Security Force of Two

Mountain Town Mysteries #1

by Tena Stetler

Miacoh Zane, a Special Forces veteran, returns to Aspen Ridge, Colorado a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, to settle his beloved grandmother’s estate. But the town holds painful memories and mystical family secrets he wants to leave behind for good.

Candle Bearclaw, is a gifted computer analyst/programmer with psychic talents she buried when recruited out of college by the CIA. After fifteen years, she abruptly resigns her position and returns to her sleepy hometown to discover her childhood crush has also returned and a violent crime has been committed.

Due to their covert operations experience, Candle and Miacoh are thrown together to assist Homeland Security, FBI, and her father, the former chief of police, with a murder investigation. As they search for the perpetrators, their secrets risk being revealed as the investigation takes an unusual twist that could blow the case wide open.

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Dogs, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Paranormal Romance

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2023

About the author

With the majestic Rocky Mountains just outside the window, I sit at my computer with vampires,demons, witches, faeries, and a variety of paranormal creatures gathered around telling me their stories! That makes me an author of paranormal romance novels and cozy mysteries with magic spark. The everyday world is mundane, but sprinkle a little magic and you have fantastic!

Colorado is home. I share my life with a wonderful husband of many moons, our brilliant Chow Chow, a terribly spoiled companion parrot, and a forty-year-old
box turtle. We enjoy hiking, biking, and camping, also love water sports including kayaking and whitewater
rafting, especially on the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge.

Another passion of mine is reading a good novel. You can find me any winter evening curled up in front
of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate, and a big bowl of popcorn. While growing up, if I didn’t like the ending of a book, I’d rewrite it, which led to writing my own books.

Reluctantly, I discovered that in real life it’s tough to rewrite an ending.

Reviews

[Ally Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

---4 1/2 STARS---

Another new favorite read from talented author, Tena Stetler, and an excellent start to her exciting new book series!!

This book, “Security Force of Two,” is full of exciting mystery, intriguing story lines, suspenseful plot points, and cleverly crafted paranormal elements!!

Even with the paranormal themes, this book has a creative and realistic story line, superb writing style with thoroughly detailed scenes, genuine characters, and keeps you fully entertained through the last page!!

While this book does have a slower start pace than some of Stetler’s previous books, it does makes sense that the author has a lot of backstory setup and character development as this is the first book in a new book series. However, it isn’t too long before the faster, more intriguing story lines of murder and espionage come along and after that this book is impossible to put down!!

I really enjoyed the main characters, Candle and Miacoh. I loved how likable, genuine, and realistic these characters were. I loved that Candle was such a strong, smart, passionate, caring, kindhearted, and total kick-ass heroine. She is the type of character readers will be able to easily relate to, sympathize and connect with. And I absolutely loved Candle’s sweet puppy, Terrabyte!! Which I may totally steal as a future pet name lol!!

I really enjoy Stetler’s writing style of thoroughly detailed scenes which bring the story to life, followed by her use of capturing the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain picturesque setting that makes you want to start planning your next vacation there, plus her ability to create well developed characters with fun and unique names, who are strong, honest, genuine characters readers can not only click with – but also root for, and of course, the sweet and adorable rescue animals that you can’t help but fall in love with!! This winning writing formula makes it easy to understand why Stetler has become one of my favorite authors and I am always excited to read one of her books. However, as someone who is not always a huge paranormal genre reader, Stetler has found a way to cleverly integrate those elements into the mystery, suspense, romance story lines and continues to win this reader over again and again!!

There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few very unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!!

This book is Book One of Tena’s latest book series, “Mountain Town Mysteries.” This book can be read as a standalone without having to commit to reading the book series. However, as a fan of Stetler’s I am excited for this new series and look forward to checking it out!! So far, this book provides an excellent start to a promising new book series, and I can’t wait to return to Aspen Ridge!!

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it!! I think all paranormal romance readers will like this book too!! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**

[Karen Siddall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action-packed paranormal mystery with several intriguing plotlines to follow.

Security Force of Two is the debut novel in author Tena Stetler’s new paranormal mystery series, Mountain Town Mysteries. This kick-off sets the stage for more to come with supernatural elements such as shapeshifters and second sight. It introduces a variety of characters and backstories on which to build some amazing follow-up tales. I look forward to seeing what the author does with all the possibilities she’s created.

The main characters, Candle and Miacoh, are the most sympatico partners I’ve seen in a long time. Yes, there is a little push and pull in the beginning over the idea of one “belonging” to the other and an incident of green-eyed jealousy, but they work things out quickly. There are a lot of secondary characters gracing the pages, but Candle’s parents are my favorites.

The plot gets the two lovers together while they look into murders, espionage, and domestic terrorism. Along with Candle’s Chow puppy, Terrabyte, the two seek out those behind the crimes and are steps ahead of the FBI and Homeland Security, calling in favors from friends from their shadowy, classified pasts. The story has a lot going on, and the feeling that someone in the background is manipulating things is always present.

I did have one tiny quibble with the story early on, and not pertinent to the ongoing action. Dogs are not allowed on the grounds of The Alamo unless they meet the ADA definition of a service dog and have completed training as such. Terrabyte, as a puppy, would not have been old enough to have been trained, and based on Candle’s established personality and strong ethical background, I doubt she would try to circumvent the rules.

With its intriguing characters and paranormal backstory, I recommend SECURITY FORCE OF TWO to readers of paranormal mysteries or paranormal romantic suspense, especially those who like puppies that are “very good girls” and fans of the author’s previous work.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Candle is more than ready for the next chapter of her life. She goes back to where her life started. There’s a traveling companion who has a second chance at a happy life. As they settle into their new start on their lives together, Candle reconnects with a few people from her past. One who will help her solve a mystery.

As I follow Candle getting settled into her second chance at a new life, there are hints of something “otherworldly” going on. Having part of the story revolve over a certain holiday, just adds to the paranormal aspect. Add to that, the family’s native history in their DNA gives the story a connection to my own family history. I haven’t read a lot of mysteries but this is just a reminder what I may have missed had this not been on my tablet.

The author gave me a new series to follow. I can’t believe that I’ve never heard of her before or read any of the several books she has in her arsenal. What better way to find a new to you author than to start with the first book of a new series. This is one of those stories that you don’t want to rush through.

Having a chance to sit back and relax is the best way to enjoy a tale that you can get lost in. My area is just beginning to get the heat of summer. I can’t wait to read this book a second time when Fall starts to make its appearance. It’s the time of year when the air gets crisp and temperatures cool. Then I can pull out a blanket to cuddle in, have a cup of hot apple cider, and get reacquainted with the author and Candle.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miacoh Zane is a Special Forces veteran who has returned home to settle his grandmother's estate. Home is Aspen Ridge, Colorado, a small town nestled in the Rockies which holds painful memories and mystical family secrets that he would rather forget. Candle Bearclaw is a gifted computer analyst and programmer who has some psychic talents that she stopped using when she joined the CIA. She's now back home in Aspen Ridge after resigning her position in the agency. Due to their experience, Miacoh and Candle wind up working with her father, the former police chief, and Homeland Security in a murder case that is anything but routine.

I'm a big fan of Tena Stetler and love her books, so I was thrilled to get a copy of this one through Hidden Gems. This is my honest, unbiased review. The book's well-written with wonderful characters and a well-thought-out, complex, yet reader friendly, plot. I was drawn into this captivating story and kept hooked from beginning to end. It's a definite must-read that you won't want to put down. The only thing that kept me from reading it in one sitting was a strict bedtime (for health reasons), but the book stayed on my mind and I was eager to get back to it. Full of intrigue, humor, suspense, and romance this story focuses a lot on family and friendships in a delightful small town. It's a big win in my opinion and I look forward to more from this series. I highly recommend this book.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having become a raging fan of this author I pretty much have first pick when we are blessed with reviewing her work. I was not disappointed with this effort. Once more, Tena Stetler has penned a superb paranormal romantic suspense!

The plot is extremely complex but presented in a very readable fashion. Miacoh and Candle are an excellent pair of characters. They rank #2 behind my fave witch and dragon shifter but that was another award winner this author did!

The book is carried on the strength of a powerful attraction that grows slowly but steadily. The book is also carried by an intriguing mystery that encompasses nearly every US federal law enforcement agency.

A book that simply captivates. I was within about 20% of the end and found it hard to put it down. There were a number of times on the weekend where I was waiting for a pan to heat, and I grabbed my tabby and read some more.

A worthwhile read that will reward the reader. Get this book as soon as you can. This is one you won't want to miss. Fans of Tena Stetler will love this book. Fans of high quality PNR will love this book. Another superb book by a superb author.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mr. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Candace, a computer geek that resigned from a special task force agency, was looking for a normal life again. But she wasn’t normal though. Not only did she have a gift for technology, but she also has the gift of “second sight.”

Candace felt like she needed a break, and what better place was there to take a break than home? Back to Mom and Dad. Things get a little slow as the family gets reacquainted again and Candace hears about what’s been going on with everyone in town. Going around town, we meet several of those characters, which felt numerous to me. Not a fan of a story with too many characters. I wasn’t even sure how to pronounce the leading man’s name: Miacoh. Was it Mee-Eh-Ko? Mya-Ko? Or was the last part a Kuh? That was a little confusion. I would’ve preferred an easier name.

The narrative was nice and easy, but the overall progression was slow. It was mostly the characters relating and talking to each other at first; the murders don’t really happen until much later. And, of course, the murders were the best part for me. I liked how the author incorporated some paranormal elements along with a key romance and mystery; however, the whole thing was much too long and slow to keep up my interest. The story was nicely written and it’s definitely worthy of a read.

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uncaged Review: After a long stint as an undercover cyber hacker with the government, Candle is ready for the quiet life back in Colorado where she grew up and her parents still live. She also runs into Micoah, a man she had a crush on as a kid. Now Micoah is done being in the miliary and is back in town to settle his grandmother’s estate and with no plans on staying. Things go awry when the new Chief of police is murdered, and Candle’s father, Hunter is called back to duty as Chief he just retired from to help solve the case. Once thing leads to another and Candle and Micoah are sucked into the investigation.

This book goes along nicely, but they seem to be eating a lot, and I think Candle had a ribeye steak twice in one day. And Candle is constantly “licking her lips,” and turning around and scratching the puppy in the vehicle when the pup is in the car. Even though I loved Terra being included in the story, it seemed like a bit overkill with some of the interactions. Some of that could have been removed. Other than that, I liked all the characters, and all the supporting characters and I hope that the author continues in this series.
Reviewed by Cyrene

[Heather Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candle Bearclaw has spent the last decade and a half as a spook. She might be one of the best hackers there is, but this last assignment has shown her, her spy time needs to end. Time to move home, and enjoy some of the things she’s missed out on for years.
Miacoh Zane ex special forces and the crush of Candle’s young heart is also home. Though his plan is to sort out his inheritance, and get out of town ASAP.
With the murder of the new Chief of Police it’s a no brainer to have these two team up and assist in the investigators. However being close to Candle is making Miacoh have a rethink, and he’s got something big to reveal that will take a lot of believing.

Good story with plenty going on, great characters and a nice background of small town living, and interactions. As this is book one, really looking forward to book two, and hopefully getting more of someone we’ve already met.
Loved the puppy too :-)
I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resigning her position at the CIA, Candle Bearclaw returns to her hometown of Aspen Ridge. She was not aware that Miacoh Zane had also returned. Miacoh has retired from special forces in Air Force Intelligence. His grandmother passed away and he is only home long enough to settle her estate, or so he repeatedly says. Seeing Candle was more than a pleasant surprise, but he can’t get involved as he is not staying. Candle learns that her former supervisor has died in a suspicious accident just before violence invades their town and Candles’ father reluctantly resumes his position as police chief. Candle, a computer analyst, uses her contacts and her computer skills to investigate while Miacoh reaches out to the contacts he made in his intelligence work. When Miacoh and Candle become intimately involved, will he remain as the new police chief, for the town, but most of all for Candle? I really look forward to the next book in this series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candle Bearclaw after fifteen years with the CIA decides she has had enough. She resigns from her job, sells her home, buys a dog, packs up everything, and heads back to her hometown where her mom and dad still live.

Candle was looking forward to a quiet life in the small little town but alas that was not going to help as the kind of work she does follows her everywhere. Candle is called in to help Dad, Homeland Security, and the FBI on a murder case.

Candle discovers that her childhood sweetheart, Miacoh Zane has also returned home to settle his mother’s estate. Miacoh is a Special Forces veteran and is also recruited to help on the same case that Candle is working on.

Security Force of Two is packed full of mystery and suspense that will keep you glued to the pages as it slowly reveals all its mystery. It will have you racing to the end to see how it all turns out. The characters are very interesting and bring a lot to the story.

While Security Force of Two was a great read it was a little slow to start. It took a while before the crime is introduced into the picture as we got to know the characters and who they are first. But once the crime was introduced the story picked up from there and took off.

I would recommend Security Force of Two to all mystery fans! Grab your copy of Security Force of Two today!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

With “Security Force of Two” Ms. Stetler has created a phenomenal start to her new book series, Mountain Town Mysteries. Her characters—Miacoh Zane and Candle Bearclaw—are well-written, and I thoroughly enjoyed the paranormal suspense throughout the story, along with the romance. I was on the edge of my seat until the last page as I tried to figure out the mystery. And her secondary characters added that extra boost to the storyline, and I fell in love with Terrabyte, an adorable chow puppy.

Ms. Stelter creates a world you want to visit and stay, especially this small town of Aspen Ridge, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in this series. I highly recommend “Security Force of Two” for those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal and romantic twist.

[Darlene Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This paranormal romance contained a good mystery. The premise and cast were interesting with a few twists and turns, and Candle’s and Miacoh’s relationship in the lead. There’s even an adorable Chow pup named Terrabyte who steals the scenes. The investigation of two murders moves the story at a steady pace. Because this author writes compelling stories weaving paranormal elements, I was a bit disappointed the werewolf and shifter elements weren’t more prominent. But overall, this book was an enjoyable read, and I hope Miacoh’s friend, Cayson, gets his own story. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special forces veteran, a psychic former CIA analyst, a small town, and a violent crime all combine to create a story that will get your heart racing. I wouldn't mind having Miacoh or Candle in my life, they're both excellent characters, and life would certainly be more interesting with them around. The plot moves along smoothly, and Stetler expertly builds up the tension, keeping the reader turning pages until the very end. I loved the small town with big trouble vibe, and the twists kept me wondering just where the solution to the mystery lay. Highly recommend if you like mysteries and paranormal romance.

[Cindy Hardegree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with an ex-CIA agent who finding the darkness in her position decides to quit and return to the small town she grew up in and start a cyber company, but discovers her job might have followed her. Danger surrounds not only her, her family and to keep her safe the guy she crushed on while growing up is helping to keep her safe. It's slow burn to twists and turns as they learn what's going on, to a suprise mystery involving their families and their heritage.
I received this book as an arc and am voluntarily submitting my review.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I previously read and reviewed another novel by the author, so when this came up for review, I was in, especially since it’s romantic, paranormal suspense.

Since you’ve read the blurb, I’ll get straight to the review. First off, I enjoyed Candle. She’s a strong heroine determined to stand her ground, no matter what. So when she decides to resign, nothing can sway her. And she’s this way throughout the story, something I liked. Not that she’s stubborn. Far from it. But she’s confident and knows what’s best for her own good.

Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-9ui

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time author for me and will not be the last! This is book 1 in Mountain Town Mysteries. Loved the plot layers, the family interactions and the town! What a win. Light paranormal with a closed door relationship. You get sucked into the plot from the get go with new revelations that keep you turning the page. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #securityforceoftwo #mountaintownmysteries #tenastetler #wildrosepress #hiddengems

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miacoh and Candle team up in this intriguing paranormal story. She has returned home after resigning as a CIA agent. Miacoh is a special forces veteran and they both end up working with her father on a case that he is having difficulty solving. Will their combined skills be enough for them to solve the case. It is a thrilling story with twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this from the start, lots of suspense, interesting characters. But then...one of my least favorite genres slipped in. Paranormal. Here's how good this author is...this paranormal thing pops up, and I kept reading anyway. Couldn't put the book down.
Can't give you a hint about the paranormal "stuff". Don't even want to think about it. However, this book is worth the read no matter what. Can't believe I'm saying that. But I am.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Security Force of Two” is a wonderful start to a new series! The author has created a storyline that pulls the reader in from the first page until the very end.

Read full review in the 2023 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.