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Redleg Security #3
Comeback Hero
Being one of the only female bodyguards at the elite Redleg Security, you’d think I would thrive in difficult situations. But not even my past experience as an Army operative has taught me how to handle the frustration of living with my scorching hot coworker and not being able to ride his face to pleasuretown every night.
What makes it worse is that Shepherd is up for giving me a ride in all the filthy ways you’re imagining.
But he’s my coworker.
And I don’t date coworkers. Ever.
Full stop.
I won’t let myself fall for him.
Even though he stayed by my side in the hospital after I almost died.
Not even when he stubbornly moves me into his house where he insists I stay until I’m healed.
But when he kisses me, every cell in my body wants to surrender to him and throw my rules out the window.
As if living with him wasn’t challenging enough, we have a houseguest in the form of an unruly teenager we’ve been assigned to protect. And she’s not making anything easy.
But I’ve got this. I will recover, protect our client, and avoid falling in love with Shep. After all, this is my comeback story, not a romance.
Then again… maybe it can be both.
Comeback Hero is Book 3 in the Redleg Security Series of steamy romantic suspense novels with romcom vibes. Content warnings are available on the author's website and at the front of the book. Each book in this series features a different couple complete with their happily ever after and no cheating and is a "complete story" with no cliffhangers. The books are best read in order to avoid suspense-related plot spoilers since each book starts right where the prior book ends. However, there are no cliffhangers and each book can be read on its own if you don't wish to read them all.
A discreet paperback option is available. See below.
What makes it worse is that Shepherd is up for giving me a ride in all the filthy ways you’re imagining.
But he’s my coworker.
And I don’t date coworkers. Ever.
Full stop.
I won’t let myself fall for him.
Even though he stayed by my side in the hospital after I almost died.
Not even when he stubbornly moves me into his house where he insists I stay until I’m healed.
But when he kisses me, every cell in my body wants to surrender to him and throw my rules out the window.
As if living with him wasn’t challenging enough, we have a houseguest in the form of an unruly teenager we’ve been assigned to protect. And she’s not making anything easy.
But I’ve got this. I will recover, protect our client, and avoid falling in love with Shep. After all, this is my comeback story, not a romance.
Then again… maybe it can be both.
Comeback Hero is Book 3 in the Redleg Security Series of steamy romantic suspense novels with romcom vibes. Content warnings are available on the author's website and at the front of the book. Each book in this series features a different couple complete with their happily ever after and no cheating and is a "complete story" with no cliffhangers. The books are best read in order to avoid suspense-related plot spoilers since each book starts right where the prior book ends. However, there are no cliffhangers and each book can be read on its own if you don't wish to read them all.
A discreet paperback option is available. See below.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
375 people are currently reading
1815 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Walker
17 books447 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 124 reviews
April 7, 2024
This is the third book in a series and definitely my fave so far, it’s so rare for a series to get better with each book but this one is! I’ve done all three on audio so far and that is the way to go, all have had amazing narrators and this one was dual narration by Jacob Morgan and Ava Lucas and these two were both 🔥 Jacob as drunk Shep was one of my favorite audio scenes ever 😂 and Ava portrayed Kri’s emotional state throughout the book so incredibly well. I love romantic suspense so much and the tension here was next level. Most of the rom suspense I read has very little humor but the author makes me crack up one minute and then has me on the edge of my seat the next. Such a hard combination to pull off but she does it so well! I am already dying to read the next book but I’m waiting on audio, definitely check this whole series out if you like spice, tension, laughs and top tier narration.
February 21, 2023
This book! Comeback Hero is amazing! I laughed, cried, got a little mad and was loving every second. Shep and Kri have so much going on and the support they give each other is just something to be envious of. There is so much love here and they use all that love and support to help Val as well. Jackie Walker has done it again and brought us lots of humor, romance and suspense as well. It was great to be back with our Redleg Security family. Definitely a must read!
November 24, 2025
So I read this when it was first released but then also listened to the audiobook recently cause it was just that good.
The narrators that were picked were *chefs kiss* ...
There was tons of spice (had some lovely 🌶️ dreams lol) and there was some good banter (my sleep talking hubby laughed in his sleep during funny parts).
This is one of my favorite series.
The narrators that were picked were *chefs kiss* ...
There was tons of spice (had some lovely 🌶️ dreams lol) and there was some good banter (my sleep talking hubby laughed in his sleep during funny parts).
This is one of my favorite series.
April 7, 2024
4.5 Stars! Great suspenseful story, with fantastic characters!
Thanks to Jackie Walker and her ARC team for providing an Advanced Listening Copy of this book. All opinions provided in this review are my own.
Comeback Hero really had me in the story from the beginning, all the way to the end. I loved going through the journey of our characters Shep and Kri and being back in this world.
Comeback Hero is book 3 in the Redleg Security series. Although can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend you read the other previous two books (and in order), they are just that good! Book 3 is about Shepherd (Shep) and Kri. They have always had a connection but due to working together at Redleg Security, as well as other things in her past, Kri has always held off on pursuing anything further with Shep. After a serious accident that leaves Kri with some brain injury and needing some help and assistance, Shep steps in to care for her. This is especially useful when they are assigned a new job as partners to offer security and protect a new client, Valerie (Val) who is a 15 year old teenager whose parents were recently targeted and unalived.
This book was just such chef’s kiss! 💋🤌 It has so much going for it; it’s a lot more than just a suspenseful book. It off course had all the intriguing suspenseful plot points, including having to protect Val and investigate the crimes that came at all of them. But was also just soo romantic, as well as it taking us on a family journey. I really enjoying seeing both Kri and Shep’s journey. Kri had a lot of hang-ups and trauma from being the only female working in male dominated military spaces in the past, and she also had past family trauma. It was nice seeing her slowly working through all this. Shep had PTSD from his time in the military as well, and I loved how he was able to work through that and accept therapy. I also loved seeing Kri slowly learning to trust Shep and seeing his love for her. He took on that protective role, but also knew and acknowledged how capable Kri was in her own right! Side note: this man learnt how to cook just so he could feed her when she got out of hospital! I mean, that part got me!!! 💕
I loved seeing them take care of Valarie and seeing all of them slowly take on those family roles. Seeing Shep with Val, and seeing Kri with Val… their connections were just too sweet! I’ll leave it there because I don’t want to risk spoiling the book, but just know, this book was just absolutely fantastic! It was also soo fuuny, and sweet, and super steamy! Just pick it, you won’t regret it!
Narrated by Jacob Morgan and Ava Lucas. They did such a wonderful job at portraying Shep and Kri respectively. Their performances were such great and easy listens. I especially enjoyed Morgan’s different accents when portraying Shep’s inner voice. Overall, they were incredible at helping bring the characters, and the story to life!
Thanks to Jackie Walker and her ARC team for providing an Advanced Listening Copy of this book. All opinions provided in this review are my own.
Comeback Hero really had me in the story from the beginning, all the way to the end. I loved going through the journey of our characters Shep and Kri and being back in this world.
Comeback Hero is book 3 in the Redleg Security series. Although can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend you read the other previous two books (and in order), they are just that good! Book 3 is about Shepherd (Shep) and Kri. They have always had a connection but due to working together at Redleg Security, as well as other things in her past, Kri has always held off on pursuing anything further with Shep. After a serious accident that leaves Kri with some brain injury and needing some help and assistance, Shep steps in to care for her. This is especially useful when they are assigned a new job as partners to offer security and protect a new client, Valerie (Val) who is a 15 year old teenager whose parents were recently targeted and unalived.
This book was just such chef’s kiss! 💋🤌 It has so much going for it; it’s a lot more than just a suspenseful book. It off course had all the intriguing suspenseful plot points, including having to protect Val and investigate the crimes that came at all of them. But was also just soo romantic, as well as it taking us on a family journey. I really enjoying seeing both Kri and Shep’s journey. Kri had a lot of hang-ups and trauma from being the only female working in male dominated military spaces in the past, and she also had past family trauma. It was nice seeing her slowly working through all this. Shep had PTSD from his time in the military as well, and I loved how he was able to work through that and accept therapy. I also loved seeing Kri slowly learning to trust Shep and seeing his love for her. He took on that protective role, but also knew and acknowledged how capable Kri was in her own right! Side note: this man learnt how to cook just so he could feed her when she got out of hospital! I mean, that part got me!!! 💕
I loved seeing them take care of Valarie and seeing all of them slowly take on those family roles. Seeing Shep with Val, and seeing Kri with Val… their connections were just too sweet! I’ll leave it there because I don’t want to risk spoiling the book, but just know, this book was just absolutely fantastic! It was also soo fuuny, and sweet, and super steamy! Just pick it, you won’t regret it!
Narrated by Jacob Morgan and Ava Lucas. They did such a wonderful job at portraying Shep and Kri respectively. Their performances were such great and easy listens. I especially enjoyed Morgan’s different accents when portraying Shep’s inner voice. Overall, they were incredible at helping bring the characters, and the story to life!
March 5, 2023
Just SOO good!
This is another excellent story in the Redleg Security series (that you should be reading in order-BTW), that was entertaining and addictive from the beginning.
This story was suspenseful, funny, sweet, emotional, adrenaline filled, super steamy, and very dangerous...plan your time, because I couldn't stop turning pages!!
Shep has demons from his time in the service, but working with Redleg, he found a way to function. That is, until the woman who holds his heart gets injured.
Kri is a Delta Force trained badass member of Redleg who is tough as nails, until she's laid up in a hospital bed with a TBI.
Lucky for her, Shep steps in to care for her, even though she doesn't want it! Their back and forth bickering and banter is fun. I enjoyed reading their connection and seeing their chemistry grow, until it could not be contained.
I won't give spoilers, but...
Shep with Val? Soo sweet!
Kri and Val's connection? Loved it!
Shep's inner voice? Hysterical!!
I am glad I knew the backstories of the other characters, as that made the read better.
And 100% screw you Jeff.
Glad you are gone! (IYKYK).
I am Sooo ready for Mia and Klein's story next!!
This is another excellent story in the Redleg Security series (that you should be reading in order-BTW), that was entertaining and addictive from the beginning.
This story was suspenseful, funny, sweet, emotional, adrenaline filled, super steamy, and very dangerous...plan your time, because I couldn't stop turning pages!!
Shep has demons from his time in the service, but working with Redleg, he found a way to function. That is, until the woman who holds his heart gets injured.
Kri is a Delta Force trained badass member of Redleg who is tough as nails, until she's laid up in a hospital bed with a TBI.
Lucky for her, Shep steps in to care for her, even though she doesn't want it! Their back and forth bickering and banter is fun. I enjoyed reading their connection and seeing their chemistry grow, until it could not be contained.
I won't give spoilers, but...
Shep with Val? Soo sweet!
Kri and Val's connection? Loved it!
Shep's inner voice? Hysterical!!
I am glad I knew the backstories of the other characters, as that made the read better.
And 100% screw you Jeff.
Glad you are gone! (IYKYK).
I am Sooo ready for Mia and Klein's story next!!
February 21, 2023
Such an amazing book! After reading Forbidden Hero I was BEGGING for Shep and Kri's story!
The book starts with a touch of enemies to lovers, with Kri being salty and reluctant to embrace Shep's attempts at being there for her. They have incredible banter, and the slow burn is paced perfectly.
I really enjoyed that the suspense plot was something both Shep and Kri were invested in, working together to untangle the mystery.
As always, Jackie Walker infuses her special brand of humor and had me rolling! But she's also a skilled suspense writer and put me on the edge of my seat several times.
If you enjoyed Jackie Walker's other Redleg books, I HIGHLY recommend this! And if you haven't, go and read the other two books first if you want to avoid spoilers. It's soooo worth it!
The book starts with a touch of enemies to lovers, with Kri being salty and reluctant to embrace Shep's attempts at being there for her. They have incredible banter, and the slow burn is paced perfectly.
I really enjoyed that the suspense plot was something both Shep and Kri were invested in, working together to untangle the mystery.
As always, Jackie Walker infuses her special brand of humor and had me rolling! But she's also a skilled suspense writer and put me on the edge of my seat several times.
If you enjoyed Jackie Walker's other Redleg books, I HIGHLY recommend this! And if you haven't, go and read the other two books first if you want to avoid spoilers. It's soooo worth it!
July 21, 2023
Love Shep and Kri
Kri and Shep work together at Redleg. Shep is always hitting on Kri, but she won’t dare a coworker. She gets hurt on, and Shep stays with her at the hospital and takes her to his house so she can recuperate. A case come in on fifteenth year old Val who Shep and Kri protect. Can they find out why she’s in danger? Can Shep and Kri fight the attraction that just keeps getting stronger? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing book love Shep and Kri Val is amazing. Great supporting characters. So many twists and turns. Love this series.
Kri and Shep work together at Redleg. Shep is always hitting on Kri, but she won’t dare a coworker. She gets hurt on, and Shep stays with her at the hospital and takes her to his house so she can recuperate. A case come in on fifteenth year old Val who Shep and Kri protect. Can they find out why she’s in danger? Can Shep and Kri fight the attraction that just keeps getting stronger? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing book love Shep and Kri Val is amazing. Great supporting characters. So many twists and turns. Love this series.
February 22, 2023
As usual, Jackie Walker delivers! This is the third book in her Redleg Security series. Shep and Kri work together and fall for each other - but not without bringing their past experiences getting in the way.
If you like suspense, romance, sexy times and laughter this is the story for you!
To get the full experience, go back and read the first two stories in this series. If you don’t, you’ll regret it!
If you like suspense, romance, sexy times and laughter this is the story for you!
To get the full experience, go back and read the first two stories in this series. If you don’t, you’ll regret it!
May 3, 2025
I love a good romantic suspense novel and this was a great continuation of the Redleg Security series. I liked that it picked up where the last book ended and refreshed me on what we were getting into. We have watched Shep & Kri deny their feelings for each other for the last two books, so I was excited for them to finally get their happy ending. This kept me on edge from beginning to end wondering if they would be able to save the teenager they were protecting and watching as they started to fall in love with not only each other but with the orphaned teen in their care. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and get the backstory behind Klein & Mia.
March 5, 2023
4 Comeback Stars
RTC
RTC
March 10, 2024
There’s crack in these books I swear to christ
February 28, 2023
This is the second series I've read by Jackie Walker. Her first series, "Love and Laughs", is a straight up romance, with lots of heat and a HEA. With this series, she's kicked it up a notch, by throwing danger and suspense into the equation.
This book starts with a slow simmer, but will make you laugh, cry, and hang on the edge of your seat. I didn't figure out the bad guy, which is a plus to me. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Comeback Hero is the third book in this series. Though it is a standalone, I feel it would be beneficial to read the series in the order written.
Sidebar, I love how Jackie worked in the demise of Jeff, the tumor!!
This book starts with a slow simmer, but will make you laugh, cry, and hang on the edge of your seat. I didn't figure out the bad guy, which is a plus to me. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Comeback Hero is the third book in this series. Though it is a standalone, I feel it would be beneficial to read the series in the order written.
Sidebar, I love how Jackie worked in the demise of Jeff, the tumor!!
September 6, 2023
4.5⭐️ My favorite of the series yet!
June 17, 2024
I don't even know where to begin with this. Jackie Walker just keeps setting the bar higher for herself with each Redleg book she writes. I have wanted this story since seeing their chemistry in Forbidden Hero. Let me tell you....Ms. Walker held nothing back when it comes to these two.
Their attraction screams from the pages. I mean I felt like it was jumping out of my kindle at me...it is that strong and HOT! You have these two extremely strong willed people dancing around their feelings, well Kri more than Shep, and you know it is about to explode and DOES IT EVER!!!! Shep, oh that man and the words he uses and how he uses them. Kri never stood a chance. His heart definitely beats for her, there is no better match for him and vice versa. Add in Val, the minor they are guarding, and it is easily seen how these two belong together.
I know when I pick up a Jackie Walker book I am going to be guaranteed multiple things...hilarious moments and inner monologues from the characters, strong female characters, male main characters that will having you drooling on yourself, heart pounding moments that have me turning the pages as fast as I can, and fabulous couple times, if you know what I mean (have to keep it PG...lol)! I am so ready for more of the Redleg Security team!!!
********AUDIO REVIEW********
Anyone who is familiar with Jackie's books and is an audio fan then you will understand when I saw she is now 3 for 3 with narrator choices! I do not know how much time she spent speculating on who to pick for each book but she nails it every single time.
I freaking LOVE Jacob Morgan, he is one of my top three favorites as in if he narrates it I buy it. There is just something about his voice that I cannot pinpoint but it is what makes him one of my favorites. I have listened to him narrate a handful of characters in the romantic suspense world and he always does a phenomenal job. There was not better choice than him for Shep.
Ava Lucas is new to me but I adored her as Kri. See, Kri isn't your normal FMC, she is ex-military and truly bad-A. A narrator with an edge to her tone was definitely needed for Kri and Ava definitely fills those shoes. Her voice is like a mixture of softness and determination combined together, if that makes sense. When it came time for her to read Shep parts she did exceptional and that is one thing I always look for is how the woman sounds as the male and vice versa.
There still a few books left in this series and I cannot wait to see who she will be getting to narrate those books.
Their attraction screams from the pages. I mean I felt like it was jumping out of my kindle at me...it is that strong and HOT! You have these two extremely strong willed people dancing around their feelings, well Kri more than Shep, and you know it is about to explode and DOES IT EVER!!!! Shep, oh that man and the words he uses and how he uses them. Kri never stood a chance. His heart definitely beats for her, there is no better match for him and vice versa. Add in Val, the minor they are guarding, and it is easily seen how these two belong together.
I know when I pick up a Jackie Walker book I am going to be guaranteed multiple things...hilarious moments and inner monologues from the characters, strong female characters, male main characters that will having you drooling on yourself, heart pounding moments that have me turning the pages as fast as I can, and fabulous couple times, if you know what I mean (have to keep it PG...lol)! I am so ready for more of the Redleg Security team!!!
********AUDIO REVIEW********
Anyone who is familiar with Jackie's books and is an audio fan then you will understand when I saw she is now 3 for 3 with narrator choices! I do not know how much time she spent speculating on who to pick for each book but she nails it every single time.
I freaking LOVE Jacob Morgan, he is one of my top three favorites as in if he narrates it I buy it. There is just something about his voice that I cannot pinpoint but it is what makes him one of my favorites. I have listened to him narrate a handful of characters in the romantic suspense world and he always does a phenomenal job. There was not better choice than him for Shep.
Ava Lucas is new to me but I adored her as Kri. See, Kri isn't your normal FMC, she is ex-military and truly bad-A. A narrator with an edge to her tone was definitely needed for Kri and Ava definitely fills those shoes. Her voice is like a mixture of softness and determination combined together, if that makes sense. When it came time for her to read Shep parts she did exceptional and that is one thing I always look for is how the woman sounds as the male and vice versa.
There still a few books left in this series and I cannot wait to see who she will be getting to narrate those books.
March 17, 2023
Fantastic story! If you like snarky head strong female characters and hot, sexy, dirty talking male characters, this is the story for you! The third in Jackie Walker's Redleg Security series can be read as a standalone, but best read in order (Heartbreak Hero, Forbidden Hero, Comeback Hero) to avoid spoilers!
Shep and Kri are coworkers who try to fight their attraction, but end up failing at that! Their intimate scenes are hot and could set your book on fire!
Shep and Kri are coworkers who try to fight their attraction, but end up failing at that! Their intimate scenes are hot and could set your book on fire!
February 27, 2023
Comeback Hero is the third entry in Walker's Redleg Security series, and it might be my favorite, so far, though the first two books are pretty great, too. Each book in this series picks up right where the previous book left off, so I highly recommend reading Heartbreak Hero and Forbidden Hero first, but you could read this as a standalone as the author provides enough backstory throughout for you to be able to follow along. Comeback Hero features our heroine, Kri, who is a bada$$ former Army officer, who always felt a bit like she had to prove herself being a woman in a world dominated by men, and now body guard through Redleg, and our hero, Shep, a sexy as hell soft dom and former Army Ranger, who served with the other men of Redleg we met in the first two books, and is helping our heroine comeback from a devastating and traumatic injury that she fears may be career ending and the guilt and insecurity that comes with it. While Kri fights to get back to full health, she's also fighting her long standing and contsant attraction to Shep, to keep up the walls around her heart so she won't reveal her feelings for him, and to keep from crossing her own self-imposed boundaries of not getting involved with a coworker. All the while, Shep is fighting to get his Kri back, the confident sexy woman he fell in love with (though he won't quite admit that it's love at first) while fighting to get into her heart. Add in a sassy, hilarious teenage client to guard, an intriguing and suspenseful mystery surrounding the teen and why her life might be in danger, and of course appearances from all our favorite Redleg characters and you have another winner.
This novel is somewhat of slow-burn, because of the flashbacks showing the longing Kri and Shep have for each other developed over 2-3 years of working together. Kri does a pretty good job of fighting her feelings until she and Shep end up in a forced proximity situation as she moves into his house while recovering because she isn't strong enough to be on her own just yet. While living with him she sees not only his caring manner in the way he helps her recover and seems to know exactly what she needs before she does, but she also gets her first glimpses of his soft dom nature, and surprising no one more than herself our take-no-prisoners won't-submit-to-any-man heroine is intrigued. And oooh is that when the sparks catch fire and turn into a full on blaze. Of course, Kri tries to run based on her personal anti-fratenization policy and Shep decides he's going to give up because he can't take the push and pull hot and cold anymore. But with a phone call and a cameo from Archer Bliss (you may remember him from the Amos family series), they're forced to continue their forced proximity to guard one surly, sassy, and hilarious teenager named Val whose life might be in danger after her parents' murders and aunt's subsequent attack and hospitalization in the ICU. Shep and Kri must navigate becoming temporary guaradians, and sorta insta-parents to a grieving teen, while trying to protect her from an unknown danger all while facing an attraction neither of them can deny any longer. As with all this author's books, there's lots of steamy scenes throughout that do not disappoint. The suspense in this one had me anxious to get through the story, and at times parts were heartbreaking. There are depictions of grief that definitely triggered my own, so be prepared for that, definitely not a dealbreaker because this story is fantastic and those parts were necessary to moving the story along, just something to be aware of. I couldn't put this one down and definitely stayed up into the wee hours of the early morning finishing it.
One thing I particularly want to note, I really appreciate about this author is her consisten 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 all her stories.
I loved seeing such a tough as nails relatable heroine learn to be vulnerable, find parts of herself she didn't know existed, and finally get her HEA with what I think might be my new favorite hero out of all of Walker's books. Yes, I say that every time, but those Redleg men, they just keep getting better and better. I can't wait to read what comes next for the Redleg guards!
Guaranteed HEA with no cliffhangers for our hero/heroine. No cheating or other woman plotlines or anything like that.
Tropes include: Workplace Romance, Forced Proximity, Reluctant Heroine/Persistent Hero
This novel is somewhat of slow-burn, because of the flashbacks showing the longing Kri and Shep have for each other developed over 2-3 years of working together. Kri does a pretty good job of fighting her feelings until she and Shep end up in a forced proximity situation as she moves into his house while recovering because she isn't strong enough to be on her own just yet. While living with him she sees not only his caring manner in the way he helps her recover and seems to know exactly what she needs before she does, but she also gets her first glimpses of his soft dom nature, and surprising no one more than herself our take-no-prisoners won't-submit-to-any-man heroine is intrigued. And oooh is that when the sparks catch fire and turn into a full on blaze. Of course, Kri tries to run based on her personal anti-fratenization policy and Shep decides he's going to give up because he can't take the push and pull hot and cold anymore. But with a phone call and a cameo from Archer Bliss (you may remember him from the Amos family series), they're forced to continue their forced proximity to guard one surly, sassy, and hilarious teenager named Val whose life might be in danger after her parents' murders and aunt's subsequent attack and hospitalization in the ICU. Shep and Kri must navigate becoming temporary guaradians, and sorta insta-parents to a grieving teen, while trying to protect her from an unknown danger all while facing an attraction neither of them can deny any longer. As with all this author's books, there's lots of steamy scenes throughout that do not disappoint. The suspense in this one had me anxious to get through the story, and at times parts were heartbreaking. There are depictions of grief that definitely triggered my own, so be prepared for that, definitely not a dealbreaker because this story is fantastic and those parts were necessary to moving the story along, just something to be aware of. I couldn't put this one down and definitely stayed up into the wee hours of the early morning finishing it.
One thing I particularly want to note, I really appreciate about this author is her consisten 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 all her stories.
I loved seeing such a tough as nails relatable heroine learn to be vulnerable, find parts of herself she didn't know existed, and finally get her HEA with what I think might be my new favorite hero out of all of Walker's books. Yes, I say that every time, but those Redleg men, they just keep getting better and better. I can't wait to read what comes next for the Redleg guards!
Guaranteed HEA with no cliffhangers for our hero/heroine. No cheating or other woman plotlines or anything like that.
Tropes include: Workplace Romance, Forced Proximity, Reluctant Heroine/Persistent Hero
April 2, 2024
Audiobook and Book Review
💚 Workplace romance
🖤 He fell years ago
💚 Stunningly witty banter
🖤 Recovery from trauma
💚 Twists and Turns
🖤 Mental Health Rep
💚 “Be the corn”
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m so thankful that Jackie let me be part of her ALC team to give this audiobook an honest review…so here it is!
I absolutely adore Jacob Morgan’s portrayal of Shep. He brought out every. single. side of him. And his Valerie is Spot effing ON! Jacob made this book so enjoyable. I was laughing out loud at the accents, snark, wit, banter, and just lived for this overall performance. Thank you for that.
Stella Hunter as Kri is my spirit animal. Or, spirit human? Whatever you call it, she was STUNNING in this narration. I listened to this so quickly because her performance was amazing and I couldn’t get enough of it. I adore Stella so. freaking. much!!
I think I’m in love. Shep is the man of my dreams. *swoon* He is the perfect amount of sweet, considerate, domineering, not to mention touch her and💀. The way he supported Kri throughout her recovery was commendable. Only the right kind of person would assist while also advocating for you in that situation, without being overbearing. Shep was the right kind of person. Not to mention his dirty talk game is FIRE!
Now, the wrong kind of person is Jeff, can eff off. He sounds like a guy I once knew. I should’ve pulled a Kri and kneed him, but I wasn’t so lucky. So f*** Jeff, and every male like him (real and fictional).
Kri is such a bada$$. Not only to overcome her family life, make it in the Army as a female who constantly had to prove herself, but then to recover from near fatal trauma. Her resilience, her bravery, and her wit made her such a fantastic character. I want to be like her! 😂 I really enjoyed seeing her progress throughout this story and all of her realizations.
I wish I had Shep’s kind of PT after my car accident/back surgeries! 🥵🥵🥵🥵 I love that therapy and mental health are talked about in the story. I did EMDR for PTSD that I didn’t know I had from my car accident. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. Once I started therapy, was told what I had, and I trusted the process, the EMDR helped me with my recovery so much.
This story was such a journey. Because I’ve lived through my own trauma (not that this triggered me in any way), I connected with this story so much. I love this book. I love this story. I love these characters. Jackie, you’ve hit me in all the feels. I’m literally crying as I write this review, not because your book sucks 🤣 (spoiler alert, it doesn’t!) but because you Made. Me. FEEL.
I love Jackie’s clever, funny, and filthy-minded 😏 writing. The “breaking of the fourth wall” makes this book sooo good!! I can’t get enough of Shep, Kri, and freaking Valerie. Jackie Walker. You are my hero. Seriously. Your writing is incredible and I want to live in your stories. I’d say your brain, but that’d probably be weird. Right? Yeah. That’d be weird. So I’ll take the stories 😂🤷🏽♀️
Shep…seriously, we might have beef. DC over Marvel? No sir. No. 😉 Omg Pie-gate!😂 I absolutely love all of the contemporary references. I chuckled so many times just for those! The inner monologue of Shep and of Kri is EPIC. The button tracker combo conversation!? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
GAH. The bonus epilogue?? Jackie, what are you doing to me!? 😭😭😭
🚰 “If you’re hurting, where else am I going to be?”
🚰 “Be the corn. You are corn. You are corn. You are motherf***ing corn.”
🚰 “That’s my good girl. That’s my good f***ing girl.”
🚰 “But I won’t look a gift Soft Döm in the mouth.”
🚰 “I always want you to sleep with me. You make the nightmares hurt less.”
💚 Workplace romance
🖤 He fell years ago
💚 Stunningly witty banter
🖤 Recovery from trauma
💚 Twists and Turns
🖤 Mental Health Rep
💚 “Be the corn”
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m so thankful that Jackie let me be part of her ALC team to give this audiobook an honest review…so here it is!
I absolutely adore Jacob Morgan’s portrayal of Shep. He brought out every. single. side of him. And his Valerie is Spot effing ON! Jacob made this book so enjoyable. I was laughing out loud at the accents, snark, wit, banter, and just lived for this overall performance. Thank you for that.
Stella Hunter as Kri is my spirit animal. Or, spirit human? Whatever you call it, she was STUNNING in this narration. I listened to this so quickly because her performance was amazing and I couldn’t get enough of it. I adore Stella so. freaking. much!!
I think I’m in love. Shep is the man of my dreams. *swoon* He is the perfect amount of sweet, considerate, domineering, not to mention touch her and💀. The way he supported Kri throughout her recovery was commendable. Only the right kind of person would assist while also advocating for you in that situation, without being overbearing. Shep was the right kind of person. Not to mention his dirty talk game is FIRE!
Now, the wrong kind of person is Jeff, can eff off. He sounds like a guy I once knew. I should’ve pulled a Kri and kneed him, but I wasn’t so lucky. So f*** Jeff, and every male like him (real and fictional).
Kri is such a bada$$. Not only to overcome her family life, make it in the Army as a female who constantly had to prove herself, but then to recover from near fatal trauma. Her resilience, her bravery, and her wit made her such a fantastic character. I want to be like her! 😂 I really enjoyed seeing her progress throughout this story and all of her realizations.
I wish I had Shep’s kind of PT after my car accident/back surgeries! 🥵🥵🥵🥵 I love that therapy and mental health are talked about in the story. I did EMDR for PTSD that I didn’t know I had from my car accident. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. Once I started therapy, was told what I had, and I trusted the process, the EMDR helped me with my recovery so much.
This story was such a journey. Because I’ve lived through my own trauma (not that this triggered me in any way), I connected with this story so much. I love this book. I love this story. I love these characters. Jackie, you’ve hit me in all the feels. I’m literally crying as I write this review, not because your book sucks 🤣 (spoiler alert, it doesn’t!) but because you Made. Me. FEEL.
I love Jackie’s clever, funny, and filthy-minded 😏 writing. The “breaking of the fourth wall” makes this book sooo good!! I can’t get enough of Shep, Kri, and freaking Valerie. Jackie Walker. You are my hero. Seriously. Your writing is incredible and I want to live in your stories. I’d say your brain, but that’d probably be weird. Right? Yeah. That’d be weird. So I’ll take the stories 😂🤷🏽♀️
Shep…seriously, we might have beef. DC over Marvel? No sir. No. 😉 Omg Pie-gate!😂 I absolutely love all of the contemporary references. I chuckled so many times just for those! The inner monologue of Shep and of Kri is EPIC. The button tracker combo conversation!? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
GAH. The bonus epilogue?? Jackie, what are you doing to me!? 😭😭😭
🚰 “If you’re hurting, where else am I going to be?”
🚰 “Be the corn. You are corn. You are corn. You are motherf***ing corn.”
🚰 “That’s my good girl. That’s my good f***ing girl.”
🚰 “But I won’t look a gift Soft Döm in the mouth.”
🚰 “I always want you to sleep with me. You make the nightmares hurt less.”
April 3, 2024
More Redleg Greatness! Awesome Story & Listen🎧📚🎧
Comeback Hero
Redleg Security, Book 3
By: Jackie Walker
Narrated by: Ava Lucas, Jacob Morgan
Jackie Walker pens another fabulous novel set in her amazing “Redleg Security” series, a romantic suspense with a side of humor to lighten things up. Each book in the series features different characters, a member or two of Redleg Security, the books stand on their own, but characters from earlier books appear and knowing their back story is beneficial and adds depth, besides seeing the again is like seeing an old friend. This third book is Shepherd “Shep” Collins and Kristian “Kri” Dayton’s story. Both are members of Redleg Security and former military. Kri is recovering from the injuries she sustained while guarding Sammy and is also feeling guilty about what happened. Shep has been at her side while she was in the hospital and continues to be while she recovers. Kri hasn’t returned to work, with Shep with her Redleg is short staffed, so when a friend brings in a teenage girl, Valerie, in for protection, they ask Kri to be her temporary guardian and Shep to be her guard. Someone murdered Valerie’s parents and they think she may be a target and in danger, too. There are lots of layers to this story, Kri is dealing with her recovery and her guilt and Shep is dealing with PTSD, then his own inner demons cause his nightmares to return. Add a teenager into the mix to complicate matters, but having Valerie there takes their mind off their own troubles and they are busy trying to figure out who killed her parents and why. I adored these characters and loved watching Kri and Shep fight the chemistry that is between them, mostly Kri, and knowing it was going to be a losing battle for them. And how they were with Valerie had me appreciate them even more. It was great to see the other members of the Redleg, too. I loved how everything played out in this book, it is a cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, some angst, some humor to lighten things up, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. Jackie Walker, thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 The wonderfully talented Ava Lucas and Jacob Morgan did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying. I loved how they took their roles and made them their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. Morgan nailed it as Shep, grasping every aspect of his personality, his humor and inner dialogue was hilarious, accent and all. Lucas was just as amazing as Kri, also grasping all sides of her personality, from her insecurities to her strength and badassery. They set the right tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their performance elevates the story to another level. Thanks for another amazing listen.
Comeback Hero
Redleg Security, Book 3
By: Jackie Walker
Narrated by: Ava Lucas, Jacob Morgan
Jackie Walker pens another fabulous novel set in her amazing “Redleg Security” series, a romantic suspense with a side of humor to lighten things up. Each book in the series features different characters, a member or two of Redleg Security, the books stand on their own, but characters from earlier books appear and knowing their back story is beneficial and adds depth, besides seeing the again is like seeing an old friend. This third book is Shepherd “Shep” Collins and Kristian “Kri” Dayton’s story. Both are members of Redleg Security and former military. Kri is recovering from the injuries she sustained while guarding Sammy and is also feeling guilty about what happened. Shep has been at her side while she was in the hospital and continues to be while she recovers. Kri hasn’t returned to work, with Shep with her Redleg is short staffed, so when a friend brings in a teenage girl, Valerie, in for protection, they ask Kri to be her temporary guardian and Shep to be her guard. Someone murdered Valerie’s parents and they think she may be a target and in danger, too. There are lots of layers to this story, Kri is dealing with her recovery and her guilt and Shep is dealing with PTSD, then his own inner demons cause his nightmares to return. Add a teenager into the mix to complicate matters, but having Valerie there takes their mind off their own troubles and they are busy trying to figure out who killed her parents and why. I adored these characters and loved watching Kri and Shep fight the chemistry that is between them, mostly Kri, and knowing it was going to be a losing battle for them. And how they were with Valerie had me appreciate them even more. It was great to see the other members of the Redleg, too. I loved how everything played out in this book, it is a cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, some angst, some humor to lighten things up, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. Jackie Walker, thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 The wonderfully talented Ava Lucas and Jacob Morgan did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying. I loved how they took their roles and made them their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. Morgan nailed it as Shep, grasping every aspect of his personality, his humor and inner dialogue was hilarious, accent and all. Lucas was just as amazing as Kri, also grasping all sides of her personality, from her insecurities to her strength and badassery. They set the right tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their performance elevates the story to another level. Thanks for another amazing listen.
February 28, 2023
What a captivating, suspense-filled and addictive story. This story is so well written that you are unable to put it down. I stayed up way too late because I could not put it down. I kept saying just one more chapter and then something happens and I could not stop.
Ms. Walker always delivers a storyline that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, your heart skipping a few beats and your head spinning Comeback Hero is no different with the danger, guilt and secret love that is between two of the Redleg Security family. When Kri is seriously injured from a beating, Shep is determined to be there for every inch of Kri's healing. The only problem is Kri is a bad a$$ female who is ex-military, profusely independent and her job is her everything, however, with her injuries she is bedridden and unable to return to work. When Shep offers, no tells her that she is staying with him while she heals, you know that things are going to get very interesting Deep down they both have strong feelings for one another but something in Kri's past is stopping her from having a relationship with her co-worker. Now they are stuck in a house together with all this sexual tension and something has to give. Shep is determined to help Kri see she is still as strong as she was before and the most important person in his life. Now their boss has thrown a job at them and it is to care for a teen girl and she is in danger. Will this help Kri heal faster and see that she is still an important factor in the company? Now there is danger, sexual tension and a determined Shep that Kri has to deal with. Will those walls finally come down? Can she fight the attraction that is so strong between the two of them? The chemistry has been there since the beginning and it is only getting stronger and stronger. The two of them were made for each other.
Shep is definitely swoon-worthy with how he takes care of Kri and the new client that he is responsible for. Kri does have a softer side of her that Shep and their client bring out in her.
I highly recommend grabbing Shep and Kri's story but be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride. Also, make sure that you have a good amount of time to read it because I an positive you will find it impossible to put it down.
Ms. Walker always delivers a storyline that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, your heart skipping a few beats and your head spinning Comeback Hero is no different with the danger, guilt and secret love that is between two of the Redleg Security family. When Kri is seriously injured from a beating, Shep is determined to be there for every inch of Kri's healing. The only problem is Kri is a bad a$$ female who is ex-military, profusely independent and her job is her everything, however, with her injuries she is bedridden and unable to return to work. When Shep offers, no tells her that she is staying with him while she heals, you know that things are going to get very interesting Deep down they both have strong feelings for one another but something in Kri's past is stopping her from having a relationship with her co-worker. Now they are stuck in a house together with all this sexual tension and something has to give. Shep is determined to help Kri see she is still as strong as she was before and the most important person in his life. Now their boss has thrown a job at them and it is to care for a teen girl and she is in danger. Will this help Kri heal faster and see that she is still an important factor in the company? Now there is danger, sexual tension and a determined Shep that Kri has to deal with. Will those walls finally come down? Can she fight the attraction that is so strong between the two of them? The chemistry has been there since the beginning and it is only getting stronger and stronger. The two of them were made for each other.
Shep is definitely swoon-worthy with how he takes care of Kri and the new client that he is responsible for. Kri does have a softer side of her that Shep and their client bring out in her.
I highly recommend grabbing Shep and Kri's story but be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride. Also, make sure that you have a good amount of time to read it because I an positive you will find it impossible to put it down.
March 23, 2023
COMEBACK HERO by @authorjackiewalker
(Thank you for your patience😅)
First let me say, this is one of the best novels that I have read that is part of a sequel of novels. (I never read any of the previous ones) I wasn't lost reading this book, as each character was introduced and I was able to know a little about them as each character was given this mini backstory.
PLOT: I absolutely loved the plot of this novel. I loved the mystery within the novel, When I began reading, I expected this sappy romance. BUT BOY WAS I WRONG! It was filled with so many twists that left my jaw dropping. The plot just kept going up and up and up.
CLIFFHANGERS: There was a fair amount of cliffhangers. It was a reason I could flip through the pages one by one and groan when I knew I had to put the book down. The author really did an amazing job hooking, me, the reader, to the novel.
SPICE: See, there are novels with lots of hot spicy scenes, and some with not so much but REALLY spicy scenes. This book was one of them. Cuz heaven knows the spicy scenes written had me fanning my face and making sure no one around me saw my blushed face while reading.
DETAILS: The best thing an author can do while they write. Is those damn little details. I could imagine Shep's smirk and everyone's facial expressions from every detail that was written. The details really do play a big role when writing a novel and I absolutely LOVED the details in this novel. Like come on, describing eye contact is not always easy.
EMOTIONS: I felt. every. ounce. no. gram. no. atom. of. emotions. in. this. novel. I teared up so many times while I was reading. The author really made me feel those feelings that I try to kill on a daily basis. Hell even some scenes made me squeal like a school girl because it made me that giddy.
All in all, I really loved this novel and it was actually the longest book I have ever read. I loved how it was like this Mystery/Romance novel.
I can't wait to get my hands on the previous novels in the series. CUZ HELL THEY ARE GOOD.
I also LOVED how it was also filled with comedy. So I most certainly got lots of laughs while I was reading it.
THANK YOU JACKIE FOR SUCH AN AMAZING PIECE OF WORK
(Thank you for your patience😅)
First let me say, this is one of the best novels that I have read that is part of a sequel of novels. (I never read any of the previous ones) I wasn't lost reading this book, as each character was introduced and I was able to know a little about them as each character was given this mini backstory.
PLOT: I absolutely loved the plot of this novel. I loved the mystery within the novel, When I began reading, I expected this sappy romance. BUT BOY WAS I WRONG! It was filled with so many twists that left my jaw dropping. The plot just kept going up and up and up.
CLIFFHANGERS: There was a fair amount of cliffhangers. It was a reason I could flip through the pages one by one and groan when I knew I had to put the book down. The author really did an amazing job hooking, me, the reader, to the novel.
SPICE: See, there are novels with lots of hot spicy scenes, and some with not so much but REALLY spicy scenes. This book was one of them. Cuz heaven knows the spicy scenes written had me fanning my face and making sure no one around me saw my blushed face while reading.
DETAILS: The best thing an author can do while they write. Is those damn little details. I could imagine Shep's smirk and everyone's facial expressions from every detail that was written. The details really do play a big role when writing a novel and I absolutely LOVED the details in this novel. Like come on, describing eye contact is not always easy.
EMOTIONS: I felt. every. ounce. no. gram. no. atom. of. emotions. in. this. novel. I teared up so many times while I was reading. The author really made me feel those feelings that I try to kill on a daily basis. Hell even some scenes made me squeal like a school girl because it made me that giddy.
All in all, I really loved this novel and it was actually the longest book I have ever read. I loved how it was like this Mystery/Romance novel.
I can't wait to get my hands on the previous novels in the series. CUZ HELL THEY ARE GOOD.
I also LOVED how it was also filled with comedy. So I most certainly got lots of laughs while I was reading it.
THANK YOU JACKIE FOR SUCH AN AMAZING PIECE OF WORK
April 15, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved Kri and Shep, I ship them hard. The beginning of the book was brutal, there were tears and heartbreak before the story got started. And throughout it all, Shep was there for Kri even when she wanted to be left behind.
"Even when she tries to push me away - which she does every day - I'm still here. My shoulders are broad enough to help carry her burdens until she's healed enough to do it herself." - Shep
I was mildly afraid that Kri was going to be as annoying as Sammy from book 2. However, Kri snotty attitude softened and she got over her hang-ups with Shep pretty quickly considering everything that was going on with her health after the attack. Despite being rough around the edges and standoffish, Kri's character development was profound.
Shep was so dedicated, so loving, and so supportive, he was perfect for Kri in every way. He might not be the sole reason she came so far after her assault but it probably helped to have the ultimate partner and lover at your side. He understood her inside and out, knew her pride limitations, and knew she just needed someone to give a damn.
"Somewhere along the line, he figured out that being perceived as fragile is my biggest fear. He wants to be my partner, not my savior." - Kri
I rated the other books in this series high in spice, but this one takes the cake! Who knew Shep was going to play so dirty? I was there for every minute of it! Shep calling Kri "baby girl"....swoon and fire all at once.
"'Come here. Give me those kips,' I demand. 'I need to fucking kiss you like I need air.'" - Shep
We got a lot of time with the rest of the security crew in Comeback Hero, after all, they are one big family at Redleg Security. Big Al only gets more intriguing with every book, I need to know when he is going to get his own.
This book was a perfect blend of two souls with past and present trauma, coming together and bringing out the best of each other. Comeback Hero is most definitely my favorite of the three in the Redleg Security World.
Full review at: https://www.ratherbookish.com/post/co...
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved Kri and Shep, I ship them hard. The beginning of the book was brutal, there were tears and heartbreak before the story got started. And throughout it all, Shep was there for Kri even when she wanted to be left behind.
"Even when she tries to push me away - which she does every day - I'm still here. My shoulders are broad enough to help carry her burdens until she's healed enough to do it herself." - Shep
I was mildly afraid that Kri was going to be as annoying as Sammy from book 2. However, Kri snotty attitude softened and she got over her hang-ups with Shep pretty quickly considering everything that was going on with her health after the attack. Despite being rough around the edges and standoffish, Kri's character development was profound.
Shep was so dedicated, so loving, and so supportive, he was perfect for Kri in every way. He might not be the sole reason she came so far after her assault but it probably helped to have the ultimate partner and lover at your side. He understood her inside and out, knew her pride limitations, and knew she just needed someone to give a damn.
"Somewhere along the line, he figured out that being perceived as fragile is my biggest fear. He wants to be my partner, not my savior." - Kri
I rated the other books in this series high in spice, but this one takes the cake! Who knew Shep was going to play so dirty? I was there for every minute of it! Shep calling Kri "baby girl"....swoon and fire all at once.
"'Come here. Give me those kips,' I demand. 'I need to fucking kiss you like I need air.'" - Shep
We got a lot of time with the rest of the security crew in Comeback Hero, after all, they are one big family at Redleg Security. Big Al only gets more intriguing with every book, I need to know when he is going to get his own.
This book was a perfect blend of two souls with past and present trauma, coming together and bringing out the best of each other. Comeback Hero is most definitely my favorite of the three in the Redleg Security World.
Full review at: https://www.ratherbookish.com/post/co...
February 28, 2023
#RomanticSuspense #Workplace #HealingLove #ARC
4.5 STARS
Book three of this series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Readers should be aware that there are spoilers to other previous Redleg books in this third in series, so they can determine if they would rather read the series in order. In addition, the author is conscientious and has a list of several potential triggers readers may want to be aware of prior to reading.
Shep and Kri have a rough road to their HEA. They both have mental baggage and PTSD to work through. In addition, Kri is recovering from a difficult injury suffered while on the job. They become protection for a fifteen-year-old girl, who turns out to be a fabulous character.
Shep is swoony. Kris is a little crusty on top and is a marshmallow inside. Together, they have amazing chemistry. They banter and antagonize each other regularly before they finally give into both the physical and emotional connections they share. There are lots of hot times in this smexy book. There are also elements of danger, bad guys to take out, and some laugh-out-loud moments. This author is known for her sarcasm and characters inner dialogues. Some of them are pretty darn funny. Shep has an internal dialogue with his conscience that was a bit over the top for me. There were times I found it annoying. Most of the internal dialogue is fun, and witty. This is not your typical romantic suspense. It is a mix with rom-com and readers need to know that going in.
I love the characters, the team, and the suspenseful plot line. I adored the relationship that Shep and Kri form with Valerie. Val is one of my favorite secondary characters: I loved her. The action-packed climax is exciting and fun. The HEA is especially sweet. The epilogue sets up the next book nicely and I can’t wait to read it. This was a fun and action-packed read where the MCs make each other complete and better than they are as individuals.
4.5 STARS
Book three of this series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Readers should be aware that there are spoilers to other previous Redleg books in this third in series, so they can determine if they would rather read the series in order. In addition, the author is conscientious and has a list of several potential triggers readers may want to be aware of prior to reading.
Shep and Kri have a rough road to their HEA. They both have mental baggage and PTSD to work through. In addition, Kri is recovering from a difficult injury suffered while on the job. They become protection for a fifteen-year-old girl, who turns out to be a fabulous character.
Shep is swoony. Kris is a little crusty on top and is a marshmallow inside. Together, they have amazing chemistry. They banter and antagonize each other regularly before they finally give into both the physical and emotional connections they share. There are lots of hot times in this smexy book. There are also elements of danger, bad guys to take out, and some laugh-out-loud moments. This author is known for her sarcasm and characters inner dialogues. Some of them are pretty darn funny. Shep has an internal dialogue with his conscience that was a bit over the top for me. There were times I found it annoying. Most of the internal dialogue is fun, and witty. This is not your typical romantic suspense. It is a mix with rom-com and readers need to know that going in.
I love the characters, the team, and the suspenseful plot line. I adored the relationship that Shep and Kri form with Valerie. Val is one of my favorite secondary characters: I loved her. The action-packed climax is exciting and fun. The HEA is especially sweet. The epilogue sets up the next book nicely and I can’t wait to read it. This was a fun and action-packed read where the MCs make each other complete and better than they are as individuals.
March 10, 2023
Another cracking edition to this series from Jackie Walker. I am in awe of writers that can balance the dynamics of plot twists and turns with some difficult topics, as well as genuine and humorous internal and external dialogue from her characters, overlapping series details and not forgetting some serious heat and spice. Jackie is one of these writers for me and this book has all of those elements.
I loved Leo, and then Sawyer and now I love Shep too. He is hot, funny, alpha (soft dom vibes), protective, sweet, caring.... it is written so authentically by Jackie that you get all of these aspects of his character and it just works. Kri is a very lucky lady from this perspective and there is no doubt, at all, in this book that Shep is 100% all hers. There is a little bit of resistance from Kri, very understandably as you understand her history, but its not filled with frustrating miscommunication. Shep also has some trauma to work through and be honest about, but this story is them working to come together and harness all their chemistry and love for each other into something wonderful. I don't always enjoy flashbacks, but these are so well done in this book and not too many and they are relatively recent and really help shop just how deep they both care about each other.
Aside from this, the story is full of drama and tension. Kri and Shep both work in private security and they are on an assignment - and we get the sassy teenager, Val, they are helping as well as the rest of the Redleg team. The plot around this flows really well and creates great pace in the book.
And just to touch on the spice - I mean, this is really good - When Shep gets her to calm down by keeping her mouth busy - lives in my head rent free!
The combination of this, plus the small addition of Archer Bliss - swoon - from the Amos family series, plus forced proximity makes this a great read.
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
I loved Leo, and then Sawyer and now I love Shep too. He is hot, funny, alpha (soft dom vibes), protective, sweet, caring.... it is written so authentically by Jackie that you get all of these aspects of his character and it just works. Kri is a very lucky lady from this perspective and there is no doubt, at all, in this book that Shep is 100% all hers. There is a little bit of resistance from Kri, very understandably as you understand her history, but its not filled with frustrating miscommunication. Shep also has some trauma to work through and be honest about, but this story is them working to come together and harness all their chemistry and love for each other into something wonderful. I don't always enjoy flashbacks, but these are so well done in this book and not too many and they are relatively recent and really help shop just how deep they both care about each other.
Aside from this, the story is full of drama and tension. Kri and Shep both work in private security and they are on an assignment - and we get the sassy teenager, Val, they are helping as well as the rest of the Redleg team. The plot around this flows really well and creates great pace in the book.
And just to touch on the spice - I mean, this is really good - When Shep gets her to calm down by keeping her mouth busy - lives in my head rent free!
The combination of this, plus the small addition of Archer Bliss - swoon - from the Amos family series, plus forced proximity makes this a great read.
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
September 11, 2024
BOOK & AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
What. A. Ride. This one will keep me coming back...
Book 3 in Jackie Walker's Redleg Security series, this is Shep and Kri's story.
Walker has written yet another plot-rich, character-driven, heat-inducing romantic suspense disguised as a romcom and it is chock full of belly laughs, emotional payoffs, heartwarming moments, and heart-wrenching scenes.
We were left hanging at the end of Book 2 as Kri was in dire straits. Fortunately, friend and colleague Shepherd Collins is there to pick up the pieces, bringing new meaning to the popular song lyrics "hopelessly devoted." The chemistry between Shep and Kri is by turns tender and explosive.
Add a feisty but vulnerable teenager, a saucy, snarky Brit conscience, the found family that is Redleg Security, and a few wily Russians.
Mix in all the banter, all the bromance, and a generous helping of intricate world building.
Season liberally with pop culture references and steamy scenes.
Finally, fold in absolutely stellar narration by Ava Lucas and Jacob Morgan, and you have a recipe for 18 hours of utterly delicious storytelling.
The dual narration is sublime. This isn't some book read in monotone. This is voice acting at its finest. There are no words to adequately describe the delivery, range, and talents of Lucas and Morgan in this book.
Lucas' inspired performance was gripping, exhilarating, and immensely satisfying. Morgan reigns supreme in his ability to switch effortlessly between comedy, drama, and steam, often in the same scene.
Run, do not walk, to add this to your listening library. And while you're at it, check out Walker's other installments in her Redleg Security series...they can be read as interconnected standalones, but trust me, your greatest enjoyment will be gained by reading/listening in order. Her other audiobooks are equally well-cast. It's almost as if she writes for audio.
Brava, bravissima, Ms. Walker!
What. A. Ride. This one will keep me coming back...
Book 3 in Jackie Walker's Redleg Security series, this is Shep and Kri's story.
Walker has written yet another plot-rich, character-driven, heat-inducing romantic suspense disguised as a romcom and it is chock full of belly laughs, emotional payoffs, heartwarming moments, and heart-wrenching scenes.
We were left hanging at the end of Book 2 as Kri was in dire straits. Fortunately, friend and colleague Shepherd Collins is there to pick up the pieces, bringing new meaning to the popular song lyrics "hopelessly devoted." The chemistry between Shep and Kri is by turns tender and explosive.
Add a feisty but vulnerable teenager, a saucy, snarky Brit conscience, the found family that is Redleg Security, and a few wily Russians.
Mix in all the banter, all the bromance, and a generous helping of intricate world building.
Season liberally with pop culture references and steamy scenes.
Finally, fold in absolutely stellar narration by Ava Lucas and Jacob Morgan, and you have a recipe for 18 hours of utterly delicious storytelling.
The dual narration is sublime. This isn't some book read in monotone. This is voice acting at its finest. There are no words to adequately describe the delivery, range, and talents of Lucas and Morgan in this book.
Lucas' inspired performance was gripping, exhilarating, and immensely satisfying. Morgan reigns supreme in his ability to switch effortlessly between comedy, drama, and steam, often in the same scene.
Run, do not walk, to add this to your listening library. And while you're at it, check out Walker's other installments in her Redleg Security series...they can be read as interconnected standalones, but trust me, your greatest enjoyment will be gained by reading/listening in order. Her other audiobooks are equally well-cast. It's almost as if she writes for audio.
Brava, bravissima, Ms. Walker!
April 16, 2024
🎧ALC REVIEW🎧
COMEBACK HERO, Redleg Security, Book 3
📚By: Jackie Walker
🎤By: Jacob Morgan and Ava Lucas
Book: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Narration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blurb:
This is the story of Shep and Kri. They work together at Redleg Security as bodyguards. Shep is constantly coming onto Kri, flirting with her, and she rebukes his advances every time because she refuses to date a co-worker. Kri gets seriously injured from a beating on the job and Shep stays with her at the hospital, watching over her, never leaving her side. Kri takes notice and the "icy" attitude she's had towards him begins to slowly melt. While she continues to heal, Shep insists she move in with him so he can take care of her. The attraction Shep has always had for her begins to ignite and things between them start to heat up. They're assigned to watch over a teenager whose parents were murdered, 15 year old Valerie. She's snarky, wealthy and good at math.😂 Val is in danger and it's their job to keep her safe. With danger, sexual tension, and forced proximity, Kri is forced to give into the attraction she has always had for Shep. The chemistry has always been there all along and she realizes they were made for each other. Shep's no dummy; he's known Kri is the girl for him since day one. This isn't just your run of the mill sappy romance. It's a mystery with a suspense filled plot that has lots of twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Jackie has kicked the spice level up in this book.🥵 The scenes are spicy, hot and had me blushing.
Shep is such a likeable guy. Although cocky, he's sensitive, funny, protective and definitely swoon-worthy. He's got a mouth on him that needs to be washed out, dirty and bossy. Kri is a real bad a$$ chick. She comes from the army, has resilience, bravery and quick wit which makes for some top tier banter throughout the entire book. She develops a lot throughout the story coming to some significant realizations as she talks about her therapy and mental health.
One of my favorite things about the audio was Jacob Morgan's performance as Shep. He is fantastic🙌 voicing an "inner monologue" that speaks to him with a British accent. It's hysterical. He also voices numerous male characters, a mean and dangerous Russian and his voice of 15 yr. old Val had me rolling with laughter. Ava Lucas was dynamic as Kri, voicing her sassy, tough as nails persona and quick comebacks perfectly. I love seeing a tough and strong heroine. She was loads of fun to listen to. Morgan and Lucas definitely elevated the book for me. I felt the middle of the book could have been pared down a bit, but their great performances kept me listening and wanting more. 10/10 narration!
Comeback Hero is the third book in this series and although it can be read as a standalone, characters from the previous books make appearances which might be helpful if read in order.
If you like lots of funny banter, spice (lots), suspense, action-packed climax and a sweet HEA, this book might just be for you. Workplace romance, romantic suspense with romcom vibes, he falls first, persistent hero and reluctant heroine all make the Comeback Hero a fun, exciting and wild ride.
COMEBACK HERO, Redleg Security, Book 3
📚By: Jackie Walker
🎤By: Jacob Morgan and Ava Lucas
Book: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Narration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blurb:
This is the story of Shep and Kri. They work together at Redleg Security as bodyguards. Shep is constantly coming onto Kri, flirting with her, and she rebukes his advances every time because she refuses to date a co-worker. Kri gets seriously injured from a beating on the job and Shep stays with her at the hospital, watching over her, never leaving her side. Kri takes notice and the "icy" attitude she's had towards him begins to slowly melt. While she continues to heal, Shep insists she move in with him so he can take care of her. The attraction Shep has always had for her begins to ignite and things between them start to heat up. They're assigned to watch over a teenager whose parents were murdered, 15 year old Valerie. She's snarky, wealthy and good at math.😂 Val is in danger and it's their job to keep her safe. With danger, sexual tension, and forced proximity, Kri is forced to give into the attraction she has always had for Shep. The chemistry has always been there all along and she realizes they were made for each other. Shep's no dummy; he's known Kri is the girl for him since day one. This isn't just your run of the mill sappy romance. It's a mystery with a suspense filled plot that has lots of twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Jackie has kicked the spice level up in this book.🥵 The scenes are spicy, hot and had me blushing.
Shep is such a likeable guy. Although cocky, he's sensitive, funny, protective and definitely swoon-worthy. He's got a mouth on him that needs to be washed out, dirty and bossy. Kri is a real bad a$$ chick. She comes from the army, has resilience, bravery and quick wit which makes for some top tier banter throughout the entire book. She develops a lot throughout the story coming to some significant realizations as she talks about her therapy and mental health.
One of my favorite things about the audio was Jacob Morgan's performance as Shep. He is fantastic🙌 voicing an "inner monologue" that speaks to him with a British accent. It's hysterical. He also voices numerous male characters, a mean and dangerous Russian and his voice of 15 yr. old Val had me rolling with laughter. Ava Lucas was dynamic as Kri, voicing her sassy, tough as nails persona and quick comebacks perfectly. I love seeing a tough and strong heroine. She was loads of fun to listen to. Morgan and Lucas definitely elevated the book for me. I felt the middle of the book could have been pared down a bit, but their great performances kept me listening and wanting more. 10/10 narration!
Comeback Hero is the third book in this series and although it can be read as a standalone, characters from the previous books make appearances which might be helpful if read in order.
If you like lots of funny banter, spice (lots), suspense, action-packed climax and a sweet HEA, this book might just be for you. Workplace romance, romantic suspense with romcom vibes, he falls first, persistent hero and reluctant heroine all make the Comeback Hero a fun, exciting and wild ride.
August 3, 2024
I love romantic suspense, and add in a swoony, persistent hero who falls first and I am hooked! This third book in the Redleg Security series, with it's clever banter, bada55 security heroes with hearts of gold, and it's steamy story with the perfect amount of suspense, was totally addicting. Shep and Kri work together at Redleg Security and have been there for each other when they needed them most. Kri is recovering from an attack and Shep will not leave her side during recovery. When she finally can return to work, they are assigned to take care of a teen girl, Val, after witnessing someone taking out her parents. Shep, Kri and Val connect and find what they need from each other. Kri has tried to keep Shep at a distance, but as they work and live together, Shep is determined to help Kri open her heart to him. They both are a bit broken as they have pasts that plague them both. When Kri finally gives in to Shep, they are explosive together. While they strive to be stronger together, they are also trying to figure out who is behind what happened to Val's parents. But will Shep and Kri, along with the whole Redleg team, be able to keep Val safe before the enemy gets to her first? I loved how Shep and Kri's relationship grew and the authenticity of emotions as they navigated through all the extreme complications that happen to survivors of such trauma. They are broken, but also strong, resilient, hopeful, and so devoted to each other. I also loved watching the evolution of their relationship with Val, it was sweet and funny along with the bonds with the whole Redleg family.
Narrators Ava Lucas and Jacob Morgan are phenomenal! They both brought out the range of emotions these characters went through as they discovered and made peace with their trauma, allowing us to see them with empathy and understanding. Morgan's many accents and impersonations were exquisite and so much fun to listen to! I loved Lucas and Morgan together, their voices compliment each other and their chemistry is palpable. They made this already exhilarating story even better!
Narrators Ava Lucas and Jacob Morgan are phenomenal! They both brought out the range of emotions these characters went through as they discovered and made peace with their trauma, allowing us to see them with empathy and understanding. Morgan's many accents and impersonations were exquisite and so much fun to listen to! I loved Lucas and Morgan together, their voices compliment each other and their chemistry is palpable. They made this already exhilarating story even better!
July 30, 2025
Another nice read in this series. I have been enjoying it so far. Unfortunately, though, I am starting to sense a pattern in everyone's stories, and it's starting to annoy me. The books are a little took long, as well. This one in particular, where nothing was going on for a long while, and it seemed to stretch out her recovery, as well. That being said, the timeline itself was pretty compacted once they got Val, which was only about 3 weeks.
For the most part, I have been enjoying these books. But what I have noticed is that there is a pattern to the stories. So far for the first 4 books (since they gave the opening for the next one in the end of this one), each couple has known each other for a while before their book actually starts. Then, it just seems to hop into the middle and start from there. In the case of the first book, it felt a little incomplete, but for this one it actually seemed to work a little more. I guess it is because we do have that back story from the previous books, so it works out.
The pacing on this book was a little off. It just felt like nothing was happening, then suddenly at the end we have a ton of action. I do like the overarching story, continuing from this book into the next one. It helps to tie things together even more.
There were some timeline issues, though. At one point, Shep was going through a list of names that Val had called him, related to the word father. But! a good portion of those names hadn't been used yet. They were used in later chapters. This threw me off quite a bit. You would think that proofreaders or an editor would have caught this.
As it is, I would recommend these books to others. I just hope after the next one that the pattern in story format gets broken up a bit.
For the most part, I have been enjoying these books. But what I have noticed is that there is a pattern to the stories. So far for the first 4 books (since they gave the opening for the next one in the end of this one), each couple has known each other for a while before their book actually starts. Then, it just seems to hop into the middle and start from there. In the case of the first book, it felt a little incomplete, but for this one it actually seemed to work a little more. I guess it is because we do have that back story from the previous books, so it works out.
The pacing on this book was a little off. It just felt like nothing was happening, then suddenly at the end we have a ton of action. I do like the overarching story, continuing from this book into the next one. It helps to tie things together even more.
There were some timeline issues, though. At one point, Shep was going through a list of names that Val had called him, related to the word father. But! a good portion of those names hadn't been used yet. They were used in later chapters. This threw me off quite a bit. You would think that proofreaders or an editor would have caught this.
As it is, I would recommend these books to others. I just hope after the next one that the pattern in story format gets broken up a bit.
May 22, 2023
This book is soul deep.
The slow build of a relationship between the 2 MCs was harder for me to stick with than the previous 2 books in this series. I found myself almost aggravated with the FMC at times. However, when these 2 finally get together, they burn H-O-T! Stick with it as the FMC works through her feelings because it is worth it!
Once again, I was thrilled to find great care was taken in representing very serious tramas without leading the reader to view either character as weak. So, very well done
This is a bodyguard/ co-worker/ reverse grumpy-sunshine/ slow burn story about an FMC working through her own internal struggles with finding her place as a strong woman in a male dominated field, while also still working through the traumas of her recent and distant past and a MC who is easy going, funny and doesn't give up easily but has his own struggle dealing with the after effects of war and PTSD and the struggles that can come with loving a strong woman who is fighting against him at every turn.
It's deep. It's sad. It's serious. It's suspenseful. It's OMG super spicy. It's sexy. It's sweet. It's full of witty banter. It's a tear jerker! It's good!
As Kri and Shep come together to protect a client, you see how they are about so much more than being coworkers. The journey is just as much about them helping each other heal and grow.
My personal ratings:
Spice-🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is book 3 in the Redleg Security series.
I have to give major props once again for the writing and editing in this book. Grammer and punctuation were on point, and it was incredibly well written.
The slow build of a relationship between the 2 MCs was harder for me to stick with than the previous 2 books in this series. I found myself almost aggravated with the FMC at times. However, when these 2 finally get together, they burn H-O-T! Stick with it as the FMC works through her feelings because it is worth it!
Once again, I was thrilled to find great care was taken in representing very serious tramas without leading the reader to view either character as weak. So, very well done
This is a bodyguard/ co-worker/ reverse grumpy-sunshine/ slow burn story about an FMC working through her own internal struggles with finding her place as a strong woman in a male dominated field, while also still working through the traumas of her recent and distant past and a MC who is easy going, funny and doesn't give up easily but has his own struggle dealing with the after effects of war and PTSD and the struggles that can come with loving a strong woman who is fighting against him at every turn.
It's deep. It's sad. It's serious. It's suspenseful. It's OMG super spicy. It's sexy. It's sweet. It's full of witty banter. It's a tear jerker! It's good!
As Kri and Shep come together to protect a client, you see how they are about so much more than being coworkers. The journey is just as much about them helping each other heal and grow.
My personal ratings:
Spice-🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is book 3 in the Redleg Security series.
I have to give major props once again for the writing and editing in this book. Grammer and punctuation were on point, and it was incredibly well written.
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