Salvaged

Harper Security Ops #9

by A.K. Evans

When Maren Casey’s best friend was kidnapped and held for ransom, one name came to mind. She just wasn’t sure her high school sweetheart would want to see her again, not after the way things ended between them.

But Maren would endure anything to save her friend.

Magnus McCoy would have been okay with forgetting that Maren ever existed. Unfortunately, when she shows up at Harper Security Ops looking for his help, he can’t pretend the woman doesn’t still have a hold on his heart.

Magnus does what he does best and rescues Maren’s friend. She owes him a debt of gratitude, but Magnus is only interested in one thing. He wants their relationship salvaged.

But foiling the kidnappers’ ransom attempt only made them angry. And the next time they strike, they have their sights set on Maren.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance Romance, Romantic Suspense, Audiobook, Suspense, Mystery, Emotional

277 pages, ebook

First published June 27, 2023

About the author

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A.K. Evans is a contemporary romance author of over twenty published novels. While she enjoys writing a good romantic suspense novel, Andrea’s favorite books to write have been her extreme sports romances. That might have something to do with the fact that she, along with her husband and two sons, can’t get enough of extreme sports.

Before becoming a writer, Andrea did a brief stint in the insurance and financial services industry and managed her husband’s performance automotive business. That love of extreme sports? She used to drive race cars!

When Andrea isn’t writing, she can be found homeschooling her two sons, doing yoga, snowboarding, reading, or traveling with her family. She and her husband are currently taking road trips throughout the country to visit all 50 states with their boys.

Reviews

[Barbara Irwin Adair · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have read all of the previous books in series. This one has been he weakest plot. Maren finally says she left him 15 years ago because she was a stupid teenager & wanted to hurt Magnus!! 15 years - you're kidding. And moved to Steel Ridge 8 years before just to be near him or stalk him.. come on.. she's still stupid. And he bought into that whole story??
Not a good plot.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll be stunned by how quickly the pages fly by once you start this one. Magnus and Maren will suck you in, hold on tight, and refuse to let go. And even though there’s past and present heartbreak to be had, on both parts, once it all comes out and the truth has been set free, you’ll get it. You might even suspect some of the truths before they’re shared, and you’ll still feel every ounce of the pain and angst and misery that they felt then and now. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read this book. Oh, no. You’ll love every bit of Maren and Magnus that is shared with you. Even when you’re angry at the actions of one (SO angry), you’ll be waiting for that little spark of realization that things aren’t always what they appear to be. So you’ll hang on and wait. And then absolutely adore how it all turns out.

This is a second chance for first love, and it’s fabulously executed. There’s regret, but no “one gets to move on while the other stagnates” because they both have equal parts of moving on and feeling lost without their heart of the past. This is exactly what I’d hoped to find with second chances at first love, and this author delivered and then some!

[Floraljoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay:
I think this book would appeal to people who read it as a standalone, however having already read the prior books in the series, I sadly found it repetitive and not all that interesting. Yet another kidnapping of the main female character and even this was resolved before it really began. It was also another childhood friends, second chance romance with teenage flashbacks. Personally I would have preferred more suspense and action but the focus was more on these two reconciling after years being apart.
Magnus and Maren were sweet together and I was glad that they sorted things out. Unfortunately I didn't feel like I really got to know them as well as I would have liked.
So all in all, a well written book just not very exciting or original being 9th in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Magnus
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 Maren
3 𝒮𝒶𝓁𝓋𝒶ℊℯ𝒹 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝑆𝑎𝑙𝑣𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝐵𝑦 𝐴.𝐾 𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑠

I honestly can't believe that this is my least favourite book from the whole series. And the sad part is I actually loved Magnus but I didn't like his h.

The start of this book had me feeling off, and then we go into the past and I loved those moments but that prologue was just at the back of my mind the entire book.

And the h, I just didn't connect with her, I understand the fears she had but I just felt like she didn't trust / love the hero like she should have.

Magnus, did he eventually move on yes. Did he love the h, yes. But...I just don't think this h was the one for him 🙈
The ending just felt too rushed as well

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Loved seeing Avalon and Damien in this one ♥️ want to re read their book now.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 👠👠
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧

[CookesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvaged is not only, without a doubt, my absolute favorite of the Harper Security Ops series, it's one of the best books I've listened to on Audible this year. I think this installment was a little spicer than the others and I am 100% here for it!

Salvaged takes us on Magnus and Marens journey but I also love that it brings back characters from previous books in the series, while also hinting at who the next Harper Security Ops book will involve.

Magnus and Maren met in high school when she was the new kid being bullied and he was the popular kid that stepped in to be her knight in shining armor. A new friendship quickly turned into love and they had several happy beautiful years together until she broke him by walking away without a word or explanation. She ghosted him on the day he left to serve his country and he was never the same after that.

Fast forward 15 years and Maren needs Magnus to be her knight in shining armor again, only he's not so willing to have anything to do with her after she left him broken all those years ago. Being that she came to his job at Harper Security looking for help, he has to help her get to the bottom of her best friend Paige's kidnapping. With the help of his team, Magnus quickly gets Paige back - and in the process realized he was still madly in love with Maren and determined to get her back.

Maren is still keeping secrets and won't tell him what happened 15 years ago. He choses to look past that and Salvage their relationship now because he knows she is THE ONE. Maren never stopped loving Magnus and knew years ago she made a huge mistake walking away from him. As they Salvage their relationship Paige stays up to her antics and throws them both a curveball that we're left not knowing whether or not they will come back from.

When the truth about Paige comes out Magnus believes Maren is involved because that's her best friend, and walks away from her this time, leaving Maren devastated. Only Maren isn't walking away again and decides she's going to fight for her man and their future.

I couldn't believe with the way Magnus loved Maren that he treated her the way he did over her best friends lies and antics. Then true tragedy strikes and Magnus rushes to the rescue - with much more than his heart on the line this time.

While there is most definitely an HEA - it almost didn't happen. I was incredibly happy with the ending and am hoping we get more of Magnus and Maren in the next Harper Security Ops release.

Before I go, I have to give kudos to the narrators Conner Crais and Maxine Mitchell. They were phenomenal! They both brought their characters to life through their emotions and story telling. I couldn't imagine anyone better narrating Magnus and Maren then them.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧

Salvaged is Book 9 in the Harper Security Ops series by A.K. Evans, featuring a second chance romantic suspense story for Magnus and Maren. Maren broken his heart senior year by leaving without a word, now she has shown up 15 years later needing his help to find her kidnapped friend. Despite all the pain she caused, he wants her back, but interrupting the kidnappers’ ransom plans may have increased the danger for Maren. Will they make it through all the danger and other drama in order to be together, or is it over for good?

I finally found time to catch up with Magnus’ story and decided to listen to the audio version narrated by Connor Crais and Maxine Mitchell. Both are narrators that I have enjoyed in the past, and they did an excellent job bringing these characters to life, and embodying the different emotions and situations.

I’d been looking forward to learning more about Magnus since I started reading these books. His character is easy to connect with, but I honestly found Maren difficult to connect with or like. I found myself frustrated with her much of the time, then when I finally found out the reason she left him all those years ago, I was completely dumbfounded! I literally 🤦🏼‍♀️ myself. There’s being an immature teenager, then there’s just being a self-centered coward. The fact that Magnus accepts her explanation and still wants to be with her, shows how unconditional his love is and just how lucky Maren is. When they are together, their steamy chemistry really came through. I really enjoyed the suspense aspect and the action and twists that came out of that. One of the best parts of the series is the camaraderie and banter of the guys and girls of the HSO family. I’m looking forward to reading Kit and Maxie’s story in Silenced!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#Salvaged #AKEvans #HarperSecurityOps #militaryromance #romanticsuspense #kindlebooks #givemebookspr #NewRelease #kindleunlimited #kindleunlimitedromance #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #audiobookreview #audible #audiobook

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Harper Security Ops Heartbreaker

In this book we get up close and personal with Magnus, a member of the Harper Security Ops team and brother to Avalon, who is with Deacon, Magnus’s best friend. Get all of that?? Eh it doesn’t matter, as A.K. Evans does a great job with these books reading as standalones.

Magnus has a heart of gold and with this story switching from present to past and back again, we learn he’s had it from a young age. Befriending the beautiful girl that has transferred from the rival high school, Maren and Magnus become very serious very quickly. Well, as serious as high schoolers can get. Fast forward fifteen years and sitting in the conference room of Harper Security Ops is the woman that broke his heart, and he never knew why.
Ugh I loved Magnus’s character, although he was kind of a mush ball when it came to this woman. Maren. He was so sweet and honestly, I didn’t like Maren for him. She was selfish fifteen years ago and is just as selfish now, especially with a guy that puts it all out there like Magnus did.
So of course, selfish Maren seeks Magnus out after all this time, to help her friend and it turns into quite a conundrum, which hopefully helps these two clear the air, or maybe he can move on. I only hoped! The more I learned about Maren’s time away, the more I resented her.

The book is well written and at first, I felt it was lacking some angst, however A.K. Evans took care of that quickly and gave readers a curveball or two. I have read several Harper Security Ops books and again, the author does a nice job explaining other characters that flow over from other books so you don’t feel lost.

Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances exist for a reason, but can Magnus and Maren overcome their past and put aside the hurt to make a life together? Magnus wants a second chance with Maren, but he wants answers too. Will Maren give him what he wants on both counts? They are both hurt by their past, but want to put aside the past and look to the future where they have the life they talked about.

Maren wanted to be close to Magnus even though she was the one that ended their relationship when they were younger. She knows she was young and didn't know how to deal with her hurt and selfishness, but now she's older and she's never forgotten about Magnus. When she best friend is in trouble, Maren knows there's only one person that she can turn to for help, but will he be able to put aside their past to help her now?

Magnus hasn't been able to move on from Maren even though their relationship ended fifteen years ago. He will never commit to another woman ever. His heart still belongs to Maren even if he is angry at her and she broke him. When he walks into work and his sister seems to be upset, he isn't prepared for what he's going to find in the conference room. However, he is a professional and he still wants Maren, so maybe this will work out in his favor.

I enjoyed this story and I've loved the books in this series from the start. I love A.K. Evans' characters and her books, they always take me on a wonderful ride while reading them, and each one is better than the last. I look forward to more of the Harper Security Ops books to come. I give this book a 5 - star review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ninth book in the series. They can be read as standalone books. I have read all of them but I have read most of them. Each book focuses on a new couple while the other couples make appearances in the new books. This book focuses on Magnus and the love of his life who he thought he would never see again. Magnus and Maren were high school sweethearts. They both thought they would spend their whole life together. Only things changed near graduation time. Now Maren is back asking for help for her friend who has been kidnapped. First Magnus was pissed Maren was back but then he got an idea. Maybe this would help him get answers and maybe a second chance with Maren. Maren has wanted to seek Magnus out but not like this. What happens when he gets the answers he wants? I didn’t take long for her to realize she had made a horrible mistake by leaving Magnus. It’s been so long though can she risk losing him again. Things with her friend aren’t what they seem and may just cause Maren her life and her second chance with Magnus. This book was a fantastic read. I felt for both Magnus and Maren. Magnus for never understanding why Maren did what she did and Maren for doing what she did. It wasn’t easy on her and she fears giving him the answers he wants. They go through so much in this book. It’s heartbreaking finding out why Maren did what she did back then. Now she has become a target because of her would be friend. I love all the characters in this series. I can’t wait to read the next book. I can’t recommend this book/series enough. Fantastic job A.K. Evans.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 9 in the series and I have read many of the previous ones which is why I am now struggling to write the review as this is definitely one of the weakest books in the series. I think if this book was on it’s own it would have been better as it wouldn’t feel so repetitive but there was also a couple of other things I struggled with.

I liked Magnus and could understand why he felt conflicted at the beginning of the book. That being said he must have loved this girl more than anything as I don’t think I would have been as happy to accept her apology and move on.

I don’t think I cared all that much for Maren when I discovered why she left and how long she had been in town for. I get that she was scared to talk to Magnus again but this is so over the top that no one had seen her around before she needs Magnus’s help.

I hated how fast the first kidnapping was “solved” as it was over so fast and I knew immediately what was going to be revealed and that it would come back around to Maren. I just felt no connection at all which really bothered me.

Magnus and Maren went fast in the “relationship” but obviously they still had hurdles which they got over way to fast for me as it didn’t feel real enough. Obviously the two never got over each other from 15 years ago but there was so much hurt that seemed to vanish pretty fast.

I do really enjoy this author so hopefully the next book has more of a unique concept as I felt like she has done this one before.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time that I see that Ms. Evans has a new addition to her Harper Security Op series I get excited. With every book that I read, the storylines get better and more intriguing and the characters become more and more lovable. Salvaged is a second-chance romance in which there is a suspense aspect to it. Of course, Ms. Evans throws in a couple of twists and turns that had me holding my breath.
We find Magnus living his life having fun and working for Harper Security. Well, that is until the woman, Maren, that shattered his life and heart was standing right in front of him. The history they shared started in high school where he was the star football player and Maren's Knight in shining armour. Maren is the new girl at school and of course, is bullied until Magnus saves her. A relationship develops but two years later lives are turned upside down and hearts are broken. Years Maren needs help and the only person that can help her is Magnus. Feelings come back to the surface and sparks ignite. But when conclusions are made and danger is present, what will happen between the two of them?
The twists that Ms. Evans throws in had me holding my breath. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. I highly recommend picking up Salvaged and enjoy Magnus and Maren's second chance at romance.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because this audiobook was the first story by this author I had read/listened to, I was not sure what to expect. That said, I am glad I gave it a try.
The story centers around Magnus McCoy, Harper Security Ops member and Maren Casey, his HS sweetheart. A relationship that did not end well.
Though fifteen years have gone by, when Maren’s girlfriend is kidnapped, she faces her past when she goes to Harper Security Ops hoping Magnus will help her find her friend.
In the midst of the danger and the search of the friend, dormant feelings reignite.
Will they be able to overcome the kidnapper and free the friend? If they do, will Magnus and Maren let go of the past and present obstacles and get a second chance at love?
The story was engaging, and though I had not read to previous stories and at times felt I was missing something with the secondary characters, it did not affect my enjoyment of the story. Both main characters were likable and I specially liked that the main female character, Maren, was a strong woman.
Lastly, the narrators, Connor Crais, and Maxine Mitchell did a good job depicting the voices of the characters.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Cathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! I knew Magnus would have an amazing story and this is perfect for him! Connor Crais and Maxine Mitchell was phenomenal as Magnus and Maren! Connor has an incredible voice and him being Magnus chills my skin and Maxine is perfect for Maren!

Book 9 of Harper Security Ops gives us a look into Magnus and just how strong and hard this tough Alpha male can love someone!

Magnus and Maren were high school sweethearts and Magnus knew she was his forever love but Maren made a decision that left him devastated and he vowed to never give that kind of love and power to anyone else. He didn’t expect to come face to face with her again but 15 years later….

Maren’s best friend was kidnapped and she went to the one person that she knew could help. She didn’t realize how much pain she caused him or how much anger he still held on to. She now thinks coming to him for help was not the best decision.

Magnus realizes he still loves her just as much now as 15 years ago but can he get past the pain that she caused him? Can they salvage the relationship they had years ago and rebuild a solid foundation again and continue building to it?

This book broke my heart but healed it back for both of these characters!

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Salvaged is another captivating addition to the Harper Security Op series that left me eagerly anticipating each new instalment. With every book, the storylines become more enthralling, the characters more endearing, and the overall reading experience more enjoyable. In Salvaged, Andrea skillfully weaves together a second-chance romance with a suspenseful twist, creating a story that had me on the edge of my seat.

The relationship between Magnus and Maren, filled with history, heartbreak, and unresolved feelings, is at the centre of this novel. The chemistry and connection between them leap off the pages, drawing readers into their tumultuous journey. Andrea expertly blends their past and present, showcasing the depth of their emotions and the complexity of their shared history. The twists and turns she introduces throughout the story had me holding my breath, keeping me engaged and eagerly turning the pages.

The author's ability to balance romance and suspense is commendable. While the focus is on Magnus and Maren's second chance at love, the underlying suspense adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement. The surprises and unexpected revelations took me by surprise, further intensifying the reading experience. I found myself fully invested in the characters' emotional journey and rooting for their happily ever after.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvaged (Harper Security Ops Book 9) by A. K. Evans is a book and audiobook. Salvaged is about former High School sweethearts Magnus and Maren. When Maren ghosted Magnus as he was leaving for the Army, their relationship blew up with untold pain that could destroy them both. Fifteen years later, Maren seeks out Magnus at the security firm where he works to help find her kidnapped friend. After Magnus’ team locates her friend, the two former sweethearts spend time together. Maren is ashamed of her past actions and mistakes but is afraid to share with him why she left with no explanation. Magnus needs to know why Maren walked away from their love. Their breakup overshadowed their lives, so neither was truly living but going through the motions. The story is full of spicy scenes. Salvaged has intrigue and surprises that keep the reader riveted to reading or listening chapter after chapter in the book and audiobook. Salvaged was narrated by Conner Caris and Maxine Mitchell, who both conveyed emotion and capsulated the characters perfectly. I open the Kindle book and listen to the audiobook simultaneously. A. K. Evans took Maren’s and Magnus’ destroyed relationship and put it back together in Salvaged with a beautiful HEA.

[Dimple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Salvaged is the ninth in the Harper Security Ops series, a series which I've highly enjoyed and where all stories are capable of standing on their own. In fact, this one should almost be read as a standalone as it follows much of the same pattern of some of the earlier works. This installment doesn't take advantage of the depth of the relationships in Harper Security Ops and in fact, we only really see Avalon (the hero's sister and Damon, the best friend).

This story focuses on a return of Magnus' lost love, his high-school sweetheart, who ghosted him as he joined the military. She suddenly pops up in Steel Ridge (a place she's apparently been for the last several years!) needing his help when her bestie is kidnapped.

Sadly, I highly disliked this heroine. Her immaturity at 16 could've been excused, even with it's stupid reason behind it. Her disappearance, her continued dismissal of him, her continued refusal to explain, etc can't. The years that have gone by and the continued lack of maturity made her tough to like. Magnus was our sweet alpha and bless his heart, he was all in even when I didn't want him to be. But in true Evans fashion, she brought it around for us in the end. I'm eager for the next installment but sadly, this wasn't my style.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spellbinding second chance romantic suspense as yet again, A K Evans kept me on my toes, my heart rate high, and my love for this series increasing with each story that unfolds.

From the moment Magnus comes face to face with Maren, his childhood sweetheart, the woman who broke his heart and finds out she needs his help, Magnus has one thought in his mind revenge, if only his pounding heart would get the message his brain was telling it, because he can fill the pull of their unique bond from across the table, and you the reader will feel it to, as this great suspense building author paints the perfect picture, Maren has never stopped loving the man whose heart she broke when they were younger, and if she could go back in time and change the clock she would, now needing Magnus's help as her friend is in danger she hopes that she has the time to finally tell Magnus why she left, but this is also a fast-moving suspense with a twist I didn't even see coming, so along with the great romantic story going on so is the brilliant thought-out mystery element, an exciting climax, the right amount of heat and the perfect HEA.

[Ashley Jasper · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is something about the Harper Security Ops series that keeps me coming back for more. This time that something grabbed me from the very first page.

A past full of secrets, a desperate hope and a plan to rekindle a lost love. Seriously, could Magnus have been any more swoony if he tried? I loved that he wasn't letting Maren go without getting the answers he needed to move on. How he pushed her but with a gentleness that she didn't necessarily deserve. That's not to say she didn't give it right back to him. Oh no. The shy teen was full of sass and spice.

But when the truth of how they found themselves back in each others orbit was brought to light, all bets were off. It was a side I wasn't expecting to see from either one of them. But that wasn't the end of the twists in store for them...

Whew! Magnus and Maren's second chance romance was equal parts emotional and freeing. I liked watching these two shed their past pain and step into a future of possibility together. And! I can't wait to see what A.K. Evans has in store for the not so sleepy town of Steel Ridge (and the team) next.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for an action packed, heartbreaking, suspense filled story full of twists, second chances and love then look no farther. 
Salvaged is Maren and Magnus's story and boy oh boy does it take you on a ride. Maren meets Magnus in high school when she is struggling to fit in and he steps in and helps her out. They fall in love but things change when Maren breaks Magnus's heart. Now, 15 years later the two are thrown back together when Maren's best friend is kidnapped and she has nowhere else to turn. She knew it would be hard facing Magnus after the way things ended between them but she knew that he was the only one who could help her. Magnus is shocked to walk in and see Maren sitting there. However, he has been waiting years to finally get the answers about what happened so long ago and he isn't letting her get away without giving them to him. 
This book has everything you can want in a story. The danger and suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The writing is fabulous, the characters amazing and the storyline keeps you guessing. 
A must read book for sure!
By Alisa--

[Shannon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evans Gets Better with Each New Title!
A.K. Evans gives us a new addition to the Harper Security Ops series with “Salvaged.” First of all, the title is PERFECTION! This is an amazing, heart-wrenching second chance romance that punched me in the feels. Ms. Evans brings all the sweetness and heat for Magnus (one of my favorite characters in the series) and his high school sweetheart, Maren, a shoe designer who comes to him for help when her best friend is kidnapped. There is so much history between these two that Evans expertly weaves into the story without making it drag or feel trapped in the past. I will be honest and say that Maren frustrates me at times, but even as I say that, I also think her knee-jerk reactions make her more genuine and relatable. Magnus is about as sweet as he is hot and growly, and boy does this man ever wear his heart on his sleeve. Love the way Evans effortlessly weaves previous characters into each new story, creating that special bit of history that tugs at our hearts and makes us become truly invested. All the stars, Ms. Evans. All the stars!

[Vera Blaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read/listened to the other books in this series. I was unfamiliar with some of the characters, but the author provides enough information about them to be able to follow the story. Maren and Magnus were high school sweethearts. And then she broke his heart. It seemed that they lived relatively close to each other, but never crossed paths. Maren doesn't seek out Magnus until her friend goes missing. If I were Magnus, I would have probably done the job and said sayonara to Maren. Lucky for Maren, I am not Magnus. The two fall into a pattern that is reminiscent of their younger years. Then there had to be that third act angst (GAH!) ...feelings of betrayal when the truth was uncovered about Maren's friend and pivotal moment when Magnus realized he would stop at nothing to save the love of his life. Maxine Mitchell and Connor Crais were stellar narrators to voice Maren and Magnus. The characters, the emotions, the feelings came to life and they told this story of forever after.

I received an advance copy of the audio book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvaged (Harper Security Ops 9)

This is the ninth book in this series by this author. This story follows the characters Maren and Magnus, these two characters have a past and rekindle their love for each other. This story brings back older characters that we loved from the previous books. This is of course a suspense-filled, ansgty, drama-filled, and passionate read from start to finish. This is the perfect story for these characters and definitely an emotional one. The ending of this story between these two characters is just perfect and leaves you with a happy feeling. Another amazing addition to this incredible series.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

Release date - 27 June 2023

[Courtney Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnus and Maren met their sophomore year of high school and are considered high school sweet hearts. Until Maren breaks them apart after graduation, but why? Years later Maren shows up at Magnus’s office, Harper Security Op’s for help. Their high school love is rekindled, but what he and all of us readers want to know, why did Maren break up such a beautiful relationship?
I absolutely loved Magnus and Maren’s relationship in high school, and as they rekindled as adults. I had tears during many moments in both past and present storylines with these characters. There were a couple moments I wondered if there were feelings for revenge from Magnus, and I questioned his character. But he redeemed himself, and Magnus is the quintessential book boyfriend. Another great book in the Harper Security Series, and a HEA.

I received an ARC of Salvaged. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magnus gets a rude awakening when Maren, his former high school sweetheart, turns up at HSO looking for assistance when her best friend is kidnapped. Once the shock wears off, he realises that once he's found her friend, he'll at last get some answers (maybe even some revenge).

Maren regretted her decision to leave Magnus almost as soon she made it. But then nerves and fear sunk in and she could never seem to make that leap to contact Magnus. But with things out of her hand - her initial thought was to go to Magnus for help.

There are lots of memories shared by these two, including Magnus heling her with bullies at school.
If I'm honest they may have got back together a smidge too fast but let's face it - these two were never really over. Maren can know own her mistakes and her actions/overreactions and Magnus is just a great big teddy bear with a growl that'd deter most!

Roll on #10!

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnus McCoy is a little jaded about love in his life. He sees his friends and family finding their own happily ever after but in his mind that boat has sailed a long time ago. He thought he had his life and love planned out when he was younger but he was burned by love and he isn’t willing to go down that road again. However, when Maren Casey shows up unexpectedly at Harper Security Ops, Magnus isn’t sure he wants to take a stroll down memory lane again. He agrees to help Maren because he’s good at his job but he wants nothing to do with her. At least that is what he is trying to tell himself. Maren knows she screwed up but in her most desperate hour she turns to the one man who she knows will get the job down. As they work together to help find Maren’s friend, they soon discover that there are some feelings they have to work out. Magnus needs to decide if his heart can be salvaged or will Maren destroy it completely. Another fantastic book in the series for A.K.Evans!

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

Together as teenagers, Magnus and Maren thought their love would last forever - until it didn't. Fifteen years later Maren walks through the doors of Harper Security, knowing that she is placing her best friend's life in the hands of a man from her past.  

While initially shocked and irritated when Magnus sees Maren in his office, after rescuing her best friend, he has questions he wants answers to. Like why she broke his heart.  But also, he wants a second chance with his first and only love. 

These two haven't been in each other’s lives for years, but the love between them hasn't died. This second chance romance has an engaging storyline that will leave you rooting for love. Toss in some drama (because hello, romantic suspense!) and a little bit of kidnapping (because why not?!) And you have a solid, feel-good AK Evans novel.  

I can't wait for the next book in the series!! 

[Holly McAnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnus & Maren are everything! High school sweethearts with the sweetest history, until one decision tears them apart for years. It isn't until Maren's best friend is kidnapped, and she needs Harper Security's help that she comes face to face with Magnus again. Magnus being the AMAZING man he is, doesn't hesitate to find her best friend. Magnus was everything I knew he'd be and more. He may just be my new favorite Harper Security Guy! Maren's emotional rollercoaster through the book was heartbreaking. Regret is a hard thing to live with, especially when it involves someone who holds your heart. Magnus' forgiveness and unconditional love was so sweet.
I'd also like to add, I have read every single book A.K. Evans has written. This one was different, as it was the first that I listened to on Audible. The narrators were amazing, the emotion was highly felt, and it made the book that much more real for me. I will definitely be going back and listening to others on Audible.

[Maya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a good second chance book but this wasn't it.

All dialogue, very little description.

It could have benefited from editing. For example, in a flashback Magnus comments that Maren was always the talker in the relationship and he was happy to follow her lead, but later in the book Maren thinks about how Magnus is the one who talks. At one point Magnus realizes he doesn't need to push Maren to rehash their past immediately, but then demands an explanation from her again anywa. It also gets really repetitive: the characters are constantly thinking about how pulled they are to one another, how there's no one else for them, etc.

Magnus just felt really pushy to me. You're going to throw a fit because a girl won't commit to you after ONE week? C'mon.

Finally, for a book that seems to bill itself as a romantic suspense, there was no suspense. Both conflicts were resolved very quickly.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 / 4 stars - I have been looking forward to listening to the next installment in the Harper Security Ops series! It was an easy and enjoyable listen with some minor suspense elements.

I'm not often a huge fan of second-chance romance but felt the balance between past and present was pretty perfect in this book. Magnus and Maren had an undeniable connection in high school and when Maren finds herself in need of some help 15 years later, she seeks out Magnus. Although I did enjoy the characters and plot there were a few times I was frustrated with them and their lack of communication and at Maren for following after Magnus but staying hidden. I was expecting her why for breaking his heart years earlier to be a huge and painful situation vs just her being scared and immature at 18.

Overall, I still found the story and characters likable and Maxine Mitchell and Connor Crais were delightful to listen to

[Christi Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Salvaged
Author: A. K. Evans
Format: Ebook
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Military, Second Chance
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series: Harper Security Ops book 9
POV: Magnus, Maren
Steam Level: slow burn to steamy
4/5

Salvaged is the 9th book in the Harper Security Ops series. Each book is a standalone and are different tropes (at least the three I’ve read). Salvaged us second chance romance with all the feels. Magnus and Maren we’re high school sweethearts who broke up sédenle and without explanation. I loved that A.K. Evans goes back in time to show us how they met and how their relationship grew and thrived. Without that I don’t think this story would hace worked as well. It’s been some time since the break up when Maren comes to Magnus for help to find her friend who was kidnapped. Besides Magnus and Maren reconnecting there are several twists and turns that I didn’t see coming which I live in suspense books. Salvaged is a great second chance romantic suspense that kept me reading and had all the feels without being too over-dramatic or angsty.

I received an advanced copy of this book for free. This is my honest and voluntary review.