank Patterson’s ranch. The action gets started pretty quickly and continues throughout the entire story. The reader gets hooked and will keep turning the pages to see what will be the outcome. Murdock and Gabby make a great partnership that sees them making plans for the future.
Profile Image for Karen L Ledee.
906 reviews5 followers
December 26, 2022
I love this series!! There is lots of action and intrigue when Gabbie, a veterinarian and Murdock who is trying out the Brotherhood Protectors for future employment. He is riding shotgun with her because she has to pass a compound of radicals. They end up finding a girl who has escaped they need to help. I always make time for these books because I know that I am going to read it in one sitting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
Profile Image for Christina Standridge.
1,043 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2022
I love the story and its a fantastic addition to the series. Murdock is visiting Hank Patterson, riding a run a way horse when he meets Gabby. Gabby is a vet and is looking after Sadie's horse. She rescues Murdock and he volunteers to go with her to deliver a horse. They find trouble instead. A great story with some humor, a lot of action and suspense. I read an arc of this book and this is my review.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,489 reviews23 followers
January 2, 2023
Good Courage

Murdock and Babbles story was very good. Gabbie was definitely no pushover, which made this funny at times. I would have wanted everyone to have witnessed those moments for some good old ribbing! I loved Lyssa she was a hoot, but also courageous. What was missing for me was more dialog with the team and Hank and his Protectors. I look forward to Penny's story and now I wonder which of the guys will be hers.
Profile Image for Delaine Mclafferty.
513 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2023
Murdock is the latest recruit to the Lucky Lady Mine that is under reconstruction to bring her back to her day and to safety. As the new guy Murdock volunteers to go with the local veterinarian to deliver a horse to a ranch just past the survivalist camp. Coming across a young girl that says she and her sister were taken, they decide that they need to find the other children being held. I would recommend this book to everyone. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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